August Issue B 2012

AUGUST 15, 2012

FREE

vol. 5 no. 11 community driven news

WHERE DO THEY GO AT NIGHT?

A CRUSADE TO HELP THE HOMELESS / PG 15

photo by Charles Cochrane

VIEWS CSRA’S ONLINE POLITICS + VIBE ONE ON ONE WITH RICKY SKAGGS + VITTLES OLD MCDONALD HAD A FARM + VALUES CSRA AUGUST STAR15TEACHES KIDS _ VERGELIVE.com /1

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Where’s Waldo? He was recently seen in Augusta!

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here’s Waldo franchise was created by Martin Handford 20 years ago and has been a favorite of readers and followers of all ages ever since. Waldo’s trademark red and white striped shirt, blue jeans and hat has intrigued many since he first came on the scene in 1987 as Where’s Wally a name later changed to Waldo for the US market.

After a month long event sponsored by The Book Tavern, Augustan’s searched high and low for Waldo across our city. Eighteen businesses participated in the 25TH Anniversary Celebration of Where’s Waldo by “hiding” Waldo in their stores. Participant’s eager to win Where’s Waldo prizes scoured Augusta to locate Waldo hiding and hanging out in each business. Hundreds of people participated in this special event and fun was had by all. Business owner David Hutchison partnered with Candlewick Press to promote the 25TH Anniversary of Where’s Waldo along with 250 independent bookstores nation wide. There are currently seven primary Waldo books. The books were released both in hard-cover (for the original books) and subsequently in paperback. Each contains around a dozen scenes with Wally hidden in them. article by Matt Plocha

05 views

what’sinside

you won’t want to miss a page

This is your voice to hold the powerful accountable in our community (Plight of Homeless and Inspirational First Friday).

15 vibe

Plan your activities around the best calendar in the CSRA and learn about cool music (Ricky Skaggs and Coco’s Q & A).

29 vittles

Learn about healthy eating (Fresh Food Bites) and experience an unbiased review of established eateries. Also, catch some buzz about others going in and out of business.

35 values

Learn what’s been going on in the medical realm of the CSRA (Medical Roundup), laugh out loud with Nora’s “Life Face First” and read about the perservance of a former hoops star turned kickboxing mentor.

10,000 copies of Verge are published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and is available FREE of charge at locations throughout the CSRA including Publix, Kroger, Bi-Lo and Earth Fare.

Verge is a publication of Buzz on Biz, LLC, whose offices are at 3740 Executive Center Drive, Suite 300, Martinez, GA 30907. Reach us at 706.261.9981 or email staff members below in regards to story ideas, events listings, advertising inquiries, or letters to the editor.

vergestaff yeah, we made this

EDITORIAL: president/executive editor Neil Gordon neil.gordon@buzzon.biz editor Jennifer Pruett

photography Melissa Gordon melissa@sofiacolton.com, John Robeson, Christopher Selmek, and Charles Cochrane PUBLISHING: group publisher Matt Plocha publisher@vergelive.com

primary writer Christopher Selmek

graphic design opendoorgraphicdesign.com

events editor Sarah Childers events@vergelive.com

sales Buddy Miller buddy.miller@buzzon.biz distribution Matt Plocha, Christopher Selmek, Buddy Miller

vergeconnect we want to hear from you

call us: 706.951.0579 email us: advertising & general stuff publisher@vergelive.com story tips, ideas and letters editor@vergelive.com free event listings events@vergelive.com find us online: vergelive.com

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STOP TEEN DRINKING

PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN CSRA / PG 7

FIRST FRIDAY AFTER LAST ONE RESPECT DOWNTOWN SECTION / PG 8

MERCY MINISTRIES

RAISING MILLIONS TO HELP HURTING / PG 15

NEW SEAT AT TABLE

Hudson Hears On Page 14

photo by john robeson

new topnotch coming

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 5

heard on the street

Fury’s Ferry (NEXT TO PUBLIX) 403 Fury’s Ferry Rd, Martinez, GA 30907 706-651-8900

WHAT WE HEAR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Augusta Exchange (ACROSS FROM REGAL CINEMAS) 1143 Agerton Lane, Augusta, GA 30909 706-737-9358

Centre at Evans

(IN THE WALMART CENTER) 4445 Washington Rd, Evans, GA 30809 706-860-0501

Mullins Crossing (TARGET SHOPPING CENTER) 4217 Washington Rd, Evans, GA 30809 706-863-0677

Labor Day 2012

PIZZA JOINT OWNER EXPANDS EMPIRE

article by Neil Gordon

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(IN THE FOOD LION CENTER) 369 S. Belair Rd, Augusta, GA 30907 706-863-4070

TWO GREAT OFFERS

Choose from a $10 ticket to Six Flags Over Georgia OR a great haircut for just $6.99. The choice is yours!

Daniel Village (IN THE BI-LO CENTER) 2803 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 30909 706-305-1832

10

$

W

ADMISSION

to Six Flags Over Georgia with the purchase of a full-priced haircut

$10 admission ticket valid only on Labor Day 2012.

Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. At salons listd.

ord on the street is that a deal is cut between the Surrey Center and Pizza Joint owner, Mike Sheppis. Sometime in the next month to six weeks, you’ll notice a new Italian Café in the old Polka Dot Pig Gastro Pub building. The Gastro Pub and The Public House went very upscale with their entrées and in the end couldn’t compete with established Surrey restaurants like French Market Grille, Calvert’s and Bistro 491. Sheppis’ is banking on the brick oven to turn out the same excellent pizza customers are accustomed to at the Pizza Joint. He’ll have many Italian entrees available in a casual, affordable setting. He’ll also make use of the bar, serving many varieties of beer and wine.

A few other Italian bistros, including Ciao Bella, have occupied this space in Surrey; however, word on the street is if anyone can “break the curse” of that building, it’s Sheppis and his Pizza Joint following.

Belair Village

$

6

OR

.99

HAIRCUT

Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Valid only at salons listed.

O FF ER EXPIRES: 9/14/12

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

around town smatterings DRINKING AND A rush and a push… BINGE ITS DEADLY EFFECTS

A Look At Things To Do

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e hope you have been enjoying the new and improved VERGE. One of our goals is to get more citizens involved with our community. Through the past few issues we have challenged you by bringing to light some important issues facing our area. We dug into the health and well-being of First Friday and how you can get involved to “take back” our downtown area. We explored the people and efforts trying to help protect our children from an ever-growing darkness. We talked about an orchestra in Columbia County looking for a permanent home. We discussed the health of our most valued natural resource, the Savannah River, and the damage we are causing her. All of these issues are important and have a great impact on our area. We have opened up the floor for action, called for your attention to each and ask that you find your passion and get involved. Each needs support whether that is through your time, energy or a few of your dollars to keep things moving forward.

In this issue we look at Mercy Ministries and its mission to help the needy, the poor and the less fortunate. We explore its first fundraising event to support the overall mission and the call to help the people involved accomplish greater things in our community. The ministry is having a positive impact. The overall success of its work in Augusta is important to those in need of the services it provides.

As a community, we seem to have the time to spend a lot of effort in determining and fighting for the name of a certain university – as we drive by a homeless person that might be out of work and down on their luck. We can rally and protest in droves – as we walk by a family truly in need of assistance. We can chatter on social media and point fingers at people – while there is a single mom with children that has been recently evicted or abused with nowhere to turn. We can spend a lot of time discussing the problems and looking for people to blame in our community – meanwhile, there are good people doing great things, such as Mercy Ministries, that are in need of your help.

So I ask: What is really important? What is going to have an everlasting impact on our community?

Is the naming of a school really going to make a difference or is getting out and helping a person in need? Is sitting on the sidelines talking about these issues on your computer or is getting involved in ways that might take you out of your comfort zone going to make a difference?

A favorite song of mine contains the lyrics: “A rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours.

It has been before, so why can’t it be now?”

I hope to see you out and about participating in community, making a difference, having a positive impact and not railing against her online. see you downtown, respecting her, Matt

G

eorgia Health Sciences University and the Institute of Public Health sponsored a community town hall on alcohol awareness and prevention, July 31 at the downtown public library.

Chris Sandy served 13 years in prison for drinking and driving.

The event was hosted by NBC Augusta 26’s Jay Jefferies and He shared his story with parents and included speakers Dr. Andrew Balas, the honorable Judge J. his decision to form www.EnduringRegret.org Wade Padgett and Chris Sandy, the founder of Enduring Regret.

“Binge drinking has been around for as long as there has been beer, and kids today are playing the same drinking games we used to play when we were kids,” said Judge Padgett. “One of the most frustrating things for me as a judge is when someone comes before me and says that they are so weak of character that they cannot resist when their friends tell them to do something, and therefore are not responsible for their own actions.”

Padgett spoke about the increased presence of alcohol and prescription drug abuse among school-aged children and warned parents that their presence in the lives of their children might be the only way to combat the misinformation they get over the internet or from their friends.

“The third amendment of the Constitution says that law enforcement officers cannot search or seize without probably cause, but that law doesn’t apply to parents,” he responded to a question from the audience about the best way to discourage alcohol abuse. “Search and seize. I think you have to be literally in their face as many times as you can. It’s a respect thing, and it starts in the very early years…”

To drive home the severity of the situation, Chris Sandy spoke at length about his decision to drink and drive when he was 22 years old and subsequent sentence to 13 years in prison and 17 years on probation which will end April 9, 2031.

“Two wonderful people are dead because of my choice, and their families members have to live with the results of my choice, and I have to live with the results of my choice every day,” he said.

“Nobody can really tell you how it’s going to be until you go through it, and I promise you nobody really wants to go through it.”

For more information about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, visit DidYouKnowFacts.net or EnduringRegret.org.

by Christopher Selmek

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photo by JOHN ROBESON

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Westobou ticket launch coincides with First Friday photos by christopher selmek

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ugust’s First Friday celebration coincided with the official ticket launch for this year’s Westobou Festival, the organizers for which took every opportunity to encourage visitors to “Get Down Downtown” with a free musical concert on the Commons followed by an over-21 concert at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre after 8 p.m.

“We are advertising the Westobou Festival coming up October 3-7,” said Molly McDowell, executive director for the Westobou Festival. “Today is the official ticket launch and since last year we did a huge flash-mob in the middle of Broad Street this year we decided to host this musical concert on the Commons and then an over-21 concert at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre after 8 p.m.”

The Commons was filled with people enjoying inflatables and rockin’ to music from a stage featuring The JAMP Masters, Folly and Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band. To promote the festival Westobou sent 45 of their junior board members, students representing 19 different schools from sixth to twelfth grade, to draw the Westobou logo in chalk on the sidewalk. There were also multiple local vendors as well as out-of-town guests.

“I haven’t been here for a year because of all the ruckus, but because this is called “Take Back Augusta” a bunch of the vendors got together and decided we weren’t going to be run out of town by a bunch of hooligans,” said Bryan Westcott, the Lemonade Man. “First Friday should be for families, and we came out to show our support, even though we don’t expect to make a lot of money, it makes a point just that we’re here.”

“We came out because there’s always a lot going on at First Friday and I wanted to give my family some activities to get involved in other than just staying in the hotel,” said Obia Elam, proudly displaying his purple Descendants of Dolphus Elam family reunion t-shirt. “I understand where some people might not want to come out because of the threat of violence, but I’ve seen a definite increase in security and there seems to be just as big a crowd now as ever there was.”

Other artists performed at various locations around Broad Street, including Pyrotech at the corner of Eleventh Street, Joel Cruz and the Young Lions at Casa Blanca and a

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conglomeration of various CSRA-based bellydance troupes performing in front of Brigan’s Land of Enchantment.

