Verge december 14 by Gary Kauffman

2 Verge / December 2014

what’s inside holiday guide

Beers Locals Like Chocolate is a favorite during the holidays, even in beer.

Behind the Curtain Amateur productions abound around the Christmas season.

Calendar of events

Nightlife

17 Need some last-minute gift ideas for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list? Our three-page holiday guide features several area businesses that could have just what you’re looking for. Serenity Spa, page 4 HoneyBaked Ham, page 4 Augusta GreenJackets, page 5 Learning Express, page 5 Great Deals on Furniture, page 6

Life Face First Free isn’t always the bargain it seems to be at Christmas.

26 Ask Dr. Karp The good doctor answers a frosty question about frozen and fresh veggies.

The Movie Chick It’s the time of year when people enjoy a night at home with their favorite Christmas flicks.

Garden City Beat Check out some great ideas for gifts for the music lover who likes to read.

On the Homefront Predictions for another cold winter should have you thinking now about keeping your home healthy.

Verge is a publication of Buzz on Biz, LLC. Reach us at 706589-6727 or email the staff with story ideas, event listings or advertising inquiries. Verge is published at the beginning of the month. Copies are available free at locations throughout the CSRA, including Publix, Kroger, Earth Fare, Bi-Lo and select Food Lion stores, and in 50-plus other locations. Submit Information gkauffman@buzzon.biz or thegordongrouppr@comcast.net

Make Time for Travel Want a no problem, mon vacation? Jamaica has a lot to offer.

Your Faith Christmas is a time for remembering loved ones, and time for hope even in the dark times.

Love & Marriage Getting mad at your spouse is inevitable. But there are Do’s and Don’ts of how to deal with those issues.

Well-Adjusted Bodies When the body is not aligned properly, long-term problems can result.

Dinner Date with Meagan & Drew The lovebirds take a break from shopping to nosh at My Friend’s Place.

Publisher Neil R. Gordon

Sales Janine Garropy/803-480-2800

Page Design Gary Kauffman

Editor in Chief Gary Kauffman/803-341-5830

Photography Gary Kauffman

Sales Manager Neil R. Gordon/706-589-6727

Writer Alexandrea Daitch/706-829-8029

Cover Design Design by Rob Forbes, Moving Canvas Media, 706-394-9905 Cover Illustration by Scott Foster, scottfostercreations.com

Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither Verge or its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only.

3740 Executive Center Drive, #300, Martinez, GA 30907

Verge / December 2014

HolidayGuide 2014

Rhonda True, the local owner of HoneyBaked Hams, is taking her show on the road during the holidays.

Laurie Pratt gives a massage at the Evans location of Serenity Massage + Wellness Spa.

As the holidays approach, many people only have a “go” button. Sometimes you need to press “stop” and take time for you. By Alexandrea Daitch Serenity Massage + Wellness Spa of Augusta and Evans offers that ability to stop the hectic pace of life and relax. “Most people don’t realize that they are in the same positions day in and day out while doing their jobs,” said owner Laurie Pratt. “Repetitive positioning greatly affects their posture, and that is why it is crucial to take time for one’s self in life.” Serenity is a local getaway that offers a variety of single services and spa packages, including “quality therapeutic massages at an affordable cost in a day spa atmosphere,” Pratt said. With the holidays tiptoeing in, gift ideas are becoming a constant thought. “Gift card certificates are such a great idea,” Pratt said. “Give the gift of wellness, and an hour of personal time which people so rarely take these days.” Pratt offers these gift card certificates in store and online through their website at www.serenitydayspa.net. “They have the option to print or email the gift card certificates instantly,” Pratt added. “It’s all about convenience – shop online and hit the button.” Serenity’s pricings are reasonable, affordable, and some of the best values in town. “We have reasonable prices,” Pratt said. “We keep our prices low so people can afford to keep massage a part of their wellness plans,” Pratt said. The unique thing about Serenity is that they specialize in massages. “By solely focusing on therapeutic massages, the therapists working here are getting more

4 Verge / December 2014

experience,” she said. “They have four to six clients a day compared to the spas that don’t offer massages as there predominate service.” By having well-experienced massage therapists, Serenity’s massages sell themselves. Serenity started in 1998 but when Pratt took over the spa in 2003 she grew the business and expanded in 2005 by moving into a larger location and then again in 2010 into two store locations, one in Evans and one in Augusta. They are once again expanding this year to a larger Augusta location, at 3406 Middleton Dr., about a block south of the current location. The anticipated move-in date is around the first of the year. They closed the Le Pavilion location Dec. 1 for services in order to pack and be ready for the move. But they are still selling gift certificates at that location. All services in the month of December will be conducted out of their Evans location in Evans Town Park. Not only are they expanding but they also are going through an image change by updating their logo and website. “We are excited about our chic new logo, website and location,” Pratt said. “We are transforming into a massage and wellness spa.” Serenity prides itself on creating a wellness and health atmosphere. They document all medical history with new clients so that they can properly assess what treatment will best fit the client’s need. Serenity is all about loyalty and customer appreciation. They get most of their new clients from word of mouth reviews from existing clientele. If you have not tried massage therapy they invite you to come in and see what it is all about.

By Neil Gordon, Publisher Through a national partnership with Kroger, HoneyBaked Hams will be available in some Kroger stores in December. True selected the Evans and North Augusta Krogers as satellite locations for the holidays. She also has a set-up at the Bi-Lo in Greenwood, S.C. “It’s gone great so far,” said True while relaxing over green bean casserole at her flagship store on Washington Road in Fairway Square. “We’ve had to run hams to the kiosks from our stores on Washington Road and Wrightsboro Road. It’s a good problem to have.” The partnership started in mid-November and an employee is at Kroger each day from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through Dec. 31. HoneyBaked Hams will staff the meat section of Kroger with a worker, providing samples of ham spread and other holiday delectables. They will also showcase HoneyBaked hams, turkey breast, ham/turkey spreads, honey mustard sauce and more inside of refrigerated cases. A twin refrigerator case and kiosk for employees is set up at each store to provide the “HoneyBaked Ham” look. Seasonal employees like Amanda Barnette provide samples for shoppers looking for meat outside the butcher shop or for paper products down a nearby aisle. “Ham salad has been our best seller,” said True. True is hoping this business growth will get her closer to reaching a goal of having a $1 million store and allow her to open a third store near her home in North Augusta. In 2014, she moved from a home office to a franchisee office on Georgia Avenue “People always ask me when am I going to open a store in North Augusta,” True said. For now, she’ll settle for a kiosk and refrigerated case at the Kroger on Old Edgefield Road. In terms of short-term goals, she is hoping to sell a total of about 8,000 hams over the holidays. If this partnership continues with the grocery stores she is hoping to allow gift certificates and coupons for use in 2015.

HoneyBaked Ham seasonal employee Amanda Barnette works at the Evans Kroger providing samples and selling hams, turkey and other items.

