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. This
The first and finest in the Red Hills Region FOUNDER
John D. “Jack” Kelly | March 15, 1931 - July 8, 2015
“He spent his life giving back to the community he loved!”
Karen “KK” Snyder| kk@thomasvillemagazine.com • CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Amy Faeskorn, Stephanie Rice, Sarah Shearer PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily Tucker Photography, Whigham Images
Daniel Shippey Photography MAGAZINE
Hello, Rose City
We hope your summer is off to a great start. We’re itching to get some beach time, but we needed to wrap up this magazine for you first. We’ve mixed it up a bit for this summer issue and have included a special section featuring some trending medical topics for you to enjoy, from music that heals to protecting skin from the summer sun.
While you’re pondering your own health, we hope you’re inspired by a lifelong resident of Pavo who made an incredible comeback following a tragic accident and loss of a limb. Ava Glover never saw herself in the role she now plays as a world-champion weightlifter, but that’s exactly what she is. Her story is one of resilience, determination and grit, and we’re already big fans.
With the kids out of school, summer road trips can be a great way to spend a day together, and we have the perfect destination— whether you have kids to take or not! Tallahassee resident Devoe Moore has been a collector since he was a child. Today he welcomes visitors of all ages to the Tallahassee Car Museum, featuring a stunning array of over 160 impeccably restored automobiles. But don’t let the name fool you—cars make up just one of dozens of collections housed there, from dolls to outboard motors.
These stories, along with a business spotlight on Carroll’s Cabinets and some yummy summer recipes, can all be found right here in this issue. Let us know what you think!
Best,
Karen (KK) Snyder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
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DIGITAL EDITION & SOCIAL
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ON THE COVER
There’s no better place to be than Georgia for peaches in the summer. See our recipes on page 22.
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
10
Collections Galore
BY SARAH D. SHEARER
Devoe Moore’s Tallahassee Auto Museum has over 160 cars plus thousands of other items.
22
You’re a Peach
Take advantage of prime Georgia peach season with these tasty recipes.
The Summer Issue
33
HEALTHY & HAPPY
A special health and wellness section, featuring articles on keeping your skin safe from the summer sun, how to use spare minutes as movement motivators, and one singer’s quest to heal with music.
62
Caroll’s Cabinets
BY SARAH D. SHEARER
Another shining example of the quality and variety of business and industry in Thomasville.
71
Lifting Her Up
BY AMY FAESKORN
A Pavo woman shares how she turned a tragic accident into a winning opportunity.
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A REAL ROAD TRIP
By SARAH SHEARER
Photos by Emily Tucker Photography
Just over the Georgia-Florida line, a veritable treasure trove is conveniently parked. The Tallahassee Automobile Museum has been open since 1996, and over the last three decades has grown into a mecca of collected automobiles. But don’t let the name fool you—in addition to the cars, there are collections of Americana too numerous to explore in one article. First-time visitors—and often even returning visitors—are amazed when they tour the 100,000-square-foot building filled with hundreds of cars and over 200 other eclectic collections. Because the collections continue to grow, the museum can offer a different experience each time for returning guests.
The museum was founded by Devoe Moore, a Tallahassee resident since the early 1960s. Moore has been fascinated with all sorts of collections since he was a little boy and started collecting pocketknives. Over the years his work took him many places, but he always had an interest in automobiles and appreciated the opportunity to rebuild an engine, take something apart, and put it back together again. This, combined with his passion for educating youth, inspired him to open a space to show visitors how things once were. Eventually, the details came together, and he was able to open his first showroom, featuring just 15 cars. After several years, his collection outgrew that space, and he moved the museum to his current location on Mahan Drive. Today, visitors can enjoy touring the two-story space that houses
First-time visitors to the Tallahassee Automobile Museum are always amazed at the expansive collections.
over 160 vehicles, mostly American. Although most guests come from other cities and states, South Georgia and North Florida locals are privileged to have such a wonderful museum option so close. The collection hasn’t gone without notice among antique auto afficionados. In 1999, it received the Antique Automobile Club of America’s First Place Award: #1 Museum in the United States for the Preservation of Antique Cars.
Once inside, visitors can leisurely stroll through aisle after aisle of automobiles, from classic cars to current makes and models. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the organization, precision and excellence with which the cars are organized. They will be excited to see unique offerings such as the 1931 Duesenberg Model J, one of the first automobiles to rate over
200 horsepower. Over 20 vehicles are national champion race cars.
