The LocaL, February 2019

LocaL

1

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LocaL

2

F EBR UAR Y 2019

STUFF TO READ

Letter from the Editor

Chase & Amanda

4

PAWS Humane Society

5

asking friends for a friend

we’re gonna get there, folks

UPSTREAM

Electric Panda Tattoo Company CHICKEN, DAIRY & THE CITY a history of katie the cow & a look at her future

The LocaL’s Choice Awards Remembering Lieutenant Cocktail Club

7 10 12 16 20 22

DO YOU LIKE PUZZLES? We do.That’s why we hooked up with Escape This Live Columbus (Midtown) and created a puzzle for you in the magazine. Since it’s our first puzzle, we’ve made it even easier for you. Just find the Escape This Live advertisement and match the colors on the ad to the keys we’ve placed throughout the magazine. For example: match the red dot (from the ad) to the key with a red “O” and (hint allert) that’s your first letter in the code.

Match the second color with the corresponding key, and keep matching letters until you get the rest of the code. That’s it. Once you finish the code, call the crew at Escape This Live and give them the code you solved. You’ll automatically get twenty percent off your next experience at Escape This Live Columbus. Can you escape?

LocaL

he ancient Greeks delineated T several distinct varieties of love. The well-known Eros is

sexual passion, while Philia is devoted friendship. Ludus is more playful, a flirtatious involvement.

Agape may be the most difficult sort of love to practice, for it is the kind extended to all people, that rare and genuine universal loving kindness so central to so many spiritual traditions. With Valentine’s Day upon us, I want to talk about love, the varieties and how they are expressed, and how we might better incorporate them in our own lives.

This month, April Norris brings us a story of love, one that I believe encompasses eros, philia, ludus and agape. Her friends, Chase and Amanda, seem to use their relationship as a base from which to launch love of all kinds to all of those around them. Any long-term commitment with a physical element requires eros, but the story April brings is equally suffused with playfulness (ludus) and devotion (philia). From these strong connections, Chase and Amanda offer the world a powerful Agape—they reach beyond themselves.

We can find strong examples of love elsewhere, too.

We at this magazine are so grateful to have offered an awards show, a showcase of local talent, at the end of January. We highlighted people and groups from all over the community, surely an expression of Agape. What was best about the event is the way everyone who participated gave their time and energy to express this universal love.

Thank you to everyone who participated—from crew, to talent, to attendees—because you demonstrated what is best in our character.

One of my favorite instances of philia love is that of Lieutenant. For decades—and for decades before I was born—he served this community. He fed us, he offered his broad smile, he was a stalwart of love for whoever walked through the doors at Dinglewood. His philia love was so sincere, I think it transcended into agape, easy.

Maybe that’s the best lesson to take: the way any real love can transcend itself into the greatest kind.

So we are back to Eros. Valentine’s Day is the occasion we all take to celebrate the persons we love. We give cards and candy. We take people to dinner and drinks. I hope you celebrate that special person with whom you share eros. I also hope you celebrate this special day with people you love in other ways. Tell your friends you love them.

Tell coworkers you love them. When you meet someone on the street, tell them you love them, too.

We all have the opportunity to love this Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be conventional or expected. Just as long as you take the chance to love. I certainly love all of you.

Best, Tom

3

706 250 7777

t hel o cal co l u mbu s . co m f acebook .com/t helocalcolumbusga

What We Are All About.

The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues will feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.

PUBLISHER

Monica Jones publisher@thelocalcolumbus.com ads@thelocalcolumbus.com

EDITOR

Tom Ingram editor@thelocalcolumbus.com

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Mat Cornett

CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS

Bobbie Yeo Joe Miller Richard Edwards April Norris Sam Sachs Photographer Christian Ortiz F EBR UAR Y 2019

Chase & Amanda

asking friends for a friend

By April Norris

hat is love? Everyone knows the easy answers. When describing the love for a child, we might think “unconditional,” for instance. But what about love between W people who are not related. “I love everyone,” in this context, seems ridiculous. It’s just

some romantic tropes. It’s certainly a challenging proposition. It suggests sacrifice, continuous recommitment to another person. Today, this long-form commitment may even sound unfashionable. I think again about children, and how we might make this hard work appealing to them. Learning about Lucy’s eclectic tastes helped sum up for me how to move forward.

not true, and, sadly, I can provide proof. Our human condition about the word love is watered down, by the looks of things. We water down love with trite romantic comedies, with banal Valentine’s Day cards. Still, collectively, we all seem to know that Robin Williams was right when he sat on the bench and explained to Matt Damon that “love is when you care about something more than yourself.”

After listening to the soundtrack to “A Star is Born” at least a dozen times, I scrolled through Facebook and saw my favorite couple, Chase and Amanda, covering the song “Shallow.” They are best friends who for eighteen years have shared passions and commitment, certainly aspects of love. After hearing them perform at Iron Bank Coffee (corner of 11th Street and Broadway, Columbus), I sought their expertise about love, as a way to gear up for Valentine’s Day, when we teach kids that everyone gets a card with a piece of candy. How have these two made love look so effortless?

Chase and Amanda Eiland met in October 2000, at a concert sponsored by the

Amanda, Lucy & Chase by David Toney

Chase & Amanda By Kristin Robertson

Lucy’s favorites: she knows the Beatles, Aretha and Queen. She can pick out Dolly Parton’s voice at age five. Wicked is her favorite Broadway musical. She can rap Angelica’s part in “The Schuyler Sister” from the musical Hamilton, and she loves Mama Mia. According to Amanda, “Lucy’s friend introduced her to Kids Bop, which I hate, but if it means she’s not saying swear words or dirty stuff yet, I’m okay with it.

The LocaL would like to thank Chase and Amanda, and others like them, for doing their part to give Love a good name. You can see them perform Feb. 8 at Iron Bank Coffee. Amanda is also in the ensemble for the upcoming Springer production of Evita, March 8 through 24. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone, and let’s “try to love one another right now.”u

Thomas Kincaid Gallery that used to be in Uptown. She was singing with a group from Edgewood Baptist and Chase was playing guitar, or “maybe it was bass,” Amanda recalled. The couple began like many musicians, in church. They played in the house band for Rivertown Church (now on Schomburg Road) when it first opened in the old Hollywood Connections building (now AMC Classic Theater, Columbus Park Crossing). Chase has been playing guitar for twenty-five years and Amanda was in the ensemble at the Springer Opera House’s last production of “Mama Mia.” They are both long-long-time supporters and participants of the arts, who often take their daughter, Lucy (hey, Beatles fans) on trips to local museums and plays. So far, I know that love involves strong commitment and common interests. What about unconditional love, the kind we should have for our children? Can people love others without conditions, like rings and contracts? Amanda’s truth was refreshing and not so difficult to interpret.

“I think unconditional love is possible between human beings,” she said, “but it takes knowing the person well enough to accept them for all their flaws and your flaws. The way Chase and I work so well is we became friends before there was anything else. That and we had the same passion for music and serving others through worship. We both grew up in musical households and singing in church, so that was a double common interest to begin with. Then we discovered that we had even more in common. We kind of knew we were each other’s person pretty early in our relationship. So I would teach Lucy to really get to know someone as a friend and know that you like the person before you try to love them.”

After I watched A Star is Born, I half expected at least one of my friends to be a tortured artist with at least one addiction—see how media can mold expectations?

Fortunately, this couple lives up to the hype surrounding love: friendship, commitment, hard work, creative outlets, spending time with family. And if I can be influenced by a movie, I worry about kids and how they respond to some of the garbage narratives fed to them. Storytellers have some responsibility here, right? Art in any form is as much an influence as it is a reflection. Maybe Chase is right when he said, “I feel that music/art can definitely aid perception and understanding of things. I don’t feel like it really creates disillusion or misunderstanding; that’s on the individual.”

Saying that unconditional love requires great personal responsibility may buck

LocaL

4

F EBR UAR Y 2019

PAWS Humane Soci ety

We’re Gonna Get There, Folks

mere seven years ago I began my career in animal welfare with a whole lot to learn. I could write a book, A as they say. In summary, the mechanics of animal welfare are much more complex than you would ever imagine. It is saturated with emotion, economics and the worst kind of politics.

In 2012, national animal welfare organizations estimated that 3-4 million pets were euthanized every year in shelters across America. This was progress when compared to the 1970s when estimates ran as high as 13-20 million pets losing their lives annually. Despite the reduction in euthanasia, we knew there was still a long way to go.

There are a lot of smart and dedicated people in this field who have revolutionized the way we do just about everything. Organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Society for the United States, the ASPCA and Maddie’s Fund have supported research and developed programs that get at the core issues underlying pet overpopulation.

Because of their efforts, we have extensive resources within easy reach in the form of toolkits, webinars, mentors, symposiums and conferences. The fact that estimates ranged from 13-20 million may tell you that we didn’t have high-quality data back in the 1970s. But now we do, thanks to an organization called Shelter Animals Count. More and more shelters are entering monthly activity into this database so that now our estimates have far more integrity. We have a pretty good idea of where we stand today with euthanasia in animal shelters estimated at 1.5 million cats and dogs each year.

This comes to roughly 4,100 companion animals euthanized each and every day. Shelter euthanasia continues to be the leading cause of death in cats and dogs. We have the tools to do better than this, and the City of Columbus is a perfect case study in what works when it comes to saving companion animals.