HolidayGuide 2014

The road to the World Series leads through Augusta, at least recently. By Gary Kauffman The San Francisco Giants recaptured baseball’s top prize this past October, defeating the Kansas City Royals in the World Series with five former GreenJackets players and a former manager, Roberto Kelly, who served as the team’s first base coach. Those players included World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, who pitched in Augusta in 2007, and Pablo Sandoval, the MVP of the 2012 Series, who played for the GreenJackets in 2006. “The Giants have recommitted to growing from within,” GreenJackets General Manager Tom Denlinger said. “As an affiliate, we’re able to see some of those prospects come through here.” While Denlinger can’t promise that fans will see a future World Series hero playing for Augusta in 2015, he does know that at some point you’ll be able to see the Giants’ World Series trophy. “The trophy will end up in Augusta at some point next year,” he said. The GreenJackets have some exciting ways to see the team play next year, including the new Holiday Pack. The Holiday Pack includes six tickets to some of the team’s key games, including Opening Day on April 16, July 4 fireworks, Military Appreciation Night, Madi-

The GreenJackets’ Holiday Pack puts the gift of baseball in a fan’s stocking.

son Bumgarner Bobblehead Night, Garden Gnome Night and Team Ghostrider, a night when monkeys will be riding dogs. In addition to the games, purchase of the Holiday Pack means early entrance into the gates, 10 percent off in the GreenJackets’ store, priority for post-season tickets and either a GreenJackets rocks glass or a drink koozie. Of course, hardcore fans can purchase full-season tickets, half-season tickets and packages that include 22 or 11 games. The GreenJackets offer a flexible plan that allows fans who purchase partial ticket packages to exchange tickets for a different game that better fits their schedule. “We cater to every kind of fan in the CSRA,” Denlinger said. “This should be one of our best promotional schedules. We have 70 home games and we want to have 70 promotions to tie in with the community.” Some of the promotions start before the season,

Learning Express Toys is a child’s North Pole this holiday season. By Alexandrea Daitch With its variety of toys and learning aids, this store should be at the top of the list when looking for children’s gifts. This December Santa Claus makes repeated visits to the Mullins Crossing Learning Express Toys to receive the wishes of the CSRA children. Owner Susy Allen is beyond excited to have Mr. Claus visit the store. “Santa Claus is here every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas for free photos and wish lists,” she said. “There is no line and no pressure, he takes as much time as needed to let the kids warm up to him, he is here from 12-6 p.m., and if you forget your camera we will be happy to take a photo for you and email it free of charge.” Santa is not the only visitor of Learning Express; they are a destination for many other well-known characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Cinderella, Elsa and Anna. “We have a huge Frozen section,” Al-

len said. “Elsa and Anna will be making an appearance in January.” There is also a rumor that Elsa may be appearing over the holidays, so keep your fingers crossed. “There is Disney, the Augusta National, and Chick-fil-A. Those are the pinnacles, and we try to be the pinnacle toy store,” said Allen. They accomplish this by not only offering toys, but also providing an experience with programs and interactive activities for kids to play within the store. “We constantly are doing special events for children,” said Allen. It is an educational toy store that provides kids an enjoyable play experience while adding an element of education, like the free Rainbow Loom class. The toy inventory is impressive, housing classics as well as brand new toys on the market. Legos are a hot seller right now and Learning Express has the inventory to cover all your Lego needs. Learning Express Toys prides itself on

like Auggie’s Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. It includes breakfast with Santa, inflatables for the kids, raffles, the opportunity to contribute to Toys for Tots and a chance to meet Jake Smith, who pitched for the GreenJackets in 2014. Denlinger said he won’t know until near the end of the Giant’s Spring Training in March who will be joining the GreenJackets roster. “But there’s a chance we’ll have a couple of the higher-end prospects,” he said. “There’s an opportunity to hopefully see some future Giants’ champions.” Regardless of who ends up on the GreenJackets’ roster, Denlinger thinks it will be well worth a fan’s time to come to the games. “We’re looking forward to making it one of the best seasons in our 27-year history,” Denlinger said. For more information about the GreenJackets, visit GreenJacketsBaseball.com.

offering the best customer service by educating its staff about the toys and the importance of play. In addition, the store provides free gift-wrapping, complimentary personalization and a Birthday Box gift registry program year-round, which is unique to Learning Express. Each store is locally owned and operated and provides quality toys, expert staff, exceptional customer service, and community support through fundraising, which are the keystones of the Learning Express brand. Being a local franchise instead of employees of a big company is a benefit to CSRA customers. “The store owners can listen to the customers, and try to do what we can to make sure we carry the items that they are most interested in, as well as address special needs for our community,” Allen said. She added, “We love giving back to the community. We are constantly doing events. That’s one of those things people don’t think about when they are shopping online – good luck asking Amazon to donate something for your child’s school, or doing a special event – it just doesn’t happen.”

Susy Allen in her store with some of her favorite toys.

In the store the staff is always demonstrating games, and providing a hands-on learning atmosphere. They are friendly and insightful, and will answer questions or concerns a customer has about a toy. Allen said their mission is to find the perfect toy for everyone.

Verge / December 2014

HolidayGuide 2014

The name of the place pretty much tells you what to expect when you enter Great Deals on Furniture. By Gary Kauffman But right now, owners Eddie and Carol Kennedy could change the name to Even Greater Deals on Furniture. The Kennedys are in the process of moving his store on Bobby Jones Expressway about a hundred yards to a new location within the same shopping plaza. He doesn’t want to take his inventory with him, which means truly great deals for his customers. “The deals really are greater than ever before,” Eddie Kennedy said. Great Deals on Furniture has already stocked up on items that are popular at Christmas. For women, that usually means accent items – chests, chairs and media cabinets that hide unsightly wires. “Anything where you can add a piece and change the look of the room,” Kennedy said. For men, popular items are recliners and reclining sofas and sectionals.

“We want to be able to come home after a day at work and put our feet up,” Kennedy said. Kennedy is able to offer great deals to his customers because he also shops for deals. Furniture manufacturers often have to move quantities of furniture to reduce their inventory, and offer deals at 30-50 percent off. Even with the pending move, Kennedy continues to shop the same way. “But this year we’re blowing out the best deals ever,” he said. “It’s a great bargain-shopping time for the person who needs that one-of-a-kind gift.” Great Deals has carried many of the top brands, such as Broyhill and Best, but has now added Lane and Thomasville. “It’s another level of furniture we’ve never had before,” Kennedy said. Sometime soon Great Deals on Furniture will shift locations, ironically back to the same spot where the store

Employees at Great Deals on Furniture are, in front from left, Mellisa Smith and Rachel Singleton. In back are Vince Martin and owner Eddie Kennedy.

started nine years ago. The store moved to its present location four years ago, but Kennedy found the bigger store “overwhelms” the customer. The new location will be more intimate. But while it’s the same location as where they started, Great Deals will be getting a brand-new store. All the walls and ceilings are being replaced, it will have new carpet and even the exterior is receiving a facelift. When the move will take place depends on when the remodeling is finished. One thing that will make the transi-

tion to the new location is the Design Center, which Great Deals started two years ago. The company’s values will also continue. “We care about the customers,” Kennedy said. “We find out what they need, what their budget is and then follow them to find what they need.” Great Deals on Furniture follows a simple yet profound mission that is summed up in four statements, Kennedy said: Offering great values, serving the customers, solving problems and finishing with excellence.

Community In Schools of Augusta-Richmond County is hoping for something a little extra in its stocking this Christmas. By Gary Kauffman The program that gives a second chance to students at risk of dropping out of school has an opportunity for a sizeable grant to expand its program – if it can get some community help. Laurie Cook, Executive Director for CIS, said that an organization has offered a $50,000 grant, if CIS can get the community to match that figure by Dec. 31. So far about two-thirds has been raised, leaving a need of about $17,000 before year’s end. CIS has been part of the Augusta community since 1996, offering after-school tutoring and mentoring until about three years ago, when it established the Performance Learning Center. “It’s an alternative high school for students who are failing in the traditional setting,” Cook said. The students in the Performance Learning Center are not discipline problems but for various reasons – family issues, lack of transportation, teenage pregnancy – have not had success in the traditional classroom. Many have enjoyed success in one academic area but have struggled in other areas. Most of the classwork is done online at the Performance Learning Center, on the second floor of the former Tubman Middle School on Walton Way, or at Cross Creek High School on Old Waynesboro Road. “All of the kids are doing different work at different

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levels, depending on their need,” Cook said. Facilitators in each classroom are available to answer questions and give help when needed. A site coordinator helps students with any physical needs that will help them be successful, from arranging transportation to such basic needs as shoes or glasses. “We try to remove the reasons they can’t attend school,” Cook said. “Anything that’s a barrier to the student’s success.” Some students may be just a few credits shy of graduation, while others may need a dozen or more credits. When they complete the coursework, they will graduate with a high school diploma. The students have to be willing participants in the program and are responsible for making the effort to do the coursework on their own. Most of the students are in the 16-19 age range. About 115 students are enrolled currently. Since August, 23 have graduated and Cook expects that number to be 50 or 60 by the end of the school year. “These are students who would have dropped out because a traditional school system couldn’t accommodate their needs,” she said. Cook said CIS often acts as a broker to provide resources that a traditional school system can’t because of lack of funding or personnel shortages.

