Classic Cruisers
A Thomasville car club welcomes new members and car fanatics to join in the fun.
Trippin’
If you’re looking for a day trip for fall, consider Newnan and all it has to offer.
takes FALL FLIGHT
FROM HUNT WAGONS TO THE BEST SPORTING PROPERTIES AROUND
— STEPHEN H. CHENEY I CEO
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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!”
Karen “KK” Snyder| kk@thomasvillemagazine.com •
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Emily Tucker Photography MAGAZINE
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
Sense of community is strong in Thomasville, and one thing that brings it all together is volunteerism. From Spark Thomasville to Habitat for Humanity to Hands on Thomas County, when there is work to be done, Thomas County residents step up to the plate, ready to get their hands dirty. Literacy efforts, animal rescue, people in need, beautification projects―the opportunities to pitch in are endless.
Coming soon, the 21st Annual Hands on Thomas County Day is planned for 9am to noon on Saturday, October 19. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign up and participate. HOTC does everything it can to make volunteering possible for those ready to pitch in, such as offering free child care for volunteers. Not only will children ages 2-11 be lovingly cared for by Junior Service League members, they’ll also help with a service project at the Butler Mason YMCA. If you can’t give the whole three hours, consider the lifesaving gift of giving blood. The One Blood bus will be at the Rose Garden from 10am-2pm.
A Celebration Luncheon at Cherokee Lake after the work is done, a free tree, and a commemorative t-shirt can all be yours for the simple price of a few hours of your time. To register, visit handsonthomascounty.org.
Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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English cocker, Layla, owned by Benjie Deloach was on the job during a quail hunt last season.
Fall 2024
8
Saving History
LINDSAY FIELD PENTICUFF
Kevin Kelly shares why collecting and preserving old quail hunting wagons is important to him.
22
Road Trippin’
CHERÉ COEN
If you’re looking for a day trip for fall, consider Newnan and all it has to offer.
28
Business Spotlight: Longleaf Veterinarian
SARAH D. SHEARER
A new vet’s office opens in Thomasville, offering a service unique to the area.
32
Special Care
SARAH D. SHEARER
One Thomasville woman’s quest to help feral cats has become a successful group effort.
37 In the Field
AMY FAESKORN
Opportunities for hunting quail and other game in the Thomasville area.
59
Classic Cruisers
ANDREW CURTIS
A Thomasville car club welcomes new members and car fanatics to join in the fun.
71
Walk the Walk
STEPHANIE RICE
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PRESERVING
BY LINDSAY FIELD PENTICUFF
Hunting HISTORY
PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER
evin Kelly didn’t grow up in a hunting family, but he sure is thankful he grew up with connections to friends—and a neighbor—who were in the hunting world, eventually leading him to his storied collection of antique mule-drawn, quail hunting wagons.
“Growing up in Tallahassee, we had a guy who lived next door to us who had an old Jeep and two bird dogs in a pen,” shares Kelly, who owns and operates Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel in Thomasville and Tallahassee with his wife, Kathleen. “My daddy was a city boy, but they’d go hunting together, and that neighbor is who started taking me quail hunting.”
In fact, that neighbor is who bought Kelly his first shotgun, which he still owns, when he was just six years old.
Kelly was also invited by many of his father’s colleagues at the Florida State Capitol, where he was state attorney general, to go quail hunting on plantations in North Florida and South Georgia.
“I was fascinated with dirt roads, covered canopy roads, pine trees and forests, and quail hunting,” he says. “And the next thing I know, I was invited to go on a wagon-driven quail hunt, and I really fell in love with it, as everybody does.”
Mule-drawn, quail hunting wagons were a necessity in the late 1800s and early 1900s because landowners didn’t have vehicles to maneuver across hundreds of acres of land to hunt. But they had mules, horses and wagons. Kelly says hunters would hunt off the horses, and bird dogs were placed in kennels on the wagons, while mules pulled the wagons along with the hunting party.
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“I said, ‘Somebody needs to be keeping these things,’ and that somebody just happened to be me.” –Kevin Kelly, Owner, Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel
“As the dogs got tired after 20 or 30 minutes of hunting quail, they’d switch the dogs with the ones in the wagon and put two more on the ground,” he explains. “If you’re going out one to two miles on a wagon, you’re covering 500 to 700 acres of land, and you can’t do that on foot, and you can’t send for the barn to get two more dogs, so everything is packed on the wagons. Lunch was even on the wagons and eaten in the fields.”
PRESERVING THE PAST
It was during these quail hunts that Kelly realized many landowners were beginning to retrofit and build new-style quail hunting wagons, while the antique mule-drawn wagons were getting pushed back into barns and starting to rot and fall to pieces.
“I said, ‘Somebody needs to be keeping these things,’ and that somebody just happened to be me,” he says. There were many reasons he wanted to preserve the old wagons, but keeping this little piece of Southern history local was why he began collecting them in the first place, and that was about three decades ago.
