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contents
➸ SEPTEMBER 2013 10 Racing for a Cure Newsome family finds healing in giving and racing
14 Elizabeth’s Legacy Pitts family dedicated to helping others face pediatric cancer
18 Back to School Fashion Our Scene models show off back to school wear offered by area retailers
28 Stilling the Waters Dominick Gheesling documents his solo trip down the Suwannee River
22 Relationship Advice Mark Webb’s tips to Stop Being a Jealous Partner
34 Dining at Chicken Salad Chick Owner Julie North offers... A simple concept, a superb experience
42 Travel to Zagreb, Croatia David & Kay Scott’s trip to the undiscovered jewel of southern Europe
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
24 Health & Beauty Christy Howell explains laser skin treatments
38 Arts & Entertainment List of upcoming events in September
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from the editor... VALDOSTASCENE
S
eptember is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Both the Valdosta Scene and the Times are featuring stories of children and families whose lives have been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis throughout the month. In some of the stories featured, the child was able to conquer the cancer, while in others, the
Established 2005 Volume IX • No. 9 The ValdostaScene magazine is published monthly at 201 N. Troup St., Valdosta, GA 31601 Published by the South Georgia Media Group
child succumbed to the disease.
For the two families in this edition of the Scene, both lost their daughters to cancer but have turned their time and energy into raising awareness, fundraising, counseling, and helping others. While their lives will never be the same again, their missions are a lifeline to other families. Childhood cancer research needs your
PUBLISHER Jeff Masters EDITOR Kay Harris ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dean Poling
support, and there are several events in September that you don’t want to miss. Also included in this edition are interesting features, from a VSU professor’s river journey to a look at a new restaurant, along with
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristin Finney Kay Harris Dean Poling David & Kay Scott Stuart Taylor
photos from recent events and our wonderful columnists. COLUMNISTS Christy Howell Mark Webb
Read and enjoy!
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dominick Gheesling Deland Guthrie Kay Harris Brandon Powers
Kay Harris Editor
LAYOUT Derek Schaper ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mae Stokes
on the cover: Ronnie Newsome is raising money for cancer research in memory of his sister Victoria, who died from childhood cancer. Her photo adorns the hood of his race car. photograph by BRANDON POWERS
Subscription Rates: Annual subscription (U.S. mail) $24 Send your check to: ValdostaScene Subscriptions 201 N. Troup St. Valdosta, GA 31601 www.ValdostaScene.com Newsstand $3.50 For information on submitting articles or advertising in the Scene call (229) 244-1880
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
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F E AT U R E
Racing for a Cure Family finds healing in giving by KAY HARRIS photos by BRANDON POWERS
Editor’s Note: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Dozens of children in our local community and their families have been affected by a childhood cancer diagnosis, and while many children are treated and recover, some children do not. To raise awareness about the issue this month, the Valdosta Scene and The Valdosta Daily Times are featuring stories on children and families whose lives were changed forever with the words, “You have cancer.”
V
ictoria Newsome was a vivacious, blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty, much like her mother, Margaret Anne. A student at Valwood, she had two older brothers who doted on her, Travis and Ronnie, and she was raised in a household dominated by sports, particularly car racing. Her father, Lee, has raced since his teen years, and the sport was a family outing, with the children going along to the track from a very early age. And then one day, as sudden as a lightning strike across the sky, the Newsomes’ lives were turned upside down. In January 2004, a teacher at school noticed that Victoria’s eyes were turning inward. A visit to the doctor and an unthinkable diagnosis — brain cancer. Victoria had medulloblastoma, which causes tumors in the brain and along the spinal column. This type of brain cancer is the fastest growing, most aggressive form of brain cancer. Soon, the Newsomes’ lives began revolving around Victoria’s treatments instead of the race track.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
Racing runs in the family. Four year old Jesse Newsome climbs into his brother’s car.
Son and father, Ronnie and Lee Newsome.
For almost two years, the spirited little girl persevered to conquer the tumors that ravaged her small body, enduring seven surgeries, 33 radiation treatments and nine cycles of chemotherapy. Margaret Anne became a self-educated expert on pediatric cancer, forever searching the Internet for other treatments or drugs that might help her beautiful little girl. Long trips for treatment to Atlanta, then to St. Jude’s in Memphis, Tenn., long nights of pain for Victoria and of helplessness for Lee and Margaret Anne. Not only were they battling the cancer, they were doing all they could to keep life as normal as possible for their sons. Although she was suffering, Victoria fought to the end. On Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, she succumbed to the cancer, dying in her sleep, cradled in her parents’ arms.
One of the cars driven by Lee Newsome.
SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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Racing is a family event. Here, two year old Trevor climbs onto his dad’s car.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
No parent ever truly recovers from the loss of a child, and today, Lee and Margaret Anne can talk about Victoria and her illness but eight years later, the pain in their eyes is unmistakable. Travis, now 20, was only 13 and Ronnie, now 18, was only 10 when they lost their little sister. Lee and Margaret Anne expanded their family, with sons Trevor, 2, and Jesse Lee, 4, and life at the Newsome house continues at breakneck speed daily, with a shop and a yard full of race cars and energetic boys who are always on the go. Travis and Ronnie competed in numerous sports in school, but for Travis, his primary passion became paint ball, winning numerous tournaments and national championships in the sport. Ronnie, though, caught the racing fever from Lee at an early age, and today is competing, and winning, against older, more experienced drivers. Dreams of a future in NASCAR are never far from his mind. And neither are thoughts of his little sister.
