The LocaL, November 2019

LocaL

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NOVEMBER 2019

LocaL

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NOVEMBER 2019

STUFF TO READ

Letter from the Publisher

is the best way to maximize your experience while What in Columbus?

PAWS Humane Society

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UPSTREAM

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Farewaell

The Exquisite Nothingness of MartIn Rajtman

SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE

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CREATES BONDS TO BUILD CROWDS

FILMING IN THE FOUNTAIN CITY

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The JointREDEMPTION

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Brickyard BIKE Company Rolls Into Town

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PILOBOLUS

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ASPIRATIONS ON A PLATE

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CHATTABREWCHEE SOUTHERN BREWHOUSE

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A TALK WITH GINGER DIOLOSA STEELE

My True Story part 1

Enter a Magical, New Shadowland Adventure Bare Roots’ Brings The Heart & Soul Of Food To Your Taste Buds

Brings Their Crafty Brews To Columbus

FUN, FOOD & YOU Vital Vittles

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First, read this magazine. Second?

Get. Out. There.

This past month has been a blast. Between the Audience Building Summit at the Springer Opera House, Fiddler on the Roof at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and our community gathering at many tables for On the Table Chat, it’s been a whirlwind of great experiences with great people.

We were able to attend the talk on local journalism at Pop Uptown hosted by Electric City Life and The LedgerEnquirer, as well as new ideas for businesses we’d like to see in Uptown at the Powerhouse, hosted by Uptown Columbus.

I have to say how impressed I am with the ideas spun from this growing community. I have never seen so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life work together to not just grow for themselves but continuously lift each other up.

Columbus is “Overflowing with Opportunity,” Haisten Willis wrote in his Georgia Trend article back in June.

We are so lucky to get to live in a city with so many passionate people who truly want to give and bring the best here. Columbus is booming.

For this month’s issue we got to talk with the owners at Bare Roots Farmacy, whose one true mission is to give you the best quality food from as many local producers as possible -- and it’s freaking amazing. The guys at Brickyard Bike Co. (Tom and Peter) took an old building in Phenix City and made it (and each bike they sell and work on) a work of art.

Then, when we thought it couldn’t get any sweeter, Mike Denehy at Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse brought us a new brewhouse. Make sure you take advantage of the amazing quality right here in Columbus.

The weather is absolutely divine and everyone is getting ready for the holidays. Of course we’ll all be working those savvy online buying skills to get the perfect gifts this year.

Just don’t forget about the impact buying local brings to this thing we call “community,” those people who are actually your neighbors and friends. You might spend a little extra time and a little extra money, but it’s worth it in so many ways.

I don’t know how you guys feel, but the way things are looking, we are in for quite the holiday season. This is the year to take advantage. Are you settled in yet? Or just getting started?

Whether this is your first time picking up a copy of the magazine or you’re a seasoned reader, congratulations. You’ve just got yourself a first class ticket to all things amazing about this city your in. Now get out there and enjoy it.

706 250 7777

Monica Jones

CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS

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@thelocalcolumbus.com

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Mat Cornett

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Scott Berson

ADVERTISING | PUBLIC RELATIONS Anastasia Tikka

Bobbi Yeo Joe Miller Jennifer A Sheffield S. Adam Icard Scott Berson

Publisher

Cover Photo Taken By Rocky Hutchins

Photo by Scott Berson LocaL

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

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Art Gallery will be teaching the teens the basic fundamental of art while exploring how music affects the flow of their artwork. All material will be provided. Light refreshments will also be provided. Register by email to ccarter@emmanuelsheart. org with your teens name, age, and contact info for a parent or guardian. Sunday, November 17, 3 – 5 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus

Holiday Ornament & Coffee Klatsch

Come join us to create a NIM themed, holiday decoration. Enjoy a light breakfast and create vintage crafts on World War II Company Street. $20 per person - includes refreshments and crafting materials.Reserve online or call 706-685-2614. Reserve space before November 19th. Saturday, November 23, 9 – 11:30 a.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus

Half Off Tuesdays @ The Lunch Box Museum

Ladies Victorian Tea

Take ½ off your admission price every Tuesday. Opens 10 a.m. The River Market Antiques and Lunch Box Museum, 3218 Hamilton Road, Columbus

A 19th Century Tea, Live Entertainment, & Educational Program. Saturday, November 23, 1 – 3 p.m., National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Dr, Columbus

Sketching Under the Skylight

Teen Kahoot!

Leave your voices at the door & witness the power of the creative process as professional artists from the Go Figure drawing group sketch from a live model in costume under the magical skylights of the Bartlett Center. Free admission and open to the public. On the second Thursday of each month. Thursday, November 14, 4 p.m., The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus

Grab your friends and head to the Museum for an afternoon of fun competition.

Arrive early to receive clues to explore in the Museum that will help you find the correct answers once we start our trivia challenge. Saturday, November 23, 2 – 4 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus

Black Friday Art Sale

A Painterly Approach to Portrait Drawing with Amaya Gurpide

Featuring local artwork at a discounted price. -Artist Call- If you’re a practicing artist and interested in participating in our Black Friday art sale event, please email us at: contact@thecolumbuscollective.com, Subject title: Black Friday art sale. Artist entry fee $150. Must be available Thanksgiving to drop off artwork and set up your area.

Friday, November 29, noon – 8:30 p.m., Pop Uptown, 1234 Broadway, Columbus

The Bo Bartlett Center will be hosting the “A Painterly Approach to Portrait Drawing” 3-day Masterclass with Amaya Gurpide. In this three day course we’ll explore portrait drawing through a linear and mass oriented approach. Beginning with an understanding of the structural scaffolding that supports the construction of the head, we’ll move to an abstract comprehension of the visual experience. Class demonstrations will underscore the interpretive nature of observation, dissecting and editing visual information to influence the narrative and psychological impact of the drawing. Students will be encouraged to use a holistic approach towards developing a fully realized and naturalistic portrait. Some class time will be used to demonstrate paper preparation. Nov 8 at 8:30 a.m. – Nov 10 at 4 p.m., The Bo Bartlett Center 921 Front Avenue, Columbus

Annual Holiday Market

The annual holiday market is back. Shop with local vendors and enjoy special promotions in the Museum shop -- just in time for you to wrap up holiday shopping. Saturday, November 30, 10 – 5 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus

Shop Small Saturday Art Sale

-Artist Call- Shop small- shop your local artists. If you are an artist participating in the Black Friday art sale event and want to keep your work up for small business Saturday- $100 additional fee. Open all day. Artwork sales are unlimited. Please email us at contact@thecolumbuscollective.com Subject: Shop small Saturday sale. Saturday, November 30, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Pop Uptown, 1234 Broadway, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Operation Warfare - The Day The Wall Fell

Please join us on Saturday, November 9 from 6pm to 9pm at the National Infantry Museum for the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. Presentation by Peter Sauer and artifacts from “the vault” and honors for Cold War vets. Enjoy German street food appetizers and a cash bar. $35 per person/ $60 per couple. Tickets available online now!. Register by November 6 online or at 706-685-5814. Saturday, November 9, 6 PM – 9 p.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus

Christmas Crafts at Heritage Art Center

Come create with Karen, make your very own, personalized door hanger and get ready for the holiday season in a fun, family atmosphere. All the supplies are included for you to personalize and create your project while you sip hot chocolate and talk with friends. Saturday, November 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Heritage Art Center, 102 6th Street, Columbus

Veterans Day at the National Infantry Museum

A Heritage Walk Paver Dedication Ceremony will be held on Veterans Day in Cavezza Hall. Commemorative pavers purchased since the Memorial Day Dedication will be unveiled during this ceremony. Appreciating Sacrifice, a 4-hour mini-camp teaching children 5-11 the meaning and importance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices Soldiers make daily. $10 per camper. Call the Education Department at 706-685-2614 or register online. World War II Company Street open for self-guided tours. Local Boy Scouts will conduct an official flag retirement ceremony. There is no admission fee, however a $5 per person donation is requested. Monday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus

Look! @ Lunchtime

This collaborative viewing exercise and dialogue centered on works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, will facilitate LOOK! discussions every second Tuesday. Each month a new object will be explored. This months Featured Object: Andrew Wyeth: North Sutton, 1940. Tuesday, November 12, 12:15 p.m., The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Rd, Columbus

Lunch and Lecture with Dr. Virginia Causey

Author and CSU Professor - “Commemorating the Centennial of the 19th Amendment: The Woman Suffrage Movement in Columbus”. Reservations are required. $10 includes lunch. Thursday, November 14, noon, Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Art with Music Part 2

Come out and enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and food. Art with Music Part 2. This is an opportunity for 15 teens to explore their artist side. Keith Phillips of Black Box LocaL

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PAWS Humane Soci ety Farewell

Bobbi & Sampson

’ve been dreading the thought of writing this column as I don’t want to accept that it’s time to say, “goodbye”. Thank God for deadlines or I would never get Iaround to it.

Halloween was my last day at Paws Humane Society. It was five years since I began as interim director in November of 2014 and a lot has happened since that time. Many times I thought of giving up. We do a whole lot of good for companion animals and the people who love them but we also see too much of what we’d rather not see, in the course of our daily work. It takes a toll on everyone at every level of our organization.

Paws Humane Society exists for the sole purpose of achieving a “no-kill” community. We consider ourselves a regional organization but our first job is to make Columbus no-kill. The definition of no-kill is essentially that no healthy, treatable, or otherwise adoptable animal is ever euthanized.

The statistics published monthly by Columbus Animal Care and Control (CACC) tell the story best. The euthanasia rate has been 10% or below every month since March, 2019 and no animal has been euthanized for space since January. This is nothing short of remarkable when you consider that in 2009, when Paws Humane Society opened our doors, the euthanasia rate was 90%. This equated to over 6,000 companion animals dying annually at CACC with no chance for a positive outcome.

It has taken a coalition of people and organizations working together to achieve this, from the individual who stepped up to foster a litter of neonatal kittens to the Columbus City Council which passed enabling legislation allowing our lifesaving programs to Berry exist. This work doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a strategic approach, open dialog, hard work and the support of a community that sees and believes in what we’re doing. We are winning the battle against pet overpopulation in the south!

In September, the Paws Humane Society Clinic passed the 60,000 mark in free and low cost spay/neuter surgeries provided to CACC, local rescue groups and the public. We have shown that increased access to spay/neuter surgery works. Most people want to spay or neuter their pets. When they don’t it is due to lack of money, transportation or knowledge of what it is and how it will help them and their pets. Once these barriers are overcome it’s just simple mathematics. Fewer breeding pets result in fewer Juno unwanted pets.

