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FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020 Athens is closely following the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the State of Georgia and the CDC. At present, we are beginning to reopen as a community and several of our businesses are safely welcoming visitors and patrons. However, many are still operating under reduced hours and restricted capacities,

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this week’s issue BLAKE AUED

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by visiting us at bottleshopathens.com or

The Confederate monument has been taken down from the center of Athens. It will rise again at a location near the only local Civil War skirmish.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Commission Settles With Bars; UGA & CCSD Confront COVID

UGA Bus Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Comment: Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Get Involved in Athens

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Hospitals Nearing Capacity

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ARTS & CULTURE: Art Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

A New Arts Directory and New Shows

Crosswords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Comment: Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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VOLUME 34 ISSUE NUMBER 33

RESPECT OTHERS WEAR A MASK

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

KEEP YOUR COOL

comments section Mandate bar closing at 11:30. Yes, this will definitely stop Chad from drinking too much and packing himself into General Beauregard’s.

As Kemp says, this young man will, “do the right thing for Georgians.” I have complete confidence in Chad.

— Dan Roth From “Athens-Clarke County Reaches Compromise with Bars on Last Call” at flagpole.com

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3

city dope

pling, quarantine options for students in the dorms, whether HVAC filter replacements have occurred in all facilities, the threshold at which the University System of Georgia (USG) will go online, and potential problems with how UGA will let the UGA community know about campus deaths and case counts.

By Blake Aued and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com “What became apparent to me after listening to the meeting is that in the best The Athens-Clarke County Commission case—even if the administration has found Justice Harold Melton’s declaration of a reached a settlement with local bars tempo- judicial emergency expires. The current the best way to protect UGA community, rarily moving the last call for alcohol up to which I doubt—they are doing a poor job order partially closing courthouses state11:30 p.m. in an effort to slow the spread of wide is set to end Sept. 10 but could be convincing faculty, staff and students that coronavirus—but the idea made some com- extended, according to ACC Attorney Judd it is safe to come back to UGA now when missioners sick. numbers of COVID cases are still rising,” Drake. “When the courthouses are fully Bar owners who sued over an emersaid Betina Kaplan, a professor of romance open and operational, the bars are going to gency ordinance moving the 2 a.m. last languages and member of the Franklin be,” Drake said. [Blake Aued] call to 10 p.m. “have blood on their hands,” College Faculty Senate. “I am coming Commissioner Melissa Link said. She back to classes with fear and the strong warned the public of the dangers of going impression that the administration is hidThe University Council rejected a thorto bars—packed indoor gatherings where ing information from us. Why didn’t they ough critique of the problems inherent in people aren’t wearing masks are the perfect report Ana Gabriela Cabrera’s death? How UGA’s reopening plan Wednesday, voting environment for spreading coronavirus. many other things remain without being down an endorsement of the joint resoluThe settlement—approved at an emerreported?” tion submitted by the faculty senates of the gency called meeting Aug. 14—came less Cabrera was a 32-year-old UGA Housing Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and than an hour before a hearing was schedemployee who died recently of COVID-19, Mary Frances Early College of Education. uled to start on the bar owners’ lawsuit. according to a GoFundMe account estabThe council did approve a new ad hoc They filed it July 31, the day after the comlished by her family.

COVID-19 Crisis Response Committee that mission voted to move last call from 2 a.m.

“We need to know exactly what the to 10 p.m. to discourage returning UGA stu- would include 12 members elected from situation is to better protect ourselves dents from drunkenly congregating in close students, faculty and and the community,” staff members. The quarters late at night. Judge Eric Norris Kaplan added. “More I am coming back to than ever before, during proposal was approved issued a temporary restraining order pre96-54, with six abstenventing ACC from enforcing the earlier last classes with fear and this crisis we need more tions. The committee call or a mask ordinance approved July 7. participation in the decithe strong impression that sion-making process. will participate in the Gov. Brian Kemp dropped his lawsuit administration’s disagainst the City of Atlanta over a similar the administration is hiding We need committees mask requirement on Aug. 13, but two days cussions with the two appointed by nominainformation from us. active COVID working later issued a new executive order barring tion from all [of the] groups, the Medical cities from requiring masks in businesses.

UGA community and an Oversight Task Force and the Preventative Meanwhile, President Trump’s coronavirus administration capable of listening and actMeasures Advisory Board. It must submit task force has recommended that Georgia ing based on what the community requests.” close bars entirely because of the worsening a written report to the University Council Joe Fu, a mathematics professor and and its executive committee on COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic. treasurer of the United Campus Workers of related status and policies.

Commissioner Russell Edwards called Georgia union, called the University Council The meeting was held via Zoom, Kemp “belligerent toward local governvote “disappointing but not surprising,” streamed live on YouTube and watched ment” and reluctantly voted for the settlegiven that the council includes a large by over 1,000 people. A live commenting ment. “The ongoing risk of the governor’s number of administrators. Fu wrote op-eds stream showed just how much tension, potential to undermine the progress we’ve sharply criticizing UGA’s reopening plans as anxiety and emotion exists in the UGA made so far has sort of forced our hand in presented at the council meeting, as well as community about the reopening of campus. in an Aug. 5 webinar. Read them at flagpole. this litigation matter,” Edwards said.

Immediately following the meeting, the The lawsuit was brought by the compacom. [Jessica Luton] video was taken down. nies that own six downtown student bars: “The health and safety of our faculty, On the Rocks, Moonshine Bar, Buddha Bar, Cloud, Infusia and Centro. State records list staff and students have always been foremost in our planning efforts,” President the owners of those companies as Mitchell Jere Morehead said in an opening stateJordan, Richard Jordan II and Jason Dunn. ment. “I take deep personal offense at any “It’s kind of pathetic that we have a claim or insinuation otherwise.” bunch of bar owners that live in Oconee Many students—particularly graduate County, who hired an Oconee County bunch students—staff and faculty members have of lawyers to sue us when we’re trying to voiced concerns that they had not been protect the public health here in Athens, included in planning the reopening efforts, and they’re more interested in making and that mostly administrators were on money than protecting the public health,” the nine committees tasked with various said Commissioner Andy Herod. aspects of crafting the reopening plan. The The bar owners’ attorney, Mo Wiltshire, new committee is meant to facilitate better told Flagpole that his clients wanted to communication from all stakeholders to the avoid expensive, protracted litigation, as UGA administration. well as the risk of going to trial. (ACC had The joint resolution was highly critical of indicated its intention to appeal, if it lost.) reopening plans, and while it was approved “Also of importance is the hope our people by both faculty senates nearly unanimously, have that a 12 midnight close and 11:30 the University Council voted down the resp.m. last call will allow them to operate olution with 64 in favor, 87 against and 12 their business [in] what they imagine may abstaining. be a sustainable fashion,” Wiltshire said.

UGA’s plan for reopening campus for “However, a 10 p.m. last call is the same as face-to-face classes continues to be criticlosing the businesses entirely.” cized, as many are still alarmed at the lack The settlement calls for bars to clear out patrons by midnight. It also reduces alcohol of clarity provided for a variety of issues.

Among them, the UGA community has license fees for the next two years. continued to be vocal about concerns with The earlier last call will last until five inadequate testing without random samdays after Georgia Supreme Court Chief

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ACC SETTLES WITH BARS OVER LAST CALL, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

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COVID Cases Must Fall to Reopen CCSD Unlike UGA, the Clarke County School District is not holding in-person classes.

Unlike UGA, CCSD has also set criteria for when to reopen.

Clarke County currently has about 450 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, according to Director of Nursing Amy Roark. That number should fall to 175 per 100,000 within a 14-day window before kindergarten through second grade returns, Roark told school board members last week.

At 150 per 100,000, third through fifth grades can go back to in-person instruction.

At 125 per 100,000, middle schools can reopen. At 100 per 100,000, Clarke County is no longer in “widespread transmission,” and high schools can welcome students again.

CCSD officials will be looking at other benchmarks, as well. The current positive test rate in Clarke County is 9.6%. If that number falls below 5%, it could be safe to reopen schools. Three consecutive 14-day periods of falling positive test results could be another sign.

The X factor is how the return of UGA students will affect Clarke County’s numbers. Students’ positive test results will be reported in their home counties, not Clarke, and the Department of Public Health figures don’t include antigen tests, which clouds the picture, Roark said.

Board President LaKeisha Gantt also gave an update on the Cognia report directing the board to improve its efficiency, trust, ethics training and policy review. “It is my belief that we are beginning to make progress in those areas,” Gantt said. “We still have work to do.”

Interim Superintendent Xernona Thomas said she recently spoke to a Cognia representative and was encouraged that the district is not close to losing accreditation.

CCSD’s accreditation is currently “under review,” but losing it is a three-step process that won’t happen unless the district is downgraded two more times or “egregious actions have taken place,” she said. “Their goal at Cognia is always to help districts improve,” Thomas said. “It’s not their goal to make anyone lose accreditation.” [BA] f

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Going Back

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WELCOME TO ATHENS AND TO THE UNIVERSITY IN TRANSITION

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com It is the duty of the old to share their expeaccomplish between classes. There was no rience with the young. It is not the duty of bus system, so between classes students got the young to listen. out on Lumpkin Street and hitchhiked. At Nevertheless, our young students are least the women did, because they got all returning to a University of Georgia quite the rides, anyway. There were local people different from the one they left in March, who had the class schedules memorized with the very real possibility that the and always went out of their way to cruise university may be further diminished in Lumpkin at the top of the hour. response to the pandemic threatening busiThere was no legal whiskey and only a ness as usual. couple of bars where you could get a beer. I My duty here is to reassure our young didn’t expect one at the Methodist student scholars that the potential diminishment center. No clubs. A couple of restaurants of their college need not impinge upon downtown and a few more scattered around their thoughts as they Normaltown, Five hurry to ingest as and the Atlanta His uniform was a gray Points much alcohol by midHighway. work shirt and matching night as they formerly Men could have did by 2 a.m. apartments. Women trousers, with his .38 revolver could not and could The UGA I knew, stuck in his hip pocket. compared to today’s not visit men in theirs. was the very definiWomen could not tion of diminished. wear shorts on campus, unless covered by a Let’s start at the top. When I matricraincoat, and then only for the purpose of ulated at our dear old alma mater, the P.E. classes. Women had to be back in their university had only the president—no vice dorms by 11:15 p.m., slightly later on weekpresidents, no provosts. Enrollment was ends. There were no luxury high-rise dorms.

