Metro Spirit - 09.22.16

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Table of Contents

September 22, 2016 Whine Line 6 Ruffin It 8 Augusta Tek 10 Insider 12 Feature 14

Metroweek Cuisine Scene What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes EDIT

CREATIVE

Amy Christian

Joshua Bailey

Joe White

amy@themetrospirit.com

joshua@themetrospirit.com

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

Stacey Eidson

COVER DESIGN: Joshua Bailey

Arts Editor/Production Director

Lead Designer

Staff Writer

stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift Staff Writer

molly@themetrospirit.com

Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong

SALES Jim Christian Account Executive

jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059

Paige Wilhelm Account Executive

paige@themetrospirit.com 706-833-1904

20 21 22 28 36 38 40 42 44

BUSINESS Publisher

Johnny Beckworth circulation manager

johnny@themetrospirit.com

Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com


The Whine Line

10

8

OPINION

Y’all too damn fat these days now. You people are the reason for 60” and 70” TVs. Anything smaller in front of y’all just looks like ya holdin’ a tablet! Hey whiners... we need that new pipeline. As I’m flipping through the Metro Spirit, I notice an advertisement supporting the NRA. Two pages later, I find a comic strip from a left-wing point of view. Thank you Metro Spirit for not trying to think for me. A fraudulent Doc interviewing a fraudulent politician using results of a physical allegedly done by a gastroenterologist. Sounds like the usual gripping reality TV we’ve come to expect from the YUUGE disappointment that is the small handed Mr. Trump.

Clown sightings are nothing new. You can see them every time the Augusta Commission meets.

Eco folks should lay off the organic wine which is water you’re taking away from your vegan animals. Sucker punching old ladies, KKK members, alt-right racists and anti-Semitic tweets, I think “deplorables” is too nice a word. Unfortunately, all Presidential elections only give us two candidates to choose from, and I’m not impressed with either from this years crop. It’s write-in time. Who do I go with? Bozo the Clown? Lassie? Bigfoot? Jesse Ventura? Darth Vader? Perry Mason? Svengoolie? Columbia county should be ashamed for two things: William few Parkway and Columbia Road when it’s two lanes. Don’t you have a planner or engineer that could have said I think we should expand the road since they’re building a lot of homes? I wish those in the media who can get a candidate to answer the questions asked, and not turn them into opportunities for free plugs for their parties, would step the hell forward!

It’s simple. VOTE!

Ruffin It Augusta Tek

I had fallen ill while driving and my husband had to take over driving the other night. He was pulled over for driving with no lights trying to get me to the hospital. RCP Officer Silas did the routine traffic stop. While my husband is without a license, we explained our situation to him, and he was absolutely the best officer we could’ve encountered this evening. He allowed us to leave without any problems and wished us well and safe drive to the hospital. Special thanks to Officer Silas for kind and compassionate service while on duty that evening. We appreciate you as an Officer. Lazy, uncaring parents and students are causing the failing results in 18 schools in Richmond County. It’s not the “fault” of the teachers or the school system. Worse, a lot of them are troublemakers from broken homes, who disrupt the other students who want to learn. So the young lady with the 60 thousand a year county job with full benefits is quitting after only a year because everyone is awesome? Wow. That’s hard to believe. No really. It’s hard to believe.

Only thing to say about Dimwit’s latest “I am not a racist” rant is “It’s the hit dog that howls.” Why the concern over her health records while her character flaws are more obvious and offensive?

Is Augusta a part of Georgia? Where’s the damn peach cobbler? Three incidents, one in New Jersey bomb exploded on a rout that a USMC charity run that was scheduled to take place and a second device was found also, the explosion in NYC and a second device was also found, and 8 people were stabbed at a mall in Minnesota. The media keeps telling us, at the behest of Obama I am sure, we don’t know yet if these are terror related. Well either the media and the authorities are freaking idiots if they can’t figure that out or they think we are. Neither instills confidence in the media or the administration.

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.

6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989


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Anyone too dumb to understand the difference between criminals killing people and police killing members of a particular race doesn’t belong in any serious discussion. Let’s state something very simply: If Columbia County sends you a tax bill this year that requires more money from you than you had to pay last year, your taxes increased. If you vote in favor of the General Obligation bond this November, your taxes will increase even more, but don’t worry! If your increase is only $25.00 per month for 10 years, your will have only $3,000.00 less of your money to spend on your family, but the Sheriff’s department will have a $10 million driving course. And a few people can add money to their retirement fund. If the current political climate seems hauntingly familiar, perhaps you are smarter than the average Trump U graduate. Conservatives thought Hitler was a clown they could control and use. Hitler promised to fix all the problems in depression era Germany. Hitler believed he knew more than his Generals. Hitler blamed all Germany’s problems on the “others.” Germans freely elected Hitler.

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Trump and the UFC BY THE TIME UFC President Dana White took the stage at the Republican National Convention some weeks back, the atmosphere was already saturated with the absurd, not least because of the nominee in question. Donald Trump and the depressingly large contingent of this nation that believes his BS had transformed what, in past years, had been, if nothing else, a well-oiled political spectacle whose organizers knew better than to put its anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-poor policies front and center, into a Klan rally that did just that. Scott Baio, it would seem, was home. But Dana White was a curious presence. Not because he and Trump were in any way unacquainted with each other — Trump’s casinos had played host to a fledging UFC back when it was struggling to get PPV deals and constantly fighting the stigma of “human dogfighting,” leveled, and since redacted, by John McCain. It was for this reason, White asserted, “You’ll never hear me say a bad word about Donald Trump.” Which is hilarious, because Donald Trump, just short of directly, has said plenty of bad words about many of the fighters on the UFC’s roster. You know, the men and women who put their bodies on the line for a living and who do the bulk of the work involved in lining Dana White’s pockets. A sizable portion of the UFC roster consists of fighters who are not white males — Trump’s major constituency. To boot, the company enjoys a 10 percent ownership investment from Flash Entertainment, a company based in Abu Dhabi, which even Donald Trump should know is just crawling with brown people. On top of all that, the UFC has aggressively pursued global expansion of their product in the last five years, hosting events in Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, England, China and other countries. Trump’s xenophobic rants are going to bite him, and everyone who publicly supported him, in the ass; history remembers, and history will not be kind. At some point, certain employees of the UFC are going to have to stand up and say something. It can’t be just anyone: that athlete must possess a special combination of company clout, public notoriety and financial stability to take such a risk. With that in mind, here are the five most likely to do that.

4. CAIN VELASQUEZ — FORMER TWO-TIME HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION Once upon a time, Cain Velasquez was thought to be on the road to the Greatest of All Time mantle. He’d demolished the competition en route to a heavyweight title shot against Brock Lesnar, who he annihilated, before losing the belt via KO to Junior dos Santos. He’d later defeat dos Santos in two subsequent fights before losing the title again to Fabricio Werdum. Those losses took a bit of shine off Velasquez, but he’s still relatively young and has since won two more fights. He’s likely the next challenger for current champ Stipe Miocic. Not only that, Velasquez is still the UFC’s greatest in-road to the Mexican community and, subsequently, to that market. His words and actions carry a good deal of clout, and will carry even more if he manages to regain the belt and hold onto it for a few defenses. Relevant Trump quote: “I will say that people following me are very passionate.” — Trump’s response to a question about his supporters beating a homeless Latino man Bonus Trump quote: “The best taco bowls are made at the Trump Tower Grill! I love Hispanics!”

5. DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON — FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is the UFC’s reigning flyweight champion, and its only flyweight champion ever. He won the inaugural belt in a four-man tournament by defeating then-favorites Ian McCall and Joseph Benavidez. He’s a dominant champion in the vein of prime-era Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva; no one, outside of John Dodson in their first matchup, came anywhere close to dethroning him. Johnson is not the most lucrative fighter on the roster; being the smallest male champion and lacking a penchant for trash talk will do that. Still, Johnson — a black man — is the current longest-reigning champion in the most prominent professional fighting organization in the world. His words would carry a good deal of weight. Relevant Trump quote: “Laziness is a trait in blacks. It really is, I believe that. It’s nothing that they can control.” (Full disclosure: that quote is pulled from a book by a former Trump employee from the 1990s. It’s unverified, but let’s keep in mind that Trump also condoned the beating of a Black Lives Matter protester at one of his rallies, okay?)

2. TYRONE WOODLEY — CURRENT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION Nobody gave Woodley much more than an outside chance of dethroning a resurgent Robbie Lawler in their title fight a few weeks back. But, just a couple of minutes into the first round, Woodley unleashed a bazooka of a right hand that flattened Lawler and lifted his title belt. With the victory, Woodley finds himself in quite the position. The full force of the UFC marketing machine hasn’t gotten behind Woodley yet but, if he manages to defeat his first challenger in Stephen Thompson this November, you can bet it will: Woodley is young, athletic, outspoken and carries ferocious finishing power. Woodley is also from Flint, Michigan — they of the Water that Looks Like Pee. When that controversy was at the height of its publicity, Woodley was very outspoken about it on social media, and in the actual media. The man is socially conscious, proud of where he comes from, and ready to defend it. Relevant Trump Quote: In addition to everything above? Okay: “I’ve always had a great relationship with the blacks.” If you need me to explain why Trump’s use of the article “the”

8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

3. NATE DIAZ It’s difficult to say whether or not Nate Diaz is out of f***s to give, because I’m not certain he ever had any to begin with. I’ve covered Nate and his brother Nick ad hominem in this space before but, suffice to say, they’re the two most popular fighters in the UFC to never hold a title belt, despite having fought for them on more than one occasion. Nate’s star in particular has never been higher after splitting two lucrative high-profile bouts with megastar Connor MacGregor. It’s impossible to overstate how much of an impact Nate Diaz could have if he spoke up; hell, if he just told his Twitter followers to go out and vote, he’d make a dent. He and his brother enjoy a passionate, near-cult following and, especially following the MacGregor fights, Diaz’ voice has never carried so much weight. Relevant Trump quote: See “taco bowl” above.

