Metro Spirit - 02.25.16 by Metro Spirit

Table of Contents

EDIT

February 25, 2016

Amy Christian

Arts Editor/Production Director

amy@themetrospirit.com

Whine Line Ruffin It Augusta Tek Kris Fisher

Stacey Eidson Staff Writer

stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift Staff Writer

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molly@themetrospirit.com

Insider 12 Getting the Ax 18

CREATIVE Joshua Bailey Lead Designer

Miller’s 76th Birthday Music for Memories Abuela’s Seafood Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes

joshua@themetrospirit.com

COVER DESIGN: KRUHU

SALES Gayle Bryan

Senior Account Executive

gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846

Jim Christian Account Executive

jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059

Bonnie Sloane Account Executive

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bonnie@themetrospirit.com 770-401-9357

BUSINESS Joe White Publisher

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

THIS WEEK

Johnny Beckworth circulation manager

johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

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

Our division found ourselves outside Philadelphia after being driven from New York. We all know that the resistance is in a precarious state, and I guess that’s why General Washington chose to deliver my orders in person. The mission is critical, but I noticed the general smirk when he told me the circumstance of my mission...

It was bad enough when the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced that members of the sheriff’s office and Columbia County Fire Rescue were allegedly involved in a crime involving a wreck on I-20 this past weekend. But now it appears some firefighters from Richmond County may also be involved.

Augusta-Richmond County has a long history of very public terminations of department heads. This week’s suspension without pay for Augusta Environmental Services Director Mark Johnson makes it look like he’s next in line for a very public career beheading. But who’s really at fault, the employees or the commissioners?

It may not be much to look at, but Abuela’s Seafood is a lot more than its name or decor implies. It’s straight up, authentic Puerto Rican food that you can order to dine in, have delivered or take out. Delivery might be a good idea, since the wait can be a bit long. The ﬁsh tacos are good enough to make that sacriﬁce, though.

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OPINION

The Whine Line

Let’s get serious about term limits for our elected officials. Start with Georgia Superior Court judges.

Metro Spirit, thank you so much for the article about what happened to our great WAGT26 news and weather teams back on Tuesday! I had missed the early morning broadcast and was shocked to hear it. I will definitely use that web site to put in my complaints to how the situation was abruptly MIShandled with these fine people of Barkley, Jay Jefferies, Rich Rogers, Still and the others of WAGT26. Boo, hiss, boo to Gray!

Wiktionary deﬁnes “incompetent” as, “unable to make rational decisions, insane or otherwise cognitively impaired.” And cites the Augusta Commission as an example. Is it really that hard to hire decent people in leadership when it comes to Richmond County. Every time you turn around this Chief or this Official are fired, lying, sneaking around. I mean we may have a better selection pool from the Jail in all honesty. There are good people out there how about we start using sense and putting them in these positions and get our county straight again.

Ruffin’ It Augusta Tek Kris Fisher

So, Fire Chief James takes another job, then he doesn’t take the other job and the commission welcomes him back with open arms? Maybe if union boss Masters would do something about that Scott Johnson hair, he would be taken seriously and sad situations like this could be dealt with better! I’d like to dedicate this one to Sentinel Offender “Services”... Uh hm, Na na na na Na na na na Hey hey hey GOODBYE! Your reign of terror will soon be over and hopefully you’ll realize your job was to ASSIST probationers get off probation NOT impede the process. I’m a taxpayer, I work everyday and rarely call in to work, here is my problem or my “whine”, The I.R.S.(a useless Gov’t organization that wastes absolutely no time in deducting its “fair share” of the money I worked for, yet, they procrastinate and blow smoke up the rectal cavities in regards to sending refunds back. I.R.S. should stand for (Incompetently-RapingSociety). Maybe if I’m lucky I can move into a tent with my wife and two kids, trap rodents and sell pelts to the other working class families who are waiting for some form of reimbursement,

(shall I say relief) that we are forced to contribute to annually. Does anybody know a decent loan-shark? I’m willing to barter organs, O.B.O. serious inquiries only. The world would be a much better place if you idiots stopped your whining. Oh, Jenny. I work with pallets mostly every work day, and you don’t want to use them to make toilets, unless you are planning on having an outhouse in your backyard like the days of old. If you are still so bold, have fun pulling the splinters out of your ass. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. If somebody committed a murder, they should not be put in prison. They should be forced to make a 24 hour trip on greyhound. I know many will disagree. If you have been on a greyhound recently, you know, it is a cruel and unusual punishment. Columbia County Traffic engineers, please put a stop to these idiots trying to turn left out of BIlo on Columbia rd and cross 5 lanes of traffic and risk countless lives while doing it. It’s a matter of time before there’s a fatality. Me and my friends have decided to stop accepting money. Instead we accept and trade goods, foods, products and services. We have decided, there is no better way to stop the destruction caused by useless pieces of paper called money. It is a new way to pay, it’s quickly spreading among people with real tangible skills. The greatest part of this “ trading “ it cant be taxed by our corrupt government. You ﬁx my car, I build your fence. I ﬁx your washing machine, you paint my 4 rooms. The girls are baby sitting as payment for their haircuts. We get so much accomplished and money is losing its value. I strongly recommend this new way of life.

OMG what has happened to BackPage. Theres not a decent looking woman among them. Cops ruin everything. One of the most disheartening things I deal with on my drive to Vogtle is the amount of dogs people dump and abandon on River Rd. These dogs are seen day in and day out usually all bones and malnourished. Not long after you will see them scattered dead on the road. It looks like a road straight out of Baghdad. You people that do this make me sick, and you probably have kids which is the scary part. Be responsible it’s really not that hard.

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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. 18FEBRUARY2016

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The Augusta Chronicle leadership dumped or forced out the veteran Columbia County News-Times staff and replaced them with mostly green part-timers and canned copy - and installed Chronicle GM Steve Wade as publisher. Then they have the audacity to claim “I (heart) CC,” complete with a cheesy, amateurish logo? You’re being played if you believe that. 8 More Years Now More Than Ever. And let’s face it. From the very beginning people from President Obama”s party were quick to jump ship. Too scared to be by his side. Ordinary people too. Just waiting for him to mess up. Scared or did not want to be too closely associated in case something bad happened. But they stayed closely by his family watching every move they made. I prayed for them to be safe every day. Bravely, quietly they did each day alone. The Democratic Party did nothing to avoid a Republican Congress. Was this their safety net? The Republicans quick to jump in and take credit for everything he did good. The Democrats too scared to support him in case he screwed up. Now we got clowns and not one deserves our vote because God did bless America! But we didn’t get it. America didn’t understand that there are educated non-militant decent black people. A lot of us. We are not tokens. Trust us to lead. Come on Michelle! You can not fight true love and in this town it will always circle back around just like one of those good ole venti sized coffee drinks! Delish! Grilled cheese ain’t half bad either. Hidden treasures.

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METROSPIRIT 5

Explaining Trump I’VE BEEN THINKING QUITE A BIT— way too much, in fact — about what exactly Donald Trump is up to, and how he’s getting away with it. The conventional wisdom is that Trump is capitalizing on, or blindly, luckily stumbled into, a seething antiestablishment current that’s currently running through our country’s political zeitgeist, particularly that of blue-collar conservative voters. He’s an unofficial mouthpiece for all the rage and resentment — justiﬁed or otherwise — that’s been building up ever since the American people had the gall to put a black dude in the White House, what with his black wife, black daughters, black music and blackity blackness. And I understand that these are not the sane voters… which makes it all the more frightening that these are the majority of conservative voters. These are not the people who supported Mitt Romney and John McCain, but who threw their weight behind the Santorums, Bachmanns, Palins and Huckabees of elections past. Still, that doesn’t adequately explain why Trump — a man with all the political experience and witty charm of a freshly raped corpse — is leading so dominantly in the polls. But I think I have some ideas: 1. HE’S ACTUALLY ANDY KAUFMAN Truly, I feel like this is the most likely scenario. Kaufman was a very adept “straight” comic — he was a long-tenured sitcom actor, after all — but he made his reputation by engaging in outlandish, obtuse, sometimes downright controversial long-form gags. His pro-wrestling feud with Jerry Lawler, which spilled over into several other media, was revealed to have been a work all along, but only once 10 years had passed since Kaufman’s death. He would occasionally troll audiences by reading “The Great Gatsby” to them. Perhaps most famously, he had a standup bit wherein he would play a recording of the “Mighty Mouse” theme song, stand completely inert during most of it, and then enthusiastically lip-sync the line, “Here I come to save the day!” Kaufman stated that, if he were to fake his own death, he would return 20 years after the fact — which would

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have been in 2004 — but it’s unlikely that someone who made his career on what was essentially performance art chaos theory would be so forthcoming. The only question is whether he and Trump have been working together this whole time, if Trump is and always has been simply a character created by Kaufman or if Kaufman murdered Trump, skinned him and now walks around in his flesh-suit. Honestly, none of those would surprise me. 2. HE’S BEEN FILMING A GUERILLA-STYLE SEQUEL TO “IDIOCRACY” I used to love “Idiocracy,” a Mike Judge political satire about a man who, after being cryogenically frozen, wakes up 500 years in the future to discover that America is now run by corporations, anti-intellectualism is rampant and that most of the nation’s citizens are grossly stupid. Objectively, it’s still a great movie, but the more we progress (and I use that term loosely) as a society, the more that film takes on shades of a documentary, and that terrifies me. Terry Crews is President, you guys. Terry Crews is President. Other writers and commentators have observed that Trump only started gaining such political popularity when he started treating his supporters like complete and hateful morons. He openly advocates murdering Muslims with bullets dipped in pigs’ blood (not kidding), water boarding and other torture and the physical beating of peaceful protesters — and his polling numbers have never been better. I understand that the notion of a mega-successful political campaign being just a smokescreen for perhaps the greatest art-comedy film in history is delusional, but it’s the only way my brain can cope with what’s happening. 3. HE IS THE LITERAL MANIFESTATION OF THE RIGHT-WING ID In other words, we’re basically living out a real-world version of “Forbidden Planet” here. In that movie, the members of a space expedition

are plagued by an invisible creature that turns out to be the physical embodiment of another character’s subconscious mind. It was also kind of based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” because this was a different time for sci-ﬁ. I mentioned earlier how Trump is a mouthpiece for all the hate-speech that normal people can’t get away with saying, but what if he’s much more than that? What if all of that fear, hate, ignorance and vitriol became so palpable for so many people that it gained sentience and took on the form of a man made completely out of boiled leather and overcooked rice? In the ﬁlm, the creature is only stopped when the planet is completely destroyed by a fail-safe selfdetonation. So, yeah — that seems about where we’re headed.

JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from

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

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Private Thoughts THE YEAR IS 2076. Three centuries ago, a brave band of patriots pledged their fortunes together while gathered here in Philadelphia. It’s funny how history repeats itself. Our division found ourselves outside Philadelphia after being driven from New York. We all know that the resistance is in a precarious state, and I guess that’s why General Washington chose to deliver my orders in person. The mission is critical, but I noticed the general smirk when he told me the circumstance of my mission. “At Independence Hall, you will receive a data package from a man named Jefferson. This package must be brought online and shared with the people.” “Nice. I’m glad the guys in the rear echelon still have a sense of humor.” Returning to the seriousness of the mission, “What kind of a data package, sir? Is it a special?” A grim look returned to the general’s face. “Yes, soldier. You better start prepping.” Starting shortly after the Apple Computer ruling in 2016, an individual’s privacy rights with respect to electronic data diminished greatly. The Apple ruling basically lead to a mandate that any commercially provided encryption device include a backdoor. The ruling also asserted the government’s rights to any and all information generated by its citizens. The precedent was challenged on many occasions, but the rulings were very consistent — security always trumps privacy. Even in cases where no probable cause is present, if the government declares a law enforcement or national security rationale for obtaining data, the citizenry is powerless to stop the collection. In response to these rulings, a group socalled “rebels” supporting privacy rights ramped up their methods to keep personal data private. A major breakthrough occurred in 2047, when a research team successfully transferred data directly into a living brain. This “special” cerebral upload mirrored the natural memory process, rendering the data indistinguishable from normal thoughts. The rebel groups argued that the individual could assert ﬁfth amendment rights if compelled to relinquish the data. Surprisingly, the courts agreed, and a balance between privacy and security appeared to be taking shape. Then in 2063, the government developed the technology to involuntarily extract thoughts and memories directly from an individual’s mind. Shortly thereafter, the politburo took over the courts, and protections on cerebral held data were struck down. The tyrants gave themselves carte blanche to scan anyone’s mind at for the slightest suspicion of wrongdoing. It only took a few years of corruption and abuse of power before a resistance emerged.

At first, the resistance was peaceful, working through the system to create change. Then we realized a stubborn truth — tyranny isn’t interested in change. After eight years of civil war, we’ve never been this close to defeat. Our best opportunity to change our fate resides in a special data package and a patriot named Jefferson. The moon emerges from behind the cloud as I arrive at Independence Hall on the night of the exchange. The power grid in Philadelphia was destroyed long ago, but I can make out the outline of an open door on the south side of the building. Inside, I spot the telltale signs of a gun fight, and I see Jefferson slouched against the wall. His breathing is very labored and fading. He’s barely able to look up as I enter the room. “Yeah, I know this look pretty bad, but you should see the other guy. I’m glad you’re here. Are you ready to plug in?” I take the fiber from out of my jacket and make the connection. I close my eyes as Jefferson’s stream of consciousness begins to flow over the wire, delivering the mission data to my memory. Interspersed in the data flow, I catch glimpses of Jefferson’s other memories — his childhood, his training, his family. Moreover, I feel the love he gave to those close to him and the passion with which he lived his life. Jefferson lives as a free man, and he willingly gives his life to protect that freedom. The exchange ends, and my consciousness abruptly returns to the reality of the dark room. I see Jefferson lying against the wall, his life completely drained from his wounds. I pause for a moment to pay my respects to the fallen patriot. The president Thomas Jefferson once remarked that the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. If so, that tree received a good watering tonight. And then I slip into the darkness, empowered with hope, my thoughts lingering on Jefferson and our shared passion to restore the home of the free and the land of the brave. @gregory_a_baker

GREGORY BAKER PH.D.

is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.

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I’M HAVING TROUBLE starting my column tonight, mostly because I’m sitting in front of the TV. I can’t help it. “Walk the Line” is on. It’s a favorite. It’s one of those movies that I watch every time I catch it. If you’ve never seen it, please do right away. You don’t have to be a fan of country music; it’s just a great movie on several levels. It’s also a very ﬁtting movie to be on tonight, considering that it’s the 45th anniversary of Johnny Cash asking June Carter to marry him while performing on stage. It’s also the perfect movie to be on considering my subject matter this week. No, my subject matter isn’t about an undying love. It’s not about country music. It’s about substance abuse. If you haven’t seen the movie, spoiler alert: one of the plot lines chronicles Johnny Cash’s severe addiction to pills. I have been closely affected by drug addiction since I was a teenager. It has been close to me in the form of family members and friends, so this movie speaks to me and, this week, it really hits home. A friend of mine graduated from a drug recovery program this week. For obvious reasons, I’ll keep names and details private. But the gist of it is remarkable. I’ve had this friend since I was a teenager. We’ve been through tons

together. I’m talking life, love, death, birth and more — we’ve helped each other through it all. To see substance abuse take over this person’s life broke my heart. However, it’s not a feeling that I’m unfamiliar with. I’ve seen people I love go down that road and never come back. If you’ve never seen someone you love give in to drug addiction, I envy you. You can see it in movies, read about it in magazines, books or the Metro Spirit. But you can never fully understand the devastation and heartbreak, the absolute feeling of loss and helplessness that you feel seeing someone you love taken from you by addiction. Because of all that pain, I’m glad that I’ve never had a very addictive personality. The struggle inside an addict is something I will thankfully never understand. I’m just glad that my friend found their way out. Their story isn’t an easy one. It involves jail time and an epiphany followed by a voluntary admission into a drug program. Even after three years of sobriety, they are struggling to put together the broken pieces of their life. But I got the opportunity to meet the people who helped my friend through it, also the friends who were waiting on the other side. I also got to see my friend look happier and healthier than I’ve seen them in years. Although I know their struggle isn’t over, I am proud, hopeful and optimistic. Addiction and recovery isn’t nearly as pleasantly packaged as it is on “Walk the Line.” As much as it is uglier and the actual recovery is tougher, it is even more rewarding.

KRIS FISHER,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkﬁsh.com. 18FEBRUARY2016

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Insider Getting the Ax

NEWS

Giving Public Safety Officers a Bad Name

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IT WAS BAD ENOUGH when the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that veteran members of the sheriff’s office and Columbia County Fire Rescue were allegedly involved in a crime involving a wreck on I-20 this past weekend. But now it appears some firefighters from Richmond County may also be involved in the incident. While working the accident this past Saturday, two deputies and one firefighter from Columbia County allegedly took personal property that did not belong to them, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. “These items consisted of various cell phone covers, Bluetooth head sets and cell phone chargers that were scattered about the wreck scene,” the press release stated. “After discovering that a theft occurred, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation resulting in four arrests.” Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle said he has zero tolerance for criminal behavior in his department. “As we’ve demonstrated in the past, we enforce the law no matter who is involved and the actions of those involved were dealt with swiftly and justly,” the press release stated. As a result of the investigation by the sheriff’s office, Sgt. Mark Smith, who had been employed with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, was fired and arrested for theft by taking and violation of the oath of office.

Deputy Wesley Harden, who had been employed with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for seven years, was also terminated and arrested for theft by taking and violation of his oath of office. Over in Columbia County Fire Rescue, Lt. Christopher Ganther was suspended without pay and arrested for theft by taking and giving a false statement. And finally, firefighter Randall Atchin was suspended without pay and arrested for giving a false statement. It was terrible news that these four public safety officers would risk their entire careers and possibly face prison time over stolen items as silly as cell phone covers, Bluetooth head sets and cell phone charges. But the matter got much worse when Dee Griffin, the public information officer for the Augusta Fire Department, announced on Tuesday that there might have been some Augusta firefighters also involved in the crime. “Augusta Fire Department Sergeant Antoine Mullins and Firefighter Wesley Hughes have been placed on administrative leave without pay until the conclusion of an investigation regarding their possible involvement in the theft of private property from the scene of a vehicle fire,” Griffin wrote in a Feb. 23 press release. “It happened after Augusta Fire Department suppression members were called to the fire on Saturday February 20th along the Richmond and Columbia County lines on I-20.” 25FEBRUARY2016

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Mullins was hired by the Augusta Fire Department in 2010, while Hughes was recently hired by the department in December 2014. It is a sad day in the CSRA when someone suffers a terrible accident, their vehicle catches on fire, they are transported to the hospital with injuries and they later discover that their personal belongings have been stolen by the very public safety officers hired to protect them. It is such a stupid, meaningless crime by individuals sworn to an oath of office. Some of these men were veterans in their department and now they have shamed themselves, their families and their county. Sheriff Whittle and both fire chiefs in Columbia and Richmond counties should be commended for not sweeping this criminal behavior under the rug. Citizens need to trust that if they are faced with an emergency situation, the public safety officers arriving on the scene will be on there to help them. Not hurt them.

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Local Drama Unfolds on Live Television THE LOCAL NEWS STATIONS have been hard to watch lately. As the Insider pointed out earlier this week, WAGT NBC 26’s parent company, Schurz Communications, sold its local station to Gray Television. Gray Television also happens to own the local CBS affiliate, WRDW Channel 12. Upon completion of that sale on Tuesday, Gray Television suddenly assumed WAGT’s broadcast signal and programming. But it didn’t assume the former employees of WAGT NBC 26. Instead, those employees are still under contract with WJBF’s parent company, Media General. This corporate deal has resulted in a local media nightmare with raw emotions playing out during the live television broadcasts. The WJBF studio has been filled with multiple anchors and reporters all week, trying to look like one big family. WJBF’s Good Morning Augusta anchors Mary Morrison and Chris Kane have graciously welcomed former NBC 26 Today anchors Barclay Bishop and Jay Jefferies into their studio. There have been hugs, smiles and laughs all week, but clearly the situation leaves viewers scratching their heads in confusion. “Still here for you! Just a little different view!” Barclay Bishop tweeted on Wednesday morning. “Joining our buddies at WJBF News Channel 6 for Good Morning Augusta!” Mary Morrison immediately responded by tweeting, “Great to have you guys with us this morning!” The on-screen awkwardness has continued throughout the week, with long-time meteorologists from WJBF sharing the screen with former WAGT meteorologists, all prepared and ready to tell Augustans about the week’s upcoming weather. Here’s the breaking news: It’s going to be sunny and beautiful. Viewers really don’t need two experienced meteorologists on the screen to figure out that forecast. If only it was two years ago and Augusta was in the middle of a horrific ice storm. Then, half a dozen meteorologists might have come in handy. But not this week, folks. Let’s just say these local anchors, meteorologists and reporters, who are paid to remain professional and keep smiling no matter what the circumstances, have definitely earned their paychecks this week. Now the questions still remains: Who will be in place in the near future to keep earning those paychecks? That is still a mystery. As a result, finger pointing and accusations have been flying throughout the week about who is to blame for these broadcasters’ lives being in such limbo. If you ask many former employees of WAGT, they are pointing fingers at Gray Television and WRDW. On Thursday, former WAGT meteorologist Rich Rogers (not to be confused with longtime WRDW 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

anchor Richard Rogers), posted a very open and honest statement on his Facebook page about the abrupt change to NBC 26. “Shortly after midnight Tuesday morning, Gray Television, owner of WRDW News 12 took over WAGT’s signal. They are now controlling programming on what used to be NBC 26,” Rich Rogers wrote. “WRDW has chosen to simulcast their news content on WAGT instead of continuing to operate a separate news product, as WAGT and WJBF had done for the past six years.” Rich Rogers is claiming that these sudden actions will eventually be challenged in court. “Media General, owner of WJBF, and Schurz Communications, owner of WAGT agreed in late 2009 to allow Media General to manage programming and news for WAGT through at least Dec. 31, 2019,” Rich Rogers wrote. “What happened Tuesday apparently breaches that contractual agreement, and Media General (owner of WJBF) is ﬁghting this in the courts.” According to Rich Rogers, Media General and WJBF management are working on plans to keep as many of the staff ’s jobs intact as possible. “Some of our on-air staff have already appeared on News Channel 6,” he wrote. “Until we know more, we are working to supplement WJBF’s existing news coverage.” When viewers began asking if they would see him or the other NBC 26 talent on WRDW News 12, Rich Rogers again did not pull any punches. “It’s highly unlikely!” he wrote. “Despite what you may have heard or read elsewhere, WRDW never intended to ‘bring us over’ but to simply simulcast their news on WAGT. WRDW management has made no effort to communicate with any NBC 26 on-air talent.”

