January/February 2026 Columbus and the Valley

$4.50

January/ February 2026

24 Beautiful Weddings

Forged in the Valley CELEBRATING AMERICA 250

Curate Your Special Day

MEDICAL MATTERS:

In Sickness & In Health

E

S

OV

R

L

Enduring Stories of LOVE

35 YEA

I S YO U R M O N E Y I N THE RIGHT PLACE? Celebrating

25 YEARS

We are a fiduciary who is always a fiduciary.

As independent registered investment advisors, we have no constraints, no commissions, and no barriers to doing the right thing… for us, no other way makes sense.

Call today for answers with a FREE consultation with no obligation.

Providing Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management Services

6867 Mountainbrook Drive, Suite 102 Columbus, GA 31904 • (706) 221-8200 www.townsendwm.com

FOOD & THE SOUL of America This spring, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries invites you to taste the stories that made America. Meet the authors, chefs, and culture-shapers who prove that food is history, memory, and identity—served hot. Each speaker’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

An American 250th Celebration

ADRIAN MILLER: THE HISTORY OF BARBECUE

JOHN T. EDGE

The TrueSouth host reveals how Southern food feeds communities, identity, and storytelling—from greens to grits.

America’s “Soul Food Scholar” dishes out the real story of our smoke-filled tradition— its Southern roots, regional twists, and enduring power.

Thur. February 5 | 6:00pm

Fri. January 23 | 11:30am

MELINDA “THE CHICKEN LADY” NEWTON

A hometown icon celebrates the legacy of Minnie’s Uptown—family, flavor, and the magic of comfort food done right.

VERY VERA! WITH VERA STEWART

MICHAEL TWITTY

The media powerhouse behind The Very Vera Show brings her fresh, fearless take on Southern cooking and modern hospitality.

The James Beard Award–winning historian offers a powerful, candid look at the roots, debates, and soul of Southern food.

PRESERVING FAMILY RECIPES WITH VALERIE J. FREY

Exhibitions at Columbus Public Library

Sat. January 31 | 1:00pm-4:00pm

THE COOKBOOKS THAT MADE AMERICA

Tues. February 17 | 6:00pm

Tues. February 10 | 6:00pm

Save the stories behind every handwritten card, stained page, and cherished dish as you explore your own culinary history.

HISTORIC GEORGIA RECIPES WITH VALERIE J. FREY

Taste your way through early Southern cookbooks— from 19th-century dishes to classic Georgia flavors.

Thur. February 26 | 6:00pm

All these programs will take place at Columbus Public Library (3000 Macon Road).

Learn about more programs happening at the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries at cvlga.org.

Thur. March 12 | 6:00pm

A journey through the iconic titles that shaped our national palate, from American Cookery to Julia Child.

February–April

PATÉ DU SUD: THE STORY OF PIMIENTO CHEESE

A fun look at the South’s favorite spread—its roots, its quirks, and why it’s become a regional legend.

February–April

— Established 1991 — P.O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902

214 E 10th St. Columbus, GA 31901

706-324-6214

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Jodi Saunders

jodi@columbusandthevalley.com

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Becky Kenimer Advertising Account Executive becky@columbusandthevalley.com

Margie Richardson

Advertising Account Executive margie@columbusandthevalley.com

Julie Lauzon

Sales & Marketing Manager salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com

LAYOUT & DESIGN Rebecca DeLoach 62graphicstudio.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Frank S. Etheridge IV FEATURE WRITERS Natalie Downey Frank S. Etheridge IV CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brad Barnes Tyson Begly Pat Daniel Scott Phillips

Follow us!

Subscribe!

Read this issue and access archives digitally at ColumbusandtheValley.com.

COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE is owned by Jodi and Gerald Saunders and is published bimonthly by Valley Life Ventures, LLC, dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAG­A­ZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cov­er and contents are fully protected and may not be re­pro­duced in whole or in part without the writ­ten con­sent of the publisher. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or staff. Copyright ©2025 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trad­ing as CO­LUM­BUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

5

CONTENTS

January/February 2026

Volume 35 | No. 1

52 FEATURES

First, 15 Friendship Happily Ever After

Love After A Decades Long Friendship

Father's Sweet Surprise 33 AA Valentines Day Delivery is Highly Anticipated For the McRae Sisters

Gallery 18 Wedding 24 Newlywed Couples

Matters 39 Medical First Rate Health Care Providers

22 Vendors and Venues to Help

47 Love and Honor Beyond the

Southern Weddings 25 Great Wonderful Local Venues for a

52

Local Wedding Guide

An Unbreakable Bond Battlefield

Curate Your Special Day

Picture Perfect Wedding Day

47

Celebrating America's 250th: Forged In the Valley Part One: Metalsmithing

DEPARTMENTS

37 Broadband Expansion

Valley Business Insider

Finally Arrived

21 Not Every Rose Has Its Thorn Sow It Grows

Film 61 On 2025 Oscar Worthy Aspects 6

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

On the Cover

Sheri and Peter Bowden on their wedding day. photo by Carrie Beth Wallace

In Every Issue 8 Valley Life Ventures with Jodi 13 What's Happening?

63 Valley Scenes 70 Food & Drink Guide

69 Libations Travel Destinations for Wine Lovers

73 Conversations on the Couch

Meet Steve Morse, Head of Uptown Columbus, Inc. and the Business Improvement District

Valley Life Ventures As I write this in mid -December, I’m looking forward to one of my favorite times of the year.

The next couple of weeks will be cause for celebrations with the Winter Solstice, Christmas and bringing in the new year.

Twenty-twenty five, at least the last six months, has been unusually busy. I’m all about keeping busy, but I’ve not been taking care of my health. Hence, I’m ready to get into the new year and make those healthcare appointments that fell off my to-do list and focus more on self-care. I’m grateful that we have first-class physicians and medical practitioners in our region that we can access if the need arises. Our Medical Matters section is your go to resource for health options.

Twenty-twenty six is the 250th birthday of the USA. We are running a series that highlights the skills and industries that have been long established in the United States of America. We begin with forging. Four folks who have chosen to hone their craft in metalwork. They all have a local angle with Elizabeth Brim bringing her amazingly detailed blacksmith creations home to Columbus to be exhibited at the Bo Bartlett Center to Kat Cole with her eclectic jewelry. Blacksmithing of the early years is demonstrated at Historic Westville by Allen Gaskill to hobbyist, Ron Ward, who hones his craft in his garage.

The Beatles crooned All You Need Is Love, and those words ring true for our featured love stories. They are sure to pull at your heart strings. Love found after a decade’s long friendship, a marriage that endured an exemplary army career and a father who keeps it sweet for his five daughters every Valentine’s Day. We hope the 24 newlyweds featured in our Wedding Gallery have a marriage that is as enduring. Congratulations to you all!

Location, location, location. Choosing your wedding venue is a very personal choice. This is where your ‘I Do’ memories are held, families are joined, friends celebrate and the next chapter of your life begins. Look at our amazing choices for your special day in our Great Southern Weddings section. Coupled with our Wedding Directory where you can curate your special day from invitations to THE dress, catering to entertainment. We have it all here.

The Chattahoochee Valley is your destination wedding.

8

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Celebrating 3 Years as Editor & Publisher !

What’s your story? How did you meet your spouse? I was flying to Colorado to visit a friend on what was the final leg of my journey. The empty seat next to me was taken by the man who has been my husband of 27 years. 2026 is also cause for more celebrations! 35 years of Columbus & The Valley being in production. Oh, the stories we have told and the stories we will continue to tell. January rings in three years of publishing and business ownership. We are just a bite out of a long and vested commitment of writing about the great, the good and the growth of the Chattahoochee Valley. Plans for 2026 are already laid and we’re excited about the year ahead.

I would like to send a heartfelt thanks to Scott Phillips.

Our dedicated film critic for the last 10 years through Cinefiles and the recent On Film column. He’s taking off his writer’s cap and choosing to watch films just for the pleasure of it. We have all benefited from his knowledge and insights of the movie industry over the years.

Welcome to 2026! From all of us here at Columbus & The Valley may your year bring you good health, happiness and time out for yourself. Enjoy the read!

Jodi Saunders

Publisher/Editor

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

9

Proud to be a local, independent small business in the Valley area for 30+ years.

Our Team

We want to hear from you!

Share your stories and ideas with us.

Our region is rich in its heritage, arts and culture scene, entrepreneurial endeavors and big business corporations. Everything is happening right here in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Connect at contactus@columbusandthevalley.com.

Becky Kenimer

Margie Richardson

Advertising Account Executive 706-289-8338

Advertising Account Executive 706-575-7825

w

35 YEARS

$4.50

Forged in the Valley

24 Beautiful Weddings

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250

Curate Your Special Day S:

MEDICAL MATTER

In Sicknessh & In Healt

O

Digital options available by request.

Request at contactus@columbusandthevalley.com.

Please give 6 weeks advance notice

VE

PROUD PARTNERS OF December

7

2025/Janu

ary 2026

FRE E

Experience Gifts for Kids

Aflac Launches

Book

to Support Children with Healt h Challenges K CLICWIN! S TO to The SIMl

iona ses 4 Pas the Nat eum at Mus Infantry

52

HOLIDAY

Family Night Ideas

Gift Guide

Contact your chamber regarding benefits of membership

w

L

Enduring Stories of LOVE

Sales & Marketing Manager 706-324-6214

We are happy to provide our publications for your events.

Gift a great read showcasing the best of our region.

w

January/ February 2026

Julie Lauzon

SAVE

4 WAYS TO % SUBSCRIBE

UP TO

38 w

w

35 YEARS

$4.50

January/ February 2026

24 Beautiful Weddings

Forged in the Valley

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250

Curate Your Special Day

MEDICAL MATTERS:

In Sickness & In Health

OV

E

w

L

Enduring Stories of LOVE

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 1 Year for $22 (6 issues) 2 Years for $33 (12 issues)

1 Year ($22)

2 Years ($33)

Payment Method: Credit Card Check Enclosed Bill Me Subscription Type: My Subscription My Subscription + Gift Gift Subscription 10

1. Scan the QR Code.

2. Visit ColumbusAndTheValley.com.

3. Call our office at 706-324-6214.

4. Send completed form and payment to: Columbus and the Valley P.O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

THIS SUBSCRIPTION GOES TO: Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _____________ Zip ____________ BILL TO: Address ______________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _____________ Zip ____________ Name on Card __________________________________ Exp. Date ____________ Card# ______________________________ Sign. _____________________________

12

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

WHAT’S HAPPENING? January

Crown and Comedy at the Loft JANUARY 8

The Prague Philharmonia at RiverCenter JANUARY 22

February

Taste of Pine Mountain FEBRUARY 6

Celebrate the 26th annual Taste of Pine Mountain. Enjoy shopping, live music and tapas from local restaurants.

Live comedy is back at The Loft with DOUBLE the laughs! Join The Loft for TWO shows every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Please note that food is not permitted in the listening room, but you can enjoy dinner before or after the shows in their downstairs dining room or at the upstairs bar tables. Cover is $10, and the show is 21+.

Since its 2015/2016 season, the orchestra has been led by the captivating French conductor Emmanuel Villaume. Villaume is also the current music director of The Dallas Opera. The orchestra will be joined by the tenacious young Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot who has established himself as ”one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime.” (Toronto Star).

TheLoft.com

RiverCenter.org

Yoga at COMU

The DaVinci Code at The Springer

To celebrate their 30th year milestone, Riverdance is embarking on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to Columbus. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics.

JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 1

RiverCenter.org

JANUARY 10

Relax and enjoy The Columbus Museum with a special yoga class! Start with a short mindfulness exercise then relax with a gentle, all-levels yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required.

In this thrilling play, based on Dan Brown’s best selling international phenomenon, Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre in the dead of night, where he unwittingly becomes the center of a murder investigation.

COMUGA.org

SpringerOperaHouse.org

Seed Swap Party at Phenix City Russell County Library

Illusionists David & Teesha Laflin at Rainey-McCullers School

JANUARY 15

Bring your favorite seeds and gardening stories to share! Connect with fellow garden enthusiasts and discover new varieties to grow this season.

Call 334-298-6845 to preregister.

TEDxColumbusStateU JANUARY 15

TEDxColumbusStateU is an independently organized TEDx event designed to spark meaningful conversations, share powerful ideas and inspire action. Held at CSU’s Riverside Theater, the event will bring together dynamic speakers and performers under the theme “Ripples,” exploring how small actions can create lasting impact in our communities and beyond. facebook.com/events/1259175586099129/

Rodeo Columbus at the Civic Center JANUARY 17

From bull riding to roping to edge-of-your-seat competition, this is the perfect event for families, thrill-seekers and rodeo fans of all ages.

ColumbusGA.gov/civiccenter-2

Chili Challenge XII at FDR State Park JANUARY 17

Sign-Up to enter this amateur cooking contest or be a taster or hot pepper eater. Cooks must pre-register & pre-pay by Jan 15th. Must cook at least 5 quarts homemade chili, any style, and bring it in a crock pot.

Cash prize for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place.

ExploreGeorgia.org/pine-mountain/events

JANUARY 24

This family-friendly event will amaze and inspire as David and Teesha—along with their four children—use the art of illusion to illustrate timeless truths and point hearts toward Christ.

Clement-Arts.org

Fountain City Mardi Gras Ball at Columbus Trade Center JANUARY 24

Join us for the 2026 Mardi Gras Ball and Parlay featuring Port City Secondliners, hosted by DJ Maurice and music by DJ Cashflow. Get your krewe ready to let the good times roll: Live Entertainment, DJ, Cash Bar, Secondline Entrance, Vendors, Shopping and all things Carnival.

FCMGball2026.eventbrite.com

Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute at RiverCenter JANUARY 29

For nearly four decades now, Hotel California has been recreating the legendary sound of The Eagles, and thrilling audiences all over the world. Playing to huge outdoor and arena audiences, sharing bills with some of rock’s legends and going places no tribute band has gone before.

RiverCenter.org

Appalachian Spring with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra JANUARY 31

Journey through luminous soundscapes and rustic beauty in Appalachian Spring, a concert of celestial serenity, playful charm and sweeping Americana.

CSOGA.org

ExploreGeorgia.org/pine-mountain/events

Riverdance at RiverCenter FEBRUARY 10

Valentine’s Rush Sale at COMU FEBRUARY 13-14

Find the perfect last-minute Valentine’s gift!

Discover specials throughout the store and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping to make your thoughtful surprise complete—just in time for Valentine’s Day. COMUGA.org

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents John Williams & Spielberg FEBRUARY 14

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a spectacular Pops concert honoring the legendary collaboration between composer John Williams and director Steven Spielberg. From the sweeping drama of Saving Private Ryan and War Horse to the exhilarating thrills of Jurassic Park and Jaws, Williams’ music captures the heart of every story it touches.

CSOGA.org

9th Annual Alma Thomas Society Purchase Party at COMU FEBRUARY 24

Vote on which work will join the Museum’s collection, thanks to the support of the Alma Thomas Society and the Fund for the African American Art. Consider the options on view as Curator of American Art, Dr. Jonathan Frederick Walz discusses each potential piece. The winning artwork will be revealed at the end of the evening.

COMUGA.org

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars at RiverCenter FEBRUARY 26

Step into the world of Swan Lake— a story of love, magic and triumph, brought to life through the powerful choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

RiverCenter.org

Scan to submit your event, or see more events.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

13

See us for

TUXEDO SALES & RENTALS

CHANCELLOR’S ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Visit 1108 Broadway or Shop Online at ChancellorsMensStore.com

14

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

A Love Worth Waiting For Sometimes love happens in unexpected ways; other times, its revelation is so obvious it feels like discovering a best friend that has been right beside you all along.

by Natalie Downey

S

heri Breeden and Peter Bowden met while working together at a local radio station 40 years ago and developed a close friendship and camaraderie built around shared interests.

As time went on, they came to enjoy each other’s company at work and a friendship developed.

“Music was a big part of us forming a friendship,” Sheri recalls. “We both really liked the promotional music that no one else at the station was listening to. Then we discovered we both like old movies,” she adds. Sheri was well known by her DJ name, Shelby Guest, but now in retirement she is going by Sheri but still answers to both.

“We’re both off-the-beaten-path type people,” Peter explains. “We’re both always marching to a different beat…A little quirky,” Sheri adds.

