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DECEMBER 27, 2023 · VOL. 37 · NO. 51 · FREE & JA NUARY 3, 2024

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s ar e Y 6 3 of Good Food and Good Times in Athens, Ga

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

Many Thanks!

this week’s issue

contents

MIKE WHITE · DEADLYDESIGNS.COM

Mercyland, fronted by David Barbe, is playing Dec. 31 at Nowhere Bar accompanied by Shehehe and The Stacks. For more music-inspired New Year’s Eve plans, see the Live Music Calendar on p. 8.

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

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Georgia Legislature Preview

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

ARTS & CULTURE: Flag Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The Existential Bowl

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

Everybodies Photobook Release SPECIAL SECTION: Slackpole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Flagpole Readers Share

Hidden Gem

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PUBLISHER Pete McCommons PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Fabienne Mack, Jessica Pritchard Mangum CITY EDITOR Blake Aued ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth G. Alder, Cy Brown, Liz Conroy, Bowen Craig, Summer Diane, Jill Hartmann, Hattie Huszagh, Kathryn Kyker, Rob McNiff, Drew Nicholson, Josh Nickerson, Peggy Sharr, P.W. Shelton, Eric Somerville CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf EDITORIAL INTERNS Analiese Herrin, Xinge Lei PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel

WASHINGTONSQUARESTUDIO.COM

706.395.6633 Home Base For Disruptive Beauty

COVER ART from the 2023 Flagpole covers

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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

Hidden Gem is now open at 625 Barber St. with plenty of dive-bar character. Normaltown Brewing is planning a move and expansion this spring to the lot that formerly housed Jittery Joe’s Roasting Co. Southern Brewing Co. is opening a new taproom in the William early 2024. Home.made on Baxter Street is launching Bar Sober on Wednesdays starting Jan. 3.

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Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,500 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $100 a year, $55 for six months. © 2023 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 37 ISSUE NUMBER 51

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

See “New Bar Hidden Gem Is Open and More Booze News” at flagpole.com.

Happy New Year ! The Flagpole office will be closed from Dec. 25th - Jan. 2nd

DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

SCAN THE CODE F O R A LL OF OU R IN FO

A C U P U NC T U R E F ROM A RELAXING R ES ET TO A DEE P DI VE I NT O COMP L E X ME DI CAL P ATTER NS , DR. J ANA CAN HE L P !

M I C RO N EE DL I N G E FFE CT IVELY T R EATS ACNE, S CARS , WRI NKL ES , AGE SP OT S , HAIR LOS S , S TRE TCH MARKS , AND S O MUCH MORE !

L I GH T T HE R APY ENJ OY A NE W HI GH P OWER ED LI GHT T HERAPY DEVICE WI T H OVER 15,00 0 LUME NS , AND 7 DIFFERENT L I GHT WAVE L E NGT HS ADDI TI ONA L OFFER IN GS : CUPPING, GUASH A, MO XA , D IE TARY SU PPORT, SUP PLEM ENTS, FUN CT IO NAL ANALY S IS OF L AB WO RK

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RedBirdAthens.com RedBirdAthens@gmail.com

JAN. 4-7 The garden is offering a special event for the new year, WonderLights Disco Nights. Disco Nights will allow visitors to experience the garden light show while grooving to disco hits. Purchase tickets at wonderlights.uga.edu.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

news

city dope

ning for a disaster response-like “housing surge” in the event that the number of unhoused people spikes rapidly. A third RFP would include diversion programs for those in danger of losing housing, as well as rapid rehousing, incentives for landlords to accept homeless tenants and employment partnerships. By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Although the commission has already approved spending the federal funding More tax cuts and another effort to pass on homelessness and accepted a commisstudents in the bottom 25% of public school vouchers are at the top of Republican schools $6,500 to attend private school or sion-approved study with recommendastate legislators’ agenda for the General tions on how to spend the funds, some homeschool. “It was very tailored for stuAssembly session starting Jan. 8, Athenscommissioners raised questions or objecdents in failing schools,” Gaines said. area lawmakers said at a Chamber of tions at the Dec. 14 work session. Most Critics say vouchers take much-needed Commerce breakfast earlier this month. notably, Commissioner Dexter Fisher said funds away from public schools. “It’s Last year the legislature passed two $1 he would not vote for the plan as presented like Fascism 101,” Clarke County Board billion tax-cut bills, one cutting the income because he wanted to combine the three of Education member Mark Evans, who tax rate and another giving tax rebates RFPs into one, and to attended the Dec. 16 to property owners. State Rep. Houston give the chosen nonbreakfast, told Flagpole. Gaines (R-Athens) said he’d like to reduce profit the money upfront “Quote me on that.” the income tax rate further, to 5%. rather than reimburse Other issues the trio “In the face of 40-year high inflation, expenses, as is typical for of lawmakers said they we’re doing everything we can to make sure will tackle include tort federal contracts. Georgians are getting money back that’s Qualifications listed reform and housing. But their money,” Gaines said. (While inflation by ACC for a successful sports betting isn’t on did hit a high of 9% in June 2022, it was bidder include: being an the agenda, according down to 3.1% in November.) officially recognized nonto Cowsert. It wouldn’t With $16 billion in reserve funds, the profit, currently serving bring in a significant state government has an $11 billion surACC residents, having amount of revenue, and plus going into 2024. Gov. Brian Kemp at least a year’s experiit’s lobbyists rather than has already announced that state employence, and demonstrating constituents who are ees, including teachers and UGA faculty a capacity to meet the asking for it. “I think and staff, will receive a $1,000 bonus in stringent performance most people who want to their holiday paychecks. “We are rolling and reporting requiredo sports betting already in the money now,” said Sen. Bill Cowsert ments for federal grants. have their own bookie State Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) County regulators ran (R-Athens). and do it,” he said. If it By law the state is only allowed to keep into issues when the happens, Cowsert added, 15% of its yearly budget—about $5 bilcommission awarded seven-figure federal it should be put before voters as a constitulion—in reserves. Democrats want to spend tional amendment and include strong progrants to inexperienced organizations with that money on programs like K-12 educathe recent homeless camp and eviction tections against problem gambling. tion and expanding Medicaid, but they are prevention program that would have been Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) also outnumbered by Republicans who want to compounded if money were disbursed attended the breakfast. Rep. Spencer Frye spend it on tax cuts. “We need to be return- (D-Athens) was visiting family out of state, upfront—it is more difficult to claw back ing your money instead of stockpiling it,” and Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) once it is spent. Cowsert said. An agency could bid on all three conwas attending his daughter’s graduation. Meanwhile, generous tax credits for tracts, but one that knows how to build a Georgia’s growing film and TV industry may shelter may not know how to provide social be adjusted but are not likely to be elimiservices, Melinda Lord, assistant direcnated, according to Cowsert, who serves tor of the ACC Housing and Community on an ad hoc committee that’s looking at Development Department, told commisThe Athens-Clarke County Commission the state’s many tax breaks for various sioners. “The types of activities are so differis set to vote Jan. 2 on a plan to distribute industries. At a hearing earlier this year, ent,” she said. nearly $5 million to local nonprofits to help UGA economist Jeff Humphreys told the the city’s unhoused population. committee that tax breaks should be aimed “We are now in the phase where we will at emerging industries rather than mature start to allocate funds and begin impleones like film and TV. The industry pushed menting, so this is a big deal,” assistant back, producing a study that pegged film county manager Niki Jones said at a work and TV productions’ economic impact at $4.4 billion, and said Georgia will soon have session earlier this month. The federal the second-most stufunding, through dio space of any state It’s a heck of a film business Democrats’ American besides California we have here in Georgia. Rescue Plan Act (including Athena passed in 2021, will Studios in Athens). be divided into three parts, according to a Another report commissioned by the state found that film and TV created 60,000 jobs, plan county officials presented to commissioners. The big-ticket item will be $2.2 milbut virtually all those productions would lion for a new homeless shelter, addressing leave Georgia without the tax credits, mova shortage of beds. ing to competing states like Texas instead. The most recent point-in-time count “We learned a lot,” Cowsert said of the committee’s work. “It’s a heck of a film busi- last February found a total of 342 homeless individuals, with 177 unsheltered. There are ness we have here in Georgia. a total of 167 shelter beds in Athens and 63 “I think we’re headed more toward tax reform than [ending] tax breaks,” he added. transitional units, leaving a gap of least 112 beds. The biggest need, according to a conAfter a House vote narrowly failed last sultant’s study, is for “low barrier” beds that year, Republicans will also try again to accept people regardless of their criminal pass vouchers for K-12 students to attend histories, substance abuse or mental health private school. “Something I think we’ve problems, along with associated services to got to do is provide choice for students and families,” said Gaines, who attended private help those individuals. A second request for proposals would Athens Academy. cover street outreach, health care and planThe bill would have given families with

More Tax Cuts on the Way? A PREVIEW OF THE GEORGIA LEGISLATURE’S 2024 SESSION

Millions Available to Help Homeless

Assuming they are approved Jan. 2, the RFPs would be released Jan. 8, and nonprofits would have until Mar. 8 to apply for funds. The commission would then choose the winning bidders at its May 7 meeting. Time is of the essence—ARPA funds must be appropriated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026, or returned to the federal government.