in that statement is insanely offensive, you’re going to need to take that white hood off first so you can hear me. 1. AMANDA NUNES — CURRENT WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION I’m betting that, out of all these fighters, Amanda Nunes is the one you’ve heard the least about. It’s understandable: women’s MMA, especially post-Ronda Rousey, is still struggling to nab mainstream notoriety, and Pena is fresh off of her title-winning victory over Miesha Tate, so she hasn’t had a lot of time to establish herself to a wider audience yet. So why am I putting her at No. 1? Because she embodies the three things that Trump and the current GOP are working tirelessly to marginalized and oppress: First: Nunes is a woman. Duh. And the Republican Party freaking hates women. Of course they’ve worked around the clock to block equal pay measures and pro-choice legislation, but they really doubled down on it recently. In a bill that would have approved billions of dollars to help fight the zika virus — which, y’know, only threatens babies and pregnant women — GOP lawmakers attached legislation to shut down Planned Parenthood, because of course they did, forcing the Democrats to kill the bill. Second: Nunes is a foreigner. Oh, she’s lived in the United States — New Jersey and Florida — for a number of years, but she was born in Brazil… or, as Trump calls it, “Mexico, but the women aren’t as ugly.” For Trump’s views on everyone who isn’t white, just go read the quotes I already listed. Don’t make me type them again. Third: Nunes is gay. She is, in fact, the UFC’s first openly gay champion, having been in a committed relationship with fellow UFC fighter, straw-weight contender Nina Ansaroff, for the past four years. Relevant Trump quote: “It’s like in golf. A lot of people — I don’t want this to sound trivial — but a lot of people are switching to these really long putters, very unattractive. It’s weird. You see these great players with these really long putters, because they can’t sink three-footers anymore. And, I hate it. I’m a traditionalist. I have many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.” It’s unclear whether Trump was attempting to draw a parallel between the world’s third-dumbest sport and opposition to a basic human right, or if long putters just weird him out because “Ewwwwww penises.” Either way, enough already.

JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from

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

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Confetti SO, HOW MANY OF YOU FIGURED OUT THAT A NEW IPHONE CAME OUT LAST WEEK? In case you missed it, it wasn’t for lack of trying on Apple’s part. Apple executed their complete script. The technology media dutifully covered the release event. The bloggers wrote hundreds of pages of reviews and opinions. In the end, it was just, well… anti-climactic. For me, I’m pretty much over the whole new iPhone thing. This might be the case for most other folks as well. It’s been nearly 10 years since the release of the first iPhone. Up to that point, a phone was just a phone. No social media. No Apple Pay. No mobile revolution. The next few generations of iPhones added more power and more capability. Video, iCloud, Angry Birds — all these features greatly increased the utility of the iPhone. These features also transformed the mobile device from a disruptive technology into an essential part of everyone’s life. Now, let me say something that is not TPC (“Technology Politically Correct”). The iPhone has become a mature technology. If you look at changes from the last release to now, all the features are substantially the same. Sure, the buttons might be different colors, and we might need to press instead of swipe, but what has changed, really? The improvements found in the iPhone 7 (and, yes, they are improvements) are more indicative of incremental growth of a mature platform. Water resistance, better camera, longer battery life… you get the picture. Here’s the problem for Apple and, really, all companies purporting to sell disruptive technology — nothing kills the buzz surrounding a new product better than the phrase “mature technology.” Hopefully, that’s something that Apple can figure out. The latest rumors indicate that Apple is preparing something special for the 10th Anniversary iPhone (to be released next year). In the meantime, we have a decision to make — upgrade to the iPhone 7 or not. The iPhone 7 provides a number of compelling features that might prompt folks to upgrade. The iPhone 7 possesses an IP67 water resistance rating. This rating means the phone can tolerate total submersion in water at 1-meter depth for 30 minutes. According to the CNET reviewer, the iPhone easily passed several ad hoc tests (i.e., fish tank drops). The iPhone 7 cameras are significantly improved. Both the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus cameras utilize Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to reduce hand motion and shake when taking a picture. Also, the camera aperture is larger, allowing 50 percent more light and greatly improving pictures in low light conditions. The iPhone 7 Plus possess a second portrait lens that provides 2X optical zoom. No more shoving your phone in someone’s face for a close-up. Of course, we can’t have a new iPhone without a major operating system upgrade. The new iOS 10 also provides a couple of new features. The most intriguing feature is the new Home app. The Home app integrates all HomeKitenabled Smart Home devices. It’s one spot to find all your smart lights, surveillance cameras and thermostats. This one sounds like fun. More to come… Finally, if you’ve heard anything about the new iPhone, it’s probably the new Messaging App. You can animate the message bubbles. You can send handwritten notes. You can hide messages with invisible ink. You can put stickers on message. You can access video and other apps directly from Messages. And most importantly, you can shower message recipients with confetti! I’m pretty sure it’s not the most disruptive technology, but it sure is fun! @gregory_a_baker

GREGORY BAKER PH.D.

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

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Tough Road Ahead for Paine College

Insider

12 14

NEWS

The Mayor’s Much Ado About Nothing HOW MANY PEOPLE in Richmond County care whether or not the Augusta Commission approved removing the mayor’s signature block this week from a document called, “Policy for the Drafting of Ordinances and Code Amendments?” Come on, folks. Don’t be shy. Raise your hands. Most people in Augusta don’t really care whether the mayor has a signature block at the end of any document. They also aren’t worried about whether the mayor supports the commission’s “Policy on Drafting Ordinances” or not. Almost everyone in Augusta realizes the duties of the mayor are basically running a commission meeting twice a month, being present for a few ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies and trying to be the best possible spokesperson for the city. Everyone seems to understand that fact, but one person: Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis. He just doesn’t get it. Davis was elected into office by 75 percent of the votes cast almost two years ago and he still doesn’t understand when to pick his battles. Last week, Davis made a public speech during the administrative services committee meeting addressing his position on the commission’s policy on drafting ordinances. It was quite a lofty speech. “Commission Policy for Drafting of Ordinances and Code Amendments creates what is generally a ‘standard operating procedure’ that effectively restricts the ability of a commissioner (legislator/policy maker) from an inherent premise of representative democracy, and that is to introduce legislation at any time,” Davis said. “Any constraint on the freedom of the legislative process would thus be subject to strict scrutiny and legal challenge to include being rendered null and void. I do not believe that the commission can adopt a policy and make it binding on itself as this policy would assert.” Riveting, isn’t it? Hang on, there’s more. Much more. “Using state law, the local charter and current code, it appears that there is no true legal enforcement mechanism for this policy,” the mayor stated. “If a majority of the commission at a regular meeting wanted to pass a resolution or adopt an ordinance, then the majority could do so notwithstanding this policy pursuant to state law and the local charter.” Wake up, folks. The mayor is speaking. “While the approved policy appears relatively harmless on its face, it is questionable in its application and it is likely that the Commission Policy for Drafting of Ordinances and Code Amendments would have unforeseen ramifications that would impede government operations,” Davis said. “While the purported purpose of this policy is to implement a motion from a previous commission’s actions dated March 7 and 15, 2005; the stated concern at that time was the inordinate cost of having outside counsel draft ordinances at the request of department directors and outside agencies.” Oh, he’s not done yet. “The City of Augusta contracted outside legal counsel from consolidation (1995) until effectively 2008 when the first in house general counsel was hired,” Davis said. “Current government practice is to have ordinances and code amendments drafted inhouse and not by outside counsel. It is therefore reasonable to ascertain that the drafting of ordinances and code amendments is part of the normal functions of the in-house law department and policy making process.” We are getting to a “finally” now, folks. He’s almost done. “Finally, this policy has the chilling effect of not only hindering the legislative process, but effectively censoring ideas of an elected member of the commission,” Davis stated.

Now, here is the kicker. You can’t have a pointless speech without referencing the Gettysburg Address, can you? Cover your ears, President Lincoln. You deserve much more than this speech. “In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln extolled virtues for the listeners (and the nation) to ensure the survival of America’s representative democracy: that ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,’” Davis stated. “The purpose of a representative democracy is not to censor ideas, but to allow them to be heard and properly vetted. This policy restricts a commission member from representing the people by whom they were elected to be their voice. Any member of the commission must be able to take an idea and have it drafted for debate and discussion in the committee and then full commission process in order for representative democracy to exist. “Therefore, having not been persuaded of the need for the ‘Policy on Drafting Ordinances and Code Amendments,’ it is not my intent to sign or assent to its approval or enforcement.” Thanks for clearing that up, Mayor Davis. Where would Augusta be without you? So, after all that, what happened this week? In less than three minutes, the commission voted 6-3 to remove the mayor’s signature block from the document. Boom. It was done. Davis just wasted his breath and made himself look foolish in the process. Even Augusta Commissioner Bill Lockett pointed out the silliness of the entire discussion. “My concern is with the amount of time that was expended talking about a signature block,” Lockett said. “Time we could have used trying to decide how we are going to take advantage of the Cyber Command or the expansion of the medical complex or to make Augusta a greater place. We could have expended that time talking about how we are going to beautify Gordon Highway and Deans Bridge Road or what are we going to do about Regency Mall, but yet we spend all of this time on the mayor’s signature on a document.” Of course, Lockett failed to realize he was wasting even more time talking about how the commission was wasting time, but that’s to be expected in Augusta, isn’t it? “Let’s do what we were elected to do: Take care of the people’s business and let’s eliminate the power plays,” Lockett said. “Because if you have power and you don’t know how to use it, it is not going to do you any good.” Who do you think Lockett was referring to with that final statement? Let’s help paint Mayor Davis a picture. This is what Lockett is trying to tell you: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Augusta has much bigger problems.

Correction In last week’s feature story, called “The Future of Project Jackson,” the article incorrectly stated that the original proposed location for the baseball stadium was near Exit 5 off Interstate 20. The original proposed location for Project Jackson was actually on the Aiken-Augusta Highway near the Palmetto Parkway. The Metro Spirit regrets the error.