The two worked well together for many years, and when Peter left his job at the radio station in the mid-‘90s to work for the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau as the olympics coordinator, he offered Sheri a position assisting JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

15

him in his new role. Ready for a change from the radio station, Sheri accepted the offer, saying, “Let’s try it—it’s not every day you get the opportunity to help out when the Olympics come to town.”

Together they worked on organizing all extracurricular Olympic activities outside of the athletics activities. “That’s where this ebb and flow of friendship continued,” Peter explains.

Sheri started off folding t-shirts and helping Peter with Olympics coordination in whatever ways were needed. Over time, Peter worked his way up to president and CEO, and at the time when Sheri retired, she was working as executive vice president.

As Sheri and Peter’s friendship as coworkers developed, Sheri also became friends with Peter’s late wife and felt very welcome in their home and lives. When Peter’s wife passed away from cancer three years ago, it only felt natural for Sheri to check in on Peter and make sure he was taken care of as he navigated grief and a life without his wife of 44 years. In fact, it only felt right. Ten years prior, Peter and his wife had looked after Sheri when she had fought her own battle with cancer.

When Peter’s wife passed away, Sheri checked in on him often to make sure he was eating and coping with his loss. She’d bring him food, help him grocery shop and invite him to social events to make sure he wasn’t spending too much time in isolation.

It was one evening after going with Peter to grocery shop and helping him prepare dinner that Sheri realized exactly how much he had come to mean to her and how deeply she cared for him. As Sheri pulled out of Peter’s driveway, she realized she couldn’t bear to leave him to eat dinner alone. So, she pulled back into the driveway and went back inside to keep him company, a decision that would later become a touchstone, a memory of a pivotal realization and sign of Sheri’s willingness to stand beside Peter through the good times and bad.

Through this difficult time, Peter and Sheri’s friendship evolved into a “What if?”

At 64, Sheri had never before married and was happy with her life. Though she was fine with being single, Sheri had envisioned herself in a marriage—if she ever found a life partner—like that of her parents.

“They were always together, always holding hands,” Sheri recalls. “I knew that if I ever 16

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

LEFT: Peter (second from left) and Sheri (far right) with Governor Brian and Marty Kemp and other Columbus delegates.

BELOW: Peter (center) and Sheri (far right) with fellow staff members pre-retirement.

got married, I wanted someone like that.”

One night over dinner, Peter took a leap and suggested he and Sheri try dating one another. “I was glad he mentioned it because I had been thinking the same thing,” Sheri says.

“I was glad she was willing to take a risk and put up with my quirkiness,” Peter adds.

The two navigated the conversation about dating and ensuing days with caution, their top priority being to maintain and preserve the valuable friendship they had developed over the past 40 years.

It was a natural evolution that felt right to both of them and shocked none of their close friends or family. “I think it was more obvious to other people than it was to us,” Sheri says. Protecting their decades-long friendship was of utmost importance, so the two agreed that if dating didn’t go

well, they’d set it aside and remain friends.

“Deep down, I really wanted it to work,” Peter adds. “I was tired of being alone, I wanted someone to have adventures with.

I was willing to do whatever I had to do to make it work.”

At Peter’s retirement party in January 2025, he and Sheri realized how much spending time together had come to mean to them. Someone asked Sheri how she would manage no longer spending eight to nine hours a day working alongside Peter. “That’s when it hit me,” Sheri recalls.

She realized that she couldn’t lose having Peter in her daily life, and this realization left her heart open to the idea of letting the relationship evolve into something more. The idea of a more permanent life commitment began to take root. Work had brought them together, the trials of loss

“I didn’t know I could be so happy. It’s a whole new level of happiness.”

Sheri mentions the cliché about marrying your best friend. For her and Peter, it’s a story even Hollywood couldn’t beat. The foundation of friendship let their relationship unfold in a way that felt natural and right. “It’s really important that you like each other,” Sheri says.

-Sheri Bowden “Communication is key,” Peter adds. And they emphasize the importance of keeping expectations realistic, knowing it won’t had solidified their friendship and the time always be a fairy tale. “That’s part of it,” seemed right to take the next step.

Sheri says. “Through the growing pains, As they gave dating a try, Peter and Sheri you grow together.” soon found that having their best friend Today, the two are enjoying newlywed to live life beside seemed too good to be life and managing the logistics of true. With a solid foundation of friendship, combining their two households. They’re the two found that they could talk about planning lots of adventures, with a growing anything, and for Sheri, finding love in her list of places they want to travel to together.

60’s was worth the wait.

Peter has never traveled internationally, For the couple, there were some and Sheri is excited about taking him advantages to finding love in their on his first trip overseas. Their dreams retirement era. They both have established include Scotland and Ireland, where solid friend groups and respect and value Sheri’s ancestors are from. Peter, who the importance of giving each other space. hosts a cooking blog, is teaching Sheri “At this age, you’re more sure of who you some cooking skills. From gardening are and what you want,” Sheri says. She and and cooking to traveling and impromptu Peter have found a healthy balance between adventures, the two are just happy to wake doing things together and also having personal interests.

“I didn’t know I could be so happy,” Sheri says, “It’s a whole new level of happiness.”

As their relationship began to take on a romantic layer, Peter knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sheri. He proposed more than once on a whim, which took Sheri by surprise, and the two would laugh about it and go on with their day. But on the day of Sheri’s retirement, Peter surprised her with a celebratory dinner. After dinner, the two took a walk in the courtyard behind Mabella’s. As Sheri was turned around saying hello to a passing cat, Peter dropped to a knee, ready with a ring. Sheri turned back around to a question that had been begging to be asked—and her answer was a resounding "yes."

Planning the wedding was fun, the two recall. They had spent years working together as event planners, and now it was time to plan their own event. Family and friends were thrilled to see the love story unfold. On October 11, 2025, Peter and Sheri got married in the same courtyard where Peter proposed—a full circle location that was also one of the first places they worked a radio event together, almost 40 years prior.

up together each morning and go to sleep beside each other every night. “We have a list of places we want to see, but even if we never make it there, it’s OK,” Sheri says.

“We’re together,” Peter explains.

“We just make sure we have fun and laugh together every day,” Sheri says. She and Peter lean into each other, both aglow and content, sometimes finishing each other’s sentences and laughing about it.

“At our ages, we’re more aware of time,” Peter says. “You realize any moment something could change. That’s why I grabbed onto Sheri.” And now, the couple is making the most of every moment they get to spend together. “We hope this is just the beginning,” Peter says.

At Peter and Sheri’s wedding back in October, Peter’s niece gave a toast celebrating the fact that as Peter and Sheri’s relationship developed, she saw something come back to life in Peter. As Sheri and Peter share their story, Sheri looks down at their intertwined hands, remembering her wish for a love like the one her parents had.

She smiles and squeezes Peter’s hand. “It was worth waiting for,” she says.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

17

Wedding Gallery

Lindsey Barnes & Sloan Jinks December 21, 2024 The Estate, Atlanta Laura Stone Photography

Collie Holt & Josh Atkinson February 22, 2025 Trinity Episcopal Church Maggie Braucher Photography

Lauren Booth & Chandler Blanton March 15, 2025 St. Luke Church Adrienne Smith Photography

Olivia Parker & James Windell Barfield III

March 29, 2025 Oakfuskee Conservation Center, LaGrange, GA Amanda Horne

Becca Covington & Will Edwards

Emily Flournoy & Troy Amos

Eliza Daffin & Brad Obert

Denise DuBois & Patrick Phelan

Maddie Joiner & Justus Armstrong

Madison Jones & Will Cunningham

Ashlyn Grantham & Jacques Lee II

Kathleen Chancellor & Joe Danehower

March 29, 2025 The Columbus Museum Morgan Duke Photography

April 26, 2025 Trinity Episcopal Church Haint Blue Collective Photography 18

April 5, 2025 First Baptist Church Eliza Morrill Photography

June 7, 2025 St. Paul Church Haint Blue Collective Photography

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

April 12, 2025 Wynnton Methodist Church Chloe Ray Photography

June 20, 2025 Tryphena’s Garden, Perry, GA Kaitlyn Kitchens Photography

April 12, 2025 Landmark Church, Phenix City Wes Roberts Photography

June 22, 2025 Lowndes Groce, Charleston, SC Rebecca Sigety Photography

Wedding Gallery

Ali Mac Jinks & Dominic Quaranta

Redding Byrd & Bo Allen

Adlie Green & Dylan Edmonson

July 12, 2025 St. Paul Church Miranda Beason Photography

July 26, 2025 St. Paul Church Elizabeth Black/Eric & Jamie Photography

Cherie Hance & Michael Whitty Jr.

Katherine Dudley & Ryan Drew

Grant Davidson & Tori Hitchcock

Emma Davis & Cole Riley

Anna Schermerhorn & Brooks Garrett

July 7, 2025 Villa Cimbrone, Ravello, Italy Nastia Vesna Photography

September 7, 2025 The Greenhouse Venue Ashley Caldwell Photography

October 18, 2025 St. Paul Church Annabelle Brown Creative

October 4, 2025 First Baptist Opelika Sarah Street Weddings

October 25, 2025 The Illges Woodruff Estate Ashley Jen Photography

October 4, 2025 The Illges Woodruff Estate Presley Grace Photography

Lina Porter & Sean Tolman November 2, 2025 Engelheim Vineyards, Ellijay, GA Haley Nicole Photography

Tinora Wimberly & Kendrix Morris

September 6, 2025 Columbus Convention & Trade Center Lester Booth Photography

Bridget Evans & Collins Schomburg

October 10, 2025 Three Oaks Farm, LaGrange, GA NCRASE Photography

Alex Travis & Matt Thompson November 22, 2025 Columbus Botanical Garden Rebecca Rentz-Martinez

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

19

20

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Sow It Grows

by Brad Barnes

Not Every Rose Has Its Thorn

I

,t may be true that every cowboy may sing a sad, sad song, but not every rose has its thorn. There are dozens of thornless varieties.

But forgive Brett Michaels and his band, Poison, for their mistake. The rose, in its myriad colors and shapes and sizes, is so dynamic a flower that it’s become a part of every culture since, well, since there was man. The flower predates us by about 34 million years.

The stately blossom has been an important symbol in practically every religion. (In Islam it represents divine perfection or paradise. In Christianity, the rosary means “bouquet of roses.”) In 15th Century England, each side of the family viciously vying for the throne wore either a red or a white rose to identify their lineage.

It would’ve been notched in history forever even if Shakespeare hadn’t dramatized the War of the Roses. In modern culture, we have everything from the lowly, bottomshelf Richard’s Wild Irish Rose wine to the most-prestigious college football annual match-up, the Rose Bowl.

The ancient Greeks viewed the rose as a symbol of love and beauty, and that’s what still comes to mind first for us today, especially as Valentine’s Day nears. There’s its elegant shape, with its long stem and drooping leaves. There’s the deep, dark color, evoking the heart and its blood.

There’s the risk of hurt, those perilous thorns.

In growing roses, there are even more apt parallels. Love can be difficult to cultivate.

Love needs to be maintained. Love is exceptionally rewarding. Roses, if you’re trying to grow them, are all those things, too. And that may be why more people don’t grow them.

“Roses are perceived as being more labor intensive,” Shirley Williams, Columbus master gardener, said. She’s grown roses for about 40 years and still calls herself just a hobbyist, so there’s that.

“If you like it, it’s great fun, and I love it,” she said. “I don’t think they’re a lot of trouble. They’re like women. They like regular attention.”

it mightily with topsoil and sand, or build upward and plant in raised beds.

• Assess acidity. While you’re amending the soil, make sure it’s got the right pH. You’re looking for a Not Your Average Flower balanced or slightly acidic soil — a The shear number of varieties can also pH of 5.5-6.5. A meter to test light, scare off would-be growers. There are 300 moisture and acidity can be had species and tens of thousands of varieties. for under $15. If you don’t trust There are shrub rose bushes, tree roses, your skills, take a soil sample to the climbing ones. They can flower in nearly Muscogee County UGA Extension any imaginable color, except, barring a Service for a $10 test. genetic anomaly, blue. The annual catalog • Look to the light. Roses need at least from Witherspoon Rose Culture catalog six hours of sun. Eight is better. If you’re numbers nearly 50 pages. unsure if your favorite rose will work, But don’t be intimidated, little rosebud.

Williams suggests buying it in a pot and With a couple of simple guidelines, test-driving it in your planting spot for a Williams says there is no wrong choice. year before committing it to ground.

“What are you growing it for? If you’re You can grow from pots or bare root. growing it for yourself, then pick the one Pot transplanting is simpler and typically you like,” she says. The stereotypical elegant, the way to go for novices, but there will be long-stemmed rose is called a hybrid tea. a much wider range of flowers available if Knockouts are popular but prone to disease. you’re willing to brave bare-root planting Williams’ favorite varieties are Tiffany, (which isn’t really that difficult).

Mister Lincoln and Olympiad.

Williams also advises buying the When she and her husband moved to best-quality plants you can afford, called Columbus in 1986, they constructed an “number one grade,” even if that means 80-foot backyard terrace for planting. Her starting with just one or two and adding interest in roses stemmed, ahem, from others as the budget allows. “When I started, learning that they bloomed from April to I went to Kmart and got those roses in the Thanksgiving, and that sounded just lovely plastic. Some made it, and some didn’t.” to her. She began by planting 10 bushes, Once they’re in the ground, roses need and her collection grew. a regimen of regular care, much like fruit “I was a stay-at-home mom, so I had trees. Each plant needs 3-5 gallons of water time to really pet them,” she says. She has per week (about an inch of rain).

24 bushes today.

You’ll need to dead-head them through To minimize problems, new growers the growing season. You’ll also need to should choose something disease resistant, spend time doing heavy pruning when and here in Georgia’s sweltering USDA they’re dormant, in late February or early Hardiness Zone 8B, look for plants that are March, to promote airflow and more heat tolerant. prolific blooms. Search for the New York Other than that, just use common sense Botanical Garden’s useful “Pruning Roses” rules for planting anything in the ground: guide for pruning strategies.

• Check soil drainage. It needs to be A little more work than the average well-draining. If your shovel hits red flower? Yeah. But beauty comes with a clay when you plunge it in the ground, price, and you will fall in love with the you need to replace the soil, amend results.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Brad Barnes was a journalist for 17 years and a marketing expert for 9 years before he and his wife, Jenn, started Dew Point Farm in MidTown Columbus in 2019. You can email him at info@dewpoint.farm, and he’ll get back to you after he’s washed his hands.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

21

WEDDING GUIDE

2

1. The Webb’s Place 1920 Pierce Rd., Phenix City 334-739-0917 • TheWebbsPlace.com At The Webb’s Place, choose between any of their beautiful landscaped yards to host the outdoor wedding of your dreams and an event center is on property for an easy reception.

2. Park Place Interiors 1817 Garrard St. • 706-221-5054 ParkPlaceMidtown.com Park Place has china, glassware and all other accessories available from Ginori, Juliska, Vietri, Gien, Estelle and many others to register for your big day.

1

3. By Invitation 6298 Veterans Pkwy Ste. 2D 706-660-6988 • ByInvitationGa.com Let By Invitation be your one stop shop for all of your printed wedding items. If you’re looking for personalized cups, koozies, napkins, custom seating charts or invitations, look no further!

4. Memories in Motion Classics memoriesinmotionclassics.com facebook.com/MemoriesInMotionClassics instagram.com/MemoriesInMotionclasssics Make your wedding day complete with a stunning classic car or limousine.

Incorporating a vintage car in your wedding provides more than just transportation; it allows you to create memories and photographs for you and your guests to enjoy for a lifetime.

3

5. Schomburg’s Jewelers 1640 Rollins Way • 706-327-7489 Schomburgs.com Brides should register for Herend fine china at Schomburg’s for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, adding a touch of sophistication to their cherished tablescapes that will be treasured for generations.

5 22

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

4

WEDDING GUIDE 6. Fade to Black Productions 706-536-5708 FadetoBlackProductionsLLC.com

7

6 8

Fade To Black Productions offers a variety of services including DJs, live music, sound, lighting and more.

They’ll work closely with couples to tailor the event so that guests will have an unforgettable experience.

