Table of Contents May 11, 2017
Whine Line 6 Kris Fisher 10 Insider 12 Feature 14 Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
18 20 22 30 32 34 36 38
14 EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
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Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
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COVER DESIGN: Kruhu
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OPINION
Kris Fisher: 10
The Whine Line Repeal and repeal and repeal. Where is the replace part? It’s now legal for states to choose whether or not insurance companies are required to cover pre-existing conditions? Really? But we all know what happens when you let states choose whether people will live or die. Georgia chose to turn federal healthcare dollars down as a political statement. Representatives Isakson, Perdue, and Allen are all on my chopping block. What a cruel joke they played...I’m not worried about myself...I’m relatively healthy, with a nice insurance package. What about you? Better yet, who did you vote for again? In the midterms? why are certain Augusta comossioners obsessed with boys showing underwear? Benderdinker 2017 was an awesome event and organized wonderfully. However $40 per vessel for food and drink and all you got was a granola bar, 1 tamale, and a small bag of boiled or regular peanuts and floating coolers of water and tea you had to pour yourself....not doing that again. Big disappointment. I was starving the whole time of the event! The only real food was afterwards for $6+, no thanks. Already spent all my money on the registration fee.
To the person who whined about Mexico-you’re a special kind of moron. I wonder what happened in the investigation of the Scott Johnson/Pam Tucker debacle by Ron Cross’ buddy Sheriff Clay Whittle. I think it’s TUCKER TIME! Austin Rhodes will spend 4 whole days talking about the doctor who was dragged off the airplane but you barely hear a peep from him on the case of Stolen Valor by Columbia County school board member Mike Sleeper. Sleeper was even supposed to go on Austin’s show and supposedly explain himself and then chickened out at the last minute. You would think that would elicit a tongue lashing from Rhodes on air. But nope, Austin has been pretty silent about the whole thing. I guess because Sleeper falls into the friends and familiy category, he is protected. That’s the problem with this area, if you are friends with the right people you can get a pass on just about anything. What happened to Barnyard Flea market? It has become a ghost town. Ive been a vendor for a while but since they got greedy and went up on the price for a booth, nobody cones to shop here anymore. I think I’m going to stop being a vendor here. I predict with no customers anymore itll most likely go out of business!
Are Idiots bonified? Hey Liberals and Snowflakes! The 1st Amendment gives me the right to say what I want, when I want, and where I want. If you get up on me, the 2nd Amendment gives me the right to get you off me. GO FOR IT ! How can Trump supporters be outraged at what Steven Cobert said about the President? They elected a self admitted sexual predicator who exaggerates or out right lies about everything he does. They have lowered the bar and set a new standard of acceptable. Another Whop sided Metro Spirit news blast? Hope its accurate as usual. When it comes to politics, there is three sides to every story. The democrat side, the republican side, and the truth I am a conservative, I admit it. However, the first time I voted, I voted for Democratic peanut farmer who turned out to be a better human being than a president. I learned much from my first vote and from that point on I have found no Democrat worthy of my vote. Not that the Republicans have always nominated their best and brightest. In my opinion, they are just more rational than the Democratic candidates. The last election was my most difficult, a choice between a liar and a braggart. I believe that Americans made the right choice. The point is, we are not getting our best and brightest to run for our elective offices because of the lack of civility and the large sums of money corrupting and poisoning the political process. As long as the left embraces and supports vile people like Samatha Bee, Bill Maher, Stephen Colbert and others there isn’t a chance in hell for Americans to come together in the center. In fact, watching the actions and words of the left over the last year makes me believe the chance to return to civility and respect for each persons opinion is not possible. We have only turmoil and violence to look forward too.
So the United States of America just hired a president with absolutely no government experience. Welcome aboard person with no experience who was just hired in Jefferson County! You came along just at the right time apparently lol! This is not a joke Need a career change? Great pay benefits galore! Show up when you want? Apply to be a sitting member of Congress! ALL POSITIONS OPEN! Afternoon naps when in session, free parking, Huge discounts buy 3 toupees get 1 free! Must be able to read with understanding and use a pencil Calling all Americans! Still don’t think America isn’t for sale? Then wake the hell up! It’s not enough to tax the hell out of those of us who Have worked 25-30 years...now that we’re all used up, you want us to use all of our savings and SS to pay for our health care or die trying? Wait till the 36 million or so people who lose coverage figure out what you all have done. Last time I checked your mothers and fathers are my age too! Good Luck with that...... Printing swear words in the whine line? Pretty classy metro spirt. But I guess you’ll print anything as long as it’s anti conservative nowadays. The nonstop degradation of liberals only goes to make us conservatives that much more confident that we’re on the right side.
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.
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Respect downtown Kris Fisher In case you mIssed It, we threw a pretty big shindig last Friday. It was First Friday and Cinco de Mayo. So, it was kind of necessary. The cool thing about this particular fiesta is that it was free and it was in the middle of downtown Augusta, in the Common. We had Mexican food, festivities for the kids and a free concert from upcoming artists Maggie Lindemann, Daniel Skye and Aaron Carter. We invited everyone and I’m happy to say that a lot of people took us up on our invitation. Here’s the kicker: No one got shot! It’s a weird thing to mention, I know. But, you’d be surprised at how many people stated that as the reason they wouldn’t be attending our soiree. Or, maybe you wouldn’t be surprised. Maybe you’re one of the people who are afraid of the same thing. Despite First Fridays being gunplay free for a few years, many people still have their “shooting story.” I, too, have a shooting story. Except, mine is from the first ever high school football game I ever went to. However, I didn’t start boycotting high school football games after that. In fact, I’ve been to maybe a hundred more without incident. Despite the many good First Friday experiences people have had over the years, shooting stories, recanted over and over, are now the perception about downtown events. But, it shouldn’t be. We have an awesome downtown area and measures are being taken to ensure it’s safe for these events and others like it: Major Rager, The Riverwalk Revival Series, Border Bash, several pub crawls and other events have all gone off without incident. There are cities similar to ours in size and demographic who take full advantage of their downtown area. They celebrate it with concerts, festival, etc. There’s absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t as well. If crime is your argument, well then we shouldn’t be going to Walmart, the mall or McDonald’s, each of which has had a shooting within the last year in the CSRA. Our next First Friday event is already lined up: We’re kicking off the summer on June 2 with another free concert featuring Jax Jones, Max and AJR. There’s a lot of kids activities, food and beverages, and even some adult beverages. Yes, fun can be had by all at the same time. If you haven’t been downtown in a while, come and check it out. You might even have a little fun yourself. KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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newS
The Power of Fort Gordon: 14
Please get serious, Columbia County So, aPParently the Columbia County Board of Commissioners needs a full 10 days to cover its ... well, you know. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that it has officially concluded its investigation into claims of a “hostile work environment” brought by former EMA Director Pam Tucker and former EMA Deputy Director Rusty Welsh. In her letter of resignation earlier this year, Tucker did not mince words about why she was leaving the job she has loved for almost two decades. “During the last few years, I have endured a hostile work environment by the administrator, who has an on-going deliberate campaign to force me out of my job,” Tucker wrote in her Jan. 31 letter of resignation, referring to County Administrator Scott Johnson. “Time and time again, I have tried to be strong and keep focused on my job since that is my passion and has been for a large part of my life. The latest of many verbal attacks on me is more than I can suffer.” But Welsh was equally critical of Tucker, insisting that she was “controlling, manipulative, condescending, arrogant, disrespectful, hypocritical and juvenile” while serving as his boss. The truth of the matter is that copies of the report have been circulating around the county for more than a week. So, to say that it was “officially concluded” on Monday, May 8, really means it has been “redacted” and “cleaned up” for more than week, according to several insiders within Columbia County. But that’s not on the sheriff’s office. Apparently, Major Steve Morris officially announced that two reports have been released to Columbia County Chairman Ron Cross, one dealing with the allegations made by Welsh and another one regarding Tucker’s claims that County Administrator Scott Johnson created a “hostile work environment.” 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
So, according to Morris, Cross received the reports on Monday, May 8, and the public and press have to wait 10 days to receive a copy of those same reports.