Specifically, our goal is a euthanasia rate under 10%, with no euthanasia of healthy or treatable animals.

What is happening in Columbus could happen anywhere. Eight to ten years ago Columbus Animal Care and Control (CACC) took in nearly 8,000 dogs and cats annually. Of these, 20% would have a live outcome.

The good news is that in 2018 intakes have declined to half of what they were and live release of CACC intakes has increased to 90%.

The decline in intakes is due to increased spay/neuter rates in Columbus. It’s pretty simple; lower birth rates mean fewer unwanted companion animals. Since opening our doors in 2009, Paws Humane Society has provided more than 55,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries.

Paws operates a large scale community cat program, which means the cat room at CACC is no longer overflowing on a daily basis. We pull them as fast as they come in. In 2018, we began an intensive outreach program to underserved neighborhoods called Pets for Life. We target the neighborhoods which produce the highest number of CACC intakes. Pets today are family members and people love them, whether they have money or not.

The formula to achieve a “no-kill” community is made up entirely of common sense components like these. It also includes comprehensive adoption programs, foster care and volunteer programs. The proof is in the pudding. It works.u

Adoption Hours: Mon-Fri•10am-6pm, Sat•10am-5pm, Sun•12pm-5pm 4900 Milgen Road Columbus, GA 31907 • www.pawshumane.org office@pawshumane.org (706) 565-0035 • Vet Clinic phone number (706) 987-8380 LocaL

5

F EBR UAR Y 2019

been featured in The Louvre, and been included in collections such as Emory University’s MARBL archive. “I studied Architecture here in high school and majored in Architecture, Education and Media in college. That is why my style of photography often incorporates lines, angles, parallels and juxtapositions between buildings and people. I romanticize the buildings which is why I coupled this show with love poetry.” Feb. 9, 2 - 5 p.m., Black Art in America, 1506 6th Avenue #115, Columbus Hooks & Needles Crochet and Knitting Club Get together and show off your crochet and knitting skills for a good cause. All ages and skill levels welcome. Feb. 9, 3 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road Cupid/Couples Sip and Paint Bring your Valentine out for a romantic night with a great atmosphere. The evening will include an awesome night of dinner, dancing, couples games, prizes and a painting session. Each couple will receive chocolate covered strawberries and wine. Feb. 9, 7 - 10 p.m., 1820 Midtown Drive, Columbus Coffee and Coloring Club Adults, looking for a relaxing activity to de-stress and create beautiful artwork at the same time? Join for freestyle coloring or focus on a theme, such as landscapes, animals or mandalas. All materials provided, along with light refreshments. Feb. 12, 4 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus Clay and Chardonnay Join us for a fun evening of creation. Learn clay sculpting techniques and create your own miniature sculpture while enjoying light bites and a refreshing glass of chardonnay. Turn it into a date night with your Valentine and come sculpt something together. $10 for members, $20 for future members. RSVP by Feb. 12, mwilson@columbusmuseum.com Feb. 14, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Pop-Up Art Join the Museum for this free art making event. Feb. 17, 2 - 4 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road Legacy Museum A Black History trip to the Legacy Museum. Tickets are $35 per person and include transportation and museum ticket. Purchase tickets at uniqueeuphonypublishing. com. For more information, call (706) 577-3197. Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Unique Euphony Publishing Group and Art Gallery, 3878 East Britt David Road, Columbus February Family Festival Join us for the annual February Family Festival as we explore the seasons. Stop by art making stations and create an art project for each season, go on a gallery scavenger hunt and win prizes, and more! Additional crafts and activities provided

by Oxbow Meadows, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, SPARK Art, and CSU Art Club. Event is free. Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road The Columbus Collective Pop-Up Exhibition Join us as we celebrate the first free Columbus Collective Pop-Up exhibition, featuring a collection of works by local photographers, painters and sculptors. The Columbus Collective is an assemblage of up and coming local artists that have created the perfect opportunity to connect over some less conventional ideas in promoting the arts. This site-specific exhibition is presented in an unorthodox space. It is located in a vacant Broadway building, with exposed bricks and raw architecture. Meet the artists and enter a chance to win a free original piece of work from the show. This idea of generosity has the potential to brighten someone’s day by allowing the opportunity to win an original work of art not offered in conventional art shows elsewhere. Feb. 23, 6 - 9 p.m., 1234 Broadway Crafternoon: Bath Scrubs Calling all adult crafters. Each month we will have a different creative activity.

Space is limited; registration required: (706) 748-2855. Feb. 26, 4 - 5:30 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road Black Art in America Presents: Love Life and Fairytales Evita Tezeno Port Arthur, Texas native, and graduate of Lamar University. Her works of art consists of collages with cubism influences. Her bold use of color, texture and shape are the core of her colleges. Inspired by images that she sees in her sleep, Evita translates these visions through mixed media, combining handmade papers, acrylic paints and found objects. Pulling from experiences and children’s stories, she creates whimsical images that provoke laughter, thought and help to enrich the soul.

March 3, 1 - 5 p.m., Black Art in America, 1506 6th Avenue #115, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Our Stories Live Here 65 years of the Mildred L. Terry Public Library In 1947, Columbus’ African American residents asked city officials a straightforward question: When will a public library be available to us? Five years later, the Fourth Avenue Library opened as the first dedicated library open to people of color in the Chattahoochee Valley. Centrally located near the Liberty business district, Fifth Avenue School, and the Booker T. Washington public housing complex, the building became a community center for Columbus’ African American population, led for nearly 30 years by beloved head librarian Mildred Terry. This exhibition examines the history of this iconic gathering place from the library’s origins and early successes, through the dramatic integration of the Columbus public library system in the ‘60s and the threat of the Mildred L. Terry Public Library’s closure, to its many public programs and continuing influence today. Interviews collected

by StoryCorps and the library during its Mildred Terry Memory Project in 2015 will be an integral part of the exhibition, as well as books, photographs, documents, and artifacts from the library’s archives.Through Feb. 10, Yarborough Gallery, The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road Mini Makers: Jewelry & Beading Bring your preschooler to the library to try their hand at jewelry-making. We will be making our own paper beads in the Aflac Storytime Room. Feb. 5, 10:30 11:30 a.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road Whimsical Watercolor Tweens and teens, join us each month to work on a creative art project using watercolors. This is a beginner-friendly class aimed at teaching simple techniques that unleash creativity and relieve stress. All materials provided by the program.

Open to teens aged 12 to 18. Feb. 6, 4 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road The Struggle to Desegregate Columbus’ Public Libraries In the summer of 1963, nearly 40 African American teenagers protested the segregation of Columbus’ public libraries through organized “read-ins.” Though they soon faced scorn and arrest, the young people continued their silent protests for weeks, leading to the libraries’ desegregation. For the first time together, four of the activists—Christine Dawson, Gwendolyn Jackson, Ibrahim Mumin and Cleophas Tyson—will share their stories. This roundtable discussion will be moderated by Dr. Wayne A. Wiegand, author of The Desegregation of Public Libraries in the Jim Crow South. Learn more about this vital moment in local civil rights history with the people who lived it. Event is free, but registration is encouraged. To RSVP, contact Liliana Harrell, lharrell@columbusmuseum.com.

Feb. 7, 6 - 7 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road Lift Every Voice: African Americans in Civil War Navies The National Civil War Naval Museum is proud to continually take part in this celebration. For the fourth year, the museum will commemorate Black History Month with a special guided tour and program, “Lift Every Voice: African Americans in Civil War Navies”. The museum will be offering a special interactive tour with first person living history interpretations during the month of February.

This program offers patrons a variety of stories, highlighting the Navy experience through the eyes of African American nurses, pilots, sailors and engineers.

Additionally, patrons will get a front row seat to the accomplishments of Horace King, Susie King Taylor, John Lawson, Moses Dallas , Benjamin H. Gray, Robert Smalls, and Mary Louvestre as told through performances by professional actors.

This program was made possible by sponsorship from the Aflac Foundation, Inc. and generous community support. Feb. 9, noon - 4:30 p.m., National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus Love, Streets and Protest Art Exhibit Julian Plowden is a Columbus Resident who does Architectural photography and Photojournalism blending them into romantic art pieces. Julian has captured images from events related to racial tensions, Black Lives Matter, Ferguson, Missouri and social tensions across the nation. His images have won awards, LocaL

6

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LOVE SUCKS & o t h e r r o m- c o ms any Valentines Days ago, I saw a woman wearing a white T-shirt that she’d M written on in black magic marker, LOVE SUCKS. She was walking out of a liquor store, carrying a bottle of cognac and a VHS copy of The Bitter Tears of Petra

NO SHAME THEATRE At 10:30 every Friday night, the Springer plays host to NO SHAME THEATRE. NO SHAME THEATRE is an uncensored evening of original performance that allows anyone to explore their creative potential. Signup begins at 10 p.m., and the first 15 to sign up get a five-minute time slot to perform their original material.

Admission is $5, including for performers. Every Friday, Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, (706) 324-5714 Crown & Comedy at The Loft Every Thursday, 7 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Sandra Bland Documentary Viewing In honor of Sandra Bland and the celebration of her birthday, the KAS Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is hosting a free public viewing of our Soror Sandra Bland documentary, “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland.” An investigation into what happened to political activist Sandra Bland, who died in police custody. A panel will answer questions after the film.

