JULY 4, 2012
FREE
vol. 5 no. 8 community driven news
HUDSON CRUSADES FOR KIDS
SANDUSKY VERDICT HITS HOME / PG 14
photo by Sofia Colton Photography
VIEWS augusta pride & Proud + VIBE RYAN BOWERS & BACHELORETTE THE BRIDGE + VITTLES SECRET REVIEW OF SCONYERS + VALUES UNDER JULY 4 _ VERGELIVE.com /1
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what’sinside
you won’t want to miss a page
This is your voice to hold the powerful accountable in our community (Child Protection Story) and to show different points of view (Augusta Pride).
15 vibe
We capture some cool things going on in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken Counties with our awesome events calendar, music articles and article on Augusta’s “Mr. Hottie”-- aka the villain in “The Bachelorette”.
29 vittles
Read about some restaurant “buzz” going in the CSRA, take a puff of an expensive cigar with us (while looking at belly dancers) and be take a look at our unbiased food critic’s restaurant review of Sconyers BBQ.
35 values
Go under the bridge with us as we learn about lost souls. Get a checkup in our “Here’s To Your Health” page. Play ball with A.B. as he highlights some positive athletes in the CSRA. Also, leave laughing with “Life Face First” and silly dating games.
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 in regards to story ideas and event listings.
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group publisher Matt Plocha publisher@vergelive.com president/editor Neil Gordon neil.gordon@buzzon.biz assistant editor Jennifer Pruett primary writer Christopher Selmek events editor Sarah Childers events@vergelive.com
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CYCLING EVENT WHIZZES BY
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his June, for the second consecutive year, Augusta hosted the 2012 USA Cycling Elite, U23, Juniors & Paralympic Road National Championships. During the events, national titles were awarded in each category for the road race, criterium, and individual time trial competitions. More the 1,000 cyclists from across the country gathered in downtown Augusta for the USA Cycling National Championship’s Criterium Challenge on Friday, June 22. The high speed, tightly cornered 1.2 kilometer circuit closed off parts of Broad, Ellis and Greene Streets for a full day. Friday’s race was one of several USA Cycling event venues spread throughout Augusta throughout the course of the week. On Wednesday an endurance-testing road race was held at Fort Gordon, and the time trials were held at J. Strom Thurmond Dam on Thursday. While causing slight inconveniences for drivers in these areas where streets were closed and gates were blocked, this event surely proved a great success for the local economy. Augusta has a rooted history in cycling, which began with the hosting of the 1994 USA Cycling Maters Road National Championships, and has included hosting several stages of the Tour de Georgia. photo & article by christopher selmek with contributions from JENNIFER PRUETT
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H.O.T.S.
old video store/new cafe / PG 6
TEE center progress we take the tour / PG 7
hudson hears
sandusky like memories return / PG 14
TOURISM & TENSION
community impact /pG 9
photo by Sofia Colton Photography
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heard on the street WHAT WE HEAR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
IT’S ABOUT “THYME”
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olks who live and work near the 13th Street Bridge have been clamoring for another local restaurant. We heard on the street that “About Thyme Cafe” is set to open in late summer – anytime now. Liz Victor scouted vacant North Augusta buildings looking for the perfect spot, and she decided on the former Kentucky Fried Chicken\North Augusta Video store location just up from the new North Augusta Municipal Building. The restaurant sits behind the old North Augusta Carpet Shop and has plenty of parking. Native North Augustans are a little tired of traveling to “stucco heaven” to get food from one of the many franchised restaurants on Knox Avenue. We’re told Liz’s café will be open daily for breakfast and lunch, serving gourmet salads with homemade dressings, sandwiches to suit anyone’s taste buds and hot made-from-scratch soups. They will also feature homemade desserts and daily hot lunch specials. Best of all, folks on the two-state border will have a quick place to grab a coffee and muffin in the morning without having to fight traffic for a venti latte. It will be a nice lunchtime alternative to the small handful of successful, local lunch spots like Antonio’s in Jackson Square, Manuel’s in Hammonds Ferry and longtime Atomic Road favorites Al’s and BBQ Barn. It’s about “thyme”!
by NEIL GORDON
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smatterings
CONTINUING TO BE ON THE VERGE
around town
A Look At Things To Do
W
e’ve dreamed, planned and sweat (a little). And now you are holding our reality – Verge.” What once was a “downtown” newspaper has blossomed and grown since that first issue in March 2008. Who would have thought that four years later we would be serving the entire CSRA? We knew it could be done and it has. As we continue to grow Verge, your community newspaper, the original precepts we began with hold true: Verge stills wraps around the meaning and purpose of its name – “the limit or point beyond which something begins.” Verge continues to be positive and family friendly. We work hard to ensure you can leave it around your house and not worry about its content. Verge is a community collaborative effort with an army of dedicated folks providing some of the best editorial features and photography available in the market. Verge propels action as we challenge you and invite you to experience your surroundings. Verge fulfills dreams, creates vision and builds community by writing about the people, places, events, culture and art that matter to the community and the future of it. Verge continually excites awareness and challenges you to visit your community first hand by providing you with access and information to events that are off the mainstream radar. For a brief time, we said “Verge is downtown Augusta. Experience all downtown has to offer.” As Verge grew beyond the downtown borders in 2009, we have grown that statement: “Verge is Community. Verge is the entire CSRA. Experience all that your COMMUNITY has to offer. Whether that is in the epicenter or Aiken, Evans or Fort Gordon, being a part of your community is Verge and that is you.” Together as a community, we can make a difference and welcome you to that community through the pages ahead. Enjoy it, be a part of it and join us in making a difference for positive change and growth in the CSRA. Are you on the “VERGE”? We sure hope so. See you out and about, Matt
Time Table for the TEE Center
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ugusta’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau announced on June 14 that construction of the new exhibit hall at 901 Reynolds Road will be finished by January 2013 and that the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police will become the first organization to host a convention there on Jan. 23. “I, personally, am hoping for a big New Year’s Eve Party,” said Peggy Seigler, VicePresident of Sales and Marketing, but added that she could not be sure of the exact opening date for the Trade, Exhibition and Entertainment Center. The new 39,000-square-foot facility will be connected to the existing 49,000 square-foot city conference center and managed by the Marriott Hotel, which Seigler says will make organizing conventions more convenient
for the many groups expected to host their conventions in Augusta following the TEE Center’s opening. Article and photo by christopher selmek
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soul city sirens
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photo by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK
AUGUSTA PRIDE
photo by Sofia Colton Photography
PROTESTS & POLITICAL FREEDOM
Protestors traveled three hours to take a stand during the parade on Broad Street
Amanda Tinsley waves the Augusta Pride flag showcasing her freedom of speech
he streets of Augusta turned red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple on Saturday, June 23, as participants in Augusta Pride’s third annual Gay Pride Parade danced down Broad Street to the tune of Lady Gaga’s “I Was Born This Way.” Throughout the month of June, Augusta Pride banners lined Broad Street, waving from light poles along the parade route in celebration of LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual and Transgendered) Month and the city’s new Temporary Banner Program. This year’s parade included several local churches, the Parliament Resort, Augusta State University’s Lambda Alliance, the Soul City Sirens roller-derby team and many other organizations which ended their route at the Augusta Common for a festival estimated at 10,000 people, many who traveled long distances for this event. Nearly eighty vendors set up for the festival on the Common, selling food, drinks, books and all manner of Pride-themed apparel. Many churches and political organizations also took the opportunity
to spread their messages relating to these issues. “The funny thing about civil rights is you don’t have to vote on them,” said Isaac Kelly. “The national scene is starting to pay attention to and focus on these issues.” “This year we’re very excited that two of the main contracting agencies at the Savannah River Site have elected to give same sex spouses healthcare benefits,” said Chris Bannochie, Augusta Pride public relations director. “Under the Georgia and South Carolina Constitutions gay marriage is still forbidden, and it would take either a ruling from the Supreme Court or another state law to strike it down. At the same time, North Carolina just passed a constitutional amendment against gay marriage, and Maine is voting to repeal the amendment they passed last year in favor of gay marriage. I’m always optimistic, however. It’s only a matter of time, and people are going to be on the wrong side of history if they oppose this.” As the parade turned onto Broad Street, they were met by seven protestors who had driven three hours, from Faith Baptist Church in Primrose, to disagree. “We want to get the gospel out and let people know that homosexuality is an abomination, but that God will save them if they repent,” said preacher Ricky Ledford. “We’re against it because God is against it.” As might be expected in a community that embraces tolerance and acceptance, the reaction to these sign-holders was mixed. “There’s always a few out there, but not many,” said Kelly. “We don’t try to stop them. We want to respect their right to protest as much as we want them to respect ours. We encourage our community not to engage them and just keep their distance.”
“It’s not about homosexuality or heterosexuality, but about love,” said Bam. “Love between two people, whatever form it takes, is the purest thing there is and that’s what this is all about.” For Lyle and Eileen, two independent Christians visiting from Beech Island, Augusta Pride’s message is more about lust than love. “The greatest love story ever told is the love of Jesus Christ for this world, he said. “I’m not judging these people for who they are and what they do because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but I’ll talk to them if they’re willing. I don’t like to get involved with those protestors over there, because I think some of what they have written on their signs is rude, but I feel called to do this because the Bible tells us to go and spread the word of Jesus to all the world, and I believe every one of these people can be saved if they repent.” Margaret Woodard, Downtown Development Association executive director, made a brief welcome to out of town visitors at the festival, and Augusta’s mayor Deke Copenhaver issued a proclamation recognizing Augusta Pride, but the city takes no official position either in favor of or against gay issues. “The Pride Festival, like a lot of other events, brings a lot of people to town, and while they’re here, they’re spending money in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and paying local taxes,” said Barry White, president and CEO of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, which this year gave Augusta Pride $4,200 for out of area advertising. “It’s good for the entire city to have events like this. We give money to drag boat races too, but that doesn’t mean the city of Augusta endorses continued on pg 11
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photo by Sofia Colton Photography About 80 different vendors set up booths including lobbying groups and retailers.
