Metro Spirit - 03.15.18

Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com

March 15, 2018

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Table of Contents Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com

Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature

8 10 12 St. Patrick’s Day 20 Metro Week 22 What’s Up 23 Calendar 24 Nightlife 32 The Eight 37 Sightings 34 Austin Rhodes 39

March 15, 2018 | V29 • N011

ETCP Springfest Page 15

Metro Week Page 22

Party people wearing (and drinking) green Page 20 MARCH

The Insider Does Sheriff Roundtree have a regime?

by The Insider Just last month, The Insider wrote a column about an explosive Facebook post by former Sgt. Shane McDaniel of the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office.

McDaniel was once the public information officer for the sheriff ’s office, and he stunned many local Augustans in February by posting several scathing remarks about Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s leadership style.

“I am sitting back and watching (with a HUGE SMILE) some GREAT & INTELLIGENT people leave a cesspool of an agency. Congrats to you courageous people for standing up for what’s right for YOU. You men and women deserve so much more…

And you definitely deserve a better leader,” McDaniel posted on Facebook in February.

“If a leader doesn’t understand the concept of ‘service above self,’ they will not gather the trust, confidence and loyalty of their subordinates.

Any leader is only as good as his or her team’s desire to be led by them. An over abundance of EGO, PRIDE and ARROGANCE are NOT positive leadership traits. Real leaders take the blame and give the credit — not the

other way around. Long story short: if a leader receives a vote of non-confidence from their subordinates… Then the subordinates WILL seek alternatives.”

Well, apparently McDaniel had a lot more to say about Roundtree and the sheriff ’s office.

This past Sunday, McDaniel was a guest on WGAC’s “Law Talk” radio show hosted by local attorney P.J. Campanaro.

During the hour-long program, he discussed the growing number of veteran officers who are leaving the sheriff ’s office due to low morale. And he didn’t hold back.

McDaniel insisted there was some “very negative stuff ” happening within the sheriff ’s office.

“For example, enforcing policy and procedure 50 percent of the time and turning a blind eye the other 50 percent of the time,” McDaniel stated on the air. “Or promotions.

Promoting people that are just strictly not qualified. That happened several times recently.”

McDaniel said that the sheriff ’s office is “bypassing” people who are college educated or have “serious tenure” and, instead, the > Continued on next page !5'534! 3 ).$%0%.$%.4 6/)#% 3).#% METROSPIRIT 3

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The Insider Does Sheriff Roundtree have a regime?

by The Insider > Continued from the previous page sheriff is promoting officers who are not qualified for the higher ranking positions.

He said these tenured officer could do the job with “their eyes closed,” but they are not being seriously considered for these positions.

“That’s almost a slap in the face,” McDaniel said, adding that he believes the “good ol’ boy system” is still affecting the sheriff ’s office.

“You still have the good ol’ boy system under this regime,” he stated. “It’s just a different regime.”

As a result, McDaniel said that many of the officers within the sheriff ’s department are not being treated fairly.

“It’s not fair to those who have put in the time,” he said. “It’s not fair to those who have gotten their education. There is one guy right now, he’s working on his master’s degree and does a fantastic job.”

But this individual is being ignored within the department because he’s not part of Roundtree’s regime, McDaniel said.

As the conversation continued, McDaniel was asked whether he believed the regime within the sheriff ’s office fell along “racial lines.”

McDaniel paused for a moment, and then said he didn’t really feel comfortable answering that question.

“For me, it wasn’t racial. Now, do I see things happening along racial lines?” McDaniel asked.

“It can be interpreted that way. Yes. It can.”

But McDaniel insisted that the problems within the sheriff ’s department aren’t centered on race.

“I’m saying some of the people who have been promoted, don’t meet the qualifications to be a supervisor,” McDaniel said. “Now, what other deputies and other supervisors are telling me, they are venting to me that they think those folks are being promoted based on race. That’s some of their opinions. They have told me that.”

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McDaniel said it’s a shame because he, at one time, thought he had a good working relationship with Roundtree prior to him becoming sheriff.

“I considered the sheriff a friend of mine because we went back to the old Augusta Police Department days together,” McDaniel said. “We were on the same shift at one point.

We were privates together. I considered him a friend.”

But now, McDaniel said he no longer speaks to the sheriff.

In fact, he was surprised that Roundtree regularly insists on a closed-door policy in his department.

“I have not spoken with the sheriff,” McDaniel said. “He usually, the majority of the time, keeps his door closed. When I was employed there as a sergeant in internal affairs, ... I only went up there if it was strictly work related, and I would have to knock on his door.”

It’s pretty bad when your own staff feels like you’re unapproachable.

As an elected official, the sheriff needs to listen to his veteran officers before it’s too late because McDaniel said the morale in the department is so tremendously low right now that he hears from discouraged officers on a regular basis.

“My cellphone has been blowing up for the last several weeks,” McDaniel said. “Since leaving the sheriff ’s office, I feel like a whole new person. I feel great. I feel relieved. I am stress free.”

But McDaniel said he still feels bad for his former colleagues within the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office who are stuck in a nowin situation.

“I wish I could do something to help them out because those men and women work their butts off,” McDaniel said. “Those are the real workhorses.”

MARCH

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The Insider

What will voters decide about the new arena?

by The Insider

Will the new James Brown Arena be constructed at its current downtown site, or will a new $120 million facility be built at the former Regency Mall location in south Augusta?

That is the question.

In about two months, Richmond County voters will see two nonbinding questions on the May 22 ballot regarding the proposed James Brown Arena.

The questions will be: 1. Should the Augusta Commission approve a site location for the new James Brown Arena at the current location downtown?

2. Should the Augusta Commission approve a site location for the new James Brown Arena at the Regency Mall location on Gordon Highway?

These questions have divided this community for more than six months now. It’s time for voters to have their say.

Of course, no matter what voters decide, the Augusta Commission will still have the final say in the matter.

But it will be interesting to find out the results of the two questions on the ballot. After all, Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis is extremely confident that voters will overwhelmingly support the south Augusta location.

However, many downtown business owners are urging voters to come out to the polls and support the new arena being built at the current downtown location.

Ironically, at the same time that both the local Republican and Democratic parties agreed to add the two arena questions to the May 22 ballot, the current James Brown Arena just received a major honor.

Just this past week, the Augusta Entertainment Complex was named “Small Venue of the Year”

by Comcast Spectacor.

“For the second consecutive year, the Augusta Entertainment Complex has recorded the most successful fiscal year in its history,” according to a press release this week. “The Spectra venue also lowered its operating costs for the third consecutive year. During the 2016-17 fiscal year, Spectra hosted 129 events, and 33 more events than the previous year, which propelled Spectra to exceed its targets once again. According to the trade publication, Venues Today, The Bell Auditorium ranked #5 throughout Georgia in gross ticket sales FY2016.”

Chris Bird, the general manager at the Augusta Entertainment Complex, was also nominated for the Ed Snider Award, which was established to honor the company’s late chairman, Ed Snider, who passed away in 2016.

The award recognizes an individual who 6 METROSPIRIT !5'534! 3 ).$%0%.$%.4 6/)#% 3).#%

“embodies Ed’s entrepreneurial spirit and his devotion to philanthropy — the fundamentals that Spectra was built upon,” the press release stated.

“Chris Bird exemplifies these qualities by his passion for our local community and its leaders,” the release added. “He sits on several local boards including United Way, Southeastern Burn Foundation, Westobou Festival, and this past year was a participant in The Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man of the Year campaign.”

Both the arena staff and members of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority were blown away by the recognition.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as Comcast Spectacor’s small venue of the year,” Bird stated.

“We pride ourselves on being great partners with the Coliseum Authority and together we are committed to providing top-notch quality entertainment and further enhancing the quality of life here in Augusta.”

Coliseum Authority Chairman Johnson said Augusta was lucky to have such an incredible Spectra staff working in this community.

“We certainly appreciate the relationship we continue to have with the Spectra staff at The Augusta Entertainment Complex,” he stated.

“Their efforts on the local level do not go unnoticed, and we’re pleased they are recognized as an asset to the company as a whole.”

So, if the local Spectra team can make the current aging arena so incredibly successful, can you imagine what it could do with a brand new $120 million facility in the right location here in Augusta?

Voters, it’s time to seriously consider both proposed locations and think about the future.

Do you want a new state-of-the-art arena in the thriving downtown area or would you prefer a new $120 million facility built on an abandoned piece of land that the city doesn’t even own out on Gordon Highway?

Whatever your thoughts are on the issue, consider the city’s future and make sure you head to the polls on May 22.

Let the Augusta Commission hear your voice.

MARCH

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Kris Fisher Baby, I need your lovin’

by Kris Fisher

In case you didn’t notice, I played hooky last week.

I texted the editor of the Metro Spirit a couple hours before my column’s deadline to say that I wouldn’t be sending one. My reason for giving the Spirit an extra page of ad space last week: A case of writer’s block. It happens more often than you think. I’ll come up with an idea and doubt myself over and over until I come to the conclusion that nobody wants to read my column anyway. Yeah, it’s that bad. Self doubt mixed in with my KRIS FISHER is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 lifelong low self-esteem leads to a quick downward spiral and an Augusta radio staple. He of ‘nobody loves me, everybody hates me and something is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, about eating worms.’ as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago.

But when I get into this all-too-familiar dark place, djkfish.com. it seems like the world has always got my back. I got compliments about my column from two people over the past week. One of them came from kickboxing bad-ass Steve Dement. I’ve known Steve for a while and respect what he does in the ring tremendously. I’ve trained with him and … OK, that’s a lie; I’ve never trained with him. I’ve seen him train, and there is no way in this or any other world that I could keep up. That guy is a beast! Anyway, he mentioned how much he looks forward to my column, and I was blown away.

