Table of Contents March 23, 2017
Whine Line 4 Kris Fisher 6 Jenny is Wright 7 Insider 8 Feature 10 Major Rager What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
14 16 18 24 26 27 28 30
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Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
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Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer
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Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
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Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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OPINION
Kris Fisher: 6 | Jenny is Wright: 7
The Whine Line The actions of the adult son of Doug Duncan should not be considered as a basis for the upcoming election for commission chair. However, one should consider the fact that Duncan and the other commissioners have enabled the current and hopefully soon to be former county administrator. I want a nice party for my husband’s 50th celebration maybe at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Heard it was cheap but just called and the charge is OUTRAGEOUS. dad gum it! gosh darn.
Dear Masters’ guests: Welcome to Augusta! The “City of the Orange Construction Barrel.” Too long....cut your whines down to 3 sentences tops. We are so tangled up in our electronic devices that we can only focus long enough to read 2 possibly 3 sentences before we have to move on to something else. See this is 3 sentences and you read it all...cut those whines down people so we can all enjoy them! Congratulations to Don-Boy Trump. He has done more to ensure a Democrat landslide takeover in the mid-term elections than any 1000 people on their side could have done. He may have finally ended the Republican Party as a political entity. However, due to their fervent support of him, the Republicans got what they had coming. ‘Signs, Signs, every where a sign”.... song lyrics that remind me of what it is like to drive through Columbia County. I call it ‘sign pollution’. There is nothing pretty about all of these signs. Do you know what brings me to a business? It is not the size of the sign.... it is the ‘customer service’ they offer. I will hunt that store down if I have heard they have great customer service. The CC Chamber of Commerce needs to rethink their position. And while we are on this topic.... ban all those little signs that dot our roadways by the hundreds; another reason Columbia County looks trashy! To the cop directing traffic at Fort Gordon Gate 1 and Gordon Highway on March 20th at 1630. Not everyone is from this town and knows all the roads like the back of their hand like you do. Your extreme unprofessional approach to people in the wrong lane is unacceptable. Your screaming at my wife who had never traveled Gordon highway was classless and disrespectful. It’s a good thing she didn’t get your name and car number. Also, if you are going to scream at people for doing something you insisted was illegal, it’s not a good thing for you to turn around and do the same thing. I am not only saddened to hear about Trump’s proposed cuts to the arts and public broadcasting but I am scared of what it means. Is anyone else afraid of why this administration is attacking what constitutes a very teeny tiny slice of the pie? His proposed cuts will not even put a tiny dent in our debt. So why? Along with the
obvious reason of revenge on those who have scorned him, read 1984 by George Orwell and it will all come together for you. To the whiner who thinks lowering the speed limit will lower accident rates, are you kidding? Too many people in this city don’t obey speed limits, traffic lights or traffic signs. I’ve never seen such a bunch of disrespectful, law breaking people in all my life. They don’t have any respect for my life, your life, or their own. So glad Mr. Sleeper cleared up the misunderstanding about his service record. What do you mean he hasn’t? That darn military records bureau is so hard to reach.... Sleeper should get in touch with Scott Johnson’s assistant, she apparently is very good at making things happen and is available anytime throughout the work day, except when planning celebrations. To all you Trumpetts out there who voted to put an egotistical maniac in the White House...I hope you’re happy when your healthcare goes away. Don’t worry, the Republican’t representatives you voted in will continue to have wonderful healthcare, all at your tax paying expense. Smile, this is what you all voted for!
No. (My answer to: “Am I the only one who sees the nation collapsing?” from last week.) Mark Herbert running for Columbia County Commission Chairman? Ahhh, just what we need, another developer craving power and influence to clear cut land and build. Slow down already, aren’t our roads crowded enough? What we need is a high end steakhouse in Evans, oh wait, didn’t Mark give that a try? A three hour local government version of Joel Osteen. so will the local radio “talk show” station reimburse Columbia County taxpayers for using county employees to host paid programing. Or will Columbia County general fund receive the monies generated from advertising on the shows where County Division Directors moonlight as hosts during normal business hours? County Taxpayers deserve better from county managers, shame on leadership! Sounds like Mr. Johnson’s executive assistant didn’t like last week’s article that exposed that she is also his personal assistant. We worry about what you’re doing because the taxpayers of Columbia County should not pay you to do his personal planning and shopping. That must make his wife feel really good knowing that he didn’t plan the party. I wonder how she will feel when she learns that the same assistant buys her birthday and Christmas gifts that Mr. Johnson gives her.
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
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The Bad News Beasleys
Kris Fisher
G R E A T A U G U S TA CLEANUP & RECYCLING
BLOCK PARTY SATURDAY
3.25.17
AUGUSTA COMMONS 836 REYNOLDS ST. AUGUSTA, GA
CLEAN UP!
Sign up for Neighborhood Cleanup, Litter Pickup, and Civic Tire Collection Programs
Confidential paper shredding with 5 file box limit per household
9AM TIL 2PM REcycle!
RAIN OR SHINE!
paper shredding!
You may qualify for a free curbside Recycling Cart
BRING ITEMS TO HELP A GREAT CAUSE! Collecting travel-size toiletries, clorox wipes
Collecting gently used pet supplies, cat litter, towels
Collecting aluminum cans
Collecting new toys, lg white towels, laundry detergent
Collecting gently used books
KID’S ZONE
Arts & Crafts Games & Prizes Face Painting Bounce House
GIVEAWAYS
FOOD, MUSIC, & GOOD TIMES!
Information available
Environmental Services Department License & Inspection Code Enforcement Marshal’s Office Mayor’s Office Augusta Utilities Department
Come Learn how to keep Augusta beautiful and have some fun at this free event!
OUR BEASLEY BRIGADE softball season came to a disappointing end Monday night. Every team in our league got to play in the playoffs and, wouldn’t you know it, the Beasley Brigade was in the very first game. I kept calling this our last game because I honestly didn’t think we would win. I mean, we won one game out of 12 the whole season. Our one win came when most of our team couldn’t make the game, so we had mostly subs (more on this later). Eight of our losses were by 10 points or more. We just weren’t that good and the other teams took this way more seriously than we did. It didn’t take long to realize the glaring difference between our team and the others. Those guys had all very obviously been playing softball for some time. Our team hadn’t so much as looked at a softball in years. Well, maybe one or two of us. Our first game resulted in a 14-0 thrashing. Our second? 30-1. But, hey, we scored a run! Those scores and the fact that we lost half of our team due to injuries in the first week were enough to let us know that we were in way over our heads, which was fine, really. We didn’t sign up because we thought we’d win games. We signed up to have some fun. As the season went on, the injuries piled up: Pulled hamstrings, torn meniscus, tweaked backs, bruised egos… the usual. We managed as best we could but we always seemed to need one or two extra players to even be able to field a full team. This went on for the entire season. So did the molly-whopping of our team: 17-2, 24-4, 19-0. Embarrassing. But, we still managed to have fun. Then our playoff game rolled around. I never looked forward to a game I knew we’d lose more. I’d had fun playing and was excited about our last game. In true BruisedUp-Beasley Brigade fashion, we were just a few players short. We found just enough to field a team but still be one player short. But it was okay. Like I said, we weren’t expecting to win. We planned to just play with one less outfielder, which should make our opponent very happy. Boy, were we wrong. The game starts and our first batter hits it over the fence. Nice! Our first home run of the season! The next two batters got on base with no problem. Our luck might actually be turning around! As I’m warming up on deck, an official comes out to let us know that the other team has protested our three substitute players and we had to forfeit because they hadn’t signed a liability waiver. Shortest game ever. And I didn’t even get to bat. I was more than a little ticked off. They could have talked to us about it and we would have gladly conceded the win (if we won). We just wanted to play. But, rules are rules and a win is a win, by any means necessary, apparently. So, I guess ratting us out was in order. This was the playoffs, after all. I congratulated them on their win. There may or may not have been some colorful language involved. I’ll admit: I may have overreacted a bit. When I look back over our season, our one win, the game where most of the team couldn’t make it and it was mostly subs, was against the team who protested us. So, I guess I get it. But, we still plan to play in the future. In which case, we’ll need to get everyone in Augusta to sign a waiver. Y’know, just in case we need ya!
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. 23MARCH2017
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tips for the Manners Impaired Jenny is wright If you work in public, be nice to the public. Not many people love to go to work. Everyone loves nice people. If you go in public, be nice to the public. Everyone’s in such a hurry and often courtesy and manners are the first things to go. Say “thank you” when someone helps you. Help someone when they need it. Look people in the eyes and, hey, let’s smile a little. Can’t we all just get along? Please?
