JANUARY 1, 2015 metrospirit.com
Table of Contents Augusta Tek
Ruffin’ It
Page 6
Page 7
Feature
Jenny Is Wright
Page 12
Page 18
Kris Fisher
Nightlife
Page 19
Page 22
The 8
Austin Rhodes
Page 36
Page 38
Credit or Debit?
Suffering
15 in 5
Go Directly to Jail
Merry Christmas, Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!
Just Behave Yourdamnself
“The Babadook”
Fine Whine
McIntyre Would Have Celebrated Davis
Don’t worry about Ebola! Hundreds a year die of malnutrition in the United States. Thousands die in auto accidents. In fact, driving is the most dangerous thing most WHILE MAYOR-ELECT HARDIE DAVIS is preparing for his citywide celebration leading people do! These places where people die of Ebola don’t have running water in their up to his much-anticipated inauguration on Jan. 5, it is clear that the new mayor is going hospitals. So relax. There’s plenty of other things to get worked up about.
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Happy New Year!
Any bets as to how long it will take all of us to stop writing 2014?
to come aboard with style. Along with the creation of his own website, oneaugustaga.com, Davis is planning a “Hands Across Augusta” day of community service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3. The following day, Davis has scheduled an “Interfaith Worship Service” at Beulah Grove Baptist Church from 4-5:30 p.m. Finally, on Jan. 5, Davis has invited the entire city to watch him take the oath of office at Paine College’s Gilbert Lambuth Memorial Chapel at 5 p.m. Following the ceremony, Davis and his wife will host an inaugural celebration reception from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Tickets to the inaugural celebration are $50 each. It’s actually kind of nice to see a mayor so excited about taking office. In fact, it is a big day for Augusta.
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Johnny Beckworth|circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright | Greg Baker | Sam Eifling | Austin Rhodes | Josh Ruffin | Kris Fisher | Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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Not only is a new mayor taking the throne, but the Garden City can’t ignore the fact that this is the first black mayor to be elected to this city since former Mayor Ed McIntyre was forced to resign after being convicted of bribery and extortion in 1984. That’s a big deal for Augusta. And, despite the criticism that some people have of Augusta’s first black mayor, it’s easy to imagine the excitement the late Ed McIntyre would have experienced watching Davis take the oath of office. Davis is a statesman, something McIntyre would have respected. Davis is a pastor, something McIntyre could have fully appreciated considering his mother’s legacy at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. And Davis envisions a bigger and better Augusta, which is something McIntyre longed for with every breath he took. Being a fourth generation Georgian and a native Augustan, McIntyre always believed being mayor of Augusta was more than just a job. For him, it was a passion. Through the years, McIntyre watched Augusta change since he was elected as the city’s first black mayor in 1981. But according to an interview McIntyre had with the Metro Spirit in 2002, he was not been impressed with the city’s growth over the years. “Rather than moving forward, we are in neutral and we need someone to step forward and put us in drive,” McIntyre said in 2002. “Our city is too large with too much talent not to be moving forward in spite of the economy.” McIntyre had watched cities like Charlotte, N.C., and Chattanooga, Tenn., make tremendous strides over the decades by bringing new businesses to the area, boosting the local economy and promoting tourism to the region. McIntyre always insisted the secret to those cities’ success was they had a strong working relationship between the business community and the government. “Pick out any city in the past 25 years that is moving forward and making great progress, they’ve done it with a city and government partnership,” McIntyre said in 2002. “I believe in that relationship. When I was mayor, we formed Augusta Tomorrow under my administration. We worked together hand-in-hand on major projects like the Riverwalk and the railroad’s downtown overpass. We got things done.” If Augusta ever really wanted to truly become the second-largest city in the state of Georgia, McIntyre said that it needed to grow up and have a vision for the future. “We need to be the second-largest in mind and attitude,” McIntyre said in 2002. “We need to be doing things as a big city rather than to still be thinking small town. You can’t make progress if you are still thinking small.” The problems that McIntyre cited back then were the railroad tracks still running through downtown, an aging civic center, an unstable airline service at the airport and no new industry coming into the city. Not a whole heck of a lot has changed since then. McIntyre said it was important for city leaders to sit down with the business community and figure out what kind of incentives Augusta could offer new industry considering a move to the area. “Right now, we are just saying, ‘They ought to come to us because we are Augusta.’ But they’ve got their hands out. They want to know, ‘What are you going to give me if I come
there?’” McIntyre said in 2002. “So, to me, it’s not that we’ve got great golf or that we’re a beautiful city with a nice climate. They’ve got that in 100 cities in this country. But we’ve got to come up with ideas and ways to lure them to us that gives them a benefit and then, in the end, we benefit.” But before Augusta can ever attract new people to the town, the community also needs to work on how its citizens relate to one another, McIntyre said in 2002. “This thing of black and white was something far in the background somewhere during my administration,” McIntyre said. “I never mentioned black or white during my entire tenure as a public official. And I’m proud that the racial environment was far better than what it is today.” Some may find that hard to believe considering McIntyre was the city’s first black mayor, but McIntyre said he never let race be an issue with the former city council. “When I became mayor of the city of Augusta, there were 16 council members, 12 whites and four blacks,” McIntyre said in 2002. “I was the first black man ever to sit in that chair up there and I’m sure there were a lot of reservations and a lot of people saying, ‘Oh my God. We are going to have a black city now.’ But we were able to sell our program and get our message out because we put Augusta first.” The best way to solve Augusta’s racial problems is to begin by improving the city itself, McIntyre said. “Any time you have a healthy economy, the problem of race diminishes,” McIntyre said in 2002. “I think what we need to do is aggressively work on making Augusta a better place. Take the emphasis off of black and white and make Augusta better. Create a new spirit. A new hope.” Give the people of Augusta something to be proud of, McIntyre said. “Create an environment so that when you leave town to visit friends or your friends are coming here, you can stick your chest out and brag about what we are doing in Augusta,” McIntyre said in 2002. “We need pride in Augusta again.” The Insider is certain that McIntyre would have been very pleased to see Davis take office on Jan. 5. Let’s hope Davis listens to the past and helps unite Augusta to make it a city that is a source of pride for all of us.
Show Some Respect IT WAS A COOL, clear September afternoon as I stood in the store parking lot unloading my groceries into the trunk of my car. Afterwards, I started pushing my shopping cart in the direction of the outdoor collection area where a man was gathering up the carts to take inside. With a smile, the man walked towards me and motioned for me to give him my empty cart. I gladly obliged, looked him in the eyes, and said, “Thank you, James.” James’ face perked up. He looked pleased and simultaneously a little bewildered. This was the first time we had ever met. I knew his name only because he was wearing a name tag. James is a Walmart employee. There are a dozen possible explanations for why James seemed surprised by my expression of gratitude. I imagine that the simplest explanation is probably the correct one. James was not used to being acknowledged in that way. Regrettably, gratitude is a courtesy that is often reserved for people in a higher social position than ourselves. It is convenient to respect and acknowledge those that we consider superior to us while disregarding those of “lower class.” People that care for our children, 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
prepare and serve our food, haul our goods and waste, clean our streets are too often brushed off and treated as if they are dispensable and unimportant. Sometimes, the people that we mistreat may even share our last name. This is what is called snobbery. In all of its forms, snobbery is a social cancer that plagues far more people than just the wealthy. Everyday people are just as likely to be discourteous, rude and disrespectful to others, especially when they believe that they can get away with it. There is no room for snobbery in civilized society. Many champion the notion that there is dignity in work. Because of that, it should not be difficult to treat everyone who works with dignity. Show some respect, especially when you do not have an incentive to. “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” —Matthew 25:40. — David Walker
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Metro Spirit Ad December 2014 Resolution Solution.pdf 1 12/10/2014 4:31:49 PM
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Credit or Debit? With gas prices continuing to fall, I thought we’d revisit this column from last summer. Enjoy! — Greg
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Every four or five days, my car requires a fill-up. No big deal, right? I pass two or three different Circle Ks on the way to the office (depending on which way I go), so it’s pretty convenient to fill up the tank. While they’ve been around for years, those of you born last century can still relate to the convenience of pay-at-thepump. (As an aside, can you believe that kids born this century will start driving next year?!?) At first, pay-at-the-pump was awesome. Pull in the car. Swipe the card. Fill the tank. Get back to life. It was great. And then the up-sales and marketing began. It all started with the automated car wash. Do you remember that at first they were free? Or at least the base option was free. When you were done filling the tank, the question popped on the screen, “Would you like a car wash?” Well, of course. Who wouldn’t want a free car wash? So you press the Yes button. A four-digit code is printed on the receipt, and you drive around to let water jets and spiny cloths purge the dirt away from your car. After a little bit of time, the free car wash option disappeared. An interesting thing happened at that point. People actually started buying the car wash. “Ah ha,” said the convenience store owners, and now we get to spend 10 minutes punching through a list of options before the first drop of gasoline gets delivered to the tank. “Would you like credit or debit?” For the life of me, I don’t know why anyone would ever select debit. Yes, technically the credit option can cause a hold on bank funds until the transaction clears. But if you’re that tight on money, you should be using cash anyway. Press credit. “Enter your zip code.” Okay, I understand the need for security, but be advised that just a name and zip code is all that needed to uniquely identify an individual in a marketing database. If you don’t want your gas purchases to be tracked, use cash. Otherwise, enter the zip code. Or at least do the best you can on the non-touch-sensitive keypad. “Which reward program would you like?” Please don’t get me started on these reward programs. As the forerunner of online tracking, these programs monitor our shopping habits and scheme ways to persuade us to buy more stuff. I don’t want to be targeted with advertising, and I don’t need cash back or discounts. Also, if I choose this option and steal the discount from my wife… well, let’s just say it’s not in my interest to take this option. “Which gasoline additive would you like?” Fortunately, these options don’t seem to be around much anymore. I guess the vision of gook building up around your engine’s rings and cylinders doesn’t really provide enough motivation to spend an extra five bucks. “Would you like a car wash?” Yes, back to the mother of all gas pump inquiries. This question presents a little bit of irony since the car wash at the gas station where I typically fill up hasn’t worked since it opened. True story — at one point, they put signs on all the pumps to please not buy a car wash. “Would you like a receipt?” Sometimes, this question will be asked prior to filling the tank. Sometimes, the question will be asked at the end. If you’re lucky, you’ll just be told to see the attendant. Unless, of course, you need the receipt to complete an expense report. In which case, bummer. “Please Select Grade and Start Filling.” Finally. Hopefully, you won’t be at a station that plays audio or video during the fill-up. The A/V was fine when the stations played Fox News or something. Now it’s just five minutes of screaming commercials letting you know that you can get a suitcase of Natty Lite for $10. At the end of the day, all this targeted marketing hasn’t changed my behavior at all. I still drive up, swipe the card, fill the tank and get back to life. Instead of constantly badgering us to buy, why can’t retailers design a system that provides what we want and responds with gratitude for our patronage. For example, when I drive up and swipe my credit card, why can’t I hear something like… “Hi, Dr. Baker. Welcome back. It’s great to see you again. I’m sure that you just want to fill up your car. If you need anything else, please press a button or see the attendant. I hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for shopping at Circle K.” Well, thank you. That was nice. Now that you mention it, I’m a little thirsty. I think I’ll walk inside and get a Coke. No, wait. I think I heard there was a special on Natty Lite.
