Metro Spirit 12.06.2012 by Metro Spirit

Metro Spirit is a freee newspaper published publis weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks eks a year. Editorial coverage includes local ocal al issues and news, arts, arts entertainment, entert people, places and pectrum. The he views do not necessarily represent present the views of the th publisher. publish Visit us at metrospirit.com. m.© events. In our paperr appear views from across the political and social spectrum. ner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permissio p person, perso please. 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: permission is prohibited. One copy per

CONTENTS

04 06 07

METRONEWS CROSSWORD AUGUSTA TEK FEATURE

08 11 12 14

EVENTS CALENDAR SIGHTINGS ART45 PET PAGE

17 26 28 29

SLAB MATT’S MUSIC

31 33

THE8

WHINE LINE

o r t e m IR P S

INSIDER RUFFIN’ IT AUSTIN RHODES

COVER DESIGN: KRUHU

EricJohnson|news editor eric@themetrospirit.com

GabrielVega|lead designer gabe@themetrospirit.com

BrendaCarter|senior account executive brenda@themetrospirit.com

AmyChristian|arts editor/production director amy@themetrospirit.com

JoeWhite|publisher joe@themetrospirit.com

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MichaelJohnson|sightings ValerieEmerick|writer AmyPerkins|editorial intern LauraPerry|volunteer

WHINELINE the tag office has $20,000 stolen and its the end of the world. But the Imperial has $150,000 stolen and they don’t even bother to fill out a police report? And now they get more taxpayer money? what about figuring out where the 150 large went first. If that kansas city chief hadn’t killed himself with a shot to the

head, i bet they would find brain damage like the rest of these guys in the nfl and nhl. The Insider column last week regarding the missing Imperial $$ was very interesting. It’s not a mystery at all where all that money went. Hiding in plain site. I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT TO THE CSRA HOW RUDE AND UNPROFESSIONAL THE STAFF

AT SPARKLE EXPRESS CAR WASH ARE. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OR MAKE A MISTAKE THEY MOCK AND MAKE FUN OF THE CUSTOMER. THEY EVEN TELL OTHER CUSTOMERS IN LINE ABOUT YOU. I’VE SEEN THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THEY ALSO HAVE CONVICTED CRIMINALS AND DUI CONVICTIONS ON STAFF WORKING THERE. I WILL NEVER TAKE MY BUSINESS THERE ANY MORE. I HOPE YOU ALL DO THE

SAME. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN THESE BUSINESSES. So now there have been stabbings outside yet another bar downtown. Are they going to close that bar like they did at least two others that had a lot of stabbing and gun shots? Geez Austin, only you would be such an insensitive cow to write like that about Dr. Robinson of

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the BOE! You’d better leave your columns blank again for a while. I just love the arrogance of many SEC fans. The SEC championship was not the BCS title game. And yes, there are many other good teams in college football who are not in the SEC.

(continued on page 38)

Second Chance: Outbid on river property, Riverkeeper poised to move in anyway Sound of Silence: City hopes bridge between troubled projects moves forward quietly Planting Art: Greater Augusta Arts Council helps city manage and produce public art Trailhead Update: Columbia County moves forward with Euchee Creek Greenway Trail

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

SIDER

THUMBS

Pumpkin Spice The tests are in and it turns out the owners of the Pumpkin Center Store were selling illegal Spice after all. Apparently, a lot of it. Tests confirmed that the samples taken on July 5 were in fact synthetic marijuana. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Young Ju Kim and Hyun Su Kim were charged with unlawful manufacturing, delivering, possession or sale of a non-controlled substance. Not only did Columbia County Narcotics investigators find 292 packets of Spice at the store, Kim told investigators she had more at her Evans home. Turns out she wasn’t kidding. There, investigators found another 853 packets of the stuff, considered a Schedule I drug. The Pumpkin Center Store certainly isn’t the first Columbia County convenience store to be busted with the drug, but it is the only one that happens to have twice — twice — managed to get gasoline in their kerosene tank. It happened in February 2010 and then again during the middle of last month. Kind of seems like something out of a movie, doesn’t it?This time Russell started out looking to spend $991,561 for the design, fabrication, installation and startup work involving the pedestrian bridge. Almost immediately, he wanted to bring it back to the next committee meeting, but not before Joe Bowles was able to let it be known that there was no way he was going to allow proceeds from an electronic sign planned to hang above Reynolds Street end up with Riverfront LLC, managers of everything about the place including the kitchen sink. Whether or not the Georgia Department of Transportation would allow the sign is beside the point. Commissioners are reading the fine print again, which means that the legal department can prepare for more open records requests.

Can wait to hear what Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker has to say after living on food stamps, about $4.32 a day, for a week.

down

If you didn’t called Republicans “wusses,” Sarah Palin, you wouldn’t have to apologize. But then, you also wouldn’t get the publicity.

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A Most Welcoming Place Though it was all smiles at the groundbreaking of Columbia County’s adaptive playground, not everyone is happy about the $80,000 park located behind the Evans library. Some neighboring homeowners are upset about the noise it could potentially generate. An adaptive playground is a playground specifically designed for children with disabilities, kids whose laughter has come at a tough price. For a county with so much going for it, Columbia County citizens have a knack for looking snobbish, petulant and utterly selfish at times. Remember the pink playhouse? What about the home for the disabled veteran? The woman who had the code enforcement officer enter her home while she was sleeping was practically run her out of town for having the nerve not to be intimidated by the mountain of a man who entered her home or the county that employed him. And let’s not forget how welcoming Martinez was last year to the police officers and EMTs the Magnolia Trace development was designed to house. Nobody wanted to find anything good about any of that, but have you driven by lately? It’s a long, long way from the Section 8 housing the fear mongers were peddling, and it’s likely those police officers and EMTs are going to have some competition for those units that were so despised last year. Even stadium lights for high school boys looking to play some football drew a less than neighborly reception from certain residents of Spring Lakes, who let a fear of football at Augusta Prep turn them into a most ungracious group of people. Sure, everyone wants their home to be their castle, and most of us want that castle to be a fortress of solitude from the outside world, but just how bothersome can the laughter of disabled children really be?

See ya… With no coattails but his own, Bill Fennoy soundly defeated incumbent Matt Aitken to win the District 1 commission seat, bringing the 2012 election season blessedly to a close. Fennoy didn’t have a black president or a black sheriff to motivate voters this time around. All he had was a white opponent who, for many in the predominantly black district, seemed to get whiter the longer he was in office. In the end, that was all it took. With Aitken’s departure goes the historic 6-4 white majority. If any of it mattered to Aitken, it was hard to tell, which undoubtedly contributed to his poor showing. Voters tend to like politicians who at least pretend.

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The Four Best Albums of 2012 (that I barely listened to)

I don’t have a lot of time on my hands these days. Neither do many other people, though, which is why we constantly feel like we’re missing out on fun stuff. And it’s a frustratingly fine line to walk, maintaining just enough of an interest in our chosen fields of distraction to see them gallop hi-defly past. Hence this column. In the way of background, I used to write musicrelated stuff for the Metro Spirit, v.1.0. I pretty much worked for free, but I got a ton of free music, got turned on to some great artists, and had a forum to work the kinks out of my journalistic voice — which, as you can see from these pages, has evolved at an impressively microbial pace. Please don’t demean Google or Merriam-Webster to see if I’m being ironic. Even though this is supposed to be a kinda-sorta political column now, I can usually get away with doing one or two of these a year. Why? For one, I just got married yesterday, we’re about to leave for a honeymoon and, sorry, this is the column you get in the wake of that kind of exhaustion. Also, they keep me on the world’s longest leash. Thanks, guys.

single, was released online a few months ago, and I caught it while I probably should have been doing something more important. I can’t speak for the other 35 minutes of the album, but if the no-bulls**t screamf***ing, guitar-math demonry, and unbridled aggression of “Aimless Arrow” are any indication, “All We Love…” is about as pure a “return to form” as Converge is ever going to get.

4. Converge, All We Love We Leave Behind (Epitaph) Unlike many of their peers, Converge actually improves every single time they make a record. Sure, you may prefer to listen to, say, “You Fail Me” as opposed to “Jane Doe” at any given point in time, but listen to their post-aught discography in chronological order, and there’s no denying the progression, the expansion of craftsmanship. The spazzy, angular take on hardcore punk that defined their early sound is still prevalent, but has been recently channeled into an even more blistering, dare I say catchy, attack. And that’s why “All We Love…” is so interesting, from what I’ve heard of it. “Aimless Arrow,” the first

The new album, at first listen anyway, is strikingly streamlined. A couple of tracks step over the 10-minute mark, but this is the sound of a band that, as opposed to turning formulaic, is so dialed into their own wellhoned idiosyncrasies that they’ve crafted an album that sounds exactly like Neurosis and still completely unlike anything else. It’s a fact no more well-illustrated than on opening track “We All Rage in Gold,” in which melody, rather than sweeping across a barren landscape, pile-drives it incessantly, hypnotically.

3. Neurosis, Honor Found in Decay (Neurot Recordings) Trace every sub-genre of extreme music today back about two decades, and you’ll find it all stems from Neurosis and the aforementioned Boston natives. Seminal albums like “Souls at Zero” are marked by stunning, if fleeting, instances of beauty, but are most heavily characterized by ugly, lurching sludge-piles of guitar, disquieting sound effects, and the primal roars of vocalist/guitarists Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly. Bands like Isis, At the Sounddawn, and Pelican would probably still exist if not for Neurosis, but they wouldn’t sound the same.

2. Van Morrison, Born to Sing, No Plan B (Blue Note Records) If Van Morrison has settled into a stride this last

decade of his career — listen to “Keep it Simple” and I think you’ll agree that he has — you can’t say he hasn’t earned it. For years upon years, whether as a natural result of his absorbing such a vast array of musical influences or by his own meticulously crafting (probably both), Morrison strained against the skin of genre, combining traditional Celtic folk, rock and soul seamlessly into his sound. There is no one like him. If he released “Van Morrison Sings Your Tax Returns,” I would buy six copies. So it’s good to see Van playing around a little bit, if not outright indulging himself. These tracks are something of a history lesson, recalling the bouncy, horn-heavy tunes — “Open the Door (to Your Heart)” — casual fans are most familiar with, to rambling blues — “Pagan Heart” — and lengthy, poetic mini-epics like “Going Down to Monte Carlo” that wouldn’t feel out of place on an album like “Common One.” The man may sing behind the beat, but in that regard he hasn’t lost a step. 1. Witchcraft, Legend (Nuclear Blast) Witchcraft’s masterful “The Alchemist” was one of the first albums I ever reviewed for the Metro Spirit, and I remain as impressed with it now as I was then. Recorded and rendered in glorious analog, it’s the sound of four long-haired, bell-bottomed Swedes reveling in the forever-glow of Black Sabbath, Cream and other late-’60s thud-rock emissaries. The album’s best song, “If Crimson was Your Color,” still occupies the tiny part of my brain I used to reserve for rationale. The band has seen some upheaval, and now features a new drummer and two new guitarists. The beefier lineup also sees them revitalized, as they’ve traded in their dogmatically lo-fi approach for a monstrous production sound, their riffs now less at home in a drug-fueled haze than a volcanic block party. Singer Magnus Pelander too seems to have found a bottomless second wind, no longer straining to hit the higher notes, his still occult-focused lyrics given new life by older, more confident pipes. Get these albums, and tell me what they’re really like.

JOSHRUFFIN, a Metro Spirit alum, is a published

journalist and poet who just received his MFA from Georgia College & State University. He was once the most un-intimidating bouncer at Soul Bar.

