Make NEW MEMORIES
— Established 1992 — 706-324-6214
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Jodi Saunders jodi@columbusandthevalley.com
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Becky Kenimer
Advertising Account Executive becky@columbusandthevalley.com
Margie Richardson
Advertising Account Executive margie@columbusandthevalley.com
Julie Lauzon
Sales & Marketing Manager salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Rebecca DeLoach
62graphicstudio.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Frank S. Etheridge IV
FEATURE WRITERS
Cameron Bean
Frank S. Etheridge IV
Doug Gillett
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brad Barnes
Tyson Begly
Pat Daniel
Scott Phillips
PHOTOGRAPHY
Eliza Daffin Photography
Charley Windham
Valley Life Ventures
Digging into this holiday issue has been like unearthing a treasure chest of gold—both literary and figuratively speaking.
I was excited to attend Columbus State University’s 10th Annual Girls in the Game luncheon in September. It was so good to see that over the years the attendance has more than tripled, and support for women athletes and the scholarship opportunities has grown in equal measure. I wasn’t quite prepared for the impact the awe-inspiring keynote speaker, DeeDee Trotter, three-time Olympic medalist would have on me. I felt propelled forward, not so much physically (track isn’t quite my forté), but mentally I was ready to conquer the world! She went above and beyond on her visit working with young athletes in her clinic and speaking at length with event attendees. She was very generous in allowing everyone to hold her medals, and even though the temptation was there to clench her gold medal between my teeth, I refrained.
Maybe all that glitters isn’t gold, but a gilt-edged frame that preserves a treasure encased by a true craftswoman is priceless. For Kara Cable at The Cat’s Meow, an encore career has allowed her to hone her craft. With an eclectic taste in artisans and their wares—sourced locally, statewide and internationally—her locations in Columbus and Pine Mountain, along with its gallery annex, offer a collection of unique treasures.
After a two-year search, the Community Foundation has found a place to call home. Their new office location is steeped in the history of the community they serve. Serendipitous or not, the building they now occupy carries echoes of a century of philanthropic and entrepreneurial leaders—and now, the voices of a new era will once again resonate within its walls.
One late afternoon in early October, I headed out to Harris County to meet with Author Allen Levi and Cameron Bean. I listened to Allen and Cameron discuss life, inspiration and the road to success traveled by Allen with his novel, Theo of Golden. As the light shifted to the golden hour, the quiet landscape invited reflection on
what lies beyond the horizon for Allen and ‘Team Theo’ on the eve of their international success.
The gold of the Rialto marquee shines once again on Broadway. Thanks to visionary couple Jason and Alayne Gamache, the value of our hometown is what they truly treasure. Guided by a philosophy of offering only the best of Columbus, they have created a place that honors history while welcoming work, worship, dining and leisurely living in the heart of our thriving downtown. Luckily for us, this is just one of many buildings in a real estate portfolio that will develop as our city grows, too.
I’m also going treasure hunting! With local business retailers listed in our holiday gift guide, I can find all that I need amongst the 30 listed items to shower my friends and family this holiday season. Don’t let the faux glow of the computer screen entice you into shopping online, the true gift of the season is spotlighting and supporting our local businesses.
Heading into the holiday season from all of us at Columbus & The Valley, we wish you all that is Merry & Bright!
Jodi Saunders Publisher/Editor
Meeting Olympic Champion DeeDee Trotter at CSU’s Girls in the Game Luncheon
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Becky Kenimer Advertising Account Executive
706-289-8338
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706-324-6214
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WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Ongoing
Highside Market Farmer’s Market
SUNDAYS UNTIL DECEMBER 28
Spend your Sunday afternoons at Highside Market exploring their Farmers Market — a seasonal showcase of locally grown goods and handcrafted flavors in the heart of Columbus.
HighsideMarket.com
Uptown Market Days
SATURDAYS THRU 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
November
HOT WATER Exhibit at the Bo Bartlett Center
NOVEMBER 1-DECEMBER 6
HOT WATER is the first comprehensive survey of Coulter Fussell’s years-long, evolving series of hand sewn quilted sculptures called “River Raft Quilts.” The works are sewn entirely from donated clothing and textiles. The series draws directly from her childhood growing up in Columbus, Georgia and uses the Lower Chattahoochee Valley as the narrative setting.
ColumbusState.edu/bartlett-center
The Art of Glassmaking Workshop: Ornaments & Snowmen
NOVEMBER 8
Sign up this new, advanced glassmaking workshop, where you will get to craft your very own glass snowman with Kelly Robertson of Calvary Glass. Limited space is available, so sign up early. COMUGa.org
The CSO presents Brahms & Mendelssohn at RiverCenter
NOVEMBER 8
Step into an evening of warmth and elegance as Brahms & Mendelssohn unfolds in a program rich with introspection and soulful beauty CSOGA.org/brahms-mendelssohn
35th Annual Fountain City Classic at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium
NOVEMBER 8
Fountain City Classic returns to Columbus for it’s 35th year—and you already know the vibes! Tailgate all day and then watch two HBCU football powerhouses— Albany State University Golden Rams and Fort Valley State University Wildcats—battle it out on historic turf.
FountainCityClassic.com
St. Francis’ 75th Birthday Celebration
NOVEMBER 9
For three generations, St. Francis-Emory Healthcare has cared for the communities we serve—body, mind and spirit through every season of life. Join us from 1-4 p.m. for this family-friendly celebration with a multitude of children’s activities.
MyStFrancis.org
Sketching Under the Skylight
NOVEMBER 13
This monthly figure drawing series will catch your creative spirit while drawing under the Center’s skylights. This free event happens every second Thursday of the month and is open to the public of all ages and skill levels. Please bring your own art supplies.
ColumbusState.edu/bartlett-center
Light Up Pine Mountain
NOVEMBER 14
Kick off the holiday season in Pine Mountain with the annual Light Up Pine Mountain celebration! Enjoy festive music, the lighting of two giant Christmas trees and the announcement of the Citizen of the Year and vote for Downtown Shop Window Decoration contest. Santa will also make a special appearance to spread holiday cheer.
PineMountain.org/tag/light-up-pine-mountain
Jazz at The Loft
NOVEMBER 14
Join us this Friday at The Loft Columbus for a dynamic night of Friday Jazz featuring Schwob School of Music faculty. Music starts at 8 p.m. ColumbusState.edu/music
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
NOVEMBER 14-JANUARY 4
A beloved Christmas tradition shines even brighter this holiday season. Enjoy a festive journey along the classic seven-mile light show in your own car. Experience the Callaway Christmas Village, where you’ll find Santa & friends, the 40-foot Tree of Traditions Pixel Pine, and a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, oversized ornaments and more. CallawayGardens.com
Columbus Home Expo at Columbus Trade Center
NOVEMBER 14-16
Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Columbus Home Expo is your place to find all local remodeling experts. The Columbus Home Expo, hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts.
ColumbusHomeExpo.com
Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens
NOVEMBER 15
Experience the thrill of equestrian excellence. This prestigious annual event combines the grace and power of thoroughbred horse racing with the beauty of Callaway’s natural landscapes. Delight in the spectacle of horses leaping over obstacles, feel the excitement of the race and enjoy the vibrant social atmosphere that accompanies this timeless tradition.
SteeplechaseAtCallaway.com
American Frontier Days at FDR State Park
NOVEMBER 15-16
Walk through time from the middle 1700’s to the late 1800’s and see living skills’ displays from local historians. See trappers, blacksmiths and more. Tomahawk throw contest. Baseball field across from Liberty Bell Pool. Donations accepted for admission. ParkPass required.
ExploreHarrisCountyGA.com
Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence Tour at Columbus Civic Center
NOVEMBER 20
Global comedy sensation Jeff Dunham is bringing his wildly popular Artificial Intelligence Tour to Columbus for one unforgettable night of laughter! CivicCenter.ColumbusGA.gov
Cozy Christmas Market at Midland Commons
NOVEMBER 22
Enjoy a magical day of holiday shopping with 30+ local vendors, delicious food trucks, festive drinks, and a whole lot of cheer. Facebook.com/midlandcommonsga
Crowder, Zach Williams and Matt Maher at Columbus Civic Center
NOVEMBER 23
Two Headliners. One Concert built to shake the walls. Crowder, Zach Williams and Matt Maher take the stage for a night of gritty, soul-deep music. From “Chain Breaker” to “God Almighty”, it’s country-meets-frontporch gospel with an arena-sized punch. Grab your tickets and show up ready to sing like you mean it. CivicCenter.ColumbusGA.gov
Soulfest Dukes and Boots 10 Year Anniversary at Columbus Civic Center
NOVEMBER 29
Originally scheduled for August 30th, the event has been rescheduled to November 29 to bring you an even bigger Thanksgiving Weekend celebration. CivicCenter.ColumbusGA.gov
Disney’s Frozen at the Springer NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 21
In this rare appearance on a regional theatre stage, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Awardwinning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs along with new music written exclusively for the stage. SpringerOperaHouse.org
Small Business Saturday in Uptown Columbus NOVEMBER 29
It’s your chance to support the local shops, makers, and small businesses that make our community unique. Spend your day in Uptown shopping locally and supporting all of the businesses in our community, and stop by to see your favorite Market Days vendors one last time! AlwaysUptown.com
December
A Motown Christmas at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 2
This powerful, family-oriented show combines Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks...dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style. RiverCenter.org
Ride on Bikes Cold Moon Bike Ride
DECEMBER 4
Join Ride on Bikes for one of Columbus’ longest running community rides! Every month on the full moon the Full Moon Ride leaves the shop at 8 p.m. (Eastern). The ride is around 4-7 miles and is kept to a leisurely pace suitable for most ages. The route changes each month depending on what local business has sponsored the ride.
RideOnBikes.com
Three Dog Night at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 4
Legendary music icons, Three Dog Night, celebrating nearly 5 decades, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets. RiverCenter.org
Uptown’s Broadway Holiday
DECEMBER 5
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the city Christmas tree at 7 p.m., Columbus State’s Tree Trail, and ending with Christmas carolers, Santa Claus and hot chocolate. AlwaysUptown.com
Ft. Benning MCoE Band Holiday Concert at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 5
Join the MCOE Army Band for a festive, family-friendly holiday concert celebrating the season with music, joy, and a few surprises! Featuring brass, woodwinds, vocals, and rhythm section—plus a special guest. Free and open to the public, though tickets are required. RiverCenter.org
Bi-City Christmas Parade
DECEMBER 6
Gather your friends and family in Downtown Columbus and Phenix City to enjoy festive floats, marching bands, and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. The parade will begin at 10:00AM. AlwaysUptown.com
Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus Concert at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 7
The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music presents Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus Concert. Please join them at 2 p.m. in Legacy Hall. RiverCenter.org
The Prophecy Show: A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra
DECEMBER 8
This powerhouse group of classically trained musicians come together to create nothing short of an electrifying evening of holiday rock music. Performing in the style of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Prophecy Show has spared no details when it comes to the costumes, choreography, music, lasers and fog. RiverCenter.org
Who’s
Holiday at the Springer
DECEMBER 11-21
Join the Springer for a hysterical trip back to Whoville with Cindy Lou in this wildly funny and heartfelt ADULTS-ONLY show. This campy comedy is sure to put you in the holiday spirit as Cindy shares the highs and lows of the yuletide, in rhyme, of course.