Columbus has been no-kill when it comes to cats for a few years now because of the Community Cat program started by the Best Friends Animal Society and carried forward by Paws Humane Society beginning October, 2017.

In fact, these days when we run an adoption special we bring cats in from other counties so we can offer a larger selection of adoptable cats and don’t run out in the first hour.

Today, our high risk pets are medium to large breed dogs. Big dogs have big litters, 8-12 puppies at a time. At six months these puppies are producing their own litters. It’s no wonder we have acute pet overpopulation in this category.

The Paws Humane Society Pets for Life program helps to address this by sending our employees and volunteers into high poverty neighborhoods with the least access to veterinary care. Everything we offer there is free, from rabies vaccines, to flea treatment, to spay/neuter surgery.

Regardless of income people love their pets. They Bobbi Yeo are members of our families and we all want the best for them.

Our next frontier is to expand our foster care program to increase our capacity for holding medium to large breed dogs and place them on transports to northern states. The northeastern states have been doing the same things we’re doing but for a couple of decades. And guess what? They don’t have enough pets available for adoption so they take ours. It’s a win-win.

I’m going to miss this but I’m a firm believer in knowing when it’s time to leave.

I know Paws will be in good hands and the work will go on for years to come.u

Bobbi Yeo lives in Opelika, AL. She is the CEO of PAWS Humane in Columbus, GA, an animal shelter and veterinary clinic offering low-cost spay/neuter and other services to the public. Email her at byeo@pawshumane.org with your comments and story ideas.

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

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farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ to escape burdensome social obligations. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde’s most enduringly popular play. $20 adult, $17 senior/military/alumni, $12 children. Call David McCray to get your tickets.

Box office hours: M-F, noon - 6 p.m. Box office phone: 706-507-8444. November 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m., November 10 at 2:00 p.m., November 14-16 at 7:30 p.m., Department of Theatre at Columbus State University, 6 W 10th St, Columbus R+J Theory Essentially, a new theory on the romantic play Romeo and Juliet. Produced by Muddy Water Theatre Project. Don’t miss this show. Visit muddywatertheatrepoject for additional information, tickets on sale now. November 14 - 16, Columbus Convention and Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays This November, RiverCenter will launch a tour of The Illusionists—Magic of the Holidays ahead of a Broadway run with a single performance. The show will move to Broadway Friday, November 29. Catch this show in Columbus before Broadway audiences. For more information please contact the RiverCenter Box Office: (706) 256-3612, rivercenter.org. Saturday, November 16, 7:30 – 10 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Going on a Bear Hunt - Theatre for the Very Young Series Join a variety of characters on their journey through the season of Fall as they explore the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn. This interactive performance will involve sensory experiences as we use our imaginations to travel to the bear’s den. Hike over mountains, crawl through mud, swim rivers and climb tall trees in this outdoor adventure! We can’t go over it, can’t go under it, can’t go around it; we have to go through it! This show is geared for audiences 0-5 years old and their caretakers. November 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. November 16 at 12:30 p.m. & November 24 at 2 p.m.,Springer Opera House, 103 10th St, Columbus Henry Kramer at Legacy Hall Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 with Schwob Philharmonic Orchestra and Paul Hostetter, conductor. Monday, November 18, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Legacy Hall, 900 Broadway, Columbus Pilobolous, Shadowland II: The New Adventure Shadowland: The New Adventure uses Pilobolus’ exploration of mixed media to tell a love story about two people and their quest to save a magical bird.

Employing animation, video and live shadow theater, this madcap adventure dips its toe into the genres of science fiction, film noir and romantic comedy. Pilobolus is an internationally renowned movement company. In 2009, Pilobolus created Shadowland , the first show of its kind, which has since performed in 32 countries, for over a million people. Now Pilobolus is proud to present an all - new Shadow adventure. For more information please contact the RiverCenter Box Office: (706) 256-3612 & www.rivercenter.org. Tuesday, November 19, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Musical Fireworks Hosted by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Come to hear orchestral fireworks from three centuries. These pieces demand great orchestral virtuosity, and are guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Handel | Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351.Tchaikovsky | Romeo and Juliet Overture - Fantasy. Bartók | Concerto for Orchestra. Open Rehearsal | 12:30 PM. Know the Score | 6:30 PM. Concert Performance | 7:30 PM. Saturday, November 23, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 900 Broadway, Columbus BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical The inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom & the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, BEAUTIFUL has a book by and Tony® Awardnominee and Academy® Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction

by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony® Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award. For more information please contact the RiverCenter Box Office: (706) 256-3612 & www.rivercenter.org. December 4 & 5, 7:30 – 10 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Cinderella - The New Broadway Musical Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago” in this hilarious and romantic experience for anyone who’s ever had a dream. December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30PM & December 8, 15, 21, and 22 at 2:30PM. Springer Opera House, 103 10th St, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

NO SHAME THEATRE No Shame is an uncensored evening of original performance that allows anyone to explore their creative potential. Signup begins at 9:30 p.m., and the first fifteen to signup get a five minute time slot to perform original material. Admission is $5 for all, including performers. There are just three rules: all acts have to be original material; all acts have to be five minutes or less; and you can’t break anything, including yourself, the space or the law. Every Friday, 10 p.m., Springer Opera House, 103 East 10th Street, Columbus Up Close and … Funny!

Join the newly formed Comedy duo Jerry Farber (known for his comedy shows in Atlanta and at the Loft) and James Etchison (from No Shame) as they bring the laughs in a small but inviting room along with the best standup comedians from near and far. For fans of laughter, this creates a new and unique opportunity for a great night out at one of Columbus’s best restaurants. Witness this show every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. Cover is just $5. For reservations or booking, call Jerry (404) 414-6667 or James (334) 444-0879. Lemongrass Thai and Sushi, 2435 Wynnton Rd, Columbus Crown and Comedy at The Loft Two comedy shows every week, hosted by The LocaL’s Choice Award Winner for Favorite Comic, Lil’ Bit. Enjoy $7 Crown Royal and ordering from the full dinner menu. Tickets are $10. Every Thursday, 7 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Genealogy Documentary Film Series Join us Thursday afternoons for a documentary film series centered on a genealogy and local history theme. Topics include: Appalachia; DNA; and African American Lives. Call 706-243-2681 for each week’s film title. Every Thursday, 4 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus Yesterday and Today (The Interactive Beatles Experience) The astonishing McGuigan Brothers have performed a feat that not even the Beatles could accomplish. Every single Beatles tune ever recorded (280 songs) has been learned, rehearsed and meticulously perfected over the past eleven years - note for note, harmony for harmony. And YOU get to choose the ones that are played, making every show different. This is easily the best Beatles tribute show in the world, and frontman Billy McGuigan possesses honest-to-goodness star quality that makes this show soar. November 7 - 17, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Sunday shows begin at 2:30 p.m., Springer Opera House, 103 10th St, Columbus Pilgrim the Musical A modern adaptation of Pilgrim Progress. Come on the journey with Christian on his path to arrive at the Celestial City to meet the King. November 8 & 9, 7:30 – 9:15 p.m., Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus Gladys Knight The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. For more information please contact the RiverCenter Box Office: (706) 256-3612, www.rivercenter.org. Friday, November 8, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus A Sentimental Journey: Remembrance of a USO Tour Enjoy a recreation of the USO tour. Featuring the Family Theater and the Covenant Woods Choir. Theater, music, comedy. Free. For more information, call 706) 5611401 or contact Nona Christie at: nchristie@knology.net. Sunday November 10, 2:30 p.m., Covenant Woods, 5424 Woodruff Farm Road, Columbus The Importance of Being Earnest Considered one of the greatest comedies in the English language, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, is Oscar Wildes’s 1895 classic satire of social manners and obligations in Victorian England. First performed in 1895 in London, it is a LocaL

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The Exquisite Nothingness of MartIn Rajtman

Seinfeld was about nothing, then what on earth are the films of Martín Rejtman about? The Argentine spins tales so devoid of meaning they make the ‘90s sitcom seem outright heavy-handed. Yet Ithefdirector plots are tight as a drum and endlessly compelling, even as they go absolutely nowhere.

His first feature was Rapado, which means “shaven head.” It came out in 1992, a time when Argentine cinema was notoriously preachy. The country had suffered a brutal dictatorship through the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, and its film industry in the immediate aftermath became a venue for a kind of national atonement or reprogramming. Rejtman didn’t like what he was seeing, so he headed off in an opposite direction. “When I made Rapado, I felt that Argentine cinema had too much dialogue, and bad dialogue at that,” he later said in an interview. “I hate adornments, I hate artifice, I hate anything that’s unnecessary, because there really is nothing beyond the screen.”

Rapado begins with a guy in his early 20s getting his motorcycle stolen right out from under him.

His money and shoes, too. With no money for the bus, he walks home barefoot. The next day he has his head shaved and sets out to steal another motorcycle. After a few failed attempts, he scores with a moped and drives it out of town where it dies on a desolate country road. He leaves it there, and walks home. Other things happen. Mini scenes and dialogues occur. Characters come and go uttering mundane, almost random lines in a near deadpan. No one ever laughs or smiles or cries or gets mad.

What does it all mean? Not a damn thing. But everything’s so tightly woven together, that by the end it’s a totally satisfying experience. Story as pure form.

Sadly, he’s made just a handful of feature films since Rapado, but they’re all loads of fun to watch.

Silvia Prieto, his second, is about a young woman named Silvia Prieto who discovers there are other women named Silvia Prieto. She looks one up in the phone book, calls the number, asks for Silvia Prieto, and when Silvia Prieto says, “This is Silvia Prieto. Who’s calling?”, Silvia Prieto says “Silvia Prieto,” and hangs up. Several times she does this until finally the two Silvia Prietos meet and form a group of Silvia Prietos with other Silvia Prietos. As in Rapado, lots of other meaningless but entertaining things happen along the way—so much that despite the film’s overall feeling of simplicity, it’s really quite complex, even as it doesn’t add up to anything meaningful in terms of message or theme.