“The bellydancers of the CSRA fully support downtown and we wanted to present a song that many of the dancers who hadn’t worked together before could do easily, but fortunately “Downtown” is a very melodic and beautiful piece that’s easy to choreograph, and everybody liked it,” said bellydancer Jezibel Anat. “We had to do that song because it was our salute

to downtown Augusta and we plan to be back every First Friday this summer at 7:00 right here in front of Brigan’s.”

Many spectators in the audience claimed that, had it not been for the shooting and the subsequent effort to bring people downtown, they might never have come at all.

“I haven’t been out to a First Friday in about a year, but after they said they were going to shut it down I said that I wanted to come support First Friday and downtown,” said Sherron Shonk. “We’ve got to do a lot more to get people downtown and support our local artists and businesses.”

“This is my first First Friday, and I only came down because of the shooting and because I want First Friday to stay,” said Eric Parker. “I think if we don’t celebrate downtown then we don’t really have a city, and I’ve been supporting it just by walking around and taking in the sights.”

At 8 p.m. Enrique Romero, owner of the Brown Bag foodtruck, parked in front of the Jessye Norman amphitheater where an ATM and ID check had been set up for the concert featuring Funk You, Stewart and Winfield and Blood Kin. “I just did the Commons and then I moved my truck over to the amphitheater for the concert, and I’m happy to say that there doesn’t seem to be much of a change in the amount of business I’m doing, and people don’t seem to be that phased by the shooting,” said Romero. “From the beginning First Friday was always a cultural event that evolved into a bit more of an entertainment venue, and if the entertainment stays as good as it has been tonight then I have no doubt First Friday will continue.”

“We’re 100 percent behind First Friday continuing and we’re in full support of downtown,” said McDowell. “The whole premise of Westobou is to promote downtown, and First Friday has been awesome tonight with a tremendous amount of energy.”

This is the fifth year for the festival, coming up October 3-7.

For more information about events and how to buy tickets, visit westoboufestival.com or call 706.755.2878. article by CHristopher selmek

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the lens masters thoughts and tips on photography from the pros

tech talk Latest Technology Trends

The mobile phone wars have been waged for years now, but providers have reversed course and are making changes that may raise costs and reduce consumers’ options.

Overhaul on Mobile Phone Plans: Focus on Data Use

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Do you have a budding photographer at home?

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et’s face it—kids love to take pictures. Thanks to digital technologies, cameras are more accessible than ever. Photography has become cheaper, faster, and easier, allowing younger people to capture their everyday lives and interests in images. The result can be literally thousands of pictures, everything from the mundane to the extraordinary. But how can you move your child from simply snapping photos to becoming a careful observer of the world around them? Cameras are the perfect medium to teach this kind of thoughtfulness, while still allowing the user to express their personal beliefs and ideas.

Recently the Morris Museum of Art, in partnership with Communities in Schools and the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, conducted a project involving a group of local 10– 15 year olds. The kids met daily at the Lucy Craft Laney with professional photographer Michael Johnson. Their mission was to explore the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem area and document the people and places using donated Nikon Coolpix cameras. Michael applied five basic principles to encourage the kids to think outside the box and expand their photographic capabilities: 1. Learn how to properly use the camera before playing with the different settings, especially the special effects. Sure, it’s fun to take a picture in reverse or make all the colors neon, but first you should learn how to create a decent photo.

2. Explore your community. Walk around your neighborhood, looking for interesting places and things. Don’t focus on the obvious; instead, search out the exotic or unusual. Be sure to stay with an adult.

3. Think about the point of view. An object can assume a different personality just by being seen from a varying angle. Take a picture from above, below, close-up, and far away, then compare the results.

4. Carefully plan out your photograph before hitting the button. This will teach you how to make a more thoughtful composition.

5. Be respectful. Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person, and don’t trespass on the property of others.

Using the above tips, you can transform any child into a burgeoning photographer.

Michelle Shulte Michelle Schulte is the Curator of Education at the Morris Museum of Art, and the proud mother of two junior photographers. Michelle Schulte is the Curator of Education at the Morris Museum of Art, and the proud mother of two junior photographers.

LensMaster is a behind-the-lens look at the world of photography, prepared by members of the Augusta Photography Festival, which runs this year from October 27 to November 4. Submissions for this year’s photo competition are now being accepted.

Augustaphotofestival.org

erizon Wireless recently introduced its most extensive price-plan revamp in years with plans that let customers share a defined amount of data among as many as 10 devices listed on a single account. The plans could save heavier users money as they attach additional phones, tablets and laptops to the account. It also does away with the cheapest plans for new smartphone customers, and pressures customers to give up their unlimited data plans when they upgrade to new phones.

AT&T has indicated they will likely move to similar plans. The plan changes come following recent moves by carriers to impose higher costs or restrictive conditions on their subscribers, such as longer waiting periods before they can upgrade to new phones and additional fees for those upgrades. The new fees limit how often people upgrade to new devices. In recent months, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint all added fees for customers upgrading to a new phone.

Wireless providers pay heavily to subsidize the mobile hardware -- the device that costs customers $100 to $300 actually costs carriers from about $400 to $700. In addition, users are relying more on services like email, Facebook and Twitter at the expense of voice calling and texts -- the industry’s longtime cash cow. The jump in data use also has forced carriers to invest billions of dollars in expensive upgrades to cellular networks.

Verizon and AT&T’s success in pushing through additional costs for consumers underscores the heightened pricing power of the largest mobile phone carriers. Verizon and AT&T account for roughly two-thirds of subscribers and the bulk of the profits in an increasingly concentrated industry. Federal regulators have expressed growing concerns about power held by the top two players in the wireless industry, shooting down AT&T’s proposed $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile because of concern that shrinking the competition could lead to higher prices.

The new pricing essentially reverses the proportions of carriers’ bills to better reflect the way people actually use their phones. Voice and text fees now make up about two-thirds of customers’ bills, with the rest billed as data service for activities like Web surfing and streaming music. For new plans, Verizon is flipping that arrangement around with plans that charge flat rates for voice and text, while charging the majority of the monthly bill as data. For an iPhone user, a package of unlimited voice and text will drop to $40 a month from $90, but the price of 2 gigabytes of data will jump to $60 from $30.

Customers who pay the carrier for unlimited voice and text will save money, but for some budget-conscious smartphone users, the new plans will amount to a major price increase. The cheapest option for new Verizon smartphone customers previously cost $70 a month, with 450 voice minutes, 2 GBs of data and no text messages. Since the new price plans took effect on June 28, that option has disappeared for new customers, who will pay $100 a month to get 2 GBs of data, and unlimited voice and text.

Existing customers may be able to keep their current plans, with one exception: Users on unlimited data plans will pay a premium the next time they upgrade their phones. They can pay the full price of the upgrade -- typically hundreds of dollars more than the subsidized price -- or drop the unlimited plan.

The smaller national carriers, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile, have not indicated they will duplicate the shared data plans and have criticized such plans as too complicated and bad for consumers. Customers will undoubtedly vote with their pocketbooks.

Kevin wade is founder and CEO of Intellisystems, an IT and telephone systems company. Email him with tech or gadget questions kevinw@intellisystems.com

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hudson hears

The Net Spoilers: Finding a New Political Seat

These opinions are those of Scott Hudson’s and not necessarily those of Verge

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ocal politicians, business leaders and the traditional media are beginning to try and wrap their heads around what they see as a new chair being placed at the roundtable. However, the chair has been there for quite some time, and it’s just that no one really wanted to recognize its presence.

Sitting in that chair is the ever morphing body of community activists using the internet to expose city dealings, promote candidates and just generally stir up the pudding. After many postings on the Augusta Chronicle message board and Facebook blogs, the end result is an information website called citystink.net.

Activist Brad Owens, a former Augusta Downtown Development Authority member and small business owner, was the first to plug in and find a platform to rail against the corruption he saw in local government. Many saw Owens as nothing more than an attention hungry rabble-rouser that was hell bent on dismantling the DDA and chasing businesswoman Bonnie Ruben across the river to South Carolina. However, just as Owens began to establish some credibility, he was joined on the blogosphere by self proclaimed “citizen journalist” Jill Peterson who for a time littered the internet with poorly produced videos under the pseudonym “Mary Ditz.” Whether or not a pairing of the two individuals was real or just perception, Owens’ credibility suffered.

Enter the Harrisburg crowd, a financial genius from Columbia County and social media as we know it today. After a few rocky false starts, a coalition of somewhat like minds emerged. Instead of bizarre conspiracy theories that always seemed to revolve around Mayor Copenhaver, some real investigation and honest discourse began to circulate on Facebook. The “net spoilers” began to attract a following.

No project in Augusta history has been scrutinized more than the deals involving the downtown Trade and Exhibition Center. Minutes from the Augusta Commission were studied and restudied. Every land

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investigative reporting on local politics

sale and transfer was subjected to the microscope as was every brick used to build the TEE center parking deck. Through all the investigation, the sleepy public woke up to find interesting facts such as that the city doesn’t actually own the land under the parking deck. While it is common knowledge that William Morris III has long been the beneficiary of public largesse, the documentation that emerged damaged the credibility of the city’s only daily newspaper due to the perception that its owner, Morris, was not allowing the details of his business deals to be printed.

The only problem is that after months of blog entries and interesting Facebook postings, no real smoking gun has emerged. As it turns out, the land deal involving Bill Jackson was certainly beneficial to him personally, but it was no where near the outrageous windfall given to former Commissioner Marion Williams and his “church” when they sold land to the Board of Education for many times more than the actual value. While it is true the city did not technically own the parking deck land, the deal for the “air rights” or public use of the land was a binding agreement virtually for eternity.

Again, as soon as the “net spoilers” gained a foothold in the public awareness, they risked becoming what they were accused of being, malcontent conspiracy theorists with an ax to grind…only they are not.

The aforementioned financial genius/auditor, Al Gray, knows how to tear apart a spreadsheet and make sense of the numbers. Lori Davis, who had been involved in a few unsuccessful political races, may have a big mouth, but she has spent enough time in the trenches to know what she is talking about as does Owens. Sure, the forum set up by this group does allow for radicals, but that is not necessarily a bad thing either.

While this group may have had a rocky start, they have begun to prove the power of placing one’s voice on the information superhighway. The way they can move forward and really provide a public service is to leave pebbles, like sidewalk deals and air rights, laying where they are and start turning over the boulders blocking progress. If this group were to start using their efforts to peel back the onion layers of Laney Walker redevelopment, the disastrous Canal Authority and downtown “slumlords,” then

they might really become a powerful player at the roundtable.

Owens and others have garnered notice. Now, with some focus and combined agenda, they could be a positive force for change in the community.

scott hudson is a freelance reporter for WGAC and co-owner\ operator of Cheers on Washington Road in West Augusta. Please send any comments to scott@wgac.com.

MERCY, MERCY Castleberry donated its factory and land to Mercy Ministries

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olice raided the homeless camp beneath the 15th Street Bridge the night of Aug. 2, sending the poverty-stricken residents of Augusta’s worst neighborhood shambling out into the darkness in search of another place to lay their heads.

“They have nowhere else to go because the night centers charge $5 a night,” said Fran Oliver, executive director of Mercy Ministries. “The Salvation Army gives eight free nights and after that it’s $5 a night, but the people living under the bridge don’t have $5 so they have to go somewhere. That’s what they were doing sleeping under the bridge, or in bushes, or in abandoned houses or cars, anywhere they can find a place to liedown.”

