Table of Contents January 5, 2017
Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Kris Fisher 7 Insider 8 The Year in Food 11 Feature 16 What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight
20 21 24 26 27 28
Through the Fire 16
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
COVER DESIGN: Kruhu
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
V28|NO1
OPINION
Jenny is Wright: 6 | Kris Fisher: 7
The Whine Line Is it too much to ask the Spirit to spend a couple bucks and add captions to the photos it runs?
When are the Eco-Democrats going to cleanup the downtown water leaching and air? Which by the EPA and 7 others way, is ranked 4rth and 7th in the NATION.
SSSSSTTTTTEEEEEWWWWWWWWWPPPPPPPIIIIIIDDDDDD! If you have gastrointestinal problems so severe that causes foul smelling flatulence every couple of minutes then perhaps you ought to rent dvds or watch Netflix at home instead of ruining everyone else’s movie going experience at the theater. I didn’t spend $12 on tickets to see Star Wars: Rogue One to have it constantly interrupted by your extra horn soundtrack.
I lived in New York for 46 years. I personally know Trump ( he was my client ) for 25 years. Those people trying to evaluate his decisions. Donald is a typical refined con-artist. He talks bussiness on the phone, and in public, but is a typical con-artist when he believes nobody can hear him. I resorted to criminal activities myself to get him to pay his bills. You guy have messed up more than you think. I’ll be back in the States in about 4 years.
They’ve had a lot of news about the hacking by the Russia’s. Why aren’t they doing anything against China for all the hacking they’ve done?
A stint with a local Toastmasters public speaking club may be a good starting point for Commissioner Ron Cross and his assistant Scotty Johnson
If you want to keep your tires and suspension I recommend not using the two lane portion of Doug Barnard. It will mutilate your vehicle with all the potholes and damn
Happy Holidays Drunks!
Chicago,a city run by Democrats has gun control which denys lawabiding citizens the ability to arm and defend themselves, therefore Chicago for 2016 has nearly 800 murders and 5000 shootings, more than L.A. and N.Y. city combined. Of course the Chicago politicians blame it on the judicial system. Do the Project Jackson people know their in violation of the EPA, Native American Historical lands, and ocean waterways? or as the urban folk know it GMOS. I miss Neal Boortz more than ever now that we have to endure the dull Deke in the morning. Can’t WGAC find another syndicated news talk show that is at least entertaining and informative? Are they really so cheap that they have to rely on local amateur radio hosts? The election of Donnie Trump represents the total and complete lack of capability of the Democrat and Republican parties to produce a viable intelligent candidate with leadership qualities. And now Trump reveals that he is in love with Putin. God help us. I am Native American who is offended at all involved in Project Jackson. You already desecrated our sacred lands at the lake, have you no shame?
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
2016: Year in Random Review
Because I love a list. Especially a random list. 1. I think men can do more than one thing at once, but maybe they’d rather not. Ask my husband what he talks about when he plays golf. They talk about golf. He’s played with our priest a couple of times. I was sure they had an enlightening and inspiring conversation about God and such. Nope. Golf. They talk about God at church or maybe around the campfire. (January 2016) 2. I have an irrational fear of the dark. I’m a nearly 40-year-old woman who will openly admit to being scared of the dark. Nothing bad has happened to me in the dark. Bad things have happened to all those ladies on Lifetime, though. (February 2016) 3. The new Berckmans Road is pretty. Did y’all see the lampposts? It’s landscaped, too, with pretty stone walls. I’m glad to have my cut through back. We’re spoiled in Augusta. If we have to travel more than 10 minutes or so, it’s a hassle. When Berckmans Road was closed, it took me longer than that to get to Publix. (March 2016) 4. Only one Masters-related arrest made the news. Some drunk dude went under the ropes and into the bunker. Sadly, he probably won’t have a vivid memory of his only trip to the National. Did his friends leave with him? I hope not. I wonder where he went after he was kicked out? What a dumb story to tell. (April 2016) 5. Do you ever feel like your email must be broken? I feel like there’s a holding cell out there somewhere, where urgent emails are kept prisoner until past the applicable date of need. That’s the only explanation. It’s not that people just aren’t replying. (May 2016) 6. To the lady in the drive thru ordering at least one of each thing, comprising at least three separate orders. Let’s consider getting out of the big red truck and walking in to order, rather than holding up the usually fast-moving line. To her kid, who opened the back window of the big truck and mouthed “sorry,” to everyone waiting: It’s okay, kiddo. The good news? You won’t ever act this way, so I consider this an indirect teaching moment. In that case, maybe I should pat your mom on the back. “Good job showing your kid how not to act!” (May 2016) 7. I just read the most disturbing Facebook post. A woman, with two children, just posted that she basically doesn’t drink so she doesn’t get raped. That might be the most messed up thing I’ve ever read, and I haven’t been raped. Can you imagine, as a victim of rape, seeing that and thinking, “Gosh, is it really my fault, because I had two glasses of wine?” It is never the victim’s fault. Nope, there aren’t any exceptions. I don’t care how drunk the victim is or what he or she was wearing. The fault lies with the power hungry rapist who violated another human. That’s it. If you argue that, you are part of the problem. (June 2016) 8. Regarding the shooting during the July 4th fireworks downtown: there’s no way we’ll have a 100 percent crime free city. Rarely do scary things happen in downtown Augusta, though. All in all, it’s a pretty safe place to be, with your family, enjoying the local businesses. Don’t give up! We’ve come so far. (July 2016) 9. If we survive this election season without killing each other, it’ll be a miracle. I should rephrase that. If y’all survive this election season without killing each other, it’ll be a miracle. As a general and well-followed rule, I don’t discuss politics. Period. (August 2016)
10. If you’re having bad experiences at restaurants more often than not, here’s a tip: check the common denominator. No, you aren’t unlucky. You’re an a-hole. (September 2016) 11. Tip your servers. Tip them well. If you don’t want to tip, stay home. They’re providing a service, which, if we’re talking frankly, is a luxury. Someone cooks, brings you the food, and cleans up after you leave. If you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to eat out. Tip your servers. (September 2016) 12. I’m so thankful for the time I had with Mom. When she died, she died peacefully, on good terms with all three of her children. I can’t imagine my grief, had we not been together in the end. It would be a whole different ball game. Play yours intentionally. Give up being right. The end matters, and you never know when that might be. (October 2016) 13. Grief is a lonely process. (November 2016) 14. My boy won a contest. His artwork was chosen by Mayor Hardie Davis’ office, to be used on the front of their card. He was their guest of honor at the Christmas parade downtown, riding on the float with Mayor Davis. When they lit the city’s tree that night, Mayor Davis and his staff brought The Boy on stage and unveiled his drawing to the big crowd on The Common. It was a pretty big deal. The Mayor’s office made my son feel like a million bucks. I don’t know who all gets the Mayor’s card each year. I’ve never gotten one. If you do, you’re welcome to say you know the artist. He won’t mind a bit. (December 2016) 15. To a happy and healthy 2017. Maybe 2016 wasn’t as bad as you thought. Chin up, buttercup. You have people. Love your people, people. Cheers! JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations
on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
5JANUARY2017
It’s Like Looking In a Mirror RAISING TEENAGERS AIN’T ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE. Actually, come to think of it, it’s exactly what it’s cracked up to be. Everything that I’ve been told about raising teenagers is coming true. It’s hell. It’s frustrating. It’s agonizing. And my parents are getting their wish: I’m raising a teenage version of myself. Okay, so it’s not all bad. We have some really good kids. It just seems that as we get into the teenage years, kids make some really boneheaded decisions. I knew it was coming, not only by the warnings that I mentioned before, but because of my own teenage years. My God, it’s a wonder I ever made it out alive. I’d like to say I wised up in my 20s. But, what can I say? I’m a slow learner. But we’re not talking about me here. We’re talking about the miniature version(s) of myself. If you have kids, you know that long breaks from school and/or activities is a bad thing. My kids have been out of school for Christmas break for what feels like an eternity. The younger ones are bouncing off the walls. The teenager, well, he’s bored so he made a terrible decision over the break. We won’t get into what he did. I’ll just say it was major. I’ll also say that it’s something that I did at his age. In fact, every other adult I complained to about it laughed and said that they had done it at his age, too. I respond with, “Well, yeah, but didn’t you get punished severely for it?” Most of the people said, “I didn’t get caught.” It would seem that I’m the only kid that got busted every time I did anything stupid. And I mean every time. When I got in trouble, my dad would always say that he knew exactly what I was thinking before I even thought it. I swear I thought the guy was a mind reader because he really did seem to know and I seriously got caught every damn time. When it comes to my kids, I know what they’re thinking too. Well, except for No. 3. If I ever knew what girls were thinking, it would have drastically changed some of the poor decisions in my life. Now, she’s a year away from her teens. That scares me. No. 2 is a different story. He’s basically me at 15, except way cooler. I know what’s driving his thought process, because it drove mine. Pretty much every stupid thing I did had to do with a girl. Come to think of it, every stupid thing I do as an adult has to do with girls. But now I’m the parent that has to somehow keep a straight face when I kinda want to laugh. On top of that, I have to punish and lecture and do parent-type stuff. These are the moments that I think my kids can see right through me: “This dude has absolutely no idea what he’s doing!” It’s a constant struggle. I often look at other parents who seem to have a pretty good grasp on this whole parenting thing with awe. But then I’m always surprised to hear that they have their own struggles. So I guess when it comes to parenting, we’re all just winging it. It would seem that I’m not the only one who has no idea what he’s doing. I guess it all boils down to who can pretend the best. I knew all those drama classes would pay off someday.
