August Issue A 2012

AUGUST 1, 2012

FREE

vol. 5 no. 10 community driven news

1.4 MILLION FOLKS NEED HER WATER WHY IS IT SO TOXIC?

The Riverkeeper’s Fix / PG 15

photo by sofia colton photography

VIEWS clean & dirty politics + VIBE DRESSING UP + VITTLES TBONZ EXPANDS + VALUES AIRPORT PRAYERS AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 1

2 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

Aiken Chamber Puts Big Smiles on Teachers’ Faces

W

hen members of the Aiken Chamber decide that a cause is important, they pool their resources to make things happen.

David Jameson, Aiken Chamber President, requested that chamber members sponsor each of 140 new teachers in Aiken with $50 gift cards to help offset the costs of setting up their classrooms. Within 24 hours of asking the Chamber membership to help support this worthwhile cause, they committed to 78 of the 140 gift cards needed. Soon after, the remaining cards were committed -- $7,000 was raised in just days. What an accomplishment!

“I am so proud to be the President of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce,” said David Jameson.

The presenting sponsor for this initiative was SRP Federal Credit Union.

All new teachers will see the names of all sponsors and will be provided with a copy of “Welcome Aiken” that includes the Aiken Chamber’s membership directory -- so they’ll know where to shop. article by JENNIFER PRUETT

05 views

what’sinside

you won’t want to miss a page

This is your voice to hold the powerful accountable in our community (Savannah River Keepers and First Friday Follow up).

15 vibe

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

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 perseverance of a local Super Bowl star (Deon Grant) in AB’s Sports Lessons.

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

president/editor Neil Gordon neil.gordon@buzzon.biz assistant editor Jennifer Pruett primary writer Christopher Selmek events editor Sarah Childers events@vergelive.com photography Melissa Gordon melissa@sofiacolton.

com, John Robeson, and Christopher Selmek PUBLISHING: group publisher Matt Plocha publisher@vergelive.com graphic design opendoorgraphicdesign.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

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 3

4 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

H.O.T.S.

travis tritt’s indigestion / PG 6

tech talk

tweet ya’ after the high hurdles! / PG 13

savannah river

cleaning up our local treasure / PG 15

top cop blesses first friday

story on page 8

photo by john robeson

top notch

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 5

heard on the street WHAT WE HEAR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

TRITT DELAY SPOILS A GREAT NIGHT IN COLUMBIA COUNTY

S

ometimes it’s good for performers to keep their fans waiting… just not for too long. Country Music superstar Travis Tritt was the headliner of the July 20 concert with the Charlie Daniels Band at the Lady Antebellum Amphitheatre. The problem -- some of the crowd never got to see the Marietta native perform. Tritt was more than an hour late, not taking the stage until around 9:40 p.m. Unfortunately, some of the folks with early wake up calls for work on Friday morning left the show before Tritt began his performance. However, those who stayed enjoyed a great show.

The unofficial word we hear on the street regarding Tritt’s delay is that he was on his tour bus battling a stomach bug -- preventing him from appearing on stage on time.

The fans that left before Tritt’s appearance were out of luck for refunds, as illnesses and performer delays typically don’t yield refunds or replacement tickets to future shows.

Despite the delay, this concert was one of many successful showings at the Lady A -- joining the ranks of Lady Antebellum and Rick Springfield.

by NEIL GORDON

6 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

smatterings

Welcome to the Epicenter: Respect Downtown.

A

s our community is turning its attention and energy on making First Friday and the downtown district an asset for all Augustans to enjoy, there is a new mantra circulating: Respect Downtown.

Respect Downtown was created by Coco Rubio and Weir/Stewart – way to go, guys! We applaud the energy behind this movement and encourage you to support it. I spoke with Coco about the concept, where it needs to go next and what respect means. We agreed that addressing that topic in Verge would be a great start. So, I ask you: what do you think of when you hear the word “respect” – specifically when it comes to the downtown area?

Downtown is a neighborhood. There are business owners that open their stores every day for you to enjoy (check out pages 9 to 12 to find out more). There are residents that live here. There are visitors that come to enjoy the epicenter of our community (hopefully, that includes you!).

So, think for a moment about how you treat your own neighborhood. Do you throw trash on the floors of your home or yard? Do you smash glass bottles on your driveway or on your patio? Would you go to the mall, walk around with a fast food bag and drop food and wrappers on its floor as you shop? Do you run around the aisles hollering at the top of your lungs? Would this type of behavior be acceptable there? Why then are some of these types of behavior accepted in downtown?

It’s a lack of respect – hence “Respect Downtown.” We ask that everyone consider their actions when visiting the downtown district and what “respect” is. It’s more than a poster or a slogan. It’s more about being a responsible and contributing member of our society.

Speaking of respect, read about one of our most treasured natural resources, the Savannah River in this issue. We took a ride along the Savannah with the Riverkeeper and found out a lot about the river that we did not know. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you will begin to respect her more, too. Pitch in and ask how you can help. Make a positive difference not only in downtown Augusta but in our community.

It’s crystal clear what we have to do. It’s right in front of us. Now let’s go and do it. see you downtown, respecting her, Matt

around town

A Look At Things To Do

photo by Alishia Bryden

Cyclists depart from Enterprise Mill as the first Bike for the Ballet ride begins.

Bikers Sport Tutus to Battle Childhood Obesity A

ugusta Ballet will host Bike for the Ballet August 26 at Enterprise Mill. The only training ride for the international ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta, B4B begins Augusta Ballet’s 50th anniversary as one of the area’s premier ballets. The event begins at 8 a.m., with a celebration for cyclists and non-cyclists alike at noon.

Tutu-clad cyclists will create a surreal scene for Augusta Ballet’s Good Moves outreach, which engages local hospitals and organizations in the now national effort to bring physical activity and proper nutrition back to the youth culture.

“Bike for the Ballet was conceived as a virtual art exhibition illustrating the athleticism of dance,” said Jennifer Franks, Augusta Ballet’s executive director. “This ancient connection between art, sports and medicine is captured in our performances, events and children’s programming.”

Anyone can sponsor a tutu for $50, guaranteeing one child attending camp at Augusta Ballet’s Anyone Can Dance (& Cook) Camp in December. Formed in part with Cooking Matters, a division of Food Network’s number one charity Share Our Strength, the camp empowers local families to move well, eat well and be well, affordably and for life.

Ride registration at $35 includes the celebration. Celebration tickets for non-registrants costs $20. Registration and celebration tickets are available via augustaballet.org or (706) 261-0555. article by jennifer pruett

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 7

OUTGOING SHERIFF URGES FIRST FRIDAY TO CONTINUE Sheriff Ronnie Strength and the sheriff’s department changed course and wants First Friday to continue—pointing to low crime rates.

Editor’s Note: Expect to see a more family-friendly First Friday on August 3rd with many musical acts performing at the Augusta Commons. Security is also expected to be tighter.

E

photo by christopher selmek

leven city leaders gathered at the Headquarters library health of downtown Augusta and what should we do regarding there, because we don’t know how much crime it does deter, but more security is not the solution. We’ve got to realize now that along with approximately 125 concerned citizens, July the First Friday event.

“This is our city and we all need to be advocates for Augusta we live in a very violent society, and I hope everybody realizes 18, to discuss the future of First Friday as well as ways to instead of letting the critics and the cynics drive the debate,” said that these things are going to happen, but downtown is not a improve the general health of the downtown community. dangerous place.”

Sheriff Ronnie Strength spoke at length about crime statistics the Mayor. “We should According to Strength crime in Richmond County has been downtown, promising that while he would not be the one to all be bringing our down since 2008, and every category has been down for the decide First Friday’s fate, the numbers speak for themselves in friends downtown and first six months of this year, excluding homicides. Police have telling them about what favor of keeping the monthly celebration. received a total of 296 calls in downtown Augusta concerning “We’re going to be there no matter what, but I can’t tell you a great place it is to go.” criminal activity so far this year, 140 of which occurred on Broad “Our downtown what First Friday’s future is going to be; you’re going to be the Street, and none of which happened during First Friday. He also ones to decide that,” he said. “Would you stop sending your kids district is the cornerstone said that Friday was the third least active day for criminals and to school if there was a school shooting? Would you stop going of our community, and that there was no problem associated with First Friday before 10 to Clarks Hill Lake [Lake Thurmond] if someone drowned that’s the same in any p.m., but that the media were to blame for creating a negative up there? Sometimes bad things happen and perception of crime downtown. nobody can control them, but that’s not a “The media ran for nine straight days the shooting we had reason to let the bad guys win.”

Friday night,” he said. “We have shootings all the time, but Other panelists included Margaret what are people to think when that’s all they see on TV for nine Woodard, executive director of the Downtown Augusta Mayor Deke straight days?”

Development Association, Mike Walraven, Copenhaver says the Strength left for another speaking engagement following chairman of the Downtown Advisory Panel, best is yet to come his comments, and the remaining panelists were given several Brenda Durant, executive director of the with First Friday. minutes each to give their input, but many in the audience felt Greater Augusta Arts Council, Peggy Seigler, that the sheriff ’s comments had Convention and Visitors Bureau, Yahya Henry, the most impact of any during owner of the Aribra Group, Devon Harris, the evening. founder of Full Circle Refuge, Sanford Loyd, The panelists continued to Clean Augusta Downtown Initiative, Mayor speak with members of the Deke Copenhaver, Ben Casella, President of audience following the meeting the Downtown Augusta Alliance, and District Greater Augusta Arts Council and agreed to meet with each One Commissioner Matt Aitken, who first President Brenda Durant is other the following week and suggested the meeting. in favor of First Friday—with hold another open forum at the “This could have been done in a closed control given to merchants. library in another two or three room, but our commissioner elected to hold weeks. this forum publicly,” said moderator Rick Toole.

“Sometimes when bad things “Our first step, tonight, is to establish some common ground city,” said Casella. happen good things can come and establish our common goals. Phase Two will come when “If the downtown out of it, and I am encouraged by we meet together next week and put together an action plan district is suffering More than 100 people showed at the Augusta Richmond what I’ve seen so far,” said Aitken. based on the conversations and input we get tonight. There is a it will affect the County Library to discuss the First Friday future.

“The best way we can combat suggestion box in the back, and I encourage everyone to give us entire city out to the misinformation is to network suburbs. The first your thoughts.”

“I am honored to serve as your commissioner, even as a thing we can do is free, and that’s ignore the faceless cynics who and interact like we are doing right now, and stop all the finger pointing that slows us down and takes us back from the progress commissioner who doesn’t always have all the answers, but like to criticize downtown and they’ll go away.”

The moderator initially skipped Strength while he allowed the we want to see.” this room is full of answers,” said Aitken. “This room is full of “Anyone who says our downtown is going to shut down is solutions. It is full of vision, and I am excited to see where we go other panelists to give their answers to the first question, then he gave the sheriff center stage as he expounded on the role of law crazy,” said Copenhaver. “I believe our best days are ahead.” from this point forward.”

Aitken started the meeting with a short prayer and reciting of enforcement downtown. article by CHristopher selmek “I could have put 100 officers downtown on Friday and this the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing the panelists, each of who were asked two questions: how can we improve the general still could have happened,” he said. “The security needs to be

8 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

photo by JOHN ROBESON

We are downtown

Downtown: The Epicenter of our community we are here every day to provide you with a safe, enjoyable and fun district. Support our local economy while supporting these business owners and our community.

We are united...

