BEAUTY
FROM FUNDRAISERS TO BEEKEEPING, SPRING CAMPING AND MORE
“Your
— STEPHEN H. CHENEY I CEO
A bank’s success is never an idea alone.
Thomasville National Bank’s success lies in our community of customers, in their character, in their loyal response. They value trust: the handshake agreement.
They are proud of Thomasville: its families, traditions, and prosperity.
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!”
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Karen “KK” Snyder| kk@thomasvillemagazine.com •
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Lauren Wootton | Adele Creative Marketing & Design
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Lauren Wootton | Jacob Welch
ADVERTISING SALES
Wendy Montgomery
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cheré Coen | Andrew Curtis
Kristen Soles McCrackin | Stephanie Rice
Nadia R. Watts
PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily Tucker Photography | Whigham Images MAGAZINE
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
THE SPRING - By
Thomas Carew
Now that the winter’s gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream; But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth, And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo, and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring
In triumph to the world the youthful Spring.
The valleys, hills, and woods in rich array
Welcome the coming of the long’d-for May.
Now all things smile, only my love doth lour;
Nor hath the scalding noonday sun the power
To melt that marble ice, which still doth hold
Her heart congeal’d and makes her pity cold.
The ox, which lately did for shelter fly
Into the stall, doth now securely lie
In open fields; and love no more is made
By the fireside, but in the cooler shade
Amyntas now doth with his Chloris sleep
Under a sycamore, and all things keep
Time with the season; only she doth carry June in her eyes, in her heart January.
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ON THE COVER
Guests were in high style for the annual Thomasville Antiques Show. (l to r) Dominique Messerschmidt, Charlotte Hodges, Rachel Arnold and Jessica Cheney. (Photo by Whigham Images)
ANDREW CURTIS
Southwest Georgia’s Dale Richter is a bee whisperer.
KRISTIN SOLES MCCRACKIN
These
STEPHANIE RICE
NADIA R. WATTS
Grant
Spring’s All Abuzz
By Andrew Curtis
Photos by David Parks
Dale Richter has made an entire life around bees and even took his interest all the way to the Georgia capitol. At just five years old, he began helping his grandfather with his honeybees in Dougherty County. A year later, Richter’s grandfather gave him a hive of his own, but he had to work for it. Having recognized the hobby could produce an income, Richter could be seen riding his bike around town, selling 16-ounce jars of
honey for 10 cents. As a young kid, Richter was passionate about bees and grew up guest-lecturing classes about his work.
While in college at the University of Georgia, Richter majored in agricultural economics, but he worked in the entomology lab for renowned bee expert Dr. Al Dietz and became head of the bee lab there. Dietz even requested that Richter teach his Bee Basics introductory class to students one semester.
After graduating from UGA, Richter moved home to Albany and worked as a roofing contractor, but he continued to keep honeybees. About 10 years later, the honeybees became a bit too labor intensive while trying to balance his other work, so he switched it up. Richter put the word out that he could remove bees in unwanted places and structures. Today he’s owner and operator of The Buzz Fuzz honeybee removal company and stinging insect specialist.
“I didn’t realize that there was such a need for bee removal,” explains Richter, 68, of his business decision nearly 40 years ago. “People just kept calling me, and it wasn’t long before I
began doing removals full time.”
Bees can enter a building through a hole as small as three-fourths the size of a pencil eraser. Once a colony is established inside, there is no easy way to get them out.
“I start by seeing where the bees are going into the house,” says Richter, who then seals the entry point from the outside and inside before using a thermal image camera to help locate the hive inside. “From there, I must tear into the wall or ceiling to get to them.”
He likes to open shades and curtains around windows since bees use light to navigate. The bees will be drawn to the light, aiding Richter in the removal process.
The key, Richter emphasizes repeatedly, is to not kill the bees. Removing the bees with the hive and all debris is essential. “Some people go in and just kill the bees or seal them off, but that is a big mistake. There will be a huge mess, and the bees will die and rot. The honey will ferment, smell awful, and run. And hive beetles will move throughout the house,” cautions Richter, who suggests hiring a licensed and insured bee removal specialist. “No one who is licensed should kill the bees or leave the hive and debris in the house.”
In 2019, Dale conceived, co-wrote, and enacted the Georgia law requiring that anyone performing honeybee removals should be state licensed and insured.
“I kept hearing of people who were doing these removal jobs completely wrong, and I wanted to change that,” says Richter. “Honestly, you need to understand building construction just as much or more than honeybees. There is so much you need to know before taking it on.”
For example, when cutting into ceilings or walls, a person needs to be aware of pipes and electrical wires. “Sometimes, wires are not where you think they will be or even where they should be. That can be extremely dangerous, so do not assume,” says Richter.
Though Richter prefers to wear a bee suit to prevent stings, there are times when the space limits what he can wear. It is not uncommon for him to get 30-40 stings if he is unprotected during the process.
Richter uses a thermal image camera to help locate the hive.
The goal for hive removal is to not kill the bees.
“I guess I’m used to the stings,” he laughs. “The human body can take 10 stings per pound of body weight at a time, so I have never been too concerned about getting stung on the job.”
However, Richter revealed that Africanized bees (AKA “killer bees”) are a different story than the mild-mannered honeybees he works with. Thankfully, Georgia has had only one confirmed case of killer bees. The incident just so happened to be in Dougherty County, and Richter became the first and only beekeeper in Georgia to confront Africanized honeybees in the natural environment.
In 2011, a Georgia man was fatally stung by these killer bees, receiving more than 5,000 stings to his body when his bulldozer hit the hive. With the help of the fire department, Richter was able to successfully remove the hazardous bees, which were later confirmed and reported as illegally imported.
“Killer bees actually have less potent venom than honeybees, but it’s their aggression that is the problem. They will all pounce on you at once and kill you with their numbers. Honeybees just don’t do that,” explains Richter.