His two other feature films, The Magic Gloves and Two Shots Fired, are increasingly complicated, with dozens of sub-characters who join the plot and take it in all kinds of crazy directions but never ties it up into knots. Two Shots Fired, his most recent, begins with a young man who finds a pistol while doing chores around the house and, for no reason at all, shoots himself twice—first in the head, then in the stomach. He survives, and goes back to his life, which revolves mostly around practicing with a Medieval woodwind quartet, but the bullet hole in his chest somehow makes it sound like he’s playing two flutes, so they kick him out of the group. He goes to the beach with some friends. Then his mom FROM THE MOVIE TWO SHOTS FIRED

goes to the beach with some strangers. She finds a German shepherd that she swears is her own runaway dog. A man drives a sports car fast along the beach. It just goes on and on, with new twists, set ups and payoffs every other minute, all adding up to nothing but pure cinematic satisfaction.u

JOE MILLER IS CO-DIRECTOR OF THE CINEMA STUDIES PROGRAM AT CSU

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Ryan Alexander @ Outlaws

Saturday, November 23, 9 p.m., Outlaws Saloon, 6499 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus

Fantasia @ The Columbus Civic Center

Presenting The Sketchbook Tour Starring: Fantasia with Special Guests: Robin Thicke, Tank, and The Bonfyre. Sunday, November 24, 7:30 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St, Columbus

Alabama Avenue @ Soho

Friday, November 29, 9 p.m., Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Fenwick @ Soho

Saturday, November 30, 9 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Mark Sasser Band @ The Loft

Open Mic with Matt Kirkley

Saturday, November 30, 9 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Musicians are welcome to come and show off their skills and hidden talents. All musicians wishing to play must sign up in advance. Sign up at 7 p.m., music from 8 until 9. Stay afterward for Mango Strange. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Didgeschrist Superdrum @ Soho

Wednesday, December 4, 9 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Grand Theft Audio @ Soho

Friday, December 6, 9 p.m., Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Cabaret Wednesday’s @ Crowne Hookah

Come out and enjoy a great dinner on HUMP DAY in a relaxing wonderful climate.

Great food, great drinks and great Hookahs. This is an Experience like no other.

Entertainment and singing with a touch of comedy. Every Wednesday, 7 – 10 p.m., Crowne Hookah Restaurant & Lounge, 1113 Broadway, Columbus

Thursday Night Thunder of Live Music @ Wild Wing Cafe

Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Wild WIng Cafe, 6525 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus

Alabama: 50th Anniversary Tour

50 years since starting the band, Alabama has charted 43 #1 singles including 21 #1 singles in a row and have won over 179 CMA Awards, Grammy Awards, and ACM Awards. They are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and have their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They are also world-class philanthropists who have raised over 250 Million dollars for charity. Celebrate 50 years of Alabama on their 50th Anniversary Tour. Wednesday, November 6, 7 – 10 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St, Columbus

Foxie 105 Old School New School Party

Best of Old School and New School Music brought to you by your favorite Foxie 105 DJ’s. Friday, November 8, 9 PM – 2 AM, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Ave, Columbus

Jonboy Storey @ TheHangout

Friday, November 8, 2019 at 8 p.m., The Hangout, 6060 Veterans Parkway, Columbus

Ugly Fest @ Offbeat

Returning to the spot where the club first formed Columbus, GA. Celebrate 8 years of the PUWC with us. Pre-game festivities will be held on the 8th, event on the 9th. $20 for non members. $10 at the door for members. Members are free if they bring someone who has never come to a fest before. Headliner TBD soon. Featuring: Some Kind of Nightmare, The Chodes, Nik Flagstar & His Dirty mangy Dogs, v-8 Death Car, X-Ray Vision. Saturday, November 9, 2:13 – 11:30 p.m., Live Fast Entertainment, 2202 Elm Drive, Columbus,

Barstool Prophets @ Soho

Saturday, November 9th, 9 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Whitewater Orchestra Festival

November 12 (for MCSD orchestra program participation. No YOGC performance) all day at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Georgia Gives Day: Tuesday, December 3, Support YOGC with a gift at https://www.gagives.org/organization/Youth-OrchestraAssociation-Of-Greater-Columbus

Relative Sound @ Old Chicago

Wednesday, November 13, 6 p.m., Old Chicago, 6581 Whittlesey Boulevard, Columbus

Two Finger Jester (Last Columbus show) @ Soho

Saturday, November 16th, 9 p.m., Soho Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Feast IV Eyes @ Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse

Saturday, November 16, 8 p.m., Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, 1301 6th Ave, Suite C, Columbus

Outlaw Redemption @ Soho

Friday, November 22, 9 p.m., Soho Bar and Grill, 5751 Milgen Road, Columbus

Chasing Payne @ Legends With Special Guests Area 53 Opening

Saturday, November 23, 9 p.m., Legends, 5762 Milgen Road., Columbus LocaL

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Photo by Kristen Hudson, Marketing Director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE

C R E AT E S B O N D S T O B U I L D C R O W D S

By Jennifer A. Sheffield or several years, the Springer Opera House operated under the assumption that, because their children’s Academy program had taken off under the leadership of the late Ron Anderson, and they were attracting a good chunk of new patrons each season, they must be doing everything they could to make people happy about coming out to enjoy a live show.

They could relax – right?

Then, Producing Artistic Director Paul Pierce and his staff began participating in monthly roundtable meetings with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation of Atlanta. He and his colleagues found that, like many arts organizations, despite, small wins, they were dancing around the hard data, that baffles Boards of Directors and burdens, the most loyal patron, with determining their own destiny, as a customer. The Springer knew it still had to do something different, and when that worked, they wanted to share what they learned – by hosting the first Audience Building Summit, conceived five years ago and executed October 17-19 in Columbus.

The Springer was established in 1871 and its story is paramount to the fabric of local history.

It is one of seven producing theatres in the county operating as a National Historic Landmark and designated as the State Theater of Georgia. In 1901, the stage was moved to its current location.

Ten years after Pierce joined a staff of only four with an operating budget of $350,000, the Springer underwent a $12 million renovation and the Dorothy McClure Theater was added. Recent additions of LED signs increased its street profile, and are a direct result of audience feedback – which was the theme of the conference.

“We’re filling holes in people’s lives,” said Pierce of the ways going to the theatre makes families stronger and communities richer. “But we can’t do that if they don’t know that inside this building is something dynamic, and we have to recognize that in everything that we do.”

Summit keynote speaker, President of the Blank Family Foundation Penelope McPhee, spoke about methods. “M&M’s don’t matter,” she told a breakout session question about sending thank you gifts to donors. “What you have to make sure of, is those treats say, ‘We know you were here, hope you enjoyed it, and now, we want you to come back.”

McPhee also emphasized that making a better experience for audiences is an exercise in what motivates them to seek that experience, then identifying barriers, such as going to venues alone, parking, or season choices. In her talk, Terri Theisen, of Atlanta’s Theisen Consulting, said, “What people say they want, in a survey, is not always what they do. We’ve got to pay attention to the behavior of our first-time visitors to create relationships.”

Average statistics show that 60 percent of guests do not return after the first visit. By using traditional programs such as loyalty programs, subscriptions with fresh perks and discounts, this is remedied. Success stories show that, as of March 2019, 57-percent of roundtable members reported growth in ticket revenue in 2019 compared to 51-percent for 2018. This data compares to 30 percent of arts organizations, nationally. “There is a difference, when we discuss our failures among peers,” said McPhee, “Instead of listening to the experts.”

Total conference registration was 117 participants. Colorado-based consulting firm TRG Arts was also on board.

Sponsors included Visit Columbus GA, which funded free attendance for five Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance groups, including Stephanie Payne of the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus – a staff of one – who said the Springer “really bent backwards to ensure local organizations got to attend.”

Kate Hagen, a senior consultant for TRG, was excited about how things went, and said, “It is hard to get away from a product-centered approach, but it is the key to expanding, and making effort into a movement.”

Springer Development Director and event coordinator Tate LeClair is already dedicated to making this an annual event. He said, “When we started the Georgia Repertory Theatre (GRT), with Columbus State University (CSU), development was a core area. It was new for us to put on such a big beast but we have a vision, that in five years this will outgrow the opera house, and use the Rivercenter, or Conference Center to show that Columbus is an arts town and we’ve bought into serving this audience.”

Lara Smith, Managing Director of Atlanta’s improv and comedy venue “Dad’s Garage” was vocal about their commitments to its big picture.“Data shows that trouble expanding to the right target audiences is universal. We participate in TRG meetings in Colorado, so this is not new material, but we feel even more ready now. We were that organization guilty of thinking we were unique. Ticket sales and corporate sponsorship were opportunities to invest in our foundation again.”

Upcoming Broadway series performances at The Springer include “The Interactive Beatles Experience, Yesterday and Today” from November 7-17 and “Cinderella” from December 5-22.u

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For information visit SpringerOperaHouse.org, or call the box office at 706-327-3688.

Summit speaker bios can be found at audiencebuildingsummit.com.

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FILMING in the Fountain City

By Scott Berson

A TALK WITH GINGER DIOLOSA STEELE Photo By John Powell Of Blue Collar Images, Taken During Filming Of Electric Jesus At Soho Bar & Grill

FILM IN GEORGIA IS HUGE. he industry, which has swept into the state over the last decade, juiced Georgia’s economy by nearly $10 T billion, transforming sleepy southern towns into

showbiz destinations. We are quite the “Y ’allywood” indeed -- the real question is Columbus ready for the spotlight?

Ginger Diolosa Steele is doing her best to make sure.

“I believe Columbus is dreaming with eyes wide open, in that our reality is happening right before our eyes. This is no time to just sit back and watch it like a movie (pun intended) live it, be in the moment and make things happen,” she said.

Ginger should know: a Fort Benning native, she has been involved with film, radio and entertainment her whole life. Her mother was an extra in the movie “Green Berets,” starring John Wayne and George Takei, which was filmed in Columbus in 1967. Her father was in the Army, and so they traveled frequently, with stays in Japan and Virginia until an eventual homecoming to Columbus.

Throughout her childhood, Ginger’s father kept a small 8mm camera, and it became a fascination.

“By the time I was 8 years old, I was able to work the camera, projector and splice the film together. This love for film has never left and I feel very blessed to be able to work in the film industry now,” she said.

Ginger worked in radio for years before enrolling in Columbus State University’s Film Academy program, a unique initiative that rapidly trains students to work on professional film sets. It was a new journey Ginger with Jennifer Smith

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Despite some concern from producers about the state’s controversial “Heartbeat Bill,” Ginger says the state (and the Fountain City) is primed for more production.

“The Columbus Film Commission announced that Columbus will have at least three productions per year the next few years with the help of the Columbus Film Fund and the Georgia Tax Incentive in collaboration with Georgia Film Academy employing interns and film students,” she said. “(This year) has been a trying year for Columbus, so it’s wonderful that more productions have decided to film here.”

The work is coming whether we’re ready or not, so Ginger won’t be taking any breaks. Along with co-owners Stacy Cunningham and Dave Nahley, she recently launched River City Casting as a way for local folks to apply for jobs on set as both extras and in speaking roles. Eventually, the organization will also host acting classes and workshops.

