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The Straight Mowgli: Kipling Comes to Broad

It’s always delightful watching someone do what they love, especially when you buy in to the fact that they’re good at it too. This week it was my special privilege to spend some time with Marc Cramer, Director of Thomasville On Stage and Company’s upcoming production of The Jungalbook, which opens April 26th. This adaptation of Kipling’s canonical work was written by Edward Mast. Cramer, involved with local community theatre since 1993 and a veteran of dozens of shows, likes this script and he glows when speaking about it.

The Jungalbook is truer to Kipling than your father’s Disney version. What Cramer, Assistant Director Sarah Lowe, Stage Manager Jenni Martin and Producer Nancy Byars are cobbling together on the 33’ x 18’ proscenium (the curtain is at back of the stage) is a frank telling of not only how, but why Mowgli the man cub was rescued, ransomed and raised by the animals.

Mast’s adaptation is a one-act play for ages 8 – 80, and teaches the tamer ethics: honesty, fairness, husbandry of resources and care for the environment, as well as “jungal” law: meat belongs to the hunter, steal and you will pay, cat may not kill cat, do not kill for pleasure and never use the man-things (Townie Tipdbit 1: expect—at least—flamboyance from Trent Griner, as leader of the wolf pack, Akela).

My sense is that by the time the cast marches in the 2014 Rose Parade (in full make-up, of course) they will have a good handle on their stage directions and playwright Mast’s affective language in the script, which is not so much dialect, as it is tone and inflection. I was impressed at how the actors were already reciting their lines without much cuing.

The backdrop will be “jungal” flora with a village motif. The minimalist, yet convincing stage is comprised of a 2 x 4 tree covered by burlap bark, set stage right, and a rock set stage left, leaving plenty of room for the playful antics from monkeys, and Baloo’s patient, paternal teachings (Townie Tidbit 2: looks like festival seating, however, the best is located center and house-right).

My Townie Take is that (as the python Kaa might put it), ov Jungal Book yooou’ll be well pleeeased.

The Jungalbook opens Saturday the 26th with showings at 2p and 8p, followed by a Sunday performance at 2p. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and may be purchased either at the door or in advance at www.tosac.com.

- Benjamin G.

The Townie’s got a BIG secret...all will be revealed on Due South/Rose Show weekend... and if you find the Whisper in the Due South

paper-mag, you could win 50 smackers!

SGD Cheese Shop is full of yummy Easter basket stuffers...around the register counter...

The Center’s new installation on Broad Street is very rosy indeed...

Spring brings Happy Hour at Liam’s & Saturday burgers at Blue Coop...

The Landmarks Derby Party is right around the corner...getcher hats ready...

Got a Whisper? Tell the Townie at editor@yourtownie.com...or zip us a message on

Facebook...

Whispers. Tell us your favorite reading spot!

“I have two spots I enjoy reading: By the pool with a nice cold beverage or if it permits, I love reading at the beach! The smell of the ocean, sounds of seagulls and a cool breeze is very comforting reading weather!” - Krissy B.

“Being the only child, I spent most summers entertaining myself. Sometimes I would camp out in the back yard and would stay up all night reading with just a flashlight as my source of light.” - Brian S.

“I admit most of my reading was not done by choice but by curricular requirement. But I loved reading at my grandma’s house. I knew by the time I was done with my homework and I’d read a few chapters, there would be a warm homemade pie waiting for me!” - Crystal M.

“Do magazines count? (Joke!) Reading at home is too distracting. I don’t always finish a book but I do like to read when I am at school.”- Martin N.

“I don’t have time to read during the semester. But when I am traveling by plane or car, reading is helpful in passing time.” - Marty S.

- Jon T

Quoted in the ‘Ville

‘Villains, it is almost time for the 93rd Annual Rose Show and Festival, which will feature plenty of roses, two parades, live music and street dance, arts and crafts and tons more.

The Rose Show will kick off on Thursday, April 24th with the children’s Rose Bud Parade, touted as “possibly the cutest parade” (ever, on the face of the planet, period). The procession will start at the corner of Washington and Broad heading south, turn left onto Smith Avenue and end on Crawford Street.

The Rose Show will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring this year’s Thomasville Rose Queen, Shivani Patel, on Friday, April 25th from 1p – 5p, and will pick up on Saturday, April 26th from 9a - 4p, displaying hundreds of hybrid rose varieties from the Southeast. For more unique flowers of the Southeast, head to the 8th Annual “Orchids on Parade,” at the Genealogical Library (135 North Broad Street) featuring orchids grown by members of the Thomasville Orchid Society.

The 66th Annual Rose Parade on Friday, April 25th, begins at 7p with its procession of beautiful, flowery floats. Bring your dancing shoes to the 16th annual street dance featuring The Swingin’ Medallions, immediately following the parade at the intersection of North Broad and Jefferson Streets.

