Thomasville Magazine Summer 2021

Page 1

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

COMPLIMENTARY Please Take One

Summer Reads The Bookshelf ’s top picks for your summer reading.

The American Turmeric Company One family’s extraordinary local farm returns the land to its roots, attracting rare native species in the process.

Dfurog D ays baby rescues THE HUMA N E SO C I ET Y ’S ST O RY Plus Wildwood Cottage Pottery · Three Cool Cocktails · 100 Years of Rotary


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“Your s uc c e s s is ou r s u c e s s ” — STEPHEN H. CHENEY I CEO

M AGA Z I N E The first and finest in the Red Hills Region

FOUNDER

John D. “Jack” Kelly | March 15, 1931 - July 8, 2015

“He spent his life giving back to the community he loved!” A bank’s success is never an idea alone. Thomasville National Bank’s success

• EDITOR IN CHIEF

lies in our community of customers,

Karen “KK” Snyder| kk@thomasvillemagazine.com

in their character, in their loyal response.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

They value trust: the handshake agreement.

Lauren Vann | Adele Creative Marketing & Design

They are proud of Thomasville:

GRAPHIC DESIGN

its families, traditions, and prosperity.

Lauren Vann | Jacob Welch | Mary Katherine Haley

ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT Gloria Fielding

ADVERTISING SALES Christy Layfield | Wendy Montgomery

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an p.62

Unusual CROP A Boston, Georgia farm is growing turmeric, one of the hardest-working spices around. PAGE 64

CONTENTS 10 In the Wild Wildwood Cottage Pottery is the creative venture of Thomasville artist Carola Rodina Rutkowski.

24 Raining Cats & Dogs The Thomasville Humane Society goes to great lengths for fur babies in need of a home.

36 Lake Life Reynolds Lake Oconee is the perfect destination for a summer vacation.

53 Business Spotlight Highlighting some of Thomasville’s finest insurance agents and agencies.

p.10

62 Summer Reads Annie B. Jones will fill your beach bag with the best of the best summer titles for 2021.

72 100 Years of Rotary Celebrating a full century of fellowship and service above self with Thomasville Rotary.

p.60 p.36

COOL COCKTAILS

A selection of craft cocktails perfect for warm weather and easily adapted to alcohol-free. PAGE 60

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Letter

38 Downtown Guide 44 Health & Fitness

5 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

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

Soaking Up the Sun Summer in Southwest Georgia can be a beast, but it also brings beach season, baseball games, backyard cookouts, and family vacations. As with most of life, we have to take the good with the not so good. As summer unfolds, we hope you’ll take advantage of all the good there is to find in our region, from u-pick farms to outdoor concerts, natural springs to state parks. Thomasville certainly has its share of great warm weather opportunities for kids and adults, including outdoor dining, First

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.

Friday Sip & Shop, Camp Dawson at the Thomasville History Center, Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Live Music Under the Oaks, and Hands on Thomasville’s Project Impact 2021 Summer Service Camp. Check out the full calendar on thomasvillega.com, and make your summer plans! We hope you’ve noticed our shiny new Thomasville Magazine boxes around downtown, making it even easier for you to pick up our latest issue for FREE! Look for boxes outside of Empire Bagel, Grassroots Coffee, and Q Cafe. Stay Cool,

KK Karen (KK) Snyder

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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THE SELF-PROCLAIMED

Mess Maker CAROLA RODINA RUTKOWSKI SHARES HER STORY BEHIND WILDWOOD COTTAGE POTTERY By Lindsay Field Penticuff · Photos by Todd Stone



If you’re driving down Clay Street—and not far from Downtown Thomasville—you might be lucky enough to come across a cottage-like home on Wildwood Lane that’s filled with beautiful pottery, an impassioned artist, and two rather large dogs. This is the home and studio of Carola Rodina Rutkowski, owner, potter, and self-proclaimed mess maker of Wildwood Cottage Pottery. It’s also home to Rutkowski’s two Newfoundland dogs she calls her “gentle giants” named Inukshuk and Bhalu. “They hang with me in the studio every day,” she says. “They sleep on the floor, knock over fresh pots, and mess things up. It’s their way of assisting, but they are definitely a part of this for me.” And while the pups may seem quite at home in Rutkowski’s pottery studio and act like it’s been their domain for years and years, that’s actually not the case. Why ceramics? Rutkowski says her dream of becoming a full-time potter was a long time coming. “It was the medium I enjoyed most and was somewhat good at in art, even back in elementary, middle, and high school. I couldn’t draw worth anything,” she laughs in sharing. “I remember my art teacher at one point even saying, ‘Well, let’s just crochet a blanket.’ I’m obviously very tactile and have always been good with my hands.”

I JUST KNEW I WAS GOING TO [DO POTTERY] ONE DAY. IT WAS JUST SO COOL, AND NOW THAT’S MY LIFE


Carola calls herself a functional potter, creating things used in daily life.

13 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2021


As she got older, Rutkowski was always checking out the

The push she needed

pottery people had in their homes, and she’d ogle at the mugs

displayed in stores. “I just knew I was going to do that one day.

therapist got halted due to COVID-19 in March 2020.

It was just so cool, and now that’s my life!”

Working with her hands came quite easy, too, as Rutkowski

a full-time artist,” she says. “I just wasn’t able to say no to my

was a professional massage therapist for 21 years as well as a

massage clients in the past. I really did love my work, but I just

graphic designer.

never gave pottery the full time it needed.”

“Massage was always working with my hands, but over the

Like so many others, Rutkowski’s profession as a massage “The pandemic gave me the full stop that I needed to become

She was pretty much stuck at home around the clock because

years I really wanted to get out of it even though I had good

of the pandemic, so Rutkowski decided to get to work. She

clientele,” she says.

turned her two-car garage into a functioning studio, and that’s

During her travels, she lived in Newfoundland, taking her

where she’s been working for the past year. “The pandemic

first pottery class in 2011. Rutkowski became good friends with

definitely shifted my life in a major way and into what I always

the pottery teacher, visiting her home often and working on a

knew I wanted to do.”

tabletop wheel to learn the craft.

“That’s when I started futzing with it on the side,” she says.