“I have quite a few adventures ahead of me,” Ginger said. “I will be turning 50 soon and I feel there is so much I need to do before I leave this world. I’m writing my own screenplay and I intend to film it here in the city I was born and raised in, my family is here and I have grown many roots that I don’t plan on digging up anytime soon.”

We’re excited to see what she does.u

Ginger with “the Band” Bloody Mass, in club scene Daniel Smith, John Montgomery & Kirill Sheynerman

for her, and a return to a passion which had held her since she was young.

She hit the bricks quickly, and the pace hasn’t slowed down. She picked up an internship in the production office of the 2017 Netflix film “Candy Jar,” worked on the second season of “Ozark,” and took on commercial projects for companies like Piedmont Regional Hospital and ESPN. “The transition from radio to film was an asset to me because I was already familiar with office etiquette and communicating with people about vendors, travel, ordering equipment, billing and simply filing and organizing paperwork for cast and crew,” she said. “When you are a PA (production assistant) you are basically on the bottom of the totem pole. I quickly learned that and continued to strive to understand how things worked on set with crew from all different departments. My advice to anyone wanting to get Ginger In Ej Production Office, into PA work is study Taken By Sean Freeland your call sheet, learn the lingo of talking on a walkie, be proactive ALL the time and NEVER sit on a cooler.”

After meeting screenwriter Ty Manns, Ginger worked on the movies “My Brother’s Keeper” and “Redeemed,” which were both filmed in Columbus. She was also working as a full-time accounting clerk for the Netflix series “Raising Dion.”

Ginger & Brian Baumgartner who plays Skip in EJ (also Kevin from the Office)

Ginger sees more and more productions turning their eyes to the Valley. This year, Bruce Willis visited town to film a new action flick, “The Long Night,” and the starstudded cast of “Electric Jesus” came to the Fountain City in late summer. That film has been a special high point for her.

“I really did enjoy working on Electric Jesus with Chris White and the Jeez team cast and crew. My title was Assistant Production Office Coordinator (APOC) and I also was a background extra in the nightclub scene which was filmed at Soho Bar & Grill (5751 Milgen Road). The music on this film was composed by Daniel Smith and is absolutely phenomenal. I’m really excited to see how it plays out, everyone on the lead cast is so talented. It’s especially exciting because Will Oliver, a local actor, plays one of the lead characters in the band.”

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Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

Horses, Hats, Tailgating, and more. Saturday, November 9, 10 – 6 p.m., Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, 214 Nelson Road, Pine Mountain

Frogwarts

You are invited to Oxbow’s Frogwarts event! Explore the magic and science of the classes at Frogwarts. Horcrux Hunt, Frogwarts classes, Popcorn and Shaved Ice for Sale, Live animals. Saturday, November 9, 1 – 4 p.m., Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center at Columbus State University, 3535 S Lumpkin Rd, Columbus

The Goblet of Fire

Join Mackenzie Eaton as she leads you through the obstacles to win the Tri-Wizard cup. Do you have what it takes? You will need your wand, a yoga mat, and water. (All items above will also be available at the event if you do not possess them) $25. Price includes: food and drinks, photo booth, and a magical experience. Saturday, November 9, 4 – 7 p.m., The Harry Potter Yoga Series, 1329 Wynnton Road , Upstairs, Columbus

Monday Sunset Group Run @ Jarfly

Hosted by Vikena Ytz of Project 42 Running. All paces welcome for fun routes through the neighborhoods of Midtown. Reflective gear and a headlamp are recommended. Stay afterwards for a beer, craft cocktails and delicious food. Feel free to chat with Vikena about her training programs. Every Monday, 6 p.m., Jarfly, 1358 13th Street, Columbus

Full Moon Ride - Beaver Moon

Enjoy the full moon with Bruce and Keagan. No spandex needed, this is a chill social ride. Make sure you bring your lights. Tuesday, November 12, 8 – 9:30 p.m., Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus

Dance Lessons

Let’s Dance Y ’all of Columbus host dance lessons every Monday. Country Line lesson begins at 6 p.m. and ballroom at 7 p.m. Cost is $5 per person; no partner required. Every Monday, 6 - 8 p.m., Hilton Terrace Baptist Church, 2236 Warm Springs Road, Columbus

The Order of the Phoenix

Hosted by the Harry Potter Yoga Series. Join Charlotte Gallagher as she trains you to be part of Dumbledore’s Army through a Defense against the Dark Arts yoga sequence.

You will need your wand, a yoga mat, and water. (All items will also be available at the event if you do not possess them). $25. Price includes: food and drinks, photo booth, and a magical experience. Saturday, November 16, 4 – 7 p.m.,The Harry Potter Yoga Series, 1329 Wynnton Road , Upstairs, Columbus

Lena Start Parenting Class

Free class, free parenting kit, free books and lunch. Lena Start classes help parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers close the talk gap. Together with your class, you’ll explore practical strategies to start more conversations with children. Lena’s engaging curriculum will teach you brain-building talk skills through instructional videos, peergroup sharing, printed resources and self-reflection. Call (706) 321-6322 to register.

Every Wednesday, 11 a.m., South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus

2019 Soldier Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Saturday, November 16, 7, National Infantry Museum

Red Clay Highway Gravel Grinder

Wednesday Sunset Group Run

Part 2 of the Southern Brewery and Distillery Tour. Our second race of or Brewery and Distillery Tour starts and ends with our friends at Red Clay Brewing Company on November 23. 30 mile and 60 mile ride options. Pick up your packet on Friday and stay for some brews and bands at the Fall Bash. Saturday, November 23, 9 – 3 p.m., Hosted by Jo Dirt Racing & TriColumbusGA. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

All paces welcome, dogs and strollers, too. Recommended to wear reflective gear and a headlamp. Enjoy a different route every week, a great way to explore Columbus.

Afterwards, meet at Iron Bank Coffee for $2 drafts, coffee or other tasty beverages of your choice. Every Wednesday, 6 p.m. Big Dog Fleet Feet, 1200 Broadway, Columbus

LGBT Diversity and Support Group

The Half Blood Prince

Colgay Pride and Counseling Solutions of Columbus bring specialized individual and group counseling for transgender, gay and lesbian Columbusites and their friends and family.

Every Thursday, 7 p.m., Corporate Center of Columbus, 233 12th Street, Columbus

Hosted by the Harry Potter Yoga Series. Join Scarlett Currier for a Felix Felicis yoga sequence and then followed by a potions class with Plant Magic Medicine Shop’s very own Olivia Hight. You will need your wand, a yoga mat, and water. (All items will also be available at the event if you do not possess them). $35. Price includes: food and drinks, photo booth, supplies for potions class, and a magical experience. Saturday, November 23, 4 – p.m., The Harry Potter Yoga Series, 1329 Wynnton Road , Upstairs, Columbus

Saturday Sunrise Pancake Breakfast

This sunrise group run is an invigorating way to start the day, explore Columbus and watch the sunrise. All paces welcome. Stay after for pancakes, then head to Iron Bank for some coffee. Every Saturday, 6 a.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 1200 Broadway, Columbus

Little Sprouts

Join us for a program that gives our littlest visitors (0-5) and their parents/caregivers a chance to learn, explore, and experience the garden with activities developmentally appropriate. Programs will vary each month and will include books, songs, and an ageappropriate craft. Cost- $5 per family registration not required, but appreciated so that we can have enough materials. In case of inclement weather, the class will be held in the Gin House. Tuesday, December 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus

Destination: 100 - Group Ride

The start of the official Destination:100 group rides.These are designed to build into the century and will gradually increase in distance and incorporate some training efforts. We will try to mix up the routes every week to keep them interesting.These are designed to be friendly No Drop rides, everyone is welcome, and are always free to attend. Every Saturday, 7:30 a.m., Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus

Yoga for All: a donation-based class

Distance Program for Beginners

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 stepped into a yoga studio. All walks of life are encouraged to join. Class is one hour and designed for all levels. A $5 cash only donation is appreciated, but not required. Please wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you can easily move in.

Every Saturday, 11 a.m. River Flow Yoga and Wellness, 6801 River Road, Columbus

The Marathon Distance Program is here to help you run your best full or half marathon. It is designed for people who are currently running and are ready to jump from the 5k/10k world into the 13.1 mile world of the half marathon and 26.2 mile world of the full marathon. We will be training 3 days a week – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:00 PM and Saturday mornings at 6 AM. Individual Program Cost - $150 Half marathon/$200 Marathon. Contact: Vikena Yutz – (404) 409-0909 or vikena@ project42running.com Tuesday, December 3, 6 – 7 p.m., Big Dog Fleet Feet, 12 W 11th Street, Columbus

Spoosover Open & Tennis Classic

Adult & Junior Singles & Doubles Tournament & Prize Money Division, Social Mixer & Tennis Classic with raffle prizes, auction items, food, music, with a donation goal to Columbus Hospice. Nov 7 at 5 p.m. – Nov 10 at 8 p.m., Cooper Creek Tennis Center, 4816 Milgen Rd, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Fountain City Classic

It’s More than a Game, It’s a Gathering.This annual match-up is sure to please every level of “fanatic fanship” with its robust week of effervescent FCC activities, dynamic halftime shows, vibrant vendor village and overflowing and energetic tailgating experience which is second to none in the nation. This is a must see experience which will draw you back to the Fountain City year after year. Saturday, November 9, 2 – 4 p.m., Aj Mcclung Memorial Stadium, 600 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus LocaL

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My True Story o this day I have not seen that picture. It’s T probably horrendous, I cried a lot that night.

The picture was sent to me by several people: “Is

this you in the Joint?”

Well, of course it is, you can see my face. You can read my name?

“Did you know you were in the Joint?”

No dude, whoa, I didn’t know I was arrested, that’s crazy. Why people felt the need to do that, I will never understand. I was smart enough to deactivate Facebook as soon as I got home early that awful morning. I knew I was going to be drawn and quartered and didn’t want to deal with

By Bella Bond any more questions than I had to. I’ve been cyber bullied before and it’s a lot harder to do if you take away the cyber component. Sadly, all the news of what people were saying still made it to my ears. One of those texts was my manager telling me not to worry about coming back into work. No chance to plead my case in the courts before the sentencing of the people was passed.

It all happened in April of 2017, during the worst time of my life. I had recently left my husband of four years and moved back in with my parents. Oh the joys of being a struggling millennial. We would need a year’s worth of articles in order for me to relay the demise of my marriage, but for now I’ll wrap it all up in one sentence. Love is not enough.

