TM Fall 2019

FALL 2019 $3.95

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

EMPATHY FOR ANIMALS RESCUING WILD ANIMALS IS THE PASSION OF FRENCH-BORN AND THOMASVILLE-BASED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR LORRAINE CONKLIN

IMPERIAL

The Jack Hadley Black History Museum is partnering to preserve a historic Thomasville building

DELIA

The Thomasville native & bestselling author on the role of place in her novel

SHOES

Davis Shoe Repair is a beloved local business nearly 40 years in the making

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CONTENTS

p.8 FEATURE STORY

Empathy for Animals Empathy is more than a word for Lorraine Conklin. For her, it’s a way of life.

20

30

40

50

DAVIS SHOE REPAIR has been a

AUTHOR DELIA OWENS

THE JACK HADLEY BLACK

NUTRITIONIST AND

staple in the Thomasville commu-

reveals the background behind

HISTORY MUSEUM embarks on

TRAINER STEPHANIE RICE

nity for decades, and its proprietor,

her breakaway novel, “Where the

an important project to preserve

explains how to eat simple,

Donald “Don” Davis, has no inten-

Crawdads Sing,” including the

the Imperial Hotel, Thomasville’s

easy, nutritious meals on

tions of quitting any time soon.

deep connection to nature she feels.

Green Book hotel.

a budget.

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58

64

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ONE BOOK

HISTORY

FITNESS & HEALTH

NONPROFIT

LOCAL PROFILE

TALENT SPOTLIGHT

RECIPES

NEVER LOST (Formerly CASA)

LOCAL MOTHER Jennifer

WORKS OF HARTE artist Alison

BOBBY DOLLAR’S

has a new home on Smith Avenue,

Taylor’s daughter struggled with

Fairbrother offers a peek into her

IKE MAXWELL shares his

and additional services for children

reading comprehension until she

background and work with

favorite grilling recipes, from

who are journeying through the

was diagnosed with the

illustrations, hand-lettering and

bone-in pork chops

foster care system.

little-known Irlen Syndrome.

art around town.

to salmon.

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2019

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Empathy Animals FOR

BY TERESA WILLIAMS

Empathy is more than a word for Lorraine Conklin. For her, it’s a way of life.

The founder of the nonprofit Nepenthic Society, formerly known as the Androcles Society, has a gift: a unique connection with animals. For 40 years, Conklin has rescued and rehabilitated the area’s injured wild animals.

“It’s my goal in life – my mission,” she said. “Since I was a baby, I wanted to be with animals. I wanted to be a part of their life. As a child, I refused to fall asleep unless they put the cat on my bed. There was something there already.”

Conklin grew up in Paris, France, and her desire to work with animals began around age 6. Her parents took her to the Paris zoo, and it was this contact with the animals that sparked her kinship/connection to them. But it wasn’t until she was living in New York City that she put this bond into regular action. She would find animals stranded in the snow – unable to get free or eat – and rescue them from certain death. If they were sick, she took them to the vet.

Her first rescue? An opossum.

“He was by the side of the road, had not had anything to eat for quite a while and was very weak,” Conklin recalls.

“It was empathy. I feel what they feel. There’s something about animals that I share in my brain: their pain, their fear, their suffering, I feel it. I want to be useful, and I want to help them.”

Conklin holds a special license for protecting endangered species from the Department of Natural Resources. Her 1,150 acre-property, Home Park Farm , is a haven for animals of all varieties. Her second husband even ran a successful cattle farm there. There is no hunting, no roads and three ponds. The animals are free to roam and live as they wish.

“Because we are isolated, I can raise or take care of anything I want, from mice to bear,” she said.

She’s lived and operated in the same place since moving to the area with her first husband, the late Jerry Kadis.

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PICTURED: Kaiden a net to retrieve Eight baby skunks were Lane rescueduses after their mother was killedminnows on the road. They will be released soon back into the wild.

“My husband was a neurosurgeon, and he was looking for a place where patients were not a number, where they were people who had a name,” she said of their decision to move to Thomasville. “He was declared one of the best neurosurgeons in the United States. And he helped with the animals.”

The sanctuary’s reputation is one Conklin’s spent decades building.

“I realized there were a lot of animals hit by cars on the road and animals who were abandoned because they were sick or ill,” Conklin said. “I decided to start a place where people could bring them, and they would get the care they needed to get back to the wild and be happy.”

It also took patience. In the beginning, law enforcement wasn’t involved, but now Conklin says they contact her if there is an animal in need of her services. Veterinarians, the local humane society, and others also began spreading the word of her specialty. Today, she regularly receives calls.

“Just about anyone who’s seen an animal…I get the phone call,” she said.

Her rescue and rehabilitation process features several steps.

“They are tranquilized by the side of the road,” Conklin describes. “We put them in the car, and they come here to the hospital on the property. If the situation is too complicated, I go to the vet office. It all depends on the injury they have and where. The mission is to pick up the animal, evaluate the injury/problem, and address it and fix it. No matter how long it takes or how much it costs, we’re going to do it.”

Clanton-Malphus-Hodges Veterinary Hospital & Pet Motel is a longtime partner. Dr. Beckey Malphus has known Conklin for 25 years and calls her one of the most driven people she’s ever met.

“I think what drives her the most is the thought that they are alone and helpless,” Malphus said. “She is always on a mission to save the next animal that comes her way. She always puts the animal first even before her on well-being.

She dedicates her time and energy 24/7 to animals ….

She will leave no stone unturned to provide care for critters that would not stand a chance otherwise.”

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TOP: Mayflower was confiscated by the police. She is now a permanent resident and teaches the new injured bobcats to hunt until they are able to be released.

Conklin and Malphus’ adventures are many. The veterinarian recalls their latest was getting trapped in an exam room with a furious adult bobcat. “We have teamed up on countless baby deer, fox, raccoon, owls and many others,” Malphus said.

“I have learned from her and the animals to be a better veterinarian and surgeon. She has given me the opportunity to work on very serious cases. It is certainly more of a challenge to work on wild animals, but it is very gratifying to see one return to [the] wild.”

On average, the sanctuary helps 200-220 animals per year. The largest number of animals Conklin’s seen in one year is approximately 300.

So far, she’s aided more than 100 in 2019. “Whatever they need, we take care of them,” Conklin

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BOTTOM: Miel, the swamp black bear.

said. “We don’t give up easy.”

Numerous animals have made the farm their lifelong home, including a bobcat couple, 28 raccoons, skunks, foxes, deer, various species of birds, otter, wild boar and a bear named Miel, the French word for honey, who came to Conklin with a paw injury.

“I had to tame her to take care of her,” Conklin said.

“She loves mini powdered doughnuts. She licks my nose when I give her one.”

A former resident included a llama. Its mother died while giving birth and the people who worked on the farm it lived contacted Conklin about taking care of the baby. When the owners returned home, they said Conklin could keep it.

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PICTURED: Kaiden Lane uses a net to retrieve minnows

She found a zoo in Virginia that could put her in contact with someone who sold llama milk. The llama lived on the property until its death.

And just like in all neighborhoods, everyone must learn to get along.

“Because they are close to each other, they have to get along,” Conklin said. “If you don’t like someone, leave them alone. I have a Labrador, a great dog who makes sure everyone gets along. He takes care of everyone and understands we must get along. I’ll take care of anything else but a fight.”

But there are a few exceptions to Conklin’s open gates: no venomous snakes and no gator longer than 4 feet.

“I don’t have the experience to take care of them,” she said.

The society’s new name – changed for tax purposes – is in honor of the language the Greeks used to talk to animals, Conklin said.

“I wanted something that connected with animals and this made sense,” she said.