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Tough Road Ahead for Paine College Will Augusta’s historically AfricanAmerican college be able to overcome its financial challenges and remain an accredited university? by Stacey Eidson Emotions havE run extremely high across Paine College’s campus this week. Students have gone from learning over the weekend that Augusta’s historically AfricanAmerican college had lost its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to suddenly having that decision reversed, at least for the time being, less than two days later. Late in the day on Monday, September 19, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. entered a preliminary injunction reinstating Paine College as a member of SACSCOC and restoring its accreditation. The injunction was issued at the request of Paine College after it filed a federal lawsuit seeking declaratory, monetary and injunctive relief from SACSCOC’s actions. As a result of the judge’s decision, Paine College will remain accredited “until further notice,” and enrolled students will be allowed to continue to receive financial aid. However, the university is still on probation. To say that this has been a tough few days for Dr. Samuel Sullivan, president of Paine College, is putting it mildly. “We get knocked down many times in our lifetime, but we always get up and we always stand up and stand for something,” Sullivan said. “And that is what we are about here at Paine: Standing for something.” During a two-hour public meeting at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel on Paine College’s campus on September 19 prior to the judge’s ruling, Sullivan didn’t sugarcoat the tremendous challenges facing the almost 135-year-old university. “I’m here to answer any questions you have,” Sullivan told the audience filled with former and current students, as well as more than 100 concerned citizens. “No question is out of bounds. I will let you know what I know. I won’t try to sugarcoat anything. I just want you to know that we are here to continue to be as open as we can, be as transparent as we can and to be as honest as we can about our fight.” While the SACSCOC voted to remove Paine College from its membership back in June because it claimed the college failed to meet three financial standards after being on probation since 2014, Sullivan said the university wasn’t allowed to present this year’s audited financial statements during its recent hearing before the commission.

“We get knocked down many times in our lifetime, but we always get up and we always stand up and stand for something.” — Dr. Samuel Sullivan 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Those 2016 audited statements are proof of the college’s tremendous financial growth over the past year, Sullivan said. In a 90-page federal lawsuit, Paine College clearly spelled out its “unfair treatment” by the commission and the “viciousness of this process,” Sullivan said. “This is a messy situation. There is no doubt about it,” Sullivan said. “And nobody should be fooled that this isn’t going to be a messy fight. We expect that, but we are prepared to do whatever we have to do.” And while calling the process as “vicious” may seem harsh, Sullivan said there is no other way to clearly describe the manner in which Paine College was treated by the SACSCOC. “I don’t say that with any sense of joy or any sense of pride,” Sullivan said. “But I am telling you that we believe the way that this has gone so far is a matter that needs to be discussed, if it comes to that, in a court of law.” In addition, Sullivan believes Paine College is not alone in the poor manner in which it’s been treated by the commission. He told the audience at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel that he thought many of the historic black colleges were also being treated unfairly. “It would appear that there is a concerted effort by many involved in the Southern Association to remove all of us from membership and we’ve got to do something about that,” Sullivan said, as the audience applauded. “It’s about fairness and we just have to make sure that we do everything we can to bring that about. It is not so much about easiness, it’s about fairness.” 22SEPTEMBER2016


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“When I took the job, we had accounts receivable of $2.3 million. That means students owed us $2.3 million in tuition money from previous years.” — Dr. Samuel Sullivan While Sullivan admitted that Paine College has lost “a lot of support” from the community over the past couple of months, he insisted that the majority of Augustans still stand behind the university and its future. “When I took this job a little bit more than a year ago, we were facing 10 sanctions,” Sullivan told the audience. “They now have removed all but three of those sanctions.” That is significant improvement over the past 12 months, Sullivan insisted, adding that he was not going to give up until Paine College is not only accredited, but also off probation. “I believe in my heart that this was a calling,” Sullivan said. “I believe in my heart that over the now 50 plus years that I’ve been in higher education that the Lord has prepared me for this particular challenge. And I believe deeply that the Lord will not leave me. The Lord will be with me as we continue to struggle.” But while many members of the audience appreciated Sullivan’s dedication and commitment to the college, they wanted to know exactly how much money it would take to make Paine College financially stable in the eyes of the SACSCOC. “How much money is enough?” one man asked from the back of the chapel. Sullivan said the SACSCOC doesn’t provide an exact number; however, the commission wants a university to take in more money than it spends, which has been a challenge for Paine considering the sizable debt the university was facing when it was first placed on probation. “When I took the job, we had accounts receivable of $2.3 million. That means students owed us $2.3 million in tuition money from previous years,” Sullivan said. “And you may ask, ‘How do you allow that kind of growth in student receivables?’ This school has always been sympathetic to the fact that many of our students come without family resources or personal resources. Many of them come and the light goes on while they are here.” But after the school was placed on probation and its financial status was reviewed, Sullivan said Paine College had to “draw a line in the sand” and tell students that they needed to either pay the amount they owed or leave the university. “Many students could not afford to come back to Paine,” Sullivan said. “We were left with a sizable amount of accounts receivables and some of it we had to write off.” In the past, the school also borrowed a lot of money from a line of credit to assist with its operational needs, Sullivan said. “We owe a lot of people a lot of money,” Sullivan admitted. “We find ourselves in a lot of debt.” While Sullivan did not provide an exact figure, he did say the university purchased several apartment buildings a few years ago that the college is now attempting to sell to help pay off some of the money it owes. “We now know that we cannot afford to keep them,” Sullivan said of the apartment buildings. “So, we are trying to revert those properties into cash.” The university also began a football program a few years ago, but abandoned the team in 2015 because it cost the college approximately $1 million a year. Paine College’s previous board of trustees revived the football program in 2012 after a 50-year hiatus. The college played a limited football schedule in 2013 before starting its full program during the 2014 fall semester. Paine ended the 2014 season with a 2-8 record and an enormous amount of debt. Despite such financial setbacks, Sullivan said he was extremely proud of the fact that the university had raised more than $4.1 million over the past year, but, in the eyes of the the SACSCOC, “one point on a graph a trend does not make,” he said. It is Paine College’s job to prove to the commission that the university has “turned the corner,” he said. “We are saying, ‘Give us a break. Give us a chance. Let us continue to show that this community supports this school to the extent that we would have money year after year,’” Sullivan said. “This past year was the greatest fundraising year that this institution has ever had. That’s what I’m told. We raised more than $4 million to support Paine College, but we are not finished.” 22SEPTEMBER2016

It is time for the Augusta community to realize that Paine College has a $25 million economic impact on this city, he said. “It would be a shame to lose it,” Sullivan said. He then opened up the floor to questions from the audience for more than an hour. “I will stay here and answer questions as long as you want,” he said. “I am not going to leave here until the last question is answered.” There was a flood of both supporters of Paine College and concerned students who approached the microphone to get their questions answered. One of the main questions was whether Paine College had any alternative plans other than pursuing the SACSCOC for its accreditation. Sullivan said Paine College is considering applying for accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, which is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, because of its affiliation with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and the United Methodist Church. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 15


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“We owe a lot of people a lot of money. We find ourselves in a lot of debt.” — Dr. Samuel Sullivan “The criteria is very similar except for TRACS there needs to be a clearly defined mission that reflects the Christian values of the institution,” Sullivan said. However, Sullivan was honest with many of the students from Paine College who were sitting in the audience. He said if the college does not receive accreditation from either organizations, that means no students would be allowed to receive federal financial aid. “If all else fails, in terms of accreditation, then it would be likely that Paine would close,” he said, adding it would be an “unfortunate decision,” but the university wouldn’t have much choice. “It would be very likely that this school would shut down.” A former Paine College student, Taylor Young, said she was extremely upset by the fact that many of the university’s financial problems began under the leadership of the college’s former president, Dr. George Bradley.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think one of the main questions that a lot of people have in here is that the problems with Paine College’s financial deficit started under the previous president,” Young said. “So, why wasn’t there ever any criminal charges pressed against him?” The audience enthusiastically applauded Young’s question. It was under Bradley’s leadership that Paine College was first placed on probation by the SACSCOC more than two years ago because the university was found to be in violation of several standards including fiscal stability, control of finances and the handling of federal student financial aid programs. While Bradley eventually resigned in the summer of 2014, claiming he wished to “spend more time with his family,” the former president had been under fire from dissatisfied Paine College alumni, staff, faculty and students. In fact, a website called The Paine Project was created in early 2014 that demanded Bradley step down as president. The website, thepaineproject.net, claimed Bradley brought “unprecedented mismanagement to the college’s financial and fiscal affairs, and intimidation and threats to faculty, staff, and students.” When Sullivan was asked about Bradley and the former administration’s actions, he insisted that he had no reason to believe that the previous administration had anything but “good intentions” during its leadership of the college. “It is unfortunate that those good intentions didn’t turn out the way they were intended,” Sullivan said. However, Sullivan said the university and the former president had an “agreement” in place that would “prohibit the institution from pressing any kinds of charges.” A few minutes later, Young returned to the microphone for a followup question. “You said before there was a contract signed and that no criminal

charges would be pressed against him?” Young asked. “Now, I have a hard time understanding that because how can a contract be given to someone when they break the law?” The crowd again applauded Young’s question. Sullivan simply explained that sometimes agreements are put in place where a university’s board of trustees and a president agree to certain conditions prior to an employee’s departure. However, Sullivan said he could not specifically comment on any such arrangement. “I am not trying to pass judgment,” Sullivan said. “I don’t know.” Near the end of the two-hour discussion, former Paine College professor Dr. Mallory Millender approached the microphone to address the crowd. He told the faculty and students that he was disheartened by the fact that only one of the Augusta commissioners had attended the meeting at Paine College that morning. Only Commissioner Dennis Williams was present in the audience. The other nine commissioners and Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis weren’t in attendance. “I tried not to say this, but I have to say this,” Millender said. “I am not satisfied with the city and its support.” At the beginning of this year, Sullivan and representatives from Paine College met with City Administrator Janice Allen Jackson to discuss the fact that the university needed to raise about $3 million to help get its finances in order. However, the issue has deeply divided members of the Augusta Commission.