Thursday through Saturday the “Power of the Past Museum” will feature some of the oldest and rarest aircraft engines from the James Dekle family from 9a – 6p at Thomasville Regional Airport (882 Airport Road). Continue exploring Thomasville’s history with “Step into the Past” all three days at 10a, 2p and 3:30p at the Thomas County Museum of History (725 North Dawson Street) where you can tour six historic buildings. View the many doors and windows of the Lapham-Patterson House on tours on Friday from 1p – 5p and Saturday from 10a – 5p. Tours begin every hour on the hour, and the last tour begins at 4p.

Rose Show

Here Comes the 93rd Annual

Additional Events Lineup:

Standard Flower Show Thomasville Garden Center: Friday, 2p – 5p & Saturday, 10a – 5p

Piney Woods Plein Air Paint Out Various Times and Locations

Inspection of Thomasville Police Department Thomasville Rose Garden: Friday, 2:45p

37th Annual Rose City 10K Run Post Office on North Broad Street: Saturday, 8a

12th Annual City of Roses Car and Truck Show Courthouse on North Broad Street: Saturday, Registration at 9a and Show from 10a – 3p.

35th Annual 1 Mile Run Post Office on North Broad Street: Saturday, 9:30a

73rd Annual Civic Garden Paradise Park: Saturday, 10a - 4p

Art in the Park Paradise Park: Saturday, 10a - 4p

Bark in the Park Paradise Park: Saturday, 10a -2:30p

Rose City Gold Classic Oaks Municipal Golf Course: Saturday and Sunday, 8:30a – 4p

- Denise P.

2014 Summer CampRoundup

It won’t be long until the school bells ring one last time to signal the start of summer, meaning kids all over Thomasville will have a few glorious months of free time until fall arrives. If you’re a parent with a busy schedule looking for fun, educational and engaging activities for your children to partake in for the summer, take a look at our list and talk it over with your little (or big) ones as you decide together how their time can best be spent during the upcoming summer break:

Includes single and extended day camps for kids ages 5 - 15 years focusing on sports such as golf, basketball, tennis and more. The fee average per camp is $88, with discounts applied for current YMCA members. Meals are provided, but campers must bring their own equipment. Camp times range from 8a - 5p.

www.ymca-thomasville.org/Content/Default/3/14/119/programs/youth-development/camps

Thomasville YMCA

Camps continued on p.2

EASTERHAPPYEASTER

Downtown Thomasville209 W Remington Ave.$10 General Admission

$125 VIP TicketsInformation & Tickets thomasvillearts.org

April 26, 2014

APRIL 18 - MAY 1

PublisherThomasville Townie, LLC

Editor in ChiefJennifer Westfield

Social MediaBetsy Jones

AdministrationSarah Esra

Consulting + Special PublicationsBunny Byrne

ColumnistsJ. David Bray, Jr.

Matt HagelDenise PurvisJ.K. SlaughterAbrie Soileau

Contributing WritersBunny ByrneJ. L. Cox III

Benjamin GardnerRebekah GiambroniChristopher Jones

Natalie KirboDewey Riou III

Jon Towns

Comics ArtistsLaura Floyd

Benjamin GardnerDavid Longstreet

Copy EditorAbrie Soileau

Graphic DesignKatie Reeves

DistributionLoren Towns

The Thomasville Townie publishes the first and third Friday of every

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- Dewey R.

Give. Join. Volunteer. And So Much More.

WE’RE MORE THAN A GYMWE’RE A CAUSE

THOMASVILLE YMCA www.ymca-thomasville.org

Second Harvest Expanding to Battle Hunger

The new Second Harvest of South Georgia facility, a towering sprawl of prefabricated metal, lies among the pines on the southern outskirts of town. Standing in its freezer-unit-under-construction not only gives you a sense of the prodigiousness of its physical size, but of the prodigious good that will come when its sky-high walls are lined with shelves of food for the hungry.

A May 14th ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10a and all are invited to see and celebrate the completed facility at 120 Roseway Drive. There will be tours and information about the staggering statistics related to poverty and hunger in South Georgia, which carries some of the highest rates in not only the state, but the nation.

For many of us and our children, the concept of hunger, its rampancy and reality, are things we may generally associate with third-world countries and urban wastelands. The fact is that one-in-three children in South Georgia are hungry. Got three kids? Then statistically speaking, that means one of them shouldn’t be having supper tonight. To see hunger, the reality is that you don’t even need to travel outside of Thomas County.

“Most people have no idea the scale at which Second Harvest works in South Georgia to fight hunger,” says Second Harvest of South Georgia Chief Marketing Officer Eliza McCall. “We distributed more than 18.5 million pounds of food through our programs and partners last year. While that’s a huge accomplishment, we know more can and must be done if we are to end hunger in our area.”

Paying the utmost mind to food safety standards, Second Harvest takes dinged cans and ugly veggies, among (literally) tons of other food items, and distributes them to food banks, recreation centers, churches and after-school programs. In the eight counties the facility will serve, the only meals some children eat all day are the free or reduced ones provided by their public school cafeterias. That means when a first-grader finishes her lunch at noon, the next meal she’ll have won’t be until breakfast the next morning at school. For these children, Second Harvest provides a crucial meal in between. The Thomasville facility is equipped with a massive prep kitchen where Kids Café program staff and volunteers will put together wholesome packages for distribution to some of the area’s 400 partner agencies.

