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Table of Contents

JANUARY 7, 2016

Living in America

12 Insider

Marshall Square: What’s wrong with this picture?

Augusta Tek

4 6

Keeping Up

Jenny is Wright

One-Pound Peanut Butter Cups (And So Many Other Things)

Ruffin’ It

Malheur and the Imaginary Martyr Situation

Kris Fisher

New Years Resolution? Thanks, I’ll Pass

Austin Rhodes

Hey Augusta: Fight Back, Win a Prize

8 9 25 30

Fine Whine Hey you two parents at the north augusta walmart smoking around your infant child: you do know that secondhand smoke can be deadly at that age, right? Or do you just not care? Nice parenting. I’m sure your child will appreciate it when they’re older, if they even live to grow old.

Continued on Page 10

EDIT

CREATIVE

Amy Christian | Arts Editor/Production Director

Joshua Bailey | Lead Designer

amy@themetrospirit.com

joshua@themetrospirit.com

Stacey Eidson | Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift | Staff Writer molly@themetrospirit.com

COVER DESIGN: KRUHU

SALES Gayle Bryan | Senior Account Executive gayle@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-4846

Joe White joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

BUSINESS Joe White | Publisher/Editor joe@themetrospirit.com | 706-373-3636

Johnny Beckworth | circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com

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

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Marshall Square: What’s Wrong With This Picture? REMEMBER THIS PAST SUMMER when The Insider was blasted by some folks throughout the community for suggesting that the former Marshall Square retirement community’s night concierge Zack Freehof should perhaps refrain from posting Facebook messages about the devastating fire that tragically killed 91-year-old resident Dorothy Carpenter? People thought The Insider should give this “hero” a break. “You obviously didn’t hear that he also saved those people’s lives, going in and out, knocking in their doors to help them get out,” one reader posted. “He did his JOB and called the fire company because the alarm company was 2 hours behind... I consider Zack a hero.” Another reader wrote, “This young man saved lives by making that phone call and this is how you repay him?” At the time, The Insider didn’t point any direct fingers at Freehof. Instead, it merely suggested that 24 hours after the terrible fire gutted Marshall Square and killed a woman, perhaps Freeoff shouldn’t post comments such as “I got reeeeeaally baked yesterday watching work burn down.” The post was followed by a frowning face symbol and the message, “Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow.” Next to the Facebook message was a photo of Freehof without his shirt, with bright red arms. The Insider explained that it’s understandable that if something horrific takes place in your life, such as your workplace burning to the ground, you may be tempted to post something about the incident on Facebook. But when a 91-year-old woman dies in the fire that was started at 3 a.m. while you were on duty working the nightshift, you may not want to post a message about being “reeeeeaally baked” while you watched a retirement community burn down. It’s a little tasteless, to say the least. That fire also left more than 80 residents without their home and most of their belongings were destroyed. You’d think that Freeof would have a little more sensitivity about posting such comments considering the serious nature of the fire and his direct role as night concierge that day. Now, more than six months after the fire, details of that tragic June 2 morning are slowly starting to emerge. Just last month, Augusta attorney Sam Nicholson, who is representing 82-year-old Marshall Square resident Rhetta Cadle, told The Columbia County News-Times that the alarm system at Marshall Square was manually silenced four times before the fire was reported to emergency officials. Get that? Four times.

4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

According to Nicholson, an analysis of data from building’s fire control panel revealed the exact times that the alarm was silenced and when the sprinklers were turned off, according to The Columbia County News-Times story. So, the sprinklers were also turned off ? Nicholson filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cadle, who was trapped in her heavily damaged apartment in Marshall Square that morning for nearly seven hours before Columbia County firefighters rescued her. The lawsuit is seeking damages against Marshall Square, its parent company, the facility’s builder, the property manager Chris Bryde and... you guessed it, the night concierge Zack Freehof. Now, no one has been publicly named as the person who turned off the alarms or the sprinklers during the early morning hours. However, Cadle’s lawsuit does specifically state that Byrde and Freehof “instructed residents to ‘shelter in place’ in their rooms as they downplayed and minimized the danger of the fire.” That’s not good. Also, according to the News-Times article, the following is some of the data Nicholson and his team of experts discovered from the fire control panel: “The alarm was manually silenced at 3:04 a.m., and again at 3:05 a.m., 3:08 a.m. and 3:14 a.m. Columbia County dispatch was alerted at 3:19 a.m. and the alarm was silenced again at 3:30 a.m.,” The News-Times reported. “The building’s sprinklers were shut down manually at 3:33 a.m., just minutes after fire trucks arrived on the scene.” Not good at all. But whose comment regarding the data from the fire control panel really topped everything off ? None other than Columbia County Fire Rescue Chief Doug Cooper. Cooper reportedly told Columbia County News-Times Publisher Steve Crawford that his department also received a copy of the fire panel data, but “hasn’t been able to decipher it yet.” What?!?!! If no one from the Columbia County Fire Rescue can decipher the data, Cooper might want to consider finding someone who can. The events surrounding the tragic fire at Marshall Square should be thoroughly reviewed, investigated and addressed. If it isn’t, such a catastrophic fire in Columbia County will, most assuredly, happen again.

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Is Appling the Most Conservative Town in Georgia? RIGHT BEFORE NEW YEAR’S DAY, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did a fascinating story called, “Meet Georgia’s most conservative city.” While most people would consider all of Columbia County one of the most conservative counties in the state, who would have guessed that Appling was identified as the Peach State’s most conservative city? It appeared that The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was also a little surprised. “The main crossroads in Appling features a few county government buildings, a rusted-out barn and a statue of a pioneering Baptist minister,” the Dec. 29 article began. “There’s little to indicate that this area is a hotbed of conservative activism.” However, according to a political group called CrowdPac that reviewed the donations of citizens in about 5,000 cities across the nation, Appling is Georgia’s most conservative city and the nation’s “third most conservative enclave.” Only two Texas towns ranked more conservative than Appling, according to CrowdPac. So, according to this survey, Appling is more conservative than all the towns in Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Mississippi. Who would have guessed it? Apparently, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was curious enough to get a reporter, Greg Bluestein, to check out Appling and find out some facts about the state’s most conservative town. His observations were pretty much to be expected, considering he is accustomed to Atlanta area. “To say Appling is actually a town is a misnomer,” Bluestein wrote. “Named for the pioneering Appling family, the area lost its city charter in the 1990s but still serves as the official seat for Columbia County, a county of 140,000 next to Augusta.” Of course, the paper also brought up the fact that a majority of the residents living in Columbia County are Caucasian. “Republicans in the county — where three out of every four residents are white — have a firm grip on the four-seat commission, and residents overwhelmingly backed Gov. Nathan Deal in 2014 and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012,” The Atlanta JournalConstitution reported. Well, actually, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners is made up of five commissioners, but who’s counting. However, despite the fact that Columbia County is overwhelmingly white, Bluestein reported that Appling residents stressed that race was not so much a factor in the town being conservative. Instead, he found that most residents stated that Appling’s conservatism is more a result of its “religious infrastructure” and strong family values. No one can argue that tradition and faith are highly valued in Appling. And there’s no question about it, back in the 19th century, Appling was the political, social, educational and religious city center of Columbia County. The oldest courthouse in the state that is still in use is located in Appling. Built in 1812, the Appling courthouse was extensively remodeled in 1856 and further renovations were necessary in the late 1970s, according to the Columbia County Clerk of Courts. But the courthouse has been in continuous operation since 1856. Appling is also home to Kiokee Baptist Church, which is apparently the oldest continuing Baptist church in Georgia. According to Kiokee Baptist Church’s website, the Big Stevens Creek Church (originally from South Carolina) established a mission point in Appling. “The congregation became a Baptist church in the spring of 1772, probably taking the name ‘Kiokee’ after the creek on which it was located,” the church’s website states. “Kiokee has the distinction of having had a father, son and grandson as pastors during the first 60 years of its history. Daniel (1772-1784), Abraham (1784-1819), and Jabez (1819-1832) Marshall set a record which few other churches have known.” That’s some serious history there. And now, thanks to this bizarre survey by CrowdPac, Appling is officially on the map as, not only the most conservative city in Georgia, but the third most conservative town in the country. That’s saying something. Probably the funniest part of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s article was a quote from the Columbia County Democratic Party chairwoman Deborah Fisher. While she admitted that Democrats are seriously outnumbered in Columbia County, she insisted that her party was growing. “The Columbia County Democratic Party is strong,” she told the Atlanta paper. The Columbia County Democratic Party might be determined. It might be passionate. It might be enthusiastic, but “strong” is probably not an accurate description. However, more power to the Democrats in Columbia County. Somebody has to be the underdog and the Democrats in Columbia County are definitely salmon swimming upstream. Especially in Appling, apparently. 7JANUARY2016

So, the next time you drive through Appling, look around and appreciate the fact that you are driving through one of country’s most conservative towns. But here’s a little fair warning: Don’t blink while driving through town because the truth is, you may just miss it.