RETAIL

restaurant & bar 767 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -722-0817

927 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -828-6600

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5:30pm Wed: until 1pm

Mon – Fri: 6pm to Close Sat: 8pm to Close

RETAIL

restaurant & bar 917 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -955-7954

930 Broad Street Suite 1001 (706) 945-1310 Doris Building Downtown Augusta

A place where the girls look hot and the guys have to.

BOB is open at 5:30 pm until close, Wed-Sat

M-Thur: 10am-8pm Fri and Sat: 10am-11pm

RETAIL

restaurant & CAFE 1121 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -724-2591 Tues - Sat 11am to 6pm

@JB White’s Building 923 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 823-2008 Currently Serving Kiosk Style Mon - Fri: 8am to 3pm

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 9

RESPECT Downtown SALON & SPA

restaurant & CAFE 1122 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 706-828-4856

976 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-0501

Tues – Thurs: 10am – 7pm Fri: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am to 4pm Closed Sunday, Monday

Mon – Sat: 11:30 am to 10pm Sunday from 12 noon to 9pm

RESTAURANT & COFFEE

WINE & BEER 307 8th Street Augusta, GA (706) 922-0312

903 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 Tues– Fri: 6:30am to 5pm Sat: 9am to 6pm “It is Javalicious”

RETAIL

11am to midnight 7 days a week

RETAIL 307 8th Street Augusta, GA (706) 922-0312

802 Ellis Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 513-0916

11am to midnight, 7 days a week

RETAIL

Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm

RETAIL 126 9th Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706)-828-6744

307 11th Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-4962 www.rexgroup.com

FIRST AMMENDMENT TATTOO

RESTAURANT & BAR

BAR 1102 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -364-4075 RESTAURANT: SUN-THURS 11am - Midnight FRI 11am - 1am, SAT 12pm - 1am BACK BAR: THURS & FRI until 2:30am SAT & SUN until 2am (kitchen always open late)

10 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

Mon-Thurs: 2pm to 9pm Fri & Sat: 2pm to 10pm Sundays by appointment

210 11TH Street Augusta, GA 30901 Tues - Fri: 5pm - ‘til Sat: 2pm to 2:30am

RESPECT Downtown RESTAURANT & BAR

RETAIL 1033A Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 836-5970

Music & Cocktails 1157 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 945-1270

Tues - Sat from 11am to 7pm www.curvitude.com Twitter: Curvitudeboutq

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT WINE & BEER 1032 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 364-3116

990 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 821-3988

Open 7 Days a Week Sushi served Mon-Sat: 5pm to 10pm www.soynoodlehouse.com

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Every Day

RETAIL WINE & BEER

WINE & BEER 984 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-8880

974 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 826-9857

Mon: 5pm - 2am Tue: 6pm - 11pm Wed: 5pm - 2am Thu: 1pm - 2am Fri: 4pm - 3am Sat: 1pm - 3pm, 7pm - 2am www.soulbar.com

SALON & SPA

Mon – Fri 4pm to close Sat: 8pm to close

RETAIL 1018 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-1518 Tues & Thurs: 11AM to 7PM Wed & Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 4pm Sun & Mon: Closed www.modishsalonandspa.com

RESTAURANT & BAR

863 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 814-7514 M-F: 11am to 7pm Sat: 10am to 5pm A pro shop just 3 miles from 4 courses

KILLER B DISC GOLF

www.killerbdiscgolf.blogspot.com

RETAIL Metro Pub and Coffeehouse 1054 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-6468

820 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 755-2075

Mon - Fri: 10am - 3am Sat: 12pm - 2am

Mon – Thurs: 12 to 10pm Fri – Sat: 12 to 11pm Sun: 2pm to 7pm

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 11

RESPECT Downtown RETAIL

RETAIL 1127 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 303-8149

308 11TH Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-7414 Email: alanarch@comcast.net

Mon: Closed Tues – Fri: 10am to 6pm Sat: 10am to 12 noon

RETAIL

RETAIL 912 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 550-0617

931 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706)724-2452 www.sbbinsurance.com

RETAIL

Tues - Thurs: 11am -7pm Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm

RETAIL

United Loan & Firearms Inc Estate Jewelry of Augusta est. 1941

1040 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-1326 1040 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-7384 Mon – Sat: 9am to 6pm

RETAIL

Robin L. Schweitzer 980 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-8959

RETAIL 307 8th Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 922-0312 11am-Midnight 7 days a week

RETAIL

downtown development authority

936 Broad Street Suite # 107 Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-8000 www.myaugustadowntown.com

RETAIL 1160 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 722-3400 Mon - Thurs: Noon - 10pm Fri: Noon - Midnight Sat: 10am - Midnight Sun: 1 pm - 9 pm

12 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

Schweitzer Art Glass Studio

1026 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm Thurs - Fri: 10am - 8pm Sat: 10am - 6pm Sun: 12:30pm - 4pm

the lens masters thoughts and tips on photography from the pros

tech talk Latest Technology Trends

+

Photographs Capture Memories as Only Photographs Can

W

e live in an exciting time for photography. The wonderful thing about the digital age is we are free to photograph -- to capture all of those moments in life. We are free to upload and share, and the internet makes sharing easier than ever. My 102-year-old great-grandmother, until last January, complained that no one in the family sent her photographs. In January we signed her up for Facebook. This is a woman who was born before the Model-T Ford began production, and now is able to sit at the computer and with the touch of a button see photos of her family in Colorado, Washington DC, Georgia and Arizona. She marvels at this -- and there is nothing like getting a Facebook comment from a 102-year-old woman.

What saddens me is that all of this instant gratification and sharing has seen the loss of a print.

Photos are meant to be shared, shared with friends, family, co-workers and even the occasional stranger in the grocery store. But they are also meant to be shared across generations. When my great-grandmother turned 100 there was a massive gathering of photographs of her and her husband in order for me to create a slideshow for the party. One photo stood out amongst the rest. In this photo my grandfather had my grandmother lassoed and was pulling her toward him, and the look in their eyes so clearly captured their love and affection for each other in a way that no other photographs of them has. The beautiful thing about this photo: no one in our family had ever seen it. It was this perfect moment captured and preserved and made new and fresh for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy with her.

About a month ago, I was sitting in the orientation for the study abroad to Spain I will be participating in this summer. Some of the students who went last year were present and offered advice. One person suggested not bringing a camera because it is a hassle. The idea of spending a month in Spain and not having a camera seemed ridiculous to me. Studying abroad is one of the most life-changing experiences, and the idea of not having something to show for it 20, 30 or 40 years from now, is heartbreaking to me. But this mindset is not uncommon amongst the younger generations. While I contend the quality of cell phone images has improved dramatically, according to industry data, cell phone photographs remain in one place – on your cell phone. And while the photographs may not seem important to you personally, you do not know what they may mean to the next generations.

There is something special about a photograph. Having worked for Ritz/Wolf Camera the past seven years, I really came to appreciate the value of a photograph. This is why it saddens me when I realize how little photographs are appreciated anymore. Many are talking about this generation as being “the most documented generation,” and having sold many cameras, memory cards and tapes over my career, I am inclined to agree. But I also notice, while every smile of that newborn is documented, for the vast majority of people, not a single one gets printed. There is a multitude of ways to turn digital images into pieces you can physically touch, hold and pass down to future generations to say: we were here, and this is who we were.

Carrie Shoultz worked for Ritz/Wolf Camera for nearly 7 years in sales and management. In 2010 she won Best in Show at the Augusta Photography Festival and First Place in People. She has a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Augusta State and is currently traveling and photographing abroad while completing her Master’s in International Relations thorough Webster University.

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

Twitter and NBC to Partner for the Olympics

T

witter and NBC will partner for the Olympics, as arguably the highest profile microblogging site in the world hopes to use the Games to build on its customer base and prove that it is a money-making and sustainable business model.

Twitter will assemble a small group of people in Boulder, Colorado who will spend 20 hours a day gathering millions of Twitter messages from Olympic athletes, atheletes‘ families, NBC personalities and even the viewing public into a single page on Twitter.com. The London Olympics is one of the first times Twitter will serve in an official capacity as narrator for a live event. NBC will promote the Twitter website with on-air promotions and links to athlete interviews and video clips.

Twitter hopes the partnership will demostrate an enhaced use by the public for microblogging during major events like the Olympics, and that it may help demonstrate that Twitter is here to stay as a means of instantaneous social interaction. Twitter, which allows people to post 140-character messages called tweets, has built up a user base of more than 140 million monthly users. Twitter executives want to find a larger audience for tweets, especially amid recently surfacing concerns among analysts about Twitter‘s ability to become a serious money maker.

As a result, Twitter’s bet on the Olympics is crucial. The hope is lots of new users will sign on for a Twitter handle for the very first time ever.

NBC said no money is being exchanged as part of the partnership, and that it won’t share in revenue from ads that Twitter sells to sponsors. Companies such as GE and Procter & Gamble have already bought ads to promote their association with the Olympics.

Twitter has prepared for the Games for months. The company has hosted dozens of sessions with athletes and national sports associations to pitch them on using its service. Twitter has courted companies to buy ads on Twitter to spread their Olympics marketing messages. The International Olympic Committee said more than 1,000 current and former Olympians are using Twitter or rival firm Facebook for the Games.

Advertisers said Twitter has painted themselves as an effective marketing venue. Athletes and Olympics organizations said that since the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, there has been an explosion of athletes embracing Twitter.

During the Games, Twitter will use its Olympics events page to highlight insiders’ views and to encourage people to watch NBC’s on-air and online coverage. Twitter will embed its own staffer with NBC’s social media team in London to ensure fresh news -- interviews and links to TV highlights will show up on Twitter. The Olympics “hashtag” will pop up on screen during television coverage, according to NBC. Twitter will be visible offline as well. The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel dominating the London skyline, will light up each night based on the sentiment of Olympic tweets, although Twitter said the landmark is not part of its campaign.

Some research shows social media is fueling viewership of live TV. People want to interact over a great golf shot or outlandish fashions of social butterflies. Social media analysis firm Trendrr said Twitter accounted for an average of three quarters of the “social activity” around broadcast TV programs in the first quarter of this year, versus sixteen percent for Facebook. For sports or other major televised events, Trendrr found Twitter has a near lock on digital conversations.

It is unclear if the interests of Twitter and NBC will always align during the Games, however Twitter and NBC said they aren’t in competition, but in fact, NBC plans to offer highlight clips and Olympics video on its own websites and mobile applications, which won’t necessarily appear on other digital services. Twitter also may tread on NBC’s territory somewhat by essentially programming the Olympics on its events page. Conflicting interests aside, the NBC and Twitter partnership is certainly a groundbreaking arrangement, and will likely be something with which we can expect to see more in the not too distant future.

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

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 13

hudson hears

THE SQUEAKY CLEAN AND SOMETIMES MUDDY POLITiCAL RACES

P

olitical races in Augusta can be a nasty business.

In the past, candidates have all but accused each other of murder in efforts to gain the political upper hand. This year however has been marked with personal attacks among supporters, candidates’ financial pasts drug through the spotlight and one rare that produced three good candidates and no controversy.

The worst race this season, in terms of personal attacks, has been the race for Richmond County Sheriff. This race started off on the wrong foot with Sheriff Ron Strength’s brother-in-law Robbie Silas throwing his hat into the ring and running against the person nearly everyone recognized to be the Sheriff ’s hand-picked successor, Scott Peebles.

Adding into the mix was Richard Roundtree who everyone realized immediately would cause an almost mass walkout of the Sheriffs office if elected.

In the race the sheriff found himself in a pickle.

