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Table of Contents November 2, 2017
CanalFEST introduces newbies to the liquid backbone of Augusta
Insider Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature CanalFEST Augusta on Ice Oysters on Telfair What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
4 6 9 10 14 22 23 24 25 26 34 36 37
Page 22 EDIT
CREATIVE
Amanda Main
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amanda@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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augusta didn’t Just Fall off the Turnip Truck regency Mall Property owner dreaming of christmas (at your expense) (if you live in richmond county) (and pay taxes) When neW York-based cardinale holdings llc bought about 700,000 square feet of the Regency Mall property, including the old JB White building, for around $1.2 million back in 2002, the company probably thought it had a real political hot potato on its hands. After all, for more than a decade, there had been several proposals for that south Augusta property. The city had once considered it for the site of the judicial center, but that fell through. Then, there were plans to convert the property into mixed-use residential/office space, but that didn’t work out. And by 2004, then-Augusta Chronicle Publisher William S. Morris III proposed an $80 million sports arena, nicknamed the “Billy Barn,” to be built on the site. But that didn’t pan out, either. And yet, Cardinale Holdings wasn’t deterred. In fact, the company purchased the remaining 140,000-square-foot Montgomery Ward parcel for approximately $2.3 million in 2007. They knew local politics and the sentiment attached to the south Augusta site was worth the financial risk. However, the economy took a nose dive, and local government spending for the city’s “wants” in this community quickly dried up. For another 10 years after purchasing the Montgomery Ward property, the former Regency Mall site sat vacant and the entire parcel was kept in complete limbo with an asking price that has been listed as high as $60 million. But Alan Cardinale, the mall’s owner, decided to wait it all out. Somewhere over the years, he must have picked up a copy of the 1932 novel “Tobacco Road” by Erskine Caldwell with its colorful (which is putting it nicely) characters such as Jeeter, Dude, Ada and poor ol’ Grandma Lester, who gets run over with the family Ford and left for dead near the end of the book, and thought, “Let’s hang on to that property.” He might have been hopeful there were still a few “Lesters” left in Augusta. Then, Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis came along. Suddenly, doors began to open. Less than two months ago, Davis succeeded in achieving the ultimate political coup by managing to secretly convince the majority of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority members to select the abandoned former Regency Mall site on Gordon Highway as the preferred location for the new James Brown Arena. This, despite the fact that the coliseum authority had spent more than a year reviewing locations around the city and had even announced that they were dedicated to keeping the new arena downtown. The fact that the authority had paid seasoned consultants $142,000 to develop an arena plan regarding the proposed sites that didn’t support the Regency Mall location also didn’t matter. Apparently, representatives of Cardinale Holdings have found their “Lester” in Mayor Davis. All they have to do now is close the deal. Just last week, Davis and Philip Cardinale, the attorney 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“Just last week, Davis and Philip Cardinale, the attorney and brother to Alan Cardinale, once again began negotiating.” and brother to Alan Cardinale, once again began negotiating. First, Philip Cardinale suggested extending the authority’s proposed lease of a portion of the mall’s property at a rental rate of $1 per year from 35 years up to 50 years, provided the tax abatement on the property was “extended one year for each year beyond 35 years.” But since there has been a lot of chatter throughout the community regarding the city potentially building a new $120 million arena on property it doesn’t own, Alan Cardinale also offered to sell the 140,000-square-foot Montgomery Ward building and its 39-plus acres for a whopping price of $10 million. (He was really dreaming with that offer. Even the mayor and his good buddy, coliseum authority member Darren Smith, knew that deal wasn’t going to fly.) Finally, less than two hours before last week’s coliseum
authority meeting, Alan Cardinale said he would be agreeable to “gifting” the Montgomery Ward building and “parcel” to the coliseum authority as opposed to selling it. But there was one big catch to this so-called “gift.” Alan Cardinale is requesting a “full tax abatement of all taxes” on the remaining property that he still owns at the Regency Mall site for 25 years. He is also requesting “long-term, low-interest financing” from the coliseum authority to redevelop the remaining property that it still owns. What?!? So, the coliseum authority is going to act as Alan Cardinale’s personal bank, now? And the city won’t collect any taxes on the property Cardinale owns at the Regency Mall site for the next 25 years? Alan Cardinale must think Augusta is made up of “Lesters.” Fortunately, several Augusta commissioners have had enough, and they are making their objections known. “Initially, I favored that information and the south Augusta site we talked about, but I don’t favor the deal,” Augusta Commissioner Sammie Sias told a Metro Spirit reporter this week. “If we can’t get the deal worked out, we need to move on. That’s my position. I thought it was a good idea, but if we can’t make the deal work, and right now I haven’t seen anything that makes it workable, it is time for us to move on.” Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan, who also supports the location, thinks the deal is dead in the water. “The deal is still not good enough for me,” Hasan said. “I think if the mayor is involved with it, he should get out of 2NOVEMBER2017
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it. We need to let the coliseum authority make an independent decision.” However, Hasan said he is worried that the mayor has already undermined the relationship between the coliseum authority members. “It seems like the board has been previously influenced by the mayor in so many ways that we might be past them being able to make an independent decision,” Hasan said. “But I think it is time to leave this alone. We need to mend this community. This whole deal has hurt this community and the community is bigger than any arena. We need to try and save this community.” Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams, who also initially supported the south Augusta site, believes the mayor has hurt the entire process. “I think the mayor is being secretive about it,” Williams said. “I put on the agenda a few weeks to go ahead and talk about eminent domain regarding Regency Mall to hopefully get a conversation started. He said to me that I should have come to him before I put it on the agenda. Well, he didn’t come to us before he made his proposal.” Trust is a two-way street and the mayor knows only one direction, Williams said. “We ought to be working together on this thing, but the right hand don’t let the left hand know what it’s doing,” Williams said. “It takes the mayor and the commission as a team to make things happen. He keeps talking about one team; we ought to be together and on the same page. I have always been honest with him. I have never tricked him or lied to him. I think we have to work as a team, but it has to go both ways.” One Augusta is getting lonelier and lonelier by the minute, isn’t it Mayor Davis?
2NOVEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 5
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15 in 5 Jenny is Wright Because I love a lIst. especIally a random lIst. 1. I know you’ve been on the edge of your seats, waiting to hear about The Girl’s Halloween costume this year. What started when she was 3, as shy kitty, morphed and layered over the years, eventually becoming Sparkly Kitty, then Cowgirl Sparkly Kitty, then Cowgirl Sparkly Witch Kitty, then Cowgirl Sparkly Zombie Witch Kitty, then Cowgirl Sparkly Witch Zombie Harry Potter Kitty. She found herself considering Kitty retirement, because she wanted to be a unicorn. I suggested she dress up as both, and we are pleased to introduce the KittyCorn.
but he shows up a few times in the last episode of the season, in the middle school dance scene. 9. No, he doesn’t have an agent, and no, he didn’t work on that show as a resume builder. He doesn’t have a resume. It was just for fun. 10. It’s pretty cool to see him, albeit barely, in such a popular show. 11. Being an extra on a film set is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of sitting and waiting. Since “Stranger Things” is an ’80s show, hair and makeup gave him a feathered mullet. It was epic.
2. She said I am the “best mom ever,” for coming up with such an idea. 3. KittyCorn involved cat ears and a tail, a unicorn horn, and 6 different colors of hairspray. 4. Did you know they have fruit punch flavored pickles at Walmart? As you’d imagine, they are bright red. I didn’t know that was a thing. How did that even become a thing? What’s wrong with pickle-flavored pickles? 5. I’ll bet someone has come up with pumpkin spice pickles. 6. Speaking of spice, those cinnamon brooms at the front of the grocery stores have got to go.
12. I’m cautiously optimistic about the way the UGA football season is unfolding. I think y’all know what I mean. We’ve been disappointed way too many times to fully believe this is real. If your team is having a crappy season, we feel ya. We’re all waiting on the other shoe to drop. 13. I hate to talk about it, for fear of jinxing the team. I’ve found that if I plan a party, wear a UGA shirt (or even the colors), or make a big deal of the game in any way, we will lose. I have a proven track record. It could be the easiest opponent and a guaranteed win, but as soon as I hang our big red flag, the game goes downhill. 14. I plan to be the most understated fan ever. I’m acting like I don’t care. You’re welcome. 15. Go Dawgs!