The sheriff’s office is saying that is “common practice with these types of investigations from the Internal Affairs division.” Sure it is. Well, maybe in Columbia County. Here’s the deal: The reports have been seen throughout the county prior to the “official release” to Cross on Monday. Some people have even seen the “non-redacted version” of the report. Yep. Folks, it’s already out there. So, it will be very interesting to review the final version of the two reports. If the two reports vastly differ from the original reports, the Columbia County Commission will have some serious explaining to do. The commissioners will have to answer the following questions: Why was it watered down? Who is the commission trying to protect? Don’t Columbia County residents deserve the truth? Does the public really need spin control? Let’s make it totally simple for each and every Columbia County commissioner to understand: If you fudge on this report, don’t expect the public or media
to take it lightly. Your job is to make sure that the local government runs smoothly, efficiently and openly to the public. If there is a bad seed, whether it is Scott Johnson, Pam Tucker or Rusty Welsh, it needs to be exposed. Otherwise, you are disrespecting all the time and effort put into this investigation by the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat. They are honorable public servants that this community genuinely trusts. If you are willing to compromise their integrity, you’ll compromise anyone. So, commissioners, read the reports. There is no need to redact what you don’t like. Accept the results of the sheriff’s investigation. Change only comes when the reality of the situation is thoroughly vetted, understood, accepted and corrected. Corrected is really the crucial step here. If you are worried about embarrassing the county, don’t be. As the community continues to grow, there will be more and more questions posed to Columbia County commissioners in the future about the way the county handles its finances, business relationships and future projects. While your public relations manager is a wonderful arm of the government, you are the local elected officials. You answer to the public. You can’t hide from controversy. You face it head on. Correct it. And make the county much stronger and better in the end. The more you hide, the worse it will get. And, seriously, no one wants that. You may think the press loves to crucify public officials, but that’s not the case. If something is wrong, you need to fix it. That’s your job. 11MAY2017
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Crazy like a fox THE BURKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE made news this week when one of its officers, Deputy Misti May, was bitten in the leg and thigh by a fox that witnesses said was “acting strangely.” May had been called out to River Creek Road near NextEra Energy around 2 p.m. on Monday. A NextEra Energy employee named Michael Hale witnessed the wild fox acting unusual after briefly stepping outside. “The fox then approached him and bit him on the leg,” according to a press release from Chief Deputy Lewis Blanchard of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. Blanchard stated that Hale was not injured because he was wearing safety boots. Deputies arrived on the scene prior to the Department of Natural Resources. When Deputy Misti May approached the fox, she attempted to use pepper spray to subdue the animal, but it didn’t work. The fox quickly became agitated and attacked May, biting her twice on the leg. By then, Lt. Willie Burley and Deputy Gary Jenkins arrived on the scene and got the fox away from May and killed the animal. Afterwards, Steven Murray of the Burke County Health Department sent the animal to the Department of Public Health in Atlanta to be tested for rabies. The results are expected by 4 p.m. on Thursday. As for May, she received treatment and shots at the Burke County Hospital and is expected to be out of work for approximately 10 days. Fortunately, there have not been any other reports of aggressively acting wild animals in Burke County, according to Blanchard. “Working in a rural county, you encounter all kinds of calls for assistance, including dangerous animals,” Blanchard said. “Sheriff (Alfonzo) Williams and I are glad Deputy May was not more seriously injured.” While no one was seriously injured in this incident, it does once again bring up the problem of Burke County not having an animal services department. This issue first arose when a homeowner in Burke County was facing foreclosure in 2014, so the homeowner packed up, moved out and left five dogs chained up in the front lawn. These poor dogs were left without any food or water. They were malnourished and one of the dogs had a collar that had grown into the skin of its neck, according to The Augusta Chronicle. Thankfully, neighbors discovered the dogs and called a local animal rescue group to transport them to a veterinarian. Since that incident, several local residents have insisted that Burke County, which is
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one of Georgia’s largest counties, needs to form an animal services department. It’s definitely a problem. In 2014, Sgt. Dan Lowe of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office told the Chronicle that the sheriff’s office is “by default called for cruelty cases, stray dog complaints and other animal-related issues.” However, he said the deputies “do not have the training, equipment or facility to confiscate dangerous or abused animals.” Clearly, Lowe was correct considering the recent incident involving the wild fox. The lack of animal services in Burke County has also impacted Augusta-Richmond County. Sharon Broady, director of the Augusta Animal Services, has frequently told the Augusta Commission that they receive abandoned animals from several area counties, including Burke County. “It is a revolving door,” Broady told the Metro Spirit a few years ago. “While I know we’ve got to make some changes as a department, the changes have to got come from the pet owners as well as us. Animals don’t need to be looked at as disposable.” Unlike some area shelters, Broady said Augusta Animal Services accepts all unwanted animals. “There are some shelters that simply don’t take in any animals once they are full. They’ll say, ‘We can’t take them,’” Broady said. “So, as a result, we get animals from all over, including neighboring counties and even from across the bridge in South Carolina. But our train of thought is that if we turn down their request to take the animal, and we’ve seen this happen, they’ll go around the corner and just let the animal out and then we have to chase them. So I’d rather take them in the door than spend hours chasing an animal that someone has just let loose.” It’s time for Burke County to take responsibility for its animal population and establish an animal services department. Not just for the deputies’ safety, but for the safety of the public and their pets. After all, if you don’t have an animal services department or certified law enforcement officers assigned to handle such issues, more animals could possibly be exposed to diseases like rabies or Burke County could face more cases of serious animal neglect. After all, without any enforcement, abuse cases can go completely unnoticed. Especially in a rural community like Burke County. It’s time for a change.