GREGORY BAKER PH.D. is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area. 1JANUARY2015
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Suffering This column originally ran last February, but remains appropriate today. Well, not for you in Georgia, who are enjoying 60-degree weather, but for me. — Josh It snowed again today in Wisconsin. In a way, it was actually rather encouraging, as snowfall indicates that it’s getting warm enough to go outside without your eyeballs freezing up and dropping out of your head like errant marbles. Up until just this past weekend, we had gone 65 days without the temperature climbing above 32 degrees; a good 75 percent of those days featured low temperatures below 0. For two months, it was so cold that it couldn’t snow. Ice? We had plenty of that, and a good portion of it wasn’t from any sort of storm or precipitation. It couldn’t have been; we’d have remembered it if it were something like the near-luxurious, fat-flaked and airy snowfall that occurred today, a “storm” that would have been almost Thomas Kincaid-like in its gentility were it not for the fact that it fell from a completely gray sky, onto a completely gray terroir. See, when it’s as cold as it’s been here for the last two months, all of the moisture gets sucked right out of the air. Upon walking outside, your nose hairs simultaneously freeze and shrivel, corpse-like; your eyelids seem to slightly creak if you try and blink. You are rooted where you stand, the 60 percent of you that is water struck dumb, while the remaining 40 percent cries silently to whatever unfeeling god is responsible for such monstrous conditions. I hear, Augusta, that you’ve also run into some nature-related troubles recently, that you’ve been tectonically inconvenienced. And while I can’t speak to Wisconsin’s history of earthquakes — as far as “acts of God” go up here, we’re pretty much limited to “holy balls, is it cold” in the winter, and “why was our city built on a swamp?” in the summer — I feel we’re in the same boat: we’re suffering. Differently, but we’re suffering. Jordan Davis’ family is suffering too, in a manner that renders chapped knuckles and toppled supermarket shelves irrelevant. I’m sure you know by now that Davis, a 17-yearold black youth, was fatally shot by Michael Dunn (a middle-aged white man) while Davis and his friends were sitting in an SUV outside a store and listening to music, loudly. What specific words and actions that transpired between Davis and Dunn between Dunn’s initial approach and the shooting are unclear; Dunn claimed the boys pointed a gun at him. Either way, he then fired 10 rounds into the SUV, killing Davis. In a criminal case, Dunn was convicted on three counts of attempted murder, but the jury deadlocked on the murder charge. A civil case was settled for an undisclosed amount. Maybe it’s because the legal process proceeded comparatively swiftly when set up alongside the Trayvon Martin case, but public outrage and media attention has been relatively muted on this issue. Those who are talking about it, however, are raising more questions, wisely, I think, about the nation’s reaction — or lack thereof — to the tragedy/ travesty than about the details surrounding the incident in the first place. Anna Minard of Seattle’s Slog newspaper writes:
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There are a lot of things to say about the mistrial in the killing of Jordan Davis. There’s also an overwhelming wordless howl of anguish to unleash, or just a seeping, leaden sense of exhaustion to acknowledge. How is this country’s relentless slaughter of black children still going unpunished in 2014? I keep searching for words to explain it better, to make it make sense, to tell us a story so we can learn something. I don’t know if that’s out there. The story is bleak. What has to be done is more work, not more talking, probably. But words are what soothe me, so I keep trying to find them. Words soothe me too, and music, and running. But the question, I think, that we all need to be asking ourselves is: do we, should we, want to be soothed? It’s natural, I know, in the aftermath of tragedy, of suffering, of shock, to numb the pain, to dim the bulbs that so brilliantly light reality. Minard’s call for “more work, not more talking” is apt, relevant and should be heeded, but I fear we as a nation — though we have crested the hill on so many other more positive aspects of social evolution — are beyond it. So encased in bubbles as we are, our lives, and everyone else’s lives, becomes about the “me,” not the other. We’ve dealt with the weather, with the quakes, in our own ways, but it always is geared toward forgetting. An earthquake is more sudden, more of a shock, which numbs for a time, but also has longer-lasting effects. Afterward, the talk is of “rebuilding,” but that rebuilding is only in service of returning to what was the norm before the cataclysm. Here, we “push” through, we “get” through. We cut through the middle of it, yes, but in service of shoving aside, not of engaging. Let us grieve, Southern brethren, in our shared status as symptoms of a nation.
JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 7
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Best of the Whine Line 2014 Edition
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. Oh, and the whines may be edited for content but will pretty much be printed exactly as you type them. why isn’t it ok for people to wear jean shorts at the Augusta National? Two weeks without the Whine Line? What’s next? Austin stops toting the party line? Ruffin stops writing about boxing? The Whine Line itself is free of typos? What a world!
Evolutionist. Creationist. Atheist. Christian. Jewish. Muslim. Hindu. You’re all going to be eaten in the end when the great Cthulhu rises from his slumber in the depths and destroys us all. Can’t we just get along? You know, until he awakens, hungry and laying waste to us all?
If Helen B is an entrepreneur for the past twenty years as she states, she needs a new profession. And mayor ain’t it.
Ladies, Facebook isn’t a time machine. You can’t change your past by posting scripture every day. We grew up with you. The Facebook ‘Ho Rehab Project.
I don’t understand your cover this week. Why is there a Sleestak on it? Somebody please don’t let Roundtree speak or write, it makes his unearned raise sting a little more each time he does. we yankees came down here to enjoy what we won in the war. Once again Bonnie Ruben is kvetching that everyone is out to get her and singling her out. No Bonnie, if you would just keep up your downtown properties to a minimal standard of decency no one would even be saying your name. So most Commissioners, our Mayor and the Staff that wanted to attend the Get On Up premier spent big bucks for tickets and/or private sponsorship. However, Commissioners Williams and Fennoy are complaining that they couldn’t get in for free? Is this where entitlement mentality leads? Fire the commissioners and Hire the Goats!!!
lease PLEASE p I n a C . e s u o Dear WpasfwflitheouHt grits? Sincerely, Mrs
have my lum Yousta Luvgrits.
Long Live Unarmed Black Men!.......Please? Excellent article on that Cam Griffin punk. Thanks for the info on his parents. Usually(but not always)the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I was considering changing banks, but after learning where his father is a bank manager, I definitely won’t do business with them; nor with his mother the real estate agent. It’s easy to see where the kid got his values. If the answer is either Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush, it was a really dumb question. In the great debate on religion, consider this from Franz Werfel: For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no explanation will suffice. ‘Nuff said? 8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
In response to the new, ridiculously tone-deaf license plates in GEORGIA: The only Confederate flag that matters is the solid white one. They surrendered one hundred and fifty years ago. The Confederacy is nothing to be proud of just like the Nazis. Get over it! PS - I’m a sixty something white woman raised in the south. Lori Davis running for Mayor? she would do anything for the attention, media exposure, drama, and to talk about others. Good Luck...now that’s funny Super! We have almost a whole month before the James Brown movie and we will hear endless embellishment from Rhodes on how he was best buds with JB. Oh WAHHHHHH, I’m so sorry Thai Jong is closing July 12! I cannot go there as often as I would like but really loved the pad thai and some of the other dishes. Bonnie Ruben is not the problem with downtown, The DDA is. Since Queen Madge has been reigning more businesses have left the downtown core than have been replaced by hipster bars and restaurants. First Friday is a shadow of its former self since the DDA tried to kill it off. The beautiful clock is gone and replaced by a hot dog stand blaring hip hop till 3am. Queen Madge earns $85,000 a year do nothing but spend money on studies to tell her what she wants to hear: to bring back parking meters downtown. The DDA and Queen Madge are all about perpetuating their own existence, not in improving downtown. So, a part-time radio reporter gets arrested for drinking and boating... and then issues a press release? This is going to be good. [grabbing my popcorn] I’m sure the Graphics Department was patting themselves on the back for the clever cover design...right up until the time someone discovered that the word “Greetings” was misspelled. Oh, that’s right, nobody caught it before it went to print! I just watched the 11:00pm news and saw Marion Williams saying the just announced and approved Outlet Mall is a bad idea. What? Does this guy have any brains at all? I realize this idiot thinks he is a one person entity to stir up discontent in Augusta, but idiocy can only go so far. Does he not know that a large amount of shoppers in an outlet mall are not locals, but instead from outside the county, who will drive in and spend their money not only at this outlet mall but at other locations as well. I was the guy that whined about Chelsea Clintons $600k a year salary a few weeks ago. I see she now receives a $75k fee for a SINGLE speech! And, of course, she doesn’t “get paid any of that $75k fee” because it goes directly to the Clinton Foundation. That’s right - I said the Clinton foundation - I kid you not! Just remember kiddies, if 1JANUARY2015
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you’re dirt poor, don’t blame yourself, blame your parents for having the wrong last name! And GOD said ‘let their be light’ and there was light! ‘There’s my pencil! I didn’t mean to make the platypus! That thing looks horrible!’ Your dimwit “Insider” article which laments the loss of our RiverHawks hockey team to Macon, in a false way by stating it as if only 300 fans would miss the team being here is uninformed, and lacking in facts. First, the reason is because of the lamebrain coliseum committee and the Global Spectrum dummies, who ruined the ice system, and then refused to repair it. Second, the team was gaining in attendance, and was just under 2,000 a game, not 300. I went to every game, and the lowest I ever saw was 1,500. Your “Insider” is an anonymous dumbass. Austin’s column in the July 10th issue may be the most intelligent thing he has said in a long time. Does anyone else ever wonder if their kids are just drunk? Sometimes I look at mine and think, “You are going to be super popular in college.” Bold expose of sex trafficking on page 1! But, oops, full-color paid advertisements for “sexy” companionship complete with enticing photos on page 29! Perhaps Advertising and Editorial should have a get acquainted meeting, or at least look up the word “hypocrisy”. Sorry to disappoint you, Austin Rhodes, but a system where wealth equals direct voting power will never happen again. We already had that system. It was called slavery. But cheer up. Rich men can still own politicians. How many more recording studios does the CSRA need?
Aww, the whiner whined about mean people picking on poor ol’ Jim Bartley. He sure likes to dish it out; surely the whiner isn’t saying he can’t take it? If his skin is that thin, it’s a good thing he lost (which, of course, couldn’t POSSIBLY be his fault.) Please continue the stories you started with the article “The Stop That Changes Everything”. Being pulled over and booked is just the beginning of a long and hard journey. Please include the legal, financial, and social ramifications of a DUI and what the final depositions were for the participants in the story. Chuck Williams.... You’re a grown ass man.... Stop calling everybody bitches on Friday. It’s really weird and immature. You’re terrible at selecting music BTW. The contractors that the city hired to clean up the tree debris after the ice storm knocked down part of my brick fence. The fence is still laying on my sidewalk/driveway and both the city and contractor refuse to fix it. Someone saw them do it, and there are still tire tracks all the way up my driveway matching the piece of equipment they were using that day. Augusta Cares. What is the standard for being labeled a “brilliant businesswoman”? Lets be careful with labels. Calling Bonnie Ruben a “brilliant businesswomen” is an insult to my three year old’s intellect. So this Collins fella is trying to start up yet another fraud? Where’s the GBI? Or since this guy has a record in other states, the FBI? We need to really stop these kind of low lifes from preying on any more innocents. DUI Duncan just blew through a red light. How stupid for the County to spend several hundred thousand dollars in taxpayer monies on eight rental bikes to put in Evans Park. Why not just recruit a bike shop
Be safe (and warm) this winter! Sig Cox will check all of your heating system’s connections, the gas pressure, burner combustion and your heat exchanger (A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation). Improperly operating gas (or oil) heating systems are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems.
Call today to schedule your pre-season checkup. 706.722.5304 www.sigcox.com 1JANUARY2015
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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to locate in Evans that rents bikes? Evans is no destination other than for old and infirmed patients needing elder housing thanks to the BOC. Apparently the Economic Development Director was asleep at the wheel or part of the big hook up that occurred. Plaudits and thanks to Ron Cross and the CC Commissioners for ending the reign of Empress Kay. Now CC taxpayers need to see an aggressive effort to recover her illegal payments and to know that an independent and thorough audit of her office will be performed. Thieves don’t limit themselves to a few thousand when there are millions within reach. Well, must be time for the Master’s, because all of the people in National Hills are finally getting off of their butt’s and cleaning their yard up! It’s amazing, they do nothing to their yards for the other eleven months. If you can’t take care of your yard for the other eleven month’s, MOVE! My yard looks like the inside of the National all YEAR LONG! I work hard to do this. why the hell would you have a st patricks day parade on a Monday whIle people are at work? sat the community could enjoy the parade and spend time downtown without worrying about going to work the next day. And the kids would not be in school or daycare. DUMB! Let me start of by saying I’m glad someone said something about Kay Allen. Dwight Johnson However, it seems like he’s whining and crying to every media outlet that will listen. Like a 5 year old tattling. And using the opportunity to campaign. Really Dwight!? “And to be honest, I don’t think there is is anyone in this county that could do a better job than me”. “There needs to be some sunshine in that office.” Well we’ll be sure to the get out our tambourines. Would you agree that maybe Harlem and Grovetown should get the money? “It should go into the pockets of people who are actually doing the work or maybe some of should go back to the citizens of Harlem and Grovetown to relieve them from some of their tax burdens”. Hello the people that who are doing the work. It’s they’re job! And saying “some” of the money should go back to Harlem and Grovetown. ALL the money should go back to them. And for that matter why are they collecting that tax anyway? So people of Harlem and Grovetown why don’t you use it as a tax write off. Because if Mr. Johnson is elected you might see “some of the money”. This is Diane, the clerk at the Columbia County Tag Office. To the person that was so concerned about my job, it is so sweet of you to ask but I’m just fine. In fact, I got a promotion, not a demotion! I also got a high five from the people investigating the incident so don’t worry about me. Thanks for the concern though, and if you have something to ask me in the future please feel free to ask me-you know where I work. There’s no need to hide behind a whine.
