Nov/Dec CVM 2023

C O L U M B U S B A L L E T ’ S 2 7 T H A N N U A L P R O D U C T I O N O F T H E N U T C R AC K E R $3.50

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

75 Years of

CHAR-BROIL

Girl Scouts LITTLE HOUSE RESTORATION

W.C. BRADLEY:

"A Place We Call Home"

From the Editor’s Desk

T

hey say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this is peak culinary season. Utensils at the ready! The next two months will be a flurry of roasting, grilling and basting. Family and friends will be gathering for celebrations to be thankful, festive and to cheer on football teams. From the galley to the outdoor grill, you will always find me (and Jona Lewie) in the kitchen at parties.

Confident cooks are not opposed to throwing in extra ingredients knowing that what comes out of the oven will hit the palate just right. W.C. Bradley’s early years in business were a recipe for success.

Over the past 138 years the company has added to a tried and tested formula with the real estate division involved in expansions, renovations and new construction that serve to enhance the original ‘dish.’ One of the main ingredients is ‘a place we call home.’

A facet of the company’s success celebrating their 75th anniversary this year is Char-Broil. Originally manufactured at the Columbus Iron Works, the CharBroil grill is a leader in the outdoor consumer business. The recent acquisition of Dansons adds to the menu of product choices. With their headquarters back in Columbus since 2017, the company is deeply rooted in our community.

Take a drive down 17th Avenue through Lakebottom Park and you’ll see the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia’s Little House getting a big makeover. One of the last few of the original Little House’s the Girl Scouts has a mighty impact on those who have passed through its doors and for generations to come.

Construction, whether it’s little or large, is all in the details. When I threw down the gauntlet to Nan Konze to create a gingerbread structure reflecting the W.C. Bradley companies, she did not disappoint. The facade of the Front Avenue office that she baked up in her kitchen is just perfect. Coupled with her beautiful home— we created a truly festive cover. Thank you, Nan! Visit the W.C. Bradley Museum to see this work of art on display throughout the holiday season.

Meanwhile an array of wondrous creativity of the miniature kind can be found over at the RiverCenter for Performing Arts. Capturing the magic of the season is the Winter Wonderland gingerbread village. The Columbus Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic to add an extra sparkle to your festive schedule.

From all of us here at Columbus and the Valley and Valley Parent we wish you and your families all the very best for a festive and fun holiday season.

Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher

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GRAPHIC DESIGN Sixty Two Graphic Studio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brett Buckner Scott Phillips Pat Daniel Jodi Saunders Doug Gillett Callie Sprague Marquette McKnight PHOTOGRAPHY John Pyle Photography Margie Richardson Ritchie White Photography ______________________ P.O. Box 229 214A 10th Street Columbus, GA 31902 706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 ______________________ COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE is published bimonthly for $18 per year by Valley Life Ventures, LLC dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright © 2023

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Columbus and Valley Columbus and thethe Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 32 | NO. 6

what’s inside...

FEATURES 8 Keeping the Character, Adding to the Story W.C. Bradley Real Estate's Pace Halter looks to the future for Uptown development.

15 'Like a New Home'

The restoration of the Girl Scouts' historic Little House gets underway.

23 Crush

Selecting wine for the holidays (and all year long)

DEPARTMENTS 5

Calendar

50 The Cine Files 53 Valley Scenes 60 Dining Guide

4

27 A Timeless Story

The Columbus Ballet's 27th Annual Nutcracker performance

30 Let the Gingerbread Creations Begin!

A wonderful Winter Wonderland.

38 Eufaula's 17th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes

44 Beyond Business: 75 Years of Char-Broil

Commitment to continual innovation

EXTRAS

20 Columbus Sport Council's Annual Impact on the City 31 Holiday Gift Guide

41 Compassion Meets Skill

Meet Tatum Yarbrough—recipient of St. Francis-Emory's Monarch & Community Award

ON THE COVER Nan Konze displays her handmade gingerbread creation of W.C. Bradley's 1885 building at her home in MidTown.

On the Go? Read Columbus and the Valley Everywhere on Your Tablet or Smart Phone.

by Ritchie White Photography

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

What's Happening?

NOVEMBER November 10 - 19

The Springer Opera House presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Enter a magical land where animals talk, trees walk, a white witch bewitches you with Turkish Delight and a mighty lion named King Aslan who rescues you whenever you get into trouble. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucky on their adventure of love, faith and courage.

For tickets and information, visit SpringerOperaHouse.org.

November 16

The Muscogee County Library Foundation is excited to announce they will once again host their annual fundraiser, Cocktails and Comedy. The event is set for Thursday at 6 p.m., at the Columbus Public Library. The event will feature literary themed cocktails from local mixologists, culinary bites, the Valley Vault and end with a comedy show from comedian Damon Sumner.

Visit cfcv.ejoinme.org/cc2023 for tickets.

November 17 - January 1

Celebrate years of family tradition with 10 million twinkling lights and 2,500 acres of Christmas cheer at Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights. A beloved family tradition shines even brighter this Christmas season. Experience their newest scene Celebration Lake, a floating spectacular featuring 30 dancing trees honoring 30 years of Fantasy In Lights.

Visit CallawayGardens.com for tickets and information.

November 17 - December 23

Come to downtown Pine Mountain for a magical shopping experience this season.

Step into a winter wonderland filled with the warmth of community and the spirit of Christmas. Discover unique gifts from local boutiques, savor delectable foods and sip on delightful warm beverages as you explore the picturesque town.

Happening every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

November 18

It’s Family Saturday at the Columbus Museum. Drop by the Museum’s temporary headquarters every month for a new activity exploring their permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

No registration is required.

November 18

The CSO is pleased to offer a familyfriendly, non-ticketed Open Rehearsal at 12:30 p.m. They will be rehearsing the music for their concert From Mozart To The Birds to be performed later that evening.

During the rehearsals, the performance hall doors are open and the house lights NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

are on to create an informal setting that is welcoming to all.

November 25

The RiverCenter presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. This show has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that feature Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album.

For tickets and information, visit RiverCenter.com.

November 28

The Gogue Performing Arts Center presents Mean Girls: The Musical. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois.

Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

For tickets, visit goguecenter.auburn.edu/ mean-girls.

November 29 - December 19

Come by the RiverCenter to see local business renditions of a winter wonderland gingerbread village. Each year, RiverCenter presents its FREE holiday Gingerbread Village for our community. These imaginative confectionery structures are created by companies, community organizations and families for no other reason than to bring joy and holiday cheer. And on the 2nd, while listening to Christmas carols played on The Wave theater organ, enjoy the Bi-City Christmas parade.

Open Monday-Friday, 10-5:30 PM and prior to performances.

DECEMBER December 1

and getting in the Christmas spirit.

Activities include cookies and hot cocoa with Santa, face painting, Christmas caroling and a live artist.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ BloomwoodsFlowersAndEvents.

December 1 - 23

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Based on the cherished 2003 Hollywood hit, Elf the Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities eventually forces him to face the truth. He then embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Visit SpringerOperaHouse.org for tickets and show times.

December 4

The Columbus Community Orchestra presents Christmas Around the World. This program celebrates the Christmas season with a concert highlighting songs from all over the world. Join them for a spirited seasonal event inspired by cultures near and far.

This event is free and open to the public at St Mark’s UMC from 7 to 8 p.m.

December 9

Columbus Georgia SantaCon 2023, the most anticipated holiday extravaganza of the year is back. Get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration that brings together thousands of cheerful Santas, elves and holiday enthusiasts from all corners of the city. SantaCon 2023 promises to be bigger, better and more festive than ever before, spreading merriment and goodwill throughout our beloved community.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ columbus-georgia-santacon-2023tickets-642594466347 for more information.

December 16 & 17

Celebrate the holiday season by joining Uptown Columbus for the annual Broadway holiday parade and tree lighting. Businesses are invited to participate in the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and stay for the city tree lighting by Mayor Skip Henderson and Santa at 7 p.m. Following the tree lighting, students of Muscogee County School District will continue the festivities with Christmas caroling.

