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contents

this week’s issue

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE SITE PLANNING & ENGINEERING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Michele Dross Ceramics will host a holiday sale on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at 515 King Ave. Check out Flagpole’s 2020 roundup of artist markets and studio sales at flagpole.com.

City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Our Electoral College Delegates

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Hey, Bonita! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Holiday Happenings

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Flag Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Patrick Dean—Zany Genius

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Holiday Gift Guide

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Record Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

Property Management Investment Properties Rentals Buying Selling

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pete McCommons PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner

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VOLUME 34 ISSUE NUMBER 49

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KEEP YOUR COOL

“Good solid advice. I’ve been in the same spot working from home—it’s very easy to dissolve your boundaries that you had at the office. The separation becomes even more important when home is the office. You have to realize that the work will always be there and literally just unplug at the end of the day. Stop responding to business requests outside hours and eventually, coworkers will get that it’s a boundary and stop. The more you reply, the more they know they can get away with. Always prioritize yourself. Your job is not you.”

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news

city dope

Gonzalez Wins a Squeaker of a DA Race PLUS, MORE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AND COVID CASES

By Blake Aued and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com Progressive Democrat Deborah Gonzalez eked out a victory Dec. 1 over prosecutor James Chafin in a runoff for Western Circuit district attorney.

Gonzalez won 51.7% of 26,100 votes cast in a race that split down county and party lines despite Chafin running as an independent.

With a promise to reform the criminal justice system, fight discrimination and end cash bail for low-level and nonviolent defendants, Gonzalez won 67% of the vote in Clarke County, where she had 60% support in a three-way special election Nov. 3.

Chafin’s strong support in heavily Republican Oconee County, the other county that makes up the Western Circuit, continued in the runoff. He won 76% of the vote there and 48.3% overall.

However, Clarke County voters outnumber Oconee County voters by more than two to one, so Gonzalez was able to win even though her margin in Clarke was smaller than Chafin’s in Oconee and the turnout rate in Oconee (30%) was higher than Clarke’s 22%.

“We did this together. This is the people’s vote,” Gonzalez said in a Facebook Live video on Election Night. “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and work really hard to bring justice to Athens and Oconee.” She added that she would be taking a few days off from answering the phone or responding to social media.

Chafin, the deputy chief assistant under former DA Ken Mauldin, emphasized his 14 years of experience as a prosecutor and criticized Gonzalez’s lack of it. She is primarily a media and entertainment lawyer, but she countered that she had leadership and policy experience as a former state representative and attacked Chafin as the product of a failed good-old-boy system.

Gonzalez had to fight even to get on the

4

trafficking. ballot this year. Originally, the race was set Commissioner Mariah Parker said she to be a Democratic primary between actwould rather spend money on preventing ing DA Brian Patterson and her. However, violence against women, such as relationMauldin abruptly resigned in February, ship training and mental health care, than triggering a state law that could have prosecuting offenders. “Simply locking pushed the election back to 2022. Gonzalez someone in jail doesn’t do a lot to help the filed a lawsuit to overturn the law and person who was the victim of that crime,” succeeded. But because Mauldin resigned she said. instead of serving out his term as planned, Ultimately the commission accepted the the race became a special election, and violence against women grant but held the Chafin jumped in as an independent. drug grant. A commission-defined option Despite three candidates in the race, from Tim Denson and Parker would have Gonzalez nearly won without a runoff in directed the drug task November, garnernot to focus on ing 48% of the vote We are ready to roll up force marijuana or cases to Chafin’s 35% and our sleeves and work of simple possesPatterson’s 17%. sion. Manager Blaine Gonzalez—who really hard to bring justice Williams said the will become the cirto Athens and Oconee. task force is bound to cuit’s first female DA, enforce state laws as Georgia’s first Latina DA and the first Puerto Rican woman in the long as they’re on the books. Drug rings also involve other crimes, such as speeding country to serve as DA—will be sworn in and sex trafficking, Commissioner Melissa Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. on the courthouse steps.

Link said.

[Blake Aued] Mayor Kelly Girtz said the commission will have a work session on public safety early next year.

In addition to the new DA’s focus on Commissioners also debated plans for a criminal justice reform, Athens-Clarke 109-unit apartment complex on Lexington County commissioners want changes to law Road that’s in Athens-Ben Epps Airport’s enforcement as well. flight path. The ACC Planning Commission, Two state grants that have been rouplanning staff and the Airport Authority all tine in the past came under scrutiny at recommended denying the development, the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting. One, for but some commissioners said they favored $120,643, goes toward the salaries of four approval because the area needs new investigators and a records technician who development and the developer promised work on cases of violence against women. to work with the Athens Land Trust to set The other, for $139,461, helps fund four aside 12 units as affordable housing. investigators for the Northeast Georgia “I think this is a pretty cool project,” Regional Drug Task Force, a partnership Parker said. “I’m not that concerned about among the ACC Police Department and proximity to the airport.” the Clarke and Oglethorpe County sherHowever, Commissioner Russell Edwards iff’s departments that focuses on drug pointed out that the affordable housing

“

Commission Also Eyes Reform

FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

pledge is not binding and raised concerns about noise. “I hesitate to put this many bedrooms right beyond the runway of this airport,” he said. “If we achieve the dreams of many and get a commercial carrier one day, we’re going to have regular takeoffs of jets directly above this multifamily development, and that to me is not a good quality of life.”

The commission voted unanimously to put off a decision until January. Also delayed was an agreement with student housing developer Landmark Properties to build a parking deck for a new arena at the Classic Center and the company’s corporate headquarters at the student high-rise, The Mark.

Commissioners also paid tribute to Andy Herod, who has served on the board since 2007 and is now stepping down.

Commissioner Mike Hamby teased Herod for his British accent, Edwards read a limerick in his honor, and Parker even rapped a few bars.

On a more serious note, “You should be proud of what you’ve done for District 8, what you’ve done for Athens and what you’ve done for this commission,” Hamby said, pointing to Herod’s championing the Lexington Road corridor and Firefly Trail.

Others lauded him for his wit and attention to detail.

Carol Myers will take over the seat in January. “I’m sure she will do an excellent job as the next District 8 commissioner,” Herod said. [BA]

COVID Cases, Hospitalizations Up Public health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant in wearing masks, maintaining social distance and handwashing as we go into the holiday season and brace for the impact of Thanksgiving gatherings. Recent data from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows continuing community spread in Athens-Clarke County, rising cases in many surrounding counties and a significant increase in hospitalizations for the region in the past week.

As of Dec. 3, Athens-Clarke County had 6,869 confirmed cases, 283 hospitalizations and 55 deaths. That’s an increase of 492 cases, 15 hospitalizations and four deaths

over two weeks. The seven-day moving average, which gives us the best idea of how much cases are increasing, is up from 26.3 on Nov. 19 to 38.4 on Dec. 3.

In addition, rapid-antigen testing data shows there have been 1,327 likely cases for Athens-Clarke County; added to the confirmed cases, these likely cases indicate an increase of 144 cases in the past two weeks.

Combined, 8,196 Athens residents have tested positive since the pandemic began.

Amber Schmidke, a public health microbiologist who has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Georgia, points out in her daily newsletter that the data for the week of Thanksgiving and the week after the holiday may be skewed because of labs being closed for several days and a resulting test-processing backlog.

According to wastewater data from Erin Lipp’s lab at the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease at UGA, concentrations of the virus continue to show community spread. The lab’s website notes that elevated levels of the virus in sewage preceded the uptick in cases last week.

Despite many UGA students having gone home for the rest of the semester as the remainder of classes this semester are online, some students are still in town and on campus. To that end, UGA is still offering surveillance testing through Dec. 23 at the Legion Field testing site, and the University Health Center is also still offering testing for symptomatic students.

The university will also continue to release weekly data reports each Wednesday. In total, for the week of Nov. 16-22, there were 101 positive cases among students, faculty and staff, and 71 for the week of Nov. 23-29.

In the week prior to Thanksgiving, more than 5,000 students participated in surveillance testing, exceeding the goal of testing 1,000 students a day in anticipation of students going home. Of the 5,116 asymptomatic tests for the week of Nov. 16-20, there were 38 positive cases for a positivity rate of .75%. For the week of Nov. 23-27, there were 17 positive asymptomatic cases out of 2,021 total tests, for a positivity rate of .8%.

Just as the pandemic has highlighted and magnified systemic weaknesses and

problems in many areas, health care is no different. The closure of rural hospitals and the resulting stress increasingly put on larger regional hospitals have been happening steadily across Georgia and much of the South for the last 20 years. Now, in the face of the pandemic, we’re seeing just how much stress these hospitals are under.

The COVID-19 hospitalization rate for Region E, which includes St. Mary’s and Piedmont Athens Regional, is nearly the same as it was at the height of the summer surge. COVID-19 hospitalizations have shown a significant increase in the last week, with 40 additional hospitalizations from Nov. 26-Dec. 3. Of the 643 patients in the region as of Dec. 3, 126 patients, or 19.6% of all patients, were hospitalized for COVID-19. On top of the increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU capacity is still at a premium, with 68 of 70 beds, or 97%, in use as of Dec. 3.

