EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN
cool pass
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM
Co ol Pa ssTi c k ets.com
Table of Contents
EDIT
March 10, 2016
Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Whine Line Ruffin It Augusta Tek Kris Fisher Jenny is Wright
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
CREATIVE
Insider 14 Perfectly Hoppy 16
Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
SALES Gayle Bryan
Senior Account Executive
gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846
Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
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DEAD IN THE WATER?
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Bonnie Sloane Account Executive
bonnie@themetrospirit.com 770-401-9357
BUSINESS Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
THIS WEEK
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
As I watched hundreds of people file through, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of, “Now, this is why I love radio!” Not because of the gifts, but because of the connection that these people have developed with these four strangers.
How many people realize that there are major elections coming up in Richmond and Columbia counties this May? Whether you believe it or not, these local elections will have a far greater impact on your life than the presidential election.
Just last month, Riverwatch Brewery finally received all the state and federal licensing it needed to officially begin its brewing beer in Augusta. But Savannah River Brewing Co. isn’t far behind.
There are a lot of reasons to head downtown for the Shamrawked Pub Crawl; the first 400 people get a free T-shirt. With or without the swag, however, everyone involved will have a good time… maybe too good a time.
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OPINION
The Whine Line
Bring Back Franco-American Mac and Cheese in the can. This Chef Boyardee stuff cannot compare. How does the Augusta Commission get away with giving my tax money to non-governmental entities - like the usual list of non profits they like to support in return for votes? If the practice isn’t illegal -- it should be. Commissioners should required to use the tax money they force us to pay ONLY for a governmental purpose.
That water park idea is a huge cover-up for something else. Not sure what that something else is, but the water park has to be some kind of an illusion to “muddy the waters” to hide what is really going on. Think about it, do you really think a water park in this area is going to be a good business venture?
when do we vote for county commissioners? we need to get these clowns back to their old jobs at Barnum and Bailey!! Love the Metro Spirit and especially your article on ‘Remembering the forgotten Ones. I live in a retirering building where the air conditioning ing goes all day long in our dining rooms and halls and nothing is done about it--Check on your seniors and the conditions they live in. I see old folks alone all day long ..Shame Richmond County Board of Education now buying full page ads to advertise single bids in the UrbanProWeekly newspaper. Bigger ads mean more money for the newspaper. Either the RCBOE thinks the readers are sight impaired or Dr. Angela Pringle is ensuring noncritical articles will not appear in print. Moral of the story, bribery works.
Ruffin’ It Augusta Tek Kris Fisher Jenny is Wright
Where was Donald Trump during the Vietnam War ? In response to the atheist with morals whine: you’ll naturally disagree with me, but that’s okay. As is the unfortunate case with many who reject Christ, your perspective on Christianity has been swayed by false prophet pastors who, as you correctly stated, exploit the gullibility of many for their profit. I wish I knew you personally, and could invite you to experience real church, not one of these mega churches where the pastor was found to have his vast congregation’s credit card, cash, and check donations locked in a safe, and lives in an estate with elevators in the home. I am so sick of hearing those radio ads about the so-called real estate genius who guarantees to sell your house or he will buy it. Bull crap. What the ads don’t tell you is that he offers you
about 50 cents on the dollar. He doesn’t even show up himself to see the house...he sends his minions to talk down your property, point out all the things wrong and make you an insulting lowball offer. Have you noticed that the CC Commissioners have enough money to add numerous street lights in the Jones Creek and Westlake communities but nothing for improving the infrastructure and lighting on William Few Parkway, and paving of Clanton road. I wish some of their friends and family could move there so it could be improved. Oh wait! It isn’t a gated community, and there aren’t any rich people living in that area. It is Monday March 7, St. Patrick’s Day is 10 days away, and http://www.augustairish.co/ still shows 2015 parade info up. Wishing Augusta would join the 21st century, and share information digitally to the whining wienie complaining there isn’t anything to do in the csra: please, when you write in such unintelligible gibberish, with bad grammar and spelling, it’s little wonder no one is investing in the area. why bother throwing pearls at swine? An Aiken grocery store is now welcoming all customers into its southern baptist fold by greeting everyone with “Have a BLESSED day!” Management backs this up and attempts to stop it have failed. So, customers who are of any other denomination, faith, or belief system (or none at all) should really shop somewhere else now unless they want to be offended, insulted, or converted
I came across some oxymorons I thought interesting. Awfully lucky Awfully pretty Big baby Tiny elephant Trump Christian Like Ms Davis I’m all about supporting charities and non profits especially over padding these corrupt politicians pockets. This sounds a little fishy. Could it be because the places getting the money are pretty much organizations run by only the same race as the commissioners who voted it in ? Quite possibly, which brings us back to someone’s pockets are getting padded some how some way. You Augusta commissioners are as sleazy as they come. You all could easily star in a low budget 80’s movie as the bad guys. Your not fooling anyone. How about actually doing something for your community and not yourselfs.
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.
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I can’t believe how many stupid people there are in both the Democratic and Republican parties! Smile, it’s sure to increase your face value. I get a kick out of media often attaching the word “philanthropist” to a billionaires resume’. Let’s say a billionaire gives a boatload of $$$$$ to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s just billionaires giving money to those lowly, dumpster-diving, I can’t survive mega-millionaires...how humanitarian(heavy on the sarcasm). In the Metro Spirit March 3 edition, in regard to a whiner who begins “Southern Civil War pride...........” . It is so obvious that the idiot who wrote this knows absolutely nothing about history and less about the War for Southern Independence. This uneducated dolt needs to read a little more about that war, the reason for it and the true person that Lincoln was! The only thing worse then this writer is the idiot newspaper that he or she found that would print this hateful trash! Shame on the both of you!!
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METROSPIRIT 5
What It’s Like to Suffer THIS PAST SATURDAY NIGHT, while UFC featherweight champion Connor McGregor was notching his first loss in 15 fights to Nate Diaz via second round rear naked choke, I was sitting in the Barrymore Theater in Madison, Wisconsin, watching a concert by the High Kings, “Ireland’s No. 1 folk group.” Though I’m not self-important enough to believe that this coincidence has any more weight or meaning than what I’m about to construct, the universe threw me a bone, and I’m going to gnaw it down to the marrow. I’ve talked about McGregor before. Equal parts pugilist, gadfly and showman, the Irishman debuted in the UFC nearly three years ago, won his first two fights, then was sidelined for over a year due to a serious knee injury. During that time, he began to sow the seeds of his “Mystic Mac” persona, a bawdy, public amplification of himself obviously styled after Floyd Mayweather’s “Money” character. It kept him in the limelight and helped build anticipation for his imminent return in Ireland against Diego Brandao, a dangerous but hotheaded and limited Brazilian brawler. McGregor KOd him in the first round, then ensured himself a title shot by doing the same to German kickboxer Dennis Siver in the second round a few months later. A victory over perennial contender Chad Mendes for the interim title followed, after which McGregor put the stamp on his improbable run with a 13-second KO over long-time champion and all-time great Jose Aldo. The mania surrounding Mystic Mac was thick, palpable. He expressed a desire to move up immediately and challenge Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight belt, a request that was granted without much hesitation at all from the UFC brass. A foot injury to dos Anjos derailed that plan, but the UFC and McGregor settled on probably the greatest Plan B of all time: Nate Diaz. Mercurial, hard as tempered steel and capable of defeating anyone across two weight classes on any given night, the fact remained that Diaz could be defeated with the right game plan, as Ben Henderson, Josh Thompson, Gray Maynard, Rory MacDonald and others had shown. Because the match was made on short notice, and Diaz was a career lightweight, the fight
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was actually signed at welterweight, a full two weight classes — 25 pounds — north of where McGregor normally competed. The prevailing theory was that, despite the weight discrepancy, McGregor’s slick footwork and stylized, but laser-accurate boxing would win out. And for the first round, that notion held true: Diaz was tagged time and time again by McGregor’s straight left, overhand left and trademark lead uppercut. By the end of first round, his face was lacerated and bloody. McGregor, however, unused to his opponent taking multiple flush shots and not going down, had expended his energy and was tiring. Diaz pounced, eventually catching him with a punch, forcing McGregor to go for a takedown, which Diaz used to reverse and sink in a choke. Let’s make a hard left turn here and talk about the High Kings. A young-ish quartet of native Irishmen, they’ve made a huge splash in their home country and over here in the United States by performing the kind of slickly produced, immaculately performed traditional Irish music that caters to a broad spectrum of listeners. It helps that they’re mostly family-friendly — I’ve never heard them perform “Seven Drunken Nights” or even the neutered version that leaves out the X-rated final two verses — but that they retain enough pride to at least outright refuse, as they did at this concert, to perform “Galway Girl.” The same, I hope, would apply for “Danny Boy.” Still, it was fairly jarring — if you take the trouble to think about these things way, way too much — to hear songs like “Fields of Athenry,” “Parting Glass” and “Leaving of Liverpool” sung so pristinely, so perfectly harmonized, to an audience of hundreds who sat politely, listening and applauding, only getting up to dance when invited. Hell, there was only one Obligatory A-hole in a Kilt that always shows up at one of these things. Just among those three songs I mentioned, issues like starvation, wrongful imprisonment, forced immigration, death and famine are dealt with. Conceived and written in response to the fallout of the Irish potato famine of the mid-19th century, they are gritty, heartbreaking,
and meant to reflect a shared experience or educate. It would be easy to decry both McGregor’s public persona and the High Kings’ approach to traditional Irish music — lord knows I have, in the past. But Connor McGregor’s meteoric, calculated rise to the top of the MMA game is a direct parallel to the mass influx of Irish immigration to the States in the mid to late 1800s, only instead of using the proliferation of Tammany politics, bolstered by the importing of old country terror societies to build a constituency and ride it all the way to the bank, McGregor identified two key needs of the American populace: first, the need to have a villain to root against, and, second, the need, the now seemingly evolutionary pull, to obsess oneself with image and social media. Keep in mind, McGregor, only four years ago, was collecting welfare in Ireland. With the High Kings, if you broaden the view a little and take this in the context of Irish music as a whole, you see a similar pattern: a slick repackaging of native traditions and tendencies for sale to an American populace eager to adopt something foreign as their own — America, remember, is a nation of immigrants, and is still in the process of figuring out its “quintessential” cultural identity. It’s not difficult to see this pattern play out in other ways: the Caucasian adoption of blues (roots in Africa), barbecue (roots in Africa and the Caribbean) and more. Do the High Kings and Connor McGregor owe their success to America? In part, yes, due to the broad, culture-hungry market. But we owe them more: for exhibiting some element of our past selves, a slice of the human experience that triggers some long-dormant part of our brains — maybe our souls — that reminds us what it’s like to suffer. Truly, truly suffer.