Mercy Ministries’ mission to renovate the 270,000 square foot Castleberry Factory, which sits on 23 acres of land that was donated by the Bumblebee Tuna corporation, and turn it into a facility to help the homeless, comes at a time when unemployment and homelessness numbers have never been higher.

“Our concern is with the economy, are there going to be capital funds? Because the need has never been this great before,” said Oliver. “The people we work with are the first hit by skyrocketing unemployment, because they’re day laborers and the people they rely on to hire them don’t have the money to do so, and it trickles down from there. In this day and age everybody needs as much help as they can get, and there isn’t enough to go around.”

According to Mike Carpenter, director of marketing for Mercy Ministries, the non-profit organization is trying to raise between 1 and 1.5 million dollars to complete the first in a three-phase plan to turn the old tuna plant into an office space with conference rooms and medical exam facilities for the homeless.

“Probably we will be converting some of it into a Day Center for case workers helping people get the Social Security, disability and other benefits they are entitled to,” he said. “These phases are going to be completed over quite an extended period of time because of the work that needs to go into redesigning both levels of the building, and we’ve engaged several architectural firms from Atlanta and hope to be partnering with one or more local contractors to get the job done. There are also several medical agencies interested in leasing space once we get the exam rooms completed, which we hope to incorporate into the first phase of our plan.”

“We’re contacting a lot of business and are also very supportive of the people who support out ministry, because we exist on their donations,” said Oliver. “The people we serve don’t have medical insurance so we have to get them to a clinic, and there’s no such thing as a free clinic anymore.”

Right now 1,000 square feet of the land is leased to a recycling center, which is also advantageous for the homeless because they can be hired and trained to work there.

“The good thing about that is no matter how bad the economy is, there will always be trash,” said Oliver.

One source of revenue for the Castleberry Plant came when they set up the largest thrift store in Georgia on site, which sells furniture, electronics, clothing, records, knick-knacks

and anything else that gets donated.

“Anybody can come and shop, because people love thrift stores and will come from everywhere to visit us, and their money stays in Augusta and helps the homeless,” said Oliver.

“We’re in the process of opening a building materials section, and we also get a lot of collectors searching through our record albums and selling what they find on E-bay for twice what they paid for it, and I think that’s great if they can do that.”

According to Oliver, homelessness must be treated regionally. While the Masters Table Soup Kitchen does an excellent job feeding the hungry, they are located three or four miles away from their Day Center at 1739 Fenwick.

“Would you want to walk all that way and back every day just to get lunch?” she asked. “And the people living in the area around the Castleberry plant are another two or three miles away from our Day Center and someone needs to be in their area to help them.

For now, Oliver is happy to provide help to the people of Harrisburg. Their homeless Day Center, which is the only Day Center in Augusta and maybe the state of Georgia, has received 25,000 visits since they opened and is a safe haven type shelter where everyone is welcome as long as they don’t cause problems for the other guests.

“We have TV, and some play checkers, dominoes or read,” she said. “We also have a computer lab they can use for job searches, as well as a telephone they can make outgoing calls from or we can take messages for them. They can also get their mail here. You have to realize that if all they own is what they can carry on their back, they need an awful lot of help and they need someone Executive Director Fran Oliver with an to provide the innocent victim of our economy things we take for granted. If you’re applying for a job and you live beneath the bridge, how are you going to know if you’ve been hired?”

The center opens at 5:30 every morning because many homeless men have to leave the night shelters early, and closes at about 5:30 p.m., although evening meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery are welcome to use the facility.

They serve a lunch of meat and vegetables every day around 12:30 which they provide based on the donations they receive, and they leaves snacks out all day for anyone who comes in off the street.

“We’re very fortunate because we belong to the Golden Harvest Food Bank and we get donations from a lot of local restaurants,” said Oliver. “We get two trailer loads twice a week which we distribute to the community. We don’t have a big enough storage room to hold it all, so we just give it away to anyone that needs it.”

In addition to serving the homeless, the Day Center also

serves what Oliver refers to as the underhoused, people who have homes but can’t afford utilities.

For these people the facility provides showers, laundry facilities and access to their phone and computer lab.

Mercy Ministries Day Center is staffed by volunteers, some providing case management and some simply providing whatever help they can.

“The people who use our center clean up and help with dishes, and most of One of thousands of items for our volunteers are sale at the Mercy Thrift Center either in our program or donating time because they know the need is so great,” said Oliver.

“I’ve been associated with them since they came to Harrisburg,” said China Simons, volunteer. “I do it because the people here are in the same situation I’m in and everybody needs help.”

Oliver doesn’t doubt that other agencies are trying their hardest to help, but while Mercy Ministries must reluctantly turn away almost five families or individuals a day, she feels the other agencies must turn away even more.

Interfaith Hospitality and the SafeHomes Domestic Violence Intervention Services both have waiting lists, and while The Salvation Army has 17 free beds available for women and children, and more than that for men, the men have to pay $5 a night after their first eight nights -- something many of the people living under the bridge can’t afford to pay.

“We do accept women and children but we don’t get as many as the men,” said Oliver. “We try to move them through as quickly as possible because it really isn’t a good atmosphere for children to be in.”

In addition, people receiving disability payments from the government get only $698 a month to pay all their housing and food needs, but the Augusta Housing Authority as well as Section 8 housing is currently over-filled. Mercy Ministries receives no federal funding and exists on a few foundation grants and what donations they can receive from churches, businesses and individuals. Anyone interested in giving of their time or money to help the homeless in Augusta can start by calling 706.364.6484 or visiting augustahomeless.org.

“The middle class is starting to drop into the poorer class,” Oliver said. “People used to say they were only two paychecks away from the street, but I’m not sure that’s true anymore. I think if I missed even one paycheck I wouldn’t have a place to live, and it’s then people need to rely on the assistance of a facility such as this one.” article by CHristopher selmek

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 15

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EVENTS GALORE

DAILY PLANNER / PG. 21\22

BROADWAY AT THE BELL SEASON LINE-UP /

PG. 23

POETIC JUSTICE

S.P.A.R.K.S EVENT/ PG.23

RICKY SKAGGS PLAYS AUGUSTA

one ON one WITH LEGEND /pg 25

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 19

daily planner

Participants of Warren Baptist’s Daycation enjoy the Saturday Market on Broad.

Daycation BMW Unveils 20122013 Broadway Series S

taff from the Augusta Entertainment Complex as well as the sales staff of Taylor BMW gathered at the car dealership July 26 to unveil the 2012-2013 Broadway in Augusta series.

Since 2003, Taylor BMW’s Broadway in Augusta series has brought Tony Award winning Broadway classics to the Bell Auditorium. The current season includes Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Nov. 29, Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 11, Monty Python’s Spamalot on Jan. 16, Fiddler on the Roof March 3, Elvis Lives on March 27 and Dreamgirls on May 28.

“We’re very excited about our partnership tonight, and even more excited about the upcoming series at the Bell Auditorium,” said Monty Jones, Jr. general manager of the Augusta Entertainment Complex. “This is the second year we’ve partnered with Taylor BMW to bring musicals straight from New York for people to see live on stage at your Bell Auditorium.”

“We feel that our clients are supporters of the arts in Augusta and appreciate the opportunity to be active in improving our community,” said Ed Luckey, general manager of Taylor BMW. For a limited time only, customers may subscribe by Aug. 31 to save over $70 when reserving the best seats at the best prices. For more information, call 888.706.

BWAY (2929) or visit BroadwayInAugustaGA.com.

by Christopher Selmek

W

arren Baptist Church’s single adults group participated in an Augusta Daycation, July 29, which included stops at the Saturday Market on the River, Meadow Gardens, the Woodrow Wilson boyhood home and the Augusta Museum.

By organizing this downtown tour, Johnny Hensley and the rest of the group hope to encourage people to stay in downtown Augusta for inexpensive, family-friendly entertainment.

“We want to encourage other church groups, as well as family reunions, clubs and organizations to get downtown,” said Hensley. “It’s very unfortunate what happened after the last First Friday, but I think what happened in Aurora underscores that you can’t control everything that’s going to happen, and come First Friday in August we’re going to be the first one’s down here.”

Also at the market, Artist Row’s Syd Padgett passed out fliers encouraging market goers to participate in the Après Market Art Walk from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., which included a map of eight local galleries.

“We are one hundred percent behind First Friday, but we wanted to give people an alternative,” he said. “To me, First Friday isn’t really well defined anymore, and people don’t know if it’s supposed to be a pub crawl or an art walk, so we wanted to sponsor something that was definitely an art walk. Our main goal was to get all the people who attend the market, which is already a fantastic community event that’s been around for a while, to come up the road and enjoy the shops and art galleries of downtown Augusta.”

The Daycation cost only $7 per person, which included admissions at Meadow Gardens, the Woodrow Wilson home and Augusta History Museum, but did not include anything purchased at the Saturday market or the final dinner they enjoyed at Pizza Joint.

“For some reason a lot of people feel they have to get out of town to have a good time,” said Mayor Pro Tem Joe Bowles, who greeted the group of twenty at the Augusta Market on the River. “There’s so much culture and history right here in Augusta that we want people from other towns coming here to see what’s great about our downtown.”

by Christopher Selmek

20 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 15

JULY 20-August 4 2012

The Daily Planner is our selective guide to what is going on in the city during the next two weeks. IF YOU WANT TO BE LISTED: Submit information by email (events@vergelive. com) or by mail (verge, P.O. Box 38, Augusta, GA 30903). Details of the event - date, time, venue address, telephone number and admission price - should be included. Listings included are accurate at press time, check with specific venues for further details.

+ SATURDAY

8.18

GOOD CAUSE 5K FOR THE FIGHT Race on mostly flat,

dirt terrain on this pet- and stroller-friendly course.

Savannah Rapids Park; 8 a.m.; $25; 3300 Evans to Locks Rd. ACTIVE.COM

+ SUNDAY

THEATRE THE REAL GOLDEN GIRLS If you

enjoyed the hit TV series The Golden Girls, then you are going to love “The Real Golden Girls” stage play. The cast of The Real Golden Girls consists of Georgia’s most sought-after talent, including Alpha Trivette (Actor, Radio Personality), A. Sabrena Farmer, Becky Taylor, Trent Horn, Carl J., Alfred Pierce, Virginia Kirby, Mickie Pollack, Debi-Hett Kimsey and Emi Mastey. Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center; 7 p.m.; $35 to $50; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.; 678.205.9943

TICKETBUD.COM

Augusta Junior Players.

Greenbrier High School; 3 p.m.; $8 to $12; 5114 Riverwood Pkwy., Evans; 706.826.4707

THEATRE THE PRINCE IS GIVING A BALL Kroc Center;

7 p.m.; $10 to $15; 1833 Broad St.; 706.771.7777

enopion.com

Community Playhouse; 3 p.m.

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ Music by Hyland

Brooks. Rain or shine.

River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6; Eighth St. and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

+ MONDAY

8.20

LITERARY MONDAY NIGHT BOOK DISCUSSION “The

Hunger Games” Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Columbia County Library; 6 p.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.; 706.863.1946

ECGRL.ORG

+ TUESDAY

CONCERT AN EVENING WITH KEM & K’JON With

THEATRE SEUSSICAL A musical presented by the

8.19 8.23 THEATRE UNCLE FANG-ENSTEIN’S LAST SHOW See listing on Aug. 18. Aiken

KEM’s fresh take on old-school traditions and K’Jon’s lush vocal arrangements, they are sure to deliver Augusta with a soulful night to remember.

Bell Auditorium; 8 p.m.; $53 to $64 712 Telfair St.; 706.722.3521 THEATRE UNCLE FANGEN-STEIN’S LAST SHOW

Winner of the 2010 ACP Playwright Competition.