The details in making pottery

Rutkowski eventually returned to Thomasville in 2015—a

There are different types of pottery and ways of making

place she called home in middle and high school—with a short

pottery, but Rutkowski prefers working with clays that can be fired

stint in Asheville, North Carolina in 2017, when she took time to

to stone.

focus on pottery.

a functional potter, which means I make everyday tableware like

“There are so many awesome potters there that I got to

“Stoneware is what I make, and I would also consider myself

meet and talk with about pottery and the processes they went

mugs, plates, bowls, and dishes,” she says. “I’m not a sculptor.”

through,” says Rutkowski.

include throwing pieces on a pottery wheel, mold slab building,

Upon returning to Thomasville after a couple of months in

The three methods of making pottery that Rutkowski uses

North Carolina, massage remained her main occupation, but

and coil building.

she was always dabbling in pottery on the side. She even set up

a small studio downstairs in her home, visiting it from time to

wheel, but when you make slab-built stuff, you’re basically

time to play in her love of ceramics.

Continued, p.19

Paying close attention to every step along the way keeps the pottery intact.

“You can make things like mugs and cups using the pottery


THE PANDEMIC GAVE ME THE FULL STOP THAT I NEEDED TO BECOME A FULL-TIME ARTIST


REALIZING A DREAM

Carola says she has to pinch herself sometimes to realize she’s finally living her dream.

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making your own molds,” Rutkowski explains. “I have a few of the long bread bowl trays that I’ve made molds of. Once you have your own mold, you just make slabs and you lay them over that mold, and then you can just continue to pull pieces of the same exact shape off of that.”

Coil building means taking a piece of clay and forming

it into long strands that resemble sausage links. You coil the pieces together for as big or small of a piece as you want, gently laying the coils for a vase or lamp, for example. “You have to use slippery, watered-down clay in between each layer to act like glue,” Rutkowski continues. “Then, you have to smooth the walls. It’s a really time-consuming process. I’ve made a few trays for table centerpieces using this method.”

One of the trickiest things to learn how make at first were

handles for mugs or cups, but one of the more difficult pieces she’s worked on lately is adding handles to her large pieces like the long bread bowl trays.

“How the pottery dries changes with the climate,” Rutkowski

says. “If it’s really dry in my studio and I forget to cover a piece with plastic, it’ll crack and break. I’ve already lost three of the bread bowl trays. It’s all about these steps in between that if you forget one of them, you’re going to lose a piece.”

And as far as what she hopes to learn how to do and perfect

as she continues to grow her business: “I definitely want to make really, really big pieces, such as large pots and shallow, huge bowls that are like 3 or 4 feet in diameter.”

She’d also like to continue making pendant lamps and table

lamps, something she just recently learned how to do. “Pinch me”

“I’m a heck of a lot happier,” Rutkowski shares when asked

if she’s been surprised by how well the past year has gone with starting her own pottery business. “Not that I didn’t enjoy what I was doing, but I knew for a long time that this is what I was going to do.”

She still finds herself often looking around the studio and

saying out loud, “Wow! This is really my life now.”

“It took quite a while to get here, and it’s still not completely

sustaining my life, but it’s definitely getting there. It’s almost

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like, pinch me, because I finally get to do what I love and enjoy, and people are actually responding to it positively. That’s just really cool,” she concludes. Connect with Wildwood Cottage Pottery Website: wildwoodcottagepottery.com

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Fur-ever Homes BY WENDY BELLACOMO PHOTOS BY TODD STONE


The Thomasville Humane Society recently met a nationally accepted save rate for the first time ever.

When Thomasville native Chandler Giddes moved back home

I left,” he says. “My entire career has been surrounded by animal

in October 2020 to serve as interim director of the Thomasville-

welfare in some regard, and I’m passionate about it. What might be

Thomas County Humane Society, he was on fire with ideas to move

surprising, though, is that I’m even more passionate about people.

the organization forward. Having previously worked as the humane

That works out because 90 percent of this job is people problems,

society’s animal control director for three years, Giddes left in 2017

not animal problems. Animals are just the ones that we get to handle

to take an animal welfare position in Gwinnett County, followed

after the fact.”

by a brief stint in Delaware. When the opportunity to return to

his hometown came along, he jumped at it. It was a way to move

systems and procedures in place. “Since I started, we’ve completely

closer to family and also to grow personally and professionally as

changed as many parts of this operation as possible by bringing

a new executive director. After serving three months in the interim

every function in line with industry best practices. It has been a

position, his role became permanent at the beginning of 2021.

tremendously busy and exciting six months.”

“I was excited to be able to return to Thomasville Humane and

revive some of the forward progress and momentum we had when

As soon as he stepped in the door, Giddes began putting new

Giddes first concentrated on looking at ways to improve costs and efficiency. The largest single expense for the shelter was animal

25 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


WE HAVE A SAYING THAT ‘SEEN EQUALS SAVED’

care, so he implemented tactics to shorten each animal’s stay as well as to prevent them from entering the shelter at all. That meant employing strategies like preventative intake measures, owner retention resources and placement assistance, and new foster and volunteer programming. He also hired a firm to manage a targeted social media campaign.

“We have a saying that ‘seen equals saved’,” he says, of the

importance of showing photos of the animals. “Just being able to market these animals in a positive light has made an unbelievable impact on our ability to place them in our community. Our job is to make these animals in our care relevant to people, and social media has been a fantastic way to do that.”

The results of these efforts are impressive. The average length

of stay for an animal was 414 days in October 2020. At the end of the first quarter of 2021, that number dropped drastically to just 11 days. Adoption rates are up. During the first three months of 2021, numbers surpassed the combined adoptions of the same time period in the previous two years. Thomasville Humane also ended Executive Director Chandler Giddes was excited to return to Thomasville for this new role.

26 THOM ASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

the first quarter with a nationally accepted save rate for the first time since the organization was founded in 1978.

“Our save rate through April was 98 percent,” Giddes notes with

Continued, p.31




Fostering Love

When Betty and Russell Rouse lost their longtime canine

“I can’t tell you how much joy those puppies brought into

companion, Charlie, last fall, his absence left a huge void in

our lives,” says Betty. She also praised the support provided by

their home and in their hearts. In their late 70s, the Rouses felt it

Thomasville Humane, which provides everything from food to

was too late for them to start over with a puppy. But as lifelong

clean towels to bundles of newspaper.

dog owners, they missed the presence of a dog in the house.

When Betty dropped off Charlie’s possessions as a donation for

even made a house call to give the puppies their vaccinations

the Thomasville Humane Society, she asked Director Chandler

because there was no way that we could have handled taking

Giddes about fostering.

that many puppies to the office.”

Giddes lit up right away. “It just so happens that we have

“They made sure we had everything we needed. The vet

By the middle of April, all of the puppies had found homes,

a black Lab here right now giving birth,” he said. Staff were

and Queen found one soon after. The Rouses are glad that they

concerned about the stress for both the mama dog and the

were able to help in a crisis and give the puppies a healthy

puppies in the noisy shelter environment. The long Thanksgiving

start in life. They have befriended several of the new owners

weekend was coming up, which meant that no one would be on

who often send photos and updates. Betty and Russell also are

hand to check on the puppies as often as needed in the first

thankful for the experience that helped them bridge the gap

few days of their lives. “I have to find a foster situation for them

Charlie left behind.

today,” Giddes told Betty.

