Verge november 2014 by Gary Kauffman

2 Verge / November 2014

what’s inside cover story

vitality

Calendar of events

15 16

The Movie Chick Reviews of RedBox movies. This month, Noah, Think Like a Man Two and Mom’s Night Out are reviewed.

Your Faith Two men who made a difference despite their lives ending young.

Ask Dr. Karp The good doctor dishes up some healthy tastes of autumn.

The Photography Festival drew a record number of participants. See the winning photo.

Garden City Beat Augusta goes country with several country music events.

Behind the Curtain Life behind the curtain can be exhilirating and nerve-racking.

Well-Adjusted Bodies Another look at the tiny but mighty atlas bone.

Dinner Date with Meagan & Drew Our newly-engaged couple headed to Augusta’s iconic Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar.

Beers Locals Like Ever wonder what chocolate stout poured into pumpkin ale tastes like? So did Ben Casella.

holiday guide

19-24

Here’s To Your Health Several local benefit events are on tap for November.

Information about some of our local merchants.

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 on the first 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

photo festival

vibe

Love & Marriage Husbands and wives each have three primary needs.

Nightlife

Everyone in the CSRA hears about Golden Harvest Food Bank, especially at this time of year. Here is their story and how you can help them curb hunger.

values

On the Homefront You’re moving – should you try to sell your home or turn it into a rental?

Inside Your Home Before signing on the dotted line, get an inspection of your new home.

views

Make Time for Travel Disney World, Epcot Center have a lot to offer, even if you’re a bit grumpy.

Life Face First A full-contact misadventure while shopping for Thankdsgiving.

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

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 / November 2014

Executive Director Travis McNeal in the Golden Harvest Food Bank warehouse. Photo by Gary Kauffman

By Gary Kauffman There are several components to Golden Harvest Food Bank Food Distribution – Golden Harvest has three distribution centers, in Augusta, Aiken and Anderson, S.C. Food from these centers is distributed to nearly 300 food pantries in the 30-county area. The Master’s Table – Golden Harvest operates a soup kitchen in downtown Augusta that serves 300-500 hot meals every day of the year. The state-of-the-art facility was built four years ago and is debt free. It is named not for the famous golf tournament but for the biblical reference to Jesus as The Master. Mobile Food Pantry – This program distributes fresh produce to various areas. Senior Food Box Program – Golden Harvest provides monthly boxes of supplemental groceries, averaging 20 pounds each, to senior citizens in need. Backpack Program – This program provides about 2,500 children who are at risk for hunger a supply of easy-to-open, nutritious food for the weekend. In January, Golden Harvest will start packaging these supplies in their warehouse.

4 Verge / November 2014

That box of macaroni and cheese in your hand is likely just a box to you, one like a hundred other food cans and boxes in your cupboards, one like a thousand other food packages lining the shelves of any one of a dozen grocery stores within easy driving distance.To you, it may be your entry into a local event or your part of a food drive at a church or business. Easily obtained, easily given away. But for one of the thousands of food-insecure families in the CSRA, that box of mac and cheese could be the difference between eating a meal tonight or going to bed with an empty stomach. These are known as the food insecure – they either don’t have the funds to purchase food, or no way to get to food within 15-30 minutes. “There are 46 million Americans that are hungry every day because they can’t get to sufficient food,” said Travis McNeal, executive director for Golden Harvest Food Bank. In the 30 counties Golden Harvest serves – 19 in Georgia, 11

in South Carolina – that number probably exceeds 1 million. Golden Harvest helped 824,000 last year, more than half of them children and senior citizens. “The two age groups most affected are senior adults and children,” McNeal said. “They are the senior adults who are on Social Security or a fixed income and children who can’t make that decision for themselves.” The stereotype of the hungry is unwashed street people shuffling into soup kitchens, but McNeal said the largest segment of those served through food pantry donations are the working poor.

The working poor “The majority are working class people,” he said. “They’re the single moms working two jobs at $7.25 an hour who after utilities and other expenses are not able to afford groceries.” Some find themselves temporarily in that situation. He cited one case where the husband was a medical student and the family relied on the wife’s income. When she hurt her back and was out of work for more than three months, they suddenly found themselves in need of the services of a local food pantry. “That’s a scenario we find a lot,” McNeal said. “They used to be people who donated to a food pantry and now they found themselves needing to use it.” Golden Harvest began in 1982, when many food pantries also began in the area, responding to a need created by the unstable economy of the late 1970s. That first year Golden Harvest distributed 200,000 pounds of food. Now Golden Harvest distributes more than that in a week. This past fiscal year the food bank distributed 17 million pounds of food. It has also grown in size, with three distribution centers, a soup kitchen, a volunteer facility and 48 staff members.

300 food pantries Golden Harvest is a food bank, where food is stored and distributed to nearly 300 food pantries in the 30-county area. About 90 percent of those are church-based. “We consider them the wholesalers and we’re the retailers,” said Dave Iverson, director of Columbia County Cares, a food pantry in Columbia County. The relationship between Golden Harvest and the food pantries is a symbiotic one. “Without us they couldn’t exist, and without them we couldn’t exist,” Iverson said. “It’s a partnership and we work together closely.” During the various food drives that seem to be ongoing in the CSRA, people bring their boxes of mac and cheese and other food items to be taken to Golden Harvest. Those are stored in a large warehouse, then distributed to the various food pantries, who in turn distribute them to those in need. Golden Harvest has a live inventory system where the food pantries can see what is available and place an order. The food is not free to the pantries – they pay about 16 cents per pound for it. Columbia County Cares paid about $24,000 in the past year for its food.

Making ends meet Running Golden Harvest on a shoestring still takes a considerable amount of money. The food bank is a nonprofit, but it still takes $3.7 million a year just to break even because of the cost of maintaining the warehouse, running the programs and keeping the distribution continued on page 6

96 cents out of every donated dollar goes toward food distribution.

How You Can Help Golden Harvest Here are the top ways you can help Golden Harvest Food Bank continue to feed the hungry in our area.

Funding – “The one thing that will benefit the food bank more than anything is funding,” said Travis McNeal, the food bank’s executive director. “We can distribute $8 of food for every $1 donation.” The funds are used to purchase food, pay the utilities and keep the distribution trucks running – no small task because the trucks are often held together by little more than hope and a prayer. Golden Harvest would like to purchase two refrigerated box trucks for delivery. It is currently leasing one at $1,800 per month. Volunteering – Golden Harvest was voted by Best of Augusta as the No. 1 place to volunteer. The food bank already has thousands of regular volunteers but always needs more. Volunteers help sort food, package food, paint, clean vehicles and forklifts, maintain the yard and serve at The Master’s Table. When Golden Harvest starts packing weekend backpacks for food-insecure children in January, it will need

hundreds more volunteers. Some businesses organize volunteering days as a team-building exercise.

Growing and Donating Produce –

Golden Harvest is always in need of fresh produce but there are few large-scale growers in the area. Most gardens produce more than the grower can consume. “People who don’t know what to do with their extras, they can just bring it to us,” McNeal said.

Food Drives – This is the most visible way that people in the community become involved. While the food bank can use almost any kind of non-perishable food items, there are some staples that are a constant need: • Any pasta • Any kind of rice • Any kind of bean • Cereal • Spaghetti sauce • Any canned beans and corn • Peanut butter • Frozen turkeys, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas

That’s a lotta corn!

This past fiscal year, ending in September, Golden Harvest Food Bank distributed more than 16 million pounds of food. That’s about 23 tons per day. To put that in perspective, imagine stacking about 2,000 cans of corn into the back of an average pickup – covering the entire bed about five cans high. Then do that every hour of every day, every day of the week, every week of the year. That would allow you to distribute about 17 million pounds of food in a year. Or if those cans were laid end to end, it would stretch roughly from Augusta, Ga., to Augusta, Maine. In pure poundage, it is the same as hauling three full-grown male African elephants around every day.

Verge / November 2014

With ample rain and the Savannah River, the Augusta area hardly seems to qualify as a desert. But when it comes to places to obtain large amounts of food, it is practically the Sahara.

“W

e’re in a food desert,” said Travis McNeal, executive director of Golden Harvest Food Bank. “There are only one or two food manufacturers in our 30 counties, and no real produce farmers in our counties.” Under the regulations of its govern-

6 Verge / November 2014

ing body, Golden Harvest can only solicit food donations from within the 30-county area. With no distributors or growers, that puts a strain on Golden Harvest’s checkbook. “So food is our challenge,” McNeal said. “We have to buy rather than have it donated.”

That means extra funding is needed. While the CSRA doesn’t have major food distributors, it has one advantage – Kimberly Clark has a large diaper manufacturing facility in Beech Island. “We’re considered the Southeast’s diaper bank,” he said. “That’s is a commodity for people who have no funds.”

trucks in running order. Still, 96 cents of every dollar donated to Golden Harvest is used for food distribution, a higher percentage than most nonprofits put toward their projects. But if McNeal suddenly found his budget doubled, he knows what he’d do with it. “These churches (food pantries) don’t have any money,” he said. “If our budget was suddenly $7 million, what would I do with the extra money? I’d give it as credit to the churches and say, ‘Come feed people.’” And that is what Golden Harvest has always been about, McNeal said. “Our food bank is responding to the biblical calling to feed the hungry,” he said. “Over the years we’ve grown in staff, in poundages distributed and in awareness. But our mission has stayed exactly the same.” Think you’re immune to becoming food insecure? Travis McNeal says a family can find themselves in that situation faster than most of them realize if they faced a sudden loss of weekly income. “It’s a month,” he said. “Everything is on a cycle of about a month. But the average household can’t make it past a week or two.”