History aficionados will also get their fix, appreciating the detailed descriptions and unique contributions such as a Linotype machine and an original 1905 dial cash register. And the museum isn’t just for grown folks; children will be downright amazed by so many cool things to explore. The museum boasts several unique attractions, including a collection of authentic Batmobiles used in the hit films, the horse-drawn hearse believed to have transported Abraham Lincoln, and some of the oldest automobiles in existence, such as Moore’s 1900 Snell gas combustion automobile. Once visitors make it through all the cars, they soon realize their tour has just begun and there really is something for everyone. From a
jaw dropping gorgeous collection of Steinway pianos, to several isles of antique dolls, to a comprehensive display of sports memorabilia from multiple decades, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum offers surprise after surprise to everyone who enters. For more information, visit tacm.com. TM
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Moore opened the museum to share with the public, children in particular, what things were like way back when.
Pretty Peach
A highlight of summer in the South is peach season. With an abundance of fresh fruit available, it’s easy to whip up a peach-centric recipe that everyone will love— from aperitifs and appetizers to salads and sweets!
Bruschetta with Peaches & Burrata
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove minced
1 tsp honey
½ tsp kosher salt
10 twists fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
FOR THE BRUSCHETTA
1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced about ½-inch thick (8-12 thin slices)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to brush on the bread slices
8 oz burrata cheese
fresh ground black pepper for seasoning
flaky sea salt for seasoning
1½ cups peaches (2 to 3 medium) diced
1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
Diced cucumbers
Poppy Seeds
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Hot honey to drizzle
Balsamic glaze to drizzle
In a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the ingredients for the vinaigrette. Vigorously shake until well combined. Place the peaches and tomatoes in a medium bowl and pour the vinaigrette over, tossing thoroughly to coat. Let marinate while preparing the toasted bread.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and brush the tops with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisped and golden brown. Once the
toasted bread slices have cooled, assemble the bruschetta. First, tear off small pieces from each ball of burrata cheese with your fingers. Manipulate the pieces so they can lay fairly flat on top of each slice of bread. Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Then spoon some of the peach tomato mixture on top. Arrange the bruschetta on a serving platter or board and then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
Grilled Peaches, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Salad
INGREDIENTS
5 slices prosciutto, torn into small strips
5 oz arugula
2 peaches*, halved
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup Parmesan, shaved
1/2 tsp canola oil
FOR THE DRESSING
2 tsp mustard
2 tbs oil
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
*Use firm yet ripe peaches to hold up on the grill without becoming mushy.
Preheat a cast iron skillet on the grill on medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the pecans and toss lightly in the pan, every 20 seconds for about 2-3 mins. Remove the pan from the heat and set the pecans aside.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk to combine and set aside. Brush the cut peach halves with oil and place cut side down on the warm grill. Let peaches sear, and flip once grill marks appear, about 2-3 mins. Continue to grill for another 3-4 mins until peach is slightly tender (you’ll see some juices coming out of the pieces). Remove from the grill and let cool. Once cool to the touch, thinly slice.
In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients, reserving about 1/8 cup of Parmesan. Toss to mix. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle reserved Parmesan over the salad.
Georgia Peaches & Pecans Cobbler
PEACH FILLING
8 large fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
COBBLER TOPPING
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup boiling water
BROWN SUGAR PECAN CRUST TOPPING
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter melted
Preheat oven to 375° and lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. For the peach filling, peel, remove pits and slice peaches. Add to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, corn starch, lemon juice and nutmeg over peaches. Stir until peaches are coated. Let sit while making the cobbler toppings then pour peaches into prepared baking dish.
For the cobbler topping, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt together. Using a pastry blender, mix butter into flour mixture and blend until mixture becomes crumbly. Pour in boiling water and stir until combined. Spoon mixture over peaches and spread gently, making sure to cover the peaches.
For the brown sugar pecan crust topping, add all the brown sugar pecan crust ingredients to a small bowl. Stir to combine. Spoon brown sugar pecan mixture evenly over cobbler topping. Bake for 5565 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping and enjoy.
RECIPES
Peach Sangria
INGREDIENTS
1 lb fresh yellow peaches, sliced 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup peach liqueur or peach schnapps
750 ml white wine (1 bottle)
1 liter ginger ale, chilled
Place sliced peaches into the bottom of the sangria pitcher. In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool. This is your simple syrup. Pour the simple syrup, peach liqueur and white wine over the peaches. Stir. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 2 hours, up to overnight. To serve, top the pitcher off with chilled ginger ale and stir gently. Serve in wine glasses, with a piece of fruit or two into each glass. The ginger ale will lose its carbonation quickly in the pitcher but will still add a great flavor.
