I am running for the U.S. Congress because like so many of you I am tired of the dishonesty and lies from the Washington ruling class elites. Just two years ago, Rick Allen told us he would work for our interests, but then he went to Washington and voted to fund Obama’s scheme to bring Middle Eastern refugees to America. Allen voted to fund Obamacare after he promised us that he would not. Allen even voted to fund Planned Parenthood and to fund amnesty for illegal immigrants; Once again we were betrayed. It is time for a change and you can make a difference by voting for me, Eugene Yu, in the Republican Primary on May 24th. Visit my website and view my policy proposals which will take power from Washington’s ruling class and restore our liberty. Paid for by Eugene for Congress
EARLY VOTING STARTS MAY 2nd.
www.Yu4Congress.us
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!
Table of Contents
EDIT
May 12, 2016
Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
Whine Line Jenny is Wright Augusta Tek Ruffin It Kris Fisher
amy@themetrospirit.com
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Insider 10 Feature 16
CREATIVE Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
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
4 6 7 8 9
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE 12
Account Executive
What’s Up Food Stuff Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
23 25 26 30 32 34 36 38
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
Can a person who has been suspended from practicing law hold a Superior Court judgeship? According to Georgia law, the answer is no. The problem is the Georgia State Bar won’t decide whether or not to suspend Chris Nicholson from practicing law until next September, long after the May 24 election in which voters will decide between him and sitting Judge Carl Brown. Pg. 10
The road goes on for Jason Isbell, who fought the bottle and came out on the winning side. Far from cocky about his sobriety, Isbell talked to the Metro Spirit about how his life has changed since making the decision to quit drinking and what his upcoming Bell Auditorium show will be like without Merle Haggard, with whom he was scheduled to share the stage. Pg. 23
The Larder at Hammond’s Ferry offers residents of that neighborhood, as well as visitors, a little bit of everything. From breakfast to late-night tapas, coffee to cocktails, The Larder is a place to gather, socialize, shop and, above all, relax. Relax with some good food, of course. Pg. 25
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OPINION
The Whine Line
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The cat’s in the cradle. OK so the self-proclaimed Wiccan witch is making another run for the Augusta commission. She is going to have to cast a pretty powerful spell to convince a district that is over 70% black to vote for an over-the-hill white burn out hippy pagan.
Letting others live their lives as they see fit. Hard for some, apparently. You would think in 2016 the downtown Augusta bar scene would not be so hostile to same sex couples. I am a woman who is married to another woman and we did what was apparently an outrageous act. We dared hold hands and kissed in public... something that numerous other hetero couples were doing in the same bar. For this we were demanded to leave the premises. So much for a bar that is supposed to attract a “progressive” clientele and even has a Bernie Sanders sign on the wall. I guess me and my wife’s public display of affection was just too much for backwards Disgusta.
Jenny is Wright Augusta Tek Ruffin’ It Kris Fisher
Thank goodness I do not have to listen to Ted Cruz’ voice on Glenn Beck any longer...........eerie-tating. With respect to last week’s Whine about the lady not giving you directions because she assumed you wanted money.... please visit Augusta again. There are a lot of friendly people and if you had asked me... I probably would have had you follow me to your destination. A lot of us do practice Southern Hospitality. The Historic Augusta Loft Tour was excellent. My wife and I went with a recently retired couple from Statesboro. The loft hosts [both guides and residents] were great people to visit with. Really enjoyed visiting the historic Union Baptist Church. Excellent diversity of sites to visit. One theme was prevalent: Augusta has to improve parking for our loft inhabitants. The only negative was the access of public restrooms in downtown Augusta; the city needs to focus on this if you want to attract more tourists, etc.
I am sick of all the hipster downtown restaurants. I am all about supporting downtown, but just because you decided to locate your business downtown should not be an excuse to charge higher prices and treat your customers like crap. And just because your food is wrapped up in loads of condescending pretension does not make it better. So the spoiled, bratty, pretentious millennial hipsters can have downtown and its overpriced mediocre restaurants and bars. I guess that it’s time to admit that I need to gain weight, I told my wife that our neighbor had a campaign sign In his yard supporting THEFLY for superior court judge and I wanted to vote for him, and she said I was dyslexic. I said Pass the biscuits and gravy! Why must every Mexican restaurant in the Augusta area have Karaoke during prime dining hours? Some of us would actually like to eat our meal without the wailing and shrieking from all of the 50 year old Beyonce’ and Carrie Underwood wanna-bees. And then you have all of the bad Elvis impersonators. Going out to eat at a Mexican restaurant in Augusta is like entering the 3rd ring of Vegas Lounge Act Hell.
Cudos to the undercover Highway Patrol, who spent a day ticketing the trucker who were speeding through Augusta last week. They’re welcome back any time. In order to maintain a support base, the Republican Party and Fox News for years supported outdated and sometime wildly crazy ideas. The coded and sometimes even open messages that women have no right to control their body, that women who are raped are the ones to blame and can’t get pregnant unless they wanted it, that blacks and Hispanics are causing all the problems, that Democrats want to impose Sharia law on us, that if the rich only had more money and less taxes they would create more jobs played to peoples bias and fears. Now Donald Trump has become their candidate because he played to the same bias and fears. Surprise!
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
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Sticks and Stones WE HEAR IT ALL THE TIME: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. I call bull honkey. Total crap. It’s like the advice they (the royal they, with all the answers) give brides when it rains on their wedding day. “They say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day!” Nope. That’s just what they tell you when you have to move your perfectly planned sunset beach ceremony inside instead. It’s pointless, unproven advice that makes people feel better. Stronger, even, and able to get through whatever bad thing it is, whether it’s an argument with a friend or a stormy wedding day. There’s nothing wrong with such sayings. Positivity is always preferred. The bit about the wedding day is harmless and not provable. Tell a bride it’s good luck, and she’s all, “Yes! That’s right. My wedding is perfect after all.” The word thing, though. Look, I’m all for honesty and getting it out on the table. Passive aggressive behavior is nonsense. If you’ve got a problem, get it out. We aren’t mind readers. Even if we could read minds, though, we wouldn’t need to read everything. For my nine-year-old little girl, mean people don’t just suck. She doesn’t understand them. She gets mad at her brother from time to time, and she hates it when I ask her to empty the dishwasher, but she’s mostly sparkles and rainbows and unicorns. When she sees something like the photo of the vandalized Metropolitan Community Church, she asks why someone would even bother doing that? “Is it just to show that they’re mean?” she asked. Pretty much, kiddo. I explained the circumstances surrounding the spray painted ugly words, and she still didn’t get it. “Why do people have to say all the mean things they think?” Good question. We have our opinions. Different perspectives keep the world interesting. Does it have to be so nasty? I don’t mean to go all Pollyanna on y’all and suggest we make life one big “Glad Game.” That’s not realistic. We aren’t going to agree on everything all the time. Hell, my husband and I can’t agree about whether I need to keep a tool kit in my car or not. He says yes. I say no. I don’t know how to fix the stuff anyway. Possession of a socket wrench set isn’t going to magically give me the skills to change a timing belt.
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Do you even need a socket wrench for a timing belt? Good question? Back to the words thing. I’ve had many injuries in my life, including surgeries and those sustained in a car accident. I’ve broken bones and gotten stitches. That all hurt. It hurt a lot and sometimes required meds. The injuries went away. I have a few scars, but they are mostly memories. Words sting worse than any incision or burn I’ve had. I’m sure there are major injuries I’ve not incurred that are far worse than anything I can imagine, so of course there are exceptions. If you’re enduring chronic, real pain, I’m truly sorry. Like chronic pain, mean words stick with me. I’ve talked to so many of you who agree. Words are hard to erase. It’s summer, and Augusta’s really hot in the summer, so I think a lot of people are angry about that in general. It might be a bad time of year to try it, but I’m willing if you are. If you have something nasty to say, keep it to yourself. If you absolutely must get it out, type it in that handy notes section of your iPhone. If saying it out loud is the only thing that provides relief, tell your spouse or best friend. If someone’s ugly to our kids, we’ve taught them to respond with a kind tone and the following words: “Why would you want to treat someone that way?” I’ve tried it. It works. It’s not quite as funny as waving and smiling at someone with a bad case of road rage, but it leaves them equally dumbfounded. Feeling like you disagree with someone’s sexual orientation or religion? How’s it your business? Keep it to yourself. A politician makes you mad? Inflammatory speech won’t change that. Does your son-in-law drive you crazy? Your nasty words won’t make him go away. He probably won’t change, either. We all have to live together. We don’t have to love each other all the time. We should at least respect each other enough to show kindness. We should protect our own dignity by thinking before we speak. Still fired up? Pour a beer. Sit in that rocking JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations chair out front and take on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta earned her a devoted following, both in a deep breath. Count to have print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying 10. It’s probably not that on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, annoying after all. tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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This Week in Tek TESLA SCORES AGAIN — Have you read any of the reviews for the new Tesla Model X? It’s the latest entry in Tesla’s line of 100 percent electric vehicles. The Model X is officially listed as an SUV with seating for up to seven adults. However, this car contains a few non-SUV like features. For example, this electric beast has 762 horsepower and can move from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. (Are you kidding me?) Keep in mind that, at 5,300 pounds, the Model X is roughly the same mass as an Imperial AT-ST, so we’re talking about an engine equivalent to Anakin’s pod racer. As impressive as that sounds, the real beauty of this car lies within its electronics. When equipped with the Tesla’s Autopilot package, the Model X performs a number of automatic and driver assist functionality. The Model X is not the fully autonomous system we all want. The driver must stay awake and alert. However, under good driving conditions, the Model X will happily take over steering as you watch and (eventually) relax. Very cool. The Model X has one big downside… well, two downsides if you consider the price. I have not read a single positive review of the rear doors, a.k.a., the falcon wings. The rear door swing up to open, a la Doc Brown’s DeLorean. Most reviewers think they are completely impractical and not suitable for everyday use. Well, duh. If practicality is your primary concern, you probably should not be looking to spend $100K-plus for an SUV that can keep pace with a Ferrari Enzo, should you? Note: Tesla’s closest supercharging station is more than 100 miles away, so it’s unlikely we’ll see Tesla’s in Augusta anytime soon (insert sad face here). Bloodline — Leading up to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Lucasfilms released a series of novels to fill the gaps between it and the original trilogy. Of these novels, Claudia Gray’s “Lost Stars” emerged as a clear fan favorite. This story of two childhood friends growing up on a planet under Empire control puts a heart-warming, human face on the Empire and, more importantly, explains why Star Destroyers litter the landscape of Jakku. Claudia Gray’s new and highly anticipated Star Wars novel, “Bloodline,” is now released. The story takes place six years prior to “The Force Awakens” and centers on Princess Leia Organa. Essentially, “Bloodline” provides the backstory for all the major questions in “The Force Awakens.” Why doesn’t Leia trust the New Republic? What is the First Order? How did the Resistance begin? “Bloodline” provides all the answers and adds a new dimension to “The Force Awakens” as you watch the DVD for the 14th time. We still have several months before “Rogue One” is released, so go download “Bloodline” now. Really, what do you have to lose? In Case Your Forgot Mother’s Day — Do you remember the first digital picture frame you purchased? I bought my wife one about 10 years ago. We thought it was such a great idea! At the time we only had a few thousand pictures, and the digital frame seemed like a great way to move those pictures from the computer to the living room. We spent an entire Friday evening selecting the 20 or so best pictures to display. It was a lovely, newlywed-like experience journeying through the memories of our early relationship and the birth of our children. We talked about how we would update the pictures regularly as our life together continued to evolve. Ten years later, those same pictures still rotate through that same digital frame, sitting in an unused room in the attic. While a great idea, the digital picture frame suffers a single fatal flaw. Updating images via USB is highly susceptible to fail. Nixplay’s Seed Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame may be the affordable solution to the picture frame fail. Instead of transferring pictures via USB or other media, Nixplay provides a mobile app that transfers pictures directly to the frame over wi-fi. Multiple frames can be fully managed from the Nixplay web apps, and up to 1000 pictures can be presented on a frame at any one time. We bought one for my grandmother for Mother’s Day. We thought this would be a nice alternative to downloading pictures from the iPad. The Nixplay turns out to GREGORY BAKER PH.D. be a very nice system. With a sub-$150 is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually price tag, this is a present that all moms a rocket scientist who used would love. his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. But since Father’s Day is up next, get In addition to working at CMA, one for Dad. He’ll like it, too. he also serves the community, @gregory_a_baker 12MAY2016
sitting on several boards in the area.
