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Table of Contents November 16, 2017
Insider Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature Augusta on Ice Brit Floyd in Augusta What’s Up Calendar Nightlife The Eight Sightings
4 9 11 12 16 22 24 25 26 34 36 37
‘They’re gonna go far’ Page 24
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amanda Main
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amanda@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
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Does Mayor Davis talk to everyone like this? Last week, the insiDer wrote about local developer and businessman Clay Boardman sending the mayor an email explaining why he thought building the new $120 million arena at the Regency Mall location would be “disastrous.” It was a blunt, but extremely honest email in which Boardman tried to explain why he felt the idea was “ill advised, poorly processed, poorly thought out and researched and simply the wrong decision.” Well, this past week, the mayor’s response to Boardman’s letter was made public thanks to Augusta Chronicle columnist Sylvia Cooper. And the tone in which Mayor Davis responded to Boardman’s email made mouths drop all over the county. The Insider would be remiss without taking a look at this heated exchange between the two leaders in this city: the mayor and Boardman. The mayor began his email to Boardman coming out swinging. “Your email starts by stating that you are expressing your opinion ‘and every other person’s opinion I have talked to,’” Davis writes. “Would it be appropriate to ask who have you spoken with? Have you bothered to speak with anyone outside of the Augusta Country Club ‘Breakfast Club,’ or the very exclusive, membership only, Augusta Tomorrow group before deeming the proposal as ‘wrong, bad for the City, disastrous for the Arena…and ill-advised’?” Unbelievable. The mayor was immediately hitting below the belt. And since when is Augusta Tomorrow a “very exclusive” group? “What makes ‘every other person you have talked to’ …more insightful, more thoughtful, or more informed than the hundreds of people that the Mayor, Commissioners and Authority members talk to each week?” Davis asked. “For the record, the majority of the people they speak with are not their close friends and colleagues. They are strangers. Residents of this community who offer constructive suggestions and support for the concept... Where do you get the nerve to assume only you know what’s always best for Augusta?”
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The mayor also suggested that Boardman was “merely attempting to continue this community’s history of division (West Augusta v. South Augusta) and economic superiority (our opinions should control because we pay more taxes than they do).” “Is that really the model that you used to become the prominent business man that you have been held out to be?” Davis asked. So, is the mayor really implying that Boardman is not a “prominent businessman?” Mayor, don’t mess with Clay Boardman. He has a track record in this community that he can be proud of. Back in 1997, Boardman invested more than $17 million in Enterprise Mill, which dates back to the mid-1800s and was once operated by the Graniteville Company, and converted the abandoned structure into a mix of upscale apartments, businesses and office space located right in the heart of downtown Augusta. At times, Boardman’s construction budget reached $50,000 a day, but he believed in the downtown project and didn’t give up on investing in Augusta’s future. Over the years, Boardman has also renovated a number of Augusta landmarks such as the 55,000-square-foot Sutherland Mill, the Houghton School, the Widow’s Home and the William Robinson School, just to name a few. Boardman is also the treasurer and site selection committee chairman of Turn Back The Block. It is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to revitalize the Harrisburg neighborhood. Now, that’s a record that will stand the test of time, but, for some reason, the mayor still felt the need to disparage Boardman. Well, let’s just say, Boardman didn’t back down. In his response, Boardman told the mayor that he had “spoken to, received emails or texts” from about 100 people throughout the community. “I have yet to hear from anyone (nor have I solicited comments) in favor of your position nor the method by which you interjected yourself into the process by interfering into the Authority’s task delegated to it,” Boardman wrote. “I am not saying that there are not informed people in agreement with your position; I am saying that not one has contacted me.” He also didn’t take the insults against his character lying down. “I am not a member of the Augusta Country Club,” Boardman wrote. “I have not attended the breakfast club you allude to although I have heard that you attend from time to time. I am not a member of Augusta Tomorrow which you accuse of being exclusive although you are a member. I have never represented that every other person I have talked to is more insightful, etc., than you, the Commissioners or the Authority.” But Boardman explained that he does have experience in this field. “Regarding my knowledge of arenas, I was drafted by Wilmington, N.C., to develop a baseball stadium and entertainment complex and learned quite a bit in my two-year involvement there,” Boardman added. “I traveled all over the east coast and/or researched existing projects in many cities. I also have two separate music businesses that book famous acts from all over the country and know quite a bit about the industry. I would venture to guess that I know a good bit more than you do in this area.” Boardman also said he’s a longtime supporter of South Augusta. “I own about $8,000,000 of property in South Augusta presently and invested a similar or greater amount there in the Smile Gas days. My office was on the south side of Gordon Hwy for over 40 years and I worked from there for 14 years — a block away from Regency Mall,” Boardman wrote. “I have many, many friends there that I cherish. I have much to gain personally and civically from the beautification of south Augusta. I just wish you and the Commissioners that represent the area would act to do so. Look at the clogged storm sewers, paving condition, lack of street lighting, horrible streetscapes and lack of small parks as just a few examples of poor stewardship.” In fact, Boardman insisted he was the last person who was trying to divide Augusta. “I feel that you have it exactly backwards,” Boardman wrote. “You are fostering division with your ‘country club,’ and ‘exclusive,’ comments. You are fostering division with a hint of racism. I happen to believe that decisions are best made based on facts and study rather than political, economic and racial fear-mongering.” Well said, Mr. Boardman. “I believe in one person, one vote,” Boardman added, “and for you to attribute the ‘we pay more taxes so they should listen only to us’ statement is childish, uninformed and untrue.” Perhaps the mayor should think twice before he hits the “send” button.
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Commissioner Bill Fennoy shaking things up There’s no douBT aBouT iT, Augusta Commissioner Bill Fennoy is term-limited. That means, Fennoy isn’t worried about being re-elected to the Augusta Commission in the next few years, so he’s letting his true feelings be known. Over the past few weeks, he has stirred up some serious controversy in this city that is home to Fort Gordon by kneeling during the pledge of allegiance at regular Augusta Commission meetings. He also stunned some of his downtown constituents by announcing he supports the new James Brown Arena being built at the former Regency Mall site — instead of remaining in his downtown district — if a proper deal could be worked out with the mall’s property owners. While both of those positions have left some residents thinking that Fennoy is out in left field, the commissioner did ask his colleagues to look at possibly reducing the penalty for marijuana possession of “small amounts” to simply a fine without any jail time. That’s a pretty progressive suggestion for any sitting Augusta commissioner. Basically, his suggestion came just days after the Atlanta City Council unanimously approved making the penalty for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana simply a $75 fine. The Atlanta City Council agreed to the change, citing the uneven policing and enforcement of drug laws in the city where approximately 92 percent of those arrested for marijuana between 2014 and 2016 were African-American individuals. Here in Georgia, state laws say possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. But local municipalities across the state are considering ways to circumvent state law. Now, Fennoy isn’t the first local elected official to suggest such a change. In 2016, state Sen. Harold Jones II announced a proposed bill to eliminate felony marijuana possession charges throughout Georgia, but his suggestion was a little too forward thinking at the time. Many people immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion. Jones wasn’t looking to legalize marijuana in the Peach State. He was simply trying to prevent lives from being destroyed as a result of a felony marijuana possession charge. “What we are looking at is all of the different collateral consequences that happen once you get a felony charge, such as losing the right to vote, losing the right to sit on a jury, and, if you are in school, you can lose scholarship money,” Jones explained to the Metro Spirit in 2016. “With a felony charge, you are also totally banned in Georgia from receiving any kind of federal aid like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, which is 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
old school for food stamps. The federal government allows you to be totally barred, if your state wants to, from receiving those kinds of funds.” However, when Fennoy suggested that Augusta change its local enforcement laws, even Jones wasn’t sure if the city had that authority. Jones was concerned that a consolidated government such as AugustaRichmond County doesn’t have the power to make such a change. But Atlanta and Augusta are simply joining a growing number of cities considering a change in their marijuana laws. Last year, the small city of Clarkston, Ga., in DeKalb County, with its population of a little more than 12,000 people, was the first in Georgia to forever change the way local governments view simple marijuana possession across the state. With a city motto of “Where Possibilities Grow,” the Clarkston City Council took an incredibly bold stand in July 2016 by unanimously approving the most progressive marijuana ordinance in Georgia. The city ordinance allowed for only a $75 fine and no jail time for individuals caught with less than an ounce of pot within the Clarkston city limits. Clarkston’s municipal ordinance basically flew in the face of state law. It was the first municipality in Georgia that gave the city’s police officers the discretion of deciding whether to charge a person facing simple marijuana possession under state law or with violating the local ordinance and ticket that individual with a $75 fine. “This particular ordinance came to our attention because we had various people within our Clarkston community who had been cited or ticketed and they had paid various fines,” said Clarkston City Councilman Mario Williams. “Some had paid $200, some of them had paid all the way up to the $662 maximum here in Clarkston.” As the chairman of Clarkston’s public safety committee, Williams decided the city should study the issue and hold public hearings to discuss the
matter with a wide range of organizations including Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), Georgia Cares and members of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. Williams said it was important for the city to do its homework regarding the law. “We did a lot of fact finding on this issue, and we decided that the starting point is that, for every city in Georgia, those cities have the ability to regulate in the area of possession of 1 ounce of marijuana or less to try and dispose of those cases,” Williams said. “So when we started from that position, we said, ‘What do we really want to do? And what can we legally do?’” The last thing the city of Clarkston wanted was to enter into a legal battle with the state of Georgia over its marijuana laws, so the city council carefully reviewed its options, Williams said. “Currently, you cannot decriminalize possession of marijuana because the Georgia Legislature has deemed it a criminal activity. So we can’t do that,” Williams said. “But what we can do is fix the fine.” Clarkston was the first city in Georgia to make such changes, but many others are considering similar possibilities, along with other cities throughout the country. An article recently published in Fortune magazine detailed how Washington, D.C., made it legal for adults 21 years of age or older to possess less than 2 ounces of marijuana. The city of Pittsburg passed a law that makes possession of less than an ounce punishable with a $25 fine. Those caught smoking marijuana and in possession of less than an ounce face a $100 fine. And Kansas City lowered fines to $25 and removed jail time for possession of 35 grams of cannabis or less. Times are definitely changing. It will be interesting to see whether Fennoy’s suggestion will ever get off the ground. 16NOVEMBER2017
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check the number Jenny is Wright “Ma’aM, your driver’s license nuMber is invalid.” Excuse me? I’ve had the same number since I was 16. “Uh, can you please enter it again?” She does. She enters it again. I hear the sad little sound of denial coming from the cash register computer machine. It’s the familiar sound of failure. As an aside, why does the chip reader on the card machines make such a terrible noise? It always makes me think something is wrong. Nevermind, I answered my own question. There’s no way to forget your card when the machine keeps screaming at you. Makes sense. It’s still a scary sound. I ask the girl to please try again. She complies with my request. I’m starting to sweat. Why isn’t my license valid? Is there a warrant out for my arrest? Is that how they catch people? Has my license been suspended for some unknown reason? Am I about to have to call my husband to bail me out of jail? Surely they’ve seen me on camera by now, so there’s no way I can leave without handcuffs. The line behind me is growing. A nice older man, sitting on his Rascal, doesn’t seem to be too bothered by the delay. He notices the snacks I’m buying and gives his commentary on each one. “I really like those little muffins, you know. They are delicious with my Sanka in the morning. You should go back for Cheezit Grooves, though. I could live on those.” The woman behind him tells me it’s the first time she’s stood still all day, and she’s happy for a break. The pleasantries don’t stop my perspiration. The people toward the end of the line, who are assuming it’s my fault, don’t seem as pleased. Eye rolling and sighing is in full effect. “Do you mind suspending my order, so these people can go ahead?” I hate to make everyone wait, especially if they’ll have to sit through the reading of my Miranda rights.
