CONTRIBUTORS Peter Biello, Jay Bookman, Hillary Brown, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Matthew Pulver
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Beth Bryan
PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
The B-52s
Classic Center Crustaceans
NEW ARENA OPENS—FINALLY!—AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
It took a bit longer than expected, but the Classic Center clawed itself out of hot water for a successful opening of Akins Ford Arena last weekend.
A week after the Rock Lobsters’ Athens debut was delayed due to ongoing testing of the arena’s fire system, the minor league hockey team took the ice Friday, Dec. 13, ending a two-month period of roaming around the Southeast. The following evening, the B-52s headlined a concert with of Montreal and DJ Cummerbund just off a block of Foundry Street the Athens- Clarke County Mayor and Commission temporarily renamed Love Shack Lane. (See flagpole. com for photos of both events.)
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Classic Center President and CEO Paul Cramer said while mingling at a community grand opening Sunday, Dec. 15. While there is still work left to be done—for example, installing exhibitions from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and creating space for a local Black history museum—the arena was finished enough to receive a certificate of occupancy from the county fire marshal last week.
Cramer first conceived the arena about a decade ago, and at several points it appeared like it might not happen, from reluctance to place it on the SPLOST 2020 list of sales taxfunded projects for voter approval, to escalating construction costs, delays and other setbacks. In the end, the arena cost taxpayers $33 million, with the rest of the $151 million price tag funded by Classic Center Authority-backed bonds, land leases for private developments, ticket and vendor fees, naming rights and other private sources. It seats 5,500 for sporting events and up to 8,500 for concerts with retractable bleachers and standing room on the floor.
Perdue Criticized for ‘Hamas’ Comment
University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue attributed an uptick in out-of- state applications to a crackdown on pro-Palestine protestors at schools like UGA last spring.
After briefly establishing a “liberation zone” on the North Campus quad in April to protest Israel’s invasion of Gaza, 16 demonstrators were arrested, and a student-run tribunal upheld six students’ suspension through the end of the calendar year in what one defense attorney termed a “kangaroo court.” The university also suspended the local chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Students for Socialism.
“Did you see the differences between some of the universities in the country, and the universities here in the state of Georgia, with the Palestinian, Hamas protests there? You notice a difference?” Perdue said during a Dec. 9 speech at UGA’s Biennial Institute, a conference for newly elected state legislators.
“You know what that’s done? That’s created a huge influx in out-of- state applications to our schools here in Georgia.”
The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the
Georgia Muslim Voter Project and Jewish Voices for Peace condemned Perdue’s remarks. So did state Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Muslim who comes from a family of Palestinian refugees. “Insinuating that our students are Hamas to justify violently arresting them is beyond the pale,” she said on social media
Statistics on early admissions applications UGA coincidentally released last week contradicted Perdue’s statement. In- state and out-of- state applications for 2025 rose by similar levels.
Gov. Brian Kemp, who gave a brief keynote address Dec. 10, outlined his priorities for the legislative session starting in January but offered few details. He said he would push for tort reform and policies to counteract lingering high costs for “hardworking Georgians,” and introduce an aid package for victims of Hurricane Helene. Kemp also called on Congress and President Biden to act quickly on Georgia’s request for $12 billion in federal disaster relief.
manager Josh Edwards left in March to become a county manager in South Carolina. Jones appointed Andrew Saunders to take his place, but now two of three assistant manager positions are unfilled, soon to be joined by the manager, who leads the local government’s day- to-day operations.
“There’s a lot of rebuilding to do,” Girtz acknowledged in an interview with Flagpole But he expressed confidence about putting a permanent manager in place who will hire experienced deputies, putting the local government on strong footing prior to Girtz leaving office at the end of 2026.
“ How do we partner with our youth-serving organizations in a more collaborative way?
Jones is resigning effective Jan. 17. Girtz said he will recommend another acting manager prior to the commission’s Jan. 7 voting meeting. Although he did not say whom he would recommend, Saunders is next in the line of succession. He has served in a variety of roles, including heading the Central Services Department and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Girtz said he would launch a nationwide search early next year and would like to appoint a permanent manager by May 1.
Clarke Middle Gets Solar Panels
The Clarke County Board of Education unanimously approved solar panels last week for the new Clarke Middle School.
still evolving and did not make financial sense to incorporate.
The school board also voted to continue a partnership with Athens- Clarke County that funds after- school activities at elementary and middle schools. Each entity is pitching in $110,000, with ACC’s share coming from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds earmarked for youth development and CCSD’s coming from the general fund budget.
In addition, the board voted to waive fees associated with using CCSD facilities for a youth basketball league run by the Community & Youth Development Organization, led by Earnest Elder. The CYDO’s sixth-grade basketball league was absorbed by the ACC- CCDC initiative, and other grades were threatened when Superintendent Robbie Hooker informed Elder he would have to pay $13,000 to reimburse CCSD for security and janitorial services.
“I don’t see any other way for us to support those efforts without having it rolled into an already formalized partnership,” board member LaKeisha Gantt said. But board member Tim Denson, a former commissioner, pointed out that amending the ACC- CCSD agreement would require sending it back to the ACC Commission, so a separate vote was held for waiving CYDO fees.
House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) said Republican lawmakers are interested in enacting a ban on transgender women playing women’s sports, but do not plan to pursue any other anti- trans legislation.
ACC Manager Resigns
Acting Athens- Clarke County Manager Niki Jones will leave next month to take a position in his native North Carolina, the ACC government announced last week.
Jones—who was named acting manager in July, when predecessor Blaine Williams resigned—will become the assistant city manager in Raleigh, NC.
“Athens- Clarke County is a unique, fantastic community that my family and I will greatly miss,” Jones said in a news release. “I am thankful for not only the opportunities presented to me here in different roles in the manager’s office, but also to the incredible ACCGov staff that I’ve had the fortune to work with in these positions.”
Jones took the new position to be closer to his aging parents and extended family, according to Mayor Kelly Girtz. Prior to Williams hiring him as an assistant ACC manager in 2021, Jones served as Raleigh’s director of housing and neighborhoods.
“Niki Jones has been an exemplary deputy manager and interim manager for Athens- Clarke County,” Girtz said. “He possesses an eye for detail, an awareness of public- and private- sector trends, and a clear but supportive management style. I will miss him enormously, but I am glad he will remain in local government in a great community like Raleigh, and that he, his wife and their daughter will be close to their extended family. Most of all, I am glad for his friendship and wise counsel, which will continue.”
Jones’ departure creates further turmoil at the top of ACC’s government. Assistant
“I’ve been getting lots of emails with lots of enthusiasm for these panels, so I’m very grateful to the district for finding a way to do this for these students,” board member Patricia Yager said.
The four sets of tracking panels will cost a total of $277,000 to install. They will generate 164,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which at an average rate of 9 cents per kwh will save the school about $15,000 off its $114,000 annual power bill. Upfront costs will come from the CMS construction project’s contingency fund.
Hundreds of students and parents called on CCSD to include solar panels when CMS was being rebuilt last year, but district officials at the time said the technology was
Gantt said that more groups need to be at the table when CCSD is forming partnerships. “To me it would be advantageous for the district to look at, how do we partner with our youth- serving organizations in a more collaborative way?” she said. “I would love to be voting on something more comprehensive.”
Board president Mumbi Anderson, participating by speakerphone, voted in favor of waiving the fees, but warned that doing so could give the impression of favoritism. “I want to be really careful not to create a space where certain organizations are given preferential treatment in our district over others,” she said.
When CCSD officials were writing this year’s budget, they did not include the $110,000 outlay from ACC, so when the partnership was extended, it freed up extra money for after- school programs, Chief Financial Officer Chris Griner said. f
Athens Integration and Immigration
FOOTBALL CAUGHT IN THE CRUNCH, AND A LONG PATH TO CITIZENSHIP
By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com
If you’re looking for a book to give somebody or yourself, I highly recommend The Crimson and Gold, Mark Clegg’s account of school (and football) integration in Athens, published by The University of Georgia Press. The book is in fact a short history of modern Athens, and, because Clegg interviewed so many people, it is rich in eyewitness recollections that convey the immediacy you get when you run into somebody downtown and start reconstructing memories.
Clegg, who spent four years growing up in Athens while his father was a high school football referee, enjoyed the Y and the creeks and woods that still surrounded the town, and he spent a lot of Friday nights hanging around Death Valley, watching the Athens High Trojans perform.
The integration of the two high schools— Burney-Harris and Athens High—had a high impact on the Black community and the white community that supported both. The Black community rightly suspected that their school would be subsumed into the white school. Burney-Harris, named for two legendary local Black educators, was the center of the Athens Black community, the scene of gatherings of all kinds during a time when other public spaces were not open to Black citizens. And the Burney-Harris football team, the Yellow Jackets, was the heavily supported pride of the Black community. Thus, the impending school merger encountered strong resistance among Black students and the Black community at large, exacerbated by a racist football coach while two groups of boys tried to figure out how to play as a team.
caught up in a pivotal time with repercussions still resonating today.
American at Long Last
For those who haven’t already heard the news, we are proud to announce that Hans-Peter Dietrich became an American citizen on Dec. 9 after 37 years of trying. Who is Hans-Peter, you may ask, and why did it take him so long?
If you lived in Athens during the latter part of the 20th century and the earlier part of the 21st, you would know Hans-Peter. He came here from Germany in 1987 as a graduate student and instructor at the university, and was quickly drawn into Athens, especially the music scene, which he loved. When a friend of his developed mental problems, Hans-Peter sought a way to help her, and he organized the Mental Health Benefit, which under his gentle but persistent guidance grew into an annual outpouring of music and art that raised real money for mental health, and that experience made him a natural to be instrumental in the founding of Nuçi’s Space.