KRIS FISHER,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
NEWS
The Year in Food: 11 | Through the Fire: 16
Charles Collins Jr. Strikes Again MOST AUGUSTANS WILL RECALL local promoter Charles Collins Jr. and his sketchy productions that have been complete disasters. Well, he’s at it again. One prime example of Collins’ past disasters was the Rock-N-Country Music Bash at the Columbia County Fairgrounds a few years ago. Back in 2013, the Rock-N-Country Music Bash attracted a whopping 20 to 30 people during the first evening of performances, and, from there, the numbers kept dropping. By Saturday night of the “music bash,” Juice Newton performed in front of eight to 12 people. There was literally more staff on the fairgrounds than concertgoers. The financial backer from Atlanta who paid for the entire event allegedly lost a quarter of a million dollars. It was no surprise. The scale of the operation was mind boggling. It looked as if they were setting up one of the stages for Music Midtown in Atlanta. A U.S. Foods semi trailer was on hand. The stage was enormous, costing around $25,000 to rent. It actually took more people to set up the stage and then tear it down than the number of folks who came to watch the headliner Saturday night. It was a complete flop, but people shouldn’t have been shocked.
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Just a week prior to the Rock-N-Country Music Bash, the Metro Spirit revealed that Collins had been convicted in 2010 on eight counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one felony count of passing a worthless check in North Carolina. He was sentenced to 285 days in jail and given four probation sentences of eight to 10 months each and ordered to pay restitution of $11,830. Back in 2009, Collins apparently claimed that he was going to revive the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina that had been dormant since 1996, but he never actually paid his vendors and didn’t stage a single race at the speedway, according to the WinstonSalem Journal. Collins also allegedly claimed that he was developing a reality TV show featuring female race-car drivers, but none of that ever happened. The newspaper reported that his “legal problems started when one of the female racers who paid him more than $2,200 for a race school that was canceled said that he cheated her.” Collins provided the woman a refund check, but it bounced. Following Collins’ arrest in North Carolina, investigators discovered outstanding fugitive warrants for him from Florida and Georgia. The Florida warrant charged him with felony counts of contracting without a license during an emergency and third-degree grand theft. The Georgia fugitive warrant stemmed from a 2002 probation violation that said Collins owed $15,182 in restitution. After serving his time in prison, Collins made his way to Augusta. When he first came to town, Collins announced that he planned to have several concerts in south Augusta, but those concerts also never materialized. He even discussed building an amphitheater on property along Phinizy and Peach Orchard roads, but that never happened. Then, in 2014, under the name Turn On Your Radio Music Park, Collins announced plans to present the first annual “AugustaPalooza: 19th Hole Music Festival.” It was to be a seven-day festival.
AugustaPalooza was a ridiculous idea that, fortunately for local concertgoers, also never materialized. Most people thought that would be the last they’d hear of the name, Charles Collins Jr., here in Augusta. But it appears that he is taking another crack at staging an event. This time, Collins has come up a music contest called “Original Artist on the Big Stage.” According to the contest’s website, originalartistbigstage.com, Collins is seeking musical artists willing to pay to perform. Get that, the performers pay to register and compete in his contest. Yep. Here is the pitch from the Original Artist on the Big Stage’s website: ”Have you tried out for American Idol? Tried Out for The Voice and waited for countless hours to tryout? JUST SIGN UP! PAY THE SUBSCRIBERS FEE AND POST YOUR VIDEO’S ON OUR SITE! INVITE UNLIMITED FRIENDS TO WATCH & VOTE FOR YOU! GET FANS TO LIKE YOUR VIDEO! YOU COULD END UP IN THE TOP 30 ‘LIVE’ ON WEB TV! WATCH IT ‘LIVE’ FROM OUR ‘LIVE”’WEB BROADCASTING!Coming Soon! A Major Network To Be Announced!” According to the website, this is how it works: ”All users must create the subscribers sign up forms to be in full detail with their information. ‘Artist Only’ Pay a onetime $19.95 Subscribers Fee for a onetime chance to enter the contest. If the Artist does not make the January show he/she may tryout for one of the other shows in the schedule for the remainder of the 2017 series for an additional entry fee of $19.95.” So, artists have to pay almost $20 to enter the contest and submit an online video audition. “Each Artist must provide a fully edited 3 minute video,” the website states. “Make the first 1 minute Bio about yourself. No Profanity allowed. Must be properly dressed in video.When you become a Final Top 30 Contestant Age Verification Will Be Required. All Contestants Will Have Airfare & Accommodations Provided.” According to the website, no one has entered the 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
majority of the categories for the contest yet. The shows will allegedly include categories such as as rock soloist or band, country soloist or band, teen soloist or band and rap and R&B soloist or band. But even with so little public interest in the contest, that hasn’t stopped Collins from continuing to push the idea and insist that the first show will occur in March. “We have created the most unique and fabulous original music artist reality show starting this upcoming new year in 2017. Our first show in March is any genre of music for soloist,” the website states. “If you don’t make the first show, don’t worry; one of the other months will fit your genre. This show is like American Idol and the Voice, only difference about our show which is the best part, is that You as the Artist do your own songs, not cover tunes. It’s a ‘Live’ streaming broadcast on our website and a major network TBA. When you subscribe we give you a 3 day Free trial access to our ‘Live’ streaming. This allows you to promote to your fans and friends and pick up some new fans along the way, interact with them thru ‘live’ bloging, they hear you and text blog
to tell you how great you sing! It’s free for Music Fans to sign up and vote for you. Sign Up today and tell your friends and fans to subscribe and vote for You, The Next Big Star!” What a deal, eh? Word to the wise, don’t waste even $19.95 entering this contest. Chances are a competition won’t even happen. If it does, there definitely won’t be a major network picking it up. If Collins is still claiming in January that a major network is “to be announced” by the first show in March, it’s not going to happen. Don’t be conned into giving Collins your money. You would be better off standing in line for hours auditioning for The Voice than spending a second developing a threeminute video for this competition. Collins is trying to cash in on your dreams. Don’t let him.
How Many Georgians Does It Take Run D.C.? WHILE EVERYONE in Augusta is anxious to find out whether former Augusta Mayor Bob Young really could be in line for a job in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, it looks like another Georgia politician might be headed to Washington, D.C. For weeks, the Atlanta media has been speculating whether or not former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue will be chosen as Secretary of Agriculture in Trump’s administration. It looks like Perdue just might have the gig in the bag. Earlier this week, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Perdue was Trump’s “leading candidate” for the Secretary of Agriculture. Of course, Perdue has been downplaying his chances of running the $140 billion agriculture department since meeting with Trump just after Thanksgiving. “I’m interested in helping the country,” Perdue told the AJC last month. “I told the president-elect Trump that I would be happy to serve from Georgia, where I am very happily living with my wife and 14 grandchildren, or I’d be happy to serve him if he thought I could be helpful to him here in D.C.” Perdue should have just started off that entire statement by saying, “I’m just a country boy from Georgia... aw shucks.” During his two-hour meeting at Trump Tower, Perdue reportedly said that Trump asked him about his “skill sets.” He also described the meeting “very genuine, honest, forthright,” according to the AJC. If chosen, Perdue will already have a few friends in Washington D.C.