“I knew [the wagons would] go away somewhere, and I knew some guy who had a piece of land in Texas would come buy one around here and take it back to Texas, and it’d be gone from here forever. It was important to me to be able to start picking these things up and keeping the wagons here.”
Kelly began visiting plantations across the area, asking if they had any old wagons lying around in barns, and he was discovering that some had been stored away for nearly 75 years.
Historic COLLECTION
“I’d love to have a parade in downtown Thomasville with them one day … to celebrate the opening of quail season and help remind people the reason our little town is here—because of that six-ounce bird, King Bob.” –Kevin Kelly, Owner, Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel
“Everybody thought I was crazy, including my family, asking what I was going to be doing with this old junk,” he says. “But now the word’s out that I have them, and it is fascinating. And luckily, I happen to be born and live in an area where all these wagons were used.”
Some antique wagons can be found in areas of Tennessee and South Carolina, but they require flat, sandy areas to be useful, so South Georgia and North Florida are almost perfect locales for their use.
THE FUTURE OF KELLY’S COLLECTION
Kelly has 10 antique mule-drawn quail hunting wagons in his collection right now, but he’s had as many as 14.
“These old wagons are still functional and operational. The problem is the old mule drivers and wagon drivers that handled those horses and mules, those guys are gone,” Kelly says.
None of his collection has been restored.
“They are all original, and I have one that was left out in the rain for 10 to 15 years and it needs to be restored, but all the original pieces are on it, so whoever I get to restore it, he’ll be able to see how to put it back together,” he says.
It is not cheap to restore the antique wagons, either. Kelly says it can cost $25,000 to $40,000 to bring one back to life.
“Most of the original wagons were made on these plantations, which had welding shops, machine shops and mechanical sheds at the time,” Kelly says. “They’d use parts from an old Model A truck in the barn, for instance, taking off the front axle and putting it under the wagon and throwing the tires on it. They were a hodgepodge for the most part.”
Kelly’s collection starts with wagons built as far back as the late 1800s up until around the 1950s.
“You can see the evolutionary change of these wagons in my collection,” he adds.
This evolutionary change is also what Kelly is hoping to share during the eighth annual Southern Game Fair that Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel will host November 7-9.
“I’m going to take a few out to our Game Fair this year,” he says. “I’m hoping to take a 1930s wagon and a 1950s wagon, then the modern-day wagon will be there, too. I want to take wagons two to three decades apart so guests can see the evolution, and I will give a 30-minute talk about them.”
And a dream of Kelly’s when it comes to the old wagons?
“I’d love to have a parade in downtown Thomasville with them one day, pulling each of them behind a John Deere tractor, to celebrate the opening of our local quail season and help remind people the reason our little town is here—because of that six-ounce bird, King Bob.”
It’s part of Kelly’s and his family company’s dedication to the community, the hunting lifestyle, and the birds and critters he says live on local lands.
“That’s all part of the ecosystem that makes things work.” TM
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TRIPPIN’
By Cheré Coen & KK Snyder
Visitors are pleasantly surprised to find all Newnan has to offer.
Coweta County is a collection of pastoral farms, tree-lined country roads, historic homes and the slow-moving Chattahoochee River. At the heart of Coweta County lies Newnan, an idyllic city of unique restaurants, locally owned boutiques and six districts with a National Register of Historic Places designation. Its downtown square boasts a 1904 neo-Greek revival courthouse, where a 1948 court case became the basis for the book and film, Murder in Coweta County.
The charm of Newnan, its agreeable climate, and its peaceful surrounding countryside have made it attractive to numerous films and TV shows, the list of which is quite long.
“We liked Newnan for its old-timey charm and size,” says resident Glenda Chism-Tamblyn, who moved to Newnan from Southern California. “It is really a refreshing pause between the past and future, suburban and rural, farm and factories. It’s close enough to Atlanta for a date night and far enough from the traffic congestion so that us ‘big city folk’ don’t feel isolated from cultural opportunities.”
Newnan’s neo-Greek revival courthouse was built in 1904 and is the center of the downtown square.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
Newnan avoided destruction during the Civil War because the city served as a hospital site for both Northern and Southern troops. Today, visitors may enjoy the many historical buildings, homes and architecture that were lost during the war in other cities around Atlanta.
The quaint courthouse square and surrounding avenues are lined with locally owned stores, including the eclectic Vinylyte Records and Skate Shop, Newnan Mercantile home goods and Ellie Mack Boutique for the latest in fashion and accessories. Bold Soul Originals not only features apparel and home decor but local and Georgiamade oils and vinegars available for tasting.
Start the day at Leaf and Bean, a coffee shop on the square filled with comfortable couches, chairs and outdoor seating when the weather’s right. Not only do they serve a variety of craft coffees, but breakfast, lunch and dessert items as well.
The name’s appropriate for the Whimzical Café, offering an abundance of charm. Salads, sandwiches, soups and other dishes are made from local sources and seasonal produce inside a bright and cheerful space. There’s even a bar serving wine and craft cocktails.