5,000. Today’s UGA has, in addition to the There were no admission requirements, president, 10 vice presidents and, in addiother than graduating from high school tion to the provost, two vice provosts and and being white. (Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes arrived my junior year.)

There was no HOPE Scholarship but relatively low tuition.

The real enforcer on campus was Dean William Tate, the scourge of any student doing anything wrong. When Dean Tate demanded your student ID, you had to surrender it, and you had to drop by his office for a chat.

If he kept your ID, you were out of school.

No appeal to higher authority.

Sure, this is all nostalgia, but it is a cautionary tale, too. The pandemic has already changed things, and we don’t yet know what lies ahead. Will we have the Dawgs? Will we continue with on-campus classes?

Will the bars remain open? Will students six associate provosts. That is 20 highly paid drift away to other colleges with bars and administrators and their staffs to run the football? Can the university sustain 20 top university. UGA’s enrollment last fall was administrators? Will the Terry College of 39,000.

Business secede from the University?

In other words, 20 times more adminisOnly time will tell, but I am here to bear trators manage eight times more students. witness to the fact that the University of I counted 73 uniformed officers in the Georgia can adjust and continue to deliver staff photo on the UGA police website. My a first-class education as long as teachers university had only one campus policeman, can teach—by whatever method—and stuDusty. He patrolled mainly at night. His dents can learn in some meaningful form, uniform was a gray work shirt and matchwhatever that may turn out to be in the ing trousers, with his .38 revolver stuck in long run. his hip pocket.

In the short run, welcome back to We did have the Dawgs, and the stadium Athens and to a whole new ball game, or was still its original natural bowl shape—no maybe no ball games. Everything is up in upper decks, no skyboxes and no bridge. the air as never before at the university and The science center was under construction in Athens, but the main enterprise remains on South Campus, and to get over there, teaching and learning. Stay safe, and do you had to go down a long flight of steps what it takes to get an education and enjoy and then up the other side—quite a feat to our college town. f

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5

news

feature

Change the World UGA AND ATHENS OFFER MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

2020

has been quite a year. The UGA chapter as well; for more information, Confederate monument on contact Gail Gill at gail.d.gill@gmail.com.

Broad Street came down. Protests against police violence still shake the country after the killing of George Floyd. Climate change continues to break new records, with this Formerly known as the Lambda Alliance, year being one of the warmest yet. A novel Pride Alliance is focused on “local grasscoronavirus is spreading rapidly, causing an economic meltdown in its wake. An eviction roots queer advocacy.” Until recently, they held meetings at the LGBT Resource Center crisis looms as the next domino to fall, and on campus. Until that’s safe to do again, it’s only August. Oh yeah, there’s also an you can contact them at ugapridealliance@ election coming that’s kind of a big deal, gmail.com or follow them on Facebook @ too. prideuga.

After all this, you might be wondering, Athens PRIDE organizes a major street “What the hell is going on?” Or possibly festival each year, although this fall’s was even, “How can I help make things better?”

If you’re new in town and have been ask- canceled due to the pandemic, and raises ing yourself these questions lately, you’re in money for nonprofits like Live Forward, the right place. Athens and UGA have a long which helps HIV and AIDS survivors. Find them at athenspride.org. list of civic, political and activist groups who welcome new members.

“What brings me hope are the people in the streets protesting injustice, the people finding their voices, the organizers who are The UGA NAACP chapter has recently teaching us how to share power [and] the started the #ArchAccountability initiative candidates who are standing up to monied to demand a number of changes at the uniinterests and political dynasties,” says Erin versity. These include Stacer, president renaming buildings of the progressive What brings me hope are whose titles honor group Athens for Everyone. “In spite of the people in the streets white supremacists, acknowledging the all the crisis that this protesting injustice. university’s role in virus has intensified, the Baldwin Hall people are rising up to incident and creating scholarships for the make change happen.” descendants of slaves who helped build Take a look at the list below to find a UGA. The UGA NAACP holds meetings over group that matches your interests. Maybe, Zoom, and you can follow them on Twitter after meeting some new friends, you can @UGANAACP. help make the world a slightly less terrible The Athens Anti-Discrimination place, together. If you’re into that kind of Movement is dedicated to fighting against thing. discrimination and for the value of Black lives to be recognized. They’ve organized many rallies, protests and workshops since their founding in 2016, and they’ve also Greenability is a student group focused achieved a number of policy victories. on fighting climate change through policy These include the (soon to be formed) civil and research. They’ve recently worked on rights committee and the end of cash bail state legislation with state Rep. Spencer for local ordinances. They have a number of Frye (D-Athens) and are currently pushing active initiatives, including the continued UGA to divest from fossil fuels. They will fight for Black lives and partnering with organize this semester using GroupMe and the Economic Justice Coalition on voter will soon have a website and listserv, but engagement and registration. They’ve also the best way to follow them is on Instagram been working for a robust Citizen Police @greenability_uga or contact them by email Advisory Board to provide oversight of at greenability.uga@gmail.com.

ACCPD. You can sign up to join AADM on Speak Out for Species is an animal their website. You can also follow them on welfare organization whose mission is “to Facebook @aadmovement and Instagram defend animals from cruelty and exploitaand Twitter @aadmovement706. tion, to reduce animal suffering, and to encourage compassion for all living beings.”

You can contact them at sos@uga.edu.

The Athens chapter of Citizens Climate Fair Fight UGA is the local branch of Lobby takes a legislative approach to Stacey Abrams’ voting rights organization. fighting climate change. Its primary goal They focus on election reform, voter eduis the passage of the Energy Innovation cation, access to the polls and encouraging and Carbon Dividend Act, which would turnout. You can follow them on Twitter raise the price of fossil fuels and refund the @fairfightga or email them at fairfightu@ dividends equally to the American people. gmail.com to get more involved.

They meet on third Tuesdays at 6 p.m. over Turning now to partisan politics, the Zoom. You can follow them on Facebook @ Young Democrats of UGA are one of the athensccl or join their mailing list at citimore active organizations on this list. They zensclimatelobby.org. They are starting a

LGBTQ Rights

Black Lives Matter

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Environmental Advocacy

Politics and Elections

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FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020

work to spark interest in government and politics among their peers, promote a more progressive community and, of course, help Democrats win in November. They’ll be holding virtual meetings again starting on Aug. 26 to showcase candidates in the upcoming election and also for more general political discussion. These meetings will be streamed live, and they’ll also post the Zoom link on social media, so be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @YoungDemsUGA. The College Republicans at UGA have been partnering with UGA Votes to help register students and provide information about voting dates and deadlines. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @UGACRs. A4E is focused on both systemic change and practical day-to-day initiatives. Right now, they need help in tracking the activities of the local government and board of education, along with social media, research and some behind-the-scenes chores involved in running an organization.

They’re currently seeking people who want to organize around public education and equitable access to learning. Go to athensforeveryone.com to learn more.

The Democratic Socialists of America have an Athens chapter organized to promote their vision of “a more free, democratic and humane society.” They often organize protests and have an active book club. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @AthensAreaDSA. The Economic Justice Coalition is well-known for its comprehensive voter registration drives, which they’ve been organizing for almost 20 years. It strives to fight poverty through higher wages, worker-owned cooperatives and democratic engagement. Currently, it could use volunteers for voter registration drives and support to ensure everyone is counted in the 2020 Census. The EJC is also accepting volunteers to help with newsletter design, their website and social media. You can contact the EJC at ejcathensga@gmail. com if you’re interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, or follow them on Facebook.

The Georgia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union now has a presence in Athens. The ACLU works to defend reproductive rights, reform the criminal legal system and support the ongoing effort to divest from policing and invest in community support. To join their efforts, email campaign organizer Adam Lassila at ALassila@acluga.org.

Indivisible GA 10 was founded after the 2016 election to resist the agenda of President Donald Trump while supporting democracy and nonviolence. Here in the 10th Congressional District, their goal is primarily to register voters for the upcoming election and to fight all forms of voter suppression. To join, you can reach out to Indivisible GA10’s Membership Coordinator, Vicky Tavernier, at indivisible10.vickyt@gmail.com.

If you lean more to the Republican side, they’re also planning Zoom meetings this semester where you can hear prominent politicians as guest speakers.

Sexual Assault Prevention UNMASK is the first entirely student-led organization on campus dedicated to the awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

Its main goal is encouraging discussion of sexual assault, especially in communities where such discussion is stigmatized.

They’re also planning a panel discussion with sorority and fraternity members to discuss the prevalence of sexual assault in Greek life and what can be done to prevent it. They’ll start general meetings soon over Zoom, and you can follow them on Instagram @unmask_sa.

Immigrant Rights and Mutual Aid The Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition includes groups like the InterFaith Sanctuary Coalition, U-LEAD—which helps undocumented high school students attend college—and Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens. Its mission is to provide food and support for immigrant families who have not received federal aid during the COVID crisis. Volunteers can deliver needed supplies door-to-door or help by gathering household items or at the distribution centers. Contact AIRC at contactathensimmigrantrights@gmail.com if you would like to help with this important work. In addition to mutual aid, AIRC members have held many protests over the years. They organize the yearly LatinX Fest, and they also advocate for immigrant rights at the local level.

The Athens Mutual Aid Network is an affinity group offering radical political education and in-person mutual aid care.

This can include almost anything, from helping people check in to motels or housing, accompanying them to the hospital or connecting people skilled in trades to those needing their help. They operate a safe house with a refrigerator for food donations. You can connect with the Mutual Aid Network in their Facebook group or on Instagram @mutualaidathens.

The Athens Area Courtwatch Project empowers volunteers to observe proceedings in Athens-Clarke County courtrooms with the purpose of watching out for the rights of minorities in the court system. To participate, contact John Cole Vodicka at johnvodicka@comcast.net or 612-718-9307.

This is not an exhaustive list. In particular, check out the UGA Involvement Network for more information on student groups.

Protesting Safely As you can see, activism can take a lot of forms, from protests to phone banking to issue-based advocacy. Increasingly, organizations have been moving online for meetings and relying more heavily on social media to get the word out about their activities.

Even so, nothing can replace the feeling of an in-person rally or protest. If you choose to attend one of these events, make sure to take precautions. You should wear a mask over your mouth and nose and try to stay six feet from everyone you don’t live with, if possible. You may wish to be tested for COVID-19 both before and a few days after attending an in-person rally, especially if social distancing is not possible.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen if the protest is during the day.

