Thomasville Magazine Winter 2021

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 4

HOLIDAY DINING Recipes for make-ahead meals & crowd pleasers

COMPLIMENTARY Please Take One

LIFE ON TOP Couple moves above their downtown store

1861

Thomasville welcomes its first distillery

BELIEVE

Winter ’s magic lives

F R O M V I C T O R I A N C H R I S T M A S T O S E A S O NA L E V E N T S

An ExpEriEncE You cAn SmilE About AlAn G. SAnderS, d.M.d.

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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

A bank’s success is never an idea alone.

ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT Gloria Fielding

ADVERTISING SALES Christy Layfield | Wendy Montgomery

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS This is what banking should be.

For you. About you.

Annie B. Jones | Sarah D. Shearer Lindsay Penticuff | Stephanie Rice Jim Lynn | Didi Hoffman

PHOTOGRAPHY Todd Stone | Glen Whittington 301 NORTH BROAD STREET TNBANK.COM

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Historical Magic

Holiday Events PAGE 96

From Victorian Christmas to the New Year, we have the calendar you need to enjoy the winter season.

p.10

CONTENTS WINTER 2021

60 Winter Beauty Lost Creek comes alive each winter with fields of dimpled trout lilies.

IN EVERY ISSUE 8

10

96 Events

Living Downtown Thomasville business owners renovate a special residential space with a surprising family connection.

24 Toile of Thomasville Designer Amy Hart draws wide acclaim with her beautiful toile designs of Thomasville landmarks.

40 Holiday Food Spread Great ideas for a make-ahead meal perfect for any celebration.

Editor’s Letter

52 Downtown Guide

78

97 Social Scenes

1861 Style Thomas County’s first distillery is drawing crowds for cocktails and dining.

p.78

p.70

BOOKS FOR GIVING

90

A roundup of recent releases perfect for all the readers on your gift list.

Find Your Fit Planning a fitness routine that is just right for you and your needs.

BIG BOARDS

94

PAGE 87

Feeding a crowd is easy when you create self-serve boards and spreads.

PAGE 70

p.24

Holiday Helpers A list of ways to give to the Thomas County community this season.

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS ThomasvilleMagazine.com Subscriptions@ThomasvilleMagazine.com Checks may be mailed to: Thomasville Magazine 15125 US Hwy 19 S

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Box #375 Thomasville, GA 31792 Be sure to specify your delivery address when submitting a check.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ―Charles Dickens It really is the most wonderful time of the year! With so much to do in the coming weeks and so many opportunities to enjoy loved ones and treasured traditions, we know your time is precious. We hope these pages will bring inspiration, joy, and knowledge to all who read them. As we share our last issue of 2021 and look ahead to a fresh New Year, we’re thankful for our readers and advertisers and wish a wonderful holiday season to all of you.

Cheers,

KK

Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

ABOUT THE COVER

Historical enthusiast Ransom Young participated in a recent photo shoot to promote Victorian Christmas, one of our town’s most beloved festivities.

thomasvillemagazine.com 8 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

Keysouth Real Estate Group, Inc O: 229-226-3911 C: 229-403-6988 ChrisQuick31792.com | Chris@31792.com 401 East Jackson St. | Thomasville, GA 31792

HISTORIC & MODERN

The Abbotts had a solid idea of how they wanted their space to look following the renovation―and got just what they asked for.

MODERN

MEETS

Historic

BY DIDI HOFFMAN PHOTOS BY TODD STONE

E

lla­—Kelly and Heather Abbotts’ American bulldog—bounded down the stairs of her downtown apartment with great exuberance to greet me. She seemed to know that I was about to see a modern feast for the eyes inside the historic building.

To understand the renovation story of the old Jerger building second story, it is important to understand how Kelly and Heather came to live above their retail store, SouthLife Supply Co., on Broad Street in Thomasville. Both the Abbotts were laid off from their jobs in pharmaceuticals and healthcare in 2010. That Thanksgiving, Heather wanted a new pair of earrings for a family Thanksgiving dinner, but earrings were not in the budget. Kelly spied a small jar of spent 40-caliber bullets. He didn’t want to disappoint his wife and stayed up all night to create a stylish pair of earring studs for Heather to wear. The next day, the couple walked away from Thanksgiving dinner with many orders from family and friends.

The Abbotts created the SouthLife Supply Co. because of those earrings and later added shotshell earrings, belts, and handmade leather goods. By 2012, they had 5,000 wholesale accounts, requiring Heather to travel extensively.

In 2017, they purchased 130 Broad Street and moved their brick-and-mortar shop to the new location. Heather’s travel weighed on her. Because SouthLife Supply Co. retail and online sales were thriving, they decided to leave the wholesale trade and focus on retail.

This is where our renovation story begins. As you open the front door of the Abbott’s apartment and step into the once unfinished space, you leave the historic downtown below and enter into a world of sleek sophistication.

Heather knew she wanted an apartment, not a loft. She visualized a space that was easy to entertain in, fun for her nieces and nephews to visit, yet sophisticated and urban.

Surrounded by her Thomasville heritage of hunting and the outdoors all day at work, Heather also wanted a home that embraced its history, yet was modern.

Inspiration took hold when Heather visited Il Lusso, an Italian restaurant designed by Architects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW) in Tallahassee, Florida. Heather fell in love with the

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

CHOOSING TO CREATE A LIVING SPACE ABOVE THEIR BUSINESS HAS THE ABBOTTS DOING DOUBLE TIME IN THOMASVILLE.

color palette, wood tones, and tile. She reached out to the firm for her new home. Heather knew conceptually how she wanted the home to feel and function. The space was small, but entertaining was a high priority. She wanted her family to have room to gather. She also felt the home should work for her needs, meaning a large laundry room, a large walk-in closet, and second bathroom. Storage was important, as well as lots of light despite windows only on the northeast and southwest sides of the apartment.

Alana Taylor, interior lead designer from ALW, shares what she and her team found when they visited the space.

“We noted the old wood floors, the original Chicago brick walls, and the high trio of windows looking out over Broad Street. To complement the variation found in the Chicago brick, we encouraged Heather to shift towards a palette that included a dustier tone of green, a rich charcoal, and a hint of purple-gray. Given the proportions of brick at the exposed walls, we leaned away from the currently trending subway tile or long linear tiles and turned to a large rhombus shaped tile in a rich charcoal to be utilized as a

ROOM TO GATHER

Heather knew conceptually how she wanted the home to feel and function. The space was small, but entertaining was a high priority. She wanted her family to have room to gather.

