Metro Spirit - 12.17.15

Table of Contents

dECEMBER 17, 2015

The Naughty and Nice of 2015 insider

Jodi Lott gets sworn in by Judge Danny Craig

augusta tek

16 4 6

The Only Way to Shop

Ruffin’ It

8

Trump? Really??

Jenny is Wright Quality Over Quantity

Kris Fisher

10 39

The Wonder Years

austin Rhodes

The Ghost of Christmas Past

45

Fine Whine Jones Creek is the nicest trailer park in town.

Continued on Page 12

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CREativE

amy Christian | Arts Editor/Production Director

Joshua Bailey | Lead Designer

amy@themetrospirit.com

joshua@themetrospirit.com

Stacey Eidson | Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift | Staff Writer molly@themetrospirit.com

COVER DESIGN: KRUHU

SalES Gayle Bryan | Senior Account Executive gayle@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-4846

Joe White joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

BUSinESS Joe White | Publisher/Editor joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

Johnny Beckworth | circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com

Jim Christian | Account Executive jim@themetrospirit.com | 706-414-4059 Contributors Jenny Wright | Greg Baker | Austin Rhodes | Josh Ruffin | Kris Fisher | Michael Johnson

Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum.

The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 | joe@themetrospirit.com

V26|NO51

Jodi Lott Gets Sworn In By Judge Danny Craig AS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS filled the Columbia County Superior Court this week to watch Jodi Lott being sworn in as the next Georgia House Representative, it was a wonderful day for her and Columbia County voters.

But watching her being sworn in by Superior Court Judge Daniel Craig was a little bittersweet.

Obviously, not for Lott, but for one of her other opponents: Mack Taylor.

Taylor used to work in former District Attorney Danny Craig’s office.

The two men know one another very well.

In fact, Taylor even used Craig’s name in one of his campaign commercials.

The details of their professional relationship was made fully public when Craig was called to preside over WGAC radio host Austin Rhodes’ request for a restraining order in November against three people, including former candidate Joe Mullins, during the campaign for the District 122 seat.

Craig said he wished to recuse himself from the case.

One of the reasons was his name was mentioned in a political advertisement for Taylor that ran that same month.

“There is a radio ad by one of the candidates in this very race that within the first 10 words my name is mentioned,” Craig was quoted saying by The Columbia County NewsTimes during the hearing in his courtroom. “When you are looking at even the appearance of impropriety, that alone would cause me some concern... I’m not comfortable in presiding over this case.”

The sad part about this entire election is many voters could picture Taylor being sworn in by his mentor, Judge Craig, this week.

But the honest truth is, Taylor totally screwed up.

The Insider has written a great deal over the past few months about the missteps of Taylor and his flawed decision to resign from his Columbia County commission seat to run in the District 122 race.

Clearly, Taylor was wrong for dumping his District 3 commission seat.

Lott won the District 122 runoff election by a landslide earlier this month using the same grassroots techniques that Taylor did to win his commission seat.

She worked the neighborhoods, knocked on hundreds of doors and attended political meetings and debates, even when she was not a scheduled speaker.

People began to recognize her name, her face and her incredible ambition.

As a result, Lott, a registered nurse and co-owner of a rehabilitation practice, creamed Taylor in the runoff by winning 76 percent of the votes cast.

The ironic thing is, her campaign was so similar to Taylor’s stance on many of the issues facing Columbia County and the entire state of Georgia, the two could almost be identical twins.

But the simple fact is, Taylor lost the trust of the Columbia County voters.

During the entire campaign for the District 122 race, Taylor seemed to become consumed by the completely irrational race of another opponent, local entertainment promoter Joe Mullins.

For months, Taylor would spend precious time posting comments on various Facebook pages discussing the controversies surrounding the election.

To say the least, it wasn’t very politically savvy and definitely not the behavior of someone seeking a seat in the Georgia Legislature.

Those actions made Taylor look weak and unfit for office, particularly after resigning from the commission seat that he had worked so hard to earn.

As a result of losing this election, Taylor’s resignation from the Columbia County Commission will definitely haunt him.

Taylor will forever be seen as the man who walked away from his political promises just to end up getting defeated at the polls trying to win a more prominent seat in Georgia.

It’s sad because Taylor could have been a very effective commissioner and possibly even an extremely successful legislator a few years down the line.

That political career could have set him up for a judgeship, much like the similar paths of previous politicians such as Randy Hall, James Blanchard Jr. and Mike Annis.

But, as the public watched Lott being sworn into office this week by Craig, it was hard not to picture Taylor standing in the exact same position.

Being sworn in by his former boss. His mentor.

But that didn’t happen.

This year was definitely a missed opportunity for Taylor.

Letter to the Editor TO THE EDITOR: I read in today’s Metro Spirit, the Whine Line, this whine: “The Columbia County News Times is not asking for donations of children’s underwear this year. What (who) changed?”

Here is what changed. Child Enrichment runs a “Clothing Closet” for needy children. The last two years we have been desperate for underwear, diapers and socks for children: both genders, all sizes.

This year, we have had successful drives and other donations which have stocked our closet. So, this year, we didn’t reach out to the Columbia County News-Times for them to conduct a drive.

We do have an urgent need for boys clothing: good condition, used or new jeans, pants and shirts in all sizes. And we almost always need diapers.

Clothing donations are accepted by Child Enrichment, Inc., Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. These times may change in January 2016, so call 706-7374631 if you need additional information.

Thank you. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful 2016.

Sincerely, Dan Hillman, executive director Child Enrichment

4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

17DECEMBER2015

V26|NO51

Aiken County Resembles Donald Trump In the same week that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump brought his strong opinions about Muslims to the USC Aiken’s Convocation Center, the Aiken County Council also approved a resolution against relocating Syrian refugees to the region.

It was quite a week in Aiken County.

All of a sudden Aiken County was sounding a lot more like ultra-conservative areas such as Texas.

Just this past week, Republican leaders in Texas announced plans to expand the legal authority of the states to bar Syrian refugees.

“No other state has taken a more aggressive approach to blocking Syrian refugees than Texas, which last week became the first state to try to bar the refugees by suing the federal government,” The New York Times reported last week.

The Republican leaders’ call for action came just a few days before Texas was expecting the arrival of 21 Syrian refugees to the Houston and Dallas areas.

So, who were these Syrian refugees?

The 21 people included 12 children ages 2 to 15, The New York Times reported.

“On Monday, six members of a Syrian family — two children aged 3 and 6, their parents and their grandparents — joined relatives who were already living in the Dallas area,” the newspaper reported.

Could some of these refugees be dangerous? They could be.

Just because the majority of refugees are children, doesn’t mean all 21 refugees are completely safe.

The fact that the married couple responsible for the mass shooting in California that killed 14 people and wounded more than 20 others were parents of an infant daughter shook many folks to their core.

How could parents abandon their infant daughter to commit one of the deadliest U.S. assaults in years?

It’s terrifying.

But the California shooters weren’t Syrian refugees and FBI Director James Comey said the couple had turned radical long before the rise of ISIS. One of the San Bernardino killers, Syed Rizwan Farook, was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois. His 29-year-old wife, Tashfeen Malik, was born in Pakistan but lived for some time in Saudi Arabia.

So, should this country close its borders to all Muslims, like Trump is suggesting?

It’s ironic that those words are coming out of Trump’s mouth.

This is the same man who has eagerly sold his name and products to customers all over the world, including residents of Muslim-majority countries, the same people he’s now saying he wants to stop from entering this country.

“One of Trump’s famous golf courses is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” Fortune magazine reported this past week. “Qatar Airways, a state-owned enterprise, has an office in Trump Tower in Manhattan. And earlier this year, Trump inked a deal with a Dubai-based retailer to sell Trump luxury products in the Middle East.”

The question becomes: Where do you draw the line? Should the United States not accept any refugees from any country? What would happen if this nation closed its borders to all Muslims?

Shouldn’t this country focus more on better screening all of these people coming into the U.S. rather than trying to ban them from entering all together?

And, back here in the CSRA, what does all this have to do with Aiken County?

17DECEMBER2015

Well, everyone knows that Aiken County is horse country.

Whether its polo horses or thoroughbreds, one of the most charming aspects of Aiken is its horse community.

So, do you know where a large number of thoroughbred horses and investors in the local stables come from?

Countries throughout the Middle East. These are investors from Muslim-majority countries that have financially supported local stables and been members of the Aiken horse community for decades.

Now, obviously the Aiken County Council’s resolution didn’t attack all Muslims. It’s just a resolution against relocating Syrian refugees to Aiken County.

The resolution specifically states the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program would result in “unfunded burdens to schools, law enforcement, living arrangements and health care providers.”

The refugees could also cause “serious security concerns,” the resolution states.

But attempting to slam the door on Syrian refugees at a local level definitely casts a different light on Aiken County.

Let’s just say, Donald Trump probably felt right at home in Aiken this past week.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 5

The Only Way to Shop IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN PAYING ATTENTION, you might have missed this. The observed differences are so subtle, no one would be surprised if it escaped your attention. The events leading to this change occurred over a number of years. Some would argue that no real difference has actually happened. However, search your feelings — you know that things are different. I can illustrate it with one simple example.

Did anyone drive out to Augusta Mall this past weekend? During this time of year, this question usually produces feelings of pain and suffering. The traffic leading into the mall during the holidays is notoriously bad. Traffic is often backed up well onto Bobby Jones Expressway. For those who brave the journey, the pain level can be measured using one simple metric — How many turns of the light was required for you to enter the parking lot?

I was one of those souls that went to the mall this weekend. Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The next to last weekend before Christmas. When we left the house, my wife and I looked at each other and thought, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” But do you know how many changes of the light it took for us to get into the parking lot?

One. Don’t get me wrong. Augusta Mall was plenty full, and the typical holiday chaos was available in abundance. After all, we are only two weeks from Christmas! Our hard-to-shop-for relatives still exist. Obsessing over the perfect deal does not simply go away. No, it’s still the holiday shopping season — with every part of holiday shopping there to torment a weakminded person such as myself!

It’s just this year… well, in a noticeable way, it wasn’t quite that bad.

Of course, we’re just witnessing the latest in the evolution of the internet and how it’s transforming our lives. Online shopping is nothing new. This paradigm shift has been evolving for several years now. But this year, for whatever reason (and I really can’t put my finger on it), online shopping has moved solidly mainstream. Ask your friends and family — I suspect that you’ll find that most Christmas shopping is done online.

And why wouldn’t it be? The advantages are almost too numerous to mention. Consider the following: Old way: Wander the isles looking for a product or a salesperson to help you.

Online way: Type the product name in the search bar.

Old way: Drive to multiple stores looking for the best deal.

Online way: Browse to multiple sites looking for the best deal.

Old way: Spend hours in traffic or in crowded stores, smelling some of your favorite people.

Online way: While still in your pajamas, sit down with your iPad and a cup of coffee, with wisps of cinnamon and potpourri in the air.

Old way: Start searching months in advance looking for that perfect, hard-to-find item.

Online way: Really? Everything is on the internet. Find the perfect gift in less than an hour.

Online shopping possesses a few weaknesses. For example, if you like to receive that personal touch, click-to-order will probably not be your thing. More significantly, some really mean people have started stealing online deliveries from front porches, etc. In the larger cities, package-receiving services are being started to provide secure package receipts. I am not aware of any service in Augusta. In the interim, one of your first online purchases should be an IP video camera. You can’t make mean people act nice, but maybe you show the judge why they should be on the naughty list.

BTW — Please be nice to your UPS/Fedex/USPS drivers. If anyone is hating the holidays, it will be these folk. We’ve talked with a few drivers as they’ve made deliveries. Can you say “package tsunami?” They are working hard to ensure everyone has a Merry Christmas. Be sure to give them some Christmas cheer!

As you head out to do your final Christmas shopping, remember that orders placed with Amazon’s two-day delivery must be made by Tuesday, GREGORY BAKER PH.D. is vice president of CMA Technology December 22. However, and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist there is no delivery deadline who used his doctorate in aerospace for the gift of Christmas. God engineering at Lockheed Martin. In bless you, and have a very addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on Merry Christmas! several boards in the area.

@gregory_a_baker 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

17DECEMBER2015

V26|NO51

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V26|NO51

Trump? Really??

This pasT weekend should have been a flawlessly momentous one for the UFC. Three events went down over the course of three consecutive nights, and each produced at least one outcome that’s good for the company’s bottom line down the road.

Ass-kicking male model Sage Northcutt was again impressive in victory, and is someone the UFC will definitely be looking to for a future face of the company.

Frankie Edgar knocked out Chad Mendes in the first round of their featherweight tilt, thereby opening up a little space in the division’s top five. And, holy crap, Saturday night — not only did Luke Rockhold defeat Chris Weidman to become the new middleweight champion, but all of the UFC front office’s dreams came true when Irish striker and license to print money Conor MacGregor KOd longtime champ Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to snatch the title.

It was a ridiculously successful weekend, and nothing should have been able to mar it.

And then Dana White had to go and open his mouth about something other than the business of his company. Via the Hill: Dana White told TMZ Sports Friday he’ll be voting for Donald Trump.

White cited the Republican presidential frontrunner’s early support for UFC events, hosting the once-controversial mixed martial arts competitions at the Trump Taj Mahal when they were shunned by some state gaming commissions and venues.