CHaRM Hours Change; Compost Pilot Program Starts Hours at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials will change starting Jan. 2. The CHaRM, located off College Avenue north of downtown, will be open from 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 12–6 p.m. on Wednesdays. The changes were made to avoid being open in darkness during the winter and during the hottest hours in the summer; to give staff two days off in a row (Sundays and Mondays); to make the hours more consistent; and to ensure that the center is open outside of traditional working hours, Athens-Clarke County Waste Reduction Administrator Joe Dunlop said. The ACC Solid Waste Department is also conducting a composting pilot program in Boulevard and Normaltown in partnership with the UGA New Materials Institute. Residents of those neighborhoods—bordered roughly by the Loop to the north, Barber and Pulaski streets to the east, Broad Street to the south and Hawthorne Avenue to the west—can sign up at accgov. com/composttrial for curbside compost pickup starting in February. The service will run until May, and there is no charge. For those outside the pilot zone, ACC has six dropoff locations for food scraps and compostable paper products at the CHaRM (1005 College Ave.), UGA Health Sciences Campus (1001 Bowstrom Road), the Solid Waste office (725 Hancock Industrial Way), the ACC Landfill (5700 Lexington Road), the ACC Extension Office (275 Cleveland Road) and the UGArden (2500 S. Milledge Ave.). Compostable items must be loose or in a paper bag. ACC sells compost for gardens at the landfill for $20 a cubic yard. f

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DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

A Patient’s Guide to Cancer was written for newly diagnosed cancer patients, their families and friends with the goal of demystifying the processes underlying the disease and explaining how recent discoveries translate into promising new approaches to therapy. “... While some science is involved in the book’s fast discussions, they are generally accessible—thanks, in great part, to McDonald’s clear, concise prose… complex medical concepts and treatments are explained with speed and in a way that is easy to understand” (Foreword- reviews of books since 1998, 3/23/2023) …Most of the topics were not only comprehensible but also fascinating and engaging. I have always been interested in how cancer works, and this book sparked my interest… This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars because it will educate many people about cancer and the various therapies that can be used to treat it. (Online book club review, 3/28/2023)

John F. McDonald is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Founding Director of the Integrated Cancer Research Center at Georgia Institute of Technology. He was Chief Scientific Officer of the Ovarian Cancer Institute (Atlanta) from 1999-2023. Dr. McDonald received his PhD from the University of California, Davis and did post-doctoral work at the University of California, San Diego and at Columbia University’s Cancer Research Center in New York. Dr. McDonald is author of over 200 scientific publications, editor of 3 books, and co-author of the genetics text The Science of Genetics. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the recipient of numerous teaching and research awards.

Cancer Today Ad.indd 1

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

8/19/23 10:19 AM

arts & culture

flag football

arts & culture

feature

The Existential Bowl

Everybodies

By Cy Brown news@flagpole.com

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

GEORGIA AND FSU PLAY A MEANINGLESS GAME DEC. 30

After two glorious seasons at the height of sport, the Georgia Bulldogs were shut out of the College Football Playoff and have rejoined the hoi polloi in College Football Limbo: bowl season. The Dawgs take on Florida State in the Orange Bowl, Dec. 30 in Miami, a game neither team nor fanbase has much interest in playing. There was a time when this would’ve been a cause for celebration for both Dawg and ’Nole faithful. The Orange Bowl was one of the premier bowl games, and an invitation meant you were unequivocally one of the best teams in college football

player. But this is part of the design. Kirby Smart typically signs more than 25 players in a recruiting class with a scholarship limit of 85. Basic math says some guys have to leave, especially when it’s likely Smart will add some players through the transfer portal. It also helps that Carson Beck has announced his intention to return for another season instead of jumping to the NFL. That decision shapes the entire complexion of the offseason. He’ll be playing in the Orange Bowl, which will be a huge boon. There’s been no word on whether Brock

THE INCLUSIVE PHOTOBOOK EXPLORING SELF-RELATIONSHIPS

ANDREW SHEARER

TONY WALSH / UGA ATHLETICS

t’s not often you hear someone call themselves an “accessory” as opposed to an “ally,” defining that as someone offering up their skill sets to allow others to put themselves and their ideas out into the world. But that’s what Andrew Shearer authentically declares, with the creative work to back it up. Known as the founder of the feminist filmmaking collective Gonzoriffic and as a local journalist for the Athens BannerHerald, Shearer is putting another of his crafts on display with the Jan. 5 release of his nude photography and interview book Everybodies. The book features the stories of 22 diverse people—women, nonbinary and trans individuals of different sexualities and ethnicities—told through the pairing of two photos and an interview exploring the overarching question, “How has your relationship with your body changed over time?” Although Shearer asked each participant the same three questions, their interviews are not transcribed Q&A style, but as the subjects talking and sharing their personal experiences. Most of the people are Athens locals, although there are some from Atlanta, where Shearer grew up, and a few people from Knoxville, TN. The common Jo denominator is that everyone involved is a friend of his. For strategic reasons, everyone in the book is also between the ages of 30 and mid-50s. “There’s this idea of women as they get older… like, there’s something wrong with seeing images of them with their clothes off. I think it’s because the body is sexualized and culture, which is a problem obviously, because there’s nothing sexual about the body at all. I feel like people need to see this. People need to hear these stories and the people that did it. It was a very powerful experience for them,” says Shearer. “A lot of people might look at what they did and think it’s brave, but it shouldn’t be an audacious act to just be your 100% self, you know?” Everybodies is Shearer’s first experience publishing his work, but it’s not his first nude photography project. It all began with a maternity shoot for a close friend who felt more comfortable getting what she wanted with Shearer behind the camera, and that friend makes an appearance in this book. Having amassed a large collection of photos with supportive friends after that, Shearer exhibited galleries at Ciné in 2009 and the

The good news is, Carson Beck will play in the Orange Bowl and return next year.

that season. A win meant you might just be named national champion. That’s how it was in the sport for nigh on a century. But college football has changed. For teams that consider themselves part of the game’s upper crust—as both we and Florida State do—anything less than a berth in the CFP is considered a consolation prize. As unfortunate as we may feel to find ourselves in this position instead of competing for a title, imagine being a Florida State fan. We have the last two national titles to keep us warm, and we held our destiny in our hands when we lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. The ’Noles went 13-0 with an ACC title and were deemed not sufficient to compete for a national championship because star quarterback Jordan Travis had the gall to get injured late in the season. The prize? A meaningless game between two teams that are shells of what they were at their best this season because of injuries, transfers and NFL opt outs. This will not be the 12-1 two-time reigning champion Georgia Bulldogs vs. the 13-0 ACC champion Florida State Seminoles, but rather a couple teams that sort of look like them if you squint. On the Georgia side, we are seeing a lot of necessary attrition. So far, at time of writing, 16 Georgia players have entered the transfer portal, with five of those players already finding new homes. I have seen some panic over the sheer number of players transferring, as well as the caliber of

Bowers or Ladd McConkey will make the move to the NFL, though Bowers is a foregone conclusion to most. There’s also been no word on their Orange Bowl status either, at time of writing, so we’re working with incomplete data when trying to look ahead both to the game and next season. Florida State’s status is considerably clearer. Though the ’Noles have had less attrition through the portal, the top of their roster has been decimated by opt-outs for the NFL Draft. WR Johnny Wilson, RB Trey Benson, TE Jaheim Bell and DT Fabien Lovett will all sit out. Star WR Keon Coleman and DE Jared Verse could join that contingent, as well as a few others. We have lost depth, but FSU has lost a plurality of its best players, especially when you add the injured Travis to that mix. With nothing of value at stake between two teams that are shadows of themselves, and the age of bowl relevance passed, the only thing to play for is preparation for next season. Between an expanded SEC and an expanded CFP, what a season it is shaping up to be. The recently released full schedule features a neutral-site game against Clemson, plus trips to play Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Texas in Austin—both participants in this year’s CFP. We’ve also got to go to Oxford and face Ole Miss, who would’ve made a 12-team playoff, the format starting next year. A new era in college football is almost upon us. Let’s finish the old one with a win, even if it is meaningless. f

now-closed Trio Contemporary Art Gallery in 2017. Earlier this year, Shearer was talking with a close friend, whose children have grown up with his own, about his inspiration to publish some of his raw and vulnerable work. She replied that she’s been telling him he should do a book for a long time, then the conversation turned to how much her body, as a dancer, has changed post-COVID. The discussion led to Shearer’s first interview and photoshoot, shaping the process for the rest of the book. For Shearer, it was important that the photoshoots took place in places each person was comfortable with, often their homes, with the support of whoever made them feel comfortable and empowered. The main artistic goal was to capture each person as their casual, un-posed, authentic self. “Every single one of them said that they felt incredible afterward. They said that it changed the way they saw themselves, and it changed the way that they felt about being naked,” says Shearer. Now that Everybodies has been completed, Shearer sees this as an opportunity to continue the project at least every 10 years. As these people continue to age and their relationship with their body evolves, it’s great timing to catch up with everyone involved and update their story. Shearer adds, “That’s going to be more punk rock the older that we get.” The release of Everybodies will be celebrated with an event at Ciné on Jan. 7 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be for sale, which is available only in print and not digital. Many of the people featured in the book will be in attendance, and Shearer plans to have a conversation on stage with some of those involved to give the audience a chance to better understand the process and the people. “This book—it doesn’t hurt anybody to have a picture of you taken with your clothes off. It only helps make you more powerful. That’s been my takeaway from doing this,” says Shearer. f

WHO: Everybodies Book Release and Panel Talk WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 7:30–9:30 p.m. WHERE: Ciné HOW MUCH: FREE!

DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

live music calendar 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.

Thursday 28 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GARETT HATCH Garage rock with psychedelic tones. EP release show for Stories! SUTURE SELF A distillation of art rock, funky jazz and Latin-infused disco. First show! PATRICK BARRY Local songwriter weaving stories with his baritone voice and intricate fingerstyle. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com BIG BAND ATHENS 18-member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s. Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Friday 29 Ciné Wrap It Up Show: Bye Bye 2023. 8 p.m. $15–20. www.athenscine.com HUSTLERS BY NATURE Motorhead2x, Quezzy Poet and Helluva Swagg perform. HITMAN SAMMY SAM Atlanta artist sharing his new album, Grady Baby, that drops Christmas Day. TONY B Longtime Athens rapper with a smart, polished style. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flicker theatreandbar.com THE HERNIES Athens funk-rock outfit of trippy, sound-bending music. NIHLIST CHEERLEADER Raw riot grrrl-inspired punk that’s a pitch- perfect blend of snotty and sunny, earnest and sardonic. PERVERT Brilliantly wrecked, inner core-heavy rock. HUNGER ANTHEM Indie garage rock trio from Athens with head banging energy.