This guy reads my column? And enjoys it? It was a very unexpected, meaningful and perfectly timed compliment.

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Remember the last time someone said something similar to you? Maybe it was “nice job” or “good idea” or “glad to have you on our team.” We all want to feel appreciated, especially in the workplace. When I was offered the job at HD983 that brought me back home from Texas back in 2006, I told my boss about the offer. His response was “well, anyone can be replaced.” Ouch! Even though the new offer was for less than I was making at the time, I took it. Not only would it send me back home but, my old job obviously didn’t need me. I’m still friends with that guy today, and he asked me if there’s anything he could have done, outside of offer a raise, to keep me in Texas. I reminded him of the comment he made and told him that if he would have instead said something to the effect of “we can’t do this without you,” I would have stayed. Feeling appreciated, feeling needed, it’s that important.

I challenge you to make someone feel appreciated today, tomorrow and every day after. It could be anyone. Tell your spouse how great it is that they keep the laundry clean or that dinner is ready when you get home. Tell your kids how much you appreciate them cleaning the house before you get home. Tell the coworker that always fills the coffee pot in the morning how awesome they are for doing that. I’m a firm believer in the idea that the more positive energy you put out, the more positive energy you get back. I don’t care who you are, we could all use a little more positive energy.

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Nice recap from Thrillist. Too bad it’s b.s.

Augusta will never be the capital of anything while good ol’ boy cronyism runs the show. Just look at the relationships between the people in power in this area, from higher education to corporations.

They all grew up together. It’s impossible to rise in this town unless you’re an M.D. With the elections starting, I would like to share The Devil’s Dictionary’s definition of vote: “The instrument and symbol of a freeman’s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.”( Or in the case of Columbia County, a wreck of his county.”

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM

It was not long ago that someone stated that it takes a village to raise a child. Obviously that experiment has failed. Please parents, go out and find your children before it’s too late for them and America!

Fake Ranger Sleeper is so afraid of being asked for his promised updated military records he won’t even tell the voters he’s not running. Here’s a trivia category for his so called trivia games, Cowards.

Yes infantry guys are mostly 18 to 20 year olds.

Yes they are trained to handle weapons far more dangerous then AR-15. Let also inform that the military has 99.9% full proof gun control. Every weapon, and explosive, and key to storage and arms-room is checked every hour on the hour, every day, every month, year long.

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.

Now it is stated that the Munkins molested Judy Garland!!! This is hilarious of the #metoo BS!! I love it, maybe the Munkins hid under her skirt to get a special view.!! How far is this crap going to go?

Trump totally backs down after the NRA demands and gets a closed door meeting with him and then he decides we need to study the issue of mass murder of innocent children just a little more. And Trump said other Republicans were afraid of the NRA; isn’t that like a screwdriver calling the hammer a tool?

Letter To The Editor I am writing to publicly add my support for George Bratcher, who is running for District 3 seat with the Columbia County School Board. Columbia County residents are so fortunate to have a candidate of this caliber and dedication.

George lives in Evans and has deep roots in the community. George’s son was a graduate of Columbia County so he has firsthand knowledge as a parent of the Columbia County School System.

His commitment goes far beyond that of his own family. He cares deeply about the education for all students and he has advocated fairly and passionately for students, parents, families, teachers and administrators. He is an excellent listener, who fully considers options before making important decisions.

Mr. Bratcher is an outstanding citizen and public servant who will bring passion, vision, and expertise to the board, and will ensure the same support and success he would want for his own children and grandchildren.

George will make an excellent member of the Board of Education. I urge you to use your “voice” by going out on May 22nd and voting for him. In doing so, you are saying you are ready for a change, A New Voice, and A Fresh Perspective.

Sincerely, Susan M. Propst 10 METROSPIRIT !5'534! 3 ).$%0%.$%.4 6/)#% 3).#%

MARCH

V29|NO11

“I had to go in the restaurant and get another staff member and ask them, ‘Come out here for a second. Tell me if I’m just crazy or does this thing actually have a Southern accent?’ And, sure enough, it does.”

— Darby Carpenter, the general manager of Farmhaus Burger

Just by pushing a crosswalk button on Broad or Reynolds streets, visitors get introduced to the unique voice of downtown Augusta

Cross the Street, Y’all!

by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com

Darby Carpenter will never forget the first time he heard “the voice” in downtown Augusta.

As the general manager of Farmhaus Burger on Broad Street, Carpenter regularly helps set up the patio furniture outside the restaurant before the lunch crowd arrives.

One day last year, he was setting up a table near the corner of 12th and Broad streets when he heard an unusual voice coming from the nearby crosswalk sign.

“Someone walking by had hit the crosswalk button and, all of a sudden, I heard this male voice with a very thick Southern accent say, ‘The walk sign is on across Broad Street,’” Carpenter said. “I immediately thought, ‘That can’t be what that recording actually sounds like. There is no way.’ So I decided to stand out by the sign for a minute and press the button and wait to see what would happen. And, seconds later, the next thing I heard was the same Southern voice saying, ‘The walk sign is on across Broad Street.’”

The voice used for the recorded crosswalk message sounds more like someone who should be narrating a bird dog show or a shade-tree mechanic program on public radio 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

rather than providing street directions to pedestrians in downtown Augusta.

Carpenter just stood by the crosswalk sign in total shock.

“I still didn’t believe it,” Carpenter said, laughing. “I had to go in the restaurant and get another staff member and ask them, ‘Come out here for a second. Tell me if I’m just crazy or does this thing actually have a Southern accent?’ And, sure enough, it does.”

Ever since hearing the recorded Southern voice at the crosswalks, Carpenter admits he has become slightly obsessed with it.

“Now, I always have to point it out to people because it just cracks me up. It’s so funny,” Carpenter said. “I guess when the city installed the lights, they set the recording. I mean, that cannot be the standard greeting across America. There’s no way.”

The only reason Carpenter believes he noticed the recorded message that day was because 12th Street was closed to traffic due to the clearing of property right across the street from the restaurant.

“There was no traffic going down 12th Street, so it was a little quieter

than usual,” Carpenter said. “Typically, the only thing that most people will hear is the automated voice at the crosswalk saying, ‘Wait. Wait.’ But if you actually wait, you’ll hear this very distinct Southern voice coming from the crosswalk. It’s hilarious. I love it.”

Augusta Traffic Engineer John Ussery said the person whose voice was recorded for the downtown crosswalks was actually a contractor working for the city.

“A few years ago, when they built the Augusta Convention Center and the parking garage, the city kind of revamped that section of Reynolds Street,” Ussery said, adding that he joined the city’s traffic engineering department in 2016 after the completion of the project. “But as part of that process, the city decided to upgrade the traffic signals to make a more unified look as you drive down Reynolds Street.”

Along with the upgrade of the traffic signals, the city also added new pedestrian crosswalks in the downtown area, he said.

“At the end of the process, the city installed the new pedestrian crossing heads and all the apparatus that help people cross the streets downtown,” Ussery said.

“As part of that, we needed a recording for the crosswalks. And, after some discussion about what was needed, nobody really wanted to do it. Nobody wanted to record their voice.”

The city had to make a decision, he said.

“With the units we installed, you could either go with a standard greeting and instructions or you could put one in like a sound bite file,” Ussery said. “The idea was you could put a recording in that was different than just the standard one that everybody else has.”

The city decided an actual person’s voice would be better than the standard robo-voice message, Ussery said.

“So, after some discussion, they finally got somebody who was part of the contractor’s staff to do the recording because he was the only one who stepped up and wanted to do it,” Ussery said. “I don’t think it was intentional to sound really Southern like it does. It was just that this gentleman, who stepped up to the challenge and decided to allow us to record his voice, that’s just how he talks and so it was kind of a happy accident.”

However, because the gentlemen was part of the contractor’s team who worked on the project, Ussery said he doesn’t know the identity of the person who recorded the messages.

“I honestly don’t know the guy’s name, and I have no idea where he is,” Ussery said. “But he really helped us out because pretty much everybody who was asked to record their voice said, ‘No way,’ until we got to this gentleman, and he agreed to do it. And now you can hear his voice on both Broad and Reynolds streets.”

The public seems to have really embraced the truly Southern voice heard at the downtown crosswalks, Ussery said.

“It just happened to turn out really well. It’s unique, so we just kept it,” he said. “We’ve had lots of people say they really do like it. I’ve never had anyone complain that they don’t like it.”

The recorded voice is just much more interesting than a robo message, Ussery said.

“We could, at any time, switch it back to a very standard, ‘Walk. Don’t walk’ message, or we could replace his voice in the future with something else if we wanted,” Ussery said. “But, for now, I think it adds a little bit of character to the downtown area and people like it.”

Ironically, many longtime business owners and operators in downtown Augusta were shocked to hear the Southern voice recordings at the crosswalks.

“That’s hilarious. I had no idea,” said Matt Flynn of Stillwater Taproom on Broad Street. “They should dress the sign up in overalls and a straw hat to complete the gag.”

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With the St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration coming up this weekend and Masters Week just around the corner, Flynn said a lot of folks could potentially hear the downtown crosswalks’ unique Southern recordings.

“I’m not sure how visitors will react,” Flynn said, chuckling. “Personally, I think it would be nice to hear a female voice, too.”

Of course, that suggestion opens up a whole mess of possibilities.

