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FEBRUARY 1, 2023 · VOL. 37 · NO. 4 · FREE

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contents

this week’s issue SHANNAH MONTGOMERY

Vote for us for Favorite Vet Clin ic

706-425-5099 i 298 Prince Ave. Across from The Bottleworks

www.downtownathensvets.com

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE Canopy Studio has been approved to receive a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to continue funding its Outreach Program, which identifies barriers to entry and makes it easier for students to apply for help and afford taking classes. Its advanced students will perform the aerial show “Secrets” Feb. 3–5. For more information, visit canopystudio.org.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Changes in COVID Data

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Kemp’s 2023 Agenda

FOR YOUR FAVORITE ATHENS BUSINESSES! Deadline is Feb. 5th.

See ballot on pg 4 or go to favorites.flagpole.com

Ort Tributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hey, Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

FOOD & DRINK: Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Puma Yu’s

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

CALENDAR: Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Gary Autry Art Opening

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PUBLISHER Pete McCommons

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Fabienne Mack, Jessica Pritchard Mangum CITY EDITOR Blake Aued

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Residential • Office • Construction • Move In • Move Out

DON’T DRAG 2022’S DIRT INTO THE NEW YEAR! Call today for a quote!

Adilene Valencia 706-424-9810 aecleanathens@gmail.com

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Zaria Gholston CLASSIFIEDS Zaria Gholston AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER Suzannah Evans CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Applebum, Hillary Brown, Stephen Fowler, Gordon Lamb, Jessica Luton, Ed Tant CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf EDITORIAL INTERNS Patrick Barry COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Ort by Jason Thrasher (see story on p. 9–11) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com ADVICE: advice@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,500 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $90 a year, $50 for six months. © 2023 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 37 ISSUE NUMBER 4

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MASK UP AGAIN

online exclusive Working with LifeWise Academy, former Oconee County school board candidate Julie Mauck plans to ask the board to allow K-5 students at Oconee County Schools to leave their campuses during regular school hours for Bible-based instruction.

See “Christian Instruction Proposed at Oconee County Public Schools” at flagpole.com.

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go to favorites.flagpole.com and VOTE for your favorite in each of the categories. Then we will let everyone know what Athens locals like most about our great town.

VOTING DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 5TH AT MIDNIGHT LAST CHANCE TO VOTE! and the Favorites will be announced in the March 1st issue of flagpole.

• Only one vote per person • Please vote in at least FIVE CATEGORIES to have your ballot counted Restaurants:

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New (opened after March 2022) Italian American Asian Sushi Mexican/Latin American International BBQ Bakery Downhome/Southern Local Coffee House Local Pizza Local Burger Fries Burrito Taco Steak Seafood Wings Vegetarian Options Sandwich Dessert Bubble Tea* Frozen Treat Breakfast Lunch Brunch Special Occasion* Meal for a Deal (name of restaurant) Kid-friendly Local Restaurant Outdoor dining Take Out Delivery Service Chef Uniquely Athens Restaurant

Bars: Bartender Speciality Drinks Happy Hour*

Beer Selection Wine Selection Local Brewery Outdoor Bar Space Place to Play Games Uniquely Athens Bar

Music: Recording Studio Performance Venue Intimate Music Venue*

Retail: Sex Positive Business* Place to Buy CBD/Hemp Products Place to Buy Gifts Place to Buy Homegoods Local Clothing Boutique Place to Buy Local Art & Handmade Goods Thrift /Vintage Store Place to Buy Wine Place to Buy Beer Uniquely Athens Store

Pets and Kids: Vet Clinic Pet Groomer Pet Boarding/Sitting Service Place to Shop for Kids Kids’ Classes: Movement Kids’ Classes: Creative

Services: Eco Friendly Services Eco Friendly Practices Hotel Photography Studio Florist Hair Salon Stylist

Alternative Health Treatment (Chiropractic, Herbal, Acupuncture, Rolfing,etc)

Massage Therapist Tattoo Studio Screen Printer* Spa Fitness Instructor Place to Get Fit Adult Classes: Movement Adult Classes: Creative Car Repair Shop Car Dealership Plumber Electrician HVAC Lawyer/Law Practice Bank Realtor

Stuff Around Town: Place to See Local Art Non-Profit 2022 Event Community Involved Business* * NEW CATEGORY!

• Only one vote per person • Please vote in at least FIVE CATEGORIES to have your ballot counted VOTING DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 5 TH AT MIDNIGHT & THE FAVORITES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE MARCH 1ST ISSUE OF flagpole.

favorites.flagpole.com

news

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What Happened to COVID Data?

PLUS, MELISSA LINK ENTERS THE DISTRICT 2 RACE AND MORE NEWS

By Blake Aued and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com Available Georgia Department of Public time. It also doesn’t include information on Health data suggests that the latest surge ventilator usage. in COVID-19 cases has reached its peak, but Local wastewater reporting has changed many people are likely completely unaware. as well. Samples were previously gathered Just as cases were surging this winter, data twice a week by UGA professor Erin Lipp’s that was previously used as a reliable gauge lab and available on her website each Friday. of community viral spread changed. Thus, Now, this endeavor has been transferred those vulnerable populations that are still to the CDC/DPH wastewater project. As of very much concerned about getting COVID- press time, this data had not been updated 19 were left in the dark. yet on the CDC website, but DPH has proIn mid-January, the Georgia Geospatial vided updated data, despite several weeks Dashboard—a reliable resource that being backdated and a pause for at least two provided daily regional data on ICU bed weeks. availability and the number of COVID-19 The DPH update showed that viral levhospital admissions—ceased operation. els have increased incrementally in recent The sunset of this dashboard came as a surweeks, but the report does not provide prise even to public health experts who had enough methodology information to help helped create and update these resources. viewers understand this data week-to-week Amber Schmidtke, a public health expert or in comparison to historical data. For who has been monitoring the pandemic in now, however, it’s easy to see that viral levGeorgia since the beginning, was surprised els have increased in recent weeks locally, by the latest changes and and out of 12 cities, noted as much in her Jan. has the third highThis week, Georgia Athens 16 newsletter update. est rate of viral spread.

“Last week, I talked about Luckily, the variants turned out the lights how [important] hospitalthat have been circulating on hospitalization data. ization data and test poshave been less severe than itivity data were the best those earlier in the panmetrics we had right now to understand demic. The virus is still a danger, though. In what was happening with the pandemic,” the past month, four Athens residents have she said. “This week, Georgia turned out the died from COVID-19, and an average of lights on hospitalization data.”

15 a week have been hospitalized. The sevThe decision to shut down the dashboard en-day moving average of new daily cases was a result of changes in hospital reportdeclined last week to 10.1, down from 15.4 ing rules, according to DPH Communication the previous week, and it seems as though Director Nancy Nydam. “The Georgia dashthe latest wave is on its way out, alongside board, which was not a DPH dashboard or a decrease in flu rates. On the other hand, managed by DPH, is no longer available,” test positivity for Clarke County, which she said in response to Flagpole’s inquiry. should remain below 5% as an indicator “In the weeks before the dashboard was that we are testing enough to find viral taken down, only about 5% of hospitals in spread, is at 17%, and DPH ranks Clarke Georgia were reporting—the large hospiCounty as a high transmission community. tals had already started reporting to [the As the FDA’s recommendation on Jan. 27 U.S. Department of Health and Human for a yearly vaccination (much like flu shots) Services]—so the data was incomplete and highlighted, however, the U.S. has turned not an accurate reflection of hospital census the corner from pandemic to endemic. and capacity in Georgia.”

The change in availability of data sources For Schmidtke, the timing was upsetmay not be of great concern to the average ting. “Evidently, reporting requirements person, protected from severe illness and from hospitals are changing, which would death by vaccines, noted Schmidtke. “But impact the quality of the data that would it is still a very scary thing to be immuotherwise be uploaded to these dashboards. nocompromised, especially when we have Truth be told, we’d had problems with the fewer treatment options with respect to dashboards at different points in time, and monoclonal antibodies,” she wrote. “For I’d started to wonder if one or more hospithis population, it remains a very big deal.” tal regions were no longer reporting data [Jessica Luton] at all anymore because their data didn’t make sense,” she said. “… I remember being pretty upset to hear that the dashboards Former Athens-Clarke County commiswere coming down during a surge that sioner Melissa Link formally kicked off her hadn’t yet peaked. Again, if hospitalization semi-reelection campaign with a fundraiser data are one of our best barometers of the Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Hi-Lo Lounge in state of the pandemic, why not wait until Normaltown. the surge begins to recede?”

Link represented District 3 on the comIn place of this dashboard, the website mission from 2014–2022, but Republican now refers users to the HHS Protect Public state legislators unilaterally drew her and Data Hub, which is based on the data two other progressive commissioners out provided in the weekly HHS Community of their districts last year, preventing them Profile Report. Thus, the formerly daily from running for re-election. The unexdata will now only be available weekly. pected resignation of Commissioner Mariah Furthermore, the data on HHS’s data webParker, however, gave Link an opportunity site is no longer available by Georgia hosto return to the commission if she wins pital region and doesn’t log the data over

“

a Mar. 21 special election against former school board member Kirrena Gallagher.

“We are a community under attack,” Link told a crowd of about 50 supporters, including commissioners Carol Myers and Patrick Davenport and former commissioner Russell Edwards. “For some reason, [Republicans] are scared of me,” Link said. “I plan to keep giving them something to be afraid of.”

Edwards, Myers and Davenport ticked off a long list of reasons for progressives to support Link, including her support for ACC’s commitment to clean and renewable energy, Prince Avenue bike lanes, Firefly Trail, inclusionary zoning, an anti-discrimination ordinance, police oversight, mental health crisis response teams, a city-sanctioned homeless camp, closing College Square to cars and ACC’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic—in some cases in the face of Republican attempts to thwart those efforts at the state level.

“It’s important to have folks behind the rail who want to do things, who want to pass policies, who want to attack problems,” Edwards said.

Link also cited the upcoming redo of ACC’s future land use plan, which guides development and hasn’t been reviewed since circa 2000. “As our community grows, our problems today have a lot to do with decisions made 20 years ago,” she said.

While acknowledging that he’s not as far to the left as Link, Davenport said he immediately reached out to her about running again when he heard of Parker’s resignation, because she’s a vocal supporter of bike lanes and Athens’ music and arts scene.

“With the wrong election, that could all go away,” he warned.

While Link would appear to have the advantage because most of her old district overlaps with the new District 2, the broader issue is that progressives are mostly checked out of local politics, according to Myers. “Progressives are not showing up downtown,” she said. “We need to be there [at City Hall].” [Blake Aued]

Odds and Ends Creature Comforts’ nascent union, the Brewing Union of Georgia, filed

two complaints with the National Labor Relations Board. One alleges that management preemptively tried to classify several employees as supervisors who are ineligible to vote in an upcoming election to officially create the union—a decision that belongs to the NLRB. Another alleges that the company threatened to fire an employee to discourage union activity. In addition, Creature Comforts has hired a California law firm, Littler Mendelsohn, that’s known for union-busting, according to BUG organizer Joseph Carter. Creature Comforts has not commented publicly on the formation of a union.

After 34 years as CEO of the Athens Housing Authority, Rick Parker is retiring in mid-February. During his tenure, Parker oversaw the transformation of Jack R. Wells Homes (aka Pauldoe) into the mixed-income Columbia Brookside neighborhood, and is currently overseeing a similar project at Bethel Midtown Village.

He also helped create the Boys & Girls Club at the Clarke County School District’s H.T. Edwards campus and worked with UGA on $400 million in bond issues for housing and other projects. His replacement will be Connie Staudinger, who previously worked for the housing authority in Alexandria, VA, and is currently executive vice president at a Charlotte affordable housing development company.

Flagpole contributor James C. Cobb, the B. Phinizy Spalding professor emeritus of history at UGA, will give a talk about his new biography of historian C. Vann Woodward at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 in room 271 of the Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries. A public intellectual for more than half a century, Woodward’s interpretations of Southern history and race relations remain influential long after his death in 1999.

Almost two years after being declared unsafe, the Fowler Mill Road Bridge has been temporarily repaired and reopened.

ACC and the Georgia DOT are planning to rebuild the bridge in 2024–2025.