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“Well, I can, but I’ll have to cancel the whole order. You’ll have to talk to my manager.” I’m fine with that. I ask her to run it again, this time calling it out to her. Terrible machine noise again. What the heck? She’s getting frazzled. She seems done with me. “What’s the error message? Does it tell you the exact problem?” It’s my last ditch effort to avoid a night in the clink. “It says it needs to start with two letters.” In the sweetest, least panicky way I can muster, and after taking a deep, cleansing breath, I tell her that my license number has been the same for 24 years, and it hasn’t ever started with letters. I ask if hers does. She doesn’t think so. We stare at each other for one whole second that lasted 10 minutes. The people in line are laughing, and telling me it’s okay. Wait. “Do you need to tell the cash register computer machine from which state my license comes?” She is skeptical. She’s annoyed. She wants me gone. Her now shaky hands type “GA,” followed by the number, and the check runs through the machine. My receipt prints. I thank everyone for their patience, and I’m on my way. A check! I know. It’s my fault. I wrote a check. Who does that? I won’t do it again. I shouldn’t expect her to know the procedure, when I’m probably the only person to write one in 2017. To be fair, it was a booster club check for school. At least I know my license number still works. They may not take checks, but liquor stores require a valid ID for the purchase of wine. Cheers! 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.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 9
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pretty Lights
Kris Fisher
As I wAs growIng up, my dad tried to teach me as much as he could about vehicle maintenance. He’d tell me to come outside and help him with whatever he was fixing on the family car. My dad is one of those dads who are decidedly dad-like: very mechanically inclined. He knows a good deal about working on cars. What he doesn’t know, he can usually figure out. It’s one of the things I admire most bout him. I, however, didn’t get that gene. When my dad would bring me out to learn about what he was working on, I wanted to be anywhere else. I was not interested. I wasn’t even curious. Now, as I am a father myself and responsible for my own family’s vehicle, I realize the importance of learning all those things that my dad taught me. I have discovered that, amazingly enough, some of those things stuck. I actually can find my way around an engine compartment and, even more amazingly, figure out what is wrong with a car from time to time. I’ll admit: Google is my favorite assistant. But, hey, the car gets back on the road without a costly trip to the mechanic. But there are times when my stupidity cannot be contained. Last week, I noticed that my wife’s driver-side headlight was out. “Easy fix,” I thought. Boy, was I wrong. I went to the auto parts store to buy the headlights. When I brought them home, I discovered that I bought the wrong headlights. I drove right back to the store, hung my head in shame and returned the opened package to the same guy I bought the lights from explaining my blunder. He said “no problem” as he taped the package back together. I found the lights I needed and went back home. When I put these lights in, nothing happened. The driver side headlight still wouldn’t come on. I thought “well, it’s gotta be a bad fuse.” Nope. All fuses were good. I went on to check the relays; they were fine, as well. I was stuck. This is where I refer to my old, faithful friend: Google. Over the next few days, I found threads online about possible wiring recalls, some people had to replace wiring harnesses because they were over heated, one guy even wrote about tearing apart his steering column to replace the switch. All this was very overwhelming. But I had to start with checking the voltage on the wires going to the lights. This is one department that I’m not very good at, so I call my dad. The call to dad is always the last step before I give up and ask someone else to do it. However, frustration was setting in. My dad and I troubleshot the problem together on the phone. I was probing wires and checking grounds while he was researching. Just before he got so frustrated himself and drove all the way across town to put his own eyes on the situation, he asked me to make sure both bright lights worked. I turned them on, they were fine. Then I said, “wait a minute…” I flipped the low-beams on and noticed the placement of the bulb. It must have been a really proud moment for my dad when he heard me say “I replaced the wrong damn bulb.” I went back to the auto parts store and found the bulbs that I originally bought, torn package and all. I took them to the counter and, you guessed it, I bought them from the same guy I had bought them from a week earlier. I installed them in the parking lot in about a minute flat: problem solved. Stupid really is as stupid does. 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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Looks like the Columbia County Fire Department was cleared of all wrong doing. How about a update. CCFD is one of the best in this state. Should this not be reported also?
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.
Hardie Davis needs to stop dragging down Augusta with all these ridiculous financial notions of the owners of the former Regency Mall. Let the filmmakers film the empty insides for various movie scenes with monies to Augusta to pay for the unpaid taxes that are owed. Then get some studios to pay for the mall area and really attract more of the film industry here. Watch out Augusta! If the Arena relocation team sniffs out Columbia County, Ron Cross would demand perpetual legacy tickets for every event held there. To the “What positive thing does the tax cuts do” person, are you suggesting paying the stupid Mayor’s tax on water that went nowhere?
A Fox Business headline read “trump’s China visit brings $250 billion in US business deals”. Leave it to fox news to do trump’s lying and spinning for him. The trip brought nothing, other than announcements timed to coincide with the trip.
Once again over-rated television hack, self-appointed spiritual The Old Regency Mall has been a Safety/Health Concern for guru for America, and Many Years! Yo! Mr. bourgeoise billionaire Mayor! Condemn & Oprah Winfrey (est. I think a good way to promote downtown would Confiscate Regency worth $3.2 billion), be to run shuttle busses from Fort Gordon on Mall! Either that or sashays off her private Legislate So Many the weekends staffed by some of Augusta’s jet and steps out from Costly Charges Against one of her six or seven premier adult entertainers. They could make the Current Owners that mansions to release her they’ll choose to Donate stops at downtown “gentlemen’s clubs” on Favorite Things Under it to Augusta! Then, leave lower Broad Street. Why should the hipster $50 list for X-mas 2017. town! Oprah Winfrey telling the businesses on upper Broad Street get all the automaton proletariat I hate to even whine sheeple minions what to attention? You could “Cruise The Strip with your about this but I am buy at the Dollar General Favorite Stripper!” A guaranteed moneymaker!” very disappointed in or Dollar Tree store is rich the lack of sponsors, — no pun intended! participation, and advertisement that is put out for the Veterans Day parade in It’s rather ironic how the The Metro Spirit is so obsessed with Augusta every year. If it were not for the high school bands there keeping the arena downtown but the first thing the new owners would be almost nothing to it. We have to do better for those that of the weekly paper did upon purchasing it over 5 years ago was served. move their offices out of downtown to spitting distance of the Columbia County border. If you are going to be so sanctimonious, I say we consider Bill Fennoy’ for trying to talk about decreasing then you should practice what you preach. the penalty for ADULTS with small amounts of marijuana like what was just passed in Atlanta. too many people have their lives ruined The South Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidates are for something small, mostly minorities with prison sentences for flocking to Steve Bannon at the Citadel like moths to a flame. Have something that is less addicting and certainly no more harmful they lost their minds? Because of this I will never vote for any of than cigarettes or alcohol which is legal and ruins alot of lives. them. I’ve been voting since I became old enough 42 years ago, this will be the first time I’ve voted for a Democrat in any state or People if you get sexually assaulted or raped by 9PM, the police national election. needs to be arriving at the scene by 9:15 PM, which 15 minutes after you called 911, and not 15 years later.