“I don’t think it was intentional to sound really Southern like it does. It was just that this gentleman, who stepped up to the challenge and decided to allow us to record his voice, that’s just how he talks and so it was kind of a happy accident.”

— Augusta Traffic Engineer John Ussery How about a recording that says, “Sugar, hold your horses! Don’t get squashed like a grasshopper!”

Or what about a Southern voice counting down the crosswalk saying, “One Mississippi, two Mississippi...”

Carpenter said he would love to hear unique voice recordings at different crosswalks all over the city.

“My hope is, but obviously this is

just a comedic aside, but that each neighborhood would have a recording that would reflect their neighborhood,” Carpenter said. “Like, for a crosswalk that’s located on The Hill, it would say something like, ‘Y’all need to wait before you cross that street there, dawg.’”

How about, “Goodness gracious. You’re slower than cream rising on buttermilk.”

Or what about, “Are you fixin’ to cross, or are you gonna sit a spell?”

After hearing the Southern voice recordings at the crosswalks in downtown Augusta for the first time this week, Soul Bar co-owner Coco Rubio said the city could get very creative with its crosswalks.

“We could, at any time, switch it back to a very standard, ‘Walk. Don’t walk’ message, or we could replace his voice in the future with something else if we wanted. But, for now, I think it adds a little bit of character to the downtown area, and people like it.”

— Augusta Traffic Engineer John Ussery “It’s too bad that James Brown did not do the voice recordings because that would be awesome,” Rubio said, laughing. “The city could have recordings like, ‘Get up off that thing ... cross the street now!’ or ‘Get on the good foot ... now cross the street!’ Or how about, ‘Please, please, please ... cross the street carefully.’ I’d like to hear those kinds of messages at the crosswalks.”

Carpenter said the city could have a lot of fun with the voice recordings if it wanted to, but, of course, the messages would still have to be useful to pedestrians.

“It’s just one of those things where everybody has a talking device these days. Your phone talks, Siri talks, Alexa talks, 15MARCH2018

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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your Google Home thing talks,” Carpenter said.

“Everything talks to you, but none of it is regionally specific. That’s why I find these crosswalk messages so fascinating.”

Over the past several months, customers sitting outside Farmhaus on Broad Street have also noticed the extremely Southern crosswalk messages, he said.

“We have that one patio that is right on the corner with a table and four chairs,” Carpenter said. “And if it’s a quiet day and there’s not a whole lot going on and they are the first customers of the day — like they’re sitting outside between 11 and 11:30 a.m. — it’s usually quiet enough for them to hear it. I’ll watch their faces. I always see people looking at each other and laughing.”

Carpenter said he thoroughly enjoys seeing people’s reaction to the recorded voice.

“My hope is, but obviously this is just a comedic aside, but that each neighborhood would have a recording that would reflect their neighborhood. Like, for a crosswalk that’s located on The Hill, it would say something like, ‘Y’all need to wait before you cross that street there, dawg.’”

— Darby Carpenter, the general manager of Farmhaus Burger

14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“I have several times walked up to a guest and said, ‘Did you just hear the crosswalk sign?’” Carpenter said, smiling. “And they’ll say, ‘Yes! Is that for real?’

And I’ll say, ‘That is absolutely for real.’”

As Masters Week approaches, Carpenter said it will be very interesting to see if any of the out-of-town patrons will notice the recordings at the crosswalks.

“It’s tough to say whether they’ll notice,” Carpenter said. “I think if they are from overseas, they might just think everybody from America talks like that because they might just come to the Masters every year and this is really the only place they come to visit in the United States.”

Chances are, more Americans who are from the North or out West will notice the extremely Southern messages, Carpenter said.

“Folks who aren’t from the South, but they are from America and hear it, I think that it will stick out more for them,” Carpenter said, chuckling. “For example, I lived in Boston for years and years before I moved back home to Georgia, and I can’t imagine what people from Boston would think if they heard that message. They’d probably say, ‘What did that thing just say?’”

While it might be a bit unusual to have crosswalk messages with such a thick Southern accent in a downtown area, Carpenter said he wouldn’t dare want the city to change the voice.

“I really enjoy it,” Carpenter said, laughing. “This isn’t insulting to the city or the guy who did it at all. I just think it’s hilarious. It’s kind of a cool local thing that is totally unique to Augusta.”

15MARCH2018

The 6th Annual ETCP Springfest was a lot of fun.

Thanks to the Mason Jars, the Robbie Ducey Band and the Scarlet Begonias for putting on a great afternoon of music on a recent Saturday at the Lady A. The weather opened up for yet another beautiful year.

Here’s to spring 2018!

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V29|NO11

Augusta’s St. Patrick’s Day parade to be one of the biggest ever

Party people wearing (and drinking) green

by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com

St. Patrick’s Day — which falls on March 17 every year — is on Saturday this time. That means, downtown Augusta that day is going to be the pot of gold for good times.

The day will kick off with the IrishAmerican Heritage Society’s parade, which has been going strong since 1978. This is the 41st parade, and with it being on a Saturday, parade Chairman Jimbo Thrash, 34, was still receiving requests for entries as of March 8. Thrash grew up going to the parade, as his parents were both a part of the Society and involved in it.

“This’ll probably be one of the biggest parades we’ve had since it’s on a Saturday,” he said. “In the parade, you’ll have the different bands from all the schools that’ll be there; there’s like an old-timey fire truck that’ll be there that plays Irish music. There’ll be Irish dancers during the parade. Bag-pipers.

It’s just gonna be awesome.”

Last year, as the parade hit its 40th incarnation, Jimbo’s mother Ree Thrash wrote a piece to commemorate its inception.

“In January and February, 1978, the Irish community was abuzz with talk of a parade and festivities for St. Patrick’s Day. Excitement was in the air, plans were being made, and the Irish were marching,” Ree Thrash wrote. “On March 17, 1978, Irish men, women and children attended mass at Most Holy Trinity Church. As Grand Marshal, Jamie O’Connell was walking into mass, he pulled John Scherer aside, gave him a list of parade participants and told him to line everyone up for the parade. John became the Society’s first parade chairman. John assembled the units (two bands, two floats, marchers, Grand Marshal, Mayor Pop O’Newman driven by a young Leland Malchow, 15 units in all) and we proceeded from Barrett Plaza down Broad Street and terminated at 7th Street at the Town Tavern.”

After the success of the first year, the parade (and crowds) grew with more entrants. Now, thousands of people line up for the festivities; the route starts at the James Brown Arena parking lot, goes down Seventh Street to Telfair, turns left on Telfair toward Eleventh Street, takes a right and heads to Broad Street, then turns right on Broad Street 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

and goes all the way down to Sixth Street. In all, Jimbo Thrash said, the parade is expected to take about two hours.

He noted that it’s been several years since the parade fell on a Saturday.

According to timeanddate.com, the last time St. Patrick’s Day was on a Saturday was in 2012, and the next time it will fall on a Saturday isn’t for another 11 years, in 2029.

Notable people in the parade this year include Grand Marshal Ed Holmes, Lady of the Year Maureen Grady Lewis and Family of the Year the Ray Brady Family.

Jimbo Thrash, who remembers riding in the parade when he was just 4 years old in his Power Wheels Jeep, says it’s the decades-long tradition and the fun gathering that keeps people coming downtown on the holiday.

“As for me now, I love when I’m driving down when the parade starts at 2 p.m., I’m in a golf cart and I go straight to Broad Street,” he said. “I just check for crowd control and I just see all those people lined up waiting for our parade. It’s a good feeling. All the kids are excited and stuff — I love it.”

AFTER THE PARADE For the second year, Friends With Benefits (along with the city of Augusta) has organized free live entertainment on the Augusta Common to keep people downtown. After the parade ends, spectators will want to head to the Common for Irish dancers at 4 p.m., Irish-Catholic local musician Eryn Eubanks at 5, Taylor and the Swans (a new side project band put together by local musician Taylor Swan) at 6:30, the Scarlet Begonias (Grateful Dead tribute) at 7:45 and Black Dawg (Led Zeppelin tribute) at 9:30. Along with the live music, there will be a kid’s fun zone, along with food and beverage vendors.

Friends With Benefits founder George Claussen IV is all about keeping the family-friendly party vibe going well into the night.

“I love it — it’s such a great time for Augusta,” Claussen said. “You really get to see Augusta at its finest on St. Patrick’s Day, when everybody’s downtown for the parade, 10,000 people down there. It’s just a good kind 15MARCH2018

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DOWNTOWN ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION 2 p.m. Parade 4 to 4:45 p.m. Irish Dancers 5 to 6 p.m. Eryn Eubanks 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Taylor and the Swans 7:45 to 9 p.m. The Scarlet Begonias 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. Black Dawg The festivities downtown are not the only St. Patrick’s Day happenings this week. Turn the page to find out more, and see the music listings on Page 32 to see what local venues are up to for the day of green.

of melting pot for everyone; it’s a happy day for everyone and everybody has a good time. The Irish-American Heritage Society has done such a great job over many years of putting the parade together, and it continues to get better and better.

“So (Friends With Benefits) kind of came on last year to really kind of help do something for when the parade ends. Because after it ends, everyone kind of disperses. Some people go back to the Hill, some people go back to Aiken or wherever they live. So we kind of start up right when the parade ends, and it kind of keeps people downtown. Last year was very successful, and it’s a lot of fun. … So you get to see everybody not leave immediately after the parade and go home. It keeps them downtown and just keeps the camaraderie going throughout the night.”