The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker. People of all ages enjoy this timeless family holiday classic of a young girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a live orchestra while seeing professional and community ballet dancers bring to life the magic of the season at the beautiful RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Visit RiverCenter.org for ticket and information.

December 1

December 16

Bloomwoods is having a silent auction fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House along with a Toy Drive and Food Drive. This will be fun for the whole family on this special evening visiting with friends Columbus and the Valley

At noon, Wreaths Across America will be helping at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

5

KEEPING THE CHARACTER, ADDING TO THE STORY

C

BY DOUG GILLETT

“Change isn’t good or bad—it just is,” the ad exec Don Draper declared in one of the more memorable lines of the TV drama Mad Men. Progress is inevitable: new generations follow older ones, technology advances, styles and preferences turn on a dime. And to some extent, modern societies like ours are conditioned to believe that progress, when all is said and done, is a good thing.

What causes people to chafe against progress is a sense that the past is being disrespected—

W.C. Bradley Real Estate & the Changing Face of Uptown Columbus

8

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

John Pyle Photography

or that the benefits of that progress are only accruing to a certain few. Real estate developers are particularly vulnerable to that ire when citizens see them as parachuting into their hometown just to make money, without considering the values, hopes or history of the community as a whole.

The Chattahoochee Valley certainly values and preserves its history as proudly as any region in the country, and yet Columbus has seen fewer of those disputes than it might have. Part of that is because one of the firms driving the most significant and visible progress in Columbus—the W.C. Bradley Company—has been part of that history for so long. As Pace Halter, the head of W.C. Bradley Real Estate, describes it, the company doesn’t see Columbus merely as fertile ground for profitable development, it calls this town home.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Columbus and the Valley

9

“If you really take a step back, you’ve got a company and a family that have essentially been centered in one town for 138 years. You really can’t measure the importance of that,” he said. “From my perspective, at every level— whether it is an individual family member, the foundation, the company, all the way down to the real estate division—they love this town, they are always protective of this town, and everything we do almost across the board has been with an eye toward, ‘Is this going to make Columbus better?’”

A LONG & CONTINUING HISTORY

Founded in 1885 as a cotton brokerage, the W.C. Bradley Company now encompasses brands in industries ranging from barbecue grills (Char-Broil) to hunting gear (Badlands).

The real estate division is responsible for such notable Columbus developments as Synovus Centre, the Eagle & Phenix lofts and the PowerHouse event facility.

Halter first built a connection with the company in 2015 while he was working in real estate development and consulting in Atlanta. Mat Swift, who had essentially started W.C. Bradley’s real estate arm and

10

Pace Halter, President and COO of W.C. Bradley Company Real Estate Division

ran it for three decades, hired him for some sales and marketing consulting work on a few Bradley properties, and when Swift decided to retire in 2017, he reached out to Halter as a potential successor.

“The ongoing theme of the transition was, ‘Man, you’ve got some really big shoes to fill,’” Halter remembered, his smile evident in his voice. “My running response was, ‘I recognize I’ve got big shoes to fill, but if you give me 31 years,

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

I’m confident I can do it.’ Mat did an amazing job building what I consider to be an unbelievable foundation and really gets credit for everything that’s happened in the downtown area. He laid the groundwork for everything that I’m enjoying getting to do now.”

John Pyle Photography

KEEPING THE OLD & BRINGING IN THE NEW

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Columbus and the Valley

Though Halter and his wife had lived basically their entire lives in Atlanta, they and their young family took to Columbus quickly. “With a few exceptions ... it has all the same attributes without all the headaches,” he explained. “When you think about commute times and traffic and conveniences and all that stuff, you have all of the best without most of the challenges of a big city. And if you want to go to an NBA game or a Falcons game or a Braves game, it’s an hour and a half up the road— you don’t have to get on an airplane to go.

I always describe it as a very comfortable, easy place to live.”

Columbus, he added, “has started to realize that, hey, we have a wonderful

11

story to tell here.” There’s a lot of history in the Chattahoochee Valley, and a lot of people committed to preserving it. Again, that can result in conflicts with developers keen on paving over that history in the name of profit, but Halter is well aware of the pitfalls.

“Running bulldozers through everything doesn’t do anybody any good,” Halter declared. “You’ve got to have some of the best of the old with what you hope is the best of the new.”

That’s been a consistent theme of much of the work W.C. Bradley has done in uptown and downtown Columbus. “We own a lot of very old, very historic buildings, and I happen to have a particular passion for historic buildings. Typically, I’m always a proponent of trying to protect something rather than tearing down and trying to build new,” Halter said. “And everybody understands that’s not always possible, but first and foremost, if we have a legacy asset that’s important to the city and the fabric of the community, the focus should be on protecting it at almost any cost.

“You’ve got to have some of the best of the old with what you hope is the best of the new.”

- PACE HALTER “The flip side is if we come to the realization that it is not salvageable or financially feasible. Then the responsibility is on us and our design teams and consultants to ask, ‘How do we make it look like it was supposed to be here?’ You’re not going to fake it and make it look like an old building, but how do we make it look like it at least fits? ... if you look at the four biggest new buildings, we’ve introduced in the last four or five years, they’re distinctly new, but they at least look like they were designed and built to fit into the fabric of the community.”

A REIMAGINED RIVERFRONT

W.C. Bradley’s Riverfront Place development, which occupies the footprint of a two-million-square-foot textile mill that once ranked among America’s largest, is a striking opportunity to view old and new right alongside one another. The part of the mill that could be salvaged was turned into the Eagle & Phenix Lofts, which opened in 2009. More recently, the part of the mill that had fallen into disrepair and was unsalvageable has become Riverfront Place, a mixed-use development that has gone up in phases since 2017.

The first part of Riverfront Place to be completed was The Rapids, a 226-unit apartment building with 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The development is situated around a park—named for Mat Swift—that’s owned by Bradley but is open to the public. The next phase was the 107-room Hotel Indigo, which opened in 2021. “We had long understood that there was a pretty desperate need for additional hotel rooms in the downtown area, to support not just tourism but business travelers,” Halter explained. The Indigo features both ground-floor dining and a rooftop bar that has quickly become one of downtown’s most popular gathering spots.

Across Front Avenue, the next phase of the project is currently underway: a 230,000-square-foot office building that will house the new corporate headquarters of Synovus, along with more street12

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Ritchie White Photography

level retail that Halter hopes will include a grocery tenant. That part of the development will also eventually include another 226-unit apartment complex called The Currents— all of which will sit atop a structured parking deck. Synovus is already building out floors of the office building, and Bradley will start leasing the apartments around the beginning of 2024, with the first move-ins scheduled for late spring/early summer.

SHINING A BRIGHT FUTURE IN UPTOWN

All told, the development will total just over one million square feet, but Halter is very clear that it’s not just big for the sake of being big—rather, it’s about meeting the needs of the kind of residents who specifically want to live in a downtown environment. “We

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Columbus and the Valley

find they want to come home on Friday, park their car, and they don’t want to have to get back into it until Monday. If we can provide an environment in uptown Columbus where you come home, you park your car and you can walk to buy groceries, dinner, a show, a concert, a game, whatever it may be, then we’ve really done our job.”

And while Halter certainly hopes that Riverfront Place will “continue to drive the excitement of what’s going on in Columbus,” he said the city’s momentum was already building before the first shovel of dirt was turned.

“I felt like, as a community, we had put ourselves in a really, really good position just before COVID. We were like a jet fueled up and ready for takeoff at the end of the runway, and we were just getting ready to roll down the runway when COVID hit—and now it definitely feels like we have not only gained the momentum we had preCOVID, but we have built upon that momentum. I think the city is really, really well positioned for growth over the next decade or two.” C

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Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Regional Advisory Board members (L-R) Billy Kendall, Cheryl Legette, Jeannella Pendleton and Laura Toms unveil the rendering of the renovated Little House at the capital campaign announcement event.

‘ Like a new home’

BY BRETT BUCKNER

By restoring the historic Little House, local Girl Scouts hope to help raise a new generation of female leaders

O

ut of humble place, a nation-wide movement was born, then all but forgotten. Still, a few scattered relics remain—mostly dormant—waiting to be restored so that a new generation can discover what it means to be a Girl Scout.

One such place is here in Columbus. It’s known simply as the Little House.