In January CIS will begin a program at an elementary school that will help correct potential issues at an early age. That may include facilitating parental involvement, hunger or other issues. Businesses play a key role in the success of the Performance Learning Center, not only in funding but in practical training. Businesses have provided training in job interview skills, financial literacy, health and wellness and job shadowing, as well as tutoring. Cook said this helps students develop skills they often don’t know they need. “The students don’t know what they don’t know,” she said. “They only know what they’ve been exposed to and, unfortunately, what they may have been exposed to isn’t good.” The students also learn to think beyond themselves. “We try to instill in the students the need to give back to the community,” Cook said. “A lot of times they don’t realize what the community is doing for them until they have a chance to do something for someone else.” CIS continues to look for opportunities to expand in Richmond County because the need is real. “Some studies show that 66 percent of kids struggle academically in one area or another,” Cook said. “We lose a lot of kids as they transition into eighth and ninth grades, and we lose a ton of kids after ninth grade.”

Verge / December 2014

holiday

The Movie Chick

What reviewer doesn’t address Christmas films during the month of December?! I conducted a “What’s your favorite Christmas film?” poll. Here are the results! Christmas Vacation (1989) PG-13 According to the folks I polled, this film is the favorite. It’s the story of Clark Griswold, a man with big plans for his family’s Christmas. As one might expect, things take an unfortunate turn of events, leading to comedic genius. Here’s what the people said: “It’s a tradition to watch this movie after Thanksgiving. It’s funny and we like to laugh.” “So many quotable lines and pretty realistic.” “Hilarious!” Home Alone (1990) PG While the sequels to the film were mentioned in my poll, the original was by far the most popular. Leave an 8-year-old at home for Christmas and he’s bound to get in a little mischief. Especially when he has to protect himself from robbers! “This movie takes me back to my childhood. It’s funny and I like to laugh.” “I love this movie because it teaches you how to protect yourself when you’re home alone at Christmas!” The Polar Express (2004) G What happens when a doubtful boy gets on a train bound for the North Pole? Magic! “Heartwarming.” “A childhood memory.” The Santa Clause (1994) PG What’s better than a doubtful boy finding out Santa is real? A doubtful man who becomes Santa! Most of the people who chose this film as their favorite said they loved Tim Allen’s previous work, so loving this film came naturally. Elf (2003) PG When it comes to Christmas films, this is my favorite. I watch it every time it’s on television. I also own it and pop it in the DVD player whenever I need a little pick-me-up during the holiday season. Not only is Will Ferrell hilarious, it’s a sweet story that teaches us to love one another, even if that love isn’t reciprocated right away! “My favorite line in the film is: ‘My papa didn’t make master tinker until he was 490 years old.’”

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A Christmas Story (1983) PG You knew it was coming. It isn’t the holiday season if The Christmas Story isn’t involved. While it wasn’t one of the first films on the list, it had a strong following. It’s a family tradition for many, not surprising considering it comes on TBS for 24 hours straight. As you might have predicted, everyone loves the BB gun, the lamp and mom’s face! “You’ll shoot your eye out!” White Christmas (1954) no rating Some consider this film to be the epitome of Christmas classics. In my opinion, Bing Crosby singing some of Irving Berlin’s most popular songs against a snowy Vermont background is a good start to any holiday season. Those who chose this film as their favorite did so not only for the great songs, but also because they said it made them feel good. “It’s got amazing songs and it was pretty edgy for the time period.” Love Actually (2003) R This movie didn’t register in my mind when I started thinking about Christmas movies, but when it was brought to my attention I realized what a great film it really is. Set in London and filled with award-winning actors, this movie follows the story of eight people in the month before Christmas. I can’t describe it any better than the person who chose the film, so I’ll use her words. “It’s sweet with lots of incredible acting. It’s sentimental, but not too much so and it has a happy ending.” Die Hard (1988) R Okay, maybe you don’t consider this a Christmas film, but someone obviously does. “It’s an awesome Christmas movie. I saw it in the theatre in Akron, Ohio, and we went to get pizza after. And Bruce is the bomb.” Gremlins (1984) PG “What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why?” “Wow. I don’t really like them. I don’t like the fake sentimentality of Christmas films, but Gremlins is funny and steps away from the traditional Holly-

wood formula.” Wow. I completely agree. No matter what your holiday traditions are, I hope they’re great. Pop some popcorn, snuggle up with your loved ones, and enjoy a good movie. There’s no better time of year for it!

Rating System

j Couldn’t even finish it, don’t waste your time. jj Watch it on TV, while you’re doing something else. jjjEnjoyed it! Definitely worth renting. jjjj Plan to watch it again. Just go ahead and buy it.

Samantha Taylor “Sam the Movie Chick” is on a mission to find the best movies for you to rent from Redbox or download from another source. She loves good flicks, good food and good friends. Her eclectic tastes are sure to give readers a wide range of viewing choices.

Verge / December 2014

holiday

garden city beat

If you’ve got music lovers on your gift list I’d like to recommend a few books to keep them company over the Holidays. Party Out of Bounds: The B-52’s, R.E.M., and the Kids Who Rocked Athens, Georgia by Rodger L. Brown For anyone who lived through the hey day of college rock in Athens or just wished they did, this book lays the groundwork for what would become the very beginning of the scene that still is celebrated to this day. Most of the story takes place in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, with considerable attention paid to some of the lesser known bands around at the time. Recommended for artsy types, people that wish they never left Athens after college, or anyone who likes to know about the parties, house shows and venues of yesteryear.

Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991 by Michael Azerrad Offering profiles on early hardcore history through the mid-‘90s grunge explosion, Azerrad writes a great overview of the American Do It Yourself work ethic exemplified by chapter-long profiles about Black Flag, the Minutemen, Mission of Burma, Minor Threat, Husker Du, The Replacements, Sonic Youth, the Butthole Surfers, Big Black, Dinosaur Jr., Fugazi, Mudhoney, and Beat Happening.

The One: The life and Music of James Brown by RJ Smith Painstakingly researched, Smith stakes his claim hoping to write the definitive work about the hardest working man in show business. It’s certainly one of the best biographies of James Brown available, particularly because of the input from locals in-the-know and some great depictions of Augusta. It’s the sort of read that any James Brown fan will have a hard time putting down.

The Hacienda: How Not to Run a Club by Peter Hook Written by the bassist of New Order, and part-owner of one of the most influential clubs of the rave era, the book chronicles the club’s rise from an arty meeting space that played host to acts like The Smiths to becoming a drugfueled paradise for Manchester’s nastiest gangsters to hold court. Hook does his best to recount the hazy details and with the addition of DJ set-lists, company memos, and financial documents, the picture of a wild and often dangerous nightlife really takes shape.

Do Not Sell at Any Price by Amanda Petruish Record collectors are sometimes more interesting

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4 than the objects they covet (of course I’d say that – I’m a record fiend) and this book just might prove that argument. The book reads more like an adventure told through the absolute madness of characters profiled – people who canvassed hollers and ghettos searching for oft-neglected pieces of American musical history. Eloquently written, the story seems to have struck a chord with readers even outside of the types it tries to chronicle.

And I couldn’t leave you without at least one show announcement – because you can’t always stay in and read… Do yourself a favor and head out to the Soul Bar on Tuesday, Dec. 16 when one of Detroit’s best exports, Jamaican Queens, stops by while on their southeastern tour. The

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Let’s Talk About Love: Why Other People Have Such Bad Taste by Carl Wilson Maybe the most challenging book on the list and one I would recommend to anyone really looking to broaden their musical tastes or maybe for the listener frustrated at their lack of ability to do so. This particular title is part of a series of essay books that are dedicated to close examination of singular albums. While most of the other books in this series concentrate on works that are predictably celebrated by rock critics and

fans alike, this book-length essay focuses on a more obtuse angle – the author trying to understand a work they really don’t enjoy. If I haven’t lost you yet, this makes for a funny, inspiring and challenging read and a great exercise is discovering more about ourselves as listeners. Don’t be afraid! Matthew Porter is a music fanatic, record collector, deejay, and occasional soundman, living in Augusta.

band’s been getting constant hype over the past two years and if you don’t want to take my word for it, look up why Vice, Interview, Paper Mag and Entertainment Weekly (no, really) have all talked them up as one of the best up-andcoming indie bands.