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St. Patrick’s Day! When you’re a kid, it’s mostly known as a time when you wear green to avoid getting pinched. When you’re an adult, well… if you drink alcohol, it’s a time to drink green beer and celebrate Irish heritage (even if you’re not actually Irish).

If you’re interested in digging deeper into the roots of this holiday, the Irish-American Heritage Society of Augusta tells of the Legend of St. Patrick online at augustairish.co/stpatrick.

Here are some things going on around Augusta this holiday weekend, from an early morning dance party to a paddle on the lake to multiple music fests: Friday, March 16 4pm - 6pm Irish Music and Dance Aiken Public Library Featuring Irish dancer Dennis Harkins. Visit abbe-lib.org or call 803-642-2020.

Saturday, March 17 6:30am - 8:30am Wake & Shake: St. Patrick’s Edition!

Humanitree House This early morning dance party offers free beads and party favors to the first 25 ticketholders, with DJ Bizzo Beats providing the music. $5, advance; $10, at door. Call 762-233-5299 or email kgordon@ gardencityjazz.com.

1pm - 3pm St. Patrick’s Day Paddle Mistletoe State Park Paddle the waters of Clarks Hill; open to people ages 7 and up. $15 per person, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

2pm - 11pm Sat Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day Festival Downtown Augusta/Augusta Common Presented by Friends with Benefits, the Irish-American Heritage Society and the city of Augusta, this family-friendly community event will feature a parade at 2 p.m., Irish Dancers at 4 p.m., Eryn Eubanks at 5 p.m., Taylor and the Swans at 6:30 p.m., the Scarlet Begonias at 7:45 p.m., and Black Dawg at 9:30 p.m. Free. Email ymarshall@augustaga.gov call 706-821-1754.

4pm - 10pm ShamROCK the Miller Miller Theater Performers include Tara Scheyer & The Mudpuppy Band, Ceol Alainn featuring Lillie Morris & Friends, the Shaun Piazza Band and the Kenny George Band. General admission is $5 through March 2 and $10 after. $35, VIP; free, kids 12 and under before 5 p.m. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 706-842-4080.

6pm - 10pm Shamrocks N Sirens Concert Jackson Square, North Augusta Featuring Cody Webb and Doug McCormick, this concert is a fundraiser for the nonprofit group Support 1 CISM Organization, which helps first-responders before, during and after traumatic events. $10; food trucks will be there. Visit eventbrite.com or facebook.com/events/197922590792006, or email info@support1. org.

7:30pm Slainte: St. Patrick’s Day Sacred Heart Cultural Center An Augusta Choral Society production featuring the chorus and Irish musicians. $35, adults; $30, seniors; $15, students and military.

Call 706-826-4713 or visit augustacs.org 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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What’s Up

Calendar: 24 | Music Listings: 32 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.

WORSHIP FESTIVAL COMES TO TOWN AGAIN Christian rockers Skillet are headlining the popular Winter Jam as the tour makes its way back to Augusta this coming week. The Platinum-selling Christian rockers Skillet say they are unabashedly solid in their faith.

“What I am most proud about Skillet is that we have never one time been embarrassed of our Christian faith,” lead singer John Cooper told CBN News in 2016. “I’ve never one time said,’ No, we’re not a Christian band,’ and tried to dance around it.”

The band, whose music has been described using many genres including alt rock and nu metal, has put 10 albums under their belt.

The festival will be at the James Brown Arena on Thursday, March 22. The Eastern U.S. tour is stopping in 46 cities this year, and other names in Christian entertainment who will be there include Grammy-nominated worship leader Kari Jobe, Grammy-nominated pop hit-makers Building 429, comedian John Crist, critically acclaimed breakout hip-hop artist KB, Grammy-nominated tour creators and hosts NewSong.

A requested donation of $15 will be taken at the door.

Winter Jam 2018 James Brown Arena 7pm - 11pm Thu Mar 22 $15 requested donation at the door augustaentertainmentcomplex.com or jamtour.com 855-484-1991

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 Ever feel like you’re at the lowest of the low in life and wonder when things will get better? Portland artist Scott Erickson has, and he’ll be bringing his one-man show “We Are Not Troubled Guests” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday to the Doris Building.

He’ll do some live painting and share his experience with faith, doubt, depression — and karaoke. A pop-up art market also will take place before and after. Visit thedorisbuilding.com/tickets to get the $10 admission.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 18

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

Grammy-winning cellist Sara Who doesn’t love mountains? OK, people Augusta University is hosting a Health Sant’Ambrogio will be displaying her who are deathly afraid of heights might not and Wellness Fair this Thursday from 11 talents in a show titled The Spirit of feel that great about them… but anyone a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is a showcase Romanticism, presented by the Aiken can see the spectacular views sitting safely of health and wellness resources on the AU Symphony Orchestra, at 3 p.m. Sunday at in a plush seat at the Imperial Theatre for campus and includes wellness screenings, the Etherredge Center in Aiken. The New the BANFF Mountain Film Festival. The raffles, free food, samples, giveaways and a York Times has described her performance 2017/2018 World Tour takes viewers on Zumba class at noon. It all will take place at as “sheer pleasure,” adding “there was a provocative exploration of the mountain AU’s Douglas Barnard Amphitheater. Visit an irresistible warmth in everything world. Showtime is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, calendar.augusta.edu or call 706-446-5460.

Miss Sant’Ambrogio did.” Tickets to the and tickets are $10. Call 706-722-8341 or Aiken performance are $30 to $45; visit visit imperialtheatre.com. aikensymphonyorchestra.com or call 803641-3305.

For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 24.

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724-7501 or visit them-orris.org.

DANCE

Fri Mar 16

4pm - 6pm Irish Music and Dance

Aiken Public Library Featuring Irish dancer Dennis Harkins. Visit abbe-lib.org or call 803-642-2020.

7:30pm Under the Big Top

The Ballroom Dance Center Repeats at 7:30 p.m. March 17, 23 and 24.

A mix of dance and theater by the staff and stu-dents of the Ballroom Dance Center, “Under the Big Top” is in the style of a 1920s traveling circus show featuring death-defying stunts, showgirls, clowns, acrobats and more. $27, adults; $24, military with ID; $20, youths under 18. Call 706-854-8888 or visit augustaballroomdance.com.

Sat Mar 17

6:30am - 8:30am Wake & Shake: St. Patrick’s Edition!

Humanitree House This early morning dance party offers free beads and party favors to the first 25 ticketholders, with DJ Bizzo Beats providing the music. $5, advance; $10, at door.

Call 762-233-5299 or email kgordon@ gardencityjazz.com.

Under the Big Top The Ballroom Dance Center 7:30pm Fri Mar 16 & Sat Mar 17 Repeats at 7:30 p.m. March 23 and 24. A mix of dance and theater by the staff and students of the Ballroom Dance Center, “Under the Big Top” is in the style of a 1920s traveling circus show featuring death-defying stunts, showgirls, clowns, acrobats and more. $27, adults; $24, military with ID; $20, youths under 18.

Call 706-854-8888 or visit augustaballroomdance.com.

ARTS

Fri Mar 16

Noon Art at Lunch: Freeman Schoolcraft in Augusta

Morris Museum of Art Discussion led by artist Edward Rice, about the work and life of his friend and mentor Freeman Schoolcraft. $12, members; $16, nonmembers. Catered lunch included. Preregistration was required by March 14. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

6pm - 8pm Art Journaling Class

Harlem Arts Council Art journaling with Tina Pilgrim. Ages 12 and up. $25; all materials supplied. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-564-5662, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harle-martscouncil@gmail.com.

Sat Mar 17

11am - 1pm Photography Class

Harlem Arts Council Fundamentals of Digital Photography with Leena Dennison. $30. Bring a DSLR camera and at least one lens (non-DSLR camera users are also welcome to join.) For ages 12 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

and up. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call or text 813-455-5876, visit harlemartscoun-cil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

Mon Mar 19

10am - noon Oil Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in ad-vance. Call 706-556-6656, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscoun-cil@gmail.com.

5pm - 9pm One Man Show & Pop-Up Art Market

The Doris Building Featuring live painter, performance speaker and storyteller Scott Erickson of Portland with his “One Man Show: We Are Not Troubled Guests” at 7:30 and a pop-up art market before and after the show. Erickson will speak about turning your deepest pain into something restorative. $10. Visit thedorisbuilding.com/tickets.

Wed Mar 21

Ongoing

Adult Beginner Tap

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 10 to 11 a.m.

Wednesdays for four weeks. $50. Call 706828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/ the-best-of-tap-w-marilyn-tomeo.

10am - noon Watercolor Painting Harlem Arts Council Watercolor painting class for adults with Frank Carstarphen. Continues March 28. $20 per class, with a $10 supply fee per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-799-9854, visit harlemartscouncil.org/register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

2pm - 4:30pm Acrylic and Oil Painting Sessions

Aiken Public Library A class for adults and teens that meets Wednesdays through March 28. Preregistration and purchase of your own materials required. Call 803-642-2020, ext.

1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Thu Mar 22

6pm Visiting Lecturer: Carla Schulz-Hoffmann

Morris Museum of Art This free discussion is about the neoexpressionist German painter Georg Baselitz, in partner-ship with Augusta University’s Department of Art and Design. Call 706-

Hip-Hop n Groove Dance Class with Ashley Denerra

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessy-enormanschool.org/dance-classes.

MMUVE with Ashley Denerra

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 2 to 3 p.m.

Saturdays. $15. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenor-manschool.org/dance-classes.

Lett’s Dance with Mario Lett

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $7. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/letts-dance.