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the Power of Fort gordon
Being named the Army Cyber Command Center has strengthened Fort gordon’s future and boosted the entire Augusta area By Stacey Eidson Looking out of his office window at the flurry of activity and construction surrounding the Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, Col. Todd Turner said he sees nothing but growth and a strong future ahead for the entire Augusta area. “When we talk about the Army Cyber headquarters, people are always asking me, ‘Is this all conceptual?’” said Turner, the garrison commander for Fort Gordon. “The answer is, ‘No. We are in execution. We are executing a $1.6 billion build plan.’” Just last November, Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning joined local, state and federal officials along with senior Army leaders to break ground on the new Army Cyber headquarters at Fort Gordon. Over the next several years, crews will be constructing a state-of-the-art headquarters for Army cyberspace operations at the fort, which is already home to the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence. During the first phase of construction, new facilities supporting Army Cyber Operations and Command 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
and Control functions are planned to be completed by May 2018 at a cost of approximately $85 million. A second phase of construction to support Cyber Protection Team operations is expected to be finished by early 2019. The Army Cyber Command Complex will accommodate more than 1,200 cyber military personnel and civilians by late 2020, Turner said. “Just in the last 10 years, the military, the Department of Defense and the interagencies have put about $1.2 billion into Fort Gordon,” Turner said. “And, in the next 10 years, right now we are looking at $1.6 billion planned for construction.” For many people in the Augusta area, those are mind-boggling numbers for the future growth of Fort Gordon. Each day puts Fort Gordon closer to the transformation of the Cyber Center of Excellence and the arrival of the Army Cyber Command. “Obviously, everybody is very much focused on cyber these days,” Turner said. “So, in January of 2014,
the Army directed us to convert the Signal Center of Excellence to the Cyber Center of Excellence. So we are just about three years into that.” Construction at the base is clearly a well-planned operation and a significant investment in Fort Gordon by the military. “In the current budget cycle, we have about twothirds of the military construction to build the new campus. So our main effort is going to be building the new campus,” Turner said, adding that the fort has recently completed an additional 10 top-secret classrooms to teach cyber. With the addition of those new classrooms, Fort Gordon has a total of 12 top-secret classrooms available for cyber instruction. “Secondary to the new campus, but probably equally important, is the Army Cyber headquarters that just broke ground this past November,” he said. The top-secret Army Cyber Command Complex will be co-located with the $286 million National Security Agency’s cryptologic center that opened at 11MAY2017
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“The importance of our mission is growing for our nation. It is obviously mentioned in our National Security Strategy. You have heard President Trump mention it several times during the election, so we know the value and importance of our mission.”
Fort Gordon in 2012. Known as NSA Georgia, approximately 4,000 civilian and military workers trained in linguistics and cryptology work at the equally top-secret facility. “And, next year, we will break ground with our Cyber Protection Team facility,” Turner said. “The brand new campus and the new operational Army Cyber
“Just in the last 10 years, the military, the Department of Defense and the interagencies have put about $1.2 billion into Fort Gordon. And, in the next 10 years, right now we are looking at $1.6 billion planned for construction.” 11MAY2017
headquarters coming down here will move from several different facilities up in the Maryland/Virginia area and will co-locate here in 2020.” By 2019, the Augusta area will already begin to see a greater influx of people coming to work at the fort, Turner said. “We believe they will start having workers come here in 2019 because they will start building up their workforce, so that will be the next big catalyst for change for us,” Turner said. “Frankly, the Army is going to have some dual hires. They will have the same position hired here and up there in Fort Meade or the Fort Belvoir area and, at some point, either that position will go away or they will migrate here. But we know for sure the flag will come here in 2020.” The delivery of the flag in 2020 will truly symbolize the Defense Department’s decision to name Fort Gordon as the Army Cyber Command Center and relocate some of Fort Meade’s personnel from the Maryland/Washington D.C. area to Augusta. “Right now, the Army considers us a medium installation, but I can tell you that we are definitely growing,” Turner said, adding that cyber security is the upmost importance to the entire country. “The importance of our mission is growing for our nation. It is obviously mentioned in our National Security Strategy. You have heard President Trump mention it several times during the election, so we know the value and importance of our mission.” Fort Gordon’s historic role as the Signal Center of Excellence has helped shape that mission, Turner said. “We have the premiere communications probably in the world,” he said. “Honestly, we have never had as good as communications as we have today. And, frankly, cyber relies on that communication. The foundation of cyber is the Signal Corps.” And the impact of Fort Gordon’s role in the Army is felt worldwide, he said. “A lot of folks on the outside of these gates do not realize that we are supporting the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan every day and really around the world,” Turner said. “Fort Gordon historically has been looked at as just a little training base and maybe folks didn’t think a whole lot was going on, but now it is an operational platform. All that being said, that’s certainly a catalyst for growth.” Currently, Fort Gordon is working extremely hard to prepare for that future growth, Turner said. “Here at Fort Gordon, the total population is about 25,000,” Turner said. “We also have about 2,500 contractors that come to Fort Gordon, so we get more than 27,000 folks on the fort each day. And on special occasions, like graduation day with families coming in, we reach about 30,000 folks that are on the fort.” With that many people headed to Fort Gordon each day and more soon to come, Turner said officials at the fort are working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to help alleviate some of the traffic delays around the gates. “When you talk about traffic flow, there is all this growth that has occurred AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“Honestly, we have never had as good as communications as we have today. And, frankly, cyber relies on that communication. The foundation of cyber is the Signal Corps.” and there has been a lot of new neighborhoods that have been developed,” Turner said. “Once the neighborhoods start coming, now you have the tax base to develop some of the road networks and the infrastructure. So, we are working closely with the Georgia Department of Transportation to help shift some of the traffic pressures.” It is imperative for Fort Gordon’s workforce to get on base in a timely manner without a great deal of hassle, Turner said. “Fortunately, we are also going to have a new gate built to help the traffic flow,” he said. “But it is going to take some time because there are some other things that need to be done with the corridors. But the goal is for those working at the fort to have a relatively short commute to work.” Turner also said it is extremely important for the general public to feel as if Fort Gordon is a part of the community and that they can also have access to the base’s amenities such as Hilltop Riding Stable, the disc golf course, the bike trails, bowling and the archery and skeet ranges. “We want the community to see us as Hephzibah, Martinez or Evans. We are just the city next door,” Turner said. “And, if you have a valid reason to come on the fort and you want to use one our facilities, we want to welcome the local community.” A few years ago, the Department of Defense issued a directive that those nonmilitary personnel working at the fort and those visiting the installation would be 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
required to go through a background check. Initially, the gates did experience some backlog, but Turner explained that, over the past summer, Fort Gordon worked hard to smoothly implement the background checks and new gate requirements. “We have no backlog now,” Turner said. “If you are going to a gate, and you just want access today, you should have that within about 5 to 8 minutes. If you have a reason to be on post, such as you are attending one of our Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs and you want a 12-month pass, you should be able to get that in 72 hours. It is a card you can swipe and come through. So, we have done significant work to make the gate access better and it has had a tremendous impact on our relationship with the local community.” Just this past weekend, Fort Gordon hosted the Marine Mud Challenge which is a tremendously popular event that is growing larger each year, Turner said. “This year, we are also going to host the Professional Disc Golf World Championship here at Fort Gordon in June,” he said. “And of course, we will have our Independence Day Celebration this year on Friday, June 30. That is
“Fort Gordon historically has been looked at as just a little training base and maybe folks didn’t think a whole lot was going on, but now it is an operational platform. All that being said, that’s certainly a catalyst for growth.” 11MAY2017
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“We want the community to see us as Hephzibah, Martinez or Evans. We are just the city next door.” always a hit. Last year, we had Cole Swindell at the celebration and we had 35,000 neighbors come to the fort that day. This year, we have Randy Houser, which is another country artist, and we are looking forward to that and inviting everyone to the fort.” Having the surrounding community come and enjoy the fort is extremely important, but equally valuable is the tremendous support shown to the base and the military personnel by the entire Augusta area, Turner said. “For example, Thunder Over Evans is an event that makes us feel a part of this community,” Turner said, referring to the largest privately funded Armed Forces Day celebration that will be held this year at Evans Towne Center Park on Saturday, May 20. “It is an event that honors our veterans and our fallen, those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and our way of life, so we are very grateful to the local community.” Thunder Over Evans was started by three local businessmen — Donnie Thompson, Andy Jones and the late Dale Phelon — who wanted to give something back to the men and women who serve this country. It is the perfect opportunity to bring together the public and the military for a fun-filled day of free events and to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. Those kinds of events mean the world to military families and soldiers at Fort Gordon, Turner said. “This has got to be one of the most supportive military communities around,” Turner said of the entire CSRA. “Most communities are supportive, but if you look at a lot of military bases, they have fairly small towns outside the gates, so those towns rely heavily on that fort. This area has about 600,000 people in the greater Augusta area. Only about 100,000, which is still pretty high, have some kind of tie to Fort Gordon or the military or the Department of Defense.” While the Augusta area definitely benefits from being home to Fort Gordon, it has a great deal of other local economic engines, Turner said. “I would say, if Fort Gordon was not necessarily here, Augusta would definitely still go on,” Turner said. “They have the university, the medical district, the Masters, SRS, Plant Vogtle, the list goes on and on. So, the Augusta area has a lot of other things going on for it, but to have as much as this community has going on and to be as supportive as they are of Fort Gordon is very impressive.”