Verge / December 2014

holiday

behind the curtain

It’s beginning to look a lot like the most wonderful time of the year and all that yuletide jazz. And it’s the time of the year when performing arts go mainstream.

ven the least talented of performers can adorn himself with a headdress to become a shepherd, and people who the rest of the year are the harshest of critics will come to fisticuffs to defend their little angels who are cast against type as little angels. Don’t get me wrong. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. But I also believe it’s the time of the year where we all get just a little crazy thinking we know all there is to know about staging a production. I mean, all you need is a few hay bales, some tinsel and robes and you have a full-length production of the manger scene. And then Christmas pageant auditions look more like the American Idol stage as those of us usually best-fitted to the karaoke stage pull out our best version of “Mary, Did You Know?” Every civic group in town will bring out some folks to sing the classics and put on a comedy sketch. And every church will make sure to showcase all of the kids they can to bring grandparents into the pews. And all of it spells the magic that is Christmas. Again, I’m starting to sound like a Scrooge (a character who will definitely be played to the breaking point again this season). But actually I think it’s a good thing. At my church, Christmas often brings out talent we have never seen, whether it is kids who take the stage for the first time, or someone that finally got up the nerve to sing a solo. And Christmas can mean big business for those companies who support the theater. When I checked in with my favorite local downtown costume shop, Vintage Ooollee, because we needed a few elf costumes, I found it wasn’t elf ears but rather Santa suits that were flying off the rack. And if you want to go to Olde England, you better reserve early, because Victorian costumes are as hard to come by at Christmas as a good British accent. But once the costumes are hemmed and the instruments are tuned, Christmas is as big a gift to the local art scene as anything you’ll find under the tree. It’s because almost everyone will see a performance of some kind this year. The applause will be a little more generous, and the smiles and laughs will come a little more freely. So ring out the bells and put some hay in the manger. Celebrate the season with a show and make sure you have a very merry Christmas. Wes Hennings has been in the performing arts since he could walk. Since moving to Augusta has been in dozens of productions, both on stage and behind the curtain. Contact him at wes.verge@ gmail.com.

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The manger scene at United Methodist Church’s Return to Bethlehem performance in North Augusta. Photo by Gary Kauffman

Verge / December 2014

holiday

calendar

Thurs., Dec 11 MUSIC The Madrigal Dinner: A Rennaissance Yuletide Feast, Aiken County Historical Society, 7 p.m., $70, aikenchoralsociety.com

Fri., Dec. 12

HOLIDAY Mrs. Claus visits the library, Augusta Richmond County Public Library, 10-11 a.m., free, arcpls.org HOLIDAY The Southstar Polar Express Trolley Tour, departs from The Book Tavern, enjoy Christmas lights, sing alongs, stories with Mrs. Claus, and Santa, departures at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., limited seating, $10 $20, augustaghosttrolley.com HAYRIDE Hayride Through the Life of Christ at Columbia County Fairgrounds, Christmas play, free hot chocolate and children’s activities, 7-9 p.m., call 706-541-0667 for more information THEATER A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit, Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Theatre, doors open 6:30 p.m., music 7:30 p.m., reserved tickets $44 and $49, augustaamusements.com

Sat., Dec. 13

ciety, “The Truth from Above” with Messiah excerpts and more, Saint Paul’s Church, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, augustachoralsociety.org HOLIDAY A Classic Poe Christmas Trolley Tour, featuring magician Chad Crews, The Book Tavern, limited seating, 9 p.m., $15-$20, augustaghosttrolley.com THEATER A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Imperial Theatre, 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Sun., Dec. 14

HOLIDAY All Aboard the Polar Express, Augusta Museum of History, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., $5, augustamuseum.org THEATER A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Imperial Theatre, 3 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com HAYRIDE Hayride Through the Life of Christ at Columbia County Fairgrounds, Christmas play, free hot chocolate and children’s activities, 7-9 p.m., call 706-541-0667 for more information THEATER Murder Mystery: A Cajun Killing on board the Magnolia Queen Casino Boat, Somewhere in Augusta, 7:30p.m., free with $10 food or drink purchase, limited seating, RSVP to Jaime@somewhereinaugusta.com.

Mon., Dec. 15 BENEFIT RUN SafeHomes of Augusta Jingle Jam 5k to end domestic violence, Evans Towne Center Park, 8 a.m., safehomesdv.org HOLIDAY Goodwill’s Gingerbread House Workshop at Hire Grounds Café, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., free, space is limited, RSVP to Nancy Browning at 706-6505760 HAYRIDE Hayride Through the Life of Christ at Columbia County Fairgrounds, Christmas play, free hot chocolate and children’s activities, 7-9 p.m., call 706-541-0667 for more information MUSIC Augusta Choral So-

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MUSIC Collegium Musicum, annual concert of holiday music featuring an American composer and some all-time favorites performed by the Augusta Collegium Musicum, 7:30 p.m., $10 for members, $15 nonmembers, augustamuseum.org

Thur., Dec. 18

MUSIC Dinner and Holiday Jazz with Bill Karp, Edgar’s Grille, 7 p.m., regular menu pricing, sites.google.com/site/ billkarpjazzspecialevents THEATER Suzy Boggus Christmas Show, Imperial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Fri., Dec. 19

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, a guided tour of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum and 25 historic black sites, departs from Lucy Craft Laney Museum, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 24 hour reservations required, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com HOLIDAY The Southstar Polar Express Trolley Tour, departs from The Book Tavern, enjoy Christmas lights, sing alongs, stories with Mrs. Claus, and Santa, departures at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., limited seating, $10 $20, augustaghosttrolley.com MOVIES Christmas Family Movie Night at St. Paul’s Church, 6 p.m., free, saintpauls. org/calendar

CONCERT An evening of joy and worship with Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day and Brandon Heath, sponsored by 88.3 WAFJ, James Brown Arena, doors open 6 p.m., music 7 p.m., tickets $27 - $75, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com or wafj.com

Sat., Dec. 20

NATURE Swamp Bike Saturday at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, guided, gentle bike ride through 7 miles of wetlands and trails; 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., free CONCERT 21st Annual Rocking the Stocking, outdoor holiday concert with vendors, fun and food including baked goodies, candy/caramel apples, hot cider and more, M.A.D. Studios, 12 p.m., free, madstudiosaugusta.com THEATER Behold the Star at Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; $15 matinee, $20 evening performance; 706-664-9022

Celebrated jazz pianist to perform Charlie Brown Since launching his recording career in 1977, David Benoit’s expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist and composer has included more than 25 solo recordings. His ’80s releases This Side Up, Freedom at Midnight and the Grammynominated Every Step of the Way are considered influential genre classics. His prolific output since 2000 includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects (including Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and the star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown

Christmas) that reflect his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi and solidify Benoit’s role as his musical heir. On October 29, 2010, the pianist/composer was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Smooth Jazz Awards in Michigan City, Ind. A limited number of reserved seat tickets for this special evening with David Benoit “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are available online at www.augustaamusements.com.