SpringerOperaHouse.org
Christmas in Old Town
DECEMBER 13
Get ready for a jolly good time! Enjoy festive treats, local shopping and the magic of the season as Old Town transforms into a holiday wonderland. 11-3 pm. OldTownColumbus.com
The Nutcracker at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 13-14
The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Snow, an enchanted forest where they dance with all the other toys who have come to life. Perfect for all ages, this Holiday classic offers families a night to truly celebrate the season. Multiple showtimes available RiverCenter.org
The Choir Man at RiverCenter
DECEMBER 13-14
Set in the world’s best pub, this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians, and a charming poet. Enjoy everything from the anthems of Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Adele to the chart-toppers of Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry, and more.
RiverCenter.org
COMU Holiday Gift Shop Sale
DECEMBER 26-28
Join the annual after Christmas Holiday Sale at the COMU Shop! Receive up to 75% off all holiday merchandise.
ColumbusMuseum.com
Holly Jolly Market in Uptown
DECEMBER 14
Visitors can expect anything from home made and hand made festive goods to boutique items from all over the area. Kick start the month of December by stopping anytime from 9 a.m. to noon.
AlwaysUptown.com
COMU Holiday Gift Shop Sale
DECEMBER 26-28
Join the annual after Christmas Holiday Sale at the COMU Shop! Receive up to 75% off all holiday merchandise.
ColumbusMuseum.com
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Framing the Narrative
by Frank S. Etheridge IV
FROM CRUNCHING NUMBERS TO CRAFTING CUSTOM FRAMES, KARA CABLE HAS CHARTERED A COURSE OF HUMBLE BRILLIANCE TO FIND A HOME IN THE ART WORLD
Pointing to a picture taped up on her kitchen fridge of her as a teen holding a pet cat, Kara Cable says her love for felines is more like “a life-long obsession.”
It’s a Monday, and that means Cable’s Uptown location of her two Cat’s Meow shops is closed to the public. In contrast to her original Pine Mountain store—open seven days a week, catering to tourists who browse Cable’s tasteful blend of imported, vintage and artisan wares—the Columbus shop is “the workhorse,” Cable explains. It’s where the humble, yet internationally renowned, custom artwork framer plies her craft.
Henry, a charming orange tabby, curls up for belly rubs on Cable’s work table. He retreats to a blanketed perch in the adjoining room to watch the proceedings when Cable begins to pull sample materials from the large wooden filing cabinet her husband, Jeff, built for her and spread them out on the table before her. “Henry’s bright,” Cable explains. “He’s always within an eyeshot, but Eleanor couldn’t be bothered. She’s waiting for you to leave before she goes to eat.”
Raised on her father’s farm in Maryland, Cable, 55, jokes that she has cats “because you can’t get horses into the house very easily” before adding, “I’ve always had
dogs. I love dogs. Dogs love you always, but cats judge you by your last worst act. And I think that keeps you a little bit more honest. With cats, you have to be kind.”
Cable loves her work. She calls it “a pleasure.” Good thing, as between the Pine Mountain store and the hundreds of custom frame jobs she has on the books, she works seven days a week. Her only “breaks” come during buying trips to American Craft Council shows (Philadelphia and Baltimore are her preferred locales) as well as annual trips to Showcase Ireland in Dublin in January. Beyond her sourcing of unique inventory on the
LEFT: Cable in front of her Columbus location on Eighth Street
ABOVE: Henry is always a welcome visitor atop Cable's work table.
retail side, what distinguishes Cat’s Meow from other frame shop business models, Cable notes, is that she “will assist in the design, the build and the finish of your project. The work stays in my hands through each process.”
“Framing is a relationship business,” Cable says. “You resonate with someone, or you don't.”
If her relationship with a client is well established, Cable seeks to create their ideal frame based on her knowledge of their budget, their aesthetic and what they have in their home. If it’s a new customer, “it really depends on what you’re after and is driven by the conversation I have with you,” she says.
“We have a gazillion frames. But once you tell me, ‘I really like gold’ or ‘I’m looking for a simple black frame,’ then I start. I take my cues from you. You could come in and want a base frame that you can get most anywhere. And we sell those, at competitive prices. Or you can go all the way to the top.”
Surrounded at her work table by finished and in-progress frames holding beautiful art (including works by local residents/ global titans Bruno Zupan and Bo Bartlett), Cable pulls out samples from “the top:” corners hand-carved with 22-carat gold leafings sourced from Rhonda Feinman in New York City and a shop in Romania where the same family has crafted frames for more than 1,000 years. “In America, you get hardwood lengths of walnut, cherry and oak. In Europe, they’re known for their gildings and their finishes. They are finer, and there’s a difference in craftsmanship. Most folks like us for our European offerings. I think Rhonda is the best in the United States, and I think the Romanians are the best in the world.”
The European vintage appeals to Cable because “they’re not photo-finish perfect, like an unblemished, monochrome Michael’s frame.” Speaking in the Cat’s Meow’s charming
ABOVE: Artists Sarah and Michele West exhibit their work in Pine Mountain at the warehouse annex.
BELOW: Cable at her work area at the Columbus location
Victorian on Eighth Street where she and her husband sleep upstairs, Cable draws a direct parallel from this appreciation to her love for old homes. “The dents, the scratches and the imperfections, I think, make things perfect,” she says.
Cable’s home in Hamilton is old. In Harris County, people know it as “Miss Chick’s house,” where Chick Walton, mother of Beth Callaway, lived for many years. Cable bought the place in 2000, soon after the divorce from her first husband, back when she was a cost accountant who worked as plant controller for Tom’s then Lance.
Framing started out as a hobby for Cable, who first learned a craft she would eventually master as an Army wife at workshops offered by Ft. Benning’s MWR (Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation). Learning by trial and error on post, her first frame presented a poster and tickets from a Rolling Stones concert—a shrine to a band she’s seen at venues all over the world. “I hung a shingle out and worked on weekends,” Cable recalls, laughing at the memory of how she took a photo outside another Harris County frame shop to show the adequate signage and commercial presence to secure Larson Juhl (“the big guys, the Buick in the industry”) as a frame vendor. Co-workers from Tom’s would later help Cable put up the signage. While she calls Tom’s “a wonderful job where I made lots of great memories and friends,” the historic peanut-product factory’s acquisition by North Carolina-based Lance changed things. “Lance’s model was different,” Cable says. “More remote because your hierarchy was somewhere else, and it became less fun.”
However, the real factor in Cable becoming a full-time framer in 2005 was that business was booming. “I didn’t expect it to grow so rapidly,” Cable explains. “Just by word of mouth, it got busier and busier.”
•••
On a bright Saturday afternoon in September, her other cat Arnold sleeps curled up in an antique carriage, bathing in sunlight streaming in from the wavy-glass storefront window of the Cat’s Meow Pine Mountain location. Caleb calls the carriage her kitty’s “throne.”
Cable purchased the property after considerable due diligence by owner Chad Kimbrough, whose family operated Kimbrough’s General Store for more than a century. Built in 1892 by King Brothers (firm of famed bridge engineer Horace King’s two sons), it features a red-brick front with a side made of massive chunks of granite pulled from the old rock quarry in what is today’s FDR State Park. High ceilings soar above interior walls, lined by a shelf accessed with an attached 12-foot ladder, which showcase Cable’s frames around works by her roster of artists—Gloria Mani, Katie Jacobson, Michele West, Sarah West, Rich Godfrey and Pete the Cat’s painter, James Dean.
The front half of the 2,500 square foot Cat’s Meow Pine Mountain location has aisles of retail wares “that is not random,” Cable says. “There’s a feel to it. Even if it’s not handcrafted, it’s something we liked at a factory we stopped at in Tipperary where scarves are made.” There are also old Kimbrough’s General Store displays, stationery, collectibles (such as carousel horses, a personal passion for Cable), imported wares, knick knacks and gifts. The back portion “is the workshop where we make things” with big saws for custom frames and more. As a small, but steady, stream of
customers mill about this Saturday afternoon, Cable’s good friend and longtime employee Pay Loyd stands behind the register and laughs as she says of the pair’s dynamic, “It’s kinda like working with your sister," before adding, “I love working here. It’s wonderful.”
Over the last few years, Cable has increased Cat’s Meow’s foot print in the area by a succession of purchases of Kimbrough properties. This includes a warehouse as well as an alleyside galley/studio to a rotating roster of featured artists-in-residence.
Returning for the second time in that role, mother-and-daughter talents Michele and Sarah West, owner/operators of an art school in Smith Station, stand around a table of their watercolors. Some are ready for framing, some works are in progress, all while chatting it up with Pine Mountain Mayor Keith Pendergass.
“We really try to better condition our students for the framing experience,” Sarah West says of her connection in creating art with Cable, “by encouraging them to shop locally and support our local framers.” She describes the residency as “an extension of the studio experience, bringing in collectors to have the first opportunity to see works still on the easel or fresh out of the field, while
ABOVE: The downtown Pine Mountain location was once Kimbrough's General Store.
RIGHT: Cable at her Columbus location with Henry looking on
consulting with their framers to determine how to best display them in their home or office. I really like it because it gives them a better way to curate their chosen work.”
Michele West credits Cable’s “selection and education” as reasons why “we have the best framer.” Calling Cable a “tremendous resource” for artists in the Chattahoochee Valley, she adds, “You don’t know what’s available until you meet a framer who can guide you.”
“The level of care she practices with every piece she frames,” Sarah West chimes in to conclude, “means a great deal to artists and collectors.”
Cable shares the Wests’ sentiments regarding their relationship, describing her work with her featured artists “a really great cross-pollination." As far as her level of care shared between the first-time curious and big-dollar collector, Cable confesses to five-figure frames for works by masters John Singer Sargent and Nelson Shanks, portraitists for U.S. Presidents and Princess Diana. “So I've worked on some amazing work,” she says, “but you know, everybody who comes in, the art that they're bringing in, is just as important and valuable to them.” For example, Cable points to a sub-speciality of frames for concert posters which, beyond her own beloved Rolling Stones, strive to showcase the sound and spirit of everyone from the Grateful Dead
and Phish to the glittery showgirl glam of Taylor Swift.
Reflecting on her chosen craft, the timeless trade in which she has excelled to reach the highest of heights in our time and place, Cable waxes whimsical in saying, “Oh, I think my father and my husband both had high hopes that I would get my wits about me and go back to the real world.”
Yet, being her own boss and creating frames for clients who feel like friends and family? Well, it’s a far cry from cost accounting.