For dinner, Chef Jarrod Reeder serves steaks, wild game, fish and other culinary delights at his fine dining restaurant Knife & Stone, located just a short stroll from the square. Everything is made fresh at this small but sought-after venue, so be sure to make reservations. Reeder accommodates special needs, such as those on vegan or gluten-free diets.
You need a password to enter The Pharmacy, a laidback speakeasy tucked away down an alleyway off the square and behind a utilitarian metal door that gives first time visitors a pause. Even after walking past the exterior threshold, visitors must travel through what looks like a janitor’s storage room. Once inside the lounge, however, a cozy enclave of 32 seats and a bar where crafted cocktails are served is the reward for those adventurous enough to make the trip.
To reach The Pharmacy, head to The Mad Mexican restaurant on East Courthouse Square and walk to the right of the building. It’s at the end of the first alley on your left. Text 678-673-4915 to get that very important password for entry.
AROUND TOWN
Stop by the Explore Newnan-Coweta tourism office to pick up info for a self-guided driving tour of Newnan as well as a plethora of other info on the area. The booklet features 52 homes dating from the early 1800s to the early 20th century as well as the McRitchie Hollis Museum, the Male Academy Museum and the historic depot and history center. Be sure to drive by the oldest standing home in the city, circa 1828, at 167 LaGrange Street, and the Second Empire Victorian beauty featured in many movies and shows—most recently HBO’s Lovecraft Country series—located at 155 Greenville Street.
A short drive from the courthouse square is Oak Hill Cemetery, a 60-acre property containing more than 12,000 gravesites, some that date to the cemetery’s inception in 1833 and the city’s pioneer origins. The cemetery contains Victorian statuary, box tombs, 269 graves of Confederate soldiers and the graves of two Revolutionary War soldiers.
This fall, the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society will offer the Oak Hill Cemetery Tour on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Friday, Oct. 25. Tours of select gravesites start at 5:30pm and continue every 20 minutes until 8:30pm and include a guided walk by animated storytellers. Tours are $50 for adults, $22 for children 12 and under.
Outside of special events, Oak Hill is open daily with maps and brochures available for free self-guided tours.
A short drive to the northwest of Newnan lies Chattahoochee Bend State Park, where visitors may enjoy a day’s outing along the shores of the “Hooch” or stay overnight in the park’s three cottages and many campsites. The 2,910-acre park, with five miles of river frontage, includes hiking trails, fishing, paddling opportunities and an observation platform.
For more information on Newnan and Coweta County, visit explorenewnancoweta.com. TM
The Oak Hill Cemetery tours are hosted by the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society.
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Business SPOTLIGHT
ALL GOD’S CREATURES
BY SARAH D. SHEARER
TUCKER
With a clear mission to practice high-quality veterinary medicine and establish relationships with local pet owners in the Thomasville area, Longleaf Veterinary Clinic is bound for success. Longleaf provides wellness exams, vaccinations, general surgery, and treatment for minor injuries and common illnesses.
Recently opened, this small animal-focused clinic offers theriogenology or animal reproductive technology, in addition to all the regular offerings of a typical vet office. Jay Barrett, DVM, DACT, is a longtime lover of Thomasville, and he and his wife, Kelly, and their three young children are thrilled to be part of the veterinary community here.
Barrett is a graduate of University of Georgia with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After UGA he attended Auburn University, where he continued his studies and met Kelly, who is also a veterinarian. She currently practices in Hahira, GA.
Barrett possesses a varied background and has worked extensively with military dogs and explosives detection, as well as other athletic dog training endeavors. He also has years of experience with emergency medicine and surgery. But as Barrett’s career progressed, he became interested in animal reproduction. His vast knowledge will be a great asset to this community and dog breeders.
As South Georgia’s only board-certified theriogenologist, Barrett is excited to offer his service to area dog breeders. He has long desired to open his own practice, a desire that deepened as he observed changes in the veterinary industry over the last several years. He noticed a trend toward a more corporate model of care and immediately felt strongly that his practice would be the type where a pet owner could easily call his veterinarian and receive insight and care, rather than being funneled through any sort of automated process.
Perhaps the most important quality Jay and his wife bring to Longleaf and Thomasville in general is the Southern tradition of hospitality and kindness
PHOTOS BY EMILY
Dog breeders will benefit from the offering of theriogenology at the new clinic.
Having great communication with pet owners is as important as the care provided.
for animals and people. “No animals walk in here by themselves,” Barrett acknowledges, truly grasping the duality under which veterinarians must operate a practice, possessing both a wide range of skills to care for animals as well as a high level of intrapersonal skills.
Communicating with a pet owner about their animal’s condition requires an incredible level of professionalism and empathy. A short conversation with Jay Barrett is instantly reassuring. This man knows and loves animals, and he knows and loves people. TM
CARING FOR THE VULNERABLE
BY SARAH D. SHEARER · PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER
When Kristen Manza relocated to Thomasville from Toronto, Canada to study social work at Thomas University, she had no intention of becoming a sort of local phenomenon, but that’s exactly what happened. In just over a year, she has made her mark on the feline population of this area, and through her efforts, hundreds of strays have been spayed and dozens have been placed into permanent homes.