“Not only did we host the events there, but he showed up and supported the events. You will never hear me say a negative thing about Donald Trump,” said White.

So, a few things.

Dana White is a cross between a giant thumb and a goomba from the Super Mario series, who calls female journalists “sweetheart,” wears $200 “vintage” T-shirts and tries to bully any media outlet not named ESPN, so his endorsement of a kindred spirit should come as no surprise on the surface. And while this doesn’t justify an endorsement for an office of this importance, I completely get the notion of wanting to support those who supported you in the past.

But here’s what’s going to stick in a lot of craws: the UFC employs a few hundred fighters from across a wide range of demographics, nationalities, ethnicities and religious persuasions.

Right now, their span of reigning champions includes a Polish woman, two black men, two Brazilians and an Irishman. A Mexican-American was their long-reigning heavyweight champion, and the fighter payroll is dotted with other Latino fighters.

Perhaps most importantly, given recent events and ensuing comments by Trump, a practicing Sunni Muslim could very well become the UFC lightweight champion sometime before 2017.

Trump has repeatedly referred to Hispanics as thieves, rapists and criminals; he applauded his own supporters at a rally for assaulting a Black Lives Matter protester; he advocates creating a registry for all Muslims residing in America, which is totally not at all something directly inspired by the Hitler’s registry of the Jews during World War II. At an early national debate, he suggested that a female moderator’s difficult questions to him were inspired by her period.

Either Dana White’s endorsement of Trump is a mean-spirited invitation to his employees to kiss his ass, or he’s completely oblivious to the implications of his actions. Whether this is worse or not, I’m inclined to believe the latter.

JOsh RUFFin is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin,

with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.

17DECEMBER2015

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V26|NO51

Quality Over Quantity WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING, do you plan ahead? Wait until the very last minute?

I guess I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. I never start before Thanksgiving, but starting on Christmas Eve would make me panic. I don’t even mind braving the crowds in December, on the prowl for the perfect gift.

My sole complaint about the crowds is the people. Some people shouldn’t be allowed in public. I’m not going to go into any detail with that, except to say that there are a lot of folks out there who need to learn some manners.

Not only is shopping time consuming, but finding the perfect gift is nearly impossible. The gift that I think would be perfect for you may not even make your list. There’s nothing better than surprising someone with my idea of the best thing for them, though. I put a lot of thought into what I give. There’s nothing worse than buying a gift just because I have to, picking up something, anything, that can be wrapped and given.

Our kids have small and very specific lists this year. They want all the things Harry Potter (her) and Dr. Who (him). He has a ton of Harry Potter stuff already. I’m not trying to be cheap, but I wonder if he’d miss it? And by that, I wonder if, when she opens it on Christmas Day, he’ll notice he doesn’t have it anymore?

Growing up, my dad liked to trick me. “There’s no way you’re getting that for Christmas.” He would give me some reason as to why it just wasn’t going to happen. In seventh grade, I asked for the leather bomber jacket that every other seventh grader wanted. You know, the one with the satiny world map lining.

That Christmas morning, with every present unwrapped, it seemed I didn’t get the jacket. Oh, wait! What is that plastic grocery store bag over there in the corner? Inside was a neatly folded leather jacket. When I was 16, he told me he wasn’t getting a car. A few months after my birthday, we went to “just look” at a car. When the lady’s garage opened, there was a big red bow on the car. Dad had already bought it for me. Apparently I haven’t outgrown this blissful ignorance, because The Man does it to me, too.

I can’t imagine how teachers feel. They get so much crap year after year. I’m sure they’ll say they don’t mind, but how many A+ Teacher picture frames and apple cinnamon candles does one person need? A teacher friend of mine was given a silk rose that reeked of cigarette smoke clearly purchased at the gas station on the way to school. I guess it was a nice gesture? The thought does count. It might be better if you thought about using a little Febreeze on the silk rose.

There’s trend to give teachers cash or grocery store gift cards.

Since teachers don’t get paid enough, this seems like a good way to help them get what they need for the classroom or home.

I give teachers the same gift almost every year — a certificate for a manicure. They seem to appreciate it anyway.

One year I was talking to a teacher, ready to hand over her manicure card, when she started listing and complaining about many of the gifts she’d already gotten. She said, “Cash is so much better. We can go out and get something we actually like.”

Being that specific about gifts is off-putting. I quickly tucked the certificate in my pocket. That year, I made a donation to a local charity in her name. She didn’t get squat.

I feel the same frustration when I see parents waiting in line after line, spending hundreds of dollars on this specific gift that Junioress has to have or she will just. die. If gift giving becomes

that stressful, you’re missing the point. First of all, Christmas isn’t just about the presents. Second, gift giving is supposed to be fun, not laden with demands and specifics that are impossible to fulfill. I’ll even throw in that it’s better to give than receive. Because it is.

Did y’all see the picture going around of the British blogger’s tree, overflowing with hundreds of gifts? Google it. Grab a glass of wine and read the comments. She drew quite a bit of heat with all of her excessiveness. I get it, because, well, if your kid gets a bunch of stuff like that, my kids think Santa doesn’t love them as much. Besides, spoiled kids are usually jerks.

The key to gift-giving is quality over quantity. Getting special things that they will love and be proud of is a good thing. Kids don’t need their entire list. They may think they do, but they also think Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes make for a nutritional breakfast. I might have two with my coffee, but that’s none of their business. Wanting for things is okay; I promise they’ll live.

Give within your means and from your heart. Don’t forget to remove the price tag.

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.

17DECEMBER2015

V26|NO51

The Whine Line

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest?

Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com.

As Austin would have you believe, Dylann Storm was not looking for the path of least resistance, at least firearm-wise, when he brutally murdered the people at the Charleston church. Per his manifesto, such as it is, his actions were to instigate a race war. To continue spewing the demented notion that more guns make us safer is ludicrous at best and statistically false at the least.

warning!! 20 years old never been stopped or violations. He was extremly nervous, was respectful. He is in National Guard and getting ready to start police academy in Feb., thanks for valuable lesson, and giving him a positive, good experience with law enforcement. He’ll remember that for awhie. You are a credit to Columbia Co. Thank You for what you do.

Another accident at I-20 bridge by an irresponsible fatigued truck driver. He fell asleep, it was his fault, not the bridge. All of the noise about the dangerous bridge is the typical move to blame someone esle. It is not the fault of the road , it is the drivers!

Oh, dear God! The person who posted the San Bernardino shooters weren’t “American’s” obviously missed the part where the male was born and raised in the good old U.S. of A. A shooting death near The Augusta Mall! The cancer spreads. Will the Augusta “leaders” sit and watch this to become the next stage of Regency Mall saga?

n for the o s a e r l a tu c a e th Axasiaonl. Ptrilaisteisbe for the Winter Solstice! se We now have a President who does not respect the Constitution. It looks like the people want another one to replace him and trample the Constitution even more. The U.S. is going backwards to a time of fear. Pitiful and weak.

I swear if it’s not the Braves that let you down its the Falcons. They make it impossible to support your home teams when they consistently start out like they might finally do something and then croak when it matters most. A team that started out 6-0 is losing 31-0 at this point ? Seriously if you first string is that bad your second string must be middle school level.

To the female officer directing school traffic on Hereford farm rd. When the traffic is backed up into intersections a mile away and then some your priority should be to keep the main road traffic flowing and let school traffic out in intervals. Bad thing is when I was finally able to turn from Cox rd onto Hereford as I continued to sit there in bumper to bumper traffic not a single school bus ever passed me. I appreciate my police but common sense is helpful to all.

Another crack in the dam. Kids have not learned how to build, uprade, or repair computers. America’s greatest generation has gotten old and is going home.

America’s worse generation is unable to fill their shoes. They were interrested in other things, sex, drugs, rap, gangs, tattoos, selfies, instagram, Ice-bucket & fire challange, bullying, hatred, violence, theft, sports or anything that pays money without work. Now the Industry is forced to fill positions with the only qualified people in the world,...foreign nationals from the very nations that have been trying hack into our super secured data bases. If this aint no Trojan Horse.

An unannounced drug test of all school employees, including administrators, will explain why American education is failing. However, Americans prefer to remain blissfully ignorant than deal with the truth. Employee drug use in schools is like the band playing as the Titanic sank in the ocean.

You so called Republicans in Columbia County have to be a special kind of stupid to seek political advice from a 13 year old. Now you have a new appooach to politics: conservative socialism. “Nothing new” you say?

Trump will be a disaster. He will start an arms race with the Russians. China will show him his big mouth is no match to their fleet of war-Ships, economic ties with Mexico will be broken and the Spanish world will side with Mexico. Terror attacks from confused young white males and Arab males will increase. Canada and Mexico will close their borders to American refugees, and just when things cant get any worse North Korea will launch a devasted nuclear attack on Washington DC, New York, other major cities. The injured will die because Obama care was abandonned, and the wall that Trump will build, will not be to keep immigrants out, but to keep Americans from fleeying.

The ISIS gang are viole

nt use emplo masses into suyrerdenby the globalist elite to scfaurleidthiots right to due proces dering their civil liberties and e s. Mission accompli shed.

Jones Creek is the nicest trailer park in town.

I have to get into the Christmas spirit so I headed to YouTube to watch random, assorted, snot-nose punk millenials having bombastic meltdowns because mom and pop got them an I-phone5 instead of an I-phone6. Freakin’ hilarious! Now, I know you so-called “parents” don’t want to kick your bratty kids sweet little ass....so I ask...Will you let me do it...because...I will...please?

How truly CHRISTian is it really to get into a snit over someone else not saying a word that contains CHRIST in it?

This is not a whine ,but praise to the police who stopped my son speeding on Columbia Rd., Friday night, you check all his papers, talked to him gave him a 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

17DECEMBER2015

‘TIS BETTER TO GIVE and RECEIVE!

V26|NO51

Local Couple Goes Nuts Downtown

By Molly Swift

Tucked away on Jones sTreeT, Watanut offers handcrafted, gourmet nut mixes. Housed in a two-story brick building, the nut shop is a bit of a newcomer to downtown; its just celebrating its two-year anniversary as a brick and mortar store after nearly a year of operating purely online.

But this gourmet nut store is the result of hard work and family values.

Fresh out of college, Kam and Bryan Kyzer relocated to Macon to open and run a water bottling company franchise. Over the course of the decade they lived there the family grew by three children. Bryan Kyzer said they enjoyed a good life, but eventually Macon began to lose its appeal, while returning to their hometown started to look very attractive.

“I was tired; it was a lot of work — a lot,” he said. “We talked about being closer to home. It was time to go.”

As part of the move, the couple decided they would love to create an opportunity for them to work together. While working other jobs, they explored their options and decided on the one that would bring them the most personal satisfaction: providing healthy, handmade snacks.

Both Bryan and Kam are accomplished professionals — Kam has worked with the Boys and Girls Club as a fundraiser at a national level — and both are focused on fitness. Bryan felt there was enough demand for a healthy snack; by combining their diverse interests, skills and backgrounds, the two came up with Watanut.

14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

A writer and businesswoman, Kam was able to take Bryan’s idea of a healthy snack and run with it, developing the Watanut brand and vision— their mantra is “Go Nuts!”

—as well as the recipes. Of course, developing a brand doesn’t happen overnight, and involves aspects of business many of us don’t even consider — designing boxes and packaging, sourcing distributors, building website and endless forward planning. The Kyzers knew that in order to make it in Augusta they would have to be on the ball.

“At first, we figured our product could make it easier to get healthy snacks in the mail, or online. Then we formulated some of the mixes to be not-so-good for you,” said Bryan. “That’s when we realized there was such a good market for gift giving; it wasn’t meant to be that at first, but it evolved into it.”

The building the Kyzers occupy is visually stunning. Tucked away on a lesstraversed road, the spacious, well-lit rooms, exposed brick, and wood flooring are the perfect backdrop for the gift-boxed gourmet nuts. Samples of each nut mix are available as “nut shots” (no giggling) so that customers can try before they buy. Kam said this was essential.

“You might wonder what Nut Sushi tastes like,” she said, “but if you don’t try it you won’t know.”

Yes, Watanut offers a few different types of pecans, but the mixes take a dive into the non-traditional with their unique flavor creations such as Nut Nog, Pina Colada, Ale Yeah and Curry in a Hurry. Truly bizarre, and rapidly gaining a fan base, these flavor mixes are the passion of the company’s founders.

The mixes are often inspired by the family’s own experiences — places they love, people they love and food they love. The on-site kitchen is where Kam sources ingredients and tests her recipes. The quality of the ingredients is her main concern, and that applies to finding the right flavor combination out of a wide range of options.

“The process takes a long time because I want to make sure I find the perfect mix,” she said. “I might go through 20 suppliers to find the taste I’m looking for, but, in the end, it’s worth it. For our Peanut Butter and Jelly Time mix, I cannot tell you how many dried strawberries we tried. Dried strawberries are not so appealing; some can taste like gummy bears. We literally looked high and dry until we found the perfect dried strawberry.”

The store is open year-round, but the hours change according to the season. The Kyzers open for extended hours around the holidays including Christmas, Valentine’s Day and during the week of Masters — another opportunity for gift-giving. The constant e-commerce and seasonal business keeps the couple busy, but Bryan said the work involved might be demanding, but it’s also rewarding.