Photography Festival has record number of entries By Neil Gordon, Publisher Yours truly was honored to emcee the Augusta Photography Festival and equally honored to have Verge sponsor the event. “El Presidente,” as a committee member called Chairperson Rebecca Rogers, did a terrific job pulling together scores of judges and volunteers and a steering committee to carefully review a record-setting 950 images, broken down into many categories like a new Youth Division. Also new this year were honorable mention awards. Kaitlyn Paige Cook took home eight ribbons in the Youth Division and Alan George took home hundreds of dollars and four awards in the adult division. The winner of Best of Show was Carol Haff for her work entitled “The Rookery.” She won a $500 prize. For the last few weeks leading up to the early November awards competition local photographers participated in up to 33 workshops from “Light Up Augusta” to a dark night at the cemetery; from Sibley Mill to Phinizy Swamp and many others. “I particularly want to recognize the support we’ve received from a group that actually got started after last year’s festival,” Rogers said. “The women of The Chicks That Click. They’ve mounted a terrific show over at the Augusta Main library and have been faithful and enthusiastic attendees and workshop participants.” The Festival will take a one-year hiatus and return to Augusta in October 2016.

Awards were present Nov. 2 for the Augusta Photography Festival. Carol Haff’s “The Rookery” was voted as Best of Show. Photos by Neil Gordon

Verge / November 2014

vibe

garden city beat

With three big country concerts suited for just about every kind of country fan, there’s bound to be something worth donning your denim and boots for this month.

aking a return appearance at the Imperial Theatre will be Marty Stuart, a country and bluegrass superstar. He’ll be with his group, the Fabulous Superlatives, for an evening performance as part of the Southern Soul and Song series on Friday, Nov. 14. Stuart has displayed a remarkable talent to stay relevant for more than 40 years, first with bluegrass groups The Sullivans and Nashville Grass before being asked to join up with Johnny Cash’s group in the early ‘80s. While there he played alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry – Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis – on Cash’s “Class of ‘55” album. He’s been married to two different notable ladies of country, first to Cindy Cash (daughter of Johnny Cash) and to Connie Smith, his current wife, one of classic country’s most gifted female vocalists of all time. Recently he’s released increasingly interesting records on his own Superlatone imprint and even produced for the legendary Porter Wagoner, a disc on the “mostly known for punk rock” Epitaph records. Another country act that generated an enormous buzz, even amongst the type of people that largely

8 Verge / November 2014

ignore “that type of music,” came to Sky City on Nov. 5, when Satisfied Entertainment presented Sturgill Simpson. Simpson’s been branded as a breath of fresh air from the current crop of pop-country acts. He released two critically acclaimed albums, starting with last year’s High Top Mountain. Fans gushed over the return to “good old country production and songwriting,” drawing Simpson more than a few comparisons to Waylon Jennings and the like. On his most recent album, Simpson seems to display a greater confidence for stretching things out and expanding on the success of his first record with a more natural sound that seems all his own. The aptly titled Metamodern Sounds in Country Music tackles subjects not usually addressed in your typical country song. Even the instrumentation has flashes of psychedelia that seem to echo this headier approach. After making the press rounds and popping up everywhere from NPR to a performances on Letterman, Conan and the Tonight Show, this was a major event for the Augusta area. Local rocker and Athens transplant, Diamond Rugs member and Dead Confederate front-man T. Hardy Morris opened the show as an ad-

Sturgill Simpson

ditional treat. He recently released the first song of his soon-to-be released second solo album last week to great reviews. And it’s always nice to see Morris back on the stage at Sky City. And if that’s not enough, radio station Kicks 99 has all the pop-loving country fans covered with some of the more mainstream country music that their listeners tune in for when they present the 16th Annual Kicks 99 Guitar Pull at the James Brown Arena on Saturday, Nov. 18. The event will feature Hunter Hayes, Joe Nichols, Kip Moore, Thompson Square, Dan + Shay and Dustin Lynch. Sadly, tickets are already shorted for the event, having been on sale for one day only this past September, a strategy that drew people from near and far camping out to get their hands on a seat.

Matthew Porter is a music fanatic, record collector, deejay, and occasional soundman, living in Augusta.

Verge / November 2014

vibe

behind the curtain

There’s hardly any way to describe it. It’s a mixture of terror and overwhelming excitement.

t’s the place where fear meets excitement; where preparation meets an environment where anything can happen. It’s the feeling that created the title of this column, and can only be experienced when you are behind the curtain. A few weeks ago, I had a vivid reminder of that feeling when I got to participate in the Augusta Players school performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live. I’ve mentioned it several times in this column, but this is an incredible outreach from a community theater to bring performing arts to several thousand area school children each year. Schoolhouse Rock finds its way to the stage when the main stage shows aren’t quite appropriate for a school-

10 Verge / November 2014

age audience. That also means they have to be put together completely separately, often in just a few weeks. The added pressure of a shortened rehearsal process can make the theater magic all the more crucial. Arriving at the theater prior to a performance is an experience all its own. Stepping out on the stage and seeing several hundred seats waiting to be filled is an exhilarating feeling. It’s also probably where theater people get a bit of their odd reputations. It’s at this point you will hear instruments warming up from their below ground pit. Vocalists will scoop from the lowest to highest notes in their range and sing warm-up tunes with such fascinating lyrics as “Mama made me mash my M&M’s.” To the casual on-

looker, I’m sure it seems like chaos, but there is a beauty to the entire scene. Once the stage is cleared, the doors open and costumes and make-up are applied. And then there’s the half-second panic as the lights dim before you take the stage where you never know what’s going to happen. Sure, you’ve rehearsed, but an audience and the thrill of the moment changes everything. That’s why live theater can still thrive in a digital world. There’s just something about experiencing it first-hand, in-the-moment. But back to Schoolhouse Rock – there’s an extra excitement observing kids (some who drive for more than an hour to get to the theater) seeing the stage lights rise, maybe for the first time ever. And then, feeling their thrill

as they hear songs from a television show come to life as they sing along. And in an instant, the magic ends. You find yourself behind the curtain again, except after it’s closed. The seats are empty once again and you feel the cliché of something that’s finished as fast as it began. Then, you find yourself wondering when you can finally get behind the curtain once again. 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.

Verge / November 2014

vibe

calendar

Thur., Nov. 6

COMMUNITY First Thursday, spend your evening exploring the shops of midtown and historic Summerville, shops along Kings Way, free, 5 – 8 p.m., augustaga.org ART Doug Larson Art Exhibition, opening reception, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 5-7 p.m., sacredheartaugusta.org

Fri., Nov. 7

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, visit more than 25 historic black sites, 10 a.m.-noon, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com FILM Films on Friday: Young Mr. Lincoln (1939); Morris Museum of Art, 12 p.m., free, themorris.org COMMUNITY First Friday, enjoy local vendors, live music and more, downtown Augusta, 5 – 9 p.m., free, augustaga.org HISTORY Civil War Symposium, lectures and a Civil War music performance, Augusta Museum of History, 6:30 p.m., free, augustamuseum.org THEATER Schrodinger’s Cat eXtreme Theatre Games, two teams of improvisers battle for comedic domination, Le Chat Noir, 8 p.m., $12, lcaugusta.com

Sat., Nov. 8

BENEFIT WALK Moving Day, Walk for Parkinson’s, 9 a.m.noon, Wilson Family Y Track, movingdayaugusta.org

HISTORY Civil War Symposium, enjoy lectures and a Civil War music performance, Augusta Museum of History, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., $30, augustamuseum.org NATURE Yoga in the Park, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 9:30-11 a.m., free, phinizycenter.org/events BASEBALL Baseball Clinic for elementary and middle school students, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lake Olmsted Stadium, free, bring canned item to donate to Golden Harvest Food Bank, register by calling 706-8145916 or email mattchilders@ completegamellc.com. COMMUNITY Family Fun Day, Sunny Day Farms, enjoy a corn maze, hay ride, petting zoo and more, Sunny Day Farms in Louisville, Ga; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., $10 admission, sunnydayfarms.net HISTORY The Other Tubmans, Voices of the Past Museum Theatre Series, Augusta Museum of History, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., free with museum admission, augustamuseum.org MUSIC Jazz at the G, Georgia Regent’s University, bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy this Jazz series presented by GPB Augusta, GRU Music Department and Garden City Jazz; 6 p.m., free admission but accepting donations, calendar. gru.edu

Sun., Nov. 9

ART Senn Designs Trunk Show, do a little Christmas shopping while you preview new pieces, Morris Museum of Art, 12 – 4 p.m., free admission, themorris.org

Tues., Nov. 11

MARKET Market on the River, live music and local goods, 9 a.m-2 p.m., free, augustaga.org

FILM Southern Circuit Film Series: Go with Le Flo, The Morris Museum of Art, 6 p.m., free admission, themorris.org MUSIC Jazz at the G featuring the GRU Jazz Ensemble, Georgia Regent’s University, 7:30 p.m., $5, calendar.gru.edu

12 Verge / November 2014

Annual Lights of the South display brightens holidays Millions of Christmas lights will be blazing at the annual Lights of the South display near Grovetown starting Nov. 20. This dazzling display will continue through Dec. 30. In addition to the lights, you’ll find a Christmas tree maze, hay rides and roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Santa Claus will be there too. For more information, see lightsofthesouth.com.

