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Crafting for a Cause
WOMEN @WORK Pasaquan in Song Nan Pate
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DEADLINE: JUNE 20, 2025 AT NOON Previous Rising Stars are eligible for 5 under 40 nominations. All nominees must be under 40 years of age as of September 1, 2025, to be eligible.
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— Established 1992 — 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
Adverising Account Executive margie@columbusandthevalley.com
Julie Lauzon
Sales & Marketing Manager salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN Rebecca DeLoach 62graphicstudio.com
FEATURE WRITERS Brad Barnes Brett Buckner Natalie Downey Frank Etheridge Doug Gillett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brad Barnes Tyson Begly Pat Daniel Scott Phillips CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY Joy Bohn Charley Windham
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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.
Planning Ahead is a Loving Gesture
Consider giving your loved ones the gift of planning your funeral ahead of time. • Your loved ones can focus on remembering and healing. • You lock in today’s prices and save money. • Your family won’t have to face quick decisions. • You get to choose exactly what you want. • Your family members won’t need to worry about getting it wrong.
4071 Macon Road Columbus • 706-563-2372 M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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CONTENTS
May-June 2025
Volume 34 | No. 3
39 FEATURES
the Influence 14 Feeling Pasaquan in music and song
Next Story 23 The Rebranding the magazine and reflecting on our lineage
Glory 29 Crowning Miss Georgia celebrates 80 years
@ Work 32 Women Local women in the workplace
39 Local artist Mollie Jenkins Create for a Cause
turns her focus on fundraising for ALS
Traveled 50 Well Lafayette 200 tour travels through the Valley.
Impact 57 Classroom How Nan Pate's teaching
influenced local lawmakers
share their knowledge
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In Every Issue 2 Valley Life Ventures with the Editor 6 What's Happening? 63 Valley Scenes
DEPARTMENTS Valley Business Insider 21 The numbers behind bringing
42 Gift ideas for moms, dads and Gift Guide
grads in your life
49 Help bring an arthouse movie On Film
theater to town.
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Mollie Jenkins, works at her Bibb City studio. Pictured with her dog, Rook.
72 Food & Drink Guide
the Clingstones to Columbus
6
On the Cover
Sow It Grows 61 Lazy Gardening 101
71 Libations Learn about recent trends in wine ratings.
74 Conversations on the Couch
A conversation with creative powerhouse, Ben Redding
Valley Life Ventures Here it is ! After a very adventurous 28-months of owning this magazine, we are pleased to present the new look and feel of Columbus & The Valley. As an independent, small business vested in the Valley for 30 plus years, we’re passionate about bringing you the very best of our region—a philosophy we have stayed true to ever since the first magazine rolled off the press in 1992. And there’s more to come! We will be introducing additional content and insights, as well as a revamped website and more surprises over the remainder of this year. There is no “I” in magazine. As in, “I” am part of a small, dedicated team that ensures Columbus & The Valley materializes bi-monthly. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the amazing team behind the magazine. Each issue you hold in your hands—or scroll through on your screen—is the product of countless hours of dedication, creativity and collaboration. Thank you to our writers who bring local voices to life, the photographers that capture the stories and the design team that brings it all to life. The ladies at 62 Graphic Studio have been a part of our publications for years with Rebecca DeLoach being our main designer. She brings her extensive design skills to each story and advertiser. She is supported by Wendy Timmons, owner of 62 Graphic Studio and Ashlyn Grantham. Our teams’ downtown office is small but fierce. We all wear multiple hats—editing, collaborating with advertising partners and writers, or heading up marketing efforts. Julie Lauzon began as an intern and has grown into her role being pivotal in bringing about the many changes you will see this year. Our Advertising Account Executives, Becky Kenimer and Margie Richardson, foster partnerships with our advertisers, and we all work equally hard on getting their message out to the community. The magazine shows up to our vendors and circulation locations thanks to Richelle Dowse, our distributor. A shout out to my husband, Gerald, who’s been supportive since our first conversations about
(L-R) Becky Kenimer, Margie Richardson, Julie Lauzon and Jodi Saunders
purchasing the publication. We appreciate our printers, too, and we’re glad we’re moving to perfect binding with you. Our magazine wouldn’t be with you if it weren’t for our advertisers. When we’re not working on stories, we’re working on getting our advertising and community partners’ messages out to our readers. If your new or established business is rooted in our region, we would be proud to work alongside you and to shout out loud about all that you do. No doubt that this issue is women centric. On these pages, you’ll see many businesswomen who are leading in their field of expertise in our Women @ Work section from finance, sports and key community events and venues. Then there are the teachers and creatives. Not to mention a publishing team. Throw in a focus on history with the Lafayette tour, the influence of music through Pasaquan, and you have quite the magazine. All of this is for you, our readers—thank you! Whether you are a long-time subscriber or new to these pages your support is what makes this all possible. We’re honored to be a small part of your lives, and we look forward to many more opportunities to spend time together. Enjoy the read!
Jodi Saunders
Publisher/Editor
Visiting cover girl, Mollie Jenkins Hofstetter, at her studio
ugural home At the Clingstones ina ville & Fuzzy! series with Brooke Ne 8
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Getting r ea on Columbu dy to cheer s with GM United F.C. Eleni Hitc hcock
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 Advertising Account Executive 706-289-8338
Margie Richardson Advertising Account Executive 706-575-7825
Julie Lauzon
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. Digital options available by request. Request at contactus@columbusandthevalley.com. Please give 6 weeks advance notice
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PROUD PARTNERS OF
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WHAT’S HAPPENING? Five O'Clock Tea, 1884 by Julius LaBlanc Stewart
Ongoing
May
Xanadu at The Springer MAY 1-11
Join beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venus Beach, California. Kira is on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the most incredible artistic creation of all time—the first Roller Disco! SpringerOperaHouse.org
Columbus Clingstones Home Series at Synovus Park MAY 6-11
American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection at The Columbus Museum NOW-JULY 6
With over 100 works by renowned American artists such as Benjamin West, Thomas Cole, Mary Cassatt, Robert Henri and Charles Alston, this exhibition beautifully traces the evolution of American art over two centuries. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to experience masterworks of portraiture, landscape and still life that have previously been featured at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. ColumbusMuseum.com
Uptown Market Days NOW-NOVEMBER
Each Saturday, four blocks along Broadway host over 200 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends and visitors. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun. AlwaysUptown.com
Bells & Pomegranates: Jewish American Art from The Columbus Museum
Harris County Airport Open House MAY 17
Enjoy an exciting day in the beginning at 10 a.m. at the Harris County Airport. Enjoy complimentary plane rides (waiver required), bounce houses for the kids and helicopter rides available for purchase. PineMountain.org/event/harris-county-airport-open-house
Bring your lawn chairs to Midland Commons to enjoy the music, friends and food trucks starting at 6 p.m.
Volunteer Work Day at COMU MAY 8
Come enjoy a day of gardening in the beautiful and historic Bradley Olmsted Garden the second Thursday of every month from 8:30 AM to noon. Join in anytime during the morning. ColumbusMuseum.com
MaFest—A Black Bottom Experience at Liberty Theatre MAY 10-11
MaFest, the world’s newest music festival, where we celebrate “A Black Bottom Experience” through the transformative power of music. You will have a good foot stompin’ time hanging with your Ma at this inaugural festival in honor of Ma Rainey. MaMusicFest.com
Crossroads Folk Art Festival MAY 10
Enjoy live art demonstrations, talented and diverse folk-art creators/vendors, visits with like-minded friends from Pasaquan and the Alabama Museum of Wonder, plus a panel discussion featuring artists and collectors.
MAY 17
MidlandCommons.com
Run to Remember Memorial 5K at Fort Benning MAY 17
This annual run to make sure we honor and never forget those we have lost. Line up at 8 a.m. at Doughboy Stadium to memorialize our Fallen. Benning.armymwr.com/calendar/event/run-remember5k-memorial-run/6720793/95247
Columbus Community Orchestra Free Concerto Concert MAY 18
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at St. Mark Church Activity Center 6795 Whitesville Road. Visit the website for more information. Facebook.com/columbusgacommunityorchestra
Columbus Clingstones Home Series at Synovus Park MAY 20-25
Get your tickets to see the Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team play during this six game series against ColumbusCollectiveMuseums.com/crossroads-folk-art-festival the Montgomery Biscuits. Visit the website for tickets and the full season schedule. milb.com/columbus-clingstones
Midland Commons Concert Series— Dixie Red MAY 24
Bring your lawn chairs to Midland Commons to enjoy the music, friends and food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m. MidlandCommons.com
CHICAGO at RiverCenter
This captivating new exhibition by local artist Butch Anthony, features seven large-scale works crafted from bones. Blending natural history with artistic imagination, Anthony transforms skeletal remains into thought-provoking compositions that challenge perceptions of life, death and transformation.
MAY 13
ColumbusState.edu/bartlett-center
RiverCenter.org
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HighsideMarket.com
milb.com/columbus-clingstones
ColumbusMuseum.com
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This complimentary outdoor yoga session is open to adults of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, this is a great opportunity to unwind, stretch and connect with the community in a beautiful park setting.
Midland Commons Concert Series— River City Horns
This exhibition celebrates Jewish creatives' contributions to American art, drawing from the Columbus Museum’s collection. Inspired by a biblical reference to priestly garments, the exhibition features prints, drawings and objects exploring Jewish life, portraiture, landscapes and abstraction.
MAY 17 - AUGUST 15
MAY 14
Get your tickets to see the Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team play during this six game series against the Birmingham Barons. Visit the website for tickets and the full season schedule.
MAY 1 - AUGUST 10
The Persistence of Form in Life’s Remains at Bo Bartlett Center
Yoga at the Park at Highside Market
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
School’s Out for Summer Party at Highside Market MAY 29
Kick off summer in Daisy Park at Highside Market with an afternoon full of family fun! The $30 family ticket covers up to 2 adults (kids tickets are free) and includes 2 drink tickets per adult— use promo code “SUMMERBASH30” at checkout. HighsideMarket.com
Columbus United Football Club 2025 Schedule HOME GAMES
at Kinnett Stadium
5/17 Tennessee SC 5/24 Dothan United FC 6/4 Apotheos FC 6/7 Birmingham Legion II 6/11 East Atlanta FC 6/14 Asheville City FC 7/5 Montgomery United FC MidTown Bike Around
MAY 29
Beyond Go Figure at The Bo Bartlett Center
MidtownColumbusGa.org/bikearound
Beyond Go Figure was originally created to showcase and honor the many Board Members and Friends of the Center who are artists. This exhibition features works created by them as well as pieces produced by our local talent.
Join MidTown for a family friendly, 4-mile bicycle ride through the newly-built MLK Jr. section of the Dragonfly Trails and beautiful, historic MidTown, then join fellow riders for a complimentary drink after the ride at Jarfly.
JUNE 3-AUGUST 2
Phenix City Food Truck Friday
ColumbusState.edu/bartlett-center
Come to the Phenix City Lively Entertainment District between Broad Street and the Phenix City Riverwalk across from Public Safety Building from 6-9 p.m. to enjoy some great food and live music.
JUNE 7
MAY 30
The Official MED Gala
PhenixCityAL.gov
Celebrate the achievements of veteran physicians and their invaluable contributions to healthcare in nearby rural areas. Hosted by Physicians Working Together, this milestone event marks the 10-year anniversary of the organization while raising funds for their Medical Student Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships and mentorship to future medical professionals.
Bark and Blues Festival at Woodruff Park in Uptown MAY 31
This exciting festival is not just about great music and fun—it’s about making a difference. All proceeds from this event directly benefit Paws Humane Society, helping animals in need right here in our community. PawsHumane.org/bark-blues-festival
June
PhysiciansWorkingTogether.org/the-official-med-gala
Head to Midland Commons for a fun-filled day with Street Food Saturdays First Summer Market, taking place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. MidlandCommons.com
Columbus Clingstones Home Series at Synovus Park
Who will win the title of Miss Juneteenth? Ages 9-19 are eligible to compete for the various titles of Miss, Teen Miss, Junior Miss or Little Miss.
Get your tickets to see the Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team play during this six game series against the Knoxville Smokies. Visit the website for tickets and the full season schedule.
Facebook.com/juneteenthCSG2
Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations at RiverCenter JUNE 3
This smash-hit Broadway musical follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. RiverCenter.org
5/21 Birmingham Legion II 5/31 Athens FC 6/18 Montgomery United FC 6/21 Tennessee SC 6/25 Southern Soccer Academy 6/28 Dothan United FC 7/9 Apotheos FC
Columbus Clingstones Home Series at Synovus Park JUNE 24-29
Get your tickets to see the Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team play during this six game series against the Biloxi Shuckers. Visit the website for tickets and the full season schedule. milb.com/columbus-clingstones
Bingo at Highside Market JUNE 27
A fun-filled evening of Bingo in the Park in celebration of National Bingo Day! Bring your friends, grab a drink and settle in for classic bingo rounds, community vibes and exciting prizes. Whether you’re a bingo pro or just in it for the fun, everyone’s got a chance to win. HighsideMarket.com
July
Midland Commons and Street Food Callaway Gardens Star Spangled Saturdays Summer Market Beach Party JUNE 7
Inaugural Miss Juneteenth Columbus Pageant at Civic Center JUNE 1
AWAY GAMES
Viewing Parties at Daisy Park
JUNE 10-15
JULY 4
This annual kickoff to summer brings the return the world-renowned Master's Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament. While watching the competitors, enjoy the sun, sand and activities at the reopening of Robin Lake Beach. Enjoy live concerts followed by fireworks each night. CallawayGardens.org
milb.com/columbus-clingstones
MidTown Columbus' Tiny Stage Concert Series JUNE 14
Bring your chairs to the tiny stage at the red frame in Lakebottom Park for an entertaining afternoon musical performance. MidtownColumbusGa.org/midtowns-tiny-stage-concert-series
Midland Commons Concert Series— Relative Sound
Columbus Clingstones Home Series at Synovus Park
JULY 4-6
JUNE 14
Get your tickets to see the Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team play during this three game series against the Montgomery Biscuits. Visit the website for tickets and the full season schedule.
MidlandCommons.com
milb.com/columbus-clingstones
Bring your lawn chairs to Midland Commons to enjoy the music, friends and food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m.
M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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SONGS OF PASAQUAN by Brad Barnes • photos provided by Brad Barnes and Charley Windham
T
he latest album by the blues/rock act known as the Tedeschi Trucks Band, called I Am the Moon, is both sprawling and ambitious, with 24 tracks split over four records. Each platter was released on the date of consecutive full moons. Rolling Stone senior writer David Browne called it a “major rock-album statement,” upon its release in late 2022. Neither the sprawl nor the ambition would surprise fans. After all, the jammy, Grammy-winning act has always worn their gumbo of influences, from jazz to Southern rock, on their flannel sleeves. But there was a surprise lurking at the end of the first record for folks in our part of Georgia—a song called Pasaquan, in homage to the artistic sanctuary in nearby Buena Vista; a 12-minute slow-burn instrumental track in the vein of the Allman Brothers’ classic Mountain Jam. The song’s title wasn’t just name-dropping by the band. Pasaquan, the place and the spirit channeled by its envisioner, Eddie Owens Martin, is important to husband and wife bandleaders Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. Beginning in 1957, Martin spent more than two decades transforming a seven acre farmstead he inherited from his mother into a reflection of his vision of an otherworldly place—a vision given to him by a spirit, he said. He shaped curling walls and adorned them with scallops, created sculptural reliefs, terraced the grounds and painted most every cement surface with patterns like mandalas and cresting waves in the most vibrant colors. He began going by the name St. EOM (pronounced “ohm” in deference to the mantra “om”) and earned money by telling fortunes in the house, often wearing a ceremonial headdress, vibrant gown, tasseled boots and handmade wooden beads. Though Martin died in 1986, the place survived through forlorn decades thanks to the efforts of area enthusiasts and cultural preservationists. In 2014, the nonprofit 14
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On March 22, “Keepin’ the Song” A Rock Concert for Pasaquan took place on the grounds. The four bands that performed were Pylon Reenactment Society, Subsonics, Token Hearts and W8IN4UFOS
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Kohler Foundation assumed ownership under an ambitious plan to restore the site to peak condition before transferring the deed to Columbus State University, which maintains the site today. Martin and his psychedelic Disneyland had been on the radar of Tedeschi and Trucks for years. “Visually it’s overwhelming, and his concepts are overwhelming,” Trucks said in an interview promoting the Moon records. “It was one of the few safe havens for, like, the freaks.” Though Tedeschi didn’t co-write the song Pasaquan, the place clearly impacted her, as she acutely describes St. EOM’s philosophy: “Pasaquan is actually this Utopian society, where all the people get along, and there’s a lot of variety—so the people are not all from one culture,” she said. “And so, in a perfect way, it’s sort of like what you would hope heaven would be, where everyone lives in perfect peace and harmony.” Gearing up for the release, the band drove their tour buses to Pasaquan to soak up as much of the place as they could, and it 16
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shows. They shot music videos and album-themed films on site, and their promotional photos were taken with Pasaquan’s DayGlo artwork in the background.