As the DNC implodes from its own incredible level of corruption and lies let’s hope that those who suffer under the rotting DNC machine, those who live in crime ridden neighborhoods and send their children to failing schools will be able to see the light and drop the yoke that has been grinding them and into poverty for generations. The next time you find yourself denigrating every Muslim because of those that support terrorism in the name of Allah, apply that same thought to every Christian because of those that are now supporting the pedophile Roy Moore in the name of God. Of course Billy Morris charged $10 to park at The Border Bash at the Hippodrome that he owns. He even charged his own employees to park in the company parking deck to come to work. Billy never misses an opportunity to make a buck. I don’t often agree with whiners, but the one who said while the 40s generation runs things we’ll never move forward is right. Boomers are so busy in congratulating themselves on things they did 30-40 years ago that they don’t care about anything else. Guess what? Losing a war and mobbing a concert aren’t things to be proud of. Get over yourselves. The the person who had this as their last sentence in that to long post (that I did read by the way): “The problem is people, not the device!” I agree 150%, make your post shorter next time, this is Facebook World these stupid Millennials do not read more than three sentences before “scrolling” past the rest. 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Augusta is abuzz about new development at the old depot For weeks, AugustA leAders hAve been dying to talk about future plans for the old train depot property on Reynolds Street that once served the South Carolina Railroad Company near the turn of the 20th century. Finally, that day has come. Well, sort of. This week, the Augusta Commission unanimously approved a “development concept” for a $93 million mixed-use project on the old depot site presented to the city by the Downtown Development Authority. Commissioners also approved $14 million in Downtown Development Authority bonds to help finance the project. “Outstanding,” Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis said immediately after the unanimous vote in support of the downtown project. “If anybody ever asks who’s the hardest working people in Augusta, it’s this commission.” At approximately 6 acres, the Reynolds Street property is currently the largest undeveloped riverfront site in downtown Augusta, which makes it a prime piece of real estate that can’t help but attract a lot of attention. Earlier this year, the Augusta Commission entered into an agreement with the Downtown Development Authority to specifically market the property in hopes of targeting a potential buyer and attracting a new project to the site. “This is a game-changer,” said Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Margaret Woodard, adding that she could not provide a lot of details about the mixed- use project until the final documents are approved by the Augusta Commission. “That piece of property has been vacant for over 50 years.” With the addition of this new $93 million development on one end of Reynolds Street and the $50 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
million Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on the other, Woodard said downtown Augusta has really turned a corner. “It’s incredible,” Woodard said. “With everything that is going on with Cyber and all the new hotels coming downtown, things are really happening. But we also have a housing crisis right now. We need housing downtown, so this will be an exciting project.” Woodard said she hopes to “hammer out all the details” of the project within the next 60 days so that the city can properly unveil the $93 million development. “We will move forward to get the master development agreement done in the next 60 days, bring it to the commission for approval and then we will have a press conference and update everybody on the project,” Woodard said. “We hope to have a groundbreaking by the summer of 2018.” Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom, who has hinted about potential plans to develop that property for months, said the development of the old depot property will be an enormous boost to downtown Augusta. “We have the opportunity of a private company coming in to have a project, unlike anything ever in the history of Augusta,” Frantom said. “All I can say is, it’s mixed-use and it’s exciting. Hopefully, we will get it to the finish line very, very soon.” For those who might be unfamiliar with the site, the old train depot sits along a large parcel of land on Fifth and Reynolds streets, and it was constructed in the early 1900s for South Carolina Railroad, which later merged into Southern Railway. It is believed that parts of the building possibly date back to the 1850s, but the long freight section along Reynolds Street was built almost 50 years later. In the 19th and 20th centuries, railroads played a vitally important role in Augusta’s commerce and industry. According to the book, “Rails Across Dixie: A History of Passenger Trains in the American South” 16NOVEMBER2017
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“It’s incredible. With everything that is going on with Cyber and all the new hotels coming downtown, things are really happening. But we also have a housing crisis right now. We need housing downtown, so this will be an exciting project.” — Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Margaret Woodard by Jim Cox, Augusta had some of the most impressive depots and train stations in all of Georgia. “For all but the first seven years of its life, the Georgia Railroad (1833-1983) was headquartered in Augusta,” Cox wrote. “During that time, passenger trains trekked daily between Augusta and the state capital at Atlanta. The 16NOVEMBER2017
town’s first depot, perhaps little more than a sheltered platform or a rustic waiting room, belonged to the Georgia line. The company dramatically improved on its efforts about 1870 when it constructed the city’s initial Union Station. The facility served a handful of short lines radiating from Augusta.” But the second Union Station, built about five blocks from the Savannah River at the current site of the James Brown Arena in 1903, was a much more impressive structure. “The culmination of all of this train activity in Augusta, however, was ultimately expressed in the erection of a second much more magnificent Union Station,” Cox wrote. “Completed in 1903, its location at Barrett Square about five blocks from the riverfront attracted all the carriers. Designed by Frank Pierce Milburn (1868-1926), an energetic New South architect who also drew plans for Savannah’s Union Station and many more, the Spanish Renaissance complex was of utterly majestic proportions.” Union Station set Augusta apart from many other cities in the South, Cox wrote. “Set under a cathedral dome, its spacious dual-level central gathering hall was the centerpiece of a stately facility whose extensive left and right single-story units completed a picture of formidable dominion,” Cox wrote. “A mammoth train shed at the rear ran the length of the station, and Georgia Railroad’s freight depot was situated behind Union Station, too.” Unfortunately, Union Station ceased operations when the last passenger train out of Augusta left in April 1968. “That structure was another victim of the wrecking ball in 1972,” Cox wrote. For some historians, it is hard to believe that the old depot property on Reynolds Street is basically all that remains of Augusta’s once-vibrant train activity. “Not much is left in the way of physical evidence of the railroad lines, however,” Cox wrote. “The single exception — and it isn’t much — is from the South Carolina Railroad’s depot dating from the 1850s. Situated at the corner of Fifth and Reynolds street, parts of that building still stand beside today’s CSX tracks.” But for the past several decades, the old train depot has basically been in limbo due, in part, to the odd circumstances surrounding the city’s
acquisition of the property. On Dec. 8, 1988, the former City of Augusta, under the leadership of then-Mayor Charles DeVaney, spent approximately $975,000 from the 1949 pension fund to purchase the old depot property. After spending more than $27,000 of pensioners’ money on repairs, the city leased the building to Paul Wolfe, then the co-owner of Riverwalk Antique Depot, in 1993. For more than five years, Wolfe operated his antique store in the former depot, paying approximately $10,400 a year in rent. However, by 1999, the city realized that Wolfe’s lease was set to expire and decided to reevaluate the building’s rent. At the request of the pension plan participants, the city had a market value analysis performed on the property by Bill Hollingsworth, of Hollingsworth Appraisal Co. in 1999. Back then, the analysis recommended an annual rent of $41,652 a year. But instead of following Hollingsworth’s recommendation, the city’s pension committee suggested an increase in the rent on Wolfe’s new lease from $10,400 to $15,120 a year. Needless to say, many of the pensioners were not pleased with the city’s management of the property and made their objections be known. In 1999, former Augusta Fire Chief Bill Maddox, who passed away earlier this year, told the committee that the return rate on the property was unacceptable. “We bought this property about eight years ago,” Maddox said in 1999. “At that time, we could have invested that million dollars in a 10-percent treasury note. I know, because I served 23 years on the state pension board and I checked in Atlanta. So, we have already lost between $700,000 and $800,000 on this thing.” Maddox explained that, in 1997, an appraisal was made on the property during former Mayor Larry Sconyers’ administration and that the value of the property was approximately $1.25 million. “We would be lucky to get that much for it,” Maddox told the Metro Spirit in 2000. “But we aren’t making anything right now.” Frustrated with the handling of the property, the 1949 pensioners asked the city to look into selling the property. However, that was tricky. Then-County Administrator Randy Oliver told the pension committee in 2000 that the circumstances surrounding the property on Reynolds Street created a “balancing act.” “In this particular case, I guess there are competing demands,” Oliver said. “One is the need for the revenue for the pension plan. The other is, we want vibrant businesses downtown. However, we don’t want those businesses to be subsidized at the expense of taxpayers.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the first time that participants of the 1949 pension plan had problems with the city and their retirement plan. In 1995, the former city was reportedly facing a projected budgetary shortfall of $2.45 million. According to past articles in The Augusta Chronicle, the city was forced to pay approximately $750,000 from its general fund AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“It will be the largest single project in the history of downtown. It will be huge.” — Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis
“We have the opportunity of a private company coming in to have a project, unlike anything ever in the history of Augusta. All I can say is, it’s mixeduse and it’s exciting.” — Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom to three of the city’s defunct pension plans in 1994. So, in order to try to spare the 1995 budget the same expense, the city proposed merging the 1949 plan — which at the time had $49 million in its account — with the three bankrupt plans. Then-City Attorney Paul Dunbar requested that the courts endorse the merger, but participants of the 1949 plan objected to the city’s proposal. As a result, former City Councilman Oscar Baker and former Augusta Police Chief James Beck (representing the 1949 pensioners) filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s action. The participants of the 1949 pension plan were concerned that they would lose their portion of the pension money if the city’s pension plans were merged. But the city argued that fear was unfounded because the 1949 pension fund had a surplus of between $4 million and $11 million. The pensioners’ lawsuit also asked Richmond County Chief 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Superior Court Judge William Fleming Jr. to order the former city to reimburse the 1949 pension fund the nearly $1 million the city had spent on Reynolds Street property. Pensioners had discovered that the property, when purchased in 1988, had been deeded to the Augusta City Council instead of the lawful owners — the participants of the 1949 pension plan. In April 1995, Fleming reportedly prevented the city from merging the plans because he felt the retirees who contributed to the 1949 plan should be protected and their money should not be touched by the city. Soon after, the deed for the property on Reynolds Street was also corrected and the pensioners were named the property’s owners. For years, pensioners remained upset about the city’s decision to purchase the Reynolds Street property. Former City Councilman Oscar Baker, who passed away in 2015, was one of the leaders in the fight to protect the benefits of the city’s retirees. Baker, who was a retired captain from the Augusta Fire Department, was also covered by the city’s 1949 pension plan and believed the former city treated its retirees with complete disregard. “I don’t think they acted in our best interest,” Baker told the Metro Spirit in 2000. “I may be wrong, but I think a trustee is supposed to make sure that, if they invest our money, we should have a good return on it.” Baker, who had served on the City Council for more than 14 years, said he was never assigned to the city’s pension committee and that, because he had never heard any negative reports concerning the pension fund, he assumed all was well. But one day, Baker arrived at a City Council meeting a little early and noticed there was a pension meeting in progress, so he decided to attend the meeting. “I heard Mayor DeVaney say that he wanted to take $3 million out of our pension fund to operate the city with because they were in dire need of funds,” Baker said in 2000. “I immediately jumped to my feet and said, ‘You better not touch that pension fund. I will carry you to court. Even if I have to pay it out of my own pocket.’” Baker said he knew what the mayor was suggesting was wrong. “That (pension) money was paid into that fund by the employees
and the city,” he said in 2000. “And Mayor DeVaney thought just because it was overfunded and the city had contributed to it, that they could reach in there and get some money. I wasn’t going to let that happen.” That’s when Baker hired attorneys Duncan Wheale and Jack Long to represent the pensioners and they went before Judge Fleming to fight the city. Long told the Metro Spirit in 2000 that without individuals like Baker and Beck watching the city’s actions, the pension fund would have been gutted. “Frankly, if it hadn’t been for Oscar Baker and Jim Beck, the pensioners could have lost a lot of money,” Long said in 2000. “They came forth and said, ‘We are not going to let this happen.’ And that basically protected that pension plan.” Long insisted that the former city was playing a dangerous game using the pension money to buy the property on Reynolds Street. “Frankly, pension money should not have been used for that purpose,” Long said in 2000. “The law is clear: You cannot fool with those pension funds.” Finally, by 2005, the city agreed to purchase the Reynolds Property from the city pension fund for approximately $1.7 million. But, since that time, the property has seen very little action. In fact, the old train depot was listed as one of Historic Augusta’s “Endangered Properties” a few years ago.
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“This is a game-changer. That piece of property has been vacant for over 50 years.” — Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Margaret Woodard Back in 2009, plans for a more than $100 million project on the Reynolds Street property called “The Watermark,” which would have included condominiums, a hotel, retail stores and office space, also fell through. As a result, the city decided to take a different approach. That’s when the commission entered into the agreement with the Downtown Development Authority to specifically market the property. Evidently, the idea worked because Augusta leaders are thrilled over the potential of the project. “It will be the largest single project in the history of downtown,” Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis said about the $93 million development. “It will be huge.”
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Ice rink slides into town
bring your family to downtown Augusta for a blast this holiday season AugustA sAdly hAs been lacking an ice skating rink for the past few years. But that’s about to change, starting this week! Augusta on Ice will be at the Augusta Common for 50 days, bringing with it an all-inclusive winter wonderland. The best part is, you’ll be able to skate on 100 percent, absolutely real ice! Anyone who knows the climate in Augusta probably has their doubts, but it is possible. The mind behind Augusta on Ice, Chris Boerner, explained: “It is real ice,” she said. “That’s the thing everybody keeps asking — it is real ice. So what it is, is you bring these mats in that are really thick, and you have tubes running through them, and you pump glycol through the tubes. There’s almost like an air conditioner like the one in your house, but it’s a much larger one that’s gonna be keeping the glycol cold. And so, we’ll freeze the ice over the course of days. And every day, we’ll scrape off the part that gets a little bit slushy and then refreeze it and build it up.” Chris and her family moved to Augusta a little over a year ago from Seattle and are loving it. Her inlaws came here to retire a few years back, and after visiting, Chris and her husband, Mike, made the move. She was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug — she also runs a company called Cielo Pill Holders — and when they moved to Augusta, they wanted to find a way to make a difference in the community. “We were looking a couple of different business options,” she said. “Actually, we were close to signing a lease on something totally different last December when we had friends over. It was probably close to the holidays, and they told us they were going to take their kids to Savannah to go ice skating. Mike and I just looked at each other and went, ‘Oh man, what are the chances?’ because we have a friend in Northern California — he and his wife run holiday ice skating rinks. And for years, Mike has been fascinated by the business, and we thought, ‘What a cool thing.’ “In Seattle, there’s plenty of ice skating, plenty of holiday festivals, lots to do, so it wasn’t really relevant. So as our friends told us there was nothing 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
here like it, we were looking at each other going, ‘Could this be the way that we could get involved; could we do this?’ So it started out just as an ice skating rink, but the idea was always to give people a place to come together, to create memories, to build traditions, and so that took it from being anchored by an ice skating rink into really a festival that keeps people coming back over and over.” While the ice skating rink is the main feature, there will be plenty of other things to draw people downtown over and over again, as Augusta on Ice will offer season passes. Augusta on Ice will feature a beautifully decorated ice slide — again, with real ice, kept cold like the ice rink is. The Augusta Express, a train much like the Polar Express, will be taking people on rides throughout the Common. Adults can visit The Elves Lounge for beer and wine. And the Community Spotlight Stage will feature different acts and live music every single day — and when there’s no live entertainment, Augusta on Ice will screen holiday films on the stage. Oh, and s’mores and hot chocolate will be available to warm up and hit your sweet tooth at the same time. And don’t miss Santa! He will be there for photo sessions — visitors will be able to book a time with him online so they’re not waiting in line to meet him. Throughout it all, the park will be decked out in some of the best holiday decorations.
By Amanda Main
“The Augusta Common is lined with oak trees and just has sort of an intimate vibe to it already, but the lighting concept we’re bringing is magical,” Chris Boerner said. “So when you’re in the middle of that field, you’ll feel like you’re inside of a snow globe. All of the trees will be lit, and it’ll be choreographed to music; there’ll be snowflakes projected onto the buildings off to the side, and it’s just gonna be magic everywhere.” General admission to the park is $5 for one day and $20 for the whole season. That gets you in the gates for access to entertainment, the tree lighting, watching skaters and more. (To add ice skating, it’s $14; the ice slide is an extra $4, and a ride on the Augusta Express is $4.) But the best deal to maximize your holiday spirit is the activity pass. It’s $20 for one day or $50 for the entire season, and it includes completely unlimited access to the ice rink, ice slide, Augusta Express and everything else the park offers. Families of four or more can get 10% off, and groups of 10 or more can get 25% off, no matter what ticket they go with. Military and seniors can take advantage of a discount of 25%. The Augusta on Ice season will run daily (including holidays) from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6. Check out augustaonice. com for hours and other information — and to order your passes! 16NOVEMBER2017
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‘They’re gonna go far’
Pink floyd tribute Brit floyd coming to Augusta
By Metro Spirit Staff
If you fInd yourself wishing the great psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd still toured, well, there’s not much hope there. But there is an alternative that’s considered the nextbest thing. Brit Floyd, widely regarded as the world’s greatest live tribute to Pink Floyd, will be coming through Augusta this Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Bell Auditorium. The tribute band is on its Immersion World Tour and will be performing favorite moments from “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here,” “The Wall” and “The Division Bell,” as well as a special tribute to the “Animals” album, which is in its 40th anniversary year. Formed in 2011, Brit Floyd is re-creating Pink Floyd’s final “Division Bell” tour in 1994, complete with a circle screen, light design, lasers, inflatables and theatrics. The band is the brainchild of Middlesbrough, Teesside, England, native Damian Darlington, who came into the project with a wealth of experience — he became a part of the Australian Pink Floyd Show (which still tours) in 1994 and stayed with them for 17 years and almost 1,300 shows. But he told the Phoenix New Times in 2014 that when he left that project, he was itching to do his own Pink Floyd tribute project — and do it better. “It seemed like it was time to move on and do my own Pink Floyd show,” Darlington told the Phoenix New Times. “I certainly learned a lot about how to do this
“Pink Floyd, they were great musicians, but they weren’t really technical. There weren’t any really fast guitar solos or odd time signatures. But there was certainly a wonderful feel they brought to the music. That’s a challenge in itself. And to recreate the sounds.” — Damian Darlington, founder of Brit Floyd 24 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
right; acquired all the skills how to put together a Pink Floyd show successfully. It was the right time to step out. … I just rather think we’re doing it that bit better with Brit Floyd. There is much more attention to details in every aspect of the show, from the music to the visuals to the lighting. Everything is that much more perfected, and there’s a passion coming off that stage. We never get complacent about what we’re doing, and it will continually get better.” The band overcomes challenges to getting Pink Floyd’s sound just right. “Pink Floyd, they were great musicians, but they weren’t really technical,” he told the Phoenix New Times. “There weren’t any really fast guitar solos or odd time signatures. But there was certainly a wonderful feel they brought to the music. That’s a challenge in itself. And to re-create the sounds. Pink Floyd was so pioneering in many respects, on stage but also in the studio with all those unique sounds people really hadn’t done before. To redo that successfully, when it comes to the guitar sounds and keyboard sounds and all the sound effects, it is really a challenge.” Darlington also has had direct experience with the musicians he and his band emulates — he states on his bio at britfloyd.com that he had the “amazing experience” of performing “Comfortably Numb” alongside Pink Floyd founding member, keyboardist and vocalist Rick Wright at longtime Pink Floyd member David Gilmour’s 50th birthday party. In a review of a recent show in Pennsylvania, TheSlateOnline.com gushed that Brit Floyd lives up to its name as “The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show.”