Thur., Nov. 13

HOLIDAY Holiday Open House, the sounds and scents of the holiday season, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., sacredheartaugusta.org MUSIC Glenn Miller Orchestra, walk the red carpet in 1940s/50s attire in a tribute to Glenn Miller, Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets $35 $40, augustaamusements.com MUSIC Augusta Children’s Chorale Dessert Concert, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 7 p.m. , sacredheartaugusta.org

Song featuring Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Imperial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Sat., Nov. 15

NATURE Swamp Bike Saturday, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 9:30 a.m.-noon, free, bring your own bike; helmet required. Groups of six or more should call for reservation, 707-396-1411, phinizycenter. org/events

Sun., Nov. 16

MUSIC Augusta Bel Canto, music from the Civil War era, The Morris Museum of Art, 1-3 p.m., free, themorris.org MUSIC Promise to Love Tour: Part 1, featuring KEM, Joe, and L. Renee, Bell Auditorium, doors open 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m., tickets $45 - $65, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Tues., Nov. 18

Fri., Nov. 14

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, visit more than 25 historic black sites, 10 a.m.-noon, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com FILM Movie Screening and fundraiser, “The American Nurse,” red carpet event celebrating nurses in the two-state area, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25 adults, $10 students, calendar.gru.edu THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php CONCERT Southern Soul and

FILM A Day of French Cinema and Culture, sponsored by the Lyceum & Cinema Series, four French films, music, food and petanque, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, noon, free, calendar.gru.edu ART Decorative Lettering with Ann Erickson, open to any skill level, The Morris Museum of Art, 1-3 p.m., $18 pre-registration, $20 at door, themorris. org THEATER Shades of Love, presented by Raisin AJ Productions, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., tickets prices vary, imperialtheatre.com THEATER Mama Mia!, part of the Taylor BMW Broadway in Augusta series, Bell Auditorium, doors open 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., tickets $50 - $60, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php

MARKET Market on the River, live music and local goods, 9 a.m-2 p.m., free, augustaga.org HISTORY A Petersburg Boat Pilot, Voices of the Past Museum Theatre Series, Augusta Museum of History, free with museum admission, augustamuseum.org

CONCERT Kicks 99 Guitar Pull featuring Hunter Hayes, Thompson Square, Dustin Lynch and more, James Brown Arena, doors open 6:30 p.m., show starts 7:30 p.m., tickets $35, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com MUSIC GRU Wind Ensemble, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 7:30 – 9 p.m., $5, calendar. gru.edu

Thur., Nov. 20

FOOTBALL Cliff Sanders Sr. Memorial Recreation Football Bowl, Academy of Richmond High School Stadium, 6 – 10

Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php MUSIC The Harlem Quartet, music from this Grammy Award-winning group, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 7:30 – 9:15 p.m., $7 children, $25 adults, calendar.gru.edu

p.m., $1 adults, children 6 and under free, contact your district athletic office for more information MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Titan FC MMA, James Brown Arena, doors open 6 p.m., tickets $20 - $97, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com MUSIC GRU Orchestra, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 7:30 – 9 p.m., $5, calendar.gru. edu

Fri., Nov. 21

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, visit more than 25 historic black sites, 10 a.m.-noon, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com ART Art at Lunch: Eliot Dudik discusses large-format historic landscapes, Morris Museum of Art, 12 p.m., $10 for members, $14 for non-members, reservations required, themorris.org THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner

Sat., Nov. 22

Museum of History presents annual gingerbread village For the seventh year the Augusta Museum of History will present the annual Holiday Gingerbread Village in the museum’s rotunda Nov. 20-30. Ten local bakers have been invited to create structures of the CSRA. Each historic-themed gingerbread creation will be available through silent auction, with proceeds benefiting museum programs and exhibitions. The display and the opportunity to bid on the houses are free to the public during regular museum hours.

BENEFIT WALK Dance Dash 5K, learn a new dance move each mile, then join your fellow runners/walkers in a giant flash mob at the end; proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Georgia, 9 a.m., calendar.gru. edu MARKET Market on the River, live music and local goods, 9 a.m-2 p.m., free, augustaga.org ART Alternative Photo Processes, Eliot Dudik teaches alternative photo processes and how to create an artist’s book, Morris Museum of Art, 10 a.m.5 p.m., $80 for members, $90

vibe

calendar

for non-members, reservations required, themorris.org CONCERT Tamela Mann featuring Derrick Monk, Bell Auditorium, doors open 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., tickets $27 - $57, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php

MUSIC Karla Bonoff, walk the red carpet in 1980s attire in celebration of this folk singersongwriter who wrote for Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt and Wynonna Judd, Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center

Verge / November 2014

vibe

calendar

in Evans, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets $27.50 - $32.50, augustaamusements.com

Mon., Nov. 24

HOLIDAY Gingerbread Fun, Augusta Museum of History, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., kids accompanied by an adult can make a scented ornament and gingerbread-themed card, $4, registration required, augustamuseum.org

Sat., Nov. 29

BENEFIT RACE 3 annual WJBF & Salvation Army Turkey Trot 5K/10K Race, 8 a.m.noon, proceeds benefit local Salvation Army, register at eventbrite.com/e/wjbf-the-salvation-army-turkey-trot-5k10ktickets-12274558535 rd

Wed., Nov. 26

THEATER Dr. Sketchy’s AntiArt School, art and contests, Le Chat Noir, 7-10 p.m., lcaugusta. com

Fri., Nov. 28

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, visit more than 25 historic black sites, 10 a.m.-noon, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com THEATER The Nutcracker presented by Augusta Dance, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

HISTORY Last Saturday in the Park, Living History Park, North Augusta, 10:30 a.m., free, colonialtimes.us HISTORY Christmas in the Back Country, Living History Park, North Augusta, noon., learn how colonists and slaves celebrated Christmas with storyteller Kitty Wilson-Evans, free, colonialtimes.us THEATER The Nutcracker presented by Augusta Dance, Imperial Theatre, 1 and 4 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Sun., Nov. 30 THEATER Tales from the Box, improve comedy, Le Chat Noir, 8 p.m., lcaugusta.com

THEATER The Nutcracker presented by Augusta Dance, Imperial Theatre, 1 and 4 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

14 Verge / November 2014

Tues., Dec. 2

MUSIC Roger Denning Holiday Concert, music by UGA Accidentals, St. Paul’s Church, noon, free concert, $10 for lunch, tuesdaysmusiclive.com

Thurs., Dec. 4

HOLIDAY Christmas Shopping with a Purpose, Bead for Life Open House, jewelry made by women in Uganda, proceeds help lift them out of poverty, 2-7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, wafj.com COMMUNITY First Thursday, spend your evening exploring the shops of midtown and historic Summerville, shops along Kings Way, free, 5 – 8 p.m., augustaga.org THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php

Fri., Dec. 5

HISTORY Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour, visit more than 25 historic black sites, 10 a.m.-noon, $15, lucycraftlaneymuseum.com COMMUNITY First Friday, enjoy local vendors, live music and more, downtown Augusta, 5-9 p.m., free, augustaga.org COMMUNITY 27th Annual North Augusta Christmas Tour of Homes, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., advance tickets $20, $25 at tour stops, for additional info email lindafs1@comcast.net or call 803-279-4844. THEATER The Nutcracker

presented by Columbia County Ballet, Imperial Theatre, 7 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php

Sat., Dec. 6

NATURE Swamp Saturday Hike, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 9:30-11:30 a.m., free, wear comfortable, close-toed shoes, Groups of six or more should call for reservation, 707-3961411, phinizycenter.org/events NATURE Christmas for the Birds, Living History Park, North Augusta, 10 a.m-2 p.m., create edible decorations for the birds to eat through the winter, free, colonialtimes.us COMMUNITY 27th Annual North Augusta Christmas Tour of Homes Brunch and Fashion Show, First Baptist of North Augusta, 9:30 a.m., advance tickets only - $10, for additional info email lindafs1@comcast. net or call 803-279-4844.