4ICKETS /N 3ALE
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-AY "ELL !UDITORIUM Metro Spirit Qtr page Color April 2016 Summer Camp copy.pdf 1 4/4/2016 2:31:10 PM
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FAMILY YMCA OF GREATER AUGUSTA 706 922 YMCA thefamilyy.org AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Fighting and Politics THIS PAST WEEKEND, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez knocked out Amir Khan in the fifth round of their pseudo-middleweight championship fight. I say “pseudo” for two reasons: 1) Alvarez has rarely defended his middleweight title at the actual limit of 160 pounds, opting instead to use his considerable drawing power and subsequent negotiating muscle to mandate catch weights around 155 pounds, just like this fight and 2) Amir Khan, while one of the very best technical boxers in the world and a former Olympian to boot, took this fight two weight classes above his optimal fighting weight, no doubt to try and make history, but also to nab the massive payday that comes along with fighting someone of Canelo’s stature. For the first few rounds, Amir did well, despite what two out of three judges’ scorecards said. He stayed on the outside and used
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his speed advantage to outbox Canelo, a brilliant and powerful counterpuncher, but a notoriously flat-footed one. Beginning toward the end of round four, however, the Amir Khan that got flattened by Breidis Prescott, Danny Garcia and nearly flash-KOd by Marcos Maidana showed himself: namely, the one who begins to put more faith in his chin than his skills, and believes he can survive a firefight. He can’t. About halfway into the fifth round, Khan wound up, just slightly more than he should have, on a left hook that probably wasn’t powerful enough to stop the iron-chinned Alvarez in the first place. He paid for it, knocked cold by an Alvarez counter right hand. It was a conclusion that most everyone, pundits, fans and fellow fighters alike, saw coming, even as we tried to entertain ourselves by finding ways around it. Alvarez was too big, too strong, too powerful and possessed legitimate world-class
boxing skills to augment his natural advantages and Khan was known for going out on his shield. This was inevitability exemplified. I can’t be certain, but I may have a slightly more firm sense now of how Bernie Sanders and his supporters must feel. Faced with Hillary Clinton, a near-career politician and seeming inevitable Democratic nominee, the Sanders campaign did everything in their power and more to convince themselves and a sizeable portion of the Democratic constituency that theirs was a viable cause. The galvanization of youth voters was historic, echoing that of Obama’s 2008 campaign, appropriately Clinton’s last major political defeat. His socialist leaning and calls for free postsecondary education, higher minimum wage and more resonate with young and progressive voters more than the center-left economics of Clinton. I get it. It feels good, it feels important to align oneself with a cause. It feels even better when the cause is that of the underdog, and the hurt is all that more acute when the machine wins. I know this firsthand. I’ve been in Wisconsin now for nearly five years, long enough to witness the Scott Walker mess from back to front. I saw a seeming army of motivated and wellmeaning citizens try to take down an obviously corrupt and, without teetering an iota towards hyperbole, a downright evil man in the recall election. When he eventually won out, due in part to the underhanded and illegal tactics we all knew his campaign and the Koch machine would use, it was disheartening at best, existentially crushing at worst. But it doesn’t have to be this way, not where Democrats of all stripes are concerned. Let’s turn back to the fight for a second — for months, fans and pundits have been calling for Alvarez to face Gennady Golovkin, an undefeated destroyer at middleweight and champion several times over. Alvarez’s camp (the fighter himself seems willing to face Golovkin) has stalled negotiations with demands regarding catch weights and purse divisions, seemingly hell-bent on recreating the Mayweather-Pacquiao
drama that poisoned the boxing landscape for over half a decade. With this latest victory, however, the Canelo camp is under immense pressure. Khan was a worthy opponent, but undersized and a virgin at that weight class, easy pickings for a longterm, naturally bigger champion. At this point, there is no one left to pick off, and Golovkin’s angling for this fight has gotten more public, more vocal and more resonant with the general boxing public. Sanders has done something noteworthy and important throughout the course of this campaign and continues to do it, I grudgingly concede, by not bowing out when he clearly has no remaining path to the nomination. He has steered the conversation farther to the left, farther towards positions and goals that matter to his constituents. And Clinton hasn’t been able to ignore it, not without conceding several points to Sanders and his cause. As a result, she’s still not the candidate that he and his supporters want — hell, she’s not a perfect candidate for those of us who’ve been supporting her all along — but she’s closer. And Sanders can take heart in knowing that he made that happen. JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home,
having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a selfdescribed 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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Almost Had It, But Not Really EvEry sEason it’s the same old thing. My team gets me just close enough to a championship that I get my hopes up and then they rip my heart completely out of my chest, throw it on the ground, stomp on it, spit on it, pour some salt on it, scoop it up, put it in a cheap sandwich bag, mail it to Paris Hilton where she lets her dogs poop on it, then leaves it there for some unsuspecting passerby to step on it again. I may be exaggerating. It may have been a Kardashian’s dog. This is the life of a Georgia sports fan. I’m not just talking about the Bulldogs here, I mean all the major Georgia sports. I have been a proud, well, mostly proud, fan of the Bulldogs, the Atlanta Falcons, Braves, Hawks and even the Thrashers when they were around. Each and every season these teams get me to the playoffs with the hopes that finally this is the year and, well, I told you what happens after that. I almost feel weird about complaining, seeing as my wife is a fan of all teams Cleveland and all. But she’s also an Ohio State fan, so she at least gets that taste of greatness. But I sometimes wonder if it’s just better to be a fan of a team that you know has no shot rather than teams that hint at going all the way, only to leave you madly disappointed. Much like being told to “Be Sure To Drink your Ovaltine” after weeks and weeks of waiting for your Little Orphan Annie Decoder pin. Georgia-based teams don’t just fail. They don’t even fail miserably. They fail spectacularly! I mean, really? Two Bulldog defenders bobble the interception right into the Auburn receiver’s hands for the winning touchdown to advance to the SEC championship? Who else does that happen to? Or how about the more recent Atlanta Hawks Game 2 loss where the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA record for three-pointers made in the playoffs? That one hurt, egged on by My oldest, No. 2, in my face the whole time about how great LeBron is. Ugh. Sometimes, it’s not even a playoff game: Remember the blocked Atlanta Falcons kick returned for a touchdown to welcome the Saints back to the Superdome? No? Well, there’s a damn statue outside the dome commemorating the event. Sure, we have the Atlanta Braves World Series Championship in ’95 (against my wife’s Cleveland Indians, I might add! She still hates the sound of the tomahawk chop!). But hell, it took them five trips to do it. Now we have a shiny, brand-new coach for one of the major Georgia sports teams. I’m not sure if Coach Smart knows just how much is riding on him. Because, for fans like me, it’s way more than SEC respect. It’s way more than an SEC title. It’s for a little damn respect in a house where the rest of the family are Ohio State fans. In a workplace with a bunch of Cowboys fans: “We won a bunch of rings 20 years ago!” Georgia sports fans are tired of being the Washington Generals in other team’s highlight reels, the footnote to their entry in the NBA record book. It’s our time! I hope.
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.
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Battling for state Rep. Barbara Sims’ seat
Honoring Those Who Serve
Insider
10 12 16
NEws
Is Chris Nicholson Eligible to Run for a Judgeship? A lot of RumoRs have been circling this week after The Augusta Chronicle recently reported that the disciplinary arm of the State Bar of Georgia is recommending that Augusta attorney Chris Nicholson be suspended from practicing law for at least two years. So a local attorney could be suspended from practicing? Sure, it’s news. But, so what? Well, the case surrounding Chris Nicholson becomes even more complicated considering he is running for the Superior Court judgeship currently held by Judge Carl Brown. As a result of the State Bar of Georgia’s recommendations, some local attorneys are questioning whether Nicholson is even eligible to run. Georgia law states, “No person shall be judge of the superior courts unless, at the time of his election, he has attained the age of 30 years, has been a citizen of the state for three years, has practiced law for seven years, and has been duly reinstated to the practice of law in the event of his disbarment therefrom.” But Nicholson has not been disbarred by any means. In fact, according to the docket for the Supreme Court of Georgia, the report and recommendation against Nicholson by the State Bar will not be heard by the court until sometime in September. The May 24 election is less than two weeks away. Therefore, it seems that Nicholson is still clear to run for office. And Nicholson hasn’t been shy about the complaints against him. Over the past few weeks, Nicholson has been extremely frank with the Metro Spirit regarding a grievance filed against him with the State Bar of Georgia by Superior Court Judge David Roper that resulted in a hearing last September in front of Athens, Ga., attorney and part-time judge Jo Carol Nesset-Sale. She served as a special master by request of the State Bar of Georgia in the hearing. Basically, in the grievance, Roper claimed that Nicholson signed a sworn statement attesting that he had paid a medical bill from an insurance settlement for a deceased client, when, in actuality, he had not paid it. While Nicholson had several local attorneys, including Ashley Wright, Ken Nimmons, Jack Batson and even former Chief Judge William Fleming Jr. testify on his behalf and say favorable comments about him, the hearing did not go well. That’s really putting it mildly. In fact, Nicholson told the Metro Spirit in a cover story last month that he was livid when he walked into the hearing this past September with the State Bar. “Now, I’m raising hell in this hearing,” Nicholson said. “The lady from Athens, the special master, she is another one. She is a Yankee and she acts like it is a personal achievement to get me.” In the deposition of Nicholson’s hearing, it is clear that tensions ran extremely high, particularly in the first hour of the proceedings. It got so bad that Nesset-Sale had to warn Nicholson about badgering her during the hearing. She told Nicholson that she would have him removed from the hearing if he didn’t calm down. “I think you need to have a time out until you can come back and allow this matter to proceed orderly,” Nesset-Sale told Nicholson. “Can you sit down? Because I will have the bailiff remove you if you cannot conduct yourself with dignity.” “It won’t be the first time,” Nicholson quipped. Jonathan Hewett, an attorney representing the State Bar of Georgia, even addressed the court about Nicholson’s behavior during the hearing. “I have witnessed in the past 30 minutes the most extraordinary series of outbursts by the Respondent (Nicholson), and I don’t
think that it helps his case one bit. So I can sit back and relish him arguing with you, making snide remarks to you or to me or to the witness, and it would build my case,” Hewett said. “But I think it’s improper in any courtroom, and least of all in a courtroom where he stands accused of disciplinary violations... I just think it’s a travesty if he’s allowed to continue.” Nesset-Sale gave Nicholson one final warning to take the hearing more seriously. “There’s a variety of recommendations at stake, including disbarment,” she said. “I know this is a serious matter. I know you have strong feelings. But you are presenting yourself in a way today as a person who is unable to appropriately practice law. That’s how you are presenting yourself.” It was only after some his colleagues began speaking on his behalf, did Nicholson’s mood begin to change. Even District Attorney Ashley Wright spoke on behalf of Nicholson. “I’ve known Chris for almost 20 years,” she said. “In the time that I’ve known him, I have not known that behavior which was exhibited this morning in the courtroom to be the norm for him.” Hewett, representing the State Bar of Georgia, asked Wright if she felt Nicholson had acted inappropriately during his hearing before the special master. “I think my answer would be a yes and a no,” Wright said. “Like Mr. Nimmons, I would have liked to tell Mr. Nicholson to settle down. Having said that, under the circumstances, I think, if somebody were trying to affect my bar license, I would be very zealously advocating for myself.” Just when it finally appeared the hearing was turning around for Nicholson, he surprised Nesset-Sale by saying that he was not going to testify on his own behalf and he was going to leave the hearing. “I don’t want to listen to you another 10 minutes, I assure you,” Nicholson told Nesset-Sale, as he packed up his belongings and headed out of the courtroom. Nesset-Sale was shocked by Nicholson’s sudden departure. Considering Nicholson’s initial hostility during the hearing, Nesset-Sale said she was troubled by Nicholson’s behavior. “I don’t believe the transcript will properly capture the demeanor, the physical agitation, the extraordinarily disrespectful tone of voice, the consistently talking over me and I tried to get him not to do that,” she said. “I did not want to have to remove him, because I did want to hear his evidence in mitigation, and there could have come a point where that might not have been possible. We had several bailiffs in the courtroom who stood near him, and he seemed to be unable and unwilling to conform his behavior this morning to the minimum requirement of a professional in the practice of law. He was extraordinarily rude, disrespectful to me as I tried to preside in a humane way over this.” Now, most people in the legal community will probably agree that Judge Carl Brown doesn’t have much to worry about come May 24. Chances are, Brown will win re-election by a landslide. But if he doesn’t, talk about a legal can of worms that Richmond County could be facing if Nicholson were to actually dawn a judicial robe. What can we say? Only in Augusta, folks.
