Table of Contents March 9, 2017
Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Insider 8 Feature 12 Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
16 17 18 24 26 27 28 30
12 EDIT
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Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
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Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer
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Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
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BUSINESS
SALES
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COVER DESIGN: Kruhu
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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OPINION
Jenny is Wright: 6
The Whine Line
So Pam Tucker is running for Columbia County Commission Chair. I guess Scott Johnson will be taking a run too. OUT of town that is!!!
The obituaries in the Chronicle are deplorable and embarrassing....many typos, poor sentence construction, unnecessary words, and overall lack of clarity!! For the sake of the surviving family/friends, someone needs to proofread the obituaries and make sure they are legible!!! Scott this is Cassidy, notifying you of the potential for strong storms which may affect the Columbia County Evans Campus. CORRECTION - cancel the storm warning, the radar just picked up some campaign announcement that appears to be generating strong political winds with potential for heavy voter turnout. Please seek political cover as soon as possible. So Commissioner Doug Duncan aka one that empowered Johnson says he’s definitely running. This could only mean one thing, hand picked by Cross. Remember this a vote for Duncan is a vote for Johnson. Maybe the GRAND JURY could flip over a few stones in Columbia County and solve some of the problems. Just a thought Pam Tucker is so respected, I bet Scott Johnson’s wife will even vote for her. It’s TUCKER TIME. I think it is a very bad idea that local theaters will start selling alcohol. It’s bad enough we have to deal with the texting, talking during the movies, phone conversations. Now we will get all of this and obnoxious drunks yelling and causing a scene. Great! I guess the theaters are doing all they can to drive respectable customers away. Maybe Pam Tucker should announce she is a former Airborne Ranger? seems to work well in securing Ron Cross’s support, ask Mike Sleeper! Is it too much to ask for a nightspot downtown for adults? The mature crowd is willing to pay more for quality but not if we have to be subjected to the antics of trashy young drunks. Why does the Air in Augusta stink so bad? I have lived here a little over three months and I can just not get used to this foul odor that lingers in the air. The stink even seeps into the house. Is this stink from pollution? Is it dangerous? It is just not normal for a place to stink this bad. I find it ironic that many Americans are outraged at Russia’s behavior during our last election cycle. America, for the last 100 years has been interfering and rigging elections in countries all over the word. Mostly supporting the worst tyrants seen since Stalin and Hitler. Please, learn your history. Enough about Tim Moses. We heard you the first time. Not only does he suffer but his family, through no fault of their own suffers as well. God is the only judge and probably some people who love to jump on this story have committed unlawful actions, but were never found out. I am sure Mr. Moses has paid dearly for his crime and will continue to be shunned by this community. For a person so well respected before, this punishment is the worst.
I am a cold war vet, my legs hurt from knees down and hips, the VA was caught making vets wait, well they came out with “veterans Choice”, it is no better, my Primary Doc ordered an open MRI on Feb 3, i have waited every since on them and still hurting, they finally called said call them on March 3 and will make an appointment who knows how long that will be, our congressman Rick Allen says he is a helper for VETS, (tell me another joke), i have written him several times no acknowledgement yet, if you go to VA, they have people running every where, but nothing gets done, when is someone going to step up and really help us vets This phrase, “enemy of the people”, keeps cropping up. This is not an accident or an oversight. They know what this phrase means and they know of its’ historical significance. Do not make the mistake of believing that this current administration is ignorant or that it can’t be as sinister as it seems. History tells us that it can be as sinister as it seems. Their intent is to orchestrate a bigger and better purge, an ultimate experiment of Big Brother and a world vision that seeks to destroy us. They lulled us into believing that the world had changed. It was all a part of the plan. Keep the people calm while you plan. The puppet master pulling the strings of #45 is orchestrating another world war in the name of the green god at the expense of working & middle class people, and minorities. If you read about him, you will come to understand that he is obsessed with war and doesn’t care what it costs us. Part of the base supporting this administration also knows and doesn’t care because they are on the rise and have a lot of green to gain by supporting the administration. The lashing of establishment politicians is entertainment for them but is also used as a distraction from what matters. Keep your eye on the ball. Listen to BBC. Remember that if it hadn’t been for the BBC, the German people would have been clueless about what was actually happening. Do not willingly send your boys and girls to slaughter for them. The military may be the immediate out but at what cost? They KNOW that education is THE solution for relieving poverty but they don’t care. Jobs are going to graduates who have the skills to operate elaborate computers and equipment. Are we going to take education away from the children to engineer traditional factory jobs back into existence? What is the price that will be paid for this way of thinking? We have traded the establishment politicians for something far worse. These fascists play on our own self-hatred to kill us. So this is what I say to you. Love yourself. Don’t accept that you are undeserving of basic health care. Don’t let them take away your right to control your own reproduction under the guise of religion. Would Jesus take choice away from anyone? Don’t accept that your children deserve incarceration over education. No one controls where they are born or who they are born to. Ask them the right questions. Ask them about their own government provided health care. Ask them about their plans for THEIR children. Children of the rich do not go to war. They go to college while your children fight. Ask them how they will save all of the unwanted babies from a life of malnourishment and incarceration when they enact their pro-baby-making-factory laws. Ask them about their plans for the children who already exist and need someone to fight for them! Ask them HOW they will bring your jobs back! Don’t allow them to use gender, race and religion to divide. WE have to be ONE and we have to pay attention. People that you know and love will not stand beside you or stand up for you after the republic falls. Do not test them like this. They are your friends. They are your neighbors. Some are even family members. But they will send you like lambs to the slaughter, not because they don’t love you but because authoritarianism is ugly. Look no further than less than a century ago to see how this will work. Kill or be killed. It will be the rise of authoritarianism in ALL of it’s forms all over again if we normalize #45 and his cabinet. Do not be fooled by their smiling fascist faces as they lay out the path for a full government sanctioned death march. The part of the whole began long ago with the “war on drugs” and the beginnings of the prison industry. It’s working but it’s not working fast enough for them. I do truly hope I am not right about the turning back of time. In fact, I pray that I am not right and these are the rantings of a crazy person that I no longer recognize. But one thing is for sure. I have never been closer to God than I am in this moment. And I am NOT religious.
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. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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What Would you Do? Jenny is Wright
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Are you one who lets people know when they have pepper in their teeth? What about toilet paper stuck to a shoe? I always do. If you leave lunch with me and have still have spinach stuck in your teeth, it’s only because I didn’t see it. It’s funny how people are so embarrassed when told about food in their teeth, a zipper down or, probably the worst, a booger in their nose. It’s also funny that, as soon as you start messing with your nose, everyone to whom you are talking will assume it’s a “you have a booger” signal. Heads hang and hands discretely start wiping and picking around, hoping there isn’t a dangler up there. The other day, I was at a place (I’m being generic to protect the innocent) and I hear a couple of ladies talking. I looked over to see one of them fawning over the other’s shoes. They were, uh, remarkable. I’d say they had at least 5-inch heels. You know, the kind that keep you standing on your tippy toes all day. They were gold and flashy. “I don’t know how you walk around in those all day,” one said to the other. I agreed but kept to myself. Their conversation continued, even adding another woman. She complimented the dress. The lady with the tall shoes was dressed nicely for the location, and it was clear she spent time on her hair and makeup. She was proud of her appearance, but not in any sort of jerky way. As they spoke, each woman lifted the other up. It was kinda sweet. I didn’t turn around again until it was time to leave. Seeing the ladies smile at one another, enjoying the compliments, was refreshing and it made me smile. Women being nice to women, instead of judging. Here’s where it gets tricky. Disclaimer: in the following description, I am not questioning Tall Shoes Lady’s ability to choose clothing. I truly think she was unaware and possibly needed someone to point out the little shortcoming. Maybe not. In addition to her tall shoes, Tall Shoes Lady was wearing a dress. It wasn’t crocheted or knitted, necessarily, but it wasn’t as thick as canvas or cotton duck, either. It didn’t have visible holes, and it wasn’t completely opaque. I could see her underwear, y’all. As in, it was darkish bright blue. We aren’t just talking panty lines here. It was a thong. I was behind her the entire walk to my car, and I couldn’t help but notice. If you can’t guess, I wanted to ask if she meant to. If she did, more power to her. I wouldn’t want my underwear to show through my dress, but maybe it was part of her look. If she didn’t know, should I have told her? Should I have likened it to a piece of spinach plastered on her front tooth? More appropriately, is it like having her dress tucked up in her pantyhose? I could almost see as much of her bits. Did the people paying her such grand compliments not notice? Or were they compensating for visible panties? I was embarrassed for her and have thought about it since. I’d like to assume it was intentional. If it was intentional, I don’t feel so bad not letting her know I could see her brightish dark blue panties through her cute little dress. Besides, what would she have done if I told her and it wasn’t intentional? I’ll just have to keep wondering. I’ll file it away with questions like, “Can that mom hear her kid saying ‘mom mom mom’ repeatedly?” and “is that person’s blinker broken?”