Thanks, for a change, to Austin Rhodes for his fine summary of the use of illegal steroids by Sheriff Richard Roundman’s Richmond County Cowboys. Their whine that they do it because of “pressure” from the top regarding physical requirements of the department are entirely specious. Furthermore, isn’t it possible that this illegal drug use by police, which is a national problem, may be a contributing factor in the ever increasing number of citizens shot, maimed and unreasonably maligned & harassed by over-zealous cops? So now that Grovetown PD has hired Harlem’s Gary Jones to be its next ex-chief, does this mean he’ll back off his threat to run in two years against Clay Whittle for sheriff? David Perdue!?! Really? I understand the party-line votes. But to elect a millionaire business man who has spent his career cutting local jobs, discriminating, and patting his own back for doing so is beyond ALL comprehension! Way to undermine what little trust the American public has in the media, Billy Morris, by officially throwing objectivity out the window with your stupid Tea Party-knockoff ROAR. No one takes your politics seriously. Everyone knows that your God - and President - is money. Scam’s daddy is on Facebook telling everyone they have almost paid everyone back the money owed. Isn’t that wonderful! Everything is solved! Is Azziz Leaving For Las Vegas? You bet your behind he is. Sentinel Offender Services; a modern day equivalent to the Pinkerton Thugs of the Labor Wars. Tensions rose and my nerves vibrate as finally the Metrospirit posted online. I had put my hearth and soul into a whine and was looking forward to seeing it, shared with the world. I started reading, uhmm, where is it ? It wasn’t the first one so I skipped, promising to come back and read that later. It wasn’t the second, third or fourth whine either. I started to get mad, how dare they not post my whine. It was cute and cuddly. The filth whine wasn’t mine either. Now I’m pissed. I hate the Metrospirit with every bone in my body and I will never ever read it again. Then...Oh my GOD ! There it was... MY WHINE ! Look at you, awe..so thought provoking, charming, cute, cuddly with only one typo. As a tear rolls down my cheek, sorry excuse me, I’m so emotional right now. I love the Metrosprit, how dare people talk bad about it, I will read it till the day I die ! How about I sue the sender of any mail sent to my house that DOESNT HAVE A CHECK IN IT! And who is this BILL person anyway?
Why call it the WHINE LINE if there is no phone number to call? My 4 year old needs to vent!
Lets build some more stuff in Columbia County please. I need stuff to look at while I’m sitting in the parking lot you people call “roads”.
The resignation of Dr. Tonia Mason is not a good omen for Augusta Commissioner and mayoral candidate Alvin Mason. First, he appears on the cover of the Jail Report for a suspected domestic violence incident. Now, his ex-wife resigns as Principal of Lucy C. Laney High School while under investigation by the school board. Voters beware! Remember Ed McIntyre.
The people of District 7 deserve what they get. And it looks like that will be Santa Claus look-alike and Grady Smith puppet, Hapless Harris. You all still voted for Donnie Smith even after the Wild Wing incident. You reap what you sow. I have no sympathy for idiots.
So… is last week’s whiner afraid Michelle Nunn is gay? Is that it? Because a quick Google search shows she’s married with a couple kids (and tells you her party affiliation too…imagine that!). It pisses me off that women running for office in 2014 still have to expressly state that they’re married (and take their husbands’ names) or else all you “family values” yahoos assume “the worst.” Congress...Lame Ducks for the last 66 months! I keep a list of everyone running for public office by my phone. And I cross out the names of all who call me with their annoying messages. Whoever is left gets my vote. For the 3rd year in a row I’m voting for-NO ONE! Appears as though Jim Bartley wants the public to believe he doesn’t believe in personal attacks but instead has Al Gray, Lee Benedict and others from the watch dog groups to do it for him. The only thing Bartley can’t hide from is his own words in the articles he agrees to be interviewed for. One would hope Columbia County is not putting someone like him as a representative of the people. 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Did they ever catch the three drunk hillbillies who tried to rape the former military policeman? While he was mountain biking? The one who forgot he had a Glock, peed himself and changed his story five times? Him. Did they ever catch his attackers? Kudos to the “Spirit” for giving us the truth about the dastardly Rick Allen and “Columbia News-Time” for pulling out of the debate at the Islamic Center. We’ve had good service and work from John Barrow for years so there’s no need to look any further for sure now. Cans of PBR, Thoreau beards, retro eye wear, ill-fitting skinny leg jeans, American Spirit cigarettes, bands no one has ever heard of,gluten free on the menu, over priced Saturday farmers markets. Since when did downtown Augusta get overtaken by the Hipster menace? When are we going to start taking this Ebola the thing seriously? How about limiting hospital traffic to only the sick and the staff? Treat everyone like they could possibly have Ebola? I went today and there were people sneezing all over the place! A nurse asked me two questions -had I traveled and was I having symptoms of a cold... Then 1JANUARY2015
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she sneezed........,,yikes! Evolution is the opiate of the masses. The Savannah River is now the third most toxic in the country, up from eighth over a decade ago. Why isn’t anyone talking about this? Maybe its just a source of pride that we are actually doing better(or worse) in something nationwide. Or is it that nobody around here gives a damn? Don’t worry about Ebola! Hundreds a year die of malnutrition in the United States. Thousands die in auto accidents. In fact, driving is the most dangerous thing most people do! These places where people die of Ebola don’t have running water in their hospitals. So relax. There’s plenty of other things to get worked up about. I am a black racist. I hate white people, except my wife, her family, her family’s friends, my neighbor, his wife, their children and their friends, the old man I get my veggies from, his wife children and their friends, my son’s friends, my dentist, my workout partner, his mom, my associates, their wives and family, and the mail-lady who gives me coupons. Now, if you are white and I don’t know you, I hate you. So hurry up and become my friend! From the 28 August Whineline sample whines: ..that ones happening... ..stories some of the people put on here.. ..some women might have threatened by you approaching their car.. ...your not from the South... Are these typos submitted by readers? Take an English class and learn how to spell and write a sentence!! Are these typos made by staff? Read your copy a few times and check punctuation and spelling, and for making sense!!! Now that Donnie Smith is no longer employed at The Georgia State Patrol he can get a job at Wild Wings as a bouncer.
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What?! It’s been two whole weeks since the Spirit and the Jail Report had a tiff on the playground. Did your mommies intervene? Come on. Is anyone really surprised about Donnie Smith? The rumors have been there for years, and no one followed up on them. The problem with this town is that people are cowards. No one will speak up against people in positions of even the minimal amount of power that Smith has. Or... had. But even if you cut off this head, another will rise in its place. Look to the Allen family for a similar story line. Stop being afraid, people. What are they going to do to you? Steal your hard-earned tax money? They’re already doing it! Betcha District Attorney of the Year Ashley Wright isn’t humming “Stand By Your Man” in the shower. Just damn. The South Caroline State Fair gets Jennifer Nettles. At Border Bash we got the guy with the pork pie hat who used to lean his back into Jennifer Nettles while she sang hit after hit. If you CAN’T tell what was in the water a week ago that looked like an oil slick, how can you say things are now safe? Are people that eager for the thousands due in town for Ironman? Grady Smith mayor pro tem you are kidding me. This is going to be fun. This whine is for Augusta commissioners Wayne Guilfoyle, Mary Davis, Bill Lockett, Alvin Mason, Bill Fennoy, Ben Hasan and Corey Johnson. Why aren’t any of you speaking out against this Machiavellian back room deal between Grady Smith and Marion Williams over the District 7 seat? This is deplorable and your silence on this matter makes you complicit in this whole sordid affair.
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Go Directly To Jail The growing concern surrounding the accuracy of drug tests in the Accountability Court of Richmond County
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By Stacey Eidson
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WHEN ALLISON WALKED into Richmond County State Court earlier this year, she knew the seriousness of her situation. Even though she had been sober for more than a year sitting in the courtroom, she was still facing two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. “I’m a single mom and I needed to put that part of my life behind me,” said Allison, who asked to remain anonymous for this story due to the fact that her case is still pending in court. Allison discussed her options with her attorney and they both agreed that the DUI program offered by the Accountability Court of Richmond County would be her best choice. “I truly believed this program was going to be a cakewalk for me and so did my attorney,” Allison said. “He told me, ‘If you are sober and you’ve been sober, you are going to have an easy time with this.’ That couldn’t have been further from the truth.” The Accountability Court of Richmond County, which has been nicknamed the “problem solving court” for those with multiple alcohol and drug offenses, did little to solve Allison’s problems. In fact, the accountability court created almost nothing but more problems for her. “I had ideas of grandeur before I went into this program,” Allison said. “I couldn’t have been more wrong.” The DUI program, which typically runs between 15 to 24 months, requires participants to receive counseling, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, submit to random alcohol and drug screens, complete state required classes for license reinstatement and attend a court session twice a month. Upon successful completion of the program’s four main phases and an aftercare phase, the court will then consider waiving jail time, community service and fines, according the Richmond County State Court’s website. Participants in the program are also required to pay a monthly court fee of $125 which does not include the cost of treatment and drug screening. “I started the program back in March,” Allison recalled. “I was sober before I went into the program. In fact, since this past November, I’ve been sober two years. And I did everything this program asked of me.” During treatment, she was a model participant in the program, Allison said. “I have never missed a payment. Ever,” she said. “I have never missed a class. I’ve never missed a drug screen. I have never missed a court date. There is no bar they haven’t set that I haven’t met. And, yet, I’ve gone to jail three times in this program.”
“I had ideas of grandeur before I went into this program,” Allison said. “I couldn’t have been more wrong.” So, why exactly was Allison thrown in jail by the judge? “All of the cases in which I’ve gone to jail were for diluted urine,” Allison said. Allison, who works in the medical field, says she has been astonished by the results of her urine tests since entering the program. “Those results are impossible,” she said. “I know myself and my body.” Basically, when a drug test has detected diluted urine, it often means that the creatinine level, which is protein found in human urine, is abnormally low. Creatinine is supposed to be present in the body and, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the normal range for women is 11 to 20 mg per kg of body mass per day and 14 to 26 mg per kg of body mass per day for men. If a person’s creatinine level is much lower than this, his or her test results will stand out to the lab workers. Those lab workers will likely assume the person has been drinking a lot of water 1JANUARY2015
because excess fluid consumption can reduce the concentration of creatinine. “When we go into that courtroom, the judge will explain terms and he says a dilute means that you are drinking buckets of water to cover something in your urine,” Allison said. “Well, that’s not true.” In some cases it can be, but not in all cases, she said. “Can you get a dilute from overdosing on fluids? Absolutely, you can,” Allison said. “But these urine tests are made to where we have to pee on demand. We have to provide a specimen. Not providing one is not an option, so we are all drinking water.” And, not surprisingly, the majority of her diluted urine results came during summer, she said. “When I got my dilutes, it was a 110 degrees on the heat index in Augusta and I’m wearing scrubs,” Allison said. “The truth is, women get more dilute results than men do, just based on female’s protein intake and urine output. The numbers are overwhelming. Out of 10 people who go to jail for dilute results, I’d say easily 7 to 8 of them are all women. Every single time.” Those numbers alone should raise a red flag for the judges sending these women to jail, Allison said. But it doesn’t, she says. “I have asked on several occasions to see my lab results,” Allison said. “I just want to see what labs are doing them. For my peace of mind, if nothing else.” Unfortunately, the more Allison said she protests her results, the more annoyed the judge seems to become with her requests. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I became the poster child for why you don’t question the judge,” she said. “But I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t help but question the inconsistencies.” A NOT SO “POSITIVE” RESULT A bigger problem for Allison is the fact that, not only is she receiving a dilute result, but it is also what is called a “positive dilute.” A positive dilute means that, while the specimen may be diluted with water, it still tests positive for a drug. Therefore, it is considered that the donor failed the drug test. “Well, I have a medical issue. Nothing severe or anything, but it is pretty substantial to me,” she said. “Hydration is a really big thing for my renal system. All of a sudden, my kidneys shut down at some point before, so I take a medicine that does show up on my drug screen. I’ve taken it as long as I can remember.”