After moving here and settling in, one of the first things Manza noticed about her apartment complex was the prolific number of stray cats in the parking lot. She knew the population needed to be curbed for the cats’ own safety, and she wanted to see them placed into loving homes. It is possible for a cat to produce up to two dozen kittens in a year, so left unchecked, their population multiplies at an alarming rate.
After some online research, Manza purchased a trap. Working alone at first, she would carefully trap a vulnerable cat and take it to the South Georgia Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic to be spayed. The clinic marks them with a clipped ear, so it is apparent that they have been spayed. She would then return with the cat to her tiny apartment bathtub, where she would look after it for the necessary 24-hour period before returning it to the exact spot she found it.
Manza rallied the support of the community via Facebook, and soon others were joining her quest. An official Facebook group was formed—All Saints Cat TNR (trap, neuter, return). The hub enables citizens to notify the group when stray cats are spotted and gives them resources and steps to take. Thomasville’s Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary has been instrumental as a support to All Saints, and together they have found homes for over 70 cats in the past 18 months.
Over 260 cats in Thomasville now bear the clipped ear, thanks to the efforts of Manza and the friends she has made through this compassionate work. TM
Kristen Manza (right) started a successful program to help feral cats and has been joined by volunteers such as Tara PriceEngle.
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Feather in the Cap
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PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER
The Red Hills Region is home to one of the highest concentrations of bobwhite quail in the country.
“We’re all about creating the right situation for exactly what people want.”
– Tony Grisham, Live Oak
Hunting PLANTATIONS
Live Oak PLANTATION
Established in 1989 and acquired by Jim Gresham in 2002, Live Oak Plantation boasts over 2,500 acres of pasture and hunting land and is also home to Circle G Angus Farm.
“Buying the land was a byproduct of our cattle business,” recalls Jim’s son, Tony, who co-manages the property with his wife, Frances. “After 30 years, our ranch in Hampton had outgrown its space, and with Live Oak being on the market, the timing was right for us to move operations there.”
Rehoming their black angus herd—one of the largest and oldest in the country—proved straightforward, and although the family had enjoyed hunting and fishing all their lives, running the hunting side of the operation was new to them. Gresham credits the expertise of existing staff with their early success.
“Buddy and Lynn Rogers were already well-known in the quail hunting world at that time, and they were instrumental in getting us oriented to the business side of things,” he says. The property has evolved to host over 800 clients a year and features several resort-style amenities, including a main lodge with a full commercial kitchen, a guest house with private accommodations, 12 fishing ponds stocked with bluegill and large-mouth bass, an event space, and a three-hole golf course.
“It’s an opportunity that just doesn’t exist everywhere,” says Gresham. “We have the ability to provide our guests with the solitude of a private room, quiet conversations on the patio, or a freshly prepared meal for 20 around the big table. We try to give them a customized experience.”
Donnie Smith, chief commercial officer of Miller Electric Company in Jacksonville, has been a regular at Live Oak for over 20 years, initially entertaining clients but eventually vacationing with his family as well. His son and daughter grew up learning to hunt and fish during their regular
stays on the property. “Uncle Jim is like a father figure to me,” says Smith. “The Greshams are good people, and they’ve invested so much in the property and facilities. We love the private, high-end feel, the delicious Southern cooking, and the relaxing one-on-one time.”
Live Oak’s season runs from October to early March, with premium dates from the second week of December to the end of February often booking up early. True to their commitment to client satisfaction, the Greshams try to accommodate latecomers.
www.experienceliveoak.com
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Hunting PLANTATIONS
SouthWind PLANTATION
Founded by Tim Smith with his initial land purchases in 1994, SouthWind has been a family affair from the start. Beginning with a small tract of woods south of Bainbridge, Smith initially kept the property accessible only to his relatives and insurance agency clients. As word spread of the quail hunting and fishing opportunities on his 170 acres of rolling hills and longleaf pines, he and his wife, Carla, made the decision to open to the public in 2000. The couple’s sons, Ty and Ryals, have both been active in the management of both businesses, while daughter Morgan has pursued a career in nursing.
SouthWind has grown exponentially in the last several years. “We started with a four-bedroom lodge, but now we have 13 lodges that can sleep 82 double occupancy,” explains property manager Stacy Strickland, who has worked for the Smiths since 1997. “Now we’re up over 7,000 acres, and we just added another 800 acres of dove hunting.” The Smiths maintain a total of 12 ponds (six stocked with trophy bass) and service up to 6,000 clients each year from October 1 to March 31, some of whom are professional clay shooters. SouthWind regularly receives clients at the local private airport who fly in from all over the world.
With two mule-drawn wagons, two chefs, four dog trainers, 40 professional guides, 80 total employees, and 265 dogs on staff, Strickland and his three co-managers do their best to oversee the team’s consistent delivery of top-notch service. SouthWind was first recognized by Orvis in 2015 and was named Wing-Shooting Lodge of the Year in 2017 and 2019, an honor bestowed on just 34 lodges nationwide.