$63,5$7,216

Keeping Up

LAURYN HILL – FREE CONCERT

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WORLD BEER FESTIVAL JANUARY 23

RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 7-17

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JANUARY 9

COLUMBIAMUSEUM.ORG GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: HER CAROLINA STORY

FOR SOME REASON, I was happy for the holidays to finally be over. I’m not sure why. It certainly wasn’t due to a lack of holiday spirit. This Christmas was one of the best ever! We completed our shopping early, and all the pre-Christmas holiday festivities occurred with minimal drama. Our family spent many hours enjoying each other’s company — in a completely relaxed and calm manner, I might add. No one could ask for a better couple of weeks. Yet, I was exceedingly happy that it was over. Mostly, I think I was ready to get back to work. A new year always inspires thoughts of a new beginning. It’s a chance to reconnect with a life vision and to update a personal mission statement. What lessons were learned from the failures, and what preparations are needed to promote future success? The beginning of the year is the time to set down with a pen and a notebook (old school) and plan the triumphs for the year! Most people don’t realize that technology oriented individuals face an extra “What If” when planning for the future. It goes like this — what if a new technology makes my skill set outdated or unnecessary by the end of the year? Or more succinctly, what if I become irrelevant? Don’t laugh. It’s happens all the time — just ask your friends that used to manage Blackberry servers or provision Motorola mobile phones. Fortunately, the technology minded folk are not left completely adrift during this all-important planning time. Whether it’s by design or happenstance, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) charts that path for new product development. CES is one of the largest and most renowned technology trade shows. Products announced at CES are on the leading edge of technology development. It’s the perfect event at the perfect time for those attempting to keep up. So what’s the best way to keep track of all the new developments at CES? Honestly, that’s the easy part. Every major tech media source reports on CES product announcements, performs product review and generally keeps tabs on everything worth reporting. While I’m not a big fan of video embedded into websites, viewing product demonstrations is a great way to get the feel for new stuff. For those without a favorite tech media source, cnet.com is a great place to start. CNET provides great overviews without going too deep into the techno-babble. (Everyone at CNET thinks that being a nerd is cool, so any Augusta Tek reader should feel right at home.) By this point, I expect that most readers have pulled out their phone to check in on CES. Those readers are likely now looking at one of the more anticipated products to be announced at CES: HDR televisions. (Yes, another acronym to describe televisions.) In this case, HDR stands for “high dynamic range.” HDR televisions significantly expand the range of contrast and color. The pictures look more natural, tend to pop more and seem more real. Another way to think about it: instead of trying to increase the number of pixels, the HDR televisions provide better pixels. Everyone living on the technology leading edge is really geeking out about HDR televisions. Aren’t you glad you know? Of course, some will choose to remain oblivious to the new tech announced at CES. From a professional point of view, that might be fine. No one is likely to lose their job if the conference room doesn’t have the latest HDR television. However, I have it on good authority that The Martian is a great date flick. Imagine the setting — dim lights, Chinese take-out and your date going goo-goo eyes while watching a very vulnerable Matt Damon battle the planet Mars on your brand new HDR television. Unfortunately, this is an opportunity that you will surely miss. All because you didn’t want to keep up with the latest tech. Bummer. @gregory_a_baker

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART NOW–JANUARY 8

GOVERNOR’S CUP RUN MAY 14

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

7JANUARY2016

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One-Pound Peanut Butter Cups (And So Many Other Things) Disclaimer (because everyone is sensitive these days): I love my husband. I do not think he is stupid. I do not think my friend’s husband is stupid. I do not think men are stupid. This is meant to be funny. If you don’t find it to be funny, that’s cool, but don’t make this an I HATE MEN viral thing. I do not hate men. I think they’re funny. Thanks. MEN ARE FUNNY. Sure, they make me laugh. I mean funny more in the odd way. Like, strange but laughable. Sitting at New Year’s Eve dinner with our closest friends, we were talking over our kids, who were wired on sparkling grape juice and a one pound peanut butter cup, eating a delicious and fancy meal and drinking red wine. A husband started a new conversation and, at the same time, a cell phone said, “ding!” A text message came in. Sure, we probably should’ve put the phones away, at least while we ate, but we’d all been in touch with faraway family and friends throughout the holiday evening. Kelley replied to the text, immediately coming back to the conversation. “Nevermind,” he said, clearly offended by what seemed to be partial listening. I piped in with a simple statement. “Women can do more than one thing at a time.” She followed it with the greatest truth: “Yeah, otherwise we’d be bored.” I think men can do more than one thing at once, but maybe they’d rather not. Ask my husband what he talks about when he plays golf. They talk about golf. He’s played with our priest a couple of times. I was sure they had an enlightening and inspiring conversation about God and such. Nope. Golf. They talk about God at church or maybe around the campfire. It starts early. The Boy, if given a task, will complete the task, but only after being reminded to stay focused. He was asked to retrieve something from another house on the lake property where we stayed for NYE. It was raining. He walked across the yard, with simple directions to get a pair of boots from the front porch across the way. We realized it was taking longer than it should, so we looked for him. Lo and behold, there he was, refocused on the mud puddle in the middle of the grass. Sure, he’s a kid. He should stop to play in puddles. When we asked what he was doing, he said, “Playing in the puddle.” Clearly. We reminded him about the boots. “Oh yeah.” I’ve learned to verify whether they’re listening. A nod won’t do. There has to be audible confirmation, and even then I can’t be 100 percent sure. As much as I enjoy

8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

repeating things again and again and again, there are likely more efficient uses of my time. And theirs, really. Besides, I sound much friendlier the first time I say it. Most grown men I know bathe regularly and change their socks. Can someone please tell me, forthelove, why boys have to be reminded so often? At an age when they are starting to care about romance, I’d assume they’d want to smell good. You know what happens when we assume. Oh, you don’t? Socks become so stiff and crusty they can stand on their own, that’s what. My husband can focus on a huge project, like installing the new water heater we bought each other for Christmas, all day until it’s done. I’d need an audio book and a simultaneous text conversation to do the same. He doesn’t understand why I even need music on in the car. He cleans a bathroom better than anyone I know as long as there are no distractions. One thing at a time. It’s kind of essential to marriage. I’ll take it. Besides, we’ve got hot water now and a very clean bathroom. If you ask him, his golf game could use a little work. In spite of the distractions, our New Year’s dinner was really good. Ask me about the Frog Hollow mac n cheese I made. If you haven’t had theirs, go try it. Mine’s not quite as good, but I was proud of my copycat attempt. Oh, and if you’re wondering, we did eat the entire pound of the Reese’s peanut butter cup, while talking about God, by the campfire. Our socks were clean. JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.

7JANUARY2016

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Malheur and the Imaginary Martyr Situation The response to the situation at Malheur in Oregon has been an interesting one across the political board. Probably the most startling aspect of the reaction is how tempered it’s been on both sides of the aisle. For sure, there are fringe elements — from both the conservative and liberal camps — using inflammatory rhetoric and grasp-at-straws comparisons but, for the most part, the nation has decided to treat this with a sort of “wait and see” approach. And I get it; we don’t want bloodshed, not on any scale, and certainly not on a relatively large scale like this. On top of that, the government has to be careful in how they respond — both through rhetoric and through actions — because this could quickly turn into an imaginary martyr situation. One common opinion held by such people as Chuck Muth (leader of the Nevada-based Citizen Outreach), is that we should effectively ignore the situation; he would prefer to “speak about it in terms of Big Government… and not get bogged down in the details,” further stating that, though he expects the issue to move some votes in local politics, it won’t be that impactful on a national level. It would be easy to ignore this, to write it off as simply a bunch of disgruntled white men in the middle of a midlife crisis, desperately grasping at what little relevance they occupy in a cosmically indifferent reality, and with a fairly paltry understanding of why federal land is federal land. Which, yes, is totally what this is. But it’s also — let’s not BS here — an armed takeover by an anti-government militia of a federal building. No, it’s not the Pentagon, it’s not the White House, it’s not even a state courthouse; this is the headquarters of a wildlife refuge in rural Oregon. But it’s going to prove massively impactful, if not from a legal standpoint, then certainly from a cultural one, as well as being a precedent-setting incident regarding how the government is going to respond to such occupations, and how emboldened these ridiculous “militias” will be in the future. A few noteworthy and/or scary details that might have gotten lost in the shuffle here: 1. Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed militia, said that he decided to go ahead with the armed occupation after God told him in a dream to do it. This is either terrifying or hilarious because it means that either Bundy is insane enough to believe that God wants him to stage an armed revolution from a national park visitors’ center, or God actually did tell Bundy it was okay to do this, but only within the confines of the dream, and Bundy simply misunderstood. 2. One of the armed protestors is Jon Ritzheimer, who you might remember as the snaggle-

7JANUARY2016

toothed jackass who staged an anti-Muslim protest outside a mosque while wearing a “F**k Islam” T-shirt. He also operates an e-commerce site that almost exclusively sells bumper stickers and T-shirts with that phrase, or the phrase “F**k Anderson Cooper,” emblazoned on them. This is the kind of person associated with the Malheur occupation. 3. It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly this whole miasma began, but the two main catalysts for this are both incidents perpetrated by ranchers Dwight and Steve Hammond. First, they protested and ignored a fence that was being built to mark the delineation between their own private land and government land. Then they were caught illegally burning brush. The Hammonds claimed they were doing it to cut back sagebrush, but there is ample evidence that they set the fire to cover up their illegal shooting of area deer; in any case, the fire also endangered area residents and local firefighters. For the time being, we should appreciate that local and national government authorities are pushing for a peaceful resolution to the situation — and if recent history has taught us anything, then it’s not going to be too long before these guys are targeted by hackers and shamed into becoming recluses, or they say some outlandishly racist nonsense that immediately deflates any public support for them. Although that last one seems to be working for Trump. So who knows?