“Brit Floyd went beyond simply playing the notes and clearly focused on imitating the exact tone and style of Pink Floyd’s music,” TheSlateOnline.com wrote. “Even with slight deviations from the original songs, such as adding backup vocals to the chorus of ‘Wish You Were Here,’ Brit Floyd stayed true to Pink Floyd’s sound while adding their own flair. … Brit Floyd took audience members back to the first time they put a Pink Floyd vinyl on their record player. Their musical talent and soul reminded fans how Pink Floyd’s songs are more than just music and lyrics — they are other-worldly audio experiences.” Rolling Stone says Pink Floyd went from a “moderately successful acid-rock band to one of rock music’s biggest acts,” with the release of “The Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973. That album has been on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart for a staggering 861 weeks (that’s more than 16 years total) — longer than any other album in history. Many rock icons over the decades since Pink Floyd formed probably wouldn’t have been what they were without the influence of Pink Floyd. Heavy hitters such as David Bowie, Queen, Nine Inch Nails and the Smashing Pumpkins all have listed Pink Floyd as influential. Floyd fans simply won’t want to miss the labor of love and authenticity that is Brit Floyd. Brit floyd Bell Auditorium 8 p.m. Sat Nov 18 $29.50-$54.50 877-4AUGTIX or georgialinatix.com 16NOVEMBER2017
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what’s up
Calendar: 26 | Music Listings: 34 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amanda Main at amanda@themetrospirit.com.
Las Vegas-created circus show goes to maxweLL NoV. 20 An AcrobAtic spectAcle will be filling the stage at Maxwell Theatre on Augusta University’s Summerville campus. The Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk show brags about being a “rowdy circus where the mischief is on wheels.” Cirque Mechanics started 13 years ago and “finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American ingenuity,” according to cirquemechanics.com. Spectacle Magazine hailed the project as “the greatest contribution to the American circus since Cirque du Soleil.” Cirque Mechanics Creative Director and BMX rider Chris Lashua had this to say about the steampunk-inspired Pedal Punk show, in a YouTube video on the channel cirquemechanicsvids: “(The Gantry Bike) is a man-powered, portable circus platform that allows for aerial artists to be lifted by a bicycle that climbs vertically. We have trampolines and juggling; we have contortionists. … What makes what we do a little bit different is that we really strive to showcase the relationship between the mechanical apparatus and the circus act.” The Gantry Bike moves around the stage with a quirky ensemble of high-flying unicyclists, death-defying wheel acrobats, soaring pole climbers and floating trapeze artists. Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk is the second show in this season’s Lyceum Series at AU; the series will return Feb. 17 with the Aquila Theatre Company in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” and concludes with A Day of International Cinema and Culture on April 14. cirque Mechanics: pedal punk AU’s Maxwell Theatre 7:30 p.m. Mon Nov 20 $18, general; $12, AU alum and military; $7, children, students, AU faculty and staff 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule
Friday, NoV. 17
saturday, NoV. 18
suNday, NoV. 19
tuesday, NoV. 21
If you’re wanting to bring your gift buying into the 21st century but aren’t sure where to start (also, what have you been waiting for?), the Columbia County Library has you covered. At 10 a.m. on Friday will be a Gadgets and Gifts seminar about tech gifts that will be popular this season. And at 1:30 p.m. the same day will be an Internet Shopping class to show you how to get the best deals online. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
This Saturday, Paine College is all about jazz! The Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival will start at 5 p.m. and will feature performances by Trey McLaughlin, Sean McDonald, Bethany Davis, Dean Brown (Macon), Ingrid Woode & Woode Tribe Orchestra (Cincinnati) and more. Admission is $25. Call 706-821-8233 or visit paine.edu.
It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas photos! The Old Government House on Telfair Street is hosting Portraits with Santa from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no session fees, and multiple vendors will be there with gift ideas. Sessions also will take place Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. Call 706-799-2161.
A Holiday Pop-Up Shop will be taking over theClubhou.se this Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. The Telfair Street location will become a local market featuring baked goods, canned items, fresh produce, handmade decorations, beauty and bath items, artwork, garden art and other gift items. There’s still time for vendors to register. Call 706-723-5782 or visit cognitoforms.com/FieldBotanicals/Holiday PopUpShopRegistration.
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For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues that also shows at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Mon Nov 20
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Nov 21
10:30am - noon English as a Second Language Columbia County Library All levels welcome. Email boassma@gmail.com or call 706-863-1946.
11:30am Women in Business Luncheon
“The Nutcracker” Imperial Theatre 7pm Fri Nov 24; 1pm and 4pm Sat Nov 25 and Sun Nov 26 $17-$40. A Colton Ballet Company of Augusta production. 706-722-8341 or imperialtheatre.com
ARTS Thu Nov 16
9am - 4:30pm Mad Potters End of Semester Sale AU’s Jaguar Student Activities Center Work for sale by students of the ceramics program. Visit augusta.edu.
Sat Nov 18
9am - 2pm Basket Weaving Harlem Arts Council Class with Tammy Przylepa. $30; all materials included. Register at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-414-1716.
Sun Nov 19
Noon - 3pm Monthly Artisan Market That Place Coffee and 4P Studios Free to attend. Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
Mon Nov 20
7:30pm Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk AU’s Maxwell Theatre A Steampunk-inspired cycling show that’s part of the Lyceum Series. $18, general; $12, AU alum and military; $7, children, students, AU faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta. edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.
Tue Nov 21
2pm - 5pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners Aiken Public Library 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
A class that meets Tuesdays through Nov. 28. Pre-registration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
$200 and Under 4P Studios and That Place Coffee Starting Friday, Nov. 10, more than 60 artists will have original works priced at less than $200 for the next two months. Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudiosart.com.
DANCE Ongoing
“The Nutcracker” Imperial Theatre A Colton Ballet Company of Augusta production that will show at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 and 1 and 4 p.m. Nov. 25 and 26. $17-$40. Call 706722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
EDUCATION Thu Nov 16
11:30am - 1pm Third Thursday Business Builder Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Presentation will be “The Ins and Outs of Cash Flow: Best practices to manage and improve your cash operations” with speakers Bobby Smith, Ben Braxton and Sharon Blitch. Free, chamber members; $15, nonmembers. Pre-registration was required by Nov. 13. Visit augustametrochamber.com.
1:30pm Camera Part III
Columbia County Library Learn how to remove blemishes from digital photos, print gift items and create virtual scrapbooks. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Nov 17
10am Gadgets and Gifts Columbia County Library A seminar about tech gifts that will be popular this holiday season. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
1:30pm Internet Shopping Columbia County Library Learn how to get the best deals online. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
2pm - 5pm Huffines Discussion Simulcast AU’s University Hall, Room 170 This is a live, interactive simulcast of The Huffines Discussion from Texas A&M, with leaders in exercise science, human performance and sports medicine. Refreshments provided. Reserve a spot at http://bit.ly/AUHuffines18. Visit calendar.augusta.edu or call 706-737-1468.
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Nov 18
11:30am A Petersburg Boat Captain
Legends Club An Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce event that will begin with networking at 11:30 a.m. and will continue with the luncheon and “Destination Augusta: Creating the ultimate tourism and lifestyle experience,” a talk by Barry White, president/CEO of Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Stacie Adkins, CEO of Augusta Sports Council. $30, members; $40, nonmembers. Deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 17. Call 706-821-1300 or email Sabrina. Balthrop@augustametrochamber.com.