7. The Girl is obsessed with making slime. She has no less than 20 varieties, using all of my Tupperware containers as storage. Rather than be annoyed, I’m marveling at the fact that she found lids to match every container. 8. The Boy had the chance to be an extra in “Stranger Things 2.” If you blink, you’ll miss him,
6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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There goes My Hero
kris fisher
A couple of weeks Ago, I got invited to a concert in Columbia, S.C. It was a band that was on my bucket list, so I was ecstatic to get the invite. “The Rockfather” Chuck Williams let me tag along with him to see the Foo Fighters. The show was everything I thought it would be: lots of straight up rock ’n’ roll, sometimes goofy, sometimes heavy but all the time Foo Fighters. It’s easy to lose track of all the songs these guys have put out. However, it makes sense, given they’ve been making music since I was in high school. On the hour-long drive to the Colonial Life Arena, I shared a story with Chuck about the first moment that I thought radio was something I wanted to do. Again, tracing back to my high school days, I was getting ready for school one morning while listening to the local rock station’s morning show. Some people may remember 96RXR. The morning show was hosted by a guy called “Joe Mama.” I had a weird calendar hanging in my room back then that listed all kinds of oddball holidays. For some reason one morning, I decided that the guys on this morning show really needed to know that today was “Tricky Handshake Day” (side note: after a quick Google search, it appears that it’s actually September 11th, which is weird). I called and called and called. Finally, the co-host picked up the phone while Joe Mama was talking on the air. Seriously, the guy took off his headphones, walked over to the handset and picked up the phone — something that would NEVER EVER happen on a live radio show. Joe stopped what he was talking about and just roasted his co-host for picking up the phone. He said “oh, no no…we’re putting this one live on the air! I GOTTA see what was so important that you had to get up during a live bit and go answer the phone!” I hear the now-familiar ‘ckshhhh’ sound of a call being picked up in a radio studio and then I hear Joe’s voice: “Who is this?” in my nervousness, I managed to squeak out “Kris from Butler High School!” Joe says “What are you calling about?” I excitedly and somehow, proudly, answer “I just wanted to let you guys know that it’s National Tricky Handshake Day!” this was followed by a short silence that lasted about three years in my head before Joe responded “Careful, y’know, that’s how Pee-wee Herman got in trouble” then he kicked off the next song (“Running on Empty” by Jackson Browne) and said “this one’s for the young man on the phone.” I heard “click” and my radio debut was over. I. Was. Hooked. Right then and there, I knew that this was the thing I wanted to do with my life. During the Foo Fighters’ show, Dave Grohl stopped to tell us a story. Well, not really. He made a promise that they would never stop playing music during the show. And they didn’t — for 2 1/2 hours. Dave strummed away as he recalled the moment that made him a rock superstar. He said that when he was younger, he was watching “Saturday Night Live” and this new band came on. They were nerdy and goofy and different and their music was fantastic. Dave said that he looked at them and said, “Wait a minute, they’re different and weird just like me. And they can play music like this?” He then said that was the moment he knew that he wanted to be a musician. The name of the band was The B-52s. Dave never said if he got to tell Fred Schneider or any of the other B-52s about how they influenced him. If I ever got the chance, I’d love to tell Joe my story. If I ever influenced anyone in this way, I’d want to know. The fact is, you never know when you might influence someone or how. It could be through your profession or through a personal passion like a hobby. But, it could also be through a moment of anger or frustration. It could be how you treat someone, how you tip someone (or don’t tip someone), how you talk to someone, how you talk about someone, how you look at someone, etc. How will you influence someone today? KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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As a hermaphredite, I feel totally ashamed by LGBQ.... that you would make fun of me like this because you want to be awesome with fads and now I can’t get help because of you. How disgraceful! You fake president cant even take responsibility for his failures. He blames the casualties in Africa on the Generals. What a bag full of puke he is. “Busiest Bees” issue had another really good column by Austin Rhodes. One of his best. I hope he keeps delivering this kind of material and maybe even carries this approach over to his radio show.
show royally sucks!!..Let’s all take a knee on WGAC!!!..We need competition in our local talk radio NOW!! Well it didn’t take too long for “The Golden Boy” to land back on his feet after the cancellation of his radio show. I just wonder if he will be as successful heading the Richmond County Economic Development Office, as his involvement with the Augusta Innovation Zone downtown. While the downtown hipsters and the Southside rednecks duke it out over the location of a new arena, those of us who live in Columbia County, who actually have the money to buy tickets to arena events, have no desire to go to a facility in either location. Build it in Columbia County! It’s the most logical choice.
Augusta needs a NEW Mayor!
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM
As a previous Columbia County citizen and now a Richmond County one I like to say I pay close attention to how money is spent. I’m curious about Burke County though because two of their cops live down the street from me now, and that’s a good thirty minute ride plus worth of tax payers dollars. Just a thought
I have just one question for the whiner who wrote “We need a real man for president, not this [trumpy] thing we have.” The question is: what real man did you vote for in November?
To the whiner who whined about my whine concerning trump’s treatment of Puerto Rico, “let them stew in their own juices” was not attributed to trump as a direct quote, just a metaphorical reference to his attitude towards the Puerto Rico situation. It was not “floating a lie” or “spin.” A real trump quote might be “Look at all of the great, great, great wonderful, wonderful, wonderful things that I, I, I, have done. I give myself a 10”. His own words are spin and lies!
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
As long as the 1940’s generation runs the city, the city will remains in the dark ages. If you are wondering why the Augusta Chronicle is kicking up such a big fuss over the new Civic Center moving to the City Center rather than its precious “downtown,” try this. At the city’s property tax website search for “Morris Communications,” or “Southeastern Newspaper Company,” or “Augusta Riverfront.” When you have investments in downtown worth hundreds of millions, you don’t want to take the chance of anyone else getting a shot at a good thing.
Moving forward, the County has no choice but to dump Scott Johnson. Someone should tell Harvey Weinstein to move to Richmond County. There are certain crime investigators in the RCSD and certain Assistant DAs in Richmond County that make Richmond county Rape friendly. The irony of Jenny Wright saying she’s above participating in dance mom drama, while using her column to publically bash these moms, is thick. Jenny, you are never above the drama, you just pretend you are. Donald Chimp and the fascist-o-trumps are throwing a grand ol’ party. It’ll be a blast. A nuclear blast!