After weeks of hiding out, crying, wallowing in my personal misery, I was convinced to go out. I borrowed my mom’s car and headed downtown. It was a beautiful day to sit at the rooftop bar with my besties, drinking spring cocktails, and attempting to throw bean bags into a hole cut into a plank of wood. The bartender that day was new to Columbus, and he was handsome, witty, and intriguing. It was refreshing to meet someone who was not familiar with my past or my ex and I accepted the offer to get a drink with him after he finished his shift.

I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering downtown, discussing with my friends

Bella Also Did Time At ASKABAN For Underage Magic Courtesy of Chattahoochee Valley Library For Harry Potter Night

Have you, or someone you know, been featured in a publication typically found at gas station checkout counters? Were you in that magazine on charges for which you were never found guilty? Or maybe you felt embarrassed, taken advantage of? At The Local, we understand. We believe that “innocent until proven guilty” and the right to privacy should work in tandem.

We want to help you tell your story, right here in the pages of our magazine, in a regular column we call “The Joint Redemption.” Here, we will share stories of people misrepresented, stories of overcoming and perseverance. This is your chance to share your side of the story.

Email: editor@thelocalcolumbus.com

whether this “date” was a good idea. Was it too soon, was I ready? We came to the conclusion that it was just a drink and I could leave any time I wanted, and that I deserved a little fun.

Putting myself back out there would be healthy for my psyche. My self-confidence was at an all time low at that time and a little flirting with a cute guy was exactly what I would need to feel myself again.

The date is not the important part of the story, but for curiosity’s sake, it went great! He LocaL

was charming, funny, and my flip flop broke so he bought me a new pair, a total gentleman.

We stayed up late talking and laughing, we ate late night Picassos pizza, and we drank. I started drinking water toward the end, gearing up for the drive home after I dropped him off at the hotel he was staying at. Not knowing where I needed to take him, he suggested driving there and I agreed. The ride from Broadway to the Circle K was much too erratic for my liking. It appeared my date had not cut himself off early enough and I saw a DUI or worse in his future if I didn’t take over the driving. I felt fine, however, we all know you should never get behind the wheel after drinking just because you feel sober.

Just because I felt okay does not mean I was. It was irresponsible and immature and it has been made far too easy with rideshare and taxis to NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. I apologize to my community for being so selfish and thoughtless of those around me that I got behind the wheel to drive after drinking. It is inexcusable and while I don’t agree with what the Joint does, I did deserve to be there.

The blue lights flashed in my rear view mirror in the time it took to drive from the gas station to the Amos Cancer Center. My heart leapt into my throat and my stomach felt sick as I watched the man in blue walk to my window. I tried to calm myself, remembering the hour since I had my last drink, the fact I was hydrated and had eaten, that there was no way I could be over the limit.

The officer got me out of the car and began the field sobriety test, I passed, so he did it again. I passed again, so he tested me again.

The officer was determined to arrest me, it was obvious by the rise in his frustration at not being able to catch me slip. The tension was high, I was intimidated, I was scared, my nerves were wrecked, and I said the only thing I could think of, which happened to be the worst thing I could have said.

“Sir,” I asked, my voice shaking. “Do I need to get a lawyer?” That’s when he clapped the handcuffs on and read me my rights. I asked if he was going to breathalyze me and he told me that I had refused. I had no idea that by asking if I needed a lawyer that equated to me refusing testing and therefore automatically being arrested and having my license revoked.

Of all the consequences I received from that night, waking my parents up in the middle of the night to have them drive twenty minutes from Harris County to get their adult daughter out of jail was by far the worst. That level of disappointment was soul crushing. My mom’s car had been impounded. Ironically, they drove Bella & Ian Bond- Dad by it on the side of the road on the way to get me. They met my date in the lobby and he gave them the cash to hand over. I’d like to add that he never asked me to pay him back.

I have had my fair share of walks of shame, but walking through those doors to face the trio waiting for me in the lobby was by far the most disgraceful. I went to introduce them to each other and they informed me that they had become acquainted. I don’t think I need to talk about the whole new levels of embarrassment that stems from having your parents

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pick you and a date up from the county jail. Them driving you both home, he to his hotel, and me to my childhood room. I had long surpassed any semblance of normalcy, or any hope of saving face with my date, so I spent the whole time laying down in the back seat quietly ugly-crying. My date just stroked my hair and said a few comforting things.

He is really such a sweet guy.

I took a personal day from work, citing my divorce and consequenting emotional issues as the reasoning. I spent the day reflecting and lamenting, stewing in my shame and anger. How had everything in my life gone from bad to worse in the matter of a few hours?

I have always hated when a Positive Polly points out that something could always be worse, as a way to offer comfort in low times.

In my personal experience, Bella & it always gets worse before Sophia Mims- Stepdaughter it gets any better. However, there is a sense of peace when you hit rock bottom, the acceptance of where you are and the knowledge that you only have two choices.

You can lay down and die, or you can stand up and climb.

This time, I was tired, exhausted from year after year of climbing out of a hole that seemed to have no end.

I couldn’t foresee anything good coming from my life, nothing worth trying for, the lies of depression began to tell me what a burden on my family I was, how if I really loved them I would spare them the trouble of having me to worry about. That the world and everyone in it would be better off without me in it. The Joint made me into a social pariah, having told the entire community about my mistake and vilifying my character.

I was left with nowhere to go or anyone outside of my parents and two friends to turn to. The suicidal ideation became so strong, and it was hard enough bearing the guilt and disappointment that I placed on myself and the consequences I was facing from the courts. But to lose my job, my friends, and my reputation all because a magazine placed it upon themselves to publish it, to cause such great embarrassment to my parents as their friends and coworkers saw my picture, it was all too much for anyone to carry.

What kept me going was my parents.

They are the greatest humans on the planet and knowing what taking my life would do to them was the only thing that saved me. I would have desperate moments where I would curse at my mother and tell her how much I hated her because she was the reason I had to Bella & stay alive, she was the Julie Bond-Mom reason why I couldn’t have peace, why I had to suffer. My love for my mother saved my life and (in my case) anti-depression medication gave me the ability to start trying to live again.

One of those friends who didn’t turn his back on me was a man named Hunter Bryan. He said that after a mistake or a failure it’s ok to take a moment, to lay low, to cry, but then you have to admit your wrongdoings, make your apologies, and get on with it. That it was time for LocaL

me to get back up, not to let the haters win. That I should prove them all wrong and the best way to do that is to succeed. He said I needed to get back to working and he gave me a job at Maaco (1300 5th Ave). I had no experience with body shops, but I knew how to answer phones and relay messages and Hunter assured me that I would pick up the rest. It is no secret among those who know me that I credit my mother, Hunter, and my psychiatrist with LITERALLY saving my life. That was the real turning point though, the fact that someone had confidence in me and didn’t believe that I was the villain I had been made out to be, and to take a chance on me. That I wasn’t useless, that I was worth something, gave me hope. Having somewhere to go every day gave me a reason to get out of bed. I was serving the customers, working with people who couldn’t care less if I was arrested or not, and I was learning a new skill. Hunter gradually trained me on how to write estimates and deal with insurance companies and I excelled in the profession.

The confidence I gained through the customer service role and my mentorship in all things auto body repair, led to a more positive outlook on life. It helped me to cultivate a growth mindset that allows me to see mistakes as opportunities to improve, to use my knowledge and experience to help others that blunder along in life as I do. Changing your mindset and adjusting your perspective is all it takes to find joy, which is much easier said than done. I think only Bella Buddhist monks have fully figured that one out, but it’s the fact that joy is obtainable in any situation that brings hope. Hope changes everything, even just a little bit can act as a catalyst for bigger things.

So, where is the redemption you may ask? That’s exactly what I am asking myself as I write this, trying to pin down what redemption truly means.

To be continued. . . u

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B R I C KYA R D

BIKE

C OMPA NY R O L L S I N TO TOW N

Photo by Scott Gilpatrick hen I entered Brickyard Bike Company., I W found owners Todd Sellers and Peter Gacek happily ensconced in their new ‘home,’ with the smell

of coffee in the air and their shop dog, Daisy, gazing out the picture window. They’ve only been open a few months, but the store felt cozy and familiar, like an old hangout.

This old brick building on Dillingham used to be the Ritz Café, an infamous place that ran a lottery during the gambling days in the thirties. “We wanted

Photo by Scott Gilpatrick

By Anastasia Tikka Almost anyone can enhance life by getting on a bike,” Todd said.

Todd is a certified coach and bike fitter and Peter is a certified mechanic. “You want a bike to fit you exactly to prevent injury and ensure comfort,” Todd says. “Fitting a seat is a very personal thing.”

Peter continuously trains and obtains new certifications for bike maintenance and repairs. “As cycling progresses, bikes are often electronic and have wireless shifting. Even with entry level bicycles, it’s important to do things properly,” said Peter.

They sell mountain, gravel, and road bikes, beach cruisers, kids’ bikes, and will get you a unicycle if you want one. Electric pedal-assisted bicycles are a hot new trend.

“Electric bikes are great for folks who just want to have a good time. It’s not a throttle, but it has a pedal assist, just enough to make the hills easy and the flats

to honor the city’s past and set up shop in one of the historic buildings here,” explains Todd.

Brickyard Bike Co. offers everything from bicycle sales to repairs and modifications. “Please come, one and all,” Todd said. “We never focus on appearance or skill, we are goal-oriented.”

Many of the shop’s customers simply ride for fun - but, often the goal is to be healthier or lose weight “You tell us what you want to do, and we’ll help you get there. We look beyond anyone’s circumstance or ability.

Peter & Todd

Photo by Scott Gilpatrick LocaL

more fun,” Dennis Santos, their sales manager, said.

Perhaps more importantly, “We sell the safest helmet in the world,” Todd said. “Its safety standards exceed other helmets by miles, and we’ll make sure it fits properly.”

Brickyard Bike Co. is proud to be the only authorized dealer in the area for Electra Townie and Trek Bikes. “These are the bikes I usually recommend for beginners and kids,” Todd said. “If you choose to 16

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continued on p. 16

put your child on a Trek, we’ll trade in the bikes as they grow. That lowers the overall cost of ownership.”

The most versatile bicycle is a gravel bike, which is part road, part mountain bike. “It’s perfect for both the RiverWalk and country trails.”

Mountain biking is now a sanctioned sport for middle and high school students. They ride all over Columbus and the Southeast. “Cycling is an endurance sport,” Todd said.. “Which is a great option, because

big box store is “everything,” Todd points out. “We ride what we sell, we sell what we ride. Our staff puts 15,000 to 18,000 miles a year on bikes. When you walk into our shop, you’ll talk to experienced cyclists; as owner-operators, Peter and I are here full-time.”