Lastly, be sure to bring enough water. The most important thing is to stay safe so you can keep on fighting. f

news

feature

R ABBIT HOLE S TUDIOS

For Whom the Bus Tolls DESPITE SAFETY MEASURES, STUDENTS ARE SKEPTICAL OF TRANSIT

By Tyler Wilkins news@flagpole.com

W

hile less exciting than taking a dip in the Herty Field fountain or ringing the Chapel bell, an unspoken tradition for freshmen at the University of Georgia is learning the ins and outs of UGA’s bus system. But this year, returning upperclassmen will learn new bus routes alongside freshmen—assuming they choose to use them.

The university released the new bus routes in late July.

They largely go to the same destinations as the former routes, but some were made shorter, given new names or rerouted to hit the busiest bus stops on campus. With help from the Student Government Association, UGA Transportation and Parking Services changed the routes to accommodate a reduction in occupancy on its buses

WHITLEY CARPENTER

The Vet Med route is one of about a dozen routes changing this semester.

and to prevent crowding around busy bus stops in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers must sit while riding buses, and only 18–20 passengers will be allowed on a bus at once, with seats spaced out according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Transit Administration and Department of Administrative Services.

Even though buses won’t run at full capacity, Greg Trevor, interim senior executive director for UGA Marketing and Communications, said the number of buses running will largely be the same as in previous semesters, with the university expecting the new routes to be sufficient for quickly getting students on and off buses.

A few other guidelines include requiring both drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while on buses, providing protective barriers between drivers and passengers, and using only the back door for both entering and exiting buses. Trevor said disinfectant sprayers will be used inside buses each night, disinfectant wipes will be used on all handrails and seats between class breaks and hand sanitizer will be available on all buses.

But despite the guidelines and safety precautions UGA Transportation and Parking Services implemented, some students still feel unsafe boarding a bus this semester.

“I don’t really feel comfortable with the option of public transportation, given the circumstances,” said James Jadun, a sophomore art major. “I might feel safe if it wasn’t for the fact that UGA buses are already notoriously crowded. Everyone is going to be waiting in the same place at once, and there’s not a feasible way to mandate social distancing when the bus stops are so small anyway.”

While the university can control the level of occupancy on its buses, it cannot control whether students choose to spread themselves out at bus stops. Alleviating idle time spent at busy bus stops like Tate Student Center was a factor in the creation of new bus routes, but Jadun said he thinks many students, especially those who aren’t concerned about spreading COVID-19, will not social-distance around them.

Gabe Patterson, a junior in natural resource management who will start his first year as a transfer student at UGA this semester, said he worries his peers will not take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. “My impression is that

a lot of the student body is from the northern Atlanta suburbs—a spot of red, conservative people,” said Patterson, who will bike to and from campus instead of riding buses.

“Throughout this pandemic, it seems many people on the right aren’t taking this pandemic seriously and are pretending everything is normal, and I think that attitude will make the spread of COVID-19 on campus bad. You know people are going to go to parties and bars, because it’s Athens, and that’s what you do.”

Patterson said he believes lowering the overall number of students on UGA’s campus is one of the only ways for public transportation to be relatively safe, given the crowded bus stops between classes. This will partly be accomplished with the HyFlex learning model that will be used in some classes, whereby students are split into rotation groups and take turns going to in-person lectures.

Rosemary Wills, a senior education major, said she will avoid riding UGA buses whenever possible, but she relies on an Athens-Clarke County Transit bus to get to campus this semester. The safety precautions implemented for both UGA and ACC Transit buses are fairly similar.

Frequent touch surfaces are disinfected at the end of each ACC Transit bus route, passengers are required to wear face coverings, and hand sanitizer is available on buses, said Rachel Hopkins, marketing coordinator for ACC Transit.

Additionally, its buses are thoroughly cleaned and treated with UV lighting, which kills coronavirus, every night.

However, buses will run at full capacity, and ACC Transit cannot guarantee social distancing on them, Hopkins said. The department is adding a live passenger count on myStop, the app that passengers use to live-track buses.

With all of the new changes to which students must adapt, Wills believes most professors will be understanding of students running a bit late to class if they opt not to ride buses. “A lot of classes cover a lot of material, and professors have to cram that into the time they already have,” she said. “I think it’s more trouble to be in person that it would have been to be online. There are just so many complications.” f

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NORTH-SOUTH CONNECTOR: To and from central points on campus, like the major hubs of North Campus, Tate Student Center/Memorial Hall and South Campus, including Driftmier Engineering Center.

EAST CAMPUS SHUTTLE: From the Intramural Fields and East Campus to Ag Hill, Tate Student Center/Memorial Hall and the Terry College of Business.

WEST CAMPUS SHUTTLE: To and from first-year dorms, Terry College of Business buildings, North Campus and Tate Student Center/Memorial Hall.

ARCH EXPRESS: To and from the Athens Transit Multimodal Center, North Campus, Ag Hill and Tate Student Center/ Memorial Hall.

BULLDOG HOUSING: To and from University Village, Driftmier Engineering Center, Science Learning Center and South and East campus.

PARK AND RIDE: To and from the College Station park-and-ride lot to major hubs on campus, like East Campus, Tate Student Center/Memorial Hall, Ag Hill and the Intramural Fields.

VET MED: Changed to now service East Campus.

HEALTH SCIENCES: Remains unchanged, but now expected to get passengers to their destinations in less time.

MILLEDGE AVENUE: Remains unchanged but expected to get passengers to their destinations in less time.

GREENHOUSE SHUTTLE: Changed to service Plant Sciences so students can use the route to get to the UGArden off Milledge Avenue.

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news

feature

Are Athens Hospitals All Right?

ADMINISTRATORS AND HEALTH-CARE WORKERS OFFER DIFFERING PICTURES

By Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com

T

he COVID-19 situation in Athens is not need a bed. You know it’s not just COVID improving. Clarke County continues to that you worry about when you have ICU see a surge in cases, additional deaths and a bed space that way.” sustained critical care bed shortage.

To date, Athens has had 2,250 confirmed cases since mid-March. It took four months to reach 1,000 positive tests, but less than four weeks to double that number. The positive percentage—which health experts Hospitals in the Athens region are seeing say should be at or below 5% to control the high volumes of patients but continue to be virus—continues to average about 12% stable, St. Mary’s Healthcare System Public locally. Six Athens residents have died in Relations Manager Mark Ralston told the past few weeks, not to mention deaths and cases from other communities that rely Flagpole in a statement last week. Overall, the statement says, they’re continuing to on Athens’ two hospitals. keep an eye on the situation in their hosHow are Piedmont Athens Regional pitals but so far have not gotten to a point and St. Mary’s coping with all of this extra where they’ve had to reach out further for stress? It depends on whom you ask. assistance with state officials.

Administrators contend that local hospitals “The vast majority of patients admitare still operating relatively smoothly and ted to St. Mary’s’ three hospitals are not that contingency plans for higher volumes in need of treatment for COVID-19,” of patients are in place. according to Ralston. “However, the recent Health-care workers, however, report increase in COVID-19 cases in our region is a different picture from the inside. The contributing to the system, they say, is volumes we beginning to show You could have a really bad higher are seeing.” some cracks. The St. Mary’s is car accident that involves stress of everyday working with sister care now that busian entire family, and they may all hospitals in Lavonia nesses are reopened need a bed. You know it’s not just and Greensboro and people are other healthgetting back to dayCOVID that you worry about when and care providers, the to-day life, coupled you have ICU bed space that way. statement says. Bed with increasing capacity is a fluid numbers of COVIDsituation that can change quickly, Ralston 19 patients, are taking a toll on health-care adds. workers and the system itself. Many are “We have had days where capacity is concerned about how the arrival of UGA’s tight and other days that are not as chalstudent population in the coming weeks lenged,” he says. “We deploy our coordiwill further stress the system. nated capacity approach to work together with others to maintain access to care for our community.”

Piedmont Athens Regional Medical The biggest indicator that local hospitals Center CEO Michael Burnett also wrote may be experiencing stress is a sustained an op-ed column (see p. 12) stressing that low Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed count the hospital has a handle on the situation. for Region E, which includes Clarke and 11 He provides details on how the hospital is surrounding counties. In the month of July, prepared to handle extra capacity—includthe data shows ICU bed usage has been at ing plans for additional makeshift ICU or near the capacity of 70 beds for much of bedspace, access to other hospitals in the the month. As of this writing, Region E has Piedmont network and access to the new only X available ICU beds. On many days emergency bedspace that recently opened over the past month, the region has had at Piedmont Atlanta’s Marcus Tower. less than five available ICU beds, and on some days there were only one, two or even zero available ICU beds.

“The ICU needs have increased, and they’re holding steady at this high rate. We do see some declines over the weekends, Ask doctors and nurses on the front lines, but that’s usually because hospitals just and the rose-colored view that Athens hosdon’t report as regularly over the weekpital administrators are presenting begins ends as they do during the weekdays,” says to lose its hue. Local doctors in Clarke Amber Schmidke, a public health microbiCounty emergency rooms say they’re seeing ologist who has been monitoring the panmore and more COVID-19 patients in the demic in Georgia. last two weeks, and more and more very “I usually pay attention when I see ICU sick patients of all ages. They’re concerned under 20 beds in a region,” she says. “If it’s about UGA students coming back to town under 10, I would consider that, of course, and putting further stress on the system. even more concerning, but then under Lewis Earnest—who underscored that five—we know that things happen. You his comments do not represent the views of could have a really bad car accident that St. Mary’s—was previously the director of involves an entire family, and they may all

Hospitals Say They’re Coping

“

The Data Tells a Story

Health-Care Workers Disagree

8

FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020

These charts show how ICU and general inpatient bed use have risen since the start of the pandemic.

its emergency department and is still an ER doctor there. The pattern of continued and sustained ICU bed shortages is not something that had been a big problem before the pandemic. But the uptick in volume of COVID-19 patients he’s seen in the last two weeks has resulted in reduced ICU bed space and holding patients in the ER for hours as a result, he says.

The number of COVID-19 patients Earnest sees in a shift at the ER varies dayto-day. “Some days it has been 50 percent” of 16–20 patients, he says. “Some days it has been 30 percent.” But he sees the numbers growing. During a shift on the last weekend in July, for example, he says about 70 percent of his patients in the ER had COVID-19, but on a shift last week he said only 20 percent were COVID-19 patients.

“You can definitely feel the ebb and flow of the pandemic in the ER,” Earnest says.”

“If you look at the history of epidemics, that’s the typical story. People get scared when someone they know gets it and then they curtail their behavior. When they get tired of the restrictions, behavior starts to loosen, and then the virus roars back.”