“When you push debits and credits left and right all day,” Cable says to contrast her two career choices, “at the end of the day, your desk looks just the same. When you make something tactile, you can point to it and say, ‘I did that.’ Now, you may be behind and have a lot of work on your table, but you can still point to something that you've done for a totally different sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I really enjoy what I do and — this may sound silly—but I feel very humbled by the fact that people trust me to take care of something they love.”
Visit The Cat's Meow at one of these locations: 108 8th Street in Columbus or 137 N. Main Avenue in Pine Mountain.
Valley Business Insider
by Tyson Begly
Columbus’ Economic Growth:
$385 Million and 748 Jobs in Just 3 Months
Acouple of months ago, we talked about the new direction of Columbus’ economic development strategy with fresh leadership at the Chamber of Commerce and Choose Columbus. Since then, big announcements have followed—new companies investing here, existing employers reinvesting and hundreds of new jobs on the way. Let’s take a closer look at the impact.
New Companies Coming to Columbus
The biggest announcement came from Governor Brian Kemp—South Korea-based JS Link will invest $223 million to build a rare earth permanent magnet facility in Muscogee Technology Park. The new 130,000-square-foot plant will create 520 jobs. For the U.S., this is a strategic win— reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical materials used in cars, data centers and robotics. For Columbus, it’s exactly the type of project the city envisioned when developing the Technology Park.
In July, the Development Authority of Columbus announced that Sigma Stretch Film of Georgia, a global leader in highperformance film manufacturing, will invest $39 million and create 100 jobs at a new Columbus location. Their project includes expanding a former Stalwart Plastics facility by 75,000 square feet and constructing a new 75,000-square-foot stand-alone warehouse. Sigma specializes in advanced stretch films used worldwide to protect goods in transit.
Quietly, a third manufacturer has also committed to Columbus. NVH Korean, a company that already operates in other parts of Georgia, is investing $3.3 million here to expand its automotive floor mat production. This project will add 35 jobs to the local economy.
Altogether, these three new manufacturing companies represent $265 million in investment and 655 new jobs.
Existing Employers
Reinforcing Their Commitment
Growth isn’t only coming from newcomers. Established companies with roots in Columbus are choosing to reinvest here instead of growing elsewhere:
• J.M. Smucker, which acquired Hostess in 2023 and owns brands such as Dunkin’ and Smuckers, recently announced a $120 million expansion of its Hostess operation in Columbus. The project adds 48 jobs to its existing 361-person workforce. Beyond the new positions, this was a strong signal of confidence: Smuckers could have consolidated operations at its Hostess bakeries in Kansas or Indiana, but instead chose Columbus.
• Muscogee Mills (formerly Muscogee Textiles), a local company that has operated since 1968, announced its own expansion, creating 45 additional jobs. Muscogee Mills provides manufacturing, textile sourcing and warehouse and fulfillment services— making its growth a sign of long-term stability for the community.
The Big Picture
So, what’s the scoreboard from the last three months?
• Total investment: $385 million
• Total new jobs: 748
For perspective, that’s more than the current workforce of Kysor-Warren (470 employees) or Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (370 employees). And it’s not far behind long-standing anchors like Synovus and Columbus State University, each with about 1,230 employees. These figures come directly from the Choose Columbus website, which tracks employer size across the region.
Why Columbus?
These wins don’t happen by chance. Columbus has been laying the groundwork for years:
• Sites available: Muscogee Technology Park gave companies like JS Link a location to build.
• Livability: Declines in violent crime, along with amenities such as the new baseball park, help attract workers.
• Talent pipeline: Partnerships with Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College and a strong privatesector workforce give employers confidence they can find skilled employees locally.
• Initiative: Formal and informal groups are working tirelessly to identify and sell potential employers on the attractiveness of Columbus.
Final Takeaway
The momentum is clear—Columbus is turning strategy into results. With hundreds of millions invested and hundreds of jobs added, our community is proving it can compete nationally for the industries of the future.
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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Sow It Grows
Jack Frost Nipping at Your Rows
A,novice gardener might feel the nip in the air and think sweet relief is here at last!
Well, not to grinch away all your winter joy, but your work ain’t done, kid.
You could, of course, just grow winter crops. Many people do, and many people love them. In our house, we’ve never found the vegetable yields to be worth the work, so we take the winter as a chance to recharge and let the earth do the same. Let’s face it: there are times during the summer when a backyard garden or raised bed can be a real bear. It’s good to take a time out. Is it worth it? Totally. But is it work? Yup.
While your growing spaces and fruit trees aren’t going to demand a lot of you over winter, there are a few things you can do to minimize maintenance and set them up for success next year. Let’s cling to that bear analogy for a moment. Those spaces are about to hibernate, and you need to make sure they’ve had a good meal first, so they don’t come out of their slumber starving.
Mulch and Cover
How do you feed a garden bed? Well, from an organic gardener’s perspective, the best choices are to mulch it up with a thick layer of biomatter like shredded leaves, grass clippings, bark, rested compost and the like. If this is your path, lay your mulch on heavy, to the tune of about four inches thick. You’ll just want to water it down a bit from time to time and enjoy your winter.
Mulching is a great solution for raised beds but maybe not the most attractive solution for a larger backyard plot. If appearances matter, the best option is to sow a cover crop.
“Cover crops are often called green manure and are essentially green plants that help hold the soil from erosion and provide nutrients when put into the soil,” writes Bob Westerfield, a horticulture specialist for the University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension. “They also look much better than bare soil or dead plants.”
Cover crops also serve to prevent weeds from sneaking into your yard. And they give bugs a place to shelter overwinter (remember, bugs are not bad guys; they’re great for aerating and enriching the earth). And, if you choose the right thing to sow, it can improve the quality of your soil and maybe even save you some money on fertilizer come spring. Barley, clover and field peas all make great low-maintenance cover crops. All three are what we call nitrogen fixers, grabbing nitrogen from the air and converting it to a solid in the soil.
So, all I am saying is give peas a chance. I should also mention one thing you don’t want to do over winter, and that’s add store-bought fertilizer. Doing this will encourage new growth right when you want things to go dormant. Spring is the time to test your soil quality and pH and amend with fertilizer if necessary. Remember, what you’re doing with a cover crop is not only prettying up your space and preventing your good soil from slipsliding away but growing future fertilizer. You’re going to let it produce biomatter over the cold months, then mow it down and till it into the soil as an amendment next year.
For a more detailed look at home cover crops, ferret out UGA extension’s “Using Cover Crops in the Home Garden” (Circular 1057). It’s a free PDF, co-written by Westerfield. It goes into much more detail about seed selection and how densely to sow it.
What About Trees?
If you planted fruit trees within the past couple of years, they could use a little help over winter, too.
Winter is the time to prune most fruit trees. You’ll want to eliminate dead, downward-heading, and criss-crossing branches—just choose the best one to keep
by Brad Barnes
there—and make some space for airflow. Are your leaves packed tighter than cars on J.R. Allen at Bradley Park Drive? Thin ’em out now. It’s also the time to top off the tree if it’s getting taller than you like.
The exception to winter pruning is with some stone fruit trees, which are at higher risk for fungal diseases through slowhealing wounds from pruning. Specifically, we’re talking about peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines. Those are to be trimmed up during a summer dry spell, when they’ll heal most quickly.
Also mulch around your trees to make the most of rainwater and to insulate roots from the cold. Lay down a thick pile— again about four inches tall—in a circle around each tree. Do not make a “volcano” around the base of the tree. This can suffocate the roots closest to the tree and invite pathogens and bugs right to its door. In fact, don’t even mulch all the way to the trunk; you’re trying to create a level ring, staring a few inches out from the tree and with a circumference that extends out to the drip line of the tree’s branches.
Other Winterizing Ideas
• You can feed the birds naturally in winter by not deadheading flowers that produce seed heads, like coneflowers, zinnias and sunflowers. (If you’re not a birder, gardening will turn you into one.)
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses when you’re not using them, or you risk cracking your sprayer or shutoff valve when there’s a water-expanding freeze. For the same reason, put an insulated boot over outdoor spigots.
• If you’ve got exposed sprinkler heads, at least think about covering those, too. And if you have permanent aboveground supply lines, you can find long insulation tubes made of foam—think pool noodles with slits down the side—to cover those.
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.
LOCAL AUTHOR, ALLEN LEVI, REFLECTS ON NEW FOUND SUCCESS
Interview by Cameron Bean
Allen Levi speaks about the inspiration for his bestselling novel, Theo of Golden, the storytelling process and his exciting new chapter.
On a late October afternoon, author and storyteller Allen Levi sat down with Columbus and the Valley on his family farm in Harris County. It was a stark contrast to his public talks before audiences at libraries and bookstores across the Southeast. Allen reflected quietly on his successful journey with his new work, Theo of Golden. Earlier the same week, he announced to his friends and followers that he entered the international stage with the publication of Theo of Golden now in partnership with Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. An audio book is forthcoming and the novel will be translated into several languages, allowing Theo to reach the hearts and minds of readers across the globe.
C&V: What was your source of inspiration for becoming a novelist? Is the story of “Theo” one you have always wanted to tell? Levi: I have always wanted to write a novel—I say always—since my twenties. Back in 2020, I had some time on my hands, and I just happened to be in Fountain City Coffee one day with no inkling of an idea that a story idea would come to me. I ordered my coffee. I was looking at the portraits Garry Pound has done that I absolutely adore, and I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be nice to buy all of these portraits one at a time and give them to the people depicted in the frames?” And that became the seed corn for the novel.
Because I had some time on my hands, I thought this might be a good time to see if I had the muscles to do it—the discipline, the stamina and the desire. I didn’t have any narrative arc; I didn’t have any plot. I didn’t have any idea who the characters were going to be, but my mind started picturing scenes. I probably wrote scenes that remain scattered throughout the book before I ever started the “once upon time” part of the book. I had no idea how to start or what the ending was going to be, but I did enjoy the book writing process. I could see somehow these different scenes that were very scattered in my thoughts and how they might synthesize and become a real story.
So, off and on, over the course of three-to-four years I would write, I would give up, I would remember I was writing, I would pick it up again and try again. In early 2022, I made my mind up: “I’m going to finish this novel!” And then I’ll stick it in a drawer and be done with it. That’s kind of how it came to be. If there is such a thing as an accidental novel, this is it because I had no intention of writing this specific story.
C&V: An “Accidental Road” perhaps?
Levi: Yes, an Accidental Road. That’s exactly what it is. And sometimes on the Accidental Road—which is a song I wrote years ago—we stumble across some really beautiful places. And I like to think “Theo” might be one such example of that.
C&V: What attracted you to storytelling and why is it so important to you?
Levi:Just by nature we are creatures that love stories. We love cause-and-effect. We are curious by nature, and we come into the world wondering how the dots connect. If we get older, the dots are sometimes harder, sometimes less difficult to recognize. But what makes life work the way it does? What makes for a purposeful life? A good one? What makes for a wasted life, or one that is ill spent?