Athens Transit is taking public input on a new five-year strategic plan through the end of February. Visit accgov.com/transit for more information. [BA] f

Link Launches Campaign

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Scrap Metal

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LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ATHENS BUSINESSES! Deadline is Feb. 5th.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

Deadline to Vote

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ties across Georgia. Those good-paying jobs are in fields that will define the next generation of manufacturing, and that future will be made right here in Georgia.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development recently announced that the second half of 2022 saw companies announce more than 17,000 new jobs totalBy Stephen Fowler news@flagpole.com ing $13 billion in investment, with 85% of those outside of metro Atlanta. ov. Brian Kemp used his annual to grumble about teacher pay in Georgia, “This session, we will not only build on state of the state address to tout let me give you the facts: In total, we will the monumental achievements of the past Georgia’s economic growth and have given hardworking educators a $7,000 four years, we will set Georgia on a path of called for investments in priorities like edu- pay raise in just five years,” Kemp said. greatness for generations to come,” Kemp cation, housing and boosting pay for teach“No other General Assembly or governor said. ers and state employees, calling for a “new will have raised teacher pay by so much, so But Kemp said more work needs to be era” in state government. quickly, in state history.” He said Georgia’s done, especially around workforce housing In his roughly 30-minute speech, the average teacher pay will also be $7,000 and job training and recruitment, reiteratgovernor said the state of the state has higher than the regional average. ing his budget proposals for fully funding “never been stronger and more resilient” With a new lieutenant governor and the state’s education formula, the post-secsince he first took office in 2019. “Over the House speaker, many new key commitondary HOPE Scholarship and a “rural last four years, our greatest achievements tee chairs and a commanding victory in workforce housing fund.” were accomplished when both chambers November, Kemp has crafted his speeches The governor also dedicated portions of worked hand-in-hand with my office to put and appearances over the last few weeks to his speech to touch on the issues of crime the people of our state and public safety, touting first—ahead of the status a special gang prosecution quo,” he said. “Our future unit and asking for stiffer as a state relies on that penalties for those who partnership: to do the recruit young people into right thing for our citigangs. He also praised the zens, even when it may Georgia State Patrol and not be easy.” decried a group of people Kemp’s address painted that broke windows and this year’s legislative sesset a police car on fire over sion as one of great conthe previous weekend sequence, as lawmakers after a demonstration begin work on his $32.5 stemming from the shootbillion budget plan that ing death of a protestor would partially return a living in a DeKalb County multi-billion dollar surforest that is slated to plus to taxpayers through become a massive police refunds and a one-time training center. additional homestead On the health care Gov. Brian Kemp delivers the state of the state address at the Capitol on Jan. 25. exemption. front, the governor is Now in his second proposing loan repayment term and at the pinnacle of his power as flex Georgia’s economic growth and rising programs to help boost the number of progovernor, the Brian Kemp of 2023 struck prominence in key industries such as elecviders in rural Georgia, more investment in similar tones to his inaugural update, with tric mobility. a health reinsurance program and limited continued focus on combating gang vio“In less than 365 days, we announced expansion of Medicaid through the Georgia lence, increasing health care access in lower four of the largest economic developPathways to Coverage program. income communities and pouring more ment projects in state history,” he said to “Here’s another fact: Upwards of resources into the state’s education system applause. “Just those four projects alone 345,000 Georgians could qualify for the and those who work in it. will bring over 20,000 new jobs and over Pathways program and health care cover“While some politicians have continued $17 billion in investment to rural communi- age for the first time, with no changes for

Kemp Sets 2023 Agenda HOUSING, CRIME, HEALTH CARE TOP GOVERNOR’S TO-DO LIST

G

HOUSE MEDIA SERVICES

those who qualify for regular Medicaid,” Kemp said. “And unlike Medicaid expansion, Georgia Pathways will not kick 200,000 Georgians off their private sector insurance.”

In closing, the governor asked lawmakers to consider “the Georgia of generations from now” when considering bills and the budget this year, and not “come down into the mud of politics.”

“Here at the start of a new session, a new term, and a new era for our state, we have an opportunity to make decisions that will impact our children’s grandchildren, if we do it right and together,” he said.

Democrats in the legislature offered their response to Kemp’s message, arguing that the state’s economic prosperity should be used to fully expand Medicaid and offer even more investment into raising salaries for state employees, law enforcement and teachers.

Sen. Elena Parent (D-Decatur) delivered the official response to the governor’s message and said her party agreed with him that Georgia’s best days are ahead, but it is not a foregone conclusion without changes to the budget.

“We all agree on the desired outcome, but we have very different ideas about the path that will take us there,” Parent said.

“We will not get where we want to go by putting relatively few dollars in Georgians’ pockets with tax cuts for some and onetime refunds—this is like expecting a car to drive several hundred miles when it is running on fumes.”

Parent echoed Kemp’s concern about a shortage of health care workers and staff in government agencies, and argued that Georgia needed to pass living wage legislation and significantly boost pay for those who work for the state. “Democrats propose a $10,000 increase for teachers and law enforcement, plus the establishment of regular increases moving forward,” she said.

Both chambers of the legislature are controlled by a Republican majority, so it is unlikely any Democratic-led initiatives will gain much steam in this legislative session. f This story comes to Flagpole through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a non-profit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.

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BUT WAIT, I CAN EXPLAIN: DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS

BOOKS BY UGA PROFESSOR AND OTHERS OUTLINE THE ISSUES

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com he is a “full service attorney.” He’ll draw you a will today and haul off a load of old wood tomorrow. He’s just helpful that way.

Always has been, in between winning landmark Georgia Supreme Court newspaper cases. I certainly hope he doesn’t have to defend me over the classified documents.

The explanation for them is really innocent, more or less, and simple, for sure.

Here’s what happened. Since I used to have a big office at Flagpole, I stored some of our classified ad applications from back when we had lots more classifieds, before the internet gobbled them up. Those forms had names, addresses and phone numbers, so

old plastic and styrofoam, too, because we never can remember when CHaRM is open, so we just put it in the garage until we can remember when to go to CHaRM. And some old furniture, too, because nobody wants it. Kids nowadays! And when I downsized my office at Flagpole during the pandemic because I was working from home, a lot of stuff from my old, larger office ended up in the garage, too, because I couldn’t just throw it away. Could I? So that’s how the classified stuff ended up in the garage, see? It’s not like I stole it or had some ulterior use for it, like selling the information or trading it for travel vouchers to the Middle East. I mean, there’s a big difference in having stuff in your garage because you moved it in a well-meaning cleanup, as opposed to making off with it because you saw a way to profit off it. Right?

So, you know, when you move the contents of a messy office, you end up with a messy garage. The stuff that was in your office is now in your garage, where you’ve been meaning to dispose of it. But you haven’t, and to tell the truth you have ignored it for so long that, actually, you have forgotten about it. That is, until everybody is talking about classified materials in garages, and you suddenly remember that you have some, too, and that you’d better come clean, since you’re a prominent local pundit.

So that’s what I’m doing. I’ll have my lawyer get those documents out tomorrow.

Why would my lawyer do that? Because

you couldn’t just put them in the trash, and we might need to refer to one if a customer wanted to re-run an ad or pull information from it. So, we held on to the forms, and they gravitated to my office, and then when I cleaned out my office, they gravitated to my garage. It is as simple as that. You could try to build a case against me for stealing classified information, but really it was stuff that could have been shredded if we had a shredder. Actually, CHaRM has a shredder, and I would have taken them down there eventually. It’s not a great crime; it’s just procrastination, and it didn’t hurt anybody, and it protected those who gave us their ads in the first place.

Well, I’m relieved that my classified information is finally out in the open, with no subpoenas or Justice Department court orders.

The only trouble is that since somebody else stole classified material and lied about it and refused to give it back, the rest of us who just ended up with classified info in our garages are lumped into the same category as that guy. When you hear that I have classified materials in my garage, I bet you’re thinking Russian spy, when all you really have is a hometown procrastinator.

There’s a lot of difference, plus I don’t think the Russians are interested in Flagpole classifieds, though if they find out how effective they are, they might be using them for sure to find high-profile guys who might want to play along with them and share info. But not in my garage. f

PETE McCOMMONS

OK. I have classified materials in my garage.

But I can explain. And I can guarantee you there’s no Corvette in there. In fact, there’s no automobile at all. There’s not room, even for the smaller cars for which the garage was built a century ago.

That’s right: It’s an old garage—a shed, actually, out in back of the house, not built-on. It has rats, too, but the neighborhood cats keep an eye on them. So it’s actually not a garage as such, but a storage shed. I clean it out every now and then. But right now it’s full of old lumber that I had to drag out from under the house, because, you know, termites. And there’s a lot of

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

Democracy in America was imperiled two Supremacist, patriarchal oligarchy, privilegyears ago, on Jan. 6, 2021, when a righting heterosexuality.” Still, the writer showed wing mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an optimism by running issue-oriented though attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. House election. Democracy was again imperiled of Representatives in 2018 and Senate in this month in Brazil, when a similar mob 2020, and by writing a book filled with ransacked government buildings in that progressive proposals “to prove that the nation’s capital, Brasilia, after supporters of pen can be more powerful than any single the country’s right-wing former president political campaign. May many others… be claimed that the election had been stolen inspired to take up the social rights agenda from their candidate, the bombastic and and make it a reality before it is too late.” bellicose Jair Bolsanaro, sometimes called Also published in 2020, Twilight “Trump of the Tropics.” of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Long before assaults on democracy by Authoritarianism by Anne Appelbaum says, riotous mobs in Washington and Brasilia, “People are often attracted to authoritarian writers were sounding the alarm that ideas because they are bothered by comdemocracy was fragile and under attack. plexity… they seek solutions in new politiWhen Donald Trump was elected in 2016, It cal language that makes them feel safer and Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis enjoyed more secure.” The author decries the decline a resurgence in sales. Published in 1935, It of American newspapers in the Internet Can’t Happen Here is a novelist’s grim vision of a fascist dictatorship that ends democracy in America. It is a work of fiction, but other writers of today have penned books of fact about democracy’s perils and possibilities.

One of those authors is Richard Dien Winfield, a philosophy professor at the University of Georgia and a former congressional candidate. His Democracy Unchained: How We Should Fulfill Our Social Rights and Save Richard Dien Winfield’s Democracy Unchained is a blueprint for fulfilling Self-Government, the promise of the New Deal. published in 2020, is a detailed series of proposals for America’s present democratic Age: “Many, though not all, have stopped republic to become a nation of both politreporting news altogether; many, though ical and economic rights for its citizens. not all, will eventually cease to exist.” She Echoing the calls for both political and calls for a renewed democracy that demands economic justice preached by Martin Luther “participation, argument, effort [and] King Jr. in the 1960s, Winfield writes, “ … struggle” from citizens.

Our democracy is in jeopardy if we cannot How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky secure the family and social rights on which and Daniel Ziblatt was published in 2018, political freedom depends.” months before the 2020 election and the Winfield reminds readers that President 2021 Capitol insurrection, but its concluFranklin D. Roosevelt proposed a new bill sions are prescient. In its “Four Warning of rights in 1944 that would guarantee all Signs of Authoritarian Politicians,” the book Americans economic security, affordable says, “We should worry when a politician 1) housing and medical care. “Roosevelt died rejects in words or actions, the democratic before being able to implement any of his rules of the game, 2) denies the legitimacy new bill of rights,” writes Winfield, “and of opponents, 3) tolerates or encourages to this day, our Constitution still fails to violence, or 4) indicates a willingness to guarantee the right to employment at a fair curtail the civil liberties of opponents, wage, to food and clothing, to decent housincluding the media.” ing, to health care, and to education.” FDR’s In 1835, French author Alexis de plans were backed by the United Nations in Tocqueville published Democracy in America, 1948, but today remain “ignored and unenhis seminal documentation of the politics forced” around the world and particularly in and culture of the new nation. The books the United States, laments Winfield. mentioned here follow in his footsteps.

“The time to save our democracy is Winfield is correct in his assertion that, growing short,” says Winfield, and he “What we do in the next few years is critical minces no words in his view that “American for the future of the United States, as well ‘democracy’ made its debut as a White as for the prospects of all humanity.” f

NICOLE ADAMSON / FILE

Classified Papers in My Garage How to Save Democracy

news

feature

In Memory of William Orten Carlton COMMUNITY STORIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO CAPTURE A LOCAL LEGEND

By Various Authors editorial@flagpole.com

Our

Judy Long

ort, noun Origin: Carlton, William Orten (Ort), a beloved, inimitable and irreplaceable resident of Planet Earth, changing forever the environs of Athens, GA. 1. a benevolent soul finding kinship and common interests with every human encountered, in every establishment entered 2. a walking encyclopedia of every topic the human mind can fathom—from craft beer to the Spandex viral vortex 3. a Ph.D in the field of DJ

4. a tireless promoter of every person to ever pick up a guitar, mic or pen 5. a lover of dirt roads, barbecue and backwoods cafes 6. one who leaves behind more than enough memories to fill the vast void in the hearts of thousands ort, verb 1. to fill another’s mind with so much information they leave a conversation feeling intoxicated Sentence example: Darlene orted me when I asked her about the history of the Quonset hut in the American South.

now, and he’d call me “the Robinator” and thank me for standing between him and the bank or the state of Georgia. William, rest well, delight in the rockabilly radio station that Heaven surely has, and form that angel band that we decided would be called Let’s Stay Hat. Take care of Mama, reunite with your beloved Melissa, and hear the stories firsthand of the victims of the Terminal

Eddie Whitlock

ROBB HOLMES

invitation for Ort’s friends to contribute reminiscences about him of course resulted in a much greater response than Flagpole’s pages can accommodate. Fortunately, everybody’s words and pictures will be online for wide reading now and in the future at flagpole. com. And such great contributions they are, accomplishing the near-impossible task of capturing glimpses of his great spirit.

We know, of course, that during his last illness Ort’s expenses mounted, and those who want to contribute to squaring his accounts with the world can help at gofund. me/63f81b66 or by searching “Ort” on gofundme.com. A celebration of his life will be held at the 40 Watt Club on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.

“Men must endure their going hence, even as their coming hither: Ripeness is all.”