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This summer, it’s all about getting fit and amazing.feeling
WellnessHealth& SPECIAL FEATURES
Happy & Healthy
summer skin
Summer is a season of joy, outdoor adventures, and long hours under the sun. While basking in the warmth can be invigorating, it is vital to understand the potential dangers posed by exposure to the sun. Protecting your skin from summer sun is not just a matter of comfort but a critical step in preserving health and avoiding long-term damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a fundamental cause of skin damage. It penetrates the skin and can lead to various problems, ranging from immediate discomfort to serious health conditions. The two primary types of UV radiation—UVA and UVB—each come with their own risks. UVA rays are linked to aging and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns.
Overexposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The delicate skin of children and older adults is particularly vulnerable, making it essential to adopt strong sun protection practices for every member of your family.
Jennifer Brinkley, an RN with Belazul Rejuvenation Clinic in Thomasville, emphasizes the often-missed importance of sun screen and protection for maintaining healthy skin.
“It’s not just about preventing those dangerous melanomas and skin cancers, which is of course the most critical benefit, but also about mitigating premature aging like wrinkles and sunspots,” she says.
While sunburn might appear as a temporary discomfort, its effects can be deceptive. In the short term, sunburn leads to redness, pain, peeling, and sometimes blistering. However, repeated occurrences of sunburn contribute to cumulative skin damage, which manifests in wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and a higher likelihood of skin cancer.
Protecting skin from sun exposure is vital for individuals of all skin tones. While darker skin has more melanin, offering a degree of natural protection, it is not immune to sun damage. The reality is that everyone benefits from sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. By prioritizing sun safety, we ensure the preservation
Wearing a hat in the sun helps protect your face from overexposure that can cause wrinkles and skin health issues.
Happy & Healthy
of our skin’s health and its natural beauty, regardless of tone, and reduce the risks overexposure presents.
Long-term sun exposure without adequate protection can also accelerate skin aging and weaken the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it prone to infections and weather-related sensitivities. Protecting your skin today prevents these issues from becoming lifelong concerns.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO PROTECT
Use Sunscreen Effectively - Applying sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective defenses against harmful UV rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 or higher. Be sure to apply it generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
“Taking care of your skin contributes significantly to your overall health, considering it’s the largest organ in your body. Incorporating daily sunscreen application into your routine is a simple yet highly effective way to prioritize your skin’s wellbeing,” adds Brinkley.
Dress for It - Clothing can be an excellent shield against UV rays. Encourage your family to wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
Special UV-blocking clothing is widely available and can be a great investment for extended outdoor activities. Seek Shade - Limiting direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, typically between 10am and 4pm, can significantly reduce the risk of skin damage. Seek shade for yourself under trees, umbrellas, or shelters whenever possible, and plan outdoor activities during early mornings or late afternoons.
Happy & Healthy
Protect the Children - Children often spend long hours playing outside, making sun protection practices especially critical for them. Help kids understand the importance of sunscreen, protective clothing, and hydration. Lead by example, as children are more likely to adopt good habits when they see adults following them.
Stay Hydrated - The summer sun can dehydrate the skin, causing it to lose elasticity and glow. Encourage your family to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration not only keeps the skin healthy but also supports overall well-being during the hot season.