Providing a child with a meal is an immediate remedy to hunger, but Second Harvest has an eye on long-term “FOOD insecurity,” the prolonged state of not knowing when or from where a next meal will come. Day-to-day, a child who is malnourished due to hunger is subject to a plethora of physical and mental ailments, which in the long term, affects their school performance, athletic abilities and cognitive development—things that ultimately contribute to their becoming strong, sharp and productive members of society.

The cost of hunger not only takes an immediate toll on the hungry, but an even bigger toll on society, which is why Second Harvest is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in South Georgia that largely contributes to hunger. “That’s where our new Thomasville facility comes into play,” says McCall. “It will give us the physical capacity we need to rescue more food, serve more partner agencies, and feed more children and families.”

To understand the magnitude of this endeavor and of the hunger it’s set to squelch, you really must see the facility, which will distribute food to partner agencies like Thomas County Food Bank, First Baptist Church, Thomasville Community Resource Center, Salvation Army and organizations in and around Thomas County. For further information, or to find out how to donate time, food or funds right this minute, visit www.feedingsga.org.

-Jennifer W.

- Denise P.

Summer Camps continued

Provides week-long day camps for grades 1 - 6 with an assortment of actives such as bible study, art crafting and team sports. The camp fee is $196 per child per week, and meals and equipment are provided during the 7a - 5p daily schedule.

www.winshape.org/camps/camps-for-communities | (800) 448-6955 ext.1120

WinShape @ Thomas County Middle School

The TCA summer camp offers children ages 5 - 13 weeklong programs to learn and create unique art projects during the month of June. Camp fees are $145 for current members, $125 for early sign-ups, and $165 for non-members. Lunch is provided for all campers.

www.thomasvillearts.org | (229) 226-0588

Thomasville Center for the Arts

Hosts several summer camp programs for beginning to advanced riders throughout June and July. Camps are $250 per week, and run from between 8a and 1:30p for ages 3 and up.

www.handsandheartsforhorses.com | (229) 551-0086

Hands & Hearts for Horses

Offers soccer camp starting in July, from 9a - 12p. Camps are $28 for individual days, or $90 for the four-day week. Campers must bring their own equipment and a snack.

www.tasasoccer.com | (850) 386-3866

Thomasville Area Soccer Association

With over 36 camps and activities including Basketball, Art, Technology, History and Writing, Brookwood has something for everyone. Camp costs range between $100 - $275 per child for K - 8th graders. The first available programs begin in late May, and camps are open to all.

www.brookwoodschool.org/page/news_and_events/summercamp | (229) 226-8070

Brookwood School Camps

Learn the art of cheese making during this tasty camp. Camps are provided for ages 3 and up on a first come, first served registration policy. Further information can be found online or by phone.

http://sweetgrassdairy.com/happenings | (229) 227-0752

Sweet Grass Dairy

Girl Scouts of America Thomasville offer a multitude of programs this summer for registered Girl Scouts including day, week and extended camps with activities such as archery, red cross training, canoeing and more. Prices range from $50-650 based on the length of camp and include equipment costs. Registration is available online.

www.gshg.org/Things-to-Do/Go-to-Camp/Pages/Summer-Camp-2013.aspx

Girl Scouts

TU has summer basketball day camps beginning in June that run from 9a - 4p daily. Camps are for kids ages 6 - 15, and run $125 per week. Early registration waives the $15 sign-up fee.

www.thomasu.edu/Content/Default/6/6/0/athletics/athletics.html | (800) 538-9784

Thomas University Basketball

Provides children from ages 2 - 13 with ballet sessions based on skill level from beginner to advanced. Camp requires a registration fee of $40; sessions last around 30 minutes. 2014 summer sessions will include compositions from the animated picture Frozen along with a special performance at the end of the camp, which family and friends are encouraged to attend. Registration forms for the camps can be downloaded online.

www.southgeorgiaballetconservatory.com/ | (229) 228-9420

South Georgia Ballet

Provides summer camp programs with weekly themes based on local history and events. Camp registration fees include the cost of snacks, supplies, and shirts for its elementary-based age groups.

http://thomascountyhistory.org/history-camp/ | (229) 226-7664

The owner of Alice and Jay, and Mailman’s Daughter, Alice Durham, has collaborated with Debbie Parrish of Southern Grace event planning to bring Boston, Georgia, its very own one-stop-shop for vintage rentals for weddings and events. Shindig has exquisite vintage items (i.e., pews, benches, couches). Southern Grace provides party rental items (i.e., tables, chairs, tablecloths) and rustic decor. The rental equipment and beautiful event supplies are housed in a 7,000 square-foot building constructed in 1906 as a grocery store space, which then housed Boston Feed, an antique mall, and now, Shindig.