Conklin holds a fundraiser each December. Conklin is old school – she doesn’t do the internet. Instead, she writes a letter filled with information about the society, its mission, her plans and the most unusual animal story from the year. She sends it out to a mailing list. And she has generous benefactors who regularly donate to her cause.

Donations are graciously accepted as well. Anyone wishing to contribute funds to the Nepenthic Society may do so by mailing a check to Conklin (see information on page 18). She sends donors an official letter for tax purposes.

Malphus says the service Conklin provides the area is a necessary one.

Hochimin, the pot belly pig was confiscated by the local police where he was was being used to fight dogs

“Thomasville and the surrounding area have a robust wildlife industry and interest,” she said. “We are extremely lucky to have her in our area to help keep the habitat healthy.”

And Conklin both needs and deserves the community’s assistance, she continues.

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2019

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BOTTOM: This raccoon is a permanent resident. He is very gentle and helps to comfort the new injured racoons until they are able to be released.

“Lorraine has such an admirable mission, and she really needs the help,” Malphus said. “She helps hundreds of animals in our area, and that is not cheap. Your donation would go a long way and will be much appreciated. She really deserves more support from this community. She is known all over the state for her work. We should be proud to have her in our corner. I can think of no one more deserving.”

and I’m surprised I can, but every time I look into the eyes of an animal, they give me the desire, the strength and the will to do it.”

But she’s ready to pass on her calling to the right successor(s).

“What I would like to do is find somebody who would be interested in doing what I’m doing and take over eventually,” she said. “I want it to pass to someone who thinks it’s worth it, and it doesn’t have to be one person.”

“I want to pass it on to

An individual from the Tallahassee Junior Museum comes once every week to assist her, but Conklin, 71 years young, still runs the sanctuary’s daily operations almost entirely alone.

someone who thinks it’s

worth it, and it doesn’t have to be one person.”

“It’s something in me and something that drives me,” she said. “It gives me the strength, the ability not to sleep if I have to; it gives me a lot of things normally a human being does not have all the time. The last day off I had was 20 years ago. I’ve been working day and night;

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If there is one adage Conklin hopes to leave others regarding animals, it’s their innocence and right to respect and care by humankind.

“They are on this planet with us, and they don’t commit any crime,” she said. “They don’t do anything wrong, and I think that we owe them to respect them and take care of them if they need it.” TM

These foxes are two of the numerous inhabitants of Lorraine Conklin’s Wildlife Sanctuary

How Help TO

Anyone wishing to contribute funds to the Nepenthic Society may do so by mailing a check to: Nepenthic Society 2474 Gatlin Creek Road Thomasville, GA 31757 (229) 228-9298

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2019

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Davis Shoe Repair SAV I N G SHO ES O N E PA I R AT A T I M E

BY SARAH D. TAYLOR

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Davis Shoe Repair 226 W. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 226-7998

On West Jackson Street, past the faster pace of Broad Street, there sits a little shop called Davis Shoe Repair.

Anyone in any sort of hurry might miss it: unassuming storefront, dusty glass windows, double doors propped open. But slow down just a bit and see much more.

Because right inside those double doors is a kind, bearded gentleman who is most likely stitching a beloved pair of shoes back together.

Davis Shoe Repair has been a staple in the Thomasville community for decades, and its proprietor, Donald “Don” Davis, has no intentions of quitting any time soon.

Davis’ father purchased the business in 1982; at that time the space was adjacent to a hardware store, but as the hardware store expanded, it was decided to move the shoe repair part next door. His father, a veritable businessman, set to work and made it clear to his young son he could take over the business if he so chose.

“I was young and immature, I didn’t want to work with Dad, so I went to school and became a draftsman,” Davis laughs as he recounts his youth. “But with age and maturity, I prayerfully came to the conclusion that if I would take it, I could inherit my father’s business in just a few years.”

It was only after he made this decision that Davis realized he had a Godgiven talent as a craftsman, and he really enjoyed it. In 1989, he took over and has been the town’s premier shoe repairman ever since.

Surveying the small shop, visitors will see that Davis does a whole lot more than repair shoes. He represents a part of American culture that is extremely rare and decidedly precious. In a day and time when people often throw something away rather than fix it, Davis sees potential and value in taking the time to repair something.

His mantra is, “Just do it right the first time,” and he does.

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Davis’ shop may look cluttered to an onlooker, but there is a method to the chaos, be assured. Each line of shoes is categorized in order of what day he will see to it and what type of repair is necessary. This explains why a fix might take a few weeks. Quality work takes time, and Davis takes the time to do it right.

Davis’ shop may look cluttered to an onlooker, but there is a method to the chaos, be assured. Each line of shoes is categorized in order of what day he will see to it and what type of repair is necessary. This explains why a fix might take a few weeks. Quality work takes time, and Davis takes the time to do it right.

Excellence in craftsmanship requires lots of elbow grease, patience and creativity. His days are filled with repairing boot soles, stitching straps back together, and surprisingly to some, making belts, phone cases and a variety of other leather goods. He comes in at about 8:30 a.m. and leaves around 5 p.m., and he’s been steadily busy for 30 years now. Besides a small ad in the paper, his business has been built and sustained by word-of-mouth. Google played a part too.

“I don’t know how, but someone put me on the internet,” he said with a bewildered smile. “So, if you Google me, you can find me.”

And people must be searching for him because according to his most recent findings, there are about 7,000 cobblers left in America. Seven thousand shops for three hundred million people, which would explain why he stays so busy.

Not only does he keep the city of Thomasville clad in sturdy footwear, but Davis also services individuals all over the United States. He just received a package of shoes in need of repair from Dallas. After he fixes them, he will package them up, including a bill, and send them back to the Lonestar State. He doesn’t mess around with credit cards, and he has found people to be mostly honest in sending a check. His vintage wooden cash register wouldn’t know what to do with a credit card anyway.

Davis enjoys shoes, he enjoys the people he gets to encounter daily, and he enjoys the freedom of not having to punch a timecard. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t work hard. And he’s teaching his children the value of hard work even now. Every afternoon after school, the bus drops his three children off at the shop. He has them sweeping floors, stitching leather and even skinning snakes for belts. He has also taught them how to make change at the register.

So,” he jokes, “they are learning how to work hard whether they want to or not.”

The success to keeping a business alive and well on the brick streets of Thomasville is simple, Davis says.

“Treat people right, show up when you say you will, and do what you say you will do,” he said.

His equipment from the 1940s is still working quite nicely, there’s no air conditioning, and let’s just say there aren’t a lot of new decorations, unless a few dusty pairs of women’s lace-up boots from the early 1900s count. Using the imagination, one might think a lady dropped them off only a few days earlier.

So, stop in. It will be an experience not soon forgotten. TM

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“Marsh is not a swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky.

Slow-moving creeks wander, carrying the orb of the sun with them to the sea, and long-legged birds lift with unexpected grace - as though not built to fly - against the roar of a thousand snow geese.”

- Excerpt, “Where the Crawdads Sing”

Place Time AND

BESTSELLING AUTHOR DELIA OWENS SHARES HER SPECIAL CONNECTION TO THOMASVILLE AND THE PLACES THAT INSPIRED THE ONE BOOK THOMAS COUNTY SELECTION “WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING”

BY LAUREN VANN

Crack open the cover of “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and the reader immediately knows... place plays an important role in this NY Times best-selling novel.

With three million copies sold, 40 foreign rights editions and nearly a year on the NY Times Best Sellers list (with six months in the No. 1 position), it’s safe to say the novel is a runaway success. It is also this year’s selection for One Book Thomas County, the annual one-book festival. In preparation for a month of events, Thomasville Magazine

sat down with author Delia Owens, delving a little deeper into the story behind the story.

Owens, who lived in Thomasville during childhood years, went on to become a conservationist and researcher in the African wilderness. Years of isolation and a deep love for nature permeate her writing, with prose that has connected with millions of readers.