Lee began using racing as a means of raising awareness of pediatric cancer after Victoria’s diagnosis, and has raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude’s hospital and other organizations over the years. He and Ronnie’s cars are either the number “8” or “88,” for the age Victoria was when she died. And Ronnie is continuing that legacy. Race fans in South Georgia know the Newsome crew well. Lee, Ronnie and team member John Wesley are regulars at Needmore Speedway in Norman Park and South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil. The drivers have a cadre of friends and family supporting them in following their racing passion who serve as pit crew and cheer them on. Trevor and Jesse Lee are as comfortable at the track as they are at home, playing with their own race cars in the pit area under the ever watchful eyes of Margaret Anne. They wear protective ear gear during the loud races, playing while their Mom videotapes.
For the Newsomes, racing is not only a way for the whole family to be together doing something they all enjoy, it’s a way to continue honoring Victoria’s memory by raising money for cancer research. Victoria’s photo is featured on their cars, along with the logo for CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and the website, www.CureSearch.org/Ronnie-Newsome-racing. Ronnie is trying to raise $25,000 this year, which is the minimum required for a research grant. He still has a long way to go, with less than $1,000 so far. “The public needs to know that children’s cancer is very underfunded,” said Margaret Anne. The Ameri-
can Cancer Society donates a small percentage to pediatric cancer, but Margaret Anne said that most donations come from private individuals and corporations. For the Newsomes, raising money and raising awareness of childhood cancer is a way to deal with the pain of losing their beloved Victoria, whose likeness may someday grace a car in the Daytona 500 with Ronnie behind the wheel.
Driving for Research Golf Tournament To help reach his monetary goal, Ronnie and the Newsomes are planning the Driving for Research Golf Tournament at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club on Sept. 12. Four-man teams will compete, with the top three teams receiving prizes. Each golfer will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag, and lunch will be provided. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and all proceeds will benefit CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. For more information and an entry form, visit www.RonnieNewsomeRacing.com.
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F E AT U R E
Elizabeth’s Legacy by DEAN POLING
F
or the past three years, Benjamin and Melanie Pitts have helped other families face the brutal realities of pediatric cancer. Through Hugs of Hope, the Pitts have celebrated when a child’s cancer goes into remission. They have comforted families who have lost a child to cancer. They have financially supported these families in times of need. But they have done all of this under the shadow of grief. In July 2010, they lost their 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Marie Pitts, to cancer. Through Hugs of Hope, her parents and family continue the legacy started by Elizabeth, who wanted to help other children struggling with cancer.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
Before passing away at the age of 10, Elizabeth Pitts founded Hugs of Hope, an organization to help children with pediatric cancers and their families. Three years after her passing, Elizabeth’s family continues Hugs of Hope’s mission.
submitted photo
Since losing their 10-year-old daughter to cancer, the Pitts family has been dedicated to helping other families face pediatric cancer, but sometimes, to continue forward, even they must take a few steps back
Melanie Pitts knows the pain of pediatric cancer. Her daughter, Elizabeth, passed away three years ago. Through Hugs of Hope, Pitts and her family have helped numerous South Georgia families deal with the economic and other realities of children’s cancers.
photo by Brandon Powers
They have continued her fight. Melanie says Hugs of Hope remains committed and active, but admits it is difficult. She says there are times when they must step back, because the pain of losing their daughter is still there. Always there. “Sometimes carrying another family’s grief rehashes ours,” Melanie Pitts says of working with other families who have lost a child to cancer, or are strug-
gling through the uncertainties of cancer. “Sometimes, submitted photo we just have to pull away.” Though the Pitts family will organize and participate in area events throughout September as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, they do not plan on
hosting the annual Elizabeth’s Celebration this November in Freedom Park, which has marked Elizabeth’s past two birthdays. Elizabeth would have been 14 years old this year. The family won’t hold the event this fall partly because Melanie and Benjamin, who is in the Air Force, have been busy raising children Madeline, 8 years old, and Jacob, 15 months. Melanie worked as a school teacher until about a month prior to Elizabeth’s diagnosis; she now homeschools her children — a responsibility that’s about to grow. Melanie is expecting another child, a baby due in October. But it is not just work and family life that have caused them to step back slightly in more recent months, it has been what Melanie describes as the realization of the third year. “The first year is the year of firsts. The first birthday without her. The first Christmas without her,” Melanie explains. “The second year, you feel like, OK, we made it through the first year. The third year, the third year, you realize this is permanent. This is what the rest of our lives will be like. ... So, we had to back away from it.” Back away from it ... a step or two. Not walk away. Not turn away. Not stop. The Pitts continue helping families in need. Melanie has become the public spokesperson for Hugs of Hope, while Benjamin sponsors drives to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House, which provides parents an inexpensive place to stay while children receive medical treatments. Benjamin is also something akin to a silent partner for other fathers whose children struggle with pediatric cancers; he listens if they wish to talk; he takes them fishing or hunting. Men often do not have a support struc-
SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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ture similar to women, Melanie says; when something happens, like a child becoming ill, men may have buddies but no one with whom to discuss their feelings. Benjamin Pitts is there to catch these fathers in the quiet spaces when they do not know where to fall. In some ways, catching families is Hugs of Hope’s mission. A mission founded by Elizabeth Pitts, a small child who continued thinking of others, who desired helping others, despite the pain of her illness and the realization she would not survive her cancer. Given Elizabeth’s wishes, despite the hardship, despite the shadow of their grief, Benjamin and Melanie Pitts continue finding a way to be a blessing to others. Because it is what Elizabeth would have wanted to do had she beat cancer. In fall 2006, Elizabeth was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In response, she created Hugs of Hope which kicked off on her seventh birthday. She held a party and asked guests to bring new teddy bears. Not for herself - the bears were donated to other children with cancer. What Elizabeth wanted for her seventh birthday was to bring joy to other children.