Richter routinely uses a bee-safe vacuum to collect the bees for removal and tries not to harm the bees. “I will either keep the bees for a hive myself, give them to another beekeeper, or ship them to labs or training facilities to be used and studied for bomb
The Buzz Fuzz has been called on to remove bees from houses, offices, lots, and even the Jimmy Carter Museum in Plains.
Natural PURSUITS
Leaving bee removal to the experts is the best solution, for the bees and for the property owner.
detection training. I’m fascinated that honeybees can be trained in such a short life span of 12 to 14 weeks.”
What about the honey from these indoor hives? “I do not recommend eating the honey,” Richter advises. “The honey may be contaminated from roaches and other bugs inside the house, and there may be bits of drywall and house material from the process to get to it.”
The Buzz Fuzz has been called on to remove bees from houses, offices, lots, and even the Jimmy Carter Museum in Plains, where Richter also looks after the bee hives at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. “I love to educate people about bees and what I do,” Richter says.
For more information, look for Dale Richter’s The Buzz Fuzz on Facebook. TM
Andrew Curtis is a South Georgia veterinarian, freelance writer, and author. Visit his website at andrewcartercurtis.com.
HEALING SOLES TALLAHASSEE PODIATRY
A FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALIST
NOW AVAILABLE RIGHT IN THOMASVILLE
BY KRISTEN SOLES MCCRACKIN
PHOTOS BY EMILY TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Founded 45 years ago by Dr. George Merritt, Tallahassee Podiatry Associates has honed a simple philosophy to foot care: They want patients to stay healthy, active, and on their feet doing what they love.
Today, the practice also includes Dr. Russell Rowan, Dr. Bryan Spooner, Dr, Marc Alvarez, and Dr. Joshua Nichols. Together they embrace the practice’s philosophy through office, inpatient, and outpatient surgical services, fracture care, non-operative therapies—including orthotics, diabetic foot care, and wound management—and attention to sports-related injuries.
The large practice has locations in Thomasville as well as Tallahassee and Perry, Florida. They treat conditions such as bunions, hammertoe, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, gout, and stress fractures. Their diabetic care program is one of their busiest services, says Spooner, from his Thomasville office.
“We have a certified diabetic shoe fitter that works
with
enabling us to handle any
bracing or shoe inserts that patients might need, and
can do that on site,” he says.
Spooner explains that they also do many preventive treatments in their diabetic program. “We see our diabetic patients every three to six months, and we try to do conservative maintenance with them.
“We also do wound care. We can provide skin substitutes such as grafts to help promote healing. So, we do local wound care and surgery as needed.”
Having a certified orthotist on staff means that many of their runners, or even those who are just active daily, benefit from custom orthotics, so Tallahassee Podiatry is proud to provide that service as well.
According to Spooner, the most common source of foot pain is inactivity. “People who do not stretch and do not exercise lose a lot of flexibility. When you lose your flexibility in your lower extremities, then you begin to have more foot pain when you do try to be active.” He says that’s why they prescribe stretching exercises, refer patients for physical therapy to try to restore their range of motion, conduct lower extremity evaluations, and do gait training.
Dr. Bryan Spooner with Rachel Sampson, practice manager, at their Thomasville office.
Ill-fitting shoes are also a major source of foot pain. “You want to stay out of flats and slides, and for work, you want to go with a shoe that might have a slight wedge, not a high heel. A slight wedge is more helpful than a flat or a slide, supportive sandals,” says Spooner. “Flats and slides stretch your foot, so if you’re going to wear a shoe like that, I don’t recommend going over about an inch and a half, just a slight wedge.”
For tennis shoes, he says, “I typically will have patients wear what’s called a neutral shoe—that’s for runners— and you want a wide toe box with a nice stiff heel in the back of the shoe. You want the heel to be firm, and then you want the sole to resist twisting when you try to twist the shoe, which means that the shoe has a good, supportive insole material.”
If you’re having pain in your ankles or feet, don’t wait to address the problem. Call or text a specialist at Tallahassee Podiatry Associates today at 229-236-2768 in Thomasville or visit their website at tlhpodiatry.com. TM
PREVENTING COMMON FOOT INJURIES AND AILMENTS
Neglecting foot health can lead to various ailments impacting your mobility and quality of life. Many of these are preventable and treatable if you are mindful of potential risks and seek medical attention when necessary. From blisters and calluses to more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis and diabetic neuropathy, there are a multitude of foot issues that can arise without the proper care. Here is a series of tips to prevent foot ailments:
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of foot and ankle pain.
• Wear properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning to prevent corns and calluses.
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot and fungal infections.
• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
• Trim your toenails regularly and straight across to avoid the pain of ingrown toenails or infection.
• Stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles to prevent plantar fasciitis and other overuse injuries.
• Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods to prevent bunions and hammertoes.
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A CENTURY of HEAlING ARCHBolD
At right: John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital Medical Staff in 1925; middle: historic view of operating room; bottom left: graduates of John D. Archbold Hospital Training School; bottom right: John F. Archbold
A
A CENTURY OF HEALING ARCHBolD
John Dustin Archbold, the son of a Methodist Episcopal minister, was born in Leesburg, Ohio. He served as the first president of the Standard Oil Company and was the closest associate of John D. Rockefeller.
Thomasville, then a booming resort town, attracted the Archbold family and many other prominent northern families with its friendly demeanor, fresh pine air, and ample sporting opportunities in the Red Hills.
John D. Archbold’s son, John F. “Jack” Archbold, built his home at Chinquapin Plantation in Thomas County in 1910. In 1923, he donated the funds to build John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in memory of his father. Archbold has him to thank for its iconic Mediterranean Revival design and tradition of community-led philanthropic support.
ARCHBOLD’S BEGINNINGS
On June 30, 1925, John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital was officially dedicated. Archbold opened as a modern, 100-bed general hospital, treating patients that came from South Georgia and North Florida. The medical staff assembled for the new hospital set the stage for a long-standing tradition of excellent physicians caring for this region.
The first three floors of the west wing of the hospital opened in December 1958, adding 56 beds. During this time, improvements were made to surgery, delivery rooms and the nursery, while the X-ray department was expanded. A cafeteria for staff and patients, along with a pharmacy, was also completed during the expansion.