In a meeting with hospital CEOs, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Kelly Girtz and other officials last week, hospital administrators said they were seeing more cases and there was more community spread occurring. Further, they stressed that some in the public may be letting up on their vigilance because the prospect of the vaccine is so close to a reality at this point.

Administrators also presented a timeline of how vaccine distribution would occur locally once approved. With distribution in three phases, the first phase would go to vaccinating health-care workers.

Administrators said they could begin vaccinations for staff as early as this month, once one of the three potential vaccines is approved for emergency use, but no one yet knows just how many doses they’ll get initially. The second phase of vaccinations would likely start in February and would go toward vulnerable populations, and the third phase of vaccinations for the general public could be available as early as April.

Despite the prospect of vaccines, St. Mary’s President and Ceo Montez Carter noted that it won’t be a “magic bullet.”

Observing public health measures will still be important in the foreseeable future.

[Jessica Luton] f

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5

street scribe

news

feature

Holiday Reading

Gonzalez Goes to College

FIVE POLITICAL BOOKS THAT MAKE GREAT GIFTS

ATHENS’ NEW DA IS ONE OF GEORGIA’S 16 BIDEN ELECTORS

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

By Tyler Wilkins news@flagpole.com

“So many books, so little time,” said musician Frank Zappa. He was right, but the COVID-19 pandemic has, despite all its horrors, at least given people more time to read. The holiday season is at hand, now that December is here, and books always make great gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah. Here are just a few books that I have read or re-read in the past year. I recommend all of them for holiday reading or gift giving.

Historian David Pietrusza has written absorbing and readable volumes about American politics, sports and crime that bring the past to life today. His 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents is a compelling true story of an election a century ago that still has relevance to today’s political scene. In 1920, Republican Warren Harding and his running mate, Calvin Coolidge, won a landslide election over Democrat James Cox and a young Franklin Roosevelt, even though Harding had been dogged by “birtherism” accusations that he had Black ancestry.

Harding died in office in 1923, and Coolidge became president. This book is a pageturner for political junkies that details how former and future presidents like Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover and FDR all had their eyes on the White House prize prior to the election a century ago.

Candace Millard’s Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President tells the story of the life and death of James Garfield, who was shot by Charles Guiteau, a religious fanatic and thwarted office-seeker, in 1881. A young, charismatic and compassionate president, Garfield died just six months after his inauguration. Doctors who attended the wounded leader only made matters worse

6

by probing his wound with unwashed hands and unsterilized instruments, and the president died an agonizing and avoidable death. Millard’s history shows the truth of poet John Greenleaf Whittier’s words: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been.’”

Jared Cohen’s Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America is a look at vice presidents who became president after the chief executive died in office.

John Tyler, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson all were catapulted into the White House after their bosses died in office from illness or assassination.

Though some of those men are little remembered today, Roosevelt, Truman and Johnson all left indelible influences on the history of this nation.

Cohen’s book deserves a prominent place on the bookshelves of every presidential history buff.

Jon Meacham’s His Truth is Marching On is a biography of the late congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis that should join Meacham’s The Soul of America on the reading list of those who are inspired by history’s radicals and reformers.

Lewis was the youngest man to speak at the 1963 march on Washington, when Martin Luther King gave the famous “I Have a Dream” oration, and he was the last surviving speaker at that memorable gathering at the Lincoln Memorial. Meacham’s biography is a fine tribute to Lewis and a fitting companion volume with the civil rights firebrand’s own autobiography, Walking With the Wind.

Coming up next spring is the 50th anniversary of the antiwar protests that rocked Washington in 1971. Journalist Lawrence Roberts has weighed in with a new look at the turmoil, Mayday 1971: A White House at War, a Revolt in the Streets, and the Untold History of America’s Biggest Mass Arrest.

Though the events described in this volume happened half a century ago during the Nixon administration, this compelling volume shows that the political clashes during the early 1970s are still relevant today in the waning weeks of the Trump administration as another unscrupulous president exhibits Nixonian contempt for the “law and order” that he claims to support. Longtime peace campaigner David Dellinger, who spoke at Human Rights Festivals here in Athens during the 1980s and ‘90s, is a major character in Mayday 1971, and readers who remember or participated in the antiwar movement will find this book to be a must-read.

Happy reading and happy holidays. The ancient orator Cicero was right when he said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” f

FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

T

wo weeks after winning the runoff the people voiced their preference for a new election for district attorney of the president in a legitimate election.

Western Judicial Circuit, former state Rep. Gonzalez says she’s looking forward to Deborah Gonzalez will cast one of Georgia’s participating in the historic process, but she 16 electoral votes for Joe Biden, wrapping generally believes that the national popular up the 2020 presidential election. vote should decide presidential elections, Gonzalez will travel to the Georgia State rather than the Electoral College. In two out Capitol on Dec. 14, where she’ll cast and of the past six elections, the candidate who sign her ballot for Biden and his running lost the popular vote—George W. Bush in mate Kamala Harris. On Jan. 6, Congress 2000 and Trump in 2016—became presiwill meet to count the electoral votes from dent anyway. every state before Inauguration Day on Jan. “It’s not a true representation of what 20. the majority of the people want,” Gonzalez Each state’s number of Electoral College says. “If we’re talking about democracy and votes is based on its number of seats in the ‘one person equals one vote,’ then I think U.S. House and Senate. The nomination we have to rethink these mechanisms for process varies by state, but in Georgia, the us to elect our leaders if they’re supposed Democratic, Republican and Libertarian to be truly representative of the will of the parties select 16 electors each to represent people.” their respective parties. The official electors are then chosen from the party of the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote. In a sense, Georgia citizens who voted for Biden and Harris really voted for Gonzalez and her 15 fellow Democratic electors.

With public opinion mixed on the role of the Electoral College in deciding presidential victoDeborah Gonzalez speaks at a rally for Senate candidate Jon Ossoff in October. ries, many states have adopted laws to ensure their electors vote in accordance To abolish or significantly reform the with the state’s popular vote. Considering Electoral College, two-thirds of both chamthat no such law exists in Georgia, its elecbers of Congress would need to propose tors could technically vote for whomever an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, they wish to hold the presidency. But politi- with three-fourths of all state legislatures cal parties have an incentive to choose loyal ratifying it. The states could also petition electors, making it unusual for an elector to Congress to hold a constitutional convenbreak with their party. tion to propose an amendment, but this “It’s quite a vote of confidence that [the process has never occurred. party] believes that I will uphold our demIn its two senatorial runoff elections on ocratic values and that they believe I’m a Jan. 5, Georgia voters will ultimately decide true Democrat,” says Gonzalez, who was which party controls the U.S. Senate. If tapped by the Democratic Party of Georgia Democrats Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon in mid-February.

Ossoff defeat their Republican opponents, Gonzalez says she believes that in other Gonzalez says, the shift in party control states Democratic and Republican electors could increase the likelihood of a change to will remain loyal to their parties’ candithe Electoral College. dates. Even if the electors strongly dislike Georgia’s 15 other Biden electors are: their party’s candidate, it may hurt them 2018 gubernatorial candidate Stacey politically to vote for someone else, she Abrams; state Sens. Gloria Butler of Stone says.

Mountain and Steve Henson of Tucker; After two recounts, Biden won 49.5% Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis; party of the vote in Georgia to President activists Bobby Fuse of Americus, Fenika Donald Trump’s 49.3%—the first time Miller of Macon and Ben Myers, Rachel a Democratic presidential candidate has Paule and Sachin Varghese of Atlanta; won Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson; state Nationally, Biden has 306 electoral votes to Reps. Pedro Marin of Duluth, Calvin Trump’s 232. Despite not offering substanSmyre of Columbus and Bob Trammell of tial evidence, Trump’s campaign continues Luthersville; Democratic Party of Georgia to take accusations of voter fraud to court.

Chairwoman Nikema Williams, who was Any disputes, including state recounts and recently elected to the late John Lewis’ court contests, must be resolved by the Atlanta congressional seat; and former “safe harbor” deadline on Dec. 8. Gonzalez Atlanta City Council member Cathy says she won’t entertain a Trump win, as Woolard. f

BLAKE AUED

news

news

feature

Mary Rugg Weaver

Holiday Happenings

Scarves and Wraps

Holiday Sales ...on the porch w/masks

THE PANDEMIC HASN’T CANCELED CHRISTMAS

263 Milledge Circle

By Zaria Gholston news@flagpole.com

W

e’ve made it to the final stretch of what’s seemed like the longest year ever. December in Athens usually entails a plethora of gatherings and shopping opportunities, with the Downtown Parade of Lights as the crowning event for many. But alas, like most big local events those festivities have been canceled with the pandemic’s health and safety precautions in mind.

Fret not, Athens! There are still plenty of opportunities to get your yuletide fix.

Flagpole has been doing our best to track this month’s events so that some holiday cheer can still be had and your family’s safety maintained. Below are a few local and regional events on our radar: Athens on Ice (through January): Ice skating is back at the Classic Center’s Foundry Pavilion. There will be mobile tickets, limited capacity and extra sanitation measures.

Space for each session is limited, so buying a ticket ahead of time is recommended.

Christmas with Leisure Services (Varying dates): Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services will be presenting a vari-

SAT & SUN and he will tell a special Christmas story.