I went to take a sneak peek at the inventory, and it’s gorgeous. There are velvet covered fainting couches, china, plush chairs, love seats, pews, claw foot tubs, chandeliers, barrels and almost anything you can imagine. Durham even said she takes special requests, which she’ll custom build with the help of Jay Redmond. Current inventory items were ones that Durham or her father, Spence Hallman, had been collecting over the years, but didn’t want to sell.

“Dad collected a lot antiques over the years that he thought that we would like,” she says. “We thought that he would love to have someone use it as a way of sharing his collection.” Durham’s father has played a prominent role in Mailman’s Daughter and now Shindig. Mailman’s Daughter is in the post office where Durham’s father worked for 45 years.

In addition to the one-of-a-kind event supplies, with the help of Debbie Parrish, Shindig can make planning your event a snap. Parrish currently specializes in private, corporate and wedding events and has brought her expertise to Shindig to make your event go off without a hitch.

Alice Durham has big ideas for the huge space at 115 Main Street, Boston, Georgia. She hopes to eventually make one of the corners of the building an ice cream shop. That, and many other plans in the works for the large space should give us Townies a lot to look forward to.

Shindig is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Shindig via Facebook (Shindig), email shindigvintagerentals@gmail.com or visit Alice and Jay, or Mailman’s Daughter in Boston.

Thomas County Museum of History

Happy Easter

Look Up Shindig forYour Next Shindig!

APRIL 18 - MAY 1FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

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Growing up in a small town, when the options for things to do felt a little too limited, the answer was always, “Let’s go for a ride.” Thomasville isn’t short on things to do, places to see or meals to eat, but even the most dedicated ‘Villians like a change of pace every now and again. Get the tunes blaring, your shades on, roll the windows down and head west on Highway 84 to Bainbridge.

When you arrive, your Grassroots coffee may have run out during the scenic drive. Luckily, right on the Square is The Bean Café, a quaint little joint that serves up the best breakfast sandwiches you ever did have, along with a full range of coffee and espresso drinks. Townie Tip: don’t miss the bacon, egg, and provolone on a fresh croissant... do not forget the onions and jalapeno ranch! Now you’ve got a full belly, you’re caffeinated and the whole day is ahead of you.

Many people only think of the Flint River when they think of Bainbridge. If you didn’t bring your swimsuit, no worries. There’s a ton you can do without ever leaving downtown. Pick up a pamphlet from the newly renovated City Hall on the Square for The Heritage Tour, a self-guided tour of 41 downtown historic buildings and homes. If you simply can’t get enough of the area’s history, finish up at The Decatur County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum. Artifacts of all sorts from Decatur County and the surrounding area are on display year-round, and the displays are constantly rotating, with new artifacts being added all the time.

For some exercise and outdoor time, take a walk on the Nature Trail, which starts in the Earle May Boat Basin. It’s fun for all ages, with a full petting zoo and gorgeous river views. If you’re lucky, an event or live music will be going on in the Boat Basin’s amphitheater, as one often is on the weekends.

If walking trails, petting zoos, or historical tours aren’t your forté, there are plenty of shops, both old and new, around the Square. On the corner of Broughton and Broad, Reeves Linens & Gifts is a Bainbridge institution. Reeves opened its doors in the early 1970’s and has remained a downtown destination for high-end gifts.

On the opposite corner of the Square is a bright and cheery children’s boutique called A to Z Everything for Mommy & Me. Owner Abby Parsons is a new mom herself, and if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance that Isabee’s Children’s Clothing down the street does! If you need any of those purchases monogrammed, Polka Dots Gift Shop & Monogramming around the corner has you covered.

For grownups, around the corner on Shotwell Street is Bella’s Boutique: a one-stop shop for affordable, trendy clothing and accessories for girls and guys. Bella’s carries sought-after brands such as Southern Tide, Southern Marsh, Judith March, Karlie and Umgee & Ya, and has something for everyone on your list or in your party.

Continuing on around the Square, Sharon’s Antiques is a great spot to search for those one-of-a-kind gifts, as well as classic home décor and antique furnishings. And speaking of unique, Artsy on the Square just opened up on West Street. Between the two electric blue benches, you can purchase a wide range of professional and student-grade art supplies, as well as original pieces by many local artists. In fact, before you even walk through the door, you can watch owner and artist Vicki Bailey or her employee Ashley Long, painting original art through the window. Ashley, who will assure you that “anyone can paint,” can often be seen with his easel right on the Square in Willis Park, painting his favorite downtown scenes.

At some point during all this activity, you may notice your stomach growling. Luckily, there are plenty of options downtown to satisfy any craving. Isaac’s Bakery, another Bainbridge tradition, has light sandwiches, soups and salads, but let’s be honest: the real draw here is the desserts. Around the corner on Broughton Street, Port City Deli serves up hearty sandwiches in a gorgeous historic building (Townie Tip: get it to go and enjoy it outdoors in Willis Park!). The Gazebo is the perfect place to sit (under a fan) and enjoy your lunch.