Story centers around Frank, the host of the latenight shock-TV program “The Scaratorium.” Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.; $10 to $25; 126 Newberry St., Aiken; 803.648.1438

FOR TEENS COLLEGE RECRUITMENT SEMINAR

The Augusta/CSRA Chapter of AAMU Alumni is sponsoring a seminar to introduce students to the course offerings of Alabama A&M University located in Huntsville, AL. Represented departments will include: Family & Consumer Sciences, Food & Animal Sciences and the Office of Admissions. Call to RSVP. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; 6 p.m.; free; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Rd.; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM

+ FRIDAY

8.21 8.24 FILM BERNIE Rated R. Headquarters Library; 6:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG THEATRE DICKENS IN AMERICA Historical Actor

Howard Burnham will portray the great author Charles Dickens after his 1867 tour of America in a dramatic and educational program. Funded by the Friends of the Aiken Library. Aiken County Library; 7 p.m.; free; 314 Chesterfield St, SW, Aiken, SC; 803.642.7586 ABBE-LIB.ORG

FESTIVAL AIKEN ARTS ALIVE! A day of fun

+ THURSDAY

THEATRE THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT

A 24-hour playwriting event. Playwrights, actors and directors meet Friday night to get to know one another. Friday at 2 p.m., playwrights bring scripts and rehearsals begin. At 7:30 p.m., the audience arrives and the play is performed. Black Box Theatre at the Center for Art & Theatre; 233 Pittman Drive, Statesboro; 912.478.5138

THEATRE UNCLE FANG-ENSTEIN’S LAST SHOW See

listing on Aug. 18. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.

+ SATURDAY

8.25 GOOD CAUSE MACY’S 2012 SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Purchase an event shopping pass from the museum and enjoy a day of discounts and events at Macy’s. Purchases support the commitment to promote the legacy of Miss Lucy Craft Laney.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; $5; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576

experiences throughout the Art Center with live entertainment (singers, cloggers, performing ponies), artist’s demonstrations and Summer Camp art shows. There will also be free activities including children’s crafts, mural painting, wacky photography, balloon creations and face painting.

Aiken Center for the Arts; 11 a.m.; free; 122 Laurens St. SW, Aiken; 803.641.9094

THEATRE WHAM, BAM, PLAY SLAM The

culmination of the 24-hour playwriting event. Black Box Theatre @ the Center for Art & Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; 233 Pittman Dr., Statesboro; 912.478.5138

+ SUNDAY

8.26

GOOD CAUSE BIKE FOR THE BALLET Participate in this

SPORTS ASU BSN NIGHTINGALE 5K RUN

Blanchard Woods Park; 8:30 a.m.; $25; 4600 Blanchard Woods Rd., Evans; ACTIVE.COM HISTORY LIVING HISTORY PARK Interact with the

interpreters and historical displays. Living History Park; 10:30 a.m.; free; 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta; 803.279.7560 COLONIALTIMES.US

fundraising bike ride and attend the event celebration at noon. Free t-shirt included. Enterprise Mill; 8 a.m.; $30 to $35; 1450 Greene St.; 706.261.0555 AUGUSTABALLET.ORG

CONCERT MUSIC AT THE MORRIS Members of the

Augusta State University faculty presents two performances of music from the seventeenthand eighteenth-centuries (Baroque Period). Morris Museum of Art; 2 p.m.; free; 1 Tenth St.; 706.724.7501

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 21

daily planner CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ

QuietSTORM will perform.

Rain or shine. River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6; Eighth St. and Riverwalk

+ TUESDAY

AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 18 2012

Meccia on Saxophone and Mike Frist on Bass.

Etherredge Center at USCA; 7 p.m.; 471 University Pkwy., Aiken; 803.641.3305

8.28 9.2 + SUNDAY

FILM THE TRAVELING EXECUTIONER Rated R.

Headquarters Library; 6:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

+FRIDAY

8.31

SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

Charleston Riverdogs. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Rd.; 706.736.7889

MILB.COM

ART AUGUSTA ART WALK

A fine arts and craft show, hosted by Garden City Jazz and Butterfly Photography, in the downtown Augusta business and arts district.

Various media will be shown including painting, jewelry, fiber, photography and ceramic.

Ends at 5 p.m. Augusta Common; 2 p.m.; free; 836 Reynolds St.; 706.495.6238 GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

+ MONDAY

9.3

SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

FOR KIDS FULL MOON MEANDER See Nature by

the light of the moon with a walk through our wetlands after the sun has set. For ages 5-and-up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is required, free for members. Reed Creek Nature Park and Interpretive Center; 8 p.m.; $2; 3820 Park Ln.; 706.210.4027 REEDCREEKPARK.COM

+ SATURDAY

9.1

OUTDOORS SWAMP SATURDAY The Academy’s

trained volunteers lead free 2.5 mile, 1.5 hour hikes through the Nature Park every month. Don’t miss a walk through wetlands, over picturesque trails, and scenic outlooks. Phinizy Swamp; 9:30 a.m.; free; 1858 Lock & Dam Rd.; 706.828.2109

Charleston Riverdogs. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 2:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Rd.; 706.736.7889

MILB.COM

+FRIDAY

9.7

FESTIVAL AIKEN’S MAKIN’ A

2-day arts and crafts event in beautiful downtown Aiken, featuring hand-made craft exhibits, food and entertainment. Visit website for event directions. Ends at 6 p.m. Downtown Aiken; 9 a.m.; free; 803.641.1111 AIKENSMAKIN.NET

CONCERT AIR FORCE CLARINET QUARTET Carol

A. Carter Recital Hall; 2:30 p.m.; 84 Georgia Ave., Statesboro; 912.478.8597

Chairs, tents, coolers, blankets and fishing poles are all welcome. All food collected will be donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Lock & Dam Park; noon; $8 to $10; 1853 Lock and Dam Rd.

artists will display works that express some of the many facets of Augusta. Meet the artists and enjoy wine and refreshments while you see what’s new this month at the gallery. Gallery on the Row; 5 p.m.; free; 1016 Broad St.; 706.724.4989

GALLERYONTHEROW.COM

22 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 15

DOT & BOB HOLLADAY EXHIBITION Ends Aug. 31.

Aiken Center for the Arts; free; 122 Laurens St. SW, Aiken

+ONGOING

FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY

Art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets and arts and craft vendors sell their hand-made goods along Broad Street. Family friendly. Ends at 9:30 pm.

Downtown Augusta; 5 p.m.; free; Broad Street; 706.826.4702 AUGUSTAARTS.COM

THEATRE DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Lawrence

Jameson is suave and sophisticated. Freddy Benson is bumbling and humble. And both are expert con men. As they scour the French Riviera for lonely, rich women, they discover that the town isn’t big enough for the two of them. Directed by John Lewis. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.; $10 to $25; 126 Newberry St., Aiken; 803.648.1438 THEATRE SCHRODINGER’S CAT PLAYS EXTREME THEATRE GAMES These

extreme theater games are sure to delight any mature audience member. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.; $8 to $10; 304 8th St.; 706.722.3322

+ SATURDAY

9.8

WEEKLY HISTORY Dollar Dog

Days History museum admission is only $1 per person for the entire month of August. Augusta Museum of History; $1; 560 Reynolds St.; 706.722.8454

AUGUSTAMUSEUM.ORG

HISTORY PATRIOT BOAT TOUR

Narrated boat tours with music offered Wednesday through Sunday until the end of November. Passengers board at the 10th Street dock located behind the Marriott in downtown Augusta. 10th Street dock on the Savannah River; 3 p.m.; $6 to $12; Tenth and Reynolds streets; 803.730.9739

patriottourboat.com

HISTORY HAMBURG: THE FORGOTTEN TOWN History of

the former South Carolina town near the modern day Fifth Street Bridge. Ends August 24. Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta; $3 to$5; 100 Georgia Ave.; 803.441.4380

+SUNDAYS ART Sunday Sketch Sketch in the galleries

with materials supplied by the museum. The Morris Museum of Art; 2 p.m.; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

FESTIVAL AIKEN’S MAKIN’ A

ART “THE HEART OF AUGUSTA” OPENING RECEPTION The gallery GOOD CAUSE 2012 REDNECK OLYMPICS & FOOD DRIVE

THEATRE DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS See listing on Sept 7. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.

CONCERT FACULTY ARTIST RECITAL Featuring Lauren

2-day arts and crafts event in beautiful downtown Aiken, featuring hand-made craft exhibits, food and entertainment. Visit website for event directions. Ends at 5 p.m. Downtown Aiken; 9 a.m.; free; 803.641.1111 AIKENSMAKIN.NET

COLUMBIACOUNTYGA.GOV

toward fiction writers interested in improving their craft. Columbia County Library; 10 a.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; 706.447.8184

Aug. 26. River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6; 8th St. and Riverwalk

GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

+SATURDAYS FESTIVAL AUGUSTA MARKET AT THE RIVER Local farmers,

crafters, artists and other vendors. Eighth Street Bulkhead; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free; Corner of Eighth and Reynolds Sts.; 706.627.0128

HISTORY Aiken Historic Tour Experience Aiken’s

grace, charm and elegance during this two-hour guided tour aboard a climate-controlled trolley.

Reservations are highly recommended as tours are often sold out. Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum; 10 a.m.; 406 Park Ave. SE, Aiken; 803.642.7631 aikenrailroaddepot.com +OUTDOORS SATURDAY SUNSET CRUISES

Three-hour excursion to the Savannah Rapids and head-gates. Enterprise Mill; 5:30 p.m.; $21; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440

each Monday evening from through August.

Bring a chair or a blanket.

Hopelands Gardens; 7 p.m.; free; 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken; 803.642.7650

CITYOFAIKENSC.GOV

Ends Aug. 31. Aiken Center for the Arts; free; 122 Laurens St. SW, Aiken

T. W. JOSEY HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION View works

by Audrey Crosby’s grade 9-12 art students, on display until Aug. 31. Friedman Library; free; 1447 Jackson Rd.

FREDDIE FLYNT & TRICIA MAYERS Ends Aug. 31.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 1301 Greene St.; 706.826.4701

SOCIAL ARTIFACTS: A WORLD VISION THROUGH ART The

Lucy Craft Laney Museum is proud to present a special exhibition of socially relevant art featuring visual and performance artists from around the country.

Communicating social issues and creating a dialog about current events has been one of the major roles of the artist in society. End Sept. 9.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576

AUGUSTACANAL.COM

EDUCATION DUPONT PLANETARIUM More than

Meets the Eye explores the mysteries of outer space, revealed as naked-eye views of objects in the sky and compared with views through binoculars and telescopes. Ruth Patrick Science Education Center; 9 p.m.; $1 to $4; 471 University Parkway, Aiken; 803.641.3654

+ONGOING

ART

CLAY ARTISTS OF THE SOUTH EAST Gallery on the Row

+MONDAYS CONCERT HOPELANDS GARDENS CONCERT SERIES Outdoor concerts

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERMEDIA EXHIBITION

ECGRL.ORG

RPSEC.USCA.EDU CONCERT Candlelight Jazz Rain or shine. Ends

CONCERT FINALE: 1ST ANNUAL COLUMBIA COUNTY AMATEUR SERIES Come out

and vote for your favorite!

Family Friendly. Bring your own lawn chair. Nonsmoking event. Columbia County Amphitheater; 7 p.m.; free; 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd.

