July Issue B 2012

JULY 18, 2012

FREE

vol. 5 no. 9 community driven news

CSRA MAESTRO WILL WORK FOR HOME

see the STORY ON PAGE 15

photo by JOHN ROBESON

VIEWS Building noah’s Arc + VIBE HOPE IN AIKEN + VITTLES A TASTE OF CHICAGO + VALUES PRO4MANCE SPORTS JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 1

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ARTIST’S ROW SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

G

raduating High School Seniors Caroline Kalayjian and CC Calloway each received $1,500 from the Artist’s Row Scholarship Fund, July 6, in a small reception at Gallery on the Row where their artwork will be displayed for the month of July.

This is the first time Artist’s Row has sponsored two scholarships, prompting gallery cofounder Pat Warren to call this an exciting time for Artist’s Row. “We are delighted to be able to host these young girls and give them an authentic gallery experience that allows them to experience first-hand the world of professional art,” she said.

Kalayjian graduated from North Augusta High School in June and plans to attend Winthrop University in the fall. Her contributions to the art display are mostly figure studies, which she hopes to continue to improve on.

Calloway graduated from Augusta Prep in June and plans to attend Gainesville State. In the series of portraits she has on display she decided to not only emphasize colors that often go unnoticed, but to also use those colors to express emotion.

“One of the characteristics of good art is that it is multifaceted,” said artist Jim Dunaway.

“I’ve seen CC’s paintings for a week now and every time I look at them I see something new.

She has a distinct style and the more I look at them, the more I become aware of the emotion she tried to capture.”

Both artists intend to use their scholarship money to enter an art related field where they can learn and grow as artists, and thanked the small gathering for being there to support their efforts. photo & article by christopher selmek

05 views

what’sinside

you won’t want to miss a page

This is your voice to hold the powerful accountable in our community (First Friday follow-up and ARC Story).

15 vibe

Plan your activities around the best calendar in the CSRA and learn about cool music (East vs. West, Hopeland Gardens, and Coco’s Q & A).

29 vittles

Learn about new restaurants (Frankie’s Taste of Chicago) and experience an unbiased review of established eateries. Also, catch some buzz about others going in and out of business.

35 values

Understand how a group like Interfaith Hospitality Network operates. Lace em’ up with A.B. in advance of a star-studded sports camp in the CSRA and laugh out loud with Nora’s “Life Face First.”

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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H.O.T.S.

windsor jewElers @ car wash/ PG 6

wounded warriors actor lends a hand / PG 13

performing arts puzzle to buILd or not to buIld / PG 15

FIRST FRIDAY FOLLOW UP

taking back the streets /pG 8

photo by JOHN ROBESON

31st

7.31.12

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 5

heard on the street WHAT WE HEAR BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

WINDSOR JEWELERS TO MOVE RV OUTSIDE OF AUGUSTA MALL

W

indsor Jewelers CEO, Donnie Thompson, is known as one of the most philanthropic and shrewdest businessman in the CSRA. He has developed the “golden touch” with the combination of his Pandora store on the upper level of the Augusta Mall and the “We Buy Gold” RV he has set up there in the parking lot.

We hear that Thompson and mall management couldn’t work out keeping the Gold Buying RV in the Mall Parking Lot. We understand that July will be the last month.

Thompson really likes the Mall location, but he may have found an even better site for making his jewelry transactions. In late June Thompson purchased the Top Notch Car Wash on Wrightsboro Road. While his renovation crew works on transforming the inside into a jewelry store, we hear that Thompson may park the RV in the parking lot of his new location -- right across from the entrance to the Augusta Mall! This is yet another example of the Windsor Jewelers’ “golden touch”.

by NEIL GORDON

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around town

smatterings

UNITED

A Look At Things To Do

T

here is a lot of fodder being thrown around our city, stemming from the shooting that spawned out of this month’s First Friday. Finger pointing and blame games aside, the real question is: Who is looking to a real solution? There are many organizations and groups holding meetings and seeking input to find and create solutions – our community has hit the “tipping point” with First Friday.

Nothing pleases me more than to see this energy being poured in to downtown, the epicenter of our community. It’s a beautiful sight. Whether you agree with one particular party or group or not – it’s the effort and energy that should excite you. Go, get involved in the process.

We are faced with two issues: (1) the management of First Friday, which has become a shell of its former self (no blame here, just fact) and (2) a social and cultural issue that has been culminating for years. There will not be a blanket remedy.

When I heard the news, my first action was prayer – prayer for those involved in the incident and their families. My second action was prayer – prayer that our elected city officials would finally acknowledge that we have a community-wide issue, not isolated to the downtown district. What we are dealing with is a darkness that is engulfing our community and its youth. That was on full display and demonstrated by a small group of youths who tossed aside all semblances of control and respect on July 6.

The good news is that more people in this city care about her than do not. That was displayed on Saturday, July 7 and continued on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and so on. Downtown merchants opened their doors for business. Workers drove to their jobs on Monday morning.

Shoppers and diners came out during the week. All refused to allow the actions of a few to undermine the efforts of the many.

In this issue, there are four pages of downtown business owners that have united to proclaim that they will not be deterred from progress. They will not stop in their efforts to make our city center a great destination place for ALL to enjoy. Browse through their information, then GO OUT and support them. Join them in demonstrating the idea that by uniting and coming together we can and will make a difference.

I was asked this weekend: “Would you avoid I-20 because there was an accident on it? No, you might just be a bit more cautious and abide by the rules of the road.”

We call Augusta to do the same: Abide by the rules of the road when it comes to being a part of community. Respect it. It’s a start. see you downtown, respecting her, Matt

Cuba Cultural Travel

C

uba Cultural Travel, an agency authorized by the United States Treasury Department to operate people-to-people educational exchanges in Cuba, is consulting with Westobou Festival to give local tourists the chance to visit Havanna and share in their music, visual and performing arts.

The Westobou Festival is looking for 15-25 people to participate in the tour scheduled for seven days and six nights from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2013. The cutoff for this opportunity is Sept.

25 or whenever the trip fills up.

“You don’t get to go to Cuba just to lay on the beach for a week,” said Shannon Lanier, Westobou Festival Advisory Board Member. “This is a cultural exchange in accordance with the goal of the Westobou Festival, which is to promote excellence in the arts, and we are going to see some excellent art in Havanna.”

Those organizing the trip are not looking for any specific type of person, and participants need not have been involved with the Westobou Festival in the past to be considered. The only restriction is that those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.

“We’ve had an excellent response to this,” said Lanier. “I’ve had people who were not connected to the Westobou Festival in the past call just because they’ve always wanted to go to Cuba. We are not looking for any specific type of person because we’ve had interested people who have supported the festival in the past as well as those who have never supported the festival, but as long as you’re willing to go to Cuba and participate in this opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange, we want you here.”

For more information, contact Lanier at Shannon@westoboufestival.com article & photo by christopher selmek

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first friday

investigative reporting on local politics

vergevoices

As of press time, several groups have already met – and some have yet to meet – to discuss the future of First Friday and how we can, as a community, move forward. The most important message our community can send is that we are united and will not give in to those who would see our city turned on its head for their own pleasure.

Mayor Deke Copenhaver suggested a community fund be established to raise the money needed for additional security during First Friday and started the pot by putting

ANATOMY OF A NEAR DISASTER These opinions are those of Scott Hudson’s and not necessarily those of Verge Newspaper or its staff.

For the past 18 years, everyone in this community has watched the First Friday event morph from a genteel, family friendly showcase of the many wonderful businesses downtown into a post-event free-for-all. It seems that each month after the wine sipping, artsy crowd and families disperse, Broad Street is invaded by tricked out automobiles brazenly flying gang colors out of which pour masses of rude and unruly young people who think “high art” is the tattoo imprinted on their neck.

Just a month ago, Verge carried a front-page article on the thoughtful views of so many affected by First Friday – from the merchants to vendors to visitors to those in charge to those who might want to be in charge to the sheriff ’s office. A police captain feared the worst and, in our July 5 article (the day before the shooting), even called for the end of First Friday in favor of a family-friendly Saturday event (see article to the right).

It is a miracle no one was killed on July’s First Friday, though six were shot. One of the victims was a 17-year-old girl and rising senior from Columbia County, meaning this problem transcends geographical boundaries. However, instead of blaming a celebration of art for causing the shooting, why aren’t we asking where the parents of that 17-year-old were when she was out partying it up around 11:30 p.m. on Broad Street?

The Sheriff has done what any good lawman would in this impossible situation. Over the years, Ron Strength has tried the diplomatic approach of trying to get the powers that be to manage the festival better while beefing up patrols after the sun goes down. The moment he learned of the mass shooting, he immediately declared he was headed to city hall to advocate that the best way to protect the public was to shut down the festival and come up with a new idea for promoting downtown.

Fingers of blame began pointing almost before the smoke had cleared. Some think it is Greater Augusta Arts Council director Brenda Durant’s fault for not managing the festival properly. But how does one manage a festival with no perimeter or boundary and no cover charge or ticket to gain entrance in a city divided by two distinct cultural groups?

The problem is not Brenda Durant, nor is it Coco Rubio for operating a legal business that happens to sell alcohol. The problem lies in one of the cultural segments just mentioned.

Augusta has a large segment of people who enjoy the arts and prefer to leave their guns at home when seeking out entertainment. These are the people that think nothing of paying for a ticket at Le Chat Noir and enjoying quirky tapas before the show. The other segment, the ones that show up late to First Friday, would never enter The Book Tavern, have no clue who Porkchop is, and in most cases are too young to gain entrance to the Soul Bar. First Friday isn’t ruined. The event can be salvaged if we, as a community, demand leadership in all segments of our government.

Looking back on First Friday shows the anatomy of a disaster. The voters of AugustaRichmond County who want to live in a cosmopolitan city that prizes its history and fosters the arts must stand up at the polls if we are to avoid another disaster.

Taxpayers must demand accountability from community leaders. The element that has almost destroyed First Friday cannot be eliminated, not in this generation. However, it can be kept under control.

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

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up $5,000 of his own money. The Downtown Advisory Panel has re-engaged and Coco Rubio, the owner of the Soul Bar, proposed an expansion of First Friday that combines the actual event and the after-hours activities. He suggests keeping the family-friendly event from 5 to 10 p.m. with a transition into an entertainment district, while enforcing curfew laws and seeking support from CADI and community volunteers to keep it safe.

Both plans are a good step in the right direction. We suggest you get involved in the process by participating in the discussions. Be a part of the process.

It’s a beautiful thing.

the day after first friday Verge reporter Christopher Selmek attended the impromptu press conference held by Augusta Richmond County commissioner Matt Aitken and area business leaders. This is his story from the next day.

Six people were wounded after shots rang out in front of Ruben’s Department Store around 11:30 p.m. after July’s First Friday, prompting downtown business leaders to gather on Saturday July 7 to search for solutions to the problem of First Friday.

“We plan to convene a meeting to map out a plan for immediate change and end First Friday as we know it today,” said Ed Presnell, downtown resident and former president of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Presnell was also joined by Ruben’s store owner Jeff Gorelick, who estimated that it would cost $1,100 to replace the store’s front window now that there are two bullet holes in the glass above the door.