A fourth-generation native of Tallahassee and president of Southland Contracting, Rudy Rowe III finds himself returning to SouthWind again and again. “The thing that’s always drawn me back to SouthWind is its Southern hospitality,” he says. “The guides are dynamic all the way
“The thing that’s always drawn me back to SouthWind is its Southern hospitality.”
–
Rudy Rowe III, Client
through, Chef Billy’s cooking is phenomenal, and it’s a very family-oriented environment.”
With 60 percent of its occupancy covered by repeat bookings, SouthWind has created a loyal following, but they try to maintain availability throughout the season for last-minute reservations. Clients can also participate in the whitetail deer program, duck hunting, and a mixedbag driven, Midwest-style hunt in the sorghum field throughout the quail season. Dove hunting is available each Saturday in September and October.
www.huntsouthwind.com
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Boggy Pond PLANTATION
The Dekle family traces the history of their land all the way back to 1831. Used for many years to farm range cattle and livestock, the plantation’s 2,000 acres have also been home to quail and other birds hunted by the Dekles for generations. The name originates from a small, natural cypress pond where cows and pigs would wade out to slosh around after a rainfall. “We’ve always had good woods and good dogs. I’ve hunted quail all my life,” says owner and operator Mackie Dekle. In 1983 Dekle and his brother-in-law decided to go into business together and opened to the public for the first time. “We’d meet people at the barn and carry them hunting,” recalls Dekle. “In 1984 we started doing meals and lodging, and it took off from there.” In 1986, they purchased the old Murphy schoolhouse, where Dekle’s father attended first grade, and relocated it to Boggy Pond. It’s since been transformed into a resort-style main lodge featuring a full kitchen, a dining room area with a fireplace, and a game room. The property also offers accommodation in seven houses with 24 bedrooms that can sleep
“I think folks like that we’re casual and relaxed. We’ve made a lot of good friends over the years.”
– Mackie Dekle, Boggy Pond
Hunting PLANTATIONS
up to 34 guests. They serve about 700 clients each year.
Rodney Traylor has known Dekle since childhood. “I’ve been hunting with him for 40 years,” says Traylor. “I bring customers. My wife and kids all learned to shoot there. My son-in-law stayed there with his groomsmen before his wedding to our daughter Emilly.” He appreciates how Dekle makes sure to give his clients a wonderful experience. “Boggy Pond and Mackie W. Dekle Jr. are one and the same,” he emphasizes. “He makes you feel so welcomed. He greets you there in the morning and comes to find you at the end of the hunt to ask how it went. He takes the time to make it special.”
Though Dekle no longer guides, he remains engaged with his staff—including cooks who have been with him since they first opened in the ‘80s—and serves clients predominantly from Atlanta, Jacksonville, and the Florida panhandle. Boggy Pond also offers clay shooting and wobble traps in addition to pheasant and chukar upon request.
Boggy Pond’s season runs from October 1 to March 31 and welcomes hunters of all abilities and experience levels or those simply in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
www.boggypond.com
The Ultimate Hunting Experience
The ultimate hunting experience found at Southwind Plantation is truly extraordinary. You will enjoy the facilities, food, and outdoor activities only found at a five-star hunting lodge. Southwind is proud to offer over seven thousand acres, which encompass the finest hunting land in the United States for your enjoyment. Once you have had the opportunity to experience the Southern hospitality offered at Southwind, you will leave with your spirit reborn and your soul recharged.
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FALL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 21
Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Thomasville hosts its Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale. You’ll find bargains galore as our merchants clear out merchandise to make room for new shipments. After shopping, enjoy lunch or dinner, or have a drink at one of our fantastic bars or restaurants. 10am-6pm
NOVEMBER 29
Holiday Open House
Visit Downtown Thomasville for some holiday shopping and dining. On-street entertainment and fantastic sales. You can also grab a beer or wine from a participating merchant to sip while you shop. 1-5pm. For info, call 229-227-4136.
NOVEMBER 30
Small Business Saturday
Support Thomasville shops and restaurants and play a key role in helping our small businesses thrive. This national event is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so explore all of Thomasville, and show your support for small businesses.
We believe your mouth says it all...and we want to help you have a healthy confident smile!
NTAL IMPLANTS • EXTRACTIONS
L PATHOLOGY • GUM GRAFTS
ODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT
RIODONTAL LASER THERAPY
GUMMY SMILE REDUCTION
WALTER E. COLÓN, DMD, MS
AIXA GUZMÁN, DMD
JAKE ZELLNER, DMD, MS
classic cruisers
PHOTOS
AClassic CAR CLUB
huge American flag flies proudly above three antique trucks painted red, white, and blue in the front yard near the road. Obviously, the home’s owner appreciates old automobiles, and judging from the drivers slowing down for a look as they pass by, many others are also enamored with vehicular relics.
