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The PlazaSteaks, Seafood & Southern Cuisine

217 South Broad St., Thomasville(229) 226-5153

WWW.THOMASVILLEPLAZA.COM

10Issue No.Thomasville’s Only Thomasville’s Only

JUNE 6-19 JUNE 6-19

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Rob BentonRob Benton is the owner, proprietor and coiffeur of  Salon Rob, at 105 South Broad Street. He looks marvelous, and yes, he can make you  look  that way  too.  (Whisper-thought:  if   he  can fit  you  in. He's that much in demand.)

What changes have you noticed in the downtown scene through your storefront on Broad?I see bistro tables, food-drink and people lingering with more artistry to appreciate.

Is it a misnomer that more women seek professional styling than men?A complete falsehood. Men want to stay young as best as possible.

Where does Rob Benton, the Townie, decompress or frequent on the weekends in the ‘Ville?I enjoy happy hour top shelf drinks at Liam's 4:30-7:30 and usually crave the cheese and spirits from Sweet Grass Dairy or Blue Coop.

You are soon to be wed (Congratulations!), where will you be honeymooning? I am looking forward to NYC before and after (but you can find me at Mexico Beach)!

- Benjamin G.

(229) 226-1631 · www.SignatureSmiles.com

I never realized how many great gifts there were for Dad downtown until I started digging around. My dad is kind of a no frills guy, so I am not going to base this list on what I would get for my dad—it would be a short list. Here’s a list for a variety of Dad-types, featuring all local gifts and establishments. Happy Father’s Day!

“I Don’t Know What to Get for My Dad”

If you don’t know what your dad wants and you’re fresh out of ideas, go grab him some Downtown Dollars, which he can spend at the store of his choosing. Downtown Dollars can be purchased in $10 increments at the Thomasville Visitors Center in the Thomasville Municipal Building & Auditorium at 144 E. Jackson St. Call 229-228-7977 for information. To see a list of participating merchants, visit www.downtownthomasville.com.

“Fodder for Father”

Who doesn’t like a good meal? Grab your dad and take him to one of the many delicious downtown restaurants. Some of my favorites are Liam’s, Jonah’s, Blue Coop, and Moonspin. It doesn’t matter if dad likes cupcakes, cheese, steaks or tacos—downtown has you covered. If you can’t nail down a time to eat with your dad, then get him a gift certificate so he can nosh when he pleases. Most downtown restaurants accept Downtown Dollars, so you might consider getting those and letting Dad know where to eat. Be sure to consult the list of participating restaurants prior to your purchase.

“Outdated Offering”

People always joke about giving ties as Father’s Day gifts, but my dad went through a period where he actually wanted and requested ties for gifts. He’s over that phase now; however, there are quite a number of places where you can grab your dad a tie locally. Kevin’s is running a Father’s Day deal where you can get 20% off when you buy two ties. Try Al Dixon’s and Hick’s, too, for ties at varying prices.

“Daddy Needs a Drink”

My favorite gift I found for Father’s Day were the “Kevin’s Crystal Shot Glasses and Bottle Holder.” I walked into Kevin’s, and this $159 gem immediately caught my eye. My dad doesn’t drink alcohol, but if he did, that’s what he would get. It’s wrought iron and holds four crystal shot glasses. There is a place in the middle for your libation of choice. You might also hit the Townie Store for the world’s greatest martini shaker and rocks glasses (we’re not biased, we swear!)—or, head down to Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop to get him a bottle of wine. Prices there start at $14. (Do not drink the wine before you deliver it).

“Potluck Padre”

Relish has a great selection of cookware and kitchen gadgets. The Emile Henry line of cookware, ovenware and bakeware would be great for a dad who loves to cook. Each piece is handmade in Burgundy, France and is stamped with the initials of the person who made it. No two pieces are exactly alike. Relish also has a grill press

and masculine aprons if your dad likes cooking outdoors. Did I mention knives? Yeah, they have some pretty cool knives too. Prices start at $16. I also found some neat cutting boards in the shapes of Georgia, Alabama and Florida at Firefly. We’re talking, literally, a large piece of wood in the shape of Georgia, with all of the state’s contoured borders.

“Progressive Papa”

There are few things more relaxing than getting a massage. There’s a good chance that your dad is stressed out and could use a spa day. That being said, some dads are squeamish about getting pedicures or massages. If your dad is cool with being pampered, and really, he should be, then you could get him any combination of spa treatments from Metta. Taking care of one’s skin isn’t really progressive, but some guys don’t like buying skincare products for themselves. That’s where you come in. Go to Dash and get your dad some Jack Black skincare. They have everything from lip balm to shaving supplies. Prices rage from $8 - $33.

“Outdoorsy Old Man”

Kevin’s has a line of Tilley Endurables hats that would be great for a fisherman. Each hat has SPF in it and a wide enough brim to block the rays off the water. If you’re feeling frisky, you can get Dad a pair of Costas sunglasses which will also block out the harsh summer rays. Prices range from $60 - $200. You might also swing by the Townie store and grab him a Townie baseball hat or T-shirt. They’re the greatest hats and T-shirts known to man (we’re not biased, we swear!). Dash has Eno hammocks which would be great for the roving outdoorsman who wants to take a load off. If you’re really wanting to drop some dough, you can get your dad a cool bicycle from Dash.

“Bookworm Begetter”

The Bookshelf has the following titles which will likely interest Dad:

D-Day by Antony Beevor, $20

Heroes for My Son by Brad Meltzer, $19.99

John Wayne the Genuine Article by Michael Goldman, $50.00

This is Ridiculous. This is Amazing: Parenting in 71 Lists by Jason Good, $14.95

At this point it has probably become painfully obvious that downtown Thomasville has something for every kind of dad out there. For everything I’ve mentioned, there are probably 10 other cool things that I haven’t. There are so many great things for dads including clothing, athletic clothes/gear, outdoor supplies, and everything in between downtown. You are going to want to go shopping and see all of this cool stuff for yourself.

