Metro Spirit 02.16.2012 by Metro Spirit

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INSIDER JENNY IS WRIGHT AUGUSTA TEK AUSTIN RHODES

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METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

CONTINUED

INSIDER@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Insider is an anonymous, opinion-based examination of the hidden details of Augusta politics and personalities.

SIDER

It’s like Ground Zero for Everything in Augusta In case anybody missed it, the TEE Center parking deck has been in the news a lot lately, especially since the Land Bank option caught everyone a little flat-footed. Face it — it’s the story that won’t die. No matter how many times it seems to flatline, somebody will grease up those paddles and jolt it back with just enough juice to keep everyone busy for another commission cycle or two. Please excuse if we’re a little off with medical lingo — we used to watch “ER,” but damn… that was a long time ago. The point is, at least 10 years before the Land Bank option, people have been talking about the TEE Center parking deck. How was it funded? Who owned what? Who knew what, and when? In some ways, it’s been an awesome recruiting tool for continuing education classes, having inspired countless Augustans (and expatriated Augustans) to become experts in difficult fields like accounting, finance and, of course, the law. The stuff that happens in the Municipal Building is complicated. And it’s happening all the time. Fluidly. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that it’s too complicated for the likes us, but it does mean that it’s too complicated for the likes of all of us, and it seems right now that all of us — or at least all of us who are obsessing over this parking deck — feel like we have something groundbreaking to say. But here’s a thought — while everyone is queuing trying to smash this piñata, what’s really happening in this city? And who’s getting away with it? As for the TEE Center parking deck, here’s an update. If the land the TEE Center parking deck is on really does get donated to the Land Bank, the city would still qualify for those non-taxable bonds we’re all hearing so much about. That’s considered a good thing because if the agreement were to change,

those bonds could possibly be recalled, and it’s the tax-free nature of the bonds — made possible because of the negotiated air rights — that saved taxpayers between $1.5 and $1.7 million. Remember, the city went with the air rights because Augusta Riverfront LLC needed more parking spaces than the non-taxable bond program would allow them to fund, so instead of donating the land they donated the air rights. Now the commission is attempting to complete the management agreement for both the TEE Center parking deck and the Marriott deck, both of which are owned by the city. And yes, the city does own the deck above the first floor, not just the air. Though a lot has been made about the unhealthy intertwining of interests, the fact of the matter is, it wasn’t just the city’s bond attorneys and tax attorneys that signed off on what everyone would agree was a complex deal. Insiders say the city would never have been able to sell the bonds if a gaggle of lawyers, the bonding company and most of all Wachovia, now Wells Fargo, weren’t happy with the agreement. When attorney Jim Plunkett spoke about certain mechanisms being in place to allow certain things to happen, this is what he was talking about — part of the mechanism was the forgiving of liens. And when the vote was made last Tuesday, it was with the idea that these conditions had to be met. Other than the fact that the Land Bank wasn’t initially involved, these were the same conditions they had been looking at before. The management agreement for the TEE Center itself is a totally separate issue that falls next in line, but while the terms of that agreement have yet to be hammered out, the decision that Augusta Riverfront will manage it was long ago approved. And as far as the management of the decks themselves — in the grand scheme of things, we’re talking about a little loose change.

Bureaucrats Booking Bands

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

THUMBS

As the TEE Center works its way towards completion in Richmond County, Columbia County’s latest big project, the Lady A Amphitheater, is finally completed. Now comes the hard part. Booking the thing. Word is the management and decision-making apparatus have been in flux since the beginning. Before the park was completed, Columbia County Chairman Ron Cross was initially the point man for bookings. Since then, the responsibilities have bounced around the Community and Leisure Services Division, headed by Barry Smith. With no one in charge, everyone seems to be. And then there’s the committee that has been formed to set things like rental fees. Insiders are perplexed at the process. The only committee member not employed by the county appears to be Joe Mullins, and that’s not inspiring a lot of confidence. The way it’s currently structured, local promoters seem to be priced out of the equation — over $30,000 for a concert, according to the most current price structure. A number of people locally have expressed interest in booking the venue for concerts, but are concerned both at the prices as well as the fact that there’s not at least one experienced promoter on the committee, Mullins included. As these things go, experience is the key. Not just experience, but many, many years of the right kind of ruthless experience. After all, it’s a cutthroat world. Bands charge what they can get. Agents go for top dollar. Unless you have negotiated with local, regional and national acts, you’re a sitting duck. The skills needed to conceive, propose, spearhead and build something of such magnitude are impressive, even to the naysayers. But the skills required to operate such a machine are very specific and require someone with a lot of industry savvy. Let’s get some skilled hands on that board.

Lance Armstrong, 41, cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion, comes in second in the Panama 70.3 Triathlon, his first triathlon in several decades.

down

Note to self: Only take showers from now on.

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Plainly Behind State Rep. Lee Anderson makes no excuses for being a plainspoken man. In fact, he’s made something of a political career on it. But when the Grovetown Republican, who’s running for Georgia’s 12th District, answered a question about the Federal Reserve the other day, he reinforced what many have felt for a long time – that he’s just a plainspoken man and not the wisely plainspoken man he’d have you believe he is. What would he like to do about the Federal Reserve? “We must build our reserves even stronger than what it is now,” he told a forum in Statesboro. In the old days, a candidate might plausibly complain that he misunderstood the question or was misquoted. But in today’s camera-saturated world, it’s not quite so easy – especially when video of the forum pops up online, in this case on the Statesboro Herald’s website. So now the plainspoken man from Grovetown is saddled with this very obvious example of how he doesn’t really understand the big issues that Republicans like to frown over.

You used to hear it when he was running for General Assembly – he’s just not Atlanta material. If he’s not Atlanta material, does he really belong in Washington? Which isn’t to say that the other candidates for the 12th are necessarily wowing voters. According to some on the campaign trail, Wright McLeod’s fighter jock persona is so pronounced that he sometimes seems to swagger from the backseat to the front seat of his old F-14, which isn’t necessarily a good quality for someone that starts out with enough confidence to fill just about any sized room. And then there’s Rick Allen, who while known as a wealthy man and contractor, has yet to distinguish himself as a politician. When too many work too hard to convince you how good someone is, you start to wonder why he doesn’t just tell you himself. Maria Sheffield might be making hay in other parts of the district, but her tentative start and lack of local name recognition have local Republicans wondering just when she’s going to show up and give it her all.

It’s Only a Problem Now Hugo Diaz’s guilty plea Tuesday for “harboring an illegal alien” will ultimately send the Mexican national back home once his sentence is completed. Insiders in law enforcement find the uproar surrounding the case amusing, however. As the building boom hit the once sleepy suburbs in Columbia County, the complexion of the construction workers changed from black and white to brown, and what was going on certainly wasn’t a secret. All was well, as a matter of fact, until the economy tanked. Only then, when the laborers who had built all those new subdivisions became vulnerable, did their existence become a problem — certainly not when they were making profits for the builders. Only when the business dried up did all the righteous indignation appear. Enforce the laws, fine. But don’t pull your head out of the sand only to stick it up your butt.

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METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

JENNY IS WRIGHT I’m Not Bitter

The Kids took store-bought Valentines to school this week. Honestly, they’ve always taken store-bought Valentines to school. I’ve been known to make my kids’ birthday party invitations, and I almost always make our Christmas cards. I’m not saying that to brag, I promise. I enjoy doing them. It’s my thing. I’ve never, ever

taken a picture of the results and posted them on Pinterest. For the lucky ones who’ve never even heard of Pinterest, let me debrief you. It’s a community of sorts. You take pictures of things you like to craft, eat, cook, drink, build, decorate, wear, design or all of the above. No really, after visiting the website, I’m fairly certain that some of those people knit dinner napkins to match the evening’s veggie soup. Only organic veggie soup, of course, and photographed with a DLSR, in hand-thrown ceramic bowls, on placemats that their three-year-old quilted just today. Of course it all coordinates with the granite countertops and paint colors in the pinner’s kitchen. It looks like a scene from a Martha Stewart magazine. Once you’ve taken pictures of the things you make, you post them to your various Pinboards, which are virtual bulletin boards that all of your followers can see. What do I mean by followers? They can see everything you “pin” and then have a chance to “re-pin” the photos to their own board. It may sound confusing, but it’s not. Once you get the hang of it, it’s interesting and mildly addictive. Although I sound it, I’m not bitter. When I was first invited to join Pinterest (after a two-week waiting period, mind you), I was mesmerized. It’s beautiful to peruse. The recipes sound delicious, and the accompanying photos are even more enticing. The living rooms are rooms of my dreams, and I had fun re-pinning the designers’ photos to my Pinboards. I made lists of the things I wanted to try, with everything from toy bins made of sand buckets and cable ties to homemade crayons to cheesecake stuffed strawberries. Sounds pretty cool, right? I thought so. I like making things. I usually prefer it over buying them. I don’t mind the process involved in a good craft. But this is out of hand. Instead of birthday parties with helium latex balloons and cake, kids are making their own balloons out of a mixture that the birthday boy’s mother stayed up all night making out of recycled milk cartons. The cake doesn’t just look like Lightening McQueen, it is animated, and it even writes thank you notes. Not to mention the fact that it’s delicious. The invitations actually pick your child up and take them to the party. Maybe my inadequacies are making me a jealous mess. I wish I had the time to do such things. The truth is, I don’t. Most people don’t. What you end up with is a bunch of folks who feel bad that their kids had Tinkerbell Valentines with suckers taped to them. That didn’t stop me from purchasing little cards and suckers. I helped them put them together, too. I handed them a pencil, their class list, a roll of tape and said, “don’t forget to tape that to that.” Want to know the strangest part? They enjoyed it. They had a blast going to Target and picking out which cruddy character cards they wanted. The Girl was so proud to write each of her classmate’s names on the lines. The Boy drew a little heart under his name. I thought it was all very sweet and fun. And simple. If you stayed up all night making Valentines for your six-month-old, kudos to you. I’m sure they’ll remember it always. If your child is going to school today with a mom-crafted card and piece of mom-made fancy candy, they’re probably embarrassed by it. The other mothers will be impressed, which is all that matters, right? The kids want a Dum Dum and a Star Wars Valentine. And Dum Dum they shall have. I aim to please. I won’t complain about the extra sleep.

JENNYWRIGHT lives in Summerville with her husband, who she calls The Man, and two kids, who she affectionately calls The Boy and The Girl. She enjoys taking photos, cooking and playing tennis.

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

V. 23 | NO. 07

AUGUSTA TEK That’s Pinteresting

Men and women are different. It’s that simple. You can talk about environmental influences and other intellectual gobbledygook all you want. I’ve been married for 16 years and have two 8-year-old daughters. Absolutely no doubt exists in my mind that men and women are wired differently. If you have any lingering questions, let me send you the videos of my daughters planning their weddings. They started at age four. The manner in which men and women use the internet is no less different. The typical male appreciates the low-maintenance, one-way information flow. Get in, get the information and get out. Hopefully, there won’t be any pop-ups asking, “Would

you like to chat?” He doesn’t. And by all means don’t make him “Please Call for More Information.” He doesn’t need, or want, to talk to anyone. Why would you want to ask for directions when Google Maps is right there? Ladies, of course, approach the internet differently. First of all, women are much more advanced socially. It starts young. While most boys are still throwing rocks into traffic, girls have begun to conduct tea parties and schedule social outings. A quick look at Facebook illustrates the degree of social sophistication that women achieve. Posts are generally oriented toward feelings and attitude with strong support from friends always visible. All men can do is stick to the facts. For example, the typical female post: “Having best time ever at Vallarta’s with Becky Sue and Sally — BFFs FOREVER!” followed by 15 Likes. A similar post for the male: “Eating Tacos.” Women also enjoy a significant multitasking advantage over men. In short, women can. Men can’t. In preparing to write this article, I asked my wife, “How many different things are you currently thinking about?” Without a second of thought, she replied, “17” and then proceeded to list each item. As for me, I was still back on tacos. Multitasking is advantageous when trying to process multiple information feeds. This makes the latest social network particularly well suited for the ladies. Just to clue you in, guys, I’m talking about Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows users to capture, organize and share items they find on the web. A quick search of the site reveals a variety of collections, from recipes to home decorating, vacation spots to hairdos. Pinterest provides an ideal environment to group together your likes and your wants. It’s no surprise that Pinterest has become a primary tool for new brides in planning their weddings. Likewise, it a great place for getting ideas on home renovations, fashion makeovers or the evening meal. Now you would think that a search of Pinterest for manly items would reveal that the ladies don’t completely dominate. However, a search for “AK-47” yielded multiple pins of AK-47 earrings, an AK-47 necklace, a porcelain gun by Charles Krafft and a special edition AK by Louis Vuitton. Too bad that I didn’t see this in time for Valentine’s Day. Until next time, I’ll see you on the internet @gregory_a_baker. L8R.