Meanwhile, Hans-Peter’s efforts to obtain a work permit were sidetracked by bad advice from his lawyer. He was forced to return to Germany but eventually was able to return because of a job in Atlanta, where he has lived and married and contin-
The Crimson and Gold (reflecting the uniform colors of the combined teams—crimson from Athens High and gold from Burney Harris) is a masterful depiction of Athens and its two high schools and two communities as they existed in 1970, and the focus on football humanizes what could have been a dry sociological treatise. The book is both highly readable and meticulously documented. Because he spotted me as a source who was around at the time, I know how obsessively Clegg chased down details and how constantly he checked back to verify information. His acknowledgements read like a who’s who full of the names of people we all know or have heard a lot about—athletes, coaches, educators, students, politicians, business people—all
Senate or President?
WHAT WILL GOV. BRIAN KEMP RUN FOR NEXT?
By Jay Bookman news@flagpole.com
If you drew up a list of the two dozen people most likely to become the 48th president of the United States, Gov. Brian Kemp’s name would probably be on it. So, halfway through his second and final term as governor, Kemp has decisions to make about his political future. And while the man in the governor’s mansion knows things that the rest of us cannot, from polling data and donor lists to his own mindset, there is also much that nobody knows. Let’s join the governor in thinking through the possibilities.
Before 2028, there is 2026, when Kemp’s term as governor will end, as will Jon Ossoff’s term as U.S. senator. If Kemp chooses to challenge Ossoff, he can do so knowing that no Republican of significance is likely to challenge him for the nomination. Given the current political climate in Georgia, he also knows he would probably be the favorite against Ossoff in the general election. But…
Historically, midterm elections favor the party that is out of power, which in this case would be Ossoff and the Democrats. Furthermore, anyone who claims to know what the political climate will be in 2026 is a fool or thinks his audience is. That’s true in almost any era, but it’s particularly true today. These next two years could prove to be one of the most volatile, unpredictable periods in American political history. Old coalitions are crumbling; new alliances are quietly forming. Longtime Republicans are voting for Democrats, traditional Democrats are voting for Republicans, and an influx of new voters has altered the electorate, injecting new enthusiasm and expectations.
and looking to consolidate control over the country. If that’s the situation, Kemp’s Senate candidacy would look even more promising than it does today.
However, if these next two years do not go well, if Republicans prove unable or unwilling to govern, if they turn out to be quite good at destroying things but terrible at running or rebuilding them, the political climate for Kemp and other Republicans might look quite different. Under those circumstances, why would Kemp risk a defeat in 2026 that would end his presidential ambitions for 2028?
It also raises a larger question: Does Kemp need or even want a Senate seat? Assuming that he truly does have presidential ambitions, Kemp might decide that he’s better off campaigning in Iowa and New
Hampshire as a successful two-term former governor of a critical swing state, a man who is conservative but not crazy, than he would be as a sitting U.S. senator, with the taint of Washington on his clothes.
ued trying to earn citizenship, only to be derailed again by a change in German law that has finally been rectified. We all used to scratch our heads and bemoan the fact that someone as well qualified and committed to our country as Hans-Peter should be denied citizenship. His persistence and determination that have always characterized Hans-Peter have finally paid off for him and for us and for our country. He was in Athens last week taking a grinning victory lap, displaying his hard-earned, well deserved certificate of naturalization. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy! f
In fact, to hear some Republican activists talk, we might be about to enter something akin to the second American Revolution, a revolution that sounds as if it might resemble the chaotic, destructive French Revolution more than the revolution of 1776. Donald Trump and his supporters proclaim grand ambitions to root out the entire establishment, and to date they don’t seem shy about breaking norms, rules and even laws if that’s what it takes to make their mission successful. These people are not conservative in any real sense of the word—they are radical. They are intent on pushing boundaries, on finding out just how much they can get away with, and no one knows how the country as a whole is likely to respond to that attempt.
It’s possible that two years from now, Trump and his supporters will be riding high, having squelched their opposition
To add yet one more complication to an already complex matrix, a four-year Trump presidency that appears successful to voters—and heaven knows what that would look like—would probably push Kemp well down the list of potential 2028 contenders. In that circumstance, the GOP presidential nomination would probably go to someone deemed more loyal and frankly more subservient to Trump, with Vice President JD Vance leading the list. To a degree at least, Kemp’s ambitions depend upon Trump’s failures.
Again, these are all just possibilities to be weighed, plausibilities to be played out, perhaps in the mind of someone staring out a window at the terraced, late-fall landscaping at the Governor’s Mansion, someone perhaps wondering what the view might look like from a window at another executive mansion some 600 miles to the northeast. f
This column originally appeared at georgiarecorder. com.
ROSS
The Story of the Stockade, Part 2
HORRIFYING CONDITIONS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE
By Matthew Pulver news@flagpole.com
Editor’s note: Read Part 1 of this story at flagpole.com.
The conditions for newly enslaved workers were brutal and only seemed to get worse. Multiple escape attempts from Clarke County’s first stockade were made in just the first few days, and within the first month the county brought in five hounds to track the multiplying escapees. But despite the unconscionable brutality, plans began for a new in-town stockade to be built within the decade, opening in 1912. This new city stockade’s conditions we have a little more access to.
A white detainee in the city stockade, Frank Saye, filed charges against the city for being “whipped unmercifully” in 1916, and press coverage of this white man being mistreated gives us a glimpse into how conditions were that much worse for the Black convicts. Saye, suffering from some manner of chronic illness, asked for a doctor when he was made to go out and work. The warden called for the “whipping boss” to break Saye, who was severely whipped while being held down.
Saye told investigators that, in just his short time in the stockade, he’d seen the warden “make two negro women fight until they had completely torn each other’s clothes off and until they were unable to stand.” He said he saw meat filled with vermin and men routinely whipped. The men worked under the threat of being beaten, which might explain a Black convict dropping dead while being worked around the same time.
Later, Northern journalist John Spivak would travel to Athens in 1931 and find documentation of the brutality in Athens’ convict labor system. In just his brief time here, Spivak discovered documentation of two deaths of Black men—one from “apoplexy,” or sudden death, and another gravely ill man apparently worked to death. Spivak also absconded with a “whipping report” from just one month in Athens, which found 50 savage beatings handed out in a single month, the majority being for “not working.” Another seven whippings were delivered for matters as trivial as “fussing” and “cursing.”
Despite the horrors of this new slavery, the hunger for labor and the need for racial control kept the system expanding. A statewide uproar in 1908 forced reforms in the state legislature of what the Atlanta Georgian called the “unspeakable cruelties” of carceral slavery in the state. The investigatory committee formed in the legislature was told of “convicts beaten to death, starved, overworked and sold like mules.” Daily reports of “indescribable filth, wretched food, inhuman driving and utter neglect” shocked readers, and the system of leasing state convicts to counties and private enterprises was eventually ended. So, while Clarke County saw its avid participation in this purchase of men on a statewide auction block come to an end, this may have only increased the need to violently conscript local men into forced labor.
in early 1970s. A federal judge would tour the county jail and deem the conditions “awful,” but while the “awful” county jail merely failed an inspection, the city stockade was deemed “unfit for occupation” by the same inspectors. A local reporter would remark that as bad as the county jail was, it “is a virtual paradise compared to the city’s stockade.” Only 4% of jails across the state received as abysmal a grade as the stockade.
Incarcerated Children
Despite its hellish conditions, the City Stockade would be where white Athens’ leaders chose to send protesters against segregation, many of them children, in the early 1960s. Once again, the stockade would serve as a site of overt racial control. Dozens of Athens children and a number of older protesters would be dragged by white police to be detained at the stockade for the crime of asking to be treated as a human and a citizen.
Hattie Thomas Whitehead recalls herself and the Athens children protesting segregation harshly rounded up by the busload by white police and deposited at the stockade. She and other children—Whitehead was 14 at the time—would gather at Ebenezer Baptist Church West to train with faith leaders in nonviolent tactics, then march to segregated establishments for the protest actions. Without fail, armed white police would deploy against the peaceful children. The children, as well as their adult comrades, understood that police deployment meant that violence was in play. The white power structure maintained a monopoly on “legitimate” violence, and the police were the tip of that spear. Homer Wilson—now a prominent Hot Corner business owner—and his family understood that threat well enough, and Wilson, given to a young man’s quick temper, was kept from the front lines due to the police violence that could result from a lapse in strict nonviolent strategy.
In her book Voices of Linnentown, Whitehead describes the vile gauntlet white Athens designed for her and the other children asking for basic fairness. Arriving downtown to a segregated establishment, the children would find that “both edges of the sidewalk would be lined with white men and women shouting the N-word mixed with profanity, and women used their purses as weapons, hitting us as we walked by.” At times, the Klan itself would arrive and cast a deeper danger over the scene. And always waiting for the children was the ultimate threat possessed by the white power structure, the violence represented by the police. Once white Athens deployed their police, the dehumanization was complete, the protesters reduced to mere “disobedient” bodies under the control of white men with guns.
Whitehead and her comrades’ determination stood defiant in the face of white police power. “If we got locked up that night, we went back the next day. And the next day. And the next day,” she says. “You went back.” Indeed, they would continue to fight, and Whitehead and the other protesters helped bring the dawn. Throughout the 1960s, incremental civil rights victories would dismantle much of the overt apartheid that barred Black Athenians from opportunities in education, transportation, commerce and politics.