7. Schomburg’s Jewelers 1640 Rollins Way • 706-327-7489 Schomburgs.com Shop engagement rings and wedding bands at Schomburg’s Jewelers for their exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled quality and personalized service, ensuring the perfect symbol of love and commitment.

8. Dinglewood Design & Press DinglewoodDesign.com Make the perfect impression with a handcrafted letterpress invitation suite. As a woman-owned shop, they create bespoke, handcrafted wedding invitations that tell your unique story with beautiful tactile impressions.

Shop collections or work directly for a one-of-a-kind design.

9 10

9. The Crowned Beauty Co. 11 E 10th St. or RetaiLAB @ Highside 706-223-0618 • TheCrownedBeauty.co This bridal party self-care kit is a luxe, pampering box filled with beauty and relaxation essentials—perfect for a little pre-wedding (or post-wedding) glow. It makes a thoughtful gift or special-day addition for brides and bridesmaids.

10. Memories in Motion Photo Bus memoriesinmotionphotobus.com facebook.com/MemoriesInMotionPhotoBus instagram.com/MemoriesInMotionPhotoBus Send your guests home with hilarious and fun pictures to remember it all.

The Memories in Motion Photo Bus is the perfect addition to any wedding that will give your guests a memory to take home with them.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

23

WEDDING GUIDE 11. Celebrate Tuxedos 1701 Rollins Way #300• 706-358-2707 CelebrateTuxedos.com Celebrate Tuxedos offers the largest selection of styles and colors to outfit your wedding party. From our local showroom to our four other Georgia locations to our shipping program to out of town groomsmen—you will “Experience The Difference.”

12. Parker’s Pantry 1815 Garrard St • 706-984-8307 facebook.com/parkerspantryatthepark Let Parker’s Pantry cater your next wedding party or reception. They have an assortment of appetizers or a full dinner menu for a delicious event.

11 13

12

13. By Invitation 6298 Veterans Pkwy Ste. 2D 706-660-6988 • ByInvitationGa.com Your wedding invitation is the first impression guests will have of your big day. By Invitation can help you create the perfect invitation suite to set the tone for one of your most important days.

14. Galleria Riverside 1658 Rollins Way • 706-653-1950 GalleriaRiverside.com Vietri Pietra is just one of the many lines that brides can select for the celebration of life with family and friends around the table. Galleria Riverside offers both an online and in-store wedding registry.

14 Read Online!

Read this issue and access our archives at

ColumbusAndTheValley.com/issues 24

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Great Southern WEDDINGS

Pittsview Methodist & Pittsview Baptist Lasting Impressions in a Unique Venue

R

ecent renovations to Pittsview Methodist and Pittsview Baptist churches in Russell County, Alabama promise a unique and timeless wedding venue.

When’s she’s passionate about something, Jeanne Lowery, longtime member of Pittsview Methodist Church, is never at a loss for words.

When describing the renovations that her church, as well as adjacent Pittsview Baptist Church, have undergone to transform its shared campus into a popular wedding destination, Lowery comes prepared with a list of adjectives that’ll make brides-to-be swoon sight unseen.

“The first word is quaint,” Lowery said. “It’s charming. The atmosphere inside our church is very intimate and warm. It makes people feel good. It’s quiet. You’re not going to hear a lot of traffic noise or have cars whizzing by. It’s private.”

But Lowery’s not finished.

“It’s also unique,” she continues. “People come here and say, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’ It’s unique. When you pull down the street with the churches, you look, there’s character involved.

“It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression.”

Pittsview Baptist and Pittsview Methodist are located about 25 minutes from downtown Columbus in Pittsview, Alabama. The only

sidewalk in Pittsview connects the churches, creating a true sense of fellowship between the congregations.

“We attend each other’s services,” said Jeff Pitts, a fellow Methodist church member. “A lot of people go both directions because we’re small congregations. The Baptist church hosts services on the first and third Sunday and the Methodist is on the second and fourth. If you’re going to go every Sunday, you go to both.”

As admittedly small congregations, the opportunity presented itself to help financially improve their situations by opening both sanctuaries for non-member weddings.

“We both survive on a kind of a shoestring budget,” Pitts said. “We’re hoping by promoting our churches as wedding venues, that we can build up our funds and maybe even our membership for those who are looking for a new church home.”

That sense of unity between the Methodist and Baptist church extends to the congregation’s new venture of becoming wedding venues.

“We’ve always been very close,” Jeanne said.

“Each congregation works well together, which is a little unusual.”

Both churches, over the past year or so, have undergone extensive renovations to their sanctuaries as well as the shared fellowship

hall, which can host wedding receptions.

The churches are Victorian in design. However, the insides of each church are different with their own unique character.

“I don’t know that you could find any prettier country churches around,” Pitts said. “It really needs to be seen to be believed.”

Both founded in 1893, the churches are historic landmarks with just the right amount of modern conveniences.

“There’s a lot history here, and that’s part of what makes it so special,” added Bill Lowery, Jeanne’s husband and fellow Methodist church member. “But it’s been modernized over the years from an old type church to include air conditioning, lighting and all those things that people expect. “But the interior has remained.”

All told, the picturesque setting has undergone what Pitts describes as “massive grounds improvement.” The new landscaping includes multiple 30-foot-tall magnolia trees, adult green giants, crape myrtles and much more.

Landscaping was done by Chris Harman. “Everybody knows Chris,” Pitts added. “He does all the big churches in Columbus, so that lets you know it’s the real deal.”

Both churches have been recently painted and have gotten new roofs.

“Everything matches,” Pitts said. “We’ve gotten new church signs, and we’ve even closed off the end of the street creating Church Lane. It took a year to get it all done, but it really completed that campus feel.”

Both the Methodist and Baptist church provide a unique setting. It all just depends on what the wedding party is looking for.

“The Methodist church is elegant and formal,” Lowery said. “The Baptist church is beautiful in its own way with the stained glass windows. They’re both amazing churches.”

The fellowship hall has undergone a “full renovation,” Pitts said. There are also multiple Airbnbs within walking distance of the churches, which are only about 25 minutes from downtown Columbus.”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

More Information

Contact Jeff Pitts 334-855-4754 or Bill Lowery 706-575-2909 for booking.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

25

Great Southern WEDDINGS

The Illges Woodruff Estate Timeless Romance Rooted in History

T

he Illges Woodruff Estate is defined by two distinct historic residences that together tell a layered story of family, architecture, and celebration in Columbus.

The original Illges Woodruff House, built in 1850 in the Greek Revival style, anchors the estate with classical symmetry, refined craftsmanship, and enduring presence.

Constructed as a private family home, it later evolved alongside the city—serving at various times as a boarding house and office space—before being carefully preserved as a Columbus landmark deeply tied to the Illges family legacy.

In 1877, Abraham Illges purchased the home as a wedding gift for his bride, Mary Lou Barnett, further cementing the property’s place within the Illges family history. In 2017, Woodruff acquired the 1850 family home and thoughtfully renovated it, laying the foundation for its modern role as a refined residence and gathering place.

Weddings have long been central to the home’s story. In 1968, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer declared the Illges House the “all-time title holder for most weddings,” underscoring its enduring role as a gathering place for generations.

The second residence on the estate, the J.P. Illges Woodruff House, was built in 1911 as the home of the family’s oldest son, adding depth and continuity to the estate’s architectural narrative. The property was acquired in 2024, completing the reunification of the historic campus.

The J.P. Illges Woodruff House

Stewardship, Restoration and Vision The Illges Woodruff Estate was reunified with a clear purpose: to preserve its architectural legacy while thoughtfully expanding the property for contemporary living and celebration.

The comprehensive restoration of both homes was completed by Cargill Builders, under the guidance and expertise of SL Mullin, ensuring each decision honored the estate’s historical integrity while elevating functionality and comfort. Woodruff personally oversaw the design direction, bringing a refined vision that respects the past while embracing modern livability.

26

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

The Illges Woodruff House

Today, both historic homes unfold as gracious, light-filled spaces designed for gathering and retreat. Entertaining rooms flow effortlessly into intimate living quarters, with thoughtfully appointed kitchens and en-suite bedrooms woven throughout. Original architectural details remain front and center, carefully preserved and layered with modern comfort to create interiors that feel at once timeless and lived-in.

“As the estate grew, it began to feel whole again,” Woodruff says. “Over time, we were able to reunite the property to reflect its original footprint— bringing it back together as one cohesive estate.”

Today, the Illges Woodruff Estate can host more than 40 overnight guests, reviving a tradition in which family and friends remained on the property throughout wedding weekends.

“It brings back an old-fashioned sense of togetherness,” Woodruff adds.

“You never have to get in your car. You can walk over for coffee, spend time with grandparents, and let children run freely while everyone is together.”

Living History, Thoughtfully Continued Beyond its architectural significance, the Illges Woodruff Estate endures because it has always been a living place—shaped by the people who have gathered within its walls. From family celebrations to milestone moments, the estate has long served as a backdrop for connection, marking life’s most meaningful chapters across generations.

Rather than preserving the homes as static historical artifacts, restoration was guided by the belief that history is best honored when it remains in use. Rooms were designed to welcome conversation, movement, and celebration, allowing the estate to feel vibrant and relevant while

retaining its sense of place.

“There’s a responsibility that comes with caring for a property like this,” Woodruff says. “You’re not just restoring buildings—you’re protecting memories, traditions, and the opportunity for new stories to be created here.”

As the estate enters its next chapter, its role remains unchanged at heart: a place where people come together. Whether hosting intimate gatherings or large celebrations, the Illges Woodruff Estate continues to offer something increasingly rare—a setting where history, beauty, and human connection exist in effortless balance.

A Legacy Meant to Be Shared The Illges Woodruff Estate has been recognized by Historic Columbus for its outstanding contributions to preservation through the restoration of both homes. For Woodruff, the greatest reward lies in sharing the estate with the community.

“Her love for Columbus and her commitment to preserving its history is something to be celebrated,” Brown says. “This estate is truly a gift to the city.”

Ultimately, the beauty of the Illges Woodruff Estate lies in its authenticity.

“Everything is simply beautiful,” Brown notes. “The house, the grounds, and the Conservatory stand on their own—vendors simply add the finishing touch.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

More Information

The J.P. Illges Woodruff House • 1425 3rd Avenue The Illges Woodruff House •1428 2nd Avenue 601-331-7130 • kim@illgeshouse.com • illgeshouse.com

Kim Brown, Dina Woodruff and SL Mullin at the Conservatory JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

27

Great Southern WEDDINGS

Sure Bride

Newnan-based Sure Bride Opens New Location in Columbus

A

ll it takes is a few steps through the door of Sure Bride to realize that it isn’t a typical bridal store.

“That’s the point,” explained Meredith Bullock, owner of the Newnan-based Sure Bride, which opened a new studio in Columbus this past October.

“Sure Bride is definitely a concept store…it’s not meant to feel like we’re trying to make a sale,” Bullock said. “When you go into my stores, you should feel like you’re walking into a friend’s home.

We have no signs that we’re a business. I can’t tell you how many times I meet with an interior designer, and they say, ‘Okay, we need to put a big logo on the wall, and we need a cash register.’”

The Sure Bride team follows its owner’s philosophy of making each and every person feel special, cared for and welcomed. Planning a wedding is stressful enough without brides being made to feel like a commodity.

“I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re being sold to,” Bullock said. “That’s not what this is about.

It’s about creating a once in a lifetime moment for somebody and their family. And as soon as it starts to feel transactional, then it starts to feel less genuine. “It’s like somebody officiating your wedding wearing a logoed sweatshirt. We don’t want that, ever.”

Which is why, rather than having a tall desk with a cash register dominating the floor as a checkout area, Sure Bride has its Hospitality Room.

“Our brand is Southern, unique, refined and exquisite,” Bullock said. “It’s all about the experience you’re going to have. So, my first rule is Southern hospitality, always. I want people to feel welcome. It’s not my brand to be uptight and super bougie.”

It’s likely the only bridal store with a kitchen, a necessity because every customer is offered drinks—out of actual glasses.

“My team spends a lot of time washing dishes,” Bullock said. It surprises people, but guess what?

It’s really tacky to hand somebody a plastic cup.”

Sure Bride promises a dress collection designed for off-the-rack shopping. Brides will be able to find their dream dress and take it home the same day. Bullock partners with Couture Fashion Groups, which is a distributor for European brands.

“I’m big on providing dresses to brides that are ethically made,” Bullock said.

Sure Bride has seven different lines distributed to bridal stores across the United States. They also customize dresses, meaning a bride could come in 28

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

wanting the top of one dress and the bottom of a different dress.

“Perfect. Done,” Bullock said. “That’s what we do.

We provide the full service.”

Everything at Sure Bride is focused on ensuring the best conceivable experience for the customer.

Appointments aren’t mandatory. Appointments are free, and children are welcome.

“We lean into anything you can possibly throw at us,” Bullock said. “You tell us you’re stuck in traffic, and we ask, ‘What do you need?’ If that ends up being a bourbon on ice, we’ll have that ready for you when you get here.”

The team at Sure Bride appreciates that all brides are different. The only way for them to find their dream dress is to have the right atmosphere.

“Brides don’t really know until they know,” Bullock said. “But until they’re in the right environment and they have the right experience, it’s not going to click for them.”

Bullock has been in the bridal industry for more than 20 years. In addition to owning two Sure Bride stores, she serves as a bridal coach, training hundreds of bridal store owners and managers worldwide. Bullock and business partner Jessica Limeberry launched Bridal Mastermind in 2023 to train business owners to make the most out of their brand.

The message never changes.

“Our job is to give you an experience whether you buy or not,” Bullock said. “I train my team that if you believe that the only time you’ve done a good job is when you’ve sold a dress, you’ll never be successful in bridal. It’s never about the dress. It’s about the memories that you can make.”

“It’s about the magic.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————

More Information

6401 Whitesville Road • 706-221-5519 surebrides.com/sure/columbus-studio

Great Southern WEDDINGS

Columbus Trade Center Say “Yes” to an Iron Works Wedding

R

ich history and picturesque views encompass the Columbus Trade Center’s Iron Works Wedding Experience. Situated within the Downtown Columbus Historic District and on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the Columbus Trade Center offers a unique setting for a wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, engagement party or other special life events.

The venue offers a wide range of event spaces of varying sizes. For large-scale events, there are banquet halls that host events with up to 1,200 guests and interconnect for event flow. For smaller events, spaces are available that can accommodate as few as 50 guests. “Our venue has the distinction of hosting hundreds photo by Wildside Creative Co. of weddings throughout the years, where we are able to walk a couple through the planning process to make their dreams a reality,” said Trade Center Executive Director Hayley Tillery.

Notable for distinct fusion of rustic history and elegant allure, the Columbus Trade Center has the perfect space capable of creating a timeless setting for all wedding

photo by Wildside Creative

styles from banquet rooms, rustic brick spaces and outdoor locations. “We work very closely with selected vendors who praise our staff on the seamless experience that we can provide for the client and their vendors,” Tillery said.

Culinary on-site services set the Columbus Trade Center apart and allow the integration of your event plans with menu preferences all in-house. For your convenience, our well-trained staff handles all the set-up, serving and clean up for your event. Our menus fit your event vision and incorporate your specific tastes, preferences, and needs. This attention to flavor and presentation will show you why our Iron

Works Chef and Catering team have developed a local reputation for culinary excellence.

Need one more reason to say “Yes” to an Iron Works Wedding? The Columbus Trade Center is directly adjacent to and a short trip from several hotels in downtown Columbus. “We love being a part of a client’s special day and we cannot wait to help you “Make History” and create a day you will never forget,” Tillery said. Contact us today for tours and inquiries. Adv. ———————————————————————————————————————————————

More Information

801 Front Avenue • 706-327-4522 columbustradecenter.com

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

29

HOME DECOR | VINTAGE REGISTRIES | GIFTS | STAGING

404.350.0330 peridotwest.com

Gift Registry

Loyalty Program

@peridotwest

1240 Old Chattahoochee Ave NW, Suite B&C, Atlanta, GA 30318 30

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

MORE THAN JUST A

Box of Chocolates

by Frank S. Etheridge IV

The McRae sisters’ enduring story of eternal love keeps getting sweeter.

B

ill McRae had five children—all daughters— Michele, Marquette, Monique, Mallory and Marissa.