GREGORY A. BAKER, PH.D, is vice president and chief rocket scientist for CMA, which provides information technology services to CSRA businesses and nonprofits. V. 23 | NO. 07

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

AUSTIN RHODES

Sheriff Strength Between a Rock and a Hard Place I made the prediction in this space a few months ago that I believe Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength would go against the conventional wisdom and take four more years as the city’s top cop. While that decision has yet to be officially made, and while the sheriff wants nothing more in the world than to retire, I can honestly say that he is being put under more pressure to stay than I have ever seen in a local political race. Political and business leaders from every corner of the CSRA are begging, pleading and imploring Strength to run again, and while he remains as popular as any elected official we have in the region, he is not being courted because he is loved. He is being pressured to stay because of the concern that one of his announced prospective successors is 100 percent incapable of professionally leading the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Serious-minded big wigs are convinced that if former RCSO Detective Richard Roundtree were to succeed Sheriff Strength, there would be a mass exodus of the top leadership in the department, creating a void in talent and experience that may never be filled. It is a strange situation to be sure, because Roundtree, currently working with the Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety Department, was always personally popular with many he worked with under Sheriff Strength. But virtually every veteran cop I know tells me the same thing when it comes to their impression of Roundtree: He is a nice guy to be sure, and a decent enough detective, but his reputation as a lazy record keeper and a completely inept administrator makes him persona non grata. In 2008 Roundtree’s rap for professional sloppiness was validated with the discovery of valuable case files and a rifle (his own personal property) left behind in his former apartment. He was busted in rank and suspended without pay for five days and put on probation for a year. It was also learned that he improperly checked a female prisoner out of the jail on several occasions, a known prostitute who was later involved in a kidnapping and murder case. The woman denied any improper contact with Roundtree, but was reportedly was involved in another jailhouse relationship with another officer. It was said she was too sweet on Richard Roundtree to throw him under the bus.

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

AUSTINRHODES

The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

With the demotion, Roundtree lost his coveted spot on the violent crimes investigation team, and the high profile that went with it. His days of showing up with the TV cameras at murder scenes, wearing his trademark fedora, were over. Even though he was always lower in rank than Major Ken Autry, it was clear that at the time Roundtree ran into trouble, he had become the highest profile black law enforcement officer in Augusta. Perhaps he was seeking validation or, maybe, just a bigger paycheck when he left the department with hopes of becoming the chief for the RCBOE Public Safety Department. He was personally pushed for the spot by long-time Trustee Marion Barnes, but then Superintendent Dana Bedden opted for retired FBI agent Pat Clayton instead. Roundtree has been biding his time as Clayton’s second, and now he sees Strength’s possible retirement as a way to get back to his old stomping grounds, not as a cop, but as the No. 1 man. In an earlier column I explained the behind the scenes tug of war between long-time lawmen Robbie Silas and Scott Peebles for the coveted role of heir apparent, but when I did that, it is was not clear at the time how vehemently opposed the business and political leadership in the area was opposed to the idea of “Sheriff” Roundtree. It is clear now. With the emergence of black attorney Harry James, announcing for the seat of retiring Probate Judge Nathan Jolles, and other minority candidates being encouraged to run in the Solicitors and State Court Judge races, Roundtree knows his time is here. The combination of President Obama’s re-election bid and Richmond County’s majority black population lining up to support him is just too much of an attraction for Roundtree to pass up. He has said there is only one man that can keep him out of the race this year, and that is Sheriff Strength himself. I said it in December, and I have to say it again now: I do not see the Sheriff leaving his team in the hands of this particular successor. The notion of Roundtree running the department has Augusta’s upper echelon in a tizzy, and it has Sheriff Strength on the edge of another run.

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War Stories

ERICJOHNSON

Project hopes to reach remaining WWII vets before it’s too late Fred Gehle was eight years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Now, 69 years later, he’s orchestrating a local effort to chronicle the stories of the men and women who served during the Second World War. “Those years from 8 to 12 — as a schoolboy, I really followed the war, and to this day I have several thousand books on the subject of WWII,” Gehle says. “It’s just something that has stayed with me all my life.” Since bringing the Veterans History Project to Augusta in 2007, Gehle and an army of volunteers have interviewed close to 750 WWII veterans. The Veterans History Project is a project of the Folklife Center of the Library of Congress, which works with local volunteers (in Augusta, it works in conjunction with the Augusta-Richmond County Historical Society) to interview

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METRO

NEWS

as many WWII vets as possible before it’s too late. It’s estimated that 900 WWII vets die each day, and Gehle, who reads the obituaries every day, has seen Augusta lose its share. “We’re losing them left and right,” he says. “Two were in the paper over the weekend, and I got a message this morning about a man who passed on that I had actually met personally, so every day it seems we add one or two here and there and then we lose one or two here and there.” Gehle says reading the obituaries can be a bittersweet thing for him. Often, he’ll read about someone he or the other volunteers have interviewed, but sometimes he’ll see one who they missed. The project began nationally in 2000, when a bill was presented in Congress to begin a collection of stories and experiences from veterans of all wars. At that time, there were several hundred WWI veterans still alive. On February 8, it was reported that the last known surviving veteran of WWI, Englishwoman Florence Green, died at 110. Gehle and his wife were in New Orleans visiting what would become the National WWII Museum in 2007 when they heard about the program. He was a board member of the Augusta-Richmond County Historical Society, so he brought the idea home with him and the group enthusiastically gave it a green light. Each interview lasts a minimum of 30 minutes and occurs at one of two locations: Aiken Tech and Augusta State University. Interviewers will first make phone contact with the veteran and then visit the veteran at home for about an hour before actually setting up the time for the interview itself, which is filmed by volunteer videographers. “That home visit is important because that’s a chance to get the veteran and the volunteer comfortable with each other,” Gehle says. Occasionally, the volunteer will do

some research after that first meeting — to confirm the name of the boat a Navy man was on, say, or the unit a soldier was involved with — so he can have a feel for the history that occurred during that period. The interview itself is fairly straightforward. “We’ll have the camera operator really focus on the veteran,” Gehle says. “It’s a two-way conversation, but we encourage the veteran to do 90 percent of the talking.” Often, the questions begin with where they were when the attack at Pearl Harbor occurred, then quickly move into brief childhood memories. But the ultimate goal is to have the vets expound upon their experience in the service. “We’ve had some actually get quite emotional during the interview,” Gehle says. “We’re careful when that happens to stop the camera, and we’ve had to stop the camera on a number of occasions.” Many times the veterans will bring family members with them to the interview, like at a recent interview at Aiken Tech. “After it was over and he discussed two separate instances where he was nearly killed in the jungles of New Guinea, his wife said to me after the interview that it was the first time in their many years of marriage that he had talked about it,” Gehle says. When the interviews are concluded, four DVDs are produced — one for the vet, two for archival purposes at ASU and one for the Library of Congress. Occasionally, the DVDs will be requested by the family of a deceased veteran to be played during the visitation. Gehle says that more than 100 volunteer interviewers have participated in the program, most interviewing from five to 15 vets. A few, like retired General Jan Hicks, have done more than 100. While most are fuzzy on certain details, like dates and sometimes the sequence of events, Gehle says nearly all remember certain things with total clarity, like being wounded or the death of a buddy. And even though war is never far from tragedy, few dwell too long on the negatives. “With a few rare instances when a traumatic event really can be tough to record, most of them have come to realize that they will never forget these years that have gone by. Almost to a man or woman, they would say, ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,’” Gehle says. That kind of spirit, Gehle says, deserves to be preserved. “We’re providing a service that many people recognize is worthy, and we’re catching it right at the eleventh hour,” he says. “We’re losing them rapidly.” WWII veterans interested in being interviewed for the Veterans History Project should contact Fred Gehle at 706738-8242 or at fpgehle@bellsouth.net.

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

STATE ANNEXATION By Charles M. Deber / Edited by Will Shortz

94 “___ teaches you when to be silent”: Disraeli 95 76-Down near Springfield? 98 Mugful, maybe 99 Actor Quinn 102 Before, in verse 103 Pioneer in quadraphonic music 104 Caustic soda 105 Against 107 Badge earner 109 This and that: Abbr. 111 61-Across near Phoenix? 113 9-Across near Boston? 118 Critter whose name comes from Nahuatl 119 Cookout item 120 Roll of bills 121 Bring out 122 Assails 123 Staff ___: Abbr. 124 Whirlpool 125 Exorcism target DOWN 1 Farm mother 2 Women’s suffrage Amendment 3 Pampering, for short 4 Pull (in) 5 Regarding the price 6 Jazzy Nina 7 Boston’s Mass ___ 8 Lean 9 Doesn’t budge 10 “Sure!” 11 E.U. member 12 “What ___!” 13 “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe” artist 14 Expenditures 15 “The Time Machine” people 16 “___ your toes!” 17 B’nai B’rith grp. 23 Romeo or Juliet 24 French cup 26 Many a museum display 29 It might be blue, green or brown 31 Assn. 32 Like a sty denizen 33 6-Across near Indianapolis? 36 Some conifers 39 Do over, as a lawn 40 Abbr. before a colon

41 Prefix with -pod 43 119-Across near Albany? 44 Prefix with business 45 Basketball rim 47 Open 50 Housemother, e.g. 53 Passed easily 54 Weak 55 Armstrong and Sedaka 57 Pal 59 Light touch 60 Certain online request 63 Not quite right 64 Arrive at too quickly, in a way 67 “Hakuna ___” 69 In one’s cups 70 Brewskis 71 How a fool acts 72 Spots 74 Bird wing 75 Knot 76 Spring time 77 Large-toothed whale 79 Paraded by 80 “Is she not down so late, ___ so early?”: “Romeo and Juliet” 85 Number 2, e.g. 86 Still to be sampled 88 Shock 90 Sub 91 Site of a Greek tragedy 93 Big name in jeans 96 Respectable 97 Naval force 100 “___ the Sheriff” 101 Tidies up a bit 105 Number two 106 “Tu ___ mi amor” 107 Cozy 108 Drags 110 Give up 111 Weave’s partner 112 Maternity ward workers, for short 114 Hip-hop 115 Deut.’s preceder 116 Environmental prefix 117 Perfect rating

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E E K E M T E O R O G T E H P C A Y S T T O E M L I A S S T H U P

I N E V E P R E Y A C T R H O P A N S I R Y B L O O I K A F E T T O H N T E I R A P A P

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ACROSS 1 Superfluous 6 Posed (for) 9 Follow persistently 12 Tiny blob 18 Charms 19 The Beatles’ “All ___ Got to Do” 20 Old White House nickname 21 Badly beaten up 22 45-Down near Baton Rouge? 25 124-Across near Dover? 27 ___ contendere 28 Flower girl? 30 New Jersey town bordering Rahway 31 Photo ___ 34 Swindle 35 Hindu title 36 ___ Brava 37 CD-___ 38 117-Down near Salem? 42 When sung three times, part of a Beatles refrain 46 Bellyache 48 Seine summers 49 First name? 51 Starch-yielding palm 52 Old TV knob 54 How Shakespeare’s Rosalind dresses 56 Sign by a theater ticket booth 57 Smithereens 58 1-Across near Hartford? 61 Blouse, e.g. 62 Still broken, say 65 Confirms 66 “Ancient Mariner” verse 68 Bad-mouthed 69 Bitchin’ 70 Sun spots 73 Inter ___ 74 Dante e Boccaccio 75 Rack for a rifle 76 Toss-up? 78 114-Down near Boise? 81 Santa ___ (desert winds) 82 Get it wrong 83 Certain implants 84 Role in “Nicholas and Alexandra” 87 TV police drama 89 Comics canine 90 11 or 12, but not 13 92 Paint choice

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N E O A L S R R K E T I Y N O O L I O N T I O N W E R S I A P A X C H A N R A I D B O U N D A S S T U R S B N T B R E A L O U B E R S H A D H E O N E C G E N T A E R O T E P E

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Is Augusta-Richmond County really as crime ridden as you think it is? What kind of crime is actually going on? The Metro Spirit sifts through the incident reports to find out. Monday, February 6

257 Bobby Jones Expressway, Suite 8, Augusta

706.860.5498

One count of: Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Robbery Armed robbery Attempted armed robbery Obstruction of law Auto theft Flight-escape Two counts of: Financial fraud Assault Forced burglary (time unknown) Property damage Attempted auto theft Three counts of: identity fraud 15 counts of: larceny (felony and misdemeanor)

Tuesday, February 7

One count of: Theft/mislaid property Theft by deception Burglary with no forced entry (daytime) Suspicious situations Two counts of: Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Financial fraud Property damage Three counts of: identity fraud Four counts of: assault Five counts of: burglary with forced entry (time unknown) Nine counts of: larceny (both felony and misdemeanor) Odd crimes of the day: A homeless man assaulted an Augustan with a cell phone charger and stole the person’s laptop. The telephone lines and alarm at Fish Bowl Lounge were all cut. The front door was pried open but no entry was made.