“I’ve been in jail more times in the nine months that I’ve been this program than I have my entire life,” Allison said. That prescribed medicine can cause the results to be positive in a drug test, but Allison says the judge is fully aware of her condition. And, yet, her “positive dilute” result is still considered a failed urine test. “Honestly, I’m dead sober,” Allison said. “I am as sober as the judge, but it is not enough.” In accountability court, the first time you receive a dilute result, you get a warning. The second time, the judge will typically give you about 10 hours of community service. On the third occasion, you are thrown in jail for a minimum of 24 hours, Allison said. “But when you go to jail in accountability court, you are going for the full 24 hours,” she said. “You don’t get out early. Even though the jails are overcrowded and they like to send people home early, well, we are never sent home early. We are hated in there because we are taking up space for other people.” As soon as you are thrown in jail for accountability court, Allison said you might as well be invisible. “We are just thrown in the jail and we are lucky if they even remember that we are there,” she said. “We are lucky if we get to eat or make a phone call. We are basically shipped there and dumped until our time comes to get out. I’ve been 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
in jail more times in the nine months that I’ve been this program than I have my entire life.” After her initial arrest in accountability court, Allison continued to get dilute results. Finally, she felt like she had no other choice but to talk to her doctor about what was going on with her body. “At this point, I had to divulge to my doctor that I am in this program, which is highly embarrassing, and it is not where I wanted to be, but I felt like I didn’t have a choice,” Allison said. “And my doctor said, ‘You are a woman. You are not going to put out the same content as a man would.’ My doctor ran labs and everything came up normal.” Allison asked her physician to write a note to the judge explaining her condition and some reasons the tests might be coming back with a dilute reading. “I provided doctor’s notes about my condition, but they were completely ignored,” she said. The next thing she knew, the judge threw her in jail for 72 hours because her results were again diluted. “I am a single mom now. I’ve been at work all morning. I was expecting to go back to work when I leave the courts and now I’m off to the Phinizy Road jail,” she said. “If it hadn’t been for my care provider at that time, I would have done the full 72 hours. I have to say, my care provider in this program has been the only bright light through all of this for me. “I feel like he has stuck his neck out on more than one occasion. But, unfortunately, the labs are something that he doesn’t do.” When her care provider vouched for her, Allison was released from jail and she later headed to her counseling class. “There, I had to take another drug screen and I can’t tell you how it happened, but I got a positive dilute again,” Allison said. “Now, I’m panicked.” She quickly headed back to her doctor’s office and asked him to write the judge another, more thorough, note about the possible link between her medical condition and the dilute test results. “The note was so detailed,” she said. “He was giving more than one reason as to why it would specifically cause this dilution. He offered to divulge anything necessary, and if the judge had any questions, he asked for him to please contact his office.” At that point, Allison thought for sure the judge would understand. “So I provide the note,” she said. “The judge dismisses that one yet another time and throws me in jail again for 48 hours. At this point, I’m bawling. I can’t even explain how I felt. Just trapped.” 1JANUARY2015
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PRAISE OF THE COURTS The Metro Spirit attempted to contact Judge David Watkins and Judge Patricia Booker, both of whom preside over the accountability court, but they could not be reached for comment prior to the holidays. However, in defense of Richmond County’s accountability court, it has received a great deal of praise over the past few years across the state. Just last year, attorney Tanya Jeffords was named the Accountability Court Hero by the state of Georgia for her work in helping addicts who have gone through drug court. In fact, drug courts across the states — which are considered part of the larger program of accountability courts — are being recognized for their impressive results.
“I became the poster child for why you don’t question the judge,” Allison said. “But I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t help but question the inconsistencies.” In a recent series on drug courts by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the newspaper found that there are more than 100 accountability courts in Georgia. That number continues to grow due to the fact that Gov. Nathan Deal quintupled the funding for such courts in 2013. And it appears a lot of people are benefitting from such programs. The retention rate for those who entered Georgia’s drug courts was 77.6 percent, according to a 2010 survey by the Administrative Office of the Courts in Atlanta. A 2010 state audit also found that, while almost 30 percent of state prison inmates with substance-abuse problems committed another crime within two years of release, the results in accountability courts were quite different. Only 7 percent of drug court graduates committed another crime within two years of being released, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Drug courts are also much cheaper for Georgia with a cost of about $20 a day, compared to $51 a day for a state prison bed. That’s incredible news for a state that typically ranks in the top 10 in the nation for incarceration rates. But Georgia is far from alone in its success with accountability and drug courts. The National Drug Court Institute recently released a report stating that 75 percent of drug court graduates remain arrest-free at least two years after leaving the program. It also found that drug courts are six times more likely to keep offenders in treatment long enough for them to get better. Of course, when it comes to such drug courts across the state, not all of the news is good. In 2012, a chief judge in Brunswick, Ga., named Amanda Williams, who presided over the drug court there, was forced to resign in disgrace. She was accused of behaving in a “tyrannical manner” and frequently locking defendants up for long periods of time without having any access to their family or an attorney, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. “One woman given an open-ended sentence by Williams in 2008 attempted suicide after two months in jail,” the newspaper reported. “The woman had previously been flagged for having suicidal tendencies. The Judicial Qualifications Commission charges also accused Williams of using ‘rude, abusive and insulting language’ to some of her drug court defendants.” Considering Williams was presiding over one of the largest drug courts in Georgia, her resignation was quite of a blow to system, but since that time accountability courts have continued to thrive. JILL’S STORY In many ways, the Accountability Court of Richmond County is helping those 1JANUARY2015
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facing addictions. Just ask Jill, another defendant currently enrolled in Richmond County’s DUI program offered through the accountability court. She also asked that the Metro Spirit not include her real name in the article because her case is still pending. “The program has been very helpful for many people and it is has been helpful for me,” she said. “I have gotten to sit down with outstanding professionals in the recovery field that I couldn’t have afforded without the program. I’m now really enjoying the AA meetings. I’m so glad to have stopped that vicious cycle.” In Jill’s case, she has struggled with alcoholism and addiction her entire life, but she has also experienced long bouts of sobriety. Unfortunately, after a loved one was killed in a car accident about two years ago, she began drinking again and got two DUI during that time. “I knew that I needed help,” she said. “If I hadn’t gotten help through the court, I was going to check myself in somewhere because I was just in despair.”
“Honestly, I’m dead sober,” Allison said. “I am as sober as the judge, but it is not enough.” When she was told about the county’s accountability court, she thought it was the prefect situation for her. That was until she began taking the urine tests. “In the beginning of the program, I was eating mostly vegetarian,” Jill said, adding that she had some protein in her diet, but hardly any meats. “I did not know I was endangering myself with the food I ate.” Jill says she is also extremely fair skinned and can overheat easily, so she regularly drinks a lot of water, particularly in the summer. “I came into the program in the summer and, before I knew it, I had this thing called a dilute,” Jill said. “I didn’t know what that meant. To me, I was drinking the normal amount of water that I was supposed to drink to be a healthy person. But, suddenly, I had a second, a third and a fourth dilute result.” Jill said she was shocked because she had been completely compliant with the program and had not been drinking at all. The only medication she was taking was a prescribed drug from her doctor for anxieties. “So, this was a dilute positive,” Jill said. “Well, of course it is a positive because my medication is showing up in the test result.” She clearly remembers the day that she received her third dilute result. She, along with Allison, were both thrown in jail for 24 hours. “I felt like I had been caught up in this loop,” Jill said. “I just didn’t anticipate that being sober I would be put through so many trials. It was like sabotage because it’s something biological that we can’t help.” Shortly after going to jail, Jill was shocked when she received a forth dilute result. “The judge decided to put a SCRAM on me for three months to prove that I wasn’t drinking,” Jill said, adding that a SCRAM is an alcohol monitoring device that is strapped to a person’s ankle. “I didn’t have any problem with it because I wasn’t drinking.” While Jill said she was relieved to prove to the judge that she wasn’t drinking, she admits that wearing the SCRAM monitor around her ankle was not easy. “Wearing a SCRAM makes work hard because it buzzes constantly,” she said. “You can’t hide it. In fact, I had to take an online class this semester and we had to go in for one of our midterms. Sure enough, it just buzzed in the middle of the exam.” Determined to try and prevent another positive dilute reading, Jill said she decided to change her diet by eating a lot of carbohydrates before the urine test. “So I have started to take my tests in the morning and I’ve been drinking Gatorade the night before,” Jill said. “If I don’t carb load and protein load the night before and take my test exactly in the morning, I will get a dilute because I’m just a watery person.” At least two times a week, Jill says she has to eat a hamburger and drink Gatorade 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
at night in order to pass the urine test. She also must rush to take the urine test first thing in the morning, so the lab will get her “first specimen” of the day. “People’s metabolism work in different ways. And I have an extreme one,” Jill said. “I just had no choice but to put on weight. And if I exercised too much, it also would trigger a dilute result.” After a few successful test results, Jill suggested the same technique to Allison, but because Allison has a young child and goes to work early in the mornings, she has no choice but to take her urine tests later in the day. “So she continues to get a dilute,” Jill said of Allison. “I told her what she is going through is horrific.” Even though Jill hasn’t had any more trouble with dilute results lately, she worries about when the temperature begins to rise again and she needs to hydrate her body. To compound that concern, the accountability court recently changed the process in which the drug tests are scheduled. “Now, we are going to have to call in every day and put in our social security number, and if our social security number comes up that day, we are going to have go in and give a sample,” Jill said. “I’m afraid if I don’t save my first sample of the morning and get in there as quickly as I can and give it to them, that I could easily get a dilute. It’s stressful.” TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST In 2004, the National Drug Court Institute released a report recommending that the use of urine drug concentrations be eliminated from the court’s decisionmaking process in order to “protect client rights and ensure that evidentiary standards are maintained.” The report insisted that it is not the intention of the National Drug Court Institute to prohibit the interpretation of laboratory data by qualified scientists or to assert that urine drug levels have no interpretative value. But it did have some concerns. “Drug court practitioners are cautioned that the interpretation of urine drug levels is highly complex and even under the best of circumstances provides only limited information regarding a participant’s drug use patterns,” the 2004 report states. “Further, such interpretations can be a matter of disagreement even between experts with the requisite knowledge and training to render such opinions.”
“Out of 10 people who go to jail for dilute results, I’d say easily 7 to 8 of them are all women. Every single time,” Allison said. While the report stated using urine tests are common, the National Drug Court Institute stated they may not be wise. “Because courts rarely have the necessary toxicology expertise, the routine use of urine drug levels by court personnel in formulating drug court decisions is a practice that in most cases would not withstand scientific or judicial scrutiny,” the 2004 report states. “Drug courts are also encouraged to seek expert toxicology advice when necessary and appropriate to assist in the interpretation of testing data associated with challenging cases.” For Jill, that kind of research should indicate to the judges in the accountability courts that the results from these urine tests aren’t simply a matter of whether someone passes or fails. “I honestly think the accountability court is working for many people. It is working for me, except for these glitches in the urine tests,” Jill said. “I don’t want to be caught in the system.” And, of course, whenever she see Allison get called to stand in the courtroom “box” and berated by the judge, Jill knows that there is a major flaw in the system. “A friend of mine who is in the program who is doing very well, recently asked 1JANUARY2015
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me, ‘Why is that girl, Allison, always in the box? She seems to really have it together,’” Jill said. “When I told Allison that after court, she almost had tears of joy in her eyes.” As the two walked out of court together, Allison told Jill that she just reached her two- year mark of being sober. “She turned to me and said, “Thank you for telling me that, because when I’m in that courtroom, it doesn’t feel like people see that I’m doing well. It feels like I’m against the world,’” Jill said Allison told her. “She doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment.” But for Allison, she doesn’t have much of a choice. She has reached Phase Three in the program and has dedicated more than nine months to it, along with a significant amount of money. Of course, Allison could quit the program and face sentencing on her previous DUI charges, but she would see a very familiar face behind the bench during her court hearing. “Getting out of the program is not an option. I am still going to have that same judge, but if I quit, he can do whatever he wants to me,” Allison said. “He has free rein. He can toss me in jail up to one year and that’s it. That is what the maximum could be in my scenario.” The accountability court has impacted every aspect of her life, including her job in the medical field. In the beginning, Allison tried to keep the program a secret from her boss. But after being unexpectedly thrown in jail on several occasions, she had no choice but to tell her boss the truth. “The first time I went to jail, it was only 24 hours, so I had taken that next day off from work because I was prepared for that,” Allison said. “The second time I went to jail, I didn’t expect it. I had a note from a doctor. I was baffled when I found myself behind bars. So, when I got back to work, I sat down with my boss
and I had to tell him.” Fortunately, Allison said the people at her workplace have been more than understanding about her situation, but she realizes there is only so much they can accept. “Everyone can be stretched too thin at times. And even though I know my boss realizes that I’m not doing this with ill will and I’m not some terrible criminal, he can only accept so much before it is even too much for him,” Allison said with a tremble in her voice. “And that’s understandable. Those are my fears. I have a child to support. I’ve been at this job a year and a half and I’m good at what I do. I like it, but I’m afraid it could all come to an end.” For those reasons, Allison says she has a hard time not being completely frustrated by the way in which accountability court treats some people. “I don’t need to go to accountability court to be accountable,” she said. “I’ve been sober much longer than I’ve been in this program. And through all of it, I’ve maintained sobriety. God knows, this program makes you want to drink, but I haven’t.” Allison says she hopes one day the judge will recognize that she is an honest person who has truly turned her life around, but she can’t help but be skeptical. “It’s a dog and pony show, but what no one realizes is these are real people’s lives,” Allison said. “Sometimes I think this judge wishes to make me the case of ‘I told you so.’ Like, ‘This girl, she seems so smart, but she was just lying.’” “Well, that is not going to be the case,” Allison added. “My sobriety has nothing to do with him. It never will.” If she could turn back the clock, Allison admits that she would have never agreed to enter accountability court. For her, it has been a nightmare. “Obviously, I wouldn’t have done it,” she said. “I have gained nothing, at this point. But I have lost so much.”
Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles! Your one stop shop for everything you need to ring in the New Year! Next to Publix Shopping Center 417 Fury’s Ferry Road | 706.922.8627 | toastbev.com Mon- Sat: 9-10 1JANUARY2015
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 17
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15 in 5 Because I love a list. Especially, a random, year-end wrap up list. 1. When your son puts on a suit for the first time, it’s a big deal. If you see him shaking the groom’s hand, congratulating him on such a lovely wedding, grab the tissues. (January) 2. For the moms out there who hate me for changing my “You have to be 10 before your ears will be pierced” rule (and now your girl is begging) : The Girl broke a terrible habit of biting her fingernails. I gave her a goal that meant something, and she did it. She deserved earrings. (January) 3. When you walk past a mirror anytime for, say, the next week or so, she will stop and admire herself in the mirror. She’ll make comments about being beautiful. When you’re tempted to remind her that earrings don’t make a person pretty, and it’s what’s on the inside that counts, stop. Let her have this one. (January) 4. The school officials are damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Close school too early, Facebook blows up with ridicule. Close schools too late, and, well, ATLANTA. Give ‘em a break. I’m sure they aren’t trying to ruin your life. (February) 5. We’re building a screened porch. By “we” I mean “he.” I support his efforts, though. Screened porch weather is nearly year-round in Augusta. I look forward to many a margarita on this porch. Due to bad weather and various unnamed or unknown other factors, construction has come to a halt. Maybe “he” gave up building things for Lent. KIDDING, BABE. (You’re amazing and wonderful and I shouldn’t judge, because I’d smash my finger hanging a painting on the wall.) Smooches! (March) 6. Wear golf shoes if you have them, and, if not, wear running shoes. Trust me on this. You don’t want to slip and fall and be That Girl. Your friends aren’t gonna go home with you just because you slipped in the mud. Dress appropriately, too. Your “White Trash” tank top won’t cut it. (April) 7. You think it’s hot now? This is nothin’, y’all. It’s May. Just wait until July. If you think July’s hot, buckle up for August. Your brain might explode. (May)
18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
8. Heads up: fried chicken eaten by children on a boat results in a very greasy boat. Slippery when not wet. (June) 9. Ten-year-old boys are only mildly funny. They’re at their best when they aren’t trying so hard. The things they find entertaining (i.e. farts and talking all about farts) just aren’t. (July) 10. Eight-year-old girls are easily annoyed. By absolutely everyone. Especially their 10-year-old brothers who smile. (July) 11. As much as I hate when he (The Boy) tries to get away with, say, sneaking a handful of cookies and going the back (and rarely traveled) way to his room, I probably get too much joy out of letting him know that I know, have known and always will know what he’s doing. (September) 12. Speaking of eating (and everything else), what is up with the pumpkin stuff ? I’ll be first in line for a slice of homemade pumpkin pie. I’m partial to the pumpkin pie Blizzard at DQ. This has gotten out of hand. Pumpkin in coffee? I saw a recipe for those lattes. There’s pumpkin puree in them. Yick. Fruits and vegetables don’t belong in my coffee. Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses are just wrong. I think I saw pumpkin spice toilet paper at Publix the other day. (October) 13. I remembered something this week. Moving is terrible. Even if the people moving are super nice. Tension is high. No matter how far ahead you begin packing, you’re always tossing crap in boxes on that last night. Oh, and you’ll always need more boxes. Boxes filled with books are very heavy. (December) 14. When your 10-year-old asks to go see Santa, you go. Even if he’s only motivated by gifts, I’ll take it. I’m fully aware of the fact that it might be his last year. (December) 15. See you in 2015. Wishing you and yours many happy returns! And wine! Cheers, y’all!
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
1JANUARY2015
Merry Christmas, Let’s Get Ready to Rumble! EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, I get sentimental. I’m a sucker for the commercials and movies featuring large gatherings of families over the perfect holiday dinner spread. Everyone is smiling and laughing, seeming to not have a care in the world. Everyone is happy to see each other, there’s even a surprise visit from a family member whom they thought was unable to make the trip. All is warm and well in their world. Every year, I foolishly look forward to the same scene playing out in my own home. Then reality hits. I don’t live in a commercial for coffee, stuffing or any other mouth-watering dinner offering. I also don’t live in a holiday movie. I live in the real world. I live in a family that has real-world problems, always have. I know I’m not alone. If Hallmark were to make a holiday movie about one of these real world families with real world issues, we would watch an entirely different movie altogether. In fact, it would be much more entertaining. Auntie isn’t talking to grandma, the other grandparents may be bitter about not seeing the grandkids. Perhaps a relative always drinks too much and picks a fight at any family gathering. Maybe brother-in-law still owes dad money. Or, maybe the in-laws just straight up don’t get along. Whatever the scenario, I’m sure most people can identify with me. This isn’t the new normal. Many people were brought up with this family dynamic, including myself. There’s a long history of family holidays that are a little less Lifetime movie and a little more Jerry Springer. I don’t love my family any less for it. Just like anyone, families have their ups and down through life. They’re still my family and I love them the same, although I sometimes find myself stressing over the gathering of loved ones and the disasters that may result from it. In the end, it’s really not worth the worry. Are we really going to cancel Christmas? And excluding an unruly family member just isn’t what the holidays are all about. Besides, it provides for some very colorful holiday memories. Nobody really remembers the holiday that went off without a hitch. But everybody remembers back in ‘99 when cousin Billy threw the mashed potatoes at Paw-Paw! Maybe this Christmas will be one of those memorable holidays and maybe it won’t. Either way, we’ll be surrounded by the people we love. So, enjoy it. If it’s a disaster, own it and drink in the memory. You’ll be looking back and laughing about it someday. Why not start now?
KRIS FISHER,former HD98.3 afternoon host,
lives in Martinez and is currently DJing events as 'Life of the Party' Mobile DJ service. Reach him at djkfish.com.”. He is happily married to his wife Monica and is proud father of five: three kids and two dogs.
Face to Face IT™ means we talk to you, one-on-one, to solve your problems. You work with a person you know, not a faceless tech in another city or country. Regardless of your size, we can help you become more efficient and for many companies, our technology can actually save you money. At CMA, it’s not about being the biggest. It’s about serving one customer at a time, Face to Face.
Contact us for Cloud Computing, VOIP, Enterprise Network Management and other IT Services.
(706) 860-1997 | cmaaugusta.com 1JANUARY2015
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 19
GET OUT! Metro Spirit Staff Picks
Surrey Tavern
Mellow Mushroom, Evans
706-364-6756 | mellowmushroom.com All three Mellow Mushroom locations feature live music from local artists each Thursday night. We’d be content to follow AcostA — Matt Acosta and Miranda Riley — around, though. If you haven’t heard them, the duo is fun, talented and can play almost any song you want to hear. Check them out at the Evans location on New Year’s Day.
Bell Auditorium
706-736-1221
706-724-2400 | augustaentertainmentcomplex.com
Go out again? So soon after New Year’s Eve? You really should since Playback the Band with Tutu Dy’Vine, Augusta’s favorite wedding band, is playing at Surrey Friday-Saturday, January 2-3, with music beginning at 10 p.m. This band has been performing together since 1991 and there’s a good reason they’re still around. Come see for yourself. Call 706-736-1221.
Frankie Beverly and Maze, that legendary group from the ‘80s with hits like “Never Let You Down” and “Love Is the Key,” plays the Bell Friday, January 2. Snap up your tickets, $54-$74, soon because they’re going fast.
Stillwater Taproom
The Highlander
706-826-9857
803-278-2796
Megan Jean and the KFB describe themselves as a metal band from the Roaring ‘20s. You’ll have to find out for yourself what that means, and what KFB stands for, when they play Stillwater Saturday, January 3. Music starts around 10 p.m.
David Drakeley, long-time proprietor of this British pub, passed away during the holidays. It would only be fitting to go and raise a pint in his honor. You will be missed, good sir.
North Augusta Bucksnort’s bucksnortscigars.com (866) 561-8533 The Highlander abritishpub.com 803-278-2796 Manuel's Bread Cafe manuelsbreadcafe.com 803-380-1323 Wine World wineworldsc.com 803-279-9522
Downtown Augusta 1102 706-364-4075
Hildebrandt’s facebook.com/hildebrandtsaugustaga 706-722-7756
St Paul’s Church saintpauls.org 706-722-3463
Imperial Theatre imperialtheatre.com 706-722-8341
Sweet Lou’s Crabshack sweetlouscrabshack.com 706-922-1699
James Brown Arena augustaentertainmentcomplex.com 706-722-3521
Tipsey Mcstumbles tipseymcstumblespub.com 706-955-8507
Jessye Norman Amphitheater augustaga.org 706-821-1754
Whiskey Bar (Kitchen) whiskeybarkitchen.com 706-814-6159
Joe’s Underground joesundergroundcafe.com 706-724-9457 Knuckle Sandwiches 706-828-4700
The Hill
Mai Thai 706-210-9008 Mellow Mushroom mellowmushroom.com 706-364-6756 Pizza Joint thepizzajoint.net 706-447-4992 Retreat Tapas Bar 706-250-3717 Rhineharts beyondcasual.com 706-868-6850
5 O'clock Bistro 5oclockbistro.com 706-922-9560
Sidetrack Bar And Grill Sidetrackbarandgrill.com 706-863-8951
Buona Caffe buonacaffe.com 706-869-4074
Takosushi tako-sushi.com 706-863-0606
Calvert's Restaurant calvertsrestaurant.com 706-738-4514
T-Bonz tbonzofaugusta.com 706-814-7083
209 Restaurant & Music Lounge 706-722-9692
La Maison On Telfair lamaisontelfair.com 706-722-4805
Bar On Broad baronbroad.com 706-955-7954
Le Chat Noir lcnaugusta.com 706-722-3322
Beamie’s Restaurant 706-724-6593
The Loft 706-828-6600
Club Argos facebook.com/clubargos 706-481-8829
Bee’s Knees beeskneestapas.com 706-828-3600
Luigi’s luigisinc.com 706-722-4056
French Market Grille thefrenchmarketgrille.com 706-737-4865
The Bell Auditorium augustaentertainmentcomplex.com 706-724-2400
Mellow Mushroom mellowmushroom.com 706-828-5578
Helga’s 706-736-2880
Bar West Augusta 706-736-0021
Blue Sky Kitchen blueskydowntown.com 706-821-3988
Metro Coffee House 706-722-6468
Indian Queen 706-303-8723
Buffalo Wild Wings buffalowildwings.com 706-736-1778
The Boll Weevil Cafe thebollweevil.com 706-722-7772 Club Rehab 706-849-2265 Cotton Patch eatdrinkbehappy.com 706-724-4511 Craft & Vine craftandvine.com 706-496-8442
Mi Rancho 706-724-3366 Nacho Mama’s nachomamasaugusta.com 706-724-0501 New Moon Cafe newmoondowntown.com 706-823-2008 Pauley’s Steakhouse pauleyssteakhouse.com 706-364-3512
Eagle’s Nest 706-722-5541
Pizza Joint thepizzajoint.net 706-774-0037
Farmhaus Burger farmhausburger.com 706-496-8771
Playground 706-724-2232
Fatman's fatmans.com 706-733-1740
Sacred Heart Cultural Center sacredheartaugusta.org 706-826-4700
Firehouse 706-826-9955
Sky City skycityaugusta.com 706-945-1270
The First Round 706-364-8278
Soul Bar soulbar.com 706-724-8880
Fox's Lair thefoxslair.com 706-828-5600 Frog Hollow Tavern froghollowtavern.com 706-364-6906
Soy Noodle House soynoodlehouse.com 706-364-3116 The Sports Center 706-724-9307 Stillwater Taproom 706-826-9857
Oliviana's 706-723-1242 Sheehan's Irish Pub sheehansirishpub.com 706-364-1234 Surreal at Surrey surreal-at-surrey.com 706-496-2036 Surrey Tavern augustasurreytavern.com 706-736-1221 Takosushi tako-sushi.com 706-736-9191
Evans/Martinez Augsburg Haus augsburghaus.com 706-667-818 Bird Dog Grill birddoggrille.com 706-814-5007
West Augusta
Road Runner roadrunnercafe.com 706-364-3525 Robbie's Sport Bar 706-738-0866 Shannon's shannonsbar.com 706-814-7760 Sheraton sheratonaugusta.com 706-396-1000 Somewhere In Augusta somewhereinaugusta.com 706-739-0002 T-Bonz tbonzofaugusta.com 706-737-8325 The Snug Steak & Grill thesnug.net 706-863-1118
Andrews Place 706-426-7904
Wild Wing Café wildwingcafe.com 706-364-9453
Cadwalladers Café cadwalladerscafe.com 706-860-7444 Carolina Ale House carolinaalehouse.com (762) 333-0019 Chevys chevysniteclub.com 706-250-3261 The Country Club augustacountry.com 706-364-1862 Cue And Brew 706-737-6008 Double Tree doubletree.com 706-855-8100 Edgar’s Grille edgarsgrille.com 706-854-4700 French Market Grille West frenchmarketwest.com 706-855-5111
Jabez S Hardin Performing Arts augustaamusements.com 706-726-0366
Hooters hooters.com 706-736-8454
Lady A. Amphitheatre evanstownecenterpark.com 706-650-5005
Rhineharts beyondcasual.com 706-860-2337
Allie Katz Bar & Grill 706-667-9801
Columbia County Amphitheatre 706-868-3349
Lauras Backyard Tavern 706-869-8695
Rae's Coastal Café raescoastalcafe.com 706-738-1313
Limelite Café 706-731-0220 Rack And Grill 706-855-7534
South Augusta Coyotes coyotesaugusta.com 706-560-9245 Road Runner Café roadrunnercafe.com 706-790-8177 Sconyers sconyersbar-b-que.com 706-790-5411 T’s Restaurant tsrestaurant.com 706-798-4145 Villa Europa villaeuropa.com 706-798-6211
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EDUCATION
Mon Jan 5, 2015
10am - 11am Computer Basics Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit ecgrl.org. 2pm - 4pm Computer Class Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8212600 or visit ecgrl.org.