Saturday 30 @local. Coffeehouse & Study Lounge 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.localonchurch. com CLINT BUSSEY Solo originals and covers ranging between folk, rock and grunge. 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $10. www.40watt.com HAYRIDE Long-running local three-piece rock band led by guitarist Kevin Sweeney. DONKEY PUNCH Raucous, long- running local hard-rock band. Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com CHRIS WAYNE Greenville, SC- based, 1950s-influenced Americana country and blues artist.

Buvez 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/buvez_ athens BEAT UP Local punks resisting the darkest timeline. ANARCHY FOR ASSHOLES OG crusty punks from Oklahoma City playing low and slow Oi. 69 DUDES Athens misfits on a mission to write 69 punk songs, each exactly 69 seconds long. Ciné 9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com SNUKI Local hardcore punk band fronted by Thomas Kim. GASKET Baltimore band blending crust punk, old school hardcore and metal touring behind a new EP, Dull the Needle. AGENCY West Virginia hardcore influenced by Cursed, His Hero is Gone and Baptists. IXIAN Harsh blackened noise project by Daniel Shroyer. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com CAUGHY Atlanta-based artist combining assorted synthesizers, drum machines and vocals to create simple yet charmingly vulnerable productions. AIDEN PRINCE No info available. JAC No info available. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20. www.georgiatheatre.com THE PINK STONES Local cosmic country band with a lighthearted, twangy charm. ELIJAH JOHNSTON Athens-based emo singer-songwriter with hooky guitar-driven tunes. LILLY HIATT Lighthearted Nashville indie-rock artist with a pop twist. CLOVER COUNTY Local singer- songwriter whose wandering feminine sound is inspired by soft indie pop. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture Annual Holiday Bash. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25, $50 (VIP). bit.ly/RandallDec30 THE RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND This established Georgia singer-songwriter’s Southern- tinged music pulls from a variety of influences. Tonight’s performance will include the Megablasters. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens FIVE EIGHT Legendary Athens band known for its boisterous, thoughtful rock and roll. The Root 8 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens.com SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away. Soldier of the Sea Distillery Pre-New Year’s Eve Party. 6 p.m.–11 a.m. FREE! www.soswhiskey.com COMER STRING COLLECTIVE Live string music.

Sunday 31 Athentic Brewing Co. Motown NYE Party. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. bit.ly/AthenticNYE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Ciné Dance Macabre: New Year’s Eve Goth Night Dance Party. 9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com DJ CROWE DJ spinning hip hop, electronic, industrial and more. DJ TOMB LILY Adria Stembridge of Tears for the Dying spins deathrock, post-punk, goth and more. DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video spins danceable tracks full of doom and gloom. Flicker Theatre & Bar NS Family Vinyl New Years Eve. 8 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.com

DJ MAHOGANY Popular local DJ spins freaky funk, sultry soul, righteous R&B and a whole lotta unexpected faves. Tonight’s event includes a Mellow Mushroom pizza buffet and midnight toast. The World Famous New Year’s Eve Cover Show. 9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens MURDER THE MOOD A tribute to My Chemical Romance. THE GETAWAY COMPANY Covering System of a Down. GHOUL HAND The best of The Misfits.

DYLAN SCHNEIDER Pop country singer with a rock and roll edge. Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Friday 5 Buvez 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/buvezathens 3 EXITS TO HATTIESBURG Touring Connecticut pop-punk trio with a twinge of ’90s retro alt sound.

FAIRIES Chaos folk from Columbia, SC. COWBOY KEROUAC & THE BAREBACKS Athens queer anarcho cowpunk. HERE BE MONSTERS Folk-punk solo act with history-laden lyricism atop melodic guitar wizardry. Spaceball Bazaar Bog-Art Fest. 5 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/spaceballentertainment ORIGINAL HAMSTERS Album release show! MARISA LEILANI Muralist and visual artist performs on acoustic guitar.

GARRETT CARDOSO

Wednesday 27

The Pink Stones will perform at The Georgia Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 30. JR GREEN Music promoter, former venue owner and DJ known as JR Superstar. MONTY GREENE Electronic artist with crisp, powerful dance tracks. NATE MITCHELL Local DJ spins a patchwork of ’50s/’60s soul/R&B, garage rock, psychedelic and more. WYATT NICHOLSON DJ Other Voices, Other Rooms spinning a love letter to Go Bar full of ’80s techno-pop and Cocteau Twins. ELLIS G No info available. Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $35 (adv.), $40. www.georgiatheatre. com RUMOURS A Fleetwood Mac tribute band dedicated to honoring the legacy of the classic band. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/Nowhere BarAthens MERCYLAND Recently revitalized post-punk band originally formed in 1985 and fronted by David Barbe. SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere. THE STACKS New Orleans-based rock and roll party band founded in 1999. Oak House Distillery 3:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com DIXIELAND FIVE New Orleans style jazz band with trumpet, trombone, clarinet, piano, sousaphone, drums and featured vocalist Liam Parke. Southern Brewing Co. New Year’s Eve Bash. 7 p.m.–1 a.m. $50. bit.ly/sobrewconye

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

Tuesday 2 Ciné 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every first, third and fifth Tuesday.

Wednesday 3 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. Porterhouse Grill 6–8:30 p.m. www.porterhousegrill athens.com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens captained by drummer Mason Davis performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Thursday 4 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues and Brews Residency. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-driven local blues- rock group. Every first Thursday of the month. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $30. www.georgiatheatre.com NATE SMITH Nashville country artist with a mix of gritty backwoods soul and rock and roll swagger.

CITY PLAYGROUNDS Atlanta indie rock group with a mix of influences across the spectrum of soul and art rock. PARKING GARAGE Local self- proclaimed “salt rock” band, mixing Midwest emo platitudes with dance punk attitudes. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com LIAM BAUMAN Nashville-based acoustic guitarist and singer- songwriter blending ambient pop and lo-fi indie rock. GRACIE HUFFMAN Singer- songwriter of the Athens-based band lighthearted. MASON THOMAS No info available. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com LITTLE MAE A sibling duo with soothing, gentle pop harmonies. WOMEN IN STEM Young trio that got its start through Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped program. OPERATION PARALYSIS No info available. Southern Brewing Co. First Fridays. 5–10 p.m. (event), 6–9 p.m. (music). www.sobrewco.com WADE NEWBURY Easy listening tunes and classics on guitar. First Fridays include a food truck and mini market of local vendors.

Saturday 6 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com HENRY LUTHER & COCAINE

JD PINKUS Longtime Butthole Surfers member playing psychedelic, punky “spacegrass” on banjo.

Sunday 7 ACC Library Live at the Library. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org DIXIELAND FIVE New Orleans style jazz band with trumpet, trombone, clarinet, piano, sousaphone, drums and featured vocalist Liam Parke. No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. www.3railroad.org OPEN MIC Held the first Sunday of every month. Picnics, chairs, dogs and children are welcome.

Tuesday 9 Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Josh Allen, Seth Hendershot and various guests.

Wednesday 10 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.f

event calendar

Wednesday 27

ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (Starland Lounge & Lanes) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons that meet a variety of dance abilities, including beginners. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/ intermediate). $10. SALSAthens Dancing@gmail.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com OUTDOORS: ‘Normal’ Run (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Athens Road Runners for a 1–3 mile run that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing. Every other Wednesday, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

Thursday 28 COMEDY: Standup Comedy (The Root) Enjoy a lineup featuring touring comic Jay Light as well as Keonna Scott and Lanny Farmer, hosted by Owen Hunt. Registration required. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-

in-five-points-with-jay-light- tickets-686952522487 EVENTS: Diamond Hill Farm Stand (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vegetables and fresh flowers are available on hand and pre-ordered. Every Thursday, 4–6 p.m. www.diamondhill farmathens.com FILM: Tween Movie (Bogart Library) Screening of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe film. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library) Join club members to watch and discuss episodes of “Future Boy Conan,” “Crossing Time” and more. 6:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.animefandom.org GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

Friday 29 EVENTS: Beloved Apothecary’s Sacred Space (1001 Winterville Rd.) This week’s gathering serving alcohol alternative beverages will highlight shamanic journeying with Stephanie. Fridays, 6 p.m. $20 suggested donation. www.instagram. com/beloved_apothecary FILM: Silent Films and Cocktails (Hendershot’s) Settle in with a drink for a night of silent film showings. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery Free Dinner (Living Hope Church) Christ-centered 12-step program

to help anyone with heart hurt, hang-up or habit. Free childcare, and bus route accessible. 5:30 p.m. (dinner), 6:30 p.m. (large group). FREE! 706-207-2396

Saturday 30 EVENTS: All Day New Years Eve Eve (Bogart Library) Come hang out and play board games and card games with your friends. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart FILM: Silent Films and Cocktails (Hendershot’s) Settle in with a drink for a night of silent film showings. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KIDSTUFF: Mythology of the Planets (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Attendees will journey through the night sky, exploring the great beyond and learning about moons. Ages 5 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. $5 (ACC residents), $7.50 (non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (ACC Library) Authors Brigette A. Herron and Scott Creney discuss and sign copies of their book The Story of the B-52s: Neon Side of Town. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com

Wednesday 3 ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org KIDSTUFF: Icy Investigations: Winter Science Extravaganza (Rocksprings Community Center) Explore the wonders of science with a day filled with experiments, crafts and games. Ages 6–12. Registration required. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (resident), $22.50 (non-resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com KIDSTUFF: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials.

