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The PlazaSteaks, Seafood & Southern Cuisine

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

WWW.THOMASVILLEPLAZA.COM

8Issue No.Thomasville’s Only Thomasville’s Only

MAY 2 - 15 MAY 2 - 15

FREE FREE

CHUMS

John KiminasJohn and his family moved from Florida to South Georgia to get away from the crowds and to enjoy a simpler lifestyle. John loves living in South Georgia because of the people and all of the great places to go fishing. Recently, John started Jettson Lure Company, where he produces hand-carved fishing lures.

What made you decide to start up a lure business? I love to carve wood and I love to go fishing. I just combined my two favorite pastimes and ended up carving fishing lures.

Where do you like to fish around the ‘Ville? When I am in town, and have a few minutes to spare, I toss a few casts into Cherokee Lake. But what I really like is fishing all of the small hidden creeks and ponds sprinkled throughout the area.

What do you like to do around town when you’re not working? My family and I enjoy participating in the different events that are held by the community, such as the Rose Parade, Victorian Christmas, Hands On Thomas County Day and those kinds of things.

- Jennifer W.

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

Psst… a book fairy will soon be leaving children’s books in the book boxes

around town…

TCA has the walls of Grassroots looking ‘Rustic’ with artwork by the Artist Collective

and a two-man show by Michelle Grindberg & Linda Hall…

Coming June 1st… Butlers on Broad, with a little something for everyone…

Psst…by the end of summer you’ll be able to buy yarn downtown…

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

Facebook...

Whispers.

Don your derby hats and your spring finery, ‘Villians – it’s almost Kentucky Derby time! Join Thomasville Landmarks for this springtime tradition at Pebble Hill’s Uno Hill Barn on Saturday, May 3rd. We may not have an actual horserace in the ‘Ville, but we do have warm weather, live music, linen and seersucker, and most importantly, Derby hats! Before you go, be sure to head to Mimi’s The Look For Less and Kevin’s - both have a wide variety of extravagant toppers for every Southern belle! You’ll need one for the hat contest, after all.

Once you and your dapper date arrive, be sure to grab a mint julep and look over the horses, as you’ll be “betting” on them live via the big screen! If wagering isn’t your waggle, enter the 50/50 raffle, hop in the Photo Fun Booth, or dance the night away to the sounds of Blue Denim, a country, rock, and Motown band straight out of Montgomery, Alabama.

And don’t forget, the Derby Party isn’t just a good time; it’s a good cause! Thomasville Landmarks is responsible for preserving many beautiful and historical local properties that have made the ‘Ville the scenic city it is today. The organization also educates the public about the importance of historic preservation through workshops for both students and teachers, as well as provides historic house plaques. Through the Operation C.A.R.E. program, Landmarks assists economically and physically disadvantaged owners of historic homes with preservation and restoration efforts. All of this is done to further Thomasville Landmarks’ mission to preserve homes that contribute to the historic legacy of our community.

Become a member, support the mission, and purchase tickets to the annual Kentucky Derby Party at http://www.thomasvillelandmarks.org. See you at the races!

- Natalie K.

Come on Out toPebble Hill for the Derby!

Nominate a WonderfulThomasville Woman

Oppenheim Signature Smiles is giving away a world-class pampering package to one deserving Thomasville woman and is encouraging the community to send in nominations now!

This Wonderful Thomasville Woman should contribute selflessly to our community despite her circumstances, give generously despite limited material resources, and in doing these things, inspire generosity and smiles wherever she goes.

If you know a wonderful woman who displays all of the above, and whose smile would radiate her inner light more beautifully with a touch of expert Oppenheim dentistry, nominate her to win the pampering package of a lifetime by extolling her qualifications in 400 words or less.

The winner of the Thomasville Wonderful Woman

Award will receive an Oppenheim Signature Smiles makeover by Dr. Thomas E. Oppenheim; a 30-minute facial, 60-minute massage, spa pedicure and a cut, color and style from Blush Salon; an in-depth wellness consultation including a custom-designed health and nutrition program from Patrice Bullock, Registered Nurse Practitioner and owner of New Genesis Center… and more!