Protecting your family’s skin from the summer sun is about more than avoiding discomfort—it’s about preserving your loved ones’ health and ensuring their enjoyment of outdoor activities for years to come. By adopting sun safety measures like using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and promoting hydration, you can safeguard your skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. Prevention today paves the way for healthier tomorrows under the sun. TM
V I T A
S U R G E R Y | V A S C U L A R
Y O U D O N ’ T H A V E T O T R A V E L F A R F O R W O R L D - C L A S S C A R E
B O A R D C E R T I F I E D , F E L L O W S H I P T R A I N E D P H Y S I C I A N S
B e c a u s e w e a r e a p h y s i c i a n - o w n e d a n d d i r e c t e d p r a c t i c e , w e m a k e d e c i s i o n s b a s e d o n y o u r b e s t i n t e r e s t s F o r y e a r s , w e ' v e h a d t h e h o n o r o f s e r v i n g t h o u s a n d s o f p a t i e n t s a s S o u t h G e o r g i a ’ s l e a d i n g p r o v i d e r o f i n t e r v e n t i o n a l r a d i o l o g y a n d o n c o l o g y s u r g e r i e s W h e t h e r t h e y a r e t r a d i t i o n a l s u r g e r i e s o r m i n i m a l l y - i n v a s i v e , i m a g e - g u i d e d p r o c e d u r e s , w e t r e a t c o n d i t i o n s l i k e b l o c k e d a r t e r i e s , a n e u r y s m s , u t e r i n e f i b r o i d s , a n d c a n c e r w i t h l e s s r i s k , p a i n , a n d r e c o v e r y t i m e c o m p a r e d t o o p e n s u r g e r y . V I T A D R O R G 2 2 9 - 2 2 6 - 0 1 2 5
NEAT
IS NECESSARY
Happy & Healthy
BY Stephanie Rice
B.S. Exercise Science, Jacksonville University
ASCM, Certified Personal Trainer
ACE, Weight Management Specialist
Balanced Body Pilates Instructor
MBG Functional Nutrition Specialist
Fit Fab Life – Owner
fitfablifetraining@gmail.com; fitfablife.biz
Ihave a bad habit that most of you can relate to: I love getting lost in a good TV show. Escaping the world we live in, watching character development, connecting with emotions, and getting enthralled in a story is one of my favorite things to do.
Many days, I plop myself on the couch and let the hours pass as I enjoy pure entertainment. There is nothing wrong with loving some TV. But what are we doing, or not doing, all those hours we watch? Sitting for hours on end with minimal movement.
We go from sitting at work to sitting at home, without engaging in enough NEAT
Before I get into what NEAT is, let’s be clear on what the general guidelines are for exercise and fitness. The American College of Sports Medicine and the CDC both recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with two strength-training sessions using all the major muscle groups (ACSM.org).
This can be hard for people to reach. The good news is that there is NEAT, or Non-essential Activity Thermogenesis. NEAT is all the movement you do during your day that technically isn’t exercising. Some examples are fidgeting, doing the laundry, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Michael Dakkok, D.O. says, “NEAT accounts for the activities we do that aren’t ‘exercise’ but still use the body’s energy to improve your performance, burn calories, and help keep your body operating efficiently.”
NEAT is essentially anything that falls between sitting still and a full-blown cardio workout. Unless you are sleeping or working out, then you are in NEAT.
Why is NEAT so important? It can account for the significant amount of energy expenditure you strive for during the day, which is the amount of calories burned. Examples of NEAT include, but aren’t limited to:
• Walking the dog
• Gardening
• Doing the dishes
• Putting away laundry
• Grocery shopping
• Using a standing desk
• Playing with your kids or grandkids
NEAT is not going to help you lose those 10 pounds, but it will help give you an edge towards that goal. So, if weight loss is your goal, increasing your NEAT activities will give you a better chance of achieving it and maintaining them.
“NEAT helps you burn some extra calories here and there. Over time, that matters. And it can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, better body composition, and improve your quality of life,” Dakkak reinforces.
Even daily tasks that we do almost without even thinking about them can serve to keep you in NEAT.
• LASIK Surgery
• Cataract Surgery
• Glaucoma Treatment and in-Office Laser Surgery
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Corneal Transplant
• External Eye Diseases
• LASIK Surgery
• Cataract Surgery
• Glaucoma Treatment and In-Office Laser Surgery
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Corneal Transplant
• Diabetic Eye Disease Evaluation and Laser Treatment
• Complete Eye Examinations
• Glasses and Contact Lenses
and Purchases
• External Eye Diseases
• Diabetic Eye Disease Evaluation and Laser Treatment
• Complete Eye Examinations
• Glasses and Contact Lenses Evaluations and Purchases
Michael Haney, MD | Michael Magbalon, MD
Josh Newton, MD | Matthew Biedron, OD
Barbara Fluder, OD | Derrick Thornton, OD
Robert Assantes, OD
Michael Magbalon, MD | Josh Newton, MD
Jodie Norman, OD | Matthew Biedron, OD
Barbara Fluder, OD
On the other hand, low NEAT levels can lead to health issues. “In addition, if you are sedentary and therefore have lower NEAT levels, you’re at a higher risk of obesity and other long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Being sedentary is directly associated with poorer long-term health, regardless of weight. This means even if you are not considered to be overweight, if your NEAT is low, you are still at increased risk,” says Dr Folusha Oluwajana. Remember, NEAT helps your body burn extra calories, movement and requires no skill. It is a great gateway to exercise for beginners and provides a safe activity. This is just one of the reasons why sitting in front of the TV for hours on end, days on end, is a bad habit to create. Personally, I have come to love watching TV while walking on a treadmill or using an elliptical. This helps me move, get my steps, and satisfy my love of TV.