Ort left us as he lived among us, comprehending us until the end—and he endures in our hearts. [Pete McCommons]

Robin Littlefield

As managing editor of Flagpole, it was my job to pull together the moving parts of the magazine each week. It’s inaccurate—and insulting—to reduce Ort to just another one of those parts. Indeed, he was the beating heart of the magazine… and of Athens. It’s impossible to bifurcate Flagpole and Ort, or Athens and Ort, or ANYTHING and Ort. I called him William, because I like the name and because I wanted to be special to him, and I was, and he told me so. He would sense when I was in a swivet (always!) and say, “Someone in here needs a hug,” and envelope me in Ortness and mimic my Lumpkin County accent: “Ah jess luvv tha wayyy yew tahlk.” I’m a lawyer now, so I kept in touch and helped him with various legal scrapes which seem so unimportant

pened upon them (“Bunker Hill—Hide and Go Seek! Who needs this? I’ve got a stock copy AND a promo copy at home.”), and hand off records from his stack if he found a better copy. The talk often diverted into the artist’s hometown, what else that town was known for, the best radio station in that area, local delicacies, etc.

As Athens’ official greeter (which he played to perfection in Athens, GA: Inside/ Out), he was generous with his time and knowledge. I once had (still do) the ambition to make the great Athens music box set. I went to the source of knowledge and sat down with Ort at Normal Bar to get his take. Over two hours of whimsical history was my prize. A great and charismatic library has been lost. We must all endeavor to be more Ort-like.

Hotel fire. Love, your Robin Kathleen, currently of 37214, formerly of 30601, but eternally a 30533 girl.

Jason NeSmith

There is hardly a more homegrown experience than flipping through long stacks of 45s in Kurt Woods’ garage in close proximity to Ort, being audience to his soliloquy which only occasionally became dialogue.

He would announce treasures as he hap-

In 1980, I was a 21-yearold goober from Griffin who had come to the big city of Athens. My friend David Moore took me to Russo’s Gyro downtown for lunch one day. There was a crowd gathered in one area of the bar, listening to a big bearded fellow lecturing on music. He saw us, waved and boomed, “Hello, David!” David replied, “Hey, Ort!” Thirty-five years later I was back in Athens, working at the library, when I became honored that Ort knew me by name. When Joan moved here and we married, Ort quickly knew her by name, too.

Being called by name by Ort? That’s how you know you’ve made it in Athens.

Dena Watkins Chandler

THOMAS HUBBELL

When I moved to Athens in 1976, Ort was one of the first people I met. I was downtown with a friend, also newly arrived, and we were admiring the facade of an old building. Ort noticed us and walked over to tell us all about the structure. And I do mean all about it! Everyone knows Ort had a photographic memory for seemingly every music record ever made, but he was equally genius at remembering the owners, date constructed and usage of every historic Athens building. We walked all over with Ort talking nonstop in exhaustive detail, his love for this city obvious.

Bill King

A meeting of the Secret Skeptics Development Committee with (l-r) Phil Sanderland, Mike Copas, Paul Munson Grohse, Peter Grohse, Bob Russo, Debbi Hubbell and Ort.

I first heard of Ort when my brother Jonathan told me about this funny guy named “BC” who lived around the corner. I really got to know Ort when I was in college. He was running Ort’s Oldies and found obscure Beatles-related singles for me. Through my mom writing for the Observer, Ort somehow knew my full name and would greet me in that booming voice, “William Parry King!” I ran into him at Wax ’N’ Facts in Atlanta one time, and it was vintage Ort, as he regaled me with the history of some obscure Georgia radio station.

Ort transcended generations, too. When my son was at UGA, Ort once complimented him on his taste in beer at a local watering hole. In later years, we’d converse via Facebook, usually when I was writing something about Athens of old. Ort was one of a kind, and I’ll miss him. ➤ continued on next page

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

9

Ort Steve Fitzpatrick

old Cobb County UGA student had ever met. I smile whenever I think of him.

continued from p. 9

Joseph Rollins

I didn’t know who he was at the time, but Ort came up to me one night as I was leaving Little Italy, pointed at my shirt and exclaimed, “Keith Haring, motherfucker!

You can’t fool me!”

ROY GREEN

Ort told me, as I printed posters for my experimental, over-the-top band at Kinko’s, “This is music that makes you GROW!” in a stentorian voice. Meaning, be strong and go against the current of conformity and comfort. All music is good. That will stick with me forever. Also, one night after some party I was in an “altered state,” just kind of standing around alone thanks to crappy social skills or whatever. Anyway, he asked me to join him in riding around and doing some errands, mailing things off, etc.

We talked of old radio towers, ancient records, obscure music… We visited the far-off lands of the Georgia countryside. In that car that night, it was like being in some alternate universe in an outer space of sublime concepts. I no longer felt alone. The weirdness is powerful, vital and good!

Ort was the acid! RIP sweet friend!

more than his knowledge. Ort embodied Athens; he was a legend and an icon; may his legacy continue.

One evening I was waiting in line to use the ladies bathroom in Copper Creek.

Ort walked up and was waiting in line for the gentlemen’s bathroom. We stood there waiting awkwardly together in that hallway making small talk about life or some such, when he dropped a line that has stayed with me ever since: “There is no excuse to not have fun.” I have often remembered that, and it has affected my life and even daily decisions. There is no excuse to not have fun! So go have fun!

Vickie Person Bettis

My sophomore year at UGA, a group of us would regularly gather in the late evening at the Brumby Hall help desk to play Scrabble. Ort never missed a game. In my mind, he was the “older” man in our group, and he was a take-no-prisoners player.

Whenever he would “create” a word, I would be the first to point out to him the “word” he had created didn’t exist. Ort’s response to me was quick and to the point: “Vickie, this is a word ONLY used in South Florida, and clearly, you’ve never been to South Florida.” From then on, I stayed quiet. Ort was the most exotic creature this 19-year-

10

It was unprompted, and I was a little befuddled—but also excited. I had worn my shirt with Keith Haring’s art on it for years, and nobody had recognized it. We had a short conversation about the artist, and I got to tell him of a Jacksonville, FL street artist that went by the name “Keith Haring’s Ghost.” He said, “I’ll have to look him up,” and I anxiously walked away without getting his name.

It was only yesterday that I was able to put a name to the face, so I spent the day reading Ort’s works and learning all about the man that made me smile that one night at Little Italy.

Ort was a beer connoisseur decades before the current craft brew trend. Back in the ’70s you mostly discovered regional suds by checking the coolers at the gas stations during your road trips. I’ll never forget the incredible epic conversation Ort had with my father when he visited my parents’ print shop in Augusta back then. They literally talked for hours about the relative merits of now long-forgotten watery domestic pilsners such as Buckhorn, Schmidt’s and Old German. For years afterwards, whenever Dad scored a six-pack of some obscure new specimen, he’d always tuck one can into the bottom rack of the shop’s refrigerator “for trading with Ort.” Mom was constantly pushing me to help get rid of these. Whenever she learned I was headed to Athens for a concert, she’d invariably ask me, “Will you be seeing that ‘Ort’ person?”

Vanessa Briscoe Hay

I first met Ort around 1976. Athens was a much slower-paced town back then. The

Brenda Sloan

Back in the ’80s, I worked for Kinko’s.

Ort stopped in regularly on his rounds downtown. He always changed the energy in the shop, and I always heard something interesting from eavesdropping on his conversations. I got transferred to the Baxter Street store which wasn’t on his beat. One early 2 a.m., I got a call from the Athens Police Department. It seems the Broad Street store had a fire and someone needed to come downtown. When I got there, the firefighter explained that Ort had called in the alert. I saw him standing nearby. He had been walking down the street and noticed the windows looked iced up. He put his hand to the glass and discovered it was fire.

The firefighter told me that the way all of the buildings on that block were built, if the fire had gotten out of hand, the whole block would have gone up. Ort the hero and savior of beautiful downtown Athens!

John Webster

The last time I spent time with Ort was in mid-November, when I was walking down Hull Street to a show at Flicker and saw bright lights through the window of Manhattan Café illuminating Ort at a table in the middle of the bar. I went in, and he

Stella Smith

I met Ort at Copper Creek. He would wander in, notebook in hand, wearing his CCBC tee and suspenders, while he juggled between cleaning his glasses and stroking his beard. He had a hearty “hello” and a good laugh for all those near him.

Ort shared his thoughts with everyone, and I listened because he was interesting. He shared the history of Athens, and of Georgia, in minutiae—he knew the details and history of every street, building, artwork and band in Athens yearby-year from 1785 until the Tuesday you were sitting beside him. As for Georgia, he knew the provenance of counties, towns, unincorporated hamlets, breweries, radio stations… and so much more.

Ort was a wealth of information, much of which is now gone with him.

More importantly, he was a friend to many Athenians and his good nature and friendly smile will be missed

F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

JOHN WEBSTER

Melissa Audy

We have lost part of the soul of Athens.

It’ll never be the same to go downtown without running into Ort. I considered him to be my best friend and brother from another mother. He was my beer guru and boon traveling companion.

Telling an Ort story would be like a road trip with him. Where to start and where to end by taking the most circuitous route to get there without missing any thrift stores or off the wall eateries or points of interest along the way. They say there’s no beer in heaven, that’s why we drink it here. My guess is that Ort is preparing an ethereal microbrewery there stocked with music from Ort’s Oldies.

See you down the road, Ort.

Gregory Nicoll

Steve Nichols

I met Ort more than half a century ago when I wandered into his shop on College Avenue, looking for a 1967 recording by Sagitarrius, an obscure California studio group.

Ort said that he didn’t have it, but that he knew where to get one.

“Watch the shop for a few minutes, will you?” was all I heard as he left the building, leaving me to watch over his place.

Fifteen minutes later he returned with the record. “That’ll be a quarter,” Ort said. I asked how he knew I wouldn’t rob him blind in his absence. He said that anyone who knew about that record couldn’t possibly steal from another collector.

Over the decades as I floated into and out of Athens, I would always run into Ort, and we’d talk music and records, with me getting the benefit of the conversations.

Sandy Cole

population has since tripled, and the student population has doubled. He couldn’t have survived, much less thrived, except in a college town like ours where it was possible to be accepted by a decent percentage of the local population. My first husband Jimmy Ellison and I initially met him at his record shop Ort’s Oldies on Jackson Street. (Fred Schneider worked there.) We gradually became friends, and we even met his mom and step-dad Buddy. His car at the time had a name, which I have unfortunately forgotten, but he was always ready for an adventure in that car. (Once, we drove out on Highway 78 into Oglethorpe County to see where a band’s tour bus had gone off the road on a curve—the Platters?

I can’t remember.)

He’s gone, but will not be forgotten. I told Ort the last time I saw him that thousands of people love him, including me. It made him so happy that he kissed my hand.

An LA-based film crew interviewing Ort at Manhattan Café for a B-52s documentary, a caveat of Fred Schneider for his involvement in the production.

helping him find hard to find records. My teenage son Franklin and I visited with Ort the week that he passed. He told my son

SAM BALLING

was being interviewed for some production.

The L.A.-based film crew told me they were doing it as a part of a documentary on the B-52s, and that Fred Schneider told them that they had to interview Ort if he was going to do the project.

We listened to the interview while Ort told detailed stories of going to Fred’s house for dinner and conversations with Fred’s mother. After the interview, Ort spun records on a small turntable, with commentary of course.

Bowen Craig

A friend from out of town came to visit me a few years back. He’d never been to Athens and felt that the way to discover the essence of this town was a downtown bar crawl. We never made it past the first bar. Instead, we calmly joined an organically formed group of students of life, sitting at the mildly tipsy feet of Ort. It was one of those nights that just clicked into place, because of Ort. Though he was, of course, holding court, as he did, eventually the discussion opened into Georgia history dating back to colonial times, philosophical connection points between different fields of study, music, sports, politics, everything. Time lost all meaning.

As I said, we never made it past the first bar… and my friend did, indeed, accidentally discover the essence of Athens. We will miss you, Ort. Athens is less than what it was.

L.J. Anderson

How will Athens keep his memory alive? Will there be a statue, a music festival, a scholarship, a photo over a restaurant booth, a library chair or bar stool inscribed with his name, a beer named after him? (“My favorite type of beer would have to be an India pale ale with at least 5.6 percent ABV. It’s gotta have that bite to it, or it’s just a pale ale to me,” he told Sarah Rucker of the Grady College of Journalism in 2016, adding “My favorite IPA is only found in Kentucky, in a small town that still does not allow beer sales on Sunday.”) Now I’m on a hunt for Ort’s favorite beer. I think he mentioned it by name in at least one of his Flagpole articles, but there are a lot to sift through. If any readers know what it is, please name it and where it can be found. If no one knows, then hey, local craft brewers, get to work!

D.J. Hack

that he would like to pass the baton on to him. I learned two days later what he meant by that. We honorably accept the baton! We love you, Ort! “Wholeheartedly.”

Jim Kvicala

During my college years at UGA, I did not encounter Ort, but when I returned to the area in 1991, he seemed everywhere and writing about everything—AM radio stations and their transmitters, beer cans, records, the Winecoff Hotel fire, his beloved Melissa. To me, he seemed famous, and when I bumped into him one night at ABC

JARROD LIPSHY

At the Syracuse Beer Can Collectors of America CANvention, we took a bus tour to Utica and back in order to tour the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. On the bus, Ort kept up a monologue (as he was wont to do) loosely directed at me, but also to anyone else within earshot (which is to say, most of the bus). In the evening, another collector accosted me while alone and said, “That guy you came with: How do you stand him?” When I told Ort this later, he laughed with delight. I advised this collector of Ort’s passing and this was his response: “I literally just received the BCCA notification that Ort had passed away and although I didn’t really know him, I was heartbroken.”

