Metro Spirit - 12.07.17

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Table of Contents December 7, 2017

They’ve got the ‘wow’ factor

Insider Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature Behold the Star Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings Austin Rhodes

4 8 10 12 16 24 26 27 28 35 37 38 39

Page 24

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CREATIVE

Amanda Main

Joshua Bailey

Joe White

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joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

Arts Editor/Production Director

Lead Designer

Stacey Eidson

Publisher

Johnny Beckworth

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Joe White Publisher

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Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson

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Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum.

The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White.

Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

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The Curse of Regency Mall Continues IT’s lIke a TeRRIble nIghTMaRe that Augusta can’t escape.

The chaos that occurred this week down at the Augusta Commission regarding the proposal of a new arena at the former Regency Mall location would be laughable if it wasn’t such a serious decision that could cost taxpayers more than $120 million.

Let’s first explain that, in the end, the Augusta Commission voted 7-1 to reject Cardinal Management’s current proposal that would allow the construction of the new arena on the Regency Mall location.

But don’t take a deep sigh of relief yet, folks.

This battle is far from over.

If it had not been for the confusion of one commissioner, Ben Hasan, and his request for reconsideration of an original vote, Augusta would be sitting down at the table preparing to negotiate with Cardinal Management.

Confused?

You’re not alone.

Here is what happened: Despite very vocal concerns made by several Augusta commissioners last week who felt that continuing to negotiate with the owners of the former Regency Mall site was like talking to a brick wall, five commissioners apparently decided to continue to bash their heads into that very same wall.

To the complete and utter disbelief of many residents throughout Richmond County, the Augusta Commission initially voted 5-5, with Mayor Hardie Davis breaking the tie, to approve the former Regency Mall location as the site for the new $120 million arena.

Augusta commissioners Marion Williams, Andrew Jefferson, Bill Fennoy, Sammie Sias and Ben Hasan supported the motion.

Commissioners Mary Davis, Dennis Williams, Sean Frantom, Grady Smith and Wayne Guilfoyle voted against the location.

However, there was a mistake in the vote.

Hasan insists he did not intend to vote for motion.

“I made a serious mistake, and I didn’t realize it until 30 minutes later,” Hasan said. “I didn’t intend to vote in support of that motion. But I got turned around.”

When Hasan realized his mistake, he knew he must correct it.

“The mayor tried to shut down the meeting when we asked for reconsideration, but enough commissioners stayed and the mayor pro tem (Mary Davis) was going to conduct the meeting,” Hasan said. “With that, the mayor came back and he got a ruling from the attorney. The attorney said the majority of the commission could reconsider the motion. Then, the mayor did another sidebar because he was stalling. He didn’t want us to reconsider. But we voted to reconsider and then we voted to reject the offer and we came back 7-1. So we rejected the offer.”

Needless to say, that wasn’t the ending Mayor Davis was hoping to have on Tuesday, Nov. 5, which happened to be his birthday.

Davis was so close to getting his birthday wish of an arena at the Regency Mall site, but he was denied the prize at the end of the day.

Maybe karma played a role considering the mayor had no qualms undermining the entire selection process by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority over the past few months and used a political coup to try to get his way.

And he almost achieved his goal.

Almost.

Earlier in the day, commissioners voted to allow 45 calendar days to determine a funding source for the project and establish a committee to oversee negotiations with the mall’s owners.

The Regency Mall site was so close to being a gift wrapped in a big red bow for the mayor’s birthday, but Hasan spoiled his party.

However, many people don’t believe this is the end of the story.

Several commissioners will likely still try to bring back this deal.

We’ll see how far it gets.

“This has been a very, I won’t say tough, but contentious issue since this process 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

has been in motion,” Augusta Commissioner Sammie Sias said. “There are several things that concern me about this process itself.”

Sias said he was willing to still consider the Regency Mall site if Cardinal Management would present a fair deal.

“For me, this was not about showcasing. This was not about grandstanding.

This was about what’s best for Augusta, and we are all continuing to look forward to development in south Augusta,” Sias said. “I don’t have any political fears about doing the right thing.” Whatever comes before the commission, Sias said he is committed to doing what is best for the entire city.

“This deal that is presently on the table is not a good deal. It is not a good deal for the city of Augusta,” Sias said. “I was very excited about the opportunity of something coming to south Augusta. I represent Augusta and I live in south Augusta and I am a proud Augustan.”

However, Sias said he couldn’t accept the current offer on the table from Cardinal Management.

Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis said the development of the new arena was an important decision that should be based on facts, not emotion.

“The whole community is looking to see where we are going to move today, and I know we’ve gone back to the table — not we as the commission — but the negotiations have,” Davis said. “Personally, I don’t have faith that the negotiations will move in a positive way for the city as it pertains to the arena (at Regency Mall).

That’s my personal opinion.”

Mary Davis said she wants south Augusta and the Regency Mall site to succeed, but she doesn’t believe the new $120 million arena should be built at that location.

“We all want something to be developed in a positive fashion there,” she said, referring to the Regency Mall site. “Personally, I just don’t believe that it’s taking the arena from one place and putting it in that location.”

7DECEMBER2017

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‘Come Meet a Black Person’ Event? Really?

Last Month, an Atlanta organization called Urban Mediamakers hosted an event that got quite a lot of attention in Georgia and across the nation.

To the surprise and bewilderment of some people throughout the Peach State, the first ever “Come Meet a Black Person” networking event was held in Lawrenceville, Ga. The event made headlines across the country, including in major newspapers such as The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Cheryle Moses, the founder of UMM and an Atlanta native, said that she came up with the idea after running across a Public Religion Research Institute’s study that reported 75 percent of all white people in the United States do not have any non-white friends.

“Americans’ core social networks tend to be dominated by people of the same race or ethnic background,” according to Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). “Few opinions are formed and few experiences occur in isolation.”

That’s when the idea for the “Come Meet a Black Person” event dawned on her, Moses said.

She believes the only way this country can solve racism is with one-on-one genuine conversations that lead lead to learning about other cultures and developing real friendships.

“In that moment, I decided to invite white people who did not have non-white friends to come to my event and meet a black person,” Moses wrote in a Nov. 30 column about the event. “For the past 16 years, I have marketed events for Urban Mediamakers in hopes of getting media attention with limited success. But not this time. This time the headline ‘Come Meet a Black Person’ went viral and sparked emotions across the world, fueling conversations and comments, both positive and negative.”

While some organizations might have backed down from any negative media attention and changed the event’s name, Moses decided to embrace it.

“When the Universe shows up, you do not question it, you just flow with the flow,” Moses wrote, adding that she wanted all people to see how racism impacts African-Americans throughout this country. “As a black woman, dealing with racism is a part of everything I do — at the job, in relationships, getting on elevators, at gas stations, shopping at retail stores, restaurants, when dealing with law enforcement and the government — you name it.”

Though she grew up in Atlanta, she moved to Gwinnett County about 10 years ago and bought a home in Lawrenceville in 2016.

“The first weekend in my house, a white mid-20s male and female came to my door (peeping in my windows) at 1 a.m. asking if their cellphone was in my house,” Moses wrote. “I called the police. A Gwinnett County officer (young white guy) arrived and stayed at the bottom of my driveway talking to the white young adults.

After some time, I came out of my house and walked down the driveway since I called the police. The officer approached me in my driveway and informed me that the young adults had an app that tracked their lost cellphone to my house. ‘What?’

I responded to the police officer. The officer then asked with arrogance and total disrespect, ‘Are you sure you don’t have the cellphone in your house?’”

After the presidential election last year, Moses said she drove home from work and saw “two white men in a pickup truck with a huge confederate flag turning wheelies” on a main street in Lawrenceville celebrating President Donald Trump’s win.

“I felt a fear that I have never experienced before in my life,” she wrote. “Now in 2017, racist white and non-black people are aggressive and blatant with their bigotry. There is a fearlessness about bigots today. I am not the one for this nonsense, but I do not want to die or kill someone else needlessly over the color of my skin.”

Therefore, Moses said she saw a clear need for the “Come Meet a Black Person” event.

“I believe as long as non-black people listen to lies written and spoken about blacks in this country and the world, racism will continue to thrive,” she wrote. “It is only until you see another person as a friend, an equal, a person your life would

6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

not be wonderful without — will racism change.”

After hosting the first “Come Meet a Black Person” networking event in November, Moses has decided to keep the mixer going. “‘Come Meet a Black Person’ networking events are badly needed in this country to discuss racism,” she wrote. “Black, white and those who classify themselves as non-black were offended and upset by the title ‘Come Meet a Black Person,’ but they could not articulate why. I wrestled with why people were so angry about the title of the event.”

She insisted people should not be afraid of the name of the event. “‘Come Meet a Black Person’ networking events are taking place across the country (the world) on third Thursdays of each month beginning January 2018,” she wrote. “‘Come Meet a Black Person’ multiple-city tour is beginning January 18-20, 2018, in Los Angeles ... I am excited about the future of ‘Come Meet a Black Person’ and the evolution of the movement. I invite people to become a part of the movement and help change the racially divisive world that we live in today.”

The next “Come Meet a Black Person” event in Lawrenceville is scheduled right before Christmas on Dec. 22.

“We are inviting white people who do not have non-white friends to attend this event and put aside any pre-conceived notions about different cultures,” Moses wrote. “And this invitation goes out to anyone who does not have a black friend — Asian, Latino, Indian, American Indian, mixed race — you name it. We want everyone to just come with an open mind to this networking event of diverse, creative individuals.”

The event will include introductions, a cultural scavenger hunt, a chili bar, drinks and giveaways. Tickets are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door, which will include food and drinks.

The members of the Urban Mediamakers also want participants to share a piece of themselves with the group.

“Bring an item that represents your unique heritage,” the invitation reads. “So if you classify yourself as white but are Italian, bring something from Italy. If you are mixed race, bring something that represents up to three of your known heritages.”

While Moses’ intentions seem noble, people might also simply want to try walking outside their home or stepping outside their office and engaging in conversation with a neighbor or co-worker of a different ethnicity.

It’s pretty wild that our society has gotten to the point that we need a networking event to help people meet someone from a different race.

Newsflash, folks: Opportunities are everywhere, not just at a mixer.

Talk to people of all races. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.