HERITAGE HOME

A STORIED PAST

The original Jerger building burned down in 1884 and was replaced with the current building in 1885, owned then by Joseph Anton Jerger, Sr.

15 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

SETTING THE TONE

The grays of the mortar and the variations of browns in the 19th century bricks show up in the burled woods, the floor stains, the molded ceilings, and accent tiles. The quartz countertops also mirror the different shades found in the walls.

HERITAGE HOME

A palette that included a dustier tone of green, a rich charcoal, and a hint of purple-gray set off the space’s historic Chicago brick.

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A tall, blue velvet headboard and cantilevered side tables keep the bedroom from looking crowded. kitchen backsplash and shower tile.”

Heather knew she did not want exposed beams but wanted to maintain high ceilings. Although they dropped the ceiling, the ALW team wanted to make them an important part of the overall design.

“The high ceilings in the space called for a custom ceiling detail,” says Taylor. “Applied molding provided a contemporary take on traditional coffered ceilings and aligned with the exposed finishes of the residence.”

ALW also moved the front door to open up the area, and every door in the apartment was custom made to eight feet in height.

The kitchen and living areas are filled with sumptuous details, including custom millwork featuring burled veneer as an accent throughout the eating nook, shelving, and custom range hood. It

is subtle and beautiful. As Taylor explained, the burled wood accents and diamond mosaic tiles seen in the bar backsplash and fireplace provide “a lighter touch needed in the space.”

The charcoal grays in the cabinets and rhombus backsplash maintain a calm balance in the kitchen while extra-thick quartz countertops provide a sophisticated elegance in the open room. A booth for dining is enveloped by the kitchen island. Heather’s leather-look cushions for seating at the table are actually Marine grade vinyl, custom made by Trolleys of Thomasville. Textured glass in the built-in bar and china cabinet doors adds another layer of detail, with the competing patterns behind the glass seen but not heard.

The colors of the exposed brick walls throughout the Abbot home are found in the materials specified by the design team. The grays of the mortar and the variations of browns in the 19th century bricks show up in the burled woods, the floor stains, the molded ceilings, and accent tiles. The quartz countertops also mirror the different shades found in the walls.

New windows and trim on the Broad Street side of the house created a special space for Heather. A cushioned

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The little corner of the bench near the fireplace is Heather’s favorite. “I hear the birds singing in the tree under the window and watch WPAX and the barbershop pole light up at night.

I have a bird’s eye view of downtown Thomasville.”

bench extends across the width of the apartment, underneath the windows, and provides lots of storage. The little corner of the bench near the fireplace is her favorite.

“I hear the birds singing in the tree under the window and watch WPAX and the barbershop pole light up at night. I have a bird’s eye view of downtown Thomasville.”

The living room is expansive. Built-in bookshelves fill one wall next to the bar and china cabinet, and the fireplace sits on the opposite side of the room. Twelve people can comfortably sit in the living room which opens into the kitchen and eating area. Heather’s dream became a reality.

“I wanted to be able to spend time here with my family, and I love that my nieces and nephews can watch the Christmas and Rose Festival parades from my home.”

The Abbott’s bedroom and bathroom design also display

Personal

Connection Heather’s roots in Thomasville go back to the Remingtons and the Smiths. That history she knew. She liked the idea she could look out her windows and see her family history on the roads nearby.

keen attention to detail. A tall, blue velvet headboard and cantilevered side tables keep the bedroom from looking crowded. Heather’s bathroom offers plenty of light, and she loves the extra thick quartz. Her prized possession on her sink shelf is an antique Lewis H. Jerger alarm clock.

It reminds her every morning of a family story she didn’t know until they purchased the Jerger building.

According to Ephraim Rotter of the Thomasville History Center, the original Jerger building on this site burned down in December 1884. The present building was built and opened for business in December 1885. The full name of the original and exclusive owner was Joseph Anton Jerger, Sr. Heather’s roots in Thomasville go back to the Remingtons and the Smiths. That history she knew. She liked the idea she could look out her windows and see her family history on the roads nearby. What she didn’t know was there were also many Jergers in the family line. Her mother showed her their family tree after she purchased the building and explained she was kin to the Jergers too.

The Jerger alarm clock reminds Heather that her home was owned by her ancestors. She felt a sense of urgency to buy the building and couldn’t quite understand her need to own it. The Jerger Jeweler Building was Georgia’s oldest jewelry store and one of the oldest in the country.

Coming full circle, it’s no wonder Heather’s original desire to own a new pair of earrings that Thanksgiving so many years ago brought her back to her family’s jewelry store.

The building waited over 100 years for Heather to rejoin the family business, and now she is home—a proprietor in the storefront her ancestors built. TM

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theHARE &theHART A FAMILY AFFAIR

i

t started with a simple idea. Well, one that had been brewing in Amy Hart’s head for quite some time—she wanted to create a toile for the city of Tallahassee.

What is toile, you ask? It is described as a fabric from the French word meaning “linen cloth” or “canvas,” particularly a cloth or canvas that is painted on. It is also a type of decorating pattern in which a design that depicts a fairly complete scene is repeated over and over on the fabric.

“I love toile,” shares Hart, owner and designer of The Hare & The Hart in Downtown Thomasville. “I always decorate with it, and toile has been a perennial décor style since the mid-1700s in France. Toile is also in my heritage—a part of my ancestry. I have a French great-grandmother.”

So, it wasn’t really that unusual that Hart had an idea in the back of her mind to design a toile, particularly one for Tallahassee at the time. It’s where she put down her roots as a

27 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

“Toile is also in my heritage—a part of my ancestry. I have a French greatgrandmother.”

–Amy Hart, Owner & Designer, The Hare & The Hart

young adult after traveling the world growing up an Air Force brat, and it’s where she met her husband, Chris, and raised a family.

BRINGING THE IDEA TO LIFE Creating a toile of Tallahassee unfortunately wasn’t something Hart could initially dedicate much time to. She was busy teaching and raising her two children. Chris was a state representative for some time, followed by serving as CEO of several organizations. In other words, she was busy.

However, she stopped teaching in 2013 and started working out of an art studio in Tallahassee at a friend’s shop, teaching classes and painting. She had become somewhat of a prolific furniture painter, and with her friend launched Get Your Goat Designs, where she designed numbered canvases they sold in shops across the country.

“My friend kept telling me, ‘You’re so creative and you have great ideas. You just need to start your own company,’” says Hart.