“People keep saying that we shouldn’t cancel First Friday because there are no costs associated with it, but who’s going to pay the $1,100 to replace my window?” he asked.

“The Arts Council or whoever’s in charge? I guess I will, but somebody has got to take responsibility for this event.”

Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, has repeatedly insisted that First Friday is an event which lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and that if business owners want to stop hosting it, they can choose to close their doors and not allow vendors in front of their stores.

“First Friday is from 5 to 9 and this shooting happened two and a half hours later,” said Kimberly Townsend, owner of Curvitude Boutique.

“Nobody will take direct oversight for FF except to insist it is a 5 to 9 event on Friday,” said Presnell. “However, there is an unofficial after party which has got to end. The problem occurs in the second shift of that event, and every night the danger zone changes for the worse.”

Presnell also addressed the Trade Exhibition and Entertainment Center soon to be opening several blocks away from the site of the shooting and the need for Augusta to protect their visitors, as well as the cost of police officers working overtime.

“We were very disturbed to read about the events of last night and we’re here to address the very unfortunate event, but we also want to emphatically praise the sheriff ’s department for all the overtime and hard work they provide on a constant basis to keep us safe,” he said. “We don’t have any solutions to offer right now, but one idea is to transition to a first Saturday event that we can have on a beautiful day like today in a safe festival atmosphere, the operative word being safe.”

Sherriff Ronny Strength agrees that the event has gotten out of control and intends to meet with city leaders on Monday to discuss potential solutions.

“Whatever it takes to control First Friday, we will do it,” he said.

Presnell was joined at the press conference by District One Commissioner Matt Aitken, who said that the Commission would discuss possible solutions on Monday after getting recommendations from the Sherriff ’s Department.

“This discussion has to happen, and fortunately no one was killed in the shooting because I believe something good can come from something bad,” said Aitken. “It is my plan to talk with other city leaders to come up with a solution, and the way we work together on this can be a model for other communities across the country that have events like this, and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

As of press time, no one had been charged with the shooting incident, though several witnesses have been brought in for questioning. No official word has been made by commissioners or downtown merchants to postpone or end First Friday on August 3. photo & article by Christopher selmek

photo by JOHN ROBESON

We are downtown

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

We are united...

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JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 9

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RESPECT Downtown RETAIL

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Schweitzer Art Glass Studio

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Wounded WarriorS Gary Sinise visits Augusta

G

ary Sinise, an actor noted for many roles including that of Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump” and Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: Miami, toured both the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center on Fort Gordon, July 5.

Sinise was originally scheduled to play a concert on Fort Gordon’s Barton Field that evening with the Lt. Dan Band, but the event was canceled due to thunderstorms.

Nevertheless, Sinise was able to accomplish his primary mission of visiting wounded warriors and active duty service members to let them know of his appreciation.

“My goal is to honor the people who are serving and protecting and defending this county, which is what the Gary Sinise Foundation is set up to do by letting them know that there are some people who really appreciate what they’re doing for the rest of us,” said Sinise. “I know where my freedom comes from and I am thankful for that.”

According to Vicki Hornsby, staff assistant in the public relations office at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Sinise spent nearly two hours visiting Soldiers at the active-duty rehab gymnasium.

“This was a very low-key visit, because he toured the whole center when he visited last year, but his primary focus was on the soldiers,” she said. “He spent a good deal of time with each soldier and their family members if they were there, took pictures with them, and was very gracious to those soldiers who wanted to take cell phone photos with him. He let every one of the soldiers he visited know how much he appreciated them and their service to our country.”

Sinise next visited the Fisher House, which was not yet completed the last time her toured and provides “comfort homes” for family members to stay for free on the grounds of the VA medical center while their loved one is undergoing treatment.

That night the gates of Fort Gordon opened to the public for a free concert on Barton Field featuring the Lt. Dan Band, however, just before show time at 8 p.m., the military urged the crowd to evacuate. Nevertheless, booths selling tee-shirts and hats with the Gary Sinise

Foundation logo raised money for wounded warriors before the lightning started.

“Maybe God will bless it,” said Patricia McDonald, who traveled from Hephzibah to support the event. “It is, after all, for a very good cause.”

The Gary Sinise Foundation formed in 2010 with the mission of serving the nation by honoring defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. This is the second time Sinise has visited Fort Gordon, and he specifically mentioned the Thunder Over Augusta event on May 19, which he hopes to see in the future.

“It is an exceptional pleasure for me to be here,” he said. “Fort Gordon has a unique mission and this military community is working hard to support one another. Any time I can go out to visit various military communities around the country I always think that I’m helping in some small way, and I try to do it every couple weeks or a few times a month.”

The event was also sponsored by the Augusta Warrior Project, a 100 percent local non-profit group which connects veterans to each other and the services they need.

According to augustawarriorproject.org, the warrior population of the greater Augusta area of Georgia and South Carolina includes more than 66,000 Warriors, 27,000 of which are under the age of 45. Their goals for 2012 include reducing homelessness and unemployment among veterans, increasing enrollment with Veterans Affairs and colleges and strengthening the existing government and non-government support programs.

Augusta Warrior Project accomplishes these goals by connecting with warriors, educating warriors on resources available in the community, advocating ensuring warriors’ access to resources, and collaborating with all organizations to ensure focus on warriors’ issues.

Since the last quarter of 2011 the organization has led their partners to permanently house 28 homeless

warriors with a target of 70 more by the end of 2012.

They have also secured full-time employment for 81 warriors, enrolled 26 warriors into Veterans Affairs Services and assisted 26 warriors with accessing training or college programs with a goal of graduation.

Anyone wishing to donate their money or time to help wounded warriors can find out how at www. augustawarriorproject.org.

“I’ve been to so many different bases and military events, and when you see the way people are living in other countries it just makes you appreciate the freedoms we enjoy here even more,” he said. “I know when they see someone they recognize it makes a difference. But I think anyone who gets on a plane and goes overseas to say thank you make a very big difference, just because it shows support to those who are supporting you.”

Although Sinise has played many roles in television and film, within the military community he is most commonly recognized as Lt. Dan, which he thinks of as a resilient role he hopes others can find meaning in.

“I get recognized for all kinds of things, and certainly in the military I think a lot of people recognize me for playing Lt. Dan in Forest Gump,” he said. “He went to Vietnam just wanting to be a great leader and he knew that he would either die or become a general, but he never thought there could be any middle ground. His is a resilient story about a disabled veteran who goes through a lot of pain and anger and resentment, and then finally manages to make his peace with God.” Sinise has been involved in the military community for many years, and since the 9-11 attacks has contributed his time doing hundreds of personal appearances and concerts worldwide including in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. This is the first year since 2003 Sinise has been unable to travel overseas, but he still makes time to visit military communities throughout America several times a month. article & photo by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

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BUILDING NOAH’S ARC One Man’s Hope in Columbia County

Proposed plans for a new arc center.

COMPUTER RENDERING

PERFORMING

CULTURAL

ARTS THEATRE

ACTIVITES

than churches and a small 300-seat auditorium, there are no and restaurants. The Arts Resource Center has the ability to sizeable fine arts performance centers in Columbia County. become self-sustaining”.

County Commissioner, Bill Morris, District 4, is very The momentum is there and growing, we have the groups, we open to exploring the possibilities of an arts resource center. have the people, and we need the land.”

Unfortunately, Nordan doesn’t have the approximate $6 District 4 encompasses the largest area and includes two cities million to build it, in hopes “they will come”. The plans and -- Grovetown and Harlem “I’d like to think this could become a reality, as it would vision are for a 600-seat auditorium with a commercial stage area, fifty-foot fly loft to accommodate off-Broadway type enrich our community. It’s the missing piece,” said Morris.

As of press time, Columbia County Commission Chairman productions and an orchestra pit. In addition, there will be ten thousand square feet of commons area to showcase local Ron Cross had not returned numerous calls to Verge. Nordan’s artists’ works, a place to showcase Columbia County heritage groups have performed at a total of eight venues in the past and history, green space, classrooms and practice rooms for five years, including four area churches. For the 2012-2013 visual artists, dancers, actors and musicians and a home for season, he signed on with Columbia County to showcase his performances at the Jabez Hardin Performing Arts Center. civic organizations to meet.

The possibilities and potential are endless -- all under one Many who have produced shows there are appreciative of roof, with ample safe parking. Offering shows and expos, the venue, located inside the new library. It is a good shortclasses and exhibits, the auditorium will host activities seven term solution. Some performers feel the Hardin has poor ARTS days a week rain or shine...something the Lady Antebellum acoustics, inadequate back stage space, wings and fly loft to house scenery changes. There was very little dialogue...

Amphitheater, with outdoor seating, cannot offer.

EDUCATION Rob is realistic in knowing that the days are coming when ...between those who would lease space and those who would the arts will become a casualty of budget cuts. A sentiment be landlord.

Ron Jones, Director of the Columbia County Ballet, was shared by Dr. Sharon Beall, a practicing Evans pediatrician excited to call the Jabez home when it first opened. who is also a member of the orchestra.

“It was right here in our community and people loved “I think it’s something that’s really important because there’s so much less exposure in the school system to all fine arts, and coming to that area. What we didn’t anticipate was that the if we don’t do it privately, it’s not going to happen. We’ll have a county had not made provisions for the technical staff that was whole generation coming up with no knowledge of the arts or there. Whoever came in to provide technical support charged two and a half to three times as much as we were paying any our history,” said Beall.

1.Auditorium - theatre in the area. We could handle $1,440,000 the rent on the Mickey Lubeck, Owner/Instructor of Musical Theatre other facility, but the bill for the technical crew was ” said Workshop, formerly Children’s Musical Theatre has been 2.Stage w/ fly loft $ exorbitant, 636,000 a part of the Columbia County arts community for almost Jones.

3.Balcony $ falling 180,000 into debt ten years. She sees the ARC as an “educational facility on so - At the Jabez, commented Jones, “we kept Pitafter - four and a half years had to $ 104,000 withdraw.

We just many levels”. Having touched many young lives4.Orchestra in those years, and couldn’t make itRm work any longer. It wasn’t $ worth it.99,000 ” she would love to have the space and place to5.Women’s call home and Dressing “Arts in Columbia County is blossoming, but I think expand classes.

Dressing - lag’ because our leadership $ has99,000 MAIN PLAN we’re in a Rm ‘cultural not made There is a FLOOR prime location -- Marshall 6.Men’s Square. It’s provisions workable approximately 18 acres across from the Columbia 7.SetCounty Storage - to produce a venue that can actually $ be55,000 Library and Lady A Amphitheater, selling for approximately for arts groups,” said Jones. “They understand a profit 8.Prop Storage$ 55,000 $280,000 an acre. Right now the only known plan for that situation, but do not understand a non-profit. I don’t think 9.Concessions - leadership sees it as a necessity,$but the60,000 leadership property is to be overflow parking for the amphitheater.

The the current next group Arts Resource Center would need about five10.Workshop acres for the will -be changing, so it’s encouraging because $ the 49,000 of leaders that come in may catch up to what the community facility and parking.

