Verge october final by Gary Kauffman

2 Verge / October 2014

what’s inside 18

cover story

Behind the Curtain

Dee Griffin tells her story of surviving domestic abuse with the help of her family and SafeHomes of Augusta

SafeHomes of Augusta helps victims of domestic abuse break the cycle of violence.

Arts in the Heart winners

photo festival

center spread

All the information you’ll need for the two-week Augusta Photography Festival.

vitality

vibe

Ask Dr. Karp Answers to whether wild or farm salmon are healthier

Calendar of events Nightlife Dinner Date with Meagan & Drew Our cute couple reviews their recent meal at Finch & Fifth.

Garden City Beat An interview with Jesse Harris

The Movie Chick Reviews of RedBox movies

Beers Locals Like

Well-Adjusted Bodies The value of the atlas bone

values

Love & Marriage How to affair-proof your marriage

Your Faith Thoughts about faith during an unexpected airline stop

On the Homefront Where will all the Baby Boomers live in the coming years?

Publisher Neil R. Gordon Editor in Chief Gary Kauffman/803-341-5830

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

Gary Kauffman and Janine Garropy joined our company within the last year and all of us knew we wanted to make changes to Verge, but we wanted to wait until the right time. The time is now and the changes are significant in every facet of our arts, entertainment and lifestyle magazine. Yes, I wrote “magazine.”

DESIGN: Although the pages you are reading are not glossy, it is a magazine in every other way. We no longer fold our publication. It is a stitch-and- trim publication to allow for a longer shelf life and the ability for better Feature design. You’ll also notice more “breathing room” and “text Dancing with the Stars winner J.R. boxes” in our articles and columns as we dedicate more Martinez tells Augustans about room for our editorial coverage. his fiery ordeal PRINTING: We no longer print our newspaper in Alabama, but instead in Savannah through Morris Communications. Morris also prints Augusta Family and our page counts, paper stock and brightness are modeled after that Life Face First award-winning publication. Thanks to Morris Commercial An intervention for Halloween Printing executives Sean Ruth and Pat McCue for making candy this transition so seamless.

views

Make Time for Travel One island but two nations

Tech Savvy News of the death of the desktop computer have been greatly exaggerated

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. Verge is a publication of Buzz on Biz, LLC. Reach us at 706-589-6727 or email the staff with story ideas, event listings or advertising inquiries.

On the Verge of greatness

Design Gary Kauffman

Sales Janine Garropy/803-480-2800

Cover Design Design by Rob Forbes, Moving Canvas Media, 706-394-9905

Photography Gary Kauffman Melissa Gordon/sofiacolton.com

Submit Information gkauffman@buzzon.biz or thegordongrouppr@comcast.net

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

DISTRIBUTION: We surveyed several hundred of the 5,000 families that had been receiving copies of Verge in the mail. Beginning this month, we’re re-allocating funds to allow more access to the magazine. For more than a year, Verge was distributed at all Publix and Kroger. Beginning this month, we’ll add area Bi-Lo and selected Food Lion supermarkets. Beginning in January, we’ll go from 13,000 to 15,000 copies and hand-deliver a few copies to approximately 1,000 office waiting rooms in the CSRA. PROMOTION: Our paid intern, Alexandrea Daitch, is managing our new Facebook page, which can be found at Verge Augusta. She posts our calendar of events and photos and articles to help you plan your fun times. We’re showcasing a pilot episode of “Verge TV Magazine” to area companies, a preview of our planned half-hour show beginning in January. If you’d like more information or would like to be invited to our second informational session on October 17, call or email Alexandrea at 706-8298029 or aldaitch@yahoo.com. Our community (and our product) is on the “Verge” of greatness! Publisher

Verge / October 2014

Dee Griffin was the darling of Augusta media as co-anchor of the nightly news for WJBF in the late 1990s. She spent the next 13 years climbing the TV news ladder with anchor stops in Hartford, Kansas City and Memphis. After her marriage she moved to Boston, where her son was born. When that volatile relationship ended in violence, she returned home to family in Augusta. She is the Public Information Officer for the Augusta Fire Department and keeps busy speaking on behalf of SafeHomes of Augusta. This is her personal story of faith, redemption and hope for others who are in dangerous situations, told in her own words.

My back was shoved hard against the refrigerator doors and the hands that were supposed to help me in life were wrapped around my neck.Then the man who promised to love me forever screamed that he hated me. As his hands closed tighter around my throat I stood on my toes, desperately trying to pull air into my lungs. My husband’s hate-filled rant continued unabated.Then he lashed out, punching me in the stomach where I’d had an emergency C-section just five weeks earlier.Through the gut-wrenching pain and tears I kept thinking, “How could this happen to me? I was a reporter, I was educated, I was a Christian woman. How could this be happening to me?” A year earlier I could have never imagined such a

scenario, one that would lead me to utilizing the services of SafeHomes in Augusta. As a woman raised with strong Christian beliefs and faith, prayer has been a vital part of my growth both personally and professionally. So much so that when a seemingly wonderful man began courting me and the discussions of marriage began, I asked God to use my relationship as a testimony for others to see his goodness, grace and mercy. I had waited 39 years to get married and wanted God to use this union as a tool to help others. I envisioned a picture of my husband and me testifying about our vow of abstinence prior to marriage and the reward for waiting on God to create the storybook ending in relationships. Fourteen months later we enjoyed a big, beautiful wedding filled with love and happiness. But, three months after the dream wedding, the nightmare began to rear its head. Shortly after the wedding we were blessed to conceive a child. After much prodding from my husband, I gave up my lucrative job and comfortable existence in Memphis, Tenn., and moved with him to Boston, where he worked in education. Within three weeks of moving in, I was moving out to live in a hotel. The man who had professed his unconditional love for me now spewed words of hate. A disagreement turned into a war of words. He hurled the “N-word” at me while pointing his finger in my face. Each time that word came out of his mouth, my body inched backward as if a bullet had pierced my soul. The sting was intensified because this vile word was coming from an African American. Due to an unexplainable fear, I packed a bag and left for an area hotel. However, I returned after talking with his pastor, who chastised my husband and offered counseling by phone. The pastor assured me that this was part of the process of learning each other and growing together as a couple. I

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assumed that this would be a slight bump in a long road to marital bliss. Little did I know there were potholes ahead that would throw my life off track. New to Boston and newly pregnant, I found that jobs were not plentiful. So I busied myself with maintaining a neat apartment and being a doting wife. I went above and beyond to shower him with love and attention. For his birthday, money that was earmarked for my car payment instead went toward making sure he had a fun-filled evening with friends, complete with gifts from me and his unborn son. Despite my efforts to move forward into happily ever after, the picture of a perfect marriage became more blurred each day. I couldn’t put my finger on what was happening but I felt as though my feet were on shaky ground that could give way at any moment. Each disagreement escalated into a volcano of anger from my husband. As the months passed, however, and my son’s arrival neared, excitement and happiness crept back into our marriage. We discussed the possibility of seeking counseling in order to successfully navigate these new waters of marriage. But my husband continually made excuses about why counseling wasn’t a good idea. He grew increasingly concerned that his co-workers would discover we were in counseling if we used his employer’s resource center, but he also didn’t want counseling independent of what was offered through his job. Weeks passed with no more discussion of counseling. Fearing backlash, I didn’t bring up the subject. Besides, we seemed to be in a good place emotionally and I didn’t want to trouble the waters. However, that period was the calm before the storm. During my seventh month of pregnancy, a disagreement led to him pushing me against a wall. Later, hiding in a closet, I called my cousin in Augusta and explained what had happened. He urged me to leave, insisting that it would only get worse. I packed some bags, grabbed my dog and headed to live in

THE NEED FOR

SAFETY 1 in 4 women will experience intimate partner violence at least once in her lifetime An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $1.4 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services. If just half of those served by SafeHomes of Augusta’s outreach services in 2013 do not become revictimized again, the cost savings to the CSRA are approximately $700,000 Georgia is ranked 9th in the nation for women killed by men and South Carolina ranks 2nd Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults Girls who witness domestic violence are significantly more likely to find themselves in an abusive relationship when they become adults

NEED HELP? Call the SafeHomes Crisis Hotline

706-736-2499

Casino Night

After a traumatic experience in Boston,Dee Griffin and her son, Pierce, are safe at home in Augusta, thanks to her family and the help of SafeHomes of Augusta. Photo by Melissa Gordon

The SafeHomes 7th annual Casino Night on Nov. 1 will help provide funds for the new shelter (see ad on page 9). This year’s Casino Night has two additions – a spin-to-win prize wheel and a reverse auction. For the auction, only 150 tickets will be sold and throughout the night, ticket holders will be eliminated. The final five ticket holders have the choice to divide the winning between them, or to continue for the chance of the entire $5,000 prize.

Verge / October 2014

Who SafeHomes of Augusta served in 2013

Dee Griffin finds herself back in front of the camera, here with Verge publisher Neil Gordon, filming a segment for Verge’s new venture into television that will air in January. Dee spent 17 years on air and now works full-time as Public Information Officer for the Augusta Fire Department. Photo by Melissa Gordon

New Shelter SafeHomes is currently raising funds for a new shelter that will more than double the number of women they can help. The new facility will have 36 beds, compared to the 16 in the current home. Last year SafeHomes had to find alternate lodging for 329 victims because of the shortage of space. The new facility will also include a training and conference room, a meditation room, a multipurpose room and the administration offices (the offices are currently in a separate facility). There will also be a children’s play room and a teen room.

6 Verge / October 2014

a sorority sister’s apartment on the other side of the city until I could figure out my next step. I thought about leaving him but love for him flooded my heart. Concerns about our baby being without his father eclipsed all other feelings. After several days, and many harsh comments from my husband, I returned to our apartment with stern intentions on making this marriage work. Soon, the excitement of having our baby pushed away the ill feelings and emotions. We attended birthing classes together and smiled with joy with the other eager first-time parents. On May 12, 2011, our baby boy was born and the love beaming from my husband erased all of the hate he had emitted in the past. This was truly the best day of my life and marriage. I couldn’t thank God enough. Each day in the hospital and during the following weeks, my husband proved to be a great father who would do anything for his son. We worked as a team during feedings and diaper changes. The ugliness of our past had given way to the beauty of parenthood. I was so happy and blessed to be on the journey with him. But something changed. The morning of June 17, 2011, began like any other morning. Our son was five weeks old. We had settled into a comfortable routine and were back to laughing and joking with each other. Then my innocent, lighthearted comment about cleaning was met with a heavy hand pulling me by my bathrobe lapel. Shaking, I asked what was wrong. My husband replied that he only wanted a kiss. I stuttered, “Why did you pull me so hard?” Suddenly I found myself backed against the refrigerator, his hands around my neck. Once again, the ugly “N-word” was hurled at me. With spit spraying from his mouth, he began yelling about his hatred toward me. He was furious that the woman of financial means that he married no longer existed. Gasping for breath and desperately trying to break free from his grip, I begged for forgiveness for whatever I had done wrong.

But the more I spoke, the more he cursed at me. I attempted to kick free but I was no match for his muscular build. Then he punched me in the stomach. I screamed for help. He yelled that no one would come to help me and then went on a rant about my family not liking me and their refusal to help. He held me pinned against the refrigerator for what seemed like an eternity. During that time, the most terrifying moment came as I saw a fist coming toward my face. I was able to quickly duck and avoid a punch that was so powerful it dented the stainless steel refrigerator.

At that time, the inner journalist came to the forefront. I needed to get someone’s attention. I started describing what was happening. I yelled, “Why did you punch me in my stomach?” and “Why are you holding me against my will?” In desperation I bit down on his shoulder which caused him to break his grip on my throat. I quickly ran to the bedroom, grabbed my cell phone and hit my sister’s number. That’s when I heard a knock at the door. I dropped the phone in my bathrobe pocket and ran from the room. From that point, my sister was able to hear the distress in my voice. She quickly jumped into action and went online to purchase plane tickets for herself and my mother to come to the rescue. As I raced to the door my husband kept repeating, “You’re not going to do this.” I opened the door to find several police officers on the other side. A next door neighbor had heard my pleas and descriptions of what was happening and had alerted the police. After what seemed like hours of being interviewed by police, my husband was taken away. Meanwhile, EMTs tried without success to get me to a hospital. I did not want to leave my son. The next morning, my mother and sister arrived. Friends helped pack my car and by midmorning we were headed south on Interstate 95 – away from danger and into the safe zone of Augusta. Although my family’s effort was orchestrated out of love, I was apprehensive about leaving my husband. After arriving in Augusta, fear of my husband’s

wrath grew deeper – but so did embarrassment. I had enjoyed a big wedding less than a year before and now I was back at home with my infant. I didn’t know how to explain that to family and friends. During one brief venture to get diapers I ran into a childhood friend. I made up various stories about why I was at home. Each sentence I uttered dug a deeper hole of lies. I couldn’t wait to end the conversation and go back into hiding at my mother’s house. Once the door was closed, I remained locked inside with little outside contact. At the urging of my mother, I sought help through SafeHomes of Augusta, which introduced me to a support group of other women who had been victims of domestic violence. Each meeting helped peel away layers of shame, embarrassment and fear. The sessions helped mend my broken spirit. Although I escaped the physical grip of my abuser, he was able to land several hard blows emotionally. Shortly after returning to Augusta, I learned that he was having an affair. That discovery was devastating! I have never condoned affairs, but I now thank God for the other woman. She provided a distraction that kept him from further physically hurting me. Unfortunately, he dealt one final emotional slap during our divorce; he legally terminated his parental rights to our son. The initial hurt, shock and disbelief have been replaced with gratitude that my son would not face the punch of an abuser or the potential of seeing violent behavior perpetrated against a woman. The struggle to regain my life has been hard. Once a financially and professionally successful woman, I found myself on the verge of government assistance. The independence that provided great pride and peace was now gone and now I had to depend on my family to provide for both me and my son. But through determination and God’s grace I have been clawing my way back on track. My first step was to gain employment. Thanks to the kindness of the WJBF News Channel 6 General Manager Bill Stewart, Program Director Mary Jones and Operation Manager Scott Elledge, I was able to work as a part-time reporter and fill-in anchor. The station that help plant the seeds of success in the early years of my career was now nourishing my soul through employment once again. I was finally feeling whole again. After much prayer and soul searching, it was time to land a full-time job with benefits to better care for my son. God provided my current opportunity as a Public Information Officer and Fire Safety Educator with the Augusta Fire Department. I am grateful for so much, including the neighbor who called police. I have never met her but she is an angel in disguise. I often reflect on my prayer that God use our marriage to help others. In a strange way, he granted the desire of my heart. God allowed me to live when so many other victims have died at the hands of their abusers. He has granted me the opportunity to use my marriage to help other victims find the courage to step away from their abuser. I am speaking up so no one else has to suffer in silence. Even though it was not at all how I envisioned it, I thank God for answering my prayer. – By Dee Griffin

An artist rendering of the planned new Safe Homes shelter.