Ort was certainly an individual, who once you met, you never forgot. An extremely intelligent individual with a wealth of information. To meet him once and have that lasting impression says a lot about an individual. May Ort rest in peace.

Clint McCrory & Sue Custance

Ort was the first person to greet us when we arrived in Athens in the summer of 1980. As we pulled into a parking space on Broad Street in front of campus, an odd-looking character approached along the sidewalk, noticed our Rhode Island license plate, and exclaimed, “Narragansett Beer!”

Robb Holmes

Package Store, I was hesitant to bother him.

Confessing ignorance about good beer, I asked him as a connoisseur what he’d recommend. He did not make me feel dumb, nor did he immediately tell me to buy something HE’D like. He asked what kind of beer I liked and tailored his recommendation accordingly. Ort personified everything

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It always sounded like the control room was a crowded place when Ort was on the air, thanks to the multitude of voices he produced. Frequent guests were the Dean of All Deans, a convincing impression of UGA’s retired Dean of Students, William Tate, and the Other Dean, based on the retired dean of the Journalism school, John E. Drewry. My favorite was the aging announcer, Lester S. Estes, whose dentures whistled every time he had to say the letter “S.”

A Andrews

Frank Russell

“Dearfolk,” I met Ort when I was a teenager in the 1980s; 1987 if my memory serves correctly. Through the years, I would become one of Ort’s many friends that he would always remember. I enjoyed visiting with him in the store where he once worked; Oracle I believe it was. I loved hearing him read at The Downstairs. I enjoyed the fun of Ort’s Oldies on WUOG. I would often see him at the record stores. As we both got older, we stayed in contact on social media. I enjoyed

unconquerably eccentric, gracious, inclusive, bohemian, eclectic and kind about late 20th century Athens. It is exceedingly sad to see him go.

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I don’t know when I met Ort. It was probably at Burntstone Brew House. I didn’t get an Ort hug the first time, but I subsequently received many. It wasn’t unusual afterwards for me to go to Adams Optics to get my post-Ort-bear-hug bent glasses straightened.

After several visits to Jim in a short period of time, he looked at me quizzically. He didn’t even ask the question, but I knew the answer he wanted. I just said, “Ort.” Jim nodded, knowingly, and straightened the frame.

The next time Ort started to give me a hug I stopped him. I explained that I was having to get my glasses straightened w after some of his hugs. While I welcomed his hugs, could he give me hugs without bending my glasses? He jammed after that.

Jim never had to straighten a frame again because of an Ort hug. f

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Ort Was Old Athens

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By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com I didn’t know Ort personally. I’d met him a couple of times at Flicker Theatre & Bar and The Manhattan in my early days of being an East Coast transplant to Athens.

I’d heard the legend of him: a big guy with a big voice and an encyclopedic knowledge of local music. He was talked about like a wise wizard in a fable—if Ort recognizes the band on your T-shirt, then he’ll tell you things about them you’ve never known. Ort did not regard me reverently when we met.

He looked me up and down, shook my hand and said a few words before turning back to his notepad and continuing to jot down who knows what. I wasn’t offended—he was clearly busy with his writing, working on something important to him. Everybody knew him, for better or worse, and even if you were of the latter mind,

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

there was still a serious respect for who he was and who he had become to this town.

Ort was “Old Athens” to me.

Of course the first thing that comes to my aging mind is the pittance of rent I was paying in 2010, but that low cost of living was indicative of a town with a robust working class that could afford to live near their workplaces and social spaces. People had the ability to work less and play more. There was the economic freedom to make art for fun and not for profit. When rent is low and the neighbors are cool, you can start a band and practice in your living room before work. You can hang a friend’s artwork and line up a few musicians to play, and you can ask guests to bring potluck-style dishes to share. Perhaps people would eventually learn through the grapevine that you had a warm home full of creativity and friendship, and someone would refer a traveler to your living room couch for an evening. And maybe you’d even give your house a silly name, something like the Plush Palace or Hotel Hanky Panky, just to be cute.

I can’t imagine having roommates or even a houseguest these days. And no more walking to Hot Corner either, now that even a studio near downtown can go for like $1,300 per month. There used to be lots of leaning, ancient houses in and around Boulevard where I could pay my measly

$200 per month and walk to my various jobs. We had a colony of bats living in the walls of one house (yes, bats), but I had an en-suite bathroom with a claw-foot tub.

The windows were all original, if not drafty to boot, but I loved that house. I think of it often. I drive by it occasionally and see Jeeps and G-Wagons parked on the lawn, and I wonder if the bats are still there.

Losing Ort has me thinking a lot about the version of this town that we romanticize, the one that I chose to stay in instead of moving to Atlanta like I’d originally planned. You know, the weirdo artist freak town that just so happens to have the winningest college football team in America nearby. Two championships in a row should have had me buzzing, and maybe it did for a second until I saw

the downtown “celebration” on Reddit. I’ve been keeping this to myself because I know it’s not a popular opinion, and we’re all supposed to be like “Rah rah, go Dawgs” right now, but are they going to do this every year? Are the police going to allow them to set trees on fire and destroy public art and private property if they win again next year?

I am thankful for the brief interactions I had with Ort, and I hope he didn’t have these kinds of soupy, anxiety-driven worries about the state of working-class Athens like I do. I got the sense of someone living vibrantly in their world and holding close the things they loved—records, bars, live music—while not sweating the other stuff.

Maybe that isn’t the case, but from the outside looking in, Ort exuded a peacefulness and acceptance that I aspire towards. Times have to change, it’s best to worry only about the things you can control, and I don’t want to become a complaining fuddy-duddy who has anxiety attacks around playoff time.

I want to fill my home with my favorite music, I want to have a designated stool at a cool old bar on Hot Corner, and I want the sight of me to remind people of the best version of this place. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com, or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/get-​ advice.

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Puma Yu’s

CHARMINGLY NONCHALANT SOUTHEAST ASIAN FARE

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com PUMA YU’S (355 Oneta St., pumayus.com): It is an unusual experience to go to a restaurant whose guiding spirit is nonchalance, even more so to enjoy the experience thoroughly. From birth, we are told that the customer is king, able to shape the world at their whim, but what if a restaurant just did what it felt like and figured customers would come to it. This is not to say that there are no restaurants in Athens other than Puma Yu’s that are built on that principle, or that it is some kind of Soup Nazi place at which clients must abase themselves for the promise of deliciousness. It’s just that it’s refreshing to encounter such a low-key, confident attitude in a young restaurant that also does its job so well. Like it or not, it is what it is without apology, and it turned out I liked it very much.

ALEXA RIVERA

Is Puma Yu’s a restaurant at all? Or is it a bar that also has food? The answer doesn’t really matter, but the bar is quite important to the vibe, as well as a crucial contributor of smart, tasty drinks, boozy and non (there are always alcohol-free cocktails, and during Dry January there are more than usual). It also has its own social scene and takes up a large portion of the restaurant, which is tucked into a small space in the new Southern Mill development on Oneta Street. The cocktail menu isn’t huge, and it’s well considered, with a focus on rum and Japanese spirits. Get there between 4–6 p.m., and you can snag a happy hour deal on items like the Ti’ Punch, which includes Steen’s cane syrup, lime and your choice of Oaxacan, fragrant French West Indies or Haitian rum. It’s simple, drinkable and fun, designed to show off the liquor.

When your food arrives, you may want to switch to beer, specifically the Thai lager Singha, which pairs nicely with the strongly flavored dishes. Make no mistake, it is very

easy to spend over $100 at Puma Yu’s on drinks and small plates, but you can do well for less than that, too. One of the most delightful dishes on the menu is the Spicy Mama noodles, instant fare sassed up with chicken, fish sauce, lime juice and plenty of chili crisp. It’s the kind of thing you might put together yourself after a night of drinking, and it is only $8, which you can’t beat for the taste punch it packs.

At the other end of the spectrum is the whole fried flounder, served with its flesh cubed like a mango (or a mojarra frita). It is a painful $36, but it is so damn well executed and, if not quite enough food to satisfy two people completely, at least a very substantial plate. Flip it over. Eat the fins. Chew on the bones. Every bit of it should be savored, unless you are on the kind of first date where you’re not chomping on fish bones yet.

Likewise for the large and excellent chicken wings, which come with a coconut milk ranch on the side and big spears of carrot and cucumber. They’re lightly sauced but hardly shy.

I tried nearly everything on the menu, and perhaps my favorite dish was the roasted local winter squash with hakurei turnips, which comes sliced, in a bowl of creamy, vegan, gluten-free coconut milk sauce flecked with chili and crunchy pepitas. It does not feel ascetic. It appreciates each of its components and knows how they’ll play together. The three salads (one beef, one mushroom, one neither) are somewhat similar, but on the whole the dishes remain distinct from one another, despite using many of the same ingredients.

If you are not a lime juice/ fish sauce/chili person, Puma Yu’s might not be your jam, but I am, and not everything the kitchen puts out is spicy.

What is spicy varies in degree.

Some things aren’t hot at all.

The pork-and-collard-greens curry is subtle and meaty, without going too hard on the iron-rich tang collards can have. Other things, like the tom yum soup (which includes a large, sweet, firm prawn that could not be more perfectly cooked) build heat slowly. There’s rice alongside many of the dishes to fill you up and to moderate the spices if you need it.

Don’t want to bump elbows with others or breathe their air? There is a large covered patio with heaters that probably seats as many people as the inside. You might end up out there anyway if it’s a busy night and you don’t have a reservation. The unisex restroom is stocked with anything you might need: condoms, breath mints, menstrual products, floss. Parking is ample. The area is new enough that it doesn’t exactly feel like Athens yet, but in a nice way. All checks include a 20% service charge, with the option to tip more, which isn’t as good as moving away from the tipping model entirely (everyone should just get paid a good wage) but is better than servers relying on customers’ whims.

Puma Yu’s is open for dinner and drinks 4–10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, plus brunch 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sunday. f

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F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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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.

Art ARTISTS’ BOOK NIGHT (ATHICA) Now registering artists who would like to share their original artist’s books at an event held Mar. 1.

All formats welcome: hardback, paperback, zine, comic, photos, drawings, paintings, text, collage, flipbook, unique or multiple copies.

Register online. www.athica.org/ calls ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons.

Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. www.athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR ENTRIES (ATHICA) Currently seeking submissions for the gallery’s 2023 “Members’ Showcase.” Open to joining and renewing members. Deadline Feb. 13. Exhibition runs Feb. 18–Mar. 19. www.athica.org/calls JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is open to ideas and actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual/musical/video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www.jokerjokertv.com/ submit 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. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-​Studio-​ Membership

Classes ART AND WRITING CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “From Dreamstorming to Reality: Writing to Practice & Polish Our Stories.” Wednesdays, Feb. 22– Mar. 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m. $160– 210. Heidi Lynn Nilsson offers weekly courses in “The Complex Character” (Feb. 6–Mar. 6), “Introduction to Poetry Writing” (Feb. 8–Mar. 15) and “Writing Dialogue” (Apr. 10–May 8), all meeting 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $165–215. www. ocaf.com/courses BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) “Forge a Fire Poker with Decorative Handle” covers tapering, bending and scrolling, forge welding, cutting with a chisel and more. Feb 11, Feb. 18 or Mar. 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. “Forge a Bottle Opener” will cover making open face and church key style bottle openers. Feb. 25 or Mar. 25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. In “Basic Blacksmithing, First Time at the Forge,” students will forge and assemble a wall mount rack with three hooks.

Mar. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. greenhowhandmade@gmail.com, CHAIR YOGA (Winterville Community Center) Nicole Bechill teaches a

art around town ARTWALL@HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS (500 College Ave.) New York-based photographers Lucy Reback and Megan Reilly share a collection of intimate vignettes of their relationship in addition to snapshots before they met.