If it’s happy hour you’re after, keep walking down Water Street (past Isabee’s) for the happiest hour, dinner and drinks at Crave Eatery. With a continuously rotating and seasonal menu, lots of appetizers and the best wine list in town, it’s a delicious lunch or dinner spot (Townie Tip: if the weather’s nice, be sure to ask to sit in “The Yard”). The Yard is Crave’s secluded patio out back, complete with a hand-painted mural by the aforementioned local artist, Ashley Long! It’s the perfect spot to grub on some artichoke dip and enjoy a crisp glass of Prosecco on a summer day.

For a family-friendly bar atmosphere with a great burger, steak or salad, plus a great beer selection, mosey on a little further to Bonnie Blue House on Calhoun Street. You can belly up to the bar or relax at a table, but be sure to get there early for dinner! Townie Tip: for a local, off-menu delicacy, order “The General” burger’s toppings on the fresh fish sandwich. Or for lighter fare, the pecan-crusted chicken salad is a personal favorite! If you were hoping for BBQ instead, you’re in luck: next door to Bonnie’s is Boyd’s Pit BBQ. Be sure to order the house-made pork skins, and don’t forget to top your pulled pork sandwich and homemade Brunswick stew with their made-in-house hot sauce. You can buy a bottle to take home too!

For even more information on things to do, places to shop and things to eat right up the road in Bainbridge, download the Bainbridge, Georgia app! Just search for “Bainbridge, GA” in the iTunes App Store.

- Natalie K.

Road TripA SHORT RIDE DOWN 84

Autism now affects one out of every 68 children, a 30 percent increase in two years, with boys being five times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. “Some of this increase can be considered positive,” says Dr. Montserrat Graves of Thomasville’s South Georgia Autism Center. “Autism is much more widely recognized and identified…[and] children can receive the services they need.” However, not all of the news is good due to the recent increase in the number of cases. “There is no clear answer to why so many more children are born with autism,” says Graves.

“Chances are that you or someone you know has been impacted by autism,” says Krista Cayer, founder of Cayer Behavioral Group and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. “Knowing what to do after a diagnosis, as well as the basics of autism, can ease the hardship.” Cayer Behavioral Group, based in Tallahassee, Florida, provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. They are urging citizens to get involved in Autism Awareness Month. Townies can join by noting these simple tips:

• Autism affects every individual differently. Autism can be understood as a spectrum. At the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum are children and adults who easily interact with others; at the lower functioning end of the spectrum are children and adults who often have difficulty socializing and communicating. Stereotypical symptoms, such as difficulty maintaining eye contact, may or may not be present.

•Early intervention is key. Screening for autism and implementing treatments, such as the Applied Behavior Analytic approach, early in a child’s life can help increase communication, social behaviors, and academic skills. Be proactive!

• People living with autism are intelligent and caring. People who are diagnosed and living with autism have many skills and talents. Be supportive and make assumptions on the side of ability.

• Be sensitive to the needs of those who have been diagnosed with autism and related disorders. Some of these needs may seem strange or unnecessary to you. Know they are trying their best to communicate, and please, be patient.

•People with autism sometimes have trouble dealing with new situations. This can lead to meltdowns and tantrums. If this happens, please remember that autism is not caused by bad parenting.

• Be sensitive to the needs of caretakers, too. Raising a child or living with an adult with autism can be overwhelming and frustrating, and people in caretaker positions often need special considerations—even if it is just a helping hand or a listening ear.

• Be involved. Rather than focusing on how people with autism are different, accept them for who they are. Invite them into your life and provide them an opportunity to learn, live, and grow within your community.

• Find a Support Group. Finding other people in your situation can be a source of information and help. Creating a support system may be the difference between enjoying the time spent with your loved one and feeling overwhelmed. Support groups are often helpful for adults with autism, as well.

The South Georgia Autism Center (a subsidiary of the Psychological Center) in Thomasville, Georgia, is a locally based provider of comprehensive services for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. They provide evaluations, individual and family therapy and behavioral therapy. They will be expanding available community services, including parent education and support meetings (with free child care). We are also hearing whispers of social skills groups, sibling pizza nights and “Mommy and Me” groups. Anyone interested in learning more can contact them at (229) 226-0741 or visit their website at www.groupspaces.com/SouthGeorgiaAutismCenter

- Joy S.

April is AutismAwareness Month

Welcome New Farm-to-Table Columnists

Many thanks to all of you lovely Townies for responding to our call for food columnists! We’re thrilled to announce that in each month’s second issue, Chef Matt Hagel, co-owner of Chop House on the Bricks, will share farm-to-table entrée recipes, featuring local and farm-fresh fare. Every first issue of the month will contain a simple southern entrée from Thomasville native Clay Byars and a decadent dessert by home-chef Kelly Samek.

Studying under Master Chef Klaus Friedenreich, Chef Matt Hagel graduated from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Chef Hagel has been cooking professionally for over 17 years, working under some of the finest chefs including Mark Militello, David Gywnn, Brian Rutherford and Michael Fiorelli. He builds exquisite farm-to-table entrées by drawing from local sustainable farms, and by networking with farmers. His education and experience have helped to create the inimitable brand of southern fusion that he and his wife Kimberly serve up at Chop House on the Bricks. “I have always wanted to have the opportunity to share recipes and experiences with my community on a regular basis,” says Chef Hagel. “I have thousands of ideas, and am excited to share them.”