Josh rUFFIn is a long way from home,

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

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 9

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The Whine Line

Hardie Davis is a good example of why the mayor’s authority does not need to be expanded.

Hey you two parents at the north augusta walmart smoking around your infant child: you do know that secondhand smoke can be deadly at that age, right? Or do you just not care? Nice parenting. I’m sure your child will appreciate it when they’re older, if they even live to grow old.

ck cakes a n s s ip fl a n a n a b I rueldalstalyrtwbeisinghmade again. I’veMloayobkeedsofmore wo continued. em is d e r a y e th ld to s them and wa anufacturer will start makin snack cake m ere great. again. They w Dear Columbia County Sheriffs Office Motorcycles and Traffic units. It is perfectly ok with running radar on Columbia Rd between William Few & Lewiston Rd, not just between Belair & Lewiston like you aaaaaaakways do. Actually if you find the courage to try this stretch of road out you’ll find these dump trucks driving iratic and speeding almost all the time versus the civilians who accidentally coast over the speed limit going down hill on the other section. I am a trucker. I sacrifice not being with my family so you can have food, drinks, including milk, candy, electronics, shoes, clothes, cars, books, toiletries, building supplies, beer, and everything you buy in every store all over the nation. I can be deadly in traffic so I had to undergo series of medical and drugs tests. I am constandly monitored, and heavily regulated by DOT. I had to have a clean criminal background, and driving record to qualify and become a trucker. I am healthy, trustworthy, safe, and my services are crucial for your daily lives. I am a master time manager, and have to keep up with laws and regulations. I am living a life with high standards. My trucks can weight over eighty thousands lbs and it makes me big and slow. And just because I can only go slow, the American people hate me, curse at me, cut me off, and risk their lives dueling me on the roads in the very cars I delivered to the city. You are one selfish, ungreatful bunch. I am a 55 year old African-American. When I was a teen the bible called children born out of wedlock bastards. People felt shame. Then children born out of wedlock became illegitimate. People felt less shame. Now, in the age of enlightenment, children are bred like rabbits out of wedlock and celebrated like its not a big deal. Glorified bastards, same sex marriage, millions of illegal immigrants, and rolling out the welcome mat to refugees/insurgents/ sleeper cells. That summarizes the first African-American presidency. Thanks a lot Barack Obama, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. You were a disappointment. The mistake will not be repeated!

Augusta’s local channels are in desperate need of new commercials, or they could at least give their existing commercials less air time. I don’t know how much more I can stand hearing about “Wild Encounters” with Micah Rumsey or Civil War Round Table every other commercial break. Also, Crazy Ex Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin really suck, and I haven’t even watched them. The promo commercials are so annoying that I assume sitting through the entirety of these shows would be like Chinese water torture. Where is the “voice of reason” to counter the foolish banter of Austin Rhodes? He appears to be full of himself, you can tell it from what/how he writes as well as the nuance between the lines. He makes no secret that he is a republican, but I didn’t think he was that shallow. He provides no statistics or resource to support his foolishness. The last straw was when he spoke out of both sides of his mouth. In one instance Donald Trump was his last choice, but he was willing to make him his first choice if nominated. Nothing changed. “There is no fool, like an old fool”; if he is a fool today, he’ll be a fool tomorrow. I suggest the METRO SPIRIT feature guest editorial writers for a breath of fresh air. Austin is very stale and very, very foolish. Are you sick and tired of Kickstarter, Patreon, Fundly, or GoFundMe sights where YouTube hacks ask you to go to get YOUR money for THEIR endeavors? They hover like metastasizing cancers throughout YouTube. And we’re talking about YT channels making six-figures or more. Why should they need to e-beg your $10 or $20? YT channels asking for YOUR money is the new, albeit analog version of religious televangelism. Summation: There’s a sucker born every minute!

Surely, the wealthiest per

son in the p constructionebrasrorn who sold all of those orathngise area is Richmond County. els to Richmond County and road Richmond County is the lowest of the trailer trash? Jones Creek is the nicest trailer park in town? Honey, that back-and-forth is like arguing about who is the tallest midget at the carnival. Puh-leez. If real class existed here, Donald Trump wouldn’t have such an enthusiastic fan base in this area. Heard some Columbia County residents bragging about their EMA Director and how deserving she was of her recent pay increase. I immediately thought of Marshall Square...the building was a total loss, one person lost their life and now we hear that personal items were looted from the scene. Doesn’t sound like adequate emergency preparedness to me. But I did read here that she can copy and paste National Weather Service data on Facebook very well. The Duke had it right: “you can’t fix stupid”!

Who is paying for all the tv time Paine College is running? Is this the best way to spend money that is in such short supply?

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.

10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7JANUARY2016

Last week a whiner complained because Oprah bought a $14 million dollar mansion in California. Why get all bent out of shape? Oprah donates millions throughout the world. Her generosity is well recognized. I wonder if this same whiner is complaining about all the televangelists who are taking money sent in by gullible, needy, and spiritually sincere people to heap upon their own lust. The bible says buy the truth and sell it not. These are the true “phonys”. His out-raged is misplaced. He needs to tell it to those fake preachers living in big mansions, flying jets, wearing designer clothes, and having servants wait on them hand and foot all in the name of religion. Sadly the sheep (people) are sick, homeless, unemployed, and hungry. At least Oprah is earning hers and providing employment for many. That’s a big difference between someone taking the bible, using someone’s else’s words, and making money from it.

I don’t think Mr Trump can make it any clearer. His concern is about getting the oil! He could give a rats tail about either side of the aisle! Could he be a little upset that Bush and Chaney went without him? Every county zoning for PUD is a disaster because the lots are allowed to violate the county impervious lot limits and drainage problems are the first encounter for homeowners with an oversized house on a postage stamp lot.

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Living in America

The Godfather of Soul James Brown’s fight to get back on the top By Stacey Eidson

Almost four decAdes after receiving his first Golden Globe nomination for the original Rocky film released in 1976, actor Sylvester Stallone is once again nominated for his supporting role in the latest Rocky sequel, Creed. Many long-time fans of Stallone are anxiously waiting to see whether he will receive the Golden Globe during this weekend’s awards ceremony, and many critics have hailed Stallone’s seventh time portraying legendary character Rocky Balboa to be his most successful attempt to date. “Without straining for pathos, using his battered body as an asset but never as a prop, the actor finds continually surprising, understated notes of tenderness and regret,” Variety magazine recently wrote. “The role is written as a victory lap, but Stallone brings much more to it; it’s clear how much this character still means to him.” In a statement released last month, Stallone said the Golden Globe nomination was “an unexpected honor.” “Rocky is the one thing I’ve done right,” Stallone posted on Facebook last month. “I’d say my life is about 96 percent failures, but if you just get that 4 percent right, that’s all you need.” While some critics have described this recent Golden Globe nomination for Stallone as a possible career comeback, this isn’t the first time that a Rocky film has put a legend back in the spotlight. Exactly 30 years ago this week, the Godfather of Soul James Brown received worldwide attention when his hit single “Living in America” from the Rocky IV soundtrack entered the Billboard Top 40 chart. It was Brown’s best performance on the charts since his 1968 classic “Say It Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud.” The song led to a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Song and the legendary singer won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Brown’s success with “Living in America” came not long after his appearance in the 1980 film, The Blues Brothers, starring comedians John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Suddenly, the Godfather of Soul’s career was flying high again. “After my appearance in the The Blues Brothers, the rest of my career seemed to fall back into place,” Brown stated in his 2005 book, “I Feel Good: A Memoir of a Life of Soul,” that he co-wrote with Marc Eliot. “I soon began to appear in a number of movies, including Doctor Detroit, where I sang ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ and then Rocky IV, where I had the opportunity to introduce a brand new song — ‘Living in America.’ That became my first really big hit in years and something of an anthem for the eighties.” When Brown looked back at his experience with “Living in America,” he admitted that at first he wasn’t interested in being involved in Rocky IV. “At first, I didn’t want to do it, because I thought four Rockys was too many,” Brown stated in his 1986 autobiography, “James Brown: The Godfather of Soul,” that he co-wrote with Bruce Tucker. “I didn’t think it would be able to sustain its popularity. But Sylvester Stallone is a strong force in the business; he knows what he’s doing.” In fact, Brown had a great deal of praise for Stallone and his experience with the actor during the making of Rocky IV. 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“At first, I didn’t want to do it, because I thought four Rockys was too many. I didn’t think it would be able to sustain its popularity. But Sylvester Stallone is a strong force in the business; he knows what he’s doing.” — James Brown 7JANUARY2016