WGAC not only did deke in, but word on tha Street is Harley Drew didn’t really retire, They Fired him, or let him go whatever. Can you beleive they’d do a radio icon that way! If anybody should be gone it’s Mary Liz. that morning
Listen, Mr., there are more than one of us out here who miss the crossword puzzle! If you and others can constantly whine about Trump, the police, the downtown area, Ron Cross, etc. then I guess we have the right to bemoan the loss of our puzzle! Maybe when y’all find something else to talk about we will too! How long does the naming power of “Lady A” Pavilion last? Your rape and assault apologist columnist blames victims who don’t speak up because of the great personal risk they face — and you don’t call him out? Does The Metro Spirit depend on his good will just to exist? No? THEN HOLD HIM ACCOUNTABLE. Stacey Eidson would never have let that go. You suck. Once GA loses this year their fans will go right back to whining again about the coach, the offense, the defense, the kicker and I am speaking with 55 years experience listening to the bellyachers. #RollTide I recently heard some names mentioned that might be interested in running for President in 2020. These names included Mark Cuban, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and of course, the ubiquitous Oprah Winfrey. Are we backsliding into a phase of “select-a-celebrity” for President? 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
2NOVEMBER2017
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pulling out the big guns
Sheriff Richard Roundtree is using the public to pressure Augusta commissioners into supporting salary increases for deputies When it comes to requesting pay raises for his deputies, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree isn’t playing around. In fact, he’s taking his case to the streets. Or at least the local airwaves. Frequent listeners of local radio may have noticed an unusual ad that has been running the past few weeks in the Augusta market that was paid for by the sheriff. This quick, 20-second ad about the 2018 budget might be brief, but it isn’t sitting well with several Augusta commissioners. The ad begins by pointing out that the proposed 2018 budget does not include Roundtree’s request for salary increases for the sheriff’s deputies. “The much-needed raises for law enforcement were not included in the 2018 budget. Shouldn’t these officers be equally compensated for the work they do?” an announcer in the ad asks. “Responding to over 370,000 service calls. Reducing violent crime over 30 percent and property crime over 40 percent. These officers are doing their job.” But then the ad asks the public to take an active role in the 2018 budget process. “So please ask your commissioners, what’s more important than the safety of our community?” the announcer asks. “Commissioners, you now have the opportunity to make things right.” The ad ends with the message, “Paid for by Sheriff Richard Roundtree.” 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
After hearing the ad earlier this month, Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan said he felt like the sheriff was taking the wrong approach in pushing for the salary increases. “I fully support law enforcement, but I really think it’s an issue that the sheriff, himself, should have had a conversation directly with us,” Hasan said. “And, truth be told, the money is not there to give the kind of raises that he wants. We don’t have it. But I think it is a disservice the way he is going about running those ads. I think it is classless in a way.” One of the ads that Hasan recently heard on the radio seemed to openly criticize City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson. “To go after the administrator knowing that the administrator did not have the money in the budget and now to turn the ads towards the commissioners without even having a conversation with us, he’s acting like he’s too good to even have a conversation with all of the commissioners,” Hasan said of Roundtree. “I think it is a real disservice. He may say that he came before the commission previously, but that’s not quite the same. Anybody with political astuteness knows that’s not the same. He needs to have a conversation with us.” Earlier this year, the sheriff went before commissioners and told them that he was serious about the need for salary increases for his deputies in 2018. Roundtree stood before the commission this summer and asked for their “courage” 2NOVEMBER2017
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“I fully support law enforcement, but I really think it’s an issue that the sheriff, himself, should have had a conversation directly with us. And, truth be told, the money is not there to give the kind of raises that he wants. We don’t have it. But I think it is a disservice the way he is going about running those ads. I think it is classless in a way.” — Augusta Commissioner Ben Hasan to properly fund the sheriff’s office. “You will note that I used the word courage, and I did so intentionally because history has shown me that many times when this body has attempted to do for one agency, that some have felt that you had to do for all,” Roundtree told the commission in August. “And while I respect and support every department in this government and wish that such a thing was possible, today, our financial reality says that it is not at this time.” Roundtree insisted the sheriff’s office is facing a “critical need” to provide salaries for deputies that will not only help recruit new officers, but also retain them. Richmond County deputies handle at least five times the number of service calls each year compared to surrounding law enforcement departments, including Columbia County, which is the next-largest sheriff’s office in the area, Roundtree said. However, when it comes to compensation, Richmond County comes in dead last with the lowest pay for law enforcement officers in this region at a starting salary of about $34,800 a year.
“I think your sheriff’s officers need to be compensated for the job in which they’ve done and continue to do each day,” Roundtree said. “Since 2012, crime has gone down in Richmond County. That’s a fact.” Roundtree presented the commission with two proposals. The first proposal would be a 10 percent increase, across-the-board raise for deputies, which would cost the county approximately $2.8 million. “That would raise your starting salary up to $40,000, which we are still below North Augusta, but North Augusta does fire and police,” Roundtree said, adding that North Augusta Public Safety officers’ starting salary is approximately $42,100 a year. While the sheriff said he would be happy with the 10 percent, across-the-board raises, Roundtree would rather develop a salary plan that would provide incentives. His second proposal would give every deputy an 8 percent pay increase, that would bring the starting salary up to $39,559.
“I think your sheriff’s officers need to be compensated for the job in which they’ve done and continued to do each day. Since 2012, crime has gone down in Richmond County. That’s a fact.” — Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree 2NOVEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 15
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“This is the fourth budget process that I’ve been a part of. As you may recall, I came in at the tail end of 2014 as you all were deliberating the 2015 budget. Of those four budgets, I think this is the first time I am presenting you with one that I’m not sure that I like, myself.” — City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson Once the deputy stayed on with the department an additional two years, his or her salary would be increased to $42,600. That plan would cost the county $2.74 million to implement. An annual salary of $42,600 would be considered a “good salary” for law enforcement in this region, Roundtree said. But before City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson even released her proposal for the 2018 budget, she told commissioners that the county did not have the current revenue to support the sheriff’s request. “I’m not sure how you do it without a tax increase,” Jackson told commissioners in August. Therefore, it shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise to the sheriff when the proposed 2018 budget that was released this month didn’t include his total salary requests for deputies. “This budget provides for $2.3 million for salary increases,” Jackson said, explaining that funding has been allocated for raises for employees paid through the general fund budget, which includes the sheriff’s deputies, but several other departments. “I would prefer for that to be $3 million to $4 million to cover everybody who is funded
16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
under the general fund.” But the money is just not there, Jackson said. In fact, Richmond County is suffering from a loss in revenue in several different areas, she said. “This is the fourth budget process that I’ve been a part of. As you may recall, I came in at the tail end of 2014 as you all were deliberating the 2015 budget,” Jackson told the commission earlier this month. “Of those four budgets, I think this is the first time I am presenting you with one that I’m not sure that I like, myself.” It is time for Augusta to begin to “adjust to new realities” in its annual budgets, she explained. “It hit me as I went through our revenue sources, in particular, that we are going through a period of change, and we have got to adjust to what we would call ‘a new normal,’” Jackson said, adding that the electric franchise fees and tag ad valorem taxes have both decreased over the past few years in Richmond County. “Electric franchise fees have decreased pretty significantly. We were, two years ago, about $2 million more than what we are expected to get now. That’s probably something that we are going to have to get used to. That used to be a very reliable source of revenue,
2NOVEMBER2017
“I thought that was very unprofessional in my opinion. In one ad, the sheriff focused on the administrator. The ad he ran said the administrator needs to step up to the plate. She doesn’t make that decision. The commission makes that decision. But the sheriff focused on the administrator, and that put a bad taste in people’s mouths about her. I thought that was wrong. I thought that was insensitive, and I didn’t appreciate it at all.” — Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams but it’s not going to be again.” There is also a lot of uncertainty relating to the local option sales tax collections, she said. “Last year, we experienced a $1.4 million decrease in that revenue source,” she said. “This year, it is looking a little bit more favorable, but it is not something that we can expect to grow every year as we had in previous years.” Perhaps more disturbing than anything else is the projected growth in property taxes, she said.