Similarly, Brandon Hicks, also an emergency room physician at St. Mary’s, has noticed a surge in COVID-19 patients locally in recent weeks. “I can definitely say that the situation is getting more stressful,” he says. (Hicks, like Earnest, spoke to Flagpole with the caveat that he does not speak for the hospital or his physician group.)

“For the ICU to be completely full is not really that unusual, but for it to be completely full of COVID patients is definitely a first,” he says. “We are seeing more and more COVID patients… Over the past week, I’ve started seeing sicker COVID patients again. The trend is not going well. We’re not trending in the right direction at this point.”

Meanwhile, nurses report even more concerning conditions, both for patients and health-care workers.

“My coworkers and I are concerned about the misleading statements our hospitals have been releasing,” says one Athens ICU nurse who spoke to Flagpole on condi-

tion of anonymity. “We have no one to care for these patients [in the ICU].”

ICUs normally use a ratio of one nurse to one patient for patients who are paralyzed, intubated or proned. (Patients on ventilators are usually put into medically induced comas because of the discomfort of having a tube down their throat, and nurses will flip them on their stomachs to make it easier for them breathe.) Now, nurses are stretched to their limits. “We now take two intubated patients, often on paralytics and vasopressors to keep their blood pressure high enough to profuse their organs,” the nurse says.

The situation, the source says, is at a critical juncture, and patient care is suffering.

“There are critical care patients waiting in the [emergency department] for days. The emergency department nurses are experts at stabilizing, but aren’t used to caring for critical patients for longer periods, nor do they have the resources.”

While care of COVID-19 patients has gotten better since the onset of the pandemic as doctors and nurses across the country have learned better methods, lack of access to resources now does not bode well for patients. Some are declining ventilators and are candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—a procedure that circulates blood through an artificial lung and back to the patient’s body—but no facilities in Georgia are accepting ECMO patients.

What’s also concerning, the nurse adds, is that hospitals have not canceled elective surgeries again. The backup plan to create additional ICU space hasn’t been implemented because it would involve training other types of nurses in critical care.

Even with additional ICU space, the nurse contends hospital staff are overtaxed.

There are only so many intensivists, or specialized ICU doctors, to go around. And many smaller, rural hospitals don’t have ICUs at all.

“We are tired, and we want to change this narrative,” the nurse says. “It is not OK for the hospitals to promote medical care that we ultimately are unable to provide.”

The nurse says they also informed Mayor

Kelly Girtz after he released a joint statement with other elected officials seeking to reassure the public.

Nursing Shortage Continues Nursing shortages in Georgia are nothing new. Georgia officials warned last November that the nursing shortage had reached a crisis level, exacerbated by low wages and retirements outpacing new recruits. In recent months, however, the pandemic has taken an even bigger toll.

The Georgia Department of Public Health put out a call in late March for medical and non-medical volunteers and thousands of retired nurses stepped up to the plate. The Georgia Nurses Association expressed concern in April that nurses were being sent to New York to aid with the pandemic when they were likely to be needed in Georgia.

Matt Caseman, executive director of the Georgia Nurses Association, said in March that as the virus spreads he worries that nurses would “get burned out” or “there simply wouldn’t be enough nurses on the front lines.”

Both hospital administrations, however, persist in saying that things are under control.

locally and across our system—during this pandemic and otherwise. These fluctuations aren’t new to our team, and we are wellequipped to handle this increase by managing capacity on a daily basis.”

What Happens When Students Return?

Given the state of hospitals and the increase in positive COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, doctors say they are concerned about UGA students coming back for in-person classes in just a little over a week.

“I am concerned,” says Hicks. “I’ve thought about this specific idea a lot over the past couple of weeks. It’s very concerning about what could happen when students come back.”

“It’s not just the students I’m worried about,” he says, “but it just increases commerce and increases people being out and about at restaurants and bars. You know you have staff at UGA, teachers. You have workers. There’s going to be more people out and about exposed to each other. If we get a surge, I don’t believe that our hospitals will be able to handle it. That’s my opinion.”

To handle such a surge, hospitals would have to get creative by adding more ICU bed space or send patients to Gainesville, Atlanta or Augusta.

“I’m definitely concerned that we are heading in that direction,” Hicks says.

Earnest voices further trepidation about UGA students returning.

“College students just seem like a recipe for rapid viral propagation,” he says. “These individuals, they’re not in a bubble. They’re interacting with all sorts of people. They don’t all kind of live in a dorm by themselves. They’re living in intergenerational houses.

They’re working in businesses with people who are older. They’re eating at restaurants and going to bars, and they’re mixed into our community. I GEMA’s Region E consists of Clarke and 11 surrounding really do fear what’s going to happen.” counties, with most hospital beds concentrated in Athens.

For doctors, nurses and other health-care workers in our health-care “We continue our work to maintain a system, thinking of others could go a long safe environment to meet the care needs way. Fatigue for many of our health-care of patients with COVID-19 and those with workers is really setting in, says Hicks. “I other medical conditions,” says the statethink what contributes to that frustration ment from St. Mary’s. “We understand the is knowing that we shouldn’t be in this sitrisks of delaying care and want patients to uation at this point,” he says. “I mean, this feel safe in our facilities. We urge the comcountry could have done a better job dealmunity to stand with our hospital heroes ing with this.” in the fight against COVID-19 by wearing Earnest stresses the need for everyone to a mask [#maskupgeorgia], maintaining take the pandemic seriously. “Think about physical distance, and washing your hands how your actions could affect somebody often.” else, and assume that you are positive,” he “Throughout the pandemic, Piedmont says. “I think that the assumption of posiAthens has accepted transfers of patients tivity would go a long way in lessening the from within its GEMA region—and also spread of the disease. Because I get exposed from outside of it—and will continue to so much, I assume that I am positive so I do so as capacity warrants,” says Burnett, have basically no interactions that would the CEO. “Many of the patients that we put someone else at risk. I think if everyone accept do not require intensive care unit assumed that they were positive, this disbeds, thanks to the response and hard ease would end very quickly.” work of our team at the local and system It’s also important to wear a mask, level. Advances in clinical protocols have Earnest says. “It doesn’t even really matter improved our ability to treat patients with if you’re not worried about yourself. That’s this truly novel disease—it did not exist fine. I get it. But worry about the person nine months ago, but we are learning all the you could give it to,” he says. “The mask is time—and to help them recover. As part of not protecting you. It’s protecting the other our efforts, we have created additional bed person. I wear my mask for you. You wear capacity to handle both COVID-19 and non- your mask for me. It has nothing to do with COVID-19 patients. We are consistently you being scared. It has to do with being planning for ways to manage capacity— empathetic and thinking of others.” f

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comment

ARMC Explains Diversions HOSPITAL SAYS IT HAS ENOUGH BEDS

By Michael Burnett news@flagpole.com Over the past several weeks, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center—like many hospitals across the state and most of the country—has seen an increase in coronavirus-positive patients, as well as an increase in overall patient volumes for reasons other than COVID-19.

Recently, there have been reports about our hospital’s capacity and our ability to provide critical care to the citizens in our region, as designated by the Georgia Emergency Management Association (GEMA). I’m writing today to address some of the questions and concerns our community has had and to assure our community that, like all hospitals and health systems, our patient volumes fluctuate regularly, but we continue to meet the health-care needs of our patients for everything from emergent to ongoing medical care.

Throughout the pandemic, Piedmont Athens has accepted transfers of patients from within its GEMA region—and also from outside of it—and will continue to do so as capacity warrants. Many of the patients that we accept do not require intensive care unit (ICU) beds, thanks to the response and hard work of our team at the local and system level. Advances in

arrive on an emergency or elective basis.

Yes, diversion may mean our hospital is very full, but rest assured that we continue to have capacity to treat the patients who come to us, whether it is for COVID-19 or any of the other myriad conditions we treat.

Fortunately, we also benefit from the size and integration of the Piedmont Healthcare system as a whole, which allows for us to share resources and provide support to each other when there’s an increased demand for care, like we’re experiencing in our region at this time.

clinical protocols have improved our ability to treat patients with this truly novel disease—it did not exist nine months ago, but we are learning all the time—and to help them recover.

As part of our efforts, we have created additional bed capacity to handle both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. We are consistently planning for ways to manage capacity—locally and across our system—during this pandemic and otherwise. These fluctuations aren’t new to our team, and we are well-equipped to handle this increase by managing capacity on a daily basis.

With these fluctuations also comes diversion notifications— something that’s also been recently reported. Diversion is a situation that arises when Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center CEO Michael Burnett.

Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient beds fill up, and EMS providers are instructed to take One recent example of this is the opening patients requiring a bed elsewhere, a freof the Marcus Tower at Piedmont Atlanta quent occurrence for hospitals. However, Hospital and the COVID Expansion Unit diversion has no impact on our hospital’s (CEU), which our system has created in conability to care for our patients, whether they junction with the state and is based in the

old Piedmont Atlanta space. The creation of the CEU, which will have capacity for up to 100 patients, will alleviate pressure on us to treat patients outside of our region so that we can concentrate on caring for patients within our 17-county region.

Throughout the COVID pandemic, we’ve remained in constant communication with system leaders, infectious disease physicians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health to ensure that we were following the best practices, processes and procedures, and adhering to CDC guidelines.

Furthermore, we are in constant communication with St. Mary’s Hospital regarding issues of capacity and other topics.

We need your help in stopping the transmission of this disease so we all can be safer.

Importantly, we urge everyone to continue to keep themselves and loved ones safe by practicing the 3 W’s: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

We’re so thankful for the incredible team at Piedmont Athens Regional. Your hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate you. Additionally, everyone at Piedmont Athens Regional appreciates the trust our community has placed in us during this extraordinary time. Thank you for your support, stay safe and wear a mask! f

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Space Can Still Inspire SCIENCE SHOULD BE RESPECTED, NOT SHUNNED

FIVE & TEN

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com While Earth reels with worldwide pandemic, environmental ruin, economic downturns, racial strife, wars, riots and an epidemic of authoritarianism spreading around the globe, the heavens over our heads still inspire curiosity in humankind.

In these times of doubt and cynicism, science can instill wonder in the hearts and minds of people on this small planet.

While fear and uncertainty stalk this world, some much-needed good news has come from far above Earth in the past few weeks. Earlier this month, two NASA astronauts returned safely from a twomonth stay aboard the International Space Station. Their launch was the first manned flight from Cape Canaveral since the space shuttles were retired in 2011. Since then, America’s space agency has had to pay high prices to send its astronauts to the station aboard Russian rockets.