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Still not convinced? Here are some ways NEAT benefits your health, according to Women’s Health:
• Helps with muscle recovery
• Helps to relieve stress and improve mental health
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Helps control blood sugar
• Reduces the risk of chronic disease
• Lowers the level of inflammation in the body
• Easier alternative if you’re coming back from injury
• Low-impact form of movement
• Requires no skill
• Free!
• Good for both beginners and those more familiar with exercise
• Won’t interfere with other training or exercise you might be doing
How much NEAT do you need? It depends on the person, the time they have available, and their goals. Maybe you move or dance during commercial breaks. Maybe you walk to the mailbox instead of stopping the car at the end of the driveway. Maybe you park farther away from the grocery store. If you work at a desk all day, get up once an hour and walk around the office for a couple of minutes.
Now, this is very interesting. If you are hitting the gym hard multiple times a week but still sitting at a desk or have low NEAT, you will be considered to have a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, the time you spend exercising each day has around a 10 percent impact on your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure), whereas NEAT can make up to 50 percent of it (Women’s Health).
Tracking your steps is a great way to see where your daily NEAT levels are. Steps of 5,000 or fewer is considered sedentary, which is equivalent to about 30 minutes of walking per day, while 5,000 to 9,999 steps is lightly active, and 10,000 to 12,000 steps is active. Make 10,000 steps a day the goal!
Happy & Healthy
Recently, researchers put the 10,000-step count to the test. Research that combined the data from 15 studies involving 47,471 adults found that the risk of death over a seven-year span dropped significantly as step counts went up. Compared with adults with the lowest step counts (median 3,553), people who took the most steps (median 10,901) had a 40 to 53 percent lower risk of premature death over the course of seven years, according to Lancet Public Health.
Even now, while writing this article, I got up and moved around to get the blood flowing. I also stood at my kitchen counter writing, so I wasn’t sitting for so long.
If you are ready to increase your NEAT levels, which you should be, then take it slow. Add one thing at a time and work your way up to at least 8,000 steps. Again, your goal is to stay around 10,000 steps per day.
Here are some great ways to get those NEAT steps in that haven’t already been mentioned:
• Walk first thing in the morning
• Walk after lunch and/or dinner (this is also amazing for your blood sugar)
• Get accountability partners to move with you
• Use a standing desk and a walking pad
• Go outside and move around during phone calls
• Journal daily activity and step count, setting goals to beat the day/week before
Increasing your NEAT levels will finally give you the motivation and edge you need to progress to the next level on your health and wellness journey. From a beginner to an advanced lifestyle, these NEAT levels can significantly change your life. TM
Less weight: well-worth it
Diet and exercise are proven pathways to weight loss, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Fortunately, Southwell’s bariatric surgery solutions offer new hope to those still struggling to lose weight.
Our bariatric specialist employs minimally invasive surgical techniques to guide you on your journey to comprehensive weight loss. Your personalized treatment plan can help alleviate complications of weight-related issues including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, and back and joint pain.
Make an appointment with your Southwell provider today, and take your next step toward wellness.
Well. It’s in everything we do.
Dr. Paul Cartwright MD, ABOM, DABS-FPMBS
Dr. Cartwright heads our team of bariatric weight-loss surgery specialists. He is accredited through the Fellowship Council in Bariatric Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Flexible Therapeutic Endoscopy. Dr. Cartwright also has advanced training in da Vinci robotic-assisted procedures.
Before
After
Hope D. Gastric Bypass Surgery May 2024 - 105 lbs lost
A Song Healingof
Music has been shown to have therapeutic benefits and can contribute to healing in a variety of ways.
Thomasville’s own Tyler Hayes, a chart-topping songwriter with performances alongside music legends like Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd and CeCe Winans, is using her unique voice in a new way—helping people heal.
After a thriving music career with Warner Brothers and performances on national stages, Hayes pivoted toward emotional resiliency and trauma recovery. For over a decade, she served as music director at Onsite, a world-renowned trauma treatment center in Tennessee known for its work with survivors of mass shootings, military veterans, and those navigating deep emotional wounds. Her work gained recognition from thought leaders like Dr. Phil and Oprah Winfrey.
Believing that music is far more than entertainment, Hayes launched a private practice partnering with physicians to help patients—and the physicians themselves—manage traumarelated stress and burnout. Her unique method weaves together music, storytelling, and research-backed psychological tools to promote identity restoration and emotional well-being.
