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Table of Contents
Immerse Your Senses in a Game
September 14, 2017 Insider 4 Jenny is Wright 10 Kris Fisher 13 Whine Line 14 The Victims of DUI 16 Arts in the Heart 17 Escape Room 26 What’s Up 29 Calendar 30 Nightlife 34 The Eight 36 Sightings 37 Austin Rhodes 38
Page 26
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amanda Main
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amanda@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
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BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
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Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
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Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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hippodrome’s new ‘Plan’ more hype Than anything else When Brian Graham, the director of corporate events for Morris Communications, sent out a press release last week announcing the “development of a new major concert, festival and events venue” for the Augusta area, it sparked some attention. After all, Augustans have been consumed by the debate of whether a new $120 million James Brown Arena should be constructed at the former abandoned Regency Mall site in south Augusta. That’s all people have been talking about for the past several weeks. So plans for a “new major concert venue” in the area sounded intriguing. Well, Morris Communications proved that it can make news out of just about anything, and timing really is everything. Last week’s press release stated that the “new venue, along with its surrounding events complex, will have an immense and ongoing positive economic impact on our community, and will greatly contribute to the enrichment of the area’s cultural, entertainment and sports scenes.” Well, let’s not get carried away now. Basically, Graham announced the development of a master plan for the Hippodrome in North Augusta, which is owned by Morris Communications Co., the parent company of The Augusta Chronicle. The master plan is meant to “rebrand the facility as Hippodrome Events Complex,” to serve as a “multipurpose events venue” for the Augusta area, Graham said during a press conference on Friday, Sept. 8. While the Hippodrome, a 155-acre facility on Schultz Hill in North Augusta, is currently known more as an equine events venue, Graham said he wanted to diversify the facility to better accommodate events such as “expositions, fairs, markets, concerts, festivals, community events and sports competitions.” He was quick to point out that the Hippodrome is already home to the annual National Collegiate Disc Golf Championship. But Graham also was pleased to announce that Morris Communications’ “debut event” for the updated facility would be the 24th Annual Border Bash on Friday, Nov. 3. Exciting stuff, isn’t it? Just to ensure that the local press understood the significance of this master plan for the Hippodrome, Graham made sure to mention the recent debate over the James Brown Arena in Augusta. However, when Graham talked about the new $120 million arena, he made it sound like the decision to move the new facility out to south Augusta was a done deal. “With the recent announcement that the James Brown Arena is going to be moved to south Augusta,” Graham said, “we feel very strongly that downtown Augusta/ North Augusta deserves to have a top-notch events venue. We’re dedicated to creating a first-class venue.” Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Last month, the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority voted to support the former Regency Mall location as the preferred site for the city’s new $120 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
million arena, but the authority still has to review the site and figure out how to pay for the new complex. While the authority has the ability to issue bonds for the project, it still would take approval by the Augusta Commission to secure the bonds. Also, any use of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) monies would require voter approval in Richmond County. So there is still a very long road ahead when it comes to constructing a new arena in south Augusta. In fact, the coliseum authority still hasn’t come close to finalizing a deal with the owners of the Regency Mall property. All they have right now is a vague letter discussing the proposal. During the coliseum authority’s Aug. 22 meeting, authority member Darren Smith pulled out a letter from Cardinal Management, LLC, the Mattituck, N.Y.-based company that owns the Regency Mall site. In the letter dated Aug. 21, Alan Cardinale of Cardinal Management proposed a $1 a year land lease for 35 years for approximately 39 acres on the Regency Mall site to be used for a new arena. The letter, which was addressed to “Hardie Davis, Jr. Mayor of City of Augusta,” appeared hastily written and included several typos. “Rental will be $1 per year for the first 35 years plus a 10year tax abatement at any time during that period,” Cardinale’s letter states. “The City will agree to asphalt entire parking lot, provide new lighting, landscaping and maintenance of such thru out the duration of lease. Cardinale will at the same time, renovate the exterior of the remaining portion of Regency Mall.”
“Morris Communications proved that it can make news out of just about anything and timing really is everything.” So, south Augusta residents won’t see any dirt moving at the Regency Mall site for quite some time, if ever. But that didn’t stop Graham from using that controversial proposal for the James Brown Arena to promote the Hippodrome’s master plan. “This investment will contribute to the enrichment of our cultural, entertainment and sports scene,” Graham said. “I’m confident that this facility will be of service in many ways as our community continues to grow.” The Hippodrome Events Complex. We aren’t sure what actually motivated Morris to put on this dog and pony show, but one thing is for certain … we sure know how to name things around here. 14SEPTEMBER2017
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A Good Laugh from Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Just when the stress concerning Hurricane Irma was at its peak in Florida and the state of Georgia had no real clue as to what it would be facing over the next 24 hours under the threat of a tropical storm, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office provided some much-needed comic relief. In attempt to warn its residents of the high winds and heavy rains headed toward the Peach State, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office made sure that its post about the storm would spread like wildfire throughout the state. Mission accomplished. “Realistically speaking, please be prepared to be without electricity for a few days due to high winds and trees taking out utility lines,” the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office posted on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 5:11 pm. “You might even lose your internet connection, which probably scares you more than being without TV or air conditioning.” Sure. That comment might make you chuckle, but the post gets better. Much better. Next, the sheriff’s office tries to legitimately ask residents to check on the elderly in the community after Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for every county ahead of the storm. “I don’t know what you need to get by for a few days without power. You should have a good idea of what you need and I hope you already have it,” the post read. “If you have someone elderly in your family you take care of then plan with them accordingly.” Then comes the much-needed humor to help lighten the mood on a stressful day. “It is going to rain, hard. Trees will fall. Up to 60 mph winds will launch your porch furniture over into your neighbors’ yard. Normally that would be hilarious, but his porch furniture will launch into your yard too,” the post stated. “Anything you don’t want launched should be put out of the wind.” Finally, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office decided to lay it all out there by basically warning its residents, “Stupid is as stupid does.” “It is hard for us to plan ahead for what we call the ‘stupid factor,’” the sheriff’s office posted. “I don’t know why, but it seems that someone always wants to do something stupid no matter the unique weather event. Try to avoid the stupid factor.” Avoiding the stupid factor would really help the sheriff’s office out, the post stated. “Stupid makes more work for us, EMTs and ER personnel. In fact, stupid is the reason most of us have jobs,” the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office joked. “If you have stupid friends, avoid them until the power comes back on. If YOU are the stupid one, then please sit this one out and wait til an ice storm to come along before you demonstrate your capabilities.” Believe it or not, these unusual posts are generally written by Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry, himself. Last year, Berry began getting some attention for his humorous posts after he wrote one about regarding the legality of shooting armadillos. Yes, armadillos. “Due to the number of calls I have received, I