- Denise P.

Treat Dad toThomasville's Best Gifts!

High Fashion, Low Prices:Visit Black Crow

Champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. That’s what my mother always said of people who lived beyond their means. Being married just a year and a half now, I am most certainly still on a “beer budget,” but I refuse to compromise quality due to a lack of funds. So, learning from my mother, I am an aggressive sale shopper (my mother once said she couldn’t resist a good sale- she would “probably buy a dead armadillo if it was 75% off”) and I love to frequent consignment shops. Thomasville has no shortage of these and I have found many a steal but sometimes I do want a little taste of that champagne lifestyle. Thankfully, someone unknowingly answered my wish.

Black Crow Couture Consignments will be offering upscale labels at a low-scale prices, featuring Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Pendleton, Gap, Miss Me, Coach, Burberry, Rock & Republic, Victoria's Secret Pink, Ralph Lauren, and many others. Catering only to the ladies, Black Crow offers clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. In the near future, MAC, Benefit and Urban Decay makeup will be offered as well. I popped in the other day to browse the selection- new merchandise comes in every day- and I have my eye on a couple of items.

Shoulders aching from carrying all those steals to the

register? Not to worry. The owner, Susan Jones is also a licensed massage therapist who is in the process of turning the back space into Lemongrass Massage Spa with a separate entrance from the back parking lot. In fact, the woman behind Black Crow is more than just a retailer—she is a storyteller. Susan has had a varied life working in everything from retail, to waitressing, and to working as a massage therapist for two professional sports teams. Susan has stories about the interesting people she has met like Jimmy Buffett, B.B. King and John Elway. She is returning to Thomasville after 16 years and three kids, from Denver, Colorado.

Susan was inspired to open a couture consignment store so Thomasville fashionistas could find the labels they love without having to travel out of town and pay full price. Also, she learned at a young age the thrill of finding that perfect treasure at an incredible bargain. Many of the brands Susan will carry in Black Crow are brands that are near to her heart from working in retail or are those that appeal to her “hippie” grew-up-in-the-‘70s personality.

Black Crow Couture Consignments is located at 206 West Jackson Street and is slated to host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 20th and 21st. So as Susan said, “For fashion at a fraction- know where to go- Black Crow!

- Rebekah G.

Beatles Summer Camp • June 16-20 Song, dance, and poetry fuse with visual art and fashion to create a colorful celebration.

JOIN USwww.thomasvillearts.org

THE CENTER

COME TOGETHER!

Whispers. Psst…the out parcel in front of Sweet

Basil’s is set to be a liquor store with an expansive wine selection…

Grassroots is roasting the Townie… coming soon…

Cahoots will soon be opening a store in Boston… Now even more shopping

opportunities for their fun and fabulous items…

The owner of Earthlover will be opening a second store in the previous Jerger's building…

Broad Street Clothing Co. is on the way!

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

Facebook...

Explore the possibilities of pressure printing on the Vandercook letterpress.

June 21-22 • Building 209209 W. Remington Ave.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONwww.thomasvillearts.org

THE CENTERLETTERPRESS INTENSIVE

What could you do with

A Confident Smile?303 W. Hansell St., Thomasville

229-227 -1447www.aconfidentsmile.com

JUNE 6-19

PublisherThomasville Townie, LLC

Editor in ChiefJennifer Westfield

Social MediaBetsy Jones

AdministrationSarah Esra

ColumnistsJ. David Bray, Jr.

Clay ByarsMatt Hagel

David LongstreetDenise PurvisKelly SamekJ.K. SlaughterAbrie Soileau

Contributing WritersChaise BishopJ. L. Cox IIISarah Esra

Benjamin GardnerRebekah GiambroniChristopher Jones

Natalie KirboJennifer Westfield

Comics ArtistsLaura Floyd

Benjamin GardnerDavid Longstreet

Guest Copy EditorNatalie Kirbo

Graphic Design +Website Maintenance

Katie Reeves

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Wine lovers, we have a treat for you! Soon, Dennis and Johnny Maggitas, and Angelo Mathes will be bringing a new wine and liquor store to the 'Ville. Three Oaks Wine & Spirits will be near the Publix shopping center (near Sweet Basil’s) and promises to have an amazing wine section.

Dennis Maggitas knows plenty about the spirit business. He started out as a bartender then became a liquor salesman for seven years once he got out of college. He owned Carol Hill Package for about 10 years, and really wanted to put another liquor store on the Publix side of town due to the growth of Thomasville. His grandfather and brother bought The Plaza in the 1940s and operated it from 1940-2007. Maggitas spent some time as a bartender there. “The spirit business is in our blood,” he says.

Maggitas says that when you walk into the store, you will immediately notice the state-of-the-art modern wine section, and that the main focus of the store will be that section. “You should be really impressed when you walk into the store,” he says, also indicating that they focused on the details when planning and creating this store. “Even the parking lot will be different, which will give it the Thomasville feel.”

The space will be over 5,000 square feet, which will include the beer coolers, wine room section and wine area. Maggitas says they will carry fine wines and liquor staples and try to tap into the growth of craft and microbrew beers, but their main focus will be on high-end wines. His personal favorite is red wine, so you can go ahead and plan for some delicious reds in your future.

The average price range will be around $20, and the store will open no later than mid-October—right in time for the holiday season.

- Denise P.

My father was a salesman for 25 years, driving some 1,500 miles a week. The stories he collected I now present to you, treasured Townies. Names have been changed and morals inferred, but the road is real—and still out there, long and sometimes lonely, often hilarious, but guaranteed to get you where you’re going if you keep on driving.