7DECEMBER2017

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15 in 5 Jenny is Wright Because I love a lIst. especIally a random lIst. 1. Although the cold weather is back this weekend, the late spring-like temps have made it hard to get in the Christmas sprit. Need help? Go down to Augusta on Ice. It’s on the Common.

There’s a skating rink, an ice slide, hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa. Also, they have a bar.

It’s hard to believe we can ice skate when it’s upwards of 70 degrees, but somehow it works.

2. Columbia County has one, too. I don’t know as much about it, and I don’t think there’s ice skating, but it’s at Evans Towne Center Park, and it’s during December.

3. Actually, I know they don’t have ice skating in Columbia County, because people have been all mad that Augusta on Ice moved from Evans. People, get over it. Be thankful we have multiple places to celebrate. Remember this when you complain about having nothing to do in the CSRA. 4. I can’t imagine the James Brown Arena not being downtown. That doesn’t mean I don’t want development elsewhere. There’s momentum downtown. Let’s not stifle that. Why would we?

5. It’s fun to watch the skyline change. We don’t have mega hotels and skyscrapers doing up, but progress is exciting.

6. I watched an older man get in some sort of altercation with a younger guy. I can’t be more specific about their ages. They were at an intersection near Bobby Jones by Sam’s Club. I assumed it was a minor fender bender at first, but fortunately I got stopped at the light for prime viewing. The younger guy was in one of those cube-shaped cars. The older guy was out of his car, yelling “get out of the car,” and gesturing at the young guy. He was really mad. I’ll bet he was spitting as he yelled. The young guy had a huge smile on his face, and he wasn’t about to get out of the car. He finally slowly went around the old guy’s car and left him standing there in the street. I wish I knew what led to all that.

7. I’m not nosy. I’m curious.

8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

8. It seems like everyone is ready for Christmas by now. We don’t have a tree up yet, but we’re getting close.

9. I don’t care if you want to put your tree up in July. I think Thanksgiving and Halloween (or Memorial Day, depending on how you like to do things) can be celebrated just as happily with Christmas decorations. What I don’t get is how you’re not ready to get the house back to normal at some point. As much as I love all of my Christmas decor, it’s always so nice to put it away.

10. I have this Apple Watch now, and it does lots of cool things, but most importantly it will ping my phone when I lose it. I use that feature at least once a day.

11. I need it to ping my keys. I found them in the kitchen sink a couple of weeks ago.

12. The person sitting next to me (I don’t know her) uses “like” a lot. She, like, just said it seven times in one sentence, and she like never mentioned a single simile.

13. If you’ve forgotten sixth grade grammar, a simile is a comparison using “like” or “as.”

14. The Augusta Players present “A Christmas Carol” again this year, and there are still tickets available for the weekend. The Girl has a sweet little solo, and we’d love to see you there. Plus, you’d be supporting the arts in Augusta and a historic theatre in its 100th year of operation.

15. Hanukkah is next week, and it’s, like, almost Christmas, y’all! Happy, happy!

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.

7DECEMBER2017

Atomic dog Kris Fisher Well, they did it. I didn’t think it would happen, but the Georgia Bulldogs beat the Auburn whatever mascot they pick this week. They beat them handily, might I add, to win the SEC Championship. They won on my 40th birthday. Not a bad li’l b-day gift. Thank you, Kirby Smart! It’s the first UGA SEC Championship in 12 years. To put that length of time into perspective: George W. Bush had just started his 2nd term, my radio station (HD983) was not even on the air yet, YouTube had just gone online and my youngest son wouldn’t be born for another three years. So, it was a bit of a long time ago. So that puts the Dawgs into the College Football Playoff for the first time ever. The playoff is rounded out by the No. 1 ranked Clemson Tigers, Oklahoma and Alabama. Yes, Alabama.

Alabama’s inclusion in the playoff has been met with a bit of controversy as they didn’t win their conference, as is obvious with the Georgia victory. Most people around here seem to feel like Alabama should be in the four-team playoff as they are one of the four strongest teams in the country. Valid point. Alabama <<IT>>is<<IT>> one of the four strongest teams.

But there’s that little matter of winning when it matters. I believe that is part of football.

You may have the best team ever to grace the turf, but sometimes the other team is just more motivated to win. That’s how Auburn beat Alabama to get into the SEC title game.

Those type of games are often the most exciting and are what makes football so great!

So, why strip that away by forgiving the loss? When you go back to Alabama and let them in the playoff without winning the conference which, to me, is like a playoff game in itself, what’s the point of winning your way into the conference championship?

In my opinion, it’s like the Detroit Lions having the best season in the NFL yet losing their conference championship to a wild-card team with a worse record but the NFL letting the Lions play in the Super Bowl anyway, because of their stellar season. This scenario would never play out because of two reasons: The Lions would never have that kind of season!

Are you kidding me? Also, the NFL has a true “Any Given Sunday” type playoff: Win, and you’re in. Lose, and you’re done.

I like Alabama and, being an SEC fan, I’m proud to have two teams from our conference in the playoff. I just think, in the spirit of football, the teams that won their conference championships should be considered first for the playoff.

The college football playoff system is a flawed one. It’s really the only sport that is decided by a handful of people in a room judging the validity of wins. They might as well be at the game holding up scorecards like in gymnastics. It completely strips away the excitement of late-season games, in my opinion.

Until the system is changed to a six- or eight-team playoff, this is what we have. Teams A, B, C, D, F and G won their conference. But we like Team X better, so they get to play instead. It really amazes me how many people are OK with this.

However, my team actually won their conference and is in the playoff. So, I’ll step down from my soapbox and enjoy this moment. Being a fan of Georgia sports teams, who knows when it will happen again. It could be another 12 years! This next month will feel like an eternity as I eagerly await January 1 as the Dawgs take on the Sooners. If they play like they did on my birthday, I feel like UGA can beat anyone. Go Dawgs!

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

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No white women allowed to enter the Miss Black USA contest, but black women can enter the Miss USA contest? Is this racist? Metro Spirit probably won’t print this, because they will get their feelings hurt. If they do decide to print this whine, I can’t wait to see the ass backward comments that will be submitted.

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.

Here is an idea for tax reform. Eliminate the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit. Then, double the standard deduction. This will at least simplify things until more can be done.

Delusions of grandeur is one of the symptoms of patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and we must have a lot of them in the Augusta area. There have been a lot of histrionics from the opponents of moving the arena to South Augusta but perhaps the most laughable is the claim that “the world is watching what Augusta does in regards to the arena and it will derail our efforts to attract cyber companies to the area.”

Scandalous behavior in Columbia County is daily dosed. Save the Queen!

The jerks in Columbia County in charge of the road race this past Saturday really loused up traffic. Couldn’t get to the Evans Kroger because of the logjam-cop cars everywhere, but clueless civilians directing traffic. Lanes blocked. Just a jacked up mess. Let’s try this. Keep the roads for cars. Runners head for a track. GO AWAY!!

Donnie Trump tweeting about a “dishonest” FBI agent; makes sense, no one knows dishonest more than donboy, the liar-in-chief.

There is no collusion. General Flynn was just a coffee boy. His guilty plea was a fake plea, in a fake investigation, under a fake president. The only thing that is real, is the prison he will spend years in.

For those who believe the numeriuos “Me Too” accusations without reservation, let me say this; Women do lie. I know this is hard to believe as I would find it hard to believe to think my grandmother,

... What The Hell? mother, sister and daughter would tell a lie. But the reality is that women lie just as much as men if not more. It took decades for our justice system to realize that fact. Women have made numerous false accusations that have ruined the lives of many men.

Not whine but shout out for thanksgiving dinner enjoyed from Carrie May Park ladies. Their was not TV camers but enjoyed dinner with music and fix us old ladies a to go plate.

The Twitter clown said, the FBI destroyed the general’s life after lying to authorities. Yea dumbo. The police destroyed my life after I got caught stealing.

WOW! So let me get this straight. One party is pure evil and the other is as pure as the wind driven snow. Their ideas fail due to the fact you are either racist, bigoted, uncaring, lazy, complacent, and/ or unaware of your privilege. How about they are both wrong and fail due to the fact they only care about power and the securing the means to keep, why don’t we all get the f*cksticks out of office and start over.

Are we just letting Mike Sleeper off the hook? Where’s his military service record showing he was a Navy SEAL or Captain Hook or whatever?

What would you expect the attorney for the ARC Coliseum Authority to say when asked if he approved the closed door meeting between authority members and four Augusta commissioners? Ed Enoch stands to make hundreds of thousands of dollars handling the bond issue for the proposed new arena - no matter where it is built.

GOD bless you all and Merry CHRISTmas.

I agree with the view that any monument, structure or roads named after or in honor of the civil heroes cause or agenda.

Slavery is wrong and anything associated with slavery or built by slave must be dismantled, destroyed or obliterated. In this I am petitioning the Egyptian Government to begin immediate dismantling of all pyramids in Egypt. After all it is well documented that these structures were built by slaves. It may be of interest to note the slaves that built the pyramids were owned by blacks.

Seriously folks, where does this nonsense end?

Ho ho ho Scott Johnson has got to go!

Do you remember the good ol’ days when fights got settled behind the barn? Nowadays, all fighting takes place on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. These “keyboard warriors” fighting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter do so because they couldn’t whip cream with an outboard motor. (P.S. Get off Twitter Mr. President and Make America Great Again like you promised.)

12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7DECEMBER2017

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TAKING ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Will the high-profile scandals involving accusations of sexual harassment

and sexual assault in Hollywood, the national media and in Washington, D.C., have an impact on everyone’s workplace? By Stacey Eidson

WHEN MULTIPLE WOMEN came forward a few months ago and accused the powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of everything from exposing himself in front of them to rape, a curtain was pulled back.

Some of these accusations were made by successful, award-winning actresses that are familiar faces to most Americans such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Daryl Hannah, Annabella Sciorra, Rosanna Arquette, Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd and Heather Graham.

In all, more than 50 women have come forward accusing Weinstein of sexual misconduct. As a result, Weinstein was fired from his company, expelled from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and could potentially be facing criminal charges.

But that was only the beginning.

Not long after the allegations came out about Weinstein, the #MeToo movement began across the globe.

Millions of men and women from all around the world turned to social media and began openly talking about acts of sexual harassment and sexual assault they have experienced, particularly in the workplace.