Nominations will be accepted through Thursday, May 29th. E-mail yours to dentalprofessional@rose.net, or drop them in the mail to Oppenheim Signature Smiles, 207 East Jackson Street Thomasville, GA 31792. To learn more, call Oppenheim Signature Smiles at 229-226-1631. For one woman, this package will not only be a well-deserved pampering, but will provide for a life-changing transformation.

- Jennifer W.

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!

For our Mother’s Day issue, Metta Day Spa is offering one lucky mom the chance to win a day of peace and relaxation, and to be the one of the first to experience some of Metta’s new refreshing and rejuvenating spa services.

Tell us in 500 words or less why YOUR mom deserves a luxurious spa day, and she’ll be entered to win a package valued at over $200 including a one-hour massage, an organic and relaxing facial, and Metta’s new Quench manicure and pedicure ritual.

Entries must be received by midnight on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 11th, and the winner will be revealed in our May 16th issue. E-mail all entries to editor@yourtownie.com.

ENTER MOM TO WIN A DAY OF PAMPERING!

The Scoop: Virginia GwynnBook Signing at Loli’s

Mother’s Day, by Virginia Gwynn, is a delightfully interesting read. Once I realized that this was a book of shorts, and not a novel about one single family, I really enjoyed it. At first, I was reading a couple of the stories and couldn’t understand why in one story her name was Nell, but in the other, she was referred to as Betsy. Well, I guess the words “collection of short stories” on the cover were not an immediate giveaway to me, or maybe I was just hoping all the stories were true because they were so interesting.

Gwynn’s book is a well-written collection of mostly Southern tales featuring a variety of different topics. It’s a quick and delightful read for someone who doesn’t have

a lot of time to spare, or for a mom who can only sneak in a quick read while hiding in the bathtub. You could probably read one of the shorter stories right before bed. That’s the great thing about short story collections: you can put the book down at any point, but pick it up later without skipping a beat.

This book would make a fantastic Mother’s Day present for anyone’s mom. In fact, feel free to buy a copy for me to give to my mom. You know what, I’ll even let you tell her that it’s from you because I think she would really enjoy this book. Virginia Gwynn will be signing copies on May 7th from 10a- 2p at Loli’s, 103 North Broad Street.

-Denise P.

Happy Mother’s Day to

All of our Dearest

Townie Moms!

MAY 2 - 15

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 WritersClay Byars

Bunny ByrneJ. L. Cox III

Benjamin GardnerRebekah GiambroniChristopher Jones

Natalie KirboDewey Riou III

Kelly SamekJon 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

month. To advertise, suggest article ideas or contact staff members, please

email editor@yourtownie.com.

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight

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Our Staff

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Trill in the VilleTrill - Urban; Meaning Truly + Real

Mudder. Mommy. Mother. Mum. Madre. Mama. Mom. Different words for the same thing. The woman that gave me life, Pat.

My mom is a funny woman although not always intentionally. She is the type of person that will call me and give me updates on the local death toll. Often she’ll call and read me the obituaries of complete strangers, because she likes to keep me abreast of the population fluctuation. Mom: “Hey, you know [insert name of someone who went to school with my sister who is five years older than me]’s dad/mom?”

Me: “No.”

Mom: “Well he/she died yesterday.”

Me: “That’s sad.”

Fast forward a week...

Mom: “You know [insert name of local townsperson here]? He/she died.”

Me: “Nope. Thanks for letting me know, and that’s terrible.” Shortest conversations, ever.

She also likes to warn me of known and unknown dangers. Allegedly, when I was younger, there was a rash of people stowing away in the back of single women’s cars when they were filling up their gas tanks and abducting them. Now,

I can neither confirm nor deny that this is true, but Mom was convinced that some creep was going to grab me at the Kangaroo and haul me out to the middle of nowhere to murder me. I still freak out when I go to the gas station and worry that someone is going to snatch me up. I’m pretty sure they would dump me out and keep the car or just return me to wherever they found me.

She often reminds me that since I live alone, that someone might come in and murder me. (Side note: Do not take this as an invitation to murder me.) That often is on my radar when I am lying in my bed thinking about all the many ways someone could off me. Knives. Bombs. Ropes. Plastic bags. Waterboarding. Electrocution. My scary feelings often get amplified when I’m watching scary movies. I think, “Man, I should probably call Mom. She’ll talk me down from this...never.”