Charlie Chiggers was a fearful and superstitious man. According to Charlie, if you looked into a buzzard’s eyes, you’d see the devil. “Then them buzzards will draw you into the middle of whatever they’re eating.” This he said with a straight face and sincere conviction. Given the amount of roadkill out there on the highway, I can only imagine what a nerve-wracking experience traveling by automobile was for poor Charlie.

Salesmen are, at their core, storytellers. The best are also jokesters. That’s what the business requires, that’s what the business reinforces. Tell your stories, play your jokes, make the sale. Also, don’t feel too guilty when someone reveals their gullibility. Remember, God made each of us the way we are for a reason.

“There’s a house between Cairo and Whigham,” Dad told me, “and off to the side of the house is an old mausoleum. We used to tell Charlie it belonged to the Roddenberry’s out of Cairo, and that a lady from the family had died and was pickled inside of a jar. We told him the jar was sitting on a shelf in that mausoleum.”

“Must have been a big jar,” I said.

Dad offered on more than one occasion to drive Charlie up to the mausoleum so he could peek inside at the pickled lady in a jar. Charlie, of course, declined these offers, but Dad always had a laugh pretending he was going to ride up that driveway and park in front of that mausoleum.

Charlie had other superstitious beliefs. One day as they were crossing the Flint River in Bainbridge, Dad noticed Charlie looking quite stiff in his seat, his eyes focused straight ahead. “You OK?” he asked. “I don’t like that river,” Charlie said. “That’s that dark water. You look into that dark water, why, it’ll draw you right in.”

Dad wondered how a man so afraid of devilish birds, dark water and pickled Roddenberry’s had ever managed to stumble into sales. A good salesman can smell the BS from a mile away. Where was Charlie’s malarkey meter?

“Well, see,” Charlie stuttered, “I got in some trouble a while back. See, I was burglarizing this store one day, when the chief of police himself come riding by and saw me. He jumped out his car, snatched off his sports coat and ran me down and arrested me. The chief’s good friends with Mr. Winston, you know, so once they let me go, he helped me get this job. Now he’s watching me, always got his eye on me. I pretty much got to work this job.”

Not everyone in sales ought to be in sales, but again, God has his reasons.

Having witnessed Charlie’s near panic attack earlier while crossing the Flint River, when lunchtime rolled around, Dad decided to have some fun. He and Charlie bought fast food hamburgers, which they planned on eating in the car. While Charlie daydreamed, burger in lap and eyes closed, Dad drove back towards the river and parked as close to the water as he could get. He inched the car forward until it seemed the front tires might slip right in.

Feeling the car come to a stop, Charlie’s eyes opened. Dad watched as they widened in terror. Like a cartoon character from Merry Melodies, Charlie’s legs came up to his chin as he began pushing back against his seat hard as he could, his hamburger forgotten, fear taking over. He demanded to know what Dad was doing.

“I figured we’d eat these hamburgers by the water,” Dad said, unable to hide a smile. “It’s kind of nice down here by the river.”

“Oh no,” Charlie said. “No we ain’t. You know what I told you ‘bout that dark water.”

“Come on, Charlie. It’s just a river. It’s nice to sit here and eat, don’t you think?”

Charlie was sweating. Here was a man abandoned by reason. “No, it ain’t nice. I’m telling you, you can’t look at that dark water. You look at that dark water and it’ll draw you right in.”

Be it buzzards or rivers, Charlie Chiggers was terrified that something somewhere was going to suck the soul from his trembling bones.

Dad chuckled, but he could see that the joke was now flirting with cruelty. Poor Charlie was too upset even to eat his burger, so Dad put the car in reverse and backed up until they were a good distance from the river.

“I figured I’d had my fun,” Dad told me, “I backed up until I saw Charlie relax a little. That way he could eat. I’ll tell you what, that Charlie was a superstitious man.”

The world is full of comical characters who are just begging to be teased. This is all well and good. Life without a little bit of laughter at another’s expense sounds a bit puritanical and definitely boring. Just remember this, treasured Townies: the best jokesters know when to ease up. There’s a fine line between teasing and torturing. Have your fun, then retreat from the river so your victims can enjoy their lunch in peace. After all, the road ahead is littered with roadkill and overrun with devilish birds. With the kind of miles you’re clocking, there will be plenty more opportunities for jokes.

- David L.

Stories Road COMICAL CHARACTERS

fromthe

Look for Winesat the 'Ville's Newest

Liquor Store

Summer is here and the heat is on in South Georgia – and it's only the beginning. Give it some time and before you know it, we will all be wishing it was Christmas again. Along with the heat comes a lot of sweaty humans and with that, dehydration. As we are more exposed to the elements in the summer, hydration becomes even more essential to our health and fitness. This goes for anyone venturing outdoors on the sweltering days to come – maybe for a run, yard work, or shopping downtown.

It's important to understand that hydration affects your vitals – like body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, so avoiding water intake really isn't an option. Many of us wait until we are thirsty to drink water, but by then, getting hydrated is already an uphill battle. Mild dehydration during a workout can cause fatigue, poor performance, headaches, and let's face it – an unquenchable thirst really kills your mental game.

An easy way to determine your hydration level is to check the color of your urine. That's right, I'm talking about pee in the Townie. But this is serious. If you're urinating every few hours and it's light in color, you're good to go. If you aren't urinating at least every four hours and if it's dark yellow in color or darker...you need to hydrate in a hurry.