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. 9MARCH2017
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neWS
The Bar Ban in Columbia County: 12
Sharks are circling around Scott Johnson While Columbia County is abuzz this week following the recent announcement that former EMA Director Pam Tucker has decided to run for commission chair in 2018 — a seat currently held by Ron Cross — another big dog in the county should also be sweating bullets. That official is none other than County Administrator Scott Johnson. Not long after Tucker resigned from her position and accused Johnson of creating a “hostile work environment” that included “verbal attacks” on her, concerned citizens in Columbia County began coming out of the woodwork to address some of Johnson’s troubling past actions. Just recently, The Insider received a copy of the exit interview of Butch Holley, the former community events manager of Columbia County, who resigned on March 21, 2016. Holley’s abrupt departure approximately a year ago was puzzling for many people in the county, especially considering he had only been in the position for about eight months. Of course, that particular department had experienced some turmoil over the past few years. On July 27, 2015, Barry Smith, Columbia County’s director of Community and Leisure Services, suddenly submitted his resignation after more than a decade on the job. After returning from a three-day vacation, Smith simply resigned, effective immediately. Ironically, that was very day that Holley began his job as the community events manager.
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
So, what happened? What was going on in that department that would force the long-time director out on the very day that Holley was hired? Well, Holley’s exit interview shines a light on the dysfunctional manner in which some departments in Columbia County are being treated by the administrator. “After an extensive interview process, Community and Leisure Services Director Barry Smith offered me the position on July 6, 2015. I accepted and my start date was set for July 27,” Holley stated. “On July 20, I received a phone call from Commission Chairman Ron Cross, asking for me to meet with him to discuss the position later that day. At our meeting, Mr. Cross told me that he was happy that I was taking the position, but that I needed to understand the situation that I was coming into.” It already sounds ominous and it wasn’t even Holley’s first day at work. “Barry (Smith) didn’t want me in the position,” Holley stated, adding that Cross told him that Smith had another employee in mind for events manager. “Mr. Cross told me that he and County Administrator Scott Johnson overruled Barry and that I had the job. They then told Barry that he wasn’t allowed to fill the open positions in the department, but that Barry had done so anyway.” Holley said that Smith had hired three employees in the department without the approval of Cross or Johnson. “Mr. Cross and Mr. Johnson then told me that I could fire any of the employees once they came to work for me at any time without any reason at all,” Holley stated. “They also told me that they weren’t sure how long Barry would remain an employee with the county, but that they wanted to ‘groom’ me to take over his position.” A week later, it is Holley’s first day on the job. “Barry Smith welcomed me to the office and then resigned when he met with Scott Johnson,” Holley
stated. “Scott soon called me to his office to let me know what was going on and that he would assign an interim director until the position was filled. Assistant County Administrator Glenn Kennedy was assigned the role.” With Smith gone and an interim director overseeing the department, Holley stated he received no guidance whatsoever. “During the time of Glenn Kennedy as my supervisor, I was never provided guidance, motivation or direction as to exactly what was expected of my department,” Holley stated. “I was never provided 30, 60, or 90-day review meetings. I had a two-page summary of the position which was provided by the previous Community Events Manager as my playbook. I took it upon myself to figure out the best way to meet the needs of the events supported by the department, to cross train on financials, MUNIS Data system, and to learn the job to the best of my ability.” According to Holley, he did a very good job. “Over the nine months that I served in this role, I was able to increase rental income and events held at the Evans Towne Center Park to include several large concerts — the largest of which to be the MASH Fundraiser featuring Kid Rock, an event which brought over 14,000 paid attendees to the park in one night,” Holley stated. “I also increased sponsorship of the county events to $65,000 — eclipsing the previous sponsorship level of $48,000 in 2015.” However, during this time period, Holley said he was having issues with one particular staff member. The employee who apparently Barry Smith had wanted to hire as community events manager instead of Holley. Holley claimed that he was “verbally attacked” by this individual and he questioned some of her actions regarding the department’s financial entries. As a result, Holley stated that he suggested to Glenn Kennedy that this employee be terminated. “Glenn decided otherwise and suggested that we give it more time,” Holley stated. “This suggestion 9MARCH2017
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flew completely against what I was told by the County Administrator and the Commission Chairman when I was first hired.” Holley said he continued to try to work with this particular employee, but he was still having issues with this individual and was getting no assistance from the county administrator. In fact, Holley claimed County Administrator Scott Johnson had an unusual request regarding his communications with him. “Of note, I would also like to point out that there were several times at the beginning of my tenure when I needed to ask Scott Johnson questions regarding concerts, events, and county sponsorships,” Holley stated. “Most times, I would email the questions to Scott, but after several different emails Scott asked for me to meet him privately in his office. Scott told me that for items of sensitive nature that I should call him on his cell phone or text the questions to him, since email is subject to open records requests by the media. I found this as an odd thing to say, but nonetheless did so.”
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Then, Holley had a dilemma with a few of the promoters regarding the $10,000 rental rate for Evans Towne Center Park. Holley claimed that one of the promoters balked at the price, stating that they had never paid for the rental in the past. “Soon after, I met with Ron Cross, Glenn Kennedy and Scott Johnson to discuss the renal rate further,” Holley said, adding that Johnson decided the county could sponsor certain events and reduce the rental rate to $5,000. “I pointed out at the time that the rental contract as approved by the commission earlier in the year stated the county would not sponsor private ticketed events.” But Ron Cross and Scott Johnson insisted that was not necessary, Holley stated. “Scott, Glenn, and Ron decided that they could sponsor events that they chose, and that I should present the idea to the CLS Commission Committee later that month for approval. I did and sponsorship for Banjo-B-Que, Rock For Dough and Snowfest was approved,” Holley said. “These events would have been held at Evans Towne Center Park regardless of the county’s sponsorship, but the decision to sponsor the events cost the county $15,000 in rental revenue.” While that bothered Holley, he decided it was the commission’s decision and let it go. “In January, I was in the process of booking acts for the YuchiKiokee Festival in March,” Holley stated. “Upon receiving verbal and email confirmations that the acts would perform, I asked that a press release be generated for the event. While waiting on the final contracts to arrive, my supervisor Glenn Kennedy asked if I had all of the signed contracts. I stated that they were on the way.” Apparently, that answer did not sit well with Kennedy. “Although I had all signed contracts in hand a few days later, Glenn gave me a written warning that proceeding with a press release without all signed contracts was unacceptable,” Holley stated. “I owned up to the oversight, but pointed out that receiving the contracts
was a formality and that all acts were booked. This was the only error that I made during my tenure in which I was reprimanded.” But Holley stated that Kennedy continued to punish him for the minor mistake, even after the new director was finally hired. “Glenn then decided that my probationary period would be extended and that I would be reporting to the new Division Director who would be starting in the next few weeks,” Holley stated. “From February through March, I was able to work with the new Division Director, John Luton. Working in the same office, John was able to see the work of the department, as we well as witness the frictional interactions with me and (the other employee.)” On several occasions, Holley said he asked Luton to call a meeting between him and this other employee so they could find “common ground.” “John told me that he would do so March 21,” Holley stated. “On the morning of the 21st, John met with me privately after meeting with Scott Johnson and Glenn Kennedy. John told me that they thought it would be best if I asked to resign. He never provided a reason why and was very upset when letting me know that he was told to do so.” Holley stated that he felt he had no other choice. “Knowing the circumstances and history of the former Director, I decided to tenure my resignation,” Holley stated. And that was that. It’s almost as if Johnson and the big dogs in Columbia County’s government treat their employees like disposable trash. One after another, just tossed out. Employees shouldn’t be treated in such a manner and employers shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it. Well, rest assured, Columbia County residents: This isn’t the end of the dirt being dug up on Johnson. There is much more to come, so stay tuned.