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Political Season Closes and Open Season Is Declared on Guns Congrats to Bill Fennoy for his extra innings win over Matt Aitken in the District 1 Augusta City Commission race. A number of political insiders believed that Aitken had a distinct advantage in the runoff because it was clear that Fennoy was not getting the full support of the same community leadership that backed Richard Roundtree’s successful and historic run for sheriff. While Aitken was certainly endorsed by Mayor Deke Copenhaver and the historically conservative Augusta Chronicle editorial page, there are not enough whites, Republicans or unicorns in District 1 to get a repeat of the near miraculous rookie victory Aitken had when he first ran for the seat. And now that we have had two consecutive races where black voters showed up in numbers to defeat white candidates in runoffs (this race and the Roundtree/Peebles runoff last summer), perhaps we are seeing buried the long-held, unwritten yet widely quoted edict, that “black folks don’t show up for runoffs.” They showed up, they spoke up and they moved right on up the political totem pole. As far as what this means for the city, well at least one political veteran said he believed the “factions” would play out as follows: The new “power” duos are predicted to be Marion Williams and Bill Fennoy, Donnie Williams and Grady Smith, Alvin Mason and Bill Lockett, and Wayne Guilfoyle and Joe Jackson. The two wild cards are said to be Corey Johnson and Mary Fair Davis (either can go with any faction, at any time). The above-listed pairings are the teams that we can get used to being on the same side in most controversial votes... in other words, no matter the issue, you are going to be hard pressed to see those linked together ever separating on votes. About the only way you will usually see one not standing up with the other is if one of the two is not present for a vote. Conventional wisdom has Corey Johnson as your next mayor pro-tem. Not only is it “his turn,” but he apparently could use the rather substantial bump in regular income. Not that there is anything wrong with that. When asked if Matt Aitken might use his vote in the next three weeks to do anything “dramatic” before leaving the building, insiders tell me that it is highly unlikely, and simply not his style. My two cents on Aitken’s political career is that it was largely a great opportunity that he completely wasted. While his heart was in the right place, it was apparent from the start that he underestimated the time commitment needed to really master the issues and business at hand. He also greatly misjudged the importance of being more involved in the committee process, and staying connected

to the needs and complaints of his constituents. He became a political “dead man walking” when he stopped responding to the small but hearty band of citizen activists who rallied together to get him elected during his first run. Simply put, he failed to dance with the folks who brought him! If Fennoy can step up on constituent service, keep his temper in check and use his common sense, he may be around for a good little while. It did not take 24 hours after the murder/suicide involving Kansas City Chief’s linebacker Jovan Belcher and the young mother of his infant daughter for the raging debate on private gun ownership to drift into the absurd, courtesy of the Odd Universe of the Left Leaning Libtards. The entire episode with Belcher tragically sounds like a “Cops” miniseries in the making, but for nationally noted sportswriter Jason Whitlock to use the event to declare that “The NRA (National Rifle Association) is the new KKK” reminds me why I stand so strongly against the anti-private gun ownership crowd. Someone needs to remind Whitlock that if the targets of the Klan’s reign of terror had been adequately armed and ready, chances are pretty good that far fewer of them would have ever been killed. Once a few dozen Kowardly Klansmen were blown all over the sidewalk by their intended victims, perhaps the idiots would have thought twice about their illegal hooded hootenannies. And as far as football tragedies being averted, think what a blessing it would have been for O.J. Simpson if either his estranged wife or Ron Goldman had met their “unknown knifeman” with a loaded .45 instead of just a gasp and a whimper. Maybe the Juice would still be enjoying a career in Hollywood instead of leading the tormented life of a man wrongly accused. *AHEM* As for the assertion that Belcher and his baby’s mama would still be alive if he did not have easy access to a gun, the aforementioned late Mrs. Simpson would very likely loudly disagree, if she had not been silenced, of course, by a giant knife. I will concede that Belcher himself would probably still be alive if he did not have an easy and painless way to end his fear of incarceration and justice. But as it is, Jovan Belcher ended up using a murder weapon as a tool to rid the world of an evil menace.

For that, even Jason Whitlock should be grateful.

AUSTINRHODES

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

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ERICJOHNSON

Trailhead Update

Columbia County moves forward with Euchee Creek Greenway Trail

Columbia County commissioners approved a $5,000 change order for preliminary and final construction plans for a parking lot and trailhead for the Euchee Creek Greenway Trail, the 23-mile, $20-million project that will eventually link Grovetown with Riverside Park. The prototype section of the trail was built behind Canterbury Farms subdivision on Chamblin Road about two years ago and, earlier this year, Columbia County commissioners agreed to use a $250,000 Georgia Department of Transportation grant to link it to the Grovetown trails, which are about 10 years old. Over the last six or seven years, the county’s Greenspace Advisory Board has been acquiring land along the Euchee Creek corridor, and this change order will allow increased access to the growing trail. The change order would cover the trailhead and parking lot design as well as signage along Wrightsboro Road. The county’s greenspace program began in 2002, when the governor gave the county $1.1 million to start it. Statewide, the money was to be used for fastgrowing communities to preserve land and put it in permanent protection. Ultimately, 20 percent of the county’s total acreage should be set aside in greenspace, which for Columbia County would be about 30,000 acres. Currently, the county has close to 12,000 acres in greenspace, much of it in conjunction with the Euchee Creek Greenway Trail. Other greenspace land in the county includes Heggies Rock and 52 acres behind the Rivershire subdivision. “The more we looked at the project, the more we realized we wanted some parking somewhere along the trail proper,” says Barry Smith, Columbia County’s 8

METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

director of community and leisure services. “With this, we can carve out an area to park 15 to 20 cars and basically call it a trailhead or an access point to alleviate the problem of where to park on that end.” Though users of the trail would also be able to park at the trail’s access point in Grovetown as well as inside Canterbury Farms, this trailhead gives the county a high visibility entry point along busy Wrightsboro Road. The spot chosen is at the old Wrightsboro Road bridge, which not only has land for parking, but provides allimportant access to the Grovetown trail under the bridge.

“That’s the wonderful thing about it,” Smith says. “The DOT made access under the bridge. That’s one of the main reasons we’re doing the project, because we can go under the bridge.” Smith says that not only did surveys from the county’s Recreation Master Plan find locals were interested in such a trail system, but alternative modes of transportation were part of what contributed to the high quality of life in the progressive communities Columbia County wants to emulate. Though additional phases will require bridges across Euchee Creek, something that will push completion of the entire trail back at least 10 years, the trailhead represents another major step in the trail’s evolution.

06DECEMBER2012

Coming Soon to Evans!

Early 2013

Our Interest is in You! 4349 Washington Road Across from Mellow Mushroom in front of Kroger www.firstbankofga.com

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ERICJOHNSON

Sound of Silence

City hopes bridge between troubled projects moves forward quietly

Thanks to the amount of money saved in the construction of the TEE Center parking deck, City Administrator Fred Russell says the city is ahead of schedule in building an elevated walkway between the TEE Center and the parking garage. “We anticipated wanting to do it somewhere down the line, but we actually saved enough out of building the parking deck that we could do this,” Russell says. “And that makes it more palatable at the moment. It’s coming from the savings of the parking deck.” Russell will be requesting just under $1 million for the connecting walkway at the next committee meetings, scheduled for Monday, December 10. He brought the item to the last committee meetings, but chose to bring it back because of some questions about the feasibility of an electronic sign designed to face Reynolds Street. “We’ve been talking with the traffic engineer about that,” Russell says. “He’s got some concerns relative to the position of it. I’m not

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too sure if it’s a Department of Transportation issue or our issue, but it’s something we obviously need to put some more thought into before we go too far down that line.” Commissioner Joe Bowles warned Russell that he would not tolerate Riverfront LLC, the management company that runs both the city owned parking deck and the city owned convention center, taking any advertising revenue from the sign on the city owned skywalk. At this point, however, Russell is unsure whether the electronic sign will be part of the final package or not. “When we talked about it, he was worried about distracting people from the traffic control signage,” Russell says. “You’ve got

this thing over the road fairly close to the intersection that would draw the attention and move it away from looking at the traffic control issues, so that’s something we’ve got to take a look at.” Russell was asked to come up with a plan for the walkway as part of the controversial TEE Center management agreement. In September, he first brought the topic before commissioners who were still questioning whether or not the city owned the parking deck, and while those ownership doubts seem to have subsided, commissioners still seem suspicious of anything involving the two buildings. In spite of the fact that there would be no need for the city owned walkway to have any kind of management contract, Bowles’ concerns about unusual dealing are not unfounded. Because the convention center is connected to the Marriott, which demands certain safety standards, the TEE Center’s air handling system had to be upgraded, something not all commissioners felt comfortable with. And while Russell doesn’t expect any kind of similar situations, he says he’s come to expect the unexpected. “I think we’ve got a design where, in most worlds, it would be pretty straightforward,” he says. “In this world, I’m not too sure. I’m sure we’ll find a way to make it somewhat complicated even though I’m not so sure that it should be. People build bridges between parking decks all the time without a great deal of consternation.” Once approved, Russell says construction should only take a couple of months. “It’s really not that big a deal, because we’ve already got the receptive ends there,” he says. “Both facilities were built to receive this.”

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A LITTLE EXTRA By Jeff Chen / Edited by Will Shortz

90 Frat.’s counterpart 92 Cousins of honey badgers 93 Morgan le ___ (Arthurian sorceress) 94 “The Labors of Hercules” painter Guido 95 Marquee name 97 Kauaian ring 98 Mmes. of España 100 Wipe out, in surfing lingo 101 Converted into bundles for a loft 103 Thwarter of HAL 106 Spank but good 107 Allure 108 1970s-’80s F.B.I. sting 110 Xanthippe, e.g. 111 A spy will often cross them 113 Widely used term declared “undignified” by John Paul II 115 Liquefy 116 Part of N.B. 117 Squared up 118 Nutcases 119 Centuries, e.g. 120 Grab, with “onto” 121 “What ___?” 122 Wield, as influence Down 1 Features of some sports cars 2 Area conquered by Alexander the Great 3 Liftoff point 4 Excommunicator of Martin Luther 5 German one 6 Dangerous liaisons, often 7 1992 Denzel Washington title role 8 Spanish churches 9 Sorry state 10 Script writer’s study? 11 Like a good butler 12 King’s things 13 Quest of the astronomer Percival Lowell 14 Athos, Porthos and Aramis, e.g. 15 Beano competitor 16 Reaches a nadir 17 Ouzo herb 18 Quakers and Shakers 24 Snoop Lion’s genre 26 Muscle below a delt 32 Smell like

35 37 40 41 42 43 46 47 48 50 52 53 55 57 59 61 63 65

Triple Crown jockey Eddie Rubbish Cuts back on Dickens schemer Shade of bleu Dates Pic Seine tributary Sushi bar topping Part of U.N.L.V. One of the X’s in X-X-X Hesitate in speech Nick of “Cape Fear” Hunt in the wrong place? Révolution target Actor Stephen Mustachioed cartoon character Fictional writer in a John Irving best seller 66 Historical transition point 67 South African antelopes 68 Simon & Garfunkel’s “For ___, Whenever I May Find Her” 69 City near Virginia City 70 YouTube video lead-ins 71 Hebrew N 73 Bit of ink, slangily 74 Sheep’s genus 75 Turkey’s Atatürk 76 Caught 77 Summer cooler 78 Clichéd prison contraband item 79 Verb with “vous” 80 Indian tourist haven 82 Malformed 85 Pamper, say 86 Willing to consider 89 Vitamin A 91 Novelty glasses 94 G’s opposite 96 Fresh 98 Measures 99 Accumulated 100 Print option: Abbr. 102 Part of a horse’s pedigree 104 Knight’s attribute 105 Discharge 107 Observes 109 Plant, maybe 112 Comic book mutants 114 Wii alternative

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

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Across 1 It might appear on a spine 6 In the thick of 10 The “C” of FDIC: Abbr. 14 Muslim moguls 19 “The Wrestler” actress 20 Trio on camels 21 The brother in “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 22 Monosyllabic state 23 Bialys 25 Fussy about rules 27 Wrestling achievement 28 Cup holder 29 Rain-forest flora 30 Contrail source, once: Abbr. 31 Jurassic suffix 33 Novel writing, e.g. 34 Key in a chain, maybe 35 Two of them make a sawbuck 36 Having everything one needs 38 Victoria’s Secret purchase 39 Walk, e.g. 40 Whiz 41 Tormentors of a sort 44 Goat’s cry 45 Carrier letters? 46 Je ne sais quoi 49 His tomb is a pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Jews 51 Occupy, as a booth 53 To whom it is said “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” 54 Danish, e.g. 56 Grave letters 57 Big Red Machine hustler 58 Four-time role for Patrick Stewart 60 Almost every man in the world has one 62 Myrna of “Cheaper by the Dozen” 64 Indeed 65 Followers of a boom? 72 More precise alternative to scissors 80 Largest moon in the solar system 81 Bottom line, maybe 83 “You try!” 84 Decrees 85 Neighbor of Niger 87 One of a pair of drums 88 Lunar mission commanded by Thomas P. Stafford 89 Ad ___