I was excited when Mom finally started texting, not that I don’t love talking to her about dead people and potentially hazardous situations on the telephone. She texts like a teen, so I often have to Google the translations for her terms. She always has and still does have a signature on her texts just in case I get confused as to who is texting me. “What R we doing 4 Easter?” -Pat “UR lawnmower is fixed.” –Pat. Gotta love her.

Pat is the best cook this side of the Mason-Dixon line. I request her homemade cheesecake on a regular basis. She makes a mean crackling cornbread, which can only

be paired with her mustard greens. There’s nothing Pat can’t or won’t make for her children. She’s a basic Godsend.

She is terribly defensive of my sister and me. When I was a tubby adolescent, a teenage ballpark snack vendor once commented on my portly visage, and I ran off crying to my mom. Pat wasn’t happy and set the kid in his place, probably making him run off crying himself. She often offers, and I decline, to go have a chat with people that hurt my feelings or piss me off. One day, I am going to let her cut loose on someone. Maybe not today...

She’s a great grandmother to my niece and nephew, and I can’t wait for her to raise my own children for me someday. “Hey, Mom, would you like to watch Junior for the next 18 years? Cool, thanks.” I couldn’t ask for a better mother.

I love her more than you can imagine although we have had our differences throughout the years. I will never forget the time that I tried to blame my teenage hickey on falling on a broom. (1) How does that happen? (2) Who would believe that? Answer: (1) It does not happen, and (2) Pat doesn’t fall for those kinds of shenanigans.

This Mother’s Day, I have to extend a warm thanks to Pat for letting me be the person who I am today and never trying to make me someone I am not. I couldn’t have ever gotten this weird without a better mother, and for that, I thank her.

- Denise P.

What could you do with

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

229-227 -1447www.aconfidentsmile.com

Pass the tissues, please. Spring is here and so is the pollen. While the weather is right to get outside and run some 5 and 10k’s and play Frisbee golf at MacIntyre Park, suffering with springtime allergies may keep you firmly planted on the couch with a runny nose, scratchy throat, itchy eyes and then some.

After recently suffering from what I like to call “the crud” (also known as one stuffed nostril, one super-runny nostril, watery eyes and sore throat or some equally awful variation thereof), I wanted to offer up some of my favorite homeopathic sources that help me power through without calling in sick to work.

One of my favorite immune support solutions is called Buried Treasure ACF. It comes in various types: Fast Relief, Prevention, High Potency, Children’s Formula and more. Regardless of the formula I choose, I usually start feeling better within 24 hours. I’ve safely consumed a 16 oz. bottle over a 3 day period and felt about 98% better. It comes in a liquid...it’s a murky color, but it tastes like peppermint mixed with grapes. It might sound gross, but trust me, it’s not bad and tastes far better than any cough syrup I’ve ever had. It contains elderberry, Echinacea, Vitamin C and zinc among many other natural vitamins and minerals that help boost your immune system and fight the crud.

For a runny or stuffy nose and irritated throat, I like Seagate Olive Leaf nose spray and throat spray which contains, you guessed it, olive leaf extract as well as grapefruit seed extract and baptisia, which function together as a natural antibiotic and reduce inflammation. This should help reduce any throat pain and clear those sinuses up.

If you aren’t currently experiencing any issues with your allergies, but know that you are very prone, be sure to seek out a daily vitamin, like Mega II Daily, that is great for immune support and that will help prevent any unnecessary run-ins with the doctor. It’s also a great rule of thumb to make sure you’re staying well-hydrated, consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables, and taking in some local honey to keep your body in sync with our local allergens.

Before heading to the closest drug store chain and guessing at which over-the-counter sinus medicine to buy, you might consider stopping in at The Medicine Man on Smith Avenue or Sweet Basil’s on Pinetree and getting a little local, friendly advice from some the pros. If you give them your list of symptoms, they will gladly help you find what you need to get you feeling better faster. Both businesses offer at least one, if not all of the items I have mentioned, but I always recommend calling ahead to make sure they have your specific product in stock.

After taking in my favorite allergen-reducing products, I’m now back to my regular training program. I didn’t even miss a day of work! My scent receptor is in full force and I’m ready to stop and smell the roses! Happy Spring!

- Abrie S.