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National spotlight focuses on Georgia GeorGia has definitely been in the national news lately. This past week, CNN did a feature story on a proposed bill that is causing some serious controversy because, if it is approved, it would make Georgia the first state in the country to introduce the label of “ineligible voter” on state driver’s licenses. Right now, residents who are legally in Georgia with a green card may carry a license that says, “limited-term.” But if Georgia legislators pass HB 324 this session, those same residents may also have the words “ineligible voter” printed on their licenses. Many residents who are in this country on a green card fear that this state bill could lead to backlash for non-citizens in the Peach State if their driver’s licenses include the words, “ineligible voter.” After all, if these residents go to apply for a new job or pick up their children from school, they fear that people unfamiliar with the term, “ineligible voter” will assume they are undocumented or illegal immigrants. These residents feel they will be unfairly discriminated against if they are forced to carry such a license. But the whole purpose behind this bill is to supposedly help prevent voter fraud. The bill’s sponsor, Georgia Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, told CNN this week that he just wants to make IDs less confusing. “Under the current driver’s license system, if you’re not a citizen, then it has the term ‘term-limited,’” Powell said. “One of the things that has bothered me for quite a while is ... what does ‘limited-term’ mean to the average citizen that sees a driver’s license?” “Limited-term” is a phrase stamped on the licenses of those who have “temporary lawful status in the United States,” according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In Georgia, residents aren’t allowed to get a driver’s license if they don’t have lawful status in the United States. But some people want to make sure that the state has a clear distinction on those who are citizens of this country, those who have green cards and those who are illegal immigrants. While Powell told CNN that the bill is “just clearly a way of stating the fact that someone is not eligible to vote, or that a driver’s license can’t be used for some other purpose other than for driving privileges,” some state legislators aren’t buying that argument. Augusta’s own state Rep. Gloria Frazier was one of the legislators questioning the real purpose behind this bill. Frazier, who is also a member of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, told CNN that there are already safeguards to prevent non-citizens from voting. “If they go to register to vote and their name is not on the list, they already have a mechanism in place to check whether you are an eligible voter,” she told CNN this week. Therefore, she was concerned about the true drive behind the proposed bill. Critics of the bill also point out that residents must be documented in order to get a license in Georgia in the first place. But the ironic thing about this entire debate is that Powell’s original bill was much more controversial because it went even further. In its initial version, HB 324 suggested that Georgia should stamp the word “noncitizen” on certain licenses, including those of legal permanent residents, CNN reported this week. But that original proposal didn’t last long after Powell’s office in the Gold Dome was flooded with calls from outraged citizens. As a result, Powell agreed to change the word “noncitizen” to “ineligible voter” because it would be viewed as a “kinder and gentler” alternative, CNN reported. Only time will tell if this bill becomes law, but it doesn’t help matters that The Atlanta Journal-Constitution just reported this week that the FBI is investigating an alleged data breach at the Center for Election Systems at Kennesaw State University and that President Donald Trump was expected to sign a new executive order on immigration Monday at the Department of Homeland Security.
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The two combined don’t bode well for Georgia when it comes to reconsidering this “ineligible voter” tag suggested by Powell. If the Peach State’s voting system is vulnerable and the president continues his crackdown on illegal immigrants in this country, Georgia could easily become the first state in the country labeling residents with green cards as “ineligible voters” on their driver’s licenses.
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Columbia County’s current alcohol ordinance does not allow beer, wine or liquor to be sold and consumed in an establishment unless at least 50 percent of its sales come from food
By Stacey Eidson
A huge wAve of thousands of new residents from all over the country are moving to Columbia County with the addition of the U.S. Army Cyber Command to Fort Gordon and the expansion of other companies in the area. Many of these newcomers are extremely impressed with the county’s low cost of living, the thriving real estate market, the quality school system and the incredible recreational amenities. However, some new residents can’t help but notice that something is missing: There are no bars in Columbia County. “People are shocked when I tell them,” Russell Wilder, owner of Top Shelf Cigar & Tobacco Shoppe on Columbia Road, said shaking his head. “I have people come in here all the time who are new to the area and tell me, ‘Man, you know what would be good in here? If you could sell some bourbon or draft beer.’ And I have to tell them, ‘Well, I can’t.’” 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The look on the faces of some of his new customers is total and complete disbelief, Wilder said. “When I say, ‘The only place you can buy a drink is in a restaurant. There are no bars in Columbia County,’ they are in shock,” Wilder said, chuckling. “They’ll say, ‘There are no bars in Columbia County? What?’” Wilder has had this same conversation with newcomers over and over again. There is always a long pause, as the new resident begins thinking about the different areas and shopping centers around Columbia County, he said. “It makes them stop and think,” Wilder said. “They’ll pause for a moment and eventually say, ‘Wow. There aren’t any bars here, are there?’” Under the county’s current alcohol ordinance, only a restaurant with a full-service kitchen that derives at least 50 percent of its total annual gross sales from the sale of food is allowed to sell and consume alcohol. 9MARCH2017
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“I have people come in here all the time who are new to the area and tell me, ‘Man, you know what would be good in here? If you could sell some bourbon or draft beer.’ And I have to tell them, ‘Well, I can’t.’”
And, despite Wilder’s experiences with newcomers who are surprised that Columbia County doesn’t have any bars, Cross said he believes the county’s existing alcohol ordinance makes the area more attractive to new residents. “On the contrary, I think the ordinance encourages new residents since we do not have the problems usually associated with bars and so called ‘beer joints,’” Cross said. “As you recall, Columbia County was ‘dry’ for many years after other counties had alcohol sales and it took several attempts to pass the original liquor ‘by the drink’ referendum.” Cross said he has no desire to open the door to bars in Columbia County. “Changing the ordinance will surely encourage some new business, but not necessarily the kind we encourage. I feel that it would be a negative,” he said. “The current ordinance is, in my opinion, a good balance of food and alcohol. However, if the commission wishes to revisit the actual percentages of each, that would be fine.” Wilder has also brought up the subject with commissioners Gary Richardson and Bill Morris, and while they were open to talking about the alcohol ordinance, it seemed they were also somewhat reluctant to make any drastic changes, he said. “I found out that, regrettably, the sheriff is against bringing down the 50 percent food requirement,” Wilder said, referring to Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle. “That is one of our stumbling blocks. In Georgia politics, the sheriff is always one of the most politically powerful people in every county in the state. My father told me that when I was a young man and it’s true. The sheriff wields some serious political influence.” One of the main concerns about reducing the 50 percent food sales requirement in order to sell and consume alcohol is that some fear it may increase the number of drunk drivers on Columbia County’s roadways, Wilder said. “An increase in DUIs is one of the biggest concerns that I’ve heard from folks,” Wilder said. “Not just politicians, but anybody that you bring this up to that is against
— Russell Wilder But Wilder believes it’s time for the Columbia County Board of Commissioners to consider updating their views and the county’s ordinance regarding local bars. “I just feel like it is time to move forward,” he said. “We do so much stuff that is really — the way I see it, as being an old Southern boy — very progressive. For example, we are building all of this stuff like The Plaza at Evans Towne Center to lure people in and let them know that this is a really cool place to live, but you can’t have a bar?” The two just don’t add up, Wilder said. “We get so many folks now who come from big cities or from up North where the alcohol rules have been different for 40 years,” Wilder said. “I remember people who moved here four or five years ago and they were baffled that they couldn’t even buy a six-pack on Sunday. Well, we changed that to accommodate the newcomers to our area and make them feel welcome. I think it’s time to look at the county’s alcohol ordinance as well.” Over the past few months, Wilder said he has spoken to a few members of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners about the current alcohol ordinance. After some brief discussions with county officials, he realized that change won’t come easy. “I talked to Chairman Ron Cross and I asked him if there was the political will to change the ordinance, and he told me that he felt like there wasn’t,” Wilder said. “Ron felt like it is not something we want to do in this community right now. He said, ‘Look, I’m not for it. So talk to the other commissioners.’” When asked directly about the current alcohol ordinance by a Metro Spirit reporter, Cross acknowledged that he wasn’t in favor of altering what currently exists on the books. “I do not think the ordinance needs to be revisited, but it is up to the commission to decide,” Cross said. “The 50/50 rule seems to have worked fine as we, in the past, do not desire bars as such. Folks who want to just have a drink can use many establishments that have bar service as well as food service.” 9MARCH2017
“Changing the ordinance will surely encourage some new business, but not necessarily the kind we encourage.” — Ron Cross AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“The 50/50 rule seems to have worked fine as we, in the past, do not desire bars as such. Folks who want to just have a drink can use many establishments that have bar service as well as food service.” — Ron Cross
“Everybody is so happy in the government, saying, ‘Look at how much we are growing!’ Well, we are not growing Southern folks from Augusta, anymore. These are sophisticated city folk from Chicago, New York and Baltimore. They are used to having the option of enjoying a drink at a local bar.” — Russell Wilder 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