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“So we are very grateful to the local community and some of those senior leaders in the community that really work tremendously hard to orchestrate events like Thunder Over Evans,” he added. “It means a lot.” Of course, the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon insists that the fort is, above and beyond, a vital member of this entire community. According to the CSRA Alliance, which was created in 2003 by the late Congressman Charlie Norwood, Fort Gordon remains the area’s largest employer with about 24,000 military, civilian and contractor employees, which is a growth of more than 6,000 employees since 2002. The estimated total economic impact of the fort is more than $2.4 billion annually, the CSRA Alliance reports. Also, area school districts receive approximately $1.2 million annually in impact aid, which is funding provided by the Department of Education to compensate for federal employees who do not pay property or Georgia state taxes because they live in government housing or they are out-of-state residents. But even more importantly, the alliance estimates that Fort Gordon service members, civilians and family members volunteer more than 90,000 man hours annually in area schools, nursing homes, food banks and community activities and events. However, Turner insists that when local leaders in the Augusta area are so generous with their time and efforts to support military families, it makes Fort Gordon want to give even more back to the community. “For example, last Friday, we did our Adopt-A-School Program kick off,” Turner said. “We partnered a battalion or brigade and we sign an agreement that says that military unit will be the partner organization to the public high school district, as well as the feeder schools that feed into that district, both public and private.” The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness of the Army’s mission and to foster good relations with the local communities. “Honestly, the first thing that I get asked by our folks moving to this area is, frankly, about the schools here,” Turner said. “That’s typically the number one concern for parents. They want quality education for their children.” Therefore, it is important for military personnel to help support the local school systems by tutoring, volunteering, coaching or mentoring to students. “Whether that means they are guest speakers at Veterans Day or Memorial Day events, or judging science fairs or helping with field day or assisting with the training of JROTC, we just want folks in uniform to be supportive of our schools,” Turner said. “We want to help. We want the students to see these uniforms and know that there are a lot of opportunities out there. We want them to know we are part of this community and we are here to help.”
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TWO DAYS full of banjo-picking, bass-thumping, guitar-strumming goodness: that’s what visitors to the Aiken Fairgrounds will find this Friday and Saturday. But that’s not all the Aiken Bluegrass Festival has to offer. Oh, sure, audiences will experience firsthand both blistering and heartfelt sets by the likes of The Infamous Stringdusters, Fruition, the Larry Keel Experience, the Herman Clan, Billy Strings, Gipsy Moon and Brad Parsons, as well as local favorites Doug and the Henrys. Each night, however, will also include Super Jams, with talent like Allie Kral of Yonder Mountain, Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon and more all on stage at the same time playing whatever their hearts desire. Music is, of course, the main reason to visit the Aiken Bluegrass Festival, but the event also promises craft and food vendors, kids activities, adult activities featuring beverages from New Belgium Brewing, Carolina Distillery and more, and even primitive camping. Get there early (gates open at noon each day) to get a spot; you’ll want to have an up close and personal experience for this one. AIKEN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL W/ THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, FRUITION, LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE AND MORE Aiken Fairgrounds Fri-Sat, May 12-13 Gates open at noon $20-$60; $5 per person, primitive camping aikenbluegrassfestival.org 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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What’S up
Calendar: 22 | Music Listings: 30 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
end oF an era the auguSta playerS close out their 2016-2017 season this weekend with “Beauty and the Beast.” That alone is an event in an of itself, but it is an especially important weekend for the organization for another reason. Debi Ballas, long-time executive director of the theatre company, retires after this show, the last one she will direct for the Players. We can’t imagine that Ballas will be able to stay away from the Players for long, given that theatre is in her blood. Nevertheless, this staging of the Disney classic is an event not to be missed. After all, not only is it a tale as old as time, it also marks the end of an era. “Beauty and the BeaSt” Imperial Theatre Fri, May 12, 8pm Sat, May 13, 2pm and 8pm Sun, May 14, 3pm $20-$48 706-826-4707 augustaplayers.com
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If this is how you feel at the mere thought of interviewing for a job, the the Career Expo at Augusta University’s Christenberry Fieldhouse may just be able to help you feel more prepared. Held from 1-4 p.m., those who attend will have access to Department of Labor resources, as well as workshops, resume critiques, online applications and more. Bring your resume and dress for interviews. You got this!
It’s Friday and it’s been a long week. The weather is beautiful, so why not sneak out of work a few minutes (or hours) early and head to the beautifully expansive patio area at The Indian Queen. Happy Hour is from 3-8 p.m. here, which means you’ll get a buck off the creative cocktails they make from fresh fruit and herbs they pick from their own garden. Oh, and don’t forget to invite your friends; they’ll be pretty angry if you don’t ask them to join the fun.
Lace up your running shoes at head to Blanchard Woods Park, for there, at 9 a.m., is the Rock & Run 5K. It’s only $25 to sign up and that money goes to a great cause. When Help Can’t Wait is a nonprofit that serves area nursing home residents, giving them access to everyday items like clothing and blankets, that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get. So what are you waiting for?
Wolves are fascinating and often misunderstood creatures. Find out more about them tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta, when the Sierra Club welcomes Frank Capolupo from the California Wolf Center to their monthly meeting. He’ll talk about the history of these majestic creatures, as well as why they’re important to our ecology and what his center is doing to help maintain the health of the species. Free and open to the public.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 22. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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ARTS Sat May 13
10am - 3pm Basket Weaving 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30; pre-registration required. Visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Ongoing
2017 Arts Awards Nominations Greater Augusta Arts Council The council is seeking nominations for its 2017 Arts Awards in the following categories: Volunteer, Arts Professional, Individual Artist, Media and Sponsor. The deadline for nominations is May 12 and the awards will be presented at the council’s membership meeting on June 22. For more information, visit augustaarts.com/annualarts-awards.