BILL INGALLS / NASA

printed schedules of when Echo would be visible, and the National Geographic Society said that the orbiting balloon probably had been seen by more people than any other single object in human history during its months of circling our world. The satellite brought wonder to the eyes of the millions who saw it, and it brought the use of the then-new material Mylar into the world’s popular and commercial realm.

During the same week that Echo was launched, the Air Force recovered a capsule ejected from the unmanned Discoverer satellite orbiting high above Earth. It was the first object to successfully return from orbit and was a needed boost for the American space program that had so frequently been upstaged by Russian rocket science. Plucked from the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Discoverer capsule was shown to President Eisenhower at the White House soon after its historic journey.

It now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington.

“The Space Race Soars With a Vengeance” blared a Life magazine headline in 1960 as both the Soviet Union and the U.S. rushed to launch the first manned satellites, a first that the Soviets would achieve in 1961.

Here in America, the Astronauts Robert Behnken (foreground) and Douglas Hurley prepare to board a X-15 rocketplanes SpaceX rocket in June. were breaking speed and altitude records Even as U.S. manned spaceflight is getnearly every week in the skies over the ting back on track, faraway Mars beckons California desert. At Cape Canaveral, the humans who have long been fascinated seven astronauts of the Mercury project with the Red Planet, the subject of countwould have to wait until 1961 to begin their less science fiction yarns and the target first forays into space. of robot spacecraft that have visited Mars I was on the scene to view the launch since the 1960s. Earlier this summer, of the first space shuttle in 1981. Today, three unmanned spacecraft from the U.S., though, we live in times of surly cynicism China and the United Arab Emirates were instead of healthy skepticism. Millions launched to explore Mars and will arrive in a nation that once respected science early next year. now scoff at scientists. Poet William Sixty years ago, interest in technology Wordsworth could have been describing and respect for science were high among cit- today’s world when he lamented “little we izens young and old. In August 1960, people see in Nature that is ours.” During these around the world turned their eyes to the days of fear and uncertainty around the skies to view the Echo satellite, an orbiting world, science and space can provide a boost Mylar balloon 100 feet in diameter that for the human heart and an impetus for the circled Earth every two hours. The aptly imaginations of all Earth’s children. named Echo was used to bounce communiMany space travelers have remarked on cations messages long distances to receiving the fragility of our world as seen from the stations on Earth—a precursor to the relay lofty perch of space. Photos of the whole satellites now beaming TV and radio signals Earth taken by astronauts on the moon around today’s world. Though humans had were inspirations for the environmental been observing satellites since Russia’s movement that seeks to protect our fragSputnik ushered in the Space Age in 1957, ile home planet. Astronaut Karen Nyberg Echo’s large size and shiny surface made it spoke the truth after her space missions easy to see as it arced overhead like a bright, in orbit when she said, “If I could get every fast-moving star. I can still remember seeearthling to do one circle of the Earth, I ing Echo as it sped across the starry skies of think that things would run a little differGeorgia on hot August nights. Newspapers ently.” f

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY!

TUESDAY RAMEN NIGHT Ramen night is back at Five & Ten! Make a reservation for any Tuesday on our porch, patio, or properly distanced dining rooms, or order it to-go on our website!

IN THE YARD Come eat oysters, drink cocktails, and listen to vinyl on our porch or on our new shaded patio. 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Swing by whenever, or make a reservation by calling 706-546-7300 or by going to FiveandTen.com.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU ON OUR WEBSITE! YOU’LL SEE SOME BRAND NEW DISHES AND SOME FIVE & TEN CLASSICS!

Stock up on wine for your week for $150! Get six cool, unique wines hand selected by our wine guy, Steve Grubbs. Order online, by phone, or while dining!

updated sanitation practices masks required! staff is always masked and gloved tables, checkbooks, and restrooms sanitized between uses all tables are at least 6 feet apart 1073 S Milledge Ave ----- 706-546-7300 ----- FiveandTen.com

AUGUST 19, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

13

arts & culture

art notes

The Athens Creative Directory Launches PLUS, NEW EXHIBITIONS AND ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com THIS IS IT: “After relocating from Atlanta to Athens in 2016,

Property Management Investment Properties Rentals Buying Selling

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PAIN & WONDER

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14

illustrator, graphic designer and animator James Burns began using his artwork as an opportunity to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. “The View from Here,” a body of work currently installed at tiny ATH gallery, depicts local landmarks through a distinct style that bridges the gap between realism and Burns’ signature comic-book aesthetic. In addition to teaching motion design for nearly a decade, Burns has written and drawn a handful of comics such as his “Grumbles” strip and a graphic memoir entitled A Life Half-Forgotten.

Burns will offer a virtual Artist Talk using Instagram Live (@tinyathgallery) on Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and the gallery will be open during 3Thurs on Aug. 20 from 6–9 p.m.

The exhibition will remain on view through Aug. 23; email tinyathgallery@gmail.com to set up an appointment.

Mask On, Athens! Artists are encouraged to submit designs for a face mask, and the winning artwork—determined by community voting on the chamber’s Facebook page—will receive a $1,000 prize. Designs will be screen printed onto fabric by Satisfactory Printing and sewn into masks by Community. The masks will then be available through a pop-up web store hosted by Satisfactory, as well as in-person at local retailers. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 30, and interested artists should email lindsay@athensga.com for guidelines.

ROCK LOBSTER ROLLS: Though musicians haven’t been able

to step onstage in months, many have been cultivating their cooking skills in the kitchen—a former occupation

OVER THE MOON: The Athens Institute for Contemporary Art has officially reopened its doors with the exhibition “SPACE: 2020 Juried Exhibition,” an exploration into the many ways space can permeate our lives—physically, emotionally and conceptually. Ideas pertaining to space have taken a particular focus as we maintain emotional closeness despite the physical distance necessary during a pandemic.

Juried by Hannah Israel, professor of art and gallery director at Columbus State University, the exhibition includes a total of 36 contemporary works by 28 different artists. In addition to locals such as René Shoemaker, Jennifer Hartley, David Noah and Robert Clements, the exhibition attracted many artists from beyond the state’s borders like Karly Villaseñor (Portland), Will Pergl (Milwaukee), Anthoula Lelekidis (Astoria) and Kariann Fuqua (Oxford, MI). A virtual Juror and Artist Roundtable Discussion will be held Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., and “SPACE” will remain on view through Sept. 27.

ATHICA was recently awarded resiliency grant funding from the CARES Act for direct operational support and help in offsetting the loss of donations and sponsorship funds due to the pandemic.

The gallery also received Partner Grant “The View from Here” by James Burns is currently on view at tiny ATH gallery. funding from the Georgia Council for the Arts, which will extend the impact of the for some, no doubt. The Athens’ Quarantined Musicians Athens Cultural Affairs Commission’s Arts in Community Cookbook is a digital collection of recipes that have been Award, which was recently received to support the Artstsperfected by 40 local musicians. On the menu, you’ll find in-ATHICA residency program. dishes such as Asian Dad’s Yakisoba by Kaoru Ishibashi STEP RIGHT UP: A new online platform, the Athens Creative (Kishi Bashi), vegan Mac and No Cheese by Bob Hay Directory, is launching to connect local artists with poten- (Squalls), foraged Mulberry Ice Cream by Dan Horowitz tial collaborators, collectors and patrons. This endeavor is (Five Eight) and Sissy’s Sloppy Joes by Patterson Hood (The straightforward enough in theory, but mammoth in realDrive-By Truckers). A fundraiser for Nuçi’s Space, the projity due to the sheer volume of creatives who live in town. ect was organized by Eddie Glikin, a musician who has both Luckily, the Athens-Clarke County Economic Development supported and been supported by the nonprofit in the past, Department has partnered with CREATE Athens, a division and Lisa Anger, a mental health professional and former of Envision Athens, to oversee the free directory, which is board member. Visit nuci.org to donate (suggested $10) open to visual artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers, and download the PDF. writers and the like. Now that the structural framework THE SHOW MUST GO ONLINE: The Athens Symphony Orchestra has been built, organizational attention has shifted to recently made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fall populating the site with profiles ahead of the public debut. and winter concerts amid safety concerns, but will continue Interested creatives should email athenscreatives@gmail. hosting online programming instead. ASO currently offers com for instructions on how to participate.

Tiny Space concerts and virtual ensemble performances KEYS, WALLET, MASK, CHECK: To benefit the launch of the through its social media channels, and plans to continue the aforementioned directory, the Athens Area Chamber of annual tradition of a Christmas concert, albeit in a different Commerce has recently organized a competition called form. Visit athenssymphony.org for announcements. f

FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020

music

threats & promises

but I’m looking forward to catching them and hearing these tunes live once our long international nightmare is over.

Find this at Spotify, Bandcamp and Apple Music.

Garrett Hatch’s Place Without A Name

ATHENS EAR CLINIC: Experimental ring leader Michael Potter

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com SAVOR LOCAL FLAVOR: Longtime Athens musician, though cur-

LIFTING OFF: Relatively new local band Fernfox just released

its first set of tunes and named it The Dissociated EP. It’s a tight set of enthusiastic pop tunes that touch on classic college rock, garage rock and a slight amount of surf rock.

The band sometimes threatens to be too clever by half (”Real Me”), but pulls back just in time at each instance.

They shine brightest when their well-executed vocals and sense of melody coalesce to serve the songs, as opposed to

JEF BREDEMEIER

rently located in Asheville, Garrett Hatch (Mother The Car, Ancient Ethel) has a new solo album out. The hefty 12-track record is titled Place Without A Name. One great thing about Hatch’s songwriting is that, at first listen, it appears to privilege the guitar, but after a while the listener realizes what he really promotes is melody wherever he can find it. To this end, there are relatively minimal and understated tunes like “Nightmare,” and the utterly compelling Stones-Parsonsfueled piano honky-tonk hymn “Porch Light,” and the desert landscape internal dialogue “Someday.” Hatch still brings the jams, though, as evidenced on the jittery “Moment Undone” and the aggressive grunge-punctuated title track. This whole album is one hell of a great artistic statement, and you can grab it via garetthatch.bandcamp.com.

continues to clear his decks, so to speak, and has released another set of archival material from over the past two decades. This new collection is named Something’s On Fire and runs five tracks long. Although I’ve held my shoulder against hours of Potter’s noise barrage for years, he finally broke me with the excruciatingly high-pitched apocalyptic Tin Pan Alley-isms of the title track, as well as the swirled cacophony of “The Vault” (although there is a neat little clarinet part buried underneath it all). Opening track “Rotten Timeline” is a great five minutes of throbbing industrio-rhythm, and “The Final Countdown” is a meditative guitar piece that gradually devolves into a multi-layered pool of loathing. Final track “Fan The Flames” split my head open again in the same aforementioned way, so I didn’t even make it through the whole eight minutes of it. Either my ears are having a particularly sensitive couple of weeks, or Potter’s got some work to do on the mastering end. I mean, I guess it’s whatever. It’s not like this is birthday party music or something. Explore at your own risk via michaelpotter.bandcamp.com.