changing the ordinance. I understand the concern, but I hate to tell them, if people are going out of the county to drink and they live here, they are driving back on our roads drunk. I really don’t think there will be an increase in DUIs if bars are allowed to open in Columbia County. I really don’t.” After all, Wilder pointed out that there are a lot of customers that go into local restaurants such as Mellow Mushroom or The Pizza Joint just to sit at the bar and have a few drinks after work. “When I go out to eat, I will see people come in, sit at the bar, have a glass of wine or a bourbon or a few beers or whatever and they go home,” Wilder said. “They may or may not eat anything. Those are the same people that would probably be customers of anybody who would open a bar in Columbia County.” Another major concern for some commissioners he has spoken with about the alcohol ordinance is the kind of bars or nightclubs that would want to open their doors in Columbia County, Wilder said. “The commissioners that I’ve talked to who are against it or concerned about it is they don’t want honkytonk bars that could be disruptive or result in bar fights,” Wilder said. “But I really don’t think that’s what we will see if bars allowed here because the majority of citizens are middle class and upper-middle class people in the Evans area. A honky-tonk wouldn’t survive because it wouldn’t be patronized.” Instead, Wilder believes a classy piano bar or cigar bar would do quite well in a good location like The Plaza at Evans Towne Center. “Here we are going to have a beautiful, new cultural center and we are working on The Plaza that I think is going to be kind of similar to Surrey Center,” Wilder said. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place at the top of The Plaza where you could
go upstairs and have a cigar and enjoy a glass of wine?” While it may sound like Wilder is considering opening up a cigar bar himself if the ordinance is changed, he insists that’s not his purpose behind discussing the issue. “I may or may not be the one to open up something like that. I’m not necessarily looking at it for me,” Wilder said. “I just think it is an adjustment that we need to make as we bring all these folks here to Columbia County.” Columbia County’s government needs to evolve along with its changing population, Wilder said. “Everybody is so happy in the government, saying, ‘Look at how much we are growing!’” Wilder said. ”Well, we are not growing Southern folks from Augusta, anymore. These are sophisticated city folk from Chicago, New York and Baltimore. They are used to having the option of enjoying a drink at a local bar. That’s normal for the Northeast and big cities, but here in the South, we’ve been Bible Belt-dominated for so long. We need to at least have an open discussion about the current ordinance.” If, after discussing the ordinance, the majority of residents still don’t want to 9MARCH2017
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“We are still seen as a little country town. We are country folk who are saying, ‘We don’t want no liquor or bars in our town!’” — Russell Wilder allow bars in Columbia County, Wilder said he will simply accept that fact. “That’s what I like about a Republican form of government,” Wilder said. “When it works properly, local people should be able to make decisions on what kind of community they want to live in. So, if the residents of Columbia County don’t want bars here, I don’t have to agree with it, but if I choose to live here, I am going to have to go along it.” Back in 2004, when Wilder first opened Top Shelf Cigar & Tobacco Shoppe, he understood the county’s ordinance and its current restrictions. “I didn’t buy a bigger building than I did because I knew the rules that I couldn’t have a bar,” Wilder said. “I also knew that I’ve got to have 85 percent of my sales from tobacco to allow smoking on my premises because the county’s smoking ordinance is a lot more restrictive than the statewide ordinance. So I have two different ordinances working against me.” Ever since his business opened more than 12 years ago, Wilder points out that Columbia County has grown and changed a lot. “Back then, it was a county of almost 100,000 people, but now we are almost at 150,000,” he said. “As we continue to grow, we need to explore new options. That is one of the things, if you look at Augusta right now, they are making a lot of neat changes to attract new residents to the downtown area. There is private money being used to develop apartments and condos and things like that because that is the environment that so many of these new people are used to living in. I worry that we, in Columbia County, are at risk of losing those people if they know that they can come home from work, go to their flat in downtown Augusta, change their clothes, walk downstairs and walk two blocks to a bar or a cigar bar and get a drink. I would like to see us stay competitive for those people moving to our area.” While Wilder appreciates the efforts that Augusta is making to attract some of the
new residents to the downtown area, he insists he doesn’t want that kind of bar scene in Columbia County. “In Augusta, they have a vibrant nightlife, but that’s not necessarily the scene that I want to see here,” Wilder said. “That’s more where the young crowd hangs out. They are going to downtown Augusta because that’s their kind of music and their kind of bars. However, I think in an upscale community like Evans, something like a piano bar or cigar bar would be great.” And the younger crowd would still want to go to downtown Augusta for its nightlife, he said. “They won’t want to go to a piano bar with me and my wife and all of our friends,” Wilder said, laughing. “They don’t want to go hang out with their parents, I assure you.” If nothing else, Wilder would like there to be at least an open discussion about the current alcohol ordinance in Columbia County. “To be honest with you, I’m not sure the will is there,” he said. “But, in talking with people in the development authority, that is a missing component that makes it harder to sell Columbia County to businesses moving to this area. We are still seen as a little country town. We are country folk who are saying, ‘We don’t want no liquor or bars in our town!’” That’s probably not the kind of image Columbia County wants to send to new residents moving into the area, he said. “Over the course of the next year, I would like to see us at least look at this issue,” Wilder said. “Let’s put it out there on the table and say, ‘Let’s change it,’ or ‘It’s not time yet.’ Either way, let’s not ignore it. I believe it’s time to have an open debate about it and hear what the people have to say.”
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RemembeR back in JanuaRy, how you had all these grand plans of finding a better job, networking with people who could help your career, and saving money? Well, now it’s March. Have you done anything to further those New Year’s resolutions? If the answer is “no,” don’t feel bad. There are plenty of opportunities coming up to accomplish all those goals and more. Hell, there’s even an opportunity to get your kids more involved in their community. So check out these events. And don’t put things off another day! SpRing Job FaiR Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Thursday, March 9 1-4 p.m. Job seekers will meet with two dozen representatives from area companies. 706-447-5195 goodwillworks.org Financial education claSS Kroc Center Saturday, March 11 9 a.m. An EmpowerU class from Fifth Third Bank that includes information on budgeting, saving for a house, building your credit and more. 706-364-5762 salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/ open HouSe Helms College Saturday, March 11 10 a.m.-noon This event includes tours, meetings with admissions and financial aid staff, demonstrations and more. 706-651-9707 helms.edu open HouSe Southern Wesleyan University, North Augusta Thursday, March 16 10 a.m.-7 p.m. A drop-in event in which participants can learn about the programs offered, which are geared toward working adults. Those who attend will have their application fees waived. 803-426-7981 swu.edu/northaugusta leadeRSHip columbia county Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A 10-month program for business and area leaders in which class members participate in day-long sessions covering topics ranging from law enforcement and healthcare to the history of the county and education. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. columbiacountychamber.com/leadershipcolumbiacounty leadeRSHip columbia county JunioR Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A program for rising high school sophomores and juniors in Columbia County who want to take a more active role in their community. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 30. columbiacountychamber.com/youthleadershipcolumbiacounty
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whaT’s up
Calendar: 18 | Music Listings: 24 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
Jump around you may noT run, and may never have dreamed of doing a 5K race in your life. But the Insane Inflatable 5K, coming up this Saturday, may just make you change your mind. An event for those of all ages and abilities, the Insane Inflatable 5K, at Diamond Lakes Regional Park, offers participants a chance to make their way through 11 inflatable obstacles — mazes, slides and more that will keep racers laughing as much as they sweat. The race also offers at midway that will include games, food, beverages, merchandise and more. At the same time, the SportsFest & Wellness Expo will be going on at the park, and it will feature local sports and health businesses and teams giving out information, as well as offer health screenings. Sound like fun? Sign up now! The insane inFlaTable 5k and The sporTsFesT & wellness expo Diamond Lakes Regional Park Saturday, March 11 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $49, advance; $75, day off; $100, all-access passes insaneinflatable5k.com
This week
Friday
Never heard of Grantski Records? Well, if you love music, you should definitely get to know this independent record store located on the Hill at 2126 Central Avenue. Here, you can find everything you’re looking for and maybe even leave with something you didn’t even know you wanted. The perfect opportunity to check them out is tonight when, at 9 p.m., they’ll host the prog rock band Sunwell and A Future Now Past.
saTurday
Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse downtown is the place to go if you’re into cycling. And if you’re a woman who’s into cycling, you’ll want to be at the 13th Street store at 9 a.m. today, when women of all abilities are invited to participate in Women’s Ride Day. Road and mountain bike options are available, and don’t worry: these are nodrop rides, so there’s no chance of you being left behind. Post-ride refreshments round out the event and pre-registration is required.
sunday
VIP tickets may be sold out, but there’s still plenty of time for you to attend Wine, Women & Shoes today at 2 p.m. at the Legends Club. A fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta, this event features a marketplace for shopping with several local vendors (including Shoes at Surrey), a wine tasting, great food, a fashion show and a Best in Shoe contest. Getting all dolled up for a good cause? Sounds good to us!