The reason I write stories is because I love them. I love to hear stories. I have a very vivid imagination. Curiosity, to me, is just one of the most wonderful gifts that we have. To go through life with our eyes open, wanting to understand why those leaves grow the way they do, why the sky looks the way it does. How did a bird learn to fly? Trying to understand the dynamics between our connections with one another is what I think really great storytelling comes down to, and I would refer to nothing less than the Holy Scripture as the best example of that.
I think for storytelling we’re trying to figure out again the answers to big questions. How do I want to live my
Levi (right) being interviewed by Cameron Bean (left) at a recent Q&A at Auburn Public Library
life? What is the meaning of our being here? For me, I find the deepest expression of that is in my faith, but even the outworking of my faith deserves a lot of questions, answers and attention that storytelling addresses.
If people fancy themselves to be storytellers, then I always say “just dig in.” I think one of the things that I’ve had to learn is that I cannot be overly concerned with the audience. I want to always be mindful of the fact that I’m writing for people somewhere, and I don’t really ascribe to the idea that we do art for art’s sake. I think that we typically do art for people’s sake, even if the person involved is ourselves.
If fame is our goal, then I think we live in a state of perpetual frustration. To anybody with a creative gift, just be creative and enjoy the experience. Try to use it as deeply and enjoyably as you can, but try not to be too driven by the desire for attention or approval. If you can figure out some way to bless somebody else with it, then that will make it a lot better.
Happy Holidays from Bibbi Home
Come by and find the perfect gifts to make the season bright!
C&V: What enduring life lessons do you hope readers capture from Theo of Golden?
Levi: Remember, COVID was going on while I was writing the bulk of the book, and one of the things that dawned on me during that time is that we are made for incarnational presence with one another. We are not made to relate through screens or wires or pixels. This is my conviction. If there is an underlying theme the story embodied, it is that we love best, we live best
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and we enjoy life most richly when we are close enough to touch the people that mean the most to us.
You might remember there was a scene when Mrs. Gidley suggested, “Why don’t you just buy the portraits all at once, have a party, give them out and be done with it?” But Theo insisted he wanted to meet each person individually and be close enough to touch them, hear their story and ask questions. I think sometimes in my life, maybe in a lot of our lives, as busy as we are, we sacrifice personal contact for efficiency. But I think the old man in the book was insistent that we miss out on a lot when we try to live that way.
The response I hear most often, when people describe the book in a phrase, is they say it’s a book about kindness. And it is undoubtedly that. There are many books that describe, quite graphically, the mean, ugly things we do to one another—things that are not good, that are violent, cruel and unkind. I think it’s easy to sell those kinds of stories because there’s something about the darkness of our souls that gravitate to morbidity. It’s hard to write about goodness in a way that’s credible. I thought let me try to create a character that is credible. And I would like to think Theo, maybe is that—one who emphasizes the better angels of our nature. There’s an ancient text that encourages us to provoke one another to love and good deeds. By that definition, maybe Theo is a good provocation to live lives of kindness and love and goodness.
C&V: How did the sharing of this novel result in another fulfilled dream of creating a “family business?”
Levi: We created what we call Team Theo. My niece, Aron Ritchie, is married and has three darling children to whom she’s very committed. She’s the younger of two children of my older sister, Beth, who worked with me in music for twenty-something years. She’s working with us now, too. She handles all our orders. She’s fabulous and the best.
When I finished Theo, I was kind of like the dog that caught the car—I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking, “If I try to market this on my own, it will go absolutely nowhere.” Aron and I, and some of the family were down at the beach, and she was working a job that was very demanding of her time. She wanted to be more available to her children. And almost serendipitously, after that beach trip she signed up as a part-time worker. My job was to write, and her job was to do everything else. So, she began figuring out how to do everything required to promote and sell a self-published book. She really immersed herself in new information and then started constructing the framework of this business that we put together in the last couple of years.
The beauty of the family part of this puzzle is that I trust my soul implicitly with my sister and my niece. They know my heart; they know my intent; they know my faith; they know what’s important to me. We’re in lockstep. And
we can look at each other now, and say “Look what came across our desk today. Look what God gave us.”
——————
Buy Theo of Golden at these local retailers:
The Cherry Zebra
Columbus Bound Bookshop
Galleria Riverside, Inc.
Two Sisters Gallery
Fiddleheads
JudyBug’s Books
Ride On Bikes
North Columbus Pharmacy
High Pines Outfitters
Over Yonder on Broad (Pine Mountain)
C&V: “Team Theo” has now sold over 170,000 copies in two years. Has the success of “Team Theo” opened some exciting new doors?
Levi: About two months ago we got a call from an agent in New York named Suzanne Gluck. Aron talked with her, and she was very gracious. She said, “You are doing really well, but working together, we can probably put this book in many, many more hands.” And they have the infrastructure, they have the contacts, they have the expertise to do that. So, we signed on with Suzanne. She shopped the book, she brought some wonderful opportunities to us and we just signed last week with Simon and Schuster. They’re stepping in and picking up from where we have been going. They’ll move it into some new areas. The trajectory of Theo is just going up and up
——————
C&V: How do you see this next chapter for the book changing your life and schedule?
Levi: My wonderful agent and I had long discussions about how much or if I wanted to travel. As a musician, I’ve traveled a lot. I’m kind of burnt out on that, but I will absolutely be a team player. If I could do a book club every day for the rest of my life, I would. I love doing
Levi at a book signing after his interview at Columbus Public Library
them. If they call and say, “This is a really wonderful opportunity, this is going to be a sizable gathering and worth your while.” After all, they have made a very generous gesture toward getting the book out into the world, and I want to thank them everywhere I can.
As far as changing my day-to-day life, I don’t think it’s going to change a lot. I think that’s because I love this community. I don’t want to forsake anyone just to do a book thing. I still want to go to the high school in the morning and greet kids at the back door. I still want to read to the kids on Thursday morning at the elementary school. I still want to meet with my men’s group every week. I still want to be able to spend time with my family.
——————
C&V: What do Allen Levi fans and followers have to look forward to next?
Levi: Just today, I met with Aron, Beth and another young woman who works with us, Kelly Godwin, to figure out “Now what do we do?” We’re figuring out what we can do in terms of new writing and revisiting old writing. We’re trying to find a reader now for the Theo of Golden audiobook version. There’s a memoir that I wrote about my brother the last year he was alive. The Last Sweet Mile. I’m doing some editing of that now. I’m going to add some material to that. Garry Pound and I did the children’s book years ago called Oliviatown. I want to work on that some more, and then I’ve got some other new things that I’m going to work on including Ellen of Golden, which I am writing now. Who knows? Maybe some more characters in Theo of Golden will have their own stories told.
Keep up with Levi at allenlevi.com.
Watch these recent public interviews with Levi moderated by Cameron Bean
On Film
by Scott Phillips
A Gift-Giving Guide for Movie Lovers
As this issue finds its way into the homes of our readers, holiday shopping season will be in high gear. Here are some suggestions for filmrelated gifts to satisfy the cine phile on your Christmas list:
XReal One Pro: These AR (augmented reality) eyeglasses are made from Ray-Ban frames with built-in miniature speakers from Bose. Hook up your favorite device (phone, tablet, etc.), and you’ll find yourself watching your favorite shows and movies on a 171-inch virtual screen. Think of it as an Apple Vision Pro without the fourfigure price tag. It’s the perfect way to watch in privacy on vacation, on a plane or any time the kids don’t need to be members of the audience. The XReals are slightly bigger than a pair of sunglasses, so you won’t look like you’re in a science fiction film while you use them. If your vision is less than 20- 20, you can buy prescription inserts for around $50 for perfect clarity. You can also bypass the built-in speakers to avoid broadcasting your viewing to people sitting around you by simply sending the audio to your favorite ear buds or headphones via Bluetooth.
The Wes Anderson Archives: If it’s fall, it’s the season for a mammoth home video box set from the Criterion Collection. Past filmmakers who’ve gotten the boxed treatment include Ingmar Bergman and Federico Fellini. For 2025, Criterion gathered the first ten films from Austin filmmaker Wes Anderson on 4 K UHD and Blu-ray. Some of Anderson’s films (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel among others) have been released by Criterion previously as individual discs, but they’ve never looked and sounded this good.
Anderson is known as a meticulous production designer, and this box set reflects his attention to detail. Each film comes with a small hardback book of material curated by Anderson for the set. It’s a treasure trove. Maybe one day we’ll get The Wes Anderson Archives Volume II. (Pro Tip from an avid collector: all Criterion releases are 50% off in November at Barnes & Noble.)
MUBI: I’ve sung the praises of this streaming service before, but it’s been a while, so I’ll do it again. This is the best cinephile streamer out there. Many will point to the Criterion Channel, but MUBI’s eclectic selection of films from around the globe just edges them out in my book. My Netflix watch list probably has ten or so films on it. My MUBI watch list has dozens. When I finish watching films for my various reviews and critic’s homework, I reward myself with an afternoon in front of MUBI, and it only puts a small dent in what they have to offer. MUBI also offers a companion magazine featuring deep dives into the eclectic cinema on their streaming service and beyond.
Sight and Sound: This magazine from the United Kingdom is hands down the best film periodical out there. I’m a physical media lover (print magazines, hardback books, CDs, DVDs, etc.), but the digital subscription to Sight and Sound is a steal. For about $45, you get a year of access to every issue of the magazine past and present. Sight and Sound has a comprehensive digital archive spanning decades. Your annual subscription gives you a lifetime of interviews, reviews, essays and other written content. It’s a no-brainer for film fans and filmmakers alike.
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
If your business would like
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.
Home is Where the Heart Is
by Frank Etheridge IV
Love & Real Estate with the Gamaches
Alayne and Jason Gamache make being a power couple look effortlessly cool.
“We’ve always supported each other,” Alayne says of their career journeys, seated with Jason at a table in the break room of PTAP—the auto-accessories shop that grew from a hobby to a brand featured in Super Bowl commercials over the past 20 years, and the foundation for his substantial commercial-property holdings in Uptown Columbus.
“I do cars for a living,” Jason explains of the passion behind his Perfect Touch Automotive Playground. “I’ve always loved cars, but have come to love the people—the customers, the staff—at PTAP more than the cars. But, I’ve come to learn, what I really love is architecture.”
“He’s very passionate about restoring old buildings,” adds Alayne, who has extensive experience in what she calls ‘corporate America.’ “And not restoring them but elevating them.”
Such elevation is now on stunning display in the massive, years-long project—arriving as the result of the two life-partners’ professional paths finally crossing—that is the re-imagination of the Rialto, which was honored by Historic Columbus with a 2025 Preservation Award in October. The property is in the 1200 block of Broadway, where the Gamaches made a splash eight years ago when they commissioned Atlanta muralist Yo Yo
Ferro to paint its funky facade directly across the median. Today, this visionary re-purposing consists of Cascade Hill Church’s satellite campus, modern-Mexican restaurant Mi Encanta, an escape room concept, an event center (bingo night, family movie night), Kids World (a mini-Uptown where children can ‘make donuts’) and the 14-unit Rialto Residence luxury corporate apartments.