Can we talk about manners for a minute? I’m not gonna mention the teenage driver who honked at me and made a “you idiot” gesture at me the other day. I wanted to get out and calmly tell him I had to cross all lanes of traffic quickly to make a U-Turn, but I didn’t. I won’t complain about kids who don’t say please and thank you without prompting. We don’t need to go on and on about children still living under an adult’s roof. We need to talk about adults, and let’s focus on the rude ones. The problem here is the rude ones probably won’t read this. If they do, it’s likely they’ll not realize we’re talking to them. I’ve got a minute to try, If someone lets you out in traffic, it’s polite to wave. There’s not much effort involved in offering a wave, or even a nod of acknowledgement. Likewise, how about letting people out in traffic, too? If traffic is reduced to a crawl as it is, letting one car out ahead of you isn’t going to impact your day greatly. You know it’s true, and with all the road construction going on in Augusta, it’ll take a village to get anyone anywhere on time. If the grocery store checker person is ringing up your groceries, get off the dadgum phone. Unless you are the POTUS, it’s probably not that urgent. If you’re the POTUS, you probably have several folks who can handle it for you, too. If you’re not the POTUS, I’d guess it can wait. If it can’t wait, maybe you shouldn’t be in line at the grocery store. If you’re in the grocery store, it’s perfectly acceptable to be a little zoned out while making purchase decisions. It happens to the best of us. I’m a little less tolerant of blatant disregard for passersby in the aisles. If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or any other place on the internet, you don’t have to tell everyone else how wrong and dumb they are. To quote Michael Rock of Live Life Happy, “Many people don’t know this, but it’s possible to read something you don’t agree with on the internet and simply move on with your life.” I couldn’t have said it better myself and, thanks to Michael, I didn’t have to. If you’re going through a doorway, it won’t hurt to glance behind you, real quick-like, to see if anyone is there. I know, I know. You’re in such a hurry that waiting one extra second means you’ll be late to buy that shirt, but doesn’t it suck to have a door slam in your face? The person following you in to the store thinks so, too. If you eat out, tip your server. Nine out of 10 times, whatever problems you have aren’t the fault of the server. When problems do arise, kindly ask your server what’s going on. Kindly. If you keep things cordial you greatly increase your chances of having the problem solved. When the problem’s solved, tip your server. It pays to tip well. Trust me. If you can’t afford to tip well, you should probably avoid restaurants with table service. Tipping is a part of the cost of eating out. It’s a privilege. Treating your server like crap is not. 23MARCH2017
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NeWs
No Paine, No Gain: 10
White Nationalist rains on Augusta’s parade It’s Not every dAy that Augusta is featured in the Los Angeles Times, unless of course it happens to be Masters Week or there is a scandal involving a highprofile golfer such as Tiger Woods or John Daly. But this week was a little different. A news story written by Matt Pearce, a national reporter for the Los Angeles Times, included some of the most dreaded topics for any city in the South: a white nationalist, a scandalous donation and donors claiming total ignorance about basically everything. The headline screams, “Georgia nonprofit says it unwittingly gave $25,000 to white nationalist Richard Spencer.” So which city in the Peach State gets the honor of looking like a complete idiot in the national spotlight this week? Augusta, Ga., of course. According to the Los Angeles Times story published this week, the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area was the largest donor to Richard Spencer’s National Policy Institute nonprofit in recent years, providing $25,000 to the white nationalist group from 2013 to 2014. The timing could not be worse for this revelation about the Community Foundation. Each year, dozens of local agencies benefit from funding provided through the Masters Tournament and distributed via grants from the Community Foundation. Just last year, more than $600,000 was given to nonprofits in this region for a variety of worthy causes, ranging from Golden Harvest Food Bank to the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Georgia to the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. In total, it is estimated that it gives away between $5 million to $9 million a year across the nation, but the local impact of this foundation has been tremendous. The Community Foundation has been highly praised by local agencies who have benefitted from it for more than 20 years. Over the past two decades, the Community Foundation has provided local grants totally more than $7.5 million. These grants are funded through the endowment from the Masters tournament and Augusta National Golf Club. The endowment reportedly currently exceeds $15 million. But, now, it has a black eye. All thanks to, what appears to be, complete carelessness. Or, at least, let’s hope so. Let’s all just assume that the Community Foundation actually had no idea that they were providing $25,000 to a white nationalist. Spencer is known to have anti-immigrant and antiSemitic views which were ramped up during last year’s presidential campaign. In fact, he was a very vocal supporter of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. 8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
But apparently the Community Foundation had no knowledge of any of Spencer’s actions when it provided him the $25,000 donation from 2013 to 2014. Ignorance is bliss, after all, right? Because, let’s face it, the alternative is so much worse. It is so much easier to drown your denial in a martini or a mint julep during Masters Week than trying to connect the dots. Fortunately, for those who actually want to know what the hell happened here, Matt Pearce from the Los Angeles Times has helped fill in the blanks. He spoke to the Community Foundation’s president and chief executive officer, Shell Knox Berry, who explained that the donations to Spencer’s group came from a “donor-advised fund.” This donor-advised fund is “a common arrangement in the charity world in which a donor gives money to one group with the intention of having it forwarded to others,” according to the Los Angeles Times article. Such an arrangement offers total anonymity for the parties involved. “Neither Berry nor Spencer would reveal the identity of the original donor,” Pearce wrote. “Berry said her nonprofit’s board never reviewed the purpose of Spencer’s organization before approving the donations.” If that’s the truth, there is a definite flaw in the donation approval system. But Berry insisted that she was unaware of any donation given to a white nationalist. “In no way did our organization, its board or its staff
actively know or support the mission of this organization, and I don’t want it to be construed that we ever did,” Berry told the Los Angeles Times. It should also be pointed out that Berry didn’t actually take over as chief executive officer of the Community Foundation until 2015, so she is kind of caught in the middle of a controversy she didn’t create. The previous chief executive officer was R. Lee Smith Jr., who has been associated with the foundation since 1998. But once the Los Angeles Times story broke, Berry didn’t really have a choice but to respond. “Upon discovery of the mission and purpose of the NPI, Foundation management took immediate action to disassociate with NPI and, as of July of 2015, this donor advised fund no longer exists at the Community Foundation for the CSRA,” Berry wrote in a prepared statement to the media. “The Foundation, its staff, and its Board of Directors has no association whatsoever with the National Policy Institute.” No association whatsoever... except for a $25,000 donation to a white nationalist. Quite unfortunate, to say the least.
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Don’t punish Doug Duncan for his son’s mistakes It has been a rough couple of months for elected officials in Columbia County. Just last fall, Georgia Sen. Lee Anderson had to face the fact that his 32-year-old son, Ben Anderson, had been arrested for DUI in Columbia County. At the time, Lee Anderson was still the Republican candidate for Georgia State Senate’s District 24 seat, and was facing Democratic opponent Brenda Jordan in the Nov. 8, 2016, election. While everyone knew that Lee Anderson was still going to win his race, it was definitely an embarrassing arrest for the elected official. The truth was that both Andersons were very lucky that the situation wasn’t much worse. Ben Anderson could have easily killed someone while driving under the influence in Columbia County. If that had happened, it wouldn’t have been just a political embarrassment for his father. It would have been life changing for Ben Anderson, Lee Anderson and the innocent victim or victims that could have been struck and killed. But Lee Anderson faced his son’s arrest head-on. “There’s no excuse for my son’s dangerous and reckless behavior,” Lee Anderson told the local media last fall. “We raised Ben better than that. He deserves the harsh punishment coming his way.” This past week, another elected official in Columbia County faced devastating news about his son. Columbia County Commissioner Doug Duncan’s son, Douglas Duncan III, was arrested and charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony relating to a robbery attempt at the Walgreen’s on Fury’s Ferry Road. Douglas Duncan III, 25, is accused of being the driver of the getaway car, while his passenger and acquaintance, Nicholas Alan Robinson, 28, of Martinez is accused of pulling a knife on a cashier. Robinson is the same man who allegedly pulled a knife on another employee and stole several hundred dollars from the convenience store in January. Obviously, Douglas Duncan III is hanging out with some shady folks. But that’s on Douglas Duncan III. He is a grown man and that is no reflection on his father. Clearly, his family is devastated by the accusations against him. “We love our children unconditionally,” Commissioner Doug Duncan told the local media this past week. “We’re devastated by the charge. We pray that he’ll be exonerated, but if not he’s going to face the consequences of his actions.” Ask anyone who knows Commissioner Doug Duncan and they will tell you, he is an honest, hard-working man who does everything he possibly can to improve his district. While some people are saying that a commissioner who can’t control his own child shouldn’t be overseeing a district in Columbia County, that’s not really fair.
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Douglas Duncan III is not a child. At 25 years old, you are officially an adult making your own decisions. You might be your father’s son, but you are responsible for your own actions. And while the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that they believe that Douglas Duncan III was aware of Robinson’s intent to rob the Walgreen employee, that’s on Douglas Duncan III. Commissioner Doug Duncan cannot possibly control his adult child every hour of the day. In fact, he’s not alone. There are countless law enforcement officers, attorneys, judges and prominent businessmen who have received that terrible phone call that their children have just been arrested on a criminal charge and they are sitting in jail. No one is immune. Let’s face it, even Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle and his family have had to face some unfortunate arrests. In 2013, two of Whittle’s own nephews were arrested after being caught driving a rental truck carrying 20 pounds of marijuana. The two adult nephews — Kenneth Whittle and Walter Hensley — along with another man, admitted to driving to California and buying 20 pounds of marijuana and bringing it back to the Augusta area. Not the kind of arrest you want for any member of your family if you are the sheriff of Columbia County. But that’s not Sheriff Whittle’s fault. Just like Ben Anderson’s actions aren’t Lee Anderson’s fault. The same is true for Doug Duncan and his adult son’s actions. The truth is, you can’t always control your family. You can only hope and pray for the best.
