Much Ado About Something

Servant Leaders Serving Others

The Sue Marie and Bill Turner Servant Leadership Gala brought out the who’s who from the tri-community area for the Pastoral Institute’s fish annual event. Thes year’s honorees, Jo Ann and Frank Brown, were a natural choice for the recognition with Frank serving as president of Columbus State University for 20 years and Jo Ann who is known throughout the region for her child advocacy work.

Several hundred well-wishers joined in the evening’s festivities including Rick and Cindy Alexander, Len Williams, Bill and Nancy Reeves, Jack and Fontaine Jenkins, Tripp and Alice Wade, Jimmy Elder, Fray and Margaret McCormick, Mint and Robert Flowers, Tom and Sherry Wade, Walter and Ruth Calhoun, Julie and Greg Johnson, Teddie and Mike Ussery, Pat Biegler, Linda Hadley, Gina Sheeks, Jim and Nancy Buntin, Tom Waynick, Lawrence Laska, Stella and John Bucholz, Linda and John Shinkle, Cindy and Spencer Garrard, Mary Reed, Kay Saunders, Katie and Wright Waddell, Gwen Ruff, Will and Beth Burgin and Alfred and Courtney Blackmar, as well as Ruth and Marvin Schuster who were the recipients of the recognition in 2014. The crowd was awed by the passion of guest speaker Patrick Kennedy, who impressed the audience with his on-going commitment as a leading political advocate for people with mental illness, addiction and brain diseases.

As Gala Chairs Cindy and Jay Sparks presented the Browns with the award, Frank reacted with typical humbleness. “Thes is not an award about Frank and Jo Ann, this is an award about serving others. It’s the name of the game, and it really is a way of life in Columbus.”

Family members of Bill Turner and the late Sue Marie turned out in force to honor the Browns and the award’s namesakes including Cathey Turner, Lane and Chandler Riley, Marie Moshell, Sallie and John Martin, Worth Williams, Justin and Katie Krieg, Steve and Kent Butler, Brad and Sally Turner, Betsy and Al Ramsay and John and Amanda Turner.

We're Not In Kansas

Anymore, Folks

If you’re one of those people who still complain, “there’s nothing to do here” then you need to SHUSH! If anyone doubts the tri-community’s uptick in coolness factor, that notion was seriously disproved with the first Way Down Film Festival. I adore folks who dream big—and DO big—like the founders of the Festival, Jacy Jenkins, Cora King and Stacy Cunningham. A two-day festival featuring film shorts from all over the country, the event started off with a swanky Sunset Reception that drew a ton of folks including Buddy Nelms and Tamara Edwards, Masoud Arabi, Crystal Shahid, Trip Tomlinson, Najee Dorsey, Robin Trimarchi, Molly Smith, Natalie and Pete Temegsen, John Houzer, Amy Bryan, Crystal Trawick, David and Susan White, Kim Jinks, Rob and Meg Poydasheff, Tamika McKenzie, Peter and Valerie Bowden, Josina and Derrick Greene, Hope Phillips, Josh and Ashley Becker, Susan Cheney and Bo Bartlett.

Scott Phillips did a fabulous job with the Q&A sessions held with all the filmmakers enjoyed by all including Kathy Blanda, Brad Clements, London Mahogany, Malon and Laura Wickham, Paul Pierce, Richard and Dorris Bishop, Allen Levi and Katonga Wright. In addition to receiving accolades from attendees, the festival is already garnering great national reviews. FilmFreeway ranked the Festival as one of the Top 100 among more than 4,000 film festivals and creative contests around the world. Thes is a huge boon for Columbus’ escalating film community so go ahead and mark your calendar for next year’s festival!