Parade participants sharing their opinions about the gay marriage debate. Photo by Chris Selmek.
than drag boats, most notably the festival’s fabulous emcee, Miss Patty O’Furniture. “I do this to make people laugh and to raise attention to causes I believe in, because it’s hard not to pay attention to a seven-foot tall drag queen in a cotton candy wig,” said Patty. “I don’t know what the expectations were, but we had a great crowd and it was a wonderful mix of people. I saw grandparents out there as well as young adults, and they were black, white, and every color in between. It was a phenomenal day for Pride.” “Sometimes you just have to let all your fabulousness out all at once,” said Shannon Rose. “I love theatre, and it’s been said that if you can portray the opposite sex successfully, you have what it takes to make it in theatre.” A “Get Counted” booth invited visitors to give their zip code in exchange for a chance to win $100 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. According to Bannochie this helps determine Augusta Pride’s range, which will in turn assist the organization in obtaining grant money for next year’s festival. “It really strengthens the community just to get together and socialize and network,” said Kelly. “It also shows the politicians our strength in numbers, which was not the original goal of our movement, but it can change the way politicians make decisions when they see how many people care about these issues. Our audience usually has more expendable cash than other demographics, which we call the power of the pink dollar.” This year’s festival was spread out over four days, beginning Thursday evening with a dinner party at the Marion Hatcher Building hosted by Augusta Pride President Travis Jenkins. “Augusta Pride is bigger and better than ever,” he
said. “We have transformed Augusta Pride from a oneday festival to a multi-day adventure with seven events spread over four days. We have also worked very hard with our sponsors to make these events as cost effective as possible. VIP passes are available for $125 to cover all of your cover charges and all of your house beer, wine and cocktails at all sponsored events. We have also acquired four host hotels to accommodate everyone’s budget.” Club Argos and The Filling Station, two of Augusta’s most popular gay bars, were packed for pre- and afterparties that included musical groups as well as drag performances. “The gay community in Augusta is much bigger than a lot of people would think, but festivals like this aren’t just for gays,” said Michael Jones, a.k.a. DJ Bam, resident deejay at Club Argos and this year’s festival deejay. “Pride is also about acceptance of who you are, and it’s been the only community where I could be me and nobody questions that. All they care about is that you are uniquely you and that’s it.” “It’s not only for the gay community, it’s for everyone,” said Isaac Kelly, former Pride President. “We’re pushing a concept that you should be proud of who you are and accept that the emotions and feelings that you have are a part of you and you should embrace them. Everyone should be able to accept diversity. It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, bi, black, white or purple; we want you to know you are accepted.” Sunday began with a Pride themed church service at Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer, a worldwide denomination founded in 1968 to give a place of worship to those in the LGBT community who had been cast out by their churches. “Only six short passages in the 66 books of the Bible contain any reference to same-sex sexual activity, and the term homosexuality did not exist during biblical times,” said David Stepp, who helped to organize the service. “It was first used only about a hundred and fifty years ago. The passages that reference same-sex sexual activity should be viewed in the historical and cultural context of what the ancient world understood about sexuality.” by christopher selmek
vergevoices MARTY BAKER
LEAD PASTOR STEVENS CREEK CHURCH
“In the church we are tempted to divide sin into two categories: the acceptable sins and the scandalous sins. But God doesn’t. God just sees sin. He’s just seen fallen people. Jesus came to this earth to offer forgiveness for our sins. At Stevens Creek Church, we believe that fallen people can be made whole. In fact, it is our goal to reach out to the most fallen, junked-up, messed up, mixed-up, out-of-control sinners in the CSRA. If you look around our church, I think we’re doing a pretty good job. So, do we believe in same sex marriage? We are conservative in our approach to theology and the Bible. We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. We strive to live by its principles and walk in its path. So, when it comes to contemporary subjects like same sex marriage, we will stand with the tradition of our faith and that is, one husband and one wife, one man and one woman in holy matrimony. Are homosexuals allowed to attend Stevens Creek Church? Yes. Just as a loving parent should extend mercy and truth to a child addicted to drugs, so we believe a loving church should extend both mercy and truth to those who are engaged in homosexuality. The homosexuals need to know that forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ and that they can receive the strength through the Holy Spirit to live a life of freedom and sexual purity.”
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putt putt
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the lens masters thoughts and tips on photography from the pros
SO, WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?
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he camera, the lenses...so, what else goes in the bag? It depends on the type of photography. Since outdoor photographers are most likely to have fully loaded camera bags, to answer the question, I talked to a number of them and looked at some of the websites of many of the professional photographers who include a list of gear. Almost unanimously, the first item mentioned by the photographers I spoke with was a tripod. No matter what type of photography, it is a valuable tool. Tripods are especially helpful in getting sharper pictures when using slow shutter speeds. Close seconds to tripods in photographers’ bags of tricks are extra memory cards, spare batteries and lens filters, specifically UV filters, often used to protect lenses, and circular polarizing and neutral density filters. Aside from these essentials, I find it quite interesting what other items photographers carry in their bags. These items include cleaning essentials, tools for shooting in different conditions, light control items, administrative paperwork and other miscellaneous stuff. For keeping cameras cleaned, photographers are often armed with arsenals. Microfiber lens cloths remove dirt and build up that cannot be seen with the human eyes without scratching or damaging lenses. Brushes, blowers and cotton swabs also aid in cleaning camera surfaces and controls. Most photographers also carry extra microfiber cloths to keep their hands clean while handling their equipment. Good photographers don themselves with several light control tools such as lens hoods, which prevent light from hitting the front of the light element from the sides, camera flashes for different light situations, hand held light meters for more accurate exposure settings, collapsible diffusers and reflectors to compensate for light deficiencies. Often black mat boards or fabric pieces are carried along for the ride as well, providing clean backgrounds for shooting. Professional photographers don’t tend to leave home without their important administrative items. Business cards are always a good idea, as one never knows when bystanders will like what they see during a photo shoot and ask for more information. In addition, model release forms, camera manuals (yes, these are meant to be read) and small notebooks for notes about the shoot all prove useful when shooting in the field. I always carry my notebook along to make notes of settings and record suggestions I read for things I hope to do but come up infrequently. Now, these are only the items that came up regularly in my conversations and my diggings through internet articles-- many more are possible, depending on photographers’ personal needs and shooting styles. Gotten any good ideas? Added lots to what you lug in your bag? Suddenly see the need for a new bag altogether? Hopefully these tips will help budding photographers, and professionals alike to avoid leaving home with things that could really come in handy.
Carol Lee is an enthusiastic hobbyist who likes to learn from how others do things. She is a member of the workshop committee preparing for the 2012 Augusta Photography Festival.
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
tech talk Latest Technology Trends
The Apple of Your Laptop Eye
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atisfied with the screen resolution of your current laptop? Apple thinks it could be better. The script Apple’s followed in recent years, taking a class of consumer gadgets that most people would find adequate and replacing it with captivating products, such as the iPod or the iPhone, means the previous products just don’t seem to measure up. The latest edition is the new MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Because of the price tag, this notebook isn’t for everyone, but for power users and those that live on the bleeding edge of technology, it’s a must have. The MacBook Pro with Retina Display costs $2,200 for 256 gigabytes of flash or $2,800 for 512 gigabytes of flash, making it one of the most expensive of MacBooks. In addition prices have dropped for three of the four MacBook Air models with traditional screens. The MacBook Pro, since its 2008 debut, has been benchmark for ultra-thin laptop design. Apple claims its Retina Display has such a high pixel density that the users’ eyes can’t see the individual pixels on it. The Retina Display presents colors that jump out of the screen, text seems crisper and image details like light reflecting on water seem more pronounced. Its screen makes others look dull. The negative…its battery life is far inferior, and its 15.4-inch-diagonal screen size is bigger than many would probably prefer in a portable computer. MacBook Pro with Retina Display is the first MacBook Pro to rely solely on flash storage instead of mechanical hard drives and has an improved processor and graphics. This new build makes it thinner and more than a pound lighter than a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a hard drive. The MacBook Pro with Retina Display is the first MacBook Pro without a disc drive slot and includes two USB ports (compatible with both USB 2 and the even faster, USB 3), an HDMI port for directly connecting this laptop to a TV, two Thunderbolt ports, which provide fast connections to external screens or data device, and an SDXC memory card slot. The MacBook Pro with Retina Display and newer processor boasts improved performance at typical tasks such as downloading music, importing and editing high-resolution photos and browsing the Web. Standard battery tests show that users can expect to get about five and a half hours of battery life, although Apple claims users should get up to seven hours. In the business world, Apple attracts loners that don’t typically use proprietary business applications and collaborate with other corporate users in a Microsoft Windows world. It has been able to fit into the enterprise in certain situations though – especially organizations that have embraced Cloud based software and storage. Apple has made its widest inroads with higher income home users. Mac products have benefitted from the “Halo Effect” surrounding groundbreaking personal gadgets such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and have gotten a second look just by association with those fine personal devices. Using a MacBook Pro with Retina Display spoils users. The older MacBook Pro screen appears as if a thin, hazy film is floating on top of it. The 2880by-1800 resolution of the Retina Display has more than five million pixels, or over four times that of the previous MacBook Pro, and over three million more than an HDTV. It again looks Apple’s newest product has set the bar high. The move to a better screen and all-flash storage sets the goal a little higher for other notebook manufacturers. In typical Apple style, they are continuing to appeal to the more exclusive buyer willing to pay more for the best.