Steve Wooten certainly has a passion for cars of the past. He bought those three trucks, dated 1947, ’48, and ’50, as yard ornaments to decorate his yard to match the seasons. “I have a lot of folks stop by and want to look and take pictures of my trucks,” Wooten says. “Those two old Chevys and ‘47 Ford have been popular attractions around here.”
Wooten’s affinity for antique vehicles did not begin with trucks, though. His initial love was for Ford Mustangs, and he now owns a 1965 and a 1966.
Continued, p.65
Classic Cruisers of Thomasville meet at Fratelli’s Pizza at 6pm on the first Saturday of each month.
The group attends a cruise-in the third Saturday each month in Boston, Georgia, where Main Street is blocked off for the Classic Cruisers and spectators.
Classic CAR CLUB
Continued from, p.61
“When I began driving them around town, I would have curious people come over and talk to me and want to know about the cars.” After seeing the consistent interest in his cars, Wooten talked to his friend, Ronnie Johnson, about forming a group.
“Ronnie likes to restore old Mustangs, so he is the one who works on mine,” Wooten says. “Back in the spring of 2019, he and I decided to start a group of people with classic Mustangs.”
The first gatherings consisted of about a dozen people who would drive their classic Ford Mustangs to Whataburger to meet monthly to admire each other’s cars and talk over a meal. Then COVID hit and put a pause to the meetings.
“After COVID settled down,” Wooten continued, “we decided to open up the group to others, to include any older cars, and we had a great turnout.”
The unnamed club quickly outgrew parking at Whataburger, so they began meeting for breakfast at Henderson’s restaurant. It wasn’t long before the
Classic CAR CLUB
group had to once again relocate to a larger area for their cars. Now, at about 85 members strong, the club gathers at Fratelli’s Pizza at 6pm on the first Saturday of each month. A typical cruise-in for the car club draws roughly 30-40 cars with approximately 60 members consistently present, including their spouses.
“We call it a cruise-in when we meet like that. Anyone is welcome to join us. There are currently no dues. Our oldest car in the club is a 1928 Ford Model A all the way up to vehicles in the early 2000s, and all are drivable. Our members range in age from early 20s to 80. One of our members has 12 cars!”
During the growth process, Wooten and others realized that they needed to come up with a name for their group, so they made a list of potential names. From there, they narrowed it down to three names and took a vote. The winner was Classic Cruisers of Thomasville.
The name, however, is not exactly representative of the wide age range of the vehicles in the group. Old cars may be classified as classic, antique, or vintage, but the
Many people who attend car shows don’t own a show car of their own, but they enjoy seeing others’ cars.
Classic CAR CLUB
definitions may vary widely. In many cases, a classic car is considered any model between 20 and 45 years old, while an antique car is 45 years and older. A vintage car, on the other hand, is usually one that has been produced between 1919-1930. But around this part of the state, the term “classic” has evolved into including all of the above.
Many other towns have their own Classic Cruisers car clubs, but Thomasville’s is independent and still in its early stages comparatively. There are no geographical limitations, meaning that anyone from anywhere willing to drive to their cruise-ins is welcome.
They also plan to get more involved outside the community and are looking into doing a project to restore an old vehicle, sell it, and give the proceeds to a charity of their choice. “We are excited to be able to give back by participating in different types of events and projects,” Wooten says with enthusiasm. “We have been discussing various ways that we can possibly make that happen.”
Besides meeting in Thomasville monthly, the group also goes to Boston, Georgia, for a cruise-in, where Main Street is blocked off for the Classic Cruisers on the third Saturday of every month. As in Thomasville, anyone is welcome to attend, whether you have an old car or not. Many people enjoy just admiring the cars and looking under the hoods.
Sometimes, the cruisers go to car shows that are nearby in South Georgia or North Florida. “These are fun events because not only do we get to admire others’ cars, but we also get to be judged in a competitive setting. We are all competing against each other, even within our own club, but there is a trophy given to the organization with the most cars present.”
Classic CAR CLUB
Judges evaluate mainly for curb appeal, or looks, and there are two categories to be examined. One is the original or stock cars. These are the vehicles that have fewer than six modifications to the original manufactured product. Judges check to be sure replacement parts are from other original cars. The second category judged is called modified. These cars all have six or more alterations to the original vehicle to qualify.
And don’t assume that you have to know about engines to fit in. “I’m not a mechanic,” Wooten laughs. “I’m the unofficial president of the club, but I have to take my cars to someone else to be worked on. There are some really good mechanics in the group, but I’m not one of them.”
So, the invitation is open. Even if you don’t have an old car, come look at what the club has to display. Members love to share their knowledge and passion about their rides. They will not be difficult to find… just look for a bunch of old vehicles on a Saturday in Thomasville or Boston, and you will likely have spotted the Classic Cruisers of Thomasville. They will be glad to see you! TM
Welcome Home
DR. SARAH R. CHASON OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
“You
take care of everyone else, let us take care of you.”
Accepting New Patients
918 South Broad Street, Thomasville, GA
Compassionate, Comprehensive, Contemporary Care . . . at each stage of life.