Brickyard Bike Co. is more than a bike shop; it’s a hub for coffee and conversation, fellowship and friends.

“Our dream is to have a cycling community that’s strong and supportive and be a bike shop that fosters that,” Todd said. “Our store is open and transparent; there is no back room to hide in. You can watch us work on your bike, ask questions, and learn.”

Brickyard Bike Co. runs organized rides on Saturday mornings at 7:30 and Tuesday evenings at dusk, with two groups based on speed and distance.

Saturdays they do road rides, and Tuesdays they are on flat dirt roads. “The Tuesday events are night rides and they’re pretty exciting,” Todd said. “It’s enchanting to

Photo by Scott Gilpatrick

you learn a lot about yourself, as far as breaking barriers and pushing personal limits.”

Outdoor recreation in Columbus is flourishing. Fort Benning has a fitness mindset, and our community spends a lot of time enjoying the RiverWalk and our many nature paths. What better way to explore it all than on two wheels? Our bike trails are extensive: We have Fall Line Trace, the Dragonfly Trail, the RiverWalk, and the brand-new Standing Boy Trails.

Fort Benning has almost 100 miles of road that is great for cycling.

“There are many great places for families to ride together,” Todd said. “You might be surprised at how

be in the country with just the illumination of bicycle lights.” There is no cost to join a ride; just call ahead and let them know you’re interested.

Stop by and enjoy a free espresso, discover the wonderful world of cycling, and bring a friend. You will find Brickyard Bike Company at 507 Dillingham Street in Phenix City.u

Todd outside photo by Scott Gilpatrick much fun mountain biking is. For many, the RiverWalk is secondary and they choose the wilderness trails more often.”

The difference between Brickyard Bike Co. and a LocaL

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RiverCenter Spotlight E nt er

a

M ag ic al ,

N e w

Sha d ow la nd

P I LO B O LU S

A d ve nture

By Scott Berson

antastical scenes. Jaw-dropping dance. Electrifying FPilobolus music, and the grandeur of the RiverCenter stage. takes you by the hand and pulls you into

a dream world like you’ve never seen before, with a spellbinding story of adventure, creativity and the wonder of the human spirit.

“Shadowland The New Adventure,” at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts for a single performance November 19, uses shadow, dance and music to tell a mystical story of a man, a woman, a magical bird and an extraordinary journey.

The actors are concealed behind a translucent screen and use their dance skills to create new shapes, sets and characters in shadow.

The dance company performed the original “Shadowland” in Columbus in 2016, and co-artistic director Renée Jaworski said this show is a totally new experience.

“We created a piece that is similar to “Shadowland” in the sense that it uses shadow and dance, but we sort of broke our own rules in that we wanted to create a show that allowed people to get an inside look into how we create the shadows,” Jaworski said. “You’re not looking at a story that is completely veiled. It allows you to discover the work behind the magic, and appreciate the magic at the same time.”

spark in their days. Then one day something magical happens, and they kind of take off on an adventure together.

They sort of have to learn how to break the rules and go against the status quo to truly discover what is important,” Jaworski said.

Pilobolus got its start nearly 50 years ago at Dartmouth, at a time when women were rarely seen on campus. The group formed with four men and two women, and ever since, the company has been creating wondrous performances -more than 150 of them, including “Shadowland.”

Preparing for those performances takes a lot of work, Jaworski said. The performers rehearse intensively before going on tour, and the company makes sure to add a little extra surprise piece of shadow-art at the end of each show that highlights a fun feature of the city they’re in. No spoilers here, but let’s just say their Columbus surprise at their previous show had the entire theatre laughing with joy.

“It’s so great to be at RiverCenter. We have a strong partnership and we feel welcome there. That’s why you see our dancers sprinkled around town after the show. It doesn’t feel like the kind of town you go and run away from,” Jaworski said. “This show is Pilobolus at play. If you liked

The story dips and dives into many different genres, including romantic comedy, film noir and even science fiction. The idea is to use shadow to show how there are many different ways of viewing the same world, according to Jaworski.

“It’s basically a story about two people, a man and a woman, who live a monotonous life. They live separately, each work at the same place, a factory, not much creative

‘Shadowland,’ you’ll definitely like ‘New Adventure.’ You can expect something completely different.”

Tickets for Pilobolus: Shadowland The New Adventure are available at rivercenter.org or at the theatre’s box office, 900 Broadway, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., or by phone at 706-256-3608. Prices range from $47-$52.

Contact the box office for information on discounts and student rush tickets.u

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All Photograhy by Rocky Hutchins

Aspirations on a Plate BARE ROOTS’ BRINGS THE HEART & SOUL OF FOOD TO YOUR TASTE BUDS

By Tom Ingram

Since first opening their doors in 2017, Bare Roots Farmacy has stamped its deliciously indelible mark on the Columbus dining scene. Its farm-to-table ambitions and food-as-medicine concept have kept the restaurant on the forefront of culinary progress in the community.

Recently, ownership of the restaurant changed.

Olivia Amos, now along with partners Rocky Hutchins and Ben Link, have big plans for the restaurant. While Bare Roots’ operators are true to the restaurant’s legacy and greet change as opportunity, the key ingredients of Bare Roots’ success remain the same: source locally as much as possible and focus always, always on serving food fit for body and soul.

When we asked Olivia if there was one thing she really wanted the community to understand about the restaurant, she stressed “There is still a majority of the population that believes you have to give up flavor in order to be healthy. In reality nothing could be further from the truth, one of my reasons for opening Bare Roots’ was to show our community that you can truly have both. Nourish your body with wholesome food prepared in a way that you enjoy.”

The community first became aware of Rocky after he opened the Bitter Brick at the dawn of the Columbus restaurant renaissance. Rocky’s vision, innovation and the way he was “pushing culture in the right direction” makes him the perfect partner for such a passionate team and it’s very apparent in his work ethic.

From what type of flatware they use to the beautiful pictures you see online and especially the magical touches they give to every single dish. “I spend every waking minute thinking of ways to make the food and restaurant the best it can be,” Rocky said. “We are always making sure we find the best ingredients we can that are locally produced, without losing quality and flavor. We want to provide something that tastes great but is also good for you and our community.”

The entrepreneurs share a vision for Columbus’ culinary future, and they are now busy rejuvenating LocaL

Bare Roots with an eye for progress.

One of the ways you do that--perhaps the most important--is by using the best ingredients. Buying local ingredients is a challenge, they all agreed, especially in a world so gripped by the industrial food system. But this is a challenge Bare Roots meets at every opportunity. Their bread is baked in Macon; the beef is grass-fed and raised outside Opelika and local produce is regularly brought in from the likes of Jenny Jack Farm, the Columbus Botanical Garden, and our friends at Bromatoes.

Again and again they all agree: “food is culture.” They’re right, of course, and food is one of the most essential elements of culture the world over. As the trio slowly reimagine the restaurant, they are working toward a broad yet finely-realized tableau.The staff guide patrons on to new dining experiences in which they are connected to the food they eat. Engagement and participation everywhere. The rhizomes run in all directions. The connections are geographical, to food near us. The connections are communal, the food grown by our neighbors and shared among friends. And as we begin to experience through the dining process the myriad connections that meet, finally, at the table over a meal, we begin to feel the deep, visceral connection we individual diners play in the grand ballet of food.

While the team at Bare Roots’ curates their menu to represent their values--in and of itself an immensely valuable project--they succeed, and magnificently, in that most essential way any good restaurant must succeed. The food is delicious.

“Part of our long-term mission is to reintroduce Columbus to the forgotten foods of our past and remind them how delicious they are. We live in a subtropical climate in a river valley with multiple soil types,” Ben said. “We’re not too far from the Gulf or Atlantic or the southern Appalachians. We can grow, raise, hunt, fish, and forage food year round. And yet, we rarely experience this biodiversity while dining out.”

The trio will continue to adapt and evolve the business over time. With the new menu coming out in the next month and soon expanding their catering business to a kitchen in Bibb Village.

Olivia concludes, “Bare Roots’ is tied to our community in so many different ways through the farmers and businesses we source from, to our employees and their families and of course our customers who we are so deeply grateful to. It is important to us to stay loyal to our mission, even though at times it may be easier or more profitable if we were to go at it in a more convenient way.”

We will be intently watching their progress every step of the way.

Be sure to visit Bare Roots’ every chance you get.

It’s the perfect spot right in the heart of Uptown for a delicious and affordable meal any time of day. Business, casual or date night. With plenty of fun events, specials to tempt you and lovely patio dining this time of year.

Do yourself a favor and visit barerootsfarmacy.com to get in on all the scoop. 105 12th Street, Columbus.u 21

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Brin g s

Th ei r

Cra fty

Nestled right under the 13th Street Bridge, just off the beaten path of Uptown Columbus, Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse has settled into their new digs at 1301 6th Ave. This small brewery, known for its creative selection of craft beers, first opened two years ago in West Point, Georgia. “The move to Columbus was part of our original business plan,” co-owner, Michael Denehy, explains.

Chattabrewchee is a labor of love. Owners, Michael and Kathy Denehy, were on active duty together at Fort Bragg when they incorporated the business and made their dream a reality. Michael was approaching retirement when the couple decided to create a brewhouse. Together,

they came up with the name and found a location in her hometown. Kathy, a lawyer, established a business plan and handled the contracts, while Michael worked diligently on the brewing process. They opened the doors just three months later.

Kathy is a major in the Army’s JAG Corp, transferred to Fort Bliss, then was deployed to Korea before recently transferring to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She says, “I’d love to be there, enjoying all the success and meeting everybody, but duty calls.” Michael points out, “Many military spouses face this challenge. Thanks to modern technology, we are still in close contact.” When asked what she misses the most, Kathy says cheekily, “The Velvet Possum, a white chocolate raspberry stout.” Luckily, it

should be on tap when she returns home this Christmas.

Long-time professional brewer, Doug Whitt is an integral part of Chattabrewchee’s success. He approaches beer like an artist does with a canvas, creating masterful blends such as their white stout made from Ethiopian Harrar coffee beans, as well as traditional kolschs and blondes.

Craft brewing is not a simple process. The quality of LocaL

Brews

To

Colu mbu s

By Anastasia Tikka

the water, yeast-health, and fermentation all matter, but imagination is an important aspect, as well. Their most popular beer is the Crowhop IPA, which won a silver

medal in 2018 for the Best IPA in Georgia (a BGR People’s Choice Award.) It is an exceptionally well-balanced beer.

Their Backwater Blonde, a light and crisp ale, has also won multiple awards.