EDUCATION Thu Mar 15

6pm - 8pm Dean’s Lecture Series: “Knowing is Not Enough: From Awareness to Praxis” AU’S JSAC Ballroom This free lecture features Dr. Patricia

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Alvarez McHatton, Dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas-Rio Grande, who will speak about education equality issues. Call 706-667-4076 or email smcgowenhudson@augusta.edu.

registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm - 7:30pm Resume and Cover Letter Workshop

Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email 7022esl@gmail.com.

Headquarters Branch Library Bring your resume and cover letters for feedback from the Augusta University Writing Consult-ants. Free, but pre-registration required. Email cbond@augusta.edu.

Fri Mar 16

Noon - 2pm Bookkeeping, Payroll and Business Financial Seminar

Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Mar 20

10:30am - noon English as a Second Language

Wed Mar 21

10am - 3:30pm Computer Boot Camp: Part II

Columbia County Library Learn the basics of using the internet and how to keep yourself safe online. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext.

4, or visit gchrl.org.

11:30am - 1:30pm Environment Matters Lunch and Learn

3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners

Columbia County Library Led by Margarete Alligood, this meeting’s subject is eco-gardening and lawn care tips.

Partici-pants should bring their own lunches.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Mon Mar 19

2pm - 4pm Microsoft Word for Beginners

Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship

Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class

Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervanti-no.org or arcpls.org.

5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class

Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-

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Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group

Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls. org.

Aiken Public Library Anyone looking to become more comfortable with computer or device basics is invited to drop in to see a Tech Tutor. No registration is required, but take your charged device with you. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Ongoing

Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

Maxwell Branch Library Volunteers from AARP will help patrons file their taxes; there is no age requirement. Help is on a first-come, first-served basis. Continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Satur-days through April 14. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or arcpls.org for information.

GED Classes

Kroc Center These free classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year for adults 18 and older. Preregistration and entrance testing required.

Call 706-771-4131 to register for entrance testing.

Job Skills Training

Kroc Center This three-month, tuition-free program starts in April and provides people of low income the opportunity to gain the practical skills necessary for personal growth and employment success. Call 706-364-4088.

James Brown Family Historical Tour

Columbia County Library Learn the basics of using email. It is recommended to already have a Yahoo mail account when attending. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admis-sion to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reser-vations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

5pm - 7pm Tech Tutor Session

Guided Tours

Thu Mar 22

1:30pm - 3:30pm Email Class

North Augusta Driving Tour

ELSEWHERE Sat Mar 17

8am - 5pm The General GNCC Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Race

Aonia Pass MX, Washington Continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18.

For the first time since 2015, the world’s top off-road motorcycle and ATV racers will return to Washington, Georgia, for The General at Aonia Pass MX. $20, general (ages 12 and up); $10, kids 6 to 11; free, kids 5 and under. Admission covers both days and includes access to Pro pits. Call 304-2840084, visit washingtonwilkes.org or email info@gnccracing.com.

EXHIBITIONS Thu Mar 15

5pm - 7pm Exhibitions Reception

Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta The main gallery exhibition is the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council’s “Springfest” Exhibition. The Balcony Gallery features a Golf Art exhibit. Both exhibitions will be on display through April 20. The reception is free and open to the public. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritage-center.com.

Fri Mar 16

6pm - 8:30pm 6th Annual Art Show at River Island

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6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class

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

Sat Mar 17

9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet

Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, March 18, from 2-6 p.m.

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

Mon Mar 19

1pm Look Good, Feel Better

University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the ap-pearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm Refit

The General GNCC Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Race Aonia Pass MX, Washington - 8am - 5pm Sat Mar 17 & Sun Mar 18 For the first time since 2015, the world’s top off-road motorcycle and ATV racers will return to Washington, Georgia, for The General at Aonia Pass MX. $20, general (ages 12 and up); $10, kids 6 to 11; free, kids 5 and under. Admission covers both days and includes access to Pro pits. Call 304-284-0084, visit washingtonwilkes.org or email info@gnccracing.com.

River Island Club House, Evans This show features multiple artists and music

by Bill Karp; wine and light refreshments will be provided. Call 706-863-7370 or email tsmithathome3420@aol.com

7pm - 9pm Gallery on the Row Reunion Show Reception

4P Studios This free reception features several former partners of Gallery on the Row, who are reuniting during the month of March to showcase their works of fine art in a variety of mediums. Visit 4pstudiosart.com or call 706-267-6724.

Ongoing

Wed Mar 21

Hire Grounds Cafe This local artist’s works will be on display and for sale in the cafe through March. A reception will be held 3 to 5 p.m. March 24.

Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.

Imperial Theatre $10. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

Shali Denton

FLIX

Thu Mar 15

6pm “Justice League”

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

Sat Mar 17

3pm “The Wizard of Oz” SingAlong Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue Mar 20

5:30pm “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) Columbia County Library No registration; for ages 3 and up. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series

Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.

26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7pm BANFF Mountain Film Festival

Thu Mar 22

8:30pm - 11pm Movie Night

AU’s Maxwell Theatre Join The CREW for movie night; vote on Instagram (@aug_thecrew) for what movie you’d like to see. Free for AU students with JagCard; $5 for guests. Visit augusta.edu.

Ongoing

Free Family Movie Night

Kroc Center Showing at 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of most months, this event is free for members and nonmembers. Limited seating is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be ac-companied by an adult. Refreshments available for purchase. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augus-takroc.org.

HEALTH

Thu Mar 15

6pm Breastfeeding Class

University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Mar 20

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.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.

5:30pm HIV Testing

Maxwell Branch Library Free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment referrals from Augusta University’s Ryan White Outreach Team. Call 706-7214436, or visit augusta.edu/mcg/medicine/ infdis/ryanwhite or arcpls.org.

Wed Mar 21

10am - noon Pickles & Ice Cream

Doctors Hospital A class for women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Thu Mar 22

7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises

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

7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class

University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

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Augusta Meditation Meetup

Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this 20-minute non-religious, breath-awareness meditation at 9 a.m.

Sundays. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthi-agray@outlook.com.

Meditation Sessions

The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.

HOBBIES

Thu Mar 15

6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting

The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktav-ern.com.

Mon Mar 19

6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Dr. John M. Coski, a historian from the American Civil Warm Museum in Richmond, Virginia, presents on “The Confederate Battle Flag.” Meetings are $23, including dinner (buffet starts at 5:15).

Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.

Thu Mar 22

10am - noon Birding

Columbia County Library Learn about bird watching, then watch some birds. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl. org.

5pm Gardening Club

Woodworth Library, Fort Gordon The Fort Gordon Community Garden Gardening Club meets the fourth Thursday of every month; meetings are open to the public. Call 706-791-4300 or visit fortgordon. com/events.

KIDS-TEENS Thu Mar 15

3:30pm - 4:30pm Wild Rumpus Columbia County Library Kids can drop in the children’s library to make monster repellent, show off their monster-inspired dance moves and more.

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

5:30pm Food for Thought: Teen Discussion Group

Aiken Public Library This discussion group is for teens in grades 6-12, who are invited to discuss their favorite 15MARCH2018

books and authors, movies and TV shows, and songs and bands. Pizza will be served.

Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Fri Mar 16

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 abbelib. org.

10:30am - noon Story Times

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time for those ages 0-2 begins at 10:30 a.m., and story time for those ages 3-6 begins at 11:15 a.m. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

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; pre-registration required. Call 706-8287768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

2:30pm STEM Class: Mathematical Ways of Thinking Columbia County Library A science, technology, engineering and math program for children in grades 3-5 that will have children applying logic and reasoning to a variety of games and puzzles. Preregistration re-quired. Call 706-447-7685 or visit gchrl.org.

Sat Mar 17

11am “The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School” Story Time

Barnes & Noble St. Patrick’s Day activities to follow. Call 706737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Mon Mar 19

10:30am Jr. Lego Club

Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

11am - 11:30am Morris Museum of Art Program Columbia County Library For kids ages 2-6. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

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4pm - 5:30pm Makerspace

Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work collaboratively or on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment.

Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Mar 20

10am All Ages Story Time

Headquarters Branch Library Stories, songs and rhymes. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

11:30am - noon Ms. Kathy’s Story Time

Imagination Station Stories, songs, counting and dancing are a part of this story time. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine. augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.

4pm Storytime in the Gardens

Hopelands Gardens, Aiken For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Wed Mar 21

10am Music and Movement

Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children.

Groups of six or more require registration.

Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

Thu Mar 22

4pm - 5:30pm Makerspace

Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work collaboratively or on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment.

Call 706-868-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

6pm - 7:30pm Big Brother/Big Sister

Doctors Hospital An educational and interactive class for children ages 3-8 who will soon be welcoming a new baby into the home. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net.

Ongoing

Nature Explorers

Reed Creek Park This program will be outdoors come rain or shine and is intended for home-schooled kids ages 5 to 7 and after-school kids ages 5 to 11.

Each session is six weeks long and costs $12 per ses-sion (registration is restricted to one session this spring). Sessions run through May 24. Pre-registration required; to register and find out the dates, visit reedcreekpark.com.

For infor-mation, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.

Science & Nature Club

Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Reed Creek Park This program will be indoors and outdoors and is intended for home-schooled kids ages 8 to 11. Each session is six weeks long and costs $12 per session (registration is restricted to one ses-sion this spring). Sessions run through May 24. Pre-registration required; to register and find out the dates, visit reedcreekpark. com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreek-park@columbiacountyga. gov.

10:05am Toddler Story Time

The Shepard Project

10am Story Time

Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time for Tots

Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

10:30am Preschool Story Time

Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.