The Power of Walking
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier.
BY STEPHANIE RICE
Our latest inspiration for health and wellness from Stephanie Rice.
What if your doctor could prescribe you a “wonder drug”?
One that is free no matter what insurance you have or where you live? What if this wonder drug could lower your blood pressure, decrease sugar cravings, and help you lose weight? The best news: there are no negative side effects. Curious what the prescription is? At your next doctor’s visit, ask them to give you a prescription for walking. Yes, you heard me right, walking Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that walking is “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.”
This wonder drug is free, convenient, doesn’t wear down joints, burns calories, boosts your metabolism, and can help prevent diseases. Basically, there’s really no downside to walking. Want more reasons to walk? Here are some benefits you may not realize:
• Walking can help keep weight-gaining genes dormant. Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much these genes contribute to body weight. Among the study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day, the effects of those genes were cut in half.
• The London School of Economics and Political Science study concluded that regularly walking for weight loss could be just as beneficial, or even more, as hitting the gym. The results of the study, which investigated the effects
Walking for exercise can include the entire family and is a great way to spend time together.
of various workouts on health markers in more than 50,000 adults over the course of 13 years, found that walkers tend to be thinner than those who go to the gym or regularly only practice high-intensity workouts.
• In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine published a physical activity recommendation based upon the scientific consensus that substantial health benefits can accrue from moderate-intensity physical activity of at least 30 minutes per day. The recommendation stated that 30 or more minutes of activity could be accumulated from multiple bouts, as long as each bout was 10 minutes or more. The main example of moderateintensity activity was brisk walking at 3 to 4 mph.
• Walking reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. An American Cancer Society study that zeroed in on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week. And walking provided this protection even for the women with breast cancer risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones.
For Your Health
One of the reasons why walking is so beneficial is because it’s maintainable. Although intense exercise has its many benefits, it still adds stress to the body and brain. If your job and home life require a physical and mental load, sometimes the intense exercise adds too much stress, throwing you over the edge mentally and physically. This can lead to burnout, injury, and failure to follow through with an exercise routine.
Walking can also help balance stress hormones like cortisol, which are known to increase cravings and fat storage. It might make it easier to stick with other healthy habits—like eating a nourishing diet and getting good sleep—which both support you in your quest to stay healthy. Walking as exercise can help you maintain your healthy lifestyle routine.
All exercise releases feel-good hormones like endorphins. Even walking can give you a high and is a natural remedy for depression and mood-related problems. Since most walking is done outside, walking seems to be therapeutic and soothing for many people. Walking also boosts your immune system and brain power, decreases joint pain, and improves cardiovascular health. It also strengthens bones and helps prevent bone loss. One study done by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that postmenopausal women who walked for
30 minutes a day reduced their risk of hip fractures by 40 percent.
What if you don’t have the time or, let’s face it, the energy to do at least 30 minutes per day? In 2022, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking 10 minutes a day can have life-improving effects. The study sought to determine the importance of physical activity in preventing premature deaths. Based on the study’s findings, researchers estimated that if every adult between 40 and 85 years old walked briskly or did another equivalent type of exercise for 10 additional minutes per day, as many as 111,174 deaths tied to inactivity could be prevented each year.
This is great news for those who have a hard time doing more than 10 minutes at a time. Although the benefits are still there at 10 minutes—like boosting circulation, aiding in digestion and detoxification, and lifting your mood—the closer you can get to walking 30 minutes at a time or total will give you increased benefits.
Walking, the wonder drug, is the most versatile form of exercise that can be done anywhere, and it’s totally free! So, make walking part of your daily routine to get a step—or 7,500 to 12,000 steps—closer to gaining some of the most significant health benefits of your life. TM
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
STEPHANIE RICE
For those who get bored walking, listening to podcasts, audio books or music can make the exercise more enjoyable.
music, activities, and speakers sharing recovery stories. This will be a family friendly event! 1-9pm, Ritz Amphitheatre
September 28
Artisan Market
ALL FALL
September 21
Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Thomasville hosts its Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale. You’ll find bargains galore as our merchants clear out merchandise to make room for new shipments. After shopping, enjoy lunch or dinner, or have a drink at one of our fantastic bars or restaurants. 10am-6pm
September 24
Musical Performance
TEF presents An Evening with Brian Stokes Mitchell. Dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times, Mitchell is acclaimed for his powerful baritone voice and commanding stage presence. This Broadway legend and two-time Tony Award winner will perform musical selections from a prolific fourdecade career in leading Broadway roles, films and live concerts.To order tickets, call 229-226-7404.