Buddy the Elf will visit, and a professional photographer will be available at holiday photo stations. Children are also invited to participate in various arts and crafts, including this year’s Christmas coloring contest, where the winner will receive a special surprise. $25/adults, $20/children under 10. (Children one year and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.)

11/21 & 11/22 11/28 & 11/29 12/05 & 12/06 12/12 & 12/13 NOON - 3PM OR BY APPT. maryerugg@gmail.com WWW.MARYRUGGWEAVER.COM

WHITLEY CARPENTER

Light Up Athens (Dec. 11–12, 18–19; 6–9 p.m.): Replacing the Parade of Lights, downtown storefronts will be adorned with decorations each night, while other event activities include a community Christmas tree, holiday character appearances, an official Santa mailbox for kiddies’ wish lists, holiday-themed music and s“elfie” spots for pictures.

Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 12, 8:30 a.m.): Join the Classic Center for a special breakfast event with St. Nick. Each family will have its own reserved table for social distancing. Little ones will drop their wish lists in the North Pole mailbox for Santa,

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Christmas at Wire Park (Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m.): A community concert in Watkinsville celebrating the holiday season features food trucks, a visit from Santa Claus, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and more. The Athens A-Train Band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. to perform a collection of beloved holiday selections with a jazzy flair.

Christmas Songs and Stories with John Berry (Dec. 16, 7 p.m.): Grammy-winning country artist and former Athenian John Berry is back for the 24th year of this special holiday concert at the Classic Center.

Safety measures include limited theater capacity, face coverings, hand-sanitizing stations, staggered entry and exit times, and touchless operations.

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Doughnuts and Jazz (Dec. 17, 6 p.m.): Enjoy the Christmas and Hannukah season at Athentic Brewing Company with doughnuts from Nedza’s and a live jazz performance.

ety of holiday programs for families to enjoy, like the “Deck the Hollow” event at Memorial Park. Many of these events require registration and a small entry fee.

For more information, visit the Leisure Services webpage at accgov.com.

Experienced advocate for individuals in criminal, juvenile, and probate matters

Unsilent Night (Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.): Back for its 10th year downtown, this event will be free, family-friendly and socially distanced. All that is needed to attend is a music source like a smartphone and a speaker to amplify the sound. Everyone will meet up and hit “play” at Little Kings Shuffle Club to begin a 45-minute processional of holiday sounds.

Everyone is welcome, and no musical skill is necessary.

Movies by Moonlight Drive-In Movie Double Feature (Dec. 20): ACC Leisure Services will host a free drive-in screening of Elf (6 p.m.) and Christmas Vacation (8:30 p.m.) at Sandy Creek Park. The event is free, but registration is required. Tickets are limited to 100 vehicles and are available through Dec. 18. f This information was accurate at press time but may be subject to change. Check The Calendar at flagpole.com for the latest. Submit your event at flagpole.com/submit-event or email the information to calendar@flagpole.com. Happy Holidays and stay safe, y’all!

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7

arts & culture

feature

Zany Genius PATRICK DEAN’S EDDIE’S WEEK CONTAINS MULTITUDES OF LAUGHS

By Eleanor Davis news@flagpole.com Editor’s Note: This piece originally appeared in The Comics Journal with many more illustrations than fit here, and it is reprinted with their kind permission. For many years, Patrick Dean’s out-of-this-world comics and covers enriched Flagpole and charmed our readers. Here, his longtime friend Eleanor Davis, a versatile and celebrated artist whose work has also graced our covers, reviews Patrick’s graphic novel, Eddie’s Week, which is available at Avid Bookshop and Bizarro Wuxtry and would make a dandy Christmas present. It is scary to see that Eleanor’s words are as colorful as her art.

[Pete McCommons]

E

ddie likes werewolf movie marathons, Danishes and trying his hand at predicting rainy weather. Now Eddie has the week off. He was planning to take it easy at home and avoid thinking too much about his ex-girlfriend, Claire, but a work crew busts into his apartment and installs a prison cell in his living room— complete with prisoner—as part of the city’s non-voluntary Stay At Home Warden Project. When Eddie’s new crush, Liz, stops by, Eddie weaves an elaborate yarn to explain the caged man next to his sofa.

His need for deception feels silly until, as the lie inevitably cascades, it becomes clear the only rule of this world is that everything must be as hilariously convoluted as possible while somehow staying tender, human and real.

Eddie’s Week, which is out now from Birdcage Bottom Books, starts off melancholy, gets funny and then just keeps ramping it up by degrees until you are dizzy with the goofs. There are vampire cops, talking cats, sociopathic pastry chefs, secret societies of wanna-be bears and more twists than an Agatha Christie novel. But the melancholy lingers, keeping the characters compelling and warm. At the start of the book, Eddie is feeling stuck. He’s lonely; his heart is broken; his apartment is bare after his ex moved all her stuff out. He keeps getting pushed around, and the small town he lives in feels cozy but also like a trap. Eddie is searching for a new sense of hope in life, and somehow in the middle of mysterious murders, improbable swarms of deadly bees and madcap escapes via flying broom, he finds it. The book finishes on a perfect note: new friends, new beginnings, and—as for the goofs—no end in sight.

I love Eddie’s Week. Obviously, I love getting to laugh—I’ve laughed loud and hard every time I’ve read it, and I’ve read it four times—and I love how the big weird mess of a plot somehow, against all odds, brings all its threads together like some sort of magic trick. And I love Patrick, who has been my friend for over 15 years. I met Patrick when I was still in undergrad, studying comics. Every year my boyfriend Drew and I would drive up to

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FLUKE, the mini-comics and ‘zines festival in Athens. Patrick was one of the FLUKE organizers, and to a kid like me he just seemed unbearably cool. I spent much of my first FLUKE across the street in a pizza place fighting off a panic attack because Patrick was wearing too cool of a hat, and this was before I even knew he was a genius cartoonist.

We all wound up becoming friends.

Patrick is extremely funny, but he’s always been soft-spoken, and if you didn’t listen closely, you’d miss his jokes. When a bunch of us hung out together, his end of the table would often erupt in laughter. You’d try to get someone to explain what Patrick had said, but they would be too busy hyperventilating.

I love seeing how much of Patrick is in Eddie’s Week. Like Eddie, Patrick is obsessed with werewolves, old paperbacks, and the combined gloom and joy of a big rainstorm. I like seeing Patrick’s gangly lope in Eddie, his great hair and hats, his amateur meteorology and joking asides that other characters often don’t seem to catch. Eddie’s tough, babely,

wise-cracking ex-girlfriend Claire is so much like Patrick’s actual wife Erin that I feel certain Patrick borrowed some of Erin’s jokes for Claire to use.

Patrick drew Eddie’s Week mostly at night, after his day job and after putting his kids to bed. He finished it shortly before being diagnosed with Bulbar ALS. Within a couple months of his diagnosis he couldn’t talk; the following year he couldn’t walk; now he is almost completely immobilized and in a wheelchair. Because his left thumb locked up, and he lost the ability to text on his phone, now he can communicate

FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

only using eye-gaze text-to-voice technology. I am baffled by how he does this, but with a tremendous amount of effort and setup, he still manages to draw with a pen and paper, and his drawings are still extraordinary.

His drawings aren’t very funny or melancholy now. Most of them are harsh, smart political commentary.

He draws about police violence, anti-Black racism, voter suppression and our government’s classist, ableist response to COVID-19. His drawings are sad, angry, urgent and extremely truthful. They are a gift.

There is no silver-lining TV-movie takeaway from Patrick’s illness. It’s just something that has gone horribly, nightmarishly wrong. It makes you want to rip at your hair and clothes and scream. It feels evil. There is an incomprehensible, evil thing happening to our friend. There’s nothing anyone can do about it.

Eddie’s Week feels like a precious time capsule, rewinding the world 15 years back to when we first met Patrick, before he was sick, before a lot of things. We were all younger, and everything was more open and possible. Now I’m 37; Drew and I have a little kid; too many people we love are extremely ill or have recently died; there is a rising tide of inequality and hate; we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and the world is flooding and on fire.

Eddie is young. He’s looking for love, a place to belong and a sense of purpose.

Eddie has big worries—finding love is one of the most urgent forces in life, and losing it is one most painful experiences just about everyone seems to go through. But Eddie’s are the worries of a young, healthy person without responsibilities in a reality where cops might be (literal) blood-sucking vampires, but prison is pretty easy to break out of, and you can still get together with your friends at the library or for brunch. When you’re young, and if a global pandemic isn’t a thing, meeting some strangers and hanging out with them drinking beer, wearing bear suits and watching shitty movies until you all crash on the carpet is a perfectly reasonable—even advisable—thing to do.

Finding love and losing it and finding it and losing it again really does make you stronger. Skipping town to start all over is often the right move. Life is melancholy but filled with hope and sweetness. Today, there’s a storm warning, but tomorrow they’re predicting only a 10% chance of showers—and in the afternoon, some sun. f Eleanor, Patrick and friends appeared at an event on Monday, Nov. 23 for Eddie’s Week and the Art of Patrick Dean: Cartooning Genius, Disability Activist, and Athens’ Hometown Sweetheart—a Virtual Book Release with Athens’ Avid Bookshop.