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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Don’t Kermit Kermit the Frog (n.) The name of the bright green frog that is one of the central characters of the Muppets. Kermit (v.) The reaction of a computer user to particularly distressing system issue. This reaction is accompanied by a loud scream and an uncontrollable flapping of the arms. THE OTHER DAY I was packing up my stuff to leave the office when the phone rang. Phone calls toward the end of the day are not usually good. More often than not, an early evening phone call means a user with a tight deadline has discovered trouble. No worries, though. This is what we do. For all you newbies in tech support, here’s a tip. You can always infer the seriousness of the problem by the speed of the user’s speech. For example, if the user describes the problem in a rapid manner, but stays under control, the problem is significant and important. However, if the user is speaking so fast that they skip words and cannot complete a single thought, the problem is destroying the user’s world and they are experiencing sheer panic. Tonight’s user was nearing full-blown Kermit the Frog mode, and I completely understood why. In the computer world, few things compare with the frustration of being unable to access your backups. After all, the backup is your security blanket. You see the little icon chugging away as you do your work, protecting you from trouble. No matter what happens, no matter how bad it get, you can always go back in time and start over. Then it happens, the computers turn on you. Your files disappear. But you don’t worry because you were smart enough to have a Plan B. And then things get worse… Tonight, this user’s backups were unreadable. Corrupted. Destroyed. Well, not really, but that was the starting point for the call. Step 1 — Assure the user that help is here and not to panic. It’s not the end of the world. (Well, it might be — but we don’t know that yet. So relax.) After connecting to the user’s system, I discover that the problem occurs on an external hard drive. More importantly, the files appear in the directory window. The files just don’t open. Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. The files are likely encrypted, but is the encryption malicious? Check the directory for ransom instructions… nothing there. That’s good. But what is encrypting the files? I browse the drive and notice the file “AccessEncryptedFiles.exe” in the root directory. No, it couldn’t be that simple. I check the help document in the same folder and, yes, it appears that it could be that simple. After opening the executable, we are prompted for a password. Not surprisingly, this password is not readily available. After a brief period of listening to background fussing, the user reappears with the correct credentials. Disaster averted. The world is saved. And more importantly, I get to be the hero. TEKNIQUE — Recently, we’ve seen an increase in the use of fiber. Fiber connections provide a huge degree of flexibility when addressing physical constraints in large offices and the data center. Fiber cabling is more varied than copper with different grades and connector types. I’ve put together a reference guide to help keep things straight. I would never ask Amy to soil the pages of the Spirit with anything so utterly dry, so look for it on my blog at http:// blog.cmaaugusta.com. ;-) @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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Be safe (and warm) this winter! Sig Cox will check all of your heating system’s connections, the gas pressure, burner combustion and your heat exchanger (A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation). Improperly operating gas (or oil) heating systems are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems.
Call today to schedule your pre-season checkup. 706.722.5304 www.sigcox.com
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Road Trippin’ Last week we got a visit from a nationally syndicated morning radio show. I know, because it was the morning show on my radio station, HD983. The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show brought their Rasberry Road Trip to Augusta. J-Si, Kellie, Big Al and Jenna piled up in an RV and visited four cities before reaching their destination: Florence, S.C., Kellie’s home town. This was a huge deal, especially to us, because it was the first time they had visited our market in 10 years. The preparation for their visit was extensive. We had to line up a place to host a meet and greet, hotel and coordinate all the technical stuff so that they could host their nationally syndicated radio show to over 60 different markets from our studio. But we weren’t the only ones preparing for this visit days in advance, because people all over the CSRA (and some not in the CSRA) wanted to bring them gifts. Hats, Land-of-Thee T-shirts, custom engraved Yeti cups, and, oh, the Masters gear! The show had mentioned a couple of times on the air that they wanted to see if they could get a Masters hat. I thought I was clever, using my inside connection to score some Masters cups and hats. I forget that other people may have a similar connection. Jenna ended up with seven hats. I’m not sure how many the others ended up with. But, hey, they got mine first! As I watched hundreds of people file through to have a few seconds with the members of the show, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of, “Now, this is why I love radio!” Not because of the gifts, but because of the connection that these people have developed with these four strangers from Dallas. Although, they’re hardly strangers. People know enough about them to bring them specific things: “Big Al, I know you want to have a beer with Blake Shelton, so here’s a beer mug with Blake Shelton’s face on it.” “J-Si, I know you love squirrels, so here’s some friggin’ baby squirrels” (yes, that really happened). Just the thought that the people had to bring things that they have heard them talk about on the show is overwhelming. Then there’s the wait. Hundreds of people waited hours in a line that wrapped all the way to the back of the parking lot to get a handshake, a hug and a pic. Our radio world isn’t just challenged by other stations in the market anymore. I’d say our biggest obstacle is the variety offered to listeners: satellite radio, Pandora, Spotify, etc. But there’s something those services can’t offer: personality. The opportunity to wake up with four strangers who feel like they’re four of your closest friends. And on this night, that’s exactly what they were: Those four smiling faces who even stayed an extra hour to get pictures with these friends of theirs that they had never met. I’ll admit, I haven’t always liked this morning show, mainly because I wanted to take their job. I wanted to be the one talking to Augusta from 6-10 a.m. But they are great at what they do and I am damn proud to say they are a part of this radio station and have been for the past 10 years. And Augusta showed me just how much we have grown to love this show. I would like to say “thank you” to Augusta for the continued support. Here’s to 10 more. And as the late founder and namesake of this show would say: “Keep Looking Up, ‘Cause That’s Where It All Is!”
kRIs FIsHeR,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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15 in 5 BECAUSE I LOVE A LIST. Especially a random list. 1. Aren’t y’all excited? I finally got a new phone. We were able to swing it a little earlier than March 30, which is a favorable outcome. Chunks of glass were beginning to dislodge on a regular basis. I was having a hard time reading the texts I was sending, too. 2. When obstructed by a spider web-like crack pattern, “arm” and “ass” even look the same. “How’s your arm feeling today, Mom?” 3. Speaking of Mom, my mom once climbed through the drive thru at Burger King. She was upset when our order took too long, so she went straight into the window to find out where it was. To say we were embarrassed is an understatement. I ate the food that day, but I probably shouldn’t have. I’d assume it was tampered with by retaliative employees. 4. I was in sixth grade or so at the time, and I remember the blank stare on the drive thru worker’s face. I’ll bet it was her first such experience and likely her last, too. 5. I saw a similar blank stare in a drive thru today. Rest assured, I didn’t climb through any windows. I wouldn’t. All I did was ask her for some napkins, because my milkshake was spilling over the sides of the cup. She stared as I mentioned the mess. She handed me the second milkshake, and it was in worse shape. I (nicely) said, “there’s stuff all down the side of the cup.” Crickets. Staring. Blinking. I’m wondering if she didn’t speak any English, because that’s really the only explanation. 6. The weather is here. My favorite weather. I’m hoping it sticks. 7. The new Berckmans Road is pretty. Did y’all see the lampposts? It’s landscaped, too, with pretty stone walls. 8. I’m glad to have my cut through back. We’re spoiled in Augusta. If we have to travel more than 10 minutes or so, it’s a hassle. When Berckmans Road was closed, it took me longer than that to get to Publix.
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9. If you’ve driven that road for years, it’s strange to follow it along, back among the beautiful green grass and freshly paved street. Suddenly you realize you’re back on the old Berckmans Road, just as it’s always been. 10. I love this time of year in Augusta. Everything’s getting spruced and fluffed and ready for Masters. Naysayers ask why we can’t do that all year. I’m glad it gets done at all. 11. We got a new dishwasher. I didn’t think I cared much. I knew I wanted clean dishes, and I hoped the wine glasses would fit in the top rack. Not only do they fit, but our plates, once too big for our old dishwasher, fit too. 12. I realize now that our old dishwasher was merely rinsing the dishes with a little soap. They come out squeaky clean and sparkling now. There’s a separate sprayer just for silverware. Without rinsing, you can put a dirty pot in there, and hit “target wash.” It comes out clean as a whistle. No pre-rinsing. 13. How much do you pre-rinse? I loosen the food, getting rid of any big chunks or stuck on stuff. My husband all but cleans the dishes. It’s hard to tell whether the dishwasher is clean or dirty if he’s loaded it. Also, don’t tell him, but I load a better dishwasher. I won’t come behind him and reload it. If he’s aware of it… I wouldn’t want him to quit loading it altogether, but I am much more efficient with dishwasher space. 14. The word chunk is a gross word, as are moist and creamy. Crusty might be bad, too. What words give you the shudders? 15. Have y’all been watching America Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson? If not, you should be. You’ll thank me if you do. JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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March 27, 2016 North Ball Room Seatings: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | 2:00-4:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome but reservations strongly encouraged by March 25 Reservations Adults: $22 Kids 5-11: $11 Kids 4 & Under: Free Walk-ins Adults: $24 Kids 5-11: $13 Kids 4 & Under: Free Action Station Omelets Made to Order Shrimp and Grits Station Cutting Board Selections Herb Crusted Baron of Beef Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Hot Aggrandizements Crust-less Spinach and Artichoke Quiche French Toast Bread Pudding with Blueberry Coulis Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork and Sage Sausage Patties Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy Chicken Confit with Duxelles Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce Skillet Spuds with Caramelized Onions Paella Macaroni and Cheese Freshly Steamed Seasonal Vegetables Cold Buffet Selections Fresh Field Greens with Toppings and Dressings Poached Peel and Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce Exotic Fruit Display Domestic and Imported Cheese Board Assortment of Desserts
19th Street, Building 18402 (706) 791-6780 | (706) 791-2205 (706) 791-3928
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NEWS
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A Turbulent Political Season Ahead If you ask anyone in town about this year’s presidential election, they’ll definitely have an opinion. “This country can’t tolerate another Clinton in the White House,” some folks say. Others will declare, “Anyone but Donald Trump. Seriously. Anyone.” But how many local people realize that there are major elections coming up in Richmond and Columbia counties this May? Calling all voters. Calling all voters. Whether you believe it or not, these local elections will have a far greater impact on your life than the presidential election. In Richmond County alone, there are five Augusta Commission seats up for grabs, including District 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Those seats are currently held by commissioners Bill Fennoy, Mary Davis, Bill Lockett, Sean Frantom and Marion Williams. However, Lockett will not be allowed to run for another term in the District 5 seat because he is termlimited. Currently, incumbents Mary Davis in District 3 and Sean Frantom in District 7 are running unopposed. However, Fennoy is facing competition from community activist and District 1 candidate Denice Traina. While she has served on the Richmond County Planning Commission and Transit Advisory Panel, she is probably best known for her work in the Harrisburg neighborhood. Over in District 5, there are two declared candidates — Andrew Jefferson and Kelby Walker— so far in the race to replace Lockett. But the commission seat that is probably attracting the most attention is the District 9 race. The highly outspoken and controversial incumbent, Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams, will be facing opposition against District 9 candidate Ronnie Battle.