Described by his second-oldest child, Marquette McKnight as “a man’s man,” Bill and wife Jennie’s five girls were born two years apart, three with black hair like them and two redheads. Now ranging in ages from 62 to 70, the McRae girls, along with their mother, began receiving a box of Whitman’s Sampler chocolates for Valentine’s Day from their father back in their Baker High School days. Just

like their mom, the McRae girls’ box of Whitman’s Sampler had a note on it that read, “I love you - Bill.”

“It wasn’t until the last 20 years of his life when we switched to calling him dad,” McKnight recalls from her Media, Marketing, and More! office, where she is founder and CEO. “He was a strict parent, but he was very fair. We knew there were consequences when we misbehaved, and my sisters and I all agree he kept us away from bad things we might have done.”

Owner of three Gulf gas stations on Victory Drive before entering into liquor sales for Dixie

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

33

Distributors, Bill McRae, a Jordan High School graduate, was athletic, “brilliant at math” and responsible for instilling “an entrepreneurial bend” in his daughters, McKnight says. She laughs as she recalls the memory of watching him coach his daughters’ future boyfriends in little league baseball and how he didn’t hear them calling out ‘dad,’ but would turn around immediately at ‘Bill.’

“He was fiercely protective of us in the boyfriend selections,” she explains.

“However, he never made us feel like we weren’t worthy because we weren’t boys or complained that he didn’t have somebody to carry on his name.”

“He would tell us that our mom's parents, our grandparents, taught him what love was. He wanted that in his lifetime.”

-Marquette McRae McKnight on her father The Whitman’s Sampler followed the girls after they flew the coop to anywhere from Colorado to Florida and would eventually be delivered to their offices in their early professional days. Bill McRae died of prostate cancer on July 3, 2007. The following February, each of the daughters as well as Jennie, who had moved to Spring Harbor by then, received the distinct, classic yellow box in the mail via USPS with the McRae’s old address on Independence Drive.

“None of us were expecting it, of course,” McKnight remembers. “We thought, ‘He knew he was dying and did this. He called up Whitman’s, and put it on his American Express. We loved it—this grand gesture and sweet reminder. But one and done, never again to be repeated.”

When it happened once again in 2009, they were puzzled as to how it could be and tried to figure it out. They ultimately whittled the list of conspirators down to their cousin Ricky, who was very close to his Uncle Bill, or to their dad’s good 34

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

buddy in St. Simons, Jeff. Both men denied sending the chocolates.

In 2011, their mom died. Two of them changed addresses. Still, the Whitman’s Sampler continued to come, each sister receiving the yellow box with the note, “I love you - Bill,” in time for Valentine’s Day every year.

“There are not too many days when I don’t think about him,” McKnight says. “He was a huge mentor to me when I started my own business. I keep all the old boxes in my office. It’s nice to have a physical reminder of him, to feel him still with me.”

Her father grew up poor in tough conditions, she notes, while her mother grew up adored in a very loving home. “He would tell us that our mom’s parents, our grandparents, taught him what love was.

He wanted that in his lifetime.”

A Legacy of Love and Generosity

Calling him “a very generous man” who was a big supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, McKnight has a wonderful memory of her father’s giving nature from Thanksgiving week when she was 10.

Telling his second-oldest daughter he was having a bad day and “needed to get in a better mood,” McRae asked his daughter to go have lunch with him at the Krystal on Victory Drive and South Lumpkin Road.

“Back then, when you went to Krystal, you either sat in a booth or at the counter with

The McRae Family: (L-R) Marquette, Mallory, Monique, Jennie, Michele, Bill and Marissa

a waitress,” McKnight remembers. “We sat at the counter, watching the shortorder cook, when my dad discreetly put down a $20 tip to the waitress. The whole meal couldn’t have cost more than $4. We left, and when she came hauling out of the restaurant, thinking we had left it by accident, my dad just pulled off. ‘I don’t want them to know it’s me.’”

Another great memory came years later, in 1985, when Marquette returned to Columbus from Athens upon graduating from the University of Georgia. That’s when her father introduced her to the man who would become the love of her life, Rick McKnight.

“Back then, Federal Communications Commission regulations required all broadcast stations to have a public-affairs show, and I was hired to host ‘3 on the Town,’ which aired on WRBL at six in the morning,” Marquette explains. “My first professional job, but I, poor and just out of school, didn’t have the money to dress for it. So my dad took me to McKay’s, back when it was on Wildwood Avenue, and Rick helped us pick out the outfit I wore on air. I still have it.”

A beloved icon of the Columbus arts community, Rick McKnight was also

a successful retailer, having owned McKay’s, and later, the Kiddie Shoppe.

Years after meeting, Rick and Marquette would eventually date then marry. That’s when perhaps the funniest story in family lore was spun, when Rick finally shared his initial impression of Bill McRae and his daughters.

“My dad loved to take my mom shopping to buy clothes at Loveman’s in the Traffic Circle Shopping Center," she says. "Not as kids, but when we became adults, he loved to take his daughters out shopping. He wanted us to look good, so he took us to McKay’s. While we were still dating, Rick told me about how he remembered my dad coming in there, how he figured my dad was some sort of pimp, because he would come in and pay cash for all these fancy clothes for five different, younger women who all called him Bill. My dad loved that story, and we all laughed about it for years and years.”

One year, it was February 13th and Marquette still had not received her Whitman's Sampler, even though her sisters did. Concerned and wanting to make the world right with his wife,

Marquette collects each Whitman's Sampler box she receives and writes the year on it.

Rick went out and bought a Whitman’s Sampler, photocopied the ‘I love you - Bill’ note and placed the box on Marquette’s desk.

It didn’t work. “For one, it wasn’t mailed,” Marquette says. “And two, it was dark chocolate, which I prefer, not the yellow box my dad always sent. I knew it was Rick even before my box came on Valentine’s Day.” Last year on February 14th, Marquette was without her husband, who had just passed away from cancer, for the first time on Valentine’s Day. “Several people had told me for years they figured it was Rick who sent the chocolates,” she says. “Last year, in 2025, I get a text from [local educator and poet] Isiah Harper, a dear friend of mine and Rick’s at 7 a.m. It said he had just received a disappearing message from somebody—no name, no number—that

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

35

said, ‘Tell Marquette to check her front door.’ I was home expecting some dear friends from Virginia to arrive and went to the front door and see five boxes of Whitman’s Sampler.

Right after that, Karen Cook, who has worked with me forever, calls from the office to say, ‘Your box is here.’ I check the Ring doorbell camera, and while it’s still dark, see a large man wearing a hoodie that covers his face come and put the boxes down at my door.”

“Who would have done this?”

Marquette wonders about the home delivery. She asked Harper who told her, ‘Honest to God, I have no idea.’

“It could be anybody. Somebody who thought it was Rick continuing the tradition after my dad died and wanted it to continue after Rick died.

I am still blown away that they did something so incredibly sweet and kind.”

Another theory that her father paid someone—Ricky or Jeff, maybe—an amount of up to even several thousand dollars to keep

the chocolates coming is shot down at this point. Marquette sent granddaughter Ruthie Wade, a Georgia Tech student, a Whitman’s Sampler to her apartment in Atlanta.

It cost $80, so times that by five over an 18 year period and that expense blows even a solid nest egg to keep the legacy alive.

Interviewed by several news outlets about this remarkable story, CBS Sunday Morning once contacted Marquette about featuring the story, warning that they would, in due course, find the person responsible and share their identity. The timing of Valentine’s Day on a Saturday meant the boxes would arrive too late for the program, so the story was scrapped. But the mystery continues.

“My sisters and I all want the mystery to continue.” she says. “It’s a wonderful mystery.”

Now shared in a much-anticipated annual Facebook post, the tradition has inspired other father-daughter gift exchanges on what’s often considered a holiday reserved for

PROVIDING LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR SENIORS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE WHILE MAINTAINING THEIR DIGNITY IN A CHRIST-LIKE ENVIRONMENT.

• Exercise Classes • Fun & Games • Men’s Fellowship & Ladies’ Tea • Local Outings • Medication Management • Chaplain on Staff • Three Chef Inspired Meals a Day • Housekeeping & Laundry Service • Transportation to Appointments • Tailored Care Plans

Call us to visit!

706-653-2000 7595 Moon Road

thegardensatcalvary.com 36

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Bill McRae

romantic love.

“I’m amazed by the number of people who have taken this story to heart,” an understandable emotional Marquette says as tears begin to fall, her voice trembling. “I’m always touched by other people who say, ‘I wait for this story every year, just to remind me that love still lives.’”

Valley Business Insider

Broadband Expansion Finally Arrives What BEAD Means for the Valley

A

fter years of promises and delays, the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is finally ready to invest millions of dollars into Georgia and Alabama, bringing high-speed internet to rural communities that have waited far too long.

by Tyson Begly

Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Sumter, Talbot and Webster Counties, where wired construction is not cost-effective.

Construction timelines vary, but most projects are expected to begin this year depending on labor availability, permitting processes and supply chain conditions.

coverage efficiency: • Fiber in areas where density justifies the cost • Cable internet delivered over current cable networks in areas that already have the infrastructure.

• Fixed wireless and low-Earth-orbit What Does This Mean satellite systems (LEO) such as Starlink for Our Community?

What is the BEAD Program? for extremely remote homes A century ago, rural communities needed Created in 2021 through the federal Georgia’s approved plan reflects this electricity and telephone service to remain Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act blended approach: competitive in a changing economy. Today, (IIJA), the BEAD program was originally a • 76.3% of eligible locations will receive high-speed internet is just as essential. $42.45 billion initiative designed to expand fiber The pandemic highlighted how many jobs broadband access across the country. Under • 12.3% will receive cable internet via can be performed from home, and rural the initial allocation formula, Alabama expanded cable networks communities hoped to attract remote workers received $1.4 billion and Georgia received • 11.4% will receive LEO satellite service seeking more space and lower costs. However, $1.3 billion to target households without such as Starlink these communities quickly learned that some reliable high-speed internet.

Because of this shift to more cost-effective homebuyers will not consider a property However, the program faced widespread technologies, Georgia expects to use only unless it has a reliable, high-speed wired criticism due to slow administrative about 24% of its originally allocated BEAD connection. Local schools, hospitals and small processes, complicated federal rules, and long funding for this phase of deployment. businesses face the same challenge. They delays in plan approvals. By mid-2025, no Alabama’s plan anticipates spending roughly must have dependable broadband to deliver state had begun construction. $600 million to deliver wired connections the level of service that students, patients and On June 6, 2025, the Commerce to about 75% of eligible locations, with LEO customers expect.

With nearly every home in Georgia and Department issued new BEAD restructuring satellite covering the remainder. guidance under Secretary Howard Lutnick, Alabama slated to receive a high-bandwidth It is still unclear whether states will have aiming to reduce regulatory burdens, lower wired connection, rural communities will be access to the unused portions of their original deployment costs, and speed approvals. better positioned to compete for residents, allocations. This includes approximately $930 Within six months, Georgia and Alabama million for Georgia and $800 million for jobs and economic development.

There will also be a short-term economic both had their plans approved. Now, both Alabama. states can now issue contracts to internet boost. Mediacom alone expects to invest service providers and begin construction. more than $19 million in construction across Who is Serving Our Region?

Muscogee and Harris Counties, generating Based on public information: work for contractors, engineers and skilled How Did the Program Change?

• Mediacom will receive $9.7 million to labor.

The largest change involved widening the serve 1,718 homes across Harris and acceptable technologies that states could use Muscogee Counties. to serve rural areas.

• Windstream will receive $19.6 million to In Summary The original program heavily emphasized serve 4,418 homes across Chattahoochee, These one-time federal investments are fiber to the home, which is considered the Crisp, Clay, Dooly, Macon, Marion, similar to the subsidies that helped bring gold standard for reliability, low latency, and Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Talbot, and electricity and telephone service to rural future bandwidth capacity. However, building Webster Counties in Georgia, as well as America 100 years ago. Now, people in rural fiber in sparsely populated regions can exceed Barbour County, Alabama. areas will finally gain access to broadband $10,000 per location, which makes universal • AT&T will receive $11.1 million to serve infrastructure that allows them to participate fiber unrealistic in many areas.

1,771 locations in Lee and Russell Counties. fully in the modern economy. The coming Under the restructured rules, states were • Starlink will receive $1.2 million to years will show how transformative this encouraged to mix technologies to increase serve 1,496 remote homes across investment can be.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Tyson Begly has lived and worked everywhere from small towns to major cities, visited over 35 countries, and called Columbus home since 2013.

His career spans startups, Fortune 100 companies, Wall Street banks, Silicon Valley private equity, nonprofits and city government. With experience from engineering to executive roles in trading, wealth management, travel and telecom, he approaches business topics from multiple angles.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

37

TEDXColumbusStateU Join us at the Columbus State University’s Riverside Theatre Complex for an evening filled with inspiring talks, innovative ideas, and thought-provoking discussions. Hear from a diverse group of speakers from our Columbus State University community who will share their unique perspectives on a wide range of topics.

From students to community members, and everyone in between, this event is sure to spark your curiosity and ignite your passion for learning. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new ideas that have the power to change the world.

1.15.26

SPE AKE RS

Dr. Brian Banks

Sally Baker

Associate Professor of History & Historian

CEO of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

Dr. Susan Hrach

Adrian Locklear

Professor of English & Author

Docent, Public Musicologist, Storyteller & Clarinetist

Chelsea Powell

Natalia Temegsen

Maria Hayes

Producer, Creator, Storyteller & Founder/CEO of Palette8 Productions

Pauline

Certified Life Coach, U.S. Army Veteran & Founder of The Good Energy Squad

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES: • Admission to an unforgettable TEDx experience at CSU’s Riverside Theater • 9 thought-provoking speakers sharing bold, inspiring ideas • 2 drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options—ID required for alcohol) • The opportunity to be part of something bigger—your ticket directly supports bringing global ideas to our local stage and helps grow the TEDX movement right here in Columbus.

38

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Former Division 1 Basketball Player & Performance Psychologist

Associate Professor of Creative Writing, Playwright & Television Writer/Producer

Addison White

High School Student & Treasurer for Georgia Technology Student Association

Buy your tickets and get ready to be inspired, challenged & motivated.

MEDICAL MATTERS The Valley area has a wealth of first-rate health care professionals who specialize in many fields of expertise. In the following pages, we feature local physicians, hospitals and wellness and aesthetic specialists that offer the best of Medical Matters.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

39

MEDICAL MATTERS

Toxcology

Where Internal Health Meets External Confidence

F

or owner Brittany Pollock, Toxcology Regenerative Aesthetics and Wellness is more than a business. It’s a calling. Pollock is so passionate that she’s coined a mantra—The job is our occupation, but our ministry is our preoccupation.

“That truly captures who we are,” said Pollock RN, MSN. “We’ve had clients regain their confidence, their energy, their relationships, their health and in many cases their hope.”

Toxcology is more than a med spa. “It’s a place where people finally get answers, solutions and support,” she said. “Seeing someone walk out with tears of relief because they feel understood— that’s the heart of what we do.”

Most people think of aesthetics only as injectables or skincare, but what Toxcology does goes far beyond that. “Toxcology is where internal health meets external confidence,” Pollock said, “an all-in-one destination for feeling like your best self again.

Toxcology opened in 2021 as a small suite inside a salon. Since then, it’s grown into a 3,500-square-foot wellness space overlooking the Chattahoochee River, steadily expanding its clinical team, and adding cutting-edge regenerative technologies. Toxcology’s growth reflects a commitment to excellence—and the trust the community has placed in the hands of its skilled staff.

Pollock’s business is evolving into a place where your entire body can be supported, strengthened, balanced and restored. From hormone optimization and peptide therapy to Morpheus8 and full facial balancing, it has become a true destination for total-body regenerative wellness. It is also changing the way an industry cares for sexual wellness for both women and men.

While intimate health and vitality can be a difficult issue to discuss, there is nothing to feel ashamed about. Toxcology ensures that no one has to suffer in silence.

“We take time to understand what’s really going on—hormonally, physically, emotionally and aesthetically—so that every plan is personalized and intentional,” Pollock said. “Our patients feel comfortable here because our team is built on compassion, education and authenticity. We create a space where people can talk openly 40

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

about the things they’ve been too embarrassed or dismissed to discuss elsewhere.