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“(Stallone) turned out to be an easy man to work with and a concerned man, too,” Brown wrote in 1986. “He told me he thought Rambo sent a positive message to the Vietnam War veterans and made people aware of the whole MIA issue, but he was worried about its effects on kids. It was making them go out and buy bows and big knives, and he was against that. He said he didn’t want them to dress up in that kind of outfit and pretend they were bloodthirsty, savage killers.” After meeting with Stallone, Brown said he appreciated and respected the actor’s concern for the impact his films were having on the country and, therefore, felt comfortable participating in Rocky IV. “We shot my scene for the movie in three and a half days at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” Brown wrote. “Part of that time was spent shooting the music video. It was the biggest production number they’d ever done for a Rocky picture. The song was written by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight, and really, it could be about my life with all the stuff about all-night diners and all the cities in it.” In “Living in America,” Brown sings about all things “American,” such as in the following lines: “Smokestack, fatback, many miles of railroad track All night radio, keep on runnin’ through, your rock ‘n’ roll soul All night diners, keep you ‘wake, on black coffee, and a hard roll.” He also did a shout-out to several cities across the nation, including New Orleans, Detroit, Dallas, Pittsburgh, New York City, Kansas City, Chicago and Los Angeles. In Rocky IV , Brown was featured in the movie singing “Living in America” when the film’s character, Apollo Creed (who is played by actor Carl Weathers), enters the ring and is preparing to take on a championship boxer from the Soviet Union, Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren). It is an extremely patriotic and dramatic scene that features Brown performing with several showgirls in the ring right before the highly anticipated boxing match in Las Vegas. Of course, tragically in the movie, Apollo Creed is fatally killed in the ring by Ivan Drago. As a result, Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, is outraged that his best friend was fatally beaten and decides to fight Ivan Drago in the Soviet Union to avenge his friend’s death and, of course, honor the United States.

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“During the filming, Sly said to me, ‘You think Blues Brothers was something. I’m going to really show you something.’ He was right. The movie and the record took off together. A whole new audience saw me for the first time.” — James Brown

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 13

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While the reviews of the movie were mixed, Rocky IV still earned more than $300 million at the box office and provided Brown with a great deal of worldwide exposure. Back in the mid-1980s, the Cold War was still thriving, so having the underdog Rocky Balboa fighting an evil Soviet boxer appealed to a wide audience all across the United States. “During the filming, Sly said to me, ‘You think Blues Brothers was something. I’m going to really show you something,” Brown wrote in his 1986 autobiography. “He was right. The movie and the record took off together. A whole new audience saw me for the first time. The soundtrack went platinum, the single went into the top five on the charts, and I signed a new record deal with Scotti Brothers and CBS.” Finally, the world began to view him as a “contemporary artist,” Brown wrote. “The movie gave me the final boost I was looking for,” Brown wrote in 1986.

Doors began to open, Brown was back on top and people began to notice him again. “A lot of the younger performers came to see me,” Brown wrote in his 1986 autobiography. “During a show I did at the Beverly Theater in Los Angeles with B.B. King, Michael Jackson and Prince both came by. Michael sang ‘Man’s World’ and sounded fantastic. When we broke into ‘There Was a Time,’ it blew his mind. He sang and danced and the place went wild.” However, Brown said Prince seemed a little intimidated by the initial meeting. “Prince played some guitar, but I think he was a little nervous because Michael fit into my thing a little better since Michael had been studying me for years,” Brown wrote. “But later on Prince studied, and he got into it real good. When I was in California later, he came to a show and lay on the floor backstage and watched my feet. Afterward, he asked me if I

“The movie gave me the final boost I was looking for.” — James Brown 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

had roller skates on my shoes.” Back in 1986, it was if Brown could do no wrong. In January of that year, not only did Brown have his hit single “Living in America” climbing the charts, but he was also one of the first 10 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “I went in with Elvis, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, the Everly Brothers, Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard,” Brown wrote in his 1986 autobiography. “I’ve never been a rock ‘n’ roll singer, but I was glad to be honored with all those other great people.” The honor meant the world to Brown because it felt like a new door had opened for him and he was truly accepted throughout the music industry, he wrote. “That night, while I was being inducted, I think I felt for the first time that the struggle was over,” Brown wrote. “I was being enshrined for posterity, and I had a record going into the top of the chart on the same night.” At home here in Augusta, Brown was also being recognized as legend, according to local author and columnist for The Augusta Chronicle Don Rhodes. “Then Augusta mayor Charles A. DeVaney proclaimed June 28, 1986, as ‘James Brown Day,’” Rhodes wrote in book, “Say It Loud!: My Memories of James Brown, Soul Brother No. 1.” Rhodes wrote that Brown was overwhelmed by the celebration that took place at the Augusta Riverfront Marina. “What a beautiful city Augusta has become,” Rhodes quoted Brown as telling him days before the ceremony. “When God recognizes you with his blessings, that is the highest honor a man can receive. When your fellow man recognizes you, that is the second highest honor you can receive.” Rhodes wrote that Brown received congratulatory messages from President Ronald Reagan, Georgia Gov. Joe Frank Harris and Alabama Gov. George Wallace. That same year, Brown and his wife, Adrienne, were given the special privilege of meeting privately with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome, Rhodes wrote. “Brown said — for a poor kid from rural Barnwell County, South Carolina, then regularly attending a small Baptist church in Elko, South Carolina — that meeting with the pope was the highlight of his life,” Rhodes wrote in his book, “Say It Loud!” “I thought God had brought me far to deliver me to such a highly recognized 7JANUARY2016

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“That night, while I was being inducted (into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), I think I felt for the first time that the struggle was over. I was being enshrined for posterity, and I had a record going into the top of the chart on the same night.” — James Brown

16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

spiritual leader,” Rhodes quoted Brown as saying. “People were there from all over the world coming together and worshipping God. God is the greatest hit maker in the world. I’d rather be a poor man with religion than a rich man without it.” Not long after he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Brown recalled sitting in a restaurant with a white friend one day and another white man came up to him and said, “Elvis was the greatest, and you’re next.” “Then a black girl came up and said to my white friend, ‘The black people love him — y’all like him — but he’s still ours,’” Brown wrote in his 1986 autobiography, “James Brown: The Godfather of Soul.” “Between those two people, I bridged the gap. Elvis was American as apple pie. Years ago, I couldn’t be American as apple pie. It took me four generations to be apple pie.” Even though the Godfather of Soul had some major ups and downs over the years, including being incarcerated in 1988, he was extremely proud of his accomplishments and the impact his music had on society. “People realize now they got to go the whole trip — all cultures — to enjoy life,” Brown wrote in 1986. “When I play a show and there are ten thousand people, seven thousand of ‘em are white. The reason is education. Unless they were well educated, Afro-Americans never knew what they really had right in their own community. Now I think they’re going to know.” Looking back over his life, Brown recognized his struggles, but felt blessed for what he had achieved during his time on earth. “I don’t consider myself better than anyone. I consider myself luckier than most,” Brown wrote in 1986. “People say I have a big ego, but I had to have an ego to make anything of myself in the first place. I had to have an ego to stay out there and continue to work no matter what, and I have to have one now to say, ‘Yes, I’m James Brown, and it’s still happening for me.’ Because it doesn’t just happen. You have to make it happen.” For Brown, 1986 was a very good year with all of the accolades and his hit single. However, even with all the success that year brought him, Brown knew the hardships of living in America. “But honors and gold records and all aren’t what I’m proudest of,” Brown wrote in his 1986 autobiography. “I’m proudest of what I have become, as opposed to what I could have become, and I’d like to be remembered as someone who brought people together.”