What many don’t realize is that Delia was already a

bestselling author in a nonfiction genre, years before trying her hand at fiction. Together with Mark Owens, she authored three memoirs about her time in Africa— “Cry of the Kalahari,” “Eye of the Elephant” and “Secrets of the Savanna”.

“Cry of the Kalahari” was an international bestseller, winner of the John Burroughs Award for nature writing; serialized in LIFE Magazine and condensed in Reader’s Digest, National Geographic Special. Naturally private, Owens found herself rocketed into the spotlight by the book’s success. In succeeding years, she found herself the subject of documentaries, features and even an appearance on “The Johnny Carson Show.”

It was a lot for a girl born in South Georgia.

Owens grew up riding horses in the woods around Thomasville. Her mother often encouraged her to explore outside the oak and pine forests, telling her to “go out yonder where the crawdads sing.” They were words that would inspire an explorer’s spirit and later, an unforgettable title.

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When she grew up, Owens pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Georgia and later a doctorate in animal behavior from the University of California in Davis. She would spend two decades as a scientist and researcher in the African wild, later moving to the Rockies in Idaho where she contributed her expertise to the conservation of grizzly bears, wolves and wetlands.

In later years, she would begin to write her novel.

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is the work of a decade of writing and readers benefit from beautifully written text.

For those who have read her novel, her natural connection to the earth and its wildlife is inspiring.

Owens’ sense of place has been noted by many in the press and is frequently commented on by fans as one of their favorite aspects of her story.

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Influenced by her years as a researcher in the wild, Owens also drew inspiration from childhood family vacations to North Carolina. “Where the Crawdads Sing” is based in Carolina’s coastal marsh. Readers from Thomasville will additionally enjoy names and historic details that feel authentic to our own town.

Pictured: the first book event for “Where the Crawdads Sing” was held at the Bookshelf in 2018

Owens novel is so richly detailed, the marsh feels like a character in itself.

“I chose the coastal marsh because I was somewhat familiar with it and knew other marshes and swamps of the southern states very well,” she said. “When I was a girl, I went canoe camping with my mother in the Okefenokee Swamp and other wild places. The coastal marsh of North Carolina, and Nature in general, is definitely a character of the novel.”

with one other, and we were the only two people in an area the size of Ireland. In the Luangwa, I had my own camp in a very isolated spot, meaning that for 23 years, I was isolated. Even now in Idaho, I usually see other people only once or twice a week.”

“When I was a girl, I went

canoe camping with my mother in the Okefenokee Swamp and

For Owens, years of isolation informed the character she created in Kya. “Most definitely, my experiences created Kya,” she said. “I know what it is like to be alone.”

other wild places.”

As the epicenter of the Red Hills Region—a culture devoted to the outdoors lifestyle—many residents of Thomas County will relate to the important role nature plays in Owens’ work.

The protagonist, abandoned as a young child, finds herself alone throughout much of the novel. Owens drew upon years of isolation to relate the heroine, Kya’s, experiences. “Much of my adult life—more than 23 years— was spent in either extreme or partial isolation,” she said.

“For one seven-year period, I lived in the Kalahari Desert

The connection to nature is one Owens believes can be appreciated by anyone.

When asked whether crawdads really sing, she replies, “Just before dusk, you must walk deep into the woods and stand there exposed and totally alone as darkness descends around you. When you can feel the planet beneath your toes and the trees moving about, you must listen with all your ears, and—I promise—you will hear the crawdads sing. In fact, it will be a chorus.” TM

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2019

Delia’s

JOURNEY

Follow along with Delia’s journey on her social media accounts, including Instagram and Facebook.

ORIGIN OF THE TITLE “My mother in 1972. She’s the one who told me to go ‘way out yonder where the the crawdads sing.’ She is no longer with us, but she would have loved Kya.”

THE SILVER SCREEN CALLS “In LA planning the movie! I’m so grateful to Reese, Hello Sunshine and Fox 2000 for their support for Where the Crawdads Sing.”

ON AIR AND INTO THE WILD “Lee Cowan is the correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and we explored some of Kya’s marsh during the filming.”

NATURE & WILDLIFE “Woke up to find friends on my garden wall.

CRAWDADS has been #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List for a total of six months! Soon we will be celebrating a year on the list. I have never been so grateful.”

Socially

LOVED

With nearly one year complete on the New York Times Best Sellers List, six months as the No. 1 book and 40 foreign rights editions, CRAWDADS is singing all over the world.

Tributes from superfans have given the book a life of its own online.

Mark

YOUR

Calendar!

Thomas County is annually devoting its time and energy into reading one book together as a community

Now in its seventh year, One Book continues to bring the entire Thomas County area together with the power of the written word.

GET ALL THE EVENT DETAILS With multiple events held in celebration of One Book Thomas County, you can join the fun with details on Facebook or at: www.OneBookThomasCounty.org

BOOK CLUB KI T

READING WITH A CLUB? You can download a FREE Book Club Kit from Delia Owens’ website, www.DeliaOwens.com

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THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2019

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Preserving History PROJECT AIMS TO RESTORE IMPERIAL HOTEL

BY ANGEL LEWIS

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Cutting out pictures from a variety of magazines including “Ebony,” “Pittsburg Courier-African American” paper and “Jet,” the father and son put together a presentation to showcase African American achievers. The collection resulted in raised awareness not only at Wiesbaden Military Dependent Defense High School but also at Lindsey Air Station, which also showcased the presentation. This project became the launching point for Jack Hadley and his memorabilia collection.

His new endeavor, however, is one that will reflect on the past and prepare for the future. With the aid of two local foundations, Thomasville Landmarks Inc. and the Williams Family Foundation, the museum purchased the Imperial Hotel in 2018.

T

homasville’s Jack Hadley Black History Museum dedicates itself to showcasing local and national African American history. The museum is home to more than 5,000 artifacts Hadley has accumulated through donations. It features a variety of displays including an exhibit on Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper and the Buffalo Soldiers as well as African American life on the southern plantation and much more.

According to James “Jack” Hadley, the museum’s goal is to inspire the African American community by celebrating their history and their achievements. “We made it,” he said. “These people on the walls made it. This generation and future generations can overcome anything!

This is proof.”

The museum has been in operation since 2006. However, Hadley’s journey to preserving and honoring African American history originally began in 1979 when his son, Jim, wanted to create a presentation for his classroom.

While stationed in Germany with his family, Hadley’s son questioned why his school showed no interest in celebrating “Black History Week.”

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In the era of segregation, the Imperial Hotel, located at 738 W. Jackson St., played a vital role in the southern community. It was the only venue specifically for traveling African American families. Famous entertainers, including the King Perry Band, Rosetta Tharpe, B.B. King and Earl Bostic, were also hotel guests. Originally built by local African American masons, the Lewis Brothers, in 1949, the establishment was operated

by Harvey and Dorothy Lewis Thompson until 1969. The hotel featured a restaurant and barbershop on the first floor and housed eight guest rooms and one bathroom on the second floor.

Through multiple donations, the Imperial Hotel has already received a new roof and the shotgun house located next door purchased for possible parking. While the historical hotel is breathing in new life, final decisions about the venue’s usage are pending. There are discussions of using the downstairs as a satellite museum and converting the upstairs hotel rooms into an Airbnb. However, Hadley says the main objective is to preserve history while building a business that can support itself.

PICTURED (top left and right) The Imperial Hotel and adjacent house where preservation work will occur. (bottom left) The “Green Book” movie brought awareness to African American hotels. (bottom right) Jack Hadley appeared on “Dialogue TODAY” earlier this year to discuss the legacy of Cairo-born Jackie Robinson. Hadley’s work preserves the area’s African American history.