Archbold began offering home health care in 1973. Inhome care was offered as an alternative to acute hospital care or placement patients in an extended care facility away from home.
Over the years, Archbold’s services have grown to include Archbold Hospice, Archbold Pinetree Pharmacy and Archbold HomeCare Store.
A PERIOD OF EXPONENTIAL GROWTH
The 1980s was a period of growth for the health system. Archbold Grady, Archbold Brooks, Archbold Mitchell, Archbold Living–Camilla and Archbold LivingPelham all become part of Archbold’s network between 1985 and 1990. Since then, Archbold Specialty Clinics have opened in Bainbridge, Cairo, Camilla and Quitman. Archbold purchased a magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI), the first of its kind in Georgia south of Atlanta and in North Florida.
In 1988, the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center became the region’s first comprehensive cancer facility. It opened with the latest diagnostic and treatment
John F. “Jack” Archbold donated $1.5 million to build John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in memory of his father in 1923.
postcard
equipment and offered a unique approach to cancer care through the combination of medical oncology, chemotherapy and radiation therapy under one roof. The center also offered ancillary services, including patient education, nutrition counseling, rehabilitation and social services.
Archbold’s Outpatient Surgery Center opened in May of 1989 as an addition to the West Wing with its own entrance for patients. It was built in conjunction with the complete renovation of the hospital’s own inpatient surgical department.
THE NEW MILLENNIUM
In 2002, the Archbold Ambulatory Care Center opened and provided the community with the Ambulatory Surgery Center, Imaging Center, Women’s Center, and a relocated Preadmission Testing department.
The center gave patients access to cutting-edge technology including the most powerful MRI available at that time, and the GE Lightspeed CT scanner, which produced vital diagnostic images in under a minute.
Archbold became the third hospital in Georgia to acquire the Gamma Knife in 2003. This technology allowed physicians to treat brain tumors, lesions and malformations in the brain without a scalpel or the usual risks associated with surgery.
The Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center, now known as the Lewis Hall Singletary Archbold Cancer Center, moved
into a newer and larger building in August of 2010. It provides patients with private, semi-private and open-area options for infusion treatments. Patients also have access to clinical trials, a patient navigator program and a scalp cooling treatment system to help chemotherapy patients retain their hair during treatments. In October of 2020, the Varian TrueBeam System, the latest most powerful and precise cancer fighting technology available, replaced an 18-yearold Varian Accelerator making it just over a $3.4 million investment for Archbold.
Archbold’s North Tower—the largest single construction project in Archbold’s history—opened in May of 2012. The tower provided new locations for the Emergency Department, Surgery, Intensive Care Unit, and two medical-surgical inpatient units.
Archbold Therapy and Sports Medicine opened a new free-standing facility in early 2021. The new building allowed therapy staff to expand their physical, occupational and speech therapy services to patients and a sports medicine program catering to student athletes in Thomas County.
Archbold’s Loudermilk Heart and Vascular Center expanded in 2021 and opened a fifth cath lab. The expansion and subsequent improvements to the space allow physicians to treat more patients in a timely manner.
From a
–John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in 1925.
A CENTURY OF HEALING ARCHBolD
A
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
In 2022, the “One Archbold” initiative introduced a revitalized Archbold brand. A refreshed logo and unified names were introduced at facilities around the region. While Archbold’s facilities across South Georgia had always shared a mission, they now shared a common identity.
Archbold is now a robust healthcare system that includes four hospitals, four nursing homes and over 200 specialty physicians and employs nearly 3,000 staff members. Its service lines include a state-ofthe-art cancer center, life-saving cardiology care, minimally invasive surgery, a soon-toopen new maternity center and more.
One hundred years in, the Archbold team is proud of the impact they have made on the region and thankful for the countless current and former team members who have served their communities with such consistency. With continued community support and the growth of our area, Archbold is destined for another century of region-leading healthcare.
A leading aspect of the 100th Anniversary celebration is Archbold’s centennial history book, A Century of Healing: Centennial Reflections on the John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, carefully compiled by longtime Archbold physician and historian Dr. Chip Bragg. A Century of Healing represents the most complete compilation of Archbold history ever published. The book’s anticipated release date is April 2025. Purchases will support the Archbold Foundation and allow you to participate in this exciting celebration.
SHARE YOUR ARCHBOLD STORY
The lives touched by Archbold in the last 100 years are immeasurable. Whether it was a job where you could make a difference, the Cancer Center where your mother became a survivor, or the Maternity Center where you first saw your child—Archbold has played a significant role in so many of our lives as South Georgia residents.
No matter why Archbold is significant to you, those heading the 100th anniversary
A CENTURY OF HEALING
celebration would love to hear your Archbold story! Visit the hospital’s centennial website archbold.org/100 to share how Archbold’s first 100 years made a difference in your life. Centennial organizers will share these collected stories online and in person throughout the centennial celebrations. Do you know someone who might like to share their Archbold story? We encourage you to pass along this opportunity to them.
BORN AT ARCHBOLD?
On July 11, 1925, the first baby was born at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. The ceremoniously named John Archbold Golden began a long history of new life at Archbold. Today, Archbold has earned a reputation for providing the highest quality maternity experience throughout the entire process of prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. More than 860 families trusted Archbold maternity centers with their newborn delivery in 2023. With the opening of Archbold Memorial’s new maternity center, we’re proud to further our commitment to mothers, newborns, and families once again.
Were you or a loved one born at Archbold? Share your baby photos! Each member of our community born at Archbold is a significant piece of the Archbold story. Visit the website archbold.org/100 to submit photos. Archbold will share these photos with the community and recognize you and your family for the role you’ve played in Archbold’s proud history. TM
NOW & THEN · Top left: Lewis Hall Singletary Archbold Cancer Center; above: first Archbold Nursing School graduates
Setting the Standard for Beautiful Smiles.
“As a flower show judge, I judge things. You have certain things you look for and for a Blue Ribbon you have to meet strict criteria. I would give Dr. Oppenheim a Blue Ribbon!” Experience the transformation with a smile designed by Dr. Thomas Oppenheim.