THE ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Kara Walker: Back of Hand,” the first solo exhibition to be held in Georgia of the work of this internationally renowned artist, includes a series of new works on paper that examine themes such as complicity, racism, misremembered histories and the violence that undergirds the legacy of the South. Symposium on Feb. 25, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Through Mar. 23.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) “We Are All Makers” features artwork by Lyndon House Arts Center staff members Jaime Bull, Toni Carlucci, Didi Dunphy, Kathryn Refi, Ciel Rodriguez, Beth Sale, Williams Stephanos and Shannon Williams. Through Feb. 12.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) Part of ATHICA’s “Solo Duo Trio” series, “Trio: Lauren Bradshaw, Daniel Brickman and Jeanne Ciravolo” combines work united by visceral and unusual use of fiber and other materials, referencing the body, the tactile and the experiential. Through Feb. 12.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Atlanta-based artist Alice Stone-Collins shares “Domus Domus,” a collection of intricate hand-painted collaged pieces. Through Feb. 25.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) “Spotlight: Paintings by Amy Watts” presents bold, colorful canvases full of cowgirls, farmers, miners and Indigenous people. • “Light Bright” presents works by Caitlin Gal, Allison McPheeters and Alivia Patton, who all utilize simple circles to create inspiring works.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) “Liu Shiming: Descending the Mountain Together” is a mini-retrospective that includes 23 sculptures in wood, bronze and ceramic. Through Feb. 3. • “Insatiable Fire” features new works by Atlanta-based artists Demetri Burke, Noah Reyes and Sergio Suárez. Through Feb. 23. • “Certainty Still Pending” showcases the work of first-year MFA students at the Dodd. Through Feb. 23. • “Kara Walker: Prince McVeigh and the Turner Blasphemies” is a stop-motion animation of cut-paper silhouettes who reenact several infamous acts of white suprema-

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

well-​rounded, gentle and accessible chair yoga class to promote breathing, mindfulness and inward listening. Mondays through Mar. 6, 9 a.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter. com COMMUNITY DANCE IMPROV (work.shop) No experience necessary. Vaccines and boosters required. Sundays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Donations accepted. lisa yaconelli@gmail.com DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com KUNDALINI YOGA (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Held Mondays, 5–6:30 p.m. $11 suggested donation. harsimran@innergies yoga.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 OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Sangha Yoga Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide participants into stillness and silence. Mondays, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.healingartscentre.net PUBLIC DANCE (The Studio Athens) Beginner Rumba lessons followed

by DJ’d waltz, swing, salsa, tango etc. Every fourth Saturday. 7:30–10 p.m. $5 (students), $10 (non-​students). www.gmdance.com

“Georgia Peach” by Cynthia Steward is currently on view in the group exhibition “Georgia Mountains to the Shore” at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation through Feb. 10.

SALSA DANCE CLASSES (Cloud) Join SALSAthens for Cuban style salsa dance classes. No partner necessary. Beginners welcome.

Every Wednesday, 7–8 p.m. $10. gwyneth.moody@gmail.com SONGWRITER’S WORKSHOP (No. 3 Railroad, Arnoldsville) Buddy

cist history in the country’s recent history. Through Mar. 30.

THE GEORGIA POTTERY COLLECTIVE (560 Caldwell Circle) Jen Graff, Yoon Hwang and other local ceramicists sell sculptural and functional pottery. Every Wednesday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Paintings by Seth Martin. Opening reception Feb. 4, 8 p.m. Through February.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Allison Janae Hamilton: Between Life and Landscape.” Through Feb. 5. • “Kristin Leachman: Longleaf Lines” focuses on close-up views of the patterns and biology of the longleaf pine and its ecosystem. Through Feb. 5. • On view in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden, “Jane Manus: Undaunted” includes five large abstract works. Through Feb. 12. • Spanning the 18th century to the present, “Object Lessons in American Art” features over 100 works of Euro-American, African-American and Native American art from the Princeton University Art Museum’s collection. Feb. 4–May 14. • “In Dialogue: Henry Ossawa Tanner, Mentor and Muse.” Through June 18. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3.

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights.

LAST RESORT GRILL (174 W. Clayton St.) Troy Ayers presents oil paintings while Amanda Ayers shares travel photography. Through March.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Resilient Civic and Musical Life: Ware-Lyndon House Enslaved and Descendant Stories” includes a film; reading room of books relevant to the African American experience in art, music and heritage; and a visual timeline relating a fuller and more truthful story of the property and its inhabitants. On view Thursdays– Saturdays. • Bess Carter, the recipient of the 2022 Art Center Choice Award from the 47th Juried Exhibition, presents a solo show of landscapes, room interiors and still life paintings. Artist talk Feb. 16. Currently on view through Mar. 4. • “A Pattern of Moments” features works by Kate Burke, Rebecca Kreisler and Sylvia Schaefer. Through Mar. 4. • In preparation for “The Same, Yet Separate Artworks,” metalsmith and interdisciplinary craft artist J Taran Diamond toured the Ware-Lyndon Historic House Museum and created new objects in response. Through Mar. 4.

MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia St., Demorest) Georgia-based painter and sculptor Miles Cleveland Goodwin works in an express, dreamlike style rooted in his interest in nature and the everyday.

Mondlock (Guy Clark, Garth Brooks, and Peter, Paul and Mary) leads a workshop on songwriting. Email to reserve a spot. Feb. 25, 1–5 p.m. $50. marynouri@bellsouth.net, www.3railroad.org SPANISH CLASSES (Athens, GA) For adults, couples and children.

Learn from experts with years of professional experience. Contact for details. 706-​372-​4349, marinabilbao75@gmail.com, www.marina-​ spain-​2020.squarespace.com TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-​style Tae-

Through Feb. 9.

OCONEE COUNTY LIBRARY (1080 Experiment Station Rd.) The Athens Art Association shares a variety of works by its members. Artist reception Feb. 12, 2–4 p.m. On view Feb. 1–Mar. 31.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) “Georgia Mountains to the Shore” demonstrates the diverse landscape of Georgia through artworks by Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. • “A Brush with Murder: Novel Art by the Wonders of Watercolor Group” celebrates the release of a new book by Gail Langer Karwoski that was inspired by the WOW group that meets each week at OCAF to paint together. • “New Horizons: Mixed Media Work by ESP Students” features participants of the “Get Crafty” class at Extra Special People. • “Fabric Storm by Bobbi Johnson” is a mixed-media installation incorporating umbrellas, fabric, netting, ribbon and other materials. Through Feb. 10.

ODUM SCHOOL OF ECOLOGY GALLERY (140 E. Green St.) Natural science illustrator C Olivia Carlisle shares insect, botanical and ecosystems illustrations using graphite, carbon pencil, watercolor, acrylic, ink, color pencils and Adobe Photoshop. Through May. STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Elizabeth Barton’s collection of quilts and watercolors are inspired by the practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” Through Mar. 5.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Gary Autry presents “The Therapeutic Nature of Travel.” Opening reception Feb. 3, 5-8 p.m. Closing reception Feb. 9, 6–9 p.m.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Unequal by Design: Housing in Georgia and America” draws upon historic government documents, photographs, historic newspapers and other records to trace the evolution of housing policy, tackling issues such as zoning, gentrification and suburbanization. Through May 26. • “A Chance to Play: Title IX and Women’s Athletics at UGA” celebrates 50 years of women’s sports at UGA. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) The newly named Claire and Robert Clements Gallery debuts with a collection of oil paintings by Robert Clements.

WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Lane, Winterville) “Words About Birds, Insights About Insects” by Vicky Tavernier and Jennifer Borg consists of playful collages of found and altered objects with accompanying poems.

Through Feb. 11.

Help Out ATHENS TRANSIT PUBLIC INPUT (Athens, GA) The Athens-​Clarke County Transit system is seeking public input on its five-​year strategic plan. Fill out the online survey before Feb. 18. www.accgov.com/ transit

Kidstuff ART CLUBS (K.A. Artist Shop) Draw, paint, collage and create during weekly Art Card Club meet-​ups.

Fridays, 4:30–6 p.m. (pre-​teens), 6:30–8 p.m. (teens). Drawing Club for Teens, taught by local artist James Greer, is held Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. $25/drop-​in, $180 (10-​session pass). www.kaartist. com GREEN LIFE ART CONTEST (Athens, GA) Students in K-​12 can submit paintings, drawings, sculptures, poems or photographs inspired by environmental education and sustainability. This year’s theme is “‘Water’ You Going to Do.” Submissions due Feb. 24, 5 p.m. Selected submissions will be exhibited at the Lyndon House Arts Center Apr. 1–29. www.accgov.com/10573/ Green-​Life-​Art-​Contest-​Exhibit READ MAKE PLAY (’Brella Studio) Various art activities for ages 0–5 are offered weekday mornings at 9 a.m. Check website for upcoming programs. Story time is also held every Friday at 10 a.m. www.brella studio.com RIPPLE EFFECT FILM PROJECT (Athens, GA) Pre-​K through 12th-​ grade students write, produce and

star in short, water-​themed films.

The film submissions moving to the finalist round debut on the big screen during the Blue Carpet Premiere, where filmmakers shimmer as they strut past the “drop-​parazzi” and enter the historic Morton Theatre. Deadline Feb. 12. www. rippleeffectfilmproject.org TREEHOUSE ACTIVITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Saturday Crafterday is held every Saturday, 10 a.m. (ages 3–6) and 11 a.m. (ages 6 and up).

Register by Friday at 6 p.m. $15.

Storytime with Noah is all-​ages and held every Monday, 11 a.m. FREE! www.treehousekidandcraft.com TUTORING (Online) The Athens Regional Library System is now offering free, live online tutoring via tutor.com for students K-​12, plus college students and adult learners.

Daily, 2–9 p.m. www.athenslibrary. org

Support Groups ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com 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 ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-​424-​2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com LGBTQIA+ VIRTUAL ALPHABET FAMILY GATHERING (Online) This is a safe space for anyone on the LGBTQIA+/TGQNB spectrum.

Fourth Sunday of every month, 6–8 p.m. uuathensga.org/justice/ welcoming-​congregation MENTAL HEALTH PEER RECOVERY GROUP (Nuçi’s Space) Participants support each other through life’s challenges by sharing from their skills, experiences and proven coping mechanisms. Newcomers welcome. First Tuesday of the month, 4–6 p.m. pr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals.

Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyourleave.org OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (24th Street Clubhouse) Learn to stop eating compulsively or curb other unwanted food-​related behaviors.

Every Tuesday, 12 p.m. FREE! Text: 678-​736-​3697 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of every month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-​safe.org RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-​led support group offers a Buddhist-​inspired path to recovery from any addiction.

Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athens recoverydharma.org

SUPPORT GROUPS (Integrity Counseling & Personal Development) ICPD offers several support groups. “LGBTQIA+ Young Adults Group” is offered for ages 18–30.

“Survivors of Suicide Loss Group” is offered the first Wednesday of every month, 7–8 p.m. “Veterans, Dependents & Caregivers Benefits Resource & Claim Assistance Group” is offered the first Saturday of every month, 9–10 a.m. www. integrityofjefferson.com

Word on the Street ATHENS BEER TRAIL TROLLEY TOURS (Athens, GA) A new trolly tour will provide transportation between six local breweries: Akademia, Athentic, Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing, Terrapin Beer and Normaltown Brewing. Tours run every Thursday and Friday from 3–9 p.m. www.athenstrolleytours.com/ beer-​trolley-​tour MARGO METAPHYSICAL EVENTS (Margo Metaphysical) Monday Tarot Readings offered 1–5 p.m. ($6 per card). Tuesday Tarot with Davita offered 4–6 p.m. ($5 per card). Wednesday Night Sound Healing with Joey held 6–7:30 p.m. ($35). Thursday Tarot with Courtney is offered 12–5 p.m. ($10–45).

Friday Henna Party with Aiyanna ($10–75). 706-​372-​1462 PAUL T. MARTIN HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FUND (Athens, GA) The Classic Center Cultural Foundation provides $25,000 from the education fund to individuals interested in pursuing careers in hospitality, event, music or sports management. Students enrolled in hospitality industry programs at UGA, Athens Tech and Athens Community Career Academy are encouraged to apply. Deadline Feb. 17. foundation@classiccenter. com, www.classiccenter.com/ scholarships RABBIT BOX (VFW Post 2872) Seeking storytellers to share seven-​minute true tales. Upcoming themes include “Duets” (two presenters at a time) in February, “Mystifying” in March, “Awkward!” in April and “Gone but not Forgotten” in May. Email to participate. rabbitbox stories@gmail.com RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.m.), Seventh Generation Native American Church services and community potlucks (Sundays, 11 a.m.) and Drumming and Song Circle (Sundays, 3–5 p.m.). Weekly Sunday Funday Markets held 1–5 p.m. Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbithole studios.org/calendar SPRING PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) The Athens-​Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a variety of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for adults and children. Registration opens Feb. 4 (residents) and Feb. 6 (non-​ residents). Scholarships available. www.accgov.com/myrec STORMWATER CALENDARS (ACC Transportation and Public Works Department) Calendars are free and can be picked up or mailed to local addresses. accgov.com/10562/ Request-​a-​Stormwater-​Calendar WORK.SHOP (160 Winston Dr.) Open rehearsal and performance space for theater, comedy, dance, classes and events. $10/hour. lisayaconelli@gmail.com, www. workshopathens.com f

arts & culture

calendar picks

MUSIC | THURS, FEB. 2

Susto

Georgia Theatre • 8 p.m. • $15

magnetic tape with the help of an all-star cast of musicians and producers, Francis’ albums flow with a lush sense of timeless wonder. It’s all-night drives and bygone love. Opening for Francis will be Danielle Ponder, a former public defender turned stellar R&B artist. [PB]

Susto is primarily the songwriting vehicle of singer-songwriter Justin Osborne, a rambling musician with roots in Charleston, SC. Movement, change and youth are prominent lyrical themes in Susto’s songs, themes that reflect themselves in the band’s name. Susto, as the term is understood in Latin American cultures, is a folk illness that results from a traumatic or dramatic period of change, causing the soul to leave the body. The music of Susto, likewise, is a response to that change—those periods of transience, pleasant or unpleasant, of such magnitude as to be underwhelming.