11.Music is wanting- and what the arts community is $ actually28,000 producing “If the county could come together and decide that this is Library doing.” something our county wants, to help in making it feasible, I and Office12.Manager’s $ 27,000 Rob Nordan’s vision leads him to ask the Columbia County think Marshall Square would be a great location, ” stated Beall.

13.Conference/Work Rm $ 22,000 “There’s so much here, on so many different scales, we could tax payers to let the commissioners know, “we live in County, $ 16,000 have a top-notch facility that will meet multiple14.Office people’s needs. continued$on page 21 It’ll be used regularly, fostering the success of15.Tickets nearby shops 11,000

DONOR SPACES

Columbia County Orchestra Director Rob Nordan is conducting a campaign to raise $6 million for a new Arts Resource Center in Columbia County.

H

eeding a faith driven passion, as was Noah, Maestro Rob Nordan is on a mission to build the ARC, the Arts Resource Center of Columbia County. Founder and conductor of the Columbia County Orchestra, The Columbia County Youth Orchestra, educator, church music director and past president of Columbia County Arts, Inc., Rob Nordan’s enthusiasm is contagious.

“In the past twenty years, especially the past ten, Columbia County has come into its own in the way of the arts. Ron Jones was the pioneer with The Dance Academy and the Columbia County Ballet, followed by the Columbia County Choral Society. That was the beginning of Columbia County Arts, Inc. We now also have the Columbia County Orchestra, the Columbia County Youth Orchestra, the Company of Job, the Columbia County Artists’ Guild, Charlene’s School of the Arts, the Musical Theatre Workshop and more,” said Nordan.

“The arts, in all forms, are growing and thriving in Columbia County, but nothing exists to showcase these groups. Other

PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE

Total

$2,881,000

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 15 CULTURAL ACTIVITES

16 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

the lens masters thoughts and tips on photography from the pros

tech talk Latest Technology Trends

Google plays hardball & sells harDware

G

Showing Off Photography

S

o the perfect picture has been taken and printed on the best archival paper, and now it’s time to frame it to last 100 years or more. Framing a photograph is a process that needs to be taken as seriously as the art of photography itself. If the framing is not carried out correctly, the result can make even the best artwork look like Aunt Clara’s vacation photos. Entering a frame shop can be a little daunting for first time customers so here are some tips to help you along.

Choose the right mat for your piece Adding a mat to a photograph is very important. This is to create separation between the piece and the glass. If no mat is added, over time the emulsion from the photograph will stick to the glass and ruin the presentation. Worse, this is almost impossible to reverse. Acid-free mats should always be chosen. Archival mats help protect valuable artwork and prevent the bevel of the mat from turning brown over time.

The frame’s the thing My first rule on choosing a frame is to pick one that fits the artwork first and the room second. A photograph is framed to last, and chances are this photograph will be in several -- if not many -- rooms during its lifespan. Simple black is classic and works with almost anything. If cost is a factor, metal frames are widely available and are easy to assemble.

Mounting True conservation mounting means that the artwork can be cleanly removed from the mount board. For photos this usually involves acid free hinge tape, linen tape or photo corners. Dry mounting is an option, but it is not reversible. The advantage is that photos will stay nice and flat despite the changes in temperature and humidity. As with the mat, mounting board should always be 100 percent archival.

Choosing the right glass Glazing, as it is referred to by framers, covers acrylic and glass protection. Acrylic has advantages in weight but scratches easily and is usually only used on large pieces. With glass there are many options. The standard is UV coated clear glass. The coating protects from UV rays that will damage and fade photographs over time. There’s also a non-glare option, but the disadvantage is that it creates a slight haze over the work. The tradeoff can be worth it though if the artwork is near windows or bright lights that reflect and distract.

Museum glass provides optimal clarity and protection. The downside is that it requires special handling and supplies to keep it clean and dust free.

Framing options are almost limitless. Do some research, ask friends and choose a framer who is knowledgeable, courteous and most of all, proficient. With a little work and patience, photos will stand the test of time.

Syd Padgett is owner of OddFellows Art Gallery and Frame Shop, a member of Artists Row and founder of the TBD Photography Group. He has worked for Christian Studio, Wolf Camera and Bailies Art Center.

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

oogle recently turned on the hardware button and now hopes to become a major player in consumer electronics beginning with the new Nexus 7 tablet computer that sells for $199.

The move is not only designed to take a bite out of Apple’s iPad tablet success, but also to put pressure Amazon’s Kindle Fire sales. The company unveiled the tablet at a developer conference last month, along with other hardware being offered for the first time, including a $299 homeentertainment player called Nexus Q and futuristic eyewear dubbed Google Glass that embeds a computer display in a specially designed pair of eyeglasses.

Google’s move into consumer electronics is a dramatic shift in strategy for a company that started out by producing top Web software, including the most popular Internet search engine.

But the company has always maintained hardware expertise because of the need to design servers that power its websites.

The new focus on hardware has become increasingly necessary recently as Apple continues to make inroads into Google’s territory with major software applications. Earlier this month, for instance, Apple presented new software products including a mapping service that would replace Google Maps as the default product shipping on iPads and iPhones. Meanwhile, longterm software king Microsoft recently added its own branded tablet to the mix, expanding the turf battle.

Google has relied heavily on a few outside partners for help in designs of smartphones that use the Android operating system, and it turned to Asustek for assistance with the new tablet.

In addition, new talent has been added to help with both the feel and function of the new consumer devices, and Google’s recent purchase of Motorola Mobility will sharply expand its expertise in wireless technology and handset design.

The Nexus 7 uses a new version of Google’s Android operating system and includes more advanced hardware components, such as a processor from Nvidia that provides longer battery life and significant performance advantages when using graphics intensive software.

Google, like Apple and other operating system developers, are required to court programmers to develop products that work with their hardware and software. With that in mind, Google demonstrated “Jelly Bean” at last month’s developer conference, a new release of Android that will be available starting the middle of next month. One of the new features of Jelly Bean is a “voice search” feature that resembles Apple’s Siri voice-activated service found on the iPhone.

Like Amazon’s Kindle Fire, the Nexus 7 tablet boasts a seven-inch screen, a $199 price tag, and is designed to be used with content delivered from the Web. Similar to Apple’s, Microsoft’s and Amazon’s digital media stores, Google has content for sale such as digital books, music, movies, TV programming, software apps and other media available through their “Play Store”.

The other new hardware devices include Google’s new Nexus Q. A black orb, looking somewhat like a Magic 8-ball, was internally designed and will be manufactured in the United States, which is a departure from recent industry trends in consumer electronics. It is designed to stream music and videos from YouTube and Google’s Play Store and is seen as a competitor to Apple TV and the Sonos home-audio system.

Google Glass is an eyeglasses-like device which displays information from the internet together with a user’s surroundings in a tiny lens over the right eye. Developers will be able to pre-order the device which is expected to arrive for developers next year. Google considers it a premium product and the eventual consumer price is expected to be less than $1,500.

With a $199 price tag, neither Google nor Amazon are believed to be making much profit on their tablets, but each company considers the devices to be simply a vehicle to deliver the big payoff – their digital content offerings. The wildcard may be that Google also hopes to benefit from web-based advertising revenue. With 77 percent search engine market share they control what potential customers’ search results produce, and they are in the best position to capitalize on those results.

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

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 17

18 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

lazy ride on the river

southern national preview / PG 20

Daily Planner

calendar of area events / PG 21

coco Rubio’s q & a

sit down with csra musician/ PG 27

Mondays in aiken

Story on page 25

photo courtesy of hopeland gardens

JULY 18 _ 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.

+ FRIDAY

7.20 Southern National Drag Boat Races come to Augusta MARINA T

he 27th annual Augusta Southern Nationals Drag Boat Racing comes to the Savannah River July 20-22 to benefit the local chapter of the GA Special Olympics.

Each high-performance speed boat is allowed to qualify for eliminations by making at least one quarter-mile timed run in front of the Augusta Marina, located on Riverfront Drive east of East Boundary, and is clocked for the elapsed time it takes the boat to cover the quarter-mile race from start to finish. Drag boats qualify on Saturday for a two-day event and on Friday and Saturday for three-day events. Only the top qualifying boats will compete in the championship elimination rounds. The winner of each round of racing advances to the next round until only one boat remains as the class winner.

Gates open each day at 8 a.m., races start at 9 a.m. and are usually over by 6 p.m. No coolers, food or drink may be brought on site though refreshments including alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Chairs, blankets, umbrellas and cameras are okay to bring in, but pets are not allowed onsite.

The Augusta Southern Nationals will kick off on Friday night with the Night of Fire on the Commons beginning at 7 p.m., where races will show off their best boat engines.

Tickets cost $30 at the gate or $22 in advance if purchased through Windsor Jewelers, Georgia Bank and Trust, Four Seasons, or tixonline.com. For more information, visit www.augustasouthernnationals.org. article by CHRISTOPHER SELMEK

20 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

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

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.; additional show Saturday, July 8; 8 p.m. $10 to $25; 126 Newberry St., Aiken, SC; 803.648.1438 ACP1011.COM

+ SATURDAY

7.21

SPORTS Triathlon: Tri the Parks This leg of the “Tri the Parks” Triathlon series takes place today.

To view the various events and register, visit the website. Mistletoe State Park; 8 a.m.; prices vary by registration type; 3723 Mistletoe Rd., Appling; 678.237.0308

JULY 20-August 4 2012

CONCERT PICKIN’ & PRAISIN’ CONCERT SERIES A meal, dessert and beverages are available for a donation that will go toward use of the facility.

Glenn Hills Baptist Church; 6 p.m.; free; 2877 Lumpkin Rd.; 706.373.7855

CONCERT THE ROARKS Grove First Baptist Church; 7 p.m.; free; 108 W. Robinson Ave., Grovetown; 706.840.1576

Townsend Prize for fiction & Georgia Author of the Year Award. Headquarters Library; 6:30 p.m.; free; 823 Telfair St.; 706.821.2600 ECGRL.ORG

noah’s arc

continued from page 15

vergevoices CONTACT YOUR COMMISSIONERS

+ WEDNESDAY

7.25

Chairman Ron Cross, Vice Chair Ron Thigpen, Trey Allen, J. Charles Allen and Bill Morris.

Contact at 706.868.3379, columbiacoga.gov or P.O. Box 498, Evans, GA 30809

+ SUNDAY

7.22

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ Karen Gordon & Garden City Jazz; Rain or shine. River Stage; 8 p.m.; $6; Eighth St. and Riverwalk GARDENCITYJAZZ.COM

+ TUESDAY

7.24

CONCERT HAMILTON PIANO JAZZ Edwin G. Hamilton will perform his special piano jazz pieces in the theme of “Re-harmonizing the Standards.” The Willcox; 6 p.m.; regular menu; 100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken; 803.648.1898 THEWILLCOX.COM

LITERARY TALK THE TALK LADIES BOOK CLUB Discuss “The Sweet Everlasting” by Judson Mitcham, winner of the

FESTIVAL SUMMER COCKTAIL CLASS WITH MATT Learn to make new summer drinks during a hands-on cocktail class.