Kevin wade is founder and CEO of Intellisystems, an IT and telephone systems company. Email him with tech or gadget questions kevinw@intellisystems.com
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hudson hears
investigative reporting on local politics
SANDUSKY VERDICT HITS HOME
he headlines have been dominated recently by the trial and conviction of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on 45 counts of child molestation and rape. It was only a few years back that the CSRA faced a similar court drama with Ed Meloan, who was a popular television host later convicted in South Carolina for being a serial child molester. Both men will now enjoy their retirement in the custody of state penal systems. On this issue, let me share my personal experience and odyssey within the halls of power in the state of Georgia. As a reporter I covered the Ed Meloan trial. As a human being, that trial stirred up painful memories I had long ago tried to forget. Meloan targeted his victims for their vulnerability, and it was one man who came forward nearly a quarter century later that exposed his hideous deeds. Working on information from that witness, police found nearly 9,000 child pornographic photos on Meloan’s computer; most of those photographs were of his own victims. In my youth, I was one of those vulnerable kids. My father, in the summer of 1984, was dying of cancer. A friendly man entered my life as a mentor and friend. In the same fashion as Sandusky and Meloan, he took that friendship and turned it into something that gave him pleasure and left me with enormous emotional pain. Just as other victims of child sexual abuse have stated in their cases, he stole part of my soul and destroyed my childhood innocence. After watching the Meloan trial, the events of my own childhood came back in rich detail and haunted me. I came to realize that since I did not disclose what had happened, that I had aided and abetted a criminal. I could not bring myself to speak out when my molester was ordained a Christian minister as I sat several feet away in the church pew in 1989. All of that changed after the Meloan trial. I could not let it go, and I contacted Sheriff Clay Whittle in Columbia County and poured out every detail
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I could remember from the summer of 1984. A day later Clay called me back and told me that his investigators had verified every aspect of my story. Everything I had told the Sheriff placed that man at the scene of a crime, but the Sheriff said there was nothing law enforcement could do. “I would have a car on the road right now to go pick him up Scott, but I can’t,” the Sheriff told me. It was at that moment that we all learned about the seven year statute of limitation for child predation in Georgia. Naturally, we were all aghast. How could this be? If South Carolina could snare Ed Meloan after a quarter century, why can’t law enforcement in Georgia act on credible information and bring a criminal to justice? I thought of my own little girl, whose innocence I would protect with a shotgun, and decided that the law in Georgia must change. An early morning meeting at a Waffle House was arranged by my friend, who I will call “Ted,” a source whose real name I must keep secret. That breakfast meeting was with Representative Ben Harbin. After hearing my story, Harbin went to Atlanta with a bill that, in one paragraph, eliminated the statute of limitation on child sexual assault. Over the course of several years, the bill was bottled up in committee and seemed doomed. Harbin, along with Representative Barbara Sims, worked tirelessly to get the bill to the floor of the General Assembly, but to no avail. The Democrats and the defense attorney’s lobbyists opposed it citing a ridiculous fear of “unintended consequences.” Enter Columbia County Chief Magistrate Bobby Christine and his brother-in-law Jared Lott. Jared had also been the victim of childhood sexual assault and wanted to end that statute of limitation. All of us together went to “Ted” and asked that he arrange meetings with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House and whomever else we needed to talk with to get that bill turned into law. “Ted” worked magic for us. Governor Deal flew in from South Georgia to the Capital building to spend
30 minutes with us before he boarded a jet to head out to another meeting. That short conference led to a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor where Jared poured his heart out and eloquently stated our case for changing the law. Harbin and his legislative allies continued to beat the ground, and all of the efforts combined began to turn the tide. This year the Judicial Reform Act was passed by a near unanimous vote of the General Assembly which includes the elimination of the statute of limitation on child rape. It is now considered a violent crime. Just like in most other states, a predator in Georgia can be caught and imprisoned no matter how much time has passed since the crime occurred. There are important lessons to be learned here. For predators of children, beware! You will be caught eventually, even if it is in your old age. Also, as citizens, if we try hard enough, we can speak voice to power and change the law. And finally, parents must arm their children with the knowledge to help avoid them from being victims of sexual abuse; knowledge is power! Jerry Sandusky is going to the place where he belongs, the same place where Ed Meloan slowly rots, prison. The Constitution says that no state can pass an “ex-post facto” law, so the man who victimized me will remain free unless he is continuing in his ways today and is caught. However, I am at peace. The law was changed after Hudson and company went to Atlanta. For the criminal that got his hands on me, one of these days, God will deal with him.
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.
boy band
preview of august concert / PG 17
Daily Planner
calendar of area events / PG 21
out on the water
teachers get a nice perk/ PG 23
bachelorette star meets his match
Story on page 19
photo by Sofia Colton Photography
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vibe
#1 GIRL TOUR STOPS IN CSRA mindless behavior
photo Courtesy: James Brown Arena
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n the heels of a sold-out European tour that took them through London, Manchester, Birmingham and Paris, American teen sensations Mindless Behavior have begun a 25-city summer headlining tour of the U.S. that will bring them to the Bell Auditorium on August 2. The #1 Girl Tour is taking the group – Prodigy, Roc Royal, Ray Ray and Princeton — to venues twice the size of those they played during their previous headlining tour, as they continue promoting their full-length debut album, #1 Girl. The disc was released in September 2011 and debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 album chart. To date, it has sold over 270,000 units, 2.9 million ringtones and over 650,000 singles. Almost a million and a half fans follow them on Facebook, and they’ve been featured in USA Today, The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as one of the leading groups in “The Return of Boy Bands.” In an interview with writer Crystal Annick, Roc Royal explained the group’s name. “It’s a lifestyle that gives kids the freedom to express themselves,” he said. “We consider ourselves mindless because we’re expressing ourselves through our music, art and fashion.” The foursome got together in 2008 via an open audition held by Conjunction Entertainment’s Walter Millsap and Keisha Gamble. Six hundred hopefuls showed up; Streamline Records handpicked the four young men, all 11-year-olds at the time, and created the lineup: Roc, the group’s rapper, Ray, the freestyler, Princeton, the punk-rock fan, and Prodigy, a Philadelphia native who was discovered via his dance videos on YouTube and flown to Los Angeles to audition.
They spent the next two years honing their craft, finding the right songs, rehearsing, harmonizing and perfecting their choreography. IGA chairman Jimmy Iovine signed them to the Interscope Records group. From there, Mindless Behavior began touring high schools and building a fan base that quickly grew into the thousands, thanks to their first single, “My Girl,” in 2010. The video was nominated for a 2011 Viewer’s Choice BET Award. The group opened sold-out tours for the Backstreet Boys and Justin Bieber, and a second single, “Mrs. Right,” became the No. 1 most added song on urban radio and held the No. 1 slot on BET’s 106 and Park for three weeks in a row. The video, featuring cameos by Mike Epps, LL Cool J and Diggy Simmons, became the No. 1 most demanded video on Music Choice. It paved the way for follow-up singles “Girls Talkin Bout” and “Hello.” Speaking with Jay Swag Entertainment News, Princeton described the group’s style and how Mindless Behavior is bringing a new twist to the boy band genre. “I think all artists are unique and bring something that their fans love,” he said. “I think we’ve been inspired by artists like the Jackson 5, New Edition, Backstreet Boys, N’ Sync, and so many other boy bands that helped pave the way for us. But for our generation, I think we bring a new fresh take on what being a boy band is all about, just a lot of great music, dancing, and high-level performance. We also work really hard to bring a great show for the fans.”
Tickets for that “Great Show” are available online at www.georgialinatix.com, by phone at 877-4AUGTIX and at the Champion’s box office at the James Brown Arena. For more information about Mindless Behavior, visit mindlessbehavior.com facebook.com/mindlessbehavior twitter.com/mindlessbehavior
by alison richter
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vibe
RYAN RESPONDS TO HIS CRITICS BACHELORETTE CONTESTANT HAPPY TO BE HOME
Ryan Bowers got to set some of the record straight during his WGAC appearance on the Austin Rhodes Show. He’ll appear on “The Bachelorette: Bachelors Tell All” show on ABC at the conclusion of the “Bachelorette”.
I
was wrong! She was right! Isn’t that the way most marriages go? My bride Melissa met Ryan Bowers when he coached her son Cody on the Greenbrier High School football team a few years back. Watching the show Melissa said that Ryan was misunderstood and that he was a good Christian man -- I said he was cocky! I guess I should know better than to base my opinion on a reality series on ABC. Melissa doesn’t like me to watch shows like “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Keeping up with the Kardashians” or any of the other provocative programs dominating the digital cable world; however, we’ve had “date nights” each Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. for season eight of “The Bachelorette” on ABC. Ryan Bowers, owner of Athelite Training Academy in Evans and Aiken was Photo from www.athelite.com the draw for us. If you’ve never seen the show…25 goodRyan played football looking single men for Greenbrier High from ages 25-35 are School, Presbyterian ostensibly quarantined College and for in a bachelor pad for several indoor arena six weeks. They are football organizations. given opportunities He owns Athelite to impress the bachelorette with their Sports Training looks, charm and Academy and trains personality. Some get local and national group dates, others athletes to improve one-on-one dates, and their speed and all get cocktail parties endurance. and rose ceremonies. Season eight of “The
photo by Sofia Colton Photography Bachelorette” began approximately 160 miles from Augusta in Charlotte, NC, where fair maiden Emily Maynard resides. Ryan, our hometown boy, scored the first one-on-one date of the season with Emily. He accompanied her to her daughter Ricki’s soccer game, and then the couple enjoyed a romantic dinner at Charlotte’s Osso and a Gloriana concert. “When you get there, 12 cameras surround you at dinner, said Bowers during a late June appearance on the Austin Rhodes show on WGAC. It’s pretty tense.” He added that producers edited a lot of his comments and tried to encourage him to drink some “liquid courage” (alcohol) since they knew he wouldn’t say anything negative about his co-bachelors. Ryan, the nineteenth bachelor eliminated from the show, was portrayed by producers and fellow bachelors as being cocky, taking most criticism for saying he was looking for a trophy wife – someone beautiful he’d be proud to show off to anyone. However, he was anything but cocky during his recent radio interview on the Austin Rhodes Show. “I tried to take the high road and give everyone a fair shake. I’m a man of faith,” said Bowers. He even turned three shades of red when Rhodes cracked that his six weeks in various bachelor pads were probably the “longest dry spell of his life.” He said he was simply there to spend time with Emily and to get to know her. Bowers will have the chance to speak freely about his experience on the “The Bachelorette: Bachelors Tell All” show at the end of the season. He’s looking forward to that so America will get to see who he really is, and not the inaccurate portrayal created through reality television. When I asked him if he was asked to star on the next season of “The Bachelor,” or if he would ever consider it, he simply said he couldn’t comment. Rhodes asked, “Do you believe you could find a wife that quickly?” “I don’t think I’m the kind of guy who can fall in love in eight weeks,” responded Ryan, “but I could fall in love with the idea of the way things could turn out.” Despite Bowers’ expenses being paid while he was away from the CSRA, he lost money. He couldn’t train athletes or
manage his staff, and he’s had to hire a publicist and an agent to deal with the various opportunities that are now presented to him. Ryan will have to decide whether he’ll want to take another extended stay away from his business, but for now he’s home doing what he loves – helping kids and giving back to his community. Most recently he donated a dinner date for ten that was auctioned to the highest bidder at the Aimee Copeland 5-K Run/Walk held in Augusta on Saturday, June 30. In addition, he’s working on a huge “Pro4mance Sports Camp” in late July/early August at Patriots Park, where he’ll bring together pro and college athletes from all sports to help area kids. Ashley Brown will have more on this in the next issue of Verge. Ryan Bowers is patient, humble and confident in his own skin. I was wrong, and my wife was right! by NEIL GORDON
Photo from ABC
Ryan was the first contestant to receive a “one on one” date with Emily and was one of six bachelors remaining before getting eliminated.
JULY 4 _ 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.