“We are assuming a 1 percent growth rate in property taxes,” Jackson said. “Again, not what we would like it to be.” Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams was shocked to hear of such a low growth in property taxes in Richmond County. “With all of the construction we’ve been doing and apartment buildings going up, there is a lot of growth around here,” Williams said. “Are you saying only 1 percent?” Jackson explained that it was a very conservative estimate from the tax commissioner’s office. “That is the best projection that I have from the tax office right now,” she said. “That is a safe number, and we did try to budget conservatively on this.” Jackson said the county also is expecting only a 1 percent growth in the local option sales tax collections. Despite these obstacles, Jackson said she was determined that one of the main goals of the 2018 budget would be to “invest in ourselves,” she said. She wants to make sure that the requests for at least some raises throughout the county’s workforce be addressed. “In terms of how we placed the priority of people over (county) operations, basically we made the decision to hold operations (budgets) completely flat for every department with the exception of things that absolutely, positively have to happen,” Jackson said. “Things like the elections. We can’t tell the Board of Elections you can’t have that $330,000 because they have got to run elections this year. Another thing is, we have got to make our $250,000 payment on the cyber parking deck.” But Jackson said she is determined to get more money into the county employees’ pockets. Earlier this year, Jackson asked the commission to fund a compensation study to review whether there were inequities within the county’s pay scale. Archer Company, the firm hired to conduct the compensation study, will present its final recommendations to the commission on Nov. 7. “At that point, we will have the written document that shows us exactly what the results of the study are and their recommendations for how we move forward,” Jackson said. Richmond County currently has a workforce of 2,842 people with a general fund budget of $153 million for 2017. Jackson has suggested reducing the current workforce (mainly through the elimination of vacant positions in the county) to approximately 2,817 employees with a general fund budget of $155 million for 2018. However, some of the vacant positions cannot be eliminated just to help reduce the budget, she said. “Some of these vacancies are open because the jobs don’t pay enough,” Jackson said. “If we were to look at animal control right now and the number of vacancies that they have there, they can’t keep anybody in those positions because you can’t keep
“I think the sheriff does a good job, and I think he is doing an excellent job trying to get everything he can for his deserving deputies, but we have 2,800 deserving employees. All of them do a great job and all of them, as far as I’m concerned, are important.” — Augusta Commissioner Bill Fennoy 2NOVEMBER2017
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“I don’t know that I necessarily agree with the method that the sheriff is doing with the ads, but I understand it. And two wrongs don’t make a right, so I’m not going to hold that against him. But I think that we’ve got to find the money, and I’m going to continue to dig into this budget and see what we can do to cut and make the tough decisions.” — Augusta Commission Sean Frantom anybody for $21,000 a year to catch dogs.” Jackson also pointed out that the sheriff’s office regularly has between 30 to 90 vacant positions at any given time, so each position must be individually evaluated in order to determine if it should be eliminated. “Who is going to be in charge of prioritizing what’s needed and what’s not?” Augusta Commissioner Andrew Jefferson asked. Jackson said she hoped that the commissioners would provide some guidance in that regard because the county will be dealing with vacant positions, lapsed salaries, the results of the compensation study, as well as requests for raises. “Well, how are we going to do that?” Jefferson said, looking around at his colleagues. “We have lapsed salaries, we are going to do the compensation study, we have increases in some salaries and we are going to use the savings to fill some of the shortfalls? It seems like we are playing spin the bottle with the money.” Jackson couldn’t deny that Jefferson accurately described many of the frustrations found within the proposed 2018 budget. “That would illustrate why I’m not happy with what I just presented you, sir,” Jackson said. “You are absolutely right. That is what the game is.” Following last week’s budget meeting, several commissioners said they realize the uphill battle they are facing with budget, particularly regarding the request for pay raises by the sheriff. “I don’t think it is going to be possible. Not that we don’t need to give the deputies raises — we just don’t have the money,” Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams said. “We would have to raise taxes in order to give them the salary increases he’s asking for. I support them 100 percent, but we just don’t have the money to do it. And, if you look at public safety, you have to look at all of them. What about the fire department? What about the marshal’s department? We can’t just pick and choose.” As far as Roundtree’s ads asking the public to call commissioners about the proposed budget, Williams believes the sheriff crossed the line. “I thought that was very unprofessional in my opinion,” Williams said. “In one ad, he focused on the administrator. The ad he ran said the administrator needs to step up to the plate. She doesn’t make that decision. The commission makes that decision. But the sheriff focused on the administrator, and that put a bad taste in people’s mouths about her. I thought that was wrong. I thought that was insensitive, and I didn’t appreciate it at all.” However, some commissioners felt that the sheriff was just doing what’s best for the deputies in his department. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“I think it is a good play,” said Augusta Commissioner Dennis Williams. “I think it’s a good way to prove your point.” Augusta Commissioner Bill Fennoy agreed that the sheriff had every right to run the radio ads in support of his employees. “I think he is doing a good job advocating for his deputies, and I don’t have a problem with that,” Fennoy said. “But I support the recommendation from our administrator. I think the sheriff does a good job, and I think he is doing an excellent job trying to get everything he can for his deserving deputies, but we have 2,800 deserving employees. All of them do a great job, and all of them, as far as I’m concerned, are important.” Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom said his main priority is to help the administrator find realistic reductions to the budget so that the county can fund several necessary expenditures, such as increasing the salaries of the deputies and other county employees. “I don’t know that I necessarily agree with the method that the sheriff is doing with the ads, but I understand it,” Frantom said. “And two wrongs don’t make a right, so I’m not going hold that against him. But I think that we’ve got to find the money, and I’m going to continue to dig into this budget and see what we can do to cut and make the tough decisions. We need to look at lapsed salaries and we need to look at positions that maybe have not been filled for multiple years and let’s eliminate them to find the money we need.” Clearly, the deputies deserve a raise, but the commission also has to be realistic about the other expenses the county is facing, Augusta Commissioner Andrew Jefferson said. “They do deserve it, there is no doubt about that, but it is a matter of affordability,” Jefferson said. “At the same time, we have thousands of other employees that are employed by the city, and we need to make sure they are taken care of as well. So it is a difficult job.” Augusta Commissioner Sammie Sias said both sides just need to stick to being professional and do what’s right for the county. “We are doing everything that we can to accommodate the sheriff,” Sias said. “It may not be giving him everything he needs at this time and at this point, but we will take care of his men. We’ll do it.”
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CanalfEST introduces newbies to the liquid backbone of augusta The oldest continuously used hydropower canal in the united States If all you know about the Augusta Canal is what little you can see of it from Riverwatch Parkway or the I-20 overpass, then you really have no idea what you’re missing out on. Fix that at the annual CanalFEST, coming up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 11. From kayaking to running, to canoeing to biking, CanalFEST is all about letting you in on the secrets to enjoying this unique waterway and outdoor playground in the heart of the city. The free festival, to take place at Mill Village Trailhead at 109 Eve St., is a celebration of all the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed out at the Augusta Canal. The tons of free classes are perfect for beginners. Among the classes will be guided bike rides by Wheel Movement, fly fishing by Project Healing Waters and Rivers and Glen Trading Co., kayak fly fishing by Heroes on the Water, archery (with a Nerf tip) by Cabela’s and more. If you’re looking to learn how to use a kayak or canoe, you’ll want to be prepared to get in the water. (Don’t worry — odds are you’ll stay dry!) The learning experience won’t take you very far from the launch point as it is more about learning techniques. CanalFEST has its roots in an event that took place last year, which was under the name Find Your Park Festival, which commemorated the National Park Service’s centennial and the Augusta Canal’s 20 years as a national heritage area. “We hadn’t really had a festival, and we’ve been talking about it for years,” said Julianna Shurtleff, development and volunteer coordinator for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. “So we kind of got popularity with (the Find Your Park Festival). And it did really well, so from there we were like, we need to continue doing a festival. So this’ll now continue to be hopefully a festival every year to celebrate all things outdoors you can do on the canal.” As part of the festival, the Augusta Striders also will be hosting a 5K/Fun Run in the morning. People can sign up
by finding the link at augustacanal.com/festival. It’s one of only two activities at the festival that has a fee — $25 in advance, and $30 the day of. The fee includes a T-shirt and a beer after the race. Oh, and the proceeds go back into the heritage area, since the Striders group often uses the canal’s trails for their races. The only other activity that day that will have a fee is the Petersburg Boat tours — normally, the tours cost $14, but during the festival they are $5. “The tours will bring you down to the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, and take you back to the festival,” Shurtleff said. “So you can tour the museum as well with your boat tour ticket — the captain will be dropping you off down here for a little while and then picking you
By Amanda Main
back up, and he’ll be doing round trips throughout the day.” Shurtleff couldn’t emphasize enough the canal’s value in the area. “The canal just in general increases the city of Augusta’s quality of life, with all the trails, the water trails, the history and culture of the canal,” she said. “It’s the oldest continuously used hydropower canal in the United States. So we want to preserve that history and our environment that we have here at the canal. It spans over 2,000 acres of protected land, and offers kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, bike riding, running, which we’re going teach all of those things out at CanalFEST.” The festival will include live entertainment all day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mill Village Pavilion, featuring locals such as Jerod Gay, Eryn Eubanks & the Family Fold, Bethany and the Southside Boys and Jonay Bailey. And don’t bypass all the fun being set up for kids! The Kroc Center has the younger ones in your family covered, with inflatables, Zumba classes, face-painting and more — all free. Dozens of vendors will be at the festival, including food trucks — Fat Man’s Cafe, Dutch Baker, Koana Ice, Campbell’s BBQ — as well as the Kroc Center’s Cafe on the Canal, which will be serving breakfast and lunch. Fat Man’s Cafe will also be stocking up on beer for the day! Though the festival is free, VIP tickets may be purchased for $45 and include reserved parking, free food and drinks in the tented seating area near the music pavilion and fees waived for any activities, including canal boat tours and the 5K. Proceeds support projects in the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Visit augustacanal.com/festival for a link to buy your VIP tickets. The purchase of two VIP tickets comes with an automatic, annual national heritage area membership worth $150.
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WINTER WONDERLAND on its way to Augusta
IT’S COMING! Fifty days of ice skating — yes, on REAL ICE — and more will be at the Augusta Common starting on Nov. 17. There will be tons to do, like an ice slide (again — real ice), train rides, live entertainment and more. Passes to all activities cost $20 for one day or $50 for a season pass. General admission for those who just want to watch the skaters, enjoy the entertainment and visit the Elves Lounge (aka alcohol tent) can pay $5 for a day or $20 for the season. Kids under 3 get in free! Visit augustaonice.com to buy your passes, and keep up with the Metro Spirit in coming weeks for more information.