Betty consulted Russell and, by the end of the day, the black

a dog,” says Betty. “You may not want to start over with a puppy,

Labrador, Queen, and her 10 puppies had moved in with them.

but you can foster as long as you’re well enough to take care of

Although that many dogs required a lot of care, the Rouses were

a pet. It’s such a wonderful experience for both the pet and the

happy to do it.

foster parent.”

“What I want people to know is you’re never too old to have

29 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY FOR AN ANIMAL DROPPED FROM 414 DAYS IN OCTOBER TO 11 DAYS FIRST QUARTER OF 2021.


HUMANE SOCIETY DOING GOOD

pride. “That’s the best thing I could hope for.” Of course, fundraising is a key component for any nonprofit. Giddes has attacked that with a newly structured Fund Development Committee, incentivized corporate partnerships, and monthly fundraising events. He reports that the organization is in the black and has received $98,000 in grant money in the last six months. An endowment provides continued support, and Giddes hopes to encourage more donations to the fund.

Looking ahead, Giddes has even loftier plans for Thomasville

Humane. A capital campaign may be on the horizon, as well as the ability to serve an even larger area. Noting that 13 out of 19 Southwest Georgia counties have no animal welfare services at all, he says it’s important for his organization to step up. His vision is an expansion through contracts with outlying municipalities to provide other communities with the services and strategies that are working so well for Thomas County.

31

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


HUMANE SOCIETY DOING GOOD

“There is a huge need for animal services in Southwest Georgia.

I think that we have an opportunity, if not an obligation, to try to fill some of those needs, if and when we can.” When trying to pinpoint the formula for Thomasville Humane’s successful six-month turn-around, Giddes says that while all the strategies put in place are important, it all boils down to a renewed idea of what the organization means to the community, along with a commitment to provide services in the most efficient, costeffective, and transparent way.

“I’m going, and we’re growing,” he states with conviction.

“Thomasville Humane is dedicated to doing anything and everything we can to move animals out of our care and into homes of their own.” TM To learn more about the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society, visit their website at thomasvillehumane.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.



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hose looking for something out of the ordinary for outdoor activity should look no farther than Reynolds’ Sandy Creek Sporting

Grounds on 100 beautiful countryside acres a short drive from the resort. Or ask about being taken from the Ritz Carlton to Sandy Creek on the new Chris-Craft boat recently purchased specifically for that service. Whether you go as part of a corporate team building excursion or just with friends looking for a unique adventure, the multi-faceted collection of shooting challenges and sporting endeavors offer a day of fun. Under the design direction of international shooting champion Justin Jones of Great Britain, one of the world’s foremost experts in the development and management of elite resort shooting facilities, Sandy Creek features a 20 station sporting clays course, a five-stand shooting range, a sporting clays instructional and games area, an air rifle range, and an archery range. The sporting clays course is one of only 10 in the country at a resort, says Jones. For those not experienced with shooting, professional certified instructors are available for lessons in the various sports. For non-shooters, other activities include fishing on a professionally managed 40-acre angling lake, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking, with all the equipment you’ll need conveniently provided for you. Now back on track is the offroad course at Sandy Creek. Following the native contours and topography of the land, the off-road course presents a navigational challenge for novice to intermediate drivers in a controlled environment. The highlight on the property, the Sandy Creek Barn dates to the early 1800s and was relocated from the wilds of Pennsylvania and restored in its current location in 2005. It serves as an ideal setting for music and culinary special events throughout the year, including the popular Rhythm & Brews music and beer festival each October. Nightly lodging rates during peak spring through fall months range from $645 for a two-bedroom condo to

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1019 East Jackson St Thomasville Mon – Thur 8am - 5pm Extended Hours: 8am - 7pm, 2nd Monday of each month 229-977-1541 229-236-6742 southernvascular.net

A

t Southern Vascular Laser & Aesthetics, our goal is to help you reach your skin health potential by providing an array of skin health and rejuvenation treatment options. We take our time discussing choices to help you attain and maintain your skin health goals. While addressing ways to correct damage and slow the signs of aging, we also utilize nonsurgical medical treatments to create and maintain health as opposed to just treating disease and damaged skin. In addition to Facial Peels, IPL and Laser treatments, Neuromodulators, and Dermal Fillers, we are excited to offer HydraFacial™ and SkinPen® Microneedling, some of the latest in technology and treatments. To ensure the continuum of at-home skin health and to extend our clients’ in-office treatments, we pride ourselves on carrying doctor-based cosmeceuticals that you can’t find in stores. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more.

We offer a wide variety of innovative aesthetic treatments: • Dermal Fillers • Restylane®, Radiesse™ and More • IPL for Face, Neck and Hands • Facial Treatments • HydraFacial™, Skinceutical® Peel, ZO Stimulator Peel®, Obagi Blue Peel Radiance® PCA UltraPeel®, Perfect Derma™ Peel and More • Scalp Health Treatment * HydraFacial™ Keravive™ Neuromodulators • Dysport® and Xeomin® • SkinPen® Microneedling with PRP • Laser Hair Reduction • Vein Treatments • ZO® Skin Health Products EVENT READY SPA PACKAGES/ BRIDAL SPA NIGHTS


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With over 25 years of extensive practical experience in skincare and sclerotherapy, and 15 years of experience with injectables, laser, and IPL photo rejuvenation, Jennifer has quite the repertoire in skin health. She is an expert on the benefits of our ZO® skincare products, providing a continuum between our therapeutic treatments and your at-home daily care. Book a free consultation and let Jennifer customize a skin care plan that is right for you! Convenient booking online at Vagaro.com. www.vagaro.com/southernvascularlaserandaesthetics


In the

H2O

Know

44 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


Local Health The importance of staying hydrated & how to do it without sacrificing taste Stephanie Rice B.S. Exercise Science, Jacksonville University ASCM, Certified Personal Trainer ACE, Weight Management Specialist Balanced Body Pilates Instructor MBG Functional Nutrition Specialist Fit Fab Life – Owner fitfablifetraining@gmail.com; fitfablife.biz