“Starting anything from scratch is a lot of work, because it takes a while to get to where you feel like you’re getting some return on it, if you ever do,” he explained. “The thing about Watanut that I love is that I can incorporate my whole family into the 17DECEMBER2015

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business. So, I’ll have my kids down here working, my mother and father help out, and my wife’s aunt. Sometimes with the kids the complaining isn’t worth it — but we are teaching them life lessons.”

Kam added, “It is work — it’s hard work. But we felt it was important to show our kids that it is possible to work hard and enjoy it. You know, you spend 80 to 90 percent of your waking time on your career, but we wanted to spend it together and we want to enjoy it. I hope we convey that to our children and to everyone who walks through the door. It’s a passion.”

Kam says that the passion that drives them means the two are constantly bouncing ideas around, trying out new flavors when inspiration strikes, and always looking at ways to improve. But, seeing their collective efforts flourish has been the greatest reward.

“We’re constantly trying to build a better experience for our customers, but we are juggling responsibilities in our own lives, too,” she said. “We have to still take care of our bills, go shopping and do all the things we would normally be doing, but I think we have made it easier by working together.”

Find out more about the Kyzers and Watanut at watanut.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/watanutbox.

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The Naughty and Nice of 2015

By Metro Spirit Staff

With the Christmas season right around the corner, there is no secret that the Augusta area has definitely kept Santa on his toes checking his list not once, but twice, to see exactly who has been naughty and nice.

And, let’s just say it, some folks should expect nothing but a few lumps of coal in their stockings.

Whether it was frivolous government spending, damaging scandals, contentious elections or abrupt resignations, 2015 was anything but a smooth ride for many local residents.

The Augusta area can only hope that 2016 brings brighter days ahead.

The Jokers of January The year of 2015 began with news that many Augustans had longed to hear for years: Georgia Regents University President Ricardo Azziz was resigning.

The funniest part of the announcement was Azziz and his public relations teams tried with all their might to put a positive spin on the resignation.

“This is all good,” Azziz repeatedly said. “This is all positive.”

According to Azziz, it was his decision to submit his letter of resignation to the Georgia Board of Regents.

“It is the right time,” Azziz told the Metro Spirit. “Five years as the change agent is plenty. We’ve done 20 years of work in five years and, so really, my family and I felt this was the right decision.”

Well, it was definitely the “right time” for someone, but it may not have been Azziz’s choice like he tried to portray.

He basically received a $1.1 million package paid by both the University System of Georgia and Georgia Regents Health System.

It was basically a settlement agreement that allowed the university to quietly show Azziz the door. The university system paid him to step down from his position as president.

But considering Azziz was known far and wide as the most hated man in 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Augusta, it was a small price to pay.

It had been five very long years since Azziz was named president of the thenMedical College of Georgia back in 2010 and, not long after moving to the Garden City, he quickly became known as the man heading the merger of Augusta State University and MCG, later known as Georgia Health Sciences University.

That merger led to the highly controversial name GRU. Long-time residents of the area strongly objected to the new name because the word “Augusta” was initially not included.

Citizens throughout the CSRA were outraged after Azziz backed the GRU name instead of the “University of Augusta,” which received the most support in local public polling.

Azziz acknowledged that becoming president of GRU during this transitional period had been a tremendous challenge.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Azziz told the Metro Spirit in January. “But, at the end of the day, great things don’t happen without effort.”

Also in January was the beginning of a long saga regarding free tickets provided to Columbia County officials.

When Royce Richardson of Triple R Concert Productions decided to bring country music legend Merle Haggard to the Columbia County Exhibition Center in January, he was shocked to learn that some of the Columbia County commissioners were apparently upset because they had not been given any free tickets to the show.

As a result, he decided to reach out to the Columbia County Chairman Ron Cross.

But just prior to contacting Cross, Richardson heard the news that serious changes were coming down the pike for upcoming shows, including giving away 25 free tickets and 25 all-access passes to the county.

Richardson learned these free tickets and all-access passes would apparently be distributed by the county to whomever officials see fit to give them.

That news didn’t sit well with some promoters.

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There was also a rumor that a certain member of the county commission wanted to speak prior to every show and recognize some of the “important” individuals attending the event.

So, who is behind this bizarre request?

The Insider this year pointed out it was none other than the “mayor of Evans” himself, Ron Cross, the chairman of the Columbia County Commission.

Cross showed his true colors early in the year after Richardson contacted him with some of his concerns.

In an email to Cross, Richardson apologized for not providing the county any free tickets to the Merle Haggard show and he specifically asked for more details on any proposed changes to future contracts with the county for the use of the exhibition center.

In response to Richardson’s email, Cross insisted the comp tickets weren’t for commissioners. Instead, they were for “prominent people” in the community.

“Royce, the Commissioners have very little interest in the concerts,” Cross wrote in a Jan. 19 email to Richardson. “We do have prominent people in the community ask about tickets from time to time.”

“Our interest is in being sure that all is going well and that the public is safe,” Cross added in the Jan. 19 email. “I have not set [sic] through a whole concert, except the Augusta Symphony which we sponsor, since the park opened. I do like to welcome entertainers to Columbia County and talk a few minutes.”

Where else in the free world does that even happen? Only in Evans.

The Fools oF February When Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis came up with the campaign slogan, “OneAugusta” last year, he insisted that it meant he wanted a “unified Augusta.”

Prior to taking office, Davis frequently spoke about how he looked forward to “working with the commission” to truly transform the city.

During his first six weeks in office, he constantly talked about the great need for “transparency” within the local government.

It all sounded too good to be true and, apparently, it was.

In late February of this year, Davis proposed giving the mayor’s position basically ultimate power over the local government.

He called for the state legislature to change the city’s 1995 consolidation bill to allow for the mayor to have veto power, the ability to hire and fire certain city department heads and submit the city’s budget (among many other things) without even discussing these proposals with commissioners.

Davis clearly didn’t care what the commissioners thought.

OneAugusta for Hardie Davis definitely meant “one.” And that one appeared to be himself.

As Davis stood before the monument to the historic Springfield Village Park, he claimed he was making a “call to action” for the citizens of Augusta to change the local form of government,.

“In our current structure of government there is no system of checks and balances,” Davis said, adding that the role of mayor has been reduced to managing meetings where 10 commissioners make all the decisions. “There is no ability to hold anyone accountable for the decisions that are made on a dayto-day basis because our government was not designed that way.”

The mayor, who had been in office less than two months, proclaimed it was time for a change.

“When decisions are made, whether good or bad, the mayor cannot veto or change those decisions,” Davis said. “In fact, the mayor doesn’t even contribute significantly to the process of making decisions that impact our city and our citizens. That’s not the type of government the U.S. Constitution provides.”

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As soon as the press conference was over, members of the local media continued to press the mayor about whether or not he had talked to commissioners about his proposal, but his staff began to rush Davis to his car.

One staff member even put a folder over a WJBF camera lens, trying to prevent the media from asking him any further questions.

It was a total embarrassment for the mayor and many commissioners didn’t appreciate it.

“He’s a nut,” Commissioner Marion Williams told the Metro Spirit in January, referring to the mayor. “This man is off the chain. And I’m through with him now.

Whatever he would have gotten out of me, he can’t get nothing out of me now.

He just made some enemies.”

Shortly after the mayor’s press conference, state Rep. Wayne Howard and Rep. Barbara Sims released a statement denying that the local legislative delegation was “on board” with giving the mayor more power.

Commissioners were shocked.

“The truth is, he is not trying to build a relationship with us. Not at all,” Commissioner Ben Hasan said of Davis back in February. “It’s heartbreaking.

Truly heartbreaking.”

The MasTers season Leading up to Masters Week, the other shoe definitely dropped on former Augusta Commissioner Donnie Smith.

Voters thought it was bad in 2014 when the Georgia State Patrol released a 19-page report that stated Smith’s conduct during Masters Week was “unbecoming of a Georgia state trooper.”

Smith, who had retired as a lieutenant from the GSP after more than 20 years of service, worked a second job during Masters Week while reporting himself as being on duty.

According to the report, Smith told investigators that, with the exception of about three to five hours during the 40-hour work week during Masters, he did not report for duty and performed “virtually no duties” for the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

In fact, Smith admitted that all he did was “hang out and shoot the sh**” with Augusta Sports & Travel CEO Spiro Papadopoulos and the people who were present at a hospitality house during Masters Week.

Smith actually told investigators that “in the old days, we called it f***ing off.”

By March of this year, the second part of the Georgia State Patrol’s investigation into Smith’s behavior on the job proved his actions were the pure definition of “conduct unbecoming of a Georgia state trooper.”

A female employee of the Troop E Communications Center, who had known Smith for about 13 years, claimed that Smith began making “sexually explicit and/or romantic” comments toward her.

“Smith told her he loved her and wanted to marry her while they had a drink after a non-work-related event they attended together in April 2013,” which made the woman extremely uncomfortable, the report stated. She told her exhusband what Smith had said and he confronted him.

Smith allegedly stopped for a little while, but, by March of 2014, the comments resumed.

He even sent her “several offensive text messages.”

“It is possible that he asked (her) to see her breasts when they worked together on their off-duty job, but Smith could not recall a specific instance,” the report stated. “Smith also doesn’t recall if he had ever talked about how big (the female employee’s) breasts are at work because there was always so much cutting up AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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and banter going on in the Troop E Communications Center.”

Now, Smith did remember that he told the woman that her “butt” looked tight in her pants.

The report alleged that Smith also told the female employee, “I could tell you I would love to eat your p**** but I would never say that.”

In addition, Smith allegedly met another women at a bar for a beer on one occasion and they talked about sex.

Apparently, Smith told investigators that he couldn’t recall the woman making a comment that she wasn’t sure if he wanted to “f*** or fire her” during their beer at the bar.

However, Smith told investigators that he understood why the woman might think he wanted to have sex with her.

The report stated that Smith also sent this woman sexually suggestive text messages, including one that references “holes” and “wet” while he was playing golf.

Another woman told investigators that Smith told her she “shouldn’t bend over because that’s how somebody might get poked.”

What a classy former commissioner, eh?

Another big story that broke just before Masters Week was the city’s plans to realign Berckmans Road and direct local traffic away from Augusta National.

For years, it has been the one road project in town that no one really wanted to discuss.

coming, many homeowners told the Metro Spirit they had no idea what to truly expect.

Benjamin Isaac, who lives with his family on Wicklow Drive, said he had absolutely no idea that a realignment project of Berckmans Road had even been proposed, much less that it was scheduled to begin around the first week of May. “It seems like the people involved with Augusta National and its property do a lot of that stuff behind our backs,” Isaac told the Metro Spirit. “It is almost like we have to go out and seek the information. They are not very forthcoming, to say the least.”

In 2013, Augusta National pledged to lend the city of Augusta the necessary money, interest free, to advance the first phase of the Berckmans Road project in order to get it moving ahead of the state’s schedule. The city has agreed to pay back the golf club through future collections of the 1-cent sales tax for transportation projects.

Following the loan from Augusta National, there was really nothing holding back the project at that point.

Mechone Williams, who lives with her husband and family in a house just off Wicklow Drive, said residents felt “powerless” against the road project or any plans by the Augusta National.

“They are giants,” she told the Metro Spirit. “We are like David and they are Goliath.”

The Fire ThaT Forever Changed Columbia CounTy The screeching sound of a fire alarm and smoke filling the halls is what many of the more than 80 residents of the Marshall Square retirement community recall about that terrible morning in June.

As the residents were evacuated from the three-story building, they sat in metal folding chairs in front of the retirement community, watching the place they called home become engulfed in flames.

Tragically, 91-year-old Dorothy Carpenter lost her life in the fire, while 82-yearold Rhetta Cadle miraculously survived after being trapped in the building for almost seven hours.

Many citizens throughout the CSRA were left speechless while watching the news coverage of the intense fire that rapidly spread throughout the Evans complex, which had opened in late 2014 along Ronald Reagan Drive at North Belair Road.

Following the fire, Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross described it as “a tragedy that will be remembered for a long time in the county.”

Unfortunately, to this very day there are still serious questions remaining regarding the fire at Marshall Square, including the construction of the building, the complex’s fire sprinkler system, the alarm service and the level of fire equipment needed to put out that severe of a fire.

The fact is that the three-story retirement community was built using wood

Many nearby residents were either too nervous or too intimidated to talk about it.

Surrounding business owners worried about the repercussions from speaking out.

And, as for Augusta National, it never really publicly discusses anything.

But shortly after Masters Week, Berckmans Road quickly began to change forever.

Starting in April, the city began the two-year process to partially realign and widen Berckmans Road from Washington Road to Wheeler Road.

The current section of Berckmans Road from the corner of Washington Road next to Jay’s Music & Sound Super Center all the way to the edge of Augusta National’s property near Towne Club Condominiums will eventually be closed.

That entire stretch of Berckmans Road will no longer exist. It will be turned over to Augusta National and become the golf club’s private property.

The reality of the road construction hit some residents living in that area very hard this year.

A new section of Berckmans Road will be realigned just north of Wicklow Drive and run through existing property that is primarily owned by Augusta National to connect with Washington Road at Alexander Drive.