+THURSDAYS LITERARY Creative Writing Group This group is geared

will once again host this exciting representation of art created by members of Clay Artists of the South East (CASE) to interpret the theme “Double Take.” CASE is a non-profit organization consisting of about 45 local clay artists who work to promote an awareness of present day ceramics in our community. The show will be available for viewing and purchases through the month of August. Gallery on the Row; free; 1016 Broad St.

PHILIP MORSBERGER & TOM NAKASHIMA EXHIBIT

Recent work by: Number 2 and Number 3, William S. Morris Eminent Scholars in Art, Augusta State University. Ends Sept. 13.

Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art in Washington Hall, Augusta State University; free; 2500 Walton Way THE MORRIS AT TWENTY

Exhibition emphasizes acquisitions made during the past 10 years – a rich period marked by the addition of the Julia J. Norrell Collection, with particular strength in folk art and photography. Ends Sept. 16.

Morris Museum of Art; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501

For more info:

Please visit vergelive.com

Open ad space

s.p.a.r.k. poetry

vibe

Local Artist Express Talents Through Spoken Word T

here is no shortage of talent in the Garden City. Neither is there any shortage of creativity, determination fueled by dreams or healthy doses of spirited, positive ambition. The arts have long been alive and well in Augusta. Yet, perhaps a bit of a renaissance is brewing, bubbling heartily out of the flame of youth, through arts as varied as spoken word, poetry and stage acting. Perhaps a spark has been set off that will galvanize artists and audiences throughout the CSRA, and let the area know what we have--and, in the case of some, what we have been missing.

A spark, indeed…Speaking Poetically and Remixing Knowledge, or S.P.A.R.K., is an upcoming TV program developed by the CSRA African-American Arts Alliance, in association with Blue-Bistro Theater and the Paine College Department of Media Studies. “Its intent is to encourage more young people to pursue arts as well as to bring exposure to the artists that are participating,” explained Travis Wright, the CSRA African-American Arts Alliance Poet Laureate, also known in Augusta’s formidable spoken word scene as Brotha Trav, who will be the host and emcee of S.P.A.R.K. The show, which will air the third Saturday of each month on Comcast starting August 18, is in a contest format, in which each of the 12 contestants will create and perform original works in front of a live audience. The artists’ works and performances will be assessed by a panel of judges from the local arts community (including the likes of jazz musician Bill Karp and neo-soul singer Fayth Hope), and contestants will be eliminated until a winner is chosen.

“The winner,” said Wright, “the last man/woman standing, will also receive gifts, prizes and scholarships.”

S.P.A.R.K. promises a lot. There is youthful passion and sundry creative specialties among the contestants aplenty, like Bobby Mathews, stage name Bitman Ave, a Christian hip-hop artist originally from Baton Rouge; Torrence White, an actor from Lafayette, Louisiana; and teenage poets Andru Champion and Kahleel Mathis; plus several other rappers, R&B singers, and spoken word artists.

The show was designed to showcase artists ages 15-25, and so promises to be not only an impressive exhibition of local talent and a beacon for aspiring artists, but a fertile ground for the artists themselves, providing exposure and opportunities for growth.

“I think the goal of any artist is to grow. Anyone in this game worth their salt will tell you that you never stop growing, you never stop learning,” said contestant and actress Raheema Johnson. “S.P.A.R.K. is a launching pad to help you learn, to help you grow artistically, as well as our business minds. I think that’s invaluable.”

That opportunity for artistic development and exposure comes naturally, but the potential to express their creativity comes with finding an audience.

“I want to say and do the things that other people may not have the strength to do,” said poet Sassett West. “I’m not afraid to confess my sins on stage, to cry on stage--I cry real tears.

I want to show everyone the real me, and be inspired through that, through my poetry.”

Spoken word artist Clifford C. Boyd touched on the experience, “It’s kind of hard to just not listen to somebody who says something that speaks to your soul that you can relate to.”

S.P.A.R.K. also shows itself as a means for the community to support the arts and encouraging young people pursuing the arts, according to Wright.

“The local citizens should tune in because the youth need our support,” said Wright. “They need to know that the community supports them doing positive things.”

by Skyler Andrews

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 23

the film reel

vibe

now playing on the big screen

behind the curtain

vibe

Still shot from THE EXPENDABLES 2

W

Experience Your Favorite Childhood Stories Come to Life

I

t’s hard to name my favorite Dr. Seuss book. “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Horton Hears a Who”, or “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,”…I love them more with each telling. But now, there’s no need to choose as you can see them all woven together in one sitting.

The Augusta Junior Players will present Seussical the Musical on Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 at Greenbrier High School, both shows at 7:30 p.m.

I can already hear you saying…“Junior Players? Wes, are you sending me to children’s theater?”

But I challenge you. Go see what these kids can do. I bet it will be one of the best shows you see this year.

As you look down the cast list, you will see some of the most seasoned performers in the area.

I’ve seen these young actors on stage for years, which is an accomplishment considering many of them are just starting high school, and their talents have often been on display on the Players Main stage.

I have to admit I’m jealous, as I would love the chance to pretend to be one of my favorite childhood characters. Jack Chavous is getting that chance. His favorite Dr. Seuss book is “The Cat in the Hat,” but in Seussical, he plays JoJo, the only son of the mayor of Whoville. He’s just 12 years old, but this is already his tenth production.

“The lines are poems, and there are lots of made-up words, so you get tongue-tied,” Chavous said when I asked him about the hardest part of this show. “It takes a lot of focus.”

Director Rebecca Brune gets plenty of the credit for shaping the Junior Players into such a high-quality troupe. She demands from her young actors the same talent and dedication as any community theater group. But it’s the army of parents by her side that bring the productions to life, whether it’s a fundraising breakfast of green eggs and ham, or dads who move sets while their children sing and dance.

Not only are these students building skills, they also are building friendships that will last a lifetime. And who wouldn’t want to support that?

So on a plane or on a train, Even if it’s going to rain, Don’t miss your chance to see this play, As Seussical will make your day.

(Also, I promise this will be the only poetry attempted in this column.)

For tickets or for more information, call 706.826.4707.

hen Sylvester Stallone assembled a team of A-list action stars for his ensemble shoot ‘em up The Expendables in 2010, the film was expected to flop. However, it seemed the gathering of flesh and blood heroes from their younger days excited moviegoers, who appreciated the use of classic Hollywood stunts as opposed to CGI trickery. Two years later, a reunion is in order. Stars returning for THE EXPENDABLES 2 include Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren and Terry Crews. Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger are also back but with larger roles, as the former Governator looks to reclaim his action star spotlight. What could make this an even more epic event for action junkies? Two words: Chuck Norris.

The septuagenarian’s reputation as a tough guy has been enhanced to mythological levels over the past couple of decades. His appearance is a huge coup for Stallone as is the addition of another major action icon in a villainous role, Jean Claude Van Damme. Stallone’s Expendables take on Van Damme, whose five tons of weapons-grade plutonium could surely wreak havoc, but things get personal when one of their own is killed in action. Attempts at reaching more diverse audiences were made with the inclusion of the first lady Expendable (Yu Nan) and a young sharpshooter, played by Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games).

Stallone helped pen the screenplay for this installment of The Expendables action again, but handed over the directorial reins to Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). The writeractor has laid low on the publicity circuit due to the recent death of his son, Sage Stallone.

Other August 17 openers include SPARKLE, a Motown musical that features the final performance of the late Whitney Houston. American Idol alum Jordin Sparks plays one of Houston’s daughters, a budding singing sensation whose family drama complicates her rise to fame. Cee-Lo Green, Mike Epps and Derek Luke also star. The team behind Coraline has a new nightmarish animated tale that will creep kids out with PARANORMAN, a story about a boy who sees dead people and has to save his town from ghastly figures.

Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton (Warrior) star as an infertile couple who write down traits they would wish for in a child and bury them in a box in their yard only to find a boy has magically grown in their garden in THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN. This Wednesday opener is a Disney feature from writer-director Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Pieces of April) with a story by Ahmet Zappa.

August’s other openers include PREMIUM RUSH, which features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a skilled bike messenger in New York who is pursued for the package he has to deliver. The chase theme continues as Bradley Cooper hunts down real-life couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard in the Witness Protection action romance HIT & RUN. Tom Arnold also stars. Twilight star Ashley Greene embraces the horror genre in the final August 24 opener, APPARITION. Bootleggers take on gangsters and corrupt lawmen as August 31 brings LAWLESS, an Depression-set outlaw drama starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce and Jessica Chastain. The film is based on Matt Bondurant’s novel about his grandfather’s moonshine selling days in Virginia. by mariah gardner, movie guru

wes hennings has been in the performing arts since he could walk, and since moving to Augusta has been in dozens of productions with companies such as The Augusta Players, Fort Gordon Dinner Theater, Enopion Theater Company and the Augusta Opera, both on stage and behind the scenes. By day, Wes is a technical director and media producer. Questions? Story Ideas? wes.verge@gmail.com Still shot from HIT AND RUN

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vibe

Bluegrass and Country Legend Headed to Imperial

Ricky Skaggs appreciates God-given diversity and uniqueness of musicians

I

t’s unlikely that Ricky Skaggs sees himself as a trailblazer or risk taker. Ask him about his many accomplishments and he’ll respond humbly, crediting music legends who paved the way before him and calling upon his faith as the guiding light that makes all things possible in his life. In fact, Skaggs has taken chances in an industry that thrives on playing it safe and by the rules. He stepped out independently over a decade ago with the formation of Skaggs Family Records, grabbing the reins long before the Internet made it fashionable — and often necessary — for artists to take the D.I.Y. route.

Skaggs is a legend in the worlds of bluegrass and country music, but his influence and immense talent have earned him respect across every genre. A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and passionate lover of music, he has won countless awards, including 14 Grammys and charted 12 No. 1 country singles, and that’s not even scratching the surface of his many accomplishments. Perhaps his greatest achievement, though, is that in the face of so many accolades and so much fanfare, there’s nary a trace of ego, vanity or attitude in his demeanor.

A few weeks prior to his return to Augusta, Ricky Skaggs graciously took some time to talk about his new album, his passion for his craft, and the faith walk that makes it all possible.

Verge: You have a new album, Music To My Ears, coming out on September 25. What can you tell us about it?

Skaggs: It is appropriately titled. I love music, and I love this kind of music — acoustic, bluegrass, country, gospel. I just love music. It makes my heart beat and makes my heart happy and my life happy. I’m more excited about music now, at 58, than I was 53 years ago when I started playing mandolin at 5 years old. It’s my life. This new record is with my band, Kentucky Thunder, and I have a special guest for sure — Barry Gibb. He wrote a song called “Soldier’s Son” and sent it to me. I asked him if he would sing it with me, so that’s on the record as well. If you know me, you know that most of my music has a foot in the past, in real tradition, and my other foot is always dangling out there somewhere, wondering where to put it down next.

I love trying to make bluegrass bigger than maybe a lot of people see it being. I think a lot of musicians and fans have always looked at it as being smaller than what it really is. Bluegrass has gotten a bad rap many times from people that are industry heads, and because it usually is a business that doesn’t have big, big numbers, they think that it’s insignificant, but it’s not. It’s the root and foundation and really the only pure country music that’s left, and that’s why I love it so much. It still comes from a pure place.

Verge: The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Academy of Country Music Pioneer award, of course your many awards as a bluegrass artist, coupled with influences that include the Beatles and Jeff Beck — how do all of those ingredients come together to create the sound that is Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder?