BY STEPHANIE RICE

D

id you know that the human body is 55 to 75 percent water? The younger you are, the more water your body retains. This is why it is so important to make hydration

a priority, especially during the hot summer months. Every organ and system in your body relies on water to function properly. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73 percent water, and the lungs are about 83 percent water. The skin contains 64 percent, muscles and kidneys 79 percent, and even the bones are a watery 31 percent. As you can see, our bodies need water for more than just hydration. Here are some amazing benefits of water—some might just surprise you! • Nutrient and oxygen transportation • Immune system, detoxification, and digestion support • Blood pressure and heartbeat regulation • Waste and bacteria removal • Healthier stool and bowel movements • Muscle repair • Joint lubrication • Weight loss • Electrolyte balance

45 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


There have even been studies that suggest staying hydrated can help prevent mood swings and increase cognitive performance. (Dr. Shaun Riebl) Dehydration is serious, even fatal, especially in the summer months. Signs of dehydration can include poor concentration, fatigue, low energy during workouts, headaches, weakness, low blood pressure, and dizziness. Think hangover! Adults (especially the elderly) and athletes need to be even more mindful to avoid dehydration. And be sure to check medications to see if they increase fluid loss, as that will increase the need for more water intake. Alcohol also leads to dehydration because it is a diuretic, meaning it causes you to take extra trips to the bathroom. Drinking a glass of water between alcoholic

are magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride,

beverages will help stave off dehydration. Sticking to

and bicarbonate. Benefits of electrolytes include:

only one alcoholic drink is ideal. Good news is that there are some easy ways to increase your water intake. By making the water have taste, most people will begin to drink more. My favorite way of adding flavor to water is by adding electrolytes or freshly squeezed lemon.

• Regulating fluid balance

• Promoting nerve and muscle function • Supporting heart health

• Improving bone strength • Maintaining brain health

Electrolytes are incredibly important to overall health. They are found throughout the body and play a vital

My

favorite

brands

are

LMNT,

Liquid

IV,

and

role in everything from fluid balance to heart health and

UltimaReplenisher. Any of these would be a great addition

brain function. Some of the most common electrolytes

to your daily routine and will help increase water intake

46 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


Local Health because they all taste amazing! Lemon water is also very good for you. Half of a fresh squeezed lemon in warm or cold water in the morning can help: • Boost your immune system and mood (thank you vitamin C!)

• Improve blood pressure • Improve liver function

• May support weight loss

• Helps maintain hydration Lemon water was found to be effective in uplifting your mood, especially when you’re deficient in vitamin C. A 2011 study from the journal Nutrition showed that vitamin C-deficient patients had a higher risk of suffering from mood disturbances and that

food colorings like sucralose, dextrose, red 40, etc., as

supplementing concentrations of vitamin C helped

these can cause a host of other problems.

improve their mood states by up to 34 percent. (Dr. Joseph Mercola) Remember, the body is very adaptable. Over the

Unfortunately, not everyone agrees about how much water we should drink each day. Here are recommendations from a few major health authorities:

years I have come across a lot of people who say they don’t like the taste of water. It’s actually the lack of

The Institute of Medicine recommends

between nine and 13 cups per day for

taste people don’t like. If you are one of these people,

adults.

just start small. Drink a glass in the morning when you get up, drink a glass with or after a meal, drink a glass around brushing your teeth or taking medication. In no

time at all your body will start craving the water and it

Harvard Medical School uses four to

six cups as a standard recommendation

for generally healthy people.

won’t taste so bad. If these tricks still don’t work, you can add the electrolytes or lemon to your water or drink fruit-

infused water. Other low-calorie, no sugar added

drinks that help hydrate are caffeine-free herbal teas, unsweetened coconut water, and nut milks like almond and coconut. Believe it or not, bone broth can also increase hydration. I will caution you to stay away from liquid and powder flavorings for water that are made of fake sugars and

Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health suggest between six and 10 cups per day is adequate.

Bottom line, dehydration is dangerous for every system of your body. Drinking more water can be easy, still taste good, and is one of the best decisions you can make for your overall health. TM

47

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


Phone: (229) 715-7505


Make a lasting difference in your community and form lifelong connections. To discuss membership, please email at Thomasville@Rotary6900.org.


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INSURANCE SPOTLIGHT FROM PAST TO PRESENT, LOCAL AGENCIES HAVE BEEN KEEPING THE COMMUNITY COVERED THROUGH THICK & THIN By Wendy Howell

53 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


ABOVE: The Caldwell & Langford team has grown throughout the years. The company cut the ribbon on their Smith Avenue location in 2003.

S

erving as the oldest insurance agency in Thomasville, Caldwell & Langford has centered their decades of success around their commitment and reputation, standing behind and going above and beyond what they offer their clients and giving them buying power when it comes to their insurance. With the first policy of insurance written in May of 1871, the original agency, Hansell & Hansell (later changed to Hansell & Merrill and then to Merrill & Moore) emerged from a confederate soldier, who was an attorney. He, along with other attorneys, started

54 THOM ASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

the agency as a side business, and the first company represented by the agency was Southern Mutual Insurance Company of Athens, Georgia, which signed a contract in 1898 and is still in force at the agency. In 1926, the first insurance-oriented person to join the firm was T.T. Caldwell, and in 1930 the agency name was changed to Moore & Caldwell. When Caldwell passed away in 1948, his son-in-law, Edward R. Langford, joined the agency and soon the name was officially changed to Caldwell & Langford. Caldwell’s wife worked in the agency part-time, retiring in 1957. Through the decades, the agency continued to acquire and partner with additional agencies around the region. Among those was the 2005 merger with MacIntyre & Edwards, the second oldest insurance agency in Thomasville. In 2012, the agency was converted to an employeeowned agency and in 2019, Caldwell & Langford purchased another locally owned


Caldwell & Langford THOMASVILLE’S OLDEST INSURANCE AGENCY

agency, The Orso Agency, making them the longeststanding, locally owned, and employee-owned business in Thomas County. Through this long lineage of progression, Caldwell & Langford has maintained its philosophy of serving its clients with the best customer service around. With the acquisitions, the agency strengthened its insurance options, solidifying the buying power that has earned them the reputation they still have today. “We take pride in our communication with our clients,” says Danny Braddy, principal/agent for Caldwell & Langford. “We believe in delivering policy options to our clients with detailed summary reports, reviewing everything line by line, to help our clients understand the policy and what their options

are. This has built our good reputation, which is the most important aspect of our agency that we are extremely proud of.” Serving as an independent insurance agency, Caldwell & Langford represents over 100 companies through direct company contracts and brokerage agreements. They offer home, business, auto, farm, bonds, and life insurance. Find out more about Caldwell & Langford by visiting caldwellandlangford.com.

Celebrating 150 Years! Local. Loyal. A legacy you can depend on.