While a lot of residents living around Berckmans Road realized change was 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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framing instead of a steel frame. Columbia County Deputy Fire Marshal Jerry Baldwin also confirmed that the fire sprinkler system consisted of PVC pipes instead of metal pipes.

Neither of these are violations of any of the county codes, but many local citizens began asking whether the codes should be changed as a result of this horrific fire.

The Metro Spirit brought up another question that many in the community didn’t dare to ask: Was the Columbia County Fire Department’s response to the fire at Marshall Square sufficient?

“Why didn’t they call for mutual aid for this fire?” asked one local veteran firefighter, who wished to speak to the Metro Spirit anonymously. “That building was really too big for them to handle. They don’t have enough equipment, as far as aerial trucks, to handle a fire that size. That fire should have had four aerial trucks on it as soon as they could get them up.”

According to Cathy Plaster, the assistant director for Richmond County’s 911 Emergency Services, Richmond County received the mutual aid call from Columbia County at 6:13 a.m. on the day of the fire.

That’s about three full hours after Columbia County was first made aware of the fire at Marshall Square. By 5 a.m., the fire had destroyed most of the central part of the three-story building, valued at more than $25 million, and was rapidly spreading to the eastern wing.

The Richmond County engines were simply sent to the cover the Columbia County stations that weren’t manned because the firefighters were at the Marshall Square fire.

Columbia County Fire Chief Paul Cooper told the Metro Spirit that he completely stood by the actions of his department.

“I made the decision to call dispatch and ask if we could get two of our stations covered,” Cooper said. “These are two of our busiest stations. At the fire, I had six pumps and two ladder trucks and 104 firefighters. I had about everything that I needed over there. I needed those stations covered because we knew that (the Marshall Square fire) was going to be a long, drawn out thing and there were still going to be other emergencies. We had to account for that.”

Unfortunately, a number of residents at the retirement community simply sat and waited in their rooms during the early morning hours of June 2 as the fire in the billiard room quickly spread to the roof and began engulfing the entire building.

Investigators are also looking into whether a staff member at Marshall Square possibly turned off the fire alarm and/or sprinklers while he was trying to determine if there was an actual fire in the building.

Some residents in Columbia County have also questioned the fact that, under the county’s current building codes, Marshall Square was approved as basically an apartment complex.

While Marshall Square wasn’t an assisted living facility or “nursing home,” it 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

was clearly sold as a “retirement community” and therefore had a number of residents over the age of 80 living in the facility who had mobility difficulties.

Many residents began asking, shouldn’t a facility like Marshall Square be required to have higher safety measures in place?

While investigators with the state fire marshal’s office have officially concluded their on-site investigation of the property, the case is still very much open.

This community still needs answers.

THE PRICE PAID IN COLUMBIA COUNTY One of the biggest stories this year came when the Metro Spirit reviewed the credit card statements submitted by Columbia County Board of Commissioners and county officials this spring.

During a trip to Savannah in April, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners along with the county’s department directors and many of their spouses enjoyed a night out on the town that included a dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

The dinner tab for that one night was $3,571.

The meal was charged to Columbia County taxpayers using County Administrator Scott Johnson’s county credit card.

Along with the dinner, many of the Columbia County commissioners stayed at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa directly on the Savannah River, while the majority of the department directors spent the night at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Savannah on River Street.

Lodging at the Hyatt Regency for the night totaled $4,500, while charges to The Westin Hotel came to about $2,765 for a long weekend.

There were additional charges by county staff and elected officials at The Westin Jekyll Island, the Staybridge Suites, The Inn at Ellis Square and La Quinta Inn in Savannah on or around that weekend that added up to an additional $2,015.

The total for just the lodging in Savannah amounted to about $9,280.

So, with the dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the lodging, taxpayers coughed up around $12,851 for the Savannah trip.

But that total did not include any transportation costs, another $330 meal at the River House Savannah charged by County Administrator Scott Johnson and an earlier charge to the Hyatt Regency of $1,057.20 made by one of the department directors on April 11.

If you included those charges, the total jumped to about $14,240.

County officials provided two reasons for the trip: First, many commissioners were attending the 2015 Annual Conference of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, or ACCG, to participate in classes or receive the required training for elected officials. Secondly, the department heads traveled to Savannah to meet with the commissioners for what they called a “planning advance” workshop.

During this year’s planning advance workshop in April, commissioners and department directors primarily discussed next year’s budget for approximately three hours, according to Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross.

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heads to travel to Savannah, spend the night and have a dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House all for a three-hour meeting about the budget that could have easily been held anywhere in the CSRA? “Oh yeah. It gives us time to plan and provides the right type of atmosphere and the commissioners go to school to get their certification,” Cross told the Metro Spirit this year. “It was to discuss county business. We assess anything and everything in the county that anybody wants to bring up.”

As for the $3,500 meal at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cross said it was just a matter of finding a restaurant to accommodate the entire group.

“Well, we needed a place big enough to have everybody to go to and there were two full tables there with 20 or 25 people,” Cross said, adding that he didn’t believe that the $3,500 charge was excessive. “I think it is realistic for a once or twice time a year.”

Of course, if there were 25 people attending the dinner that night, that averages to about $140 per person.

But Cross insists that is a reasonable expense.

“I don’t think it’s extravagant being that it’s done only once or twice a year,” Cross repeated, explaining that the county usually hosts such a planning advance workshop with a dinner in the spring and in the fall during an ACCG conference in either Savannah, Atlanta or Athens. “We don’t do out-of-state travel at all unless it’s a bond rating hearing. I think it is conservative and a fair use of the taxpayer money.”

However, other Columbia County commissioners weren’t so sure.

Columbia County Commissioner Bill Morris, who was the only commissioner who did not attend the dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and drove down to Savannah on Saturday, April 18 for the three-hour meeting, was shocked when he heard the final tab was $3,500.

“Hmm… yeah, well, I wasn’t there so it is hard for me to say what all went on at that particular evening, but I guess everybody had a good time,” Morris said, adding that the public has every right to question such expenses. “The public needs to know and we are accountable to them. I think it is important to be as open and transparent as we can be. That’s the way it is supposed to work.”

At least Morris understands how to play by the rules.

However, questions arose again when the Metro Spirit reviewed expenses involving a trip to New York City in early June by a handful of commissioners, county staff and their spouses.

The cost of the three-night trip for almost a dozen people was more than $10,000 charged to Columbia County taxpayers.

The group, which included Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross and Vice Chairman Trey Allen, went up to New York on a bond rating and a bond issuance trip to help provide early funding to some of the approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) projects.

“The trip was twofold really,” Columbia County Commissioner Trey Allen explained. “It was a bond rating trip and a bond issuance trip. We had already planned, per the last SPLOST, to do a $15 million bond for several of the projects, especially the cultural center and a couple of other items.”

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During the New York trip, county officials worked with the financial consultants Jefferies Group LLC and the underwriters Davenport & Company LLC to try and get the best possible bond rating, Allen said.

“We all have our part during the presentation to the bond rating agencies,” Allen said. “We go up and meet with the rating agencies and promote ourselves to try to get a better rating. We have a PowerPoint and printed books and the agencies usually send two or three people to come in. They sit down and we pitch Columbia County to them.”

Each county official on the trip — including County Administrator Scott Johnson, County Attorney Chris Driver, Finance Director Leanne Reece, Deputy County Administrator Glenn Kennedy and Chairman Ron Cross — played a crucial role in the presentation before the three different bond rating agencies, he said.

Along with the “essential” staff members doing the presentation, the county administrator’s executive assistant, Janeabeth Wells, also traveled up to New York on the bond rating trip.

The spouses who flew up to New York and also stayed in the New York Hilton Midtown hotel were the wives of Ron Cross, Scott Johnson and Glenn Kennedy, along with Leanne Reece’s husband.

The total cost of the USAirways tickets flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport was approximately $4,359. The price of the hotel stay totaled about $5,643.

Along with the hotel and airfare, the group enjoyed two elegant dinners out in Manhattan.

The group’s first dinner was at the famous Patsy’s Italian Restaurant located just steps from Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Theater District.

The meal at Patsy’s was charged to Scott Johnson’s county credit card and totaled exactly $1,500.

The second dinner was at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, which is owned by Wolfgang Zweiner and is known for its “perfectly prepared 28-day, dry-aged steak.”

The total for the dinner at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, which was also charged to Scott Johnson’s county credit card, was $1,358.

While the two dinners may seem lavish, Allen insisted that group needed to stay in Midtown Manhattan because that is where the bond rating meetings were held and, as everyone knows, everything is expensive in Manhattan.

“You have to remember that we were in Manhattan. And I don’t remember exactly how many people were there at the dinners, but I do know that some of the financial associates and the underwriters who helped us with this bond rating situation were there as well,” Allen said, explaining that the group wanted to thank them for their assistance in getting an excellent bond rating. “I think that’s justified. I mean, we are not going to take them to McDonald’s, so I think it was reasonable. I still believe there is a time and a place that it is appropriate that you can actually have a nice meal or a nice dinner out.”

But, again, Columbia County Commissioner Bill Morris felt officials should be careful with their traveling expenses.

“Initially, they talked about all five of us commissioners going to New York and I questioned that, asking, ‘Why is that necessary?’” Morris told the Metro Spirit AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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this year. “Once I got myself out of it, I just trusted that they would take who they deemed necessary to go. As for me, I just try to do the right thing that I believe we should do as public servants.”

Barry Smith’S $80,000 Send-Off As Columbia County continues to expand and flourish, there appears to be some major growing pains within the government that have some longtime county employees suffering the consequences.

After more than a decade on the job, Barry Smith, Columbia County’s director of Community and Leisure Services, submitted his resignation letter this summer that was only one sentence long.

“Effective July 27, 2015, I hereby submit my resignation as Director of Community & Leisure Services with Columbia County, GA to pursue other professional opportunities,” the July 27 letter to County Administrator Scott Johnson states.

That’s all it said.

Smith returned from a three-day vacation and resigned, effective immediately.

According to Johnson, that was the end of the story.

“Barry had not been disciplined prior to his resignation,” Johnson said in a statement provided to the Metro Spirit by the county’s public relations manager Calie Cook.

In fact, in the most recent evaluation of Smith that was completed on Nov. 7, 2014, Johnson gave Smith an overall score of 4.15 out of 5. Any score that is 4 or above is considered a “valued performer.”

In his comments about Smith, Johnson said he was an “effective manager” that routinely “meets or exceeds organizational goals and objectives.”

Smith was hired by Columbia County in April of 2003. His salary at the time of his resignation was $108,794, according to Johnson.

Under his leadership, Smith oversaw the operations for Columbia County’s Rental Facilities and Venue Department, the Columbia County Libraries, Board of Elections, Parks and Recreation, the UGA Extension Services, Animal Services and the Savannah Rapids Pavilion Visitor’s Center.

So, what caused this department head who had been on the job for more than 12 years to abruptly leave?

No one has ever publicly provided a real reason for his departure.

But the Columbia County Board of Commissioners sure did give him a healthy parting gift.

Imagine walking into your boss’ office and telling him you are quitting that very second without any warning or two-weeks notice and he turns to you, pats you on the back and says, “Well, here is a check for $80,000 for doing a ‘good enough job’ over the years.”

Apparently, that’s what happened in the case of Smith.

Or at least that’s what County Administrator Scott Johnson and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners want people to believe.

Smith allegedly walked into Johnson’s office, they talked and Smith decided “he didn’t want to be here anymore, and he gave me a letter of resignation and we 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

accepted it,” Johnson told The Columbia County News-Times earlier this year.

If that’s what happened, then why in the world did the Columbia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approve more than $80,000 in severance pay to Smith about one week later?

Smith quit. The moment he walked out of that meeting with Johnson, his 12-year employment with Columbia County and his $108,794 annual salary effectively came to an end.

Or at least that’s what should have happened. But it didn’t.

Smith was given a severance package that included seven months of pay, which equates to $63,463, and more than 320 hours in accrued vacation and holiday pay, according to the county’s human resources department.

His entire severance package totals $80,409.

Nowhere in Smith’s contract does it state that he is to receive a severance package based on his “years of service” if he resigns or quits.

Now, if Smith is terminated by the county, then it is an entirely different story.

But if he actually resigned himself, without being pushed out the door, then the contract does not state that he is to receive a severance package.

So, why did the Columbia County Board of Commissioners feel the need to provide Smith with more than $80,000 in severance pay?

“We thought he had done a good enough job over the years to warrant that,” Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross told The Columbia County News-Times in August. “It was requested and we talked about it and decided it was the thing to do.”

Either that was one hell of a thank you gift or someone wanted Smith out of his job.

Rumor on the street was that Smith, along with Johnson, went ahead and hired some vacancies in his department without consulting Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross.

When Cross learned that the vacancies had been filled without his stamp of approval, he turned to Johnson and demanded answers.

As a result, Johnson allegedly blamed everything on Smith, even though insiders say that the county administrator was well aware of the new hires.

But Smith was the one who took the heat and was forced out. auguSta univerSity iS BOrn It’s not Georgia Regents University anymore.

It’s not Augusta State University or Augusta College, either.

It’s definitely not Georgia Health Sciences University.

And it’s not the University of Augusta like many had anticipated.

This year, the Garden City was introduced to Augusta University after the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia unanimously voted again to officially change the university’s name.