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no Paine, no gain
Paine college President samuel sullivan is determined to make sure augusta’s historically african-american college isn’t going anywhere By Stacey Eidson During its recent FounDers’ Day convocation, Paine College celebrated 135 years of existence in Augusta. That’s no small feat for any university. But this year’s celebration had an even deeper meaning. Many students, faculty members and alumni of Augusta’s historically African-American college have embraced the battle cry, “Paine College is here to stay.” They insist that Paine College will stand for another 135 years despite the recent challenges that the university has faced. Just last fall, Paine College was in danger of losing its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or SACS. In fact, SACS rescinded Paine’s accreditation in September after determining that the college still did not meet three financial standards after being on probation since 2014. Paine College was suddenly turned upside down and its future was uncertain. But the historic college fought back. 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The university filed a federal lawsuit seeking declaratory, monetary and injunctive relief from SACS’s actions. In a 90-page federal lawsuit, Paine College clearly spelled out its “unfair treatment” by the SACS commission and the “viciousness of this process.” The lawsuit also suggested that many of the historically African-American colleges in this region were also being treated unfairly by SACS. As a result, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. entered an injunction reinstating Paine College as a member of SACS and restoring its accreditation. According to the judge’s decision, Paine College will remain accredited “until further notice,” and enrolled students will be allowed to continue to receive financial aid. Those three words “until further notice” were crucial in keeping Paine College’s doors open and the university on track last year, said Dr. Samuel Sullivan, president of Paine College. “That was key for us because, in essence, what that means is until SACS is working with us and presents a solution that we can agree to and a judge can agree to, nothing changes,” 23MARCH2017
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“We are upfront with everyone considering coming to Paine College. We want them to know exactly what we are facing. We don’t want anybody to come here and be surprised at where we are and what is happening. We don’t want to fool anybody.” Sullivan said, sitting in his office in Haygood-Holsey Hall. “And that’s where we are today.” However, the university was at another crossroads earlier this year. Paine College’s board of trustees had to decide whether it wanted to continue its lawsuit against SACS, look into another accrediting body besides SACS or consider merging with an existing accredited college. “Our board of trustees voted to continue with the lawsuit,” Sullivan 23MARCH2017
said. “What we voted to do is not to accept the SACS recommendation to us that we agree to give up our membership after a certain point of time or particular date. That decision allows us to pursue accreditation by a different accrediting body.” Currently, Paine College is considering applying for accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools or TRACS, which is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Sullivan believes Paine College stands a good chance of being accepted by TRACS because of the university’s affiliation with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and the United Methodist Church. “The criteria is very similar to SACS except for TRACS there needs to be a clearly defined mission that reflects the Christian values of the institution,” Sullivan said. “We are religiously affiliated, so it’s a good fit.” For several months, there was a lot of speculation about whether Paine College would consider merging with Augusta University. While Sullivan acknowledged that Paine College considered a variety of options, merging with Augusta University just wasn’t a viable solution. “We can’t do that. That is not something we think would be good for our school,” Sullivan said. “We are religiously affiliated with both the United Methodist Church and Episcopal Church. For us to develop an entirely different mission and be a part of Augusta University, for example, it is unlikely to work.” But the reality is that Paine College is still on probation by SACS and that is a challenge that the university must deal with each and every day, he said. “When I came into this position, we were under 10 sanctions,” Sullivan said. “We have reduced those sanctions to now three. We are still under those three sanctions and they are all finance related.” Sullivan also discovered soon after taking over as president that Paine College had accounts receivable of $2.3 million that was owed for tuition by students from previous years. As a result, Sullivan said Paine College had to “draw a line in the sand” and tell students that they needed to either pay the amount
they owed or leave the university. “Many students could not afford to come back to Paine,” Sullivan said. “We were left with a sizable amount of accounts receivables and some of it we had to write off.” Over the past several years, Sullivan said that the university has worked extremely hard to try to prove to SACS and the community that Paine College is financially stable. But after last year’s controversy over the university’s accreditation, Sullivan admits that student recruitment at Paine College has become more difficult. “We are upfront with everyone considering coming to Paine College. We want them to know exactly what we are facing,” Sullivan said. “We don’t want anybody to come here and be surprised at where we are and what is happening. We don’t want to fool anybody.” Students considering enrolling at Paine College need to thoroughly understand that, while the university remains accredited, it is still on probation and the lawsuit is pending. While Sullivan is confident that Paine College’s doors will remain open, it’s no secret that local and regional students have a variety of choices in colleges and university that are not currently on probation. “It is important for our students to know what we are facing because they do have options,” Sullivan. “And while I want them to stay at Paine or decide to come to Paine, I want them to know what we are up against. I want them to know that this thing is not for certain. It is not absolutely a sure bet that we are going to be successful.” At times, that honest approach has hurt the student enrollment at Paine, but Sullivan said he couldn’t stomach any other way. “The fact that we are accredited, but on probation, has caused a number of students
“For us to develop an entirely different mission and be a part of Augusta University, for example, it is unlikely to work.” AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“We are rekindling the fire that people used to have for Paine.” to consider leaving us,” Sullivan said. “Some of who were recruited to come to Paine that we thought we had a fair shot of getting, are not coming. That is just one of the consequences of being on probation. But we have to be honest with people.” The board of trustees also recently requested that the university try to increase its fall enrollment by a net gain of about 50 students, Sullivan said. “We are a little bit short of that, but I think all and all we are pretty close,” Sullivan said, adding that he has been amazed by the outpour of local support for the university and its mission this past year. “We are rekindling the fire that people used to have for Paine.” And, at the same time, the university is tightening its belt, he said. Late last year, Paine College reduced its budget by approximately $500,000. “We made some tough decisions,” Sullivan said. “We reduced the salaries of faculty and staff by 10 percent. Administrators as well. And we curtailed expenditures, reducing the salaries and freezing vacant positions until we were sure that we could afford to fill them. That has allowed us to balance the budget for the rest of the year.” These cuts along with the fact that the university was able to raise more than $4 million over the past year has provided the college a great deal of financial stability, Sullivan said. But Sullivan said the university is closely monitoring its budget and receipt of revenue in order to make proper adjustments throughout the year. “We are extremely mindful of what we spend,” Sullivan said, adding that there are still a number of vendors that are owed money by the college for services they have provided over the years. “I know when I first came here and looked at the list of vendors we owed while I was sitting at my computer, it was a long list.”
Early on in his tenure, Sullivan decided these vendors deserved much better. “I lined up these vendors in a list from who we owed the most to and who we owed the least to,” Sullivan said. “And I would look at this list and say, ‘We should be able to pay this mom-and-pop store where we bought socks for the baseball team.’ It was a little bit of money, but we needed to pay these people. It just wasn’t right.” Sullivan said he contacted some members of the alumni association and a few local friends for support. “I told them, ‘I need you to help me. I have to pay these people. I’ve got to show people that we are not a deadbeat institution,’” Sullivan said. “We were able to collect some funds and I wrote a nice letter thanking the vendors for their patience and thanking them for what they’re doing for our school. I put the check and letter in the envelope and mailed it off.” The response was incredible, Sullivan said. “Some people even said, ‘Keep it, Sam. I’ll write it off.’ Others would call or write and say, ‘Thank you. We really appreciate it,’” Sullivan said. “That is the reward that you get from this job. You recognize the responsibility you have to the students, to the faculty, to the staff and to the people. You show them that you are doing your best to be fair and honest with them and let them know what you’re trying to do to fix the issues that we are facing.” Having the ability to pay the bills from vendors is a constant struggle because the unpredictable always happens, like a chiller or boiler needing to be repaired or replaced, Sullivan said. “Do we still owe money?” Sullivan asked. “In many instances, we still owe some vendors money. Not as much as we once did, but we certainly still owe some of them. But the way that they have agreed to work with us has been tremendous and we sincerely appreciate it.” In fact, Sullivan wants everyone to know that he is committed to paying off the debt that the school owes. “I know we can’t pay everybody at one time all that we owe them, but I decided I’ve got to know who we owe, how much we owe and I have to let the people we owe money to, know that I know,” Sullivan said. “I’m not trying to duck you. I am not trying shuck and jive you. I just want you to know what we are facing and I hope you can understand and work with me.” With more than 50 years of experience in higher education,
“I told them, ‘I need you to help me. I have to pay these people. I’ve got to show people that we are not a deadbeat institution.’” 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I’m not trying to duck you. I am not trying shuck and jive you. I just want you to know what we are facing and I hope you can understand and work with me.” Sullivan said he has learned a great deal about the importance of treating people fairly and addressing issues head-on. After Sullivan earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from North Carolina Central University, he went on to receive his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Howard University. Not long after graduating, Sullivan began teaching at Federal City College in Washington, D.C. “My name got around the school as someone you couldn’t tell no,” Sullivan said, chuckling. “I just wouldn’t take no for an answer.” By the late 1970s, Federal City College merged with Washington Technical Institute and the District of Columbia Teachers College to become the University of the District of Columbia, Sullivan said. “I later became part of the team to merge those colleges,” Sullivan said, shaking his head. “You can’t believe the experience you gain from working on a merger like that. There are at least three of everything and making the decisions of how to purge that to a core faculty and staff is extremely challenging. Everything is constantly changing. You can get a notice that you have to cut $13 million out of a budget that minute, right now. So I learned a lot.” After working in several senior administrative positions at the University of the District of Columbia, he eventually joined the staff at then-Augusta State University. He served as both a professor and vice president of academic affairs at Augusta State. “I worked at Augusta State for nine years and was retired for about three years before I got the call to come to Paine,” Sullivan said, 23MARCH2017
smiling. “For three years, I was retired, doing whatever I wanted to do.” Sullivan’s life was full. He was the deacon of his church and was involved in several local organizations such as the United Way of the CSRA, the Augusta Museum of History, the Augusta Biomedical Research Corporation, the Ike and Justine Washington Foundation, Inc. and the Rachel Longstreet Foundation, Inc. “I was also playing golf three times a week,” Sullivan wistfully said with a smile. “I played in a group. We had a tour through Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Myrtle Beach and Tampa.” But then in 2013, he got a call from Paine College’s former president, Dr. George Bradley. “He asked me to have breakfast with him at the IHOP on Washington Road before it was torn down,” Sullivan said, laughing. “We met there and had breakfast and he asked me to come and help him out a little bit. I did. And then he left and I stayed.” Ironically, many students and alumni believe that the majority of the university’s financial problems began while Bradley served as president. It was under Bradley’s leadership that Paine College was first placed on probation by the SACS because the university was found to be in violation of several standards including fiscal stability, control of finances and the handling of federal student financial aid programs. While Bradley eventually resigned in the summer of 2014, claiming he wished to “spend more time with his family,” the former president had been under fire. In fact, a website called The Paine Project was created in early 2014 that demanded Bradley step down as president. The website, thepaineproject.net, claimed Bradley brought “unprecedented mismanagement to the college’s financial and fiscal affairs, and intimidation and threats to faculty, staff, and students.” But despite some of those past troubles, Sullivan says he just wants to concentrate on Paine College’s future and show the entire community how important the university is to the Augusta area. “We can’t afford to go backwards,” Sullivan said. “We believe in the principles of accreditation. We pride ourselves in the alumni who have come here as students and who have walked across the stage with their degree in hand. They are proud and we are proud of them because this school has a rich history that cannot be forgotten.” Over the past year, Sullivan has met with the Augusta Commission, City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson and some members of the local legislative delegation to discuss Paine College’s financial future. While Sullivan appreciates their time, he realizes that he must drive the train to turn Paine College around.