A R R A S G O M A D

C L A R K

H E R A

A M I N

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

D R A K E S

O R A

P A S X K I H A T T R S S T O N A U T S

C R I B S H E E T

M A M B O

A G A I N

J A M E S

G E S T R A O P S O E A C N O D T J E A R C I K E

O C E A N I A

S H A T T E R

T R E N D E D

S E N I O R

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AMYCHRISTIAN

Fit to Be Gold Challenge Update Name: Alexis Coachman Starting weight: 240.6 Weight at last weigh in: 229.4 Number of pounds lost: 11.2 Alexis Coachman’s weight loss journey began after the birth of her daughter five years ago, but she got derailed this past year before joining the Fit to Be Gold Challenge in September. “This year in particular I kind of got sedentary,” the physical therapist admitted. “Life just got crazy and when it did that you start eating.” She found out about Fit to Be Gold from a trainer she had hired before starting to program and thought it might give her the push she needed. “Obviously I wanted to lose weight become more healthy and active,” Coachman explained. “I kind of needed a change of lifestyle.” What’s your exercise plan? “I work out about 3-4 days a week, usually Tuesday-Thursday, and then I go to the Boot Camp Challenge on Saturday, which is fun,” she said. “I have been doing a ton of lunges, squats, really focusing on my legs, and then core, because I really want to get my midsection in shape. I have I’ve actually dropped a dress size, maybe two dress sizes. I don’t know how much I’ve lost because I haven’t really been keeping track. I don’t want to become a slave to the scale. I don’t want the number to tell me how well I’m doing.” What’s your diet plan? “In the morning I’ll do a protein shake, for lunch I’ll do a good meat: chicken, not anything fried, fish. I’ve really been enjoying some seafood,” she said. “And I went to the doctor and spoke to a nutritionist, who said that when I eat fruit eat crunchy fruit. Crunchy fruits like apples don’t have as much sugar. And I’m doing a lot of nuts: cashews, pistachios. Lots of water; cannot get enough water. I’ve found that it’s mainly controlling your portion. I have not had rice or pasta in about four months. Even before the challenge I started cutting back with all that because those are my big no-no items.” What’s been your biggest struggle? “Dedicating myself to the gym. I hired a trainer before, and that’s how I found out about the Fit to Be Gold Challenge, but really it’s just a matter of making time,” she said, explaining that, while often a rush, it’s pretty easy to swing by the gym after getting off work and picking her daughter up from school. The willpower to do it, however, is another matter altogether. “A lot of times I think, ‘Oh I can go home and do this, I can go shopping.’ Even on Saturday morning, getting up and doing the boot camp. But I really just have to dedicate this time to myself. And it has paid off. I did my first 5K, the Pajama Run, and the day that I ran the 5K was the day I found out my dad had prostate cancer.” Her father, she explained, had surgery in August but kind of downplayed it to the family as routine and preventative. When he found out Coachman had done the Pajama Run, a benefit for cancers below the belt, he admitted to her that that’s what he had. “He kind of confirmed it for me that day,” she said. “You know how men play those things down.” What’s been your biggest success? “I think it’s the way I feel and the way I look. Seeing the difference in my clothes. Hearing the compliments. At first I wasn’t able to see a difference, but after the first month I could really see a difference. The fact that I had to buy new scrubs for work, and scrubs are meant to be loose. And I feel better. The other night I was putting up my Christmas decorations and had to stand on a chair and I just hopped right up there and hopped back down. Everything comes easier.”

GREGORY A. BAKER, PH.D

Hey, CSRA Makers

Did you check out the Raspberry Pi article in this week’s wired.com? Augusta Tek’ers know all about Raspberry Pi. We first wrote about it back in July, and since then, the $35 credit card sized computer has continued to grow in popularity. Originally developed to provide an educational experience for those interested in computers (i.e., “tinkering”), the Raspberry Pi is being adopted to provide the raw compute cycles for any smart device you can imagine. Last month, Chris Williamson showed up at the Hack for Education with a half dozen of the devices to power the Hack. A quick read of the wired.com article (“8 Cool Raspberry Pi Projects for Diminutive Computing Fun”) provides a glimpse of what a little innovation can create. Do you need a working video game console for the American Girl dollhouse? Done. You say you don’t like the breadboard look of the raw Raspberry Pi? Well, why not create an enclosure with a 3-D printer. Are you an artist looking to work a medium other than oils and watercolors? Try Lightpainting using addressable RGB LEDs and a Raspberry Pi controller. It’s a new medium with your imagination as your only limit. Updating Privacy — An update to the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act is slowly making its way through Congress. Last week a pro-privacy bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee that requires police to get a warrant before seizing your email, effectively extending current privacy rights for hardcopy documents to electronic media. (Current law and court precedent indicate that email and other personal data stored in the cloud can be seized in many cases without a warrant and without notification of the seizure.) The law enforcement community strongly opposes the bill on the grounds that it will impede investigations. In response, law enforcement groups are lobbying for provisions that would require internet providers to store text messages for two years “just in case” they are needed. I don’t know about you, but the idea of Verizon or Comcast creating a private database of all my communication for Richard Roundtree or Clay Whittle to sift through is just kind of creepy. Season of Giving — This is the time of the year where we traditionally acknowledge the grace we’ve received and return that kindness to others, usually by providing gifts of value to those that are truly in need. Unfortunately, this spirit is being lost in a political climate where so many demand an entitlement to the productivity of others. While those on the left won’t say it directly, the message is clear: When one has so much to start with, any assistance or gifts that are offered cannot be considered sincere. While this type of argument plays well in politics, in reality, no government redistribution scheme will ever match the effectiveness of a voluntary sacrifice given in love. If you’ve been blessed this year and would like to help others this season, please consider giving to your favorite charity or religious group. If you don’t have a favorite, I work with the following groups. Your gift will not be taken for granted, and it will go to help those that are truly in need. Junior League of Augusta — jlaugusta.org Ronald McDonald House of Augusta — rmhcaugusta.org Easter Seals of East Georgia — ga-ea.easterseals.com Until next time, I’m off the grid @gregory_a_baker. GREGORY A. BAKER, PH.D, is vice president and chief rocket scientist for CMA, which provides information technology services to CSRA businesses and nonprofits.

Who do you think is the contestant to beat? “I don’t really know many other ones,” Coachman admitted. “Maybe the girl who did it last year [Chelsie Lee]. I think her husband’s in it this year, so maybe she’s giving him some tips.” 12 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Second Chance

Outbid on river property, Riverkeeper poised to move in anyway

Though the Savannah Riverkeeper’s bid for a 14-acre parcel of land along the Savannah River was more than $100,000 less that the top bid when the city of Augusta’s surplus property bids were opened in early October, the nonprofit advocacy group is nevertheless poised to enter into a long-term lease that would not only give it a legitimate, permanent home, but would also drastically increase its offerings. According to Tonya Bonitatibus, the organization’s director, the group hopes to finalize things with city officials this week. “Of course, the commission’s got to vote on it, and I’m trying to hurry up and get it through before we have a new commission and I’ve got to work on them,” she said. “Really, the only discussion right now as far as I can tell is what to do with all the stuff Traffic and Engineering left behind.” Though Pilcher-Hardy Rentals was the highest bidder for the property, the city rejected the bid and retained ownership of the land, which was the former home of Traffic and Engineering’s shop and was once part of the city’s port area. The property was assessed at nearly $1 million. After significant volunteer cleanup efforts (six years and about 200 tons of removed trash) and a high-profile social media campaign getting the word out about the organization’s desire for the land, the group raised some eyebrows by only bidding $1,000 for the property in the city’s sealed bid auction, but according to Bonitatibus, that was by design. “The only reason we offered as little as we did was because we were going to have to put so much work into it,” she said. “I think the city realized that they had 14 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

some legal liabilities with the contamination, so even if they had sold it for $100,000, they would have been completely open to somebody then coming around and suing them for $3.4 million or whatever to get the cleanup.” A total of 14 city-owned properties, including the Old Richmond County Library, the I.M. Pei-designed chamber building and the historic depot property, were involved in the auction. When the bids were opened and Bonitatibus found out that the winning bid for the Traffic and Engineering property was only $110,000, she said she felt like they were safe. “I think the only reason the city would have let that property go at that value would have been if it had been something that would have benefit to the public as a whole, and the bid was to turn it into an equipment rental company,” she said. Her plan would not only reshape the area, but the organization, too. The 14-acre site is split into three different areas — a small piece of densely wooded land, the two fenced-in acres that once housed the old Traffic and Engineering shop and then 12 acres that were used as a kind of car parts landfill. Her plan would turn the entire property into an eco-friendly recreation area and a headquarters

Tonya Bonitatibus for the Riverkeeper. “The 12 acres — that’s contaminated land,” Bonitatibus said. “We’re actually already going through the process of applying for federal funding to be brought in to not only test the soil, because it’s never been tested, but also to provide cleanup funds. Our goal with that area is to turn it into a disc golf course and to rehabilitate the beach and actually put in a beachfront and to have some fishing piers and some walking and running trails.” In spite of its current state, Bonitatibus said there are already a handful of people who use the area for fishing, and she hopes the project will spur growth throughout the entire area. Currently, the Riverkeeper’s office is near the Boathouse, about a mile down the road. “Our hope is that starting at the end of the road and turning that into a recreation area will start the revitalization of that area into a place where people aren’t scared to be anymore,” she said. Other than the Riverwalk, the area is about the only place in town where people can engage the river, and Bonitatibus is not only anxious for people to get down there, she thinks it could be an area that thrives. “We could actually have shops down there and different 06DECEMBER2012

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things that people probably associate more with riverfront cities,â&#x20AC;? she said. The land will also allow the group to increase the educational outreach itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already begun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are finalizing our education program right now that actually goes into the schools,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having the land is the next logical step, so if you participate in the education program in the schools, then it becomes the next step to come out to the site and help us clean up or go kayaking on the river and do some of those things that we really need people to do. Though thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more people that know we have a river than maybe a couple of years ago, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a long way to go, and the more that we can get people out in it and next to it and engaging with the river, the more that are hopefully going to want to save it.â&#x20AC;? With two young boys of her own, she knows how important kids are to the future of the river, and with childhood obesity and other health concerns related to the inactivity of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth on the rise, the need will only grow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids need the opportunity to just go out and explore the world,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Especially in an urban environment.â&#x20AC;? Having the long-term lease on such a substantial piece of property will help the organization, which oversees some 10,000 square miles of river, have a sense of identity and allow it to become an institution, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would tell people that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying here,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And as for fundraising, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping that having a physical location and the ability to put peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s names on the wall and that kind of thing will help with the renovations.â&#x20AC;? Beyond the education and outreach arms of the Riverkeeper, the issues facing the Savannah arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t getting any less complicated, especially giving the harbor deepening project downstream in Savannah, which has implications clear up to the lake system. Currently, the Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Ports Authority are in mediation because of some water quality issues, though Bonitatibus said she thinks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely the issues, though important, will have much of an impact on the deepening itself. However, a worry about dissolved oxygen in the harbor directly impacts area industries and municipalities, which have had to reduce their output by up to 90 percent. In addition, the saltwater/freshwater line will move because of the deepening, impacting Savannahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking water. No matter how low, the lake will have to maintain a certain amount of water flow to keep the salt water out of Savannahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking water, which will have an affect on the already low levels in the lake. Recreation is already a secondary use for the lake, and Bonitatibus said that Savannah being able to drink fresh water will likely outweigh any recreational desires upstream. In addition to making sure the various discharges into the river are not exceeding their permits, the Riverkeeper is also constantly monitoring the amount of dirt clogging the waterways because of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many construction projects. And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ongoing deterioration of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, something area residents and governments have been watching for years without action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of the harbor deepening issue, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to put a $36 million fish ladder around it, which is a little bit funny, being that it could probably fall in before the fish ladder is finished,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;North Augusta and Augusta have made some

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moves in the last couple months in terms of funding, but I remain pretty skeptical that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the kind of thing you just ignore.â&#x20AC;? Because federal funding for such a repair is next to impossible to secure, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long been the responsibility of the two communities benefiting from the dam to repair it, and neither has showed much willingness to move forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the solution is either Augusta and North Augusta come up with some significant funding, or it just falls in the river,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I would be hard pressed to believe that once it fell into the river they would rebuild it.â&#x20AC;? 06DECEMBER2012

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Planting Art

Greater Augusta Arts Council helps city manage and produce public art Roughly eight months ago, the Greater Augusta Arts Council became the official pubic art agency for the city of Augusta, and since then the organization has moved ahead with several projects showcasing public art.