The beer calendar is seasonal. The ten beers on tap are rotated frequently, so you’re likely to find something new each time you visit. This season, their lineup includes Pumpkin Spice Latte Stout, Honeydunkel, Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Pie Harvest Ale, Candy Corn Porter, and Hard Ginger Ale. In December, you can look forward to Gingerbread Brown, Peppermint Porter and, believe it or not, an Ambrosia Salad beer. “This was so popular last Christmas, we’re bringing it back,” Michael said.

Chattabrewchee is the top selling beer at Callaway Gardens and they create a custom blend for them each year. Other partnerships include Fountain City Coffee,

Dragon Red Ale. They also host the official Army-Navy game watch-party for the Fort Benning - West Point Alumni Association, and on weekends, you can catch college and NFL football games as well as some great live music every Saturday.

It’s nice to see the continued revitalization Manager Brian (left) of Columbus in this area & head Brewer Doug (right) of town. The businesses here enjoy a rather large parking lot - the brewpub often has rotating food trucks, and you’ll find some great shopping options, too.

While Chattabrewchee helps our local community grow, the Denehy’s keep their fellow soldiers in mind.

They partnered with Nine Line Apparel to create Nine Line Double IPA. All of its proceeds go to the Nine Line Foundation, a village that gives homeless veterans a place to live in Savannah. “Anything we can do to contribute to the welfare of fellow service members is something close to our hearts,” Kathy said.

“We’re small, we’re self-financed, and we’re going to stay that way.

There are no investors,” Michael said. “I handbuilt the furniture, rather than purchasing it.” Kathy designed the tap handles, Kathy & Mike Denehy which have images of the Chattahoochee River; and she created the logo, which features Petey the Possum, their mascot.

We highly recommend a visit to Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse. A personal favorite is their Mango Cilantro Jalapeno Cream Ale. Whatever you choose, chances are, Michael and Doug will be serving the beer, so make sure to tell ‘em, we sent you.

Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse is located at 1301 6th Ave in Columbus; they’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have plenty of parking. The tasting room can also be reserved for private parties, mixers, meetings, or receptions.u

which contributes beans for Fountain City Coffee Stout; and the National Infantry Association, which made Chattabrewchee’s Blue Cord IPA their official beer. They are also the Official Beer of the Columbus River Dragons hockey team.

This year, Chattabrewchee developed a barrel exchange program with John Emerald Distilling Company in Opelika, Alabama. The brewery ages beer in their whisky barrels, and they return them to John Emerald so they can age spirits in beer barrels. The resulting special brews are sold in 22 oz. bottles with wax caps. They look like wine bottles and are great gifts.

The brewhouse hosts after-parties following all River Dragons’ home games. Make sure you try the River 22

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happy hour drink specials, guest artists, networking opportunities and so much more.

DJ Gio has the soundtrack for the evening. Hosted by Solow. $5 cover. Food available for purchase. November 13 & 27, 7 p.m., The Compound Event Center, 4261 Macon Road, Columbus

WILD Social Night

Come join us for our monthly meetup at Jarfly, where we have a chance to catch up with one another, talk about past trips and learn about upcoming adventures.This is a great time to meet many of the ladies involved with WILD, and to bring a gal pal that might be interested in joining us. Wednesday, November 6, 5 – 8 p.m., Jarfly, 1358 13th Street, Columbus

BREWS & VIEWS

Half Priced Wine @ Houlihan’s

Every Tuesday, all day, Houlihan’s, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus

Taco Bar Tuesdays @ Bare Roots Farmacy

Come enjoy a Tuesday fiesta at Bare Roots Farmacy when they swap out the salad bar for taco fixings. Your pick between meat or vegetarian style, and dress them as you like.

Dine in only. Every Tuesday, all day, Bare Roots Farmacy 105 12th Street, Columbus

Pizza & Beer Special @ Cannon Brew Pub

Get 2 beers and a specialty pizza for just $15. Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., The Cannon Brew Pub, 1041 Broadway, Columbus

Tuesday Date Night @ Buckhead Steak and Wine

Enjoy a bottle of wine (Red or White), an appetizer, salads, two select menu entrees and a special dessert all for only $60. Call (706) 571-9995 for reservations. Must be you plus one and is dine in only. Every Tuesday, 5 p.m., Buckhead Steak and Wine, 5010 Armour Road, Columbus

Twisted Tuesdays @ Circa Craft Cocktails

Colgay Pride and Circa present Twisted Tuesdays. Free admission. $5 Margaritas Great Drinks Great Music and Fun For All. If you business would like to become an official We Serve All Establishment please contact Colgay Pride Director Jeremy Hobbs at 706-580-6239. circacraftcocktails.com, phone: (762) 359-4598. Every Tuesday, 9 p.m., CIRCA Lounge, 11 W. 9TH ST., Columbus

Wine Wednesday’s @ Buckhead Steak and Wine

½ off Bottles of Wine, comes with a free appetizer (ask your server for details).

Every Wednesday night, Buckhead Steak and Wine, 5010 Armour Road, Columbus

Please join the YPN committee as they host a local BREWS & VIEWS tour by Vicinity Tours. Come mingle and network with fellow Realtors and Affiliates, learn something new about Columbus to share with your clients, and enjoy some local Brews. Please direct any questions to YPN Chair, Michelle Williams michelle.williams@kpdd.com.

Cost: $35. Walking Tour of Uptown Columbus with tour guide, 5 stops with beer samplings from Omaha. RSVP by Tuesday, Nov 5th. This is an outdoor walking tour, so please dress accordingly. Thursday, November 7, 4- 6 p.m., Visitor’s Center, 900 Front Ave, Columbus

Uptown’s Fall Food Truck Festival

Uptown Columbus will host the seventh annual Food Truck Festival in Columbus, Georgia. Join us as Woodruff Park and Dillingham Bridge transform into a Food Truck Mecca. 30+ GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS will set up in our backyard with DJ Dave Arwood playing jams all afternoon. The full list of trucks to come soon, as well as libations in our craft beer garden. Admission cost $5 per person; children 12 and younger are free. Please bring $5 CASH to the gate. For more information visit uptowncolumbusga.com. Saturday, November 9, 11 – 5 p.m., Woodruff Park, 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus

Wine Women & Shoes 2019

The 5th annual Wine Women & Shoes will feature wine tastings, food pairings, national boutique shopping, live auction, fabulous fashion show, raffle, Sole Men, and much, much more. All funds raised through the event support the Muscogee County Library Foundation. We hope you will join us. Thursday, November 14, 6 – 9 p.m., Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus

A Night with Old Forester @ 11th and Bay Southern Table

Half Off Burger Night @ Bare Roots Farmacy

Headline says it all. ½ Off Burgers Every Wednesday starting at 3pm to close. We have beef, chicken-basil, and veggie burgers. There’s an option for everyone, and they’ll definitely fill y’all up with goodness. Dine In Only. Bare Roots Farmacy, 105 12th Street, Columbus

Beer Yoga

Grab your mats and wet your whistle. Chattabrewchee moves the furniture out of the way to host an hour-long yoga class every Wednesday night. Drink before during and after if you wish. Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, 1301 6th Ave, Columbus

Catfish ‘n Karaoke

Catfish specials until midnight, kid’s karaoke until 8 p.m. Fun for family and friends.

Every Friday, 5 p.m. - midnight, Backyard Bar and Grill, 7633 Lee Road 240, Phenix City

Uptown Happy Hour

Two hours, three restaurants and bars, featuring appetizers and signature drinks. Fun for everyone ages 21 and up. Hosted by Columbus Eats Food Tours. Every Friday, 5:30 p.m., The Black Cow, 115 12th Street, Columbus

Weekend Brunch @ Bare Roots Farmacy

See why Columbus locals call our brunch one of the best in town. Saturdays from 10 am 3pm and Sundays from 10 am - 3 p.m., Bare Roots Farmacy, 105 12th Street, Columbus

A Sampling of Old Forester’s Whiskey Row Series Old Forester Statesman, A Taste of The Bottle Shop’s Exclusive Single Barrel, includes Heavy Appetizers. Presented by: The Bottle Shop Featuring: Old Forester 86 proof Cocktails. November 14, 5 - 7 p.m., 11th and Bay Southern Table, 1050 Bay Avenue, Columbus

Eat, Drink, & Antique Festival

Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse, ReDesign Time, and Vintageville are hosting the Eat, Drink, and Antique Festival. With an Outdoor Vendor Market, Live Music and Food Vendors. Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m., 1301 6th Ave, Columbus

10th Annual Uptown Beer & Wine Festival

Uptown Columbus Hosts 10th Annual Uptown Beer & Wine Festival with over 100 Craft Beers & Wine. DJ Cash Flow spins the hits all day while you enjoy gourmet bites from Uptown eateries including SEC Football at the Uptown Tap. This event is a major fundraiser for Uptown Columbus & wouldn’t be possible without volunteers.

Volunteers help us run the festival by pouring samples & interacting with guests.

Volunteers receive an Uptown t-shirt & meal ticket. To Volunteer visit: https://bit. ly/2pP9Zib. Entrance at The Uptown Tap. This is a 21+ event. Saturday, November 23, 1 - 5 p.m., Rankin Courtyard and Livery, 1024 Broadway, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

Bites of Uptown Food Tour

You’ll stroll through the beautiful tree-lined streets of Uptown Columbus. You’ll stop at five to six local eateries to sample some of the best food this town has to offer. You’ll leave satisfied, educated, and entertained. Every Saturday, 11 a.m., My Boulange, 111 12th Street, Columbus

All Day Happy Hour

Every Sunday, 10 a.m., Houlihans, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus

Wine Down Wednesdays

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Fun, Food & You Vital Vittles

Vittle -(noun) - Southern slang for “victual”. A victual is defined as “food or provisions.”

Vital - (Adjective) - absolutely necessary or important; essential.

By S. Adam Icard

et’s begin this literary journey with a question -- a question that will ultimately L generate more and more questions of course.

Questions that, once answered, will generate more

and more answers, I hope. Simple, yet complex, and that together we will find have no right or wrong answers.

What does food mean to you? Think about this for a minute, my friend.

Is it perhaps just a chance to break from our constant work to refuel for more work? Or a moment in time where one bite transcends anything that may be going on in our field of comprehension? Is it energy that hasn’t been broken down by our bodies yet? Or rather, a cherished memory of a childhood moment when Mama’s or Memaw’s cookin’ was “the best thing since sliced bread” (we’ll get back to bread later). Whichever way you feel, whether food be used for adequate nourishment or absolute pleasure, we should be interested in

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our food’s background.

Where does our food come from? What cultures created the foods we know and love today? How did they create it? What techniques were available? What techniques have evolved? What is the history of the food we eat in the present?