Located in the Lakebottom area, the Little House has provided a central location for the programs and fellowship for the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia since 1949. Once there were more than 70 such Little Houses across the country. Now, there are only a few, and the Little House in Columbus is the only one left in Georgia.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Columbus and the Valley

“Over the years, it’s been used less and less,” said Billy Kendall, chairman of the Columbus Regional Advisory Board. “And we want to change that.”

To restore and preserve the Little House, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia have created a public campaign with the goal of raising $650,000.

However, $577,000 of that has already been raised through private donations and corporate sponsorship, leaving $73,000.

“It’s all about the Girl Scouts and providing them with the best possible experience,” Kendall said.

“This will help them find their self-confidence and leadership skills that’ll help them grow into wonderful young women. This will be like a new home for the Girl Scouts.”

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The preservation of the Little House will include an experience center, training facility and enhanced outdoor space for Girl Scouts. It will also make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. With the upgrades come the opportunity for new programs related to the Girl Scouts four pillars: STEM, Outdoors, Entrepreneurship and Life Skills, according to Laura Toms, Board Chair.

“The renovations,” she said, “will allow for new programs and enhanced experiences for Girl Scouts to develop girls of courage, confidence and character for which our very own community will receive the direct benefit.”

The Little House will also be available to the community for rentals and events.

“We are excited to offer our space as a central meeting location for all,” Tawana Farley, the Community Engagement Manager, said, “and invite the community to build the next generation of women leaders with us.”

The Little House represents the past, present and future for local Girl Scouts.

“The Little House will serve as a place for volunteers, staff and Girl Scouts from all 12 counties to discover, learn, build selfconfidence and to strengthen leadership skills,” Kendall said.

“Your support will help to brighten the future of our girls as they strive to make the world a better place.”

By donating, the community can be a part of the continued history of the Girl Scouts, “This is not just the Girl Scout Little House. This is your Little

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Columbus and the Valley

The current front side above and the future rendition below

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

House, too,” Farley said. “We have a unique piece of history right here in our own backyard, and with preservation it will remain a staple for centuries to come.

“With your generosity, we can continue this legacy.”

To donate: https://www.gshg.org/en/support-us/donate/littlehouse-capital-campaign.html.

Developing girls of courage The current back above and the future rendition including an added on room and porch

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

What became known as the Little House Movement began in June 1923 when the General Federation of Women’s Clubs collaborated with the Better Homes in America to build a small, model home on the National Mall.

Led by then-Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover, Better Homes demonstrated how a well-functioning house could improve the lives of the average American family.

“The goal was to showcase a fully working home, complete with a modern kitchen, breakfast nook, three bedrooms and a nursery to encourage more Americans to become homeowners and improve the quality of homes across the nation,” Farley said.

The architect for the Little House was Donn Barber who was inspired by the boyhood home of John Howard Payne, author of the 1823 opera that included the song Home Sweet Home.

Great attention was paid to such things like the books displayed on shelves and using chloroform on the rose bushes to make them bloom out of season.

After the exhibit, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs

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donated the 3,153 square foot Little House to the Girl Scouts. It was moved to its permanent address at 1750 New York Avenue NW in Washington D.C. where it quickly became a focal point for Girl Scouting with training classes being offered as early as 1925.

The Washington DC Little House was a focal point for the Girl Scouts. A pamphlet published in the 1930’s summed up its purpose: “The Little Girl Scout House is the half-way step between the playhouse of children and the home that every mother wants to be sure that her daughter can make for herself.”

Someone was hired on to live in the home to make sure everything looked just so. One room was set aside for sewing.

The kitchen was photographed for the newspapers several times, most famously with Eleanor Roosevelt watching perfectly uniformed Girl Scouts cooking. Outside there was a Rock and Memory Garden planted, where such things as a foundation stone from Mary Todd Lincoln’s childhood home was set.

Each year, Girl Scouts celebrated Better Homes Week, where they invited the public into the house to observe their work.

In 1930, Lou Hoover, now serving as first lady, commissioned a scale model of the Little House so that it could travel the country and inspire local councils to create their own little houses. That same year, she presented the model at the Girl Scouts’ annual national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, as she hoped that it would promote the building of more little houses across the country.

More of these Little Houses were built,” Farley said, “and by 1930, there were more than 70 Girl Scout Little Houses across the

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nation.”

However, decades later, there are only a few of these Little Houses left in America, which is why it’s become so important to preserve the one in Columbus.

“It did inspire other councils, and Girl Scout Little Houses popped up all over the United States,” Toms said. “This is the last known Little House in the state of Georgia and one of very few in the U.S. that are still in existence and serving the Girl Scout movement.” C

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

SPORTS FOR THE

T

he impact of Sports Council Columbus, GA reaches far beyond sports. The non-profit organization plays an integral role in the Chattahoochee Valley’s tourism and workforce development efforts. In the fiscal year of 2023, an estimated nearly $20 million has been generated by sporting events in the community through visitor spending, and brought more than 40,000 athletes and their families to see what the area has to offer.

The Sports Council bids to host events for multiple purposes. Individually, the events provide opportunities for athletes to compete, community engagement for local residents and inspiration for budding young athletes, but Sports Council often has an eye on bigger scores.

For example, winning the bid to host the NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championships from 2016 through 2019 and again from 2022 through 2024 helped 20

build the resume for the Columbus Aquatic Center and also led to the SSAC (Southern States Athletic Conference) and Sun Conference hosting events there.

These collegiate organizations bring athletes from across the South to visit Columbus, positive experiences that give area employers a leg up when recruiting young professionals.

“We bring thousands of college athletes to our city every year,” Executive Director, Merri Sherman, explained. “They get to experience the quality of life here and see the employment opportunities available.

We all know that when visitors come to Columbus for the first time, they fall in love with our amazing city. It’s my honest belief that you cannot put a price tag on that exposure.”

Many public and independent high school state championships are held in the Valley as well. Golf, softball, cheerleading and more bring scores of visitors and give Columbus and the Valley

young athletes a preview of the amenities in this multi-college town. Some events are even held at Columbus State University, allowing perspective students to personally experience the campus.

Another collegiate sporting event brings state rivals Fort Valley State University and Albany State University to square off each year in a football game at A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium. “The Fountain City Classic has been going on for 33 years, before Sports Council even existed,” Sherman said. The Sports Council came on board several years ago to help support the week-long festivities, which also include a parade, tailgating, golfing and more. “It is a signature event for Columbus—the tradition, scholarships and everything that results from that effort—it’s so important for the community.”

In 2023, the Sports Council had the unique experience of helping host NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

HIGH IMPACT Sports Council Columbus, GA had a winning year in 2023. Our 85 events (+38 additional Police and Fire Games individual events) added a record amount of economic impact to Columbus’ economy. Sporting events, facilities and teams impact our community in meaningful ways, making Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley a better place to live, work and play.

Fiscal Year 2023

ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT

19,847,649

$

EVENTS

WIN!

BY CALLIE SPRAGUE

the first-ever women’s collegiate hockey tournament in the South. “Even though it was a small event, with only four teams, it had a huge impact for the players,” Sherman said.

The Sports Council not only supports collegiate sports, but also youth, adult and senior events at regional, state, national and even international levels. In 2022-2023 the community added to its international resume with the International Canoe Freestyle World Cup and World Championships, which brought elite kayakers from around the globe to RushSouth Whitewater Park, helping secure the venue’s identity as the Wintering Grounds for off-season training.

“I have a passion for this incredible organization, and a desire to do meaningful work that truly makes a difference in showcasing Columbus on a national level with support from partners, Visit Columbus GA, Columbus Parks and Recreation and others,” Sherman said. C NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

PARTICIPANTS

85*

40,413

*Georgia Police and Fire Games were counted as 1 of the 85 events, but within the Police and Fire Games there were an additional 38 events.

ATTENDEES

TOP VENUES South Commons Softball Complex

10,909,159

$

119,584

$

EVENT AGE DEMOGRAPHICS

Woodruff Farm Soccer Complex

18 & Under Sports

Cooper Creek Tennis Center

1,345,763

Adult Sports

$

1,089,000

33%

40%

A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium

College Sports

Multi-Age Sports

1,078,000

$

PARTICIPANT ROOM NIGHTS Columbus and the Valley

21%

6%

56,255

21

CRUSH

BY PAT DANIEL

The Act of Selecting Wines at the Holidays (and all year long!)