He could not endorse anyone over his brotherin-law without making family holiday gatherings unbearable and yet, clearly, he worried much about a Roundtree win. WGAC radio personality Austin Rhodes called out the Sheriff publicly, and the Sheriff responded by publicly ending that friendship.

Then supporters of Silas within the Sheriff ’s office began berating supporters of Peebles on Facebook, no doubt ending more friendships. The supporters of Roundtree must have looked on with glee at the bloodbath.

Another race to yield an interesting public throwdown was the race for Superior Court.

Juvenile Court Judge Willie Saunders has mounted one of the first serious challenges against sitting judge

14 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

investigative reporting on local politics

Carlisle Overstreet in years. Even though Overstreet is beloved in some sectors of the community, it was seen immediately that Saunders presented a real threat. First, Saunders spent time in the District Attorney’s office and worked his way up to juvenile judge where he has shown his conservative credentials. It doesn’t hurt that Saunders is a black man running in a majority black city against a man that did not want local civil rights icon Judge Ruffin’s name to be placed on the new Judicial Center in his honor.

Enter attorney Jack Long who found a bankruptcy in Saunders past and immediately filed to have Saunders disqualified due to how the bankruptcy matter was handled and just exactly how Saunders was paying off his creditors. This, itself, was a strange attack because generally attorneys who practice before Superior Court tend to stay in the sidelines when judges run against one another. After all, everyone must practice before them no matter who wins. In the end, Secretary Of State Brian Kemp ruled that Saunders was qualified to run emboldening Saunders supporters and leaving egg on Long’s face. For his part, Saunders seemed to take the entire episode in stride and never once said anything derogatory about the Augusta attorney’s frivolous charges which probably further endeared him to his support base.

The one race that stood out in the area for its ethics and clean politics was the Republican primary race for Columbia County Chief Magistrate. This seat is important because it is a springboard for the possibility of higher office like Superior Court Judge, and three very qualified candidates emerged. Jason Hasty, Jason Trioano, and Christopher Hudson (a sibling of this writer) all threw their hats in the ring as soon as

sitting Chief Magistrate Bobby Christine announced he would not run. Though there was plenty of mud that could have been thrown in the race, all three men decided to take the high road and campaign on their merits. As a result, no one’s financial history was splashed across the media and no long standing friendships among supporters were ruined

du r i ng the race. .

In fact, ...many voters had a tough time deciding because they liked all three candidates.

Future candidates may want to look at the Columbia County Chief Magistrate race and use that as a blueprint for their own aspirations for office. After all, which is better, leaving a trail of destruction in your wake and winning the race tarnished, or treating your opponents civilly unless there is truly something in their character or past that makes them unfit for office. I value my friendships, and there is no way I would ever let a political race destroy them. .

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

The Riverkeeper’s Mission

photos by sofia colton photography

400 MILE CLEANUP Tonya Bonitatibus, Executive Director of the Savannah Riverkeeper pulls out several used tires that were dumped into the Savannah. Tonya says many tires have been dumped legally as part of the City of Augusta’s initiative in the 1970’s.

I

n early March of 2011, the state governments of Georgia and South Carolina were engaged in petty bickering over the environmental regulation of the Savannah River. Tonya Bonitatibus, executive director and Riverkeeper for the Savannah Riverkeeper, recalls that while each state had good reasons for wanting their laws applied to the river, few were advocating for the river itself.

“Congressman John Barrow supported a bill that the EPA could no longer regulate waterways, and that it was up to the states to enforce regulation, which would be great if the river flowed only through Georgia,” Bonitatibus said. “There’s not an invisible wall separating one section of the river from another, it’s all one river and when an industrial plant in South Carolina dumps something in it will eventually make its way down to the port in Savannah.”

Her solution was to stage a live-in on a raft in the middle of the Savannah River, where she stayed for eleven very cold, windy days until her organization recruited 500 members to give of their time and money to support the Savannah River itself.

The live-in occurred at mile marker 200, exactly halfway along the Savannah River’s 400 mile span from Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina to the nation’s fourth largest port in Savannah, Ga., but even that only describes a portion of the Savannah Riverkeeper’s 10,000 square-mile territory.

“I am the Riverkeeper for the entire watershed, which is anywhere that a single drop of water runs into the Savannah River,” said Bonitatibus. “That includes all the creeks and streams that run into the Savannah River. Our sole purpose is to protect the water quality of the Savannah River and advocate

for those citizens relying on that water quality.”

According to Bonitatibus, 1.4 million people rely on the Savannah River for their drinking water, many who are unaware how critical the river is to their daily lives. In addition to linking these people who depend on the river for their survival, the river also links 48 industrial and municipal outfalls which dump 6.8 million tons of effluent into the river every year, qualifying it as the fourth most toxic river in the United States.

The Savannah Riverkeeper program was founded 11 years ago to rehabilitate, educate and advocate for the river and is one-hundred percent member supported, depending on memberships, donations and volunteers to help accomplish their mission.

“A lot of our founders were concerned citizens from Savannah and Augusta who were associated with the Sierra Club or the Nature Conservancy, both of which have pretty broad views without a specific focus, so the fact that our organization can focus specifically on the river allows us to be much more effective in what we do,” said Bonitatibus. “When the economy tanked is when the Riverkeeper’s work became much more important; because every industry self reports and there is no government agency testing the outfalls, we’ve had to pick up the slack in the field work. There’s no money to keep the government agencies healthy, so there’s been de-regulation through de-funding. We’re the only organization that can and still does hold businesses accountable.”

According to Bonitatibus, the culture of selective enforcement in Columbia County has led to construction sites ignoring their permits and destroying the trees and root systems that prevent dirt from flowing into the Savannah River. This has destroyed

1.4 Million people rely on the Savannah River for clean drinking water. Ms.Bonitatibus says her children swim in the Savannah River, but they would not catch, cook, and eat fish from the Savannah.

a lot of Jones Creek Golf Course, whose utility pond has been almost completely filled in by the amounts of dirt and minerals flowing downstream, and the golf course is now partnering with Savannah Riverkeeper to sue Columbia County for failure to enforce their own policies.

“We became involved because for years now they have failed to enforce their own policies regarding our waterways, such as making sure that permits received by construction sites are being followed,” she said. “They’re good at issuing permits, but you can issue permits all day and it doesn’t do anybody any good if you don’t enforce the law.”

“It’s a decision we have to make collectively, and I think

continued on page 17

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 15

16 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

photos by sofia colton photography

The Savannah Riverkeeper territory involves a 400 mile stretch from the Nantahala Forest in North Carolina to the port in Savannah, Georgia with Augusta in between.

we’ve already made it,” she continued. “If the government isn’t going to be able to clean up the river then we need to trust in an organization that can.”

Savannah Riverkeeper takes their role as sole protector of the river very seriously, and already has several victories to their credit. Last year there was a massive fish kill where 12,000 fish washed up at Briar Creek, and when many citizens called the local news stations they were ignored. Instead, they called the Savannah Riverkeeper, who came out and recorded a You Tube video every single day to inform viewers about their findings and the changes they had seen in the river.

“When you send out an e-mail with one still picture you kind of get an idea what’s happening, but I started taking video while working out on the river and it really caught on,” said Bonitatibus. “It’s much more interesting for people to see us in action. If I tell you that companies turn the river black it sends a message, but if I show you the color of the river and keep you updated about our findings, it might really encourage someone to want to do something about it.”

Savannah Riverkeeper was also instrumental in getting

Between PCS, DSM, and URQUORT about half of every chemical put into the 400 mile Savannah River comes from the South Augusta\Sand Bar Ferry Area.

Olin Chemicals to agree to change their business practices.

The company’s process for making chlorine caused Mercury levels in their channel leading into the river to rise 64 thousand times higher than state standards, which is why the process was made illegal in Japan in 1956. Riverkeeper led a sevenyear campaign against this extremely outdated practice and in 2010 finally convinced the company to agree to change.

“They would still be operating the exact same way if we hadn’t called attention to it,” she said.

Other ongoing areas of focus include the expanding Nuclear Plant Vogtle, which already uses 64 million gallons of water a day and evaporates 45 million. By contrast the city of Augusta uses 41 million gallons of water a day, but Plant Vogtle is now asking for 78 million gallons more.

Riverkeeper is also focused on areas outside of Augusta, such as the harbor deepening at the port in Savannah. Because saltwater holds less oxygen than fresh water, the deeper they dig the less oxygen there is in the river. This compounded with industrial dumping will put the oxygen levels of the river and the drinking water of the city of Savannah at risk.

“Our lawsuit against the Corp of Engineers in Savannah is not aimed at stopping harbor deepening, but on getting them to be more responsible,” said Bonitatibus. “The plan they have now does not adequately protect those in Savannah or upstream. All 1.4 million people relying on the water have to be protected by the plan, and if not we all lose.”

This plan makes no secret about being the final nail in the coffin for the stripped bass, a type of fish which lives in the estuaries surrounding the port. The plan would destroy the fishes’ natural breeding ground, but contains a provision for spending $256,000 to dump new fish into the river, which Bonitatibus says is an ineffective solution to entirely the wrong problem.

“They also want to spend $36 million to build a fish ladder at the lock and dam, which is a gravel bed that will give fish a new area to get into,” she said. “It’s unproven technology, and we have a lot of reasons to believe it will not work. It doesn’t make sense to take one part of a fish’s life cycle and replace it with another, which is what they intend on doing by destroying their food habitat but giving them more places to breed. The fish aren’t going to feel like breeding if they can’t eat!”

Bonitatibus believes there is not one single solution to stopping pollution, but by focusing on the entire river she hopes her organization can make a difference. Through a strong online presence on Facebook, You Tube and at Savannahriverkeeper.org, she is mobilizing an army of concerned volunteers who together can help to clean up the river.

“The Waterkeeper Alliance decided there was only one Riverkeeper, but I always thought that we should all consider ourselves Riverkeepers,” said Bonitatibus, who affectionately calls her volunteers River Rats. “A huge component of what we do is trying to get people to use the river, because the more a river is used for recreational purposes the cleaner it has to be.”

Psychologists have coined the term “nature-deprivation” to define our culture of video games and lack of outdoor engagement, which Bonitatibus agrees reflects the way the culture has shifted so that people don’t engage in nature as much as they used to. In Augusta, the levy itself can make people feel separated from the water, which is why the Riverkeeper sponsors events like the Teenkeeper

This outfall at the Urquort Power Plant is one of 48 along the River. The Riverkeeper says The Savannah is relatively clean in the CSRA, however once you pass the Sand Bar Ferry Bridge, it becomes an industrial river.

Program, Benderdinker and Paddlefest, coming up August 11, to make people more aware of the resource that’s so very close to home.

“It’s protected, but it’s also something people can engage in,” she said. “The biggest thing is that it’s a public resource.

It belongs to you and me. It doesn’t belong to the government or the corporations who dump their waste into it. It doesn’t belong to any one person but to all of us, and we should all be concerned about what happens to it.” article by CHristopher selmek

verge voices To report illegal dumping or to get involved with debris or abandoned boat removal—Contact the Riverkeeper email info@savannahriverkeeper.org or call 706.826.8991

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 17

18 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

FAREWell show in csra august 10th / PG 23

behind the curtain

time to get in costume / PG 24

coco Rubio’s q & a

jazzing it up with karen/ PG 27

when life sends you on a detour

aiken native’s story /pg 25

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 19

daily planner

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.

THEATRE ALMOST, MAINE A play by John Cariani. On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.

Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre; $25 to $40; 32100 Third Ave.; 706.703.8552 FORTGORDON.COM

+ THURSDAY

8.2 Augusta Museum’s Dollar Dog Days

T

he Augusta Museum of History, the only Museum in the CSRA accredited by the American Association of Museums, was established in 1937 for the purpose of preserving and sharing the material history of Augusta and the region. From a 10,000 year-old projectile point to a 1914 locomotive, the collections chronicle a rich and fascinating past.

This August, visitors can take in all that the museum has to offer by taking advantage of the Augusta Museum of History for Dollar Dog Days of Summer. Throughout the entire month of August, admission to the Museum is only $1 per person!

On view is the rich regional history in Augusta Story, Augusta’s celebrities in Local Legends and other new display and unusual artifacts throughout the museum! Local Legends presents the stories of the region’s extraordinary individuals, celebrating talented musicians, singers, authors, actors, athletes, artists and notable who have excelled in other fields such as journalists, scientists and politicians. Some of those highlighted are James Brown, Brenda Lee, Berry Fleming, Vernon Forrest, Ty Cobb, Larry Mize, Susan Still and Governor Carl Sanders.

Also, in celebration of the Museum’s 75th anniversary, visitors can check out the Blast from the Past exhibit which has everything from a bison to fossils. The exhibit and the featured artifacts represent what and how displays appeared years ago. Many of the items in the show were acquired between 1940 and 1990.

In addition to admission to the museum families are invited to join the fun Hunt for History, a self-guided journey through Augusta’s Story for children of all ages.

Beat the heat and cool off this August with the Dollar Dog Days of Summer at the Augusta Museum of History.

The Museum is located at 560 Reynolds Street in Downtown Augusta. Hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. For more information call 703.722.8454 or visit www.augustamuseum.org.

compiled from area press releases by Jennifer Pruett

20 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

EDUCATION THE H. L. HUNLEY AND THE MYSTERY OF ITS HISTORY Speaker: Diane Brady. Augusta Museum of History; 3 p.m.; free; 560 Reynolds St.; 706.722.4073 FESTIVAL MIDTOWN FIRST THURSDAY Enjoy food, drink, music and lively conversation at Augusta’s midtown shops.

Artists on display will include members of the Augusta Photo Festival steering committee, including Mary Bordeaux, Ed Belinski, Tricia Hughes, Frank Lazenby, David Lindsey, Carol Lee, Ed McCranie, Syd Padgett, Rebecca Rogers, Dwain Shaw and Will Tullis. The Midtown Market; 5 p.m.; Central Ave. and Kings Way; 706.364.8479

CONCERT MINDLESS BEHAVIOR Their fulllength, debut album, with the singles Hello, My Girl and Mrs. Right, debuted in the Top Ten of the Billboard Top 200 album chart and has sold over 270,000 copies, 2.9 million ringtones and more than 650,000 singles. Bell Auditorium; 7 p.m.; $43; 712 Telfair St.; 706.722.3521 GEORGIALINATIX.COM

+ FRIDAY

8.3

FILM FILMS ON FRIDAY Porgy and Bess, (1959).

After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion.

Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Morris Museum of Art; noon; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

JULY 20-August 4 2012

+ SATURDAY

LITERARY WHATEVER IS LOVELY: DESIGN FOR AN ELEGANT SPIRIT Author Marsha Maurer will be on-hand to discuss and sign the book. Barnes and Noble at the Augusta Mall; 4 p.m.; free; 3450 WrightsboroRd. FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets and arts and craft vendors sell their handmade goods along Broad Street. Family friendly.

Ends at 10 p.m. Downtown Augusta; 5 p.m.; free; Broad St.; 706.826.4702 AUGUSTAARTS.COM

THEATRE ALMOST, MAINE See listing on Aug. 2. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre; 6:30 p.m.

CONCERT PALMETTO STATE QUARTET Pine View Baptist Church; 7 p.m.; $10; 117 Pleasant Home Rd.; 706.396.7021 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

Charleston RiverDogs.

Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Rd.; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM 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.; 48 to $10; 304 8th St.; 706.722.3322

8.4

OUTDOORS SWAMP SATURDAY Trained volunteers lead free, 2.5-mile hikes through the Nature Park.

Walk through wetlands, over picturesque trails and scenic outlooks. Phinizy Swamp; 9:30 a.m.; free; 1858 Lock & Dam Rd.; 706.828.2109 FESTIVAL CRUISEIN CAR SHOW Aiken Horsepower hosts the Cruise-In Car Show.

Check out some of the area’s beautiful classic cars.

Home Depot; 1 p.m.; free; 1785 Whiskey Rd., Aiken; 803.270.3505 GOOD CAUSE STORKS & CORKS Observe the endangered wood stork at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Following the stork viewing, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a sampling of wines. Silver Bluff Audubon Center; 4 p.m.; $40; 4542 Silver Bluff Rd., Jackson; 803.471.0291

+ SUNDAY

8.5

FOR KIDS ARTRAGEOUS! FAMILY SUNDAY Tara Scheyer and the Mudpuppy Band perform.

Afterwards, make a watercolor painting inspired by one of your favorite songs. Morris Museum of Art; 2 p.m.; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

Augusta to host “Magical” Championship

T

he Augusta Sports Council (ASC) and the International Quidditch Association (IQA) have announced that Augusta, GA will host the 2013 IQA Southern Regional Championship.

The two-day tournament will attract more than 20 collegiate and club teams from 15 states throughout the south. Additional details, including the event venue and date will be announced soon.

The game of Quidditch, created by J.K. Rowling for the Harry Potter series, is a sport is described as an extremely rough but very popular semi-contact sport played by wizards and witches around the world. Matches are played between two teams of seven players riding flying broomsticks, using four balls and six elevated ringshaped goals three on each side of the Quidditch pitch (field). The sport, without the flying broomsticks of course, was adapted by students at Middlebury College in 2005.

The International Quidditch Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of Quidditch and inspiring young people to lead physically active and socially engaged lives. With nearly 700 teams in 28 states, Quidditch is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports. The South region represents one of the most vibrant Quidditch communities in the United States.

“The Augusta Sports Council is thrilled to support our community by bringing new, different and exciting sporting events, like Quidditch, to Augusta,” said ASC CEO Brinsley Thigpen. “We are confident that the first Southern Regional Championship will be a fun and athletic adventure for participants and spectators alike.”

For more information about the IQA and the sport of Quidditch, please visit internationalquidditch.org. compiled from area press releases by Jennifer Pruett

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 21

daily planner SPORTS SOUL CITY SIRENS ROLLER DERBY vs. Burn City. Bring a folding chair or blanket.

Roller Derby is a family friendly event. Children 12-and-under are admitted for free. Red Wing Rollerway; 6:30 p.m.; $10 to $15; 3065 Washington Rd.; 803.295.9618 SOULCITYSIRENS.COM

+ MONDAY

8.6

SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

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

+ TUESDAY

8.7

FILM SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN Rated PG-13.

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

+ THURSDAY

8.9

ART EXHIBITION OPENING: THE ART OF ALFRED HUTTY The “From Woodstock to Charleston” exhibit will be discussed by Sara Arnold, curator of collections at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston. Reception follows. Free for museum members. Morris Museum of Art; 6 p.m.; $5; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501

LITERARY MEET THE AUTHOR | MS. EDNA DAVIS Headquarters Library; 7 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG THEATRE THE PRINCE IS GIVING A BALL Kroc Center; 7 p.m.; $10 to $15; 1833 Broad St.; 706.771.7777 ENOPION.COM

AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 18 2012

+FRIDAY

+ TUESDAY

+ FRIDAY

8.10 8.14 8.17

CONCERT ED TURNER AND NUMBER 9 The band will perform 3 sets of music, including the entire “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. Presented by the Columbia County Exchange Club to benefit child abuse prevention in the CSRA. Imperial Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $15 to $40; 745 Broad St.; 706.722.8341

+ SATURDAY

8.11

LITERARY AUTHOR CHARMAIN BRACKETT Brackett’s book, “The Key of Elyon,” successfully breaks genres between sci-fi and fantasy, while taking both adult and young adult readers on a fascinating, action-packed journey through surfacing secrets and parallel realms.

Headquarters Library; 1:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG THEATRE THE PRINCE IS GIVING A BALL Kroc Center; 7 p.m.; $10 to $15; 1833 Broad St.; 706.771.7777 ENOPION.COM GOOD CAUSE ED TURNER AND NUMBER 9 See listing on Aug. 10. Imperial Theatre; 7:30 p.m.

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

+WEDNESDAY

8.15

COMMUNITY FORT GORDON SPOUSES & CIVILIANS MEMBERSHIP KICK-OFF Membership is open to anyone affiliated with Fort Gordon Family Outreach Center; 11 a.m.; free; Fort Gordon 254.217.1595 FGSCC.COM

+THURSDAY

8.16

COMMUNITY AUGUSTA AREA NEWCOMER’S CLUB Opportunity for new, area residents to make friends, join in activities and clubs and be involved in community service projects.

RSVP for more information.

706.495.9064

+ SUNDAY

8.12

CONCERT KEB’ MO’ SOLO Concertgoers are encouraged to dress in their favorite elegant attire and walk the red carpet at the entrance. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center; 7 p.m.; $45 to $50; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.; 706.726.0366

CONCERT MIDDAY MUSIC SERIES Concert series is held the third Thursday of each month. Call to make reservations for lunch, which is $9. First Presbyterian Church; noon; free; 224 Barnwell Ave. NW, Aiken; 803.648.2662 ART OPENING MORSBERGER AND NAKASHIMA EXHIBIT Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art in Washington Hall at ASU; 5 p.m.; free; 2500 Walton Way AUG.EDU

+ MONDAY

8.13

SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs.

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

22 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

LITERARY IT’S YOUR BOOK CLUB It Worked For Me by Colin Powell.

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

ART ART AT LUNCH “Outsider and Artist: Hutty and the Soul of a City.”

Author and archivist Harlan Greene discusses Alfred Hutty, the artist who made a career of interpreting Charleston and the low country. Paid reservations due by Aug. 15. Morris Museum of Art; noon; $10 to $14; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG

SPORTS PAL BLUE NIGHT 5K RUN/WALK Fun run for children is $10. Register online. Citizens Park; 7 p.m.; $25; 1070 Banks Mill Rd., Aiken ACTIVE.COM THEATRE THE PRINCE IS GIVING A BALL Kroc Center; 7 p.m.; $10 to $15; 1833 Broad St.; 706.771.7777 ENOPION.COM 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

+ 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 THEATRE THE PRINCE IS GIVING A BALL Kroc Center; 7 p.m.; $10 to $15; 1833 Broad St.; 706.771.7777 ENOPION.COM

CONCERT AN EVENING WITH KEM AND K’JON With 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

+ONGOING

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 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

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ Rain or shine. Ends Aug. 26. River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6; 8th St. and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM +MONDAYS CONCERT HOPELAND GARDENS CONCERT SERIES Outdoor concerts each Monday evening from through August.

Bring a chair or a blanket.

Hopeland Gardens; 7 p.m.; free; 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken; 803.642.7650 CITYOFAIKENSC.GOV

+THURSDAYS LITERARY CREATIVE WRITING GROUP This group is geared toward fiction writers interested in improving their craft.