Study trade secrets, simple recipes and easy techniques that will turn any get together into a great summer party.

Must be 21-or-older to register and space is limited. Reservations are recommended. The Willcox; call for time and price; 100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken; 803.648.1898 THEWILLCOX.COM

+ THURSDAY

7.26

LITERARY COOKBOOK CLUB Bring your all time favorite recipe and swap recipes. Harlem Branch Library; 4 p.m.; free; 375 N. Louisville St.; 706.556.9795 ECGRL.ORG FESTIVAL First Thursday Midtown Augusta; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Central Ave. & Kings Way; 706.364.8479

schedule come hear the orchestra

Performances at the Jabez Hardin Performing Arts Center

MASTERWORKS I: “Classics: Light & Heavy”

and we shop in Columbia County, we pay taxes in Columbia County and take our kids to dance and music lessons here. This needs to be done for the people of this community.”

And in Jones’ opinion, “It’s time to have an actual arts center in Columbia County because the community is ready for it. I just think the leadership needs to catch up. The current leadership doesn’t have an understanding of how much the arts really do for a community.” “ Patience and planning are necessary in a project of this magnitude, and areas other than Evans could be potential sites for such a facility. This makes it attractive to perhaps Harlem, Appling or Grovetown, should it not work out with Marshall Square.

Jackie Bagwell This writer was fortunate to have music and fine arts a part of her regular curriculum from fifth grade through high school.

Though she hasn’t played in forty years, she is thinking of dusting off her oboe. So, what’s in your closet?

Sat, September 22, 2012 at 6 pm Strauss “light” classics Beethoven Violin Concerto featuring Andrew Sords andrewsords.com

MASTERWORKS II: “Musical Bridges I”

Sat, October 27, 2012 at 6 pm (composers bridging the 19th & 20th centuries and musical friends) Percy Grainger “Colonial Song” Edvard Grieg “Sigurd Jorsalfur” George Chadwick “Jubilee” & “Noel” (from Symphonic Sketches) MacDowell Piano Concerto 2 featuring Dr. Martin Jones

MASTERWORKS III: “Handel’s MESSIAH”

Sun, November 25, 2012 at 6 pm This event will be held at West Acres Baptist Church

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 21

daily planner + FRIDAY

JULY 20-August 4 2012

+ SUNDAY

7.27 7.29 SPORTS AUGUSTA GREEN JACKETS vs.

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

CONCERT CANDLELIGHT JAZZ Karen Gordon & Garden City Jazz. Rain or shine.

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

FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets and arts and craft vendors sell their handmade goods along Broad Street; Family friendly; Ends at 10 p.m. Downtown Augusta; 5 p.m.; free; Broad St.; 706.826.4702 AUGUSTAARTS.COM

+ TUESDAY

+ SATURDAY

7.28

COMMUNITY LADIES DAY OUT Tour of the museum, make arts and crafts, listen to a panel discussion and participate in dance classes. Lunch is provided. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; 10 a.m.; $25 to $35; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576 HISTORY LIVING HISTORY PARK: LAST SATURDAY EVENT Perry Hill, the Backwoods Cabin, will be bustling with activities of the 18th century. This small, monthly event allows for lots of interactions with the demonstrators and interpreters. Living History Park; 10:30 a.m.; free; 299 W. Spring Grove Avenue, North Augusta; 803.279.7560 COLONIALTIMES.US

FESTIVAL CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN This monthly event is hosted by GasCar and sponsored by C&C Automotive. Proceeds benefit Veterans Fisher House. Sno-Cap Drive-In; 4 p.m.; 618 West Ave., North Augusta; 803.279.4004 SNOCAPDRIVEIN.COM CONCERT ACOUSTIC EVENING: ADAM SAMS + FRIENDS Acoustic houseshow featuring a mellow side of Augusta’s musical talent. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some snacks over great conversations and honest music. Artists performing: David Brown & the Dreadful Croakers, Adam Sams, Joseph Nordan, Dallas Duff, Holden Taylor, Cameron Logan and Eric Morton. Private home of Andrea Ellen; 7 p.m.; $5; 133B Lewiston Rd.; 843.957.1540

7.31

CONCERT HAMILTON PIANO JAZZ See listing on July 24. The Willcox; 6 p.m.

+THURSDAY

8.2

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

+FRIDAY

8.3

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

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

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

ART CLAY ARTISTS OF THE SOUTHEAST OPENING RECEPTION Gallery on the Row will host this reception for the exciting representation of art created by members of Clay Artists of the South East (CASE) to interpret the theme “Double Take.”

Ends at 9 p.m. Gallery on the Row; 5 p.m.; free; 1016 Broad St.; 706.724.4989

22 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

CONCERT PALMETTO STATE QUARTET Pine View Baptist Church; 7 p.m.; $10; 117 Pleasant Home Rd.; 706.396.7021 LITERARY DO YOU LYRIC LOUNGE: AUGUSTA Open-mic variety show invites participation from singers, spoken word artists, musicians, actors/ actresses with dramatic monologues, etc. Club Private I; 8 p.m. $7; 2507 Thomas Ln.; 706.793.9944

THEATRE SCHRODINGER’S CAT PLAYS EXTREME THEATRE GAMES These extreme theater games are sure to delight any mature audience member. Le Chat Noir; 8 p.m.; 48 to $10; 304 8th St.; 706.722.3322

+ SATURDAY

8.4

FESTIVAL CRUISEIN CAR SHOW Aiken Horsepower hosts the Cruise-In Car Show.

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

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

+ONGOING

WEEKLY

HISTORY DOLLAR DOG DAYS History museum admission is only $1 per person for the entire month of August. Augusta Museum of History; $1; 560 Reynolds St.; 706.722.8454 AUGUSTAMUSEUM.ORG HISTORY PATRIOT BOAT TOUR Narrated boat tours with music offered Wednesday through Sunday until the end of November.

Passengers board at the 10th Street dock located behind the Marriott in downtown Augusta.

10th Street dock on the Savannah River; 3 p.m.; $6 to $12; Tenth and Reynolds streets; 803.730.9739 PATRIOTTOURBOAT.COM

HISTORY HAMBURG: THE FORGOTTEN TOWN History of the former South Carolina town near the modern day Fifth Street Bridge, Ends August 24.

Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta; $3 to$5; 100 Georgia Ave.; 803.441.4380 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

+ SUNDAYS ART SUNDAY SKETCH Sketch in the galleries with materials supplied by the museum. The Morris Museum of Art; 2 p.m.; free; 1 10th St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG + 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

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

+ONGOING

ART

ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Ends July 31.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; $2 to $5; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576 TERRY SMITH EXHIBIT Ends July 30. Hitchcock Health Center; 690 Medical Park Drive, Aiken AIKENARTISTGUILD.ORG FREDDIE FLYNT & TRICIA MAYERS Ends Aug. 31.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 1301 Greene St.; 706.826.4701

CLAY ARTISTS OF THE SOUTHEAST Gallery on the Row will host this exciting representation of art created by members of Clay Artists of the Southeast (CASE) to interpret the theme “Double Take.” CASE is a non-profit organization consisting of about 45 local clay artists who work to promote an awareness of present day ceramics in our community. The show will be available for viewing and purchases through the month of August. Gallery on the Row; free; 1016 Broad St. 706.724.4989

SOCIAL ARTIFACTS: A WORLD VISION THROUGH ART The Lucy Craft Laney Museum is proud to present a special exhibition of socially relevant art featuring visual and performance artists from around the country.

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

End Sept. 9. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576 ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Ends July 31.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History; $2 to $5; 1116 Phillips St.; 706.724.3576

JESSE LEE VAUGHN Gaartdensity holds art shows every first and second Friday of the month. Ends July 28. Gaardensity Gallery; 1155 Broad St. DOT & BOB HOLLADAY EXHIBITION Ends Aug. 31.

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

vibe

Young Band

Inspires

East from West combines heavy rock with heavenly service

photos Courtesy: Emily Brashears Photography

T

he band files onto stage, waving to the crowd who are already ecstatic. Once the members have set up, they count off, strumming guitars, the song beginning, and what happens after that—well, that’s divine.

East from West, an upcoming Christian rock band from Aiken who recently released their first album The Process, plays at venues across the Southeast, entertaining and spreading a message of religious devotion.

“As a Christian band, we try to show the love of God through our music and our lives. Sure we play heavier music but we write music that people can listen to and be encouraged,” lead guitarist Jevon said.

The place East from West inhabits in the Christian music genre is unique. Jevon cites Metallica’s electric guitarist Kirk Hammett as one of his chief influences; East from West plays similarly rhythm-heavy songs which become upbeat devotional ballads.

“We have a pretty diverse genre. Right now we are giving us the genre of Pop/Punk Rock with a sprinkle of Hardcore.

We are also Christian. We play mostly originals but we also do a couple covers in our sets,” said Cody.

Think gospel hymn meets new-age rock. The band brings something uniquely fresh to the Christian music scene, offering not only a heartfelt message but also fun, powerful concerts.

The band formed in 2011 when four friends came together for a jam session in Cody Hart’s garage. Cody approached his friend Jevon a few weeks earlier, contemplating starting a band; two other current band members Justin Leonard and

Slayton Johnson had already broached this idea with Jevon, who invited them all to the garage meeting that was the beginning of the band’s career.

“The first practice or “jam session” was a bit awkward because some of us didn’t know each other that well,” said Cody. “As time went on we were able to get some songs together and get to know each other. The four members that the band started with are still in the band but a few months after the band started we picked up another member, Karlton Timmerman. That happened because our guitar player Justin left for two months on a mission trip so we needed someone to fill in. We ended up liking Karlton so much that we kept him in the band.”

Now this five-piece band has played at a number of local venues including Sector 7. During December, the band went on a Christmas tour which included playing in Charleston’s famed Music Farm. “It was an amazing experience playing in a venue of that magnitude,” Cody said.

The Christmas Tour provided promotion for The Process which can be purchased online at bandcamp.com or at any of the band’s live shows. The band’s most recent tour ended on July 1.

“The tour experience is a lot of fun. It is work but enjoyable work. We get to meet a lot of people, meet new bands, and see new places,” said Cody.

Two band members, Cody and Jevon, cited a story about staying at Charleston Southern University after their Music Farm performance as one of the most memorable times on tour.

“We were going to stay the night in Slayton’s dorm in Charleston Southern but some of us were not students so we were not allowed in because of how late it was,” said Cody. “Our idea was to hide in the trailer and have the band members who were CSU students drive in past the guards.

We got locked in because I had the key to the lock but I was on the inside of the trailer.”

Jevon explained that everything worked out in the end.

“So we had to frantically search for a little crack in the trailer to squeeze the key out. We finally found one and got out but we were definitely freaking out for a while.”

Although band members agree that playing music has

become a doubtless passion, each seeks to spread not only their own name but the name of God with their music.