“That level of trust is something we value deeply.”

To address women’s sexual wellness, Toxcology employs EmpowerRF, a non-surgical treatment that uses gentle radiofrequency, energy and muscle stimulation to improve: • vaginal laxity • dryness or painful intercourse • pelvic floor weakness • urinary leakage • decreased sensation • recurrent UTIs For men, Toxcolgy offers Apex, a non-invasive, comfortable treatment option that improves: • erectile function • blood flow • performance confidence Given the sensitive nature of some of its treatments, Pollock is incredibly selective about who joins this team, because our patients deserve the highest level of care—clinically and emotionally.

“We operate under four core values— compassion first, excellence with integrity, wholeperson wellness and purpose over procedure,” Pollock said. “My team is absolutely essential to delivering the level of care I expect. The work we do here is far more than tasks or treatments. It’s service with purpose and that requires a team whose heart matches the mission.”

Assisting Pollock in these goals is Jennifer Stewart, FNP-C, PMHNP-C. Stewart is a women’s health expert who brings compassion, clarity and real solutions to every client.

Stewart has a long history in women’s health, including labor and delivery. “[Stewart] understands the physical and emotional layers surrounding intimate concerns,” Pollock said. “She sees, every single day, that many women are experiencing changes connected to: • peri-menopause

• post-menopause • hormone imbalance • childbirth and pelvic change • aging and tissue laxity But Stewart’s expertise doesn’t stop with women. [She] approaches wellness from a whole-person perspective, recognizing that men also experience changes in function, energy, performance and confidence as they age. “Whether it’s pelvic concerns, decreased sensitivity, urinary changes, hormonal imbalance or intimacy-related struggles, Jennifer has a compassionate, judgment-free way of helping clients understand why these changes occur—and how they can be treated.”

Stewart’s dual certification in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health uniquely positions her to support both the physical and emotional aspects of intimate wellness, making her a trusted, reassuring provider for individuals and couples alike.

“At the heart of her work is a simple belief—one should never feel embarrassed, confused or dismissed when it comes to their intimate health,” Pollock said, “because these issues are real, common and absolutely treatable.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Contact

Text HELP to 762-744-3457 1329 Front Avenue, Suite E toxcology.com

LOVE & VALOR

‘Deep Appreciation, Deep Respect’ Defined Jeannie and Ralph Puckett’s 71 Years of Marriage

by Frank S. Etheridge IV

T

o say the date of November 25th holds significance in the Puckett and Martin family would be an understatement.

At 10 a.m. on a cool, crisp Tuesday before Thanksgiving, marking the special day’s 2025 edition, a crowd of 100-plus formed a semi-circle atop Hurley Hill on Fort Benning above Victory Pond—proving ground for the U.S. Army’s elite soldiers in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Diverse in age, dress and race, but uniformly friendly and cheerful,

the group was gathered around an enshrouded statue for the Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. Memorial Dedication ceremony. One of the most decorated soldiers in the history of the U.S. Army, Puckett was hailed in opening remarks as a true hero, the Ranger’s Ranger, whose timeless words of wisdom (‘Be proud, but never satisfied’) were recalled as the embodiment of the Ranger’s Creed by a series of distinguished speakers capped off by the current commander of Fort Benning Major General Colin

LEFT: The Pucketts on their wedding day in 1952 RIGHT: Jeannie Puckett watching her late husband's memorial be assembled at Fort Benning this past November.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

47

Tuley. A Puckett protegé like so many of the Army’s top officers today, Tuley warmly recalled how, as a young lieutenant, Ralph and wife Jeannie welcomed his family into their home while they found housing upon transfer to Fort Benning, and how Jeannie would later serve as ‘Georgia mom’ to a daughter who stayed to attend the University of Georgia after they shipped out for duty in Hawaii.

“To Miss Jeannie,” Tuley said in conclusion, “I want to express my heartfelt thanks for sharing your husband with us.”

On a date marking her 73rd wedding anniversary, which came two years to the day after her husband was severely wounded on Hill 205 in a hellacious firefight with the Chinese during the Korean Conflict, Jeannie Puckett then The Puckett family at the unveiling of Colonel Puckett's memorial statue last November.

48

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

took to the podium with a stance of pure poise and elegance. She began by thanking everyone for their patience in a project that involved “putting a private memorial on federal-government property,” a patently byzantine ordeal, which garnered ripples of laughter through her knowing audience.

“You gave not just money,” she told the crowd, “you gave love and friendship.”

Two weeks before her husband’s death in April 2024 at the age of 97, Jeannie told Ralph that the Rangers started a GoFundMe to raise money for a second statue of him, commissioned to the superb Warren Sculpture Studios in Oregon, who did the one standing in the National Infantry Museum. “Why would they do that?” Ralph Puckett asked his wife. “They’re not going to put two of me at Fort Benning?” When she explained to him the proposed location for the second statue there on Hurley Hill, he told her, “That’s where I want to be, where the Rangers have my back.”

The Love Story

A few weeks later, Jeannie Puckett sits in a quiet lounge off the lobby at Spring Harbor, where she and her husband moved 11 years ago after downsizing from their Midtown home. “I’m not a public speaker,” she says, her soft Southern accent as slow and sweet as molasses, in response to compliments on her extraordinary presence addressing the memorialdedication audience. “I said what I felt in my heart. I guess I was halfway just talking to Ralph.”

The 93 year old lights up when tracing back to the start of her life’s love story.

“I saw a picture of Ralph before I met him,” she recalls. “I saw his picture on the back page of the newspaper my father was reading at the breakfast table. I made the comment, ‘Oh, he’s cute.’ My father, a World War II Navy veteran, lowered his paper, very serious, and says, ‘Jeannie, that’s a wounded veteran. Not a boy.’”

At the time a self-described typical teenager in her senior year at Columbus High, Jeannie had a friend home from Christmas break from the University of Georgia who asked her to tag along on a blind date at Fort Benning because, “Back then, nice girls didn’t go visit soldiers alone,” she explains with a sly grin. The friend was Peggy (daughter of thenLedger-Enquirer Publisher Maynard Ashworth), whose typing instructor set up the date. The two girls walked into Ralph Puckett’s room at Martin Army Hospital and were greeted by Ralph, Sr. “Ralph’s father was a big man, 6’4”, who loved to tease,” Jeannie recalls, “and he says to us, ‘A fortune teller told Ralph today he was going to meet two women, a blonde and a brunette, and he was going to marry one of them.’ Ralph turned crimson with embarrassment but, turns out, the future teller was right.”

Her future husband “physically looked great” when she first saw him in the hospital “but his feet were severely wounded, and he was pretty much confined to bed.” Still, she returned to visit Ralph over and over (“always with a friend”) to take him out for a meal. “Our courtship was built on friendship before it became romantic,” Jeannie explains. That spring, Ralph invited her to come with him to Tifton in South Georgia to meet his family for Easter, and they talked about getting married that summer.

“My father was very against it because of my age,” he says.

Jeannie was so unfamiliar with Army life that, when Ralph told her he went to school at West Point, she figured he meant the town in Troup County. But he had attended Georgia Tech for a year, as had Frank Martin, Sr., Jeannie’s father, who was able to vet the young soldier through his alumni network. Still, he said no to the marriage until Jeannie convinced him to agree that, after one year of college at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, if the two young lovers felt the same way, he would give his blessing to their engagement. “Ralph told me he didn't want to

Puckett photographed in 1950 healing from his wounds from the Korean War at Martin Army Hospital on Fort Benning.

Your HOMETOWN owned and operated dental office!

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Dr. Devon Paris Owner Dentist

Dr. Awaz Yaseen Associate Dentist

Dr. Christina Cox Associate Dentist

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Call 706-322-6551 BUSINESS HOURS: Mon.-Thu. 8:00 am-5:00 pm Closed Fri.-Sun.

Check out our NATIONALLY recognized office on DCI Edge’s website! dciedge.com/office-tours/

G E NT LE D E NT I ST RYO FCO LU M B U S .COM

500 Brookstone Centre Pkwy, Bldg 300 • 706-322-6551 JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

49

get married if my family objected, saying, ‘I’ll wait four years if I have to,’” Jeannie remembers. “Knowing him, I knew he’d hold true to that.”

Lots of correspondence later, Ralph and Jeannie were set to marry. “My parents married the day before Thanksgiving, on November 25th,” Jeannie says. “I wanted to marry on their anniversary, so even though I of course knew he had been wounded on that date two years earlier, we married on November 25th in 1952.”

An Enduring Relationship

Like her Aunt Jeannie, Katherine Martin Coffman has three children. Talking not long after attending the ceremony for her uncle’s memorial statue with scores of nice-looking cousins, Katherine says two things stand out when looking back on the remarkable life shared by Ralph and Jeannie Puckett.

“For one, because of his career that took him away from home for long stretches of time, she was alone a lot of the time while raising their three children,” Katherine says, noting names of cousins Thomas (“he’ll always be Tommy to me”), Jeannie and Marty, with the distinct sound of young

50

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

children in motion in the background during the phone conversation. “And she worked, too, owning a design business for more than 30 years. That’s tough. But shows how she is a terrific mom.”

The second thing that stands out to Katherine is the enduring strength of the Puckett’s relationship. She was a student at Richards Junior High in the late ‘80s when her father (late, great Columbus Mayor

Frank Martin, Jr.) saw his big sister and her war-hero husband, by then a retired colonel who had volunteered for combat tours in Vietnam, move back home. Settling into a home on Country Club Drive not far from her own, Katherine recalls how the couple’s golden years were best enjoyed eating dinner together then sitting on the front porch or watching PBS programs.

“You could tell they really enjoyed each other’s company; they really liked being around one another,” recalls Katherine.

“They had a deep appreciation, a deep respect, for each other.”

Continuing the Legacy

“That doesn’t mean we had a perfect marriage—nobody has a perfect marriage,” Jeannie Puckett says in humble deflection of her niece’s rosy recollection. “Two people who are strong-willed? But you ABOVE: The Pucketts in the 1960s BELOW: Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., with his family by his side, received the Medal of Honor from President Biden in May 2021.

work it out, you know?”

The couple’s move to Columbus later in life, however, “was a real blessing,” she says. “I reconnected with my Columbus friends, and his ability to stay involved with the Rangers as Honorary Colonel, I am convinced, made him live longer.”

Three years before his death, in May 2021, Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr. was awarded the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor (to go along with his Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars and five Purple Hearts). Twenty days after his death, he became only the sixth private citizen given the honor of lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in May 2024.

Outside of cherished phone calls from children and grandchildren living across the country, Jeannie’s focus these days is on two remarkable legacy projects that could only come from her unique perspective and exalted position. She’s written her autobiography, Meanwhile, created as a military wife’s memoir and set to be published this year by the Veteran’s Spouse Project. Two years ago she launched the Dandelion Project, a nonprofit organization that provides support for military children, primarily through sales of a coin minted in their honor and in recognition of their unique set of challenges.

“Being a military child is difficult, having to move so often,” Jeannie says, holding out the stunning, thick coin. Emblazoned with a lion on the front, the back is encircled with the phrase “Proud to Be Military” at the bottom and “Amazing Resilient Strong Capable” atop it. A poem is inscribed in the middle that includes the affirmation, ‘Scattered to the four winds, Bloom where you are planted.”

Jeannie recalls with a laugh the time when her daughter, also Jeannie, was studying the Civil War in fourth grade and came home and asked her, ‘Am I a Yankee?

Or am I a Rebel?’ “I told her, ‘Jeannie, you were born in Puerto Rico. You are a citizen of the world.’” She also recalls skiing the Alps as a family while stationed in Germany as well as countless camping trips around the world.

“We spent a lot of time together as a family,” Jeannie Puckett explains. “Ralph had to be gone a lot, yes, but he had a real ability, a real gift, to be very present when he was present. I don’t consider being a military family a sacrifice. I consider it an honor.”

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

51

FORGED in the VALLEY P A R T O N E : M E TA L S M I T H I N G In the profiles that follow, learn about traditional metalsmithing methods demonstrated at Westville and those that honed their craft as a hobby.

For others, the kiln is fundamental in the creation of unique jewelry and the anvil has elevated the art of metalsmithing with a distinctly feminine touch.

by Frank S. Etheridge IV

Follow along with C&V in 2026 for this series on America 250 where we focus on the skills and industries that were formative in the development of the United States of America and are still present in the Chattahoochee Valley.

52

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Keepers of the Flame Historic Westville takes its storied tradition in the ancient art of blacksmithing into the future photos by Frank S. Etheridge IV

N

ailed into the wood-frame exterior of the blacksmith shop at Historic Westville is a black steel rectangle engraved with the inscription: “In Memory of Alex W. Bealer III Who Inspired the Founding of ABANA at Westville in 1973.”

A well-deserved point of pride for the beloved living-history attraction, which moved North from Stewart County to Columbus in 2017, the metal plate lives to the left of the front entrance of a dirt-floor structure patterned after Stubbs blacksmith shop, built in the 1830s boomtown of Lumpkin, where it remained in operation until Westville's opening in the late 1960s.

April Kirk, executive director of the re-imagined Historic Westville since spring 2025, is quick to provide context for the inscription. She says that Bealer— an old-time craftsman, historian and lifelong Georgian (born in Valdosta in 1921 and died in Atlanta in 1980) who’s best known for his seminal book, The Art of Blacksmithing—was a featured part of a national conference of folk-traditionalists and academics held at the newly opened Westville Village.

There together, Bealer and six others chartered the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA) at Westville’s blacksmith shop in 1973. The following year, Kirk continues, Bealer led a group of 35 that launched ABANA into the 5,000-member strong organization that left a local legacy in the majestic wroughtiron wreath, adorned with expert twists and turns of magnolia leaf rendered in

steel, installed above the W.C. Bradley Company’s entrance on Front Avenue.

“Your first tradecrafts in a settlement such as Westville would have been a blacksmith and a woodshop,” explains Kirk during a tour of the 19th centuryreplica village in November, not too long before she, along with Historic Westville Board of Trustees Director Thornton Jordan, made a presentation to the Columbus Council in December which netted the once-fledgling attraction some solid ground to stand on with a unanimous vote to extend its lease on city property for 10 years.

“Blacksmithing and woodwork," continues Kirk, “that’s how you built your

village. These are the trades that helped create a town.”

The Westville Shop

Joining Kirk at the shop were Allen Gaskill, a journeyman-level blacksmith now leading the craft’s popular demonstrations for visitors touring Westville, and Ethan Bradshaw, a young apprentice.

With their finished products sold in the gift shop under the Westville Creations label, Bradshaw credits his apprenticeship at the site as a great learning opportunity “because they’re allowing me to make hooks, not just hammer out nails.” With decades of real-world experience and deep JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

53

knowledge beyond that of his apprentice, Gaskill, 62, adds, “We make the functional implements they would’ve made,” he says, referring to Deep South pioneers in the mid-1800s. “Gate hooks, hooks, nails. Lots and lots of nails.”

Tossing out one of his seemingly infinite tidbits from his chosen craft’s ancient history, Gaskill says blacksmiths for Thomas Jefferson were mandated to produce 1,000 nails a day. When he’s inevitably asked by a kid, who’s visiting the shop with a school group or with friends and family watching him forge steel by the fire, ‘Can you make a sword?’ while hammering out a nail, Gaskill likes to answer with a lesson: “What do you think they used more in Westville back in 1850?

Swords or nails?”

The latest in a long, distinguished line of blacksmiths showcasing their craft at Westville, Gaskill graduated in 1981 from nearby Tri-County High (the long-shuttered school pulled from three counties: Marion, Schley and Stewart.)

Excited as a young boy by the blacksmiths banging on anvils in the TV Western “Gunsmoke,” Gaskill loved to watch the blacksmiths in action at Westville and learned solid fundamentals from his influential shop-class instructor at Tri-County, Doc Wade from Ellaville.

After school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a metalsmith, and after basic training became a machinist for aircrafts.

Gaskill has worked in (and studied) the trade, including a long stint as a jewelry repairman, ever since. He boasts that, “Whatever you can make with Playdough, I can make with steel.”

Blacksmiths in the time of Westville “made as much money as doctors,” Gaskill says, though the darkened shops and coal dust kept it in lower estimation. “There weren’t any Walmarts or Lowe’s back then so everybody had to go see the blacksmith,” he explains. “They made all manner of farming implements like plowshares.