+ THURSDAY
7.5
FESTIVAL FIRST THURSDAY Midtown Market; 5 p.m.; 2113 Kings Way; 706.364.8479
Great American Trailer Park Musical At Aiken Community Playhouse
There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres -- and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil–loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, the storms begin to brew. The Great American Trailer Park Musical is filled with 80’s nostalgia, spray cheese, hysterical pregnancy, flan, and disco, with the help of a Greek-like chorus of women named Linoleum, Betty, Jeannie and Pickles. WHERE Aiken Community Playhouse WHEN July 13, 14, 20 & 21, 8pm and July 15, 3pm Interpreted for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing July 14, 8 pm TICKETS 803.648.1438 or Aiken Community Playhouse, 126 Newberry St., Aiken, SC
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CONCERT GARY SINISE AND THE LT. DAN BAND The band is presented for the enjoyment of the community by the Augusta Warrior Project, a local nonprofit that connects current and former military with resources. Non-military are welcome but must use Gate 1 and present a governmentissued photo identification card and valid vehicle registration and insurance. Bring a blanket or chair. Barton Field; 8 p.m.; free; Fort Gordon;
+ FRIDAY
7.6
FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets, arts and craft vendors sell their handmade goods along Broad Street. Family friendly. Downtown Augusta; 5 p.m.; free; Broad Street 706.826.4702 AUGUSTAARTS.COM LITERARY LIQUID SOUL Inspired by the memory of Henrietta Myers, spoken word event includes live music and is hosted by Gemini. The Jazz Lounge; 9 p.m.; $15; 730 Broad St.; 866.877.0669 THEJAZZLOUNGE.ORG
THEATRE SCHRODINGER’S CAT PLAYS EXTREME THEATRE GAMES These extreme theater games are sure to delight any mature audience member. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.; $8 to $10; 304 Eighth St.; 706.722.3322
+ SATURDAY
7.7
FESTIVAL THUNDER OVER THURMOND Celebrate America with Jimmie Van Zant and The Fabulous Expressions and the largest fireworks show in the southeast. Lake Thurmond in McCormick; 1 p.m.; $20, parking passes $5; near Dorn Facilit
JULY 5-July 20 2012
CONCERT DOUG & THE HENRYS will be playing on a special sunset cruise. The Patriot Boat Tour; 6:30 p.m.; $25; 2 10th St.; 803.730.9739
+ SUNDAY
7.8
FESTIVAL ARTRAGEOUS FAMILY SUNDAY: WILD, WILD WESTIVAL Grab your boots and hat for a day of family fun Western style. After viewing the exhibition Window on the West, hear cowboy storytellers, learn lasso rope tricks, munch on Western food and participate in arts and crafts. Morris Museum of Art; noon; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG
CONCERT RHETT WALKER BAND WAFJ 88.3 and Essential Records invite you to the Hometown Celebration Concert and CD release event for the local Rhett Walker Band. USC Aiken Convocation Center; 6 p.m.; $5 to $10; 375 Robert Bell Parkway, Aiken; 866.722.8877
CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ Karen Gordon & Garden City Jazz. Rain or shine. River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6 for ages 13 and up; Eighth Street and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM
miller theatre
+ TUESDAY
7.10 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. Greenville Drive. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM
+ WEDNESDAY
7.11 HISTORY BROWN BAG HISTORY TALK Titleholders Tournament and the Beginning of the LPGA by Bill Bottomley. Augusta Museum of History; 12:30 p.m.; free with museum admission; 560 Reynolds St.; 706.722.8454 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. Greenville Drive Baseball. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM
$15 MILLION MILLER PROJECT T
vibe elevators and ramps. Entry on Ellis Street will be available for season patrons who prefer closer access to parking. The Miller also features a grand arcade which may be used as a gathering place for meetings and receptions, or as an art gallery for community engagement of local artists. Members of the downtown public gathered for tours the day of the announcement and also watched a short documentary on the history of the Miller. “In 2008, Peter Knox generously offered the building as a gift to the symphony, after which we began a several year process of due diligence to determine if the theatre was worth fixing,” said Hill. “The final building, as bad of shape as it is in now, could be turned into a first class performing arts center that could bring in all sorts of acts for the Augusta entertainment scene.” “I want Augusta to be a destination for artists and for the arts, and I believe we are moving in that
he Symphony Orchestra of Augusta announced in late June that it selected Atlanta-based Lord Aeck & Sargent and Augusta’s 2KM Architects, Inc. to restore the historic Miller Theatre, and they have already begun work measuring the entryway. The $14.6 million project is expected to be completed by the 2014 or 2015 season, according to Miller steering committee chairman Levi Hill IV, who also said the Symphony intends to purchase the adjacent Cullum’s Building for rehearsal and classroom space. “We’re confident we can breathe new life into this building, and hopefully it will breathe new life into downtown,” said Tony Aeck, lead architect for Lord Aeck & Sargent. VERGE cameras were allowed inside the Miller with others in a late The combined buildings will have June tour. The stage will be redone and the concert hall will seat more than 1,300 attendees. Smoking will still be outside the Miller! significant capacity for programming, including educational activities in the Music Institute, diverse types of performances in the concert direction,” said Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver. hall and a range of amenities for the enjoyment of The Miller project is eligible to receive $5.1 million audiences. The stage will double in size and include a from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax fund full orchestra pit capable of supporting 45 musicians. if the symphony can raise 25 percent. Acoustic engineering and amplified sound in the “What we have discovered is that there’s an concert hall will be state of the art and superior to amazing amount of support in the community for a anything that currently exists in the region. project exactly like this one,” said Hill. “It is an exciting When completed, the concert hall will contain 1,320 time to be living in Augusta.” seats with orchestra, mezzanine and boxed seating at balcony level, with handicapped accessibility via Article & Photography by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK
JULY 4 _ VERGELIVE.com / 21
Is your student on the
daily planner
right path?
+ THURSDAY
7.12
TION GRADUA
Evans Christian
SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. Greenville Drive. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM
• Fully accredited • Serving grades 6 - 12
+ FRIDAY
213 S. Old Belair Road • (706) 364-3565
w w w. E va n s C h r i s t i a n A c a d e my. o r g
behind the curtain
vibe vibe
FAIRYTALES COME TRUE IN THE ENOPION THEATRE AT augusta’s KROC center
7.13 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. Greenville Drive. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889
CONCERT SUMMER BEACH BLAST Music by The Drifters, The Swingin’ Medallions and The Tams. Bring blankets and chairs, but no outside food, beverages or pets allowed. Parking passes are $5. Lady Antebellum Pavilion; 7:30 p.m.; $15; 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd.
O
nce upon a time… When I was young, those words meant a cute story with a nice moral. Now, all of the sudden reincarnations of fairy tales, much darker in tone, are everywhere. And honestly, with actresses like Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart, who can choose “the fairest of them all”? Carol Rezzelle, founder of Enopion Theater Company, couldn’t be happier that fairy tales are making such an incredible comeback. In early August, Enopion is bringing its own version of classic fairy tale characters to the stage. The characters will not, however, have the same dark twists they do in the movies of late. Enopion is a Christian theater company that will weave these timely stories with the timeless gospels. Rezzelle said it’s simply a coincidence that her original script, “The Prince is Giving a Ball,” coincides with the fairy tale renaissance, as this piece has been in the works for quite a while. This will be the company’s third production at Augusta’s Kroc Center. They opened the facility last summer and sold out their Christmas dinner theater production in November. Even considering those incredible successes, Rezzelle said tickets for “The Prince” are going even quicker, proving that the resurgence of this genre hasn’t peaked just yet. While Enopion has definitely put these fairy tale characters into some new situations, one thing remains the same from the good old days of Snow White and Cinderella: this version is perfect for the entire family. Kids will love the fact that some of their favorite characters are right in front of them, and adults will see an inspiring retelling of the story of Christ, with music and humor to spare. It’s worth the price of admission just to see Augusta’s newest performance venue. The Kroc Center has a state-of-the-art auditorium that serves a worship space on Sunday and a fully-equipped theater that provides one more incredible space in an arts community of Augusta. The first performance of “The Prince is Giving a Ball” is August 9, followed by a sever-performance run ending August 25. For exact dates and times go to enopion.com or call 706-771-7777. Disclaimer: The author is a cast member of “The Prince is Giving a Ball”
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
22 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 4
THEATRE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, the storms begin to brew. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.; $10 to $25; 126 Newberry St., Aiken, SC; 803.648.1438
+ SATURDAY
JULY 5-July 20 2012
THEATRE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL See listing on July 13. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.
+ MONDAY
7.16
SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. West Virginia. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM
+ TUESDAY
7.17
FOR KIDS REED CREEK PARK Nature Program with hands-on science activity with Nate Hobbs. Friedman Library; 10 a.m.; free; 1447 Jackson Road; 706.736.6758 ECGRL.ORG LITERARY COVER-TOCOVER Come listen to classic Poe tale, The Tell Tale Heart, and try to eat your lunch. Drinks are provided. Headquarters Library; noon; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. West Virginia Power. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7:05 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889 MILB.COM
CONCERT CHARLIE DANIELS & TRAVIS TRITT Lady Antebellum Pavilion; 6:30 p.m.; $35 to $50; 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. GOOD CAUSE 3RD ANNUAL SUMMER HOT ROAST & TOAST Proceeds from this roast of NFL player Deon Grant will benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship. Augusta Mini Theatre; 7 p.m.; $50; 2548 Deans Bridge Road; 706.722.0598 COMEDY GARY OWEN Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, stand-up comedian Gary Owen has been entertaining America for more than a decade with side-splitting comedy. Imperial Theatre; 8 p.m.; $23 to $28; 745 Broad St.; 706.722.8341
+FRIDAY
7.20
+WEDNESDAY
7.18 FOR KIDS TARA SCHEYER SING-A-LONG MUSIC Appleby Branch Library; 10:30 a.m.; free; 2260 Walton Way; 706.736.6244 ECGRL.ORG
7.14 7.19 +THURSDAY
SPORTS AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS vs. West Virginia Power and Military Appreciation and Fireworks Night. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 5:35 p.m.; $7 to $11; 78 Milledge Road; 706.736.7889
CONCERT MIDDAY MUSIC SERIES Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Call to make reservations. First Presbyterian Church; noon; music free, $9 for lunch; 224 Barnwell Ave. NW, Aiken; 803.648.2662
LITERARY BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB Discuss Bookseller of Kabul by Anse Sierstad. Columbia County Library; 11:30 a.m.; free; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans; 706.863.1946 ECGRL.ORG
SPORTS AUGUSTA SOUTHERN NATIONALS Watch drag boat races on the Savannah River during this benefit for the local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics. Savannah River; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $18 to $30 THEATRE ALMOST, MAINE 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. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; $25 to $40; 32100 Third Ave.; 706.703.8552 FORTGORDON.COM
daily planner
FESTIVAL NIGHT OF FIRE AUGUSTA Join fans of Augusta Southern Nationals to celebrate the end of race weekend. Augusta Common; 7 p.m.; 836 Reynolds St. THEATRE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL See listing on July 13. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m.