Over the next several weeks, dozens of high-profile men in various industries have been accused of sexual misconduct. Some of the claims have forced them to either resign, be fired and/or seek treatment for their lewd actions.

Those accused of improper sexual behavior include everyone from award-winning actor Kevin Spacey to highly acclaimed comedian Louis C.K. to U.S. Senator Al Franken to longtime television host Charlie Rose to the founder of hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings, Russell Simmons.

But just last week, one high-profile firing seemed to catch everyone off guard.

When NBC’s Savannah Guthrie welcomed viewers to the “Today” show on Wednesday, Nov. 29, she stunned audiences by officially announcing the firing of the show’s longtime co-anchor, Matt Lauer.

Shock is the only word for it.

16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Lauer, who reportedly had an annual salary of $25 million, was an extremely popular co-anchor and had worked on the “Today” show for more than two decades.

With her voice shaking, Guthrie read a statement from NBC News Chairman Andy Lack.

“Dear colleagues: On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer,” Guthrie read from Lack’s statement, adding that Lauer had been terminated after a “serious review” of the allegations. “While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”

It was an unforgettable moment in morning television.

“All we can say is that we are heartbroken,” Guthrie told audiences. “I am heartbroken for Matt. He is my dear, dear friend and my partner, and he is beloved by many, many people here. And I’m heartbroken for the brave colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell.”

“We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks,” Guthrie added. “How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly? And I don’t know the answer to that.”

According to various national media reports, including an extensive investigation by The New York Times, a former employee filed a formal complaint with NBC executives regarding Lauer’s inappropriate actions which allegedly began while covering the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Another woman has come forward and told members of the media that Lauer allegedly sexually assaulted her in his office back in 2001. There are also claims that Lauer gave a colleague a sex toy as a present which included an explicit note and invited a female co-worker to his office, dropped his pants and showed her his penis.

The day after NBC announced the firing of Lauer, the longtime co-anchor of “Today,” issued a statement of his own.

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused 7DECEMBER2017

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“We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks. How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly? And I don’t know the answer to that.”

— NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry,” Lauer wrote on Nov. 30. “As I am writing this, I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at home and at NBC. Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.”

“Repairing the damage will take a lot of time and soul searching, and I’m committed to beginning that effort,” Lauer added. “It is now my full-time job.”

The issue of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment, particularly in the workplace, has now taken center stage across this country. According to a recent poll

by The Wall Street Journal, nearly 7 in 10 Americans, or about 67 percent, believe that sexual harassment happens in almost all or most workplaces.

But those numbers regarding sexual harassment are no surprise to James Ellington, an employment and labor lawyer with Hull Barrett in Augusta.

“I think what’s going on nationally is indicative of what’s been going on in the workplace for a number of years,” Ellington said. “It’s receiving a lot more attention because of the prominence, shall we say, of some of the individuals involved. But I’ve been doing this area of law for more than 25 years, and over that period of time I’ve seen a lot.”

Ellington, who was recently recognized by “The Best Lawyers in America” for 2017 for labor and employment law, said cases of sexual harassment in the workplace are found everywhere.

“I never want to say that I’ve seen it all because the moment I say that, I see something else,” Ellington said. “But what is making news in the mainstream media today is something that people have seen at various workplaces over the years.”

The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission basically defines workplace sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature which “unreasonably interferes with the performance of a person’s job or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.”

Therefore, sexual harassment can range from inappropriate touching to persistent offensive sexual jokes to unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

“There are various degrees of sexual harassment as it is defined in the law,” Ellington said. “And some of those items may also qualify as a sexual assault on someone, particularly if you have crossed the line into actual physical touching or actual consummation of an act. Certainly, then, you have moved beyond the line when it is unwelcome advances and actions.”

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Ellington explained. And the victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man.

The victim and harasser also can be the same sex, he said.

“I have handled more than a fair number of sexual harassment cases over the years, and some are like what people have seen in the media recently,” Ellington said. “But I’ve also handled same-sex sexual harassment, so that’s not new. I had two of those cases about 15 to 20 years ago. So it happens.”

Whenever a sexual harassment claim is made in the workplace, Ellington said there 7DECEMBER2017

are a few basic steps that need to be taken.

“You have three players involved in a situation where you have allegations of sexual harassment,” he said. “First, you’ve got the person who is the alleged victim. You have the person who is the alleged harasser, and you have the employer. And each of these individuals has a specific role of what they should or shouldn’t do given the circumstances.”

Victims of sexual harassment in the workplace need to feel comfortable informing employers of any issues they are facing, Ellington said.

“It is incumbent on the employer to provide a workplace that is free of sexual harassment,” he said. “So an individual who feels like he or she — because it is not limited to women — is subject to sexual harassment, there are certain things that that individual needs to do. First and foremost, they need to find out if the employer has a sexual harassment policy or what their employer says in an employee handbook regarding complaints and follow that policy.”

The alleged victim also should carefully document the sexual harassment allegations, he said.

“They need to make a report to the employer, and I would suggest it be in writing with all the details of what the alleged actions were that the person found offensive,”

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions. To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.”

— Former NBC “Today” co-anchor Matt Lauer AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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CeLeBRiTieS ACCUSeD OF SexUAL MiSCONDUCT Comedian Louis C.K.: Accused by five women of sexual misconduct. Planned release of film “I Love You, Daddy” halted. Netflix special canceled. He says the allegations are true and has apologized.

Actor Jeffrey Tambor: Two women — an actress on his show “Transparent” and his assistant — allege sexual misconduct. He denies the allegation, saying in a statement that he has “never been a predator — ever.” Tambor said he doesn’t see how he can return to the Amazon series.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss: One woman alleges sexual harassment. He denies the allegation.

Def Jam Records mogul Russell Simmons: Accused by model Keri Claussen Khalighi of coercing her to perform a sex act and later penetrating her without her consent in his New York apartment in 1991. Simmons acknowledged her “feelings of fear and intimidation” and apologized. He stepped down from his companies.

Actor Dustin Hoffman: Accused by woman of sexual harassing when she was 17. He has apologized for his behavior.

Actor Danny Masterson: Accused by four women of rape, with the LA County District Attorney and Police Department currently investigating allegations. He said law enforcement investigated the claims more than 15 years ago and found nothing. “In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused,” he wrote in a statement to NBC News. Netflix has written him out of the show “The Ranch.”

Actor Robert Knepper: Accused by five women of sexual assault. He denies the allegations.

Pixar and Disney Animation chief John Lasseter: Accused by several women of unwanted touching and has announced he is taking a six-month leave of absence. He has acknowledged some “missteps” with employees and apologized for any behavior that made workers uncomfortable.

Actor Jeremy Piven: Accused by three women of sexual misconduct. He denies all allegations.

Filmmaker Brett Ratner: Accused by at least six women of sexual harassment. Playboy shelved projects with Ratner, and Ratner stepped away from Warner Bros. related activities. He denies the allegations.

Producer Chris Savino: Accused of harassing up to 12 women. Fired from Nickelodeon. He has apologized for his behavior.

Actor Steven Seagal: Accused by two women of sexual harassment. He denies the allegations.

Actor Tom Sizemore: Accused of groping an 11-year-old actress in 2003. Utah prosecutors declined to file charges, citing witness and evidence problems.

He denies the allegation.

Actor Kevin Spacey: Accused by at least 24 men of sexual misconduct or assault.

London police reportedly investigating two sexual assaults. Fired from “House of Cards” and replaced in Ridley Scott’s completed film “All the Money in the World.” Massachusetts prosecutors are investigating one allegation. His former publicist has said he is seeking unspecified treatment.

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Actor George Takei: One man alleges sexual assault. He denies the allegation.

Producer Harvey Weinstein: Accused by dozens of women of sexual harassment or sexual assaults, including rape. Fired by The Weinstein Co. and expelled from various professional guilds. Under investigation by police departments in New York, London, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex, but he has apologized for causing “a lot of pain” with “the way I’ve behaved with colleagues in the past.”

Garrison Keillor, former host of “A Prairie Home Companion”: Says he has been fired

by Minnesota Public Radio over allegations of what the network called improper behavior.

He said he accidentally placed his hand on a woman’s bare back about six inches up her shirt while trying to console her.

Journalist Mark Halperin: Accused of harassing about 12 women while at ABC News. Book contract terminated. Fired from job at NBC News. He has denied some of the allegations.

NPR news chief Michael Oreskes: Accused of inappropriate behavior or sexual harassment by at least four women while at The New York Times, NPR and The Associated Press. He has been ousted from NPR. PBS and CBS host Charlie Rose: Accused by several women of unwanted sexual advances, groping and grabbing women, walking naked in front of them or making lewd phone calls.

He has apologized for his behavior, but has questioned the accuracy of some of the accounts. He was fired by PBS and CBS. New York Times White House reporter Glenn Thrush: Accused of making drunken, unwanted advances on women.

He disputes some of the accusations but has said he had had a drinking problem and apologized for “any situation where I behaved inappropriately.” He was suspended from The New York Times.

NBC “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer: Accused of inappropriate sexual behavior. He was fired.

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel: Accused of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior toward a number of women, Bittel resigned. Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens resigned after a report that he had an extramarital affair with a lobbyist, and Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala is being investigated by the Senate over allegations of harassment and groping.

Latvala has denied the allegations.

Former President George H.W. Bush: Accused of patting seven women below the waist while posing for photos with them in recent years, well after he left office. The 93-yearold Republican has issued repeated apologies through a spokesman “to anyone he has offended,” with the spokesman noting that the former president uses a wheelchair and that his arm sinks below people’s waists when they take photos with him.

U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) : Accused of sexual harassment toward staffers in his office, and has settled one claim of harassment.

He has denied the allegations, even the one he settled. He announced he is leaving Congress and endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to replace him.

Two Minnesota state lawmakers: Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen and Republican Rep. Tony Cornish — said they would resign after they were accused of misdeeds that ranged from groping colleagues to persistent unwanted sexual advances and sexting.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.): Accused of forcibly kissing Los Angeles radio anchor Leeann Tweeden while rehearsing for a 2006 USO tour; Franken also was photographed with his hands over her breasts as she slept.