This virtual event featured an interview with Patrick Dean by Eleanor Davis as well as a roundtable with Davis, Robert Newsome and Hillary Brown discussing Eddie’s Week, Patrick Dean’s impact on Athens and comics, Big Deal and FLUKE mini-comic and ‘zine festival. You can see a recording of the event through the link on avidbook shop.com.

arts & culture

flag football

advice

hey, bonita…

A Damn OK Dawg

My Roommate’s Boyfriend Won’t Leave

GREG MCGARITY’S MIXED LEGACY AT UGA

ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Cy Brown news@flagpole.com

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity is retiring, so it’s time to assess his legacy in Athens and determine whether we can call him a “Damn Good Dawg.”

McGarity started working in the athletic department at 10 years old as a helper for the legendary Dan Magill. He lettered on the tennis team and served as a student assistant. After graduating, he moved up the ladder in the athletics department, from a sports information director to the women’s tennis coach to an administrative assistant and assistant athletic director before heading to Gainesville to serve as associate athletic director at Florida for 18 years. After the Damon Evans scandal, McGarity was brought home to serve as athletic director.

GREG POOLE

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity is retiring.

By looking at that biography, it appears he’s done more than enough to earn the coveted status of “Damn Good Dawg” by the Georgia faithful. However, a dive into his work as athletic director—which is all the hoi polloi will remember him for— shows a few accomplishments, but plenty of missteps and mistakes.

The thing he will be most remembered for is hiring Kirby Smart. So far, that’s working out splendidly. Speaking as a guy who said on many occasions that I wanted Texas coach Tom Herman (then at Houston) over Smart, I’m more than happy to eat my crow and say that I was dumb, and McGarity was right.

He also oversaw a significant increase in the budget. Considering that what the powers that be at Georgia want to see from the person sitting in the big chair at ButtsMehre is more cash coming in and conservative fiscal management, let’s give him a win on that one, too. Some would even give him credit for the improved facilities we’ve seen on campus in the last decade, but I’m not quite as charitable in that regard.

Which brings us to the aforementioned missteps. He brought a load of cash into

the athletic department, but he refused to make any use of it for far too long. Some will praise him for the vast improvement of the football facilities under his watch and for bolstering the infrastructure surrounding the football team since Smart arrived in Athens. But Georgia didn’t get an indoor practice facility until 2016, well after all the other power players in college football had them. Jeremy Pruitt, then UGA’s defensive coordinator, had to go to the media back in 2014 to push the idea to make sure the thing got built. (Though, to be fair, talks were already well underway about constructing one at that point.) It’ll be 2021 when we get the new $80 million football facility that will finally bring us level in the college football arms race.

There’s also McGarity’s dalliance on renovations for the Dan Magill Tennis Complex, a crown jewel for the athletic department for decades. His failure to spearhead renovations sooner lost Athens a regular spot in the rotation to host the NCAA Tennis Championships, which we’ve hosted 29 times. When we finally get it back in 2026, it will be nine years since we last hosted them.

That’s the largest gap since we started hosting in 1972, the year before McGarity lettered in the sport as a student.

Even the hiring of Smart is a double-edged sword. Smart is a good head coach, but he wouldn’t be nearly as good without the financial resources provided to him—resources Mark Richt never got.

Then there’s the litany of other missteps I don’t have the space to go into in full detail: making Richt sit in on the press conference announcing his firing, capitulating to the NCAA when it suspended A.J. Green and Todd Gurley, capitulating to the SEC when it forced back-to-back away games against Auburn on us and getting nothing in return, overseeing the fall of the Gym Dogs dynasty and retaining Mark Fox for far too long while the rest of the SEC lapped us in men’s basketball.

McGarity managed the budget and hired Kirby Smart. That was enough for the powers that be at the university to keep him around for a decade and allow him to leave on his own terms, but not enough to endear him to many fans or garner much goodwill.

In my mind, his tenure was filled with too many shortcomings and not enough accomplishments to anoint him a “Damn Good Dawg.”

But spending most of your life working in the Georgia athletic department, lettering in a sport as a Bulldog and serving for a decade as the athletic director—the most powerful position at the university outside of president and head football coach—and not being considered a “Damn Good Dawg” by large swaths of Georgia fans? Now that’s an accomplishment. f

Hey Bonita!

So my roommate’s boyfriend has moved in with us—unofficially. I have two roommates, and we have been living together for a year in the same apartment now but have known each other for three years. One of my roommates has been dating this guy for basically two-anda-half years, and while we all like this guy, he has recently been at our apartment a lot. It was fine at first, even despite COVID precautions about having people come over a lot. (He is a server, so he has high exposure to other people.) My other roommate and I genuinely like this guy, but I think it’s starting to drive both of us crazy.

He is here constantly, even when our roommate isn’t here. He stays the night five or six nights a week. Recently, he has been staying here to study and is still here even when my roommate is at class. He has his own place with a couple of room-

mates, but he only goes there basically to shower and get fresh clothes after his shifts (which we appreciate due the risk of his job). He eats here, sleeps here, uses our kitchen and, for all intents and purposes, lives with us. One of his roommates is immunocompromised, so he’s worried about being around him because of his job, and he has basically decided to set up camp here without really asking.

This has been going on well before COVID, and we have talked to our roommate about how often he is here, but now that we are all home practically all the time in the same small apartment, it’s starting to feel a bit claustrophobic. Our lease is coming up for next year pretty soon, and I really don’t want to move out, but nothing seems to change when I talk to my roommate and her boyfriend about setting some boundaries. I really don’t know if I can spend another year in quarantine with our unexpected new roommate who never leaves, but I don’t really know anyone else I could move in with. I’m not even sure if this is something I should be getting annoyed about, because I do really like both of them as people, but I also really miss the days before we took

on a fourth roommate against our will. Any advice?

I’m sure your roomie and her beau are both great, but they sound entitled as hell, and I’m way too direct to recommend anything other than calling their bluff. Inform them that he must start paying rent and bills.

Next time y’all do the math, factor him into every single utility, and ask for his share with absolutely no irony or cheek. He wants to be a roommate, so treat him like one. I recommend even asking for a share of the deposit you all paid. If he wants to stay there whenever he’s not at work, then he should have to support the household just like you all do. He’s using your utilities and definitely having an impact on the bills you pay. And he absolutely should not be in your home when his girlfriend isn’t there, no matter how

“cool” he is. It’s not his house, and he doesn’t pay bills. He can chill at his actual home, and if he’s having roommate problems of his own, then that sucks, but it’s not your problem.

I’ve never been a fan of roommates’ partners making themselves fixtures in a group home without paying their way, and it takes hard boundaries around this issue to rectify it. I’m having literal flashbacks of being locked out of my bathroom while my old roommate’s girlfriend makes me late for work again and again. In the end, we called a house meeting and informed our roommate that his partner either needed to start paying bills or remove her body wash from our communal bathroom, and they chose the latter. At the end of the day, she was taking up space that we had paid hard-earned money to call our own, and if she truly felt entitled to that level of access to our home, then she had to pay her way, too. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/ get-advice.

DECEMBER 9, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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bulletin board Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board is every THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the print issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Online listings are updated daily. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Holiday Craft Fairs and Studio Sales ARTISTS SHOPPE AND HOLIDAY MARKET (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) The Artists Shoppe presents handmade items by the gallery’s dozens of members. Through Dec. 19, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ocaf.com BEECHWOOD HOLIDAY MARKET (Beechwood Shopping Center) The first annual event hosts a Christmas tree farm, hay rides, fire pits to roast smores, an ornament craft station, seasonal food, Santa’s post office and special pop-up vendors.

Through Dec. 20. info@beechwood athens.com, www.beechwoodathens. com/holiday-market GOOD DIRT SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS (Good Dirt Clay Studio) Though the studio and gallery are currently closed to the public, shoppers can make appointments to check out the works of owners Rob and Jessica Sutherland.

Through Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

706-355-3161, info@gooddirt.net BENDZUNAS GLASS (Bendzunas Glass Studio and Gallery, Comer) The family-run studio will open to the public for the holiday season with a collection of vases, cups, bird feeders, ornaments and more. 12–5 p.m. or by appointment. bendzunas glass.net NORMALTOWN POTTERY HOLIDAY SALE (465 Belvoir Heights) An outdoor sale with pottery by Juana Gnecco and Nancy Green, soaps by Farmington Herbals, masks by Ann Sears and

local honey by 3 Kings Honey. Dec. 11, 4–8 p.m. & Dec. 12, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 762-728-0575 2ND ANNUAL HOLI-LADDER-DAY MARKET (tiny ATH gallery) Local artists will set up their wares on ladders during an outdoor market.

Dec. 12–13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www. tinyathgallery.com DAVID MORGAN POTTERY 2020 HOLIDAY SALE (3747 Old Wildcat Bridge Rd., Danielsville) New works

by David Morgan. Available by appointment beginning Nov. 27.

Sale on Dec. 12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & Dec. 13, 12–5 p.m. 706-207-2325 MICHELE DROSS CERAMICS HOLIDAY STUDIO SALE (515 King Ave.) Shop for unique items at an outdoor sale. Dec. 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. micheledross.com ARTINI’S ARTIST HOLIDAY MARKET (Artini’s Art Lounge) Featuring works by Ali Phillips, Becky Cox, Row Jerles, David Phillips, Rio Parks, Jessi Nuss, Liz Boudreau and Thea Grindeland. Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.artinisart lounge.com CERAMICS HOLIDAY SALE (Athens Running Company) Zuzka Vaclavik and Kyle Jones host an outdoor sale.