I realize, dear reader, that I have thrown a lot of questions at you in one blitzkrieglike moment; and you may be thinking, “What does this guy know about food?”

As a professional chef, I can tell you that after 15 years in kitchens across the country, I know nothing. Any chef worth a grain of salt (pardon the pun) really knows NOTHING. Sure, I can cook a darn good steak, beast-mode some delectable collard greens, and whip up some guacamole that’ll make you want to slap your Mama (just ask my Mama), but the fact is, I’m still learning.

And we all should still be learning. We owe it to ourselves as a society to research food as a whole and not just to the extent of “Which farm did this tomato come from?” or “What was this pig/ chicken/ cow/ fish/ donkey’s name before slaughter?”

While the connection to our food is getting much more personal, we seem to be forgetting where our food actually originated.

So, welcome. Welcome to an adventure. Welcome to discovering things you may not have known (or even cared about before now). We will be discovering different things about food that we never even thought of before. From urban farming in Columbus, Ga, where it’s going and how it’s helping the less fortunate, from macarons in France to macaroons in the South. From the origins of tamales and how you can get the best in the city. We will be investigating all of these foods, practices, and more on our quest for “Vital Vittles” Next month, the origin of bread and where its “knead” in today’s society stands.

Stay tuned.u

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all over the Chattahoochee Valley. Learn what it is like to live fully alive and have the freedom to flourish in Christ for who you are and whose you are. We are believing for a powerful time of being set free to be brave women warriors for God. Invite a friend to join us. Nov 8 at 6 p.m. – Nov 9 6:30 p.m., Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Ave, Columbus

Christmas Made in the South

What better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year’s award winning 29th annual Christmas Made in the South. This is an event like no other. Amazing makers, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, oneof-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, dichroic glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more. Fri. 10-8 - Sat. 10-6 - Sun. 11-5, November 8, 9 & 10.

The Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus

Family Storytime

We love families that read together. Join us for this program dedicated to families with young children (birth to 5 years) as we sing, play games, and most importantly, read great stories aloud. Every Monday, 10:30 a.m., South Columbus Public Library, 2034 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus

Trivia at The Tap

The Stompdown Experience

Every Monday, 9:30 p.m., The Tap, 1024 Broadway, Columbus

National Step Show. Saturday, November 9, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Carver High School, 3100 8th St, Columbus

Trivia at Billiards

Every Tuesday, 8 & 11 p.m., Billiards on Broad, 1111 Broadway, Columbus

2019 Tri-City Veterans Parade

Bingo Night at Wicked Hen

Every Tuesday, 7 - 10 p.m., Wicked Hen, 1350 13th Street, Columbus

Chess: Unplug from the Computer for Chess’s Sake

Chess imitates life. Watch the moves you make. Learn winning strategies for chess and life from encouraging community mentors. Every Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus

Free GED Classes

Do you wish you had your high school diploma? Let Columbus Technical College staff help you earn your GED in free, convenient afternoon classes. Don’t put your future on hold. Call (706) 243-2782 to get started. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 3 - 6 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, Columbus

Preschool Storytime

Let’s start getting ready for preschool. In this storytime, we will develop literacy skills by reading books aloud, reciting rhymes together, playing games, singing songs and more. Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, 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. Every Wednesday, 4 p.m., Mildred L. Terry Public Library, 640 Veterans Parkway, 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, Columbus

Songwriter Circle

Sponsored by the Columbus Songwriting Guild. All songwriters are welcome to come play and critique new songs. Free. Write to nchristie@knology.net. Monday November 11, 7 p.m., Hideaway, 7466 Blackmon Road, Columbus

Whitewater Orchestra Festival

The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus (YOGC) is excited to announce that the Whitewater Orchestra Festival will be hosted at Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts. The YOGC’s’ Whitewater Orchestra Festival provides middle and high school orchestras in Muscogee County School District an opportunity to perform for adjudicators in a state-of-the-art performance hall, and receive short clinics from the Youth Orchestra’s Maestro Jim Palmer. Ten Muscogee County orchestras will perform for three professional judges. The public is welcome to watch. Free and unticketed.

November 12, (for MCSD orchestra program participation. No YOGC performance).

Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts, 1700 Midtown Drive, Columbus

A Night of Heroes

Learn about the City’s local heroes who help others every day. Teach kids what the local heroes in the community do and to show them not to be afraid of them. The Columbus Department of Fire & EMS, Columbus Police Department, and Muscogee County Sheriff ’s Office will be present. There will be fire trucks and police cars on site. We will also have superheroes present so children can meet some of their favorite fictional characters, bounce houses, cash concessions, and much more. Fountain Courtyard. $10 per child, adults are free. Cash only please. Friday, November 15, 5 – 7 p.m., Columbus, Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Ave, Columbus

Sean of the South Comes to Columbus

Market Days on Broadway

Uptown Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway takes place year-round. You will find over 100 local vendors selling anything and everything that you can imagine. The Market features many local and organic farmers selling produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors, and baked goods. Our friends from local shelters and animal rescue groups can be found in the median of Broadway. For questions, call the Uptown office at 706.596.0111. Every Saturday morning, 9am - Noon in the 900, 1000, 1100, & 1200 blocks of Broadway, Columbus

Motors and Mouths Monthly Car Meet

This is a casual meeting for all makes and models. No awards or trophies just a family friendly atmosphere of cars, trucks, motorcycles or whatever moves you. Held the 2nd Sunday of every month. facebook.com/motorsandmouths. 8 - 11 a.m. Hosted

by Carnoisseur Detail Studio in the Windsor Village Shopping Center, 3885 Miller Road, Columbus

Join Project Greene Light as we welcome Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South, to Columbus. An evening of laughter to benefit local foster children. Doors open at 5:30 pm for raffles and prizes. Purchase your tickets now. Seating is limited. Friday, November 15, 6:30 – 8 p.m., St Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th St, Columbus

Bluebelle’s Annual Christmas Open House

Join us as we celebrate our third Annual Christmas Open House. We’re so excited to show you what our Elves have been working hard to make for this season. Enjoy Christmas shopping, sales, giveaways, and live artist sessions. Plus sample yummy food from our Market and local food vendors. Saturday, November 16, 10 – 6 p.m., Bluebelle Home Decor and Gifts, 2301 Airport Thruway, Columbus

Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson Chili Cook Off

Heart of Serving Luncheon

Join us for our Heart of Serving Luncheon. The event will take place at St. Luke Ministry Center with Wayne Anthony, Founder of House of Heroes, as our speaker.

Tickets are $35/ person or $280/table. For ticket sales please visit our Facebook event page. Thursday, November 7, 11:30 – 2:30 p.m., House of Heroes Chattahoochee Valley,1225 Webster Ave, Suite B, Columbus

Books Before Bedtime

Put on your PJs, grab your favorite stuffed animal, and join us for some special stories before bedtime. Thursday, November 7, 6 – 7 p.m., North Columbus Public Library, 5689 Armour Rd, Columbus

Freedom to Flourish

Come enjoy a weekend of fellowship, teaching, healing, and freedom with women from LocaL

Beginning on the corner of Dillingham Street and Broad Street in Phenix City, going down Broad Street in Phenix City and turning right on 13th Street and going over the 13th Street Bridge, down Broadway to 9th Street in Columbus. Saturday, November 9, 10 – 12 p.m.

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It’s people’s choice, ya’ll! Come out to try some of the best chili on this side of the Mississippi. Not to mention, we are having some of our friends over at Chattabrewchee to come and kick it with us. Think your chili has what it takes to win? Enter at ssmith@ chattahoocheehd.com. Saturday, November 16, noon – 3 p.m., Chattahoochee HarleyDavidson, 3230 Williams Rd, Columbus

Winterfest 2019

Come out for an evening opening the holiday season, complete with visits with Santa, rides on a train, and performances from school children around the Valley. Tuesday, November 19, 6 – 9 p.m., Columbus State University, 4225 University Ave, Columbus

Bulbs - Holiday Beauties Lunch & Learn

Brighten your holidays and beyond with beautiful spring flowering bulbs. Forcing bulbs is fun, easy and makes great gifts for gardening friends and family. So, don’t wait to enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrance of spring. Learn how to cultivate holiday NOVEMBER 2019

cheer and beyond with spring flowering bulbs. Bring your favorite sandwich! Drinks, fruit and dessert are on us.

Thursday, November 21, 11:30 – 1 p.m., Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Rd, Columbus

Columbus River Dragons vs. Carolina Thunderbirds

Friday, November 22, 7:35 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St, Columbus

Activ8 Fall Break

Stay busy with a 3 days full of discovery, fun, creation and learning. Explore your imagination while we uncover the traditions established during the first Thanksgiving. Celebrate the culture of Native Americans as we create crafts and recipes to showcase on Thanksgiving day! Parents will relax knowing kids are safe and secure on CSU’s beautiful main campus with passionate instructors overseeing their shenanigans. November 25 -27, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Activ8 Summer Camps (CSU) E Lindsay Dr, Columbus

Network November - A Savvy Social

Savvy Descant is holding the biggest, exclusive event for young professionals in the Columbus area. Network, Grow, Connect with the latest information on social network growth. Raffle ticket prize giveaways sponsored by local businesses and a grand prize of solid 24k gold. Learn with motivational speakers and mingle over food and drinks. Tickets and more information through eventbrite. Tuesday, November 26, 7 – 10 p.m., The Loft (in the Green Room) 1032 Broadway, Columbus

Columbus River Dragons vs. Mentor Ice Breakers

Wednesday, November 27, 7:35 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St, Columbus

Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson Black Friday Event

Try your chances with us throughout the day @ Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson! We will have coupon drawings.

Coupons as large as 25% off licensed products. Try your luck. Stop in to pull your coupon, let’s see what coupon you pick. Friday, November 29, 9 – 3:30 p.m., Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson, 3230 Williams Rd, Columbus

Toys 4 Tots Motorcycle Parade

Kickstands Up at Noon! Traveling from the Columbus Civic Center to Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson. Bring a new toy for donation. Sunday, December 1, noon – 4 p.m., Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St, Columbus

Ga Gives Day

Support the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus (YOGC) and your other favorite charities on the statewide charitable online giving day. Find out more about how you can support YOGC by searching for “Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus” at www.gagives.org or email info@yogc.org. December 3, 2019.

Let’s Talk Columbus!

The purpose of the forum is to provide a current status of the city and to provide an opportunity for citizens to come together and talk about Columbus. Thursday, December 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m., South Columbus United Methodist Church, 1213 Benning Dr, Columbus

Want to see your event listed here? Email events@thelocalcolumbus.com

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NOVEMBER 2019