CORRECTION
In the March 3 story “Remembering the Forgotten,” we included the wrong phone number for When Help Can’t Wait. The correct number is 706-650-9467. The Metro Spirit regrets the error.
Battle, who is originally from the Atlanta area, served almost 25 years in the Air Force before retiring to the Augusta area in 1998. Currently, Battle is a Hephzibah resident who has been politically active over the years, including working on Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s election in 2012. When Battle announced his campaign for District 9, it surprised many people in Augusta that one of the aspects of his life featured in an article in The Augusta Chronicle addressed his religious beliefs. “Battle formed a prayer group this fall at which speaking in tongues, rather than one’s ‘native language,’ is required,” stated a Jan. 8 article in the Chronicle. “He also posts videos of demons being cast out and links to the site demonfreetoday.com.” While this is probably not your typical prayer group, many Augustans wondered why his religious beliefs were listed in a news story. Chances are that little nugget of news came from Marion Williams himself. As pastor of Friendship Baptist Church on Deans Bridge Road, Williams probably didn’t mind the fact that voters in District 9 learned that his opponent speaks in tongues and believes in casting out “demons.” Such religious practices are, let’s just say, not exactly mainstream beliefs. Of course, some voters are looking to get rid of Williams at any cost, so a little speaking in tongues won’t bother them one little bit. Along with the commission races, there are five positions on the Richmond County School Board and two State Court judgeships up for grabs. One of the state court seats, which is being vacated by Judge John Flythe so that he can run for the Superior Court bench, has some highly political folks running in the race: Kellie McIntyre, Monique Walker and Robert “Bo” Hunter III. Kellie McIntyre, who is the current Richmond County State Court solicitor general, is the daughter-in-law of former Augusta Mayor Ed McIntyre. Monique Walker, who is the current chief operating officer and general counsel for Global Personnel Solutions, is the daughter of former state Sen. Charles Walker. And local attorney Robert “Bo” Hunter III, who served as the former solicitor general of Richmond County State Court for almost 10 years starting back in 1988, is also known for 10MARCH2016
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his former ties with the once very powerful political group known as the “Southside Mafia.” All three of these attorneys have declared their intent to run for the Richmond County State Court judgeship. Needless to say, whoever wins the election for state court will definitely make an interesting judge. In January, Augusta Superior Court Judge Carlisle Overstreet surprised the entire community by announcing that he didn’t plan to seek re-election this year. Those familiar with Overstreet know that he is the longest-serving local Superior Court judge and is extremely well-respected throughout the CSRA. Of course, some may hear the occasional complaint that he is much too “liberal” in his sentencing on certain local cases. However, if you ask most local attorneys, Overstreet always stuck to the law and didn’t bend to public pressure. Overstreet succeeded William Fleming as chief judge back in 2008 and has served honorably ever since. Currently, Richmond County State Court Judge John Flythe is the only candidate that has officially declared for the Superior Court judgeship seat. Just shortly after Overstreet’s announcement that he does not plan to run this May, Flythe, who graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1999 and was an assistant district attorney in the Augusta Judicial Circuit from 1999 to 2001 under former District Attorney Danny Craig, was the first to say that he would definitely run for the position. Flythe, who served as an associate Judge of the Grovetown Municipal Court from 2006 until 2010, has served as a Richmond County State Court judge since that time. He was appointed to his current seat by former Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2010 after former Judge Gayle 10MARCH2016
Hamrick stepped down to accept a senior judge status that same year. Flythe’s only possible competition so far this year has been hints that local attorneys Chris Hudson, Evita Paschall or Chris Nicholson may also run for the seat. Odds are that Flythe would definitely be heavily favored. After all, even though an attorney such as Chris Nicholson may have the financial backing to run for judge, his reputation has taken some serious hits over the past few months. Specifically, Richmond County Superior Court Judge Daniel Craig had to recess a hearing in his courtroom pending Chris Nicholson’s admission to an inpatient “facility” to undergo evaluation, The Augusta Chronicle reported in December. One day later, Superior Court Judge Wade Padgett, who was assigned to preside over a contempt-ofcourt case against attorney Chris Nicholson, ordered Nicholson to an “involuntary commitment” to a state mental hospital, according to the Chronicle. This wasn’t the first time Chris Nicholson had trouble in court. In August 2011, Nicholson was also cited for contempt after he walked out on a client in the middle of his trial, the Chronicle reported. Judge David Watkins ultimately decided to waive any jail time after Nicholson apologized in court and made a $500 charitable donation. And now Chris Nicholson wants to be a Superior Court judge? It’s a bizarre scenario. Let’s just say, Flythe will probably have an easy time at the polls this year. While Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree isn’t currently facing any competition as a Democrat in May, former Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian McDuffie announced this week that he is
running for sheriff as a Republican. McDuffie will face Roundtree in the November general election. So, who is Brian McDuffie? Well, he is a former Richmond County sheriff’s deputy that was fired by Roundtree more than two years ago after the department accused him of assaulting a 15-year-old boy in the side of the head with a flashlight during an arrest. Chances are Roundtree’s position as sheriff is probably pretty safe come November. All eyes are also on the Georgia senate seat currently held by Sen. Bill Jackson. The District 24 seat currently held by Jackson, who recently announced he is retiring, already has people lining up to fill it. Former state Rep. Lee Anderson; former chairwoman of the Columbia County Republican Party Pat Goodwin; President of Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Company Joe Edge; former District 3 candidate on Columbia County Commission Greg Grzybowski; and Washington, Ga., Mayor Ames Barnett have all announced they are interested in Jackson’s seat. Congressman Rick Allen, as well as Republican challenger Eugene Yu and Democratic candidate Tricia Carpenter McCracken also qualified to run for the 12th Congressional District seat this week. And attorney Wright McLeod, physician Mark Newton and nurse Lori Greenhill qualified to run for the District 123 seat currently held by retiring Rep. Barbara Sims, Is your mind spinning yet? All of those races are simply scratching the surface. Needless to say, this will be one crazy political season in both Richmond and Columbia counties. Hold onto your hats, folks. It could be a very bumpy ride. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Perfectly Hoppy
Savannah River Brewing Co. hopes to have beer available for the public by the second quarter of this year By Stacey Eidson Craft beers in Augusta are about to begin flowing just like the mighty Savannah River. Just this week, seven brand new, shiny steel fermenters and companion equipment were carefully delivered from British Columbia, California, and North Carolina to a vacant warehouse near downtown Augusta at 813 Fifth St. This warehouse, which is the former location of General Wholesale Company, is the new home of the Savannah River Brewing Co. While the brewery is still currently under construction, Savannah River Brewing Co.’s president and co-founder, Steve Ellison, said he hopes the beer will be available for the public to taste and purchase by the second quarter of this year. “This project has been going on for over a year now, so we are prepared and really excited to get started,” Ellison said, standing in the warehouse on Monday as tractor-trailers began arriving with fermenters. “And we love this location. We looked all around Augusta and there were a couple of facilities that were a little newer, but they weren’t in this area. In the end, we liked the idea of taking this warehouse that was pretty rundown and revitalizing it so it would be a showpiece for Augusta.” But before Savannah River Brewing Co. can begin 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
brewing and selling beer, it must still receive its federal and state licenses. “The federal license has been on their desk for about six weeks now,” Ellison said, adding that the company hired a craft brewery lawyer that assured him that there shouldn’t be a problem in receiving the licenses. “Of course, it is like anything when apply for something like a license. You are at the mercy of where you are in the stack laying on a desk. But, if everything goes well, we are hoping to be putting beer out by the second quarter of this year.” As for the types of beers Savannah River Brewing Co. plans to brew, Ellison said the company’s brewmaster, Mark Walters, has recommended that they initially concentrate on four main beers: an India Pale Ale, or IPA; a brown ale; a Czech Pilsner; and an amber ale. “You can’t start off making all the beers you want to right off the bat,” Ellison said. “So, the brewmaster, Mark, and I narrowed it down to four basic beers for craft brewing. I think the Czech Pilsner is going to be a big hit. So, those are the four that we are going to start with, but, of course, shortly after that we are going to have other beers.” Many of the beers at Savannah River Brewing Co. will also have local names. For example, the spunky India Pale Ale will be called
Savannah River IPA, the Czech Pilsner will be called Green Jacket Pilsner and the red ale will be named Westobou Amber Ale. “Once our taproom is up and running, it is our goal to let the public decide what kind of beer they want next,” Ellison said. “That is the beauty of having a taproom. We will have something like 20 taps and at least eight of them will be our base beers and the others will be all next phase beers. So it is going to be an evolution of what we ultimately put out. Five years from now, it might look completely different than right now. It is all going to be driven by what people want, but all the beers are going to be good.” After being a homebrewer of beers for many years, Ellison admits he definitely has certain preferences. “I tend to like more hoppy flavors, so my beers tend to be a little on the hoppy side. Even the brown ale is hoppy and the amber ale is also a little hoppy,” Ellison said, chuckling. “The brewmaster keeps telling me that we might have to tone that down a little bit, so we are still toying with that. But they are going to be on the hoppy side, which I think a lot of people like.” When the taproom and event area at the brewery finally open later this year, Ellison said the public will have the option of three different tours of the brewery. 10MARCH2016
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“One tour option will allow you to have 36 ounces of craft beer here that you can enjoy in the facility,” Ellison said. “The second option is you can take home up to 72 ounces. That can be either growlers or a sixpack or a mixed six-pack of beers. And the third option will be both. So each tour will be priced accordingly.” Ellison is also confident that Savannah River Brewing Co. will have plenty of beer brewed for the public to enjoy when the brewery officially opens its doors. “We have seven, 60-barrel fermenters here at the brewery,” Ellison said. “With 60 barrels, that can put out about 3,300 six-packs. And we have seven of those fermenters, so we hope to have a lot of beer available and fill the void of craft beers that currently exists in this area.” Just last month, another Augusta company, Riverwatch Brewery, finally received all the state and federal licensing it needed to officially begin its locally brewed beer. Riverwatch Brewery already has a launch party set for Monday, March 14, at Enterprise Mill. It will be the city’s first locally owned and operated packaging brewery since the 10MARCH2016
demise of the Augusta Brewing Company. But Savannah River Brewing Co. isn’t far behind. Ellison said the company plans to distribute both kegs and bottles through the area’s largest distributor of craft beers, A.B. Beverage Company. “I have to say, I was shocked that Augusta didn’t have a brewery already,” Ellison said. “We had been to Augusta off and on for different reasons before and my daughter is in medical school here now. Her husband has lived here for a long time and we would come and visit. Well, when I go to a different town, I always ask, ‘What is your local beer?’ And people here in Augusta would say, ‘Well, we don’t have a local brewery.’” Ellison said he was floored by that response. “I was like, ‘What? Augusta is a pretty big town. How can it not have a brewery?’” he said. “I live over near the Atlanta area and breweries are popping up all over. We go to Charleston a lot and there are breweries everywhere. So I was like, ‘We need to put brewery in Augusta.’ That’s how we got started and we are committed and excited that this is going to be something really wonderful for Augusta.”