The preservation of the historic hotel is an essential step in saving a piece of Thomasville’s history. In the 1940s, traveling the open roads was an exciting opportunity if one was Caucasian. However, African Americans traveling in unfamiliar territories often faced several forms of institutionalized racisms such as hotels or restaurants that refused to cater or serve people of color.

“Sundown Towns,” which posted signs warning them that they were not welcome after dark, were another injustice that road-tripping African Americans endured.

However, the publication would eventually grow to a national scale. Its final edition showcased 99 pages filled with a variety of safe establishments for African Americans including hotels, restaurants, and even beauty parlors and night clubs. The Imperial Hotel was the only venue listed for Thomasville in the Green Book.

The preservation of the

historic hotel is an essential step in saving a piece of Thomasville’s history.

Recognizing the struggles and hazards for African American motorists, Victor H. Green, a post carrier from Harlem, set out to make traveling safer for them through “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” This annual guidebook, published from 1937 to 1967, listed establishments that served African Americans. The first edition was 15 pages and only covered the New York metropolitan area, Green’s home and surrounding expanse.

The fact that this building still stands makes it one of the few remaining of its kind. Jack Hadley does not take this lightly. He says the hotel is a historical resource for future generations and must be preserved.

The preservation and utilization of the Imperial Hotel is an ongoing milliondollar project. Last year, the museum held its first gala and silent auction with proceeds benefiting the hotel renovation. The second annual gala is Oct. 26 at Receptions for You, 1200 W. Jackson St. in Thomasville. TM

Save the Imperial For more information, call (229) 226-5029.

Or make contributions to save the Imperial Hotel through the Jack Hadley Black History Museum website www.jackhadleyblackhistorymuseum.com

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DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS

The Don’t Miss Places

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Every Friday and Saturday • 10:45am • $45 per ticket

Check out Taste of Thomasville After Hours Special tours available upon request. • For info or tickets EZTix 800-656-0713 or www.TasteOfThomasvilleFoodTour.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Healthy Eating on a Budget H OW TO K E E P I T SI MPL E FO R LO NG-T ER M HEALT HY EAT I NG

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BY STEPHANIE RICE

I want to debunk the myth that it is more expensive to eat healthily... .

Eating clean and healthy means fewer sick days, which in turn means more paydays and fewer doctor bills or prescription medicine.

Stephanie Rice, B.S. Exercise Science, Jacksonville University ASCM, Certified Personal Trainer, ACE, Weight Management Specialist fitfablifetraining@gmail.com, www.fitfablife.biz, www.fitfablife.blogspot.com

First, I want to debunk the myth that it is more expensive to eat healthily. Yes, your grocery bill may go up a few dollars per trip if you are shopping fresh, unprocessed and organic. But although we may be talking $50 to $100 more dollars per month, did you know this small expense would save you money in the long run? Eating clean and healthy means fewer sick days, which in turn means more paydays and fewer doctor bills or prescription medicine.

Without getting too crazy into the numbers, there are ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank.

Over the years, I have worked hard to find ways to save on my grocery bill. Below is a list of my tried and true savings techniques and how you can apply them to your lifestyle.

STOP EATING OUT. This kills your budget AND your waistline.

Let’s look at dinner: just your regular chain restaurant, nothing fancy. On average, dinner for four costs $40 to $60. It’s not very fresh, probably processed, and definitely not organic. Instead, head to the grocery store. You can buy a pound of organic beef, four sweet or russet potatoes, green beans, and a salad for easily under $25 and possibly have leftovers! Fresh, organic, healthy, easy, and half the cost of eating out.

STOP FOLLOWING SO MANY RECIPES. I used to follow tons of recipes. They were delicious and full of nutrition, but my grocery bill was going up and up. I was buying this and that ingredient, but only using them once. Then, they would sit in my pantry. Now, I work from my pantry out. I make a mental note of what’s in my pantry/refrigerator/freezer then try to find fresh vegetables and meat to go with it. For example, Coconut Aminos (soy sauce alternative), onions and carrots are perfect for a stir-fry. At the grocery store, I pick up organic chicken and a stir-fry vegetable mix.

Dinner will be ready in less than 30 minutes for less than $15! If you love to follow a recipe, I suggest the Pinterest app. This will also save you time and money. Look up recipes with 5 ingredients or less that use some of the same ingredients, so nothing’s wasted.

TRY ORDERING ONLINE. I am a HUGE fan of Thrive Market. They are similar to Amazon, but everything sold on their website has to meet specific criteria, including organic. And they tell you how much you’ve saved every time you order. I have been ordering from them for a year. Since I just hit the year mark, I got an email telling me I have saved a joyous $1,356. That’s huge! Membership is around $60 a year and worth every penny. I am obsessed with the Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Vanilla Coconut protein powder and the Paleo Puffs “No Cheese” Cheesiness.

Both are available at more than 20 percent off the regular retail price.

SHOP YOUR LOCAL GROCERY STORE SALES. There are always vegetables on sale.

Good news: vegetables are easy to freeze. You may have to cook them first, but they freeze and defrost like champs, ready to go in less than five minutes. Speaking of frozen vegetables, don’t forget to add those to your healthy grocery list. These are great to have on hand and are often on sale. Every time I go to the grocery store, I peruse the frozen vegetable aisle to see what’s on sale.

SHOP YOUR LOCAL PRODUCE STAND OR FIND A LOCAL FARM THAT SELLS PRODUCE BAGS. Thomasville has three great options for this. Lazy Dog Farms brings fresh produce bags to Thomasville every Monday for pick up. They are $20 a bag and hold five different fresh, organic and seasonal vegetables. It is an awesome deal! Wild Carrot sets up a little produce stand in the back of Relish every Saturday morning. She has more variety than Lazy Dog, but you have to pick it up yourself. Her produce is also organic and grown in stackers, which are like tower gardens. Both Lazy Dog and Wild Carrot are on Facebook. Lastly, don’t forget the local farmers market. Run by a local family, it has great options and a variety of choices. Just keep in mind that most of the produce is not organic, so wash it thoroughly.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Meals do not have to be fancy. Finding a good routine with your grocery list and dinner menu will help cut back on random spending at the store. TM

Taco Tuesday

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Italian Monday

SAMPLE For a school MENU week

Simple. Easy.

Nutritious.

Money-saving.

Meatballs, spaghetti squash or zucchini

Ground beef, seasoning, romaine lettuce,

noodles, pasta sauce

cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, cheese

Stir-fry Wednesday

Seafood Thursday

Sheet Pan Friday

Sausage, sweet potat Chicken, stir-fry vegetables, spinach,

Grilled salmon, lemon,

cauliflower rice, Coconut Aminos

asparagus, brown rice

o, green beans, broccoli

Children who are in the

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WE WATCH OVER

COURT SYSTEM TO ENSURE THEY ARE SAFE

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

NEVER LOST

A CO N V E R SAT I ON WI TH E X E C U TI V E D I R ECTO R W ENDY GR EENE ABO UT NEV ER LO ST ’S NA M E, N E W FAC I L I TY, M I SSI ON AND HOW R ESI D ENT S CAN AI D I T S CAUSE

BY DENISE PURVIS

Formerly known as Thomas County CASA, local nonprofit NEVER LOST has a new facility located at 1835 Smith Ave. in Thomasville. Now, it can provide additional services to area children who need assistance during their most vulnerable times.

Thomasville Magazine spoke with its executive director, Wendy Greene, about NEVER LOST’s name, new facility, mission and how residents can aid its cause.

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NONPROFIT THOMASVILLE MAGAZINE: In your new branding, the board decided to change the name for it to better reflect on the work your organization is doing. How did you settle on the name NEVER LOST? WENDY GREENE: Haile McCollum and her team at Fontaine Maury led us through the branding process. NEVER LOST was the culmination of many deep discussions and thoughtful reflection around our work, our mission, and what we want to see happen for the children and families we serve.