Needles for seamstresses. Everything.”

The Iron Works, just below the fall line on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, was a foundry that provided such a range of finished products, Gaskill says, before W.C. Bradley bought it and upgraded it into a cast-iron facility capable of creating shafts to drive a steam-engine.

While steel was imported from the north, early foundries in the area, such as the 54

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Iron Works, benefited from abundant iron ore deposits, which simply laid on top of the ground in certain areas of the Chattahoochee Valley. The region’s unique blend for manufactured steel— still visible today in gates, fences, railings and balconies in the region’s historic architecture—melded together iron ore, lime and coal.

"While the Iron is Hot"

Gaskill says Stubbs likely used wood when it opened up in the 1830s, but switched to coal for fuel in the 1850s.

Talking as he shovels coal into his forge’s fire, which he started first thing that morning with twigs and kindling and will burn all day, he uses a turn-crank bellow to force air into a brick chimney’s base of a square black skillet glowing with the forge’s

ABOVE: Allen Gaskill and April Kirk at the Westville Shop LEFT: Some of the work of the Westville Shop

fuel that burns red-orange and blue-white.

“Pumping the bellow gets the fire up to a working temperature—between 2,400 and 2,800 degrees,” explains Gaskill. “The steel has to get up between 1,600 and 1,800 degrees before I can work with it. That’s its non-critical temperature, meaning it is no longer magnetic as its molecules are moving too fast, so you can spread it out.”

Using the oft-quoted instruction/lifemetaphor to “Strike while the iron is hot,” Gaskill pulls a metal shaft glowing lightorange from the forge, puts it on the forge and hits it with his "tink, tink, tink, tap, tap, tap" before dropping the final form in a bucket of water (a quench) to instantly cool and solidify. The craft consists of only three elements: fire, fuel and metal. Such simplicity is part of the ancient form in modern times.

“It’s been said that the country that makes the most steel rules the world,” Gaskill cites, illustrating the point with how the Vikings became dominating marauders by working iron in the 1400s, with China leading in production today. He also notes

the saying, "Steel is man's servant," and mentions that remarkably sharp, "strangeedge" blades, suitable for shaving, can be traced back to the 1700s.

“Each steel is different,” explains Gaskill.

“They’ve been working on transparent aluminum since the 1950s. They haven’t formulated it yet, but they believe it’s possible to have a metal you can completely see through.”

to create for visitors. “Instead of just telling them about something, we want to actively engage them,” Kirk explains.

“At every other station, you can touch everything. You obviously can’t here, since it’s fire, but the sights, smells and sounds of blacksmithing—hearing the metal clanging, smelling the smoke, seeing the fire—fulfills all the aspects of what we want Westville to be for visitors.

“That’s what our goal is,” she surmises.

“We’re not just a static history museum.

The Blacksmith "Show" We want to teach people these trades and April Kirk says that Gaskill calls his crafts, so that we can preserve them.” blacksmith demo at Historic Westville “a While he says he keeps his show.” And that is appropriate. demonstrations to under 10 minutes “so I “Blacksmithing is probably the biggest don’t lose anyone’s attention,” Gaskill shares attraction within the site,” the executive in Kirk’s vision to preserve time-tested, director says. “Westville is an open-air history museum. You go through all the traditional skills such as blacksmithing.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 14 years buildings and meet historic interpreters old and figure I got, at best, 15 to 20 more all doing demonstrations. Allen’s good years of doing this,” he says. “I want demonstration is the biggest show. While you’re hearing all this great history, he’s also to pass it down to young people so that, later on down the road, they pick up a making something.” hammer and keep it going just like it’s been The blacksmith shop exemplifies the going for 2,000 years.” multi-sensory experience Westville strives

Man of Steel How Blacksmith Enthusiast Ron Ward Turned Pro photo by Frank S. Etheridge IV

L

aunching his own small-business venture was not on Ron Ward’s mind when he bought an anvil in 2021.

Scrolling through Facebook amid the quiet introspection that was life during the Covid pandemic shutdown, the ancient blacksmithing tool “just showed up in my feed on Marketplace,” Ward recalls. “It was less than $200. I thought it was cool, so I bought it. And I’ve just learned from there.”

Speaking from a garage space converted into a workshop behind his Midtown home, Ward demonstrates the tools of his newfound trade, including a propanepowered forge (the source of heat sufficient JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

55

only certified artist blacksmith in Georgia, outside of Athens. “We went through all the major disciplines, drawing out the metal, making loops, hammer techniques,” Ward says of the experience. “What I really learned from Patrick is, ‘Just do the next right thing.’ If it’s not obvious what that is, then think about it for a little bit.”

Ward made hooks to include in gift bags for his daughter’s wedding. Feedback was positive enough that he went on to create his LLC, Overlook Forge (for which his daughter, Mary Ashby Gaskins, designed the brand’s logo), to sell his wares at

Uptown Market Days and regional festivals.

“I’ve been selling stuff I make for two years now, and it’s going pretty well—better than I thought it would,” he says. “But it’s not about making money. Working with metal is fascinating. Strike while the iron is hot is a metaphor for life. It means be ready. Be thoughtful in action. Plus, there’s personal satisfaction in making something that not everybody can make. People will pick up a plain Colonial hook and say, ‘Wow, Ron. You really made this? And I just think to myself, ‘If you only knew how it easy it was to do.’”

International Metal Arts Institute for its Tributaries series. Presented annually nationally renowned metalsmith known for stunning contemporary since 2008 to "feature artists whose work is beginning to have a significant impact on jewelry and funky industrial the metal-arts community,” the prestigious sculpture, Kat Cole doesn’t hesitate when she declares her daughter as the best thing series selected Cole for its 2025 show at the Metal Museum in Memphis. she’s ever made.

“It’s my first solo museum show,” she “My daughter is the driving force and says of Meditations, which opened in inspiration in my world,” Cole says of November and runs through March 8 and six-year-old Charlie during a November features 22 pieces, from jewelry to wall tour of her two-story studio connected works, created

by Cole. “When I applied to her home, a stone’s throw away from for this opportunity over three years ago, Lakebottom Park.

I had great aspirations.

Then my husband “Before her, I had a lot of interest in the became terminally ill and passed away built environment, especially industrial at the beginning of 2025.

That totally architecture,” the 40 year old explains. transformed the trajectory of this show and “After I had my daughter, there was a what it meant to me and how I could use significant shift of my work to be much my time in the studio.

The show is about more intimately scaled, interior domestics. the grief process, about the ways I use my Instead of looking at the outside-world practice to process a very difficult time.” landscape, my source of inspiration came Charlie arrived in the world around into a much more intimate view. Then, when my husband became ill, the work had the same time as the pandemic as well as her family’s move from Dallas, Texas, to to change again.”

Columbus, so Cole could live close to her This cruel curveball’s tragic twist parents. Her husband, Bob Hanrahan, arrived after Cole was accepted by the

was thrilled to be joined in Georgia by his brother, Steven, now a primary-care physician with Piedmont. “Bob and Steve were incredibly close,” Cole says of the Hanrahan brothers.

This time influenced work Cole calls “complex and joyfully chaotic, inspired by the rich, beautiful life of living with small children.” Subsequent to Bob’s diagnosis, she recalls, “What happened in order for me to keep working required that I step back in every aspect of the process to the point it was very simple. To where I wasn’t using the front part of my brain. Very repetitive. Meditative.”

The result on display at the Metal Museum are works Cole considers “simply organized, oval forms, on a larger scale than jewelry, with an enameling process of only one coat.”

“At the opening, I felt really proud of what I was able to accomplish and what I was able to do through the support of my friends and family, who all came to the opening,” Cole says. “It was very cathartic for me. I am in a significantly better

for shaping iron). “You turn on the gas and light it, just like a gas grill,” he explains. “It hits a forge-welding temperature, between 2,500 and 2,800 degrees, much more quickly and efficiently than an old-school coal forge that goes all day. Not that I don’t want to have one of those someday.”

With a background in banking, Ward began his blacksmith journey by taking classes from Michael Sebacher, a knifemaker in Newnan known for his appearance on the Discovery show “Forged in Fire,” followed by an intensive summer camp with Patrick Blount, the

Healing in Motion Artist Kat Cole infuses her work from inspirations of grief and the hope of home photos by Jessica Jones and The Metal Museum, Memphis

A

56

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

emotional position a year after losing my husband because I had a way to process through my hands, my body. Very useful, as I have a six year old to keep going. I have to be able to do it all.”

Creating Sculptural Jewelry

Kat Cole’s artistry shines in the medium of what’s considered contemporary jewelry.

She thinks about jewelry as sculptures, and her work pushes the bounds of scale of what can be worn on the body. Her Tin Collection is Cole’s earliest production work. “I was young and broke, living in Pittsburgh and figuring it out,” she recalls.

“I started out making earrings by bending and folding flat sheet metal then moved into using actual tin cans, vintage spice tins. I would cherry pick from antique stores these wonderful patterns and text that I would reconfigure. I made little tin houses inspired by the iconic rowhouses you see on Pittsburgh’s hillsides.”

Cole’s first inspiration proved popular enough to help pay her way through graduate school (she earned an MFA from Eastern Carolina University). In 2014, she followed her muse to focus on enamel work. “People think of all types of things when they hear enamel, like cars, or teeth, but for my purposes enamel is glass melted onto a metal surface,” explains Cole. “The process can be done, as it is with precious gold and silver jewelry, in a very delicate, Faberge-egg style. I like steel as the base for my metalwork, working in an enamel style that is more industrial.”

Cole has a small kiln upstairs at her home studio for creating jewelry with a big one downstairs for her large-scale industrial work. While a former board president of the Goldsmith Society of North America (“an umbrella organization of people trained in more general metalsmithing forms”), Cole specializes in enameling and has led workshops on it at the prestigious Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and Haystack School of Crafts in Maine. Such networking is as important for professional artists as in any profession and has helped Cole develop relationships that have led to exclusive representation in 10 major collections today. Kat Cole earrings are priced as low as $100, while “signature, one-of-a-kind” jewelry sells for $2,500.

Reflecting back on her output thus far, Cole cites a public-art project in Dallas as a

particular favorite. She had an opportunity through a 2016 city grant to make and install a large-scale wall consisting of four enameled panels measuring 4’ x 12’ each.

Dubbed Project Crossroads, Cole’s wall was fabricated in her large sculpture studio then shipped to an enamel factory in Santa Rosa, California, where it was finished by a firm known for its U.S. Forestry Service commissions. Though pandemic shutdowns prevented Project Crossroads’ installation in “the very transitional neighborhood” of Cole’s studio.

“It was such a cool experience, an interesting collaboration, to work alongside these masters in their relationship with enamel,” she explains, pointing out the portion of the wall hanging today in her home studio’s stairwell. “They were looking for perfection in their surfaces, whereas I was more, ‘Ooh, how do I make that more bubbly?’”

Another highlight for Cole came in 2023 when she was asked to develop Archive, a retrospective of the first 20 years of her career, exhibited at the Illges Gallery at the Corn Center, home to Columbus State’s

Department of Art. Working with Gallery Director Hannah Israel, “We pulled such breadth and variety of pieces from all these different collections,” Cole says, “to see it all in the same room was very gratifying.”

This spring, Cole will once again teach her 3-D Foundations course at CSU. She’s also working with Israel once again, along with noted local artist and educator Sally Bradley, as co-owners of the newly opened ArtSpace on Second Avenue in the Mill District. “My hope is the space will provide an opportunity to teach some basic metalsmithing workshops,” says Cole.

“There is real economic power in having metalworking skills. I’m very interested in finding out how to make that more accessible.”

Of course, Cole faces a current reality marked by grief and death, love and hope.

“At this point, I’m not exactly sure what’s going to happen next in this studio,” she says. “I know I’m going to keep making and there are things I’m interested in, but I’m not chomping at the bit to suddenly produce a bunch of new work. I’ll see what my life is looking like and my work will change along with it.”

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

57

Iron Lady Columbus native Elizabeth Brim moved to the North Carolina mountains to mine creative gold out of artistic steel photos provided by the Penland School of Craft

E

lizabeth Brim was more than content when she entered the world of working artists as a part-time professor at then-Columbus College.

Fresh off graduating in the spring of 1979 with a masters of fine arts from the University of Georgia, Brim moved back to her hometown—where she was born at St. Francis Hospital, went to Hardaway High School and earned a fine arts degree as an undergrad—and was told by the late, great Columbus College art department icon Jamie Howard they would need a ceramics professor next year. While accomplished in painting, metalwork and printmaking at that point, Brim lacked experience in ceramics. So Howard suggested she go to the prestigious Penland School of Crafts and learn to make pottery.

“It was Jamie’s idea for me to go to Penland,” Brim explains by phone in December from her home in the remote mountains of western North Carolina about a mile from the storied school. “So I took an eight-week course in ceramics and then he gave me the job teaching.”

“I admired my instructors so much and I wanted to be like them,” Brim says of her early inspiration to become an art educator.

Once on the job, “I didn't make much money, but I loved it. I loved teaching. I loved the students, and I loved also having the identity of being an instructor at Columbus College’s Art Department. My part-time job was more than full time, and I worked really, really hard at it.”

While Brim spent more than a decade as an art professor at the school, the universe pushed her on a trailblazing path toward becoming a renowned, groundbreaking artist in her right, a Southern belle in the dark, dirty, physically demanding, male58

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

dominated art of blacksmithing. Her glorious fate was sealed when professional disappointment and divorce propelled Brim out of Columbus and onto a solid rock, literally and figuratively, thanks to her hard-wrought purchase of a stately 1906 house on two acres nestled deep in Blue Ridge beauty.

“I looked around and saw people from all over the world here, studying not only ceramics but weaving, jewelrymaking, glassblowing and all,” Brim recalls. “I was fascinated with everything. Also, I loved the mountains. I just loved everything about it, and I got addicted to being around all these interesting, creative people all the time because there’s a really big arts community here. This is the right place for me to be.”

Brim began trekking north to Penland “as much as possible” when administrators at school—which was founded in the 1920s to teach Appalachian children how to weave so they could make a living—asked her to stick around for the summer to fill in for one of its core fellows who had suddenly left to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.

“So I stayed for the summer,” Brim says.

“If you’re a core fellow, you work for the school, but you can also take classes and not pay for them. So I signed up for a blacksmithing class. We started off with going to get bolts off the railroad tracks and learning how to change the raw material into a useful tool. I asked the teacher if I could make a hammer. That was my first taste of blacksmithing, and I really loved it.

I just thought it was fun. I never expected it would become my profession.”

Iron Pearls

Brim’s mother, Betty Irene Hutchins Brim, worked up until she was born. “She was a full-time mother,” she explains.

“That was her goal in life, and she was a wonderful mother.” Her father, Ed Brim, was successful as part-owner in Victory Auto Parts “and liked to have a good time, which is where I must get it from,” she says.

Her mother was very conscious of her looks and taught her daughters to make a nice presentation. “I was brought up to be very feminine,” the 74 year old explains.

When blue jeans became popular in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s, “We were not allowed to have any.”

When Brim called home from Penland

that summer to tell her parents she was taking a blacksmithing class, her mother “got very quiet for a minute and then she said, ‘Elizabeth. I have to tell you, I do not approve of that. That is not a ladylike thing to do.’”

Brim relayed the conversation to a friend at Penland, an accessory-minded jeweler, who told her, ‘Just put on a string of pearls, and you’ll be ladylike.’ The joke stayed funny as Brim delved deeper into blacksmithing, which she calls a “a very dirty occupation.”

“Getting covered in all the coal dust, I started wearing a t-shirt under some overalls,” she explains of an ensemble completed by an ever-present pearl necklace. “People started noticing that, started commenting on it, and it just got to be my trademark.”