+ONGOING
WEEKLY HISTORY PATRIOT BOAT TOUR Narrated boat tours with music offered Wednesday through Sunday until the end of November. Passengers board at the 10th Street dock located behind the Marriott in downtown Augusta. 10th Street dock on the Savannah River; 3 p.m.; $6 to $12; Tenth and Reynolds streets; 803.730.9739 PATRIOTTOURBOAT.COM HISTORY HAMBURG: THE FORGOTTEN TOWN History of the former South Carolina town near modern day Fifth Street bridge. Ends August 24. Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta; $3 to$5; 100 Georgia Ave.; 803.441.4380 HISTORY FOOD, FABRIC AND FIREPOWER: AUGUSTA, THE CANAL AND THE CIVIL WAR Canal boat tour presents the behind-the-lines story of the Confederate Powder Works and Augusta’s major role in supplying Southern troops. Enterprise Mill; 1:30 p.m.; $12.50; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM
JULY 5-July 20 2012
+ 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 streets; 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 Three-hour excursion to the Savannah Rapids and headgates. Enterprise Mill; 5:30 p.m.; $21; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM
+ONGOING
ART
ART EXHIBITS JESSE LEE VAUGHN Gaartdensity holds art shows every first and second Friday of the month. Ends July 28. Gaardensity Gallery; 1155 Broad St. FREDDIE FLYNT & TRICIA MAYERS Ends Aug. 31. Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 1301 Greene St.; 706.826.4701
+ MONDAYS CONCERT HOPELANDS GARDENS CONCERT SERIES Outdoor concerts each Monday evening from through August. Bring a chair or a blanket. Hopelands Gardens; 7 p.m.; free; 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken; 803.642.7650 CITYOFAIKENSC.GOV
WINDOW ON THE WEST: VIEWS FROM THE AMERICAN Ends July 21. Morris Museum of Art; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG
CERAMIC ARTIST KYUNGMIN PARK A native of South Korea, Park creates ceramic sculptures that seem to tilt on the edge of possibility as she incorporates the human form into seemingly impossible spatial creations. Ends July 27. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art; 506 Telfair St.; 706.722.5495 GHIA.ORG ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Ends July 31. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; $2 to $5; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576
THE MORRIS AT TWENTY Exhibition emphasizes acquisitions made during the past 10 years – a rich period marked by the addition of the Julia J. Norrell Collection, with particular strength in folk art and photography. Exhibit opens July 7 and ends Sept. 16. Morris Museum of Art; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501
teachers on the canal
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Free Canal Boat Tours for Teachers
D
uring July teachers ride free on August Canal’s Petersburg Boat tours. Each teacher may invite one guest, also at no charge, as part of Augusta Canal National Heritage Area’s first Teacher Appreciation Month. The southern pine Petersburg Boat is a reconstruction of one of the most successful designs of outland transportation ever on the Savannah River, which hauled tobacco and cotton between Augusta and Petersburg, a community located about 16 miles upstream, and between Augusta and Savannah. Well-informed, entertaining guides narrate the open-air trips on the Augusta Canal, highlighting the 19th Century textile mills, the Confederate Powder Works and two of Georgia’s only remaining 18th Century houses. In addition, patrons enjoy spotting wildlife including: herons, turtles, otters and occasional alligators. “Teachers bring students on field trips during the school year but rarely have time to enjoy our facility on a personal level,” said Julie Boone, educational program coordinator for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for the dedication and hard work of our community educators.” Educators are asked to present a school badge, name tag, or ID card at the canal’s Interpretive Center ticket desk, located at
Local teachers enjoy a free ride on the Petersburg Boat on the Augusta Canal in July, Augusta Canal’s Teacher Appreciation Month.
1450 Greene Street. Tours last about an hour, departing from the docks at Enterprise Mill at 9, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The tours also include free admission to the interactive Canal Interpretive Center. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 706.823.0440, Ext. 4. For more information on boat tours and schedules visit augustacanal.com. by Jennifer pruett
OFFICE: SCULPTURE BY BOB TROTMAN As a contemporary artist, Bob Trotman is fascinated by what he describes as the “noir narrative of life at the office.” His wooden people, often surprisingly posed, evoke both humor and anxiety and, taken together, offer an absurdist vision of an imaginary corporate purgatory. Ends Sept. 30. Morris Museum of Art; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 ANN ERICKSON: TEXT MESSAGES Erickson presents examples of the varied application of calligraphy as an art form. Ends July 27. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art; 506 Telfair St.; 706.722.5495 GHIA.ORG
WE cant fit all the events here! Even more great events happening everyday in the CSRA! Check them all out at www.vergelive.com.
JULY 4 _ VERGELIVE.com / 23
24 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 4
NIGHTLIFE THURSDAY, JULY 5
RHYS REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m.
JULY 5-July 21 2012 ROSS COPPLEY @ The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon | 10 p.m. $3 to $5
VILLANOVA JUNCTION BAND @ Joe’s Underground 9 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 15
FRIDAY, JULY 6
TUESDAY, JULY 17
RAIDERS OF THE LOST RAVE: THE FENCESITTERS with Number5, LinearNorth and Polyphase @ Sector 7G 8 p.m. FIRST FRIDAY 80’S NIGHT @ Sky City| 9 p.m. COLE TAYLOR @ The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon | 10 p.m.; $3 to $5 80S NIGHT @ Sky City 10 p.m.; $5 THE UNMENTIONABLES @ Midtown Lounge | 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 7
THOSE DARLINS + BABY, BABY @ Sky City | Music 10:30 p.m.; $8
BRANDON HOOKER DUO @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
SABO & DAVE @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
BLITZKID + THE ATOM BLONDE + SICK SICK SICK with a raffle for an Ephiphone Thunderbird 4 Goth Bass @ First Round | 8 p.m.; $10
THURSDAY, JULY 19
RHES REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m. SANS ABRI + JOSH & MICHAEL OF THE PACKWAY HANDLE BAND + CICADA RHYTHM @ Sky City | 10 p.m.; $3 ATOM BLONDE @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 20
SWYRV @ Joe’s Underground 10 p.m. FAITH JACKSON @ The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon 10 p.m.; $3 to $5
SUNDAY, JULY 8
SWINGIN’ RICHARDS @ Wild Wing Café 10 p.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 10
WILL ERICKSON @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
RHYS REEVES @ Coyote’s 8 p.m. FALSE FLAG @ Wild Wing Café 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 13
HEAR NO EVIL Featuring DJ Fugi + DJ Rana + DJ Jeff Edwards @ Sky City 10 p.m.; $3 THE SUEX EFFECT @ Midtown Lounge | 10 p.m. BURNING ANGELS @ Stillwater Taproom 10 p.m.; $5 DB BRYANT BAND @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 14
CUSSES with special guests Panic Manor + DJ Joycette @ Sky City | 10 p.m.
SNOW BUNNY BIKINI CONTEST & DRINK + DROWN & DJ JEFF @ Coyotes 8 p.m.; Ladies, sign up before 11 p.m. for the chance at your part of $500 cash.
Thursdays
80’S NIGHT WITH DJ RANA @ The Playground | 9 p.m. JAZZTINI THURSDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m. BOOM BOX @ Soul Bar | 8 p.m.; Drink specials daily during Happy Hour (4 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Monday Friday). SPORTS TRIVIA WITH MIKE THOMAS @ Malibu Jack’s 7 p.m.
HOT ROD WALT & THE PSYCHO-DEVILLES @ The Loft 10 p.m.
SOUP, SUDS & CONVERSATIONS @ The Fox’s Lair | 6 p.m.
TOKYO JOE @ Wild Wing Café 10 p.m.
4 CATS IN THE DOG HOUSE @ The Willcox | 6 p.m.
SAAWARIYA + SINISTER MOUSTACHE + MANN RAY @ Sky City | 10:30 p.m.; $5
REAL DANCE MUSIC @ Rose Hill Estate | 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 21
ROSHAMBEAUX @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 11
THURSDAY, JULY 12
KRAZY KARAOKE @ The Playground Bar 10 p.m.
JARED ASHLEY @ The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon 10 p.m. $3 to $5
LADIES NIGHT & KARAOKE @ Coyotes | 9 p.m.; Ladies Drink Free Till Midnight (with $7 cover) or Pay No Cover. No Cover for guys. OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Playground | 8 p.m.
SIBLING STRING @ Joe’s Underground | 9 p.m.
PATTERSON & NATE @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT WITH CHRISTIAN & MICKEY @ Surrey Tavern | 8 p.m. BIKE NIGHT!@ The First Round 8 PM; The first drink is on us!
NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY Mondays SPORTS NIGHT @ Surrey Tavern | 7 p.m
MIKE FROST JAZZ @ The Willcox | 8 p.m. FREE WORLD POKER GAMES @ Somewhere in Augusta | 7 p.m. or 9 p.m.; Games begin at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Players play for a seat at the World Series of Poker.
Tuesdays
TANGO NIGHT @ Casa Blanca Café | 6 p.m.
Fridays
ALL-OUT ACOUSTIC FRIDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m. OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 8 p.m. TRIVIA WITH MACDADDY @ Cocktails Bar & Lounge 9 p.m. LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY @ The Partridge Inn | 10 p.m.