EDUCATION Thu May 11
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Computer Boot Camp: Part II Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10:30am Get to Know Your PINES Account Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat May 13
9am Financial Education Class Kroc Center An EmpowerU class from Fifth Third Bank that includes information on budgeting, saving for a house, building your credit and more. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm The Other Tubmans Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
7th Annual Giant Community Yard Sale Columbia County Fairgrounds Saturday, May 13 7 a.m. - noon A Rotary Club of Columbia County event that will include booths from local businesses, crafters, individuals and food vendors. giantcommunityyardsale.com 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Sun May 14
2pm - 4pm Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Mon May 15
3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the 11MAY2017
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Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm West Augusta Alliance Meeting Warren Road Community Center Featuring guest speaker Marshal Ramone Lamkin. The public is invited to attend. Visit westaugustaalliance.wordpress.com.
Tue May 16
10:30am Tech Tuesday Computer Class Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
11:30am Women in Business Luncheon Legends Club An Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce event that will begin with networking at 11:30 a.m. and will continue with the luncheon and “The Lifetime Financial Solution: Planning in Your 30s, 40s and 50s,” a talk from guest speaker Gene McManus with AP Wealth Management. $30, members; $40, non-members. Call 706-8211300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
Wed May 17
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Thu May 18
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
11:30am Workplace Substance Abuse: Prevention, Detection and Treatment Options Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce A Third Thursday Business Builder lunch meeting sponsored by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and RiverMend Health Centers Augusta. Lunch is provided. Free, chamber members; $15, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
7pm End of Life Issues Aiken Public Library A free legal clinic. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Professional Development Courses Jessye Norman School of the Arts 11MAY2017
The school offers classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other software programs. Call or visit the website to see a schedule of spring and summer classes. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
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.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
EXHIBITIONS Thu May 11
5pm - 7pm Mary Kilgore Houston Exhibition Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
Member Show. The exhibition will remain on display through June 16. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
FLIX
Dr. John Morgan will talk about Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and dementia with lewy bodies. Free, but pre-registration by May 8 required. Call 706-721-4895 or email brainhealth@augusta.edu.
Thu May 11
7pm Happiest Baby on the Block
11am Movie for Special Needs Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm “For Roseanna” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7:30pm Augusta Jewish Film Festival Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Featuring “Moos.” For more information, visit augustajcc.org.
Tue May 16
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
Thu May 18
7pm “Bride and Prejudice” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH
6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception
Thu May 11
Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the 2017 Aiken Artist Guild
AU Alumni Center
Noon Lunch and Learn
Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat May 13
10:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon May 15
1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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10am TAG Meeting Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-4342036 or visit arcpls.org.
11am Mother’s Day Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11:30am - 3:30pm Youth Wing Workshops
Family Camping Night Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Sat, May 13, 1 p.m. - Sun, May 14, noon Campers will participate in events including survivor skills and demos by former U. S. Navy survival instructors, hot dogs, hot chocolate and s’mores campfire dinner, Cabela’s games and activities, a family friendly movie and more. Ends Sunday at noon. $39; $29 for Friends of Phinizy. Pre-registration required. 706-396-1426 phinizycenter.org 7:30pm Beginner’s Yoga
7:30pm Childbirth Tour
That Place Coffee Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Tue May 16
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Education University Hospital A three-session class that continues Tuesdays through May 30. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Sat May 13
10:30am Beyond Basics: Taking Your Family History Research to the Next Level Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed May 17
10:30am - 3pm Wreath Making for All Occasions
New Bethlehem Community Center A Medical Associates Plus event that will include vendors with information and fans given to those who qualify. Call 706-9220261 or visit mapbt.com.
Wallace Branch Library Presented by The Craft. $10, advance: $12, day of event. Call 706-826-1535 or visit arcpls.org.
5pm Breastfeeding Class
6pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting
1pm - 3pm Heat Safety Awareness
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Infant CPR: AHA Friends and Family AugustaHealth Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Education University Hospital A three-session class that continues Wednesdays through May 31. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Mon May 15
Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Candice Shy Hooper will present on her book, “Lincoln’s General’s Wives: Four Women Who Influenced the Civil War for Better and Worse.” Meetings are $15, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Thu May 18
6:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their
Aiken Community Playhouse Those in grades 4-7 meet from 11:30 a.m.1:15 p.m. and those in grades 8-12 meet from 1-3:30 p.m. Classes are designed to teach basic theatre stage skills, such as stage movement, finding your character, improvisation and script analysis in a fun environment. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikenplayhouse.us.
1pm Family Camping Night
own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Campers will participate in events including survivor skills and demos by former U. S. Navy survival instructors, hot dogs, hot chocolate and s’mores campfire dinner, Cabela’s games and activities, a family friendly movie and more. Ends Sunday at noon. $39; $29 for Friends of Phinizy. Preregistration required. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Ongoing
2pm Lego Club
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
Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
8pm All About Frogs
Aiken Public Library For those ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Reed Creek Park An indoor/outdoor program for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat May 13
Mon May 15
9am Be Proud, Be Responsible
10am Mom & Me Story Time
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A free program for those ages 12-19 that educates youth on teen pregnancy. Parental consent required for those ages 17 and under. Pre-registration required. Call 706394- 5073 or 706-394-3179.
Reed Creek Park For those ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or email phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
Thu May 11
4pm Lego Club
9:30am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Cookies and Canvas: Summer Aiken Center for the Arts An art class for children ages 5 and up. $25; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm Teen Trivia Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue May 16
10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6. Pre11MAY2017
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Ongoing
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space 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.
MUSIC Thu May 11
6pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring North Augusta Idol Spotlight with Dancin’ in the Park. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
Paddlefest Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday, May 13 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A race and paddle along seven miles of the Savannah River for canoes, kayaks and SUPs that ends with an afterparty with lunch, live music and beer. paddlefestga.com. registration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Young Children’s Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 0-3 that includes songs, finger plays and readings. Preregistration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
Wed May 17
10am Children’s Story Time Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups. 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.
Fri May 12
6pm Mother’s Day Concert Evans Towne Center Park Featuring live music from the Temptations Revue Featuring Dennis Edwards and the O’Jays. Gates open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com. juice and cookies will be provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com. Imagination Station Children’s Museum Free, members; $10, visiting families with up to three children and $2 for each additional child. Visit imagineaugusta.org.
Augusta Canal Discovery Center Featuring Stink Bamboo, this event features live music aboard a 1 1/2-hour Petersburg boat tour. Participants are invited to bring aboard snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Preregistration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
4:30pm Drawing and Painting
Sat May 13
3:30pm Yoga for Little Ones
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Church of Our Savior An Artists’ Guild of Columbia County class for those ages 6-12. Classes continue Wednesdays through May 24 and price is $20 per session. Visitartistsguildcc.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time
5pm Unplug and Play for Teens
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library No electronic devices allowed. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
Thu May 18
10am Wacky Wednesday 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 Story time with representatives from Westobou will be followed by a craft, and
7pm Moonlight Music Cruise
6pm Big Brother/Big Sister Doctors Hospital An educational and interactive class for children ages 3-8 who will soon be welcoming a new baby into the home. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7pm An Evening of Comedy and Jazz Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring Ron Liburd Jr., hosted by O.D. O’Dell, Tommy Stracke and music by GMT: RealX. A benefit for the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. $20. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
Sun May 14
1:30pm Mangelly Accordionaires Mother’s Day Concert Augusta Museum of History rotunda Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org. 11MAY2017
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7:30pm Candlelight Music Series Augusta Common Participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at this weekly event, this week. $8. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Mon May 15
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring the students of the East Aiken School of the Arts. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and wellbehaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit facebook. com/experienceaiken. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661.