5JANUARY2017
First off, Perdue’s former campaign manager, Nick Ayers, has been selected as a top aide to Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Trump’s transition team. Perdue would also join fellow Georgian U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Roswell, who has been selected by Trump as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Price will undoubtedly play a significant roll in Trump’s administration One of Price’s top priorities will likely to be to dismantle President Obama’s health reform law that the two prior secretaries of health spent more than five years implementing. Price, an orthopedic surgeon who chairs the House Budget Committee, has long claimed that Obamacare is a threat to quality and affordable health care, according to CNN. In fact, Price has authored several different versions of an Obamacare replacement plan over the past few years and the plans are said to have many similarities to Trump’s vision for health care reform. Price’s most recent bill, the Empowering Patients First Act of 2015, called for giving refundable tax credits to those who buy policies in the individual market. The credits would be adjusted by age, ranging from $1,200 for those age 18 to 35 to $3,000 for those age 50 and up, CNN recently reported. As for Perdue, he will also have family close by for their support if he is selected by Trump. Perdue’s cousin, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, will of course spend a great deal of time in Washington and he has also wisely played his cards right. Both David and Sonny Perdue have been extremely prominent supporters of Trump over the past year. Not long after Sonny Perdue had his meeting at Trump Towers after Thanksgiving, David Perdue also met with Trump to discuss the president-elect’s 100-day plan. Needless to say, David Perdue is thrilled by his cousin’s chances of becoming Secretary of Agriculture. “Sonny’s background in business, his medical background, his executive background as a governor make him an ideal choice,” David Perdue recently told the AJC. “In fact, I think he may be the best choice I know in America to be in that ag position.” A cousin knows best, right? Let’s just hope that both Price and Perdue make the Peach State proud.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 9
V28|NO1
Fantasy’s Showgirls Closes Its Door
UP UNTIL THIS PAST WEEKEND, there were three permitted adult entertainment establishments in downtown Augusta: the Discotheque Lounge, Fantasy’s Showgirls and Vegas Show Girls. Not anymore. Fantasy’s Showgirls officially closed its doors this past weekend for good. The closure of the strip club was at least a month in the making. On Nov. 23, the owner of Fantasy’s announced that after 21 years in business, she was retiring. “Fantasy fans, customers, employees, dancers and other entertainers. It has been a great 21 years serving you at the number 1 Adult Entertainment Establishment,” the owner posted on Fantasy’s Facebook page. “However, like the last drop of wine, everything must come to an end. December 31, 2016 will be the last day Fantasy’s opens the doors for business. To celebrate our long run and say farewell to our customers we are going to give you a LOUD farewell!” Now, the Discotheque Lounge and Vegas Showgirls are the only downtown strip clubs still standing in Augusta primarily because of a two-decades-old alcohol ordinance. In 1997, the Augusta Commission adopted an ordinance that resembled other regulations approved across Georgia that allowed such adult establishments to have either nude dancing or serve alcohol, but would not allow both under the same roof. However, clubs such as the Discotheque Lounge, Vegas Show Girls and Fantasy’s were grandfathered in by the Augusta Commission and, therefore, they are allowed to continue to hold their liquor licenses under the current ownership. The liquor licenses can be renewed every year; however, once the owner either sells the business or passes away, the existing strip club will no longer be grandfathered in under the original ordinance. Therefore, there can no longer be a strip club at the former Fantasy’s location. The approval of the city’s 1997 ordinance was created to prevent such adult entertainment establishments from popping up all over the county. So now only two remain, the Discotheque Lounge and Vegas Show Girls, which are owned by the same man: Whitey Lester. The last man standing. But, much like Fantasy’s, this isn’t the first time a strip club voluntarily closed on Broad Street. Back in 2005, a similar closure happened when the Marine Room’s owner, Leon “Bruno” Ward, decided to close the strip club he had owned since 1968. Then, at age 76, Ward said he had decided to close the strip club at 627 Broad Street and sell the property to Morris Communications, according to a 2005 article in The Augusta Chronicle. A year after closing the strip club and selling the property, Ward passed away. Now, with Fantasy’s closing its doors, there may soon be no more strip clubs in downtown Augusta. Because, let’s face it, it’s no secret that Whitey Lester is also getting up there in age. Once those two strip clubs close their doors, the lower end of Broad Street could be forever changed. Some in Augusta will definitely reminisce about The Snake Lady at the Discotheque and some of their wild nights in downtown Augusta watching the strippers, but many local residents will also see it as an opportunity for the lower end of Broad to be redeveloped. Could new restaurants and shops find a home in Augusta’s former block of strip clubs? Maybe. The catch is, some insiders believe that a new business owner may try to fight the city’s ordinance regarding strip clubs once Whitey Lester’s clubs close. A new owner may decide to take the battle to court and roll the dice on whether Richmond County can properly defend its ordinance before a judge. Only time will tell what will happen, but with the closure of Fantasy’s this week, the future of Augusta’s two remaining strip clubs will definitely be on the minds of many people around town. 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
A Year of Good Eats
Food Stuff in 2016 proved that there are lots of great dining options in Augusta LEt’s bE honEst: exploring the local area’s dining options is hardly the worst gig in the world. In fact, it’s been a pleasure more often than not. We get asked questions. “What’s been your best/worst/weirdest meal?” “What wouldn’t you eat?” Those are easy. The one that can’t be answered, however, is, “Which is your favorite restaurant?” There’s no way. We do have our crushes, and many of them are here. Enjoy reflecting on gastronomical delights past, then do yourself a favor and go try each one. The year kicked off with a night out that quickly turned into a wonderful dinner at home after a visit to the crazy good Knuckle Sandwiches.
By Molly Swift
plenty of Knuckle Sandwiches fans. First impressions? The restaurant is tiny. And this place is laid back. The whole place is low-key; completely absent of any bells and whistles. The drinks are on display in a couple of half-fridges, and the menu items are listed on separate wood signs on the wall. As are the directions on how to order. Customers can grab some paper towels and condiments from below the signs. Low-maintenance but totally effective business solutions. The menu consists of eight choices. A cheese steak, a veggie burger, a bacon cheeseburger, chicken, the PBR-B-Q, wings, a grilled cheese and a hot dog. On occasion Knuckle Sandwiches throws a special dish on the menu, such as Tacos Rosados or Chili Cream Dogs, usually announced on Facebook. Since it was early Friday evening and we had other plans, we got our food to go. We ordered, paid the $19 for our meal and then we waited/looked around/stared at each other for maybe five minutes until the food was ready. Simple and fast. I opted for the Uppercut Cheese Steak — sliced ribeye, peppers, onions, mushrooms and all of it smothered with cheddar on toasted French bread with a side of chili ranch dip that I put on everything. My husband went with the PBR-B-Q — shaved beerbraised shoulder topped with cheese — and holy crap it smelled so good I was jealous. No need! Turns out the most amazeballs food coming from Knuckle Sandwiches are the fries! My sandwich was really very tasty, and I can’t complain — it was everything I hoped it would be. But those fries. Yes, they are divine. Crispy and perfectly seasoned, they took only about three minutes for me to inhale. A few remained in my sandwich just to add another layer of awesome. Knuckle Sandwiches is a convenient spot for some late-night munchies — delicious (not healthy) food to help soak up the brews. Don’t mistake it for anything else; just enjoy it for what it is. KnucKLE sAndwichEs 1149 Broad Street Wednesday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-until 706-828-4700 In marked contrast, the next week delivered an exquisite dining experience at the newly refurbished Partridge Inn. When word came that beloved local hotel and Augusta landmark, The Partridge Inn, was to join The Hilton’s Curio family of hotels, many agreed new management and an extensive $6 million renovation had made a difference. Despite its timeless appeal, the Inn certainly needed a facelift — but, it also needed something to draw folks to its restaurant, the P.I. Bar & Grill. That “something” is a new team in the kitchen — a change to the Bar & Grill equally
It’s been five years since Knuckle Sandwiches opened its doors on Broad Street. The bare-bones sandwich shop can be found at 1149 Broad, identifiable by the logo on the window — a bare-knuckle boxer with fists full of sandwiches. Central to the most populated blocks downtown, Knuckle Sandwiches used to just capture the late-night crowds as they empty from the bars, but they’re now open Wednesday through Saturday from an 4 p.m. until… whenever. And it’s not surprising that they attracted the kind of attention that propelled them through their first five years in business; the aroma of damn fine food hits you from about a half-block away. My husband and I went on a Friday evening, and downtown was packed. After a tiny three-block hike, following the beautiful smell of beef and pork was quite exciting. I’d never been to Knuckle Sandwiches before, though it had been on my list of musts for a while. Reading the online reviews, I saw rave after rave for the PBR-B-Q and found 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
as refreshing as the new-look bar and revamped décor. Leading the way is Chef Robert Plouffe, a Quebec native and experienced executive chef, who promises to deliver an array of unique dining experiences that complement the Inn’s history and tradition, and appeal to the regional palate. During a media dinner hosted by NorthPoint Hospitality Management, guests were treated to a generous sample of the chef’s new menu. The tasting included 17 small plates and appetizers, drinks and entrées, all selected to showcase the artistry and talent of Chef and his team. Indeed, from the choice of ingredients, to the plating, the entire event was visually delightful and immensely delicious. We enjoyed cheese plates (the goat cheese with tomato jam is intense comfort food dressed up like a canape), melt-in-your-mouth duck prosciutto with a black-eyed peas caviar, smothered catfish, and more. The menu features a refreshing selection of dishes that appeal to local taste buds, but with a twist, such as the Georgia stout beer bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp served on cheddar grits. Another Southern-inspired dish is the BLT on brioche. This beast features Benton’s bacon jam, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp salad remoulade on fresh brioche; a combination of textures and flavors that undeniably unite in harmony, yet with distinct notes that each reflect elements of Augusta’s Southern heritage. The chef likes to play with his food. From edible flowers and popcorn-infused rum and coke, to rock candy topping a lemon curd tart, the chef’s playfulness is a pleasure to experience. The ParTridge inn 2110 Walton Way, Augusta facebook.com/ThePartridgeInn Amy Christian revisited one of Augusta’s more established downtown destinations. The Sports Center is a hidden gem — though it’s not likely to be called a gem by anyone who hasn’t been. The rest of us know otherwise. It’s been two hours since I left Broad Street’s The Sports Center. I still reek of grilled onions and haven’t gotten a thing done at work since, but damn was it worth it. Haven’t been to The Sports Center? It’s understandable. It’s a little sketchy looking and located right next door to Luigi’s, so most people walk right on past. That’s their first mistake. Once in the door, the next mistake would be not