“Many students could not afford to come back to Paine. We were left with a sizable amount of accounts receivables and some of it we had to write off.” — Dr. Samuel Sullivan 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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“If all else fails, in terms of accreditation, then it would be likely that Paine would close.” — Dr. Samuel Sullivan Some commissioners, such as former Paine College alum Bill Fennoy, strongly support helping out the university financially, while other commissioners view Paine College as a private institution that needs to stand on its own feet. Millender said he knows every single one of the commissioners, as well as the mayor, and he was highly disappointed that they haven’t taken a more vocal stand on the future of Paine College. “It takes six votes to do anything in Augusta,” Millender said. “We have six black commissioners. They can do anything they want to do. I have said this before, they can save Paine College or they can allow Paine to die.” It is time for the city to take a stand, he said. The Augusta Commission needs to support Paine College, Millender told the audience. “That’s our money,” Millender said, looking around the chapel. “We need our money.” Following the two-hour meeting with the public, Sullivan said he is confident that Paine College will continue to stand for another 135 years. “We don’t expect to lose,” Sullivan said, adding that he and the university’s board of trustees take their fiduciary responsibility very seriously. “I’m not going to squander one nickel of your money. I can promise you that.” For anyone interested in helping to support Paine College, visit paine.edu/supportpainecollege.aspx

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They call him The RockfaTheR, the godfather of the airwaves in Augusta. He is Chuck Williams, who “rocked the hell out of Augusta for 25 years” and survived not one but two upheavals at 95Rock. After 95Rock went away, he became program director at 93.9 BOB FM, where he stayed until leaving last month. Radio may have been in his blood, but he didn’t get into the business until he decided to go to broadcasting school at the age of 40. “It was kind of a wasted $4,000, but it opened some doors,” he told the Metro Spirit in 2012. “There were other graduates who were in the business and when they saw a resume they would be willing to give you a shot.” After a couple of part-time jobs in the northeast, he came down to Augusta to visit some friends and ended up with a part-time job at 96 RXR, a rock station that broadcast from the 14th floor of the Lamar Building. “We would have to go down 14 floors to smoke, and then punch the code for the elevator and wait for it to come back,” he says. “So you’d better have ‘Stairway to Heaven’ on or one of those long songs — ‘Slow Ride’ or ‘Free Bird.’ That’s when you got your bathroom break.” That was in the ‘90s, and Williams stuck with the rock format for most of his career in Augusta. No matter what kind of music he was playing, and deciding what the station would play, Williams loved being on the air. 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“I enjoy that as much as I’ve ever enjoyed anything,” he says. “The whole give and take with the listeners and being a part of the music stuff is just fascinating. I hope I never lose the passion for that, because if you lose that part of it, you’re just another drone.” Right up until the end of his career in Augusta, he kept that passion alive, and those who listened to him will celebrate his career Saturday night at Sky City with Chuck Fest 2016, a free concert that includes bands Happy Bones, Alphatier, Hound of Goshen and 420 Outback. Donation buckets will be out, however, and all proceeds will go to animal rescue organization Southern Souls Rescue, a cause close to Williams’ heart. chuck fesT 2016 Saturday, September 24 Doors, 6 p.m.; music, 7 p.m. Free skycityaugusta.com

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Hildebrandt’s — You need to Go Here The name is an indicaTor of iTs heriTage, but it’s the slogan that exposes the heart and soul of one of downtown’s oldest family-owned businesses, Hildebrandt’s: Part German. Part Southern. All Welcome. Located on 6th Street, Hildebrandt’s is still operated by the family that bears its name, and it still resides in the same Gothic brick building it has occupied, next to the train tracks, for 137 years. The German-inspired delicatessen first opened its massive doors in 1879 in the form of a local grocery store, owned and operated by Nicholas Hildebrandt. As Augusta grew and Broad Street became the center of local trade, Hildebrandt’s served a crucial role in providing daily groceries to residents, for whom refrigeration was not readily available. By popular demand, the general store began selling sandwiches in the 1960s, and gradually emerged as primarily a delicatessen in the 1990s. Customers can still find general items instore; some paper products, potatoes and fresh veg, bread and a few canned goods, and a few other things. But, says Rick Marschalk, the focus is on providing Hildebrandt’s customers with a unique dining experience. And they really do. “Our value proposition is a little different from other sandwich shops and delis. We offer the flavor of high-quality meats and cheeses and popular sandwiches, such as the Reuben. So there’s that, and the unique and memorable experience.” Dining at Hildebrandt’s is an unadulterated joy. Augusta does not have anything like this anywhere else, and that’s both wonderful for Hildebrandt’s and kinda sad for the rest of us. The deli is close to the area first developed as the main trading area of the city, and diners often get to watch the train as it travels down the road right outside the storefront. Even the building is impressive — massive, double-gabled, very handsome — and has withstood well over a century of downtown growth, recession and reemergence. Hildebrandt’s has tapped into the German culture to bring downtown various quality sliced sandwich meats, both well-known such as pastrami, salami, buffalo chicken and corned beef, and those not-so-well-known, such as braunschweiger and yachtwurst. The deli menu caters to all tastes, and includes an equally wide variety of deserving cheeses. And there’s the bread; an arguably crucial part of the sandwich-eating experience. They do good bread. At Hildebrandt’s, these ingredients draw people in through its terrifically old doors, but they aren’t the only reason they stay. Nor are they necessarily the only reason these customers return. Rick Marschalk says it’s just something that has evolved and developed throughout the decades. “You can’t get this elsewhere,” he explained. “You can’t make this.” Marschalk, a cousin of the fourth-generation Hildebrandt and current owner Luanne, went on to explain that the deli’s purpose is to give people joy. Welcoming them to the deli is an eclectic mix of old furniture, family portraits, antiques and collectables, and large food counters and display cabinets in the center of the spacious dining area. A line of bookshelves along the left holds an array of Hildebrandt’s own merchandise, chips, drinks and a selection of sauces from other local food places, such as DiChicko’s. There’s plenty of laughter, groups of people talking and dining — the effect is a warm humming hub of conversation accompanied by the smell of good food. Diners order at the counter — probably from Joyce Marschalk — and take a number with them to a dining table of their choice. Sit at the front and the light pours through large windows,

By Molly Swift

illuminating the numerous wood tables and chairs. Sit at the back near the kitchen and you can choose from one of the square marble or wood-slab tables that make Hildebrandt’s feel more like a vast family dining room rather than a restaurant. It’s comfortable and comforting. The menu includes classic sandwiches that customers rave about — the Reuben (featuring pastrami or corned beef) is utterly off the chain. Not one of the generously portioned ingredients overwhelms the other, and the lightly toasted, thin rye bread packs enough flavor to hold its own against the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and dressing. It’s a sandwich that makes you happy and it can easily become a habit. As can other favorites, such as the King Louis — a beast packed with four meats and two cheeses of the customer’s choosing. Unless they need help, in which case the staff will offer suggestions or even do the choosing for you. Lunch is served fairly quickly, though a rush can slow things down a little. Customers are encouraged to call their orders in ahead of time, to include outside catering and bulk orders. The kitchen is usually working at a steady rate from 11 a.m. until closing at 3 p.m. The hours are manageable for the family, all of whom are pulling together to help keep the restaurant running smoothly. The collective effort is understandable and the additional hands are crucial, especially since Luanne is in her 70s, Together, the Hildebrandts and Marschalks, including family historian Dr. Fred Marschalk (retired), who provides the phots of times past on the walls of Hildebrandt’s, have rebranded the store to encourage people to see beyond the name, which Rick Marschalk says can confuse folks. People who need or want to know more should definitely find the deli on Facebook and Instagram, or check out their website, which features their fabulous menu and a downloadable sandwich ordering form. Hildebrandt’s has emerged as a multi-century tradition in Augusta, becoming a regular lunch spot for people from all over the CSRA, something the Hildebrandt’s team is keen to foster and grow throughout the community. “We want everyone to feel welcomed at the store,” Marschalk explained, “and we want everyone to have a memorable experience and feel awesome eating one of our sandwiches. Everyone. Literally, we really do mean all welcome.” hildebrandT’s 226 6th Street, downtown Augusta 706-722-7756 dasdeli.us facebook.com/DasDeliAugusta

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28 36

WHAT’S UP

AS YOU WISH THE GREAT THING about Craft & Vine is that you can make the experience there anything you want it to be — the menu of snacks, charcuterie, small plates, pizzas and desserts lends itself just as well to a fine-dining date night out as it does to an early evening of sharing happy hour snacks with friends. The third in Chef Sean Wight’s restaurant empire, Craft & Vine bridges the gap between the upscale Frog Hollow Tavern and the casual Farmhaus Burger. It looks like a fine-dining restaurant, swanky and sophisticated, and has a metal-topped bar that is a cocktail lover’s dream. But it is also relaxed, casual and welcoming. Those who walk in have been known to utter a contented sigh even before being seated. And though the bar almost runs the length of the restaurant itself and boasts a wine preservation system that allows them to offer 40 wines by the glass, as well as bartenders who know their way around craft cocktails, the food is where Craft & Vine really shines.

Calendar Music Listings

Continued on page 27

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.

THIS WEEK

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

This is Executive and Artistic Director Debi Ballas’ last year with the Augusta Players, so you won’t want to miss their season opener, “Oklahoma!,” which she’s also directing. Sing along to the title song, as well as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” (our personal fave), when the musical hits the Imperial Theatre stage Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. $20-$48.

We love to eat out, but sometimes would rather not sit down for a full meal. That’s why we’re so excited about the CSRA Food Truck Fest today from noon-6 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater. A Golden Harvest Food Bank event, we can’t wait to graze on food from the nine different vendors, as well as listen to live music during what is sure to be a fun but laid-back event. $10; free, kids 5 and under.

Swimming 1.2 miles, riding a bike 56 miles and running 13.1 miles — yep, there are actually people who do that for fun and a whole hell of a lot of them will converge on downtown today to punish themselves in what is one of the country’s largest Ironman 70.3 races. Don’t stay away from downtown if you’re not competing, though; from watching the swimmers from the Fifth Street bridge to cheering on runners along the Broad and Greene streets course, there will be some fantastic peoplewatching to be had.

Troy Campbell is one of our favorite local artists, so we’re looking forward to seeing his new exhibit, Soju Sake Moonshine. Part of the Westobou Festival lineup of events, the sculptural, architectural and twodimensional exhibition will be on display at the JB Whites Building September 28-October 2. We’re especially interested to see what Campbell, who often draws inspiration from musical instruments, creates from the baby grand piano he’s using.