Ongoing
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only Monday-Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour 16NOVEMBER2017
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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 706-7240436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 18 and 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Nov. 19. $5, adults; free, military and their dependents and people ages 16 and younger. $10 for a three-day pass. Call 803-736-9317 or visit cgams.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta
Tue Nov 21
Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
1 Million Cups theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou.se or call 706-723-5782.
ELSEWHERE
6pm - 9pm Candlelight Shopping & Tree Lighting Ceremony The Square, Washington Free event features candlelight shopping, treelighting, singing and snow. Call 706-678-2013 or visit washingtonwilkes.org.
EXHIBITIONS Fri Nov 17
6pm - 8pm Carey Mogianesi: A Tribute to No One Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Mogianesi brings clay to life by giving utilitarian objects humanistic features with subtle gestures and expressions. This exhibit will be on display through Dec. 8. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
6pm - 8pm Tara Sabharwal: A PARTners Opening Reception
Fri Nov 17
10am - 6pm 50th Annual Gem and Mineral Jewelry Show Jamil Temple, Columbia, S.C. Jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and tools for sale at event put on by Columbia Gem & Mineral Society. Continues 10
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Tara Sabharwal is an Indian painter and artist who lives between India, UK, and New York making paintings and prints. This exhibit will be on display through Dec. 8. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
Ongoing
Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
A Celebration of Our Own Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art This exhibition features recent, various media works by Augusta University art and design faculty including Kristin Casaletto, Tom Crowther, Carrie Dyer, Philip Morsberger, Jennifer Onofrio, Randy Pace, Raoul Pacheco, Brian Rust, Chadwick Tolley, Julie Sibley and Janice Whiting. On display through Dec. 1. Call 706-993-6719 or email bmeagher@augusta. edu.
Art Show with Ron Lee Hire Grounds Cafe (inside Goodwill) This photographer’s works will be on display through Nov. 30 at 3179 Washington Road. Visit facebook.com/events/516299092074882 or call 706-863-3669.
FLIX
6:30pm “Woman in Gold” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Nov 18
3pm “Wonder Woman” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Nov 21
4:30pm - 6:30pm Family Movie Night Columbia County Library No registration; for ages 3 and up. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
6:30pm “The Hiding Place” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Nov 16
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Thu Nov 16
Book your holiday party with us! 1204b Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901
For inquiries email: megan@froghollowgroup.com 16NOVEMBER2017
Photo by Lauren Carnes AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
HOBBIES Thu Nov 16
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Sat Nov 18
10am - noon Couponing Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Nov 20
6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable Meeting
50th Annual Gem and Mineral Jewelry Show Jamil Temple, Columbia, S.C. 10am - 6pm Fri Nov 17; 10am - 6pm Sat Nov 18; 11am - 5pm Sun Nov 19 Jewelry, beads, loose stones, fossils, minerals, gold, silver and tools for sale at event put on by Columbia Gem & Mineral Society. $5, adults; free, military and their dependents and people ages 16 and younger; $10 for a three-day pass 803-736-9317 or cgams.org
Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Robert E. Bonner, chair of the department of history at Dartmouth College, presents on “Master of Lost Causes.” Meetings are $15, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Tue Nov 21
5:30pm Chess Part II Columbia County Library This three-part class ending with a tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 28, is open to all ages. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Fri Nov 17
6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth Education Class University Hospital Class continues Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Nov 18
9am - 4:30pm Short and Sweet Doctors Hospital A weekend childbirth education class that continues Sunday, Nov. 19, from 1-5 p. m. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Sun Nov 19
3pm - 5pm The Daddy Class Doctors Hospital An infant care class for fathers only. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
doctors-hospital.net.
Mon Nov 20
1pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
6pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Class also held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Preregistration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions 16NOVEMBER2017
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Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
or email jennifera@abbe-lib.org.
columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Nov 18
10am Big Kid Story Time
KIDS-TEENS
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Thu Nov 16
6pm - 8pm Family Game Night Aiken Public Library Family event includes board games and refreshments. Children must be with an adult. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Fri Nov 17
10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
12:30pm - 2pm Mr. Kenny’s Wondrous Stories, Songs and Play Jessye Norman School of the Arts Participants will read, sing, play musical instruments and explore movement designed to help them develop both literary and cognitive skills. Parents or caregivers participate in the class through age 3. Preschool and kindergarten children may attend with, or without, a parent or caregiver. $10; preregistration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
2pm STEM Class: Taking Polls and Making Faces Columbia County Library A science, technology, engineering and math program for children in kindergarten and first grade. Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
5pm - 7:30pm The Polar Express Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum An event in which participants are invited to wear PJs and bring their pillows and blankets for a showing of “The Polar Express” that will include popcorn and hot chocolate. Also showing at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. $5; pre-registration required. Call 803-644-1907 or visit visitaikensc. com.
7pm - 8:30pm Justice League AfterHours Event Aiken Public Library All sorts of superhero-themed activities for teens in grades 6-12. Must have registered by Nov. 13 to attend. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, 16NOVEMBER2017
11am “Bear Says Thanks” Story Time
11am Catch the Sun
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls. org.
Reed Creek Park Participants ages 5 will collect leaves and make suncatchers. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
10am Preschool Story Time
1pm - 3pm Maxwell Library Vocab Detectives
4pm Turkey Time Activities
Maxwell Branch Library The library celebrates Picture Book Month with a vocabulary-building exercise. Groups of four or more require pre-registration. Call 706-7932020 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Creek Exploration Reed Creek Park Kids ages 8 and up will get wet and muddy while exploring critters that live in the creek. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@columbiacountyga.gov.
Mon Nov 20
10am Monday at the Museum: Thanksgiving Augusta Museum of History This program for children ages 2-6 will include learning the history of Thanksgiving, playing with the Native American Touchcart, and learning the art of weaving. $2, members; $4, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-8454, email aschaffman@ augustamuseum.org, or visit augustamuseum. org.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org. Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken Take part in a Turkey Walk and a Turkey Shootout to help promote a healthier lifestyle. During the Turkey Walk, see how many miles you can walk around the gym. Participate in the Turkey Shootout by making as many baskets as you can in one minute. Prizes will be awarded. Register Oct. 30-Nov. 20. $5 per child ages 4-14. Visit cityofaikensc.gov or call 803-642-7631.
Wed Nov 22
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls. org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Holiday Craft
4pm - 5:30pm DIY Fall Crafts for Kids Aiken Public Library Drop by the library and create some fall crafts. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib. org.
7pm Teen Gaming Night North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Board games and Xbox One provided for teens in 6th-12th grade; bringing games encouraged. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Nov 21
9:30am Tiny Tot Story Time Reed Creek Park “The Day the Goose Got Loose” story time for kids ages 2-4. Free, members; $2 per child, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com. Appleby Branch Library Children ages 5 and up will make a holiday craft. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Open to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@ gmail.com.
After-School Program Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
LITERARY Fri Nov 17
Noon Art at Lunch: Author Roger Pinckney Morris Museum of Art Award-winning journalist, author, and lowcountry legend Roger Pinckney will discuss his newest book, “Crying in the Wilderness,” followed by a book signing. Pre-registration was required by Nov. 15. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Sun Nov 19
2pm National Novel Writing Month Writing Meet-Up Columbia County Library Gather to write for NaNoWriMo, with writing tips discussion. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Wed Nov 22
6:30pm - 8pm Book Club Kroc Center Open to anyone ages 25 and older interested in a fun, dynamic discussion. Books are selected by members and cover a variety of topics. Free. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta. org.
MUSIC Thu Nov 16
7:30pm Augusta University Choral Ensembles
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Those in elementary school and up are invited to wear costumes for snacks, lightsaber battles, games and more. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
AU’s Maxwell Theatre Concert featuring AU’s University Singers and Chamber Singers. $5, general; free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff. Call 706667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/ schedule.
4:30pm Lego Club
7:30pm Mannheim Steamroller
11am Star Wars Reads Day
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copies of his book “Sid Sez: Grow It in Augusta,” from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 706-826-4700 or visit sacredheartaugusta.org.
10am - 5pm Holiday Gingerbread Village
Counting Down to Christmas Holiday Concert Church of the Holy Comforter 7pm Sat Nov 25 The Augusta Broadway Singers will present holiday stories and songs from “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “A Christmas Story” and more, along with desserts. $20, ages 13 and up; $10, kids ages 5-12; free, kids under 5 with an adult tabsaugusta.com or 706-831-8876 Christmas Bell Auditorium $60-$81. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
7:30pm O Sole Trio “Bravissimo Broadway” AECOM Center for the Performing Arts, Aiken O Sole Trio consists of soprano Erin Shields, baritone Giuseppe Spoletini and pianist/violinist David Shenton. Shows again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. $40. Visit apagonline.org.
Fri Nov 17
7:30pm Dvorak’s New World First Baptist of Augusta Symphony Orchestra Augusta event. $11-$52. Visit soaugusta.org or call 706-826-4705.
