Thomasville Magazine Spring 2024

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1

COMPLIMENTARY Please Take One

Gems

Bill’s Jewelers is known for quality stones and jewelry for women & men

Historic Respite

SweetLu

The LaphamPatterson house opens for overnight stays

A Thomasville man shares his lifelong love of collecting memorabilia

this SPRING our culture wanders

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

“The world is a rose, smell it, and pass it to your friends.” – Persian Proverb Spring in Thomasville means the kickoff of lots of outdoor events, from the Thomasville Rose Show & Festival to the Pebble Hill Polo Classic. It’s with opportunities such as these that we really get to show off our town and what life in Thomasville is like for those lucky enough to live here.

Spring is also full of azaleas, Easter dresses and a break from school that just might land you at the beach. It’s that season of possibilities when we can all shake off the dust from our winter indoors and head out in search of adventure.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Thomasville Magazine is published four times each year. Subscription rates are $15 for one year.

SUBSCRIPTIONS ThomasvilleMagazine.com Subscriptions@ThomasvilleMagazine.com Checks may be mailed to: Thomasville Magazine 15125 US Hwy 19 S Box #375 Thomasville, GA 31792 Be sure to specify your delivery address when submitting a check.

Speaking of adventure, this issue brings you the story of the Red Hill Annie Oakleys, a chapter of the national organization designed to teach women the ins and outs of the sport of clay shooting, wing shooting and just great marksmanship. The women enjoy the camaraderie as much as honing their skills, and shooters of all levels are welcome to join, even those who have never picked up a gun.

Also in this issue is the unbelievable lifelong collection of all things pop culture amassed by Luten “Sweet Lu” Nunnally. His self-created museum includes hundreds of pieces of memorabilia highlighting sports, music, television and movies, toys and pop culture. The retired Nunnally loves to share his passion for collecting, and he’s especially proud of the Thomasville-related pieces he’s displayed.

A business spotlight on Bill’s Jewelers, new overnight opportunities at Lapham-Patterson House, and upcoming events are all covered in this issue. As always, we thank our advertisers and readers for their support.

Best,

KK

Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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DIGITAL EDITION & SOCIAL You can follow us online on our social media accounts @ThomasvilleMagazine.

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9

ANNIE Get Your Gun Female marksmen come together to hone skills and friendships.

CONTENTS

p.32 IN EVERY ISSUE

22 Sweet Lu Collects A Thomasville man shares his lifelong love of collecting memorabilia.

4

32

p.66

48 Downtown Guide 80 Events 81 Social Scenes

p.22

Spring Forward Meals Gather around the table for some wholesome goodness.

74

56

Due South Two major events become one in this annual spring celebration of music & art.

A Restful Respite

Overnight guests are now welcome at the historic Lapham-Patterson House.

66 Energy Boost

Stephanie Rice shares how to harness energy in ways you might have missed.

Editor’s Letter

p.75 GEM OF A STORE

Bill’s Jewelers is known for quality stones and jewelry for women & men.

PAGE 38

p.56 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 7

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Sporting LIFE

Annie

GET YOUR GUN

BY Andrew Curtis

Marksmanship meets fellowship for the win THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRI NG 2024 | 9

PHOTOS BY Emily Tucker Photography

Inset photo: Bri Whigham and Raina Cauley; larger photo: Raina Cauley.

Next page: Laura Pike and Heidi Davis

M

ost people know the story of Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter who traveled across the country with her husband and her rifle, demonstrating how she could not only compete with but also outshoot most of the marksmen who dared to challenge her. Oakley was ahead of her time in the late 1800s and early 1900s, breaking into a male-dominated sport and paving the way for the growing number of

markswomen to take aim at shooting.

Drawing on the historic figure’s efforts to advance women, the Annie Oakley Shooters formed in 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia to encourage and empower more women to participate in the sport of clay shooting. “The Annies,” which is how they like to refer to themselves, understand that for everyone there is always a first— the first golf swing, horseback ride, swim stroke, or pitch. These women wanted to take their first shot, literally,

10 | THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024

and when they did, they fell in love with the shooting sport. Then they wanted other women to join them to form a community.

South Georgia, too, has a group of ladies hailing from all over that meets every month to practice their aim, and they are making quite a name for themselves. These Southern ladies are passionate about shooting and want to spread their love of the South and the shooting lifestyle with anyone interested in learning.

PHOTO BY Lauren Kearns Photography

Sporting LIFE

“Aim at a high mark and you’ll hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second time.

Maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect.”

- Annie Oakley

The Red Hills Annie Oakleys formed in 2022 from the remaining members of the Red Hills GRITS chapter. The previous women’s GRITS shotgun club was founded by the late Deborah McKown Greenstein and was the first women’s wing and clay shooting club in this region. The torch has now been passed to current organizer Bri Whigham and alongside her are Heidi Davis and Raina Cauley. The three ladies are longstanding members of the original group and are delighted to continue Deb’s Legacy. They made the decision to change from the GRITS chapter to the national Annie Oakley organization to enhance awareness and enjoyment of women’s clay and wing shooting sports.

The Red Hills Annie Oakleys operates out of The Ranges at Oakfield, a pistol, rifle, archery and shotgun shooting range in Thomas County.

Each month, 15 to 20 markswomen gather for an evening of clay shooting and good company.

The Annies typically meet on the second Tuesday of each month at either The Ranges at Oakfield, which they consider their home base, for instructional lessons or at one of the members’ homes or properties.

