Why is Christmas a season for giving? “We know that Jesus Christ was given as a gift to the world. The Bible says, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.’ In return, what we do as believers is give gifts, as well, to the people we love and to the world at large.” What can you tell us about the Gas on God fundraiser and what inspired Christ Deliverance Temple to organize...
Executive Director, Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity “It used to be that Habitat just built new houses,” the local Habitat leader says of their efforts. Working closely with the city and corporate partners with a $1 million capital campaign underway, the Columbus affiliate’s goal now is “to show the community what we do and to have a bigger impact. The ultimate goal is...
President & CEO, Columbus Housing Authority (retired); President, Columbus Affordable Housing Services What led you to a career as a public servant?“The real truth is I was in college and I was a political science major, taking a lot of public-administration courses. I had actually planned on going to law school but worked my way through school and got to a point as a senior when I...
In the last year, the Greater Columbus Sports & Events Council was honored as national Commission of the Year for its economic impact and home of Team USA Softball’s Complex of the Year. Two weeks ago, Executive Director Merri Sherman was awarded National Contributor for her leadership in the Sports Council’s annual hosting of the Georgia high-school softball championships. Three...
“My biggest belief is that you already have on the inside all you need,” says Renata Buckner Dowdell. “You have it in you; it’s my job to help you to see that. Help you tap into your greatness.”Learn more about the regional social worker, educator, and Founder / CEO of Infinity Plus, LLC , who works with many court-mandated clients. What all services does Infinity Plus...
Author, Illustrator, Mystic After decades in New York City working with some of the publishing world’s biggest and brightest, Elaine Clayton recently returned home to Columbus. Even at this point in an already accomplished career, her creative output continues to ascend: Clayton’s book A Little Bit of Angels was recently reprinted and translated into French, while forthcoming The Way...
Edited NOV 30, 2022 “A Columbus restaurant co-owner has been arrested on multiple charges after having hidden cameras in the restaurant’s restroom. Dennis Cleveland Thompson, known as Landon, appeared in Recorder’s Court Friday morning, September 30, and is being charged with the following: 6 charges of sexual exploitation of children 11 charges of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance 6...
Acclaimed writer on finding fascination in Columbus, developing the local literary scene, crafting fiction more true than truth, and awakening the genius in us all. Plus, which work she is most proud of in her stellar career — and why. How would you describe the art and science of teaching someone to write? “I didn’t start out as a teacher. I just kind of fell into it out of necessity...
Creator of the the wacky/wonderful/world-famous Lunchbox Museum, noted local collector and historian Allen Woodall now aims to “preserve the history of Columbus, Georgia.” What inspired you to create The Lunchbox Museum? “Back in 1985, I was in an antique show in Atlanta, Georgia, and on one of the tables one of the vendors had a Green Hornet and a Dick Tracy lunchbox. When I saw...
Strut the Hooch parade founder, musician, educator, author U.S. Navy veteran, bon vivant How would you describe the Strut the Hooch parade to the uninitiated? “As a kind of giant Mardi Gras parade.”Is it hard to instill that Mardi Gras vibe in Columbus?“No. I’ve found people who want to have a lot of fun and show off their personality and their creativity.”What are some of the most creative...