Tuesday
Each Tuesday the Headquarters Branch Library hosts a free movie showing, but this Tuesday is one you won’t want to miss. “13th,” a documentary by director Ava DuVernay (“Selma”), will show in an event hosted by the Central Savannah River Peace Alliance. The film explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. A discussion will follow.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 18. 9MARCH2017
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10am - noon Open House Helms College This event includes tours, meetings with admissions and financial aid staff, demonstrations and more. Call 706-6519707 or visit helms.edu.
11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm The Other Tubmans
Shiitake Mushrooms at Home theClubhou.se Wednesday, March 15 5:30 p.m. Part of the Grow Your Own series of workshops sponsored by theClubhou.se and Augusta Locally Grown, this one featuring Kathryn Koven of Khakalaki Farm, who will teach participants how to grown shiitakes in hardwood logs. Suggested donation for each workshop is $5. Pre-registration required. 706-288-7895 augustalocallygrown.org
ARTS Sat March 11
9:30am - 12:30pm Alcohol on Tile Painting
salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Absolute Beginners
Mon March 13
Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am - noon Oil Painting
175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30 per class; pre-registration required. Visit harlemartscouncil.org.
175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $20 per class; pre-registration required. Visit harlemartscouncil.org.
10am - 4pm Basketweaving: Sweetgrass Basket
Wed March 15
Aiken Center for the Arts $150; pre-registration required. Call 803641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 1pm Palette Knife Sunflowers Aiken Center for the Arts $50; pre-registration required. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 11:30am Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales Aiken Center for the Arts A presentation by the Columbia Museum of Art about their new exhibition, which contains 36 prints from the Dali Museum and is on view March 11-May 21. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 4pm Pen and Ink with Watercolor Washes
DANCE
Aiken Center for the Arts $60; pre-registration required. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
7:30pm “Sleeping Beauty”
10am - noon Watercolor Works Kroc Center A class for those ages 14 and older in which no previous experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. $40, members; $45, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Thu March 16
Etherredge Center, Aiken This Russian National Ballet performance is part of USC Aiken’s Cultural Series of events. $40, general; $15, students at the box office with ID. Visit etherredge.usca.edu.
EDUCATION Thu March 9
9am - 11am Computer Help for
1pm - 4pm Spring Job Fair Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Job seekers will meet with two dozen representatives from area companies. Call 706-447-5195 or visit goodwillworks.org.
Sat March 11
7:30am - 3:30pm Impacting Student Learning Conference AU College of Education A conference that will present strategies to enhance P-12 student learning with topics to include classroom management, integrating technology, differentiation, assessment, STEAM, effective instructional strategies and parental engagement. Casey Bethel will be the keynote speaker. Pre-registration required. Visit augusta.edu/education/tal/ islconference.php.
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. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
1pm Animals of Australia and New Zealand Aiken Public Library A presentation by Bob Hartung. Call 803642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Mon March 13
9am - 11am GED Class Diamond Lakes Branch Library A 10-week class led by Augusta Tech that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7714131 or visit arcpls.org.
3:30pm Intermediate Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue March 14
11am Homeschool Hub Aiken Public Library An information session for homeschooling parents that will include services, tips and more. Participants are invited to bring lunch and hang out with other homeschooling families in the park after the program. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.
2pm - 4pm Computing for Beginners Diamond Lakes Branch Library A three-session class that continues Tuesdays through March 28. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed March 15
10:30am Microsoft Office: PowerPoint Basics for Beginners Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm - 4pm Online Safety Workshop Aiken Public Library Participants will learn how to avoid scams, 9MARCH2017
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phishing, malware and viruses online when searching, shopping or using email, as well as how to access and install free anti-virus and anti-malware tools. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu March 16
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am - 7pm Open House Southern Wesleyan University, North Augusta A drop-in event in which participants can learn about the programs offered, which are geared toward working adults. Those who attend will have their application fees waived. Call 803426-7981 or visit swu.edu/northaugusta.
11:30am Small Business Ops: Your Future Plan Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce A Third Thursday Business Builder lunch meeting sponsored by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and State Bank & Trust. Lunch is provided. Free, chamber members; $15, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
6pm Dean’s Lecture Series Jaguar Student Activities Center Ballroom An Augusta University College of Business event that will feature the University of Alabama’s Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson, director of the Center for Urban Education, who will discuss the role of teachers during the Civil Rights movement. Visit augusta.edu.
7pm Wills, Estates and Probate Aiken Public Library A free legal clinic. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Leadership Columbia County Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A 10-month program for business and area leaders in which class members participate in day-long sessions covering topics ranging from law enforcement and healthcare to the history of the county and education. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Visit columbiacountychamber.com/ leadershipcolumbiacounty.
Pre-Kindergarten Registration Richmond County School System Enrollment is through Thursday, March 10, from 1-6 p.m. for those age 4 on or before September 1, who are Richmond County residents. Parents should bring proof of age and residency, certificate of immunization and a certificate of eye, ear, dental and nutrition screen. Call 706-826-1266 or visit rcboe.org. 9MARCH2017
Professional Development Courses Jessye Norman School of the Arts The school offers classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other software programs. Call or visit the website to see a schedule of spring and summer classes. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
Free Tax Assistance Headquarters Branch Library Available Wednesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Free Tax Assistance Maxwell Branch Branch Library Available Thursdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
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 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 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 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
ELSEWHERE Thu March 16
6pm Chamber Music on Main Columbia Museum of Art A chamber concert in the museum’s reception hall that begins with happy hour at 6 p.m. $28, members; $35, non-members; $5, students. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Ongoing
“Psychedelic Design: Rock Posters from the Mel Byars Collection, 1966-1971” Columbia Museum of Art An exhibition of posters from the 1960s San Francisco Bay area. On display through March 12. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
EXHIBITIONS
Featuring the work of oil painter David Swanagin. The exhibit will be on display through April 28. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
Ongoing
“Discover the Stories of Civilization: Stories of Beauty, Power, Love, Glory and Faith” Traveling Exhibit Headquarters Branch Library This eight-panel touring photographic exhibition highlights some of the things that you can see at the Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta. To learn more about the exhibit, free library museum pass program, and related events, visit bit.ly/arcplscarlos.
Black History Month Exhibit Headquarters Branch Library In honor of Black History Month, The Georgia Heritage Room will exhibit a collection of rare and antique books on loan from local historian and writer Elvin Thompson. Some of the books included are an 1852 first edition two-volume set of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, an 1855 first edition of “My Bondage and My Freedom” by Frederick Douglass, an 1880 second edition of “A Fool’s Errand” by Albion W. Tourgee and many other works. The exhibit will run through March. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu March 9
Outliers: The Art of Printmaking
Sacred Heart Cultural Center
Westobou Gallery A satellite exhibition, in conjunction with AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 19
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception
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Sat March 11 3pm “Moana”
Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue March 14
5:30pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Featuring a showing of director Ava DuVernay’s documentary “13th” hosted by the Central Savannah River Peace Alliance. The film explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with AfricanAmericans. A discussion will follow. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
HEALTH Thu March 9
6:30pm - 9pm Your Amazing Baby Augusta University Medical Center Pre-registration is required for this baby care class. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Fri March 10 Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales Aiken Center for the Arts Wednesday, March 15 10 a.m. A presentation by the Columbia Museum of Art about their new exhibition, which contains 36 prints from the Dali Museum and is on view March 11-May 21. Free, but pre-registration required. 803-641-9094 aikencenterforthearts.org the Southern Graphics Council International’s 2017 Conference, in celebration of printmaking featuring artwork from eight local, regional and national printmakers. It will be on display through April 9. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
“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.
Rhythm and Movement: Paintings by James Michalopoulos
Thu March 9
Morris Museum of Art An exhibit of more than 30 large-scale paintings of the historic architecture of New Orleans that will show through May 14. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
FLIX 11am Movie for Special Needs
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education University Hospital Class continues Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat March 11
10:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon March 13
4pm Breast Self-Exam Class University’s Breast Health Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Refit Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue March 14
7pm - 9pm Breastfeeding
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Augusta University Medical Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.
Exhibits
Fri March 10
7:30pm Childbirth Tour
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”; 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Noon “A Streetcar Named Desire”
AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed March 15
6:30pm Infant CPR: AHA Friends 9MARCH2017
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and Family AUHealth Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2273 or visit augusta.edu.