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16 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“The first project we were tapped for was to work on the 15th Street Visioning Project,” says Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. “That was a grant the city received in conjunction with the Department of Transportation for improvements along the 15th Street corridor.” The plan for this project was to use a mural from the visioning meetings to depict how the community feels about the future of 15th Street. “We have identified a muralist and we actually have a draft of the mural, and we’re now trying to get approval,” Durant says. “I think this will be the first visioning mural approved by the Department of Transportation.” The mural is planned for the 15th Street overpass as it touches Wrightsboro Road. “There’s the upper part that you drive over if you’re crossing over near Georgia Health Sciences University, and then the underpass part is kind of a popular walking path for the community,” she says. “So we’ve identified that spot for our first mural. Then, we’ll be working on a mural on the inside of that overpass.” Though Augusta has many different kinds of public art, mural projects have become popular with the success of the Art on the Wall project at the corner of Highland and Wrightsboro. Once it became known that the Arts Council was looking at becoming the public art agency, people started calling Durant wanting murals painted on the side of their buildings. In order to help promote the idea of public art, Durant has taken advantage of Georgia Gives Day, a statewide push to donate money to nonprofits. “We decided to center our campaign on raising funds for public art,” she says. “Our entire Georgia Gives campaign is raising money for public art.” A YouTube video showcases Augusta’s existing public art while requesting an easy $5 donation. “We think having the video with actual visuals of public art is a good thing,” she says. “We have some of the murals and some of the statues in town and the sculptures out at Walton Rehab. We gave some great examples of public art, so even if people just watch the video and they don’t punch the button and give $5, we’re still increasing the awareness and getting the education out there.” In addition to the 15th Street project, she says they were contacted by the LaneyWalker/Bethlehem team last month. “We had a creative meeting with them and some creative thinkers to really talk about how to add arts to the Heritage Trail that’s being planned for that area,” she says. They were also invited to a meeting hosted by District 1 Commissioner Matt Aitken and City Administrator Fred Russell to talk about the role of public art in the downtown beautification process. She makes it clear that they won’t be the ones deciding what’s going on every street corner, nor will they be providing murals for every vacant wall. Instead, they will be the ones overseeing the themes and making sure there is a kind of unity to the city’s public art. “As the public art agency, we don’t have to come up with every single thought, but we’re kind of the keeper of the keys to the kingdom,” she says. “We have to keep track of what’s going on and make sure that it all works together.” The initial inventory of public art has yielded a lot of it. “Sometimes you think we don’t have public art in Augusta and that we need to start, but we really have made quite a start with public art,” she says. “So that’s been fun for us — finding what’s already there, where it is, who created it and who commissioned it.” Have there been any surprises? “No, because I’ve been thinking about public art for probably 12 years,” she says. “It’s been on my agenda. It’s been something I’ve read about and thought about for quite some time.”

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ENTERTAIN

Arts

Artisans Market hosted by the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Avenue, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8. Locally based artists and artisans offer fine art, food, jewelry and more. Call 803441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com. Corks & Canvas painting classes for adults 21 and over are held every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7 p.m. and lasting 2-3 hours. Painting materials provided. Bring your own wine and clothes to paint in. $30; $25 with military ID. Pre-registration required. Call 706-868-0990, email pstudiollc@gmail.com or visit pstudio.com. Day of Art, hosted by the North Augusta Artists Guild, is each Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Arts and Heritage Center and includes a group of artists painting in the center who will answer questions or allow visitors to join in. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Exhibitions

Margaret Hunt is the featured artist at Gallery on the Row, 1016 Broad Street, on Dec. 7 starting 5 p.m. Call 706-724-4989 or visit galleryontherow.com. Grand opening for new Oddfellows Gallery space, 1036 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, is at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 as part of First Friday. Featured artist is Margaret Ann Smith. Other artists include Hooman Haghbin, Laura Neff, Xavier Jones, Syd Padgett, Bryan Ramey, and Jace and Lucy McTier. Call 706-513-0916. New paintings from Lou Ann Zimmerman’s “Seasons” series shows from 5-9 p.m. on First Friday in downtown Augusta, Dec. 7, at Zimmerman

18 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Want to make a book tree but don’t want to plunder your own home for material? You’re in luck! The Headquarters Library Book Sale is Saturday, Dec. 8, and the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Diamond Lakes Branch Library is Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. It’s almost like they read your mind. Visit ecgrl.org. Gallery, 1006 Broad Street. Call 706-774-1006. “Portrait Series” by Joel Cruz will be on display during First Friday in downtown Augusta at Casa Blanca, 936 Broad Street. Call 706-504-3431 or visit casablancatime.com. “Blast From the Past” is a new exhibit currently on display at Augusta Museum of History in downtown Augusta to celebrate the museum’s 75th anniversary. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. Augusta State University Biennial Exhibition will be on display at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art through Dec. 11. Call 706-722-5495 or 706-667-4888. “Reflections on Water in American Painting” shows through Feb. 10 at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. “The Five,” Ester Melton and T’is the Season exhibitions show at the Aiken Center for the Arts through Dec. 28. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org. Lillie Morris, Lucy Weigle and Judy Avrett Exhibition shows at Sacred Heart Cultural Center through Dec. 28. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. The PEACE (Poetic Expression and Creative Enlightenment) Show, a community gathering of area artists organized by billy s and including art from Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman, Jay Jacobs, Jason Craig and many others, shows at Gaartdensity Gallery downtown Augusta, 1155 Broad Street, through Friday, Dec. 7. Call 706-466-5166 or visit facebook.com/ gaartdensitygallery.

Jetsam, works by Jay Jacobs, shows at the Morris Museum of Art. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org. Annual Doll Exhibition shows through Dec. 31 at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Free with museum admission. Call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. Annual Quilt Exhibition shows through Dec. 31 at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. Tying the Knot, a display of wedding dresses and accessories from the late 1800s to the 1960s, now shows at the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Music

Thursday Night Jazz at the Willcox in Aiken takes place 7-9 p.m. Dec. 6 with 4 Cats in the Doghouse. Call 803-648-1898 or visit thewillcox.com. Harp Soloist Vonda Darr performs Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. with the Aiken Choral Society at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Aiken. $15 at the door. Call 803-642-6842 or visit aikenchoralsociety.org. Friday Night Piano at the Willcox in Aiken takes place 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7 with John Vaughn. Call 803-648-1898 or visit the willcox.com. Irish Pub Night with Gavin Winship is 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate in Aiken. Call 803-648-1181.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amahl and the Night Visitorsâ&#x20AC;? presented by the ASU Opera Ensemble at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. $5. Call 706-667-4100.

Poetry and spoken word open mic held at MAD Studios, 307.5 11th Street every Thursday in December except Dec. 27. $3. Call 706-836-5683 or visit madstudiosaugusta.com.

Augusta Amusements Big Band performs Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center in Evans. Doors open 6:30. For a limited number of reserved seat tickets, or more info, call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com/events.htm.

Nook tutorials at Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall are each Saturday beginning at noon, followed by a Nookcolor tutorial at 12:30 p.m. Free. Call 706-7370012 or visit bn.com.

Joyceland McCaster and Victorious Soul Holiday Gospel Artist Mixer will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Willow Room of the Hilton Garden Inn, 1065 Stevens Creek Road in Augusta. Call 706-993-6265.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nutcracker,â&#x20AC;? presented by Aiken Civic Ballet, is 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 8-9. $20 for adults; $15 children and seniors. Call 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu.

Dance

Annual Gospel Night hosted by Appling Opry at Old J.D. Howell General Store in Appling is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Call 706-541-9721.

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Norwell: A Christmas Concertâ&#x20AC;? to be performed by The Augusta Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the First Baptist Church of Augustaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chapel. Features music both a cappella and accompanied, from many places, eras and traditions. $10. Call 706-733-2236 or visit fbcaugusta.org.

Christian Singles Dance, a smoke-, alcohol- and drug-free event for those ages 40 and over, is each Saturday night at the Ballroom Dance Center in Evans. Dance lessons start at 7 p.m., and the dance begins at 8 p.m. No partners needed. $8, members; $10, guests. Visit christiandances.org or call the dance center at 706-854-8888.

Lyra Vivace Chamber Orchestra performs Sunday, Dec. 9, at First Baptist Church in Aiken at 11 a.m., at Aldersgate Methodist Church at 5 p.m., and at First Baptist Church of Augusta at 6:30 p.m. They perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church; 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Christ Church Presbyterian in Evans; and 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 24, at First Baptist Church of Augusta. Call 706-495-4455 or visit inpraiseofmusic.org.

Belly Dance Class is every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Euchee Creek Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-556-0594 or visit ecgrl.org. Augusta International Folk Dance Club meets Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Augusta Ballet Studio on 2941 Walton Way. No partners needed. First visit free. Call 706-399-2477.

Musical Christmas Cantata to be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Ross Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1020 10th Avenue, in Augusta. Features Nora Louis and the Sanctuary Choir. Call 706-722-8120.

Theater

The Richmond County String Orchestra performs two concerts Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 10-11, at ASUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maxwell Theatre, with the beginners orchestra beginning at 6 p.m. and the advanced orchestra beginning at 7 p.m. Call 706-667-4100 or visit aug. edu.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miracle on 34th Street,â&#x20AC;? an Aiken Community Playhouse production, shows Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8, at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., at the URS Center for the Performing Arts. $20, adults; $17, seniors; $12, students; $7, children under 12. Call 803-648-1438 or visit acp1011.com.

Annual Concert of Holiday Music presented by Augusta Collegium Musicum, featuring Benjamin Brittonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Ceremony of Carols,â&#x20AC;? is Monday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Augusta Museum of Historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rotundatunda. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Night With the King,â&#x20AC;? a musical rendition of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, will be performed 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Millbrook Baptist Church in Aiken. Free. Call 803-641-8241 or visit millbrook.cc.

U.S. Army Signal Corps Band Holiday Concert to be held at First Baptist Church of Augusta Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. Free tickets available at First Baptist Church, Navy FCU, Fort Gordon FCU, and the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chambers of Commerce. Call 706-733-2236 or visit fbcaugusta.org.

Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;? will be presented as a musical at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, by the Augusta Players at the Imperial Theatre. $20-$43. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas concert, performed by the Richmond Academy Music Department, is Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. in Richmond Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater. Free. Call Roy Lewis, director, at 706-7377152, ext. 251. Carolina Brass Christmas Pops concert to be held at the URS Center for the Performing Arts in Aiken on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. $35 for adults, $15 for students with valid I.D. Call 803-648-1438 or visit apagonline.org.

Literary

Headquarters Library Book Sale is Saturday, Dec. 8. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. Friends of the Library Book Sale is Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Diamond Lakes Branch Library. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org. Maxwell Morning Book Club Holiday Meet and Greet is Thursday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at the Maxwell Branch Library. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org. 06DECEMBER2012

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Extreme Theatre Gamesâ&#x20AC;? to be held from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Le Chat Noir in downtown Augusta. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

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(706) 305-3900

Ă&#x20AC;VKZLQGRZFOHDQLQJ FRP Locally Owned & Operated

Put a little

CAJUN in your stocking Monday -Thursday nights One pound of shrimp (fried, grilled or boiled) $9.99

Tuesday night

Crab Legs served with redskin potatoes and mixed green salad $7.99 a pound

Wednesday night

Bone in fried catfish over blue cheese grits and salad $6.99

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goldilocks and the Three Bears,â&#x20AC;? a production of ASUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patchwork Players, shows Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at ASUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maxwell Theatre. $3. Call 706-737-1625 or visit aug.edu. Quickies, Le Chat Noir Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s short play festival, is seeking original scripts by local authors. Writers must reside within the CSRA and scripts should be shorts of 5-15 pages and one-acts of 15-30 pages. Writers may submit up to three scripts. Submission deadline is Dec. 31 for the festival, which will be held in April. Email scripts and a cover sheet with contact information to info@lcnaugusta.com.

*dine in only

Flix

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two Days in New Yorkâ&#x20AC;? shows Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Free. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Special Events

Literary Structures Gingerbread Contest entries show at the Aiken County Historical Museum and the Aiken Center for the Arts Thursday, Dec. 6, through Saturday, Dec. 8. Call 803-642-2015 or visit

French Market Grille West

375 Furyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry Rd. next to Earth Fare Âˇ 706.855.5111 AUGUSTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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aikencountyhistoricalmuseum.org. First Thursday at Midtown Market, featuring shopping, snacks, drinks, sales and more, is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at the shops on Kings Way. Call 706-922-5000. “Return to Bethlehem” live nativity scenes take place in a live set of the city of Bethlehem at Grace United Methodist Church, 639 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, at 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 6-8. Free. Park in front of Wesley Center no later than 5:45 p.m. Call 803-279-7525. Ladies Night Out to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, and includes creating a centerpiece for the table with fresh greenery, music, wine, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes. In-store registration required at Cold Creek Nurseries, 398 Hitchcock Parkway in Aiken. $25, including supplies. Call 803-648-3592. Live Nativity, complete with camels, donkeys, goats and more, is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Morningside Baptist Church. Hot cocoa and baked goods will be served. Free. Call 706-738-1518 or visit

20 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

morningsidebaptistchurch.net.