But it wasn’t until a trip abroad to London and the Cotswolds with Chris in the fall of 2016 that Hart really had time to reflect on her friend’s encouraging words.

“We were in a restaurant in London toward the end of our trip, and there was a toile pattern for London on the wallpaper and menu,” she recalls. “When we got back from that trip, I just started drawing and figuring out how and where to get fabric printed with a toile pattern.”

After living and working in Tallahassee for so many years, she had pretty much figured out which images to use from across the city in the toile pattern. She eventually showed it to her friend who owned the art studio and her response, “Mind blown!”

Once again, she was encouraged by that same friend, but this time to participate in the March 2017 French Country Flea Market

EVERYTHING MADE FROM THE STORE’S FABRICS IS ALSO HANDMADE LOCALLY, AND HART IS COLLABORATING WITH TRUE ARTISANS TO HELP COME UP WITH NEW PRODUCTS.

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ARTISTRY

& VISION

in Tallahassee to help promote the toile and sell products decorated with it.

“That’s where we actually launched our business, which was online at the time, but people kept asking me where our store was,” Hart says. “I was still trying to figure out the wholesale thing, but I was compelled to open a store.”

Amy and Chris Hart took a little day trip to Thomasville.

While walking out of Grassroots Coffee on South Broad Street, she spotted a “For Rent” sign in the window of a nearby shop.

“I literally had to sit on the bench outside the shop. That is a location I had always, always loved,” Hart says. “It has the original floors that were restored, and it has this beautiful, tin tile ceiling. It’s full of light.”

She was so overwhelmed that she was physically unable to call the property owner, so Chris called and set up a meeting to chat about a rental agreement.

They made an appointment to visit the space, and the first question out of the owner’s mouth was, “If I lease my space to you, will you design a toile for Thomasville?”

“I said, ‘Yes ma’am. That’s the idea!’ We had already thought of it, but it was wonderful that she asked me,” Hart

Hart has enjoyed making Thomasville her home after years of visits.

FINDING HER WAY TO THOMASVILLE Hart opened her first storefront on Thomasville Road in Tallahassee in September 2017, but her heart was set on Thomasville.

“We had always loved coming to Thomasville to shop, dine, and go to the festivals and events throughout the year,” Hart says, “so even at that same time, we thought it would be neat to open a place in Thomasville in like three years.”

The Lord, Hart shares, had different plans.

One Saturday after attending a festival in Tallahassee,

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ARTISTRY & VISION

“It’s an incredible community, and we are so glad that we have a product that celebrates Thomasville.”–Amy Hart, Owner & Designer, The Hare & The Hart

says. “And that’s why we know God was involved in this.”

So just shy of one year after opening her first store in Tallahassee, Hart relocated The Hare & The Hart to Downtown Thomasville, and she started drawing again. This time all her energy was focused on creating a toile of Thomasville.

“I wanted to really make sure we depicted on our fabric exactly what the community would want on it,” Hart says. “As they say in the Cotswolds, we were incomers (newcomers).”

Hart met with the director of the Thomasville Center for the Arts and brainstormed about what images needed to be on it. She also met with someone at the history center for permission to depict the

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The Hare & The Hart 120 South Broad St. Thomasville 229-236-4278 thehareandthehart.com Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 5pm

train depot. Then she met with Thomasville’s Main Street Program, Thomasville Landmarks, and historian Jack Hadley for more inspiration.

“I really got into the community and talked about what should be on the toile. I got to drawing, quickly got products made, and we opened our store in June 2018,” says Hart.

Also during that time, she and Chris decided to relocate to Thomasville. “We’ve always wanted to live up here, so we moved ourselves to Thomasville two weeks after we opened the store.”

Since that time, the store and business have become quite a family affair. The Harts’ daughter Maddie created their Woodland Creatures designs and is now on staff full-time as a graphic designer, among many other roles. Their son Charlie also designs for the business, creating a line called Birds & Bees, and their niece Hannah has joined the team in the role of a shopkeeper.

Everything made from the store’s fabrics is also handmade locally, and Hart is collaborating with true artisans to help come up with new products. In addition to the Thomasville and Tallahassee toiles, Hart created a toile for Florida State University, and she’s working to expand to other universities. She’s also hoping to begin designing customized toiles for families over the next year.

“It’s a dream come true,” Hart says. “Pursuing your dream and making it come true is a lot of hard work, and it’s scary. But we’ve been so blessed that people have been so welcoming and friendly, and we’ve been received so well in Thomasville. It’s an incredible community, and we are so glad that we have a product that celebrates Thomasville.” TM

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THE THOMASVILLE KITCHEN

D A E H KE A

Y A D I L HO MA

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Merry Mimosas Sparkling wine (Champagne or prosecco) Cranberry juice To serve a crowd, pour 4 ounces of cranberry juice into as many glasses as you need, and top each off with the champagne. To pretty them up, add a sugar rim and a frozen cranberry or two.

Candied Bacon 1 lb thick cut bacon 1 tbsp fresh ground black pepper 1 cup light brown sugar, packed Arrange the bacon on a cooling rack placed on top of a baking sheet lined with foil. Season with fresh cracked pepper (if desired) and sprinkle liberally with brown sugar.

If you’d like spicy candied bacon, add a little extra cracked pepper, or a pinch of chili peppers. Bake until edges are crisp and the center is caramelized. Allow it to cool 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter to cool completely. The bacon will crisp even more after cooling.

Grits Casserole 8 cups water 2 cups coarse, stone-ground white grits, rinsed Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into chunks 1/2 lb sharp white cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded 3 large eggs, beaten Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. In a large, heavy pot, bring the water to a boil. Sprinkle the grits into the water, stirring constantly, and return to a boil. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the grits are just tender, about 30 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the grits are very thick and tender, about 10 minutes longer. Off the heat, stir in the butter and cheese, then stir in the eggs. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 1 hour, until bubbling and the top is golden. Let the grits casserole cool for 20 minutes before serving.

The baked casserole can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat before serving.

41 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

THE THOMASVILLE KITCHEN

43 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

Spinach and Cheese Strata 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1½ cups onion, finely chopped 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 tsp salt, divided ½ tsp pepper, divided

Dash freshly grated nutmeg 8 cups cubed French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 6 oz coarsely grated Gruyere (about 2 cups) 2 oz finely grated Parmesan (about 2/3 cup) 9 large eggs 2¾ cup milk Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of the salt, ¼ teaspoon of the pepper, and the nutmeg, and continue to cook for 1 minute more. Stir in the spinach, remove from the heat, and set aside.