Each year, Elizabeth continued her birthday project. As the community became more involved, Hugs of Hope grew. Elizabeth wanted Hugs of Hope to become a foundation to help Valdosta, Lowndes County and South Georgia families affected by pediatric cancer. “Before she passed away in July 2010, she gave very specific instructions about what she wanted her foundation to do,” according to organizational information. Elizabeth wanted to help the entire family. She wanted her parents to help other parents. She wanted to help patients. She wanted to help the young siblings of patients. And when she knew she would pass away, Elizabeth wanted to ensure that Hugs of Hope would always remember the other children who passed away and be there for their families. Hugs of Hope provides families facing pediatric cancer with social, emotional, educational, financial and spiritual support. The organization’s long-term goal, one which was shared by Elizabeth, is to bring a children’s hospital to Valdosta, so sick children and their families will not have to leave the region for treatment.
Keep the fight ALIVE! Every child deserves a chance to live.
Meanwhile, funds raised by Hugs of Hope go directly to helping families who must travel, who must quit one job to care for the sick child, who must scrimp and save to make ends meet while worrying about the health of their child. For these reasons, though some days it brings all of their old emotions back, Melanie and Benjamin Pitts continue.
Pediatric Cancer Month
Events
NOTE: Some event details were not available as of the Scene’s deadline. Look for additional information throughout the month of September in the pages of The Valdosta Daily Times and on the website valdostadailytimes.com Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Fourth Annual Gold Bow Sale at Astro Exterminating on Gornto Road. Sept. 12: Ronnie Newsome Driving for Research Golf Tourney at Kinderlou Forest. Sept. 14: 5K to benefit Brody Shiver. Oct. 19: Fourth Annual Flags of Hope Flag Football Tournament, Freedom Park with Elizabeth’s Annual Toy Drive.
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Back to School FA S H I O N
T
by KRISTIN FINNEY photos by BRANDON POWERS
Hailey starts her school year off right in this stylish and classy outfit from City Market. Her BB Dakota off white top with tribal print, $75, has open sleeves and a peek-a-boo back that make it fun while still being school appropriate. Paired with a pair of Movi denim capris, $128, and a mustard Hobo bag, $288, complete this stylish back to school outfit.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
he 2013-2014 school year is under way and students of all ages are dressing to impress. Though the stress of their “first day” outfit has long passed, every morning students are making choices of what fashion statement they hope to make that day. For elementary-age students, it’s important to be both comfortable and fashionable as they go through their days. With recess being the highlight of the school day for many, it is also important to be able to have fun outside. This season, elementary and older girls are rocking over sized shirts and skinny jeans. For younger girls, baby doll tops are a fun play on this fashion statement. Scene model Gabrielle Davis sports a comfortable and fashionable cobalt blue baby doll top by Beautees. This top is perfect for making a statement this school year thanks to the cobalt lace overlay covering the black undershirt. An open bow back gives just the right amount of playfulness to this classy top. Paired with a pair of Levis skinny black out jeans, this outfit, found at Belk Kids, is perfect for back to school, and at only $72, it is affordable and fun. Adding a fun, colorful backpack is the icing on the cake for this outfit. Her hot pink and black polka dotted back pack by Sierra, found at Belk for only $23.99, makes carrying around text books fun and fashionable.
Scene models Gabrielle and Max are ready for a great school year in their Belk Kids fashions. These styles can be yours for under $75 at Belk Kids. SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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Brittanye is ready for a fun day at school or a night out in her fun and edgy outfit from City Market. She looks stunning in a blue BB Dakota oversized blouse, $75. With black accents, a peek-a-boo back and buttoned 3/4 sleeves, this outfit is both comfortable and edgy. Paired with a pair of black super low rise skinny Movi jeans, $98, and a purple Hobo clutch, $128, this ensemble is great for school and going out.
RIGHT: Jeffrey looks comfortable and stylish as he heads back to school in his Belk outfit. He has paired his orange and white stripped, button down Izod shirt, $50, with a pair of Columbia khaki shorts, $39.99. Gabrielle is seen in a cobalt Beautees baby doll top, $34, and Levis skinny blackout jeans, $38, from Belk Kids. She has paired her outfit with a colorful and fun backpack by High Sierra, $23.99 at Belk.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
FA S H I O N For younger boys, comfort and class are all the rage this season. Pairing a bright and colorful polo with khakis is the perfect outfit for a long day at school. Scene model Max Sapp is dressed to impress in a red, blue and white stripped Polo Ralph Lauren polo shirt. Found at Belk Kids for only $35, this polo shirt is a great choice to allow your child to be comfortable and cool during the school day. Pairing that with Polo Ralph Lauren khakis finish off this look perfectly. Adding an Under Armor backpack, available at Belk for only $54.99, is the finishing touch on this back to school outfit. Whether you are in high school or college, as older students it is extremely important to pick the right outfit each day. This season, make a statement in an oversized shirt and chunky jewelry. Scene model Hailey Hulett is ready to turn heads on her first day. Her off-white and tribal printed B.B. Dakota oversized blouse, found at City Market for $75, has opened sleeves and apeekaboo back mak-
ing it fun, comfortable and cute. This top pairs perfectly with a pair of Movi relax straight leg capris, also at City Market for $128. To complete this outfit, Hailey adds an oversized mustard, leather Hobo purse, $288 at City Market, and a pair of cheetah print Toms Wedges, a steal at only $75 at City Market. Scene model Brittanye Blake shows another variation on the same outfit. Brittanye went for a vibrant blue top B.B. Dakota top, also found for $75 at City Market. Buttoned 3/4 length sleeves, a peekaboo back and black accents make this top edgy and fun. Paired with black low rise, super skinny Movi jeans, $98 at City Market, make this outfit fun for both school or a night out. A bright and fun purple Hobo clutch, $128 at City Market, and a pair of floral printed Toms wedges are the perfect compliment to this daring, fashionable outfit.