“It’s more than just shooting,” Bri says. “We have a lot of fun, and sometimes we just get to together to visit and bond.” The ladies spend

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Photo this page by Lauren Kearns Photography and next page by Emily Tucker Photography

two hours honing their skills as shooters, and then after they “pull, aim, fire and repeat,” the women often convene to mingle.

Bri gives Heidi and Raina much of the credit for assisting her with the job. “It’s a team effort, and our focus is to bring women into the shotgun sporting life,” she says. “If you have never picked up a shotgun before, we want you out there to help introduce you to shooting. We are an inclusive group that lets in women from across the spectrum of shooting experience.

This includes novices, experts, and everything in between. But we all come to have fun.”

Explaining how her love for shooting grew, Bri says, “I had an interest in the shooting sport after my stepson joined the Thomas County 4H and started competition shooting. We then started shooting more as a family, and I fell in love with

Sporting LIFE

Photos this page and next by Lauren Kearns Photography

the sport. The GRITS chapter fell in my lap when my parents introduced me to a GRITS member and the organization, and the rest is history.”

Alongside the fun of shotguns and sporting clays, The Annies use their good aim to fund good causes. Bri is excited about the group’s involvement with other organizations like Ducks Unlimited. “We sponsored a table this year at the local Duck’s Unlimited banquet and had a great time. We want to support the shooting sport as much as we can.”

The group also plans to participate in fund raisers in the future. “We are looking into charities. The national Annies have donated big numbers to various organizations, like The Trust for Public Land and SHARE Military Initiative, and we would love to be able to contribute in our own way.”

When asked why they use the name “Red Hills,” Bri answered, “The Red Hills region is a 436,000-acre area located between Thomasville, Georgia and Tallahassee, Florida.

Known for its rolling hills and red clay soils, the region is rich in biological diversity, historic resources, and scenic beauty.

“We don’t want our club to be considered Thomasville exclusively, so the Red Hills name seems to make women outside of Thomasville feel included. Anyone is welcome to come.”

The group plans to grow by getting more connected with the Atlanta sister chapter, continuing to develop the local chapter within the Thomasville area, and partnering with surrounding organizations. “We do a lot of promotion on social media and email blasts, but we have a great group of ladies who help spread the word whenever possible,” she says.

“Word of mouth is key.”

What does Bri want women to know before their first attendance? “No pressure!” Bri emphasizes. “We encourage all experience

Vintage Treasures II

ANTIQUES

LAMPS

HOME DECOR

210 Smith Ave Thomasville 229-221-5904 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 15

Sporting LIFE

Photo previous page by Emily Tucker Photography; photo this page by Lauren Kearns Photography levels, and there are no membership dues, just the price to shoot at The Range. We love to be the first to help ladies who have never even picked up a shotgun before. Remember, our group ranges from entry level to competition shooting.”

So… Annies, get your guns! TM For more information, visit redhillsannies on Instagram. Andrew Curtis is a South Georgia veterinarian, freelance writer, and author. Visit his website at andrewcartercurtis.com.

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 17

Sporting LIFE

Photo by Emily Tucker Photography

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COLLECTING FROM THE HEART

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Visitors to Sweet Lu’s private museum are always pleasantly surprised to see the collection he has amassed over the years.

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 23

THE POP CULTURE COLLECTION HAS GROWN EXPONENTIALLY OVER THE YEARS.

COLLECTING FROM THE HEART

BY SARAH D. SHEARER PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY 24 | THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024

Local

TREASURES

T

he truest mark of a life well lived is that it begs to be remembered—that the person who has lived it swells with pride, nostalgia, and joy when they look back over the places and people they have known. This sense of joy and fulfillment is abundantly palpable in Luten Nunnally, a Thomasville native whose hobby collection of memorabilia has grown into a remarkable tribute to days gone by.

Stepping into Nunnally’s tiny pond house is like finding buried treasure. Settled back in the woods of the gorgeous, wooded horse farm, where he lives with his wife, Donna, is a 500-hundred-square-foot structure that from the outside appears to house fishing rods and camp chairs. But upon entering, a visitor will have a feast for the eyes when they take in what might just be one of Georgia’s smallest and most delightful museums. Filling every nook and cranny, from rugs on the floor to jerseys hanging from the ceiling, is an impressive collection of sports items, metal lunch boxes, vinyl, vintage games

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Local

TREASURES

A long career in sports-related industries helped Lu boost his collection.

and toys, autographed posters, and even some treasures from Thomasville’s history.

Lu, as he is known by his friends, begins his tour immediately and with enthusiasm. It’s all very official, with branded apparel to boot. He sports a cherry red sweatshirt with a peace sign logo that displays his moniker “Sweet Lu’s Pop Culture Experience.” It identifies the areas to which he is most devoted—sports, television, toys, pop culture, music and movies. A rainbow-colored background is just another homage to the good old days of the 70s. He started his collection in earnest in a room in his Decatur, GA, apartment in 1986, so it is the founding date on the logo.

The tour begins with some backstory. Lu is incredibly proud of his Thomasville heritage.

“Thomasville High, class of 77,” he beams. His childhood took place during the 1960s, what he describes as an idyllic, Leave It to Beaver-esque childhood. With warmth and nostalgia, he recalls a childhood spent riding his bike through town with his friends, growing up at the Everett Milton YMCA, and attending high school in the Pizza Hutshaped buildings. It was this solid upbringing given to him by his parents that first inspired him to begin collecting what was, at the time, little trinkets and posters delivered by mail.

As a young child and teen, Lu’s idol was Pete Maravich, star basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks. In fact, there is a whole section of the room dedicated to Maravich, with posters, game tickets, signed photographs and even an original green and blue shirt worn by a Hawks player. Perhaps the most notable piece of this section is a poster that is a little worse for wear but in good shape all things considered. This poster has followed Lu from house to house since he was a child.