Tue Jan 6, 2015
10am - noon Tablets Only: Your Tech, Your Way Diamond Lakes Branch Library Also held from 2-4 p.m., this event features one-on-one assistance from library staff. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org. 5pm - 6:30pm Trace Enslaved Communities to Freedom and Beyond Maxwell Branch Library Led by Elizabeth Laney, park interpreter at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. Pre-registration required. Call 706793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org. 7pm - 8:30pm New Computer Options Seminar Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Jan 8, 2015
12:30pm - 4:30pm SRS Public Tour Aiken County Applied Research Center Includes a safety briefing, tour of the Savannah River Ecology Lab and general driving tour of the site. Free and open to those 18 or older who are U.S. citizens and have two forms of ID. Call 803-952-8994 or visit srs.gov/general/tour/public.htm. 1pm - 2pm Financial Planning Maxwell Branch Library Led by David Hardin of Wells Fargo Bank. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org. 5pm - 9pm Jimmie Dyess Symposium Augusta Museum of History Rotunda This event includes remarks by Major General Perry Smith, the honoring of four individuals with the 2015 Distinguished American Award and more. Call 706-722-8454 or visit
It may not be this cold, but it still ain’t summer. Nevertheless, you can jump into 2015 Thursday, January 1, at noon during the Polar Plunge at the Aiken State Park swimming area. Looking for something a little tamer? Check out First Day Hikes at both Mistletoe State Park and Aiken State Park, both at 10 a.m. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe (Mistletoe State Park). Call 803-649-2857 or visit southcarolinaparks.com (Aiken State Park).
augustamuseum.org.
Ongoing
Augusta Ghost Trolley History Tours Year-round interactive trolley tours are offered each Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9 p.m. Group and private tours are also available. $20, adults; $15, children ages 5-11. Pre-registration required. Call 706-432-8883 or email mwolff@southstarems.com. Joy of Signing Headquarters Branch Library Meets Thursdays from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call 706-667-9586 for more information.
A class for ages 15 and older that meets four days a week from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration is the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. Free. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/. Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Tutoring GRU’s Literacy Center One-on-one tutoring offered to all ages in all subjects and supervised by a certified teacher at all times. Available by appointment Monday-Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the center at 1401 Magnolia Drive. Call 706-737-1625 or visit gru.edu/lcenter/.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
GED Class The Kroc Center
Tours The Boyhood Home of President
Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org. Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center (inside the Augusta Museum of History) Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta. org.
ELSEWHERE
Wed Jan 7, 2015
10am - 11am Family Tree Columbia Museum of Art Part of the Gladys’ Gang series of early childhood arts and literacy programs for children ages 2-5 and their adults. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 803-
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
EXHIBITIONS
Thu Jan 8, 2015
5pm - 7pm Oil and Water Exhibit Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center This group exhibition featuring the work of Judy Avrett, Lucy Weigle and their students shows through February 27. Call 706-8264700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. 6pm - 7pm Lee Ann Hagler Exhibit Reception Kroc Center Featuring the art of Hagler and her students. Exhibition will hang through February 2, Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.
Ongoing
Oil and Water Sacred Heart Cultural Center This group exhibition featuring the work of Judy Avrett, Lucy Weigle and their students shows January 8-February 27. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. Lee Ann Hagler Exhibition The Kroc Center Featuring the work of Hagler and her students, this exhibit hangs through February 2. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org. Deck the Walls: A Holiday Art Market The Kroc Center Featuring the work of local artists in a holiday cash and carry exhibition in which all artwork is priced under $300. Shows through January 5. Call 706-3645762 or visit krocaugusta.org. Doug Larson Exhibition Sacred Heart Cultural Center The Aiken artist’s exhibition of oil and acrylic paintings shows through December 31. Call 706-826-4600 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. Annual Quilt Exhibition Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Exhibition, featuring quilts created by Atlanta’s Brown Sugar Stitchers, is on display through December. Call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. Exhibits Augusta Museum of History 1JANUARY2015
Includes the following: “Augusta, 1864” (through January 2016); “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
FLIX
Fri Jan 2, 2015
Noon - 2pm “Love Me Tender” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. 7pm - 11pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Featuring a variety of films by local filmmakers. Friday’s showing will feature a short film showcase, the world premiere of “Billy the Kid: Showdown in Lincoln County” and a premiere party in the lobby. Tickets are $10 each night and can be purchased at the Imperial’s box office. Visit imperialtheatre.com.
Sat Jan 3, 2015
7pm - 11pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Featuring a variety of films by local filmmakers. Saturday will feature a short film showcase, the Southeastern Filmmakers President’s Award presentation, the world premiere of “Cabaret Diabolique” and a premiere party in the lobby. Tickets are $10 each night and can be purchased at the Imperial’s box office. Visit imperialtheatre.com.
Sun Jan 4, 2015
7pm - 11pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Featuring a variety of films by local filmmakers. Sunday will feature a short film showcase and the Georgia premiere of “Dorchester’s Revenge: The Return of Crinoline Head.” Tickets are $10 each night and can be purchased at the Imperial’s box office. Visit imperialtheatre.com.
Tue Jan 6, 2015
6:30pm - 8:30pm Tuesday Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library
Call for movie title. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.
HEALTH
Fri Jan 2, 2015
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, January 3, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Mon Jan 5, 2015
11:30am - 1:30pm Healthy Augusta Lunch N Learn Headquarters Branch Library Featuring the program HPV: What You need to know. Lunch will be provided for the first 30 people. Call 706-721-1758 or visit ecgrl.org. 3pm - 5pm Look Good, Feel Better Doctors Hospital An American Cancer Society program for female cancer patients that aims to combat the appearance-related side effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-6514343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Thu Jan 8, 2015
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Library and the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at GRU’s Alumni Center. Call 706-721-2609 or visit grhealth.org/weightloss. Car Seat Classes Childbirth Preparation Classes are Mondays, January 5-26, Tuesdays, January 13-27, and Wednesdays, January 7-28, at from 7-9:30 p.m. at University Hospital. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org. Safe Kids Office Held the second Thursday from 5:45-8 p.m. and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9:45 a.m.-noon. Preregistration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Yoga I is offered from 8:45-9:45 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays; Yoga II is offered 8:45-9:45 a.m., Fridays; Evening Yoga is offered 5:30-6:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. $41 for 10 tickets, residents; $66, non-residents. Call 803-642-7631. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease Aquatics Class Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool Members, free; non-members, $3. Call 706-922-9664 or email ccollins@ thefamilyy.org.
Meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m. Call 706-9512970 or visit 9083.toastmastersclubs.org. Bingo Fraternal Order of Eagles 1:30 p.m. on Sundays and at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Call 706790-8040.
KIDS-TEENS
Thu Jan 1, 2015
9am - 4pm “Frozen” Winter Arts Camp Aiken Center for the Arts Adapted Evaluation Half-day camps available from 9 a.m.Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool noon for those in Pre-K-second grade A 30-minute initial and annual and full day camps available for those evaluation including medical history and in grades 3-8. The camp runs through water assessment. $25. Call 706-922Saturday, January 3, and participants 9664 or visit thefamilyy.org. can sign up for single days or a full week. Half-days: $45-$130; full days: Adapted Special Populations One-on$75-$275. Call 803-641-9094 or visit One Class aikencenterforthearts.org. Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For the physically and developmentally 10:30am - 11:30am Mudpuppies challenged of all ages. Members, $10; Warren Road Community Center non-members, $30. Call 706-922-9664 An arts and crafts program for ages 2-5 or visit thefamilyy.org. that is held each Thursday at 10:45 a.m. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga.gov.
HOBBIES
Sat Jan 3, 2015
3pm - 5pm Clipping and Clicking: Couponing with Denise Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Wed Jan 7, 2015
4pm - 5pm Geocaching for Beginners Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Thu Jan 8, 2015 See the King himself in one of his most well-known movie roles during a free screening of “Love Me Tender” Friday, January 2, at noon at the Morris Museum of Art. It is part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
or visit grhealth.org. Child Safety Seat Inspections Held on first Friday of each month at the Safe Kids Office Building and the second Wednesday of each month at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation on Ronald Reagan Drive. All inspections require an appointment. Call 706-7217606 (Safe Kids), 706-541-3970 (Sheriff’s Office), or visit grhealth.org. 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Childbirth Tours Tours of the Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby units at Georgia Regents Medical Center are held the second Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and second Saturday of each month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7219351 or visit grhealth.org. Yoga H.O. Weeks Center, Aiken
6:30pm - 8pm Beginners Knitting Class Kroc Center Free, but participants will need to purchase their supplies and a $1 donation is recommended. Call 706364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.
Ongoing
Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters The Cotton Patch Meets Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134. University Toastmasters Club University Hospital, Education Wing, third floor, room 3
Fri Jan 2, 2015
9am - 4pm “Frozen” Winter Arts Camp Aiken Center for the Arts Half-day camps available from 9 a.m.noon for those in Pre-K-second grade and full day camps available for those in grades 3-8. The camp runs through Saturday, January 3, and participants can sign up for single days or a full week. Half-days: $45-$130; full days: $75-$275. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org. 10:30am - 11:30am Fun Time Fridays Warren Road Community Center For ages 2-5. $2 per class; no preregistration required. Call 706-8602833 or visit augustaga.gov. 6pm - 9pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center For those ages 2-12. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org. 6:30pm - 8pm Family Forts Aiken Public Library An after-hours event that includes story time, campfire snacks and fort building for the entire family. Participants should bring blankets, pillows and a flashlight. 1JANUARY2015
Pre-registration required. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1121, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Jan 3, 2015
9am - 4pm “Frozen” Winter Arts Camp Aiken Center for the Arts Half-day camps available from 9 a.m.noon for those in Pre-K-second grade and full day camps available for those in grades 3-8. The camp runs through Saturday, January 3, and participants can sign up for single days or a full week. Half-days: $45-$130; full days: $75-$275. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org. 7:30pm - 8:30pm Full Moon Meander Reed Creek Park A moonlight hike for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adults. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email ehobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Sun Jan 4, 2015
2pm - 3pm A Pirate Adventure Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series, this event features a multimedia show with children’s entertainer Sean Driscoll and a craft. Free. Call 706-7247501 or visit themorris.org.
Tue Jan 6, 2015
3:30pm - 4:30pm Paws for Literacy Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Wed Jan 7, 2015
10:30am - 11am Wildlife in Your Backyard Maxwell Branch Library Presented by Sean Poppy from the Savannah River Ecology Lab. Reservations required for groups of six or more. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Thu Jan 8, 2015
10am - 11am Sail the Seas! Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series in which participants will learn about ships and then create a collage. Free, members; $4, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-7247501 or visit themorris.org. 10:30am - 11:30am Mudpuppies 1JANUARY2015
Warren Road Community Center An arts and crafts program for ages 2-5 that is held each Thursday at 10:45 a.m. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga.gov.