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Former Scuttle’s Island developer Benjamin Bell and his broken promises have, once again, negatively impacted the proposed $20 million water park. Will his departure bring new life to Scuttle’s Island?
By Metro Spirit Staff
Former Scuttle’S ISland developer Benjamin Bell apparently has two major talents. The first is getting a community worked up and eagerly anticipating the construction of a proposed multi-million dollar water park. The second is telling a sob story. More than a year ago, Scuttle’s Island water park was initially sold as a major economic boost for Columbia County. It was promoted as a $20 million dollar water park to be built in Grovetown featuring 20 water slides, a lazy river, a water playground and a 55,000-square-foot wave pool. Bell, the then-owner of the popular Christmas attraction Lights of the South on Louisville Road, told Columbia County officials that the water park would bring almost 300,000 people to the county each summer. The public was thrilled. Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross described it as a “huge asset” that would only benefit the area. But attitudes quickly changed as county officials began requesting more specific plans regarding the water park. All of a sudden, Bell started complaining about constant “roadblocks” by the county in trying to get the water park approved and built during the spring of 2015. “The water park is already so far down the road,” Bell said last year. “We’ve already got the slides coming. We’ve engineered everything. It is ready to build right now. And it should be opened this year in Columbia County, but it’s not.” Bell insisted that he had provided the county all the information it needed to get the project off the ground, but 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
county officials denied those claims. Specifically, some of the rezoning items the county requested included certain site plan requirements, the need for a comprehensive traffic impact study and the proposed plan for the paving of the parking lots on the 113-acre site located along Louisville Road. The county kept waiting for Bell to present those items, but the plans never came. Instead, Bell was telling the public that he was doing all he could to work with the county officials, but the county was the one standing in the way of the project. “We started the rezoning process back in September of last year when we announced the water park,” Bell said in 2015. “From then until March 1, we were still turning in document after document to the county to satisfy their requests. They said, ‘This project is too big. It is a regional project. People will be coming from 100 miles away.’ Which they will. I understand that, so we did more rezoning and I tried everything I could to work with them.” But by early March 2015, less than a week before Bell’s scheduled March 5 meeting before the Columbia County Planning Commission, he received an email detailing all the additional requirements the county was requesting for the proposed water park. “It was nine pages long and included items I had never heard of since we started in September,” Bell told the Metro Spirit in 2015. “It was all brand new stuff they were requiring.” Bell asked the planning commission for an extension in order to meet the county’s additional requests. According to Bell, while he was trying to meet the county’s
requirements regarding the water park, county officials began focusing on his other business, Lights of the South. About 75 residents attended a March 2015 planning commission to voice their growing concerns about traffic congestion and infrastructure problems that the new water park might create for some of the residents living near the Lights of the South property. As the April 2015 meeting quickly approached, Bell said he soon learned some of the required documents and plans that the county was requesting for the rezoning of the water park could take more than six months to receive.
The public soon realized something was wrong. “At that point, we thought it was best to totally withdraw our rezoning request,” Bell said. However, to Bell’s surprise, his request was denied. “We were shocked,” Bell told the Metro Spirit in 2015. “I can’t tell you how frustrating it’s been for us.” A few days later, Bell began telling another sob story to the media. 10MARCH2016
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What Benjamin Bell never seemed to be able to grasp was the fact that he had proposed building an enormous, 45acre water park on property that couldn’t possibly remain “rustic.” He explained that when he went down to renew the Lights of the South’s business license in April, the county initially gave him the license but then tried to take it back. “They called me up and said, ‘You weren’t supposed to get that. We want you to return it and we’ll send you a refund,’” Bell told the Metro Spirit last year. According to the county’s development services director, Paul Scarbary, his department decided to temporarily suspend the Lights of the South’s business license until after the rezoning issues were addressed by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. But in Bell’s mind, the rezoning for the water park shouldn’t have negatively impacted the Lights of the South’s business license. “We’ve been doing Lights of the South for more than a decade,” Bell said. “All we want to do is build a water park. We will go through the process. We’ll do what we have to do. But, now, they are also attacking Lights of the South. That’s where it’s rubbing me the wrong way. Because I had to rezone for the water park, that also pulled Lights of the South into the picture.” In essence, Bell felt like the county was trying to shut him completely down by also adding additional restrictions to Lights of the South. “If you go to change the zoning on the property, that removes all of the things that were grandfathered in originally for Lights of the South,” Bell said, adding that the county suggested that he must pave the gravel parking lots on the site, which will cost around $600,000. “Even though the gravel parking lots were approved in 2005, 2007, 2008, now they want to me to go back and pave those two parking lots. That is a tremendous cost 10MARCH2016
for us.” All of a sudden, the story was more about Bell versus Columbia County instead of the possibility of a $20 million water park. And Bell’s “David versus Goliath” tale played very well in the public eye. When citizens heard of Bell’s troubles with the county, many felt it was a good example of the local government trying to stomp on the rights of a private businessman. Some residents even held a rally outside the Columbia County Commission’s chamber in support of Lights of South. In fact, “Santa Claus” attended the protest to voice his objections to the county’s actions after a campaign on social media tried to paint each commissioner as Ebenezer Scrooge. The issue became even more personal to local residents after Bell told the media that the only way he could reasonably afford some of the requested improvements, such as paving the parking lots, was if he raised Light of the South’s ticket prices. “Since we opened 10 years ago, children 3 and under have gotten in free,” Bell said. “The price for children 4 to 17 is $5.95 and adults are only $8.95. And I give out hundreds of free tickets each year. Honestly, it has never been about making money. Sure. We do okay, but it’s not like we are charging $20 a person or something. And I don’t want to.” Bell told the public he simply wanted to keep the tradition of Lights of the South going for future generations. “All I’m asking is for the county to leave Lights of the South alone,” Bell said. “It’s rustic. We like it rustic. We have a gravel parking lot. We have old buildings. It is not Disney at all and we don’t want it to be. It has got just a little country charm. And we think people like the fact that it is so simple.” But what Bell never seemed to be able to grasp was the fact that he had proposed building an enormous, 45-acre water park on property that couldn’t possibly remain “rustic.” It would be impractical, especially if he really expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the water park each summer. Columbia County Commissioner Trey Allen tried to explain to Bell during the public meeting last year that the county was simply trying to protect local residents and visitors to the park. “Like every other business in Columbia County, no more or less, we will require the same stipulations for this business as any other in order to grant that rezoning and get an occupational license,” Columbia County Commissioner Trey Allen stated.
While the Columbia County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the business license for Lights of the South that year, it didn’t bend on its requirements for the $20 million water park. As a result, Bell told the media that he planned to take the water park elsewhere. “Columbia County is not going to stop us. We are building the water park,” Bell said in 2015. “We may not be able to build it right on the Lights of the South property, but we are definitely building that water park within a few miles from here. We already have another county who is actually extremely nice to us and hasn’t slammed every door in our faces.” He assured the public that the new site would be the perfect location for Scuttle’s Island. “The joke is, this new county said if we have to do a traffic study, they’ll actually pay for it. That’s straight from the lips of another county,” Bell said, laughing. “That’s the difference in the cooperation we are getting with this new county compared to Columbia County. This new county is going to help us anyway it can.” In fact, Bell began to promote the idea that Columbia County’s loss was another county’s gain.
All of sudden, the man who was more than happy to talk to the local media when his license for Lights of South was in jeopardy, was completely silent. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“We thought we would have been welcomed with open arms in Columbia County, but it’s been the opposite,” Bell said, adding he was happy to take the business elsewhere. “Sure, I have to buy another 100 acres somewhere else. It’s an expense I wasn’t counting on, but I’m willing to do it because it’s clear, somebody in Columbia County doesn’t want us here. And that’s fine. We will take the water park to another county that is more than happy to have us. One that wants to work with us, not against us. It’s that simple.”
Will North Augusta ever see the construction and opening of Scuttle’s Island? And which local municipality was the lucky recipient of the proposed $20 million water park? Good ol’ North Augusta. Last September, Bell once again stood before an entire community, alongside Andrew Thompson of the local investment group Cedar Rock Holdings LLC, and announced his plans to build a new 40-acre water park in North Augusta by Memorial Day 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
weekend of this year. Bell boasted that the water park would be home to the “tallest water slide in the Southeast.” It was another huge economic plus for a city that is already celebrating the fact that it will soon be home to the Augusta GreenJackets’ new ballpark at Project Jackson. “It is exciting to see an economic development recreational project of this magnitude come to our city,” North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones said following the water park announcement in September. “This will be something that families from across the Southeast will be able to enjoy for generations to come.” Bell and Thompson pledged to the public that they would build a $21.5 million project off Interstate 20, at exit 5 in North Augusta. However, as weeks quickly turned into months following Bell’s initial announcement in North Augusta, the public soon realized something was wrong. There was absolutely no physical movement on the project, which was scheduled to open by May of this year. Members of the media, including the Metro Spirit, were constantly calling Scott Sterling, director of North Augusta’s Department of Planning and Development, to ask if the Scuttle’s Island developers had submitted any plans for the project. “No, they have not,” Sterling said. “I have not heard anything about it.” North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones was also kept in the dark about the water park’s plans. “I don’t have any news on Scuttle’s Island as to if or when they may apply for approval,” he told the Metro Spirit a few months ago. And where was Bell during all of this
confusion and debate over the proposed water park? The Metro Spirit tried several times to contact Bell, but he could not be reached for comment. Several local television stations also attempted to contact Bell, but he did not respond. All of sudden, the man who was more than happy to talk to the local media when his license for Lights of South was in jeopardy, was completely silent. The only person who still seemed to have complete faith in the proposed water park was North Augusta’s city administrator Todd Glover. “According to the developers, they told me everything is still moving along very nicely,” Glover told the Metro Spirit last fall. “At this point, I can say the water park is going to happen. It is just a question of when.” But the public was not so sure. Finally, this past week, local citizens got some answers. Thompson, speaking on behalf of Cedar Rock Holdings LLC, held a press conference last Thursday to announce that the opening date for the water park had been pushed back until at least June. That wasn’t all the bad news. Thompson also announced that Cedar Rock Holdings had severed all of its ties with Bell. And not just with Scuttle’s Island project, but also with the Lights of the South attraction. Cedar Rock Holdings reportedly owns both businesses now and Bell is out of the picture. So, what in the world happened? Apparently, Bell had been investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in
November after he was accused of writing four bad checks totaling more than $88,000. Fortunately for Bell, no charges were filed against him because he ended up dealing with the banks privately. However, according to a recent news report by WJBF News Channel 6, Bell has additional financial headaches in Columbia County. “His banks were seeking garnishments from him in 2013 totaling hundreds of thousand of dollars,” WJBF reported this past week, referring to Bell. “Contractors were also looking for money. All of these items are connected to his business and his home in Evans.” Bell’s ex-wife is claiming he also owes her more than $400,000. Now, with Bell off the project, the big question still remains: Will North Augusta ever see the construction and opening of Scuttle’s Island? Thompson insists it will happen. “For the 10 people of the CSRA who make up Cedar Rock Holdings… we are too far down the road not to make it to our destination,” Thompson told The Augusta Chronicle last week. “We have not stopped. We are not going to stop. We are going to continue to move forward to bring this to the community.” But as the public has watched numerous problems flow from this proposed project over the past few months, many people are becoming more and more skeptical about its future. The city of North Augusta and its residents can only hope that Cedar Rock Holdings will be able pick up the pieces and get the ball rolling on this water park. Otherwise, this project is dead in the water. 10MARCH2016
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WHAT’S UP
Raise Your Glass Calendar Music Listings
RAISE YOUR GLASS
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 10MARCH2016
By Amy Christian
IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST PARTY DAYS OF THE YEAR, yet St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17… whatever day March 17 happens to be. This year it’s a Thursday, which leaves revelers with the predicament of what to do on a Friday when they’re sure to be suffering the repercussions of the night before. Call in sick and you’re likely to get in trouble with the boss. Waste a vacation day on a night of partying? You could, but it sure seems a waste. It’s a dilemma almost as old as St. Patrick himself, and one the Greater Augusta Arts Council and AB Beverage decided to remedy when they reworked a pub crawl with a Mardi Gras theme.
THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Today is your last chance, so don’t forget to reserve your corned beef sandwich — complete with pickle, condiments, chips, a drink and brownie — from the folks at Adas Yeshurun Synagogue. You can pick up your $12 meals on either Sunday or Monday. Yum.
Any tour of homes finds visitors lingering in the participating houses’ kitchens, so we’re glad the Augusta Symphony did away with the rest to focus on these fascinating rooms. The event, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., includes tours of eight homes, cooking demonstrations, floral presentations, lunch available for purchase and a raffle.
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
The Yuchikiokee Festival In the fire of 1916, Augusta Ever wondered how owners is a three-day event at and trainers know when lost 746 buildings. Evans Towne Center Parks a thoroughbred is ready Saint Paul’s (one of the that kicks off with a free for its first race? Find out buildings that burned) will St. Patrick’s Day concert at 10:30 a.m. at the Aiken commemorate the event’s Thoroughbred Racing Hall featuring Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ and 100th anniversary at 2:30 Delta Cane. Gates open at 6 of Fame and Museum, p.m. with a lecture and slide p.m. for the 7 p.m. show, and when retired horseman show by Erick Montgomery, VIP tickets are $80. Barry Doss presents The executive director of Thoroughbred Horse from Historic Augusta, and a Birth to the First Race. concert by Keith Shafer, director of music and organist at Saint Paul’s.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 30.
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“We changed it because, last year, the pre-Mardi Gras day was Valentine’s Day and we did not think that Valentine’s Day was a good day for a pub crawl. It’s not every girlfriend’s dream to be doing that instead of having a romantic meal,” said Greater Augusta Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Durant. “We also had people who were mad that St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekday, which is kind of
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funny because St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 no matter what day of the week it is. So we decided we would solve that by throwing our pub crawl on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day so everyone can get their ya-yas going, the wearing of the green, the beer drinking and all of that and it wouldn’t be on a school night.” AB Beverage began the event several years ago, and the arts council has always
provided volunteers. They took a break from it one year and, when they returned the next, the company made the council the beneficiary. AB Beverage still plans the event — coordinating with the participating bars, restaurants and clubs and choosing a local brewer to focus on (this year it’s Southern Brewing Company) — and the council provides volunteers at the headquarters booth and the stops in exchange for proceeds from the ticket sales. What resulted is the Shamrawked Pub Crawl, which is this Saturday, March 12, with sign up beginning at 4 p.m. at the headquarters tent at 11th and Broad streets next to Metro Coffehouse & Pub. For a $10 fee, participants get a pass, which they will take to each of the 15 participating bars, clubs and restaurants to get stamped. Those who get stamps from each spot can drop their completed passes into a box (there’s one at each stop and at HQ) and those passes will be entered into a drawing for prizes. “So you come and register, pay your fee to get your pass, and then you go from bar to bar. We recommend that you do not drink at every bar that you go to, so pick your bars carefully,” Durant said. “When you go to all the bars and clubs listed, just drop your pass in a box and we will draw for prizes. AB has not released the list of prizes yet, but in the past we’ve had things like bicycles and coolers and restaurant certificates and all sorts of fun things.”
Participating bars, restaurants and clubs include Farmhaus, 1102, Metro Coffeehouse & Pub, Soy Noodle House, the Soul Bar, the Playground, Stillwater Taproom, Joe’s Underground, Dr. Unks, Bar on Broad, the Loft, Firehouse, Sky City, Mellow Mushroom and the Pizza Joint. Many of these spots, Durant said, will have drink specials for pub crawl participants. Not only that, there will be transportation to and from each place provided by Southstar Trolley. “And that’s hysterical,” she said, “with people hanging out the windows and singing. We love it.” Partiers can even save a bit of money by participating in the pub crawl. “The pass gets you no cover charge, so if there are two bars that you are thinking of going to that night, it’s a great deal,” she said. “You won’t have to pay cover, and it’s also a great introduction. The first year, I worked with my husband at Stillwater and we sat right at the edge of the bar as you walk through the door and people would walk in and say, ‘I’ve never seen this before.’ So it’s a great way to look at it all and see what downtown has to offer.” And on this particular night, Durant added, you may see a lot more than you bargained for. “Green is the color and people really embraced the theme last year,” she said. “There were a lot of fun costumes and we look forward to seeing what people put 10MARCH2016
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on for this event.” There are a lot of great reasons to head downtown this Saturday for the Shamrawked Pub Crawl, not the least of which is that the first 400 people to sign up get a free T-shirt. With or without the swag, however, Durant can almost guarantee that everyone involved will have a good time… maybe too good a time. “It’s a super time and really a great gift to us from AB Beverage,” she said. “And don’t forget that there’s Uber in town, so if you hit one too many places or decide to have a drink at all of the bars, you can get a ride home. It happens. That’s why it’s on a Saturday night instead of the Thursday night.” Shamrawked Pub Crawl HQ Tent: 11th and Broad streets Saturday, March 12 4 p.m., registration; 8 p.m.-midnight, pub crawl $10 augustaarts.com
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A Fine Line Between Magic and Science: Medieval and Renaissance Pseudo-Scientific Thinking and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Maxwell Branch Library Tuesday, March 15 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required 706-793-2020 arcpls.org
supplies are included. $40; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
remembrance by Keith Shafer, director of music and organist at Saint Paul’s. Call 706724-0436 or visit historicaugusta.org.
EDUCATION
Mon Mar 14, 2016
Thu Mar 10, 2016
10am - noon Job Fair Boot Camp Goodwill’s The Job Connection Pre-registration required. Call 706-447-5195 or visit goodwillworks.org.
1pm - 4pm Goodwill Job Fair The Snelling Center Prospective employees can meet with employers including Ritz Carlton, Bridgestone, Sage Valley, Augusta Warrior Project, Columbia County Board of Education, Augusta Marriott, Urban Outfitters, Macuch Steel Products, Chick-fil-A, Augusta University Health, Teleperformance, Augusta National, Allgood Pest Solutions, T-Mobile and more. Call 706447-5195 or visit goodwillworks.org.
2pm - 4pm Job Fair Boot Camp Goodwill’s The Job Connection Pre-registration required. Call 706-447-5195 or visit goodwillworks.org.
3pm - 6pm Gadget Help with Alex Columbia County Library A drop-in class. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6pm College Funding Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
9am - 2pm Teacher Recruitment Fair Augusta Marriott Convention Center Applicants should bring their resumes and dress professionally for this event, in which representatives from all RCSS schools will be present for on-site interviews. Call 706826-1000 or visit rcboe.org.
11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm The Other Tubmans
ARTS Thu Mar 10, 2016 6pm Art Now: Paper
Morris Museum of Art Paper and book artists Doug Baulos, Kerri Cushman and Suzanne Sawyer discuss their pieces and the techniques they use. A reception will follow. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
10am - 4pm Artist Workshop: Face
Jugs Morris Museum of Art A two-session class led by artist David Stuart that continues Sunday, March 13. $60, members; $75, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
10am - 1pm Eastern European Egg Decorating Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up. No previous experience necessary and all
Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Sun Mar 13, 2016
2:30pm The Great Fire of 1916 Presentation and Concert Saint Paul’s Church A lecture and slide show by Erick Montgomery, executive director of Historic Augusta, will be followed by a concert in
10am Email 101
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
1:30pm Excel 101 Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Mar 15, 2016
10:30am The Thoroughbred Horse from Birth to the First Race Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum A presentation led by retired horseman Barry Doss. Call 803-642-7650 or visit aikenracinghalloffame.com.
5:30pm A Fine Line Between Magic and Science: Medieval and Renaissance Pseudo-Scientific Thinking and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Maxwell Branch Library Presented by AU history professor Dr. Wendy J. Turner. Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Mar 16, 2016
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
3pm Beginner Spanish Aiken Public Library A class for adults. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
10:30am A Day at the Races: Thoughts on Betting the Horses Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum A presentation led by retired horseman Barry Doss. Call 803-642-7650 or visit aikenracinghalloffame.com.
6pm Surviving Market Swings
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.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 visits to Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 3045 minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-4414380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Mar 10, 2016
5pm - 7pm Lou Ann Zimmerman and Lala Mulherin Streett Exhibition Opening Reception Sacred Heart Cultural Center These local artists will exhibit their paintings March 10-April 29. The opening reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-8264700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
6pm - 7:30pm The Artwork of Mark Hodges Opening Reception 10MARCH2016
Hire Grounds Cafe This exhibit showcases Hodges’ book deconstruction series, a process in which he attaches book pages to a canvas. The exhibition will show until March 31. Call 706863-3669 or visit goodwillworks.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
5pm - 8pm Alicia Cully Exhibit Opening Reception That Place Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
5pm - 8pm Cathy Rausch Exhibit Reception 4P Studios Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudioart.com.