PAINTED FROM MEMORY: Jacob Chisenhall

THE DREAMING: I was pleasantly surprised

to come across the debut release from songwriter Mary Shauna Harris named Lift My Eyes Up. Harris has a very nice, very solid voice, and her performances are wonderfully free of decorative vocalizing and unnecessary modulation. The instrumentation for her tunes is largely acoustic (guitar, piano, ukulele, banjo, etc). Although perhaps not intentional, this record has a deceptive depth that belies its relatively simple delivery. This tendency first evidences itself on the self-performed choral backing vocal in the title track. This is a record of deep longing but not desperation, and that’s an important distinction. Harris delivers Garrett Hatch her songs from a place of strength, but not indifference. She’s a writer in the same tradition as Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, Joan Baez, et al. While Harris maintains her own personality throughout, I’d hold her song “There, Too” up against anything from, say, Sade and/ or Kate Bush. And, yes, that’s mighty high praise indeed, so seek this out at maryshaunaharris.bandcamp.com.

amplifying any particular player. This activity is put to wonderful effect on “Losing My Mind,” “I Don’t Know Myself,” and “It’s Over.” There’s a subtle theatrical quality to these tunes that makes me think some of them were definitely drama club kids at some point. At any rate, Fernfox—like everyone else—has been on a live show hiatus for months,

(Fake Flowers) has a new EP out under his Delorean Gray moniker. The new record, courtesy of Athens’ Marching Banana Records, is A Lighter Shade of Delorean Gray and is the first new music from Chisenhall, by my estimate, since the spring of 2019. This three-song collection is deceptively breezy for the most part, and this hides exactly how complex these songs are. The multi-melody “Boys For The Summer” handles its 21st Century Beach Boys self very well, and “Black Lipstick (ft. Reverie Rush)” stacks layer upon layer of smooth instrumentation inside its hit-thehighway-at-night mood. Andy Barton wrote the lyrics and contributed vocals to “Black Lipstick,” and other featured guests on this EP include Freeman Leverett and Jason Bronson. Of the three tracks here, I’m most partial to the legitimately cocktail-worthy “Back To The Beach-Front,” presented here as an instrumental demo. Find this for yourselves at marchingbanana.bandcamp.com and graydelorean.bandcamp.com. f

SALON, INC. Pick up a copy of the 2440 West Broad St., Suite 2 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

2020 FLAGPOLE GUIDE TO ATHENS FALL EDITION

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AUGUST 19, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

15

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

 Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com

REAL ESTATE APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1BR/1BA, $525/mo. 1-year lease with $525 deposit. $40 non-refundable application fee. Water included, all-electric. Pets welcome with deposit. Close to downtown on bus line. bondhillapartments@gmail. com

CONDOS FOR RENT



210 Appleby Dr., Unit #125.

2BR/2BA, 1120 sf. Firstfloor condo, half a mile from campus and downtown with off-street parking. Each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Please call for more information: 603-690-5689.

Find tenants for your properties by advertising them in the Flagpole Classifieds!

Great weekly rates! Call us at 706-549-0301 to place those ads today!

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

Three spaces available on the second floor: $800/ month for large office; Facing Prince Ave., lots of windows, built-in bookcase and decorative fireplace. $600/month for medium office; 17ft x 14ft, decorative fireplace and storage closet. $350/month for small office; Perfect for space for a single person to get some work done. All spaces include parking for the renter and a guest, all utilities (except phone) including inter net and use of shared conference room. Must have limited foot traffic. No reception available. Please email ads@flagpole.com for more information or to set up an appointment.

flagpole classifieds Reach Over 30,000 Readers Every Week!

Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale

Employment Vehicles Messages Personals

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

HOUSES FOR RENT



3BR/2BA in the historical Reese/ Hancock Street district.

Three blocks from campus and downtown. W/D and dishwasher included.

Please call for more information: 678-698-7613.

Cozy and quaint A-frame house for rent on the west side of Athens. 3BR/2BA, newly painted, with a deck and private back yard.

Very quiet neighborhood. $1400/mo. with a $600 deposit. Call 706-461-4313 for more information!

MUSIC EQUIPMENT Nuçi’s Space needs your old instruments & music gear, especially drum equipment! All donations are tax-deductible. 706227-1515 or come by Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St. Flagpole subscriptions delivered straight to the mailbox! Perfect present for your bandmate who moved out of town! $45 for 6 months or $80 for 1 year.

Call 706-549-0301 today to get it started.

SERVICES HEALTH H Y P N O S I S : Smoking cessation, exercise motivation, stress mitigation, first responder burnout, medical issues. Harvard trained, nationally certified. 678-895-4278, jimhilton911@yahoo.com, www.hiltonhypnosis.webs. com.

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

PRINTING Self publish your book!

Local (Five Points) professional publishing service. Editing, design and printing services. 30+ years experience. Let’s meet at Jittery Joe’s. 706395-4874.

TUTORS Advertise your tutoring service in the Flagpole Classifieds!

Middle school teacher for online or in-person tutor.

Master’s in Ed from UGA; 6 years classroom experience. Certified in math, social studies and English.

Grades 4–8. Call/text: 706461-2212

JOBS FULL-TIME Alternative Energy S o u t h e a s t i s c u rrently seeking a Solar Mounting and PV System Hardware Installer with good mechanical skills.

The solar industry is rapidly expanding and AES is committed to leading the industry through an emphasis on quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, have questions, or wish to apply, please send inquiries and resumes to tblackwell@ altenergyse.com.

ABC Package is hiring part-time and full-time team members to assist customers on the sales floor, front end cashiers and merchandiser/stock associates. Must be 21. Please apply at 2303 W. Broad St.

ADOPT ME!

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

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

Campbell (53201)

Campbell’s had a few foster homes recently and they’ve said he’s a sweetheart that gets along with everyone, including kids!

He can also sit, lay down and go into a crate with no problem.

Campbell is truly a special boy!

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

16

OPPORTUNITIES World of Futons is hiring! Seeking delivery and salespeople, as well as frame builders. Call 706-353-1218 for more details.

PART-TIME Seeking excellent typists (65+ WPM) to start immediately. Flexible schedules with 16 hours/per week minimum. Office policies include mandatory cleanings, socially distant workstations and no unauthorized visitors. Pay starts at $9.25 with $1/hour or higher raises after training.

No previous transcription experience required. Apply at www.ctscribes.com

NOTICES MESSAGES Need newspapers for your garden? Paper mache?

Your new puppy? Well, they’re free at the Flagpole office! Call ahead, then come grab an ar mful.

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

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

PLACE AN AD

Alternative Energy Southeast is currently seeking a qualified electrician to assist in the installation of residential and commercial solar energy systems. The solar industry is rapidly expanding and AES is committed to leading the industry through an emphasis on quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. If you’re interested in learning more about our team, have questions, or wish to apply, please send all inquiries and resumes to info@altenergyse.com.

FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020

Duke (52999)

Pinkie Pie (53952)

Pinkie Pie is a sweetheart that’s Duke’s been at the shelter since had it rough and deserves a chance January and he’s ready to meet to have a loving and secure home. his best friend soon. Foster homes With enough time and patience, have helped this guy tremendously, we’re sure this shy girl will truly but a permanent home would be a dream come true. Call today to shine. Give the shelter a call and find out more about Pinkie Pie today! make Duke’s dream a reality!

These pets and many others are available for adoption at:

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

flagpole your other best friend

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

3

5

1 5 6

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

HOW TO SOLVE:

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

Week of 8/17/20 - 8/23/20

1

2

3

4

5

14 17 20

7 25 2 31 6 34 3 37 1 9 40 8 5 45 4 51

6

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

15

23

3 5 2 6 4 841 7 1 9

9 8 2 4 6 28 6 1 7 8 3 4 7 9 321 5 1 935 8 5 4 538 2 3 9 7 7 3 6 2 1 2 4 5 3 9 8 6 4 7 472 3 5 1 6 8 52

21 24

29

30

49

50

33 36 39 42 44 48

53

54

55

56

58

59

Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

43 Dennis in the 2019 film "Midway" 44 Wished, as a farewell 45 Trinket 47 Brought to an end 51 Rainless 52 Early bicycle 54 Steady guy 55 Cartoon art 56 Implore 57 Harvard rival 58 Biblical outcast 59 Grant basis DOWN 1 Lioness of film 2 Loose ones sink ships 3 Ransack 4 Range animal 5 For some time 6 Pirate's box 7 Take to the pawn shop 8 Caribou kin 9 Military no-show 10 Share top billing 11 Wipe out

12 13 18 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 35 36 38 39 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 53

By Various Authors news@flagpole.com he teachers and staff of the Clarke County School Also, our library media specialists and student support District applaud the evolving policies related to school technicians are currently working onsite to get ready for reopening. We are grateful for the district’s decision to open device distribution. Finally, some teachers and staff will with remote learning and protect our students and their need to be in their buildings for access to materials, techfamilies. We are grateful that those with child-care hardnology, phones or internet connectivity. Why is CCSD ships have the flexibility to work remotely. We are grateful willing to risk the lives and health of our staff, custodians, that our colleagues who are medically at-risk are being teachers, and maintenance workers by requiring all to be given the same option. present regardless of need? If CCSD truly wants what is These compromises are admirable, but they are not equi- best for our students, why is the safety of all employees table, and they are not sufficient in protecting the CCSD working to support them not the first priority? And why and larger Athens communities. Any CCSD staff member put their families and community at a higher risk? who is required to enter school buildings is at risk and Outside of education, professionals all over the nation increasing the potential for community spread and undue are trusted to work remotely. Private companies large and pressure on an already fragile public health system. The small, government offices, law firms and even state edudecision to require virtual teaching from the classroom is cational agencies have announced that their employees unacceptable, dangerous and of serious public concern. We will remain remote whenever possible for the foreseeable ask that the CCSD administration remove the requirement future. What rationale and evidence supports the decision for all teachers and staff to work from school buildings to bring teachers into buildings for virtual instruction? based on community transmission rates, emerging science If it is an accountability issue, then should that not be on infectious aerosols and the unnecessary nature of doing addressed directly with the individual teachers who had an so. issue with working remotely previously?