These children are innocent victims who endured abuse and neglect at the hands of a trusted adult, and then suffered a painful separation from everything they know and love. We watch over children who are in the court system to ensure they are safe and have all their needs met while they are moving through the court system. We are a source of strength for children, giving them a voice and letting them know they are not lost or forgotten while navigating the difficult maze of the child welfare system.

We work to ensure every child finds a safe and stable home where they will be protected and nurtured.

TM: How did you decide on the new facility?

WG: Since our beginning in 1994, we had been in an office of less than 200 square feet in the juvenile court building (next door to the health department).

We had three full-time staff sharing the space! The house was a big dream and a big jump for us. I have been with the organization for 10 years working directly with families, and our previous director, Asun Ellis, founded the organization. When she retired in 2017, and I became the executive director, I developed a strategic plan for what I wanted to accomplish, and it all pointed to needing more space. I looked at several properties and lease options, but none of them felt like they’d really let us accomplish what we wanted to in our community. Late one night, I jotted down a list of what I envisioned and needed out of a property and left it on my nightstand. It seemed completely out of reach, and I honestly was trying to clear my head so I could stop obsessing over it!

It was specific: “Big” crossed out with all caps BIG written next to it; special so that kids remember when they become adults; private but in town; backyard-secluded, grandma’s house; Easter egg hunts; beautiful but not a museum; welcoming— think sit on the counter, walk barefoot; and, space for volunteers to feel at home and welcomed to spend time.

The property had been on the market several times and listed for a while, but I had never even considered it. I guess because it was out of our price range. Less than a week after I made that list, I was scanning real estate again, and it just jumped out at me. It felt ridiculous and unattainable. But I called my real estate agent and asked to see it with the caveat that it was more out of curiosity and dreaming and likely a waste of everyone’s time. We walked into a beautiful two-story home built in 1900 with 3,000 square feet, and I caught the vision instantly. It was obvious we could create spaces for offices for staff and volunteers, as well as unique spaces for children to learn and play. The house sits on 2 acres, and by the time we got to the backyard, I was in tears. It’s tucked away and doesn’t feel like you are in the middle of the city limits. It took me back to my days as a little girl playing at my grandparents’ house with my cousins. These are the same type of feelings that I want the children we serve to experience! I was honestly scared even to let hope sink in, but I felt like even if all we could do was get the place and furnish one office, it might be feasible.

I consider our previous director and now member of our board of directors, Asun Ellis, a mentor to me, and she was my first call after that showing.

Our organization has always been so fortunate to have board members who support the

organization and equip the director to accomplish the mission. We set up a second showing for Asun and our board chair, Julia Morrell, and they too saw the potential and supported the idea fully. The full board of directors met and unanimously voted to approve the purchase, and the details all fell into place. In what feels like providence, three weeks after we contracted on the property, we received notice of an opportunity to apply for one-time funding specifically for “special projects.” We investigated, and furnishings for the new space qualified, as well as some of the repairs and renovations required to convert the house into a commercial office space.

We applied and received generous support that allowed us to accomplish more than we ever anticipated. It’s been an amazing experience and almost surreal to look back on the last year and all we have been able to accomplish.

comfortable and know they are deeply cared for. The downstairs is set up for office operations for staff and volunteers, and the upstairs has enrichment rooms set up for children to explore, learn and play. We have a room designated as a clothes closet for foster parents and relative caregivers to take donated supplies like clothes, shoes, books, toys, etc. These are all things children often need when they are removed from their home. We have so many generous donations of supplies from the community. We also have enrichment rooms for tutoring, mentoring and other activities. When children are separated from their parents, it’s sometimes hard to find a place they can have meaningful visitation. We are beginning to host visitations between parents and their children, where they can have as close to a normal experience as possible that promotes bonding and provides coaching opportunities for parenting skills.

TM: What kind of successes have you seen with the addition of the new facility?

TM: What new programs have you been able to implement?

WG: We are so excited to be in our new home! Jackie Ellis Johnson helped with the design and really brought our hopes and dreams for the space to life.

It is a beautiful place that children will feel safe and

WG: We have been getting settled into the new space and setting offices up. We are currently adding to our staff team with several open positions for the new programs.

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NONPROFIT We will host regularly scheduled times where we invite children and volunteers to share activities and fun. Our first experience with this was a huge success, and both children and volunteers left excited to come back. With food, fun and simple “field day” type games, we saw children laugh and relax in a way we don’t often get to see in the courtroom or the school office.

This increased space of our new home will allow us to expand the services we offer to the children assigned to our programs. Courtroom advocacy through written reports and recommendations to the judge will always remain the cornerstone of our work, but we want to do more to help children have better experiences while they are in [our] care, and help them begin to heal and overcome the trauma of child abuse and neglect. We invite civic and religious groups throughout the community to plan and lead activities with our children. Interested groups and individuals with talents and skillsets (art, baking, crafts, flag football, foreign language, basic financial lessons, etiquette class, field day activities, etc.) can share their skillset with children who might never have exposure otherwise. We want children to observe healthy adult role models and positive experiences within our community. We hope to uncover talents and interests in children that we can continue to grow and develop by connecting them with other resources in the community. One example of this is our annual Gym-Time Swim-Time party held at the YMCA. Last year, we identified three children who were naturally gifted at gymnastics, and we were able to partner with the YMCA to provide them lessons throughout this year. We also identified a sibling group in need of swim lessons, and we were able to provide those for them.

TM: What are some goals that you have for the new year?

WG: Our goal is to use every opportunity we have to help the children we serve get the services and support they need to begin to stabilize and heal, find a safe and stable home to grow up in where they will never again experience abuse or neglect and develop as healthy children who will become healthy adults.

Whether through sharing a snack, tutoring, playing a game or reading a book together, we believe that interaction with safe and trustworthy adults who set positive examples for children to model after will be an important step in helping these children develop skills they are often lacking. During these activities, volunteers and staff will be able to spend time getting to know the child they serve, develop a deeper understanding of their needs and wishes, and offer practical solutions to problems they face like encouraging reading, redirecting inappropriate behavior or providing them with hygiene or clothing items from our supply closet.

TM: What are some ways our readers can help NEVER LOST succeed?

WG: Contribute — any amount. Whether it is a one-time or recurring monthly donation, it will help us meet the [needs] of children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Community donations allow us to make sure every child has a present on their birthday, or to make sure a relative caregiver facing an unexpected financial crisis has groceries in the pantry and on the table. Donations allow us to get children in our programs plugged into extracurricular activities and provide the equipment they need to participate, as well as helping cover the costs of activities and services we offer for children.

Donate. We always appreciate gently used clothing of all sizes, new underwear, socks, bras, jackets, new shoes, etc. We also accept books for all reading levels and basic toys (especially things that don’t have batteries like puzzles, wooden blocks, imagination toys like tea sets, baby dolls, trains, etc.).

Volunteer: to advocate for a child placed in foster care until that child’s case is resolved; as a group where you lead an activity or event for two hours – a soccer game, an art project, a field day, anything you can dream of; specific projects/program support. We want to build raised beds for butterfly gardens and a fence to keep our playground area safe.

We can always use help keeping our clothing closet restocked and organized. We would welcome community volunteers who might want to be involved more behind the scenes offering support outside of child-related activities. TM For more information, visit neverlost.org.

What is Irlen Syndrome? Irlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain's ability to process visual information. Courtesy: Irlen.com

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LOCAL PROFILE

Detecting Irlen Syndrome

BY LINDSAY FIELD PENTICUFF

After nearly two years of watching her daughter struggle with reading comprehension, and often crying at night trying to figure out what could be wrong, Jennifer Taylor found her answer. Sevenyear-old Kiley had Irlen syndrome.

“She’s super smart, but we could not tackle reading,” Taylor said.