North Augusta Lions Parade held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, from the Kmart shopping center in North Augusta down Martintown Road, then left onto “Advent Conspiracy” takes place 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Redemption Georgia Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue. Call 803-279-2323 or visit Church in downtown Augusta. Visit redemptionchurchga.com or email info@ northaugusta.net. redemptionchurchga.com. Aiken Jaycees Christmas Parade starts 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in downtown First Friday Wine Tasting is Friday, Dec. 7, from 5-8 p.m. at Wine World in Aiken with a cartoon Christmas theme. Call 803-644-3008. North Augusta. $5, with $3 rebate upon the purchase of a featured wine. Call 803-279-9833 or visit wineworldsc.com. Cirque Dreams Holidaze performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Bell Auditorium. $45, $50 and $55. Call 706-262-4573 or visit First Friday is on Broad Street downtown on Friday, December 7, from augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. 5-9 p.m. and features live music and entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and exhibitions and more. Call 706-826-4702 or visit augustaarts. The Augusta Ghost Trolley offers tours every Friday and Saturday at 7 and com. 9 p.m. departing from the Augusta Museum of History. The 90-minute tour includes the Old Medical College, the Haunted Pillar and St. Paul’s Cemetery. Festival of Trees viewing is through Dec. 8 at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum $22, adults; $12, children ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706of Black History in advance of a Holiday Open House and Tree Auction on 814-5333 or visit augustaghosttrolley.com. Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in which the trees will be auctioned off. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. Weekly Wine Tastings at Vineyard Wine Market in Evans are each Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and each Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Call 706-922-9463 or

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visit vine11.com. Lights of the South opens at 6 p.m. each night through Dec. 30 at 633 Louisville Road in Grovetown. Features over 5 million lights in a 100-acre forest, food, beverages, hay rides, walking trails and more. $8 for adults, $5 ages 4-17. Free for ages 3 and younger. Call 706-825-6441 or visit lightsofthesouth.com.

Health

Cribs for Kids, a infant safe sleep environment class led by Safe Kids East Central, is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 5:45-8 p.m. at GHSU Building 1010C. Families with a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for $10. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit georgiahealth.org/safekids. Introduction to Infant CPR Class is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. at University Hospital. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org. Aiken Board of Disabilities meeting takes place 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at 1016 Vaucluse Road in Aiken. Call 803-642-8800. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding, two classes in one, is Friday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.-noon at Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Pre-registration required. Visit trinityofaugusta.com. Childbirth Tours are held Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at GHSU’s Medical Center. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-9351 or visit georgiahealth.org. HUG Your Baby, an infant care and safety class, is Monday, Dec. 10, from 4-5 p.m. at Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Pre-registration required. Visit trinityofaugusta.com. Total Joint Replacement Talk is Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Look Good...Feel Better helps female cancer patients maintain their appearance and self-image during treatment. It is held Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at GHSU’s Cancer Center. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-0466 or visit georgiahealth.org.

06DECEMBER2012

Look Good...Feel Better helps female cancer patients maintain their appearance and self-image during treatment. It is held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org. Car Seat Class is Thursday, Dec. 13, from 5:45-8 p.m. at GHSU’s Children’s Medical Center. $10; financial assistance available Medicaid and Peach Care families. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit georgiahealth.org/kids. Bariatric Seminar is Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6-7 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Weight Loss Surgery Seminar is Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Library in Evans. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7212609 or visit georgiahealth.org. Babies, Bumps and Bruises, an infant care and safety class, is Thursday, Dec. 13, from 7-9 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Child Safety Seat Inspections and Car Seat Classes, sponsored by Safe Kids East Central, are offered by appointment at either the Safe Kids Office or Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue. Call 706-721-7606 or visit georgiahealth. org/safekids. Joint Efforts, presented by Trinity Hospital of Augusta, meets every Thursday from 11-11:45 a.m. at Augusta Bone and Joint, and features a free seminar about knee and hip pain, treatments, medication, food and exercise. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com. Infant CPR Anytime Learning Program will be held Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the first floor information desk (west entrance) of Georgia Health Sciences University. Visit georgiahealth.edu. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class meets every Monday and Friday at noon at the Wilson Family Y. Free for members; $3 for non-members. Pre-registration required. Call Claudia Collins at 706-9229664 or visit thefamilyy.org. Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Orientation is every Monday at 6 p.m. and Tuesday at 2 p.m. at University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute

(Classroom 3). Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org. Adapted Wii Special Populations available by appointment at the Wilson Family Y, and feature individual half-hour classes for physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. $10, members; $20, non-members. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9662 or visit thefamilyy.org.

Support

Amputee Support Group meets Thursday, Dec. 6, from noon-1 p.m. at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital. It is followed at 1 p.m. by an amputee clinic. Call 706-823-8504 or visit wrh.org. Pink Magnolias breast cancer support group meets 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at the University Hospital Breast Health Center. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org. Caregiver Support Group meets Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 3-4 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. Call 706-651-228e or visit doctors-hospital.net. Diabetes Support Group meets Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 6-7 p.m. at Doctors Hospital. Call 706-651-4343 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Breast Cancer Support Group meets Thursday, Dec. 13, from 12:30-2 p.m. at GHSU’s Cancer Center. Call 706-721-4109 or visit georgiahealth.org. Cancer Survivor Support Group meets Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6-7 p.m. at Augusta Oncology Associates. Call 706-651-2283 or visit doctors-hospital. net. Brain Injury Support Group meets Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. at NeuroRestorative Georgia. Call 706-829-0370 or visit wrh.org. PFLAG, a support group for parents, family, friends and allies of LGBT people as well as LGBT people themselves, meets Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Call 803-645-1436 or visit pflag. org. Beyond the Bars is a support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. For more information about meetings, call Gerry Nail at 706-8558636. Diabetes Youth Support Group meets quarterly. For more information, call

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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706-868-3241 or visit universityhealth.org. Cardiac Support Group meets three times a year. For more information on meetings, as well as for pre-registration, call 706-774-5864 or visit universityhealth.org. Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support meets for group counseling. For more information, call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org. Narcotics Anonymous meets Fridays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Visit na.org. AA meets every Sunday and Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Aiken Regional Medical Centers’ Aurora Pavilion, and includes an open discussion. Call 800-322-8322 or visit aikenregional.com. Burn Support Group meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Doctors Hospital’s Lori Rogers Nursing Library, JMS Building. All burn survivors, and their families and friends are welcome. Call Tim Dorn at 706-651-6660 or visit doctors-hospital.net. Moms Connection, a free support group for new mothers and their babies, meets Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. at Georgia Health Sciences Building 1010C. Call 706-721-9351 or visit georgiahealth.org.

Education

Intro to Typing Part II Computer Class is Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Wallace Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-6275 or visit ecgrl.org. Computer Boot Camp Part I Class is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org. Free guided tours of the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry Street, S.W., Aiken, S.C., 10 a.m. Dec. 6-7, 13 and 20. For info visit aikencountyhistoricalmuseum.org or call 803-642-2015. Intro to Computer Class meets Thursdays, Dec. 6 and 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Euchee Creek Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit ecgrl.org.

22 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Setting Up an Email Account Computer Class meets Thursday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. at the Appleby Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org.

at 6 p.m. at Headquarters Branch Library (Third Floor Writing Lab). Preregistration required. Call Charles Garrick at 803-279-3363 or visit ecgrl. org.

Coupon 101 Class is Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Kroc Center. Free. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Intermediate Spanish Language Class is each Monday from 2:30-4 p.m. at Friedman Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit ecgrl.org.

Intro to Typing Part I Class is Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Wallace Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org. Intro to Typing Part II Class is Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Wallace Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org. Computer Boot Camp Part II Class is Thursday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org.

Beginner’s Spanish Language Class is each Monday from 4-5 p.m. at Friedman Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit ecgrl.org. Augusta Museum of History, 560 Reynolds Street, is open ThursdaySaturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Closed Monday-Wednesday. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children 6-18. Children 5 and under free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Augusta Downtowners, a Toastmasters chapter, meets at noon on Thursday, Dec. 13, on the basement floor of the Wells Fargo bank, 699 Broad Street. Toastmasters is a social club that allows you to practice public speaking and leadership skills. Call 706-828-4319 or visit 1807. toastmastersclubs.org.

Guided tours of 1797 Ezekiel Harris House offered by appointment only Tuesday-Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. $2, adults; $1, child. Pre-registration required. Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta offered by Augusta Museum of History at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday. For info call the museum at 706-722-8454.

2012 Cares for Kids Radiothon, a fundraiser for GHSU’s Children’s Medical Center, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, is ThursdayFriday, Dec. 6-7, from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on radio stations 104.3 and 96.3. Call 706-922-5437 or visit caresforkidsradiothon.com.

The Joy of Signing meets every Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org. GED Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8212600 or visit ecgrl.org. Free Tutoring for all ages, offered by ASU’s Literacy Center, is available by appointment Mondays-Thursday, from 4-8 p.m., at the center at 1401 Magnolia Drive. Appointments required. Call 706-737-1625 or visit aug. edu. Computer classes are offered every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered every Wednesday

Benefit

North Augusta Tour of Homes takes place 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Benefits scholarship funds and other North Augusta charities. $25. Call 803-279-4844, 803-279-6036 and 803-279-5074. Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis to be held 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. $25. Visit jbrwaugusta.kintera.org. Lights for Lydia 5K to be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at Lake Olmstead Park, with registration at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. $25; $20 for students. Register at active.com. The race will be followed by the third annual Celebration of Gospel benefit concert, featuring national recording artist Elder Rodney Rains, local bands, a Christian comedian and a mime group

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to be held 4 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church. Call 706-736-5467 or visit thelydiaproject.org. Fill the Truck Toy Drive will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, by the Salvation Army at area Walmart stores in Augusta. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army who will distribute the gifts to local children. Visit krocaugusta.org. Cut-A-Thon to benefit Southern Souls Rescue of Harlem to be held at Hair & Essentials in Evans on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations of a five pound or larger bag of dog food or any of their other Amazon Wish List items will get you a free haircut. Pet adoptions, pictures with Santa, raffles, refreshments and more. Call 706-869-0190. Pet adoptions to be held by CSRA Happy Tails Rescue at the Mullins Crossing Petco in Evans at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. CSRA Happy Tails is a non-euthanizing pet rescue and foster organization. Weekly adoption hours are 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Tractor Supply Company, and 11

Ice Bears Dec. 22 and again Dec. 28, Fayetteville FireAntz Dec. 27. Home games are held at 7:35 p.m. at the James Brown Area. $10-$21. Call 706993-2645 or visit augustariverhawks.com.

at 6:30 p.m. at the Aiken County Recreation Center on Jefferson Davis Highway in Graniteville. $6 per class, with coupons available. Call 706-6271767.

December Dash 10K takes place 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Cross-country course runs through scenic nature park woods and wetlands. No strollers or pets. Call 706-828-2109 or visit naturalsciencesacademy.org.

Wheelchair Tennis is each Monday at 6 p.m., weather permitting, at the Club at Rae’s Creek. Free and open to the public. Call 706-826-5809 or visit alsalley@wrh.org.

Haulin’ for Haiti 5K, to help a team of youth from the Vineyard Church go on a mission trip to Haiti, will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. $25, or $32 with a T-shirt. Visit vineyardaugusta.org or imaginemissions.com.

The Augusta Fencers Club is open five nights a week from 5:30-9 p.m. and most Saturday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon. Visitors always welcome. Call 706-722-8878.

The ASU Women’s Basketball Team plays Clark-Atlanta Monday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. at Christenberry Field House. Call 706-731-7925 or visit aug.edu.

Thursday Night Chain Reaction Ride begins at 6 p.m. each Thursday at Patriots Park in Grovetown. For intermediate to fast-paced cyclists, who average 25-32 miles. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net.

Augusta Canal Interpretive Center, 1450 Greene Street, is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through March 31. Hour-long Petersburg boat canal tours depart at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. Admission to center is $6, or free

Riverview Disc Golf League meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at Riverview

Cirque Dreams Holidaze performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Bell Auditorium. $45, $50 and $55. Call 706-262-4573 or visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Petco. Visit csrahappytails.com. Second Annual Chilly Chilli Cook-Off is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. by CMFA at Evans Towne Center Park. $5; 12 and under free. Call 706-364-2422. Grits ‘n’ Grins is a group of needleworkers partnering with The Salvation Army of Greater Augusta to donate a variety of handmade baby blanket/ hat and hat/scarf sets to be given out as Christmas gifts to newborns up to age 12 through Salvation Army programs. They meet second Saturdays at Panera Bread Co. on Robert C. Daniel Parkway, 8 a.m.-noon, and fourth Thursdays at O’Charley’s on Robert C. Daniel Parkway at 5:30 p.m. All welcome. Beginner materials provided for those who interested in learning to knit, crochet or loom. Call 706-434-3185 or email Kate at katebooth51@yahoo.com or Crystal at cbhathcox@comcast.net. Karma Yoga is offered at Just Breathe Studio, downtown Aiken, each Friday at 10 a.m. and is free if participants bring a donation of a personal item, which will be given to the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons. Call 803-648-8048 or visit justbreathestudio.com.