Now a sought-after speaker, Tyler brings her unique style using music, humor and storytelling to share her message with churches, leadership teams, corporations, women’s organizations, and schools across the country. Her sessions explore topics like:
• Uncovering the “scripts” that shape our identity
• Embracing vulnerability as a leadership strength
• Healing through creativity
• Building resilience in the face of burnout and grief
“The best thing we bring to our work, our family, and our world isn’t our coping mechanisms—it’s our healing,” Hayes says. Tyler’s message is resonating with audiences of all kinds— from boardrooms to sanctuaries—reminding them that healing is not only possible, it’s powerful.
For speaking engagements, media inquiries, or to learn more, contact Marsha Twilley at marsha@songsthatheal.com or call or text 229-234-1270.
Cool
Off
This Summer at Kilwins Thomasville!
There’s no better way to beat the South Georgia heat than with a scoop (or two!) of our handcrafted ice cream. This summer, we’re keeping the sweet treats coming with extended hours and two new limited-edition flavors you won’t want to miss: Key Lime and Lemon Meringue Pie Ice Cream — tart, creamy, and the perfect taste of sunshine!
Finding quality craftsmen to design and install cabinets and countertops for your home can be challenging, but South Georgia and North Florida residents need look no further than Carroll’s Cabinets and Counters in Thomasville. Since 1970, the growing team at Carroll’s has provided top-tier cabinetry, luxury countertops, and excellent customer service to this area.
Carroll’s was founded by the late J.I. Carroll in 1970, and his son Shane grew up in the elder Carroll’s little workshop in Spence, GA. Little did Shane know he was learning so that one
day he could carry on the family business, spreading its reach and influence beyond his father’s imagination.
In 1990, Shane began working for the company in earnest, becoming owner by 1998 and expanding the horizons of the business. He continued faithfully in his craft and in 2017, he and Anna were married. For the past eight years they have made a dynamite team, continually learning new skills, branching out to new locations, and ultimately giving their customers gorgeous cabinetry and countertops.
PHOTOS BY WHIGHAM IMAGES
Clockwise from top: The Carroll’s Cabinets team; Shane and Braxton Carroll; (from left) Shane, Braxton and Anna Carroll
Family Style Buffet Restaurant
Enjoy fresh country cooking served buffet style daily in a casual family friendly atmosphere.
Rotating menu features 10-plus meats, 20-plus vegetables, a 70-item salad bar, and over 20 varieties of fresh baked desserts, served every day.
Anna left her career in education to join the family business and provides administrative prowess, keen design insight, and passion to grow the business. In her project management role, Anna stays up to date with trends and styles, offering helpful insight and further elevating the customer experience.
Sadly, in 2017, a fire destroyed the workshop in Spence and could have signaled an end to Carroll’s Cabinets and Counters. Instead, they persevered and found a temporary warehouse in Thomasville before realizing their dream of building a state-of-the-art warehouse production facility and showroom in the Red Hills Business Park of Thomasville.
While countertops continue to be fabricated in their Tallahassee location, where they also have a showroom, Thomasville is now the premier destination for anyone renovating or building a home. The centralized location allowed them to add significantly to their staff and, consequently, the number of customers they can serve.
Not only does Carroll’s have a firm grasp of quality cabinetry and a variety of countertops, they are also on the cutting edge of technological advances. “We use state of
the art CNC engineered cabinet and countertop construction to ensure accuracy and the highest quality craftsmanship on every job produced,” says Anna. This precision is unparalleled in the industry and ensures a job well done every time.
Additionally, they possess design software that allows homeowners to design their cabinetry and see what it would look like in their space. “It’s fascinating to learn about new technologies and techniques that I can I incorporate into our cabinetry while still paying homage to the way my dad taught me to build cabinets so many years ago,” says Shane.
Choosing Carroll’s for cabinets or counters isn’t like walking into a big box store and picking something off the shelf. Rather, Carroll’s is with their customer every step of the way. Anna and her team walk them through all the options, even visiting their homes to help them visualize what would work best in the space. Once a final decision is made, the team crafts beautiful American-made products.
For those renovating, Carroll’s can design a dream space as well as help with project management, assisting customers with a plethora of decisions and connecting the dots to ensure a perfect outcome.
Another enticing aspect of the business is their turnaround time. With over 70 jobs currently on the books, they still aim for a turnaround time of six to eight weeks, which is remarkable considering the scale of most of their projects. Carroll’s operates on the core tenets of excellence, craftsmanship, and customer service.