Butter the inside of a 2½-3-quart baking dish. Layer the bottom of the dish with one third of the bread cubes. Top with one third of the spinach mixture and one third of each of the cheeses. Repeat these layers twice more with the bread, spinach, and cheese.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Whisk together until blended. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and spinach layered in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 1 day.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Bake uncovered until puffed, golden brown and cooked through, 45-55 minutes. Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

Eggs Caprese 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 18 large eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1 large tomato, sliced thin (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved) 1 cup basil, roughly chopped 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Whisk in the milk. Stir in the onion and garlic.

Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pan. Space out the tomatoes and basil, if necessary. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the until the eggs are firm and the top is slightly golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Cut into squares and serve warm.

45 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

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Beauty

W

60 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

in

WINTER WOLF CREEK TROUT LILY PRESERVE HOLDS THE LARGEST POPULATION KNOWN IN THE WORLD OF A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE WILDFLOWER CALLED DIMPLED TROUT LILY

T

Clockwise from top left: Dan Miller leads a tour group; redring milkweed; a tiny Lost Creek resident; next page: mature spotted trillium

here is a miracle of nature hidden in nearby Grady County. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve holds the largest population known in the world of a beautiful little wildflower called dimpled trout lily. In late winter, tens of millions of these diminutive plants spread a bright yellow blanket across more than 10 acres of slope forest. Thousands of slightly larger spotted trilliums, with mottled green leaves and dramatically rich maroon flowers, are scattered on the trout lily slope and elsewhere. These and other spring ephemerals start appearing in mid to late January, and by April most are underground.

EARLY DISCOVERY Some pretty wildflowers had been discovered by workers building the four-lane Highway 84 in the early ‘90s, and they contacted Angus Gholson of Chattahoochee, FL, an engineer at the Lake Seminole dam. He was also a renowned field botanist. The park in Chattahoochee, where he wandered as a boy in the 1920s and all his long life, is named in his honor, Gholson Nature Park. Every year, he took small groups of fellow nature lovers, called his Sparkleberry Club, to see these trout lilies. Members were given sparkleberry walking sticks made by him with a hook carved on the end so they could pull down high plants to show the others on their frequent field trips.

One year a professional biological field surveyor, Wilson Baker, accompanied them. For years the group had modestly stayed near the corner of the highway and Wolf Creek Road, but Wilson said he was going farther to see if there were more.

His discovery of many acres of dense masses was breathtaking and sparked the interest of the Magnolia (Tallahassee) Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS).

FNPS members from Florida and South Georgia, led by Dan Miller, a native plant nurseryman in Tallahassee, worked for four years to purchase

62 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

the property to conserve this natural wonder in perpetuity. In 2009 the property was purchased for Grady County through a grant from the Georgia Land Conservation Fund, donations of over $140,000 from individuals, families, nature groups, and the generous support of the owners, Flint River Timber Company.

Dimpled trout lilies, Erythronium umbilicatum, are believed to have originally lived in the Appalachians. The theory is that they spread south during the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago, a phenomenon called Pleistocene refugia. There are small populations spread through west Georgia and over the Florida line. Most populations are no more than an acre or two in size.

The flowers are pollinated by insects and selfpollination. A tiny seedpod develops and matures to the size and appearance much like a chickpea, falling to the ground as it becomes heavy. It turns from green to white as the plant’s two leaves shrivel and seem to melt away, and then the pod also disintegrates, leaving multiple minuscule seeds to stay there or be spread by ants.

Trout lilies live in deciduous forests, whose mostly hardwood trees—like Wolf Creek’s oaks, hickories, beech, maple, and elm—drop their leaves in the fall, giving the wildflowers sufficient light through the winter, then shade the rest of the year.

63 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

WINTER BEAUTY

FUNGI AND FAUNA

There are dozens of mushroom varieties thriving at Lost Creek.

Beauty can be found in the tiniest designs, tucked away throughout the acres and acres of Lost Creek.

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OTHER SPRING EPHEMERALS The lifecycle of the thousands of trilliums is similar to the trout lily, taking five to seven years before a new seedling is large enough to bloom. The first-year seedling has a single, rounded leaf. The plants have three leaves in a whorl, with the bloom in the middle. Its bulb grows horizontally under the ground. They are usually found in clusters of several plants and can get over a foot tall, with long stalks and the leaves and bloom at the top.

Other spring ephemerals include twayblade orchid, whose flower is so tiny, its color and pattern can only be seen with magnification. Bloodroots, with its one interesting leaf and bright white flower, emerge and bloom toward the end of the trout lily bloom. Some Jack-in-the-pulpits and green dragons follow. Greenfly and cranefly orchid plants are visible during the trout lily bloom, but they bloom later in the year. Wild violets appear with the lilies in small clusters scattered over the slope. Some years butterweeds appear in the floodplain as the trout lilies are waning and may grow to three or four feet high with masses of bright yellow flowers.

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VISITING LOST CREEK PRESERVE Because trout lily flowers close each evening and open again late the next morning, it is best to visit in the afternoon. If it is cloudy all day, they may not open at all that day. Guided tours are available several days a week during the bloom, or you can go on your own. The trails are well marked, and trees, shrubs, and low plants are identified with signs (thanks to a grant from Golden Triangle).

This year the Department of Natural Resources has provided a grant for some additional signage with QR codes that link to written information via a cell phone camera. Eagle Scouts from Whigham have provided signage, a kiosk, and benches. Adult volunteers from Whigham serve as greeters during the bloom. The preserve is maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, who coordinate or conduct all operations, including monthly workdays the past 14 years.

People come from all over Georgia and Florida to see this wonder. Visitors from Alabama and Virginia and even farther have come to Grady County just to see the preserve. Some come every year. If our children and grandchildren come now, hopefully they will be able to bring their families for many decades to come.

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WINTER BEAUTY

Visiting WOLF CREEK TROUT LILY PRESERVE To visit the preserve, keep up with scheduling and the progress of the bloom at wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.org.

Regular updates are posted at Facebook.com/WolfCreekTroutLilyPreserve.

Email contact is mtyson613@gmail.com. The timing varies somewhat each year, depending on how cold it has been that winter and how sunny it is during the bloom. One cold and sunny winter, they all bloomed at once for about a week, but usually some bloom early, the number increases and then declines over about three weeks in February and sometimes early March.

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We Gather Together Entertaining, especially in large numbers, has never been easier, thanks to the popularity of serve-yourself boards and spreads. There’s just something exciting about approaching a spectacular spread where you get to choose from a beautiful variety of foods to customize your own meal, snack, dessert, or drink. There’s no better time than the holidays than to hone your board-making skills. Enjoy!