Wednesday, February 8

One count of: Impersonating a public officer Robbery by intimidation of bank Burglary with no forced entry (daytime) Burglary with forced entry (night) Burglary with forced entry (time unknown) Robbery by force Dangerous drugs (33.6 grams of marijuana) Two counts of: Burglary with no forced entry (time unknown) Miscellaneous criminal offense Property damage Three counts of: Identity fraud Public peace (harassment) Four counts of: Forgery Theft/mislaid property Invasion of privacy Five counts: of financial theft Six counts of: assault

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Stolen items for the week:

Motorcycles Oldsmobile Saturn $10 of change from a church Microwave Printer TVs 19” computer monitor

Sheet metal Copper wire Bicycles Vacuum Paint gun Tools 250 feet of electrical cord Hubcaps

Seven counts of: larceny (felony and misdemeanor)

A three-pack of floss Wart remover Storage sheds Four tires and rims 12-gauge shotgun Pitbull Lawn mowers Sleep medicines

Six countsof: invasion of privacy Nine counts of: larceny (felony and

Ruger Girl’s dresser A confidential folder Energy drink Washing machine Refrigerator Hot water heater Tablets

$6 Clonazepam “The Help” DVD “Gone Baby Gone” DVD AC units Lawn mowers Toddler clothes Dirt bike

Socks Underclothes Ethanol still Wii and games Fence gates Mucinex

Miscellaneous criminal offenses Four counts of: assault

Ten counts of invasion of privacy 28 counts of larceny

Saturday, February 11

Sunday, February 12

misdemeanor)

Thursday, February 9

One count of: Burglary with no forced entry Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Public peace (harassment) Identity fraud Motor vehicle theft Two counts of: Financial fraud Theft/mislaid property Four counts of: forgery Five counts of: Property damage Assault

Friday, February 10

One count of: Burglary with forced entry (time unknown) Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Burglary with no forced entry (daytime) Motor vehicle theft Weapon offense Invasion of privacy Two counts of: Identity fraud Financial fraud Public peace (harassment)

One count of: Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Burglary with forced entry (night) Theft/mislaid property Robbery Public peace (harassment) Identity fraud Two counts of: forgery Three counts of: financial fraud Four counts of: burglary with no forced entry (time unknown) Nine counts of: assault

One count of: Civil dispute Invasion of privacy Burglary with forced entry (daytime) Two counts of: Assault Burglary with forced entry (time unknown) Public peace (harassment) Five counts of: larceny

Cremation is not as expensive as you think.

$995 Pre-pay for a complete Direct Cremation V. 23 | NO. 07

706.798.8886 for details METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 13

Ruffin’ It

Allegory of the Frozen Lake 2/10/2012 I’m writing this from a Starbucks in Plover, Wisconsin, about 90 minutes northwest of Madison, where I now live. My fiancée and I are heading up to spend the weekend with some generous, employed friends in a cabin their family owns. In the first half hour or so on the drive out, we plowed our way through the first really furious snowstorm of the season, driving about 40 mph on I-39. By the time we got here, though, the sun had come out, even as it began to set, casting on the snow the sort of pink usually reserved for Photoshopped postcards of Key West. Another thing about the snow up here: in the shopping center there are of course giant, plow-swept piles of gunmetal slush, but as you get further out into the country — which we did, before we realized that we had taken the wrong exit for the Steven’s Point Brewing Company — there is more room for the wind to work. As a result, the snow becomes a sort of fine powder, and wafts across the road in ephemeral, unidirectional rivulets. If you had no body heat, it would sift through your fingers like sand, or espresso grounds. It looks so inviting, you might risk the cold and try. There is so much to be excited about in our country right now. There is also so much to be angry, depressed and discouraged about, and these things oftentimes flow from, as well as into, one another. This Zoroastrian back-and-forth has been pretty well embodied by a few recent upheavals in this nation, situations that bridge sectors of politics, healthcare, religion and human rights, and the details of which I will not get into here. And let’s be clear on this: some of these sectors should not bleed over into each other, though I realize that to commit to such a statement is idealistic at best, naïve at worst and perhaps completely disregards the complexity of both the human animal, as well as our current cultural zeitgeist. The hell with it. I started this piece with a lyrical meditation on the Wisconsin landscape, so if I uproot myself from the earth for a few minutes at a time, you’ll excuse me.

2/11/2012 It’s futile to waste time dissecting the intricacies of the winter climates in Georgia and Wisconsin. There are no intricacies: You can wear shorts in Georgia during February and not be considered a screaming lunatic, while here in Steven’s Point your nose hairs can freeze just walking 20 feet from the house to the car. Look, snow is snow. But it’s this marked difference between circumstances that can illuminate the gap between how residents of each place regard it. I’m from Georgia, and lived most of my life far removed from winter freezes. Because of that, I romanticized them, would watch kids having snowball fights in Christmas movies and get jealous. Even on the few occasions I was able to play in snow — we lived in Nashville, 400 miles north, for a few years — the cold was rarely so severe as to be physically or

14 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

socially limiting. Snowballs impacted softly, and only the ice melting during the daily thaw was at all dangerous. Today Michelle and I walked the circumference — maybe a quarter-mile — around the frozen surface of Blue Mountain Lake. I was bundled in two pairs of wool socks, a thermal shirt, wool sweater, wool pea coat, wool cap and Thinsulate gloves. But I had forgotten, unlike Michelle, to bring my two scarves: one for my neck, one to wrap around the lower half of my face. By the time we stepped back onto the dock, my mouth was so cold it had become difficult shaping words, and I began to slur, like a drunk. 2/12/2012 Here, the cold hardens people, compresses them into uncut, unpolished diamonds. You only notice it, I think, at first, which is why the fact is so apparent to me right now. After awhile, your skin can chafe stone, instead of the other way around. Even then, it’s only a practical sort of toughness. The cold snap comes: you make sure the wool blanket, de-icer and ice scraper are in your car. When the cat wants to go out, you don’t let him, no matter how much he cries or screams at you. And when you go out, you leave only your eyes exposed. Here, speech fails you. Only it doesn’t. Governor Scott Walker is being recalled, and rightfully so, for thinly veiled attempts at dismantling the state’s unions. Despite the 1,000,000-plus signatures gathered supporting the recall, it’s still a divisive issue among the state’s citizenry. Nationwide other, equally important issues split us, splinter us. Ours is a fractured culture; this week, Rick Santorum stumped in Washington State, even as Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law a bill legalizing gay marriage. We support or protest foreign military operations depending on who is in office. Howard Stern, somehow, is a voice of reason.

And this is why I’m telling you that, last Friday, I drank in a backwoods bar with a man named James, my first Wisconsin redneck, a “Walker for Sportsmen” button on his camouflage vest. The sleeve of my sweater was rolled to the elbow, revealing my yin-and-yang koi tattoo, symbolizing what I think, I hope is the interconnectedness of all life, of all of us. The two of us laughed, gently ribbed, rolled dice, drank High Life and brandy old fashioneds sweet. My friends, his friends, did the same, and I marveled at the convergence of our language. Outside the wind lifted the snow, that which hardens, divides and unites us, propelling it inexorably into the night.

JOSHRUFFIN, an ASU and Metro Spirit alum, is a published journalist and poet, who just received his

MFA from Georgia College & State University. He was once the most un-intimidating bouncer at Soul Bar.

V. 23 | NO. 07

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 15

TEEing Up the TEE Center

ERICJOHNSON

The CVB begins $350,000 marketing campaign

While some on the commission and some in the gallery continue to wrestle over the political maneuvering that makes the ongoing drama of the TEE Center parking deck so compelling, the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau is beginning a $350,000 pre-opening marketing campaign for the Trade, Exhibit and Event (TEE) Center aimed at bringing conventions and trade shows to the 38,000-square-foot facility attached to the Marriot.

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The TEE Center is scheduled to open late this year. “The goal is to raise awareness that there is someplace new to meet in the state of Georgia,” says Vice President of Sales and Marketing Peggy Seigler. “When they need this flat floor exhibit space, it doesn’t have to be Athens or Macon. Starting in 2013, it can also be Augusta.” According to Seigler, the campaign will primarily target state-based groups. “We know we’re a drive market, and people come from Georgia associations or religious groups, so we’re keeping that focus on the target market and just really making sure that they know there is another option out there.” They’re doing that through a multiplatform campaign that includes a website, augustateecenter.com, brochures and ads in regional meeting planner publications. “We wanted to at least make sure that we were where they’re looking,” Seigler says. The pre-opening marketing plan was funded by a dollar fee collected from hotel stays that is separate and different from the hotel/motel tax that funds the CVB. The fee was part of the agreement that also sent money for the redevelopment of the Laney Walker/ Bethlehem neighborhoods. “We actually received the money last year, so we didn’t do anything until we knew we were going to get the money,” she says. “Then, we put together the plan.” Given the fact that the CVB’s job is to sell the city, tasking it with such a job seemed to make sense. “It’s what they do anyway,” says Administrator Fred Russell. “But if you do this, you’re also taking advantage of Marriott’s worldwide marketing. That’s why the brand is important to us.” Seigler says they were able to absorb the work and make it kind of an extension of their advertising. “We had the right people in place to put on campaigns, so we didn’t have to hire new people,” she says. Though they may have had the staff in

place, that doesn’t mean the facility is going to immediately be operating at its full potential. “I think it will take two to three years,” Seigler says. “I know that won’t make anybody in the community happy, but people don’t want to book it until they know it’s open. Nobody wants to be that first group.” Seigler realizes that with booking cycles usually three or four years out, the initial lag in scheduled events could generate some local criticism, but she doesn’t think it will affect bookings. “I think the operator will see people booking more in 2013,” she says. “But I do feel like we have a strong amount of interest and that 2013 and 2014 will be strong, though probably not the numbers that it will have from

“I think it will take two to three years. I know that won’t make anybody in the community happy, but people don’t want to book it until they know it’s open. Nobody wants to be that first group.”

“We know we’re a drive market, and people come from Georgia associations or religious groups, so we’re keeping that focus on the target market and just really making sure that they know there is another option out there.”

V. 23 | NO. 07

then on out.” While they wait for the event planners to warm to the idea and watch the first few events come and go, Seigler thinks they can fill the gaps with consumer shows like boat shows and sports-oriented events. “It doesn’t mean we’re giving up on 2013 and 2014, it’s just a little bit different of an audience,” she says. Though Seigler says they didn’t necessarily base their preopening marketing campaign on any other cities, she does say that they researched their competition a couple of years ago and examined how meeting planners made decisions, particularly what they liked and didn’t like about Augusta. “They find that when they meet in Augusta, they have a great time,” she says. “What makes it a special place is actually the historic downtown, the walkable downtown. They can stop and eat in local venues, and they love that — so we are trying to highlight that in the campaign.” When they’re not out walking the downtown, the flat floor space allows them to tailor several different layouts to different events. As a banquet facility, for example, it could seat 1,800 guests, while, if set up for a lecture, the single hall could accommodate 3,465. Potentially the most valuable set up, however, is the 190 booths the large hall configuration can accommodate. Though Augusta had city-owned conference space, what it didn’t have was the bigger space to allow the booths. “The groups that are about 250 people in size can meet and spend the night all under one roof, but they could never have a trade show,” Seigler says. “And for a lot of associations, that’s the money maker.” Getting vendors in front of association members is a major source of funding for many associations, Seigler says, and, without exhibit space, the city was turning away business because it couldn’t accommodate the trade show portion. “So we had the city-owned conference center — that’s got the meeting space — we just needed that exhibit hall, and now that we have it, we’ll hopefully be able to bring those people back so they can remember what they liked about Augusta.”

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 17

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Serving Up Apps

ERICJOHNSON

Local restaurateur moves out of the kitchen and into the app store Though his dream of franchising his Papa-N-Son’s Chicago-style hot dog joints didn’t pan out and he’s looking to sell his remaining Evans restaurant, Dino Dakuras remains undaunted.

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Dakuras thought franchising in the midst of the recession would put him in a strong position when the recession ended, but the economy never cooperated. In the meantime, his father was diagnosed with cancer and the pressures of keeping the Evans location open brought him to the Bill & Dino Dakuras decision that it was time to close. “The corporation is not closing unless someone comes in and buys it,” he says. “And I’ve still got my apps — I’ve still got my Restaurant Calculator and I’ve still got my Greek Recipes.” Though Dakuras might look more at home behind the counter serving up a hot dog or a Gyro, he’s equally comfortable behind a computer screen banging out code. “It’s not hard,” he insists. “It’s just tedious.” In his case, it’s not hard because he’s one of those guys who doesn’t know that he shouldn’t be able to do it. “When I heard around town that nobody really builds apps, I’m like — why?” he says. “And then you look online and see where you can send your great idea away, and now all of a sudden you’re going to take your brilliant idea and send it to someone you’ve never met? I just don’t know about that.” So he rolled up his sleeves and decided to build his great idea himself. “I got my Mac and typed in the code and put it on the app store,” he says. “I did everything, from start to finish.” How he did it, though. That’s a story in itself. “YouTube,” he says. “I just listened and learned.” He’s not talking about watching some slick tutorials, however. Though he did download a $100 class to fine tune his knowledge, the fundamentals of his understanding came from watching 12- and 13-year-old kids on YouTube. “I watch how they build it and then apply it to me,” he says. “If they don’t do something that I want, then I’ll Google it and figure out how to do that one little thing. Usually, it’s just a simple line of code.” Though he’s always learning — and he isn’t ashamed to be learning from kids — he does start by having an aptitude for such things. When he was in the restaurant business, he had a friend develop a computer program for the business, but it was only good for a year, so Dakuras went in and made the updates himself. Creating apps, he says, isn’t much different. “It’s just like programming, believe it or not,” he says. “You’ve got an image side of the program and then you’ve got a code side of the program, and those two need to coincide with each other.” His Greek Recipe app, for example, combines images with code to produce the equivalent of a Greek cookbook in the palm of your hand. “The Greek app is awesome,” he says. “It has beautiful photos of food and you double click them and they blow up. And it’s clean, not fancy. The background is just the image of Greece and the pages are all one color — just like a recipe book.” The Restaurant Calculator is a bit more utilitarian, but it’s designed with a more specific user in mind — restaurant owners. “The Restaurant Calculator helps you calculate the price you should sell an item for,” he says. “If the cost of my item — the foil and the hotdog — is a dollar, I press calculate and that’s what I should charge for it. So if you’re a new restaurant guy, it helps you kind of get an idea how you should set your menu prices.” It does the same for figuring out what your managers should cost based on gross revenue, the cost of labor and what you should be spending in advertising. And while most people would think writing code would be a form of torture, Dakuras considers it a way to relax after a long day at work. And since the franchised location closed last October and he’s started working outside the business, he’s knows plenty of stress. “I would never have envisioned the words, ‘I’m having to close’ would come out of my mouth, because you don’t get into business thinking you’re going to close,” he says. “You get into business thinking you’re going to have 50 Papa-N-Sons in five years, so you’re kind of shell shocked at first, but after that you kind of regroup and go, ‘Well, I guess I’ve got to go out and make more money again.’”