Often domestic abuse seems like something that happens far away, but it is an issue that the people at SafeHomes deal with every day. By Gary Kauffman In 2013, SafeHomes served 1,833 people, including children. “We see it all,” Aimee Hall, director for SafeHomes, said. “There are different reasons why they come.” Women and men come to SafeHomes because of one or a combination of physical abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse and isolation. And almost always there is emotional abuse as well. “They’re beaten down before they’re beaten up,” Hall said. The stereotype that victims of domestic abuse are the poor and uneducated is false, Hall said. She has seen spouses of doctors, judges, law enforcement and the military come through the doors. “Our services are not just for the poor and needy,” she said. And while the majority of the victims coming to SafeHomes are women, men can also be victims of domestic abuse. Last year, 15 percent of the people SafeHomes served were men. SafeHomes offers all of its services to men except for temporary shelter. While the amount of victims SafeHomes helps may seem like a lot, Hall said many times domestic abuse goes unreported. And often by the time someone turns to SafeHomes, the abuse has been taking places for a long time. “A lot of the time by the time they come to us they’ve already left and returned several times,” she said. The national average is that a victim will leave and return to an abuser seven times. “Many are at the end of that cycle when they come to us,” said Jennifer Kresslein, development director for SafeHomes. “A lot of them make that choice to break that cycle when they see the affect it has on their children,” Hall added. For those on the outside, it seems incomprehensible that someone would choose to remain or return to such adverse conditions. Hall said fear, financial issues and the desire to make the relationship work keep many victims with their abusers. “A lot are in disbelief that it happened to them,” Hall

said. “They believe if they just changed their behavior it would stop. The problem is that it’s about power and control, and the abuse escalates.” Kresslein added, “Many times that’s the only relationship they’ve known and there’s not anything they can compare it to.” Deciding to end the cycle of abuse is difficult and frequently dangerous. “When the victim is ready to leave is the most volatile time because the abuser realizes they’re losing power and control,” Hall said. When a victim contacts SafeHomes, the first goal is to make sure they’re in a safe environment. For women, if they have no safe place to go SafeHomes offers temporary shelter, usually for 30 days. But shelter is only a portion of the services SafeHomes provides. Because of the emotional abuse victims usually endure, SafeHomes provides counseling services and support groups. SafeHomes also provides help with legal matters, such as acquiring a temporary protective order. “We help them with any barriers they may face, such as financial barriers or establishing a household,” Kresslein said. Education is a significant part of SafeHomes’ overall strategy. SafeHomes started a teen program that helps educate young people about dating violence. They also work with law enforcement officials to recognize the signs of abuse and how to talk to the victims. After a person leaves the shelter, SafeHomes continues working with them for about a year to help them establish a firm foundation in their life. “If a client goes through our program in its entirety and keeps up with a support group, then we have a good success rate,” Kresslein said. But breaking the cycle of domestic abuse ultimately depends on the willingness of the victim to break that cycle. “It has to be their choice,” Kresslein said. “We have the resources, we have the means but at the end of the day, it is her or his choice.”

Verge / October 2014

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calendar

Thur., Oct. 2

MARKET Evans Towne Farmer’s Market, Shop for local, organic produce, as well as enjoying crafts from local vendors, located on the grounds behind the Columbia County Library, 4:30 – 7 p.m., evanstownfarmersmarket.com COMMUNITY First Thursday, Explore the shops in historic Summerville, along with live music and local vendors, Shops along Kings Way, 5 – 8 p.m., free, augusta.org ART Art is Now Artist Talk: Aint Bad Magazine, Taylor Curry and Carson Sanders, artists and founders of Aint-Bad Magazine, will speak about the Education Gallery Exhibition, The American South, and how their publication was developed, Morris Museum of Art, 6 – 8 p.m., free, themorris.org MUSIC GRU Department of Music Gala, concert featuring students in the GRU Orchestra, Choral, Wind and Jazz Ensembles, Maxwell Theatre, 7:30 p.m., tickets $5 - $15, calendar. gru.edu FESTIVAL Complexions, Westobou program blending ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, Imperial Theatre, 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, westoboufestival.com

Fri., Oct. 3

THEATER Disney Jr. Live, Pirate and Princess Adventure, Bell Auditorium, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, augustaentertainment.complex

THEATER The Myth, Magic, and Music of Ireland, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, a program that recreates the intimacy of an evening around a peat fire with an Irish traditional storyteller, 7:30 p.m., tickets $5 - $15, calendar.gru.edu

Sat., Oct. 4

MARKET Diggin’ the River, Farmers market, food and craft vendors, free live music and yoga, as well as the 8 at 8 running group, 8th Street Plaza in Downtown Augusta, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., theaugustamarket.com BENEFIT RIDE K-9 for Hereos Charity Motorcycle Run, Escorted group motorcycle ride, vendors, games and raffles benefiting Veterans K-9 Solutions, Augusta Harley Davidson, registration 8 a.m., ride 11 am, $20 rider, $10 passenger, k9s4heroes.com

FESTIVAL Oliver Hardy Festival, Downtown Harlem, 9 a.m., free, harlemga.com/community/events HISTORY Saturday Historic Tours, Explore the history of the city of Aiken over a twohour tour, Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, 10 a.m., $15, cityofaikensc.gov HISTORY Augusta Historic Trolley Tour, Explore a variety of historic Augusta sites aboard the trolley, Augusta Museum of History, 1:30 p.m., $15, augusta.org

Sun., Oct. 5 FESTIVAL Amos Lee, Old ARC, gates open at 4 p.m., entertainment 5 p.m., $25 advance, $35 door, westoboufestival.com COMMUNITY First Friday, Enjoy live music and shop local vendors, Augusta Common and Broad Street, 5 – 9 p.m., free, augusta.org

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MUSIC Quartetto Gelato, This ensemble not only thrills audiences with multi-instrument mastery, but also offers the bonus of an operatic tenor, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 3 p.m., $25 adults, $7 children, calendar.gru.edu CONCERT The Swanee Quartet, Bell Auditorium, 4:30 p.m.,

$30 advance, $35 at the door, augustaentertainmentcomplex. com

Tue., Oct. 7

ART Southern Circuit Film Series: Mona Lisa is Missing, Morris Museum of Art, 6 p.m., free, themorris.org MUSIC G105.7 Fan Jam, free concert in the park with country music artist Colt Ford, Evans Towne Center Park, 6:30 p.m., free, evanstownecenterpark. com

Thur., Oct. 9

Fri., Oct. 10

FESTIVAL Hispanic Festival, Augusta Common, 6 p.m., $4, augustaga.gov/calendar COMMUNITY 19th Annual Art of Chocolate, Delectable chocolates, music and an art and basket auction; benefits abused, neglected and abandoned children in the region; black-tie optional, Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 7 p.m., $75, events.augusta.com CONCERT True Music Southern Soul and Song, the Morris Museum presents Robin and Linda Williams, Imperial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Sat., Oct. 11

BENEFIT RUN Jaguar Jaunt, 5th Annual 5K with proceeds benefiting GRU undergraduate scholarships, Maxwell Alumni House, 7 a.m., calendar.gru.edu MARKET Diggin’ the River, Farmers market, food and craft vendors, free live music and yoga, as well as the 8 at 8 running group, 8th Street Plaza in Downtown Augusta, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., theaugustamarket.com FESTIVAL Blythe Fever, Parade, vendors, dancing, and fun for the whole family, Blythe City Hall, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., free

Historic buildings on display on Summerville Tour of Homes The annual Summerville Tour of Homes is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 12-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19, 12:30-5 p.m. On this year’s tour are Fuqua Center, Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, Gould’s Corner (828 Milledge Road), 808 Milledge Road and 2224 Kings Way. This year the Appleby Library will be open with a book sale and children’s activities, Fat Man’s food truck will be at the tour headquarters and the Summerville Neighborhood Association will be selling merchandise. At each stop, an artist will be painting and a musician performing. Speakers on the tour will be Peter Bonner and Stan Byrdy. For more information, visit summervilletourofhomes.com.

admission, augustaga.gov/ calendar HISTORY Saturday Historic Tours, Explore the history of the city of Aiken over a twohour tour, Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, 10 a.m., $15, cityofaikensc.gov COMMUNITY 88.3 WAFJ’s Operation Christmas Child Kickoff, start to the annual campaign to help children in poverty, Aiken and Evans Chick-fil-a locations, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., wafj. com FESTIVAL Hispanic Festival, Augusta Common, 12 - 11 p.m., $4, augustaga.gov/calendar HISTORY Augusta Historic Trolley Tour, Explore a variety of historic Augusta sites aboard the trolley, Augusta Museum of History, 1:30 p.m., $15, augusta.org

Sun., Oct. 12

FESTIVAL Hispanic Festival, Augusta Common, 12 - 6 p.m., $4, augustaga.gov/calendar COMEDY GRU Lyceum Series: The Second City, well renowned comedy troupe, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 7:30 p.m., tickets $5 - $15, calendar.gru.edu

Tue., Oct. 14

THEATER Salute to the Golden Age of Musical Theatre presented by the GRU American Opera and Musical Theatre Institute, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $5, calendar.gru.edu

Wed., Oct. 15

CONCERT Neon Steeple Tour with Crowder, All Sons and Daughters and Capital Kings, Millbrook Baptist Church, 7 p.m., $25, wafj.com

Thur., Oct. 16

MARKET Evans Towne Farmer’s Market, Shop for local, organic produce, as well as enjoying crafts from local vendors, located on the grounds behind the Columbia County Library, 4:30 – 7 p.m., evanstownfarmersmarket.com MUSIC Auditions for The Nashville Connection, 1102 Bar & Grill, 1102 Broad St., $10 cover, thenashvilleconnection. com

CONCERT Motown Magic with Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Bell Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, soaugusta.org

Fri., Oct. 17

THEATER Conjure, the lightheartedly macabre tale of a quirky magician who must, with the help of the audience, bring back his loving, bumbling, dead assistant to perform the magic show of a lifetime, er, after-lifetime; Imperial Theatre, 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, imperialtheatre.com

Musicians can audition live during Shine Night in Augusta Local musicians can get their crack at Nashville by auditioning during Nashville Connection-Heroes Salute Shine Night on Oct. 16. The live auditions will be held at 1102 Bar and Grill at 1102 Broad Street, with registration at 5 p.m. and auditions beginning at 7 p.m. The evening will include a tribute to James Brown. There is a

$10 cover charge. The live auditions will be held in different genres, with winners receiving prizes and a chance to compete in the finals in Nashville. Competitors must register ahead of time at thenashvilleconnection.com or by writing to The Nashville Connection-Heroes Salute, Box 251, Greenville, SC 29615.

Sat., Oct. 18

MARKET Diggin’ the River, Farmers market, food and craft vendors, free live music and yoga, as well as the 8 at 8 running group, 8th Street Plaza in Downtown Augusta, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., theaugustamarket.com BENEFIT RUN Miracle Mile Walk, Annual 5K benefitting Breast Cancer Awareness Augusta Common, 8:30 a.m., themiraclemilewalk.org BENEFIT RIDE Hogs for Dogs, Motorcycle ride and charity event to support Team

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Stinkykiss, Augusta Harley Davidson, Registration 9 – 10:30 a.m., ride 11 a.m., $10 riders, $5 passengers, augustahd.com HISTORY Saturday Historic Tours, Explore the history of the city of Aiken over a twohour tour, Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, 10 a.m., $15, cityofaikensc.gov HISTORY Augusta Historic Trolley Tour, Explore a variety of historic Augusta sites aboard the trolley, Augusta Museum of History, 1:30 p.m., $15, augusta.org

Sun., Oct. 19

MUSIC Music at the Morris: Kim Polote Trio, Morris Museum of Art, 2 p.m., free, themorris.org

Wed., Oct. 22

MUSIC I Surrender All Fall Concert performed by GRU’s Gospel Choir, Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 8 p.m., calendar.gru.edu

Verge / October 2014

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calendar

Thur., Oct. 23

MARKET Evans Towne Farmer’s Market, Shop for local, organic produce, as well as enjoying crafts from local vendors, located on the grounds behind the Columbia County Library, 4:30 – 7 p.m., evanstownfarmersmarket.com HALLOWEEN Time to Scare Halloween Festival, haunted house, carnival games, and tons of candy for children ages 4 -12, Diamond Lakes Community Center, 6 – 8 p.m., free, augustaga.gov

donated to Jordan’s House and The Bond Crosby Fund, Jessye Norman Ampitheatre, gates open 6 p.m., $30, theriverwalkrevival.com COMEDY Comedian Anjelah Johnson, Imperial Theatre, 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Fri., Oct. 24

HALLOWEEN Spirits of Hallowed Eve Dinner, Living History Park, North Augusta, 6:30 p.m., $50, colonialtimes.us CONCERT Festival of Praise, James Brown Arena, 7 p.m., ticket prices $27 - $37, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Sat., Oct. 25 MUSIC Yonder Mountain String Band and The Larry Keel Band, part of proceeds

10 Verge / October 2014

MARKET Diggin’ the River, Farmers market, food and craft vendors, free live music and yoga, as well as the 8 at 8 running group, 8th Street Plaza in Downtown Augusta, 8 a.m.