The stockade had perhaps finally lost its power as the oppressors’ tool. It had been allowed to fall into a ramshackle state, infested and grimy and, by all accounts, nightmarish inside. But the deeper stain was from its use. More macabre than its physical state was its history. Whatever new paint may lie in store for the building, only a redemptive use would wipe clean this taint.
The Prison-Industrial Complex
A 1921 headline in the Athens Banner read, “Police Declare War on Vagrancy, Stockade Full.” This echoes the reporting from Blackmon on the use of “vagrancy” charges to acquire forced laborers for either city use or sale to businesses. Blackmon describes, for instance, how “after a plea for more cotton pickers in August 1932, police in Macon scoured the town’s streets, arresting sixty black men on ‘vagrancy’ charges and immediately turning them over to a plantation owner J.H. Stroud.”
The South’s brazen experiment in re-enslavement would end across the region by 1945, but the conditions in the city stockade in Athens continued to deteriorate. Through midcentury the conditions had degraded so much in Clarke County’s jails that a federal lawsuit was eventually brought
There was a vibrant and inspired civil rights movement in Athens at the time. The movement that had emerged in places like Birmingham, AL; Atlanta; Little Rock, AR and Greensboro, NC sparked the same passionate push for equality in Athens. The racist system constructed in Athens had cemented into a deeply unequal apartheid state. Black Athenians were excluded from political, economic and social power; Black children were barred from the better-funded white schools; Black adults and children alike were refused service at lunch counters and other white businesses; and white abuses, big and small, were permitted as though sanctioned by God. In the minds of many whites, they were.
Thus, when young Black Athenians began challenging the system, white Athens responded the way it always had: violence, both legal and extralegal. While it’s perhaps easier to recognize the extralegal violence of groups like the Ku Klux Klan as such, the latent and active violence of state power was far more pervasive and effective in maintaining the white supremacist order. While the Klan boasted a dues-paying membership of almost 400 around mid-century, complete with a headquarters above the former location of the Grit on Prince Avenue, it was the “legitimate” power of the police and imprisonment that most sustained the apartheid arrangement.
The derelict stockade would finally be decommissioned in 1978 in anticipation of a new, much larger jail. If the stockade opened at the dawn of the 20th century to commence a new system of white oppression in the South, its closure, too, signaled a new beginning in the carceral control of Black Americans. Both the stockade and its successor jail opened almost precisely at the moment of their need to the powers that be. This new jail would open just weeks after President Ronald Reagan’s election in 1980.
Reagan would inaugurate a turn toward mass incarceration and the intensification of policing. Reagan and his conservative, increasingly Southern coalition would code criminality in terms of race. The Southern scheme of incarceration as a mode of social control would infuse the national political posture under Reagan, and the country’s prison population would almost double during his eightyear presidency, with Black Americans disproportionately locked up and targeted by police. The course steered by Reagan would eventually give the country the ignominious distinction of having more of its citizens locked up than any country on Earth.
For the better part of a century, the stockade had served its purpose as a tool of social and racial control. But America’s insatiable thirst for caging its citizens, especially Black Americans, finally rendered the facility inadequate to the new scale of incarceration. Decades of inhumane conditions between its walls had not shuttered the stockade; the barbaric treatment of its inmates had not caused its closure; the vermin and pestilential rot inside had not put an end to the whites’ dungeon. No, it was finally closed because it was no longer big enough to be of assistance in the new world of mass incarceration that was fast approaching. f
A cartoon satirizing how whites profited off Black inmate labor.
Rivers and Writing
ATHENS AUTHOR REBECCA MCCARTHY’S NORMAN MACLEAN BIOGRAPHY
By Peter Biello news@flagpole.com
For anyone who has for decades wanted to write a book, the writer Norman Maclean serves as an inspiration. The acclaimed author of A River Runs Through It and other stories didn’t publish fiction until he reached his 70s, and his debut went on to sell more than two million copies and inspired the 1992 Oscar Award-winning film by Robert Redford.
Rebecca McCarthy is the Athens-based author of Norman Maclean: A Life of Letters and Rivers. In it, she writes about the Maclean that she knew and the Maclean that she found through her research. She’s a former journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and currently a Flagpole contributor.
Peter Biello: You met Norman Maclean late in his life when you were both in Montana. He split his time while he was teaching between the University of Chicago and Montana. Tell us how you met him.
Rebecca McCarthy: I was introduced to him by my brother, my oldest brother, John, in Seely Lake, where John was working for the Forest Service. He was in charge of recreation on the Seely Lake Ranger District and had met Norman a couple of years before because one of John’s duties was tending to the people who had leased land from the Forest Service around Seely Lake. And Norman was one of those summer people who did that.
would make him write essays and then whittle them down until they were more concise. And then he’d throw them away when they were done. And you, as a young writer, had a sort of mentor relationship with him where he would critique your work. What was that experience like for you?
RM: Terrifying. I mean, I just didn’t want to disappoint Norman. The paper I wrote for him that he really took me to task on was about a Browning poem, and I
PB: 19. So you were already in college then?
RM: Yeah, I had started college at 17. So I decided to up my game and take it pretty seriously.
PB: So he taught at the University of Chicago. But he wasn’t your teacher there?
RM: No, no. He had retired by the time I got there. Yeah, he taught there from ’28 ’til ’73. So he did a lot of teaching and had a lot of students.
PB: What can you tell us about him as a teacher?
RM: Oh, he was phenomenal. The people I spoke to who had him—I mean, he was life-altering. Scientists who had never read Shakespeare became Shakespeare devotees. The University of Chicago gives out an award called the Quantrell Teaching Award, and it’s given by undergraduate students. People vote. Norman’s the only person who got it three times. I mean, he was terrifying—and he was beloved.
should have picked another Victorian poet because…
PB: He loved Robert Browning.
RM: He loved Browning, and his parents were in the Browning Society. But he was right. I didn’t do the research on the poem and I didn’t make my paper, as he said, something of distinction.
PB: Now, as you write in this book, Norman Maclean and his father—early in his life, his father was his writing tutor and
PB: And you were how old at the time?
RM: 19.
PB: You knew him while he was working on A River Runs Through It. Yes?
RM: Yeah.
PB: What did you know about what he was feeling as he was working through that story? And I should mention that it was—if you’re not familiar with it, it seems very autobiographical for him. It’s about a pair of brothers. The brother named Paul mimics the brother he had, [also named] Paul who died—was killed—and who likely had a gambling problem. So it’s an autobiographical story and perhaps a difficult story for him to write, emotionally. But tell us, what did you know about his state of mind as he was working on that story?
RM: I knew nothing. I mean, he wasn’t very revelatory. I was a kid. I believe he read parts of the story to my brother and sister-in-law, which would have been in 19—the early ’70s while she was still alive. I know that one time he read me part of it and said—you know, he would just kind of end up and go, “Well, darling, that’s it.” I mean, he was wrapped really tightly. He did
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not talk about his own emotions. So—but I do know when he finished, he read it to Jean and Joel, his daughter and son-in-law. And then he could cry for his brother. So I think—I don’t know his state of mind, but I think it was a great relief for him to speak publicly about his brother. And yeah, there are autobiographical pieces in that story, but it’s not an autobiography.
PB: Right. It’s fiction.
RM: Yeah.
PB: He did attempt to write nonfiction before A River Runs Through It. He wanted to write about Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn, but he never did finish that.
RM: No.
PB: How did he make that transition from wanting to write about history to then wanting to write about roughly himself in fiction?
RM: He really didn’t know exactly what he wanted to say about Custer. [What] Norman wanted to explore was how someone who lost a battle, obviously, would end up in that famous picture—maybe you’ve seen it. It’s a picture that shows Custer leading the charge, and the Indians and all these dead Indians and cavalrymen on the ground. It was—Norman said it was in every bar from Seattle to Bangor. He became this hero through defeat. And he wanted to explore: Why did we do that? Was that an American thing?
PB: Well, based on both your personal relationship with him and the vast amount of research you’ve done about his life, what would you hope people remember about him?
RM: He was a very compassionate writer. I don’t know. He was a very, very complicated person. You know, he was wrapped really tightly, but at the same time, he was—his traits are he was compassionate, and he was curious, very curious about other people. And he would go, you know, you would tell him something, and he would take off his glasses and bite one of the arms and go, “No kidding.” He was just—I’ve never met anybody like him. Nobody. f
This story comes to Flagpole through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.
Rebecca McCarthy
Latin American Gas Station Eats
PLUS, UNIQUE SONORAN POP-UP TREATS
By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com
RESTAURANTE EL AGUILA DOMICILIO (3495 Atlanta Highway, 470-201-0983): We can all agree that a gas station restaurant is one of the best things around—a statement that’s not even controversial anymore. Low rent, small spaces and a steady stream of customers brought in by lottery tickets, fuel and giant cups of soda combine to make something equipped to exceed expectations.
El Aguila, a lovely Latin American restaurant inside the Chevron at the intersection of Timothy/Mitchell Bridge and Atlanta Highway, doesn’t even have a sign that’s visible from the road, just a whiteboard with the day’s specials markered on it, propped next to the door. There’s a more permanent menu inside, where two women operate out of a small space just before you get to the Keno machines in the back, but even it is no guarantee that what you’re looking to order is available. Luckily, it doesn’t matter because pretty much everything is good to great. Eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try pupusas stuffed with shrimp and mushrooms? Well, they’re out of shrimp today, but they do have loroco as a filling for the stuffed-then-griddled corn cakes. These distinctive, almost spinachy-tasting leaves from a vine native to Central America are a traditional pupusa filling, but often unavailable in Athens. You can, of course, get them filled with beans and cheese, or various kinds of pork and chicken, but also squash, nopales and jalapeños. The pupusas themselves are roughly saucer-sized, kissed firmly by the heat of the griddle, and they come with two little slipknotted plastic baggies: one with a tomato-based hot sauce that balances heat and vinegar nicely and is good on everything, and one with curtido, the fermented cabbage
relish that is a sort of cross between kimchi and coleslaw. At $2.50 each, they are a fantastic deal.