Ideally, you should be drinking ½ of your body weight in fluid ounces of water daily plus another 16 ounces for every workout you do. The most obvious 1st choice of hydration is the plain ol' H2O. I like to always opt for water with electrolytes to help replenish the sodium and potassium that I lose during training or supplement with an electrolyte tablet that dissolves in water (like Nuun – seen at Dash). You can also achieve hydration by eating foods that have a high water content like watermelon, oranges, cucumber, tomato and lettuce. Juice, sports drinks and sodas will do the trick too, but tend to be sugary and/or highly processed so it's always better to go for the water first. Remember that alcohol dehydrates you, so keeping a 1:1 ratio with booze and water is a good rule of thumb when you're having a beer with your barbeque.

If you just can't stand drinking water, you should definitely find ways to spice it up a bit. Milk is a great 2nd choice for refueling while coffee and tea aren't bad either. I'm a big fan of sparkling water these days and often go for La Croix (you can find it at our local Publix), which comes in many different flavors – coconut being my favorite summer flavor. Pellegrino and Perrier are also great choices to replace sodas. You can add fresh berries, lemon, mint or cucumber (for that spa feeling) to make your taste buds happy. Keep drinkin' and stay cool, Townies!

- Abrie S.

Fit as a Fiddlestaying hydrated this summer

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Trill in the VilleTrill - Urban; Meaning Truly + Real

I’ve been thinking about bucket lists lately. In case you live in a cave and don’t know what a bucket list is, it is defined as, “A list of crap that you would like to do before dying” (that definition was not taken verbatim from a dictionary). As I get older and accomplish less, it makes me think about all the things I wish I had done but haven’t, due to finances, fear or time.

One thing I always thought I wanted to do was go skydiving. I achieved that lofty goal in 2006 without soiling myself or dying. I thought that it would be an act of bravery, but as I stood in a tiny trailer signing my life away on a paper that was copied so many times it was faded, I started questioning my sanity. They buckled us into uncomfortable harnesses and gave us a quick run down on what we would be doing. Essentially, the plan was to get all strapped up, go up in a plane with a plexiglass side, get connected to some stranger to tandem jump with, jump, pull a cord, and (hopefully) land on our feet. They made a big deal about landing on one’s feet. The importance of this became glaringly obvious as I saw people not landing on their feet and ending up with cuts, bruises, and underwear full of dirt from being dragged.

I thought I was going to be some tough-chick that had it all together until I was standing on the edge of the plane at approximately 13,000 feet above ground level. My new best friend that was plastered to my back hurled me out the door before I could totally freak out, and I forgot to breathe for at least 30 seconds. Fortunately, I landed on my feet and didn’t have to shake rocks out of my skivvies. The whole affair couldn’t have lasted more than 10 minutes from ground to plane to ground, but I think it traumatized me. It was easily the scariest thing I have done. I checked that bad-boy off my list and will probably never do it again.

The rest of my list is relatively tame compared to jumping out of a plane. Maybe I have gotten some common sense and just mentally adjusted my list, or maybe I am just an old tame bird now.

Nonetheless, my truncated bucket list is as follows:

• Be a contestant on The Price is Right and/or Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune. The crucial one here is The Price is Right. It requires no special knowledge other than a good handle on the prices of common goods. I’ve always been fascinated with “Any Number,” “Plinko,” “Master Key” and “Check Game.”

• Run a 5K from beginning to end. That’s right folks, a 5K--not a marathon or 10K. I am not a runner and never have been. I have taken part in a fair share of 5Ks, but I have never run the whole distance in its entirety without walking some or almost collapsing.

• Finish writing a book and get that thing published. Oh man, how many have I started and abandoned? At least two. HAHA!

• Go on a random trip without a destination in mind. I got inspired by the movie “Yes Man” when I watched 10 minutes of it at a friend’s house recently. I want to show up at the airport and tell them to give me a ticket on the next departing flight and hope that it isn’t to Detroit.

• Learn calligraphy. I mean come on, it’s not like it’s as horrible as flinging yourself out of a plane, right? You hold a pen and write some fancy-looking stuff.

• Go on a vacation alone. I don’t mean a work trip. I mean an actual bona fide 4-7 day vacation all by myself. I would probably be so tired of myself by day two that I would have to get someone to join me.

• Get a part and perform in a play. Now, it’s not that I haven’t attempted this one. I tried out for a part in college, and I was mortified that I had to read a part that required singing. I wasn’t prepared for that and spazzed out. I have no ill feelings towards that director. Okay, maybe a few.

• Learn gymnastics. I am probably too old and rusty for this, but I would really like to do a real somersault one day.

• Perform a dance (properly) from beginning to end for a crowd. No liquid courage allowed. Also, no arm flailing allowed.

• Pay off my student loans. I really don’t care if I do it or if someone else does it, but I really just want them to go away.

• Go back to school. For what you ask? Anything but law school, but I have always had an interest in makeup and skincare. Even clown school sounds better than law school. I apologize to any clowns that I may have offended.

• Have visible abdominal muscles. This might be the most difficult one out of the list. If I dig really hard I can feel them in there, but I might have to lay off the ice cream.

• Let go. Of anything, really, although I have gotten so much better at this as I get older.

• Design and build my own house. Again, I’ll take any interested financial backers on this one.

• Learn Spanish fluently. I only took it for like 5 years in the past. Maybe I can learn how to say something other than “Where is the restroom” “I like beer” and “My name is Denise.”

• Jump into a waterfall. See also: Do not break neck, legs, or spine or end up on Tosh.0.

• Take voice lessons and sing in front of a crowd. I don’t think I can sing in front of a crowd in good conscience until I have some singing lessons.

• Learn how to paddleboard/surf. I am terrified of ocean creatures and waves, so this is really conquering a fear and becoming somewhat more athletic all in one.

• Do standup comedy. I am horrified of getting booed. I am less horrified of getting rotten tomatoes thrown at me.

• Start my own business. I am open for suggestions and sponsors.

