Columbus and the Valley Magazine

06/19/2026

06/17/2026

There's less than a week left! If you know someone or you think you're someone, making waves in the Chattahoochee Valley, we want to know more!

Fill out the form here: https://columbusandthevalley.com/5-under-40/

06/15/2026

RiverCenter Marquee Society Dinner at Columbus Botanical Garden
photos by Morgan Duke Photography

The weather was perfect for an evening at Columbus Botanical Garden. The appreciation dinner honored RiverCenter’s Marquee Society members. Chair of the Board of Trustees, Austin Gibson spoke alongside new Executive Director and CEO, Lee Foster who spoke of ‘The True Cost of Greatness’. Development Director Amanda Donaldson concluded the evening by thanking the RiverCenter team for organizing the event, alongside thanking Parker’s Pantry and hosts, Columbus Botanical Garden.

See more photos here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/56

06/12/2026

Allen Levi Speaks at Methodist Home Luncheon
photos by Sydney Walker
A sold out crowd gathered at St. Luke Ministry Center to hear Allen Levi’s interview with Rev. Lynn Meadows-White, VP of Church Relations at The Methodist Home. Allen spoke of his time mentoring the boys at the Methodist Home and he also had the opportunity to present the boys with their portraits by artist Garry Pound.

See more photos from the event here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/58

06/10/2026

⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰ A LITTLE OVER A WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!

Do you know someone who is making living in the Valley better? We want to know! If chosen from our panel of past recipients and current city trailblazers, you could see them on the cover of our annual leadership issue! 📸

This is a 20 plus year tradition of highlighting the work of local young leaders who are pushing us into a bigger and brighter future. We hope to see your application very soon!

Yourself, a colleague, a family friend, or a family member can fill out the form. We welcome anyone as long as they have a letter(s) of recommendation.

Link to nominate: https://columbusandthevalley.com/5-under-40/

06/09/2026

Women at Work 💻

There is no field in the Chattahoochee Valley where women are not making their marks. From business owners to college presidents, C&V is proud to profile some of these movers and shakers in this issue!

First up: Annette Funderburk, CVCC President

06/08/2026

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION LEGACIES IN THE VALLEY AREA

SAMUEL COOPER
Linking the Chattahoochee Valley to the American Revolution can be done through other figures as well. Lafayette belongs in the pantheon of revolutionary leaders, but the revolution reached thousands of others, and their legacies are worth exploring, too. Samuel Cooper’s is just one example that touches the Valley.
In the 1980s, the Fountain City Civilian Conservation Corps removed a heap of kudzu to expose the grave markers of Samuel Cooper and his family at the busy corner
of Miller Road and Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Nearby Cooper Creek Park bears his family’s name.

Cooper fought in key battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Stony Point. After the American Revolution, Cooper won a land lottery and moved to the area to claim his new homestead. In the 1827 lottery, he drew 202.5 acres of land. He died in 1841 at age 87 and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His Christian heritage is etched into his gravestone, which reads “JESUS IS GOOD.” He was buried on his small family plot, which later became a prominent corner taken over by nature. In many ways, Cooper’s gravestone makes a more legitimate spot for commemorating the American Revolution. An ordinary soldier’s final resting place speaks to the sacrifice of so many to establish this country.

See more here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/15

06/05/2026

Valley Scenes 📣

Artist Elizabeth Brim Reconnects with Friends During Hometown Exhibition
📸:

Ahead of her opening reception for her exhibit at The Bo Bartlett Center Columbus native and blacksmith artist Elizabeth Brim (front row, 3rd from left) had a reunion with several of her graduating friends from Hardaway High School along with friends from Columbus High School.

See more scenes here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/57

06/04/2026

The Industrial Archeology of Columbus 1828-1865 (Part 1)
by Dr. John S. Lupold
Originally published January 2022
Republished courtesy Historic Columbus

Eli Whitney, in collaboration with Catharine Green, invented the cotton gin in Chatham County in 1793. The cotton gin transformed cotton into a marketable commodity and became a familiar feature across the cotton fields of Georgia in the 19th century.

The manufacturing of cotton began in the northern states in 1790, when Slater Mill started spinning cotton into yarn in Rhode Island. The industry spread throughout the New England states over the next several decades. In 1814, Boston investors opened the first planned textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts, which introduced the power loom. Now, factories could process raw cotton into cloth in one factory. The creation of mill towns, with housing for workers, became popular in the north and spread into southern communities as well.

Read more here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/46

06/02/2026

Valley Scenes📸

CVCC Hall of Fame Inducts Three
photos by Gi Burton
The CVCC Hall of Fame Awards recognize individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service. Each inductee represents the very best of the Pirate spirit and brings great pride to the College and its extended community. This year’s inductees include Heath Taylor (Distinguished Service), Trevor Kieboom (Distinguished Athlete) and Natalie Kirkland (Distinguished Alumni).

See more here: https://issuu.com/columbusandthevalley.com/docs/may_june_2026_columbus_the_valley/54