HOLIDAY The Southstar Polar Express Trolley Tour, departs from The Book Tavern, enjoy Christmas lights, sing alongs, stories with Mrs. Claus, and Santa, departures at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., limited seating, $10 $20, augustaghosttrolley.com

Tues., Dec. 23

Sun., Dec. 21

HISTORY Last Saturday at the Park, an interactive glimpse of the colonial period, Living History Park, 10:30 a.m., free, colonialtimes.us

MUSIC Christmas with John Berry, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Mon., Dec. 22

THEATER A Muppet Christmas Carol, come in pajamas, bring blankets and refreshments, watch the classic on the big screen, Nancy Carson Library, North Augusta, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., free, abbe-lib.org

MOVIES Holiday Movie Marathon, marathon of holiday movies rated G or PG, Diamond Lakes Branch Library, begins 10 a.m., free, arcpls.org

Sat., Dec. 27

Fri., Jan. 2

MOVIES Films on Friday: Love Me Tender, Morris Museum of Art, noon, free, themorris.org MOVIES Poison Peach Film Festival, enjoy films made by Augusta’s own, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., imperialtheatre. com

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calendar CONCERT Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Bell Auditorium, doors open 7:30 p.m., music 8:30 p.m., tickets $54 - $74, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Sat., Jan. 3

NATURE Swamp Saturday Dog Daze, celebrate National Walk Your Pet Month with a guide nature walk, Phinizy Swamp Nature Center, 9:30 a.m., phinizycenter.org MOVIES Poison Peach Film Festival, enjoy films made by Augusta’s own, Imperial Theatre 7 p.m., imperialtheatre.com

Sun., Jan. 4

THEATER Artrageous Family Sunday: A Pirate Adventure, Sean Driscoll presents a swashbuckling multimedia show featuring Pirate Goodie, Morris Museum of Art, 2 p.m., free, themorris.org

Noon music scheduled at St. Paul’s Church America’s largest luncheon concert series in Augusta is a unique partnership between the business community, private foundations and donors, and historic Saint Paul’s Church, located on the banks of the Savannah River in downtown Augusta. The 26th season features 13 concerts that began in September and continues through March. The 30-minute noon concerts are free, open to the public and are handicapped

accessible. Held in the nave of Saint Paul’s Church, the concerts include musical styles ranging from classical to jazz. Lunch is available after the concerts by advance reservation. The cost is $10 per person. Private tables are available for groups of four or more and civic groups and garden clubs, as well as tour groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement.

MOVIES Poison Peach Film Festival, enjoy films made by Augusta’s own, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., imperialtheatre. com

Tues., Jan. 6

MUSIC Tuesday’s Music Live, live music from the Davidson Fine Arts Chorale, catered lunch by Edgar’s Grille with reservation, , Saint Paul’s Church,12 p.m., free concert, $10 lunch, tuesdaysmusiclive. com

Verge / December 2014

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nightlife

Thurs., Dec. 11

M.A.D. open Mic, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com Karaoke with Coach DJ, Somewhere in Augusta, 9p.m., somewhereinaugusta. com Chris Ndeti and friends, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook. com/stillwater.taproom Festivus of Bands featuring DJ Fugi and others, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta.com

Fri., Dec. 12

Festivus of Bands featuring Sibling String, Delta Cane and Phillip Lee, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta. com Scarletta, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Worth Road and Kendall Levesque, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $6 advance $8 door, madstudiosaugusta.com Mason Jars, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom

Fri., Dec. 19

Nothing More

Mon., Dec. 15

Festivus of Bands featuring Nothing More with special guest Within Reason, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta. com Poker and Monday Night Football, Somewhere in Augusta, 7 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Tues., Dec. 16

Two’sDay Nite Music Club Singer/ Songwriter Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, doors open 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Bunco and Texas Hold ‘Em, Somewhere in Augusta, 8 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com Jamiacan Queens with Coyote Clean Up, The Soul Bar, call for time and ticket prices, soulbar.com

Festivus of Bands featuring Wycliffe Gordon and the Nu Funk Revolution, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta.com Phillip Lee Jr., The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Comic Book/CD Release, M.A.D.Studios, 9 p.m., $5 advance, $7 door, madstudiosaugusta.com Kenny George Band, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/ stillwater.taproom The Hollerers, Somewhere in Augusta, 9 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Sat., Dec. 20

Festivus of Bands featuring DeathStar, Debt of Nature, Night People, Noel Brown, Naan Violence, Sure Eel, and Shoo Fly Pie, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta.com Holman Autry Band, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Delta Cane, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom

The Unmentionables, Somewhere in Augusta, 9 p.m., somewhereinaugusta. com

Sat., Dec. 13

Thurs., Dec. 18

Tues., Dec. 23

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Festivus of Bands featuring Famous Last Words, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta.com M.A.D. open Mic, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com Celia Gray, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom Karaoke with Coach DJ, Somewhere in Augusta, 9p.m., somewhereinaugusta. com

Dixie Still, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Dixie Still

Mon., Dec. 29

Poker and Monday Night Football, Somewhere in Augusta, 7 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Tues., Dec. 30

Two’sDay Nite Music Club Singer/ Songwriter Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, doors open 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Bunco and Texas Hold ‘Em, Somewhere in Augusta, 8 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com M.A.D. open Mic, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

Festivus of Bands featuring Caleb Torkarska and Happy Bones and friends Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta. com Willie and the Hand Factory, Disaster, Argyle, Sweatshop, and The Beauty Fools, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $6 advance, $8 door, madstudiosaugusta.com Comedy, Ken Evans and Roy Haber, Somewhere in Augusta, 8 p.m., somewhereinaugusta

Festivus of Bands featuring Shaun Piazza, Celia Gray, Pixel Adams, Jeremy Carr, Ariana Williams, Kanabiss, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 admission, skycityaugusta.com Nick Sturns, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Claire Storm presents Movie M.A.D.ness, M.A.D.Studios, 8 p.m., viewer discretion advised, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com

Sat., Dec. 27

Thurs., Jan. 1

Wed., Dec. 17

The Unmentionables

Sibling String, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom The Unmentionables, Somewhere in Augusta, 9 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Delta Cane

Mon., Jan. 5

Poker and Monday Night Football, Somewhere in Augusta, 7 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Mon., Dec. 22

Poker and Monday Night Football, Somewhere in Augusta, 7 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com Two’sDay Nite Music Club Singer/ Songwriter Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, doors open 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Bunco and Texas Hold ‘Em, Somewhere in Augusta, 8 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com

Fri., Dec. 26

Whiskey Run, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Tues., Jan. 6

“I

thought we were going to the Christmas tree lot to pick out a tree together,” I said, disappointed. “We were,” he replied, “but then something happened.” “You left me at home?” “No, I got this tree for free,” he announced proudly. “Free is good,” I told him. For the first time in the history of Christmas, my family was coming to our home to celebrate the holiday. I’d spent most of our budget on food. The rest of the cash was going toward presents. That left us with $10.89 to spend on a tree. Free fit the budget nicely. He plopped the tree in a corner and dashed to the garage. He came back a few minutes later with the tree stand and 47 strands of lights.

“Give me a hand, would you?” he asked. Together, we wrangled the tree into the stand. “Here it is,” he said with gusto. He cut the rope that bound the branches. They sprung free. Halfway up, the tree leaned sharply to the right. We both cocked our heads to the side and stared. After a moment I said, “Is it supposed to look like that?” He turned to stare at me. “Of course it’s not supposed to look like that,” he snapped, irritated that his free tree was less than he bargained for. “Have you ever seen a tree that looks like that?” We stared at it some more. “It looks like it’s trying to do yoga,” I said. “Maybe once we get the ornaments

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“Ho, ho, ho,” my husband, Brian, shouted. He bustled through the front door with a Santa hat on his head and a Christmas tree slung over his shoulder.

life face first

worked. Once the lights were on the tree, we hung the ornaments. “Maybe if we put the bigger ornaments on the left side of the tree it will balance it out,” Brian suggested. When we were done I said, “It just looks like the tree bends to the right and we put all the big ornaments on the left. Let’s try again.” We rearranged the ornaments. We stepped back to examine our work. The tree gave a groan, leaned farther to the right and slowly fell to the floor. We stared. “The old adage is right,” I told him. “You really do get what you pay for.”

on it will look better,” he said. I wasn’t convinced but he was so proud of his free tree that I didn’t want to disappoint him. I concurred and we began the long process of untangling lights and finding strands that

Nora Blithe is an Augusta native, an entrepreneur and a syndicated humor columnist. She lives in Greenville, S.C., with her husband, Brian, and their pets. Find her online at doorinface. com or email her at norablithe@gmail.com

Verge / December 2014

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on the homefront

The Old Farmer’s Almanac was right on with its forecast for our area last year and is predicting a colder and drier than normal winter for us this year. After last year’s ice storms, drier sounds good, but even still, snow is in the forecast for three occasions in January and February. As we saw, all it takes is one ice storm to wreak havoc with trees and power lines. Prepare for winter now while the weather is still warm. You have more time to do it right, and the supplies you need are in stock now. You also have more hours of daylight now than you will have later in December or January to get the job done. Why wait until the frigid winds of January are howling to wrap those pipes. Keep your family warm this winter by making preparations now. Waiting until Ole Man Winter arrives is not a good idea.