I think the cuisine is generally from Honduras, but there’s significant overlap with El Salvador’s food. It’s wise to pay attention to that whiteboard with the menu de hoy. A dish noted as “pollo con tajadas” doesn’t sound very promising, but it turns out to be a quarter of a chicken, unbattered but fried to perfection, alongside long slices of fried green plantain, plus beautiful, fluffy white rice cooked
with chicken broth and yet another plastic baggie, this one containing a zingy pale green sauce that wakes up everything. Empanadas filled with plantains are the one weak spot I’ve found so far—too fat, too soft, too sweet.
Chicharrones with yuca are a solid two meals, each little pork nugget equal parts crispy, chewy, fatty, salty and a total flavor bomb. Rip open the hot sauce baggie and dunk the chunky fingers of fried yuca into it while it’s still warm. If there’s soup on the whiteboard, you should definitely get that. A caldo de pollo came with a small container of the same delicious rice as above, a large container of rich and vegetal broth with big hunks of zucchini and carrot and plenty of onions, plus a foil-wrapped quarter chicken leg that you can shred and add to your liking. It’s meaty, but it appreciates vegetables, too.
There are a few tables if you choose to eat inside the convenience store, but most business seems to be to go. You can pay with a credit card at the store’s register. El Aguila opens at 9 a.m. most days and is mostly closed Sundays, when it posts up on Commerce Road inside the Shell station there.
EL PERRITO (locations vary, @elperrito.ath): Equally worth seeking out is this tiny, cutely branded Sonoran hot dog cart from the owners of Calor Creative, a small branding firm. El Perrito pops up at places including Athentic Brewing, Normaltown Brewing, Paloma Park and Sunroof Coffee, and is available for private events. Marvelously, it offers pretty much one item: a hot dog, wrapped in bacon and grilled, then served in a split bolillo bun in between pinto beans on the bottom and, on the top, squiggles of a creamy jalapeño salsa, mayo and mustard, plus diced tomatoes, onions and jalapeño. You can pick and choose among all that, but the best option is just to go for it. That way you can unhinge your jaw and get a bite that’s soft and snappy, tangy and salty, hot and pickley, a real treat of texture and flavor all at once. The cart has vegetarian options, too, plus chips if you really need a side. It’s worth a special trip, especially if you order one just for yourself, then wolf it down in your car alone, a perfect example of “little treat” culture. f
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Restaurante El Aguila Adomicilio
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good growing
Deck the Halls
TIPS FOR PICKING OUT HOLIDAY PLANTS
By Erin France news@flagpole.com
Whether foraged or bought, plastic duplicate or messy original, bringing plants into our homes is a holiday staple. I am a fan of the real thing, but allergies, small children and nibbling pets are limiting factors for some. If you’re interested in expanding your natural holiday decor, here’s a few tips for finding and using plants around the house:
POINSETTIAS: The big bright red things that look like petals? Not actually petals! It’s a bract, or a modified leaf. The center of a healthy poinsettia should contain little yellow and green nodules—these are the petalless flowers (technically named
MISTLETOE: It doesn’t smell great like Frasier firs, nor is it showy, like a poinsettia. Instead, bundle and hang the humble mistletoe over doorways to start impromptu smooch sessions during the holidays. This tradition started with a Christmas game servants in Victorian England played for stealing kisses. People threw away the rules during the next century, but kept the canoodling.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, feeding off the nutrients and water of its host. Though mistletoe is a leech, and capable of killing a tree eventually, it is a needed food source for wild critters. For example, caterpillars of the iridescent native Great Purple Hairstreak butterfly munch on the plant. If you go foraging for it, be sure to leave some for the wildlife.
cyathia). Choose a plant where the stamens (male reproductive part of a flower) are just starting to poke out. Avoid plants where the cyathia have fallen off. Once the flowers are gone, the beautiful bracts fall off soon after. Most poinsettias come in a foil or plastic pot cover. Get rid of it. The cover can retain too much moisture and kill your plant prematurely. Poinsettias, native to Mexico, dislike big fluctuations in temperature and anything colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s best to place them somewhere in your home away from heating ducts or cold window panes. Instead, opt for a table or counter where the plant can receive some light.
Poinsettia’s reputation as poisonous can be overblown as it’s not deadly. Some people do get a rash when handling the plant’s sap, and eating the leaves can cause an upset stomach. As long as you don’t have a severe allergy to it, a poinsettia shouldn’t have lasting or lethal effects.
Poinsettias are symbols of Christmas because of smart marketing. A Southern California family of farmers named Ecke bred poinsettias to keep their red-andgreen holiday colors for a few weeks instead of a few days. To drum up demand, the farm supplied free poinsettias for magazine holiday spreads and television Christmas specials hosted by Bob Hope and Johnny Carson. The marketing worked as more and more shoppers chose to bring home a potted poinsettia.
Mistletoe prefers hardwoods. I’ve found it in trees planted in parking lots and near sidewalks. The plant’s bright green or yellow leaves are a marked contrast to the bare limbs of its host. The plant is brittle, and a few stems can be wacked off with a stick. Don’t take mis tletoe from a state or federal park; it’s illegal. Don’t take plant mate rial from a private garden or property with out asking; your neighbors won’t like it.
Mistletoe is poisonous in much the same way poinsettias are. Eating the leaves and berries can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Effects will be worse for a pet or small child than an adult, but shouldn’t be lethal. Still, if you’ve got a small person or animal who likes to taste everything around them, a plastic version might be a safer bet.
HOLLY: From “Deck the Halls” to “The Holly and the Ivy,” holly is such a Christmas decorating standard it’s got its own tunes. Holly has long been a symbol of winter, Christmas and protection.
Holly is often used as a landscaping plant, sometimes added around the foundation of a home, or to provide privacy. If you don’t have a bush in your yard, you likely have a neighbor willing to share some of their bounty. While holly wreaths are possible, they can be painful to construct. I suggest sticking small twigs into a pre-constructed wreath (those made with cedar, Leyland Cypress or Fraser firs are my favorites). Other options include arranging holly in a vase or along a mantle.
Holly, too, is poisonous (but usually not lethal) if eaten. If anyone at your home eats any of these plants, or something else, you can call the Georgia Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for humans and the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888426-4435 for pets. f
Although known as a Christmas decoration, poinsettias don’t really like cold weather.
FACULTY ENSEMBLES
FACULTY FOLLIES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
LA FINTA GIARDINIERA
MUSIC | THU, DEC. 19
J. Roddy Walston
40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors) • $15 (adv.), $20
Last year, musician J. Roddy Walston did something you don’t see often from Americana rock artists such as himself: He released a full-length album of original Christmas songs, plus one raspy and riveting cover of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” Walston is also known for his former rock band, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, whose energetic live shows featured his signature pounding style of piano playing. After disbanding, he briefly played in another band called Palm Palm and then embarked on his own solo venture. Christmas to the Bone is currently his only official solo release, a charismatic and driving collection of songs that spice up any holiday playlist. For the
both original and classic songs. The night also includes several guest performers, this year’s being Claire Campbell, Tracy Brown, Anthony Zuniga, Alys Willman, Philip Kohnen, Michael Joe White, Chloe Floyd and Lisa and Lucille King. King began releasing music for the occasion last year, debuting the EP Snow Day!, which features three original songs alongside covers of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” This year, The Holiday Hustle Club released a new single called “White Elephant Waltz.” [MB]
MUSIC | FRI, DEC. 20
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night
Downtown Athens • 7:30 p.m. • FREE!