Connie Ewing
Get ready to experience the charm of Downtown Thomasville during First Friday events. Sip, shop, and dine while enjoying an exciting lineup of live entertainment! Hosted by the City of Thomasville Main Street Office, this year’s First Friday schedule offers a fantastic mix of music, shopping, and dining in the heart of downtown.
First Friday festivities begin at 5pm, with many shops and restaurants offering extended hours for visitors to explore
2025 Lineup
The 2025 First Friday concert schedule includes:
APRIL 4
On-street entertainment only. Enjoy live music while you sip, shop, and dine!
MAY 2
Gypsy Cotton
JUNE 6
Hunter Clark Band
and enjoy. The evening includes food trucks, live music, and a free concert at The Ritz Amphitheater. Adults (21+) can also take advantage of Thomasville’s open-container, special event district during the event.
Based on community feedback, one of the biggest updates this year is a new concert time of 8-10pm. “This adjustment gives attendees more time to shop and dine before the free concert begins,” notes Brandy Avery, City of Thomasville Main Street director.
AUGUST 1
Kason Sellers Band
SEPTEMBER 5
Trae Pierce and the T-Stones
OCTOBER 3
Dirty Bird and The Flu
NOVEMBER 7
Lloyd Carter Band
DECEMBER 5
On-street entertainment only.
Sweetness in Historic Downtown Thomasville
Experience the magic of Kilwins Thomasville, where every visit is a treat for the senses. Indulge in the rich aroma of fresh, buttery fudge cooking in the copper kettle, the satisfying snap of hand-crafted chocolates, and the creamy delight of our original recipe ice cream. Whether you’re strolling through town or gathering with friends, Kilwins is the perfect place to create sweet memories.
From our friendly service to our irresistible confections, Kilwins brings a timeless tradition of sweetness to every occasion.
Hand-Crafted Chocolates • Fudge • Ice Cream
Located on Broad Street in Downtown Thomasville
Kilwins Thomasville
119 N Broad St, Thomasville, GA 31792 (229)-798-9123 • www.kilwins.com/thomasville
Locally owned by Dwayne & Jackie Anderson Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @KilwinsThomasville
Two remarkable stores. One unmistakable style.
buckets of berries
Strawberry Chicken Salad
SERVES 4
1 lb chicken cutlets
6 tbsp olive oil, divided
¾ tsp salt, divided
½ tsp ground pepper, divided
3 tbsp white-wine vinegar
1 tbsp minced shallot
1 ½ tsp honey
1 cup fresh mint leaves, divided, plus more for garnish
10 cups mixed salad greens (about 8 oz)
2 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
¼ cup walnut pieces
Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. When cool enough to handle, slice the chicken.
Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, shallot, honey, and the remaining 5 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Finely chop 1/4 cup mint and add to the dressing in the bowl, whisking to combine. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the dressing.
Tear or coarsely chop the remaining 3/4 cup mint leaves and add to the bowl along with mixed greens. Toss gently to combine. Divide the salad among 4 dinner bowls. Combine the chicken and the reserved dressing in the large bowl; stir to coat. Divide the chicken, strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts among four dinner bowls. Garnish with more mint, if desired.
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN THOSE BIG, JUICY STRAWBERRIES BEGIN POPPING UP IN U-PICK FIELDS ACROSS THE REGION. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SPRING SEASON AND ENJOY THIS VERSATILE FRUIT IN SALADS, DESSERTS AND EVEN DRINKS.
buckets of berries
Glazed Strawberry Scones
SERVES 4
For the scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 cup heavy cream, plus 1 tbsp for brushing the scones
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
2 tbsp turbinado sugar
For the vanilla glaze
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your hands, quickly cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. Mix until mixture resembles coarse meal, with a few larger butter lumps.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour the liquid ingredients over the flour mixture and stir with a spatula until dough begins to form. Don’t over mix. Gently fold in the strawberries. Transfer dough to a floured countertop and gently push the dough together with your hands, just until it for ms a ball. Form the dough into a 1-inch circle by patting the dough and gently pressing the dough. Don’t overwork the dough. You want to work quickly so the butter doesn’t get too warm. Use a sharp knife to cut the scones into 8 triangles. Place scones on prepared baking sheet and put in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. This will prevent the scones from spreading when baking. Remove the scones from the freezer. Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the scones with the additional heavy cream. Sprinkle the scones with turbinado sugar. Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until scones are golden brown on the bottom and around the edges. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
While the scones are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle glaze generously over the cooled scones.
Strawberry Overnight Oats
SERVES 4
1/2 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
1/2 cup sliced strawberries, plus extra for topping
3 tbsp strawberry jam
2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Extra sprigs of thyme, for garnish (optional)
Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the oats to a jar or other air-tight container and store in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. In the morning, optionally top your oats with sliced strawberries, and serve.
Strawberry & Thyme Cocktail
SERVES 4
For Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
8 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Cocktails
2 oz simple syrup
2 oz lime juice
4 oz tequila (you can also use vodka or gin)
Plenty of ice (at least 3 cups)
Extra fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Extra sprigs of thyme, for garnish (optional)
Make the Simple Syrup
Stir sugar, water, strawberries, and thyme together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until sugar has dissolved and strawberries have softened. The syrup should turn a bright, rich pink color as the strawberries begin to break down.
Remove syrup from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes, then strain to remove all fruit and herbs. Use cooled syrup immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Note: This recipe makes enough simple syrup for several cocktails. Use what you need and store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Make the Cocktails
Add simple syrup, lime juice, and tequila (or your spirit of choice) to a large cocktail shaker. Shake over ice until chilled, then pour into cocktail glasses filled with ice. Garnish drinks with fresh strawberries and a sprig of thyme (optional) and serve immediately.
buckets of berries
Strengthening the
Childcare Pipeline
BY NADIA R. WATTS
It’s an age-old dilemma for parents everywhere. Should you pay a hefty bill for childcare so that you can go to work and pull in a much-needed income, or should you remain at home with the kids, relieving yourself of the childcare fees, but at the same time curtailing your own opportunity to work and your children’s chance to begin their formal education?