The whole list is much longer than this. 20 items seemed like a good stopping point, and I obviously didn’t include previously achieved items other than the skydiving thing. Really, I think everyone needs their lives spiced up at some point, and crossing items off your bucket list definitely will help with that. Go do something fabulous!

- Denise P.

Growing up in Thomasville, lunchtime was a point of the day that provided not only nourishment, but rest from chores and the heat. The most memorable dish my mother would prepare was hearty chili served with homemade cornbread. The chili was warm and filling, spicy and tangy and if I finished the first helping, I could always get a second and sometimes a third helping.

My mother always used ground beef, red beans, tomatoes from the garden or ones she’d canned and several other garden-grown vegetables like onions and carrots. There was the cornbread to dip, sop, break into bits and sprinkle in the chili or to just spread butter on—always the perfect compliment.

Still one of my favorite meals, chili is simple and satisfying. I like to prepare a large pot then freeze the leftovers. This low glycemic chili comes from sustainable energy sources: fresh vegetables and lean animal proteins. There is no salt in this recipe.

Prep time 15 - 20 minutes, or most of an episode of the Big Bang Theory

Cook time two hours, or four episodes of the Big Bang Theory, BAZINGA!

Serves six people, so that would include, Penny, Bernadette, Raj, Howard, Lenard, Amy and Sheldon.

1lb chicken breast or chicken cutlets

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1lb white northern beans

1 large white onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped

1 carrot, sliced

1 16 oz can tomato puree

8 cups, plus ½ cup water

2 poblano or Anaheim chili peppers

1 tablespoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked Hungarian Paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, parsley flakes

2 tablespoons each: cocoa powder, Bragg's aminos

(All raw vegetables are available from either Lewis Produce or Orchard Pond Organics)

Rinse beans in a colander and let drip-dry. Fill an eight-quart stockpot with 8 cups of water and place on the stove eye, add the dried and washed beans, and bring to a boil for two minutes. Reduce to medium heat and cover for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest for one hour. Drain, then return beans to pot.

Cut up onion, celery, carrots and garlic; place oil, followed by the vegetables in a large sauté pan to sweat at medium heat. Add tomato puree and water, then stir in all spices. Combine with beans and Bragg’s aminos, then stir until everything is covered by tomato puree.

Unwrap and rinse chicken, set aside. Bring chili sauce to a simmer. Add the chicken, making sure its covered by the sauce. Cover and let chicken cook for twenty minutes. Remove chicken from pot, shred with a fork and return to pot. Stir pot well.

Serve with fresh Greek yogurt or gluten free corn chips. I also enjoy it folded into an omelet, topped with more chili and Greek yogurt for breakfast. Have fun with adding your own ingredients and enjoy!

- Clay B.

The Thomasville YMCA is having a benefit party to raise money for scholarships to ensure that no one is ever turned away from Y programs and services on account of their ability to pay. I’m chairing the event, and I want to invite all you Townies to join me for an amazing night and a great cause.

The event is Saturday June 7th at 7:00 PM in the UNO Hill Barn at Pebble Hill Plantation. We’ll dance all night to The Atlanta Showstoppers (look them up on YouTube… they are AWESOME), a 13-piece band that knows how to make you move.

Also featured are a photo booth sponsored by Commercial Bank and an auction with opportunities

to bid on items like a special local hunt and a Lifetime Y Membership. All proceeds will benefit the Y Annual Campaign Scholarship Fund, and a portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible. If you aren’t able to attend, I hope you’ll consider making a donation to the Y’s Annual Campaign as we close in on our goal of $100,000.

Tickets are $75 for a night of dinner, drinks, and dancing. They can be purchased at both the Everett-Milton and Butler Mason YMCA locations. Put your dancing shoes on, kick up your heels and kick off your summer with me at this special event!

- Christopher J.

Atlanta ShowstoppersHeadlining YMCA Fundraiser

Got a tip for the Townie? Shoot us an email: editor@yourtownie.com

Farm to Table

Farm to TableLoaded Chicken Chili

Fit as a Fiddlestaying hydrated this summer

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40 Domestic help42 Tree of begonia family45 Be airborne46 Unbiased47 Tangle48 Asian nation49 Rub clean51 Fill-in53 Masculine54 Organization concerned with civil liberties (abbr.)56 Resound57 Act as usher59 Cc61 Sick62 California (abbr.)

ACROSS

1 Poisonous snake 4 Berets 8 Beers12 Telegraphic signal13 Shopping paper16 Asia minor18 Old Testament prophet20 Grant an extension21 Please respond23 Second day of the week24 Summer skin color25 Executive director26 Depend27 Deuces29 U.S. state in the South32 Root vegetable33 Small ground plot34 Surgical knife38 Exceptionally talented40 Every thirty days41 Decadent42 Why there's a queue at the "Q"

43 Tap44 Frozen dessert in tall glass46 Pale sherry47 Haze50 Type of partnership51 Old-fashioned Fathers52 Circle part53 Tropical bird55 Ceremonies58 Asphalt60 Red and black candy63 Pen64 Listerine alternative65 Expression of surprise66 Color of the Coop on Broad67 Unite in allegiance68 Negative

DOWN

1 Jewish calendar month 2 Rational 3 "_____ __ the Opera" 4 Comedian

5 Cause of sickness 6 Pressure unit 7 Look (2 wds.) 8 Tel ______ 9 What children talk with10 Epoch11 Large hotel room15 Paul's former name17 What Celestial Seasonings makes19 ___ you! (attention getter)22 Weep25 Pottery ingredient26 Rave27 Font28 Jetty29 Young boys rags-to-riches author30 Held high31 Horse hair33 Flat bread35 Rayann's commodity theme36 Zeal37 Misprint39 Department (abbr.)