Sports-Outdoors

The Augusta RiverHawks December home games are as follows: Mississippi Surge Dec. 7-8, Columbus Dec. 13, Huntsville Havoc Dec. 21, Knoxville 06DECEMBER2012

with $12.50 boat tour ticket. $2 for seniors 65 and older, active military/ dependent and students (age 4-grade 12 or with valid college ID). One child under 3 per ticketed adult may get in free. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4 or 7 (groups). Kroc Trotters Running Group, for those ages 16 and older, meets each Tuesday and Thursday at the Kroc Center to run the trails of the Augusta Canal. Free, members; $15, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org. The Augusta Rugby Club holds weekly practice sessions at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Larry Bray Memorial Pitch, 100 Wood Street in Augusta, adjacent to the Augusta GreenJackets’ stadium at Lake Olmstead. Experienced rugby players and newbies ages 18 and up are welcome, and those interested should bring a pair of cleats (cross trainers will work) a mouthguard, gym shorts and a T-shirt. Visit augustarugby.org or Facebook under the Augusta Rugby Club heading. BlazeSports Swim Team, for all ages of physically challenged swimmers who want to train for competition, meets at the Wilson Family Y. $35 a month, members; $50 a month, non-members. Pre-registration required. Visit thefamilyy.org. Zumba Sentao and Zumba classes meet every Monday and Wednesday

Park in North Augusta. $5 entry fee and $1 ace pool. Call 803-215-8181 or visit augustadiscgolf.com. Road Bike Ride meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse downtown for an approximately 25-mile ride at a moderate to fast pace. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com. Guided Trail Rides at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are available Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon; and Wednesday-Friday at 11 a.m. with reservations 24 hours in advance. All trail rides are on a first-come, firstserved basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. $23-$30. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. Zumba with Sohailla is every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the Ballroom Dance Center in Evans. Call 706-421-6168 or visit zumbawithsohailla. blogspot.com. Saturday Historic Trolley Tours are Saturdays from 1:30-3:15 p.m. at the Augusta Museum of History. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. $12. Call 706-724-4067 or visit augustamuseum.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Lakeside Rideouts at Hilltop Riding Stables at Fort Gordon are each Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The ride, which begins at 2 p.m., is a two-hour guided ride to Wilkerson Lake. $45-$50. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com. Weekly Group Runs include the Monday Metro Run meeting at Metro Coffeehouse at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Blanchard Woods Group Run at 6 p.m.; Wednesday Stay in Shape Group Run at 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Post Office Hill Training Run at 7 p.m.; Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m.; and Saturday’s Stay in Shape Run at 8 a.m. For more information, visit augustastriders.com. Hott Shott Disc Golf is each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Killer B Disc Golf, 863 Broad Street, and features games and prizes for all ages and skill levels. $2. Call 706-814-7514 or visit killerbdiscgolf.blogspot.com/p/hott-shott.

Kids-Teens

What’s in the Box: All Hands on Deck!, a children’s event that features story time and crafts, is Thursday, Dec. 6, from 10-11 a.m. at the Morris Museum of Art. Free, members; $4, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org. YA Art Exhibit Open Reception for Teen Photographer Tyler Ashlin is Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. in the meeting and YA rooms at

2 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

a.m. at the Warren Road Community Center. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga.gov.

Parents Night Out at the Marshall Family Y and the Family Y of North Augusta, for children ages 2-12, is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 6-9:30 p.m. $12, members; $20, non-members. Pre-registration required. Visit thefamilyy.org.

Little Friends Gym, a parent and child class for those ages 6 months-4 years, is each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Warren Road Community Center. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga. gov.

“Polar Express” movie night is Monday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Euchee Creek Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit ecgrl.org.

Mudpuppies, an arts and crafts program for ages 2-5, is each Thursday at 10:45 a.m. at the Warren Road Community Center. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga.gov.

Christmas Crafts and Cookies for kids of all ages is Monday, Dec. 10, from 6-7 p.m. at the Friedman Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit ecgrl.org.

Loud Crowd, a supervised after-school program for those ages 4-12, is Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the Warren Road Community Center. Call 706-860-2833 or visit augustaga.gov.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus is Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Study Hall for teens meets Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org/teens.

Book Trees craft program is Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Euchee Creek Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-556-0594 or visit ecgrl.org.

Kroc Tots Activity Hours, for those 5 and under, meets every Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the Kroc Center. Free, members; $1, non-members. Call 706364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Carols and Sing-Along Storytime is Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org.

Homeschool PE Time, for those elementary school aged, meets MondayFriday, from 9-11 a.m. at the Kroc Center. Free, members; call for non-

This First Friday, do something a little different and check out the Schrodinger’s Cat Improv Troupe’s Extreme Theatre Games from 8-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Le Chat Noir. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door (if there are any left). Call 706-722-3322 or visit schrodingerscataug.com. the Headquarters Branch Library. Call 706-821-2600 or visit butterflyphotographycompany.com. Holiday Evening Event for kids, which includes a snack, take-home craft and more, is Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Call 706-863-1946 or visit ecgrl.org.

Santa’s Workshop Drop-In Craft Extravaganza is Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the Columbia County Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-447-7657 or visit ecgrl.org.

member prices. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org. Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Diamond Lakes Branch Library. Groups of six or more must pre-register. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl. org.

“Santa’s Noisy Christmas,” a storybook Christmas play, is Thursday-Friday, Dec. 13-14, at 10 a.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2600 or visit ecgrl.org.

Story Time is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Friedman Branch Library. Groups of six or more must pre-register. Call 706-736-6758 or visit ecgrl. org. Story Time is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Wallace Branch Library. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org.

Safe Sitter, a class for those ages 11-13 offered by Safe Kids East Central, is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C at GHSU. $35 registration fee includes lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-7606 or visit georgiahealth.org/safekids.

Holidays of the World with Mr. Bill is Thursday, Dec. 13, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Friedman Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706736-6758 or visit ecgrl.org. ‘Tis the Season shows 7 p.m. each Monday and Saturday in December, except Monday, Dec. 24, at USC-Aiken’s DuPont Planetarium. Weather permitting, the observatory housing the Bechtel telescope will be open for viewing after each show. $4.50, adults; $3.50, seniors; $2.50, students grades 4K-12; $1, USC-A faculty, staff and students. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium.

“Arthur’s Christmas,” an afternoon matinee, shows Saturday, Dec. 8, at

Fun-Time Fridays, for those ages 2-5, is each Friday at 10:45-11:30

Story Time is every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Harlem Branch Library. Call 706-556-9795 or visit ecgrl.org.

Kids Night Out, for those ages 2-12, is Friday, Dec. 7, from 6-10 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Dinner is included. $15, members; $20, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org. Essay writing help will be offered at The Family Y’s Wheeler Road Saturday, Dec. 8, as part of their Teen Achievers Program. Call 706-922-9622 or visit thefamilyy.org.

24 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Story Time is each Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Maxwell Branch Library. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org. Story Time at the Euchee Creek Branch Library, for all ages, is each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and each Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Call 706-5560594 or visit ecgrl.org.

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Ceramics Class, for ages 14 and up, meets Mondays at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. in the Weeks Ceramics Center. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Toddler Time, free play for children ages 5 and under, is each Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Wacky Wednesday Story Time is each Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the children’s department of Barnes and Noble in the Augusta Mall. Call 706737-0012 or visit bn.com. Story Time is every Wednesday at Appleby Branch Library from 10:0510:20 a.m. for toddlers 18 months-35 months, and from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for preschoolers ages 3 and up. Parent must stay with child. Call 706-7366244 or visit ecgrl.org. Story Time is every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. for Pre-K, and either 11 or 11:30 a.m. for preschoolers at Aiken County Public Library. Call 803-6422023 or visit abbe-lib.org. Story Time is every Wednesday from 10:30-11 a.m. for toddlers and 11:15-11:45 a.m. for preschoolers at North Augusta Branch Library. Call 803-279-5767 or abbe-lib.org.

Seniors

Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon, Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday at 9 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and Canasta on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov. Silversneakers I is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yogastretch is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in volunteering for events like Arts in the Heart, First Friday and special concerts, as well as helping in the GAAC office. Call 706-826-4702 or visit augustaarts.com.

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

Hospice Care of America’s Augusta office needs administrative and patient care volunteers. No experience necessary; training will be provided. Call Rich Boland at 706-447-2626 or email rboland@msa-corp.com.

Line Dancing is each Tuesday at the Weeks Center in Aiken at 10 a.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Elsewhere

Yoga I and II are offered at the Weeks Center in Aiken on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:45-9:45 a.m. and on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc. gov.

Hobbies

Dancin’ with the Young at Heart, an event geared toward those ages 50 and older although anyone is welcome, is each Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Aiken DAV. In addition to dancing to Yesterday’s Sounds, there will also be prize drawings, snack and drinks. $6. Call 803-292-3680.

Sunday activities at the Kroc Center include an adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m., youth Sunday school at 9:45 a.m., and a worship service at 11 a.m. Free. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Games for Seniors at the Weeks Center in Aiken include Rummikub each

MACH Academy is looking for volunteers to provide tutoring, academic support and mentoring services during fall after-school sessions held Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6 p.m. Call 706-796-5046, email mparks37@comcast.net or visit machacademy.com.

Ceramics Class is offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays and 6 p.m. on Mondays or Tuesdays at the Weeks Center. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Senior Luncheon, featuring guest speaker Rev. Dr. Charles Goodman Jr., is Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. $10. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

Silver Sneakers, a senior exercise class, meets each Wednesday and Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-364-5762 or visit krocaugusta.org.

Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services is seeking volunteer advocates for Richmond, Burke, Jefferson and McDuffie counties. Advocates answer crisis calls and respond to hospitals in their area within 30 minutes. Call 706774-2746 or email volunteerrcsas@uh.org.

Belly Dancing Classes are held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 706-722-6275 or visit ecgrl.org.

Spiritual

Volunteers

United Hospice of Aiken, which covers Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick, Barnwell and Allendale counties, needs volunteers to visit with patients or work in the office. Training is provided. Call 803-641-0060 or email kathibault@uhs-pruitt.com.

“Christmas at Cedar Rock” held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 6-8, at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Camak. Features hayride through lights and displays, a Life of Christ exhibit, petting zoo, Santa and more. Adults $5, children $2.50. Call 706-945-9740. Holidays on the Hill takes place 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8 at Hickory Hill, the Historic Home of Thomas E. Watson in Thomson. Features tours that explore a literary Christmas through the eyes and words of long-ago authors, for ages 5 and older. $5. Pre-registration required. Call 706-595-7777 or visit hickory-hill.org. “A Christmas Story,” a production of the Barnwell Circle Theatre and USCSalkehatchie, shows Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Circle Theatre. Call 803-259-7046 or visit barnwellcircletheatre.com. City of New Ellenton Christmas Parade takes place noon on Saturday, Dec. 8, on Main Street in New Ellenton, S.C. Free. Call 803-652-2214 or email cmoseley@newellentonsc.com. Midland Valley Chamber Christmas Parade starts 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, on S.C. Hwy. 421 from LBC Middle School in Bath to Langley, S.C. Call 803270-0934 or 803-292-2769.

DECLASSIFIED Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services

Seeking Volunteer Advocates Seeking volunteers for Richmond, Burke, Jefferson, and McDuffie counties. Advocates answer crisis calls and respond to hospitals in their area within 30 minutes. Please contact 706.774.2746 or email volunteerrcsas@uh.org for more information.

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Don’t miss the Ride to the White House!

Join us to witness history once again as President Obama takes his oath of office. The 2013 Presidential Inauguration is Monday, January 21st 2013 and you don’t want to miss the bus. For payments, deposits and more infor please call 706.724.1508 or 706.306.5083 or 706.631.0912 Be a part of history CALL NOW! You can call Pyramid music and video at 706.724.1508

ALL DECLASSIFIED ADS ARE CASH IN ADVANCE (CREDIT CARD PAYMENT REQUIRED) AND ARE $40 PER WEEK. VISIT METROSPIRIT.COM TO PLACE YOUR AD IN MINUTES. 06DECEMBER2012

KRIS FISHER '- (YHQW +RVW 2YHU \HDUV RI '-LQJ UDGLR H[SHULHQFH 5HIHUHQFHV DYDLODEOH

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1.5” X 1.9” (ACTUAL SIZE) $40 PER WEEK AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 25

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Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Vanesa layne, Mary Stewart and Michelle Warnock at the Jingle Jam 10K at Evans Towne Center Park.