Book your holiday party with us! 1204b Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901
For inquiries email: megan@froghollowgroup.com 2NOVEMBER2017
Photo by Lauren Carnes AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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experience a little charleston downtown this thursday One Of AugustA’s mOst pOpulAr cAsuAl — yet at the same time, elegant — fundraisers is this Thursday, November 2. The setting alone is incredible. The 200-yearold mansion overflows with art up for silent auction, but the real star of the show is the backyard, for lack of a better term. The Crosstie Walkers on stage, food stations, bars and more are spread out amongst the grand old oaks. Oh, and the oysters. Amazing oysters and a great spread of Cajun fare keep the party hopping. The Oysters on Telfair fundraiser is in its 13th year, and it’s all to support the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. The institute’s executive director, Heather Williams, said there’s a lot to look forward to every year with the fundraiser. “It’s a very fun evening,” she said. “It’s casual. It incorporates local artists, a local band, a local restaurant. It’s special because it’s one of the few events that’s inside the Gertrude Herbert, but it’s also outside in the gardens. We have a fire pit, and we have this great food and music, but then there’s so much really neat history and art inside the building.” The building is Ware’s Folly — a Federal-style house that now is listed on the National Register of History Places and was completed in 1818 for $40,000, built by Nicholas Ware. Its history in the area is rich, as Ware served as a mayor of Augusta and a U.S. senator. The beautiful house became home to the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art a whopping 80 years ago, when according to nps.gov, a wealthy New Yorker named Olivia A. Herbert “purchased and renovated the mansion to provide a permanent home for the Augusta Art Club as well as a living memorial to her daughter, Gertrude Herbert Dunn, soon after her death.” “The grand structure features Adamesque-style detailing on the interior and exterior, a floating spiral staircase, and intricately detailed fanlights, mouldings, fireplaces, and window and door surrounds,” the institute proclaims on its website. Much of the entertainment during Oysters on Telfair will
be taking place outside in the gardens, with local Americana and alternative roots/pop band Crosstie Walkers — the night’s signature entertainment every year — providing the tunes. The $75 ticket price also gets you access to an open bar and food galore, catered by Beck’s. On the menu is raw, steamed, baked and grilled oysters with cucumber ginger mignonette and all the other typical fixin’s. But it’s not just oysters on the menu, because there is plenty of Cajun food to go around. Along with oysters will be pimento cheese hushpuppies, smoked salmon, charcuterie with fruit and cheese, tuna tartar with fried wontons, shrimp cocktail,
By Amanda Main
chicken and sausage jambalaya, and delicious desserts. The evening is all about art, too. Inside Ware’s Folly will be displays of art, along with pieces of local artists’ works that will be silent auctioned. People who go to the event also will be able to mingle with local artists. Just a few of the artists whose works are being auctioned include Lucy Wiegle, Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman and Linda Hardy. “Local artists from around town create art on 9-by-12 wooden boards that we provide, and then those boards get lined up all across the walls and they get auctioned off,” Williams said. “So you silent bid all night long. And we do have some other artwork that’s also from local artists, but that’s kind of one of the things that makes Oysters on Telfair what it is — we’ve always done those 9-by-12 boards.” The money raised each year goes to the preservation of Ware’s Folly and to support the Gertrude Herbert Institute’s various programs. Williams said it amazes her how many people don’t know about the organization, despite it having been around for 80 years. “Next year the building is turning 200, and it is in desperate, desperate need of some preservation, so we’re kind of trying to drum up that interest so we can continue on for another 80,” she said. Just some of the many things the institute does in the community is reach out to elementary school students who don’t have art teachers and work with the Boys & Girls Club, along with presenting art exhibitions and other programs throughout the year. Tickets to Oysters on Telfair may be purchased for $75 at the door. Call 706-722-5495 for information.
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WHAT’S UP
Calendar: 26 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
GET YER GUITAR PULL TICKETS! YOU DON’T HAVE many chances left to win your tickets to the Kicks 99 Guitar Pull, with the festival coming up fast! It’ll be at the James Brown Arena on Nov. 14, with big names in country like Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brett Young and Big & Rich. Tickets sold out fast, but you can still win them by hitting up the ticket spots. They are: Nov. 2: noon-2 p.m. at First Choice Home Builders in Evans; 4-6 p.m. at Tyler’s Tire and Auto in Aiken Nov. 3: 4-6 p.m. at Little Caesar’s Pizza on Columbia Road Nov. 4: noon-2 p.m. at AU Health; 2-4 p.m. at Gerald Jones Honda on Washington Road at Columbia Road; 4-6 p.m. at Aiken Housing Center Nov. 7: 4-6 p.m. at Communigraphics in North Augusta Nov. 8: noon-2 p.m. at Windsor Jewelers; 4-6 p.m. at Palm Beach Tan on Richland Avenue in Aiken Nov. 9: 4-6 p.m. at The Pizza Joint in Evans Nov. 10: noon-2 p.m. at Augusta Kawasaki on Peach Orchard Road; 4-6 p.m. at Kirkland’s Flooring in Evans; 10 p.m.-midnight at The Country Club Dance Hall and Saloon Nov. 11: 10 a.m.-noon at Salter Building Supply in Waynesboro; noon-2 p.m. at Augusta Power Sports on Washington Road; 2-4 p.m. at Metro PCS (location TBD); 4-6 p.m. at Just Beds off I-20 Exit 5 Nov. 12: 2-4 p.m. at B&E Heating and Air in North Augusta Nov. 13: noon-2 p.m. at Just Beds off I-20 Exit 190 in Grovetown; 5-7 p.m. at Honda Cars of Aiken Visit kicks99guitarpull.com for ticket spot location updates and more information.
THURSDAY, NOV. 2
SATURDAY, NOV. 4
SUNDAY, NOV. 5
THURSDAY, NOV. 9
Haven’t had a chance to gorge yourself on the most fattening of fried foods? There’s still time, with the Columbia County Fair kicking off and running daily through Nov. 12. Now that it has been feeling like fall lately, we think it’s the perfect time to get up in the air on a Ferris wheel. Go get in on all the shows and games at the Columbia County Fairgrounds! Visit columbiacountyfair.net.
The weather is warming up a bit for the next several days, and baseball lovers should get out to Lake Olmstead Stadium for the Line Drive Can Drive Free Baseball Clinic from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Pro baseball instructors will be teaching anyone who wants to learn instruction on fielding, throwing, batting and more. Bring canned foods for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. To sign up, email mattchilders@completegamellc.com or call 706-817-5916
Ever been to a polo match before? Yes, that’s the game that’s played from the backs of horses. This Sunday, Daniel Field will be hosting the first Augusta Polo Cup fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The cost is $25, but kids 12 and under get in free. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with polo starting at 1 p.m. Call 706-951-5490 or visit augustapolocup.com.
Getting to see Journey in concert would be pretty great, right? Well, sorry, that won’t be happening in Augusta anytime soon… but Symphony Orchestra Augusta will be taking on the ‘80s giants’ music this coming Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $16; visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705. Date night, anyone?
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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Series Lecture Augusta Museum of History Featuring The River Region in the Augusta Museum of History’s Collection, led by museum Registrar Lauren Virgo. Participants should bring their own lunch and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session follows the lecture at 12:30 p.m. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
2:30pm Computer Basics: Keyboarding and Mouse Skills Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Border Bash CitySpin Arena at Hippodrome 6pm - 11pm Fri Nov 3 Featuring the UGA and USC cheerleaders and mascots, as well as live music from Eve 6 (pictured), Ashley McBryde and Black Dawg. $15, advance; $20 at gate. borderbash.net
ARTS Thu Nov 2
10:30am - 12:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues Nov. 9, 16 and 30. $80 for all four classes. Includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682.
Mon Nov 6
10am - noon Oil Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656.
Tue Nov 7
2pm - 5pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners Aiken Public Library A class that meets Tuesdays through Nov. 28. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
DANCE Ongoing
The Nutcracker Imperial Theatre A Colton Ballet Company of Augusta production. Showing at 7 p.m. Nov. 24, and 1 and 4 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26. $17-$40. Call 706722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
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Thu Nov 2
9am - 5pm Conference on the Harlem Renaissance Paine College The 20th Evelyn G. Etheridge Conference’s theme is “After Harlem Was In Vogue: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy.” Free. Continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 3. Visit paine.edu/ events/harlem/harlemdefault.aspx or call 706821-8200.