Skaggs: I think that God gives us all a thumbprint, and my thumbprint is going to look different than yours under a microscope

and different from my children’s, even though they’re my blood and my DNA. So I feel like where we make mistakes as artists is when we get to wanting to be somebody else, someone that we’re not. God loves diversity. I know He loves oneness, but He really is a creative God. Look at al the different ethnos, the different groups of people in the world — He loves variety. Just the fact that God is a creative God and we’re created in His image, the Bible says, so we should be as unique in our being. As much as I love Bill Monroe and idolized him growing up, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, and all those heroes of mine, I could never, ever sound like Bill Monroe. I could take a solo, play every note that he played, use the same kind of mandolin that he used, but I’ll never sound like Mr. Monroe. So I think that it’s just something that we are, and when I bring my band in, they have that same uniqueness. I love making music with these guys and playing on the road with them because it is a unique sound.

Verge: You have a very close and long-lasting team around you, from your musicians to your studio to your staff. What makes you a good boss and a good leader?

Skaggs: Jesus said, “The greatest among you is he who serves.”

I think my band and office would say I try to serve them. That’s not putting a feather in my hat; that’s being honest. I don’t consider myself a boss. I don’t say, “Mind me,” and “What I say goes.” I have never taken that approach. We’re a team; we’re all together.

The responsibilities are on my shoulders. I pay the bills, I am the responsible source, but God is my source and my boss and that’s who I have to answer to. Basically, I try to be a servant, be humble, be open, be a good listener and encourager. I have a lot of great people around me who have had opportunities to go to other places, but they want to stay here because they are treated well and this is a good place to be.

Ricky Skaggs in Concert!

Who:

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Where:

The Imperial Theatre

When:

September 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

www.imperialtheatre.com

by Alison Richter

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NIGHTLIFE SATURDAY, AUG 18

MORGAN FRAZIER @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5 BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE CONCERT @ Sky City | 9 p.m., $8

AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 18 2012

SUNDAY, AUG 26

MIKE FROST JAZZ @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.

KOLBECK @ Wild Wing Café 10:30 p.m.

MONDAY, AUG 27

CRASHING BROADWAY @ The Playground | 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, AUG 28

SETH WINTERS @ 1102 Downtown Bar & Grill | 9 p.m.

DJ 808, DJ FUGI @ The Playground | 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUG 19

BRANDON HOOKER DUO @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 p.m.

LOS BASTARDOS MAGNIFICOS + BROWNBIRD RUDY RELIC @ The Loft 8 p.m.

Wednesdays

MANUEL’S MUSIC WEDNESDAYS @ Manuel’s Bread Café | 5:30 p.m.

DAPRO @ Club 706 | 9 p.m.

SABO & DAVE @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 p.m.

TJ MIMBS @ Wild Wing Café 10:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 21

THURSDAY, AUG 30

THURSDAY, AUG 23

RHES REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m.

RHES REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m.

BOY SCOUT OF AMERICA + MARSH SOUND @ Sky City 10 p.m., $3 ACOSTA @ Wild Wing Café 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG 24

TIM ELLIOT & CATFISH CHERRY BAND @ Coyote’s 9 p.m.

CAMERAS, GUNS & RADIOS, BANNED IN TWO STATES, SCOTT EDWARDS @ Joes Underground | 9:30 p.m.

BARE KNUCKLE CHAMPIONS @ Stillwater Taproom 10 p.m., $5 FUNK YOU + ACOSTA + YOUNG GEORGIANS @ Sky City | 10 p.m., $5

MIKE FROST JAZZ @ The Red Pepper | 8 p.m.

SHE-N-SHE @ Wild Wing Café 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG 31

GAVIN REILLY @ The Red Pepper | 8 p.m.

PERFECT @ Shannon’s Food & Spirits | 8 p.m.

MICHAEL STACEY @ The Country Club | 10 P.M., $3 to $5 CHINA BULLS @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 P.M.

FRIDAY, SEPT 7

BRENT BYRD @ Surrey Tavern 8 p.m.

TIM ELLIOT & CATFISH CHERRY BAND @ Coyote’s

9 p.m.

GARY RAY @ The Country Club 10 p.m., $3 to $5 MAD MARGRITT @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 p.m.

KRAZY KARAOKE @ The Playground Bar | 10 p.m.

Thursdays

JAZZTINI THURSDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m.

SOUP, SUDS & CONVERSATIONS @ The Fox’s Lair | 6 p.m.

TANGO NIGHT @ Casa Blanca

Café | 6 p.m.

Friday

LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY @ The Partridge Inn | 10 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @ The First Round | 10 p.m., free LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover

Saturdays

JIM PERKINS @ Carolina Ale

FREE DANCE LESSONS @ Country Club | 7 p.m.

SHANE OWENS & BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH BAND @ Coyotes | 8 p.m.

NOW DANCE, BABY! SATURDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m., with DJ Kenny Ray, Greatwhitefunk & Smurf

House | 8 p.m.

FRESHSOUNDS DANCE PARTY @ The Playground | 8 p.m.

LARRY FRICK @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

SATURDAY, AUG 25

$100 TAB BIG PRIZE TRIVIA @ Somewhere in Augusta 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 29

TUESDAY, AUG 21

JUSTIN BROGDON @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 p.m.

Tuesdays

PIANO @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.

THE SOUTHERN MELTDOWN BAND @ Playoffs Sports Bar & Grill | 8 P.M. FOREPLAY 2012 @ Club Argos 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT 9

SHANE OWENS AND BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH BAND @ Coyotes | 8 p.m.

NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY Mondays

vibe

Coco rubio’s One on One Chat With CSRA Musicians

FREE WORLD POKER GAMES @ Somewhere in Augusta | 7 p.m. or 9 p.m., Games begin at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Players play for a seat at the World Series of Poker.

SWINGIN’ RICHARDS @ Wild Wing Café | 10:30 p.m.

RENE RUSSELL + J EDWARDS @ Manuel’s Bread Café | 8 p.m.

coco’s q&a

LIVE DJ EVERY SATURDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover

Sundays

KARAOKE WITH PEGGY GARDNER @ Shannon’s Bar & Grill | 8 p.m.

BEER PONG @ The Playground | 10 p.m.

LIVE DJ EVERY SUNDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover

Matt Porter C

oco: You’re not from here… explain to us where you’re from and how you got here?

Matt: I was born in Ontario, Canada and moved to the states with my family to the suburbs of Detroit. Went to art school there; then moved further south to West Virginia to work at an art museum (in Pennsylvania) before I came to Augusta. I guess I just kept moving further south!

Coco: You’re also a serious music fan.... how did you get so into it?

Matt: That’s a good question. I feel like I was always seeking out music even when I was really young. I think I approached it like some kind of treasure hunt, I’d always stay up late listening to weird radio programs under the covers, the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (like a Canadian NPR) always had some really neat shows late at night that we could still pick up in Detroit. Soon after I started doing a little college radio with some friends and by my mid twenties I was playing records at parties almost every week it seemed.

Coco: Musically, how do you see Augusta?

Matt: I think it’s a great town for music; and for the most part it’s diverse and supportive and filled with talent. I just caught a band caught an Athens/Augusta band Brothers and they blew me away. I’d like to see more people picking up instruments and starting bands. That might sound strange coming from someone who DJs, but I played in bands all through out my teens and early twenties and it was really important to have that outlet. There’s a remarkable history of music in this town and I think there’s still great music to be made here.

Coco: What are some of your favorite local spots to “dig in the crates”?

Matt: Anywhere and everywhere really, one of my biggest scores last year was at a local flower shop. Regularly I’m at the fleamarket, there’s so many wild characters out there and it’s always a time. Any local thrift stores that gets new stuff in is worth going to. The book tavern has been putting out records for a little while now and you can’t forget Pyramid Records on Broad St. Coco: Do you listen to any local radio stations? Which one(s)?

Matt: Not too often. I recently was hipped to AM 1230 which is fun for am oldies. I’m still holding out for Augusta to get a college radio station someday. That’d be great.

Coco: You work at the Morris Museum of Art..... who are some of your favorite local artists?

Matt: I was really happy to work with Jay Jacobs a lot this summer and we have some stuff going on in the fall with him at the museum that I’m excited about. There are so many artist I couldn’t name them here but I will suggest two younger artists you might not know whose work I’ve enjoyed seeing recently- Gabi Hutchison and Nick Bass. Both of them are doing really neat collages and not a lot of people know it yet. They both deserve some fans. Oh, and Rachel Lappe’s new pieces up at the Bee’s Knees are great too.

Coco: What would YOU call the new merged university?

Matt: Maybe, it’s too predictable, but I thought University of Augusta sounded good. coco rubio opened The Soul Bar in 1995 and Sky City in 2008 with the intent to help revitalize downtown Augusta and to make it the entertainment center of the CSRA. When he is not working downtown, he likes to stay home and hang out with his daughter Maya, his wife Holly and their dog Pearl.

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DON’T BE A TURKEY! HEALTHY EATS / PG 31

RESTAURANT OPENINGS BUZZ ON BIZ / PG 33

GET A WHIFF OF THAT! NEW CIGAR FEATURE / PG 33

HEADING TO THE COUNTRY for under $50

real restaurant review /pg 31

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feed your family

fresh food bites

vittles

vittles

Lots Amore Turkey for Your Heart & Health

T

he other day I was talking to my Mom (who was born, raised and currently resides in Italy) and was reminded of one of my favorite simple Italian treats – the open flame grill pressed ham and cheese Panini sandwiches that we used to get at the airport and food stands in Northern Italy. These would be the closest things I would get to actual sandwiches when visiting relatives in Italy. Not only did I now have a hankering for a good hot Panini, it also just so happens that August is National Panini Month here in the good ol’ U.S. Now of course fatty ham slathered in fatty cheese on some form of white bread isn’t exactly “healthy” but I gotta say – it IS possible to make these hot treats healthy while still tasting totally yummy. Check out this easy and healthy Turkey and Tomato Panini recipe. You can even rock up this recipe some by adding some chopped onion or a bit of cheyenne pepper. Mom always made these the best though… adding that special ingredient – love.

by John “Stoney” Cannon

Healthy TnT Panini Sandwiches INGREDIENTS: 3 Tbs. low fat mayo 2 Tbs. nonfat yogurt (plain) 2 Tbs. fresh shredded Parmesan cheese 2 Tbs. fresh chopped basil 1 tsp. lemon juice Ground pepper (to taste) Whole-wheat bread (8 slices) 8 oz thin sliced low-sodium deli turkey 8 slices tomato 1 tsp. olive oil

DIRECTIONS: Combine mayo, yogurt, Parmesan, basil, lemon juice and black pepper in small bowl and spread approximately 2 tsp. of the mixture on each slice of bread. Place turkey and tomato on half the bread then cover with remaining slices. Lightly brush olive oil on outside of bread slices then cook in either skillet on stove top or on a grill making sure to continually press down on sandwiches while cooking. You can also use a George Foreman or any type of sandwich press machine. Cook until outsides are golden brown.

Not only are these great sandwiches less than 300 calories each, but the fat content for each is less than 6 grams and protein is a nice 10 grams. These Italian-style sandwiches go well with a simple side salad or a nice cold tomato or green bean salad. Carrots sticks also make for a nice addition. Not only are they awesome right of the grill, they also sit well too. Consider making a few to carry along for a picnic or even a snack later in the day. Few things come this tasty AND healthy!

Old McDonald Fish Camp – Good Food, Good Family Fun!

J

erry Bass and his family opened Old McDonald Fish Camp March 17, 1977, and it’s still a favorite dining spot for local families today. The restaurant originally seated only 95 people and now it seats 250. The Fish Camp offers a quiet country environment with a beautiful pond view. Children enjoy feeding animals: goats, chickens, peacocks, ducks and fish, while waiting to be seated, with cups of food purchased from an old bubble gum machine out front.