Sat Nov 18
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
5pm - 8pm Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival Paine College Featuring performances by Trey McLaughlin, Sean McDonald, Bethany Davis, Dean Brown (Macon), Ingrid Woode & Woode Tribe Orchestra (Cincinnati) and more. $25. Call 706821-8233 or visit paine.edu.
7pm Horowitz Piano Recital Turner’s Keyboards Steinway & Sons Model D Horowitz Piano, CD 503, will be on display and used in performance at the store. Dr. Martin David Jones and Dr. Clara J. Park of Augusta University will perform. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
The evening will also feature refreshments and a presentation on Vladimir Horowitz’ life and work. The piano will remain at Turner’s Keyboards until Nov. 25; the public may make appointments to play on the piano. Call 706736-4479 or email eric@turnerskeyboards.com.
Ongoing
Bell Auditorium $29.50-$54.50. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Counting Down to Christmas Holiday Concert Church of the Holy Comforter The Augusta Broadway Singers will present this event at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 with holiday stories and songs from “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “A Christmas Story” and more, along with desserts. $20, ages 13 and up; $10, kids ages 5-12; free, kids under 5 with an adult. Visit tabsaugusta. com or call 706-831-8876.
Sun Nov 19
SENIORS
Morris Museum of Art The music director and conductor of the Augusta University Orchestra performs music by Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Schumann for solo piano as part of the Music at the Morris series. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
1pm - 1:30pm Got 30 Minutes?
8pm Brit Floyd: Immersion World Tour
2pm Dr. Martin David Jones
3pm Nikita Mndoyants, Pianist AU’s Maxwell Theatre $40, general; $5, students (children must be a minimum of 6 years old); free, AU and EGSC students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta. edu/maxwelltheatre/schedule.
Tue Nov 21
Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by 9 String Theory. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
7:30pm - 9pm Augusta University Orchestra Concert AU’s Maxwell Theatre $5, general; free, AU students, faculty and staff. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
Thu Nov 16
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 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Tue Nov 21
Augusta Museum of History Each historic-themed gingerbread creation in this annual exhibit will be available through silent auction, with proceeds benefiting museum programs and exhibitions. The display and the opportunity to bid on the structures are free to the public during regular museum hours through Nov. 27. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $2 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Fri Nov 17
5pm - 7pm Growler Gardening theClubhou.se Volunteers will weed and mulch, then enjoy some locally brewed beer. Participants should bring a growler or two of beer to share. Visit theclubhou.se.
7pm - 10pm Unwine & Relax Craft Beer/Wine Tasting and Silent Auction The River Room at St. Paul’s This Augusta Partnership for Children fundraiser event invites people to dress in Roaring 1920s attire and enjoy craft beers and wines, a silent auction, live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Call 706-721-1867 or visit augustapartnership.org.
Sat Nov 18
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
10am - 3pm Pioneer Day
Julian Smith Casino Call 706-796-5025, email jdowns@augustaga. gov or visit augustaga.gov.
Lincoln County Historical Society An event that includes living history demonstrations, entertainment, an antique tractor show, food, vendors and more. Visit lincolncountyhistoricalsocietyga.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS
11am - 3pm Gobble Fest
11am - 1pm Senior Adult Thanksgiving Luncheon
Thu Nov 16
10am - 5pm Gift Shop Holiday Open House Sacred Heart Cultural Center An annual event that includes shopping for holiday decorating accessories, home and gift items, as well as a bake sale. In addition, Peter Vossenberg of Edgar’s Grille & Helms College will lead a cooking demonstration at 1 p.m., Pat and John Curry of Buona Caffe will host a coffee bar at 12:30 p.m. and Sid Mullis will sign
Evans Towne Center Park This free event is put on by New Life Church in Grovetown and includes carnival rides, inflatables, vendors and more. Email anthony@ newlifeeveryday.com or call 706-414-9642.
11am - 12:30pm Winter Coat & Sweater Drive Aiken Public Library Stop by and receive a free coat or sweater, hosted by Super Smart Girl Group. There will be games, door prizes and refreshments. Call 80316NOVEMBER2017
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642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6pm “Defying Gravity: It IS Rocket Science!”
treats for the holidays. Call 912-225-6165 or join the Augusta Vendor Connection group on Facebook.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8am - 5pm Portraits with Santa
7pm “Seven Wonders”
6:30pm CSRA Veg Monthly Meet-Up
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803-6413654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Earth Fare Monthly meet-up for vegans/vegetarians. Find out more at meetup.com/csravs.
8pm Harry Potter Pub Crawl Augusta Common Come dressed in your finest Harry Potter garb to visit downtown Augusta’s bars and restaurants. The gathering for those 21 and up will begin at the Augusta Common. Several participating locations have special offers for those in costume. Search “Augusta’s First Harry Potter Pub Crawl” on Facebook to find the event for more information.
Sun Nov 19
8am - 4pm Holiday Market at the 5th Street Marina 5th Street Marina Vendors will sell homemade craft items and
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Old Government House Photo sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. No session fees; multiple vendors on site. Call 706-799-2161.
Mon Nov 20
8am - 11am James Brown Turkey Giveaway Dyess Park Call 706-724-0504 or email info@ jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Tue Nov 21
4pm - 7pm Holiday Pop-Up Shop theClubhou.se theClubhou.se on Telfair Street will transform into a local market, featuring baked goods, canned items, fresh produce, handmade decorations, beauty and bath items, artwork, garden art and other gift items. Vendors may register for a 6-foot by 6-foot spot; Augusta Locally Grown and theClubhou. se members may register as vendors for
$20 by Nov. 14 and $30 after. Nonmembers’ vendor registration is $30. Register online at cognitoforms.com/FieldBotanicals/ HolidayPopUpShopRegistration. Call 706-7235782.
6pm Community Thanksgiving Dinner Beulah Grove Baptist Church Free to the public and hosted by the Beulah Grove Community Resource Center. For information on how to volunteer, call 706-7224999.
Thu Nov 23
11am Blessing of the Hounds Hitchcock Woods Memorial Gate, Aiken The opening of the drag hunting season. Attendees can park downtown and walk to Memorial Gate (allow 30 minutes). Call 803642-0528.
11am - 1pm One Table Thanksgiving Dinner
hosted by City of Life Ministries. Call 706-8549000.
Ongoing
Augusta on Ice Augusta Common For 50 days from Nov. 17-Jan. 6, The Augusta Common will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink, live music, dancing, beer and wine, Santa selfies and more. Passes to all activities cost $20 for one day or $50 for a season pass. General admission for those who just want to watch the skaters, enjoy the entertainment and visit the Elves Lounge (aka alcohol tent) can pay $5 for a day or $20 for the season. Kids under 3 get in free. Visit augustaonice.com for more information and to buy passes.
SPIRITUAL Thu Nov 16
7pm - 8:30pm Waging Peace in Troubled Times
Downtown Aiken A free Thanksgiving feast open to the entire community. Participants can bring a dish to share or just come as they are. Visit onetable. info.
Congregation Children of Israel Leaders from six faiths will address issues of tragedy in modern times. Visit interfaithaugusta.org/iffa-events.html or email IFFAugusta@gmail.com.
1pm - 4pm Thanksgiving Community Fellowship Day
Sun Nov 19
City of Life Ministries Community Thanksgiving meal and games,
3pm 50 State Rally Antioch Baptist Church Jay Jeffries of WFXN Fox 54 will emcee this 50
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State Rally event; refreshments will be served after the services. Email talkingitupshow@ gmail.com or visit antiochaug.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Nov 18
All day Overnight Camping Sat Nov 18 - Sun Nov 19 Mistletoe State Park A Sierra Club camping event that lasts through 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. $5, parking. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com or call 706284-0230.
8:30am - 10am Morning Run at
Mistletoe Mistletoe State Park Come prepared to run a challenging, 6-milelong trail with a ranger. $5, parking. Call 706541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
9am - 9:30am 4H Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Free yoga event outdoors for kids and adults of all experience levels; bring your own mat or towel. Call 706-396-1426.
10:30am Wildlife Mistletoe State Park Learn about local wildlife at this Sierra Club event. $5, parking. Email sonnyandcathyblack@
gmail.com or call 706-284-0230.
706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
1pm Cliatt Creek Trail Hike
7pm Prostate Cancer Support Group
Mistletoe State Park Hike the 7-mile Cliatt Creek Trail at this Sierra Club event. $5, parking. Email rvdillenbeck@ knology.net or call 706-869-8770.
AU’s Cancer Clinic Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
9pm - 11pm Full Moon Walk Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A guided, leisurely hike for children and adults. $5, members; $10, nonmembers. Preregistration required. Call 706-396-1426 or visit phinizycenter.org.
Sun Nov 19
9:30am - 11am Lake Life Mistletoe State Park Learn about lake life and prepare to get muddy at this Sierra Club event. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com or call 706284-0230.
Ongoing
Augusta Sports Leagues This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706309-0280.
SUPPORT Sat Nov 18
10am - 11:30am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Nov 21
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call
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Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo. com.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weighin beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-481-0529 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery
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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.