Cody proposed, “Being a Christian group we have really put our music before God. We have the mindset that the whole purpose of us is to spread the word of God and reach as many as we can. What we do is for God’s glory, not for us. We want our listeners to learn about God, and we want to reach the unreached. If we are playing for 1000 people and only 1 person gets something out of it or comes to know Christ, then we have done something great.”

Despite their humility, the band has gained popularity both in the local area and throughout the entire southeast.

Jevon, though, stated that the band’s purpose was not to simply get famous but to share the band’s beliefs with the world. However popular or unpopular the Christian genre becomes in the following years, the band vows to continue playing Christian songs.

“Honestly, I have never ever been worried about being a Christian rock band. God gave us these talents, and the bible says to use those talents to glorify the God who gave them to you. I’m not worried about whether our music sells or not.

We aren’t in it to make money or get famous. We’re in it to spread the love and grace of Jesus Christ to people who may not know Him.” Once the band returns from tour, members will focus on returning to their academic lives while also creating new original songs, though still playing at venues whenever they can.

“My aspirations are to just continue spreading the love of God to as many people as we can and keep playing the music we love to play and enjoy. We plan to continue writing music and playing shows. Always growing in our faith as well of course,” said Jevon.

The band derives its name from Psalms 103:12— “As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Their music can be found and downloaded at the band’s Facebook page along with information about future tour dates and news.

by Derek Berry

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 23

behind the curtain

AUDITION ANXIETY I

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t’s probably the most intimidating part of being involved in the arts -- the audition. It’s one requirement that keeps many people from getting involved in local theater. But at a community theater audition, everyone is cheering you on! And since I’ve survived dozens of them, with moderate success, I wanted to pass on some very unscientific, yet time-tested tips from people who get parts.

• Just Do It My number one audition tip is to just go and try it. The absolute worst they can say is no, and since I’ve had that happen, I can honestly say that it’s fairly easy to recover from. And just going to an audition can be a great experience. It’s better than watching another Seinfeld rerun.

• Be confident I’ve never been to an audition where I haven’t been nervous. But after all, you want to be an actor, so you’ve got to pretend like you’re the next Meryl Streep or Tom Hanks. If you look like you know what you’re doing during an audition, you’ll convince them you’re going to look like you know what you’re doing on opening night.

• Be prepared Directors care about a show that they’re doing, and they want to see that you care about it as well. Know the show. Know the characters. Familiarize yourself with the music.

Preparation helps with the confidence.

• Don’t go overboard If a director asks you to sing 16 bars don’t hire an orchestra and perform your entire repertoire. A director knows pretty quickly whether or not you’re right for a part. Do what they ask. It’s a sign of respect and speeds up the process.

• Get ready to sing Even if you are terrible and know it, prepare something. There are plenty of non-singing roles even in musicals, but auditions often require some music. Get your church piano player to help you practice, or at least tell you what your range is. And since it’s local theater, I suggest singing something from the show. Others may say it’s unprofessional, I say it helps a director picture you in that role. If you are terrible and don’t know it, then you should be auditioning for a TV talent show.

• Get ready to dance Unless you’ve had years of lessons, this is the worst part. You just have to suck it up and move your body the best you can. So wear comfortable shoes and clothes that let you move.

Please note, this is not a comprehensive list, but I can tell you that this will give you a good chance, and help you have a good time.

Oh, I almost forgot the best tip of all: Be a guy. Theaters always want more people of the male persuasion. And most of all have fun out there.

wes hennings has been in the performing arts since he could walk, and since moving to Augusta has been in dozens of productions with companies such as The Augusta Players, Fort Gordon Dinner Theater, Enopion Theater Company and the Augusta Opera, both on stage and behind the scenes. By day, Wes is a technical director and media producer.

Questions? Story Ideas? wes.verge@gmail.com

24 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

vibe

MONDAYS IN AIKEN WITH HOPE live concerts every monday

photo by COURTESY OF HOPELAND GARDENS

N

ow in its 38th season, the Hopeland Gardens Music Series continues to welcome families — and dogs — to its free summer concerts. Lisa J. Hall, Parks, Recreation and Tourism Supervisor, Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch Reception Center, credits the quality of the performances, as well as the family atmosphere, with keeping the annual event alive and thriving.

“We bring in talented artists and all types of performers,” she said. “That, along with a lot of publicity on our part and a good relationship with the media has helped us keep the series going.”

The property that houses Hopeland Gardens was left to the city of Aiken by the estate of C. Oliver Iselin. He and his wife Hope built a winter home on the property and began developing the gardens around the turn of the 20th century.

When Mrs. Iselin passed away in 1970, at 102 years of age, she willed Hopeland Gardens, named after daughter Hope, to the City of Aiken.

“Aiken was a big winter resort town for a lot of wealthy northerners,” said Hall. “They came to the South because of the mild climate. We were lucky that Mrs. Iselin donated this property to the city. There are pathways where visitors can walk, and some of the oak trees are 300 years old. Next door is the Rye Patch, another winter colony estate that was left to us.”

Cecilia Reynolds, an Aiken resident and patron of the arts, developed the music series. Through her contacts in the arts world, she laid the groundwork for the spring and summer concerts.

“I remember attending a bluegrass concert here when I was in high school. There were 20 people,” said Hall. “Now

we average 600, and we’ve had as many as 1,500.”

The concerts and performances take place on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage inside Hopeland Gardens.

The outdoor amphitheatre accommodates lawn chairs and blankets, and patrons are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. Dogs must be kept on leashes, but they are welcome to attend. The schedule of events features family-friendly entertainment, from chamber music to Broadway musicals, ballet, bluegrass, pop, jazz ensembles, youth groups and military bands.

“Most of our talent comes from this area,” said Hall. “There are a lot of musicians in Aiken and Augusta, including Fort Gordon. The Aiken Concert Band opens and closes the series every year, and the Aiken Civic Ballet has performed for over 30 years.”

While the 2012 series is in full swing, Hall is already planning and booking for next year.

“A lot of the groups have to get their schedules lined up before Thanksgiving or Christmas,” she said, “so the work never stops. We’re always looking for new talent, receiving and reviewing promo packets and placing groups in our schedule.”

The performances are held every Monday, from May through August, and begin at 7 p.m. In the event of rain or extreme heat, the shows are moved indoors to the Weeks Center. Admission is free, no tickets necessary, and plenty of parking is available at Hopeland Gardens, the Rye Patch and the Boundary Club across the street.

“These concerts are a way for the city to give back to the people who live here,” said Hall. “They support the Recreation Department and the City of Aiken, and we appreciate that.”

For more information, visit www.cityofaikensc.gov or email lhall@cityofaikensc.gov.

2012 Hopeland Garden’s Summer Concert Series Upcoming Events: July 23: 4 Cats in the Doghouse - jazz and pop music July 30: Aiken Big Band - big band music, classic and contemporary August 6: Veronika Jackson - acoustic folk and blues music August 13: Fort Gordon The Semifours Trombone jazz, popular, avant-garde and Contemporary music August 20: Ken Gabriel - performs Americana music including classic pop August 27: Aiken Concert Band - performs classical and contemporary music – concert begins at 6:30pm *All events begin at 7pm unless otherwise noted

by ALISON RICHTER

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 25

the film reel

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now playing on the big screen

S

ummer 2012’s biggest openers offer clues about our current social climate. Perhaps it’s the Mayan Calendar or the election year’s pending spectacle, but it seems moviegoers are looking for a hero. The season’s number one movie so far is The Avengers, in which an unlikely team of superheroes saves mankind from certain destruction. The Independence Day box office presented another comic book all-star with The Amazing Spider-Man, a reboot of the Sam Raimi-Tobey Maguire collaboration. On July 20, another superhero returns to the big-screen as THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Writer-director-producer Christopher Nolan (Inception) began his Batman trilogy with 2005’s Batman Begins and followed it with 2008’s The Dark Knight, which skyrocketed to the top of the domestic box office charts – it currently sits at number four after The Avengers. That film earned an Oscar for the late Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker. Christian Bale (The Fighter) returns as Nolan’s Batman one last time, succeeding Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney as the big-screen embodiment of D.C. Comics’ Caped Crusader.

This chapter of Nolan’s Batman/Bruce Wayne story begins eight years after the action viewers witnessed in The Dark Knight. We find Batman in self-imposed exile and in personal crisis, a side effect of his assuming blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent. It is a lie he and Commissioner Gordon concocted for the greater good as Gotham City corruption decreased under the anti-crime Dent Act. As a new villain emerges, Batman must reluctantly don his cape again. Tom Hardy, who worked with Nolan on Inception, plays masked bad guy Bane whose imposing musculature presents Batman with his most worthy adversary thus far. Two more Inception alums co-star as Joseph Gordon-Levitt appears as an idealistic police officer and Marion Cotillard plays a beautiful board member at Wayne Enterprises.

Anne Hathaway takes on the role of Catwoman while Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman return to the series as Batman’s trusted advisors Alfred, Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordon. Liam Neeson shows up briefly, reprising his role from Batman Begins.

In shooting this final chapter of his Batman trilogy, Nolan utilized large format IMAX cameras even more extensively than he did on The Dark Knight, the first feature film to employ that technology for portions of the action. IMAX cameras are bulkier, louder and require more expensive film than those typically used in movies, yet they yield impressive visuals.

Football fans may notice the Gotham Rogues’ home turf looks a lot like Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, which is where Nolan’s crew shot memorable trailer footage of the field blowing up as a player (Hines Ward) runs in for a touchdown.

This film is another family project for Nolan, whose brother (Jonathan Nolan) co-wrote the screenplay with him. Christopher Nolan’s wife, Emma Thomas, also served as one of the film’s producers. Running time for the conclusion of Nolan’s epic take on the beloved comic book hero is a whopping 164 minutes.

July 27 brings a star turn for Augusta native Kathryn McCormick, a dancer who was previously featured on So You Think You Can Dance. McCormick earned the lead female role in the fourth Step Up film, STEP UP REVOLUTION. Also opening, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill play suburban dads who have to fight off aliens in the Seth Rogen-penned sophomoric comedy, THE WATCH. by mariah gardner, movie guru

26 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

NIGHTLIFE FRIDAY, JULY 20

THE UNMENTIONABLES @ Midtown Lounge | 8 p.m.

JASON WHITE @ Somewhere in Augusta | 9 p.m.

JULY 20-AUGUST 4 2012 TX CLERGY @ Joe’s Underground | 9:30 p.m.

THE WELFARE LOINERS @ Stillwater Taproom | 10 p.m., $5 FUNK YOU @ Sky City 10:30 p.m., $5

SATURDAY, JULY 21

RED-HEADED STEPCHILD REUNION (CLIFF BENNETT + JOHN KOLBECK + ANDY FARLEY) @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 28

IMPULSE RIDE @ Somewhere in Augusta | 9 p.m.

JAMIE JONES @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 29

BRANDON HOOKER DUO @

JOHN “STONEY” CANNON @ The First Round | 8 p.m.

JOHN KOLBECK @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 30

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

SOUTHERN CONDUCT @ Midtown Lounge | 8 p.m.