High school and college aged boys want to dress fashionably while still being comfortable. When they are not wearing gym shorts or t-shirts, older boys this season are combining their desire for comfort and fashion by pairing dressy shirts with shorts and boat shoes. Scene model Jeffrey Fleming turns heads while still being comfortable in a 3/4 sleeved Izod button down shirt. This orange shirt with white stripes is a steal at only $50 at Belk. Paired with a pair of Columbia khaki shorts, $39.99 at Belk, and a comfortable pair of shoes, Jeffrey looks stylish while still being comfortable this season. Whatever you are looking for to make your fashion statement this school year, make sure that Belk and City Market are on your lists of stores to check out. Whether you are in search of something comfortable and classy or fun and edgy, these stores are sure to have something to fit every need.
SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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R E L AT I O N S H I P A DV I C E
How To Stop Being A
BY MA R K W E B B Mark Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of “How To Be A Great Partner”. Read more of his articles at www.TheRelationshipSpecialist.com
Jealous Partner “The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.” ~ William Penn
J
ealousy is a common problem that can destroy your relationship, whether it is with a partner or a friendship. Jealousy is basically a fear. It is a fear that can grow larger and be quite overwhelming. Jealousy will make you see things that aren’t there. It will make you believe your partner is going to leave you. Jealousy will steal your confidence and will destroy the security of your relationship. In this article, anywhere you see the word “partner”, you can easily substitute for “friend” if you are in a relationship with a jealous friend or you yourself have a jealousy issue in a friendship. Jealousy usually comes from your insecurity or your past experiences. One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. If you’ve dealt with an unfaithful partner in the past, it is reasonable to worry that it could happen again. Jealousy is a shield of protection but it can destroy trust if not controlled. It is possible to stop being jealous. My hope is that this article will offer several points on how to protect your relationships by learning how to rationally sort through your thoughts. Do not ruin great relationships because of your insecurities.
Here are 10 tips to help you overcome your jealousy:
1) Awareness is the first key to change. What are the reasons why you feel jealous? If it isn’t you but rather your partner, why are they jealous? What is the history behind the feeling of jealousy? Knowing the “why” can be calming because it helps you reason away from your own fears.
2) Stop Comparing Yourself To Others. Jealousy is often a reflection of low self- esteem. Comparing yourself to others is a nowin situation because there will always be someone who is smarter, better looking, wealthier, funnier and nicer. Your partner is with you because they want to be. Most people cannot clearly articulate why they love their partner. They just do.
“He that is jealous is not in love.” ~ Saint Augustine
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
3) Don’t Play With Fire.
5) Don’t View Your Partner or
One way some people strive to make themselves feel better is to make their partner jealous. They purposely flirt with other men and women. They constantly talk about someone else. Don’t do this. It’s a cheap way to lift yourself up and it will negatively affect how your partner views you. Over time, they will resent you because a little bit of this flirting behavior goes a long way fast.
Friend As Your Property.
4)
Imagine The Best Instead Of The Worst. If overall you have a great partner, begin to rebuild your trust in them. Relationships don’t come with guarantees. Instead of needing one hundred percent certainty, trust your partner. Get into the mindset that they won’t hurt you. Wish them well. If they go out with friends, encourage them to have fun as opposed to blowing up their phone to check up on them. Don’t panic if your partner gets home a little later than usual. Keep a close watch on the destructive possibilities of your imagination. If your partner has never given you any reason to question their faithfulness, then you should probably trust them.
Even though you may struggle with a fear that you could lose your partner or friend, don’t try to control them. Keeping a constant guard over them will kill their love for you. Jealousy can make you a controlling person who must be the center of someone’s life. These controlling types cannot share their partner/friend with other people and this commonly means friends and family. If you are this way, stop. If your partner/friend is possessive to a strong degree, you may need to set firm boundaries on this behavior or get out of the relationship altogether.
6) Don’t Insult Your Partner. No one wants to have their character constantly questioned. You are insulting your partner if you always doubt their word or behavior. This behavior will not create the peace needed. It will drive your partner away. Take your partner at their word. Strive to build trust, not fear and resentment.
“Jealousy is the tie that binds, and binds, and binds.”
lowing. Respect your partner by telling them where you are, when you will be back and what you’re doing but don’t keep answering these fishing expeditions for reassurance.
8)
Handle Things Like Normal People. If you need to set limits and expectations with your partner, communicate these clearly to them. If your partner disrespects these guidelines, talk with them in a poised and thoughtful manner. Don’t go bananas with an angry or hysterical reaction.
“The jealous bring down the curse they fear upon their own heads.” ~ Dorothy Dix
9) Don’t Expect Your Partner To Devote All of Their Time To You. Don’t be too demanding of your partner’s time and energy. It makes you look needy. If so, your happiness can become dependent on your partner.
~ Helen Rowland
“My wife’s jealousy is getting ridiculous. The other day she looked at my calendar and wanted to know who May was.” ~ Rodney Dangerfield
7) Don’t Exhaust Your Partner. Reassurance in a relationship is a good thing. Too much of a need for reassurance can be exhausting. Do not call your partner ten times within a small window of time to check up on them. If you are on the receiving end of this behavior, I suggest the fol-
10) Get Some Help. If you cannot stop the jealous behavior on your own, then seek the professional help of a therapist. No amount of checking up and nagging will ease your mind but therapy can teach you how. People can change.
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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y
E
the Mark imples may disfigure a face for a few days, but the scars they leave behind can last a lifetime. There is a psychological factor that adds to the physical scarring. You feel less-than, like something bad happened to you. There are feelings of guilt, hopelessness, lack of confidence and low self-esteem. To make things more complicated, acne scars are notoriously difficult to treat. They are some of the most challenging conditions we have facing us as aestheticians. Treating acne scars has been a major challenge due, in large part, to the lack of effective tools. Wrinkles were relatively easier to deal with, but there was no efficient way to resurface acne scars.
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Voted South Georgia’s Best Aesthetician 2013!