411 Smith Avenue, Thomasville · 229-226-4511 CaldwellAndLangford.com

55 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


Gainous State Farm Agency

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF THE GAINOUS STATE FARM AGENCY IN THOMASVILLE

The Gainous agency was recognized for its renovation of this historic building in downtown Thomasville.

S

upporting the local community is something Stephen Gainous, Thomasville State Farm agent, says is at the heart of the agency’s mission of giving back to the community they serve. The agency makes it a priority to support educational initiatives as often as possible, including the local schools, university, technical college, and youth sports. Located in historic downtown Thomasville at 117 W. Jefferson Street, the Gainous State Farm Agency is located in a building they restored, moving the agency office in 2015. While restoring, they were careful to maintain the historical integrity of the building and even earned a Historic Preservation Award from the Thomasville

Stephen Gainous (229) 226-7656 www.rosecitysf.com

Your State Farm Agent

PRODUCTS & SERVICES Auto, Home, Business, Life, Health & Financial Services

Available to Help 24/7 • Call our office for a FREE auto insurance quote!

Historical Society for the project. “We love the downtown area and are proud to now be the downtown insurance agency for Thomasville,” says Gainous. Starting the agency in 2012, after long-time agent Charlotte Arnold retired, Gainous is no stranger to the insurance business. He began his career with State Farm in 2009. During his early years, he spent time at various agencies, gaining experience and helping them streamline their processes and grow their business. Later, he was sent to Atlanta to help evaluate and train oncoming agents for a couple years before he transitioned to take over the Thomasville agency for Arnold. A native of Cairo, Gainous is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Thomasville. The Gainous Agency prides itself on developing and maintaining a relationship business model, going above and beyond to provide the help they need. “We try to get to know our policyholders, treating them as family members,” says Gainous. Serving as a captive State Farm Agency, the Gainous Agency specializes in auto, home, life, and some health insurance as well as financial services, including credit cards, deposit products, and some investments. They also offer insurances for businesses and


recently became licensed to write insurance policies for Florida residents and businesses. Gainous says that 2020 was the agency’s best year ever, and they are already on track to surpass their goal for 2021. “We made sure that our employees were taken care of and remained employed during the 2020 COVID pandemic,” says Gainous. “We were fortunate to come out on the other side without having to downsize our agency. I told my team we would get through, with everyone still having a job.”

Now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year. Space is very limited; apply today! Call for your personal tour.

Brookwood School admits academically qualified students of any race, color, creed, gender, or national and ethnic origin.

For more information on the Stephen Gainous State Farm Agency, call 229-226-7656.

301 Cardinal Ridge Road | Thomasville, Georgia 31792 Phone (229) 226-8070 | www.brookwoodschool.org

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Farmers Insurance

AGENT VENICE CAUSEY AND STAFF PROVIDE ULTIMATE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH A HOMETOWN FEEL

From working for the highly respected Caldwell & Langford to operating her very own agency, Venice Causey continues to excel.

F

or most people, insurance can be a hassle and something they dread having to deal with, even though it’s a necessity of life. However, when you find an agent who makes customer service her ultimate goal, it takes the stress out of those insurance headaches. Combine that customer service with a hometown feel and you’ve got a true winning combination. Farmers agent and Thomasville native Venice Causey is a 25-year veteran in the insurance business. Starting her insurance career with 12

58 THOM ASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

years as a customer service representative at Thomasville’s oldest agency, Caldwell & Langford, she opened her Farmers Agency in 2017. Prior to joining Farmers, Causey served as an agent with Georgia Farm Bureau in Grady County. Specializing in business, home, auto, and life insurance, Causey is a passionate agent who doesn’t stop until she finds the best solutions for her clients, ensuring they always get the quality products they need at the best prices. “This philosophy of business is the driving force behind my agency,” says Causey. “I believe in going above and beyond for my clients and continuously troubleshoot each client’s needs and follow through with the best solution possible.” Farmers has a brokerage company called Kraft Lake which gives Causey access to other markets if the risk doesn’t fit Farmers. So, in addition to an amazing customer experience, clients can expect to have options designed to fit their needs with Causey’s agency. Her assistant, Laura Poole, has been with the agency for just a year but has worked in the insurance realm for seven years. Causey says she has the same spirit of customer


service and compassion, which is something Causey says just cannot be taught and is the reason they work so well together as a team for their clients. “From day one, I never saw working in the insurance industry as just a career or job. I see it as serving people and helping people, which is at the heart of what I do,” says Causey.

951 S Broad Street • Thomasville, GA 31792 Phone 229-228-4130 Fax 229-226-4690 ThomasvilleFamilyMed.com OUR PROVIDERS Calvin J. Reams, M.D. • Amy E. Geer, M.D. • Timothy O. Thomson, M.D. Charles Sanders, M.D. • Jeremy W. Poole, D.O. • Elving Colon, M.D. Thomas E. Edwards III, M.D. • Bonny Voyles, FNP • Rainey Williams, FNP Davelyne Hines, FNP • Philip J. DuBose, Psy. D

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from the bar

SUMMER SIPPIN’ When the temperatures rise, so does the appeal of a cold adult beverage. For

Jalapeño Paloma

those who prefer, all three of these are easily converted to mocktails simply by leaving out the alcohol. Cheers to summer!

Strawberry Mojito We can’t think of a better use of these sweet summer jewels. Mojitos can be enjoyed with nearly any fruit as the star ingredient, so experiment away! 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 6 strawberries handful of mint leaves 1 lime 4 oz rum ice lime flavored club soda In a small saucepan mix the water and sugar and bring to a boil on medium heat. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Put the strawberries and some crushed mint leaves in two tall glasses. Muddle the strawberries with a fork or spoon. Cut the lime in half and slice two slices from the middle. Add one to each glass. Juice the remaining lime and divide between the two glasses. Add about ¼ cup of the simple syrup to each glass, followed by half the rum in each. Stir to blend well. Fill glasses with ice and top with club soda to taste. Garnish with more mint.

60 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

A paloma is a Mexican cocktail that is traditionally made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and a squeeze of lime juice. Here we’ve suggested mezcal instead, but either works well. JALAPEÑO SIMPLE SYRUP 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 water 2 jalapeños, coarsely chopped Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 15 mins. Strain and reserve. FOR THE COCKTAIL 2 oz jalapeño simple syrup 1 oz lime juice 4 oz mezcal 4 oz grapefruit juice 4 oz club soda Kosher salt Grapefruit wedge and jalapeño slices for garnish Pour some salt onto a plate, then rub the edges of two tumblers with a grapefruit slice and dip into salt. Fill the glasses with ice. Combine all the ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into two glasses. Garnish with grapefruit and jalapeño slices.