Homeschool PE

Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for an hour at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Free, members; $2 per visit, nonmembers. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

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.

Kroc Tots

Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes work on physical, social and emo-tional development, as well as cognitive skills and language development. Meets most Tues-days at 10 a.m. during the school year. $2, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

Kids’ Night Out!

Kroc Center Held from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, this night for kids ages 2-12 means a night alone for parents. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Price includes dinner and activities like swimming, gym play, inflatables, crafts and more. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustak-roc.org.

LITERARY Thu Mar 22

7pm - 10pm Graphic Novel Discussion

The Book Tavern A group open to older teens and up. Call 706826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.

Ongoing

Winter Reading Program

Appleby Branch Library Through March 31, get a log at the front desk and record your winter reading (five books or five hours). Turn in your complete reading log for a chance to win a reading prize — there’s one for kids, teens and adults. Participants can complete the program once per month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

Winter Reading Challenge

Aiken Public Library Pick up a reading challenge and return it by March 31 to win a small prize and be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Books-A-Million gift card. Open to adults only. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Kroc Book Club

Kroc Center This diverse group of people who love to read and talk about literature meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

For ages 25 and up. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.

MUSIC

Thu Mar 15

Noon St. Lawrence String Quartet

First Presbyterian Church, Aiken Free. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803641-3305.

8pm Charles Yang and Peter Dugan & Riley Mulherkar and The Westerlies with Vuyo Sotashe

AECOM Center for the Performing Arts, Aiken $50. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803641-3305.

8pm Ron White

Miller Theater $59.50-$248.50. Visit millertheateraugusta. com or call 800-514-3849.

Fri Mar 16

7:30pm - 9pm Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz All-Star Sextet

Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Featuring original music by Rudy Volkmann. $18. Call 706-733-7939 or email in-fo@ gardencityjazz.com.

8pm Time for Three (Tf3)

Etherredge Center, Aiken $50. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803641-3305.

Sat Mar 17

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.

4pm - 10pm ShamROCK the Miller

Miller Theater Performers include Tara Scheyer & The Mudpuppy Band, Ceol Alainn featuring Lillie Morris & Friends, the Shaun Piazza Band and the Kenny George Band. General admission is $5 through March 2 and $10 after. $35, VIP; free, kids 12 and under before 5 p.m. Visit millertheateraugus-ta.com or call 706-842-4080.

6pm - 10pm Shamrocks N Sirens Concert Jackson Square, North Augusta Featuring Cody Webb and Doug McCormick, this concert is a fundraiser for the nonprofit group Support 1 CISM Organization, which helps first-responders before, during and after traumatic events. $10; food trucks will be there.

Visit eventbrite.com or face-book.com/ events/197922590792006, or email info@ support1.org.

7:30pm Slainte: St. Patrick’s Day Sacred Heart Cultural Center An Augusta Choral Society production featuring the chorus and Irish musicians.

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7pm and 8pm “Cosmic Colors”

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for view-ing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

Wed Mar 21

10am - 1pm AmeriCorps VISTA 2nd Annual Career Fair

Headquarters Branch Library More than 20 employers are seeking to hire workers in food and beverage, retail, health care, and government industries. The first 20 job-seekers will receive flash drives. Bring resumes and dress to impress. Call 706-8212612 or email prentisse@arcpls.org.

11:30am - 1pm “Local Women of a New Tribe” Luncheon Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History A luncheon related to photographer Jerry Taliaferro’s exhibit “The Women of a New Tribe,” on display through March 31. $11; RSVP required. Visit lucycraftlaneymuseum. com or call 706-724-3576.

“Beauty and the Beast” (2017) Columbia County Library 5:30pm Tue Mar 20 No registration; for ages 3 and up.

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

Noon League of Women Voters Meeting Friedman Branch Library Meeting the third Wednesday of every month, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in gov-ernment.

Suitable for ages 18 and older. Email csra. lwv@gmail.com or visit face-book.com/ CSRALeagueofWomenVoters.

$35, adults; $30, seniors; $15, students and military. Call 706-826-4713 or visit augustacs. org.

to 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Paid private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/on-the-keys-w-mr-d.

more. $50. Call or text 706-836-3058 or visit thejnsa.org.

Sun Mar 18

Keith Jenkins’ Guitar Lessons & Workshops

1pm - 11pm Benefit for Dennis Bedichek

Thu Mar 22

2pm - 11pm St. Patrick’s Day Festival

AU’s Douglas Barnard Amphitheater This free event is a showcase of health and wellness resources on the AU campus and includes wellness screenings, raffles, free food, samples, giveaways and a noon Zumba class.

Visit cal-endar.augusta.edu or call 706-4465460.

3pm The Spirit of Romanticism

Etherredge Center, Aiken Presented by the Aiken Symphony Orchestra. $30-$45. Visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com or call 803-641-3305.

Tue Mar 20

Noon - 1pm Tuesday’s Music Live

Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by guitarist Thibault Cauvin. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and re-quires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

Thu Mar 22

7:30pm - 8:30pm The Young Irelanders

AECOM Center for the Performing Arts, Aiken $40. Visit apagonline.org or call 803-6434774.

Ongoing

Daon Drisdom’s Piano Lessons & Workshops Jessye Norman School of the Arts The free workshops take place from 6 15MARCH2018

Jessye Norman School of the Arts The group sessions take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Thurdays; donations accepted. Paid private les-sons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/guitarlessons-w-keith-jenkins.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Mar 15

7pm Celebrity Server Dinner

DoubleTree Hotel The nonprofit Communities in Schools coordinates volunteers to work with Augusta students to help enrich their life of learning.

This second annual event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit. Sponsors and celebrity servers are needed. $65 for a seat or $125 for two seats includes dinner, raffle prizes and more.

Tips to the servers will be collected for the fundraiser. Visit cisaugus-ta.org, call 706-5507716 or email lcook@cisaugusta.org.

7pm Purses for a Purpose

The Richmond on Greene A handbag auction event that will benefit the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. The event will also feature live music, a silent auction, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, wine and

Sat Mar 17

Fraternal Order of Eagles Dennis Bedichek, a former Richmond County deputy who had to resign because of an inopera-ble brain tour, has stage 4 metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma. Email tracivining@aol.com or call 803-507-5361.

Augusta Common Presented by Friends with Benefits, the IrishAmerican Heritage Society and the city of Augus-ta, this family-friendly community event will feature a parade at 2 p.m., Irish Dancers at 4 p.m., Eryn Eubanks at 5 p.m., Taylor and the Swans at 6:30 p.m., the Scarlet Begonias at 7:45 p.m., and Black Dawg at 9:30 p.m. Free. Email ymarshall@ augustaga.gov call 706-821-1754.

6pm “Two Small Pieces of Glass”

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for view-ing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

11am - 2pm Health and Wellness Fair

Ongoing

ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.

SPIRITUAL Tue Mar 20

8am - 10am Community Prayer Breakfast Burns Memorial United Methodist Church Hosted by Pastor John Donaldson, this AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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event includes prayer beginning at 8 a.m. and breakfast following at 9 a.m. RSVP recommended. Call 706-829-1296 or 706833-7426, or email stamp-bob@gmail.com.

Thu Mar 22

7pm - 11pm Winter Jam 2018 James Brown Arena

Christian music’s largest annual tour features Skillet, Kari Jobe, Building 429, comedian John Crist, KB, NewSong and more. $15 at the door. Call 855-484-1991, visit augustaentertain-mentcomplex.com or jamtour.com.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Mar 17

9am - 9:30am 4H Yoga in the Park

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Free yoga event outdoors for kids and adults of all experience levels; bring your own mat or towel. Call 706-821-2349.

9am - noon Women’s Ride Day

Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse Women are invited to ride together on local roads or local mountain bike trails, for all biking abilities (the road ride will be 22 miles, and the mountain bike ride will be 14 miles).

Both rides will leave the store at 9 a.m. Visit andyjordans.com or call 706-724-2453 to reserve a spot.

1pm - 3pm St. Patrick’s Day Paddle

Mistletoe State Park Paddle the waters of Clarks Hill; open to people ages 7 and up. $15 per person, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

6:30pm - 9:30pm Local Single Points Race (BMX)

Blanchard Woods BMX Free for spectators; concessions will be open. Visit facebook.com/ events/106820543433669 or facebook.com/ blanchardwoodsbmx.

Tue Mar 20

All day USEA “Spring” Horse Trials (BN – I)

Stable View Farms, Aiken Continues all day March 21. This equestrian event is free for spectators. Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm.com.

Wed Mar 21

6:30pm - 9pm Ladies Night Pickleball

Newman Tennis Center $2 per person; call 706-821-1600 to sign up.

Newman Tennis Center will have paddles and balls, but take your own if you have them. Also, free play is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Ongoing

It’s a Stretch: Yoga for the Stiff Skeptic

Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. $10. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/its-a-stretchmore-yoga-for-the-stiff-skeptic.

Introductory Fencing Classes

Augusta Fencers Club The Augusta Fencers Club is offering 10week fencing courses that will start the second week of April. The adult class (ages 14 and up) starts at 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, and the young teens class (ages 10-13) starts at 5 p.m.

Monday, April 9. A kids class (ages 6-9) will start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12. Each course is $180 with active military and family discounts available; all competitive equipment is included. Visit augustafencersclub.com, email rvolk1@comcast.net or call 706-7228878.

CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group’s Annual Golf Tournament

Jones Creek Golf Club This tournament coming 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 27 benefits the CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group. $100 per player for teams of four. Hole sponsorship is $125 for one hole or $200 for two. Registration includes lunch, prizes and goodie bag. The deadline to register is April 17. Visit gyncancergolf. eventbrite.com to register, or call 706-7213992 to donate.