ordering a beer, even if you go there on a weekday for lunch. The Sports Center doesn’t have much of a selection — their four taps carry everything from PBR to Killian’s — but a large beer served in a frozen fishbowl mug is $2.25. That, my friends, is only 75 cents more than a Coke. It doesn’t make fiscal sense not to have a beer! After ordering drinks, take a good long look around, preferably from a seat at the bar. The ‘70s and ‘80s vibe is perfectly preserved here, from the beer advertisements on the wall, one of which features a girl with feathered blonde hair in an extremely high cut one-piece swimsuit, to the dark wood paneling and pool tables in the back. The plumbing hearkens back to those eras too. There’s one bathroom in the joint and it barely has enough room for the toilet. Seriously: the mirror and sink are outside the bathroom, in the dining area of the restaurant. I know, I know: I’m not doing a very good job of selling a visit to The Sports Center to anyone who hasn’t already been. Those who have tried the Sports Center, however, know a secret: inside the welcoming but somehow forbidding front door (seriously, check out the sign) lives the best old-school hamburger with a side of onion rings the city of Augusta has ever seen. Why call it old-school? Because The Sports Center doesn’t give you a choice when it comes to buns or fancy ingredients. What they do give you is a beautifully cooked hamburger or cheese hamburger with everything on it unless you specify otherwise. Everything includes ketchup, mustard, mayo, grilled onions, lettuce and tomato. That’s it. Before we go any further, it bears mentioning that The Sports Center has a lot more on the menu than just hamburgers. Those menus, in little plastic holders on the bar and on each table, list everything from a Gut Buster Hot Dog Special and a shrimp dinner to cheddar poppers and grilled chicken salad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone order anything besides hot dogs and hamburgers, though. There’s a reason for that, and it’s the same reason people are willing to wait a little while to get their food: It’s just a damn good burger. It’s so good that you don’t mind waiting nearly a half-hour for it from a seat at the 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
bar directly in front of a game station that, thanks to Penthouse, kept showing me pictures of almost naked women. It’s so good you don’t mind smelling like the grill and the fryer, both of which sit in a small cooking area behind the bar at the front window, for the rest of the day. It’s so good that you’d pay a lot more than the $9.75 (cash only) this place charges you for a burger, onion rings and a beer. When the cook finally does place the baskets in front of you, it’s almost like a mirage, a gift too good to be true. That feeling only lasts a second, however; then it’s a race to grab some paper towels (because you’re going to need all you can get) and squeeze some ketchup onto the basket’s paper lining before digging in. The only question is what to start on first. I chose the onion rings because they’re my favorite version of this classic in town. They’re not perfectly formed or perfectly round. They’re not gigantic and they’re not heavily breaded. On the other hand, they’re not greasy at all, they’re incredibly crunchy and they taste like onions (rather than the breading). I had almost inhaled half of them before I remembered my burger. Like I said before, this burger isn’t fancy, but that is what makes it so great. It’s thick and juicy, well-seasoned and perfectly dressed. You’ll make a bit of a mess eating this burger, but you never feel like eating it is completely unmanageable. So don’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to The Sports Center. If you do, you’ll only have yourself to blame for missing one of the best burgers in town. The SPorTS CenTer 594 Broad Street 706-724-9307 Referrals are always welcome, and Sawasdee was one of them. The Thai restaurant is exactly the kind of place that deserves “discovering,” and for many reasons. The CSRA is home to only a handful of Thai restaurants; in fact, at this moment, my brain’s only recalling three, but I may be way off. Regardless, the number is definitely small when you consider we have at least one Chinese takeout for every 40 people in this town. Sure that might say something about supply and demand, but here’s the thing — as 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
a populous, we are familiar with only so many cultures on a mass scale. We’re down with some Italian, Chinese, Mexican and Japanese. We know what to do with chips and salsa, egg rolls and sushi, and many of us can use chop sticks just fine. But deviate from these and you’ll find many people out of their depth and afraid to ask for guidance. And usually, if we don’t know what we’re dealing with, we are less likely to try it out. So it helps when a small Thai restaurant, like Sawasdee (pronounced sa-wa-dee), brings their authenticity to the table, educates their customers and makes them feel comfortable. Not something I anticipated when my husband and I arrived early on a Saturday evening. Sawasdee took up residence in what used to be home to Matsu Sige on Washington Road, in the strip mall to the front and left of Carolina Pottery. The corner unit offers the benefit of ample parking, but as with all restaurants on any main road in the CSRA, unless you really love asphalt and gaudy signage, you just know there’s no gawping out the window at decent view. Thankfully, once you’re inside, the Augusta we all know just disappears. The space was designed and decorated to welcome the natural light and help customers relax — the walls are a sunny pale yellow and feature wooden inlays and traditional art pieces. The music is totally soothing. There is plenty of seating throughout the various little dining areas, and we were seated immediately. Menus were in hand just a few moments later. We ordered drinks and started trying to figure out what we were going to eat — for me, the stakes were pretty high. I’ve had plenty of Thai food before, but what it was I could not tell you, I just knew it was delicious and I’d be happy putting it in my belly again. I also knew the food was likely to be salty, sweet, sour and spicy all at once, but I had no clue what to do with that knowledge. Plain ass ignorant. The first thing I chose was my drink, a Thai coffee — and that I got right. A Thai coffee is a dark, but not bitter, sweetened iced coffee brewed with cardamom and topped with a thick cream. It tastes better than anything piped out of those logocupped “coffee” shops and at about 2/3 of the price — and it’s served in a large glass with a straw. My husband’s mango smoothie was ridiculous. Fresh, full of the crushed fruit and 5JANUARY2017
ice, creamy and sweet without any cloying aftertaste; I ended up drinking half of it after finishing my Thai coffee, and gave serious consideration to getting another to go. It was that good and I have zero regrets. The food was where I fudged. We ordered the Pad Thai, because duh, that has to happen. It was perfect. The pork complemented the spicy noodles, bean sprouts and nuts and the portions were generous. Me, well, I’m an idiot. I went for a stir fry — the Pad Ka-Na — meat and broccoli fried in garlic and the “special sauce,” and chose beef as the meat. I didn’t ask about the special sauce, because all I was thinking was “veggies, beef and garlic!” Can’t go wrong with that! Nope. Thailand is an emerging economy and though their staple food is rice, they are heavy on using seafood and fish sauces. As it happens, that includes one of the main ingredients in the special sauce — oyster sauce. The plating is lovely at Sawasdee. Nothing extravagant, but pleasing to the eye. My Pad Ka-Na arrived with a separate rice bowl and platter, and a large plate of beef, carrots and broccoli. All the ingredients were cooked to perfection — the fresh vegetables were still crunchy, and the beef was excellent — but, the sauce made me wonder what I was eating. I kept looking for hidden seafood because I was convinced I could taste something fishy, until it dawned on me that the special sauce was the likely culprit. We were being served by a senior member of the staff — either a manager or an owner — and she was fantastic. When she discovered I was having difficulty finishing my food, I was able to explain that, though there was absolutely nothing wrong with the preparation, my palate simply wasn’t happy with the combo of beef and oyster. Immediately, she firmly and kindly told me she would get me something else and I wasn’t allowed to leave hungry. A few minutes later she set a plate of pastries in front of me, smiled and left me to it. Accompanied by a vinegar-based dipping sauce featuring peppers, cucumber and onion, the pastries were filled with a piping hot curried chicken and potato mixture. As soon as I took a bite I wished I had ordered one of their curry dishes. It was divine — seasoned so well that I am hesitant to guess all that went into it, and that is truly rare. The pastry was excellent — flakey but firm — and the dipping sauce popped on the tongue, adding a bright note to the pungent curry without overpowering the flavor. My Pad Ka-Na regret melted away and I was left feeling like Sawasdee gave a crap, and without hesitation I will return. They really want their customers to be happy — their struggle is to attend to a Western palate without betraying their authentic recipes or offending the locals. In my opinion, with food and service like theirs, and with a willing customer base, they can do it. SawaSdee authentic thai & noodle houSe 3836 Washington Road, #7 762-994-0121 sawsdeeauthenticthaicuisine.com Amy popped into local café, Buona Caffe, for a coffee and a bite to eat. Inviting in every way, Buona Caffe has a loyal customer base thanks to its welcoming staff, caffeinated brews and tasty treats. There’s a framed piece of art in one of the dining rooms at Buona Caffe, a watercolor and ink print by local artist Kenneth James Benson. Its subject is many of the main characters of “Twin Peaks,” with FBI Agent Dale Cooper near the center holding a cup and saying “This is a damn fine cup of coffee.” As a huge fan of the early ‘90s crime drama from notoriously eccentric director David Lynch, I really want that print. Honestly, though, it’s probably better off where it is, since Buona Caffe has the finest coffee in Augusta. Owned by John and Pat Curry, Buona Caffe started as a hobby, with John grinding beans for the couple then experimenting with roasting. They began selling the beans to other people in 2010 and quickly made a name for themselves. When they opened a coffee bar in 2013, the only thing people were surprised by was the location. Even the dubious placement of their coffee bar, in a building that hasn’t been kind to previous tenants, hasn’t stopped the Currys, however. Business continues to boom and the buzz isn’t all from the caffeine. They provide beans to a number of local and regional restaurants, including Frog Hollow Tavern and The Bee’s Knees. Heck, they even provide coffee to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 13
V28|NO1
mean you’ll get two pounds of sugar in your drink. Yes, I could taste the syrup, but it was barely sweet. Just good. The quiche was excellent, although I could have used a lot more spinach. Anybody who’s cooked with spinach knows that it’s a tough thing to judge; you could think you put a ton of it in the recipe but, once cooked, it’s like it’s hardly there. Aside from that, it was lovely, with lots of cheese and a buttery, flaky crust. I was happy to see that the cinnamon roll, like the latte, was flavorful without being a sugar bomb. The kid would have liked more icing but, then again, I think she eats cinnamon rolls just for the icing. I thought it was great. I’m anxious to go back to Buona Caffe and taste their regular coffee made using the manual pour over method. They say it takes about four minutes (except for a couple of hours every weekday morning when they make some in advance) to prepare the coffee using a glass carafe topped with a glass cone and a filter. Basically, they put the ground beans in the cone and pour hot water over it and let the coffee filter through. It’s just one of the many fascinating sounding items on Buona Caffe’s menu that will keep me coming back. The only thing missing from that menu is pie. Add slices of cherry pie and I, like Agent Cooper, would be happy indeed Buona Caffe 1858 Central Avenue, Augusta buonacaffe.com While it’s truly not possible to pick a favorite, the love locals feel for Hildebrandt’s Deli is justified, and its array of simple, but insanely delicious sandwiches, among other bonus factors, makes it a firm contender.