– 12 p.m., theaugustamarket. com HALLOWEEN Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, Live entertainment, food, arts, crafts, and much more, Downtown North Augusta, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., free admission, jackolanternjubilee. com HISTORY Saturday Historic Tours, Explore the history of the city of Aiken over a twohour tour, Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, 10 a.m., $15, cityofaikensc.gov HISTORY Augusta Historic Trolley Tour, Explore a variety of historic Augusta sites aboard the trolley, Augusta Museum of History, 1:30 p.m., $15, augusta.org

Mon., Oct. 27

GOLF Kelley Brothers and Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament, Champions Retreat Golf Club, 10 a.m., TheKelleyBrothers.com

house, carnival games, and tons of candy for children ages 4 -12, Diamond Lakes Community Center, 5:30 – 8 p.m., free, augustaga.gov

Sat., Nov. 1 Wed., Oct. 29

COMEDY Kevin James, Bell Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

Thur., Oct. 30

MARKET Diggin’ the River, Farmers market, food and craft vendors, free live music and yoga, as well as the 8 at 8 running group, 8 th Street Plaza in Downtown Augusta, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., theaugustamarket.com HISTORY Saturday Historic Tours, Explore the history of the city of Aiken over a two-hour tour, Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, 10 a.m., $15, cityofaikensc.gov HISTORY Augusta Historic Trolley Tour, Explore a variety of historic Augusta sites aboard the trolley, Augusta Museum of History, 1:30 p.m., $15, augusta.org

Scott Low and Pierce Eden, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Joe’s Underground, 8 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Friday Oct. 3

Reptar, Sky City, Doors open 8 p.m., music 11 p.m., $12 advance, $15 day of show, skycityaugusta.com 17 South and Southern Royalty, M.A.D.Studios, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $13 day of show madstudiosaugusta.com Old Southern Moonshine Revival, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Adam Harris Thompson, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Saturday Oct. 4

The Whiskey Gentry with special guest Delta Cane, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m.,

music 10 p.m., $5 advance, $10 day of show, skycityaugusta.com Layden and the Lion, Dale Lewis, Deana Leopard, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $10 advance, $13 day of show madstudiosaugusta. com Phil Vaught, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Low Creek Killers, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Tuesday Oct. 7

Two’sDay Nite Music Club, M.A.D. Studios, Singer/Songwriter Open Mic, Doors open 7 p.m., $2, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Roadrunner Café, sign up at 7 p.m., trivia at 7:30 p.m., roadrunnercafe.com Trivia, Somewhere in Augusta, 8 p.m., somewhereinaugusta.com Open Mic, Joe’s Underground, 8:30 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Thursday Oct. 9

Bear Girl, Must be the Holy Ghost, and Touchy Touchy, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Mason Jars, Stillwater Taproom, Music starts 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater. taproom Trivia, Joe’s Underground, 8 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Friday Oct. 10

200’s, Stillwater Taproom, 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Georgia Regents University ‘80s Night, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., free with valid GRU ID, skycityaugusta.com Ian Calk and Rachel and friend, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5 admission, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Larry Frick, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Gin Jockeys, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Saturday Oct. 18

JAC Frizza, DredHead, G4 Flight Gang and Chad James, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $8 advance,$10 day of show, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Gary Ray, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Monday Oct. 20

Adam Harris Thompson, Stillwater Taproom, Music starts 10 p.m., $5, facebook. com/stillwater.taproom

Tuesday Oct. 21 Saturday Oct. 11

Shine for Scott Benefit Concert, Sky City, doors open 6 p.m., music 7 p.m., donations accepted, skycityaugusta.com Willie and the Hand Factory, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5 admission, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Nick Sturms, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Tuesday Oct. 14

Thursday Oct. 16

Vicky Grady Band, Stillwater Taproom, Music starts 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Old Again with special guests Lost Boy and Dead End Sons, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com Trivia, Joe’s Underground, 8 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com

Friday Oct. 17

Jackeroe, Traveling Broke and Out of Gas, Stillwater Taproom, Music starts 10 p.m., $5, facebook.com/stillwater.taproom Smooth and the Bully Boys with special guests Psycho Devilles, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., $12, skycityaugusta. com Michael Corwin, Vilai Harrington, Drew Albenesius, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $6 advance, $8 door, all ages, madstudiosaugusta. com Lucas Hoge, The Country Club, doors open

Thursday Oct. 23

Riverwalk Revival After Party, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 10:30 p.m., $5, skycityaugusta.com M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Joe’s Underground, 8 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

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Thursday Oct. 2

nightlife

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

Tuesday Oct. 28

Thursday Oct. 30

M.A.D. Open Mic, M.A.D. Studios, 7 p.m., $5, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Trivia, Joe’s Underground, 8 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Friday Oct. 31

Velcro Pygmies Halloween Party and Costume Contest, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com Chainsaw Masscara, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., $5, joesundergroundcafe.com

Friday Oct. 24

Science Fiction Double Feature, Rocky Horror Live Shadow Cast, Shock Treatment, M.A.D. Studios, 8 p.m., $10 advance, $13 at the door, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com Tim Elliott and Catfish Cherry Band, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com False Flag, Joe’s Underground, 10 p.m., joesundergroundcafe.com

Saturday Oct. 25

Mountain Express Acoustic, Stillwater Taproom, Music starts 10 p.m., $5, facebook. com/stillwater.taproom Crobot with special guest Artemia, Sky City, Doors open 8 p.m., music 10 p.m., $10 advance, $15 day of show, skycityaugusta.com Science Fiction Double Feature, Rocky

Saturday Nov. 1

Amanda Daughtry Halloween Party, The Country Club, doors open 7 p.m., music 10 p.m., $3 ladies, $5 men, augustacountry.com

Tuesday Nov. 4

Wednesday Nov. 5 Horror Live Shadow Cast, Shock Treatment, M.A.D. Studios, 8 p.m., $10 advance, $13 at the door, all ages, madstudiosaugusta.com

Sturgill Simpson with special guest Cris Jacobs, Sky City, doors open 8 p.m., music 9 p.m., $15, skycityaugusta.com

Verge / October 2014

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dinner date with meagan & drew

Meagan Luda and Drew Williamson are a twenty-something careeroriented couple that enjoys catching up while relaxing and dining at local restaurants. They also enjoy sharing their opinions about those restaurants.

Where They Went Finch & Fifth Fountain Level, Surrey Center 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday finchandfifth.com What They Ordered Wine: House Riesling Appetizer: Cheese & Meat Plate

Entree: Drew: Blackened Catfish and Grits Meagan: Filet of Beef Dessert: Drew: Homemade Blueberry Pancake-and-Bacon Ice Cream Meagan: Homemade Skittles Ice Cream Total Cost with Tip: $107

She Says Atmosphere Appetizer

Entrée Dessert Price Service Overall 12 Verge / October 2014

He Says

The atmosphere was a plus. I loved the feel of the old wood and rustic New York City vibe. Very romantic, but casual. The space seemed semi-tight, however. By the end of the night it felt like a double date, with the table next to us, but we didn’t mind one bit.

I would recommend this as a top Augusta “hot spot” solely based on the location and atmosphere. I am Augusta’s biggest fan and love local restaurants. They each tell their own story and offer something a little different.

The cheese was hands down the best. Especially if you are a cheese-OHHH-holic like my amazing prince charming, Drew!

There are few things in life that I enjoy more than cheese, so naturally I ordered a cheese tray with two different selections (recommended by our wonderful server Beth) accompanied with Lomo (a dried ham). I could have eaten enough to fill me up but luckily the portions are just right so you still have a little room for dinner.

The presentation of the food was great! I ordered the filet of beef. The filet was placed over mashed potatoes, smoky asparagus and roasted mushroom demi glaze! No salt or pepper needed here – it was seasoned to perfection. I wasn’t too crazy about the filet, however the demi glaze definitely made up for any slack.

I almost always order the same thing at a restaurant I’ve been to before. However, Meagan talked me into being a little adventurous (I think because she wanted to try a bite!) and got me to try the Blackened Catfish and Grits with Corn, Okra, and Tomatoes. I enjoyed every last bite and I am not a real big fish person, if that says anything!

The homemade Skittles ice cream was for sure unique, but very tasty! Almost took me back to the third grade!

I had the weirdest but best ice cream I have ever tried, Blueberry Pancake with real bacon in it!

The price was slightly high, however, definitely worth it.

The only downfall to the night was the somewhat high price. This means instead of a week night regular it will have to stay as a once-a-month special occasioner!

The service was amazing! I didn’t have to ask for anything – everytime I would think I needed something our waitress was right there.

Our server, Beth, waited on us hand and foot. We thoroughly enjoyed her service and it helped cushion the pain of the price. She was there for whatever we needed.

Overall the meal was good! I wouldn’t recommend this as one of the best filets I have eaten, though.

It was a successful date night. Meagan and I got to try new things, which always makes for fun conversation and great memories. It also gave us interesting at-home ideas to show off our own cooking skills!

Verge / October 2014

Jesse Harris is an Augusta musician miles away from home. His music might be recognizable to the denizens of downtown that caught him busking out on Broad Street here and there over the past couple of years. Saving up his money, Jesse hit the road to busk across country.

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garden city beat Photo by John Gellman

What are you up to these days? Mostly preparing to make my way back to Augusta – building and rebuilding confidence and learning what it takes to thrive as a street performer. How would describe the challenges of life on the road, and where you’ve been so far? I believe the difficult task, starting out, is learning to pursue it as work. Being a busker is definitely just like any other type of artist, where you have to be a forward-thinking entrepreneur if you want to subsist off of it full time. What do your friends or family think about what you’re doing? For the most part, they trust me to make the right decisions and pursue what I want to pursue. How would you describe the music you’re playing? My personal works are composed so that all the important and dynamic parts are all one guitar, so that the guitar itself speaks like an orchestra, with additional guitar/bass tracks to Matthew Porter is a music fanatic, record collector, deejay, and occasional soundman, living in Augusta.

14 Verge / October 2014

further develop the mood, in hopes of preventing boredom. I’ve yet to record anything that doesn’t have a guitar track all the way through that is almost completely one take, just because I hold myself to the standard that what I record I have to be able to do the same way live. How is the music being received? I only really get feedback from fellow musicians, and they’re always supportive. Generally, the comments I receive are positive, both for the instrumental versions I’ve released, as well as the tracks with the vocals. On the street, things are vastly different, but given that buskers have many communities to thrive in, people, all in all, are enjoying that there is someone playing music for their pleasure. Anything you’ve learned from hitting the road and busking the old fashioned way? Too many lessons to share. At this point, those who hold doubts or ambitions should try to wander as a homeless vagrant for a part of their life. I think the experience is equivalent to hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s a great place to grow, develop talents and learn to adapt. Life isn’t nearly as bad as a homeless vagrant as people are taught to think.

Have you met many other buskers in your travels? Is there any kind of busker code? There are hundreds of buskers just in the region, some with a set spot where they’ve been for years, and some who are travelers, making their way, their dollars and a name for themselves in communities that embrace street performers. Different cities have different codes and different rules. Despite busking being one of the oldest professions in the world, where it be regionally or internationally, each and every place is unique. Worst city so far? Not sure...the places with the worst moments often offer the best moments as well, whether it be a conversation with a stranger or seeing an act that was stunning or making sincere friends who I’ll hold on to for life. Best city? Thus far the best city has been Asheville, N.C., where I ended up staying two months instead of two weeks. Anything you miss about Augusta when you’re on the road? Just the lack of access to a kitchen to cook for myself. Sleeping in my car is comfy most of the time and I tend to be busy enough to not be homesick. I was definitely overdue to escape the city I’ve lived in for a decade and a half and the

Jesse Harris’ album aloof, he lies is available at aloofhelies.bandcamp. com or on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and some other places. If you get lost, just Google aloof, he lies. job that I held for a third of that time. Are you anticipating coming back to Augusta after all this traveling? I’ll be in town through October, engineering Liz Bramlett’s upcoming release, as well as seeking a few local gigs and some other work. Then, I’ll likely be back on the road, attempting to flee the winter that would deter me from busking as well as seeking to develop a place for myself in a music scene. But that will be a seasonal thing, as I don’t think I’m ready to settle somewhere for long.

Verge / October 2014

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The Movie Chick

The first thing that came to mind as I watched God’s Not Dead was, “I sure am glad Christian movies are starting to get better.” I’ll be the first to admit that films about faith and a Christian life are usually pretty cheesy. Mediocre actors with substandard equipment can only do so much, regardless of the intention behind the film. Lucky for us, God’s Not Dead is a well-made film with veteran actors and a clever storyline. God’s Not Dead follows Josh, a college freshman taking an intro phi-

losophy class. The course is taught by Professor Radisson, a self-pronounced atheist. Radisson begins his class the same way every year; all students must write down a statement and sign their names. The statement is only three words: God is dead. While his classmates quickly copy the words down and scribble their signatures, Josh sits conflicted. He knows God is alive and well, and writing these words would be against his principles. He is the only student who refuses, and this refusal threatens Radisson.