Ongoing
Nature Clubs Reed Creek Park These clubs encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural world with indoor and outdoor activities. Session 1: Tuesdays, January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17 and March 3, from 1-2:30 p.m. for ages 6-8; Thursdays, January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19 and March 5, from 1-2:30 p.m. for ages 9-11. Session 2: Tuesdays, January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17 and March 3, from 4:30-6 p.m. for ages 6-8; Thursdays, January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19 and March 5, from 4:30-6 p.m. for ages 9-11. $25; pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email ehobbs@columbiacountyga.gov. Little Friends Gym Warren Road Community Center A parent and child class for those ages 6 months-4 years, it is held each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday September-May from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $2 per visit; $15, 10 visits. Call 706-8602833 or visit augustaga.gov. Young Makers The Clubhou.se A club for technology buffs ages 10-17 that meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Call 706-3990247 or visit theclubhou.se/events. Creek Freaks Phinizy Center A Georgia Adopt-a-Stream team of middle-and high-school students that meets regularly to monitor the health of Butler Creek. Call 706-796-7707 or visit naturalscienceacademy.org. Loud Crowd A supervised after-school program for those ages 4-12, is Monday Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the following community centers: Warren Road, Blythe, Garrett, Diamond Lakes and McBean. The program follows the Richmond County school calendar. $85, monthly; $25, weekly; $10, drop-in. Visit augustaga.gov. Moms Club of Grovetown A group that accepts any mom who
Start the year off right by supporting local filmmakers at the Imperial Theatre. There, Friday-Sunday, January 2-4, at 7 p.m. is the Poison Peach Film Festival. Friday’s showing will feature a short film showcase, the world premiere of “Billy the Kid: Showdown in Lincoln County” and a premiere party in the lobby. Saturday will feature a short film showcase, the Southeastern Filmmakers President’s Award presentation, the world premiere of “Cabaret Diabolique” and a premiere party in the lobby. Sunday will feature a short film showcase and the Georgia premiere of “Dorchester’s Revenge: The Return of Crinoline Head.” Tickets are $10 each night and can be purchased at the Imperial’s box office. Visit imperialtheatre.com.
stays at home with her children regardless of parenting style, religion or ethnicity. The group meets for a variety of activities and dues are $20 a year. Visit momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com. Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (MAMAs) A group for women with children who are age 35 years or older. Call 706-394-1293 or email hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com. Toddler Time H.O. Weeks Center, Aiken A play time for those ages 5 and under that meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3 per visit; $20, 10-visit pass. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Homeschool PE Time The Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Members, free; nonmembers, $2 per visit. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706-3645762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/ kroc-center/.
LITERARY
Mon Jan 5, 2015
1:30pm - 3pm Reading from “Black
Fathers: The Living Dead” Maxwell Branch Library Read by Dr. Corey D. Brown, pastor at Moses Missionary Baptist Church. Pre- registration required. Call 706-7932020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Ongoing
Entries Accepted The 2015 Porter Fleming Literary Competition, which recognizes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and plays from writers age 18 and older who reside in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina, is now accepting submissions. The deadline is February 2, 2015. Entry guidelines and forms can be found at themorris.org/porterfleming.html.
MUSIC
Sat Jan 3, 2015
11am - 1pm 2015 Drumming for Peace DoubleTree Hotel Sponsored by iDrum2U Recreational Health Drum Circle Center and Not Gaddy. Some drums available for rental. Call 706-414-1391.
Tue Jan 6, 2015
Noon - 1pm Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Featuring the Davidson Fine Arts Chorale. Thirty-minute concert is free;
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lunch provided by Edgar’s Grille is at 12:30 p.m. in the River Room and is $10. Pre-registration required for lunch. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
SENIORS
Wed Jan 7, 2015
10:30am - 1pm Classic Movies for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants are invited to bring their own snacks. Call for movie title. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.
Thu Jan 8, 2015
11am - noon Medicare and You Kroc Center Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.
Ongoing
Silver Sneakers Kroc Center A senior exercise class that meets each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/. Senior Citizens Club Smith-Hazel Recreation Center Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 803-642-7634. Silversneakers H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members; $52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Computer Classes for Seniors Kroc Center Taught Mondays and Thursdays. Preregistration required. Call 706-3645762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/ kroc-center/. Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Rummikub each Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon, Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and on 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 803642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jan 1, 2015
5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops at Midtown, Central Avenue and Kings Way This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
Fri Jan 2, 2015
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
Sat Jan 3, 2015
10am - 2pm First Saturday Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta A local artist will be on site for painting lessons. Supplies included. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com. 10am - 4pm First Saturday Sale When Help Can’t Wait Includes upscale décor items and a women’s boutique. Call 706-855-0715or visit whenhelpcantwait.com. 7pm - 8pm “Mission to Mars” USC Aiken’s Dupont Planetarium Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu. 8pm - 9pm “Ancient Sky Lore” USC Aiken’s Dupont Planetarium Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Ongoing
Wine Tastings Wine World Held the first Friday and third Thursday of each month from 5-8 p.m. $5. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Jan 1, 2015
10am - 11am First Day Hike Mistletoe State Park A ranger-led hike along the Cliatt Creek
Family Forts is an after-hours event at the Aiken Public Library on Friday, January 2, from 6:30-8 p.m. that includes story time, campfire snacks and fort building for the entire family. Participants should bring blankets, pillows and a flashlight… and, of course, remember the rules. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1121, or visit abbe-lib.org.
trail. $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 11am First Day Hike Aiken State Park A three-mile guided hike along the park’s Jungle Trail. Call 803-649-2857 or visit southcarolinaparks.com.
Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@ phinizycenter.org.
Noon - 1pm Polar Plunge Aiken State Park swimming area Call 803-649-2857 or visit southcarolinaparks.com.
Sat Jan 3, 2015
9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. This month’s event features Swamp Saturday Dog Daze, in which pets can participate. Dogs should be on a leash and participants should bring pet waste disposal bags with them. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-
Ongoing
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes meet at the club’s 464 Greene Street location, and the next round of introductory classes for those ages six through adult begins the week of January 5. Pre-Christmas preregistration discount now offered. Call 706-722-8878. Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal Winter season hours, through March, 1JANUARY2015
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include Heritage Boat Tours at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday and Civil War Boat Tours daily at 1:30 p.m.. All tickets include admission to the Canal Interpretive Center, admission to which is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and military without a boat tour. Heritage tours: $13, adults; $10.50, seniors, students and military. Civil War tours: $12:50, adults; $10.50, seniors, students or military. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com. Guided Trail Rides Hilltop Riding Stables Available Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon; and Wednesday-Friday at 11 a.m. with reservations 24 hours in advance. All trail rides are on a first-come, firstserved basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. South Atlantic Recreation Club Offers kickball, flag football and bowling leagues. For more information, visit sarcaugusta.com. Weekly Group Runs Include the Monday Run meeting at Stillwater Taproom at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 5:30 and 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Hill Training Run at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; and Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m. Visit augustastriders.com. The Augusta Furies Women’s Rugby Football Club Club practices 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Julian Smith Casino for players 18 and up. Email augusta.furies@ gmail.com or visit augustafuries.org.
$5; ace pool, $1. Call 803-215-8181 (North Augusta), 706-833-4263 (Lake Olmstead) or visit augustadiscgolf.com. Andy Jordan’s Group Rides Rides include Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., mountain bike ride; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Saturdays at 9 a.m., road bike ride. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com. Outspokin’ Bicycles Group Rides Rides include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. Water and helmet required. Call 706-736-2486 or visit outspokinaugusta.com. BlazeSports Swim team Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For all ages of physically challenged swimmers who want to train for competition. Members, $30 a month; non-members, $40 a month. Call 706922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.
SUPPORT
Tue Jan 6, 2015
6:30pm - 8pm CSRA Huntington’s Disease Support Group GRU Movement Disorders Clinic Call 706-721-2798 or 706-231-2775.
Wed Jan 7, 2015
1pm - 2pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org.
5:30pm - 6:30pm Girl Talk Support Group Doctors Hospital A free event featuring food, door prizes and a talk by Dr. Radhika Subramanian on women’s pelvic health issues. Preregistration required. Call 706-6514343 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Jan 8, 2015
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/ meetings.pdf.
6pm - 7pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567
Ongoing
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net. Write to Heal Creative Writing Program Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu. Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636. Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-7218299 or visit grhealth.org.
THEATER Ongoing
“The Supper” Auditions Kroc Center A production of Enopion Theatre Company, this original musical dinner theater production shows in April. Auditions by appointment only will be held through January 12. Call 706-7717777 or visit thesupperlive.com.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
MARKETPLACE
Chain Reaction Group Rides Rides include Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Thursdays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 a.m.; and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net. Augusta Disc Golf Association Leagues Meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta and Mondays at 6 p.m. at Lake Olmstead. Entry fee for each, 1JANUARY2015
ALL CLASSIFIED ADS ARE
$40 PER WEEK. EMAIL JOE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM OR CALL (706)373-3636 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
V26|NO1 Country Club - Amanda Daughtry Fraternal Order of Eagles - Live Music Shannon’s - Tony Howard Stillwater Taproom - Megan Jean and the KFB Surrey Tavern - Playback the Band w/ Tutu
Dy’Vine
Wild Wing - The Remedy The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Ladies Night w/ DJ Nicky B Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11
a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - World Tavern Poker Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Party Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Karaoke w/ Danny Haywood Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Robbie’s - Saturday Night Dance Party Wooden Barrel - Kamikaze Karaoke
Sunday, January 4 Live Music
5 O’Clock Bistro - Live Music Wild Wing - Ryan Boss The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s Place - Karaoke w/ DJ Jeff Barnes Beamie’s - Industry Night Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke, Salsa Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, January 5 Live Music Soul Bar - Zach Joseph
What’s Tonight?
They may not be household names yet, but Maddie & Tae certainly did have one of the most talked about songs (and videos) in country music in 2014 with “Girl in a Country Song.” If you haven’t heard it yet, check out the video. Then, get tickets to the Police Benevolent Foundation benefit concert featuring the duo on Thursday, January 15, at the Country Club. Tickets, $20, are going fast. Visit etix.com.
Thursday, January 1 Live Music
Edgar’s Grille - Happy Thursday w/ Live Local Music Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Sabo Mellow Mushroom (Downtown) - Shep & Jeff Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - AcostA Wild Wing - Philip Lee Band The Willcox - 4 Cats in the Doghouse
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Songs for Shots Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic-Spoken Word Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Party
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Mi Rancho (Evans) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Kris Fisher Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke w/ Coach DJ Surreal at Surrey - Karaoke Night Villa Europa - Karaoke
Friday, January 2 Live Music
Andrew’s Place - Hello Betty Band Bell Auditorium - MAZE w/ Frankie Beverly Country Club - Tim Cadiere Doubletree - Live Jazz Rose Hill Estate - Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Shannon’s - Preston & Weston Somewhere in Augusta - Brandon Reeves Surrey Tavern - Playback the Band w/ Tutu Dy’Vine Wild Wing - Daddy Grace
What’s Tonight?
Augusta Elks Lodge 205 - Karaoke Cork and Bull Pub (Aiken) - Karaoke Eagle’s Nest - Salsa Lessons; Latin Dance Party Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Iron Horse Bar & Grill - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke w/ Ryan Moseley Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke w/ Jeff Barnes Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Three J’s Karaoke Rebeck’s Hideaway - Open Mic Roadrunner Cafe - Kuston Karaoke w/ JJ Talynn Sky City - First Friday ‘80s Night Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix Wooden Barrel - Karaoke Contest
Saturday, January 3 Live Music
The Acoustic Coffeehouse - Open Acoustic Jam
Session w/ Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold
Applebee’s (Evans) - Trivia Chevy’s - Military and F&B Night Joe’s Underground - Poker Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, January 6 Live Music
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Jazz 101 w/ the Joel
Cruz Method
The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Military and F&B Night Fishbowl Lounge - Dart League Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Mellow Mushroom - Trivia Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Cornhole Carolina Meeting The Playground - Twisted Trivia w/ Big Troy Roadrunner Cafe - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere In Augusta - Big Prize Trivia, World
Tavern Poker, Bunco
1JANUARY2015
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Wednesday, January 7 Live Music
Ernest T. Bastards
- Stillwater Taproom January 15
Andrew’s Place - Steve Chappell Augusta Elks Lodge 205 - Marilyn Adcock Band Metro Coffeehouse - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike & Patrick Wild Wing - Hooker Bros
Earphunk
What’s Tonight?
Tony Howard’s Motown Revue
- Sky City January 23 Merle Haggard
- Columbia County Exhibition Center January 24 James Otto, Cody Webb
- Country Club January 24 - Imperial Theatre January 31
Chevy’s - Songs for Shots Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
- Bell Auditorium February 7 Heart
- Bell Auditorium February 25 Bill Cosby
- Bell Auditorium February 28
CeeJay and Blayr Nias Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament
Elsewhere
Upcoming
Sam Smith
Umphrey’s McGee
- Tabernacle, Atlanta January 1-3 The Isley Brothers, Morris Day & Mint Condition
- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 31 - Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 9
Pierce Edens
Don Williams
- Stillwater Taproom January 8
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta January 11
Sarah Jarosz
Martina McBride
- Imperial Theatre January 9
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta January 16-17
Skunk Ruckus
- Stillwater Taproom January 9
Billy Idol
The Ruby Brunettes
- Tabernacle, Atlanta January 22
- Stillwater Taproom January 10
Shovels & Rope
Maddie & Tae
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta February 12
- Country Club January 15
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SIGHTINGS
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Roshani Glover, Courtney McNell and Chanelle Scott at the Playground.
Joe Looney, singer/songwriter Celia Gary and Philip Baldy at Stillwater Taproom.