Blueberry Lime Thyme Mashup This recipe includes ingredients for one cocktail, but who has just one, am I right? Double, triple, or quadruple and enjoy with friends. 2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries, plus more for topping 1-2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus a sprig for serving juice from half of a lime 2 tbsp blueberry or blackberry jam 1 ½ oz bourbon or tequila ½ oz elderflower liquor, such as St-Germain sparkling water for topping lime slices for garnish (optional) Fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, muddle the blueberries, thyme, and lime juice, mashing everything to release the juices. Add the jam, bourbon, and elderflower liquor. Fill with ice and shake until combined. Strain into your glass, top off with sparkling water, then gently stir to combine. Garnish with thyme sprig and a slice of lime.

61 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


FROM THE BOOKSHELF

SUMMERTIME READS BY ANNIE B. JONES, Owner of The Bookshelf

I

t’s hard to believe, but summer is finally upon us. The hottest time of the year is also when even non-readers begin to gravitate toward new books.

Everyone’s looking for something to stuff in their beach bag or take on the plane, particularly this year when vacations feel more like a gift and a luxury than usual.

Of course, this is where The Bookshelf shines. Our

staff is excited to put books into your hands this season to get you vacation-ready with your next great read. Enjoy our suggestions, spanning genres and encompassing various literary tastes.


Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid I’ve appreciated Taylor Jenkins Reid’s thoughtful, easy-todevour fiction for years, but she finally garnered the attention of a wider audience of readers after her publication of Daisy Jones and the Six, an oral history of a fictional rock band that had everyone talking. Now Reid is back with Malibu Rising, a novel about a group of siblings bound by their love of surfing and their complicated relationship with their famous father. Malibu Rising is set over the course of one chaotic evening, with flashbacks to the family’s past, and as a result, readers

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

will be immediately sucked in. I couldn’t put this one down,

Olympus, Texas might be my favorite book of the year, but

and I can’t think of a better book to take to the beach this

our manager Olivia is already declaring Project Hail Mary

summer. For fans of Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

hers. Author Andy Weir was a software engineer and space enthusiast before he caught the attention of publishers,

Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann

critics, and readers with the resounding success of The

This debut novel is in the running for my favorite book of the

Martian. (Remember Matt Damon harvesting potatoes in

year. Filled with richly drawn characters who feel larger than

space?) Weir has continued to be a successful writer, and

life and yet like people you know, Olympus, Texas is perfect

Project Hail Mary is being proclaimed as his best, perfect for

for plot-driven readers, too. Stacey Swann has created a

the serious science fiction aficionado and for lay readers like

satisfactory pager-turner about a sprawling, complicated

me, depicting a lone astronaut desperate to save the world

family whose secrets lead to bloodshed, infidelity, and,

from potential disaster. For fans of The Wanderers by Meg

ultimately, redemption. Swann also smartly incorporated

Howrey

classical Greek mythology into her story, and even though I’m sure some of those details were lost on me, other readers’

My Time Will Come by Ian Manuel

experiences will only be enhanced by those complexities. For

Nonfiction may not be the most obvious genre for vacation

fans of East of Eden by John Steinbeck

reading, but some of my fondest memories are of sitting beachside with my family, each of us armed with a different

Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian

nonfiction book, sharing stats and statistics and stories

Set in suburban Atlanta in the 1990s, Gold Diggers belongs

back and forth, all open to new information, willing to learn

to Neil, a second-generation teenager trying to find his way in

something new. My Time Will Come is Ian Manuel’s memoir

the world. Desperate for achievement but lacking ambition,

about surviving the juvenile justice system. Back in 1991, he

Neil joins forces with his friend and neighbor Anita, whose

was sentenced to life without parole for a mugging attempt;

own immigrant mother brews a potion from stolen gold to

he was 14 years old. The case garnered the attention of

help her daughter conquer her goals. I don’t know how debut

attorney Bryan Stevenson (of Just Mercy fame), and his

novelist Sanjena Sathian managed to capture such a wide

organization the Equal Justice Initiative began working

range of genres in one well-told story, but Gold Diggers is

for Manuel’s release. Manuel’s story is one of redemption,

completely compelling, combining coming-of-age, magical

forgiveness, and grace, and I love that he’s telling it in his own

realism, historical fiction, love story, and a thrilling heist, too.

words. For fans of Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-

For fans of Admission by Julie Buxbaum

Cannino and Ronald Cotton

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


SOUGHT AFTER FOR ITS HEALING PROPERTIES, A TURMERIC CROP IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA IS ALSO BRINGING RENEWED LIFE TO RARE BIRDS. 64 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


T urmeric Taking Flight BY SARAH D. SHEARER


66 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


FARM LIFE

THE AMERICAN TURMERIC COMPANY FAMILY AFFAIR

Ryan and Janell Cleveland together with her parents, Ed and Diane Taylor, operate The American Turmeric Company. The family farm is dedicated to growing and producing high-quality turmeric.

the benefits of turmeric. Although the South is an ideal locale for growing turmeric, not many are doing it because of the labor involved. The humid climate, heat, and the occasional freezes here create the perfect environment for turmeric to grow and thrive. This turmeric growing family is currently focused on enriching the soil and planting native grasses to help their turmeric plants succeed. After it is picked, the root is consumed, much like ginger. They work hard to cultivate their crop before turning it

W

into a paste or powder to distribute through their online business, The American Turmeric Company. hat do you get when you combine a

Their products, appropriately titled “Georgia Gold,”

molecular biologist, a criminal defense

come in a paste that looks like pureed sweet potatoes

attorney, and 20 acres of farmland

and powders that are a brilliant orange. The paste is much

in Boston, Georgia? A thriving turmeric enterprise and a

more potent and effective because it comes straight

haven for rare birds, apparently. A conversation with Ryan

from the plant. The only added ingredient is a probiotic,

and Janell Cleveland reveals interesting facts about the

so the paste is incredibly pure and unadulterated, unlike

healing properties found in turmeric and the surprise visits

many trendy turmeric products found at the store that

of rare birds to their Southwest Georgia front yard.

have been heated and boiled, causing the turmeric to

Ryan is an attorney by day but wholly devoted to farm and

lose much of its therapeutic value.

family when he’s not at work. His passion for his land and

The paste tastes best when combined with sparkling

what they are accomplishing through their turmeric growth

water or added to a glass of V8 juice, says Janell. The

is palpable. Janell is a molecular biologist who worked on

latter method is reminiscent of a Bloody Mary, boasting

top government projects before altering her career path to

a tangy, spicy, delicious flavor. And it doesn’t just

have a family. Together, these highly educated individuals,

taste good; turmeric has been found to be extremely

along with Janell’s parents, Ed and Diane Taylor, make the

beneficial, chiefly because it is an anti-inflammatory.