For the Colonel
Though based in Jacksonville, Florida, Trucks and Tedeschi have a farm near Macon and have many connections to middle Georgia. Trucks is the nephew of founding Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks, and Derek paid his dues as guitarist with the Macon-based Allmans, for 15 years. He was about 11 years old when he met Atlanta’s venerable jam-rock giant Col. Bruce Hampton, a longtime Pasaquan devotee, and he recalls “The Colonel” showing him video clips of Martin showing off the home. The couple discreetly visited Pasaquan for the first time as they were building up material for the ambitious set of records. And soon after, Tedeschi started mailing small checks for
“Pasaquan is actually this Utopian society, where all the people get along, and there’s a lot of variety—so the people are not all from one culture. And so, in a perfect way, it’s sort of like what you would hope heaven would be, where everyone lives in perfect peace and harmony.”
-Susan Tedeschi
TOP: The Tedeschi Trucks Band poses at Pasaquan RIGHT: Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi pose among the walls of Pasaquan
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Pasaquan to Columbus State, every few months, always in the same specific amount with repeating numbers down to the decimals. “It was for an odd amount,” said Mike McFalls, the CSU art professor who serves as Pasaquan’s director. “And then in the memo, it says ‘For The Colonel’.” A few months later, the band pitched filming at Pasaquan for a weekend, and the university agreed. Pasaquan project coordinator Charles Fowler toured the band and crew through the site, and they were “immediately receptive to the place,” he said. Derek and several band members were filming in Pasaquan’s circular ceremonial sand pit, and Fowler was off to the side, chatting with Tedeschi. “She said they usually don’t shoot music videos, but they really wanted to shoot it here.” 18
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The second day of filming was a long one, starting at 7 a.m. and running on into dark. “We built a fire pit in the back, and we listened to a lot of Alice Coletrane, until 1:00 a.m.”
Siren Song
Pasaquan has long been a beacon to artists in all media. Its musical ties seem particularly strong. “There’s not much more rock ’n’ roll than being an outsider artist like St. EOM,” said Annie Moye, chairwoman of the Pasaquan Preservation Society. “He wasn’t interested in the traditions that were being passed down. He wanted to go out in the world and find something brighter, something more interesting—something that wasn’t local. I think that really appeals to musicians.”
TOP: Michael Stipe taking photos on a visit to Pasaquan in the 1980s. LEFT: Stipe and friend Jeff Gilley visit with St. EOM at Pasaquan in the 1980s. RIGHT: Stipe recently checked out some St. EOM work in a gallery.
“There’s not much more rock ‘n’ roll than being an outside artist like St. EOM.” -Annie Moye R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe visited the place in the mid-1980s. (McFalls said it is rumored that the band considered shooting the video for their first single, “Radio Free Europe,” on site in 1983, but ended up filming at Howard Finster’s Paradise Gardens, in Summerville, instead.) As an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, Stipe studied photography and painting, making Pasaquan a potential wonderland of inspiration, and he seems to have always been drawn to the region’s folk artists—collaborating with Finster to make the cover for 1994’s “Reckoning,” for instance. Still, the band’s level of fame when Stipe visited Pasaquan was modest. “Scotty Stewart, who was Eddie’s assistant, thought Michael Stipe was from REO Speedwagon,” Moye said. “And St. EOM, afterward, said that he looked like Rod Stewart.” Lonnie Holley and the Chickasaw Mudd Puppies were among renowned artists who recorded songs for a limitededition vinyl record to raise funds for Pasaquan in 2021. Vanessa Briscoe Hay, a member of the venerable Athens band Pylon and her new act, Pylon Reenactment Society, was the headliner of a four-band concert at the site on March 22. Fittingly, they played the classic Pylon tune Crazy, made famous when R.E.M.’s cover of the song landed on the Dead Letter Office album. James Ogburn and Scott Wilkerson even composed an opera about Pasaquan in 2017. “The place draws artists—Southern artists, especially,” McFalls said. “Eddie is way ahead of his time. Here he is, the queer wizard from New York City who ends up in Buena Vista, Georgia. He’s talking about ideas of gender-fluid beings. I mean, and he started this in 1956, right? And he has this ability to build his own world. It’s the Jim Crow era but during a really repressive time in the South, and he built his own world with his own gods and his own temples, and he kind of lives the lifestyle he wants to live. And there’s a certain amount of freedom with that.” It’s questionable how successful Martin’s parents were as farmers, but there’s little doubt of the place’s artistic fertility. And the song that now bears its name is, in the words of famed rock writer David Fricke, “an exultant trip that takes in vintage Allmans, the spiritual mid-Sixties John Coltrane and the Afro-jazz turbulence of Santana’s Caravanserai.” It’s a safe bet that the tune would bring a smile to Martin’s face. —————————————————————————————— — Learn more about Pasaquan at ColumbusState.edu/ pasaquan or follow Friends of Pasaquan on social media. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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“COLUM B U S’ MOST TRU S T E D AND CE RTIF IE D B ODY SH O P ” 1919 Veterans Pkwy. 7657 Veterans Pkwy. 6976 Flat Rock Rd. (706) 322-0676 (706) 321-1257 (762) 349-2277
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Valley Business Insider
by Tyson Begly
The Smart Play:
Why Columbus’ Stadium Investment was a No-Brainer
I
’m thrilled to kick off this business column for Columbus and the Valley magazine! My goal is simple: to break down important financial and economic topics in a way that makes sense to everyone—whether you’re a business owner, a taxpayer or just someone curious about how big decisions shape our community.
Let’s break it down: • Year-round events and entertainment • The city financed the project with a that draw visitors and increase local $50 million bond, with payments of spending. $4.1 million per year for 20 years. While it’s tough to put a dollar value on • The development around the these benefits, their impact on quality of stadium—new businesses, restaurants, life is undeniable. hotels and housing—is projected to The Bigger Picture: generate $4.5 million of new revenue Smart Investments vs. from property, sales and other taxes Wasted Money A Game-Changer for Columbus to go towards those $4.1 million bond Now that the Columbus Clingstones Of course, not every stadium project is payments. are in full swing, it’s the perfect time to a smart investment. Some cities build new • Once the bond is paid off, the city talk about a decision that shaped their keeps collecting those new revenues stadiums without triggering development, home—Synovus Park. Back when I was on indefinitely—extra funds that can be meaning they’re stuck with debt and no City Council, I voted “yes” on a $50 million new revenue. That’s why doing the math used to benefit the city. renovation to the stadium, a decision that upfront—understanding where the return In finance, we look at terminal value— passed by just one vote. comes from—is so important. the long-term benefit of an investment As a CFO with a background in finance The idea of strategic investment isn’t beyond the initial forecasting period. In and investments, I love evaluating whether this case, once the bond is fully paid off, the unique to Columbus. On a national scale, big projects actually pay off. And in this we see federal leaders making similar city keeps collecting those new revenues case, the math was clear: this wasn’t just decisions—cutting unnecessary costs while indefinitely, funding priorities such as about baseball. It was about return on public safety, roads and other vital services investing in high-value projects like the investment—and not just for the stadium, for years to come. BEAD broadband program, nuclear power but for the entire city. Of course, financial projections aren’t infrastructure, and the Stargate project. The always perfect. That’s why it’s crucial to key isn’t just cutting costs—it’s spending Investing vs. Spending: consider scenarios where results fall short wisely so that investments generate more The Key Difference value down the road. of expectations. Even if actual revenues A lot of people see a $50 million price tag around the stadium turn out lower than and think, “Why spend money when the projected, the investment still remains What Do You Think? city has other pressing needs?” That’s a fair positive in the long run due to the I hope this breakdown helped make question. But here’s the key distinction: an substantial terminal value. a complex financial decision easier investment is not the same as an expense. Keep in mind that those numbers don’t to understand. If you have feedback, An expense is necessary spending, like include the additional revenue that would suggestions or topics you’d like me to cover fixing potholes or paying city workers, go to the schools. Georgia Tech forecasted in future columns, I’d love to hear from you! but it doesn’t create new revenue. An a net $2.2 million benefit to the schools Email ContactUs@ColumbusandtheValley.com. investment, on the other hand, grows over annually. And in the meantime, I hope you’ll time—bringing in more money than it head out to Synovus Park to support our Beyond the Numbers: costs. And that’s exactly what happened Columbus Clingstones. Go ‘Stones! The Hidden Investment with the stadium. Some benefits are harder to quantify, but The Real ROI: they still matter: It’s Not About Baseball • Long-term job creation in hospitality, The real value of the stadium renovation retail and tourism. isn’t just baseball. The stadium itself • Increased housing supply via new is the catalyst—it’s what triggers new housing developments. development, which in turn increases • A revitalized South Commons area, property values, creates jobs and drives making Columbus a more attractive economic growth. place to live. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 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.
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The Magazine of Record, for the Record (A Brief History of Columbus and the Valley)
by Doug Gillett
“I
had been to Macon and other places that had city magazines and thought Columbus ought to have one, too,” Alice Robertson said in 2011. “I, very stupidly, thought I could pull it off.” Not so stupidly after all, it turns out. When Alice spoke those words, the magazine she founded, Columbus and the Valley, had already survived 20 years and one change of ownership. Since then, it’s lasted through another ownership change and another 14 years (and counting). How, in an era of trial and tribulation for print media, has the magazine not just survived, but thrived? The same way Columbus itself has thrived during that time: By not trying to be something it isn’t. By instead celebrating what makes Columbus and the region special, unique,
even a little quirky. That work hasn’t always been easy, and it certainly hasn’t been glamorous, but it certainly seems to have been rewarding—for both the employees who’ve done the work and the readers who’ve enjoyed it for more than three decades.
The Beginning
For the record, no, Alice Robertson wasn’t even a little bit stupid. She entered the publishing business carefully, only after consulting with numerous people around Columbus. But she might’ve been the slightest bit headstrong, too. “Most of the people I talked to said, ‘Don’t do it,’ or ‘It will never succeed,’” she recalled in 2011. But one of the people who wholeheartedly endorsed the idea was Sam
Wellborn, then the president of CB&T (now Columbus), who pledged his company’s advertising support. W.C. Bradley, The Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital weren’t far behind. With backing from those respected local institutions—and from her inheritance—Alice acquired some office space on 13th Street in Columbus, not far from Lakebottom Park, and published the first issue of Columbus and the Valley in spring 1992. That first issue was as Columbus as Columbus could be. The cover shot was azaleas and dogwoods, shot by longtime community leader Otis Burnham. Dusty Wellborn, Sam’s wife, wrote about renovating one of Columbus’ historic homes. G. Gunby Jordan II, head of the Jordan Company, wrote about the Southern M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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Open golf tournament, which had just gained Buick as a sponsor and was on the verge of moving to Callaway Gardens. And, of course, there was a dining guide, an arts section and photos of all the recent society goings-on. According to Alice, response from the community was resoundingly positive overall—though she did have to field her share of complaints. Some commented negatively on the magazine’s lack of “serious journalism.” Alice occasionally got harangued by some less enlightened readers for highlighting black leaders and other people of color who were trying to uplift their communities. And anytime there was an error in the local events calendar, she’d hear about it. The criticism, though, never distracted Alice from her vision or her mission. “I wanted it to be a diary for Columbus,” she explained. “It was never supposed to be a news magazine. It was a magazine about people, our culture, the way we live and how we need to change.”
The Drive to Continue
As rewarding as it was, the work of producing and managing a bimonthly magazine was also grueling—particularly for someone who was living with multiple sclerosis. Alice had been diagnosed a year before the first issues of Columbus and the Valley rolled off the presses, and after 10 years of ups, downs and 70-hour work weeks, her suffering was evident. Her husband Richard even said the magazine was “killing” her. Alice agreed it was time to sell the publication, but she still intended to be picky about the buyer. “I didn’t want to sell it to someone out of town,” she declared. “I didn’t want it to go to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and be shipped back here by people who don’t know anything about Columbus.” Fortunately, Mike Venable and Jill Tigner knew quite a bit about Columbus, having been born and raised in the Chattahoochee Valley. They also knew quite a bit about publishing. They’d met while enjoying successful careers in ad sales for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, and one of their first acts as a married couple was purchasing Phenix City’s weekly newspaper, The Phenix Citizen, in 1995. They’d grown the paper quickly, adding staff, advertisers and a section called 24
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GoodNews focusing on Smiths Station and other rapidly growing communities in eastern Lee County. (They’d even grown the paper’s offices on Broad Street, building an addition onto the back of the building so they’d have a place to sleep when work ran into the wee hours.) The courtship between Alice and Mike and Jill lasted nearly a year. When Alice first approached them in 2000, Jill says they were too busy to run Columbus and the Valley and The Citizen simultaneously. Alice proposed a partnership, but again Mike and Jill demurred. Finally, toward the end of the year, Alice named a price, and they decided that both the timing and the price were right. By that time, “We weren’t worried about publishing both the magazine and the newspaper ... because we believed it would be a good fit for our family,” Jill says. “Though the content was different— city and mostly feature stories, versus hard news and features—we knew that publishing six issues a year would be a piece of cake compared to 52 issues of the newspaper.”
Alice Robertson
(pictured in 2011) Published the first issue of Columbus and the Valley in 1992.
Enter: Mike & Jill
Mike and Jill made their mark on Columbus and the Valley just as they had with The Citizen, executing a visual redesign, upping the print quality and building partnerships with businesses and non-profits, even producing special sections and annual reports for them on occasion. Their first such special section, Jill recalls, was for the City of Columbus; the annual report for the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley and Columbus Water Works are still an annual fixtures in the March/April issue. They also launched a companion publication, Valley Parent, whose bimonthly publication schedule alternated with Columbus and the Valley’s. (So much for the ease of only publishing six issues a year.) In 2002, they sold The Citizen back to its original founders so they could focus on magazines full time. Even under new management, though, the overall editorial tenor of Columbus and the Valley remained true to Alice’s vision—highlighting what was unique, engaging and uplifting about the Columbus area and its colorful cast of characters. “One of the most fun things about working for a magazine is meeting
Jill Tigner & Mike Venable (pictured in 2011) Purchased Columbus and the Valley in 2001 and became co-editors.