R.I.P.D. – PG – 13 jj I was utterly exhausted the night I watched this film. It had been a 14-hour day and I didn’t think I would make it through much, but I’d already had the movie for four days. So, I decided to sit down and enjoy Rest in Peace Department. Remember how I said I was exhausted that night? Well, the opening scene was enough to get me sitting straight up in my seat. A chase scene with a monster?! Love it! The plot of R.I.P.D. is somewhat shaky, but all you need to know is sometimes the dead escape judgment and stay on Earth to terrorize the living. The R.I.P.D. exists to bring these dead fugitives to justice. Ryan Reynolds plays Nick, a recently slain police officer hired on to work in the R.I.P.D. Nick may have been a celebrated officer in life, but policing the dead is a whole new ball game, and Nick needs someone to show him the ropes. Enter Jeff Bridges. The moment I saw Jeff Bridges appear onscreen I was terribly excited. I mean, have you seen The Big Lebowski? Enough said. But let’s be honest, one man cannot carry a film. Although R.I.P.D. began as raucous good time, by the end I was yawning uncontrollably. Don’t get me wrong, R.I.P.D. was funny. I enjoyed myself. But by the end, I was bored. This movie is about 30 minutes too long. Maybe 45 minutes. At any rate, I had to take several breaks during the film, every time convincing myself to stay awake and finish strong. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t give R.I.P.D. a chance, I’m just advising you to save your money. This movie will come on TV and the commercial breaks may make it better.

Draft Day – R jjjj I realize it’s been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, but I love football. I don’t have a favorite team, and I don’t watch every game that comes on, but as far as I’m concerned, football is the second-most entertaining spectator sport out there. Draft Day is a film about football, but it isn’t about what happens on the field. The National Football League is big business, and this movie is about what happens in the office. Sonny Weaver, played by Kevin Costner, is the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, a losing team, and it’s draft day. This draft could get the team the players they need to make a comeback. Sonny must make the most of his draft picks, all the while keeping the coach and team owner happy. By the way, Sonny’s job is on the line and he just found out he has a baby on the way. Draft Day isn’t just a movie for people who love football. This is a film about making business decisions. It’s about being tasked with a job, but still being told what to do. Sonny’s choices don’t just impact his life, but also the lives of all the men hoping to play in the elite league. Sonny knows what is right, but it takes courage to act on his knowledge. To paraphrase one of the film’s characters, “Sometimes the right path is the tortured one.” If you’re looking for explosions and special effects, Draft Day isn’t the best bet for you. If, however, you’re looking for a witty, quickpaced film with some A-list actors, you should give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. And just in case you were wondering, the most entertaining spectator sport is volleyball.

God’s Not Dead – PG

jjjj

16 Verge / October 2014

As sometimes happens, a threatened man becomes an angry man. Radisson is furious and tells Josh he will fail the class unless he does one of two things: Write the words and sign or prove God is alive. Josh’s only hope is to defend his belief in front of the entire class. The plot may seem fairly straightforward, but Josh’s struggle is one of several stories in this film. All of the stories, however, are connected and all are affected by Josh’s decision to stand up for what he believes in. Now, I realize that some of you may not initially be interested in this film. You may not be a Christian, and you may feel as if this movie has nothing to offer you. I, however, would urge you to watch it anyway. This is a film about standing up for what

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.

you believe in, even when you don’t have all the answers and things get tough. We’ve all been in a situation where the easiest choice is to go along with the crowd. God’s Not Dead reminds us to stand firm on our beliefs, and take the path we know is right. Sometimes a good man has to stand alone.

Verge / October 2014

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behind the curtain

You know that terribly annoying Disney World song?

he one that is featured prominently in one of their most infamous children’s rides and once it’s in your head, it never leaves. Well at my favorite Augusta festival this past month, I realized just how small, and indeed, wonderful a world it can be. Arts in the Heart of Augusta is a collection of people that is barely describable, but at the same time, remarkable. The smell of gyros and egg rolls waft down Broad Street from the Augusta Common, while on one stage 3-yearolds show off their clogging skills and a block over the jazz band Funk You entertains another crowd altogether. A stilt-walker leads a parade of children as artisans from across the Southeast peddle their wares. I can’t think of many events that bring more people into downtown. But as I strolled down the street, rarely have I seen so many familiar faces in one place. I’ve been active in the Augusta arts community for a decade now, but it doesn’t take nearly that long to realize that once you participate in almost any of the city’s artistic endeavors, that you are part of the family. It’s a

18 Verge / October 2014

fact my new wife learned all too quickly as she tried to remember all of the names I was throwing her way. But it didn’t stop each and every one of these people from embracing her with a big smile and an even bigger hug. Sadly, too much of the time our local arts groups have to compete with one

another. People are only going to buy so many tickets and the government only has so much grant money to hand out (and that pot gets smaller by the day it seems). But seeing them lined down a single street talking about what each is trying to accomplish, you can easily see how fortunate we are in the

CSRA to have such a thriving community of artists. So once I had eaten my third piece of chicken from a stick, bought a knickknack or two for the house and seen the performances of several friends, it was time to head back to the car. Then we passed one stage on the way out where a family was playing bluegrass. My thought was to pass on by as it’s usually not my cup of tea, but then the sheer talent of one family singing in almost perfect harmony and playing instruments from fiddles to washtubs was too compelling to pass by. Before we knew it, our toes were tapping and we were caught back up in the fun. So for one weekend a year, there are Arts in the heart of Augusta, but year-round, the arts are the heart of Augusta. Wes Hennings has been in the performing arts since he could walk and since moving to Augusta has been in dozens of productions, both on stage and behind the curtain. Contact him at wes.verge@gmail.com.

Celebrating Arts in the Heart The 34th annual Arts in the Heart Festival on Sept. 19-20 was considered one of the biggest and best, with plenty of food, art, music and fun. For the first time, the Festival-goers enjoyed a performance by a national band, The Revivalists. The Festival announced the following winners in several categories. The winners of the Global Village Food Contest: Best Entrée: Jamaica Best Dessert: African-American Best Food Presentation: Greece Best Booth and Presentation: India Best Side Dish: African-American Best Plate: Greece Judges Award: Germany Judges Award: Lebanon The winners of the Fine Arts and Crafts Market are as follows: 1st Place - $500 winner: Steve Meadows, sculpture – booth 927 2nd Place - $400 winner: Lisa Mote, glass – booth 834, 836 3rd Place - $300 winner: David Chrzan, pottery – booth 932 Award of Merit - $100 winner: Lisa Davin, jewelry – booth 819 Award of Merit - $100 winner: Charles Pinckney, jewelry – booth 851 Award of Merit - $100 winner: Dan Kaufman, photographer – booth 734 Photos by Gary Kauffman

Verge / October 2014

Fall Steeplechase Celebrates 23 Years

This year’s 23rd running of Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. The event will be held on Ford Conger Field and consists of five races, with the first race beginning at 1 p.m. Other events include the carriage parade, stick horse races, shopping, and children’s games at the Paddock Playground. The Village of Shops will open at 10 a.m. and will feature jewelry, Aiken Steeplechase merchandise, hats, artwork, boutique items, equestrian clothing and goods, and more. Steeplechase Event Coordinator Mia Miller, said, “Fall Steeplechase is the perfect way to spend a fall day! There are so many components that make this event so special including the history, the location, the beautiful autumn weather, and the family-friendly events.” The Fall Steeplechase has more of a “family feel” than the Spring Steeplechase. The fall event is a great time to bring family and friends to watch the races and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather with a tailgate. Ticket packages for the event include the General Admission Railside Package for $100, which includes a railside parking spot and two general admission tickets; the Subscriber Railside Package for $150, which includes a railside parking spot and four subscriber admission tickets; and the Guarantor Railside Package for $450, which includes a railside parking spot and tickets to the Guarantor Tent Party. General admission tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. For more information or to purchase tickets to Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase, visit www.aikensteeplechase.com or call 803.648.9641. You may also find the Aiken Steeplechase on Facebook. See Horses Fly this fall at Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase!

20 Verge / October 2014

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

AU G U S TA

PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 2014

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 2 Image by C. Scozinski

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – KEN SKLUTE, CANON EXPLORER OF LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER US PREMIERE - INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE 23 WORKSHOPS FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED 10 PHOTO WALKS AND SHOOTS 6 EXHIBITIONS augustaphotofestival.org

AugustaPhotoFestival.org augustaphotofestival.org 706-834-9742

Welcome to the 2014 Augusta Photo Festival!

E. McCranie

Ten days devoted to all things photographic begins Oct. 24. The 2014 Augusta Photo Festival presents a portfolio of workshops, exhibitions, photo walks and special events to appeal to photographers of all levels, as well as those who simply enjoy photography as an art form. From the kick-off “Light-Up Augusta” event to the grand finale – the competition awards presentation on Sunday, Nov. 2 – the Festival planning team hopes you’ll find events that suit your interests and enthusiasms. We are especially excited to offer our keynote presentation by Ken Sklute, one of Canon’s Explorers of Light. We’re honored to be the only U.S. exhibition site for the winners of “Images For Science” from the UK’s Royal Photographic Society. We’ve scouted some great locations for photo walks – both indoors and out. Capture sunrise at Phinizy Swamp or the eerie interiors of old Sibley Mill. Join fellow photo enthusiasts to explore some of Augusta’s architectural treasures, Sacred Heart Cultural Center or Magnolia Cemetery. Or spend Halloween evening learning to “paint with light” at Summerville Cemetery, or take pictures of a “real” wicked witch! The Festival launches Oct. 24 with workshops and Light-Up Augusta that night in the 600 Building downtown. Buildings lining Broad Street will stay illuminated after sundown for an opportunity to capture some spectacular skyline shots.

2 Augusta Photography Festival

Workshops and user groups continue throughout the week, with more planned for the weekend of November 1-2. View the competition finalist show at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center and be sure to register your vote online for the People’s Choice Award. It all wraps up Sunday, Nov. 2 with the award winner’s announcements – and the presentation of more than $3,000 in prizes. Several exhibitions and special events are taking place in advance of the official Festival dates, including the shows at the Morris Museum of Art and a look at the works from the Chicks That Click photography club at the main branch library in downtown Augusta. The Augusta Photography Festival, now in its fourth biennial edition, has been generating excitement for months. More than 900 images – a record number – were submitted to the Festival competition throughout the spring and summer. The APF’s Facebook group now has hundreds of members and has become a lively forum for sharing images, questions and photographic know-how. Photography’s ability to promote creativity, communication and a new way of seeing the world is cause for celebration. So, whether you are a photography ‘doer’ or ‘viewer’ (or both) you’ll find something to interest and to inspire you at the 2014 Augusta Photo Festival. See you there!

As it has been since its start in 2008, the biennial Augusta Photo Festival is the work of a group of dedicated local volunteers. This year’s festival is the result of countless meetings, phone calls, emails and plain old shoe-leather hard work. Some of our team members kept on working even when family and work obligations took them thousands of miles from Augusta. I hope you’ll take a moment to thank the members of the Festival team when you see them at events. Without their uncounted hours of time, talent, skill, patience, creativity and persistence, we would not have this extraordinary festival to enjoy. Rebecca Rogers, President

THE FESTIVAL 2014 PLANNING COMMITTEE Rebecca Rogers, Chair and President of Augusta Photography Festival, Inc. Mary Bordeaux, Business Manager Dwain Shaw, Competition Chair Will Tullis, Workshops Chair Ed Belinski, Sponsorships Chair Matt Porter, Exhibitions Chair David Lindsey, Webmaster Dale Boudreaux Erika Griffith Keith Jones Frank Lazenby Carol Lee Ed McCranie Linda McFarland Charlie O’Neal Syd Padgett

Melanie Rivera Casey Scozinski Ron Starcher SPONSORS Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau through a Tourism Grant from the City of Augusta Augusta Regional Airport Augusta Regional Collaborative – The 600 Broad Building Dunwoody Photography Helms College/ The Snelling Center SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Avenue One Web Design Georgia Regents University Morris Museum of Art

The Augusta Photography Festival is a 10-day celebration of the art, craft and pure joy of photography.

R. Rogers

A CANON EXPLORER OF LIGHT PRESENTS: SEEING THE UNSEEN Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Free; online registration required Nationally-acclaimed photographer and Canon “Explorer of Light” Ken Sklute will share insights on how we can see beyond our “comfort zone,” find ways to break through creative barriers, see the unseen, and create photographs that

express the best of our vision. Discover how to create the images you have always imagined but have struggled to capture. Find the inspiration, knowledge and tools to move to your next level. A reception, compliments of Helms College, follows the presentation. U.S. PREMIERE: INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE Opens October 22 Reese Library/Jaguar Student Center, GRU Summerville Campus Greenblatt Library, GRU Health Sciences Campus Free Reception and gallery talk by Mark Maio Tuesday, Oct. 28, 4:30 p.m. Jaguar Student Center Georgia Regents University hosts the U.S. debut of “International Images for Science 2013.” Packed with intriguing and awe-inspiring imagery, the biennial International Images for Science Exhibition from the Royal Photographic Society, U.K., showcases the vast range of applications of photography within modern-day science, presenting the many different areas where scientists rely on photography to record, measure and use the resulting images to illustrate their research papers and publications. Images from medicine, astronomy, physics, biology and many other fields are featured in this 100-photograph exhibition. The exhibition is divided between the Reese Library on GRU’s Summerville campus and the Greenblatt Library on the Health Sciences campus from Oct. 22 through Nov. 30. A reception at the Reese Library/Jaguar Student Activities Center on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. will feature Mark Maio, a former member of the Medical College of Georgia’s department of ophthalmic photography. He will present a brief gallery talk about his image “20/20,” which is featured in the exhibition. Both the Images for Science exhibition and reception are free.

2014 AUGUSTA PHOTO FESTIVAL COMPETITION AND FINALISTS EXHIBITION Oct. 24 – Nov. 2 North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta View the 70 finalists chosen from a record 900-plus images that were submitted in six categories: People, Places, Nature, Historic America, Abstract Images and Altered Images, as well as in a special youth category chosen by a jury of 10 professional photographers and instructors. Mix and mingle with the photographers and APF faculty at Awards presentation and festival closing event on Sunday, November 2, 2-4 p.m. The community is invited to vote online at www.augustaphotofestival.com for their favorite image to receive “The People’s Choice” award.

W. Tullis

Keynote Presentation by Ken Sklute

C. Scozinski

Dozens of workshops allow photographers at all levels to enhance their skills. Exhibits and gallery shows offer a feast for the eyes and spirit. Photo walks provide inspiration, camaraderie and creative challenges.