And they continue to grow. The Currys have had to buy a bigger coffee roaster. They recently rolled out a new logo and slogan (Happily Caffeinated). Their coffee appreciation class, a 90-minute session that includes a bag of beans to take home, had a waiting list almost as soon as they opened registration. Visit Buona Caffe and you’ll leave knowing why people love this place, and it’s basically for three reasons: good coffee, good food and a knowledgeable staff. I admit that I’ve only been to Buona Caffe a couple of times and it’s been a while. So on a recent Friday afternoon, when I realized at about 2:30 p.m. that I hadn’t had lunch yet, I began looking around online and saw pictures of their pear, asiago cheese and rosemary scones. That was all the prompting I needed. I got there only to discover that there were no scones in sight, but that they had two quiche choices available in addition to a small selection of sandwiches. It’s not often that I’m not in the mood for a pimento cheese sandwich, but quiche sounded like a good pick-me-up to go with the latte with (homemade) mocha syrup I ordered. The problem was deciding which quiche to order, the spinach and red pepper or the bacon and mushroom. I went with the former. Once I ordered I began looking at the bags of beans that line a shelf opposite the ordering counter. They helpfully have a list of their roasts pinned to the shelf that tells customers the name of the roast, what kind it is (medium, dark, etc.) and tasting notes. I enlisted the help of the woman making my latte and, after I told her what I liked (dark, strong coffee but more rich and smooth than bright and acidic), she pointed me to the Bali Blue Moon. After having two big cups of it the next day, I can tell you it was the right choice. Oh, and if you don’t have a grinder at home, they’ll grind the beans for you. Once I received my sizeable mug I began to look around, and one of the things I like about Buona Caffe is that you feel like you’re in someone’s home. Large windows dot the space and the walls are oranges and yellows. The furniture is a hodge podge, but everything somehow fits together well. I sat by a window in a room to the left of the counter and amused myself by looking at the other artwork until my husband, with teenager in tow, arrived from school. The kid ordered a cinnamon roll, warmed up, and a soda, while Jim ordered an iced chai. My quiche had arrived by that time and I dug in while Jim made quick work of his chai. As for my latte, it was almost too pretty to drink, but I was pleased to find that, unlike some other coffee places, a coffee drink with syrup at Buona Caffe doesn’t
14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The name is an indicator of its heritage, but it’s the slogan that exposes the heart and soul of one of downtown’s oldest family-owned businesses, Hildebrandt’s: Part German. Part Southern. All Welcome. Located on 6th Street, Hildebrandt’s is still operated by the family that bears its name, and it still resides in the same Gothic brick building it has occupied, next to the train tracks, for 137 years. The German-inspired delicatessen first opened its massive doors in 1879 in the form
5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
of a local grocery store, owned and operated by Nicholas Hildebrandt. By popular demand, the general store began selling sandwiches in the 1960s, and gradually emerged as primarily a delicatessen in the 1990s. Customers can still find some general items in-store; some paper products, potatoes and some fresh veg, bread and a few canned goods, and a few other things. But, says Rick Marschalk, the focus is on providing Hildebrandt’s customers with a unique dining experience. And they really do. “Our value proposition is a little different from other sandwich shops and delis. We offer the flavor of high quality meats and cheeses and popular sandwiches, such as the Reuben. So there’s that, and the unique and memorable experience.” Hildebrandt’s has tapped into the German culture to bring downtown various quality sliced sandwich meats, both well-known such as pastrami, salami, buffalo chicken, and corned beef, and those not-so-well-known, such as braunschweiger, and yachtwurst. The deli menu caters to all tastes, and includes an equally wide variety of deserving cheeses. And there’s the bread; an arguably crucial part of the sandwich eating experience. They do good bread. At Hildebrandt’s, these ingredients draw people in through its terrifically old doors, but they aren’t the only reason they stay. Nor are they necessarily the only reason these customers return. Rick Marschalk says it’s just something that has evolved and developed throughout the decades. “You can’t get this elsewhere,” he explained, “You can’t make this.” Marschalk, a cousin of the fourth-generation Hildebrandt and current owner, Luanne, went on to explain that the deli’s purpose is to give people joy. Welcoming them to the
5JANUARY2017
deli is an eclectic mix of old furniture, family portraits, antiques and collectables, and large food counters and display cabinets in the center of the spacious dining area. A line of bookshelves along the left hold an array of Hildebrandt’s own merchandise, chips, drinks, and a selection of sauces from other local food places, such as DiChicko’s. There’s plenty of laughter, groups of people talking and dining — the effect is a warm humming hub of conversation accompanied by the smell of good food. Diners order at the counter — probably from Joyce Marschalk — and take a number with them to a dining table of their choice. Sit at the front and the light pours through large windows, illuminating the numerous wood tables and chairs. Sit at the back near the kitchen and you can choose from one of the square marble or wood-slab tables that make Hildebrandt’s feel more like a vast family dining room rather than a restaurant. It’s comfortable and comforting. The menu includes classic sandwiches that customers rave about — the Reuben (featuring pastrami or corned beef) is utterly off the chain. Not one of the generouslyportioned ingredients overwhelms the other, and the lightly toasted, thin rye bread, packs enough flavor to hold its own against the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and dressing. It’s a sandwich that makes you happy and it can easily become a habit. As can other favorites, such as the King Louis — a beast packed with four meats and two cheeses of the customer’s choosing. Unless they need help, in which case the staff will offer suggestions or even do the choosing for you. Lunch is served fairly quickly, though a rush can slow things down a little. Customers are encouraged to call their orders in ahead of time, to include outside catering and bulk orders. The kitchen is usually working at a steady rate from 11 a.m. until closing at 3 p.m. The hours are manageable for the family, all of whom are pulling together to help keep the restaurant running smoothly. The collective effort is understandable and the additional hands are crucial, especially since Luanne is in her 60s. Together, the Hildebrandts and Marschalks have re-branded the store to encourage people to see beyond the name, which Rick Marschalk says can confuse folks. People who need or want to know more should definitely find the deli on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their website dasdeli.us which features their fabulous menu and a downloadable sandwich ordering form. Hildebrandt’s has emerged as a multi-century tradition in Augusta, becoming a regular lunch spot for people from all over the CSRA, something the Hildebrandt’s team is keen to foster and grow throughout the community. “We want everyone to feel welcomed at the store,” Marschalk explained, “and we want everyone to have a memorable experience and feel awesome eating one of our sandwiches. Everyone. Literally; we really do mean all welcome.” Hildebrandt’s 226 6th Street, downtown Augusta. 706 722-7756 dasdeli.us facebook.com/DasDeliAugusta
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 15
V28|NO1
After an early morning fire last week destroyed its sanctuary, St. Luke United Methodist Church in Harrisburg begins the rebuilding process by Amy Christian | Photos by Joshua Bailey FROM THE EXTERIOR, the damage is barely noticeable. It looks like St. Luke has always looked from the stop sign at the end of the Crawford Avenue exit of Calhoun Expressway. There are, however, clues that indicate something’s not quite right. The Christmas wreath is still attached to the Tiffany-blue front door, but the upper corner of that door is charred, with black trails extending up. A screen dangles precariously from a second-story window, barely hanging on. The façade of the church still looks relatively normal, but a walk through those blue doors proves that a recent fire did a significant amount of damage to the 150-year-old sanctuary. “This is the choir loft,” said St. Luke Director of Outreach and Music Marsha Jones, showing a Metro Spirit reporter and photographer the damage. “They think the fire started on the opposite wall in the light box, because it’s just burned down to the ground. It’s just destroyed.” What firefighters believe was an electrical fire began in the early morning hours of December 28; a passing motorist saw smoke and called it in. Miraculously, the sanctuary was the only part of the church to be damaged by flames. Unfortunately, it is completely destroyed. And the remains are heartbreaking. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The pulpit lies on its side, propped up on the armrest of the kneeling rail. Under it, on the kneeling part of the kneeling rail, sits the altar Bible, its edges blackened and curled. The Bible is open and, fittingly, Romans 8:18 reads, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “Well, I believe I need to take a picture of that,” Jones says, when she realizes the significance of the verse. Next to the kneeling rail sits the church’s piano. It still carries a tune, although not a very pretty one. Music for “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” still sits on it, a reminder of the church’s last service on Christmas day. Another reminder, the Christmas tree, is also destroyed, the top half of it looking like it might dissolve into dust at the slightest touch. A lone Chrismon ornament, handmade by Judith Snyder from Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church, still hangs onto a limb. “She made 60 ornaments for us after she had a heart attack and was sitting at home,” Jones said. “A year’s worth of work is gone.” Also gone is Jones’ accumulation of church music. “I’m the church musician and I probably have 40 years of music sitting in this sanctuary. It’s gone,” she said. “And I didn’t really think about it until Wednesday 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
night. I was laying in the bed and I just went, ‘Oh no, oh no, oh no.’” The loss of a church is devastating to its members, but, to the people of Harrisburg, St. Luke is much more than a church. It is something of a community center. “We have more people coming through the doors during the week than we do coming to church on Sunday,” Jones laughed. “It’s kind of crazy.” It wasn’t always like that, however. Jones has been with St. Luke for almost a decade. She came from Trinity on the Hill, where she was director of missions and outreach. The two churches may only be separated by a few miles, but they are worlds apart in every other way. Jones, who had just turned 50, was looking for something new. “I rode through this neighborhood almost every day,” she said, “and once I started actually looking at the people who lived here as I drove through, I started feeling pretty frustrated.” She contacted St. Luke and joined the staff soon after. “I think they were ready. St. Luke, at that time, I think had dwindled down to about 12 members, so they knew that if they didn’t make some changes they would have to close the doors of the church,” she said. “So we had a conversation and I said, ‘Would you be willing to allow this church to become a place for children’s programming, neighborhood outreach, open up the doors and let folks come in?’ And they said, ‘We have to’ and so they did. And everything changed.” Now, St. Luke is home to Kids with a Future that meets Monday-Wednesday of each week to provide tutoring, a computer lab and dinner to elementaryand middle-school students. A Cub Scout troop meets at the church on Thursday nights, as does a men’s 5JANUARY2017