7JANUARY2016

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This event includes remarks by Major General Perry Smith, the honoring of four individuals with the 2016 Distinguished American Award and more. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

10:30am - noon Herbal Healing Maxwell Branch Library Led by Faye Wallace. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm A Petersburg Boat Pilot Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Noon CSRA Vegetarian/Vegan Society Meet Up Soy Noodle House Many vegetarian and vegan options will be available. Membership not required to attend. Visit meetup.com/csravs/.

Mon Jan 11, 2016

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish

Hyunsuk Erickson and Carrie Brooks are two local artists whose work is included in The Winter Exhibition that shows January 14-February 26 at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. Erickson’s mixed media work uses uncommon materials on wood canvases, while Brooks recently began experimenting with adding mixed media elements to her ﬁgurative and still-life paintings. The Lakeside High School art techer’s “Savannah Blue” is shown here. An opening reception, free and open to the public, is Thursday, January 14, from 6-8 p.m. Call 803441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

ARTS Mon Jan 11, 2016

1pm - 2:30pm Cement Yard Art Attic Treasures, Harlem A two-session Harlem Arts Council class for adults in which participants will learn to make vegetable markers, garden markers, rocks and a special item. $25. Call 706-2317199 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

Thu Jan 14, 201

11am - 1pm Hand-Building Pottery

Attic Treasures, Harlem A six-session Harlem Arts Council class for adults that continues each Thursday through February 25. No experience necessary. $95. Call 706-394-4682 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

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

6pm Building Your Dream: How to Start Your Own Small Business Helms College A seminar presented by the American Culinary Federation Augusta Chapter (ACFAC) and led by Texas barbecue guru Chef Jason Meador. Call 706-834-2674.

11am - 1pm Hand-Building Pottery

Tue Jan 12, 2016

Attic Treasures, Harlem A two-session Harlem Arts Council class for adults that continues Thursday, January 28. $50. Call 706-394-4682 or email harlemartscouncil@gmail.com.

2pm Computing for Beginners Diamond Lakes Branch Library A two-session class that continues on January 19. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

EDUCATION

Wed Jan 13, 2016

Thu Jan 7, 2016

11am Digital Library for Beginners Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

5pm - 9pm Jimmie Dyess Symposium Augusta Museum of History Rotunda

11:30am - 1:30pm Brown Bag History Series Lecture Augusta Museum of History Featuring The Immigration Experience in the CSRA: An Overview by Augusta University’s Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell. Participants should bring their own lunch

and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session follows the lecture. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

10am - 3:30pm Computer Boot Camp Columbia County Library A two-session class that continues Thursday, January 21. Both sessions and pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Noon - 4pm SRS Tour Aiken County Applied Research Center Includes a safety brieﬁng, tour of the Savannah River Ecology Lab and general driving tour of the site. Free and open to those 18 or older who are U.S. citizens and have two forms of ID. Call 803-952-8994 or visit srs.gov/general/tour/public.htm.

7pm - 8:30pm Intermediate Sign Language University Hospital An eight-week class that meets Thursdays through March 3. $45 plus $45 for the textbook. Pre-registration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth.org.

Ongoing Tutoring

GRU’s Literacy Center One-on-one tutoring offered to all ages in all subjects and supervised by a certiﬁed teacher at all times. Available by appointment Monday-Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the center at 1401 Magnolia Drive. Call 706-737-1625 or visit gru.edu/lcenter/.

GED Class The Kroc Center A class for those ages 18 and older that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon. The class is free, but there is a charge for taking the GED exit exam. Preregistration required. Call 706-771-4131 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

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

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

ELSEWHERE Sat Jan 9, 2016

5pm Life After Life Artist Reception LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro These paintings of Elaine Thillen will show January 9-February 13. The reception is free, family friendly and open to the public, and the artist will speak about her work at 6 p.m. Visit lithamoon.com.

Sun Jan 10, 2016

Noon Passport to Art: Winter White Columbia Museum of Art A free open studio for families in which participants create a work of art with textured white paint and take a family color tour at 1 p.m. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

6pm A Spirited Tour and Tasting

650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

6pm - 8pm The Winter Exhibition Opening Reception Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta The Winter Exhibit features the work of Carrie Brooks and Hyunsuk Erickson, and the opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit shows until February 26. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Ongoing

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

SEEDS Exhibition Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists that are $300 or less. The exhibition will show until January 29. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “Glamorous Gowns of Centuries Past” (through December 2015), “Augusta, 1864” (through January 2016); “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Columbia Museum of Art This last chance to see the exhibitions “Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Carolina Story: and “Independent Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina” includes a wine tasting with light appetizers. $55, members; $65, nonmembers. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

FLIX

EXHIBITIONS

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

Thu Jan 7, 2016

5pm - 7pm Ajibola Exhibition Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center Also known as Daphne Taylor, this local artist will exhibit her original paintings January 7-February 26. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

6pm - 7:30pm Meet the Artist: Nico Gozal Hire Grounds Cafe The Indonesian artist brings his multicultural heritage to life in his silk paintings, on display throughout the month of January. Call 7067JANUARY2016

or visit imperialtheatre.com.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

2:30pm Family Fun Movies Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

3pm “Mr. Holmes” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Fri Jan 8, 2016

7pm Poison Peach Film Festival

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

Imperial Theatre $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

10:30am “King Creole”

12:30pm “Viva Las Vegas”

2pm “Blue Hawaii” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

4pm “Jailhouse Rock” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7pm Poison Peach Film Festival Imperial Theatre Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbes Film, this event showcases the offerings of Augusta’s film community. $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341

Thu Jan 14, 2016

11am Thursday Movie Madness Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

HEALTH Thu Jan 7, 2016

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

Sat Jan 9, 2016

10:30am Childbirth Tour

Sun Jan 10, 2016

GRHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit grhealth.org.

Imperial Theatre $12 per day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

Sun Jan 10, 2016

2pm Poison Peach Film Festival

Mon Jan 11, 2016

5:30pm Family Movie Night Euchee Creek Library Call for details. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

3pm Transcendental Meditation Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Mon Jan 11, 2016

4pm Breast Self-Exam Class

Wed Jan 13, 2016

University’s Breast Health Center Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

4pm Family Movie

7pm - 9:30pm Ready and Able AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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members, $30. Call 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.

HOBBIES Thu Jan 7, 2016

3pm Genealogy Software Programs Augusta Museum of History A seminar led by professional genealogist Michele Simmons Lewis that is free and open to the public. Call 706-722-4073 or visit augustagensociety.org.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

10am - noon You’re a Big Girl Now

Noon Saturday Chess Club Euchee Creek Branch Library For all ages. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

1pm Columbia County Genealogical Society Meeting Euchee Creek Branch Library For those of all abilities. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.

7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101

7:30pm Childbirth Tour

7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour

GRHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit grhealth.org.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

6pm Eating Well in the New Year Saint Paul’s River Room University’s Eating Well with Kim host Kim Beavers will pair a cooking demonstration with a discussion about the fundamentals of healthy eating, challenges to weight loss and practical tips to help participants reach their weight loss goals. Light refreshments and samples will be served. Free but preregistration required. Call 706-774-7770 or visit universityhealth.org. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net. University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Ongoing

Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease Aquatics Class Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool Members, free; non-members, $3. Call 706922-9664 or email ccollins@thefamilyy.org.

Adapted Special Populations One-onOne Class Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For the physically and developmentally challenged of all ages. Members, $10; non-

10am Simply Science: Squishy Sensations

Columbia County Library Participants will learn the basics of finding their roots. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

3pm Genealogy Club

Doctors Hospital A five-session Lamaze class that continues Tuesdays through February 9. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Imagination Station Children’s Museum An event that includes stories, songs, counting and dancing. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.

Reed Creek Park An event for those ages 5 and up, along with their parents, in which participants will learn the steps to the scientific method as they create balls out of different materials. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@ columbiacountyga.gov.

Fri Jan 8, 2016

Organized by Christopher Forbes of Forbesfilm, the Poison Peach Film Festival showcases the diverse offerings of local and regional independent filmmakers and will screen at the Imperial Theatre Friday and Saturday, January 8-9, starting at 7 pm, and Sunday, January 10, at 2 pm. Friday night is family friendly and includes prize winning films from Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School students, shorts from the Wages of Cine, and more. Saturday night focuses on horror and is not for young children. Sunday afternoon features are family friendly (there is some war violence) and features two historical films by Christopher Forbes. At 2 pm is the tenth anniversary screening of Battle of Aiken, and at 4 pm the full-length version of The War Riders (formerly known as Confederate Cavalry) starring Parker Stevenson. Tickets are $12 a day or $20 for a weekend pass. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

9:30am - noon Winter Wonderland

KIDS-TEENS Thu Jan 7, 2016

10am Beautiful Baskets Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series, participants will look at the Daughters of the South exhibit and learn about basket weaving. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.