perfect team for educating the generational public about

When inflammation is found in the body, joint pain,

67 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


FARM LIFE

THE AMERICAN TURMERIC COMPANY

arthritis, asthma, and other conditions are rampant. Turmeric is one of the few herbs that has been welldocumented to help with inflammation. It also aids with depressive moods and auto-immune disorders. While it is no miracle drug, turmeric can be a wonderful supplement to improve overall health and well-being. Ryan and Janell are passionate about turmeric and have a great vision for the future of their business, but they need more farmers to partner with them and start

CURCUMIN IS THE MAIN ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN

the process of growing turmeric. Much of their crop is located in Bainbridge, where their distribution facility is located. It is of the utmost importance that their

TURMERIC. IT HAS POWERFUL

products be the highest quality, which is why growing it

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

The “Georgia Gold” is an incredibly unique product

AND IS A VERY STRONG ANTIOXIDANT.

is such a rigorous process. and contains a high level of curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric. The Clevelands are dedicated to excellence in every aspect of production. They both have fallen in love with South Georgia and want to see awareness grow for the health benefits of turmeric, ultimately making this area a hub for growing the crop.

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GEORGIA GOLD

The incredible antioxidant properties found in The American Turmeric Company’s products can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One of the most popular is “Golden Milk.” Recipes abound on the internet for this healing brew, which is often made with coconut or almond milk, turmeric, ginger, and a healthy sweetener like honey.

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69 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


One of the ways the Clevelands are almost accidentally drawing attention to their farm is through several rare bird sightings. This has more of a connection to turmeric than one might think. About three years ago, Janell spotted a vermilion flycatcher in her yard, and its beauty absolutely captured her. “This was my spark,” she says, and that bird sighting ultimately pulled her into the bird world where she began to voraciously research birds she discovered in the area. Another aviary of note that has made an appearance is the calliope hummingbird, the smallest bird native to the United States, whose sighting in this part of the country is extremely rare. When Janell posted her discovery on the Georgia Ornithological Society Facebook page, the farm was swarmed by hundreds of bird enthusiasts who drove from all over for a chance to see the hummingbird. While there, one spectator found another surprise as he was taking photographs. He happened upon a rough-legged hawk, a bird virtually unknown in Georgia. Roughlegged hawks are native to the Arctic and may fly as far south as Michigan, but to be seen in Georgia was a rare treat for a Southern birdwatcher. After the visit from the vermilion flycatcher—affectionately dubbed Juan Carlos—Janell began cultivating a welcoming environment for birds and has curated a beautiful hummingbird garden in the hopes that the calliope hummingbird will return for another winter visit. She has also formed a Red Hills chapter of the Audubon Society for this region and looks forward to creating opportunities for children and students to come and learn about birds and their habitat. “Birds have lost so much of their habitat… if you think about what birds need, most people think trees. But most birds need open prairies and plains. This area is called Coastal Plains, but

RARE BIRD SIGHTINGS

After experiencing many rare bird sightings on the farm, Janell formed a Red Hills chapter of the Audubon

is to grow the turmeric alongside native plants and grasses that will provide both bird habitat and turmeric.” In the months and years to come, Ryan and Janell look forward

Society. Hundreds of enthusiasts flock to the farm to see

to growing their crops, their gardens, and their business, but

rare species like the calliope hummingbird above that are

more importantly, they want to grow community, establishing

attracted to the farm’s turmeric grown alongside native

70

you really don’t see that anymore….our thought with the turmeric

plants and grasses that provide ideal habitat.

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

themselves as trusted resources and friends in this area. Their kindness, intelligence, and unique offerings has them well on their way to that goal. TM


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100 YEARS OF HISTORY IN THE MAKING

ROTARY OFFERS

Fellowship & Service BY MARTA JONES TURNER

M

PICTURED: Members of the club in 1967 gather at lunch to plan service projects. embers of the Rotary Club of Thomasville

organization remains strong in spite of challenges brought

enjoy

interesting

on by the pandemic. Meetings were by Zoom for much of

fellowship

and

speakers, but it’s the organization’s

the past year, but the club carried on its mission to serve. Ten

purpose—”service above self”—that makes being part of

community projects, 16 youth projects, and five fundraisers

the club most worthwhile. That’s true today as it has been

were completed in 2020. “Our wide range of projects, all

through the club’s 100 years.

of which have a positive impact on the community, allow

“Our members have a passion for serving that impacts the lives of countless people in our community and around

members to choose areas of service that interest them,” Brown commented.

the world,” past president Teri White said. Members serve

To appreciate what Rotary is and what it works to

as volunteers, fund local projects, and contribute to Rotary

accomplish, we share a few stories of members and how

International’s global programs.

they serve.

Thomasville Rotary President John Brown reports the

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YOUTH PROJECTS

Youth projects have dominated the club’s service work since 1921. Here, Rotarians and members of Interact Clubs from Thomasville High School, Thomas County High School, and Brookwood work together to paint a map of the United States on a local school playground.

*Most events shown were prior to COVID.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR YOUTH Andre’ Marria knew her decision to join Rotary was the right one when she attended her first Rotary International conference. “These people really make a difference,” she realized. “I saw the vision, realized what Rotarians accomplish around the world, and returned home to discover my club also has a heart to serve.” Marria has offered guidance for the club’s youth programs in recent years. She is most proud of a fiveyear partnership with Morehouse College that allowed Rotary to help reduce teen pregnancies in the region. The program involved innovative curriculum in local schools and at the Boys & Girls Club. Among the more than 3,000

From anti-bullying programs like “Be the Voice” at McIntyre Park School to “Character Counts” at the Boys & Girls Club to Little Free Libraries, the Rotary Club makes a positive impact on youth in our community.

74 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

local students participating in the five-year program, only one pregnancy occurred. Although the partnership and funding from Morehouse has ended, Thomasville Rotary Club continues to fund the local Teen Pregnancy Program. Rotarians also volunteer and fund other meaningful youth programs that encourage ethical behavior, help develop good character, stop bullying, recognize outstanding students, offer scholarships, and more.