T

he holidays are billed as the most wonderful time of the year, but the many events and expectations to provide wine for them can make this a very stressful time of the year. We host parties we attend parties and we give gifts of wine both out of love and obligation. What’s common to many of these events in the holiday season is that you’re getting people items you hope they will enjoy. So, this month, we’ll put you in our shoes and teach you some of the factors we consider when we select wines for others to enjoy. We hope this will be one of the most helpful of our issues, showing you wine selection principles which you’ll be able to use all year long.

Let’s start with an easy example. You have decided to host a holiday party, which means you have a lot of control over the choices. You know where the event will be held, how fancy the event will be, the foods to be served, the budget of the event and the guest list. A 100-person holiday party and a 10-person dinner party have different needs, but many of the principles are the same, especially “I hope everyone has a good time!”

When the host is putting together the guest list for the party, and especially the seating chart for the tables at the event, great care is taken to put people next to each other who will have a good

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time together. This is also true of wine styles. Some big styles, like bold Napa Cabernets, command a lot of attention and often special treatment, like decanting. Other red wines, like many cabernets from Lodi, go along and get along. For parties and events, these are generally the better choices, and the wine term for them would be “fruit-forward styles.” Also, not everyone likes bold wines, even if they are expensive and prestigious.

While there are ways to prepare bold wines, such as decanting them hours ahead of time to soften them properly, all this fuss can take away from your enjoyment as the host.

Generally, partygoers are looking to enjoy easy-going wines which don’t interfere with the food, or call too much attention to themselves, just like the party guests. “Mmm, this wine is delicious! So, what has your family been up to since the last time I saw you?” sort of thing. A good wine choice enhances the event without getting in the way of things.

It’s undeniable that the budget is a big part of any party. Wines can be selected to give the idea of expensive without breaking your budget. Many regions and categories “stairstep,” meaning you don’t have to go all the way to the top to select a great wine. If you are planning a grand standing rib roast, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild would be the perfect pairing, but insanely expensive! A mid-tier Left Bank Bordeaux will provide a similar experience for a more moderate price. For a beautiful Italian dinner, an Amarone, from the Veneto would be sublime, but its younger brothers from the same region, Valpolicella or a Veronese red, would also pair beautifully.

A Champagne is a grand way to start any party, but other sparkling wines, such as a Cava from Spain, a prosecco from Italy, or a Crémant from Alsace, will also be festive and pair as well with almost any appetizers.

Safe-bet white wines to serve at a dinner party include familiar grapes like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, but perhaps bring them from a specific area, like a Sancerre or a Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc. The other guests will recognize the taste of these familiar grapes, but you will have read up on the wine’s story (or at least cheated by reading off the back of the bottle), and now you’ll have something to talk about at the party to break the ice.

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The same is true for red wines.

Everyone loves the cherry flavors and lightness of a nice pinot noir. Perhaps you’ll serve one from Pommard in Burgundy and can talk about that, or, a Cru Beaujolais, from the Gamay grape, which is very similar to pinot noir, yet different. A Spanish Tempranillo, which has flavors in common with the wellliked pinot noir, but is just different enough to, again, get everyone talking.

There are many styles that are familiar, but something is a little different and gives us something to talk about and share. These wines all fall into the “fruit forward, food friendly” category, and, above all, they pair well with nearly everything, are wonderful by themselves, and nearly everyone who likes red wine will enjoy them.

Finally, the holidays are when we exchange gifts, again out of both love and/or obligation. Some gift-giving strategies, if you know the person well, include getting what they usually order for themselves at a restaurant or enjoy in general. Or, you might select the same style wine the person likes, just a nicer version of it, for example instead of a nice Napa Cabernet, select one from Oakville, which is within Napa and considered bolder, smoother and more prestigious.

If you don’t know the person well, a wine from an area where they have traveled can be a good gift. A bottle of Champagne, or other sparkling wine, is always festive, and considered an appropriate holiday gift.

While the holidays can be stressful, but choosing wines for the various parties and gifts doesn’t need to be. So, fill up your glass, and make sure you enjoy the holidays, too! C

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Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

A Timeless Story

BY BRETT BUCKNER

Dede Wilson

The Columbus Ballet is hosting its 27th Annual Performance of The Nutcracker

I

n a season of wonder, the Columbus Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet is the most enchanted.

“We bring a unique and magical experience that everyone can enjoy,” said Jennifer Joyner, President of the Columbus Ballet. “The Nutcracker is very special because it combines all of the most beautiful aspects of ballet into a single performance.”

Another word that has become synonymous with Columbus Ballet’s performance—tradition.

When The Nutcracker hits the RiverCenter stage December 16 and 17 it will be for the 27th year in a row. Not even a worldwide pandemic could stop it.

“We even performed during COVID,” Joyner said. “We had dancers in masks and there was no theater. Instead, we did sections in famous places around town, and it was a TV broadcast as the Mass Nutcracker, but we still managed to pull it off.”

Though The Nutcracker is arguably the most famous ballet, what makes the Columbus Ballet’s production unique is the music.

“Every community puts on a production of The Nutcracker,” Joyner said. “And while we’re not a professional company, we put on a professional-level production and part of that is having a live orchestra. There are very few places that can say that. Not even Atlanta has a live orchestra.

“That’s something to be especially proud of.”

Another point of pride is the professional dancers that Columbus is able to hire for its local productions. This year is no exception, explained Toya Willingham, artistic director and choreographer.

“This year … brilliant, just an amazing level of dancers. We’re so lucky to have them.”

The professional cast includes Mia Mercaldo who will be dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and will perform the solo dance, The Waltz of the Flowers. Mercaldo is from Atlanta and began her training with the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company

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in order to connect with her heritage. She began her classical ballet training in 2012 at Decatur School of Ballet.

Tim Kolman will be playing to role of the Nutcracker. Kolman has been dancing for more than 17 years and is currently a dancer with the Georgia Ballet.

And Akeem Edwards, who will be dancing the role of both the Cavalier and the Mouse King. Edwards, who lives in Atlanta, began training at the age of 16 and has worked with Netflix, B.E.T., Tyler Perry and Debbie Allen, among others.

For all the grace, poise and beauty that the professional, and older dancers bring, one aspect that makes The Nutcracker special is the children—starting at 7 years old—making up a variety of roles, namely the Mice and Soldiers.

“The kids have been great to work with this year,” Willingham said. “When the music comes on, it gets so quiet. Everyone is in the right place, focused and just … transfixed by what is happening.

They’re already ready to go, even though it’s still a couple months away.”

This year will also have a special event—Mother Ginger’s Tea Party—which will include food and beverages, photo ops with Nutcracker characters and principal dancers, Drosselmeyer’s magic tricks, a special Nutcracker story reading by Clara and craft activities.

“It’ll be a fun afternoon,” Joyner said, “where they can have an up close and personal experience with The Nutcracker.”

All told, The Nutcracker is the perfect introduction not only to ballet, but for the Christmas season.

“Between the acting, for lack of a better term, and the music, it just resonates with audiences,” Willingham said. “And then there’s the staging the scenery because everyone has that special Christmas memory, and The Nutcracker takes them back to magic of being a child … those moments. It’s just a timeless story.”

For more information, visit thecolumbusballet.org. C

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Can be found at: Barnes & Noble Columbus Museum Dinglewood Pharmacy Durham’s Pharmacy Galleria Judy Bug Books Marriott Midtown Medical Center Gift Shop Pierce Crossing Convenience Store Piggly Wiggly River Road Pharmacy Whitewater Express NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

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Let the d a e r b r e g Gin ! n i g e B s n Creatio

BY JODI SAUNDERS

ER’S RIVERCENT O T IT IS V E MAKE A EAD VILLAG R B R E G IN G 2023

Registrations have been submitted, and across the region, architectural plans are being drawn up. For some enthusiasts, the creative juices have been bubbling away since the last year’s holiday season. How-to, why-not and have you thought of this sites have been scrolled for days and during sleepless nights.