71 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup 24” FOOD BOARD For the board: 1 cup grated Mexican cheese 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 cup chopped cilantro 1 cup sour cream 1 cup salsa 1 or 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced Tortilla chips

For the soup: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small red onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken broth 2 15 oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes 2 15 oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 oz can corn, drained 1 tbsp cumin, plus more to taste 1/2 tsp dried oregano 2 whole chicken breasts or 2 to 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken 2 cups shredded cheese Salt and pepper 1/4 cup chopped cilantro In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring, until soft. Add the remaining soup ingredients to the pot, except for the cheese, salt and pepper, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to low and simmer the soup for 1 hour. Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and shred.

Put back into the pot. If using rotisserie chicken add it in now.

Stir in the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro.

Board Assembly: Place a hot pad in the center of the board for the pot of soup. Arrange the toppings in small bowls on the board. Fill in the open space with tortilla chips. Right before serving, set the pot of soup on the board. Ladle soup into bowls and let each guest add their favorite toppings.

Italian Tortellini Salad Board 20” FOOD BOARD 1 1/2 lbs five-cheese tortellini 1/2 cup pesto 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained 6 oz olive medley 3 oz sun-dried tomatoes 10 oz burrata cheese Olive oil Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper 6 oz prosciutto 1 1/2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks 1/2 cup blueberries or sliced strawberries, for garnish 7 basil leaves, for garnish Crusty bread and balsamic vinegar, for serving

Board Assembly: Cook the tortellini according to package directions, usually about 2 minutes in boiling water. Do not overcook. Drain and place in a large bowl. Add the pesto and gently mix; set aside to continue cooling. On the board, make 4 equal wedges with the tortellini and a wedge with the artichoke hearts. Fill 2 small bowls with the olives and sun-dried tomatoes and place on either side of the board. Place the burrata on the board. With a spoon, mash it open slightly, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Arrange the prosciutto in various places on the board. Fill in any open areas with tomato chunks. Sprinkle the salad with the blueberries and basil leaves. Set out small bowls of olive oil and vinegar and a plate of crusty bread.

73 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

Holiday

SPREADS

Holiday Cookie Decorating COOKIE SPREAD 3 16 oz piping bags with decorator’s tips 48 sugar cookies (store bought or bake your own) 2 regular size or 3 mini pre-built gingerbread house kits 6 cups store bought white icing 7 mini candy canes ½ cup mini gingerbread cookies ¼ cup rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips 1/8 cup mini multicolored bead candies 7 Christmas tree and 12 Christmas lights decorating candies (such as Wilton brand) ½ cup red licorice pieces 9 green Christmas light gummy candies 12 Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane chocolates ½ cup red and green Milk Chocolate M&M’s ½ cup gumdrops 1/8 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles 1/8 cup striped peppermint candy balls ¼ cup crushed peppermints ½ cup Red Hots ¼ cup red sugar sprinkles 6 holiday-colored Twizzlers Pull ‘n’ Peel Build your spread: Divide the icing among 3 bowls, coloring the icing in one bowl red, another green, and leaving the third bowl white. Spoon the icing into the piping bags. Set out the unfrosted cookies, pre-built gingerbread houses, and piping bags of icing. Place all the decorations in serving dishes and arrange around the spread table so that a good selection is easily accessible from all directions. Then let everyone have at it!

Antipasto Skewer Wreaths 8 10-inch wooden skewers sweet mini peppers Spanish queen olives sliced salami cherry tomatoes marinated artichokes, drained basil leaves mini mozzarella balls whole pepperoncini small pieces rosemary Prepare and line all the ingredients up on a work surface.

Thread each wooden skewer with 1 of each of the ingredients except the rosemary pieces, mixing and matching the order of each skewer. Fold the salami and basil as you are threading them onto each skewer. Tuck a piece of rosemary into the top of each skewer. Layer the skewers on a round platter in the shape of a wreath, alternating the rosemary ends pointing out and in. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

CRACKERS AND BREAD 10 sourdough flatbread crackers 10 cheese straws 12 round pita crackers 12 cranberry and cashew crisps 15 slices crostini NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS ½ cup Marcona almonds ½ cup lightly candied pecans 1 cup herb-seasoned pistachios (in shell) 1 5 oz package dried persimmons ½ cup dried apricots ½ cup dried cherries 15 dried apple slices

Charcuterie & Cheese for a Crowd SPREAD ITEMS Meats 10 slices prosciutto, rolled up 8 slices calabrese salami, folded 16 slices peppered salami 7 slices capocollo, rolled up 1 8oz log Italian dry salami Cheeses 7 oz block aged white cheddar 6 oz wedge Stilton blue cheese 8 oz wedge Humboldt Fog soft-ripened goat cheese 5 oz wedge aged Gouda 5 0.9 oz mini Brie bites 1 4 oz wheel Marin French Cheese Petite Truffle triple-crème Brie 1 6 oz wedge Drunken Goat semisoft goat cheese bathed in red wine 1 8 oz container marinated mini mozzarella balls in herbs and oil 1 8 oz container fresh burrata (2 balls) 1 4 oz log plain goat cheese 1 4 oz log wild blueberry goat cheese 1 4 oz log garlic and herb goat cheese 1 8 oz wedge Italian truffle cheese

76 THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | WINTER 2021

FRESH FRUITS 10 fresh figs (if not in season, use dried figs) 2 bunches Concord grapes 1 bunch green seedless grapes ½ pomegranate, broken into 3 chunks ½ cup halved kiwi berries 1 cup halved kumquats 1 red pear, thinly sliced PICKLES 1 cup cornichons 1 cup Mediterranean olive medley SPREADS ½ cup fig jam ½ cup apricot jam ½ cup whole-grain mustard ½ cup honey with Honeycomb SWEETS 1 3.5 oz bar salted chocolate, broken into pieces ½ cup salted dark chocolate–covered almonds GARNISHES Flaky sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 bunch fresh dill

BUILD YOUR SPREAD Arrange several large boards and platters on the spread table first. Stack several plates or mini paddle boards on the spread table for guests to put their foods on. Also include a small spreading knife for each person to have on their own plate/board. The ingredients should be spread out so that the guests can approach the spread from either side or stand around it and reach a good selection. Put the spreads and pickles in serving dishes on the spread. Put the nuts, dried fruits, crackers, cheese straws, crisps and sweets in serving dishes on the spread or directly on the boards/platters.