Jodi & Gerald Saunders Purchased the magazine from Mike and Jill in January 2023. Jodi has been the editor ever since.
people and telling their stories,” Jill says. “One story that stands out is the local chapter of the Single Action Shooting Society, an international organization that preserves and promotes the sport of cowboy action shooting. The club member that came for the photo shoot looked like he’d just stepped off the set of ‘Gunsmoke,’ and we shot the cover in Historic Columbus’ log cabin in the Historic District. Mike also relished the opportunity to continue one of Alice’s biggest passion projects: chronicling the revitalization of downtown Columbus. From the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to the adaptive re-use of the old mill buildings to the urban whitewater course on the Chattahoochee River—still the world’s longest—he and Jill ensured that the magazine would be there to build support, cover the construction and celebrate the triumphant completion. Even for Chattahoochee Valley natives like Mike and Jill, such projects were educational, and uplifting, experiences. “Other than getting to work with so many people that I’d never met, I think the biggest revelation was the strength
of Columbus’ philanthropy,” Jill says. “This is a very generous place, and when something needs to happen here—whether it’s building a performing arts center or reclaiming the river for recreation—the public-private partnerships are forged and it happens. It’s been exciting to watch and so much fun to write about.”
proud to call my neighbors,” Jodi says. “I’ve had the good fortune to take up that mantle in the midst of an incredible resurgence for Columbus, and knowing the vision of its leaders and the determination of its people, I’m confident it will continue. And it is a privilege to be able to proclaim that news from these pages.” Not everyone who made their mark on The Magazine Today Columbus and the Valley is still here to As successful as the magazine had enjoy what their labors have helped create. become, health concerns would once again Alice Robertson died in the spring of 2014; Mike Venable’s battle with cancer ended the prompt a reckoning. In 2009, Mike was day after Christmas 2023. But their efforts, diagnosed with the cancer that he would and their love for Columbus and its people, battle for the rest of his life; when Jill received her own cancer diagnosis in 2022, live on in each new issue. In the first issue of Columbus and the they decided together it was time to sell the Valley, Alice Robertson wrote, “The magazine and begin a new chapter. Like pleasures and beauties of Columbus and their predecessor, they were fortunate to find the Chattahoochee Valley are subtle, more an eager buyer right in their own backyard— Southern and natural than cosmopolitan Jodi Saunders, who had worked briefly at and contrived. ” For all the sweeping change the magazine in 2004. It was one of her first the region has experienced in the 33 years jobs in Columbus after coming to the U.S. since, her statement remains true—and from her native Warrington, England, about though the magazine has likewise gone halfway between Liverpool and Manchester. through plenty of change in that period, its “It’s a big responsibility, but an even commitment to celebrating that beauty and bigger joy, to be putting a spotlight on a uniqueness remains as strong as ever. city I’ve truly come to love and people I’m
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Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant C E L E B R AT E S 8 0 Y E A R S
by Natalie Downey
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his year, the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Its history follows many twists and turns, but some of the foundational roots of the competition have always been right here in Columbus. Though the Miss Georgia competition is an entity in and of itself, its history is intertwined in many ways with the history of the Miss America competition. Originally begun as a concept to keep tourists in Atlantic City, New Jersey past Labor Day, the Miss America competition was founded as a marketing tool in 1923. It included representatives from many, but not all states, and was a state fair organization-sponsored competition, with its main event being the swimsuit competition. As the competition, originally known as a pageant, grew in popularity, there was a movement to get the sponsorship out of the state fair circuit and into community groups, specifically, the groups known as the Jaycees. In 1944, Columbus’ Jaycee President B. Ed Johnson signed a contract with Miss America committing the Columbus Jaycees to hosting the first and subsequent Miss Georgia pageants in Columbus. In 1945, the first Miss Georgia pageant was held at Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Their biggest challenge that
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year was finding enough women to compete in the pageant and hoping the weather would hold up for their outdoor competition. That year, the first winner of the first Miss Georgia pageant was Columbus’ own Doris Coker. Since 1945, Georgia has had a representative each year in the Miss America pageant. In 1964, the pageant circuit went through another change, this time to form a corporation. The local Jaycee group had come to love their experience working with Miss Georgia, so they formed the Miss Georgia Corporation. In 2018, the state license to operate was awarded to Trina Pruitt, and Miss Georgia is now headquartered in LaGrange, while the competition still takes place in Columbus each year. In that same year, the name of the pageant was changed to the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition. For the past four years, the Miss Georgia competition has held a nonprofit status along with their incorporation status. The competition was in a state of transition when Pruitt received the state license. “We started out with nothing,” she explains, “We were trying to figure out how to keep it all in Columbus. My board took it from $0 in the bank to raising the funds to offer $54,000 in scholarships.” She recalls the hard work her team put in during the transitional phase, as she explains, “That year we went to Miss America, and Miss Georgia was first runner up.” Her team’s hard work had paid off. From that point on, the competition has continued to grow. “Every year since, we’ve been in the top eleven and our contestants are doing some big things. I’m very proud of our board and contestants and what they’ve accomplished.” The growth and evolution of the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition included the addition of the Miss Georgia teen competition, which has expanded to currently include 98 contestants. Additionally, phases of the competition have evolved over the years, with the most notable change being the transition of the original swimsuit competition into the Lifestyle and Fitness competition. A movement to celebrate women, the competition has evolved along with its contestants. In 1950, Miss Alabama Yolanda Betbeze refused to be photographed in a swimsuit. She’s 30
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reported to have stated, “I’m an opera singer, not a pinup!” From that point on, Miss America made a rule that winners cannot be photographed in a swimsuit. The swimsuit phase of the competition was dropped in 2019 and replaced by a fitness routine. Trina Pruitt, CEO and Executive Director of the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition explains the importance of physical fitness and its relevance to the job of holding the title of Miss Georgia, “You have to be healthy mentally and physically to do the job. You’re a mentor women look up to.” Today, contestants participate in several phases of competition including Gown, Personal Interview, Fitness, and a phase called “Her Story,” formerly known as the Talent phase. This phase evolved to be more inclusive with the understanding that not every contestant has a specific talent to showcase. Now, contestants are allowed to share a personal monologue if they prefer during this phase. “They do a lot of talking,” laughs Pruitt. In the late 1980s, another transition took place as each contestant was required to have a “cause” or community platform that they actively volunteered to support and represent. Contestants throughout the years have worked with causes such as Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs and some have developed their own programs. As part of the informal competition, contestants have to submit portfolios showcasing their involvement with the organization they’ve chosen. For many, their choice is a personal one. “It’s original and genuine, and the stories that come out of it are inspiring,” Pruitt explains. “Many of them choose an organization to support based on their life experiences. They work very hard to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives.” The phase of the competition that carries the most weight is the personal interview. “Contestants are actually competing for a job,” explains board member Billy Kendall. Kendall has served on the Miss Georgia board of directors since 1982 and now serves as the official historian and liaison for “Forever” (former) Miss Georgias. As Kendall points out, "winning the Miss Georgia title isn’t just a prestigious recognition, it’s a commitment to serve as a role model for life." And, as such, scholarships are offered to winners to
“Winning the Miss Georgia title isn’t just a prestigious recognition, it’s a commitment to serve as a role model for life.” -Billy Kendall
From Miss Georgia to Miss America
Neva Jane Langley MISS GEORGIA 1952 MISS AMERICA 1953
Betty Cantrell MISS GEORGIA 2015 MISS AMERICA 2016
enable their continued pursuit of success. Kendall proudly lists the success stories that have come out of the Miss Georgia winners: with three practicing attorneys, one practicing orthodontist, five physicians, two classroom teachers, an Emmy award-nominated actress, and many entertainers, news anchors and business owners. “It’s a very subjective deal to be in the competition,” Pruitt says. “You learn a lot about yourself. We emphasize sisterhood, and contestants learn that winning isn’t everything. A lot of the contestants don’t win crowns, but they walk away with more confidence, social skills, interview skills and life skills.” Miss Georgia partners with organizations relevant to their mission. Their partnership with the American Heart Association raises awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. And their partnership with Global Game Changers offers students in schools initiatives for developing social skills and tactics for navigating the social world at school. The 80th anniversary of Miss Georgia celebration planning is underway, with plans for the Friday prior to the competition to be a special “Meet the Crowns” event in Columbus with mayor Skip Henderson. Wednesday, June 11, will feature the preliminaries
on stage at Columbus’ RiverCenter, and the final competition will take place on Saturday, June 14. “Competing on stage at the RiverCenter is an experience on many of the girls’ bucket list,” Pruitt explains. This year, Miss Georgia has invested in a new stage with LED lights and will once again work with Janda Earnest of Company C Academy of Dance for their production. “Our production in itself is a performance, along with the competition,” Pruitt says. “Janda’s work never ceases to amaze me. We’re very proud of our production.” From a swimsuit competition designed to keep tourists in Atlantic City to a community servicefocused initiative, the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition has evolved over the years to support women in leadership roles and offer opportunities for growth within the community. This year’s winners will receive a total of $25,000 in educational scholarships and the opportunity to compete on a national level. Many contestants go on to develop life skills and pursue careers that will better their communities.
LEFT: Sandy Talley (Miss Georgia 1960) riding on the Georgia float at JFK’s presidential inauguration parade. MIDDLE: Samantha Mohr (Miss Georgia 1985) being crowned by Camille Bentley (Miss Georgia 1984) RIGHT: Columbus native Chasity Hardman (Miss Georgia 2008 and Miss America Runner-Up) with Danica Tisdale (Miss Georgia 2004)
Special thanks to Billy Kendall for an outline of the competition’s history.
————————————————————————— For more info and tickets to the upcoming Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition at RiverCenter, visit MissGeorgia.net.
Read Online!
Read this issue and access our archives at
ColumbusAndTheValley.com/issues M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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WOMEN @ WORK
GENTLE DENTISTRY OF COLUMBUS
Devon Paris Krawchyk, DMD Owner
H
elping others with their oral health runs deep in Dr. Paris’ family. Inspired by her father, a respected Endodontist in town, she has carried that legacy forward—now proudly leading her own thriving private dental practice, Gentle Dentistry of Columbus. Relocating her office from across town to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility was no small feat. As both the practicing dentist and the owner, Dr. Paris wears many hats. Yet despite the challenges, she is deeply committed to creating an environment where patients feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. For Dr. Paris, the heart of the practice and what truly makes it special is the team. “There is absolutely no way I could do any of this without them,” she says. “Their commitment, positivity, and teamwork inspire me every day—not just as a dentist, but as a leader and person. With everyone’s help we have built a culture of collaboration that extends to our patient care. Our days are not all just work either, we try to squeeze in some fun too.” Having multiple dentists on staff allows the team to consult on complex cases and ensure patients receive the most comprehensive, high-quality care possible. “Our ability to work together on treatment planning elevates the level of service we provide. It is a win for everyone— especially our patients.” Whether you are new to the area, a busy parent looking for an office who can see you all in the same hour, or someone looking for a dental home where compassion meets clinical excellence, you will find all of these things at Gentle Dentistry of Columbus. Adv.
Christina H. Cox, DMD
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r. Christina Cox “completely fell in love” with her chosen career back in high school at her first-ever job working in a dental office as a sterilization tech. So it’s no surprise she began practicing in 2006 after graduating from University of AlabamaBirmingham’s Dental School, where she attended after earning a B.S. degree in Biomedical Services from Auburn. Her family, husband Shawn, kids Bentley (14) and Noah (12) share a deep Christian faith that inspired Cox’s mission trip to provide dental care back in college and today inspires her donated time and talent to dental-outreach programs and the Alabama Food Bank. “Volunteering is a passion of mine,” she says. “My approach is one that stems from integrity and compassion. The smallest touches make all the difference! Spending the time necessary with each patient to connect and understand both their dental needs as well as their emotional needs.” Besides the anxiety so many face in regard to seeing a dentist, insurance companies pose the biggest challenge in her job. “I feel insurance companies purposefully mislead and avoid transparency with their clients,” she says. “So many patients are led astray by their plan details which results in large out-of pocket fees and financial burden.” However, this concern just illustrates what inspires Dr. Cox—caring for her patients. “To provide excellent patient care to our wonderful community,” she explains of her purpose as a dentist. “To develop relationships with patients that build trust and a long standing relationship as their dental provider.” Adv.
Awaz Yaseen, DMD
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“
entistry is so much more than fixing teeth—it’s about building trust, restoring confidence and helping people live healthier, happier lives,” says Dr. Awaz Yaseen, a native of Dalton, Georgia, who earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. “I feel incredibly grateful to be in a profession that allows me to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives every day.” A sports and outdoors enthusiast who loves to read and paint, she makes her impact through work as an associate dentist for Gentle Dentistry as well as donating her time and talent for the indigent-care mission of MercyMed in Columbus. Beyond her “deep desire” to help others, Dr. Yaseen was drawn to dentistry for its “unique blend of science and art.” “Balancing the technical precision of dentistry with empathy, reassurance and education is incredibly rewarding,” she explains. “Witnessing the transformative power of a healthy smile and the confidence it can bring was incredibly inspiring.” Yaseen describes her approach as “rooted in patient-centered care that is personalized, evidence-based and gentle. I believe in treating the whole person, not just their teeth.” Inspired to care for her patients with such a philosophy has proven to be mutually beneficial: “Dental anxiety often causes people to delay treatment, which can lead to more serious and complex issues,” she says. “Helping them reclaim their confidence and oral health is truly one of the greatest joys of my work.” Adv.
500 Brookstone Centre Pkwy., Bldg. 30 • New Patients 706-321-4330 • Existing Patients 706-322-6551 • GentleDentistryofColumbus.com 32
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WOMEN @ WORK
Brooke Neville Executive Director, Steeplechase at Callaway
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he Chattahoochee Valley has gained a vibrant new presence with the arrival of Brooke Neville, her husband Josh, and their children Addalyn and Lincoln. Their family’s move to Columbus from North Atlanta four years ago marks a fresh chapter after the hardship of losing their small business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “That journey of loss was undoubtedly difficult, but it also gave me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability and the profound importance of community support,” says the eloquent Florida State alum. She credits Fort Benning and The Wynn House, where she previously served as Executive Director, with providing her family “an opportunity to rebuild” and expresses gratitude “for the welcoming embrace of the Columbus community.” Now, she has taken on a new opportunity as the Executive Director of Steeplechase at Callaway. “Now, I pinch myself everyday that I get to work alongside the Steeplechase team and the Lampton family,” Brooke says. Under the vision of community leaders and Steeplechase enthusiasts Mason H. Lampton and his son, Mason Hardaway Lampton, Steeplechase at Callaway has become a cherished tradition for 40-plus years and a critical source of financial support for area arts organizations. A festive, elegant affair held amid the glorious autumnal splendor of Pine Mountain, Steeplechase benefits The Columbus Museum, Historic Columbus, Rivercenter for Performing Arts, The Springer Opera House, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Callaway Gardens. “This isn’t just a donation,” Brooke states, “it’s an investment in the creative spirit of the Chattahoochee Valley.” The best part of Neville's job is hearing all the colorful stories from people who share their personal memories and past experiences, she says. "I love the stories about the very first year—a total washout with everyone in fancy dresses and hats trying not to wipe out in the mud!" While mindful of the past, Brooke keeps a sharp focus on the future. "I believe we can significantly enhance Steeplechase by engaging younger audiences, attracting new sponsors, deepening our roots within the community, and extending our charitable influence." She is also hyper-focused on enhancing the guest experience, ensuring that this beloved tradition continues to thrive and create cherished memories for years to come. "We want to keep you guessing with anticipation: ‘What’s next year going to bring?’” New for 2025, Steeplechase has pushed its typical first Saturday in November Race Day back two weeks to November 15th this year (to avoid conflicting with another Steeplechase). A digital ticketing system also debuts this year that allows racegoers the ability to select their exact spot they want from a map, most of which are renewable annually, and be admitted into the grounds with a smartphone scan. Attendees can also look forward to expanded food and beverage options as well as enhancements to the infield, traffic-flow and the family-friendly Kids Corral attraction this year. “Taking the reins of an event with such a rich 40-year history is both an honor and a significant responsibility,” Brooke says when asked about
what she feels is the toughest aspect of her new leadership role. "I am honored to follow the incredible legacy built by all the past Executive Directors and most recently the work of Mitchi Wade and Carroll Pound. All the past race directors, every committee member, and volunteer have shown unwavering commitment to perfecting this event. Filling their shoes is by far the greatest challenge." For the past 20 years, Brooke has actively worked with women's ministries and other organizations to help women in different communities recognize, value, and express their unique talents and contributions, a cause she feels deeply passionate about. She is honored to be among the women featured in Women at Work.” Adv. ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
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WOMEN @ WORK
Libba Dillon
Senior Interior Designer, Malone Office Environments
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riven and collaborating. Those are the words Libba Dillon believes that customers and colleagues alike would use to describe her. Chances are, they’d be right. Since 2009, Dillon, 38, has worked for Columbus’ Malone Office Environments, assisting local companies, ranging from Piedmont Columbus Regional and Mercer Medical School to W.C. Bradley Co. and Synovus, creating workspaces that perfectly wed form and function. It’s a career—a talent—Dillon learned at an early age. “I think it goes back to my grandmother and the way I grew up,” said Dillon, who is the head interior designer and sales executive of furniture sales at Malone. “When I was growing up, I loved watching my grandmother, especially decorating her house and how she set up her house for entertaining. It really inspired me to want to do that for myself.” However, interior design for businesses was not how Dillon envisioned her career playing out. “I sometimes laugh when I think back to graduating from college,” said Dillon, who graduated from Auburn in 2009. “I thought I was going to be doing high-end residential and didn’t put much thought into the commercial side of the industry.” However, Sam Buracker, owner of Malone Office Environments, took a chance on her, offering her a job even before she’d graduated from Auburn’s design program. “He hired me without me knowing anything about office furniture, and now I feel like I could write a book,” Dillon said. Buracker recognized talent when he saw it. “She just has a knack, she has good taste, just has an eye for it,” he said. “She never lets the customer down, which builds loyalty. Then ultimately, they like to buy from her, which keeps them coming back.” In addition to her skills as an interior designer, Dillon is also a great salesperson, who works well as a member of the Malone team. “It is also very rewarding when I get to work on projects that have a substantial impact on improving the community of Columbus.” “Amazing,” Buracker said. “She’s played a great role in helping me grow the business. She comes in every day with a great attitude and is just a pleasure to work with.”