“I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out how my daughter is so bright and knows all of her letters and sounds and could blend sounds, but as soon as she looked at it on paper, she didn’t know what letters she was looking at. She would cry and get angry.”

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Left to Right: Kiley Taylor, Remy Taylor, and Addison Layfield Someone in Taylor’s homeschool group mentioned she research Irlen Syndrome. She read about it online that evening and had her daughter screened in Tallahassee that November.

“It was amazing,” Taylor said. “All of a sudden, Kiley could see the letters, and they appeared straight to her.

I didn’t know they weren’t straight to her. The screener told me that they don’t know what they are seeing is wrong because it’s what they have seen their whole lives, so they think that’s how everyone sees the world.”

Taylor adds, and a study from Cornell University to be released shortly will show how the brain processes before and after the use of Irlen filters on a test subject.

“We are hoping once that’s released that medicine will say ‘it’s real,’” Taylor said.

In the meantime, Taylor is sharing Kiley’s success after her diagnosis through videos on social media, and she has even become a certified screener.

She is working with Dr. Jeri LaVigne, an educational and health psychologist in Atlanta and an Irlen director certified in the Irlen Method.

Discovered in the early

1980s by Helen Irlen, Irlen

Syndrome is described as a

Discovered in the early 1980s by Helen Irlen, Irlen Syndrome is described as a brain-processing issue. People diagnosed with the syndrome often find themselves struggling with how their brain processes light, precisely specific frequencies. Individuals who are tested and learn they have Irlen wear glasses in a variety of color shades to help improve their processing.

brain-processing issue.

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With LaVigne’s support, Taylor can now screen children, teens and adults throughout Thomas County and surrounding areas and refer them to her for the Irlen glasses prescription.

“The different colors help block out whatever frequency someone is having trouble with,” Taylor said.

“I started screening people in February and have screened at least 15 people,” she said. “I’ve screened about five adults, some teenagers, and elementary and middle school children.”

Mainstream doctors are saying the syndrome is just a placebo, but there is a lot of research behind the testing,

Taylor screens people in her home or meets them at the public library.

THOMASVILLEMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2 019

“They say a child needs to at least know their letters for me to be able to screen them,” she adds.

She also encourages parents and adults to check out the symptoms online at irlen.com. She hopes that local school districts one day will require in-school screening.

“All types of people can benefit from Irlen screening,” Taylor said. “I’ve had an adult with migraines who has filters, and she hasn’t had a migraine since. It doesn’t just affect reading.

Some kids may also seem like they have ADHD, and it’s just been misdiagnosed. Headaches, ADD, reading problems, clumsiness or depth perception could all be resolved with an Irlen diagnosis.”

And once someone is correctly diagnosed and receives their prescription glasses, Taylor often sees tears from her clients. Or when someone sees words on a page using their glasses for the first time, she hears, “This is how it’s supposed to look.” TM

Irlen Syndrome affects: • • • • •

12 to 14 percent of the general population 46 percent of individuals with reading and learning difficulties 33 percent with ADHD 33 percent with autism spectrum disorder 55 percent with a head injury, concussion or whiplash

Symptoms of irlen syndrome: •

•

Source: irlen.com

Have questions or want to be screened?

JE N N I FE R S. TAY LOR , M . E d ( 2 2 9 ) 2 2 4 -2 5 7 8 JEN N STAYLO R @G M A I L . C OM

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Poor comprehension: misread words, reads in dim light, skips words or lines, reads slowly or hesitantly, takes breaks, loses place, avoids reading Complaints while reading: tired or sleepy, eyes hurt, ache or feel itchy, headaches or nausea, fidgety or restless Other signs: rubs eyes, squints, blinks, opens eyes wide, reads close to the page, moves closer or further from page

Sharon D.M.D. Sharon K. K. Patrick Patrick D.M.D. Laura Ridley Francisco GarciaD.M.D. D.M.D.

LOCAL TALENT

Works of Harte G E T TO KNOW T HE TAL ENT ED I L LU STR ATOR A N D H A N D -L ET T ER I NG ART I ST AL I SO N FAI R BROT HER

BY KIMBERLY HAND | BIO PHOTOS AND WORKING PHOTOS BY SARAH NOTLEY @sarahhjeans

Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, artist Alison Fairbrother is the owner of Works of Harte. In addition to pet and family portraits and home illustrations, Fairbrother is also known for her calligraphy and hand-lettering.

Her workshops have been a staple of You’re Maker and the Bookshelf in Thomasville, and her hand-lettering and illustrations are featured in storefronts like Adele Creative, Forever Retro and the Bookshelf.

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EDUCATION: Florida State University, my major was Secondary English Education ART FORMS: I love any kind of art that is bright and fun, if it makes me smile that’s what I like.

FAV PAINTER OR ARTIST: Vincent Van Gogh.

Once I saw an original piece of his in person. I was drawn in immediately. “Wheat Field with Cypresses” is my favorite.

FAV FOLLOWS ON INSTAGRAM: @Jollyedition for the most fun, unique paintings & stationary designs! Too many design follows, but @chelseamohrman and @mstarrevdesign are my future house goals @thekitchn because I love to cook!

WHAT ARE YOU INSPIRED BY? I am

inspired by my everyday surroundings. I am lucky to live in such a beautiful place; I don’t have to look far to find something unique. I do have prints from several current Disney artists hanging around my desk that I love, and their level of work constantly pushes me to do my best.

FAV QUOTES: “Always be a little kinder than necessary” JM Barrie HOBBIES: Painting, tennis, crochet, travel, [and] hanging out with my husband and our dog.

WORDS OF ADVICE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS: Just keep practicing, I’m constantly working on myself and my craft every single day.

There is always something to improve on, and my style is constantly evolving as I grow as well.

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Al is o n i s an amazi n g a r ti st i n so m a ny w ay s. Yo u can sign up for her workshops (info on her social media p ages ).

Faceb o o k & I n sta g r a m : @wo rkso f harte • Etsy: https://etsy.com/shop/worksofharte

RECIPES

Step Up Your Grill Game FRO M B ON E -I N POR K C H OPS TO GR I L L ED SAL MO N, I KE MAXW EL L O F BO BBY D O LLA R A PPL I A N C E S SH A R E S H I S T I PS FO R SUPER I O R GR I L L I NG R ESULT S

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BY IKE MAXWELL OF BOBBY DOLLAR APPLIANCE CONSULTANTS

My favorite is bone-in pork chops seasoned with a sweet barbecue rub we have at Bobby Dollar Appliance Consultants.

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RECIPES FALL Tilapia or Boneless Filet If grilling isn’t an option, try tilapia or any boneless filet.

Salt and pepper the fish, then put in an egg wash.

Take and roll in panko or Italian bread crumbs.

Add a little extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and brown good on both sides. Be careful not to overcook.

Pork Tenderloin I like to grill many different things. One of my favorites is a pork tenderloin. I like to cook it on the Green Egg [Grill] or the Green Mountain Pellet Smoker.

Apply pink Himalayan salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Use Georgia Peach Grilling Sauce as a marinade for up to 12 hours.

Slow cook on the smoker until internal temp of 145 degrees.

Add some fresh peas, roasted potatoes and jalapeno cornbread. It is spot on.

Grilled Salmon I like to cook salmon on the grill as well. I use Dizzy Dust [seasoning]. About halfway through the cooking, baste with pure, local honey. It is another winner.

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I will make a pot of basmati rice and make a bed with it and put the fish on top. I like onions so I will cut up a red onion. Add some red wine and oregano with whatever else you like to put in it.

Let it cook down and use it as a topper on the fish. A fresh side of asparagus and let’s eat.

Bone-In Pork Chops

My favorite is bone-in pork chops seasoned with a sweet barbecue rub we have at Bobby Dollar Appliance Consultants.

