Advertise on podcast: Thomasville Insights

We sit down with Jennifer Vanderbeek and Mimi Greitzer to share how a free bicentennial activity book helps kids explore 200 years of Thomasville history through hands-on learning. We dig into how the content gets chosen, how the illustrations are drawn, and how community support turns a big idea into something every student can hold.  • overview of the Thomasville 200 Bicentennial Activity Book and what it covers across 200 years  • distribution plan for Pre-K through fifth grade across city schools, county schools, Brookwood, and homeschool families  • the two-year process of brainstorming, revising, and narrowing down to a 24-page activity book  • using an interpretive plan to choose high-impact history moments without getting lost in side stories  • keeping the story accurate while making it fun and age-appropriate for young learners  • illustration and layout challenges, including creating a cover that blends old Broad Street with today  • why funding and sponsorship make it possible to provide the book at no cost to students  • a quick run of Thomasville history facts from 1910 to 1920 and how they still shape the community  • upcoming reminders on voting dates and a family movie night at the Ritz  Please subscribe to us and listen to us on your favorite listening app.

We walk through how the City of Thomasville plans and pays for major park upgrades while keeping everyday maintenance moving. We get concrete updates on Cassidy, Balfour, and Paradise Park, plus the behind-the-scenes steps that make these projects take time.  • parks as a practical quality of life investment  • how the 2023 Parks Master Plan guides priorities  • Cassidy Park reopening plans with disc golf, trails, pavilion, restroom, and pond updates  • Balfour Park design features including pavilion, playground, and splash-style water feature  • Paradise Park Phase Two scope, timeline, and parking improvements  • longleaf pine and wiregrass habitat restoration during drought conditions  • dog park relocation from Balfour to Cherokee Lake for safer access  • how SPLOST, LOST, grants, and donations fund capital projects  • why grant cycles, utilities, surveys, and conservation rules stretch timelines  • how public input and cross-department teamwork shape outcomes  We remind you to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app. To learn more about the City of Thomasville visit thomasville.org or follow us on social media.

A lot of people think gun violence is a problem you only deal with after it happens. We see it differently. We’re joined by Thomasville City Council Member Terry Scott and Thomasville Police Department Chief Wade Glover for a blunt, practical conversation about what gun violence looks like locally, why it’s increasingly tied to youth access to firearms, and what it takes to slow it down before a trigger gets pulled. We talk through Scott’s community organization, Think Before You React, and the real mechanics of grassroots gun violence prevention in Thomasville, Georgia: church-based gatherings, street-level tents after a shooting, simple pamphlets, and powerful speakers like survivors and mothers who’ve lost a child. The point isn’t to “host an event” and move on. It’s to mentor, to tell the truth about consequences, and to create consistent contact with the age groups most vulnerable to peer pressure and fast decisions. Social media comes up for a reason. We dig into how online posts can fuel fights, threats, and attention-seeking behavior, and why parents and guardians have to understand what kids are watching, sharing, and planning. Then we shift into police-community relations and the department’s revamped Use of Force Awareness training, where citizens learn what the law allows, what officers are trained to do, and how small choices during traffic stops can help de-escalate high-stress moments for everyone. If you care about community safety, youth mentorship, firearm safety, and smarter prevention, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone in Thomasville and leave a review so more neighbors can find it.

We team up with Thomasville City Schools to launch the City of Thomasville Youth Council and explain how mentorship with City Council turns civics into real-life experience. Superintendent Dr. Scott Sweeting and Executive Director of STEM, CTAE, and Career Development Ashley Palmer share how the program builds career exposure, a stronger student voice, and a reason for students to stay connected to Thomasville long after graduation.  To learn more about the city of Thomasville, visit thomasville.org or follow us on social media  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don't miss an episode

We walk through why Thomasville’s historic municipal auditorium has to close now, and what it takes to launch a renovation that protects a downtown landmark while updating safety and access issues. Mary Patchunka-Smith shares what’s already happened behind the scenes, what residents will see first, and how we keep public meetings moving while construction ramps up.  • doors closing timeline and what moved out  • team effort to clear decades of storage and preserve historic items  • where public meetings relocate across the city  • project partners, from feasibility work to architect and local construction manager  • historic preservation approach, including replica energy-efficient windows  • visible early work, including landscape removal and scaffolding  • courtyard redesign plans, ADA access, and reclaiming flexible space  • life safety priorities • why timing is urgent, funding sources, total project cost, and fall 2027 target  We remind everyone to visit the public meetings calendar at thomasville.org for meeting dates, times, and locations. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don't miss an episode.

We hand the mic to our interns for an honest look at what it’s like to work inside the City of Thomasville. From customer service and IT support to finance leadership and a historic building move, we hear what surprised them, what challenged them, and what they’d tell anyone thinking about applying.  • why the intern takeover matters and how the program builds a pipeline for city jobs  • how customer service includes multiple internal functions beyond phones and the front desk  • what municipal IT support looks like day to day with hardware, PCs, and ticketing  • advice to apply even if you doubt you’ll get picked  • a Thomasville “hot take” on food diversity and making better use of free community events  • how to learn coworker styles fast by talking beyond work and reading the room  • what working near a CFO teaches about leadership, multitasking, and stress  • why renovating a historic municipal building takes time, rules, and patience  • navigating internship pressure and using summer work to test career paths  • upcoming Kids Community Day details and where to find the community calendar  Just a reminder to subscribe to Thomasville Insights on your favorite listening app.  To learn more about the city of Thomasville, visit Thomasville.org or follow us on social media.