All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

Thursday 4 ART: Opening Reception (Ciné) Art by Don Chambers will be on display. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. cineathens.com COMEDY: ASSSSCAT (Hendershot’s) Flying Squid improvisers perform longform improvised scenes inspired by a guest monologist, Noell Appling. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Diamond Hill Farm Stand (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vegetables and fresh flowers are available on hand and pre-ordered. Every Thursday, 4–6 p.m. www.diamondhill farmathens.com EVENTS: Shipwreck Saloon Cocktail Experience (The Venue on Broad) The Pirates and Rum Experience is an interactive show where the dead tell tales based on real-life pirate murders and legends with accompanying cocktails. 8 p.m. $45. www.shipwrecksaloon show.com GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com

Friday 5 COMEDY: 50 First Jokes (40 Watt Club) Hosted by Joe Pettis, 50 of Georgia’s best comics share their first new joke of the year. 7 p.m. (doors). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com EVENTS: Shipwreck Saloon Cocktail Experience (The Venue on Broad) The Pirates and Rum Experience is an interactive show where the dead tell tales based on real-life pirate murders and legends with accompanying cocktails. 8 p.m. $45. www.shipwrecksaloon show.com

EVENTS: Beloved Apothecary’s Sacred Space (1001 Winterville Rd.) This week’s gathering serving alcohol alternative beverages will highlight yoga flow with Sam Thurmond. Fridays, 6 p.m. $20 suggested donation. www.instagram. com/beloved_apothecary KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

Saturday 6 EVENTS: Bog-Art Fest (Spaceball Bazaar) Spaceball Entertainment presents a celebration of weirdness and creative forces with an open gallery, record sale, potluck and live music. 5 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/spaceballentertainment PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of drag fun to celebrate the first show of the new year. Ages 12 & under get in free. 8–11 p.m. $5. www. athensshowgirlcabaret.com

Sunday 7 CLASSES: Athens YOGA Collective (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy a yoga class on the patio. First and third Sundays, 12 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (Ciné) Andrew Shearer will celebrate the release of his photo and interview book Everybodies with a panel made up of people who participated. 7:30–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

Monday 8 FILM: Popeye (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1980 musical comedy film directed by Robert

Altman. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.com GAMES: Monday Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Erin. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (Athentic Brewing Co.) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

Tuesday 9 COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 9 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Music Bingo (Athentic Brewing Co.) Win prizes at this “Best of 2023” themed music bingo night with host Mari. 7–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com LECTURES & LIT: Monthly Book Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse free books to take home or settle in to read in the front lounge. Donating books is encouraged but not required. Second Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

Wednesday 10 ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1972 murder mystery film Death Walks at Midnight. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com KIDSTUFF: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart f

ENJOY SLACKPOLE, FLAGPOLE’S 2 WEEK ISSUE

Featuring reader submitted writings and covering events from Dec. 27th - Jan. 9th. ADDITIONAL SLACKPOLE CONTENT ONLINE AT FLAGPOLE.COM (Flagpole’s office will reopen on Jan. 3rd. and resume publishing on Jan. 10th, 2024)

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DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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 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. athenscreatives@gmail.com, www. athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR ART (Dudley Park) The ACC Leisure Services Arts Division invites artists to submit proposals for temporary light sculptures to display during the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade on Mar. 16. Four artists/teams will receive $500 each for their work. Application deadline Jan. 19, 5 p.m. www. accgov.com/10862/Call-for-Art- Flight-of-the-Fireflies CALL FOR ARTISTS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Applications are now open to fine arts and craft vendors who would like to participate in the Lyndon House Art Mart. Applications are free, but the vendor fee is $60 if accepted. Deadline Jan. 15. Market held May 11. www.lyndon houseartsfoundation.com CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville, GA) The Winterville Marigold Festival and Winterville Arts Council are seeking marigold-or Winterville-themed art submissions to be the featured artwork of the 2024 festival. Artwork will be used on posters, T-shirts and publications. The winning design will receive a cash prize. Deadline Jan. 1, 5 p.m. Submit up to three images. www. marigoldfestival.com/call-for-artists CALL FOR ENTRIES (Lyndon House Arts Center) This year’s 49th Juried Exhibition at the LHAC will be juried by Jen Sudul Edwards, chief curator at The Mint Museum. The call for submissions will be live Jan. 4, 10 a.m.–Jan. 26, 5 p.m. A drop-in clinic to receive help applying will be held Jan. 23, 12–3 p.m. The

exhibition runs Mar. 12-May 4. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual, musical and 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 CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “Intro to Collage” is offered Jan. 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. “Intuitive Painting” is held Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The six-week class “Collage & Mixed Media” is held Mondays, Jan. 22–Feb. 26, 12:30–3 p.m. Email to register. edriscoll60@gmail.com BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of classes include “First Time at the Forge” (Jan. 6 or Feb. 17), “Railroad Spike Knife” (Jan. 13 or Mar. 9), “Basic Tong Making” (Jan. 20 or Mar. 30), “Two-Day Railroad Spike Knife and Tomahawk” (Jan. 26–27 or Mar. 15–16), “Art of Chain Making” (Feb. 3), “Crash Course in Artistic Blacksmithing” (Feb. 9), “Forge a Spear” (Feb. 24), “Forge a Tomahawk” (Mar. 2). Classes run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.greenhowhand made.com/blacksmith-classes HEALING WITH BALANCE (Heart Stone Therapeutic Healing) This

art around town 1055 BARBER (1055 Barber St.) Stephen Humphreys presents “Ukraine: Photos from the Front Line,” a collection of wartime photographs taken during the last year. Through December. ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1500) San Diego-based photographer J. Grant Brittain presents “80s Skate Photography,” a collection of iconic images. Through December by appointment. ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Skitterings: New Works by Don Chambers” presents works on paper that rely on coincidence and chance while playing with mark-making, space, color and texture. Opening reception Jan. 4, 5–7 p.m. On view Jan. 1–Feb. 25. AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Greg Benson presents “Next Places,” a collection of oil paintings. Through January. CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) In Classic Gallery I, “Wild Thing” features animals, plants and people intermingling through the works of Margo Rosenbaum, Shelby Little, Carolyn Suzanne Schew and Amanda Burk. • In Classic Gallery II, “LOVE.CRAFT Athens” features works by Melanie Jackson, Hannah Jo, Norman Austin Junior and Brittany Wortham. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Mark Dalling. Through January. GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “In Dialogue: Power Couple: Pierre and Louise Daura in Paris” features paintings by Louise, engravings by Pierre and several objects that appear in their images. Through Feb. 11. • “Nancy Baker Cahill: Through Lines” is a mid-career survey demonstrating the artist’s progression from drawing into digital works of art in aug-

workshop combines EMDR, trauma sensitive yoga and acupressure to help participants release, reset and heal from their past while honoring their mind, body and spirit. RSVP by Jan. 12. Workshop held Jan. 19 & Jan. 26, 5–7 p.m. info@Heart StoneTH.com INTRO TO CLOWNING AND IMPROV (work.shop) “Intro to Clowning” is a six-week course that begins Jan. 7, 2–4 p.m. $150. “Intro to Improv” is a six-week course that begins Jan. 16, 6–8 p.m. $150. www.flyingsquid comedy.com NIA TECHNIQUE CLASSES (RxGym) Nia combines dance, martial arts and mindfulness with uplifting music to create a holistic fitness experience. Mondays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. $15-20/class. athens pt.com/rx-gym/athens PÉTANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (5 Alumni Dr.) Learn to ply Pétanque. RSVP for a free Wednesday introduction. athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s hosts free monthly QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention sessions for anyone interested, not just mental health professionals. Nuçi’s also offers free training for businesses and organizations. qpr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org/qpr SPANISH CLASSES (Multiple Locations) Casa de Amistad offers beginning and intermediate GED and ESL classes in-person and online. An eight-week course to learn Spanish meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30–1:30 p.m. $60. www.athensamistad.com TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-style Taekwondo, 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. liveoak martialarts@gmail.com, www.live oakmartialarts.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapy andyoga.com YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles. Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org

Help Out AAAC VOLUNTEERS (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council is seeking volunteer board members and at large members to help the nonprofit in connecting the arts to the community through promotion, education and funding. Leadership positions are available. Expectations include monthly board meetings and a few hours each month. Email if interested. president@athensarts. org ADOPT AN ANIMAL (Bear Hollow Zoo) Different sponsorship levels are available to “adopt” a zoo resident. Donations are used for exhibits, food and wildlife education. 706-613-3580 BLING YOUR PROM (ACC Library) Seeking donations of formalwear that will be given to local teens for prom. Items can include men and women’s formalwear, jewelry and accessories, shoes, unused cosmetics and hair products, service/ store coupons and paper shopping bags. Donations accepted until Feb. 29. ehood@athenslibrary.org MLK DAY OF SERVICE (Multiple Locations) Approximately 30 different community organizations, schools and churches will host volunteer service projects on Jan.