CAMERAS, GUNS & RADIOS + NOT QUITE DEVILS + MANN

COMEDY ZONE: DONNA CARTER + MIKEY MASON @ Somewhere in Augusta 8 p.m., $8

JIM PERKINS @ Carolina Ale House | 9 p.m.

Tuesdays

$100 TAB BIG PRIZE TRIVIA

@ Somewhere in Augusta 8 p.m.

PIANO @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.

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

BIKE NIGHT! @ The First Round | 8 p.m., the first drink is on us!

Thursdays

80’S NIGHT WITH DJ RANA @ The Playground | 9 p.m.

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

Fridays

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

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

SIBLING STRING @ Joe’s RAY @ The First Round Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 26 RHES REEVES @ Coyote’s TRIPP SEAY @ Joe’s Nightclub | 8 p.m.

Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

MEN ON EARTH @ The First Round | 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 KEITH GREGORY @ Joe’s RUSKIN YEARGIN @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

Underground Café 9 p.m.

JASON AND THE HAYMAKERS @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

80’S NIGHT + ART SHOW @ Sky City | 10 p.m., $5 LO-FIDELITY @ Wild Wing

Café | 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

SWYRV @ Joe’s Underground

FRIDAY, JULY 27

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.

WENDESDAY, JUNE 1

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 MATT ACOSTA @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY Mondays

JOHN “STONEY” CANNON @ The First Round | 8 p.m.

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

TUESDAY, JULY 24

Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

Wednesday

BACK N BLACK (AC/DC TRIBUTE BAND) @ Sky City 10:30 p.m., $10 Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 22

Coco rubio’s One on One Chat With CSRA Musicians

SABO & THE SCORCHERS @ Wild Wing Café | 10 p.m.

TYLER HAMMOND BAND @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

OUTSHYNE @ The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon | 10 p.m., $3 to $5

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

JAM SAMWICH @ Joe’s Underground Café | 9:30 p.m.

THE SOUTHERN MELTDOWN BAND @ Shannon’s Food & Spirits | 10:30 p.m.

coco’s q&a

Café | 9:30 p.m.

JOHN KARL @ The Country

Saturdays

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

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

Sundays

BEER PONG @ The Playground 10 p.m.

Johnathan Richards aka DJ Fugi

C

oco: Where were you born and raised?

Fugi: Born in Okinawa, Japan and adopted by an American military family. We moved around quite a bit till we moved to North Augusta in 1990. I’ve been living in the CSRA since then.

Coco: A lot of people know you as DJ FUGI -- but, you are also a “real” musician -- tell me about that.

Fugi: I’ve been a percussionist since age 12, did the school band thing and drumline thing.

I actually went to college to be a music education major before I decided to get into graphic design. I was able to tour the country with two world class drum and bugle corps and have had some cool gigs teaching world class drumlines after I stopped performing. I help with Midland Valley HS drumline during marching band season. Some people might remember me as the percussionist for the band Ragdoll from 2003-2005, and I also played congas along with turntable scratches in the band Twice Removed from 2008-2010 Coco: How long have you been DJ’ing?

Fugi: I started scratching in 2008. A friend was selling his turntables and I thought it would be cool to do a Linkin Park type of thing with Twice Removed. I didn’t start getting into beat matching and other typical “DJ” things until 2010 when I left Twice Removed. Since I had a musical background, a lot of the musical theory stuff of DJing I already knew.

Coco: How do you see the DJ scene here in Augusta?

Fugi: It’s growing. I can walk downtown and find 5 or 6 venues that have talented DJs spinning, with a wider range of music being accepted. I think most Augustans don’t know what DJs really do. Their only exposure to a DJ might have been at a wedding or other event where DJs are basically jukeboxes. Now I see Dubstep, Trance, Electro House, Underground Hip-Hop and other non main-stream genres that DJs are passionate about playing, and the locals are starting to understand.

Coco: How’d you get the name Fugi?

Fugi: My real name is Johnathan Richards but my classmates in elementary school didn’t think it was appropriate to my appearance. Playing football in middle school, I noticed that whenever I had a good play, the coaches called me Fuji. When I did horrible, they would call me by my real name. So by some weird Pavlovian conditioning, I learned to love the nickname. At the time I had no idea how to spell Fuji (Like Mount Fuji or Fuji film) and I spelled it as Fugi, with a g. After learning I was spelling it wrong, I told everybody that ‘g’ was for gangster.

Coco: You’re downtown quite a bit -- what would you like to see happen on First Fridays?

Fugi: I look at places like Memphis and can imagine that we can do something similar. Having Broad Street blocked off, allowing drinks on the street, more bands playing live on the street, more DJs playing on the street, and most importantly, having a police presence that makes everybody feel safe. I think the coolest thing I’ve seen on a First Friday was Pyrotheque. They are certainly talented but what amazed me was that they had a huge crowd around them that consisted of adults, kids, teens, people of all races and people of all sexual orientation. All these people were together in one place coexisting peacefully and enjoying performance art together.

Sadly, I don’t see that very often in Augusta. We need more acts like this on First Friday.

Coco: Where can people get in touch with you and listen to some of your mixes?

Fugi: They can find me at www.facebook.com/djfugi and hear my mixes at soundcloud.com/djfuji

LIVE DJ EVERY SUNDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover KARAOKE WITH PEGGY GARDNER @ Shannon’s Bar & Grill | 8 p.m.

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.

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 27

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OBJECTIVE RESTAURANT REVIEW outback steakhouse / PG 31

HEALTHY HOT DOGS

CELEBRATING HOT DOG MONTH / PG 31

RESTAURANT BUZZ

openings and closings / PG 33

NEW AUGUSTA RESTAURANT WITH CHICAGO ROOTS / pg 31

photo by Sofia Colton Photography

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 29

30 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

feed your family

fresh food bites

vittles

vittles

WHAT SAYS SUMMER LIKE A STEAK ON THE BARBIE

S

HOT DIGGITY DOG Y’ALL I

bet most are wondering why in the world I’m writing a bit on hotdogs -- after all, the common hot dog is typically mentioned as a “get rid of ” food on weight loss lists. And, why would anyone want to go near a hot dog just after the biggest hot dog holiday of the year, the 4th of July, right? Well, July is National Hot Dog Month, and July 20 is – take a quick guess – National Hot Dog Day. Americans love hot dogs it’s true; skeptics can visit every convenience store in the CSRA and see just how many have hot dogs on the grill just waiting for consumers to snatch them up. Store owners wouldn’t waste the time or the money if customers didn’t buy them like crazy. But the fact is that those are just the hot dogs that weight loss lists recommend steering clear of. Yeah those, the ones that taste so darn good! But it’s cool…sort of.

Despite the heat of summer days, Americans still love firing up their grills and cooking some meat. And every good American knows that hot dogs taste much better with grill marks on them. Am I right? There is a way, however, to balance taste and healthiness when it comes to dogs. Check out this recipe…

by JOHN “STONEY” CANNON

INGREDIENTS:

Grilled hot dogs (Turkey, chicken, or lower fat, calorie and sodium dogs) Whole-wheat hot dog buns (toasted if you dig that) 1 Cup of diced avocado (yeah avocado’s hip right now) ½ Cup diced red onion ½ Cup alfalfa sprouts Curry powder

DIRECTIONS:

• Grill hotdogs to desired doneness (a George Foreman grill works as a great alternative when outside grilling is not optimal).

• Place each hot dog in a bun • Top with 2 tbsp avocado • 1 tbsp onion • 1 tbsp alfalfa sprouts • Then sprinkle with curry powder to taste.

Each dog will have around 250 calories, just over 10 grams of fat and a kicking 11 or more grams of protein. Now that’s a healthier dog!

ummer and steak go hand in hand, so I had it in mind to test the budget on a steakhouse for this issue. I have sought out locally owned restaurants in the two previous issues, but a $10 off coupon in the Sunday newspaper this week turned my sights to a national chain, Outback Steakhouse. At first mention, this may sound a bit of a stretch, but I was willing to take on the challenge.

Outback is known for lots of things, one of which being the horrendous wait times incurred any night of the week. To combat this I took advantage of their call- ahead seating option. I called around 5 p.m. and asked for a seating time at 6 p.m. This doesn’t always guarantee immediate seating, but on this night we were seated promptly with no wait. Score for the family with three kids! Upon being seated, a server greeted us and took orders for our drinks -- all water, of course, since we wouldn’t want to bust the budget with beverages. We were served warm loaves of honey wheat bread, a Panini Family favorite, to munch on while we looked over the menu.

At first glance, the menu prices made me fear our attempt to dine on a dime would be an epic failure; however, taking a little extra time to look things over proved a success. My husband Rob ordered a 9-oz. blue cheese encrusted sirloin with a baked sweet potato and house salad. The blue cheese seemed to have been forgotten in the kitchen, but the problem was corrected by the server. I chuckled a bit at this, as Rob has a phobia of sending anything back to the kitchen once it’s brought to the table. As far as we could tell, though, only the blue cheese was added to his steak. Sirloin would not have been my cut of choice, as I am a filet mignon kind of chick, but he seemed to like it. My son Sam also had a sirloin, 6 oz. without blue cheese. He had a loaded baked potato and shared a salad with his bother and sister. Watching him cut his meat reminded me exactly why I am a filet mignon kind of girl, but he didn’t skip a beat. Boys and knives go hand in hand, right?

Because I didn’t want what I consider a less than par cut of meat, I chose to share a Bloomin’ Burger, a sirloin burger topped with Outback’s famous Bloomin’ Onion pieces, with my other son Zack. This was one big burger! We laughed watching Zack try to take his first bite, commenting that he looked like Adam Richman on Travel Channel’s Man v. Food. It was absolutely delicious.

As usual, Little Miss Panini ordered chicken fingers and French fries from the kids’ menu, something she didn’t mind because kids’ meals include a beverage of choice.

The boys coveted her Sprite a bit, but she said, “That’s what I get for not ordering off of the big menu.”

Smart girl!

Overall, our food tasted great and service was fast and courteous. The atmosphere was a bit loud, making it hard to hold a conversation at the table, however. In addition, dining with three kids, we made several trips to the “facilities,” which could have used a little more attention. Not to harp on bathrooms, but no paper towels makes hand washing a bit challenging.

Because we took advantage of the coupon, we were enough under budget to afford Spotted Dog Sundaes for each of the kids. Our server was kind enough to pack them for us to go, so they had a sweet treats for the ride home. Our total before tip was $43.57. We chose to leave a larger tip than normal, because our server took such good care of us, but it was worth the extra few dollars.

And one last bit of advice…visit Outback on the weekends to be entertained by a balloon animal maker who works only for tips. This is a pilot program for Outback, and it is ingenious.

The balloon maker waits until orders are placed then visits tables to entertain families while they wait for their food. This made our wait much more pleasant, as we heard a lot less of, “when’s our FOOD QUALITY **** food going to be here?”

Happy dining!

SERVICE *****

ENVIRONMENT

****

article by Sally Panini

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 31

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restaurant profile

vittles

Frankie’s A Taste of Chicago

photos by Sofia Colton Photography

BLOWIN’ IN SOME GOOD EATS FROM CHI-TOWN

C

hicago natives living in Augusta have been flocking to Frankie’s A Taste of Chicago since the restaurant opened behind Applbee’s in the Augusta Business Center this February, and for that they have to thank the persistence of Frankie’s wife, Latina.