Kate Dasher, Lauren Baer and Pamela Head at Craft & Vine.
Katherine McCorkle, Liam Mitchum and Sarah Jordan at the Playground.
Ted and Carla Oellerich with singer/songwriter Suzy Bogguss at the Southern Soul & Song Concert Series at the Imperial Theatre.
Blake Clendenin, Erin Brands and Dakota Bailey at Wild Wing.
Stewart Fisher and Patricia Jenkins with Ashley and Brendan Fisher at the Bee’s Knees.
Andrew and Caroline Poteet with Michelle Murphy at the Southern Soul & Song Concert Series with Suzy Bogguss at the Imperial Theatre.
Derrick Myers, Kim Francisco, Frances Lovelace and Stephen Francisco at Somewhere in Augusta.
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SEASON’S GREETINGS By Joel Fagliano / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Something put on the spot? 7 Without a mixer 11 Likely feature of a college town 19 One may be removed 20 ___-American 21 Red or white sticker? 22 Homer that leaves people yawning? 24 ‘‘Shucks!’’ or ‘‘Pshaw!’’? 25 Go astray 26 Father-son activity 27 They can be fertilized 29 Pale ___ 30 Majors in acting 31 Domineering 32 Give rise to 34 ‘‘The less you wear, the more you need ___’’ (slogan) 35 ‘‘Pick me, pick me!’’ 38 Sauce with a name derived from the Italian for ‘‘pounded’’ 40 Risky chess move, informally 41 Some briefs 42 Southwest tribe after a fistfight? 45 Pad ___ (noodle dish) 47 Part of E.T.S.: Abbr. 48 Piano sonatas, e.g. 49 ___ generis 51 World of Warcraft creatures 54 Navratilova rival 56 Starts recycling, say 60 First lady from Texas 61 Nav. rank 62 War stat 64 Bleacher feature 65 Where a director directs 67 Backstabbing pal? 70 Soon gonna 73 ‘‘Dedicated to the ___ Love’’ 74 Siouan speaker 75 Filch 78 Around 79 Zion National Park material 82 Coast along, with ‘‘by’’ 84 Reader of the Deseret News 85 Break off 86 They’re above abs 88 ‘‘It Came ___ a Midnight Clear’’ 89 ___ tide
91 Barn dance that’s free to attend? 96 Seeks change? 98 Hematite, e.g. 100 Together 101 Actress Strahovski of 2000s TV 102 What vinegar has a lot of 103 Proctor’s charge 105 Gawks at 107 Computer addresses: Abbr. 108 Believe it! 109 R.S.V.P., e.g.: Abbr. 110 Where the big buoys are? 111 Makeshift wig, maybe 114 Vagrant after getting kicked off a train, say? 117 Stuff your dad finds ridiculous? 120 Gentle treatment, metaphorically 121 Temple University’s team 122 Saharan nomad 123 ‘‘The Shawshank Redemption’’ setting 124 Nursing need 125 Charles Schwab competitor DOWN 1 Feel deep compassion 2 Way out 3 Germany’s ___ Basin 4 Pac-12 team, for short 5 Steve Jobs’s successor at Apple 6 Minuses, basically 7 House speaker after Dennis Hastert 8 I will follow it 9 ‘‘___ we done?’’ 10 Hockey Hall of Fame locale 11 Playbill info 12 World capital once conquered by Augustus 13 Return to one’s seat? 14 Roy Rogers’s real last name 15 Raven’s cry 16 Cause for a quarantine 17 Moon of Neptune 18 Church leaders 21 Sound of a fly swatter 23 ‘‘___ no biggie’’ 28 Cognac bottle letters 31 Lawn game 32 ‘‘Or so’’ 33 Bone to pick 34 Celtic battle, say
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35 Like President Taft 36 Bygone 37 Trucks, maybe 39 Sedgwick in Warhol films 43 Warrior or downward dog 44 Rhone tributary 46 Some Christmas decorations 50 Computerdom, informally 52 ’Fore 53 Got the chair? 55 Composer whose name is an anagram of SANTA + ME 57 Bear 58 Put-downs 59 Like used cigars, maybe 63 Suffix with social 66 ‘‘Personally, I think . . . ,’’ in texts 67 Kate Middleton, e.g. 68 Complex thing? 69 Tree whose pods have sweet pulp 70 Lead-in to pressure 71 Was gullible 72 Crush, e.g. 75 Fattened fowl 76 Nickname for Orlando 77 Pasta with a name derived from the Italian for ‘‘quills’’ 80 Auntie ___ (pretzel chain) 81 German auto 83 ‘‘Good job by you!’’ 87 Trendy coffee order 90 Joint business venture? 92 Look 93 Special newsstand offering 94 ‘‘Illmatic’’ rapper 95 Balance 96 Regal and Encore 97 Lively intelligence 99 Take off 104 Ski resort near Santa Fe 106 Beauty 108 ___ of Man 110 Stillwater’s home: Abbr. 111 ___ Liasson, NPR political correspondent 112 & 113 It’s full of opinions 115 Mil. rank 116 Son of, in Hebrew names 118 Get behind 119 It’s hard to shoot
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In Theaters January 2
THE EIGHT
HORROR
“The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death,” rated PG-13, starring Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Phoebe Fox, Leanne Best. The original movie at least had Daniel Radcliffe in it to attract audiences. This one only has his voice reading a letter to the next inhabitants to fall victim to whatever is haunting Eel Marsh House. No Harry Potter? We’ll pass.
“The Babadook” AT THE END OF A YEAR that saw remakes of reboots and retreads of rehashes, a year of more ninja turtles and another Godzilla and a worse “Robocop” and all the rest, I found myself slinking into one of the only movies among the 50 or so I saw in theaters this year that wasn’t on opening weekend. “The Babadook,” a little Australian picture by first-time director/writer Jennifer Kent, has to be considered a horror film, though you could almost as easily call it a psychological thriller. Befitting its $2 million budget, part of which was raised through Kickstarter, perhaps no movie this year did more with less, riding a pair of enrapturing performances — one by Essie Davis as a grieving, stressed-out single mother; the other, by little kid Noah Wiseman, as her precocious but disturbed only child — to a tense, unpleasant, frightening time at the movies. I think there were four other people at the Monday evening screening. Finding gems still lurking in the crannies of cineplexes is always a joy, but never more so than when virtually everything else under the roof has been seen in some fashion before. (By quirk, even the current movies that aren’t sequels — “Top Five” and “Big Hero 6,” e.g. — are sporting numbers in their titles.) Looking back at 2014, there were few great bigger-budget films, though we might see “Interstellar” as a brave benchmark some years from now, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” out Wes Andersoned even Wes Anderson, and within their respective genres, “The Lego Movie” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” were instant classics. We also got more X-Men, another Spider-Man, more Transformers, another Purge, same planet, same apes. They all run together, if you let them. It won’t always hold true that the most distinct movies, the most memorable, will be those made on smaller budgets — for one, Tom Cruise’s somehow overlooked “Edge of Tomorrow” 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Sam Eifling was a weird, deluxe production. But for a smaller film to share the marquee with the mass-produced blockbusters it has to bring something special. That was the case in what might wind up as the year’s best picture, Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” The premise couldn’t be simpler: follow a boy’s life from age 6 till his first year of college. With audacity and ambition, Linklater actually does that, holding together the same cast for 12 years and shooting only a few scenes a year. Somehow, over more than a decade of filming, Linklater needed only about $4 million. That’s roughly one-fiftieth of what it costs to bring you a Transformers pic these days. What makes “Boyhood” so incredible (to the tune of a 100 percent favorable rating on Metacritic and 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) is how believable it becomes as the years turn. As weird as this will sound: the film and its cast, especially star Ellar Coltrane, grow together so seamlessly, you lose track of the fact that you’re even watching a movie. More so you may well be watching vines grow in tandem, using one another as trellises. “The Babadook” accomplishes much of the same, as the mother and child seem to cook one another into something dense and hard and dark over the course of an hour and a half. Partly a boogeyman flick, partly a meditation on parenthood, partly an allegory for grief, the movie works in part because its framing and sound and acting are all superb. Maybe this is the level of thoughtfulness and craft that characterize all small-budget horror movies from Australia — not that you or I would probably know, though, because how many of those do we really take in? So few, I’d wager, that when you see one come through town, you know it’s probably something special. Those curiosities have proven themselves to be chances worth taking.
DRAMA
“A Most Violent Year,” rated R, starring Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo. Jessica Chastain is an accomplished actress; David Oyelowo just won raves for his role as MLK in “Selma.” So why is this crime drama set during NYC’s winter of violence in 1981 coming out in January? It must not be as good as its pedigree would make audiences think. After all, as Dr. Evil so wisely said on a recent SNL, the best way to kill a movie is to move its opening to January. 1JANUARY2015
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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 37
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Just Behave Yourdamnself A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO NAMING THIS COLUMN. This piece was going to be called “Fighting With Cops; You Lose Every Time,” but then I remembered, when politicians and community activists get involved, any ridiculous outcome is possible. The nation has been turned upside down because of the now notorious cases that resulted in the deaths of suspects in Ferguson, Cleveland and New York at the hands of law enforcement officers who were all reacting to either combative subjects or imminent danger. While one would hope common sense, calm heads and due process would bring clarity and justice in all cases, we have seen outside agitation and armchair quarterbacks take center stage. In the meantime, cities have burned, vandals and thieves have run rampant during the confusion, and innocent law enforcement officers have been murdered in the name of revenge. While Augusta has not seen that kind of damage, you don’t have to search to see that political correctness and expediency can easily displace due process and true justice in similar cases right here. You need look no further than the sad case of former Richmond County Deputy Brian McDuffie and a lawbreaking, fleeing teenager named Kyvan James. In August of 2013, James and a friend were spotted by officers responding to what was believed to be an “active burglary” in progress. James and the other teen were caught behind the house in question, and they appeared at the time to be fleeing the break-in. James’ friend quickly and wisely stopped when ordered, but the fleet of foot 15-year-old decided he would test the resolve and speed of Richmond County’s Finest. Sure enough, Deputy Christian Gandy was able to catch James, take him down and straddle him, all in the attempt to cuff him. But James was fighting back. When McDuffie ran up on the scuffle seconds later, he attempted to push James’ head to the ground in an effort to secure submission, but, in the process, whacked him in the side of the face with the flashlight he had in the hand he was using to push the suspect’s head down. The injury was minuscule, actually, laughable when compared to what could have easily happened in the legal effort to catch this fleeing suspect. James’ parents screamed brutality, and after a cursory, and I do mean cursory, investigation by internal affairs officers, McDuffie was fired from the department for using excessive force. Interestingly, McDuffie was not indicted, nor was his Georgia law enforcement certification revoked. Then the politicians got involved. McDuffie swears to this day that Sheriff Richard Roundtree told certain officials that the firing was due to neighborhood protests and political pressure. Sure enough, the Augusta Commission decided to cut a preemptory check in the amount of $50,000 to James’ family to avoid a lawsuit. No telling how much they will spend fighting the lawsuit McDuffie has filed against the city and the sheriff for wrongful termination. That case is still ongoing. The sad truth of the matter is that, in today’s world, fighting back against arresting police officers sometimes does work out in your favor. If, of course, you manage to survive the encounter. At least it did for Kyvan James. As poorly as that case was handled, for the most part, I have supreme confidence in the officers who work the streets throughout this country. They handle tense, life-threatening situations and assailants every single day, and their success rate is overwhelming.
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
I have always been a firm believer that ongoing professional indiscretions, serial cronyism and immaturity are much bigger problems in law-enforcement work than the occasional officer who makes a tactical error in the midst of a nerve-wracking tussle with a combative or resistant suspect. Given the collection of lowlifes and scumbags police officers are constantly dealing with, it takes less than a split second for a routine encounter or arrest to turn into a monumental community tragedy. Our two fallen Aiken Public Safety officers from a few years ago are sad examples that routine, mundane police work can, in the blink of an eye, turn into a nightmare that never ends for the survivors of those lost to the hands of a violent killer. I have never been in a fight with a fleeing suspect, but pardon me if I say that I would hope every damn soul who chooses to physically threaten or challenge a police officer is immediately stricken with two broken legs. In my opinion, if you choose to fight a cop, you deserve an asskicking. Period. If a mistake is made in the heat of that battle, and the officer uses just a little too much force in bringing such an aggressive suspect into safe custody, it may be the most forgivable mistake an officer can make. Particularly if it is an honest mistake. But can the rational folks among us at least come to the joint conclusion that in virtually every case that has made the headlines, we had young men who were actively and intentionally breaking the law when their lives came to a tragic end? These young men were not pulled from their beds in the middle of the night, yanked out of a library or apprehended while sitting in church. No, they were one and all in the midst of highly illegal, highly dangerous and hideously stupid behavior. You want to live safe in this world? Just behave yourdamnself.
AUSTIN RHODES
The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
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