The Students Are the Real Artists

The Muscogee County Library Foundation held its second Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser featuring wine tastings, food samplings, shopping from numerous

a . Sara Varner Anne Jones

(top right) Not to be left out of the festivities, 31 local men volunteered as Sole Men; (bottom) Marsha McLaurin, Janice Hudson, Nancy Burgin and Jo McDaniel

It was an honor for me to be the narrator for A Harvest of Sound, the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus’ Fall concert. The young musicians were incredible to work with—their dedication, passion and commitment to their playing is a privilege to watch—and to listen! Led by Conductor Jim Palmer, the orchestra and ensemble performed with aplomb including Principals Jazmine Howard, Connie Tran, Pavel Pivarshev, Sierra Eastridge, Kaela Mercer, Kristal Colberg, Hannah Tates, Zachary Richardson, Daniel Holmes, Kevin Yanoschik and Jessica Odum. Prior to the concert, there was a silent auction with artwork donated by Columbus Artists’ Guild. I love this concept of adult artists supporting young artists! As always with the Guild, the artwork, done by local artists, was interesting and diverse. Folks enjoying the auction included Karen and David Lewis, Kathleen Mason, Ron Wirt, Stephanie Payne, Bruce and Judy Howard, Rob St. Clair, Catherine Blades, Joseph and Emily Brannon, Jan Hyatt, Steve Sawyer, Steve Pace, Stephanie Payne, Dusty Wellborn, Rex and Lynn Whiddon, Joe and Christine Zanga and Adelyn Scott.

Jack and Jill of Columbus Celebrates Fifty Years

The local chapter of Jack and Jill of America was started by 17 women at the height of the civil rights movement in Columbus. These local mothers banded together to inspire their children, expose them to educational, leadership, cultural and service opportunities and groom them for success. The group, now one of the most successful and award-winning chapters in the nation, celebrated its 50^th anniversary with a gala that honored their charter members including Helen Barnhart, Thelma Baskin, Mary Lee Bussey, Josephine Baugh, Elizabeth Gibson, Ruth Lewis, Sally Lunsford, Inez Morris, Lula Lunsford Odom, Gertha Stafford, Mary Frances Stephens, Mildred Terry and Jeannette Wilson.

Sadly, many of the founders have passed away, but, “… their children—many of whom are active now as mothers—carry on their legacy” said Kornisha Brown, past president of the local chapter and a regional office for Jack and Jill. Two local icons were honored at the Gala. Charter member Juanita Booker received the Living Legacy award and Robert Wright, received the Community Champion award. Wright’s late wife, June Wright was a former President of the organization. Other Gala goers included current President Audrey Tillman who was there with husband Chip and son Wesley, who is teen president for the Jack and Jill Southeastern region, Rodney and Dierdre Mahone, Dover Roberts, Crystal and Zak Shahid, Deidre Williams, Teresa Tomlinson, Lula and Charles Huff, Patricia Elridge and Rodney Close.

Courtroom Honors

The School of Law at the University of Georgia honored three generations of the Butler family with the dedication of the James E. Butler Courtroom in the school’s Rusk Hall. The dedication honors James E. Butler, Jim Butler Jr. and Jeb Butler III. At the ceremony, a portrait of Jim Butler was also unveiled. Jim is a generous supporter of the law school, especially through scholarships but also as an advocate. Dean of the Law School Bo Rutledge noted that Butler is investing in future generations. “Thanks to Jim’s generosity, present and future law students will hone their advocacy skills and learn from judges in the courtroom bearing his family’s name and be reminded of a great courtroom lawyer and the values he represents.” Well-deserved accolades Jim!

It Remains a Classic

The annual football game between Fort Valley State and Albany State is one of Columbus’ enduring traditions. There’s the parade before the game, then there’s some serious tailgating and then, you have the game. All of that is preceded by a networking mixer, Cuffloks and Pearls, which is always a big hit. Co-chairs Crystal Shahid and Josina Greene outdid themselves this year, impressing guests who included Isaiah Hugley, Raveeta Addison, Audrey Tillman, Zak Shahid, Teresa Whitaker, VJ and Oz Roberts, Brian Anderson, Travis Chambers, Ahkelia Copeland, Mercedes Parham, Teddie Reese, Bruce Huff, Evelyn Turner, Ben Richardson, Cedric and Daphne Hill, Rodie Lamb, William Taylor, Greg Hudgison and Mitzi and Stacey Jackson. At the event, Classic Chairman Calvin Smyre presented Dr. Robert Wright with the 2016 Trailblazer Award, a most deserved honor.