“Everybody says the right things,” Sullivan said, smiling. “Everybody talks about the need for Paine College and everybody talks about the economic impact of what it would mean if this school disappeared.” But that’s about as far as those discussions have gone, Sullivan said. “In fact, some people want me to be not so naive,” Sullivan said, chuckling. “Personally, I don’t think I’m naive, but some people suggest that there are various folks who have their sights on the campus called Paine College.” Sullivan simply paused and smiled. “Nobody would dare want to do something like that,” Sullivan said. Paine College not only provides a quality education to its students, but it also helps bring young adults into maturity, he said. “We just want to make it clear that this historically black institution has a place in this city and in this state and in this country,” Sullivan said. “It is not easy sometimes to explain that to folks. When they ask me, ‘Why do you need these black schools? Kids can go wherever they want.’ In some cases, that’s true. But one shoe doesn’t fit everybody. In a lot of cases, these students need something that historically black colleges are known for and that’s giving and caring.” Sullivan said he had the same experience while attending the historically black college, North Carolina Central University, as an undergraduate. “I remember walking down the hall and I was pledging a fraternity and the lady who was my calculus teacher came out of her room,” Sullivan said, laughing. “She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. I was walking down the hall wearing a purple and gold leotard carrying a purple sack with my bricks and my sand.” His calculus teacher walked up to him and bluntly said, “You are not going to get what you think you are going to get out of here.” Sullivan said he was surprised because he excelled in math and was considered a good student. “What it meant to me was that this lady cared about me,” Sullivan said. “She really cared about what I was doing and how it was potentially going to impact my performance in her class. That’s what happens to many of us who’ve attended historically black institutions. That is what happens here at Paine College.” “There is a feeling of caring,” Sullivan added. “I want these students to know, ‘I care for you. I care for all of you. I am trying to do the best I can to help you achieve what you’ve come here for.’ That’s the difference. That’s what historically black schools offer.”
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Major Leap
Friends With Benefits’ flagship concert continues to grow, this year grabbing the ultra-cool Flaming Lips as the Major Rager headliner and announcing an expansion to Charlotte It Wasn’t hoW George Claussen envisioned the first Major Rager concert would go. But the weather, as it so often does during Masters Week, refused to cooperate with Claussen and the other Friends With Benefits organizers, forcing them to move the 2014 outdoor concert from the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre to the then-newly constructed Augusta Convention Center. Now, as Friends With Benefits prepares for the 2017 Major Rager on April 6 at the Augusta Common, Claussen and co. are keeping their fingers crossed once again. “We actually have a meeting at 2 p.m. today with our insurance man to go over rain insurance,” Claussen laughed. “We’ve been fortunate, knock on wood, that there hasn’t been a bad rain since that first year, but our first four Friends With Benefits shows were all rain outs. Lord willing, the weather will be good and everything will go well for another year.” It may not have been how he wanted the Major Rager to begin, but Claussen said that little hiccup in the plans really taught him a lesson. “You know what was so great about that was that when we had to move I saw for the first time the unity of Augusta,” he remembered. “Every news station, every outlet, every company, every sponsor, everyone pushed that we had to move it. Because we moved it the day before. And everybody helped us out, from sponsors to people with personal Facebook pages — everybody got behind us to let everybody know it moved and that the concert was still going on. So that was a big eye-opener for me.” This may be the fourth Major Rager, but it is the sixth Masters Week event that Claussen has helped organized. Before they went with the straight live-show format, he and friends organized Birdies and Bogies, a
14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
fundraising event that featured live music, a JD, food and beverages. And that event started as a bet between Claussen and a friend in Charleston. “I went to a New Years event in Charleston a friend of mine threw and we were talking and kind of had like a little side bet,” he said. “I said, ‘Hey I bet you we could raise more money on a Masters Week event in Augusta than you can on a New Years event in Charleston.’” They then decided to donate the money to charity,
By Amy Christian
creating the William Weston IV Fund after a family friend who had recently passed away. They also designated funds to Press On, an organization that raises money to cure childhood cancers headed up by three families directly affected, including the Simkins family from North Augusta. Press On will be the recipient of funds from this year’s Major Rager. After the Second Birdies and Bogies event in 2013, Friends With Benefits was born and the group decided they wanted to focus their Masters Week event on being an outdoor concert. “So the first year was a success and the second year was a success, so we said, ‘Hey, let’s take this up a notch,’” he said. “Rock Fore! Dough was the only thing that was really going on during Masters Week, concert wide, so we thought, ‘Let’s do a concert instead.’” Claussen said he envisioned an impressive event, so he had to be sold on the name. “Someone came up with the Major Rager which, at first, I hated,” he laughed. “I was like, ‘Man, this sounds way aggressive. This is a very prestigious event and Major Rager sounds like something that is going to be crazy.’” The 2014 Major Rager included the bands Umphrey’s McGee and Moon Taxi, who had headlined the Birdies and Bogies event. And, despite the last-minute venue change, things went pretty smoothly. When it came time to plan the 2015 concert, Friends With Benefits wanted to repeat their headliners from 2014, but couldn’t because of what’s called a radius 23MARCH2017
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clause. That simply means that because the two bands had already committed to playing shows nearby and close enough to the time of the Major Rager, they couldn’t also play the Friends With Benefits show. (Remember that fact: It’ll come up again later.) “So we decided to bring in Gov’t Mule for the second year with the Revivalists and Lettuce and that’s, of course, the first time Sharon (Jones) ever got on stage with us,” Claussen said. “She jumped on stage with Lettuce and sang. It was just a magical night, a great night. That was also the first year we did the XM Radio worldwide broadcast. It was just an awesome show.” In 2016, Umphrey’s McGee was able to return, but instead of a regular show, they performed a set of covers. That brings us to 2017, when the folks at Friends With Benefits had a decision to make. They’d always focused on an 18-35 demographic who likes jam bands. Was it time to expand? “This year, we were thinking, ‘What’s the right thing to do here?’” Claussen said. “We knew we were going to get 3,000-4,000 people out here. Is it time to take it to the next level? We didn’t want to go too corporate; we didn’t want to do some pop show. We wanted to stay with our brand as much as we could.” At the same time, the dreaded radius clause popped up again, with two music festivals on the weekend of April 20 — the Sweetwater 420 Fest in Atlanta and the Wanee Festival in Florida — that had already booked many of the bands they might have been interested in. “We were double radiused out in the jam world,” he admitted. “Your Phish bands and your Widespread Panic, none of those were even available. We were stuck. How can we stick with what we want to do when we have two huge jam festivals on the same weekend? For us it was like, ‘Who’s even out there? What’s available for us now?’” 23MARCH2017
To make matters worse, it was already November of 2016, the time when Friends With Benefits would usually be announcing the lineup for the next Major Rager. “We just threw some feelers out there to different random artists, from Jack White to Ben Harper to Flaming Lips,” he said. “We knew Flaming Lips had a new album coming out and they’ve been around since ’83 and have four Grammys, I think. We wanted to keep it to our age crowd, but also to try to make it a little bit more appealing to a Masters crowd that might be here. You know, Flaming Lips are weird, but they’re well known and they’ve been around for a while. So instead of trying to hit this 18-35 demographic, we decided to try to go up to 55-year-old demographic. And it kind of went back and forth and back and forth and we were finally able to get everything done and announced. We didn’t get it announced until the end of January; it was really, really late.” The next question for the group was who could open for the Flaming Lips? “We still wanted to be able to hit that crowd that we’ve been hitting for the past three years, so, of course, we called Moon Taxi and we ran into another radius clause with the Shaky Knees Festival,” he said. “So we called them up and said, ‘Can we get around this radius clause if we get you to play a special set?’ So we went back and forth with Shaky Knees and they approved it. This is almost even cooler than having Moon Taxi, having them play a Rage Against the Machine set as People of the Sun. And then we got Eric Krasno, who is a founding member of Lettuce who played two years ago. And then Stop Light Observations, who’s a new band out of Charleston that are just really blowing up.” And while the Flaming Lips don’t exactly play the kind of music Major Rager fans are used to, it will live up to fans’ expectations of seeing an extravagant live show. In
fact, Claussen promises those who attend may not know what hit them. “From Rolling Stone (magazine) to everyone else, it’s known as one of the best live shows in the world,” he promised. “What (frontman) Wayne Coyne does and the production they’re bringing in here — you know, 500 pounds of confetti, three 18-wheelers full of production — it’s insane what is about to happen at the Common. He’ll be in his clear plastic ball riding the crowd. It’s extremely different and, again, it’s not about knowing the Flaming Lips it’s about the experience they make you feel when you go to one of their shows. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” “And, you know, people trust us,” Claussen continued. “They may not have known who Umphrey’s McGee was, who Gov’t Mule was, who Lettuce was. In fact, I had someone write that on Facebook and it made me feel good. They said, ‘I’m not sure who the Flaming Lips are, but I know y’all know how to throw a party so I’m coming.’ That’s what we wanted. I know this is a little bit different that what you’re used to, but trust us: You’re going to be blown away.” And how is Friends With Benefits going to follow up a show that features costumes, a giant plastic bubble, confetti and, possibly, a unicorn? “We haven’t thought too much about next year’s show, but you can’t go backwards,” Claussen admitted. “Once you open that can of worms, you’ve got to keep going. We haven’t thought about what we’re going to do yet, but it’ll definitely be bigger than this year.” Before they can even think of 2018, though, he and organizers are just focused on the next step in their plan to take the Major Rager to all four major golf tournaments. While Claussen said he couldn’t give any details, he did say they’d already secured a venue in Charlotte, N.C., for the PGA Championship this August. “That was always our ultimate goal was to go to all four majors, so we’re adding the PGA Championship this year and then, next year, we want to add the U.S. Open until we do all four majors every year,” he said. “We’ve been very lucky. Charlotte is letting us use a venue that has not been used since 2009. The powers that be over there have been very supportive, and a lot of it has to do with the people here who are involved vouching for us and what we’ve done for their charities.” Right now, however, Claussen said they’re “crazy busy” getting ready for the Flaming Lips on April 6. Now if they could just find a way to make sure it doesn’t rain. The Major rager w/ The FlaMing lips, people oF The sun, eric Krasno Band, sTop lighT oBservaTions Augusta Common Thursday, April 6 5 p.m. $35, general admission; $105, VIP; $100, Fore! Pack; $15, Sky City after party with Funk You, Schema fwbpro.com
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whaT’s up
Calendar: 18 | 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.