7:30pm Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Thu March 9
10am On the Bayou
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will view Bayou Teche artwork, learn about animals and retiles that live in the bayou and decorate a snake. Free, members; $4 per participants, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
Ongoing
4pm Lego Club
Thu March 16
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding
Colorectal Cancer Screening A Doctors Hospital event throughout the month of March, during which participants can pick up a free screening kit at several locations and return it to the hospital’s lab. Kits are available at the hospital’s main entrance, WJBF, Warren Family Life Center, Tabernacle Baptist Church Family Life Center, Warren Grovetown and Tabernacle Baptist Church West. Visit doctors-hospital.net.
HOBBIES Sat March 11
10am - 12:30pm Basic Meat and Fish Helms College Part of the Saturday Chef series. $75; preregistration required. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helmscontinuingeducation.com.
11am, 1pm and 3pm Museum Escape: Red Scare Augusta Museum of History A mystery game in an escape room will be available for up to 8 people per session. Sessions last about 45 minutes. For ages 18 and up, or 12 and up with parental supervision. $15, members; $20, non-members; $25, at the door. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Wed March 15
2pm Irish American Catholic Genealogy Headquarters Branch Library A Legacy Family Tree Webinar held in the library’s third floor computer lab. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8261511 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Shiitake Mushrooms at Home theClubhou.se Part of the Grow Your Own series of workshops sponsored by theClubhou.se and Augusta Locally Grown, this one featuring Kathryn Koven of Khakalaki Farm, who will teach participants how to grown shiitakes in hardwood logs. Suggested donation for each workshop is $5. Pre-registration required. Call 706-288-7895 or visit augustalocallygrown.org.
Thu March 16
6:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-8261940 or visit booktavern.com.
Aiken Public Library For those ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm Uncovering History for Teens: Putting the Pieces Together Headquarters Branch Library Participants will use archaeological techniques to learn about different cultures and the fields of anthropology and archaeology in this hands-on workshop. Snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged. Call 706-821-2612 or visit bit.ly/uncoveringhistory.
Sat March 11
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Anime and the Graphic Novel Kroc Center A class for those ages 8-15. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $35, members; $40, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
10am - noon Cookies and Canvas: Horses Aiken Center for the Arts An art class for children ages 5 and up. $25; pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am TAG Meeting
Mon March 13
10am Women in War: Celebrating Our Hometown Heroes Augusta Museum of History Part of the Mondays at the Museum series for those ages 2-6 and an accompanying adult in which participants will learn how the role of women changed from the Civil War until today and create a dog tag necklace. $2, members; $4, non-members. Pre- registration required. Call 706-722-8454 or email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue March 14
10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6 that, in March, celebrate Dr. Seuss. Pre- registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls. org.
10am 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.
3pm St. Patrick’s Day Craft Appleby Branch Library For those ages 3-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed March 15
11am Dance Story Time
Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups of 3 or more. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11:30am - 3:30pm Youth Wing Workshops Aiken Community Playhouse Those in grades 4-7 meet from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and those in grades 8-12 meet from 1-3:30 p.m. Classes are designed to teach basic theatre stage skills, such as stage movement, finding your character, improvisation and script analysis in a fun environment. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikenplayhouse.us.
2pm Lego Batman Movie Event
Ongoing
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room
2pm Lego Club
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3 that, in March, celebrate Dr. Seuss. Pre- registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years.
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Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
public. Call 706-821-8314 or visit paine.edu.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
7:30pm Soul Unlimited
Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Bell Auditorium Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Pops! at the Bell series. $10.19-$40.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies will be provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
5pm Unplug and Play for Teens Diamond Lakes Branch Library No electronic devices allowed. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Leadership Columbia County Junior Columbia County Chamber of Commerce A program for rising high school sophomores and juniors in Columbia County who want to take a more active role in their community. Applications, available on the website, are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 30. Visit columbiacountychamber. com/youthleadershipcolumbiacounty.
Homeschool PE Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Members, free; nonmembers, $2 per visit. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Toddler Time Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes story time, crafts and hands-on activities. Meets Fridays at 10 a.m. $1, members; $3, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Kroc Tots Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes work on physical, social and emotional development, as well as cognitive skills and language development. Meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school year. $2, members; $5, non-members. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
8pm Anderson & Roe Piano Duo and Time for Three
$50, party; $100, raffle tickets. Call 706-8264705 or visit soaugusta.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS
8pm 2017 Festival Finale Starring Norm Lewis
8am 2017 CSRA Heart Walk
Etherredge Center, Aiken Part of the Joye in Aiken schedule of events. $10-$60. Call 803-641-3305 or visit joyeinaiken.com.
The Green Boundary Club, Aiken Part of the Joye in Aiken schedule of events. $30-$50. Call 803-641-3305 or visit joyeinaiken.com.
Sat March 11
Sat March 11
8am - 1pm Yard Sale
2:30pm Guitar Lessons 175 North Louisville Street, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for those with beginner to intermediate guitar experience. $30. Call 706-556-3756 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Tue March 14
7:30pm Celtic Tenors Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An Augusta Amusements event. $47.50. Call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
Thu March 16
7:30pm What’s Going On: The Marvin Gaye Experience Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An Augusta Amusements event featuring Brian Owens. $42. Call 706-726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
SENIORS Thu March 16
1pm Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-9220171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
8am - noon Pass It On Kidsignment Sale Aiken First Baptist’s Family Life Center Call 803-648-5476 or visit passitonaiken2.com. Christ the King Lutheran Church Featuring furniture, baby items, household goods, clothing, tools and more. Call 706863-7189 or visit christthekingevans.org.
10am - 4pm Symphony of Kitchens An Augusta Symphony Guild event that features tours of six local kitchens. The event also includes cooking demonstrations, floral presentations, live music and tastings at many of the homes. $25, advance; $30, door. Call 706-399-7656 or visit soaugusta.org.
11am - 1pm GreenJackets National Anthem Tryouts
8:30am - 2:30pm The Insane Inflatable 5K and the SportsFest & Wellness Expo Diamond Lakes Regional Park A 5K race for those of all fitness abilities that includes more than 11 inflatable obstacles on the course. The race will go off in waves until 1 p.m., and there will be a midway where participants and viewers can enjoy games, food, beverages, merchandise and more. At the same time, the SportsFest and Wellness Expo will offer interactive events from local businesses and sports teams, as well as health screenings. The race is $49 in advance; $75, the day of. All access passes are $100. Visit insaneinflatable5k.com.
Fort Gordon Dog Park Visit runsignup.com.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8pm “Blown Away: Wild World of Weather” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
The Legends Club A benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta that includes shopping, a wine tasting, food, a fashion show and more. $75. Visit winewomenandshoes.com.
MUSIC
SPECIAL EVENTS
Thu March 16
Thu March 9
Fri March 10
9am - 7pm Pass It On Kidsignment Sale
First Presbyterian Church, Aiken Part of the Joye in Aiken schedule of events. Free. Visit joyeinaiken.com.
Aiken First Baptist’s Family Life Center Call 803-648-5476 or visit passitonaiken2.com.
7pm Black Voices in Classical Music
Southern Lighting Gallery A celebration of the Symphony of Kitchens Tour that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a drawing for $10,000.
Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel Featuring Dr. Lori C. Hicks, soprano, and Dr. Rosalyn Floyd, piano. Free and open to the 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Grovetown Elementary School The 1-mile fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m. $10, fun run; $15, 5K. Visit active.com.
7pm “Mission to Mars”
Kroc Center An AARP event that is held each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through April 18. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
7pm Toast to the Tour Party
8:30am Jaguar Jog 5K and Fun Run
9am St. Patrick’s Day Shuffle 5K and 1-Mile Geo-Cache
Sun March 12
Noon - 1pm Decoda Wind Ensemble
North Augusta Greeneway An American Heart Association event. Visit www2.heart.org.
Augusta Mall Visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Ongoing
Free Tax Prep
Sat March 11
2pm Wine, Women & Shoes
6pm Night at the Museum Augusta Museum of History History will come to life for participants in this event, held at 6 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., in which the rotunda will be turned into a cabaret nightclub with music, character vignettes and more. $30, classic cabaret ticket; $100, VIP and backstage pass. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
9am Women’s Ride Day Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse Road and mountain bike options available to female cyclists of all abilities. These are no-drop rides and there will be post-ride refreshments. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-2453 or visit andyjordans.com.