Hilltop Lesson Dates

Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Private and semi-private horse riding lessons are available for all ages and abilities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgor-don.com/events.

Augusta Sports Leagues

This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-309-0280.

Free Fun Run Thursdays

Evans Towne Center Park Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility. Email training@fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook. com/events/218818291994876.

Hoop Session

Game Train, Grovetown This gym is open to play basketball starting

at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for $3 per person. Kids 5 and under can play for free. Concessions available for purchase.

Call 706-755-0549, email realgametrain@ gmail.com, or visit facebook.com/ events/178772572715451.

The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.

Gordon Lanes Dollar Fifty Days

Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit www.TOPS.org.

Gordon Lanes Bowling Center, Fort Gordon Bowl Mondays and Wednesdays during select times for $1.50, and get shoe rentals for $1.50.

Call 706-791-3446 or visit fortgordon.com/ events.

SUPPORT Ongoing

Recovery International Mental Health Support Group

Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Kroc Center Meeting the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., this support group helps those dealing with Alzheimer’s or someone who is a caregiver of an individual who is affected by Alzheimer’s. Call 706-9228338

Furry Friends

AU’s Cancer Clinic On the second and fourth Monday of every month, the Georgia Cancer Center uses furry friends to help people recover from or cope with various physical and emotional health issues related to cancer. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.

Georgia Carolina Toastmasters

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 or call 706-798-5515.

Grief Share Program

Aldersgate United Methodist Church This program is for people who have had a loved one pass away and need to share with others in the difficult journey. There is a $20 registration fee, with free child care and scholarships available. The group will meet Sunday evenings through April 1. Email show-manjj@comcast.net or call 706-8308741.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

La Leche League

A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.

Celebrate Recovery

Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.

Write to Heal Creative Writing Program

Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration

Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com Johnny Beckworth Circulation Manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, 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 15MARCH2018

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required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.

Diabetes Youth Support Group

Meets quarterly. Call for more information.

Call 706-868-3241.

Overeaters Anonymous

This 12-step, self help program for people who are addicted to food meets for an hour at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. No dues or fees. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com.

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group

SPRING AND SUMMER

HORSE CAMP APRIL 2 - 6 & MAY 29 - AUG 3

Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual as-sault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augus-taaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.

Narcotics Anonymous

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

Beyond the Bars

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

THEATER Ongoing

“The Pillowman”

AU’S Maxwell Theatre Showing at 7:30 p.m. March 15, 16 and 17. $10, general; $7, AU alumni, military, children, stu-dents, AU and EGSC faculty and staff; free, AU and EGSC students.

(This play is not appropriate for children.)

Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/ maxwelltheatre.

VOLUNTEER Ongoing

Communities In Schools of Augusta Richmond County

This nonprofit works full-time inside K-12 schools with help from volunteers throughout the community. Opportunities include reading to a classroom of children, helping small groups of elementary school children with basic learning skills (like reading and math flash cards) and tutoring high-schoolers on math. Donations also are accepted.

For volunteer opportunities, email salias@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716; for donation opportunities, email dkallioko-ski@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716. Visit cisaugusta.org for more information.

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DON’T MISS OUT! REGISTRATION FOR SPRING AND SUMMER HORSE CAMPS IS UNDERWAY AT HILLTOP RIDING STABLE.

706-791-4864

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What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Karaoke

Saturday, March 17 Live Music

Fenwick (pictured), Village Sticks, The Good Fortunes Joe’s Underground 9pm - 1pm Fri Mar 16 $5; 18+. Visit facebook.com/events/526788194360816 or call 706-724-9457.

Augusta Common - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration w/ Black Dawg, The Scarlet Begonias, Taylor Swan Band, Eryn Eubanks Country Club - Daniel E. Johnson DiVino (North Augusta) - Keith Gregory Fox’s Lair - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration w/ Doc Fisher and the Undefeated Army (Irish music) and Perfect Picture Grantski Records - Boo Hag, Possum Rot Jackson Square (North Augusta) - Shamrocks N Sirens Concert w/ Cody Webb, Doug McCormick Miller Theater - ShamROCK the Miller w/ The Kenny George Band, Shaun Piazza Band and more Sacred Heart Cultural Center - Irish music w/ the Augusta Choral Society Shannon’s - St. Patrick’s Day Party w/ Hello Betty Band Sky City - Machine Funk (Widespread Panic tribute), Schema Surrey Tavern - Gang of Thieves Wild Wing - Phillip Lee Jr. Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Ruskin and Cam

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia, then karaoke The Highlander - Karaoke Sally’s - One-Year Anniversary and St. Patrick’s Day Party Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party (also open early during St. Patrick’s Day Parade)

Sunday, March 18 Live Music Mac Sabbath Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta 7pm Sat Mar 17 $15. Visit masqueradeatlanta.com or call 404-577-8178.

Thursday, March 15 Live Music

Empire Night Life - Gunna Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Brandy Douglas Harlem Java House - Open Mic Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Mellow Music Miller Theater - Ron White Sky City - El Concierto Para El Guapo w/ Optimod, Youth@Risk, Shotgun Opera, Chainsaw Masscara Southbound Smokehouse - Eryn Eubanks Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Friday, March 16 32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Live Music

Coyotes - Departure The Epicenter - Ironwill, Weeping Wound, Backslide, Clear Focus, Lumen, Pepper Spray Etherredge Center (Aiken) - Time for Three (Tf3) Fox’s Lair - Weston and Preston The Highlander - Brockfest Joe’s Underground - Fenwick, Village Sticks, The Good Fortunes The Loft - Crane The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - Futurebirds, LUTHI Soul Bar - Pop Life Southbound Smokehouse - Jaycie Ward & Taylor Swan The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta - Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz All-Star Sextet Wild Wing - Kindlin The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas The Highlander - Brandon Hadden, Anorexic Goldfish Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

Monday, March 19 What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night

Tuesday, March 20 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

The Highlander - Game Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke

Wednesday, March 21 Live Music

Country Club - Music for Memories (benefit) w/ Chris Young The Larder - Hillary Thompson Shannon’s - Hello Betty Band Soul Bar - Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting Wild Wing - Mike Reid Duo

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Joe’s Underground - Open Mic w/ J. MartinMoses Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia

Upcoming

Winter Jam w/ Skillet and more

- James Brown Arena March 22 Dave Love

- Wild Wing March 22 Bubble Boys, Pepper Spray, Tongues of Fire, Saeturnael Hex

- The Epicenter March 22 Crunk Witch

- Soul Bar March 22 Nevermind (Nirvana tribute)

- Sky City March 22 The Harlem Globetrotters

- James Brown Arena March 23 Universal Sigh, Village Sticks

- Sky City March 23 Donald Merckle and the Blacksmiths

- Stillwater Taproom March 23 Reverend Billy and The Soul Patrol

- The Highlander March 23 Preston and Weston

- Shannon’s March 23 Nappy Roots

- Country Club March 23 Brian Herrington

- Southbound Smokehouse March 23 Liverpool Legends (Beatles tribute)

- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center March 23 & 24 Kellie Pickler (benefit concert)

- Evans Towne Center Park March 24 Latin Masterpieces

- Miller Theater March 24 Roadhouse Blues Band

- The Backyard Tavern March 24 Montgomery Gentry

- Country Club March 24 Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic

- Bell Auditorium March 25 The Mavericks

- Miller Theater March 31 Rock Fore! Dough w/ Scotty McCreery, Jordan Davis, DJ Rock, Shaun Piazza

- Evans Towne Center Park April 3 Grand Ole Rager w/ Keith Urban

- Evans Towne Center Park April 5 Major Rager w/ George Clinton & ParlimaentFunkadelic, The James Brown Band

- Augusta Common April 6 15MARCH2018

Sir Mix-A-Lot

- Country Club April 13 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips

HALF HOUR FREE

- Miller Theater April 14 Mood Swings w/ Colton Ballet, Russell Joel Brown, Karen Gordon

- Imperial Theatre April 27

Elsewhere

Iced Earth, Sanctuary, Kill Ritual

- The Masquerade, Atlanta March 17 Mac Sabbath

- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta March 17 Dashboard Confessional, Beach Slang

- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta March 23 Lee Ann Womack

- City Winery, Atlanta March 29 & 30 Cradle of Filth, Jinjer

- The Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta April 3 &4 The Avett Brothers

- Township Auditorium, Columbia April 6 &7 Dweezil Zappa

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 7 O.M.D., GGOOLLDD

- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta April 10 Lorde, Mitski, Run the Jewels

- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 14 Eagles

- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia April 16 Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Midland

- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta April 21

Real Singles, Real Fun...