Feb. 7, 6 p.m., Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue Extreme Midget Wrestling LIVE! This is a body slamming activity… midget style! Ticket pricing varies, from door to general admission to ringside to a full VIP package. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Feb. 8, 8 - 10 p.m., The Buck Wild Saloon, 17695 US Highway 280 East, Smiths Station, Al. A Murder is Announced An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. The victim is not one of the house’s several occupants, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. What follows is a classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a determined inspector grimly following the twists and turns, and Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution at some risk to herself in a dramatic confrontation. Feb. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m.; Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Road, Columbus Family Movie Day Round up the family for a free movie night at the Library. The movie selected will tug at your heart and open your eyes to a real life situation. Popcorn and drinks provided. Feb. 10, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road Micro Wrestling at Outlaws Saloon The Micro Wrestling Federation is a full-scale, WWE type event supported by an entire cast under five feet tall. It’s going to be pandemonium as the Micro Wrestlers body slam, bear hug, and headlock throughout an evening of nonstop action. 21 and up. Feb. 14, 10 p.m., Outlaws Saloon, 6446 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Cirque Éloize: Saloon Cirque Eloize’s latest adventure is inspired by the rich legacy of the Wild Wild West. America is expanding. The railroad is stretching westward to lands of the untold premise. In the middle of the desert, a town comes to life. The Saloon doors swing open to reveal a motley cast of individuals, each with a tale to tell. In Cirque Eloize’s Saloon, the infectious energy of the folk music and the strains of a fiddle set the tone of an acrobatic comedy that sweeps spectators away in a mad flurry. Under the spell of Saloon’s beautiful Belle, the lover sets off a chase worth of the greatest Westerns. A series of unusual events unfold, mine acrobatic prowess and inventive choreography. Swing open the Saloon doors and enter a mythical world create by live music and the exhilarating pace of spectacular performances. Let yourself get swept away by enthralling voices, magical harmonies and live instrumentation. The timeless tunes of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline set the traditional, epic scene for a fast-paced show with no shortage of audience thrills. Feb. 16, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Way Down Film Society Our film for the month will be Like Father, Like Son, the 2013 release from Japanese writer/director Hirokazu Kore-eda. His most recent film, Shoplifters,

von Kant, on her way home to celebrate the holiday. What better company for misery than poor Ms. von Kant? She was once a glamorous and beautiful fashion designer, but now she’s getting on in years. When she falls madly in love with a younger woman who doesn’t love her back, she descends into the deepest paroxysms of despair and agony, one moment lashing out, calling her gonecold lover a rotten hure and a schwein, and the next on her knees begging her to come back. Love sucks, indeed.

But for those who are not mired in love-lost anguish this Valentine’s Day, Petra Von Kant’s bitter tears are probably a bit much, though they would likely feel truer than the those shed by starlets in standard rom-coms. Where do you go if you want a realistic and intelligent story about love?

France, of course, starting with a pair of smart flics by Julie Delpy. As the actress/writer/director was nearing 40 years old, she despaired over the inanity of romantic comedies, the dearth of movies that told stories of love and romance with lead characters who act like the grown women and men, not naive school girls and boys. So she set out to make the kind of romance film she wanted to see, starting with 2 Days in Paris, followed a few years later by 2 Days in New York. In both, she plays a confident and assertive career woman in love with American men who struggle to fit in with her crazy French family. Love isn’t easy in either of the films, just like real life, but in the end it’s more or less worthwhile.

The master of true romance, however, is Eric Rohmer, who came up during the French New Wave of the early 1960s, making a mark with a pair of short films that you can find on Kanpopy, Suzanne’s Career and The Bakery Girl of Monceau. Whereas in the standard romantic comedy we know that the male and female leads will wind up together in the end, in these and all subsequent Rohmer films, there’s no such certainty.

In fact, it’s more often the case, as it is in life, that the would-be lovers who pine for each other at the beginning are blind to the fact that they’re terrible for each other, and the film will end in a place that’s nowhere near where the characters thought they were headed.

Rohmer’s films from the 1980s are particularly nimble in this kind of dance between desire and the stubbornly insistent practicality of circumstances. My favorites are Full Moon in Paris and A Summer’s Tale. In the first, a woman who’s bored with her suburban marriage rents an apartment in the city so that she can take in the night life while her homebody hubby sleeps. In the latter, a man fresh out of college meets two other women while waiting on a Riviera beach for his tenuously attached girlfriend to arrive. All of a sudden, he’s juggling three potential lovers. I won’t give away the endings to either of these great films, but suffice to say, neither story comes out the way the characters expect. C’est la vie, et l’amour.u

Joe Miller teaches at CSU and tweets mini movie reviews in Spanish @byjoemiller

LocaL

7

continued on p. 8 F EBR UAR Y 2019

continued from p. 7

won the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. In this earlier film, he explores the themes that define his film-making career: the nature of family and the emotional ties that bind us together.

For those of you who have not been able to attend our meetings yet, you may bring food and the drinks of your choice into the meeting room. It’s a comfortable classroom-style set-up with tables and chairs, so you can eat dinner as we watch the movie. Feb. 20, 6 - 9 p.m., Troy University on the Chattahoochee, 1510 Whitewater Avenue, Phenix City, Al. The Color Purple Stage Play The Color Purple is the epic tale of 40-years in the life of a family in rural Georgia.

At its center is fourteen-year-old Celie. When Celie is forced by her abusive father to marry a cruel farmer, called “Mister,” she is separated from all that she loves.

Ultimately, Celie conquers the odds to find her voice and her strength, coming into her own. The Color Purple, celebrates the healing power of love and the importance of a zest for life. $10 general seating, $20 front row. Feb. 22 & 23, 7 - 9 p.m., Kingdom Faith Outreach Ministries, 1858 Midtown Drive, Columbus Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Feb. 22, 23, March 1, 2 at 7 - 8 p.m., Feb. 24, March 3 at 2 - 3 p.m.; The McClure Theatre at The Springer Opera House, Columbus She Kills Monsters An excursion into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure into the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy populated with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. March 1, 2, 7 and 8, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. and March 3 at 2 - 4 p.m.; Department of Theatre at Columbus State University, 6 West 10th Street Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

LocaL

Open Mic Hosted by Matt Kirkley @ The Loft Do you play an acoustic instrument and/or sing? Come out and showcase your talent. All musicians wishing to play must sign-up in advance. Sign-ups are at 7:00 at The Loft. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Friday Night Jazz at The Loft Every Friday, 7 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Music Under the Dome: In with the New Program includes La Planete Terre by Alexandra Pakhmutova; Schwob graduate Nathan Hudson’s This, Here, and Now; Images No. 1 Gigues by Claude Debussy.

Feb. 5, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Coca-Cola Space Science Center, 701 Front Avenue, Columbus Ain’t Right @ The Hangout Feb. 7, 8 p.m., Than Hangout, 6060 Veterans Parkway, Columbus THUMP. You night devoted solely to beat culture. DJs will be flexing bass bins, MCs will be spitting knowledge, and sponsors will be hooking you up with new swag all night.

Feb. 7 & 14, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m., CIRCA Craft Cocktails, 900 Front Avenue, Columbus Money Shot @ Soho Feb. 8, 10 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus Money Shot @ Wild Wing Cafe Feb. 9, 9 p.m., Wild Wing Cafe, 6525 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus Odd Alice @ Legends Feb. 9, 9 p.m., Legends, 5762 Milgen Road, Columbus Kenny on the Keys and Friends @ Eighth & Rail Feb. 9, 8:30 p.m., Eighth & Rail, 807 South Railroad Street, Opelika, Al. Sister Sandoz and Lostronaut @ Soho Feb. 9, 10 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus Chris McDaniel @ Wild Wing Cafe Feb. 11, 5 - 8 p.m., Wild Wing Cafe, 6525 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus Open Mic Night Feb. 14, 7 - 10 p.m., Fountain City coffee, 1007 Broadway, Columbus The British Invasion with Bill McGuigan Billy McGuigan, star of the hit show Yesterday and Today: the Interactive Beatles Experience, returns to Columbus in an all-new show! Catch Billy and his band performing the music of the Beatles, the Animals, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Who, and more, backed by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. It is a symphonic tour of some of the greatest hits and most sensitive deep tracks that 1960s British rock brought to the States. Feb. 14, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 900 Broadway Reign and the Resistance @ Soho Feb. 15, 10 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus Subdimension.