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
The good news is that today aestheticians and plastic surgeons can turn to a growing array of sophisticated tools and strategies to treat acne scars. Now we can use lasers and other energy-based systems. Fractional lasers and fractional radiofrequency systems seem to be the best we have in 2013. We have had quite a bit of success using the fractional technologies for many scars, no matter what type, since we can vary the depth of penetration. Fractional lasers can be ablative be ablative or nonablative; the non ablative therapies work over several treatments, from four to six, and the ablative usually require one or two. How successful are the treatments for acne scars? We aestheticians never promise complete clearance, but we are seeing improvements of 80% to 90% in some of the patients we are treating. This is a good thing, as we can never make 100%, but we want patients to be realistic going into the treatment. Patients who do well are the ones that understand the limitations we have, which are that we cannot be perfect. Fractional ablative lasers really are a game changer and are emerging almost as a gold standard. They are especially useful because they can reach deeply into the layers of the skin. You need a tool that can reach that deep, and chemical peels just weren’t getting far enough down, and that isn’t the only benefit to laser treatment for acne scars. The other powerful thing about fractional ablative therapy is that it vaporizes the scar and, over three to six months; normal-appearing collagen fills in the hole. Potential side effects of ablative laser resurfacing include itching, swelling and redness. This normally only lasts 5 to 10 days and varies in patients depending on depth and skin type.
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Rose wine is produced from black grapes without the stalks. The juice is separated off as soon as it is sufficiently pink. Styles vary enormously. Some of the best rose is produced from the Grenache grape and are deliciously fragrant and refreshing.
Blush: Blush wine originated in California. Here, the skins of the black grapes are left to macerate,
briefly, with the must. The result is a delightful pinkish-blue colored wine with a coppery hue. Californian blush is produced predominantly from the Zinfandel grape.
White: Surprisingly, white wine can be made from white or black grapes, as all grape juice is colorless initially. White wine styles vary from bone dry to golden sweet. Good dry, crisp whites include those made from the Muscadet and Verdicchio grapes. Or, for something a little tangier, the zesty Sauvignon Blanc grape is a reliable choice. For richer, nuttier flavored whites, try a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Ripe, tropical fruit flavored whites are particularly worth investigating at the moment. Seek out the Chardonnay grape. Also, sample an Alsace Gewurztraminer. It oozes deliciously aromatic spiciness.
Sparkling: A yeast and sugar solution is added to dry table wine to create the best of the sparkling wines. The wine is then sealed for secondary fermentation. Genuine Champagne has to be the perfect example of sparkling wine.
229.242.4694 3015 N. Ashley St. • Valdosta, GA
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Looking at different wine styles So many wines, so many styles to choose from... where do you begin? Easy. Look afresh at the whole wine scene. In recent years, it has improved beyond recognition, both in terms of quality and style.
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HOME of the month KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS
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IN THE GARDEN...
September Gardening Tips First Week: • Preserve excess basil leaves by pureeing in a blender with a little water. Freeze the slush in an ice tray and use the cubes in your wintertime spaghetti sauce.
Second Week: • It’s a great time to plant peony roots. A good, old-time favorite is ‘Festiva Maxima’. For real excitement, plant a tree peony and get huge blooms next May.
Third Week: • Time to plant cool season vegetable seedlings. Broccoli, collards and cabbage plants should be available at garden centers.
Fourth Week: • Cooler weather means it’s time to plant shrubs and trees. Make sure to dig a hole three times as wide as the root ball. The Georgia Gardener • www.walterreeves.com
PREMIER REAL ESTATE 1108 Gornto Road • Valdosta, GA
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4067 Cottage Heights Rd. • Hahira, GA 31632 Year Built: 2013 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Stories: 1 Approx. total sq. .: 1,430 Lot Size: .11 acre Construction: Concrete Siding
OTHER FEATURES: NEW CONSTRUCTION ON THE LAKE! Adorable house in Nelson Hill Subdivision. Kitchen complete with custom cabinets, tiled back splash and stainless appliances including refrigerator. Hardwood floors in living room. Master bathroom complete with double vanity, jetted tub, tiled shower and his/her closets. Plantation shutter on front door.
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Make your fallen leaves work harder for you. Start by raking them all off your lawn, and borrow or rent a mulching mower to grind them up. Whatever isn’t used as mulch in your flowerbeds (and soon-to-beplanted trees) can be stored in bags near your composter all through winter. Simply add a layer of leaves atop each layer of compostable kitchen waste. It should act as an armor against odor.
F E AT U R E
Stilling the Waters VSU photography professor canoes the Suwannee and captures his journey on film
D
by DEAN POLING photos by DOMINICK GHEESLING
ominick Gheesling has been attracted to water since childhood, from paddling as a boy with his father along the St. Marys and St. Johns rivers to spending four years in the Navy to his father Patrick purchasing him a canoe as a college graduation gift. Same for photography. Gheesling took photographs as a youngster. He studied photography at Florida State University. He teaches photography at Valdosta State University. “Photography and water have always been constants,” Gheesling says.
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Before graduating with his master’s in fine arts in 2002, he learned a lesson about approaching learning, teaching and life with a holistic method. He recalls a professor, George Blakely, who would take students on canoeing expeditions where they would work with the community to acquire canoes, clean trash from the river during their trips, discover art while introducing many students to the outdoors. Loving this philosophy, and living for canoeing and photography, it seems only natural that Gheesling would combine the two for an adventure photographing the numerous springs along
the Suwannee River this summer. His goal: Visit as many springs as possible along the route from Fargo to the Gulf of Mexico and photograph them in black and white and color, with film and digitally, above and below the water’s surface. Using a new faculty grant and an SWGA grant, Gheesling funded the trip which covered many of his materials and equipment. He loaded his canoe with film cameras, film holders, a Pentax 6x7, dozens of rolls of films, a Canon digital camera, an Aqualite underwater camera, SCUBA gear and two oxygen tanks, a traditional tent, rain
photo by Bryan Garris
gear, a jungle hammock, a GPS system, a solar panel that powered his laptop through his Biolite stove which also cooked his meals of breakfasts of two oatmeal packs, lunches of two Lance peanut bars, and dinners of Mountain House dehydrated foods, among other items. On June 14, Gheesling launched his canoe alone from Fargo. He expected a 45-day trip to navigate the Suwannee’s 240-mile southwestern length. Many paddlers push themselves to canoe the river in three weeks, 21 days, but Gheesling planned a longer trip, to visit as many as possible the estimated “96 or so” springs along the way. He would make the journey in 29 days. Dominick Gheesling encountered two unexpected factors that shortened his trip by more than two weeks. One, the spillage of sewage from the Valdosta sewer treatment plant “browned out” numerous springs along the route. The Valdosta spills have affected waterways throughout North Florida. The Florida State park system closed them down. Browned out. No swimming. Unhealthy. Two, throughout the trip, Gheesling encountered rains, 30-year record rains, which flooded out many springs. “Like growing up in North Florida, at 3 in the afternoon, it’s supposed to rain everyday, and it did,” he says.