“Frank had two locations like this in Chicago, and the first time I took a bite of his Chicago Cheesesteak Sandwich I was hooked and woke up the next morning still thinking about it,” said Latina Harris, part owner of Frankie’s. “That’s the first time food has ever given me an experience like that, and I wanted to share it with the people of Augusta.”

“I thought Augusta had enough places to eat until I was looking for an Italian Beef sandwich one day,” said Frank Harris.

“A lot of the foods we serve here you can’t get anywhere else in Augusta, and I have customers coming from as far away as Hephzibah just to tell me that this restaurant is the closest thing to Chicago you can get without flying there. We cook all our

food fresh to order, and it is all authentic.”

Some of Frankie’s favorites include the jumbo-sized hot dog, which he says is very filling at only $2.99, a Maxwell Street Polish Dog with onions and mushrooms, Italian Sausage with grilled that may include fish and shrimp. This is Frankie’s first location onions and bell peppers and an Italian Beef Sandwich with in Augusta, but will soon be opening a second location along Giardinera Peppers that Frankie ships monthly from Chicago. route 88 in Hephzibah inside Jumping Jack’s Party Shack.

Frankie uses Vienna meat in all his recipes, because they are the official sponsor of the Chicago Cubs, which he can use article by Christopher Selmek to make Hoagie’s or Pizza Puffs that are unlike any other food outside of Chicago. For desert, Frankie offers a Key Lime Cake that he says is a big seller.

“Augusta is a word of mouth town, and the majority of customers hear about us from other customers who have come in and really liked the food,” said Frank. “There are also reviews of us on urbanspoon.com, augustaeats.net, our own Facebook page, and some customers have been nice enough to blog about Open Tuesday through Thursday 11am to 7pm, our food.”

Friday and Saturday 11am to 9pm In keeping with their theme, “A Chicago-style eatery with To order ahead, call 706-863-0080. a splash of southern charm,” Frankie’s is also pleased to serve chicken and waffles, and is considering additions to the menu

Frankie’s

A Taste of Chicago

the buzz on vittles

CORPORATE RESTAURANTS OFFER JOBS AND UNIQUE MENUS

vittles

Rhinehart’s and Red Lobster Bullchicks Bouncing Back HaVE Some Competition W he buzz is a new seafood restaurant will be opening soon in Augusta. It’s a cross between a Red Lobster, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Rhinehart’s. Marlin and Ray’s Seafood & Sunsets is looking for a General Manager, Culinary Manager, Guest Service Managers and other personnel.

The restaurant has two locations outside of Atlanta and the menu indicates the restaurant is a little more upscale like a Joe’s Crab Shack -- with Crab Legs for $17.99, Peel & Eat Shrimp for $18.99 and lobster for more.

Marlin and Ray’s has borrowed a little from Red Lobster with its healthy serving of jalapeno and cheddar muffins (similar to the cheddar biscuits RL is famous for). Its “beachside” feel and 4 to 7 p.m. Happy Hours closely mirror Rhinehart’s.

Their new home will be at 499 Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez in the current Ruby Tuesday’s building. Corporate officials from Tennessee tell us they expect to be open just before the holidays hit in December. The Ruby Tuesdays will close at some point while contractors retrofit the restaurant into a Marlin and Rays.

e have another Bullchicks update as the Texas chain is trying to bounce back from a difficult start in 2011 in the market. The initial franchisees are gone -- after not following corporate protocol at their Highland Avenue location in the former Wife Saver building. Tex execs thought they had a new franchisee to take over and announced a reopening in late June. They have decided against that plan and the burger, wings, wraps and salad spot is being run corporately for now -- with the possibility that a current franchisee of their North Augusta location will eventually take over.

Their P.R. firm is working hard to get the word out and has come up with some unique specials tailored to the various niche groups specific to Augusta.

For the next several weeks until late August, Seniors, Military, Healthcare, Educators and Students will receive a free side and a drink with each entrée purchase. Each group is assigned a different week. Bullchicks customer service folks will be checking I.D. To find out when you may qualify, visit bullchicksgeorgia.com/augusta.

Bullchicks is trying to break through the crowded burger and chicken market by providing 20 different flavored chicken wings and 20 different hamburger options.

by NEIL GORDON

by NEIL GORDON

T

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here’s to your health

BlizZards in july this year / PG 36

ab’s sports

pro athletes hELp csra wannabes / PG 37

LIFE FACE FIRST

SLOW YOUR ROLL / PG 39

interfaith hospitality is for greater good

your faith, page 37

photo by Charles Cochran

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 35

here’s to your health

values

William Chandler, a cancer survivor who was treated at GHS CMC, dips an ice cream cone in chocolate at the DQ on Central Avenue during Miracle Treat Day 2011 while his father John T. and sister Julia watch. A portion of proceeds of each Blizzard sold on Miracle Treat Day – July 26 – will benefit our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, GHSU Children’s Medical Center.

Expect blizzards in July this year Fireworks may be common during July, but a blizzard? Dairy Queen stores across the CSRA will serve Blizzards® to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital – Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center – during the annual Miracle Treat Day, July 26.

The following DQ locations will donate a portion of the sale of every Blizzard on Miracle Treat Day to the GHS Children’s Medical Center: Augusta: 2837 Central Ave.; 3149 Washington Rd.; 3102 Peach Orchard Rd.; 3450 Wrightsboro Road in the Augusta Mall Waynesboro: 221 S. Liberty St. Millen: 1234 U.S. Highway 25 North Swainsboro: 391 South Main St. Louisville: 205 U.S. Highway 1 Bypass The GHS Children’s Medical Center, a not-for-profit hospital, has been a beneficiary of CMN since 1986. Miracle Treat Day generated more than $6,300 for the Children’s Medical Center last year. Proceeds in 2012 will help fund equipment and technology upgrades at the area’s only children’s hospital.

The 154-bed Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center is the second-largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children.

For more information call 706-721-4004 or visit georgiahealth.org/miracletreat.

Barney’s Pharmacy to Open in Grovetown Barney’s Pharmacy, a locally owned and operated fullservice pharmacy has been serving the CSRA in South Augusta for more than 50 years, and will soon open a new location at 5135 Wrightsboro Road in Grovetown. It will be the first locally-owned pharmacy to open in Grovetown. In addition to traditional apothecary services, Barney’s professionals offer service in durable medical equipment, specialized compounding, medication compliance packaging, free wellness center classes immunizations and free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

Barneys’ owner Barry Bryant says that many of his Peach Orchard Road pharmacy customers live in Grovetown. He believes there is a lot of growth opportunity in the area.

For information on the free wellness classes visit barneysrx. com/events.php or call 706.798.5645 The CSRA Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will host the ninth

36 / VERGELIVE.com _ JULY 18

Annual Faith & Aging Conference on Thursday, August 9, at the Double Tree Hotel, 2651 Perimeter Parkway, Augusta, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s theme is titled “Changing Faith, Changing Health, Changing Lives” and will feature nationallyrecognized speaker A’Keti J. Avil. Ms. Avil is an inspirational speaker who is well known for her ability to motivate individuals to return to their communities and promote healthier lifestyles. The conference offers a great opportunity for family and professional caregivers to hear the latest trends in providing care and lends a “breath of relief ” as resources are gathered and care giving stories are exchanged. Participants will also be delighted with good food, entertainment and door prizes. The registration fee for professionals is $30 and $20 for retired persons, caregivers, students and grandparents raising grandchildren. Checks should be made payable to the CSRA Regional Commission.

Doctor’s Hospital Only Area Hospital Selected for National Effort to Increase Breastfeeding Rates in U.S Doctor’s Hospital has been selected to participate in Best Fed Beginnings, a first-of-its-kind national effort to significantly improve breastfeeding rates in states where rates are currently the lowest.

Although breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive health measures for infants and mothers, half of US-born babies are given formula within the first week, and by 9 months, only 31% of babies are breastfeeding at all. Best Fed Beginnings seeks to reverse these trends by dramatically increasing the number of US hospitals implementing a proven model for maternity services that better supports a new mother’s choice to breastfeed. The National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality is leading the effort through a cooperative funding agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will be working closely with Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. “We recognize that for women who plan to breastfeed, the hospital experience strongly influences a mother’s ability to start and continue breastfeeding,” says Annette Repko, Director of Women’s Services at Doctor’s Hospital. “We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation process. This will ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed are fully supported.”

In addition to Doctor’s Hospital, 89 other hospitals are participating in this initiative and were selected from 235 applicants.

Pictured are (left to right): Teri Perry, Vice President of Adult Patient Care Services at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center; Jim Mumford, Vice President of Children’s Administration and Administrative Director of Pediatrics at Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center; Gerry Gant, Market Manager of Wal-Mart Market 30, Region 3; and Cashier Nellie Poindexter, People Greeter Jackie Greenlaw, Assistant Manager Kathryn Watts, Cashier Rise Colquitt, Shift Manager Mike Corley and Store Manager Jason DiLorenzo, all of Wal-Mart Store No. 1227 on Bobby Jones Expressway; and Steven Scott, Chief Operating Officer at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center.

Wal-Mart Presented Big Check to GHS Children’s Medical Center 2012 (see photo above) On July 5 Wal-Mart on Bobby Jones Expressway presented a check for more than $200,000 to the Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center. Last year this store raised more than $32,000 to benefit the area’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Nearly a dozen area Wal-Mart stores and the Augusta Sam’s Club work together each year to create one of the most generous CMN partners for GHSU Children’s Medical Center.

The retailers hold a six-week fundraiser, asking customers for donations at the register. Campaign dates this year were May 1 through June 16.

This year’s money will be used to help with the renovations on the fifth floor of the GHS Children’s Medical Center. The 154-bed GHS CMC is the second largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children.

Compiled from area news releases by Jennifer Pruett

your faith photo S by CHARLES COCHRAN

values

About a dozen cots stand outside Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 8. Three families spent the previous week in Covenant, one of 25 Augusta-area churches that take turns hosting families for the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Interfaith network gives struggling families a hand up

B

e careful of stereotypes when talking about homeless folks.

Yes, many who are homeless grapple with substance abuse or mental illness, and they live outdoors or in emergency shelters for the long term. Sometimes, that is the only face of homelessness that we see or recognize. But understand, there’s more to the picture.

Some of Augusta’s homeless, nearly 40 percent, are hardworking individuals with spouses and children, who are perfectly capable of holding down jobs – if they can find them.

Sometimes, families hit rough patches. A husband or wife loses a job, resulting in loss of income, and the threat arises of foreclosure or eviction from an apartment. The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta, an affiliate of Family Promise with offices on Central Avenue, relies on a network of 25 host churches in the Augusta area to provide some of those families

with a place to stay while they’re getting back on their feet.

“It gives families a chance to get on their feet while they get a job, save some money and get back on their feet,” said Jim Crimmins, a member of Covenant Presbyterian who coordinates things when his church takes its turn.