10:30am - 11:30am Estate Planning and Elder Care Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Nov 4
9am - 1pm Their Story: Vietnam War and Why We Should Remember AU’s JSAC Ballroom Free workshop for educators on teaching the Vietnam War, featuring keynote speaker William E. (Bill) Patterson, U.S. Army veteran and author of the book “Vietnam Convoy Trucker.” Registration required. Visit calendar.augusta. edu.
Thu Nov 9
10am Camera Part I Columbia County Library Learn the basics of photography and of using a digital camera. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
1:30pm Camera Part II
Mon Nov 6
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Nov 7
10:30am - noon English as a Second Language Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail.com or call 706-863-1946.
2pm - 5pm Free Application Day Georgia Military College Participants can apply to GMC free, as well as participate in a campus tour or talk to members of the financial aid staff. Pre-registration required. Call 706-993-2644 or email musry@ gmc.edu.
6pm - 8pm MPA Program Town & Gown
Columbia County Library Learn how to import, edit, print, organize and back up digital photos. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl. org.
Ongoing
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn. org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only Monday-Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour
AU’s Science Hall Aiken’s new Assistant County Administrator Ashley Jacobs speaks about her role in local government, what she has done with her Master of Public Administration and how local governments can increase diversity. Call 706737-1710 or visit mpa_program@augusta.edu.
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Wed Nov 8
Tours
11:30am - 1:30pm Brown Bag History
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Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-7240436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
EXHIBITIONS
festival/.
to sign up.
Fri Nov 3
Mon Nov 6
8pm “Shin Godzilla” AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.
Sat Nov 4
3pm “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Nov 9
Tue Nov 7
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Melanie Miller Stokes. The exhibition will remain on display through Dec. 22. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception
5pm - 7pm Fall Into Art Show and Sale Opening Reception Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta Featuring work from 40 members of the North Augusta Artists Guild. The reception is free, and the exhibit will hang through Dec. 15. Call 803441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring Marissa Evans, Betsy Wilson Mahoney, Judy Adamick, Anne Rauton Smith and Joy in the Journey. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Ongoing
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Exhibit of Robert Amato and Tire City Potters The Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta will feature the work of Robert Amato and Tire City Potters (Main Gallery) with Shirley Olson (Balcony Gallery) on display from Oct. 5-Nov. 3. Free. Visit artsandheritagecenter.com or call 803-441-4380.
FLIX Thu Nov 2
All day Southern City Film Festival Various locations, Aiken A festival featuring 72 films, and a Homegrown category just for residents of the CSRA. Runs through Sunday, Nov. 5. For ticket prices and a schedule of events, visit southerncity.org/ 2NOVEMBER2017
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series
Thu Nov 9
1pm “The Big Parade” (1925) Imperial Theatre Silent film set in the World War I era. Free, but ticket required. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706-722-8341.
6:30pm “Glass Castle” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Class also held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Tue Nov 7
Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
6pm Beat the Pack: Smoking Cessation Class
Thu Nov 9
University Hospital A free class that meets Tuesdays through Nov. 28. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-8094 or visit universityhealth.org.
Augusta University Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.
6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby
6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Wed Nov 8
7pm Women’s Center Tour
10am - noon Wellness Checks Headquarters Branch Library
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-
7pm “Wings” (1927) Imperial Theatre Silent film set in the World War I era. Free, but ticket required. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706-722-8341.
HEALTH Thu Nov 2
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Fri Nov 3
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m.5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sun Nov 5
8am - 8pm Nonprofit Spay/Neuter Clinic Call for location A low-cost mobile spaying and neutering clinic will be held for cats and dogs (dogs must be under 20 pounds). A Petco Foundation grant helps cover up to 80 percent of the cost, depending on need. Spaying/neutering of humanely trapped feral cats will be done for a small fee, and other veterinarian services are available. Must pre-register. Call 707-599-1553 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; preregistration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss. net.
Sat Nov 4
10am - noon You’re a Big Girl Now
Southern City Film Festival Various locations, Aiken Thu Nov 2 - Sun Nov 5 A festival featuring 72 films, and a Homegrown category just for residents of the CSRA. For ticket prices and a schedule of events, visit southerncity.org/festival/. 2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Thu Nov 2
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Sat Nov 4
teens will teach participants how to play the board game “The Settlers of Catan.” Call 706793-2020 or email sheffieldj@arcpls. org.
Sun Nov 5
7pm Shire of Border Vale meeting Augusta Richmond County Fire Station, 2627 Parkway Drive Monthly class introduces attendees to Middle Ages role playing, put on by the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. Call 706-951-2437 or visit bordervalekeep.atlantia. sca.org.
Mon Nov 6
10am Winter Birding Columbia County Library Learn about bird watching, then watch some birds. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
3:30pm - 5:30pm Maxwell Library Game Time Maxwell Branch Library International Games Week event for adults and 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11am “Bruce’s Big Move” Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
7:30pm Full Moon Meander
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Reed Creek Park A moonlight hike for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adults. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Nov 2
10:30am Create with Me: Radiant Reflections Morris Museum of Art Participants will view the painting “Man with a Necktie” by Philip Morsberger and create a colorful self-portrait. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
Sun Nov 5
2pm Artrageous! Family Sunday: Pony Tricks and Pics Morris Museum of Art Meet Aiken artist Louise Mellon and her Shetland pony, Little Richard, who will perform and pose for photographs. Afterward, participants will paint their own pony. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure: Plant and Animal Adaptations
Mon Nov 6
Columbia County Library Coloring for grown ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/ mistletoe.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Nov 7
Fri Nov 3
6:30pm Doodle Hour
1pm - 3pm Coupon Group Maxwell Branch Library Trade coupons and money-saving tips with others. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Doctors Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers, on puberty and adolescence. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
5:30pm Chess Part I Columbia County Library This three-part class ending with a tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 28, is open to all ages. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
5pm - 7pm “The Parchman Hour” Auditions Richmond Academy Auditions for teens in grades 10-12. Also being held from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7. Call 706-826-4707.
Tue Nov 7
9:30am Tiny Tot Story Time Reed Creek Park 2NOVEMBER2017
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“Nest Full of Eggs” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
10am Big Kid Story Time Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls. org.
3pm Dinovember Columbia County Library Drop in for this dinosaur-themed event with games, crafts and more. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Wed Nov 8
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call
2NOVEMBER2017
706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 1417, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
LITERARY Sat Nov 4
10am - 3pm Book Sale Headquarters Branch Library
Held in the lobby. From 2-3 p.m., books will be $5 per bag full of books. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
1pm - 3pm Meet the Author The Book Tavern Featuring Karen D. Neal, author of “She He Them: Full Circle.” Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com or facebook.com/ events/486238055089823.
Sun Nov 5
2pm National Novel Writing Month Writing Meet-Up Columbia County Library Gather to write for NaNoWriMo, with writing tips discussion. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Tue Nov 7
Noon - 2pm Celeste Headlee Luncheon/Book Signing The Book Tavern Author and host of the NPR/GPB show “On Second Thought” will be speaking and signing books. A light, catered lunch begins the event. $36.99 ticket includes a copy of the book. Visit booktavern.com or call 706-826-1940.
MUSIC Fri Nov 3
7:30pm Justin Townes Earle Imperial Theatre $15-$40. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706-722-8341.
Sat Nov 4
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
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Sat Nov 4
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
9am - 2pm Lynndale Advocates Vendor/Craft Bazaar 1490 Eisenhower Drive Shop for fall and winter decor and holiday gifts. Raffle and refreshments available. Email rosemary@knology.net or call 706-231-2066.
10:30am - 12:30pm International Gaming Day Drop-In North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library An event for all ages that includes a variety of games such as board games, classic video games, Xbox One games and more. Call 803279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Paw-ty for the Animals St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grovetown 6pm - 9pm Sat Nov 4 A Pawprints Foundation Wags to Wishes event featuring food, entertainment, cash bar, silent auction, holiday shopping and more. $26 single tickets; $42 for pair of tickets. 706-863-2067 or pawprintsfoundation.org Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
5pm - 11pm Aiken Music Fest Highfields Event Center Performers include Seth Walker, The Bucket List Band, Slayton Johnson, Brooke Lundy and Ben Newman. There will also be beer and food vendors. Free. Call 803-649-3505 or visit facebook.com/aikenmusicfest/.
Sun Nov 5
harp. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
Thu Nov 9
6pm - 7:30pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7:30pm The Music of Journey Bell Auditorium Symphony Orchestra Augusta presents The Music of Journey. $16-$66. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.