mented reality. Through May 19. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3, 2024. 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 (174-184 W Clayton St.) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes and fables. Through Jan. 16. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) Collections from our Community presents Peggy Curran’s collection of Madame Alexander Dolls. Through Jan. 13. • Ato Ribiero presents “Growing Together,” a solo exhibition of wooden assemblages referencing both Ghanian strip-woven kente cloth and Black quilting traditions of the American South. Through Jan. 13. • Curated by Keith Wilson, “The Image Moves: New Film and Video Work by Athens Artists” includes Drew Gebhardt, Katz Tepper, Jamie Bull, Selia Hooten, Vivian Liddell, CC Calloway, Shawn Campbell and AJ Aremu. Through Jan. 13. • “The 8th Collegiate Paper Art Triennial” includes works by 36 students from 11 different schools. Through Jan. 13. • Abraham Tesser presents “Maquettes,” a collection of small-scale works in wood used as drafts for larger pieces. Artist talk Feb. 8, 6 p.m. Through Mar. 1. • “Memory Worker: Kelly Taylor Mitchell” explores ancestra seeking through hand-sewn stitches and handmade paper. Through Mar. 12. • “Tell Me A Story: Jasmine Best” presents narrative works combining fabric, yarn and digital sewing to reflect on memories and Black female identity. Through Mar. 12. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) “The Andrews Family Legacy: Rooted in the Agriculture and Arts of Morgan County” is a new permanent exhibition honoring the artistic and literary contributions of members of the Andrews family.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

15 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Register to volunteer by Jan. 12. www.accgov.com/mlkday SEEKING MENTORS (Athens, GA) The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement’s End School to Prison Pipeline Program seeks community members to support and mentor students who are experiencing bullying, have been suspended/ expelled, or need to complete court-ordered service hours. www. aadmovement.org

Kidstuff ACCOUNTING 101: BE AUDIT YOU CAN BE (UGA Terry College of Business) Youth Programs at UGA and UGA’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting offer a two-day workshop for ages 15–17. Feb. 24-25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $20. www.georgia center.uga.edu/youth/spark ATHENS FOREST KINDERGARTEN (Sandy Creek Park) Now enrolling children ages 3-6. AFK is a cooperative preschool that aims to develop initiative, persistence, interdependence, and empathy. www.athens forestkindergarten.org CCCF SCHOLARSHIPS (Athens, GA) The Classic Center Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for performing arts and visual arts scholarships. Applications are open to 9th–12th grade high school students living in Northeast Georgia. Deadline Mar. 1. www. classiccenter.com/scholarships DAYS-OFF-SCHOOL PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services offers a variety of themed camps for ages 6–12 when schools are not in session. “Sweet Beginnings” runs Jan. 2–5 at Lay Park. “Icy Investigations: Winter Science Extravaganza” runs Jan. 3 at Rocksprings Park. accgovga.myrec.com GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM (ReBlossom) New Parents, Infants and Crawlers Play Group is for babies ages 0-12 months and their caregivers to discuss parenthood. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Afternoon Play Group is for children 1–4 years old and their caregivers to meet each other and build relationships. Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. All Ages Play Group is for children 1–5 years old and their caregivers to play inside and outdoors. Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Sunday Support and Ply Group is held for ages 1–4 and their families. Sundays, 1–3 p.m. www.reblossomathens.com

LIBRARY STORYTIMES (ACC Library) Storytime for pre-school aged children and their caregivers is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. www.athens library.org TREEHOUSE ACTIVITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) A variety of crafting and playtime activities are offered for various age groups. Popular activities include Crafterday Saturdays, Storytime with Mr. Doodles and Craft Inc. Kid Business. Visit the website for details and to register. www.treehousekidandcraft.com

Support Groups 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, 7–9 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 NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP (Oconee Presbyterian Church) Peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! joannehnamihallga@gmail.com 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. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Text: 678-736- 3697 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group

REPUBLIC SALON (312 E. Broad St.) Jacob Wenzka presents a collection of paintings and drawings of robots, futuristic floating cities, and various other sci-fi and fantasy inspired scenes. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Something to Declare/Algo para Declarar” represents nine Latin American countries through the works of Jorge Arcos, Yehimi Cambron, Marisa Cerban, Franklin Delgado, Pedro Fuertes, Catalina Gomez-Beuth, Dora Lopez, Morgan Lugo, Paula Reynaldi, Maria Sarmiento, Carlos Solis and Melvin Toledo. Through Jan. 6. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “HBO at 50: The Rise of Prestige Television” highlights some of the groundbreaking programming created by and aired on HBO with items selected from the Peabody Awards Archive. Through May 2024. • “Legacy: Vince Dooley, 1932-2022” celebrates the life and career of the late UGA football head coach and athletic director through photographs and artifacts. Tours held before home games on Fridays at 3 p.m. Through spring 2024. • “Paving the Road to Progress: Georgia Interstate Highways” traverses the rocky path of the interstate system’s development through maps, reports, correspondence and legislation. Through Apr. 24. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) Watkinsville artist Leslie Guo presents “Joyful Encounters,” a solo exhibition of watercolor paintings. Through Jan. 2. WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) The Athens Plein Air organization presents 50 works by 17 different artists. Through Jan .19. WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Ln., Winterville) Winterville Arts Council members Judy Hammond and Sherre Watwood share new paintings. Through Jan. 7.

LET PEIKEN HELP! Selling In-Town Athens for Over 23 Years UGA Graduate / Loving Athens since 1987 Voted one of Athens Favorite Realtors by Flagpole Readers more than a few times!

Daniel Peiken Daniel@Athenshome.com 706 296 2941 • 5Market Realty 824 South Milledge Ave., Ste 200 “Skitterings: New Works by Don Chambers” will be on view at ATHICA@ Ciné Jan. 1–Feb. 25. An opening reception will be held Jan. 4, 5–7 p.m. 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 the 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 RECREATE JOY (Sunny Days Therapeutics) Nuçi’s Space hosts a recreational therapy support group. Improve coping skills and self esteem while reducing depression and anxiety through adaptive yoga, games and leisure education. Six- week sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.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 MLK JR. DAY PARADE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL (Hot Corner) Now accepting registration for vendors, parade participants and performers. Event held Jan. 15. knowalogic@gmail.com, www. aadmovement.org ATHENS ON ICE (Classic Center, 440 Foundry Pavilion) Public ice skating is currently available Feb. 19. Check website for schedule of skating sessions. $15. www.classic center.com BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations are located across Athens with tools, an air pump and a QR code for quick guides on basic bike repairs. Visit the website for participating locations. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-Repair-Stations BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING (Multiple Locations) Give your undecorated tree a second life as compost, mulch or fish habitat.

Receive a free tree seedling in return. Drop off on Jan. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tree recycling is available past Jan. 6 at select locations or by setting your tree out with regularly scheduled leaf and limb pick up. Check website for drop-off locations. www.keepathensbeautiful.org RABBIT BOX THEMES (Athens, GA) Seeking storytellers to share true short stories on stage. Upcoming themes include “Food for Thought” on Jan. 23, “Duets” on Feb. 27, “Better Late Than Never” on Mar. 26, “The Story of Your Name” on Apr. 23 and “With This Ring” on May 28. Visit website to apply. www.rabbitbox.org/tell 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.). Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbitholestudios.org/ calendar SECRET POP-UP SANTA (220 College Ave.) The pop-up includes Winter Wonderland decorations, festive games and more. Tickets include two Christmas cocktails, a holiday snack and pictures with Santa. Thursdays–Saturdays, 6 p.m.–12 a.m. through Jan. 1. $20. www.athenssecretsanta.eventbrite. com VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Brad Staples (of the Athens GA Live Music crew) is seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC or DVDs to digitize and archive on his YouTube channel, vhsordie (@vhsordie3030). Original recordings will be returned, and credits and dates will be included in the online video description. Digitization services are free. Contact for details and to coordinate shipping. bradley.staples88@gmail.com WINTER ACTIVITIES (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services will offer a variety of arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events this winter for all ages. Now registering. www.accgov.com/ myrec WINTER WONDERLIGHTS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) A half- mile fully accessible trail through the garden is currently decorated with twinkling lights and illuminated displays for the holidays. Select nights through Dec. 30. Disco Nights will be held Jan. 4–7. $15. botgarden.uga.edu f

600 Oglethorpe Ave. Suite 4 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

FLAGPOLE.COM DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R YAthens 3, 2024

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classifieds Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com

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REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR RENT House, 3BR/2BA in Normaltown. Central heat/air. Apartment, 2BR/1BA. Furnished. Washer/dryer. Wi-Fi. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505

HOUSES FOR SALE Looking for a house or a home? Condo or land? Call Daniel Peiken. REALTOR 5Market Realty. Selling in and around Athens for over 20 years. 706-296-2941

FOR SALE COMPUTERS Latest iPad (Blue 64 GB WiFi) in excellent condition. Email pmill09@yahoo.com. $325. Cash or Paypal.

MISCELLANEOUS Flagpole ♥s our advertisers!

Business Water Solutions offers the cleanest drinking water available through innovative bottle-less water coolers and ice machines. Call 706-248-6761 or visit www.businesswatersolutions.com to set up a consultation.