Subdimension awaits. The planets are aligned for a night of subculture filled with ritual, movement, imagery and vibration from behind our sensory perception. Come be part of something otherworldly, where the only thing needed to complete the experience is you. Feb. 16, 9 p.m., CIRCA Craft Cocktails, 900 Front Avenue, Columbus The Altman/Moore Project @ Dock’s Feb. 22, 7 - 10 p.m., Dock’s, 9883 Lee Road 379, Valley, Al. Corey Hunt Ban @ Soho Feb. 22, 10 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus Ain’t Right @ The Hangout Feb. 23, 8 p.m., The Hangout, 6060 Veterans Parkway, Columbus 8

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Rock of Ages: 10th Anniversary Tour Broadway’s Best Party is turning up the volume to ten! The ROCK OF AGES Tenth Anniversary tour is blazing across North America! Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Featuring the music of bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake among many others, this Tenth Anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the large than life characters and the exhilarating story that turned ROCK OF AGES into a global phenomenon. Feb. 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Alabama Avenue @ Dock’s March 1, 8 p.m., Dock’s, 9883 Lee Road 379, Phenix City, Al. Money Shot @ Wild Wing Cafe March 1, 9 p.m., Wild Wing Cafe, 6525 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

LocaL

9

F EBR UAR Y 2019

NEW TATTOO SHOP OWNER MAKES AWARD-WINNING WORK & A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO HIS COMMUNITY ames “J-Bird” Gannon began professionally tattooing ten years ago. In October of JRoad, last year, he opened his own shop, Electric Panda Tattoo Company (5751 Milgen next to Soho). J-Bird’s path to entrepreneurship has been long, winding and

often rocky. As you know, we at this magazine love a good redemption story, and when one of those stories culminates in good people providing killer body art to the community? Check it out: As a juvenile, J-Bird said, “I was really bad in the streets. In and out of institutions.” Even then, J-Bird had artistic inclinations who tried to keep himself

Panda a special place.

J-Bird works in all styles of tattooing, but specializes in realistic black and gray, custom lettering and portraits. One of his focuses in opening Electric Panda is “trying to make sure everything coming out of the shop is original.” Also working at Electric Panda is John “Sketch” Snyder, formerly of Iron Rose and Atomic.

Sketch specializes in neo-traditional and custom lettering, and is busy learning more about realistic black and gray from J-Bird.

In the case on your right as you enter Electric Panda, you’ll notice a host of

busy as a graffiti artist. Realizing he was moving in the wrong direction, he tried to escape his ne’er-do-well life by moving to Atlanta. Changing locations doesn’t always change habits, and J-Bird found himself falling into the same routines. He was desperate. “I was on a one-way trip to the penitentiary or the graveyard,” he recalls. A second move, this time to Indianapolis, Indiana, was just what he needed.

In Indianapolis, James had his first child. He began tattooing out of his home.

Though life was not easy, J-Bird remembers looking around him and thinking, “I have something to look forward to.” He was able to climb out of bad habits from the past. While providing for his new family, J-Bird taught himself tattooing and soon established some notoriety for his work. Because of this work, a local tattoo shop recruited him for a short internship, which allowed him to take his underground art into legitimate spaces.

Today, J-Bird is fourteen years clean. He has three children and will soon get married to his fiancé Dominique. Watching him at his shop, smiling and cutting up with customers, spending time with his mother (who frequently checks in on her son), you can feel the pride James has in entrepreneurship, providing for his family and providing jobs for others in his community. You can feel the positive energy that helps make Electric

awards from the Atlanta Tattoo Arts Convention, four from 2018 alone. And remember those gum-ball machines with temporary tattoos in them, the kind you got when you were a kid? J-Bird has an adult version, called ‘get-what-you-get,’ and all the designs are custom and cost only $80 (regular value of $150). J-Bird also offers 10% discount for all active duty military, veterans, law enforcement and firefighters.

J-Bird sees Electric Panda as a community. For four years, he has been active with Toys For Tots; while he is humble about his work, I won’t be: he has certificates of appreciate for each four years of giving. J-Bird is also attune to the needs of the homeless and at-risk population in Columbus, and for a time operated his own outreach program providing care packages of all the things you don’t think to give, like socks, feminine care products, and toiletries.

Electric Panda is a pristine, modern shop operated by an award winning artist who is dedicated to making his community a better place. Thinking about a new tattoo? I have a recommendation: visit J-Bird.u

LocaL

10

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LocaL

11

F EBR UAR Y 2019

CHICKEN, DAIRY & THE CITY A History Of Katie The Cow & A Look At Her Future

By Sam Sachs

n much the same way that it takes a town to raise I a child, it takes a city to love a cow. It may not be the adage that everyone is used to, but for Columbus

residents, there are few statements truer. To Columbus, Katie the Cow is a local fixture, a statue of a dairy cow that has watched over Manchester Expressway for decades.

For a lot of visitors coming into the city, such as students or businessmen, if they’re coming off Exit 7, Katie is one of the first things they see. The visibility of the cow has been a significant part of Columbus’s history, with the opening of the Kinnett plant having an exclusive news coverage for a whole issue of the Ledger-Enquirer when it first opened.

Originally born in Sparta, Wisconsin, Katie the Cow was built by a company called Sculptured Advertising. “During that time Dad was driving down Victory Drive and saw this flatbed truck with a big cow on it,” said daughter Bright Kinnett Wright, “It was going to Florida. Dad tracked down the manufacturer somewhere in the Midwest,” to the Ledger-Enquirer for their coverage of her father’s passing back in 2017.

Katie quickly became a local celebrity, attracting fieldtrips, photos and community soon after arriving at 2925 Manchester Expressway.

The city and the cow are linked in more than just history, Katie gives the city some of its character. “Columbus is a charming city and I think Katie is one of those elements of charm. I mean, we have this giant cow. Who has a giant cow? Most cities don’t,” said Alex Vann, a ten-year resident of Columbus and the owner of the ChikFil-A locations at Manchester Expressway and Wynnton Road.

Originally purchased and installed at the Kinnett Dairy plant in 1967, Katie stood tall over Manchester Expressway until the Kinnett Dairy was sold. After the purchase of Kinnett Dairy by Parmalat Dairies, an Italian-based dairy company, the company closed the plant and sold the rights to the land in 1998.

Despite the sale, Katie’s story didn’t end there. Parmalat chose to deed the ownership of Katie as a historic landmark to the city of Columbus.

Best Buy, the technology retailer, purchased the land, agreeing to become caretakers for Katie after building their store on the lot in 2003.

Keeping Katie safe and well-cared for is important to many Columbus residents.

On January 16, Best Buy announced it would be moving locations to the space formerly occupied by HH Gregg. While an interesting development for the store, the move pushes Katie’s future into uncertainty.

On the ambiguity of the statue’s future, Columbus folks shared their thoughts.

“I think we need to always remember where we came from and what made us who we are today. Progress is often necessary and good, but preserving as much of our past as possible is also good,” said David Benefield, a Columbus business owner and transplant of more than 30 years.

Following the announcement, local publications and citizens all asked the question “What does this mean for Katie?”

“It’s iconic. The cow statue is one of those rare things that is capable of putting Columbus on the map. It’s historic and it’s homely. The town would be noticeably lesser without one of its most notable landmarks. And if past experiences with the cow has taught us anything, it’s the Columbusites will fight for that cow if it’s threatened,” said Remington Summers, a Columbus resident of nearly two decades.

Indeed, many residents of Columbus have stepped up to find Katie a new home or keep her in her current grazing area.

Seeing an opportunity to help his community, Vann moved to put forward his Chik-Fil-A’s Manchester Expressway location as a new home for the beloved cow.

“There’s a lot of strong, fond sentiment for this landmark, that’s become a part of Columbus’s history.

As someone who’s doing business in the community, any time we can keep a positive part of our heritage for the next generation, I think it’s probably a good thing to do. And Katie evokes a lot of warm memories for a lot of people and we’re just offering to be a kind of caretaker and give her a new life.”

Continuing, “We thought we’d offer her some greener pastures down the street,” said Vann, speaking on LocaL

12

F EBR UAR Y 2019

the importance of keeping Katie near her original home.

However, Chik-Fil-A isn’t the only location seeking to adopt the Columbus landmark. The Columbus Public Library has also expressed interest in taking care of Katie going forward, with a voting poll hosted by Chattahoochee Valley Libraries asking Facebook users in Columbus to help sway the city on where to rehome Katie.

By the end of the poll and nearly 5,000 votes, the Chik-Fil-A dominated with a total percentage of 77, versus the Columbus Public Library only taking home 23 percent. Chik-Fil-A has more than just the people’s support. According to Vann, he had the opportunity to speak with Bob Kinnett III, a professor at both Auburn University and CSU, and member of the Kinnett family.

Vann and Kinnett “had a wonderful conversation the other day and he said ‘Hey look, I would love to see Katie go to Chik-Fil-A and me and my family would be proud to see Katie at Chik-Fil-A.’” At the time of writing, Kinnett could not be reached for further comment.

Regardless, the final decision is up to the Columbus Consolidated Government. While the decision isn’t up to Vann, the businessman remains hopeful. “I don’t know if it will work out, there’s a lot of moving parts and the city has to come up with what makes sense. We know that we would take good care of her, and we would have a lot of fun with the process,” said Vann.

Explaining more, Vann said “One thing that’s for sure, there might be a better location around town, but there won’t be a place that’s more visible. We have thousands of people here in our parking lot every day, thousands drive by on Manchester Expressway every day. And we’re Chik-Fil-A, you know we love our cows, obviously.”