This very personal struggle creates ripples in places you may have never imagined — ripples that affect the future of Thomasville and all those who live here. And the City of Thomasville is making strides to remedy the problem.
In an entity called Imagine Thomasville, representatives from the Thomasville and Thomas County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Thomasville Payroll Development Authority applied for and won a grant of $750,000 by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The Expanding Parents’ Access to Nontraditional Delivery (EXPAND) Grant was developed to help childcare providers fund and operate their businesses during nontraditional hours—early in the morning, late at night, and/or during weekends—to help working parents remain in the labor force and at the same time provide quality
education and care for their children. It’s a first step to solving a big issue.
“Parents are stretched to pay for [childcare], and providers are stretched to pay employees the low rates that they have to pay in order to make the business profit,” says Esther-Marie Lawrence, director of development and strategic partnerships at Imagine Thomasville. “The parents are pinched, the [childcare] owner is pinched, and the [childcare staff is] pinched.”
Something is going to have to give, she said. “You can’t have a thriving workforce if you don’t have highquality childcare; that’s just the reality of the situation.”
“You can’t have a thriving workforce if you don’t have high-quality childcare.”
-- Esther-Marie Lawrence
It takes a strong workforce to support the success of a city like Thomasville. Simply put, Thomasville is dependent upon its current labor force, as well as the educators who train future workers, to keep its economy healthy. As in many small towns post-pandemic, Thomasville’s workforce is not as strong as it could be, and many children are not getting the education that prepares them well to later join that workforce.
Lawrence says this dilemma is everyone’s problem.
“If you need employees who can reliably show up to work, you have to have high-quality childcare,” she says. “And how can we imagine Thomasville if we’ve got all of these stop gaps?”
SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY
Andrea Collins, executive director of the chamber, says we have some work to do to mitigate these challenges, but she remains positive. “The ThomasvilleThomas County business community is made up of a
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COMMUNITY MATTERS
multitude of diverse sectors, fostering a united approach dedicated to building a stronger future for all,” she says.
“Educators cultivate the workforce that business stewards,” and that collaboration is key to stopping up the leaks in the birth-to-workforce pipeline.
The chamber itself is leading the way by establishing the Thomasville Thomas County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of raising funds to support the local workforce pipeline and other important causes. “There are a lot of grants out there that are really centered around workforce,” Collins explains. But because the chamber is a membershipbased organization, there are limitations in accessing certain funding opportunities. The establishment of the foundation will solve that problem.
With a staff of only three, the chamber needed help in using the $750,000 grant for the greater good. Lawrence was hired to manage the operational implementation of the DECAL EXPAND Grant, while Katie Chastain was brought on as a workforce development consultant to help shape and guide the overall strategy. Both have been pivotal to the grant’s application and success.
Not only are the funds a valuable income stream for childcare providers, but they can also be used to serve families that haven’t previously been able to afford the care. Collins added that an important part of the initiative aims to provide mentorship and coaching to the grant recipients to help them manage their businesses more effectively.
“One of the pieces of the puzzle within that mentorship was putting in an element for the providers to be able to start building up savings so that once the grant is over, they [would be] sitting in a better position financially than they were before the grant.”
Seven childcare providers in and around Thomasville and Thomas County used the funds to extend their operating hours— most into the late evenings and a few on weekends. And for each of them, the EXPAND Grant has opened doors.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Japonica Edwards, owner of Hands-On Learning Academy, said the monies have enabled her to market her services to a wider range of parents, including those working late shifts or other non-traditional hours. She said she sees the grant as an opportunity to increase access to quality childcare in the community—especially for some parents who had previously relied on unreliable or unsafe arrangements to cover their work schedules.
“A lot of my parents are single parents,” she explains. Oftentimes, “you can tell they were just leaving the babies with whomever to get to work to make ends meet,” sometimes going so far as leaving their children home alone while they worked.
With all experiments come those “aha moments” that might lead to tweaks in a program, were it to continue. First and foremost, while the EXPAND Grant has been in place for around a year now, the uptake in the services has been limited across the board. Lawrence says you can’t throw money at a problem and expect to solve it right away.
One year was never going to be enough to change the culture of a system, Lawrence continued; a multi-year
The EXPAND Grant was developed to help childcare providers fund and operate their businesses during nontraditional hours―early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
WHETHER A CHILD IS ON A COLLEGE OR CAREER TRACK, WE HELP STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
timeline might have been more reasonable. A few more years “would give families time to actually adapt,” and would give business owners the assurance that expanded hours would serve as a long-term, stable source of income for them, she says.
Lawrence says she had high hopes that DECAL would extend the program; a mere 15 months was simply not “enough time to really move the needle one way or the other.” Enough additional time is needed to be able to truly evaluate the impact of the program and make it a sustainable long-term solution, she says.
Until then, the grantees said they will do their darndest to continue to serve parents in the best way they know how. TM
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Camping Georgia’s State Parks
Enjoying our state has never been easier
BY CHERÉ COEN
Exploring Georgia
Exploring Georgia
It doesn’t take long before winter slips away like a bad dream and spring teases us to get outdoors. Georgia State Parks can fill that need to feel the sun on our faces once more— and provide a nice variety of environments for sweet dreams as well. From the coast to the mountains, from the mill ruins of Sweetwater Creek to the geological wonders of Amicalola Falls, Georgia State Parks offer a variety of camping experiences. Here are just a few for you to consider.
CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK
At the southeastern tip of Georgia lie the quaint towns of St. Marys and Kingsland, with the pristine barrier islands just off the coast. Crooked River State Park sits between the cities, facing the winding East River and marshlands. The park offers a nature trail, ruins of a tabby mill built around 1825, and a boat launch on to the East River. The 11-mile St. Marys Tabby Trail connects to downtown St. Marys, and the park’s bird blind highlights the coast’s extensive list of resident and migratory birds. For those wanting to camp, Crooked River offers campsites nestled in maritime forest and cottages near the tidal river.