Clay Byars is a graphic designer by trade, a frequent fixture downtown and in 2005 was on the team that won second prize for the best smoked Boston butt in Boston, Georgia. Clay is a true experimentalist, especially with old southern recipes, using locally-grown ingredients. Byars often trades graphic design work for fresh eggs from farmer friends, and is famous for putting simple twists on classics to get big flavor. “I use food as a designer uses form, texture, and color, “says Byars. “The fun part is finding the balance that makes them work.” Because of one special ingredient, Clay claims to make the best egg salad this side of Pascagoula [Editor’s note: it really is].

Our new dessert maven Kelly Samek won us over with a recipe for her Heart of Darkness cupcakes: red velvet inside of devil’s food cake, with dark chocolate cream cheese frosting. Kelly has been in the Tallahassee area for the last ten years, and has contributed to the Tallahassee Democrat’s weekend magazine. “I really got into baking after I started classes in cake decorating.” she says. “I also love breakfast and enjoy the creative possibilities it offers (Yes, I’m a fan of ‘brinner!’).” Kelly also loves to travel, experiment with Indian and Thai dishes and occasionally dabbles in fused glass.

- Denise P.

If Spring Cleaning ain't your thing...try Johnson's or

Servpro!

The weather is finally getting warmer as spring is upon us. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are ready for harvest and one that first comes to my mind is strawberries. I remember being a young boy, picking them fresh from my grandmother’s garden, and eating them right in the yard, dirt and all sometimes. There aren’t many things in this world like biting into a fresh strawberry, with its various flavor combinations from chocolate to coriander. Earlier in the season, strawberries are tart; as the weather gets warmer, the sugars develop and the strawberry becomes sweeter. In this dish, we balance the tart with the sweet with strawberries and honey. We pair classic flavors with strawberries using basil, balsamic, and goat cheese. I always try to use local ingredients found within 100 miles; when certain ingredients are difficult to locate, substitutions can be made. For example, this recipe calls for arugula, and although arugula has a great flavor profile with spicy notes, mixed lettuce can be substituted.

Strawberry Balsamic Salad • serves 4 • Prep time 10 minutes

1 Pint strawberries: Orchard Pond Organics, Tallahassee

4 oz Goat cheese or Lil’ Moo: Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop

4 oz Pecans: KBH Farms

1/2 Small red onion

1/4 lb Arugula: Ten Speed Greens, Tallahassee

Dressing

2/3 cup Georgia olive oil: Georgia Olive Farms, Lakeland, GA

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup, plus 1 TBL Tupelo Honey: Orchard Pond Organics

2 TBL Basil

1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Cut Stems off strawberries and cut into quarters. Julienne red onion. Toast Pecans at 350 degrees for 5 minutes and toss in 1TBL Honey and a pinch of salt. Pick stems off arugula if necessary. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. For dressing, combine dressing ingredients in a mixer, or in a bowl with a whisk until emulsified. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss salad with dressing, and plate. Top with goat cheese crumbles.

- Chef Matt Hagel is co-owner of Thomasville’s Chop House on the Bricks.

Farm to TableSTRAWBERRY BALSAMIC SALAD

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Dance Card.

APRIL 18 - MAY 1 VOLUME 3

FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE7Issue No.

APRIL 18 - MAY 1VOLUME 3

FREE FREE

april 19Record Store Day

Apollo Records in the USA, 318 South Broad StreetFree all-day event featuring live music and tons of vinyl!

Boston Community Club24th Annual Spring Fling & Auction

9a – 1p, Boston, GA, Main Street, Watt Park and various locations

Parade, Easter egg hunt, art-a-thon, health fair & more, Free to the public, (229) 498-4065,

www.bostonga.com/events

april 22Good Shepherd Community Garden

Earth Day Celebration5p – 7p, Good Shepherd Church, 515 Oak Street,

free event, tree planting, garden tours, light refreshments, games & giveaways for kids

april 22-24Red Hills Players Presents CARNIVAL!

Directed by Mosisah Mavity, Music Direction by Roman Roman III

7p, Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 East Jackson Street

Tickets: Adult $15, Student $10, www.thomasvillearts.org

april 24-2693rd Annual Thomasville Rose Show and Festival

Two parades, an arts and crafts fair, a car and truck show, live entertainment & more!

See article on page 1 for full events lineup & schedule

april 25-26Piney Woods Plein Air Paint Out!