group open to neighborhood residents. Westobou Montessori School meets in a classroom at St. Luke’s five days a week and the Veggie Truck Farmers Market started at the church. The farmers market now meets at a nearby park and, out of it, Grow Harrisburg and Icebox Urban Farm were formed. The church also has a dance studio in its upstairs space where free yoga classes are held, they allow the neighborhood association to meet there, and had a hand in helping open Harrisburg Family Healthcare, a family clinic in the neighborhood that’s open three days a week. “A lot of things have grown out of St. Luke’s and the church has been here for 150 years,” she said. “When
the Ezekiel Harris House was open and the canal had barges up and down it, this church was sitting here. It’s seen a lot.” St. Luke does all these things, Jones said, to serve its community. “As a church, our whole purpose is to serve this community, the people who live here, especially children and vulnerable folks, and there are a lot of children and a lot of vulnerable folks in Harrisburg,” Jones said. “There’s a high incidence of heart disease, diabetes and then lots of folks, for whatever reason — well, because it’s one of the cheapest places to live and there are a lot of blind eyes turned — there’s a lot of people with mental illness, drug addictions, alcohol addictions. There are just a lot of needy folks who live in our community.” “At the same time, we also have a lot of people who are very capable and very skilled,” she continued. “Not the Christmas day service at St. Luke’s, but the Sunday before, we had two of our kids, who were the first people in their families to graduate from high school, graduate here that Sunday. That was part of our service was them graduating from high school. That’s the goal, to incorporate, not separate, your everyday life from your belief. We try to be as seamless as possible so every day is a walk, not just Sunday morning.” Because Harrisburg is a relatively poor community, judging the church’s membership is difficult. Jones says that, contrary to when she first joined, 70 percent of the congregation now are residents of the community. On any given Sunday, St. Luke will have 50-90 people in the pews. “The congregation is very transitional. It is not unusual at all for us to have a family who are here for a year or two and then they fall off the face of the earth and, three months later, they’ll show back up and say they had to move out in the middle of the night,” Jones explained. “There are just all those issues when you live in poverty and you live day to day. Well, guess what? When you serve a community who lives day to day, you live day to day with them.” What St. Luke doesn’t do is offer services like clothes closets or food pantries.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 17
V28|NO1
“The reason we don’t have those things is because it is impossible to actually have an equitable and honest relationship with a person if you are always the giver and they are always the taker. It’s impossible. And so we try our best not to have those kinds of relationships,” she said. “Now, if I have a family member who has a fire or for whatever reason there’s a bad situation and they call, I’m going to help as much as I can and the church is too. But those are people we have established relationships with. It’s very much saying this is my brother, this is my sister. Sometimes that means tough love and saying no, and sometimes that means bending over backwards. But it always means, always means forgiving and moving forward in the relationship in a loving way as much as possible.”
18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
So where doeS St. Luke’S go from here? Well, the church staff is still waiting on word from the insurance company, but they know the sanctuary isn’t the only part of the church that will need repairs. “We know we’re probably going to have to be out of the building for six months,” Jones said. “We know that the sanctuary is going to have to be rebuilt from the ground up. We’re pretty sure, because all these walls are plaster and they hold smoke, that they have to be torn down, the ceilings torn down, all the insulation taken out, all the wiring replaced. It’s going to have to be gutted. So it’s going to take time.” And money. While they’re hoping (and praying) that the insurance will cover most of the damage, they’re still not sure. In the meantime, while they try and find places to hold all the programs and classes St. Luke’s offers, a Go Fund Me page has been set up to take donations. It’s a very stressful situation but, now that she’s over the initial shock, Jones says it can also be a great opportunity. “Here’s the good news: We’ve always been poor,” she laughed. “Since I’ve worked here, we’ve never had any money and so it’s not that shocking. We really have worked with little or nothing for a very long time now so we’re kind of used to that, but we are used to having a great facility to work in so that’s going to take some getting used to. But this is also an opportunity to make the facility better and see how it can serve the neighborhood. And it may give us an opportunity to do some things in the building that we couldn’t do before.” “I think if Jesus was here, he’d be saying, ‘Okay, what you need, how do you want to do this?’” she continued. “We’re not the community center for the neighborhood, we’re a church, but the question is how does the church serve the community and our members and this is a good time to look at that, to seriously look at that.” So the St. Luke’s that returns may look a little different from the St. Luke’s of the past. And not just in appearance; in 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
function. While Jones is excited at the future of the church, she’s also gratified to see how the neighborhood has reacted in the midst of this tragedy. “Yes, my initial reaction was, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh,’” she said. “But then, pretty quickly, people started showing up. People who live in the neighborhood were walking over and hugging and saying, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. What can I do?’ And I think that was the thing that touched me the most was our neighbors coming over and saying, ‘We love you, we’re here, tell me how I can help’ and realizing that the church has established itself as a good neighbor and that we’re loved.” And that got her to thinking something else. “Pretty quickly I thought, ‘You know? What if every church burned down? What if all the churches just burned to the ground? What would we do then?’” she said. “Well, then you’re forced to remember, really remember, and it’s so easy to forget, that the church is not a building. It is not a building, it is a community. As beautiful as the sanctuary is, that’s not who serves this community. It’s the people who enter the sanctuary.” For the foreseeable future, St. Luke United Methodist Church will meet for Sunday morning worship services at 11 a.m. at Lamar-Milledge Elementary School. Westobou Montessori School and other programs that usually meet at St. Luke will resume as soon as space can be arranged. To donate to the St. Luke Fire Recovery Fund, visit gofundme.com/stlukeharrisburg. The church is currently without power, so to contact the church staff, visit facebook. com/stlukeharrisburg.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 19
whaT’s up
Calendar: 21 | Music Listings: 24 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
CelebraTing The legaCy eaCh year, Augusta University, Paine College and Augusta Technical College band together for the Tri-College Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. This year is no different. Then again, it is. This year’s celebration takes two days and features a visit from Jane Elliott. A former third-grade teacher, Elliott is an activist best known for her Blues Eyes-Brown Eyes exercise, originally conducted the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. On Thursday, January 12, at noon, Elliott will teach The Anatomy of Prejudice in Augusta University Jaguar Student Activities Center ballroom. The presentation lasts until 3 p.m., and those interested are invited to attend the whole presentation or drop in as time allows. Also in the ballroom at 6 p.m. that same day will be a showing of “The Angry Eye” documentary. Elliott will conduct a Q&A session after the showing. The Tri-College Birthday Celebration, also featuring Elliott as keynote speaker, will be Friday, January 13, at noon at Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel. It’s sure to be an enlightening couple of days and, given what seems like a backslide in race relations in this country recently, a muchneeded examination of Dr. King’s legacy. For more information about Tri-College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration events, visit paine.edu or augusta.edu.
This week
Thursday
Each month, the Islamic Society of Augusta hosts Lifting the Veil on Islam, a program to enlighten others on different aspects of their faith. This month, the program will be held Thursday, January 5, at 7 p.m. and the topic will be the Muslims role in building America. The pubic is invited and refreshments will be served. Learning something new and perhaps building a few bridges: those aren’t bad New Year’s resolutions.
sunday
Speaking of learning something new, why not knitting? After all, it’s fun, relaxing, social and, at the end of it, you get a new article of clothing. If that sounds good to you, the visit 175 North Louisville Street on Sunday, January 8, at 2 p.m. for this Harlem Arts Council class that costs $35, $40 if you need needles. What’s stopping you? After all, you’ll surely end up being able to create a better sweater than Ron Weasley’s mom. Right?
Monday
The Aiken Youth Orchestra is starting their new year tonight from 6-8 p.m. with auditions for those who play string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The group will hold several concerts a year and put in appearances at events like the Hopelands Gardens summer concert series. Those who have one year’s worth of experience on strings or play at a high school level on other instruments should call 803-641-9094 to schedule an audition time.
Thursday
The 6920 Rotary Speech Contest for high school students is on January 23, and the Headquarters Branch Library downtown will help those interested — and with a $1,000 scholarship prize, who wouldn’t be? — get ready with Basic Guidelines for an Impactful Speech held Thursday, January 12, at 4 p.m. To register for the class, call 706-434-2036. To register for the speech contest, call 706724-5544 or email lgold@uwcsra.org.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 21.
V28|NO1
V28|NO1
Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. Participants should bring their own lunch and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session follows the lecture at 12:30 p.m. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
5:30pm Open Job Lab Headquarters Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Applications for Enrollment SAIL: School for Arts Infused Learning, the recently approved statewide-enrollment charter school based in Augusta will hold its first school year beginning in August 2017 and is accepting applications for enrollment until January 15. The school is also accepting educator and operational personnel applications. For more information, visit sailga.org.
Poison Peach Film Festival The Imperial Theatre Friday-Sunday, January 6-8 7 p.m. $12, single-day admission; $20, weekend pass 706-722-8341 imperialtheatre.com
ARTS Tue Jan 10
2pm - 4:30pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners
augustamuseum.org.
Mon Jan 9
3:30pm Intermediate Spanish
Aiken Public Library A free class that will be held Tuesdays through March 28. Pre-registration required. Call 803642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
EDUCATION
5:30pm Beginner Spanish
Thu Jan 5
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm - 6pm Open House Helms College This event includes tours, meetings with admissions and financial aid staff, demonstrations and more. Call 706-6519707 or visit helms.edu.