V. 23 | NO. 07

University health care system

pops! at the bell

Music of Michael Jackson

Thursday, March 8th | 7:30PM | Bell Auditorium | Tickets: $15-$40

soaugusta.org | 706.826.4705 featuring conductor brent havens and vocalist james delisco V. 23 | NO. 07

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 19

R.U.N.E ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED

Downtown Augusta turns into The Big Easy this Saturday for the Fat Saturday Pub Crawl, a celebration of potent potables that will benefit the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Registration is at the 10th Street HQ and, sure, there’s a few hours between registration and the crawl, but that’ll give you just enough time to get some food in your stomach before you hit the 15 bars that must stamp your passport in order for your to qualify for the great prizes they’re giving away. Not a big fan of walking? Just $5 gets you unlimited access to the Mardi Gras themed trolley, which will be emceed by 95Rock and Metro Spirit music columnist Matt Stone. And you can drink while riding! Don’t make Matt kick you off after it’s over, though; if he has to sic his giant dog on you, you’ll be in big trouble.

Fat Saturday Pub Crawl Downtown Augusta, 15 stops Registration, 4 p.m.; pub crawl, 8 p.m. | $10; $5 to ride the trolley between stops

facebook.com/fatsaturday 20 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

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ENTERTAIN

ME Listen to the sweet sounds of cellist Wendy Warner and pianist Irina Nuzova when the duo visits St. Paul’s Church for Tuesday’s Music Live on February 21. The noon concer t is free and reservations aren’t required. If you’d like lunch, however, which follows the concer t, it is $10 by advanced reservation only. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

Arts

Art at Lunch: Framing Mary Whyte, featuring a discussion led by Smith Coleman, owner of Coleman Fine Art, is Friday, February 17, at noon at the Morris Museum of Art. Lunch by Roux’s Catering. $10 for members; $14 for nonmembers. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. Day of Art, hosted by the North Augusta Artists Guild, is each Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Arts and Heritage Center and includes a group of artists painting in the center who will answer questions or allow visitors to join in. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com. Winter Classes, for adults and teens, ranging in subject from visual arts to bridge and yoga, continue through the end of March at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Pre-registration, which is required, is going on now. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Exhibitions

2012 Juried Student Art Show, judged by Ted Saupe, shows February 23-March 16 at the Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art at Augusta State University. Call 706-6674888 or visit aug.edu. Young Masters: Work by Savannah River V. 23 | NO. 07

Area High School Students shows through February 26 at the Morris Museum of Art in the Education Gallery. Call 706-7247501 or visit themorris.org. LeMay Art Exhibit shows through February 28 at the Aiken Center for the Arts, and features the work of local artists Ann and Bill LeMay. Call 803-2780709 or visit aikenartistguild.org. Lenn Hopkins exhibit, featuring work inspired by images and lifestyles of the rural south, shows through February 29 at Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Call 706-8264700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. Working South: Paintings and Sketches by Mary Whyte shows through March 11 at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org. African American Trailblazers of Augusta shows through March 31 at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. $2-$5. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. Fore! Images in Golf Art, featuring 25 paintings, photographs and drawings, shows through April 15 at the Morris Museum of Art. Featured artists include LeRoy Neiman, Will Barnet, Tim Clark and Ray Ellis. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Music

The Dixie Echoes Quartet performs at Bible Fellowship Church in Martinez on Thursday, February 16, at 7 p.m. Free, but a love offering will be taken. Call 706-922-5314 or visit biblefellowshipministry.org. Augusta State University Choirs will perform Thursday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. at ASU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Call 706-667-4100 or visit aug.edu. The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at the Saluda Shrine Club in South Carolina is Saturday, February 18, at 7 p.m. with a jam session that is $5, and Sunday, February 19, at 10 a.m. for $15. Call 803-593-0454 or visit southernsteelconvention.com. The Great, presented by the Symphony Orchestra Augusta, is Saturday, February 18, at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Augusta. $10-$45. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org. Tuesday’s Music Live, featuring cellist Wendy Warner and pianist Irina Nuzova, is February 21 at noon at St. Paul’s Church. The concert is free; lunch, which follows the concert, is $10 by advanced reservation only. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com. ASU Orchestra and Wind Ensemble perform Thursday, February 23, at 7:30

p.m. at Augusta State University’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Call 706-6674100 or visit aug.edu. The Salvation Army School of the Performing Arts holds classes each Tuesday. Included is instruction in piano, drums, guitar, voice and brass. Call 706364-4069 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Literary

Brown Bag Book Discussion, featuring “Picking Cotton,” is Thursday, February 16, at 11 a.m. at Columbia County Library in Evans. Call 706-863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org. Craft Talk and Poetry Workshop with poet Craig Blais is Thursday, February 16, from noon-2 p.m. at Augusta State University (Butler Meeting Room, Jaguar Student Activities Center). Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required. Call Anna Harris at 706-729-2508 or email aharri31@aug.edu. “Lamb in His Bosom” Book Club Discussion is Thursday, February 16, at 4 p.m. at Harlem Branch Library. Call 706-556-9795 or visit ecgrl.org. “Diverse Dialogue with Passion” Book Club, featuring discussion of “Twelve Years a Slave,” is Thursday, February 16, at 6 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. Friends of Augusta Library Book Sale is Saturday, February 18, from 10 a.m.-1 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 21

p.m. at Appleby Branch Library. Call 706736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org. “Let’s Talk About It” Land of Opportunity Series: Seabiscuit, featuring a book discussion led by Suzanne Ozment, is Tuesday, February 21, at 7 p.m. at Aiken Public Library. Call 803-642-7575 or visit abbe-lib.org. Poetry Matters is accepting entries through March 23 for their annual poetry contest. Cash prizes will be give out. Categories are middle and high school, adults and seniors. Visit poetrymatterscelebration.com. Nook tutorials at Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall are each Saturday beginning at noon, followed by a Nookcolor tutorial at 12:30 p.m. Free. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

the Etherredge Center. Donations will be accepted at the door for the Aiken SPCA. Call 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu. Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” a production of the Edgefield County Theatre Company, shows February 17-18 and February 24-25 at 8 p.m., as well as February 19 at 3 p.m., at the William Miller Bouknight Theatre. Call 803-637-3833 or visit edgefieldcountytheatrecompany.com. After-Hours Night of Improv! is Friday, February 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library (Second Floor, YA Room). Be at the library before closing time at 5:30 p.m. Call 706-8212600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Riverdance Farewell Tour is Friday, February 17, at 8 p.m. at Bell Auditorium. $52-$62. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.

Belly Dance Class is every Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Euchee Creek Branch Library. Call 706-556-0594 or visit ecgrl.org.

Auditions for “The Prince is Giving a Ball,” a production of Enopion Theatre Company, are every Thursday between February 16 and March 15 at the Kroc Center. Auditions are by appointment only. Performances will be held August 9-19. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com. “Becky Shaw” is Thursday, February 16-Saturday, February 18, at 8 p.m. at Le Chat Noir. $15-$30. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com. “Experimental Relief,” a USC-Aiken University Theatre production that features five short plays, is ThursdayFriday, February 16-17, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 18, at 2 p.m. at 22 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

“Midnight in Paris” shows Saturday, February 18, at 3 p.m. at Aiken Public Library. Call 803-642-7575 or visit abbe-lib.org. Buffalo Soldiers Video Presentation is Monday, February 20, at 11 a.m. at Augusta State University’s Jaguar Student Activities Center Ballroom. A demonstration will follow, at noon, on the ASU Sports Field. Call 706-737-1444 or visit aug.edu.

“For Love or Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots” viewing and panel discussion is Monday, February 20, at 7 p.m. at Augusta State University’s University Hall, room 170. $2; free for ASU students, faculty and staff with ID. Call 706-729-2416 or visit aug.edu.

Tango Night is every Thursday, 7-9:30 p.m., at Casa Blanca Cafe, 936 Broad Street. Call 706-504-3431 or visit casablancatime.com.

Theater

“Inside Job,” presented by USC-Aiken’s School of Business, shows Thursday, February 16, at 5 p.m. at the Penland Administrative Building (Room 106). Discussion to follow. Free and open to the public. Call Dr. David Harrison at 803641-3340 or visit usca.edu.

School’s Out Movie for Children and Families is Monday, February 20, at 2 p.m. at Diamond Lakes Library. Free. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.

Dance

Augusta International Folk Dance Club meets Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Augusta Ballet Studio on 2941 Walton Way. No partners needed. First visit free. Call 706-399-2477.

Flix

go barefoot with the edgefield county theatre company this weekend and next.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is Friday, February 17-Saturday, February 18, at 7 p.m. at the Aiken Municipal Building Conference Center. $35. Dessert buffet included. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

“Insignificance” shows Tuesday, February 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. Free. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. “Cronos,” a Spanish film, shows Tuesday, February 21, and Thursday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m. at USC-Aiken’s Penland Building, room 106, as part of the USC-Aiken International Film Festival. Members of the Spanish faculty will introduce the film and conduct a discussion afterwards. $2, general public; $1, students with ID. Visit usca.edu.

Imago Theatre: “ZooZoo,” presented by the ASU Lyceum Series, is Saturday, February 18, at 7 p.m. at Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta State University. Call 706-667-4100 or visit aug.edu.

“Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday” shows Thursday, February 23, at noon at Headquarters Branch Library. Bring your lunch. Free. Call 706-8212600 or visit ecgrl.org.

The Columbia County Amateur Series is looking for acts to perform at the Columbia County Amphitheater. Signup continues through March 31. Call 706-868-3349 or email ccook@ columbiacountyga.gov.

Drugs Don’t Work Seminar, featuring presentations by Augusta’s Superior Court Judge and District Attorney, is Thursday, February 16, from 3-5 p.m. at Augusta Technical College (Jack B. Patrick Auditorium). $25-$35. Register online at augustachamber.net. Call

Special Events

Daphne Jones at 706-821-1305 or email djones@augustausa.com. The 11th Annual Historian Awards are Thursday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. USC-Aiken celebrates its homecoming with a Mardi Gras theme on Friday, February 17, beginning with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a Greek Step Show and dinner. It continues Saturday, February 18, at 10 a.m., with several events going on throughout the day. Visit usca.edu/alumni/ homecoming/index.html. Beautiful Life Conference, designed for young women of faith, is Friday, February 17, at 7 p.m.-Saturday, February 18, at 4:30 p.m., at New Hope Worship Center in Evans. $15-$18. Call Scott Franklin at 706868-6410 or visit nhwc.org. Soul City Sirens 2012 Season Opener Party, which includes a mock bout, a Derby Girl Auction and music from the Young Georgians, is Friday, February 17, at 9 p.m. at Sky City. $5. Visit soulcitysirens.com. Diamond in the Rough Artistic Showcase, featuring music, poetry, spoken word, singing and more, is Saturday, February 18, at 4 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. Call Joe Rob at 706-200-1293 or visit ecgrl.org. Second Annual Fat Saturday Pub Crawl is Saturday, February 18, from 8 p.m.-midnight in downtown Augusta. Registration begins at 4 p.m. The first 500 participants receive a free T-shirt. $10. Pay an additional $5 to ride the trolley. Visit facebook.com/FatSaturday. Wild Gourmet in Winter is Sunday, February 19, from 2-3:30 p.m. at Mistletoe State Park. At this potluck, every dish must include at least one wild ingredient. $5 for parking. Call 706-541-0321. Presidents’ Day at the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson is Monday, February 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and will feature buy one, get one free admission on tours. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org. Pride Night OUT! at the Cotton Patch is Monday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m. Let the servers know you’re there for the event at 10 percent goes toward Augusta Pride. Visit augustapride.com. V. 23 | NO. 07

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104th Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting is Thursday, February 23, at 7 p.m. $55. Call 706-8211300 or visit augustachamber.net. Tours of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., on the hour, at 415 Seventh Street. $3-$5; free for children

Debbie Franco at 706-495-7181 or visit fgscc.com. The 2012 Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship Competition is Saturday, March 17, at the Pettigrew Center at Fort Valley State University. Georgia girls, ages 4-24, are eligible. Entry deadline is March 10. Visit missgeorgiapeach.org. Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board Committee Meetings are each Tuesday in February at the DOE Meeting Center, 230 Village Green Blvd., in Aiken at 6 p.m. Call 803-952-7884.