Fit as a Fiddle Now that we have passed another winter, ‘sprung’ our clocks forward and washed away the majority of the pollen, we find spring suddenly upon us again. The spring season officially began on March 20 but you can never trust a calendar in Georgia! We welcome the longer days, beautiful flowers, and outdoor activities which make living in South Georgia such a pleasure. Now that Old Man Winter has retired for the year and the dreaded ‘spring cleaning’ has been tackled, we are ready to prepare the house and yard for the season at hand. Spring can also be an ideal time to list your home or update a stale, current listing.

By drawing on my experience and questioning local realtors, I have found the most effective tools in home staging are depersonalizing, de-cluttering, maintenance and maximization of the square footage and storage space. Staging with select pieces of art, furniture and rugs will also give potential home buyers a sense of scale and proportion. This often proves difficult with an empty room and a tape measure. Whether you hire a professional home stager or want to tackle the job yourself, these helpful tips can help you stage your home or listing to its best advantage this spring.

Depersonalizing a home can be a challenging task. This is particularly so if current owners are in residence during the listing and showings. What may seem like a tasteful treasure or a charming child or pet area to some may be off-putting to potential home buyers. We seldom see ourselves as others do. Potential home buyers visualize a space as their own.

A multitude of family photos, children’s toys or ‘piles’ of miscellaneous items need to be stored or at least moved out of sight. This is particularly important in the primary rooms such as the living area, kitchen, dining room and master bedroom and bath. Removing these items will give a sense of openness, thus giving buyers a clean canvas to imagine their own arrangement. This will also eliminate any personal opinions being formed by the potential buyers on the house, décor or current owner’s lifestyle, which could be detrimental to the sale.

A listed home should be de-cluttered. When de-cluttering a space, it is important to know what to remove. For example, if you are a cooking enthusiast, pots and pans, cookbooks or utensil holders on the counters seem a must. However, removing them for the duration of the listing will make the space appear streamlined and user friendly. In a Den or Home Office, personal entertainment items are to be expected, but by removing DVDs, toys and pet items from a living space, it allows the potential buyer a blank slate to build on. Storing away personal care items in the bathroom gives room for their own items in the mind’s eye of the buyer. De-cluttering will make spaces seem larger and give a better flow during an open house thus allowing easy walk through and navigation of the space. Imagine giving a home tour or ask your realtor what the ‘route’ will be. Then walk through the house and remove anything cumbersome or any potential trip hazards. A bruised shin or sprained ankle will definitely get your home remembered but not in a good way! An absence of clutter, large or small, will make showing the home easier and give potential buyers a safe area to view the space…

Stay tuned for part II!

- Davey B.

The Stylish House STAGING OR LISTING YOUR HOME THIS SPRING: PART I

For more information on home staging, furniture rental and rates and availability,

please visit David Bray at www.landfordthompsoninteriors.com.

MAY 2 - 15FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

3Page No.

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

Calgon, take me away. I needed a break from reality and a girls’ weekend, so I packed all of my stuff up and headed down to Amelia Island. I really felt like I had to get the heck out of dodge. My feet were craving contact with the sand, and I needed some Vitamin D.

There are many different ways that you can go to Amelia Island, but I opted for the Thomasville - Valdosta - Jacksonville - Amelia Island route. Otherwise known as 84 to 75-S to I-10 E to 95-N. You can go over the river and through the woods, but I am impatient. I like to drive over 70 MPH, and this is the only route that can guarantee that option.

As a kid, my family always went to Amelia Island and usually to Fort Clinch to camp. I didn’t make that stop this time. Luckily, one of my pals has a condo connection adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton. You wake up and look out and, BOOM, beach. I have good friends with good connections.

There are a few places that you must go on the island. The beach, obviously. It isn’t a beach with white fluffy sand and crystal clear waters, but it’s one heckuva place for a seashell hunter. You can kick up the sand and find almost any type of shell you want. I, for one, am a person who likes to pick up a bunch of seashells so I can put them in some remote cabinet at my house for a crafting project, but who will likely never actually look at them again.

There is a good bit of wildlife, and protected dunes out at the beach. You might get a peak at a sea turtle and possibly some sort of creepy sea snake, but don’t ask me what kind because there is a zero percent chance of me getting a good enough glimpse of it to tell you. There are all sorts of birds, and if you head out to Fort Clinch, you might see some sneaky raccoons.