TRIVIA NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 10 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @ The First Round | 10 p.m.; free
PIANO @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m.; no cover
Wednesdays
2013 BIKINI CALENDAR CONTEST @ Coyote’s | 8 p.m. MANUEL’S MUSIC WEDNESDAYS @ Manuel’s Bread Café | 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays
FREE DANCE LESSONS @ Country Club | 7 p.m. DRINK + DROWN @ The Library Nightclub | 10 p.m $10
coco’s q&a
vibe
Coco rubio’s One on One Chat With CSRA Musicians
Kevin Scheyer/Musician/Teacher/Family Man
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first met Kevin when I was teaching Spanish at Evans High School back in the early 90’s. We’ve remained friends over the years and I thought he would be the perfect person to talk to in my first Q&A session for VERGE. Coco: I love seeing my former students who are now teachers. Why did you get into teaching? Kevin: I had some awesome teachers in high school (including you). I wanted to be one of those “cool” teachers and help make a difference in young kids’ lives. There are too many kids just floating around out there who need some direction or motivation. I’d like to think I am making a difference in their lives. Coco: As a musician married to a musician (the wonderfully talented Tara Scheyer), how do you feel about the music & arts programs at ARC? Kevin: One of the great aspects about Richmond Academy is the IB Program. The academics are very rigorous, and the students are motivated. The IB Program has brought in an amazing music and arts program. We have a Photo courtesy of Kevin Scheyer: wife Tara, full, state of the art recording studio, and their two children Nopa, 3 and Felix, 8 which I’m willing to say is the nicest school or professional studio in Augusta. We also have a great guitar and choir program. In addition, we have a top-notch art room with a legit dark room. Lots of amazing stuff happening on Walton Way that most people have no idea we are doing. Coco: Why weren’t you in the high school band at Evans? Kevin: I fooled around with drums while in high school, but didn’t get very serious until I was in college. In high school, I focused on playing sports… and chasing girls. Coco: You also coach soccer. How’s that going? Kevin: I coach the Richmond Academy Girls Varsity soccer team. I am so privileged to be able to surround myself with these amazing young ladies. They are such hard workers on the pitch and off. We have worked very hard over the past 8 seasons I have been coaching, and it has just recently paid off as we won the 3-AAA Region Championship the past 2 years in a row. Coco: Do you think the new ASU/GHSU should bring back soccer? Kevin: Absolutely! It really makes no sense. It needs to happen here and if I’m so lucky, I’d love to be a part of it. It just needs to happen! Coco: I’m with you, man. So, what do YOU think they should call our new University? Kevin: I like simple. Now, I don’t know the difference between college, university, state, state university, etc., but my vote would be for, “Augusta College and Medical School”. Coco: What if the new school got a college radio station? Kevin: Another no brainer! I went to college at USC in Columbia. I loved and miss WUSC. Again, keep it simple. Let the people/students/locals run the show. Let them play what they want and let tons of different music be heard. Variety is the spice of life, right? I “found” lots of good music listening to college radio. It is also a great format for local bands to be heard. Coco: Are you and Tara still playing mostly Mud Puppy shows for the kids? Kevin: We are. We like the hours! Also, kids are sponges without any pretentious needs. They just want to jump around and have fun. We are also not “trying to make it”. We made it a long time ago. Now, The Mud Puppy Band is on our own terms. We don’t have to play. We play when we want to play…and that makes playing so much more enjoyable. It’s not often, but Snapdragon will play from time to time. I freakin’ love Snapdragon! Coco: Would you consider an all-family band? Kevin: Felix has been playing harmonica with us since he was about 3. Now 8, he also plays piano and ukulele. We think Nopa, 3, is going to be a drummer. It would be amazing to have a “family band”! I’d like nothing better than to pile into an RV and travel the country playing music and spending time with the people I like most! Coco: Thanks so much for talking to me. Enjoy your summer vacation! When is your next music gig? Kevin: Thanks Coco! I appreciate you letting me speak. I also appreciate all you do for our town! Be on the lookout for Snapdragon (First Friday, August 3rd) and the Mud Puppy Band (Westobou, October 7th). We are also planning our second annual “Count Down till Noon” New Years Eve concert…’cause why should only the big kids get to party? coco rubio opened The Soul Bar in 1995 and Sky City in 2008 with the intent to help revitalize downtown Augusta and to make it the entertainment center of the CSRA. When he is not working downtown, he likes to stay home and hang out with his daughter Maya, his wife Holly and their dog Pearl.
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the film reel
vibe
now playing on the big screen
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hat better way to celebrate the Independence Day holiday than with a red and blue clad superhero in a quintessential battle of good versus evil? This is not the Spidey you know and love from ‘70s TV or the Tobey Maguire version from director Sam Raimi that earned critical praise when that franchise debuted just a decade ago. This Spider-Man is a reboot of Marvel Comics’ beloved superhero story created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN is now playing with an origins story that finds a high school age Peter Parker seeking answers about his parents’ disappearance while finding he has what it takes to be a webslinging good guy. Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 opened in 2007 to less fanfare than its two blockbuster predecessors. The franchise, which featured Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man and Kirsten Dunst as his love interest, Mary Jane Watson, was the first to spotlight this comic book figure. Fourth and fifth installments of the series were planned with Maguire and Dunst set to reprise their roles and Raimi once again at the helm. Disappointing screenwriting attempts derailed the planned sequels and Sony Pictures opted to scrap the franchise as it was and reboot it with an all-new cast and creative team. Now, only five years after our last glimpse at Spider-Man, the reboot has arrived with (500) Days of Summer director Marc Webb taking the reins. If you’re feeling bad for Maguire, take comfort in knowing you’ll see him in one of the year’s most highly anticipated films at the Christmas box office as he’s starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby. His Spidey successor is British actor Andrew Garfield, best known for his role in The Social Network. Garfield portrays a funny, less nerdy teenage Peter Parker who is not as secretive about his heroics as Maguire’s Spidey was. He finds a helpful compatriot in Gwen Stacy, played by Garfield’s real life girlfriend, actress Emma Stone (Easy A, The Help). They take on Dr. Curt Connors, a former partner of Parker’s father, and his villainous alter ego The Lizard (Rhys Ifans). Sally Field and Martin Sheen play Parker’s Aunt May and Uncle Ben, while Denis Leary co-stars as Captain Stacy, Gwen’s father and one of the lawmakers actively trying to capture Spider-Man. Stan Lee served as executive producer on this 3D reboot and makes a cameo appearance as the school librarian. A sequel to this new take on the franchise is slated for release in 2014. July 6 openers include KATY PERRY: PART OF ME, a 3D concert biopic about pop music’s reigning princess and her rise from a repressed teen raised in a strict Christian home to the free-spirited, blue-haired superstar who routinely sits atop the Top 40 charts. Brian Grazer and Ron Howard served on this film’s massive producing team, which probably won’t help their street cred when Oscar time rolls around again. The week’s final opener is SAVAGES, a drug feud kidnap drama from director Oliver Stone starring Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch, John Travolta, Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro. July 13 brings one major opener with another Ice Age sequel. A decade after they first hit the big screen, Manny (Ray Romano), Sid (John Leguizamo) and Diego (Denis Leary) return for another animated adventure in ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT. by mariah gardner, movie guru
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VIETNAMESE DELICACY chow bella feature / PG 31
Cigar event
mixing in belly dancing/ PG 33
buzz
openings and closings / PG 33
feed your family
for under $50
/ pg 31
Mystery review of sconyers bbq
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chow bella
SOUTH MEETS SPICE
vittles
Simple Tips and Recipes On Cooking With Natural Goodness
Vietnamese-style summer rolls F
or this summer, we are trying to expand our recipe vocabulary to light and easy yet filling meals for our household. I don’t know why I have never attempted summer rolls at home, outside of the walls of a favorite Vietnamese restaurant, but I thought I should. They are quick and relatively easy (after you get the hang of it), taste delicious and are a great dish to assemble for an event with friends on a summer evening. Homemade peanut sauce is an option for accompaniment, but I chose the no-stress road and bought one from the grocery store. Next time I think I will attempt to make a sauce from scratch, but regardless these rolls were extremely delicious. Enjoy the summer…and the rolls. article & photo by Ellie Benson BOYANDABRIDE.VIRB.COM
INGREDIENTS:
(Vietnamese-Style Summer Rolls: adapted from chow.com)
1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined 4 ounces dry stick noodles (or rice vermicelli) 16 round rice paper wrappers 1 cup mung bean sprouts 32 fresh basil or Thai basil leaves 16 small fresh cilantro sprigs 1 medium cucumber, sliced 3 medium scallions, diced 8 Bibb lettuce leaves, cut in half Your favorite Brand Peanut Sauce (I used House of Tsang) DIRECTIONS:
• In a medium saucepan boil water over high heat. Cook shrimp for 1 1/2 minutes. Drain and run under cold water until cool to touch. If the shrimp are not dry, pat with paper towels. • Holding your knife parallel to the cutting board, halve each shrimp horizontally. Place on a platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. • Follow the directions on your rice noodles to cook correctly, drain and set aside. • Using several serving trays/containers arrange all your ingredients in this order: rice paper wrappers, shrimp, rice noodles, bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, cucumber, scallions, and lettuce. • Fill a large mixing bowl with hot tap water. Working with 1 wrapper at a time, completely submerge the wrapper until it is soft and pliable, about 15 seconds. Remove the wrapper from the water and place it on the towel. • Working quickly so your rice paper does not dry out, place 3 cucumbers overlapping in a row, just above the center of the wrapper, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side. Lay 3 shrimp halves in a row on top, cut side up. Layer about 1/4 cup of the rice noodles over the shrimp, followed by a few bean sprouts, 2 of the basil leaves, 1 sprig of cilantro, and a sprinkle of scallions on top. Lastly, add a rolled half lettuce leaf. Fold the bottom half of the rice paper wrapper over the filling. Holding the whole thing firmly in place, fold the sides of the wrapper in. Then, pressing firmly down to hold the folds in place, roll the entire wrapper horizontally up from the bottom to the top. Then, pressing firmly down to hold the folds in place, roll the entire wrapper horizontally up from the bottom to the top. • Turn the roll so that the seam faces down and the row of cucumbers faces up. Repeat and serve with Peanut Sauce. Alternatively, my husband likes his peanut sauce inside his wrap as opposed to dipping, so add this in here if you would like to try this, very tasty.