5:30pm Beginning Piano with Emily Kroc Center A four-session class for those ages 6-13 that continues Thursdays through January 28. $50. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Fri Jan 8, 2016

7pm - 8:30pm Zentangle Art Aiken Public Library A program for those in grades 6-12 in which no drawing experience is necessary and pre-registration is required. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1121, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Doctors Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers, on puberty and adolescence. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

10:30am Family Story Time Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

11am I’ll Never Let You Go Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Sun Jan 10, 2016

2pm - 4pm Folk Art Spectacular Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series, this event features stories from Peter Loose-Schrantz. Participants will then create folk-art inspired animals using found objects. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

10am - 11:30am Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers Club Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stories and hands-on fun. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1424 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

Wed Jan 13, 2016

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

Thu Jan 14, 2016 4pm Lego Club

Sat Jan 9, 2016

9:30am Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.

Aiken Public Library For those in grades K-5. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Ongoing

Walton Winter Weekend 7JANUARY2016

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Applications for Walton Foundation for Independence’s Winter Weekend Camp will be accepted until January 15. The camp, which will be held February 5-7 at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga., is for children ages 6-18 with physical disabilities and their families. Applications should include a $25 registration fee. For more information, call 706-826-5809 or visit waltonfoundation.net/winterweekend.

Creek Freaks Phinizy Center A Georgia Adopt-a-Stream team of middle-and high-school students that meets regularly to monitor the health of Butler Creek. Call 706-796-7707 or visit naturalscienceacademy.org.

Loud Crowd A supervised after-school program for those ages 4-12, is Monday Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the following community centers: Warren Road, Blythe, Garrett, Diamond Lakes and McBean. The program follows the Richmond County school calendar. $85, monthly; $25, weekly; $10, drop-in. Visit augustaga.gov.

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

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

Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age A group for women with children who are age 35 years or older. Call 706-394-1293 or email hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com.

Homeschool PE Time The Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. Members, free; nonmembers, $2 per visit. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

LITERARY Mon Jan 11, 2016

7pm Pub Fiction Book Club Pizza Central Hosted by Columbia County Library staff. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

2pm Friends of the Aiken County Public Library Meeting Aiken Public Library 7JANUARY2016

Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

MUSIC Fri Jan 8, 2016

7:30pm Live from Nashville Jabez S. Hardin PAC $43. Call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

7:30pm 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta Featuring Israeli jazz guitarist and oud player Amos Hoffman. $20; $18 in advance. Seniors, students or military: $10; $8 in advance. Call 706-733-7939 or visit uuaugusta.org.

Sat Jan 9, 2016 7:30pm Rock and Roll Over Beethoven Bell Auditorium A concert featuring Ed Turner and Number 9 with Symphony Orchestra Augusta playing classic rock and pop from the ‘60s and ‘70s. $20-$50. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Features the Carolina Trio in concert. Lunch afterwards requires advance reservations. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

SENIORS Thu Jan 7, 2016

2pm - 3:30pm Beginning Senior Computer Class Kroc Center A three-session class that continues Thursdays, January 14 and 21. For ages 62 and older; pre-registration required. Call 706922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Fri Jan 8, 2016

11:30am - 1pm Elmcroft Senior Studies 101 Lunch and Learn Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8681946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

1:30pm - 3:30pm AARP Class Kroc Center A class that focuses on health insurance, life insurance and retirement. Call 706-3645762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/ kroc-center/.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

11am - 1pm Medicare and You Kroc Center Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Ongoing

641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

Kroc Center A senior exercise class that meets each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Kroc Center. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

8pm “Digistar Laser Fantasy”

Silver Sneakers

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

Silversneakers H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members; $52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Computer Classes for Seniors Kroc Center Taught Mondays and Thursdays. Preregistration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.

Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Rummikub each Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon, Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 803-6427631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jan 7, 2016

5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. The featured organization is TEDxAugusta, Jennie Fleming is the artist of the month, Don Hancock will sign copies of his book, and Chris Hardy will perform. Call 706-733-1788.

Fri Jan 8, 201

5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3 ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

7pm “Ancient Sky Lore” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803-

Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri Jan 8, 2016

7:30pm Monster X Tour James Brown Arena $20-$42. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

9:30am - 11am Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For all levels. Participants should bring yoga mat and water. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

Noon - 3pm Border Bowl Laney High School Football Stadium An all-star football game featuring some of the best senior players in the area. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. $5. Visit gascborderbowl.com/tickets.

Sun Jan 10, 2016

10:45am - 1pm SCS Roller Derby Workshop Red Wing Rollerway A three-day event for new skaters (female) and referees (male and female) ages 18 and older who want to learn more about the sport. Sunday, participants will undergo an orientation, get loaner gear and watch a short demonstration. Participants should bring a mouth guard (available at sports stores or Walmart/Target) that has been boiled and fit before attending and leg protection such as compression pants or tights. The workshop continues Monday and Tuesday, January 11-12. $10; pre-registration required. Visit facebook. com/events/693802884090315/ or soulcitysirens.com.

Mon Jan 11, 2016

6:45pm - 9:10pm SCS Roller Derby Workshop Red Wing Rollerway $10; pre-registration required. Visit facebook.com/events/693802884090315/ or soulcitysirens.com.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

6:45pm - 9:10pm SCS Roller Derby Workshop Red Wing Rollerway $10; pre-registration required. Visit facebook.com/events/693802884090315/ AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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sarcaugusta.com.

Weekly Group Runs Include the Monday Run meeting at Stillwater Taproom at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 5:30 and 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Hill Training Run at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; and Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m. Visit augustastriders.com.

The Augusta Furies Women’s Rugby Football Club Club practices 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Julian Smith Casino for players 18 and up. Email augusta.furies@ gmail.com or visit augustafuries.org.

Chain Reaction Group Rides

or soulcitysirens.com.

Ongoing

Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next 10-week introductory course begins January 11 and is $180 with all competitive equipment provided. Call 706-722-8878.

Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal Winter Season hours, through March, include Heritage Boat Tours at 11:30 a.m. 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

and 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. The Civil War boat tour is daily at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-8230440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

Guided Trail Rides Hilltop Riding Stables Available Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon; and WednesdayFriday at 11 a.m. with reservations 24 hours in advance. All trail rides are on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. Call 706-7914864 or visit fortgordon.com.

South Atlantic Recreation Club Offers kickball, flag football and bowling leagues. For more information, visit

6pm Pink Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group University’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm Men’s Breast Cancer Support University’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

7pm Alzheimer’s Support Group Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Building Call 706-731-9060.

7pm OB/GYN Cancer Support Group Call 706-821-2944.

Thu Jan 14, 2016

6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group

Rides include Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Thursdays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 a.m.; and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net.

Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.

Augusta Disc Golf Association Leagues

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.

Meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta and Mondays at 6 p.m. at Lake Olmstead. Entry fee for each, $5; ace pool, $1. Call 803-215-8181 (North Augusta), 706-833-4263 (Lake Olmstead) or visit augustadiscgolf.com. A fusion of Middle East melodies and modern jazz is on the menu at the latest Four Seasons Chamber Jazz concert, when the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta welcomes jazz guitarist and oud player Amos Hoffman on Friday, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door ($13 in advance and $15 at the door for seniors, students and military). Call 706-733-7939 or visit uuaugusta.org.

Mon Jan 11, 2016

Andy Jordan’s Group Rides Rides include Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., mountain bike ride; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Saturdays at 9 a.m., road bike ride. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706-724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com.

Outspokin’ Bicycles Group Rides Rides include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. Water and helmet required. Call 706-736-2486 or visit outspokinaugusta.com.

BlazeSports Swim team Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For all ages of physically challenged swimmers who want to train for competition. Members, $30 a month; non-members, $40 a month. Call 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.

SUPPORT Thu Jan 7, 2016

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

Ongoing

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta

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

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

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

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

Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241. 7JANUARY2016

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Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.

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

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

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

Beyond the Bars

(if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Sat Jan 9, 2016

7:30pm “Wait Until Dark” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $25; $20, seniors; $15, students and $10, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Tue Jan 12, 2016

6pm “Hairspray” Auditions Dayspring Baptist Church Auditions are for those ages 14-19 for this Greater Augusta Youth Theatre production which shows March 28-29. Visit grayt.org.

Wed Jan 13, 2016

10am “Sticks and Stones” Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre A performance by Porkchop Productions on bullying. $3; $2 per person for groups of 15 or more. Call 706-737-1625.

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

Thu Jan 14, 2016

Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group

Dayspring Baptist Church Auditions are for those ages 14-19 for this Greater Augusta Youth Theatre production which shows March 28-29. Visit grayt.org.

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

THEATER Fri Jan 8, 2016

8pm - 11:30pm xTreme Theatre Games and Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door

6pm “Hairspray” Auditions

VOLUNTEER Ongoing RSVP

Senior Citizens Council The Retired Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking those ages 55 and older who would like to work with disaster preparedness, school literacy, ushering and fundraising for nonprofits. Call 706-8680120 or visit seniorcitizenscouncil.org.