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With the rains, he became so adept at stopping, setting up the tarp of his rain shelter, he could do it in 120 seconds and stay dry. Despite these obstacles, Gheesling visited many springs, discovered plenty to photograph, and enjoyed a solitary experience along the river. He’d asked permission of his wife, Karen, to take the journey, letting her know he would be traveling alone but be able to stay in touch thanks to his Biolite stove keeping his laptop charged. Alone seemed the best option for Gheesling’s plans. “By myself, I’m fine,” Gheesling says. “It makes what I do easier. ... I didn’t have to worry about others having a different agenda.” Many paddlers set their sights on distance each day, looking to accumulate miles. Gheesling’s goal was to accumulate stops and photographs. “I needed the freedom to stop,” he says. Whether it was two to three times an hour, stop every two to three hours, or stop for two to three hours, he needed the ability to call the shots and take the shots that inspired him to stop. Still, given his photographic preference, Gheesling worked to ensure each shot counted. Though supplied with dozens upon dozens of film rolls, this choice meant he had only a finite number of images available as opposed to all digi30
ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
tal which provides the potential for hundreds, even thousands, of images. With film, he had to be more selective in what he did and what he did not shoot. Gheesling admits that digital cameras have attained the capability to be comparable to the quality of film, but it is film that started his photographic journey as a youth. It is film and not having an immediate glimpse of the shot but knowing by experience and intuition that the shot has been captured, it is film and the dark room with its alchemic techniques, the magic of revelation that the expected shot has been captured, a strong amount of confidence with a dash of anxious uncertainty, until the negative reveals the image in reversed contrasts, until the scene emerges in a stew of red light, chemicals and photo paper. Film is like turning off the automated systems and using the Force. “Film is fantastic,” Gheesling says. “Film’s the stuff.” Gheesling learned his way with film. He learned to develop images in a dark room. “I didn’t learn to sit and click on things,” he says referring to digital photography and its connection with computerized Photoshop. “Digital is not the animal I fell in love with.” On the river, he fell for the ideal of living each moment with purpose.
“Every moment of my life was so purposeful,” Gheesling says. “You paid a consequence if you wasted a moment or your energy.” When it rained, he immediately moved to exit the river and erect his shelter. If a moment was wasted, he would later exert more energy dealing with wet things. Stopping for the day, he would establish his camp, prepare his food, review his work, inspect his equipment. Even his gear, the Biolite stove, for example, would warm his food while charging his laptop. Every movement and every moment had its purpose. “It is such a satisfying way to exist.” Living in such a fashion did mean moments of choices. Setting up camp in the early evenings meant he missed some golden photography situations. “There are some things I wish I had shot. You see it but you’re preparing dinner,” Gheesling says. “Then the moment’s gone, but I got to eat.” As for the photographs, Gheesling is now developing film and working with the images. He plans to exhibit them at some point, hopefully in Valdosta and in other locations. And he’s already considering other rivers to travel, waters to paddle and explore, and to capture what he finds on film.
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820256
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3166 Inner Perimeter Rd. • Valdosta, GA 31602 229.247.4461 • 800.476.2266 www.colsondirect.com 820387
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DINING
CHICKEN SALAD CHICK A simple concept, a superb experience!
by STUART TAYLOR photos by BRANDON POWERS
W
hen Julie North was working as an ER nurse in Tifton, she and her coworkers started ordering 65-70 pounds of chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick in Auburn, paying for it to be delivered overnight. She knew she was on to something. After 10 years of working as a nurse in the ER, North was ready for a change of pace. “I wouldn’t say I was burnt out, but it was time to go,” said North. “I saw it as a great opportunity. I thought if I could handle the ER, I could handle chicken salad.” Chicken Salad Chick was founded by Stacy Brown, who originally started selling homemade chicken salad out of her kitchen when she was looking for a business that would allow her to stay close to her kids. “Even in college, Stacy was always in search for the perfect chicken salad,” chuckled North.
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Julie North owns and operates the Valdosta franchise of Chicken Salad Chick.
The ‘Original Chick’ includes your choice of sandwich or scoop, any one side item such as a bowl of fresh fruit, pickle spear and cookie of the day.
SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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The ‘Gourmet Chick’ includes your choice of any sandwich or scoop, two side items, pickle spear and the cookie of the day.
Brown’s business grew, with her making deliveries around town, until the Health Department shut her down for selling food out of her kitchen. Not one to be deterred, Stacy and her husband, Kevin, opened the first Chicken Salad Chick in Auburn, offering 15 different kinds of chicken salad. As they became more popular and started getting requests for franchises, they decided to expand and offer franchise opportunities. Stacy was North’s college roommate at Auburn University. They had kept in contact, talking on the phone daily. Each kind of chicken salad Chicken Salad Chick offers is named after someone in Stacy’s life; the one named for North is Jazzy Julie. After opening March 12, North got “an incredible response” from the community, breaking grand-opening sales records for Chicken Salad Chick franchises. And while it might not seem obvious at first glance, North finds some parallels with her ER work.