AugustaPhotoFestival.org Info line 706-834-9742 augustaphotofestival.org

Augusta Photography Festival

AUGUSTA PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 2014 SCHEDULE FRIDAY

OCTOBER 24

AMATEUR ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY AT SACRED HEART 10 a.m.-1 p.m.........................................Fee: $25 Frank Lazenby Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene Street, Augusta Learn how to photograph buildings or the urban landscape for fun and how to find and photograph the interesting details that “tell the story” of a building or area by photographing in and around the historic Sacred Heart Cultural Center. The focus of the photography will be for fun, not an architecturally exacting record of the building, and how to make “artistic” prints of your work for display. INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2-4 p.m. ..................................................Fee: $20 Dwain Shaw, Will Tullis Enterprise Mill, Cotton Room, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta Got a new camera for Christmas or your birthday but only know how to “point and shoot”? Considering photography as a new hobby? Let us help unravel the mystique of digital photography by taking you through the basics of your camera and the skills necessary to take good to great photographs. From the basic items you should own, to how to use them, this short course will get you pointed in the right direction to a new skill and perhaps even a new profession. Join Dwain and Will as they open your door to the world of digital photography. LIGHT UP AUGUSTA 7:30 p.m....................................................... Free Meet at 600 Broad Building, Augusta Light Up Augusta is your chance to photograph downtown in a new light! Businesses along Broad Street will leave their lights on late into the evening and provide a unique opportunity to shoot familiar buildings and places with a new eye. Syd Padgett and members of the Augusta Photography Festival steering committee will be on hand to offer tips and help with shooting cityscapes by night.

SATURDAY

OCTOBER 25

rectly. You will gain some insight into what makes a good street image as well as how to find these images in your home town or anywhere you go. Includes photowalk in downtown Augusta. INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 10 a.m.-noon.........................................Fee: $20 Dwain Shaw Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Got a new camera for Christmas or your birthday but only know how to “point and shoot”? Considering photography as a new hobby? Let us help unravel the mystique of digital photography by taking you through the basics of your camera and the skills necessary to take good to great photographs. From the basic items you should own to how to use them, this short course will get you pointed in the right direction to a new skill and perhaps even a new profession. Join Dwain as he opens your door to the world of digital photography. LIGHTROOM TRAINING – IMAGE ORGANIZATION AND BASIC IMAGE IMPROVEMENT 10 a.m.-noon.........................................Fee: $20 C. Emory Moody Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Learn how to organize your images and then to take them to the next level of excellence using Lightroom 5.3. Start by learning how to import and store images, how to adjust color and contrast and how to correct for lens distortion and remove chromatic aberration. Learn how to remove red-eye, how to do spot removal and how to use the adjustment brush to make targeted corrections. GETTING STARTED WITH PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 1:15-3:15 p.m........................................Fee: $20 C. Emory Moody Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Learn how to use Photoshop Elements to realize the full potential of your images. This class will cover importing images into Elements and how to edit and crop your images with Instant Fix. We will cover using Expert Editing for working with layers, selections and straightening images.

AN INTRODUCTION TO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 7-10 a.m. ................................................Fee: $25 Dale Boudreaux, Shannon Atkinson New Moon Café, 936 Broad Street, Augusta Capturing life on the streets has been a theme of photography for a very long time. It has experienced a resurgence lately and is thriving throughout the world. We will look at the basics of camera settings, seeing the light, and exposing the image cor-

PHOTOSHOP CS6 AND CC 1:15-3:15 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Ronald Starcher Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta This Photoshop workshop is for beginner through intermediate photography users. We will discover all the fundamental tools, filters and adjustments that Photoshop offers to make incredible images real. Topics will include getting started with your workspace, toolbox, image adjustments, layers and filters.

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IMPROVING YOUR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY 1:15-3:15 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Charlie O’Neal Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta An adventure in how to capture a moment in time you want to remember, not only where you were, but what you were doing and how you got there – how you achieved a point in life where you found that beautiful location. We will discuss shutter speed, aperture and ISO as your primary points of knowledge, how to frame your photo and what your composition is going to be by applying basic photography rules. COMPOSITION IN PHOTOGRAPHY 3:30-5:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Keith Jones Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Where does the subject belong? Should I shoot high or low? Will the light be better from the right or from behind? Improve your photography by learning the skill of composition. The class will cover the basic rules of composition and when it’s OK to break them. INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR PORTRAITURE 3:30-5:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Will Tullis Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Outdoor portraits are some of the most beautiful you can get. A stunning natural location and the right light can produce some magnificent photographs with a little knowledge. This workshop will cover the techniques of casual outdoor portraiture using digital equipment and fill flash or reflectors.

SUNDAY

OCTOBER 26 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 1-3:30 p.m..............................................Fee: $20 Kevin Jiminez Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Beginning with the interview of the prospective wedding client, going through the scheduling process to the final album delivery, the instructor – a full service wedding photographer – will review the routine he follows from beginning to end of his wedding coverage. He will discuss equipment and how he uses the gear he brings to weddings and portraits. If time permits, some posing may be discussed as well. MIRRORLESS CAMERA USERS GROUP 1-3 p.m....................................................Fee: $10 Keith Jones, Dale Boudreaux, Shannon Atkinson Enterprise Mill, Starch Room, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta If you are a new owner, or thinking about joining the world of mirrorless cameras,

this panel discussion will cover the major technologies inherent in this new and fast growing type of camera. Get help in selecting cameras, as well as how to apply them in photographic situations. Questions from the participants will be welcome to facilitate the discussion and to simplify the more confusing techniques and terminology. AN AFTERNOON HORSE WALK 4:30-6:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Linda McFarland Appling Horse Farm Enjoy a walk around a beautiful horse farm featuring a variety of horses, goats and farm animals, built around a photogenic pond. We will have the opportunity to photograph artistic horse portraits with and without people, so bring your favorite portrait lens (50mm-100mm) and your walking shoes. The farm is a beautiful location and landscape photography will also be an option, as will the other farm animals.

MONDAY

OCTOBER 27 CAMERA BRAND USER GROUPS 6:30-8:30 p.m........................................Fee: $10 Canon: Dwain Shaw, Will Tullis, Casey Szocinski Nikon: Ed Belinski, Charlie O’Neal, Ron Starcher Enterprise Mill (Canon in the Cotton Room, Nikon in the Starch Room), 1450 Greene Street, Augusta If you are a new owner or an old pro with an SLR camera, this panel discussion will cover the major technologies inherent in the cameras and how to apply them in photographic situations. Questions from the participants will be welcome to facilitate the discussion and to simplify the more confusing techniques and terminology.

TUESDAY

OCTOBER 28 FLASH – AN INTRODUCTION FOR CANON AND NIKON CAMERAS 6:30-8:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Canon: Will Tullis Nikon: Ed Belinski Enterprise Mill (Canon in the Cotton Room, Nikon in the Starch Room), 1450 Greene Street, Augusta If you are already proficient with your camera, now may be the time to add some expertise using flash. This workshop will teach the use of off-camera flash utilizing hard-wired flash, radio flash and optical Canon or Nikon flash units. If you are considering purchasing a flash (or additional units for multiple flash setups), this class will help you decide which is the appropriate one for your particular usage. This is not a beginner class, so some knowledge of your camera operation is necessary.

AUGUSTA PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 2014 SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER 29 BRICK PONDS PARK PHOTOWALK – CRITTERS IN THE PARK 4-6 p.m....................................................Fee: $20 Casey Szocinski, Tanya Strickland Brick Ponds Park, Center Avenue, North Augusta This photowalk will help you discover the variety of “critters” usually found in the North Augusta Brick Ponds Park in the fall. Walk leaders are knowledgeable of the wildlife in the park and photography. Even if you have been to the ponds many times, this is the opportunity to learn how to find and photograph the wide variety of wildlife calling Brick Ponds Park home. LIGHTROOM USERS GROUP 6:30-8:30 p.m........................................Fee: $10 C. Emory Moody, Frank Lazenby, Casey Szocinski Enterprise Mill, Cotton Room, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta If you are a new or experienced user of Adobe Lightroom, this panel discussion will cover major issues in the use of this application. Questions from the participants will be welcome to facilitate the discussion and to simplify the more confusing techniques and terminology. STUDIO LIGHTING FOR PORTRAITURE 6:30-8:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Will Tullis Tullis Photography Studios, 1607 Wildwood Drive, Augusta Geared toward portraiture, this illuminating seminar will help you understand, control and create images by using light. We will cover the characteristics of light, types of light modifiers and when to use them. A variety of lighting techniques and equipment, including lighting patterns, will be demonstrated.

THURSDAY

OCTOBER 30 SIBLEY MILL PHOTOWALK 2-4 p.m....................................................Fee: $20 Rebecca Rogers Sibley Mill, 1717 Goodrich Street, Augusta For more than 100 years, the Sibley was a thriving textile mill. Today, it is an empty shell, awaiting new purpose. The cavernous spaces, brickwork, and remnants of its industrial past provide intriguing photographic subjects and backgrounds. Photowalk participants will be admitted to three or four locations, including the main weaving floor, the dye room and the boiler room. The host will also share some of the history of the location. Members of the APF faculty will accompany photographers in small groups.

BOY SCOUT PHOTOGRAPHY MERIT BADGE 4:30-6 p.m................................................ Fee: $5 Keith Jones Boy Scout Council Office, 4132 Madeline Drive, Augusta Want to take better pictures of your troop, trips and family? The Boy Scouts of America Photography Merit Badge will teach you photo skills you can use the rest of your life. This class will complete all the badge requirements except the project. You will be assigned a counselor to complete the badge at the class end. Counselors meet all BSA requirements. This class is also open to non-Scouts, both boys and girls. PHOTO CRITIQUE 6:30-8:30 p.m........................................Fee: $10 Panel Discussion Morris Museum of Art, 1 Tenth Street, Augusta Participants’ images will be projected and critiqued by a panel of photographers with diverse backgrounds in order to obtain a well-balanced critique and review of each image.

FRIDAY

OCTOBER 31 HISTOGRAM: GETTING EXPOSURE RIGHT 10 a.m.-noon.........................................Fee: $20 Will Tullis Enterprise Mill, Cotton Room, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta Understanding image histograms is one of the most important concepts to become familiar with when working with pictures from a digital camera. A histogram can tell you whether or not your image has been properly exposed, whether the lighting is harsh or flat and what adjustments will work best. Knowing how to read the histogram will improve your skill as a photographer. “TABLETOP” SMALL-OBJECT PHOTOGRAPHY 1:30-3:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Frank Lazenby, Linda McFarland, Casey Szocinski Enterprise Mill, Cotton Room, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta This workshop will explore the topic of tabletop and small-object photography with emphasis on the setup of simple lighting and background for maximum quality photos for use in eBay, catalogs, art photography or insurance documentation. The class will explore lighting with tents and cubes, types of lighting equipment, backgrounds, use of different types of cameras, lenses and tripods. WICKED WITCH-THEMED PHOTOSHOOT 4- 6 p.m...................................................Fee: $20 Andi Sinclair Hammond’s Ferry, 478 Front Street, North Augusta What a way to celebrate Halloween – with your very own Wicked Witch to shoot. Jour-

ney back to Oz on the yellow brick road. The witch will be waiting for you; beware, she will get you and your little dog too! Help her before she melts! PAINTING WITH LIGHT 7:30-9:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Dwain Shaw Summerville Cemetery, corner of Johns Road and Cummings Road, Augusta What happens with the camera after the sun goes down? Why, you keep on shooting by Painting with Light, a technique that takes digital photography beyond sunset and sunrise through the use of your camera, a tripod and a remote cable release. Join us on Halloween night for a trip through the cemetery, featuring ghostly images that you just won’t believe until you take the shot.

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 1 NATURE AWAKENS – SUNRISE AT THE PHINIZY SWAMP 6:30- 9 a.m..............................................Fee: $20 Ed Belinski Phinizy Swamp, 1858 Lock and Dam Road, Augusta Photographic opportunities abound at sunrise. The softness of the light right before the sun makes an appearance is great for all types of nature photographs. Of course, we will cover photographing the sunrise itself, but we will also cover how to photograph animals, birds and silhouettes during this often-forgotten light. Techniques of exposure and the process of substitute exposure readings will be covered. MACRO/CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY 10 a.m.-noon.........................................Fee: $20 Casey Szocinski, Linda McFarland Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta In this workshop we will discuss lens choices, natural and artificial lighting and the use of reflectors for lighting macro and close-up subjects. Depth of field and background choices will also be explored. Getting closer to your subject with affordable accessories for use with your present lenses will also be covered. BEAUTY OF WINDOW LIGHT PORTRAITURE 10 a.m.-noon.........................................Fee: $20 Ed Belinski Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta Beautiful portraits can be made indoors with only a window for light. This type of portraiture is good for subjects of any age and can be very pleasing if done correctly. This workshop will cover how to find the light, how to properly expose for the light and how to modify it to create a pleasing portrait. Attendees will have time to practice with this window light to make photographs for themselves.

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GALLERY TALK TOUGH LOVE: INDIA’S ELEPHANTS AND MAHOUTS, A PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY noon-1 p.m....................................................Free 600 Broad Street, Augusta Photographers discuss their project documenting India’s working elephants and their handlers, the Mahouts. (See page 7 for more info.) TELL A STORY WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY 1:30-3:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Keith Jones Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta You can take that one great picture; now take the next step and learn how to build a photo story. How do magazine and newspaper photographers approach a photo essay assignment differently than a single image? Learn the elements and types of images that fit together to tell a story and start creating collections of images that convey the impact that you want. HDR (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE) – TWO INSTRUCTORS – TWO METHODS 1:30-3:30 p.m........................................Fee: $20 Dwain Shaw, Ed McCranie Helms College, 3153 Washington Road, Augusta The use of a technique called High Dynamic Range extends the camera’s ability to capture a greater range of luminosity than is normally produced with a single image exposure. With HDR the camera comes much closer to producing the range of luminosity detail that the eye sees. The instructors will present two different ways of processing image files that show how to use this technique to turn an average photo into one that pops. EXPLORING AND PHOTOGRAPHING MAGNOLIA CEMETERY 4-6 p.m....................................................Fee: $20 Frank Lazenby Magnolia Cemetery, Third and Watkins Streets, Augusta This class will give an overview of effective techniques and equipment for photographing this unique Augusta landmark utilizing modern digital equipment. The group will spend time examining and photographing the overall area, the small unique details and contents, and the historic monuments and areas.