Three of those families spent a week at Covenant in early July. Like other churches which take the families for a week at a time, Covenant plays host in this fashion once during any given three- or four-month span.

Driver Calvin Bryant pulls a small, orange box truck into the church’s parking lot shortly after sunrise on a Sunday morning. In less than half an hour under Bryant’s watchful eye, three or four volunteers haul cots, boxes full of bed coverings and several small nightstands up a ramp and onto the truck.

Amazingly, everything fits.

ab’s sports lessons

Several pro athletes such as McKay McBride will teach the first Pro4mance camp in late July and early August at Patriots Park.

First of Its Kind, Camp Offers Something For Everyone

W

hat happens when several tremendous local athletes and coaches pair with one of the best soccer players in U.S. History -- a mega-sports camp like this area has never seen.

GA-SC Bulls Soccer Director of Coaching Wes Meadows was actually bringing in Clint Mathis for a soccer camp. When Mathis, a former University of South Carolina star, Team USA veteran and Sports Illustrated cover boy began to hear about all the great athletes from the area, his wheels starting turning. After a few phone calls and meetings, the soccer camp morphed into Pro4mance Sports Camps. The idea was genius.

A portion of Patriots Park was locked up for the soccer camp,

and they simply called and booked the entire park, adding football, baseball and basketball to the list of camp activities.

Sports were not just added on a whim. The assistance of former professional athletes was solicited to run each respective sport. First welcomed was Ryan Bowers, owner of AthElite Sports Training Academy in Evans. Bowers was a college All-American as a defensive back at Presbyterian and played professionally for a decade. His AthElite staff will also work with campers on speed and agility. Football – check!

Bowers brought in Robbie Wachman of Best 9 Sports.

Wachman, a college standout at Middle Georgia and Valdosta St., was drafted by the Reds in 2004 and played 4 seasons in the organization before starting Best 9, which has grown into one of the state’s premier baseball training facilities. Helping Wachman run the baseball portion of the camp, will be former Burke Co. star and Atlanta Braves pitcher McKay McBride.

McBride was drafted in the first round of the 2001 draft by the Braves after a stellar prep career at Burke Co. He was given a $1.34 million signing bonus and eventually spent 3 years in the big leagues, averaging nearly a strikeout per inning pitched.

Baseball – check!

William Avery was a no brainer to head up the basketball program for Pro4mance. Avery led Westside to the 1995 state title, then went on lead Duke to the 1999 NCAA Championship game and was a first round pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. As an addition to Pro4mance, Avery brought in U Conn rising Sophomore Briana Banks to assist him. Banks was Georgia’s Miss Basketball after leading Fayette Co. to the 2010 State Title and was ranked as one of the nation’s top 15 high school players and was a McDonald’s AllAmerican. Basketball – check!

Former Evans and Georgia Southern cheerleader Kayla

“It’s just like a jigsaw puzzle,” Bryant commented as he closed the loaded truck’s rear door.

By 5 p.m. Sunday, a small bus will have ferried families to a new church, where new hosts and volunteers have unloaded and set up the cots and simple furniture.

They also provide meals and serve as hosts during the evenings and overnight. Come Monday morning, children head off to daycare or to school and parents hit the streets to hunt for work. So it goes, every day until the weekend.

“The parents are primarily job searching all day long,” said Linda Powers, a VISTA volunteer and a caseworker for Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta.

In addition to the housing program that relies on host churches, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta maintains a transitional housing facility where up to three families can live rent free for up to two years, responsible only for utilities.

Residents in transitional housing have jobs and are expected to save for a down payment on a house or an apartment deposit.

Helping families get back on their feet is rewarding work, said Jon Somers, an administrative assistant to director Sarah MacDonald. “It’s really satisfying when a family leaves here, to see them smiling,” Somers said.

“One recent week, adults in all three families in the church housing program found jobs,” Powers said. “And that makes it all worthwhile. Once they have completed the goals that they’ve set, it’s really exciting,” she said.

The Augusta agency is one of 178 affiliates of Family Promise, operating in 41 states. The first Interfaith Hospitality Network opened in Union County, New Jersey in 1986.

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 secondcareer minister, ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He may be reached at chas. cochran@gmail.com

values Wheatley was called on the When: handle the cheerleading for Pro4mance. She helped led July 30-August 2, Georgia Southern to multiple 9am-12pm National Championships and Where: will be one of the trainers at Patriot’s Park the Evans Fitness Club, which Register: is set to open in Evans this pro4mancesNovember. Lisa Raio, 3-time portscamps.com South Conference Player of the Year while playing at Winthrop University, will lead the softball portion for the camp. She finished 2nd in the nation in strikeouts in 1989 and led the nation in wins in 1990. She was one of the ten athletes selected to the Big South Hall of Fame in its inaugural ceremony in 2003. Cheerleading and softball – check, check!

Assisting with soccer is Mathis’ wife, Tracey, who was a star player at UCLA and played club soccer in Germany. Soccer – definitely a big check!

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.

JULY 18 _ VERGELIVE.com / 37

love letters

fireflies, stars and a dry creek bed

T

he Henry’s dining room was fully dressed for company. The Moss Rose china and cut glass were sparkling under candlelight and Sylvia’s uniform was pressed, all for the first dinner party they were hosting.

By all accounts, this welcome-to-our-home-dinner should have been held months ago, but with the start of school for Francine, Catherine’s induction into the Ladies’ Auxiliary, combined with Ron’s law practice and Deacon responsibilities, the occasion had been put off to the nearly shameful time of eight months after they had settled in. Luckily, it fell on Mrs. Weather’s birthday, which made the delay seem like Providence.

Fran came tripping down the stairs, here curls pulled back with a dainty bow and her new shoes pinching her feet with each mahogany step.

“You certainly look the proper young lady, Francine.” Mr. Henry observed, “We sure do have a beautiful girl, Mrs. Henry.”

“Yes, well, if she acts like a proper lady for this evening, I’ll be happy to agree with you,” Mrs. Henry cautiously responded while fussing over the hem of Fran’s dress.

The bell chimed and Sylvia showed the Weathers into the dining room. “Oh, Mrs. Henry, the house looks just lovely, and so do you Francine,” remarked Mrs. Weathers.

Doc shook Mr. Henry’s hand and added, “I see yours cleans up nice too, Ron,” indicating Jack’s pleated slacks and pressed shirt.

Fran nudged Jack, “Yeah, nice long pants, Mr. Weathers.”

“And your dress looks particularly frilly this evening, Miss Henry,” Jack smirked.

“Mrs. Henry, shall we begin the festivities?” Mr. Henry inquired, “Ladies, first of course.”

Mrs. Henry and Mrs. Weathers stood by their chairs as their

www.sofiacolton.com 706.284.8307

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values

love letters from fran and jack

husbands pulled them away from the table. “Francine,” Mrs. Henry prompted, and “Joseph,” Mrs. Weathers added.

Fran and Jack approached the table and each begrudgingly played the part of young lady and gentleman. When the adults started discussing the President, Fran knew she and Jack were in for a long, boring dinner.

It was approaching dusk before the kids could take no more of the discussion.

“Francine, stop fidgeting,” Mrs. Henry reproached her daughter for the third time, “and sit up straight,” she added, for good measure.

Fran rolled her eyes, a practice she had just begun to cultivate and sighed, “Daddy, can me and Jack be excused?”

Her father chuckled before responding, giving his wife time to correct, “May Jack and I be excused, please.”

“Yes, may we? Please?” Fran and Jack were both rising from their seats before Mr. Henry nodded. Their chairs scratched across the floor when Doc said, “ See Sylvia, I gave her some mason jars for you to catch fireflies with.”

Jack turned to Fran, his face lighting up, “I can poke the holes with my new pocket knife!”

“No sir, those lids are tricky” Jack’s shoulders slumped as Doc continued, “so, I’ve already poked them for you.”

“Don’t pout. It makes you look like a baby, “ Fran goaded as they walked to the kitchen; running was not permitted in the Henry house.

“Syl!” Fran bellowed as loud as she dared.

Sylvia appeared in the kitchen, wiping her broad hands on her having-company apron, “Yes, princess? Did you want sumthin’ ?”

“Come on Silly, you know I hate that.”

“Yeah, princess prefers Franny.” Jack smirked, ducking, so Fran’s fist only managed to graze his shoulder.

“That’s enough of that young lady,” Syl said, reaching for the Mason jars, “And Mr. Joseph, you stop teasing the royalty or it’s off with your head!”

Jack and Syl shared a smile as Fran stomped off, out the side door and down the porch steps.

When Jack joined her, Fran was trying to remove the lid, she was on the ground, the jar squeezed between her thighs, she gripped it with both hands and turned it wrong way.

Looking up, “Stupid Silly put them on too tight just to vex me!”

Jack plopped down beside her and deftly removed his own lid before gesturing for Fran’s.

“If you can do it, so can I!” And her face contorted while she set about trying to take the blasted lid off.

“Turn it the other way...I swear, you’re the silly one.”

And, like magic, the lid slid off. Fran hopped up, “Bet I can catch more than you!” and she was running around the yard shouting, “Got one! Got another!”

Jack dashed in the other direction, “I got two in one scoop!”

“Na uh, you did not! Let me see!” And their game of catching fireflies turned into a game of Fran catching Jack. …to be continued next issue. the love letters of fran and jack by Doug Holley and

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

life face first

Not Enough Toilet Paper W

hile shopping at the mall, I found myself in need of the ladies room. As I entered I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and frowned at the yellow pall the florescent lights cast on my complexion. Is it possible that mall management tries to make us look worse so we’ll buy more stuff? That reminded me to stop at the Estee Lauder counter and pick up more foundation on my way out.

I entered the stall and hung all seventeen of my shopping bags and my purse onto the only hook on the door. I shoved the door shut with my shoulder and wriggled the bolt until it

ANYONE GOT EXTRA TP?

finally slid home. I turned to do my business.

When I reached for toilet paper, I unspooled it all the way to the floor. I wadded it up. Four feet of toilet paper and all it made was a cotton ball sized amount. I tried again taking twice as much and had enough for a mouse to blow his nose.

I unrolled again and stopped abruptly. My blood ran cold.

The dispenser was empty and I was four cotton balls short of a full wad.

“Hello,” I called tentatively. The only answer was the drip of a faucet. I hinged forward at the waist and looked under the stall doors. No feet. I was trapped alone in a bathroom with not enough toilet paper.

I reached under the stall next to me and felt for the paper dispenser. I couldn’t quite reach. I wriggled my hips to my right and stretched further. My fingers brushed plastic.

values

Encouraged I leaned a little further and, splat, I slipped off the toilet seat and landed on my knees.

“Ouch!” I frowned at the bruises already starting to form.

Since I was in the floor anyway I fished on the other side of the stall and found the toilet paper. I finished and left the bathroom.

On my way out a man stopped me. “Excuse me,” he said politely, “but you have a piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe.”

I sighed exasperated. “Buddy, you have no idea.” nora blithe is the author of Door In Face, a humor blog about all things that lay you flat. Read more at DOORINFACE.COM.

sanford bruker banks

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