An early obsession with sports led to a career in

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sporting goods, and Lu was pleased to work for The Athlete’s Foot. From this season in his life, Lu obtained an original branded clock from one of their flagship stores in the Cumberland Mall. It now sits on the center back wall of the museum.

Working in the sporting goods profession for companies like Reebok and BSN Sports enabled Nunnally to combine his profession with his passion, and throughout the past few decades he was able to acquire a large number of collectors’ items that would make any sports fan green with envy.

Air Jordans, Peyton Manning’s jersey—you name it, he’s got it. What’s more notable is that, unlike many collectors who allow their possessions to accumulate in saggy cardboard boxes with Sharpie scrawled across them, Lu has taken the time to curate and display his items in such a way that they can be enjoyed and appreciated.

The Thomasville collection has grown these last few years since Lu and Donna moved back from Atlanta, where he spent his career and the couple raised two sons. Little by little, Nunnally has accumulated treasures from Thomasville’s past.

At the forefront lies the long-sleeve, button-down Kiwanis shirt of his grandfather and namesake, Luten Teate, who boasted perfect attendance in the club for 49 years. The pride Lu demonstrates

Local

TREASURES Use the QR code below to access a video tour of Sweet Lu’s Pop Culture Experience.

when showing off his grandfather’s longevity in the Thomasville community reinforces the entire reason for the museum experience. Every item gives a message that history is worth preserving because of the wonderful memories and people associated with the items.

The Thomasville collection also boasts a metal sign from the long-beloved CoCroft Music (just seeing the sign conjures the memorable pipe tobacco scent of the old store on Broad) and even a few photographs of the early days of the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe, of which Lu was a part, starting in its second year. He has items from Faulk Chevrolet, The Hayloft Lounge, Thomasville Coca Cola Bottling Company, Thomas Drugs, and The Plaza. The noteworthy thing about Lu’s Thomasville collection is that these aren’t just things on a shelf. They are gifts from friends.

He bears a connection to each of these local, timehonored businesses and has childhood memories with their owners and founders.

The oldest piece in the collection is likely the Curb Cop, an antique parking meter dating to the early 1940s and used to pay fines. History enthusiasts, but especially Thomasville lovers, would be intrigued to see the mementos Nunnally has preserved of a truly special town. And it is because of this town and its people, which so shaped and influenced Luten Nunnally, that there is a Sweet Lu’s Pop Culture Experience at all.

Encountering an individual like Luten Nunnally is powerful because his passion for nostalgia causes people to consider the meaning in their own lives.

What is worth remembering and keeping? Are today’s young parents giving their children a life they will want to remember like Luten does his? Almost imperceptibly, a tiny museum full of old jerseys and records leaves a mark on the heart that will not be forgotten with time. TM

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Se habla Español

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rooted kitchen ROOTED KITCHEN IS A GUIDED SEASONAL MEDITATION ON EARTH’S MOVEMENT, AS WE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO, AND HONOR, ITS INGREDIENTS, WHICH BECOME OUR DEAR FRIENDS WHO VISIT US ANNUALLY. We relish their presence when they arrive and bid them adieu when their time has gone. For when one ingredient is about to make an exit, another is waiting to be warmly welcomed. It’s about celebrating each season for the unique bounty it brings.

Each section highlights a favorite seasonal ingredient of mine, offering a deeper bit of knowledge as well as ways to preserve the ingredient when it’s in abundance. I believe that by truly understanding where our food comes from, we can develop a caring, more loving relationship with the earth and see our interconnectedness with it all. This book is a love letter to nature.

--Ashley Rodriguez

Fava Bean Salad with Porcini, Speck, and Pecorino

Reprinted with permission from Rooted Kitchen:

With the work required to prepare fava beans, the resulting dish needs to feel special, and I’m certain this one does. With the fava beans blanched and peeled, you’re almost done. Simply shave porcini onto a serving platter, then layer that with speck, the fava beans, arugula, and plenty of shaved Parmesan. The dressing comes from a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

SERVES 4 2 lbs fresh fava beans 1 small porcini (about 8 oz), thinly sliced 2 oz sliced Italian speck 1½ oz shaved pecorino cheese (about ½ cup) 1 cup arugula 1½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ small lemon, for squeezing Freshly ground black pepper Flaky sea salt Shell all the fava beans by snapping off one end of the pod and then pulling down along the seam. Remove the beans from the pod. Set up a medium bowl of ice and water. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Blanch the fava beans in the boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately drain and put the beans in the ice bath.

Once cooled, peel the outer skin of the fava beans by

Seasonal Recipes, Stories, and Ways to Connect to the Natural World by

Ashley Rodriguez 2024.

Photographs by Ashley Rodriguez 2024. Published

by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

pinching the bean between your thumb and forefinger.

Give it a tight squeeze and the bean should pop right out of the skin.

Arrange the fava beans, porcini, speck, pecorino, and arugula on a serving platter in layers. Finish the salad by drizzling the oil on top and adding a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a few generous grinds of pepper over the top and a couple of pinches of sea salt. Enjoy right away.

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 33

rooted kitchen Smoked Clam Carbonara While far from the classic, this version of carbonara is quite possibly the most satisfying meal to put together over an outdoor fire. All the usual and delicious carbonara suspects are here: rich pancetta, toothsome pasta, and a creamy sauce of eggs, Parmesan, and starchy pasta water.

But what makes cooking the carbonara over a campfire so worthwhile are the clams: Set over the coals in a pan with the residual pancetta and garlic, the clams slowly steam over the wood fire, taking on its luscious smoke. I’ve also included instructions for making this dish in a home oven.