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 2 2014 COMPETITION AWARDS CEREMONY AND CLOSING RECEPTION 2-4 p.m............................................................Free Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, Center Street, North Augusta

Augusta Photography Festival

MEET THE PRESENTERS AND WORKSHOP LEADERS KEYNOTE SPEAKER KEN SKLUTE of Tempe, Ariz., has been honored as one of Canon’s Explorers of Light, a designation shared by only 60 top photographers worldwide. During his 37-year photographic career, Ken has been named

Photographer of the Year a total of 30 times between Arizona, New York and California. Ken has accomplished his Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America, Accolade of Outstanding Photographic Achievement, Accolade of Exceptional Photographic Achievement, Accolade of Highest Photographic Achievement and the Accolade of Lifetime Photographic Excellence. In recent years, Ken has been awarded Best in Show at the Western States Regional Print Competition, the PP of a National Award, Photographer of the Year at the Western States Regional Print Competition, and Photographer of the Year Silver Level from the Professional Photographers of America. In 2005 Ken was

named the Drag Racing Photographer of the Year from CompetitionPlus.com, Wedding Photographer of the Year and Photojournalist of the Year from Professional Photographers of California, and received the Heidi Mauracher Starlite award for Best Wedding Photograph. In 2006 Ken was awarded Photographer of the Year from the Western States Regional Print Competition, and he accomplished Best in Show for that same competition. In 2009 Ken was awarded the Photographer of the Year from the Professional Photographers of California as well as the Illustrative Photographer of the Year. Ken was recently named the 2010 Landscape Photographer of the Year from the Professional Photographers of California, the 2011 Photojournalist Photographer of the Year from the Professional Photographers of California, 2011 Photographer of the Year, Illustrative Photographer and Image of the Year from the Professional Photographers of San Diego, and WPPI 3rd Place in the Illustrative Category. Ken has earned 13 Kodak Gallery awards and 14 Fuji Masterpiece Awards. Visit Ken’s work at www.KenSklute.com

Image 20/20 by Mark Maio

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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER MARK MAIO, International Images for Science, divides his time between personal fine art photography and as an imaging consultant in the field of ophthalmology through his company InVision Inc. After working in clinical medical and ophthalmic photography for 25 years, in 1999 he developed the first high-resolution digital imaging system in ophthalmology and has continued working in the commercial sector since then. His fine art photography has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the country in addition to being included in public and private collections. In 2007 a 12-print portfolio of his Against the Grain work was purchased by the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film for their permanent collection. He has an Associate and Applied Science degree in technical photography, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Photography, a Master of Arts in Humanities and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and Communication Design.

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INSTRUCTORS AND GROUP LEADERS SHANNON ATKINSON is a Louisianabased photographer who focuses primarily on concert and street photography. He has shot live promotional images for artists including Plain White T’s, Percy Sledge, Louis Prima Jr., and Marco Palos in addition to other international acts. ED BELINSKI, M.Ed., Cr.Photog., ABI, PPA Certified, GSD, is a founding member of the Augusta Photography Festival. He is the Lead Instructor and program developer of the Photography Certificate Program at Georgia Regents University. Ed is a Photographic Craftsman degree holder (Cr. Photog.), and an Approved Business Instructor (ABI) with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). He teaches digital photography and Photoshop classes at Georgia Regents University, The Morris Museum of Art, the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, and the MACK in McCormick. DALE BOUDREAUX has been a professional wedding, portrait, and fashion photographer, along with shooting junior college and D1 sports and events for more than 20 years. He made the move to street photography two years ago. He has photographed life on the street in New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas. KEVIN JIMINEZ has a primary specialty of photographing weddings. In addition to 20plus years of experience, Kevin has received

E. McCranie

Wildlife Photographer of the Year and also for the Nature’s Best competition. Emory has been published in newspapers, corporate publications, web sites and national magazines. CHARLIE O’NEAL has been a wildlife and scenic photographer since he was a child. He has developed a growing love for the outdoors and photography ever since. He cherishes the time he gets to spend outside photographing the wonders of nature. He has traveled across the country and met some wonderful people like Dan Zingler of Canyon Photography in Idaho. He believes photography allows you to capture, remember and share wonderful moments in time. SYD PADGETT is a photographer from Augusta and has worked for Wolf Camera, Christian Studios and Bailies Art Center. Currently he runs his own small gallery in downtown Augusta and is president of Artists Row. Syd works in alternative photography processes including darkroom photomontage, cyanotypes and acrylic gel transfers. Experimenting with new and traditional techniques, his images vary from absolute realism to completely surreal.

R. Rogers

the Master of Photography degree (M. Photog.) and the Photographic Craftsman Degree (Cr. Photog.), two Photographer of the Year awards from the Professional Photographers of America, and the Fellowship Degree (GFD) from the Georgia Professional Photographers Association and numerous awards. Kevin has a full service studio in Martinez. KEITH T. JONES is a winner of photography awards at national, state and local levels, and has also been teaching and leading field trips for over a decade. Keith is a former manager for Wolf Camera and now works for the Boy Scouts of America. FRANK LAZENBY served as chief ophthalmic photographer from 1973-2000 at the Medical College of Georgia. He received 15 national and international awards for his work in ophthalmic and commercial photography and had numerous images published in journals, medical articles and teaching manuals for physicians. Frank also worked with a noted Augusta photographer doing general commercial, sports, portrait photography and motion picture projects. After retirement, he has concentrated more on art photography, creating and printing limited-edition photo-art prints. ED MCCRANIE retired from the MCG faculty in 2000 and has been devoting more time to his longtime interest in photography ever since. Shifting from film to digital in 2004, Ed enjoys shooting a variety of subjects (landscapes, architecture, events and portraits), and then using Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop to enhance and prepare the images for both screen and print display. More recently, he has become intrigued with learning how to capture and create HDR (High Dynamic Range) photographs of landscapes and architecture. LINDA MCFARLAND has combined her love of photography with her love of animals into a career that includes work published in magazines, books, calendars, greeting cards, and a photo shoot for Purina Pet Foods. Her goal is to always capture the animal’s personality in an artistic format. C. EMORY MOODY has been featured on Georgia Outdoors Television and his images have won numerous photography awards at the local, state, and national level. On the international level he has been a finalist for the

REBECCA ROGERS serves as President of the Augusta Photography Festival, Inc. She has developed her interest in photography through her work as the Director of Marketing for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Rebecca’s images have been published by a number of travel and tourism publications, Augusta Magazine, The Washington Post and the National Park Service. DWAIN SHAW has an undergraduate degree in art and a master’s degree in technology. The advent of digital photography was a natural combination of Dwain’s right and left brain talents. Dwain has extended his photographic skills from behind the camera to behind the podium as an instructor with The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, The Georgia Regents University Photo Certification Program, and workshops in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. He is an award-winning photographer and one of the original founders of the Augusta Photography Festival. ANDI SINCLAIR is the owner of Moonlight Photography. Creative-themed shoots are her favorite. Her goal is to learn and grow – keeping it creative! RON STARCHER has been an avid photographer since 1984. With his education and background in computers, Ron is adept at post-processing photos using a multitude of software packages, including Photoshop and Lightroom. He has entered and won many photo contests including the Augusta Photo Festival in 2012. TANYA STRICKLAND is the Environmental Coordinator for the City of North Augusta’s Stormwater Management Department. She

Exhibitions and Gallery Talks INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE 2013 Oct. 22-Nov. 30................................................................................................................................Free Georgia Regents University Jaguar Student Activities Center, GRU Summerville Campus, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta Greenblatt Library, GRU Health Science Campus, 1439 Laney-Walker Blvd. Augusta Reception and gallery talk by Mark Maio Oct. 28, 4:30.............................................................................................................................................Free Jaguar Student Center, Summerville Campus Presenting the United States premiere of the Royal Photographic Society international competition of images created for scientific purposes. (See page 3 for a full description.) REFRAMING THE SUBJECT: PHOTOGRAPHING TRANSFORMATION IN LANEY WALKER/BETHLEHEM Oct. 24-Jan. 6....................................................................................................................................Free 600 Broad Street, Augusta (former Chamber of Commerce building) Images of Augusta’s historic African-American neighborhoods in transition, created during an APF workshop in fall 2013. TOUGH LOVE: INDIA’S ELEPHANTS AND MAHOUTS A photographic essay Oct. 24-Nov. 6..................................................................................................................................Free 600 Broad Street, Augusta Gallery Talk Nov. 1, noon India’s elephants stand at a critical crossroad because of growing conflicts with humans, and so do their ancient life partners, the mahouts of the Jenu Kuruba tribes. Students of Georgia’s Abraham Baldwin College, under the auspices of Augusta Photo Festival founder D.K. Bhaskar’s CLIC ABROAD program, caputured images of this compelling story of elephants and humans. Two students who participated in the event will share their experiences during the gallery talk. CHICKS THAT CLICK: A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST YEAR Monday, Oct. 13-Nov. 3................................................................................................................Free Augusta Library, Main Branch, 823 Telfair Street, Augusta Founded in January 2013, the Chicks that Click Photography Club has grown from six charter members to more than 50 members from across the CSRA with an average participation of 30 in club-sponsored workshops and special events. The photographs on display are ribbon winners from the club’s print competitions and a Shoot Out held in McCormick, S.C., in May 2014. OH! AUGUSTA! PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILLIAM GREINER Now through Nov. 2..................................................................Museum admission fees apply Morris Museum of Art, One 10th Street, Augusta This exhibition, drawn entirely from the Morris Museum’s permanent collection, represents a group of photographs that were shot over a period of just a few days in January 2012 and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog. In addition to the Morris, William Greiner is represented in the permanent collections of more than 60 museums around the country, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the J. Paul Getty Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. BROKEN LAND. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELIOT DUDIK Oct. 29-Dec. 7...............................................................................Museum admission fees apply Morris Museum of Art, One 10th Street, Augusta Dudik explores the connection between culture, landscape, memory and politics by revisiting pivotal Civil War battlefields and documenting the landscape using largeformat cameras. 2014 APF COMPETITON FINALIST EXHIBITION Oct. 24-Nov. 2 (closed Sunday, Oct. 26) North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta View the 70 finalists from more than 900 images submitted for this year’s completion. manages the environmental programs at the city including Brick Pond Park. CASEY SZOCINSKI has developed a unique view of nature and landscape photography that has taken him all over the United States, including a three-month expedition that went “from one national park to the next.” Casey has been published in South Carolina Wildlife magazine as well as Camera in the Wild, the Carolinas’ Nature Photographers annual magazine. He has received more than 20 first place awards and numerous other awards in contests around the south, and has had shows in South Carolina and Georgia.

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WILL TULLIS has operated Tullis Photography in Augusta since 1969 after receiving his degree in photography from North Georgia Tech in Clarksville. He was a staff photographer with Frank Christian Studios and a staff medical photographer at the VA Medical Center in Augusta. Tullis Photography specializes in photographing models, beauty queens and actors. His headshots are widely renowned to be some of the best in the south due to his proficiency with lighting and advanced photographic techniques. Will is co-founder of the Destin Beach Photographic Workshop in Florida. tullisphotography.com.

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vitality

ask dr. karp

Sam, a Facebook friend from Hilton Head. asks… “What’s healthier, wild or farmed salmon?”

am frequently asked whether salmon raised on a farm is healthier than salmon captured in the wild. The fact is that they are both very healthy. Yes, there were some major issues with farmed salmon a few years ago, but the farming industry has been responsive to the criticism and has changed many of its practices. Today, farmed salmon are equally as nutritious as wild salmon. Now, that is not to say there are no nutritional differences between the two. Rather, it turns out that the differences are small and not particularly important, especially when compared to a person’s overall food intake. Both wild and farmed salmon are high in protein and high in omega-3 fats, the “good fats.” The levels of protein and omega fats are comparable in both types of salmon. Since farmed salmon are fatter, they are slightly higher in omega-3 fats. Why are farmed salmon fatter? Think of them as “couch-potato” salmon. They don’t exercise nearly as much as their wild counterparts, who do all that swimming upstream. And, it is true that wild salmon have slightly more calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Again, the differences are small and not all that important. There are environmental pros and cons associated with both farmed and wild salmon. The wild salmon population would be decimated if it were the only source of salmon in the food supply. The consumption of salmon has gone up 600 percent in the last 20 years. There just isn’t enough wild salmon to go around. About 70 percent of the salmon consumed in the U.S. is farm-raised. Other environmental concerns relate to

introducing Atlantic salmon eggs into the Pacific region. Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon are genetically different. Another past concern stemmed from a report that farmed salmon had high concentrations of PCBs and dioxins. Although this study caused initial concern, it turns out, after all the public reaction, that the study was seriously flawed. It is presently estimated that the benefit of eating salmon is about 300-1,000 times greater than any risk from contaminants. Wild salmon usually is a deeper pink than farmed salmon. However, this does not relate to any increased nutritional value of wild salmon. The

color of salmon comes from the type of compounds the salmon eats, called carotenoids. Carotenoids are the same compounds that make tomatoes red, and carrots yellow. The carotenoid that makes salmons pink is called astaxanthin, found naturally in yeast, algae and crustaceans. These are eaten by small fish that are then eaten by salmon. It is the same compound producing the bright pink colors in flamingo feathers. Farmed salmon, in the past, have been fed chemically-produced astaxanthin. And although biologicallyproduced and chemically-produced astaxanthins are equivalent, public perception has led salmon farmers to switch to the biologically-produced astaxanthins. Again, it’s just not something that needs to concern you. Since this column is about fish, here’s a quick review of current safety recommendations. Don’t eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon,

pollock and catfish. Albacore (“white”) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna, but can be eaten, in moderation. What about eating fish you just caught in the Savannah River or another river near you? Check the local state advisories, which you can easily find on the web. Joint advisories, issued by states in conjunction with The Environmental Protection Agency, warn about the high levels of mercury, cesium and strontium in fish caught in some areas of the Savannah River. These advisories suggest fishing as a sport, but releasing the fish, rather than eating them. Remember, unborn babies, infants, and children are more susceptible to mercury poisoning. It is especially important for pregnant or breastfeeding women to check current local advisories before eating locally-caught fish. What is the “no-nonsense” nutrition advice for today? It’s simply this. When you buy salmon, look to see which salmon is on sale, wild or farmed, and buy the least expensive one for dinner. Then cook the salmon in a healthy way, such as baking, broiling, grilling or sautéing (not frying). 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”

Verge / October 2014

vitality

beers locals like

All signs indicate that it’s going to be a chilly autumn and winter.

ell, for some reason, I don’t really mind the cold these days. Don’t get me wrong; I never want to revisit the ice thing again for as long as I live. The faintest feel of a cool breeze (or humidity that dips down into the 80 percent range – God forbid) makes me think of two things: College football and dark beer. Now, I can’t just jump right into the oatmeal porters and chocolate stouts regardless of how good they are alone or as a float with vanilla ice cream. So, I’ve got to ease you into the fall beer season, and I’ve chosen two gateway ales that I think will help us do just that.