And Rich Rogers made it clear that he did not appreciate the manner in which WAGT’s news broadcast was pulled. “Why was there no mention of this change prior to Tuesday?” he asked. “That’s what I’d like to know!” But regardless of what happened to WAGT, Rich Rogers insisted that he was free to look for new opportunities and was not being held to his contract by Media General. “Despite what you may have read on social media, my bosses have made it clear that they will work with us if we choose to ﬁnd employment elsewhere,” he wrote. “I’m looking at all viable options, including the possibility of staying on at Television Park.” So that’s one side of the story. Of course, the management over at WRDW is telling a different tale. According to a news release sent out last week by WRDW News Channel 12, the station claims that it asked WJBF and Media General if it could hire some of WAGT’s former staff. “We notiﬁed WJBF of the impending sale and likely FCC conditions in the middle of September 2015,” the Feb. 16 news release stated. “Then and countless times thereafter, we continually reached out to WJBF and its corporate owners to begin a discussion on how we could cooperate to ensure a smooth transition for the station’s operations and employees. Unfortunately, WJBF and its corporate owners refused to agree to a smooth transition of personnel and indeed, WJBF has restricted the anchors and reporters who appeared on WAGT26’s newscasts from remaining with the station after the sale.” 25FEBRUARY2016

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WRDW General Manager John Ray insisted that WJBF and its corporate owners were prohibiting the former WAGT staff from being released from their contracts. “We wish we could have continued the existing newscast on WAGT26,” explained WRDW General Manager John Ray. “However, WJBF’s refusal to work out a smooth transition of personnel and contractual restrictions WJBF put in place for the WAGT26 news talent force us to create a new team for WAGT26. Until then, WAGT26 will simulcast a cobranded newscast from WRDW.” So, who is telling the truth? That’s the question. But the chaos that has resulted in this poorly handled purchase of a local television station has left a bad taste in the mouths of many viewers. When you see a morning news anchor known for her smile struggling to keep it together on air, your heart can’t help but sink. For many people, these local anchors and reporters are like family. Augustans invite them into their homes every morning or evening with the simple press of a button on their remote. And the reality is, Augustans don’t want to see Barclay Bishop about to cry.

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They don’t want to see Jay Jefferies not laughing. These morning anchors are supposed to be joking about one another’s outrageous outfits, trying to choke down fried chitlins from the upcoming festival in Salley, S.C., and getting folks ready for their day ahead. There is already enough drama in this world; Augustans don’t need it from their local news stations, too. Let’s hope this dispute between Media General and Gray Television can quickly be resolved before everyone in Augusta decides to completely switch channels and start watching cable news.

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Augusta-Richmond County has a long history of very public terminations of department heads. But whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really at fault, the employees or the commissioners? By Metro Spirit staff

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“And I’ll testify for Mrs. (Teresa) Smith, too. In a Cincinnati second. Because it’s wrong.” — Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams

When department directors suddenly find themselves under fire in Augusta-Richmond County, they are rarely handed a pink slip and quietly shown the door. Over the past few decades, several longtime directors have been in the unenviable position of being marched down to the guillotine for a very public beheading of their careers. Such actions leave many in the community asking one simple question: Is the Augusta Commission taking cues from Henry VIII? Just this past week, Augusta Environmental Services Director Mark Johnson was forced to publicly defend himself against questions surrounding his $15,860 pay increase last year. While some commissioners claim that his raise wasn’t officially approved by City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson, Johnson insists that she was fully aware of the increase. The entire public spectacle that played out in the commission chamber last week opened some very deep wounds. During the debate over Johnson’s future last Tuesday, Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams suggested a person’s race was often a factor as to whether department heads are fired or spared in Augusta-Richmond County. “He should be fired,” Williams said, referring to Johnson. “We have terminated people for a lot less than that. We terminated Vanessa Flournoy, an attorney, for having her personal business on her computer. She didn’t do anything wrong. We fired the EEO director, Jacqueline Humphrey, for who knows why. I don’t know for what reason we fired her. And we fired our former public works director, Teresa Smith, who had been promoted and had received good reviews. But we fired her.” Williams insisted there is a long list of black department directors who have been terminated, while employees such as Johnson, who is white, get to keep their jobs. “Folks can look at your vote and tell how you are thinking,” Williams told his colleagues during the Feb. 16 meeting. “This is 2016. This ain’t 1816.” The commission settled the matter this week by voting 6-4 to put Johnson on a 30day suspension without pay. Commissioners 25FEBRUARY2016

also placed him under a six-month job performance improvment plan and voted that Johnson’s salary increase be taken away. Johnson will be required to repay the salary increase he has already received since last July. The vote fell down racial lines, with all six black commissioners voting for the motion and the four white commissioner voting against the suspension. Race relations have officially made its way back to the city’s personnel matters. But the truth of the matter is, there has been a number of extremely public firings of both white and black department heads over the past few decades. And no matter who was getting the ax, the very public terminations were never pretty. terminating teresa smith One of the most controversial firings over the past 20 years has to be the termination of former public works director Teresa Smith in 2005. For more than a year, the Augusta Commission had heard numerous complaints from local developers and contractors regarding the public works department’s engineering division. In fact, during one public works subcommittee in January of 2005, thenAugusta commissioners Willie Mays and Marion Williams refused to support a private, closed-door discussion regarding Smith. Instead, they insisted it was time to “lay everything out on the table,” and that’s exactly what happened. During that 2005 meeting, David Darby, former president of Kuhlke Construction Co., was asked to address the committee regarding serious concerns he had about the public works department and its director. “It’s tough for me to even stand up here and be constructively critical of any person,” Darby said. “I’ve known Mrs. Smith for a while. I like her. She’s a very capable and competent person. But I think public works is just too big. I don’t think Teresa has the ability to manage a department that size. She is a good P.E. (professional engineer), but I question her management ability to be able to manage 340 people, motivate that many people,

retain employees and create the work environment that you need to keep the people here. l think that’s her downfall.” Darby, who passed away in 2007 after a long battle with cancer, said he constantly heard local developers complain about the length of time it took to get their plans reviewed and returned to them by public works. Over the years, Darby said, developers, contractors and engineers had suggested possible ways of improving the department, but nothing ever changed. “Teresa doesn’t really look at us and ask the question of, ‘How can we work with you to make it better?’” Darby said. “We never got that type of reception. It’s always, ‘Here’s the way it is. Here’s the way it works. We don’t have a problem.’ Basically, from my standpoint, it’s, ‘Leave me alone and let me do my job.’” Even George Patty, the then-executive director of Augusta’s Planning and Zoning Commission, sent the city’s engineering services committee a memo detailing his concerns about the public works department. “It’s costing this community money,” Patty told commissioners, adding that some developers had to wait 100 days or more for plans that were typically returned by public works in 30 days. Patty also insisted that engineers were quickly leaving Smith’s department almost as soon as they were hired. “We’ve had an almost revolving door through there for the last few years,” Patty said in 2005. “It’s got to get fixed.” After a grueling four-hour meeting filled with complaints about the public works department, Smith was finally allowed to address the committee in her defense. “I find myself in a grave position here today,” Smith said, explaining that she felt there was an enormous misunderstanding of her role as the public works director. “I do not get involved with the day-to-day review of site plans.” Instead, Smith said she left that up to her “competent staff” within the engineering department. “I think that I probably, very honestly, say that over the course of the past year, two years, I doubt that I have personally reviewed comments or sent comments back on more than five or six plans,” Smith said. As for the timeliness of the developers’ plans being reviewed, Smith acknowledged that there were some initial reviews in 2004 that exceeded the recommended 30-day review period; however, she had another explanation for the delay. She insisted that her head engineer was receiving an “abundance of calls and direct requests AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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“Today is about you and your vote and me and my career.” — Former Recreation Director Tom Beck

from the commission” that “impacted his ability to perform site plan reviews.” Smith specifically said she spoke with then-Augusta Commissioner Don Grantham about the number of requests he was making to her department. “I believe, Commissioner Grantham, that I had a conversation with you in the hall early in the year of 2004, where I conveyed that I had some concerns about the level of calls that (the engineer) was getting directly and the impact that it was having on his day-today duties,” Smith said. “I shared with you my cell phone number and asked that those questions, concerns or issues should be brought to the attention of the director.” When Smith began turning the tables and openly accusing commissioners of micromanaging her department, it definitely got people’s attention. Many commissioners didn’t appreciate it. Finally, Smith addressed what she saw as the personal attacks against her. “I find it difficult to also get a handle or a clear idea of just what it is that is the overall shortcoming within the department or what my shortcomings are with respect to being a director,” Smith said, adding that she has had exemplary performance reviews since being hired as director in September of 2000. “When I found myself last year in a conversation with Commissioner Grantham and Commissioner (Tommy) Boyles where I was being told that, although I was very technically competent, there was an interest in my being moved from the public works director’s position and being reassigned somewhere else... I must say I’m at a loss.” By December 2005, literally less than a week before Christmas, everything finally came to a head. Smith stood before a deeply divided Augusta Commission to learn her fate. And who was the first to speak out against Smith? None other than Augusta Commissioner Don Grantham. He said it was time to hold the director responsible for the failures in her department. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“We’ve had, on several occasions, many of the contractors and engineers in Augusta come down and indicate to us what an unprofessional and unmanageable department that we had as far as our engineering department goes,” Grantham said. Grantham felt the commission needed to fire Smith. He asked that she be placed on administrative leave with pay while the city finalized her severance package. Commissioner Marion Williams immediately objected, telling his colleagues that they were driving the city straight towards a lawsuit. “And I’ll testify for Mrs. Smith, too. In a Cincinnati second,” Williams said. “Because it’s wrong.” Williams said the truth was that Smith, the city’s first black public works director, was never given a fair shake. “I think it is low down and dirty for us to sit here and act like we don’t know what is going on,” Williams said. “We just want to go back to the good ol’ boy system that we had 40 years ago.” The proof was the fact that Smith had never received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation, Williams said. In fact, then-City Administrator Fred Russell agreed that he had recently given her a favorable review. “I did her last evaluation and her evaluation was above average,” Russell told commissioners. Williams stated that if commissioners felt Smith should be fired, they should also question Russell’s ability to evaluate and manage department heads. “If she needs to be fired, then the administrator, who is her immediate supervisor, needs to be fired as well,” Williams said in 2005. Despite Williams’ objections, the commission voted 6-3 to terminate Smith. Then-commissioners Betty Beard, Richard Colclough and Williams voted against the motion. As soon as the vote was taken, several