The Rialto Residences
“What these apartments do is provide a revenue source, so we don’t have to make every decision about what we do at the Rialto based on the dollar,” Jason explains.
The mid-term rentals—popular with traveling Fortune 500 executives and Hollywood figures like Oscar-winning
LEFT: Alayne and Jason Gamache outside the renovated Rialto on Broadway
ABOVE: The lobby of the Rialto Residences offers modern design and plentiful natural light.
writer/director Tim Blake Nelson, who hosted dinner parties on his river-facing third-floor balcony while filming locally this summer—start at $2,650 a month for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit. Jason concedes the price point may be too high for some, but after calculating the cost of all the included utilities and amenities, “It works out to be a pretty good deal,” he says.
Beyond the vital funding, the Rialto Residences provide the Gamaches with a unique opportunity near and dear to the area natives’ hearts.
“They showcase to our visitors what makes Columbus special and unlike other cities,” Alayne says. “The walkability of the Uptown area with all the local restaurants and local retailers make it different and bring us character.”
She recalls from her time in corporate America the competitive nature of recruiting top-notch talent and how too many left town unaware of charms Columbus has to offer. Advised by realtors to avoid the city’s “too dangerous” downtown, they didn’t experience “why it’s a great place to put roots down,” she says. Today, Alayne hears feedback from guests who brag about canceling rental-car reservations after walking a block to their morning coffee and donuts and gush about Animal Farm’s Harlot Burger.
Guests at the Rialto Residences are presented with a hospitality box filled with regional fare such as locally made cheese straws and a bottle of Coca-Cola, referrals to locally owned barbers, restaurants, drycleaners and the like. There’s a voucher for a free bicycle rental from Ride On Bikes, a Ruth Ann’s Restaurant coffee mug with a QR code to the menu and even an offer for a courtesy golf-cart ride to check out all the Uptown hotspots. “When a company brings somebody down here for a job, and that person opens up that hospitality box, it’s our hope they’ll think, ‘Wow! This is true Southern hospitality. I’ve never experienced anything like this. This company must really care about me.’”
Active in Uptown commerce since he moved to the area at age 19—some may recall his too-far-ahead-of-the-curve launch of mobile digital-billboards and AllOvertheValley.com domain dreams— Jason says retention of such high-demand talent results in “real community assets” who join non-profit boards, champion local causes and become civic leaders.
Inside the Rialto
“We’re really looking for community building with this,” Jason says. “These companies are good at onboarding new hires professionally, but we want to help onboard them to a lifestyle. Because I feel that, especially among younger folks, they of course want to make good money, but many are willing to sacrifice some pay to enjoy where they are living.”
Expectations Met
Alayne smiles at the memory of how her husband would wake up, eager and giddy, at 4 a.m. to go meet the concrete trucks at the Rialto during its renovation. “He was very involved, excited to learn from the contractors and other team members.”
“You want to be there, you want to be very involved,” Jason adds, “so you can know exactly where your expectations lie.”
Clearly, expectations for an elevated Rialto Theater, its massive red-brick, 6,500 sq. ft. hull laid more than 100 years ago, were high. A bold vision now a reality has risen to meet them.
Jason says he “caught so much flack” over the idea at first, outside observers doubting its viability due to the daunting size and scale the renovation required.
Golden Years from the Golden Age
1910
Harris County native Roy Elmo Martin projected Columbus’ first moving picture in a field in North Highlands. In the spring of 1912, he became fascinated with a nickelodeon open on Broadway, and after extension enhancements to equipment and amenities, he launched what would become the industry-dominant Martin Theaters, eventual owners of the Rialto as well as others in the Chattahoochee Valley including the American, Bonita, Dixie, Dream, Home, Highlands, Lyric, North Highlands, Grand, Liberty. Palace, Pastime, Rainbow and Royal.
1919
The Rialto Theater opened in March. Motion-picture venues— featuring silent films accompanied by live piano / organ before ‘the talkies’ were introduced— blossomed up and down Broadway. Managed first (along with the higher-end Grand Theater two blocks away) by the Publix Company, it was operated by United Theater 1 Enterprises Inc. by 1934.
1928
Touted in this year’s Industrial Index, a Chamber of Commerce publication penned by influential journalist W.C. Woodall, “as comfortable, dignified and beautiful,” the Rialto is described in a way that reveals elegant enthusiasm for the new American pastime: “The notion of ‘All work and no play’ does not suit the world today. Keep the family together. Don’t let them go separate ways. Get them tonight to enjoy clean, wholesome, entertainment in the public palace which takes you away from the grind of the same surroundings.”
1955
Martin Theaters covered over the original Rialto for the sleeker International style with Martin writing in bright yellow over a gray facade with an inside lobby expanded to the sidewalk. Modernizations included expansion of the 6,500-square-foot facility to become the region’s first twin-plex (two screen) theaters.
The Gamaches made the Rialto of today by combining the space that opened as a theater in 1919 with the old Raymond Rowe furniture store next door. The two buildings were combined into one address, 1225 Broadway.
To create a strong foundation for the combined buildings, structural engineers were called in to dig trenches 16-feet below the ground to pour in rebar-enforced concrete.
Later, the Gamaches worked with a local firm, Wire Works owned by Jason Williams, to install wiring and security. The cutting-edge A/V technology installed allows a wide array of amenities: app-based apartment entry, remote control of rotating marquee displays and “phenomenal” theater lighting capable of casting everything aglow in green for a Grinch-themed Christmas toy drive co-hosted by the Cheves family for Piedmont Children’s Hospital patients.
Inside the apartments, the Gamaches had to import cabinets, tile and countertops from Italy due to pandemic-related supply/labor shortages but chose Columbus when it came to decor.
The art on display comes curated by Heritage Art Center Owner Karen Ouzts – works by local artists available for purchase—and the furnishings are provided by E&S in a design created by store co-owner Amanie Bussey.
“We’re led to give back to our community,”
Alayne says, “and we’re always thinking of cool new things we can bring to Columbus.”
The couple shares percolating concepts such as a “hidden sushi bar” that’s RSVP only as well as a business model that allows small, independent restaurants to run with reduced operating costs.
“We want to reach as many people as we can to help them understand our mission and the concept of what we’re working to pull off at the Rialto,” says Jason, who ended the night before by stacking chairs to break-down a potluck supper for Uptown, Inc. volunteers. “We didn’t cut any corners and used quality materials. We used steel. Our hope is that this will last another 100 years.”
For the Gamaches, the Rialto wasn’t just a project, it was a promise to their community. Every brick restored, every apartment furnished and every local partnership forged reflected their vision for Columbus’s potential.
From the hum of the PTAP workshop to the lights of the Rialto marquee, their story is a testament to creativity, perseverance and collaboration. And as the couple looks toward the future, one thing is clear: with their energy and dedication, some of the best chapters for Uptown Columbus, and for those who experience it, are still ahead.
Columbus Cinematic History & 1235 Broadway: A Rialto Theater Timeline
1963
A newly formed city commission on race relations with 15 white, 10 black members, voted to integrate movie theaters in Columbus.
1969
Presiding over the largest chain of independent theaters in the United States, Roy E. Martin, Sr.’s two sons, Roy, Jr. and E.D. Martin, sold their 200-plus screens to Atlanta business mogul J.B. Fuqua. Columbus native Carl Patrick was a Martin Theaters executive and promoted to CEO of Fuqua Industries. When Fuqua Industries began to sell off theaters, Patrick formed Carmike Cinemas, named for his sons / venture partners Carl, Jr. and Michael, after the three ponied up a quarter-million then borrowed more than $25 million to buy more than 250 Martin screens which thrived in large and small markets across Georgia Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Carmike was sold to North Carolina-based conglomerate AMC Theaters in 2016.
1982
Then operating as an adult-film theater, the Rialto showed its last movie after it was shuttered subsequent to Carmike Cinema’s acquisition of the 250 Martin Theaters held by Fuqua Industries.
2008
Peeling back its 1950s facade (and the corrugated asbestos underneath it), investors which included real estate leader and developer Reynolds Bickerstaff revealed the long-hidden, Art Deco facade of crumbling brick with ferns growing from cracks in a project not completed as a new venue but one hailed for saving the structure from demolition or collapse.
2022
Cascade Hills Church announced its new satellite campus in Uptown in the shuttered Rialto Theater, a commitment that served as catalyst for high-concept investment by Alayne and Jason Gamache, who purchased the property from the W.C. Bradley Company. Worship services are held in the centuryold seating area now equipped by cuttingedge A/V technology.
2025
In recognition of the painstaking excellence Alayne and Gamache’s restoration / reimagination of the Rialto Theater and adjoining former Raymond Rowe building to become home to a church, special-events center, luxury corporate apartments, and modern Mexican cuisine, Historic Columbus in October presented its Preservation Award to the couple at its 59th annual ceremony to honor such transformative, community-minded efforts.
Cascade Hills hosts church services in the renovated theater space.
The Rialto Theater Provides Marquee Opportunities for Local Business
History is coming back to life in Downtown Columbus. The historic Rialto Theater, located at 1231 Broadway in Columbus, is more than 100 years old, and thanks to project designer, Jason Gamache, it now houses 14 corporate apartments and an events center. Designed as a centerpiece for Uptown, The Rialto is also providing marquee opportunities for local business, such as Riley's Heating & Air, to become not only a part of Columbus history, but its future as well. The following are some of the area businesses who contributed to the rejuvenation of The Rialto.
John Teeples Construction (706) 660-0202
Adjust and adapt. That’s been the philosophy for John Teeples Construction during the two-plus years of The Rialto renovation. John Teeples and his crew have been there from the very beginning.
“We went in there and started with the demolition,” Teeples said. “As we did the demolition, we developed the plan for what we were going to do in both the Golf Gallery building and in The Rialto. “We put basements in those buildings where there wasn’t a basement before.”
The basement of the historic theater was a whole project unto itself. Teeples estimates his crew hauled out 250 truckloads of dirt and concrete during the 10-month process.
“We were basically lowering the foundations of the existing buildings and digging out the new basements,” he said. “We developed the plans for the upper floors and whatnot. You couldn’t just go in there and wholly start digging out of the bottom of the basement. You had to do it a piece at a time.”
Jason Williams - Wire Works AV & Security
They were trying to maintain the integrity and vision of the original theater while also modernizing it.
“It was gorgeous back then,” Teeples said. “The original artistic beauty had been covered with renovation after renovation after renovation. We tried to get as close to the original look and replicate it best we could.”
There’s always a challenge to these old buildings.
“But we try to bring a lot of the modern into the original plans,” Teeples said. “We’re always having to adjust and adapt because as soon as one problem is fixed, another will pop up.”