He also has been accused by three other women of touching their buttocks. Franken has apologized, though hasn’t admitted to groping or other inappropriate touching. He has acknowledged that some women felt that he had done something offensive during their encounters. He faces a Senate ethics investigation for improper conduct.

Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover: Stepped down as speaker this month after news surfaced that the Republican had settled a sexual harassment claim from a GOP caucus staffer. Hoover denied the harassment allegation but said he sent consensual yet inappropriate text messages. He remains in the Legislature.

U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore (R.-Ala.) : Accused of sexually assaulting two women decades ago when they were teenagers; about a half-dozen other women have accused Moore of inappropriate conduct. The former state Supreme Court chief justice denies the allegations. He has rebuffed pressure from national Republican leaders to step aside; the state GOP is standing by him, and President Donald Trump has endorsed him.

— This list was published by mcall.com on Nov. 30.

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“I think what’s going on nationally is indicative of what’s been going on in the workplace for a number of years. It’s receiving a lot more attention because of the prominence, shall we say, of some of the individuals involved.”

— James Ellington, an employment and labor lawyer with Hull Barrett Ellington said. “Also, if the individual who feels like he or she has been harassed feels comfortable or safe doing it, they should tell the harasser that the conduct is not welcome and to please stop. Then, the individual should report the incident to his or her supervisor or to human resources within a company.”

If, for whatever reason, an employee feels like they need additional assistance, Ellington said he or she can also turn to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission for help.

“In appropriate circumstances, if somebody feels like they have been sexually harassed in the workplace, they can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but they have short timeframe to do that,” he said. “It is 180 days or, basically, six months to file.”

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Al Franken

Harvey Weinstein

Charlie Rose

Kevin Spacey 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

One of the most important roles is the leadership shown by the employer when such allegations arise, Ellington said.

“The employer has obligations in these circumstances, and if an employer wants to make sure they are protected from these circumstances, which these circumstances do arise in a workplace and they have for a long time, the employer needs to do some very basic things,” Ellington said. “First, they need to have an anti-harassment policy, and they need to make sure that it is disseminated to the employees. Secondly, if an employer receives an allegation of sexual harassment, they need to promptly and thoroughly do an investigation to determine the merits. Because, just because someone alleges harassment, it doesn’t mean that it actually took place. I mean, there are two sides to every story.”

But an employer needs to act promptly when investigating a complaint so that the situation doesn’t get worse, he said.

“And third, if action is warranted, then the employer needs to take appropriate action in response,” Ellington said.

As for those accused of sexual harassment, Ellington offers a simple guideline to live by in the workplace.

“I don’t know that this falls within a strict legal definition, but it’s sort of a simple explanation which is, if somebody’s momma wouldn’t approve of doing it, they ought not do it,” Ellington said. “That’s not a legal definition about how one should behave, but it’s a common sense way to approach things.”

If an employee is being harassed by the owner, president or the principal of a company, the situation can become more difficult and that individual might want to consider seeking legal advice, Ellington said.

“Proving a sexual harassment case is not necessarily an easy task,” he said. “There are lots of pitfalls along the way. And the claim is not necessarily against the harasser. Sometimes it is the person who alleges to have been harassed who is bringing the claim against the employer for not providing the appropriate workplace environment.”

While a fair number of sexual harassment cases get settled out of court or resolved on motions before they make it to trial, it is important for the victim and the employer to know their rights and obligations under the law.

“I would suggest that, not only from the standpoint of the person who feels like he or she may have been harassed, but also the employers themselves,” he said.

“Sometimes employers are out there trying to deal with the situation on their own and it becomes too much to handle, but it’s too late at that point.”

An investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct need to be thoroughly reviewed, which isn’t always easy, he said.

“You will need to identify the parameters of the allegation,” Ellington said. “When an allegation comes to an employer, you need to assess how long the situation has allegedly been going on and how many other individuals might be involved. It might be as simple as interviewing the person who is making the allegation and interviewing the alleged harasser. There might not be other witnesses, so the investigation might be just interviewing two people and making credibility

“I try not to predict too many things — whether it is football games, basketball games or trends in the law — but I would expect within the next year or two there will be an uptick in sexual harassment claims.”

— James Ellington, an employment and labor lawyer with Hull Barrett assessments and making a determination.”

But in a larger company, there are oftentimes several people who have witnessed the alleged inappropriate actions.

“It may involve a wider group of individuals. It might be a half dozen people. Depending on the nature of the allegations, it might be 30 or 40 people,” Ellington said.

“If you have got that number of individuals involved and if it goes back a lengthier period of time, that investigation can take a while to complete.”

That’s when an employer should definitely consider turning to an attorney familiar with labor laws, Ellington said.

“I’m a lawyer, but if there is a plumbing need in my house, I have learned not to try to take care of it myself,” he said. “I think it’s wise to seek counsel from someone who knows what they are doing.”

After all, allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace can affect the entire organization, Ellington said.

“Every situation is different. Just because there is smoke, doesn’t mean there is fire. But if there is a lot of smoke, there is usually some fire there,” Ellington said. “But these have to be legitimate situations. There are situations where an employee, who might not have a basis for a harassment claim, is trying to drum up something to protect himself or herself from a workplace situation where they might be at risk of being fired for not doing their job. There are instances where some employees make some things up. I’ve seen that, too. It happens.”

Ellington said the best advice he can give employers is to make sure that they have policies in place that protect both their employees and the company.

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There need to be boundaries established that provide all employees with a safe and healthy working environment, he said.

But employers also need to realize that these are people working alongside each other in an office setting, he said.

“You will have situations where romance blossoms in the workplace, and that can add another layer of complications,” Ellington said. “I think from an employer’s standpoint, the employer needs to undertake some type of proactive effort to ensure that you don’t have someone who is a supervisor over another employee also engaged in a dating relationship. You are asking for trouble at that point if you have not clearly defined what is or is not appropriate within a workplace environment.”

Employers should establish boundaries, so it doesn’t disrupt the business or negatively impact any employees.

“There are workplaces that allow employee dating, but they specifically disallow the situation in the context of supervisor/subordinate relationships because it can create a lot of issues in the workplace,” he said. “Problems in the workplace arise when one employee feels like another employee is being treated better. If someone is getting paid 5 cents more than someone else, just that can be the trigger for all sorts of issues within the workplace. And if you have a subordinate/supervisor relationship and somebody is a co-worker of the subordinate, they may very well feel they are getting the short end of the stick.”

On almost a daily basis, the public is learning about more allegations against highprofile figures all across the country. However, Ellington said it will be interesting to see if those scandals have an impact on sexual harassment claims made locally.

“I try not to predict too many things — whether it is football games, basketball games or trends in the law — but I would expect within the next year or two there will be an uptick in sexual harassment claims,” he said. “Mainly because you go home every night and you hear about it. I listen to the radio going home and I’m hearing new things between here and the house practically every night. And everybody else is seeing it as well on the news, so it will probably have an impact.”

And, while many fans of the “Today” show were surprised that NBC executives acted so quickly in firing Lauer within days of receiving a formal complaint, Ellington

7DECEMBER2017

“I don’t know that this falls within a strict legal definition, but it’s sort of a simple explanation which is, if somebody’s momma wouldn’t approve of doing it, they ought not do it.”

— James Ellington, an employment and labor lawyer with Hull Barrett said lawyers for the network must have found the allegations creditable.

“Somebody like NBC is going to have very good legal advice,” Ellington said. “I don’t know the circumstances of the situation regarding NBC that occurred last week other than what everyone else has heard and read through the media, but it moved very quickly. The complaint was made, I believe, on Monday evening and by Wednesday morning it was over.”

Clearly, it was important for NBC News to send a strong message that such behavior would not be tolerated at the network, he said.

“With some of the more high-profile individuals, what you do notice is once two or three people come forward, the floodgates tend to open,” Ellington said. “If you have got a situation where someone has behaved inappropriately, a lot of times it is not an isolated instance. So, once two or three people come forward, other people feel comfortable telling their story.”

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They’ve got the ‘wow’ factor

Group brings youths together for inspiring shows

By Amanda Main

From left, arthur Chapman, deron dotts and Patrick Parker perform during last year’s Behold the Star.

Several dozen TeenS come together to rehearse for a couple of hours each Thursday night, building their talents while also creating lasting friendships.

The group is called Creative Impressions, and it’s been a part of Augusta culture for 21 years, providing a place for young people to study musical theater, drama, dance and music history. It was founded by retired teacher — and now adopted mother to so many who have come through the program — Evelyn D. Ellis, who has handed over her trust to its current artistic director. Musician, composer, singer and teacher Trey McLaughlin has been at the helm since 2008.

“The mission statement of Creative Impressions is to ‘save just one,’” McLaughlin said on a recent Thursday, hours before rehearsal for the group’s big holiday show Behold the Star. “And I think that developed kind of after the group had already started, but Ms. Ellis wanted to give students an alternative outlet to, initially, it was to 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

keep students out of trouble, because they’re gifted kids and they wanted to give them something to do that’s positive. I think over time, it’s developed not just to give them something to do, but also to kind of develop the musical gift and talent of its young people.

“It’s actually a help to the community to have your kids in Creative Impressions, because we’re teaching them how to read music. We’re teaching them drama skills; we’re teaching them dance technique. … It also teaches them life lessons about how hard work yields results.”

A 2002 graduate of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, he got his start with Creative Impressions as a student when he was just 14 and stayed with it through high school. By the time he was a senior, he had become its student director and president. During his time in college, at Columbus State University, he would come back in the summers and again take over as the student director.

Once he graduated from college and came back to Augusta, Ellis told him she was going into seminary and asked him to take over as artistic director.

McLaughlin said being a part of the group is such a positive thing, for the students and for the adults involved. Creative Impressions allows students to take on leadership roles when they show they’re ready, and the kids in the group get to express themselves creatively in ways they might not be able to at school.

“I think for the kids that I teach, it is an opportunity for them to maybe see what they’re capable of, because the arts, as far as the trained arts, it’s kind of becoming a dying thing — like with YouTube and people being famous for sort of mediocre stuff,” he said. “I think it’s an opportunity for them to see what kind of greatness they have inside of them. And even if they don’t do music, I think there are life lessons that they’ll take with them when they leave.”