elected to discuss today the nemesis of Western Civilization. No, not ISIS (ISIL??) or the threat of thermonuclear war. I mean the real threat to human existence, the wily, elusive and destructive armadillo,” the sheriff posted in August 2016. “The armadillo (blunderous stupidious), which migrated here in 2004 as the result of being stuck in the grill of Eddy Thaxton’s pickup truck has made its presence felt county wide. They will destroy your landscaping, yard, bushes, dig up your home foundation, undermine our economic system, destroy peace and goodwill worldwide and generally make a nuisance by their mere existence.” Due to this obvious threat, what should citizens do about these pesky varmints? “So the question I get asked is, ‘Sheriff, can I choot ’em?’” Berry posted. “Armadillos that live in the city limits of Watkinsville, Bogart, North High Shoals and Bishop are safe from randomly getting shot ’cause ordinances cover blasting away at things, including armadillos, inside the city limits. If you live in the city you must find a more humane way to dispatch them, such as running them over with your pickup. If you happen to live in the county, you are responsible for where your stray bullet goes and you have to be 50 yards from the roadway to whack an armadillo.” Therefore, shooting them can get a little complicated, Berry joked. “Take my advice,” Berry wrote. “The armadillo is here to stay, but if you happen to be 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
heading to New York, New Jersey or some other Yankee state take some armadillos with you and drop ’em off so they can enjoy ’em too.” That initial humorous post became so popular, Berry has continued his hilarious posts throughout the year. Just last month, before the much-anticipated solar eclipse, the sheriff’s office was at it again. “Sheriff Scott Berry announces that on Monday, August 21, at about the time your kids are riding home from school on the bus that there will be a solar eclipse of the sun as celestial forces no one understands will blot out the sun. It is very likely this is the end of life on this planet as we know it,” the sheriff’s department posted on Aug. 3. “As your Sheriff I expect each of you to begin panicking today. There is no need 14SEPTEMBER2017
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to wait til Sunday night to buy bread and milk. The shelves will be empty already as vast hordes descend on grocery stores. If you wait, the only thing left will be potted meat and knock-off brand cereal with such names as ‘RaisinO’s’ and ‘CheeriBran.’” The sheriff then warned citizens about staring into the solar eclipse. “Don’t look at the eclipse, unless of course you live in the backwoods of Tennessee,” the sheriff ’s office posted. “In that case no one will hear you scream as you stumble blindly into a moonshine still or a bear trap. Millions of Americans are blinded every week by staring directly into the sun, eclipse or not. Don’t do it. Your sunglasses will not protect you from certain death if you look at the sun. However, for a mere $29.99 (plus $9.00 shipping and handling) you can order ‘stare directly at the sun wearing these’ glasses from NASA and the Home Shopping Network.” And, finally, a general safety tip from the sheriff ’s office for the day. “Pregnant women should smoke and drink liquor during the eclipse. This will prevent radioactive waves from making your ankles swell and being grouchy most of the time,” the sheriff ’s office posted. “Meanwhile, your other children will be on the school bus wondering why it got dark so early. An afternoon snack of potted meat will encourage them to ignore the end of the world as we know it. Leading scientists tell us that post eclipse the only two things they expect to survive are cockroaches and Facebook. Wait, is that one thing or two things????” A talented sheriff for sure.
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A Case of Mistaken Identity at Gold Cross MOST EVERYONE saw the shocking footage of a Utah nurse being arrested for protecting a patient’s rights. The video was everywhere. But in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, that incident has had a negative impact on employees of Augusta’s own Gold Cross EMS. Earlier this month, a Salt Lake City police detective named Jeff Payne made national headlines after he was filmed arresting the head nurse at the University of Utah Hospital’s burn unit after she refused to let him take blood from an unconscious patient. Police body camera footage from the Salt Lake City Police Department of the July 26 incident was aired on practically every major network. The video showed Utah nurse, Alex Wubbels, trying to explain to Payne that, under the hospital’s policy and agreement with the police department, the detective could take blood from a patient only if the individual had given consent, he or she was under arrest or a warrant was issued. However, the detective didn’t have a warrant, and the badly injured patient wasn’t conscious, so he couldn’t give consent. Therefore, the detective was barred from collecting blood samples — not just by hospital policy, but by basic constitutional law. The patient in question reportedly was involved in a collision with a car fleeing police, but he was not suspected of wrongdoing in the crash. In fact, the driver of the fleeing car was killed in the collision. When the nurse refused to take a blood sample from the unconscious patient, Payne told Wubbels that she would be arrested and charged if she refused. But the nurse politely stood her ground. In fact, she got her supervisor on the phone to back up her decision. “Sir,” the supervisor warned Payne, “you’re making a huge mistake because you’re threatening a nurse.” All of a sudden, Payne lost his temper. He grabbed the nurse (who was resisting the arrest), shoved her out of the building, handcuffed her and dragged her to his unmarked police car. In the video captured by the police body camera, Wubbels is seen screaming, “Help! Help me! Stop! You’re assaulting me! Stop! I’ve done nothing wrong! This is crazy!” As a result of widespread outrage over the video, Gold Cross Ambulance in Salt Lake City fired Payne, who worked as a part-time Paramedic. “We take his inappropriate remarks regarding patient transports seriously,” Gold Cross Ambulance of Utah reportedly said in a statement. “We acknowledge those concerned individuals who have contacted us regarding this incident and affirm our commitment to serving all members of the community with kindness and respect. We will continue to maintain our values of outstanding patient focused care, safety and the complete trust of the communities we serve.”
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The entire incident involving Payne had completely disrupted the ambulance company’s operations, according to Mike Moffitt, president of Gold Cross Ambulance in Utah. The ambulance company reportedly received a number of angry and threatening calls to their dispatch center, from people all across the country. Moffitt told a Utah news station that callers were threatening to cause violence by saying things such as, “We’re going to beat you up,” and “We’re going to blow you up.” The calls became such a concern, Moffitt said the ambulance company was placed on lockdown. So, what does this all have to do with Augusta? Well, there was a bizarre coincidence that directly impacted Augusta’s own Gold Cross EMS. Even though Augusta’s Gold Cross is not at all associated with the Gold Cross Ambulance Company in Salt Lake City, an outraged national audience pounced on our local ambulance company with “hate mail galore.” On Sept. 3, a representative from Gold Cross EMS of Augusta issued the following statement on its Facebook page. “I would like to clarify something. The police officer who arrested the nurse at ‘University Hospital’ in Utah that works for a ‘Gold Cross Ambulance Service’ in Utah and has an almost identical name to one of our employees is not in fact related,” Gold Cross EMS of Augusta stated. “No need to keep sending us hate messages and threats. Gold Cross EMS has no affiliation with the Gold Cross in Utah and I am pretty sure that University Hospital in Augusta has no affiliation with University Hospital in Utah. Thank you internet sleuths but you got the wrong Gold Cross and University.” According to those aware of the mistaken identity, some of the messages sent to Gold Cross EMS of Augusta from all across the country were extremely harsh. “I can’t believe some of the private messages I am getting,” one Gold Cross of Augusta employee wrote on Facebook. To make matters worse, Gold Cross EMS of Augusta was right in the middle of trying to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and preparing to aid those impacted by Hurricane Irma. Needless to say, the last thing the ambulance company needed was unwarranted harassment by some clueless crazies across this country. But, as always, the staff at Gold Cross EMS in Augusta handled it like true professionals. Just this week, Gold Cross EMS turned its attention to helping those in Florida trying to recover from Hurricane Irma. “We are down in Florida helping right now,” Gold Cross EMS posted. “We have put up four additional overtime trucks locally to help with the shelters as well.” Thank you, Gold Cross EMS of Augusta, for all you do.