We sit down with City Manager Chris White for a midyear look at what’s moving in Thomasville and why the pace of work feels like a whirlwind. We break down the biggest budget in city history, the projects behind the road cones, and the practical ways you can get involved. • record-setting operating and capital budgets and what progress looks like • infill development district that unlocks hundreds of previously undevelopable parcels • stormwater utility as a long-term way to fund drainage and runoff work • downtown entertainment district rules, benefits, and early results • Remington Avenue streetscape timeline, water main replacement, and retention pond impact • Old Albany Road pedestrian safety improvements and GDOT partnership • municipal building and auditorium renovation scope plus the upcoming temporary relocation • parks, airport, landfill, sewer, and resurfacing projects across the city • why current resurfacing funding creates a decades-long cycle and what could change it • ways to serve on boards, watch meetings, and follow city updates online Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don’t miss an episode.

We sit down with Electric Distribution Superintendent Brent Alderman and URC Manager Drew Wharton to explain how Thomasville plans for hurricanes, responds to pop up storms, and brings the grid back safely. We break down what happens behind the scenes, from materials and mutual aid to the tough calls on priorities, communication, and crew fatigue.  • long range hurricane preparation through materials, inventory, and staffing plans  • what the Utility Response Center does as a 24/7 dispatch operation  • why keeping a mobile number on your utility account helps notifications  • how on call crews scale up during severe afternoon storms  • what mutual aid is and how crews are deployed locally and regionally  • why feeders and large outages get addressed before single homes  • why radio communication and safety tags prevent deadly mistakes  To learn more about the City of Thomasville, visit Thomasville.org or follow us on social media.  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don't miss an episode.

On this episode, we interview History Center Curator Ephraim Rotter, who fills us in on some important local history and more. Some of the topics include • History Center Lunch and Learn updates plus what’s next  • How Thomas County and Thomasville get their names  • Why Lot 39 matters to the city’s beginning  • Henry O. Flipper’s legacy through the wider Flipper family’s achievements  • Why politicians and public figures choose to visit Thomasville  • John F. Archbold’s local influence beyond building a hospital  • Why does Thomasville have an odd street layout?  To learn more about the city of Thomasville, visit Thomasville.org or follow us on social media.

We walk through the full Thomasville Rose Show and Festival weekend with Brandy Avery, including the new additions that make this year stand out. We also share important city reminders for April and a quick Thomasville history note tied to the bicentennial. • Rose Show and Festival dates, start times, and what to expect across both days  • Orchids on Parade ribbon cutting and where to go  • Friday highlights include the Rose Parade, and the sounds of Motown for the street dance. • Parade theme tied to the bicentennial plus entry expectations and bands. • Saturday plans including the police car and truck show around the courthouse  • Civic Garden Club tent performances and downtown entertainment throughout the day  • Artisan market application and selection process plus floral-focused vendors  • Rose Fest Finale concert and the 200 synchronized drone show  • Behind-the-scenes coordination across Team Thomasville departments  • Thomasville History Center did-you-know on the 1861 railroad connection  • Spring clean events for safe disposal of bulky items and hazardous materials  • Natural gas leakage survey timeline and what crews will be doing Please be sure to visit Thomasville.org for all the details and for the schedule of events  Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite listening app so you don’t miss an episode

On this episode, we talk with Mark Harmon Executive Director of Inspections and Engineering. He shares updates from Remington and Old Albany Road construction. After the interview, we have history facts in honor of the Bicentennial. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk with Captain Kimberly Dyke and Sergeant Chris Baggett about Criminal Investigations Division (CID) for the Thomasville Police Department. They talk about the crime investigation process and an unusual crime case that was solved recently. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode, we talk with Felicia Brannen. As the City Clerk, Felicia tells us about her role and essential local government knowledge we all should have to be well informed citizens. Plus, we get Ricky's thoughts on being the Chamber Man of the Year and how he acknowledged most everyone in the community in his speech with one major exception! Was it intentional? Find out on Thomasville Insights!

On this episode, Assistant City Manager Sheryl Sealy talks with us about the Municipal Building & Auditorium Renovation Project. She shares some exciting possibilities as the City looks to reopen the venue in 2027. We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for tuning in!

Two centuries of stories, one city ready to celebrate. We’re kicking off Thomasville’s bicentennial with guest April Norton, exploring how a birthday becomes a living, year-long collaboration that blends history, community action, and a whole lot of local pride. From a free, family-friendly opening celebration with live music and partner booths to a citywide “200 Initiative,” we share some ideas and practical steps that will make this milestone matter. Want to take part? The 200 Initiative invites you to do “200” acts that fit your mission—plant roses, read to kids, organize service hours—and maybe earn a custom challenge coin. You can also grab bicentennial merch at the visitor center and follow updates at Thomasville.org. Join the celebration, share your “200,” and help shape the next chapter of Thomasville’s story!