No matter where Katie makes her new home, one thing is clear, the people of Columbus are more than willing to protect their beloved cow.u

LocaL

13

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Wednesday Night Trivia at Outskirts Every Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m., The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill, 5736 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Family Storytime We love families that read together. Join the Library for a program dedicated to families with young children (birth to 5) as we sing, play games, and most importantly, read aloud great stories. Every Monday, 10:30 a.m., South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road Game Night at Panera Spend an evening with fun gaming. Whether a first-timer or a gamer extraordinaire, we have games that are fun for all. Come and go as you wish. Event is free. Every Wednesday, 6 p.m., Panera Bread, 6301 Whitesville Road, Columbus ASL: Family Sign Language This is an introduction and opportunity to learn and practice basic signs and sentences. The goal is to become comfortable with American Sign Language and explore new ways to make friends. Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 4 - 5 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Otaku Club Teens ged 12 to 18, do you enjoy Manga, Anime or Asian culture? Join the library as we explore all three through fun activities and anime watch parties. Feb. 6 & 20, 4:30 p.m., South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road Animal Art Rescue’s Volunteer/Foster Orientation Must be 18 to volunteer in the shelter and 16 to volunteer at offsite adoption events. Please RSVP so we know how many people to expect. Bring $20 for the t-shirt. Feb. 7, 5 - 6 p.m., Animal Ark Rescue, 7133 Sacredote Lane, Columbus Sensory Storytime This inclusive program is designed to appeal to children of all ages and abilities.

The stories, songs and activities shared during the program are designed to encourage participation and engagement. Feb. 8 & 22, 2 - 2:45 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road Volunteer Training, Columbus Hospice Interested in becoming a volunteer? Our class is a great overview of the many ways you can share your time and talents with our non-profit hospice. An application process is mandatory prior to class. For more information, contact Katie Greene atk.greene@columbushospice.com. RSVP; lunch included. Feb. 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus Mother-Son Blue Jean Ball Get decked out in denim for a mother-son date night. DJ to entertain guests all evening, door prizes, a dance contest, and more. Tickets $ per pair, $5 per additional son. A buffet style dinner, boutonnieres and corsages are included in the ticket price. Photographer on site. Feb. 9, 6 - 8 p.m., Martin-Idle Hour Park Community Center, 3743 Moon Lake Drive, Phenix City, Al. Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball Featuring James HuminBird’s Jam session with the Channel Xero Band. Hosted by Kelli Alexander. Semi-formal attire, wear a mask. Ages 30 and over. Cover is $10.

Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Midtown Jazz & Blues Lounge, 1818 Midtown Drive, Columbus Language Café Come in to practice your Spanish or get help with Spanish language homework. Feb. 11 & 25, 4 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus Parent Roundtable Parents, please join us for this open roundtable discussion. It’s a great way to meet other parents with their children in the program. All parents are welcomed to join.

Feb. 11, 6 - 7 p.m., Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley, 1350 15th Avenue, Columbus Chess at the Library Enjoy playing and meeting other chess players in a social atmosphere. All skill levels welcome, from grandmaster to novice. Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road LocaL

14

Parents Night Out Immerse your child in all of the excitement of the YMCA during our monthly parent’s night out program at the Thayer Y. Let our childcare team entertain your child while you enjoy some kid-free time to yourself. Activities include: swimming in the indoor pool, rock climbing, seasonal themed games and crafts. Dinner and snacks provided. Space is limited. Children 1 through 12 welcome. For information, contact (706) 322-8269. Feb. 15, 6 p.m., YMCA of Columbus, 24 14th Street Family Board Games Board games for all ages, including trivia, cards, deck building and cooperative.

Feb. 15, 4 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus Emergency Preparedness Seminar Do you know the difference between an emergency and disaster? Are you equipped with items needed in case of a natural and or man made disaster? Come out to the seminar to prepare yourself, family, and your community for emergencies that may arise.Get tips, plans and demonstrations of items to ensure the safety of your family during a natural and man made disaster. Feb. 16, 2 - 3 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus 2019 Valentine’s Dance We will have a live band featuring D.S.O.S. BAND ‘AKA” Deeper Shades of Soul.

It is $25.00 per ticket which includes non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’ oeuvres.

Cash Bar is available. No outside drinks. Dressy Casual Attire. For table and ticket reservations please contact Gary Head (706) 681-9430 or Heather Tharpe (706) 573-0620. All proceeds go towards Old Seale Courthouse Maintenance. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. - midnight, Old Seale Russell County Courthhouse, 91 Longview Street, Al. LGBT Uptown Block Party Music by DJ Phoebus. Cocktails available at the bar. Free admission. Feb. 16, 10 p.m., The Cantina Grill, Bar and Lounge, 1030 Broadway, Columbus Your Wedding Presented by Rivermill Event Center You’re engaged, and now it’s time to prepare for your wedding. Find help for all your wedding needs. Only $3 for brides and grooms, $5 for everyone else. Feb. 17, 1 - 4 p.m., Your Wedding, 3751 1st Avenue, Columbus

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LifeStyle Etiquette Master Class Everyone is invited—girls and boys, mothers and fathers, teachers and students— to this free etiquette class where you can sharpen your lifestyle skills to advance your personal development goals. International life coach Caprecia Myree has been certified for five years and has traveled across the world sharing this curriculum. Feb. 19, 5 - 7:30 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus A Story for You: Bilingual Storytime Rich in songs, games, play, dance, and language, this special edition storytime is led in English and Spanish. So whether you’re wanting your child to get a head start on learning, or just want to hear cuentos de español, join us for a tiempo divertido.

You know what they say: the más, the mejor! Feb. 21, 11 a.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus Brain Games A program with fun puzzles, brainteasers, riddles, IQ tests and games. Fun for the whole family. Feb. 21, 4 - 5 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road One More Chapter Book Club “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. “Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.” —Goodreads Feb. 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Panera Bread, 6301 Whitesville Road, Columbus African American Read-In This free event, open to the public, features various members of CSU and the community who will present readings and interpretations of works by African American authors. A light lunch will be served. Feb. 21, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Main Campus Library, Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue Geneology Basics Interested in learning how to research your family history? In this class we will learn how to navigate free online resources such as Ancestry.com Library Edition, Heritagequest, and more! In addition, you will receive a free template for creating your own family tree! Class size is limited, so early registration is required. Please see staff or call 706-748-2855 to reserve your spot! Feb. 22, 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road Access 2 Independence Comedy Night Fundraiser With Jerry Farber This event is to support Access 2 Independence’s ongoing efforts to provide much needed services to the Disability Community. Your generous contributions and Ticket purchases will Help A2I raise funds and be able to serve more People with Disabilities, increasing their quality of life and access to the community and family.

Make a change in the New Year for the better and enjoy some quality chuckles while doing good. Let’s face it, the Holidays can be stressful, so come on out for laughs, live music, food, and beverages. It’s going to be an awesome show. Feb. 22, 7 - 9 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus 2019 Jorden High School Car Show Early registration is $15; $20 day of show. Feb. 23, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hollywood Connection, 1683 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus Columbus Black Heritage Shuttle Tours You’ll learn more about the history of Columbus than a lot of locals. Columbus has always had a strong and influential African American presence. The Liberty District has been a cornerstone of the community, home to thriving shops, offices, auditoriums and homes. This tour shares the stories of the national celebrities and world pioneers who have ties to Columbus. Shuttle tour is $25 per person. Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - noon, 2 - 4 p.m.; Vicinity Tours, 1006 Broadway 2019 Fountain City Poetry Slam Semifinals Come out and support some of the top young poets in the Columbus area! They are each vying for a spot in the April 2019 Grand Slam Finals! They will all present original work that will blow your mind. If you’ve never been to a poetry slam, you’re in for a treat. Prepare to take in some of the amazing art created by the young people of this community. Feb. 23, 3 5 p.m., Fountain City Coffee, 1007 Broadway, Columbus Trivia Bee 2019 Grab three friends for a hysterical evening testing your knowledge and entertainment skills. For 13 years, people have been vying for shiny plastic trophies and comical statues of bumblebees all in the quest to support the programs of Literary Alliance. Purchase tickets and register your team at theliteraryalliance.org Feb. 26, 6 - 9 p.m., Cunningham Center, 3100 Gentian Boulevard, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com LocaL

15

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Ch

ris

tia

nO rti z

Favorite Barber Shop

Winner: Old School Barber Shop Runner Up: The Nappy Root

Favorite Bike Shop

Winner: Ride On Bikes Runner Up: The Bike Shop

Favorite Car Wash / Detail Shop

Ben D allas Redd ing & Alli Ka man

Winner: Goo Goo Carwash Runner Up: Fourth Avenue Car Wash

Favorite Blog / Blogger / YouTuber Favorite Concert of 2018

Winner: Puddles Pity Party at the Phenix City Amphitheater Runner Up: Lloyd Buchanan @ Cubed Roots, Uptown Friday Night Concert Series

Favorite Male Vocalist

Winner: Electric City Life Runner Up: John Maxwell, Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson

Favorite Columnist

Winner: Chuck Williams, The Ledger-Enquirer Runner Up: Scott Phillips, Columbus & the Valley

Favorite Videographer

Winner: John Houzer Runner Up: Jonathan Giles Winner: Off the Cuff Drunks Runner Up: Black Art in America

Winner: Kim Poe Runner Up: Ivy Roper

Winner: Dee Armstrong Runner Up: Teresa Whitacker

Winner: Lil’ Bit Runner Up: Jerry Farber

Winner: Paws Humane Society Runner Up: Valley Rescue Mission

Winner: Fountain City Coffee Runner Up: Painting With a Twist

Winner: Jacy Jenkins Runner Up: Maggie Reese

Winner: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Runner Up: The Loft

Winner: We’ll never reveal our secrets Runner Up: Anywhere down by the river

Winner: Pasaquan, Eddie Owens Martin, Buena Vista, Ga. Runner Up: Splash, Gabriel Garley, Uptown