9:30am - noon Swamp Bike Saturday Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided bike ride through approximately seven miles of wetland trails. Helmets and pre-registration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am Brain Injury Awareness Walk Columbia County Amphitheater $20 ($10 for brain injury survivors) registration includes a T-shirt, lunch, live music and more. Call 706-840-9676 or email patty.goolsby@neurorestorative.com.
10am - 2pm Hike Petersburg Campground, Appling A Sierra Club-sponsored 6-mile moderate hike. Participants will meet at the campground and then carpool to the trail head at West Dam Recreational Area, and should bring water and lunch. Pre-registration required. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com. 9MARCH2017
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6:30pm - 10pm Star Gazing Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free event presented by the Astronomy Club of Augusta. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Sun March 12
11am - 3pm Deep Step Kayak Paddle Furys Ferry Boat Ramp, South Carolina A Sierra Club event in which participants should bring water, lunch, binoculars, kayak or canoe, paddle, life jacket and whistle. Pre-registration required. Email larrkomp@gmail.com.
3pm - 4:30pm Canal Trail Talk: Opening the Gates to a New Augusta Old Dance Pavilion, Canal Headgates Engineer and ACA board member Pete Hughes will give a tour of the inside of the Canal Gatehouse. Free. Call 706-823-0440 or visit augustacanal.com.
Tue March 14
8:30am - 11:30am Community Cleanup Savannah Riverkeeper A Sierra Club event in which participants should bring gloves and bug spray. Call 706631-1489 or email msmcb@outlook.com.
10am - noon Thoroughbred Racing 101 Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Led by Barry Doss, a horse owner and trainer. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 803-642-7631, 803-643-2121, email halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov or visit aikenracinghalloffame.com/Thoroughbred_ Racing_101.html.
Wed March 15
7pm The Harlem Globetrotters USC Aiken Convocation Center $26.50-$94.50. Call 803-643-6901 or visit uscatix.com.
Thu March 16
10am - noon Thoroughbred Racing 101 Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Led by Barry Doss, a horse owner and trainer. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 803-642-7631, 803-643-2121, email halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov or visit aikenracinghalloffame.com/Thoroughbred_ Racing_101.html.
Ongoing
City Cup Corporate Challenge City of Aiken Offered by the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, the City Cup Corporate Challenge provides area businesses the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles, establish leadership roles, develop employee relationships, enhance existing corporate fitness programs, promote friendly competition, provide company exposure to the community, improve personal skills and boost employee morale. 9MARCH2017
Registration is open through April 7. Call 803642-7648 or email cmiller@cityofaikensc.gov.
Run Fit Club Kroc Center A club for those ages 16 and older that will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in March at 5:30 a.m. Pre-registration required. $10, members; $20, non-members. Call 706922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Kroc Taekwondo Kroc Center A class for all ages that meets Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. $75; pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. A new, 10-week session of introductory classes will begin Monday, April 17, and Thursday, April 20, for youth. Teens ages 10-13 will meet Mondays at 5 p.m., youth ages 6-9 will meet on Thursdays at 5 p.m., and adults down to 14 years of age will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. The course includes all competitive equipment and is $180. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7228878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Augusta Sports Leagues This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.
Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
SUPPORT Thu March 9
6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
Fri March 10
11am ALS Support Lunch and Learn AU’s ALS Clinic This support group gives individuals an opportunity to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. Lunch is provided. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon March 13
6pm Pink Magnolias Breast Cancer
Support Group
Celebrate Recovery
University’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
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.
Tue March 14
10:20am 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. 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.
THEATER Fri March 10
7pm “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare”
AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu.
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
Wed March 15
Sat March 11
4pm All Cancer Support Group
11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu.
Thu March 16
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
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.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta 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.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta.wordpress.com.
2pm “Willy Wonka Jr.” Lakeside High School $15, adults; $12, students. Call 706-231-1759.
7pm “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
7pm “Willy Wonka Jr.” Lakeside High School $15, adults; $12, students. Call 706-231-1759.
Thu March 16
7pm “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
CASA Volunteer Training Child Enrichment Inc. Those who wish to advocate for abused children can attend a training session that is March 13-23. For more information, call 706-737-4631.
Senior Companions Needed Senior Citizens Council The council is seeking those ages 55 and older who can serve 20 hours a week with a special needs adult. Benefits include stipend, travel reimbursement and annual physical. For more information, call 706-868-0120.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 23
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Blair Crimmins and the Hookers Stillwater Taproom Saturday, March 11 10 p.m. $5 blaircrimminsandthehookers.com
Tuesday, March 14 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher Jabez S. Hardin PAC - Celtic Tenors Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia Blue Sky Bar & Kitchen - Butt Naked Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, March 15 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
Upcoming The High Divers, Motel Radio
- Sky City March 16 Cracker, The Shaun Piazza Band
- Sky City March 24 Rock Fore! Dough w/ Lady Antebellum, Kip Moore, Bethany and the Southside Boys
- Evans Towne Center Park April 4
Thursday, March 9 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Pops! at the Bell w/ Soul Unlimited Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brandon Reeves Mellow Mushroom (Augusta) - Pint Size Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - Keith Gregory Sky City - Universal Sigh Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Broken Mic Poetry & More
Friday, March 10 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - Laughlin Coyotes - Robin Dixon & Midnight Moon Eli’s American - Donna Jo
24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Fox’s Lair - Kim Smith Grantski Records - Sunwell, A Future Now Past The Highlander - Area 51, Incognito Joe’s Underground - Grungefest w/ BullMoose, Nevernauts Polo Tavern (Aiken) - The Upshot Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Doc Easton Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Sky City - Village Sticks, Gnostic Gospels, Jaycie and the Beards Wild Wing - Interstate Exilles The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Backyard Tavern - Karaoke
Saturday, March 11 Live Music
Backyard Tavern - Keith Gregory Country Club - Larry Frick Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Fox’s Lair - Mr. Jukebox Gerry Petrin Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Southern Meltdown Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Stillwater Taproom - Blair Crimmins and the Hookers Tin Lizzy’s - Lundy Wild Wing - Just Sweet Karma The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Artist 4 Artist Playlist Party Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party
Sunday, March 12 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Iron Heights - Depths of Hatred, Lorelei, So This Is Suffering, Invoking the Abstract, Down Under The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn Wild Wing - Alec Krok
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, March 13 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Red Mouth
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia 9MARCH2017
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Brittany Bagley, Rebecca Kerko and Kristin Burton at the Country Club.
Brittany Barden, Casey Curley, Ashley Drummond and Audrey Reville at the Country Club.
Taylor Herdon, singer/songwriter Ray Fulcher and Reagan Herndon at the Country Club.
Christie Sanchez, Amber Wade and Olivia Fuchs at the Pizza Joint downtown.
Scott and Kat Snyder with Meagan and Dylan Murrey at the Pizza Joint downtown.
Judy Talkington, Candy Oubre and Paige Bertram at French Market Grille West.
Mario DiFranco, Theo Reese and Kathy DiFranco at French Market Grille West.
Jason, Kylie and Brianna Blackwell at French Market Grille West.
Sandy Shuey with Richard and Karen Barton at French Market Grille West.
26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
9MARCH2017
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MIXED FEELINGS By Josh Knapp/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Word before “Ooh, didn’t mean to make you cry” in Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” 5 Maxim 8 Brother with a cross 13 Unfaithful sorts 17 Roasting place 18 Land between hills, poetically 19 ____ Palmer (“Twin Peaks” victim) 20 Jacobin revolutionary who was stabbed in a bathtub 21 They’re pumped to compete in a race 23 Fashionable enough for a runway model? 25 Assault involving a hatchet? 27 Broadway’s Eugene ____ Theater 28 Throw in 29 ____ relief 30 Post-run feeling 31 1982 Dustin Hoffman film 32 Place for a sponge 34 Annoying sort 36 Bro 37 Little bit 38 Coffee brewing style 40 Some scans, for short 41 Lifesaving team 44 “Stop insisting Ra doesn’t exist!”? 51 Pill-bottle info 54 Really comes down 55 A bit crude 56 Andean gold 57Places 61 Fast-food sandwich not available in Muslim countries 63 Goes up 64 Stories from bankruptcy court? 68 Be too broke to take the bus? 70 Country singer Black 71 Grammy category 73 Beast in rare “sightings” 74 Poet/musician ____ Scott-Heron 75 One who can’t learn new tricks, they say 77 ____-Lay 79 Doze 82 “The king really wants to be around people right now”? 87 Professor’s goal, one day 88 Marvel role for Chris Hemsworth 89 Yazidis, e.g.