feed the family
vittles
Feeding a Family of Five for Under $50
Bar-b-que & bluegrass on a LITTLE OL’ budget
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appy July, my fellow frugal foodies! This week, in celebration of Independence Day, my family and I chose Sconyers Bar-B-Que, an Augusta favorite since 1956. I must confess that on this trip we ditched one of the kids and took my grandmother, as Sconyers is her favorite! The atmosphere at Sconyers is traditional and inviting. The staff is donned with traditional colonial apparel, adding to the ambiance and overall experience. The building is beautifully designed as a rustic wooden house, with a duck and fish pond outside to keep kids of all ages entertained. Upon being seated, fresh loaves of white bread are delivered to the table. Drinks are served in mason jars, and bread and butter pickles are offered in abundance. The menu offers choices of pork and beef barbeque as well as ribs and barbeque chicken. We ordered two of the chopped pork plates and a one-fourth barbeque chicken plate. Each plate comes complete with rice and hash and the choice of potato salad or cole slaw. Our food was delivered to the table within five minutes of placing our order. Every thing was piping hot and delicious. Sconyers offers three types of homemade sauces for their barbeque: mild, spicy and hot vinegar. The hot vinegar, for the record, is really hot! Everyone loved their food, especially Sam, my nine-year-old-son, who ate more than my husband and I combined. The hands-down favorite was the rice and hash, and the beautiful part of that was that we had a takeout box full of leftovers. No one had any complaints about any aspect of the food or the service we received. As fate would have it, we dined at Sconyers on a Friday night, and Friday nights are bluegrass concert nights. Every Friday of the summer, beginning at 7 p.m., live bluegrass music fills the air. What’s better than a full belly, a rocking chair and bluegrass? As bluegrass is my husband Rob’s, genre of choice, this added greatly to our experience on this fantastic Friday before the 4th of July. Our bill, including tax and gratuity was $48.90; so again, we achieved what we set out to do – feed a family of five for under $50. We have no complaints about our visit to Sconyers. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, the prices were reasonable and the facility was flawless… yes, even the bathrooms made the cut. Stay tuned for next issue’s article, as we venture out to find more local dining establishments that FOOD QUALITY ***** we can enjoy on a budget. Let’s see where our palates lead! SERVICE
*****
by sally panini
ENVIRONMENT
*****
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promotional cigar event
vittles
beers locals like
vittles
3 summer time brews D
MIXING CIGARS AND BELLY DANCING M
arcella’s Fine Cigars and Tobaccos, located at 2921 Washington Road, hosted a Rocky Patel promotional event in late June featuring the regional sales manager for the premium cigar brand, special discounts, and a performance by a local belly-dancing troupe, Envey. Marcella Perez, who has owned one cigar store in Augusta for 16 years and another in Aiken for the last six years, typically tries to host a cigar promotion every month at each of her stores. This event was limited to the Augusta location because Rocky Patel places Georgia and South Carolina in different sales regions. Visitors to this event received one free cigar when they bought three, or five free cigars plus a custom Rocky Patel lighter, with a $50 retail value, when they bought a box of 20. “We’re definitely one of the top five cigar brands in the world, not just because of the type of tobacco that we use, but also because of the construction,” said Rachael Hedman, Rocky Patel regional sales manager. “We use the same primings from different plants in Nicaragua and Honduras, which allows us to keep the same consistency in the 20 to 25 different types of cigars we make. Rocky is very passionate about making sure that he’s only using the best materials in each cigar, and it shows in our craftsmanship.”
isregard last issue’s smatterings about how nice the weather has been, as the summer heat has arrived…literally on the first day of summer. I came just in time for my comments to publish within the anticipated relaunch of Verge. I jinxed us, and thanks in part to me, holes in the ozone layer, and the fact that this is the Deep South, it’ll be hotter than two muskrats in a wool sock until we’re halfway through football season. As penance for my sins, I’ve reviewed three more light’ish brews… all domestic and all yummy. Summer Squeeze Bright Ale pours a light hot gold with little head. The nose and taste both convey earthy tinges that beat out the hops in this “summer ale”. This beer is infused with lemongrass and yuzu. It has a malitness, but it’s a very light beer. I recommend it on a day when you’re planning to have a few. Try it with pad Thai. Brooklyn Summer Ale, brewed in Utica, is a fuller brew that pours a yellow-gold with a moderate head. The nose touches on cinnamon spice with hops and toast. The taste is much the same, with a fullness to match. There is a toastier aspect to the taste, so try it with…anything! Razor Wit, a fine product of Asheville’s Highland Brewing Company, pours an opaque heated gold and smells of spices and citrus zest. The taste has a witbier bite that transitions nicely into a sweeter finish with citrus notes throughout. Again -- another fine product from another fine brewery. Try it with bison or grass-fed beef. These beers and more can be found at Aficionado’s on Ellis Street, Downtown Augusta. Before now I have not heard of yuzu. Maybe it’s a cousin of the grapefruit originating from East Asia. Maybe it’s a furry animal of some kind. Who knows? Stay tuned…
article by Ben Casella
the buzz on vittles
vittles
Guests and Marcella’s staff enjoy a cigar during a recent promotional event.
“Rocky Patel is an excellent choice for fine cigars with a spicy kick; you can’t go wrong choosing one of their varieties,” said Carlos Ayala, Marcella’s sales associate. “I appreciate the time and effort that they put into each cigar, and I like that they keep it a secret exactly what kind of breeds of tobacco they use as well as their curing process.” While Ayala has established a reputation for helping customers find the cigar that is right for them, he notes that not everyone will enjoy the same cigars he does. “Right now I’m enjoying the Nording, which is sweet with a spicy kick, but not everybody is going to enjoy a full body cigar, or a medium, and those who want something stronger might not want a mild cigar,” he said. “I talk to them and figure out what their palate is craving and open up their potential to enjoy other cigars.” This promotional event was well attended by 40 to 50 people, many of whom stayed for the belly dance performance and then stuck around to enjoy cigars with the dancers. Marcella’s lounge is a nice place for people to gather and try new flavors, which Ayala says can be especially pleasing after visiting the nearby Bonefish Grill and enjoying a steak dinner after work. The lounge is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Marcella’s next cigar promotion will feature Brick House brand cigars from 4 to 8 p.m. July 18 at the Aiken location, and July 19 at the Augusta location. For more information, visit marcellascigars.com.
he buzz is if you sell frozen yogurt you make it through this economy -- if you’re a new spot with a high ticket item, not so much. Case in point, the Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt shop just opened in late June in the new retail mecca of Columbia County -- Grovetown. They join other new successful brands like Peachwave, Yotopia and Twisted Indulgence in the hottest food sector in the CSRA -- ice cold frozen yogurt with yummy toppings. It works because consumers control what they spend, to the tune of 42 to 44 cents per ounce. In other buzz, after two years the Polka Dot Pig Gastro Pub shut its doors in Surrey Center, joining a long list of concepts that failed in the end cap unit on the lower level. The Public House closed in that spot several years ago and before that an Italian themed eatery. Aroma Coffee Shop, formerly P.J’s, also closed in June in Surrey. Bullchicks Restaurant recently reopened just outside Surrey Center, with new franchisees, after the original ones failed inspections with corporate in Texas. The second area Bullchicks is set to open on Edgefield Road, Highway 25 in North Augusta, in the old Popeye’s restaurant building. Their claim to fame is serving 20 different flavors of chicken wings and 20 different types of hamburgers.
article and photos by christopher selmek
article by Neil Gordon
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vittles
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ab’s sports
Saluting Inspirational H.S Athletes/ PG 37
Dr. Karp
Is breast feeding healthy? / PG 38
NORA’s last word
finding your prince/princess / PG 39
UNDER THE BRIDGE is for lost souls
your faith, page 37
photo by Charles Cochran
JULY 4 _ VERGELIVE.com / 35
here’s to your health
values
JULY NA UV TSIAONAL MONT FET Y H
July Is National UV Safety Month
Courtesy: Right At Home July is National UV Safety Month, when Americans of all ages are reminded to protect their skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is a year-round constant, even on cloudy days, and it’s the main cause of skin cancer. It causes eye damage including cataracts and macular degeneration. UV exposure can also weaken the immune system. In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. UV Safety Month aims to educate individuals on how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Anyone can get skin cancer. Older Americans face increased sun-related health problems because little was known in the past about protection from UV rays. Fortunately, widespread support for UV safety is helping reduce painful and life-threatening conditions from too much sun exposure. The following are recommendations for protecting skin and eyes: Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours. Wear protective clothing including long sleeves and broadbrimmed hats. Wear polarized sunglasses that wrap to protect eyes from every angle. Limit time in direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid tanning beds, sunlamps and welding lamps, which also give off UV radiation. Regularly check skin for changes, and ask your doctor for a yearly skin cancer check. Right at Home provides in home care and assistance and is a locally owned and operated. They serve the entire CSRA. For more information, contact Right at Home of the CSRA at www. csra.rightathome.net, by phone at 706-814-739 or email at admin@rightathome-csra.com.
Local Physician Helps Save Children’s Lives in Jamaica
Doctors Hospital spine surgeon, Dr. Justin Bundy, joins Straight Caribbean Spine Foundation helping children in Jamaica, performing free lifesaving scoliosis surgery. “When I heard about this opportunity, I knew I had to take it,” said Bundy. For years, Dr. Bundy has performed spinal surgeries at Doctors Hospital helping local patients, but now he is spreading his wings outside of the United States. He has become one of two spine surgeons with this foundation to help those in need in Kingston, Jamaica.
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“The country has only 20 orthopedic surgeons, none of whom perform spinal surgeries on pediatric patients,” said Dr. Bundy. “On our first of seven days, the amount of people who showed up to the clinic was overwhelming. We had about 80 families bring their children from across the country, hoping that they would be candidates for the surgery.” Dr. Bundy performed an estimated thirty-five scoliosis surgeries in the five days he was in Jamaica. The days began at 7 a.m. and ended at 7 p.m. A typical spine surgeon performs about one to two surgeries of this kind per week in the United States. Once the surgeries were complete, the patients stayed in the hospital for about one week. With the help of the Straight Caribbean Spine Foundation, these patients will receive free follow-up care. In October, Dr. Bundy will make his second trip to Kingston, Jamaica. At that time he will have follow up appointments with those who received the surgery, as well as perform more surgeries on new candidates.
Dr. Dan Jolich Named District Director/Turner Chiropractic Opens in Grovetown
Dr. Dan Jolich, owner of Aiken Chiropractic, was appointed District Director of the South Carolina Chiropractic Association in June 2012. Dr. Dan Jolich is a graduate of Life University College of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, and has been practicing in Aiken for nine years. He believes in educating people on the benefits of healthy and natural lifestyles. He’s proficient at several spine-correcting techniques. Dr. Jolich uses diagnostic techniques including x-ray and Surface Electromyelography. Aiken Chiropractic located on 425 Laurens St. NW in Aiken, www.aikenchiropractic.com. In other chiropractic news, a new facility, Turner
Chiropractic, had its grand opening at 5180 Wrightsboro Rd. in Grovetown. Dr. Annie Turner grew up in the Augusta area. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and received her Doctor of Chiropractic from Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC. She is also certified in physiotherapy. Turner Chiropractic is dedicated to providing high-quality care for patients of all ages. Check out the office and meet Dr. Turner. Walk-ins are welcomed! Or call (706) 910-0888 to schedule an appointment. Visit online at www.turnerchiropracticgrovetown.com.