Answers on our website @ www.YourTownie.com

townie crossword

Farm to Table

Farm to Table

Blueberry Lemon Pudding Cake

I love this time of year: blueberry season! U-pick farms are generally open in South Georgia and North Florida starting in May and lasting into July or so, depending on seasonal conditions. To my mind, blueberries have no better friend than the lemon. Here, the duo is showcased in a soft, rich cake bearing a slightly caramelized crust afloat in a sweet sauce reminiscent of pink lemonade. I use Meyer lemons, as they are less sour than the standard grocery store varieties (Meyers are said to have originated as a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges). This makes them a natural fit for dessert recipes.

Blueberry Lemon Pudding Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

zest of 1 Meyer lemon

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

4 tablespoons melted butter

1/3 cup Sparkman’s Cream Valley buttermilk—Lewis Produce

3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs; whisk in melted butter, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Stir wet ingredients into the dry until incorporated. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, very gently swirl in cooled blueberry compote. Do not overmix--you should have patches of pale yellow batter with ribbons of purple. Slowly pour lemon sauce over the batter (To prevent creating any divot in the batter, you can do the slow pour over the back of a large spoon, but I don’t find it necessary to be that fussy). Bake until the top has firmed up and turned a light golden brown and floats on a bubbly pink sauce, about 35 minutes. Serve warm.

Blueberry Compote

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

Generous pinch fresh Meyer lemon zest

1 1/2 cups Georgia blueberries—Lewis Produce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice

Place water, sugar, lemon zest, and blueberries in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to medium. Spoon a tablespoon or two of the hot blueberry liquid in a small bowl or ramekin and mix in cornstarch to make a slurry. When smooth, stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering blueberry mixture. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Cool to desired temperature and use. In addition to using in the pudding cake recipe, this is great served over ice cream, angel food or pound cake, pancakes, or French toast.

Lemon Sauce

1 cup hot water

3 tablespoons melted butter

3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Mix together water, butter, and lemon juice. In another bowl, whisk sugar, flour, and cornstarch together. Stir wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth.

- Kelly S.

What can your eyebrows do for you? Solve all your problems? No, but they’re guaranteed to frame your face beautifully, enhance the shape of your eyes...and maybe even add a twinkle!

How do you find the perfect shape? Let me share the brow “rules” with you, but I want you to follow them loosely using your own shape as your guide. The idea is to embrace what you’ve got!

The Tools:

My preference has always been to use a pair of tweezers. The Tweezerman brand is my favorite. They are well-made with stainless steel and easy to find in any local drugstore. You might prefer the slant style because it is easy to lift each hair without poking and irritating the delicate skin around the eye area.

Unlike hot wax, tweezing allows for more control to tweeze one hair at a time (and believe me--one hair can make a difference!) You may have heard shaving your brows is an option, but I suggest never go down that road!

Also, a magnifying mirror helps tremendously when tweezing those tiny hairs. If you are in a bind and don't have one, just sit as close as you can to your bathroom mirror. (Yes, I have resorted to climbing on top of the counter to get a good look!)

The Method:

1. Get Set: Brush brow hairs upward to see if any are too long or just decided to let loose on their own path. Trim these with cuticle scissors or even small nail clippers (no plucking here).

2. The in-between: Do not remove the hair in between your brows or above the brow. Feel free to take care of a few stray hairs, but by plucking more, you risk creating an odd and imbalanced shape by going too far in. You will look more natural and effortless leaving that area alone. However, if you have a true uni-brow make sure the beginning of the brow lines up with the center of the nostril.

3. The Arch: The brow should begin its arch over the back third of the eye. But again, use your

own shape to determine the most natural place to begin a slight arch. Tweeze one hair at a time and go slowly. Although tempting, try not to over tweeze! Avoid creating a skinny line with little to no hair. Anything too severe or dramatic can give you an unnatural or surprised appearance. Inspired by the 40’s Hollywood screen siren look, my attempt at the Greta Garbo skinny brow was a disaster! If you happen to over-tweeze, all is not lost. Stop tweezing completely for several weeks while applying a brow serum. This was my regime after the 40’s fiasco. Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum helped me with the regrowth process.

4. Filling in the Brow: If you have thin or sparse brows, fill them in to enhance and define while still looking natural. Choose a pencil that is smooth in a shade that closely matches your brows (I love Clinique’s Superfine Liner for brows). A brow powder is another option which works nicely. A third option is a tint. It is applied with a wand and looks like a mascara brush. Try a few to find what works best for you. Also using a combination of two products is beneficial as you can soften any “hardness” the pencil leaves behind.

Using short, light strokes begin in the center of the brow and move outward. Use the hair you have and work with that. Try not to “draw” brows where you don’t have them. However, if you need to “draw” a line to extend the brow, do so modestly and remember the eyebrow should follow the entire length of the eye but not extend into the temple area. Expect some trial and error! Take your time in the beginning to find the best combination and color. It will be worth it!

- Sarah E.

The Eye {Brows} Have It!

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a product review, please ask!

Send an email to sarah@yourtownie.com!

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Road TripWakulla Springs

To some, Wakulla County is a small dot on the map located somewhere between “unimportant” and “where’s that?” Perhaps most famously, it’s known as, “that little place you drive through to get to St. George Island.” However, it’s here that a natural gem lies hidden inside a labyrinth of longleaf pines and southern magnolias.

If you’re up for a day of exploring, then pack a backpack, throw on your bathing suit and lather on some sunscreen. We’re skipping the beach and heading somewhere unique!