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But that’s not to suggest that even a job she loves doesn’t come with certain challenges. “One of the most challenging parts of working at Malone’s in our role in the furniture department is trying to get the word out there that they can purchase the same thing from us,” she said. “We can help you create your space locally versus competing with the Amazons of the world. “Malone Office Environments has been around for almost 100 years, and just celebrated its 90th year, and we are constantly evolving to try to keep up and compete with the internet because it has changed the entire business. “There are so many details that it is so easy to make mistakes if you are not paying close attention,” Libba said. “Also, the logistics can be challenging when you have an install, and ordering from multiple manufacturers, you have to make sure all those dates align to have the perfect outcome.” When it comes to her favorite part of the job, for Dillon it’s all about the end result. “I find a lot of joy collaborating with different designers, architects and clients,” she said. “Planning a project and finally seeing it come to life is a great feeling.” Dillon lives in the very same house that her grandmother once took such pride in decorating. When she’s not at work, she is all about spending time with her husband, Will, two boys, Wells and Graves, and dogs, Piper and Ellis. They are the fourth generation of her family to call Overlook home. That’s just a microcosm of the deep roots that Dillon has within the community, and they extend into everything she does. In addition to working at Malone and owning Park Place Interiors in Midtown, Dillon has invested in Fountain City Coffee, owned with her brother, Jud Richardson, and Libba’s husband, Will, and also owns an offshoot of Malone’s that specializes in floor coverings. As a result of
all her endeavors, Libba was named the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. In October 2021, Dillon was named one of Columbus and the Valley’s Five Under 40, and in October 2024 she was named as a Brookstone Distinguished Alumni. She’s also involved in local fundraising efforts for MidTown Mingle, Steeplechase and Brookstone School. In the Spring of 2024, she was a dancer for the local Alzheimer Association’s Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, where she raised the third highest amount of $47,415. She was dancing for her paternal grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. “I LOVE COLUMBUS!” she said. “I grew up in the same neighborhood where I am currently raising my children. I grew up with both sets of my grandparents around the corner. “I went to Brookstone from 4K through senior year and developed very strong relationships with my classmates—many of whom have moved back to Columbus. We are still close and now raising our own children together.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Libba 706-322-2513 1345 13th Ave. MaloneOffice.com
WOMEN @ WORK
Ashley Valentini Mortgage Area Sales Leader and Vice President, Synovus Bank
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ne might say that Ashley Valentini was born for sales. The Columbus native grew up with a mother who was—“and is”—one of the top realtors in the Columbus market. “Though I will say,” Valentini adds, “that my first paper in fourth grade was how I would never be a realtor.” Instead, Valentini joined Synovus Bank in 1998 first as a mortgage banker, leading to a role as a market manager, and eventually transitioning into the position of Area Sales Leader for Middle and South Georgia, Middle Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Over the years, she has overseen all mortgage bankers and their assistants in these locations. She continues to personally produce, which not only keeps her informed about all guidelines but ensures that she’s well-equipped to support and lead her team effectively. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing families achieve the American dream, especially those who may have initially felt it was out of reach,” Valentini said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling
to play a part in helping individuals secure their dream of homeownership.” Which isn’t to say that there aren’t still challenges like navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape while also ensuring her team meets and exceeds sales goals. “Balancing compliance requirements with the fast-paced nature of the industry can be demanding,” she said, “but it’s a challenge that keeps me motivated and constantly learning.” Over her 25-year career with Synovus, Valentini has come to appreciate the importance of working for a company that values its culture, outstanding customer service and plentiful opportunities for career growth. The welcoming atmosphere, focus on teamwork and dedication to customer satisfaction made it feel like the perfect fit for me,” she said. “This company and the employees are family to me,” she said. “Synovus truly values their employees, creating a fun and supportive environment where you can thrive.” It seems to be working for Valentini, who’s a
mother of two “with a granddaughter on the way.” She was recently given the Aeon Award by Synovus for closing over $1 billion in mortgages. “I was the first one to ever receive this award,” she said. “I had no idea it was that much.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Ashley 706-649-5329 1695 Whittlesey Road, 2nd Floor Columbus, GA 31904 ashleyvalentini@synovus.com NMLS# 640457
Caroline Moyer
Private Wealth Advisor, Synovus Bank
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ccording to Caroline Moyer, finance and banking has long been the “family business.” She’s been a Private Wealth Advisor with Synovus Bank since 2019. Her grandfather and father were both long-time bank employees. Her father, Keith Moyer, retired from Synovus after 41 years. Caroline Moyer served as an intern at Synovus during her senior year at Columbus State University, “and the rest is history.” After graduation, Moyer accepted a full-time position in the Accelerated Banker program. “I have since worked in commercial banking as an underwriter and portfolio manager before moving to private wealth in 2019,” she said. “As a child who grew up in the Synovus—previously CB&T—family and as a Columbus native, it was a natural step for me to start my professional journey here post- college.” As a private wealth advisor, Moyer, who is a registered representative and licensed insurance/ annuity agent*, serves as a financial coordinator, assisting clients with traditional personal banking needs while also ensuring that Synovus is providing full balance sheet counsel with a deep
understanding of her client’s complete picture, their goals and what they value most. With that information, Moyer helps create a tailored financial plan that addresses a client’s current needs while considering potential future challenges. She also assembles a comprehensive team of specialists within Synovus and engages external advisors, such as attorneys and CPAs, to ensure that all aspects of a client’s financial life are well managed and optimized. The best part of her job is the people she works with. “It is the greatest honor to work with my clients on their most sensitive topic—their finances—and helping them navigate through all seasons of life,” she said. “I especially enjoy working with business owners as they strategize their wealth management while balancing their business and family needs. My job provides me with an opportunity not just to work with numbers, but also to make a significant impact on peoples’ lives.” Moyer is also proud of being part of a company that cares about the community it serves. “As a native of Columbus, I have had the privilege of
seeing firsthand the great contributions Synovus makes to our area,” she said. “Synovus’ leadership has also played an instrumental role in my professional growth. They have invested in me as a young professional, providing opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Caroline 706-257-5543 1695 Whittlesey Road, 2nd Floor Columbus, GA 31904 carolinemoyer@synovus.com NMLS# 1882046
*Moyers licensing is through the Bank’s affiliate, Synovus Securities, Inc. (“SSI”). SSI products and services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed and may lose value. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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WOMEN @ WORK
BLUE TRUST ADVISORS
(L-R) Laurie McRae, Colleen Jowers, Brandi Hett
Laurie McRae, JD
Colleen Jowers, CFP®
Family Office Advisor
Senior Trust Advisor
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Contact Laurie 706-315-9767 laurie.mcrae@bluetrust.com
Contact Colleen 706-315-5381
amily is clearly the foundation of Laurie McRae’s life and career. She and husband Stephen have four children—Sydney (UGA Law School), Mallie (Georgia Tech), Julia (Ole Miss) and Will (Columbus High School)—and professionally she has “over 20 years of experience helping families design a multi-generational plan for transferring the social, spiritual and financial capital necessary for the family to thrive.” A former advisor with Synovus Family Asset Management (“Where I consulted with high net worth clients in areas of estate and financial planning”), the St. Paul Church member is also vice-chair and District 5 Representative for the Muscogee County Board of Education, currently serving her third term. McRae earned her accounting degree at the University of Georgia before graduating from UGA’s School of Law. “Working in the family office realm allows me to use my accounting and legal experience while cultivating meaningful relationships with my clients and their families,” she says. McRae subscribes to Blue Trust’s governing investment philosophy of Principled Reasoning—in short, relying on well-established guidelines instead of responding to short-term needs—“as a comprehensive and holistic approach towards serving my clients.” “I work with a wonderful group of professionals to serve clients who have been entrusted with wealth and have a desire to be good stewards of that wealth,” McRae says of her colleagues. “Serving multiple generations of a family allows me to help prepare and equip each generation.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
olleen Jowers is crystal clear in her objective in the role of trust administrator and financial planner: “I work with families to build relationships, molding their most vulnerable asset—money—into something that is working for them better than it was before our relationship started. It is all about helping clients create clarity and wisdom around their assets.” While Blue Trust is in its 46th year with more than 10,500 clients across the wealth spectrum in all 50 states, Jowers notes it is relatively new to the Columbus market, but that the company brings big advantages with its Time Based Portfolios that link clients’ cash-flow needs with proper investment time frame. “Matching investments to capital needs—how much money is needed and when—is key to achieving a client’s goal,” she explains. “The most important question Blue Trust advisors ask when considering investment management as part of a financial plan is: ‘What is the purpose for your wealth, and when will you need it?’ says Jowers. Married to Jason (with “wild pup” Winston also at home), Jowers is a member of Trinity Methodist and the Chattahoochee Valley Estate Planning Council Board. She has worked in trust administration for 14 years, following five years spent at a local brokerage firm. “Brandi, Laurie and I are thrilled to be featured in the Women at Work Issue” she says. “We value the wisdom, discernment and experiences that women bring to the table and believe they have an important and equal role to play. We welcome the opportunity to partner with women in all stages of life and walk their journey with them.” Adv. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————— colleen.jowers@bluetrust.com
Brandi Hett, JD Senior Trust Advisor
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fter graduating from law school at UGA, Brandi Hett practiced law in Columbus, focusing on estate planning, real estate and corporate law before moving into trust and estate management in 2006. “Trust administration/ wealth management is a blend of analytical strategy and personal connection,” Hett says. “The opportunity to help people make smart decisions that have an impact on their family’s lives and futures is an honor.” Hett touts Blue Trust’s values of “unwavering integrity, deep relationships and a commitment to stewardship” as the basis for her personal philosophy of “placing my clients’ interests first, leading with transparency and building trust through consistency and care.” A member of First Baptist Church, she and husband Capp live in Columbus with their two children, Cale (17) and Parker (12), both of which factor into her approach to her job. Blue Trust allows her “the ability to incorporate my beliefs and values while serving my clients” with the positive result of “alignment of faith, finance and legacy.” “This creates lasting relationships and allows me to play a meaningful role in the lives of clients across generations,” Hett explains. Such personal involvement requires “navigating complex family dynamics.” Achieving a balance between these relationships and her role’s technical/financial responsibilities, she notes, “requires empathy, wisdom and clear communication.” “It is about more than managing money,” Hett says of her job. “It’s about walking alongside clients through life’s transitions, helping them make decisions with clarity, confidence and purpose. It is truly rewarding to build long-term relationships and be the trusted advisor people turn to for guidance.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Brandi 706-587-6458 brandi.hett@bluetrust.com
Blue Trust Columbus Office 6867 Mountainbrook Dr., Suite 104, Columbus • BlueTrust.com/locations/columbus-ga 36
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WOMEN @ WORK
Kern Wadkins
Executive Director, Columbus Symphony Orchestra
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t’s no doubt a challenge to accept leadership of the nation’s secondoldest symphony, but it’s one Kern Wadkins gladly accepts as an opportunity to respect tradition and prepare the future. “It’s a rich tradition that we are building on,” Wadkins says of the renowned Columbus Symphony Orchestra, noting its inception in 1855 ranks it only behind the New York Philharmonic for longest-running professional orchestras in the United States. “The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has been entertaining the region for 150 years, and we hope to continue doing that through dynamic orchestral concerts and education programs for the next 150.” A Columbus native married to attorney Robert Wadkins, Jr. with children Bert (9) and Clementine (3), Wadkins—who earned a bachelor degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill before her Master of Education from CSU—has a background in acting that includes various jobs at the Springer Opera House and teaching drama at Wynnton Arts Academy and St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School. Active as a volunteer with her children’s school and member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Wadkins says she’s blessed to have been brought up in the culture-rich Chattahoochee Valley: “I grew up here and was so lucky to have access to so many different arts experiences as a kid—it was so formative in my development as a person, I really feel honored to steward one of Columbus' longstanding arts organizations for future generations of kids and arts patrons. We are lucky to live in a town that has access to different kinds of theatre, different kinds of music performances and different visual art exhibits, all within blocks of each other. It is such an artistically rich place, and I am excited to imagine what the CSO's future looks like and how it connects to the greater Columbus arts community.” This leads to what she describes as her job’s biggest opportunity: “Working with the CSO to continue developing and shaping the artistic culture in Columbus.” Wadkins confesses not having a background in classical music has given her a big learning curve but one she navigates with all the talent surrounding her, especially in brilliant, long-serving CSO Conductor George Del Gobbo. “He is a master conductor and an expert at programming incredible concerts,” she says. “He's been so wonderful to work with, and I'm glad to support the work that he and our entire orchestra want to share with Columbus. Stepping into the orchestral music world has been a challenge, but a fun one, and I'm glad I landed here.” On the cusp of completing her second season with the CSO, Wadkins’ blossoming love of classical music has led to the discovery of her favorite aspect on the job—the concerts. “I've overseen around 14 concerts at this point and every time we perform, I'll think, ‘This concert is my new favorite,’”she explains of performances at CSO’s home in the RiverCenter. “I believe very strongly in the quality of the music that we are bringing to the community. It is an incredibly talented orchestra, and it is such a treat every time I hear them play.” Wadkins’ ambition to increase both access and appreciation of classical music is found in CSO’s policy of inviting the public to come watch their
Open Rehearsals in preparation for all its concerts. “The community is welcome to come sit and listen for free as the orchestra plays its last rehearsal,” she says of the idea. “The lights stay on, and patrons are able to move about as needed, stay as long as they like, and enjoy the music at no cost to them. This is a great option for patrons who are curious about the orchestra, for families with young children or for patrons who cannot attend the evening concert.” The CSO’s 2025-26 season kicks off in September. “Audiences can expect classic masterwork concerts featuring well-known composers like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky,” Wadkins forecasts, noting Del Gobbo’s genius for blending such icons with lesser-known contemporaries. For instance, “We will play Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring alongside a work by a living American composer, Aaron Jay Kernis, called Musica Celestis,” she says. “Pairing the two works together in the same concert highlights two distinct yet complementary visions of American music, blending heartfelt simplicity with celestial beauty.” In addition to next season’s concert, where audiences will hear pieces from blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, E.T., Saving Private Ryan and Hook, Wadkins is proud to present The Orchestra Games, timed to the Winter Olympics, in February 2026. “It is an Olympic-inspired, orchestral adventure designed to engage listeners under the age of 12,” says Wadkins. “And their grownups, too.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Kern