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

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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

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ADOPT ME! ACC Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way 706-613-3540 Call for appointments. Available animals can be seen online at www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets

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Athens Area Humane Society 1030 Mitchell Bridge Rd 706-769-9155 Due to reduced business hours, call if you are interested in adopting. Available animals can be seen online at : www.athenshumanesociety.org

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

flagpole

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

1 8 6

4 8 INDOOR A TROCK GA H E N S , CLIMBING

7 4 9 2 5

3 4 8 2 1 7

3 2 5

EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PETS

4 3

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 numbers 1- to 9. Weekthe of 12/25/23 12/31/23

The Weekly Crossword 1

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm

ENJOY SLACKPOLE, FLAGPOLE’S 2 WEEK ISSUE

ACTIVECLIMBING.COM (706)354-0038

TATTOO

VOTED AN ATHENS’ FAVORITE TATTOO STUDIO

7 4 3 6 5 8 1 9 2 1 262 5 9 7 3 6 427 8 32 31 8 6 9 2 1 4 333 7 5 35 6 9 2 36 1 8 737 4 5 3 40 41 3 5 8 4 6 9 742 2 1 45 4 7 1 3 2 546 9 8 6 9 8 6 497 3 2 5 1 450 51 2 521 537 5 4 6 8 354 9 5 3 4 8 9 1 258 6 7 57 25

34 38

2011–2020

39 43

44 48

ACROSS 1 Mouth, slangily 49 Beseech 5 Course of study 50 Athenian lawman 10 Red ink amount 51 Yard's 36 14 Jedi guru 54 Illegal pitch 15 Fluid 57 Occasion fit for accumulation a king 16 Feed the kitty 59 Bummed out 17 NFC West team 60 Actress ____ 18 Type of test Rachel Wood 20 Something left 61 Starbucks out offering 22 Romp about 62 Site of 23 Lowest pinochle Napoleon's exile cards 63 Title for Judi 24 Soft drink Dench 25 Big name in 64 Head lock sci-fi books 65 Like Easter eggs 27 Disregard 31 Peaks on a graph DOWN 32 Tend to the 1 Novice turkey 2 Wander about 34 Luigi's twin 3 Give, as medicine 35 Prom partner 4 Footnote word 37 Deciduous 5 Like feudal times conifer 6 Felipe's farewell 39 Pie perch 7 She played TV's 40 They may be Edith bright 8 Texter's "Wow!" 42 Huron and Erie 9 Resentment 44 Hair holder 10 "Ocean's 45 Very or quite Eleven" setting 47 Uncommon thing 11 Cognizant of

665 BARBER ST. ATHENS,GA

PAIN & WONDER

Solution to Sudoku: 23

by Margie E. Burke 9

1150 Mitchell Bridge Rd. 706-546-7879 · www.hopeamc.com

INTRO BOULDERING CLASSES YOUTH TEAMS LADIES NIGHT STUDENT DISCOUNTS

12 Recipe direction 13 Religious offshoot 19 Caulking fiber 21 Nose-in-the-air type 24 Restaurant bill 25 Taxpayer's fear 26 Digging tool 27 Dogcatcher's catch 28 In the first place 29 Choice beef cut 30 Misguided act 33 Astronaut Ride 36 Audio accessory 38 Leading ladies 41 Warning wail 43 Table staple 46 Volcanic rock 48 Charged too much, informally 50 Ladybug features 51 Kind of tea 52 Exploding star 53 Study hastily 54 Internet destination 55 Garage job 56 Coveted role 58 Black gunk

285 W. Washington St.

Athens, GA 30601

(706) 208-9588 www.painandwonder.com

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DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024· F L A GP OL E .C OM

slackpole Written and Illustrated by Our Readers S

lackpole highlights all of the charms and quirks of Athens and its people. Our staff is thankful for all of our Flagpole readers who contribute to writing and illustrating our end-of-the-year annual issue, allowing us to take a break during the holidays. Enjoy your hot townie winter! We’ll be back with the first Flagpole of 2023 on Jan. 10.

Red-Tailed Hawk By Eric Somerville

For over a week now, we have been observing a juvenile red-tailed hawk in our backyard. He arrives every morning for coffee, and we await his visits eagerly. We observe him closely on his favorite perches in the trees that ring our small patch of lawn. Each of us—myself, my wife and our daughter—feels a special relationship with this bird. We know him. A while back the three of us spent a day with a falconer in western North Carolina. We learned about the centuries-old tradition of falconry, and spent several hours on a clear, bitterly cold early winter afternoon taking turns having birds of prey swoop out of the sky and glide silently for hundreds of feet across the field in front us, before rearing up with talons raised and perching lightly on our outstretched gloved hand. It was spiritual. Even more moving to a sentimental father like me was observing the cool calmness with which my daughter took to the whole affair. You would have thought that she had these awesome birds bombing out of the sky towards her face all the time. Peter, our falconer for the day, was sure she had done this before. Many people feel a kinship with animals. Who among us has not felt the love of a dear pet or the heart wrenching goodbyes that such pets inevitably force on us? My house has suffered more than one of those tear-filled moments in recent years. But these birds… When you stare into the eyes of a hawk from mere inches away, it is like staring into the soul of immortality itself. Quite honestly it is hard to describe the feeling of being so close to such a creature. I have never

looked eye to eye with a whale or an elephant, but I suspect the feeling is similar. The red-tailed hawk is the largest hawk in North America, with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet. They are also the most widespread, and can be found year-round from Mexico to southern Canada and from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic. We see them commonly throughout the South, perched on roadside power lines, scanning the open fields and forest margins for prey. Most of us probably assume that all birds of prey hunt only small mammals: squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, the occasional free-ranging backyard chicken. However, sharing our November mornings with our new neighbor has given us glimpses into the behavior of these beautiful beasts that I was not aware of before. We regularly observe him on the ground, foraging for items we cannot see. Insects? Worms? According to Audubon, red-tailed hawks will indeed sometimes eat insects, toads, frogs and various other creatures. Who would have thought these magnificent denizens of the sky would stoop so low to eat a worm? Oh, the shame… We will not hold it against him, however. Perhaps he considers our yard a safe place to indulge in his guilty pleasure, hidden from the jeers and mockery of his raptor friends. We are happy to provide him safe harbor. Despite the relative commonness of the red-tailed hawk, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says that “you are unlikely to see them in your backyard.” What do they know? We have coffee with one every morning.

A Beatles Awakening By Elizabeth G. Alder

As I woke up, the first sense of which I became aware was the sense of smell. It was the smell of an alcohol-cleansed hospital room, masked by the clean smell of oxygen covering and pulsing steadily through my mouth and nose. I was 11 years old. I opened my eyes and saw in the dimly lit room a nurse sitting beside me. I was strapped down, with tubes in my body and machines all around me, pumping oxygen, monitoring my heart and making other efforts to keep me alive. It was 1964, and I had just received open heart surgery that morning.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 2 7, 2023 & J A NU A R Y 3, 2024

The nurse wasn’t looking at me. It was the television on the wall above my bed that had captured her attention. Four young men with what looked like mops for haircuts were just coming out of an airplane in New York City. The Beatles had landed in America. As they came out of the plane, a crowd of girls on the ground below started screaming. I did that, too, although I’m sure mine was more of a loud moan. Not for the strange sight on the television; now my senses of hearing and touch were rushing in. The TV seemed loud, the lifesaving machines seemed loud, the oxygen mask felt hot, and all sorts of needles holding the tubes were poking my body. I knew I had heart surgery, but no one told me I would wake up in a jungle of tubes, in a room with a strange person sitting beside me. I felt confused and weak. My moaning brought the nurse back to full attention. She turned off the nightly news, checked the machines and

comforted me with soft words as I fell back into a deep, unconscious sleep. Now perhaps when someone wakes up from the trauma of heart surgery, that which they see at first could be a large part of their healing. Or it might be the reverse. I know that those strange-looking young men with their youthful smiles and weird haircuts became a healing impression for me. How strange! What was all that in unison, high pitched screaming? What was that all about? These questions, as well as the Beatles performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, took my mind off of the painful medical procedures which my very young body endured for weeks. When I came home to Georgia from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, my girlfriends had already formed a Beatles fan club. I was assigned to be a guardian of Ringo Starr, the drummer. I thought this was a very cool job to have, so I put a picture on the wall above my bed of the Fab Four, sending them heartfelt admiration and love every night. In return, the Beatles’ songs helped to pull me through the adjustment of coming back home, to life. During this transformative time, the whole country was swept up in the excitement of a new way of looking at the world of musical entertainment. A more joyful way. The Beatles and the British Invasion had brought a healing balm not only to me, but also to America which was reeling from the assassination of President Kennedy just a few weeks before. “Hey Jude. Don’t make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better. Remember to let her into your heart. Then you can start to make it better.” Perfect timing. By the Beatles, of course.

Not Every Tree Will Blossom in Spring By Jill Hartmann

“Oh, this is so ugly!” I held up the orange and black floral sweater—the fourth QVC gift that had been delivered in the past two weeks. The last one was an oversized paisley blouse with golden beads on the fringes. Ten years ago, I frequently received packages from a catalog-based retailer called Vermont Country Store. My mother would buy me these oversized granny nightgowns. As a married woman in her early 40s, I found them to be not only unwanted, but also hideous. No matter how many times I pleaded with Mom to stop throwing away her money, and no matter how many times she’d apologize and say, “I saw this and just wanted to give you something to keep you warm,” lo and behold, the grannies kept coming. Now I don’t give Mom a hard time anymore—about anything—especially not for gifting me clothes that she’d love but I’d never buy for myself. When a QVC package arrives with a shirt or sweater that I’d never want to wear, I wear it—even to work. I no longer care that they are not in style and not in sync with what I like. I don’t care if I look fashionable or if I look pretty. All I care about is that I’m wearing something that came from my mom. Mom had stopped calling me every night, and stopped answering her cell phone, shortly before the QVC packages started arriving. When I don’t hear her voice for several days, Mom’s surprise gifts reassure me that she’s still out there thinking about me. These packages, that I used to cringe at receiving, now give me some relief to know that Mom remembers my name, and my address, even as she’s starting to forget many other things. I’ve traveled to San Diego three times in 2023 to visit Mom. Each time, I’ve come back to Athens feeling heartsick. Each time, Mom is weaker than the last time I saw her—even though only a couple months have passed in between my trips. On our last day together, in July, Mom said to me, “Every year counts with me now, Jill.” I know she’s right. I know I’ve reached that winter season in her life when there are no more birthdays or Mother’s Days or Christmases to waste. People always tell me I look like my mother. I’ve never seen what they see—until recently. Anyone who has seen my father would understand why I’ve always thought my face resembles his. I would love to look exactly like Mom. She always was, and still is, one of the most beautiful

women I’ve ever seen. Even though incurable illness has stolen years from her life, her olive skin is flawless, her smile is uplifting, and her hazel eyes are filled with color— and with love. Yes, if only I really did look exactly like my mom. Now, when I look at photos of myself with my mother, I look hard for what people have always told me. I’m finally starting to see the resemblance they see in our facial expressions, and I’m so glad! I’m so glad I do look like her after all. Because I know that not every tree will blossom in spring. One day, spring will come, and Mom will no longer be here. But I will always look like my mom, and she will always be part of me.