Prep the fresh fruits, except the pear, and add them around the spread. Arrange all the cheeses except the burrata around the spread. Go ahead and slice or chunk some of the cheeses ahead of time so that the guests will have an example of how to slice or enjoy that specific cheese. Keep the cheeses covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel until you are ready to serve them

Merry Christmas!

(even if they are already on the spread), so they don’t dry out. Place the burrata on a plate with some flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh herbs sprinkled over both balls. Add the crostini to the plate with the burrata. Roll, fold, or layer the meats in various spots around the spread table. Keep the meats covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel until you are ready to serve the spread (even if they are already on the spread), so they don’t dry out.

Slice and add the pear to the spread last. Set out a cheese knife or spreader for each cheese, a honey dipper for the honey, a spreader or spoon for each of the other spreads, food picks, and tongs to get the food from the spread table to individual boards/plates. Before serving the spread for your guests to enjoy, remove any coverings you have on the cheeses and meats.

With permission from Spectacular Spreads by Maegan Brown and Big Boards for Families, by Sandy Coughlin. Published by Quarto Group, 2021

Merry Christmas!

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Holiday Spirits Photos by Jill Higgins

BY JIM LYNN

Talks with friends were the inspiration for Brian Higgins (left) and his wife, Jill, to open Thomas County’s first distillery.

S

ometimes, big ideas come from a dog kennel.

Forget corporate boardrooms and science labs as incubators of business ideas.

When Brian Higgins and his pals would shoot the breeze over a few libations in a dog kennel turned “shine shed,” they’d come up with some pretty cool concepts.

“We shared stories, dreamed up ideas, and enjoyed sips of whiskey,” Higgins says. “The best idea that came from the shine shed was, ‘Let’s start a distillery!’” And so, he did.

This fall, Higgins and his wife, Jill, a local real estate agent and photographer, opened the 1861 Distillery on Smith Avenue, just east of the center of downtown and a block or so from the new Marriott Courtyard. It’s the only craft distillery around, and one of only 23 in Georgia.

Their choice of 1861 refers to the year the railroad came to Thomasville and brought with it a stream of northerners looking for the health and comfort of a warmer clime and a slower pace.

“When deciding on a name, we were looking for one that was tied to our area and was connected to the ideas of longevity and hospitality,” Jill says.

“Our spirits are distilled in the slowest process available, (reflecting) the … flavors of our region and our slower pace of life.”

1861 offers rum, spiced rum, vodka, and three gins. Whiskeys and bourbons are aging in barrels and will be ready for sale in early April. Their most popular products so far are the gins, although Jill says she expects the bourbons to top the favorites list as time goes on. “Gin has been a surprise hit,” she says. “We can hardly keep that and our spiced rum on the shelves.”

The distillery also offers gifts, including bar tools, cocktail mixers, glassware, books, and gift baskets.

There’s a tasting room and a light menu. “The idea of spending time in the slow lane with friends is one that we cherish and what we envisioned when we

Distilled

QUALITY

Today, according to the Statista, there are an

Retired from the Air Force, Brian gives everything he undertakes 100 percent, including his new role as a distiller in Southwest Georgia.

decided to have a tasting room,” Jill says.

Tours of Brian’s distilling operation are available. And the distilling room, with its 300-gallon equipment as a backdrop, can be rented for private parties.

The architecturally non-descript building was constructed in 1961—interestingly the centennial of the 1861 railroad opening—as a Sherwin Williams paint store. It was built by a construction company named Higgins, coincidentally, although no relation.

While Brian acknowledges that being in the heart of downtown would have had its advantages, the building he picked was a winner, he says, with plenty of room for the retail space and tasting room, plus concrete floors he needed to support the distilling operation and storage of supplies and barrels. He hopes to help convince Thomasville planners to expand the central business district zone to include his block, since it’s so close to the Marriott.

Brian describes 1861 as a “mom and pop” small business with a strong focus on connecting the spirits he creates to the natural, cultural, and historical elements of Thomasville and its surroundings. “Everything I use comes from the earth,” he says. And everything he uses, from the local corn to the oak barrels, comes together to create unique tastes.

Brian plans to delve into other creative recipes, including a quinoa-based whiskey. He might experiment with sorghum and with grain mixtures typically used to feed quail, a tip of the hat to quail hunting that’s so much a part of the region’s culture. A hunting plantation owner has already worked with 1861 to craft a distinct bourbon recipe, which after aging should give him about 100 bottles to give to his hunting clients.

Brian’s enthusiasm for the 1861 and its nascent role in Thomasville’s culture is evident. Retired from the Air Force, he admits to doing everything 100 percent or not at all. He quit his day job in sales for a technology company to devote full Continued, p.86

estimated 1,900 small businesses creating whiskeys and gins.

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While 1861’s rum, spiced rum, vodka, and three gins are already popular, Jill Higgins expects the whiskeys and bourbons, currently aging in barrels through April, to top the list.

Previous page: 1861 bartender Morgan Carter; at left: Willie Roberts

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Distilled

QUALITY

Brian describes 1861 as a “mom and pop” small business with a strong focus on connecting the spirits he creates to the natural, cultural, and historical elements of Thomasville and its surroundings.

time to developing the business, navigating covid-caused delays in construction trades, and a drawn-out permitting process.

Craft distilling has a history as long as the nation itself.

In the early 1800s, there were an estimated 14,000 small distilleries. But evolving tax laws and eventually Prohibition drew the number down to a few hundred. Today, according to the statistics site Statista, there are an estimated 1,900 small businesses creating whiskeys and gins.

Brian and Jill Higgins see their role not only one of building a successful small business, but also of playing a part in preserving the culture of gentility, of enjoying “the finer things in life” so much a part of Thomasville for 160 years.

And besides, a fully operational craft distillery sure beats sipping someone else’s whiskey in a dog pen. TM

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ANNIE B. JONES’ HOLIDAY PICKS

The Gift of Reading BOOKSHELF PHOTO BY BRI WHIGHAM

E

very Christmas, we at The Bookshelf compile a list of our favorite titles for gifting.

Books are so personal, so subjective—it can be a challenge to find just the right book for just the right person on your shopping list. That’s where we come in! Our goal is to make your holiday shopping easy, stress-free, and fun. Because this is supposed to be fun, remember? Here are the titles we think you’ll love gifting this holiday season.