Teeples Construction was involved with The Rialto from the start. Or as Teeples puts it, “from that first dump truck of dirt until the final touches, fixtures and coat of paint.”
Teeples has a true sense of accomplishment for the work he and his team did with The Rialto, which is continuing to revitalize the downtown area. “Columbus is going through a real renaissance over the last few years, bringing real life back to the downtown area with renovations and remodeling and all new structures,” he said. “I’m just proud to have been a part of bringing that spark back to Columbus.”
Jason Williams, owner of Wire Works AV & Security, got involved with The Rialto Theater as soon as Jason Gamache purchased the property. They toured both The Rialto and Golf Gallery, even before construction had begun.
“Hearing the vision and seeing the blank canvas was incredible,” Williams said, “and now, seeing what it has become is amazing.”
Williams was responsible for network wiring and equipment deployment; installing security cameras throughout The Rialto, Me Encanta and The Loft Apartments; implementing smart access control at the Rialto Theater; installing access control and multi-family door stations at The Loft apartments; and installing indoor and outdoor audio and video systems for Me Encanta.
“Honestly, I had no idea how we were going to pull it off,” Williams said. “It was a massive project. We took their vision and added our spin on it, making sure we didn’t just deliver highly functional systems, but also honored the building’s history, architecture and decor.”
Williams’ part of the project took more than a year to complete.
“There were so many moving parts, and we were involved in nearly every phase,” Williams said. “What I’m most proud of is how our work blends into the space.”
One thing Williams is especially proud of is the DoorBird unit Wire Works installed.
“It was the first of its kind in the world,” he said, “It was built in Germany and shipped directly to Columbus. The design is all-inclusive, which meant we didn’t have to clutter the wall with multiple devices. We even had the unit custom-made in matte black to match the stone walls and maintain a sleek, unified look.”
Wire Works effort at The Rialto is a continuation of its commitment to be a different kind of low-voltage company.
“We’d rather do things right than rush through just to finish,” Williams said. “We believe that if you treat the things people don’t see with the utmost care, then what is visible will always be right.”
Amanie Bussey - E&S Mattress and Furniture Discounters
819 Veterans Pkwy • 706.507.2054 • esmattressandfurniture.com
Amanie Bussey admits to being a little intimidated when she was first contacted by Jason Gamache to help furnish rooms for The Rialto. It was a big undertaking, but the owner of E&S Mattress and Furniture Discounters also appreciated the opportunity to do what she loved.
“I knew that if I could go in and understand his idea for the space, that it would be an exciting project,” she said. “I knew that I could get the design work done. Interior design is something I am so passionate about, but making sure that I had the staff set and ready was another feat in itself.”
Her team pulled through and facilitated the entire project. “I was blessed with their help,” Bussey said.
E&S provided 14 apartments (two floors) with all of the necessary furniture needed. This included everything from the rugs, sofas, coffee and end tables, accents, bed frames and mattresses. “It was such a fun project,” Bussey said. “The apartments were already gorgeous, so it was such an easy project to want to pour into. I absolutely loved how we made all the living room spaces a little different, but still modern and comfortable. I was thrilled with the outcome.”
For the top of the apartments, Bussey worked with Ethan Hall, Cascade Hills’ campus pastor, to design the entryway, foyer, VIP rooms, mother’s nursery and both common areas. “I loved how every space turned out,” Bussey said. “The mother’s nursery was one of my favorite spaces. It was so warm and inviting to me.” Bussey estimates the project took a little over two months. The third floor common area was designed later.
“Being a furniture distributor helped with acquiring all the items [Gamache} needed,” Bussey said. “So as soon as we were able to nail down what direction and items we wanted, it didn’t take too long to have the items come in, delivered and set up.”
Karen OuztsThe Gallery at Heritage 102 6th Street • 706.442.9470 • thegalleryatheritage.com
When Jason Gamache, developer of The Rialto, contracted The Gallery at Heritage’s, formerly Heritage Arts Center, Owner Karen Ouzts to curate works from local artists for the refurbished theater, his aesthetic direction for her was, in a word, “tranquility.”
Following that directive, Ouzts’ project began with Mackenzie Declue, who has around 30 pieces throughout the building, including the main lobby and multiple other apartments. “The space then informed my decision to include Juliana Wells and Perry Valentine,” Ouzts said. Juliana has only three paintings. “However, they are massive,” Ouzts said. One piece is 54’ x 88’. “Her take on realism is captivating and immersive and truly represents Southern Culture,” Ouzts said.
Perry Valentine has 11 works hanging throughout The Rialto. “Honestly, he deserves much more traction than he’s received as his art represents an intuitive creativity,” Outzts said. “It’s a representational abstraction formed from experience and memory. It’s reflection instead of replication.”
To appreciate the window treatments that Kenny and Virginia Fuller, owners of Budget Blinds, installed for The Rialto, one must first understand something called, “elevation.”
For example, when parked on a street and looking up at a home, business, or, in this case, The Rialto, what you see is the presentation of the home, from the front door to the windows. This is referred to, from an architectural standpoint, as a front elevation. The same premise holds for the back of a presentation.
“In the industry we'll say, ‘we really need to focus on having that front elevation look consistent because it's more appealing to the eye,’” explained Kenny Fuller. “So, [with The Rialto], when you're standing on Broadway and looking up at that the building and its different floors, you're going to see very consistent window treatments in those windows and doors.”
Budget Blinds offers a variety of window treatments, including everything from drapery to shutters. The Fullers have been involved in a variety of projects, but nothing quite like The Rialto. “But I felt like we were a great fit to come in and help touch off the interior design,” Fuller said, “and also make a really good impact on how it looks from an elevation standpoint.”
After touring The Rialto with both Jason Gamache and his wife, Alayne, it was decided the automated roller shades were going to be the best fit. “It really gives a completely different look to the inside of a building like The Rialto,” Fuller said. “I felt like we really hit a home run on that.”
Budget Blinds installed 43 Roller Shades, including at Me Encanta and the apartments above.
“What’s made roller shades so dynamic over the last 10 years is you've got a lot of leading designers that are coming out with fabric that give you the warmth and feel of drapery without having to have the expense,” Fuller said. “Plus, the automation. It's a big convenience.”
Robert Smith was working with history in mind. The owner of Smith Metal Works has a long and productive relationship with Jason Gamache on several downtown projects and was brought in from the very beginning of the renovations to The Rialto.
Smith was “very excited” about the opportunity because it gave him a chance to show off his skills.
Another noteworthy artist is Jarrett Holbrook who has three originals and several prints throughout the building. “His usage of light to transform distressed structures into beautiful monuments of the past is exceptional,” Ouzts said.
In addition to these artists, Ouzts has accent pieces by Andy Carpenter, Gretchen Brand and Amanda Bishop.
Having a unique space like The Rialto provides exposure for local artists that is beyond measure. All the works on display are available for purchase.
“What you have then is a piece of that person, that artist,” Ouzts said. “You have a piece of their light, their soul, something that they found beautiful in this moment and brought to life in this space. That makes it more relatable to the viewer than if it were in a gallery. I think in the gallery it becomes very abstract, but in a living space it is solidified.”
“I am from the tri-city area and have admired the history and structures downtown, especially The Rialto,” he said. “Often times, the work we do is rarely seen, mostly foundational and structural. We created and built the marquee [Rialto signage] based off the designer’s specifications, with special consideration in keeping with the historical style of the building.”
Smith Metal Works is a locally owned metal fabrication business where each project is customized. For The Rialto, Smith and his team provided the structural steel to re-enforce the original building.
“These steel structures allowed for a full basement to be added in The Rialto,” he said. “Custom staircase handrails throughout and the steel balconies completed the redesign.”
The installation work was done over a two-and-a-half year period. “We take a lot of pride in our work,” Smith said, “and it’s a great feeling knowing that our company is helping revitalize Downtown Columbus and restoring historic buildings.”
A New Home with a Solid Foundation
Community Foundation’s New Location Bridges History and Future Opportunities
by Doug Gillett
photos by Eliza Daffin Photography
The “brick box” of a building at 1147 Sixth Avenue in Columbus is easy to miss as you drive by. It doesn’t stand out with avant-garde architecture or flashy décor. “From the time we moved here when I was eight,” Betsy Covington recalls, “we drove past it every week going to church and I never noticed it.”
Over the past year, though, Covington, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley (CFCV), has fallen in love with the place—as has her board and the rest of the staff. And on October 16, they held a Dedication Celebration to introduce it as the CFCVs new home.
Artwork signed by the guests that evening, which will be framed to hang in the lobby, reads, “This space is
dedicated to the work of the Community Foundation to strengthen the Chattahoochee Valley through the power of collective giving and partnerships.”
Hunting for a New HQ
Covington only has kind words for CFCV’s previous offices, located in a storefront along 13th Street next to Dinglewood Park. “We loved being in the Village on 13th, which is a great example of adaptive reuse,” she says. But CFCV—the second-largest Community Foundation in the state, with more than $375 million in assets—had quite simply outgrown the space.
“When we had to fit 25 people in for board meetings, they would sit literally shoulder to shoulder.”
The search for a new headquarters ended up lasting
LEFT: The current facade pays homage to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
BOTTOM RIGHT: CFCV Board Chair, Melissa Gauntt, dedicates the new building and raises a toast to the continued future of the CFCV.
BOTTOM LEFT: Inside the operating floor of the Coca-Cola Plant in 1932
Plenty of Room to Grow
Indeed, at 14,000 square feet, the new building represents a four-fold increase in space from CFCV’s previous digs. Built in 1905 as the home of the Columbus Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the National Register of Historic Placeslisted space has three stories: two stories of offices situated around a central atrium. “They bottled Coca-Cola on the bottom floor, and the bosses had the second floor with an open balcony so they could look down on the employees while they were working,” Covington says. “All that original wood and the glass fronts from those offices are still there.”
In 1928, the building added warehouse space, half of which CFCV will use as a Community Room. It gives the organization space to welcome up to 100 visitors “to really talk about some of the issues that are affecting our community,” Covington says. “And it gives us a chance to be a convener and sponsor training for other nonprofits.”
Like CFCV’s previous location—and in keeping with so much of downtown Columbus’ revitalization—the organization’s new home is an example of “adaptive reuse,” another major selling point. Covington describes it as “a building of re-invention and of
“When people come in, we want to ask them about their mama; we want to have a conversation with them. And I just love that this worked out to be as comfortable as it is.”
-Betsy Covington
imagination and investment in the community—a lot of which aligns with what we do.”
A Symbol of the Past—and of the Future
There are other alignments that make CFCV an apropos tenant for its new home. Just as Covington drove by the building numerous times without giving it much thought, plenty of people benefit from CFCV’s good work and stewardship without really knowing the details about what the organization does; neither the Community Foundation nor its new location announce themselves with a lot of flash or public spectacle. Yet both represent significant factors in the growth of wealth—and the sharing of that wealth—in the Chattahoochee Valley over the years.