7pm - 9pm Cinema Grand Discussion and Reception Westobou Gallery A discussion of the nearly 20 large-format French movie posters dating from the 1950s-1990s from the private collection of Matthew Buzzell. The exhibit shows through March 25. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
FLIX Thu Mar 10, 2016
11am Thursday Movie Madness Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call for title and rating. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
Noon “David Copperfield” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
2:30pm Family Fun Movies Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
3pm “Suffragette” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Mon Mar 14, 2016
5:30pm Family Movie Night Euchee Creek Library Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue Mar 15, 2016
2pm School’s Out Early Movie Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm “The New Latinos” Film Screening and Discussion AU’s University Hall 170
This final screening in the Augusta University Libraries’ Latino Americans series focuses on the migration of Caribbean Latinos to the United States from the 1940s to the 1960s. Augusta University’s Dr. Heather Abdelnur, associate professor of history, will lead the discussion following the film. Visit augusta.edu.
6pm No Budget Filmmaking North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library The Aiken Connection Film Series continues with this discussion, as well as selected works from Wages of Cine and Illuminated Pictures. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Mar 16, 2016
2pm School’s Out Early Double Feature for Teens Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
6pm “Waiting for Butterflies” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library The Aiken Connection Film Series continues with Carla Cloud, lead actress in the movie, who will talk about the film shot totally in Aiken. The film screening follows. Call 803279- 5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Mar 10, 2016
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.
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, March 13, from 1-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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10:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Mon Mar 14, 2016
4pm Breast Self-Exam Class University’s Breast Health Center Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Mar 15, 2016
5pm Beyond the Doctors Office: Colorectal Cancer Maxwell Branch Library Led by Christine O’Meara, MA, MPH, participants in this seminar will learn how to better protect themselves. Call 706-721-3443 or visit guides.gru.edu/healthliteracyseries.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
6pm Breastfeeding Class Babies R Us Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
HOBBIES Thu Mar 10, 2016
1pm Columbia County Genealogical Society Meeting Euchee Creek Branch Library For those of all abilities. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
3pm Genealogy Club Columbia County Library Participants will learn the basics of finding their roots. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
10am Keep Calm and Coupon On Euchee Creek Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.
10am - 12:30pm Sauces 101 Helms College Part of the Saturday Chef series of community cooking classes, this one focusing on the five mother sauces: Espagnole, Béchamel, Tomato, Veloute and Hollandaise. Participants will learn history and technique. $75, preregistration required. Call 706-651-9707 or visit helmscontinuingeducation.com.
Tue Mar 15, 2016
7pm Augusta Rose Society Meeting First Baptist Church’s Adult Building Free. Call 803-215-0157 or visit theaugustarosesociety.org.
Wed Mar 16, 2016
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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.
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
4pm Genealogy Class
Mistletoe State Park An introductory class for those ages 8 and up. $2, plus $5 parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
Harlem Branch Library Call 706-556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.
1pm - 3pm Geocaching and Orienteering
6pm - 8pm Easter Dinner Cooking Class Plum Pudding, Aiken A small, chef’s table-style class in which participants are encouraged to ask questions and will enjoy a full meal from the recipes provided. $65; pre-registration required. Call 888-940-7586 or visit plumpuddingkitchen.com.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Mar 10, 2016
10am Explore Little St. Simons Island Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will view The Wild Treasury of Nature exhibit, then make a print inspired by the beach. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
4pm Lego Club Aiken Public Library For those in grades K-5. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016 9:30am Kroc Tots
Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am Pond Exploration Reed Creek Park A program in which participants ages 5 and up will learn about the animals living in the park’s ponds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Family Story Time Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
11am Too Many Carrots Story Time
Tue Mar 15, 2016
10am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time Imagination Station An event that includes stories, songs, counting and dancing. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to three kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@gmail. com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
5pm Teens @ Your Library Diamond Lakes Branch Library For those ages 12-17, this event includes movies, crafts and/or board games. Pre- registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit ecgrl.org.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
12:30pm Ribbon Eggs Craft Euchee Creek Branch Library Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm Beginning Piano with Emily Kroc Center A four-session class for those ages 6-13 that continues Thursdays through April 14. $50. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
10am St. Patrick’s Day Craft Diamond Lakes Branch Library For kids ages 0-5. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Toddler Tuesday Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Parent must remain with their child throughout the program. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens Hopelands Gardens Local senior adults will read to participants and each family in attendance will receive a free book. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631.
Wed Mar 16, 2016 10am Mommy and Me
Reed Creek Park Participants ages 5 and up, with an adult, will make glass jar room deodorizer, soaps and more. $10. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@ columbiacountyga.gov.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
Ongoing
Youth Advisory Board Members Needed The city of Aiken needs board members in grades 7-12 to help develop youth programs. The board meets once a month at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center. Call 803642-7634.
LITERARY Fri Mar 11, 2016
10am - 5pm Book Sale Columbia County Library Sponsored by the Friends of the Columbia County Libraries, this event will include both fiction and non-fiction books for sales in the foyer of the library. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm - 9pm An Evening with Pat Conroy’s Story River Books Jaguar Student Activities Center Featuring writers Carla Damron, Michele Moor, Eric Morris and Maggie Schein, who will be at the Writers Weekend at Summerville event for a reception, reading and book signing. Open to the public. Visit augusta.edu.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
10am - 5pm Book Sale
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
2pm Chalk It Up!
Sun Mar 13, 2016
Columbia County Library Sidewalk stories for those ages 2-5. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803-
2pm - 5pm Book Sale
Columbia County Library Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Mon Mar 14, 2016
7pm - 9pm Pub Fiction Book Club Pizza Central March’s selection is “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org. 10MARCH2016
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Thu Mar 17, 2016
11:30am Brown Bag Book Discussion Columbia County Library Featuring a discussion of “The Day the World Came to Town” by Jim DeFede. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
4pm Harlem Book Club Harlem Branch Library Featuring a discussion of “Prodigal Summer” by Barbara Kingsolver. Call 706556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.
MUSIC Sat Mar 12, 2016
7:30pm Faure Requiem First Baptist Church of Augusta Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Symphony Series. $20.37-$43.52. Call 706826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
Sun Mar 13, 2016
2pm The Massey Duo Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
A four-session class for string players ages 10 and up that continues Tuesdays through April 12. Led by Eryn Eubanks. $50. Call 706922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
7pm Aiken Concert Band’s Spring Concert Etherredge Center, Aiken Advance tickets: $7-$12.50; day of: $9-$15. Call 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
7:30pm USC Aiken Chamber Ensemble Concert Etherredge Center, Aiken Free. Call 803-641-3305 or visit usca.edu.
Ongoing
The 8th Annual Joye in Aiken Performing Arts Festival Various locations, Aiken Juilliard students, faculty and alumni will visit Aiken through March 12 for a number of different classes and performances. For more information, visit joyeinaiken.com.
SENIORS
Tue Mar 15, 2016
Thu Mar 10, 2016
Kroc Center
Kroc Center
5pm String Jam
11am - 1pm Medicare and You
Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
AARP Tax Help
11:30am - 1pm Elmcroft Senior Studies 101 Lunch and Learn Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8681946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
10:30am Seniors Golden Games Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org.
1pm - 1:30pm Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-9220171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Ongoing
AARP Tax Aide Kroc Center Helping for seniors in filing out tax returns will be available Tuesdays and Saturdays through April 12, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15,
Columbia County Library Help provided on a first-come, first served basis Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
AARP Tax Help Euchee Creek Branch Library Help offered on a first come, first served basis every Monday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Mar 10, 2016
7pm Purses for Purpose The Richmond on Greene A handbag auction event that will benefit the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. The event will also feature live music, a silent auction, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, wine and more. $50. Call 706-836-3058 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
Corned Beef Fundraiser Deadline Adas Yeshurun Synagogue
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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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10am - 4pm Latina Expo Headquarters Branch Library A two-day event showcasing Latina entrepreneurs, businesswomen and change agents that will include and exhibitor showcase, discussions, speakers, entertainment and door prizes. Highlights include the panel discussion “Latinas in the Restaurant Business” at 10:30 a. m., the keynote “Latina Businesswomen in Their Own Words” at 12:30 p.m. and a final panel discussion, “Latino Social Services” at 2:30 p.m. Free, bilingual and open to the public. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
11am - 6pm Cookin’ for Kids Daniel Field A fundraiser for Child Enrichment, this event features a wild game, fish and barbecue cook-off judged by local volunteers, live music, kids activities and games, and more. $5; free, children 12 and younger. Visit childenrichment.org.
4pm - 6pm Exceptional Children of the CSRA Talent Showcase Scottish Rite Center, Washington Road A fundraising event for organizations providing therapy services to special needs children in the CSRA. $10, adults; $5, ages 10 and under. Call 706-364-6172 or visit therapyoptions.org/showcase. Those interested in purchasing a meal consisting of a corned beef sandwich on rye, pickle, condiments, chips, a drink and a brownie for $12 must do so by today. The fundraiser is on Sunday and Monday, March 13-14. Call 706-736-8788 or visit cornedbeefaugusta.com.
9am - 7pm Spring Consignment Sale Trinity on the Hill UMC Sale includes clothes, accessories, toys, equipment and more. Call 706-738-8822 or visit trinityonthehill.net.
2:30pm - 4:30pm Latina Expo Headquarters Branch Library A two-day event showcasing Latina entrepreneurs, businesswomen and change agents that will include and exhibitor showcase. Free, bilingual and open to the public. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
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.
7pm - 9pm “The Seven Deadly Pirates” The Ballroom Dance Center A show in which audience attire is dressy and costumes are encouraged. Light refreshments served after the 7:30 p.m. show. $25, adults; $22, military with ID; $18, 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
18 and under. Call 706-854-8888 or email info@augustaballroomdance.com.
7pm - 11pm Oyster Roast and Toast Daniel Field A kickoff the Cookin’ for Kids event on March 12, this event includes food, live music and a live auction. $35. Visit childenrichment.org.
7pm - 10pm Toast to the Tour Party 2312 Walton Way A 2016 Symphony of Kitchen Tour event, sponsored by the Augusta Symphony Guild, that includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. $50. Call 706-504-1138 or visit soaugusta.org.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
8am - 1pm Spring Consignment Sale Trinity on the Hill UMC Sale includes clothes, accessories, toys, equipment and more. Call 706-738-8822 or visit trinityonthehill.net.
10am - 4pm 2016 Symphony of Kitchens Tour An Augusta Symphony Guild event that includes tours of eight homes in Augusta and Evans, as well as cooking demonstrations, floral presentations, lunch available from Fat Man’s for $10, and a raffle (100 a ticket). $25, advance; $30, door. Call 706-504-1138 or visit soaugusta.org.