Winner: Marriott Downtown Runner Up: Rothschild-Pound House

Favorite Local News Anchor

Favorite Comedian

Favorite Non-Profit

Favorite Place to Go on a Tinder Date

Favorite Mover and Shaker

Favorite Concert Venue

Favorite Place to Dump a Body

Favorite Public Art, non-mural

Favorite Community Garden

Winner: Callaway Gardens Runner Up: Columbus Botanical Gardens

Favorite Environmental Organization Winner: Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission Runner Up: Trees Columbus

Favorite Local Activist

Favorite Florist

Winner: Terri’s Florist Runner Up: David Benefield (Highland Hall)

tivist Award Favorite LocaL Ac y Rachael ile Sm er Winn Christian

Ortiz

Winner: Pure Salon Runner Up: Cooper’s at Uptown

Favorite Hair Stylist

Winner: Tied Brenda Steele, Rudy Maddox Runner Up: Tiffany Clement (Tiffany’s)

Favorite Meditation Group or Practice Winner: Tied Uptown Float & Riverflo Yoga & Wellness Runner Up: Art of Yoga

Favorite Book Store

Favorite Staycation Destination

Winner: Judy Bugs Runner Up: Muscogee County Friends of the Library Store

Favorite Public Golf Course

Winner: Sunday’s Ultimate Day Spa & Salon Runner Up: John’s Nails

Favorite Restroom with the Softest Toilet Paper

Winner: Heather Griffith Wildwood Day Spa Runner Up: Columbus Therapeutic Massage

Favorite Richard

Winner: Bluewater Grill Runner Up: Origins Coffee

Winner: Bull Creek Runner Up: Lakewood (Phenix City)

John Houz er, B an Lue & Jaylari n King dtke

Favorite mani/pedi/brow Place Favorite Massage Therapist

Favorite New Business of 2018

Winner: The Loft Runner Up: Wicked Hen

Winner: Too Many Richard’s to Mention.

Runner Up: TIED Richard Edwards, Uptown Wine and Spirits & Richard Bishop

Winner: Bear O’Brian in the Morning, 99.3 Runner Up: Damon Free in the Afternoon, Q107.3

Winner: John Houzer Runner Up: Sara Snyder

LocaL

Winner: Chancellor’s Runner Up: E&S Men’s Clothing

Favorite Hair Salon

Winner: Smiley Rachel, SPARK Art Runner Up: Lindsey Reis, Hope Harbor

Favorite Radio Show

Favorite Men’s Clothing Boutique

Winner: Anytime Fitness Runner Up: The UP Factory

Winner: Allen Levi Runner Up: Neal Lucas

iz

ian Ort

Christ

Winner: Posh Peach Runner Up: Lizard Thicket

Favorite Fitness Center

Favorite Podcast

Favorite Female Vocalist

Favorite Women’s Clothing Boutique

Favorite Graphic Designer

16

Favorite Personal Trainer

Winner: Alee Link, RiverFlo Yoga & Wellness Runner Up: Courtney McCutcheon, The UP Factory

Morga n Ta ylor

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Favorite Pet Boutique

Favorite Liquor Store

Favorite Wedding Reception Venue

Favorite Healthy Food Options

Winner: Wags to Riches Runner Up: Preppy Pet Columbus

Winner: RiverMill Event Center Runner Up: The Rankin Courtyard

Favorite Realtor

Winner: Kat Canella, Caldwell Banker Runner Up: Kirsten Jenkins, Keller Williams River Cities

Favorite Retailer

Winner: Salt Life Runner Up: American Guitar Boutique

Favorite Skin Care Specialist

Winner: Southeast Regional Med Spa Runner Up: Columbus Medical Aesthetics

Favorite Tattoo Artist

Winner: Malia, Black Lotus Runner Up: Michael Herd, Archangel

Winner: Omaha Brewing Co. (Omaha, Ga.) Runner Up: Wild Leap Brewing (LaGrange, Ga.)

Favorite Margarita Winner: El Vaquero Runner Up: El Carrizo

Favorite Bar Food

Favorite Coffee Shop

Winner: Lemongrass Thai & Sushi Runner Up: Wasabi

Favorite Bartender

Winner: Chili Thai Runner Up: Lemongrass Thai and Sushi

Favorite Burger

Winner: MaBella’s Italian Steakhouse Runner Up: Wicked Hen

Winner: Fountain City Coffee Runner Up: Iron Bank Coffee Company Winner: Sarah Nicholas, The Loft Runner Up: Erin Vigil, Speakeasy Winner: Flip Side Burgers and Tacos Runner Up: Speakeasy

Favorite Chef

Winner: Tom Jones, MaBella’s Italian Steakhouse Runner Up: Jamie Keating, Epic Restaurant

Favorite Dessert

Winner: The Loft, Cheesecake Runner Up: Cupcakes at Gigi’s

Favorite Diner

Winner: Ruth Ann’s Runner Up: Dinglewood Pharmacy

Favorite Diver Bar

Winner: Bobby’s Bar Runner Up: Mickey’s Pub

dy Knelms, reen Bs,ud Lil Bit & Kenny G e n Jo Tom

istia

n Or tiz

Favorite Singles Hangout Winner: The Loft Runner Up: Outlaws Saloon

Favorite Southern Cooking

Favorite Performing Arts Center / Theatre

Favorite Barbeque Favorite Sushi

Winner: The Springer Opera House Runner Up: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Favorite Thai Food

Winner: Mellow Mushroom Runner Up: Cannon Brew Pub

Favorite Trivia Night

Courtn the UP eFy McCutcheon actory from Christian Ortiz

Favorite Museum Exhibition / Art Show

Winner: Ansel Adams at The Columbus Museum Runner Up: George S. Paul letter collection, National Civil War Naval Museum

Favorite Restaurant Wait Staff Favorite Beer Selection at a Bar or Restaurant

Favorite Poet

Winner: Nonic Runner Up: Cannon Brew Pub

Winner: Isaih Harper Runner Up: Scott Wilkerson

Favorite Radio Personality

Favorite Photographer

Winner: Bear O’Brian Runner Up: Morgan Taylor

Winner: Christian Ortiz Runner Up: John Pyle

Favorite Weather Personality Winner: Derek Kinkade Runner Up: Miller Robson

Bo Bartlett tian

Chris

& Nick Rulo n

Ortiz

Favorite Local News Reporter

Winner: Tim Chitwood, The Ledger-Enquirer Runner Up: Sharifa Jackson, WTVM

Favorite Festival

Winner: Uptown Columbus Fall Food Truck Festival Runner Up: Uptown Beer and Wine Festival

Winner: Tuesday’s Taco Truck Runner Up: Po Boy City

Winner: Al Breeze Runner Up: Benjamin John Holland

Favorite Food Truck

Favorite Busker

Favorite Happy Hour

Favorite Art Gallery

Favorite Late Night Spot

Favorite Museum

Winner: Wild Wing Cafe Runner Up: Wicked Hen

Winner: Two Sisters Gallery Runner Up: Black Art in America

Winner: Soho Bar & Grill Runner Up: Billiards on Broad

Winner: National Civil War Naval Museum Runner Up: The Columbus Museum

LocaL

Chr

Winner: Neal Lucas Runner Up: Emily Stilwell

Winner: Picasso’s Pizza Runner Up: Nonic

Favorite Dog-Friendly Bar or Restaurant

Winner: HENSE mural (Broadway) Runner Up: Columbus Together, Sally Bradley

Favorite Musical Instrumentalist

Favorite Brunch

Winner: Country’s Barbeque Runner Up: Clearview Barbeque

Favorite Public Art, Mural

Winner: Uptown Columbus Summer Concert Series Runner Up: Barks, Blues & BBQ

Winner: Hunter’s Pub & Steakhouse Runner Up: MaBella’s Italian Steakhouse

Favorite Veterinarian

Winner: Barstool Prophets Runner Up: Magnetic Musos

Favorite Outdoor Event

Favorite Steak

Winner: Minnie’s Uptown Runner Up: Miles to Go

Winner: Speakeasy, Murphy Burger Runner Up: Nonic, bulgogi cheesesteak

Favorite Local Band

Favorite Brewery

Favorite Thrift Store

Winner: 2nd Avenue Animal Hospital Runner Up: Northside Animal Hospital

Winner: The Wizard of Oz (RiverCenter) Runner Up: Mamma Mia (The Springer)

Winner: Bare Roots Farmacy Runner Up: Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant & Natural Food Store

Winner: TIED Bare Roots Farmacy & Wicked Hen Runner Up: Buckhead Steak & Wine

Winner: Joey’s Thrift Mall Runner Up: Second Time Around

Favorite Theatre Production

Winner: The Bottle Shop Runner Up: Mr. B’s

17

Liz Land ec Alexia She, he erd , Theo Poph und & Nic k Rulon

ulo on &BlPa iptom Don Tfr ue Root

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Remembering Lieutenant

feel saddened by Lieutenants death. There are few people I Ibasisstill can say I have known my whole life and saw them on a regular all during that life. Lieu was one of those.

Six generations of Ingrams have eaten scrambled dogs, beginning with my great grandparents and ending with my youngest grandson.