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surviving Irmageddon Jenny is Wright Well, AugustA, we survived another one. As I write, I think some of you are without power. We have a huge tree down, spanning the width of the street, causing anyone who comes along to turn around. That’s it, though. There are a few small branches spread about, and sad, lost green leaves are everywhere, but we got lucky. In fact, our power didn’t even go out. It flickered a couple of times, but we kept our lights and internet. Before you freak out and start calling me names, let us take a trip down memory lane. When I was pregnant with The Boy, we had the first of two major Augusta ice storms that happened since I moved here. We didn’t experience a lot of destruction. The house was fine. I think we only lost a few small trees. However, per doctor’s orders, I had to stay in bed. While we didn’t lose any trees, we lost power for a couple of days. Not willing to disobey doctor’s orders, I lay in bed, listening to the popping and slamming of huge branches, frozen and falling. I could see my breath. I was in my bedroom. It got cold. I finally moved to my in-laws’ house, but I survived. I’ve told this story before, but years later, we had a massive tree fall on our house. It was about 10 feet in diameter. We knew the tree might need to come down, but it was because we couldn’t grow grass in the backyard. There was a tree man appointment on Thursday morning. On Tuesday night, around 8 p.m., a powerful gust brought the tree right into my den and master bedroom. I called The Man to tell him, mentioning that the tree with the appointment was now in our den. He got home about 30 minutes later and said, “Well, you didn’t say it was in the den.” Actually, I said exactly that. “We live in a treehouse now,” exclaimed The (then 7-year-old) Boy. Not funny, kiddo. We moved out for eight weeks while reconstruction was completed, but we were spared any injuries. We survived. We all remember the 2014 ice storm. No major damage for our family. Days without power and eating canned goods and whatever meat survived the snow drift coolers in the yard. Snow drifts are also excellent beer coolers. We moved in with friends and made the most of it. We
10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
may have used our generator to watch the Winter Olympics, but hey, we were fine watching in the dark. We survived that, too. Impending power outages are nerve-racking. School closures are, too. I can imagine that working parents who can’t take time off are especially stressed when schools shut down unexpectedly. I’d also imagine packing everything that fits in the family car and loading up kids and pets, moving to someone else’s school in a different city to sleep on cots in the gym, and worrying about whether your house will still be standing when you get home would be stressful, too. We made it. We survived. It was a little inconvenient, what with all the extra people in town and stuff, but gosh, y’all, aren’t you glad we could help? Yeah, it might’ve gotten a little hot in our house, and your phone might’ve died, but did you have to toss out your kids’ entire wardrobe? Did everything you worked hard for wash away into the ocean, because of an unexpected storm surge? If it did, I’m really sorry. That’s truly tragic. I hope the people of our fine city showed you hospitality and compassion. And no, three hours without power is not a long time. Even 24 hours is doable. It wasn’t even hot outside. If you missed your morning coffee because Georgia Power workers, away from their families and working through the night, haven’t made it to your street quite yet, have two cups tomorrow. Because you can. If you do have a tree through your roof, just know I do understand. I’m not minimizing the inconvenience. For the rest of you, Starbucks will rebuild, y’all. You’ll be fine. JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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Irmagerd! Kris Fisher Irma swept through our area this week with fury and destruction, downgraded from, ultimately, a Category 5 hurricane to a tropical storm by the time we felt the effects. She left debris all over the CSRA. Some, including myself, had trees down, some were left without power, some even had damage to their homes. And I would like to take this time to thank Irma for coming by. Obviously, I’m not thanking Irma for the destruction that she caused for some people. My thoughts are with all of those who received damage — especially those south of us. Florida will be feeling this for months to come. The reason I’m thanking Irma is far more self-serving. Not only did Irma make my kids’ rigorous schedule of practices and games cease for a couple of days, giving the wife and me a much-needed break, but we got some company, too. My little brother lives in Effingham County, one of the counties that evacuated because of the storm. My wife and I invited him and his family in to get away from the storm. This may seem like an easy thing to do but, my relationship with my little brother hasn’t always been sunshine and roses. Without telling all of his business, he’s had a troubled past. Some people may be able to relate. Many of us have a loved one who loses their way and gets mixed up in things they shouldn’t. Some of those loved ones never find their way out of it. I’m happy to say, I think my brother has found his. His life path has led him to jail on occasion. After serving whatever time he would get, he would get out, hang out with the same crowds, make some more bad decisions and find his way back behind bars. Its a frustrating cycle of which I had all but washed my hands. You know the feeling: “I’ve had it! I’m done with this and won’t let him drag me through this cycle over & over!” However, no matter how much I try to separate myself, it’s my little brother. It killed me to see the life he was living. The last time he got out of the pokey, I was skeptical. I figured he would do the same thing as always: fly straight for a few months then start with the debauchery again and into find his way into another jumpsuit. Then came Irma. When my little bro came to stay with us, I feel like I met a new man. I don’t know what it was, but something finally clicked for him. He carried himself differently, spoke differently, was fatherly to his children and talked about how important work was to him. This last bit is huge. I’ve never met a person so allergic to manual labor in my life, which is hard to believe because, after all, I know me. We had some deep conversations, and I discovered that he has new priorities in life — not because he told me, but because I could just see it. So, this is why I’d like to thank Irma. Thank you for bringing my little brother over so I could see the changes for myself. He’s still got a rough road ahead of him, but now I believe in him. That’s something that I haven’t done in a long time. For anyone else that may have a friend or family member that struggles the way he has, don’t lose hope. Be sure to talk to someone about it if you need to; more people understand than you realize. Hopefully you’ll see a change in that person, too. And, hopefully, it won’t take a hurricane to see it. 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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You’ve got to love FOX News. Charles Payne — suspended under sexual misconduct allegations. Bill O’Reilly — gone! Eric Bolling — gone! FOX News founder Roger Ailes — dead AND gone! The network that crams the Bible down your throat and wants to tell you what you can and can’t do in the privacy of your bedroom seems to have sex-aholics all over the place. How does that old adage go? Oh yea, “None proclaim innocence so loudly as the guilty.” The Metro Spirit, who decide’s what whine’s DO and DO NOT get published, Provide your name! AFRAID OF A MESSAGE? Probably will NOT get a response. P----!
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.
I don’t make jokes, I just watch the government (Richmond County Commission) and report the facts. Will Rodgers Our commissioners got us only air rights for the parking downtown at the Convention Center. Why can’t Hardie Davis learn from that and stop that nonsense of having the city pay over $100 million for a new James Brown Arena on land that is owned by people who would not sell the land at all for decades? Keep the JBA downtown on city property that is near a lot of businesses. If you want people to visit South Augusta area of the former Regency Mall for more times than just entertainment events, then build a shopping outlet mall and convert space for skateboarding and other outdoor events. Has a professional hockey, basketball or arena football team announced that they would locate to Augusta if we replaced the JBA? If not, then it makes absolutely no logical sense to spend $120 million to build a large arena regardless of where it is located in the city. If you want more concerts then build something like Lakewood amphitheater.