Good old jolly ranchers are melted into stained glass windows; roof tiles have a myriad of options—if you’re going for the thatched look then it’s frosted shredded wheat for you. Landscapes are formed from a whole different dimension. Trees are a grape vine minus the grapes then dipped in chocolate. Fields of grass are desiccated coconut—green food coloring at the ready! The challenge is in using your imagination to see beyond the sweet and salty snack aisle of the grocery store into making it your very own D.I.Y. job with an icing bag in hand.

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Beginning November 29 to December 19 the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts lobby will be transformed into a winter wonderland of the most wonderous, spectacular and oh so sweet creations. For the staff at the RiverCenter, the excitement on delivery day is palpable. In previous years, everything from the grandiose, quaint and familiar have arrived through their doors from a Viking ship, Empire State Building and the RiverCenter— of course! Not to be daunted, pre-baked, store-bought houses have been turned into mini neighborhoods with sweet jellybean sidewalks and Oreo asphalt.

Mark your calendar for this magical holiday event that is free for public viewing. Wander over on your lunch break, take a field trip with friends, bring a bus load of students from your school and groups from assisted living facilities. Saturday, December 2 is a day to fully embrace the season which includes a visit with Santa, holiday music from The Wave Theatre Organ and the Bi-City annual Christmas parade. No prizes are awarded as everyone is a winner in the world of edible architecture. C

Columbus and the Valley

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HolidayGIFT GUIDE Casseroles for the Holidays Starting at $8 THE WYNN HOUSE 1240 Wynnton Rd. 706.323.1895 TheWynnHouse.com

Happy By Rachel Georgia Pillow (Other Teams Available) $49

Big Green Egg

DINGLEWOOD PHARMACY 1939 Wynnton Rd. • 706.322.0616 DinglewoodPharmacy.com

See Store for Pricing THE GRILL OUTLET 3121 2nd Ave. • 706.323.5117

Simon Pierce Holiday Tree

Johnnie-O Dress Shirts & Quarter Zip Pullover

Starting at $100

$138

SCHOMBURG’S JEWELERS 1640 Rollins Way 706.327.7489 Schomburgs.com

CHANCELLOR’S 1108 Broadway 706.322.8819 ChancellorsMensStore.com

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

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eNewton Bracelet

(Mix & Match) $38 GALLERIA RIVERSIDE 1658 Rollins Way 706.653.1950 GalleriaRiverside.com

Cast Iron Syrup Kettle Fire Pits Starting at $699.99 GOLDEN’S CAST IRON 600 12th St. • 800.328.8379 • GoldensCastIron.com

Herend Holiday Figurines Starting at $280 SCHOMBURG’S JEWELERS 1640 Rollins Way 706.327.7489 Schomburgs.com

Tutoring Sessions Starting at $42/hour SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF COLUMBUS 5256 Armour Rd. • 706.405.2304 SylvanLearning.com

Gold Glittering Cross Ornament $12.50 DAVID BENEFIELD AT HIGHLAND HALL 1504 17th St. • 706.324.4881

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Char-Broil Entertainer Deluxe Cart

Custom Made Shirts

$349.99

Starting at $129

W.C. BRADLEY CO. Char-Broil.com

FRANK ROMEO’S CLOTHING 1803 Garrard St. • 706.576.6601

Columbus and the Valley

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Kuhl Quarter Zip Pullover $110 CHANCELLOR’S 1108 Broadway • 706.322.8819 ChancellorsMensStore.com

Sandy’s Sunflowers Oil on Panel with Gold Leaf (12”x 12”) $500 GLORIA MANI FINE ART 1809 Garrard St. 706.662.9199 GloriaManiFineArt.com

Cast Iron 20.5” Cooker Starting at $1,699.99 GOLDEN’S CAST IRON 600 12th St. 800.328.8379 GoldensCastIron.com

Manners for 5th-12th Graders $50 & UP COLUMBUS JUNIOR COTILLION 706.681.6174 ColumbusJuniorCotillion@gmail.com

Carolina Bag

(Also available in black) $420 COUNCIL WARDROBE STUDIO 211 13th St., Suite 107 762.524.7342 CouncilStudio.com

Brackish Handcrafted Accessories Starting at $280 SCHOMBURG’S JEWELERS 1640 Rollins Way • 706.327.7489 • Schomburgs.com NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

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Frazier Fir Candle (Different sizes available) Starting at $18 GALLERIA RIVERSIDE, INC. 1658 Rollins Way • 706.653.1950 GalleriaRiverside.com

Matouk Pezzo Throw

Magazine Subscription

$88

$18/YEAR

PARK PLACE INTERIORS 1817 Garrard St. 706.221.5054 ParkPlaceMidtown.com

COLUMBUS & THE VALLEY MAGAZINE 706.324.6214 • ColumbusAndTheValley.com

Glory Haus Round Charcuterie Board with Ceramic Toppers $49.99 DINGLEWOOD PHARMACY 1939 Wynnton Rd. • 706.322.0616 DinglewoodPharmacy.com

Beautiful Gas Logs See Store for Pricing THE GRILL OUTLET 3121 2nd Ave. • 706.323.5117

Badlands Women’s Weekend Pullover $89.99 W.C. BRADLEY CO. BadlandsGear.com

Itzy Ritzy Bitzy Busy Gift Set $24.98 MICKAYLA’S PLACE 3151 Williams Rd., Suite A • 706.221.1154 MickaylasPlaceResale.com

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Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Dumbbells & Kettlebells

Coffee Gift Cards

Starting at $20

FOUNTAIN CITY COFFEE 1007 Broadway • 706.494.6659 FountainCityCoffee.com

GOLDEN’S CAST IRON 600 12th St. • 800.328.8379 GoldensCastIron.com

$5-$100

FCC AT BANKS FOOD HALL 1002 Bay Ave. • 706.457.5232 TheBakeshopColumbus.com

Kuhl Revolvr Pants (Variety of Colors) $115 CHANCELLOR’S 1108 Broadway • 706.322.8819 ChancellorsMensStore.com

Glory Haus Georgia Serving Tray $59.99 DINGLEWOOD PHARMACY 1939 Wynnton Rd. 706.322.0616 DinglewoodPharmacy.com

Cheese Straws

Starburst Stud Earrings

Starting at $7

$85

TIKI Brand Smokeless Fire Pit

SOUTHERN STRAWS 506 Manchester Expy., Suite A12 706.507.1531 • SouthernStraws.com

COUNCIL WARDROBE STUDIO 211 13th St., Suite 107 • 762.524.7342 CouncilStudio.com

W.C. BRADLEY CO. TikiBrand.com

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Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

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Book with our Wellness Director Zach Lape and Provider Abby Lape, FNP-C

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Eufaula Readies for Its 17th Annual

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

I

BY BRETT BUCKNER

It’s a curiosity too strong to be denied. Everyone wants to know what it looks like inside a picturesque home­—especially at Christmastime.

Eufaula, with its more than 700 structures on historic registries, has a wealth of destinations perfect for exploration. That’s why the annual Christmas Tour of Homes has become as much a seasonal traditional in this quaint, small town as vintage tree ornaments and street corner carolers.

“It’s a huge draw … seeing how people in Eufaula celebrate Christmas,” said Susan Newman, executive director for the Eufaula Historic Association. “And we’re all inherently nosey and want the opportunity to be able to look inside some of these beautiful homes.

“It’s just the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.”

For 17 years, the Eufaula Heritage Association has.

And while the tour is certainly a matter of traditions for the locals, it’s also began to draw visitors from around the world.

“It so much more than just Eufaula,” Newman said. “Every day, we’re amazed by who comes through that door. It’s people from Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Most people fly into Atlanta and then drive through Eufaula on the way to the beach, and we have a couple of houses that are always open for tours—except on Sundays—but being able to see other houses is something they love.”

The 17th annual tour will feature an upgrade. The year will feature an interactive map, created by the association’s “personal tech guru,” Amy White, who is also the chair for the Pilgrimage of Homes in April.

“The idea was to have people come in and be able to just get started, not having to wait for a specific tour,” Newman said.

“They can do it at their own pace.