past few years, Walston has taken the songs on holiday tours across the U.S., with this year’s tour featuring stops from Columbus to Richmond to Athens. [Mary Beth Bryan]
PERFORMANCE | WED, DEC. 20–21
The Nutcracker
The Classic Center • Times Vary • $16 (children), $26.95–42.95
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine is returning to Athens for two performances of The Nutcracker, a holiday staple that follows the story of a girl named Clara who is gifted a nutcracker for Christmas that comes to life and helps her fight the Rat King. The ballet, which first premiered in 1892, is based on Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 short story of the same name and set to a score by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky’s score is one of the most wellknown of all time, featuring beloved numbers such as “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes.” The Dec. 20 performance of The Nutcracker is at 7:30 p.m., and the Dec. 21 performance is at 1 p.m. [MB]
The Holiday Hustle Club is a holidaythemed homage to the era of iconic nightclubs. Inspired by songwriters and vocalists like Birdland, Irving Berlin and Ella Fitzgerald, local songwriter and pianist Bart King joins up with Chris Enghauser on double bass, Louis Romanos on drums and Jeremy Raj on electric guitar to perform
New York composer Phil Kline created the multi- track electronic piece “Unsilent Night” to be an auditory sculpture. It began in 1992 with the idea for a participatory public artwork combined with the element of holiday caroling. Each participant in the event selects one of four tracks that compose “Unsilent Night,” then everyone hits play at the same time and parades through town, resulting in a shifting composition that sounds a little different to every ear in the crowd. The tradition began in Greenwich Village, but in the three decades since, parades have happened in 173 cities across five continents, with Athens participating since 2011. Though it started out with boomboxes and cassette tapes, participants are invited to bring any audio device to the parade to become a part of the artwork. Boomboxes are still ideal for the nostalgia, but people also commonly use alternative systems like smartphones or MP3 players paired with bluetooth speakers. [MB]
MUSIC | FRI, DEC. 20
Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight
Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. • $15
Unfurling the decades-long journey of one of Athens’ seminal rock bands, Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight begins with the mental health crisis that pushed singer and guitarist Mike Mantione toward songwriting and performance, then recounts the band’s history from there. A major theme in the documentary is what success and artistic validation mean in a world where mainstream popularity can be evasive for creatives. Weirdo—which was directed by former Athenian and Flagpole editor Marc Pilvinsky—primarily tells its story through the band’s current members (Mantione, guitarist Sean Dunn, bassist Dan Horowitz and drummer Patrick Ferguson), but also features familiar voices like Bill Berry of R.E.M., Amy Ray of Indigo Girls, Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers and more. The event will begin with a screening of the documentary, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker and a show from Five Eight. [MB] f
Robert Schneider’s ManAndTheComputer PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
Hey y’all, here it is—the final Threats & Promises of 2024. Thank you for your continued reading and support over this past year. Further, I want to thank personally every artist and musician whose work I wrote about for putting yourselves out there and getting your work done. As always, and with specific criticism aside, I can’t tell you how excited I was in 2024 to listen to your records and let people know about them. Here’s to everyone having a safe, happy and wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous and joyful 2025!
IT’S FRUITCAKE WEATHER: The artist known as Other Voices, Other Rooms will host his eighth annual Winter Solstice celebration Saturday, Dec. 21 at Flicker Theatre & Bar. He’ll DJ his signature blend of post-punk and synth-pop taken directly from cassettes of his live performances at Go Bar both in between acts and at the end of the night. Other artists on the bill this night are Vancouver, BC’s Dång Hunke (Astral Blessing, Shasta Cults), Wet Garden, and the current project from longtime Athens noise agitator Thom Strickland
NEAR WILD HEAVEN: Legendary, however you choose to define that, Athens rockers Is/ Ought Gap will return to the stage Friday, Dec. 20 at Ciné. Joining them are MegaBeth, the new project from Athens’ own Dana Downs, and Micro Trak, which is a side project of Oliver Domingo (Organically Programmed). The very next night Is/Ought Gap will open for Pylon Reenactment Society at Atlanta’s West End Wild Heaven brewery. For all other information, please see facebook. com/isoughtgap.
pop gold out of personal difficulty. The new song is “Breathing Distress Blues (DOA PDA),” and even though he totally hates when I find comparisons between his work and others, I’m still going to say that it hits that sweet power pop spot somewhere in between The Cars and Guided By Voices. In the spirit of full disclosure, note that Simppson and I have worked closely together both with his music and other projects, so feel free to take my musings with a grain of salt. Find the new song and many others at sloanbrothers.bandcamp. com.
ROBERT DE RECHERCHES MUSICALES: Robert Schnieder (Apples In Stereo) has a new EP out now named Man And The Computer. The music here was composed by Schneider and Suno AI, with all sounds being AI generated based on specific prompts by Schneider. These were being created by Schneider for
RELATEDLY AND FOR GOOD: The aforementioned Pylon Reenactment Society will headline New Year’s Eve at the 40 Watt Tuesday, Dec. 31. This is a pretty stacked bill, including Delta 8, Nuclear Tourism and Violent Violet. Tickets are $10 in advance and, presumably, the same at the door, but don’t quote me. This show is a benefit for Athens musician Kyle DeMartino (Violent Violet), and all proceeds will go to assist him with medical bills. For more info, please see facebook.com/pylonreenactmentsociety, and for advance tickets, visit 40watt.com.
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER: Songwriter Sloan Simpson, under his Sloan Brothers moniker, has been steadily crafting a new LP release for the past year while simultaneously releasing one-off singles. The latest comes from a true story of significant medical worry that occurred around Halloween. And, as could be expected, Simpson spun
W. Cullen Hart at the time of Hart’s death last month. These pieces are categorized as musique concrète in that they use raw sound as source material. This category is often known for harshness and abrasiveness. There’s some of that here, but this is also quite musical in a traditional sense and, overall, quite enjoyable. That said, this is not easy listening, so prepare yourselves and head over to cloudrecordings.bandcamp.com to find this.
LAST CALL: There’s not a lot of space to get into it here, but here’s a short rundown of things happening on New Year’s Eve and NYE adjacent shows that may just pique your interest. Flicker is hosting Immaterial Possession, Xeroxy Music (i.e. Roxy Music covers) and Nicholas Mallis (Dec. 31). The 40 Watt hosts Hayride’s Holiday Party with openers Shehehe (Dec. 30). Athentic Brewing will host The Original Splitz Band playing a slew of Motown hits (Dec. 31). The Nowhere Bar hosts Five Eight and Elf Power (Dec. 31). If none of that gets your dander up, you can always just go to bed at a reasonable hour. I don’t recommend that, but it’s your call. f
Holiday Hustle Club
live music calendar
Tuesday 17
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. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. FREE! www.classiccityband.
org
CLASSIC CITY BAND The community band’s Christmas concert will include traditional holiday songs such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “O Holy Night” and “Sleigh Ride.”
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday.
Wednesday 18
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.
Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring pop, rock, indie and more. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $39–79. pac.uga.edu
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR Performing a special holiday program called “Christmas in Vienna,” which features Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and holiday favorites.
Thursday 19
40 Watt Club
7 p.m. (doors). $15 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com
J. RODDY WALSTON Classic Southern rock and Americana artist touring his new album of original Christmas songs.
EXIT ROW Athens-based bedroom pop with songs about the past haunting the present.
PENNY LOAFER Alternative indie rock trio with heavy grooves and dreamy vocals.
NEAT FREAK Post-punk with ethereal shimmer and poignant melodic pop sensibilities.
The Classic Center
7 p.m. $28–56. www.classiccenter. com
JOHN BERRY The country star performs Christmas classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Let It Snow,” “Mary Did You Know” and his timeless hit, “O Holy Night.”
Festival Hall
7:30 p.m. www.festivalhallga.com
JOE GRANSDEN Joined by a ninepiece orchestra and guest vocalsit Robin Latimore, Gransden performs his “Swinging Holiday Show.” Flicker Theatre & Bar
TAXICAB VERSES Local group fronted by Jim Wilson and inspired by the traditional sounds of Ghana.
JAMES AURELIO Roots-rock project led by Jim Wilson (Los Cantares, TaxiCab Verses).
Hendershot’s
8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.hendershots athens.com
THE GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
JOKERJOKER Gallery
LIVE In The Studio. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.jokerjokertv.com/watch
BURLY IVY JOKERJOKERtv presents a virtual performance as part of the Buzzard Guts Takeover. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
8 p.m. $100. www.mmcc-arts.org
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA An annual favorite for over 45 years, the Grammy Award-winning orchestra presents a program of
THE FOURFATHERS Funky soul organ quartet comprised of Dwayne Holloway, Jason Ogg, Chris Queen and Justin Willis.
Ciné
8 p.m. $10–12. www.athenscine.com IS/OUGHT GAP Veteran Athens band featuring Bryan Cook (Time Toy, Oh-OK), Tom Cheek and Allen Wagner (Kilkenny Cats), and Jason NeSmith (Pylon Reenactment Society).
MEGABETH Dana Downs’ newest rock combo featuring Carla LeFever, Phyllis Walls and Deborah Walls.
MICRO TRAK New project of Oliver Domingo (Organically Programmed Orchestra).
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $15. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
FIVE EIGHT Legendary Athens band known for its boisterous, thoughtful rock and roll. Playing after a showing of the documentary, Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight and
(bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Little Kings Shuffle Club
7:30 p.m. FREE! rachelbwatkins@ gmail.com
PHIL KLINE’S UNSILENT NIGHT
An annual tradition held across the world, Unsilent Night is a boombox parade and moving sound sculpture in which participants play the composition from audio players in unison. The parade will meet at Little Kings before walking through downtown and the UGA campus quad.
Nowhere Bar
9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens
BLUES OLYMPICS Blues musicians perform together to raise money for The Carl Lindberg Memorial Scholarship for Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped.
ambient sounds with guitar, synths and vocals.
OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS
Synth hardware and processed tapes inspired by first wave Chicago House and Detroit Techno. Plus, tape hiss bangers of synth pop and post-punk straight from the legendary Go Bar dance floor in between sets.
BLEACHY ASSHOLE Experimental music from Thom Strickland.
DÅNG HUNKE Vancouver artist (ex Astral Blessing, Shasta Cults) playing processed horns.
BASKETBALL TEAM Local Christmas all-star band presenting a night of holiday favorites, with everything from pop classics to carols.
Hugh Hodgson Concert
Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $49–99. pac.uga.edu
holiday and classical favorites, including a sing-along of familiar holiday tunes.
Nowhere Bar
9 p.m. www.facebook.com/Nowhere BarAthens
SOLID COUNTRY GOLD Diablo boys playing country jams. VFW Post 3910 7–11 p.m. Donations accepted. terryj 6344@yahoo.com
KARAOKE AT THE VFW Enjoy singing and dancing. All levels welcome. Every Thursday.
Friday 20
40 Watt Club
7 p.m. (doors). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com
DRIVIN N CRYIN Legendary Atlanta band playing hard-charging, Southern-inspired rock. PATTY PERSHAYLA AND THE MAYHAPS Riff-driven rock anthems with a punky blues grit. Athentic Brewing Co.