During a brief presentation to the Board of Regents in Atlanta in September, Chancellor Henry “Hank” Huckaby said it was time for the university, with a new name, to move forward under the positive leadership of President Brooks Keel.

“The board has been reviewing the strategic direction of this university and the ways that we can build on the positive momentum that President Brooks (Keel) is bringing to the institution already,” Huckaby said. “After consulting with members of the board and President Brooks (Keel), I would like to recommend to the board that the name of the institution be changed to Augusta University.”

Without any discussion, the Board of Regents unanimously approved changing GRU’s name to Augusta University.

The name change was effective immediately.

17DECEMBER2015

Night of Musical Melodies At The Cotton Patch Jazz & Blues Cafe’ 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Featuring Artists:

Violenist Javonne Jones (JChere’) 7:30 - 8:15 p.m.

Mr. Bill Karp 8:30- 9:30 p.m.

Guatarist Robert Reed & Vocalist John Hobbs 9:45- 11:00 p.m.

Tickets purchased in advance $15 per person | $25 per couple | $50 a table Night of Event $20 per person at the door Complimentary glass of champagne included 816 Cotton Lane Augusta, Ga 30901 706.724.4511

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This vote was a complete reversal from the Board of Regents’ decision in 2012 to rename the merged colleges of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University to Georgia Regents University.

The GRU name caused a great deal of controversy throughout the Augusta community and eventually sparked the local “Save the A” campaign to pressure then GRU President Ricardo Azziz and Huckaby to add Augusta back into university’s name.

Following the approval of the name change, Keel told the Board of Regents that, as a native Augustan, he strongly believed that renaming the university would help the institution move in the right direction.

“Being born and raised in Augusta, and having graduated from both of the two institutions that have now formed this one university, it has become apparent to me that Georgia Regents University or Augusta University cannot become the university that it can and should become without the complete and total support of the partnership we have with the city of Augusta and the community,” Keel said. “And I am fully convinced and firmly believe that the action that you are taking today will help us establish that strong partnership that is going to make this great university even greater and it is going to make the city of Augusta even greater as well.”

For many people throughout this area, the announcement that Georgia Regents University has been renamed Augusta University was cause for massive celebration.

However, some people throughout the community were also completely baffled by the Board of Regents’ decision to change the college’s name, again.

That segment of the community looked back at the university’s past three years as GRU and couldn’t help but see wasted time, wasted effort and wasted money.

Those We’ve LosT in 2015 This year has been tough on many throughout the community because of some of the outstanding people we have lost.

In January, Augusta began 2015 with a horrific murder-suicide of a married couple in a historic home in the 3100-block of Walton Way. The deceased couple, Charles and Nola Falcone, lived both in Augusta and Jupiter Island, Fla. In fact, Charles Falcone had served as commissioner of the Town of Jupiter Island in Martin County, Fla., since 2003 and as the town’s mayor from 20062011.

Nola Falcone, 75, was the daughter of former North Augusta Mayor Vernon Maddox. She was a successful businesswoman and a huge supporter of the arts.

She established the Nola Maddox Falcone Charitable Foundation that provided significant financial support to the Augusta arts community over the past 25plus years.

Many locals were heartbroken when the coroner announced that Nola had apparently shot her husband multiple times before turning the gun on herself.

Another shocking death was that of former state Sen. Joey Brush, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in May. Brush, 59, died from his injuries following the accident that occurred on Columbia Road near Louisville Road. The other driver was at fault.

The former state senator, who spent more than 10 years in the Georgia Legislature, was reportedly on his way to attend a Columbia County event featuring Gov. 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Nathan Deal when the accident occurred.

This September, hearts were again heavy after Augustans learned Heinz Sowinski, known to so many as “Chef Heinz” around town, had passed away.

For anyone who has ever sat down and enjoyed a meal at La Maison on Telfair, they knew the enormous talent of this brilliant chef.

But he was also a man of great generosity, kindness and warmth to everyone he met.

Chef Heinz had the gift of making everyone feel special and at home at his table.

“People who come to La Maison want to learn about food, not be misled,” Chef Heinz once said. “I don’t want to sell anyone something they don’t want or they don’t like. And I don’t want anybody to walk out of here and feel like they’ve been ripped off or they are still hungry. I wasn’t raised that way.”

Chef Heinz always went out of his way to make sure each dish he prepared was up to his standards.

“When people go to a restaurant like La Maison, they have a certain expectation,” Chef Heinz said. “And you have to live up to that expectation every day. Because, you know the worst thing about this business? You are only as good as the last meal that you’ve made. I believe that.”

Just recently, in late October, many throughout the community mourned the loss and celebrated the life of cyclist and local icon Andy Jordan.

Jordan, who opened Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse in 1974, was known for his generosity and the way he connected people.

It didn’t matter whether the people who walked into his shop were interested in road cycling or mountain biking; liked the challenge of triathlons or were punk kids on BMX bikes.

Everyone was welcome.

“If somebody was new to the ride and obviously struggling, he hung back and made sure they didn’t get lost, made sure they were okay,” said Nate Zukas, who has worked at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse for a quarter of a century. “Saturday morning rides are kind of our beginner rides and I’ve hung back with riders too. I know Andy would, so I would too. I’m really glad to know those people have appreciated that and those things are not forgotten.”

At the shop, Andy treated Zukas as if he was one of his sons.

In fact, Zukas recalled one instance, when he’d only been working there about a year and was still racing mountain bikes, that they received an order of about 30 bikes on a truck.

Before the shop’s inventory was computerized, a tractor trailer would show up and someone, usually Zukas, would unload each box, write one tag to put on the box and another to put in the file box.

In this particular instance, Andy insisted on handling the incoming order.

As Andy unloaded, Zukas wrote the tags, and noticed something unusual.

“I remember seeing this one box and thinking, ‘Wow, we got one of these in.’ It was a $2,000 mountain bike. It had state-of-the-art componentry and everything,” he remembered. “And I thought, ‘This is cool. Sure wish it was mine.’

And Andy said, ‘See that bike?’ And I said, ‘Sure did.’ And he said, ‘Well, that one’s yours.’ He gave me that bike for racing because he wanted to see me do well. It’s a story I don’t share very often and it’s things like that over the years that kept me in. That and his advice on life. I could go to him. Honestly on a lot of stuff, he was there a little bit more than my dad was. He was like a second dad to me.”

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learn of the passing of Keith Buck, also known as “Daddy Keith” in the local gay community.

As the longtime manager and bartender of Club Argos on Walton Way, Buck was known as everyone’s best friend because he was always open to listening to people’s concerns and problems. He also had a quick wit and could easily fill a room with laughter.

Over the years, Buck was someone that many in Augusta’s gay community came to for help and advice when they were faced with the difficult challenge of coming out about their sexuality.

“During his many years as manager and bartender at Club Argos, Daddy Keith was often the first face a new person met when they ventured into our community,” Isaac Kelly, the former president of the Augusta Pride, wrote in an online tribute to Buck. “His friendly smile, his caring demeanor and his open personality helped many in our community come out, feel safe and learn to be happy living as who they really are.”

That is why events such as the Augusta Pride festival were so important to Buck.

It was a chance for the entire community to celebrate the acceptance of all people.

“Everybody wants to be accepted,” Buck told the Metro Spirit in 2010. “They don’t want to be pointed at or laughed at. It is just to show Augusta, we’re people just like you.”

The Long WaiT for ScuTTLe’S iSLand For the past few months, all eyes are on North Augusta.

It has been quite a while since the developers of Scuttle’s Island Water Park announced plans to build a $21.5 million project off Interstate 20, at exit 5 in North Augusta and now some residents are wondering if the park will really happen.

The Metro Spirit did a cover story last month pointing out that there had been no physical movement on the project, which is scheduled to open by May 2016.

About three months ago, Scuttle’s Island developers Benjamin Bell and Andrew Thompson announced they planned to build a new 40-acre water park in North Augusta by Memorial Day weekend that would be home to the “tallest water slide in the Southeast.”

The park, which they estimated would bring between 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually to North Augusta, would include 24 attractions such as a 34,000-square-foot wave pool, a 54-foot slide, a 90-foot slide called “Walk the Plank” and a “Not So Lazy River,” which would consist of a 2,000-foot river with rapids and a waterfall.

Plans for Scuttle’s Island also included two full-service restaurants and four quick-service restaurants. Specifically, Bell said the park would have a Mexicanthemed bar and restaurant and an ice cream parlor on site.

At the time of the announcement, many residents were thrilled about the enormous potential this water park could bring to North Augusta.

“It is exciting to see an economic development recreational project of this 17DECEMBER2015

magnitude come to our city,” North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones said following the September announcement.

“This will be something that families from across the Southeast will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”

But now many local residents are wondering if this water park will ever become a reality.

Despite the fact there seems to be a lot of questions surrounding the future of the proposed water park, North Augusta’s city administrator, Todd Glover, told the Metro Spirit in November that he is confident that Scuttle’s Island will open this spring.

“I can say the water park is going to happen,” Glover said. “It is just a question of when.”

But the length of time it has taken for the developers to submit the water park’s complete plans to the city has some residents worrying that North Augusta might find itself in the same boat as Columbia County.

Just last year, Bell announced that Scuttle’s Island, featuring 20 water slides, a lazy river, a water playground and a 55,000-square-foot wave pool, would be built on his property along Louisville Road in Grovetown.

At first the county celebrated the announcement, but then Bell began butting heads with the county officials.

Bell claimed he experienced nothing but constant roadblocks by the county in trying to get the water park approved and built.

County officials disagreed, insisting that Bell did not provide a sufficient amount of information regarding his plans.

Some of the rezoning items the county and Bell struggled over ranged from certain site plan requirements, the need for a comprehensive traffic impact study and a proposal to pave the property’s parking lots.

By April of this year, Bell pulled the plug on the project in Columbia County.

Instead, Bell completely switched gears and relocated his proposed water park to North Augusta.

“Columbia County is not going to stop us. We are building the water park,” Bell said in April. “We may not be able to build it right on the Lights of the South property, but we are definitely building that water park within a few miles from here. We already have another county who is actually extremely nice to us and hasn’t slammed every door in our faces.”

Let’s just hope that Bell doesn’t end up turning his back on North Augusta, too.

PLeaSe, no More Joe MuLLinS Another widely discussed issue this year was a recent cover story featuring former House District 122 candidate Joe Mullins’ feeble attempt to pursue a local 25-year-old woman while traveling in Nevada.

Two days after receiving only 15 percent of the votes cast in Columbia County’s House race, Mullins jumped on a plane headed to Las Vegas.

The purpose of the trip was to attend the St. Jude Against All Odds Celebrity Poker Tournament benefitting the children’s research hospital.

However, during his five-day trip to Vegas, Mullins apparently had something else on his mind.

Specifically, a 25-year-old local bartender named Madeline.

Even though he was heard having a phone conversation with the bartender in the Metro Spirit office with three journalists present who clearly recognized his voice on the line, Mullins denied the existence of the conversation, or the numerous texts and Facebook messages he sent her in early November.

“I have no clue who that is,” Mullins said when asked about Madeline. “I don’t even control my Facebook messages. I have no clue what she is talking about. I am not in the political realm. The election is over and it’s been a joke with what has all gone on.”

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But screenshots of the Facebook messages and texts seemed to tell a different story.

Less than one hour after boarding a plane in Charlotte on Nov. 7, Mullins allegedly began sending Facebook messages to this 25-year-old woman named Madeline who he claimed to have previously met at her workplace.

“Supposedly, he said he had been to my job before,” Madeline said, laughing and shaking her head. “I don’t remember him honestly. I see faces all the time at work, but he said he wanted his friend to hook us up.”

Madeline wasn’t at all interested in the 45-yearold Mullins.

But when she randomly received a Facebook friend request from Mullins, she and her roommate immediately recognized his name as the former candidate in the House race.

And who just happens to be Madeline’s roommate?

Christine Rhodes, the daughter of WGAC talk show host Austin Rhodes.

Needless to say, Mullins had picked the wrong pretty face to pursue on Facebook.

Madeline decided to accept Mullins’ friend request just to see what would happen. The Metro Spirit agreed to use only her first name for the story.

Not long after Madeline accepted Mullins’ Facebook request, he began bombarding her with messages on Nov. 7.

Mullins then suggested that she should join him in Las Vegas and he could “interview” her.

“I just thought that was so weird,” Madeline said. “I mean, you just don’t contact random girls on Facebook and ask them to go work for you and meet you in Vegas.”

Mullins is a married man with several small children who campaigned on being a faithful Christian with conservative values.

But, as Mullins continued messaging Madeline, his intentions became all too clear.

After checking into his Vegas hotel on Thursday evening, Mullins continued to flirt with Madeline.

“By the way your pics are fine as hell!”

Mullins texted her.

“So send me some more pics. I especially remember a great butt,” he wrote.

It didn’t take long for Madeline to get totally creeped out.

“He is like 20 years older than me,” she said.

“When he started asking to be my ‘sponsor’ that’s when I stopped responding because things were getting too weird. It was like he wanted to be my sugar daddy or something.

Gross!”

While sitting in the Metro Spirit office, she decided to call him.

It would be their first actual conversation.

As soon as he picked up the phone and began talking, it was clear it was Mullins on the other end.

“What are you doing?” Madeline asked.