Dec. 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. zuzkavaclavik.com, spencerkylejones.com INDIE SOUTH HOLIDAY HOORAY (660 N. Chase St.) Indie South will host one of the largest artist markets in the region. Multiple booth options are available for a two-day outdoor craft fair. Market is held Dec. 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. theindiesouth.com SOUTHERN STAR STUDIO’S 5TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE (Southern Star Studio) The studio’s

art around town ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA) (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1200) “Hindsight 20/20: A Community Catharsis” is a collaborative exhibition in which members of the community can share artifacts, meditations, artwork or other personal expressions. Bring items during Pin-Up Events on Dec. 10 from 5–7 p.m. or Dec. 17 from 6–9 p.m. and retrieve your items on Jan. 9, 7–9 p.m. On view Dec. 10–Jan. 9.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) The Classic Galleries presents “Inside/Outside,” an exploration of domestic spaces and gardens through the eyes of artists. Christina Foard, Leah Mckillop and Cameron Bliss examine their surroundings, people, pets and furniture in Gallery I, while Richard Botters, Melanie Epting, Nancy Everett, Richard Huston and Beth Richardson invite viewers into their gardens in Gallery II. GALLERY AT HOTEL INDIGO (500 College Ave.) “Athens Facades” presents Mike Landers’ photographs of buildings at dark in downtown and Five Points between 2000–2002.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design” presents a survey of exceptional American chair design from the early 19th century to the present day. Through Jan. 3. • “The Seated Child: Early Children’s Chairs from Georgia Collections.” Through Jan. 3. • “Carl Holty: Romantic Modernist” includes paintings and drawings that reflect the artist’s pursuit of modern art theory. Through Jan. 17. • Sarah Cameron Sunde’s “36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea” combines performance, video and public art to address climate change. Through Jan. 17. • “Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection” represents three generations of artists dating from the 1940s. Through Sept.

26. • “Modernism Foretold: The Nadler Collection of Late Antique Art from Egypt.” Through Sept. 26. • “Power and Piety in 17th-Century Spanish Art.” Through Nov. 28.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) Andrew Zawacki’s “Waterfall Plot” pairs 20 black-and-white photographs with short poems from his latest poetry volume. • In the Lounge Gallery, view paintings by Kendall Rogers, the recipient of the LHAC Choice Award at the “45th Juried Exhibition.” •

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ceramicists host a group sale. Dec. 12–13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.southernstarstudioathens.com WEST BROAD FARMERS MARKET (Athens Housing Authority) Shop online between Sunday at 5 p.m. and Thursday at 1 p.m. to pick-up orders Saturday from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

In-person shopping is available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dec. 12. www.wbfm. locallygrown.net MARY RUGG PORCH SALES (263 Milledge Circle) Shop for unique scarves, shawls, cowls and wraps by local fiber artist Mary Rugg. Dec. 12–13, 12–3 p.m. or by appointment. maryerugg@gmail.com, maryruggweaver.com HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKET (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Artists will come together to raise funds for Campus Cats/Cat Zip Alliance. Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m. catzip.org FLICKER HOLIDAY MARKET (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Crafts, artwork, small business promotion, vintage clothes, hot drinks, treats and more. Dec. 13 and 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. flickertheatreandbar.com SOUTHERN BREWING HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET (Southern Brewing Company) The brewery hosts last-minute shopping with handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, candles, paintings and more.

Dec. 19, 2–7 p.m. sobrewco.com

Art ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a new platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians,

actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. Users can search for artists offering commissions for holiday gifts. athenscreatives@gmail.com, athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Lyndon House Arts Center) “The 46th Juried Exhibition” will be juried by Hallie Ringle of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Works in all media may be submitted online through Jan. 22.

Exhibition opens Mar. 11. $30/three entries. accgov.com/9661/46thJuried-Exhibition GREENWAY CALL FOR PUBLIC ART (Oconee Rivers Greenway) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission invites professional artists to submit a proposal and images of a public art concept for the Oconee Rivers Greenway trail construction project.

Deadline Jan. 4 at 11:59 p.m. www. athensculturalaffairs.com OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/ month. nicholas.daglis@accgov.com

Classes DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8 a.m. Email for details. jaseyjones@gmail.com MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link.

Second Friday of the month, 6–7 p.m. FREE! mfhealy@bellsouth.net SPANISH CLASSES (Athens, GA) For adults, couples and children.

Learn from experts with years of

“Boundless” features works by Don Chambers, Derek Faust, Alex McClay, Katherine McCullough and Paula Reynaldi. • “The Art of Jeremy Ayers” celebrates the artist, lyricist, activist and beloved member of the community, who passed away in 2016. • Organized by Christina Foard, “Imagination Squared: Pathways to Resiliency” consists of over 1000 five-inch works created by students and community members. Sharing a theme of resiliency, the small works build a collective story of recovery and strength. • The “Full House Online Exhibition” is an invitational extended to all the artist members in the groups and guilds who call the LHAC home. Through Jan. 9. • Online Collections From Our Community presents Arthur Johnson’s collection of sharks.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St.) “Suttles Art” features 88 original pieces ranging from paintings, oils and pastels by Bill Suttles, photography by Todd Suttles and sculpture by Pat Suttles. Through December.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Unveiled” presents rarely seen works on paper, canvas and found objects

by Steffen Thomas. Through Jan. 7.

SURGERY CENTER OF ATHENS (2142 W. Broad St., Building 100) Paintings by Susie Criswell. Through Dec. 11.

TIF SIGFRIDS (83 E. North Ave., Comer) The gallery reopens in its new location with artwork by Adrianne Rubenstein and Jackie Gendel. Through Dec. 19.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Artwork by Matt Bahr. Opening reception Dec. 11.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “The Strategies of Suffrage: Mobilizing a Nation for Women’s Rights.” Through Dec. 18. • “Election 1980: The Elephant in the Room” explores the historic change election. Through Feb. 26. • “Pylon: Tourists in Rock ’n Roll” celebrates the local band through photos, outfits, memorabilia and more.

Through May 31.

WILLSON CENTER FOR THE HUMANITIES AND ARTS (Online) As part of UGA’s Spotlight on the Arts, the Willson Center presents “Shelter Projects,” a virtual exhibition of over 30 projects created by graduate students or community practitioners who reflect pandemic experiences through the arts. willson.uga.edu.

FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

Artwork by Jackie Gendel (above) and Adrianne Rubenstein is currently on view at Tif Sigfrids, which recently relocated from downtown Athens to downtown Comer. professional experience. Contact for details. 706-372-4349, marinabilbao 75@gmail.com, marina-spain-2020. squarespace.com YOGA CLASSES (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) “Outdoor Yoga with Meg Brownstone,” every Sunday at 10 a.m. $5–10 suggested donation.

“Trauma Conscious Yoga with Crystal,” every Thursday at 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. “Yoga for Well-being with Nicole Bechill,” every Saturday on Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration required. rubbersoulcollective@gmail.com, www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and “Easy on the Mat” yoga classes on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Ongoing classes are $5/class or $18/month. 706-612-8077, ommmever@yahoo.com

Events ADAM KLEIN & THE WILD FIRES (Online) Hendershot’s Coffee presents a livestream performance via YouTube and Facebook. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/hendershots.coffee ART EVENTS (Georgia Museum of Art) Artful Conversation: Philip Evergood (Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.), Yoga in the Galleries via Zoom (Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.), Family Day To-Go: Holiday Tidings (Dec. 12, all day), Gallery Gumshoes (Dec. 16, all day), Livestream of Sarah Cameron Sunde’s “36.5 / A Durational Performance with the Sea” Brazil (Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.–Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.), Third Thursday (Dec. 17 from 6–9 p.m.), Morning Mindfulness via Zoom (Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m.), Toddler Tuesday: Holiday Celebration Online (Dec. 22). www.georgiamuseum.org ATHENS FARMERS MARKET (Bishop Park) The market is open with safety precautions in place.

Wear a mask, pre-order when possible, keep your family home and use cashless payments. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net ATHENS VIRTUAL CHAUTAUQUA (Online) Charles B. Schudson leads a follow-up Q&A session on the “2020 Presidential Election and its

Aftermath.” Dec. 10, 10 a.m. Anna Abraham presents “How Do We Tell Reality from Fiction?” Dec. 14, 1 p.m. Register in advance. athens chau@gmail.com, historycomes alive.org/performances/athens/ athens-chautauqua-ga ATHENTIC EVENTS (Athentic Brewing Co.) Doughnuts and Jazz Dec. 17 from 6–9 p.m. athentic brewing.com ATHICA EVENTS (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art) Celebrate the release of the new zine “Local Honey.” Online Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

A musical event called “Forces of One,” organized by Joe Rowe, features solo sets by 8-Track Gorilla, Kevin Dunn and Fourth Mansions.

Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Free timed tickets required. athica.org AUTHOR LIBBY COPELAND (Online) The Athens-Clarke County Library hosts Libby Copeland, author of The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are. Dec. 10, 1 p.m. athenslibrary.libcal. com/event/7208290 CHRISTMAS AT WIRE PARK (Wire Park, Watkinsville) The concert features food trucks, Java Joy, Santa Clause and live music by The Athens A-Train Band. Bring blankets and chairs to relax on the lawn or roast s’mores over the fire pit. Dec. 12, 5:30–8 p.m. trey@gibbscapital.com CHRISTMAS SONGS & STORIES WITH JOHN BERRY (The Classic Center) Grammy Award-winning country artist John Berry visits on his 24th holiday tour. Dec. 16, 7 p.m. www.classiccenter.com DECEMBER EVENTS (Southern Brewing Company) Live music by Zach Haines Dec. 9 and Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. Hootenany 2020 Dec. 11 from 5–10 p.m. Live wrestling Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Monday Night Trivia every Monday at 6 p.m. Live music

by Funky Bluester every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Live music by Ashley Lauren Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Live music

by Sarah Mootz Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

Holiday Artist Market Dec. 19 from 2–7 p.m. Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment is held every Sunday at 5 p.m. www.sobrewco.com HOLIDAY CONCERTS (Hodgson Hall) The Hugh Hodgson School of Music presents a performance, “The Spirits of Holidays Past, Present, and Yet to Come,” virtually on

YouTube. Dec. 17–18, 7 p.m. music. uga.edu LIGHT UP ATHENS (Downtown Athens) In lieu of the annual holiday parade, the community will host an inaugural “Light Up Athens” this season. Downtown Athens storefronts will decorate with lights and decorations, and a variety of events will be held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6–9 p.m. through December. Activities include holiday character appearances, official Santa’s mailbox for children to drop off wish lists, music and s”elfie” spots. www.accgov.com/ lightupathens LIVE JAZZ (Porterhouse Grill) Enjoy dinner and some smooth jazz.

Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. www.porter houseathens.com LUMINARY LIGHT DISPLAY (Laurel Shoals Subdivision, Watkinsville) Subdivision residents will decorate the streets in front of their properties with luminaries to guide cars through a festive drive-through light show. Dec. 12, 6–9 p.m. jo@delyonhunt.com MOVIES BY MOONLIGHT HOLIDAY DOUBLE FEATURE: DRIVE IN MOVIE (Sandy Creek Park) Watch Elf (6 p.m.) and Christmas Vacation (8:30 p.m.) on the large inflatable screen. Dec. 20.

Register in advance. www.accgov. com/leisure PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EVENTS (UGA Performing Arts Center) Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Front Row: National presents pianist AnneMarie McDermott virtually Dec. 9–13. Revien performs at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall live on Dec. 10–11 at 7:30 p.m. and livestreamed Dec. 11–13. L.A. Theatre Works presents The Mountaintop virtually Dec. 16–Jan. 30. The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 perform virtually Dec. 20. pac.uga.edu UNSILENT NIGHT (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night is a musical composition and performance in which everyone brings an audio player (phone, boombox, etc.) and hits play at the same time and parades through the streets. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. FREE! markmobley@gmail.com UUFA VIRTUAL EVENTS (Online) Attend a virtual forum for the seven-minute film Message from the Future narrated by congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m. uuathensga.org/stayconnected

Kidstuff ART CLASSES (Online) Treehouse Kid and Craft hosts a variety of art classes for children through Zoom.

Visit the website for a calendar of class series. www.treehousekidand craft.com BREAKFAST WITH SANTA (The Classic Center) Kids can drop their wish list into the North Pole mailbox and hear Santa read a holiday story.

Proceeds benefit the Classic Center Cultural Foundation. Dec. 12, 8:30– 10:30 a.m. $25/adult, $20/child. www.classiccenter.com/foundation CRAFTS & COCOA WITH THE ELVES (Camp Kiwanis, Danielsville) Enjoy songs, stories, s’mores and a virtual visit from Santa. Overnight cabins and camping available. Preregistration required. Dec. 12, 2–5 p.m. $5. 706-795-2098, tinyurl. com/elvesatcampk FAMILY MOVIE SERIES (The Classic Center Theatre) Films include Home Alone on Dec. 18, The Greatest Showman on Jan. 29 and Big on Feb. 26. www.classiccenter. com

MINGLE WITH KRINGLE (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Take a photo with Santa and watch a puppet show called “North Pole Follies”

by Lee Bryan. Register for a photo appointment. $2 suggested donation. Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. ocaf.com

Support Groups AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking.

Visit the website for a calendar of electronic meetings held throughout the week. www.ga-al-anon.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction.

Visit the website for info about Zoom meetings. Thursdays, 7–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensrecoverydharma. org

PAIN & WONDER

TATTOO

VOTED AN ATHENS’ FAVORITE TATTOO STUDIO TEN YEARS IN A ROW!

285 W. Washington St.

Athens, GA 30601

(706) 208-9588 www.painandwonder.com

Word on the Street CORNHOLEATL WINTER LEAGUE REGISTRATION (Southern Brewing Co.) The seven-week season for four different divisions begins in January. Register by Dec. 28. info@cornholeatl.com ICE SKATING (440 Foundry Pavilion) The Classic Center offers outdoor ice skating. Skate sessions are 75 minutes. Masks required. $15/ session, $120 season pass. Through January. classiccenter.com/athenson ice MLK DAY OF SERVICE (Athens, GA) The Athens MLK Jr. Day of Service steering committee is seeking project sites for the 2021 event.

Hundreds of volunteers will work on community enhancement and beautification projects like invasive species removal, litter clean-ups, painting and more. Event held Jan. 18. athensgamlkday@gmail.com, www.accgov.com/mlkday STORMWATER CALENDAR (Department of Transportation and Public Works) Request a free stormwater calendar online in advance, then pickup in person. stormwater@ accgov.com SUNDAY MUSIC SERIES (Athens Regional Library System) The library is seeking musicians of all genres to perform through its Facebook Live series. Email your name, band’s name, contact information and a link to your music to jmitchell@ athenslibrary.org THERE IS A SEASON (Athens Clarke County Extension) There is a Season: An Intentional Approach to Sustenance by master gardeners Rita Mathew and Suzanne Keifer is a new cookbook to foster health, environmental stewardship and community connections. A portion of proceeds benefit the ACC Extension Office.

706-613-3670 VIRTUAL LEISURE SERVICES (Online) A variety of activities are offered in arts, athletics, nature and recreation. www.accgov.com/leisure WINTER RAIN BARREL SALE (Contact for Location) The ACC Stormwater Management Program hosts a sale of rain barrel kits ($25) that include a plastic 55-gallon drum and DIY RainRecycle kit from the Rain Barrel Depot. Order online and pickup on Dec. 16. accgov.com/ rainbarrel f

SALON, INC.

2440 West Broad St., Suite 2 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

DECEMBER 9, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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cla cl assifi fie eds Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com

 Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com

REAL ESTATE ROOMS FOR RENT Office space available at 220 Prince Ave. Flagpole has more space then we need in the 1907 two-story house that we rent across from The Grit and Hendershot’s!

Two spaces available on the second floor: $800/ month for large office; Facing Prince Ave., lots of windows, built-in bookcase and decorative fireplace. $350/month for small office; Perfect for space for a single person to get some work done. Both spaces include parking for the renter and a guest, all utilities (except phone) including inter net and use of shared conference room. Must have limited foot traffic. No reception available. Please email ads@flagpole.com for more information or to set up an appointment.

ROOMMATES House to share. Master w/ private bath. Huge yard and laundry on-site.

Located in downtown Watkinsville,15 minutes from Sanford Stadium. For details call: 706-201-5199.

MUSIC EQUIPMENT Nuçi’s Space needs your old instruments & music gear, especially drum equipment! All donations are tax-deductible. 706227-1515 or come by Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St.

MUSIC SERVICES Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-3699428.

Flagpole ♥ our readers!

flagpole classifieds Reach Over 30,000 Readers Every Week!

Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale

Employment Vehicles Messages Personals

BASIC RATES* Individual $10 per week Real Estate $14 per week Business $16 per week (RTS) Run-‘Til-Sold** $40 per 12 weeks Online Only*** $5 per week

SERVICES HOME AND GARDEN Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront Pricing. Free Estimates. $30 Flagpole Discount. Call 706-7697761. Same Day Service Available. www.plumber proservice.com.

JOBS FULL-TIME D&D HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, INC. is accepting applications for Installer positions.

Competitive pay based on level of experience. Valid ID and background check required. Applications available at 100 Lyons Rd. Athens, GA 30605.

Resumes can be sent via email: ddheatingaircond@ bellsouth.net Find employees by advertising in Flagpole!

PART-TIME Need a safe, reliable and COVID-aware job? CBSG seeks excellent typists (65+ WPM). We offer a safe-space work environment as well as workfrom-home opportunities.

Choose your schedule with 16 hours/week minimum. In-person training with future opportunities to work from home. Pay starts at $8.25 with $1/hour or higher raises after training.

No previous transcription experience required.

Apply at www.ctscribes. com. Previous employees looking for work-from-home opportunities should e-mail athrecruiting@copytalk. com.

Part-time line cook needed! Stop by Big City Bread Cafe or Little City Diner to fill out an application or email your resume to bigcitycafe@yahoo.com.

E x p e r i e n c e p re f e r re d .

Weekend availability required.