The best part about Fernandina Beach is that it’s not terribly crowded. Unlike the beaches of the Emerald Coast, Fernandina Beach never gets packed out with people. At the height of the summer it will be busy, but not unmanageably packed. The waves are substantial enough for you to realize you’re actually in the ocean, but as my friend Johnna said, “Not so strong that they drag you out to North Africa.”

Other than the beach, here are some notable places to go in

Amelia Island:

Palace Saloon: This is the oldest continually operating bar in Florida, where you can possibly run into a ghost. Once you’ve gotten a fright, you can pay $12 for some sweet triple rum pineapple Pirate’s Punch in a souvenir cup. Ahhhh tourism.

The Surf: “When it rains, the surf pours.” Essentially this means that the more it rains, the better discount you get. You’ve never prayed for rain so hard in your life. Four inches of rain equals 40% off of your entire bill.

Sliders: This is Fernandina Beach’s only oceanfront tiki bar and dining spot. If you are dragging kids along for the trip, they’ll certainly enjoy the playground and sandbox.

Brett’s Waterway Cafe: You can overlook the boats coming and going, and if you go at sunset, you can get a beautiful view.

Cafe Karibo: My favorite thing about this place is all the feral cats that are running around. Okay, so maybe the cats aren’t always out there, but they’ve been out there enough for me to note them. The outdoor dining there is awesome and tree covered.

The Ritz-Carlton: Possibly my favorite place to get an overpriced drink. The atmosphere is wonderful and the inside of the lobby is gorgeous. Luckily, it was less than a five-minute walk from where I am staying.

My favorite thing about coming here is the nostalgia. It reminds me of so many childhood vacations with my family. My mom used to dive for sand dollars and come up with a ton here. One time, my sister and I got terribly sunburnt and had to slather ourselves in Noxzema for the entire car ride home. We smelled like the tiny female children’s version of an old man covered in Aqua Velva (or at least as I recall Aqua Velva to smell).

Grab up your loved ones and head to the beach here. You won’t regret it.

- Denise P.

Road TripAMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA

ACROSS

1 Salty water masses 5 Explosive 8 Epoch11 Compel to go12 Pooch13 Opaque gem14 Look15 Snacked16 Good on a kabob17 First letter in Hebrew alphabet19 Bare21 X22 Heavy-set24 Rested27 Difficulty

28 On the open plain they will charge & stomp out fires at nighttime30 Image of a person33 Frothy34 Local judge and attorney35 Podmates36 Proof ending37 Book by Homer39 Professional42 Heroic43 Downtown deli and ice cream parlor45 American state50 Otherwise51 Structure for horses at Hands & Hearts

52 Women’s partners53 Legal claim to property54 ___ A Small World...55 Pigpen56 Disadvantage

DOWN

1 Young pig 2 National symbols of America 3 With “Allen” - a local funeral home 4 Flow out slowly 5 Current acronym for what was formerly the “Cultural Center” in Thomasville 6 Spice 7 Maples 8 Government agency 9 Male sheep10 Loose gown worn at mass13 Corrida cheer18 Chinese eatery downtown on E. Jackson and Crawford20 Looks over the book, again23 Bight24 Bro.’s sibling25 Picnic pest26 Doll27 Title of respect29 Owns30 Lawyer’s title31 Charge32 Federal government (abbr.)33 Congressional vote35 Demostrate38 Downtown eatery39 Crippling disease40 Dept store and flora41 Tournaments42 Long time44 Tiny body part45 Kimono sash46 Derby47 Tax agency49 One of these

Answers on our website @ www.ThomasvilleTownie.com

townie crossword

WORD BANK: aka, alb, aleph, allen, ant, any, ate, barn, bay, cell, cur, eagle, effigy, else, eon, epa, epic, era, esp, fed, fee, hale, has, hat, hongyip, iliad, irs, its, lamb, liams, lien, loss, men, mere, nutmeg, obese, obi, ogle, ohio, ole, opal, opens, peas, picket, polio, pro, qed, ram, rereads, rhino, roses, sat, scoop, seas, seep, seery, shoat, sir, sis, snag, sty, tca, ten, tnt, toy, trees, yea, yeasty

In celebration of Mother’s Day we asked, What is your fondest memory of your mother? Happy Mother’s Day, Townies!