“Driving in from Charlotte,” he said, adding that he was getting lost trying to find the interstate in the rain. “I’m back and I’m ready to get home.”

Madeline apologized for not responding to any of his messages on Saturday evening and Sunday. She explained that she was having problems with a new phone.

28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Mullins immediately began telling her about the great time he had in Las Vegas.

“Vegas was fun,” he said. “My God, I won a ton of money there.”

Madeline asked what Mullins planned to do “with all of that money.”

“I am going to go have fun,” Mullins said.

“What kind of fun?” Madeline asked.

“It’s time to have fun!” Mullins enthusiastically said. “I don’t know. Let’s go have some fun...

With all this stuff, I just need a break. This election was very stressful, very brutal.”

Then, Mullins hinted at another possible run for the House District 122 seat in the future.

“I have another part of it coming next year,” Mullins said, referring to the House race. “This was a short-term election. They almost say you don’t want to win it.

You want to go into the next one. But I’ve got to get my house situation straight.”

Mullins then began discussing his marriage and the importance of getting his house in order.

“Now that I’m not in the spotlight, I am going to step back from it a little bit and I have time to get it straight before I go right back into it again,” Mullins said, referring to another election. “When you go through stuff publicly, it is not fun.”

Mullins told Madeline that this year’s campaign took a great deal out of him.

“I make good money. I do a lot in my life. I enjoy it. I am in an incredible industry.

I have everything I could possibly want. I just want to be happy,” Mullins said. “I want the person with me to be happy. I can buy the world for anybody, but that ain’t going to make them happy. They also have to enjoy the company.”

Madeline asked Mullins why the campaign was so difficult.

“It was a nasty race. Nasty. Nasty,” Mullins said, sighing. “Just all this personal stuff.”

Madeline then steered the conversation toward something much lighter.

“So are you going to tell me what my surprise is that you got for me in Vegas?”

Madeline asked.

“You are going to have to wait and see. I can’t tell you,” Mullins said, adding that she will have to meet him in person to get the surprise. “You’ll like it.”

“I will?” Madeline asked.

“You are going to like it,” Mullins assured her.

Little did Mullins know that Madeline had a surprise of her own.

So, as you can tell readers, 2015 has been a year of crazy allegations, pathetic excuses, terrible tragedies and unbelievable moments. Here’s to better tomorrow in 2016.

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You don’t have to be in desperate need to visit Harlem United Methodist Church’s Soup Kitchen on Sunday, December 20, from noon-1:30 p.m. The event, hosted by the church’s children’s ministry and held in it’s fellowship hall, is open to all, who are invited to enjoy free soup, breads and desserts. Call 706-556-6885 or visit harlemgaumc.org.

DANCE Sat Dec 19, 2015

7pm “The Nutcracker” USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center A presentation of the Aiken Civic Ballet. Call 803-641-3305.

Sun Dec 20, 2015

2pm “The Nutcracker” USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center A presentation of the Aiken Civic Ballet. Call 803-641-3305.

EDUCATION Thu Dec 17, 2015 10am - 2pm Job Fair

Richmond County School System Central Office

A drop-in event in which the school system is looking for teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, school nutrition assistants, school nurses, bus drivers, HVAC mechanics and bus mechanics. Interviews will be held on site. Call 706-8261000 or visit rcboe.org.

5pm - 7pm Open House Helms College The only Title IV l-eligible, nationally accredited college in the world operated by a Goodwill, Helms College offers associate degree and diploma programs in culinary arts from its School of Hospitality, with hands-on learning opportunities through Edgar’s Grille and the Snelling Center conference venue.

Starting with Jan. 11 classes, Helms College also will offer a patient care technician program through its new School of Health and Human Services. Visitors during open house can

tour the campus and talk to admissions and financial aid staff.

GI Bill funding, tuition assistance and federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helms.edu.

5:30pm Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

7pm After the Bungalow, Before the Ranch: The Small American House Phenomenon, 1920s-1960s Historic Augusta A talk by Dr. Richard Cloues that is part of the Architectural History Lecture Series. Free and open to the public. Call 706-724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org.

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.

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Fri Dec 18, 2015

10am Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Sat Dec 19, 2015

2pm - 4pm Christmas in the Quarters Redcliffe Plantation An event that brings to life the holiday experience of enslaved families at Redcliffe Plantation during the Civil War. Centered around the site’s historic slave cabin, visitors will enjoy special tours, demonstrations and games. Guest interpreter Kitty Wilson-Evans will give a performance as “Kessie,” an enslaved laborer brought to Redcliffe to help with holiday preparations. $10, adults; $8, seniors and those ages 6-16; free, 5 and under. Call 803-827-1473 or visit southcarolinaparks.com.

Mon Dec 21, 2015

3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation.

Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.

Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center 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.

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ELSEWHERE Sat Dec 19, 2015

1pm Gallery Tour: Georgia O’Keeffe and Independent Spirits Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

Sun Dec 20, 2015

2pm Gallery Tour: Highlights of the CMA Collection Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

Ongoing

Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Carolina Story Columbia Museum of Art This exhibition of 12 of O’Keeffe’s works will show through January 10. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

Simple Gifts: The Timeless Beauty of Artisan Creations LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro An artisan show featuring the work of Tim Goodson, Cynthia Perry and Vicky Bernard, Wade Franklin, Hugh Fleming and Cheryl White. The exhibit shows until December 26 (closed Christmas day). Call 513-356-4055.

Call for Artists

Fri Dec 18, 2015

LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro Watercolor artists from across the U.S. are invited to enter the juried competition The Garden Realm: Watercolour Floral by December 19. The 40 pieces chosen will be shown February 19-March 13, 2016. Non-refundable entry fee is $40 per each five images. For more information, call 513-356-4055.

“Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

University Hospital Class continues Saturday, December 19, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

EXHIBITIONS

Mon Dec 21, 2015

Mon Dec 21, 2015

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

Ongoing

SEEDS Exhibition Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists that are $300 or less. The exhibition will show until January 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends by appointment. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “Glamorous Gowns of Centuries Past” (through December 2015), “Augusta, 1864” (through January 2016); “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and

FLIX Sat Dec 19, 2015 3pm “Get Santa”

10:30am “Minions”

Tue Dec 22, 2015 4pm Family Movie

Harlem Branch Library The library will show a Christmas classic and refreshments will be served. Call 706556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.

HEALTH Thu Dec 17, 2015

10am - 11:15am Relax & Renew Yoga Whole Foods Free. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class

1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better

Tue Dec 22, 2015

6:30pm Weight Loss Surgery Seminar GRU’s Alumni Center Call 706-721-2609 or visit grhealth.org/ weightloss.

Wed Dec 23, 2015

9:45am - noon Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-7217606 or visit grhealth.org.

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HOBBIES

Call 803-642-7631.

Sat Dec 19, 2015

10am - 2pm Manga Club

Euchee Creek Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.

Kroc Center Open to those 10 and older. Supplies included. $50. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

10am Keep Calm and Coupon On

Wed Dec 23, 2015

10:30am - 3pm Junior Rangers: A Pioneer Christmas

The Cotton Patch Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.

Mistletoe State Park Children ages 6-12 will make handmade ornaments and cook a pioneer breakfast over a fire. $25; pre-registration required. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters

KIDS-TEENS Thu Dec 17, 2015

10am Mr. Nate’s Nature Reading Room Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2, non-members. Pre-registration required.

Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@ columbiacountyga.gov.

4:30pm Milk and Cookies with Santa Barnes and Noble Pre-registration required. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Fri Dec 18, 2015

10am - noon Handmade Holiday Learning Adventure Mistletoe State Park For children up to age 12, who will create holiday decorations and learn how animals adapt to their winter habitats. $10. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

10am - noon Play and Grow Aiken Public Library A drop in program for those ages 0-5 that includes puzzles, toys, puppets and more.

Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

2pm - 4pm Gift Drop-In Workshop Columbia County Library Participants can make gifts for those celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or a birthday. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

7pm - 8:30pm Teen Pirate Party Aiken Public Library A celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day for those in grades 6-12. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1121, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Sat Dec 19, 2015

8:30am Breakfast with Santa HO Weeks Center, Aiken An event for those ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, that includes a take-home craft. Pre-registration required.

32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

11am - 1pm Christmas at the Depot Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, music, cookies and milk and more.

Free. Call 803-293-7846.

11am How to Catch Santa Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

1pm - 3pm Christmas Party Aiken Center for the Arts An event featuring Little Richard, the Performing Pony, crafts, refreshments and more. $5; $15, family maximum. Call 803641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

2pm Pokemon Club Headquarters Branch Library For ages 5-11. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

4pm Christmas at the Campground Mistletoe State Park An event that includes hayrides, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa and a handmade ornament craft. $5, plus $5 for parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

Mon Dec 21, 2015

8:30am - 11:30am Dance 101 1/2 Burns Dance Studio, Aiken A two-day dance workshop for those ages 9-17 with minimal dance experience who are interested in participating in community theatre productions. $50; pre-registration required. Call 803-648-7659, 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

9am - 3pm Christmas Art Camp Kroc Center Week one, held December 21-23, is $30 a day for members and $35 for non-members.

Extended care, 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., is $5 per day. Lunch is provided and pre-registration is required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

At this time of year, most theater productions involve a jolly man in a red suit with a sleigh full of presents, a child with a wooden toy that comes alive, or a grumpy old man who rediscovers his heart. And not that we don’t love all those stories, but we’re grateful to the Pack Players at Greenbrier High School for choosing instead to stage “Little Women, the Musical.” This welcome break from all the Christmas glitter shows Friday and Saturday, December 18-19, at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. A matinee will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. as well. Tickets are $8.

Visit ghspackplayers.net.

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Call 762-333-0260 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

Wed Dec 23, 2015

9am - 3pm Christmas Art Camp Kroc Center Week one, held December 21-23, is $30 a day for members and $35 for non-members. Extended care, 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., is $5 per day. Lunch is provided and pre-registration is required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org/kroc-center/.

10am - 2pm Anyone Can Dance Camp Jessye Norman School of the Arts This Augusta Ballet camp for those ages 5-12 will provide instruction in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Lunch is included. Pre-registration required. Call 706-261-0555 or visit augustaballet.org.

10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

10:30am All Aboard the Christmas Express North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Children of all ages are invited for stories, cookie decorating and cocoa. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

4pm Lego Club North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library For those in grades K-5. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib. org.

It will definitely be a lot less glamorous than some of the other annual tours of homes held in the area, but we’re willing to bet that the Salvation Army’s Tour of Home-Less Shelter, held Saturday, December 19, from 2-4 p.m., will be a lot more eye opening.

During this time, families, churches and youth groups are all invited to tour the organization’s Center of Hope and learn more about its services. Call 706-434-3177 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

10am - 2pm Anyone Can Dance Camp Jessye Norman School of the Arts This Augusta Ballet camp for those ages 5-12 will provide instruction in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Lunch is included. Pre-registration required. Call 706-261-0555 or visit augustaballet.org.

10am - 11am Monday at the Museum: Tis the Season Augusta Museum of History This program for preschool-aged children will include an exploration of Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. $2, members; $4, non-members. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

10:15am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library A weekly class that begins at 10:15 a.m. for those ages 0-2 in which participants will learn to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Pre-registration required for groups of five or more.

Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

4pm Makerspace Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment including CAD software, development software, a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, soldering

equipment and general electronics tools. Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Dec 22, 2015

Ongoing

Magnet School and Program Applications Available Richmond County magnet schools and programs applications are now available for the 2016-2017 school year. They can be picked up at any school or from the school system’s website.

Deadline for applications is December 18. Call 706-826-1000 or visit rcboe.org.

Youth Archery League Registration

Burns Dance Studio, Aiken A two-day dance workshop for those ages 9-17 with minimal dance experience who are interested in participating in community theatre productions. $50; pre-registration required. Call 803-648-7659, 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

HO Weeks Center, Aiken For those ages 5-18, this 12-session class meets Wednesdays, January 6-March 23, from 6:30-8 p.m. Open to beginners and experienced participants, students will learn archery history, safety, technique, equipment, mental concentration and selfimprovement. $11 per session; $20 fee at the time of enrollment for non-city residents. Call 803-642-7631 or 803-648-7892, or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

9am - 3pm Christmas Art Camp

Walton Winter Weekend

8:30am - 11:30am Dance 101 1/2

Kroc Center Week one, held December 21-23, is $30 a day for members and $35 for non-members. Extended care, 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., is $5 per day. Lunch is provided and pre-registration is required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org/kroc-center/.

10am - 2pm Anyone Can Dance Camp Jessye Norman School of the Arts This Augusta Ballet camp for those ages 5-12 will provide instruction in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Lunch is included. Pre-registration required. Call 706-261-0555 or visit augustaballet.org.

Applications for Walton Foundation for Independence’s Winter Weekend Camp will be accepted until January 1, 2016. The camp, which will be held February 5-7 at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga., is for children ages 6-18 with physical disabilities and their families. Applications should include a $25 registration fee. For more information, call 706-826-5809 or visit waltonfoundation.net/winterweekend.

LITERARY Thu Dec 17, 2015

11:30am - 12:30pm Brown Bag Book Discussion Columbia County Library A 2016 planning party. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

6pm Story and Treats with Santa Whole Foods

34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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4pm Harlem Book Club Harlem Branch Library The group’s annual book selection meeting and Christmas party. Call 706-556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.