Columbia County Library; 10 a.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; 706.447.8184 ECGRL.ORG +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

OUTDOORS SATURDAY SUNSET CRUISES Threehour excursion to the Savannah Rapids and head-gates. Enterprise Mill; 5:30 p.m.; $21; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM

+ONGOING

ART

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

PHILIP MORSBERGER AND 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

For more info:

Please visit vergelive.com

lokal loudness

vibe

Stoney’s sound bites

L

et me start this issue’s column with a message for all the “dead horse” beaters out there – I’m not going to spew off a bunch of negative rants about what happened on First Friday. We’ve listened to all the good intentioned people talk as well as to those who just jumped in on an opportunity to get some attention talk. It’s time to move on and get back to the business at hand – continuing to make Augusta even more awesome than it already is. Perfect? No. Awesome?

Well, heck yeah!

Speaking of awesome, Augusta has had some pretty incredible hard-working singer/songwriters through the years, and the past few have seen several like JIM PERKINS, WILL MCCRAINIE and CAREY MURDOCK work audiences in and out of town before eventually relocating to larger cities. As if to squash fears that Augusta’s singer/songwriters are all on the verge of flying the coop, youngster ADAM SAMS has pulled a switcharoo, moving to beautiful Augusta from Orange Park, Florida.

His father a Navy man, military brat Sams took to music as an outlet to cope with constantly relocating, along the way learning a multitude of instruments which prepared him for recording the majority of the instruments on his solo release “Welcome to the Motion”. Since its release Sams has been a promotional hammer.

When not playing gigs he is filming and releasing promo vids on his website that enlighten viewers to the thoughts of his songs. How he even gets the videos done and out is a miracle in itself. In July alone Sams performed 20 shows in 10 states from Florida to Massachusetts. Go to ADAMSAMS.COM to find out more info on this talented young singer/songwriter.

Well, while Mr. Sams may just be starting to kick the door down, Augusta alt rockers MAZES AND MONSTERS look to close the door on their two-year history with a farewell show August 10 at Sky City with special guests THE RADIO CINEMA and MANN RAY. In the band’s short history they recorded and released a cool CD and played a good many gigs building up a respectable following; but, citing “life circumstances” the group has now decided to call it a day. Get the CD and find out more at MAZESANDMONSTERS.BANDCAMP.COM. You know, I love rock and roll and you know what really rocks?

Roller derby! Just something raw and rockin’ about some tough gals getting up to speed on old school roller skates in order to shoulder tackle each other…and for points! If that sounds like your thing as well, get your tush (and folding chair) out to Red Wing Rollerway on August 5 as our own Soul City Sirens take on the Burn City Rollers from Auburn, Alabama. Go to soulcitysirens. com for tickets and info.

Well I broke a personal record as far as time I spent downtown last month and to be honest, thinking some nachos and an iced coffee sound pretty great right now. But before I head off to historic downtown Augusta AGAIN let me remind you to check the Daily Planner in this here Verge for a guide to some great upcoming live shows and to keep up in between stop by lokalloudness.com.

JOHN “STONEY” CANNON is considered the guru of “lokal” music. Check out his long-running Augusta music website: LOKALLOUDNESS.COM Send any music news to lokalloudness@yahoo.com.

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 23

photo by GENE HOWARD

SOY

behind the curtain

vibe

Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre

Area Costume Lady Helps Actors Assume Roles vibe A

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

24 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

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

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

Belair Village

Great clips 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!

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

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

10

$

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.

s soon as the bell rings on her Broad Street door, you can see her fiery red hair weaving through what may be the largest closet in the two-state area. And by the time Caren Bricker gets to the counter, you know that you have entered a different world.

Of course, most people would never know her by that name, because for downtown Augusta and the local arts community, she’s just Ooollee, the owner of Vintage Ooollee at the corner of 11th and Broad. And if you’ve seen a show in Augusta in the last year, chances are you’ve seen some of her work.

When you first meet her, Ooollee drips of artistic expression, but what you find out quickly in her shop is that she is a business owner at heart. If you’ve ever worked with artists, you know that organization is seldom priority number one. But in the year since she’s purchased the costume rental inventory that previously belonged to Fat Man’s, Ooollee has cleaned each piece in her inventory and employs two seamstresses who add to her collection daily. Princesses were on the agenda the day I was in the shop: Snow White’s dress was conveniently made from two old prom dresses, while Cinderella’s was built from scratch.

And though I’ve worked with her any number of times, I’m still amazed at how Ooollee makes everyone who comes into the shop feel like they’re an old friend. When I was there last I met a clown looking for face paint and a dance instructor trying to costume her next production. I’m surprised at the changes each time I visit. This time, Ms. Bricker was quick to show off Marilyn Monroe’s signature dress, next to what may be the best vampire costume I’ve ever seen. One aisle was full of flappers, while the next was more western wear than you can imagine. And when I asked her how many costumes she has, without thinking she rolled her eyes and said, “Thousands.”

Ooollee’s credits include the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater, the Augusta Players, Augusta State Opera, Le Chat Noir and even a national advertising campaign. But while the quality of merchandise is upscale, the price isn’t -- which is rare as most of the shop’s wares can’t be found anywhere else in Augusta.

Perhaps her competitive edge comes from the fact that she feels little need to compete. Vintage Ooollee is one of the most active shops downtown, and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can offer a suggestion of someone down the street who might. They’re now working with a coalition of downtowners to make First Friday the safe, business-friendly environment it was designed to be.

So whether you’re wanting to get dressed up, or just looking for some clothes with character, drop in on an artist in action. I can guarantee you’ll feel as good as you look when you leave.

$

6

OR

.99

HAIRCUT

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

OFF ER EXPIRES: 9/14/12

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

vibe

A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE CREATES “DETOUR” FOR A SOUTHEASTERN ATTORNEY

A

iken native Neil Ligon held a book signing for his book, “The Detours,” at Aiken Office Supply on Whiskey Road on Saturday, July 21. Ligon, whose mother, Em Ligon, is an Aiken High School teacher, was critically injured in a car accident in 2004, leaving him with traumatic brain injury. His book describes his many months of rehabilitation and his realization that one never fully recovers from such an injury…

On July 27 and 28, 2004, Neil Ligon passed the Georgia bar and began preparing for a career as a lawyer. He would spend all summer in New Orleans, as he put it, enjoying the final vestiges of childhood, relishing irresponsibility.

On August 30, 2004, Neil had to race home to Atlanta to deal with family issues while a hurricane blew against the coast, a storm flooding the roads. Neil drove with the cruise control on; the car began to hydroplane. Before he could get control of the automobile, he swerved off the road and rolled one and a half times down a hill. Suspended by his seatbelt, Neil could not move, severally damaged in the body and mind. Alone.

On May 8, 2012, Neil published his memoir “The Detours” detailing his journey from the hospital back into the law office, from the night of the crash during which he sustained a severe brain injury to his recovery and rehabilitation. The memoir works easily as a contemplative narrative of loss, suffering, and ultimately, the love that helps us recover who we are.

“I had always been interested in writing and was an avid reader. I liked Kurt Vonnegut who was not traditionally trained,” said Neil.

Neil graduated college with a degree in English before going to law school; this required a lot of reading, though he allotted reading for pleasure gradually less time. Before the crash, was interested in writing and naturally brimming with imagination. He loved words and how he could twist them and toy with their meanings. Not until three years after the horrific crash did he ever conceive of writing a novel.

When a man found Neil trapped in his car at the side of the road, he called an ambulance; they removed him with the Jaws of Life. He broke the orbital above his left eye and the orbital below his right, and he fractured his jaw. But the most severe damage occurred in the brain, which according to Neil was like, “my brain in a dyer.” Broken neural connections caused loss of balance, fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning and memory.

Neil could hardly remember the following year spent in a hospital but needed to reconstruct these memories when he began “The Detours”. He describes his lack of memory as “absolutely terrifying.”

“To this day, it haunts me on a level. There are so many catch phrases that remind you of a very unique situation. The fortunate thing is you can’t know what you don’t know. I can’t know what I used to remember.

My knowledge at the time was limited. Every time I was around someone, I felt that I should have known them. My memories returned haphazardly. I could not tell which were dreams and what had actually happened. I quit trusting my mind, which is something people take for granted.”

To collect the stories needed for “The Detours,” Neil interviewed family members and friends as well as referring to doctors’ notes.

He found his medical records, charts, x-rays post-crash, but more importantly, he asked everyone what happened, trying to reconcile conflicting facts, attempting to piece together a life had forgotten he had lived.

Neil mentioned, “When people do have brain problems, you may not really know what you think you know. It’s the surreal feeling that you can’t trust what you know for certain is true.”

He already was attempting to reclaim his past when he decided to write The Detours. He struggled at work because of cognitive limitations, though he had recovered miraculously physically, though still suffering from extreme fatigue. He quit work to spend the next eight to ten months writing his novel.

“I ended up wanting to sit down to recreate my past because I was missing so much of it,” said Neil.

Storytelling provided Neil with a sort of catharsis, a way to explain why he did certain things, why he had to live now the way he did them.

Having lost much of his personal memory of his past, he resorted to making the crash his story.

“The first time it occurred to me [to write a memoir] was three and half years after the accident. I was telling everyone about the injury and what had happened. I was telling my story as an apology for who I wasn’t.”

Walking away from work to write a novel brought up a lot of fears. “My mom was always very supportive along the way. It’s hard for any parent to say it’s okay to walk around from stability and walk into the unknown.”

Though Neil does not claim to speak for everyone with brain damage, since the nature of such injuries varies so greatly, he hopes his story gives hope to families with members suffering.

“I can only convey what my experience was. I think it is helpful, and I retained the capacity to discuss what I went through,” Neil said.

Brain injuries have become a prevalent issue today where science helps us understand more about how the brain works and sometimes does not work, and from the NFL to rehabilitation centers, understanding brain injuries might change how people treat those who endure them. Before writing the book, Neil had no example of when a brain injury victim recovered greatly. But he hopes that his story will help people see that that it will be okay and give an example of when it did turn out successfully.

He now hopes to return to legal advocacy soon and devotes much of his time to better understanding brain damage. He has become part of a support group in Emery and hopes in the future to use his experiences to keep the community informed on advances in surgeries, tests, and procedures available.

Neil’s book is available on Amazon as well as local bookstores. He can also be found at deedspublishing.com.

Attorney\Author Neil Ligon suffered a severe brain injury in the summer of 2004.

“Detour” was published in May, 2012 and is available at CSRA bookstores and amazon.com

by Derek berry

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 25

the film reel

vibe

now playing on the big screen

FRESH, LOCAL INGREDIENTS DA I LY S P E C IA L S E XC E P T I O NA L W I N E S UNIQUE FRENCH CUISINE

From his hometown of Lyon, the Mecca of French cuisine, culinary wizard Chef Manuel Verney-Carron uses his exceptional artistry to extend delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, all guaranteed to delight any palate.

Now serving fresh vegetables from Manuel’s Blue Clay Farm and Outdoor Kitchen.

Located in the heart of Hammond’s Ferry, a New Urbanism community in North Augusta, South Carolina.

W E D N E S DAY N I G H T S L I V E M U S I C

505 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841

(803) 380-1323

manuelsbreadcafe.com

Tu e , F r i , S a t 9 a m - 1 0 p m M o n , We d , T h u r 1 1 a m - 1 0 p m Sunday Brunch 11:30am-3pm

26 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

Daily Specials

H

ollywood’s remake time machine takes us back to 1990 for a reboot of TOTAL RECALL, the sci-fi thriller based on a short story by Philip K. Dick that featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone under the direction of Paul Verhoeven. Colin Farrell takes on Schwarzenegger’s role as a jaded blue collar worker who seeks out a service that embeds exciting fictitious life memories in his mind, but something goes awry, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Instead of the intergalactic angle the prior film took, director Len Wiseman’s remake positions Farrell as a terrestrial spy with killer instincts. Wiseman’s wife, Kate Beckinsale, takes on Stone’s former role. Jessica Biel stars as Farrell’s ally while Bryan Cranston (TV’s Breaking Bad) plays the controlling villain.