Put pork chops in a cast-iron skillet with a stick of butter to get the skillet happy, 2 cups of apple juice and ½ to ¾ cup of red wine vinegar.

Let it cook at 375 degrees for 1 ½ hours.

Pump the heat up to 500 degrees, take them out of the pan and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side to get some marking on them.

Transfer them back to the skillet and rub generously in the thick roux that is in the pan.

I normally cook 8-10 as my pan is 16 inches in diameter.

Enjoying ALL THE Fall COMMUNITY CALENDAR & EVENTS

*The following calendar runs as submitted to Thomasville Magazine by the Thomasville Visitors Center.

Were You Spotted?

More than 600 people showed their support for Georgia farmers at the Crossroads Music Festival, raising $13,000!

AUGUST 2019, DEEP SOUTH FAIRGROUNDS

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September2019

September 17, 2019 One Book Art Show Head over to the Thomas County Public Library for the reception and grand opening of the One Book Art Show + Contest: ‘Nature in My Hometown’. Show casing the artwork of local area schools across all ages groups, the students work will depict the nature surrounding them as seen through their eyes. Inspired by the descriptions of the terrain and land found in this year’s One Book selection, students were asked to step into their own backyards and detail the nature found in their everyday. The winners of each age group will be announced and awarded with a cash prize and place ribbon. The exhibition will be on show from Sept. 11 - Sept. 27 in the Henry Flipper Room of the Library. Event is free and open to the public.

September 17, 2019 Renovator’s Happy Hour Join Landmarks for light refreshments as we tour the Ball House, our 2018 Award of Outstanding Achievement recipient. Built ca. 1888, the Ball House is said to have one of the first cases of indoor plumbing in the city! The Goodman’s purchased the property and began an ambitious rehabilitation spanning three years, including adding a sensitive addition to the rear. Their rehabilitation is a vision of a successful project. This event is free and open to Landmarks members. If you are interested in becoming a member or renewing your membership, please visit www.thomasvillelandmarks.org or call the office at 229-226-6016.

September 18, 2019 One Book Lunch & Learn Grab a bagged lunch and your copy of Where the Crawdads Sing for One Book’s annual Lunch + Learn book discussion. Bookshelf owner and vivacious reader, Annie Jones, will be leading you in a riveting discussion into the depths of this year’s book selection.

Enjoy diving into how the novel stirred emotions and passions with other members of the community to get yourself prepared for Thursday evenings author event. Grab an extra copy for Delia to sign. Event is free and open to the public. Bring your own lunch.

September 19, 2019 One Book Author Read & Greet: Delia Owens Delia will be back in her hometown discussing her evolution as a writer and how she came to write her critically-acclaimed first work of fiction, Where the Crawdads Sing.

September 19-21, 2019 First Dibs Auction Preview Party Art, objects and furniture auction preview party. For more information contact marwood@thomasvillearts.org September 20, 2019 Watercolor Crest Date: Friday, September 20 Time: 6pm-8pm Instructor: Allison Fairbrother Price: $45 (If you sign up for 2 or more spots, get $10 off when you use code MAKERFRIEND) All skill levels welcome! BYOB Create your own monogram crest with watercolor! We will be practicing lettering skills for our monograms, and then adding them to a crest design! Design templates for the crests will be provided for you to choose your favorite and then you will add on elements to personalize it. Make sure to have reference photos to use for your individual elements, like your favorite flower or even your pet! Cancellation policy: A full refund will be issued to cancellations made more than 48 hours before class. Send cancellations to emily@youremaker.com. Cancellations later than that, will receive a credit minus the cost of materials.

September2019

September 21, 2019 Dinner on the Bricks Gather a table of friends, family, or co-workers to dine at the beautiful amphitheater in the downtown Creative District. Each table purchased supports the work of healing and building resilience in children and teenagers across the state of Georgia. Tables of eight start at just $300 each for patrons, with all proceeds benefitting the children. The table, white linen tablecloth and chairs are provided, everything else is up to the patron. We highly encourage you to get creative with the table decor and let your appetites decide whether you bring your own dinner or hire a caterer. Tables will go on sale to the public August 1st, with 68 tables available for purchase. Creativity is key!

Costumes are welcome! Awards in various categories will be presented to winners by our celebrity judges!

Call 229.226.4634 or email lizw@vashti.org for more information.

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September 21, 2019 Building Blocks “Building Blocks” is a series of fun patterns that will build your knitting skills. Starting with simple knit and purl stitches, your confidence will grow as you progress through several major knitting principles. Each block focuses on new stitches and techniques in a sequential fashion that “builds” upon the previously learned skill. For more information email heyfuzzy@ fuzzygoatyarns.com or call 229-236-4628 September 21, 2019 Trivia Night at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s (THE OFFICE) Come join us on the Patio for TRIVIA - all about The Office. $5 per person to play. Come up with a great team name. 50/50 split. Come in costume and you might take home a prize. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association WALK to End Alzheimer’s on Oct 4th.

September 23, 2019 Cinema for a Cause Gateway Cinemas In Thomasville, GA will donate 100% of the proceeds from all movies and all concessions on Sunday, September 23, 2018 to charity this day only. Locally, this benefits United Way of Thomas County. Come out to see a great movie for a great cause! For more information contact (229) 228-0560.

September 24, 2019 Winemaking in Georgia, a Lecture in Tasting Get a taste of history this fall at the Thomasville History Center. Wine expert Wayne Crawford, will present a lecture exploring the history of wine making in Georgia while you sip some samples and cleanse your palate. The Thomasville History Center is excited to welcome Mr. Crawford for his lecture and wine tasting on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:30pm. Audience members must register in advance for this program and all attendees must be aged 21+. Registration is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Interested participants must sign up online at thomasvillehistory.org/programs. Do not forget to bring proof of registration with you: print a copy of your receipt, or show the email copy upon arrival. Wayne Crawford had a long career as an officer in the US Army Infantry and developed his passion for wine and wine writing during many military tours overseas. Crawford has lived in Georgia for over twenty years and spent the last twelve years writing a wine column for Big Canoe’s Smoke Signals newspaper in North Georgia. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators, a French-wine scholar (FWS) and holds a Master Certificate in Champagne from the Wine Scholar guild.

He is an active associate member in the Georgia Wine Producers organization and frequently judges wine competitions in the South. He authored Georgia Vineyards and Wineries a Historical Guide to Modern Georgia Wines released in 2018. For more information contact (229) 226-7664 or email at history@rose.net September 27, 2019 Thomasville Thomas County Humane Society Fall Dinner Enjoy ‘A Night for the Animals’ at the Thomasville Thomas County Fall Dinner, featuring guest speaker Claudine Wilkins. Ms. Wilkins will be discussing Animal Cruelty cases in our area, their correlation to other crimes and how to prevent them. Event venue is The Biscuit Company Dinner is catered by JB Crumbs & there will be a Beer & Wine Bar Make sure to get your tickets early as seating is limited and pricing goes up after August 31st. No Tickets Sold at the door! Tickets can be purchased by visiting https:// ttchs_fall_dinner-2019.eventbrite.com September 27, 2019 Lettering & Modern Calligraphy II Workshop ARE YOU READY TO ENTERTAIN YOUR INNER NERD? We’re so excited to bring you another workshop: Lettering & Modern Calligraphy II workshop with Alison Fairbrother from Works of Harte, September 27th from 6-8 p.m. This class is an intermediate level workshop picking up where our introduction course left off! Don’t worry — if you weren’t here for the beginner class, but have hand lettering experience, we’d love to have you join us! Here’s a list of what LEVEL 2 will cover: Flourishing Writing the same letter multiple ways Flow between letters & words Using different mediums, such as brush lettering & faux calligraphy techniques Here’s what you should know: Basic Strokes Lower case basic alphabet Upper case basic alphabet Pointed pen use - not required, but encouraged, as we will be using pointed pen, along with brush pens Tickets are $65 and include a brush pen and marker for each student, along with an updated practice workbook made by the instructor. Pointed pens and ink will be available to borrow during the workshop. If you already have your own pointed pen & ink to use, please bring it along with you (they do not have to be the same ones used in last workshop)!