WRESTLING WWE Live!, James Brown Arena, 6:30 p.m., tickets $17 - $97, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

THEATER The Perfect Wedding, Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m., $30 and $45, fortgordon.com/theatre.php THEATER Schrodinger’s Cat eXtreme Theatre Games, two teams of improvisers battle for comedic domination, Le Chat Noir, 8 p.m., $12, lcaugusta.com NATURE Full Moon Hike, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 9-11 p.m., $5 for members, $10 for non-members, phinizycenter.org/events

Sun,., Dec. 7

HOLIDAY Polar Express, Augusta Musuem of History, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., augustamuseum.org

Tue., Dec. 9

MUSIC Mark O’Connor and his Christmas Bluegrass Band, Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets $47 - $52, augustaamusements.com MUSIC A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., an annual Christmas event featuring guest choirs and readers, $20, sacredheartaugusta.org

Thur., Nov. 6

The Honey Sliders with special guest Bentley Rhodes,Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3, skycityaugusta.com Traveling Broke and Out of Gas, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom

p.m., music 10 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com John Karl, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Lexie’s Legacy Acoustipalooza, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $13 day of show madstudiosaugusta.com

Mon., Nov. 10

Spottiswoode and his Enemies CD release show, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $13 day of show madstudiosaugusta.com

Tues., Nov. 11 M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

Fri., Nov. 7

Abberant, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., free, joesundergroundcafe.com First Friday 80s Night, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., free, skycityaugusta.com Phillip Lee Jr. and Michael Baideme, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Corey Smith, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Irish Pub Night with Gavin Winship, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate, Aiken, 8 p.m., rosehillestate.com

Lexie’s Legacy Acoustipalooza, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $13 day of show madstudiosaugusta.com

Sat., Nov. 8

Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires, Sky City, doors open 8

Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta. com

Thur., Nov. 13

Kenney George Band, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

Gavin Reily, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate, Aiken, 7 p.m., rosehillestate.com Claire Storm and Movie M.A.D.ness, M.A.D. Studios, 9 p.m., $5 advance, $7 at the door, madstudiosaugusta.com

Sat., Nov. 15

DJ QBert with special guests Jeremy Ellis, DJ Tim, & DJ Richie Rich, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., $10, skcityaugusta.com Hound of Goshen, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook. com/stillwater.taproom Phil Vaught, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Sincerely Iris, M.A.D. Studios, 6 p.m., madstudiosaugusta.com

Tues., Nov. 18

Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta. com

Thur., Nov. 20

Sat., Nov. 22

Natalie Stovall, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Spry Old Men and The Tandem, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $6 advance, $7 door, madstudiosaugusta.com Tamela Mann featuring Derrick Monk, Bell Auditorium, doors open 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., tickets $27 - $57, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Tues., Nov. 25

Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta. com

Thurs., Nov. 27 M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

men, augustacountry.com Chainsaw Masscara, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., free, joesundergroundcafe.com

Tues., Dec. 2

Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta. com

Thurs., Dec. 4

M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

Fri., Dec. 5

Phillip Lee Jr. and Michael Baideme, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Hound of Goshen, Skylir Hicks, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., madstudiosaugusta.com

Fri., Nov. 28

Ray Fulcher, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., free, joesundergroundcafe.com

Greg Humphreys, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com

Irish Pub Night with Gavin Winship, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate, Aiken, 8 p.m., rosehillestate.com

Fri., Nov. 14

Southern Soul and Song featuring Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Imperial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com No Sir, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., free, joesundergroundcafe. com Cricket Ridge, Stillwater Taproom, music 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Jared Ashley, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

vibe

nightlife

Sat., Dec. 6 Velcro Pygmies, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Adam Harris Thompson, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, madstudiosaugusta.com

Sat., Nov. 29

18th annual Bob Marley Tribute, Sky City,doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m. ,$10, skycityaugusta.com

Fri., Nov. 21

Grassland String Band, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom Holland Marie, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Blasting Cap featuring Murray Attaway & Jeff Walls with special guest Hard Rocket, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com

III Doots, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., madstudiosaugusta.com

Tues., Dec. 9 Huckleberry Blue, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5

Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $2 admission, madstudiosaugusta. com

Verge / November 2014

vibe

The Movie Chick j

Noah – PG 13 After a friend described the film as “science fiction filled with rock monsters,” I found myself a little excited. As a self-professed Godzilla fan, rock monsters are right up my alley. So I rented Noah, with the full knowledge that this would not be the same old ark story I’ve been hearing for years. Unfortunately, this original story didn’t have what it took to keep me awake. Noah and his family live on the desolate landscape described in the Old Testament. One night, Noah has a vision. He and his family must embark on a dangerous journey so that he can fulfill the mission God has called him to complete. Noah must build an ark. I know, I know. This all sounds pretty familiar. But guess what happens next?!

Think Like a Man Too – PG-13 People were excited when this movie came out. The first one had been a success and the expectations for the sequel were high. While I have yet to see the original, I didn’t feel as if this was the type of movie that required much prior knowledge of the characters. I was right. I suppose if this movie were to come out on television I would watch it. Never in its entirety, and never solely focused on the film, but I would have it on as background noise. It’s good for that. Think Like A Man Too is the story of a Las Vegas wedding party. The rivaling bachelor and bachelorette parties find themselves in one inane situation after another, all leading up to a night spent in jail. Did I laugh during this film? I think so. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time disappointed with the overused plotline and tired jokes. We get it, Kevin Hart. You’re short and have an inferiority complex. Can you please play a new character now? Yet again, I failed to see the end of a film. I didn’t fall asleep this time, I simply turned it off because I was bored. Maybe I should have rented the first one.

16 Verge / November 2014

Rock monsters show up! The film goes on to explain the existence of these creatures, called Watchers. Soon, they are in alliance with our hero, Noah, protecting him from a riot-

ous group of meat-eating soldiers. I admit, the rock monsters had me entertained for a while. Sadly, their novelty wore off and I found myself confused by the twist the film had taken. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but a stow-away? Really? No thanks, I like my Noah story without a murderous king aboard ship. To be fair, I will admit I have no idea

Mom’s Night Out – PG Mom’s Night Out is a film about three friends and their struggle to be the best mothers and wives they can be. Each woman represents a different parenting style and roles within marriage, but they all deal with feelings of inadequacy and stress. In order to combat this negativity, the moms decide to leave the kids at home with their fathers and enjoy a much needed night out on the town. Once the moms head out, things begin to go awry and the characters find themselves in one crazy situation after another. A missing baby, a stolen car and a trip to the hospital are just a few of the obstacles the characters must overcome in order to give the overworked moms a break. For a family-friendly comedy, Mom’s Night Out is a win. It isn’t the funniest movie I’ve ever seen, but it’s wholesome and fun. Parents can watch it with their children without worrying about vulgar language or inappropriate jokes and younger kids will find certain segments of the film hilarious. While I find this film to be a safe bet for a family viewing situation, it should be noted that some of you may not be entertained with the movie. Viewers must be able to relate to the stress of family life, especially the plight of the stay at home mom. If you prefer your comedies to be a bit risqué, you can skip this one. If, however, you’ve ever had to drive around with a children’s CD stuck on play, this could be the film for you.

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.

how the film ends. Perhaps it got a little better. My son says it was “interesting,” but I think he’s just being nice. Personally, I found Noah to be entirely too long and lacking in action. I guess that’s why I fell asleep halfway through.

Verge / November 2014

vibe

dinner date with meagan & drew

Meagan Luda and Drew Williamson are a twenty-something careeroriented 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 Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar 3051 Washington Road, Augusta 11 a.m-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. - midnight, Friday-Saturday 305 N. Belair Road, Evans 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday rhineharts.com What They Ordered Beverage: Sweet tea Entree: Drew: R&R Sandwich with fries. Meagan: Fried shrimp feast with fries Total Cost with Tip: $40

She Says

He Says

Atmosphere

Rhineharts is a top fave place for me. I love the fact that I can wear a T-shirt and flip flops and fit right in. I love getting dressed up but during the week sometimes it’s nice to just throw some clothes on and go after a long day at work. I always feel like I have just walked in a local Myrtle Beach hang out, which is nice since instead of a four-hour drive to the beach it only takes us 10 minutes to get there!

This place is one of Augusta ‘s most fun restaurants. The fact that I can put on a T-shirt and shorts and probably be one of the more dressy patrons is great! It’s a perfect place for Meagan and I to grab a bite while we are out and do not want to have to stress over dinner – or its just as great to get a bunch of our friends to meet us for a little catching up.

Entrée

I could eat their shrimp every day for the rest of my life and be completely happy, and just when I think it couldn’t get any better they bring me some of their home made tartar sauce (needless to say, I ordered several cups!). Their sweet tea... enough said!

I get the same thing every time I go. The R&R is a roast beef and ricotta garlic cheese spread. They took it off the menu a while ago but you can still order it. I highly recommend it to anyone and most people who have listened to me now order it as much as I do!

Price

The price really is not that bad, especially for seafood. Usually we eat there a little cheaper but this time we were both hungry and ordered the larger portions!

For all the food you get, it is definitely worth every dollar. Also, for a quick meal that is not coming from a drive thru, it is very reasonably priced. They also have daily specials that include a different meal and drink every night of the week, which is like half of the original price for anyone on a budget.

Service

The service was and always is great! Everyone is friendly and fun.

I love the servers there, everyone is so nice. It’s like being at a friend’s house and asking for some more sweet tea.

Overall

Everything was perfect. I love it because it is casual and easy. Drew and I always have fun there and will continue to keep it on our “regulars” list!

It’s a keeper! I have always loved this restaurant and will continue to eat there regularly.