1 2 3 4 5

Take precautions with outside water sources. Evaluate how you will use water outside this winter. If you won’t be using those water hoses, bring them in the garage. Even if they are drained of water, exposure to sunlight and temperature extremes will cause them to deteriorate faster. Wrap any exposed pipes and cover outdoor faucets. If you have just a faucet outside a crawl space wall, an easy way to cover it is to wrap the faucet with a plastic grocery bag and slide a drink koozie over it. The thick foam ones work best. Plus, if you need access to the faucet, you can easily access it and replace the covering.

Keep the gutters cleared of pine straw and leaves. Wet leaves and pine straw add weight to the gutters and block the flow of water. The weight can cause the gutters to pull away from your house. Also, if the water backs up severely, it may run under your shingles and cause leaks and water damage.

Have your heating system inspected and cleaned before you need it. Coils should be cleaned and debris removed on a regular basis. Having it tuned up now will guarantee that it will work when you need it.

Have a generator installed now. If the ice storms of last year left you without power for several days, you may want to check into installing a generator. Home supply stores have them in stock and can arrange to have them installed and ready to go if the power goes out.

JOE TODD is Director of New Homes and Land Development at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Executive Partners. Joe has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia. Joe can be reached at (706) 877-9500 or jtodd@epaugusta.

18 Verge / December 2014

Get your chimney checked. Before you light that first fire in your chimney this year, call the chimney sweep and get a thorough cleaning and inspection. During the summer, birds or other critters could have found entry and built nests that will ignite from the heat of the fire. A chimney fire can be very dangerous. Also, the chimney structure itself needs inspecting to make sure there are no cracks to let sparks through to wood and other flammable materials in your walls.

Verge / December 2014

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beers locals like

HAVE YOURSELF A CHOCOLATE PORTER!!! FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!

es, indeed. It’s the Holiday Season yet again – a time for family, friends, celebration, solemn reflection, food and dark beer. We were lucky enough to have two Thanksgiving feasts this year. Laura’s parents went out of town, so we had dinner with them the Sunday beforehand. Then it was off to my parents for the Casella family feast. I decided to bring a growler of chocolate porter as my contribution to the festivities (next year I’ll remember to bring two). Holiday food, from turkey to stuffing to pecan pie, lends itself seamlessly to pairings with craft beer, and this year is no different. So, let’s have some fun with a couple of quality dark brews. Shake Chocolate Porter – This is the one I brought to Thanksgiving at my parents’ home in a growler. The Boulder

20 Verge / December 2014

Beer/Wilderness Pub Brewery of Colorado has gone above and beyond to pack a chocolaty savor into this porter at levels that border on the obscene. So, (and you should read this sentence twice) if you don’t like chocolate, then this one is not for you. However, if you’re just as bad as the rest of us around the holidays, you’ll really enjoy sending a couple of pints of Shake Chocolate Porter directly to your waist line. The sweet chocolate balanced with a smooth feel around the mouth would make this brew a nice complement to gingerbread, but it’s good enough to have for dessert all by itself. Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale – Anderson Valley is just one of those California breweries that makes me happy year after year, and Winter Solstice has been doing so since I was in college.

So, it’s fitting that I had one of these recently at DePalma’s in my old college town of Athens after a football game. It pours a dark brown with a cappuccino head that laces nicely as you imbibe. Spices and brown sugar touch the nose and the palate gently with a barely detectable tartness that rounds out the sweeter aspects nicely. Spices come through the nose again when you swallow and breathe out, making this delectable ale go swimmingly with

Ben Casella wishes Happy Holidays to you and yours. Have fun and stay safe! And now, please welcome to the stage to sing his timeless rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Mr. Burl Ives….

anything on your holiday table but especially well with a day-after turkey sandwich.

am asked many variations of that question throughout the year. People want to know how frozen veggies “stack up” against fresh or canned. They also want to know whether any nutritional differences are big enough to worry about. Yes, there are nutritional differences between fresh, frozen and canned vegetables. No, the differences are not big enough to worry about. It turns out that the way you cook veggies and how often they actually make it into your mouth

are the most critical nutritional issues. These days, the average American eats only one or two servings of veggies a day. Many times, the veggies are fried or covered with high-fat, high-salt or high-sugar sauces and dressings. Not good. The Southern tradition of boiling veggies until they are “boiled to death” or adding fatback or bacon, butter and salt to the veggies…well, what do you think? And about that fried okra; you really didn’t think it was all that nutritious, did you? You did? Honestly?

Don’t buy those frozen veggies sold with all those sauces or in “steaming bags.” They are more expensive and, honestly, it is easy to steam veggies at home and then add some herbs and spices. You don’t have a steamer at home? No problem. Just take a small bowl and place it, upside down, into a pot with a little water on the bottom. Then, add the vegetables and cover the pot. The water will produce steam which cooks the veggies without water ever touching them.

ask dr. karp

Frozen vegetables may actually be more nutritious than fresh, particularly if the veggies are picked at peak ripeness and immediately frozen. In the freezing process, the vegetables are first briefly exposed to hot water or steam (blanching) in order to wash them and kill any bacteria clinging to the surface. Blanching also stops the enzymes in the food from further breaking down the food. Blanching does cause the loss of a small amount of water-soluble nutrients, such as the B-vitamins and vitamin C. The next step, “flash freezing,” is a great way of preserving nutrients. In case you are curious, Jack, frozen vegetables can be stored for up to 12 months at 0 degrees, so just store them outside your window. Beware, those reindeer like frozen vegetables, too. When I say that frozen vegetables can be more nutritious than fresh, I am not talking about those fresh vegetables you pick from your garden right before you use them or the ones from the farm down the street. Those are wonderful. Fresh vegetables in the store, on the other hand, have been harvested before they are ripe, so they can be shipped. This means that they are not in the most nutrient-dense state prior to harvesting. Even the veggies you buy in the store and allow to fully ripen at home never reach the nutrient levels of field-ripened veggies. However, don’t obsess about this. Regular store-bought veggies are still very healthy, so buy them and eat them.

Microwaving is a great way of cooking vegetables. By putting only a little bit of water in the microwavable dish along with the veggies, you are basically steaming them. Microwaving is the method I use most. I like to serve vegetables which are still brilliantly colored rather than over-cooked veggies whose colors look “washed-out.” The ideas that microwaving destroys nutrients, that it is unhealthy or that microwaving makes foods radioactive or unsafe are not true.

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J. Frost, a Twitter follower from way up North, asks,“Are frozen veggies healthy?”