“She would sing in the kitchen while she watched me play in the yard.” – Susan M.

“When she would bake, her cakes always came out lop-sided and it was always “the oven’s fault.” But I never had to worry about meeting some unrealistic high expectations because my mother never hid her flaws.” – Dara B.

“Her reading to me when I was young.” – Drew R.

“My grandmother raised me and she ran a grocery store. When I was very young, I can remember her holding my hand and walking me to that grocery store where she would buy me pickled pigs’ feet. I’d never eat them now, but we liked them then.” – William D.

“Every Sunday she and I would put our “comfy clothes” on and sit down and read together. It meant so much to me that I now do it with my kids.” – Brandy K.

“My fondest memory of my mother is when I saw her hold my son for the first time as an infant. There was such love in her.” – Sandy M.

“She always ‘reserved’ the single bathroom in our house on Sunday afternoon and we all had to wait ‘patiently’ to use it.” – Adam F.

“Her caring manner.” – John T.

“My mom always had a special snack ready for me when I came home from school: apple and celery with peanut butter, cheese she cut out into stars or hearts or fruit shish kebabs. I knew she really cared because she took the time to make my snack instead of giving me something prepackaged.” – Elaine M.

“Her good cookin’ after church. The whole family came over for it.” – Paul S.

“She always made us pray before bed. I thought it was dumb as a kid, but I see the importance now.” – Sharon B.

“She always kissed my “boo-boo’s.” I think it really did make them stop hurting.” – Brittany C.

- Rebekah G.

Quoted in the ‘Ville

A few months ago I enrolled in a program that was designed to lower my blood pressure and weight, increase mental activity, reduce stress and promote better sleep. To achieve these results the program focused on foods with more sustainable sources of energy—foods that have a lower glycemic index, like fresh vegetables, nuts, fresh fruit, beans and lean sources of animal protein. One meal I discovered to be hearty and satisfying is black-eyed peas, grilled asparagus and roasted garlic. The garlic is the kicker- it’s like melted buttery candy. I prepare the peas first since they take the longest to cook, followed by the garlic and then the asparagus.

Black-Eyed Peas

1 pound of dried black-eyed peas- when in season fresh peas are available at Lewis produce already shelled or frozen.

1 tablespoon each of minced garlic, smoked Hungarian paprika, chili powder, chives & parsley.

2 tablespoons of Bragg’s Liquid Amino- Sweet Basil’s

8 cups of water

Rinse black-eyed peas in a colander and let drip-dry. Turn an eye on the stove to high, fill an eight-quart stockpot with 8 cups of water and place on the stove. Add peas, spices and Bragg’s Amino to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let mixture rest for one hour.

Roasted Garlic

Two large heads of garlic- Lewis Produce

4 tablespoons of Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel off any broken layers of the garlic bulb skin, leaving most of the skin intact. Drizzle a couple teaspoons of olive oil over each head, coating them well. Wrap the heads in aluminum foil, wrap in two layers if using thinner foil. Place heads in a cast iron skillet or a baking dish and bake at 400°F for 45 minutes, or until the cloves feel soft when pressed. Let the cloves cool for a few minutes before ripping into those suckers. It’s hard to resist peeling away the skin and eating the soft warm clove, which is so soft you could spread it on toast like butter.

Grilled Asparagus

1 pound bundle of fresh baby asparagus- Lewis Produce

2 tablespoons each of olive oil and minced garlic

1 tablespoon of smoked Hungarian paprika

2 tablespoons of Bragg’s Liquid Amino- Sweet Basil’s

Pepper to taste

Wash, dry and cut or snap off the tough bases from asparagus; place spears in a shallow twelve-inch baking dish. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the dry spices and garlic on the asparagus and gently rub in to coat. Drizzle the Bragg’s on the asparagus. Turn grill on high and place asparagus directly onto the grill for three to five minutes or to desired tenderness.

- Clay B.

Farm to Table

Farm to TableHEARTY BLACK-EYED PEAS +

ROASTED GARLIC + GRILLED ASPARAGUS

Fit as a Fiddle

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Dance Card.

MAY 2 - 15 VOLUME 3

FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE8Issue No.