FOR THE LOCAL BOOK CLUB LEADER I feel like it’s a truth universally acknowledged that every extended family has at least one avid reader, one person who you’re afraid to buy for because they’ve seemingly read it all. Try, then, Brood, a novel featuring an unnamed narrator who becomes obsessed with caring for her backyard chickens. (You’ll become as obsessed as she is.) Or maybe gift Home Stretch, a quiet novel about a dysfunctional Irish family overcoming a small-town tragedy and its consequences.

The best readers share their books with others, and We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza begs to be shared and discussed in a book club. And while so many of us have faced loss this year, Competitive Grieving is laugh-out-loud funny while also serving as a testament to relationships built and lost.

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FOR THE HOME CHEF Cookbooks are bestsellers for us during the Christmas shopping season because they’re colorful and vibrant, useful and aspirational. For the foodie in your life, try gifting a memoir. My current favorite is Taste by Stanley Tucci, in which he recounts his New York childhood and his Italian heritage. The descriptions are mouthwatering.

For a more traditional cookbook, I love Simply Julia by Julia Turshen, full of practical recipes and gorgeous photographs (the best part of any cookbook). I’ve long adored Cheryl Day of Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, and her Treasury of Southern Baking is perfect for the bakers among us. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Ree Drummond and her latest, The Pioneer Woman Cooks—Super Easy!

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF ‘Tis the season to recommend books less about the state of American politics and more about fascinating, untold stories in history. My aunt read and adored The Woman They Could Not Silence, a nonfiction look at Elizabeth Packard, a woman who challenged medical science of the late 1800s and worked fastidiously for human rights. Our own Bookshelf staffer Lucy read and recommends Soul City by Thomas Healy. He examines Soul City, a community established in the 1960s in rural North Carolina and designed to be a utopia for Black citizens. Local readers, in particular, might also be interested in The Black Church, a history of Black Christianity by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Republic of Detours is another staff favorite, an account of a little-known New Deal project that produced guidebooks to the states, written by some of the most recognizable names in American literature.

THE BOOKSHELF FOR THE YOUNG READER Our manager Olivia serves as our children’s book buyer,

Still overwhelmed or unsure? These seven 2021 titles are

and she often meets with young readers in our community

beloved by our staff, read by our customers, and easy for gift-

to find out what they really like to read. This season, she’s

giving: Revival Season by Monica West; Under the Whispering

been recommending The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling, an

Door by TJ Klune; The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles;

instant Christmas classic for more than just Harry Potter fans.

Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann; The Sentence by Louise

Also highly recommended by Olivia? Willodeen by Katherine

Erdrich; Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano; and

Applegate and Pony by RJ Palacio. Middle grade readers

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner.

will appreciate The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson, and Fast

We’re sending you good tidings of good books this holiday

Pitch by Nic Stone. (I myself have my eyes on Thursday’s Child

season. Happy reading!

by Noel Streatfeild.)

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Local Health

Your Perfect Exercise Routine

S

BY STEPHANIE RICE

ince being in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years, many things have changed, but one thing remained constant. People do want to exercise and feel better. But here’s the kicker: They don’t really know their goals, they think it takes too much time, and they aren’t sure where to begin... so they usually just quit.

Rewind 50 years ago to Arnold Schwarzenegger, then to professional athletes and movie stars, and now social media influencers. This is who we have been looking to for all the answers. But these are not realistic. These people are paid millions of dollars to spend hours in the gym every single day.

They have personal trainers, chefs, and people to tell them exactly what to do and when.

Although I do appreciate how the evolution of weightlifting, bodybuilding, and the fitness industry has made exercise very accessible, there are a lot of accompanying issues that leave many people frustrated and confused. Sometimes the

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fitness industry is its own worst enemy.

No matter where you go, people are claiming to know what’s best for you. From CrossFit to yoga, the instructors and trainers claim, “This is the best exercise for you!” But how do they really know that? The truth is, they don’t.

Because everybody is different, and everybody has different goals.

So, if you’re at a crossroads and wondering how to reach your wellness goals without working out hours upon hours a week, breaking the bank, or getting overwhelmed…I am here to offer you clarity!

First of all, before investing your time and money in any program (to be clear, I do believe investing your time and money is the best, but not the only, option), make sure your program answers these questions: WHAT IS YOUR MAIN GOAL? Flexibility? Strength? Build muscle? Bulk up?

Run a 5k? Lose inches? De-stress? Heart health?

These goals are individual to you, so write them down and be aware of what you’re trying to accomplish. These goals will shape how you move forward and build your exercise plan.

Want to build muscle? Hook up with a personal trainer that has a good reputation or find an awesome bodyweight program to follow online.

If flexibility is your main goal, find a Pilates or yoga studio that offers beginner classes. These are awesome places to start.

HOW MUCH TIME CAN YOU DEVOTE? If you have an hour a day, great! If you have 30 minutes a day, great! If you have 10 minutes a day, great! If you’re a mom, dad, business owner, etc, and you only have 20 minutes, three days a week, great! Every second counts. Did you know you reap the exact same benefits from splitting up your workout throughout the day as you would doing it all at once? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, if you

accumulate three, 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day to total 30 minutes of exercise, then that is as effective as someone who does one 30-minute bout of exercise. Knowing the answer to this question is key to maintaining your goals. If you only have 20 minutes, it would be pointless to join a studio or work with a trainer that only offers hour-long sessions.

Because let’s face it, although your intentions may be good at the beginning, the stress of trying to put aside an hour two to three days a week won’t be sustainable, and you’ll quit. Instead, start small and work your way up. Maybe you will have more time than you realized.

WHERE WILL YOU EXERCISE? Once you’ve answered questions one and two, this one should be easier to answer. For example, if destressing is one of your major concerns, I would not suggest joining your neighborhood Crossfit gym, at least not yet. Look into a local yoga studio and join a class that allows time to decompress.

If time is an issue, find a program online. But if you want to build muscle, maybe it’s best to join Crossfit or find a gym that offers a free personal training session so you can get to know the equipment.

The point I want to emphasize here is that most people stop exercising because they decide they don’t have time or don’t know what to do. So, make sure you choose your location to match your time goal.

Aside from these three key questions, there are some other things you can include in your daily routine that will continue to add up throughout the week and make a huge difference in your health journey.

Walk. Try walking around at least every 20-30 minutes. Walking after lunch and dinner makes a difference especially in lowering your blood glucose levels, which will in the long run help you lose fat and gain muscle.

Did I mention it will probably also help you sleep and give you more energy, too?