4pm - midnight Shamrawked Pub Crawl Downtown Augusta Passports for the pub crawl go on sale at tour headquarters, 11th and Broad streets, at 4 p.m., and the pub crawl starts at 8 p.m. Those will completed and turnedin passports will be entered into a prize drawing. Free T-shirts will be distributed to the first 500 participants. St. Patrick’s Day attire encouraged. Call 706-826-4702 or visit augustaarts.com.
7pm - 9pm “The Seven Deadly Pirates” The Ballroom Dance Center A show in which audience attire is dressy and costumes are encouraged. Light refreshments served after the 7:30 p.m. show. $25, adults; $22, military with ID; $18, 18 and under. Call 706-854-8888 or email info@augustaballroomdance.com.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
11am - noon Adult Time-Out Euchee Creek Branch Library Participants will learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Pre-registration required. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
2pm - 9pm St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Downtown and the Augusta Common A parade through downtown will kick off events at the Common, which will include live entertainment, a children’s play area,
food, merchandise and more. Call 706-8211754 or visit augustaga.gov.
5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
7pm - 10pm Yuchikiokee Festival Evans Towne Center Park A free St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ with Delta Cane. Gates open at 6 p.m. $80, VIP tickets. Visit etix.com.
SPIRITUAL Tue Mar 15, 2016
11:30am Business and Community Leaders Luncheon Bell Auditorium Featuring Dr. Tony Evans, who will be leading An Evening of Praise and Worship at the James Brown Arena that night. For tickets, call 706-736-6394.
6pm An Evening of Praise and Worship James Brown Arena Featuring Dr. Tony Evans. Free, but an offering will be collected. Call 706-736-6394.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri Mar 11, 2016
7pm The Harlem Globetrotters James Brown Arena $27.50-$94.50. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
9am - noon St. Patrick’s Day Shuffle and Geocache Fort Gordon A 5K run and one-mile geocache walk with a holiday theme. Pre-registration required. Call 706-791-1142 or visit fortgordon.com.
9am Team DSF 10K Downtown Aiken A fundraiser for essential tremor. $35. Visit active.com.
9:30am - 11am Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For all levels. Participants should bring yoga mat and water. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
6:30pm - 10pm Lunar & Star Gazing Party Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Presented by the Astronomy Club of Augusta. Telescopes and binoculars provided by the club, and hot chocolate, coffee and tea will be provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org. 10MARCH2016
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Ongoing
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. Call 706-722-8878.
Augusta Sports Leagues This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.
SUPPORT Thu Mar 10, 2016
12:30pm Breast Cancer Support AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1560 or visit augusta.edu.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
Cookin’ for Kids Daniel Field Saturday, March 12 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5; free, children 12 and younger childenrichment.org
11am ALS Support Lunch and Learn AU Medical Office Building room 4306 This support group gives individuals an opportunity to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. Lunch is provided. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit augusta.org/classes.
Mon Mar 14, 2016
6pm Pink Magnolias Breast Cancer Support University’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm Men’s Breast Cancer Support University’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Mar 15, 2016
10am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed Mar 16, 2016
11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-721-1634 or visit auhealth.org.
Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group GRU Cancer Center Meets the third Wednesday of each month. Call 706-721-1634 or visit grhealth.org
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
Alcoholics Anonymous
University Hospital
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support 10MARCH2016
THEATER
Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
Thu Mar 10, 2016
7pm “The Drowsy Chaperone”
7pm “At the Last Supper” Kroc Center An Enopion Theatre Company original musical production. $16; $12, seniors, children and groups of 10 or more. Call 706771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
7pm “The Drowsy Chaperone” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre” Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $48, civilians; $45, 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.
Fri Mar 11, 2016
7pm “At the Last Supper” Kroc Center Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
7pm “The Drowsy Chaperone” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre” Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm Dirty South Burlesque & Cabaret Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Mar 12, 2016
3pm “At the Last Supper”
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre” Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm Dirty South Burlesque & Cabaret Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Thu Mar 17, 2016
7pm “The Drowsy Chaperone” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
7:30pm “The Little Prince” Maxwell Theatre A production of Augusta University’s Department of Communication and Theatre AUG. $20, public; $7, alumni, military and seniors; $5, students, children, AU faculty and staff; free, AU students. Call 706-6674100 or visit augusta.universitytickets.com.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
Senior Companions Needed Senior Citizens Council The council is seeking those ages 55 and older who can serve 20 hours a week with a special needs adult. Benefits include stipend, travel reimbursement and annual physical. For more information, call 706-868-0120.
Kroc Center AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 29
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Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, March 14 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Quiet Hollers
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Tuesday, March 15 Live Music
Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Soul Bar - Gladiators, From Under the Willow The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Boyz II Men, All-4-One Bell Auditorium Sunday, March 13 7 p.m. $35-$75 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com
Wednesday, March 16 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Patterson & Nate
What’s Tonight? Thursday, March 10 Live Music
The Loft - Pasadena Playoffs (Aiken) - Lundy Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Stillwater Taproom - Michael Baideme Wild Wing - Sabo & Reid The Willcox (Aiken) - Jazz
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell 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 Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry,
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Prose and Singer/Songwriters
Friday, March 11 Live Music
The Backyard Tavern - Third Time Charmers Cork & Bull (Aiken) - Deuces Wild Band Cotton Patch - Nefertiti Country Club - Ross Coppley Coyotes - Robin Dixon and the Midnight Moon Iron Heights - It Lies Within, Kissing Candice, Kill the Host, Occido, If Only The Loft - Lovebettie Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy “Doc” Easton Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Somewhere in Augusta - Donna Jo Stillwater Taproom - The Mason Jars Whole Foods - @ the Turn w/ Live Music Wild Wing - Lundy
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Sky City - ‘80s Night w/ DJ Coco and Art Show featuring Mike Schmidt Soul Bar - FEVER DJ Mix Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, March 12 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Tyler Hammond Band Greenlight Sound Studio - Occido, Lastlegacy, Kill the Host, If Only Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Somewhere in Augusta - Chris Ndeti That Place - Cusions and Caffeine w/ Live Music (2-4 p.m.) Tin Lizzy’s - Barefoot Wild Wing - Center Lane The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Soul Bar - DJ Solo Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Sunday, March 13 Live Music Bell Auditorium Boyz II Men, All-4-One
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes 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/ Mike Speenberg and Nick Cantone Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament
Upcoming Funk You’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
- Sky City March 17 Yuchikiokee Festival Concert w/ Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ and Delta Cane
- Evans Towne Center Park March 17 Yuchikiokee Festival Concert w/ Wycliffe Gordon and His International All Stars
- Evans Towne Center Park March 18 Yuchikiokee Festival Concert w/ Eric Lee Beddingfield
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- Evans Towne Center Park March 19
The Oh Hellos, The Collection
Fetty Wap, Post Malone
Travis Tritt
- Sky City April 22
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 15
- Imperial Theatre March 19
Rascal Flatts, Jana Kramer
Elton John
Wrenn, Stink Bamboo
- James Brown Arena April 23
- Civic Center, Columbus March 16
- Sky City March 19
10-Year Anniversary Party w/ Locash
Joan Baez
Delta Cane
- The Country Club April 29
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 17
- Stillwater Taproom March 19
Amy Grant, Nicole Nordeman, Ellie Holcomb
Vance Joy
Silvertown
- USCA Convocation Center April 30
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 19
- Stillwater Taproom March 24
ZZ Top
Joe Satriani
Bubba Sparxxx
- Bell Auditorium May 4
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 23
- Coyotes March 25
Kenny Babyface Edmonds, Tank
Yacht Rock Revue
Scarface
- Bell Auditorium May 8
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta March 25
- Sky City March 25
Merle Haggard, Jason Isbell
Third Eye Blind
Will McCranie
- Bell Auditorium May 17
- Georgia Theatre, Athens March 25-26
- Stillwater Taproom March 25
Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/ Willie Nelson and Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Little Roy & Lizzie Show, Great Peacock, Josh Roberts & the Hinges, Motel Radio, Packway Handle Band, Laney Jones & the Spirits, BooHoo Ramblers, Georgia-Lina Boys, the Mason Jars, Muddy Johnson, Delta Cane
Dwight Yoakam
Silvertown, Livingroom Legends
- Sky City March 26 Dire Wolf
- Stillwater Taproom March 26 The Sweet Lilies
- Stillwater Taproom March 31 New Madrid
- Sky City April 1 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Earphunk
- Augusta Common April 7 The Major Rager After Party w/ Tauk
- Sky City April 7 Runaway Gin, BYOG
- Sky City April 8 Widespread Panic
- James Brown Arena April 19 The Werks, CBDB
- Sky City April 19
10MARCH2016
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band
- James Brown Arena June 3
Elsewhere Village People
- Anderson Theater, Marietta March 13 Coheed and Cambria
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta March 14
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah March 31 America
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta April 1 G Love & Special Sauce
- Variety Plahouse, Atlanta April 1 Paula Poundstone
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta April 2
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Mike Epps
- Philips Arena, Atlanta April 2 Belinda Carlisle, Gabe Lopez
- Center Stage, Atlanta April 2 Ry Cooder, Sharon White, Ricky Skaggs - Center Stage, Atlanta April 3
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings
- Lucas Theatre for the Arts, Savannah April 4
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Gordon Lightfoot
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta March 15
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 31
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Jud Hickey, Jean Hickey and Billy Hickey at the Music for Memories concert at the Country Club.
Andrea Bussey, singer/songwriter Kane Brown and Janet McKnight at the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care.
Rachel Lloyd, Maggie Allen and Brett Weathers at the Music for Memories concert at the Country Club.
Amanda Mingo, Emily Mckoy and Crystal Kelley at the Music for Memories concert at the Country Club.
Dawn Jarriel, Alan Griffin, singer/songwriter Easton Corbin and Danita Sutton at the Music for Memories concert at the Country Club.
Shey Hubbard, Jackie Shults and Josh Manley at the Country Club.
Kristina Perez, Monica Fairall, Haley Beauford and Rebekah Morris at a Night with McKenna Hydrick at Tangles of Evans Salon.
Kim Lawlis, Bob and Tracy Gambrell and Katie Kock at a Night with McKenna Hydrick at Tangles of Evans Salon.
Elliot Higgins, Mary Cooper, Carter Harwell and Madison Harwell at The Peking Acrobats at Augusta University’s Maxwell Theatre.
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Luna Cee, Erin South, Ethyl Agitate and Beater Pan at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Annie Huff, Nikki Kareis and Emily Clark at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Staci Johnson, Sherrill Read, Jamie Hurst and Judy Boykin at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Jennifer Dill, Anna Stuntz and Ashley Stuntz at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Brittany Burg, Mark Brown, Anna McKettrick and Brandon Barton at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Lauren Mullins, Katie Lewis and Colleen Gone at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Doug Siegesmund and Allie Paullus with Jordan and Mark Richards at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Beth Whigham, Virgina White and Ashley Walker at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
Christinna Boretti, Dillon Howlett, Alexis Lee and Meagan Mcgahee at the Metro Spirit’s 5th Annual ETCP Spring Fest at the Lady A Amphitheater.