eaT ‘em up The weaTher will be perFecT, the food will be great and the company couldn’t be better. So what more could you want in an event? How about for the funds raised to be used to help protect and improve the Savannah River? If all this sounds good to you, then you’ll definitely want to be at the offices of the Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday night at 6 p.m. There, the party will be in full swing, with all you can eat oysters and a low country boil, beer from Sweetwater Brewing Company, live music, raffle items and more. And by the “more” we mean a cornhole tournament for a kayak, available for a mere $10 entry. If you think that sounds like relaxed and laidback way to spend a Saturday evening, we couldn’t agree more. See you there! roasT on The river 328 Riverfront Drive, Augusta Saturday, March 25 6 p.m. $35; $60, couples. savannahriverkeeper.org
This week
Thursday
Artus Co-Op downtown hosts a number of cool events and, if you’re a photographer, you’ll definitely want to be at this one. Camera (Geek) Night, from 5-8 p.m., allows you to talk all things visual with like-minded photography aficionados over drinks and snacks, as well as trade or sell your equipment. Although not a class, you might just learn a thing or two, or at least make some new friends. Visit facebook.com/ pages/Artus-Co-op/532417963629102.
Friday
Le Chatons Noir is a collective for actors ages 16-26 that meets at downtown’s Le Chat Noir. For their spring performance, they’ve chosen a pretty ambitious production in “Doubt: A Parable.” This morality tale of agendas, rumors and possible abuse opens tonight at 8 p.m. and continues Saturday night and Sunday at 3 p.m. The play has won Pulitzers and Tonys, and we can’t wait to see what these actors do with it. Visit lcnaugusta.com
saTurday
Today’s your last chance to grab your friends and head to the Augusta Museum of History for their Red Scare escape room game. Held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and lasting about 45 minutes, this mystery game with a Russian theme (how appropriate!) is for up to 8 people ages 18 or older, or ages 12 and up with parental supervision. $15, members; $20, non-members; $25, at the door. Visit augustamuseum.org.
sunday
The Rose Sunday Concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on the Riverwalk is an annual event. Held at 3:30 p.m., it features noted organist Keither Shafer who will, this year, perform the works of Bach, Messiaen, Gigout, Archer and Mulet. It is a free event, but an offering will be taken to benefit the St. Paul’s choir’s 2018 trip to Greece. A reception will follow in Tyler Hall, and childcare will be provided. Call 706-724-2485 or visit saintpauls.org.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 18. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Canal Trail Talk: Inside Sutherland Mill, Past and Present Sutherland Mill, 720 St. Sebastian Way Sunday, March 26 3 p.m. A guided tour that begins at the entrance. Free. 706-823-0440 augustacanal.com
ARTS
3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Thu March 23
DANCE
5pm Camera (Geek) Night Artus Co-Op A night of connections, information, swap shop and learning for camera geeks and photographers. Visit facebook.com/pages/ Artus-Co-op/532417963629102.
Sat March 25
2pm and 5pm An Evening of Dance Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center A presentation of Augusta West Dance Studio’s Performing Companies. $14. Visit augustawestdance.com.
Sat March 25
EDUCATION
175 N. Louisville Street, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30, including materials. Pre-registration required. Visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Thu March 23
10am - noon Angel Pendant and Earrings
10am - 1pm Painting with Acrylics: Flower Still Life
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up in which no previous experience is needed and all supplies are provided. $35, members; $40, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
3pm Gadget Help with Alex
Wed March 29
Diamond Lakes Community Center Part of the Winning in Augusta community empowerment workshop series for south Augusta residents. Free. Call 762-218-1950.
7pm Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Le Chat Noir A burlesque live drawing event featuring contests, performances, prizes and more. $10, advance; $12 at the door. Call 706-72218 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Columbia County Library First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Sat March 25
10:30am Life & Money: Investing in Your Future
Sun March 26
3pm Blogging and Digital Marketing
3pm VA Benefits for Long-Term Care
Columbia County Library Part 3 on the three-part series “Seven Steps to Creating and Online Business That Works.” Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Burroughs Elijah Attorneys Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-3764 or visit burroughselijah.com.
Mon March 27
3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Leadership Augusta Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Applications are available for Leadership Augusta Class of 2018, a 10-month program in which participants have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, foster understanding of issues facing the region, improve the communications network among leaders and participate in civic activities. Application deadline is Friday, March 31, at 5 p.m. Call 706-821-1308 or email kate.harski@ augustametrochamber.com.
Leadership Columbia County
Tue March 28
10am VA Benefits for Long-Term Care Burroughs Elijah Attorneys Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-3764 or visit burroughselijah.com.
Thu March 30
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A 10-month program for business and area leaders in which class members participate in day-long sessions covering topics ranging from law enforcement and healthcare to the history of the county and education. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Visit columbiacountychamber.com/ leadershipcolumbiacounty.
Professional Development Courses Jessye Norman School of the Arts 23MARCH2017
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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.
Free Tax Assistance Headquarters Branch Library Available Wednesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Free Tax Assistance Maxwell Branch Branch Library Available Thursdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706793-2020 or visit arcpls.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 March 30
6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring The Julie Adams Group in the main gallery; Sally Donovan in the AAG Gallery and Mead Hall in the Brooks Gallery. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Ongoing
Black History Month Exhibit Headquarters Branch Library In honor of Black History Month, The Georgia Heritage Room will exhibit a collection of rare and antique books on loan from local historian and writer Elvin Thompson. Some of the books included are an 1852 first edition two-volume set of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, an 1855 first edition of “My Bondage and My Freedom” by Frederick Douglass, an 1880 second edition of “A Fool’s Errand” by Albion W. Tourgee and many other works. The exhibit will run through March. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Outliers: The Art of Printmaking Westobou Gallery A satellite exhibition, in conjunction with the Southern Graphics Council International’s 2017 Conference, in celebration of printmaking featuring artwork from eight local, regional and national printmakers. It will be on display through April 9. Call 706755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Rhythm and Movement: Paintings by James Michalopoulos Morris Museum of Art An exhibit of more than 30 large-scale paintings of the historic architecture of New Orleans that will show through May 14. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
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 Sat March 25 3pm “Lion”
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue March 28
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
Thu March 30
6:30pm “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu March 23
7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Fri March 24
10am Chair Yoga
10am - noon Health and Wellness Expo Antioch Baptist Church Featuring several guest speakers, as well as mental health support, health screenings, nutrition information, weight loss tips, prizes and more. Call 706-619-2600.
6:30pm CSRA Veg Monthly Meet Up Earth Fare Membership is not required to attend. Visit meetup.com/csravs/.
Mon March 27
5pm Music Therapy Georgia Cancer Center Sessions include music-assisted relaxation, drumming to the beat and group. Call 706721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
Georgia Cancer Center Open to anyone being treated at the center. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
7:30pm Beginner’s Yoga
Sat March 25
Ongoing
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital
23MARCH2017
A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, March 26, from 1-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
That Place Coffee Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Colorectal Cancer Screening A Doctors Hospital event throughout the AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Music Therapy Georgia Cancer Center, room 1512 Monday, March 27 5 p.m. Weekly sessions include music-assisted relaxation, drumming to the beat and group. No prior experience necessary. 706-721-0472 augusta.edu month of March, during which participants can pick up a free screening kit at several locations and return it to the hospital’s lab. Kits are available at the hospital’s main entrance, WJBF, Warren Family Life Center, Tabernacle Baptist Church Family Life Center, Warren Grovetown and Tabernacle Baptist Church West. Visit doctors-hospital.net.
Meditation Sessions The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
HOBBIES Sat March 25
11am, 1pm and 3pm Museum Escape: Red Scare Augusta Museum of History A mystery game in an escape room will be available for up to 8 people per session. Sessions last about 45 minutes. For ages 18 and up, or 12 and up with parental supervision. $15, members; $20, nonmembers; $25, at the door. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Wed March 29
5:30pm - 7pm Culinary Knife Skills theClubhou.se Part of the Grow Your Own series of workshops sponsored by theClubhou.se and Augusta Locally Grown, this one featuring 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Chef Georgia Miller of Helms College. Participants should bring their own knives and a cutting board. Suggested donation for each workshop is $5. Pre-registration required. Call 706-288-7895 or visit augustalocallygrown.org.
Mon March 27
Ongoing
Tue March 28
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 Thu March 23
4:30pm Family Movie Night Columbia County Library An event for those ages 3 and up and their families. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6 that, in March, celebrate Dr. Seuss. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 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.
Sat March 25
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Hopelands Gardens Each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
11am Create Your Own Little Golden Book Story Time
1:30pm Keystone Species: How Wolves Changed Yellowstone Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 8 and up, who must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
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 that, in March, celebrate Dr. Seuss. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am - 11am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
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.
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
Columbia County Library For those ages 11-18. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
The Book Tavern Featuring Fireside Outdoors Kitchens & Grills. Juice and cookies will be provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
Wed March 29
Ongoing
4pm Teen Guitar Club
10am Story Time
TAG Membership Drive 23MARCH2017
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Teens in Action with Goals (TAG), Inc. is a 501 3(c) non-profit, teen program organized within Richmond County Recreation and Parks formed to help reduce teenage pregnancy, high school dropouts, drug sales, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, and gang-related crimes. It is open to new members from March 20-April 20, and offers departments including dance, step, drama, poetry, chorus, recreation/travel, social/ cultural, mission, scholarship and yearly conferences. Meetings are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Brigham Community Center gym. Call 706-284-8252.