Affiliation between GHSU and University Hospital Started July 1
An academic affiliation between Georgia Health Sciences University and University Hospital effective July 1 has 32 medical residents doing a portion of their training at University Hospital this year, a figure that will double by 2014. “We are exceedingly pleased with the progress and passion for this affiliation that significantly expands the training of GHSU residents at University Hospital,” said Dr. Ricardo Azziz, GHSU President and CEO of GHSU. “The leadership, physicians and staff at University Hospital already are incredible partners; our residents and graduate education leadership are excited; and our alumni are happy that University Hospital, where many of them received exceptional clinical training, is once again our partner.” “University Hospital is very proud to be a partner in this initiative with GHSU, especially as this country faces an expected physician shortage over the next decade,” said James R. Davis, President and CEO of University Health Care System. “By providing this training opportunity to these young physicians, we hope to encourage them to put down roots here, helping take care of our community for years to come. This is good for GHSU, good for University Hospital and good for the community.” University officials said the relationship will enhance the quality of medical resident education, lay the groundwork for more medical students to complete clinical rotations at University and eventually enable the education of more physicians. Residents at GHS Health System also do a portion of their training at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center. compiled from area news releases by JENNIFER PRUETT
your faith photo S by CHARLES COCHRAN
values
Pastor Roger Gardner speaks to the packed congregation prior to the start of worship. In all, 26 people stood up to be recognized as first-time visitors during this service on June 23.
HELPING LOST SOULS UNDER THE BRIDGE
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n the Christian tradition, Jesus did much of his preaching and teaching outdoors – and he saw to it that they were fed. So it is with the Bridge Ministry, which offers Augusta’s homeless community a hot meal and a heavy dose of God’s word underneath the Calhoun Expressway overpass near 15th Street every Saturday afternoon. New Hope Worship Center and First Baptist Church sponsor the ministry, with help from other Augusta-area churches and social service agencies. Under the bridge, the concrete buttresses of the overpass form a cathedral-like ceiling. Folding chairs set up on bare dirt provide seating for more than 350 people. Volunteers unload chairs from a box truck before worship starts, and they set up the long tables from which they’ll serve hot meals to congregants. Out of the truck, too, comes sound equipment for a praise band and the Astroturf that forms a portable stage. Lastly, a 10-foot cross crafted from four-byfour beams is erected front and center on the stage. The air conditioning is free – another one of God’s gifts.
Under the bridge, Pentecostals and Baptists set aside denominational differences. They come together as one group who simply call themselves Christian, working together to feed God’s people and to share the gospel message. “That’s God. That’s a God thing,” said Roger Gardner, the local outreach pastor at New Hope Worship Center, a Church of God congregation. “It’s not a matter of New Hope one Saturday and First Baptist the next. It’s the one body of Christ sharing God’s love and meeting people where they happen to be.” New Hope and First Baptist take turns preparing the food that’s provided by Golden Harvest Ministries. “Our goal is for things to look pretty much the same from one Saturday to the next,” confirmed Byron Brown, a deacon at First Baptist and a past chair of the church’s Board of Trustees. “The only difference is who brings the food.” On average, 250 meals are served each Saturday, with between 800 and 1,000 served each Thanksgiving and Christmas. Others are involved. Augusta Rescue Mission pays the salary for a full-time worker in the warehouse where food and clothing are stored. New Life Christian Center has contributed financially every month since the beginning. On any given
If You Go… The Bridge Ministry’s services start at 1 pm on Saturdays with a free meal, followed by adult worship and children’s church underneath Augusta’s Calhoun Expressway overpass near 15th Street.
ab’s sports lessons
Brendan Douglas, Jr. led Aquinas to a school record nine wins and was named First Team All-State.
A Year to Remember in Local Sports
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y columns will usually highlight an individual athlete or coach; some past, some present; however, while recently looking at statistics in an effort to make a few year-end allarea nominations, it dawned on me just how many CSRA
teams made deep playoff runs this year -- a few even won state titles. The high school sports calendar is spread out over nine months, so by the time baseball season is in full swing, most people have forgotten about what happened in football or basketball. Well, this season, CSRA sports fans should definitely take a look back; it was a year filled with incredible achievements. The year started with Burke County winning the first public school state title since 2002. The Bears were sensational in 2011. Led by head coach Eric Parker, having one of the most balanced teams in Georgia history, Burke Co. dominated Region 2-AAA. At one point the Bears had a four-week stretch in which they outscored their opponents 264-19. They continued their dominance in the post season, outscoring their six opponents by an average of 23 points a game. They capped off their championship run with a 28-14 victory over Peach County in the AAA title game, to finish 14-1. North Augusta and Aquinas also had stellar campaigns. The Yellow Jackets finished 12-2 and made it all the way to the state semifinals. North Augusta was led by running back Vinny Miller. The Citadel-bound running back was a nightmare for opposing defenses, racking up over 2,700 yards rushing and 40 total touchdowns. For Aquinas, 2011 was a year of firsts. The
Saturday, volunteers represent a broad range of Augusta churches. The congregants contribute as well. Every Saturday, an offering is taken – a “widow’s mite” from the poorest of Augusta’s poor – which so far has helped finance 19 new churches in other countries. The first, the Mewun Lighthouse Church in Jonglei State, South Sudan, opened in late 2008. The first anniversary of First Baptist’s involvement Pastor Roger Gardner with the Bridge Ministry was hugs an emotional Janice celebrated on June 23, with Griffin following her Andy Jones, First Baptist’s baptism during a recent Bridge Ministry service. minister of Missions and Faith Development, delivering the morning’s sermon. Deacon David Dekle ceremonially washed the feet of a Bridge Ministry congregant – and had his own feet washed in return. The practice is rooted in John 13 where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. It affirms that leaders are also servants – that anyone who ministers to others should do so with a humble heart. While adults worship, 30 to 50 young people up to age 12 convene for children’s church near a festive green bus adorned with the words of Jesus from Matthew 19:14: “Let the children come unto me. Do not hinder them.” “God has been good to us,” Gardner said. “I can’t think of any better place to be than with my brothers and sisters under the bridge.” CHARLES COCHRAN is a recovering newspaper reporter and editor, having earned a modest living in print journalism for more than 20 years. Now he is a second-career minister, ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He may be reached at chas.cochran@gmail.com
values Irish had never had a nine-win season or won a state playoff game. However, thanks to one of the area’s best young coaches, and the play of standout junior Brendan Douglas, Aquinas can cross both off their “to-do list”. They went 9-4 and advanced to the state quarterfinals. Athletic success in the CSRA is not confined to the gridiron. In fact, the area also boasts state champions in basketball, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, girls’ golf, and boys’ golf. Get out next year and support our local athletes and coaches. Maybe 2012-13 will be even better. The CSRA has a lot to cheer for!
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.
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dr. karp
values
no-nonsense nutrition advice
Billy W. from Peach Orchard Road asks…
iS BREAST FEEDING HEALTHY for the mom too?? G
reat, question, Billy, and glad that it came from a man. It’s clear that breastfeeding is a family activity, a husband’s activity, and a community activity, not just something that involves a mom and her baby. We always say, “It takes a family and a community to breastfeed.” This is because the father, the family, the workplace and the social environment all need to support breastfeeding if it is to be successful -- and it’s very
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important for mothers, babies, families and society that it be successful. First and foremost breastfeeding is about nutrition and good health. It is not, as some people might believe, a political issue or an issue of public decency. In the American culture we need to support and encourage breastfeeding much more than we presently do. If the idea of a women modestly breastfeeding a child in public is a problem for anyone, then I suggest that it’s a maturational issue, not a breastfeeding issue. My wife used to breastfeed in public all the time, in a very modest and appropriate manner. Button-down blouses and small blankets allowed for this. Women’s breasts serve the purpose of nourishing babies; however, our society has sexualized them so much that people forget how important breastfeeding is. There are many health benefits of breastfeeding for babies. Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. “Breastfeeding is best feeding,” I always like to say. For infants, breast milk has many advantages. It contains the mom’s antibodies which help to boost the infant’s immune system. In addition, the distance between a mom’s eyes and a baby’s eyes during breastfeeding is the distance on which a newborn’s eyes can focus; this promotes mother-infant bonding. Breast milk contains what we call “signal molecules” which help in
the development of the babies’ brains and other organs. Also, breastfed babies have decreased risks of developing childhood obesity. Breastfeeding is absolutely healthy for moms too. Women who breastfeed have decreased chances of post-partum bleeding, their uteri contract more and shrink back to normal size more rapidly, and they return to their pre-pregnant weights much faster than women who do not breastfeed. In addition, breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer by 25 percent. The longer breastfeeding occurs, the lower the risk of breast cancer; this is called the “cumulative lifetime duration of breastfeeding.” Other health benefits to mothers are decreased risk of developing post-menopausal osteoporosis and bone fractures and decreased risk of diabetes and postpartum depression. So, the no-nonsense nutrition advice for today is that breastfeeding has major advantages for the mom, the baby, the family and society. Don’t let people turn an important nutritional and health issue into a political or public decency issue. Personal barriers against supporting women modestly breastfeeding in public or in the workplace, for the benefit of society, need to become learning experiences and evolve thinking. Dr. warren Karp is a professor emeritus at Georgia Health Sciences University. If you have a question you would like answered in this colomn, email him at DrKarp@vergelive.com, or visit his Facebook page, facebook.com/ askdrkarp or website at sites.google.com/site/ drkarpverge.
www.sofiacolton.com 706.284.8307
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38 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 4
life face first
Today’s Princess Doesn’t Need a Pumpkin
O
nce upon a time all Cinderella had to do to find a guy was be trampled by her stepsisters, play scullery maid to her stepmother and wait for magic singing mice to deck her out in fairytale finest and send her to the ball in a giant pumpkin. Things are a bit tougher these days. Instead, she has to date 25 different men, travel around the world with them, participate in staged “dates” and through a process of elimination select one of these charmers to be her happily ever after-and she has to do it all on camera! My, how times have changed. I’m talking of course about The Bachelorette. True love being so easy to find, the producers of this TV show decided to throw a group of men at a single woman and see which one sticks. What could go wrong? In a world of seven billion people, some never find a soul mate, but surely, twenty-five men will be enough for the lady to find the guy of her dreams. Considering, however, the viciousness of reality TV producers, is it any wonder that a show about perpetual first dates made it to air? In the history of first dates has
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NORA GETS LAST WORD AND MAKES US LAUGH
there ever been one that wasn’t fraught with humiliation? Anyone who’s had at least one date has limped away from it wishing that
spaghetti noodle hadn’t shot out of their nose. Of course, it’s not just the TV producers who decide what ends up on TV. If no one is watching, a show gets dumped faster than a flatulent, acneprone loan shark on a date with a Texas beauty queen. I suspect most of The B a c h e l ore tt e’s viewers are married couples
who enjoy watching someone other than themselves squirm at the long forgotten awkwardness of the dating scene. Still, as rough as dating can be, it sure beats losing your favorite shoe and riding around inside a giant, slimy pumpkin. I guess Cinderella didn’t have it so easy after all, but then no one has an easy time of it when searching for true love. And that’s something you can bank on forever after. nora blithe is the author of Door In Face, a
humor blog about all things that lay you flat. Read more at DOORINFACE.COM.
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40 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 4