To the whiner that wrote “Black people today were never slaves” etc. When you say white people still own the land, do you think every white person was given land from a previous white person or slave owner? I have worked since I was a kid and purchased my own land, from a black person. Guess we should also let Asians and other minorities know, including blacks, that YOU do not think they own land so their deeds are worthless. Are you freaking kidding me? They are leveling a ton of land on William Few by the new Kroger. Regardless of what’s put there the traffic is only going to be much much worse. Widden these roads you idiot engineers, or I’m moving!!! Please stop calling them mandatory evacuations when there are no repercussions for ignoring them and staying. Why say that first responders will not help and then report how first responders had to save someone? I understand why people don’t believe the media when hundreds of news crews from around the nation are standing in the open telling listeners how dangerous it is and how everyone but them should have evacuated. While shopping with my wife in Evans last Saturday I came upon a man and women who apparently did not look in a mirror before leaving home. The women was wearing a black t-shirt with the word FU#% printed on the front along with a definition of the word. The man was wearing black t-shirt with EAT SH#% printed on the front. Obviously the two idiots were just trying to get a rise out of people. What they should have gotten was some steel bracelets and a ride to jail. Lastly, where was the store’s security? They should have been ejected from the store. All weekend Fox News has been talking about 150 MPH winds, then if finally dawned on me that they were talking about the hurricane, and not what was being produced by don trumps mouth!
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WESTOBOU.ORG
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The Victims of DUI WHEN PEOPLE get on the road each day, they don’t realize the dangers they could be facing. Dangers that are easily preventable if other drivers would simply stop and think. Here in Georgia, almost 25 percent of all traffic accidents in the state of Georgia include drunken-driving fatalities. Over the past five years, an average of more than 300 impaired-driving deaths occurred each year in the Peach State, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. That’s about 1,500 people killed in a drunken driving-related accident in the past five years. Each one of those lives matter. Jordan White’s life mattered. She was a beautiful, silly, absolutely one-of-a-kind 19-year-old who was excited to be attending Augusta University after graduating from Evans High School. But five years ago this week, Jordan was killed by a drunk driver on Washington Road in Evans. Her death has left a permanent hole in the hearts of her family and friends. Jordan and the 1,500 other Georgians killed by drunk drivers in the past five years could still be here today. They could be laughing, loving and making this world a little brighter. It’s up to you. Each day in this country, approximately 28 people die as a result of drunkendriving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s one person every 53 minutes. It doesn’t have to be that way. An average drunk driver has driven intoxicated more than 80 times before his or her first arrest, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There are more than 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day in this country, but only about 3,200 of those drunk drivers are caught and arrested, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drunk drivers are out there, and the results are deadly. Please stop drinking and driving. You never know who will be the next victim. Jordan is the daughter of Metro Spirit Publisher Joe White. Her mother is Jackie Rhodes White and her stepmom is Ashley Landrum White.
16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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IMMERSE YOUR SENSES IN A GAME Source Code Escape Games new destination for entertainment By Amanda Main | Photos by Joshua Bailey
A NEW ESCAPE ROOM BUSINESS is coming to downtown Augusta, and it has all your senses covered. Source Code Escape Games is owned by Vinnie Ingallinera, who is excited to be opening up on Broad Street in downtown Augusta. But Ingallinera’s background makes Source Code more than just an average escape rooms business. “I’m actually a military retiree, so I did 20 years and I learned a lot of cool tech stuff when I was in the Army,” he said. “Before I joined the Army, I was an art major. I wanted to figure out a way to put my tech and art together, and so I made escape rooms. Our escape rooms are crazy high-tech. They’re fully automated and put pretty much any smart home to shame.” He plans to open Source Code Escape Games later this month, with two escape rooms ready to go and a third, more physically challenging one, still being worked on. The first two escape rooms will be called Asylum and Hacker’s Headquarters — and the rooms are more expansive than a single open room, allowing for up to 10 to 12 people to play at a time. Because Ingallinera had been building props and escape rooms for a while before deciding to open his own, he has had time to think up aspects that make it special — from the high-tech manipulation his team will have from the control room, to piping in scents that really immerse the player in the experience. For the Asylum escape room, for example, they will be piping in a mixture of a scent called Hospital with a little bit of scent called Mildew. Ingallinera has been working on escape rooms and props under an Augusta-based business called Puzzle Props. He started Puzzle Props about a year and a half ago but had been building escape room props before that. “It just kind of formed out of, I went to my first escape room while I was in the Army with a group of soldier buddies in D.C.; we did this escape room and it was awesome,” he said. “And we were like, ‘man you know what would’ve been cool’ — and that’s kind of our new phrase at the shop. If you ever hear that phrase, everybody pays attention because ‘you know what’d be cool if’ is kind of our motto. And then whatever comes after that is like, ‘ah, yeah, we’ve got to do that.’” “So we actually pitched an idea to the guy who owned the place — ‘you know what’d be cool,’ and he was like, ‘yeah, you know somebody who can build that?’ and I was 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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like ‘Yeah, I can,’ so I built my first prop in my garage. And then he told a friend, and then that guy ordered something from me, and the next thing you know, I’m getting orders in, and I was like, “I think I know what I want to do when I grow up.” For anyone who’s never done an escape room before, it is a physical adventure game where players have an objective to complete in order to get out of the room in a certain time limit. Within the room are puzzles and clues and strategies that you and your teammates have to figure out in order to escape. At Source Code, the time limit is one hour. Each escape room has a different story line and theme. If a team gets stuck, employees are monitoring the game to provide clues and hints to help players get through the challenge. Ingallinera touts the activity as a good way for businesses to have team-building days for its employees. The 7,900-square-foot space that houses Source Code Escape Games has other activities, too — such as individual virtual reality escape room games, meant for one person to complete within 15 minutes, as well as team-based virtual reality games that involve people working together to diffuse a virtual bomb in a game called “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes.” Also available for booking is the axe-throwing room. Ingallinera likens it to a dart-throwing league — there is a large, wooden board on the wall that looks like an oversize dart board, and players chuck axes and hope to stick them to it. Forest scents are piped into the room for a full experience. He described it as likely going to have a “hooligan bar atmosphere” in there. “It was introduced to me by other escape room owners; it’s an emerging thing that came down from Canada,” he said. “I think there’s like 32 facilities in the country right now. There’s actually an axe-throwing league called the World Axe Throwing League, and the Broad Axe Throwing Room is a proud member of the WATL. We’ll probably be running a regional tournament here for qualification to the world championships.”
The axe-throwing room will allow up to 12 people, with two “axe-perts” who are there to coach people on technique. Basically, players will hold the axe with two hands out in front of them, pull it over the back of their head, swing it back over their head and release it to fly forward and stick to the wall.