Keep it simple. There’s no sense in wasting time doing single muscle movements when time is of the essence. So, pick five total body exercises and perform them two to three days a week. These are called compound movements, so think push up instead of biceps curl.

Local Health You want an exercise routine that involves at least one of each category: • Quads - front of your legs • Butt and hamstrings - back of your legs • Push muscles - chest, shoulders, and triceps • Pull muscles - back, biceps, and grip • Core - abdominals and lower back • Example exercise routine • Squat • Deadlift • Push-ups • Bodyweight row • Plank All this being said, my number one advice is to do exercise that you love, not what you think you should do. Because the best exercise for you is any exercise you will actually do. And there you have it. Know your goals, set your time, find your place, and get moving! TM

SPIRIT OF GIVING

W

hile stockings will be hung with care in homes throughout Thomasville this holiday season, not every child will be so fortunate as to wake up surrounded by a loving family on Christmas morning. Thankfully, several local organizations are providing amazing ways for the community to help make sure that no child is forgotten.

NEVER LOST Never Lost uses two main initiatives to serve children who are victims of abuse and neglect.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program advocates for children in the foster system. Their other program is Compass Kids.

Sometimes when a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, they are placed with a relative. Compass Kids comes alongside the family that has taken the child in, providing support and assistance as needed.

This Christmas, Thomasville residents can choose to sponsor a child in foster care or provide “staples stockings,” laundry baskets full of household items like soap, detergent, and toiletries, etc. These baskets are an incredible blessing to relative caregivers. This year there are 50 families in need of a helping hand. Those who want to donate can email info@neverlost.org.

THE TREEHOUSE The Treehouse is a children’s advocacy center providing aid to survivors of child abuse and sexual assault, standing in the gap for children who are actively involved in an abuse case.

Volunteers can sponsor a child through their holiday initiative The Giving Tree. Many children will spend Christmas in a new environment, and thanks to local donors, each child sponsored will receive a duffle bag monogrammed with their first initial and full of items on their wish list.

The duffel bag is special because often children

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are uprooted without anything to truly call their own, often moving their few pieces of clothing and personal items in garbage bags. These duffel bags are something they can call their own. Wish granters are asked to provide two outfits, one jacket, and at least three items from the child’s wish list. For a wish list, please contact The Treehouse at 229-236-5437 or fill out the form at treehousethomasville.org/giving-tree-project.

VASHTI CENTER Vashti Center is a residential and mental health center serving children in this area who are victims of a variety of traumatic circumstances.

They are currently housing 10 boys and nine girls who would be the happy beneficiaries of some Christmas cheer. Donors have the option to either sponsor a child’s Christmas for a monetary gift of $300, or they may take a specific child’s wish list and shop for them personally. These children have all undergone significant trauma or abuse, and Vashti is honored to come alongside them as they heal, recover, and ultimately reach their potential.

To find out more about donating to the Christmas fund or sponsoring a child, visit vashti.org/support or call Susan O’Neal or Amanda Messer at 229-226-2634.

THE FORGOTTEN INITIATIVE Advocates with The Forgotten Initiative work with the Department of Family and Children’s Services to help fill specific needs within the local foster care community. For Christmas, they are providing gift cards to local foster families to help them shoulder the financial load during the holiday season. Sometimes a family receives a child into their care during the month of December, and these gift cards can help provide Christmas gifts for a recently placed child. TFI meets needs all year long, and one method is through assembling Journey Bags for children, full of toiletries and other necessary items. To donate a gift card, provide a Journey Bag, or find out about more ways to serve the foster care community, email thomascounty.ga@theforgotteninitiative.org

SPIRIT OF GIVING

The Christmas Spirit

BY SARA D. SHEARER

COMMUNITY EVENTS

‘Tisthe Season December 2 Tree of Lights Annual tree lighting ceremony that heralds the beginning of the holiday season and offers a celebration of life and remembrance for attendees.

6-8pm, front lawn Archbold Memorial Hospital on Gordon Avenue. For more information or to make a donation, call 229-228-2924 or visit archboldfoundation.org.

December 3 Holiday Sip and Shop Starting at 6pm, enjoy dinner, grab an adult beverage 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.

Through December 31 Flowers Light Extravaganza Flowers Baking welcomes the community to tour the annual Christmas light display on their campus. Nightly, now through New Year’s Eve. Pebble Hill Christmas Display Celebrate the season as the entire estate is transformed into an oldfashioned Christmas wonderland, a magical holiday experience for the whole family. 229-227-5390 or pebblehill.com.

Tour the beautiful holiday display at Pebble Hill Plantation’s house and grounds, bedecked in historic splendor.

Christmas Light Show Tallahassee Stroll through a twinkly light show at Dorothy B. Oven Park, a 1930s manor house with antique furniture & pristine landscaped gardens. Over 250,000 lights and holiday music located throughout the six-acre garden. 6-10pm Mon-Fri & 5:3011pm Sat-Sun. 2305 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee

December 4-5 Market Days Featuring over 300 artists’ unique, handmade creations for holiday shopping, Market Days is held at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 E Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee. See marketdays.org for hours, tickets and more information.

December 6 Downtown Christmas Parade The Annual Thomasville Downtown Christmas Parade is hosted by Thomasville YMCA and ThomasvilleThomas County Recreation Department. The parade begins at 6:30pm.

December 11-12 & 17-19 TOSAC Christmas Performance Thomasville on Stage and Company presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the hilarious Christmas classic. Fun for the whole family. Purchase tickets at tosac. com/tickets or call 229-226-0863 to leave a reservation message and pay at the door.

SOCIAL SCENES

Imagine Thomasville THOMASVILLE THOMAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Imagine Thomasville recently hosted its 2021 Community Impact Awards, recognizing some fine folks dedicated to making our community the best it can be. Photos by Summerhill Creative.

SOCIAL SCENES

Crate to Plate THOMASVILLE HISTORY CENTER ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Thomasville History Center’s Crate to Plate fundraiser was a lot of hard work resulting in a great dining experience and funds raised for the coming year.

Annual Picnic THOMASVILLE LANDMARKS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP EVENT

Thomasville Landmarks hosted its annual picnic recently, a beautiful evening at the Rollalong house, raising funds to preserve, protect, and promote historic Thomas County. (Photos by Stephanie Nicholson)

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Here’s where you can be at home.

Let’s talk about your mortgage options today.

Jane McMillen Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS 711192 229-584-0963 JaneMcMillen@synovus.com

Apply online at synovus.com/mortgage.

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Loans subject to approval, including credit approval.

(229) 226-6074