If you’ll allow a young writer to reminisce for a moment, the music of Susto was all I had downloaded to my phone when my uncles and I circumnavigated Iceland by car camper in 2018. There’s a sense of comfort in the music of Susto that has never since waned. It’s a sense that is corroborated by many who have had exposure to their music. This show comes highly recommended. [Patrick Barry]

Local artist Gary Autry will feature his psychedelic watercolor and ink paintings at tiny ATH gallery on Feb. 3. The exhibit, entitled “The Therapeutic Nature of Travel,” features many works spanning Autry’s career. Autry is no stranger to travel himself. Born in Georgia, he spent his youth “shoplifting and vandalizing” the Eastside of Athens before moving to the west coast to “get it together.” His works draw on personal experiences, placing them into a context that can connect with viewers. A closing reception will follow on Feb. 9 from 6–9 p.m. with music from Smoggo Sound System. [PB]

MUSIC | THURS, FEB. 2

MUSIC | SAT, FEB. 4

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m • $10

Flicker Theatre and Bar • 8 p.m. • $10

Pinkerton Raid

ART | FRI, FEB. 3

Gary Autry Art Opening tiny ATH gallery • 5–8 p.m. • Donations accepted

Seth Martin Art Opening

The words “Pinkerton Raid” may conjure, to some, images of strikebreakers, labor rights and privatized law enforcement. It’s appropriate, perhaps, as just one of the threads of the quilt of American folklore from which the band of the same name draws its inspiration. Tales of the fabled American highway line the songs of the Durham, NC-based band.

The Pinkerton Raid makes its way down to Athens quite often, this time to share its folksy indie rock with Newport Transplant and Palmyra.

The alt-country virtues of Newport Transplant have been espoused by everyone who has heard them, and it’s still less than they deserve.

Botanical Virginian three-piece Palmyra creates music in an oblique traditional style, utilizing stringed instruments and three-part vocal harmonies, creating sonic landscapes as vast as the Shenandoah Valley, where the band met. [PB]

Local artist and musician Seth Martin will present his paintings at Flicker Theatre, along with live musical performances.

Martin’s paintings are spontaneous and POONEH GHANA

kwondo, self-​defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the website for a full schedule. liveoakmartialarts@gmail.com, www. liveoakmartialarts.com YOGA (Elixir Movement Arts, Mercury A.I.R.) Build a yoga practice, deepen connections to yourself and others, and learn to use yoga in everyday life. “Vinyasa Flow” is also offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $10/class. shelley downsyoga@gmail.com, www. shelleydownsyoga.offeringtree.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Jasey Jones leads weekly Raja Yoga classes covering meditation, pranayama, singing and discussion of yoga philosophy.

Sundays, 5:05 p.m. Donations accepted. Private one-​on-​one yoga sessions with Kelsey Wishik can focus on strength building, mobility, relaxation and more. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. $55. “Yoga Flow and Restore with Nicole Bechill” is held Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Online classes include “Trauma Conscious Yoga with Crystal” Thursdays at 6 p.m. and “Yoga for Wellbeing with Nicole Bechill” on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. www.revolutiontherapy andyoga.com YOGA CLASSES (Feel Free Yoga + Wellness) The new studio offers various class times and styles Mondays–Saturdays. A 45-​minute class is offered Tuesdays at 8 a.m. on the patio of Molly’s Coffee. www. feelfreeyogawellness.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

Neal Francis

MUSIC | FRI, FEB. 3

Neal Francis

Georgia Theatre • 8 p.m. • $22

In an age of modernism and trend-chasing, the music of Neal Francis feels, admittedly, relieving. Reaching back into vintage aesthetics and sounds built on years of sitting in with jazz and blues bands, Francis has helped to revive the ‘70s–’80s era sounds of Allen Toussaint, Fleetwood Mac and Sly & The Family Stone. Recorded on

colorful, subtle meditations on the nature he chooses to surround himself with. They feature large globs of multicolored paints applied to canvas in a form of play, an intentional decision to approach art with a beginner’s mind. Tyler Key and his backing band, The Strangers, will accompany the art opening, as well as nuanced Southern rocker Chelsea Lovitt and Rodney Sanders.

Martin’s artwork will remain on view through February. [PB] f

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Tuesday 31

event calendar

Wednesday 1 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection and are led by museum docents. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Come out for some home-​grown townie improv. Bring some interesting suggestions and a loose funny bone to help create some improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com FILM: Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain (Ciné) The premiere of this documentary will be followed by a community discussion moderated by Kimberly Davis, chair of the Historic Athens Board of Directors. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com FILM: The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1971 film about an ambassador’s wife who discovers that one of the men in her life may be a vicious serial killer. 7 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at The Local 706 (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Wednesday Game Night (International Grill & Bar) Hosted

by Game Central Station Events, there is something for all types of gamers. Systems are set up for

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performance talk by artistic director Janet Eilber will take place in the Fine Arts Building room 201 at 6:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. $50–60. pac. uga.edu SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

their little ones through amazing obstacle courses. Ages 1–4 years.

Register online. 10–11:30 a.m. $7.50 (ACC residents), $9 (non-​ ACC residents). www.accgov. com/148/Leisure-​Services KIDSTUFF: Nothing Sweeter Than You Gala (Lay Park) Dance the night away with your loved ones,

CLASSES: Basic Blacksmithing: First Time at the Forge (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks) Students will forge and assemble a wall mount rack with three hooks.

Additional skills including tapering, twisting, scrolling, riveting and more will be explained. There will also be a discussion about parts of the

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

COMEDY: IGB Comedy Night (International Grill & Bar) Enjoy a night of stand-​up comedy hosted by Lanny Farmer. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/IGBAthensGA EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) Disconnect to connect with a phone-​free, laptop-​free happy hour featuring drink specials, snacks, games and a record player.

Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www. hendershotsathens.com FILM: The Jangling Man (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2022 documentary about UK-​based artist, poet and Cleaners from Venus frontman Martin Newell. 7 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Akademia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at Amici (Amici Athens) Top three teams win prizes with free beer pitchers to winning teams between rounds. Hosted

by TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Oconee County Library Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. For ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

retro to new games, and there is space for tabletop and card games as well. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/IGBAthensGA KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive storytime featuring rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. FREE! 706-​441-​9099, www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Lego Builders Club (Bogart Library) Lego lovers of all ages are invited; Duplos, Mega Blocks and blocks will be available for younger builders under the age of 7. 3:30 p.m. FREE! 706-​441-​ 9099, www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth Poetry Open Mic (The Globe) Athens’ longest-​running spoken word event has returned the first Wednesday of every month.

Tonight’s featured reader is Theresa Davis. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/athenswordofmouth MEETINGS: Sewing Circle (Bogart Library) Bring your own sewing and crafting projects for dedicated time to work. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! 706-​441-​9099, www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

Sunday 5

Thursday 2 CLASSES: Sound Healing (Healing Arts Centre) Join Kennedy Oneself for a meditative voyage through multi-​instrumental vibration.

7:30–9 p.m. $25–45 sliding scale. www.healingartscentre.net EVENTS: Headshot Happy Hour (Graduate Athens) On the first Thursday of each month, local photographer Macy Williams hosts a headshot session featuring drinks and food. 5:30 p.m. $30. www. facebook.com/graduateathens EVENTS: Boulevard Brass Band (595 Nanthahala Ave.) Bring your band instrument, meet outdoors and rehearse songs simple enough for beginners and open to improvisation for more advanced musicians. Every Thursday, 6–8 p.m.

FREE! calclements@gmail.com GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Jon Head hosts trivia every Thursday. Win pitchers and gift certificates. 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com KIDSTUFF: Martha Graham Dance Company (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) The ensemble will perform Graham’s reimagined piece Canticle for Innocent Comedians as part of Piedmont’s Performances for Young People program. 10 a.m. $2 (students), $4 (adults). pac.uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Palentine’s Paper Crafting (Bogart Library) Come and make a “sweet” heart for your sweetheart. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Book Talk with James C. “Jim” Cobb (UGA Special Collections Library) Author James C. “Jim” Cobb will discuss his book C. Vann Woodward: America’s Historian. There will be a Q&A and book signing. Light reception to follow. Parking available in the Hull Street Deck. 4–7 p.m. FREE! www. libs.uga.edu/events/book-​talk-​cobb PERFORMANCE: Martha Graham Dance Company (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) The ensemble will perform Canticle for Innocent Comedians and Appalachian Spring. A pre-​

F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

OUTDOORS: Bird Nesting Season Presentation (Wild Birds Unlimited) In this presentation, learn how you can help the birds by providing nest boxes, platforms and suitable vegetation. RSVP to attend. 11:30 a.m. FREE! wbu511@georgia birders.com PERFORMANCE: Secrets (Canopy Studio) The advanced students present their first live performance since February 2020 in this aerial display of “Secrets.” Feb. 3, 8 p.m.

Feb. 4, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $10–20. www.canopystudio. networkforgood.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All 13th Anniversary Show (Hendershot’s) Celebrate 13 years of Athens Showgirl Cabaret at this big drag show. Open to all ages. 8–11 p.m. FREE! www. athensshowgirlcabaret.com THEATER: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Athens Academy) The Middle School Drama Department presents this classic musical.

Feb. 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2 p.m. $2 (students), $5 (adults). www.facebook.com/athensacademy

The Martha Graham Dance Company will perform Canticle for Innocent Comedians and Appalachian Spring at the UGA Fine Arts Theatre on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

Friday 3 ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-​led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries.

No experience necessary. Email to reserve a seat. Every other Friday, 9:30 a.m. gmoa-​tours@uga.edu ART: Opening Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Athens-​born artist Gary Autry shares his exhibition “The Therapeutic Nature of Travel.” 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com COMEDY: Gorgeous A$$$$CAT (work.shop) Gorgeous George’s Improv League performs an A$$$$CAT, the long-​form created by the Upright Citizens Brigade in which improvisers play out a series of scenarios inspired by true stories and recollections told by a guest monologist. This round’s monologist is Seth Hendershot. 8–9 p.m. $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Athens Wine Weekend (The Classic Center) Kicking off Athens Wine Weekend, Amuse-​ Bouche features a sampling of cooking from the most talented chefs from favorite local restaurants paired with the perfect wine.

5:30–7:30 p.m. $10–525. www. classiccenter.com KIDSTUFF: Storytime With Miss Alyssa (Brella Studio) Small children and their caregivers are invited to play, socialize and enjoy storytime with Miss Alyssa. Ages birth to 5 years. 9–10 a.m. FREE! www.brellastudio.com KIDSTUFF: Fantastic Friday (Bishop Park) An instructor supervises while a parent/caregiver leads

and enjoy light refreshments.

6:30–8 p.m. $10–15. www. accgovga.myrec.com PERFORMANCE: Martha Graham Dance Company (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) The ensemble will perform Canticle for Innocent Comedians and Appalachian Spring. A pre-​ performance talk by artistic director Janet Eilber will take place in the Fine Arts Building room 201 at 6:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. $50–60. pac. uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Secrets (Canopy Studio) The advanced students present their first live performance since February 2020 in this aerial display of “Secrets.” Feb. 3, 8 p.m.

Feb. 4, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $10–20. www.canopystudio. networkforgood.com THEATER: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Athens Academy) The Middle School Drama Department presents this classic musical.

Feb. 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2 p.m. $2 (students), $5 (adults). www.facebook.com/athensacademy

Saturday 4 ART: Opening Reception: Seth Martin (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Seth Martin’s art exhibition will be on display with musical performances

by Tyler Key & Strangers, Chelsea Lovitt and Rodney Sanders. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com CLASSES: The Birdsong with Chris Taylor (Little Rose Farm) After listening and watching birds, students will collect objects from nature to adorn gourds using the principles of design to function as a bird house. Attendees are asked to bring lunch. Ages 6 to adult. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $35–40. www.ocaf.com

anvil, blacksmith tools and design elements. All tools and materials included. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. www.greenhowhandmade.com EVENTS: 8th Annual “Do Tell” Storytelling Festival (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) This year’s Storytelling Festival will feature the comical and heart-​warming tales of Carol Cain, Antonio Rocha and Andy Offutt Irwin. 10 a.m. & 7 p.m. $5–20. www.mmcc-​arts.org EVENTS: Athens Cars & Coffee (Southern Brewing Co.) A monthly gathering for people interested in classic cars, bikes and good coffee.

12–3 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/athenscarsandcoffee EVENTS: Athens Wine Weekend (The Classic Center) Sip and sample wines from around the world, dive into one of many seminars and enjoy a multi-​course dinner.