In both the recent town hall meeting and the board work We respectfully ask that CCSD allow all teachers and session, Director of Nursing Amy Roark explained that, by staff who are able to work remotely to continue doing so all metrics, the state of Georgia currently has substantial with access to their buildings as needed. When community levels of community transmission. transmission statistics indicate Two strategies recommended that our district is ready to transiTeachers in both Gwinnett by the CDC for reducing the risk tion to the phased plan for in-perand Barrow counties were of transmission in workplaces son instruction, the teachers and during this level of spread are to required to work on campus, and staff needed for each phase could “implement flexible worksites” and begin transitioning into buildings the consequences were immediate. as well. Shouldn’t our school sys“deliver services remotely.” We do not need to look far to see how tem model socially responsible in-person pre-planning has gone in other districts. Teachers behaviors? Why is CCSD willing to further burden our comin both Gwinnett and Barrow counties were required to munity and medical infrastructure by asking all teachers work on campus, and the consequences were immediate. to return to campus while still teaching virtually? How is These metrics are clear—requiring teachers to return to the asking teachers to report to their classrooms a risk worth classroom unnecessarily endangers the Athens community. taking? Why would teaching online from a classroom be Additionally, recent studies indicate that the infectious pedagogically better than teaching online from a home aerosols containing COVID-19 viruses can remain airborne office space? for extended periods of time. Experts recommend avoiding It is hard to see any benefits of the current arrangement shared indoor spaces whenever possible. Shared HVAC and that will outweigh the risks. Forcing teachers to work in an poorly ventilated spaces are a major factor in the spread of unsafe environment for accountability purposes speaks to the virus, and surface cleaning and distancing will not proa lack of respect for the teachers of CCSD as professionals. vide enough protection. Teachers and staff will have to walk We know what we need to do our jobs, and, as experienced along shared hallways and use the same restrooms, kitchprofessionals, we should be trusted to make decisions that ens, copy rooms, resources and doorknobs. Collaborative positively impact not only our effectiveness as teachers but teachers share classrooms. Counselors, instructional also our health and safety and that of the greater Athens coaches and staff work in small interconnected office community. We respectfully ask that you respond to these suites and are in contact with other staff constantly. While issues of public concern. f our custodians will work tirelessly to clean surfaces, they Brian Ash, Melissa Authement, Michelle Beatty, Felix Bell, cannot clean the air we are sharing. This mandate adds to Jennifer Biddle, Shana Biggs, Kelli Bivins, Anna Bray, Abby their workload and increases their risk and the risk to their families. While CCSD’s facilities and maintenance staff have Brink, Grace Brownlee Crumpton, Jill Buchanan-Louney, Kimberly Carmack, Lindsay Coleman-Taylor, Christian been working on our HVAC systems, it was confirmed in Cordon, Emily Costley, Scotty Diesch, Nestor Domingo, this week’s town hall session that our air quality remains Marina Doneda, Kathy Erickson, Marie Eskridge, Amy untested and inconsistent across the district. Given the state of our ventilation systems and shared spaces, teachers Evans, Jesse Evans, Aaron M. Farnham, Tina Favors, Natalia Ferrando, Jennifer Fishburn, Rebecca Floyd, Rita should continue to wear their masks even in the isolation Foretich, Heather Garland, Logan Garrett, Lori Garrettof their own classrooms. It is highly ineffective to teach Hatfield, Claude Gonzalez, Christine Graziano, Geneva students synchronously, record videos for asynchronous Hinkle, Erin Horton, Tanya Hudson, Kalli James-Wyrick, delivery, or conduct meetings while wearing a mask. Masks Katie Johnson, Laura Lee Johnson, Ryan Johnson, muffle voices and conceal facial expressions creating barriPeg Johnson, Courtney Jones, Cyndi Kelly, Adrienne ers to connection and understanding. To that end, it would Kitchens, Susan Lane, Dave Martin, Lisa Mason, Karen be preferable for us to work from home so that we can McDonald, Meghan McNeeley, Mary Claire Mixon, Jamie engage in meetings and content creation with our masks Momeye, Ashley Na, Brendan Nordgren, Sarah Parido, off. Teaching virtually in masks negates any rationale Tina Pattersson, Beth Pifer-Mills, Michelle Pisarik, Melanie requiring teachers to work from school buildings. It is simPowers, Amanda Price, Cori Pringle, Andy Plemmons, David ply not necessary and a danger to the larger community.

Ragsdale, Annie Reeves Bradberry, Melissa Rowland, Evelyn In some cases, teachers or staff may need to be in their buildings, and we wholeheartedly believe that we must take Rushing, Ella Salt, Catherine Shinholser, Elliot Slane, Kasey Solis, G. Stickney, Chris Sugiuchi, Jason Taylor, Jennifer explicit action to preserve the safety of staff who cannot Tesler Boyd, Shannon Thompson, Ashli Walker, Roenessa do their work from home. Our custodial and nutrition staff Witcher, Lauren Wood, Chris Woodward will be much safer with fewer people in their buildings.

“

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ACROSS 1 Jazzy Fitzgerald 5 Needed a massage 10 Going rate 14 Yellow Brick Road traveler 15 2% alternative 16 Comply with 17 Random inspections 19 High-five sound 20 Cellphone button 21 Lacking nothing 23 Pleasant tune 24 October handout 25 Turn into 28 Supporting structure 31 Run off together 32 "___ in Toyland" 33 Gavel action 34 Up for the job 35 One you might not want to meet 36 Circle overhead?

37 Fa follower 38 Discourage 39 Chopper spinner 40 Like most arguments 42 Sing the blues

13

19

Solution to Sudoku:

5 27 9 8 7 6 4 1 43 3 2

12

16

18

1 26 4 3 2 8 5 6 9 46 7

11

REQUIRING THEM IN CLASSROOMS WILL ENDANGER THE COMMUNITY

T

9

The Weekly Crossword

comment

Let Teachers Teach at Home

8 2 4 7

9 8 4 7 6

news

Burn a bit Category Rap sheet entry Fishing gear Potato, for one Beauty's beloved Macaroni shape Informal, as of language Kind of bean Beauty parlor Squash, for one Held back, as breath From the age of chivalry Unsophisticated Radio feature Circle measurements Overpower Mitsubishi model Ecosystem Bundle of joy Square feet, eg.

Toss, like a coin ____ and now Leg up Monopoly card OH to MA direction

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

AUGUST 19, 2020 | FLAGPOLE.COM

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

Art ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a new platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing before the new website launches. athenscreatives@gmail.com, athens creatives.directory CALL FOR PUBLIC ART: DUDLEY PARK (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission invites professional artists to submit proposals for consideration in the picnic shelter and restroom facility area at the park. Proposals due Aug. 30. www.athensclarkecounty.com/9519 GET ARTISTIC DIY FUND (Creature Comforts Brewing Co.) Get Artistic is now accepting applications from independent artist- or collective-led projects or events that help foster place attachment in the Athens community. The DIY Fund will award one $2000 sponsorship. Deadline Aug. 30. getcurious.com/diy-2020 MASK ON, ATHENS! (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an art competition benefiting the new Athens Creative Directory. Through community voting, the winning design will be printed on fabric and sewn into face masks. The winning artist receives $1,000. Email for guidelines. Deadline Aug. 30. lindsay@ athensga.com OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access

to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/ month. nicholas.daglis@accgov.com

Auditions ACCELERATED PROGRAMS 1–4 (East Athens Educational Dance Center) Programs are offered for ages 6–18. Participants train 3–7 hours a week in a variety of dance genres including Africa, ballet, jazz, modern and tap, and will perform later in the season. Aug. 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m. $12. 706-613-3624, ronnie.anderson@accgov.com FRUITCAKES (Elbert Theatre, Elberton) Encore Productions hosts auditions for the final show of its 2020 season. The director is looking to cast a mid-sized group of adult men, adult women and children ages 10–12. Be prepared to read excerpts from the script. Auditions on Aug. 31–Sept. 1, 6–8 p.m. Rehearsals will be held mid-September through mid-November. Performances held Nov. 6–8 & 13–15. 706-283-1049

Classes DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8 a.m. Email for details. jaseyjones@gmail.com MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and

art around town AMICI (233 E. Clayton St.) Jennifer Wallens Terry is a medium, pet psychic and spiritual coach. Her abstract paintings focus on texture and color, while others feature celestial and symbolic imagery. Through August.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA) (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1200) “SPACE: 2020 Juried Exhibition” features contemporary works by 28 artists who explore or reference space as a theme. Through Sept. 27 on Sundays and by appointment.

CINÉ (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Kate Windley presents “Sacar Agua del Pozo.”

CITY OF WATKINSVILLE (Downtown Watkinsville) “Public Art Watkinsville: A Pop-Up Sculpture Exhibit” consists of sculptures placed in prominent locations around downtown. Artists include Benjamin Lock, William Massey, Stan Mullins, Robert Clements, Harold Rittenberry and Joni Younkins-Herzog. • “Artscape Oconee: The Monuments of Artland” features a total of 20 paintings on panels installed around town. Artists include Claire Clements, Peter Loose, Andy Cherewick, Lisa Freeman, Manda McKay and others.

EARTH FARE (1689 S. Lumpkin St.) Tom Hancock creates abstract paintings that incorporate mixed media and found objects. Through August.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection” features over 60 objects spanning over 30 years of the famous stained-glass artist’s career. • “Drama and Devotion in Baroque Rome” celebrates Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s influence. Through Aug. 23. • “Altered Landscapes: Photography in the Anthropocene” includes images that demonstrate humanity’s impact on the natural world. Through Sept. 27. The museum recently reopened with safety precautions in place.

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) “Supple Moments, Dark Corners” is a site-specific installation by Eli Saragoussi that is accompanied by a soundscape by Max Boyd called “Jungle Drone.” Saragoussi recently incorporated additional set pieces built for Ad•Verse festival.

DORY’S HEARTH HOME AND PATIO (37 Greensboro Hwy., Watkinsville) Susan Pelham’s collages are influenced by Magic Realism, Surrealism, fables and folklore. Through August.

KEMPT (175 N. Lumpkin St.) The Milan Art Institute presents a display of 20 or so recent works by the institute’s students. Through October.

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practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link.

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

Learn from experts with years of professional experience. Contact for details. 706-372-4349, marina bilbao75@gmail.com YAMUNA AND MORE (Elevate Athens, Online) Nia Holistic Fitness and Yamuna Body Rolling are held on an ongoing basis. $20/class.