The ‘Chick Trio’ includes your pick of any three chicken salads or side items served on a bed of lettuce with a pickle spear & wheat crackers. The bright, colorful atmosphere is very inviting.
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“I’m a people person, and I’m still serving people and developing relationships with them,” said North. “The response has been incredible, even more than we expected.” While North and her husband considered a number of places to set up shop, they ultimately chose Valdosta. “I got my bachelor’s degree at VSU and I’ve always liked Valdosta. It’s this mix of tradition, trendy and eclectic.” And after learning the ropes of the restaurant business, North is considering opening up a second location in south Valdosta. “If you’re on that side of town, it can be a drive to reach us. [A second location] would make it more convenient.”
Located at 3219 N. Oak St. Ext., Chicken Salad Chick is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Every day, they mix their 15 different chickensalad flavors fresh. Customers can order chicken salad by the pound or by the sandwich. A soup of the day and a selection of deli sandwiches — ham, roast beef, turkey, pimento cheese — offer options for those who aren’t in the mood for chicken salad. The restaurant also offers catering for groups from 25-500 people, and delivery for orders of more than $100 that are made at least 24 hours in advance. More information: Contact Chicken Salad Chick, (229) 469-7017. Customers can pick up “Quick Chicks”, fresh dishes prepared daily and ready for pick up for those on the go.
Is your kitchen ready to entertain during football season? Stop by our showroom to see everything we have to offer! From new floors to a beautiful new backsplash, Ashley Moore and his staff are here for you! We’ll give you a look that takes decades to build! 1404 Gornto Rd. • Valdosta • 229-241-6700 (across from Creekside Tavern) Like us on 820458
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Arts&Entertainment SEPTEMBER 2013 > Artists Beck, Hartwell, Burggraf
> Steven Tette
Price Campbell Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Show dates: Aug. 5-Sept. 18. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
Sallie and Harmon Boyette Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 23, free and open to the public. Show dates: Sept. 23 through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
> Withlacoochee Quilters Guild Sallie and Harmon Boyette, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Show dates: Aug. 5-Sept. 18. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
> Blanton, Rothfuss, Schaper Josette’s Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 23, free and open to the public. Show dates: Sept. 23 through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays
Fall is in the air... AT LAST!
> Artist Richard Peterman Josette’s Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Show dates: Aug. 5-Sept. 18. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
With Park At Our Door Convenience... Let our friendly staff help you find your perfect style! We have her size from 2 to 32!
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> VSU Student Work
> Artists on Ashley Price Campbell Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 23, free and open to the public. Show dates: Sept. 23 through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
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ALL ALFRED DUNNER NOW Awesome new styles arriving 20% - 80% OFF EVERYDAY!!! every month on our $10 wall!!
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Roberta George Children’s Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Show dates: Aug. 5-Sept. 18. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
“Where Every Day’s a Sale Day!”
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through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
> South Georgia Regional Library art Roberta George Children’s Gallery, Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St. Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 23, free and open to the public. Show dates: Sept. 23 through Oct. 30. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Sundays and non-reception Mondays. Admission: Free. More information: Call (229) 247-2787; or visit www.turnercenter.org
Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Arts’ opening exhibit. Annual show featuring works by the university’s art faculty. Run dates: Aug. 19-Sept. 6. Gallery hours: The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays. More information: Call (229) 333-5835; or visit www.valdosta.edu/art
>“Emerge” Sculptures and drawings by Erin Curry, Nicole Gugliotti, and Evie Woltil Richner, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Reception: 7-8:30 p.m., Sept. 16, free and open to the public. Run dates: Sept. 16-Oct. 4. Gallery hours: The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays. More information: Call (229) 333-5835; or visit www.valdosta.edu/art
The Valdosta Tango Society
>“A Genuine American Hootenanny” Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St.: Folk music and dance by Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly. Run date: Sept. 26. More information: Visit www.turnercenter.org; call (229) 247-2787; or visit the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St.
> Faculty Recital - Joren Cain, saxophone Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
Learn to dance and make new friends. No experience or partner needed.
Visit: www.valdostatango.com or call 229.232.0907
Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> VSU Opera, “Opera After Dark” Dinner-Theater, Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Bas Bleu Restaurant. VSU Music event. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> Graduate Recital Natalie Chang, violin
> VSU Art Faculty Exhibition
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> Student Recital Curtis Thornton, tuba
> Student Recital Maria Santacruz, viola Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> Jazz Ensemble Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> Guest Artist Recital Eric Mintel Quartet Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> Student Recital Asayla Everett, flute, and Stephanie Hunt, clarinet Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
> Wind Ensemble Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m., Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. VSU Music event. Admission: Free and open to the public. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/music/
>“Lonely, I’m Not” Lab Theatre, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance presents this play by playwright Paul Weitz. Synopsis: “At an age when most people are discovering what they want to do with their lives, Porter has been married and divorced, earned seven figures as a corporate ‘ninja,’ and had a nervous breakdown. It’s been four years since he’s had a job or a date, and he’s decided to give life another shot. ‘Lonely, I’m Not’ is a comic journey that follows Porter as he meets Heather, an ambitious, sightless young businesswoman who is overcoming her own obstacles to emotional success.” Run dates: Sept. 5-11. More information: Call (229) 333-5973; or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts
>“APPlause” Whitehead Auditorium, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Valdosta Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening concert features Beethoven’s “The Ruins of Athens, Op. 113: Turkish March,” McGowan’s “iPad Concerto,” Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64. Synopsis: “The VSO will give the U.S. premiere of Ned McGowan’s inspired ‘Concerto for iPad,’ with the brilliant Keiko Shichijo masterfully employing various musical iPad apps to interact with the VSO. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Fifth Symphony brings the VSO’s season-opening concert to a thunderous conclusion.” Run date: Sept. 14. More information: Call VSU College of the Arts Outreach, (229) 333-2150; or visit www.valdostasymphony.org SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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Hahira
229-794-8162 107 W. M ain St. • Hahira
A great place to live, work, and play!