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Who Will Be the New Face of District 5 in Augusta? IN the Next tWo Weeks, voters will decide whether they want new faces on the Augusta Commission or if they are satisfied with the job and performance of the incumbents. There are really three district seats up for grabs and one will definitely be represented by a new commissioner, since long-time Augusta Commissioner Bill Lockett will not be allowed to run for another term in the District 5 seat because he is term-limited. So who will replace Lockett? There are two candidates vying for the District 5 seat: Andrew Jefferson and Kelby Walker. Andrew Jefferson is a former Richmond County school board member who recently retired from Augusta Technical College after more than 30 years in education. Jefferson, who was the director of continuing education at Augusta Tech, had worked at the college since 1991. Kelby Walker is a local businessman who operates Sweets on Broad at 956 Broad Street. His campaign flyers state, “It takes a village… and a man who cares!” If elected, Walker insists that he will concentrate on strengthening the economy in Augusta-Richmond County and listen to the wants and needs of the community. “When I become your next District 5 commissioner, I will work with my fellow commissioners to implement a ‘Community Report Card,’” Walker recently posted on his campaign’s Facebook page. “Like its model, the academic report card, a community report card is a tool for reporting progress — or lack of progress — toward a community goal. We’ve all had experience with report cards one time or another. How will this work? It would raise awareness of issues in the community to define goals, to prompt action, to influence policy, to help make a case for a new initiatives, to be accountable to those you serve and to hold others accountable for their actions.” The community report card will keep elected officials on their toes, Walker said. “This way you the citizens would have the ammunition you need when it’s time to vote,” he wrote. “Plus we should include audio, video, photo, speak. You would be able to upload photos, videos and audio, to a website that speaks and shows the good and bad of what’s going on in our communities.” That could get interesting, for sure. Walker is also pledging to take on south Augusta’s giant albatross: Regency Mall. “Everywhere I go in Augusta, folks ask me if I become commissioner what would be my plans for Regency Mall?” Walker 12MAY2016
posted. “My answer to them is, I would like to see Regency Mall become a Multi Sport complex. What is that, Kelby?” Um, most people know what it is, Kelby Walker. But considering the city doesn’t own the property, the better question is probably, who exactly is going to build this multi-sports complex? Walker attempts to explain his proposal. “A facility that would include five full-size basketball courts and three volleyball courts that will highlight the main floors,” Walker wrote. “Along with these two sports, the floors will be able to accommodate badminton, indoor soccer, indoor field hockey, touch football, gymnastics, dance, aerobics, we can include indoor track, swimming and much, much more. We could surround the courts with health and wellness by providing healthy foods and beverage that will refuel the body and soul. The facility will have a area where various big screen TVs that will show either sporting events, sports news, or appropriate programs that users wish to watch. This aspect of the facility will be crucial in providing the desired atmosphere. I would even include a massage therapist, conference rooms, and childcare for the customers. This is just brief synopsis on how I would like to see the redevelopment of the Regency Mall area.” All right, Walker still didn’t say how such a facility would be built or funded. If he thinks taxpayers are going to spend millions and millions of dollars on the former Regency Mall location, he’s dreaming. He’s also been asleep for the past 20 years. For more than two decades, commissioners from south Augusta have been trying to do something with that property and were never able to get anything done. Keep dreaming, Kelby Walker. As for Jefferson, he is basically pointing voters to his record of three terms on the Richmond County Board of Education from 1992 to 2004. He has recently touted the fact that he’s also been endorsed by the CSRA Police Benevolent Association, the Augusta Professional Firefighters Association and the Builders Association of Metro Augusta. So, it’s basically a choice between a man with a political record and a man with some big dreams. It’s up to you, voters.
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Honoring those Who serve By Amy Christian As good ideAs frequently do, the idea for what is now Thunder Over Evans came to Windsor Jewelers’ Donnie Thompson completely by chance but also by careful observation. “This was back years ago,” he said, although he still shakes his head at the memory. “I was standing at the airport taking a plane to Charlotte and a soldier came in. He was in his uniform and he had a big sack he was carrying and he was about two minutes late.” Just two minutes. Despite that, the airline worker decided not to bend the rules. Thompson, in shock, watched as the woman told the soldier that he wouldn’t make his flight. “She turned him down and I thought, here’s 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
somebody just trying to get home and she showed him no compassion,” he said. “I even called in a complaint about it back then. I just thought they deserve more than that kind of treatment.” Not long afterwards, Thompson was at a meeting with friends Andy Jones and the late Dale Phelon when he told them the story. “We just said, ‘Hey, let’s do something,’” he said. “We couldn’t do anything about what happened at the airport and the airlines but we can make the military feel good. And that’s really what this is about. It’s a community event to make the military feel good. And you will feel good that day about patriotism and the military.” The event, headed up by the three businessmen,
began as Thunder Over Augusta and was originally held downtown, but Thompson said they quickly grew out of their first home. “We had it downtown originally at the Common,” he said, “but, I mean, you couldn’t even get a fourth of it in there now.” Thompson is not wrong. Beginning at 11 a.m., Thunder Over Evans has something for visitors to do all day long and takes up almost all of Evans Towne Center Park. Because of demonstrations like the K-9 working dogs from Columbia County, a Team FMX motocross show, the Timberworks Olympics of the Forest lumberjack show, as well as aircraft flyovers and skydive drop-ins, there’s something going on at all times. 12MAY2016
A schedule of events for Thunder Over Evans is on page 14. Also to take part in is an adult obstacle course that’s 128 feet long, a kids zone for the children including a number of inflatables, military displays, both publicly and privately owned, that visitors can check out, and food vendors. “It’s a good event for children, with lots of things they can play on, things they can see,” Thompson said. “This year there’s going to be a lot of military equipment that’s privately owned that people have fixed up from World War I, World War II and Vietnam, jeeps that belong to private people that are going to be on display. We’ve got one big military helicopter coming in, plus the two you can buy rides on and, I think, other than food and the helicopter rides, everything else is free. For free, it’s good entertainment and kids have a blast. They love it.” As Thompson mentioned, civilians will have the rare chance to ride military helicopters. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation from Hampton, Ga., will bring a UH-1 Huey Helicopter and AH-1 Cobra Helicopter to Thunder Over Evans. The UH-1 Huey Helicopter first flew in 1956 and was the first helicopter powered by a turbo shaft engine, according to a spokesperson from the AAHF. It went into full production in 1960, with over 16,000 being produced for the Army. In 1963, the first Huey was introduced in Vietnam. The Huey was primarily designed as a troop transport and could carry 10 soldiers including a crew of three. Its combat service included medical evacuation, search and rescue and other general utility roles, according to AAHF. The UH-1 Huey is the world’s most recognizable helicopter and its look and sound has become one of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War.
More than 7,000 Hueys served in Vietnam and they totaled 7,531,955 flight hours, according to the AAHF. The Cobra was developed out of the requirement by the U.S. Army for specialized fire suppression and armed escort during the Vietnam War. The first Cobra arrived in Vietnam in August 1966 and was configured with a variety of weapon systems depending on its combat mission. Usually 2.75-inch rocket pods were mounted under the stubby wings with machine guns in its nose turret, according to AAHF. Cobras flew more than 1 million flight hours in Vietnam. Huey rides will be $75 per rider. Cobra rides are $300 for a standard ride (6-7 minutes) and $500 for an extended ride (13-14 minutes). “There’s a lot to do all day,” Thompson said, adding that, with the exception of one thing, visitors can really come any time. “If you’re going to do helicopter rides it’s best to get on in there early, but the shows are timed to where one show goes, and then another show goes and then another one goes, so there’s always something to do.” And throughout the day, while the public is learning about some of the things that the military does, members of the military who attend will be treated like the VIPs they should always be treated as. Some will be in uniform, brought by bus from Fort Gordon, and others will come on their days off. All will be treated well. Thompson said members of the 319th Transportation Company, located in Augusta, always volunteer their time at Thunder Over Augusta to serve their fellow soldiers. “They come out and they want to help,” he said. “They actually prepare the food and serve the food to the military. It’s part of their giving back for their time in the service. It’s a very good group of people and they put in a lot of time preparing the food.”
To find out more about the 319th Transportation Company, a documentary called “Troxler’s Truckers: Memories of Vietnam” can be found at jimmyslens.com/html/ filmmaker.html. Not only will members of the military be fed well, but they’ll also have a frontrow view of the day’s entertainment. After a Signal Corps Band Concert at 4 p.m. and the posting of the colors and a welcome at public message from Major General Stephen G. Fogarty at 4:45 p.m., there will be a few more
demonstrations before an intermission at 7 p.m., followed by a Band X concert at 7:45 p.m. Live music, Thompson said, has always been an important part of Thunder Over Evans. “We’ve had a variety of bands and we try to get something different each year,” he explained. “Gary Sinise, I think has been here twice and this year we got a Top 40 band out of Atlanta.” Following the party rock stylings of Band X will be the moment that everyone loves, Thompson said, and
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this year’s fireworks will be even bigger than in previous years. “We have increased the fireworks, I think by 30 percent,” Thompson said of the display, which is already the biggest fireworks display in the area. “It should be great. People love fireworks.” And they’ll definitely love these fireworks. With a theme of the Vietnam War, which the U.S. is commemorating the 50th anniversary of between Memorial Day of 2012 and Veterans Day of 2025, the display is overseen by Thomson, Ga., pyrotechnician Craig Butler, along with East Coast Pyrotechnics. It will have a soundtrack that includes music from the Vietnam era, a campaign ribbon bar for the war in fireworks and a finale that features 8,000 shells going off in just one minute. Despite that, Thompson said you really need to be at Evans Towne Center Park to get the full effect of the display. “Now, you can still see it from parking lots around, but if you want the real effect of it, you need to be in the park,” he said. “You can’t see it from miles away. You’ll hear it from miles away, but you want to see it too.” “I’m going to tell you that there will be times when you think you’re in a war zone because, I mean, you’re going to feel the pyrotechnics,” he continued. “You can hear this thing for miles when they go off. That’s where we got the ‘Thunder’ from in the name. It sounds like thunder.” Augusta and its surrounding communities are fortunate, Thompson said, that we are on the cutting edge of the American military. “With the Cyber Command Center that’s coming, I think it’s the new way they’re going to wage war: electronically,” he explained. It’s a whole different military now. It’s sophisticated and I think Augusta is going to be poised for the future. We have more heavyweight military here than most bases due to what’s going on.” And Thompson want to make sure the military know that they are an important part of the community. “This is really about a military day and when you’re there you’ll see that,” he explained. “It’s really about the community. We want to be a part of that community.” Thunder Over evans Evans Towne Center Park Saturday, May 21 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free thunderoveraugusta.com
2016 schedule 11 a.m. 11:05 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon 12:35 p.m. 1:20 p.m. 1:25 p.m. 1:50 p.m. 2:20 p.m. 2:55 p.m. 3:40 p.m. 4 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 9:15 p.m.