This exciting and innovative work environment has inspired Shane’s son Braxton Carroll to continue in the family trade, now the third generation dedicated to this business. Braxton works, attends business school, runs the CNC router, and is learning all the tools of trade, just as his father did from his grandfather.
“I’ve always loved my dad’s work and seeing the process from raw sheets of wood to a beautiful, finished kitchen,” says Braxton. “I wanted to be a part of that process and continue the family business.”
Although Carroll’s has an updated, integrated website, their main source of marketing is word of mouth. They have found that doing an excellent job and offering a quality product is the best way to market a business. Happy customers show off their homes and inspire confidence in prospective purchasers, such as Stephen Reneau, owner of Southland Construction. He used Carroll’s for his own home and says, “We thoroughly enjoyed our experience having Carroll’s help to design our kitchen. The cabinets are high quality, and we get complimented on them often!”
This review and dozens of others like it make it easy to see why Carroll’s has been in operation for over 50 years. TM
A WEIGHT LIFTED
BY AMY FAESKHORN
PHOTOS BY DANIEL SHIPPEY
Walking around behind the reception desk at Southern Bodies Fitness Center in Tifton in full-length black yoga pants, greeting members warmly with a welcoming smile and easygoing laughter, lifelong Pavo resident Ava Glover reveals next to nothing of the incident that, just six years ago, radically altered the course of her life.
May 2, 2018 started like any other day. “It was around four in the afternoon, and I was working my second job,” she remembers. “My boyfriend was supposed to pick me up, but
he hadn’t come and wasn’t answering his texts, so I decided to go check on him.” A talented singer, she had recently taken time off from her studies in vocal performance at Valdosta State University to earn enough money to go back and was already running late to her third job.
Jumping into her company’s 1994 Chevy Suburban, she began the familiar drive toward home. In her rush to make sure her boyfriend was ok, she exceeded the speed limit, and before she knew it, the car skidded out of the curve and flipped onto
Pavo Resident Beats the Odds After Accident
the side of the road. “I looked down and saw my left leg pinned between the door and the seat frame,” she recalls. “It was broken badly and degloved. My right leg was dislocated severely at the knee, and I didn’t know it then, but I had torn all but one of the tendons in that joint.”
She was fortunate to have crashed right near a man’s home. “Mr. Moore was checking his mail and saw what happened. He called 911 right away and helped me call my dad while we waited for EMS to arrive,” she says. “Adam and Brent, my life-flight pilots, were also my guardian angels that day. I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it.”
Upon arrival at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the extent of her injuries became clear, and after emergency surgery, she was placed in an induced coma for 11 days. During that time, the difficult decision was made to amputate her left leg below the knee. She also underwent multiple procedures on her right leg, including skin grafts and the placement of metal rods in her femur.
Glover was heavily medicated upon wakening when her mother, Nancy, broke the news of the amputation. “I knew it was gone. I could
tell right after the accident when I saw my foot facing a way it never should,” she says. “It was rough in the beginning. I was questioning why I wasn’t dead. My mom and my aunt are the ones who got me through it.”
After a full month in the hospital—where she underwent additional surgeries and intensive physical therapy—and another at a rehabilitation facility in Tallahassee, she returned home, moving in with her parents to begin the long recovery process. She continued to do outpatient therapy in Thomasville every other day for another year while her parents remodeled their home to make it more wheelchair accessible. Her insurance ran out, and her prosthetist, Mark Gibson—also an amputee—fought hard to get the cost of her prosthetic leg covered.
Meanwhile, she had also begun going to the local Planet Fitness in between PT sessions. “I had never been a gym rat—at all,” she laughs. “My main motivation was getting my prosthetic. It wasn’t enjoyable, but I told myself this is what I had to do.” Although elated to finally be wearing the prosthesis, the next phase of rehabilitation was difficult. “When I first stood
Amazing PEOPLE
Glover has been an inspiration to many, both in the gym and out.
Taking her life back after a tragic accident led Glover to a talent she didn’t even know she had.
up, holding on to parallel bars and bearing weight on it, the pain was excruciating,” she says. “I wanted to just go, go, go, but I had to listen to my body.”
In March of 2020, Glover began attending monthly support group meetings of Life UnLIMBited, a nonprofit founded by fellow amputee Monica Prestridge that same year. When Life UnLIMBited partnered with Southern Bodies, Glover also started participating in monthly adaptive fitness classes there led by owner and trainer Mickey Jacobs.