706-434-0108 More Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Livelinks.com 18+ FREE TRIAL

Discreet Chat Guy to Guy

706.434.0117

V29|NO11

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

McNeal Vallandingham with Ruger and Jessica Orpen at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Christy Brooks, Reid Sanders and Megan Williams at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Kevin and Nicole Kline with Rose Spiller at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Nataline Maldonado, Raysa Rosario with Jacob and Gaby Ortiz at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Alexis Senesac, Brittany Harrington and Lauren Zelgewics at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Charlie and Jessica Milton, Sarah Campbell and David Tartaglia at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

15MARCH2018

V29|NO11

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Oliver, Mike and Danielle Miranda, Morgan Carrin and Jordan Santo at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Shannon, Frank and Nina Brittingham at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Cam Cain, Mike and Jaclyn Marchman with Vino at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Walker Ferrell, Curt Kruchkow with Ella and RC Ferrell at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Darrell and Rose Smith at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

Rose Whikert, Matthew Wilson and Wesley Whikert at the Metro Spirit’s 6th Annual ETCP Springfest

15MARCH2018

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 35

E LECTIC

With a never-ending roster of live music, festivals and restaurants, it’s hard to be bored in Columbia SC. You can discover something new every day of the year, from the Saturday morning farmers’ market to indie craft and film festivals, we’ve got more things to do than there are hours to do them. Visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

BLACK PANTHER

$40,817,579

$561,697,180

4

1

2

A WRINKLE IN TIME

$33,123,609

$33,123,609

1

-

3

STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT

$10,402,271

$10,402,271

1

-

4

RED SPARROW

$8,502,263

$31,471,006

2

2

5

GAME NIGHT

$7,863,391

$45,004,023

3

4

In Theaters March 16

DRAMA “I Can Only Imagine,” rated PG, starring J.

Michael Finley, Brody Rose, Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman and Trace Adkins. It’s one of the mostplayed Christian radio singles in history, and now, “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe is the basis for a movie. Its premise comes from songwriter Bart Millard’s difficult upbringing and inspiration for the song. Scenes show Millard’s father — played by a gravelly voiced Dennis Quaid — yelling at him when he was a kid. But as is usual with faith films, this story is one of redemption.

15MARCH2018

COMEDY “Love, Simon,” rated PG-13, starring Nick

Robinson, Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner. This movie’s marketing made it a point to say the movie is “coming out in 2018” — it’s all about a teenager agonizing over his secret that he’s gay. Based on the book “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” the only agenda that seems apparent in this story is that of people not being afraid of who they are.

This movie gets into guy-on-guy kissing, so if that bothers you… the MercyMe movie might be more your speed.

ACTION “Tomb Raider,” rated PG-13, starring Alicia

Vikander, Dominic West and Walton Goggins. So, we’re just gonna act like the early 2000s movies starring Angelina Jolie never existed? That’s what this new film seems to be doing, with the tagline “HER LEGEND BEGINS.” When the first “Tomb Raider” video game came out in 1996, people couldn’t help but point out Lara Croft’s busty (and pointy) figure. Therefore, it’s hard not to compare the looks of Alicia Vikander to Jolie. In any case, it might be a good excuse to revisit how fun the original games were.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 37

TICKETS $35 ONLY AT

augustacountry.com

GENERAL ADMISSION 8:30 p.m.

WITH

and

Mitchell Tenpenny

Joe Stevenson

Wed. March 21, 2018 judchickeycenter.org

premier SPONSORS

platinum

Beth & Barry Storey

United Distributors, Inc.

media gold Abbott Oil Company, Inc. Aflac Allen + Batchelor Construction, Inc. Alternative Construction & Environmental Solutions, Inc. American Concrete Anonymous AT&T Augusta Iron and Steel Works, Inc. Augusta Laser & Skin Center AU Health

AYF, LLC Julie and Billy Badger Bark Delivered Barney’s Pharmacy Scott Brantley - Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate Burnside Law Firm LLP Calvary Wealth Charles G. Caye, Jr. Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Kriston and John Chandler Cleary, West & Hawkins, LLP Natalie and Tom Coghill Colon and Rectal Surgery Associates, PC Dawson Taylor & Company DeFoor Realty Dixie Riverside - A and A Vending Donsbach Law Group, LLC Meg and Mike Duckworth

ECP Benefits LLC - Nick Evans and Bart Trulock Ellefson Transportation Group Elliott Davis, LLC Sandra and Murray Freedman French and Company Gate 5 Self Storage Georgia Power Gold Mech Services, Inc. Sandra and Paul Herzwurm

Mrs. Jean Hickey Janus Research Group, Inc. Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate Kelly Promotional Products Lucy and William Knapik Kuhlke Construction & Associates, Inc. Diane and Bill Litchfield Loop Recruiting Maner Builders Supply Co.

MB Jones Oil Company Gary L. McElmurray Construction Co., Inc. Janet and Will McKnight Merit Flooring Meybohm Real Estate Milestone Contruction New Skin Medical Nimmons, Malchow & Johnson, Attorneys at Law Valerie and Vernon O’Neal

Janet and Carlisle Overstreet Mary Anne and Jim Plunkett Raymond James RBW Logistics Corporation Bob Richards Automotive Group Richmond Supply Company RWAllen Construction Serotta Maddocks Evans, CPAs Dr. Tania Serrano and Dr. Yevgeny Kilman

Paula and Bo Smith Stifel Surrey Center Thompson Building Wrecking Co. Trotter Jones, LLP Wells Fargo Advisors Haley Roberts and Julian Roberts William Mizell Ford

V29|NO11

Austin Rhodes Roundtree’s stubbornness exceeded only by his ego

by Austin Rhodes You might call it the question of the year in local law enforcement circles: “Why in the world would Sheriff Richard Roundtree tolerate one of his men issuing an order that barred District Attorney Natalie Paine from the Richmond County Jail, at any time, for any reason, whatsoever?”

Of course, it doesn’t necessarily supplant an equally important question that has been around since the sheriff was elected in 2012: “What incriminating evidence must Robert Partain have on the sheriff, to have seen him promoted to and maintained as colonel in the department, when he has been described as the singularly most (departmentally) destructive human being to ever wear a badge in Augusta?”

Make no mistake, it was Colonel Partain’s order that saw the District Attorney turned around and escorted out of the Richmond County Jail that is under his command, even though the message was delivered by Major Frank Tiller.

In Paine’s March 6 letter to the sheriff, she details the Feb. 22 phone call that was placed by her to him the night she was “turned out,” where she demanded an explanation as to the change in apparently longstanding policy that allowed her and her team access to inmates and suspects in custody whenever reasonably possible and necessary. He said he would get back to her after he made inquiries into the policy change, but he never did.

What kind of sheriff treats a sitting district attorney with such professional disrespect?

Keep in mind, Paine was not at the jail to lead the Inmate Chorus; she was there as part of the GBI’s investigation into a suspicious inmate death, which now is believed to be a homicide.

One would think the sheriff would want every possible hand on deck from the investigative and judicial leadership team, getting to the bottom of the situation as soon as humanly possible ... but apparently, Colonel Partain doesn’t subscribe to that approach.

While we can be thankful that there doesn’t appear to be any jail personnel directly implicated in the death of 26-year-old inmate Lendon Stephens Jr., perhaps the sheriff (and Colonel Partain) needs to be reminded that similarly in 1970, no jail personnel were directly involved in the death of inmate Charles Oatman.

Oatman, a 16-year-old developmentally disabled inmate, was murdered in his cell by two other prisoners.

There was an attempted cover-up of the brutal beating by the jail administration under the control of then Sheriff “Foots” Atkins. Officers initially claimed that Oatman died because he fell off his bunk.

Once the truth was discovered, the resulting community uproar triggered the Augusta Riots. It was three days of violence that saw six protestors killed by police gunfire, and millions of dollars in property damage because of looting and vandalism.

To sum up, it was all the result of white jailers trying to cover up the death of a black inmate, at the hands of other black inmates.

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear any riots are going to erupt in response to the still-unsolved death of Stephens, but pardon us all if the indefensible attitude and total lack of explanation from the likes of white jail commander Colonel Partain whose orders impeded the duly elected DA from performing her due diligence in a death investigation, hits a little too close to home.

An investigation likely to show that a black inmate died at the hands of other black inmates.

But enough about Partain, who goes by the nickname “Maglite,” because he reportedly

15MARCH2018

once beat a combative suspect to death with his flashlight. A suspect who was in the hospital at the time.

The buck stops with Roundtree in this matter, because alleged incriminating blackmail material aside, it is his policy that counts at the Richmond County Jail, not that of the Napoleonic Colonel.

I personally suggested to the DA that she employ the use of subpoenas to direct that any and all inmates she needs to interview, currently in Roundtree’s custody, be delivered at his department’s expense to the secured lockups of either the Burke or Columbia County jails. I know for a fact that both Sheriff Alfonso Williams and Sheriff Clay Whittle welcome the DA and her staff with open arms and gracious hospitality.

In the unusual event that access must be denied there, for some unforeseen reason, I can also guarantee that both Sheriff Williams and Whittle wou ld not hesitate to explain the matter immediately and without delay, in great detail.

They would do that because they are seasoned professionals who respect and understand the importance of clear and timely communication between the District Attorney and their departments.

Unlike Sheriff Roundtree, who does not get that, and apparently is just an immature asshole.

If Roundtree’s ridiculous policy creates the most expensive and dangerous Uber service in the area as he carts murderers and rapists to other jails for interviews, so be it — that is on him. And Maglite.

POST SCRIPT : I must say that I have been appalled and mystified that the story of this conflict between Paine and Roundtree has barely registered with the Augusta media. There has been no TV coverage of this mess (that I have seen), and Paine tells me the only phone calls from reporters she has gotten on this issue have been from me, Sylvia Cooper, and Dana Lynn McIntyre at Channel 12. The Augusta Chronicle’s staff reductions and transfers have been devastating for the quality and quantity of their daily news coverage. Award-winning court and cops reporter Sandy Hodson and city government reporter Susan McCord were worth their weight in gold on their respective beats. The new ownership and management of the daily paper are insane for shifting them away from those duties. Insane.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 39

to be daring, timing is everything.

2635 Washington Road, Augusta, GA | Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm | 706.738.7777 www.windsorfinejewelers.com