5pm - 9pm Jimmie Dyess Symposium Augusta Museum of History Rotunda This event includes remarks by Major General Perry Smith, the honoring of three individuals with the Jimmie Dyess Distinguished American Award and more. Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit 5JANUARY2017 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 21
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Jan 10
Magnet School/Program Applications Applications for Richmond County magnet schools and programs are now available. The deadline for turning in an application is January 6. For more information, visit rcboe. org/magnet.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
ELSEWHERE Sat Jan 7
1pm Gallery Tour: CUT! Costume and the Cinema Columbia Museum of Art Free with membership or admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
11am Homeschool Hub
Sun Jan 8
Aiken Public Library An information session for homeschooling parents that will include services, tips and more. Participants are invited to bring lunch and hang out with other homeschooling families in the park after the program. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Noon - 5pm Ikebana Flower Arrangement Demonstration Columbia Museum of Art Free. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Wed Jan 11
Columbia Museum of Art A free open studio for families in which participants will create a work of art and take a gallery tour at 1 p.m. Call 803-7992810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
11:30am - 1:30pm Brown Bag History Series Lecture Augusta Museum of History Featuring The Distinctive Communities of the River Region, An Overview, led by
Noon - 3pm Passport to Art: What a Relief!
2pm and 3pm CMA Collection Farewell Tour Columbia Museum of Art An overview of the European and American art in the CMA collection before gallery renovations begin. Free with membership or admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
2pm Gallery Tour: Highlights of the CMA Collection Columbia Museum of Art Free. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Ongoing
“Psychedelic Design: Rock Posters from the Mel Byars Collection, 1966-1971” Columbia Museum of Art An exhibition of posters from the 1960s San Francisco Bay area. On display through March 12. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
EXHIBITIONS Ongoing
SEEDS Exhibit Westobou Gallery An exhibition of small works by local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. Featured artists include Andrea Anderegg, Ellie Benson, Anna Bliss, Ethan Brock, Sydney Ewerth, Tom Hubbard, Gabi Hutchison, Jay Jacobs, Chase Lanier, Anna Patrick, Staci Swider, Jacob Vaz, Kelsea S. Windham and Leonard Zimmerman. The exhibit will remain on display until January 27 and the gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
FLIX Fri Jan 6
Noon “The American President” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
7pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbes Film, this event showcases the offerings of Augusta’s film community. Friday’s 5JANUARY2017 METROSPIRIT
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
21
V28|NO1
presentation is family friendly and features films from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School students, short films, music videos, Forbes’ documentary “14 Stations and more. $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Sat Jan 7
3pm “The Secret Life of Pets” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbes Film, this event showcases the offerings of Augusta’s film community. Saturday’s theme is horror and features short films, a Wages of Cine anthology film with 12 directors and Forbes’ “Bloodstone Manor.” $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Sun Jan 8
7pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbes Film, this event showcases the offerings of Augusta’s film community. Sunday features the 10th anniversary screening of the Civil War epic “Firetrail.” $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Tue Jan 10
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
HEALTH Thu Jan 5
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Mon Jan 9 6:30pm Refit
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Jan 10
7:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
7pm - 9pm Breastfeeding Class Augusta University Medical Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.
Wed Jan 11
10am - noon Wellness Checks Headquarters Branch Library 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Sun Jan 8
2pm Eighth Annual Book Reading Spectacular
Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series in which participants have story time with meteorologist Jay Jefferies, Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus and more, and then design their own storybooks. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sun Jan 8
Mon Jan 9
175 North Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council Class. $35, including yarn. Knitting needles are $5 or bring size 8, 5mm needles. Call 706-556-6656, 706-5132634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
HOBBIES Sat Jan 7
10am Clipping and Clicking for Savings
2pm - 4pm Knitting
Wed Jan 11
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
6pm - 8pm Aiken Youth Orchestra Auditions
Friedman Branch Library A craft program for adults in which all supplies are provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Aiken Center for the Arts An event that includes registration for returning AYO members, as well as placement auditions for new ones. Call to schedule an audition time. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Ongoing
Tue Jan 10
11am Get Crafty
Master Gardener Class The Georgia Master Gardener Association is holding a new Master Gardener Class beginning in January. Master Gardeners are volunteers who provide educational and gardening services throughout the community. For more information, call 706-821-2350, email uge3245@uga.edu or visit ugaextension.org/ county-offices/richmond.html.
Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Fri Jan 6
9:30am - noon Animals of Mistletoe
10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Let It Snow Friedman Branch Library A story and craft time. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Mistletoe State Park An all-ages event that will feature a wildlifethemed craft as well as a naturalist-led program that will include live snakes, furs and mounted animals. $5; $5, parking. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10am - 11:30am Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers Club
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out
10:30am Young Children’s Story Time
Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, non-members. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss.net.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for children ages 0-3. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Jan 7
11am Clifford the Big Red Dog Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stories and hands-on fun. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1424 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
3pm Winter Craft Appleby Branch Library Best for ages 3-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 11
10am Story Time
Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups of 3 or more. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
Ongoing
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safespace for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
Youth Futsal League Kroc Center A league for those ages 5-12 that will be held February 13-March 24 from 5-9:30 p.m. Registration is in January. $40, members; $55, non-members. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Junior Model UN Registration Augusta University Middle school students who are interested in assuming the perspective of a diplomat from a United Nations Member State and representing their position can register for the day-long simulation at Augusta University. January 16 is registration deadline; February 15 is the late registration deadline. Email Dr. Craig Albert at calbert@ augusta.edu or visit augusta.edu/pamplin/ pols/juniormodelun.php.
LITERARY Fri-Sat, Jan 6-7
10am - 5pm Big Book Sale Columbia County Library Both fiction and non-fiction books for sale 5JANUARY2017
V28|NO1
A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting Wine World A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Sun Jan 8
2pm - 5pm Big Book Sale Columbia County Library Both fiction and non-fiction books for sale will be displayed in the foyer of the library. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
MUSIC
A four-session Harlem Arts Council class for adults ages 50 and older of all skill levels that continues Wednesdays through February 1. No experience necessary. $80. Call 706-394-4682 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jan 5
5pm - 8pm First Thursday
Sat Jan 7
Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
First Baptist Church of Augusta Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Symphony Series. $20.37-$43.52. Call 706826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
6:45pm 10th Annual Interfaith Celebration
7:30pm Bach Brandenburg
Tue Jan 10
Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by The Revien Duo. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
SENIORS Tue Jan 10
2pm - 4pm Senior Tech Help Diamond Lakes Branch Library One-on-one assistance from library staff with devices like phones, tablets and laptops. Pre-registration required. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 11
10:30am - 12:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Senior Center 5JANUARY2017
Tabernacle Baptist Church The Progressive Religious Coalition event, titled Why Dr. King Still Matters, begins with music by the Davidson Chorale. The service begins at 7 p.m. and features speaker the Rev. Dr. William Barber II. Visit prc-augusta.org.
Fri Jan 6
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
5pm - 9pm Live From Downtown 600 Broad Street A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods
Fencing Classes
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8pm “To the Moon and Beyond”
SUPPORT
7pm “Dark Shadows”
will be displayed in the foyer of the library. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next round of introductory classes will start Monday, January 23, and meet weekly. The 10-week course is $180, with all competitive equipment and text provided. The class meets as follows: teens ages 10-13 meet Mondays at 5 p.m.; youth ages 6-9 meet at 6 p.m.; and those 14 and up meet at 7 p.m. Call 706-7228878, email rvolk1@comcast.net or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Sat Jan 7
Orienteering Mistletoe State Park Thursday, January 5 9:30 a.m.-noon An event for those ages 8 and up in which park staff will teach participants to use a map and compass to navigate to checkpoints through a 1-mile course. $5, plus $5 parking. 706-541-0321 gastateparks.org/mistletoe
parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8:30pm 2017 Variety Show Sky City A fundraiser for Augusta’s Hands to Paws Rescue that will feature a variety of performers and musicians, as well as prize drawings and a silent auction. $5. Visit hands2paws.org.
SPIRITUAL Thu Jan 5
7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one on the subject of the Muslims Building America. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Visit openhouse.isaugusta.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Jan 5
9:30am - noon Orienteering Mistletoe State Park An event for those ages 8 and up in which park staff will teach participants to use a map and compass to navigate to checkpoints through a 1-mile course. $5, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Sat Jan 7
9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Hike and Craft
Thu Jan 5
10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-860-5233.
Noon Active-Duty Parent Support Group Fort Gordon’s Family Outreach Center Call 706-792-5220 or visit fortgordon.com.
Tue Jan 10
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Thu Jan 12
6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
THEATER Fri Jan 6
8pm xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
10pm Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $5. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 23
V28|NO1 Hot Rize
- Imperial Theatre February 10 Vince Gill
- Bell Auditorium February 17 Dwight Yoakam
- Bell Auditorium March 3 Garrison Keillor
- Bell Auditorium March 8 Steep Canyon Rangers
- Bell Auditorium April 27 The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28
Elsewhere Yacht Rock Revue
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 6 Steve Earle
- City Winery, Atlanta January 7
The Josh Daniel-Mark Schimick Project Stillwater Taproom Friday, January 6 Doors, 8 p.m.; music, 10 p.m. $5 joshdanielmusic.com Thursday, January 5 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Fox’s Lair - Open Mic w/ Riley Williams Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun; Paint Nite
Friday, January 6 Live Music
Country Club - Tyler Hammond Fox’s Lair - Silver Town Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Sky City - Hands to Pasws Rescue Variety Show w/ Chelsea Logue, Phillip Lee and Michael Baideme Wild Wing - Tokyo Joe The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Sunday, January 8 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - AcostA The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Holman Autry Band
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 7 Matisyahu
- City Winery, Atlanta Janury 8 Deerhunter
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 10 Katt Williams
- Civic Center, Columbus January 13 Lettuce
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 22
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Tuesday, January 10 Live Music
- Bell Auditorium January 14
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues
24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher
- Masquerade, Atlanta January 18 Dr. John
- City Winery, Atlanta January 19 Lera Lynn
- Terminal West, Atlanta January 20 Don Henley
What’s Tonight?