Their specializing in all-you-can-eat grits and hushpuppies certainly helped to fill the Panini bellies without busting our $50 budget. While I filled myself with these tasty treats, the boys chose to start with a fried gator appetizer, which in their opinions, was the best $8.25 we spent all night. I’m not sure if it was the taste or the “we ate gator” factor, but it was a hit.

For entrées the menu offers small, large and children’s portions. After the gator, grits and puppies we knew that the children’s and smaller portions would serve the purposes of being filling and frugal. As Old McDonald is known for its catfish, we decided that at least one of us should try it. Sam ordered the children’s portion of fried catfish filets. Zack ordered the children’s fried shrimp, and Sara decided on flounder filets. Each child’s entrée was served with French fries and coleslaw and the menu price was $6.75.

Rob and I shared a “choose two” small platter with fried shrimp and flounder filets, and we ordered an extra baked potato so we could each have our own. We also had coleslaw with our entrée, and as silly as it might sound, speaking of all this fried goodness, the coleslaw was amazing!

Everything I tasted was delicious, and the kids had no trouble cleaning their plates. Their favorite was of course the gator, and I think mine was the fried flounder. We all ate our fill of creamy grits and hushpuppies.

The service at Old McDonald matches the friendly country atmosphere. Many of the hostesses and wait staff have been employed there for several years, and they treat everyone who comes in just like family. Speaking of family, the Bass family is always well represented in the restaurant, personally greeting everyone who visits.

The actual dining room is pretty clean despite being old; however, other parts of the establishment (you all know what I’m talking about) could use a little updating. Sometimes old comes across as dirty, and that can be a little unappetizing…and visiting the bathroom in this establishment is unavoidable, as the dirty feel of fish/animal food hands is something not to take to the dinner table.

Overall, the experience was a positive one, as the food and service were fantastic. Despite struggling with the “dirty factor” of feeding animals before dinner and washing up in a bathroom I’d rather not discuss, the novelty of the animals and the smiles on the kids’ faces made it all worthwhile.

Our food total was $41.70. After a 20 percent gratuity for excellent service, we left Old FOOD QUALITY McDonald Fish Camp, feeding our family of five for $49.90. Another successful outing for the SERVICE Panini’s! Happy dining – watch that budget! article by Sally Panini

ENVIRONMENT

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cigar feature

GET A WHIFF OF THIS: CIGAR 101 Starts now C

igars can be an affordable luxury, a lifestyle, a tradition, a pastime or hobby and even much more than that to cigar aficionados. The history of cigars goes all the way back to Christopher Columbus, who discovered more than America in 1492. The culture of cigars today encompasses cigars as both a pleasure, and to many, a hobby. There is a certain mystique about cigars and cigar smokers, which is unique and unlike any other tobacco product users. Cigars can be enjoyed alone as retreat from the pressures of everyday life or as a social event among friends or acquaintances.

The enjoyment of cigars is as complex as any unique pastime -- knowing brands, regions of manufacture, curing times and cigar construction make up what is a cigar aficionado.

I would like to start this series of cigar talk some basics of the pleasures of cigars to highlight the complexity of this hobby. So let’s start taking basics… what is a cigar?

Cigars begin their process as the tiniest of seeds nurtured for up to 45 days in controlled nurseries and then planted to become the tobacco plant to be harvested. Shade-grown tobacco is covered by a tall tent like structure of cheesecloth or mesh, and sun-grown are given the full benefit of the warmth of equatorial sun. After 45 days of growth, priming is completed to remove the first of the leaves destined for cigars. The growth of the leaves on the stalks begins the process that creates each cigar’s unique flavor and characteristic.

The selected leaves are bundled and piled in stacks which can be over six feet in height, called burros (bundles). This begins the drying out process to start the fermentation. Depending on the length of time, this phase can last up to six months before completion to the next stage. The burros are flipped, and within the stacks temperatures rise from 120 to 160 Fahrenheit. Darker shades such as Maduro take higher temperatures to form the deeper color. The unique flavors and depth of tobacco are created in this process.

When the tobacco is taken out of the warehouse it begins its big steps to becoming a cigar. The leaves are very dry, so a process called casing is performed to apply moisture back to the leaves.

The leaves are sprayed gently with water to bring them up to a moist usable consistency. The stems are removed, and a master blender begins to sort the tobacco into the three main components, the filler, the binder and the wrapper.

The filler is the core of the cigar, the center. Two types of filler are used with most cigars, long leaf which runs the entire length of the cigar, or short leaf which is made up of smaller cut pieces of tobacco. Short leaf is typically used in the construction of machine-made cigars. The long leaf is the method used to produce premium cigars often referred to as hand rolled. Several types of long leaf are combined and rolled to give each cigar its unique flavor.

The binder is the first layer covering the filler. A premium cigar will use a high quality binder to hold the cigar filler together. The binder is also responsible for adding to the flavor of cigar, and many use binders from other types of tobaccos to create the final premium cigar. Machine-made cigars used a binder that is typically called a homogenized, small bits and pieces of tobacco which are processed into a paper-like substance resembling a leaf to bind the short filler.

Finally, the wrapper covers the binder and filler to create the final cigar product. This provides for the appeal and texture of the cigar. The wrapper affects how everyone looks at the cigar, but, it’s much more than eye appeal. A good choice of wrapper can change the flavor and mellow the cigar.

Typically the wrapper can be almost as important to the flavor of the cigar as the filler. The art of hand rolling a cigar is completed by the cigar maker’s choice of wrapper and the delicate artistry that goes into rolling the cigar.

Premium cigars present an old world craftsmanship that has been forgotten at times in our modern world. Once rolled the premium cigar can begin to rest and in temperature controlled cedar lined rooms. The final blending of flavors is completed by nature, guided by the skill of the crafter. The aging process continues for weeks to years depending upon the craftsman’s skills and experience.

Next time that you choose your favorite smoke and relax into your own retreat, think of the time and skill taken to bring that one cigar into the cigar shop. Selecting the cigar for your taste

vittles

should be a joint process as you begin exploring cigars between you and your cigar tobacconist.

Ask questions and study the construction of the cigar. Choosing the right cigar for your escape from the hectic world will make your retreat experience all the more blissful.

Next time we will talk about the differences between machine-made cigars and hand-rolled.

Stay happy and light up a good cigar tonight!

Richard Hudson, co-owner at the Smokers Retreat, located at 4446 Washington Road in Evans, is a long-time cigar hobby enthusiast. The Smoker’s Retreat stocks the most comprehensive tobacco products available for its discerning client’s - creating a relaxing environment for the specialty and recreational tobacco smoker. Richard, a military veteran, has resided in the Augusta area for more than 25 years.

OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

C

onstruction crews are working like “roadrunners” at the future home of the second Roadrunner Café on Washington Road in the former home of Famous Dave’s BBQ. Like the original on Peach Orchard Road, Roadrunners II will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week and have live music nights. Projected opening is in the fall.

Cheers on Washington Road is going to hold a massive going out of business sale on stocked shelves of liquor. Scott Hudson, who writes a column for “Verge” spread the word on his Facebook page recently. He and his brother Chris, a Columbia County attorney, have been battling the State of Georgia over taxes. Between those issues and the general state of the economy, the Hudson’s have decided to move on.

New Moon is open again!

“On August 1st we worked until 2:30 a.m. then came back at 5:30 a.m. and opened the doors at 9 a.m. We opened really quietly and just told some of our friends, but it was really great to be back in the kitchen,” said Chris Allewelt, owner of New Moon locations in Aiken and inside University Hospital, plus the downtown Augusta location, which has been closed since May 27.

“We just wanted to keep what worked and change what didn’t work and upgrade.

This is such a cool space and we just wanted to work with it.”

New Moon will continue to focus on their roasted coffee and homemade pastries and sandwiches. On Tuesday, August 28, they are offering free coffee for the day as part of their reopening.

Pickles Café and Grill shutdown around August 1, after a nearly two year battle to survive on Furys Ferry Road in front of the Publix Plaza. They tried both ends of the pricing model, offering “loss leader” specials like one-pound rib eye steaks and baked potatoes for $9; however, in the end, price didn’t matter.

by NEIL GORDON

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YOUR FAITH

“The Lame Will Leap”

/ PG 37

LOVE LETTERS

Fran and Jack, Part Deux / PG 38

LIFE FACE FIRST

Goin’ Back To Pool / PG 39

STUDENT BECOMES TEACHER KICKSTARTING KIDS!

AB’S SPORTS PAGE / pG 37

photo by Sofia Colton Photography

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 35

here’s to your health

History Made With 1,000 da Vinci® Robotic Assisted Surgery at Doctors Hospital Doctors Hospital has hit a new milestone, becoming the first hospital in the area to perform 1,000 surgeries using the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.

“This is the wave of the future and I’m glad we’re helping to create a new path for surgeons,” says Dr. Cristian Thomae, OB/ GYN, who performed the 1,000th robotic surgery at Doctors Hospital.

The da Vinci® robot made its debut at Doctors Hospital four years ago, in 2008. Since then, more than a dozen surgeons have been trained to use the system at Doctors. When compared to area hospitals, Doctors has performed more than four times the amount of da Vinci® surgeries than its competitors. Currently, the minimally invasive surgeries offered at the hospital include: general surgery, bariatric, thoracic, urological, gynecological, urogynecological and colorectal.

“When I first started with the robot, I was doing 2 to 3 robotic-assisted surgeries per week, now I’m performing 8 to 9,” says Dr. Thomae.

“It feels good to be a part of history,” says Tara Smith, 1,000th da Vinci® robotic surgery patient.”

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With robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon is seated comfortably at a nearby console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The surgeon’s fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, realtime movements of surgical instruments inside the patient. The da Vinci® Surgical System delivers increased clinical capability while maintaining the same “look and feel” of open surgery.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers Makes Room for Police Hub Aiken Regional Medical Centers has joined forces with the Aiken County Sheriff ’s Department, and City of Aiken Department of Public Safety to provide an additional presence within the Emergency Department.

On Friday August 10, Aiken Regional Medical Centers opened the “Officer Hub” located in the Emergency Department of the facility located at 302 University Parkway. The area will be accessible to area law enforcement agencies including Aiken Public Safety, Aiken County Sheriff ’s Department, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and other law enforcement agencies when visiting the hospital. While the above agencies will not be staffing the area all the time, the area will be utilized for interviews and storage of forms and other supplies used in investigations.

As the community healthcare provider, Aiken Regional Medical Centers continuously works with local law enforcement to provide the highest quality healthcare while ensuring the safest environment possible. We welcome local law enforcement and appreciate the opportunity to provide them an area to work from while within our facility.

The official opening ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday August 10, 2012 in the emergency department waiting room. Charles Barranco and Michael Hunt will both be in attendance.

values Group donates quilts to Children’s Medical Center The Georgia Chapter of Quilts for Kids Inc. donated about 150 homemade quilts and preemie pads to patients at Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center on Aug. 2.

Quilts for Kids Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that transforms discontinued, surplus and unused fabrics into patchwork quilts to comfort children in need, such as those battling cancer and other serious illnesses. The Georgia Chapter, based in Waycross, Ga., donates quilts to children cared for in Georgia’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including the Children’s Medical Center.

The 154-bed CMC is the second-largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children. compiled from area press releases by Jennifer Pruett

your faith

The Lame Will Leap

I

have often heard that experts are knowledgeable people who live at least 100 miles away. Regardless of their level of experience or expertise, if someone comes from out of town, we tend to give more weight to what they have to say. It’s ironic really, because we can learn a great deal by the hometown folks too.