Obviously, Coca-Cola’s role in the prosperity (and philanthropy) of the region can’t be overstated. Even just the
Columbus Coca-Cola Bottling Company, one of the earliest Coke bottling franchises in the world, supported hundreds of employees. Individually, Columbus Roberts, the former sharecropper-turnedbusinessman who established the plant, became a philanthropist who made a significant impact in Columbus and across Georgia. Though the building was used as a storage facility for 77 years after the bottling plant moved in 1941, it found new life in 2018 when purchased by Henson.
Coca-Cola, RC Cola, Aflac, WC Bradley Company, Synovus, and TSYS, “have obviously been important to the economy of our community,” Covington says. “But even more than that, I would argue, the wealth they have created has let people be marvelous ‘raging philanthropists’ themselves. And so it aligns well with what we do and the difference we want to help make in this community in the centuries ahead.”
Learn more about what the Community Foundation is doing in our community at CFCV.com.
CFCV Staff: (L-R) Fray McCormick, Kelli Parker, Chemitra Glenn, Madeline Pieper-Wolff, Leah Poole, Betsy Covington and Leslie Bruder
Piedmont Awards
photos courtesy of Piedmont Columbus Regional Piedmont Columbus Regional recently hosted its Promise 360 Annual Award celebration— recognizing the hospital’s monthly winners from the past year and naming two overall annual champions. Piedmont Columbus Midtown Labor and Delivery registered nurse Kayla Burford and Piedmont Columbus Northside CT technician Craig Murphy were named the annual champions. “We are about service above ourselves, and we put patients at the center of everything we do,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill. “All our Promise 360 award winners exemplify the very best that Piedmont stands for in our hospitals and community.”
Valley Scenes
Do Good Fund
Photography Reception
The Do Good Salon hosted a reception with the Clay Family moderated by curatorphotographer Ashley Gates. In Threes: Photographs by Maude Schuyler Clay, Langdon Clay, and Sophia Clay exhibition displays the intertwined visions of a married couple—celebrated Southern photographers Maude and Langdon Clay—and their youngest daughter, Sophia. The first exhibition as a family, the Clay’s work reveals not just a shared craft but a deeply personal bond between the artists.
Winner Kayla Burford, a Labor and Delivery registered nurse.
(L-R) Winners Tonya Davis, Breanna Wilson, Kathy Stelmack and Craig Murphy with CEO Scott Hill.
(L-R) 50-year club members: Ann Hallford (55 years), Phyllis Williams (50 years), M A Dowdell (54 years), Jackie Kindrick (51 years) and Barbara Gallups (51 years).
Midtown Mingle
photos by Joe
Paull
Friends and neighbors of Midtown gathered at Lakebottom Park for the annual Midtown Mingle hosted by Midtown, Inc. Attendees enjoyed dinner catered by Country’s BBQ, music by the Three Hour Tour Band and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items.
Wassel and Jarnetha Lewis
Tyson and Bekah Begly
Travis and Kia Chambers
Andy Luker with The Three Hour Tour Band welcomes attendees.
Collier Ezell, Erin Murphy, Rudi Pierson, Adele Stone, Libba Dillon
Mingle Planning Committee: (L-R) Alice Finley, Rie Lingo, Mollee Nobles, Erin Murphy, Sara Carver, Julio Portillo, Ashley Cartledge, Kelley Watts, Bitsy Dedwylder, Rudi Pierson, Molly Wallace, Gina Smith, Taylor Green, Meg Baker
Coulter Fussell “Hot Water” Exhibit
The exhibit, “Hot Water,” currently on display at Bo Bartlett Center, is the first comprehensive survey exhibition of Mississippibased artist Coulter Fussell’s acclaimed River Raft Quilt series. It features more than 20 hand-stitched textile sculptures and wall works created entirely from donated clothing and fabrics. Drawing from her childhood in Columbus, Georgia, Fussell uses the Lower Chattahoochee Valley as the narrative backdrop for these metaphorical flotation devices.
Columbus State University Presents Alumni Awards
The CSU Alumni Association has recognized and awarded CSU alumni for 45 years. Recipients of the 2025 awards included:
Debbie Deal Moody ‘82
THOMAS Y. WHITLEY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
Mat Swift
FRANK D. BROWN ACHIEVEMENT & LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD
Brandon Cockrell ’99
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army for Energy & Sustainability DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN MILITARY/PUBLIC SERVICE
Karen King Cook ’95
Miracle Ride Volunteer and public relations professional ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD
Brandon Lindley ‘09, ’15
Executive Director of IT Client Services & Administrative Operations, CSU University Information & Technology Services EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION AWARD
RiverCenter Welcomes New Executive Director
Lee Foster brings extensive experience in arts leadership, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta. Her career has also included leadership roles with Georgia Tech’s Office of the Arts, Theatrical Outfit of Atlanta, Diablo Ballet, Fremont Symphony Orchestra, and Hillbarn Theatre in California. Raised in San Francisco, Lee holds degrees in Asian Studies, Marketing, and Musical Theatre, and speaks Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French. In her own words: “Columbus speaks to me on many levels. Its blend of heritage and innovation, arts and industry, makes it a dynamic place to live and work. I am drawn to the city’s forward-thinking public-private partnerships, its revitalized downtown, and its proud commitment to the arts, education and family life. It is a privilege to make Columbus my home and serve its people through the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.”
Jason McKenzie ’09
Miracle Rider and Owner, Ride on Bikes ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD
Michael Sumuel ’07
American bass-baritone opera singer EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT
Sophie Wang ’16
Associate Concertmaster, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
Ashley Woitena ’06
VisitColumbusGA President & CEO EXCELLENCE IN ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT
Jasmine Reid ‘15, ’17
Chair, CSU Black Alumni Council ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD
Coulter and Cathy Fussell
(L-R) Ashley Woitena, Karen Cook, Brandon Lindley, CSU President Stuart Rayfield, Cal Cole, Mat Swift, Jason McKenzie, Debbie Deal Moody, CSU Alumni Association President Lionel Haynes Jr., Todd Hibbs, Jasmine Reid and Steve Smith
Columbus Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Annual Luncheon
photos by Jodi Saunders
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Women in Business luncheon at CSU’s Cunningham Conference Center. A sellout crowd gathered to hear from a panel of accomplished women presidents in higher education, Stuart Rayfield, President of Columbus State University, Jackie Screws, President of Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Martha Ann Todd, President of Columbus Technical College. The ladies shared practical insights on leadership, decision-making, and building strong organizations.
Justin Fogt, Director of Cardiac Nursing Services, was honored with the Monarch Caring and Community Award. He was only one of three recipients recognized for exceptional caregivers from the health system’s 80-plus locations nationwide.
(L-R) Panelists Martha Ann Todd, Jackie Screws and Stuart Rayfield
The panel was moderated by Christy Ellerbee, Director of State Government Affairs at TSYS/Global Payments
Columbus Chamber of Commerce Inter-City Leadership Conference
Over 70 city leaders, officials as well as business and community representatives attended the Inter-City Leadership Conference in Chattanooga. During a four day, packed schedule, the group toured the city and met with city and regional leaders. The trip focused on areas that showcased Chattanooga’s economic development, development authority initiatives, educational construction career training, small business development, downtown transformation, development of their foundry district including their under-construction AA baseball stadium, riverfront, parks and tourism initiatives. With Chattanooga named North America’s first National Park City in April 2025 Columbus delegates were given an overview of how the city developed from an industrial hub to a vibrant outdoor destination.
Highside Market Earns Prestigious Awards
Auburn University’s Winchester Institute for Real Estate Development presented Chris Woodruff, CEO of Woodruff Brokerage Company and founder of The Cotton Companies, with its inaugural MRED Alum – Deal of the Year Award. Highside Market has also been named the Retail Category winner of the Georgia CCIM Dealmaker Awards, one of the state’s most respected recognitions for commercial real estate excellence. Additionally, Highside Market is a finalist for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Atlanta Awards for Excellence, which honors the region’s most innovative real estate developments that advance sustainability, design, execution, and community impact.
(L-R) Chris Woodruff (Woodruff Brokerage), Leah Braxton (Braxton Real Estate) Jack Hayes (NAI G2 Commercial)
(L-R) Greg Winchester (Founder of Winchester Institute) and Chris Woodruff at the Auburn University Awards
(L-R) Blake Burton (Square Feet Studio),John Bencich (Square Feet Studio), Kirk Stafford (Caravan Marketing), Chris Woodruff (Cotton Companies & Woodruff Brokerage), Wes Kelley (Brasfield & Gorrie). Rebecca James (Caravan Marketing), Ashley Ginn (Studio BGP Architects)
A-Com
Alexander Electric
Beverage South
Bibbi Home
Big Mama Vietnam
Bramble in a Jar
Chancellor’s
Chattahoochee CASA
Clean Eatz
Columbus Ballet
Columbus’ Best Donuts
Columbus Body Works
Columbus Museum
Columbus Tape & Video
Columbus Tech
Country’s Barbecue
The Crowned Beauty Co.
CVCC
Daniel Appliance
Dear Stella Boutique
Do Good Fund
Farm at Lullwater
Flowers on 10th
Fountain City Coffee
Galleria Riverside, Inc.
Gentle Dentistry
Gloria Mani Fine Art
Gogue Performing Arts Center
Golden’s Cast Iron
GPB
The Grill Outlet
High Pines Outfitters
Hinson Galleries
Image Auto Lab
Keep Columbus
Beautiful Commission
Kinetic Credit Union
Knox Pest Control
Malone Office
Master Kleen
McMullen Funeral Home
Mellow Mushroom
MidTown, Inc.
Millennium
Physician Group
Motley Investment Group
National Infantry Museum
Park Place Interiors
Poké Sun
RiverCenter
Rivertown Pediatrics
Robinson Grimes
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant
Set Fee Realty
Schomburg’s Jewelers
Sheffield’s Collision Center
Southern Life Insurance
Speakeasy
Southern Straws
Spring Harbor
Striffler Hamby Mortuary
St. Francis-Emory
Healthcare
Sylvan Learning Center
Synovus
UPS Store
Uptown Vietnam
Uptown Wine & Spirits
Townsend Wealth Management
Two Sister’s Gallery
Valley Fir & Redwood
WC Bradley Co.
The Wynn House
Zamm’s Cocktail Sauce
Libations
Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers
The holidays are upon us. Wine and spirits feature prominently in many holiday celebrations, and they make great gifts for the season; however, shopping for these gifts can be overwhelming. Wine aficionados can be difficult to buy for; their knowledge exceeds your knowledge or their taste exceeds your budget for their gift. Here are some ideas for gifts for the wine lover in your life.
Wine Accessories
Classic gift ideas in this category include wine openers. Almost every wine lover has at least a small collection of corkscrews and other wine openers. The variations and price points are almost endless.