MAY 2 - 15VOLUME 3

FREE FREE

May 2 - 4TOSAC presents The Jungalbook

Kipling’s classic adapted for the stage, directed by Marc Cramer

8p on Friday and Saturday, 2p on Saturday and Sunday

Adults $12, students $10, www.tosac.com or at the door

May 3Thomasvile Landmarks’

2014 Kentucky Derby PartyUno Hill Barn, Pebble Hill Plantation, 5p – 11p

Derby, dinner and dancing; sponsorships availableTickets: $75 pp, www.thomasvillelandmarks.org.

May 7Book Signing with Mother’s Day

author Virginia GwynnLoli’s Invitations & Things, 10a - 2p

103 North Broad Street

May 9Book Signing with Libbie Summers10:30a – 1p, Author of Sweet & Vicious:

Cooking with AttitudeFirefly, 125 South Broad Street,

www.fireflyhome.com

May 9 - 1041st Annual Thomasville Music & Drama

Troupe Spring Show100 young performers present an assortment

of beloved songs8p, Thomasville Municipal Auditorium,

144 East Jackson Street

May 10Book signing with Julia Reed & Furlow

Gatewood, 1p – 3pFirefly, 125 South Broad StreetPre-order One Man’s Folly: The

Exceptional Houses of Furlow GatewoodBy calling (229) 226-6363, www.fireflyhome.com

May 15Whet Your Palette: Collage with Amanda Wilke

6:30p - 8:30p, 209 West Remington AvenueBring a friend, a beverage of choice

and learn to collage!$25: includes all supplies, www.thomasvillearts.org

amerisbank.com

I remember all of my graduation days, remember them vividly and acutely – all the awkwardness & excitement, the promise of the future, the uncertainty. I get nostalgic just watching fictional

graduation scenes: Ione Skye in Say Anything; Rory’s valedictory speech in Gilmore Girls; even Ferris Bueller taking the day off… they each make me want to toss my cap in the air all over again. They almost make me want to go back to high school. (Almost. You guys, I’m not insane.)

Of course, this bout of nostalgia got me thinking about the books that take us back to high school, to college, to those days of intense humiliation and personal growth; the days when the highest of highs and the lowest of lows could occur within moments of each other.

I think I’ve come up with a pretty good list, which is fitting, since this weekend is graduation weekend for so many people I know. I’ll be in Nashville, honoring my brother’s exit from graduate school, and both TU and FSU will be bidding adieu to their grads this weekend.

So, graduates, this one’s for you. You can thank me later.

Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. A friend of mine and I have quite the debate going on which Salinger books are best. He’s a big fan of The Catcher in the Rye (who isn’t?), but my heart has long resided with the dysfunctional Glass family highlighted in Franny and Zooey. One thing we can agree on? “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” is one of the best short stories ever written. I’m recommending Franny and Zooey, but my friend might be right: You can’t beat Holden Caulfield for some good old teenage angst. Hipsters have nothing on Holden.

The Circle by Dave Eggers. I love Dave Eggers, and his new novel, The Circle, is dark and funny and realistic and eerie. It’s a must-read for college grads entering the “real world” – and for those of us who have been there, done that. The Circle is a telling portrait of the desperation we feel as we search for meaningful careers, and it’s a glimpse at the technology-based reality we’re all forming for ourselves. I’m going to go ahead and recommend this for everyone, graduation on the horizon or not.

X vs. Y: A Culture War, A Love Story by Eve and Leonora Epstein. This new nonfiction book is a fun one to have on the shelf if you’re a member of either featured generation; both Xers and millennials will enjoy laughing at themselves, reminiscing about what makes each generation so great (or not-so-great, depending on your year of birth). Feature this one at a dinner party, and the debates will ensue.

The Explanation for Everything by Lauren Grodstein. Maybe it’s due to my own experiences at a small, Christian, liberal arts university, but Grodstein’s novel about Andy Waite, a biology professor and evolutionist, and Melissa, a young Christian writing a paper on intelligent design, immediately took me back to my college years. The book takes turns I couldn’t predict, but one thing is certain: Grodstein’s writes well, and the story is compelling enough that I finished, happily.