Health

Big Brother/Big Sister, featuring activities to help children welcome a new baby, is Thursday, February 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Doctors Hospital (Medical Office Building 1, Suite 310). Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-BABY or visit doctors-hospital.net. take a deep breath at the free asthma screening at the kroc center saturday, february 18

under 5. Groups of 10 or more need a reservation. Call 706-724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org. Weekly Wine Tastings at Vineyard Wine Market in Evans are each Friday from 4:306:30 p.m. and each Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Call 706-922-9463 or visit vine11.com. Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board Committee Meetings are each Tuesday in February, at the DOE Meeting Center, 230 Village Green Blvd., in Aiken at 6 p.m. Agenda topics include strategic and legacy management, facilities disposition and site remediation, waste management and nuclear materials. Call 803-952-7884. AARP Tax Help is offered through February on Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Euchee Creek Branch Library; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Columbia County Library; Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Headquarter Branch Library; Thursday, noon-4 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Maxwell Library. Visit ecgrl.org. Call for applications: the Fort Gordon Spouses and Civilians Club funds, services or supplies to deserving organizations or individuals as part of their Grants and Services program. Deadline: March 1. Call V. 23 | NO. 07

Breastfeeding Class, sponsored by University Hospital, is Thursday, February 16, from 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us on Washington Road. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org. Safe Kids East Central Safe Sitters Program, featuring instruction for 11 to 13 year olds, is Saturday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, in Evans. $35 per student. Lunch provided. Call 706-7217606 or visit georgiahealth.org/safekids. First Aid, CPR and AED Training is Saturday, February 18, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Aiken Regional Medical Center (Sixth Floor, Classrooms A&B). $45, and includes book. Pre-registration required. Call 800-882-7445 or visit aikenregional.com. Free Asthma Screenings, offered by Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center and funded by Kohl’s Cares, are Saturday, February 18, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-721-3225 or visit georgiahealth. org/kohlscares. Georgia Health Sciences Breastfeeding Class meets Tuesday, February 21, from 7-9 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center (First Floor, Patient and Family Resource Library). Call 706-7219351 or visit georgiahealth.org.

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Showing and Glowing, a two-session METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 23

class for women in mid-pregnancy, is Tuesday, February 21 and February 28, from 7-9:30 p.m. at Doctors Hospital (Medical Office Building 1, Suite 310). Call 706-651-BABY or visit doctorshospital.net. Stress Management is Wednesday, February 22, at 8:25 a.m., 9:25 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. at University’s Heart & Vascular Institute (First Floor, Classroom 2). Call 706-774-3278 or visit universityhealth.org. Bariatrics Seminar, with Drs. Blaney and Glass, is Thursday, February 23, from 6-7 p.m. at Doctors Hospital (South Tower, Classroom 1). Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Family and Friends CPR Training is Thursday, February 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Aiken Regional Medical Center (Sixth Floor, Classrooms A&B). $10. Pre-registration required. Call 800-8827445 or visit aikenregional.com. Georgia Health Sciences Weight Loss Seminar is Thursday, February 23, at 7 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center (First Floor, Community

Room). Call 706-721-2609 or visit georgiahealth.org/weightloss. Babies, Bumps and Bruises, featuring instruction in infant safety issues, is Thursday, February 23, from 7-9 p.m. at Doctors Hospital (Medical Office Building 1, Suite 310). Call 706-651-BABY or visit doctors-hospital.net. Joint Efforts, presented by Trinity Hospital of Augusta, meets every Thursday from 11-11:45 a.m. at Augusta Bone and Joint, and features a free seminar about knee and hip pain, treatments, medication, food and exercise. Call 706481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com. Infant CPR Anytime Learning Program will be held Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the first floor information desk (west entrance) of Georgia Health Sciences University. Visit georgiahealth.edu. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class meets every Monday and Friday at noon at the Wilson Family Y. Free for members; $3 for non-members. Pre-registration required. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.

Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Orientation is every Monday at 6 p.m. and Tuesday at 2 p.m. at University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute (Classroom 3). Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org. Adapted Wii Special Populations available by appointment at the Wilson Family Y, and feature individual ½-hour classes for physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. $10, members; $20, non-members. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9662 or visit thefamilyy.org.

Support

Alzheimer’s Disease Support GroupWestwood meets Thursday, February 16, at 3 p.m. at Westwood Nursing Facility in Evans. Free. Call 706-863-7514. Weight Loss Support Group meets Thursday, February 16, at 7 p.m. at Trinity Hospital of Augusta (Sister Mary Louise Conference Room). Call 706-4817298 or visit trinitybariatrics.com. Skip to my Lupus meets Thursday, February 16, from 7-9 p.m. at Aiken Regional Medical Center (Dining Room A). Call 803-251-9413 or visit aikenregional.com. Young Women with Breast Cancer Cancer Share meets Friday, February 17, at 12:30 p.m. at University’s Breast Health Center (Professional Center 2, Suite 205). Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org. Look Good… Feel Better meets Monday, February 20, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Cancer Care Institute of Carolina in Aiken. Call 803-641-6044. Essential Tremors Support Group meets Monday, February 20, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aiken. Call 803-226-0338. Georgia Health Sciences Prostate Cancer Support Group meets Tuesday, February 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center (First Floor, Community Room). Call 706-721-0550 or visit georgiahealth.org. Prostate Cancer Support Group meets Tuesday, February 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Augusta Technical College (Building 600, Room 612). Call 706-868-8758. Celiac Disease Support Group meets Tuesday, February 21, from 7-8:30

24 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

V. 23 | NO. 07

Moms Connection, a free support group for new mothers and their babies, meets Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Building 1010C. Call 706-7219351 or visit georgiahealth.org.

Excavating Edgefield, featuring a lecture by anthropology doctoral candidate George W. Calfas, is Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. at the Morris Museum of Art. Free. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

ecgrl.org.

Education

African Day Lecture, featuring Dr. Nate Plageman, is Tuesday February 21, at noon at Augusta State University (Allgood Hall, room E151). Call 706-737-1440 or visit aug.edu.

ESL classes are offered every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library (Third Floor Writing Lab). Pre-registration required. Call Charles Garrick at 803-2793363 or visit ecgrl.org.

Narcotics Anonymous, sponsored by Trinity Hospital of Augusta, meets Fridays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. Call 706-8552419 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

2012 Employer Expo, featuring internship and job opportunities for ASU students and alumni, is Friday, February 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Call 706-737-1604 or visit aug.edu.

GA Department of Labor: Financial Aid Presentation is Tuesday, February 21, at 6 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Call 706-863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org.

Intermediate Spanish Language Class is each Monday from 2:30-4 p.m. at Friedman Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706736-6758 or visit ecgrl.org.

AA Meets every Sunday and Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Aiken Regional Medical Center (Aurora Pavilion), and features an open discussion. Call 800-322-8322 or visit aikenregional.com.

Finding Hidden Resources on Government Websites is Thursday, February 16, at 8 p.m. and Friday, February 17, at 3 p.m. at Aiken Public Library. Call 803-642-7575 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Microsoft Word I Class is Wednesday, February 22, at 10 a.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. PINES card required. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish Language Class is each Monday from 4-5 p.m. at Friedman Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366758 or visit ecgrl.org.

Burn Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Doctors Hospital (Lori Rogers Nursing Library, JMS Building). All burn survivors, and their families and friends are welcome. Call Tim Dorn at 706-651-6660 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

African American History on the Web, featuring a guided internet tour, is Saturday, February 18, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Diamond Lakes Library. Pre-registration required. Free. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.

Microsoft Word II Class is Wednesday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. PINES card required. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Call for applications: the Fort Gordon Spouses and Civilians Club awards merit scholarships for graduating seniors, and to adults continuing their education. Scholarships are open to dependents of all military members and dependents of our civilian club members. Deadline: March 1. Call Debbie Windhorn at 706-364-8702 or visit fgscc.com.

p.m. at the Summerville Professional Building (Room 120). Contact Rose Cruickshank at 706-738-8253 or email roseforhealth@aol.com. Georgia Health Sciences A.W.A.K.E. Sleep Apnea Support Group meets Thursday, February 23, from 7-9 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center (First Floor, Family Resource Library). Call 706-721-0793 or visit georgiahealth.org.

V. 23 | NO. 07

Educator Expo, presented by Augusta State University, is Thursday, February 16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Call 706-737-1604 or visit aug.edu.

GED classes are offered every Monday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library (Third Floor Writing Lab). PINES library card required. Call Charles Garrick at 803-279-3363 or visit

Computer classes are offered every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org.

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 25

Benefits

visit georgialinatix.com.

St. Paul’s Fourth Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser, featuring Cajun dinner, dancing, live music and an auction, is Friday, February 17, at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral in the River Room. $40. Call 706724-2485 or visit stpauls.org. Karma Yoga is offered at Just Breathe Studio, downtown Aiken, each Friday at 10 a.m. and is free if participants bring a donation of a personal item, which will be given to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons. Call 803-648-8048 or visit justbreathestudio.com.

Sports-Outdoors

Columbia County Youth Baseball and Softball Registration, for children ages 5-17, continues through February 17. $40-$70. Call 706-863-7523 or visit columbiacountyga.gov. ASU Tennis vs. Armstrong is Friday, February 17, at 2 p.m. at Newman Tennis Center. Call 706-737-1604 or visit aug.edu. Augusta Riverhawks vs. Columbus Cottonmouths is Friday, February 17, at 7:35 p.m. at the James Brown Arena. $9-$17. Call 877-4AUGTIX or

Augusta Aiken Audubon Society Field Trip to Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary is Saturday, February 18, from 9 a.m.-noon and begins at Kathwood Ponds. Call 803-471-0291. Augusta Riverhawks vs. Fayetteville FireAntz is Saturday, February 18, at 7:35 p.m. at the James Brown Arena. $9-$17. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com. Birds and Butterflies Nature Series: Owl Prowl at Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary is Monday, February 20, at 6:30 p.m. and begins at the Silver Bluff Visitors Center. $5. Pre-registration required. Call 803-649-7999. Wildcat 5K Trail Run and 1-Mile Fun Run at Westminster Schools of Augusta is Saturday, February 25. Check-in and registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 9 a.m., following by the 5K at 9:30. The 5K course will incorporate the school’s new cross-country trail. $15, fun run and $20 5K, through February 17th; after February 17, it is $25 for 5K. All age groups welcome. Email rachelmsheldon@ gmail.com or visit wsa.net. Augusta Canal Boat Tours lasting one hour are offered daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,

1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday Sunset Cruises, lasting three hours, are at 5 p.m. All tours include admission to the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center. Call 706-8230440 or visit augustacanal.com. The Augusta Fencers Club is open five nights a week from 5:30-9 p.m. and most Saturday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon. Visitors always welcome. Call 706-722-8878. Thursday Night Chain Reaction Ride begins at 6 p.m. each Thursday at Patriots Park in Grovetown. For intermediate to fastpaced cyclists, who average 25-32 miles. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net. Riverview Disc Golf League meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta. $5 entry fee and $1 ace pool. Call 803-215-8181 or visit augustadiscgolf.com. Road Bike Ride meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse downtown for an approximately 25-mile ride at a moderate to fast pace. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706-724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com.

Guided Trail Rides at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are 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, first-served basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. $23-$30. Call 706791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. Zumba with Sohailla is every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the Ballroom Dance Center in Evans. Call 706-421-6168 or visit zumbawithsohailla.blogspot.com. Civil War 150th Anniversary Petersburg Boat Tours are Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. This one-hour tour explores the role the canal played during the war. $12.50. Visit augustacanal.com. Saturday Historic Trolley Tours are Saturdays from 1-4:15 p.m. at the Augusta Museum of History. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. $12. Call 706-7244067 or visit augustamuseum.org. Lakeside Rideouts at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are each Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served

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basis. The ride, which begins at 2 p.m., is a two-hour guided ride to Wilkerson Lake. $45-$50. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. Yoga Class at Euchee Creek Branch Library meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. Call 706556-0594 or visit ecgrl.org. Nacho Mama’s Group Run is each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and features food and drinks afterwards. Three- and four-mile routes are available for all ages and abilities of runners. Call 706-414-4059 or email jim@enduranceconcepts.com. Hott Shott Disc Golf is each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Killer B Disc Golf, 863 Broad Street, and features games and prizes for all ages and skill levels. $2. Call 706-814-7514 or visit killerbdiscgolf.blogspot.com/p/hott-shott. Youth Archery League meets Wednesdays through March 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Odell Weeks Center in Aiken, and features lessons in history, safety and technique for ages 5-16, accompanied by an adult. $11 per session. Call 803-642-7631. Wheelchair Tennis Clinic, presented by the Walton Foundation for Independence, meets each Monday at 6 p.m. at The Club at Rae’s

V. 23 | NO. 07

Creek. Free and open to the public. Call 706-826-5809 or email alsalley@wrh.org.

Kids

Follow the Drinking Gourd, featuring information on how slaves used astronomy and song to travel to Canada, is Saturday, February 18, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at DuPont Planetarium, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, in Aiken. $1$4.50. Call 803-641-3654.

at Enterprise Mill. The event, for children in grades K-5, is part of Augusta’s Half-Marathon Festival, and encourages children to run or walk a total of 12 miles prior to the 1.1 mile Fun Run. Pre-

Junior Rangers at Mistletoe, for children ages 8-12, is Monday, February 20, at Mistletoe State Park. $25. Lunch provided. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org.