You’ll start by heading south on 319, making the hour and a half trek down to Edwin Ball State Park nestled in the Wakulla State Forest. Roll your windows down, turn on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the sunshine! Make sure you stop by one of the many boiled peanut stands and get yourself a jumbo cup. By the time you’ve tossed all your shells out the window, you will have arrived at your destination, Wakulla Springs. Being home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this aquatic wonder is overflowing with rich history and adventures to discover.

You can start the day by exploring the historic lodge. Built by financier Edward Ball in 1937, the lodge was hand-crafted into a luxury hotel never seen before in the Florida Panhandle. Ball set out to preserve his beautiful discovery and sustain its wonder for years to come. The lodge has since seen soldiers from World War II, Hollywood movie stars, and thousands of visitors each year. Take a moment to look around the lobby which features marble, heart cypress, and an intricate wildlife mural painted on the ceiling. If you’re early enough, have a taste of the grand southern breakfast served in the dining room.

After marveling at the architecture and exquisite cuisine, head down to the swimming area. Here you will find the crystal clear bubbling spring. Stick your toes in the water, but be prepared to have a cold foot! The spring pumps out around 250 million gallons of water a day at an almost constant chilly temperate of 69 degrees. From there, you will be standing on top of the largest mapped underground cave system in the United States, linking the springs to Leon Sinks. It is the fourth largest in the entire world. Take some time basking in the sun, jumping off the high dive, and viewing the fish and rock formations while snorkeling. Don’t worry, you get used to the freezing cold water. In fact, during the hot summers months, it’s as refreshing as it gets.

Once you’ve dried off and grabbed a snack, hop aboard one of the riverboat tours. If the river is clear, you may even get to board a glass bottom boat. You will spend the next hour floating down the Wakulla River on one of the most visited attractions in the area. A lively and knowledgeable tour guide will make you an expert on the wildlife, ecology, and fabled tales of the river by the time the ride is over. You’ll encounter a plethora of creatures on your journey from alligators, to turtles, herons and more. You will also learn what parts of the river made Hollywood history. Tarzan, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Airport 77 were just a few of the famous features that were filmed at Wakulla Springs. Your last stop will be the high dive where kids will vie for your applause for their canon ball showcase.

When your feet are back on solid ground, it’s time for a summertime favorite. The gift shop is famous for its ice cream, which is prepared on the world’s largest known marble bar totaling a whopping 70 feet, three inches. While you lick away at your three scoops of chocolate praline, pay a visit to Old Joe the alligator, the park’s unofficial mascot. Legend has it that he lived to be 300 years old! He was beloved by the locals until he was shot and killed in 1966 by poachers. However, he lives on forever encased in the gift shop as a tribute to Wakulla Springs’ stance on wildlife advocacy. You can also read about the mastodon bones that were recovered by archeologists from the basin in 1931. The reconstructed skeleton now stands in the Florida Museum of History in Tallahassee.

The gift shop should leave your brain full of the area’s history and culture, and your tummy equally as satisfied. The time has come to make the trip back home after a zestful day.

Now, if you’re still wondering what you’re going to do this summer, then get out there! Take a day trip to Wakulla Springs and soak up all that it has to offer. It is the perfect summer experience that gets you away from mundane activities and stimulates your wild side. You can even make it a weekend getaway with onsite camping options and the lodge accommodations. Sometimes it’s the unknown dot on the map that provides us with the greatest memories.

For more information on the park, visit www.floridastateparks.com/wakullasprings/ or call 850-561-7276. Their hours of operation are from 8am to sundown, 365 days a year.

- Chaise B.

A Father’s Day query: What are your favorite memories of Dad? Happy Father’s Day Townies! – Ben

Blackberries, shade, and water with my father in the summertime… hoeing the peanuts, even today, I can hear the echo of his voice: “Be good to yourself, son. Take a break and rest at the end of the row.” - Marshall S.

“June. If you ever find a perfect church, don’t join it. (Why?) It won’t be perfect anymore.” - June W.

When I was very young my Dad read me a little book titled, Waste Not, Want Not, I don’t remember much what was in the book, but that little phrase has stayed with me and guided me in about everything. - Peggy Q.

My father was a quiet man who loved sports, fishing and golfing. I would go with him to the rivers at the state park to trout fish, but was not interested in his love of golf; I left that to my sister. - Nancy T.

Years ago I had a job I didn’t like. So, I asked my Dad if he’d ever had a job he did not like. He answered, “Yes, but not for long.” - Ralph F.

There are more without than are with a father, be a mentor for Jesus. - Michael J.

Saturday morning fishing trips, and the best part of our time together was the ride to the lake and the ride home. We had some of the most thoughtful discussions I can remember. - Melvin H.

If my brother and I did not get out of bed as quickly as he thought we should, he would say "You'll scratch a poor man's head as long as you live". - Dr. Cal R.

The greatest gift I ever had came from God. I call Him Dad. - Ralph F. (author unknown)

Watching his courage in the face of death was the last and most important lesson he ever taught his children - Emily S.

My Dad and I shared a special bond together watching Westerns, like Gunsmoke, together. As I grew, I enjoyed the “mushy” stuff more than the action, yet I always recall those special times we had. - Patricia J.

Quoted in the ‘Ville

HyPhü by Benjamin Gardner

Father's Day is June 16th.

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Dance Card.

JUNE 6-19 VOLUME 3

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June 6

Bobby Rush LiveBradfordville Blues Club, 9p

2014 Grammy Award-nominated blues artistin Tallahassee: 7152 Moses Lane

Tickets at bradfordvilleblues@comcast.net or(850) 906-0766

June 7

YMCA Scholarship FundraiserFeaturing the Atlanta Showstoppers

UNO Hill Barn, Pebble Hill Plantation, 7pTickets $75, available at Everett-Milton

and Butler Mason YMCA Centers

June 9

Butlers on Broad ribbon cutting, 9aCome welcome Broad Street’s newest boutique

And peruse unique gifts for everyoneFree & open to the public

June 10

June Letter Writing Club at the Bookshelf6p – 7p, stamps & stationery providedCome on out and indulge in the good

Old-fashioned art of letter writing!