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





SUMMARY OF EVENTS BY CATEGORY

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28 THROUGH

SUNDAY

OCTOBER 2

2016

DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA, GA

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS:

ONLINE

WESTOBOUFESTIVAL.COM STOP BY THE

BOX OFFICE 1129 BROAD STREET MON-FRI 9A-5P

MUSIC

ART

AN EVENING WITH PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND AND ESPERANZA SPALDING SEPT. 29 // DOORS 6:30P | SHOW 7:30P BELL AUDITORIUM

UNSEEN PATTERNS: JOWITA WYSZOMIRSKA SEPT. 28- NOV. 18 // 10A - 5P // WESTOBOU GALLERY

ORGAN CONCERT WITH JENS KÖRNDORFER OCT. 1 // 2P ST. MARY ON THE HILL CATHOLIC CHURCH

TROY CAMPBELL: SOJU, SAKE, MOONSHINE SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 // 10A-5P // JB WHITES BUILDING GALLERY

CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESSES: THE SCULPTURAL WORK OF MATT TOOLE SEPT. 29-NOV. 4 // 10A - 4:30P // MARY S. BYRD GALLERY

STUDENT SHOWCASE RECITAL SEPT. 28 // 2P MAXWELL PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY

OCT. 1 // 12-3P // AREA GALLERIES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 HANDS SEPT. 29 // 12P ST. MARY ON THE HILL, PARISH HALL SUMMIT PIANO TRIO SEPT. 30 // 12P ST. JOHN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INTERSECTION PIANO TRIO PRESENTED BY HARRY JACOBS CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OCT. 1 // 7:30P MAXWELL PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY MOZART COMES ALIVE OCT. 2 // 3P CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

LATE NIGHT SERIES

FUN INHALE WESTOBOU: YOGA NIDRA AT THE IMPERIAL SEPT. 28 // 12-1P IMPERIAL THEATRE MISS SHARON JONES! SEPT. 30 // 8P // IMPERIAL THEATRE WENDY WHELAN / BRIAN BROOKS IN SOME OF A THOUSAND WORDS OCT. 2 // 8P IMPERIAL THEATRE

FRESH IS THE WORD SEPT. 28 // 10P SOUL BAR

WESTOBOU CENTRAL

PRETTY SWEET PARTY SEPT. 29 // 10P SOLÉ AUGUSTA

THURSDAY SEPT. 29 // 5-9P

OR OVER THE

DRIVIN’ & CRYIN’ SEPT. 30 // 10P SKY CITY

706.755.2878

THE OUKAST MUSICAL TRIBUTE OCT. 1 // 10P SKY CITY

TELEPHONE

GALLERY HOP

SECRET RECORD NIGHT OCT. 2 // 10P THE BEE’S KNEES

AUGUSTA COMMON

STATE BANK & TRUST LIVE MUSIC STAGE 5-9P ESPERANZA SPALDING AND PHJB PREPARTY :: GRAY MAYFIELD TRIO 5-7P LIVE DJS 7-9P CHILDREN’S FUN FACTORY 5-9P KRAZY KAZOO HOSTED BY WESTOBOU JUNIOR BOARD

WESTOBOU CENTRAL (CONT.)

FRIDAY SEPT. 30 // 5-11P STATE BANK & TRUST LIVE MUSIC STAGE 5-11P YOGA DANCE PARTY 5-6P WAITS & CO. 6-7:30P CHILDREN’S FUN FACTORY 5-9P DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES HOSTED BY PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK STARLIGHT CINEMA :: 80’S VS 90’S 7-11P

SATURDAY OCT. 1 // 12-11P STATE BANK & TRUST LIVE MUSIC STAGE 12-11P MCE 2:30-4:30P ACRO YOGA 5-6P BETHANY AND THE SOUTHSIDE BOYS 6-7:30P CHILDREN’S FUN FACTORY 12-9P POPPIN’ PUPPETS HOSTED BY WESTOBOU JUNIOR BOARD 12-3P SUPER AWESOME DINORIFIC CRAFT TIME HOSTED BY THE BOOK TAVERN 3-9P STARLIGHT CINEMA :: TRIBUTE TO WES ANDERSON 7-11P

SUNDAY OCT. 2 // 1-5P STATE BANK & TRUST LIVE MUSIC STAGE 1-5P FAMILY FESTIVAL BRING THE FAMILY TO THE AUGUSTA PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN’S FAMILY FESTIVAL, FEATURING LIVE, LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT FROM AUGUSTA HOOPERS, CHRISTINE MANGELLY DANCE SCHOOL AND MORE! CHILDREN’S FUN FACTORY 1-5P JNSA DIGITAL IMAGE LAB HOSTED BY JESSYE NORMAN SHOOL OF THE ARTS

FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS AND DETAILS OF ALL EVENTS, VISIT WWW.WESTOBOUFESTIVAL.COM


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The toppings on their deviled farm eggs change every week (a spinach, sundried tomato pesto and parmesan crisp version was a recent favorite), the offerings for their charcuterie and cheese boards make it difficult to limit yourself to just five (although don’t forget to include the chorizo and the Asher Blue), their grilled strip steak and potato pommes aligot won’t make you feel like you ate an entire cow. These, and many more, are all worth ordering. Whatever your likes or dislikes, however, you really should try one of Craft & Vines pizzas. Possessing one of the only wood-fired pizza ovens in the area, Craft & Vines’ pies have a delicately thin crust that is pleasantly flame-charred. They currently have 11 varieties on the menu, but The Titan is where it’s at. With peach puree made from locally grown fruit standing in for the normal tomato sauce, it is topped with speck, basil and buffalo mozzarella. Salty, creamy and only slightly sweet, it’s difficult to resist eating the entire pie. You should save room for dessert, though, especially if the blood orange pot de crème with hibiscus sauce is on the menu. One of Craft & Vines lovely desserts, served with their French Press coffee service, is the perfect end to the meal. So no matter what you’re in the mood for, Craft & Vine is where you will get exactly what you want. Craft & Vine 1204B Broad Street, downtown Augusta 5 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Friday-Saturday 706-496-8442 craftandvine.com

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Prescilla Gary. This month’s topic is Dress for Your Success. Pre-registration required. Call 706-922-1862 or email info@mapbt.com.

Thu Sept 29

10am - noon Computer Help Lab Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

Come Celebrate the Vote 2016 Henry Brigham Center Tuesday, September 27 6:30 p.m. A voter rally, symposium and dinner sponsored by Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition, the NAACP, Black Against Black Crimes and the League of Women’s Voters that will include guest speakers, presenters and activities. 706-832-4995 cgjohnson@augustavote.com

ARTS

EDUCATION

Fri Sept 23

Thu Sept 22

Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.

Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

6:30pm - 9pm Acrylic Painting

Mon Sept 26

1pm - 3pm Oil Painting Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop, Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for those of all ages and experience levels. $20 per class. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.

Wed Sept 28

7pm Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Le Chat Noir $10, advance; $12 at the door. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Thu Sept 29

10am - 12:30pm Oil Painting Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop, Harlem A two-session Harlem Arts Council class. $55. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

10am - noon Computer Help Lab

to get Dr. Jill Stein on the presidential ballot in Georgia. Call 706-364-7861.

Mon Sept 26

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish

Snelling Center Call 706-447-5195 or visit goodwillworks.org.

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

4pm - 6pm Open House

Tue Sept 27

1pm - 4pm Goodwill Job Fair

Helms College The School of Health Services will hold an open house following Goodwill’s Job Fair that will include tours of the campus, as well as information about certificate programs for multi-skilled medical assistant, patient care technician and medical administrative assistant. Classes start October 10. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helms.edu.

Sun Sept 25

3pm Georgia Green Party Visit Headquarters Branch Library Participants in this free event will hear from state party leaders, including state party CoChair and Jill Stein 2016 Campaign Coordinator Carrie Williams. Topics of discussion will include Georgia Green politics, Opportunity School District legislation and the write-in campaign

10am - noon Foster Parent Orientation

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.

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.

Necco Augusta A free weekly session. Pre-registration suggested. Call 706-210-3435 or visit necco.org.

ELSEWHERE

6:30pm Come Celebrate the Vote 2016

“Toulouse-Lautrec Works on Paper Featuring the Robbie Barnett and Kathy Olson Collection”

Henry Brigham Center A voter rally, symposium and dinner sponsored by Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition, the NAACP, Black Against Black Crimes and the League of Women’s Voters that will include guest speakers and activities. Call 706-832-4995 or email cgjohnson@augustavote.com.

Wed Sept 28

Ongoing

Columbia Museum of Art An exhibition of eight works on paper from 19th-century artist Henri de ToulouseLautrec, as well as lithographs from lender Dr. Anna Griswold and the CMA collection. On display through December 4. Call 803799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

5pm Success Starts With You Workshop Series

EXHIBITIONS

Medical Associates Plus A series for young and mature adults led by

Unseen Patterns: Jowita Wyszomirska

Ongoing

Westobou Gallery 22SEPTEMBER2016


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A large-scale, site-specific installation stretching throughout the Westobou Gallery that reflects the effects of climate change and is based on aerial maps of the Savannah River and satellite imagery of weather patterns of the Chesapeake Bay. It will be on display September 28-November 18. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Troy Campbell: Soju Sake Moonshine JB Whites Building A Westobou Festival thematic exhibition by Augusta artist Troy Campbell. It will be on display September 28-October 2. Call 706755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Sum Exhibition Jessye Norman School of the Arts An exhibition of works by local artists Baruti Tucker, Jay Jacobs, Jason Lutz, Jacki Mayo Van Dyke and Joey Hart in which each added elements to six large, 40’ x 40” paintings. Each painting begins and ends with a different artist. The exhibit is part of the Westobou Festival Gallery Hop Saturday, October 1, from noon-3 p.m., and is followed by an opening reception from 3-5 p.m. with curators and artists in attendance. The exhibit will be on display throughout October and gallery hours are noon-3 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the month. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

Civil Rights and the Arts Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History An exhibit that features paintings, books, film, music, photos, historic document and more, both of the civil rights era and those that were affected by it. The exhibit shows through the end of September. Call 706-7243576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

FLIX Thu Sept 22

7pm “Love and Friendship” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Sun Sept 25

2pm Star Wars Reads Day Movie Series

or visit universityhealth.org.

Fri Sept 23

2pm - 4pm Falls Prevention & Awareness Day Walton Option, North Augusta A drop-in afternoon of information on staying safe, including topics on mental health and well-being, physical fitness benefits, brain injury education, healthy eating habits, music and rhythm, peer support and more. Free. Call 803-479-9611.

Mon Sept 26 6:30pm Refit

Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Sept 27

8:30am - noon Healthcare Access in the Greater Augusta Area Headquarters Branch Library A Greater Augusta Healthcare Network forum that will feature speakers, exhibits and refreshments. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-3771 or email kevelez@augusta.edu.

Wed Sept 28

9:45am - noon Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.

6:30pm - 9pm Childbirth Education AU Medical Center A four-week class meeting Wednesdays through October 19. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augusta.edu.

Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.