Thu May 18
7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring the Cross-Tie Walkers. Participants can bring blankets and chairs. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
SENIORS Thu May 18
1pm Got 30 Minutes?
homeless pets. Call 803-648-6863 or visit letlovelive.org.
10am - 4pm Fine Arts Festival Davidson Fine Arts A showcase of students in a variety of performances, including short plays, dance concerts, ethnic drums, orchestra, band and ensemble performances, musical theatre, visual student-created works and more. Free; $2 for the Advanced Dance Concert at the end of the day. Visit davidson.rcboe.org.
10am - 1pm Moms Club Membership Drive Weeks Center, Aiken An event that includes information about the Aiken Moms Club, as well as food, games and face painting. Visit aikenmomsclub.org.
10am - 2pm National Train Day Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum An event that includes live music, train rides for kids ($5 for adults), crafts, outdoor activities, concessions and story time with Conductor Don at 1:30 p.m. Call 803-6441907 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
12:30pm Taste a Veg Burger
Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-9220171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Boll Weevil Part of the CSRA Vegetarian Society’s veggie burger competition. Visit meetup. com/csravs/.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec. usca.edu.
Sat May 13
7am - noon 7th Annual Giant Community Yard Sale Columbia County Fairgrounds A Rotary Club of Columbia County event that will include booths from local businesses, crafters, individuals and food vendors. Visit giantcommunityyardsale.com.
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
10am - 4pm Art in the Park Columbia County Amphitheater An event that include artists and artisan vendors, local performances, the ninth annual sidewalk chalk contest, demonstrations and kids activities. Visit columbiacountyga.gov.
10am - 2pm Dog Wash SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken The public is invited to bring their dogs to the center for baths, ear cleanings and nail trims. Prices depend on the size of the dog and all proceeds benefit the center and its 11MAY2017
and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-parkfarmers-market/.
7pm and 8pm “Engineering the International Space Station”
7:30pm Pops! Under the Stars Evans Towne Center Park A Symphony Orchestra Augusta event that include food, fireworks, music and more. Free. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
Tue May 16
4pm - 7pm Book Signing, Reception and Spring Membership Drive Augusta Canal Discovery Center Featuring Billie Coleman, author of “Central Georgia Textile Mills.” The reception features appetizers and drinks, as well as a chance to talk with other local authors, including Tom Robertson, Sid Mullis and Janis Ann Parks. Those who become a Canal Keeper that night will receive a free signed book. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers
Thu May 18
1pm - 4pm Career Expo AU’s Christenberry Fieldhouse An event in which participants will have access to Department of Labor resources, as well as workshops, resume critiques, online applications and more. Participants should bring their resumes and dress for interviews. Visit facebook.com/ GreaterAugustaEmployerCommittee/.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu May 11
8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators
Savannah Riverkeeper A race and paddle along seven miles of the Savannah River for canoes, kayaks and SUPs that ends with an afterparty with lunch, live music and beer. Visit paddlefestga.com.
9am - noon Rock & Run 5K Blanchard Woods Park A fundraiser for When Help Can’t Wait. $25. Call 706-650-9467 or visit whenhelpcantwait.com.
9am Waterside Yoga Augusta Canal’s Lake Olmstead Trailhead A class open to those of all ages and abilities. Participants should bring a mat or towel. Free, but donations to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area accepted. Call 706-823- 0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
9:30am - noon Swamp Bike Saturday
Fri May 12
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided bike ride through approximately seven miles of wetland trials. Helmets and pre-registration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Kannapolis Intimidators Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sun May 14
8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show
Sat May 13
Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.
Aiken Horse Park Visit aikenhorsepark.org.
2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends
8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show
8am Fun Run and Yoga Session Evans Towne Center Park A two-mile fun run and yoga session, followed by light refreshments and mimosas in honor of Mother’s Day. Free. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com.
8am Tall Pines Olympic and Sprint Triathlon Clarks Hill Lake Registration: $90. Visit http:// goraceproductions.com/races/2017-tallpines-olympic-triathlon/.
8:30am Women’s Ride Day Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse Road and mountain bike options available to female cyclists of all abilities. These are no-drop rides and there will be post-ride refreshments. A pre-ride mountain bike suspension clinic will be at 8:30 a.m. Preregistration required. Call 706-724-2453 or visit andyjordans.com.
9am - 3pm Paddlefest
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Mon May 15
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue May 16
10:35am Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lexington Legends Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
6:30pm Sierra Club Monthly Meeting Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A Savannah River Group Sierra Club event that will include a program from Frank Capolupo from the California Wolf Center. Free and open to the public. Email msmcb@ outlook.com. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Thu May 18
Thu May 18
Forest Hills Golf Club A benefit for the Y’s financial assistance program. Preregistration required. Call 803-278-0882.
University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Family YMCA Golf Classic
Ongoing
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal Spring Tours include a History and Nature Tour at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays; An Augusta & the Civil War: Food, Fabric and Firepower Tour daily at 1:30 p.m.; and Saturday Sunset Cruises the third Saturday of each month (5:30 p.m. on April 15, 7 p.m. on May 20 and June 17). Contact the canal for more information on pricing. All tours include free admission to the Canal Discovery Center. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
SUPPORT Thu May 11
6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
Fri May 12
11am ALS Support Lunch and Learn AU’s ALS Clinic This support group gives individuals an opportunity to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. Lunch is provided. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon May 15
6:15pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Call 706-721-5557 or visit augusta.edu.
Tue May 16
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. 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 augusta.edu.
7pm Prostate Cancer Support Group AU’s Cancer Clinic Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
Wed May 17
11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-7211634 or visit augusta.edu. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-8683241.
Overeaters Anonymous
Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm “Beauty and the Beast” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.
8pm “Songs for a New World” Le Chat Noir $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat May 13
2pm “Beauty and the Beast” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.
7pm “Crimes of the Heart” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm “Beauty and the Beast” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.
8pm “Songs for a New World” Le Chat Noir $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com.
Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com.
Sun May 14
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
Thu May 18
Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
3pm “Beauty and the Beast” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.
7pm “Crimes of the Heart” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm “Songs for a New World” Le Chat Noir $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com.