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A student’s perspective Kaylah Thurmond is one of the students McLaughlin gets wistful about when he sees how far she’s come. Now 16 and a junior at Davidson Fine Arts, she started with the group when she was just 11.

“I’m just stressing (about her graduating from the group), but just to have the opportunity to watch her go from this little great performer to this adult woman — not just a great performer, but like real adult, grown person and a young lady with a good head on her shoulders... That’s so gratifying to watch them grow and to know that in a way, I had a hand in helping along that development,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin picked her for the group when she was a year shy of what typically is the minimum age Creative Impressions will accept students. Thurmond says she has grown in ways she never imagined in the years she’s been with the group.

“When I first came into Creative Impressions, I was kind of shy and not very outgoing, because for one, I was the youngest member — everybody else was in high school or going into high school,” she said. “I was the only sixth-grader, and I was kind of shy and intimidated. But just being there, it helped me just to grow in leadership, because now now I am the section leader in the soprano section. And it just made me go for it. … Sometimes I would doubt myself and be like, ‘Oh, I can’t sing like they can, because they’re all good, and I’m just this little person.’ But, I don’t know, just one day I kind of grew out of that and just taking a leap and just doing what you want to do without any limitations on yourself.”

She and McLaughlin both expressed the gratitude they have for the creative outlets Creative Impressions offers students, who generally don’t have the same kind of freedom at school arts classes.

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Holiday showcase Creative Impressions doesn’t just keep their talents at home — they have traveled along the East Coast as far north as Ground Zero in New York City and have performed at a Presidential Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. But their biggest time to shine here in Augusta is with their Behold the Star show, held each December. This year, there are two opportunities to see the show, on Dec. 16 at Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre.

“Behold the Star started in 2000; our first one was at Saint Paul’s downtown,” McLaughlin said. “It initially was just a concert where we would sing mostly choral repertoire, and we had a couple of dance presentations, but very concert-style formal.

And it stayed that way for a few years until I came back as the drama king that I am and made it more into a production. … It’s now become a show, a full-out show, so we do some choral repertoire, but literally scene changes on and off stage, blackouts, costume changes, full dance numbers, everything. So it’s like a variety show of sorts.

“People will see us doing African songs, they will see us do African dance. They’ll see us do a little bit of hip-hop with some ballet mixed in. They’ll hear gospel. They’ll hear some jazz standards. We’ll be doing some stage choreography and movement and all that kind of stuff — it’s just gonna be a full-out kaleidoscope, is what we call it.”

As well as being a showcase for the kids, the show is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

“Typically we use the funds to help with scholarships for kids that can’t pay the season dues because we do have some kids that are hardship cases, and they need a little bit of help,” McLaughlin said. “And then also for tour, and then whatever expenses we may have like sheet music. Sometimes I have to pay people to come in and work with the kids, so like we have choreographers who come in who are trained. … Supplies, dresses, costumes, all types of things that we may need.”

Creative Impressions is always seeking new talent and is especially in need of males to join. The nonprofit performance arts organization supports about 50 teenagers from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 12-18. However, the group sometimes does accept 11-year-olds. The group meets for rehearsal on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Family Life Center in downtown Augusta at 1230 Laney Walker Blvd. Call 706-664-9022 or visit creative-impressions.org for more information.

Behold the Star AU’s Maxwell Theatre 2 p.m. Dec. 16, $15 (matinee price) 7 p.m. Dec. 16, $20 (Cost is $10 for students, military, seniors and group discounts) 706-664-9022 creative-impressions.org AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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WANT TO GIVE YOURSELF a gift that won’t cost you anything but your time? Try learning a second language! There are several ongoing opportunities to do that in the CSRA. To find out when the next sessions are and how often they happen, take advantage of the contact information included with each event shown below.

In the meantime, here is a list of 10 tips on learning a new language from a guy who speaks nine languages: babbel.com/en/magazine/10-tips-from-an-expert.

And if you can’t work one of these local bilingual meet-ups into your schedule right now, we recommend checking out duolingo.com. The website and its app will allow you to learn a language for free, and there are a ton of languages available on there. A lot of game play is involved in the learning process at Duolingo.

What’s stopping you?

Monday, Dec. 11 3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib. org.

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.

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

Tuesday, Dec. 12 10:30am - noon English as a Second Language Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail.com or call 706-863-1946.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.

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What’s up

Calendar: 28 | Music Listings: 35 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.

Who is Jesus’ baby daddy?

“Misconception: the Lost GospeL of christMas” is a rock opera that looks at how a teenage girl claiming Immaculate Conception would be perceived in the modern world.

Mary is pregnant, unmarried and has just witnessed the stoning of a village girl in a similar situation. Joseph will do whatever it takes to protect Mary from the same fate, but the show explores whether he’s a fool to believe her explanation that Jehovah is the “baby daddy.”

The musical comedy’s creator, Mark Alan Swanson, said back in 2012: “The first thing I thought of was, I’ve got a 13-year-old daughter. If my 13-year-old daughter came to me, came home from school and said, ‘Daddy, I’m pregnant and God’s the father…’ well, you know what would happen. For one thing, she’d probably be committed if she really believed that, and you know, she’d have to deal with her father.”

He chuckled and added, “So, I kind-of took a very realistic view — a more modern view of how Mary would be treated in that situation. I was very careful to keep Mary and Jesus out of the whole play … because it is irreverent, no doubt about that — it’s not sacrilegious, but it is irreverent.”

The show had a successful couple of runs at Le Chat Noir in 2011 and 2012, followed by a run in the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2013. It’s back in Augusta again this month, with two showings at the Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center on Dec. 15 and 16. And this year, David Alpert, a director with Broadway credits in New York City, is taking charge of direction.

“Misconception” is recommended for ages 14 and up.

“Misconception: the Lost Gospel of christmas” Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 $30-$35 Buy tickets at misconception.eventbrite.com or at the door

thursday, dec. 7

saturday, dec. 9

Wednesday, dec. 13

thursday, dec. 14

The Miller Theater has a pretty sweet season coming up after its grand reopening next month, with names like Henry Rollins, D.L. Hughley and Weird Al set to grace the stage. But in the meantime, the theater needs your help for 2018! The theater will present a volunteer interest meeting from 5:307:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, for “first dibs” opportunities. Call 706-840-4732 to find out about how you can help.

Lake Olmstead Stadium will be abuzz this Saturday, with the free Mistletoe 5K Fun Run and Auggie’s Holiday BUZZAR to follow afterward. There, you’ll find a vendor market, Santa Claus, Touch-A-Truck, free hot chocolate and more. Leashed dogs are welcome, and if you bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, you’ll get a free hot dog and soda. Call 706-922-9860 or visit facebook. com/events/1966438790276478.

More people are choosing to shop online this holiday season than ever before. Want to get in on it but not sure where to start?

The Columbia County Library has a couple of classes just for you this Wednesday. At 10 a.m. will be the Internet Shopping class, where you can learn how to get the best deals online. And a class at 1:30 p.m. will teach you all about buying and selling on ebay.com.

Register by calling 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visiting gchrl.org.

If you have a thing for guys with Irish accents — and Christmas music — head over to the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. They’ll be hosting Evening of Irish Traditional Christmas Music with Dublin native John Doyle. It starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, and costs $25 — some funds will be donated to the art institute. The evening includes light hors d’ouvres and Irish tea, and you’re even free to BYOB! Reserve a spot through eventbrite.com, or call 706-267-5416.

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

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Singing Christmas Tree Abilene Baptist Church 7pm Fri Dec 8 3pm and 7pm Sat Dec 9 3pm Sun Dec 10 Free, but tickets required. Visit the church or get them online at itickets.com ($1 fee online).

706-869-1774 or myabilene.org.

ARTS Thu Dec 7

6:30pm - 8:30pm Pottery Class Harlem Arts Council Pottery with Angelika Bondar. Continues Dec. 14. $40 for the two classes. Includes material fee. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-394-4682.

Fri Dec 8

10am - 1pm Bead and Wire-wrapped Wine Glasses Harlem Arts Council Class with Jeanne Stanford. $30; minimum of three students. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 330-592-2256.

Mon Dec 11

10am - noon Oil Painting Class Harlem Arts Council Oil painting with Minette Hatcher. $20 per class. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-556-6656.

Ongoing

$200 and Under 4P Studios, That Place Coffee, 600 Broad Gallery More than 60 artists will have original works priced at less than $200 through Dec. 30. Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudiosart.com.

DANCE Sat Dec 9

4pm Nutcracker in the South AU’s Maxwell Theatre A Cutno Dance Center production that includes dancers of all ages and an updated version of the Tchaikovsky piece using Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite and other 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

holiday classics to tell the story. $10-$35.

Visit cutnodance.com or call 706-364-3442.

EDUCATION Thu Dec 7

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

Fri Dec 8

Noon Bookkeeping, Payroll and Business Financial Seminar Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

Sat Dec 9

9am Financial Education Class Kroc Center An EmpowerU class from Fifth Third Bank that includes information on budgeting, saving for a house, building your credit and more. Held the second Saturday of each month. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center.

11am Christmas in the Quarters Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site An event that brings to life the holiday experience of enslaved families at Redcliffe Plantation during the Civil War. Centered on the site’s historic slave cabin, visitors will enjoy special tours, demonstrations and games. The Dec. 9 theme is holydays and free time and features a story time. $7.50, adults; $5, S.C. seniors and those ages 6-16; free, 5 and under. Call 803-827-1473 or visit southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe.

Mon Dec 11

3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class

fiction or nonfiction book about folk tales and fairy tales and then share it with the group.

Bring a lunch. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Wed Dec 13

10am Internet Shopping Columbia County Library Learn how to get the best deals online. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext.

4, or visit gchrl.org.

Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.

1:30pm eBay Class

5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class

6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group

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

5:30pm Scratch Animation Columbia County Library Learn basic coding and animation. Preregistration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext.

4, or visit gchrl.org.

Tue Dec 12

10:30am - noon English as a Second Language Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail. com or call 706-863-1946.

11am - 12:30pm Homeschool Hub Aiken Public Library Homeschool kids of all ages can read any

Columbia County Library Learn how to buy and sell on the online auction site ebay.com. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.

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

Ongoing

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

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

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

ELSEWHERE

North Augusta Driving Tour

1pm - 3pm Lavender-Inspired Christmas Cookie Baking Day

Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 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 706724-0436 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.