18 Verge / November 2014

Holiday Guide 2014

; Operation Christmas Child............. 20 ; When Help Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wait...................... 21 ; Putt-Putt........................................... 22 ; Fleet Feet........................................... 24

Verge / November 2014

samaritanspurse.org Syrian refugee children with their Operation Christmas Child boxes. Photo courtesy of Operation Christmas Child

As residents throughout the CSRA gear up for another Thanksgiving, many are expressing their gratitude by sharing their many blessings with children around the world who are facing, poverty, disease, war and natural disasters.

hat began as a simple idea in 1993 has since become the worldwide ministry of Operation Christmas Child — to minister to children in war-torn and faminestricken countries. In just a little more than two decades, it has inspired everyday people to provide more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children in more than 150 countries. This year, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 10 million children, with 31,500 coming from the CSRA. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. For months, area residents, families, church groups and other organizations have been busy filling empty shoeboxes with items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. This year’s National Collection Week is Nov. 17-24, a time when people throughout the area will drop their lovingly and carefully packed shoebox gifts at one of the several collection points throughout the CSRA. Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, will then deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes using any means necessary – whether by boat, plane, dog sled and even elephant – in order to reach the hands of needy children. “One of the greatest ways we can show our thankfulness this holiday season is by sharing and giving to those less fortunate,” said Lance Danko, Area Media Relations Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. “The children who receive these gifts have so little. For many these

20 Verge / November 2014

shoeboxes will be the first gifts they ever receive. The simple act of receiving a shoebox can have a lifelong impact on a child who longs to experience joy and hope.” Lance and his wife, Madea, have been packing shoeboxes for many years and they currently serve as year-round volunteers for Operation Christmas Child. “We were especially drawn to this ministry because it gives us the opportunity to make a difference and touch the lives of children around the world right from our home in North Augusta,” Danko said. “It is something that almost anyone can do, regardless of their age. Even children can experience the joy of giving this season by picking out items and packing a shoebox for a child in need.” For more information about Operation Christmas Child, or how you can become involved as a year-round volunteer, call 800-353-5949, or visit samaritanspurse.org. Although National Collection Week is the ministry’s busiest time, shoebox gifts are collected throughout the year at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, N.C. Participants can also avoid the holiday hustle and bustle by building a shoebox without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes through the use of an online tool. It offers a personalized and convenient way to send a gift to a child in one of the hardest-to-reach countries. Using special tracking technology, participants can follow their boxes online and discover the country in which their gifts will be delivered to children in need. To register a shoebox gift, use the online donation form at samaritanspurse.org.

Filling boxes for needy children in other parts of the world can bring a smile, as Gloria and Kyden Kiningham discovered. Photos by Jill Kauffman

Helen McVicker shows some of the designer-label clothes for sale in the discount boutique, The Classy Closet. Proceeds go to When Help Can’t Wait.

When Help Can’t Wait provides essentials for those nursing homes By Alexandrea Daitch When Helen McVicker saw nursing home residents in the hallways without shoes on their feet and holes in their sweaters, and no way to replace them, she knew she had to do something. “The men wanted hats on their heads to keep the heat in, and they didn’t have them,” McVicker said. “So I began to ask around, who can help these people who are in dire need?” The answer, it appeared, was no one. As a nursing home volunteer, McVicker’s hands were tied. The organization she volunteered for was government and state funded, which prevented her from giving anything to the residents because it would be considered preferential treatment. “You couldn’t even give them a cup of coffee,” McVicker said. After reaching out to several non-profits, McVicker found no help for this need. “Everyone said no, and shut the door in my face,” McVicker said. “There was nothing to do but to create a way to help.” In 2007 McVicker founded When Help Can’t Wait, a nonprofit organization that specializes in assisting the elderly in nursing homes. The organization started small and is continuing to grow each day. “We have grown by leaps and bounds” McVicker said, “because Augusta is a very generous city.” When Help Can’t Wait is a donationbased operation. Everything that they provide comes from the selflessness of other people. “We want to stress that we want people to donate everything.”

McVicker said, “We want your attic and we want your garage because what cannot be donated to a nursing home is sold to offset overhead and fund programs.” When Help Can’t Wait will have its tri-annual fundraising yard sale on Nov. 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at its location at 3814 Commercial Court, Martinez, and is taking donations for the sale. For more information, call 706-855-0715. While in-house inventory – provided by donations – fills the need of a variety of programs provided by the organization, some cash is also required. One source of that cash has been found by operating a discount clothing boutique inside their offices. The Classy Closet Boutique is a discount boutique that sells high-end items to help fund When Help Can’t Wait. The store inventory includes a variety of gently-used designer-label women (and some few men’s clothing) and accessories, as well as decorative household items. “If the donations cannot go into a nursing home, then we have an avenue to sell it,” McVicker said. “That income allows us to buy things that residents do need. Deodorant, lotion and soaps are all things that are a constant need. Currently, When Help Can’t Wait is in search of a sponsor, “We need someone to take us under their wing,” McVicker said. “I am not asking for cash, we need someone to sponsor and execute a large annual fundraising event that would provide a basis for our budget to build from.”

Verge / November 2014

Putt-Putt is the place to have fun Thanksgiving Week Parents and kids each get a chance to have some fun and save some money over the Thanksgiving holiday, leading right into the Christmas season! “We’re bringing back a pair of holiday favorites,” said Putt-Putt owner Mark Ross. “We know school is out all of Thanksgiving week in most of the CSRA. We also know most parents are getting ready for Thanksgiving or planning travel.” So from Monday-Friday of Thanksgiving Week, you can take care of shopping and cooking while your children spend up to five hours at Putt-Putt for just $13! That includes unlimited Putt-Putt, a game of Laser Tag, 20 tokens, a pizza slice and a drink. “For those parents looking for an easy, fun gift for family and friends, we suggest they stock up for stocking stuffers with our ‘Double Your Money’ gift card sale this year,” said Ross. These gift cards can be used for years as they never expire. The gift cards are good for all attractions and best of all, it’s a great value. “If you’ll spend $25, I’ll give you $50 in gift cards,” Ross said. “If you’ll spend $50, I’ll double that and give you $100 in gift

22 Verge / November 2014

cards!” Ross said, making him sound like Santa himself. Santa Ross’s elves will be planning for the special gift card sale, but will still

open on Thanksgiving Day at noon. They will set up big screen TVs to watch football, with plenty to eat and drink at the snack bar.

Putt-Putt is located at 3763 Martinez Boulevard (just off Washington Road at Baston Road). Contact them at 706-8680083 or visit augustabirthdayparties.com.

Verge / November 2014

Fleet Feet gives boutique experience to runners, walkers By Alexandrea Daitch Fleet Feet is all about the salon atmosphere when it comes to runners and walkers. From the aroma of the store to the attentiveness of the staff, it feels like you have entered into a boutique. Fleet Feet houses an extensive inventory of not only shoes, but also athletic wear and workout accessories. Owner Michael McCauley emphasizes the importance of finding the ideal fit, regardless if it is shoes or clothing. “Our goal is to know what your needs are,” McCauley said. The fitting process for shoes involves attention to detail. It takes from 20 minutes to an hour. The process begins with an interview, where customers are asked about their daily activity and also their athletic lives or goals. While the interview is taking place they are measuring your bare feet with an old-fashioned shoe-measuring device, both sitting down and standing to take into account flexibility and movement. They then have you walk around the store so they can observe your walking patterns. Following that process the Fleet Feet staff bring out several choices of shoes. With your input, they work until the fit is just right. “With a good pair of running shoes you shouldn’t need a break in period,” McCauley said. McCauley started in the shoe business working at a Fleet Feet in Greenville S.C. While working in the

24 Verge / November 2014

Fleet Feet owner Michael McCauley gives a custom fit to a customer in his store on Furys Ferry Road.

Greenville store he fell in love with the mission of Fleet Feet and after four years decided to open his own store in North Augusta in 2009. In 2012 he moved the store to Furys Ferry Road. “Running was a passion of mine” McCauley said, “It is easy to do what you love when you’re passionate about what you do. Selling shoes is not all they do. Fleet Feet’s other passion is promoting an active lifestyle. They work along side chiropractors and a team of in-house trainers to assist each customer’s needs. There are training programs set in place for beginner, intermediate and advanced, which provide people an opportunity to bring an active lifestyle into their lives. No matter what age or athletic ability, Fleet Feet offers programs that can help you to get where you want to be. A few years ago a woman in her 30s who had never run before began with a Fleet Feet program. Now she is training for triathlons. “We aim to inspire people, McCauley said. “But what happens is 9 times out of 10, they inspire us.” Fleet Feet holds events year round, such as Diva Night on Nov. 20. That event is targeted toward Fleet Feet’s feminine side, providing women with an evening of shopping, pampering and information on how to stay active. For more information regarding the event or the training programs offered at Fleet Feet call 706-9229860 or visit fleetfeetaugusta.com.

Angie, from Waynesboro, Ga., asks… “Have any ideas for some healthy ‘tastes’ of autumn?”

utumn brings to mind foods like pears, pumpkins, squashes, raisins, corn, wild rice, cranberries, apples, nuts, maple syrup, molasses and sweet potatoes. The smells and tastes of autumn include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, allspice and cardamom. So, when you go shopping this week, look around for these foods and spices and bring some home. Once they are in your house, you can begin to think about how to use them in your usual meals. One nice thing about squashes, apples, cranberries and pumpkins is that they can be stored at room temperature for relatively long periods of time. Also, autumn spices and flavors easily take the place of fat and salt in your foods and add the zest, interest and taste that will satisfy you. Most Americans are consuming way too much fat,

vitality

ask dr. karp

salt and sodium, anyway. What’s the “no-nonsense nutrition” advice for today? When you go shopping, put some autumn fruits, veggies and spices into your shopping cart. Then, at home, stop for just a minute before preparing your foods, think and imagine. Adding autumn flavors to your life is a way of experiencing and celebrating the season. Besides, I’m ready for some new flavors and tastes this time of year, aren’t you? 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”

Baked cinnamon/garlic chicken with wild rice and acorn squash.