THE FORT GORDON DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@gru.edu.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-8639534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
THEATER Ongoing
“It Can’t Happen Here” Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 18. $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Ken Ludwig Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9 and at 4 p.m. Dec. 10. $15-$53. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
“A Dog’s House” Le Chat Noir Showing 8 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. $25. Visit lcnaugusta.com or call 706-722-3322.
December 1, 2, 8, 9 December 10 8:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
ADULT DINNER MENU
Fresh Mixed Green Salad accented with Tomatoes, Cucumber, Croutons and Cranberries Choice of Italian or Ranch Dressing Roasted Turkey Breast Carving Station with Dressing and Cranberry Sauce • Sliced Roast Beef with a Baby Portabella Brown Gravy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese • Southern-Style Collard Greens • Honey Glazed Carrots • Cornbread with Sweet Butter
Dessert Station with Holiday-Themed Desserts
YOUTH DINNER MENU
Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce • Mini Corn Dogs • Cheese Quesadillas • Macaroni and Cheese • Tater Tots Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows • Assorted Cookies and Candy Canes
ADULT TICKET PRICES
Off Post Civilians: $53.00 | Seniors (65+), Military Retirees, DA Civilians, Active-Duty E7 & Above: $50.00 Active-Duty E6 & Below: $40.00 | Dessert, Coffee and Show: $35.00
YOUTH PRICES
(Prices apply to Youth Menu) Grades K-5: $20.00 | Grades 6-8: $25.00 | Grades 9-12: $30.00 | Show Only: $15.00
MATINEE PRICES
Adults: $28.00 | Youth (17 & Under): $15.00
For reservations, please call 706-793-8552 (SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE)
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8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Bell Auditorium - Brit Floyd: Immersion World Tour Country Club - Holman Autry Band Fox’s Lair - Sunbelt Revolution Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Sky City - Nathan Angelo Stillwater Taproom - Calimino Wild Wing - Hooker Bros The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Cricket Ridge Bluegrass
Upcoming
What’s Tonight?
Caleb Tokarska & Friends
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Sally’s - Charleston Queens Soul Bar - Dance Party
Brian Herrington
- Southbound Smokehouse November 23 Impulse Ride
- Wild Wing November 23 Chainsaw Masscara
- The Highlander November 24 Ying Yang Twins
- Country Club November 24 The Clydes
- Stillwater Taproom November 24 - Sky City November 24 Third Time Charmers
- Shannon’s November 24 Travers Brothership
- Southbound Smokehouse November 24 Maddie Rean
The Vicky Grady Band (CD release party) Metro Coffeehouse & Pub 9 p.m. Fri Nov 17 $5; vickygrady.com, 706-722-6468
Sunday, November 19 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Wild Wing - Shep Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
- Wild Wing November 24 Jive Turkey Disco Hell
- Soul Bar November 24 “The Nutcracker” by Colton Ballet Company
- Imperial Theatre November 24-26 Hello Betty Band
- Shannon’s November 25
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Billy Creason
- Country Club November 25 DJ JB Fresh
Monday, November 20 Live Music
The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Bathe, Gloom Cocoon
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
- Sky City November 25 Michael Baideme and Phillip Lee
- Stillwater Taproom November 25 Whiskey Run
- Wild Wing November 25 “The Nutcracker” by Columbia County Ballet
- Imperial Theatre November 30, December 1 Futurebirds
- Sky City December 1 Lanco
- Country Club December 2 Rocking the Stocking XXIV
- Sky City December 2
Ying Yang Twins Country Club 9 p.m. Fri Nov 24 $15; augustacountry.com, 706-364-1862 Thursday, November 16 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Sky City - DJ Casey Benefit w/ various guest DJs (canned food drive — free entry with donations or canned goods) Soul Bar - Harpooner, Wandermonch Southbound Smokehouse - The Reality Wild Wing - Sabo and Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Country Club - Midgets With Attitude Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - Open Mic w/ J. Martin-Moses
Friday, November 17 Live Music Country Club - J.B. Crockett
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Coyotes - Amy Taylor Fox’s Lair - Vilai Harrington and The Hamptons The Highlander - Phillip Lee Joe’s Underground - Fenwick, Moon Bums, False Flag Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Vicky Grady Band (CD release party) Partridge Inn - Nice ‘N’ Easy Jazz Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - Live Salsa Band & Musica Latina with DJs Soul Bar - (r) Evolution Southbound Smokehouse - The Mantras Stillwater Taproom - Caleb and the Gents Wild Wing - Tokyo Joe World of Beer - Mike and Nate Acoustic Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Sally’s - Sally’s Dragonfly’s w/ Alexiya St. Martin, Claire Storm and Allyson Stone
Saturday, November 18 Live Music
Tuesday, November 21 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
Rick Springfield, Richard Marx
- Bell Auditorium December 6 Granger Smith
- Country Club December 8 Jackson Browne
- Bell Auditorium January 6 Henry Rollins
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night World of Beer - Karaoke
- Miller Theater January 8 “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”
- Imperial Theatre December 8-10 D.L. Hughley Family and Friends Tour
Wednesday, November 22 Live Music
Southbound Smokehouse - Scarlet Begonias Wild Wing - Jack Daniels Day Lewis (Pre-Turkey Day Bash)
- Miller Theater February 10 An Evening with Molly Ringwald
- Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center January 13 Diana Krall
- Miller Theater February 16
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Coyotes - Pre-Thanksgiving Party Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Hip-Hop Night Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
Ronnie Milsap
- Miller Theater February 17 “Weird Al” Yankovic w/ Emo Philips
- Miller Theater April 14
Elsewhere Modern English
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta November 16 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
- Music Farm, Columbia November 16 The Shins, BAIO
- The Roxy Theatre, Atlanta November 17 Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant 16NOVEMBER2017
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- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta November 25 Lady Gaga
- Philips Arena, Atlanta November 28 98 Degrees
- Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta November 29 Luke Combs
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 1 Gwar, He is Legend, Ghoul, U.S. Bastards
- Heaven at the Masquerade, Atlanta December 3 Seether, Shaman’s Harvest
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta December 5 Luke Combs, Josh Phillips, Faren Rachels
- Township Auditorium, Columbia December 7 Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta December 9 Gin Blossoms
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta December 14 Michael Carbonaro
- Township Auditorium, Columbia December 16
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Janet Jackson
- Colonial Life Arena, Columbia December 16 - Philips Arena, Atlanta December 17 Indigo Girls
Try FREE: 706-434-0108
More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
- City Winery, Atlanta December 27 They Might Be Giants
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 20 Miranda Lambert, Brent Cobb, Jon Pardi
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 20 The Killers
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta January 21 Say Anything
- Hell at the Masquerade, Atlanta January 25 and 26
16NOVEMBER2017
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+ Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
THOR: RAGNAROK
$57,078,306
$212,068,013
2
1
2
DADDY’S HOME 2
$29,651,193
$29,651,193
1
-
3
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS $28,681,472
$28,681,472
1
-
4
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS
$11,468,964
$39,832,590
2
2
5
JIGSAW
$3,424,319
$34,358,412
3
3
In Theaters November 17
ACTION “Justice League,” rated PG-13, starring Ben
DRAMA ANIMATED “Wonder,” rated PG, starring Julia Roberts, Owen “The Star,” rated PG, starring Steven Yeun,
Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher. Following the death of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit a team of heroes to save the world from a new threat. Last year’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans, but this year’s standalone “Wonder Woman” film was a critical success. No matter how good “Justice League” actually is, it’s guaranteed to make lots of money.
Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Mandy Patinkin and Daveed Diggs. Based on R.J. Palacio’s bestselling novel, “Wonder” follows a 10-year old boy with a facial deformity and his struggle to fit in. We’ve seen a lot of these “real beauty is on the inside” films before, so you should already know what to expect (bring tissues). Jacob Tremblay, who recently shot to stardom with his award-winning role in “Room,” plays the young protagonist.
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson and Patricia Heaton. Bo is a donkey who dreams of life beyond his home. With the help of his animal friends, Bo goes on an adventure to save the very first Christmas. Overall, 2017 has been a fairly disappointing year for animated films. This movie is unlikely to break that trend. With Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” right around the corner, you may want to skip this one. It looks dreadful. 16NOVEMBER2017
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Kaitlin Cashwell, Charity Roe and Sara Chuzie at Savannah River Brewing Company
Cristin Price, Kelly Fehr and Kenny Albrecht at Craft & Vine
Becky Dearden, Brandi Edmonds and Lyndsy McLendon at Craft & Vine
Justin and Elena Richards with Caitlin Parr at CanalFEST 2017 at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Jon and Judy Shurtleff, Julianna Shurtleff and Blair Elliott at CanalFEST 2017 at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Fred Muller, Jessica Watson and Denise Watson at CanalFEST 2017 at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Gina Lusignan, Carol Couch and Sarah Beth McAvoy at CanalFEST 2017 at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
James Sims, Chyanne Sims, Reginalee Sims and Houston Moore at CanalFEST 2017 at the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Panny and Bill Force with Pat Hall at the Bee’s Knees
16NOVEMBER2017
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 37
While supplies last at participating retailers and online. Void where prohibited. No substitutions. Ornament not available for individual purchase. Gifts with purchase must be returned with qualifying purchase or value of gift with purchase ($35) will be deducted from return.
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