At the radio station I serve, we regularly receive music CDs and books. They’re sent to us by well-meaning authors, songwriters and publicists in hopes they’ll secure our attention and land an interview, in turn providing free exposure for what they have created.

When I was given a copy of “The Lame Will Leap” by Michael Smith Tarrant of Aiken , I felt it would fall into the category of “local writer,” first time author…meaning a book written with a tremendous amount of heart, but perhaps without a great deal of depth or polish. After it sat on a shelf in my office for a couple of months, I decided to take it with me on an out-of -town trip and actually read it. So, on my flights from Augusta and back the pages brought the story of the Tarrant family to life.

values

“The Lame Will Leap” is the true story of a family from Aiken, SC. It is Michael Tarrant’s account of an accident that impacted the lives of his family and friends. In it, we get an up close and personal account of the many ways God “showed up” in the midst of their ordeal.

Michael’s daughter Lauren was a student at Clemson -active, energetic and fully engaged in the daily events of her life. One fateful night, in a pivotal and totally unexpected moment, everything forever changed for Lauren. That same moment also dramatically altered the lives of Lauren’s family and friends.

The journey called life brings with it many questions -questions that cannot be ignored or wished away. ..Where do we turn when our worlds are caving in? Where is God when our hearts are shattered in pain? When we’re forced to look at the broken body of a child, is God listening? Really listening?

Is He there? Does our pain matter to him? Does our faith matter in the hard times? How does it apply when there are more questions than answers? Will God really be there when we’re faced with unthinkable situations that truly exhaust our human strength, perspective and abilities? “The Lame Will

ab’s sports lessons

Local Athlete Finds Her Calling

E

veryone strives to find their place in this world…to find that thing they do well and enjoy immensely. Kesha Springle has obviously found her place. At 5’2”, 120 pounds, Springle would rarely be mistaken for a basketball star or a boxer; however, a star she is.

Springle grew up in Thomasville, Georgia, dreaming of becoming a professional basketball player. Despite her small stature, by the time she was a senior at Thomasville High School, that idea did not seem too farfetched. Spangle was the first female athlete at Thomasville to letter in five sports (basketball, soccer, softball, cross country, and track). While terrific in every sport, basketball was where she really shined.

She was the Class AA State Player of the Year in 1997-98 and was heavily recruited by several Division I Programs. In the end she chose to attend Florida State University.

“I definitely wanted to stay close to home so my family could come see me play. My mom would not have known what to do if I had gone off to Colorado or somewhere. They have been coming to my games since I was 4 years old” said Springle.

While at FSU, Kesha excelled. By her junior season she was the team leader and floor general, starting all 31 of FSU’s games at point guard. During her career she played an astonishing 114 games for the Noles. As a senior she did not miss a single game despite battling a terrible shoulder injury.

She had always planned to try to play professionally, but the shoulder injury put a halt to those plans.

“To be a pro you have to truly love the game, and after 3 shoulder surgeries in four years my desire just wasn’t there.

It would not have been fair to me or the game to continue playing.” Springle explained.

Instead, she used her Sports Management Degree to land a job in Tifton, Georgia with the Tift County Recreation Department, helping run the youth basketball and cheerleading programs. However, getting wind of a semi-pro women’s basketball team in the Augusta, and the competitive juices flowed again. Springle relocated to the CSRA; she tried out for and made the basketball team -- another lifechanging venture.

With a background in martial arts, receiving her Tae Kwon Do black belt at 10 years old, she planned to use Greubel’s Mixed Martial Arts to get back in shape. After one class at Greubel’s…she was hooked.

“I started with the morning circuit training, and I immediately loved it. It took me back to being 10 years old again. I told Zach (Zach Day, a Kickboxing World Champion and instructor at Greubel’s) that I wanted to fight. He said I

Leap” delves into these areas, not merely in a theoretical or theological way, but through real people living their daily lives and facing their daily struggles -- they are readily relatable.

There is great depth and emotion in this book. Michael does a fine job of inviting readers along on his journey. Augusta, Aiken and Clemson serve as the backdrops of parts of this narrative, adding additional layers of interest to a book that is all ready engaging and inspirational. The raw emotion of the story will draw readers in, and the realities of what unfolded will certainly keep that attention.

Consider this a personal invitation to read “The Lame Will Leap” and to share in the Tarrant’s journey. The book is available in several local bookstores and at www.TheLameWillLeap. com. In addition, after reading, you can ask Michael and Lauren Tarrant to come share their personal story with your group.

Thank God that his presence and promises aren’t just true for those who lived back in Bible times -- they are just as true for us today!

STEVE swanson serves as the Station Manager of Family Friendly 88.3 WAFJ. He’s invested 30+ Years in the world of radio and was named the Christian Music Broadcasters Program Director of the year 2009 and 2011. He and his wife Susie make their home in North Augusta.

values was an athlete so maybe I could. He then got me in the ring to see what I had, and six months later I had my first fight.”

To say she’s a natural is an understatement. She claimed an IKF World Classic Title in 2009 and has amassed a 17-5 record in a mix of kickboxing and boxing matches…and that’s only when she can find a fight. Many female kickboxers do their best to avoid getting in the ring with the speedy Springle.

In March of 2011 she became an instructor at Greubel’s and excelled quickly. She has garnered praise from Greubel’s owner and former Kickboxing World Champion Mark Greubel for her work.

“She is so good with the kids. She makes the classes fun but still manages to teach them and give them a great workout,” said Greubel, who’s also her coach.

Kesha plans to turn pro by January and continue to test herself as a fighter, but she will not stop teaching.

“I will definitely continue to coach. I want to motivate people, to show them that every day is great” said an enthusiastic Springle.

She took an interesting path to get here, but Kesha Springle has definitely found her place in this world.

ashley brown known to listeners as AB, is the Sports Director for Beasley Broadcasting in Augusta. He’s producer of the Austin Rhodes Show and host of CSRA Sports Hour. AB’s quick wit and encyclopedic sports knowledge have made him the leader in sports broadcasting in the CSRA.

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 37

love letters

from fran and jack

values

fireflies, stars and a dry creek bed (Continued from July 18)

R

ound and round the yard Jack zoomed with Fran nipping at his heels, till one of her Mary Janes connected and they both went tumbling to the ground. Lying on their backs they switched jars and started counting.

“You only got five! I win!” Fran giggled.

“I win, you only got four. The two on the bottom is lady bugs.” Jack popped up and ran around Fran’s inert figure, making a circle in the trampled blades.

Grasshoppers sprang from the ground- lithe, living sticks buzzing in arcs above their heads. “You know, if you hold the jar up just right, you can catch stars inside it. I bet I have about a hundred in my jar.”

Slowing down, Jack looked up through his jar and smiled, “you win, I think I only have ninety nine in mine.” Before she could start celebrating he grabbed her wrists and pulled her up, “let’s go see the creek!”

“We’re not supposed to go down there at night time.” Fran looked back at the house and then towards the creek. Back at the house, she could see that the families had retired to the sitting room and were talking about more awful grown up stuff; toward the creek, the fireflies seemed to be lighting their way. “Buuuttttt...” she pointed her feet at the creek, and inched forward a few steps, “...but, we could be back before they even notice,” and she was off, racing through the darkening evening with Jack close behind.

Fran ran, past the magnolia tree, weaving through the orchard in and out of the pruned cherry trees, and collapsed against the creekside boulder, panting. Jack’s palms slapped the rock when he reached it, and they both paused to catch their breath and take in the site before them.

Their pool, the one place where the creek would slow, where they’d already played dozens of games was gone. The boulder was no longer beside a creek, but a dried up circle of mud. “What happened?” Fran whispered.

“Doc’s said it’s been one of the hottest summers in a long time, must have dried up.”

Fran shook her head, “That’s impossible, it’s magic water, it can’t just dry up like regular water. Must be some other reason.” She climbed on top of the boulder and stared up at the sky, pondering the cause of this tragedy.

Jack, joining her, “Maybe the pirates came and stole it all for themselves.”

“Nope, the pirates aren’t smart enough to outsmart magic water. Maybe the creek fairies got tired of the awful heat and flew off to some spot cooler.”

“Fairies? That’s girl stuff, besides, everybody knows that birds love to eat fairies even more than lady bugs- if it was fairies the birds’ve eaten them up before they could have gone anywhere. Bet it was a thirsty dinosaur. Yup, a dinosaur did it.”

Fran propped up on her elbow and looked at him, rolling her eyes, “Dinosaurs are ‘stinct, meaning they don’t exist no more. Everybody knows that.”

Jack climbed down and went to investigate the creek that was. “There’s a hole right here.”

Fran joined him and watched as he toed the hole with his dress shoe. She said, “I got it. The water all ran down that hole like in a bathtub. Somebody came along and unplugged the drain. The water must’a went all swirling down.”

Jack stepped away and returned with a short, twiggy branch. He poked at the hole in the creek bed and frowned.

“Probably all the way China by now,” Jack said. He puffed up his chest and Fran knew he was getting ready to pontificate- that was what Mrs. Henry said when her dad started talking about some case or politics. “Yup, there’s some China kids swimming around in our creek right this minute. Bet they don’t even know how to play pirates right.”

Fran looked back up at the sky, wondering about the stars. Did the China kids catch stars in jars, too? Sly’s voice broke her concentration, “Mr. Joseph, Franny, you better get back here!”

Fran tugged at Jack’s elbow, “We got to go.” She jumped up on the boulder, raised her hands toward the sky and shouted, “Have a wonderful swim China kids!”

“Come on Franny,” Jack teased, “Beat you back!”

the love letters of fran and jack by Doug Holley and

Jennifer Craig is an ongoing, serialized story cycle. Look for further adventures of Fran and Jack in the second issue of Verge each month.

38 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 15

life face first

values

Back to Pool W

ith another weekend of hellish temperatures ahead of me, I decided to purchase a baby pool and spend my days off lying in lukewarm water and sipping beer.

I don’t own a baby pool so I went to the local big box store to purchase one. After spending roughly an hour combing the store and not finding baby pools, I asked a store employee where they were.

He stared at me blankly. “We don’t have baby pools in the fall,” he replied to my question.

“Fall? It’s August 1st.” I retorted.

“Yeah but kids are going back to school. That makes it fall.” Certain that the kid didn’t know where the pools were and didn’t want to help me I summoned a manager.

“I’d like to buy a baby pool please,” I told him.

“I’m so sorry. We’re all out of baby pools.” He said in his best customer service voice. “We don’t keep them in stock in the fall.”

“But it’s August 1st,” I repeated dumbly.

“But as you can see,” he went on in the same soothing voice, “we have things out for back to school: notebooks, book bags, sweaters.”

“Sweaters? Who needs a sweater? It’s 120 degrees outside! I don’t need a sweater for another four months. What I do need is a baby pool so I can try to stay cool until January finally gets here.”

“I’m sorry ma’am. We won’t have any more pools in until spring.”

“Spring. When’s that? March?” I shot back.

“February,” he replied blandly.

“Who makes up these seasons?” I yelled angry that I wouldn’t get a baby pool until the outdoor temperatures rendered it an ice skating rink.

“That would be corporate, ma’am.”

“And where do they live? In the southern hemisphere?”

“Minnesota, I believe.”

“Minnesota? MINNESOTA? Have they ever been outside? Why would they sell baby pools in February in Minnesota?”

“I cannot say.”

“Fine. Then tell me this, how do I buy a baby pool in August?”

“Simple. Coerce the school district that kids shouldn’t go back to school until it’s actually fall.” nora blithe is the author of Door In Face, a humor blog about all

things that lay you flat. Read more at DOORINFACE.COM.

AUGUST 15 _ VERGELIVE.com / 39

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