NOTICES MESSAGES Flagpole will be off for the week of Christmas! (Dec. 21–25) All classified ad placements and changes must be submitted BEFORE 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 to be included in the Dec. 23 issue. Be sure to place your ad soon! 706-5490301 or class@flagpole. com.

Need newspapers for your garden? They’re free at the Flagpole office! Call ahead, then come get ‘em.

Please leave current issues on stands. 706-549-0301.

PERSONALS Hey Ort, I used to see you around town, but not anymore which is good because of the pandemic.

Hoping you’re well! – Peter Norris

ADVERTISE IN FLAGPOLE

ADOPT ME!

Visit athenspets.net to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

*Ad enhancement prices are viewable at flagpole.com **Run-‘Til-Sold rates are for MERCHANDISE ONLY ***Available for individual rate categories only

PLACE AN AD • Call our Classifieds Dept. (706) 549-0301 • Email us at class@flagpole.com

Claire (54564)

Claire’s a girl that’s been pampered and misses having a family to love on her! She’s well-behaved, does well on a leash and will sit on command.

Hopefully Claire is reclaimed, but if not, she’s perfect for another loving home!

• Deadline to place ads is 11:00 a.m. every Monday for the following Wednesday issue • All ads must be prepaid

14

FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

Kevin (54681)

Kevin could be your next compact pal! He’s super friendly, walks well on a leash loves being held and doesn’t mind playing a little game of dress up. Call today to meet this little guy, you won’t regret it!

Tater (54559)

Tater is a happy dog that loves toys, treats and most of all playing with a new pal! His joy is said to be contagious, so if you’re in need of a new furry friend to keep your spirits high, Tater’s your guy!

These pets and many others are available for adoption at:

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way · 706-613-3540 Call for appointment

flagpole

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

7 2 1 9 8 1 5 9 3 5 1 7 2 6 6 8 2 1 5 1 4 6 3 4 6 Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Week of 12/7/20 - 12/13/20

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

9 26 7 33 3 37 4 42 1 46 5 6 2 54 8 61

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

6 27 2 1 8 7 3 5 4 55 9

4 28 8 5 9 2 6 51 3 1 7

8 3 7 1 5 947 2 6 4

5 6 9 238 443 7 1 8 3

12

13

31

32

16

22

1 229 3 7 4 9 1 5 34 35 2 6 4 8 339 5 7 6 40 6 8 9 443 8 4 2 481 9 752 8 4 7 356 5 9 57 562 1 6 2

25 30 36 41 45 49

50

53 58

59

60

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

ACROSS 1 Selma event of 1965 6 Old Spice rival 10 Annoy 14 Flaming 15 Husky burden 16 Geometric measure 17 Mount Vernon, for one 18 City on Monterey Bay 20 Heated discussions 22 Group of lions 23 Casino area 24 Pekoe vessel 26 Think hard 30 Ketcham's Dennis, e.g.

33 Anagram for "rule" 34 Fragrance 36 Tartan cap 37 Never-ending 40 Glacial deposit 42 Census statistic 43 Verbal white flag 45 Welcome benefit 46 Like some yogurt 48 Sealed

11

19

21

Solution to Sudoku: 24 23

10

Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

51 53 54 56 61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

Kermit's creator Request starter Unemotional Pie chart alternatives Rent sharer Acquired kin Give the boot In the thick of Integra maker Bugs, to Elmer Fiesta fare Studly sorts

DOWN 1 Cass of 60's music 2 Miles away 3 Smoke or napkin follower 4 Casino dealer 5 Solitary sort 6 Part of AARP, briefly 7 Praise effusively 8 On edge 9 Big name in home security 10 French leader after Hollande 11 Annoyance

12 13 19 21 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 35 38 39 41 44 47 49 50 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 62

Clash of clans Unnerve Show one's face Flight board abbr.

Bullets and such Unarmed, in slang Expenditure Plant-growing site After-bath powder Camp craft Make corrections Sign of trouble Subtlety Aardvark's fare State of limbo Crackpot Spirited Texter's "Wow!" Outcast Bush successor Go on a spree See the sights Make over Pudding fruit Tortoise racer White-plumed swimmer Welcome ___

Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles

music

threats & promises

Take Your Time With Easter Island PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com FOR A NEW GENERATION: You know him these days as Jason NeSmith (Chase Park Transduction, Bel*Air Studios, Casper & the Cookies), but for a long time folks called him Casper Fandango. Of course, this was also a very long time ago. At any rate, the man has steadily been writing and producing for, by my estimate, nearly three decades. Back in 1997, Casper Fandango & His Tiny Sick Tears released its album How’s Your Hand on cassette tape. In 2000, it was released on CD, and now, it’s available for streaming (aka “The Bionic Edition”). Everything here was performed by NeSmith except for very specific instances I won’t bother to list here. (Read ‘em online, buddy!) Unfamiliar listeners will immediately recognize some kinship with the Cookies, but this material is, as a general rule, homier and less necessarily band-oriented.

NeSmith reports that, while working on his old reels, he thought he could make this one sound better while not changing its intent at all. There are also new liner notes and a booklet with this release, but you’re gonna have to lay the bucks down to see them. The new context Easter Island and information provided by NeSmith make a very nice read. The only song here I definitely remember is “The Other Veronica” and, if you’re one of the aforementioned unfamiliar, that’s a great place to start. Check this out with all deliberate speed at cfahtst.bandcamp.com.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Even though the track “Galvanic Battery” came out back in September as part of a separate release, atmospheric post-metal band Sacred Bull has made it the lead single from the band’s upcoming album, Ragged Mountain. It’s set for release Dec. 18, courtesy of Super Carnival Recordings, but beginning this week on Friday, you can preview the entire thing online. Also, this album is the first in what is a planned series of cassettes for Shadebeast Records, and preorders will begin the same day.

This is no hype-only, “limited edition” thing, either. It’s a beautifully packaged set, and the first run is strictly 10 copies. So, if you’re planning on stuffing that stocking—even a few days late—you better get on it. For more information, please see facebook.com/sacredbullband, facebook.com/ shadebeastofficial, facebook.com/supercarnivalrecordings, and listen in at sacredbull.bandcamp.com.

RELAX: The new album from well-coiffed and talented nice

guys Easter Island comes out this Friday, and it’s named Take All The Time You Think You Need. The roots of the newest single—the relatively uplifting and expectedly melodic

“Sea Change” —apparently stretch back to 2014, too, so it’s not like time-taking is any real issue here. While you’re waiting to see if this Friday is going to be any different at all from all the ones this year leading up to it (Hint: it won’t be!), go on and give this a spin. Click over to easterisland. bandcamp.com to listen, and tell ‘em what you think over at facebook.com/easterislandband.

FASHION PARTY: Back in 2016, the dudes in Garage of Broken Dreams must’ve thought they’d never outdo that year’s 50-track album Sorry State. Well, they just released Fashion Party with 55 songs. So there. I have no idea who these guys are, and it seems there are only two of them, but I’ve got a feeling they’re the kind of dudes who are often either drop-down hilarious or, alternately, a bit much.

I’ve spun this thing a couple of times now, and it’s smart, clever and for the most part doesn’t take itself seriously at all, but also never disintegrates into total stupidity. It has multiple subtle musical salutes (“Fishing Peter Buck Out The Broad River,” “Danny Elfman at the Fashion Party,” “Rick Shaw,” “Greg Sage At The Lake”) that do such a deep dive into references, cues, etc. that it can be a real treat to hear what they’ve come up with. They’ve billed this as a triple album that was “recorded in three days in a cabin on the Broad River in Athens, Georgia, and tweaked endlessly during the maddening stasis of COVID.” The humor here, when it’s not painfully obvious, is often very subtle, but, just as often, not tonguein-cheek and sometimes very pointed. For example, “Set It On Fire” is pretty dang direct. Some comparisons to Ween may be appropriate but that’s really a crutch-leaning way to approach this, so forget I said that. Treat yourself to this at garageofbrokendreams.bandcamp.com.

HOME FIRES: Adam Klein & The Wild Fires will play a special live-streamed show courtesy of Hendershot’s on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. This event marks the first time the band has performed live in about 10 months. Klein has stayed pretty busy, though, and continues to garner praise from press around the world for his songwriting.

He recently released the poignant single “Little Tiger” with a fresh-sounding—if you will—mid-‘70s vibe, which is planned to appear on an EP next year. To tune into the show this week, please see facebook.com/hendershots. coffee. Hear the new tune at soundcloud.com/cowboyangel-music, and keep up with Klein via facebook.com/ adamkleinmusic. f

record review Little Gold: Wake Up & Die Right (Sophomore Lounge and Science Project Records) Wake Up & Die Right starts at “Rear House,” a reference to the recording studio and debut album of lo-fi psych-folk band Woods that songwriter Christian DeRoeck performed with in the mid-aughts before relocating to Athens from Brooklyn. Allusions to the past are peppered throughout the lyrics, and the opening track’s line, “I just wanna open a door without slamming the last one shut,” seems to reflect the album’s attempt to reconcile complex, residual emotions from a troubling yet transformative time. Properly revisiting this period meant regrouping Little Gold after previously believing that his “bummer basement country” project had run its course following 2014’s Spectral Sight. What follows is a bittersweet record that romanticizes nostalgic memories while coming to terms with the gravity of growing older and, hopefully, wiser. The majority of the tracks are introspective, unabashed bummertime tunes, while “Living Under Books” is a standout earworm melody that trots along with a fire in its wake. [Jessica Smith]

DECEMBER 9, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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flagpole’s Slackpole issue is coming soon! Our annual double issue covers the weeks of Dec. 23rd – Jan. 5th.