Open-air painting under the streetlights, in the country and at the Rose Show

7p Saturday Art Sale: Wiregrass Gallery, 120 North Broad Street, tickets: $15

april 263rd Annual Due South art, music & food festival

209 West Remington Avenue, 12p -11pSix bands, a maker’s market, and a 6p VIP party

$10 general admission, $125 VIP, tickets: www.thomasvillearts.org

Thomasville Community Resource Center2nd Annual Step Showcase

Percussive dance presentation to benefit TCRC’s afterschool programs

Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 East Washington Street

$15 advance tickets at www.tcrconline.org, at door: $20 adults, $10 ages 18 & under

april 26-27TOSAC presents The JungalbookSaturday performances at 2p & 8p;

Sunday performance at 2pKipling’s classic adapted for the stage and

directed by Marc CramerAdults $12, Students $10, tickets:

www.tosac.com or at the door

I managed to tackle eight books last month, which may, in fact, be a personal record. And I found myself exploring all kinds of genres: middle reader, memoir, short story. I may have covered it all this month, and the good news for you? Most of them are well worth your time, too.

Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. I already devoted an entire column to my love for the first book in Trenton Lee Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society, but it’s worth mentioning again. So many middle readers come in looking for this series, and now I understand why. The books have a slight other-worldly feel to them, but they’re not quite as intense as the Harry Potter series (of which I am an unabashed fan). Unlike a lot of middle reader’s novels, I found this one completely readable as an adult; I bet you will too.

One More Thing by B.J. Novak. A lot of customers shy away from short stories, and I get it. So often, short stories are done poorly, and many times, readers are looking for a world they can get swept away in; it’s hard to experience that with a short story. But this month, I picked up B.J. Novak’s new collection on a whim -- I’d seen him on The Office, and I couldn’t wait to see if his clever writing translated to the page. It did. I absolutely loved this book. One More Thing may not be for everyone; it’s smart and a little snarky, but you can’t deny Novak is talented. I’d recommend this one for any 20- or 30-something, though I think older readers might enjoy some of his offerings too. That’s the beauty of a short story collection; you can skip over the stories that don’t immediately pull you in -- though I’d guess most of his will.

Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan. Mother’s Day is coming up, and I’ve got you covered. This memoir would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift; I read my copy, then quickly shipped it off to a friend. Kelly Corrigan writes about her time spent as a nanny in Australia, where she was looking for adventure but instead discovered one major truth: She was becoming her mother. The story is funny and bittersweet; it had me laughing and tearing up. I’ve recommended this to friends and customers, and it’s gotten positve reviews from all of the above. This one would be a fun book club pick for May.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. I have no idea why I’m late to the train on this one. So many customers have recommended Liane Moriarty, but the cover just read “chick lit” to me, so I waited until I knew I needed something light and fluffy for a weekend. Here’s the thing, though: Moriarty’s book is a page-turner, and at times it’s light and funny. But it’s so much more than that. Chick lit sometimes gets a bad rap -- maybe deservedly so, sometimes -- but this? This is just a good book. Alice comes to one morning at the gym, only to discover she’s experienced a nasty fall -- and she’s lost ten years of her memory. She woke up thinking she was nearing 30, only to discover she’s a few weeks out from her 40th birthday. I adored this book, in part because I, too, am approaching 30, and it’s amazing to me how we grow and change as people in ten years. What Alice Forgot is funny, but thought-provoking; clever, and truth-telling.

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern. This is the only book on my March reading list that has yet to be released to the public; The Meaning of Maggie comes out the first week in May, and I’ll spend all summer recommending it to our middle readers. And you know what? I’ll probably recommend it to some grown-up customers too. It’s rare, I think, to find a middle reader book that an adult can relate to and enjoy (it’s why The Mysterious Benedict Society is so special), but first-time novelist Megan Sovern has done an excellent job. Maggie reminds me so much of myself; when I closed the book, I felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend. Eleven-year-old Maggie has big plans -- becoming President of the United States, for example -- but there are important things happening on her homefront. Her dad’s in a wheelchair, and her sisters are driving her crazy. I don’t know the last time I’ve seen a book that has so accurately portrayed those awkward first years of middle school. I love this book.

Waiting to Be Heard by Amanda Knox. Of all the books I’ve read this month, this is the one I’d recommend you get from the library (or from our sales rack, where a copy currently resides for 50% off!). It’s not that the story isn’t well-written -- in fact, Amanda Knox serves as a fairly competent narrator, and the subject matter is compelling. It’s just not necessarily a book that absolutely needs to be on your shelves. Knox’s story is one we’ve heard, especially if we’ve been watching The Today Show for years. I’ve followed along here and there, but it was far more interesting to finally get her whole story in her words. After reading, I’ve reached my own conclusions about Knox’s account; I think you will too.

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares. How did I never read Sisterhood Everlasting? I grew up on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series -- a great series for young adult (and adult!) readers -- but had never read the conclusion, never even knew it existed! But working in a bookstore does all kinds of magic, and last month, we did a lot of shelf-straightening, where I found this gem tucked away. If you’re a fan of the sisterhood, you’ll enjoy this final chapter -- and it won’t matter if it’s been years since you’ve read the others. It’s charming and sweet, sad and realistic; the story picks up when the girls are approaching 30, and to see them as adults makes all kinds of bittersweet sense. Recommended, of course, for women like me who have long loved and known the sisterhood and the girls that make it up.

Stop by the shop for more recommendations; we’re always happy to help!