The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani. DiScalfani was given a million dollar advance for her debut novel, and listen: Every penny she received was earned. DiScafani – who’s a Southerner herself – writes beautifully and accurately about the South. As a native Floridian, I’m not sure I’ve read anyone who describes central and north Florida better. The novel follows 15-year-old Thea Atwell into her exile from her home in Florida to an equestrienne boarding school in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Coming-of-age at its finest.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I know you’re rolling your eyes right now, because we all had to read this in high school, and revisiting the classics seems unnecessary, given all the books left to discover. But The Great Gatsby is really the original when it comes to peer pressure and fitting in and the girl that got away. Read it, then watch Baz Luhrmann’s film version, if only to be blown away by the excess of it all.

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

editor@yourtownie.com

- Annie B.The Bookshelf

www.HandsOnThomasCounty.org facebook.com/HandsOnThomasCounty

student

PROJECT IMPACT 2014 SUMMER SERVICE CAMP JUNE 9TH-Thru 13TH

For rising 6th-9th grades. $75 per camper. More information and registration at

229.226.5200 or info@handsonthomascounty.org

Farm to Table

Farm to Table

TENNESSEE JAM CAKE WITH PENUCHE ICING

Admittedly, I have not spent much of my life in Tennessee, the state where I was born, and yet I was surprised to learn of jam cake only recently. If you, too, have not yet had the pleasure, just imagine a spice cake that’s been taken captive by a praline. Some recipes call for raisins or nuts to be added to the cake batter, but I prefer the slightly tart crumb go head-to-head with the rich, candy-like frosting without distractions.

Jam Cake

2 3/4 cups cake flour (such as Swans Down)

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 pinch ground cloves

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fruit jam—Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop

3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

3/4 cup Sparkman’s Cream Valley butter, at room temperature—Lewis Produce

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper circles, and grease again. In a bowl or onto parchment paper, sift together flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside. Stir jam into buttermilk and set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until just incorporated. Add dry mixture in three additions alternately with the buttermilk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and tap pans on counter to make sure batter is evenly distributed in pans. Bake until center is just set and tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 32-35 minutes. Set cake pans on wire racks; let cool for 10 minutes. Turn cakes onto racks to finish cooling. Let cool completely before frosting.

Penuche Icing

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/3 cup milk

2 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, stirring continuously for two minutes. Stir in milk. Return to a boil, stirring constantly, and then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool to lukewarm temperature, then gradually sift in confectioners’ sugar and stir until smooth. You can adjust consistency with a little additional milk or confectioners’ sugar as appropriate. Work quickly to assemble, fill, and frost the cake layers while the icing is warm. A silicone spatula works well, and implements can be warmed in hot water if necessary to assist in smoothing the icing on the cake.

- Kelly S.

HY-Dü by Benjamin Gardner + David Longstreet

CLASSIFIEDSFOR RENT: Charming bungalow within walking distance of Broad Street shops. Three bedrooms, two full baths, IKEA kitchen, two-car garage. 2013 renovation won Landmarks award. $1100. Call Mark at 816-786-8561Got something you think other Townies would want? Advertise it with a classified ad in your favorite local paper! Email ads@yourtownie.net for more information.

Comix by Laura Floyd

Thomasville Music & Drama

Troupe to Delight Moms

Spring is sprung, the grass is ‘riz, and upon us the Bacchanalia is. After the Rose Show, here comes Mother’s Day Weekend and Thomasville’s 41st Annual Spring Showcase of regional teenaged talent. With dozens of young performers, the

Music and Drama Troupe does classics, Billboard top-40 hits, even standards and classical offerings with choreography tailored to charm you warm and designed to bring the happy to Mama’s feet.

The dates are set, May 10th and 11th at 8pm, at Thomasville Municipal Auditorium (144 East Jackson Street); check in with a phone call 229-558-9470 to confirm, as well as for advance tickets and further information. The last Christmas show was delightful, thus every indicator is a “go” that this year’s Spring Show will be in keeping with the Troupe’s long tradition of successful staging and musical entertainment. Further info: troupe@rose.net.

- Benjamin G.

The CENTERis currently seeking artists forFLAUNT:2014 Pop It Up!

mural competition.Artists will compete for cash

and a magazine spread in Thom magazine - for more info call Darlene Blackman at (229) 221-

1859. Deadline: June 30th.