Jeff Kinney’s online cartoon, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, grew into a cultural sensation with the young adult crowd. In November, Kinney will release the seventh book in his series and on August 3, the franchise’s third film hits theaters. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS takes elements from Kinney’s third Wimpy Kid book, The Last Straw, yet it focuses more on his fourth book, a look at the life of awkward pre-teen Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) during the “dog days” of summer. Steve Zahn plays Greg’s well-meaning but clueless dad. David Bowers (Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules) returns as director.

August 10 openers include THE CAMPAIGN, an election comedy that pits long-time incumbent Will Ferrell against political newcomer Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) in a North Carolina congressional race. Director Jay Roach’s comedy credits include Austin Powers and Meet the Parents.

Ferrell’s FunnyorDie.com co-conspirator Adam McKay helped write and produce this political satire.

Writer Robert Ludlum’s super-spy trilogy led to a juicy role for Matt Damon, who starred as the title character in The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Now there’s a new “Bourne” in the spotlight although this character doesn’t answer to the name Jason Bourne. Jeremy Renner (The Avengers, The Hurt Locker) takes over as spy extraordinaire in THE BOURNE LEGACY, with an original story penned by franchise screenwriter Tony Gilroy. Renner plays Aaron Cross, a spy like Bourne who is plagued by a manipulative cast of government agency handlers. Rachel Weisz plays Cross’ lovely scientist companion as fellow series newcomer Edward Norton hunts them down. Joan Allen, David Strathairn and Albert Finney reprise former roles. Gilroy directs this installment, which leaves the door open for Damon and former series director Paul Greengrass to return for a fifth film. The duo declined to participate in this chapter of the series because of creative differences.

Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star as a married couple struggling with intimacy. Steve Carell plays the counselor who tries to help them put the spark back into their relationship in HOPE SPRINGS. David Frankel (Marley & Me, The Devil Wears Prada) directs. If watching a film about middle-aged affection isn’t appealing to you, perhaps NITRO CIRCUS: THE MOVIE in 3D is more your speed. Travis Pastrana and his adrenaline junkie friends take their antics to the big screen, Jackass-style.

Sadly, bad guys do exist in real life. Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting and their loved ones. by mariah gardner, movie guru

NIGHTLIFE WEDNESDAY, AUG 1

KATHLEEN TURNEROVERDRIVE @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 18 2012 MAZES AND MONSTERS FINALE SHOW + RADAR CINEMA + MANN RAY | Sky City | 10 p.m.

Wednesdays

KARAOKE @ Midtown Lounge 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUG 11 JOE OLDS @ Coyote’s 9 p.m., $5

THURSDAY, AUG 2

SOUTHERN CONDUCT @ Midtown Lounge | 8 p.m.

CAMERAS, GUNS & RADIOS + NOT QUITE DEVILS + MANN RAY @ The First Round 8 p.m.

DEAD CONFEDERATE + TWIN TIGERS + BROTHER @ Sky City | 10 p.m., $10

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

JOE STEVENSON @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

BIKE NIGHT!@ The First Round | 8 PM The first drink is on us!

Thursdays

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

CONNOR PLEDGER @ Carolina Ale House | 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUG 3 LIQUID

SOUL WITH MAXIMUS PARTHAS + TRIBAL RAINE @ The Jazz Lounge | 9 p.m., $15 to $20 PRESTON SUMMERVILLE @ Coyote’s | 9 p.m., $5

SUNDAY, AUG 12

ARTEMIA + EAST FROM WEST + MY BROTHER’S KEEPER + ANATOMY OF AN OCEAN + KILL THE HOST @ Sector 7G | 5:30 p.m., $7

BOOM BOX @ Soul Bar 8 p.m., Drink specials daily during Happy Hour (4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Friday).

TANGO NIGHT @ Casa Blanca Café | 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG 16

RHES REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m.

KEITH GREGORY @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

RUBY KENDRICK + THE RAMBLIN’ FEVERS @ Sky City 10 p.m., $5

FRIDAY, AUG 17

BLACKJACK BILLY @ Coyote’s JASON AND THE HAYMAKERS 8 p.m. @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

SATURDAY, AUG 4

FOXY SHAZAM @ Sky City 9 p.m., $5 to $10 SWYRV @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

JOHN KARL @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

TUESDAY, AUG 7

HAPPY BONES @ Joe’s Underground | 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG 8 SIBLING STRING @ Joe’s Underground | 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG 9

3RD HAND SMOKE @ Joe’s Underground | 9:30 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THE LOUNGE @ The Jazz Lounge | 10 p.m., $10 ANTHONY ORIO @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5 THE CORDUROY ROAD @ Stillwater Taproom | 10 p.m., $5

SATURDAY, AUG 18

BLACKJACK BILLY @ Coyote’s 8 p.m.

ALL-OUT ACOUSTIC FRIDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m.

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 8 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @ The First Round | 10 p.m., free LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY @ The Partridge Inn | 10 p.m.

Saturdays

NOW DANCE, BABY! SATURDAY @ Hotel Aiken 9:30 p.m., with DJ Kenny Ray, Greatwhitefunk & Smurf FREE DANCE LESSONS @ Country Club | 7 p.m.

FRESHSOUNDS DANCE PARTY @ The Playground 8 p.m.

MORGAN FRAZIER @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY Mondays UNIVERSAL BOOGIE TOUR With BUKUE ONE + 21 SOUL + SYMPL + COACH K @ Sky City | 10 p.m., $5

Fridays

Sundays

SPORTS NIGHT @ Surrey Tavern | 7 p.m.

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

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

BEER PONG @ The Playground 10 p.m.

coco’s q&a

vibe

Coco rubio’s One on One Chat With CSRA Musicians

KAREN GORDON

C

OCO: You come from a very musical family -- does everybody play an instrument?

KAREN: No, but all of us have had some sort of music instruction at some point.

My father was a classically trained pianist and my mother’s a nurse. Of the six of us, only Wycliffe and I are working musicians. I play piano and sing. Wycliffe does it all. Our other siblings play for fun.

COCO: Wycliffe is one of the most amazing musicians i’ve ever seen. Was he always naturally that good growing up or did he just practice a lot?

KAREN: I’m tempted to say ‘both’, but, until band, I don’t think he really connected to anything. It was right around this time that we got a piano in the house. When our parents split, we left the piano. I hadn’t realized until now, really, just how important the piano was for me. It’s as if we got our mojo back when Mom bought that piano. But, Wycliffe practiced ALL THE TIME. We took piano lessons together. Our mother worked nights, so she slept during the day. Wycliffe would practice the trombone in the garage, then come inside and practice the piano until Mom made him quit so she could rest. I believe Wycliffe was always that good, but he still practiced. Still does!

COCO: How long have you been doing the sunday jazz shows on the river?

KAREN: I’ve been booking bands and promoting Candlelight Jazz since 2003. At first the event lasted for eight weeks – now we’re at 23. I love it. It gives me an opportunity to work with some great musicians and young people. I receive a great deal of satisfaction in being able to present student performers alongside musicians who’ve traveled and performed extensively in some cases. When I was in high school band, our only performance options were in the school gym.

COCO: Do you think we should have more live music on first friday?

KAREN: More music? Most definitely. Music attracts people - brings us together.

I believe it can be a vehicle to affect positive change, to light the darkness. Regular performances at The Augusta Common or the Amphitheatre would be great. Maybe even some dance or art events, movies, etc.

COCO: Who would be in your fantasy augusta all star jazz band if you could put together any musicians past or present?

KAREN: Jerry Harris (piano) - Bud Hudson (piano) - Tutu D’Vyne (vocal) Ari Brown (vocal) - Michael Tanksley (guitar) - Edwin Hamilton (drums) – Not Gaddy (drums) - Tommie Gulley (bass) - Tim Sanders (tenor sax) – Wycliffe (trombone) - Henry Johnson (tenor sax, vocal).

COCO: What’s the last album you bought?

KAREN: I picked up two last week. Radio Music Society by Esperanza Spalding and Blue Moon from Ahmad Jamal.

COCO: When not doing the music thing – do you have any other hobbies?

KAREN: I don’t perform a lot around town, but I’m always working.

Garden City Jazz sponsors (arranges/books) all the performances at the Saturday Market now, and I spend a lot of my time there, talking to people about what a great city Augusta is. I do enjoy hanging out downtown, whether during the week at a coffeehouse or café or bar, or on the weekend at the Market. And music is always there, in the conversations. It’s ever-present!

(Karen is currently working on putting together her own local all-star jazz band and will be performing at the Augusta Common on First Friday September 7)

FRIDAY, AUG 10

DANIEL JOHNSON BAND @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5 FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THE LOUNGE @ The Jazz Lounge 10 p.m., $10

Tuesdays

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

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

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.

PIANO @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 27

28 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

BEERS LOCALS LIKE downtown brew / PG 31

our taste buds

it’s blueberry season / PG 31

t-bonz expansion heading west / PG 33

food for the soul for under $50

real restaurant review /pg 33

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 29

30 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

fresh food bites

vittles

feed your family

vittles

Honey from the Rock Café

Blueberries Take Away H Summer Blues S

ummer means blueberry season, and blueberry season means lots of delicious, nutritious recipes. Blueberries are not only popular, but also repeatedly ranked in the U.S. diet as having one of the highest antioxidant capacities among all fruits, vegetables, spices and seasonings.

Antioxidants are essential in optimizing health by helping to combat the free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA. Antioxidants are widely used in dietary supplements and have been investigated for the prevention of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and even altitude sickness.

While there are countless delicious blueberry dessert recipes, in an attempt to take advantage of their nutritional value in their simplest form, I have chosen to share a recipe for a quick, wellbalanced blueberry and mixed green salad. …

by JENNIFER PRUETT

MIXED GREEN BLUEBERRY SALAD INGREDIENTS: 1 cup fresh blueberries 10 ounces mixed greens 1 cup crumbled feta cheese ½ cup chopped walnuts Salt and pepper to taste

BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1 small clove garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon onion, finely minced 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon sugar 2 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons apple juice 1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS: To make dressing: add berries, garlic, onion, vinegar, sugar, apple juice and salt to blender and blend until berries are liquefied. Drizzle the olive oil through the top while the blender is running until the desired consistency is achieved.

Place the mixed greens in a chilled salad bowl, as this will help to keep them fresh and crispy. Add blueberries and walnuts and toss to evenly distribute. Top with feta and chopped walnuts and add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle salad with the desired amount of Blueberry Balsamic Dressing. I choose not to toss the dressing with the salad, as this may take away from the overall presentation.

Variations on this recipe include adding fresh grilled chicken, fish or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Here’s to happy healthy eating.

ome-style soul food at a place that feels like home – it just doesn’t get much better than that! Going out for lunch took on a whole new meaning for the Panini Family this week. Honey from the Rock Café is located on Washington Road just across from the Augusta National Golf Course. It is a quaint little café offering a cornucopia of home-cooked goodness!

We were greeted at the door with huge hugs and kind words from a super-sweet grandmatype lady who explained to us how the operation works. The café has a food line much like the cafeterias of old. They offer different meat specials each day and a variety of veggies that make decisions almost impossible.