“This event is equalized between men and women, because it’s not about strength, it’s about technique and inertia,” Ingallinera said. Source Code Escape Games also will have a party room people can book for things such as birthday parties and corporate events. Catering and BYOB will be allowed in the party room. To keep people coming back, Ingallinera said he plans to rebuild the escape rooms into a new experience every 12 to 18 months Source Code Escape Games is all about creating an immersive experience, from the lighting to the music to satisfying the tactile senses. “We’re purposefully going over the top with these games, and we’re gonna push the boundaries of the escape room industry,” Ingallinera said. “That’s what’s going to set us over the top — large rooms with immersive feel. Well-written games where you play out the story, not just a series of ‘gotcha’ puzzles. And at the end of it, if you feel like you were a part of the story and you accomplished the mission that ends the story, either good, bad or indifferent, then we did our job here. And it’s really just about eliciting that emotion for the amount of time that you were here and making you forget that you were just on Broad Street next to Sole.” Source Code Escape Games will open at 1025 Broad Street and is recommended for players age 13 and older. Call 762-222-8532 or visit sourcecodeescape.com. Visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/scgamemaster.
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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1 CARNIVAL THURSDAY-SUNDAY OKTOBERFEST THEME NIGHT FRIDAY GERMAN MUSIC AND DANCING ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY & SATURDAY FAMILY FUN Åž FOOD & BEVERAGES Åž LIVE MUSIC
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What’S up
Calendar: 30 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
a diFFerent VieW an exhibit is on view now to highlight stories of families and their loved ones who have an intellectual or developmental disability. The touring “Just Kids” photography exhibit, showing at the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System throughout the month of September, will have its reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Headquarters Library. “Just Kids” comes from the mind of photographer Ryan Johnson, a former community support specialist at the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. He mixes a documentary and portraiture style to tell his subjects’ stories. ARCPLS director Mashell Fashion welcomes the exhibit as “a wonderful opportunity for Augusta-Richmond County residents to witness the full, happy lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the medium of photography. We hope that those who come see the exhibit leave with a greater appreciation of the joy that the children in the photographs and children like them in this area experience.” “JuSt KidS” reCeption Headquarters Library 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 Exhibit on view throughout September 706-821-2612 outreach.arcpls.org
Friday, Sept. 15
Saturday, Sept. 16
Monday, Sept. 18
WedneSday, Sept. 20
Parents and caregivers who love thrifting will want to check out Consign for Kids this weekend at 3185 Wheeler Road. The Kids Consignment and Rummage Sale benefits the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The sale is 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 16; and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Visit consignforkids.com or email consignforkids@gmail.com.
If learning about history is your kind of thing, the 39th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Mann-Simons Site in Columbia, S.C. The free outdoor festival brings musicians, artisans, dancers and storytellers together to celebrate South Carolina’s black history and culture. Call 803-252-7742 or visit historiccolumbia.org.
Are you a teen looking for a place to game with others? North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library has you covered this Monday, starting at 7 p.m. Teens in 6th-12th grade are invited to play board games and Xbox One and are allowed bring other games. Call 803-2795767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Senior residents can join others at the Senior Extravaganza to connect with many local resources for products, services, programs and support. The event at the Odell Weeks Center in Aiken includes classes and a health fair. Pre-registration is required for the event taking place from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 30.
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Tue Sep 19
11:30am Women in Business Luncheon Legends Club An Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce event that will begin with networking at 11:30 a.m. and will continue with the luncheon and “Living Your Healthy: Taking on your best lifestyle habits,” a talk by Dr. Francisco J. Jacome, Bariatric Surgeon, and Beth Norton, Bariatric Coordinator, of Doctors Hospital. $30, members; $40, nonmembers. Deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 15. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
Wed Sep 20
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
Thu Sep 21
11:30am Security and Fraud Seminar
Civil War Roundtable Meeting Goodwill’s The Snelling Center 6 p.m. Mon Sep 18 James I. “Bud” Robertson presents on his book, “Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend,” the basis for the movie “Gods and Generals.” Meetings are $15, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
ARTS Mon Sep 18
10am - noon Oil Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656.
DANCE Ongoing
Disney on Ice: Dream Big James Brown Arena Shows are at 7 p.m. Sept. 21; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 22; 2 and 6 p.m. Sept. 23; and 2 p.m. Sept. 24. $15-$45. Visit augustaentertainmentcomplex.com or call 706262-4573.
EDUCATION Thu Sep 14
4pm - 6pm Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Sep 15
1:30pm Camera Part 3 Columbia County Library 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Learn how to remove blemishes from digital photos, print gift items and create virtual scrapbooks. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Sat Sep 16
Legends Club An Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce event with speaker SunTrust Bank’s Stuart Smith, who will educate attendees on security and fraud trends and how to avoid threats. Free, members; $15, nonmembers. Lunch provided. Deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 18. One attendee per company. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
ELSEWHERE Sun Sep 17
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu Sep 14
1pm “Pete’s Dragon” (2016 film) AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Screenwriter/Producer Toby Halbrooks will take part in a Q&A session. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.
6:30pm “Pray for Rain” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm “A Ghost Story” AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free screening as part of the Cinema Series at Augusta University. Screenwriter/Producer Toby Halbrooks will take part in a Q&A session. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre/schedule.
Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Gallery Opening Reception
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class
FLIX
Columbia Museum of Art Film screening closes out “That ‘70s Show: Cool Art from the Collection” exhibit. $5, nonmembers; free, members. Galleries open at 6 p.m., with DJ set and music-themed tour. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
AU’s University Hall 356 For those preparing to take the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) test. $50; pre-registration required. Visit http://bit.ly/GACEAugusta.
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
North Augusta Municipal Building Exhibition shows photos taken during Augusta Photography Festival’s photo walks. Runs through Sept. 27. Call 706-834-9742 or visit augustaphotofestival.org.
Fri Sep 15
EXHIBITIONS
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class
Photo Walk Finds
7:30pm “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”
10am - 5pm GACE Program Admission Workshop
Mon Sep 18
Photographer Ryan Johnson’s photographs document families and their loved ones who have intellectual development disabilities. Runs through September. Reception to take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Headquarters Library on Telfair Street.
Thu Sep 14
Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the American Academy of Equine Art and Luiza Somodi. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Ongoing
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
“Just Kids” Photography Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System
2pm Movie Time for Adults
Sat Sep 16
11am Movie Time for Kids Maxwell Branch Library A rated G or PG kid-friendly movie will show. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
3pm “My Cousin Rachel” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Sep 19
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
6pm “Wonder Woman” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Sep 14
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net. 14SEPTEMBER2017
2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby Augusta University Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.
7pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Fri Sep 15
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sun Sep 17
3pm - 5pm The Daddy Class Doctors Hospital An infant care class for fathers only. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Mon Sep 18
1pm 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 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
7pm - 8:30pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706- 651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Tue Sep 19
2pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-77414SEPTEMBER2017
Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Gross & Gooey Science Experiments
10am Preschool Story Time
Aiken Public Library Slimy science experiments for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Preregistration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for kids ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Preregistration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Sep 16
Sat Sep 16
10:30am Special Fall Story Time
211 North Louisville St., Harlem Free. Call 706-556-6656 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Free yoga for kids and adults. Visit phinizycenter.org or call 706-821-2349.
10am - noon Couponing
10am - noon You’re a Big Girl Now
Wed Sep 20
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-7742825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES 8am - noon Knitting Class
Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Sep 18
6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting Goodwill’s The Snelling Center James I. “Bud” Robertson presents on his book, “Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend,” the basis for the movie “Gods and Generals.” Meetings are $15, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Sep 14
4pm Lego Club Aiken Public Library For kids ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Sep 15
10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; preregistration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
9am 4H Yoga in the Park
Doctors Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers, on puberty and adolescence. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Friedman Branch Library Also includes a craft. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
5pm Girls Who Code Open House
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Headquarters Branch Library Open house for group for girls in 6th-12th grade to explore coding in a fun and friendly way. Call 706-394-2187 or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or arcpls.org.
11am - 1pm Family Lego Day
6pm Young Author’s Workshop
11am “Princesses Wear Pants” Story Time
Columbia County Library Diamond Lakes Branch Library A themed program for all ages. Pre-registration Creative book writing workshop for kids in 3rd5th grade. Snacks provided; pre-registration is required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org. required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Mon Sep 18
10am Monday at the Museum: Historic Holidays Augusta Museum of History This program for children ages 2-6 will include the creation of a summer memory box. $2, members; $4, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
11am Morris Museum of Art Program Columbia County Library For kids ages 2-6. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Teen Gaming Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Board games and Xbox One provided for teens in 6th-12th grade; bringing games encouraged. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Sep 19
Wed Sep 20
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library Beginning at 10:05, this is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10am Worldly Wednesday Story Time Wallace Branch Library For kids ages 2 and up. Pre-registration required for groups. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for kids ages 18 Headquarters Branch Library months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for For kids ages 3-6. Pre-registration groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls. arcpls.org. org.
10am Big Kid Story Time
10am Children’s Story Time Friedman Branch Library
3:30pm Wallace Wide Web Wallace Branch Library AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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A YA program. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Bible Theatre 101 Kroc Center Multi-week course for kids ages 9-12 to teach the core basics of theater. Classes are 5-6 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 25-Nov. 13. $90 per student. Call 706-364-5762 or visit enopion.com to register.
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@ gmail.com.
After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
LITERARY Fri Sep 15 Book Sale
Columbia County Library Friends of the Library book sale in the lobby of the library runs through Sunday, Sept. 17. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Sat Sep 16
1pm - 2:30pm Book Signing
Wallace Branch Library Featuring local author Jacqueline Franklin Carter. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Let’s Talk About It: The Play’s the Thing Aiken Public Library A book club in which participants will read three plays, watch their film adaptations and then discuss the difference. The series meets Tuesdays, Sept. 19-Dec. 5. Pre-registration is required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
MUSIC Thu Sep 14
6pm - 7:30pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Sep 15
6:30pm - 8pm Music Cruise Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Featuring Keith Gregory. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25; $23, seniors, military and students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Sat Sep 16
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
2:30pm Guitar Lessons 175 North Louisville Street, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for beginner to intermediate guitar experience. $30. Call 706556-3756 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Etherredge Center, Aiken An Aiken Symphony presentation featuring world-renowned pianist Adam Golka. $30-$45. Call 803-641-3305 or visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com/tickets.
3185 Wheeler Road Kids Consignment and Rummage Sale benefits the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Runs 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 16; and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Visit consignforkids.com or email consignforkids@ gmail.com.
8pm Mary J. Blige
5pm - 9pm Arts in the Heart of Augusta
James Brown Arena Tickets start at $51. Visit augustaentertainment complex.com or call 706-722-3521.
Downtown Augusta An arts and cultural festival that includes live entertainment on several stages, food from different countries and cultures, a fine arts and crafts market, a family area and more. Weekend badges: $7, advance; $12 during the weekend. Continues 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and noon-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Call 706-826-4702 or visit artsintheheartofaugusta.com.
7:30pm The Fabulous 3rd & 5th
Sun Sep 17
2pm - 3pm vöxnbāss Morris Museum of Art Bassist Travis Shaw and vocalist Monét Robinson (Nefertiti) perform a selection of vocal jazz standards as part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
SENIORS Wed Sep 20
8am - 2pm Senior Extravaganza Odell Weeks Center, Aiken An event for senior citizens that includes classes, a health fair and local resources. Preregistration required. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
Thu Sep 21
1pm - 1:30pm Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Fri Sep 15
8am - 8pm Consign for Kids
Sat Sep 16
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.
9am - 4pm Holistic Wellness Fair Odell Weeks Center, Aiken Free event showcasing holistic practitioners and practices in the CSRA. Meet holistic wellness providers and consultants, hear speakers and win door prizes. Food available. Visit facebook.com/HolisticWellnessFair.
11am - 6pm Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture Mann-Simons Site, Columbia, S.C. Free outdoor festival brings musicians, artisans, dancers and storytellers together to celebrate South Carolina’s black history and culture. Call 803-252-7742 or visit historiccolumbia.org.
4pm - 7pm 4-C: Community, Connect, Channel, Commerce
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Diamond Lakes Community Center 4-C is a gathering of local companies and vendors offering resources for the community. There will be food, consultations, giveaways, entertainment, employment opportunities and more. Call 800-460-0183 or visit forconline.org.
Tue Sep 19
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit http:// augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-park-farmersmarket/.
SPIRITUAL Fri Sep 15
7pm Christian concert New Beginning Congregational Holiness Church, Aiken Free concert featuring several local soloists and groups. Continues 6 p.m. Saturday. Call 864377-3545 or visit csra-sgma.com.
7pm The Perrys in concert Bethesda Baptist Church Free concert by the award-winning Southern gospel group The Perrys. A love offering will be received. Call 706-556-6818
Sat Sep 16
10am - 4pm Ladies Conference Victory Baptist Church, North Augusta All women invited to free conference titled “Untold Stories”; a love offering will be received. Session 1 begins at 10am, and Session 2 begins at 1pm. Lunch provided at noon. Register online at www.victorybc.com, or call 803-278-2138.
4pm - 5:30pm Can We Talk About? Jessye Norman School of the Arts A continuing series of roundtable discussions, this week talking about the elimination of prejudice. Organized by Baha’is from Augusta and Columbia County, this discussion is free and open to the public. Visit facebook.com/pg/ augusta.bahais.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Sep 16
8am Augusta HBCU 5K Fun Run/Walk and Health Fair Riverview Park, North Augusta The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the health fair begins at 9 a.m. $30, adults; $10, kids 12 and younger. Visit augustahbcu5k4.eventbrite.com.