Augusta Museum of History Coinciding with the museum’s new exhibit, Augusta 1875-1900, this murder-mystery game in an escape room will be available for up to 8 people per session. For ages 18 and up, or 12 and up with parental supervision. $15, members; $20, non-members; $25, at the door. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Sat Sept 24

11am, 1pm and 3pm Museum Escape

7pm - 8:30pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 22SEPTEMBER2016

Mon Sept 26

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

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

HEALTH Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

7pm Scrabble Night

Wed Sept 28

6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class

HOBBIES

7pm - 9pm Happiest Baby on the Block

5006 or email info@mapbt.com.

Thu Sept 29

Headquarters Branch Library Featuring “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.” Call 706-821-2604 or visit arcpls.org.

Thu Sept 22

Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Participants will learn how to start a family history project, as well as discuss resources and strategies. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Sept 27

10am Genealogy 101

Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters

KIDS-TEENS Sat Sept 24

9am - noon Kids Fishing Rodeo Mistletoe State Park For those ages 15 and under, this event will also include raffle prizes and lunch afterward. No fishing license required. $5. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

10am - 2pm Children’s Carnival Medical Associates Plus An event featuring food, music, raffle prizes, therapy dogs, a magic show, 7D Cinema and more for all ages of children. Call 877-205-

11am The Cookie Fiasco and We Are Growing! Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

10:30am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library A class for children ages 0-4 in which participants will learn how to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Sept 27

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. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-5. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm - 9pm On Being a Girl Trinity Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 29


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Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.

2:30pm Guitar Lessons Tippy Cakes Bakery and Gift Shop A Harlem Arts Council class for those with beginner to intermediate guitar experience. $30. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.

3pm The 53rd Annual Show of the Garden City Chorus Grace UMC’s Wesley Center, North Augusta Featuring Hooked on a Feeling: A ‘60s Musical Tribute, Master of Ceremonies Bill Karp, Harmony River Chorus, local quartets and the chorus’ guest quartet. $15, advance; $18, day of. Visit gardencitychorus.org.

Success Starts With You Workshop Series Medical Associates Plus Wednesday, September 28 5 p.m. A series for young and mature adults led by Prescilla Gary. This month’s topic is Dress for Your Success. Pre-registration required. 706-922-1862 info@mapbt.com mothers, female friends or relatives, focused on the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-4817604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

Wed Sept 28

10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library For those ages 3-5. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

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

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

10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3 and older. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Super Awesome Story Time 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

6pm Straight A Jazz Concert AU’s D. Douglas Barnard Amphitheatre A concert featuring Grammy nominee Russell Gun and The Gray Mayfield Trio, along with the Reggie Sullivan Trio and the AU Jazz Ensemble. $10, general; $5, AU faculty, staff and active military; free, students. Visit augusta.universitytickets.com.

7:30pm Soiree: Jazz + Wine

The Book Tavern A special story time in honor of the Westobou Festival featuring jazz painter Ann deLorge, who will host a New Orleans inspired reading and craft time. Cookies and juice provided. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.

Headquarters Branch Library Held in the lobby, this sale will include novels and biographies, as well as books on history, crafts, hobbies and more. The Friends Book Shop will be open as well and, from 2-3 p. m., books will be $5 per bag full. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Thu Sept 29

Augusta University Middle school students who are interested in assuming the perspective of a diplomat from a United Nations Member State and representing their position can register for the day-long simulation at Augusta University. Early registration ends October 15; January 16 is registration deadline; February 15 is the late registration deadline. Email Dr. Craig Albert at calbert@augusta.edu or visit augusta.edu/ pamplin/pols/juniormodelun.php.

Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions” by Edwin A. Abbott. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

Junior Model UN Registration

LITERARY Thu Sept 22

7pm - 9pm Graphic Novel Discussion The Book Tavern The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month and discusses a book picked at the previous meeting. Call 706-826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com.

Sat Sept 24

10am - 3pm Book Sale

10am - noon Morning Book Club

MUSIC Fri Sept 23

6:30pm - 8pm Moonlight Music Cruise Savannah Rapids Park Featuring Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia, this event features live music aboard a 1 1/2-hour Petersburg boat tour. Participants are invited to bring aboard snacks and beverages. $25; pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

7:30pm Loren and Mark Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center An Augusta Amusements event. $35. Call 706726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

Sat Sept 24

11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing

Jessye Norman School of the Arts Featuring classic live jazz and wines selected by the host. $7. Call 762-233-5299 or visit jazzsoiree.com.

Sun Sept 25

3pm Four Local Stars St. John’s United Methodist Church Presented by Saint John Church and Concerts with a Cause and featuring local organists Jim Nord, Alvin Blount, Keith Shafer and Brad Cunningham. Free, but an offering will be taken for the Hale Foundation. Visit stjohnaugusta.org.

Mon Sept 26

7:30pm Wind Ensemble Performance Etherredge Center, Aiken Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

Tue Sept 27

Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Features a free concert at noon by the Con Brio String Quartet. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

Wed Sept 28

2pm - 4pm Student Showcase Recital AU’s Maxwell Theatre Part of the Westobou Festival’s Chamber Music Series. Free. Visit westoboufestival.com. 22SEPTEMBER2016


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Thu Sept 29

Noon 1,2,3,4,5,6 Hands St. Mary on the Hill Part of the Westobou Festival’s Chamber Music Series. Free. Visit westoboufestival.com.

7:30pm An Evening with Esperanza Spalding Bell Auditorium Appearing as part of the Westobou Festival lineup of events, this event also features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. $35-$1,000. Visit westoboufestival.com.

SENIORS Tue Sept 27

10:30am Senior Technology: Email Skills Appleby Branch Library A beginner class. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Fri Sept 23

9am - 7pm Pass It On Kidsignment Sale Aiken First Baptist’s Family Life Center Call 803-648-5476 or visit passitonaiken2.com.

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

6pm - 10pm Festival of the Woods Hitchcock Woods, Aiken A celebration of Hitchcock Woods that includes dinner, wine bar, live music, raffles, displays and guest speaker Walter Edgar. $55. Call 803-642-0528 or visit hitchcockwoods.org.

7pm Argentina, the Wines of Susana Balbo Tasting Seminar Wine World A tasting of 10 wines, with a break for heavy hors d’oeuvres. Participants will be offered special prices on featured wines. $25; preregistration required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

7:15pm - 10pm Silent Movie Night Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring the 1928 movie “The Man Who Laughs” with musical accompaniment by organist Ron Carter. A program of songs from the silent era featuring

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soprano Melanie Wade Larsen with Ron Carter will begin at 7:15 p.m. $20, general admission; $60, lounging La-Z-Boy and concessions. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.

Sat Sept 24

Museum Day Live Morris Museum of Art An annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which museums offer free admission. To download a ticket, visit smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.

8am - noon Pass It On Kidsignment Sale Aiken First Baptist’s Family Life Center Call 803-648-5476 or visit passitonaiken2. com.

10am - 4pm Last Saturday in the Park North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.

Noon - 6pm CSRA Food Truck Fest Columbia County Amphitheater A Golden Harvest Food Bank event whose mission is to “drive away hunger.” $10; free, kids 5 and under. Visit eventbrite.com or csrafoodtruckfest.com.

6pm - 10:30pm Oktoberfest Newberry Street Festival Center, Aiken German food, beer, wine and music. Call 803-649-2221 or visit downtownaiken.com.

7pm “Dark Shadows”

Silent Movie Night Sacred Heart Cultural Center Friday, September 23 7:15 p.m. Featuring the 1928 movie “The Man Who Laughs” with musical accompaniment by organist Ron Carter. A program of songs from the silent era featuring soprano Melanie Wade Larsen with Ron Carter will begin at 7:15 p.m. $20, general admission; $60, lounging La-Z-Boy and concessions. 706-826-4700 sacredheartaugusta.org

32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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 “To the Moon and Beyond 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.

Tue Sept 27

4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Truck Farmers Market AL Williams Park This weekly event, held through the end of October in the park across from the Kroc Center, features all local farmers and doubles EBT. Visit growharrisburg.org.

Wed Sept 28

8pm - 9pm Unelectable You: The Second City’s Completely Unbiased Political Revue Imperial Theatre Part of the Westobou Festival’s lineup of events, this live political comedy show is rated R. $35-$45. Visit westoboufestival.com.

Thu Sept 29

11am Thursday Game Mania Diamond Lakes Branch Library An event that includes classic games like Bingo, Checkers, Chess and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Noon Inhale Westobou: Yoga Nidra Imperial Theatre Part of the Westobou Festival’s lineup of events that will be held on the theatre’s stage and led by Space Yoga Studio. $20. Visit westoboufestival.com.

6pm Dinner at Dusk Whitney Polo Pavilion, Aiken A farm-to-table dining experience with local, seasonal foods prepared by chef instructors and culinary students at Goodwill’s Helms College. Proceeds from this event, which will also feature live music, silent auctions and more, will support education and training programs of Goodwill and Helms College in Aiken. $100. Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org/dinneratdusk.

6:30pm Bounty, Bottles and Barrels River Island Clubhouse A fundraiser for the Augusta Training Shop that includes small batch tastings for bourbon and more, along with food and live music. $100. Call 706-738-1358 or visit augustatrainingshop.com.

7pm South Africa Seminar Tasting Wine World, North Augusta Led by Ntsiki, Biyela, South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009, this event will feature nine wines. $20, pre-paid reservation; $25, door (if space available). Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

Ongoing

Westobou Festival Various Locations An arts festival with events going on Wednesday, September 28-Sunday, October 2, at venues throughout Augusta. There will also be art exhibitions at the Westobou Festival office on Broad Street, and Westobou Central at the Augusta Common will also be open throughout the festival. For complete listings and ticket prices, visit westoboufestival.com. 22SEPTEMBER2016


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The Maize at Steed’s Dairy Steed’s Dairy, Grovetown A real working dairy farm that has activities that include a corn maize, a petting zoo, a jumping pillow and giant tube slide, rubber duckie races, a preschool play area, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, cow milking demonstrations and more. Open September 24-November 13 on Fridays from 5-10 p. m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays from 1-7 p.m. The Haunted Maize is available Fridays and Saturdays in October from dark-10 p.m. $11; $8, seniors, military and groups; $5 for Haunted Maize; free, ages 2 and under. Visit steedsdairy.com.