Birders love the park’s bird blind for the best sighting options.
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Exploring Georgia
The ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park are the remains of New Manchester Manufacturing Company’s textile mill, which burned during the Civil War.
STEPHEN C. FOSTER STATE PARK
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, located at the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers, provides a unique habitat for threatened and endangered species and is perfect for paddlers and those hoping to spot wildlife from a guided tour boat. It’s a short drive west of Kingsland, but the refuge is open only for day use. For those who want to camp out near the swamp—and enjoy dark skies within the 438,000-acre refuge—Stephen C. Foster State Park offers lakeside cabins and campsites beneath Spanish moss-draped oaks. Just watch out for alligators!
AMICALOLA
FALLS STATE PARK
The lodge on top of a mountain with breathtaking views is always a draw for visitors, but the park offers cabins and campsites as well. Both provide basecamp for hiking through the park with its trademark 729-foot waterfall, considered to be the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Enjoy special attractions such as zip
Many campgrounds and some cabins welcome dogs.
lining and archery or just a porch to relax on while listening to rushing creek waters.
For something unique, hike the approach to the Appalachian Trail, which begins at the lodge. Instead of heading straight to Springer Mountain where the AT begins, hike about five miles to Len Foote Hike Inn, which offers rustic accommodations, family-style meals, a bathhouse, a porch with rocking chairs, and a sunrise room with puzzles, games, and guitars. The inn was constructed to be sustainable, and hikers must hike out with everything they bring in. Backpacker magazine named the trail to Len Foote as one of 36 Best American Hikes, and the inn was included on National Geographic Traveler’s Stay List. Guests may reserve rooms at Len Foote online or at Amicalola’s new welcome center.
Exploring Georgia
SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK
This state park on the outskirts of Douglasville and west of Atlanta features acres of hiking trails, the 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir popular with paddlers and fishermen and a museum that explains much of the region’s history. But it’s the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company’s textile mill burned during the Civil War that thrill visitors the most. Only the mill’s outside walls remain, but the dramatic landscape provides a great background for movies. Visitors may camp at the park’s tent campsites and 10 glamping yurts (accommodations more rustic than a cabin and nicer than a tent) near the reservoir’s edge.
RED TOP MOUNTAIN AND VOGEL STATE PARK
The mountains are calling, as they say, and new updates beckon in two north Georgia locations. Red Top Mountain’s new cottages overlook the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, but the park also features a spacious campground and a lakeside yurt. Vogel State Park, located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blairsville, is in the process of completing its
new visitor’s center. Accommodations at Vogel range from campsites, including one pioneer site, to cottages, some of which are situated on the park’s 22-acre lake.
IT’S A DOG’S WORLD
Georgia State Parks allows dogs in more than 40 campgrounds—and there’s no extra charge. Some include Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton and Chattahoochee Bend State Park near Newnan. Some parks allow dogs in designated cabins, such as Mistletoe State Park near Augusta or Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth. There is a pet fee for cabins and a two-dog maximum. For info, visit GaStateParks.org/Cottages and GaStateParks.org/ParkRules. TM
Paved walking trails make access available to everyone.
Exploring Georgia
Georgia’s State Parks are making major advancements to ensure visitors of all abilities can explore forests, rivers, and trails with ease.
• All-Terrain Wheelchair Adventures – Now available to rent for free at 19 Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, all-terrain wheelchairs empower individuals with mobility challenges to explore rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and natural wonders.
• ADA-Friendly Accommodations – Many state parks feature ADA cabins, complete with accessible showers, doorways, and ramps, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay.
• Accessible Water Activities – At Hard Labor Creek State Park and Jack Hill State Park, guests can use ADA kayak launches, allowing for a safe and easy transition into the water.
• Equestrian Access for All – Don Carter State Park features an ADA horse ramp, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate in adaptive horseback riding experiences.
• Guided Sensory Experiences – Georgia park rangers offer adaptive guided tours, including Braille materials, sign language interpretation, and auditory aids, so visitors with hearing or vision impairments can fully engage with nature.
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THE PATCHWORK
Award –
Representatives from the Georgia
Erin Wolfe Bell and Britt Shiver
Thomasville Center for the Arts received an award for The Patchwork Project at this year’s Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) annual conference, held in Milledgeville. Held during the annual conference, the GAM annual awards program recognizes outstanding achievements of people and organizations that make up the museum community across Georgia.
The Patchwork Project, a community quilt created by over 200 individuals, was recognized for its originality, contributions to the cultural fabric of the state, and excellence in implementation.
“The Patchwork Project was designed as an expression of our community—like a patchwork quilt with a multitude of tones, colors, textures, and shapes that tell a story of Thomasville and the people who live and visit here,” says Britt Shiver, director of programs and engagement at Thomasville Center for the Arts. “The final product is a visual representation of what our community feels, what it envisions, and what is most important here in
our corner of Southwest Georgia.” Partnerships with local businesses and non-profits were critical to the project’s success and outreach. The project served as an outreach tool for the center as it traveled to different neighborhoods in the Thomasville community to capture the perspectives of as many people as possible. Local artists Jennifer Vanderbeek and Emily McKenna crafted the individual pieces into two large-scale quilts.
The Patchwork Project is permanently displayed at Kin Wine Market & Lounge, a wine and snack shop located in Downtown Thomasville. TM
Project
Center
& Lounge in downtown Thomasville
Association of Museums presented
of Thomasville Center for the Arts with a project award at the 2025 GAM Conference in Milledgeville, Ga.
image: The Patchwork Project quilt was originally unveiled in Paradise Park last year. It is now on permanent display at Kin Wine Market
Thomasville Center for the Arts staff members Britt Shiver and Jennifer Vanderbeek were instrumental in the creation of The Patchwork Project.
Exercise Snacking
The new workout trend that could be the difference in meeting your goals.