1 Million Cups theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782.

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Fri Dec 8

White Hills Farm, Dearing Make lavender Christmas cookies. $5 donation requested. Visit augustalocallygrown.org or call 706-288-7895 (text first).

Sat Dec 9

10am - 5pm Historic Home Tour Downtown Washington Home tour is $30; visit historyofwilkes.org.

Also check out the art shows at multiple locations and the Christmas Parade of Lights through downtown. Call 706-678-5001 or email historicalww@gmail.com.

6pm - 8pm Christmas Parade and Snow on the Square The Square, downtown Washington Parade of Lights and Snow on the Square in downtown Washington. Free. Call 706-6782013 or visit washingtonwilkes.org.

EXHIBITIONS Ongoing

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

In/De Flation

Wolf and Finch Artists Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman and Jay Jacobs have teamed up for this exhibition that focuses on “a mythical figure, the harbinger of great deals and bad dance moves that has been spotted all over the world.” The show runs from Dec. 1-22. Call 706-250-0301, email art@ wolfandfinch.com, or visit facebook.com/ events/1949497908644537.

SEEDS Exhibition Westobou Gallery An exhibition of works in a variety of mediums from local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. The exhibition will show from Dec. 1 through Feb. 2. Call 706755-2878 or visit westobou.org.

Unbroken: Life, Learning, Mandala

Fri Dec 8

10:30am “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Live” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

5:30pm - 8:30pm Christmas Movie Night: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Evans Towne Center Park Free screening at 6:30 p.m., plus Columbia County’s largest Redneck Christmas Party. Concessions, train rides, free family photos and adult beverages available. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com or call 706-8683484.

Sat Dec 9

11am “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Jessye Norman School The Augusta University College of Education partners with the Jessye Norman School of the Arts to offer this 2D and 3D visual arts show themed around the mandala. More than 40 area artists and teachers will sell their mandala art. On display through Dec. 27.

Email STEAMED@augusta.edu or call 706828-7768.

Headquarters Branch Library Screening includes a Star Wars craft and snacks. Call 706-434-2036, 706-821-2623, or visit arcpls.org.

Melanie Stokes

Mon Dec 11

Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Melanie Miller Stokes.

The exhibition will remain on display through Dec. 29. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

FLIX Thu Dec 7

7pm “A Christmas Without Snow” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

3pm “Valerian & The City of a Thousand Planets” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7pm “One Christmas Eve” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue Dec 12

5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.

Thu Dec 14

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Holiday Tour of Homes 2017 The Hill 11am - 5pm Fri Dec 8 and Sat Dec 9 1-5pm Sun Dec 10 An Augusta Ballet event that will feature three homes on The Hill. $20, advance; $25 after Nov. 25.

706-261-0555 or augustaballet.org 7pm Max Lucado’s “The Christmas Candle”

Wed Dec 13

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

Headquarters Branch Library Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

HEALTH Thu Dec 7

7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Sat Dec 9

9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet

10am - noon Wellness Checks

Thu Dec 14

7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1-5 p. m. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

7pm Women’s Center Tour

10:30am Childbirth Tour

Meditation Sessions

AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.

Mon Dec 11

4pm Breast Self-Exam Class University Hospital’s Breast Health Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

Tue Dec 12

7:30pm Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.

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

Ongoing

HOBBIES Thu Dec 7

1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.

6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.

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

Mon Dec 11

Augusta Meditation Meetup

Ongoing

Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this non-religious, breathawareness meditation at 9 a.m. the first Sunday of every month. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@outlook. com.

3pm Genealogy Club Columbia County Library A group for those of all abilities. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

KIDS-TEENS

Thu Dec 7

10:30am Create with Me: ‘Tis the Season Morris Museum of Art Participants will look at works depicting wintry scenes and create a holiday sculpture using found objects. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.

1pm - 3pm Homeschool Adventure: Holiday at Mistletoe Mistletoe State Park For homeschool students ages 5 and up. $5 per child, plus $5 parking. Pre-registration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

4pm Lego Club Aiken Public Library For kids ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Fri Dec 8

10am - noon Play and Grow Aiken Public Library A drop in program for those ages 0-5 that includes puzzles, toys, puppets and more.

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

10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

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12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play

11am - noon “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Big Golden Book” Story Time

706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.

Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3.

Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-8287768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

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

10am Big Kid Story Time

Sat Dec 9

Reed Creek Park Kids ages 5 and up will be introduced to birds of prey. $5 per person for members, children and adults. Pre-registration required.

Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.

9am - 1pm VeryVera Cooking Camp (Christmas) Aiken Center for the Arts “An Arctic Affair” cooking camp is for 6- to 10-year-olds, who will spend the day creating holiday snacks and crafts. $75. Lunch provided. Register online at aikencenterforthearts.org. Call 803-6419094.

9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Story time and nature hike designed for kids from toddler age to age 8. Pre-registration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers.

Call 706-396-1428 or email info@ phinizycenter.org.

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2pm Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration recommended.

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

4pm - 5pm Raptors, Incredible Birds of Prey

Mon Dec 11

10:30am - 11:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Dec 12

9:30am Tiny Tot Story Time Reed Creek Park “Over and Under” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call

Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

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.

4pm Beginner Guitar Class Columbia County Library A class for those ages 11-18 in which space is limited to eight students. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl. org.

7pm Santa Sam North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Santa Sam will visit, and there will be music, magic, stories and a chance for photos with Santa. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Wed Dec 13

10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020

or visit arcpls.org.

10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

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

10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

Thu Dec 14

5pm TAG Teen Advisory Group Aiken Public Library Help plan teen programs, choose new materials and earn volunteer hours. Open to ages 13-18. Call Jennifer at 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, for more information.

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7pm Aiken Youth Orchestra Concert Aiken Center for the Arts Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Thu Dec 14

6pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

7:30pm An Evening of Irish Traditional Christmas Music Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art This concert featuring John Doyle includes light hors d’ouvres and Irish tea, and it’s also BYOB. $25 (a portion of admission will be donated to GHIA). Make reservations for the concert at eventbrite.com. Call 706-267-5416.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Dec 7

3:30pm Winter Workshop Columbia County Library Drop in for winter crafts, gift-making and hot chocolate. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl. org.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Headquarters Branch Library 11am Sat Dec 9 Screening includes a Star Wars craft and snacks.

706-434-2036, 706-821-2623 or arcpls.org 6pm TAG Meeting Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

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

After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more.

It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.

LITERARY

Ongoing

Winter Reading Challenge

7:30pm Messiah

MUSIC

8pm Betty Wright

Thu Dec 7

7pm Community Christmas Concert Scottish Rite Center Free concert features music performed by the Columbia County Orchestra and includes familiar Christmas classics, as well as an audience sing-along on familiar carols. A free-will collection will be received. Visit columbiacco.org or call 706-755-5849.

Fri Dec 8

7:30pm St. Petersburg Piano Quartet Etherredge Center, Aiken $40, general; $15, USC Aiken students. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-641-3305.

Sat Dec 9

The Book Tavern Featuring Christine Hurley Deriso with her newest book, “All the Wrong Chords.” Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com or facebook.com/events/2041446492759329.

Augusta Common Held at Augusta on Ice, this lineup features performances by Joe Stevenson Band, King Size, Phillip Lee Jr., Bethany Davis and Brandy Douglas, Jason Shepard and Chuck Holt, Will McCranie, John Krueger, Michael

32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Hitchcock. Benefits the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Visit augustaonice.com.

Aiken Public Library Pick up a reading challenge starting Dec. 27 and return it by March 31 to win a small prize and be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Books-A-Million gift card. Open to adults only. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue Dec 12

6pm - 8pm Meet the Author

5pm Pearl Harbor Day Presentation

2pm - 9:30pm 12 Bands of Christmas

Saint Paul’s Church An Augusta Choral Society production featuring the Lyra Vivace Orchestra, chorus and soloists. $35, adults; $30, seniors; $15, students and military. Call 706-826-4713 or visit augustacs.org.

Bell Auditorium $58.50-$70.50. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.

Sun Dec 10

3pm - 5:30pm Home for the Holidays Etherredge Center, Aiken An Aiken Symphony presentation featuring classic holiday melodies and ending with a sing-along. $30-$45. Call 803-641-3305 or visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com/tickets.

4pm - 6pm Christmas Concert

Maxwell Branch Library Historical enthusiast Joseph Styczynski will give a presentation. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm Christmas Tree Lighting Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken An event that will include decorating the tree, holiday sing-along, refreshments, door prizes and more. Call 803-642-7634.

6pm Night of 1,000 Lights Downtown Aiken A festive evening out with shops staying open late and offering holiday treats, drinks and music. Free. Call 803-649-2221.

7pm - 10pm Ambassadors Soiree Venus and Hank Griffin’s home in Summerville An Augusta Ballet event for Ambassador members that will kick of the Holiday Tour of Homes weekend. The event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and live music. Admission is by Ambassador membership of $65 or $125 for couples. Call 706-261-0555 or visit augustaballet.org.

Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel An Augusta Chorale holiday concert that will feature selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and other favorites. The concert will also feature the Aiken Civic Orchestra and soloist Pamela Dillard, mezzo soprano. $15, advance (adults); $20, at door (adults); free, those 17 and under. Call 706-830-0991 or visit augustachorale.org.

Fri Dec 8

Tue Dec 12

12:30pm CSRA Veg Monthly Meet-Up

11am - 5pm Holiday Tour of Homes 2017 The Hill An Augusta Ballet event that will feature three homes on The Hill. Continues 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $20, advance; $25 after Nov. 25. Call 706-261-0555 or visit augustaballet.org.

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Mellow Mushroom, downtown Augusta Meet plant-centric people for a great lunch — veg-curious people welcome. Find out more at meetup.com/csravs.

Wine World Enjoy five courses of appetizers and selected wines. Pre-registration required. $25, members; $35, nonmembers. Call 803-2799522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

4pm - 11:30pm SantaCon Downtown Augusta A fundraiser for STEM scholarships at theClubhou.se, this pub crawl starts at Metro Coffeehouse & Pub, with a costume contest and an after-party at Sky City. Buy tickets online by searching SantaCon at EventBrite. com. Visit facebook.com/santaconaugusta.