706-323-5059 csoga.org • info@csoga.org.com
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WOMEN @ WORK
Clare Koppang
Executive Director, The Wynn House
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olumbus native Clare Koppang has been named the new executive director of Columbus’ historic Wynn House. Before Koppang took on this new role, she was the owner of Council Wardrobe Studio, a women’s clothing store and wardrobe styling business that she started in 2014 while living in Nashville. Koppang and her family returned to Columbus in 2017 and brought the business with them. The Wynn House was built in 1839 for Colonel William L. Wynn, a prominent Methodist minister in Columbus. Colonel Wynn was active in local government and educational, social and religious affairs. He served as a representative to the State Legislature in 1832 and was a co-founder of the Wynnton Academies. By 1932, the house was bought and completely restored by Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Butler. The historic structure became the home of the Christian Fellowship Association (CFA) in 1958 when James Woodruff bought the home. For generations the Wynn House has served as a Columbus showplace. Under Koppang’s leadership, will continue to be a
beacon of special occasions. “The Wynn House is a local historic home with a rich history that is now operated as an event venue for such events as weddings, parties, meetings and luncheons,” she said. “It’s charming and warm environment, along with the stunning green space make it a one-of-a-kind place to make memories.” Before being named executive director, Koppang served on the Wynn House’s board, and hosted three garden party fashion shows at the Wynn House as marketing experiences for Council Wardrobe Studio. Now she’ll be responsible for future event planning, increasing memberships, scheduling and overall operations to name a few. “The best part of my job is meeting all of the wonderful people and hearing their stories,” Koppang said. “Everyone seems to have a fond memory of The Wynn House, and I am just honored to be a part of it.” If there’s a challenge to the job, it’s avoiding some of the renowned meals prepared by the Wynn House cooking staff. “[It’s hard] smelling Shirley’s wonderful cooking each day and eating my boring
lunch,” Koppang said. “I have been lucky enough to get leftovers from time to time.” Under her leadership, the Wynn House already has some exciting events planned, including Yoga in the Park. “The outdoor space is so gorgeous, so any chance to use it and be outside makes me excited.” Adv. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Contact Clare 706-323-1895 1240 Wynnton Rd., Columbus TheWynnHouse.com
Eleni Hitchcock
General Manager, Columbus United FC
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leni Hitchcock has always been a baller. “I've worked in the sports industry since before I can remember,” she explains of a career path she’s traveled since childhood, when she shadowed her father at MLS games. Eleni followed up “lots of great internship opportunities” while she was a student at Texas Tech University, where she earned a degree in Sport Management, Business and Psychology, by helping launch the Lubbock Matadors as its Business Operations Manager. Currently working in roles as VP of Business Operations for Virtual Veep (a sport-services / consulting group) and Business Manager for Playbook Management International/ProRel Soccer Ventures—“Where I support other soccer teams across the world” — Eleni was brought to Columbus after serving Columbus United FC’s inaugural season in Virtual Business Operations last year to become the club’s first-ever General Manager. Noting her father, Michael (“Hitch,” former GM of Dallas’ MLS franchise, now Columbus United co-owner with JD Hester), is from Columbus and passionately involved with the local soccer 38
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community, Eleni has loved discovering Uptown’s restaurant and coffee shop scene and serves on the Salvation Army of Columbus’ advisory board. On top of all that, she started her own business, Victory Thread, making custom game day outfits for women. Eleni states her goal of “helping grow soccer in this community that already loves the sport” will get the boost of the United States hosting the 2026 World Cup (Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz is a site). As its second season gets underway in May, Columbus United is building buzz (and crowds) with attractions such as Autograph Alley, allowing fans to mingle with players on the pitch after the game, and providing kids opportunities to participate in pregame and halftime activities. “There is so much opportunity and interest in what we are doing along with all our city teams (River Dragons, Lions, Clingstones and more) in growing the professional-sports scene in our community,” Eleni says “I love being able to use the world's most popular sport to give opportunities to players, front office staff and to use the game to give back to the community!” Adv.
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Contact Eleni
eleni@columbusunitedfc.com ColumbusUnitedFC.com
‘I kept coming back to pottery’ Local artist Mollie Jenkins Hofstetter honors father by donating a portion of sales to ALS research in May by Brett Buckner
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Mollie presents a bowl she just completed throwing on the wheel.
chance encounter with pottery class in high school led Mollie to pursue pottery. Following that passion led her to Nashville to further her skills. A desire to move closer to family led her back home. As a senior at Brookstone School, Hofstetter needed to take an arts class. She was curious about ceramics, having seen others throw on the wheel— the technique of shaping ceramics using a potter’s wheel. Her reaction was immediate. “I loved it,” Hofstetter said. “It was the one class that I didn’t want to skip, so that was definitely a sign for me.” A sign that she’d found a hobby, not necessarily a career. “I, of course, had no clue what I wanted to do at 17,” she said. “But I kept coming back to pottery. I thought that really was fun, but I wasn’t sure how one does that for a living.” Instead, after graduating from Brookstone in 2011, she enrolled in the College of Charleston in South Carolina, thinking she might become a veterinarian. Though she loved animals, Hofstetter wasn’t great at science requirements. Plus, she was drawn towards ceramics. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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She ended up transferring from College of Charleston to Auburn University to pursue a fine arts degree with a focus on ceramics. “And that’s really the only art medium that I have a knack for,” she said. To their credit, her parents, Celia and Mack Jenkins, were very supportive. “Honestly, I never got any backlash,” Hofstetter said. “School was not really my thing,” she said. “I was not a straight A student by any means, but I made it work, and my parents were never dissuasive of me pursuing pottery because they just knew it was what I loved.” Instead, the second guessing came from a stranger. The night she graduated from Auburn in 2015, Hofstetter, her parents and brother went out for a celebratory dinner. Hofstetter went to the bathroom and was washing her hands, when a women next
to her struck up a conversation. Jenkins proudly told the woman that she’d just graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in ceramics. “And she dead-pan looked at me and said, ‘Well, what in the world do you think you’re going to do with that?,” Hofstetter remembered. Very caught off guard by the question Hofstetter said, “I think I’m going to make some pottery.” She just stood there, confused. “I’m definitely someone who takes that, somebody doubting me, and uses it to light a fire under me.” Hofstetter had a potter’s wheel in her parent’s basement, drove to Auburn to fire the pieces, and stored her work in her bedroom closet. She was steadily refining her technique, creating pieces that were both unique and practical. “My root love LEFT: Mollie makes all her pottery at her studio on 2nd Avenue. BELOW: Mollie pictured with her parents Mack and Celia Jenkins
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of pottery comes from the functionality,” she said. “It’s that everyday aspect of holding something, having something, using something, seeking it out, and just gravitating towards the comfort zone in that mug, that plate, that bowl. That’s what continues to draw me in.” That summer, Hofstetter and some friends moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she joined Fort Houston, a small art studio—where many crafts were being made—and began making pottery full time, relying largely on Instagram to get the word out. “I was able to rent out literally a corner up there,” Hofstetter said. I got a kiln hooked up and had two shelves, a table, and a wheel, and just started making pottery. I would use my walk-in closet at my house and a desk for my shipping area. There were packing peanuts everywhere, all over the bedroom. But from there, it really took off at a natural progression.” Mollie Jenkins Pottery officially launched in 2016. What distinguishes Mollie Jenkins Pottery is the functionality of the wares and the “speckled look” that comes from the clay. “Then we end up using neutral glazes that end up fitting seamlessly into most homes,” Hofstetter said. “The look, I’m going to say...it’s very, farmhouse-esque.”
Mollie takes a break from working at her studio to hang out with her dog, Rook.
Coming Home
Scan to learn more about how to give or participate in ALS research at the Emory ALS Center.
The family knew something was wrong. Mack Jenkins simply wasn’t acting like himself. A well-known talker, “almost to a fault,” Hofstetter said, laughing. Mack’s speech was noticeably slowing down. “He wasn’t as quick to offer comments or give those quick-witted responses we always expected,” Hofstetter said. “At that point, we definitely knew something was up.”
In 2016, Mack Jenkins was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually, it affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for ALS, and it is fatal. Not long after his diagnosis, Hofstetter moved back home. Mack’s ALS progressed very rapidly. “He ended up with slurred speech then losing movement in his limbs and then was wheelchair-bound with a feeding tube,” Hofstetter said. “We really just tried to navigate that the best we could. We have been abundantly fortunate. Every person in town could not have been more helpful and understanding.” Mack Jenkins died in December of 2018. He was 59 years old. By then, Hofstetter had settled into Columbus, renting a small studio at Mill District Studios before taking up permanent residence at 3506 2nd Avenue. In the wake of her father’s illness and death, Hofstetter found solace in her work. “Most people who know me will say I’m a pretty driven individual, so for me, getting up and going to work was never the issue,” she said. “Dad was always super supportive of me doing pottery. He loved to see me happy and doing well. So that definitely kept the fire under me burning.” Hofstetter also wanted to use her talents to help others. Since 2019 in May, which is ALS Awareness Month, she has donated a portion of salesfrom Mollie Jenkins Pottery to the Emory ALS Center, where her father sought treatment. “After dad died, I needed to do something,” she said. “I thought maybe I could use pottery to help fight this thing.” As for the future, business is good, and Hofstetter is happy to worry about keeping up with the demand. “This year I think we’re going to be focused on cranking out inventory,” she said. “We’re going to keep our head down and try to get our work out as best we’re able. “At this point, I’ve been fortunate to have created a beast that needs taming.” ———————————————————— Visit Mollie Jenkins Pottery at MollieJenkinsPottery.com M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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GIF TS FOR MOMS, DADS & GR ADS 1
Martin Dingman’s Bermuda Nubuck Horse Bit Loafers
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$225
CHANCELLOR’S 1108 Broadway 706-322-8819 ChancellorsMensStore.com
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eNewton Jewelry Starting at $32
BY INVITATION 6298 Veterans Pkwy. Ste. 2D 706-660-6988 ByInvitationGa.com
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Gracefully Made Art Quilted Toile Toiletry Makeup Bag $32
SISSY BOUTIQUE 123 12th St. 706-940-0037 Shop-SissyBoutique.com
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TIKI® Brand Smokeless Fire Pit $295
A W.C. BRADLEY CO. TikiBrand.com
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Ceramic Tint (Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty) Starting at $175 IMAGE AUTO LAB 3885 Miller Rd. Ste. 1 706-393-3486 Info@ImageAutoLab.com
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GIF TS FOR MOMS, DADS & GR ADS
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Donuts and Locally Made Delights Starting at $5
COLUMBUS’S BEST DONUTS 1807 Wynnton Rd. 706-577-2081 CBestDonuts.com
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Collegiate Gifts Prices vary
SISSY BOUTIQUE 123 12th St. 706-940-0037 Shop-SissyBoutique.com
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Swiss-made Luminox Watches Starting at $375
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SCHOMBURG’S JEWELERS 1640 Rollins Way 706-327-7489 Schomburgs.com
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Magazine Subscription $22/Year
COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY 706-324-6214 ColumbusAndTheValley.com
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Gift Cards to Fountain City Coffee $5-100
FOUNTAIN CITY COFFEE 1007 Broadway 706-494-6659 FountainCityCoffee.com
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GIF TS FOR MOMS, DADS & GR ADS
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Duck Head Gold School Chino Shorts $78
CHANCELLOR’S 1108 Broadway 706-322-8819 ChancellorsMensStore.com
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Bible Verse Decorative Pillows Starting at $150 POSEY & BYRD PoseyAndByrd.com
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Southern Landscapes
Starting at $200 GLORIA MANI FINE ART 1809 Garrard St. 706-327-9494 GloriaMani.org
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On Film
by Scott Phillips
Let's Bring an Arthouse Movie Theater to Columbus
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olumbus needs an arthouse movie the Springer Opera House for an entire theater, a cultural center for our weekend. For the cost of putting on two or growing film community. We’re three film festivals a year, you could lease becoming a filming destination for a space for an arthouse theater that would professional filmmakers. Bruce Willis, John offer programming all year long. Travolta, Tommy Lee Jones and character Columbus has committed visionaries actor extraordinaire Tim Blake Nelson who want to build a film culture here. have recently walked our streets. Yet if a Festival producer and programmer Paige visiting filmmaker asks, "Where is the local Swift would love to stage an annual film film scene?” The answer is … Atlanta. festival in Columbus focused on films If you suggest opening an independent about the environment. Local filmmaker cinema, businesspeople scoff and point out and screenwriter Paul Rowe wants to that theatergoing is dying. People would bring an edgy, indie horror film festival to rather stay home and stream movies from town. Waydown co-founder Jacy Jenkins is their sofas. That argument only considers always game to launch a successor to that film as a business, a way of making money. popular short film festival. That’s what the AMC theater chain is for. It So why don’t we have these awesome ignores motion pictures as an art form. annual events in town? It’s just too Seeing a film on a big screen is an expensive. A dedicated arthouse theater experience that needs to be preserved, space in Columbus would change all that. protected from financial extinction. The Consider it a collective or a collaborative. Columbus Museum and the Bo Bartlett In my mind, I refer to it as The Hub. It Center offer paintings, sculptures and could host several film festivals a year other “traditional” forms of art. The and offer other film-related programming RiverCenter offers live music and theater. all year long. Film fans and filmmakers Those venues are not regarded solely could hang out there, and it would be as profit-making institutions. They are an impressive show piece for visiting heavily funded by donations, endowments filmmakers and producers considering and grants. Those contributions help Columbus as a destination for their keep those art forms alive and well in our projects. community. The same could be done for If you want a living, breathing example, the art of cinema by establishing a place to look up the Rag Tag Cinema in Columbia, screen films of all kinds from all over the Missouri. Every year it’s one of the venues globe that isn’t reliant on ticket revenue to for the True/False Film Festival, the biggest keep its doors open. documentary film festival in the country. Why aren’t there more film festivals in (It’s worth pointing out that Columbia Columbus? We’re the second largest city is about half the size of Columbus, and in Georgia which is the movie-making they pulled this off.) We need a lease on capital of the United States, and we haven’t a facility, a build out to make it a quality had a citywide film festival since the final theatrical experience and then donations to year of the Waydown Film Festival in 2018. keep the lights on and pay the rent. If you Why? Because they’re too expensive to want to join the movement, reach out to put on if you need to rent out a venue like me. It can be done. ———————————————————————————————————————————— 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.