The dish is finished with a bit of lemon for brightness, parsley for color and freshness, and even more cheese . . . no explanation needed.

SERVES 4-6 6 oz pancetta or bacon, cut crosswise into strips ½ inch wide 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 lb Manila clams or small, sweet varieties such as Cherrystones or Littlenecks, scrubbed 1 lb spaghetti or bucatini 3 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving 3 large eggs Freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving 2 tsp grated lemon zest, plus more for serving 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley TO COOK OVER A FIRE Prepare a wood fire, let it burn to hot coals, and set a grill grate over the coals. Fill a large Dutch oven or soup pot halfway with water and stir in enough salt to make the water taste of the sea. Cover the pot, set on the grate, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron skillet set over the coals, cook the pancetta until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove the pancetta and garlic to a plate.

In the same skillet, add the clams and set the skillet over the coals for 1 minute, while stirring to coat the clams in the residual fat. Set the skillet off to the side of the coals, yet still close to the fire. The clams will slowly start to open and

34 | THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024

take on a smoky flavor. Discard any clams that do not open up in the cooking process. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.

In a large bowl, stir together the Parmesan, eggs, and 1 teaspoon pepper until thoroughly combined. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the hot pasta directly to the egg mixture and stir well and quickly so as not to scramble the eggs.

Add a bit of the pasta water, as needed, to create a creamy sauce. Add the pancetta and garlic to the pasta along with the clams, then stir in the lemon zest and juice. Transfer the pasta to a serving platter. Top with the parsley and more grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and pepper.

TO COOK IN A HOME OVEN Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pancetta and garlic to a plate.

In the same skillet, add the clams and cook for 1 minute while stirring to coat the clams in the residual fat. Add ½ cup water, cover the skillet, and continue to cook until the clams have all opened, about 5 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open up in the cooking process. Uncover and allow the water to evaporate. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.

In a large bowl, stir together the Parmesan, eggs, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Using a pair of tongs, transfer the hot pasta directly to the egg mixture and stir well and quickly so as not to scramble the eggs. Add a bit of the pasta water, as needed, to create a creamy sauce.

Add the pancetta, garlic, and clams to the pasta. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Transfer the pasta to a serving platter.

Top with the parsley and more grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and pepper.

rooted kitchen Cranberry Pear Almond Tart Every year, my mother carries on the tradition of her mother and her mother’s mother by making bonket, a classic Dutch recipe, where almond paste, lightened with eggs, is folded around flaky pastry. I’ve taken the flavors of this dish and turned it into a tart with cranberries and sweet pears resting on top of that sweet almond filling. The pastry is also blended with almond flour for an even nuttier flavor.

SERVES 4-6 DOUGH 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup almond flour, toasted (see note) 2 tbsp sugar Kosher salt ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces 2 to 3 tbsp cold water ALMOND FILLING 4 oz almond paste 1 large egg, at room temperature ¼ cup sugar Kosher salt FRUIT FILLING 3 cups fresh cranberries 2½ cups diced pears (about 2 medium pears) 1/3 cup sugar ½ cup sliced almonds MAKE THE DOUGH: In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until fine crumbs form. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the cold water and blend until the dough holds together when squeezed. If the dough is too dry, add the remaining water.

Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

MAKE THE ALMOND FILLING: In a food processor, pulse the almond paste until broken up. Add the egg, sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt and blend until creamy and smooth. Pour

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the almond filling into the prepared tart shell and smooth with an offset spatula.

MAKE THE FRUIT FILLING: In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, pears, and sugar and mix well. Pour this into the tart shell and sprinkle with the sliced almonds.

Place the tart pan on the lined pan, then bake until the crust is golden and the juices from the fruit are slowly bubbling, about 1 hour. Cool completely before serving.

Kitchen Note To add more flavor, I toast my almond flour before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almond flour on a parchmentlined baking sheet in an even layer. Toast until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Cool completely before making the dough.

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LEGACY

Bill ’s S

PLACES

BY SARAH D. SHEARER PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Jewelers

ome businesses offer more than mere transactions and necessary products to their consumers. These rare few business owners carry the distinct honor of being part of their customers’ lives in a tangible and memorable way.

At Bill’s Jewelers in Thomasville, creating custom jewelry pieces and repairing precious heirlooms is their lifeblood. It’s more than a job—it’s a passion and a mission.

Founded in 1986 by Bill Wisner, the hometown jewelry shop has been in operation in the same location for close to 40 years. Today, Wisner’s three sons, Jason, Jonathan and Garrett, are the owners

and carry on Bill’s tradition of providing exemplary service and stunning pieces of jewelry to all customers.

Wisner’s style of business was tried and true and served him and his community well. When his sons bought him out in 2018, they wanted to further his legacy while modernizing the operation, as in the massive remodel a few years ago.

Stepping into Bill’s offers customers a unique experience as individuals are greeted with genuine care and interest. This Southern hospitality, not always palpable in big-box jewelry stores, is juxtaposed with decades of immense knowledge and craftsmanship.

The three brothers are all bench jewelers, trained

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LEGACY

PLACES

Bill’s three sons are carrying on the family business.

by Wisner, who is also a bench jeweler. This distinction signifies that they are skilled in jewelry repair of all kinds and that they are equipped to create and design almost any piece of jewelry imaginable.

“If you can dream it, we can do it,” the brothers boast, and they have a host of happy customers to prove it.

Eldest brother Jonathan worked in different locations as a jeweler before returning to Bill’s more than a decade ago. Jason has been with the company for close to 30 years, starting his senior year of high school in 1996.