4pm Simon & Jacques Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Symphony Orchestra Augusta presents cello and guitar duo Simon & Jacques. $24. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.
6pm - 8pm Fall Concert Series Augusta Common Bring picnic, lawn chairs and blankets to this live music event featuring R&B, jazz, old school and reggae. $8. Call 706-821-1754. In the case of inclement weather, it will move to May Park Community Center.
Mon Nov 6
7:30pm - 9pm Veterans Concert Grace United Methodist Church, North Augusta Featuring Savannah River Winds. Visit naartscouncil.org.
Tue Nov 7
Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by Hannah Lash, 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
6pm “Defying Gravity: It IS Rocket Science!”
All day Columbia County Fair Columbia County Fairgrounds An annual event featuring carnival rides and games, food, shows, a demolition derby and more. Runs daily through Nov. 12. Visit columbiacountyfair.net.
7pm - 10pm Oysters on Telfair Ware’s Folly, Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art This annual event features an open bar, raw and steamed oysters, a Cajun feast, raffles, a silent art auction and live music. $75; pre-registration required. Visit ghia.ticketleap.com/oysters.
Fri Nov 3
5pm - 9pm Augusta Handmade Fair
Ongoing
Kicks 99 Guitar Pull James Brown Arena 19th annual Kicks 99 Guitar Pull is coming Nov. 14, featuring Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brett Young, and Big & Rich. Tickets on sale at SRP Box Office at James Brown Arena (no online ticket sales). $35; four-ticket purchase limit. Call 706-722-3521, 706-396-7000, or visit kicks99.com.
Veterans Day Tribute Concert Evans Towne Center Park Inaugural tribute concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 featuring Shooter Jennings, Beth Spangler, Johnny Rodriguez, Rachel Lynn and Jordan Brower. $27-$40; free, kids 12 and under. Visit freshtix.com or buy tickets at any Security Federal Bank. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com or call 706-650-5005.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Doris Building An event in which local crafters and creators will sell their products. Visit augustahandmadefair.com.
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family-friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. First Friday Fire, presented by Arcane Arts, will be at the corner of 11th and Broad at 8 p.m. and will feature feats of fire, spinning poi, staff, hoop, fan and more in a family-friendly show to the music of DJ Codec. Visit facebook.com/ artistsrowaugusta.
6pm - 11pm Border Bash CitySpin Arena at Hippodrome Featuring the UGA and USC cheerleaders and mascots, as well as live music from Eve 6, Ashley McBryde and Black Dawg. $15, advance; $20 at gate. Visit borderbash.net.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
6pm - 9pm Paw-ty for the Animals St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church A Pawprints Foundation Wags to Wishes event featuring food, entertainment, cash bar, silent auction, holiday shopping and more. $26 single tickets; $42 for pair of tickets. Call 706-8632067 or visit pawprintsfoundation.org.
7pm “Seven Wonders” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
7pm - 10pm Art After Dark Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An evening with the arts sponsored by the Artists Guild of Columbia County that includes entertainment, refreshments and a silent auction. Art will be available for purchase. Free. Visit artistguildcc.org.
7pm Listen and Laugh Tour Bell Auditorium Featuring Earthquake, Arnez J, George Willborn and Michael Baisden. $45-$65. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Wed Nov 8
8am - 5pm Augusta Technical College Fall Career Fair Augusta Technical College Open to the public. Call the Community Services Division at 706-541-2856 for more information.
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Thu Nov 9
4pm Veterans Day Event Columbia County Library Local Vietnam Convoy Truckers group will present a documentary film based on local author Bill Patterson’s book “Vietnam Convoy Truckers.” Veterans Affairs representatives also will be there. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl. org.
6pm - 10pm Saratoga WarHorse Fundraiser Newberry Hall, Aiken Benefit for Saratoga WarHorse includes a barbecue menu, cash bar, a “Horse Race of a Different Kind” event (bring cash for betting), a wine pull, shag demonstration and silent auction. $50 tickets may be purchased at Lionel Smith and Plum Pudding in downtown Aiken. Call 803-306-6400 or email marykatherine@ saratogawarhorse.org.
8pm The Amazing Johnathan’s Big Bang Variety Show Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Hosted by comedian Key Lewis, the Big Bang Variety Show features a Las Vegas revue-style show, cirque-style acrobats Duo Enchantment and contortionist Vida Radionova. Infants and kids under 12 not permitted. $28, VIP; $20, reserved seats. Call 706-793-8552.
Ongoing
Annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway Dyess Park To take part in this community tradition, registration will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 11, at Dyess Park. To register, bring a current, valid state ID, a power bill in the registrant’s name dated within the past two months, or a current signed lease agreement. The giveaway will take place at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Dyess Park. Call 803640-2090 or email info@jamesbrownfamilyfdn. org.
Santa Paws: Pet Photos and Bake Sale Pendleton King Park Fundraiser for rescue organization That’s What Friends Are For is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 11 and includes pet photos with Santa, bake sale with human and dog treats, adoptable animals and raffles. $10 donation. Visit onemoreglance.com/Santapaws or facebook. com/events/218707455322073, or call 706-4146231.
Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon Newberry Hall, Aiken Doors for Nov. 14 event open at 9:30 a.m., with a business meeting at 10:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $15; pre-registration required by noon Nov. 9. David Jameson, president and CEO of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, will speak about chamber activities and the Aiken Renaissance. The Community Service group will collect for military families for the Aiken/ Augusta Warrior Project. Call 803-502-4933 or 2NOVEMBER2017
803-648-1570; email newcomers29803@gmail. com; or visit aikennewcomers.com.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop theClubhou.se theClubhou.se on Telfair Street will transform into a local market from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 21, featuring baked goods, canned items, fresh produce, handmade decorations, beauty and bath items, artwork, garden art and other gift items. Vendors may register for a 6-foot by 6-foot spot; Augusta Locally Grown and theClubhou. se members may register as vendors for $20 by Nov. 14 and $30 after. Nonmembers’ vendor registration is $30. Register online at cognitoforms.com/FieldBotanicals/ HolidayPopUpShopRegistration. Call 706-7235782.
TEDx in Augusta TEDx pre-sale tickets are now available for 10 a.m. Feb. 3 event at the Miller Theater. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Tickets are $50 and include lunch, refreshments and a T-shirt. Visit tedxaugusta. com.
SPIRITUAL Sun Nov 5
5:30pm Evensong Service Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church Featuring the choir of Saint Paul’s in a service that is almost entirely sung and has no sermon. This service will feature music composed by Paul Leddington Wright. Childcare will be available and a reception will follow in Tyler Hall. Free and open to the public. Call 706-724-2485 or visit saintpauls.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Nov 4
9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided, 2.5-mile hike. $2; free for members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
9:30am - 11:30am Walk Your Pet Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided, 2.5-mile hike. $2; free for members. Dogs must be leashed; strollers welcome. Preregistration required. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Hike and Craft Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
11am - 1pm Line Drive Can Drive Free Baseball Clinic Lake Olmstead Stadium Free baseball clinic with professional baseball instructors. Bring canned and non-perishable food items for Golden Harvest Food Bank food
UNEXPE TED
When was the last time you got off the beaten path? Columbia SC is full of unexpected discoveries, whether you’re hearing your next favorite band, making new friends or just finding yourself right where you are. Visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com
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drive. To register, email mattchilders@completegamellc.com or call 706-817-5916.
perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Roller Derby
11:30am Young Adult Cancer Support Group
Red Wing Rollerway Teams from Augusta and Orlando battle it out. $10, general; $3, kids 6-12; free, kids 5 and under. Visit brownpapertickets.com/ event/3105534 or email info@soulcitysirens.com.
Cancer Clinic, Laney Walker Boulevard Support through counseling and education in Room AN 2515. Call 706-721-0472 or visit calendar.augusta.edu.
Sun Nov 5
All day Augusta Polo Cup Daniel Field Polo event a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. $25; kids 12 and under get in free. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and polo begins at 1 p.m. Call 706-951-5490 or visit augustapolocup.com.
Wed Nov 8
Noon Schooling Dressage Show Stableview Farms, Aiken Spectators welcome. Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
Ongoing
Augusta Sports Leagues
6pm - 7:30pm Cancer Survivor Support Group
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
Narcotics Anonymous
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
SUPPORT
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Preregistration required. Call 706-860-5233.
Mon Nov 6
6:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer, held the first Monday each month. Call 706-774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League
6:30pm Lung Cancer Support Group
A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta.wordpress.com.