Welcome Columbia County Working Dogs Display (25 minutes) Team FMX Extreme Stunt Show (30 minutes) Timberworks Lumberjack Show (30 minutes) Boxing Exhibition (45 minutes) Aircraft Flyover (5 minutes) Columbia County Working Dogs Display (25 minutes) Team FMX Extreme Stunt Show (30 minutes) Timberworks Lumberjack Show (30 minutes) Boxing Exhibition (45 minutes) Skydive Drop-in (15 minutes) Signal Corps Band Concert (45 minutes) Posting of the Colors and General’s Note (30 minutes) Team FMX Extreme Stunt Show (30 minutes) Timberworks Lumberjack Show (30 minutes) Boxing Exhibition (45 minutes) Intermission Band X Concert (90 minutes) Mega Fireworks Display (30 minutes)
For more information on these attractions, visit thunderoveraugusta.com. 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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DJ & Entertainment
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Augusta-Fort Gordon
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Battling for State Rep. Barbara Sims’ Seat
In a three-way Republican race, will attorney Wright McLeod, Dr. Mark Newton or local businesswoman and nurse Lori Greenhill win the House District 123 seat? By Stacey Eidson THE HOUSE DISTRICT 123 SEAT in the Georgia General Assembly currently held by state Rep. Barbara Sims is a unique seat because it represents both parts of Richmond and Columbia counties. On one side of the district, you have numerous infrastructure issues facing the quickly expanding Columbia County. On the other side, Augusta needs local leadership that can stress to the Georgia Legislature the importance of supporting Augusta University and the Cyber Command mission at Fort Gordon. There are three Republican candidates vying for the District 123 seat: local attorney Wright McLeod, Dr. Mark Newton and businesswoman and nurse Lori Greenhill. Who will you vote for on Tuesday, May 24?
WRIGHT MCLEOD One step inside real estate attorney Wright McLeod’s office will quickly paint a picture of his leadership style and the complex community issues he faces each and every day. McLeod, alongside three other members of his team, discuss a problem they are having with a resident abiding by the guidelines of a local homeowners association. “We can get him that information, but he is going to keep asking for more and more and more,” McLeod said, taking a deep breath. “He has intentionally tried to cut our throats. Intentionally.” One of his employees insisted that she had no idea that the law firm was having problems with this individual, but other members in the office completely agreed with McLeod. After several minutes discussing the matter, McLeod knew exactly what to do. “Just say, ‘I’m sorry, but there is a process and it was set up by homeowners association,’” McLeod said, as the team members all nodded their heads in agreement and quickly moved to resolve the matter. Making such tough calls is simply part of his job as a real estate attorney, McLeod said. “In my line of work, if every now and again, somebody is not mad at you, you probably aren’t doing your job,” McLeod said. “It’s very unfortunate because it is completely against my nature, but, as an attorney — even a real estate attorney — oftentimes people are upset because you are advocating a position and you are changing the status quo. If you want to take the lead and make something happen, 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
if you want to do something, then, oftentimes, that upsets the status quo and there is sometimes a personal price to be paid. But I’m willing to pay it.” As a candidate for House District 123, McLeod said he sees some of the serious issues facing the state of Georgia in much the same way. “The issues are very difficult. They are not clear. When somebody tells me the issue is very clear, it’s not clear. I think it is very convoluted,” McLeod said. “You may have a very clear belief on something, whether it is the RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act), gun control, public education or the budget, but there are very strong beliefs all the way around. I have mine, but my beliefs are in no way universal.” That is why it is so important to listen to all sides of a problem before making a final decision, he said. “I very much enjoy the team concept,” McLeod said. “We’ve got 30-plus team members here. That discussion that you just saw out there was the way we operate. There were four people. Four people gave their opinions in regards to that matter. In this situation, three of the four were relatively consistent. One was a little different, but I made the ultimate call. And I think everybody walked away satisfied. Maybe one person disagreed, but there were no hard feels and a decision was made.” McLeod believes if you are respectful and hear people out, there is always a solution to any issue. “I like that style of leadership. I like that working mechanism,” he said. “It is how I have been trained. Whether it be in the Navy, or in law, the day that you 12MAY2016
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“In my line of work, if every now and again, somebody is not mad at you, you probably aren’t doing your job.” — Wright McLeod think you have all of the answers is the day that you become obsolete.” As a native of Augusta, McLeod graduated from Westside High School and earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Commissioned an Ensign in 1982, he earned his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer and flew the F-14 Tomcat on multiple combat deployments, including 54 missions in Operation Desert Storm. Over the years, McLeod received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Naval Academy, a master’s in national security studies from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. By 2000, Wright and his family returned to Augusta and opened his real estate law firm and homeowner association management company that has been thriving for more than 15 years, he said. McLeod is also extremely proud of his community service which includes serving as a board member of The Augusta Warrior Project, a board member of the Georgia School for Innovation and The Classics (which is the charter school in Hephzibah) and a member of his church vestry. McLeod believes his service to the community and his deep roots in Augusta makes him the best candidate to replace state Rep. Barbara Sims, who announced she would be retiring this year. “The district is so diverse, meaning when you cross the county line, the issues become very, very different,” McLeod said. “No doubt, in Richmond County, one major issue is to accelerate the betterment of the public school system. I say accelerate because I think the school systems are getting better but they have a long, long way to go. I am a huge believer in the charter school movement. I am a huge believer in the magnet schools. I am a huge believer in getting rid of the geographicalbased system that we currently operate under.” He thinks it is vitally important to improve the public schools in Richmond County in order for Augusta to thrive. “We’ve got 19 of the 56 different schools in Richmond County that are in danger of being graded failing,” McLeod said. “We know that we have a possible constitutional amendment in November that would allow the state to take over our schools. That is a very controversial position and, ultimately, 12MAY2016
it will be up to the voters. But, just from the district perspective, allowing the state to take over our schools is not a good thing. Period.” In November, voters will consider a proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution called the “Opportunity School District” referendum. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal proposed that the state create an Opportunity School District based on similar initiatives in states such as Louisiana and Tennessee. These districts would authorize the state to temporarily step in to assist chronically failing public schools. “So whatever can be done to enhance the public school system in Richmond County needs to be done,” McLeod said, adding that the magnet schools are an excellent example of success in Augusta. “But still, the perception is, and it is rooted in some reality, that if you are moving into this area and public school is an issue, then you are coming to Columbia County.” McLeod also believes it is extremely important for Augusta University and Fort Gordon to have a strong supporter to fight for funding under Georgia’s Gold Dome. “Fort Gordon should receive all the assistance that the state can provide,” McLeod said. “What can the state really provide? A welcoming environment, a roundabout, a new gate and a new entrance onto I-20.” In addition, McLeod feels Augusta University is on the verge of becoming a flagship university in Georgia. “We finally have a name that we believe in. We have a leader we believe in and now the goal is to assist Dr. (Brooks) Keel in really allowing Augusta University to reach its full potential,” he said. The issues facing the other side of the district are completely different, McLeod said. “If you jump across the county line, the infrastructure in Columbia County is an issue, although that has taken off,” he said. “We were behind. The growth outpaced the planning, but I think the planning has caught up and we are now moving forward on the roads.” Another major concern in Columbia County is the delay in building a new hospital, he said. McLeod pointed out that Columbia County is the
29th fastest growing county in the country, and yet, it does not have a hospital. “We are two years behind in building it,” he said. “There was a fair process done. You may not agree with the results, but a winner was chosen and it was Augusta University. Doctors Hospital has made a conscious decision to attempt to change that decision, to stop that process and to slow it down. I completely disagree with what they are doing. I understand it, I just strongly disagree with it because I view that as a health issue and they are putting corporate greed over the health of the citizens of this district.” As far as the May 24 election, McLeod feels confident that he will prevail and be this district’s next representative. He is particularly honored that state Rep. Barbara Sims has endorsed him to take over her seat. “I don’t know that there is anyone — maybe Rep. Jack Connell — but really anyone in my lifetime that has served in the public domain with as much grace and dignity as Barbara,” McLeod said. “When she and I first talked, it was my belief then and, ironically, it is still my belief, that this district would be best served had Barbara stayed for one more term.” But Sims believed it was best for her to retire from the seat this year, McLeod said. “Barbara has left, along with Sen. Bill Jackson, some big shoes to fill,” he said. “The Augusta metro area is probably at its lowest point in decades as far as political clout in Atlanta. As the second largest metropolitan area in the state, our political clout currently is not befitting the size of the city.” McLeod insists he is the candidate that can provide the necessary leadership in Atlanta because he doesn’t back down when faced with adversity. That point was proven earlier this year when McLeod was faced with an accusation of false imprisonment of a former Augusta Warrior Project employee. Earlier this year, McLeod learned Richmond County Magistrate Court Judge William Jennings had signed a warrant for his arrest involving allegation against him of false imprisonment of former Augusta Warrior Project employee Janice Jamison. Before he knew it, McLeod and Augusta Warrior Project Director Amy Palowitch were booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Phinizy Road. Fortunately, Toombs Judicial Circuit District Attorney Dennis Sanders declared that there would be no indictment of McLeod or Palowitch just last month. “Based on the facts and applicable law, it does not appear that the state will be able to prove all three necessary elements of criminal false imprisonment beyond a reasonable doubt,” Sanders wrote in his April 7 order. “As a result, it would be contrary to the principles of justice to all parties for the State to proceed when legally there is insufficient evidence to prove that a crime was committed beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is herby dismissed.” The word “dismissed” was music to McLeod’s ears, AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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but he is still frustrated that anyone would accuse him of such behavior and a judge would actually sign an arrest warrant. “It was very stressful. I get very angry over it still,” McLeod said. “I try not to let it define me. I think we’ve been successful in that. But I don’t know that I will ever get over the way it was handled by Judge Jennings.” McLeod insists that he and Palowitch did absolutely nothing wrong. “If I had it to do over again, I would do it exactly the same way,” he said. “I wouldn’t walk in there with a video camera or a police officer. The employee is due far more credit than that. We handled the termination professionally, efficiently and quickly. The way this issue was handled in court was 100 percent inappropriate. It was flat out wrong.” The entire situation was also a colossal waste of tax dollars, McLeod said. “I don’t know that I’ll ever get over sitting in jail for two hours. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over that the judge required us to post a $15,000 bond,” he said. “But I’m most upset that it reflected negatively on The Augusta Warrior Project
because out of all the charities that I’ve been involved in, and I’ve been involved with a lot, they just do really great work. They are an unbelievable asset to the community and they are a wonderful safety net for those who have fallen through the system.” While the entire process was extremely painful for him, his wife and his three daughters, McLeod is relieved that most citizens and potential voters understand that he was unfairly treated. “The positive aspect is that public sentiment certainly appears to be on my side,” McLeod said. “So, as big a negative as it was — and it was and is a negative — from a pure political angle, it has turned into a positive. Overwhelmingly, people say, ‘You got railroaded. You got a raw deal, but I’m glad that it worked out.’ And it did work out. Of course, now, I have a mugshot that will be on the internet forever. Forever and ever when you Google my name it will say, ‘Wright McLeod was arrested.’ But people seem to understand and they have been overwhelmingly supportive. I’m grateful for that.”