BY STEPHANIE RICE
For Your Health
Most of you will read the title of this article and think, “Finally, I can eat while I exercise!” But, don’t get too ahead of yourself … We aren’t talking about eating small portions of food during your sweat sessions. (Although maybe I can start pushing that as our next fitness fad. Just kidding!)
“Exercise snacking” is a fairly new concept being used in the health and wellness industry. Just as eating a snack has its health benefits, like boosting your mood and maintaining energy, so does exercise snacking. It refers to the practice of incorporating short bursts of physical activity to sustain you throughout your busy day. Examples are jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, brisk walks, and burpees. And the best part? These snacks are easily customizable and can slide right into your day. Say goodbye to those afternoon slumps and the excuse you have no time for exercise. We all know how challenging it can be to get your workout in on those busy days
The main goal of exercise snacking is to use physical activity to break up the monotonous day of sitting or being still. These short bursts will increase cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost metabolism.
Dr. Andy Galphin, a scientist and tenured professor with a PhD in human bioenergetics and a masters in human movement science, recommends exercise snacking as a fitness strategy to “enhance or maintain fitness, emphasizing the importance of incorporating brief, targeted exercises into one’s routine to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance, especially during periods of decreased regular activity.”
Just to be clear, exercise snacking is not prolonged exercise. It is very short bursts of exercise lasting anywhere between 20 seconds and two minutes (Colorado State University), performed multiple times a day, breaking up a sedentary day. Your goal is to get your heart rate elevated and blood pumping quickly wherever you are—at your desk, in your house, at the park. The possibilities are endless.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the health benefits of exercise snacking. Does exercise snacking even work? Yes, and research has found exercise snacking offers these benefits (Colorado State University):
• Increased aerobic fitness
• Increased blood flow and vascular health
• Increased blood sugar regulation and decreased insulin resistance
• Increased ability for muscles to absorb and utilize proteins to repair and maintain muscle mass
• Increased release of feel-good endorphins for a mood boost
Although I am still a fan of going to the gym to lift weights or taking a Pilates class, this new research is going to be huge for the average American who struggles to find time in their busy life to reach or maintain their fitness goals. Exercise snacking can help decrease the barriers to exercise, as they are very approachable, tangible, and easy to incorporate into your day. What a better way to fill your day with fun and healthy movement!
Total side note here, but exercise snacking is also a great way for families to be creative together and move their bodies.
There is no one-size-fits-all to exercise snacking—that’s the beauty of it! Rule of thumb is to start small and build your way up. Set an alarm for every 60 minutes, pick one to three exercises and perform each for 20 seconds each until two minutes is up. If that’s too much, just start with 20 seconds every hour and work your way up from there. Each week add five seconds onto your time. Then start to add different exercises each hour.
For Your Health
Here is a list of exercise snack examples:
• Squats
• Burpees
• Jumping Jacks
• Pushups
• High Knees
• Jogging (in place or up stairs)
• Zumba/Dancing
According to Dr. Marily Oppezzo, personal trainer and head of Stanford Lifestyle Healthful Nutrition, “Exercise snacks aren’t just a two-minute leisurely walk break. You’ll want the one-to-five minute workout to elevate the heart rate to a point where it becomes hard to speak in complete sentences.”
That is hard core for sure (I wouldn’t want her as a personal trainer!), but she has a great point. Five minutes is more for someone already at a higher fitness
level that requires a more challenging snack than the average person. So do not beat yourself up if you are only doing the 20 second to two minute range previously discussed.
She also says, “With my clients, I’ve observed that becoming breathless with three or four exercise snacks throughout the day can sometimes be more stress-reducing than doing one longer workout and sitting the rest of the day.” How cool is that! And what an amazing way to view exercise for those of us who are busy.
Again, I want to point out that exercise snacking is very personal and needs to be individualized to one’s own fitness level and fitness goals. The goal is to get your heart rate up, get your blood flowing, be creative, and have fun!
How are you going to start snacking? TM
ROSE SHOW
Festival and Event Guide
APRIL 25 &
26
Friday & Saturday
Orchids on Parade
Featuring orchids grown in a natural habitat by members of the Thomasville Orchid Society. Members will be on hand to answer questions. Donations appreciated, open to the public. 9am-4pm, inside the Municipal Building, 144 E Jackson Street
104th Annual Rose Show
The Rose Show is celebrating over 100 years of roses! Hundreds of heirloom and hybrid rose varieties will be on exhibit from growers throughout the Southeast. Open to the public. 1-5pm Friday, 10am-4:30pm Saturday, Remington Avenue at Broad Street, under the tent, Downtown Thomasville
104th Annual Standard Flower Show
This show features several flower displays throughout the event focusing on floral beauty. There will also be a children’s butterfly activity. 2-5pm Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday, Thomasville Garden Center, 1102 S Broad Street
Friday Only
Rose Parade
Watch as Thomasville comes to life with colorful floats, marching bands, and much more. 7pm, Broad Street, Downtown Thomasville
Family Friendly Street Dance
Enjoy a free, live concert featuring R&B, Inc. and bring your family to dance the night away. 8:30pm (following the parade), intersection of North Broad and Jefferson Streets, Downtown Thomasville
Saturday Only
Civic Garden Club Flower Show
Enjoy beautiful roses, wildflowers, horticulture settings, potted plants, hanging baskets, table displays, and more Free admission/donations appreciated/open to the public. 10am-5pm, Under the tent by The Ritz Amphitheater, 202 South Stevens Street
Rose City “Show & Shine” Car & Truck Show
Hosted by the Thomasville Police Department, see unique and awardwinning cars and trucks of all kinds. For more information, email Crystal.Parker@thomasville.org. On-site registration 9-11am. Parking opens at 8am. Show is 10am-2pm, around the courthouse on Broad Street in Downtown Thomasville.