Sat Dec 19, 2015

2pm Painting with a Broad Brush Barnes & Noble A book signing with Rick McKee, editorial cartoonist with the Augusta Chronicle. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

MUSIC Thu Dec 17, 2015

7:30pm O Holy Night: An Evening of Holiday Song Covenant Presbyterian Church Featuring Emmy nominated Marco Panuccio and pianist Jason Maynard. $25; $15, students. Call 800-838-3006 or visit augusta.brownpapertickets.com.

Fri Dec 18, 2015

7pm Aiken Community Orchestra Holiday Concert Aiken Center for the Arts Free, but reservations recommended. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Sun Dec 20, 2015

7pm Christmas with John Berry Imperial Theatre $22-$35. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

17DECEMBER2015

Thu Dec 24, 2015

10:30pm Christmas Eve Concert with Lessons and Carols Sacred Heart Cultural Center Part of the Concerts with a Cause series, this one benefiting the United Methodist Children’s Home and featuring the Saint John Choirs and orchestras. Call 706-724-9641 or visit stjohnaugusta.org.

SENIORS Thu Dec 17, 2015

10:30am Senior’s Golden Games Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org.

1pm - 1:30pm Got 30 Minutes?

Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging and those with disabilities. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Dec 17, 2015

5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting Wine World $5. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

Fri Dec 18, 2015

5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

7pm - 9pm Attack of the Clones Wine Seminar Wine World $20; pre-registration required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

Sat Dec 19, 2015 2pm Behold the Star

Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre $15. Call 706-664-9022 or visit gru.edu/maxwelltheatre.

2pm - 4pm Tour of Home-Less Shelter Salvation Army’s Center of Hope Open to families, churches and youth groups. Call 706-4343177 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

5pm - 8pm Beer Tasting Whole Foods Highland Brewing from Asheville, N.C., will be onhand for this tasting featuring five porters and stouts. $5. Call 762333-0260 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

6pm, 7pm and 8pm “Season of Light” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 35

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Thu Dec 24, 2015

5:30pm Community Candlelight Celebration Evans Towne Center Park Hosted by Harvest Pointe Fellowship. Visit harvestpointefellowship.org.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Dec 19, 2015

10am Pedal Thru the Past Bike Ride Augusta Canal Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.

Ongoing

Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next 10-week introductory course begins January 11 and is $180 with all competitive equipment provided. Call 706-722-8878.

Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

Daily Canal Tours

Lights of the South

Augusta Canal Winter Season hours, through March, include Heritage Boat Tours at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. The Civil War boat tour is daily at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour.

Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

633 Louisville Road, Grovetown Open 6-10 p.m. through December 30. Visit lightsofthesouth.com.

SUPPORT

Still haven’t found the perfect Christmas gift for the animal lover in your life? Team Stinkykiss, a local group that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals, may have the answer for you in their 2016 calendar filled with pictures and stories of rescued animals or a coloring book designed by Jamie Sunshine Baker. The calendar is $20 and the coloring book is $12, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the organization’s efforts. Visit teamstinkykiss.com.

Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

7pm Behold the Star Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre $20. Call 706-664-9022 or visit gru.edu/maxwelltheatre.

Ongoing

Christmas in Hopelands

Harlem UMC fellowship hall All are invited to enjoy free soup, breads and desserts hosted by the Children’s Ministry of the church. Call 706-556-6885 or visit harlemgaumc.org.

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken This walk-through exhibit features more than 1.5 miles of pathways lighted with holiday displays that include more than 100,000 lights.

Each night features an outdoor concert or movie on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. The exhibit is open from 6-9:30 p.m.

December 13-23, December 26-27, with a shuttle service from Citizens Park provided from 5:45-9 p.m. Free, but donations accepted. Call 803642-7631.

Mon Dec 21, 2015

SPIRITUAL

Sun Dec 20, 2015

Noon - 1:30pm Soup Kitchen

6pm, 7pm and 8pm “Season of Light” Dupont Planetarium Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Sat Dec 19, 2015

Noon Bible Teaching Seminar Friedman Branch Library The topic will be Acts 24-28. Participants should bring their Bibles.

Call 706-691-4023 or visit donaldsao.com.

Fri Dec 18, 2015

Noon Breastfeeding Support Group Trinity Hospital Call 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta. com.

Tue Dec 22, 2015

5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group Georgia Regents Medical Office Building Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-2609 or visit gru.edu/weightloss.

Wed Dec 23, 2015

2pm Burn Survivor Support Group Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation Call Tim Dorn at 706-651-6660 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

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Ongoing

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta 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 706-7900391 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 706-8680539 or visit tops.org.

La Leche League 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.

Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.

Write to Heal Creative Writing Program Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Pre-registration 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 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape

or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.

Sat Dec 19, 2015

Alcoholics Anonymous

Greenbrier High School $8. Visit ghspackplayers.net.

Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.

Narcotics Anonymous 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.

Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.

THEATER Thu Dec 17, 2015

7pm “Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Kroc Center An Enopion Theatre Company production. Call 706-771-7777 or visit dinnerwitheli.com.

8pm “The Seafarer” Le Chat Noir An unconventional Christmas drama staged by Le Chat Noir. $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Fri Dec 18, 2015

2pm “Little Women, the Musical”

7pm “Little Women, the Musical” Greenbrier High School $8. Visit ghspackplayers.net.

8pm “The Seafarer” Le Chat Noir An unconventional Christmas drama staged by Le Chat Noir. $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Ongoing

Quickies Short Play Festival 2016 Seeking Submissions Le Chat Noir is seeking original scripts by local authors that are shorts from 5-15 pages and one acts that are 15-30 pages. No monologues or scripts over 30 pages will be considered, but organizers are open to all styles and genres, including those with adult language and situations. The deadline for submission is December 31. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

“At the Last Supper” Auditions Kroc Center This Enopion Theatre Company production shows in March of 2016 and auditions, by appointment only, begin January 4. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.

VOLUNTEER Ongoing

7pm “Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Kroc Center An Enopion Theatre Company production. Call 706-771-7777 or visit dinnerwitheli.com.

7pm “Little Women, the Musical” Greenbrier High School $8. Visit ghspackplayers.net.

RSVP

Senior Citizens Council The Retired Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking those ages 55 and older who would like to work with disaster preparedness, school literacy, ushering and fundraising for nonprofits. Call 706-868-0120 or visit seniorcitizenscouncil.org.

8pm “The Seafarer” Le Chat Noir An unconventional Christmas drama staged by Le Chat Noir. $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

MARKETPLACE

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS ARE 17DECEMBER2015

$40 PER WEEK.

EMAIL JOE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM OR CALL

(706)373-3636

V26|NO51

Wild Wing - Tokyo Joe The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Comedy Show/Open Mic Night Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Soul Bar - (r)Evolution Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Sunday, December 20 Live Music

Imperial Theatre - Christmas w/ John Berry The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Monday, December 21 Live Music

Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words

What’s Tonight?

We’re not sure if Kramer would qualify this as a true Festivus miracle, but it is certainly unusual to have so many wellknown and beloved local musicians on the same stage during one three-day period. Sky City’s Festivus of Bands is Thursday-Saturday, December 17-19, and includes such notables as billy s, Chris Hardy and Robert Sewell (Chainsaw MASScara) during the first two days. It’s Saturday night, however, when a virtual who’s who of locals — including Coco and Jayson Rubio, Raoul Pacheco, Eric Kinlaw, Ken and Mindy Stephens, Shaun Piazza and Will McCranie — play sets throughout the evening beginning at 6 p.m. Get there early, though, and enjoy a Vinyl Swap Shop from 2-6 p.m. Visit skycityaugusta.com.

Thursday, December 17 Live Music

Edgar’s Grille - Smooth Jazz Thursdays Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Michael Baidame Mellow Mushroom (Downtown) - Scarlet Begonias Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - Ruskin Yeargan Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Clyde’s on Fire Sky City - Festivus of Bands w/ MCE, Sure Eel, Chris Hardy, Gloom Cocoon, Billy S Power Trio, We Are the Audience Stillwater Taproom - John Berret’s LaRoxes Wild Wing - Street Choir The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Jazz

What’s Tonight?

Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Kris Fisher Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke

Friday, December 18 Live Music

@ the Turn at Whole Foods - Live Music Cotton Patch - John Hobbs and Robert Reid

38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Country Club - Smoke ‘n Guns Coyotes - Kellon James Doubletree - Live Jazz Imperial Theatre - Asleep at the Wheel Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Bluegrass w/ One Step Ahead Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Festivus of Bands w/ Palmetto Playboys, Brothers Robinson, Stink Bamboo, Gin Jockeys, Hollywood Glampires, Chainsaw MASScara, Happy Bones, 420 Outback Somewhere in Augusta - Chris Ndeti Stillwater Taproom - The Kodiak Brotherhood Surrey Tavern - Wavy Train Wild Wing - Daniel Johnson Band

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - Pop Life Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Saturday, December 19 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Fred Williams Country Club - Cody Webb MAD Studios - Catch 22 Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Sky City - Festivus of Bands w/ McCranie + Abel + Beltz _ Baidame + Lee, Naan Violence, Plug-In Reindeer, Deathstar, Hound of Goshen, Joe Graves & Dirty Left Hand, Livingroom Legends, Shoo Fly Pie, Grady Nickel + Noel Brown, Shaun Piazza & Friends, Dirty Realists, Eat Lightning Stillwater Taproom - Michael Baidame and Phillip Lee Jr. Surrey Tavern - Daddy Grace

Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, December 22 Live Music

Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Surrey Tavern - The Tavern Funk Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun

Wednesday, December 23 Live Music The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Surrey Tavern - Funk You Acoustic Wild Wing - Dave Love

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Hypnotist Herb McCannless Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament

Upcoming Sibling String

- Stillwater Taproom December 31 17DECEMBER2015

V26|NO51 Fantasia, lyfe Jennings

The Revivalists

- Bell Auditorium January 3

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta December 31

delia Mae

Delbert McClinton

- Imperial Theatre January 15

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 2

tedeschi trucks Band

Indigo Girls

- Bell Auditorium January 19

- Terminal West, Atlanta January 3

Jucifer

Jackson Browne

- Sky City January 19

- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah January 14

Brantley Gilbert

Waka Flocka Flame

- James Brown Arena February 4

- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 15

The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters

Grace Potter

- Imperial Theatre February 12

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 16

r5

Lamb of God, Anthrax

- Bell Auditorium February 16

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 19

Colonel Bruce Hampton

Madonna

- Sky City February 20

- Philips Arena, Atlanta January 20

The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Earphunk and Tauk

Reverend Horton Heat

- Augusta Common April 7

- Terminal West, Atlanta January 21

David Feherty

Billy Gibbons

- Bell Auditorium April 7

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 23

Elsewhere

Art Garfunkel

Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, Fifth Harmony, Shawn Mendes

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta January 29

- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Awolnation

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 29

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 17 eddie izzard

- Classic Center Theatre, Athens, December 17

Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show

- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 22 Widespread Panic

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta December 29-31 Gregg Allman

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta December 30-31

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The Wonder Years My oldest son, no. 2, turned 14 this week.

Yes, 14.

What the hell am I doing with a 14-year-old? I’m not supposed to have 14-year-olds!

You know who’s supposed to have 14-year-olds? My parents.

Somehow, I ended up with one, so I guess that means I’m one of those… I can’t even bring myself to say it… one of those “grown ups.” Blech! It just sounds so weird to say!

Every now and then I get these subtle reminders of my grown-upness. In all actuality, it’s not all that bad. I actually do like it more than my younger years.

Sure, there’s the burden of bills and responsibilities and the like. But I enjoy my adulthood for all the reasons I thought I would: I can watch whatever I want on the downstairs TV whenever I want. I can eat cookies whenever I want. I could even eat the whole package if I want to! If I want to spend money on something irresponsible I can. I can get in my car and drive anywhere I want (theoretically). I’ll take all these things over the awkwardness of my teen years any day. With my son turning 14, I think back to where I was when I was 14. Yikes! Poor kid!

For me it was an extremely awkward phase; just getting into high school, of which I never was really a big fan. I like to think that No. 2 has it a little better, though. He’s a good-looking kid, smart as anything and great at sports: Everything I was not. To say I’m proud would be a huge understatement.

Also, he’s got great parents. I mean, really, really great parents. if they were to hand out awards for parenting, his parents should get the highest one. They should build statues in their honor! Federal holidays! Y’know, just sayin’. I kid, but there’s something about watching your kid develop into a respectful, productive young man that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Especially when I gauge everything my kids do by my own childhood. I had fallen off the wagon well before this point. Girls, TV and what I assume was ADD derailed me by the time I hit middle school. Sorry, Mom and Dad: I wasn’t the worst kid, but I sure didn’t make it 17DECEMBER2015

easy. This is not to say my kid is perfect. He makes his mistakes and gets distracted, too. But all I’ve ever asked of him is to learn from those mistakes and he seems to have remembered to do so, which is more than I can say for myself.

Now, he’s already talking about the car he wants at 16 with his sights set on his own adulthood. Me too, ‘cause when he leaves I get his room!

kris FISHER,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.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Michael Freihaut and Summer Peters with Kayla and Devin Donahue at Craft & Vine.

Haley Rushing, Carleigh Whitaker and Emily Azar at Craft & Vine.