10am - noon Build Your Own Birdhouse
Girls Who Code Open House Headquarters Branch Library 5 p.m. Tue Sep 19 Open house for group for girls in 6th-12th grade to explore coding. Call 706-394-2187 or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or arcpls.org. Free yoga event outdoors; bring your own mat. Donations will be accepted for the Pendleton King Park Foundation, which maintains and supports park projects. Call 706-294-9472 or email cindy@theyogacenter.net.
Ongoing
Inaugural Golf Tournament Applewood Golf Course, Keysville Registration is open for GrantWest Enterprises’ inaugural golf tournament Sept. 29 at Applewood Golf Course in Keysville. The deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 22. $75 per person or $300 per team of four, open to adults 18 and older. Prizes will be awarded, and sponsorships available. GrantWest is a nonprofit organization that provides education to young people in the CSRA to reduce risks of teen pregnancy, HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse. Call 706-627-3702 or 706-664-5900.
SUPPORT Thu Sep 14
6pm - 7:30pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
Mistletoe State Park $5, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Mon Sep 18
Sun Sep 17
Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Call 706-825-1544 or visit augusta.edu.
10am - 11:30am Yoga in the Park Pendleton King Park Pavilion 14SEPTEMBER2017
6:15pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group
Tue Sep 19
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Thu Sep 21
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group
THEATER Sat Sep 16
10am - 1pm Reader’s Theater for Adults Aiken Public Library No props, costumes or memorization needed. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1111, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Sep 21
7pm Michael Viator’s Beauty and the Beast Imperial Theatre Also shows at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Classic story presented by the Columbia County Ballet. $14-$30. Military and child discounts available. Visit imperialtheatre.com or call 706-722-8341.
Ongoing
“Peter Pan”
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Weekly group meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Aiken Community Playhouse Showing 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15. $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
“Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Auditions
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net.
“The Motherf#@ker with the Hat” Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322. Enopion Theatre Company Appointments for auditions for the company’s annual Christmas dinner show are now being scheduled and began Aug. 28. The website lists monologues, rehearsals and show times for those considering auditioning. Call 706-771AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
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Saturday, September 16 Live Music
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River The Backyard Tavern - Keith Gregory Fox’s Lair - Old Man Crazy The Iron Heights - Devil Driver, 36 Crazyfists, Tetrarch and more James Brown Arena - Mary J. Blige Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Wild Wing - Impulse Ride Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke
Sunday, September 17 Live Music
Mary J. Blige James Brown Arena 8 p.m. Sat Sep 16; tickets start at $51 augustaentertainmentcomplex.com 706-722-3521
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, September 18 Live Music
The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, September 19 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Sky City - Tank The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Chris Bandi The Country Club 9:30 p.m. Fri Sep 15 augustacountry.com 706-364-1862 Thursday, September 14 Live Music
Evans Towne Center Park - Clint Black Soul Bar - The ABC Band Southbound Smokehouse - Magic City Hippies Wild Wing - Joe Stevenson The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The Highlander - Game Night World of Beer - Karaoke
Wednesday, September 20 Live Music Sky City - Ladies Night with DJ Zel That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses
Friday, September 15 Live Music
Country Club - Chris Bandi Fox’s Lair - The Vicky Grady Band The Highlander - Whole Lotta Soul Shannon’s - Atomic Road, Sherry Iles Sky City - B-Sides Nerd Night, Capture the Flag w/ varous guest DJs Soul Bar - Pop Life Southbound Smokehouse - West King String Band Wild Wing - Tokyo Joe The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Josh Johansson Music
Shannon’s - Petty Cache Soul Bar - Mike Tanksley Band Wild Wing - Dave Love
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
- Southbound Smokehouse September 21 Shovels and Rope
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater September 22 (r) Evolution
- Soul Bar September 22 The Carousers
- Stillwater Taproom September 22 Arkaik, Alterbeast, Inanimate Existence
- The Iron Heights September 23 Fenwick, Willess, Jaycie & the Beards
- Sky City September 23 Stink Bamboo
- Stillwater Taproom September 23 Jimmy and the Jawbones
- Soul Bar September 25 BullMoose, Gloom Cocoon, and Hound of Goshen
- Sky City September 28 Michelle Malone & Drag the River, Silvertown
- Sky City September 29 An Evening with Chris Robinson Brotherhood
- Sky City October 3 Old Dominion
- Bell Auditorium October 5 An Evening with Molly Ringwald
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center October 7 Kevin Hart
- Bell Auditorium October 7-8 Chris Janson
- Bell Auditorium October 21 Kansas
- Bell Auditorium October 25 Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Sky City October 28 Funk You
- Sky City October 31 Chicago
- Bell Auditorium November 1 Kenny George Band
- Stillwater Taproom November 3 Symphony Orchestra Augusta
- Bell Auditorium November 9 Chris Tomlin
- James Brown Arena November 10 Rick Springfield, Richard Marx
- Bell Auditorium December 6
Elsewhere B-52s w/ the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta September 14-15 Music Midtown w/ Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons, Wiz Khalifa, Weezer, Haim, Collective Soul, the Strumbellas, Oh Wonder
- Piedmont Park, Atlanta September 16-17 Hanson
- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta September 20 Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta September 21 Broken Social Scene, Frightened Rabbit, The Belle Game
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 22 Adam Ant, Glam Skanks
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta September 23 Tracy Morgan
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta September 23 Cold War Kids, Joywave
Upcoming
- Georgia Theatre, Athens September 25
Eryn Eubanks
Father John Misty, Weyes Blood 14SEPTEMBER2017
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- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 27 Indigo Girls, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta September 27 Pinback, The Messthetics
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta September 28 Ani DiFranco
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta September 29 Drive-By Truckers, Strand of Oaks
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta September 29 and 30 Kesha
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta September 29 Jack Johnson, Bahamas
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta September 30 Lil Wayne
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia September 30 Rufus Wainwright
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta September 30 A3C Independent Hip-Hop Fest w/ Saba, Nas, Ghostface Killah, Just Blaze, Joyner Lucas, Kirk Knight, Jay Idk
- Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, Atlanta October 8 Wilco, Margaret Glaspy
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta October 8
Ahora espaĂąol Livelinks.com 18+
Gorillaz
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta October 11 Conor Oberst, The Felice Brothers
- 40 Watt Club, Athens October 14 Foo Fighters, The Struts
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia October 17 Primus
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta November 9
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
IT
$123,403,419
$123,403,419
1
-
2
HOME AGAIN
$8,567,881
$8,567,881
1
-
3
THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD
$4,801,745
$64,848,752
4
1
4
ANNABELLE: CREATION
$4,003,115
$96,270,125
5
2
5
WIND RIVER
$3,132,362
$24,924,354
6
3
In Theaters September 15
HORROR ACTION “mother!,” rated R, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris “American Assassin,” rated R, starring Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Kitsch, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Wrestler”) writes and directs this horror/thriller film. Lawrence and Bardem play a married couple who live a quiet, country life. Their relationship is tested when another couple unexpectedly arrives at their home. After 2014’s big-budget epic “Noah,” Aronofsky returns to his roots with a small-scale, psychological thriller—a genre that he excels at. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Michael Keaton and Sanaa Lathan. Based on the novel by Vince Flynn, “American Assassin” follows CIA recruit Mitch Rapp (played by “Maze Runner” star Dylan O’Brien) as he fights to stop a mysterious operative know as “Ghost.” Keaton plays Stan Hurley, a Cold War veteran who trains and mentors Rapp. If you’re a fan of films like “John Wick” and “The Bourne Identity,” this movie is probably for you. 14SEPTEMBER2017