Medals for Miles Fun Run Program, presented by The Augusta Sports Council and the Family Y, is February 25, at 4 p.m.

Exercise Your Body and Mind Masters Week Camp, sponsored by MACH Academy, is Monday, April 2-Friday, April 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fleming Tennis Center, and includes instruction in science, math, creative writing, computer literacy, nutrition and healthy eating, tennis and fitness, and more. $100 per child, and includes lunch and supplies. Partial scholarships available for qualifying participants. Pre-registration required. Call 706-796-5046 or visit machacademy.com. Preschool Story Time is every Tuesday at Headquarters Branch Library at 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Group registration required. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Children’s Mardi Gras Party, featuring a craft, is Tuesday, February 21, at 10 a.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. Young Adult Jewelry Workshop is Tuesday, February 21, at 4 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org.

3:30-4:30 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library in the Children’s Department. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

be an animal at imago theatre’s zoozoo on saturday, february 18, at asu

Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Diamond Lakes Branch Library. Groups of six or more must pre-register. Call 706772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.

registration required. Call 706-722-8326, ext. 231, or visit augustahalf.org.

Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Friedman Branch Library. Groups of six or more must pre-register. Call 706-7366758 or visit ecgrl.org.

Game Day is each Friday in February from

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 27

Story Time is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Maxwell Branch Library. Preregistration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

Mondays at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. in the Weeks Ceramics Center. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Story Time is every Wednesday from 10-11:15 a.m. at Wallace Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7226275 or visit ecgrl.org.

Toddler Time, free play for children ages 5 and under, is each Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Story Time is every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Harlem Branch Library. Call 706-5569795 or visit ecgrl.org. Ceramics Class, for ages 14 and up, meets

Wacky Wednesday Story Time is each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the children’s department of Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall. Call 706-737-0012

or visit bn.com. Story Time is every Wednesday at Appleby Branch Library from 10:05-10:20 a.m. for toddlers 18 months-35 months, and from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for preschoolers ages 3 and up. Parent must stay with child. Call 706-736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org. Story Time is every Wednesday from 10:15-10:45 a.m. for Pre-K, and 11:3011:55 a.m. for toddlers at Aiken County Public Library. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Story Time is every Wednesday from 10:30-11 a.m. for toddlers and 11:1511:45 a.m. for preschoolers at North Augusta Branch Library. Call 803-2795767 or abbe-lib.org. Mother’s Morning Out is every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wilson Family Y for children ages 3-4. The schedule follows the Richmond County school calendar. $90 per month for members; $110 per month for nonmembers. Register at any Family Y or visit thefamilyy.org.

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28 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

V. 23 | NO. 07

Homeschool Playgroup meets each Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Creighton Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484.

7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Ceramics Class is offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays and 6 p.m. on Mondays or Tuesdays at the Weeks Center. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Fit 4 Ever is offered at the Weeks Center in Aiken on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10-11 a.m. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

The Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club Junior Academy, for boys and girls ages 5-8, meets each Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Augusta Soccer Park. Call 706-8540149 or visit augustasoccer. com.

Line Dancing is each Tuesday at the Weeks Center in Aiken at 10 a.m. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Hobbies

Genealogy Programs: Government Land Records Online is Thursday, February 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. Crafters Night is each Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Dragon Scales Month continues through March 1 at Headquarters Branch Library. For every book a child reads, the library will add a scale and try to make the dragon stretch around the Children’s Department. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

say goodbye to riverdance friday, february 17, at bell auditorium

Seniors

from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Canasta on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

DECLASSIFIED

Games for Seniors at the Weeks Center in Aiken include Rummikub each Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon, Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday at 9 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday

Silversneakers I is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yogastretch is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-642-

Simple Cooking Class meets each Monday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Volunteers

CSRA Humane Society New Volunteer Orientation is Saturday, February 18, at 9 a.m. at the Pet Center. Call 706-261-PETS or visit csrahumanesociety.org. Augusta Public Library is looking for volunteers. Friends of the library receive a 10 percent discount at The Book Tavern, complimentary dessert at French Market Grille, one free Petersburg Boat Ride, free coffee and discounts at Sundrees Market, and bogo admission at the Woodrow Wilson House. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. Hospice Care of America’s Augusta office needs administrative and patient care volunteers. No experience necessary; training will be provided. Call Rich Boland at 706-447-2626 or email rboland@ msa-corp.com.

If you would like to see your organization’s events listed in our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. The deadline for each Thursday’s issue is the previous Friday at noon.

Metro Spirit is seeking an account executive to join our growing staff. full time • sales background required • guaranteed salary. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR

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All declassified ads are Cash in Advance (credit card payment required) and are $40 per week. Visit metrospirit.com to place your ad in minutes. METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 29

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Madison Metcalf, Allie Overstreet and Jacob Greenway at Winter Jam 2012 at the James Brown Arena.

SIGHTINGS

Ashley Wright, Becky Wright and Linda Walker at SOA Pops! at the Bell concert with the Temptations.

Mary Davis, Mary Jane McCollum, Gaines Hitson and Malisa Copenhaver at the SOA Pops! at the Bell concert with the Temptations.

SIGHTINGS

Trevor Zahner, Dylan Anderson and Crystal Lunceford at Winter Jam 2012 at the James Brown Arena.

Jayne McElmurray Kirkpatrick, bluegrass singer/songwriter Rhonda Vincent and Steve Scott at the Morris Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southern Soul & Song series at the Imperial Theatre.

SIGHTINGS

Austin and Rachel Schneider with Lauren Devivo and Clay Veal at the Cotton Patch.

30 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

Jessica Gatch, Samantha Parker and Chae Hendricks at the Columbia County Charity Gala at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Angie Donwen, Jessica Weinstein, Beth Blalock and Katy Ledford Scott at the Morris Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southern Soul & Song series at the Imperial Theatre.

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Courtney Cabe, Kayla Dinkins, Emily Ferguson and Rachael Starkey at the Library.

V. 23 | NO. 07

THE

EIGHT

BOX TOPS

A romantic movie tops the box office the weekend before Valentine’s Day? No way! RANK

TITLE

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

THE VOW

$41,202,458

SAFE HOUSE

$40,172,720

JOURNEY 2

$27,335,363

STAR WARS: EPISODE I

$22,469,932

CHRONICLE

$12,092,589

$39,959,856

SAMEIFLING

“Safe House” It’s almost smart enough, but almost only counts in… well, you know The first thing you should know about “Safe House” is that it is a very violent movie. Many people in it get shot. Others have their necks broken. A woman in a bathrobe gets shot in the back. Later, two guys stab each other with broken glass. Cars race around and crash, and one even blows up! Ryan Reynolds does a lot of the hitting and the getting hit. At one point, he head-butts a policeman! He has to, you see, because he plays a guy named Matt Weston who is stuck running the CIA safe house in “Safe House.” Except, it’s not safe! Denzel Washington is playing a character named Tobin Frost, who used the work at the CIA but now is in trouble. He retired into a life of criminal espionage and has an illegal file that has made him a target for some very bad guys. They shoot people like crazy! Tobin is in Cape Town, South Africa, and pretty sure he’s going to get killed, so he walks into the U.S. Consulate there. The spooks drag him to the safe house where Ryan Reynolds is bored out of his everlovin’ mind. But soon the bad guys break in and perforate the place. Now it’s Matt and Tobin on the run in South Africa together. Tobin is still Matt’s prisoner, but he’s also an expert in interrogation psychology — a really hard guy to lug around when you’re trying not to get yourself murdered! One good part about the movie is that Denzel Washington really likes to work for his money, so while “Safe House” doesn’t have many memorable scenes and basically telegraphs the important double-cross to the audience from 70 minutes away, Denzel still acts like a pro. Meanwhile it’s nice to see that Van Wilder Green Lantern can mostly hang with him. He’s the rookie trying

V. 23 | NO. 07

to keep from getting shot, run over, choked, imprisoned, fired, dumped or disemboweled, and through all that he seems like a decent, resourceful guy. You root for Ryan Reynolds and hope he lives to appear in another Harold & Kumar movie sometime. One bad part about the movie is how almost smart it is. It is smart enough to use cool spy-movie gadgets but then has everyone use computers that make bloopy noises whenever a program opens or a file is transferring. (You know, just like you have on your home computer — a sound effect every time you push a button!) It is smart enough to conceal the identity of the group trying to kill everyone but by midway leaves you with only one plausible option as to who it is, as the plot does a halfhearted zig and then zags right back, like an overweight smoker attempting flag football. Also, for all the money Universal spent making this movie, it’s too bad someone forgot to buy a tripod for Daniel Espinosa! He’s the Swedish director making his first English-language feature. Every shot jitters, wanders, wavers, tilts, pans, zooms, chatters or shudders, but at least there are so many cuts it’s hard to get too attached to any one of them. Pack Dramamine. In fact, “Safe House” is more fun than most action movies. South Africa is beautiful. The two lead actors have a chemistry that overcomes the clunky plot points around the so-called intelligence agencies. The cat-andmouse action is exciting. But the movie stumbles when it tries to match the substance, instead of just the style, of the “Bourne” and even recent “Bond” films. It is entertaining! And… that’s about all.

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 31

OPENING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

ACTION

“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” rated PG-13, starring Nicolas Cage, Ciaran Hinds, Idris Elba. Can anyone answer why Hollywood decided to make a sequel five years after the first one, which was supposed to be terrible, hit theaters? When the token female lead (Eva Mendes), who just had to stand around and get rescued to earn her millions, turns down a chance to do it again, you know it has to be bad.

COMEDY

“This Means War,” rated PG-13, starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Chelsea Handler. Dear Chelsea: Please stop trying to act.

O C E R E W

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Jeeps always feature seven slots on their front grills, symbolic of the fact that it was the first vehicle driven on all seven continents. Pick an accomplishment you’re really proud of and turn it into an emblem, image, glyph or talisman that you can wear or express. Draw it on dusty car windows, write it on bathroom walls or add it to a Facebook status update. Use a public forum to celebrate yourself for a significant success, even if it’s in a modest or mysterious way. A sign outside the Apostolic Bible Church in Bathurst, New Brunswick, invited worshipers to meditate on a conundrum: “Why didn’t Noah swat those two mosquitoes?” If he had refused to help the pesky insects survive the flood, we’d be free of their torment today. As you journey to your new world, leave the vexatious elements behind.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

D N E M M

“Children of Men” P.D. James took over for Agatha Christie as the queen of the proper British mystery, so it was surprising that, in 1992, she published the futuristic, apocalyptic “Children of Men” that centers on a worldwide infertility epidemic. Critically acclaimed, it nonetheless took Hollywood nearly 15 years to adapt it into a movie. But, boy, when they did they pulled out all the stops. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron (“Y Tu Mama Tambien” and, our favorite in the series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”), the movie is a powerful look at a world without children’s voices. The majority of the story rests on protagonist Theo Faron’s shoulders, and Cuaron and crew did well casting the sad-eyed Clive Owen in the role of a downtrodden man unwittingly caught up in the political turmoil caused by a shocking discovery. Viewers first meet Theo visiting a coffee shop in 2027, where TVs blare the news of the death of Baby Diego, the youngest human alive at “18 years, four months, 20 days, 16 hours and eight minutes old.” He barely escapes that coffee shop’s explosive destruction, causing a ringing in his ears that serves as a soundtrack for the atrocities he encounters along his journey. And he encounters a lot in this brisk (109 minutes long) and tense movie that will have you chewing your nails to the quick right up until the very end. The ray of hope at the end is slight, but it is nonetheless there despite humanity’s idiotic attempts to squelch it. Sound familiar?

What do you typically do just before you fall asleep and right after you wake up? Those rituals are important for your mental health. You could say they are sacred times when you’re poised in the threshold between the two great dimensions of your life. Give special care and attention to those transitions in the coming week. As much as possible, avoid watching TV or surfing the Internet right up to the moment you turn off the light, and don’t leap out of bed the instant an alarm clock detonates. You are primed to receive special revelations, even ringing epiphanies, while in those in-between states.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Have you ever gazed into the eyes of goats? Their pupils are rectangular when dilated, allowing them to have a field of vision that extends as far as 340 degrees, as opposed to humans’ puny 160-210 degrees. They can also see better at night than we can. You will have an excellent chance to expand your breadth and depth of vision. Do you have any blind spots that need to be illuminated?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In “The Lion King,” two of the central characters are a talking meerkat named Timon and a talking warthog named Pumbaa. Their actions are often heroic. They help the star of the tale, Simba, rise to his rightful role as king. The human actors who provided the voices for Timon and Pumbaa, Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, originally auditioned for the lesser roles of hyenas. They set their sights too low. Fortunately fate conspired to give them more than what they asked for. Aim high right from the beginning — not for the bit part or the minor role but for the catalyst who actually gets things done.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

“He who is outside his door already has a hard part of his journey behind him,” says a Dutch proverb. Ancient Roman writer Marcus Terentius Varro articulated a similar idea: “The longest part of the journey is the passing of the gate.” You’ve got a quest ahead of you. At its best, it will involve freewheeling exploration and unpredictable discoveries. If you can get started in a timely manner, you’ll set an excellent tone for the adventures.