members of the audience who attended the meeting in support of Teresa Smith began yelling at then-Augusta Commissioner Bobby Hankerson, who is black, for voting to fire Smith along with the five white commissioners. “You’re a thorn in our side,” one man yelled as deputies from the Richmond County Marshal’s Office began entering the commission chamber. Hankerson insisted that he did what was best for the city. “I think the only way that the engineering department is going to move forward is for us to have new leadership,” Hankerson said. “When it gets so that that your own staff won’t work with you and the state DOT (Department of Transportation) representatives have problems with you, it’s time for a change.” But J.R. Riles, a black businessman who attended the meeting, said that logic is the reason Hankerson was not reelected for another term in 2006.

“He’s a black Judas,” Riles said. “He never represented the people he was supposed to represent. That’s why he’s out. And, you know what? He’ll never win another public office in Richmond County. Never.” Not long after her firing, Smith filed a discrimination lawsuit against the city claiming that her termination was due to the fact that she is black and female. The Tale of Tom Beck Smith’s firing wasn’t the only one in recent years that appeared to be a “witch hunt,” according to some commissioners. In April 2012, many Augustans were shocked by the fact that long-time recreation director Tom Beck was fired after serving the county for more than 35 years. And what was the reason for his termination? He signed off on an employee’s time card that he knew was inaccurate. Specifically, he approved a time card for 25FEBRUARY2016

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Melinda Pearson, the city’s recreation operations manager, that stated she had worked four days when she was actually off. But Beck insisted that Pearson, a city employee since 1983, had put in several extra hours helping to organize large sporting events across the county. While Beck acknowledged that he approved the inaccurate time card, he did not go down without a fight. In fact, he withdrew a resignation proposal he had previously given to then-City Administrator Fred Russell and requested to directly address the commission. “After much soul searching and prayer about this situation, my resignation is off the table because there’s one thing more important to me than any money or anything else in this world, and that’s my integrity,” he told the commissioners. While Beck did bring his attorney with him to the commission meeting, he insisted on making his own public appeal to the commission.

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22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“Today is about you and your vote and me and my career,” Beck told commissioners in 2012. “I’ve been accused of fraudulently signing a time card for an employee that showed four days of regular work hours when in fact that employee did not work. Well, I’m here to tell you today that’s absolutely true. Positively, absolutely true. I did sign that time card and that employee did not work.” But Beck insisted that was the normal protocol in the department since before he was the director because so many parks and recreation employees work extra, long days throughout the week. “The recording of that kind of time has been a standard process for our department for years and years and years,” Beck explained. But then-City Administrator Fred Russell didn’t see it that way. “Based on the evidence and the testimony of people that were interviewed — the evidence in front of us — my recommendation would be termination,” Russell told the commission in 2012. With a vote of 8-1, Beck’s 35-year career with Augusta-Richmond County was over. But the story didn’t end there. Beck’s termination also resulted in him filing a lawsuit against the city, but U.S. District Court Judge Randal Hall ruled in favor of the city last year and dismissed the lawsuit. Hall stated that Beck’s attorneys were unable to prove his termination violated the Fair Labor Standards Act. Whether citizens believe Beck’s firing was justified or not, it wasn’t the first time he had been targeted by some commissioners. Specifically, one commissioner: Marion Williams. For more than a decade, Williams was highly critical of the parks and recreation department. He complained about everything from the running of the municipal golf course to the city’s lease with the marina operator to the treatment of some of the department’s employees. In fact, back in 2006, Williams called for an in-house investigation of the department after Patricia Strakosch, a senior services community center director for the city’s recreation department, went before the Augusta Commission’s administrative services committee with a grievance against the city regarding her compensation. After the CSRA Regional Development Center abruptly rebid a food service contract in 2004 that was formerly held by the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta, the city’s recreation department was forced to manage the services. Strakosch told commissioners it had been a Herculean task that completely changed the job of several city employees. “This was not just some extra duties,” Strakosch told commissioners. “This job changed so drastically. It brought on a whole ‘nother division up on top of a division that we already had. It was like working two full-

time jobs.” For more than two years, Strakosch said she patiently waited for her position to be reclassified so she could receive a higher compensation. She said she frequently spoke with Beck as well as members of the human resources department. And while Strakosch was often told relief was coming, nothing ever happened. Finally, commissioners agreed to give her a 10-percent increase in pay that would be retroactive. So, everybody’s happy, right? Wrong. This incident opened the door for a full examination of the department. “Recreation has got some serious problems,” Williams told the commission in 2006, adding that the department is filled with employees who have enjoyed promotions, while others have suffered. “There is a lot going on over there that we need to take a look at.” Less than six years later, Williams made sure that Beck was shown the door.

“It’s not about me. It’s about moving Augusta forward.” — Former City Administrator Fred Russell Booting Fred Russell For more than a decade, then-City Administrator Fred Russell had somehow managed to avoid ever having a formal performance evaluation by his 10 bosses: namely, the Augusta Commission. But by the end of 2013, Russell’s luck had run out. For about two hours in December 2013, seven Augusta commissioners remained behind closed doors discussing Russell’s future. When the doors to the legal meeting finally opened, county staff were shocked as seven commissioners unanimously agreed to terminate Russell. With a vote of 7-0, Russell was fired from the position he has held for almost a decade. All without a word from commissioners. While county employees appeared stunned, no one was more surprised than Russell. He was not even present in the commission chambers during the vote. After several hours of waiting for the commissioners’ legal meeting to end, Russell had briefly returned to his office down the hallway to wait. 25FEBRUARY2016

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“For some commissioners to be willing to put me out on the street is, in my opinion, totally inhuman.” — Former Housing and Neighborhood Development Director Keven Mack

It wasn’t until several news reporters rushed into his office telling him that he had been fired did he become aware of the commission’s actions. Following the vote, Russell and four of the commissioners who voted to fire him — thencommissioners Alvin Mason, Corey Johnson, Mary Davis and Bill Lockett — held a spontaneous, and understandably awkward, press conference about the decision to officially end their relationship. Augusta Commissioner Donnie Smith, who was not present during the vote, also attended the news conference. “We need some new ideas and Mr. Russell has been in this position for a long time,” Lockett told half a dozen reporters gathered in the city administrator’s office. “And you need turnover. When you have administrators and managers, those are not career positions... We appreciate what Mr. Russell has done since he’s been here in Augusta, but it is just time for us to move in a different direction.” A very gracious Russell told the members of the media that he was extremely proud of the work he has accomplished during his 12 years in Augusta, as both deputy administrator and administrator of Augusta-Richmond County. With several cameras shoved in his face, Russell smiled and agreed that it was time for him to move on. “It’s not about me,” Russell said. “It’s about moving Augusta forward. We’ve had this conversation. I’ve spoken to Commissioner Lockett, Mason, Corey (Johnson) and even Donnie (Smith) a couple months ago about the fact that I’m getting tired. This is a tough job and I don’t disagree, it’s time for some new ideas and some new vision and mainly some new energy.” The entire situation became even more bizarre when Lockett tried to tell the media that the city administrator had not really been terminated. “We didn’t fire him,” Lockett insisted. “We just ended his tenure.” Really, Lockett? It was pretty obvious to everyone else in the room that Russell had just been fired. Even Russell had to agreed that he was 25FEBRUARY2016

surprised by his abrupt departure. “The timing was a little quicker than what I anticipated, but once again, I’m not in charge of that,” Russell said. “We will do what we can and we will move forward. And I think the city has got great times ahead of us.” While the seven commissioners who were present at the meeting all agreed to terminate Russell, some of those commissioners that were absent from the vote were disappointed by the outcome. Specifically, then-Commissioner Donnie Smith raced back to Augusta from a trip to Atlanta in an attempt to talk to his colleagues prior to the vote. He didn’t make it in time. “I am disappointed in the way this was carried out,” Donnie Smith said. “I had been in discussions with Mr. Russell about an exit strategy for him. He had made no secrets about it, he wanted to retire. He told us he had wanted to retire and we had been working on an exit strategy. Certainly something accelerated that.” Donnie Smith was also disgusted by the fact that Russell learned about his termination from reporters. “That is not a professional way to do it,” Donnie Smith said. “We had talked for weeks about making sure we handled this in a professional manner when the time came. And then, when the time did come, we fumbled the football. It is not fair to Fred Russell, the person, for him to find this out via the news. That is not the way it should have been.” Anyone who has worked in Augusta’s government for more than 10 years deserves better, Smith said. “It is a very disappointing to know that we as a government didn’t handle this with tact or in a professional manner,” he said. “And I am very sick to my stomach about it, to be honest with you.” But one man who had no regrets whatsoever about the firing of Russell was Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams,. While some of his other colleagues decided to stand behind Russell during the impromptu press conference, Williams said he preferred