6:30pm - 8:30pm Madrigal Dinner: A Renaissance Yuletide Feast Houndslake Country Club, Aiken Participants will enjoy a rustic dinner, desserts and drinks while singers from the Aiken Choral Society perform period music in costume. $70. Visit aikenchoralsociety.com.

Sat Dec 9

All day Ugly Sweater Crawl Downtown Aiken Wear your ugliest sweater or outfit for a day of shopping and merry making with friends and family. Participating downtown businesses will have special deals and offers.

Call 803-649-2221.

8am - 4pm Holiday Market at the 5th Street Marina 5th Street Marina Vendors will sell homemade craft items and treats for the holidays. Call 912-225-6165 or join the Augusta Vendor Connection group on Facebook.

Lights of the South

Sun Dec 10

11am - 2pm Teddy Bear Brunch The Partridge Inn Guests are encouraged to bring a teddy bear, which will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Children 12 and under who make a donation will eat free. Visit facebook.com/ThePartridgeInn.

Noon - 3pm Photos with Santa Le Chat Noir Free for anyone who’s ever performed, volunteered or is a season subscriber to Le Chat Noir. $15 for everyone else to get your photo taken and emailed. If you would like prints, arrangements can be made with JC Photo/Video/Design. Visit facebook.com/ events/358947841183832 or call 706-722-3322.

1pm - 3pm Cookies with Santa Donald Doctors Hospital Main Lobby Visit the hospital for an afternoon of holiday cheer in the lobby. Pre-registration required for photos with Santa. Visit doctors-hospital. net or call 706-651-3232.

Tue Dec 12

9:30am - noon Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon

Maxwell Branch Library Play games in honor of the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System. Groups of four or more require pre-registration. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.

Newberry Hall, Aiken Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with a business meeting at 10:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $15; pre-registration required by noon Thursday, Dec. 7. This month’s speaker will be Dr. Maureen Simpson, artistic director of the Aiken Choral Society.

Email newcomers29803@gmail.com, call 803-641-1444 or 803-641-2011, or visit aikennewcomers.com.

2pm - 6pm Toy Shoppe at Towne Center

Thu Dec 14

Evans Towne Center Park Event includes full Christmas vendor village, free Santa photos, free train rides, cookies with Mrs. Claus, ornament decorating, food and beverage vendors, nine holes of North Pole Mini Golf, a giant maze and more.

Bring a new, unwrapped gift to the ticket booth for Toys for Tots collection. A second opportunity will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Visit evanstownecenterpark.com or call 706-868-3484.

Aiken Public Library All ages are invited to join in reading Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” followed by a holiday sing-along. Snacks included; pre-registration required by Dec. 11.

Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1121, or visit abbe-lib. org.

1pm - 3pm Dewey Decimal Games

6pm “Mystery of the Christmas Star” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Also showing at 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.

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and visit the Elves Lounge (aka alcohol tent) can pay $5 for a day or $20 for the season.

Kids under 3 get in free. Visit augustaonice. com for more information and to buy passes.

6:30pm - 8:30pm Readers Theatre & Holiday Sing-along

Ongoing

Augusta on Ice Augusta Common For 50 days from Nov. 17-Jan. 6, The Augusta Common will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink, live music, dancing, beer and wine, Santa selfies and more. Passes to all activities cost $20 for one day or $50 for a season pass.

General admission for those who just want to watch the skaters, enjoy the entertainment

633 Louisville Road, Grovetown See millions of lights, roast marshmallows, take a hay ride, and experience more holiday fun. $12, adults; $9, kids 4-17; free, kids 3 and under. Open through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. (closed on Christmas). Visit lightsofthesouth. com or call 706-556-6623.

Stepping to DC Showcase Fundraiser Westside High School Coming Saturday, Dec. 16, is an array of performers who will be on stage to raise funds for A. Brian Merry Elementary School fifth-graders to go to Washington, D.C. $10.

Call 706-737-7185 for more info.

ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9, 2018. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.

SPIRITUAL Thu Dec 7

7pm Hayride Through the Life of Christ Columbia County Fairgrounds Runs daily through Dec. 10. Hosted by Sharon Baptist Church of Appling, this event features live vignettes, live music and hot chocolate. Free. Call 706-541-0667.

7pm - 8:30pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one called the Quran and Science. Free, with refreshments.

Email outreach@isaugusta.com.

register. Call 706-821-1797 or 762-359-7656.

10am Mistletoe 5K Fun Run Lake Olmstead Stadium Free fun run hosted by Fleet Feet Sports and the Augusta GreenJackets; no registration required. After the fun run is the annual Auggie’s Holiday BUZZAR which includes a holiday vendor market, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Touch-A-Truck, inflatables, free hot chocolate and coffee. Bring your leashed dogs, and if you bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, you’ll get a free hot dog and soda.

Call 706-922-9860 or visit facebook.com/ events/1966438790276478.

Sun Dec 10

1pm - 6pm Open Gym Basketball Kroc Center Open gym basketball on Sundays through Dec. 24. Call 706-364-5762 or visit facebook. com/krocaugusta.

Wed Dec 13

Noon Schooling Dressage Show Stableview Farms, Aiken Spectators welcome. Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.

Ongoing

Christmas in Hopelands Hopelands Gardens This walk-through exhibit features more than 2 miles of lighted holiday displays and pathways with more than 100,000 lights. Free, but s’mores will be pre-sold at Citizens Park for $5. Open from 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 26. Call 803-642-7631.

Jingle Balls Kickball Classic Eisenhower Park This is a coed kickball tournament hosted by Augusta Sports Leagues, with registration deadline of noon Friday, Dec. 15. $20 per player with minimum of 12 players per team. $30 per individual who will be placed on a team with other free agents. There also will be a costume contest, Toys for Tots drive and after party.

Visit augustasportsleagues.com.

Fri Dec 8

Augusta Sports Leagues

Abilene Baptist Church Free, but tickets required and can be picked up at the church office or online at itickets. com ($1 fee online). Continues at 3 and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Call 706-869-1774 or visit myabilene.org.

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

SPORTS-OUTDOORS

SUPPORT

7pm - 9pm Singing Christmas Tree

Sat Dec 9

8am - 1pm CSRA AIDS Walk & 5K Run Augusta Canal - River Levee Trail This fundraiser benefits area HIV prevention and awareness organizations. $25, individuals; $15 per person on teams of 10 or more; kids 12 and under are free. Visit raceentry.com/races/csra-aids-walkrun/2017/

Thu Dec 7

10am - 11:30am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-860-5233.

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Sun Dec 10

10am - 11:30am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Mon Dec 11

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

Tue Dec 12

10am - 11:30am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.

Thu Dec 14

6pm - 7:30pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Support group for cancer survivors and caregivers. Light snack provided. Call 706651-4567.

Ongoing

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

Email marykahb@yahoo.com.

Georgia Carolina Toastmasters Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.

Grief Share Program Aldersgate United Methodist Church This program is for people who have had a loved one pass away and need to share with others in the difficult journey. There is a $20 registration fee, with free child care and scholarships available. The group will meet Sunday evenings from Jan. 7 to April 1. Email showmanjj@comcast.net or call 706-830-8741.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA,

110 Augusta

Beyond the Bars

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.

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

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 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.

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

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

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

Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information.

Call 706-868-3241.

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

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

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

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

34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

THEATER Wed Dec 13

10am Children’s Play: “Holly and the Christmas Kerfuffle” AU’s Maxwell Theatre A free children’s play. Pre-registration required. Call 706-737-1625 or email literacycenter1401@gmail.com.

Thu Dec 14

8pm “The Last Romance” Auditions Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Two men (age range 60-80 and 18-25) and two women (age range 60-75) are needed to play characters in this Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production that shows Feb. 14 to March 3. Auditions also will be held at 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Call 706-793-8552 or email Stevewalpert@gmail.com.

Ongoing

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 10. $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803- 648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical” Imperial Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 and at 3 p.m.

Dec. 10. An Augusta Players production. $20-$48. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

“A Dog’s House” by Micah Schraft Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. $25.

Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.

“Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Kroc Center Showing at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 and at 6 p.m. Dec. 9. An Enopion Theatre Company production. $18. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.

“Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Ken Ludwig Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 9 and at 4 p.m.

Dec. 10. $15-$53. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

VOLUNTEER Thu Dec 7

5:30pm - 7:30pm Miller Theater Volunteer Interest Meeting Miller Theater The Miller Theater is seeking volunteers for the 2018 opening season. Find out more at this orientation meeting. Call 706-840-4732.

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Georgia) The Backyard Tavern - Mark Jones & Friends Bell Auditorium - Betty Wright Country Club - Holman Autry Band Coyotes - PitBoss Fox’s Lair - Ryan Harris Brown, Brandy Douglas Humanitree House - peace.love.soul with The Lady & The Gents Shannon’s - Sassy Brass Sky City - We Got Next: The New Generation w/ DJ Moses, D.E.Z., The GodBrotha and more Southbound Smokehouse - Whiskey Run Stillwater Taproom - Black Iron Gathering Wild Wing - Center Lane The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Cricket Ridge Bluegrass

12 Bands of Christmas w/ Michael Hitchcock, John Krueger, Will McCranie (pictured) and more Augusta Common 2-9:30pm Sat Dec 9 (benefits Children’s Hospital of Georgia) Free with Augusta on Ice admission; facebook. com/12Bands; augustaonice.com

World of Beer - Trivia

Upcoming The Fustics

- Wild Wing December 14 Brian Herrington

- Southbound Smokehouse December 14 An Evening of Irish Traditional Christmas Music w/ John Doyle

- Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, December 14 Atomic Road

- Shannon’s December 15 Kiss-Mas Party w/ Love Gun

- Country Club December 15 Suzy Bogguss

What’s Tonight?

Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke The Scene Nightclub - The Saturday Scene w/ DJ Richie Rich

Sunday, December 10 Live Music

Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Southbound Smokehouse - Phillip Lee Jr. Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

- Imperial Theatre December 15 The Lair White Elephant Christmas Party and Karaoke

- Fox’s Lair December 15 Whole Lotta Soul

- The Highlander December 15 Amy Rae

- Coyotes December 15 Heather Gillis

- Southbound Smokehouse December 15 Moby Dick

- Wild Wing December 15 Christmas with John Berry

- Imperial Theatre December 21 Fantasia, Bell Biv Devoe

- Bell Auditorium December 29 Funk You

Monday, December 11 Live Music

The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words

- Sky City December 30 Jackson Browne

- Bell Auditorium January 6 Henry Rollins

- Miller Theater January 8 St. Paul and the Broken Bones

What’s Tonight?