Mark NewtoN Dr. Mark Newton isn’t your typical candidate. Not only is he an emergency room doctor, but Newton is an Army veteran, a local business owner, a proud member of the National Rifle Association and a father of four children. Following his service in the Army Medical Corps and further training at the Medical College of Georgia, Newton became the chairman and medical director of the emergency department at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. He has served in that capacity for the past 17 years. Newton is also the founder and CEO of MedNow Urgent Care centers, which has three locations in Richmond and Columbia counties and another soon on its way in Grovetown. With all of those duties on his plate, the first question many voters ask is, “Why do you want to run for political office?” Newton says the answer is simple: Augusta is at a “crossroads of opportunity.” “There is just an excitement in the air about the name change at Augusta University and Dr. (Brooks) Keel coming to town,” Newton said. “I recruit emergency physicians. It is one of the things that I do for a living and we have great young doctors coming out of the medical college. And the growth at Fort Gordon, where I used to be stationed when I was in the Army Medical Corp, there is just some really exciting things coming with Cyber Command.” There needs to be a strong voice touting the Augusta area and all of its assets in Atlanta, Newton said. “I am a health care provider for a community where health care is a big deal,” Newton said. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“It has certainly been in the news and it is also a big deal to the state. But probably nowhere is it a more important than where the state’s health sciences university is located.” Columbia and Richmond counties also need a leader that understands all the issues facing this region, he said. “Someone needs to vigorously represent us in the Georgia Statehouse,” Newton said. “We are losing 10 years of seniority with Barbara Sims retiring and, frankly, even more than that with Sen. Bill Jackson retiring. We need somebody who will be able to go there and build some relationships quickly because really things don’t get done unless you build relationships of value with leadership including everyone from the governor’s office, to the speaker’s office, to the senate majority leader’s office.” As a freshman state representative, you can’t just knock on doors, hoping to get things accomplished, Newton said. The new District 123 representative needs to have solid ideas and detailed proposals in place, he said. “You have to bring something new to the table which helps cut through the clutter of the 179 other passionate representatives who care just as much about their area of the state, whether it be south Georgia or northwest Georgia,” Newton said. “You have to be able bring something of value and establish some relationships so you can at least have a platform to say, ‘Hey, what about this health sciences university for the whole state here, that I’m a graduate of? I feel like I have an unusual ability to speak to that because of my background. 12MAY2016
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Augusta University needs somebody who can be both informed and passionate about advocating for it.” With his experience as a local emergency room physician, a graduate of Medical College of Georgia and as an Army doctor, Newton also believes he will be able to build bridges between the medical and military communities in Augusta. “If being a doctor and an Army veteran and a business founder is something that is a good fit for representing this area, I just felt that I had an obligation to offer myself as a candidate,” Newton said, adding he has received a great deal of support from the community. “When Barbara Sims announced her retirement, I spoke with her. She was very encouraging and she thought this was a good combination. She took me to meet several people.” However, Newton acknowledges that Sims has publicly endorsed his competitor, Wright McLeod, in the race. “Now, I know Barbara Sims has some family connections with another candidate, but she almost shoved me into this along with (state transportation board member) Don Grantham, Duncan Johnson Jr. (president of Johnson Motor Company) and (former Augusta Mayor) Deke Copenhaver,” Newton said. “They all understand Atlanta better than I do and they said this is a fairly unique and good fit for our area. They said, ‘You ought to consider it pretty strongly.’ So I did.” While Newton admits he wears several hats in this community, he insists that he extremely well organized and committed to each and every role he takes on. “I’m proud to be leading an emergency department that is striving to do a great job,” Newton said. “For 17 years now, I’ve been the director and we’ve gone from 18,000 visits with people taking almost an hour to get seen to, last year, the average wait was under 15 minutes and we had over 60,900 patients.” As the department continues to grow each and every year, Newton says he focuses on expanding his team of about 24 doctors and 84 nurses to meet the community’s needs. “And with my business, MedNow Urgent Care, we try to meet the needs of patients, seven days a week, that don’t necessarily need an emergency department, but need immediate care,” he said. “We will see over 40,000 patients through MedNow Urgent Care’s three offices this year. In starting such a business, you have to really study the needs of the community, like where people live, where they drive and the traffic counts. As a result, you end up learning a lot about a community.” Through his study of the region to develop the MedNow Urgent Care centers, Newton said he developed a deep understanding of the kind of leadership this district needs. Newton describes himself as “team builder” who can easily work with anyone. “Whether it is in the emergency department, pulling specialties together, pulling passionate high-achieving doctors together, I have proven I can do it,” Newton said. “And then, also, at the same 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
time, being the ER doctor who has to call another doctor at 2 o’clock in the morning to advocate for a patient who needs their services. Even though it is 2 a.m., it is my job to make those tough decisions.” Newton said he is willing to work hard to do what’s best for his district. “This is a unique district,” Newton said. “You are going to have your Democratic colleagues on the Richmond County side of the local legislative delegation, because you are the Republican in the House on that side, but then you are going to have your other Republican colleagues on the Columbia County side. You have to be one to pull it together and I’m confident I can do just that.” In fact, Newton says he spent a great deal of time talking with representatives and elected officials in Atlanta to truly understand the commitment of a political office. “I’ll be the first to tell you, there is no working doctor in the Georgia Statehouse out of the 180 districts,” Newton said, chuckling. “There is one in the Georgia Senate, Dr. Ben Watson from Savannah, and I have talked a lot to him about what it takes to hold public office.” Newton assures the voters he has done his homework and is confident he can juggle his busy career. “I’m in a specialty and a position in my life that I can actually shift my work schedule around where I can be dedicated for those 40 days of the session over the first three or four months of the year,” he said. “I can, in theory, make up my time at the hospital later in the year. I have young partners, who we get the schedule covered, whether I’m here or not. At both the urgent care centers as well as the ER that I lead, we will get that covered with great doctors even if I have to be gone for 40 days.” Newton insists that he believes his medical expertise and military background will be an extremely valuable tool in Atlanta. “What I found, especially during the session, is that there is a tremendous number of health care related bills that come up,” he said. “The elected officials up there now are wonderful businessmen, farmers, lawyers, and there are a lot of people with a lot of experience in Atlanta, but very few who have in-the-trenches health care experience like I do, especially someone who is a physician.” Therefore, Newton has been told by elected officials in Atlanta that his knowledge could play a key role in the development of such legislation. “I’m not a politician, but the people who deal with that do say that with my background and training and my master’s degree and medical degree that those things can open enough doors to where I could be a valuable member of some of the state’s committees,” he said. “I figure, if you do a great job, help other people and work hard for your district in Atlanta, there will be significant benefits to your area.”
“We are losing 10 years of seniority with Barbara Sims retiring and, frankly, even more than that with Sen. Bill Jackson retiring. We need somebody who will be able to go there and build some relationships quickly.”
— Dr. Mark Newton
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“When did it become a prerequisite to have money to run? I think that is one thing that sets me apart. I am the average person.” — Lori Greenhill
Lori GreenhiLL Local businesswoman and registered nurse Lori Greenhill believes one of her greatest strengths as a candidate in the House District 123 race is the fact that she is “an average person,” who can relate to many of the concerns facing those living in the district. “As a registered nurse, I feel like I have been advocating for people all of my life,” Greenhill said. “I think people need somebody who is a good listener and someone who is true to the people’s hearts and will take what they want back to Atlanta and vote accordingly.” While Greenhill realizes she is running against a doctor and lawyer in this campaign, she sincerely believes the amount of money someone earns shouldn’t determine an election. “Every time someone asks me, ‘Who is your opponent again?’ And I will tell them and they will say, ‘Oh, they have money,’” Greenhill said, laughing. “And I will tell them, ‘When did it become a prerequisite to have money to run?’ But I think that is one thing that sets me apart. I am the average person. And the majority is the average person, so that is the mindset that I will take to Atlanta when decisions are made. I just have a heart for people and a passion to help.” Greenhill was born at Trinity Hospital, formerly known as St. Joseph Hospital, but was raised in Columbia County by two hardworking parents, she said. Her mother was a homemaker and caregiver for an elderly parent, while her father, First Sgt. Richard K. 12MAY2016
Swim, served 20 years in the U.S. Army. After retiring from the military, Swim was the founder of the the JROTC program at Hephzibah and Evans high schools. He was also instrumental in establishing programs at Lakeside and Harlem high schools. “I was raised in Columbia County, right here in Martinez, behind Augusta Christian Schools,” Greenhill said. “In fact, I lived on Lake Shore Loop when Augusta Christian first opened its doors.” As a result, Greenhill has a deep passion for residents in both counties. “I am from here. I am a native Augustan,” she said. “And, although I live in Columbia County, the clients that I serve through my business are predominantly in Richmond County. So I have a passion for both counties.” As a registered nurse, Greenhill earned her bachelor’s degree from the Medical College of Georgia and opened her business, Concierge Services/Nurses of Augusta, in 2009. Through her business, she helps families care for their loved ones as well as provide nursing supervision for many elderly and disabled residents. One of the main concerns facing District 123 and the entire state is the need for affordable health care, she said. “Health care needs to be accessible and affordable, especially mental health services because there is a long waiting list to get into mental health services,” she said. High premiums, high deductibles and high copays
cause many residents to avoid seeking needed care altogether, Greenhill said. Greenhill, who also has five children and seven grandchildren, is concerned about the state of Georgia’s education system, particularly in Richmond County. “I think education needs to be brought back to a local level because our teachers are like a nurse at the bedside,” Greenhill said. “She knows their learning style, she knows the family demographics, she knows how to best address their needs and we need to fix our system so teachers can teach, versus the system being geared to testing.” If elected, Greenhill also hopes to address the district’s infrastructure needs, as well as focus on economic growth and job development. She believes the increased regulations and unfunded mandates burden both the employers and the employees of every business. And because she owns her own business, Greenhill insists she will have the freedom to really concentrate on the issues and concerns facing District 123. “I do own my own business, but I also work from home and my schedule is very flexible,” Greenhill said. “There have been many times that I’ve had to leave town for different reasons, but I could always work from wherever I was. My schedule is not so rigid that I could not take off time to go to Atlanta to fully represent the district and my constituents.”
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 21
It may be too late to sign up for this year’s Marine Mud Challenge, but it’s definitely not too late to head out to Fort Gordon and cheer on those who have signed up for the five-mile off-road challenge. While competitors are busy muddying themselves up and working up a sweat, you can stand in the shade and cheer. Not a bad trade off, huh? Oh, and don’t forget to bring the kids, who will be able to have fun on the one-mile course whether they’re pre-registered or not ($12). Just don’t forget to bring a towel or two and a change of clothes for the car ride home. Marine Mud Challenge and Children’s Challenge 2016 Fort Gordon, corner of Chamberlain Ave. and 19th St. Saturday, May 14 8 a.m. marinemud.com
25 26 30
What’s Up
Food Stuff Calendar Music Listings
the Road Goes on
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
by Joe White
Jason isbell is on quite a winning streak. Sober for the past four years, he is recently married and has been touted as the brightest star to emerge in years. Isbell joined the established band the Drive-By Truckers in his early 20s and indulged in the raucous lifestyle being a Trucker afforded. By all accounts a prodigious drinker, he stayed with the band for most of his 20s before being kicked out in a band shake up five years ago. He attributes his newfound mainstream success to his decision to stop drinking. His breakthrough album “Southeastern,” released in 2013, was basically a diary of a man working through his alcoholism and relationships. The album was both a commercial and critical success and put him on the national stage, bringing the Alabama native a whole new audience and level of success one would have thought impossible a scant few years ago.
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This is the 20th anniversary, both of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council and its Music in the Park series. This year, the series kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, at Maude Edenfield Park with the always popular Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band. The free series continues Thursdays through July 21 and will be held in the community center if it’s raining.