Sweetwater Georgia Brown Ale – I like this beer, and let me tell you how I finagle one every couple of weeks or so: Rae’s Coastal Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in town, and it also happens to be pretty close to our home. So, every now and then I’ll order take-out for Laura and me after the kids go to bed. It just so happens that sometimes I get there before the food is ready and I have to sit down and have a Georgia Brown Ale. I enjoy the modest malts and chocolate on the nose that give way to a caramel savor that finishes up just crisp enough to decay without much aftertaste. This is definitely one of my favorite English Brown Ales (and it’s from Georgia). I highly recommend that you try it at Rae’s with the crab-

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meat sandwich and some jerk wings. Tell ‘em Ben sent you. Southern Tier Pumking – This is one of my top 10 beers, hands down (and definitely the best pumpkin ale I’ve had – and I’ve had a few). It pours a translucent to clear amber hue with a nice white head (I like this one in a snifter). The nose has semisweet pumpkin pie all over it with an abundance of spices engrained within. The taste is highly balanced with a sweet and malty beginning that yields to a plethora of spices to include nutmeg and clove (it’s in there, I promise). The taste hangs around for a minute, but at 8.6 percent how could it not? There is, however a hoppy hint towards the back that extinguishes just enough to leave you wanting another sip. Try this one all by itself the first time. Then, maybe have it with a dessert that’s not overly sweet. At the time of print, this superb brew was on tap at O’Donovan’s on Broad Street.

Ben Casella frequently arrives to pick up takeout before it’s ready. Sometimes he forgets to call ahead altogether. What a shame....

Sweetwater Georgia Brown Ale can be found in an abundance around town. You’ll have to look a little harder for Pumking, but it’s here.

Verge / October 2014

vitality

well-adjusted bodies

The story of Atlas from Greek mythology is widely known today.

Even if someone has never heard the story he or she is familiar with the image of a man ordered to carry the celestial sphere on his shoulders.

n the anatomy of the human body the noun atlas has a very different definition. However, the function of the human body’s atlas is quite similar. The atlas, as it applies to human anatomy, is the first bone in the spine. Its foremost task is to protect the junction between the brain and the spinal cord (the central nervous system is the only organ in the body that is completely surrounded by bone). While the atlas performs this vital job it must also achieve a high level of mobility. This bone is the reason humans (and a large amount of animals) can flex, extend and rotate their heads, such as shaking “yes” or “no.” With all of these duties in mind, it is easy to assume that the atlas is substantial in structure. Instead, the atlas

weighs merely 2 ounces in humans, while the average human head weighs anywhere between 9 and 17 pounds. Obviously, the joint formed between the skull and the atlas is of the utmost importance. The natural position of the atlas (excluding few anatomical variances) is orthogonal to the skull and the cervical spine. This simply means that if symmetrical points are chosen on the skull, atlas and cervical spine and intersecting lines are drawn, the lines should form 900 angles to each other. This allows the greatest room for the

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brainstem and spinal cord as they exit the base of the skull. As mentioned before, the atlas must achieve a high level of mobility and in doing so it sacrifices stability. The joint formed between the skull and the atlas is a synovial, diarthrodial joint (freely movable) with a friction coefficient of 0.005. Because of this, it is easy for the atlas to displace away from the orthogonal position. When this happens, postural changes occur in head tilt and rotation, changing the center of gravity in that person and placing additional pressure on structures (such as nerves and intervertebral discs) that are not meant to sustain it. In order to discover how far the atlas is away from orthogonal, a series of x-rays can be taken to show the extent of movement in three dimensions. A method of adjusting called Atlas Orthogonal has been developed to painlessly and precisely adjust this bone back into the orthogonal position. This is done by use of a table-mounted instrument that utilizes a low-force percussion wave in order to cause movement of the atlas. As this is a complex subject, I will continue to write about it in future articles. However, if you are interested in learning more about this technique schedule an appointment with Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center to either discuss, or experience, how beneficial this adjustment can be. 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 / October 2014

Think Pink: Miracle Mile Walk Oct. 18

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and University Health Care Foundation will be sponsoring its 14th annual Miracle Mile Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Miracle Mile is a fun walk through downtown Augusta, beginning and ending at Augusta Common. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:15 a.m. All proceeds from this event benefit University Health Care Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breast Health Center, the only

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nationally accredited Breast Health Center in the region, and its Mobile Mammography Unit. Because of the support UHCS has received through the years the event has experienced tremendous growth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from 50 walkers and net proceeds of $3,000 in 1990 to 10,000 walkers, more than 450 breast cancer survivors and net proceeds of more than $400,000 in 2013. In addition to raising funds, the Miracle Mile Walk raises the awareness of breast cancer in the community.

The Mobile Mammography Unit began its service in December 2002 and has provided more than 42,000 mammograms and detected more than 150 breast cancers to date. These mammograms are a vital tool in the early detection and fight against breast cancer. For more information or to register for the walk, visit themiraclemile.org. Some businesses, such as 88.3 WAFJ, are also supporting teams. To register with 88.3, visit wafj.com.

Verge / October 2014

values

love and marriage

We recently sat down in our office with a young couple and almost instantly, tears began to flow.

hey started an all-too-familiar story about how their marriage had started to drift onto autopilot, and their passion, their communication and even their friendship with each other had faltered. During this same time period of relational drift, the husband had started a “friendship” with a woman at work, and the relationship quickly progressed and crossed lines. The brokenhearted wife had discovered the evidence when she read some text messages on her husband’s phone and now they were sitting in shock trying to figure out how this had happened and what

they were supposed to do next. We did our best to encourage them and offer some next steps, but experience has taught us that the road ahead will be incredibly painful for them both. While healing is possible after adultery, affairs cause unimaginable pain and relational wreckage and couples should do everything in their power to proactively prevent infidelity. In other words, while healing is possible, prevention is much better! Below are five guidelines that have the power to safeguard your marriage from the pain of infidelity by creating an “Affair-Proof” marriage.

We are convinced that these simple principles have the power to safeguard your marriage from infidelity. Be willing to put these into practice immediately, and you will be building a wall of protection around you and your spouse. 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.

5 steps to building an affair-proof marriage 1. Keep all your flirting focused on your spouse. If you’re always trying to get the attention of the opposite sex, you’re eventually going to get the kind of attention that can wreck your marriage. Flirt with your spouse often, but never flirt with anyone else! Flirting may seem like harmless conversation, but it is a dangerous gateway to infidelity.

2. Never have a conversation you wouldn’t want your spouse to hear or see. The moment you’re talking with someone and you think, “I hope my husband/ wife doesn’t find out about this,” you are way out of line already. Show respect to your spouse even when he/she is not physically present with you. There is no place in your marriage for secrets of any kind. Secrecy is an enemy of intimacy.

3. Make communication with your spouse a priority. Communication does for a marriage what breathing does for lungs! Stay connected with daily, uninterrupted conversation. We encourage you to carve out at least 30 minutes each night where you turn off the phones and electronics and have meaningful, focused time together. Time is the “currency” of relationships, so if you want to invest into your marriage, start by investing more of your time.

4. Make sex a priority in your marriage. There’s more to an affair than just sex, but having a healthy sex life within marriage is still one of the best ways to build a strong marriage while simultaneously safeguarding against the temptations of infidelity. Talk openly with your spouse about your desires in the bedroom and work together to create a mutually enriching sex life.

5. Talk openly and positively about your spouse in public. Don’t be an “Undercover Married Person.” Your co-workers and associates should know that you’re married and that you love your spouse. Keep his or her picture on your desk. Always wear your wedding ring. Do everything in your power to celebrate your commitment to your spouse in every setting. A rock-solid commitment to your spouse is the single most important factor in building an affair-proof marriage.

For more tips and tools to build a rock-solid relationship with your spouse, visit www.StrongerMarriage.org and check out our bestselling book, “iVow: Secrets to a Stronger Marriage.”

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Verge / October 2014

values

your faith It started out as routine as every other flight I’d been a passenger on. At 35,000 feet, all of that changed.

little back story: I was recently on a flight from Seattle back to Atlanta. It was my first time flying with Alaska Airlines. The Sunday morning flight (surprisingly) was not filled to capacity. In fact, the plane was about half full. Ah, the gift of having an open middle seat – elbow room! It is a gift rarely seen these days. I welcomed it silently through my calm exterior while mentally (loudly) cheering inside my head. A few minutes before the plane’s door was closed and the safety briefing was to begin, a man walked up to the ladies seated in the row in front of me and asked a rather odd question about the middle seat (which was open in their row as well). He said in a louder than necessary voice “Is this seat taken?” I found myself thinking this was a rather unusual question. When they said no, he sat down. About 30 seconds later he got up saying “I think I’ll look for something else.” He then headed back to seats further behind me. I didn‘t think about it again until the captain came on the PA system to

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announce that we were going to make an unscheduled stop in Kansas City. The pieces came together rather quickly in my mind. When the captain came on to address our situation, he did so in some very general terms. He simply told us there was an “issue” with a passenger that required we land in Kansas City before finishing our flight in Atlanta. “Someone” in 12A had been talking very loudly. He was making strange statements, and talking to himself during the first couple of hours of the flight – saying some things that were disturbing to the crew and other passengers. All kinds of different things went through my mind during the time it took us to descend from 35,000 for our unexpected time in Kansas City. I thought the best thing to do was to write them down during the flight so I could share them later. I have to say that I am grateful that my fellow passengers and the crew serving us that day were very calm – that was a plus for everyone involved! This is what I wrote while sitting in seat 7A on the flight. I began with this simple prayer: “Thank you Lord for having all of this in your hands and for providing us with safe passage the rest of the way.” Here are the rest of my observations from that day:

• Unexpected things happen! • The Captain is in control! • You don’t choose what happens to you – you do choose your response to what happens. • One person’s actions affect many others. • Our time in life is determined by God, the Captain of our lives • Calm is good! • Sometimes life takes you to unexpected places. • It takes a long time for an airliner to descend from 35,000 feet • The age of the plane had nothing to do with the situation – this plane happened to only be 6 months old. • Training matters. Be prepared for the unexpected. • Hard decisions have to be made. The Captain had to choose to put the safety of those in his care above any inconvenience they might experience. • The information we received during this event was on an “as-needed” basis (we weren’t told much!) • Kansas City is pretty this time of year. • Change can happen fast and take you off of your expected course • Expect things to surprise you. • Life can sure throw us some unexpected twists and turns. • It’s always good to put the needs of others before yourself. Those were my thoughts while seated during the flight. As I look back at my list a couple of weeks later, I am struck by how much these reminders correspond to our daily lives.

Thankfully, the whole situation ended peacefully. We landed in Kansas City and the man in 12A (who turned out to be the same guy who asked about the open seat at the beginning of the flight) was escorted off the plane by authorities. Our whole time on the ground was about an hour. The plane needed to be refueled. Safety checks and the usual seat belt demonstration were provided and we were on our way once again. You may be “cruising” along in your life with many things on auto-pilot. What will you do when the unexpected happens? How will you respond when these situations arise? What will you do when circumstances beyond your control come along? I am grateful that nothing is a surprise to God. He knows what’s going on and can always be depended on. He is totally reliable and is always working for our good! “The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8). During flight 746, I was again reminded this is true. I am eternally grateful for God’s faithfulness and amazing care. If right now you find yourself dealing with an unexpected or difficult situation, feel free to call our 88.3 WAFJ prayer line. A friend is waiting right now to pray with you- 877-800-PRAY (7729). 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.