Advertise in this 2 week issue at the price of a single week!

Deadline to reserve your ad is noon on Tuesday, Dec. 15th!!

Contact your Flagpole rep or ads@flagpole.com

Monday–Saturday Noon–7:00p.m.

Sunday Noon–5:00 p.m.

2361 WEST BROAD STREET facebook.com/frannyfarmacyathens 706-224-9505

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FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

Holiday Gift Guide Indie South

Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother

indiesouthfair.com Shop small this season with Indie South’s brick and mortar location: a Letterpress Planisphere, an Oriskany Glass Piece and a Strange Magick Vibe Chime.

Find on Facebook

470 Hawthorne Ave.

Open Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sundays noon–3 p.m.

175 E. Clayton St.

Junkman’s has something for everyone on your list: cat bird houses, oven mitts by Blue Q and Soap Rocks, replicas of the earth’s precious stones, made from mild, extra long-lasting vegetable glycerin soap.

Open inside Cillies!

Open every day 1 p.m.–8 p.m.

DePalma’s Italian Cafe

Big City Bread Cafe

www.depalmasitaliancafe.com Party in place this year!

DePalma’s offers catering and party trays to make your holidays tastier. Baked Penne Bolognese, Lasagna, Chicken Parmigian, salad, bread sticks and more. Call in your order and pick it up at one of their 3 locations.

www.bigcitybreadcafe.com Treat your loved ones and celebrate your love of Big City Bread with gift certificates in any denomination. Wrap it up with a soft, comfy, Big City tshirt. Double up on local with Big City’s full-bodied and complex blend of coffee, roasted right here in Athens by Jittery Joe’s Coffee Roasters.

401 E. Broad St., 2080 Timothy Rd., 1965 Barnett Shoals Rd.

393 N. Finley St.

Gift cards, both physical and email versions, are available online at depalmasitaliancafe.com.

Pain and Wonder Tattoo and Piercing 285 W. Washington St.

painandwonder.com Pain and Wonder, an Athens favorite tattoo shop, has gifts for your loved ones: jewelry for all piercings and tattoos for anyone on your list.

Gift certificates available in any amount

Stop in or call to order. 706-353-0029

Elations

4100 Lexington Rd.

shopstarship.com Evolved Thrust & Go - portable pleasure machine allows you to play anywhere! Two attachments and a hands-free mount. Together Vibe - couple’s toy with more than just classic double ends! 3 vibrating motors, 3 speeds and Echo Mode! WeVibe Jive - Bluetooth enabled vibrations target those inner sweet spots, hands free!

Open everyday till Christmas!

Hendershot’s Coffee

A. Lafera Salon

hendershotsathens.com Support your favorite local spot by gifting the finest coffee Athens has to offer. Christmas Coal Coffee is Hendershot’s signature holiday blend for the naughty and nice! Whole Bean or Ground. 33 1/3 Light Roast is their brand new blend added to the line up.

alafera.com Maison Louis Marie gift sets feature perfume oils, perfume, and a candle.

Build a perfect set of Rene Furterer products, available for all hair colors.

(Pictured: Okara Brightening Blonde Shampoo, Conditioner and Spray) Fill your home with the Voluspa Copper Clove fragrance collection, featuring notes of clove spice, amber, and autumn squash.

237 Prince Ave.

Gift Cards available! Easy and safe garage door pick-up.

2440 Broad St.

DECEMBER 9, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

17

Welcome to the second edition of Flagpole’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide.

Athens Community Council on Aging

The Garden Gift Shop

www.accaging.com Help us ensure that all older adults in our community age well. A gift can provide an electric blanket for an older adult ($25), transportation to the pharmacy, grocery store or medical appointments ($10), or 1 day of care at our Adult Day Health Center ($60).

botgarden.uga.edu The Garden Gift Shop at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers many gift ideas, including: Monarch Butterfly Puzzle by artist Kate O’Hara 750 pieces, $19.95, Woodland Finger Puppets, set of 4 with fun facts about animals, $24.00, Roland Pine Candle, 5oz, 40 hour burn, $22.00.

135 Hoyt St.

2450 S. Milledge Ave.

Gift shop hours: Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 12–4 p.m.

Very Good Puzzle

Canopy Studio 160-6 Tracy St.

verygoodpuzzle.com Unique jigsaw puzzles featuring works by Athens area artists. With 40+ designs, you’re sure to find the perfect work to gift to any art (or puzzle!) lover on your list. Shown here: The Search

by Cameron Bliss, Kitty and Flowers against a Prussian Blue Sky by Jill Carnes, and Faded by Jourdan Joly.

www.canopystudio.org Winter Camp is back and better than ever! Support local business, give an “experience” gift with no little pieces to clean up! For K-6th grade. Dec 21-23 ($105) or Dec 28-Jan 1 ($175).

Reduced capacity, masks required, extensive cleaning, and updated air exchange. Wrap up a gift certificate and t-shirt for Camp to go under the tree!

Order online or buy locally at Treehouse, Avid, Community, Cillies, and Indie South.

R. Wood Studio

ReBlossom Mama & Baby Shop

www.rwoodstudio.com Give one-of-a-kind handmade pottery and home goods in readyto-go curated gift boxes with their favorite southern-made brands!

Everything is locally sourced and the pottery is made entirely by hand at their studio in Athens, GA.

www.reblossomathens.com ReBlossom, Athens’ one-stop parenting resource center, specializes in eco-friendly and organic child and baby gift items like Indestructibles ($6), perfect for any baby who loves to slobber over a story, Bogg Bags ($54-79), perfect for the beach, pool, park or school, and Livie & Luca shoes ($49-72), blending fashion with comfort.

450 Georgia Dr.

220 N. Milledge Ave.

Shop full stock online for safe, curbside pickup at the studio.

Avid Bookshop 1662 S. Lumpkin St.

www.avidbookshop.com Gift an Avid Book Subscription: a book each month, chosen specifically for you! Set up a Snail Mail Surprise: using intel you provide, booksellers mail a book to anyone on your list. Order an Avid Gift Box: from socks to stationery to notebooks to squishy cats, they will put together a gift box that is sure to delight.

Easy, safe, contactless pick-up!

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FLAGPOLE.COM | DECEMBER 9, 2020

Healing Arts Centre 834 Prince Ave.

healingartscentre.net Healing Arts Centre gift certificates allow you to give the gift of holistic healing. Gift certificates are good for any services, classes in Sangha Yoga Studio or supplements from Remedy Herb Shop.

Journey Juice

Franny’s Farmacy

journey juice.com Give the gift of health! Cold-pressed juice is an excellent way to get your veggies without all the sugar and preservatives. Know someone that loves juice but not sure which ones to buy? No worries! Juice gift cards are the best gifts, and include a shirt from their punny JUICY merch selection!

www.frannysfarmacy.com/cbd-athens Connect to the farm with CBD options like: Full Spectrum hemp oil tincture available in 125mg, 250mg, 500mg or 1000mg bottles, CBD chocolate bar with sea salt & hemp seed in easy to dose pieces with 10mg per piece, and FullSpectrum honey available in 12oz/100mg, or 5oz/50mg jars.

1428 Prince Ave.

2361 W. Broad St.

Boom Boom Panic Room

The Olive Basket

store.widespreadpanic.com Pop by the Widespread Panic Holiday Pop-Up Shop now in Cillies. Unique Widespread Panic gifts, posters, t-shirts and much more like: Widespread Panic Santa Tee, ornament and Red Rock’s “Rainbow” Puzzle.

www.olivebasketonline.com Four or Six bottle gift sets are available in a variety of combinations, including Olive Oils, White or Dark Balsamic Vinegars, or a combination of Oils and Vinegars. Choose one of their pre-made combinations or design your own from over 50 oils and vinegars.

175. E. Clayton St.

Open in Cillies everyday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

8851 Macon Hwy., Suite 401

Gift Wrapping available

CALL FOR ARTISTS Deadline: January 22, 2021, 9 p.m. $30 for up to 3 entries Hallie Ringle, Juror

Curator of Contemporary Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art

No in-person submissions in 2021

Submit Your Artwork Online! https://2021juriedexhibition.artcall.org

DECEMBER 9, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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THE WEST BROAD FARMERS MARKET

Holiday Market MASKS REQU IRED • SOC IAL DISTAN CI NG E NFO R CE D

DEC. 12, 2020 • 10-2 PM 300 S. ROCKSPRINGS ST ATHENS, GA 30606

Shop for gifts and support local businesses this holiday season! These events are inperson, but drive-thru is still available, with online (wbfm.locallygrown.net) and phone orders (706-765-4020) from Sunday at 5 PM to Thursday at 1 PM for Saturday pick-up from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. We continue to offer double dollars on fresh produce with SNAP/EBT. Home delivery is available for residents of the West Broad neighborhood!

flagpole invites you to

Support our local economy

Shop at Athens-owned businesses… or lose them www.flagpole.com