This year’s Paddlefest, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Savannah River Keeper Headquarters is a little different. The homemade raft competition will now be held August 27 during the new The Big Float instead of today and there will also be a poker run. Registration is $30-$60, depending on whether you choose canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard; poker run, $5; lunch or beer tickets, $4.
They may not have a guitar case for donations, but the Concert to Benefit Randall Carver at The Backyard Tavern beginning at noon will have enough good live music that you’ll want to give them all your money. Among the acts are Shadow Pines w/ Hilary Thompson, Riley Williams, Adam Dickerson, Brook Andrews, Michael Baideme, Hard Country w/ David Vining, Bethany & Balducci, Palmetto Playboys w/ Stoney Cannon, Happy Bones and Livingroom Legends.
Do you know how to stay safe in the heat? The New Bethlehem Community Center will refresh your memory during a Wednesday Heat Safety Awareness Seminar at 1 p.m. that will feature Gold Cross EMS, giveaways and fans to those who qualify. A Tuesday seminar at the center at 10 a.m. will be geared specifically toward senior citizens.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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The Metro Spirit spoke to Isbell Monday about his visit to Augusta’s Bell Auditorium this Tuesday, a visit that was supposed to pair him with country legend Merle Haggard. Unfortunately, Haggard died on his 79th birthday in April. For Isbell, however, the show goes on. Just without the alcohol. “The past couple of years haven’t been as busy as they have been on the road,” he said. “We’re probably doing a hundred shows. I’ve been home this week, playing a little thing in Nashville tomorrow, then going out to California to do a little thing with John Prine. But last month I flew about 55,000 miles and I don’t know if I would have been able to do that if I was still drinking. I just don’t think that would have been possible.” The traveling, he explained, would have been difficult in and of itself. His drinking problem had begun to affect his work in other ways as well. “It would have been rough,” Isbell admitted. “We went to Australia and had about four flights over there, flew back, then went to England and from there went to Hawaii. Yeah, I just don’t think that would have been possible if I had still been drinking. I don’t even think I would have had the offers, you know, the way my career was going. I had a lot more potential at that point in time. I wasn’t working as hard as I could work. I didn’t get the opportunities that I get now.” Once he got a handle on his drinking, though, his work also began to improve. “It definitely gives you more time to work,” he said of being sober. “That’s a big reason my work got better, being more well received just because I had time to focus on the job. I was writing the songs and I didn’t have the urge to go out drinking as soon as the sun went down. When we were touring, the shows got a lot more consistent, more rested, on a regular basis. The long shows were a lot better, I could sing a lot better.” Things may be getting better on both a personal and professional front, but Isbell says he’s anything but cocky about this upswing. “I still try and keep in mind that it could change any day. It can creep up on you,” he said. “If you think you’re cured I think you’re underestimating the disease, because it can come back at any time. It’s different for everybody. Some people feel like you can get it over with and never worry about it again, and I think if I ever start thinking I’m not an alcoholic then I might start thinking then I can drink again and start the whole process over.” Being sober has brought with it lots of changes, but Isbell he quickly learned his limits. “That first year was tough. That first year was harder than the last three have been combined, that’s for sure,” he said. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“But, you know, for me it had to do more not really with the alcohol itself as it did with the situations that I was in. I learned that I can go out to a bar and watch somebody play, but I can’t stay more than a couple of hours. A couple of hours that’s it for me and then I start getting anxious. I start wanting a drink myself. I can’t smoke weed anymore because that makes me want a drink. I don’t think there is anything wrong with marijuana in itself, but, for me, it’s a trigger. It makes me wish I had a glass of whiskey. As soon as I figured out those things it really helped me a lot. But it took me about a year to learn those things.” Now, Isbell says he’s just looking forward to the summer, and the music it’ll bring with it. “The summer tour is going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “I like playing the southern towns, the places close to home. You know Georgia’s always been great for us, back with the Truckers, the first big shows we played were in Georgia and we got some things here, HangOut Fest (in Gulf Shores, Alabama) is right after that. My brother and his buddies are coming down, a lot of family is coming for that. Bonnaroo is always good. We got a pretty good stage this year, pretty good set time. My wife and I may go up to New York in July and catch the Radiohead shows. I got most of July off, got one show that month, so I’m looking forward to that.” And while he may be looking forward to coming to Georgia to play, Isbell says there’s one aspect of the upcoming show that will be sorely missed. Merle Haggard, he added, is a man who can’t be replaced. “He was great. I hate that it happened that’s, for sure,” he said of Haggard’s recent death. “He wrote some magical songs and lived a long life. He certainly got the most out of it. Any of those guys from that generation, to live as long as Merle did is quite an accomplishment. He lived pretty rough for a long time. I don’t think there was ever a better country songwriter, personally. I don’t think anybody was better at it than Merle.” Jason Isbell wIth specIal Guest tommy emmanuel Bell Auditorium Tuesday, May 17 7:30 p.m. $25-$35 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com
12MAY2016
A LittLe Bit of everything it’s fitting that Manuel Verney Carron’s new venture is located in what used to be the sales office at Hammond’s Ferry. Let’s face it: there’s no better way to sell someone on a neighborhood than by offering what The Larder at Hammond’s Ferry does. What does it offer? Breakfast, lunch, tapas at dinner, ice cream, popsicles, coffee drinks galore, wine, beer, cocktails, pastries, European style candies, sundries like eggs from Blue Clay Farm, kitchen tools, soap, batteries and individual doses of pain relievers. A better question would be, “What doesn’t The Larder at Hammond’s Ferry offer?” Despite all it offers, however, owner Manuel Verney Carron said he opened it for one simple reason. “We needed a bar,” he laughed, “so the people who live here could come, have a couple of drinks and walk home. There really is a niche for it.” Manuel, of course, owns Manuel’s Bread Café, a staple in the Hammond’s Ferry neighborhood that will be celebrating its eighth birthday in fall. Manuel’s serves beer and wine but, with a bar that opens directly into the restaurant’s kitchen, there wasn’t room for cocktails. So when the former neighborhood sales office went on the market, Manuel snapped it up and set to work tearing down a wall and installing a small kitchen. “That’s basically what I wanted to do was open a bar and I couldn’t open just a bar, so that’s why you see what’s here: the salads, the sandwiches, ice cream,” he explained. “We’re right next to the playground, so we have ice cream and I also have imported French candies. We also do gift baskets.” Manuel’s Bread Café is also open from morning to evening, which may lead some to wonder how much of a difference there can really be between the two. And Manuel admits that he wondered the same thing at first. “I didn’t want to compete with Manuel’s, so that’s why we have salads and sandwiches: they’re simple and way cheaper,” he said. “And in the evening, not a lot of food. Just tapas. Something that’s nice, that’s tasty, but I don’t want them to just come here for dinner. I want them to come over here for a drink and then go to Manuel’s for dinner.” “And it’s funny,” he continued. “The same customers ping pong from one place to the other. I was afraid, opening a new place, of cannibalizing myself, but I made sure The Larder was different. It looks different and has a different feel.” During the day, that feel is laid-back, quiet and relaxed. When I visited, shortly before noon on Friday, The Larder was busy but quiet. There were several tables filled with couples and co-workers, while one person enjoyed a solitary lunch at the bar (with iced tea). Lladies in workout gear sat out front, wine glasses in hand. Several items on the menu make an appearance at both lunch and dinner, such as giant meatballs (buffalo, pork and veal with fennel or veggie) and empanadas (pork, chicken and vegetarian). Most people looked to be gravitating toward the sandwiches, however. The Larder offers six kinds of sandwiches on the regular menu, including a Cuban, an Italian, a Pan Bagna (tuna, hardboiled egg, French green bean, Nicoise olives, greens and Dijon mustard vinaigrette), a Porchetta (pork belly), ham and turkey breast with avocado and smoked gouda, and a grilled chicken. After taking a moment to wish that it was still breakfast time so I could order their freshly fried beignets, I decided on a Nicoise Salad, which is basically the Pan Bagna sandwich without the ciabatta bread. A note: if you order coffee, be careful: I almost ordered the
French cappuccino from the chalkboard above the register. Had I not asked, I would have gotten a cappuccino with cognac and vanilla whipped crème fraiche. As good as that sounds, it probably wouldn’t bode well for the rest of the work day. The menus on the counter explain what’s in the coffee drinks and, were it a weekend, I would definitely have ordered a Russian cappuccino, with espresso infused vodka and cream, or an Italian, with Amaretto and Tia Maria. As it was, I took my sparkling water to the table to wait for my sadly non-alcoholic cappuccino and salad. The coffee arrived first and was sufficiently hot, strong and frothy. I took a deep breath, relaxed and began to look around the inviting room with its warm colors and painting on the wall by neighborhood artist Jill Stafford. I chose a table close to the door next to a wall display of honey, vinegars, salts, condiments and candies. Baskets of soap, kitchen utensils and other items lay nearby, and Manuel later told me that this part of The Larder is a work in progress. “There is going to be kind of an evolution here; we’re testing the waters,” he explained, adding that ideas for the future include selling vegetables from Blue Clay Farm, cut flowers, steaks and other meats and even take and heat meals. “It’s a questions of real estate. If I put something else in, I have to take something else out. We’re going to see what sells. This is here now, but if it doesn’t move it’s going to be gone. I mean, I love it, it’s cool, but I don’t want it to be on the shelf in three years.” My salad arrived looking fantastic and, as I took a few bites, I was glad to discover that it tasted even better. As someone who recently decided to start paying better attention to what she eats, I have to admit that I chose the Nicoise salad not just because it sounded good, but because I thought there would be a fair chance that it might actually be good for me. Once I dug in, I discovered that I had made a wise choice. The Nicoise salad, at least The Larder’s version of it, is the perfect balance of indulgence and restraint. The lightly seared tuna makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, but everything on the plate is healthy. Even better, it’s minimally dressed with a vinaigrette that tastes heavy on the Dijon and light on the oil. It is, quite possibly, the perfect lunch. And if you just have to have something sweet at the end of a meal, The Larder has homemade macaroons among its pastry choices. They’re small, inexpensive ($2 each) and delicious. I highly recommend the tart lemon version, which looked to have a little bit of lemon curd in the center. Next week, Manuel said they are beginning work on a terrace that will face the playground to provide parents with an even better way to keep an eye on their children while socializing. And even though his two places offer house accounts to everyone in the neighborhood as well as takeout that sounds more like room service, The Larder is a place for both those who live in the neighborhood and those who don’t. “I like how cool it is here,” he said. “Last night we had all the neighbors here all night. They talk to each other, they take their kids to the playground and come over here and have a drink while the kids have a milkshake, so it’s a really cool interaction. And then, of course, the baseball stadium is going to be here and they just put another 75 homesites in a field other there, so we really are right in the middle of things.” the LArder At hAmmond’s ferry 89 Crystal Lake Drive, North Augusta Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-until 803-341-9273 hflarder.com
By Amy Christian
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visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat May 14
10:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2273 or visit grhealth.org.
Mon May 16
1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Theatre Revival Tour Miller Theatre Thursday, May 12 6-7:30 p.m. Part of the Fox Theater Institute’s traveling concert series, this one featuring the Packway Handle Band and A Band of Kelleys. The event will also include updates on the Miller Project. millerllc.org
ARTS Thu May 12
8:45am Meditation in the Galleries Morris Museum of Art Free; pre-registration required. Call 706-8283867 or visit themorris.org.