June 19

Whet Your PalletteDrawing with Jennifer Clinard

209 West Remington Avenue, 6:30p – 8:30pBring a friend and a favorite beverage!

Tickets $25 and include all supplieswww.thomasvillearts.org

- Annie B.The Bookshelf

ready to topple over at any given moment. Me Before You has come recommended over and over again by blog readers and customers,and I finally dove in a couple of weeks ago. SO GOOD. You guys were right. And here’s the good news: Moyes has a brand new one coming out in July. If you’re like me, though, and you haven’t read Moyes yet, start with Me Before You, an unconventional love story you won’t be able to put down.

The One & Only by  Emily  Giffin. I waxed philosophical about this one in The Bookshelf ’s customer email a week or so ago, but it’s worth briefly mentioning again. Giffin is normally cut-and-dried chick lit; enjoyable, yes, but not always my favorite. Her new book is the exception. The One & Only is Giffin’s best work by far, and I think it really showcases her talent as a writer. The One & Only introduces readers to a tiny Texas town obsessed with college football – sound familiar at all? – and the ethics that come into play with college athletes, the media, and money. Fans of Friday Night Lights – and you are, right? Because who wouldn’t be? – will love this one. (I finished it in just a few hours.)

Frog Music by  Emma  Donoghue. Full disclosure: I haven’t finished this one yet. I bought my copy at Parnassus at the beginning of May, and I’ve been slowly making my way through. It’s not that Frog Music is a dull book; it’s just a little slower based than Donoghue’s first book, Room, which I adored. I wasn’t anticipating such a completely different work from her, but two novels certainly display her range as an author. Frog Music is historical fiction, and thus far, it’s well done, but it does move a little more slowly. Savor this one all month long.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I found the YA book of the summer! We Were Liars is completely intriguing and suspenseful; the prose is almost poetic, and the story is perfect beach read material. Seventeen-year-old Cadence Sinclair spends her summers on her family’s private island where the houses have names and perfect appearances must be maintained. But things have changed, and Cadence doesn’t know why. That’s all I’m going to tell you, because really: The less you know about this book going in, the better. You’re welcome in advance.

Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe. I’m including this one on my May list, even though I haven’t finished and we’re now a week into June. Love, Nina is nonfiction, despite the cover, which I think does the book a bit of a disservice. The story is written entirely in letters from Nina to her sister Vic back home. Nina, a nanny in London, covers all sorts of antics and anecdotes in her stories to her sister, and knowing they really happened, that the book is a memoir, makes them even more special. This book is unlike anything I’ve read in a while, and if you want to be swept away into another culture – 1980s England, perhaps? – pack this one in your overnight bag.

David LongstreetComix by Laura Floyd

It really takes a miracle to get anything extracurricular done in May, doesn’t it? May is the month in which we all attend graduations, recitals, performances, birthday parties, and weddings, until we’re passed out from exhaustion, incapable of another thought or breath. Here’s the good news: It’s June, and there is no better time in the South to settle down with a good book. The temperatures are rising, and the humidity is stifling, and by August, no one will care even a little bit if you stretch out half-dressed underneath a ceiling fan for hours at a time.

Before you melt into a heat-induced stupor, though, stock up with summer reading. (Your kids are doing it, and you should too!) Here’s my list of May reads to keep you busy:

Delancey by Molly Wizenberg. I read Delancey in the few hours between here and Nashville when my brother graduated from grad school earlier this month. Wizenberg is a long-time favorite – her first memoir, A Homemade Life, is one I consistently recommend, and now I can add Delancey to that list. Wizenberg is a food writer, but her books are so much more than that. Delancey is advertised as the story of her and her husband’s decision to open up a pizza place in their neighborhood, but honestly? Delancey is about a marriage. A marriage, and small business ownership, two things I happen to care an awful lot about. This book is delightfully written, but it’s also thought-provoking and immensely helpful for someone like me, who’s juggling a marriage and a new business. Have an entrepreneurial spirit and a taste for good food? This one’s for you.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I’m late to this train; I know. I’m not even sure what my excuse is, except… oh right, I own my own business and my nightstand currently has a stack of 10 books

Got a tip for the Townie? Shoot us an email: editor@yourtownie.com

FLAUNT 2014:Pop It Up! is Coming!Every September, FLAUNT art exhibitions draw thousands of folks to downtown throughout the month, and this year’s FLAUNT 2014: Pop It Up! is lining up to be huge.

Thomasville Center for the Arts and the City of Thomasville Office of Main Street & Tourism, in partnership with Hurst Boiler Company will present a plethora of events during the month of September, to celebrate the historical legacy of West Jackson Street and the up-and-coming downtown arts district.

A series of pop-up shops, restaurants, performances and mural art displays will transform West Jackson into a bustling hub on the historic bricks. Through June 30th, the Center for the Arts is accepting applications from those seeking to set up shop and claim a prime downtown location to showcase and promote their foods, art and wares, with the opportunity to make it big. Pop-up shops will be juried, for a Best of Show prize of $1,000 and First Runner Up prize of $500.

Two Pop-Up Mural competitions, one for adult entrants and another for TCA’s Young Artist Collective members will also be juried for cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 for Best of Show and Second Runner-Up winners; Best in Show recipients for all juried competitions will also appear in Thom magazine.

Keep your eyes peeled as things begin to pop up downtown, and in the meantime, pop over to thomasvillearts.org to apply for pop-up space on Jackson Street, or to learn how to volunteer, sponsor, or to become a center member.

- Jennifer W.