Tubers of the World, Unite! By Bowen Craig

I’m a tube sock guy. A proud tube sock guy. A relentless proponent of the tube sock. Maybe I’m just somewhat nostalgically stuck in the tube sock-laden era of my youth, the 1980s, but I think my abiding love for the tube sock goes far beyond that. Tube socks are true, full and honest footunderwear (footwear we wear under our footouterwear, shoes). The modern little socks that barely cover the entire foot, and have given up on even attempting to cover the ankle and lower leg, they’re nothing but wanna-be’s, incomplete pretend socks, posers. Screw them and the shoe they rode in on. I’ve watched the American sock slowly but steadily shrink from its glorious height of crowning socktastic achievement with the ’80s colored-stripe tube sock. First, they ditched their stripes. It’s said that a tiger cannot change its stripes, but Hanes is no tiger. Then, the Sock Industrial Complex began downsizing, first with what they called “ankle socks,” losing a good foot to a foot-and-a-half of total sock area, making them unable to be pulled up past just above the ankle. The sock masters tried to convince all of us (they condescendingly call the sock wearing public “sock puppets”) to accept this small shift in lower leg reality. Some of us bucked the trend (and still proudly do), but most people, stupidly more concerned with nonsense like career advancement and feeding their families, didn’t even notice, much less care. These pretend-sock-lovers, these Sunday sock people, drowned out we lucky few, we band of brothers, with their propaganda about staving off carpal tunnel syndrome for a few years for the 6-year-old Cambodian kids who sew our, now greatly diminished, socks. (Without their standard pre-teen arthritis, how are our toddler sockistas going to feel pride in their child labor?) Then, once we were used to ankling for a few years, the greedy, soulless sock purveyors pulled another fast one on us. They dropped even the pretense of trying to cover the ankle, leading us disastrously toward the foot snuggie socks that only, and just barely, cover the foot. You can barely even see these little wanna-be socks. They are the anti-tubers. And to them, I say, “Nay! We shall not accept your pittance masquerading as a proper sock. We shall fight until you have chopped off all of our legs, and even then we shall yell unflattering things about your mothers, while we bleed to death on the moist ground.” Tube socks are the only real socks. We must not forget this, for what will they come for next? They’ve already convinced 98% of American women that their thin, nearly-pointless footies are still worthy of the once-revered title of Sock. Not many of us are holding the line for the Tube Sock. It’s just me, those defiant two percent of women, a few homeless dudes, and perhaps Cindy Lauper, who even cares enough to stand up for the beleaguered tube sock. Tube on, my friends. Tube on.

Snow Laughing Matter By Hattie Huszagh

When you need time, it hastily ticks away. When you want it to pass, it digs its heels in. The latter was my reality as a child in skis perched on a slope in Utah. I traversed the pine-laden Yellow Bear Trail with ease, leaving my parents and younger brother to eat my dust. The side trail spit me out onto a main slope, and I waited for my family to catch ➤ continued on next page

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up. The joy of victory was slowly overtaken by nervousness each minute they failed to appear. “Are you lost?” “Do you need help?” Well-meaning adults stopped their descent to offer a hand. “I’m OK. Thank you!” Social anxiety and stranger danger collided in my adolescent mind to make me adverse to generosity. But too much time had passed. “If we get separated, meet at ski school,” my parents repeated endlessly. The building was situated at the bottom of the slope, and there was nowhere to go but down, so I fixed my skis forward and kept it moving. The squatty brick ski school building was getting closer, and as I neared it I began to imagine what would come next. Little me, surrounded by adults with questions. “What’s your name?” “Where are your parents?” “Are you LOST?” This image scared me more than my reality. So I forfeited the plan and skied right past that ski school. Plan B: Make it to the lodge. I took a rope tow, and a ski lift, and let myself into our hotel. Luckily, my grandmother had stayed behind in her room. Our reunion was a huge relief, but hardly the end of my stressors. I had defied my parent’s directions, and they had no clue where to find me. All there was to do was wait. I watched Disney movies, drank hot cocoa, and attempted to ignore the ball of guilt growing in my stomach. Eventually, my parents made it back. The relief they felt in discovering I was alive blunted the trouble I was in. They filled me in. While I was waiting at the end of the trail, they had stopped in search of me. “We thought you’d lodged yourself into a snowbank.” The powder was particularly deep that day and could easily consume a child. “We even spoke to Ski Patrol. They were out looking for you.” Ski Patrol assured them that this wasn’t uncommon. “Kids get separated, but they show up.” “Not Hattie,” they insisted, “she wasn’t at our meeting spot, that’s not like her.” My anxiety-induced decision had sent my parents and mountain employees on a frantic wild goose chase. We went to dinner at the lodge and put the incident behind us. After a filling meal, the waitress walked up and handed over a piece of paper. One glance and both of my parents went white in the face. It was an itemized bill for the missing persons search. Ski patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00 Search and Rescue Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150.00 Snow Mobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $345.00 The list went on, totaling almost $2,000. “I… can help,” I offered, knowing the money in my piggy bank wouldn’t make a dent. My mouth was dry and my conscience was heavy. I apologized excessively. I felt ill. I’d learned my lesson three times over. The tense silence was broken when my parents burst into laughter. In between wheezes they managed to tell me it was all a gag. My dad typed up a bill, had the hotel front desk print it out, and got the waitress in on the scheme. It was a master class in psychological warfare and a childhood lesson not soon forgotten.

Heartbreak in Hospice By Liz Conroy

“Stop pushing me,” Aunt Marty hollered as we rolled her wheelchair outside to the residents’ garden. “I can walk!” Last year, my 92-year-old aunt entered hospice care near her son’s home in Illinois. She still needs this care and must use a wheelchair. My husband Mike and I enjoyed our visit with her last summer. She is sharp-witted and outspoken, yet warm and welcoming. My aunt was also careful to let us know when her “befuddled” times arrived. That’s when conversation becomes difficult for her. Thankfully, after breakfast, she’s alert and conversational. We’d listen to her stories of growing up as the youngest child of Eastern European immigrants. Her parents didn’t speak English well, so my aunt and her siblings worked hard to learn English at school.

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My aunt had a lonely childhood on a small farm where her family of eight struggled during the Great Depression. Fortunately, she won a scholarship to college, traveled to Europe and spoke several languages including French. Yet she never forgot her parents’ origins. They were Rusyns, born in the Carpathian Mountains (now Slovakia), ruled then by Emperor Franz Joseph as part of the AustroHungarian Empire. As a teenager, my grandfather left his village with his father and brother for the coal mines of Wyoming. Meanwhile, WWI broke out in Europe. Although his father had already returned home, my grandfather stayed. He knew he’d be cannon fodder if drafted into the emperor’s army. But he did take time to head back East to marry a young teenager from the village (my grandmother). She’d made it through inspection in Ellis Island and awaited her designated husband in Ohio. Later, with young children, they left the harsh western winters and moved to Ohio. Needing to feed a growing family, my grandfather began farming. Music was not part of their life. But my aunt did recall the music performed during the Eastern Orthodox Church services on Sunday mornings. She looked forward to hearing us create music, too. While talking in the sunlit garden, her befuddled time arrived. It was time to play music. We performed songs that made her smile. As Mike played his mandolin, we sang lively, old tunes such as “Angelina Baker” and “Amazing Grace.” Then, we began to sing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” We sang reverently and thought we were mesmerizing our captive audience. My aunt had bowed her head. I assumed that was to listen better. But, to our dismay, her shoulders began shaking. She was sobbing uncontrollably. I froze. I’d never seen my tough aunt cry! My sister Kathy—an experienced nurse—had taught me the importance of touch when visiting older relatives. I gave my distressed aunt a back rub and held her hand. Finally, she wiped her tears and sat up straight in her wheelchair. This time, Aunt Marty didn’t holler that she wanted to walk. Instead, she quietly asked us to take her back to her room so she could nap. What we’d forgotten is that this is a woman for whom words have always been important. She has valued language throughout her life and still listens carefully to words and how they are used, including the lyrics to every song. That evening we chose lighthearted lullabies. We sang joyful songs, ending with “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain.” One of the last verses included “she’ll be wearing red pajamas when she comes.” Aunt Marty’s eyes were closed and she was breathing slowly, so Mike and I began to tiptoe toward the door. Suddenly, my aunt’s eyes popped back open. Indignantly, she exclaimed, “No woman back in those days wore red pajamas! That is too silly. Women wore nightgowns. Pajamas were just not proper back then!” ➤ continued on p. 20

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Zap

By Peggy Sharr

Our new fourth grade teacher, a lanky man with a Hawaiian shirt, sits with his feet on his desk, crunching a carrot stick and flipping through a magazine. As we file in, he repeats, “Take a seat,” with each turn of a page. He gets up and writes on the chalkboard: Mr. Legler. “Discipline: that’s what you’ll learn in my classroom.” His flip-flops whap as he paces. He holds up a clipboard. “This is a zap board. It will be your friend or enemy.” I twirl a wave at the nape of my neck and glance around. Everyone looks as perplexed as I am. “To work off zaps, you can do schoolwork,” he points at the textbooks, “or write grammatically correct notes to each other. And you can clean. Questions?” Every hand snaps up. Kids ask about homework, tests, trips to the library… Finally, he calls on me. I chew the inside of my lip. “Why do you give zaps?” “And you are?” “Peggy.” “That’s a good question, Peggy.” He removes his glasses. “Several times a day, we’ll have silent time. You make a noise; you get zapped.” Our eyes widened. “Zap!” he hollers, then pretends to mark on his clipboard. “And if you have zaps at the end of the day, you’ll stay after to work them off.” Everyone blurts out questions. “OK, people. I’m gonna let this slide now, but in the future, blurting out earns you a zap. We snap our hands down. “There will be free time. You may leave your seat, talk to your neighbor, etc. But when I say silent time, heads go on your desks.” Part of me is thrilled about not having to do schoolwork, but another part is freaked out. Teachers always say I talk too much. I already know silent time is going to be a challenge. One of the kids figures out that when a ruler is lodged a certain way in the desktop, it makes a loud snap when it’s opened. The knowledge spreads through the classroom. We organize when Mr. Legler is out of the room. We sit—our desks primed. SNAP! Our desk symphony pierces as he walks in. We roar with laughter. “Zap! Zap! Zap! You’re all getting three.” Once I stop giggling, I try pulling my ruler out. I tug and pull, but it doesn’t budge. I pull harder and harder, then… whammo! I jam myself right in the eye with the end of the ruler. A huge egg forms in the corner of my eye. “Mr. Legler. Mr. Legler!” Kathy cries. “Peggy’s hurt.”