THEATER Thu May 11
7:30pm “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Auditions Musical Theatre Studios This Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production has parts available for three men and three women. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
Fri May 12
7pm “Crimes of the Heart” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre 11MAY2017
2 COMEDY SHOWS MAY 12 ; MAY 13
mother’s day weekend!
big city sports bar, world class comedy,
one location
V28|NO19
Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Soul Bar - Soul Bar Sound Lab
The Malpass Brothers Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Saturday, May 13 7:30 p.m. $35 706-726-0366 augustaamusements.com
Saturday, May 13 Live Music
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Aiken Fairgrounds - Aiken Bluegrass Festival w/ The Infamous Stringdusters, Fruition, Larry Keel Experience and More The Backyard Tavern - Mark Jones Bell Auditorium - Charlie Wilson Coyotes - Rick Monroe Fox’s Lair - Silvertown Humanitree House - The Art Dealer unplugged Iron Heights - Carolina Chupacabra, Alphatier, Abductor Jabez S. Hardin PAC - The Malpass Brothers Sally’s - Pride Benefit Show w/ Claire Storm, Drea Suarez Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Southbound Smokehouse - The Whigs Sky City - The Howlin’ Hurts, BullMoose, Village Sticks Stillwater Taproom - Bethany and the Southside Boys Tin Lizzy’s - Time Pirates Wild Wing - Jagertron The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - Dance Party That Place Coffee - Cushions & Caffeine Afternoon Open Mic
Sunday, May 14 Live Music
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Iron Horse (Beech Island) - Vicky Grady Wild Wing - Bethany & Friends The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, May 15 Live Music
Live Jazz Wednesdays w/ Perfect Picture Soul Bar Wednesday, May 17 9 p.m. soulbar.com Thursday, May 11 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Open MIc Jam w/ Thomas Langley Maude Edenfield Park (North Augusta) - Music in the Park w/ NA Idol Metro Pub & Coffeehouse - False Flag Sky City - Just Neighbors, Subutech, Sunwell Wild Wing - Bethany & Friends The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Karaoke w/ Ellie Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic
Friday, May 12 Live Music
Aiken Fairgrounds - Aiken Bluegrass Festival w/ The Infamous Stringdusters, Fruition, Larry Keel Experience and More Augusta Canal - Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Stink Bamboo Cotton Patch - Live Jazz
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ East Aiken School of the Arts Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight? Country Club - Alex Hall Evans Towne Center Park - The Temptations Revue w/ Dennis Edwards and the O’Jays Fox’s Lair - Chuck Holt The Highlander - Passage, Trust in Traitors Iron Heights - Hank & Brendan, BullMoose, Village Sticks, Pearl Bottom Radio Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Keith Gregory Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Stillwater Taproom - The Mason Jars Wild Wing - 824 Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, May 16 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia Capri Lounge - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia 11MAY2017
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Wednesday, May 17 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Perfect Picture Wild Wing - Acosta
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Upcoming Aaron Lewis
- The Country Club May 18 Little Tybee
- Sky City May 19
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Thunder Over Evans w/ The Salamanders
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
- Evans Towne Center Park May 20 Scotty McCreery
- Imperial Theatre May 20 M.E.R.M.E.R. (Early REM Tribute)
- Stillwater Taproom May 20 The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass and More
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
V28|NO19
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Jai West, Sallie Williams, Lorraine Barlett and Sandy Swanson at the Historic Augusta Downtown Loft Tour.
Katie Lawrence with Donna and Lawrence Smith at the Historic Augusta Downtown Loft Tour.
April Henry, Sarah Boudet, artist Czann Cawthon and Brad King at the Westobou Gallery.
Lora Baxley, Kaitlin Cunningham and Ashley Wray at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Brett Prichard, Jill Denton, Heather Scott and Clay Williams at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Gerald Marshall, Kirsten Overby and Ethan Marshall at the Westobou Gallery.
Elizabeth Brooks, Emma Myers and Hanna Myers at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Jack, Maddy, John and Ella Sammons at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Tina Keis, Sydney Keis and Lawson Reel at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Karen Fultz and Ginger Thurmond with Tina and Adam Lowe at the Billy Currington concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Audrey Murell, George Sanken and Becky Beul at Derby Day at the Legends Club.
Maggie Critell and Molly Beavers with Kyle and Lindsay Waddell at Derby Day at the Legends Club.
11MAY2017 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11MAY2017 METROSPIRIT
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
32
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Stephanie Morgan and Rachel Ray with Richard and Wendy Epter at Derby Day at the Legends Club.
Jessica Ellott, Doris Santarono and Kristin Nixon at Derby Day at the Legends Club.
Josey Delauney, Ansley Stuart, Johanna Lamberti and Nina Hunter at the Low Down Throw Down Roller Derby Tournament at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
Betsy, Aubrie and Teegan Bowyer at the Low Down Throw Down Roller Derby Tournament at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
Raven Acosta, Jessica Pae, Holly Nussbaum and Raylyn Altman at the Low Down Throw Down Roller Derby Tournament at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
Abigail Matichak, Katherine Garcia and Sarah Young at the Low Down Throw Down Roller Derby Tournament at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
FREE EVENT
AT THE AUGUSTA COMMON
MAY 19&20
11MAY2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
NEW ENGLAND CHATTER By Alan Arbesfeld/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Part of a crossword 5 Child’s play 10 Measure, as a runner 15 Attachment letters 18 No. 2 19 Star of CBS’s “Madam Secretary” 20 Eighth of a cup 21 Munich missus 22 Commercials for a “Star Trek” movie? 24 Yoga teacher’s invitation? 26 Head bands? 27 Roster shortener 29 Can’t stand 30 Naval agreement 31 Inclined 33 Flower arrangement 36 Weather forecaster in Phoenix? 40 Auto frame 43 Serpent’s tail? 44 Where Einstein was born 45 Gorsuch replaced him 47 Prefix with -partite 48 “Louder!” 51 Most in-shape person at a cosmetics company? 54 Strict Sabbath observer of old 55 Word before green or after deep blue 57 Narrow passage: Abbr. 58 ____ friends 59 Worn things 61 Back biter, maybe 64 Standing directly in front of one another 66 Big game 69 Ridicule shouted out of a moving car? 72 Tear apart 73 Short-lived things 75 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 76 Casino draw 78 Progressive alternative 79 “Eww!” 81 Pan Am rival 83 Gulf War allies 87 Quickly added bit of punctuation? 91 Space saver in a taxi or bus 93 Suffix with beat 94 “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper 95 Egyptian ____ (spotted cat breed) 96 Turkish honorific 97 Tries to mediate 100 What allowed one physician to get
through flu season? Love” 105 Puts out 37 Cross to bear 107 Articles of faith 38 Sister of Erato 108 Two-time U.S. Open champ 39 Things that allow for jumping 109 Unctuous flattery ahead in line? 111 Hangs loose 41 Like some transfers 113 J.Crew competitor 42 Burned a bit 116 Regimen with limited intake of 46 Game with drawings corn? 49 Slight 119 Toddler’s cry upon entering the 50 ____ moment bathroom? 51 Shire of “Rocky” 122 Where I-15 meets I-70 52 Kind of chance 123 Cookin’, after “on” 53 In the mood 124 Where “ho” and “hoina” mean “yes” 56 Buffet centerpiece? and “no” 60 Sinatra, for one 125 Tired (out) 62 Squash 126 Spanish chess piece 63 Aggravation 127 Chrissie in the Rock and Roll Hall 65 Just manages of Fame 66 Takes the first step 128 Backspace over 67 Christmas Day exhortation 129 Cross condition 68 Removed expeditiously 70 1920s anarchist in a prominent trial DOWN 71 Big mouth 1 Nasty cut 74 Extinct cousin of the kiwi 2 Gifford’s successor on TV 77 Go out for a while? 3 Violators of the Second 80 Caffeine source Commandment 82 Make no bones about 4 They can throw you off 84 Completely convinced about 5 High points of a European vacation? 85 “I hate the Moor” speaker 6 Condiment for pommes frites 86 Quick and detached, musically: 7 ____-turn Abbr. 8 Cartwright who played one of the 88 Special Agent Gibbs’s beat von Trapp children in “The Sound of 89 Call wrongly Music” 90 Bris official 9 Energetic one 92 Also-____ 10 Come together 98 Swing site 11 First daughter of the 1960s 99 Activity in a dohyo 12 Studio warning 101 Site-seeing? 13 A quarter of M 102 Certain Consumer Reports 14 Kenan’s former Nickelodeon pal employee 15 Support for a fringe candidate, 103 Beatles song, album or movie maybe 104 Pasta picks 16 Title for Helen Mirren 106 Discontinued Toyota line 17 Something “kicked up” 109 Put-down 21 Heads for a bar? 110 Speck of dust 23 Remain fresh 112 Didn’t give way 25 Mother of Helios 113 Yankee Sparky who wrote “The 28 Imitative Bronx Zoo” 31 Scopes Trial org. 114 Abruzzi bell town 32 Nitwits 115 Da’s opposite 34 Music genre for Steppenwolf and 117 “Phooey!” Iron Butterfly 118 Assist with the dishes 35 Elaine ____, cabinet member for 120 Spring for a vacation? both Bush and Trump 121 “No ____!” 36 Shere who wrote “Women and