Pumpkin/cranberry pancakes with cinnamon and apple-maple syrup

Hearty homemade soup served with a salad and a whole grain roll

Autumn spaghetti squash dinner served with Waldorf salad

Baked sweet potato and homemade cranberry sauce side dishes

Before putting your chicken pieces into the oven to bake, sprinkle liberally with garlic, cinnamon and pepper, add a little salt and sugar and spray with some olive oil. Bake as usual. Acorn squash, like spaghetti squash and any of the other autumn and winter squashes, is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients and fiber. Just stick a knife through the squash in several places (to allow steam to escape when cooking), pop the squash in the microwave on high, and wait until you can smell the squash and it feels soft on the outside – about 6 minutes, depending upon the squash. Then, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, drizzle on a little molasses and sprinkle some raisins, toasted almonds and cinnamon and you have a great, fast autumn veggie side dish, with no pans to clean!

Begin with low-fat Bisquick, use egg substitutes or egg whites instead of eggs, add a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin, some chopped raw cranberries and then adjust the amount of skim milk to get the desired consistency. Cut an apple into small chunks, put in a little bowl along with some light maple syrup and cinnamon and microwave for about 2 minutes. Use this as a topping on your pancakes. You can also add cut-up raw apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon in your breakfast cereal. You can eat your waffles topped with cut up pears and raisins and sprinkled with some nutmeg before you drizzle on a little syrup. Another hint is to use small seedless Concord-type grapes in the place of blueberries. You can use them in just about the same way you use blueberries.

Homemade soup is quick to make, inexpensive and very nutritious. It can be as easy as beginning with some canned low-sodium tomato soup and grating in some Granny Smith apples right before you serve it; garnish the soup with a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkle of anise. Or, if you feel more ambitious, sauté some onions with garlic, Cajun spices and some olive oil in a saucepan. When brown, add a can of drained chopped stewed tomatoes and a couple of cans of drained black beans. Simmer for a bit and top with some low-fat grated cheese. To make a meal out of this, you can add whole grain crackers and a salad. Another favorite autumn soup of ours is pumpkin soup, easy to make beginning with canned pumpkin.

Microwave the spaghetti squash after piercing with a knife. When it is soft, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Next, with a couple of forks, coax the rest of the squash out from the skin. You will be amazed that, right before your eyes, it turns into what looks like strands of spaghetti. Let your kids help with this; they will love it. Serve the spaghetti squash in mounds on a plate, topped with your favorite sauce and parmesan cheese. You can accompany this “spaghetti” with a Waldorf salad. Have you ever enjoyed a Waldorf salad? It’s quickly made with chunks of celery and apples, raisins, and chopped walnuts, mixed with some low fat mayo/yogurt/ lemon juice, and placed on a bed of lettuce. Can you get any more “autumny” than that?

Quickly microwave a sweet potato (leave the skin on) until it is soft, then cut it into chunks and sauté it in a non-stick pan with some olive oil, onions, red and green peppers and a little bit of molasses, garlic and nutmeg. This dish looks great, tastes great and is a wonderful side dish. It doesn’t take long to make. Place a bag of cranberries into a medium pot filled with about 1/4-inch of water. Let the water boil, stirring the cranberries constantly. In about 5 minutes, when the cranberries are mostly popped open, remove from the stove. When the cranberries are cool, sweeten them a combination of sugar and artificial sweetener. Cranberries differ in their tartness and some may require more sweetening than others. Grate in orange peel, sprinkle in some cinammon and raisins.

Verge / November 2014

vitality

well-adjusted bodies

The Atlas: Part II This bone gives us the ability to turn our heads from side to side and nod up and down. In doing so, the atlas sacrifices stability for mobility.

s I stated in last month’s article, I will continue to speak about the role of the first cervical vertebra in the spine (the atlas). To recap, the atlas is a 2-ounce bone with the task of supporting a 9- to 17-pound head. Due to the extensive movement of the atlas, it is possible for it to move away from its natural position. The natural position of the atlas is orthogonal to the skull and the remaining cervical spine. Orthogonal simply means 90-degree angles. To visualize this, imagine looking at someone face to face. You first choose two symmetrical points on the left and right sides of the atlas and draw a horizontal line connecting them, then find the center of the skull and draw a straight vertical line through it and find the center of the cervical spine at the level of the second vertebra and then the seventh vertebra and draw a vertical line connecting them. These

26 Verge / November 2014

three lines should intersect and form 900 angles with each other. It is almost the rule rather than the exception that the atlas varies to some degree from this position. We call this an atlas subluxation. When this happens, the head will tilt as well as shift the cervical spine to one side of the body causing interference to the normal function of the nervous system. The body will make postural changes in order to help your eyes remain level with the horizon. Due to the fact that the body cannot correct the atlas

subluxation on its own, the postural changes must occur at different levels in the spine, such as the thoracic or lumbar region. It is possible to correct the atlas subluxation gently and specifically. Atlas Orthogonal Technique, developed by Dr. Roy Sweat, has accomplished just that. Dr. Sweat created a table-mounted instrument capable of vectoring a painless percussive force that can move the atlas back into its orthogonal position. The Atlas Orthogonal adjustment is also beneficial in that it allows the patient to hold the orthogonal position for long periods of time. Due to the gentle component of the adjustment, no tendon or ligamentous damage is done. After the tendons and ligaments readjust to the proper length the atlas will hold the orthogonal position, barring any traumatic injury. Call us for any questions you may have concerning the adjustments performed in our office.

Atlas subluxations cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body. Some of the most common are: • Neck pain • Shoulder pain • Arm pain/numbness • Hand pain/numbness • Headaches • TMJ disorder More obscure symptoms due to the brain stem exiting the skull at the atlas: • Digestive issues • Asthma • Fibromyalgia • Chronic fatigue 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.

Verge / November 2014

vitality

beers locals like

A DeVito sandwich and a Red Stripe has been a go-to meal for me at the Pizza Joint for a good long while now.

ver the last few years, however, I’ve seen their craft beer selection evolve into one of the best in town, as far as draft is concerned. Laura and I went there with some friends the other night and had an absolute blast, and I’m glad to see the Pizza Joint as popular as ever after all these years. Now, let me tell you about my beer experience there recently. We had dinner over at Craft and Vine (which was phenomenal as always). The fried oysters and catfish were particularly popular at our table. After dinner, we headed over to the Pizza Joint for a beer and to watch a little bit of college football. I had an interesting beer experience that started with this brew: Terrapin Moo Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout – This is a very good and balanced representation of this category of beer (which happens to be one of my favorite varieties). The pour is an obvious and expected dark brown to black with a moderate mocha head. The nose hints at milk chocolate more than high octane cocoa, and the taste remains exceptionally smooth throughout, with more of a milk chocolate smoothness dominating, but not oversweetening a tinge of almost grassy earthiness that is as close to a hoppy savor as one can come without tasting “hoppy.” Many sweet varieties leave me feeling thirsty, but there is something

28 Verge / November 2014

about Moo Hoo that I find interestingly quenching for a chocolate stout. It also might be the only chocolate stout I’ve ever enjoyed with an accompanying pizza. This Athens, Ga., brew definitely deserves your attention. Now here’s where it got interesting. There isn’t much Southern Tier Pumking Ale left in town these days, but they still had a keg of it at the Pizza Joint. So, we decided to see how a Chocolate Pumking tasted. We simply mixed a half pint of Moo Hoo with a half pint of Pumking, and it was ridiculously delicious! The Pumking dominated the nose, but the smooth texture and milky aspect of the Moo Hoo balanced the taste so well that it seemed as though we were enjoying something that had been crafted by the brewers themselves. It’s a shame that Pumking came out so early this year, as Moo Hoo has just arrived for 2014. I’ll have to remember to stash away a few Pumkings next fall so I can enjoy this concoction more often!

Ben Casella is aware that mixing

two craft beers is considered edgy, offensive and somewhat of a sin to many in the milieu, but, if you’re too stuffy to try pumpkin and chocolate, then you’re just too darn stuffy to begin with. Happy Thanksgiving – get it?

By Alexandrea Daitch October raised the awareness of breast cancer, but there is another set of cancers that affect women in relatively equal numbers. Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. Some types of gynecologic cancers include ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer. Consider the following gynecological cancer statistics from the American Cancer Society: • Endometrial is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. About 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with roughly a 17 percent fatality rate. • Ovarian cancer is the eighth-most common cancer among women. About 23,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It has an estimated 60 percent fatality rate each year. • The mortality rates for cervical cancer have declined sharply as Pap screenings have become more prevalent. About 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with a 30 percent

fatality rate. The CSRA Gynecological Cancer Support Group is a local group designed to support women with ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer. This non-profit organization will host a Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. “All proceeds stay local and go towards sponsoring activities and anything the women need,” said the support group’s director, Donna Wheatley. The group assists women and their loved ones with gaining knowledge and guidance through the process of diagnoses, recovery and beyond. “Some members are in remission, others are just beginning their journey” Wheatley said. The CSRA Gyn Cancer Support Group holds meetings on the third Monday of every month to learn and share in a safe, supportive environment. This is a drop-in group, with no-registration necessary. For more information contact Wheatley at 706-721-5557 or by email at dwheatley@gru.edu.

here’s to your health

vitality

Gynecologic cancers affect nearly as many women as breast cancer

The film The American Nurse will be shown on Nov. 14, with proceeds benefitting Christ Community Health and GRU College of Nursing. See the calendar on page 12 for details.