Verge / October 2014

values

on the homefront The numbers on Baby Boomers are staggering: By the year 2030, 73 million Americans will be 65 or older. In 2040, thanks to the baby boomer generation, the U.S. will be housing a large population of older persons, raising a great question: Where will these Boomers live?

verwhelmingly Baby Boomers themselves plan to successfully age in their homes. But according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the United States is poorly prepared for the future onslaught of older baby boomers. The center’s latest report is alarming in many ways, noting that current housing options lack features that would allow disabled boomers to live in their own homes. Of course, one possibility is senior housing, which you would think would be the best option for older persons – but not according to the Baby Boomers. Boomers are redefining retirement by choosing to seek out high-energy activities and new experiences, from hiking to kayaking and canoeing. Activity clubs and groups are gaining popularity across the nation, with health and fitness emerging as a top interest among prospective home buyers. Golf and tennis are still popular, but now so are group fitness classes, organized sporting events and increased attendance at the community fitness centers. There has never been a more diverse group of people with so many varying interests. Expectations about age, vitality and quality of life continue to be redefined and most of these expectations emphasize the importance of physical activity. One reason Baby Boomers are constantly seeking

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new, active and high-energy activities is because it allows them to socialize and have fun. Boomers have started second careers and new businesses to stay active and productive as they age gracefully. The bottom line is that Boomers feel years younger than their chronological age and this is reflected in their lifestyle. Their Dream Many boomers dream of leaving behind traffic, cold weather and high taxes. In the past, the most important consideration in choosing where to relocate in retirement was climate. Today, the primary drivers are the cost of living and access to affordable healthcare. Many boomers choose to move away from high cost of living in states like Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and California, and relocate to lower cost states like Texas and the Carolinas. Recent surveys show the Carolinas have surpassed Florida as the top retirement destination. Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Colorado follow close behind. Two Great Choices To answer the original question specifically with regard the CSRA and from my vantage point at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Executive Partners, I note that we are fortunate to have a few great options for Boomers. Brookstone Cottages at Rae’s Creek is the most

perfect fit for the boomers who seek the carefree lifestyle. It is the perfect community for those boomers who never have to trim another shrub or cut another blade of grass. It has a great feel of community and is right here in town — popular with active adults and empty nesters. This is a community that loves to have neighborhood cookouts and seasonal get-togethers. We just broke ground on Phase 2. To me, Savannah Lakes Village is the most perfect fit for Boomers who seek the outdoors. It boasts not just a house at the lake, but a community at the lake. From hiking, fishing, kayaking, golf, tennis, pickleball (the list is endless), the active Boomer joins a community that is what the name implies – a village. Can you say fun and social events?

Where will boomers live? It’s a question that they are showing us the answer already here in the CSRA. JOE TODD is Director of New Homes and Land Development at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Executive Partners. Joe has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia. Joe can be reached at (706) 877-9500 or jtodd@epaugusta.com.

Taking medications accurately is important for elderly patients

roperly managing medications is crucial for every individual, especially those with multiple health conditions, and the elderly pose an increased challenge. Right at Home helps our clients by offering medication reminders and help to make sure prescriptions are refilled on a timely basis. We relieve family members of the worry of making sure their loved one takes their medications correctly. Right at Home offers these medication error prevention tips for older adults: Trouble Reading Labels – For seniors with diminished eyesight, ask the pharmacist for large-print labels and instructions. Memory Impairment – Elders who have cognitive issues need specific reminders for timing and dosages. Use standard pill box organizers, having the pharmacist set the medications up in bubble packs or the Philips electronic medication dispenser. Financial Limitations – Some seniors on tight budgets will cut prescribed medications in half or skip doses to save

money. Generic brands and 90-day supplies help reduce costs. Swallowing Difficulties – Asking for liquid forms of medications can ease swallowing challenges. Improper Storage – Certain medications require refrigeration. Also, exposure to extreme temperatures can alter the effectiveness of the medication or cause side effects. Successful medication teamwork involves seniors and their caregivers informing every healthcare provider of all medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements the senior is taking. Kathy Crist works for Right at Home of the CSRA. 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 us on the web at www.csra.rightathome.net.

Verge / October 2014

values

feature: j.r. martinez By Gary Kauffman

Burns over a third of his body. Permanent scars. More than 30 surgeries.

here’s no doubt that J.R. Martinez’s life changed drastically when he was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. But a change for the better? As unlikely as that sounds, that’s what Martinez says about that life-altering event. “This is a second chance at life,” he said while visiting Augusta on Sept. 12 as part of Georgia Regent University’s Diversity and Inclusion Summit. “I value life differently now, I look at people differently now. “If I hadn’t been injured I probably wouldn’t be having as much fun as now or be as impactful as what I’m doing now.” What Martinez is doing now is acting on the soap opera All My Children, starring in a syndicated show called SAF3, gaining recognition from People magazine as one of its sexiest men, and he won a championship on Dancing with the Stars. Most importantly, though, he is telling his story, both on the national level and in small settings like GRU’s Diversity Summit. He tells his story filled with humor and a stage presence that has the audience hanging on every word. “I have an amazing opportunity to use my story to influence and change others,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re on different paths but it’s the adversity we face on those paths that connects us.” Martinez’s path started in Shreveport, La., where he lived until he was 9. His mother then moved him to Hope, Ark., where he learned to adapt to change through his big personality and his love for football that he was sure would land a pro football contract. He laughs now at his naivete in his belief that an average-sized boy with no particular gift for speed could make it to the NFL. But that spurred him to convince his mother to move them to Dalton, Ga., to play football. He played a

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bit part in Dalton’s state championship season. When Martinez learned that he would be academically ineligible to play football in college, he chose to enlist in the Army in 2002. In the spring of 2003 his unit was sent to Iraq. On April 5 of that year he was the driver of a Humvee that served as an escort vehicle. The left front tire ran over a roadside bomb. The explosion ejected the other three occupants of the vehicle but Martinez was pinned inside. The vehicle burst into fire and for five minutes Martinez was trapped in the flames before his sergeant could pull him free. He suffered burns over 34 percent of his body, including severe injuries to his head, and smoke inhalation. After being placed in a medicallyinduced coma, he was flown first to Germany and then to the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. He woke after three weeks in a coma, and after another week convinced his nurse to take him to a mirror. “I asked him the question everyone has asked at some point – ‘Why?’” Martinez said. “That sent me into a hole of anger and depression. I barely spoke to anyone for two weeks.” Then one morning an impassioned lecture from his mother turned everything around. “She said, first and foremost, you have to have faith,” Martinez recalled. “Second, she said I have to believe that things are going to get better. Be as positive as possible and create some light from this situation. “She didn’t use any creative words or say something that hasn’t been around for year. But I was willing to make that choice and embrace those words.” Martinez changed to having a positive outlook and using his natural gift for humor. After a few months he was asked

J.R. Martinez at the GRU Diversity Summit. Photo by Gary Kauffman

to speak to another patient in the burn center. To keep people from seeing him, the patient kept his room pitch black, with the curtains drawn tight and no lights on. Martinez talked to him for 45 minutes with words of encouragement. When he left, he noticed that the patient had cracked the curtains a little and turned on a small light. That started Martinez on a mission of visiting other patients. “I was a walking manual of what they were going to go through,” he said. “I was having an influence, having an impact and learning that I could serve after being injured.” Eventually he was asked to give a motivational speech, and developed a new passion as strong as his desire to be a pro football player had been. Between acting assignments, he travels around the country giving motivational speeches. But that’s an occupation that should be open to everyone, he said. “We should all be doing this,” he said. “We all have a story to tell. If you can help just one person in this world, you’ve done your job.” He also urged positive choices. “Make a choice every single day to live – not to be alive, but to live!” he said.

Whether scars are physical or emotional, J.R. Martinez urges people to heal by talking. Martinez, winner of Dancing with the Stars and an actor, was seriously injured while serving with the Army in Iraq. He has used his story to change lives, and hopes others will do the same, even if their scars aren’t as visible. “I get a lot of attention because of my scars on the exterior,” he said. “I’m trying to raise awareness of the scars on the inside.” The best thing to do is to talk about it, he believes, whether to someone else, to yourself or writing it down. “You can’t carry that weight around,” he said. “You have to be able to speak, to know you have a voice and that your voice will be heard. You have to realize that you’re not alone. A lot of people have been through it or are going to go through it.” Martinez has started a project to collect people’s stories on his website, jrmartinez.com.

views

life face first

“I’m making a grocery list,” my husband, Brian, announced. I raised my eyebrows. Brian rarely does the shopping. I paused to consider how I might best encourage him to continue this behavior. “Hello,” he said, waving a hand in front of my face. “Did you need something from the store?” “Sorry, I spaced out for a minute,” I replied. “There’s a list on the kitchen counter and we need more catnip. Seti ate all of what we had.” “You just bought that container,” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “What can I say?” I asked. “The cat needs his treat.” “The cat needs an intervention,” he retorted. Later he returned with the groceries and I helped put them away. I spied something in the bag and froze. “What’s that?” I demanded. I backed away slowly. “What? he asked confused. “The Halloween candy?” “You bought Halloween candy on October 10th,” I shrieked.

“Yeah,” he replied still unsure of what he’d done wrong. “You can’t buy Halloween candy before Halloween,” I yelled. “Halloween is in two and a half weeks,” he said perplexed. “Two and a half weeks,” I repeated. “Do you know how much of that candy will be left in two and half weeks?” “Um…” “None,” I shouted. “There will be exactly none left. Do you know why there will be none left? Because I will eat it all! You know I’m trying to lose weight. How could you do this to me?” I burst into tears. Brian stood rooted to the floor in disbelief, a carton of fresh catnip in his hand. “You could just not eat it,” he started. “If I could just not eat it I wouldn’t need to lose

weight,” I shot back. He wisely avoided expounding on that idea. “I’ll hide it,” he offered. “Thank you but it won’t help. I’ll sniff it out like the dog looking for crumbs after dinner.” I’m not too proud to admit that I can smell out the candy in a room. “Maybe you need a new hobby,” he said, laughing. “What can I say,” I grinned. “I need my treat.” “You need an intervention,” he retorted. “You and the cat both.” 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 / October 2014

views

make time for travel

One island but two countries!

isiting St. Maarten and St. Martin is an opportunity to sit back and enjoy a Caribbean island infused with the charm of Europe as you stroll from French St. Martin in the northern part of the island to Dutch St. Maarten in the south. The story is that a gin-drinking Dutchman and a wine-guzzling Frenchman competed in a rather laid back manner by walking about the island to claim territory for their respective nations. The Frenchman walked faster and farther, but the Dutchman was more discriminating and claimed the more valuable real estate. St. Maarten/Martin is quite small – 34 square miles – but enjoys a reputation for excellent hotels and nightlife. The architectural heritage of Marigot is a mix of French and Caribbean influences. Fabulous doors, window moldings and verandas accent the flavor of the island’s buildings. Music is everywhere in St. Martin. On every street corner, in the taverns and bars, you will hear a variety of musical forms and sounds that again mixes the traditional Caribbean with the modern.

There is no mistaking St. Martin’s French heritage. The towns bear names like Clombier and Orléans, the streets are not streets but rues, and the flag of France flies in Marigot, the capital. St. Martin also has some of the best dining opportunities in the Caribbean, with many good bistros and restaurants. Beaches encircle the island – 35 of them – each different in its own way. Activities for travelers include scuba diving, wake-boarding, windsurfing, sunbathing and, of course, relaxing. I’ve traveled to St. Martin several times, my husband and daughter have fond memories of the beaches there and the European influence is something not to be forgotten soon.

The French side of the island is quieter and more sedate than its Dutch counterpart. The hotels are more secluded and you won’t be overtaken with the cruise-ship crowds.

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.

Fast Facts St. Martin - Sint Maarten Island • Divided between France (60%) and the Netherlands (40%) • 33.59 square miles • Maximum length: 8.3 miles; Maximum width: 9.8 miles • Average temperature: 80 degrees • The island features 35 white sandy beaches • Island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 • Original name for the island is “Oualichi” – Land of Women • Island is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean • It is the smallest island divided by two nations

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• The island features more than 300 restaurants

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tech savvy

In the last year I have read headline after headline that the PC is dead, headed the way of the Dodo birds.

ince the introduction of personal computers we have become used to two constants: That computers will double in speed every 18 months, known as Moore’s Law (Moore’s Law actually states that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit will double every 24 months), and that more computers will be sold every year. Moore’s Law is essentially still a relevant measure, although it is not referenced as much as it used to be. In reality, processor power (not clock speed) doubles every year and in the near future we will see this annual doubling increase exponentially as we develop nanotechnology. The second constant – that more computers will be built and sold every year – has changed. The first annual decline of year over year computer sales was in 2001 (Hal 9000 anyone?) caused by a tech financial downturn. In 2012, the first real dip occurred as tablets caught on and

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cut into laptop and desktop sales. This trend continued in 2013 as more and more people browsed on smartphones and tablets continued to sell millions of units. So headlines appeared like “Huge sales declines!” “The end of the road for desktop computers!” “Cloud computers will do away will all hardware but a simple terminal!” In reality, the hardware tech environment – meaning the things we use to communicate, create, connect and consume our digital diet – have simply fragmented into more and more choices. Although I was not surprised at all about the true facts of the state of the desktop computer market, you may be. For the year, 2014 sales will be flat or slightly up in the desktop computer market in the United States. Around 80 million desktop computers will be sold in the U.S. market this year and predictions even 10 years out show the desktop computer will continue to be a

healthy part of the tech segment. The reason for this is something you have experienced yourself. You have that great new tablet or phablet and it is an awesome phone, computer, browser, etc. But when you go to actually type a letter, you want to feel a comfortable keyboard and look at a nice screen that doesn’t make you run for your reading glasses. That new Basis health monitor that I wear on my wrist... well, when it’s not on my wrist, it’s on a charging station connected to my custom-built media center computer. There is nothing like an always on, full-sized keyboard, large monitor, computer system that serves as the hub of your activity. This is the reason American businesses and individuals will buy 80 million desktop computers this year. And the trend is, if you are going to have one desktop, make sure it is a good one. My rule of thumb is to spend as much on a desktop computer

as you would on the non-contract price of that smart phone on your hip or in your purse. It will last longer, allow you to create more and won’t have you squinting at a tiny screen. The desktop computer will be around for a long time to come, so when you shop for one, think through the process and get one that will meet your needs not only for today, but for the next three to five years. The hard home phone line has gone the way of the Dodo bird but the home computer is here to stay. Charles Kelly is co-owner of Computer Exchange, with four locations in the CSRA: South Augusta, North Augusta, Martinez and Grovetown. Computer Exchange specializes in computer solutions for home and business. For answers to your computer questions, email him at charles@computerexchange.com.

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