Sat May 14
10am - 5pm Basket Weaving Aiken Center for the Arts Participants will learn to weave and make a sand pail basket. Supplies provides; sack lunch recommended. $50, pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 1pm Summer Peaches Photos to Paintings Aiken Center for the Arts A step-by-step class in which beginners are welcome and supplies are included. $60; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Mon May 16
1:30pm - 4:30pm Oil Painting Tippy Cakes Bakery, Harlem A class led by Minette Hatcher for those ages 10 to adults that continues Monday, May 23. $55. Call 706-394-4682 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
Tue May 17
8:45am Yoga in the Galleries Morris Museum of Art Free, but pre-registration required and participants must bring their own mats. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
11am - 12:30pm Cement Yard Art Tippy Cakes Bakery, Harlem A two-session class that continues Wednesday, May 18, from 11 a.m.-noon $30; pre-registration required. Call 706-231-7199 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.
EXHIBITIONS Thu May 12
5pm - 7pm Betty Perry and Susan Porterfield Exhibit Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center The exhibit will be on display through June 24. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
6pm - 8pm Annual Aiken Artist Guild Member Show Artists Reception Aiken Center for the Arts Artwork from the group’s members will be featured in the main gallery from May 9-June 3. The reception is free and open to the public. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
6pm - 7:30pm Meet the Artist: Merry 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Street Artists Hire Grounds Cafe Four of a group of senior artists who meet at the Parks and Rec Building on Merry Street, Nancy Tokarska, Judy Crozier, Del Bert Jordan and MK Rufo, will show their work throughout the month of May. Call 706-6505760 or visit goodwillworks.org.
Fri May 13
5pm - 8pm Heather Gaitonde Exhibit Reception 4P Studios Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudioart.com.
5pm - 8pm RuCu (Ruby Culpepper) Exhibit Opening Reception That Place Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
HEALTH Thu May 12
5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or
Tue May 17
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-session class that continues on Tuesdays through May 31. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Wed May 18
1pm - 3pm Heat Safety Awareness New Bethlehem Community Center A free event that will feature giveaways, fans for those who qualify and special guests Gold Cross EMS. Call 706-722-0086.
7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-week class meeting Wednesdays through June 1. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Fri May 13
9am - 5pm Augusta Coin Club Spring Show Columbia County Exhibition Center Free admission and parking. Visit augustacoinclub.org.
Sat May 14
9am - 5pm Augusta Coin Club Spring Show Columbia County Exhibition Center Free admission and parking. Visit augustacoinclub.org.
6pm Etsy Craft Party 2016: Chalktastic Crafts TheClubhou.se Partygoers will create projects and shop from local Etsy shop owners and crafters. There will also be art contests, raffles, snacks and music. Children welcome. $612MAY2016
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$12. For more information, call 912-308-2243 or email evrcrafty@gmail.com. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Aiken Public Library For those in grades K-5. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Mon May 16
5:30pm Sleeping Beauty Pajama Party
6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Featured speaker is Charen Fink of Wilmington, N.C., presenting “The Woman’s Role During the Civil War.” Meetings are $12, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Tue May 17
7pm Augusta Rose Society Meeting First Baptist Church’s Adult Building Free. Call 803-215-0157 or visit theaugustarosesociety.org.
Wed May 18
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
KIDS-TEENS Thu May 12
4pm Lego Club
Barnes & Noble Participants are invited to wear their pajamas for stories, songs, cookies and milk with Aurora. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
7pm Voce Spring Concert Church of the Holy Comforter Featuring Melody Makers, Young Musicians and Advanced Ensemble. Free, with a reception to follow. Visit singaugusta.com.
Sat May 14
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - 1pm National Train Day Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum A family celebration that will include train rides for kids, live music, crafts, food vendors, balloon artist, story time and more. Free. Call 803-293-7846 or visit visitaikensc.com.
10:30am Family Story Time
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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.
Sat May 14
7am - noon Community Yard Sale Columbia County Fairgrounds Featuring more than 200 vendors. Free; $2 donations for parking. Visit giantcommunityyardsale.com.
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
11am - 1pm MCS Augusta Food Pantry 120 Davant Road Serving families in need regardless of religious, social or racial background. Extra food provided to families with children. Call 509-554-0149.
Etsy Craft Party 2016: Chalktastic Crafts TheClubhou.se Saturday, May 14 6 p.m. Projects, shopping, art contests, raffles, snacks and music. $6-$12 912-308-2243 eventbrite.com Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
11am If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t! Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon May 16
4:30pm Voce Open Call Auditions Church of the Holy Comforter For rising fourth-12th graders. Visit singaugusta.com.
Tue May 17
4pm Storytime in the Gardens 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.
MUSIC
Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring the Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.
Fri May 13
6:30pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal Featuring Stink Bamboo performing on the Petersburg Boat. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Preregistration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
7pm Joshua Messick & Friends AECOM Center for the Performing Arts A hammered dulcimer, percussion and cello concert with guest artists Donna McClaryDerrick, James Kylen and Ryan Knott. $18, advance; $20, door; $12, students; $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikenplayhouse.us.
Thu May 12
Sat May 14
Miller Theatre Part of the Fox Theater Institute’s traveling concert series, this one featuring the Packway Handle Band. The event will also include updates on the Miller Project. Visit millerllc.org.
Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7pm Music in the Park
7:30pm Pops! Under the Stars
6pm - 7:30pm Theatre Revival Tour
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
Evans Towne Center Park
Sun May 15
2pm - 4pm Latino Americans: A Celebration
A Symphony Orchestra Augusta event featuring music, food, fireworks and more. Free, general; $300, table of 8. Visit soaugusta.org.
Sun May 15
7:30pm Candlelight Jazz Augusta Common Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for this live jazz concert. $6. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Mon May 16
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring Brooke Campbell. Call 803-6427631 or visit facebook.com/experienceaiken. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661.
SENIORS Tue May 17
10am - 12:30pm Heat Safety Awareness Seminar New Bethlehem Community Center A free event that will feature giveaways, fans for those who qualify and special guests Gold Cross EMS. Call 706-722-0086.
SPECIAL EVENTS Fri May 13
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday
Headquarters Branch Library The end of the Augusta University Libraries’ Latino Americans: 500Years of History series will include stories from Hispanic/ Latino community members, entertainment and dessert. Free, bilingual and open to the public. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu May 19
5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
6:30pm - 8:30pm Cotton Ball Twin Gables, 920 Milledge Road An Historic Augusta event that includes dinner, dessert, a cash bar, mint juleps, music and more. Admission is by current, new or renewing Historic Augusta membership, which start at $50 for individuals and $85 for couples. Call 706724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu May 12
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fri May 13
10:30am Singing & Swinging Forest Hills Golf Club 12MAY2016
A golf tournament to benefit the Augusta Choral Society. Check-in, 10:30 a.m.; buffet, 11:15 a.m.; shotgun start, noon; and 19th Hole Party at 4 p.m. $95, individual; $360, team fee. Call 706-826-4713 or email info@augustachoralsociety.org.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat May 14
Marine Mud Challenge and Children’s Challenge 2016 Fort Gordon Visit marinemud.com.
8am Golf Tournament
Call 706-721-1560 or visit augusta.edu.
Fri May 13
11am ALS Support Lunch and Learn Augusta University Medical Office Building Lunch is provided. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit augusta. org/classes.
Mon May 16
6:15pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Call 706-721-5557 or visit grhealth.org.
Thu May 19
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sun May 15
2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greenville Drive Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Mon May 16-Wed May 18
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Asheville Tourists Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
SUPPORT Thu May 12
12:30pm Breast Cancer Support AU Cancer Center 12MAY2016
Enopion Theatre Company Casting by appointment those 18 and older for this musical that will show October 2829 and November 3-5 at the Kroc Center. Rehearsals begin in June. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
Augusta University Medical Center Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
8:30am Paddlefest
Augusta Canal’s Lake Olmstead Trailhead Participants should bring a mat or towel. Free, but donations to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area accepted. Call 706823- 0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.
“Creation” Auditions
10:20am Moms Connection
Wed May 18
9am Waterside Yoga
Ongoing
Tue May 17
Bartram Trail Golf Club A fundraiser for the Columbia County Choral Society. $75 entry includes greens fee, cart, range balls and lunch. Visit columbiacountychoralsociety.org. Savannah River Keeper Headquarters A canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and homemade raft event that now features a poker run. Registration: $30-$60; poker run, $5; lunch or beer tickets, $4. There is no day-of registration. Visit paddlefestga.com.
Aiken Community Playhouse This musical production shows in July. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-721-1634 or visit auhealth.org.
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
THEATER Fri May 13
7:30pm “Little Women: The Musical” Washington Little Theater $15; reservations required. Call 706-6789582 or visit washingtonlittletheater.org.
Sat May 14
7:30pm “Double Lives” Imperial Theatre Written by Miss Monique and directed by Anthony Page. $22-$30. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
7:30pm “Little Women: The Musical” Washington Little Theater $15; reservations required. Call 706-6789582 or visit washingtonlittletheater.org.
Sun May 15
3pm “Freud’s Last Session” Auditions Aiken Community Playhouse This musical production shows in July. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
3pm “Little Women: The Musical” Washington Little Theater $15; reservations required. Call 706-6789582 or visit washingtonlittletheater.org.
Mon May 16
7pm “Freud’s Last Session” Auditions AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
V27|NO19
Sunday, May 15 Live Music
Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Concert Series w/ The Versatility Project The Backyard Tavern - Concert to Benefit Randall Carver w/ Dan Gibson, Cody Griswold, Los Boys w/ Dewayne Brock, Joyce Lynn Chamdler & Friends, Shadow Pines w/ Hilary Thompson, Riley Williams, Adam Dickerson, Brook Andrews, Michael Baideme, Hard Country w/ David Vining, Bethany & Balducci, Palmetto playboys w/ Stoney Cannon, Woody Wood, Happy Bones, Livingroom Legends, TDC & Friends, Shameless Dave Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
Angwish Friday, May 13, at The Highlander Saturday, May 14, at Bird Dog Grille This high-energy alt-rock duo from Charlotte, N.C., invades the Augusta area this weekend. angwish.com
Thursday, May 12 Live Music
Enterprise Mill Events Center - John Michael Montgomery Maude Edenfield Park - (North Augusta) Music in the Park w/ the Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Miller Theatre - Theatre Revival Tour w/ Packway Handle Band, A Band of Kelleys Sky City - Low Creek Killer, Me Bad Eye Stillwater Taproom - The Hoyt Clagwells That Place - John Stoney Cannon Wild Wing - Mullinax Bros The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove 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 Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, May 16 Live Music
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ Brooke Campbell 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 Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Friday, May 13 Live Music
AECOM Center (Aiken) - Joshua Messick & Friends Aiken Fairgrounds - (Aiken) Aiken Bluegrass Festival Augusta Canal - Music Cruise w/ Stink Bamboo The Backyard Tavern - DUBA Bar West - Live Music Bird Dog Grille - Donna Jo Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Holland Marie Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Evans Towne Center Park - Party in the Park w/ Jacob Bryant, Luke Combs, Faren Rachels, Ray Fulcher, Cole Taylor The Highlander - Angwish Playoffs - (Aiken) Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Sky City - Chainsaw Masscara’s Friday the 13th Show Somewhere in Augusta - Brandon Reeves The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Keith Gregory Stillwater Taproom - Black Iron Gathering, The Menders Surrey Center - Keith on Keys Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn w/ Chris Hardy Wild Wing - Interstate Exiles The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - Sound Lab Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, May 14 Live Music
Aiken Fairgrounds - (Aiken) Aiken Bluegrass Festival Bird Dog Grille - Angwish Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Larry Frick Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Evans Towne Center Park - Pops! Under the Stars w/ Symphony Orchestra Augusta Fox’s Lair - Gerry Petrin, Mr. Jukebox The Iron Heights - SkinKage, Solemn Vow May Park - Mayfest Polo Tavern - (Aiken) Robin Dixon and the Midnight Moon Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Surrey Center - Keith on Keys That Place - Richard Strater Wild Wing - Frequency 4 The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Sky City - ‘90s Night Show Somewhere in Augusta - UFC 198 Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Tuesday, May 17 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Jason Isbell, Tommy Emmanuel 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 Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia w/ Gorman Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, May 18 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Automagik Wild Wing - Lundy
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 12MAY2016
V27|NO19
Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Kier and Mark Evans Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Upcoming Bethany and the Southside Boys
- Stillwater Taproom May 19 An Evening with Sara Evans
- Imperial Theatre May 20 ATL Dreamvision & Friends Tribute to Prince and Michael Jackson
- Sky City May 20 Mississippi Kites
- Stillwater Taproom May 20 Jacob Beltz
- Stillwater Taproom May 21
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Delta Cane
- Stillwater Taproom May 26 Mississippi Kites
- Stillwater Taproom May 27 Aiken Bluegrass Festival Aiken Fairgrounds Friday-Saturday, May 13-14 This year featuring Larry Keel’s Aiken All Star Band, with Larry (pictured above) and Jenny Keel, Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams and lots more, at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Aikenbluegrassfestival.org
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
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
Pride in Your Health. Pride in Yourself. Want to quit smoking? Call 1-800 QUIT NOW for free help and a customized Quit Kit. www.scdhec.gov/quitforkeeps
V27|NO19
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Anna Avrett with singer/songwriters Greg Hester and Ivan Neville at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Mayor Hardie Davis, Minnesota Fatz, Friends with Benefits founder George Claussen and former Mayor Deke Copenhaver at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Bobbie and Austin Rhodes with Beau at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Katelynn Bell, Katie Robertson and Halley Badger at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Singer/songwriter Sharon Jones with James Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Bonita Jefferies-Jenkins, George and Crystal Eskola and Jaden Jenkins at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Erin Rollins, Robert McCrary and Hannah Ryan at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Lucy Price, Elaine Mabson, Bitter-Sweet Martha High and Joan Harris at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
Melissa Walker, Les Bertrand and Mary Schorsch at the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium.