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Hahira Insurance Agency
The Tin Bucket gifts & etc.
auto • home • life • health commercial • farm • church
100 West Main Street • Hahira hayden@hahirainsurance.com
Sew Blessed Sewing Shop Tues - Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-2pm Follow us on
213 W. Main St. • Hahira • 229.794.8129
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TOMLINSON BODY SHOP Collision Repair • Tires • Full Service Center
Brian Tomlinson - Owner Stacy Tomlinson - Owner
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It’s worth the drive! 103 North Lowndes St. Hahira, GA
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800 S. Church Street • Hahira, GA www.TomlinsonBodyShop.com (229) 794-2351• Fax: (229) 794-2800 Email: tbs@tomlinsonbodyshop.com 40
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88 West Main St. • Lakeland, GA • 229-482-3385 3831 North Valdosta Rd. • Valdosta, GA • 229-244-2500
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T R AV E L
Zagreb Undiscovered Jewel of Southern Europe A view of Zagreb from Upper Town
T
by DAVID & KAY SCOTT
ravelers to Europe tend to visit the same destinations: Paris, London, Munich, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Rome, Florence, Stockholm, and Salzburg are on nearly everyone’s list. The universal popularity of these cities results in their being jammed with students, tour groups, and large numbers of independent travelers during the prime summer season. Other European destinations are also popular, of course, but you probably get the picture. During a recent visit to Prague, considered by many experienced travelers as Europe’s most beautiful city, the
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capital of the Czech Republic was packed to the point that it was often a struggle just walking along the sidewalks and pedestrian streets. The city’s beauty was certainly evident, but sometimes difficult to enjoy, especially from late morning to early evening when masses of tourists were on the prowl. More adventurous travelers often seek out-of-the-way destinations where crowds are smaller, prices are lower, and locals are friendlier. Nowhere in Europe are residents friendlier than in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb, a town of nearly 700,000 people. Several locals asked why we chose to visit their hometown of which they are quite proud. When we told them we were re-
turning for a second visit because our first stay was so enjoyable, they beamed with pride. This stop was one of the high points during our threemonth train journey through Europe. We enjoyed music, dancing, shopping, and met some of the nicest and most interesting people encountered during the entire trip. But the best part of our stay was a complete surprise. Located in the northern region of a crescent-shaped country best known for its beautiful coastal areas, Zagreb is no more than a day’s scenic train ride from a number of major European cities including Vienna. The city is worth a stop of at least one or two nights.
Like most large European cities, it is best to visit during weekends when festivals are scheduled and hotel prices tend to be lower. During a July weekend visit, we encountered music in the park, costumed dancers in the central square, carriage rides, a huge farmers’ market, changing of the guard, and an enjoyable and informative historical interpretive program. This latter experience was the surprise mentioned earlier. Each Saturday evening between mid-April and late September, local citizens in period costume portray real and mythical people from Zagreb’s past. During our stroll through Upper Town (the city’s historical area), we first encountered Dora Krupiceva and Pavle Gregorijanec, Zagreb’s equivalent of Romeo and Juliet, who shared with us their unfortunate love story made popular in the historical novel “The Goldsmith’s Gold.” A short time later, we met Marija Juric Vagorka, Croatia’s first female journalist, and Antun Gustav Matos, a Croatian short story author and travel writer. Other characters included Knights of the Silver Dragon, city guards, and The Sandman who distributed small bags of sand to visitors. Each person offered a story of the importance of their lives in Zagreb. In addition to these enthusiastic impersonators, we watched as a real-life lamplighter strolled the city lighting gas lamps. Croatia is a beautiful country filled with residents proud of its storied history. Nowhere is this more evident than in its capital of Zagreb where citizens happily offer their guests a special visit to the city’s past. For additional information visit www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr.
The music pavillion in Zrinjevac Park
Dolac Market takes place each Friday and Saturday
A short story writer and female journalist tell about their life in early Zagreb
Zagreb’s Zrinjevac Park SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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Zagreb’s Jelacic Square at dusk
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“More adventurous travelers often seek out-of-the-way destinations where crowds are smaller, prices are lower, and locals are friendlier. Nowhere in Europe are residents friendlier than in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb.�
Zagreb, Croatia SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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W H E R E W E R E YO U SC E N E ?
Southwest Georgia Bank Celebrates Three Year Anniversary photos by BRANDON POWERS
Baytree branch manager Dion Chapman (right) and marketing director Steve Johnson.
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
Guests enjoy the hospitality of Southwest Georgia Bank’s event.
Scott Taylor and Jeff Hanson of Southwest Georgia Bank chat during the anniversary event.
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Betty Parker of SGA Bank enjoys the food and social atmosphere during the three year anniversary celebration at SG Bank’s North Valdosta Road branch.
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SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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W H E R E W E R E YO U SC E N E ?
Homebuilders of South Georgia Hosts Casino Night at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts photos by KAY HARRIS & DELAND GUTHRIE
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Stacy Bush and his wife, Carla, enjoy the Homebuilders Casino night.
Volunteer dealers received training before the evening began. Pictured are Clay Hadsock, J.D. Yeager and Scott Orenstein.
Laura Lerdall and Stephanie Morrisey pose for a photo.
A crowd gathers around the dice table at the Casino night.
The roulette wheel is irresistible to players.
The numerous blackjack tables were busy all night. Players were given “funny� money to gamble with for prizes, with the proceeds benefitting area charities.
ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013
Stephanie Morrisey, April Singletary Almond, Michelle Lamb and Amanda Leverett pose for a photo at Casino night.
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SEPTEMBER 2013 | ValdostaScene
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ValdostaScene | SEPTEMBER 2013