You’re so close to finding a fresh perspective that would allow you to outmaneuver an old torment. I offer two related insights from creativity specialist Roger von Oech: 1. If you get too fixated on solving a certain problem, you may fail to notice a new opportunity that arises outside the context of that problem. 2. If you intensify your focus by looking twice as hard at a situation that’s right in front of you, you will be less likely to see a good idea that’s right behind you. Thirty-two carrier pigeons were awarded medals by the United Kingdom for their meritorious service in the World Wars. They probably would have preferred sunflower seeds and peanuts as their prize. As you bestow blessings on the people and animals that have done so much for you, give them goodies they would actually love to receive, not meaningless gold stars or abstract accolades.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation is such an iconic symbol of metamorphosis that it has become a cliche. And yet when the graceful winged creature emerges from its chrysalis, it never grows any further. We human beings, on the other hand, are asked to be in a lifelong state of metamorphosis. Are you interested in cultivating more of that capacity? Remember that line by Bob Dylan: “He who is not busy being born is busy dying.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This would be an excellent time to round up a slew of new role models. You’re in a phase when you could derive tremendous inspiration by closely observing masters, virtuosos and pros who are doing what you would like to do. For that matter, your mental and spiritual health would be profoundly enhanced by studying anyone who has found what he or she was born to do and is doing it with liberated flair.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

WD-40 prevents corrosion, loosens stuck hinges, removes hard-to-get-at dirt and has several other uses. Its inventor, Norm Larsen, tried 39 different formulas before finding the precisely right combination of ingredients on his fortieth attempt. You’re getting closer to creating a viable method for achieving your next success. Don’t keep trying the same formula that didn’t quite work before. Open your mind to the possibility that you have not yet discovered at least one of the integral components.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A person who emits a huge angry shout produces just .001 watt of energy. Even if he or she yelled continuously 24/7, it would still take a year and nine months to produce enough energy to heat a cup of coffee. Making a dramatic show of emotional agitation may feel powerful but is often a sign of weakness. If you do fall prey to a frothy eruption of tumultuous feelings, use all of your considerable willpower to maintain your poise. Better yet, abort the tumult before it detonates. This is one time when repressing negative feelings will be healthy, wealthy and wise.

ROBBREZSNY FREEWILLASTROLOGY@FREEWILLASTROLOGY.COM

32 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

V. 23 | NO. 07

ADOPT US

9-month-old male cat 9-month-old female cat Surrendered, so already great pet Surrendered, so already great pet Spayed, vaccinated Spayed, vaccinated Petco, Martinez Petco, Martinez

Millions of Stories Public education, volunteers needed in local animal rescue efforts by Lorna Barrett Last month I received a call from a woman very desperately seeking help to rescue five young puppies. I was very impressed with Sharon and her friends, the way they fed and cared for these pups while we were working out a plan. Her kindness and compassion were evident when I finally got to see these fuzzy, chubby puppies. Then, when we turned them over to the volunteers with CSRA Happy Tails Rescue, I was even more impressed. I watched in amazement as helpful hands and smiling faces took care of these new additions to their already overabundant group of adoptees. Youngsters worked right along with adults to bathe, vaccinate, document and clean up after puppies, dogs and cats, all while they were helping people looking to adopt a family pet. It was amazing, heartwarming and a bit overwhelming to witness the kindness of people that simply care about animals and the deep gratitude in the eyes of the animals being helped. This is just one of millions of stories about lost or found pets, abandoned or neglected animals, and the acts of kindness shown by people that go on every day in the world of animal rescue. The ultimate goal of our entire animal rescue community, in Augusta and around the country, is to eliminate the need to ever have to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals. The only way to accomplish this is to educate the public about more responsible pet ownership, and to publicize the horrifying numbers of animals that are euthanized in our local area. That’s why I and other animal rescue advocates have partnered with the Metro Spirit to bring you the Pets Page, a weekly column in which we will share inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking stories, as well as give you a list of places you can turn to if you need help with animal issues. You’ll also find a spotlight on local events in which you can participate that will support the efforts of these local rescue organizations. And they definitely need help. The Augusta-Richmond County Animal Control Department took in nearly 10,000 dogs and cats last year. Less than 450 of them are reclaimed by their owners, and approximately 950 were adopted out. There were more than 3,800 dogs and nearly 2,600 cats euthanized last year in Richmond County. Columbia County Animal Services had 4,000 dogs and cats impounded, and out of that number, 459 dogs and 1,268 cats were euthanized in 2011. This is a horrible problem with solutions that are well within reach. If we set into place a goal of having a no-kill community within five years, it opens up the reality of the many ways to get us there. A cat that isn’t spayed and the kittens she has can produce over 11,000 kittens in five years. That is incredible. Spaying and neutering cats and dogs is the first and best step towards curbing the overpopulation. It also makes pets safer and healthier because they are not focused on looking for a mate or fighting over their

V. 23 | NO. 07

Darla, 1-year old boxer mix Playful and loving Spayed, vaccinated starsrescue.org

Chealea, 1-2-year-old yellow lab Breanna, 1-year-old Loving and housetrained Loving with humans, other dogs Spayed, vaccinated Spayed, vaccinated starsrescue.org starsrescue.org

territories. Many people are surrendering family pets because of the current downturn in the economy, so there are even more adult cats and dogs that need a new home. I hope that you will consider an adult pet when you are planning to adopt, especially if it is for an older person who doesn’t want to deal with training a younger, more active cat or dog. The unseasonably warm weather has brought a false spring to the CSRA that brought with it more litters of puppies and kittens than we normally see during the winter months. There are many people that are already volunteering their time, love and money to work with organizations to care for abandoned, neglected or abused animals; and not just cats and dogs, but horses, birds, rabbits and many others. These people see to it that animals are vaccinated, spayed or neutered and ready to be adopted. They make sure that injured animals are taken care of with whatever medical intervention is necessary. It’s a lot of work and the work is costly. The need for volunteers and supplies never ends, so anyone who wants to help would certainly be welcomed by any group. There are no entitlement programs for animals; all of the rescues operate on the generosity of your donations. We encourage you to support your local rescues with donations of any size. The donation of your time is just as valuable as money. More volunteers are always needed to do a variety of things like fostering pets until they can be adopted and transporting pets to vet appointments or to other locations for more adoption possibilities. Shelters and rescues can always use help to feed animals, walk dogs, empty litter boxes and generally socialize with animals so they are more likely to be adopted. Having children help with these kinds of activities gives them a great education in the humane treatment of animals. We encourage everyone to support local fundraisers that raise money to fund the local rescues. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead AARF volunteers@aarf.net Augusta Humane Society 706-736-0186 Augusta-Richmond Co. Animal Services 706-790-6836

Upcoming Benefits March 31 Block Party 2012 Sponsored by Vic’s Motorcycle Sales and Service. 10 a.m. 2113 Harding Rd (off Peach Orchard Rd) Augusta, GA 30906 A benefit for Feathered Friends Forever Bird Sanctuary in Harlem, admission is $10 and the event includes live music from bands and DJs, a Poker Run, field events, a live internet feed and raffles. For more information on the event, call 706-691-5093 or 803-640-4329. For more information on Feathered Friends Forever, a nonprofit that cares for exotic birds, visit featheredfriendsforever.org. May 20 Village Deli’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament A benefit for That’s What Friends Are For, Inc., a 501C3 that raises money for local rescues, spay and neuter and more. Registration will begin in March. Call 706-736-3691 or visit thatswhatfriendsarefor.org.

Ongoing Adoption Events PETCO 4209 Washington Road, Evans Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays, 1-4 p.m. PetSmart 225 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tractor Supply 596 Bobby Jones Expressway, next to Sam’s Club Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.

Feathered Friends Forever 706-556-2424 featheredfriendsforever.org

Old Fella Burke County pope.jodi@gmail.com oldfella.org

Girard Life Saver 706-871-8273, 478-569-9209 samantha@girard-lifesaver.org

STARS 706-592-4158 starsrescue.org

Graced Kennels 706-738-7168

Washington-Wilkes Humane 706-678-2287

Boston Terrier Rescue of South Carolina 706-726-2221 or 803-279-8069 bostonrescueofsc.org

Happy Tails 706-955-0438, 706-836-2708 csrahappytails@gmail.com

Columbia Co. Animal Services 706-541-4077

Heartsong 706-855-1241 heartsongent@hotmail.com

CSRA Chihuahua Rescue 706-825-8090, 706-763-8071 csrachihuahuarescue@gmail.com CSRA Humane Society 706-261-7387 csrshumanesociety.org

Bella, 1-2-year-old dachshund-lab mix Spayed, vaccinated starsrescue.org

Helping Hands Humane Society 706-456-3339 wytwch@yahoo.com Long Dog Rescue 706-854-8646 bmeismer@comcast.net

Fundraising Organizations for Local Rescue and Spay/Neuter Efforts PawPrints Foundation 706-863-2067 pawprintsfoundation.org That’s What Friends Are For, Inc. c/o The Village Deli 706-736-3691 thatswhatfriendsarefor.org

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 33

GOURMET RELAY

IN THE MIX

Manny Hatzis

Amanda Catherine Houck, Bartender French Market Grille West

Emanuel Hatzis, or Manny as he is more often called, is known to his friends as an avid (and fast) runner. What many might not realize is that he’s also an accomplished cook. “I began working in kitchens when I was 14, starting out as a dishwasher and working my way up through the ranks,” he explained. “I have worked for major chains as well as having worked for Michelin-rated restaurants in Atlanta under some amazing chefs.” Manny, currently employed by The Bees Knee’s, spends his downtime with his three dogs… when he’s not running or biking, that is. Even when he’s not working, Manny spends a lot of time in the kitchen, exposing his friends to the traditional Greek recipes he knows so well. One of those is Garides Saganaki, which appears below. “It’s a simple Greek island mezzo that became one of my favorites to cook for people as an example of traditional Greek fare,” he said. “People’s reaction to it is surprise, especially when they find out Ouzo and tomatoes can really taste that good.” Sagnaki, he explains, is a Greek term for a small single serving platter that is used to bake on, and Garides is Greek for shrimp.

Amanda Catherine Houck, a bartender at French Market Grille West, is an Augusta native who graduated from Evans High School in 2004. Now age 26, she loves her rather large family — she has an older sister and two younger brothers — and loves her job as well. But being a bartender is not what she wants to be when she grows up. “I want to be a nurse,” she said, “and I’m working on it.”

Garides Saganaki

1 lb. shrimp or shellfish, i.e. mussels, clams or even octopus 1 can diced tomatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 4 sprigs of fresh oregano 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic A pinch red pepper flakes 2 oz. Ouzo 8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled Salt and pepper to taste 3 to 4 sprigs of dill One baguette

Favorite animal? Dog. Favorite movie? “Forrest Gump.” Favorite TV show? “American Pickers.” Most embarrassing moment? Having to play Smokey the Bear in the first grade because I was the only person tall enough to do it. I was taller than the boys.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil then add chopped garlic and onions and cook until soft, about 5-8 minutes, on medium heat. Add tomatoes to the mix and continue to cook on medium heat until the tomatoes have broken down into the onions and garlic. At this time the sauce should be thick and almost dry, about 15 minutes on medium heat, then add oregano, red pepper flakes and ouzo to the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper (but easy on the salt). Cook for two minutes and remove from heat. Using a casserole large enough for the shrimp, pour half the tomato mixture in the bottom of the pan, then layer washed and deveined shrimp on top of the sauce. Cover shrimp with remaining sauce then, with moist hands, sprinkle feta over shrimp and sauce to completely cover. Put oven-safe casserole in a 350-degree oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is soft and shrimp is cooked all the way through. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh dill and serve with crusty baguette mezzo style.

Least favorite female fashion? Tube top for sure. When are you happiest? Sitting on the beach with a beer in my hand. Do monkeys frighten you? Not at all. What does? Snakes.

AMYCHRISTIAN 34 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

V. 23 | NO. 07

IN MUSIC

Did You See the Adele and Whitney Show Sunday Night?

Crack is whack. Terrible news came out this week that pop superstar Whitney Houston was found dead in a hotel room. Speculations are drugs, which is definitely not a surprise from the last 10 years of erratic behavior from Whitney. I wasn’t a huge Whitney Houston fan, but you have to acknowledge how big of a star she was. There was a time when she was it. Which brings up a great question: How does Bobby Brown pull that? I’m not blaming Bobby Brown for all of her problems, but I’m blaming Bobby Brown for all of her problems. My only question about her death: where was Kevin Costner? He’s so fired. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards were this past Sunday on CBS. The star-studded event was pretty much “The Adele and Whitney Show.” Bruce Springsteen kicked off the show with a good song, which happens to sound like all of his songs. Adele was the big winner this year, no pun intended. She took away six awards, every award she was nominated for. But to be honest with you, she deserved these awards. She was the best entertainer of 2011, so congrats. Side note: I think she’s hot now. The Foo Fighters were also big winners Sunday night. They won five Grammys, and it seemed like every 10 minutes you were seeing Dave Grohl on stage. Whenever the show needed a taste of rock, they would just put Dave on stage, which I was completely fine with. Jennifer Hudson had the honor of paying tribute to Whitney Houston by singing “I Will Always Love You” and it sounded just like Whitney’s version of the Dolly Parton song. The biggest surprise of the night for me was Chris Brown performing numerous times and even winning a Grammy. Ah, how soon we forget that he likes to punch women in the face. Do I believe in second chances? Not in this douchebag’s case. As in the words of one of my good friends, “Chris Brown sure does perform well for a piece of human s***.” But, if it’s okay to hit women now, can I start with Nicki Minaj? Wow, she sucks. I kid, I kid. And on a final note, a “good job” goes out to the Grammys’ crowd, who gave Stevie Wonder a standing ovation. You know he’s blind, right? In last week’s article, I took a page out of one of my co-worker’s playbook, Sanj, and I called out all the local bands for not taking advantage of free advertising. Well, I received a ton of email, which is a great thing to see. I love the passion that artists have… when they decide to show it. As promised, here are some things that you can be looking forward to. Tommy O.D. and the Survivors are a blues band that are performing at 1102 Downtown Bar and Grill on the February 17 with special guest Dredneck, which includes members of Jemini. One of my buddies, John Berret’s LaRoxes, will be at 1102 as well on Saturday, February 18. A three-man acoustic act called Happy Bones performs a strong mix of covers and originals, a nice 50/50 mix. Happy Bones will be performing March 1 at the Metro Coffee House. Continuing plugs for 1102, Allgood Asylum will be playing on Saturday, March 31, with the band Refuge. Jesup Dolly are playing their first show since December at the Playground on February 24 with JK and the Lost Boys, a band out of Atlanta. It’s good to see that you guys have a passion for performing and I’ll try to catch as many shows as possible. And keep them coming. Email matt@themetrospirit.com.