VENDORS Get your copy at one of these Valley area locations! Barnes & Noble Columbus Park Crossing 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. Columbus, GA 31909 Columbus Bound Bookshop 1328 13th St. Columbus, GA 31901 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 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
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A portrait of Lafayette depicting him in Revolutionary War days
Retracing History with the Marquis de Lafayette
The bicentennial of Lafayette’s celebrated tour of the United States offers opportunities to reexamine Chattahoochee Valley history with fresh eyes—and new technologies by Frank Etheridge
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hen fabled Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette ventured across Georgia’s wild frontier into Creek Nation territory on March 29, 1825, the “Guest of the Nation” and his entourage encountered a storm so severe, so menacing, it stopped them in their tracks. “A storm the like of which they do not see in France … came to assail us and scattered us for several hours,” Auguste Levassuer, personal secretary to the General, wrote in his exhaustive chronicling of this landmark event in U.S. history, Lafayette in America: Journal of a Voyage to the United States. The book comes recommended by Columbus attorney and local history buff Jack Schley as a vital reference to understanding Lafayette’s 13-month, 6,000-mile sojourn across a quickly maturing, rapidly expanding nation.
Something akin to “Beatle-mania,” the celebrated hero’s tour—conceived as a savvy PR ploy by President James Monroe during his hotly contested bid for reelection in 1824—was full of pomp and circumstance, marked by fancy-dress balls and parades booming with patriotic fervor. Levasseur’s book provides fascinating observations of a young nation reaching adulthood as well as a Chattahoochee Valley before the City of Columbus was founded (1828), before the federal Indian Removal Act (1830) and just a few years after Alabama became a state in 1819. First traveling in Georgia by boat from Savannah to Augusta then along the Old Federal Road to Milledgeville, Levasseur’s musings on the state stretches for 20 pages. He noted the last of the original 13 colonies
was “the one in which the Revolution had the least support” but where “there cannot be a land more favored in the nation” due to Georgia’s ecological diversity and abundant natural resources; however, the population of 340,989 included nearly 150,000 slaves for “a truly appalling proportion” with “prejudices against the Colored race are very strong among Georgians.” After sauntering down the East Coast, Lafayette entered Georgia on boat and traveled up the Savannah River to Augusta, where his group disembarked and prepared to travel on the Federal Road. They were assigned several aides-de-camp by Governor Troup, who, Levasseur writes, “arranged everything in advance with skilled foresight so that the General would feel only the least possible inconvenience M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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that we were going to inevitably encounter on a trip across a country without roads, without towns and nearly without inhabitants.” West of Macon, before reaching Creek Nation territory past the Flint River, “We are in the midst of virgin forests; the tops of these old trees, which seem to be as old as the world, swing above our heads,” Levasseur wrote. Determined to pick up the pace, their stop in Roberta at the Indian Agency—a federal outpost manned by the notorious Benjamin Hawkins, who oversaw American relations with the Muscogeespeaking natives, a dynamic Levasseur called “another kind of violence”—was but a quick courtesy call before they were on the road again. That’s when the storm hit. Regrouping after severe weather—foreign to the Europeans but a familiar, yet fierce, fact of life in the Deep South springtime— Levasseur noted, “Most fortunately, we came upon a shelter, a cabin built by an American, not far from the road.” Schley, whose love of local history is obvious in roles from lectures on city railroads for Historic Columbus luncheons to appearing as a well-informed ghost at the Linwood Ramble, penned an excellent feature on Lafayette’s tour for Southern Views Magazine in 2020. “There is considerable debate as to the exact route Lafayette took,” Schley explained to Columbus and the Valley in February. Indeed, there seem to be as many false claims to be on the Old Federal Road in Georgia and Alabama as there are quotes incorrectly attributed to Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin combined. Yet, events across the Chattahoochee Valley commemorating the bicentennial of the Guest of the Nation’s visit reveal how renewed interest in this fascinating slice of history inspired research conducted with new technology and inclusive methodology to cast this definitive American story in a new light.
The Marion County Reenactment
Exactly 200 years later, on March 29, 2025, several dozen folks sit in folding A map showing Lafayette’s 13-month journey from starting in New York City and ending in Washington D.C.— the exact route currently being retraced by reenactors. 52
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“All came to place their right forearms on the forearm of the General as a sign of friendship. No distinction by blood or color, that he was the father dear to all the races of men who inhabited the continent.”
-Auguste Levassuer
chairs arranged in a semicircle in Marion County at the exact spot where Lafayette and crew found shelter from the storm. The event, organized by the American Friends of Lafayette’s Georgia Committee and held off a remote stretch of blacktop roughly halfway between Box Springs and Mauk (literally on the Fall Line, as the assembled chairs sit in white sand a stone’s throw from fire-red clay), was the dedication ceremony for the new Federal Road Heritage Park. Visitors were greeted with small French and American flags. Actors in period costumes portrayed Lafayette, fellow Revolutionary War hero Gen. Francis Marion (the “Swamp Fox” for whom the county is named), and Creek Chief William McIntosh, who was killed one month after Lafayette’s stop here for signing the Treaty of Indian Springs with Hawkins in February 1825 that ceded his Nation’s lands to the Americans. The Federal Road Heritage Park is a half-mile from a fading
historical marker on Hwy. 41 that wrongly describes its location on the Federal Road, constructed with the U.S. government’s then-new authority to allocate tax dollars to build roads across states, for the purpose here for enhanced movement of troops and munitions to wage war against Native Americans. “I would like to thank our partners on this project,” Jay Wells, President of the Marion County Development Authority, said from the podium as the ceremony began. “Without their cooperation, we wouldn’t be here today.” Funded with grant support from Flint Energies, the park resides on land donated by the Nature Conservancy, stewards of tens of thousands acres in Marion County. LuAnn Craighton, Nature Conservancy Chattahoochee Fall Line Outreach Director, explains the project includes vast planting of long-leaf pine trees and other endangered native species in hopes of attracting ecotourism to the site. The partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute for Government and Ft. Benning provided for new, high-tech mapping systems, powered by many hours of research by Ph.D students, to help determine exactly where the park should be. “We are standing on the exact spot off the Federal Road where Hamley’s cabin stood,” Wells said just before the attractive, informative three-panel interpretive signage was unveiled. “How do we know this? Because of the Army’s modern-day
Reenactors with Jay Wells in Marion County on March 29, 2025
The Columbus Museum Acquires Vintage Lafayette Souvenirs Two new acquisitions are currently on view as COMU joins the bicentennial celebration of the Marquis de Lafayette's Farewell Tour. To celebrate Lafayette's visit, English potters flooded the American market with transfer-ware ceramics, depicting their former enemy's face on plates, cups, pitchers, and bowls. COMU's new acquisitions offer two examples of the dozens of different designs produced, which can be found in museums nationwide. The child's cup pairs Lafayette's face with that of his friend Washington, while the plate centers Lafayette's military visage, based on a portrait by French painter Antoine Maurin, and refers to him as "The Nation's Guest," a recurring phrase used throughout his tour. Souvenirs of this type were sold along Lafayette's route and
might have been used at Fort Mitchell after his visit. An installation in the Crowley Family Gallery, opened in late March, will spotlight these objects and others that illuminate the Chattahoochee Valley's connection to Lafayette. Adapted from an article featured in The Muse.
LEFT: "Welcome Lafayette" plate, c. 1824/1825 RIGHT: Lafayette and Washington child's cup, c. 1824/1824
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mapping technology and the tireless efforts by our friends at the University of Georgia.” Wells continued to sum up how project researchers created an overlay map from the 1826 land survey (used for a land lottery the following year that carved up Creek territory for Georgians to take) and one in 1939 by the U.S. Dept. of Defense, working with its own then-cutting edge technology out of adjacent Ft. Benning. To the delight and surprise of many, the combined maps’ overlay synced both the Hamley’s cabin and Federal Road at the park’s location. One of the most dramatic scenes recounted in Levasseur’s book was the entourage’s stop at the cabin, where they stripped down to underwear and dried their soggy clothes by a fire. It was the Frenchman’s first encounter with Native Americans living as they did before European intrusion, their speech, dress, and mannerism exotic to the point of intimidating. Levasseur’s offer of brandy eased the tension, he observed, along with the silent presence of several escaped slaves who lived and worked with Hamley, described as a down-on-his-luck fur trapper and trader who retreated to this “still-savage fringe” of America to live life on his town terms,
Lafayette was in his late sixties during his grand tour of 1824-25. 54
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Holding Down the Fort
A retired schoolteacher, Dell McLendon serves as director of both the Ft. Mitchell National Historic Site and the Russell County Historical Commission and, by all accounts, has done a tremendous job of improving the site as a tourist attraction as well as expanding its scope of services. Located off Hwy. 165, Ft. Mitchell is open Friday to Sunday with free admission for its roughly 1,500 annual visitors, often there with school groups, to scout for arrowheads or attend a funeral at the adjacent National Cemetery. McLendon has ushered in new energy and new programs such as family-friendly Pioneer Days and Sunday afternoon bluegrass jams as well as bringing in serious scholars to lecture on Alabama’s Paleoindian period, when the first humans settled in the area 12,000 years ago. “When Lafayette got here, this was a frontier outpost, so we’re not going to do anything glamorous,” McLendon says of official American Friends of Lafayette Bicentennial festivities. However, McLendon, the embodiment of a lifelong learner, earlier in March 8 invited renowned Lafayette scholar, author and Auburn professor Dr. Lawrence Krumenacker. Arriving at a Russell County Historical Commission luncheon in his honor at the stately Magnolia Greene just before his lecture at the site, Dr. K (as he’s known) arrived with the ruffled flamboyant style distinctive of a quintessential nutty professor, standing out among the gracious, well-heeled attendees to the
point it evoked a Deep South parody of “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Saying he was so close with the man born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de la Fayette that “I call him Gilbert,” Dr. K’s lecture shined with details illustrating why Lafayette remains such a captivating figure 200 years after his tour here: His father killed in combat with the British when he was age two, fueled his bloodlust for the Redcoats, augmented by his military training with the elite Musketeers Noir at age 14. At 16, he married a cousin of King Louis XIV in a family of immense wealth with a trust fund that doled out $2 million in today’s dollars per year. At 23, as Major General he helped secure the British surrender in the war at Yorktown, enshrining him as an American hero. After being imprisoned for five years during the French Revolution, he dropped his nobleman title of Marquis and penned the Declaration of the Rights of Man with input from friend and Declaration of Independence author, Thomas Jefferson. An ardent abolitionist, he convinced George Washington to free his slaves. He is buried in Paris underneath American soil at a gravesite draped with American flags. All part of McLendon’s vision for Ft. Mitchell. “We want to celebrate the history we have with Lafayette here,” she says, “but we also want to put new eyes on the park, because even here in our general vicinity, people don’t know much about us.”
wild and free. “This is not the conclusion of this project but the beginning,” Wells said in his closing remarks. “We’re going to do more right here to help meet the needs of our community in Marion County.”
The Ft. Mitchell Reenactment
After blessing the Federal Road Heritage Park with a benediction, Dr. Gary McIntosh—the third great-grandson of William McIntosh and a professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership at esteemed, private Biola University in California—would again appear in his ancestor’s trademark blend of Native and American fashion the next day for a parade and reenactment at the Ft. Mitchell National Historic Site on March 30, the date Lafayette crossed the river into present-day Russell County, Alabama in 1825. “It was on the banks of the Chattahoochee River that, for the first time, we saw Indians gathered together as a group to welcome the General,” Lasseur described of their approach into Creek territory within the new state of Alabama. “All came to place their right forearms on the forearm of the General as a sign of friendship. No distinction by blood or color, that he was the father dear to all the races of men who inhabited the continent.” “They called him ‘Kayewla,’ which means something along the lines of ‘Great White Warrior Father’,” McIntosh explains. After being lifted up and carried across the river banks so as not to muddy him, Lafayette was then greeted uphill by “gleaming helmets and swords of cavalrymen sent by the State of Alabama to greet the General” for a “peculiar triumphal march” quickly abandoned to return to the sanctity of their Creek hosts who arranged for the Guest of the Nation to watch “the spectacle of their war game,” “It was the original stickball,” McIntosh explains of the game that was “very rough but also ceremonial.” It was McIntosh’s third-great uncle— Chief Chilly McIntosh—who scored the winning goal in thrilling fashion, much to Lafayette’s delight. “My cousin has his two sticks he used in stickball,” McIntosh says. Asked about his feelings of portraying his ancestor at Ft. Mitchell, built in 1813 to wage war against the Creeks and expanded
a few decades later to imprison them before forced removal to Oklahoma, McIntosh waxes wise and reflectful: “After his dad was killed, Chilly gathered together the McIntosh relatives. About 700 family members left before the Trail of Tears for their new territory to start farming and build houses and establish themselves in what’s now the Muscogee Nation. Chief William McIntosh fought alongside Andrew Jackson so he knew they couldn’t beat the American military. He knew the American firepower and their almost unlimited personnel. We were a small tribe so if someone gets killed in battle there’s not many to replace them. So he figured, ‘Let’s negotiate the best deal we can so we can go ahead and leave and
Reenactors at Ft. Mitchell Historical Site on March 30, 2025
start over. Plus, the Natives didn’t have individual ownership of property. In their mind, the land was given to us by the Creator. It’s ours to use, but nobody owns it. They didn’t understand the European idea of personal ownership and the mindset of the white man, who was killing people for their land. William McIntosh knew the Creeks’ forced removal was coming so he just did what he thought was the best thing to do.” ————————————————————— Read about the Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette's Farewell Journey by visiting Lafayette200.com. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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Raising the Bar Beloved Brookstone teacher Nan Pate’s steadfast commitment to her students—and the United States Constitution—is (once again) recognized on Law Day. Nan with her husband, Sam
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by Frank Etheridge
an Pate’s impact on the local legal community is so profound, so lasting, that the Columbus Bar Association has now honored the retired educator twice. Law Day is presented annually on May 1 by affiliated chapters of the American Bar Association “to celebrate the rule of law and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system.” Having already earned the Liberty Bell Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a non-lawyer on Law Day by the Columbus Bar Association, given in acknowledgment of outstanding community service and for stimulating a sense of civic responsibility. Over the course of her 42 years teaching social studies (U.S. History, Government, etc.), Julia Nan Rainwater Pate not only stimulated all her students but inspired many on their path toward achieving remarkable success in their chosen civics-minded professional careers. And
perhaps nowhere is Pate’s extraordinary legacy as an educator more strikingly clear than when talking with four of her former students who now serve as judges in courtrooms presiding over regional, state and federal cases: • Chattahoochee Circuit Superior Court Judge Carolyn (“Tippi”) Cain Burch • Judge Benjamin A. Land, Georgia Court of Appeals • United States District Judge Clay D. Land, Middle District of Georgia • Chief Chattahoochee Circuit Superior Court Judge Bemon G. (“Gil”) McBride III On the following pages, each jurist reflects on their relationship with Pate, plus insight into the vital importance of robust civics curriculum, followed by Pate’s personal perspective. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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Judge Tippi Burch
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“Nan sparked a fire and an interest in social studies that no other teacher had done for me. Specifically, taking her constitutional law class and her government class, those interested me more than any other courses in high school. And mock trial class, which she was the sponsor for and worked so hard to coordinate, that’s where I fell in love with the courtroom. So I certainly feel like I owe my career to her. My first role in mock trial was not as a lawyer, but as a witness. The whole process of a trial captivated me. It was a case involving a high-school student and their constitutional rights to free speech, so very relevant and exciting for us as students. I do think there is not the broad-based civics education that there used to be, and I do wish for some improvement in that regard because I see the lack of such education every single day among lawyers and citizens. It’s been so fun to talk with my colleagues who also had her as a teacher and realize we all have in common an extremely positive experience of having her as a teacher who inspired each of us. One of my roles as vice president of the Columbus Bar Association is to facilitate Law Day so I’m just thankful for being in a position now where we can give Nan the special recognition she deserves.”