“There are older people who don’t feel as comfortable with that, so they’re welcome to come by the Shorter Mansion, buy their tickets and be on their way.”

White’s entire family is involved in the tour. Her father takes pictures, her mother leads tours and her sister’s family are all volunteers. It’s that kind of commitment that really defines the town spirit.

“That’s what you find in Eufaula— the sense of community and family,” Newman said. “Everybody wants to help.”

Garrison Home

Quick-Hawkins Home

Fabick Home — 501 ST. FRANCIS ROAD —

This lakefront masterpiece was built in 2000. It sits way back from the road and is located on St. Francis Point. The stunning décor will transport you to an incredible holiday fantasy.

— 1461 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD —

— 336 WEST BROAD STREET —

This two-story brick craftsmen bungalow was built in 1925. The Garrison’s commissioned Richard Freeman, a talented wood craftsman and designer from Eufaula, to build a replica of the Peacock Room in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Art. This room showcases a Chinese blue-and-white porcelain collection and marries its avian motif with a striking use of color inspired by the arts of East Asia.

Constructed in 1880 in a Queen Anne style Victorian, irregular plan, this single-story home utilizes plain weatherboard siding, a gable hip roof with a hipped central dormer, a flat roof over the porch that is supported by iconic columns connected at the bottom by balustrade with turned balusters.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Shorter Mansion

Rhodes-Winkleback Home

— 320 NORTH EUFAULA AVENUE —

— 619 NORTH RANDOLPH AVENUE —

This home was built in 1853 by Chauncey and Elizabeth Rhodes.

After a fire in 1919, the porch was replaced with a craftsman style stoop porch. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Winkleblack, the current owners, restored the wrap-around porch in 2006 to match the original porch.

Lithographs from the 1870’s were used as a guide for the restoration.

Completed in 1906, The Shorter Mansion was built by Eli Sims Shorter and Wileyna Lamar of Macon. Wileyna was the heiress to the SSS Tonic Fortune and Eli was a cotton broker. It is an excellent example of Neoclassical Revival Architecture. The home was purchased at auction from the Shorter family in 1965 at auction for $33,000.

Beaty Home

Mitchell Home

— 121 BROOKWOOD DRIVE —

This two-story French Country home is located on St. Francis Point.

It was built in 2003 with traditional and modern touches. Kim Beaty does an amazing job decorating her home for the holidays. You will leave this home amazed at all the special decorative touches.

— 1719 FOX RIDGE ROAD —

Holly and Chris Mitchell built this 2- story brick and stone home in 2018. Holly personally designed the gable roofs and has worked to grow the beautiful ivy on the home. The Mitchell’s decorate for Christmas like no other. This home is a new build masterpiece.

Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Tickets:

Fendall Hall — 917 WEST BARBOUR STREET —

This impressive Italianate country villa style home was built in 1860

by Edward B. and Ann Fendall Beall Young. The home housed five generations of the same family, and is now a historic site of the Alabama Historic Commission. It has three rooms of some of the finest Victorian-era murals in America and original black and white Italian marble floors.

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All homes: $50 All homes + after hours reception: $75.00 After hours reception: $30 Individual home: $7

For more information:

eufaulapilgrimage.com/previous-tours-2 39

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Compassion

BY BRETT BUCKNER

SKILL

Meets

Tatum Yarbrough receives Monarch Caring & Community Award from St. FrancisEmory Healthcare

Tatum Yarbrough thought there had been a mistake.

When Yarbrough, a registered nurse and manager of Perioperative Services at St. Francis Hospital, learned that she’d received the Monarch Caring and Community Award, she was “shocked … humbled and grateful.”

There was also that nagging feeling common to those who prefer keeping a low profile.

“I was just really surprised,” she said. “I am still sure they mixed me up with another Tatum.”

There was no confusion.

Yarbrough has spent more than 10 years at St. Francis and her dedication to the patients she helps and the team she leads inspired her nomination for the highest honor given to members of the St. Francis-Emory Healthcare team.

“The Monarch Award recognizes exceptional, highly skilled caregivers who consistently go above and beyond to deliver excellent patient care and to elevate the patient experience,” said Melody Trimble, St. Francis-Emory CEO. “Tatum personifies the traits of this award, with dedication to supporting her colleagues, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

“Nursing has been my goal for as long as I can remember. It was not an easy road to travel, but I do feel that it is my calling.”

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the communities we proudly serve and through her unwavering personification of our values.”

Nursing is a stressful career path, and its advocates rarely receive the recognition they deserve. For Yarbrough to hear the respect her colleagues have was as touching as the award itself.

“Just reading that your co-workers think of you in that way is so special,” she said. “I am really not sure what I am doing differently than the many other caregivers in this building that are deserving of this honor. I am fortunate to consider my coworkers’ family and have developed so many close relationships over the years here at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare.”

As with many in her field, Yarbrough felt that becoming a nurse was something she was meant to do.

“Nursing has been my goal for as long as I can remember,” she said. “It was not an easy road to travel, but I do feel that it is my calling.”

Although her mother and sister are also nurses, what compelled Yarbrough is the unique ability nurses must incorporate their clinical knowledge and skills with the compassion necessary to care for patients.

“It sounds so simplistic, but when I am talking to novice nurses, I always tell them to keep the patient as the focus and be the nurse that you would want to have care for you or a family member. I try to keep the perspective that what is just another day on the job, may be the worst or hardest day in this patient’s life.”

An excerpt from Yarbrough’s nomination testifies to this

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approach when one of her patients, having experienced distress after a procedure, was taken to the Post-Acute Care Unit PACU after surgery.

The patient was struggling to breathe, causing visible fear and anxiety. That was when Yarbrough’s true character shone through.

“Without hesitation, she immediately rushed to the patient’s bedside upon recognizing the severity of the situation,” according to the nomination. “She seamlessly joined her team in providing necessary care and interventions, demonstrating her competence and ability to work under pressure.”

What most impressed her anonymous colleague was the compassion and reassurance Yarbrough showed the patient.

“In the midst of the chaos,” read the nomination, “Tatum took a moment to address the patient directly, saying: ‘We aren’t going to leave you. We are right here with you.’”

Moments like that are why Yarbrough became a nurse.

“It’s always gratifying to see patients get well and leave the hospital,” she said. “But some of the most impactful memories are the patients that I have provided comfort and care for at end of their lives.

“I still keep in touch with many of their families, and it serves as a great reminder of the difference that you can make in a short time.”

Yarbrough will be recognized with other local winners from the ScionHealth Community Hospital Division at the Caregiver Summit later this year in Louisville, Kentucky. C

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BEYOND BUSI

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NESS

Columbus’ own Char-Broil Celebrates 75 Years of Invention and Innovation

BY BRETT BUCKNER

W

ander through any backyard cookout in the summer. Follow the scent of seasoned meat drifting heavy across the still air to its source. The mouth-watering journey is likely to lead to a familiar logo stamped front and center on a myriad of outdoor grills, smokers and fryers—Char-Broil.

What’s now a household name was once a longshot.

Back in 1948—before outdoor grilling was as synonymous with summer as lawnmowers and sprinklers—Char-Broil was founded. After 75 years, the Columbus-based company remains one of the most recognized and respected outdoor cooking companies.

“The secret to Char-Broil's longevity lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the consumer's needs,” said Tom Penner, Char-Broil President & CEO. “We’ve always focused on creating reliable products, listening to feedback and evolving with the times, ensuring that we remain relevant and a top choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts,” he said.

Another secret to the company’s success is its relationship with the community. Char-Broil opened its new corporate headquarters in Columbus in 2017 and also maintains offices across the world including Canada, Europe and China.

President and CEO of

But Columbus is home.

Char-Broil, Tom Penner

“Our relationship with Columbus goes beyond our business.” Penner said.

“The thriving community that we call home is all about shared values, shared resources and generational success.”

Char-Broil gives back to the community in several ways—service and Otis LeMay and Bill Turner presented Char-Broil's first manufactured gas grill in the 1960s

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volunteering, charitable donations, partnering with schools and supporting economic development opportunities.