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to stand behind his decision. “I don’t think you ought to be a pretender,” Williams said. “You fired the man. Don’t acting like, ‘Well, I did it, but I’m your buddy.’ You know, you have a job to do. And I did the job I had to do. Fred has been here too long. It was time for him to move on.” It was getting to the point that Russell was too comfortable in his position, Williams said. “He was starting to feel invincible, I think,” Williams said. “I think he felt like he was the top dog and he got pretty good at politicking. He knew how to count six votes. But the buck stops with us and, with a vote of 7-0 to fire him, I think that is a pretty good indication that we agreed it was time for someone new in Augusta-Richmond County.” The Attack on Keven Mack During the first meeting of the year back in January 2001, the Augusta Commission returned from a two-hour closed door meeting to announce that the city’s thencomptroller, Lon Morrey, had been fired. Morrey, who had been sitting in the commission chamber when the vote was made, simply stood up and walked out of the room without a word. It was devastating news for Morrey, but it also put another department head on alert. Keven Mack, then-director of the city’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development, suddenly realized his name had just been pushed to the top of the commissioners’ hit list. Twice commissioners had gone behind closed doors to discuss both the city’s finance and housing departments. The first time, no decision was reached. But this time, Mack waited for more than an hour alongside Morrey for the commission to return from a legal meeting and announce a decision on the two departments. In a public meeting, before several of his fellow colleagues, Morrey was terminated and Mack wasn’t. It was an experience that Mack said he would never forget. “It’s inhuman,” Mack said in 2001. “And the reason why I can say that is this: I have sat through the same circumstance on two occasions and now there may be another time where I might have to sit through it. I mean, it’s humiliating.” Mack stated that county employees deserve to be treated with more respect. “I have given about 25 years of my adult life working with local government,” Mack said. “For some commissioners to be willing to put me out on the street is, in my opinion, totally inhuman.” Immediately following the vote to terminate the city comptroller, the commissioners asked Mack and then-interim county administrator, Walter Hornsby, to put together a report discussing the current structure of the housing department for the first administrative services committee meeting in January. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

The commission was sending Mack a message: You managed to keep your job this time, but watch out. On the day of the administrative services meeting, Mack was prepared for a grilling by commissioners. “All of these negative things are coming up because I think there is a deliberate attempt to try to make this department look incompetent,” Mack told the Metro Spirit in 2001. “And that’s just not true. When I think of this housing staff, in my opinion, it is probably one of the best housing staffs in the Southeast.” When asked what brought about this criticism against his department, Mack immediately pointed to one incident. “I think it all started when Commissioner Marion Williams’ (former) mother-in-law’s house was being rehabilitated and he went out to look at some of the work,” Mack said. “He and the contractor got into, well... let’s say, a discussion. And Commissioner Williams really did not like the feedback that he was getting back from the contractor. That’s where it started from.” When asked about the incident, Williams acknowledges that he discovered many of the deficiencies in the city’s housing rehab program during a visit with his former mother-in-law in 2000. “I knew she was having work done on her house, but I didn’t know by who until I stopped by,” Williams said. “That’s when I learned of the problems.” Mack said that Williams was clearly displeased with the work being done on his former mother-in-law’s house. “I met Commissioner Williams out on the job along with our senior inspector and we tried to explain to him what was going on with the job at that time,” Mack said. “But I think that’s where all of this criticism stems from.” Prior to the administrative services meeting in January 2001, Mack said that he was simply hoping to be treated fairly.

He was optimistic that the meeting would encourage commissioners to take the opportunity to learn more about his department. “I would hope that the commissioners would look at the possibility of being educated to what we do,” Mack said. “Maybe they can help determine whether there are any breakdowns in the process and see if they can assist the department in improving our performance.” But when the actual administrative services meeting rolled around, commissioners did not ask to hear the report that Mack and Hornsby prepared. Instead, they set up a subcommittee to discuss a growth management plan for the housing department. Then-commissioners Bill Kuhlke and Andy Cheek were assigned to serve on the subcommittee, but Williams was not pleased with that plan. “We know that we’ve got some problems to correct,” Williams said. “To keep postponing it for 30 days and 30 more days, I just don’t think we are doing our jobs as commissioners.” Mack was able to hold onto his job for almost the rest of the year until November rolled around. On Nov. 20, 2001, then-City Administrator George Kolb recommended to commissioners that Mack be fired. “It is my recommendation that Mr. Keven Mack be terminated as the director of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department,” Kolb said. “The reason for the termination is that I have lost confidence in his ability to lead the department effectively. I would also recommend that his termination be effective immediately.” With a vote of 7-1-1 by commissioners, Mack was gone. After four years as director of the housing department and more than 25 years serving the public in the Augusta area, Mack said he was astonished by Kolb’s handling of the situation. “I said, ‘You know, you want to terminate

me like I’ve killed somebody or I’ve stolen something,’” Mack said. “I asked, ‘Have I done either one of those?’ And he said no, but that Georgia was a right-to-work state and he could terminate me if he wanted to.” As a result of the actions against him, Mack’s attorney, John Michael Brown, filed a lawsuit and submitted a letter to the commission outlining the poor treatment of Mack during and after his employment with Augusta-Richmond County. “It has simply become good politics for some of the commissioners to make Keven Mack the object of their irrational frustrations,” Brown wrote. Mack said he never wanted his termination to become such a public spectacle, but he believed several commissioners were out to get him from day one. “In my opinion, all of this was caused because I couldn’t be controlled,” Mack said. “This basically has a history from the beginning.” Mack said when Commissioner Marion Williams took office in 2000, things got “downright impossible” because he consistently accused the department’s inspectors of approving “shoddy” work performed by private contractors. For months, Mack tried to explain that the program was designed to rehabilitate, not remodel a home. But Mack said Williams refused to listen. “With the Marion Williams situation, I wouldn’t say it was unbearable, because I can almost stand anything, but he was distracting,” Mack said. “I just think it is his personality. If he can’t control you, his next move is to try and get rid of you.” So, after more than two decades of controversial firings in Augusta’s government, the question becomes: Who is the real problem down at the Marble Palace? The department heads? Or the commissioners? It is a question every Augustan should be asking. 25FEBRUARY2016

WHAT’S UP

Food Stuff Calendar Music Listings

AND MANY MORE!

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 18FEBRUARY2016

Downtown’s beloved Miller Theater is 76 years old and, to celebrate, Symphony Orchestra Augusta will hold a free drop-in at the Emporium Building, 1106 Broad Street, on Friday, February 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The celebration will include updates on the renovation program, a new website launch, a presentation by representatives of Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre and information on the Take a Seat campaign. To be a part of this historic event, simply show up. The event is open to the public and more information can be found at facebook.com/millertheater/.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

If you happen to be at Wild Wing tonight you’re in for a treat: local group the Domino Street Choir loves Van Morrison and you’ll love their tribute to this musical legend. If you don’t plan to be there, you should deﬁnitely rearrange your schedule.

If you didn’t see “Sanjay’s Super Team” in the theater (it showed along with “The Good Dinosaur”), you can catch it and the rest of the 2016 Oscar nominated short films today beginning at 1 p.m. at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre courtesy of The Cinema Series at Augusta University.

The Augusta Ballet hosts a free screening of “Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance” at 1 p.m. at the Headquarters Branch Library that includes complimentary refreshments and a tribute by Cutno Dance Center. Reserve your seat now.

Horses in Motion, a ﬁve-day painting workshop led by award-winning equestrian artist Booth Malone held at the Aiken Center for the Arts, is pricey, but the $450 fee includes admission to Malone’s March 1 lecture. And let’s face it: You can’t really live in Aiken without knowing how to paint horses.

For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 28.

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Now in its sixth year, Music for Memories has always attracted big names in country music; in the past, Scotty McCreery and Lee Brice have headlined the fundraiser. This year is no exception, with Florida native Easton Corbin sure to sing his No. 1 hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It” at the upcoming event. And why wouldn’t Music for Memories garner big names? After all, it raises money for a very worthy cause. The Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care provides a day center and in-home care for those in Augusta suffering for what some say is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. among older adults. Because of those two factors, each year’s concert has been a sellout and this one is shaping up to be no different. So get your tickets now, and don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket or two. The prizes make it well worth the price. MUSIC FOR MEMORIES 2016

The Country Club Dance Hall & Saloon Wednesday, March 2 8:30 p.m. $25, advance; $35, door; $100, raffle tickets etix.com

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Food StuFF don’t judge a book by it’s cover

Leave your expectationS at the door when you visit Abuela’s Seafood. Why? Well, for one thing, it’s not a very fancy door and what lies beyond it is pretty bare bones as well. Located with the Augusta Business Center, an odd assortment of restaurants, bars, shops and offices on Shartom Drive off Washington Road, Abuela’s Seafood is a little box of a dining spot. Within its spare white walls, broken only by a small painting directly on one depicting a broken brick wall looking out over a beach view, are only two tables seating four people each with a couple more chairs beside a counter. A television monitor behind the counter displays the menu and two refrigerated cases stand to one side. One holds drinks, while the other desserts. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

It may not be much to look at, but Abuela’s Seafood is a lot more than its name implies. It’s straight up, authentic Puerto Rican food that you can order to dine in, have delivered or take out. Since opening nearly a year ago, Abuela’s has become a brilliant addition to West Augusta’s already diverse dining scene. My co-worker’s father is Puerto Rican, and the menu is everything her family loves to cook and eat — arroz con habichuelas, pernil, tostones and empanadas. But it also includes a lot of seafood, like shrimp, scallops and calamari. So we decided to visit on a recent Friday. After doing some research online, I was excited to try the shrimp hush puppies that everyone raved about, as well as the flan de queso dessert. I hoped the queso was

By Amy Christian cream cheese instead of something like pepper jack, and I was game to find out. Unfortunately, the small kitchen at Abuela’s was out of both the items I wanted to try. The helpful employee we talked to, who seemed to go back and forth from the counter to the kitchen, said the flan de queso disappears almost the moment they put servings of it in the case. Ordering took a few minutes, only because it really was a tough decision The daily Puerto-Rican-themed specials were tempting, but they were a lot more than my co-worker wanted to eat for lunch, so she chose a simple chicken empanada with a side of tostones, which are fried plantains. I went with the fish tacos. I left it to the very helpful man behind the counter when he asked what kind of fish I wanted — blackened or fried — and he definitely steered me in the right direction. But more about that later. We ordered our food, paid and then sat down to wait. That may have been the longest either of us has ever waited for a takeout, but neither of us really minded. It gave us a chance to chat, and the other diners and the guys who run the place were all super friendly. The large windows provide ample natural light, while the Hispanic background music was relaxing. The only problem were the smells coming out of the kitchen. They were so tempting and good that our stomachs growled with every waft. Our food finally arrived and, upon inspection, looked perfect, which made it even more imperative that we get back to the office in a hurry. Once there, I tasted a bit of the house dressing included on each of the tacos. Pinkish in color, it tastes mayonnaise based — kind of the like the homemade Thousand Island dressing my mom used to ask me to make but without the sweet pickle relish — and was pretty sweet, so I was a bit worried. I shouldn’t have been, though, because it was perfect with the blackened fish, sliced avocado and chopped bits of fried plantains that each of the two tacos included. The blackened fish came at the recommendation of the employee at Abuela’s, and not because the fried fish wasn’t as good but, he said, combined with the fried plantains it would have been all crunch and no flavor. The ones I received had plenty of flavor. Served on flour tortillas rather than California-style fish tacos, which are usually served on corn tortillas with fried fish and slaw, I practically inhaled my lunch and wanted more. As for my co-worker, she said the crunchy golden tostones smeared with crushed garlic were a perfect combination of the sweet plantain and pungent garlic. They were served with the same mayo-based dipping sauce that were on my tacos, which she said added some welcome layers of flavor. She wasn’t blown away by them, because they are just fried smashed plantain, but said they are the perfect side for the empanada. The handmade empanada’s pastry was baked perfectly and stuffed with tender, chopped seasoned chicken. Molly’s only complaint was that the empanada 18FEBRUARY2016

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wasn’t seasoned heavily enough for her, but added that it’s totally subjective. It really is better that Abuela’s errs on the side of caution rather than running the risk of over-salting or offending others of a less sodium-friendly palate. When we ﬁrst ordered, I was disappointed that Abuela’s didn’t have the items I wanted to try. Now, after seeing how good what we did order was, I can’t wait to go back and try more. I’ll just call ahead next time and make sure that the shrimp hush puppies and ﬂan de queso are available. Bottom line is that Abuela’s Seafood is worth a shot, whether you’re familiar with Puerto Rican food or not. The food is fresh and tasty and the service friendly. Tip: call ahead if you’re in a rush. This isn’t fast food. Abuela’s Seafood is located at 604 Shartom Drive and is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/abuelasseafoodtakeout, or call for takeout and delivery (fees apply) at 706-868-7777.