Wine glasses are another obvious choice with a plethora of options. Obvious choices in this category are the well-known Riedel glassware; this company produces different shaped glasses for every grape varietal. These are wonderful glasses, although somewhat expensive and very fragile. Another interesting option includes a pair or set of vintage or non-traditional glasses. Stemless wine glasses have become very popular recently because they do not tip over as easily as glasses with long stems.
Wine coasters (for bottles of wine, not individual wine glasses) come in a variety of materials including glass, marble, granite, sterling silver and silver plate. Many wine lovers enjoy using aerators when they do not have the time or inclination to leave the wine sitting in a decanter for an hour or two to aerate naturally. These also come in a variety of forms and price points.
Wine decanters are a great gift and also come in every form from inexpensive glass to antique hand cut crystal. These can be an important, lovely part of serving wine.
Wine or Champagne coolers are important for serving chilled wine. The variations run from clear plastic to marble to sterling silver.
Devices for preserving wine have traditionally included pumps that removed oxygen from opened bottles of wine and gas canisters that shot gas into an opened bottle
of wine. Neither of these options worked very well or for very long. A newer device on the market, Coravin, injects argon gas, an inert gas that does not react with wine and has no effect on the taste profile, into an unopened bottle of wine, while dispensing wine out of the unopened bottle. The remaining wine in the unopened bottle will last almost indefinitely. This is a great gift but not inexpensive.
Accessories to Chill or Keep Wine Cold
Let’s start with chilling a bottle of wine. Everyone who drinks wine has had the dilemma of needing to chill a bottle of room temperature wine quickly. While an ice water bath will accomplish that in a matter of 10 to 15 minutes, there are also freezer sleeves that can be kept in the freezer and slipped onto a bottle that will work as well without all the mess.
Once your bottle has been chilled there are also zip up insulated sleeves that can be used to keep a bottle of wine cold in transit or at a picnic or tailgate party. Accessories that keep wine cold after you have poured it into a glass include wine “pearls” or wine “gems.” These are small pieces of glass or marble that can be frozen and dropped into your glass without diluting the wine. Corkcicle and other manufacturers also produce insulated wine glasses and Champagne flutes.
Accessories for the Champagne Lover
Of course, a Champagne cooler is a fabulous gift for a Champagne lover. Champagne openers are small hand-held items that allow you to twist off and out the large corks used to seal Champagne bottles more easily and with less spillage than with your hand alone.
Champagne stoppers allow you to reseal the bottle so that all the bubbles do not escape. However, the top gift for a Champagne lover is a Champagne saber A Champagne saber is a sword especially designed to allow you to lob off the top of a bottle with a grand flourish! It is the ultimate way to open a bottle.
by Pat Daniel
Other Great Wine Accessories
A leather travel bag for bottles of wine is an elegant gift for any wine lover. Some of these travel bags can be monogrammed.
A wine rack for 10 or 12 bottles is often a welcome addition for a wine lover and can be used on a table top or on the floor.
For the wine lover who is especially fond of a particular wine region, a wine map of that region is a great gift idea.
A wonderful, but fairly expensive gift is a wine fridge or wine cooler. These are typically smaller refrigerators designed to keep bottles of wine at a specific temperature.
A Bottle of Wine
A bottle of wine itself is always a fabulous gift. If you know their preference, you can look for a unique bottle for them without blowing your budget. If you know a grape varietal they enjoy, a variation on that theme from a lesser known or different region can be a great idea. Examples include a Malbec from France instead of Argentina or Chile; a Riesling from the Finger Lakes region of New York instead of Germany or Alsace; a pinot noir from Burgundy instead of California or Oregon; and a Grenache blend from Spain instead of the Rhone Valley. In addition, small production, family-owned vineyards often offer great wines at a lower price than the better-known vineyards.
Champagne is always a great gift. It is by its very nature celebratory! In the past few years, “Grower Champagnes” have become a wonderful new alternative to the “big name” Champagnes. Historically, smaller vineyards in the Champagne region have sold their harvest to the large producers in the region. More recently, some of these vineyard owners have decided to market their own Champagnes and are creating fabulous Champagnes that are from single vineyard, family-owned farms. Many of these fine, new Champagnes have garnered great ratings and cost half the price of their “big name” counterparts.
Tag @columbusandthevalley with your gift ideas.
Pat Daniel is the owner of Uptown Wine & Spirits in Uptown Columbus.
FOOD & DRINK GUIDE
WASABI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Traditional Japanese cuisine with hibachi grill tops and fresh sushi. Come and try our flavorful and fresh ingredients. WasabiJapaneseColumbus.kwickmenu.com
Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM 1080 Manchester Expy. • 706.642.0888
FOUNTAIN CITY COFFEE
If you’re in the mood for anything from drip coffee to an iced Libbarace, come to Fountain City Coffee to support some locally roasted excellence. FountainCityCoffee.com
M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-7PM 1007 Broadway, 706.494.6659
THE SPEAKEASY
A local favorite sering great, homemade food and drinks in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Home of the Camel Rider. SpeakeasyColumbus.com
Su-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM 3132 Mercury Dr., 706.561.0411
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
RUTH ANN’S RESTAURANT
A Columbus tradition for families, friends and great food. Ruth Ann’s offers authentic Southern style lunches, and breakfast is served all day. RuthAnnsRestaurant.com W-Su 6:30AM-2PM 940 Veterans Pkwy., 706.221.2154
COUNTRY’S BARBECUE
Real barbecue slow cooked over hickory and oak. Casual dress, takeout, catering, kids’ menu, three Columbus locations. CountrysBarbecue.com
Open 7 days a week 11AM-10PM
The Original: 3137 Mercury Dr., 706.563.7604
Country’s on Broad: 1329 Broadway, 706.596.8910
Country’s North: 6298 Veterans Pkwy., 706.660.1415
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
CLEAN EATZ
Clean Eatz is heart-driven to change lives through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education and motivational support that inspires results. We know personal wellness is not one-size-fits-all, so we craft nutritional products and fitness opportunities that meet the needs of every type of lifestyle.
CleanEatz.com
M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa. 11AM-3PM, Closed Sunday 3500 Massee Lane • 762.583.6170
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
Conversations on the Couch with Ashley Woitena
CEO OF VISITCOLUMBUSGA
In March 2025, Ashley Woitena was named President and CEO of VisitColumbusGA, the organization responsible for promoting tourism in Columbus. Since stepping into the role, she’s hit the ground running. We caught up with her at the Springer, where she was meeting with community leaders to plan upcoming city events.
Tell us about yourself and how you ended up at VisitColumbusGA?
I moved to Columbus when I was 18 to play softball at Columbus State. I played here for two years and had every intention of leaving and going off to a bigger school. Thankfully, in my freshman year of college, I started working at a restaurant downtown. In my junior year, I decided to stay here because the people here felt like family. I felt welcomed by everybody, and 90 percent of the people I worked with when I was 18, I’m still friends with today. I fell in love with Columbus, fell in love with what we were doing here. I was here at the time when the uptown area was doing the whole street scape project. I got to experience all of that with the beginning of the beautification projects. I came to CSU for two years for an undergraduate degree, and I switched from political science to business because of the restaurant side of things. I never really put together restaurant, hospitality or tourism. When a position opened at what was then the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau, I had no idea what that organization was. And, as anyone in the industry will tell you, that’s not unusual—most people don’t realize we exist or understand what we do. I went in for an interview, and thankfully, was awarded the position. I’ve been with VisitColumbusGA for 18 years. It’s been a fun journey of growing up in the industry and having the leadership from my predecessor was phenomenal for me, a good foundation. After receiving my MBA and doing a lot of professional certifications, I was able to continue and now be the CEO of VisitColumbusGA.
You recently attended the Governor’s Tourism Conference in Savannah.
What were your takeaways?
It was an amazing conference. I spoke in front of our state representatives about tourism and the need for funding and marketing efforts for the state. That’s a big push for our advocacy efforts and legislation to help support the state tourism office, because if we support them, it’ll trickle down and support cities. My main takeaway was seeing what Savannah has accomplished and how the state has supported them with initiatives like their conference center. I noticed similar themes at the Inner City Conference in Chattanooga, and it raised an important question for us: do we have our own bold ideas for growth? And how do we ask the state for help with the big ideas? I took away that we’re a family, especially in Georgia. It’s one of those things where tourism welcomes you in. I moderated a panel of 30 under 30s. It was nice to have six different people from all different cities, who were recognized by our International Association as being a 30 under 30 there in the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Getting to hear what excites them about the industry and how they got started was inspiring. And as a new CEO, I’ll admit I selfishly asked, ‘What can leadership do to help you stay in the industry and continue to grow? Because that’s a key thing, too, is to have this great young talent. You don’t want them to leave.
Hot on the heels of the conference in Savannah was the Columbus Chamber’s Inter-City Leadership Conference trip to Chattanooga. Again, what
insights were you able to bring back to Columbus? Collaboration…a lot of collaboration. Again, I heard about state funding a lot. We continually get compared to cities like Chattanooga, Greenville and Asheville, especially when it comes to the outdoors. Then you pair that with the vibrancy of the arts and culture, the murals and our restaurant scene. It’s a unique situation that we have right here in downtown. But collaboration is probably the key thing I heard, and I feel like that’s happening for us right now. Columbus has all new leadership at Visit Columbus,, Uptown, Chamber, Choose Columbus and the Regional Prosperity Initiative. We’re constantly meeting and looking at what we can be doing and to support each other. We all want a great community. We all are proud of where we live, and we really want to showcase Columbus to the outside audience and make our locals proud.
In 2027, Columbus will be hosting the International Canoe Federation World Cup. What do you envision for that?
It was a great honor for us to hold that press conference and announce two major milestones for The Wave— sharing both the new titles and the accolades that come with Columbus being named the ICF Center of Excellence for freestyle kayaking, or as they refer to it, canoeing. That is opening the door for us to be a training center and for what Dan at Whitewater Express will be doing to help train the youth. It’s almost making
us that mecca in the U.S. for freestyle kayaking, and to earn the title of the freestyle kayaking capital of the U.S., which is another big deal. So, to have announced those two accolades, along with the new Wave on the river and the school, a lot is happening. Then our job is to meet with the locals who are involved in the execution of that event. How do we help market it and bring people here for it? Last time we hosted that we brought in people from Asheville because they wanted to see how we were doing this. When you get into the marketing side of things, it’s all about asking: who will attend this event? Using our data and analytics, how can we target the right people to make sure they show up and see it? The world is coming to Columbus again. How do we really make sure that we’re telling that story? I’m sure we will have a lot more plans as we get closer.
We have significant milestones to celebrate for our nation and city coming up. Tell us more about what VisitColumbusGA has planned.
I’m focused right now on the United States’ 250th Anniversary. I’ve talked with the library, and they’re doing an entire series honoring the milestone. I met with some locals here who were on the committee for the 250th as well, and I enjoyed hearing their dreams and vision to honor and celebrate the U.S.A.
Learn more of what Columbus has to offer at VisitColumbusGA.com.