“Our roots in Columbus are deeply tied to the longevity of our business,” Penner said. “We’re able to grow sustainably, attract and maintain a skilled workforce, and remain headquartered in a community that’s scaled at just right measure – curious enough to fuel our ingenuity, small enough to always feel like home.”

Though it’s official founding was in 1948, the true story of Char-Broil dates back even further.

By the 1940s, agriculture started moving west. The Bradley Company adapted quickly, redirecting focus to the what was called the “backyard leisure market” and manufactured a portable outdoor cooker called the Char-Broil 19 (also known as the CB 19), which is believed to be the first cast iron charcoal grill on the market.

In 1948, as the agricultural belt moved west, and electricity supplanted wood and coal-burning stoves and heaters, the Columbus Iron Works manufactures its first cast iron charcoal

“While we are renowned for our grilling products, our roots trace back to the 1880s in the cotton business, emphasizing a legacy of adapting, innovating and thriving through changing times,” Penner said.

“Many might be surprised to learn that Char-Broil is a part of the W.C. Bradley Co. family of companies, which has a diverse history spanning over 130 years.”

In 1925, W.C. Bradley Co. acquired a controlling interest in the Columbus Iron Works, which previously made parts for steamboats and stove products.

“The secret to Char-Broil’s longevity lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the consumer’s needs.”

-Tom Penner

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Char-Broil has always lead innovation in the production of portable outdoor cookers.

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Char-Broil barbecue grill, marking the birth of the present-day Char-Broil company.

Hardware stores that carried Bradley agricultural and stove supplies begin selling the cast-iron charcoal grill for $19, which could be purchased and delivered across the United States.

The early grills were made from a steel drum, and two years later, electric grills were manufactured. Between the CharBroil brand and Certified Grill Parts, W.C. Bradley Company became a worldwide leader in the manufacture of aluminum gas grills, grill parts and accessories.

During the 1970s, Char-Broil is the first to package the LP tank and grill in one box, revolutionizing the grill industry; it is the first major manufacturer to offer electric grills; it is the first to offer portable gas grills versus post-mount natural gas grills; and it is the first mass marketer of table-top portable grills.

In 1977, W.C. Bradley Enterprises became known as Char-Broil. In 1989, Char-Broil became a separate business division of the W.C. Bradley Company.

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The Universal Pizza Oven Grill Accessory

Since that first grill, Char-Broil has continued to raise the bar, and that’s what separates it from the competition.

“Innovation is at the heart of Char-Broil,” Penner said. “Our commitment to continual innovation and dedication to quality so we can deliver a better grilling experience for all. In terms of our products, our recent introductions like the Vibe Griddle or our Vista Outdoor Kitchen showcase our ability to offer diverse cooking solutions from grills to griddles, fryers and unique accessories.

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“Our product offerings bring unmatched versatility at a value that’s hard to beat.”

A testament to this is the introduction of the first ever charcoal grill back in the 1940s, the Amplifire cooking system in recent years, and the continuous enhancements that has made the CharBroil product line one of the most recognizable brands in the business, Penner said.

For instance, our recent launch of the Edge, an electric grill that redefines the electric grilling experience by delivering genuine grilled flavor, a notion often doubted in the industry,” he said. “And

“Our commitment to continual innovation and dedication to quality so we can deliver a better grilling experience for all.”

-Tom Penner

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The company makes a point to give back to the community.

These employees are volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

not to forget accessories such as our Universal Pizza Oven Grill Accessory, which turns most gas grills into a pizza oven, reflecting our approach to versatility and adaptability.”

Outdoor grilling in the South is simply a way of life. Given its history and home in Columbus, Penner is proud to say that Char-Broil has contributed to that legacy.

“The South is known for its hospitality and strong culinary traditions, making it a great fit for outdoor grilling,” he said. “Our products and community initiatives have not only resonated with the local culture but have also played a part in shaping the yearround outdoor grilling culture of the South.” C

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

BY SCOTT PHILLIPS

THE

A

s pumpkins appear on porches and leaves turn orange, seasons in the film world also begin to change.

Thanksgiving and Christmas spell awards season in Hollywood. Summer vacation targets kids and teens; fall holidays target the adult movie-going populace. To help find your way through the awards thicket, here are some titles to keep in mind: Anatomy of a Fall: A courtroom drama about a French woman accused of murdering her husband, and their blind son is the only witness. It’s as much about the layers of a marriage as it is a “whodunit.” Familiarize yourself with the name Sandra Huller.

The German actress has two Oscar-worthy performances this year and will be the talk of Oscar season.

Ferrari: If this fall has a theme, it’s master directors making films about historical figures and events. Michael

Mann (Thief, Heat, Collateral) focuses his lens on famed automaker Enzo Ferrari. The film is set in the summer of 1957 as Ferrari (played by Adam Driver) faces professional and personal crises. Mann is an auteur working at the peak of his powers.

Ferrari hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day. Hit Man: Writer-director Richard Linklater known to mainstream movie fans for comedies like Dazed and Confused and School of Rock turns to darker subject matter in this film about a college professor who moonlights as a contract killer.

Glen Powell (the hunky pilot from Top Gun: Maverick) plays the title character. Shifting loyalties, the grittiness of New Orleans and a seductive woman convincing a man to take leave of his common sense? Sounds like a noir classic in the making. Hit Man is coming to Netflix later this year.

The Killer: David Fincher, the meticulous mind behind Fight Club, Seven, Zodiac and the Netflix series Mindhunter returns to the streaming service with his latest film about an assassin with an existential crisis. Based on a French graphic novel, The Killer stars Michael Fassbender as a contract killer who botches a job and finds himself being hunted for his negligence. It’s currently scheduled to hit Netflix on November 10.

Killers of the Flower Moon: Martin Scorsese’s latest crime epic is about murders on a reservation in the Osage Nation in the 1920’s. Scorsese, DeNiro, DiCaprio, period crime film—Need I say more? It runs three-and-a-half hours, but you should treat it like your next TV binge and watch it in one sitting. America’s best living filmmaker is on a late-career roll. After a stint in theaters, Flower Moon comes to Apple TV+.

Napoleon: Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator) is behind the camera for this biopic of the ruthless French Emperor who wanted to conquer the world. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and shot partly on location in Malta, Napoleon has that old school Oscar epic feel to it. The theatrical cut (158 minutes) hits theaters over Thanksgiving. Subscribers to Apple TV+ can see the fourhour director’s cut in December.

The Zone of Interest: There have been many films about the Holocaust over the years, but none quite like this one. Zone is the story of the commandant of Auschwitz and his wife (played

by Sandra Huller) as they build their lives while living near the concentration camp. The juxtapositions of “normal life” against the atrocities taking place literally next door give it a point of view like no other Holocaust film. A nomination for Best International Language Film seems guaranteed, and many critics consider it a contender for Best Picture. C Scott Phillips is a Columbus resident and current president of the Southeastern Film Critics Association.

His reviews and other work can be found at Forbes.com

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Valley Scenes

Columbus and the Valley will publish as many photos as quality and space permit. Black and white or color photos may be used. Please identify all subjects with a brief description of the event and the date. Mail them to: CVM, P.O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Email them to: ContactUs@ColumbusAndTheValley.com, Columbus and the Valley assumes no responsibility for care and return of photographs submitted.

Much Ado About Something...

BY MARQUETTE MCRAE MCKNIGHT

Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors

of the region’s most vital service organizations, Hope Harbour provides emergency shelter, as well as a 24-hour crisis hotline to victims of family violence in Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Marion, Talbot, Taylor and Harris County in Georgia and Russell County in Alabama.

The huge crowd who attended the luncheon was touched by the stories of guest speaker, Victor Rivers, a veteran actor and best-selling author. Rivers told the heartbreaking story of a twelve-year-old boy who went to his local police department seeking help. The boy showed the officers the cuts, bruises, welts and burns that covered his body, telling how his father had been doing this to him, his siblings and even worse to his mother.

Though the officers were horrified to hear about incidents of domestic violence that were on the level of torture, they told the boy there was little they could do. It was, they said, a private family matter. The year was 1967 and the boy was Victor himself.