Patrick and Casey Mathis with Miriam and Michael Ford at Craft & Vine.

Russell Foster, Ann Beth Strelec and Lillie Morris at the Seeds exhibition at the Westobou Gallery.

Melissa Cearley, Troy Campbell and Sallie West at the Seeds exhibition at the Westobou Gallery.

David and Jacquelyne Beck with Alyssa Beck at the Seeds exhibition at the Westobou Gallery.

Shizuo Z. Kuwahara, Janelle Thomas and Tony Nolan at SOA’s Tim Zimmerman and The Kings Brass concert at the Jabez Hardin Performing Arts Center.

Alisa Sacino, Sydney Balogh and Shelby Drayton at Metro Coffeehouse & Pub.

Penelope Ballas-Stewart and Matt Stewart with Shannon and Gene Thomas at Jersey Boys at the Bell Auditorium.

40 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

17DECEMBER2015

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WITH DRAWL

By Patrick Berry / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Butter?

4 Out patient’s state 8 Three of a kind, to a poker player 13 Earth, e.g.

19 Marriage agreement?

20 Take a turn 21 American hub 22 Stacked messily 23 Half a sawbuck 24 How you might classify a blade, a gas-tank cap or a starter handle?

27 Reason to stay only at Hiltons or Marriotts?

29 “Frozen” reindeer’s name 30 Giving evasive answers 31 Roll served at a bar 32 Little one 33 Timeworn words 35 Kind of strength 39 “____ the Housetop” (Christmas song) 42 Extremely, in dated slang 45 Mob that disturbs the peace in new and interesting ways?

49 John of England 50 2013 Spike Jonze dramedy 51 ____ mater (spinal membrane) 52 Affect in a personal way 54 Small, secluded, wooded valley 55 Maker of indoor cars 57 Druggists’ implements 59 Hospital worker 61 Attractive blacksmith at a stable?

63 Like Paganini, by birth 65 Food-service giant based in Houston 66 CPR expert 67 Corruption 68 Candy brand since 1901 72 Rough 75 Municipal leaders who work the late shift?

78 Director of “Carlito’s Way,” 1993 81 Panasonic rival 82 Outback runners 83 Songwriter Novello 84 Beseech on bended knee 87 Gaggle : goose :: clowder : ____

1

88 Trident-shaped letter 89 Bass organs 91 Troy, in the “Iliad”?

95 Cold shower?

96 Word in a New Year’s Eve song 97 Never closed, as a resort 98 “We won” gesture 100 Nonprofit network 102 One who gets no credit?

105 Historical chapter 107 “Preparation meeting opportunity,” it’s said 109 Smallest possible aspirin dose?

113 Normandy’s coat of arms, basically?

116 Punk subgenre 117 D-Day invaders 118 Green stuff 119 Wildly enthusiastic 120 Jimmy Fallon’s employer 121 Moves quickly, informally 122 Big Easy lunch 123 Hang around 124 “I Ching” concept

39 College team named for a tribe 40 Blowtube projectile 41 TV alien’s home 43 Occupant of a small house 44 No more than 45 Musician’s virtuosity 46 Have another go at 47 Castaway’s site 48 Phone-button abbr.

53 Treasure from una mina 56 Missouri’s original capital 58 Large volume 60 Mike’s “Wayne’s World” co-star 62 Easily manipulated sort 63 Van ____, “Lane in Autumn” painter 64 Principled 67 Stair’s face 69 Bedroom on a train, e.g.

70 Piece of pizza?

71 Actor/activist Davis 73 “____ right?”

74 Unchecked growth 75 Expected amount 76 Kids’ outdoor game DOWN 77 Chum at sea 1 Repeated musical phrases 78 Does an investigation 2 Leave-taking 79 Maleficent 3 Brothers’ keepers 80 Attempt to pass the bar?

4 Front-wheel-drive coupling, for short 81 Mr. ____ of “The Wind in the Willows” 5 French ingredient in French toast 85 Boston skyscraper, with “the” 6 Interlock 86 “____ Darlin’” (Count Basie number) 7 Like many student films 90 Ben of “Zoolander” 8 Fictional Potawatomi tribesman 92 Place for visual aids 9 Butler on a plantation 93 Talking toy since 1965 10 Maker of Healthy Naturals food 94 City dweller’s yell 11 Supporting 99 Suppose 12 Wraps (up) 100 Renaissance painter Uccello 13 Least bit 101 Road less traveled 14 Honey or pumpkin 103 Dance from Cuba 15 “Serves you right!”

104 Bygone gas-station name 16 Seismological focus 105 Dutch export 17 City near Lake Tahoe 106 Nestlé candy brand 18 Pushing the envelope 108 Dole’s 1996 running mate 25 Many a 1950s B-movie 109 Lava-lamp lump 26 Chicago suburb 110 Oil field sights 28 Mother of Zeus 111 Defensive ring 34 First Pierce Brosnan 007 film 112 Personal assistant in “Young 36 ____ cup (spillproof container) Frankenstein” 37 Northeast octet 114 Book-jacket info 38 Dogfight preventers 115 John of England

2

3

4

19

20

23

24

27

5

6

7

11

12

36

37

56

39

42

59 63

73

41

58

84

89

90

76

69

86

87

107

93

100 108

114

101

109

102 110

111

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115 118

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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS

V O L T

O B I E

V E R T

E V E S B A Y O U

W A R S

E L I E

N C A A

S P I N A L

T O L E D O

R I C E A R O N I

T O L D Y O A I L K M O E N N G

104

112

117

O J A I

103

94

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99

106

88

92

96 98

71

77 82

91

95

70

60

68

75

85

44

54

81

83

43

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67

74

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113

40

53

66 72

18

49

62

65

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34

48

52

57

16

30 33

38

51

79

15

26

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55

14

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61

13 22

32

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105

10

28

35

78

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45

8 21

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

S M S E E E E I I M R A A G S E R N A N R A K P

B A O L O O H A

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

H O S S

E S P I E A S T O B N E E N S S A B R A S I V E S

P E A R L F I S H

A L E A S T

D O W N E Y

O R E L

T O R Y

E S P N

D O H S

F A S O

S L O T

V26|NO51

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS Christmas shopping plus holiday parties equals a very slow weekend at the box office.

RANK

TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

1

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY...

$11,413,316

$244,604,272

4

1

2

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

$11,053,366

$11,053,366

1

-

3

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

$10,314,223

$89,478,014

3

3

4

CREED

$10,121,137

$79,322,155

3

4

5

KRAMPUS

$8,422,755

$28,564,085

2

2

In Theaters December 18

SCI-FI COMEDY COMEDY “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” rated PG-13, starring “Sisters,” rated R, starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler. Is anyone “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” rated PG, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie. He revived the Star Trek franchise and gave us Benedict Cumberbatch as a young Khan. Now, director and Geek God J.J. Abrams has his sights set on reviving the Star Wars franchise after what many see as a disastrous first three episodes.

The question is, can the movie live up to the hype? It, of course, won’t matter in the first few weeks. With many of the original cast back, it’ll reign at the top of the box office for a while.

44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

really surprised that the only two people who have the balls to go up against Star Wars in its opening week are Fey and Poehler? And really, it doesn’t even matter what this movie is about (it’s about a couple of sisters who decide to throw a party in their family home, which their parents are about to sell); we’ll watch these two do just about anything, especially when they bring along so many of their fellow SNL alums.

starring Jason Lee, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris, Bella Thorne, Christina Applegate. Yes, we realized this movie was opening this week when we wrote what we did about “Sisters.” No, we don’t count this as a serious movie. Rather, we consider the first one of this series the moment in time when Jason Lee went from being an indie darling (and our secret boyfriend) to a money grubbing turncoat. The less said about this one the better.

17DECEMBER2015

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The Ghost of Christmas Past I CANNOT ACCOUNT for many of the Christmas Eves in the life of Bobby Brewer, but I can tell you where he was for about a half dozen of them about 35 years ago: The Rhodes Family Christmas Eve Parties at 1206 Oakdale Road, Augusta, Georgia.

From 1966 through 1994 those parties were an annual “can’t miss” event for just about everyone I really loved in the whole wide world. The memories of those nights are more vivid in my mind today than most of the Christmas mornings that followed.

And while I understand it is cliche, looking back, those long past evenings helped me understand why the Christmas season is really built around the concept of sharing time with family and friends.

Aside from a few girlfriends here and there, Bobby was the only friend I ever included in those nights. He became a fixture at the Christmas Eve Party just like my dad’s best friends, Bob Abshire and Don Dearing, Cousin Dean’s best friend, “the other Dean” Lewis, or Barnabas, our giant white cat, who kindly allowed us all to throw the party in his house.

Bobby was, for all those years, one of us.

The passage of time tends to magnify the meaning of many family traditions, but it is not an exaggeration to say that the collective surviving souls who were always at the heart those parties, still lament that they ever ended.

Bobby did too.

One of the last times I was able to have a meaningful conversation with him was February 1, 2009, a date that I can only specifically recall because Bobby was calling me on the occasion “Our Town,” 1979, Tutt Jr. High. Shown, left of the Steelers’ Super Bowl to right, are Austin Rhodes, Carolyn Bennett appearance, set for that same afternoon. Just calling to wish Hudson and Bobby Brewer. them well, he said, but only because he knew I was such a big fan.

Truth be known, he hated the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had to, it was a rule. You see, Bobby was a devoted, dedicated, dyed-in-the-wool Dallas Cowboys fan. Every bit as fervent for the Blue and White as I was for the Black and Gold.

From the first moment we met as fifth graders, during the morning football games before school at T. Harry Garrett, it was an eternal debate, and we were as obnoxious about it as two 13-year-olds could be.

Quite an odd pair we made, he in his 1975 Sears Roebuck Cowboys’ varsity jacket and me in my matching Steelers jacket, ordered from the same page in the catalog.

We devised insults and nicknames aimed at each other’s teams the way that little girls dream about what they are going to one day name their newborn babies. We could “one-up” each other from the bus ride to school, all the way to the final bell of the day, and no name was too insulting or profane. The only rule: the nasty names had to rhyme with the real names. In the interest of family reading, virtually none of those names can be repeated here, but I can say that I believe the karma from having to endure a decade of hearing “Fairy Bradshaw” finally paid off my direction when the Cowboys drafted Tony Romo.

17DECEMBER2015

Too bad we weren’t playing the name game any more; timing is everything.

In that conversation almost five years ago, we talked football, the recent election of President Obama and the pending birth of my new son. He was amazed to hear that my daughter was about to graduate from high school, and he beamed as he bragged about his own beautiful daughter, not quite yet in high school. He talked of seeing family at Christmas, and how rushed it was, and then out of the blue he told me how much he always enjoyed being included in the Rhodes Christmas Eve parties all those years ago. I did have a few very good looking female cousins and family friends he enjoyed hanging around but, for the most part, he just liked the tradition of it all. I reminded him that all that came to an end when my parents divorced, and he got quiet for a second, and then said how sad he was when he heard that had happened. It seems we were all like part of his family, too.

Bobby told me had been moving around the country a bit, but he hoped to settle down soon, for a good long while. We promised to get together, but we never really did.

For that, I will have eternal remorse.

On December 22, 2010, Bobby F. Brewer Jr. was crossing an Indianapolis street to attend a friend’s Christmas Party. His arms were filled with groceries, which means he probably never saw the drunk driver, with no headlights, that was bearing down on him going about 50 miles an hour. The bastard that hit him never even stopped.

It was something of a miracle that Bobby didn’t die that night, but the devastation the violent collision did to his body was ultimately unsurvivable. He died three months later.

When I spoke at his funeral, I told those gathered that I did not believe any young man ever has a best friend quite like the best friend he has when he is 12 years old. Bobby was that to me, of course.

He was the only one who knew how really hung up I was on Myra Pirkle. I was the only one who knew that he was Kerry Micklewright’s long time, love letter writing, secret admirer.

Bobby always got a kick out of the fact that my many activities with the Tutt Jr. High Drama Club put me in regular, close proximity, to the school’s most beautiful and Bobby and his beautiful daughter Arie in happier outgoing girls. Truth times.

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be known, he wanted a piece of that pie. Probably the best thing I ever did for Bobby was to suggest him as the male lead for our Fall 1979 production of “Our Town.” He was given the role of George Gibbs the instant he read for the part. That experience ended up being one of the happiest times of his life. It gave him a new purpose, it made him a better student, and he got to do a love scene with Carolyn Bennett.

Talk about a dream come true...

George Gibbs is a character that many have called the best “all-American boy-next-door” role in classic American theater. Bobby Brewer was George Gibbs, there is no better way to describe him to strangers.

I think of Bobby almost every day. Sadly, those great memories usually end with the reminder of the horrible way he left this world.

As we submerge ourselves in the 2015 edition of the Christmas season, take time to notice the friends and family who share your life, and please remember to appreciate them, the way Bobby appreciated his loved ones, and all the memories he was able to make with them.

For the sake of holidays yet to come, celebrate responsibly, and never drive while impaired.

I hate that my friend cannot be here to tell you that himself.

AUSTIN RHODES

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

Arie and Bobby’s granddaughter Skyler. I hope one day I can tell her just how awesome her Papa was. I know he is watching over both of them from Heaven.

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46 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

| cmaaugusta.com

17DECEMBER2015