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreect.com
Bill Quinn, Kathee Cammisa, Mary Schorsch and Les Bertrand at Pizza Joint downtown
Anita and Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle with Melinda and Mickey Hughes at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Julie and Scot Seabolt with Suzanne and Carl Corley at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Sherry Goff, Sheilah Johnson and Elizabeth Hood at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Kelly Costeira with singer/songwriter Daniel E. Johnson and Melissa Morettini at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Kristen Rogers, with singer/songwriter Justin Dukes and Lena Atkinson at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Jaci Langford, Sara Ingram, Kayson Bentley and Holley Banister at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Annalisa Bodie, Megan and Taylor Blessing at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
Austin Buchwitz, Christiane Krupp, Shelby Smith and Melissa Hogan at Country Under the Stars at the Jesse Carroll Community Center
14SEPTEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 37
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Dr. Pringle Finally Meets the Elephant in the Room Austin Rhodes LAst wEEk, Stacy Eidson put together an amazing and exasperating look at the Richmond County School System’s horrific reputation and the way it is playing into the public education choices being made by newcomers to the area. Specifically at issue was the way the dismal statistics were being digested by the hundreds of new cyber security and NSA hires that are moving into the region in record numbers. (The Reality of Richmond County Schools, metrospirit.com/reality-richmond-county-schools) In the middle of Stacy’s interview with system superintendent Dr. Angela Pringle, the school chief had this rather odd observation to share: “I think I have identified it over and over and over,” Pringle said. “There is the same curriculum. We pretty much use the same hiring process for teachers and staff, and we use the same assessments. But the difference is when you really look at the children, the support that they need to reach and access that curriculum varies from school to school.” Some of the students in the lower-performing schools simply don’t have a strong support system at home, she said. “The children at Jenkins-White, the children at Wilkinson Gardens, the children at Meadowbrook have a totally different set of support systems than the children at some of higher-performing schools,” Pringle said. “It is just amazing to me.” WOW. If that was a surprise, Dr. Pringle, you certainly can’t blame me for keeping the secret. I have been preaching that sermon for 25 years, and I specifically warned you about this issue in a rather exhaustive letter printed right here, exactly three years ago, on the occasion of your hire. Since you now have a new three-year contract, I am reposting the letter in the hopes that in your second term, you are finally armed with the experience to aggressively seek answers to the problems you now know exist. Professional educators have long dodged acknowledging this issue, because the instant they do, they admit that they have a problem that no amount of government spending can fix. ———————— Dear Dr. Pringle, First of all, welcome to our fine community. I recommend the barbecue at Sconyers, the crawfish étouffée at French Market Grille, the coffee at The Metro, and the cold beer at Stillwater Tap Room. You may need a few of those beers. You will find that the serious-minded people of the CSRA will back you in just about any sensible initiative intended to “right the ship” that is the Richmond County School system, but there are a few slowpokes who are gonna throw up speed bumps. As our new Superintendent, you have inherited a mixed bag. The good news is, you have (mostly) good people, a well-built (mostly) infrastructure, and some very eager school board members who want to see the system return to its former place at the top of the local education hierarchy. A few months back, your BOE president, Venus Cain, hit the nail on the head when she said that the parents in Richmond County need to do a better job with their children at home so that the schools can perform to their potential. Hear, hear! My wife taught for several years in a Richmond County school before she was recruited to Columbia County. She tells me the parental involvement and concern at Glenn Hills High School was dismal compared to what it is at Greenbrier High School. Yes, I understand there is a great economic disparity between the two districts involved, but there doesn’t seem to be a lack of parental involvement at your magnet schools, and there is great economic diversity among those parents. My wife Bobbie saw first hand that while there were plenty of good kids at Glenn Hills, most were not being prepared at home with the necessary support and encouragement young people (particularly teenagers) need in these challenging times. She was deeply involved with these students; outside her normal classroom duties, she was the varsity cheerleading coach. She got a better view of what their lives were like than most teachers, and what she saw was not good. Her assessment of the support her students were not getting from their families? “Heartbreaking.” As a professionally trained educator, you know far better than most that the biggest problem in education today is not funding, inadequate instruction or poor facilities; it is quite simply the uncooperative and disruptive students created by substandard parents. While serious discipline problems do exist in Richmond County, fortunately they are isolated 38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
and fairly easy to handle when they occur. The troublemakers are removed, case closed. What is almost impossible to handle at the classroom level (particularly in middle and high school), is an unprepared, lethargic or apathetic student. These are the children who have largely been raised on “automatic pilot” with little or no worthwhile intellectual stimulation at home. These are the kids who showed up for kindergarten not knowing how to count to 10, their ABCs, or even how to clean themselves up in the bathroom. The fact that children are raised in such a way is sickening, and it is not lost on people of good conscience that these kids are laid at the stoop of the school on a regular basis. This problem is systemwide, although some schools are hit with it far worse than others. This is one of the primary reasons my daughter attended a private school. While her mother wanted her there for religious reasons, I was far more concerned about her proximity to children who had not been raised properly. Her school was not perfect, but there were far more involved and conscientious parents sending their kids to her school than there appear to be at many of your regular high schools. The magnet schools are the exception, and perhaps theirs is the example that could be followed. Here is a suggestion, why not set behavior and academic performance standards high systemwide, and then “warehouse” the troublemakers who clearly do not want to participate in a constructive manner? Federal law mandates that you educate all but the criminally convicted, but that doesn’t mean you have to have the malcontents sitting next to the kids who are putting forth an effort. You could call it a “reverse” magnet school, reserved just for those who refuse make good use of the free education the property taxpayers of Richmond County are trying to give them. Give it a try, it certainly can’t hurt. I would also suggest a PR campaign that puts this message in the minds of every stakeholder in Richmond County public education: “WE WILL DO OUR JOB ... NOW YOU DO YOURS!” Aim that thought at the parents, as much as you do the students. Most of us have no idea what a Herculean task you have before you, but I can tell you honestly, you have an entire region watching your back. Do what needs to be done. Pull the trigger, build the foundations, or, as some have suggested is needed, flush the toilet. In the meantime, thank you for enlisting in the effort to make Richmond County schools a success. My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and yes, even my daughter, are proud products (for at least some period) of your system. We all want you to bring it back to its long lost glory. Respectfully at your side in the fight, Austin Rhodes National Hills Elementary 1970-73 T. Harry Garrett Elementary 1975-76 John M. Tutt Jr. High School 1978-80 Westside High School, Class of ’83 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.
14SEPTEMBER2017
SEPTEMBER 14TH - 17TH
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