Master Circle Dinner Features

Masterful Centerpieces

“River Song: Treasures of the Chattahoochee” was the theme of this year’s Columbus Museum Master Circle Dinner. Co-hostesses for the evening Eleanore Townsend and her mother Kathy Smith exceeded all expectations with the centerpieces that they and their committee including Dusty Wellborn, Ansley Forsberg, Ross Harper, Betsy Leebern, Jenifer McCoy, Catherine Senn and Helen Johnson created. Guests Janice and Ken Townsend, Chris Harmon, Patty Taylor, Karen and David Lewis, Melissa Thomas, Suzy Edge, Chris and Ken Henson and Sandy and Otis Scarborough were in awe as they viewed the many interpretations of our beautiful river, complete with waterfowl and living fish!

Museum Director Marianne Richter and her team really made donors feel appreciated at this 27^th Master Circle event.

Fifty Fabulous Years

HC Executive Director Elizabeth Barker, HC Chairman of the Board George Flowers and HC President Will Burgin

Catherine Trotter (L) and Helen Neal at the Golden Jubilee

Jack and Libbie Key with Golden Jubilee guest speaker, journalist Tom Brokaw (C)

Historic Columbus wrapped up its 50th anniversary year with a Golden Jubilee dinner at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. (Top) Jo Anne and Bobby daughter son- - Jenna ;

State Representative Chris Blackshear, Russell County Commissioner Chance Corbett, Russell County Commission Chair Peggy Martin, Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe and Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. dedicate “The Phoenix,” by internationally renowned artist Dr. Huo Bao Zhu. The statue, a gift from the University to the city of Phenix City and its residents, sits along the city’s riverwalk and symbolizes the rebirth seen within the community, especially along the Chattahoochee River.

Historic Columbus wrapped up a year of celebrating with its 50^th Anniversary Golden Jubilee featuring guest speaker journalist Tom Brokaw. The black-tie affair held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center filled the expansive South Hall with guests Jo Anne and Bobby Hecht and their daughter and son-in-law Jenna and Bill Olsen of Atlanta, Ed Neal, Frances and Burnie Quick, Sally Foley, Clason Kyle, Kay Kyle, Elizabeth and Mike Ogie, Donna and Alex Gafford, Will and Beth Burgin, Selwin and Wes Kelly and Betty and Buddy Roberts plus hundreds of others.

HC Executive Director Elizabeth Barker and her team, plus Jubilee co-chairs Mint Flowers and her father Dexter Jordan delivered an event that will long be the talk of the Chattahoochee Valley. It was a fabulous way to wind up HC’s 50^th year!

And speaking of anniversaries, the Stewart Community Home observed its 40^th anniversary with an Anniversary Gala also held at the Ironworks. Cindy and Spencer Garrard, Sherrie and Otis Pickett, Adriann Chester, Robert and Mary Pat Beckum, Leigh Anne Thomas, Scott Ferguson, Julie Harris, Christina Vogler and Margaret and John Page got a good laugh from the special entertainment by comedian Paul Aldrich, who in addition to being funny, was one talented musician.

The highlight of the night, though, came in the introduction of Sarah Stewart, who along with her late husband, Harold founded the Home, a place of comfort and security for those with mental and physical challenges. What started in 1976 as a place for a few, today has room for up to 72 residents. What an inspiration Mrs. Stewart and the staff at the Stewart Home are for the rest of us.

Wear One, Bring One

The United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s Power of the Purse Luncheon challenged attendees to “wear one and bring one”—bra and panties that is. Thes annual event gathers donations of undergarments to give to area organizations helping women and girls in need. And give they did—over 2,400 undergarments were donated by the guests including Gladys Pitts, Jane Bayer, Suzanne Smith, Helen Johnson, Sallie Martin, Renee Roth, Janet Baker and Event Chair Martha Paull and Co-chair Glenda Sexton.

The speaker was Southern writer Rhonda Rich who entertained the crowd with her humorous tales of growing up in the South. But she met her match in our own Susan Wiggins, who has enough funny stories of her own to keep the audience laughing as she emceed the luncheon that exceeded donations from last year by more than 300 items.