Frozen vegetables labeled USDA “U.S. Fancy” are, generally the most nutritious. Canned vegetables do lose nutrients in the canning and preserving process. Also, many brands of canned vegetables contain too much salt and sugar. Nevertheless, canned vegetables can be very healthy, particularly if you buy the low sodium and low sugar varieties. Alternatively, you might want to simply dump the canned veggies into a strainer and briefly rinse them with cold water prior to using. What’s the “no-nonsense nutrition advice” for today? Do what I do. I look to see which vegetables are on sale and that’s what I buy. These are usually the veggies that are “in season.” I fill in the rest of my diet with other veggies, usually frozen and, sometimes, canned. I pay the most attention to how I prepare the vegetables and how many veggies I eat each day. In December, way up North, other than the greenhouse tomatoes and the hydroponic lettuce you grow up there, your best bet, J. Frost, is to eat those frozen and canned vegetables. Happy Holidays. Dr. Warren Karp is a Professor Emeritus at Georgia Regents University. “Ask Dr. Karp” focuses on food, diet, and nutrition. If you have a question you would like answered in this column, post it on his Facebook page, “AskDrKarp”

Sometimes if I want to make some “gourmet” salsa at home, I begin with some cheap, store-brand salsa. Then, I open a small can of corn, rinse the corn quickly in a strainer, cut up some extra onions, chop up some cilantro (if I happen to have some) and stir everything together. Presto!. Cheap salsa becomes gourmet salsa, all with the help of some canned corn and fresh onions. Sometimes I even add a few canned black beans to the salsa.

Verge / December 2014

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your faith

Life is a gift. Memories are a gift as well.We probably don’t think about it enough, but having the ability to remember our memories is also a gift.

ately I’ve been thinking a lot about remembering. Maybe it’s because this time of year brings with it such rich and lasting memories of times with friends and family over the years. My family’s Thanksgiving tradition included a gathering at my grandparents’ house. The menu was traditional, elaborate and abundant. The sights and smells of those times with family, the turkey and all of the fixin’s is deeply etched in my brain. Each year a picture was taken in the kitchen. The pose was always the same. My grandfather stood in the center of the photo, surrounded by grandchildren. The crew was behind the kitchen table with the turkey front and center. It was just out of the oven to be carved and served. This scene was repeated for many years. The Thanksgiving tradition of family gathering at Granny’s continued until she died in 1995. There was only one year I can recall the pattern being interrupted. That was the year my folks were in Africa serving on a short-term missions trip. (Yes, it was strange not having them with us knowing they were on the other side of the world). Looking back on these years, I find the continuity rather amazing. Last year our typical Thanksgiving plans drastically changed. My father-in-law, in town visiting from Florida, had a stroke at our house, a couple of days after his 88th birthday. It was just a few days before Thanksgiving. It was a difficult time for the whole family. Thanksgiving Day came while we were at the hospital. Good friends altered their plans and expressed their love tangibly by bringing the Thanksgiving feast to our

house. We all shared the feast together. Then they took the extra step of cleaning everything up before heading home as we returned to the hospital. As the final days of November came and went, December arrived (right on schedule!). However, during the weeks leading up to Christmas, we never reached for a wreath. No tree was trimmed and no lights were hung. We just didn’t have the energy or interest to try and act “festive.” We kept working and spent time at the hospital, then the rehabilitation center. While we were spending time in these facilities we were given a front row seat to watch nurses serve, and love, and care for people who were mostly invisible to us just weeks before. As the days stretched into weeks, my mother-inlaw remained with us. After four months and a roller coaster of emotions, her beloved husband of 66 years went home to meet Jesus in mid-February. As I look back and reflect on these days, weeks and months, here’s what I know to be true: Even though we were walking through a hard place in our lives – some days in a very dark place – we were never without hope. Not even for a moment. The kindnesses and prayers of many gave us strength. I hope that as you’ve read these words, you’re in the midst of some amazing celebrations and positive memory-making. However, since life includes hard times, you may be facing a time of trial and pain like we were. Please know that you are not alone. God is with you and loves you very much. The God who created the love we share points to Jesus, the Light of the World. He is the one true light

who came in to the world, wrapped in human flesh. When Jesus arrived in that Bethlehem manger more than 2,000 years ago, hope arrived. The endless light of love, peace, and joy had finally come to crush the power of darkness, once and for all time. Things would never be the same. His love, and victory over death has changed all of history – and eternity! All who believe in him have the gift of eternal life. Fast forward – 12 months after this difficult time, with timing so perfect that only God could orchestrate it, our daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl (our second granddaughter) at the end of November, almost exactly a year after my father-in-law suffered his stroke. This baby is a gift to our family that only God could deliver in such a timely fashion. Now, instead of dwelling on the darkness we walked through last year, we’ve been given the fresh gift of life. What an amazing blessing she is! I pray that you too will personally know and celebrate the Prince of Peace – Jesus. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus shows us that God has indeed given his very best for us. We’ve been given the inexhaustible gift of love to give to others! Please take time to remember your blessings and celebrate the One who made them all possible. Steve Swanson serves as the station manager for Family Friendly 88.3 WAFJ. He’s invested 30plus years in the world of radio and was named the Christian Music Broadcasters Program Director of the Year in 2009 and 2011. He and his wife , Susie, live in North Augusta.

Words of Hope for Dark Times John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

22 Verge / December 2014

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) …for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid of them! The LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.

In working with the elderly and their families, gifts with significant meaning and quality time spent together are much more cherished than a handsomely wrapped gift.

ecently I was thankful to spend 11 days with my mother. Mom lives seven hours away in West Virginia and our time together is limited. Mom had always wanted to go to Ireland and that is exactly what we did. Ireland was an amazingly beautiful place to visit, but making that memory with my 77-year-old mother was the best part of all. Right at Home suggests the following variety of gifts for seniors, depending on budget and the loved one’s activity level and personal interests: Time – One of the most meaningful gifts any time of year is to carve out regular visits and outings with your aging loved ones. Organize family photos and record family history – Sit down with your loved one and go through family photos, making notes of names of those in photos. Ask them to tell stories of where and when the photos were taken. Travel – Just make sure the activity

level required for your aging loved one is manageable. Whether it is a trip to a park for a picnic, a weekend at the coast or a week in the mountains, I recommend hiring professionals to make travel plans. On our recent trip to Ireland, a travel agent was helpful in taking my mother’s needs into consideration. If someone you know is becoming overwhelmed with keeping their home in order, why not give a gift of a weekly housekeeping visit from Right at Home to that person? Our caregivers also go on trips with our clients and their families. Kathy Crist co-owns Right at Home of the CSRA. a leading provider of in-home care and assistance, supports family caregivers and is dedicated to improving the life of the elderly and disabled. Call 803-278-0250 or visit www.csra. rightathome.net.

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make time for travel It starts when you step off your plane or cruise ship.The smiles are constant and authentic, the service is superb, the beaches grand and your cares just seem to melt away.

he island of Jamaica is the third largest in the Caribbean. It is ideally located, capturing trade winds that help maintain a near constant temperature between 77 and 82 degrees. The economy depends heavily on the tourism business, and some of the Caribbean’s finest resorts and elegant boutique hotels are found on the beaches of Jamaica. But Jamaica offers more than lovely beaches and crystal clear water. As wonderful as those things are, they are in plentiful supply in the Caribbean. Jamaica is more – much more. Jamaica is deep emerald green rainforests, waterfalls and mountain streams. Visitors miss a real opportunity for adventure if they fail to engage the people beyond the boundaries of the hotels and resorts. Most resorts and hotels will arrange for guided drives around the island. It is a great way to get off of the beaten path, see the real Jamaica, and to slowly acclimate to a side of the island not found behind the gates. A visit to Jamaica stays with a traveler. Unlike other islands, the experience of Jamaica is

Fast Facts About Jamaica

• Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut • English is the official language, although the Patois dialect is common • Jamaica became an independent country on Aug. 6, 1962 • The tallest peak is Blue Mountain, at 7,402 feet almost 800 feet higher than Clingman’s Dome in the Smoky Mountains • There are almost no snakes on the entire island • Ian Fleming wrote 10 of his James Bond books from his home in Jamaica • Jamaica is home to about 1,600 churches • About 120 rivers flow through the island

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somehow deeper and more transfixing. A longing develops deep inside that is curable only by a return visit. Jamaican cuisine is unique and richly flavored with the fusions of tastes both familiar and strange. Jerk marinade, created from island spices, is added to fish, pork, chicken and beef. Seafood, breads and native fruits are island specialties: ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit, peas and rice, escoveitched fish, and bammy, a pancake-shaped, deep-fried cassava bread. It makes no difference if you cruise to Jamaica, fly, stay on a ‘big box’ resort, try a boutique hotel or even go with a tour group – just go. After all what’s better than experiencing a no problem, mon vacation? Margaret Centers is the owner of Margaret’s Travel, www. margaret’stravel.com. She worked for Morris Travel for nearly 20 years and formed her own agency in 2010. For questions or bookings call 706-396-3769.