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3pm Beginner Spanish Aiken Public Library A class for adults. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Ongoing

Pre-Kindergarten Registration Online registration in the Richmond County School System will be held through February 26. To be considered for the lottery selection, proof of age and residence must be submitted to Tobacco Road Elementary School or the Richmond County Board of Education’s central office between February 29-March 11, MondayFriday from 1-6 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5, from 9 a.m.-noon. The lottery selection will be held Saturday, March 12. Call 706-826-1000 or visit rcboe.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.

Cheap Date Free Movie Series Le Chat Noir Saturday, February 27 6:30 p.m., doors; 7:30 p.m., movie 706-722-3322 lcnaugusta.com

ARTS Thu Feb 25, 2016

1pm - 3pm Cool Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

10am - 4pm Basket Weaving: Cape Cod Blueberry Basket Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up in which no previous experience is required and supplies are included. $30; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

10am - 2pm Watercolor Harrison Hall, Church of Our Savior An Artists Guild of Columbia County workshop for teens and adults of all skill levels in which participants will use a variety of tips and techniques to create an impressionistic painting of poppies. Led by Wendy Cunico. $50; all supplies provided. Participants should bring their own lunches. Register by calling 706-294-2188 or visiting artistguildcc.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour

A ﬁve-day painting workshop led by awardwinning equestrian artist Booth Malone. $450 workshop fee includes admission to his March 1 lecture at the center. Call 803641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Tue Mar 1, 2016

9am - 5pm Horses in Motion Aiken Center for the Arts $450. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

6pm - 8pm How to Look Like an Artist Aiken Center for the Arts A lecture by award-winning equestrian artist Booth Malone, who will also lead a weeklong workshop at the center. Admission is free to those enrolled in the workshop and $10 for others. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

9am - 5pm Horses in Motion Aiken Center for the Arts $450. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Mon Feb 29, 2016

Thu Mar 3, 2016

Aiken Center for the Arts

9am - 5pm Horses in Motion

$450. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

EDUCATION Thu Feb 25, 2016

5:30pm Google School Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

6pm Long-Term Care and Estate Planning Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Mon Feb 29, 2016

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

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

Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.

Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.

ELSEWHERE Sat Feb 27, 2016

1pm Gallery Tour: REMIX: Themes and Variations in African-American Art Columbia Museum of Art Free with admission. Call 803-799-2810 or

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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visit columbiamuseum.org.

Sun Feb 28, 2016

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

Wed Mar 2, 2016

10am Gladys’ Gang: Still as a Stone Columbia Museum of Art A free early childhood arts and literacy program for those ages 2-5 that includes story time in the galleries and hands-on art projects. Pre-registration required. Call 803799- 2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

EXHIBITIONS Thu Feb 25, 2016

6pm - 9pm Exhibit Opening and Book Premiere The Morris Museum of Art Celebrating the opening of “The Wild Treasury of Nature: A Portrait of Little St. Simons Island,” artist Phillips Juras discusses his exhibition and catalog. A reception and book signing will follow. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-7247501 or visit themorris.org.

Ongoing Exhibits

Aiken Center for the Arts Exhibits include Malaika Favorite, Sarah Hott, Dwight Rose, Saundra Smith and Lenny Wooden in the main galleries; Aiken Performing Arts Academy, Lloyd Kennedy Charter School, Arts Center Adult/Youth Students in the Brooks Gallery; and Bill LeMay in the Aiken Artist Guild Gallery. The exhibits show through March 12. Call 803641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

The Winter Exhibition Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Featuring the work of Carrie Brooks and Hyunsuk Erickson, this exhibit shows through February 26. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

History of African-American Nursing Exhibition Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History The exhibit shows through February 26. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

Ajibola Exhibition Sacred Heart Cultural Center Also known as Daphne Taylor, this local artist will exhibit her original paintings through February 26. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org. 18FEBRUARY2016

Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

FLIX Fri Feb 26, 2016

1pm 2016 Oscar Nominated Short Films Screenings Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre The Cinema Series at Augusta University will screen all the nominated films as follows: Documentary Shorts One, 1 p.m.; Animated Shorts, 2:30 p.m.; Documentary Shorts Two, 7 p.m.; and Live Action Shorts, 8:30 p.m. Visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/theatre.php.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

1pm “Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance” Headquarters Branch Library A free film screening hosted by the Augusta Ballet that includes complimentary refreshments. After the screening, dancers from Cutno Dance Center will perform a brief tribute to Alvin Ailey’s famous “Wade in the Water” and participants will be invited to join in. Reserve a seat by visiting augustaballet. org/reserve-a-seat-beyondthesteps.

Mon Feb 29, 2016

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation

3pm “The Good Dinosaur”

University Hospital A four-session class that continues on Mondays through March 28. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

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

Tue Mar 1, 2016

7:30pm Cheap Date Free Movie Series Le Chat Noir A free movie screening with free popcorn. Cash bar available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Wed Mar 2, 2016 4pm “Goosebumps”

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

HEALTH

5pm Beyond the Doctors Office: Nutrition for the Spring Headquarters Branch Library Led by Siham Bouchannout, RD, LD, participants in this seminar will learn and taste nutritious and fresh spring recipes. Call 706-721-3443 or visit guides.gru.edu/ healthliteracyseries.

6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.

Thu Feb 25, 2016

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation

Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

University Hospital A four-session class that continues on Tuesdays through March 22. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding

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

7pm - 9:30pm Ready and Able Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through March 29. Pre-

registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A four-week class meeting Wednesdays through March 30. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

5:30pm - 8pm Cribs for Kids Safe Kids Office This class will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and a pacifier for a fee of $10 per registered child. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org/safekids.

7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

HOBBIES Wed Mar 2, 2016

Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.

KIDS-TEENS Fri Feb 26, 2016 9:30am Kroc Tots

Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

10:30am Toddler Tuesday Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Parent must remain with their child throughout the program. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

11am Kristen Canada’s Story Time and Craft

Columbia County Library A science, technology, engineering and math program for children ages 9-14. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Imagination Station Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.

4pm Lego Club

3:30pm Paws for Literacy

11am STEM Class: Gold Bug

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

Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

4pm Storytime in the Gardens

10am 20,000 Leagues Under the Earth Reed Creek Park A hands-on geology class for those ages 5 and up and their parents. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.

10am - noon Anime and the Graphic Novel Kroc Center A class for those ages 9-14. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $40; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Hopelands Gardens Local senior adults will read to participants and each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

10am Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss Diamond Lakes Branch Library An event for those ages 0-5 that will include a short film and take-home craft. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

11am Stories and Crafts with the Morris Museum

11am Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration Story Time

Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

11:30am - 5pm Glaze Craze

11am Storybook Brunch First Baptist Church of Augusta This event for children and their parents includes breakfast with storybook characters, a parade and time for photos and autographs. $20. Call 706-650-2876 or visit sfbf.net/storybookbrunch.

Mon Feb 29, 2016

6:30pm - 9pm The Birds, the Bees and Me Trinity Hospital of Augusta A class for girls ages 12-15, accompanied by their mothers, female relative or friend, that includes a frank discussion on sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision-making. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

Tue Mar 1, 2016 34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Weeks Center, Aiken An early-release day program in which participants of all ages can work on ceramics project during three-hour sessions. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-7631.

4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.

Ongoing

Toddler Time Columbia County Library For children ages 2-3. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 each

week. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Preschool Time Columbia County Library For those ages 3-5. Meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Baby and Me Columbia County Library Meets Tuesdays at either 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Afternoon Adventures Columbia County Library Stories, songs, dancing, crafts and more for all ages of children. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Baby & Me Euchee Creek Branch Library A class for those under 2 years and their parents that meets each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

Child Enrichment Euchee Creek Branch Library Stories, songs, dancing, crafts and more for all ages that meets Tuesdays at 4:15 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.

Child Enrichment Harlem Branch Library Stories, songs, dancing and crafts for all ages every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Call 706556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.

Story Times North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Toddler story time is each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., while pre-k story time is at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Story Times Aiken Public Library Baby story time is each Friday at 10:15 a.m., toddler story time is each Friday at 11 a.m. and preschool story time is each Friday at 11:45 a.m. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Moms Club of Augusta A nonprofit group that has weekly playgroups and other activities for stayat-home moms. For more information, visit momsclubaugusta.org.

Moms Club of Grovetown A group that accepts any mom who stays at home with her children regardless of parenting style, religion or ethnicity. The group meets for a variety of activities and dues are $20 a year. Visit momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com.

group for women with children who are age 35 years or older. Call 706-394-1293 or email hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com.

Youth Advisory Board Members The city of Aiken needs board members in grades 7-12 to help develop youth programs. The board meets once a month at the SmithHazel Recreation Center. Call 803-642-7634.

After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. Call 803-648-3197.

Toddler Time Weeks Center A weekly program for those ages 5 and under, accompanied by a parent. It meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Call 803-642-7631.

LITERARY Thu Feb 25, 2016

10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet” by Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

10:30am On the Same Page Book Club Euchee Creek Branch Library Book to be announced. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

Fri Feb 26, 2016 1pm Book Signing

Augusta Museum of History Rotunda An event featuring Sandra Deal (Georgia’s first lady), Dr. Jennifer Dickey and Dr. Catherine Lewis, authors of “Memories of the Mansion: The Story of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion.” Free. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

6pm Page Turners Book Club: Blind Date with a Book Barnes & Noble Participants are asked to bring a covered book and write a teaser for it without giving away the title. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

MUSIC Thu Feb 25, 2016

7:30pm A Patriotic Salute The Etherredge Center, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Women’s Heart Board. $25. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

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7:30pm - 9pm Augusta University Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Concert Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre $5, general admission; free, AU students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.