12:30–7:30 p.m. $10–525. www. classiccenter.com EVENTS: Valentines Artist Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Come find that perfect gift for your loved one and bring your Valentine. 1–6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Elegant Salute XVII (Georgia Museum of Art) This event will kick off the Georgia Museum of Art’s 75th anniversary year with a sponsors-​level pre-​party of Gatsby-​ inspired décor, hors d’oeuvre stations and curated silent auction followed by a ticketed “Dripping in Diamonds” dance party with DJ Mahogany. 1920s-​inspired attire encouraged. 6:30 p.m.–12 a.m. $55–20,000. www.georgiamuseum. org LECTURES & LIT: Monthly Book Sale (No. 3 Railroad Street) The Friends of Oglethorpe County Library have a monthly satellite book sale. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.3railroad.org

CLASSES: Sunday Meditation in the Gallery (ATHICA) Join Cal Clements of Revolution Therapy and Yoga for two 30 minute meditations, with some ideas offered before and discussion after. All levels welcome. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Donations encouraged. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com/ booking-​and-​memberships CLASSES: UGA Salsa Club (UGA Memorial Hall) No partner necessary and no experience required for this Cuban-​style salsa class. Room 407. Every Sunday. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.ugasalsaclub.com EVENTS: 1000 Meals (Hendershot’s) Stop by for a free meal with no questions asked. 9 a.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Athens Wine Weekend (The Classic Center) Close out the weekend with brunch featuring specialty mimosas and a delicious buffet. 11:30 a.m. $10–525. www. classiccenter.com EVENTS: Rabbit Hole Sunday Market (Rabbit Hole Studios) Small businesses, artists, farmers, musicians and creative entrepreneurs will be showcased. A drumming and song circle will be held for the last two hours. Every Sunday. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.rabbitholestudios. org/markets EVENTS: Orchid Madness: Vanilla Sunday (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Orchid Madness kicks off with a family-​friendly reception where guests can build vanilla sundaes while learning about the vanilla orchid and view extraordinary orchids on display. Children ages 10 & under attend for free.

5–7 p.m. $10. www.botgarden. uga.edu FILM: Movies by Moonlight (Morton Theatre) Bring the family and enjoy The Wiz at this special indoor screening. 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (film). FREE! www.accgov. com/148/leisure-services GAMES: Dungeons and Dragons (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Join for an exciting role-​playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join

an army, go on a quest in distant lands or find hidden treasure. 3–7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ iheartmacandcheeseathens GAMES: Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with the top three teams winning a percentages off their tabs. 4–6 p.m.

FREE! www.sobrewco.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at The Foundry (The Foundry) Top three teams win prizes. Hosted by TJ Wayt. Sundays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens MEETINGS: Writing Group (Buvez) This informal get together is for creative writers. Bring your story ideas. 1:30–3:30 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/buvezathens PERFORMANCE: Secrets (Canopy Studio) The advanced students present their first live performance since February 2020 in this aerial display of “Secrets.” Feb. 3, 8 p.m.

Feb. 4, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. Feb. 5, 6 p.m. $10–20. www.canopystudio. networkforgood.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org THEATER: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Athens Academy) The Middle School Drama Department presents this classic musical.

Feb. 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2 p.m. $2 (students), $5 (adults). www.facebook.com/athensacademy

Monday 6 COMEDY: Comedy with Owen Hunt (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Laugh your way into the week with jokes from local comics and an open mic at the end of the night. 7–8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/iheart macandcheeseathens GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Dooley’s (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo GAMES: Monday Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Come enjoy trivia with Erin and win prizes. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday Story Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive story time featuring movement, songs, crafts and learning fun. Ages 3–5.

Registration suggested. 10 a.m.

FREE! 706-​441-​9099, www.athens library.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: NBA Math Hoops (Bogart Library) This biweekly program includes board games, curricula and apps that help middle school students gain math speed and fluency using the game of basketball.

5–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

Tuesday 7 CLASSES: Love Letters: Calligraphy with Cupid (Tapped Athens Wine Market) Create handwritten love letters for the special people in your life. Art supplies and instruction provided. 6:30–8 p.m. $35. www.kaartist.com EVENTS: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci in the galleries to look at and discuss art and in the studio classroom while making art and new friends. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Go online to reserve a spot. 10 a.m.

FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga.edu EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) Disconnect to connect with a phone-​free, laptop-​free happy hour featuring drink specials, snacks, games and a record player.

Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www. hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Open Mic Hosted by Turtle Grenade (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Visual artists are invited to showcase their art alongside open mic performers sharing comedy, music, poetry and more. First come first serve with sign-​ups at 8 p.m.

Hosted by Turtle Grenade every first Tuesday. 9 p.m.–12 a.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Akademia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at Amici (Amici Athens) Top three teams win prizes with free beer pitchers to winning teams between rounds.

Hosted by TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies Adult Book Club (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn and discuss it with the group. 1–2 p.m. FREE! 706-441-9099, www.athenslibrary. org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

Wednesday 8 ART: Curator Talk: “Decade of Tradition” (Georgia Museum of Art) Shawnya Harris, curator of African American and African Diasporic art, will give a tour of the exhibition “Decade of Tradition.” 2–3 p.m..

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Love Letters: Calligraphy with Cupid (Southern Brewing Co.) Create handwritten love letters for the special people in your life. Art supplies and instruction provided. 6:30–8 p.m. $35. www. kaartist.com COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Come out for some home-​grown townie improv. Bring some interesting suggestions and a loose funny bone to help create some improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com FILM: Campus A Go-​Go (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1965 Japanese film about a young guy competing in an electric guitar competition who plays American-​ style football. 7 p.m. www.flicker theatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at The Local 706 (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive storytime featuring rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. FREE! 706-​441-​9099, www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Steamsday: Ablaze with Color (Bogart Library) Learn all about artist Alma Thomas, and make colorful art inspired by her.

Best for ages 4–10. 3:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart f

music

threats & promises

Behind the Kohl’s with Futo PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com STRUM ALONG: Niño Brown released a new single last week named “Dizzy.” Longtime listeners of the artist born Cortez Garza will immediately recognize this as the first instance of the reappearance of his acoustic guitar since adopting the Brown moniker. It serves as a strong undercurrent for the nicely melodic pop-R&B track which, once heard, isn’t nearly as incongruous with his other singles as it appears on paper. I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, though—it’s time for Brown to release a full album. Singles are dandy, but it’s time for a collection of songs arranged in a specific order.

So, consider my order placed. Find this on all major streaming services, and find its video premiere on flagpole.com.

GENRE JAM: We’re smack dab in the exact middle of Aubrey Entertainment’s RPM series at Southern Brewing.

Hosting exclusively rock, punk and metal (RPM, get it?), these shows are conveniently hosted on Friday evenings.

Upcoming dates are Feb. 3 with Swear Jar, Grawks and Commune; Feb. 10 with Bleach Garden, Beat Up and Deaf Condors; Feb. 17 with Bastardane, Klept and Parathion; and Feb. 24 with Rosie & the Ratdogs, Wyld Staleyz and Sleezy Cheetah. Doors open for each of these at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. For all other questions, call ahead or bug the grown-ups involved in booking this via social media. For your convenience, the necessary information is sobrewco.com and facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainment AthensGA. SWEAT LOAF: I gotta say, I’m really digging the slow slide back into semi-anonymous music happening in certain corners of the music scene. This week’s example comes courtesy of the nearly excellent Rubber Udder, which itself comes courtesy of “SuL E. HoLmSs.” It’s been many years since this type of heavy, acid-crisped, freak-scene, heavy-metal-punk-slush was propagated in Athens, and I welcome it. The new album is named Mechanically Separated Chicken, and it’s actually the third collection of songs from Rubber Udder since 2021. I’m not even going to go into individual tracks here, but suffice it to say if you dig Butthole Surfers, Bar-B-Q Killers and/or Melvins, you should be able to cuddle up next to something here, if not the whole thing. Find it at rubberudder.bandcamp.com.

SING IT TO ME, NOW: It’s been high time for a while for Patrick Brick to release some new tunes under his Futo umbrella.

And he’s just done that with the five-song EP Behind the Kohl’s. His last release was 2021’s Outstanding in His Field.

This is perhaps the least obviously electronically oriented release from Futo, which is understandable considering his habitual collaboration with Four Eyes. That said, this doesn’t mimic the lilting acoustic heights of that project, but it does approach a similar level of emotional depth.

Significantly, listeners are able to enjoy Brick’s songwriting up front and not behind a sheen of production. Even so, this wasn’t recorded in a paper cup, and it’s a sharply produced release. Highlights here for me are the opening song “Little Life” and the surprisingly rocking title track. Explore on your own at futo.bandcamp.com.

KAZOOS AND BEATING DRUMS: What do you get when you combine one sweater, an acoustic guitar and Dunkin’ Donuts?

Neutral Milk Hotel, what else? And just in case your attention has been diverted somehow from this particularly singular Athens-via-Ruston, LA legend, the kind folks over at Merge Records have got you covered for the interminably foreseeable future. On Friday, Feb. 24 the artists’ longtime label will release the whopping 54-track vinyl release The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel. This set contains both proper NMH albums (1996’s On Avery Island and 1998’s In The Aeroplane Over The Sea), 2001’s Live at Jittery Joe’s, the EPs Everything Is (1995) and Ferris Wheel on Fire (2011), and select other bibs and bobs. All told, this is a stellar collection of a great songwriter and formidable performers that deserves all the care and attention I’m certain Merge provided. Find this at local record shops. If they don’t have it, just keep bugging them until they do. If you want, you can still pre-order directly from

the label for $156.98. If that’s your way of dealing with this type of thing, head to mergerecords.com/product/ the_collected_works_of_neutral_milk_hotel.

THEY COULD BE HEROES: Set your dials for Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Lab at Ciné, because this is a bill straight from the valley of impossible dreams: three bands that have defied all generally accepted rock music odds and come out on top. On top of the bill we’ve got the Pylon Reenactment Society, which has managed to turn every pre-conceived notion of what a tribute band is on its ear. Then we’ve got death-rockers Tears for The Dying, who have slogged it out across two decades now, but still kept their heads up and sights polished, and are now achieving breakthrough status. Finally, there’s the thoroughly authentic post-punk Go Public, which is a refreshing thrill of a band courtesy of dudes who have been in a lot of bands. Basically, these three acts have done what no one ever really does: reinvent and reimagine work so foundational it could be chiseled on City Hall; maintain a vision and purpose for 20 years, all the while battling reactions from shrugs to outright indifference; and forming the best band of the individual member’s lives decades after each began playing music. That might well be an overly romantic way to look at all this but, hell, that’s where I’m coming from. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the price is 10 bucks. f

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live music calendar Tuesday 31

Hendershot’s January Residency. 7 p.m. www. kenoshakid.com/january KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-​jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The January residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties, and also feature a special No Phone Party dark roast coffee blend.

Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

Wednesday 1 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. $20. www.georgiatheatre. com SHANE SMITH & THE SAINTS Texas songwriter with a gravelly voice and vast lyrics.

MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR Soul and country driven three-​piece.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com OPEN MIC NIGHT Discover new Athens musical talent. Hosted by Lizzy Farrell.

Thursday 2 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $20. www.40watt.com RANDALL KING Country artist embracing traditional sounds.

PALMER ANTHONY Fort Worth, TX-​based country songwriter bringing songs for the common folk.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com NEWPORT TRANSPLANT Dynamic honky-​tonk band straddling punk rock and sci-​fi wonder.

PALMYRA Virginia natives drawing from the sounds of Appalachia and midwestern America.

THE PINKERTON RAID Durham, NC-​based folk rock band weaving tales of forest legends and foreign lands.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. $15 (adv.), $18.. www.georgiatheatre.com SUSTO Southern gothic, country and electronic music inform this band united around singer Justin Osborne’s emo-​tinged lyrical themes.

HOWDY Flowing, wistful country songs from songwriter Landon Gay. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, accordion and triangle-​driven country music from Brazil, every first Thursday of the month.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $20. pac.uga.edu STUDENT CHAMBER MUSIC GALA A showcase of small ensembles.

Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

The Warehouse Athens 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www.thewarehouseathens.com SEAFORTH Nashville-​based duo of country pop songwriters named after their hometown in Australia.

Friday 3 Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com REBEKAH AND NO STRINGS ATTACHED Easy listening music.

Buvez 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/darkentriesathens DARK ENTRIES KARAOKE Sing your favorite song from a curated catalog of classic to modern goth, post-​punk, punk and industrial.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreand bar.com

LIGHTHEARTED Local alternative folk rock band anchored by twin sisters Eliza Lemmon and Gracie Huffman.

ROSE HOTEL Atlanta psych-​folk project led by singer-​songwriter Jordan Reynolds.

BRODY PRICE Dallas indie folk artist.

BRENNAN WEDL Indie country artist from Nashville singing songs inspired by journal entries and personal experiences.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. $22 (adv.), $27. www.georgiatheatre.com NEAL FRANCIS Modern songwriter embracing the soul and funk traditions of the ‘80s.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/NowhereBar Athens THE MONTVALES Cincinnati duo performing stripped down, banjo-​ and-​harmony driven songs that are equal parts honky tonk mischief and earnest meditation on friendship, heartbreak and place.

Southern Brewing Co. RPM Series. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $7 (adv.), $10 (door). www.sobrewco.com SWEAR JAR Four-​piece band from Athens exploring new horizons in punk, indie and alternative COMMÜNE Local political/feminist punk band living in revolt.

The Montvales will perform at Nowhere Bar on Friday, Feb. 3.

DANIELLE PONDER Former public defender turned R&B singer songwriter.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershots athens.com SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND A special song-​sharing event featuring Athens all-​stars Todd Cowart, Rick Fowler, Adam Payne, Ben Reynolds, Joshua Walker, Brodye Brooks, Casey King, Curt Spell and Bo Hembree.

International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA SWING THEORY Big band jazz and swing.

THE GRAWKS Punk and garage-​ inspired local rock and roll band.

VFW (Post 2872) 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/vfwpost 2872 COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic country rock band.