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Judge Ben Land
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“Nan was a fantastic teacher who really cared about her students. We stayed in touch through the years. She regularly sends me notes. She sends me little mementos on Constitution Day; she’s the only person I have ever received a letter from on Constitution Day. She wrote just, ‘Thank you for what you’re doing. I’m proud of you.’ She knows more about the Constitution, about our government and about citizenship than almost anybody I know. She has a lot of former students that have gone on to work in the legal field; she also has a lot of students who didn’t go to work in the legal field, but had a great education in civics—the basics of what it means to be a citizen of our country. I think that’s critical. I think a lot of that education is missing today. Two years ago, we brought the Court of Appeals to Columbus. We had an oral argument session in the Bill Heard Theater downtown at the RiverCenter. We got her one of those box seats right up front. We brought in almost 1,000 high school students from around the city to come watch the Court of Appeals oral arguments and Nan just thought that was the greatest thing ever. It was nice for me to be able to participate in that, with her watching on; I told her that her inspiration had a lot to do with us not only doing that but also in making sure that all the high school students in town had a chance to come watch us. She taught you how to work and she taught you how to study. Her classes were not easy A’s. You had to work for it. That’s an advantage I had when I got to the University of Georgia over some other classmates: I knew how to study. I attribute that to Nan. Her passion for her subject matter lit a spark in a lot of students. And probably lit a spark in me that I didn’t fully realize was there until I got to law school. Her interest in the law lit a spark that caught fire later on and sent me on my path.”
Judge Clay Land
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“Nan was a brand new teacher when I was at Brookstone. So I did not take any classes from her, but later, after I was appointed to the federal bench in December 2001, I would occasionally visit her AP Government class and make presentations and have discussions with her students. She encouraged open discussions. I was impressed with the way that she focused not only on making sure the students had a basic knowledge of the subject, but she inspired him to be engaged citizens, which I think is important. She was focused on making sure her students learn how to think, in addition to regurgitating facts that they had memorized. I came away from those experiences thinking that those students were lucky to have her as a teacher. It’s no secret that we have a Civics IQ deficit in this country and that the school systems in general have diminished the importance of teaching civics in the schools. Of course, Nan was in a unique position, being there in a private school like Brookstone. She made sure that there was a priority given to teaching students civics, which I think means more than just having them learn the basics in the foundations of government, but also inspiring them to be engaged citizens of our country. To me, that was probably her greatest contribution— hopefully impressing upon those students that, after they left Brookstone, they had a foundational knowledge about how government works but, more important than that, they learned the importance of continuing to be engaged as citizens. I wish every high school had a teacher like that, one that could impress upon the students the importance of being engaged citizens. She has had an impact in her classroom and beyond that is very positive.”
Judge Gil McBride
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“The reason we’re coming up with a new award for Nan is because we’ve already honored here once before on Law Day with the Liberty Bell award—given to people who promote justice and learning about justice, and, in Columbus, there are people of significant stature in the community who have received it—but we decided we weren’t quite finished honoring Nan. When she won that award, Nan didn’t have four judges who were past students sitting on our courts. It’s a rare educator who has a legacy that is that broad racing and has shaped that many lives. I don’t remember the exact classes I took of Nan’s at Brookstone, but I do recall that she and Sam (her late husband, a beloved Brookstone science teacher) stayed in touch with me after I graduated and went away to Washington D.C., where I worked for Congressman Jack Brinkley, and I went to college at George Washington University. During the trip, she took students on to Washington every year, I would take time off so that I could spend a couple of days with them and act as their tour guide.We would do Capitol Hill, the museums, The White House, the big highlights that you do on a D.C. tour. Nan was always on the lookout for opportunities for her students like this—to enrich their lives with real-world experiences outside the classroom, to take what is theoretical and just between the pages of a book and make it real. To meet people like Judge Clay Land. To meet David McCullough, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Bob Woodward. It gives you a whole new appreciation of what you’re studying. A lot of the debates and arguments that we’re seeing play out in public life today have to do with a failure to teach civics and a failure to teach history. The dictators of old, when they would come in and conquer a new land to add to their empire, M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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In Nan’s Own Words “Law Day is always great. In fact, it was Gil McBride who won the first-ever Law Day student-essay contest. We’ve had a lot of Law Day winners over the years and, as a teacher, if you had one of the three student winners, you were invited to the lunch. That was always fun because they had some intriguing speakers and that was a fun way to get a different perspective. Once they had a fellow from Atlanta who was doing pro bono work with the terrorists detained at Guantánamo in Cuba. The year I received the Liberty Bell award I remember being in the City Council chambers when they asked everyone who had me as a student to stand. So many of these wonderful lawyers I’ve taught at some level over years stood up and I remember thinking, ‘Who are all these old people?’ A lot of them have come back to instruct my A.P. Constitutional Law class and it’s always fun to have them back. I did my year of practice teaching at Jordan. The principal, Mr. Taliferro, had been there forever and what sweet man every Monday would sit through lunch with all the practice teachers and ask, ‘What went well, what didn’t go well, and how are you gonna change it?’ His wife was on the board at Brookstone and she’s the one who recruited me to teach there. And it is my understanding that Mrs. Taliferro is the one who suggested the name Brookstone, from the Sidney Lanier poem (Song of the Chattahoochee). How do you teach a solid understanding of civics and American government? I believe the way to do it is to study the Constitution. Read it over and over, memorize those long passages, and then ask yourself, ‘What does it mean?’ You have to do that and then you have to believe in it. Sometimes we get that right as a country and sometimes we don’t.” 60
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they would often strip the people of their history. Take away their historical records. Strip them of their memory; strip them of their heroes. Their national mythology. A very good way to destroy national identity is to not teach history and not teach civics.”
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Sow It Grows
by Brad Barnes
Lazy Gardening 101
E
verybody loves gardening in the spring. But gardening in June… in Georgia? Show me someone who loves that, and I’ll show you someone whose brain has baked too long in the Zone 8B sun. Me, I want to spend as little time as possible granting ragweed spores and oak pollen access to my personal airways. Who needs weather alerts when you’ve got a built in allergen detector in your snoot? I’ve developed a scale that goes from zero to North Highland Dam, which is to say “all clear” to “ain’t nothin’ getting through.” Don’t get me started on the sun. I acquiesced long ago to wearing a hat and long sleeves in the hottest months of the year in order to stave off skin cancer, but that doesn’t mean I want to luxuriate in a hoodie eight hours a day in the raku firing pit. What I’m after is minimal effort, maximum output. That’s how my wife and I are able to farm a third of an acre by ourselves, only occasionally reaching out to friends and volunteers for a few hours of help. Most of our strategies are applicable to an even smaller plot, in the side yard or back yard of a home. So, from time to time, I’ll offer some suggestions to that end. It’ll be like you’re auditing a continuing-ed course. Fun, right? Here’s the first installment of what we’ll call Lazy Gardening 101. We’ll start with the stuff that gives both us and those vegetable plants and fruit trees a respite from that awful ball of fire in the sky—water.
Once those true leaves appear, watering becomes a little more of an art. If you give plants a good soak, then watering a couple of times a week is probably sufficient — except during the hottest and driest periods, or if you’re planting in pots or raised beds, which dry out much faster. In a pinch, test the soil by poking your finger about two inches down and feeling for moisture. But a more accurate solution is a cheap soil moisture meter. They’re available in-store at Lowe’s Depot, Walmart, etc., and usually less than $10. If you’re planting in hard-pan clay (and you probably are, here, unless you’re growing in a raised bed) pick up a single-pronged version, which we’ve found more durable. The two-pronged ones are a little spendier and may be more accurate, but they’re prone to losing a leg after repeated jabbing into the proto-bricks we call soil.
How to Water
that are seeded more closely together than the drip holes on the hose, like carrots, beets and radishes, you can get low-flow sprinkler attachments to punch into the hose and allow water to reach those guys. At our farm, we exclusively use drip irrigation. It’s the most environmentally friendly tack, it’s best for the plants, and, to the point of this article, it’s the laziest method. We will go turn on the water a couple of times a week and set a reminder on our phones to turn it back off after, say, six hours. It’s as easy as that, once you’ve done the initial setup, which will take less than an hour for a home garden. I should say, your watering time might vary, depending on how much H2O your lines put out. The box will tell you. Between rain and irrigation, aim for about 1.5 inches of water per week total. Irrigation kits are relatively inexpensive. A box-store set suitable for a whole garden will set you back $30-$50, or cheaper if you shop online. Or partner with a neighbor and buy in bulk. Some kits come with timers that let you automate the on/off schedules. These may be OK for a home garden, where you can make sure they’re doing the job and manually override them if you need to. As tempting as the timers are, we don’t use them at the farm, as a failure to turn either on or off would be catastrophic for our entire crop. Also, how many times have you driven by an office complex with a sprinkler merrily shooting out water in the middle of a hard rain and just shaken your dang head? But timer or no, the important thing is drip-line delivery of the water. It’s the thing that keeps your garden happy while you’re inside chilling in front of the TV, you lazy gardener!
Though it may seem counter-intuitive, watering with a traditional water hose is not ideal. It’s also not elegant, but that’s not the issue. Watering top-down is wasteful of water, since the stuff that lands on the leaves is just going to evaporate before it ever finds the soil and lets the roots drink. Then there’s the danger of splattering pathogens from the soil to the plants, which can lead to disease. Finally, hose watering tends to overload the soil with moisture, followed by a long period of dry time, followed by another deluge the next time you water—exposing the plant to stressful cycles of drought, flood, drought, When to Water flood, etc. Those are the scientific reasons First, you need to know when to water. to avoid hosing your garden, but it also just For growing from seed, you need to means you’re standing out there forever keep the dirt damp for a good while. You trying to get everything well-watered. don’t want the soil sopping wet, but you do Soaker hoses eliminate the first two want it consistently moist. Don’t stop when problems, but they tend to pump out too much water as well, so the drought cycles the seeds sprout. Rather, keep watering are still an issue. several times a day until you see the little Best is a drip-line system. Drip lines plants’ “true leaves,” which are the second are more rigid hoses that trickle water out set of leaves that appear after the first little through pinprick holes. You can line the rounded leaves get those little veggiehose right next to your plants and turn on growing motors running. the water for several hours without worrying If you’re transplanting seedlings from about overwatering. For root vegetables planting pots, you’ve already got true leaves. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— 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.
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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,
Infantry Celebrates 250 Years photos courtesy National Infantry Museum Foundation National Infantry Museum Foundation along with the 1775 Society and National Infantry Association welcomed competitors from Infantry Week with a reception on April 11th after an award ceremony held on Inouye Field. As Army tradition dictates, the ceremonial cake is cut with a sword by the oldest and youngest Soldier in the room. They were accompanied by U.S. Army Infantry School Commandant Brigadier General Phillip Kiniery, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, and Museum President Brigadier General (RET) Pete Jones. The evening gave the National Infantry Museum Foundation 1775 Society an up close experience with the determination and perseverance required of the highly skilled U.S. Army Infantry Soldier.
Becky’s brother, Derrick, speaks are her reception.
(L-R) Karen Brownson-Martinez, Monica Renfroe, Becky Butts, Anna Cannon, Jennifer Mathis, Adriann Deering
Becky Butts Retires from CWW photos courtesy Columbus Water Works
After 48 years of dedicated service, friends, family and colleagues celebrated the retirement of Becky Butts from Columbus Water Works. Throughout her career, Becky demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence—not only in her work at the utility but also across the broader water industry and community. M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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Chattahoochee Valley Community College Names 3 to Hall of Fame photos courtesy CVCC The annual CVCC Hall of Fame awards were presented on March 6th at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.
(L-R) Dr. Bridget Jackson, Distinguished Alumna recipient; Jackie Screws, CVCC President; Dr. Donna Fleitas, Distinguished Service recipient and Isabella Walker, Distinguished Athlete recipient
East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Hosts Leading Lady Luncheon photos by Jameelah Brown Upshaw EALCC hosted their Leading Ladies Luncheon at the W.C. Bradley Co. Museum. This year’s them was “Wisdom, Success & Leading with a Purpose” (L-R) Denise DuBois (East Alabama Chamber of Commerce), with panelists, Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims (Troy University), Susan Wiggins (W.C. Bradley Company), Gwen Ruff (Columbus Waterworks), Sydney Helms (Sydney’s Brands), and Randi Warren (Aflac) along with Melissa Gauntt, CEO of East Alabama Chamber
Synovus representatives (L-R) Charlotte Burton, Roseina Chapman, Amy Coleman, Heather Hajek, Wanda Mobley, Jameelah Brown-Upshaw, Susan Walker 64
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State of the City photos by Shannon Whittington City leaders and citizens were present at the Mayor’s annual State of the City talk. Mayor Skip Henderson was joined on stage by Executive Chair, Crystal Shahid.
CSU COO Maj. Gen. (Retired) Pat Donohoe with Colonel Ryan Wylie and General Retired Andy Hilmes, executive Vice President of The United Way of The Chattahoochee Valley
Mayor Skip Henderson is interviewed by Crystal Shahid.
The Columbus Georgia Chamber 2025 Leadership Class attended the event.
VisitColumbusGA Names New President and CEO
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Names New CEO photo courtesy St. Francis-Emory Healthcare St. Francis-Emory Healthcare has named Bill Little, MBA, as its new CEO, effective April 21. Little fills the post that has been vacant since CEO Robert Parker’s departure last month. Little brings to St. Francis-Emory more than 30 years of experience in hospital leadership, including tenures as CEO at four different hospitals. He most recently served as CEO at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (Carolina Pines or CPRMC), which, like St. FrancisEmory, is part of the ScionHealth portfolio of hospitals.
photo courtesy VisitColumbusGA Pace Halter Chair of the VisitColumbusGA Board made the announcement. “With her extensive background in destination marketing and economic development, Ashley brings an impressive level of experience and leadership to this role,” according to Halter. “Her deep ties to Columbus, combined with her ability to drive tourism and strategic partnerships, make her an outstanding candidate to lead VisitColumbusGA into its next chapter.”
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Micah’s Promise Holds Annual “The Promise of Hope and Healing” Luncheon photos by Joslyn Vargas Author, activist, advocate, and philanthropist, Demi-Leigh Tebow, was the keynote speaker at the annual luncheon. The former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe brings her heart and global vision to the board of the Tim Tebow Foundation which focuses on the Most Vulnerable People including victims of human trafficking & child exploitation. Demi-Leigh Tebow
(L-R) Sis and Jim Blanchard, Bobbi Starr, Assistant Chief Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, Quincy Preer, Dr. Brett Murphy-Dawson
(L-R) Isa Meeks, Denise Cambridge, Avery Cheves Wolff, Lauren Chambers, Bobbi Starr, Michelle Griffin, Susan Berry
(L-R) Ann Maria Adams, Terry Lyn Noonan, Leslie Sikes, Mary Wren, Bobbi Starr, Tonya McLemore, Brooke McLemore Trevathan, BriAnna McLemore
Local Pizza Owner Takes First in International Competition Leo DiCesaris, owner of Cerrone’s Pizza and master pizzaiolo, competed in the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, the largest pizza competition in the world. Out of 110 of the world’s best pizza makers he came in first place! DiCesaris is the first pizza chef in Columbus history to win this award.
Uptown Columbus Names New CEO photo courtesy Uptown Columbus Uptown Columbus Inc. and the Uptown Columbus Business Improvement District announced today the appointment of Steve Morse as President and Chief Executive Officer for both organizations. Morse brings over 30 years of experience in event planning, facility operations, and public space management. His extensive background uniquely positions him to guide Uptown Columbus and the Business Improvement District (BID) into its next phase of growth and innovation. 66
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Muscogee Nation photos by Julie Lauzon City leaders welcomed members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation at City Hall. The event included a City proclamation to recognize their ancestral ties to the region. Also in attendance were cast members from the Springer Opera House’s world premiere of The Mvskoke Project.