Youngest brother Garrett has joined forces with his brothers as part of their mother’s dying wish in 2016 that her sons would get along well and make something of their father’s business.

Garrett, young, friendly, single and skilled, handles much of the day-to-day repairs which bring customers in droves. Jason oversees marketing, advertising and community engagement, while Jonathan thrives behind the scenes, working to ensure everything runs smoothly administratively. Together, they form a fine team of truly caring individuals excited and ready to provide their customers with an unforgettable pieces of quality jewelry.

Acknowledging the immensely important role jewelry has played in society through recorded history fuels their passion. They are well aware that the wedding rings and necklaces and bracelets they design and sell will become treasured pieces of people’s lives for decades to come.

This honor is not lost on them as they seek to understand their customers’ personalities and quirks while they

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LEGACY PLACES

browse around the store. For the gentleman who desires to give something beautiful and timeless to the love of his life but has no idea where to start, the team at Bill’s is adept at finding just the right thing that will make her swoon. Years of study and interacting with their community made them experts of jewels and gold but, more importantly, of people.

The gentlemen enjoy giving back to the community and supporting causes near to their hearts. “It’s pointless to make money if you can’t do anything good with it,” they all agree. Hands and Hearts for Horses and Hands On Thomas County are just two of the places they enjoy supporting however they can.

When making such a significant purchase, as is often common at a jewelry store, patrons want to feel like they can trust the owners to give them top quality jewels and honest information. This is a must at Bill’s. No piece of jewelry is ever placed on display without their careful inspection and

Being able to read their customers helps the staff make great recommendations.

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LEGACY

PLACES

approval. They seek to provide the best diamonds and the most cutting-edge technology to each of their customers. Whether coming in for a simple ring sizing or a complex engagement ring design, cutomers will find the team at Bill’s is ready to serve with a smile.

Bill’s also offers an impressive collection of estate jewelry, another aspect that sets them apart from other businesses. They say that owning a piece of estate jewelry is as close to time travel as we can get. They consider it a privilege to offer such unique pieces to Thomasville’s citizens.

In a world where true craftsmen are now often replaced with automation and mass production, Bill’s Jewelers of Thomasville is a sort of city on a hill, offering the Southern service their customers have come to expect. TM

As bench jewelers, the three can repair jewelry but also create custom pieces.

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SUCCESS STORY 2023

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FRIDAY & SATURDAY Orchids on Parade 9am – 4pm, Municipal Bldg, 144 E. Jackson St. 103rd Annual Rose Show 1pm – 5pm, Tent, Remington Ave. at Broad St. FRIDAY Rose Parade 7pm, Broad Street, Downtown Thomasville Street Dance 8:30pm, North Broad and Jefferson Street

Rose Show & Festival APRIL 26-27

SATURDAY Civic Garden Club Flower Show 10am – 5pm, Tent at The Ritz Amphitheater Car & Truck Show 10am – 3pm, Around the Historic Courthouse Rose Fest Market at the Ritz 10am – 4pm, The Ritz Amphitheater Sip & Shop Downtown Thomasville 6 – 9pm, The Ritz Amphitheater

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Come taste your way around Thomasville!

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2024 | 55

EXPERIENCE

Healing a

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Town

By Sarah D. Shearer · Photos by Emily Tucker Photography

HISTORY

Blake Brookerd, owner, Medicine Man’s Corner, Thomasville

EXPERIENCE HISTORY

W

This historic home has long been a favorite of both locals and tourists.

ho wouldn’t jump at the chance to stay in a luxurious and perioddesigned suite at one of the South’s most famous and historically significant houses?

And if you’re asking yourself how this is possible, it’s because many historic house museums are addressing long-term sustainability by adopting adaptive re-use options such as rentals, commercial use, and shared use models.

For decades, the Lapham-Patterson House has been a fixture in Thomasville as a destination for visitors from around the southland and the country. Every week, people who appreciate the area’s rich heritage arrive for tours of its many rooms and special architectural features. Families, companies, and organizations have rented the house for receptions, business retreats, and other special events.

In 2024, the Thomasville History Center, which manages and protects this National Historic Landmark, announced completion of renovations to the first-floor master suite which have resulted in amenities that rival any high-end resort hotel. Yes, right here in the heart of one of Thomasville’s historic districts.

As most people know, Thomasville is a popular destination for travelers throughout the South. It’s well-known for its downtown shopping, vibrant arts community, and charming brick streets. The city features sophisticated restaurants, cultural destinations, and unique historical assets. The city really rolls out the red carpet for visitors to enjoy its rich stories through access to places such as the Lapham-Patterson House, where present-day life is rooted in the past.

In the Gilded Age, Thomasville was a resort destination for people from the north and the city retains that spirit in its wonderfully historic downtown and nearby residential streets. The Lapham-Patterson House sits on the corner of North Dawson and Webster in the Dawson Street historic district. This Victorian architectural treasure was built by Charles Lapham of Chicago. Completed in 1885, it took 11 months to build and cost $4,500 (you couldn’t get it done today for that amount!).

Mr. Lapham was living in Chicago in 1871 and barely survived the Great Chicago Fire, in which his home was lost and his lungs damaged. So, when he came to Thomasville, he built this whimsical cottage as a safe

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Keeping the promise.

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EXPERIENCE HISTORY

The overnight stay can be booked on Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.

winter retreat. Safe you might ask? That’s right.