September 27
Music and Art Festival
Shine On! is a National Recovery Month Event, featuring music by Derrick Dove and the Peace Keepers. It is also a music and arts festival. Please join us for food,
Embrace the changing of the seasons as we celebrate the creativity and craftmanship of local artisans at the Autumn Artisan Market at The Ritz Amphitheater. Stroll through The Ritz and find handcrafted goods perfect for the upcoming holiday seasons. 10am-4pm
Beginner Birding
Join us for “Birding 101” with Janell Cleveland, an avid birder and local resident. While enjoying a guided birding walk with Janell around the beautiful Pebble Hill main grounds, participants will learn basic bird identification skills such as how to use binoculars and how to identify and recognize bird songs of common birds. 9-11am at Pebble Hill. Adults $16 (ages 17 years and older); children $8 (ages 8 years to 16 years). Visit pebblehill.com for the link to register.
October 1-5
Plein Air Event
Pines & Palms hosts the annual Plein Air Paint Out, featuring well-known regional artists. The event wraps up with an exhibition and sale Oct. 5. For info, visit pinesandpalms.org.
October 3
Crate to Plate
Join the Thomasville History Center for their annual Crate-to-Plate event. Reserve your crate (serves 2), including a hot, ready-to-eat meal from local vendors, one bottle of wine, and a few surprises! Take your crate home to enjoy or dine on the grounds of the history center. For info, visit thomasvillehistory.org.
October 4
First Friday Sip & Shop
Enjoy dinner, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue, and shop ‘til you drop. Participating shops will have extended hours, with many bars and restaurants open until 10pm. Live music at the amphitheater begins at 8pm.
October 12
Astronomy Day
Join us on Astronomy Day with renowned astronomer, Randy Rhea for a fascinating program on our sun--how it works, how it changes, and how it affects life on Earth. This program will be held in the Learning Center at Pebble Hill Plantation and will include a lecture and outdoor segment with Rhea’s high-powered telescope. Visit pebblehill.com for link to tickets.
October 19
5K Event
The Quail Trail 5k is a hilly 5,000-meter cross country course throughout the beautiful grounds and woodlands of Pebble Hill Plantation. Running surfaces include pea gravel, grass, dirt, red clay, and asphalt with multiple changes in elevation. USA Track and Field certification of this course is currently in progress. Proceeds benefit the Pebble Hill Preservation Fund which supports the continued care, maintenance, and restoration of the historic 3,000-acre estate and its more than 60 structures. Visit pebblehill.com for the link to register.
October 26
Elevate Artisan Market
Shop hundreds of artists from across the Southeastern states at this outdoor event, including painters, potters, jewelry makers, carvers, small-batch food artists and more. $5 per car. 10am-5pm, 644 Hall Road, Cairo. For more info, visit elevateartisanmarket.com.
November 1
First Friday Sip & Shop
Enjoy dinner, grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue, and shop ‘til you drop. Participating shops will have extended hours, with many bars and restaurants open until 10pm. Live music at the amphitheater begins at 8pm.
November 5
Annual Chicken Pilau Dinner
Prepared and served on the grounds, this traditional Southern supper supports the museum’s programs and preservation. Eat-in or take-out. 4:30-7pm, Thomas County Museum of History, 725 N. Dawson St., Thomasville; 229-226-7664; history@rose.net
November 7-9
8th Annual Southern Game Fair
Hosted by Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel. Clay shooting 8-10:45am at the Ranges at Oakfield. The rest of the fair takes place at Chinquapin Plantation 10am-4pm. Proceeds from the event benefit Tall Timbers Research. For info and tickets, visit kevinscatalog.com.
November 14
Art in the Wild
Observe skilled wildlife artists in action creating masterpieces en plein air amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Pebble Hill Plantation. Visitors pay PHP general grounds admission fees at Visitors’ Center - $10/adult $5 for children (ages three years to 6th grade). Children two years and younger free. 10am to noon.
November 16 & 17
29th Annual Wildlife Arts Festival
Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Thomasville’s most beloved events celebrating art and the beauty of the Red Hills region. The festival’s Fine Art Show & Artisan Market offers attendees two days of activities to enjoy, including a renowned fine art show, unique vendors, artful workshops, youth activities, and more. Free and ticketed events benefit Thomasville Center for the Arts. thomasvillearts.org/wildlife; 229-225-6461
November 29
Holiday Open House
Visit Downtown Thomasville for some holiday shopping and dining, on-street entertainment and fantastic sales. You can also grab a beer or wine from a participating merchant to sip while you shop. 1-5pm. For info, call 229-227-4136.
November 30
Small Business Saturday
Support Thomasville shops and restaurants and play a key role in helping our small businesses thrive. This national event is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so explore all of Thomasville, and show your support for small businesses.
EXPERIENCE FALL IN THOMASVILLE From Elevate Artisan Market close by to Wildlife Arts Festival and more, there are so many fun things to do with family and friends. Grab your crew and head downtown for a First Friday Sip & Shop or enjoy one of the local charity events in the fall, like the Thomasville History Center’s Chicken Pilau Dinner.
Hands & Hearts for Horses
It was all grins and giggles as Hands & Hearts for Horses hosted eight weeks of its annual summer camp featuring horse-related activities and a whole bunch of fun.
Dr. Bryan Spooner graduated from Liberty University in 1992 with a bachelor’s in biology. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric 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.