Mr. Legler rushes over and examines my eye. I can’t open it. It burns. “Alright people. I’m taking Peggy to the nurse. Silent time until I get back?” Because the pain keeps my eyes closed, Mr. Legler guides me to the nurse’s office. “You doing OK, trooper?” I don’t see how I’m a trooper—I did it to myself. I expect to get a lecture, but instead he’s nurturing. “I’m OK,” I say. “Only hurts when I open my eye.” He brushes his hand over my forehead and smiles with warmth, an expression I’d never seen from him. I’d only seen a tough disciplinarian and wise man. The nurse drives me to the E.R., and my mom meets us there. I was lucky. A fraction of an inch closer and I would’ve lost an eye, the doctor said. Coming back to school after Christmas break, we learned that Mr. Legler was a fraud. He’d forged his teacher’s license. We got assigned a real teacher, who was nice enough. But the class felt hollow without Mr. Legler. More than 50 years later, I can still picture him reclined back in his desk, clipboard in his lap, snacking on raw veggies. I’ll never forget how he comforted me in that scary situation, and I’ll never forget that zap board.

Before the Fact

This isn’t poetry By Drew Nicholson

This isn’t poetry. It’s me. Saying I need an EKG. I need to get tested for Lyme disease. I need to find out why I can’t sleep unless I drink. Is it really just anxiety? This isn’t poetry. I’m scared. Maybe I’m just a hypochondriac. Maybe I have sleep apnea. Maybe it is just all the anxiety, and I never truly relax. Or is it my heart, my spleen, my lungs? All I know is that this is me saying I’m not guilty of much, but I live with the death penalty everyday. It’s not poetry. This is the sound of a voice I can’t put into words without crying. This is the sound of anticipating death so hard that it follows you everywhere. Not looking for a Nobel Peace Prize, just a noble peace of mind. This is the voice of me bandaging my raw wound with alcohol and pretending that it’s all fine. So can I stick to beer and go to bed before having another interferes with tomorrow’s parties. Can I go to bed at a reasonable hour and see getting things done as getting to do things. It’s not poetry, it’s self therapy.

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Wilderness Idea

i am good friends with Despair i met her as a child but She recognized me long before i recognized Her She often gets mistaken for Depression but like Death, Despair is born naturally She exists as She exists She does not inflict destruction She does not do The Killing rather She is the blood that seeps from your warm heart as you break those fragmented pieces stick through to your Insides the pain reminds you you are alive worry not unless one day you find you can’t break you can’t hurt you can’t cry numb and zombified Death suddenly seems fine but be warned, for Depression has stolen Death’s mask it’s His most famous trick the very last act call him Accessory Before the Fact

By Rob McNiff

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, which authorizes Congress to protect wildlands against roads, logging, mining and development. Dedicated wildernesses in Georgia include the Okefenokee Swamp and tracts in the mountains and barrier islands. The Wilderness Act does not identify wilderness according to the presence of abundant wildlife or distinct ecosystems. Rather, it focuses on the absence of humans: “A wilderness, in contrast to those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is… where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” This separation between humans and wilderness is traced to peculiar American attitudes regarding nature. The act’s critics cite a frontier mythology that pitted corrupted civilization against romanticized virginal wildlands, and associated freedom and individualism with untamed, open spaces. This “Wilderness Idea,” critics say, ignores history and leads to misguided environmental concerns. First, it disregards Native American habitation, which was widespread for several millennia. Under Native peoples, the continent was considerably “wilder,” proving that human occupation is not always destructive. Moreover, the ➤ continued on p. 22

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continued from p. 20

empty American wilderness is artificial and contrived— achieved when whites killed native peoples or pushed them onto reservations. Critics also say the Wilderness Idea targets conservation of unspoiled country while threats confronting urban and rural communities are overlooked. Preservation creates recreational and scenic opportunities for those who can travel to remote destinations, while concerns of urban minorities and the poor, such as toxic waste disposal and industrial pollution, are neglected. Also neglected were millions of family farms, where woodlots, wetlands, hedgerows and fallow fields sheltered wildlife. Wendell Berry argues that conservationists, focused on wilderness, failed to address the policies by which small farms were consolidated into industrial agribusinesses and plowed to the margins, destroying wildlife in the process. Berry writes, “’[W]ilderness preservation’ has too often implied that it is enough to save a series of islands of pristine and uninhabited wilderness in an otherwise exploited, damaged, and polluted land.” As we salvage wild places, degradation in other areas continues until, ultimately, the wilderness holds the last deposit of resources needed to fuel our unchecked consumption. “You can’t save wilderness preserves, refuges, and parks,” writes Berry, “if at the same time you let the economic landscapes and the land-using economies go to the devil.” Critics of the Wilderness Idea, seeking to reconcile culture and nature, promote greater interaction with wild places. But Wilderness proponents insist that restricting human access reflects responsible conservation. Designating wilderness areas responds to a growing population, expanding development and industrialization that eventually debase any land within reach. Supporters of uninhabited wilderness cite ecological studies that indicate the importance of large, uninterrupted tracts for the preservation of diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Others contend that nature merits our wonder and

reverence and, therefore, our protection. Wilderness is a memorial to nature vanquished, and a remnant of hope for its recovery. “The wild forest is a witness,” writes Kathleen Dean Moore, “standing tall and terrible in the storm at the edge of the sea. It reminds us of what we have lost. And it gives us a vision of what—in some way—might live again.” The wilderness debate reflects our struggle to understand our role in nature. We live with and amongst other creatures, but are distinguished by our capacity to shape our own place in the natural order. As threats to nature grow, our place in it remains contested, and the Wilderness Idea continues to inform our exploration of what it means to at once belong to nature and to be set apart from it.

Spiraling

By Kathryn Kyker

“For a Dene, a subarctic Canadian indigenous tribe, the true reality of time is too precious and too important to be used as a reference for insignificant things. Time meant the rhythm of the earth and human growth; the seasons, the families, the sun, and the cycle of life. They didn’t break time into different chunks. They just lived.” –Rene Fumoleau I was sitting in a dentist chair. My dentist was delayed— there was an emergency. Across the hall, I heard suction and quick, quiet exchanges between staff. I was alone. What to do with this unexpected time? I decided to sit in stillness. I’m trying to resist the compulsion to fill such moments with activity. I sat, and I sat. Without a way to measure time, how could I feel proud of my patience? I lunged over the chair’s restraining arm to grab my phone. I found the above quote in Heron’s Dance, “Pause for Beauty,” an emailed newsletter created by Ron MacIver. Very timely, I thought. I use time as a reference for things that would be insignificant for those living closer to the rhythm of the earth—like this dental appointment. It was not going according to plan, and my inability to control that made me fidget.

What would it take to unhitch myself from the timekeeping of our civilization, even for a day or two? We’ve harnessed time into a structure that dictates our lives, minute by minute. When I am in nature, I seek the wild— inside myself as well as outside. Loosening the grip of time is essential. I silence my phone. I don’t check it, though not taking a picture is more difficult. I don’t wear a watch or track my activity. I can sink a bit into the Now, but I’d like to lengthen the experience, which consequently, lengthens the perception of time. To leave typical human timekeeping I’d have to leave typical humans. There’d have to be no clocks, no devices. The easiest solution would be to go camping alone, backpacking ideally. But I’m over 60 and haven’t slept in a tent in more than 20 years. I could do it, but I doubt I will. My dental appointment resumed. Afterwards I went to the Y to swim. I sat in the car summoning my motivation. I had my suit, I had enough time scheduled, but I resisted. Time works differently in retirement. I don’t always want to follow the plan. I overcame my resistance (I don’t always) and got in the pool. It was a gray day, but a ray of sun shot down the lap lane from the long row of windows and I swam in and out of the light over and over, delighting at the play of water shadows on the ceiling. Time could almost slip away here. But the big clock on the wall faced me after each turn, and I counted my laps. How entrenched and committed we are to this artifice of our creation. I thought again of the Dene and others who tracked time as a circle of seasons instead of a grid. I’ve seen the spiral petroglyphs of the Hohokam in Arizona, and of Ireland’s Neolithic people. “Deep within the human mind, there is a fascination with the circle because it satisfies some longing within us,” writes John O’Donohue. To belong to a community is to live within its accepted concepts. But awareness itself allows growth beyond straight lines. The clock on the wall said it was time to get out of the pool. I got ready for the next thing. f

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