Drawing awe at first sight are the home’s almost countless points of egress through tall windows and doors, open to the outside from every room for a speedy exit in the event of fire. The structure was nicknamed “Mr. Lapham’s Whimsy” for its oddities though it’s magnificent to view from both inside and out. The house’s spindle work Queen Anne style features many of the characteristics of the fashion: an asymmetrical plan, multiple roof levels, decorative gables and brick chimneys, and windows of every size and shape.

There’s no doubt Mr. Lapham would be pleased with the care and planning of the new suite in the same space as his original master bedroom, bath and parlor. No longer just available for the casual visitor, today the Lapham-Patterson House is available to all those who seek a luxurious, tasteful, and exciting place to rest their heads where history and stories of the past surround them.

Continued, p.64

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TOTAL

RETREAT

Completed renovations to the first-floor master suite

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EXPERIENCE HISTORY

The Thomasville History Center manages and protects this National Historic Landmark.

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Re-purposed with an attention to 21st Century comforts in a 19th century setting, the suite is in a wing of this National Landmark and is available for rental by the day or the week. Great attention was paid during the renovation work to keeping all the historic details of the rooms in place. The pine floors were restored to their original condition, and the fireplaces, built-in drawers, closets and windows were kept in their original condition. The adaptive re-use process involves outlining ways to use a historic property for “modern” uses while still retaining and capitalizing on many of the architectural features and functions of the property. The process was long and complicated but was worth the effort. The result is that by using the property in ways that both protect its historic integrity and take advantage of new revenue streams, we will be able to keep the house as an accessible and vibrant part of Thomasville’s community.

So just as northerners flocked to this area in the late 19th century and were welcomed by luxurious hotels and boarding houses, we can now welcome visitors to Thomasville in 2024 to this amazing historic site. Visitors will have the opportunity both to tour the house and to spend some time in it for an overnight stay. The new suite at the Lapham-Patterson house harkens back to those resort era days while immersing guests in a superb experience of comfort and charm that is sure to be one of the most memorable stays imaginable. The listing can be booked on airbnb.com or vrbo.com. TM

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For Your Health

Unique Ways to Increase Energy Feeling Your Best

BY STEPHANIE RICE

For Your Health

Adaptogens like those found in mushrooms help regulate the adrenal sytem.

Soak up the charge from negative ions in nature.

I

t appears that every other ad we see is about how to increase your energy levels. It’s not surprising we are all lacking in energy with the hustle and bustle the world requires of us. Of course, you have heard all the typical tips and tricks of increasing your energy levels, such as daily exercise, getting sunlight first thing in the morning, not wearing sunglasses, taking a nap, limiting sugar/ carbs, and staying hydrated. But did you know there are plenty of other ways that are equally or even more effective at increasing energy levels?

BEGIN GROUNDING/EARTHING Did you know our wonderful planet Earth is made of electrical energy? Negative electrical charge, to be exact. This negative electrical charge has many health benefits, such as increasing energy, decreasing inflammation, wound healing, and pain reduction to name a few.

Our industrial culture has taken away this ancestral connection. Shoes, socks, living indoors, etc., have all taken us away from the restorative connection with the Earth. Grounding benefits have existed for thousands of years. In the 1800s, wellknown German scientists began proposing

walking barefoot for health benefits.

A study conducted in 2016 at The Chopra Center for Well-Being in Carlsbad, California on a group of 18 massage therapists found that, as a group, therapists experienced significant increases in physical function and energy and significant decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness, and pain while grounded as compared to not being grounded. In the one month following the study, physical function also increased and depressed mood and fatigue were decreased.

How do you ground yourself? Put your bare skin on the ground, whether it’s your feet, legs or hands. There can’t be anything between your skin and the ground, like socks or clothes. Grounding time varies, as there is not quite enough research to give you an exact number yet, but anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes seems to be the consensus. Many people report noticeable changes even after their first grounding session.

So, you want more energy, a better immune system, and less pain? Go outside and soak up the Earth’s negative electrical charge. The best part is it’s free!

INCREASE NEGATIVE IONS Wait a second… didn’t I just go over negative charge in grounding? Well, yes!

But now we are talking about negative ions, still from the Earth but different.

Negative ions are also considered to be essential to our health and well-being. They are found throughout nature and have even been called “nature’s Advil.” Negative ions

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can be found away from highly developed areas, near water, mountains, and after a thunderstorm.

Have you ever wondered why you feel so good at the beach? Not only are you barefoot, soaking up all the negative charge of grounding, but also because you are getting all the negative ions from the water and air. Besides nature, you can increase your exposure to negative ions through ion machines, infrared mats, and the gemstone tourmaline. Want to feel more energized, alert, and focused?

Introduce negative ions into your life!

TAKE ADAPTOGENS Feeling depleted? Tired? Exhausted? Try adaptogens! Adaptogens are plants that promote healing, balance, and restoration in the body naturally by regulating the adrenal system. The adrenal system is responsible for controlling how our body responds to stress.

Adaptogens can help your entire body cope with fatigue by boosting energy.

Adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola, schisandra, maca, holy basil, and ginseng. These may help your body feel more energetic, less exhausted, and even help with focus.

TRY PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL Need a quick pick me up? Peppermint essential oil is an easy way to stimulate your brain, increase focus, prevent fatigue, improve exercise performance, and even ease the pain of a tension headache.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained from the flowers, leaves, seeds, and bark of plants by cold pressing, steam distillation, or resin tapping.

Peppermint oil has been documented back to 1000 B.C. and has been found in several Egyptian pyramids.

Grounding benefits have existed for thousands of years.

In the 1800s, well-known German scientists began proposing walking barefoot for health benefits.

Nearly any type of physical activity, including yoga, can work wonders for fatigue and depression.