University Hospital Call 706-744-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.
Celebrate Recovery
A group for women in their 20s and 30s dealing with breast cancer. Call for location. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.
7pm Parents Healing Together
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program
6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting
University Hospital A support group for parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Call 706-774-5811 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Nov 7
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ 2NOVEMBER2017
Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Nov 9
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
10am - 11:30am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
Alcoholics Anonymous
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues. com or call 706-309-0280.
Thu Nov 2
9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
THEATER Thu Nov 2
7:30pm The Wizard of Oz Bell Auditorium $40-$62, adults; $30-$51, children 12 and under. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Fri Nov 3
8pm - 12am xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $12 online and at door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Wed Nov 8
7:30pm “The Giver” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Youth Wing production. $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Showing at 7:30 p.m. daily through Saturday, Nov. 11, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Ongoing
“Fanny’s Fantastic Food Frolic” AU’s Maxwell Theatre Showing at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 10 and 11 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 12. $10, general; $7, alumni, military and seniors; $5, students, children and AU faculty and staff; free, AU students. Visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre or call 706-667-4100.
“It Can’t Happen Here” Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.
Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru. edu.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Earthquake, Arnez J, George Willborn, and Michael Baisden Country Club - Jamie Davis Fox’s Lair - Karen Gordon, Empress of Cool Highfields Event Center, Aiken - Aiken Music Fest w/ Seth Walker, The Bucket List Band, Slayton Johnson and more Shannon’s - Shinebox Stillwater Taproom - Happy Bones Wild Wing - Bethany Davis and Friends The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Sally’s - Koko Dove, Claire Storm, Barbara Barringer
An Evening of Traditional Irish Music (The Drunken Gaugers) with Kevin Crawford, Dylan Foley and Patrick Doocey 7:30 p.m. Mon Nov 6 at Fat Man’s Mill Cafe 7:30 p.m. Tue Nov 7 at The Java House, Harlem $20; thedrunkengaugers.bandcamp.com/releases 706-267-5416 for reservations
Sunday, November 5 Live Music
Augusta Common - Fall Concert Series Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Jr. Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Fox’s Lair - Benyaro The Iron Heights - Vatican, Boundaries, Degrader, Sustenance, BackSlide Sky City - Robbie Ducey Band Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington Wild Wing - Jeff Lucero Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses Sally’s - Open Drag Night
Friday, November 3 Live Music
CitySpin Arena (Hippodrome) - Border Bash w/
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Augusta Divas Sky City - First Friday Border Bash ‘80s Night
Saturday, November 4 Live Music
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Bell Auditorium - Listen and Laugh Tour w/
Brian Herrington
- Southbound Smokehouse November 9 R3
- Wild Wing November 9 Chris Tomlin
- Evans Towne Center Park November 10 Chuck Courtenay
- Country Club November 10 Finnegan Bell
- Stillwater Taproom November 10 Palace Doctor
- Sky City November 10 Sabin Sharpe
- Wild Wing November 10 Veterans Day Tribute Concert w/ Shooter Jennings and more
- James Brown Arena November 11 Bullmoose, False Flag
- Sky City November 11 Straight No Chaser
- Bell Auditorium November 12 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
- Country Club November 16
Tuesday, November 7 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
- Sky City November 9
Monday, November 6 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Eve 6, Ashley McBryde, Black Dawg Country Club - Jamey Johnson Fox’s Lair - Jeff Johnston The Highlander - Reese’s Peace, Jason Mullinax Imperial Theatre - Justin Townes Earle Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Southbound Smokehouse - High Divers The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Celtic Pub Night w/ Gavin Winship Stillwater Taproom - The Kenny George Band Wild Wing - D.B. Bryant The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
SIMO w/ Phillip Lee Band
- Bell Auditorium November 16
What’s Tonight?
Thursday, November 2 Live Music
- Bell Auditorium November 9
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Fat Man’s Mill Cafe - The Drunken Gaugers (traditional Irish music) The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
Primus 8 p.m. Thu Nov 9 The Tabernacle, Atlanta $52; tabernacleatl.com 404-659-9022
Orchestra Augusta)
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army The Iron Heights - Bermuda The Java House, Harlem - The Drunken Gaugers (traditional Irish music) Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night World of Beer - Karaoke
What’s Tonight?
MIdgets With Attitude The Reality
- Southbound Smokehouse November 16 Nathan Angelo
- Sky City November 18 Ying Yang Twins
- Country Club November 24 “The Nutcracker” by Colton Ballet Company
- Imperial Theatre November 24-26 “The Nutcracker” by Columbia County Ballet
- Imperial Theatre November 30, December 1 Rick Springfield, Richard Marx
- Bell Auditorium December 6 Henry Rollins
- Miller Theater January 8 “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
- Imperial Theatre December 8-10 An Evening with Molly Ringwald
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center January 13 Diana Krall
- Miller Theater February 16 Ronnie Milsap
- Miller Theater February 17 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere Living Colour
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
- The Loft, Atlanta, November 2
Upcoming
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta November 9
Jukebox Robocop
- Wild Wing November 8 The Music of Journey (performed by Symphony
Demetri Martin
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, November 3 Fall Out Boy, Blackbear
- Philips Arena, Atlanta, November 4 Imagine Dragons, K.Flay, Grouplove
- Philips Arena, Atlanta, November 7 Primus
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta November 9 Bon Iver, Aero Flynn Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta November 11 John Cleese 2NOVEMBER2017
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- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta November 12 Tegan and Sara
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta November 13 Jay-Z
- Philips Arena, Atlanta November 14 Modern English
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta November 16 The Shins, BAIO
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta November 17 Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta November 25 Lady Gaga
- Philips Arena, Atlanta November 28 98 Degrees
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta November 29 Luke Combs
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 1 Gwar, He is Legend, Ghoul, U.S. Bastards
- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta December 3 Seether, Shaman’s Harvest
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 5 Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta December 9 Gin Blossoms
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 14 Janet Jackson
- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17 Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 The Killers
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25
2NOVEMBER2017
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
JIGSAW
$16,640,452
$16,640,452
1
-
2
TYLER PERRY’S BOO 2
$10,052,608
$35,574,251
2
1
3
GEOSTORM
$5,903,428
$23,781,796
2
2
4
HAPPY DEATH DAY
$5,078,685
$48,374,210
3
3
5
BLADE RUNNER 2049
$4,117,395
$81,538,180
4
4
In Theaters November 3
ACTION
“Thor: Ragnarok,” rated PG-13, starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Tessa Thompson and Jeff Goldblum. The God of Thunder’s third outing finds the hunky hero hammerless and held captive on the planet of Sakaar. With Hulk’s help, Thor must race against time to stop Ragnarok — the end of Asgardian civilization. This one seems to be taking a more lighthearted and comedic approach, probably inspired by the recent success of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
COMEDY
“A Bad Moms Christmas,” rated R, starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Cheryl Hines, Christine Baranski and Susan Sarandon. In the follow-up to last year’s massive hit, the titular trio of moms struggles to create the perfect Christmas for their families while dealing with their own mothers. In recent years, many R-rated comedy sequels have failed to live up to the box office success of their predecessors (i.e. “Horrible Bosses 2,” “Bad Santa 2,” “Neighbors 2,” “Ted 2”). Will “Bad Moms 2” be the exception? 2NOVEMBER2017
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Kristina Rester, Lilly Rester, Serra Howell and Keith Rester at the Patrick Davis EP release party at Enterprise Mill
Joe and Sandy Bowles and John Nixon at the Patrick Davis EP release party at Enterprise Mill
Rody and Kelly Jacobs with Anslee and Robert Monk at the Patrick Davis EP release party at Enterprise Mill
Reginald Wynn, Ciara Gaines and Benjamin Nunn at Tribeca
Mike and Dawn Rockwell with singer/songwriter Patrick Davis (center) at the Patrick Davis EP release party at Enterprise Mill
Kevin Haltom, Michelle Tyner and William Langstraat at Stillwater Taproom
Ryan McFeely, Hannah Howard, Rob Fogg and Tyene Heblinger at Blue Sky Kitchen
Grace Poplin, Veronica Mulkey and Brett Craig at the Soul Bar
Amy Newsome, Manish Mattawar, Amy Nelson and Liz Fisher at the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee in North Augusta
2NOVEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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2635 Washington Road Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm
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Augusta, Georgia 30904
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