Specialty classes range from selfcare to Yamuna foot fitness and more. www.elevateathens.com ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and “Easy on the Mat” yoga classes on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Ongoing classes are $5/class or $18/month. 706-612-8077, ommmever@yahoo.com

Events ATHENS FARMERS MARKET (Bishop Park) The market is open with safety precautions in place.

Wear a mask, pre-order when possible, keep your family home and use cashless payments. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net ATHENTIC GRAND OPENING (Athentic Brewing Co.) A Grand Opening and Beer Release will feature Black is Beautiful, an imperial

The Dodd Galleries currently present “Makeover Kingdom,” a virtual exhibition of flashy assemblages by Houston-based artist Cobra McVey. Visit art.uga.edu to see the full series. stout raising funds for the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. Aug. 22, 2–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com AUGUST EVENTS (Southern Brewing Company) Monday Night Trivia every Monday at 6 p.m. Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment is held every Sunday at 5 p.m.

Southernfest Anniversary Party Aug. 22, 5–11 p.m. Gibbs Family Band Aug. 28, 5 p.m. www.sobrewco.com THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW SKETCHES (Elbert Theatre, Elberton) Encore Productions presents a night of 1970s comedy. $9–16. Social distancing will be observed through reserved seating.

Aug. 21–22, 28–29, 7 p.m. Aug. 23, 30, 2 p.m. 706-283-1049, tking@ cityofelberton.net DIGITAL LIVE STREAM BENEFIT CONCERT (Online) Kishi Bashi, Cicada Rhythm and Tall Tall Trees will offer a virtual performance and live Q&A on Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. to raise money for Nuçi’s Space and The Boys and Girls Club. $6.

LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd.) “Amiko Li: The Purpose of Disease” presents the explorations of the Dodd MFA Fellow in photography into acupuncture, palm reading, psychogenics, herbal supplements, antibiotics and the regeneration of limbs. • “KITCHEN” is a new animation by New York-based artist and former Athenian Michael Siporin Levine, inspired by his quarantine experience. • In “Mors Scena,” photographer Rachel Cox documents the viewing rooms and visitation spaces of funeral homes, drawing attention to how we mourn and memorialize the dead in America. • Atlanta-based artist Michi Meko’s 2017 installation, “One Last Smile Before the Undertow,” is a suite of works addressing black life in America postObama. • “Silver_Page_Radio_Light” is a collaboration between Austinbased photographer Barry Stone and New York-based photographer Lucy Helton, who faxed each other an image each day for a portion of quarantine.

• In “Optical Illusion,” Zipporah Camille Thompson juxtaposes organic and inorganic materials. • In “Makeover Kingdom,” Houston-based artist and Dodd alum Cobra McVey transforms thrift store objects and mass-produced consumer goods into playful assemblages. Exhibitions are available online at art.uga.edu.

MADISON ARTISTS GUILD (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) Bev Jones’ works in “Whispers of Tranquility” are inspired by experiences that jar her as well as still moments, particularly when alone and immersed in the natural world. Through October.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) “Lambs to Lillies” is an online exhibition featuring impressionistic oil paintings by Cynthia Perryman. Through Sept. 11 at mmcc-arts.org.

TIF SIGFRIDS (119 N. Jackson St.) See seven humorous paintings by Heidi Jahnke, a Canadian artist who lived and worked in New York. Through Aug. 24.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) James Burns’ solo show, “The View from Here,” showcases digital illustrations of destinations around Athens. Artist talk Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. 3Thurs on Aug. 20, 6–9 p.m. On view by appointment through Aug. 23.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) Online exhibitions include “Steele Vintage Broadcast Microphone Collection,” “Foxfire on Display at UGA: 50 Years of Cultural Journalism Documenting Folk Life in the North Georgia Mountains, September–December 2016,” “Covered With Glory: Football at UGA, 1892–1917” and “Fighting Spirit: Wally Butts and UGA Football, 1939–1950.” Visit digilab.libs.uga.edu/scl/exhibits.

FLAGPOLE.COM | AUGUST 19, 2020

athens-resonates.myshopify.com FACEBOOK LIVE SUNDAY MUSIC (Online) The Athens Regional Library System presents a virtual concert series featuring Free Range Minstrel on Aug. 23 and Torchiana on Aug. 30. Concerts are at 1 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org LIVE WIRE SUMMER EVENTS (Live Wire Athens) Wedding Industry Happy Hour is held every Wednesday from 5–6 p.m. Games of darts are held every Wednesday from 5–10 p.m. Fresh Garden Jam with live jamming is held every Thursday from 5–10 p.m. Love Music Live Stream offers bands streamed from the main stage every Friday 5-10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com/ calendar RAY BRADBURY READ-A-THON (Online) Over 40 readers from all over the country, including representatives from the Athens Regional Library System, will perform a virtual reading of Bradbury’s classic dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451. The reading will be streamed over YouTube, Facebook and Instagram on Aug. 22. www.raybradbury.com

Kidstuff WE ROCK ATHENS CAMP ONLINE (Online) Girls Rock Athens presents online classes in instruction, musicianship, self-empowerment and community care. For ages 9–17.

Classes include guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals, DJing, body image and media literacy, DIY crafts, poetry, activism, volunteerism and more.

Ongoing. Sliding scale tuition. girls rockcampathens@gmail.com, www. girlsrockathensga.org

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

Visit the website for a calendar of electronic meetings held throughout the week. www.ga-al-anon.org MALE SURVIVOR VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP (Online) This group is a safe space for male survivors of sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse to connect and receive support from other survivors.

Services are free and confidential.

Meetings held Sept. 10–Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m. Call Mary Dulong at The Cottage, 1-877-363-1912. info@ northgeorgiacottage.org, www.north georgiacottage.org RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-led support

group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction.

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

FREE! www.athensrecoverydharma. org

On the Street 2020 CENSUS (Athens, GA) The ACC Complete County Committee urges the 43.2% of county residents that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census to do so by the new deadline of Sept. 30. my2020census.gov CORNHOLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION (Southern Brewing Company) Register for CornholeATL Athens’ seven-week cornhole league that begins in September. The fall league offers four different divisions of play to accomodate all levels. www.cornholeatl.com THE MARIGOLD MARKET (Online) The Marigold Market aims to make fresh food easily accessible to the Eastside Athens and Winterville communities. The market is open online every week from Friday through Wednesday, and orders can be picked up every Saturday. www. cityofwinterville.com/marigoldmarket STORMWATER CALENDAR (Athens, GA) The ACC Stormwater staff is seeking photos of water and nature scenes from all around Athens to create a wall calendar for 2021. Submit photos by email with the name of the photographer and a description of where, when and why it was taken. Deadline Sept. 25. stormwater@accgov.com TRASHERCISE (Athens, GA) Complete your own Trashercise workout by walking, jogging or running along, trails, roads and neighborhoods. Bring a bag, gloves or a grabber, and pick up any trash you see. Share photos through #trasherciseathens. Report your cleanup online, and Keep AthensClarke County Beautiful will send a prize. carlos.pinto@accgov.com, www.keepathensbeautiful.org, www. accgov.com/aahcleanupreport WATER WORKS PHOTO CONTEST (Athens, GA) The ACC Water Conservation Office invites photographers to fill in the blank on “Water works. Today. Tomorrow. For ___.” High-resolution photographs due Aug. 30. Twenty photos will be selected as finalists for a round of online voting, with the 10 photos receiving inclusion in a 30-second TV spot in honor of Imagine A Day Without Water. www.accgov.com/ waterworks f

advice

hey, bonita…

My Friend Used the N-Word ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com Hey Bonita, So I was riding around helping my friend with errands one afternoon when we started talking about Black Lives Matter. I’m Black and was just talking about how overwhelmed I was feeling by everything happening across the country, along with my general stress of being a Black woman in America, using the tendency of white people to describe me as aggressive as an example. Her response really threw me for a loop—my friend, who is unmistakably white, started talking about how people look at her “community” in that way as well. What community? Sicilian Americans. She told me about how Sicilians are typically more “dark skinned” than other Italians because of “cross-breeding with the Moors”

difference, however, is that my friend didn’t also go out of her way to stereotype and insult African Americans, too.

I think it’s important to keep in mind that she meant well and was trying to empathize, though that doesn’t make her use of a racial slur OK. I think she thought that she was invited to the cookout, as they say, and got way the hell ahead of herself.

There’s no disputing the othering of Italian immigrants in American society of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and that history must certainly still influence the ItalianAmerican experience to a degree. Sicilians were othered even more so within their community, of course, and it’s perfectly fine for the

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Sexual Health & Wellness and how her family is loud and uses lots of corporal punishment. She then stated that other nationalities refer to Sicilians as “Italian n******s.”

I was blown away! I told her to never use a racial slur around me again, and reminded her that there is no way that the experience of Sicilians could be compared in any way to that of Black Americans. And does she really think that all Black people are loud and beat their children? I am furious. Should I follow up with her or just ghost her ignorant ass?

Sincerely, Appalled Dear Appalled, What?! I shouted out loud when I read that, hand to God. Not because I was surprised, but because I had the same experience in undergraduate school with a friend. I went to college in a part of the South that has a large population of Italian Americans, and one of my homies once went on and on about the same thing, even daring to use that same slur in reference to themselves. I only wish I’d been as confident in my response as you were, and I decided to ghost her. But honestly, I regret having done that because it was a teachable moment, and back then I wasn’t so fatigued by racial justice that I was happy to walk a friend through a painful issue for me. The

Sicilian experience and the Black experience to exist alongside each other.

One doesn’t have to be better or worse than the other. Your friend’s privilege kept her from seeing how her empathetic statement was actually serving to minimize and silence your own experience.

It’s unintentional “whataboutism,” and I mean that—I really don’t think she meant harm, from what you describe here. I’d be interested to know if she apologized or tried to explain herself in any way. I mean, every white person in America must know by now that the N-word is off limits to them, now and forever. That’s the part that makes me scratch my head the most: Where the hell did she get the idea that saying that would be OK? It’s the only part that makes me hesitant to recommend following up, because she could very well accuse you of reverse racism (not a real thing) or get so defensive that you can’t have a productive conversation at all. You know her temperament better than I do, so that’s your call.

I’m leaning towards a follow-up here, but I would not judge you for ghosting her. In a perfect world, she’d know that she was in the wrong, and she’d reach out on her own to initiate this conversation. I hope that happens, but you have the right to contact her yourself and explain her transgression to her. f

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