SIGHTINGS

Kenny Buddy the Elf, first place finisher Justin Weegar and Santa Claus at the Jingle Jam 10K at Evans Towne Center Park.

Danny Johnson, Brittany Herren and Dustin Banks at the Stillwater Tap Room.

SIGHTINGS

George Claussen, Hannah Richardson, Mary Hull Palmer and Virginia McKnight at the Westobou Festival Holiday Art Show at the old ARC Building.

John Desousa, singer/songwriter Celia Gary and Christy Berry at the CD release party at MAD Studios.

SIGHTINGS

Shell Berry, Lisa Curley, Christine Anderson and Molly McDowell at the Westobou Festival Holiday Art Show at the old ARC Building.

26 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Sheli Nuniz, Katie Beasley, Jessica Dill and Sarah Lusk at the Bee’s Knees.

Harry Langford, Megan William, Brandi Bovier and Gordon Farr at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Katina Berrian, Kellie Green and Shandora Eady at Soul Bar.

06DECEMBER2012

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Baby Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cold Outside

FRANKEN DILFER HORSHINE

But Sally Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter fashion show will keep you warm

Come in for a tour TODAY!

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&DOO .HOOLH 3XJK DW WR VFKHGXOH \RXU SHUVRQDO WRXU WRGD\ 353 N. Belair Rd | Evans M O R N I N G S I D E O F E V A N S . C O M

When you first meet Sally Ann you know sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something different, and in a good way. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how by just looking at someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style you can tell itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completely original. For Sally, anything that you think would not work, works. She has a knack for piecing things together and making it look great and effortless. For today itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pink skinny jeans, a knit top, cowboy boots and a scarf, and somehow it all looks great on her. The 27-year-old Michigan native made her way down south almost three years ago with plans of broadening her line of accessories and furthering her career as a designer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sister Rachel was stationed at Fort Gordon with the Navy,â&#x20AC;? Sally explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She offered me a place to stay for free, so my plans were to have a more focused approach at working for myself, with no pressure of having another job.â&#x20AC;? It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long for Sally to pack up a U-Haul and drive around 1,000 miles to her new home. Turns out, for an up and coming small business owner, Michigan wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the place to be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t successfully selling things on a local level, it was all online. I thought by moving south I could meet new people, try out new things and branch into the local scene,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And just look for more creative people. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know any other artists in my city. And honestly, I just wanted to move.â&#x20AC;? In a little over a year, Sally has had three successful shows in Augusta: two runway fashion shows and an art show for the month of June at Gaartdensity which featured more than 30 embroidered pieces of art. Her third show is coming up this Saturday night at Sky City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the biggest difference with my new show is the presentation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little more mature than the other two lines, more sophisticated,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And this show is definitely bigger, more feminine. Also, this line reflects more of my personal style than the last two lines have. I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m quite proud of this collection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men!â&#x20AC;? Sally adds, with a big smile, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A few small pieces.â&#x20AC;? Though lingerie is her recent specialty, Sally Ann has made many changes since its start back in Michigan five years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five years ago it finally came together as a brand,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I became focused on sewing and designing eco-friendly accessories. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until I moved south that I finally branched into clothing.â&#x20AC;? If you go to Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website you can purchase handbags, sunglass cases cassette wallets, just to name a few items. With success making accessories, why move into the world of lingerie? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was out thrifting one day buying some lingerie for myself and found one that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t my size,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I thought, I should start sewing these. It seemed like something fun and playful I could do, and it turns out that it has totally changed the way I sew.â&#x20AC;? As you could of guessed, Sally isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quick to describe herself, or put herself in one box. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see myself as passionate, impulsive and hard working,â&#x20AC;? she says. And others? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope people see me the way I see myself.â&#x20AC;? With the show only a few days away, Sally is anxious and excited to show the CSRA what she has created, but like any other artist, as soon as one project is done, another is created. So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, but I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know by Monday,â&#x20AC;? she says with a smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt I will be on a new mission by Monday. Possibly more menswear.â&#x20AC;? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this one of a kind show that will not only feature women and menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion from Sally Ann, but other local artists as well. Lauren King and Kendra Fryer, from Perry and Company, will do hair and makeup, along with Anastasia Baker of Sephora. Jewelry will be by Sarah Craig of Cribbledy Goodness. Before and after the show there will be music from DJ Codec. Sally Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter Fashion Show Sky City | Saturday, December 8 Doors, 8 p.m.; show, 10 p.m. | $5 skycityaugusta.com | sallyannk.com Franken Dilfer Horshine is the pen name for Matt Stone, which is the fake radio name for a local radio personality, who is played by the roommate of Sally Ann.

28 METROSPIRITAUGUSTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

06DECEMBER2012

S P O N S O R

T H E

METRO SPIRITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S amber@themetrospirit.com PET PAGE! Helpful Holiday Hints By Lorna Barrett We all love the sparkle of holiday decorations, but some can be hazardous, even dangerous, for our pets. Here are a few suggestions to keep your pets safe and happy as you celebrate the season. If you have a real Christmas tree, keep the water in the stand covered so your animals can't drink it. The sap is dangerous if ingested. To prevent pets from knocking over your tree, consider securing it to a wall or the ceiling with fishing line. Tinsel, ribbons, ornament hooks and other glittery decorations may look like terrific toys to your pets, but they can make them sick if ingested. Make sure they are not readily available for your pet to play with and possibly eat. If they seem sick, get them to the vet; they may have swallowed something they should not have. Try decorating the lower third of your tree with wooden or plastic ornaments that don't break, and keep any tinsel on the top two thirds as well. It is a good idea to unplug lights when you are not around so they won't be enticed to play and get entangled in them. Holiday plants, like poinsettias, holly and mistletoe, can be dangerous if they chew on them. Burning candles are also a concern, as cats and dogs might light themselves on fire by brushing to close to them or even cause a house fire by knocking them over. Exercise caution if placing them around your house, and don't let candles burn unattended. Make sure pets are micro-chipped. They may be more likely to get out of your comfort zone with so much holiday activity. They are much more likely to get returned to you if they can be identified. Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Pet Food Drive starting now going through the Christmas! end of the year, with many drop off points: Animal That's What Friends Are For, Inc. House, Boots, Bridles and Britches, Pet Safari,

Upcoming Events

Oscar is a one-year-old Vizsla. He has been neutered, tested and vaccinated and is simply looking for a loving home. He just needs a person or family that will love him.

Coal is a sweet and very calm two-year-old lab-chow mix that is vet tested and vaccinated, and will be neutered this week. He will make someone a loyal companion.

Clyde is a one-two-year-old, 40-pound neutered male, who is vaccinated, heartworm negative, house trained and gets along well with everybody. He just wants a family to play with for Christmas.

Grovetown Seed and Feed, Paw Perfect Grooming Salon, Martinez Animal Hospital, National Hills Animal Hospital, Vineyard Wine Market Through December 30 Sponsored by the Pawprints Foundation and Long Dog Rescue, those who wish to donate can also call to schedule a pick up. 706-863-2067 pawprintsfoundation.org ÂŹ Third Annual Dog Gone Cold 5k Run/Walk Julian Smith BBQ Pit Saturday, January 19, 2013 Sponsored by Hopeful Hounds, Inc. and The American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue, organizers are currently looking for sponsors as well as participants for this fun fundraiser. Pre-registration required. 706-294-6200 hopefulhounds.org

Ongoing Adoption Events PETCO 4209 Washington Road, Evans Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

Buddy is a really friendly lab mix, about two-years-old. He gets along well with everybody, and really wants to be your lap dog. He has been vet tested, vaccinated, micro-chipped and will be neutered this week.

PetSmart 225 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Augusta Animal Services 4164 Mack Lane, Augusta 706-790-6836. All cat and dog adoptions will be priced at $50 from November 26 through January 2, 2013.

North Augusta singersongwriter-guitarist Celia Gary is a busy girl. So if you didn’t catch her shows last week at MAD Studios celebrating the release of her new EP “Harmony” don’t worry: She’s playing this Friday, December 7, at 100 Laurens in the Hotel Aiken. For more information on Celia, visit celiasmusic.com.

December 6 06Thursday, Live Music

100 Laurens – Open Mic Night w/ Wes Country Club - Ross Coppley Coyote’s - Dave Firmin, Rhes Reeves & the Coyote Band French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Smooth Jazz Joe’s Underground – John Kolbeck Mellow Mushroom (Downtown and Evans) - Live and Local Metro Coffee House & Pub - Josh Pierce Rose Hill Estate - Preston Weston & Sandra Sky City - Two Man Gentlemen Band, The Ramblin’ Fevers Somewhere in Augusta – Country Line The Willcox - Four Cats in a Doghouse Wild Wing – Sibling String

What’s Tonight?

Casa Blanca - Thursday Tango Club Argos - Karaoke Cocktails Lounge - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Malibu Jack’s - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Evans) - Karaoke The Playground - Open Mic with Brandy Shannon’s - Karaoke Somewhere in Augusta - Country Line Villa Europa - Karaoke Wooden Barrel - ’80s Night Karaoke

December 7 07Friday, Live Music

100 Laurens – Celia Gary 1102 - Dirk Quinn Band Carolina Ale House – Jim Perkins Acoustic Cotton Patch - Steven Bryant Country Club – Ross Coppley Coyote’s - Dave Firmin, Rhes Reeves & the Coyote Band Doubletree - Classic Jazz The First Round – Banned in Two States Fox’s Lair - Roger Enevoldsen French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Joe’s Underground – 3rd Hand Smoke 06DECEMBER2012

MAD Studios - Carey Murdock, Jacob Johnson Malibu Jack’s - David Heath Perfect Picture PI Bar & Grill - Jazz Duo Playoff Sports Bar & Grill - Southern Conduct Polo Tavern – Electric Voodoo Shannons - The Southern Meltdown Band Somewhere in Augusta – Mama Says Wild Wing - Brantley The Willcox - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Cocktails Lounge - Grown-Up Fridays with DJ Cork and Bull Pub - Karaoke Eagle’s Nest - Free Salsa Lessons; Latin Dance Party Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Iron Horse Bar & Grill - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke with Ryan Moseley Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke with Jeff Barnes Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Three J’s Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke Palmetto Tavern - DJ Tim The Playground - DJ Rebeck’s Hideaway - Open Mic Roadrunner Cafe - Karaoke with Steve Chappel Sky City – 80’s Night Wooden Barrel - Karaoke Contest

December 8 08Saturday, Live Music

100 Laurens – Eli Montgomery The Acoustic Coffeehouse - Open Acoustic Jam Session with Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold Cotton Patch - John Berret’s LaRoxes Country Club – Holman Autry Coyote’s - Dave Firmin, Rhes Reeves & the Coyote Band Fox’s Lair – She & She Joe’s Underground – Jerod Gay Malibu Jack’s - Playback the Band with TuTu Dy’Vine P.I. Bar and Grill - Not Gaddy Jazz with Pam Bowman Polo Tavern – Josh Hilley Band Stillwater Taproom – Sibling String Wild Wing - Pitboss

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Variety Show

Cocktails Lounge - Latin Night Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Karaoke with Beth Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Loft - DJ Richie Rich Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke with Rockin Rob Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Karaoke with Danny Haywood Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke Robbie’s - Saturday Night Dance Party Wooden Barrel - Kamikaze Karaoke

December 9 09Sunday, Live Music

5 O’Clock Bistro - Buzz and Candice (brunch) Cotton Patch - Keith Gregory (brunch) The Kroc Center - Detroit Kingsz Malibu Jack’s - Playback The Band w/ Tutu Dy’Vine Patridge Inn - Sunday Evening Jazz w/ the Not Gaddy Jazz Trio The Willcox - Jon Vaughn (brunch; Preston & Weston (night) Wild Wing – Sabo & Dave

What’s Tonight?

Malibu Jack’s - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke, Salsa Dancing Shannon’s - Karaoke with Peggy Gardner

December 10 10Monday, Live Music

Shannon’s - Open Mic Night

What’s Tonight?