For more information email events@bookshelfthomasville.com

September 27, 2019 Fridays at Noon featuring Staffa, Oboe Quartet Led by violinist Lisa Ferrigno, the members of the Staffa Chamber Ensemble have been members of the classical music community in Central Florida for over 25 years. They currently serve as principal leaders and members of the Brevard Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Bach Festival, and Disney World orchestras. Dedicated educators, the Staffa musicians have served as teachers and music directors at public and private schools, universities, colleges, and youth orchestras. They are united in Staffa by their friendship and love of chamber music. Members of the ensemble include Lisa Ferrigno (violin), Scott Knopf (viola), Maureen May (cello), and Lora Macpherson (oboe).

September 28, 2019 Farm to Fork Dinner The Treehouse’s 3rd Annual Farm to Fork Dinner will be an evening of farm fresh food - locally grown produce and meats, locally crafted beverages, live music, and more! Come see The Leftovers band live and enjoy food prepared by Southern Bleu. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center which provides vital forensic and advocacy services to victims of child abuse and sexual assault in Thomas County - free of charge. For more information contact jackla.treehouse@gmail.com

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October2019 October 4, 2019 First Friday FREE ADMISSION & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Time: 6-10 pm --What is First Friday Sip & Stroll? It’s a great night to come Downtown and sip, stroll, shop, dine, and listen to some great music. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late, and our concert will be held from 8-10 pm at The Ritz Amphitheater (131 South Stevens Street). This gives you time to shop and dine before the concert. At 8 pm Ozell Road takes The Ritz Stage! Forged in the early morning hours on a desolate dirt road in the Middle-of-Nowhere, USA, Ozell Road is the love child of five of South Georgia’s most musically talented and free-spirited young men.

Inspired from the classics of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and the Allman Brothers, Ozell Road comes at you with a heavy groove, scintillating leads, and southern friend jam. The boys play a wide variety of classic rock hits and also lay down new upbeat sounds from the likes of John Mayer and MGMT. As a full five-piece band, Ozell Road has unparalleled talent and is sure to play a little something for everyone! For more information, call (229) 228-7977.

October 4, 2019 Walk to End Alzheimers Registration begins at 5pm. WALK opening ceremony begins at 6pm. Event will be complete by 7pm to enjoy the First Friday activities. Join the fight for Alzheimer’s first survivor. Walk will be around the courthouse block.

Contact Dale Davidson for more details 229.2268183 or email dale@davidsonelderlaw.com Team Thomasville’s goal is to raise $30,000.

October 5, 2019 Boston Butt Sale Thomasville Professional Firefighters Association Local 2084 will be smoking Boston Butts Friday October 5, 2019. Cost: $25.00 fully cooked 8 to 10 Lbs Butts. For more information contact (229) 224-7071 October 12, 2019 Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in Thomasville! Enjoy live music, craft beer, wine, fantastic food with Hubs and Hops and the Biscuit Company. Stay tuned for details. For more information email info@hubsandhops.com October 16, 2019 Covey Film Festival The Covey Film Festival’s mission is to promote independent films and filmmakers to the Red Hills Region of Southwest Georgia and North Florida. All proceeds from the Covey Film Festival go to the Thomasville Community Resource Center which serves over 500 children in the region. For more information visit CoveyFilmFestival.com

October 18, 2019 Lives Without Limits 9th Annual Banquet Live and Silent Auction, Games and Raffles to benefit Lives without Limits! Doors out at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds open at 6:00 pm and dinner is from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.- The evening lasts until 11 pm.

October 19, 2019 Imperial Hotel Fundraising Gala Proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Historic Imperial Hotel Tickets $50.00 Each Sponsorship & Tables Available.

Silent Auction. More Details to come!!

November2019 November 1, 2019 First Friday FREE ADMISSION & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Time: 6-10 pm Our Fall Fest headliners, The Mainstream Band takes the stage at 8 pm.

November 5, 2019 Imperial Hotel Fundraising Gala Proceeds to benefit the renovation of the Historic Imperial Hotel Tickets $50.00 Each Sponsorship & Tables Available.

Silent Auction. More Details to come!!

November 5, 2019 27 Annual Chicken Pilau Dinner Prepared and served on the History Center grounds over open fire in cast iron kettles, proceeds from this traditional southern supper supports the programs and preservation of our community’s rich history. Held every year on Election Night, this year’s event will be held Tuesday, November 5.

Dinner will be served from 4:30pm-7pm. Tickets go on sale September 27 and will be available online at thomasvillehistory.org and at the History Center. Diners may choose to eatin or take-out their dinners. Tickets are $8 each and plates include: pilau, coleslaw, pickles, crackers, and dessert. Do not miss this Thomasville tradition! Call 229.226.7664 or thomasvillehistory.org November 8, 2019 Kevin’s and Holland & Holland’s 4th Annual Game Fair The Southern Game Fair travels back in time bringing family and community together to benefit land conservation. Enjoy an authentic sporting lifestyle event on historic Greenwood Plantation campus benefiting Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. Participants can demo shotguns from Kevin’s and Holland & Holland during the sporting clay event: Famous DockDogs will be holding a two day competition; there will sporting dog demonstrations by Wild Rose Kennels and Ryglen Gun Dogs; fly fishing presentations; wild game cooking demonstrations; by chefs form local and private plantations; quail wagon rides pulled by the majestic Clydesdales form Long Pine Plantation; helicopter tours over Greenwood Plantation; fox hounds and huntsmen form Live Oak Farms; a Southern lunch on the grounds, camouflage ice cream by Blue Bell Ice Cream; Tall Timbers discussing the ecology of the area and controlled burning >

Tall Timbers will present wild animals from the area and have their prescribed fire unit present with equipment and more.

Classic Overland will have on hand their new custom Land Rover’s “Defender” to demo. Big Rich Red Dirt BBQ will have cooking demonstrations as well as samplings of their delicious seasonings and sauces on ribs and chicken wings.

Enjoy the “Party after the Game” at the conclusion of the Fair. Please contact Alice Watts (850) 322-5987 or email her awatts@kevinscatalog.com November 9, 2019 Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival | Red Hills Rover Rally Thomasville Center for the Arts in Partnership with The Wright Group bring you Red Hills Rover Rally! Rover enthusiasts are invited to explore the trails of plantation country and enjoy stops with refreshments and a chance to appreciate the surroundings along the way! More details coming soon.

November 12, 2019 Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival | Afternoon in the Field Thomasville Center for the Arts, in Partnership with First Commerce Credit Union, present Afternoon in the Field!

Bring your blankets, family and friends to enjoy an evening of great music, and great food at the beautiful Pebble Hill Plantation. More details coming soon!

November 9-17, 2019 Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival Over the years, the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival has developed a reputation as a premier celebration of arts and culture in the Red Hills region of south Georgia and north Florida. Each November, sporting & wildlife enthusiasts and fine arts connoisseurs alike enjoy a variety of PWAF events ranging from a black-tie preview party to brush pants in the field. See the complete line up of events, with ticket information, at pwaf.org.

November 24, 2019 Downtown Holiday Open House Join us Downtown for some holiday shopping! Shops and restaurants will be open, and you’ll have a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars!

November 30, 2019 Small Business Saturday Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate the local businesses that make our town great! Don’t just Shop Small for our extraordinary shopping & dining, Shop Small for our community. Come Downtown and shop and dine with us!

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