Got a tip for the Townie? Shoot us an email:

editor@yourtownie.com

HY-Dü by Benjamin Gardner + David Longstreet

- Annie B.The Bookshelf

‘Made by Hand’ Now Open at TCA on Broad!At “Made by Hand,” Thomasville Center for the Arts’ newest exhibition on Broad Street, TCA’s Artist-in-Residence Julie Guyot’s hand-formed ceramic spoons dangle daintily from huge hand-forged nails on the wall. Her mixed media ceramic plates double as art, and they make quite the statement hanging over peeling antique ceiling tiles from Melissa Rigsby’s beloved downtown business, Relics.

From the antique ceiling tiles to tables, crates, baskets and shelving, Thomasville-native Melissa Rigsby’s relics provide the perfect backdrop for Julie’s ceramic art. I asked Melissa where her inspiration came from and about her design process. A self-described gatherer, Melissa says that what she does “is a mystery even to me!” Melissa has turned her hobby for tracking down “junk” into a business, and she clearly has an eye for design and a creative aesthetic. Her rustic, repurposed pieces are an ideal contrast to the somewhat frilly, colorful, retro feel of Julie’s ceramics.

Artist-in-Residence Julie Guyot earned her MFA in studio art from Florida State in 2008 and has been here with her husband Clayton and their two dogs, Lucy and Rudy, ever since. Julie was selected as TCA’s first resident artist last year, and in January, moved her kiln into studio space at 209 West Remington Avenue, where she now hand-forges ceramics and teaches classes of all levels.

I lucked up when I caught Julie adding last minute touches for the exhibit’s grand opening. She bounced around TCA on Broad, radiating with energy. She went over her design process with me as she simultaneously and effortlessly traced one of her hand drawn roses onto the window. “I hand fire each piece at least two or three times… sometimes five or six times!” she said.

Julie creates a look not only by having multiple layers of ceramics (and often incorporating fabric into the final design), but also by having her own drawings, vintage photographs and other prints transferred onto special decals. The process basically goes like this: each ceramic piece is fired once, becoming what is called bisque, where all water is removed from the clay. Then Julie layers varying stains and glazes in another round of firings for each one. Finally, she applies her decals and the piece goes through a final round of firing. The end result is quirky yet delicate, but retro and modern at the same time.

Julie tells me she loves the residency space at Studio 209. “I’m enjoying the energy it provides and the building that I work in, with its exposed brick, has started influencing my work.” Julie even drew a rose motif especially for the ‘Ville, which now adorns a series of coffee mugs, cake stands, and cheese boards (designed with our local Sweet Grass Dairy in mind, of course).

If you’re hitting the bricks this spring, be sure to pop into TCA on Broad to see Julie’s and Melissa’s work, and nab a piece of it for yourself before the exhibit ends on May 10th. TCA on Broad is located at 116 South Broad Street next to Grassroots Coffee and is open from 10a to 6p, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on the Artist-in-Residence program, studio visits, or upcoming visiting artists, visit http://www.thomasvillearts.org/artist-in-residence/ or email Ashley Ivey at aivey@thomasvillearts.org.

- Natalie K.

Comix by Laura Floyd

Plein Air Paint Out! is “In”

The Piney Woods Plein Air Paint Out! is a series of art events presented by the newly formed Piney Woods Alliance: Wiregrass Gallery of Thomasville, and Accidental Art Space and Boardwalk Gallery of Boston. Registered artists from all over the region will be in Thomasville during Rose Show weekend for the opportunity to paint in a bevy of beloved settings in a one-of-a-kind art competition.

Between 1p and 4p on Friday the 25th, registered artists will set up their canvases in one of many Thomasville locations including at the Big Oak. “Pleinly” put, if you yourself don’t paint, just maybe someone will paint you. Be there and be art. Keep on the lookout for furious brush strokes and gorgeous canvases as artists are inspired by the many visual delights of our fair city in spring. That evening, beginning at 8p, artists will set up shop on the bricks of Broad Street to paint the night away under the streetlights.

The next morning, Saturday the 26th, artists will move to the Plantation Trace Region to paint in the idyllic outdoors of a private estate; afterward they’ll attend an exclusive lunch in Boston hosted by Mayor Danny Groover. Beginning at 1p, look for the artists again at Thomasville’s Paradise Park, where they’ll paint at the Rose Festival’s “Art in the Park” until 4p, when they’ll hand their canvases in to the judges and rest their weary brushes.

Later that evening, works produced during the paint-off will be sold at Wiregrass Gallery, 120 North Broad Street. Artists will also be awarded cash prizes underwritten by local businesses and you can win a great door prize too. Tickets to the 7p to 9p exhibit and sale are $15 and available at Wiregrass Gallery now.

Local restaurants coordinated by Debbie at Taste of Thomasville Food Tours are donating scrumptious food bites for you to enjoy at the Exhibit and Sale, including nibbles from Sweet Grass Dairy, George and Louie’s, Savannah Moon, Café Q and Old Mexico. For further information call (229) 319-9398. It’s a party and sale that you simply can’t brush off!

- Benjamin G.