Rose Fest Market at the Ritz
An outdoor artisan market celebrating all things roses! Handcrafting artisans and makers from across the Southeast will have their handmade goods for sale. Enjoy food trucks, children’s activities, music, and more. 10am4pm, The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 S Stevens Street
Sip & Shop
Grab a beer or wine from a participating downtown merchant and stroll the bricks for a night of sipping, shopping, and fun! Participating retail shops open until 7 or 8pm; restaurants are open later. Check with individual store owners for specific hours. 2-10pm, Downtown Thomasville
Rose Fest Finale
Enjoy a free live concert featuring Blue Burden. Food trucks onsite. 6-9pm, The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street
DUE SOUTH 2025 LINEUP
April 4 - The Art of Safety | Crosswalk Murals
Public Art Unveiling + Ribbon Cutting | 209 West Remington | 11am
April 5 - 14 Decades of Music | Historic Photography Exhibition
Public Art Unveiling | The Ritz Amphitheater | 6pm
April 5 – Due South 2025 | Music Festival
The Ritz Amphitheater | 6-10pm
April 10 – Surface Tension | Linda Hall + Becki Rutta Exhibition
Opening Reception | 600 E Washington Street | 5:30pm
Line up and get your tickets or buy them online at thomasvillearts.org/duesouth/
DUE SOUTH art, food, music
THE MUSIC
Are you ready for a celebration like no other? Due South, an annual benefit concert for Thomasville Center for the Arts, is an art, food and music festival that weaves together show-stopping talent across performing, visual and culinary arts at Downtown Thomasville’s Ritz Amphitheater. Since its debut in 2012, Due South, brought to you this year in partnership with Flowers Auto and The Wright Group, has been a place where friends can come together to celebrate a love for music and art in Thomasville’s ever-growing Creative District.
Due South will bring an unforgettable fusion of music, art, food, and a kaleidoscope of colors to the Ritz Amphitheater on April 5 from 6-10pm, when Downtown Thomasville comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans.
Headlining this year’s festivities is the legendary Rebirth Brass Band, Grammy Award winners who electrify audiences with their signature New Orleans sound. Since their formation, they’ve grown from French Quarter street performers to international sensations, capturing the prestigious Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
Cha Wa, the Grammy-nominated powerhouse that embodies New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Indian culture, and Tallahassee’s own Pharaohs of Funk, will open the evening from the main stage.
THE ART
Public Art Exhibition + Competition
Stop & Smell the Roses! April 3 – May 1
Stop & Smell the Roses!, a public art exhibition + competition in the Creative District, is designed to complement the center’s Due South 2025 Music, Food, & Art Festival, set to take place on April 5. It will be on display during the 104th Rose Show Festival and will focus on the sights and sounds of Thomasville as we celebrate roses, the symbol of our city.
Enjoy the efforts of 16 teams of fiber artists competing to yarn bomb 16 lamp posts along the West Jackson Street corridor by staging a rose-inspired yarn bomb. Each team will create a fiber art sleeve for the lamppost with an embellishment of a fiber art bouquet of roses, along with other local flowers, crocheted, knitted, felted, or created with any fiber art medium.
Three awards, including Best of Show: $1,000, 1st Place: $750, and 2nd Place: $500, will be granted to the top three fiber art teams. Honorable Mention awards will also be given to two additional teams for “community favorites.”
THE FOOD
For 14 years and counting, Due South has built a reputation on sharing emerging talent with Thomasville across visual, performing and culinary arts. Our corner of the world boasts some of the best flavors of the South and this concert serves them up! Local favorites will be available exclusively to Due South ticket holders, who will enjoy Southern spins on typical menu offerings. Neighboring restaurants will be open for business and serving up craft beer and wine for Due Southers. For an all-inclusive experience, grab tickets to our sponsor party to enjoy tasty bites and signature cocktails.
March, April & May
March 20
Salute to Spring
Join the Thomasville History Center to mark the vernal equinox at the Lapham-Patterson House. Weather permitting, attendees will view the “light show” created when the sun reaches the point in the horizon to cast shadows onto the third floor from the bargeboard. 3:30-5pm, 626 N. Dawson Street
March 30
Trails & Tales
Thomasville Humane Society’s Annual Tails & Trails event at Pebble Hill Plantation. Enjoy live working dog demonstrations, explore a pet-themed vendor village, take scenic trail walks, and more! Bring the whole family, including your furry friends. We welcome friendly, leashed dogs to the event! Tickets and VIP packages are available online. Pebble Hill Plantation, U.S. 319, Thomasville
April 4
Sip and Shop
Shop around downtown while enjoying a bite and a beverage, followed by live music at the amphitheater. 6pm. Downtown Thomasville
April 19
Pebble Hill Egg Hunt
Children ages 2 years to 2nd grade are invited to enjoy filling their baskets with Easter eggs from our beautiful grounds. Special “Golden Egg” prizes, games, and other activities. Space is limited. 9am-noon, Pebble Hill Plantation. Tickets and info pebblehill.com.
May 2
Sip and Shop
Head downtown to sip, shop, stroll, dine and listen to some great music. Grab a beer or wine from your favorite downtown restaurant or venue and stroll the historic streets in style. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late. Bring your chairs or a blanket and enjoy a free concert, 8-10pm, at The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens Street, featuring a different band each month. 6-10pm; 229-228-7977
May 4
Landmarks’ Derby Day
Landmarks hosts its annual Kentucky Derby Party, complete with a Bourbon Pull, a bowtie and hat contest, a signature cocktail, dinner, and dancing. This is a ticketed event, but one that is open to the public. 5-9pm at Glenn Arven County Club. For info, email NTpsalms4610@gmail.com.
May 10
Pavo Peacock Day
Parade, crafts, food, games, rides, music, drawings, Peacock quilt raffle, family fun for all ages. 9am-3pm; 2061 W. McDonald Street, Pavo
From the Landmarks
Derby Party to Pavo Peacock Day, don’t miss all spring has to offer in our area.
Thomasville Antique Show
The Annual Thomasville Antique Show was a grand success and featured all the regular show events as well as lectures by speakers such as Timothy Corrigan, Margot Shaw & Canaan Marshal, and McMillan Inc.
Photos by Whigham Images
Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
Thomasville -Thomas County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Chamber Connects event, featuring a presentation by Daryl Ingram with Electric Cities of Georgia. Photos by Whigham Images
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