Kiss-Mas Party w/ Love Gun (KISS tribute band) Country Club 7:30pm Fri Dec 15 $9.39; ilovebobfm.com/event/kissmas, 706-364-1862 Thursday, December 7 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - The Freeway Revival Soul Bar - Freddie Bunz (hip-hop/Indianapolis) Southbound Smokehouse - Brian Herrington Wild Wing - Jukebox Robocop The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses The Scene Nightclub - Double Down Thursday w/ DJ Spindrum

Friday, December 8 Live Music

Country Club - Granger Smith Coyotes - The Joe Olds Band 7DECEMBER2017

The Etherredge Center - St. Petersburg Quartet Fox’s Lair - Jeff Johnston The Highlander - False Flag, Reverend Billy and the Soul Patrol The Loft - Dark Water Rising Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Celia Gary Shannon’s - Unmentionables The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Keith Gregory Southbound Smokehouse - Bird Dog Jubilee Wild Wing - Phillip Lee Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Royal Jubilee Sky City - SantaCon

Saturday, December 9 Live Music

8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Augusta Common - 12 Bands of Christmas at Augusta on Ice (benefits Children’s Hospital of

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

Tuesday, December 12 Live Music

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

What’s Tonight?

The Highlander - Game Night Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane World of Beer - Karaoke

Wednesday, December 13 Live Music Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Sabo and Dave

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz

- Miller Theater January 12 Lyfe Jennings

- Miller Theater January 13 D.L. Hughley Family and Friends Tour

- Miller Theater February 10 Diana Krall

- Miller Theater February 16 Ronnie Milsap

- Miller Theater February 17 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips

- Miller Theater April 14

Elsewhere Luke Combs, Josh Phillips, Faren Rachels

- Township Auditorium, Columbia December 7 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta December 9 Gary Numan

- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta December 11 Katy Perry, Purity Ring

- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 12 Gin Blossoms

- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 14 iHeartradio Jingle Ball Tour w/ Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and more

- Philips Arena, Atlanta December 15 Michael Carbonaro

- Township Auditorium, Columbia December 16 Janet Jackson

- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia December 16 - Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 35

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

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Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+ Meet sexy new friends

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706-434-0112

V28|NO49

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

COCO

$27,533,304

$110,108,708

2

1

2

JUSTICE LEAGUE

$16,651,104

$197,407,025

3

2

3

WONDER

$12,147,182

$87,679,805

3

3

4

THOR: RAGNAROK

$9,885,936

$291,633,535

5

4

5

DADDY’S HOME 2

$7,572,390

$82,886,836

4

5

In Theaters December 8

COMEDY

“Just Getting Started,” rated PG-13, starring Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Rene Russo. Duke Diver is the much-adored manager of a Palm Springs resort. But when a charming man named Leo shows up, his social status is suddenly challenged. As Duke’s mysterious past catches up to him, the two rivals join forces against the mafia. Late in his career, Morgan Freeman seems to be embracing the “suave senior” roles. Perhaps they should have called this one “Not So Grumpy Old Men.”

7DECEMBER2017

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 37

SIGHTINGS

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Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Megan Moody, Cheryl and Pat Johannsen with Pat Johannsen Jr. at the Four Man Jam at the Country Club

Ansley Widener, Abby Mason and Hannah Lowe at the Four Man Jam at the Country Club

Brittany Wallace, Kellie Johnson with singer/songwriter Daniel Johnson and Lindsey Cliatt at the Four Man Jam at the Country Club

Matt Morgan, Hannah Hicks and Robert Winkler at the Stars and Strikes Getaway-N-Play

Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. and Evett Davis with Pat and John Curry at the Stars and Strikes Getaway-N-Play

Emilee Wilson, Alex Fowler and Bethany Pennington at the Bee’s Knees

Katie Byrd, Greg Dietz, Yari Natal and Brandon Greene at the Stars and Strikes Getaway-N-Play

Michelle Hallman, Keaton Thurmond, Michelle Naval and Grant Pippin at the Stars and Strikes Getaway-N-Play

Nancy Foster, Charlotte Daggett, Kate Daggett and Lisa Murdock at Augusta on Ice in the Augusta Common

38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

7DECEMBER2017

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light and Heat keep Municipal Deals Clean Austin Rhodes Don’t look now, but the specters of “secrecy and conspiracy” are permeating the story surrounding the eventual fate of Augusta’s beloved 64-acre nature preserve, Pendleton King Park.

If you keep up with these things, and virtually everyone reading this column locally does, you know that the city’s “dollar a year” lease of the property from the private trust that owns the property expires Dec. 31, and the prevailing wisdom is that the trustees in control of the park need to “cash out” in order to meet other ongoing financial responsibilities.

Several Augusta city commissioners apparently balked and publicly scoffed at the notion that the park was worth the $1.2 million reportedly sought by the trustees for an outright purchase by the city. Supposedly this conversation had been going on behind closed doors for as long as six months, and several “smug” politicians and bureaucrats thought they could force a much better deal out of the trustees, because they got what several of us believe was REALLY bad legal advice from city attorney Andrew McKenzie. Running out of time and patience, at least one of the Trustees started to court developers who could buy at least a portion of the park property to develop as high end residential real estate.

As soon as representatives of the Pendleton King Park Foundation, a peripheral nonprofit organization that serve as unofficial caretakers, fundraisers, and cheerleaders of the park, got wind of what was going on, and the city’s odd and ill advised game of “cat and mouse” on the fate of the property, the poop indeed hit the fan.

I am very proud of the fact that once Augustans discovered the “plight of the park,” and indeed what was at stake if city leaders didn’t get off their fannies and act, they rose up and LOUDLY let their concerns be heard.

At this writing, no specific game plan has been detailed, but because of the massive public outcry, the trustees again are reaching out to the city with a purchase offer, and this time, the politicians are listening and negotiating.

Of particular interest at this point, we have word that District Attorney Natalie Paine is concerned there have been some less “honorable” communications and exchanges between members of the Trust, and she is hoping to ensure that the trustees are not only following the intentions of their founding documents, but also are ethically and truthfully communicating with each other, and Augusta city leaders, in this process.

Of course all of the drama that accompanied this deal could have been avoided if both the trustees and the city had been transparent and publicly vocal in their plans. Both sides claimed the right to “secrecy” because it was a “real estate deal” under negotiation, but there is no obligation to close any such matter to the public, under any circumstances. In this case, the politicians need to know public sentiment, and the trustees had nothing to lose, and in fact everything to gain, by making this process as public as possible.

Closed meetings, unlike their “open” counterparts, are never recorded. As such, there is no official record of exactly what is said, who said it, or what happens once those doors are closed.

I recently spoke with local attorney and renowned legal scholar David Hudson on this very topic.

Hudson is the “go-to” man on this issue, not just because he has worked for both the Augusta Chronicle and the Georgia Press Association, but because he is in fact the author of the state law in question.

While Hudson agrees that discussing real estate acquisition and sales could justify closing a public meeting, he agrees that having to trust the very body that may in fact break that law, to police themselves and report violations, is folly.

Which brings me to the more recent obvious failure of local officials in keeping public business as transparent as possible, the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority’s misstep last week.

The Georgia State Attorney General’s office, acting on a complaint from a citizen, has opened a

7DECEMBER2017

formal inquiry into Authority attorney Ed Enoch’s advice that OK’d the Authority to close a meeting concerning the acquisition of the old Regency Mall property for construction of a new civic arena.

The error was made by the invitation to four Augusta City Commissioners that they join the closed door session. As Hudson was happy to explain to reporters who asked after the fact, that is a major no-no, and Enoch was wrong to say otherwise. This is not the first time Enoch has given questionable advice, and it certainly is not the first time he has failed when it comes to the Open Meetings Law. As much as I would hope there would be Authority members who would know when Enoch was wrong (after all, he is an attorney, and they are NOT), it boggles the mind to consider what level of foolishness, and disregard for the law, could be playing out under his misguided advice.

It is of particular concern if you have members of the Authority who intend to operate unethically.

There is no one else in the room, so if the officials involved want to stick to the agenda, or plot the plunder the accounts of the Authority under the guise of a “closed meeting,” who the heck could stop them?

If one or two dissenting members raise objection to the discussion, they can easily be marginalized or belittled by the voting majority. This used to happen much and often in the old days of the Coliseum Authority (prior to 1997), and was one of the main reasons then City Commissioner Jerry Brigham named me to that body. During my tenure I objected about a half dozen times when the conversations during these closed meetings went into illegal territory, and there was rarely disagreement from our attorney of record.

Given the fact that we have MANY political boards and authorities that operate under the Open Meetings Law, and so little real understanding of exactly what should and should not be discussed behind closed doors, I say it is time to give the TRUTH a little muscle, and Hudson agrees.

I have proposed in the past, and I reassert with the weight of Hudson’s expertise and knowledge endorsing the concept, that we immediately amend the law to require audio recordings of all closed proceedings. These recordings will be kept in the possession of the attorney of record, and if the legitimacy of the session is questioned in any way, the record could be reviewed by an impartial Superior Court Judge, who then would determine if the law was followed.

I would add that in the case of real estate discussions, that recordings of ALL the closed meetings be released once the purchases are complete (either buying or selling), or the issue has been resolved to conclusion.

There are legitimate reasons to never release such recordings, such as employment reviews involving confidential information and the like, but many such meetings could easily be shared with the public after a certain period of time has elapsed.

Our local state legislative delegation could easily pow-wow on this issue, and with Hudson in their own backyard, I guarantee he would be happy to supply the technical language needed to give the current law more heft.

There is no logical reason in the world to wait, or ignore this problem, which from what I hear, is rampant from Georgia’s mountains to its seashores.

Municipal bodies of all size and function are accused of abusing the closed meeting privilege, and unless we provide watchdogs and the conscientious elected officials who raise their voices to complain with a solid solution, there will never be any real way to curb the inappropriate behavior.

Anything less clouds what should be sunshine for all.

AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 39

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