My great-grandparents lived in the Dinglewood subdivision, as I did later with my parents in the 1960s through the 1970s. I began eating at Dinglewood Pharmacy while in diapers when my parents took me. My sisters and I would always walk around the corner to get a cherry coke and a scrambledog. Both my grandfather

by Dana Ingram, Father of the Editor and father, who were sign painters, did signs at some point for Dinglewood.

Most of my Columbus High School friends remember going to Dinglewood after school for a scrambledog. One of the remarkable things about Lieutenant was that he knew all our names. How he could possible do that amazes me. You would walk in, say hi to Lieu and he would know what I wanted on my scrambledog. Several times in my life I was traveling and did not get back there for a few years. But when I did return, Lieu was always there and remembered my name.

Sometimes in the last several years he would hesitate but then say, “hey, Ingram.” It felt good to be home at Dinglewood. When I took my newly-wed wife there for the first time in the late 1980s, she ordered a grilled cheese sandwich—not a scrambledog. Lieu came over to her and whispered in her ear, “that’s ok, I like them too.” Such class.

I will always frequent Dinglewood when I’m in town and get my scrambledog with everything but mustard.

But it just won’t be the same without seeing the smile on Lieutenant’s face and him calling out my name. I and all of Columbus miss you, Lieutenant, but you will forever be Christian Ortiz in our thoughts and prayers.u LocaL

18

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Crown and Comedy at The Loft Every Thursday, 7 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Taco Tuesday at CIRCA Enjoy $2.50 tacos every Tuesday. Many flavors available, with new tacos added regularly. Enjoy these delicious tacos with signature cocktails and margaritas.

Every Tuesday, 5 p.m.,CIRCA Craft Cocktails, 900 Front Avenue, Columbus Seductive Saturdays Uptown Doors open at 9 p.m., vodka bar open from 10 - 11 p.m. Cocktail and martini specials. Ladies free until 11 p.m. For the sexy and sophisticated (25 & up). No athletic wear. Enjoy the cool vibes and the city’s best DJs. Every Saturday, 9 p.m., CIRCA Craft Cocktails, 900 Front Avenue, Columbus Whiskey Wednesday When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing like a great sip of whiskey to warm the soul. $3 off all whiskeys and flatbreads. Enjoy bourbons, Irish whiskeys, scotch, rye and craft whiskeys. Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 5 - 10 p.m., CIRCA Craft Cocktails, 900 Front Avenue, Columbus Chat & Chew Book Club “In Paris with You” by Clementine Beauvais. A runaway bestseller in France, this novel is a love story you won’t soon forget. Feb. 7, 6 - 7:15 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Road Donuts with Dads Calling all dads! Bring the kids to paint a coffee mug and enjoy delicious donuts. RSVP. $30 for dad plus one child, $15 for each additional child. No age limit.

Feb. 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Bare Ware Pottery Studio, 3912 Woodruff Road, Columbus Love is Bond: Dinner, Poetry & Live Entertainment Don’t just settle for a day, make it a Valentine’s Weekend. Come out and enjoy a night o dinner and live entertainment. We are bringing you the amazing spoken word artist K-Love from Chicago. Clinton Cabers II brings the smooth R&B. DJ Glo will be spinning the best of the best to get you on the dance floor. Make it a date, girl’s night, or just treat yourself.

Feb. 16, 8 - 11 p.m., The Compound Event Center, 4261 Macon Round, Columbus IndivisiChill Come chill with your Indivisible Columbus friends.

Indivisible is a nationwide movement of thousands of volunteer-led local groups that engage in progressive advocacy and electoral work at the local, state and national level. Feb. 19, 5 p.m., Jarfly, 1358 13th Street, Columbus Anyone Can Cook (ages 6 - 9) Children aged 6 through 9 will use kid-friendly recipes and timeless kitchen skills. If your little chef is looking to expand their cooking techniques or just have fun in the kitchen, register them at (706) 628-4685. Seating is limited. Feb. 21, 4 p.m., Harris County Public Library, 7511 GA Highway 116 West, Hamilton, Ga. Chattahoochee Brews & Views Walking Tour The walking tour of downtown Columbus, GA, and LocaL

enjoy craft beers from Omaha Brewing Company. The tour will feature stops at various local establishments to taste the brews. Each beer is inspired, and has a distinct way they’re crafted. This tour is a great activity for groups and out-of-town friends. This tour has the beer and history enthusiasts in mind. Allow up two hours for the tour. $35 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older. March 2, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Vicinity Tours, 1006 Broadway, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here?

Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

19

F EBR UAR Y 2019

Porch to Big Dog St. Paddy’s Day 5k Beginner running program to prepare for the St. Paddy’s Day 5k on March 16.

Eight week structured running program, training plan, weekly health topics and informational newsletters to keep you on track, t-shirt and certificate upon completion. $50 for new runners; $35 for returning runners. Every Monday and Wednesday, 6 p.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 1200 Broadway, Columbus Monday Sunset Group Run at Jarfly Fun group run every Monday evening. All paces welcome. Run is between 2 and 4 miles through the beautiful neighborhoods of Midtown Columbus. After the run, hangout at Jarfly for friendly banter, drinks and delicious food. Every Monday, 6 p.m., 1358 13th Street, Columbus Ladies Night at Treadstone Women enjoy Columbus’ climbing gym for only $10 from 6 p.m. until close. Every Wednesday, 6 p.m., Treadstone Climbing Gym, 4209 Milgen Road, Columbus Wednesday Sunset Group Run Different route every week makes this weekly run a great way to explore amazing Columbus. All paces welcome. Dogs and strollers welcome. Recommended to wear reflective gear and a headlamp. Every Wednesday, 6 p.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 1200 Broadway, Columbus Pre-Natal Yoga Calling all mommies to be! Enjoy the physical and emotional support of yoga in a safe, nurturing environment. This weekly class provides sequences and postures modified to specifically prepare mothers for birth and connect to the baby. Every Thursday, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Art of Yoga, 627 2nd Avenue, Columbus Music N’ Motion During this structured play time, children will be encouraged to explore music through songs, puppets, books, creative movement and physical activities. Connect and socialize with other families while helping your little ones build early literacy skills through music and play. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road Saturday Sunrise Pancake Run All paces welcome! Invigorating way to start the day, explore Columbus and watch the sun rise. Stay after the run for pancakes. Every Saturday, 6 a.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 1200 Broadway, Columbus Saturday Morning Walking Tour One hour stroll along the brick-laden stretch of Broadway and its robust Uptown district. Hear the stories that helped transform Columbus from the wild western frontier settlement of Georgia to the “Jewel of the Chattahoochee.” Every Saturday, 9 a.m., Vicinity Tours, 1006 Broadway, Columbus Yoga for All This is a drop-in class designed for ALL. No matter your yoga experience, your background, your history, whether you are a current RFY member, old member, or have never even stepped into a yoga studio. All walks of life are encouraged to join. Class is one hour and designed for all levels. This is a pay as you can class, but a suggested $5 cash only donation is appreciated (not required). Please wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you can easily move in. We have yoga mats available for your use. Every Saturday, 11 a.m., River Flow Yoga, 6801 River Road, Columbus Silver N’ Sweat A combination of low-impact cardio, muscle toning to increase muscle strength and range of movement, and improve activities for daily living. Feb. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28, 9 - 10 a.m., Anytime Fitness, 7600 Schomburg Road, Columbus Step & Tone A fun cardio and strength training workout using the step platform. Movements will be modified for beginners and amped up for experienced participants. Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10 - 11 a.m., Anytime Fitness, 7600 Schomburg Road, Columbus LocaL

20

Little Sprouts This program gives our littlest visitors (ages 0 - 5) and their parents/caregivers a chance to learn, explore and experience the garden with activities developmentally appropriate. Cost is $5. Registration is not required but is appreciated. Feb. 5, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road CrossFit 101: Fundamentals New to the box? Been here a while? Curious about CrossFit? At this fundamentals course, we will break down lifts, gymnastic skills and mono structural movements.

Free to members; $20 to drop-in attendees. Feb. 5, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., CrossFit CSG, 710 Front Avenue, Columbus Women’s Golf Clinic Clinic for beginners. $20 per student. Clubs and balls provided. To register, call (706) 545-0397. Feb. 7, 11 a.m., Fort Benning Golf Course, Fort Benning Butterfly Keeper for a Day Ever wonder what goes on behind the curtain? Well, wonder no more! Come and be a Butterfly Keeper for a day! Learn how to care for butterflies, what they need to be healthy and happy, and help our keepers with the day-to-day operation at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. You’ll learn how to identify tropical butterflies and help release newly-emerged butterflies into our Conservatory. You’ll get to participate in the unpacking of a new shipment of butterflies and learn all about where they come from. Participants will also help feed the butterflies by preparing and setting out fruit baskets. And you’ll see what kinds of plants are important for the butterflies and why; and how we maintain a conservatory filled with tropical plants. Participants receive a “Butterfly Keeper for a Day” t-shirt and a certificate of completion. The program includes Gardens admission and a bagged lunch.

Participants must be 8 years or older. Feb. 8, 10 a.m., Callaway Gardens, 17800 Us Highway 27, Pine Mountain, Ga. Meditative Dancing Yogis, you are in for a treat! Let’s get together to move our bodies as we need, and dance our way to a blissful state. Dance is a wonderful gift provided to us to free ourself from anything that is holding us down. No experience of dance is required.