These weekly workouts proved as life changing as the accident. Glover showed an immediate gift for deadlifting, so much so that beginning in early 2021, she and Mickey met on a separate day each week to work one-on-one. “I liked doing it right away. It came easily to me, and it was such an endorphin rush,” she recalls. Jacobs soon encouraged her to
participate in a Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF) competition being held in Fitzgerald that August. “I was super nervous,” she says. “It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.” Glover won her categories that day—but failed to place the following February at a meet in Tifton, an experience she found truly humbling.
Undaunted, she competed at Battle at the Beach in Ocala, Florida in 2022 and 2023 and was crowned the World Natural Lifting Federation (WNPF) Women’s Super Heavy Weight Bench Press World Champion in 2024, beating out literally thousands of fellow competitors. What makes these victories all the more impressive is that she earned them without adaptive accommodations and without disclosing her prosthesis.
Jacobs, who continues to coach Ava each week, remains in awe of her courage and determination. “Ava is an absolute inspiration and my personal hero,” he says.
“From the time she started working out with me, there’s been no challenge she hasn’t been willing to take on. Many men at Southern Bodies who still have all their ‘factory parts’ can’t lift what she can,” he laughs.
Whether it’s her natural inclination to
Previous page: Ava Glover and her coach Mickey Jacobs.
see the positive in a situation, or the strength she’s gained by overcoming so much in such a short time, Glover possesses wisdom far beyond her years. She feels grateful for the unwavering support of her family—along with her very existence. “My faith has helped me see that God had a bigger purpose for me. I may never know exactly what it is, but I’m clearly meant to be alive longer than 20 years,” she says. TM
Don’t miss OakFest, this March 18
June,
July, August & September
June 7
Birdsong Family Day
Get free admission on the first Saturday of every month to enjoy nature at Birdsong, a center for conservation and learning, featuring a living museum, outdoor classroom and much more. 9am-5pm; Birdsong Nature Center, North Meridian Road, Thomasville
June 6, August 1 & September 5
First Friday 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. Live music at the amphitheater begins at 8pm. Bring blankets and chairs.
June 9-12
Art of Nature Camp
Pebble Hill will host a four-day camp for ages 8-11. Budding naturalists will explore the great outdoors through nature observation, journaling and sketching, bird watching, games, and more. $125/child. 9am-2pm. Register at pebble-hill-plantation.ticketleap.com.
June 14, July 12, Aug 9 & Sept 13
Adult and Family Art Workshops
Join Thomasville Center for the Arts for Adult Art or Family Make & Take workshops on the second Saturday of every month. Workshop focus changes from month to month, as does the non-member cost (typically no more than $15 and free to members). Family Make & Take activities are $5 for up to four
people, and free for members. All workshops are from 11am to 1pm. Kids PLAYce is also open on 2nd Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and is always free. Visit thomasvillearts.org to learn more and to register.
June 21
Juneteenth Celebration
This free community-wide event is held to unite and educate. From 10am-6pm, the event will also include kids’ activities, art exhibit, live entertainment, a car show, African dance, health fair, vendors, and more. Gospel fest begins at 4pm. Free but $5 parking fee suggested. Celebration will be held at the fairgrounds, 2957 GA 122, Thomasville.
Miss Thomasville
Join us for the annual Miss Thomasville Pageant and see the new winner crowned. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Tickets and sponsorships are available at missthomasvillega.com.
June 30
Historical Marker Unveiling
Archbold will unveil a historical marker along Gordon Avenue on the 100th anniversary of the official dedication of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. The entire community will be invited to join in for this special occasion. Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for more information.
July 4
Independence Day Show
Join the City of Thomasville and CNSNext as we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Remington Park. Fireworks will start at 9pm. Please note the following rules for this event: pets are not allowed, golf carts will not be allowed on the grass or fields at Remington Park, and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are not allowed. For more information, call 229-227-7001.
Pebble Hill Polo Classic
PEBBLE HILL PLANTATION
Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville recently hosted the Third Annual Polo Classic, featuring an all-women’s polo match, a youth equestrian art exhibition, stomping of the divots, and a parading of the Live Oak Hounds. (Bottom two rows by Whigham Images)
Cheers for Volunteers
HANDS ON THOMAS COUNTY
Hands On Thomas County’s Cheers for Volunteers recognized the thousands of hours of service their dedicated volunteers give HOTC every year. The 12th Annual Hands On Heroes Awards event was enjoyed by all. (Photos courtesy of Jrhodes Photography and Jacob Welch)