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
12MAY2016
STELLAR WORK By Joel Fagliano and Byron Walden / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Grass and such 7 Lifesavers, e.g. 11 Turns off 19 Source of good fortune 20 Tried to open, as a pet door 21 Seaman’s aid 22 *Z, for one 24 Behind 25 “O grave, where is ____ victory?”: I Corinthians 26 Neither wizards nor witches, in Harry Potter books 28 Language descended from Old Norse 29 Tiara accompaniment 31 Subject of the 1954 Nobel Prize in Medicine 32 Eagerly unwrap 34 God whose name sounds like a word meaning “understated” 36 Take its toll? 38 *Board 42 *Alliance member 46 They may result in title changes, for short 47 Dips made with olives, capers and anchovies 48 Fragrant wood 50 Grain to crush 51 Background-check runner, maybe 52 Government org. in “Breaking Bad” 53 “Oh, that’s clever!” 55 Something to be divvied up 56 Hundred, in Honduras 59 Stand in the shadows 60 *Ted talks, say 68 Reebok rival 69 Texas city in the movie “Friday Night Lights” 70 Bonn one 72 Pro-consumer ideology 76 In back 77 Jet fuel, mainly 82 Stave off 83 Good friend, informally 85 Find some advantage 86 Red giant in the constellation Cetus 87 *Crossed pair 89 *Search party 93 Drainage pit
94 ____ example 95 Owl’s prey 97 Browns and Blues 99 “House Hunters” network 102 Bromine and fluorine compounds 105 Kind of band 107 Move it 108 Boastful types 110 *Let’s hope 114 Group with the 1985 No. 1 hit “Broken Wings” 115 “____ about right” 116 Eyelike opening, in architecture 117 Ones breaking game rules? 118 Big buildup 119 “Great” Eurasian region
40 Spoonful, say 41 “Cómo ____ usted?” 42 Sch. whose mascot is Paydirt Pete 43 Coastal desert of southern Africa 44 Fruity drink 45 Tops in handwriting, say 49 Small stream 50 Wheat ____ 52 What sharpshooters take 54 Prompt 57 Vow that’s mostly vowels 58 When golden goals happen in the N.H.L. 61 Arts-page contributor 62 Novelist Vonnegut 63 Big Four record co. that broke up in 2012 DOWN 64 Headlong or headstrong 1 Almanac fodder 65 Striven 2 Home of the daily World-Herald 66 What rugged individualists seldom 3 Clicker for Dorothy admit to 4 Tie word 67 Light shade 5 “Well, fancy that!” 71 Classic hair- removal brand 6 Abbr. that can be written with an 72 Reputation ampersand 73 Gung-ho 7 The casino in “Casino” 74 Skin: Suffix 8 Soccer goof 75 Numbskull 9 Kite adjunct 78 Posting at JFK or DFW 10 Goldbrick 79 Eastern royals 11 The Pentagon inits. 80 Heavy load 12 Crystalline weather phenomenon 81 Pause word in Psalms 13 “____ of Heaven! too gentle to 84 Scam with three cards be human” (line from Shelley’s 85 Information on a sports ticket “Epipsychidion”) 88 Exceed 14 Unlofty loft 90 Fashionable 15 Labor pain 91 Latin carol word 16 Pirate’s mate, in literature and film 92 Prynne of “The Scarlet Letter” 17 Besmirches 96 Question mark’s key-mate 18 German vice admiral killed in W.W. I’s 98 “Charlie’s Angels” director, 2000 Battle of the Falklands 100 Keep occupied 20 Celtic who was the M.V.P. of the 101 One of 1,288 in the book of 2008 N.B.A. Finals Numbers 23 Kaiser Permanente offering 102 Biodiesel fuel source 27 Begat 103 Prefix with ecology or chemical 30 W, for one 104 ____ Linda, Calif. 31 March 14, to math lovers 106 ____-deucy 33 Fibonacci or Galileo 109 Some 112-Down retakers: Abbr. 35 Casino offering, derived from the 111 Tan neighbor, on calculators Latin for “five each” 112 Exam with a Science Reasoning 37 Revenue source for Fish and Wildlife section departments 113 Wish undone 39 Jocular disclaimer
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V27|NO19
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Please tell us none of you took your mother to see “Mother’s Day” on Mother’s Day. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR $179,139,142
$179,139,142
1
-
2
THE JUNGLE BOOK
$24,488,436
$287,600,701
4
1
3
MOTHER’S DAY
$11,087,076
$22,806,766
2
4
4
THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR $3,948,835
$40,732,455
3
2
5
KEANU
$15,308,421
2
3
$3,287,484
In Theaters May 13
DRAMA
“Money Monster,” rated R, starring George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell, Dominic West. Despite its terrible name, this movie has a lot going for it: major stars who, these days, choose their projects carefully; a top-notch director in Jodie Foster; and a timely plot line about the chasm between the haves and the have nots and the extreme measures the have nots sometimes must resort to when their lives and livelihoods are on the line. It may not be flashy or have superheroes in it, but this one should be good, if not great. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
HORROR
“The Darkness,” rated PG-13, starring Jennifer Morrison, Kevin Bacon, Lucy Fry, Ming-Na Wen. The Grand Canyon doesn’t seem the likeliest of settings for a horror movie, but apparently some evil stuff lives there. Unfortunately, a family finds this out the hard way when their teenage son brings home what looks like just a relic. Bad things, of course, begin to happen. Sounds like your typical scarer, but the presence of actors like Bacon give us hope that this is better than average.
12MAY2016
Straight Predators Applaud the Trans Loophole ONCE AGAIN, conservatives with a legitimate point to make are being drowned out by Bible thumpers with a religious agenda. Just like we saw with the Religious Freedom Act, where zealots twisted a common sense, constitutionally sound premise out of all rational proportion, history is repeating itself with this transgender bathroom brouhaha. The rock solid premise that private business owners should be free to refuse work that compromises their own personal belief system was somehow made out to be the worst attack on gay people since the Stonewall Riots. Total, 100 percent bullcrap. A black baker should be able to refuse to deliver an order of “N-word” cookies, a Jewish tailor should be able to tell the local KKK membership that he will not be fashioning their pointy, satin hoods, a Muslim actress should be able to refuse to do nude scenes in a film and, yes, a Catholic physician should be able to refuse to perform “abortions of convenience” without the federal government bringing the Justice Department into the mix. No one with good common sense would disagree with the above, ever. Period. And with those examples, you could defend the Religious Freedom Act from here to the North Pole with all but the totally brain dead forced to concede their objections. Just call it something else! (In my best Steve Martin voice) : BUTTTT NOOOOOOOOO..... Someone had to bring Jesus and the Christian Bible into the discussion. Damn shame. There was no need. To quote the Good Book, specifically John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” Fast forward a few months, and now several state governments are rallying to save us all from an imaginary crush of transgender folks defiling our previously sacrosanct public toilets. The controversy has caused quite a stir, which is baffling when you consider that for the last 5,000 years, transgender people have been relieving themselves somewhere. Trust me, it ain’t an issue that can usually be postponed. Once more (sadly) it seems to be several Southern states taking the lead in proposed legislation forcing transgender people to use the restrooms that would match the gender of their birth. Now, who exactly is going to go looking under dresses and behind zippers to catch the folks who are breaking the law is beyond me. And, of course, if reassignment surgery has taken place, what then? Yet again, conservatives are “taking it on the chin” (no pun intended) for being closed minded bigots who wish every homosexual, transgender, etc., etc. would drop dead where they stand. Damn shame, because there is a common sense factor we seem to be missing. Perhaps we can save this “transgender public bathroom” silliness from a similar “death by association” with religious/homophobic agendas by accepting one very hard and fast truth. If the law allows males into public restrooms with young women, there is going to be real trouble, and on a regular basis. And it won’t be genuine transgender males who will be causing the problems, it will be straight, predator males hanging out in the “ladies room” under false pretenses. I am as straight as Moe Howard’s hair, but if I put on some lipstick and a bra, who can say that I don’t belong in the ladies room, as a pre-op tranny? Or maybe I never intend to have the surgery, I just like to think I am a woman. A dress and a wig and I get to hang out in the pink potty with the better decorations and no urine smell. Or maybe no wig.
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Hey, if I say I am what I say I am, who are you to challenge it? Take into consideration the great lengths that peeping toms and other perfectly straight male perverts and predators go to in the quest to “get their jollies.” If you don’t think those sickos are going to use this “transgender” excuse to cause problems for women as they do their business in nature’s most vulnerable moments, then you ain’t real bright. “There are very few spaces I would enjoy sharing with Let me repeat this ANY of these people.” as plainly and clearly as I possibly can, so even the dim politicians and dopeheads can understand it (Nathan Deal and Bruce Springsteen, that means you): Straight men do not belong in women’s restrooms, and because there are (sadly) significant numbers of straight male predators that would seek to abuse the loophole, a carte blanche policy allowing humans with Ding-Dongs in women’s restrooms is a very bad idea. My concerns and objections are not aimed at the truly transgendered, by any means. Hollywood caricatures aside, I have never known a single transgender person who was also a threatening sexual predator. Sadly, this community and many others have seen God knows how many straight males prey on women and girls whenever the slightest opportunity arrived. There is a reason those men are put on the sex offenders list for life when convicted in these types of crimes. Experts know it is a largely incurable condition, driven by one of the strongest biological drives known by human beings. Common sense and due diligence have kept women relatively well protected in public restrooms up to this point in history, so why create a problem where none really existed? Do not allow political correctness or the fear of being labelled a “bigot” to cloud your better judgment in this matter. Do not give male predators a free pass “to boldly go where no man has gone before...”
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.
12MAY2016
COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART
ARTS & DRAUGHTS MAY 13
DINNER ON MAIN MAY 22 EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Photo: Kickstand Studios
BLOOMING BUTTERFLIES NOW OPEN 1500 BLOCK OF MAIN STREET
COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN CONVENTION CENTER
SODA CITY MARKET SATURDAYS 9AM - 1PM
BLACK EXPO MAY 21