A recently released documentary on Brim by Director E. Vincent Martinez, now on the film-festival circuit and to be screened on March 27 in Columbus as part of her exhibition here, is entitled Iron Pearls. When Brim was honored in 2023 as outstanding artist educator by Penland at its annual fundraiser, the centerpieces

adorning each of the tables—high-quality art intended as part of the shimmering big to-do’s 40-year tradition to be sold for top dollar to help the South’s preeminent crafts school—were black-steel pearl necklaces.

something else. The assistant director then approached Brim with the idea of hosting a symposium to drive up interest in the iron program. “I was given the task of facilitating the symposium, which we called “Expressive Design in Iron,” Brim says. “It Blacksmithing as an Art Form was the first time that blacksmiths in the Making payments on her owner-financed United States had gotten together formally mortgage on the house near the school in to discuss ideas about art—ideas for part by subletting rooms to visiting artists expressive work within the scope of forged at the nearby school, Brim’s first paychecks metal. A lot of people, about 100, came. It from Penland came from her work in the was really exciting, really important. I got kitchen. Later, she joined the grounds crew, to be in charge of the whole thing and it too, doing everything from painting doors was really great for me.” to tearing down buildings. Eventually, she The symposium helped Brim realize her rose to become Iron Studio coordinator, innate joy of “meeting people and talking a teaching position she held full-time for to people who share an interest in my work.

That’s why I’m so addicted to teaching six years (1995-2000), leaving an impact at Penland, where 200 fun, interesting, worthy of the distinguished outstanding creative people show up every summer to artist educator honor at Penland. learn blacksmithing from me.”

However, her first break on the road to Brim has also taught at leading crafts success on the mountaintop campus came centers/schools Haystack (Maine), Peters years earlier.

Valley (New Jersey) and Touchstone Two years after her first blacksmithing (Pennsylvania). Last summer, Brim taught course at Penland, low enrollment in the at the John C. Campbell Folk School in program in 1987 had the director of the nearby Cherokee County, North Carolina. school considering closing the whole Also last summer, she returned to serve program and using its iron studio for

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

59

as head demonstrator in the Fire on the Mountain festival, held annually last Saturday in April in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. “That was the fun,” she says of the festival. “I love to get people excited about forging hot metal.”

For Brim and countless others, the immersive experience offered at Penland and the like is where the magic happens.

“You take either blacksmithing or weaving or glassblowing or whatever you’re doing while there and you then go eat, then sleep, and then do it all over again. And especially in situations like the eight-week classes at Penland, you get to know your students, their personality, and how to encourage them to discover how to express what they feel. That’s what’s so fascinating.”

It’s also hard. “It’s physically really hard work to make steel look soft,” Brim explains.

Well known for her inflation technique in her popular series of pillows (an intentional subversion of the soft pretty pillows given to Miss America contestants), Brim’s work is hailed for its feminine form within masculine function, a signature meld of delicate and tough. “I rely mostly on my hand hammers, so I don’t use power hammers that much,” she explains. “The power hammer I used originally was a real beast, built in 1909. The one I used now was built in the ‘80s and is much smaller; it’s powered by an air compressor.”

Given the complex, intricate nature of her work; however, sometimes it’s both.

“With those ribbons,” she says of the ladylike adornment of her straw hats, “what I do is I get flat stock, about an eighth of an inch thick, and heat that up–and with my power hammer, I'll hammer the center of the bow and press that steel out to each edge, so it all looks like it has that thickness, though it's thinner in the center.

I use different shapes of hammers to fold it up and make it look real flowing, like it’s blowing in the wind.”

A Long Awaited Homecoming

Anticipating Elizabeth Brim’s first major solo show in her hometown, on view January 20 to April 24 at the Bo Bartlett Center, both the artist and organizers are excited about her homecoming.

“Elizabeth had to leave Columbus to become Elizabeth,” Michael McFalls, director of the Bartlett Center and a CSU art professor, writes in an email to 60

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

C&V, “She had to go to Penland to create independence on her own terms. And now she's coming back, not as the woman who left but as a seventy-something legend in her field, bringing work that takes everything Columbus taught her to be and makes it in steel.”

Working with an exhibition team that includes Julie Umberger (also with CSU/ BBC) plus co-curators Autumn Brown, Penland’s current Iron Studio coordinator, and Columbus-based metalwork artist Kat Cole, McFalls has studied Brim’s body of work carefully in the process of selecting what works to show.

“Elizabeth's steel high heels and lace pillows may initially appear as clever inversions—delicate forms rendered in a severe material; feminine objects produced within a traditionally masculine domain,” McFalls explains. “But I think the real meaning is subtler. She appropriates the aesthetic vocabulary of constraint—the Sunday hats, the proper shoes, the decorative garments of Southern femininity—and reconstructs them in steel.

A steel pillow cannot provide comfort.

The heels are dangerous, not decorative.

I don't think this work is a critique—it's a transformation. Brim didn't reject the feminine or adopt the masculine; she created a third thing that refuses those categories.”

The shoes to be displayed in Brim’s show will come from the personal collection of Columbus community leader and retired professor, Thornton Jordan. “I am thrilled,”

Brim says of the shoes belonging to Jordan as the ones selected to be on view. “He was one of my teachers, and I really looked up to him.” Other mentors from her Columbus College days include librarian Callie McGinnis, and American Literature professor Virginia Spencer Carr, a Carson McCullers scholar and biographer.

Brim’s last trip to Columbus came more than a decade ago, on the occasion of Carson McCullers' birthday celebration at CSU. She drove down with her sister, a dance choreographer in Columbia, South Carolina—Martha, who, just like her, kept the name Brim, married or not. “I’m really looking forward to all the festivities,” Elizabeth says of the exhibit, including her appearance at a public reception on Thursday, March 26 that was followed the next day by a screening of Iron Pearls with documentary's director Martinez in attendance. “A lot of my friends are talking about coming to it.”

Still, home for Brim lives in the life she created for herself in the mountains of western North Carolina. “I was raised to believe that I could not, as a woman, support myself,” Brim declares. “I was fully convinced and perfectly comfortable in that fact until all that stuff started happening for the universe to show me the path here.

This house, this property, is a symbol of my capacity to take care of myself and support myself in my life.”

On Film

by Scott Phillips

The Most Oscar Worthy Aspects of 2025 Films

L

ast-minute Oscar contenders are making their rounds at the multiplex with nominations scheduled to be announced on January 22, 2026.

Below is the list of my favorite performances, scenes, films, etc. from 2025. Consider it your personal watch list before the big ceremony on March 15th. Here are some highlights for your consideration: • The devastating last two lines of George Clooney’s Netflix drama Jay Kelly • Teyana Taylor’s dominance of the 162-minute One Battle After Another with only 19 minutes and 19 seconds of screen time • The dinner party sequences in Steven Soderbergh’s espionage thriller Black Bag • The critical sound effect that ends Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident • The seamless use of drones and hi-tech cinematography in the French language remake of The Count of Monte Cristo • William H. Macy’s stunning supporting work in the Netflix drama Train Dreams • Watching Robert Plant’s eyes tear up when he hears a recording of John Bonham’s voice during an interview in Becoming Led Zeppelin • The pitch perfect, darkly cynical ending to Alex Russell’s Lurker • Wagner Moura’s masterful lead performance in the Brazilian drama The Secret Agent • Michael B. Jordan’s brilliant portrayal of bootlegging twins in 1930’s Mississippi in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners • Josh O’Connor’s trio of stellar performances in Sinners, The Mastermind and Wake Up Dead Man • The fearless gonzo approach to horror comedy on display in writer-director Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey • Guillermo del Toro’s insistence on building elaborate sets and minimizing CGI to create his version of Frankenstein • The brilliance of writer-director-actor Eva Victor’s debut film Sorry, Baby • Ethan Hawke’s career-best performance as famed songwriter Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon • Writer-director Zach Cregger for making horror films fun again with Weapons ——————————————————————————— Scott Phillips is a Columbus resident and serves as the President of the Southeastern Film Critics Association. His reviews and other work can be found at Forbes.com.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

61

62

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Valley Scenes Send us photos of your community event or achievement! We will publish as many photos as quality and space permit. Please identify all subjects with a brief description of the event and the date and the photographers name. Email them to: ContactUs@ColumbusAndTheValley.com,

(L-R) Shane McDougal, Marika Bell, Brittany Santiago, Anthony Montgomery, Denise DuBois Phelan, Ryan Willoughby and Allen Whitley

C&V Five Under 40 & Rising Stars Reception photos by Julie Lauzon and Jodi Saunders Friends and family gathered at Columbus State University’s Rankin Livery to celebrate the recipients of Columbus & The Valley’s Five Under 40 and Rising Stars. The awards were presented by Jodi Saunders, Publisher and Editor of Columbus & The Valley alongside Marci Norris, Board Chair of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals. Thank you to supporting sponsor, Columbus State University and partner, Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The 2025 Five Under 40 recipients were Shane McDougal, Allen Whitley, Anthony Montgomery, Ryan Willoughby and Denise DuBois Phelan.

Rising Stars were Marika Bell, Brittany Santiago, *Mercer Clark, *Brittany Pollock, and *Melissa Guthrie (*unable to attend).

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

63

Jack & Jill of America Beautillion Jack and Jill of America, Inc.-Columbus, Georgia Chapter congratulates The Platinum 36 Men of Distinction who were presented to society during the 24th Biennial Beautillion Ball held on December 20, 2025. The Beautillion Ball was established in 1979 by the late Juanita Booker who sought to showcase the accomplishments of dynamic young men in the community. The black-tie gala was the culmination of their 9-month leadership development program which included community service, college readiness and professional development. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits.

This year's participants: Tamir Drayton Kelton Arrington Brandon Dunlap. Jr Makhi Austin Brandon Durrah Benjamin Borr Graham Edmond Kohen Caruthers Tyler Freeman William Chiles David Granville Zachary Collins. Jr Donovan Granville. Jr Zion Daise

Beaus and Belles

Members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.Columbus, Georgia Chapter 64

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Alexander Gwan-Nulla Triston Hughley Aidan Jackson Austin Jones Zackary Long Tristan Lyles Jordan McGee

Matthew Melvin Grayson Miley Brennan Neal Gavin Patterson

Jeremiah Pearsons Kingston Rivers Noah Singleton Jallen Stanley

Elton “EJ” Suragh. Jr Ethan Suragh Tillford Tomas, III Carl Tutton

Isaiah Virgil SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas Mikehi Williams

Piedmont Healthcare First Friday Heroes Piedmont Columbus Regional has named deputies Jeremy Brightwell and Jonathan Kennedy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the organization’s First Friday Heroes for the month of December. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call one October afternoon about a house fire on Lee Road 41 in Beauregard. The caller advised they briefly left the room while cooking and returned to the kitchen on fire. Deputies Brightwell and Kennedy responded and immediately entered the home. Both deputies encountered heavy smoke and crouched low to search for people still inside the home. During their search, the deputies located a 16-year-old girl unconscious on the floor, appearing to be overcome by smoke inhalation. Without hesitation, deputies Brightwell and Kennedy pulled the victim to safety where they initiated care until EMS arrived. They were also able to check the rest of the house to ensure no one else was inside.

Columbus Museum's Master Circle Dinner photos courtesy of The Columbus Museum The 36th Annual Master Circle Dinner was held in early December. The evening event was co-chaired

by Betsy Leebern and Bob Vardaman. Circle Members and their guests gathered in the gallery of the current exhibit Daily Special: The Art of John Miller for

VENDORS

Get your copy at one of these Valley area locations!

Barnes & Noble Columbus Park Crossing 5555 Whittlesey Blvd.

Columbus, GA 31909 The Cat’s Meow 137 Main St. Pine Mountain, GA 31822 pre-dinner drinks. A continuum of the theme, Jamie Keating created a culinary twist with a delicious diner-themed menu. The Chattahoochee Roller Derby team members greeted guests upon their arrival and students from CSU’s theater and dance program provided themed entertainment in the Galleria during dinner. The décor was a fusion of traditional diner faire and with echoes of the colors that run throughout the John Miller exhibit.

Columbus Bound Bookshop 1328 13th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Collective Museums 3218 Hamilton Rd. Columbus, GA 31904 Columbus Museum Gift Shop 1251 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, GA 31906 Dinglewood Pharmacy 939 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, GA 31906 Durham’s Pharmacy 1420 17th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Galleria Riverside 1658 Rollins Way Columbus, GA 31901 Judy Bug Books 1033 Broadway Columbus, GA 31901

Kim and Vance Beck

Jonathan Walz with Thomas and Sherry Wade

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Gift shop 710 Center St. Columbus, GA 31901 Piggly Wiggly 5850 Moon Rd., Columbus 4916 River Rd., Columbus 1359 13th St., Columbus Stadium Plaza, Phenix City St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Nancy Saunders Gift Shop 2122 Manchester Expy.

Columbus, GA 31904 Whitewater Express 1000 Bay Ave. Columbus, GA 31901

If your business would like to be a vendor, please email Darren and Becky Horne

Gail Greenblatt and Elsa Hirsch

ContactUs@ColumbusAndTheValley.com JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

65

Grant and Austin Reviere, Todd and Laura Lee, Cassie and Aaron Myers

Cocktails & Comedy Library Fundraiser photos by Morgan Duke Photography The Muscogee County Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Cocktails & Comedy, was an event of full entertainment. From tasting tables of foods and drinks from local restaurants, signature book-themed cocktails to comedian Karen Morgan.

Marty Flournoy Aviation Award photos by Frank S. Etheridge IV The Columbus Collective Museums hosted a celebration for local community leader and pilot Marty Flournoy, in honor of his recent United States Aerobatic Power Champion award. The event included a proclamation read by Mayor Skip Henderson with a wide range of guests in attendance, from public officials to students of Flournoy in flight school.

Dana and Sara Ginter

Comedian Karen Morgan

Aflac Launches Children's Book– Beyond Words photos courtesy of Aflac In collaboration with bestselling children’s book author Sheri Fink and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Aflac Incorporated recently released a new children’s book that highlights the power of empathy, kindness and compassion. All of the net proceeds from sales of the book benefit childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

66

Author Sheri Fink signed copies of the book for students from Mathews Elementary

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Kathelen and Dan Amos

Columbus State University Opens NICU Simulation Lab Columbus State University leaders and the Miracle Rider family gathered as the new NICU Simulation Lab that was unveiled at the Frank Brown Hall. The Miracle Riders dedicated this special room for learning to Dr. David Levine for all of his decades of service in his tireless efforts to help the smallest of babies in our community.

Tours and demonstrations were provided by CSU nursing students and faculty.

RetailLAB Opens in Highside Market StartUP Columbus has partnered with Highside Market with a designated shared space to launch its retail incubator, called retailLAB. StartUP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow new businesses in the Chattahoochee Valley. A grant received from the Knight Foundation helped StartUP Columbus move forward with the project. Ben MacMinn, executive director of StartUP Columbus said that RetailLAB will house three small businesses in one shared space. Each business will sign a one-year lease with an option to extend for an additional year. Businesses in retailLAB will be responsible for their own marketing, products and services, and staffing. Go check them out!

(L-R) Ana McGraw - StartUP Columbus, Kristi Pitts - The Crowned Beauty Co., Riz Newman - StartUP Columbus, Chris Woodruff - Woodruff Brokerage Company and The Cotton Companies,Ben MacMinn, StartUP Columbus and Roger Owens - Star Spangled Tea and Coffee JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

67

BioTouch Expands Facilities in Columbus Choose Columbus announced that BioTouch, a global healthcare logistics company, will invest $12.5 million to expand two existing facilities in Columbus, creating a combined 480 new jobs in Muscogee County over the next four years.

Elizabeth Walden, Executive Director, presents Florene Dawkins the Sarah Butler Turner Heritage Award.

Historic Columbus Preservation Awards photos by Margie Richardson Historic Columbus celebrated its 59th Annual Preservation Awards at the W.C. Bradley Co. Museum. Sixteen incredible projects were highlighted this year. John Sheftall was named a Director Emeritus of Historic Columbus for his unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and all that he continues to do for Historic Columbus and our community.

BioTouch CEO, Robert Coyle

BioTouch founder, Kevin Boykin

The 2025 Sarah Turner Butler Heritage Award was awarded to Florene Dawkins. As President of the Friends of Ma Rainey, Florene has led a 30year effort to restore the home of the legendary “Mother of the Blues”— ensuring that Ma Rainey’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.

To read more about Florence’s impact on the arts, education and civic services of Columbus can be found at historiccolumbus.com/post/2025sarah-turner-butler-heritage-award-florene-calvin-dawkins.

The complete list of the historic Columbus Preservation awardees can be found at historiccolumbus.com/post/59th-annual-preservation-awards

Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

Jenna Fanning (third from left), Head Outrider, was presented the prestigious Lampton Bronze, by the Lampton family.