Grabbing our trays and utensils, we headed down the food line. The first thing that struck me as a very pleasant surprise was that no one screamed, “Serve you please,” in a voice that told us we better hurry up, decide and move along quickly. If you’ve dined at S & S Cafeteria on Walton Way, you know exactly what I’m talking about!

Meals at Honey from the Rock consist of one meat, two veggies and choice of bread. On the menu Monday were chicken, grilled or fried, roast pork, liver and onions, chicken and dumplings and a wide variety of freshly cooked veggies and starches.

The meat-eating Panini’s all chose chicken on this outing…two of us going for the healthier grilled version and the others for the good stuff, fried of course. What we lacked in variety with our meat choices, we made up for in our veggie, starch and bread selections. Rob, who loves fresh vegetables, actually opted to skip the meat and go vegetarian. He had creamed corn, undoubtedly the best thing on the menu, steamed cabbage, field peas, sweet potato casserole and corn bread fritters. He had no complaints about anything he ate – and he ate a lot! The kids all had the creamed corn as well. In addition they sampled macaroni and cheese, rice and gravy, mashed potatoes corn muffins and rolls -- must be great to be kids and not worry about carb consumption, huh? Knowing I would be able to sneak bites of the goodness off of their plates, I chose to try different veggies…green beans and squash casserole. Yum and yum!

Food reviews are meant to be honest, and honestly, I have nothing negative to say about this experience. The atmosphere was a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday busyness, the friendly staff touched my heart in a way I will not soon forget and the food was absolutely delicious.

Our food total was $35, allowing us the opportunity to have dessert. After all that food we still made room in our bellies to share a huge piece of decadent chocolate cake, a slice of peanut butter pie and a bowl of home churned peach ice cream.

We met some fantastic people and dined within our budget…and yep, the bathrooms met my FOOD QUALITY standard. Honey from the Rock definitely made our list of favorite local hot spots. Give it a try!

SERVICE article by Sally Panini

ENVIRONMENT

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 31

32 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

the buzz on vittles

THE BEE’S KNEES CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

E

vittles

TBONZ SPENDS $1.435 MILLION TO BUY CLOSED STONECREST

I

ric & Kristi Kinlaw opened The Bee’s Knees on 10th Street in downtown Augusta shortly after 9-11, and they have been growing ever since -- even looking at future expansion efforts.

The name, The Bee’s Knees, taken from 1920’s jazz slang, refers to the hip, cool, “Cat’s Meow” concept. Its uniqueness matches that of the restaurant itself. The Bee’s Knees serves some of the hippest, coolest tapas food around, offering flavors from various countries around the world. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. They encourage sharing of the eclectic light and heavy appetizers and add soups, salads, sandwiches and Sunday Brunch to the mix. The yummy sharing sessions occur after 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday and Sunday brunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Adding to their overall coolness, The Bee’s Knees offers the option to make reservations online.

Visit beeskneestapas.com and use the “Make a Reservation” software to lock in a hip table.

n 2011 TBonz closed its Gordon Highway location and has been looking for the right replacement site ever since -- with an eye on Columbia County. Apparently, they had nearly one and a half million reasons to pull the trigger at the former home of the failed Stonecrest Steakhouse. We’re told the restaurant and property was in foreclosure and brokered through Wells Fargo. Stonecrest and the surrounding office complex was the idea of developer Mark Herbert, who originally had ideas of franchising the concept. Other local and national chain restaurants looked at the property and were either scared off by the price or the location -- 601 N. Belair Square, behind the BP gas station and old Huddle House at Washington Road and Belair.

TBonz is expected to take over around the holidays or at the beginning of 2013. Staff members from the flagship restaurant on Washington Road will also work some in Evans.

More than 50 percent of the offices remain vacant behind the restaurant.

article by neil gordon

article by neil gordon

beers locals like

T

his writer obviously enjoys a nice brew every now and then. With that said, I can’t think of a single better place in Augusta to buy or enjoy the delicate complexity that is craft beer than downtown. I work and spend the bulk of my life on Broad Street. I love this street and all of downtown and believe anyone who says otherwise is either lying, delusional, uneducated, in denial or any combination of the four. With that said, please enjoy the selections below, which were both purchased and enjoyed in beautiful downtown Augusta -hands down the best part of town.

Mischief -- Belgian-style ale from The Bruery with floral notes on the nose and a healthy head to match. There is a nice yeasty flavor that you’d expect, but a toasty malt flavor that’s a surprising and welcome addition. Try it with a chicken quesadilla from Nacho Mama’s.

Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale -- Ok, that’s a mouthful (in more ways than one). This is, by far, Rogue’s most interesting product. The maple dominates the smell of this copper brew, but the bacon brings a smokiness that does well to counter. The taste is not that of a sweet malty ale or a rauchbier. Rather, it’s quite aromatic, resembling potpourri. I actually recommend this unique brew with a glazed doughnut or a chocolate croissant from New Moon.

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel -I can’t say I’ve had a Weihenstephaner product that has disappointed me, and this one is no different. There is a bready banana feel to the nose and mouth, and the malts make these flavors very smooth all the way down. I highly recommend this brew with any food (it’s THAT smooth).

However, I think it would go exceptionally well with a blackeyed pea cake sandwich from Casa Blanca.

vittles

Brother David’s Double Abbey Style Ale -serving style: 2009 Masters Cup. It is Boonville, CA meets Belgium meets Augusta, GA with this brew that smells of dark cherries and toast. The flavor is chocolatey with caramel notes to match. Overall, it’s a superb beer that would do well to complement anything on Sunshine Bakery’s menu.

BEN CASELLA loves Downtown, and so should you.

Come join him and family for dinner during August’s First Friday.

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 33

PADDLEFEST IS SET FOR AUGUST 11 O

n August 11, more than 300 outdoor adventurers will sail down the Savannah River during the sixth annual Paddlefest.

“Paddlefest is a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and homemade raft race we hold every year with the whole purpose of bringing people out on the water to enjoy a day on the river with the hope that it will help them to understand the importance of the river in their daily lives, and also how the choices they make affect the river,” said Tonya Bonitatibus, executive director and Riverkeeper for the Savannah Riverkeeper.

The six-mile canoe and kayak race begins at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion at 8:30 a.m., while the three-mile stand-up paddleboard race will begin at the Fifth Street Marina and the homemade raft race will begin at the North Augusta Boat Ramp at 9:30 a.m. Race day registration for all races will begin at 7 a.m.

All races except the raft race are divided into two categories. The open class, for more serious racers, is sanctioned by USA Canoe and Kayak, while the recreational class is just for those wanting to have a good time. Registration is $25 before Aug. 9 at Escape Outdoors, Broadway Bait and Tackle, the Riverkeeper office or by visiting www.paddlefestga.com. Late registration is $35.

Following the race several hundred people are expected for a free festival at the Augusta Riverfront Marina from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which will feature sports and outdoor vendors, food, paddleboard and kayak demonstrations, and live bands Funk You, Allison Foster, The Ramblin Fevers and Jam Sandwich.

“When we were asked to play for Paddlefest we immediately said yes,” said Becca Wilson, Ramblin Fevers violin player. “All of us have grown up going to the river and continue to do so on a regular basis. We were and are more than willing to support the Savannah Riverkeeper because we all need to do our part in keeping the river safe and beautiful.” article by CHristopher selmek

34 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

ab’s sports lessons

traits of Csra sUper bowl champ / PG 37

dr. karp

nutritional advice for evans lady / PG 38

LIFE FACE FIRST

puppy poop can be inspiring / PG 39

layover at chicago airport extra time with god

north augustan’s faith / pG 37

photo by steve swanson

AUGUST 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 35

here’s to your health

values

Parks Pharmacy staff and North Augusta Department of Public Safety Team up to participate in the National Take-Back Day event. Pictured, from left, are Debbie Thorne, RPh, Laura Knotts, PharmD, Steve McElmurray RPh, owner, Karen Powell, RPh and Officer T. Smith with NADPS.

Parks Pharmacist Wins Top Award

Parks Pharmacy is creating quite a buzz in South Carolina, with Dr. Laura Knotts, pharmacist, receiving a national pharmacy award and Steve McElmurray, Parks owner, being named president-elect of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association.

Dr. Knotts recently received the Cardinal Health Generation Rx Champions Award sponsored by the Cardinal Health Foundation at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association Convention in Hilton Head. This award honors a pharmacist who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse among the general public and among the pharmacy community. The Award is also intended to encourage educational prevention efforts aimed at patients, youth, and other members of the community.

Laura organized a DEA National take-back day for North Augusta, in conjunction with the SC DEA Diversion office and North Augusta Department of Public Safety. She distributed flyers and posters and personally contacted local doctors’ offices.

She also visited University Hospital physicians in Augusta and Evans, local assisted living facilities, the local YMCA, daycares, pain clinics, hospice and a number of local government and civic organizations. Her efforts were focused on educating the public on the hazards of keeping unused medications inside the home and the proper disposal of medications.

The take-back day was a great success. Parks Pharmacy collected 100 pounds of medication. People traveled from miles around, some bringing medicines more than ten years old. Everyone involved, including local law enforcement was satisfied with the event and thankful for Knotts’ efforts.

Two Area Hospitals Make Quality Control Honor Roll

Trinity Hospital, Augusta’s only faith-based hospital, and Doctors Hospital Augusta were named to theGeorgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures Honor Roll. Trinity and Doctor’s were two of only 17 Georgia hospitals to be placed on the list, with Trinity being placed in the Chairman’s category, the highest category on the list. The honor roll is based on clinical data provided by the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The data was collected from January 2011 to December 2011.

“This is a great accomplishment for Trinity Hospital of Augusta,” said Joseph Parker, president of GHA. “This recognition further underscores the commitment of the hospital’s staff to ensuring that every patient receives the best, most effective health care possible.”

36 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

Doug Welch, Doctors Hospital CEO, said, “It is our mission to ensure that each patient that comes through the doors at Doctors Hospital receives the right care at the right time. The recognition by the Georgia Hospital Association is a great indicator that we are achieving the highest standards of patient care. This honor is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff who are constantly working to make excellent care even better.”

“It is our mission to ensure that each of our patients receives the right care at the right time and this recognition validates this,” said Jason Studley, chief executive officer of Trinity.

“This honor is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our physicians and staff who are constantly working to make excellent care even better.”

GHSU students join with local nursery for 7th Annual Health Fair

Costa Layman Farms, one of the largest perennial companies in the United States, which grows perennials and woody ornamentals at three production facilities in Trenton, SC, found a novel way to combine academic support with health awareness for its farm workers.

Approximately 400 Costa Layman employees received free health assessments during the nursery’s 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Health Fair July 20 in Trenton. Clinical Nurse Leader students at Georgia Health Sciences University partnered with dental, respiratory, physical and occupational therapy students, Ryan White Outreach personnel, community volunteers, local hospitals, health centers and South Carolina DHEC to provide free comprehensive health screenings to nursery employees.

Employee turnout and community involvement grows every year, according to Debbie Layman, of Costa Layman and a GHSU College of Nursing alumna.

“We have had students that graduated two years ago that are still coming back to help,” said Layman. “Employees will come back and give a report from last year. They are monitoring glucose levels and having skin lesions checked. People found that they need glasses, started watching their diets.”

In addition to receiving on-site services, Costa Layman workers were referred to community resources for follow-up treatment, if necessary. Interpreters translated for workers who were not fluent in English. compiled from area press releases by Jennifer Pruett

Family Discussions on Caring for Aging Relatives Summer celebrations and family gatherings afford comfortable settings to initiate dialogues between seniors and their children about current and future health, financial and legal issues. With the last two--compiling a list of financial needs, assets and liabilities, preparing a will or estate plan and taking them to trusted advisors are key.