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Peppermint essential oil is a very versatile oil. It can be inhaled, defused, topically put on the skin, or even drunk in water or a smoothie. It can also promote healthy respiratory function, alleviate stomachaches, and improve oral health.

Try rubbing two to three drops on your temples or back of neck first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon for an energy boost. It’s best to pair essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil.

PRACTICE INVERSIONS Mostly done in yoga, inversions are poses where your heart and hips are above your head. This may sound intimidating, but there are many safe and easy inversion poses such as a forward bend, downward dog, or bridge pose.

In theory, poses that invert the body may increase alertness and reduce fatigue. They may do so by increasing oxygen and nutrient uptake in cells and releasing endorphins such as dopamine,

For Your Health

norepinephrine, and serotonin that increase attention and improve mood.

IN GOOD COMPANY Do you surround yourself with negative people that suck your energy? Then most likely you will be negative with low energy yourself. So, surround yourself with people who are positive and uplifting and your energy levels will thank you.

Now, get your seven to eight hours of sleep, drink your water, exercise, and add in any of the above to feel your absolute best! TM

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DUE SOUTH T

art, food, music

homasville Center for the Arts introduces its 14th annual Due South Art, Food, and Music Festival in downtown Thomasville, GA – where a close-knit community is bound & connected by the sights, sounds, and tastes of the South.

Not just your typical festival, Due South kicks off in April and steps into the vanguard of creative talent with a lineup as impressive as it gets. This year, inspired by Southern guitarists, emerging artists, foodies, and musicians will showcase their talent along the West Jackson Street corridor, The UnVacant Lot, and The Ritz Amphitheater.

ART

On April 4, Due South Public Art: Strings Attached! brings adult painters, sculptors, carvers, collage artists, and fiber artists with a twangy theme to the streets with 40 6-foot-7-inch Guitars on Parade, embellished with images and stories of iconic Southern guitarists. These talented creatives will travel from all over the region to compete for awards, educate our visitors, and connect to our community through a month-long installation.

Additional exhibitions include welders, cardboard creatives, fiber artists, and painters who will exhibit their guitar-related work that is sure to be “music to your eyes.”

Schools participating in the youth competition include Brookwood, Thomasville High School Scholars Academy, Thomasville High School, Thomas County Central High School and Cairo High School.

During Due South, a project using patchwork, a beloved Southern art medium, will allow concertgoers to put paint on canvas and contribute to a community-driven art piece showing the “strings that bind.”

FOOD

Putting the local chefs and brewmasters to work while luring new talent to town makes for a true challenge to keep things fresh and creative for the local foodie and craft beer connoisseur.

Recognized as an incubator for delectable cuisine, the South will bring it every time.

MUSIC

Due South weaves together show-stopping talent across performing, visual, and culinary arts at Downtown Thomasville’s Ritz Amphitheater. Since its debut in 2011, Due South has been a place where friends can come together to celebrate a love for music and art in Thomasville’s ever-growing Creative District. In true Southern style, the local music lovers spend the entire year searching for new talent and it sometimes comes from a niece of a friend who knows a guy…. But isn’t that the best kind?

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DUE SOUTH HEADLINER | BOY NAMED BANJO Launched while Barton Davies and William Reames were still just students in high school, Boy Named Banjo got its start busking on the streets of Nashville, where a passing tourist inadvertently named the group by yelling, “Play that banjo, boy!” as Davies picked outside Robert’s Western World.

Performing initially as a trio with fellow classmate Willard Logan on mandolin, the group began life as an old-school string band, but their sound quickly evolved into something more adventurous with the addition of bassist Ford Garrard and drummer Sam McCullough, who joined the band after returning home from college.

Dusk, Boy Named Banjo’s exhilarating new album, is indeed an electrifying dose of lightning in a bottle, one that explores the full sonic and emotional spectrum of the band’s rich, eclectic sound, from late-night, feel-good, fall-in-love party anthems to stripped-down, introspective meditations on loneliness, loss, and letting go.

FEATURING | EDDIE 9V As far back as he can remember, Capricorn Studios was calling to Eddie 9V. As a kid scanning the sleeves of his favorite vinyl records, this fabled facility in Macon, Georgia, was always the secret ingredient, adding a little grit and honey to every song born on its floor. Eddie spent his first quarter-century admiring Capricorn from afar. But in December 2021, the 26-year-old finally put his thumbprint on the studio’s mythology, corralling an 11-strong group of the American South’s best roots musicians to track his third album.

OPENER | TWO FOOT LEVEL Two Foot Level hails from the tree-canopied hills of Tallahassee, Florida. The band’s instrumentation is clawhammer banjo, acoustic and electric mandolin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, drums, and vocals.

Though these instruments could be found in most bluegrass bands, with the exception of the drums, and while bluegrass stylings are part of the band’s sound, there’s much more to it. They like to think of their music as universally appealing, stirring up good times and positive vibes.

Due South continues its commitment to provide arts education and access for all ages and backgrounds, intending to connect our community to unforgettable cultural experiences. Thomasville Center for the Arts works with over 115 community partners and 220 individual supporters and volunteers that help us reach 85,000 children, adults and artists annually.

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with 40 6-foot-7-inch Guitars on Parade highlighting iconic Southern guitarists.

DUE SOUTH Due South 2024 Lineup April 4-28 – Strings Attached!