SPIRITUAL Fri Sept 23

7pm Prayer & Praise Rally for America Bell Auditorium Free. Call 706-737-4530 or visit prayerandpraiserally.org.

7pm The Dixie Echoes Gospel Concert Bethesda Baptist Church, Harlem Free, but an offering will be taken. Childcare provided. Call 706-556-6818.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri Sept 23

6pm Run for the Roses 5K at Oktoberfest Newberry Street, Aiken Visit active.com.

Sat Sept 24

7am Quacks & Stacks 5K, 10K and Duck Dash Savannah Rapids Pavilion A race and pancake breakfast hosted by Warren Baptist to benefit orphaned and vulnerable children in Swaziland, Africa. Visit warrenbaptist.org.

8am Beat Feet for ALS Augusta Riverwalk A benefit for the Augusta University ALS Clinic that includes a 3-mile walk, music, snacks and family activities. Registration is at 8 a.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 9: 30 a.m. Visit walk.alsgru.com.

8am - 12:30pm National Public Lands Day Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Volunteers needed to help clear invasive plant species within the park. Open to individuals as well groups and organizations, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Call 706-396-1426, email info@phinizycenter.org or fill out the registration form at phinizycenter.org.

8am Tutus for Cancer Awareness 5K Fort Gordon’s Barton Field Part of the Fort Gordon Run Series to 22SEPTEMBER2016

support breast cancer awareness. There will also be displays and giveaways. $10, adults; $5, youth ages 13-17. Visit fortgordonrunseries.com.

Sun Sept 25

Ironman 70.3 Augusta Downtown Augusta The swim start is at Augusta Riverwalk Marina and the finish line is at the Augusta Common. The 5th Street Bridge will be open for swim spectators. Visit ironman.com.

10am - 11:30am Yoga in the Park Pendleton King Park Pavilion Taught by staff from The Yoga Center, these classes are appropriate for those of all skill levels. Participants should bring their own mats and water. Free, but donations to the Pendleton King Park Foundation will be accepted. Visit theyogacenter.net.

3pm Trail Talk: Not Quite as Easy as 1-2-3 Davidson Fine Arts 12th Street parking lot This discussion of how the three levels of the canal move through the city and back to the river will be led by Peter Hughes, engineer and Augusta Canal Authority member. Free. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 2, or visit augustacanal.com.

4pm Augusta Out of Darkness Walk Lake Olmstead Trailhead A fundraising walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Call 816646-9833 or email warren.marie.e@gmail.com.

Ongoing

Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next round of introductory classes will begin on Monday, September 26, with those ages 6-9 meeting at 6 p.m., those 10-13 meeting at 5 p.m. and those 14 and older meeting at 7 p.m. The 10-week class is $180, with all competitive equipment provided. Call 706-722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.

SUPPORT Mon Sept 26

6pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.

Tue Sept 27

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 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Unelectable You: The Second City’s Completely Unbiased Political Revue Imperial Theatre Wednesday, September 28 8 p.m. Part of the Westobou Festival’s lineup of events, this live political comedy show is rated R. $35-$45. westoboufestival.com moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.

6pm - 9pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room Dr. Jeremy Hertza, a neuro-psychologist, will discuss the cognitive aspects of Parkinsons and how to deal with issues like dementia, depression and short-term memory deficits. A Q&A will follow. Free and open to the public. Call 706-364-1662.

Wed Sept 28

6pm Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A group for teens and up that follows the methods of Recovery International. Call 630-605-6913 or visit recoveryinternational.org.

THEATER Thu Sept 22 7pm “Sylvia”

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; $35, active-duty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

7:30pm The Wonder Bread Years AECOM Theater, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Performing Arts Group. $40. Visit apagonline.org.

8pm “Hand to God” Le Chat Noir A Le Chat Noir production. $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Fri Sept 23 7pm “Sylvia”

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; $35, active-duty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

7:30pm The Wonder Bread Years AECOM Theater, Aiken A presentation of the Aiken Performing Arts Group. $40. Visit apagonline.org.

8pm “Hand to God” Le Chat Noir A Le Chat Noir production. $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.


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8pm “Oklahoma!” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

Sat Sept 24 7pm “Sylvia”

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; $35, active-duty E6 and below, students; $28, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.

8pm “Hand to God” Le Chat Noir A Le Chat Noir production. $25. Call 706722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

8pm “Oklahoma!” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

Sun Sept 25

3pm “Oklahoma!” Imperial Theatre Tickets for this Augusta Players production

are $20-$48. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.com.

Mon Sept 26

8pm Tales from the Box Le Chat Noir Comedy and improv by Schodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Thu Sept 29

7:30pm Experimental Relief Etherredge Center A series of plays written, directed, acted and produced by University Theatre Players students. Free; patrons are asked to bring an item to donate to a local nonprofit organization. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

VOLUNTEER Sat Sept 24

9am Garden and Trail Cleanup Mistletoe State Park Volunteers will choose whether they want to pick up litter on the Rock Dam or pull weeds in the garden behind the office. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.


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Monday, September 26 Live Music

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

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia

Tuesday, September 27 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Soul Bar - Lost Dogs The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

T.I., Mario & Red Café Bell Auditorium Saturday, September 24 8 p.m. $59-$99 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com Thursday, September 22 Live Music

Bird Dog Grille - Ippie Music Fox’s Lair - Authentic Blues w/ Billy McKnight Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio The Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Wild Wing - Matt Acosta The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

Andrew’s - Karaoke w/ April Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia Knight’s Lounge - Karaoke w/ Cheryl Bryant The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun

Friday, September 23 Live Music

Back Yard Tavern - NEOAB Bar West - Live Music Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Laughlin Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Eli’s American - Friday Night Live w/ Kyle Smith Fox’s Lair - Split Rail Fence Red Pepper (Aiken) - Sherry Iles and Lo Down Brown Savannah Rapids Park - Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Somewhere in Augusta - Mr. Jukebox

36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) Jazz w/ Jimmy Easton Stillwater Taproom - No Sir Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - The Bonnie Situation The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Matt Acosta The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Wednesday, September 28 Live Music

Fox’s Lair - Beats Downunder Open Mic Hosted by Happy Bones The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Matt Brantley

Soul Bar - (r) Evolution Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke

Saturday, September 24 Live Music

Andrew’s - False Flag, Death Is a Dialogue Backyard Tavern - Mike Durand Cancer Fund Poker Run & Benefit Show Bell Auditorium - TI, Mario, Red Cafe Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Holman Autry Band Coyotes - Joe Olds Band Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Fox’s Lair - Riley Williams Shannon’s - Southern Meltdown Sky City - Chuckfest w/ Hound of Goshen, 420 Outback, Alphatier Stillwater Taproom - Will McCranie Trio Wild Wing - DB Bryant Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

Will McCranie Trio Stillwater Taproom Saturday, September 24 10 p.m. $5 facebook.com/stillwatertaproomaugusta

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke

Sunday, September 25 Live Music

Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz 22SEPTEMBER2016


V27|NO38

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Knight’s Lounge - Game Night The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Travis Howze and Ben Jones Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey

Upcoming Esperanza Spalding, Preservation Hall Jazz Band

- Bell Auditorium September 29 Drivin’ N Cryin’

- Sky City September 30 Mark & Ken

- The Backyard Tavern September 30 I Love the ‘90s Tour w/ Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Kid N Play, Rob Base, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd

- Bell Auditorium October 6 Yonder Mountain String Band, Fruition

- Sky City October 6 Blues Traveler, the Marcus King Band, Cranford Hollow

- Evans Towne Center Park October 14 Mountain Faith

- Imperial Theatre October 14

Jucifer

- Sky City October 25 ZZ Top

- Bell Auditorium October 26 Moon Taxi, Big Something

- Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, North Augusta October 28 Gin Blossoms, Tonic

- Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, North Augusta October 29 Big & Rich w/ Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister

- Evans Towne Center Park November 4

Elsewhere Squirrel Nut Zippers

- City Winery, Atlanta September 22 Amos Lee

- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta September 23 Gov’t Mule

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta September 23 Lauryn Hill

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

- Chastain Park, Atlanta September 24 Jason Isbell

- Fox Theatre, Atlanta September 24 Built to Spill

- Georgia Theatre, Athens September 24

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Violent Femmes

- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta September 25 Cake

- Class Center Theatre, Athens September 25 Beyonce

- Georgia Dome, Atlanta September 26

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706-434-0112


V27|NO38

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Trishin Varriale, Gracie Jones, Mallory Garrison and Joe Wahman at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Brigitte Bennett, Jessie Galloway, Lisa Catudal and Abby Holley at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Carleigh Whitaker, Emily Azar, Haley O’Grady and Kelly Welch at Craft & Vine.

Tiffany Barksdale, Paige Price and Jessica Price at Farmhaus Burgers.

Valerie Johnson, Shannon Bryant and Markia Bryant at Arts in the Heart.

Kayla Watford, Merilyn Palmer and Asha Simpson at Mellow Mushroom downtown.

Marsha Shlaer, Tricia Cranford and Margaret Dunstain at Arts in the Heart.

John Cart and Mary Capers with Kim and Mark Capers at Arts in the Heart.

Barb Rose with Allen and Kristin Hannon at Arts in the Heart.