This meeting the group, open to older teens and up, will discuss “Vision, Vol. 1: Little Worse Than a Man” by Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez Walta. Call 706-8261940 or email david@booktavern.com.
Leadership Columbia County Junior
Thu March 30
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A program for rising high school sophomores and juniors in Columbia County who want to take a more active role in their community. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 30. Visit columbiacountychamber. com/youthleadershipcolumbiacounty.
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.
Homeschool PE Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Members, free; nonmembers, $2 per visit. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Toddler Time Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes story time, crafts and hands-on activities. Meets Fridays at 10 a.m. $1, members; $3, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Kroc Tots Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes work on physical, social and emotional development, as well as cognitive skills and language development. Meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school year. $2, members; $5, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
LITERARY Thu March 23
7pm Graphic Novel Discussion The Book Tavern 23MARCH2017
Sat March 25
6:30pm Poetry Matters Project Open Mic with Poets The Book Tavern A discussion of poetry with a focus on race, followed by a Poetic Open Mic segment. Visit csrapoetrymatters.wordpress.com.
10am Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library This month’s selection is “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
MUSIC Fri March 24
7pm Memorial Piano Concert St. Paul’s Episcopal Church A concert hosted by University Health Care Foundation and the family of Dr. C.F. Johnson featuring pianist Jeff Perks. A reception will follow in the River Room. $50. Call 706-667-0030.
Sat March 25
2:30pm Guitar Lessons 175 North Louisville Street, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for those with beginner to intermediate guitar experience. $30. Call 706-556-3756 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
6:30pm Waarts Plays Mendelssohn Etherredge Center, Aiken An Aiken Symphony presentation featuring Stephen Waarts on violin. Maestro Donald Portnoy will present Illuminations, a preconcert talk, at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. concert. $30-$45. Call 803-641-3305 or visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com/tickets.
7:30pm Continuo Collective of the South
An Augusta Choral Society concert that also features choral guests from Presbyterian College, the Lyra Vivace Chamber Orchestra and four soloists. $35, adults; $30, seniors; $10, students and military. Visit augustacs.org.
Sun March 26
2pm The National Juniors Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
3:30pm Rose Sunday Concert
Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Augusta Common Call 706-592-3200.
10am - 4pm Last Saturday in the Park
7pm Deconstructing The Beatles’ “Revolver” Imperial Theatre $10. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
7:30pm Jump Jive and Wail AECOM Theater, Aiken An Aiken Performing Arts Group event featuring The Jive Aces. $40. Visit apagonline.org.
SENIORS Tue March 28
10:30am Senior Tech Help Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu March 30
11am Classic Movie for Seniors Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Free Tax Prep
SPECIAL EVENTS
7:30pm Verdi’s Requiem
9am - 2pm Great Augusta Cleanup and Recycling Block Party
Thu March 30
7:30pm Ludwig Plays Mendelssohn
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.
Lakeside High School $5. Call 706-863-0027 or visit ccboe.net.
10am Black History Quiz Bowl
Kroc Center An AARP event that is held each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through April 18. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
7:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine
8am Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church This organ concert by Keith Shafer, featuring the works of Bach, Messiaen, Gigout, Archer and Mulet, will be followed by a reception in Tyler Hall. Free; childcare provided. Call 706724-2485 or visit saintpauls.org.
Jabez S. Hardin PAC Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Columbia County Music Series. $15.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org. Etherredge Center, Aiken An Aiken Symphony Orchestra event featuring violinist Michael Ludwig. $30-$45. Call 803641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
Fri March 24
11:30am Member Economic Luncheon Legends Club Featuring guest speaker Calvin Rhodes, executive director of the Georgia Technology Authority. $35, members; $45, non-members. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
Sat March 25
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street
Headquarters Branch Library A competition for teams of four or more middle- and high-school students hosted by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. For more information, call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com. North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
4pm Art of the Oyster Columbia County Amphitheater An event that includes music, food, arts and more. $20, advance; $25, day of. Visit artoftheoyster.com.
6pm Roast on the River 328 Riverfront Drive, Augusta This Savannah Riverkeeper event includes an oyster roast and lowcountry boil, as well as beer, live music and a silent auction. There will also be a cornhole tournament, $10 entry per team, for a kayak. $35; $60, couples. Visit savannahriverkeeper.org.
7pm “Mission to Mars” 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 “Blown Away: Wild World of Weather” 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.
Sun March 26
Noon - 3pm Monthly Artisan Market That Place Coffee Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Thu March 30
6pm - 8pm Keepers of the Dream Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History A Women’s History Month Tribute featuring an evening of creative dialogue with Toni Quest, Uta Schmidt and Rhian Swain. Refreshments will be served and there will also be a book signing and paintings display. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 21
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Ongoing
City Cup Corporate Challenge City of Aiken Offered by the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, the City Cup Corporate Challenge provides area businesses the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles, establish leadership roles, develop employee relationships, enhance existing corporate fitness programs, promote friendly competition, provide company exposure to the community, improve personal skills and boost employee morale. Registration is open through April 7. Call 803642-7648 or email cmiller@cityofaikensc.gov.
Kroc Taekwondo Kroc Center A class for all ages that meets Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. $75; pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Fencing Classes
Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Tuesday, March 28 4 p.m. Each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. 803-642-7631 Free and open to the public. Call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
SPIRITUAL Sat March 25
7pm James H. Goodman Memorial Gospel Concert Matlock Baptist Fellowship Hall, Jackson A concert benefiting the Beech Island Historical Society that features Flo Carter & Cookie Dodson, Steve Ellis, Tommy Hodo, Crimson Cross, Tim and Cynthia Rollins, Charles Stribling and Tim Thompson. $10, advance; $15, door. Call 803-471-2228 or visit beechislandhistory.org.
7:30pm Pianist Eric Genuis Concert St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church $45, advance; $55, door. Concert benefits St. Paul Radio 91.1 FM. Call 706-564-1743 or visit st-teresa.com.
Ongoing
Qigong for Peace Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Held each Sunday at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary, all are invited to help send peace into the world. Call 706-733-7939 or visit uuaugusta.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu March 23
Star Trek Weekend Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek with other Trekkies. Watch marathons of Original Series, Enterprise, Next Generation and Deep Space Nine on park cable, plus movies at Forward 10 (our group shelter). Enjoy a costume contest, a Captain Archer archery contest, mini-golf, cabin discounts and more. $5 parking. Call 706-359-3458 or visit gastateparks.org/elijahclark.
Fri March 24
Star Trek Weekend Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek with other Trekkies. Watch marathons of Original Series, Enterprise, Next Generation and Deep Space Nine on park cable, plus movies at Forward 10 (our group shelter). Enjoy a costume contest, a Captain Archer archery contest, mini-golf, cabin discounts and more. $5 parking. Call 706-359-3458 or visit gastateparks.org/elijahclark.
Sat March 25
Star Trek Weekend Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek with other Trekkies. Watch marathons of Original Series, Enterprise, Next Generation and Deep Space Nine on park cable, plus movies at Forward 10 (our group shelter). Enjoy a costume contest, a Captain Archer archery contest, mini-golf, cabin discounts
and more. $5 parking. Call 706-359-3458 or visit gastateparks.org/elijahclark.
Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. A new, 10-week session of introductory classes will begin Monday, April 17, and Thursday, April 20, for youth. Teens ages 10-13 will meet Mondays at 5 p.m., youth ages 6-9 will meet on Thursdays at 5 p.m., and adults down to 14 years of age will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. The course includes all competitive equipment and is $180. Pre-registration required. Call 706722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
9am Dare to Tri Sprint Triathlon
Augusta Sports Leagues
Fort Gordon’s Indoor Pool $70, individual; $110, relay. Pre-registration required. Visit fortgordonrunseries.com.
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.
9am - noon Swamp Spring Cleaning Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Volunteers will help clean up the trails and boardwalks and can stick around for a hot dog lunch. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Sun March 26
1pm Greeneway Bike Ride Greeneway Parking Lot, Georgia Avenue, North Augusta A Sierra Club event in which participants will take a 12-mile bike ride through Hammond’s Ferry, Brickyard Ponds and the Riverfront development area. Lunch afterwards will be at Monterrey’s. Helmets and bikes required. Call 404-538-3336 or email billjakson@att.net.
3pm Canal Trail Talk: Inside Sutherland Mill, Past and Present Sutherland Mill, 720 St. Sebastian Way A guided tour that begins at the entrance. Free. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.
Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
SUPPORT Tue March 28
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 augustahealth.org.
6pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room 23MARCH2017
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Neurologist Julie Kurek will present an overview of the Parkinson’s Interdisciplinary Care Clinic (IDC) at Augusta University. Free and open to the public. Call 706-364-1662.
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.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
by Doug Joiner. $10, general; $7, alumni, seniors, military, students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
Fri March 24
3:45pm Student-Directed One-Act Play Festival
Mon March 27
Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing fundraiser that includes at gala reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a performance at 7:30 p.m. with the theme The Times They Are a ‘Changin’ and featuring musical selections from “Cats”, “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Something’s Rotten” and more. $25, adults; $17, students. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
7pm Student-Directed One-Act Play Festival Davidson Fine Arts $5. Visit davidson.rcboe.org.
7:30pm “The Effect” AU’s Maxwell Theatre A presentation of Theatre AU directed by Doug Joiner. $10, general; $7, alumni, seniors, military, students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
Le Chat Noir Comedy and improv by Schodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Tue March 28
9:30am, 10:45am and 12:15pm “Jack and the Beanstalk” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre School shows of this Storyland Theatre production. $5 per student. Visit storylandtheatre.org.
Wed March 29
9:30am, 10:45am and 12:15pm “Jack and the Beanstalk” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre School shows of this Storyland Theatre production. $5 per student. Visit storylandtheatre.org.