Columbus Clingstones Baseball Kicks Off Inaugural Season On April 15, Columbus welcomed the Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate baseball team to it’s first home game of the season at Synovus Park. The sold out crowd cheered the Clingstones on to a 3-0 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
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The Cotillion Club of Columbus announces 21 new members for 2025 This years’ debutantes will be presented at the May 10th Wynn House Heritage Ball at The Wynn House at 1240 Wynnton Road. The ball benefits the preservation of The Wynn House. The Cotillion Ball on December 27th will close the 2025 Debutante season.
Officers of The Cotillion Club: Rebecca Jordan Calhoun, president Frances Wheat Cottrell, co-vice president Anna Grayson Dykes, co-vice president Grace Elizabeth Farrar, corresponding secretary Elliott Bradley Tommey, social secretary Elizabeth Patricia Norman, treasurer
Julia Caroline Alexander
Riley Elaine Alexander
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Craig Alexander
Mr. and Mrs. Lon Calvin Alexander III
PARENTS SCHOOL
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Georgia
University of Mississippi
Caroline Mitchell Calhoun
Ashley Catherine Coppedge
Avery Louise Ellis
Anna Caroline Foster
Mr. and Mrs. John Sheridan Calhoun
Mrs. Catherine Heuer Jinks and Mr. Bradley Ryan Coppedge
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mark Ellis, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hunter Foster
SCHOOL
Auburn University
Auburn University
Rosemary Bailey Gross
Ruth Ellington Haygood
Elizabeth Addison Knox
Nancy Susan Laughbaum
Mrs. Elizabeth Chambliss Calhoun and Mr. Wilfred Bailey Gross
Rev. and Mrs. David Thaddeus Haygood, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Sean Michael Knox
Mr. and Mrs. John Gaydon Laughbaum
SCHOOL
Samford University
PARENTS
PARENTS
SCHOOL
Georgia College and State University
PARENTS
University of Georgia
Auburn University 68
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PARENTS SCHOOL
PARENTS SCHOOL
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Alabama
PARENTS SCHOOL
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Georgia
Mary Harp McMillen
Susan Chapman Middlebrooks Margaret Crockett Miller
Kirkland Ann Mize
Mrs. Jenny Kelly Swift and Mr. David Lyon McMillen
Mr. and Mrs. Kennon Bartlett Middlebrooks Mr. and Mrs. Travis Christopher Miller, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. John Madison Mize
PARENTS
PARENTS
PARENTS
SCHOOL
PARENTS
SCHOOL
SCHOOL
SCHOOL
University of Alabama
University of Georgia
University of Georgia
Caroline Flournoy Pease
Vivian Cade Rayfield
Jessica Lucille Scarborough
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shaw
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jones Pease IV
Mr. and Mrs. David Cowan Rayfield
Dr. and Mrs. Grant Jones Scarborough
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Paul Shaw
University of Georgia
PARENTS SCHOOL
PARENTS SCHOOL
Auburn University
PARENTS SCHOOL
Georgia Institute of Technology
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Georgia
University of Georgia
Carolina McEachern Sheffield
Lillian Burns White
Zoe Caitlyn Zwickey
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Rodney Sheffield
Mr. and Mrs. Geary Mitchell White
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Richard Zwickey
PARENTS SCHOOL
Kennesaw State University
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Georgia
PARENTS SCHOOL
University of Tennessee M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5
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Libations
by Pat Daniel
Trends in Wine Ratings
W
ine consumers love wine ratings. Why? The sheer number of wines available and the complexity of wine labels make ratings a blessing for confused consumers.
casting serious doubt on its impartiality. However, the sheer number of readers of this beautiful periodical, and the number of wines rated, 16,000 per year, make it an extremely powerful force in the wine world. James Suckling, who was their chief The History wine critic from 1981 until he resigned While there are a myriad of sources for in 2010, is a formidable force in the wine wine ratings, historically, the two most world and is still active in the world of wine influential sources for ratings have been and wine ratings. The Wine Advocate, developed under the periodicals Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s direction, has had its fair share of Parker’s The Wine Advocate. The glossy critics. The major criticism has revolved Wine Spectator magazine, with its articles around the style of wine that Parker about travel, food and wine, is wildly preferred and to the 100-point scoring popular and hugely influential, but no one method that Parker made famous. Critics person has held more sway in the world of claim the big, concentrated wines that wine than Robert Parker. His periodical, The Parker preferred do not always make the Wine Advocate, is the antithesis of the Wine best dinner companions, overpowering Spectator, printed black type on tan paper, the food. Critics also claimed winemakers its format resembles a technical paper. shifted their wines to meet Parker’s palate Robert Parker founded his periodical in an effort to achieve favorable ratings, in 1978, but rose to fame when he tasted creating a loss of nuance and the loss of the samples of the 1982 Bordeaux vintage effect of “terrior”, (the unique combination and correctly announced it extraordinary, of soil and climate) on the wines. This contrary to a number of wine critics at the time. He has an enduring loyalty to French influence has moved wine production toward higher alcohol content and an wine and is renowned for his enthusiastic overly “jammy” style of wine. and wildly descriptive tasting notes. He has compared wine from the left bank of Bordeaux to “a towering skyscraper in the Recent Developments mouth,” a Zinfandel as “balls to the walls,” In the digital age, the rise of online and has described a Châteauneuf-du-Pape platforms, passionate bloggers and social as “pure sex in a bottle.” One of his claims media has played a significant role in to fame, in addition to his amazing palate, shaping the world of wine appreciation. was his independence. Parker took no Some aspects of these developments advertising money from anyone for his include: magazine and purchased the wine he tasted • Accessibility of Information: on the open market to ensure that he tasted Bloggers and online communities have the same wine that consumers buy at retail. created a vast amount of information While Parker formally retired in 2019, his about wine regions, varietals and periodical maintains his high standards winemaking techniques that is now and is still wildly influential. Good reviews readily available. in the Wine Advocate can sell out a wine • Real-time Interaction: Online and bad reviews can seriously damage a platforms allow wine enthusiasts wine’s salability. to engage in discussions, hear The Wine Spectator, while also a recommendations formidable force in the world of wine, • Diverse Perspectives: Instead does not have the Wine Advocate’s claim of just a few “experts,” online of independence. This periodical takes communities and bloggers bring a large sums of money in advertising dollars multitude of different perspectives and from the very wines it reviews, thus voices to the discussion.
• Exploration of a wider variety of topics: Online platforms allow for exploration of niche topics, such a lesser-known wine regions, grape varietals and winemaking techniques. • Visual Storytelling: Platforms like Instagram allow enthusiasts to share visual content about their wine stories. • Crowdsourced Recommendations: The collective wisdom of these shared recommendations provides a valuable resource of collective wisdom for enthusiasts. • Virtual Events and Tastings: These events allow wine lovers to actively participate in shared experiences and foster a sense of community among the participants. • Direct-to-Consumer Engagement: Direct interaction with consumers allows wineries to share their stories through online platforms and social media including their winemaking techniques and unique aspects of their wines.
Trends on the Horizon
The evolution of wine criticism includes a number of emerging trends. The most significant change on the horizon is the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics. This trend includes predictive modeling and machine learning algorithms to give light to trends in consumer preferences. Technological advances have created a growing trend toward interactive and immersive experiences. Virtual vineyard tours and immersive tasting experiences are now available through Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR). There will always be critics and wine connoisseurs who want to share their opinion on wines, but wine is a very personal journey, and each person has their own preferences and opinions. Critics and ratings can be enormously helpful in choosing wines and expanding knowledge. Remember to drink what you love! ————————————————————— Pat Daniel is the owner of Uptown Wine & Spirits in Uptown Columbus.
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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
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
M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa. 11AM-3PM, Closed Sunday 3500 Massee Lane • 762.583.6170
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
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
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WASABI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
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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
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
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
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
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
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Conversations on the Couch
with Ben Redding LOCAL CREATIVE POWERHOUSE Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from—family, hobbies, etc.? My father is from Georgetown, near Eufaula, my mother was raised in Cuthbert, and I was raised in Harris County—my grandparents were hardworking cornerstones of those communities. My mother would say I grew up at the kitchen table surrounded by reams of construction paper, but I feel like my life really began when I found theatre in middle school. I was hungry for more than what was available to me, and I quickly found myself living and breathing the arts—Springer kid, Columbus Ballet kid, Family Theatre kid. I took voice lessons with Debbie Anderson, led my school’s Thespian Society—I wanted to do it all. Sophomore year, I took a leap and went to Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. That experience shaped me deeply and set the tone for the next decade of my life. I earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University and right after graduation I joined the North American Broadway Tour of West Side Story as Riff. From there, I moved to New York— and after a few years I hit a wall. I’d been “pounding the pavement” since I was 11, and I’d become almost obsessed with the dream to the point of burnout. I jokingly call it my Skeletor phase, but I was literally withering away. When my grandfather passed, it was a wake-up call. Artists sacrifice more than people realize, and my artistic endeavors felt small and superfluous. The dream that once felt so vivid can slowly slip into something unrecognizable. I didn’t want to live disconnected from the people I love. And great art—like bad art—can happen anywhere. I came back to Columbus in 2017, committed to honoring my truest artistic voice. I produced and created R+J: Theory, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, at the Columbus Riverwalk Amphitheater. It was a creative rebirth—probably the first time I felt fully represented in my work. It was so me. Since then, I’ve found joy in amplifying the voices of institutions 74
I care about—Schwob School of Music, The Food Mill, CSU Theatre and Dance, and most recently, The Liberty Theater, just to name a few. Whether organizing, promoting, or creative consulting, my joy lies in community building through intentional and meaningful experiences.
What do you have on your agenda this year? A lot! First up is Playing Dress Up, a bold, visual one-woman concert starring my dear friend Lucy Werner at the Bo Bartlett Center on June 4. It’s about personal evolution and identity through clothing and play—maximalist, one-night-only, and made with love. In July, I’ll direct Alice in Wonderland at the Springer, running July 19–27. It’s Ron Anderson’s adaptation, and being chosen to bring it to life is a huge honor. His impact on me—and on this community—was profound. I’m keeping most of the concept under wraps for now, but I will say this: Ron would want me to be myself and bring my best self to the work—so that’s exactly what I intend to do. The Springer means the world to me, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with their incredible team. Then in September, I’m producing and directing Scenes from… at the Bo Bartlett Center (Sept. 24–25), starring Will Oliver and Braxton Lee. Two actors, iconic scenes, minimal costumes, and big transformations. Think of it as a theatrical charcuterie board—more about devouring big artistic bites than following a linear plot. That’s all I can share for now, but let’s say this: it’s shaping up to be my most creative year yet.
at Schwob and recognized my passion for the arts. Combined with her passion for the school, the faculty, and the students, we made a great team. Meg advocated for me to step in to help manage and creative consult for GUSTO!, and I’m so grateful Schwob welcomed me. I think I can speak for both of us when I say our goal is to amplify the presence of this extraordinary school and create opportunities for students to thrive— and love living here. Many of these students work one, two, sometimes three jobs just to exist, sacrificing practice hours and growth. Meg and I share the belief that we must alleviate that stress however we can. Maybe, just maybe, some of these temporary Columbusites will become lifelong community contributors. Every day at Schwob is a joy and a reminder of how lucky we are to have a world-class institution with top-tier talent right here at home.
What do you enjoy most about your work? Two things. First, the constant change. Like a theatrical season— musicals, plays, concerts—the core I can’t talk about GUSTO! without job is the same, but the approach talking about Meg Schley. She’s one of is always new. I don’t like being those rare people whose belief in you boxed in as just one type of artist. is so strong, it becomes a driving force. Organization is an art form, just like I’m lucky to now call her a friend—more singing or dancing. I love creating aptly, family. She serves as Board Chair heartfelt, genuine experiences and
Tell us about your involvement with CSU’s Schwob School of Music’s GUSTO! production.
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taking care of people in the process. Life is hard—we need more moments to let go, laugh, and feel that childlike wonder again. Second, I love helping people realize visions they didn’t know they had in them. We all have dreams— some “big,” some “small.” But like the saying goes, “there are no small parts,” and I’d argue, no small dreams. Helping someone achieve theirs feels like the most worthwhile thing I can do. I’ve been lucky to have people—Ron, Debbie, Merrill Cheyne (my middle school drama teacher), my parents, my friends— help me achieve mine. Now it’s my turn to pay that forward, especially in the town that made me who I am. What are your challenges being involved with so many events? That’s a tough one. I try not to dwell on the challenges—just to be grateful for the growth. Could I be more bold when advocating for myself financially? Sure. Do I have trouble saying no to things I love? Definitely. But this is my time to stretch, struggle, and be challenged. I don’t know if I’ll always have this kind of stamina, so while I do, I choose gratitude—for my breath, for my mobility, for a family that loves me, for a town that believes in me, and for a community that supports
me. Most of all, for the gift of artistic freedom. We’re all limited in some way. Most of us want to do more. You rarely get everything all at once, and even if you do, you don’t always appreciate it. Struggle is universal—it’s the human condition. And being an artist doesn’t make me special. It just makes me human.
and looking at it afterward. I find my greatest inspiration when I’m bored. I love seeing ordinary things because they remind me that it’s our perspective that can be extraordinary. I used to say I liked the bright lights and the energy of the city—and don’t get me wrong, I love the city—but it does all the work for you. Columbus is filled with kind people who value community and appreciate art. Not everyone here went to an Ivy or completed a residency or studied with so-and-so— and we’re better for it. Sometimes the brightest stars lack the biggest credits. There’s real possibility here for creativity, originality and collaboration. I’m someone who believes everyone is an artist, and when you slow down, open your mind, and take a breath—you realize that inspiration and artistry are all around you.
What aspect of Columbus do you personally enjoy the most? Another two-parter: people and possibility. When I was living in New York, I never really felt like I knew who my friends were. Maybe that’s just part of growing older and maturing, but the nature of the art world—and the way society consumes art—can breed a lot of competition. I think this might surprise people who know me, but I love the quiet. I love stillness. I love the river. I love breathing Southern air. I love the sounds of the Anything else you’d like Chattahoochee. I’m even finding that to say? I kind of like working in the yard— I often feel incredibly supported— mostly because I enjoy sitting back but totally misunderstood. My
art, what makes my heart beat, is storytelling. I work in events because I love it and because it’s financially practical. Events, parties, galas—they’re great. But the way we define ourselves, the way we grow, is through telling stories—through writing, music, dance, and visual art. When you combine all those mediums, you get theatre, and my heart will always be there. Theatre isn’t a solitary art form—you have to be collaborative. It always takes a village. If I could produce a new R+J or Three Act Play every year, I would and one day I will. But even at its simplest, a show requires lights, sound, a location, a house manager, technicians, and actors. There’s a reason the two works I’m producing this year are a one-woman show and a two-man show—and even those are only happening because an institution believes in me. I don’t really have hobbies. For fun, I create shows and wait for the right time to bring them to life. I dreamed of The Living Room for years. It happened because Stephanie Woodham and Katie
Bishop from Yalla PR gave me the space to build it—literally—and Cora King gave me the platform to produce it. I saw an opportunity and took it. But it wasn’t without monumental support—and when no one initially bought into the idea, I self-funded the entire thing. For years I’ve been working on an adaptation of Bambi called Life in the Woods (the original title of Felix Salten’s novel). Act One is a prequel about Bambi’s father and Act Two is based on the story of Bambi we know. The play is about fathers and sons and living up to familial expectations. It’s about masculinity, being southern, loving your mother and how we define our own destiny in spite of disappointment, hardship and loss. I dream so much for our town and for other people. If you dream for me, please dream for my ability to tell stories, to have the platform to take risks and the allowance from the universe to create big, collaborative works. I’ll dream a little dream for you and maybe you can dream a little dream for me, too.
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