Saturday 4 Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com WET MEADOWS Folksy local “botanical rock” band whose subjects and characters are inspired by natural entities.

Ciné 9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY Vanessa Briscoe Hay and an all-​star cast play the music of Pylon.

GO PUBLIC New post-​punk band with an old school style.

TEARS FOR THE DYING Local death-​rock group fronted by songwriter Adria Stembridge.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Seth Martin Art Opening. 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com TYLER KEY & THE STRANGERS Multi-​instrumentalist of T. Hardy Morris, The Howdies and others plays his own set of folk rock.

CHELSEA LOVITT Nashville musician exploring political themes through the many forms of Southern music.

RODNEY SANDERS No info available.

Georgia Museum of Art Dripping in Diamonds Dance Party.

9 p.m.–1 a.m. $55–75. www.georgiamuseum.org DJ MAHOGANY Popular local DJ spins freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B and a whole lotta unexpected faves. Tonight’s dance party will be preceded by Elegant Salute XVII. Cocktail, black tie and 1920s-​inspired attire encouraged.

International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA JALEN TYRELL EBERHARDT Born and raised in Athens, Jalen has been playing saxophone since he was 11 years old.

Jackson County Historic Courthouse 7:30 p.m. $10–15. www.facebook. com/JacksonCountyJamboree JACKSON COUNTY JAMBOREE The New Apostles of Bluegrass, acoustic duo Marion Montgomery and Glyn Denham, and The Extension Chords bring boot-​stomping rhythms and barbershop quartet harmonies to the courthouse.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/NowhereBar Athens BLOODKIN Local band playing a bluesy style of roots-​rock with big guitars and sharply written lyrics.

The Root 9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA SCARLET STITCH Straight-​up rock and roll band from Athens.

Sunday 5

Rabbit Hole Studios 6 p.m.–12 a.m. Donations encouraged. www.rabbitholestudios.org FULL MOON JAM Bring an instrument or borrow one from the Rabbit Hole’s extensive collection.

Tuesday 7 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (sign-​ups), 9 p.m. (doors).

FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar. com OPEN MIC HOSTED BY TURTLE GRENADE Musicians, poets, actors, comedians and other creatives are welcome to show their talents. Each participant gets 15 minutes. Every first Tuesday of the month.

Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

Wednesday 8 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (show), 8 p.m. (show). $20, $75 reserved table. www.hendershotsathens.com GA-​20 No.1 Billboard chart-​topping blues rock trio.

NIK PARR & THE SELFLESS LOVERS High-​energy piano-​driven rock and roll with soul, funk and blues influences.

No. 3 Railroad Street 6:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org MURRAY & MAGILL Fiddlers Alan Murray and Andrew Finn Magill perform contemporary Irish music. f

VOTE FOR US!

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

Athens’ Choice for Date Night Downtown | Eastside Timothy Road

LOVE IS ALL AROUND US! Make this Valentine’s weekend the best weekend. depalmasitaliancafe.com

20th annual madison chamber

MUSIC FESTIVAL march 2 - 5, 2023

Festival Sponsor: The Brady Inn Founding Festival Sponsor:

Robert M. & Lilias, Baldwin Turnell Foundation

Scan to learn more & purchase tickets:

Thursday, March 2nd Musical Adventures of Babar, Ferdinand, and Skywalker

Hugh Hodgson School of Music

UGA WIND ENSEMBLE

P O T S r Neve a reason to

MMCC Auditorium, 4:30pm | FREE Ruby Sponsor: Betsy & Steve Briley

Friday, March 3rd Spanish Brass

MMCC Auditorium, 7:30pm | $50 Ruby Sponsors: Alla & Charles Campbell, Anonymous

Saturday, March 4th A Night at the Opera

MMCC Auditorium, 7:30pm | $50 Ruby Sponsors: Sharon & Bill Ross, Betsy & Sandy Morehouse

Sunday, March 5th Georgian Chamber Players

MMCC Auditorium, 4:00pm | $50

Ruby Sponsor: Wayne & Lee Harper Vason

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center • 434 South Main Street, Madison, GA • (706)-342-4743 • www.mmcc-arts.org

LINQUA FRANQA HIP HOP ARTIST

CHRIS MARTIN

Joseph Alessi

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC

PRINCIPAL TRUMPET

PRINCIPAL TROMBONE

FEATURING TWO WORLD PREMIERE COMPOSITIONS!

Thursday, February 16 at 8 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall, UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Rd, Athens, GA This concert is free and open to the public!

Next up for Bands: Symphonic Band/Wind Symphony on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

FLAGPOLE AD_WE-CBDNA.indd 1

1/26/23 12:19 PM

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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classifieds 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 HOUSES FOR RENT House, 3BR/2BA in Normaltown. Central air. Apartment, 2BR/1BA. Furnished.

Washer/dryer. Wi-Fi. No smokers, pets. 706-372-1505

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Athens School of Music.

Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more.

From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens schoolofmusic.com, 706543-5800.

VOICE LESSONS: Specializing in older (50+) beginners and intermediates. Gift certificates available. Contact stacie.court@ gmail.com or 706-424-9516.

MUSIC SERVICES Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428.

SERVICES CLEANING Peachy Green Clean Cooperative, your local friendly green cleaners! Free estimates. Call or go online today: 706-248-4601, www. peachygreencleancoop. com

HOME AND GARDEN Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront pricing. Free estimates. $30 Flagpole discount. Call 706-769-7761.

Same-day service available. www.plumberproservice. com

flagpole classifieds REACH OVER 30,000 READERS EVERY WEEK! Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale

Employment Vehicles Messages Personals

BASIC RATES * Individual Real Estate Business (RTS) Run-‘Til-Sold** Online Only***

Woman-Run Gardening Services: Plan(t) for Spring!

We offer bed building, maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized native & edible gardens for your home or business.

Call/Text: 706-395-5321 Need old newspapers for your garden? An art project? Maybe a new puppy? Well, there are plenty here at the Flagpole office! Call ahead and we’ll have them ready for you.

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

JOBS FULL-TIME Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, floater). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or parttime. $15–20. APPLY IN PERSON. UberPrints is now hiring for multiple positions! Both full and part-time positions available. For more information and applications, go to uberprints.com/company/ jobs Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.

OPPORTUNITIES Do you like driving, know your way around town and need some extra cash?

Flagpole needs reliable substitute drivers for when our regular drivers are out!

Email frontdesk@flagpole. com to be included in emails about future Distribution opportunities. Ability to follow instructions, attention to detail and Tuesday availability required! Previous delivery experience preferred.

Purchased in 1999, hibernating local startup MrJacket.com is waking up and seeking a highly qualified programmer to build an online platform (portal) demo, and more. The compensation is in stock options only. Don’t apply unless you have the time to commit. Contact Richard@ MrJacket.com UU Fellowship of Athens seeks a Video Tech for at least one Sunday morning/ month. Learn more at uuathensga.org/employment Flagpole ♥s our donors.

White Tiger is now hiring for all positions at the Athens and Watkinsville locations!

No experience necessary. Email work history or resume to catering@whitetigergourmet.com

PART-TIME Join a diverse, inclusive workplace, and get paid to type! 16–40 hours M–F. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for.

Must type 65+ wpm, wear mask, show proof of vaccination. Work independently.

No customer interaction.

Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com Find employees by advertising in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301.

COVID testing available in West Athens (3500 Atlanta Hwy. Mon– Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & Sat., 8 a.m.–12 p.m. At the old Fire Station on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. & Mitchell Bridge Rd. near Aldi and Publix.) Pre-registration is highly encouraged! Visit www. publichealthathens.com for more information.

Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! It can be for you or a pal who just moved out of town. $50 for six months or $90 for one year. Call 706-549-0301 or email frontdesk@flagpole. com.

NOTICES MESSAGES All Georgians over six months of age are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 5+ are eligible for boosters! Call 706-3400996 or visit www.publichealthathens.com for more information.

ADOPT ME!

Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

$10 per week $14 per week $16 per week $40 per 12 weeks $5 per week

*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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

Ashley (59251)

Ashley is a 5-month-old sweetie with the cutest ears you’ve ever seen! She’s playful, mildmannered and loves to cuddle.

Call today and make Ashley yours!

Sheera (58202)

All SEVEN of Sheera’s pups have found loving homes, now it’s her turn! She loves playing fetch (tennis balls are her fave!) and knows how to sit and shake.

Stella (59052)

Rain or shine, Stella is always ready to play! She’s a smart and happy girl who can always put a smile on your face but needs to be the only furry friend in the home.

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

3

BANANAS CLEANER

1 8 1 3

4 2 5

4 2 4

8

9 5

6

3 8 9 1 5 6

2

7

3

MENTION “BANANAS CLEANER” AT CHECK OUT AND GET 20% OFF.

VOTE FOR US

5 6

Copyright 2023 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 1/30/23 - 2/5/23

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

14

6 8 26 1 30 3 37 2 42 5 4 51 9 56 7

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

15

7 23 9 2 1 8 4 6 53 5 3

9 2 5 31 7 4 3 46 1 6 57 8

3 7 28 6 5 1 8 47 9 54 2 4

4 1 8 238 643 9 7 3 5

61

12

13

35

36

59

60

19

Solution to 21 Sudoku:

5 4 27 3 9 7 6 8 52 1 2

11

16

18

17 20

6

1 5 9 439 3 7 2 8 6

8 3 732 6 944 2 5 4 158

22

224 6 4 840 5 1 48 3 7 9

25 29 33

34

41 45 49

50 55

63

62

64

65

66

67

68

69

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Host's request 51 Rapper Lil ___ X 5 Freshwater 54 Get through catch 56 Gum-yielding tree 10 Advance, 58 Tolerates slangily 61 Dictatorial 14 Whitish gemstone 63 Good-for-nothing 15 Awaken 64 Nursery item 16 Pricing word 65 Historic period 17 Yellowfin, e.g.

66 Drop-off spot 18 What a teacher 67 Kitchen items takes 68 Slow on the 20 Life-and-death uptake 22 Nitwit 69 Appear (to be) 23 Now and then 25 "___ you nuts?"

DOWN 26 Dickensian cry 1 School military 28 Heads off org.

30 Chilled 2 Prompt 32 "Yadda, yadda, 3 Fading away yadda" 4 "The Republic" 33 Congregation's author cry 5 Skipper's pursuer 37 Ring-shaped 6 Do a tire job 40 Part of a 7 Last longer than heartbeat 8 Type of tax 42 Latest fad 9 Inclination 43 Cork sound 10 Stitched line 45 Contract 11 Bamboo lover specifics 12 Come to pass 46 Pull apart 13 Kind of song or 50 Pub crawler park

19 Furniture covering?

21 Motivate 24 Big Apple team 26 Wild swine 27 Tolstoy heroine 29 Appease fully 31 Stage prompts 34 Dots-and-dashes 35 "Blondie" boy 36 Arboreal abode 38 Faced the judge 39 Equine color 41 Locomotive power 44 Robert of "The Music Man" 47 Large-scale 48 Storage spots 49 Throat soother 51 Civil rights org.

52 Honda's luxury line 53 Gown material 55 Canterbury stories 57 Corn cores 59 Bigger than big 60 Petunia part 62 Donkey Kong, for one

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

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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CURB YOUR APPETITE Here are restaurants that are open and waiting for your order!

FOR

VOTE FOR US FOR FLAGPOLE FAVORITE MEXICAN/ LATIN AMERICAN

LUMPKIN & CEDAR SHOALS 706 -355-7087

VOTE FOR

JINYA

AS YOUR FAVORITE ASIAN/ TAKEOUT RESTAURANT

SUN–THU 11am–10pm FRI–SAT 11am–11pm

PIZZA • CALZONES • PASTA CRAFT BEER • WINE

VOTE FOR US FOR FAVORITE SEAFOOD/SUSHI RESTAURANT

LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT!

TACO TUESDAY SPECIAL EVERY TUESDAY! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Taco Spot!

4272 Old Danielsville Rd. 706-850-6355

VOTE FOR TED’S AS YOUR FAVORITE MON – THURS FRI – SUN

11:00AM – 9:30PM 11:00AM – 10:30PM

254 W. WASHINGTON

HOURS

220 WEST BROAD ST. ATHENS, GA • 706-395-6611

Hours Monday: closed Tuesday: 4-10 Wednesday: 4-10 Thursday: 4-10 Friday: 4-11 Saturday: 4-11 Sunday BRUNCH: 11:30-3

HOURS

VOTUES!

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS •

LOMO S A LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S •

TEDSMOSTBEST.COM

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN Online Ordering • Curb-side pick-up • Box catering Homemade Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, and Desserts

Love yourself and Eat Fresh with Em’s 975 Hawthorne Ave • 706-206-9322 emskitchenathawthorne.com

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023

VOTE FOR US FOR FAVORITE TACOS

Argentine - Southern Fusion

Empanadas · Lomo · Soups · Cheesesteak · Cupcakes · Patio Dining Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options · Kid Friendly

HAPPY HOUR 3-5 EVERYDAY 195 PRINCE AVENUE 706-850-8706

247 Prince Avenue · 706-850-8284

♥

VOTE FOR US FOR FAVORITE SEX POSITIVE BUSINESS

♥

F E B R U A R Y 1, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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