We will move around, doing what feels right for our bodies and souls, using dance as a tool for meditation. This is a donation-based session, with no obligation to pay. Feb. 8, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Art of Yoga, 627 2nd Avenue, Columbus Be Heart Smart Join Piedmont Columbus Regional’s cardiology experts for a cool, interactive exhibit. Walk through the inflatable heart and take a deep-dive into how this vital organ works and keeps us all living. The educational event is family-friendly, free and open to the public. There will be additional activities, literature, Q&A with experts and giveaways for event attendees. Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 1100 Broadway, Columbus Hearts and Hounds Valentine Run 5k fun run and 1 mile walk around beautiful Pine Mountain. Benefitting the Humane Society of Harris County. Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - noon, Doggone Good Treasures, 102 Commerce Street, Pine Mountain, Ga. Myofascia, Mobility and Motility In this interactive workshop you will learn how to utilize myofascial release tools and techniques using therapy balls, as well as education on the benefits of mobility in improving performance and overall health. Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - noon, Body Evolution Gym and Hot Box Barbell Club, 4209 Milgen Road, Columbus 2019 Jordan Baseball Alumni Game The first night game at the new Red Jacket Baseball field will pit Jordan Alumni against the 2019 Varsity Baseball Team. Feb. 9, 6 - 9 p.m., Red Jacket Baseball Field, 3200 Howard Avenue, Columbus Astronomy Night at the CCSSC Join the CCSSC for a night of stargazing. Dr. Rosa Williams will start off with a presentation about what to expect, and the fleet of mobile telescopes will be on hand with students to help guide you through the wonders of the universe. Feb. 9, 6 - 9 p.m., Coca-Cola Space Science Center, 701 Front Avenue, Columbus I Love the Way I Move Sensual Movement Class Ladies, is one of your New Years resolutions to do something fun, learn something new or workout more? This class allows you to do all three while having fun, too.

Join Curvy Alliance Columbus as you learn a sassy dance routine that you definitely will use. Feb. 9, 7 - 9 p.m., RAM Fitness Studio, 3743 Macon Road, Columbus Salsa and Bachata with Al and Niya Start the new year right with salsa and bachata. Open to all skill levels. Contact for info: info.pbdc@gmail.com Feb. 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m., RAM Fitness Studio, 3743 Macon Road, Columbus F EBR UAR Y 2019

Georgia’s Arbor Day Celebration Pick up your free tree seedling and test your tree IQ at the park office. Join staff and special guest presenters for Georgia’s day to honor trees. Bring a picnic lunch or snack to eat between programs. $5 per person both programs. Programs meet at the enclosed Group Shelter. Feb. 16, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA Highway 190, Pine Mountain, Ga. Full Moon Ride: Snow Moon Enjoy the full moon with Bruce and Keagan. No spandex needed, this is a chill social ride. Make sure you bring your lights. Feb. 19, 8 - 9:30 p.m., Ride on Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus Audobon Society Lecture Series Oxbow Meadows ELC and the Columbus Audubon Society hosts a monthly guest lecture series featuring natural resource professionals, educators, photographers, authors, and noted naturalists. The Lecture Series is held in the Oxbow Meadow’s auditorium on the third Thursday of the month (September to May) at 7 pm.

The talks typically last an hour and a half, with light refreshments provided. This free program is open to anyone. Presentation Information: Fred Bassett, Alabama Hummingbird Bander, Topic: Hummingbirds Feb. 21, 7 - 9 p.m., Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, 3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus Making the Carnival Band Video Fountain City Carnival Band dance and wine session to learn the routine for the road. Have fun being in our promotion video as we get ready for the Carnival Parade. This event is open to the public. Feb. 22, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., RAM Fitness Studio, 3742 Macon Road, Columbus Battle at the Bull 2019 Disc golf tournament at beautiful Bull Creek Golf Course. We will play 22 holes and ride golf carts. Register at discgolfscene.com/battleatthebull Feb. 23, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Bull Creek Golf Course, 7333 Lynch Road, Midland, Ga. USA Try Hockey for Free This event is designed to provide kids, between the ages of 4 to 9, a completely free experience to try youth hockey. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow. Our top coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. Your son or daughter does not need any previous skating or hockey experience. Feb. 23, 8:30 - 10 a.m., Columbus Ice Rink, 400 4th Street

LocaL

21

Bringing Yoga to Birth The more a woman understands about birth and labor, the better she can make educated decisions. There is no perfect way to birth, but when she makes informed choices she becomes a powerful force. Our prenatal series is for current and future pregnant women looking to become empowered with birth education and strong yoga movement. Preregister for entire series for $125 at Yoga Inspired, which will include four prenatal yoga classes and one birthing workshop. Individual classes will cost $20 and workshop only will be $65, dependent upon space availability.

Feb. 23, 10 - 11:14 a.m., Yoga Inspired, 1365 Warren Williams Road, Columbus Right Plant, Right Place Learn how to choose the best plants for your specific garden and landscape. First, know your specific environmental conditions. Do you have full sun, partial shade, full shade? Soil type? Drainage? Then you must know the requirements of the plants you are choosing. The showiest plants when you visit in the garden center may not the best choice for you. Learn from the pro how to amend the soil and choose the best plant for specific locations and conditions. Feb. 23, 4 - 7 p.m., Callaway Gardens, 17800 Us Highway 27, Pine Mountain, Ga. 2019 NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championships Enjoy the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic’s swimming and diving national championships as some of the nation’s best swimmers and divers compete for honors. Feb. 27 through March 2, Columbus Aquatic Center, 1603 Midtown Drive Candy’s Flat Rock Crush 5k/10k Trail Race The course is one 5K Scenic Trail loop or two loops for 10K of Columbus’ own backyard park to include super fast rolling hills of the most fun singletrack around.

March 2, 8 - 11 a.m., Flat Rock Park, 6106 Warm Springs Road, Columbus Pine Mountain Trail 14-Miler We will start at the beginning of the trail and make our way to the Dowdell’s Knob Trailhead. If you are planning on doing our Fools Hike this will be great training.

There will be water refills at the halfway point and we will shuttle you back to your vehicle after our hike. We will meet at the parking lot across from the Callaway Country Store and begin our trek promptly at 8:30. You will need to arrive a few minutes early for a safety briefing and to check in. March 2, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 GA Highway 190, Pine Mountain, Ga. Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

F EBR UAR Y 2019

GRASSHOPPER 1 oz green Dekuyper Creme de Menthe 1 oz Dekuyper Creme de Cacao 1 oz heavy cream

CLet’s hdrink e edessert rs!

ou’ve just finished a nice meal and want just a little something sweet. Or maybe you’ve had dropY in company, and you have assembled a dinner but need

a dessert to round out the evening. What to do? Look no further than your well stocked bar. Nothing beats a dessert cocktail.

Popular in the 1950s and 60s was the Grasshopper.

On the sweet side, as many cocktails from that era tend to be, there are several variations. Pick one and enjoy.

If you, or your guests, are bourbon lovers, try a Liquid Bourbon Ball Cocktail. For a take-off on a summer picnic favorite, try a Banana Cream Pie Cocktail or a Key Lime Pie Martini.

One of the Grasshopper variations uses ice cream in place of the cream. Another of my favorites that is just awesome with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream is the Brandy Alexander.

In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients until well chilled. Strain into martini glass and serve.

VariationsFLYING GRASSHOPPER -Replace the cream with Svedka vodka FROZEN GRASSHOPPER -Use mint or vanilla ice cream AFTER EIGHT -Add a layer of Marie Brizard dark chocolate liqueur One variation of this that makes enough for all your dinner guests. ½ cup green Dekuyper Creme de Menthe ½ cup white Dekuyper Creme de Cacao 1 pint vanilla ice cream 3 cups ice

Add half of the ice and all ingredients to blender.

Blend until smooth. Add remaining ice and blend until smooth. To dress up this dessert cocktail, garnish with whipped cream, chopped chocolate mint cookies (isn’t it Girl Scout Thin Mint season?) or use grasshopper chocolate mint sandwich cookies. A sprig of mint will top it off nicely.

B R ANDY AL E X AN DE R C H I NO O K 1 oz of Korbel brandy 1 oz dark Dekuyper crème de cacao 1 oz of cream

Add ingredients to ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well to blend and chill. Strain into martini glass.

Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.

KEY LIME PIE MARTINI 1 ½ oz Pinnacle whipped vodka ½ oz Dekuyper triple sec 1 oz pineapple juice ½ oz Rose’s Lime Juice

Add all ingredients to ice filled shaker. Shake well to blend and chill. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed graham crackers.

LocaL

2 oz 1792 Bourbon ½ oz St. Elizabath Allspice Dram ¼ oz Benedictine ¼ oz lemon juice 2 dashes Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters

Combine all ingredients in ice filled cocktail shaker.

Shake well until blended and chilled.

LIQUID BOURBON BALL COCKTAIL 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon 1 oz Dekuyper white crème de cacao ¼ oz Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Try these and let me know what you think. Cheers!

by Richard Edwards Marketing Manager At Uptown Wine And Spirits, 1208 Broadway, & A Freelance Mixologist 22

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LocaL

23

F EBR UAR Y 2019

LocaL

24

F EBR UAR Y 2019