7:30pm “The Fourposter” Etherredge Center, Aiken $15, adult; $12, seniors; $8, students with ID. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
ANNUAL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE Unitarian Universalist Church 3501 Walton Way Extension (Next door to Fire Station)
Saturday, April 1 8 am - 12 Noon (Items priced to sell) -Rain or Shine-
Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat March 25
1pm and 5pm “The Roar of Love” Bell Auditorium A production of the Columbia County Ballet. $25. Call 706-860-1852 or visit columbiacountyballet.com.
6:30pm - 10pm Broadway and Beyond
Davidson Fine Arts $5. Visit davidson.rcboe.org.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre A presentation of Theatre AU directed by Doug Joiner. $10, general; $7, alumni, seniors, military, students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
7:30pm “The Effect”
8pm “Doubt: A Parable”
23MARCH2017
8pm Tales from the Box
9:30am, 10:45am and 12:15pm “Jack and the Beanstalk”
8pm “Doubt: A Parable”
7:30pm “The Effect”
AU’s Maxwell Theatre A presentation of Theatre AU directed
AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre School shows of this Storyland Theatre production. $5 per student. Visit storylandtheatre.org.
3pm “Doubt: A Parable”
6:30pm - 10pm Broadway and Beyond
THEATER 7pm Student-Directed One-Act Play Festival
Sun March 26
Davidson Fine Arts $5. Visit davidson.rcboe.org.
Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Thu March 23
Thu March 30
Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing fundraiser that includes at gala reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. and a performance at 7:30 p.m. with the theme The Times They Are a ‘Changin’ and featuring musical selections from “Cats”, “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Something’s Rotten” and more. $25, adults; $17, students. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Write to Heal Creative Writing
production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Thursday, March 23 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Will McCranie Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Matt Acosta Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - Shep & Jeff Sky City - Doc Otis Band, Vilai Harrington Soul Bar - Subutech, Sunwell Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic
Friday, March 24 Live Music
Cracker, The Shaun Piazza Band Sky City Friday, March 24 Doors, 8 p.m.; Music, 9 p.m. $17, advance; $20, door skycityaugusta.com
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - Demun Jones Coyotes - Augusta’s Most Wanted Eli’s American - Donna Jo The Highlander - Dewayne & Friends Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - The Clydes Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Doc Easton Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Cracker, The Shaun Piazza Band Stillwater Taproom - Circus No. 9 Wild Wing - Sequence 8 The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Dead Rat Comedy w/ Jenn Snyder Soul Bar - (r)Evolution
Saturday, March 25 Live Music
Cork & Bull (Aiken) - All Bets R Off Country Club - Matt Rogers Coyotes - Matt Chase Jabez S. Hardin PAC - Continuo Collective of the South Jessye Norman School of the Arts - Jazz + Wine Sally’s - Grand Opening w/ Mayhem on Monday Shannon’s - Shinebox Sky City - The Bad Boy Tribute Show w/ the Phaze 360 Band Southbound Smokehouse - Bentley Rhoades Band Stillwater Taproom - Uncle Jack Tin Lizzy’s - Lundy Wild Wing - Jagertron The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Time Pirates
What’s Tonight?
Bethany Davis and the Southside Boys Hammond’s Ferry Larder Wednesday, March 29 7 p.m. 803-341-9273 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Book Tavern - Poetry Matters Project Open Mic Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party That Place Coffee - Cushions & Caffeine Afternoon Open Mic
Sunday, March 26 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, March 27 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Half Moon, Twen
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
Tuesday, March 28 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia Blue Sky Bar & Kitchen - Butt Naked Trivia Capri Lounge - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, March 29 Live Music
Hammond’s Ferry Larder - Bethany Davis and the Southside Boys The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke 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 Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Upcoming Muy Biien, Nihilist Cheerleader
- Soul Bar March 30 LeGoose, Tunde, Digigost
- Sky City March 31 Black Iron Gathering
- Stillwater Taproom March 31 Ben Price & Friends
- Sky City April 1 Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths
- Stillwater Taproom April 1 Rock Fore! Dough w/ Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Bethany and the Southside Boys
- Evans Towne Center Park April 4 23MARCH2017
Will McCranie Trio
- Stillwater Taproom April 5 The Major Rager w/ The Flaming Lips, People of the Sun (by Moon Taxi), The Eric Krasno Band, Stop Light Observations
- Augusta Common April 6
3:POINT
The Major Rager After Party w/ Funk You, Schema
- Sky City April 6 Home Free
- Imperial Theatre April 13 Steep Canyon Rangers
- Bell Auditorium April 27
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- Bell Auditorium April 30 The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 Hank Williams Jr.
- James Brown Arena June 16
Elsewhere The Reverend Horton Heat, Unknown Hinson
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Music Farm, Columbia March 23 Conor Oberst
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta March 23 The Avett Brothers
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah March 23-24 Dinosaur Jr.
- Georgia Theatre, Athens March 24
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- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta March 27-28 Los Lobos
- City Winery, Atlanta March 30 Radiohead
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 1
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V28|NO12
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Trent and Delaine Pittman with Caitlyn Pittman and Ryan Hawkins at the Exchange Club of Richmond County and Child Enrichment’s Oyster Roast & Toast at Daniel Field Airport.
Lisa McElmurray, Johnny Markwalter and Ginger Connell at the Exchange Club of Richmond County and Child Enrichment’s Oyster Roast & Toast at Daniel Field Airport.
Kari and Amanda Viola-Brooks with RJ Thomas and Elaine Douglas at the Exchange Club of Richmond County and Child Enrichment’s Oyster Roast & Toast at Daniel Field Airport.
Jan and Dan Hillman with Trex Bolick at the Exchange Club of Richmond County and Child Enrichment’s Oyster Roast & Toast at Daniel Field Airport.
Judy Wright, singer/songwriter Trent Tomlinson and Mary Montgomery at Tin Lizzy’s.
Mindy Steedley, Desiree Wolf and Tina Bear at French Market Grille West.
Alberto Machado, Rachel Baxter, Emily Zimmerman and Steven Williamson at Tin Lizzy’s.
Charlotte Shockey, Isabel Marcano, Sean Woods and Carmen Moses of Cork & Canvas at Tin Lizzy’s.
Miriam Powell, Judy Love, Wanda Puffie and Mary Lemon at French Market Grille West.
26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
23MARCH2017
V28|NO12
TAKING THE FIFTH By Alan Arbesfeld/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Chest protectors 7 The 2000s, with “the” 14 Camry competitor 20 Fisher of fashion 21 Coming up 22 1943 conference site 23 “Put that Southern state on next month’s agenda”? 25 Like some wedding cakes and stadiums 26 Sulk 27 Pooh’s pal 28 New York : The Big Apple :: ____ : The Big Guava 30 Pain in the neck 31 Go off course 32 What a male babysitter may sport? 36 Panama, e.g.: Abbr. 37 Numbskull 38 Minuscule, informally 39 Romantic liaison 42 Shared with, as a story 45 Ending with chick 46 Spoils, in a way 47 Playing a fifth N.F.L. period, say 48 Romanian currency 50 Capital of Yemen 54 Race pace 55 ____ volente (God willing) 56 Like a fired Broadway star? 59 Small handful 62 Comedian Smirnoff 64 Auric Goldfinger, to James Bond 65 Leave thunderstruck 66 Color in “America the Beautiful” 68 Do to do 69 A.A.A. and B.B.B. 71 Jai ____ 72 One in a crowd at a bookstore? 73 Total 74 Billiards feature 75 South American greeting 76 Eskimo-____ languages 77 Winter hrs. in Vail 78 Sweaty, irritable rabbit? 83 Suffix with nod84 Follow 86 Really bother 87 Grp. in the Oscar-winning documentary “Citizenfour”
88 Kunis of “Black Swan” 89 Stuck 92 Bit of bar food 94 Real hoot 96 Commotions 97 Setting for many Stephen King novels 99 “The Persistence of Memory” artist 100 “Pencils down!” 101 What’ll feed everyone at a tailgate party? 104 “What else could it be?!” 107 Road to the Forum, e.g. 108 “Lovergirl” singer ____ Marie 109 Christmas-song contraction 110 Broadway star Rivera 112 Supermodel Bündchen 114 Reformed barbarian? 118 Start of a marital spat? 119 2000s TV hit set in Baltimore 120 Guinness entry 121 Vocal quavers 122 A cross might be given for it 123 Invites across the threshold
DOWN 1 Held in reserve 2 Queen topper 3 Jostle 4 Move, informally 5 Is unobliged to 6 Soldier, for one 7 Curtain fabric 8 Ticked off 9 Wear and tear 10 Some sporty cars 11 Popular landscaping plants 12 Compact 13 Dreaded comment on a returned exam 14 Lead-in to boy or girl 15 Island chain? 16 1993 film that garnered Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Oscars 17 Turnaround too tempting to pass up? 18 Wand wielder 19 “What happened next?” 24 Puzzle inventor Rubik 29 Brandy fruit 33 Unpopular baby name 34 Formation fliers
1
35 Hour in the graveyard shift 37 Target of a 1972 ban 40 It’s inescapable 41 “Shoot!” 42 Nice piece of change 43 Plays without a break 44 “Check out the Argentine soccer star!”? 45 500, e.g. 49 Exercitation 51 Grp. that might have a launch party 52 Where kids get creative in school 53 Diving equipment co-invented by Jacques Cousteau 56 Shout from an arm waver 57 Exodus 58 They may have many chapters 60 Part of the brain that controls involuntary functions 61 Reds, Blues or Browns 63 World Cup chant 67 Start to practice? 70 Schedule position 79 Baltic Sea feeder 80 2005 horror sequel 81 Undercover operation 82 Stuffy-sounding 85 Heavenly 88 Picture of health, in brief? 89 Tense 90 First African-American to win a Best Actor Oscar 91 Tivoli’s Villa d’____ 93 Attractions for bees 95 They’re always tired 97 French ice-cream flavorer 98 Lessener 99 Gossip 102 Moor 103 “____ where they ain’t” 104 Natural-history-museum exhibits, for short 105 Centers of early development 106 Composer who taught Beethoven 108 “Bill & ____ Excellent Adventure” 111 Pawn 113 Short, for short 115 1945 battle site, informally 116 2018 Super Bowl number 117 Internet ____ (what we live in)
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS P E W E E
O T E R I
W H A R F
P O U R
E G G O
E L L A
I D E A
L O M E
L A S S I
U S E O N
L E P R E C H A U N
S O S T H E R E F E L A D S K S E B I E D S I S O R N U S N T T Y O B I C O L K Y D U T A C R C E I E
S P R A T
P A B L O
M A D D E N
O L S E N
W S O C E I O G N I N S U
A C E B R A N O A L L O B W E R O N U S O D S T D H A E L K D I N E L A O D A G U E B T U N D X E R C R I P S B A T S U C L E M M O T P T O D
A I O L I A V E R E N V I E S A H A
R A B N E O A T N T H T E B I L O C G T S E C A P R R E O T E C R S S E T E B A G A S R R E E R T E
M A T Z A B O O N C O R T R E S H O P I D I Z E R C E C I H R A C E Y E R I O T Y P S O L C L O G O O D A O L L B A P A W A C T O L O C K W H E
O N E U P S L E W E D G Y T E R S E
V28|NO12
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Damn the controveries; nothing can stop this Beast. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
$174,750,616
$174,750,616
1
-
2
KONG: SKULL ISLAND
$27,832,142
$109,107,436
2
1
3
LOGAN
$17,815,667
$184,342,562
3
2
4
GET OUT
$13,437,220
$133,305,365
5
3
5
THE SHACK
$6,005,739
$42,490,369
3
4
In Theaters March 24
ACTION “Power Rangers,” rated PG-13, starring Dacre
SCI-FI “Life,” rated R, starring Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan
COMEDY “CHIPS,” rated R, starring Dax Shepard, Michael Pena,
Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin, Elizabeth Banks, Bryan Cranston, Bill Hader. I mean, if you like this kind of thing, here another entry in the franchise that consists of 24 seasons on TV, 20 different series and this, the third, film. And that’s not even counting the action figures. Hey, but they did getting some pretty great actors to star in supporting roles, including Walter White himself.
Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal. Life on Mars: The possibility has intrigued the U.S. since, well, it seems like forever. If you really want to find life on the Red Planet, however, this film might just serve as a cautionary tale. The six astronauts aboard this mission certainly don’t seem to know what hit them. Sound a little like “Alien”? It does to us too. Let’s hope it’s half as good as that one.
Jessica McNamee, Adam Brody, Kristen Bell, Vincent D’Onofrio, Maya Rudolph. Hollywood loves to mine old TV series, banking on nostalgia to bring audiences to the theater for a new and improved version of the classic. As much as we want to love a raunchy, R-rated version of the adventures of two California Highway patrol motorcycle cops, however, we have a hard time believing anyone can play Ponch besides Erik Estrada.
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
23MARCH2017
V28|NO12
Celebrating 26 Years with the Right Choice Austin Rhodes A few weeks Ago, I visited my mom. While I was attempting to have a quiet moment, my restless 7-year-old son was filled with a million questions. I should have expected that. Cemeteries tend to have that affect on little boys. One of the few heartbreaks in Beau’s young life has been losing his grandmother before he ever really got a chance to know her. When she died back in 2013, she was at the end of a long and painful battle with COPD and she really did not have the strength to be the kind of grandmother she wanted to be. In 1991 when her first grandchild was born, my daughter Christine, it was much different. Mom was able to be quite a blessing for her for many years. With Beau’s maternal grandmother, who we affectionately call MeMa, the little guy (and his cousin Virginia) hit the jackpot. She is all kinds of fun and all kinds of cool, and he loves her to pieces. And with her, he is truly blessed. But of course, that is a family tradition. Beau’s own mom sets the gold standard. Her patience, warmth, intuition and understanding are simply amazing to see in action. I love to watch her help him with his homework, every bit the teacher, while every bit his mom. It is one of my favorite parts of the day. Simply put, the Good Lord put her on the planet to raise this boy. I know for a fact that she is appreciated for the significant role she has played in the lives of her many English students over her years as a high school teacher, but Bobbie’s place in the universe as Beau’s most important teacher is pure destiny. Destiny and fate have played very significant roles in my life as a parent, and Beau’s very existence is a medical miracle. His mom tackled the in-vitro fertilization process like a STAR student preparing for the SAT. She read, studied and digested hundreds of thousands of words published on the topic, some written by experts in the field, others, by hopeful moms-to-be who had been part of the process. In 2008 the science was complicated and expensive, but eventually and inevitably, it was no match for Beau’s mom. In March of 2009 our son was born and the rest, as they say, is history. So suffice to say, I have a few amazing mothers in my life, and I am blessed and thankful for all of them. One of those mothers has been on my mind in recent weeks, a mother I have not seen or spoken with in many, many years. She is the woman who gave birth to my daughter, Christine, 26 years ago this week, to be exact. It was one of the headlines of the day that renewed my resolve to share our unique experience. Among the many political debates and shout-downs the new administration has brought us, there is renewed interest in the concept of public funding for abortions. Planned Parenthood has specifically been targeted by conservatives, and even though the issue at hand is funding, many liberals seemed convinced that President Trump and his Republicancontrolled Congress aim to criminalize abortion completely. I don’t buy that, and I see no evidence of legislation or any political momentum to even attempt such a thing. But perhaps in these days when Washington conservatives have more power in hand than since 2006, we could bring about real change and hope for those faced with unwanted pregnancies. Perhaps it is time to consider publicly funding adoptions, or at the very least, streamlining the process greatly. I know a young couple right now that has started the adoption process, and it is as expensive and complicated 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
as ever. Not quite as much as the aforementioned in-vitro process, but for many that is sadly not an option. Planned Parenthood’s website says a first trimester abortion costs around $1,500. I wonder what their response would be if they could be paid that much money for every single successful adoption they helped create by referring young women in need to the proper social agencies that handle such things? If given the opportunity to profit from an adoption the same way they do from an abortion, it would be fascinating to see what would happen. In 1990, Planned Parenthood was running at full speed in their Broad Street location, and abortion was a far greater priority to them than adoption. Thank God in Heaven, a mother named Jennifer never considered them a “solution” for her unplanned, unborn child. Instead, she considered me. I wrote Jennifer a letter in this space a few years ago, and it is as important to share it now as it ever was to remind women of their options when it comes to unwanted pregnancies. They have a choice, no doubt, and one choice is vastly superior to the other. Dear Jennifer, Where do I begin to thank you for the greatest gift one human can give another? It was your call. It could have all been over in 20 minutes. A “D&C” as it is called by some medical professionals... an abortion in the more common use of the phrase. 20 minutes... over and out. Forever. You chose to take another route. You made the decision 26 years and seven months ago. You saw it through. Thank you, wherever you are. Your choice gave me my daughter. You sacrificed nine months of physical comfort, suffered countless nauseous mornings, survived fitful nights tortured by conscience and guilt, and faced every conceivable regret a soul can bear. You did it for me and her mother, you did it for her little brothers and sister, you did it for all of us who love her, and we thank you from the bottom of our heart. I held her in my arms 60 seconds after she left your body, and in my heart, I have not let go of her once. She was perfect from the start, and makes me proud to this very moment. Her first word was “Daddy”... her favorite sound was her mom’s voice. Her first cat was Jackson, her first dogs, Sweetness and Penny. She watched spooky movies with me and played in the kitchen with her Ma. She shopped with Mama Bev and learned about the computer from Pa. She loves sports like her Aunt Judy, and music like her Uncle Bubba. She is an important part of a loving, extended family, and it is all because of you. Twenty-six years later, she is a beautiful young woman with her entire life ahead of her, embarking on a career in public service that has made us all so very proud. I wanted a smart, talented, athletic daughter, so it was clear I was going to have to adopt one. I got all that with Christine, and a whole lot more. Like me, she is not much of a morning person. I got to see that up close every day as I used to drive her to school. She is a much better student than I was in most subjects, but just like me, she often loses sight of the finish line. Like her mom, she is a natural with small children, and she spent several years working as a beloved babysitter and cherished nanny. Like every Rhodes on the planet, she pitches fits over lost
football games and “fumbled” elections. The next time someone does a “nature vs. nurture” study, they should consider January 2006 when our family team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, almost handed the Indianapolis Colts a playoff game on a platter. Not to rehash the game, but in the ultimate tense final moments, with a house full of family living and dying with every play, Christine and her Daddy Bob both disappeared out the backdoor, too angry and heartbroken to see anymore. When the Colts’ kicker was wide right on the game-tying kick, the two of them reacted with the same amazed look of relief, disgust and celebration. Granddaughter and granddaddy... two of a kind in the Black and Gold, whooping it up in the backyard, entertaining neighbors in ever direction. All was right in the world a few weeks later when we gathered again, in our customized jerseys, to cheer our team on to a Super Bowl victory. Just like I had last done with my dad and grandfather 30 years earlier. Memories now sharing a place in my heart with Christine’s first birthday party, her first roller coaster ride, her first concert, her first Christmas, her first day of school, and her high school graduation. I stood beside her as she looked down on New York City for the first time from the Empire State Building, the first time she skied down a mountain, and the night she whispered and giggled in the corner of a crowded meeting room (much to the chagrin of a waiting Secret Service detail) with President Bush. Christine has already had an incredible life, and the great part is she is just getting started. When her mom and I were told we couldn’t have children of our own we had no way of knowing what your wonderful choice was going to ultimately give us. It was your constitutional right to go the other way, and there was no one and nothing to guide you but your own heart, your own soul and your own faith. You did the right thing, and we thank you for it every day of our lives. In 1991 there were 1,556,500 women who made the other choice. Twenty-six years ago my first child and only daughter was born, and for the gift you gave me in her, I will remain eternally humbled and grateful. Forever in Your Debt, Christine’s Daddy
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. 23MARCH2017
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