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Augusta native Will McCranie has been playing a lot in Augusta and the surrounding areas this holiday season. He extends his unofficial southern tour into January, playing Augusta’s Wild Wing Thursday, January 7; Southbound Smokehouse on Friday, January 8 and Stillwater Taproom Thursday, January 14, just to name a few. Check out his honest songs and loud guitar at these shows, as well as on his latest release, “I Know I Didn’t Know Anything,” on iTunes. Visit willmccranie.com.

Thursday, January 7 Live Music

Stillwater Taproom - Phillip Lee Jr. and Friends Tin Lizzy’s - Spencer Rush Wild Wing - Will McCranie The Willcox (Aiken) - Jazz

What’s Tonight?

Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Sky City - The Push featuring DJ Fugi, Altered State Crew Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke

Friday, January 8 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Live Jazz and Blues Country Club - Laughlin Coyotes - Southern Meltdown Jabez S. Hardin PAC - Live From Nashville Partridge Inn - A Step Up

24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Gavin Reily Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Bassman, 824 Southbound Smokehouse - Will McCranie Stillwater Taproom - Gaslight Street Surrey Tavern - Kenny George Band Wild Wing - Adam Harris Thompson

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Saturday, January 9 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Live Jazz and Blues Country Club - Anthony Okio and the Goodfellers Coyotes - Southern Meltdown Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Happy Bones CD Release Party w/ Electric Voodoo Shannon’s - Preston & Weston Wild Wing - Delta Cane The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Comedy Show/Open Mic Night

Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh

Sunday, January 10 Live Music

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

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Monday, January 11 Live Music

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

What’s Tonight?

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

Tuesday, January 12 Live Music

Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck 7JANUARY2016

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What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Trivia the Cotton patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane somewhere in augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun

Wednesday, January 13 Live music

Green Light sound studios - The Things They Carried The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Jason Marcum

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton patch - Trivia and Tunes the Loft - Karaoke mi rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke mi rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke the playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell somewhere in augusta - The Comedy Zone Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz surrey tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament

Upcoming

Elsewhere

an evening with scotty mcCreery and Cassadee Pope

Jackson Browne

- Country Club January 14 Lara hope & the ark-tones

- Sky City January 14 Will mcCranie

- Stillwater Taproom January 14 Delia mae

- Imperial Theatre January 15 Fayth hope, monet robinson

- Sky City January 16 tedeschi trucks Band

- Bell Auditorium January 19 Jucifer, shehehe

- Sky City January 19 the Glenn miller orchestra

- Jabez S. Hardin PAC January 22 The Steppin’ Stones

- Sky City January 23 Brantley Gilbert

- James Brown Arena February 4 the Fairfield Four and the mcCrary sisters

- Imperial Theatre February 12 r5

- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah January 14 Waka Flocka Flame

- Georgia Theatre, Athens January 15 Joe rogan

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 15 Grace potter

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 16 Lamb of God, anthrax

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta January 19 madonna

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

- Philips Arena, Atlanta January 20 reverend horton heat

- Terminal West, Atlanta January 21 Billy Gibbons

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 23 tool, primus

- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth January 25 art Garfunkel

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta January 29

Try FREE: 706-434-0108

macklemore & ryan Lewis

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 29

More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000

- Bell Auditorium February 16

Carrie Underwood, easton Corbin, the swon Brothers

Colonel Bruce hampton

- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth February 1

- Sky City February 20 Copious Jones

- Sky City March 3

Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

Lupe Fiasco

- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 2

the major rager w/ Umphrey’s mcGee, the revivalists, earphunk and tauk

- Augusta Common April 7

Meet sexy new friends

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112

New Years Resolution? Thanks, I’ll Pass. It’s the post-ChrIstmas hot topIC every year. If you think about it, it’s kind of weird how Christmas is just swept right away after all the hype and hullabaloo (I love that word) leading up to it. Presents? Unwrapped. Quality family time? Check. Christmas dinner? Eaten. New Year’s Eve celebrating? Done. The day after the big New Year’s celebration is the first day of everyone’s New Year’s resolution. Maybe it’s to lose weight. Maybe it’s to stop smoking. Me? I think you’re setting yourself up for failure. It’s almost like resolutions are made to be broken. But like I said, that’s just me. I tend to set goals for myself for the new year: Laugh more, complain less, donate. That sort of thing. You may say to yourself: “Isn’t that kind of the same thing?” Yes. Yes, it is. Just humor me here. When I set goals instead of resolutions it seems more legit in my head. I’ll forget what my resolution was by January 12 when I’ve just scarfed down the fourth forbidden fastfood meal of the year, which was part of my resolution. But a goal? That’s something I can really focus on. That being said, here are my goals for 2016. 1. Actually make an effort to see people. I see old friends all the time and say “we should get together sometime!” And you know how it goes; we never get together. I’m sure some people can relate. I lost an alarming number of friends in 2015 that I used to say that to. We never followed through, and now they’re gone. 2. Work less. It seems very weird to say, especially since this time last year I was essentially unemployed. In the realm of employment, 2015 was beyond stellar for me. But, it’s like I hammered down on the accelerator going downhill and now I am passing life at an alarming pace. Work is important and all, but Ferris Bueller said it best: “Life goes by pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it.” Time to schedule myself some days off. 3. Laugh more. This one is a goal every year. I have a really bad habit of getting caught up in life, work, responsibilities, etc. (see goal No. 2) and forgetting to enjoy 7JANUARY2016

myself. I was just telling my wife that I have forgotten how to sit still and enjoy the moment. My brain is constantly moving: What is coming up? Have I forgotten anything? When is this due? What should we cook for dinner? Where’s Carl? I’ve found myself taking life way too seriously. We only get one lifetime on this earth. Why not enjoy it? 4. Be a doer, not a talker. My entire life, I’ve had huge ideas that are oh-so spectacular. I’d tell everyone my idea and how great it is going to be. Man, those were some great ideas. But that’s all they were. I realized this trend when talking to a friend about running a half-marathon recently. I’ve always wanted to run one. I’ve told people for years that I’m going to do it. You know how many I’ve run? I think you know where this is going. My friend excitedly said, “Well, the Augusta Half Marathon is on February 28!” It’s a little too soon for comfort, but who knows. I think it’s time to do it, not talk about it. Whether you make goals or resolutions, I wish you the best of luck in 2016. Above everything, we should all just aim to make the next year better than the last.

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

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 25

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SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Taywanna Drayton, David Walker and Syd Padgett at the art show at the 600 Building.

Marion Ivey, Courtney Hatcher and RJ Evangelista at the concert at the 600 Building.

Katherine Moriarty, Jeff Bachman and Amanda Moriarty at Sole.

Brooke Gillard, Holly Proulex and Misty Jane at the Country Club.

Andrea Cathey, singer/songwriter Justin Dukes, Charles Gilbert and Todd Sassano at the Country Club.

Jennifer Cerrillo, Adrienne Stewart and Brittany Hirshorn at the Country Club.

Sean Krawiecki, Diana Quintero, Irimar Feliciano and Steven Bradl at the Bee’s Knees.

Heather Hobbs, Lance Kennedy, Mary Fax Hobbs and Taylor Snyder at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Patrick Frank, Megan Byers, Lyndsey Carpenter and TJ Ellison at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7JANUARY2016

BINARY CODE By Don Gagliardo and Zhouqin Burnikel / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Savor, as a drink 6 Takes down a peg 12 Je t’aime : French :: ____ : Spanish 17 Sell at a discount, say 19 Female toon with a “dollink” Boris 21 Grackles and grebes 23 PP 25 Attic 26 Horror franchise beginning in 2004 27 Lasting for years and years 28 Dirt-road hazards 30 Melee 31 Street of film fame 32 You might take it out for a drive 33 Court, for short 35 Pile of stones used to mark a trail 36 DD 39 First antibacterial soap brand 40 “Oh, please, that’s enough” 42 Derisive sounds 43 Abbr. in many airport names 44 Jubilant 45 Portrait on Chinese renminbi bills 46 AA 48 Extra bed, maybe 51 Bad thing on a record 53 The Jedi and the Sith, e.g. 54 “Thursday Night Football” airer 55 Alaska tourist attraction 57 Director of 2015’s “Chi-Raq” 58 Capital with the Norsk Folkemuseum 60 Travel info source, for short 61 London cathedral 62 Volunteer’s response 64 WW 68 Historic German admiral Maximilian von ____ 69 Fizzy drink 71 Michael of “Saturday Night Live” 72 Cry to a husky 74 “When I was a ____ …” 75 Riot opportunist 76 Locale for cranberries 77 Very much 79 Uniform 81 See 114-Across 82 OO 85 Hodges who managed the Mets to a World Series title 86 Little Rascals boy