Upcoming
Saturday, January 7 Live Music
Blackbear
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Soul Bar - Jazz Prayer Meeting Wild Wing - Dave Love
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Country Club - All Night DJ Dance Party Sky City - First Friday ‘80s Night Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
The Infamous Stringdusters
Wednesday, January 11 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 13-15 - Georgia Theatre, Athens January 14
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Walte-Young, Harlot
Umphrey’s Mcgee
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Soul Bar - Soul Night w/ DJ Matto Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Eli’s American - Friday Night Live Fox’s Lair - Kim and Ruskin Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Stillwater Taproom - Josh Daniel-Mark Schimick Project Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - The Bonnie Situation The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Monday, January 9 Live Music
- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 13
Boo Hag, Gloom Cocoon
- Imperial Theatre January 13
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Sierra Hull
- Iron Heights January 13 Monica and Friends The Get Right Band
- Surrey Tavern January 20
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
V28|NO1
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Chris Young, Diana Palma and Duane Yonce at Blue Sky Kitchen.
Bryce Mixon, Philip Lee and Georgia Latremouille downtown.
Rebekah Chad, Austen Alexander and Alicia Maters at Fuse Creative Cuisine & Craft Beer.
Michelle Williamson, Dexter Jackson and Brooke Hunter at the Pizza Joint.
Joseph Gambill, Megan Winters, Kala Vaughner and Naeem Sampson at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).
DJ and Alisa McCarty with Jordan Malone at the Mellow Mushroom downtown.
Caitlin Belles, Alyssa Allen and Zachary Stillwell at 1102 Downtown.
Mia Bowman, Pamela Williams, Tamera Nesmith and Millicent Bowman at Southbound Smokehouse.
Taylor Watts, Mary Bryson Stuckey and Keely Dickson at Southbound Smokehouse.
5JANUARY2017
MARRIED COUPLES By Kevin G. Der/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Leave a permanent mark on 5 Stows, as a banner 10 Ice carving? 15 Frequently 18 Romance writer Roberts 19 Ultimately succeed 20 Coin portraying Queen Victoria, once 21 Quaint cry of disapproval 22 Play by heart? 25 Monastery title 26 Sphere 27 Personal problems 28 Relay segment 29 Roman emblem of power adopted by Mussolini 31 Big name in grills 33 Toward the back 34 Gymnastics event 36 Means of death for Judas Iscariot 37 A plus average? 41 Tight-lipped 42 Took first 43 2007 Peace Prize recipient 44 Rio greeting 45 Makes minor observations? 50 Gum that comes in Fire and Ice varieties 53 Begot 54 Letterhead? 55 “Star Trek: T.N.G.” counselor 57 Leeway 58 Life force in Eastern medicine 60 Handle with care? 64 Chart of the heavens 68 River more than 2,700 miles long that crosses the Equator twice 69 Two turtledoves, e.g. 70 Cry at a surprise party just before the honoree arrives 72 Get a groove on? 73 Drink Gatorade after a workout, say 75 Calm before the storm? 78 Blow it 79 Red-haired biblical twin 80 Marco Polo crossed it 81 “Gnarly!” 82 What a lead runner sets 85 Learns 88 Some Bavarian brews
91 Under the weather 92 “Pronto!” 93 Part of a film studio tour 95 Disney Channel’s “____ and Maddie” 96 Grab and go? 104 Land bordering Nepal 105 Errands, e.g. 106 A.T.M. expense 107 Provider of limited coverage? 109 Subject to a recall, maybe 111 Ginger ____ 112 “You betcha!” 114 Middle X or O 115 Milne young ’un 116 Stay ahead of the curve? 120 Dec. 31, e.g. 121 ____ Hawkins dance 122 Glossy fabric 123 Baja’s opposite 124 Setting for much of “Lord Jim” 125 Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse ____ 126 Stuck-up sort 127 Spot for brooding
39 Metaphor for punishment 40 Standing 45 Luau locale 46 Cupronickel, e.g. 47 Like some uncertain dates 48 Poppycock 49 1998 N.L. M.V.P. 51 Night at the museo? 52 ____ the line (obeying) 53 Canoe builder’s bark source 56 “Quite true” 59 Padlock’s place 61 Find common ground 62 What spirits can do 63 Toward the back 64 Kept for later 65 “A Visit From St. Nicholas” writer 66 Very loud 67 Isn’t over yet 71 Maker of the fragrance Sauvage 74 Wreck, informally 76 Russian moolah 77 Triangular road sign 79 Big purveyor of sports talk DOWN 82 Imagines 1 Support, as a foundation 83 Like a machine that prints, scans 2 Dara who swam at five Olympics and faxes 3 Curmudgeonly 84 Provider of the fizz in a gin fizz 4 Common Christmas entree 86 Worm or fly 5 Former Saudi king 87 Blubber 6 Release from shackles 89 Setting for some aerial maneuvers 7 Way up a bunny slope 90 “Well, Did You ____?” (Cole Porter 8 San ____ Obispo, Calif. tune) 9 Thérèse, e.g.: Abbr. 92 “Hurry!” 10 Make available 94 Soy-based frozen- dessert brand 11 Bars for swingers? 97 Flight attendant’s offering 12 Go (for) 98 Fisher of fashion 13 Coral bleaching locale 99 Design feature 14 Drive mad 100 Hawks’ hangouts 15 Salty or spicy 101 “John Wick” star 16 Event with steeply discounted prices 102 Mark with spots 17 Interest piquer 103 Passes 19 Sports team tally: Abbr. 108 Onetime alternative to Facebook 23 Boeing competitor Messenger 24 Dollar, in slang 110 Website with a Watch list 30 Pittance 112 Vigorously debate (with) 32 One of nine for Tina Fey 113 Man cave, maybe 34 Swedish lake 117 Employee badges, e.g. that’s the largest in the European Union 118 It’s a “gift” 35 Suffix with beta or cyclo119 Name whose Italian equivalent is 38 Drops Giovanni
1
2
3
4
5
18
6
9
10
33
37
54
49
55
51
78 85
86
87
97
98
88
99
89
90
95 100
101
102
106 111
117
81
94
105 110
72 77
93
109
71
80
92
104
59 65
76
79
84
96
58 64 70
75
67
44 53
57
69 74
66
30
52
63
68
17
36
43
56
16
40
50
62
73
83
29 35
42 48
91
15
25
39
41 47
61
14
21
34
38
60
13
28
32
46
12
24
27
31
11
20
23
26
82
8
19
22
45
7
103
107
112
108
113
114
115
116
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS T R U M A N
R A S P
D A Z E R
R U N O V E R
I M I T A T E
S L O S H E S
P A S S A N T
A G O R A
T E N O Z
X O R T E H E R F E T A D I S E P O T N A E G A D G M N A B L W O O S U N L E E D D E O R
S H O R N E F E L A F A P U P L I N E I N R N G S T T W H A R D A T E R D E N E A L A G I D O N E E Y D S A P O P M O N D I C K C L E O I T I N
T S T O P R T I T I Y E T T E A L O S R E V A Y I R S E A A A N O D P T R I I N C O V A L N I T E L Y R E E M U E E S P L R M R U O C E L P L O W I N S O N P A T R A E R A N T
E N O L
R E P R I N T
O H O F E M T U U R M O T R I P I
O T O R L O P E A V E D E R A S S A N S A R S T E N N S H O O O W L F I C E L S A U T T N G E S L A W M I A D I N G A S T E N T E R K I D S
V28|NO1
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS “Rogue One” doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
ROGUE ONE
$49,539,000
$424,917,705
3
1
2
SING
$42,820,000
$166,421,490
2
2
3
PASSENGERS
$16,150,000
$61,450,201
2
3
4
MOANA
$10,974,000
$210,033,039
6
6
5
WHY HIM?
$10,600,000
$34,618,587
2
4
In Theaters January 6
HORROR “Underworld: Blood Wars,” rated R, starring Kate Beckinsale, Theo James.
FAMILY “A Monster Calls,” rated PG-13, starring Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver,
It’s hard to believe that Kate Beckinsale has stuck around for this series, which is now into its fifth installment and has announced plans for a sixth. At least this vampire versus werewolves story isn’t sappy like some other lame series we could name. While none of these films have gotten great reviews, we have to admit that we love Beckinsale as the kick-ass Death Dealer Selene with a badass wardrobe and an even sharper aim.
Felicity Jones. The monster of the title looks a lot like Groot of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame. This one, however, has a much bigger vocabulary and a much more calming influence, not surprising since he’s voiced by Liam Neeson. Conor, the young protagonist, can use all the calm he can get: his mother is very sick and the bullies at school won’t leave him alone. We’re not sure if the monster can help Conor’s mother, but we have a feeling he’ll have no trouble with those bullies.
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
5JANUARY2017
fin c h a n d f i ft h . c o m
(706 ) 36 4-5300 f o u n ta i n l e v e l su r r e y c e n t e r
Lunch of
Champions daily from 11:30 to 3:00