10MARCH2016
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
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COURT JESTERS By Timothy Polin / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Make less dangerous, in a way 7 Sleep-lab study 12 Some school edicts 16 Small invention 19 Eagle constellation 20 Signature Michael Jackson wear 21 Runway model? 23 Fly swatter? 25 “It seems to me …” 26 Attack order 27 Rationale 28 Trickle 30 “The Good Wife” figures: Abbr. 31 Confer 34 Drool from both sides of the mouth? 38 Screams bloody murder 40 Brought up 41 Narrow lead in baseball 42 Quaker of note? 45 In base 8 47 Sound near a spittoon 50 Brooding music genre 51 Tip of an épée? 53 Sci-fi film with a 2010 sequel 54 Brings in 56 Palindromic girl 57 “ 58 Busted timer? 60 Illicit sum 62 Anderson of “WKRP” 64 Historic siege site 65 Legendary siege site 66 Desi Arnaz? 70 Unsteady gait 74 Cutting edge 76 Karaoke-bar sight 77 Key of Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 79 Winning an Oscar for “Norma Rae”? 81 One of the Gabor sisters 84 Prompt 85 Actress Thomas 87 Reclined 88 Acrophobe’s term for a route through the mountains? 90 Encouraging word 91 Fire place? 92 Attended 93 Soothes
94 One of the Furies 46 “Three Billy Goats Gruff” villain 97 Asian territory in Risk 48 Smash up 99 Round after the quarters 49 “You win!” 101 Lament from an unlucky shrimper? 52 Stabilizer of a ship’s compass 105 Devotee 53 “Use your head!” 108 Fallout from the 2000 election? 54 CD-____ 109 “My bad!” 55 Ground-beef contaminant 110 Put off 58 Mobile-home resident? 112 Short flight 59 Rio Grande city 114 Nougaty treats 61 “Downton Abbey” daughter 116 Writing “30 and single” when 63 “Jeez!” it’s really “50 and married,” e.g.? 67 Flummox 120 Reduces to smithereens 68 De jure 121 Cropped up 69 Showroom models 122 Canadian smacker 71 Residents of 3-Down 123 Morning condensate 72 Trackpad alternative 124 Chichi 73 Lean on 125 Cantina appetizers 75 Astral lion 126 Go through 78 Achieve success 79 Rug dealer’s special? DOWN 80 Prepares for a Mr. Universe 1 Applies gingerly competition, say 2 Outfit 82 “____ the day!” 3 World Heritage Site in the Andes (cry repeated 4 Oft-married Taylor in Shakespeare) 5 Keg contents 83 Settled the score 6 Archer’s battle weapon 85 Ghostly sound 7 Forever 86 Apportion 8 Like lumberjack jackets 88 Say, “When I met the Dalai Lama last 9 O.K. year,” say 10 Time for last-minute planning 89 “Qué ____?” 11 Oxygen-dependent bacterium 91 Sugar 12 Card-table cloth 92 Goth-looking, 13 Not fully independent in a way 14 Piece corps, briefly? 95 It’s hard to get across 15 Almost dislocate 96 Morsel 16 Violation of Yom Kippur? 98 1994 bomb based on an “S.N.L.” 17 Batting .200, maybe character 18 Queen ____ (pop-music nickname) 100 Something to boost 22 Don’t bother 102 Bridge whiz 24 Give a tongue-lashing 103 Domineering 29 Veteran 104 Actress Thompson of “Creed” 32 A question of time 106 River along Avignon 33 Is unacceptable 107 “Wanna play?” 35 Virtual address 111 Anti bodies? 36 Père d’un prince 113 Petitioned 37 1961 space chimp 114 Whacked 39 Improvise, in a way 115 Kind of dye 42 Isolated 117 The Depression, for one 43 Echolocator 118 Smoked deli purchase 44 Softly 119 Popinjay
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77 81
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R U N L O P H E B U I L D I T G P O P T A X I T Y P I N O P E D S R E R E N S O N S H F O O T A F S T O P H O E R S E D E L L B F U L L O M O A T O M T H D E H E E D E R
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS
E V I L B L O A B A W D D A Y G O R C A N A U G E Z R A N O V D R E W B A S T A L H E L L O R L O D I S P
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58 62 67
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I E M A U D L O I S E I T R E A
P Y C A A I R G X P I A S P A U P E L C P L A C A D L D W O E C A U W O R D D R E S R E C O B A P E O P F U E O F T N U I T E S Q U E U B D E A
M E T E R
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S A D I E L S
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS “Zootopia” nabs Disney Animation its largest opening weekend ever. RANK
TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS
TOTAL GROSS
WEEK #
LAST WEEK
1
ZOOTOPIA
$75,063,401
$75,063,401
1
-
2
LONDON HAS FALLEN
$21,635,601
$21,635,601
1
-
3
DEADPOOL
$16,725,929
$311,484,061
4
1
4
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT
$7,443,007
$7,443,007
1
-
5
GODS OF EGYPT
$5,198,091
$23,046,411
2
2
In Theaters March 11
SCI-FI
“10 Cloverfield Lane,” rated PG13, starring John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. This apocalyptic tale has a fascinating origin. According to producer JJ Abrams, it was made under wraps, only known by the production title “Valencia.” In fact, pretty much no one knew anything about it before it’s first trailer was shown in January. Besides the fact that John Goodman has kidnapped a woman and keeps her in a bunker because of the end of the world, no one knows much else about this one or its relation to 2008’s “Cloverfield,” also produced by Abrams. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
DRAMA
“The Young Messiah,” rated PG13, starring Sean Bean, David Bradley, Jonathan Bailey, Lee Boardman. With this story of Jesus at age 7 traveling to Nazareth after his family’s exile in Egypt ends, filmmakers have given themselves an impossible task. There’s almost nothing about Jesus’ childhood in the Bible, so anything filmmakers come up with will most likely be criticized by Christians. It will be interesting to see what they’ve come up with.
ROM-COM
“The Perfect Match,” rated R, starring Terrence Jenkins, Paula Patton. Two people meet, decide to keep it casual and end up falling for each other. It’s a tale as old as time.
COMEDY
“The Brothers Grimsby,” rated R, starring Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson. A spy teams up with his football (soccer) hooligan brother. It doesn’t sound like much, but just ask Jimmy Kimmel (and his audience and the network censors) what Cohen’s twisted mind can come up with. It ain’t pretty and we’re pretty sure it involves an elephant at some point.
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Trump Hyperbole Ridiculous and Silly “Donald Trump is the worst person to ever run for any office, ever.” — Typical quote, from a typical editorial, from a typical American newspaper run about a gazillion times in the last six months. I do not come to praise Donald Trump, but I do not come to bury him in a two-ton truckload of bull (manure), either. He is not my guy in this year’s presidential race. Not that I have one right now. But as a conservative I can tell you that whoever makes the final ballot next November with the “R” next to their name, he will have my vote against either Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. I can safely predict the kinds of moves John Kasich, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio would make as president. I admit that if Trump is the man, he will be a wild card in some areas, and he may not toe the conservative line as perfectly as I would want. But after eight years of President Obama, the country has gone as left as I want to see it go, and the prospect of what Trump can deliver beats the certainly of what Sanders or Clinton would do. But let me take this opportunity to call out the hysterical media, entertainment and political personalities who have made a cottage industry in the last few months of painting Donald Trump to be the illegitimate love (hate) child of Adolf Hitler and Archie Bunker. To hear the stories, Trump has all the charm of Al Bundy and the psychotic bloodlust of Ted Bundy. Oh, and he hates Mexicans. And Muslims. And fat chicks. If there is an chubby Muslim lady living in Acapulco, she is likely shaking under a sombrero at the thought of Trump winning the White House. The man is a bore. He is a big mouth. He makes crude jokes and makes terrible comments about people who disagree with him. But all you people who make him out to be “the worst thing ever” could do with a real history lesson. Hitler didn’t make crude jokes, he roasted people alive in ovens. Yes, there was a time when Hitler gave fiery speeches that enthralled the masses, but they were less controversial at the time they were made than similar “counter-culture” speeches given in their day by Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesus Christ. Trump rallies are quite the sight, but have you seen any footage from a Bernie Sanders rally? Trump’s pro-border, anti-illegal alien speeches would be controversial, but right at home in any era of American politics. You put Sanders and his plans in front of most Americans living and voting in 1950, and he and his followers would be run out of the country on Senator Joe McCarthy’s Commie Express. Trump wants a wall and real immigration enforcement on our Mexican border. That doesn’t make him a “racist” anymore than a person who owns a home with a locking front door. The door is there to control who comes in and out. The lock is there in case the person you refuse to allow in your home, decides to force the issue. (Point of order, in Georgia, if you have someone trying to force their way into your home illegally, against your expressed wishes, you are allowed to defend your property with deadly force.) Folks want to know why Trump doesn’t want a wall on the Canadian border. Simple. It is not a problem there like it is to the south. Good news on this illegal immigration front; neither Trump or Congress has to enact new legislation to get any of this business done. It is already the law. Can you believe Trump (and most Republicans) catch Hell because they simply want to enforce existing law that is undeniably and most assuredly constitutional? Trump wants to keep unvetted Muslims from entering the country. Good. Smart move. You know, kinda like when there is a knock at the (locked) door at your house in the middle of the night, and you ask, “Who’s there?” Believe it or not, asking such a question is “vetting” for the average homeowner. You would want to know who you are letting in to your abode in the wee small hours, and I am going to predict that most of you would be pretty thorough in that questioning. Such precautions do not make you a “xenophobe,” they make you a “smart cookie.” 38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
As far as Trump being sexist, I have to laugh at this accusation. He makes a couple of rude remarks about Rosie O’Donnell (who hasn’t?), a vague comment about Megyn Kelly’s “issue of blood” and, yes, he has loved (and dumped) a ton of pretty women in his life. That makes him Richard Nixon (rude comments), Lyndon Johnson (crude comments) and JFK/Bill Clinton (tail hounds) combined and perhaps on his way to being the best American president in history. (Yes, I am wearing out the hyperbole, imagine that.) While LBJ’s ding-dong comments were usually off mic, they were far more graphic and, according to eyewitness, made complete with a “show and tell” session. Trump has said and done a lot of odd things, but as history as shown us, so have many of the American presidents in our lifetime. Worst candidate ever? No. An Adolph Hitler in the making? Not even close. And people who say such things need to get a clue, and read a history book. 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.
10MARCH2016