Annual Parkinson’s Walk set for Nov. 8 The 15th annual Parkinson’s Walk fundraiser will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Wilson Family Y track. For the third year, this walk will be known as Moving Day. It is sponsored by the CSRA Parkinson’s Support Group. Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the ability to move and often first shows evidence through uncontrolled shaking. It can lead to complications that can cause death.

Businesses and other groups can form teams to take part in the walk. The goal is to raise $35,000 through Moving Day. Proceeds are used for research into a cure for Parkinson’s. Some of the funds stay within the local medical community for research. For more information about how to enter a team in the walk, visit movingdayaugusta.com.

Verge / November 2014

values

love and marriage

We recently sat down with a couple in crisis.Their relationship was unraveling, but they couldn’t seem to figure out what had gone wrong.

s we did some digging, we discovered that the root of their issue was an unintentional neglect of meeting each other’s most basic needs. Both the husband and the wife felt their needs weren’t being met, which caused a cycle of miscommunication and growing resentment towards each other. Once we

identified the problem, they committed to working together to resolve their conflicts and improve their marriage. This couple’s struggle is not unique. Sometimes in marriage, we get so preoccupied with the busyness of life that we neglect the most basic survival needs within our marriages. As we’ve worked with couples online and

in person, we are convinced that husbands and wives each have three basic needs which are as important on a relational level as food, water and shelter are on a physical level. If those basic needs are left unmet over a long period of time, the bond between a husband and a wife can crumble. Every person is different, so

we understand that these generalizations may not apply to all couples, but we encourage you to ask your husband or wife if these three main needs apply to him or her. Making the effort to understand and meet your spouse’s needs is a practical way for you to instantly improve the health and vitality of your marriage.

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.

The 3 primary needs of ... THE

HUSBAND

Respect. We men don’t often admit it, but we are desperate for our wives’ respect. With it, we feel like we can take on the world. Without it, life can feel like it’s falling apart. A wife’s respect has the power to bring out the best aspect of him. Respect him even when he doesn’t “deserve” it, not as a reflection of his imperfections, but as a reflection of your love and commitment to him. Sex. A husband can deal with almost anything if his sex life is great. Most women don’t fully realize the importance men place on sex (seriously, it’s even more than you think it is). We’ve just created our first-ever resource specifically to help couples develop a better sex life and you can get a free sneak peak at our new video series at www.BestSexLifeNow.com Peace in the home. Men don’t always know how to articulate this, but we have a deep desire for our wives to cultivate an atmosphere of “peace” in the home. This doesn’t mean the home always has to smell like gingerbread cookies or look like an HGTV Dream Home, but husbands desire an atmosphere where they won’t want to leave and they’ll want to hurry home to. Wives, ask your husbands what you can do to help cultivate this type of atmosphere in your home, and give him permission to answer

3 30 Verge / November 2014

THE

WIFE

Love. When a woman refers to “love” she isn’t just talking about a gushy feeling that you get from reading a Hallmark card. The “love” wives need is embodied in consistent adoration, affection, protection and rock-solid commitment from their husbands. Men, love your wife with everything you’ve got. You’re not only loving her, you’re also teaching your sons how they should treat women and teaching your daughters what they should expect from men! Communication. We believe that a woman’s need for communication is usually just as strong as a man’s need for sex. Think about that guys. Talking through the details of your day might not come as naturally for you as it does for your wife, but if your wife needs it as much as you need sex, that should motivate you to make it a top priority! Security. A woman needs to know that her heart, her finances, her family and her physical safety are in the best hands with her husband. She needs to know that her husband would gladly give his own life to save hers if it came to that, but even more importantly, he would gladly spend every moment of his life working to give to her and share with her the best life possible. Husbands, ask your wives what you can do to provide this kind of life for her and give her permission to answer honestly.

2 3

Verge / November 2014

values

your faith

What do you want to be remembered for? What difference do you want your life to make? Are you living to make a difference for others or yourself? Why on earth are you here?

am privileged to serve in Christian music radio. It has afforded me the opportunity over the years to not only hear many talented artists, but also some behind-the-scenes access to the artists we play on the radio. Two particular artists have been in my mind lately. Both have run and completed the days of their lives – one walked the earth for just 28 years, the other for only 43. Both are now in Heaven. Both men lived with deep conviction. Both boldly lived out their faith. Both

Keith Green Keith Green was a child prodigy who at age 11 signed a record deal. It seemed clear a young pop star was being created. At age 14 he felt like a failure because the record company didn’t know how to market such a young talent. Keith started searching for the meaning of his life at age 15. When he was 19, he met a fellow seeker and future wife, Melody. At age 21 Keith decided to be a Christ follower and never looked back. He wanted to be sure that the messages of his songs were heard by anyone who wanted to listen – even if they didn’t have the money to buy an album. He formed “Pretty Good Records” and had a policy that allowed people to request his music, and it would be sent to them – even if they couldn’t pay for it! Around 1980, I had the chance to hear Keith in concert. There was no light show or special effects, just Keith sitting at his piano on the stage, talking and singing to 8,000 people in the packed auditorium. He spoke boldly, challenging all in attendance to be sold out to Jesus. “I repent of ever having recorded one single song and ever having performed one concert if my music – and

32 Verge / November 2014

more importantly, my life – has not provoked you into godly jealousy, or to sell out more completely to Jesus!” he said. On July 28, 1982 the news of Keith’s death broke through in the middle of a hot July afternoon. He and his 3-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter died with him in the small plane crash. His wife, Melody, was home at the time with their 1-year-old and was six weeks pregnant at the time. Keith went to heaven at age 28. He once said, “When I die I just want to be remembered as a Christian.” He certainly reached that goal. Check out lastdaysministries.org for more about Keith’s story “No Compromise.”

determined to make a difference. Both have finished running their life race. Their legacies and the impact of their art continue to this day. Steve Swanson serves as the station manager for Family Friendly 88.3 WAFJ. He’s invested 30-plus 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.

Rich Mullins The other artist that has been on my mind of late is Rich Mullins. I met Rich in Nashville at a radio gathering in a meet-and-greet setting. He was smiling and barefoot, in a T-shirt and jeans. Rich is probably best known for his songs “Awesome God” and “Sometimes by Step.” Like Keith Green before him, Rich made an indelible mark in contemporary Christian music. He wrote songs out of his real-life experiences with heartfelt emotions. Rich was serious about what he did and didn’t want fame or fortune to get in the way of living out his faith. To ensure that, the profits from his tours and album sales were entrusted to his church. In that way, Rich was paid whatever the average U.S. salary was in a given year and gave the rest to charity. After graduating from college in 1995, Rich and his good friend Mitch McVicker moved to a Navajo reservation where Rich focused on teaching music to children. On Sept. 19, 1997 Rich and Mitch were traveling on an interstate near Bloomington, Ill., on their way to Wichita State University for a benefit concert. For some reason the jeep they were riding in rolled over. Mitch was se-

riously injured, but survived. Rich died at the scene. He was just 43. The year he died, Mullins said: “My openness to Catholicism was very scary to me because, when you grow up in a church where they don’t even put up a cross, many things were foreign to me. I went to an older Protestant gentleman that I’ve respected for years and years, and I asked him, ‘When does faithfulness to Jesus call us to lay aside our biases and when does it call us to stand beside them?’ His answer to me was that it is not about being Catholic or Protestant. It is about being faithful to Jesus. The issue is not about which church you go to, it is about following Jesus where He leads you.” His life story was recently made into a movie called Ragamuffin. For more information, see ragamuffinthemovie.com.

Whether your aging loved one lives in an area with four seasons in milder temperatures year-round, autumn is the ideal time to winterize the home.

reparing for the chilly months may include anything from a professional furnace check to simply adding weather-stripping around the front door. Even relatively small steps toward guarding against the elements prove a cost savings in heating bills and exterior wear and tear to the home. Right at Home recommends these basic steps to help winterize a home: Check the heating system. Turn up the thermostat and test to see if warm air is blowing within a few minutes. Clear any obstructions from heat vents so the air can freely flow. Consider a pre-winter furnace checkup from a certified heating technician. Stock up on furnace filters to change out every month. If the furnace uses oil or propane, be sure the fuel tank is full before the first cold snap. Properly seal doors, windows and pipes. Look for cracks and leaks where moisture and air can infiltrate.

Add weather-stripping or caulking where needed. Ensure water piping in uninsulated spaces (attic, outside walls, etc.) is covered first with electrical heating tape and then with foam insulation. Inspect the fireplace and chimney. Make sure the flue opens and closes fully. Hire a professional chimney sweep if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been years since the chimney has been completely cleaned. Clean out leaves and debris from gutters. Also make sure the roof has no loose or missing shingles. Kathy Crist works for 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.

Verge / November 2014

values

on the homefront

So, you’ve been transferred — again. You have 30 days to get yourself, your family and your household to your new location. Should you sell your house or keep it and try to rent it?

ne problem with selling in housing markets like we’ve just experienced is the amount of time it can take to get your price. You could do a short sell, but you could stand to lose a good deal of money. While many people groan at the thought of becoming a landlord, renting your home can be a good investment. Rentals are good tax breaks and provide a somewhat passive stream of income. Property values tend to increase over time, so while you may incur a loss if you sell today, if you can hold out a little longer, the markets may improve, and you can net a good profit on a sale later. With the number of corporate and military moves into and out of our area, the CSRA is a good market for rentals. This area has large and stable employers like hospitals, universities and government offices coupled with a variety of smaller employers that provide a steady supply of desirable tenants.