Attendees included Superior Court Judge Joe Bishop, State Court Judge Pete Temesgen, Pam Williams, Wanda Amos, Columbus Police Chief, Stony Mathis, Columbus Police Lieutenant Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, and Phenix City Chief of Police, George Staudinger as well as Hope Harbour board members: Gail Burgos, Amy Bryan, Alexa Anderson, Jason Ball, Nicole Baxby, Dr. Jake Golden, Tanisha Colbert, Katie Harrison, Kimberly Hickman, Lisa Scrivner, Mollie Smith, JoAnne Cogle and Executive Director Lindsey Reis.

Congratulations to all who supported this worthwhile endeavor, raising more money than they ever have before at the event! C

Celebration of Hope

Marquette McRae McKnight is the owner of Media, Marketing, and More! Inc., a full service public relations firm.

She may be reached at 706-660-9702 or via e-mail at marquette@mediamarketingandmore.com.

Even if you are an Auburn or Alabama fan, you’d have loved hearing Barbara Dooley speak at the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. Yes she’s the wife of the legendary UGA football coach Vince Dooley, but she was so much more than that to a ballroom full of people, representing one of her greatest roles—a breast cancer survivor.

It was a brilliant idea to have devout Auburn Alumnus Scott Hill introduce Dooley. Scott brought the house down pointing out that Coach Dooley was of course, an Auburn man first. As a speaker Dooley was interesting, inspiring and funny as she shared her own breast cancer journey, delighting the crowd with personal stories and anecdotes—and then wowed them as she ended her remarks by singing. The featured ‘Breast Cancer Survivor’ was one of my favorite people Wanda Amos, who faced her journey like she does everything else—straight on with a great attitude of “let’s get this done!”

The crowd of folks included Lane Riley, Kim Helton, Nancy Marino, Gina Smith, John Bucholtz, Susan Mitchell, Cassie Myers, Rashmi Hudson, Rosemarie Johnson, Lauren Chambers and Angel Anthony. It was a sweet moment as so many family members joined me and husband Rick, including Pat Kelley, Babs McKnight, Melissa Thomas, Courtney Thomas, Selwyn Kelley and our hero and survivor Liz Mathis. Even better was our surprise guest, nephew Brian ‘Bub’ McKnight, (brother of Liz) home for a quick visit from Wyoming where he’s a major in the Air Force.

Hope Harbour’s 13th annual Celebration of Hope was the “most successful event ever” according to many who attended. One

Radiology Partners of Georgia Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon The Amos-Cheves family supporting Wanda Amos (pictured center), the luncheon’s featured breast cancer survivor.

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Melissa Thomas as Game of Thrones character Khaleesi.

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MidTown Mingle

Chandler Rohwedder with MidTown Inc. President Julio Portillo and his wife, Maggie

Molly Coleman, Carolyn Bettin, Doug Wolford, Margot Schley and Julio Portillo

The Midtown Mingle committee led by Carolyn Bettin organized a wonderful event.

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House of Heroes Bids & Bubbly

Channel 9 News Anchor Barbara Gauthier after winning a live auction item

Shane Ragan, Lora and Van Warren, and Nancy Burgin

Ryan Reis

Hope Harbour’s Celebration of Hope

Channel 9 News Anchor Jason Dennis, Shameika Averett, Travis and Kia Chambers and Susan Wood of House of Heroes

Victor Rivers was the guest speaker at the Hope Harbour Celebration of Hope luncheon.

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Columbus Artists’ Guild Annual Awards Columbus Artists’ Guild annual Members Exhibition reception and awards ceremony was held at the Columbus Public Library.

Artist Garry Pound received the first place award in oil media from Auburn professor Laura Lewis (L), one of the show's judges, and Columbus Artists’ Guild Vice President Adleyn Scott (R).

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Garry Pound presented his family award— the Barbara and Murphy Pound Memorial Award —to Susan Culpepper (L) with Guild Vice President Adleyn Scott (R).

Award winners Yuriy Totskiy (third place, watercolor media) and Margarete Koepfer (second place, acrylic media) enjoyed the exhibited artwork.

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Historic Columbus Foundation’s 57th Preservation Awards

Betsy Ramsey, incoming Chair of the board and Margaret McCormick, the new President of the Historic Columbus Foundation

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President of the Historic Columbus Foundation John Sheftall presents George Flowers with the Sarah Butler Turner Heritage Award for his 15 years of service as Chair of the board.

Columbus and the Valley

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Five Under 40 and Rising Stars Reception A wonderful evening was spent celebrating the 2023 Columbus and the Valley Five under 40 and Rising Stars on October 10th. Family, friend, and co-workers gathered at a reception sponsored by Columbus State University and in partnership with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at CSU’s The Rankin Livery and was attended by city leaders Tyson Begly, District 10 and Mayor Skip Henderson.

Honorees were gifted a commemorative framed cover and a bottle of wine from Uptown Wine & Spirits

The Columbus State University alumni honorees were (L-R) Breana Jones, Rising Star; Troy Jackson, 5 Under 40; Tiffany McBride, 5 Under 40; Stefan Lawrence, Rising Star; Melissa Hammer, 5 Under 40

(L-R) Five Under 40: Demeka Daniels, Melissa Hammer, Pete Temegen, Tiffany McBride, Troy Jackson; Rising Stars: Christi Gregory, Brantley Pittman, Breana Jones and Stefan Lawrence. Not pictured: Tyler Pritchard

Columbus and the Valley Magazine editor, Jodi Saunders, honors this years Rising Stars.

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Greater Columbus GA Chamber President, Jerald Mitchell, congratulates the honorees.

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Dining Guide

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To have your restaurant featured here, contact Margie Richardson at 706.575.7825

B. Merrell's

A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant featuring rotisserie chicken, wings & a wide selection of beer.

Tu-Su 11AM-10PM, Closed Monday 7600 Veterans Parkway 706.653.9464

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.

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

Burt's Butcher Shoppe & Eatery Columbus butcher shop committed to helping you enhance your cooking experience by specializing in custom cut meats. Come by the restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.

Shoppe, Tu-Sa 9AM-6PM Eatery, Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM 2932 Warm Springs Road 706.653.0677

Country’s Barbecue

Real Barbecue Slow Cooked Over Hickory and Oak. Casual dress, takeout, catering, kids’ menu.

Su-Sa 11AM-10PM Mercury Dr., 706.563.7604 Broadway/14th St., 706.596.8910 Veterans Pkwy., 706.660.1415

The Food Mill

Shop their variety of local pottery, jams and more in their indoor market. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the café, and shop their prepared to-go items and family meals to make eating healthy easy. All purchases support their nonprofit mission of reducing barriers to food security in our community. Learn more about their catering services, private event room and more at thefoodmill.org.

Southern style lunches, and breakfast is served all day. W-Su 6:30AM-2PM

940 Veterans Pkwy. • 706.221.2154.

Place your next takeout order at ruthannsrestaurant.com.

Speakeasy

A local favorite serving great, homemade food and drinks in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

M-F 7:30AM-4:00 PM • 3718 2nd Ave Suite A 706.330.3972

Su-Th 11AM-8 PM, F-Sa 11AM-9 PM 3123 Mercury Drive • 706.561.0411

Fountain City Coffee at Banks

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine

FCC's second location located in Bank's Food Hall. Serving up made from scratch baked goods and delicious sandwiches daily in the heart of Columbus.

M-Th 8AM-6PM, F-Su 8AM-8PM 1002 Bay Ave. • 762.524.7774

Mellow Mushroom

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

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

Ruth Ann’s Restaurant

A Columbus tradition for families, friends and great food. Ruth Ann’s offers authentic

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine offers authentic, traditional Vietnamese dishes that are both delicious and healthy, featuring fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful spices.

Dine-in, carry-out and party trays are available, as well as a 10 percent military discount.

M-F 10:30AM-3PM & 5-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM • Closed Sunday.

1250 Broadway • 706.576.9922

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Traditional Japanese cuisine with hibachi grill tops and fresh sushi. Come and try our flavorful and fresh ingredients.

Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM 1808 Manchester Expy 706.642.0888 Dine in or order online at wasabijapanesecolumbus.kwickmenu.com

YOUR RESTAURANT COULD BE HERE! CONTACT:

Margie Richardson 706.239.7200

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