88 Tolkien tree creatures 89 Mars features, mistakenly 92 Befuddling 94 Peeps heard by Bo Peep 95 ZZ 97 When repeated, a Yale fight song 98 Playwright Clifford 100 “How ____!” 101 Modern TV feature, for short 102 Hazy memory 103 Grps. with the motto “Every child. One voice” 104 Conquest of 1953 107 Susan of “The Partridge Family” 108 Silas in “The Da Vinci Code,” notably 110 NN 113 Dances at the Tropicana Club 114 Santa Claus portrayer in 81-Across 115 Greet from behind the wheel 116 Witherspoon of “Legally Blonde” 117 Shot put and long jump 118 “Auld Lang Syne” and others

35 What Brits call “red sauce” 37 Major-____ 38 Muse for D. H. Lawrence 39 Some lab samples 41 Assets for food critics 43 Put away 44 Annapolis grad. 46 It comes before one 47 Building beam 49 Susan who wrote “The Orchid Thief” 50 Hit with a stun gun 51 “Chill out, will you” 52 FF 53 Wig out 56 Dorm V.I.P.s 57 Durable stocking fabric 59 Like courtroom witnesses 60 Floor 61 X-rated material 63 D.C. athlete 65 Pest-control brand 66 Sarcastic “Wonderful” 67 Tori of pop/rock 70 Symbol of Middle America 73 Big name in 35-Down DOWN 76 Gaudy wrap 1 Figured (out) 77 Industrious workers 2 Has an inspiration 78 Some TVs and smartphones 3 Agricultural figure in “The Canterbury 80 The Impaler Tales” 83 Fort Knox valuable 4 Alley ____ 84 To some degree 5 Pep Boys competitor 85 Beholds 6 Whites, informally 87 It’s heard at a hearing 7 Strips shortly after getting up in the 89 West Pointer morning? 90 Opposite of an early adopter 8 Rate ____ (be perfect) 91 Morning-run time, maybe 9 Spicy fruit beverage often used as a 92 Arafat’s successor as Palestinian tequila chaser president 10 Cornerstone abbr. 93 Budget alternative 11 Singer Crow 94 Next to 12 Identifies in a Facebook photo 95 Peers in a box 13 A Perón 96 Meetings arranged through Ashley 14 Soaring cost? Madison 15 RR 99 Helen Mirren, e.g. 16 Like macho 100 Like an alarm clock, night after push-ups night 18 Explore deeply 103 It may be struck on a runway 20 Calla lily family 105 ____ diagram 22 “Gypsy” composer 106 ’Vette choice 24 Techies, stereotypically 109 “N.Y. State of Mind” rapper 29 Gasless car 111 ____ system (luxury car option, 34 Java order that packs less of a briefly) punch 112 Romance

6 18

12 20

28 32

35 40

102 109

104

T O T O

105

106

111

L E G A L

115

A V O W S D E L U X E

118

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS

A S I S E A L E P E I E A T

B E B O P

107 112

117

O A H U

C E L L I O T E L L O

S I N T A X

F J O R D S B U G G L E S

T S K D A R T E I T V R E O S N Y B M O W P E O D B T O O Y D D T

A M I S H

O V I N E

A J F O Y S T A H L L E V D Y E E N M E S W

F L O R A

M E Y E R

M S T

101

114 116

100

110

113

103

108

94 98

W A F T

Y E O W S

82 86

R E O R E R E W E S W A G S T A Y L S A A T S L I K P L A I E N A E L L A I E G G D U H A E L M A

A R N I E

P I T C H

P O L K A

R J O I E G B E R R E E S S Y E N C D A B M C D E O C O H H V E A E C T R K S

S T Y

V A N E S S A A W A S H I N

S E X E S

S A L U T E S

T R A V E L

T H E N H L

A S A N A S

N O H I T

J E T L I

L A T E N

O T O E S

O R I G I L N I A T F L O E A L Y M I A A N K N E

D O O U O R A L D A

S K E D

V27|NO1

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS Nearly $91,000 in its third weekend out? Not too shabby, “Star Wars.” RANK

TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS

TOTAL GROSS

WEEK #

LAST WEEK

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

$90,241,673

$742,208,942

DADDY’S HOME

$29,205,583

$93,889,861

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

$15,706,645

$29,045,855

SISTERS

$12,760,730

$62,884,110

ALIVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

$12,071,523

$67,646,950

In Theaters January 8

HORROR

“The Forest,” rated PG-13, starring Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken, Stephanie Vogt. According to this movie, the Sea of Trees at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan is where lots of people go to commit suicide; so much so that it’s been nicknamed the Suicide Forest. But when a woman travels to Japan to find out what happened to her twin sister, she finds that ghosts may be to blame instead. Many have accused this movie of “whitewashing,” taking Japanese locations and myths and plopping white people down in the middle of them. To us, however, it just looks creepy and atmospheric, the perfect movie for a chilly January night.

28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7JANUARY2016

V27|NO1

Hey Augusta: Fight Back, Win a Prize I have always considered the CSRA to be far more conservative than the folks in metro Atlanta, but the citizens there have lapped us several times over in recent years when it comes to the notion of taking back their neighborhoods in regard to criminal attempts to invade our homes and businesses. Take a look at these tidbits, lifted straight from the pages of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, which details several showdowns “victims” had with predators over the years, with pretty cool conclusions: — A clerk at a Cobb County liquor store exchanged gunfire with two would-be robbers, killing one. — A Stone Mountain barber victimized by a string of burglaries shot one of two would-be thieves, holding the robber at gunpoint until police arrived. — The owner of West End Tattoo parlor in Atlanta faced off against three armed intruders, killing one and causing the others to flee. — A DeKalb homeowner shot two burglars, killing one. — Three intruders were confronted by a Decatur homeowner who heard them kicking in his back door. All three young men, one of whom had been shot in the thigh, were captured by police. — With his two children asleep in their rooms, an Ellenwood father confronted three armed men, killing one and causing the others to flee on foot. — A 23-year-old Georgia Tech student is threatened at knife point by two men in a grocery store parking lot. He kills one assailant with a single shot to the head. The accomplice escaped on foot. Now gang, I understand that not all people have what it takes to carry a firearm, or even think about using one when confronted with a threatening criminal, but if more people made an effort to aggressively challenge the bad guys as they attempt to steal what they won’t bother to earn, maybe the lowlifes would think twice before confronting live humans in their criminal endeavors. While I would never condone burglarizing an empty house, shoplifting or car theft, I can understand a desperate criminal trying to make off with property in such a relatively clean and easy way. But when you make a decision to stick a weapon in someone’s face or, God forbid, forcibly invade their home while the owners are watching TV or asleep in their beds, then you deserve the hail of hot lead that I would hope would be directed at your most vital body parts. My long-time left-leaning nemesis Augusta Superior Court, Judge Carlisle Overstreet, made headlines across the country a few years ago when he showed the world how effective “trial by gunfire” can be. The judge dispatched a charging burglar post haste in the hallway of his beautiful Summerville home. As Neal Boortz used to say, “DRT” (dead right there). If the notoriously soft sentencing jurist can see the logic and efficiency in such an approach, why does anyone else have to be convinced? In an effort to promote awareness of such effective (and 100 percent legal) defense tactics, I am offering a free $10 gift certificate to any local victim who kills a felon declared by law enforcement officials to be in the act of committing a violent crime. If the response is deemed by law enforcement to be legal, we have a winner! I know that Judge Overstreet’s deed predates this campaign, but in the interest of good will, and in the 2016 spirit, I will send him a certificate anyway. Happy New Year, Judge! Prizes and heroics, who in the world could have a problem with that? You would be amazed. Some folks misunderstand this prize program, and I am not sure why. The law clearly states that, in Georgia, you are more than within your rights to protect yourself and your property if you feel threatened by someone committing a criminal act against you. All I want to do is publicize the law. No harm in that!

30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

From the Georgia State Code: 16-3-21. (a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other´s imminent use of unlawful force; however, except as provided in Code Section 16-3-23, a person is justified in using force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. And in case you are wondering, the Georgia Attorney General’s office defines “forcible felony” as: “...any felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any person and further includes, without limitation, murder; felony murder; burglary; robbery; armed robbery; kidnapping; hijacking of an aircraft or motor vehicle; aggravated stalking; rape; aggravated child molestation; aggravated sexual battery; arson in the first degree; the manufacturing, transporting, distribution, or possession of explosives with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals or destroy a public building; terroristic threats; or acts of treason or insurrection.” By the way, one prize per citizen, and this prize cannot be combined with any other coupon or promotion. The winner must agree to giggle upon receipt of said award. Additional prize consideration may occur if more than one dangerous felon is dispatched in one event. So feel free to overachieve.

aUsTIN RhODes

The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

7JANUARY2016