34 Verge / November 2014

One of the most important jobs in managing rental properties is properly choosing and dealing with tenants.

This is where you may consider using a property management service. The management service will be familiar

Thinking of renting your home? Here are some things to consider: 1. Are you likely to move back to the area? Many military families choose to retire to the Augusta area. Or, if you’re likely to move back to be close to family, you may consider renting the home. 2. Look at your neighborhood. Is it thriving or is it showing signs of decline? Renting in a thriving neighborhood is a good idea, at least until a buyer comes along. However, even renting in a neighborhood in decline can provide a hedge against losing lots of cash. Many neighborhoods recycle and experience a revival after a period of time. 3. Look at your finances. Can you afford two mortgages? Figure out exactly how much your current home costs per month. Include the mort-

gage, property taxes and any neighborhood fees, such as the homeowners’ association or amenities’ fees. Also, call your insurance agent to discuss the price of a rental policy on the home. 4. Research rental prices in your area. Can you get enough in rent to cover these items? Also, consider an emergency fund for the months it may remain vacant until it rents or is between renters. You will also need to put away some cash for routine repairs and maintenance. Plus, plan to pay to have the home thoroughly cleaned, painted and minor repairs completed after you move out. 5. Trying to perform landlord duties from another city is a nightmare. However, chances are the same realty agency that sold you the home can also manage the property for you once you leave the area.

with local laws and regulations regarding landlord/tenant issues. These rules will vary widely based on the jurisdiction. The management service will have procedures in place to run background checks on prospective tenants, which is an important step when choosing tenants. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Executive Partners, we handle a multitude of rental properties on a daily basis. We are eager to answer any of your questions regarding property management. Give us a call at 706-3647653.

Scott Patterson formerly served as the President of the Builders Association of Metro Augusta. He is the Property Management Director for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Executive Partners. He can be reached at spatterson@epaugusta.com

values

inside your home As a buyer, the home inspection process is one of the most important aspects when purchasing your new home. Regardless of whether your lender requires a home inspection, it is highly recommended that you hire your own home inspector to thoroughly ensure the safety and quality of the home prior to closing the deal. A home inspection gives you an extensive overview of the home’s condition. Check with your realtor as to how your state handles home inspection laws, as each state varies slightly. As a buyer, it is better to spend a few hundred dollars for peace of mind knowing you’re buying a structurally sound home, rather than having an unexpected catastrophe occur that will cost you thousands in repairs later. Keep in mind that home inspectors have busy seasons, which means you might have to wait for an inspector to get to your home. Types of Inspections There are many types of inspections available, and you can ask your inspector for something specific when he or she arrives. Depending on the laws in the state you’re purchasing your home in, if the home doesn’t pass inspection then you have the choice of nullifying the sale or

Termite Inspection – Depending on your area, this may or may not be part of the standard home inspection. Termite inspection looks for anything that damages wood; this could include everything from organisms such as mold or fungus, and any insects or animals. The requirements of this inspection vary from state to state.

the seller has the ability to fix the items that won’t pass inspection in order to make the sale. The standard home inspection is an overall inspection of the home and will usually include exterior surfaces, basement, crawl space, lawn and grounds, roof, electrical, plumbing, appliances, garage, any out buildings that aren’t attached to the home (sheds, etc.), attic, fireplace or wood burning stoves, air conditioning (generally only central air, not window units that may come with the home), and foundation. Many of the standard home inspections will also include other types of inspections while others will require that the following inspections be requested. Depending upon your area you may or may not want to include the additional inspections mentioned here. Generally, it’s best to be safe and have as much and as many of the inspections as possible to lower the possibility of any problems with your new home. There are many different types of inspections that can be needed, depending upon the area you live in, the year your home was built and the type of home you’re buying. Your realtor

Well Inspection – If the home is not connected to a city/local water system, then have the well tested. This testing involves sending a sample of the water to a lab and testing the flow to ensure there is enough to supply the home with water. This test may also involve an inspection of the septic system. If it does not include the septic system, have that added to the inspection.

can help you decide if any additional inspections are needed for the home you’re purchasing. The importance of having a home inspection on any house that you are considering buying can’t be argued. What’s just as important is to make the sale of the home dependent upon the results of the home inspection. Before you close the sale, be sure you are not going to be buying a house that may need thousands upon thousands

Pool/Hot Tub Inspection – This inspection only applies when you have a hot tub and/or a swimming pool involved with the sale. The inspection covers the overall condition of the items and assures that all parts involved are in working order. It also includes any decks or attached areas that could become rotted or lose integrity due to water damage.

of dollars worth of repairs or fixes to make it safe and livable. Have a home inspection first. Chuck Tolbert is self-employed as a home inspector working in the CSRA . He is also president of the South Eastern Alliance of Home Inspectors a non-profit group that helps new homeowners.

UST Inspection – This is an inspection of any underground storage tanks. These tanks could be anything, like oil tanks for home heating. Generally these tests are done with a vacuum test that assures the tank is not leaking. Leakage, cracks, or any compromising of the integrity of the UST could cause everything from contamination of water to hazardous contamination of the grounds around it.

Lead Paint Inspection – A lead paint inspection is now, in many states, a required inspection for any home built before 1978. This inspection is a must if you have pets or children, but the lead in the paint can be harmful to everyone, including adults. We recommend that if the home was built within a few years after 1978, that you take the extra time and money to have this inspection.

Verge / November 2014

views

make time for travel

October means taking several days off and journeying to Orlando for my annual travel conference, hosted by Travel Planners International and always held inside Disney World.

his year was no exception other than Mr. Grumpy (my husband of 33 years) had made the bold statement that, this time, he was going to have an open mind while at “the happiest place on earth.” If you haven’t been to Disney World in a while it may just be time to give careful consideration to making it your next travel destination. Mr. Grumpy, after being talked into it by moi, had just sat down with 20 minutes to spare at the Frozen Sing-ALong venue. The amphitheater had already begun to fill up and the general demographic was all over the place – we saw young

36 Verge / November 2014

families, a couple of clusters of teenagers, obvious newlyweds and families that had three generations in attendance. Once the show began, their collective voices rose as if on cue during the performance and the crescendo was nothing short of magnificent. Luckily we were at Disney during their annual Food and Wine Festival so as we walked one afternoon through Epcot we were constantly tantalized with the smells from each country’s “food stand.” The atmosphere was purely international and you didn’t have to strain your mind to think you were sitting at a Parisian café having a cup of tea and croissant, leaning against the bar at a

local Scottish pub while having a pint and some haggis or even walking in downtown Manus, Brazil, enjoying Pao de Queijo, which are little rolls of bread with cheese baked into it – the taste is unbelievable and you’ll, most likely, never settle for regular bread again. We even found time to enjoy the first half of the UGA-Missouri game at the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. There is something for everyone at Disney, if you haven’t been lately you are missing out. If you are like

Mr. Grumpy, give it a new try and I’m confident you’ll enjoy your time spent there (he did!). And, it’s only a 6.5-hour drive! 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.

Verge / November 2014

views

life face first

It was late November, six days before Thanksgiving. I rose early, laced up my running shoes and forayed to the grocery store to procure food for the holiday meal. I thought arriving at the store before it opened would help me miss the worst of the crowds. The line out front dispelled my visions and gave dire forebodings of Black Friday. When the glass doors whooshed open, I and 400 of my neighbors surged into the store. The more desperate shoppers took a left and headed straight for the turkeys. My turkey was at home in the freezer. I was here only for fresh produce and pumpkin pie filling. I selected a cart, hoped in vain that it didn’t have a wobbly wheel and steered toward the green beans. A woman banged her cart into mine so hard it shot out of my hands. I stared at her in disbelief. She laughed loudly into her cell phone and told the listener what

38 Verge / November 2014

happened. She didn’t even apologize! I recovered my cart, selected my green beans and wheeled to the baking aisle. I was weighing the merits of regular canned pumpkin versus organic canned pumpkin when I felt a sharp sudden pain in my right foot. Unbelievable! The woman who rammed my cart earlier had now run over my foot! She was so engrossed in her phone conversation that she didn’t even notice. In righteous indignation, I selected the organic pumpkin, slammed it in my cart and limped toward the check out. The woman on her cell phone was in line in front of me. I felt my eye twitch. She prattled on into the phone and

rudely ignored the cashier. Finally, the harried cashier scanned all her items. He looked to the woman for payment and she pulled out her checkbook! I sucked air. Why, oh why, didn’t she start writing the check when she got in line? “Hold on,” the woman said into her phone. She looked at the cashier and laughed, “What store am I in?” She gestured to her checkbook implying that she couldn’t begin writing her check until she knew who to make it out to. I had a sudden vision of myself ramming her repeatedly with my cart. Through the mist of my fantasy, I realized someone was screaming. Then, I realized that someone was me. “Get off the phone and check out!

You are holding up all these people,” I screamed. Someone in line behind me shouted, “Amen!” “Who uses a checkbook anymore?” I was unrelenting. Shoppers applauded. The woman frantically pulled out a debit card, paid and fled the store. This year, I’m avoiding this problem. I’m going to Thanksgiving at my sister’s. 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 / November 2014

40 Verge / November 2014