38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

15SEPTEMBER2016



SACK TIME By Ned White and George Barany/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Figaro, e.g. 7 Foal : horse :: calf : ____ 10 ____ Trueheart (Dick Tracy’s wife) 14 Ahab’s post 18 Reply to “Look at that!” 19 Jungle menace 20 Things insomniacs count 21 Lollapalooza 22 Magazine’s lead 24 Rock Hudson/Doris Day romantic comedy 26 Habituate 27 Roosevelt of note 29 Fear of a claustrophobe, for short 30 Month before juin 31 Hatchery sound 32 There are no ifs, ands or buts about it 35 Craft the U.S. government has never recognized 37 Memo segue 38 Tryster with Tristan 39 Study of caves 46 One making a pitch? 48 In a slapdash way 49 Pajama party 53 Stone, to Caesar 57 French Dadaist 58 Toss in 60 Buttonless garment 61 Cried over spilled milk, maybe 64 Snore loudly 65 Reddish-brown 67 One in front of a train 68 Prince Valiant’s love 69 Cocktail sauce ingredient 70 What a child may think is under the [puzzle’s central image] 77 Positive response to “Parlez-vous anglais?” 79 Slushy drink brand 80 Most jump shots 83 Charisse of “Brigadoon” 84 Gumbo ingredients 86 What a parent may think is under the [puzzle’s central image] 87 Lout 89 “What services ____ thou do?”: King Lear 91 London home to many John Constable paintings 93 “____ on Cards,” classic 1949 book

96 Like O’s in most typefaces 100 Letters between two names 101 Rained cats and dogs 107 “Huh?” 111 Kwik-E-Mart clerk 112 Like Verdi’s “Caro nome” 113 Poll worker’s request 114 Command to a dog 115 Item on a telephone stand 118 Line at the end of a day’s diary 120 Choice: Abbr. 121 Speedily 122 Twist-____ 123 Rang 124 “That ____ wrong” 125 “Auld Lang ____” 126 The other woman 127 Super-handsome

44 “____ grip!” 45 “That hurts!” 47 New England state sch. 50 1970s-’80s TV’s “The ____ Club” 51 “I see what you’re doing!” 52 Kick back, with “out” 54 Hodgepodge 55 “Roger that” 56 Command to a dog 58 More than capable 59 Doctors’ orders 62 Know-it-all 63 Start to -tainment 66 Relative of -let 69 Corporate tech head, for short 70 Alternative to boeuf or poulet 71 Word with black or photo 72 Sarcasm clarification 73 Bro or sis DOWN 74 Fastener designed to leave a flush 1 Big feature of Popeye, informally surface 2 United 75 Geographical eponym of an 3 Variety show insurance company 4 Tavern tap handle 76 The check that’s in the mail, maybe 5 Galway Bay locale, to locals 78 Former Laker Lamar 6 QB guarders 81 O.E.D. contents: Abbr. 7 Menace in 2014 news 82 Companion to whiskey in “American 8 Record six-time David di Donatello Pie” Award winner for Best Actress 85 New Mexico’s ____ National 9 Popular airfare finder Laboratories 10 Yen 87 Chortle 11 Fish that can swim forward and 88 All things considered backward 90 Motel-sign filler 12 2014 Oscar-nominated film set in 92 “No ____!” (“I give!”) Alabama 93 Shrimp ____ 13 ____ Life, “Porgy and Bess” character 94 Shenanigans 14 All the rage 95 Tickles 15 Paint choice 97 Lively, on a score 16 Cadillac founder Henry 98 Battery part 17 Title character in a “Sgt. Pepper” 99 D-Day vessel: Abbr. song 102 Teary-eyed 20 TV ads 103 ____ bar (popular candy) 23 Office no. 104 Muppet with a “rubber duckie” 25 Late author and Peace Nobelist 105 Source of some quilt stuffing 28 PBS supporter, for short 106 Pride of Lions, for short? 32 Relative of a raspberry 108 “____ español?” 33 Tribal figures 109 Prince ____, Eddie Murphy’s role in 34 Sloughs “Coming to America” 36 Elflike 110 Roosevelt of note 39 Dis 114 Part of a rating 40 Trim 116 Destination for some BART riders, 41 The world’s largest is China for short 42 Acid 117 Put down in writing? 43 Ma and pa, with “the” 119 Cause of a tic, for short

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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS E L A L I V B&O R A W A S S S T K G E R E O L

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N S L E A L O I L R O N T S E Y E P R O S A N U S A L I T O N M I S S O V E R E L O S E N U T M&M N R A G U E A S A&M P E L E I N A N O T E D

A N A T H O T S M A T S A S H A D E

P E D I L A O P P E T L P M I A N W S A S&P

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N O T T O W N O E R&R E Y D A G L O I L F I T A T S H A S B L E

F O O T M E N O N E S V I I H A&W

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I R M S W M O O M A P I T A S O O B L A R&B A L B S E I S A I I K E Q&A S E S S I T E S E N A E H I V R T U N A A I M E D B A J A E E H U N D R L A R O S T A N I C S A G E O T H A L R O O T B E E R O S E N O S O L A

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V27|NO38

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS “Sully” flies high again. The other new releases? Not so much. RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

SULLY

$21,653,017

$70,194,368

2

1

2

BLAIR WITCH

$9,576,057

$9,576,057

1

-

3

BRIDGET JONES’S BABY

$8,571,785

$8,571,785

1

-

4

SNOWDEN

$8,000,058

$8,000,058

1

-

5

DON’T BREATHE

$5,640,232

$75,369,013

4

3

In Theaters September 23

WESTERN FAMILY “The Magnificent Seven, rated PG-13, starring Denzel Washington, Chris “Storks,” rated PG, starring Andy Samberg, Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio. Director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) again teams up with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. This is a much different kind of law and order movie, however, with the players trading the streets of modern-day LA for the old west. Denzel and Chris Pratt as mercenary cowboys? Count us in!

42 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Aniston, Ty Burrell, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Danny Trejo. In whatever world this is set in, storks no longer deliver babies. Nope, now it’s just packages for an internet company, until one of the top delivery storks screws up and ends up with a baby without a home. Whatever will he do? And how many thinly veiled sex jokes do you think this animated kids movie will contain?

15SEPTEMBER2016



V27|NO38

Mr. Trump: Follow My Advice and Win Big IF DonAlD TruMp wants to get the attention of conservatives and middle of the road voters all over the country, here are 10 solid issues that he should guarantee action on in his first 30 days in office. Assuming he has the current Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, he should ask the leadership to suspend “super majority” rules (in the Senate of course) and allow these mandates to pass without delay. There is not a losing proposition in this group, unless you are a liberal. 1. ConCeAleD CArry In All 50 STATeS Conservatives believe all Americans have a right to own a gun. Most conservatives believe that qualified individuals who desire to carry a personal firearm with them should be allowed to do so on every city street in America. I can tell you I certainly do. That we have four members of current Supreme Court who believe local municipal governments have the right to virtually eliminate that right completely is appalling. Let’s settle this once and for all! Under this new law, states could keep their individual regulations in place if they want; however, a new federal carry permit would be made available to those who qualify, and that qualification can be as rigorous as common sense allows. The federal concealed carry permit is good all over the country, and carrying it trumps state and local restrictions. Those who choose not to take the federal tests, and undergo the heightened scrutiny that would come with the permit, and adhere to their own existing state regulations. 2. rAMp up The FeDerAl DeATh penAlTy For TerrorISTS AnD Cop KIllerS As we have seen in recent days, domestic terrorism is sadly alive and well in America. On the rare occasion where these homegrown killers survive their rampages, they need to face the federal death penalty, and that is regardless of whether or not their attacks successfully killed innocent people. The idiot who set the Chelsea bombs last week is a great example. Clearly he wanted to kill people, but because of his own ineptitude, and pure dumb luck, no civilians were killed. Not only did he screw that up, but he was a bad enough marksman that he only injured, and did not kill, the police officers who arrived to take him into custody. That man, and others like him, do not need to be spared the death penalty because they suck as assassins. While we are tinkering with the death penalty at the national level, we should also make the premeditated homicide of any law enforcement officer as an attack against our nation as a whole, and summarily execute all convicted of such attacks. Have high level federal judges hear the cases, with well paid public defenders furnished to those who need them, so that when a conviction occurs, we can get on with the executions in a timely manner. Local prosecutions are far too uneven in quality and form, and virtually all the cases are subject to federal review at some point, so with this, we eliminate the middle man.

7. TAx SIMplIFICATIon, pronTo Begin the process to dismantle the IRS, with a hard and fast timetable. Consumption tax, flat tax, anything is better than what we have now. And Trump ought to know it. 8. heAlThCAre SAnITy We don’t have it now, and we need it. Repeal what doesn’t work in Obamacare, and keep what does. Above everything else, know what we are voting on and considering before it becomes the law of the land. That was not done before, and see what we got as a result. 9. fdA reform, Both AdministrAtive And legAl The red tape and bureaucracy associated with getting prescription medication on the American market is hideous. Allow a blue ribbon committee made up of physicians and scientists to explain what needs to stay and what needs to go in the overly complicated process. Remove financial incentives for lawsuits against drug companies for anything other than intentional criminal fraud or premeditated misbehavior. In other words, clean up the morass that has become the “medical-legal” circus. 10. nATIonAl ADopTIon STAnDArDS AnD TAx BreAKS If you want to provide a good home to any number of unwanted children all over the nation and world, do away with the 50 sets of rules that are different in every state when it comes to adopting children. Grant tax credits for all expenses related to the adoption; the legal and medical costs associated with adoption often make it an option only for the very wealthy. In today’s world, there is no reason for the process to be cost prohibitive for good people who want to open their home to a parentless child.

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.

3. MAnDATory BIoMeTrIC ID For All CITIzenS, perIoD We should have done this years ago. Mandate that every American citizen be issued free of charge a biometric national ID that would be mandated for all governmental business, and yes, that would include all banking transactions. Use that ID for voting, school registration, etc. etc. etc. Ask any cop how many problems this would solve. It won’t be a small number. 4. A PAth to CitizenshiP for All Well-BehAved illegAls Trump will still get to build his wall, but as a compromise, all non-criminal illegal aliens (I know, that is a contradiction, bear with me) must register with the government and begin their 15 year path to citizenship. If they commit no serious crimes in 15 years, only then will they be granted full citizenship, and only then, will they be given the right to vote. The wall still needs to go up, and any new illegals have to be dealt with harshly. Also wrapped up in this proposal is the repeal of the “anchor baby” provision of the U.S Constitution. A quaint throwback to the frontier days, in modern times it is a hideous anachronism that illegals who conspire to cross a forbidden border to have a child should be rewarded with citizenship for that infant. This also should have been done years ago. 5. SuperFunD CrIMe lABS nATIonWIDe You know this is my mission in life! Every single crime lab in the United States should directly receive federal funding to operate efficiently and in a timely manner for all. For uniformity’s sake, base all operations out of each state’s medical college complex. This is one of the few problems in America that can be fixed immediately with money, and money we got, so just do it! 6. deCriminAlize mArijuAnA At the nAtionAl level Just like gambling and prostitution, the Feds should allow the states to handle the legalization of marijuana as they see fit. Period. 44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

15SEPTEMBER2016




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SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 ENTERTAINMENT THE U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS BAND FRIDAY & SATURDAY GERMAN FRIENDSHIP DANCERS FRIDAY & SATURDAY ATLANTA SÄNGERKREIS SATURDAY COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY

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