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS G A L E
I N J E S T
A C E T A L
M O T E T S
A R I O S I
S E A L P U P
H O W H I G H T H E M O O N
G E L A T O
M I S S E N D L A I T O V A L T I N E
M A S L L A K E T A C A B Q Y E U S E I M I T T U N I T H S T A P L A Z E R I D S N E H C A M E D U I O T R R E E S T I E D T R S S
S T E W A R D E D I T O R U P S E T
C H A R
R E S N A R P I E S N I A Y E S N U T D A L C E H A I N N E A R
U R K E L
S E E T O
T E T
O F C O N O T O N O D O B E L L E O T C O G F O S U S T P A S E S G L I T S S
A L E B E F F F S U J S I E A S O N N U S I T T I N K E I N S A
M A N G A
A G N U S D M E A I C S U G Z L T I I L S E A S C K I F S U L L
L O U I S A R M S T R O N G
F O I L E D
I N S E T S
E R R A T U M
S A Y Y E S
L A T E L Y
S L E E T S
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Star-Lord et.al. kick off the summer early with an impressive first week at the box office. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 $146,510,104
$146,510,104
1
-
2
THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS
$8,577,175
$207,184,705
4
1
3
THE BOSS BABY
$5,976,818
$156,537,343
6
4
4
HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER
$5,144,904
$20,548,224
2
2
5
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
$5,087,749
$487,739,364
8
6
In Theaters May 12
ACTION “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” rated PG-13, starring Charlie Hunnam, Jude
COMEDY “Snatched,” rated R, starring Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn. This is the legendary
Law, Djimon Hounsou. Director Guy Ritchie brings audiences a gritty, violent take on the legend of King Arthur and the sword of Excalibur. Because we need another movie about King Arthur about as much as we need another one about Sherlock Holmes. Oh, wait…
Hawn’s first appearance on the big screen since 2002, and we can’t imagine a better way for her to make her return than in a madcap comedy about an international kidnapping. And we can’t think of another actress whose mother she’d better play than Amy Schumer. Oh, wait…
no Severance for tucker, but a Shorter Leash for Johnson
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austin rhodes
If the InformatIon I am getting on the investigation report involving former Columbia County EMA Director Pam Tucker’s grievance against County Administrator Scott Johnson is accurate, she will likely get none of her requested severance package. But the report is not a total loss for Tucker, as Johnson does not come out smelling like a rose in the report, either. While there appears to be no concrete evidence noted in the report that Johnson purposely constructed a “hostile work environment” in an effort to make Tucker’s professional life miserable, there are a number of anecdotes shared by current and former county employees that indicate Johnson won’t be winning any Dale Carnegie “Boss of the Year” awards any time soon. Of particular interest in the report as submitted is a lack of physical documentation (audio tapes, email, etc.) that proves some of the most serious allegations against Johnson, specifically his alleged threatening words and profane tirades directed at county employees who have crossed him. Tucker claims to have several tapes of conversations between she and Johnson that might substantiate some of her claims, but she refused repeated requests by investigators to provide copies of those tapes, or at least to play them so investigators could hear for themselves. I asked Pam this week why she refused to turn those tapes over, and she said she simply did not trust the process. Based on her prior history with the administrator, I can understand why she would not trust Scott Johnson, but I don’t believe she had anything to lose turning over copies of her material to the investigators. That refusal to cooperate puts her claims, serious as they are, in a different light. I told her I believed she was made a mistake not making that audio available. Ironically, Johnson was in the habit of recording conversations as well and, unlike Tucker, he did provide investigators with access to his preserved audio. Whatever he turned over obviously would have served to bolster his claims that he in no way was attempting to purposely “run Pam Tucker off.” Quite the contrary, Johnson was given direct instructions by all five county commissioners to work things out with the popular EMA director and discourage her plan to leave her job. The sincerity of his attempts is obviously up for debate, but since he provided recorded audio to back his claims that he did all he could to keep her, Tucker’s assertion that she was “hounded out of her job” comes out as less credible, certainly pertaining to his behavior in the waning days of her employment. As any good employment attorney will tell you, unless your life is in danger, you should do any and everything possible to survive and maintain in a hostile work environment. Document the sins committed against you, and specifically any behavior that violates company (or county) policy. That is what Pam would have been wise to do. As it stands now, there does not appear to be much proof in hand to substantiate her claims against the administrator. 38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
But there are several anecdotes that are shared in the report by unnamed (thanks to the “Whistleblower Act”) current and former employees that portray Johnson as occasionally heavy handed at best, and a profane bully at worst. One story that was related to me months ago shows up in the report, and it involved a private party at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, hosted by Johnson for his wife’s birthday. According to the unnamed witness, Johnson was requesting several accommodations that are not allowed in the facility, specifically the generous use of glitter in the decorations. When told he could not do that, the witness claims Johnson pitched a fit and shouted several profane declarations of his position of authority in the county. Johnson denied it was a profane or threatening “conversation,” and apparently the only supporting witness to the employee who complained is himself a former employee who is considered by most in the county as “someone with an ax to grind...” But as you will see in other interviews detailed in the report, there is a pattern of behavior apparently shown by Johnson that many believe is a cause for concern, and perhaps a “ticking time bomb.” Of course Pam Tucker will tell you that bomb already blew up in her face. As much of a concern as it may be, there is again an absence of proof, or “on the scene” documentation, of these types of events with Johnson allegedly losing his
temper, and that makes his immediate removal highly unlikely. But that doesn’t shield him from commission action either. While I know all five commissioners in different ways, I know one that will not tolerate any hint of a bully in the seat of the administrator, and that is Bill Morris. I have seen the man go after real life bullies on the school yard, and he has no patience for such hideous behavior in public life either. Nothing against the other four, but if Bill Morris has anything to do with what happens in the wake of this report, I predict Scott Johnson will be on the shortest leash Columbia County has ever seen. Pam Tucker told me that Johnson once told her that when it came to his own professional communication skills, he admitted, “I have got a lot of work to do on myself...” That work might just come in the presence of a professional counselor or an HR expert, who specializes in “impulse control disorders” and “workplace communication etiquette.” Stay tuned!
AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. 11MAY2017