7:30pm - 9:30pm Beethoven, Beethoven, Beethoven! First Baptist Church, Aiken Featuring violinist Vadim Gluzman and the Aiken Symphony Orchestra. Call 803-6447394 or visit aikensymphonyguild.org.

Fri Feb 26, 2016

7:30pm The McCartney Years Jabez S. Hardin PAC An Augusta Amusements event. $45. Call 706726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

7:30pm A Patriotic Salute The Etherredge Center, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Women’s Heart Board. $25. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

7:30pm The Kiokee String Quintet Covenant Presbyterian Church Part of the free Covenant Concert Series. Call 706-733-0513 or visit covenantaugusta.org.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

10am The Kiokee String Quintet Master Class Covenant Presbyterian Church Open to the public. Call 706-733-0513 or visit covenantaugusta.org.

10:30am - 12:30pm The Versatile Voice: Spring Master Class Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Soprano Cynthia Lawrence and tenor Mark Calkins will lead this master class, which is free and open to the public. Call 706-6674100 or email maxwelltheatre@augusta.edu.

2pm A Patriotic Salute The Etherredge Center, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Women’s Heart Board. $25. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

2pm - 4pm The Versatile Voice: Spring Master Class Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Call 706-667-4100 or email maxwelltheatre@augusta.edu.

6pm Black History Jazz Concert Smith-Hazel Community Center, Aiken Featuring the Soul City Band and Revue, dancing, door prizes and light hors d’oeuvres. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 803-642-7634.

7:30pm A Patriotic Salute 18FEBRUARY2016

The McCartney Years Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Friday, February 26 6:30 p.m., doors; 7:30 p.m., music $45 706-726-0366 augustaamuseuments.com The Etherredge Center, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Women’s Heart Board. $25. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

7:30pm - 9:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine 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.

Sun Feb 28, 2016

3pm A Patriotic Salute The Etherredge Center, Aiken $25. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge. usca.edu.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

8:30pm Music for Memories The Country Club A fundraising concert for the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care that features Easton Corbiin, Kane Brown and Joe Stevenson. A raffle will also be held. $25, advance; $35, door. Call 706-738-5039 or visit judchickeycenter.org.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

7:30pm Women of Ireland Jabez S. Hardin PAC An Augusta Amusements event. $37.50. Call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

SENIORS Tue Mar 1, 2016

2pm Senior Tech Help Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can bring devices and receive one-on-one assistance from library staff. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

2pm - 3:30pm Beginning Senior Computer Class Kroc Center A three-session class that continues Thursdays, March 10 and 17. For ages 62 and older; pre-registration required. Call 706-9220171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 35

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$52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

auction and more that will beneﬁt the Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta. $60. Visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and board games on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. Call 803642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Sat Feb 27, 2016

Senior Basketball H.O. Weeks Center Leagues for those ages 50 and up. Practice is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Garrett Gymnasium Rabies vaccinations will be $5, parvo/ distemper vaccinations will be $10 and microchipping will be $15. Call 706-7906836 or visit augustaga.gov.

SPECIAL EVENTS

7pm “Follow the Drinking Gourd”

Thu Feb 25, 2016

11am Thursday Game Mania Diamond Lakes Branch Library An event that includes classic games like Bingo, Checkers, Chess and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

6:30pm - 8pm Reach One, Teach One McDuffie Woods Community Center A Black History Month program featuring guest speakers and special performances. $2, ages 5 and up; $1, seniors; free, 4 and under. Call 706-771-2656.

Fri Feb 26, 2016

2pm - 6pm Home & Garden Show James Brown Arena $7.50, those 17 and older; $5, seniors; free, 16 and under and active-duty military. Admission good for the entire weekend. Visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Storybook Brunch First Baptist Church of Augusta Saturday, February 27 11 a.m. $20 706-650-2876 sfbf.net/storybookbrunch

Ongoing

AARP Tax Aide Kroc Center Helping for seniors in ﬁling out tax returns will be available Tuesdays and Saturdays, February 2-April 12, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

AARP Tax Help Columbia County Library Help provided on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst served basis Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

AARP Tax Help 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday

Euchee Creek Branch Library Help offered on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis every Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

Senior Citizens Club Smith-Hazel Recreation Center Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 803-642-7634.

Silversneakers H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members;

Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get ﬁve 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

6:30pm - 8:30pm Miller Theater 76th Birthday Celebration Emporium Building, 1106 Broad Street A free drop-in that is open to the public. Visit soaugusta.org.

7pm Attack of the Clones Wine Seminar Wine World Led by Michael Simmons and featuring 10 wines. $25; pre-registration required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

7pm - 10pm Paint Your Palate Palmetto Terrace, North Augusta Municipal Center An evening of food, ﬁne arts, a silent

10am - 7pm Home & Garden Show James Brown Arena $7.50, those 17 and older; $5, seniors; free, 16 and under and active-duty military. Admission good for the entire weekend. Visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Noon - 3pm Animal Services Rabies and Microchip Clinic

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.

7pm - 10pm Havana Nights Columbia County Exhibition Center A black-tie gala beneﬁting Columbia County Cares Food Pantry, Columbia County Arts Development Fund and Columbia County Forward Foundation. $80, single; $150, couple. Call 706-868-3484 or visit eventbrite.com.

8pm “Explorers of Mauna Kea” 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 Feb 28, 2016

11am - 5pm Home & Garden Show James Brown Arena $7.50, those 17 and older; $5, seniors; free, 16 and under and active-duty military. Admission good for the entire weekend. Visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

6pm - 9pm Wednesday Night Wine Tastings Rose Hill Estate, Aiken Weekly featured wines will be paired with house-made hors d’oeuvres. Call 803-6481181 or visit rosehillestate.com.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Avenue This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. The featured 18FEBRUARY2016

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organization is Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services, Chase Lanier is the artist of the month and Rick McKee will sign copies of his book, “Painting with a Broad Brush.” Call 706-733-1788.

SPIRITUAL Fri Feb 26, 2016

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.

5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group

Bethesda Baptist Church Free. Call 706-556-6818.

AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7212609 or visit augustahealth.org/weightloss.

Sun Feb 28, 2016

6:30pm CSRA Huntington’s Disease Support Group

7pm The Whisnants in Concert

6pm An Experience of Praise Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre An event featuring song and dance from the Augusta University Gospel Choir, as well as Danielle West, Chris Parker, Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar. $5, general; $3, AU students with ID; free, 12 and younger. Call 804-955-9768 or email tkeels@augusta.edu.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Feb 27, 2016

9:30am - 11:30am Stream Explorers Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For those ages 8 and up, participants should wear long socks and bring water. Waders provided. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

1pm Home Firearms Safety Cabela’s Free. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas. com/augusta.

Sun Feb 28, 2016

8am Augusta University Half Marathon and 10K Lake Olmstead Visit augustahalf.org.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

7pm Crappie USA Pre-Tournament Seminar Patriots Park Gym Sign up begins at 5 p.m. Open to the public. Visit crappieusa.com.

SUPPORT Mon Feb 29, 2016 6pm Cancer Share

University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.

Tue Mar 1, 2016

10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining 18FEBRUARY2016

GRU Movement Disorders Clinic Call 706-721-2798 or 706-231-2775.

Wed Mar 2, 2016

Noon General Cancer Support Group AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu.

1pm The Lactation Club University Hospital A breastfeeding support group for mothers of NICU babies. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Thu Mar 3, 2016

10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center Pre-registration required. Call 706-860-5233.

Ongoing

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.

Write to Heal Creative Writing Program Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.

1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

8pm “A Chorus Line” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$46. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

8pm Tales from the Box

Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.

Le Chat Noir Comedy and improv by Schodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 706-722- 3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Overeaters Anonymous

Sat Feb 27, 2016

Diabetes Youth Support Group

Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@ gmail.com.

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.

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

Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.

Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.

10am - 4pm “The Drowsy Chaperone” Crew Call Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre The Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre is looking for help with carpentry, stage lighting and painting. Email steven.r.walpert.naf@mail.mil.

7:30pm “Godspell” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-6481438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

8pm “A Chorus Line” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$46. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

Sun Feb 28, 2016 3pm “A Chorus Line”

Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$46. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group

Mon Feb 29, 2016

For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.

Le Chat Noir Quickies is an annual short play festival at Le Chat Noir featuring original works by local authors. Producers are seeking male and female teens and adults of all races; both veteran actors and newcomers are encouraged to audition. Performances are April 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. Auditions consist of cold reads from the scripts. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

THEATER Thu Feb 25, 2016 6pm Open Auditions

Le Chat Noir Dirty South Burlesque and Cabaret is holding open auditions for emcee positions within the troupe. Prospective applicants should e-mail dirtysouthburlesque@ gmail.com for audition application and information.

Fri Feb 26, 2016 7:30pm “Godspell”

Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-

7pm Quickies Auditions

Wed Mar 2, 2016

7:30pm “Million Dollar Quartet” Bell Auditorium Part of the Broadway in Augusta series. $54-$65. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 37

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What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Sunday, February 28 Live Music

Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Monday, February 29 Live Music

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

What’s Tonight?

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

Tuesday, March 1 Live Music

Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

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

Patti LaBelle in Concert The Bell Auditorium Friday, February 26 8 p.m. $69-$99 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com Thursday, February 25 Live Music

The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost, Lauren Meccia Sky City - Open MIc Night Stillwater Taproom - The Least Likelys Wild Wing - Domino Street Choir The Willcox (Aiken) - Jazz

What’s Tonight?

Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word

38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Wednesday, March 2 Live Music Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters

Friday, February 26 Live Music

The Backyard Tavern - DUBA Bell Auditorium - Patti LaBelle Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - McKenna Hydrick Fox’s Lair - Happy Bones Greenlight Sound Studios - Occido, Similar Odds, Hall of Elders, Rapheumet’s Well Playoffs (Aiken) - Lundymusic Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy “Doc” Easton Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Sky City - Diarrhea Planet, Gloom Cocoon Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables Tin Lizzy’s - Steely James

Whole Foods - @ the Turn w/ Live Music Wild Wing - Weekend Bender

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - ‘80s and ‘90s Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Saturday, February 27 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - Ray Fulcher Jessye Norman School of the Arts - Soiree Jazz + Wine w/ Dr. Robert Foster Playoffs (Aiken) - Kenny George Band Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Big Hart, Juan De Fuca Somewhere in Augusta - Chris Ndeti That Place - Cusions and Caffeine w/ Live Music (2-4 p.m.) Wild Wing - Todd Coleman Band The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

Country Club - Music for Memories w/ Easton Corbin and Kane Brown The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Live Music Wild Wing - Live Music

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Mikey Mason and Roger Keiss Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament

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Upcoming

Merle Haggard, Jason Isbell

X Ambassadors

Copious Jones

- Bell Auditorium May 17

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 11

- Sky City March 3

Moody Blues

- Stillwater Taproom March 10

Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/ Willie Nelson and Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Little Roy & Lizzie Show, Great Peacock, Josh Roberts & the Hinges, Motel Radio, Packway Handle Band, Laney Jones & the Spirits, BooHoo Ramblers, Georgia-Lina Boys, the Mason Jars, Muddy Johnson, Delta Cane

The Mason Jars

- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28

Red Valley Flyers

- Stillwater Taproom March 3 Lecrae

- Bell Auditorium March 4 Scarlet Begonias, The Bitteroots

- Sky City March 5 Michael Baideme

- Stillwater Taproom March 11 Boyz II Men, All-4-One

- Bell Auditorium March 13 Funk You’s St. Patrick’s Day Party

- Sky City March 17 Travis Tritt

- Imperial Theatre March 19 Delta Cane

- Stillwater Taproom March 19 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Earphunk and Tauk

- Augusta Common April 7 Widespread Panic

- James Brown Arena April 19 The Werks, CBDB

- Sky City April 19 The Oh Hellos, The Collection

- Sky City April 22 Rascal Flatts, Jana Kramer

- James Brown Arena April 23 Amy Grant, Nicole Nordeman, Ellie Holcomb

- USCA Convocation Center April 30

Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta March 12 Village People

- Anderson Theater, Marietta March 13 Coheed and Cambria

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 14 Gordon Lightfoot

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 15 Fetty Wap, Post Malone

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 15 Elton John

- James Brown Arena June 3

- Civic Center, Columbus March 16

Elsewhere

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 17

David Cross

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta February 28 Dwight Yoakam

- Georgia Theatre, Athens March 2 CeeLo Green

- Terminal West, Atlanta March 3 Indigo Girls

- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 4 Dropkick Murphys, Tiger Army, Darkbuster

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 5 Wolfmother

- Center Stage, Atlanta March 7

Joan Baez Vance Joy

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 19 Yacht Rock Revue

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta March 25 Third Eye Blind

- Georgia Theatre, Athens March 25-26 G Love & Special Sauce

- Variety Plahouse, Atlanta April 1 Fool’s Paradise w/ Lettuce, Griz, Chris Robinson’s Soul Revue, Vulfpeck, The Nth Power, Goldfish

- St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, Fla., April 1-2

Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

AC/DC

- Philips Arena, Atlanta March 8 Adam Lambert

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 8 Rihanna, Travis Scott

- Philips Arena, Atlanta March 9

Meet sexy new friends

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112

V27|NO8

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Laurian Pope, Adrienne Iorio, Erin Yoder and Alica Gburova at the Country Club.

Tiffany Turner, singer/songwriter Chris Rogers and Michelle Turner at the Country Club.

Mariah Cobb, Ashlie Ansley, Leora Fulks and Amber Williams at the Country Club.

Teresa Garrard, Rachel B. Jones, Lauren Hardaway and Lauren Hemerka at the Bee’s Knees.

Sky Elledge, former Saturday Night Live cast member and author Terry Sweeney and Michael Siewert at a book signing at Signature Interiors by Michael.

Lisa Brown, Laurie Pilcher and Pam Scott at Terry Sweeney’s book signing at Signature Interiors by Michael.

Nicole Hines, Frank Hines, Molly Rhodes and Daniel Rhodes at Stillwater Taproom.

Cory Cromer, Emily Cromer and Drew Albenesius at Stillwater Taproom.

Chris Carrick with Melissa and John Holmes at Hive Growler Bar.

40 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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ALL YOU NEED By Mary Lou Guizzo / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 The Beatles’ first single, 1962 6 Cold-shoulder 10 Not fight all-out 14 1951 #1 Mario Lanza hit with lyrics written by 36-Down 19 Containing element #56 20 Jerry-rigging material 21 Musical lead-in to -smith 22 “See ya!” 23 Inappropriate 24 Kind of arch 25 Pelvic bones 26 Watch 10 episodes in a row, say 27 Circulates 29 Comment accompanying “That’s your problem, not mine” 31 Romantic date 33 Belittled 37 Scapegoat for the Fab Four breakup 38 ____ criminal 43 “Enough!,” in Ensenada 44 Mil. authority 47 One waiting in line at an airport? 50 Get back together, as 57-Acrosses 51 Camera feature 52 Apprise 54 Took a chance 56 Make a splash 57 See 50-Across 58 Big dipper 59 Some old Harper’s Bazaar covers 60 Bananas 61 1994 Oscar- and Grammy-winning song for Elton John 65 Cinephile’s channel 66 Ones doing needlework? 67 Here, on une carte 68 Smooth over 71 Much I.R.S. mail 72 1990s-2000s tennis champ nicknamed “The Punisher” 75 Hit song title for Bob Marley, Whitesnake and Survivor 77 Symptoms 78 2010 R. Kelly top 10 album 79 Like some care 81 Basic ones are above 7” 82 Eyes impolitely 83 G.M.’s Mary Barra, for one 85 Opposite of vert.

86 1990 #1 hit for Mariah Carey 34 When doubled, an old college cry 93 1967 #1 hit for Lulu 35 Totals 100 One of two circuit court 36 See 14-Across characters? 39 Copy 101 Quiet coastal spot 40 Kirk Douglas, Robert Wagner and 103 Spirited horse Gregory Peck, for Frank Sinatra 104 Foreign currency unit worth about 41 Methuselah’s father a third of a dollar 42 Transplant 105 Relative of ecru 44 Skill 106 Where Pamplona is located 45 Like some stud piercings 107 Overrule 46 X’s 108 Breast implant filler 47 Turns at high speed 109 Inflate 48 Aesthetes 110 Former telecom giant 49 Borscht base 111 The pack in a six-pack 52 ____-ray 112 “Well, whaddya know!” 53 What’s the 113 Bad beginning? point of marking things? 114 Eyes impolitely 54 Renders harmless, as a bull 115 Court call 55 Brit. honor 116 Mars from the vantage point of 62 Amor vincit ____ Earth, e.g. 63 Sending a child to military camp, say 117 Hindu honorific 64 River to the Gulf of Guinea 118 Comedian Poehler 68 ____ Tin Tin 119 Approximates 69 Reverse of WNW 120 Shogun capital 70 Summer hrs. 121 Where there may be openings in the 72 Resembling medical field? 73 Antarctica’s Amundsen ____ 74 N.Y.C. subway line DOWN 76 2003 Hugh Grant romantic comedy 1 Insect also called a honeymoon fly 78 Rick, Ilsa and Victor, in “Casablanca” 2 Stable locks? 80 Hawaiian Airlines extra 3 Q.E.F. part 82 It has three dashes in the middle 4 Showy ballroom moves 84 Head of Olympus? 5 A piano has seven of them 85 Spectacularly disordered sort 6 Bar fixture 86 Serenades, e.g. 7 ____ Tribunal 87 Like each line of an eye chart 8 Wharton’s sch. vis-à-vis the one above 9 Must 88 ____ Kosygin, longtime Soviet 10 Declined premier 11 Martinique volcano 89 Nickelodeon’s “Kenan & ____” 12 Met expectations? 90 Perplexity 13 Explorer Amundsen 91 Follower of live or down 14 Commemorative Yevtushenko poem 92 Bring to a boil 15 Change one’s story? 93 Come-on 16 Ho Chi ____ City 94 Risqué, say 17 One seeking enlightenment 95 Silently greet 18 6-0 96 Basketball Hall-of-Famer Hank 28 “Sweet!” 97 Rant 30 Female W.W. II enlistee 98 Hold, as secret feelings 32 Smitten 99 Tryst sites 33 Soldier from Down Under 102 Bizet priestess

31 33

47 53

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T A D A

A L I T

C A D R E

A R I A L

S I M P

U R D U

C O R P S

A P E A K

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS I T S Y

L O C A T M E E S P T E A N D M I S X C E R D E M E E N D O I U A T

F I N O N A R E D I A R A B L E R A F A B O U L A Y S S L E D I S B A S T U B H A L E E L L I L E S T U O D I S L I N E A K D T E T E S O

S T R O M

D E C A F S

O L A N D

P R O B O S A C A D I I R S D E A P P O I S B O O O N R Y F E R N S

O P E D

M E D E N E R D S I I S C M E A E R A F O N T S O N T H E A T R E S E N C F L A E A R M I T A R A L D E

B A C H O O N T H U O L U N S A E R

S S C H H A W A N S N D A R P E

A D A P T O R

T H R E E S T A A R D U N E A A A N T I N C E U G R E A L L

B E I N N E E D O F

O R N O T

Y E A T S

R I L E

S A L E

G E T I N

L O E W E

E N D O R

R I M E

S L A T

A L P S

V27|NO8

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS The top two remain the same, but the Easter theme of “Risen” helps it rise to No. 3. RANK

TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

DEADPOOL

$56,470,167

$236,865,054

KUNG FU PANDA 3

$12,516,601

$117,121,185

RISEN

$11,801,271

THE WITCH

$8,800,230

HOW TO BE SINGLE

$8,202,430

$31,746,063

In Theaters February 26

ACTION

“Gods of Egypt,” rated PG-13, starring Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler, Chadwick Boseman. It’s a battle between good and evil, with a mortal teaming up with the good guys against the god of darkness, who has stolen Egypt’s throne. Game of Throne’s CosterWaldau may be the only thing this one has going for it. Stories about the gods seem a little oldfashioned and most of these Egyptians are being played by white actors, so you’ll probably hear a lot of people cry whitewashing. Oh, and Gerard Butler’s in it, which means it can’t be all that great. 44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

DRAMA

“Eddie the Eagle,” rated PG-13, starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken. This sports story is supposed to be inspirational. After all, Eddie Edwards was the first skier to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping. He finished last in both his events, though, so as we overheard someone say: It’ll be like watching “Rocky,” if Rocky had been terrible at boxing.

THRILLER

“Triple 9,” rated R, starring Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejjiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul. Cops and robbers join together to plan a heist, but to pull it off they’ll have to murder another cop. This one has gotten terrible reviews, which may explain why you haven’t heard much about it.

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District 13 or Augusta Commission? You Decide. FOLKS, I yield my column space this week to my dear sister-in-law, Leah Guillebeau Cassell. She is one of the smartest women I know and, as you can see here, ﬁercely loyal and impeccably well spoken. She posted this on her Facebook page in the wake of Tuesday’s hideous Augusta Commission meeting, and the indefensible shenanigans that ensued. I hope she doesn’t mind me reprinting her thoughts, which, as the wife of exiting traffic engineer Steve Cassell, she is damn well entitled to express. They got a mess in Augusta, and while it doesn’t take a Georgia Tech engineer to make that call, God bless the day that she did! 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.

46 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

25FEBRUARY2016