MATTSTONE can be heard weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on 95 Rock. V. 23 | NO. 07

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 35

Thursday, February 16 Live Music

French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Joe’s Underground - Jeff Johnston Malibu Jack’s - Tim Cardiere Mellow Mushroom (Augusta and Evans) Live Local Music Metro Coffeehouse & Bar - Jim Perkins O Lounge - Jazmine Soul Band Rose Hill Stables - Preston, Weston and Sandra Surrey Tavern - Velvet Truckstop Travinia’s - Smooth Jazz Wild Wing - Funk You The Willcox - Classic Jazz

What’s Tonight?

The Playground - David Brown & The Dreadful Croakers Polo Tavern - Irritating Julie Sky City - Young Georgians, Soul City Sirens 2012 Season Opener Party Stillwater Tap Room - Big Daddy Love Surrey Tavern - Funk You Wild Wing - Brantley

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Variety Show Cocktails Lounge - Grown-Up Fridays Cork and Bull Pub - Karaoke Eagle’s Nest - Free Salsa Lessons; Latin Dance Party First Round - DJ Kris Fisher Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke

and the Family Fold Cotton Patch - Steven Bryant Country Club - Holman Autry Band Joe’s Underground - Impulse Ride Malibu Jack’s - Preston and Weston Metro Coffeehouse & Bar - Chris Ndeti P.I. Bar and Grill - Smooth Jazz Polo Tavern - Mood Swings Sky City - Shovels & Rope, PacificUV, the Ramblin’ Fevers Stillwater Tap Room - Blair Crimmins and the Hookers Surrey Tavern - Tony Williams and the Blues Express Wild Wing - Playback The Band Featuring TuTu Dyvine

Casa Blanca - Thursday Tango Club Argos - Karaoke Cocktails Lounge - Karaoke Coyote’s - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Soup, Suds & Conversations Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Library - DJ Kris Fisher The Loft - Karaoke Malibu Jack’s - Sports Trivia Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Evans) - Karaoke The Playground - Open Mic with Brandy Shannon’s - Karaoke Somewhere in Augusta - Keno, Poker Soul Bar - Boom Box Villa Europa - Karaoke Wooden Barrel - ’80s Night Karaoke

’S

ELGA

P UB & GRILLE

700

in PRIZES!

TRIVIA

THURS. & SAT. 8:30PM "Over a hundred different beers.. with thirty beers on tap!"

2015 CENTRAL AVE. 36 METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12

5 O’Clock Bistro - Buzz and Candice Casa Blanca Cafe - Karen Gordon The Willcox - Jazz Jam Session Wild Wing - Jason Marcum

What’s Tonight?

Caribbean Soul - Love Jones Sundays Malibu Jack’s - Karaoke with Mike Swift Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke, Salsa Dancing

Monday, February 20 What’s Tonight?

Applebee’s (Evans) - Trivia Club Argos - Karaoke Malibu Jack’s - Trivia Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Trivia Somewhere In Augusta - Poker Tourneys Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, February 21 Live Music

Cocktails Lounge - Live Music Fox’s Lair - John Fisher The Highlander - Open Mic Night Joe’s Underground - Happy Bones Sky City - R. Ring featuring Kelley Deal of the Breeders, the Black Swans, Matthew Buzzell Wild Wing - Dave & Michael The Willcox - Piano Jazz

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Dart League Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Malibu Jack’s - Karaoke with Denny Mellow Mushroom (Augusta and Evans) - Trivia Somewhere In Augusta - Big Prize Trivia & Hawk Talk

Friday, February 17 Live Music

Cotton Patch - John Kolbeck Country Club - Chris Lane Coyote’s - Dallas Martin Band The First Round - Diezel Fox’s Lair - Roger Enevoldsen French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Joe’s Underground - Ruskin Yeargain Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Jason White Malibu Jack’s - South Atlantic PI Bar & Grill - Jazz Duo

Sunday, February 19 Live Music

Wednesday, February 22 Live Music Iron Horse Bar & Grill - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke Palmetto Tavern - DJ Tim Rebeck’s Hideaway - Open Mic Roadrunner Cafe - Karaoke Soul Bar - ’90s Night Tropicabana - Latin Friday Wheels - Live DJ Wooden Barrel - Karaoke Contest

Saturday, February 18 Live Music

The Acoustic Coffeehouse - Open Acoustic Jam Session with Eryn Eubanks

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Variety Show Cocktails Lounge - Latin Night Coyote’s - J.D. Paugh Memorial Crazy Turk’s - DJ Kris Fisher Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke One Hundred Laurens - DJ Kenny Ray Robbie’s - Saturday Night Dance Party Tropicabana - Salsa Saturday Wheels - Live DJ

209 on the River - Smooth Grooves Joe’s Underground - Sibling String Malibu Jack’s - Marilyn Adcock Manuel’s Bread Cafe - Chris Noleti Wild Wing - Old Man Crazy

What’s Tonight?

Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Hotel Aiken - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke The Playground - Krazy Karaoke Polo Tavern - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Somewhere In Augusta - Comedy Zone w/ Mike Merryfield, Chris Cope Surrey Tavern - Trivia V. 23 | NO. 07

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the lineup. Thursday

Funk You

Friday Night Rocks

with Brantley

Saturday Night Live

Playback the band featuring TuTu Devine GoodBoats: Paddling for a Purpose First Annual Dragon Boat Festival April 28, 2012 at Lake Olmstead, Augusta, GA Info: 706-650-5760 or dragonboat@goodwillworks.org www.facebook.com/GoodBoats V. 23 | NO. 07

Sunday

Jason Marcum 3035 Washington Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ 706-364-WILD (9453) www. wi l d wi n gcaf e. com METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 37

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V. 23 | NO. 07

ON THE BALL

Back in the Swing of Things

Getty Images It’s been more than a year since redshirt junior Nolan Belcher tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow during the pre-season scrimmage that ended the 2011 season for him before it even started. I had the chance to catch up with Nolan as the Gamecocks prepare to open the 2012 season with a three-game home series against VMI this weekend. We had a chance to talk Tommy John surgery, how difficult it was to watch his team win a National Championship without him on the active roster, and all the support he’s received while spending a copious amount of time in the training room rehabbing in order to return his game back to where it was before his injury. Metro Spirit: After sitting out all of last year, there can’t be anybody on the team more stir-crazy and ready to compete than you, right? Nolan Belcher: No doubt. I’ve been sitting out this whole year, so I’m definitely ready to get it back cranked up again. MS: How do you feel? Do you think you are back to 100 percent? NB: I feel good. I’m completely healed up. I’ve thrown in two pre-season intrasquad games and have gone after it 100 percent. They have kept me on a pitch count of about 40-45 pitches, but my arm feels good and I’m just excited to get the season started. MS: What was it like going back on the mound for the first time since your injury? We’re you timid at all? NB: Players who have had the surgery say that the mental part of it is one of the biggest issues you have to overcome when you come back, but so far it hasn’t been too difficult for me. My first outing in the scrimmage a few weeks ago was a little scary, since the last time I was on the mound is when I hurt my arm. The first couple of pitches were tough, but after I got back out there and got into the swing of things it wasn’t too difficult for me. MS: How hard was that, watching your teammates, who you won a National Championship with in 2010, go on to win another one after you got banged up in the preseason? NB: The 2010 and 2011 teams had great chemistry, so we were always a tight-knit group. With some of the rules that the NCAA has for redshirted players, I was not able to be around the team as much last year, so it was really tough not to be able to experience what they were going through last year. MS: Did you have lots of family and friends tell you to keep your head up after the injury? NB: I had hundreds and hundreds of people messaging, texting and emailing me to send their best wishes. I also got some letters in the mail from some folks. It was just really humbling to see how much support I got from everyone in Augusta, that they care that much and show that much support. And I’ll still get texts from some of my coaches every now and then. It feels really special. MS: You guys think you have enough in the tank to go get another ring and make it three in a row? NB: Looking at the percentages, it’ll probably be tough to do it again, but you never know, right? That’s why you play the game. It’ll be different this year; we’ll be missing some guys off the past two championship teams that were not only huge on the field for us, but off the field as well. They were all just great leaders who showed everybody how to handle their business and do things the right way. Good thing for us is that we have some good leaders coming back in Michael Roth, Matt Price, Adam Matthews and Christian Walker — who are guys that have been staples in our program for the last few years. If we can get the team chemistry rolling again and have that leadership from them, I think it’ll be another good year for us.

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the musical

Get Your Tickets Today! Call: 706-826-4707 or purchase online: www.augustaplayers.org

MATTLANE is host of The Weekend Rundown which airs from 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays on News-Talk-Sports 1630 AM. He can be reached at mattlane28@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Mattlane28. V. 23 | NO. 07

METRO SPIRIT 02.16.12 41

WHINE

LINE

Bottom line , when you spend over a hundred dollars for roses to be delieverd to your spouse by a certain time, there is nothing that can be done or said to make it ok. My spouse is the only one in her office who has not received flowers for Valentine Day.. You make promises as a business keep them.. You will not receive business from my family or myself any longer. Bottom line ,Valentines Day is a day you shouldnt screw up a delivery. Thank you for your in competence!! You have truely made my day!! Romney is Morman. It’s a fact that Mormons put their family ahead of their church. In one of Romneys speeches he promised to dedicate himself to His family, his church and his country. (And he listed them in that order) Shouldn’t the leader of our country put the U S of A above everything else? Shouldn’t the United States be his MAIN priority, and not third on his list?

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM

Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit. com. If you do so by noon on Friday, you might just see it in the next Wednesday’s issue. Oh, and whines may be edited for content but will pretty much be printed exactly as you type them.

Yes, it’s a bit juvenile. And, sure, it looks like a bored teenager taught himself PhotoShop and created a “Where’s Waldo” type series of pictures. But how can you not love a blog called “Axl Rose: Hungry Time Traveler” (http://hungrytimetraveler. blogspot.com/). The name is, of course, enough but the pictures, amateurishly done though they might be, made us snicker (get it… he’s a hungry time traveler). Our favorites? Axl in 1932 sitting on a beam of NYC’s RCA building eating buttered popcorn while the construction workers surrounding him have their lunches, and the rocker checking out Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969 while eating a Charleston Chew.

WERECOMMEND

forcing them to sign year long contracts. This is the quickest way to lose their strongest advertisers. We are pulling our ads and pulling our funding.

smoke in public, do this- don’t do that... Lets “LEGALIZE FREEDOM”!

Whats the deal with all the dudes downtown with Love the whine line for having a spot to air my beards? Is this some type of new fad. I rode grievances of course unless it calls out a potential downtown recently and I didnt know if there was advertiser, in which case you’ll just chop it down to a ZZ Top convention or a Amish chairweaving where my point is totally missed. We don’t wanna rub competition taking place! The dollar tree has a 12 anyone the wrong way, that would take integrity. Let me pack of disposable razors for $1. Josh Ruffin’s synopsis of Adam Carolla was comical edit this one for you. ME NO LIKE EDIT MY WHINE! to read. And not because Josh is funny, but because Went to a bar Saturday night and the owner told us of the inaccuracy how can lt. roundtree be running for sheriff on to act like we were paying the cover charge (we are rcboe time? white) while he charged All the blacks! This happened The City of North Augusta should consider action to our friends that came in 30 mins after we did. steps to remedy the conditions of the old Bank To the “trivia whiner” - As we all know, second place We will never go there again! Thought this was over of America location across from the new Big is just the first loser. If you want to win first place... years ago. It is people like this that are keeping Lots. There is trash and filth everywhere and the and get the trophy...and drink their beer...and party Augusta from moving forward. SAD day for us all! grounds are in dis-repair and are not maintained. If with their women - your answer is real simple - just my yard were kept like this, I’d be in jail. give me a call, I’ll take care of business for you! when did cell phone service get so freaking bad in Augusta? now all my calls are fuzzy, don’t go The Augusta Chronicle has increased its rates Wear your helmet, fasten your seat belt, don’t through or get dropped. considerably for previous advertisers and are

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