HOLIDAY HUSTLE CLUB Songwriter and pianist Bart King leads a jazz combo featuring Chris Enghauser, Louis Romanos and Jeremy Raj through secular classics as well as new holiday tunes.
TAB BENOIT Four-time Grammy Award-nominated artist renowned for his distinctive guitar tone and Otis-Redding-esque voice.
JESSE DAYTON Towering figure in the realm of outlaw country known for his guitar contributions to albums by musicians including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.hendershots athens.com
THE GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi
The Root
9 p.m. www.therootathens.com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
Saturday 21
Athentic Brewing Co.
6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GOLDEN BOWL No info available.
40 Watt Club
8 p.m. (doors). $25. www.40watt.com
BLOODKIN Long-running Athens group playing a bluesy style of roots-rock with big guitars and sharply written lyrics.
Boutier Winery & Inn
8 p.m. $10. www.boutierwinery.com
CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Local band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music. Line dancing is held during band breaks. Flicker Theatre & Bar
WET GARDEN Emmy Pierce and Shan Perry perform soft, warm
VFW Post 2872
Ugly Sweater Party. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. www. facebook.com/vfwpost2872 PHAZE 360 Party band playing danceable hits.
Sunday 22
Athentic Brewing Co.
1–5 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
VINYL ISLAND Chill acoustic tunes.
The Foundry Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/SolsticeSisters Dec22
THE SOLSTICE SISTERS Susan Staley, Anna Durden and Maggie Hunter harmonize on old-time country ballads, traditional folk and ’40s styled swing.
Hendershot’s 4 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.hendershots athens.com
THE GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Oak House Distillery
3:30–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com
FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences.
St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church 4 p.m. $20. www.amethystbaroque. com
AMETHYST BAROQUE The four candles of Advent—hope, love, joy and peace—serve as inspiration for “Prepare the Way: An Advent Songfest,” a concert of music spanning eight centuries.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
10:30 a.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org WINTER MUSIC SERVICE Music, poetry and readings to evoke the blessings of winter.
Monday 23
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” which portrays Advent, the birth, the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ.
MAX AND MAGGIE AND FRIENDS Live music for a contra dance hosted by Athens Folk Music and Dance Society.
No. 3 Railroad Street
7 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.3railroad.org
LILY AND THE ROSES Athens dreamrock band Dreamlily joined by The Roses (Eiva Hawthorn on piano) with original and traditional songs for the Winter Solstice and Christmas. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens MISNOMER Atlanta/Athens instrumental fusion group with a funky, jazzy sound.
Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
BLUE MONDAY ’80s dance party featuring new wave, post-punk, remixes, goth and Italo disco.
Down the Line
12/27 Jack Miller and Jim Green (Athentic Brewing Co.)
12/27 Wade Hudson (The Root)
12/28 Randall Bramblett Big Band (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture)
12/28 Heffner, McKendrick Bearden (Nowhere Bar)
12/28 DJ Mane (Athentic Brewing Co.)
12/28 The Next Mourning, Supercluster, Caleb’s Calling, Selvedge (Flicker Theatre & Bar)
12/28 Noche de Baile (Athentic Brewing Co.)
12/29 Repent at Leisure (Oak House Distillery)
12/30 Hayride, Shehehe (40 Watt Club) f
The Good Grief Trio will perform sold-out shows at Hendershot’s on Dec. 19, 20 and 22.
event calendar
Tuesday 17
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person conversation. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
EVENTS: Blue Christmas (First Baptist Church) A specially designed service for those who have suffered loss and find the holidays challenging. 6 p.m. FREE! www.firstbaptist athens.org
EVENTS: Fall Fashion Show (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Teen Fashion Design & Sewing Club and Teen Media Club will showcase their designs. 6 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/LyndonHouseArts
FILM: Athentic Movie Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the holiday film Muppet Christmas Carol. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your special holiday trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ MellowMushroomAthens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hi-Lo Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge. 8 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/hilo lounge
KIDSTUFF: Kids Crafts (Bogart Library) Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with learning stations and crafts. 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Drop in and join Ms. Jera for rhymes, songs, movement, a story and a craft. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies Provided. All ages. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Chapter Chat (Bogart Library) This month’s chat will feature The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher with quizzes, trivia, snacks and more. Ages 8–12. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay and discuss it with the
LECTURES & LIT: Athentic December Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss One Day In December by Josie Silver and bring a wrapped book for a White Elephant gift exchange (optional). 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
MEETINGS: Honking Jam (595 Nanthahala Ave.) Bring your brass or reed horn to jam on “When the Saints Go Marching In.” 6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/groups/ honkingclub
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@petanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 18
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 (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com
COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers. Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
FILM: Holiday Movie Night (The Foundry) Screening of the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story with seasonal treats for sale. 5:30 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ thefoundryathens
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1961 thriller drama film Cash on Demand. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.com
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nickalous Benson. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens
GAMES: Trivia Night (Normal Bar) Test your trivia knowledge. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/normal. bar.7
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: Playtime Express (Oconee County Library) Join a train-themed small group playtime. Registration required. Ages 3 & up. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: YA Holiday Party (Oconee County Library) Enjoy crafts, holiday movies, refreshments, a book swap and more. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
Thursday 19
ART: Open Studio (ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery) Jason and Beth Thrasher will hold open studio hours. 5–9 p.m. www.acefranciscogallery.com
ART: Open Studio (Chase Park Warehouse, Unit 4, Suite #10) Artist Christina Habibi’s work will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. habibiart.com
ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Noah Lagle’s exhibition “Goodest Neighbors” explores the act of sending and receiving messages through unexpected and overlooked carriers. 6–9 p.m. Donations accepted. www.tinyath gallery.com
CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga. Open to all skill levels. Attend in person (first come, first served) or via Zoom. 6 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
EVENTS: Speed Dating (Athentic Brewing Co.) A meet and mingle followed by speed dating sessions. Registration required. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
FILM: Movies By Moonlight (Sandy Creek Park) Screening of Frozen Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com
GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 6 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872
GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd Henderson. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnys pizza.com
KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for playtime that’s focused on encouraging early literacy and brain building. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. Thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Tween Busy Bees Hangout (Oconee County Library) Work on the Busy Bee Card with the month’s special activity. Ages 8–11. Registration required. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Bogart Library) Drop in to read a story to Maisy Jane and her furry friends. Ages 4 & up. 4–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Winter Solstice (ACC Library) Join for stories and activities celebrating the winter solstice. All ages. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join the volunteer led role-playing adventure
where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands and more. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last. Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
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
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@petanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Friday 20
ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m. FREE! gmoatours@uga.edu
COMEDY: Darren Knight Southern Momma Comedy Tour (Morton Theatre) Bang Productions presents Alabama comedian Darren Knight with Big Earl, Red Squirrel, Gary Cargal and DJ Slim McGraw. 7:30 p.m. $25–45. www.mortontheatre. com
EVENTS: Terrapin Mobile Food Pantry (Terrapin Beer Co.) First come, first serve rain or shine food distribution for those in need who meet income eligibility requirements. Third Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com
EVENTS: Holiday Sip & Shop
Sample Sale (Hello Wealth) Enjoy refreshments while doing lastminute holiday gift shopping. 12–7 p.m. www.hayleybird.shop
EVENTS: Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Parade through downtown to the UGA quad with handheld speakers playing secular music. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.unsilentnight.com
FILM: Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the documentary diving into the history of the local Athens band, followed by a live performance. 8 p.m. $15. www. flickertheatreandbar.com
GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Online: Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Grinchmas Camp (Aaron Heard Community Center) Create some movie inspired crafts and enjoy Grinch themed treats. Ages 6–12. Registration required. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (resident), $22 (non-resident). www.accgovga. myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Santa & Mrs. Claus Storytime (ACC Library) Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a story then have
a photo taken. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Winter Kickoff (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Kids will explore the winter woods and enjoy time outside. Ages 4–12. Registration required. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $6 (resident), $9 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.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
PERFORMANCE: The Nutcracker (The Classic Center) The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine will perform the classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. $26.95–42.95. www.classiccenter. com
SPORTS: Classic City Championship (Akins Ford Arena) Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals basketball teams face off in a head-to-head battle. 1–9 p.m. $10–20. www. classiccenter.com
Saturday 21
ART: R. Wood Studio Solstice Sale (R. Wood Studio) Browse discounted hand-crafted ceramic goods. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.rwood studio.com
ART: Ceramics Open Studio & Holiday Sale (Southern Star Studio) Browse a variety of pottery from resident artists. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.southernstarstudioathens.com
EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net
EVENTS: Carolina Dreamin’ Beer Release (Athentic Brewing Co.) Release of the brewery’s latest West Coast style IPA with proceeds benefitting the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and a supply collection for Mana Food Bank. 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features callers Corinne Wilkinson and Stuart Whipple and live music by Max and Maggie and Friends. No partner required. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org
GAMES: Pathfinder Society RPG (Tyche’s Games) Come and adventure with the Pathfinder Society. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
OUTDOORS: Forest Bathing (Sandy Creek Park) A guided immersive experience in the forest with a master naturalist and forest therapy guide. Includes a tea ceremony from local plants. Ages 18 & up. 1–3 p.m. $20–30. www.accgovga. myrec.com
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $20–43. www.classiccenter.com
Sunday 22
CLASSES: Solstice Circle & Soundbath (Shakti Power Yoga) Enjoy an evening of restorative yoga, Reiki, a cacao ceremony and a sound bath. 6 p.m. www.shakti yogaathens.com
COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-up material. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai
EVENTS: Community Bake Sale (The Globe) The proceeds of baked goods from local businesses and restaurants will benefit Athens Habitat for Humanity and its Global Village Program with other local vendors set up. 1–5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.facebook. com/globe.athens
EVENTS: Last Minute Holiday Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse goods sold by local artists, crafters and vendors such as art, sustainable fashion, home goods and more. 1–6 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@petanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Monday 23
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
KIDSTUFF: Christmas Extravaganza Camp (Aaron Heard Community Center) Kids will create snowglobes and play a variety of holiday games. Ages 6–12. Registration required. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (resident), $22 (non-resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Tween Steam Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in and build your own creations with a variety of STEM toys. Ages 8-12. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
Tuesday 24
EVENTS: Holiday Lights (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker leads an all-ages service with music and a holiday cookie exchange afterwards. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.uuathensga. org
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com f
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.
AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists in any medium to support specific projects that enrich the culture of Athens. Rolling deadlines are Mar. 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Dec. 15. Apply online. www. athensarts.org/support
ART MART CALL FOR ARTISTS
AND VENDORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Applications are now open for fine artists and craftspeople to participate in the indoor 2025 Art Market. All mediums welcome. Free to apply. $60 (vendor fee). Deadline Jan. 15. Event held May 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.lyndon houseartsfoundation.com
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
(Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a semi-private workspace, access to the center’s seven open studios and a $250 stipend. Rising professional and studio-based artists are invited to apply. Artists will be expected to present their work in a workshop or artist talk and will be invited to take part in a group exhibition with other AIR Program alumni. Applications are reviewed Apr. 20 for residencies beginning July 1 and Sept. 20 for residencies beginning Jan. 1. www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House
Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1,500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Amici is seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. Email an introduction and a few examples of work. careywelsh20@gmail.com
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville, GA) The 2025 Winterville Marigold Festival is seeking theme artwork to be featured on posters, T-shirts and more. Marigold or Wintervillethemed artwork preferred. Deadline to apply Jan. 1, 5 p.m. www.marigoldfestival.com
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. Email if interested in displaying your collection. shelby.little@ accgov.com
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The 50th Juried Exhibition will be juried by Michael Rooks, Wieland Family Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the High Museum in Atlanta. Submissions accepted Jan. 7–24. Exhibition on view Mar. 13–May 10. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1500) “Murmur Trestle: Photographs by Jason Thrasher” shares images from a new book of photos taken during different seasons over the course of six years. Open Third Thursday Dec. 19, 5–9 p.m. Through Dec. 30. • “Grit Portraits: Paintings by Tobiah Cole” includes portraits of some of the artist’s friends from his many years at The Grit. Through Dec. 30.
ARTS + ATHLETICS (Contact for Address) “Raised Bed” features works on paper and sculptural works by Sara Hess, co-founder of printmaking studio Two Parts Press. Closing Reception Feb. 22, 4–6 p.m. Open by appointment through Feb. 22.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) “Americans and the Holocaust” is a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and ’40s. Through Dec. 19. • On view in the Bogue Gallery, Will Eskridge presents “Beach Bumz,” a series of paintings that combine shorelines, animals and sweet treats. Through Dec. 29.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Game Day” by Vivian Liddell features an immersive diptych painting depicting an infamous celebration in downtown Athens. Through Dec. 25.
CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) On view in Classic Gallery I, “Legendary Georgia Musicians in Watercolor” is Jackie Dorsey’s homage to musicians who have called Georgia their home. • In Classic Gallery II, “Linnentown Then and Now: The Johnsons” includes portraits by Caroline Ford Coleman.
FOYER (135 Park Ave.) Brooklyn-based artist Baker Overstreet’s “Goblin Gazebo” features sculptures that bring to mind puppets, dolls and French clowns, and are made with canvas and bits and bobbles like wood, push pins and found materials. On view through Jan. 18 by appointment.
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Jim Wilson. Through December.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Shot through the windows from inside Waffle House restaurants across the Southeast, Micah Cash’s photographs in “Waffle House Vistas” contemplate the built and natural environments. Through June 1. • “On Wonder and Witnessing at Tallulah
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-StudioMembership
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. Panels review, evaluate and select from submitted proposals for ACC-funded public art commissions. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
Classes
A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! www.unity athens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18
and up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. FREE! marjoriemiller@gmail.com
ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) The shop offers a range of fine art classes and workshops for adults, private classes and parties, summer camps, and art clubs for youth. Register online. www.kaartist.com
BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of blacksmithing classes include “First Time at the Forge: Three Hook Rack” (Jan. 4 or Feb. 8), “Beginner Blacksmithing: Forge a Fire Poker” (Jan. 11), “Forge a Medieval Flail” (Jan. 17), “Beginner Blacksmithing: Forge a Bottle Opener” (Jan. 25), “Crash Course in Artistic Blacksmithing” (Feb. 9–10, $250) and “Forging Basic Tongs” (Feb. 15). Classes run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150/class. www.greenhowhandmade.com/ blacksmith-classes
CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio. org, www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships
DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and tap. Lunch time classes are available for adults including “Pilates & Dance Conditioning” on Wednesdays at noon. www.accgov.com/myrec
PÉTANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (5 Alumni Dr.) Learn to play Pétanque. RSVP for a free Wednesday introduction. athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
Falls” places a 1841 painting by George Cooke alongside contemporary photographs by Caitlin Peterson. Through Jan. 12.
GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights.
HOTEL INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Vivian Liddell shares “Athens Landscapes,” a series of monotypes based on photographs taken around town over the past several years.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Inspired: Artworks by Students of the Clarke County School District Inspired by Athens Creatives” was envisioned as a way to foster a connection between local artists and students. Through Jan. 18. • In “We Are All Kinda Floating,” Atlantabased artist Jamele Wright Sr. creates monumental textiles that center the traditions of Black American vernacular experience and merge sculpture, painting, fiber and techniques applied from graffiti and quilting. Through Dec. 28. • “Self-Preservation” is a solo exhibition spotlighting the works of Jaci Davis, the recipient of the 49th Juried Exhibition Arts Center Choice Award. Through Dec. 28. • The Window Works series presents a site-specific artwork by Atlanta artist Michael Reese that questions the perception of the Black Body against cyanotype photography popular with architectural blueprints. Through spring 2025. Collections from Our Community hosts John Stephenson’s vintage radio collection. Through Jan. 11. • “fast tracks, ski masks, plaid slacks” by Tim Root includes playful wooden constructions drawn from a comic book aesthetic and DIY ethos. Artist event held Jan. 30, 6–8 p.m. Currently on view through Feb. 8.
MAGALLERY (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) The 2024 MAGallery Artists Exhibition, “RED,” presents an array of original works by 16 gallery artists in styles, subjects and media ranging from contemporary to traditional. Through Dec. 28.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) The annual Artists Shoppe features artwork and craft items made by members of OCAF. Through Dec. 20.
OX FINE ART (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1700) Artwork by the late Art Rosenbaum, a painter, muralist, professor, and collector and performer of traditional American folk music.
PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM (2450 S. Milledge Ave.)
Two new collections celebrating the connection between art and nature include a complete Jasperware tea set from Wedgewood in England and a series of hand-carved coconut vessels.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead)
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 traumainformed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Highland Yoga)
Classes are offered seven days a week. Intro offer includes 30 days for $30. www.highland-yoga.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
YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga Athens) This body-neutral and traumainformed space in Normaltown offers heated and unheated classes. Classes are offered in Power Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin and Restorative Yoga. New student offer: four weeks of unlimited yoga for $40. shakti yogaathens.com
Help Out
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
ATHENS REPAIR CAFE (Solid Waste Office) The repair cafe is seeking volunteers comfortable fixing any of the following: clothing, pillows, small appliances, lamps, elec-
tronics, computers, bikes, small engines, clocks, knives, tools. The repair cafe is held the fourth Sunday of every month. reuse@accgov. com, www.accgov.com/RepairCafe
HOLIDAY PET FOSTERING (Athens, GA) Volunteers needed to help foster pets over the holidays. Pick up animals on or before Dec. 23 and return on Dec. 26. www.accgov. com/fosterapet
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. Contact Daniel Myers at 706-850-4025 or dmyers@multiplechoices.us PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. The application is available online. the biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Morton Theatre Corporation) The Morton Theatre Corporation is seeking new members for its board of directors and volunteers. The application is available online. board@morton theatre.com, www.mortontheatre. com/join-the-board
TOWELS FOR ANIMALS (ACCGov Animal Services Adoption Center) Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and hand rags for bathing animals and cleaning kennels. Donations can be dropped off at the door if it’s after hours. www.accgov. com/animalservices
TRAIL GUIDING (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Volunteers lead small groups of children on hikes
“Queer Perspectives” is a juried exhibition featuring work by 13 Georgiabased artists including Yousef Bousheri, Perrine Gaudry, Rial Rye, Ezra Witkowski and Clint Zeagler. Through Jan. 4.
TIGER’S EYE GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1600) Celebrated poet, Rumi translator and UGA professor emeritus Coleman Barks shares a collection of new works on paper alongside pieces by Ben Rouse, Mark Magnarella, Marla Star, Jamie DeRevere, Jessica Magnarella and Noah Mendelson. Open Third Thursday, Dec. 19, 5–9 p.m.
TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Noah Lagle’s exhibition “Goodest Neighbors” explores the act of sending and receiving messages through unexpected and overlooked carriers. Closing Reception Dec. 19, 6–9 p.m.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) In “Low Anchored Cloud/Spring Hoax,” Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA, explores themes of life and death through two distinct bodies of work. Through Dec. 21.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Athens Potluck” revisits Jason Thrasher’s 2017 book that includes portraits of 33 musicians at home or in the studio.The exhibition includes photographs, stories, loaned items from the featured musicians and items from the music collections of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Through December. • “Bulldog Olympians” celebrates over 200 UGA athletes who have competed for Team USA or their home countries through photographs and artifacts. • “Precious, Almost Sacred: Voting Rights in America” features photos, pamphlets, newspaper reports, letters and more from the Russell Library archives to illustrate the expansion of voter access in Georgia. Through May.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS CLEMENTS GALLERY (780 Timothy Rd.) Lori Hammer presents “Enhanced Paintings from Photos.” Through Jan. 2.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “Small Works” is a group exhibition of works measuring 13”x13” or smaller and priced under $250 for the holidays. Through Jan. 3. • “Of Wood and Water” presents the found wooden sculptures of Barbara Odil and landscape paintings by Laura Floyd. Through Jan. 3. • “Fading Light in 30624” captures rural life in the ’70s and ’80s through the photographs of Jason Machen. Through Jan. 3.
WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Ln., Winterville) Vicky Tavernier and Jenifer Borg present “Tide Pools, Rainforests, Deserts, and Fields: Selected Works from What Hides in the Tides and Stay a While with a Reptile.” Through Dec. 27.
around the nature center trails and emphasize the lesson for the day by incorporating things found on the hike. Register online. accgov. givepulse.com/event/379177-TrailGuides-Training
Kidstuff
ART CARD CLUB FOR PRE-TEENS AND TEENS (K.A. Artist Shop)
Draw, paint, collage and create your own collection of art cards. Materials provided. Fridays, 6–7:30 p.m. $28/drop-in, $200 (10 classes). www.kaartist.com
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.athensforestkindergarten.org
BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’BRELLA STUDIO) After-school art lessons for ages 6–11 include drawing and mixed media activities and are held Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Family Playgroups are for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Check website for descriptions and meeting times. www.brellastudio.com/events
FALL CLASSES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Treehouse offers a variety of art-centric activities for children, such as “Art School,” “Toddler/ Baby Process Art,” “Digital Art Designer,” “Open Studio,” “Art School Junior,” “Saturday Morning Crafts” and more. Check website for schedule and details. www. treehousekidandcraft.com
GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM (ReBlossom) A variety of classes, playgroups and support groups are offered for parents and young children. Topics include birth and breastfeeding, prenatal and parent-baby yoga, instrument play, maternal mental health and more. Check website for a schedule. www. reblossomathens.com
HOLIDAY CAMPS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Winter Camp is offered Dec. 27, 28, 30 and 31. For ages 7–14. Camps run 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.ocaf.com/ocafkids
LIBRARY STORYTIMES (ACC Library) Storytime for preschool aged children and their caregivers is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. www.athens library.org
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN (Online) Join ACC Leisure Services in a 12-day countdown to Christmas with different activity suggestions each day. See the list online. www.accgov.com/1545/ ChristmasHoliday-Events
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEK (Heard Park) Campers will enjoy winter crafts, games and activities. For ages 6–12. Dec. 30–31, 9
about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. Contact Floretta Johnson, 706-353-1892, floretta. johnson@stmarysathens.org
NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10
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. Sixweek sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This
ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com
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
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor Therapy Room) This support group for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers friendship, information
a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyour leave.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of the month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net
POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) This open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy discusses navigating jealousy, polysaturation, relationships with metamours and polyamorous parenting. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
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
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
SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from a compulsive sexual behavior. Contact for location. athensdowntownsaa@gmail.com
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE (Nuçi’s Space) SOS is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m. www.nuci.org
Word on the Street
AMERICAN PICKERS (Athens, GA)
Seeking collectors in Georgia with fascinating items for an episode of “American Pickers” on the History Channel. Email your name, location,
number and a description of your items. Must be a private collection. No shops, flea markets, auctions, etc. 646-493-2184, american pickers@cineflix.com
ATHENS ON ICE (440 Foundry Pavilion) Outdoor ice skating is currently available through February. Tickets include skate rental and 75 minutes on the ice. $15. www.classiccenter. com/iceskating
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 tree a second life as compost, mulch or fish habitat by bringing your undecorated tree to one of the eight available drop-off locations. Receive a free tree seedling in return. Jan. 4, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Trees can still be dropped off after Jan. 4 at select locations. www.accgov.com/chipper
FILM LOCATION DIRECTORY
(Athens, GA) The Athens Film Office, part of the ACCGov Communications Department, recently launched a new database to showcase potential local sites that could be considered for film, TV or other production projects. Residents and business owners can add photos and information. www.athensgafilm office.com
RABBIT BOX (Athens VFW 2872)
Rabbit Box presents true short stories shared by community members. Upcoming themes include “Some ‘Body’ to Love: Body Image Stories” on Jan. 28, “Open Theme Show” on Feb. 25, “In the Wrong Place, at the Wrong Time” on Mar. 25, “Road Trip!” on Apr. 22 and “Soundtrack of My Life” on May 27. Submit story ideas online. 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.) 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
SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT (College Square Plaza) The Athens Downtown Development Authority is seeking public input on the College Square Pedestrian Plaza redevelopment plan. Proposed improvements include upgrades to lighting, seating, paving and landscaping. Deadline Jan. 3. www.accgov.com/ collegesquare
SEVENTH GENERATION (Healing Path Farm) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m., Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Women’s Circle every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. www.seventhgeneration nativeamericanchurch.org
STORMWATER CALENDARS (Athens, GA) The 2025 ACCGov Stormwater calendar can be reserved by filling out the online request form. www.accgov.com/stormwater
TINSEL TRAIL (Classic Center) Stroll among 70 live trees near the Athena statue and Foundry Street that were decorated by local businesses. The Tinsel Trail supports scholarships through the Classic Center Cultural Foundation and the Athens Area Women in Construction. Through December. FREE! www.classic center.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 PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Now registering. www.accgov.com/ myrec
WINTER WONDERLIGHTS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) See illuminated displays along a halfmile trail through the garden. Hot chocolate, s’mores and other treats available. Select nights through Dec. 30. Disco nights Jan. 2–5. wonderlights.uga.edu f
“Of Catholic Burials” by Nat Blooming is included in “Queer Perspectives,” a group exhibition currently on view at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art through Jan. 4.
classifieds
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES FOR RENT
3BR/2BA house in Normaltown, quiet interior street Central heat/air Furnished Hwd floors Washer/dryer Driveway/on-street parking 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
ROOMS FOR RENT
Room for rent Utils included $600/mon 706366-8081
FOR SALE
MISCELLANEOUS
Business Water Solutions offers the cleanest drinking water available through innovative bottle-less water coolers and ice machines 706-248-6761 or business watersolutions com to set up a consultation
MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nuçi’s Space is always accepting and selling used gear and instruments All profits go toward our mission of ending the epidemic of suicide Visit nuci org/ rewired
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
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
Need old papers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you 706-549-0301
SERVICES
HOME AND GARDEN
Woman-Run Gardening Services: Prep for Winter! We offer garden clean-up/ maintenance, invasive plant removal, raised beds, personalized native/edible gardens for home/business and more! Call/Text: 706395-5321
JOBS
FULL-TIME
Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, floater). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or parttime $15–$20 APPLY IN PERSON
The Northeast Health District’s Specialty Care Clinic is seeking a full-time Registered Nurse $70,158 00 plus generous benefits www governmentjobs com
PART-TIME
Find employees by advertising in Flagpole!
Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 12–40 hours, Mon–Fri NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for Must type 65+ wpm Make your own schedule and work independently with no customer interaction Starts at $13 with automatic increases www ctscribes com
VEHICLES
TRUCKS
For Sale: 2005 Toyota Tundra 2 wheel drive w towing package 198,000 miles, new brakes, new limited slip differential, LineX bed liner, comes with a Trac Rac ladder rack $13,500 Text 706-340-4434
NOTICES
ORGANIZATIONS
Athens Songwriters’ Forum: A kickoff event to launch the nominations period for the 2025 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards! January 16th 8 PM at Ciné $20
Follow ACC Solid Waste on Instagram/Facebook @ accsolidwaste for tips and resources for recycling, composting, repairs, and more or visit accgov com/ solidwaste
If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, call Project Safe for help 706543-3331 project-safe org
Juvenile Offender Advocates Seeking volunteer advocates and interns to make a difference in a juvenile offender’s life juvenile offenderadvocateinc org
Registration is open for the Classic City Marathon, Athena Half Marathon, and the Marathon Relay on Jan 25, 2025 classiccitymarathon squarespace com
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia accepts food donations between 8 a m -3 p m Mon-Fri Volunteer opportunities available! foodbank nega org
Get Flagpole delivered! Makes a great gift! Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year Purchase at www flagpole bigcartel com or call 706-549-0301
The Lightroom Athens offers affordable professional studio and equipment rentals for photo, video, podcasting, and more! Right next to Puma Yu’s thelightroom-ath com
LOST AND FOUND
$2000 REWARD Cherished gift! Small ladies ring Bezel set ruby surrounded by tiny diamonds in yellow gold band Lost during early voting, Oct 21 Area: tax office to back entrance of Courthouse, down Jackson St to Lyndon House Arts Center voting area Contact: 706-612-4516
Early Classifieds Deadline for the Slackpole issue is Friday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.