Rotarians turn out to support the club RALLYING FOR UNITED WAY In 2016, United Way asked Rotary to take responsibility for their annual golf

sponsored fundraiser golf tournament for United Way. Result in 2019-$17,000 raised for local charities.

tournament when the previous sponsor, Caterpillar, announced their Thomasville operation would close. “It seemed a natural partnership for us. United Way and the organizations they support have mission statements that align closely with Rotary’s purpose,” said Scooter Grubbs, who chairs the annual tournament. Grubbs took on the challenge. More than 25 club members volunteer for the annual tournament and their efforts have paid off. Funds raised for local charities have grown from $7,000 to more than $17,000 in 2019. Last year’s event was cancelled because of COVID, but the 2021 tournament is scheduled for August.

75 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


HONORING LOCAL HEROES Mary Beth Donalson has “pattied out” almost every hamburger served at Rotary’s Honoring Local Heroes luncheons since the first event in 2016. That’s hamburgers for about 1,800 meals, but Mary Beth and others who help consider it a privilege to serve lunch to city and county law enforcement officers, fire and rescue teams, and utility linemen. It was Will Felt’s idea to show first responders that the community appreciates their service. He shared the idea with his fellow Rotarians and Honoring Local Heroes became a reality. Six years later, the program is still going strong. For each lunch, Barbara Williams-Anderson shops for ingredients, Andy Jones mans the grill, and Joe Tarver,

Serving law enforcement and other local community heroes

David Flowers, Donalson, and Felts step in to do their

provides an opportunity to

parts. Other Rotarians stop by to help serve the meals

build goodwill and connection

and show appreciation to first responders. This year, team members from the county health department and city sanitation department were served lunch as a show of thanks for their extra efforts during the pandemic.

76 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

in the community.


SUPPORTING THE TROOPS When the 1230th Thomas County Georgia National Guard unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, Rotarian Joe Brown stepped up with a plan to show support. Rallying Rotarians and others in the community, Brown led the effort to send gift baskets and offer encouragement in other ways while the unit was stationed in Afghanistan. When the unit returned home, Rotarians began hosting an annual holiday party for the guard and

Rotarians joined in to support our troops serving in

their families. Rotary funds the event and members prepare a traditional Christmas meal for about 250

the 1230th Thomas County National Guard unit

attendees. The meal is served by the guard’s officers

in 2013, offering encouragement when soldiers were

and noncommissioned staff at the local armory.

deployed to Afghanistan. Each year, as in this photo from 2016, club members prepare a holiday meal for soldiers and their families.

“We appreciate each member of the guard and their service,” Brown said. “My fellow Rotarians were quick to support efforts to host the holiday event and to offer encouragement during the unit’s deployments.”

77 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021



Inspired by projects that touch them personally, Rotarians are often finding ways to serve others locally. OPPOSITE: Rotarians serve in diverse pojects like the Salvation Army bell ringing, a Valentine’s Party for seniors, and stuffing bags for kids going back to school. RIGHT: Twenty live oak trees were planted in Paradise Park to celebrate the club’s 100 year anniversary.

A PASSION TO SERVE The list of ways Rotarians can serve is long and always developing as members share inspiring ideas. Rotary Has Heart for Seniors was inspired by Rotarian Angela Williamson’s passion to support seniors in our community. She brought an idea to fellow Rotarians and they gave enthusiastic support for a Valentine’s party for clients at the Scott Senior Center. Strengthening families within the Boys & Girls Club organization is Nate Tyler’s new passion. He recently spoke to his fellow Rotarians about the Family PLUS program he now heads at the Boys & Girls Club. It’s an effort to empower adults and enhance family stability. Nate encouraged members to become mentors for the program. “You can make a difference here,” he said. The Thomasville Rotary Club is both of the community and for the community, according to past president Jeff Zoller. He shared a quote from Alec Smythe, past district governor of Rotary: “We unite leaders from all walks of life, amplifying their individual efforts to make our communities and the world a better place to live and work.”


100 YEARS AND STILL SERVING

TOP: Rotarians helped prepare

The Rotary Club of Thomasville was founded in 1921 with 20 members

for the Boy Scouts Boys Week

chosen because of their influence and business status. This year marks the club’s 100th anniversary and today’s membership of 130 includes a diverse mix of individuals from across the community. Through its history, the club

Parade in 1924.

has served the community in impactful ways, for example, establishing

BOTTOM: The Rotary Club

Camp Rotary (now Camp Pineywoods) and sponsoring hundreds of

of Thomasville recently captured

surgeries for children impacted by polio. Honoring this hallmark year,

a photograph to commemorate its

Rotarians planted 20 live oak trees in Paradise Park and established a memorial plaza honoring Will Watt, a Thomasville Rotarian whose vision created efforts to promote world peace following WWII. TM

80 THOM ASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021

100th Anniversary.


COMMUNITY EVENTS

Summer EVENTS JUNE 1-AUGUST 13

Art Exhibition & Sale THOM Artist Collective Exhibition, featuring the works of THOM Collective members. All artwork for sale between $100-$1,000. Main Gallery hours are 10am to 4pm, Tuesday

JUNE 19

to Friday and 2nd Saturdays. Thomasville

Juneteenth Celebration

Center for the Arts gallery, 600 East

This free community-wide event held to

Washington Street. For tours, call

unite and educate will offer free health

229-226-588.

screenings, live entertainment, a car show,

JUNE 4, AUGUST 6 & SEPTEMBER 3 First Friday Sip and Shop

COVID-19 vaccines (provided by Archbold Medical Center), informational displays, vendors, kids activities, and more. 11am

Starting at 6pm, enjoy dinner, grab an adult

to 5pm at Douglass High School Alumni

beverage from your favorite downtown

Association, Inc., Forrest Street. For info,

restaurant or venue, and shop ‘til you drop.

email ucherdent@gmail.com.

Participating shops will have extended hours, with many bars and restaurants open

JULY 3

until 10pm. Live music at the amphitheater

Independence Day Show

begins at 8pm.

Join the City of Thomasville and CNSNext as we celebrate Independence Day with

JUNE 4

fireworks at Remington Park. Fireworks

Hearts for Art

will start at 9pm. Please note the following

Enjoy art created by Vashti Center’s

rules for this event: pets are not allowed,

Clubhouse students, with special pieces

golf carts will not be allowed on the grass

available for purchase. Your patronage

or fields at Remington Park, and personal

supports the transformative work of the

fireworks (including sparklers) are not

Vashti Center! Held at The Bookshelf,

allowed. For more information,

4-7pm.

call 229-227-7001.

81

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021


THOMASVILLE SOCIAL SCENE

Thomasville Landmarks Derby Party The 2021 Thomasville Landmarks Derby Party brought together preservationists for a fun-filled fundraiser event. In addition to many numerous sponsors, the party enjoyed a special sponsorship from Woodford Reserve. Committed to the preservation and restoration of the area’s landmark buildings, Landmarks has saved many historic buildings in the community.


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