Applebee’s (Evans) - Trivia Club Argos - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Trivia with Mike Thomas Somewhere In Augusta - Poker Tournaments Wild Wing - Trivia

December 11 11Tuesday, Live Music Fox’s Lair - John Fisher/Irish The Highlander - Open Mic Night Malibu Jack’s - Keith Gregory The Willcox - Piano Jazz

FEATURED

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Wild Wing – Justin Brogdon The Willcox - Piano jazz

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Dart League Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke w/ David Doane Malibu Jack’s - Karaoke Mellow Mushroom (Downtown and Evans) - Trivia The Playground - Truly Twisted Trivia with Big Troy Polo Tavern - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke with Mike Johnson Somewhere In Augusta - Big Prize Trivia

December 12 12Wednesday, Live Music

Joe’s Underground – Sibling String Malibu Jack’s - Marilyn Adcock Wild Wing – Patterson & Nate

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Santoni’s Satin Dolls Cocktails Lounge - Augusta’s Got Talent Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Hotel Aiken - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke w/ David Doane The Loft - Karaoke Midtown Lounge - Karaoke w/ Charles O’Byrne Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke with Rockin’ Rob The Playground - Krazy Karaoke with Big Troy Polo Tavern - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Somewhere in Augusta - Comedy Zone w/ Moore and Alderman Surrey Tavern - Trivia with Christian and Mickey

Upcoming

Ruskin – Joe’s Underground December 13 Festivus of Bands w/ Mason Jars, She N She, Acosta, Celia Gary, Ramblin’ Fevers, Von Holmes, Livingroom Legends, Radar Cinema, Panic Manor, Jessup Dolly, Fuzzy Sun, Funk You, and more December 13 Granny’s Gin – Somewhere In Augusta December 13 Tiki Barflys – Wild Wing December 13 Brent Lundy – 100 Laurens December 14 Holiday Pops w/ Joe Gransden - Bell Auditorium December 14 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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The Christmas Spirit Find it at the upcoming 12 Bands concert

Ho Ho Ho! With less than three weeks until Christmas, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get into the spirit, or at least fake it as best as possible. There is one event every year that I look forward to that helps me celebrate the holidays and, no, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not John Berry. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m talking about the 12 Bands of Christmas. Each year the organizers of 12 Bands get a number of local and regional musicians to record holiday themed songs, sell the CDs for charity, then cap the year off with a big celebration where the bands come out and perform. This week I sat down with Joe Stevenson, one of the organizers of the 12 Bands of Christmas, to get the lowdown on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event and the history of the 12 Bands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;12 Bands was started by Stoney Cannon and Coco Rubio in 2001 as a concert featuring local bands performing at the Imperial,â&#x20AC;? Joe explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got involved in 2003 by adding the CD part and making it a fundraiser for MCG. Ruskin Yeargain was also part of the addition of the CD, producing all of the tracks. It was a huge success. A ton has changed since the early days with the exception of one thing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about raising money for pediatric cancer patients and their families and the only way we can do it is from the generous support of our local bands and businesses.â&#x20AC;? Each year is a special, new event, maybe with new artists or even a change in venue. Since Joe has been involved for so long, I had to know if there had been some personal highlights for him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Personally for me, it was 2003 watching all of the hard work by so many people pay off. Seeing the line wrapped around the building and filling the theater to capacity blew me away,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as performance, Wycliffe Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance in 2007 was one of the coolest. Lots of crazy good talent every year.â&#x20AC;? This year the 12 Bands features 12 songs by various local favorites like Funk You, Ramblinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fevers, Mason Jars and Grannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gin, just to name a few. But like Joe said, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than just about the music, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the charity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years, 12 Bands has donated in excess of $150,000 to pediatric cancerrelated causes,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our current crusade is to financially support local families in need who have children being actively treated at the GHS Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center. When a child is being treated, most of the time, a parent is out of work so they can take care of their sick child. This creates a financial hardship for them. 12 Bands receives requests from the parent through the CMC social worker. The bills range for past due power bills to rent payments. Since June we have assisted 17 families by paying over $7,000 in bills for them.â&#x20AC;? This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will be bigger than ever, an all-day event at the Augusta Common. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can expect a full day of great music, all 12 Bands performing,â&#x20AC;? says Stevenson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;food, craft vendors and Santa! We will be serving beer and Coke products as well.â&#x20AC;? This is also going to be a special reunion for Joe, along with all these amazing local talents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to all of the acts and have seen them all live before,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great bands. I am excited about Dirty Realists, cool sound and a young band with lots of potential, Black Swan Lane has a big Euro following believe it or not. I guess thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where all of the international CD orders came from. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m playing this year for the first time with People Who Must. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our first recording in 13 years, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to get together with the guys and play.â&#x20AC;? You can get more details about this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12 Bands of Christmas at 12bands. org. Everything kicks off on Saturday at noon and lasts until 8 p.m. Come out and support this great cause and let these musicians put you in the holiday spirit. If the music doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always the beer. What shows are coming to Augusta? Who do you want to see in Augusta? I need a new camera if anyone is Christmas shopping for me. Email me at matt@themetrospirit.com.

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AUGUSTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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THE

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BOX TOPS

Maybe you should have tried to kill them a little louder, Brad.

EIGHT

RANK

TITLE

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

BREAKING DAWN PART 2

$17,416,362

$254,598,866

SKYFALL

$16,555,894

$245,585,083

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

$13,388,852

$48,836,105

LINCOLN

$13,376,696

$83,566,169

LIFE OF PI

$12,151,853

$48,512,994

SAMEIFLING

“Killing Them Softly”

This movie works well… until it doesn’t In the long, proud lineage of American gangster movies, there are few with as short a plot arc as “Killing Them Softly.” Three fellas decide to knock over a card game. The men who oversee that game decide there should be consequences. Then: consequences. It goes further than that, but not by much, across 97 minutes. With a strong but limited storyline, the true marrow of the film falls to its characters, dialogue and texture, all of which ring powerful. Intellectually “Killing Them Softly” is a fine film — but it also pumps so much liquid nitrogen through its veins you might leave with mild hypothermia. It is hard and it is harsh, a cinematic battlefield surgery. The three guys who start this chain of unfortunate events get off to a rough start. Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sack from “The Sopranos”) owns a dry cleaner and has a foolproof plan to rob a high-stakes card game run by a guy named Markie, played by Ray Liotta. Markie is known to have orchestrated the armed robbery of his own game once before, so another such event would make him the prime suspect. After some consternation, a callow young ex-con named Frankie (Scoot McNairy, affectingly) and a strung-out Aussie named Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) that the dry cleaner can’t stand wind up as the bagmen for this gig. The hold-up of the high-stakes backroom game is a masterful scene and the best argument for the taut, deliberate pacing that director Andrew Dominik (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”) establishes and, for the most part, holds throughout. In the aftermath, two men convene to address the events of that night: Brad Pitt, as Jackie, an apparent lieutenant in whatever criminal organization holds jurisdiction here (someone named “Dillon,” forever unseen but menacingly evoked, employs him); and Richard Jenkins (“The Cabin in the Woods”) as a character credited only as Driver, an emissary for what he laments are woefully corporatized higher-ups. The middle-managing mobsters summon an aging hitman played by James Gandolfini. This is really something for the erstwhile Tony Soprano: As a degenerate, whoring, alcoholic murderer, Gandolfini has never been slimier. But herein, mid-film, “Killing Them Softly” stalls out. Everything seems to

be working, then it doesn’t. Here’s one guess as to why. Dominik, who also adapted a George V. Higgins novel for this screenplay, has set the movie in an unnamed American city (though it’s plainly shot in New Orleans) during the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis. We know this because news clips routinely leak in via televisions and car radios. The connection isn’t especially subtle. While Wall Street’s shenanigans are threatening to topple the entire world economy, and George W. Bush is decrying the death of “confidence” that capitalism requires, we have these gangsters handling the Mafioso versions of the same predicaments. What needs to happen when a crime is committed? Who has to pay? It takes a couple of explanations for the Driver to grasp what Pitt’s getting at when he explains the intricacies of who, precisely, needs to die. Then it hits him: Ah, the public angle. Everyone needs to believe these business ventures are on the up-and-up for the crooks in charge to stay in business. Dominik isn’t reaching terribly for the metaphor. Perhaps he just lets it trip him a bit. Pitt here is something like a corporate angel of death, killing as business, killing for business. By placing him at the center of the action and at the center of the allegory, Dominik courts a certain nihilistic flair. It’s risky, and it falters. You simply cannot put a man with no heart at the heart of your movie and expect it to resonate. Dominik does get his point across. But, oh, is it ever cold going down.

Are you so frustrated with your computer you’ve considered tossing it out the window? Is it so slow you can barely use it? Are you having trouble getting to your favorite web page... or facebood? Are you even tempted to teake it to one of those Big Box Stores for service? Think again! Do you really want the place that sells you envelopes or flat screen TVs working on your computer? Bring it to ComputerOne today... and our real computer guys will make it all better at a price you can afford. We’re the opposite of a Big Box Store. We’re the little store in Fairway Square and although we have our own of computer experts, we dont really call them geeks (at least to their faces). They’re just competent, skilled computer technicians with the know-how to clean up your computer at a reasonable price and get you back on the internet fast. And although we’re not keeping score, given the fact we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, it is very likely we’ve sold and repaired more computers than any other company in Augusta... and we have thousands of satisfied customers to prove it.

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36 METROSPIRITAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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06DECEMBER2012

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ROM-COM

“Playing for Keeps,” rated PG-13, starring Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Dennis Quaid. A former soccer star coaches his son’s team in hopes of getting back in his ex’s good graces before she marries some other poor dude. If you’ve seen the commercials you know that Butler’s character tells Biel’s that she’s the only woman he’s ever loved. In a startling coincidence, Butler recently said almost the same thing about Biel. Couldn’t have been a marketing ploy, could it?

DRAMA

“Hyde Park on the Hudson,” rated R, starring Bill Murray, Laura Linney. My, my: Bill Murray goes from Ghostbuster to FDR. Who would’ve thunk it? There’s already Oscar talk for Murray in this one, which focuses on the weekend when England’s king and queen visit Roosevelt, his wife… and his distant cousin Daisy with whom he was having a love affair. Ewwwww.

WERECOMMEND “Coming to America”

So with all the talk of the Royals this week (OMG — Kate is having twins!!! The tabloids said it so it must be true.), we thought we’d revisit one of our favorite movies involving princes (not to be confused with Prince, of course). And really, how could you not love Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America,” which features James Earl Jones as the king of Zamunda (wearing a lion in one scene, no less) and Murphy as Prince Akeem, who shuns his duty of marrying a woman he’s never before seen to find true love in America. His right-hand man Semmi (Arsenio Hall) tags along and, together the two get a run-down apartment in Queens, jobs at a fast-food restaurant and into all sorts of shenanigans. Of course, Prince Akeem finds love in the end, but the real fun of this movie isn’t the story. Rather, it’s watching Murphy and Hall work their magic both as the main characters, and in the scenes where they play everyone from old Jewish men to reverends to barbers and, as listed in the cast, “Extremely Ugly Girl.” You’ll laugh so hard you cry, and then you’ll cry some more wondering why Murphy doesn’t make movies like this anymore.

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06DECEMBER2012

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WHINE

LINE

The North Augusta morning show is interesting. If the lady would ease up on the “I tell you what” and “O-Kay-y-y”, it would be better. Also, Doug, it is too medieval to say that atheists should be put up against the wall and shot. Modern Christians are more interested in forgiveness and tolerance. Muslims are more for “up against the wall” stuff. We don’t want to regress to the Spanish inquisition torture and killing. Read your history. I have to say that I’m glad the Spirit is back online. Since I’ve moved away from Augusta, and can’t pick up the paper anymore, it would be nice if you all put the Whine Line back in the online edition... Tis the season for horrible old Christmas music on the radio..change it up! There is Holiday music from this century!

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WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM

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

I could do you Wright, Jenna Lee. Leave the loser. Wow, there sure are some bottom of the barrel people in the hill area stores. Gas stations after work on Central... HOLY CRAP I AM THE WHINE LINE How hard is it to walk outside of Metro (with two doors and chairs and tables outside each) and smoke your disgusting cigarette? And why do you have to hold it in my face when your lazy ass doesn’t? How exactly, does one live the “Salt Life” in Augusta, GA? I’ve pondered over this for quite a while. And why does everyone think other people care what their initials are? I sure as hell don’t. “Oh I’m gonna be unique and put monogram initials on my suv...” Yeah just like every other women in this “city”

Yippee!!! Thanks to Obamacare my families insurance plan just skyrocketed. Another prime example of the middle class being crushed by empty promises of the Golden Dream. A 42 percent increase in 1 month and somehow I am supposed to believe the election in November is helping us out now. I think NOT!!!

It’s good to see that Mitt Romney got a job on hotel chain Marriott International’s Board of Directors while “We, the people...” have millions of unemployed or under-employed people. And because I know you people want to know, for 2011, CEO J.W. Marriott Jr. recieved $10,094,513 in total compensation. Your welcome! Insider, thanks for the article on the Imperial. Strange things keep happening in that beautiful venue.

06DECEMBER2012

and Monograms

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