92 Go in (for) 95 Actor Curry 96 Go all in 98 What many 100-Across do in the spring 100 See 98-Across 103 Certain earring 105 Trader ____ 107 Baseball league for the Salt Lake Bees 108 “Yeah, let’s do it!” 109 Celebration after a coup? 112 Negative Nancy? 115 Words before a punch line 116 Muddies 117 2% alternative 118 Moving line on a tree trunk 119 Orange-and-white Pixar title character 120 Wild revelry 121 So, so awful, with “the” 122 Rapper with the most-viewed YouTube video of all time 123 P.M. after Churchill
31 “And that’s it!” 33 Abbr. on a pay stub 35 God: It. 36 Thoughtful 39 So-ugly-it’s-cute pooch 41 See 4-Down 42 One-named singer once married to Xavier Cugat 43 Letter feature 45 Take back, in a way 46 CD or DVD follower 47 “____ is life” 48 “We’re on!” 49 Muslim official 50 I, personally 51 E-business 52 By voice 53 One side in a pool game 58 Subject of a tinfoil- hat theory 59 Peak physical condition 60 Veer 62 Put up stakes 65 Stop seeing each other 66 Box on a mall map 67 Former tribe in western New York DOWN 69 Singer Simone 1 Weapon usually fired between a 45° 72 @@@ and a 90° angle 76 Less stormy 2 Ducked 78 Sea creatures with remarkably high 3 Go wherever I.Q.s 4 With 41-Down, first tennis player to 80 Turn-____ (thrills) win two Olympic singles gold medals 81 Congo red and gentian violet 5 Potent sushi-bar cocktail 83 San ____, Argentina 6 Dependent on chance 84 Volt/ampere 7 Against the jet stream 85 High-waisted, shamelessly 8 French region around Strasbourg unfashionable garment 9 Tray of brownies, e.g. 86 Chief concern 10 Philosopher who said, “The people 90 Way overcooked never give up their liberties but 91 4:00 p.m., maybe under some delusion” 92 Made a declaration 11 Christian school in Okla. 93 Set adrift 12 Skin art, informally 94 V.I.P. 13 Character resembling a hat 96 Instrument for Louis Armstrong 14 Drawer, say 97 Doctors’ orders 15 Flower named for a Swedish 99 National Aviation Hall of Fame city botanist 101 Macho 16 All done up, as hair 102 NASA’s ____ Research Center 18 Den mother 103 Comedy 20 Like original Buddy Holly and the 104 Crown insets Crickets recordings 106 Letters on some lotion 22 Turned 110 It’s a deal 24 Detergent brand with a fabric in its 111 Unbeatable name 113 Net letters 26 Gets back on base 114 “Well, look at that!”
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V28|NO10
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Summer blockbusters start early with a big opening for Jackman’s Wolverine finish. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
LOGAN
$88,411,916
$88,411,916
1
-
2
GET OUT
$28,236,285
$78,079,925
2
1
3
THE SHACK
$16,172,119
$16,172,119
1
-
4
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
$11,702,364
$148,684,165
4
2
5
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER TWO
$4,804,238
$82,945,210
4
3
In Theaters March 10
ACTION “Kong: Skull Island,” rated PG-13, starring Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John C. Reilly, John Goodman. If the trailers for this one make it look like a retro war movie, that’s because the movie is apparently set in the 1970s and the military is definitely involved. That part’s pretty cool, but why do we need another King Kong movie? That’s like asking why Hollywood needs to add another to the Spider Man franchise. Who knows. But, hey: At least it’s got Tom Hiddleston to give it some class, Sam Jackson for badassery, John C. Reilly for comic relief and Brie Larson for… well, you know. And this Kong is a pretty impressive beast on an island filled with mysterious natives, prehistoric throwbacks and things evolution may or may not want to rethink. So it could be entertaining. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
9MARCH2017
V28|NO10
Austin’s Secret Plan to Rule the World… Foiled Again! Austin Rhodes WELL DAMN, HE CAUGHT ME. One of the CSRA’s more infamous curmudgeons, Al Gray, singlehandedly uncovered the massive scheme I had forged to infiltrate the Columbia County government at its highest levels, by displacing not only the county’s chief elected official with my own puppet, Pam Tucker, but the county’s top bureaucrat Scott Johnson, with my own brother-in-law (CC’s chief engineer Steve Cassell). Here was the bombshell accusation, which Gray posted on The Austin Rhodes Show Facebook page: “Austin loves her (Pam Tucker) and this brouhaha because he is trying to pull the exact same game he did in Augusta - get the Administrator fired so his brotherin-law can get the administrators job. Austin loved the old City Stink/ Augusta Today crowd as long as it was heaping fire on Fred Russell then turned against them when his BIL Steve got in line to succeed Russell. Now Steve is a Director in Columbia County and Austin is pulling the same scam.” Poor old Al, he is not remembering things quite right, but his version of the story is far more entertaining than the truth. Actually, Steve Cassell never applied for the administrator’s job in Augusta. During the time the city was without an administrator, Steve and Tameka Allen did split a lot of the duties, and while they did a stellar job, much better than Russell ever did, neither applied for the position that eventually went to Janice Jackson. Later, Steve did apply , and was passed over for, a permanent Deputy Administrator position. That was a huge mistake on Jackson’s part, and the taxpayers and citizens of Augusta were the ultimate losers there. But let’s get back to Al’s fantasies about my scheme to supplant current Columbia County Chairman Ron Cross, with Pam Tucker, and Scott Johnson with Steve Cassell. Since Al is a full time Linclon county resident he may not have gotten the memo that Cross was not planning to run for re-election. While local builder Mark Herbert is considering a run for the office, and had been discussing the possibility with friends and family members, the most important candidate that is planning to run for that spot is current District 1 Commissioner Doug Duncan. As long as I have known Pam, and as much as I consider her a friend, I have known Doug Duncan even longer. I also consider him one of the smartest and most talented elected officials to have ever been elected to municipal office in this area. I cannot begin to tell you the many, many important local initiatives that have involved Doug’s work behind the scenes, and if I even attempted to try, he would never speak to me again. So I won’t. Suffice to say if I were able to push a magic button and have one single local human turned into a Senator or Governor, it would be Doug Duncan. Ironically, when Pam ran into all the trouble with Scott Johnson right after the holidays, it was Doug that I sought out in the quest to help her get the situation 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
straightened out and establish some type of “detente” so that they could continue to work together. He did the best he could do as a single Commissioner, but he took great care in the process not to violate the chain of command, or strong arm anyone, but the working relationship between EMA Director and the County Administrator had deteriorated to the point of no return. Still, the timing of Pam’s resignation caught me and many others off guard, just as her political announcement did this week. Had she contacted me ahead of time, I would have done my level best to talk her out of it. Not that Pam would not make a great Commission Chair, I think she would, its just that I know there are local entities that could benefit from her professional talents and EMA expertise, and I don’t believe she could do both. Before you send me the letters, emails, and texts asking me to pick between Duncan and Tucker if they both end up on the ballot in 2018, at this point, I simply won’t do it. They are both fantastic, altruistic souls, who no doubt would do wonderful things for Columbia County residents. Unless something drastic happens between now and then, I will flip a coin between the two when it comes time to choose. ...and for my buddy Al Gray...I have good news! Either way, “Austin’s candidate” will win, and while my plans are no longer secret, the grand scheme to keep my people in
charge will most certainly succeed. Despite the best attempts of “those meddling kids”, things will work out exactly the way I always planned. BWAHA-BWAHA-BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
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. 9MARCH2017
“CELEBRATING 34 YEARS” PHOTO: HELENE DUJARDIN
Learn to be an
QUARRY CRUSHER RUN MARCH 25
SODA CITY MARKET SATURDAYS 9 AM - 1 PM
SC PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS DARING ESCAPADES
3RD ANNUAL CREAM OF THE CROP BEER FEST
technologist
U HARBISON THEATRE APRIL 2
CITY ROOTS MARCH 25
ST. PAT’S IN FIVE POINTS MARCH 18
niversity Hospital’s Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography, now in its 34th year, is accepting applications for classes beginning in July 2017. This 24-month program is accredited through the JRCERT, www.jrcert.org. Applicants must possess a minimum of an Associates Degree in any discipline and an overall grade point average of 2.25. College Algebra and English (or Communication) are also required. After completing the
Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography University Hospital 1350 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901-2612 706/774-5010
program, students receive a Certificate of Radiography and are eligible for the National ARRT Registry Exam. applications are available online at www.universityhealth.org/allied-health/ school-of-radiography. For information, contact Patty Graham or Nancy Elliott at 706/774-5010, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or write to the address below. Class size is limited. To meet the eligibility deadline, all material must be received by May 15, 2017.
www.universityhealth.org/allied-health