In bringing up the well-being of senior family members, it’s important to keep the conversation relaxed so as not to overwhelm or distance anyone. Respect, love and sensitivity are vital in the conversations about senior loved ones’ care.

The following is a list of other topics to address with elderly loved ones: MedicaL: Assess current health conditions, and compile lists of current medications, allergies and healthcare providers.

Document details of prescription plans, longterm care insurance, Medicare, etc.

Discuss wishes concerning healthcare decisions in case of incapacitation or inability to make decisions.

Living Arrangements and Caregiving Roles: Appoint a principal caregiver. Decide how responsibilities will be shared and develop a plan for involving timely caregiving help.

Discuss options for when your loved one needs in-home care or cannot live alone.

Openly discussing older family members’ possible future needs today will lessen stress and tension once additional care is needed.

With a commitment to supportive concern and communication, caring for an aging loved one can bring a sense of love and unity to any family.

This important information was provided by Kathy Crist, coowner of Right At Home of the CSRA, dedicated to helping the elderly by providing private-duty care giving services in Augusta, North Augusta Aiken and surrounding areas in SC. 803-278-0250 www.rightathome.net/csra

your faith

values

photo by steve swanson

service would be held in the chapel just above the food court area at noon.

Though I’ve been part of worship in large and small buildings in many different places throughout the course of my life, I had never attended a service at an airport chapel. I had the time and decided “why not?” The chapel wasn’t a place I would have stumbled upon – I had to want to discover it! And so the search began… A few minutes before noon, I arrived at the chapel. I was given a warm welcome from a woman who introduced herself as Tia. Chaplain Tom was there too -- a large man with a booming The author had some time on his hands and snapped photos of voice wearing a suit and tie. Jose Chicago’s famed “Blues Brothers” statues. Around that time the call came over the loudspeaker for the Midway Airport church service. was there too, awaiting his flight home to New Jersey. Since it was now a few minutes after noon Chaplain Tom announced that he was going to lead us through the service as though the room was full of people -- and not ecently I had the opportunity to be part of a gathering empty chairs. in Chicago with a few dozen friends from around the Shortly after we began, two college-aged students stopped country who also work in radio. I flew in and out of Midway in and introduced themselves and then just as quickly airport on Chicago’s south side. When it came time to leave disappeared during the first prayer, leaving Jose and me along downtown I had a couple of hours on my hands since my flight with Chaplain Tom and his assistant Tia as the only occupants was the latest of the group to leave. in the room.

After successfully navigating the maze we know as airport True to his word the Chaplain conducted the service as security, the speakers overhead boomed an announcement though every seat was filled. He prayed for our personal needs, that a thirty minute, non-denominational, Christian worship read verses from the Bible and led us in group prayer and a

my meeting at midway

R

ab’s sports lessons

TRAITS OF CSRA SUPER BOWL CHAMP

T

his February I was listening to a national radio show following the New York Giants 21-17 triumph over New England in Super Bowl 46. One of the Giants’ players was interviewed and asked for whom he was happiest for following the win.

With no hesitation Giants punter Steve Weatherford said “without a doubt it would be Deon Grant”.

My ears perked up. Deon Grant is an Augusta native. In 1995, my first year as a broadcaster I spent the football season broadcasting Josey Eagle games on the radio.

The Eagle’s star safety was…you guessed it, Deon Grant. That team and that season is something I will never forget. It was my first year, and I covered one of the finest teams in Georgia history. I had Deon to thank for many great memories. Now, 17 years later, he is a Super Bowl Champion, very well respected by his teammates.

Grant took a perennial doormat in T.W. Josey and turned them into a state power. In the 30 years of football at Josey, prior to Grant arriving, they had never even won a playoff game. In three seasons as starter Grant led the Eagles to an astounding 35-6 record and three region titles (the only region crowns in 49 years of football at the school). In 1995, Grant and the Eagles finished with a perfect 15-0 record and claimed the

AAA State Title. He was regarded as the No. 1 ranked safety in the country in 1996, and after a heated recruiting battle, chose to play at Tennessee. In Knoxville Grant continued his winning ways. In his three seasons with the Vols the team boasted a 33-5 mark and won the 1998 National Title.

In 1999, Grant was named First Team All-American.

Following that season Grant forwent his final season at Tennessee and entered the 2000 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round and signed a four-year $2.11 million contract. Things could not have been better until a seemingly normal day in July when the Panthers scrimmaged Detroit. Deon went in the air to defend a pass and came down wrong on his left leg; he knew immediately something was wrong.

“I felt the pain instantly. It was something I had never felt before,” said Grant. Something was wrong…severely wrong. Grant had fractured and dislocated his left hip – the exact injury that had ended Bo Jackson’s career. Grant’s season was over, as doctors knew the severity of the injury. One doctor compared the force it took to fracture Grant’s hip to that of a head on car collision.

Before his surgery doctors tried to prepare him for what they thought to be inevitable…Grant would likely never play football again.

“That’s what they said. I would never play again” said Grant. “I still have the plate and screws” he added, pointing

couple of songs sung with no instruments. He then invited us to turn to Revelation 4 and 5 for the foundation of his message.

His words were powerful and heartfelt. He spoke of God being “awesome, accessible and amazing!” The message was both powerful and passionate.

It was obvious that this was no hobby for the Chaplain, but a heart-motivated, faith-driven passion. He showed a personal calling to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with anyone who might attend one of these gatherings.

When I left the service I was given a copy of the New Testament, along with a daily devotional. The experience reminded me that although we each have different callings we still have opportunities to share our faith every day. I am glad Chaplain Tom and Tia chose to be available to bless a couple of travelers on a Saturday afternoon in a stuffy room in a Chicago airport. I’m glad I was there to be reminded, encouraged and challenged in my faith. In a practical way the service also helped me put my delay (of several hours) in Atlanta later that afternoon in its proper perspective!

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 at his left hip.

So how is it possible that this man, 12 years later, was being sized for a Super Bowl Ring? First, he was in supreme physical condition, and he came back and worked extremely hard to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. Grant came back earlier than expected after his injury, and he started all 16 games for the Panthers in the 2001 season beginning a streak of 144 straight starts and 176 consecutive games played. A streak that is still active today. That’s right, the man whose career was supposed to be over before he ever played a down, has not missed a single game in 11 years. He now also holds an extremely rare distinction of winning a high school state title, a college national championship, and a Super Bowl Title.

“The NFL people tell me I’m the only one in the league that has done that” said Grant, adding that he also has a Pop Warner and Middle School Championship on his resume.

His 12 seasons have been split between Carolina, Jacksonville, Seattle and now New York. Entering his final year of his Giants contract, he doesn’t seem ready to hang up his cleats just yet.

“I feel so good, my body is telling me I can still play” said the Augusta Native.

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 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 37

Halo

127 12th St. Augusta, GA 30901 706.814.7393 www.csra.rightathome.net

dr. karp

values

debbie, from Evans asks…

Should I be taking calcium and vitamin D supplements or not?

G

reat question Debbie, particularly since calcium and vitamin D have been in the news so much lately. So, let me give you the definitive answer to your question: “Maybe.” Am I trying to be coy or facetious? No. Keep in mind that nutrition recommendations are made for groups of people or “populations,” while your own need for a supplement is based on your specific lifestyle, medical history and risk factors. And, the fact is that the only one trained to assess the overall medical necessity for you to take calcium or vitamin D supplement is your physician. So, whether it is beneficial for YOU to be taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement needs to be determined in a conversation between you and your physician, based on your very own health data.

Pertaining to calcium and vitamin D supplements and osteoporosis, FOR MOST PEOPLE, getting these nutrients from FOODS is going to be much better than obtaining them from supplements. The findings of the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce are that Vitamin D and calcium supplements do little to prevent osteoporosis-related bone fractures in older women.

In addition, in men or younger women, there is simply not enough evidence supporting the use of Vitamin D supplements, with and without calcium supplementation, to prevent fractures. The Taskforce went on to recommend that, after menopause, women should NOT take 400 IU or less of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium to prevent osteoporotic bone fractures. In addition, because of the lack of definitive evidence, the Taskforce could not arrive at recommendations as to whether higher doses of vitamin D and calcium are beneficial.

So, here is the no-nonsense nutrition advice for today. If you are worried about your risk of bone fractures, instead of simply running out and buying calcium and vitamin D supplements, you need to do this: 1) make sure and have a pre-menopausal baseline bone density study done and, periodically, as you age, have repeat bone density studies done. The results should be compared to your pre-menopausal baseline values, to see if your bones are thinning, 2) insure that you are doing weight-bearing exercises, every day, like walking, jogging, hiking, or dancing, 3) go outside and let the sun shine on your skin for short periods, since relatively short sun exposures to your skin will result in substantial vitamin D production., 4) eat low fat calcium-containing foods, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurts and cheeses, 5) do not smoke. I know that Americans like to take pills to solve health problems, but honestly this approach just doesn’t seem to be effective when it comes to the prevention of osteoporosis in most people.

Dr. warren Karp is a professor emeritus at Georgia Health

Sciences University. If you have a question you would like answered in this colomn visit his Facebook page, facebook. com/askdrkarp

38 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1

When’s the last

time YOU played??

From 10am-5pm come in and receive: Your choice oF 1 game oF Laser Tag or Bumper BoaTs unLimiTed puTT-puTT 20 game Tokens 1 sLice oF pizza and pepsi

life face first

values

Only $12 Bring in coupon to redeem offer!

Expires Expires8/15/2012 9/5/2012

706-868-0083 • 3763 Martinez Blvd • Martinez, GA (just off Washington Road at Baston Road) • www.putt-putt.com

1362123

#1001362123 (1/8 PG VERTICAL(5in x 5in)) 07/27/2012 08:47 CST

A NEW ADDITION W

hen a little one joins your household, there are so many things to do. You must decorate the new baby’s room. Then you rearrange your home to make it safe. You cover all the electrical outlets with plastic plugs. You nail your drawers closed, bolt the cabinet doors and seal the toilet lids shut. You erect baby gates and move all the dangerous items such as table saws, blenders and whisks to the in-laws. Finally after much hard work and preparation, you’re ready for your squirming bundle of joy. I’m talking of course about your new puppy.

My husband and I recently adopted a seven-week-old English pointer mix. We brought her home and fell in love. When she cried the first night I held a pillow to my head and rolled over.

“What are you going to do?” my husband asked.

“If she learns we come every time she cries we’ll never get to sleep,” I muttered at him.

“So what should we do?” he asked.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting a New Puppy says to let her cry it out for a night or two. She’ll learn it doesn’t do any good and stop.”

He grumbled but complied. Four hours later we rose for work haggard and strained from lack of sleep.

After several days we finally had a silent night. Feeling smug that my plan had worked, I rose early to congratulate my puppy. When I flipped the switch in the laundry room I gasped.

It was as if the puppy had exploded. Puppy poopy covered the floor.

My husband stood at my shoulder. “How did she make that much?”

“It’s more than she weighs,” I breathed in awe.

I headed to the store for extra cleaning supplies. The puppy books hadn’t mentioned that I’d need disposable latex gloves. My husband and I are now the largest shareholders of Poopy Puppy Brand puppy pads in the continental US. But even better than being the major shareholder in an up and coming company, our little family has grown richer and happier, even if I did have to boil the laundry room floor. 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 1 _ VERGELIVE.com / 39

40 / VERGELIVE.com _ AUGUST 1