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love and marriage

If you’ve been married longer than one day, chances are you’ve been mad at your spouse at least once – and they’ve been mad at you too.

e were talking to a couple recently and they were so frustrated with each other that they could barely stand to be in the same room. As we talked through some of their struggles, we discovered that years of unresolved issues had built up deep-seated anger and resentment in their marriage. That anger was now threatening to unravel their relationship. This couple wanted to work through their issues, but they didn’t know where

to start. Anger can blind us from seeing the bigger picture. Anger can make our problems seem out of control. When two imperfect people are put in close quarters and regular contact with each other (which should be happening in any marriage), then there will be times you hurt each other. In some ways, marriage is like two blind people learning to dance with each other… you’re going to step on each other’s toes sometimes! We all get angry sometimes, but we

1. Communicate openly and honestly. Don’t be passive-aggressive in your response. Don’t say, “Nothing is wrong” when something is clearly wrong. Don’t make your spouse guess why you’re mad. Talk about it. Communication is the first step towards healing. 2. Take responsibility for your part. There might be a few rare occasions when the problem is 100 percent the fault of your spouse, but the vast majority of time, you will have some responsibility too. Take responsibility for your role in the mess and it will be easier for your spouse to own up to his or her part. 3. Work through it quickly. Don’t let your grudge fester under the surface and then pull it out months later as ammunition in an argument about something completely different. Don’t blindside your spouse with old dirt. Work through issues right away.

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tend to make our worst decisions when we’re angry or frustrated. The good news is that there’s always hope for healing and resolution. Choose grace! You’ll improve your relationship with your spouse, and when your marriage is stronger, nearly every other aspect of your life will become stronger as a result! Below is a basic checklist of a few things to do and a few things not to do when you become angry with your husband or wife.

Dave and Ashley Willis are founders of the facebook Marriage Page which currently has more than 500,000 subscribers worldwide. They serve in ministry at Stevens Creek Church in Augusta. For more tools to help you build a rock-solid marriage and family, please connect with us online at www.DaveWillis.org and www. AshleyWillis.org.

DON’T

1. Punish. Your spouse is your partner; not your child. It’s your job to call them out sometimes, but it’s never your job to punish them. There are natural consequences for our actions, but they don’t need you beating them over the head or giving them the cold shoulder as a way to intensify their pain. 2. Vent to others. When your spouse has done something to irritate or hurt you, there’s a natural tendency to complain about it, but it can be destructive. Don’t get on social media and talk negatively about your spouse and don’t complain to your friends about your spouse. 3. Retaliate. When your spouse makes a bad choice, it’s an opportunity for you to offer grace, not permission for you to make a bad choice in return. Be quick to forgive. Grace creates a healthy marriage.

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well-adjusted bodies

The basic philosophy behind chiropractic care is that the body contains the innate abilities of self-healing and self-maintaining.

or example, if a person sustains a cut to the hand, the body will heal that cut. If that same person sustains 10 cuts to the hand, the body will heal all 10 cuts. The chiropractic subluxation is generally misunderstood within the general population. Medically, the term subluxation simply means “less than a dislocation.” However, to the chiropractor it carries much more significance. Throughout daily life, every individual receives either major traumas in one moment (such as a car accident or sports injury) or minor traumas over a long period of time (such as repetitive movements or poor posture). These injuries cause vertebrae in the spine to move away from their natural position. This in itself would not be that troublesome to the person, due to the fact that the body has allowed extra space in the joints surrounding nerves as they immediately exit the spine. However, each of these spaces (referred to as intervertebral foramen, or IVF) contains a substantial amount of soft tissue structures. Ligaments, arteries, veins and lymphatic channels are among these structures. The soft tissue is the culprit in producing pressure upon the nervous system. At this level, the nerve root is covered by a structure called dura mater and is therefore much more susceptible to compression than say, the nerves in the arm, which results in a decrease in

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conductivity. The decrease in conductivity actually results from the disruption in blood flow through capillaries that supply the nerve itself. It must also be noted that a disruption in blood flow means that metabolic waste from these cells can no longer travel away from this location. This waste can cause permeability in the surrounding tissue and lead to inflammation and swelling. The beginning of this process will result in a response from your body’s “alarm system” – pain. After a long period, the nerve will no longer conduct pain signals and will eventually degenerate to a point beyond recovery. Our goal is to detect and reduce the subluxation before the nerve is too heavily damaged. New techniques have been developed to accurately adjust the subluxation in a very gentle fashion. We utilize many of these techniques in order to accommodate different patient requirements. Dr. Brad Steinle practices out of Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center, His office is located at 122 Old Evans Road, Martinez, GA. Find him online at www.chiropractic4augusta. com or contact him by phone at (706) 738-7731.

When subluxations first develop, the symptoms are not severe. The problem comes from the duration in which the subluxation persists. If the nerve is not receiving proper stimulation and nutrient flow, it follows the general rule “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” The nerve will begin to degenerate. Studies at the University of Colorado found that as little as 10 mm Hg of pressure over a 2.5 mm segment of nerve for 15 minutes will cause a 25 percent decrease in conductivity of that nerve and 30 minutes results in a 50 percent decrease.

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lunch date with meagan & drew

Meagan Luda and Drew Williamson are a twenty-something career-oriented recently-engaged couple that enjoys catching up while relaxing and dining at local restaurants. They also enjoy sharing their opinions about those restaurants. Where They Went My Friend’s Place 353 Highland Ave., Augusta 10 a.m-3 p.m. Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday What They Ordered Entree: Drew: Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich and pasta salad. Meagan: Southwestern Turkey Wrap with Brunswick Stew Total Cost with Tip: $23

She Says

He Says

I love this place, it’s small and never too crowded. It definitely does not give you the franchise feel of several other sandwich shops I have been to. The pictures of all of the different employees and functions that they have hanging on the wall when you walk in give it the perfect “personal” touch!

This is another restaurant in Surrey Center so of course I love the small town feel it has. It’s a deli so it’s kind of everything you imagine a deli to be. However, I was surprised to learn that this is a franchise restaurant and not a locally-owned creation. It really did give you the” two-friends-who-live-nearbyown-it” kind of impression.

I had the Southwestern Turkey Wrap (in the veggie tortilla). It was light enough that I still felt like I was eating healthy but enough to fill me up. I love their Roasted Red Pepper Smoked Gouda soup but since they were out I got the Brunswick Stew and it was really delicious! (Drew has never been a fan of Brunswick Stew but he actually tried to steal it several times that day!)

I had the Roast Beef and Cheddar sandwich and it was very good! It tasted fresh and was big enough to fill me up. The only thing about the entrée is that it was just the sandwich, no side or chips. I had to order a side of pasta salad to go with it. The pasta salad was not my favorite at all and it was very small (like maybe five noodles small). If I have to order and pay for a side to go with my meal I would like it to be big enough to actually enjoy – if I had liked it.

The price was all right, although it was a little high for two sandwiches and we had to pay for the two sides as well.

The total was not bad for two people to eat a quick lunch but when you think about it, $23 is a lot for two sandwiches.

Service

The lady at the front was very nice and apologetic when she had to tell me that they were out of my favorite soup (which again, I was very bummed about).

The service was nice. You order at the front and then they call you to pick up your food. Since we did get there an hour before they closed the cashier had to come twice to let us know they were out of Meagan’s first two soup choices.

Overall

We will still continue to eat here when we are near the area at lunch time. The food is great and I have several favorites that I still like to eat every now and then. Most importantly, I can grab a bite here and not be too full to shop after my meal!

This is a nice little restaurant to eat at if you are in the neighborhood and are not that hungry. We will most likely eat here again, but I may sneak in a bag of chips next time!

Atmosphere

Entrée

Price

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