This year's race committee: (L-R) Kelsea Garrett, Sally Norman, Liz Godwin , Blair Woodruff, Carolyn Bettin, Jamie Stovall, Morgan Muller, Katie Ricci, Martha Meador and Campbell Bleke (missing Leigh Anne Smith) 68

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

photos by Eliza Morrill The 41st running of Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens took place on November 15th. A beautiful day greeted racegoers to enjoy seven races alongside entertainment provided with the Pursona Hat Contest, the Blade & Bow Pavilion, vendor village, infield and kids corral.

Participants in the Pursona Hat Contest

Libations

by Pat Daniel

Vacation to a Wine Region

A

fvacation in a wine region is a marvelous idea. Wine regions, wherever they are located, are just about guaranteed to be beautiful and restful. In addition, visits to wineries are educational—you will always learn something interesting. They are also just plain fun, and you can usually buy some wine you don’t have access to at home.

Wine visits usually come about in one of two ways. Either people travel somewhere and decide to visit a winery or wine region while they are there, or they become fond of a particular type of wine and plan a vacation in that area to immerse in the experience. My first visit to a winery came about because of a business trip to California to which I added a three-day excursion to Napa Valley.

amazing wine regions. In South America, the Argentinean Malbecs and the Chilean Carménères are very well known. Australia and New Zealand, while historically famous for their white wines, most notably their Sauvignon Blancs, have become major producers of red wines as well. South Africa also produces some absolutely marvelous red wines. In short, nearly any place you might visit will probably provide an opportunity for a wine visit not too far away.

never forget the buildings, the look of the land, the taste of the wine and the people Where are the best who created it. The next time you see wine regions to visit? that bottle or taste that wine, it won’t just The number of possibilities for visiting be another bottle of wine to you. It will a wine region is almost endless. Did you become something quite personal, a part know there are wineries in every one of of your past, a memory, not just a name on the 50 United States? Of course, the most a bottle. You will remember how it tasted popular and best known are California, at the winery, and that memory will bring Washington, Oregon, New York, Texas your visit back to you. and Virginia. California, Oregon and Not long ago, I tasted a bottle of wine Washington State produce over 90 percent from Grave in Bordeaux. I have only visited of the wine produced in the U.S. In the What is there to see a couple wineries in Grave, but one was Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, there on a winery visit? the famous Château Haut-Brion, one of are 131 wineries producing everything Every winery tour, while similar in many Thomas Jefferson’s favorite wines. One from ice wines and dessert wines to recent aspects, is completely different from every sip of that wine from Grave, and I was plantings of warm climate varietals. other tour. Each winery has a different completely transported back to Château If you are traveling abroad, France, Italy story. Every winery makes a different type Haut-Brion. The terrior, the soil in that and Spain produce over half of the wine in of wine, has a different feel, has different region, had imprinted itself on that wine, the entire world and have amazing wine history, a different person whose dream and I could taste the influence of that regions. France alone has 17 major wine created it and a different family that has particular gravely soil, so distinct to that regions. The most famous are Bordeaux, tended it. They all take great pride in area. I remembered everything about the Burgundy, Champagne, Beaujolais, the explaining their way of business, their style tour: the long history of the Château, the Rhone Valley and Provence, but the Loire of winemaking, how they tend the vineyard, beautiful buildings, the vineyard, the drive Valley, the Southwest and Languedochow they decide when to pick the grapes, getting there and the weather. All of those Roussillon also produce wonderful wines. how the grapes are fermented, blended, memories came flooding back to me. Each Italy has 20 wine regions, including my aged and bottled. The wine is their passion. wine is a unique thing and a tour of a personal favorites of Veneto, Piedmont, At the end of the tour, you will taste their winery brings it to life for you.

Tuscany and Umbria. Spain has 18 major wine and hear what they have to tell you Enjoy your summer travels and, while wine regions and, although it produces about its characteristics and flavor profile. you’re at it, include a tour of a winery wonderful wines, it remains less well They tell you about how it tastes now, Tag @columbusandthevalley with known. Germany, Portugal, Croatia, what it will taste like in the future and how your wine region travels.

————————————————————— Hungary, Greece and Israel are other long it will age. They will tell you about Pat Daniel is the owner of Uptown Wine countries popular for vacations that have the label and how it was chosen. You will & Spirits in Uptown Columbus.

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

69

FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

CLEAN EATZ

Clean Eatz is heart-driven to change lives through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education and motivational support that inspires results. We know personal wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so we craft nutritional products and fitness opportunities that meet the needs of every type of lifestyle.

CleanEatz.com M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa. 11AM-3PM, Closed Sunday 3500 Massee Lane • 762.583.6170

FOUNTAIN CITY COFFEE

If you’re in the mood for anything from drip coffee to an iced Libbarace, come to Fountain City Coffee to support some locally roasted excellence.

FountainCityCoffee.com M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-7PM 1007 Broadway, 706.494.6659

THE SPEAKEASY

A local favorite sering great, homemade food and drinks in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Home of the Camel Rider.

SpeakeasyColumbus.com Su-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM 3132 Mercury Dr., 706.561.0411

70

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

MELLOW MUSHROOM

The combination of a great menu, hand-tossed dough, fresh ingredients and friendly service makes Mellow Mushroom a must when you have a taste for pizza. Come for a family-friendly dinner or join your friends in our comfortable neighborhood bar.

MellowMushroom.com M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM 6100 Veterans Pkwy. • 706.322.4602

BIG MAMA VIETNAM KITCHEN

Big Mama’s is proud to serve you fresh, homemade food made with local ingredients that you are sure to love. Our specialty involves healthy cuisine with plenty of fresh vegetables and a variety of flavorful spices.

BigMamaVietnamKitchen.com Tu-F 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM, Sa-Su 11AM-9PM, Closed Monday 5300 Sidney Simons Blvd., Unit 14

UPTOWN VIETNAM CUISINE

Our authentic, traditional Vietnamese dishes are both delicious and healthy and feature fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful spices.

Dine-in, carry-out and party trays available, and a 10% military discount.

UptownVietnamCuisine.com M-F 10:30AM-3PM & 5-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM, Closed Sunday 1250 Broadway, 706.576.9922

Thank you !

Advertisers

RUTH ANN’S RESTAURANT

A Columbus tradition for families, friends and great food. Ruth Ann’s offers authentic Southern style lunches, and breakfast is served all day.

RuthAnnsRestaurant.com W-Su 6:30AM-2PM 940 Veterans Pkwy., 706.221.2154

COUNTRY’S BARBECUE

Real barbecue slow cooked over hickory and oak. Casual dress, takeout, catering, kids’ menu, three Columbus locations.

CountrysBarbecue.com Open 7 days a week 11AM-10PM The Original: 3137 Mercury Dr., 706.563.7604 Country’s on Broad: 1329 Broadway, 706.596.8910 Country’s North: 6298 Veterans Pkwy., 706.660.1415

WASABI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Traditional Japanese cuisine with hibachi grill tops and fresh sushi.

Come and try our flavorful and fresh ingredients.

WasabiJapaneseColumbus.kwickmenu.com Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM 1080 Manchester Expy. • 706.642.0888

McMullen Funeral Home A-Com Mellow Mushroom Alexander Electric Co. Memories in Motion Beverage South National Infantry Big Mama Vietnam Museum

By Invitation Nexus Pain Center Celebrate Tuxedos Old Town Chancellor's Mens Store Dr. Douglas Pahl Chattahoochee CASA Park Place Interiors Chattahoochee Valley Parker's Pantry Libraries Pastoral Institute City of Hope Peridot West City of Phenix City Piedmont Healthcare Clean Eatz Pittsview Baptist & Columbus Body Works Pittsview Methodist Columbus Convention & Poké Sun/Mikata Trade Center Rivertown Pediatrics Columbus Museum RiverCenter Columbus Tape & Video Robinson Grimes Columbus Tech CSU Cunningham Center Ruth Ann's Restaurant Schomburg's Jewelers Country's Barbecue Set Fee Realty The Crowned Beauty Co. Sheffield’s Collision CVCC Center Dinglewood Design & Southern Life Insurance Press Speakeasy Eliza Daffin Photography Spring Harbor Fade to Black Productions Springer Opera House Fountain City Coffee St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Galleria Riverside Striffler Hamby Mortuary Gardens at Calvary Sure Bride Columbus Gentle Dentistry Synovus Bank GPB TedXColumbusState Historic Columbus Townsend Wealth Hughston Clinic Toxcology The Illges Woodruff Estate Uptown Vietnam Cuisine Image Auto Lab Uptown Wine & Spirits Keep Columbus Valley Fir & Red Beautiful Commission Wasabi Japanese Kinetic Credit Union Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Malone Office The Webb's Place Master Kleen The Wynn House Contact Becky Kenimer at 706.289.8338 or Margie Richardson at 706.575.7825 to get your business on this list!

JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

71

72

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Conversations on the Couch

with Steve Morse

PRESIDENT & CEO OF UPTOWN COLUMBUS, INC . AND THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRIC T Steve Morse began his new role in March 2025 bringing 30 years of experience in event planning, facility operations and public space management from his previous position at Columbus State University. We met up with Steve at his office on 10th Street.

Since starting in your new position here at Uptown Columbus you’ve hit the ground running. How has your first year panned out?

I’ve been very fortunate, very blessed. I was on the Uptown board for about 10 years, so coming to Uptown was not new. Dealing with the city of Columbus wasn't new. I was very fortunate to work for the city for a number of years with the building of the Civic Center, and then I went through the construction of the RiverCenter. I then went over to Columbus State where I was for the last 24 years when we built the river park campus. So I've been very involved in Uptown for the last 25, 28 years. And so knowing Uptown, knowing the dynamics and the personalities, has made the transition extremely easy.

You effectively took on two jobs by heading up the Business Improvement District (BID) and Uptown Columbus.

Yes, we have two boards here. We have the Business Improvement District, which I'm the President (BID) and CEO of, as well as Uptown Inc., which I’m also the president and CEO. Both have different bylaws, different boards, but they both report to me.

You spent many years at Columbus State University.

What best practices were you able to bring with you to Uptown?

Columbus State. So bringing those over with me to Uptown has been very valuable.

What does your morning look like?

good familiarity to the officers and the merchants, the visitors and even It starts with me getting here early they start learning the patterns of our and driving through Uptown. I take homeless. So we're not just having a different route every day to get to different officers in Uptown every the office, and I’m paying attention day. That has helped a lot. Stony to what's going on and where Mathis, our Police Chief, has done a there's issues. I look for trashcans really good job in helping with that. overflowing, street lights out and any Uptown Columbus and the Business homeless population that we need to Improvement District employ several address. When I get to the office, of police officers. We watch the hotspot course, it's addressing emails, looking areas where we have had issues. at our security reports and seeing Metra has also helped in our parking what's happened the night before, garages. And of course, our partners, and how we need to address that.

W.C. Bradley, Synovus, Truist and our business owners have really stepped So you receive daily reports up to the plate to help as well. from the Police?

And we're looking at our Yes, Uptown Columbus employs ambassadors. Since I've taken probably 30 officers that rotate over the BID side, their dynamics throughout shifts, and I receive have changed. We do more of a reports of anything that happened community safety officer than just during their shift. If it's an emergency, walkabout with our purple people. and it warrants immediate attention, We have a safety vehicle now that it's a phone call. But if not, it's just an drives through Uptown that patrols email the next morning. the parking decks and different areas because when people think of Crime has recently been Uptown, they automatically think of Broadway, but we have 47 blocks that more of an issue, and you have addressed that during we're responsible for. The vehicles meetings with businesses in have helped us get to the parameters Uptown. Can you give us an of our Uptown areas.

overview of the measures What are your short term that you have implemented? plans for 2026?

Unfortunately, we've had a few incidents that have happened in Uptown that's brought some attention to how we monitor, not just Uptown, I think the biggest was organization. but the city of Columbus as well, with the police department. We have That's the key to this. And then had several meetings with our police how to deal with all the different chief. We now have a detail that personalities, because at Columbus State they would ask me on any given is assigned to Uptown. We're very fortunate. We have one supervisor day, Steve, who's your boss? And I and four officers that are assigned would say, who's asking what first? to our area. It helps with community So I dealt with the faculty, the staff, policing in Uptown. It gives a really the students and the community at

We will be meeting with our team in January to set our master calendar.

What worked and what didn't work.

What do we want to bring back? What do we want to change? What do we want to make new and better?

Any insights regarding what's coming to Uptown in 2026?

One of the things that we're going to launch is Porch Fest. River Fest

had been dying as an event in Uptown, unfortunately. It just wasn't getting the attendance as it once did. So we have taken River Fest, and we're sliding those efforts into Porch Fest, which we will be doing in the historic district. The historic district is extremely excited about this. It’s where we bring in bands and musicians from all over the Southeast that will actually perform on porches, and we're going to have food trucks and end that day with a concert down at the new promenade by the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, which has been completely renovated

by Historic Columbus. The young lady that we have brought on to help us with it did it in Newnan last year for the first time. She was thinking she was going to get around 3,000 people, and she had over 10,000 people show up for it. We're going to do it on Saturday, May 2nd. It will be a one-day event to see how it goes this year.

Long term plans?

We're in the process of doing some studies on the riverbed and putting in a surfing wave that will go in down

by Hotel Indigo at the Riverwalk.

It'll change the dynamics of that area of the Riverwalk. We'll have a viewing area, and you'll be able to walk right down onto the Riverwalk and look onto the surfing wave. The pedestrian bridge will be energized and refocused because that'll be a great viewing area of the new surfing wave. That is in preparation for the International Canoe Federation Freestyle World Cup in 2027 and 2028, and we're extremely excited about that. That brings a lot of energy and a lot of attention to Columbus, Georgia.

And, you know, we like to brag a little bit. We did beat that bid out from Paris, that's huge to us. I mean, JA N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 6

73

Columbus, Georgia, up against Paris. Two things came back from that conversation when we won the bid. One was location and then two was the hospitality they received when they were here in 2023.

Because we’re the most welcoming city, right?

Absolutely, and yes, we don't just say that, but we actually have proof of that.

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes— "the purple people. " We're very fortunate. The BID employees are "the purple people" due to their purple uniforms, and they will continue to be called "the purple people." Someone asked me, can't you get a different color? Absolutely not. They've earned that color, and they wear it well. We have two roles under our purple folks. We have the ambassadors, which is our safety team. And then we have those who are really the unsung heroes, and that’s our clean team. They come in early hours in the morning and clean these streets and make sure that they're ready to go for the businesses during the day. Then they come back late at night, and do it again. So we're very fortunate that they do an awesome job. Some of our clean team ambassadors have been with us 19, 16, 15 years. So that says something about the organization.

Are you fully supported by the community?

Absolutely, I am very fortunate. When I walked into this role, I knew that Uptown and BID was supported. And I realized that after being here for the last six or seven months, we're very fortunate. Uptown is the heartbeat of our city and as a city, we need to continue making sure that the heartbeat is strong, to make sure our city is strong. So we are very fortunate. We have great support from the community.

What message do you want the community to know about uptown?

We want folks to feel welcome, safe and engaged in Uptown.

To follow up on that: If you had one word that would to describe 2026, what would it be?

Folks ask me sometimes, ‘Steve, can we do this?’

In my office, the staff jokes with me because I say, absolutely. We're very fortunate that we have unlimited resources to be able to make things happen. And by pulling all those resources together, whether it's our business partners, whether it's our business nonprofit communities, the chamber, the CVB, we're very fortunate that we have folks that say, okay, how can we make this happen? Tracy gets on to me and she says, ‘Steve!” And I say, ‘Absolutely, we're going to make this happen.’ So, it would be absolutely.

———————————————————— Learn about what Uptown Columbus and BID do for our community at AlwaysUptown.com.

74

CO LU M B U S A N DT H E VA L L E Y.CO M

Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission’s

SHOE RECYCLING CAMPAIGN Through January 31

Donate your shoes to help developing countries!

For more info, call (706) 225-4008 or email KCBC1987@columbusga.org.

Website

Instagram

Facebook

FREE FAMILY EVENT

ARBOR DAY February 21 Celebration of Trees

Tree Planting • Seedling Giveaway • Prizes Food • Games • Face Painting

SAVE THE DATE