Public Art guitars on parade along the West Jackson Street corridor, UnVacant Lot, and Ritz Amphitheater April 5 – Front Porch Revival Cardboard + Fiber Art Exhibition guitarinspired at the Goat Garage 225 W Jackson St 6:30-8pm April 18 – Public Art Bronze Unveiling + Dedication Southland MD Corporate 100 S Madison 6-7:30pm April 20 – Due South Music Festival Ritz Amphitheater | 6-10pm Line up and get your tickets or buy them online at thomasvillearts.org/duesouth.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

March, April & May March 19 Salute to Spring Join the Thomasville History Center to mark the vernal equinox at the Lapham-Patterson House. Weather permitting, attendees will view the “light show” created when the sun reaches the point in the horizon to cast shadows onto the third floor from the bargeboard. Explore the house in between checking in on the light show. The best time to view the shadows is 4-5pm.

Materials will be on hand for making sun catchers inspired by the LPH’s stained glass windows. Donations in support of the Lapham-Patterson House are appreciated and masks are suggested. 3:30-5pm, 626 N. Dawson Street March 21 Garden Club Gala & Auction A fun-filled evening featuring live entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.

Cocktail attire requested. All proceeds benefit the programs of the Thomasville Garden Club and Garden Club of Georgia Named Scholarship Program. Tickets are $60, advanced reservations only.

6:30-9pm. For tickets, visit The Gift Shop downtown Thomasville or contact a Garden Club member.

March 23 Easter Eggstravaganza Bring your Easter basket and join us for free games and an Easter egg hunt with over 5,000 eggs. Event sponsored by City of Thomasville and community partners.

Community Relations. 11am-2pm, Paradise Park; 229-227-7001 Drawing Workshop Workshop on drawing and observation led by local artist Ron Thomson. All skill levels welcome. $125/person and reservations must be made through pebblehill.com.

1-5pm, Pebble Hill Plantation

March 30 Pebble Hill Egg Hunt Children ages 2 years to 2nd grade are invited to enjoy filling their baskets with Easter eggs from our beautiful grounds. Special “Golden Egg” prizes, games, and other activities. Space is limited. 9amnoon, Pebble Hill Plantation. Tickets and info available at pebblehill.com.

April 5 Sip and Shop Head downtown to sip, shop, stroll, dine and listen to some great music.

Grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue and stroll the historic streets in style with shops open late. Enjoy a free concert, 8-10pm, at The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street, featuring a different band each month. 6-10pm; 229-228-7977 April 13 Clays for Strays Support the Thomas County Humane Society at their annual Clays for Strays event. Compete in teams of four in Skeet, Wobble Trap, and a Driving Sporting Clays course. Shooters also have a chance to compete in the Long Bird Exhibition, a 50/50 cash prize for the winner. For more info, visit thomasvillehumane.org. Flint Skeet and Trap Club, Albany Legend Music Festival An evening of great music & food in support of The Levi Knop Memorial Scholarship. Talent includes special performances by Tillman Stalvey, Jeb Gibson, Michael Miller Band, and this year’s headliner, Corey Smith. Local vendors, face painting, axe throwing and more.

All ages welcome. Opens at 3:30pm with music starting at 4pm. Ritz Amphitheater, Thomasville.

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April 17-18 Plein Air Workshop Join nature artist Deb LaFogg Docherty for a plein air pastels workshop on the grounds of Pebble Hill Plantation. $350/person. 9am3pm each day. Space is limited.

Register at pebblehill.com.

April 20 Due South 2024 See details page 74.

April 26-27 Rose Festival Thomasville Rose Show & Festival is packed with experiences the whole family can enjoy. The Rose Parade, 7pm, April 26. The Rose Fest Market, 11am-5pm, April 27 features handcrafted artisans and makers, food trucks, music, and children’s activities. Traditional events include multiple rose and flower shows, the Show & Shine Car & Truck Show, and the Street Dance, which will return this year. For additional information, contact the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.

May 3 Sip and Shop Head downtown to sip, shop, stroll, dine and listen to some great music.

Grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue and stroll the historic streets in style. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late. Bring your chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free concert, 8-10pm, at The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street, featuring a different band each month. 6-10pm; 229-228-7977 May 11 Pavo Peacock Day Parade, crafts, food, games, rides, music, drawings, Peacock quilt raffle, family fun for all ages. 9am-3pm; 2061 W. McDonald Street, Pavo

SOCIAL SCENES

Red Hills Quail Forever YOUTH QUAIL HUNT

The Red Hills Quail Forever chapter works to preserve wildlife habitat, engage youth in outdoor sports, and support our wild American heritage. Scholarships from Southern Regional Technical College’s Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management program were awarded to Keilee Phillippi and Jayden Mitchell at the annual banquet in February.

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SOCIAL SCENES

Thomas County Junior Livestock Association GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW

Members of the Thomas County Junior Livestock Association participated in the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show and the TCJLA livestock show in Perry in early March. Eighth grader Jaleigh Hurst (bottom row, far right), daughter of Joe and Chasity Hurst, won Champion Market Beef animal, marking the first time a Thomas County exhibitor has won grand champion at state.

(Photos by Bri Whigham)

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PRIMARY LOGO

Dr. Spooner NOW SEEING PATIENTS

IN THOMASVILLE! Dr. Bryan Spooner graduated from Liberty University inHORIZONTAL 1992 with a bachelor’s of Podiatric LOGO in biology. He earned his Doctor SECONDARY LOGO’s Medicine degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, where he was a member of the Pi Delta Podiatry National Honor Society in 1997. He completed his two-year podiatry residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Spooner joined Tallahassee Podiatry Associates Foot & Ankle Center in 1999. Board Certified in podiatric surgery by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery, he is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Born in Augusta and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he says starting a practice in Thomasville feels like a homecoming.

Phone/Text 229-236-2768 Fax 229-595-6998 Website TLHPodiatry.com

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(229) 226-6074