Table of Contents August 3, 2017
Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Kris Fisher 8 Insider 10 Feature 14 Metro Week What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings The Eight
EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
amy@themetrospirit.com
joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
SALES
circulation manager
jdbeckworth@gmail.com
Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Rachael Foss Account Executive
rachael@themetrospirit.com 706-910-3461
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COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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People who do not listen to the Austin Rhodes show are uninformed. People who listen to the Austin Rhodes show are misinformed. C’mon people, did you really think Michael Phelps was going to be racing a real live shark in a bathtub? Seriously? You people got served the trifecta of bait and switch, moving the goalposts, and a good oldfashioned trolling cherry on the top all rolled into one. Heck, Geraldo Rivera’s searching Al Capone’s Vault had more credibility than this.
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.
Scaramucci, Scaramucci! Looks like you’ve been fandangoed! The Augusta Commission wants to take over and run the Richmond County Probation Office. I can’t stop laughing. NO Dems don’t want to take your guns! Some of them actually HAVE guns themselves! Stop using that tired old sound bite and think for yourselves.
With all the working prisoners around town holding there rakes and propping up on shovels they could redirect them and there handlers to the cemeteries in shorthanded times. donnie trump now says he won’t stop tweeting. That is a good thing, through his tweets he is constantly reaffirming what a jerk he really is. His tweets make it possible for millions to see that.
The hell with health insurance. Being a us citizen is all the requirement needed for any care the doctor says is needed. The billions of tax payer money is used to pay for care. There is no need for any insurance company, nor its ceo in the process. These insurance companies are the biggest immediate threat to the very lives of the american people. They are the main reason america is at the brink of a sudden collapse. Hey, whoever thinks this. “Rather than erect more nuclear reactors, why not use that entire area for solar panels? Way safer and cheaper and smarter. Goodness knows we have enough sunshine to keep us in energy forever!” STUPID! We are in the process of using up all of our natural resources, please leave us alone and let us complete the task. Thank you, Bye-Bye!
How lame can the local police be when they post for help on someone who bilked a cab driver. The cab systems in Augusta have been robbing customers for years. I believe that this Bors guy is a dangerous psycho. Fortunately, he may be too cowardly to act on his impulses, and might limit himself to inciting as he continues on his hate-filled passive-aggressive Goebbels trip. You sent Mr. Smith to Washington 6 months ago. How’s that working out? multi standards again! A Columbia County Deputy is pulled over for SUSPICION of DUI, registed .138. For any other regular person it would have been “arrested from DUI .138, prejudged guilty by the arresting cops, the court and convicted by the media. I am 59 years old and have never voted for a democrat in a national election. Unless the Repubs start working right now to get rid of this trump thing, my voting position will change. I don’t care how lousy of a human being the democrat candidate may be, they will be an improvement over a blind, let me repeat blind (just like donnie repeats with his limited vocabulary) trump supporting republican. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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15 in 5 Jenny is Wright Because I love a lIst. especIally a random lIst. 1. Are y’all ready for the eclipse August 21? We should have a pretty great view. Don’t look directly at it, though. It’ll burn your eyes. The NASA website has a video tutorial on making your own, safe eclipse viewer. I hear you can get free glasses at the libraries. I wish they’d just cancel school for the day and give us an eclipse holiday. 2. Columbia County will extend their day by 45 minutes. The reason they give is silly. The announcement states that they don’t want the buses having to transport students in the dark. 3. Richmond County has made it an early release day. They also don’t want kids on the roads in the dark. 4. Don’t school buses operate early enough in the morning that it’s sometimes dark? What about after school functions? Don’t those happen at night sometimes? I’m not saying a big deal shouldn’t be made of the eclipse. It’s a big deal. But to say that students shouldn’t be traveling in the dark? Weird. 5. I’ve recently discovered Kroger Clicklist. You order your groceries online, and someone brings them to your car. As much as I have always enjoyed grocery shopping for the most part, this would’ve been quite handy when my kids were toddlers. Interestingly enough, they’re just as difficult to take to the store these days. 6. Does anyone else have a kid who constantly asks to buy things at the store? Like, no matter the store, “Can I get this?” is inevitable. She wants everything. She has her own money, but she wants me to buy this and that. I say no and no. And no. And no again. And again. 7. Does anyone else have a kid who has made thirty-five million batches of slime this summer? Now is the time to invest in the Elmer’s corporation. 8. Does anyone else have a kid who procrastinated all of his summer school work? Procrastination is an art, for sure. I’m guilty myself. However, when reminded thirty-five million times, he didn’t seem to feel any pressure to get it done. Now he spends his last week of summer slaving over this school work. 9. Summer school work, in theory, is probably a good idea, but it’s somewhat torturous as well. The Girl actually likes doing it, because she has a neat little packet of handouts to complete. The Boy isn’t on the same page. He’s actually not on any page at the moment, because he still has an entire book to read within the next week. It’s doable. It’s just not preferable. 10. Both of my kids will be in the same building, beginning this year and continuing for the next five years. I’m pretty excited about it. Not only that, but they’ll both be at Davidson Fine Arts, which is a pretty darn great place for them to be. 11. If your kids’ weeknight schedules are busy, or your spouse works late, how do you do family dinners? I have friends who start dinner at 5 p.m., just to be able to eat together. Unfortunately, that doesn’t work for us. My kids aren’t over committed. They are involved in fewer activities than their peers. However, family dinners are a rarity. I wish they weren’t. 12. Some kids in Atlanta went back to school in July. 13. I’m looking forward to the routine. 14. I’m dreading homework. 15. Best of luck and blessings to all the teachers caring for our kids this year. Cheers to each and every one of you!
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.
UNEXPE TED
When was the last time you got off the beaten path? Columbia SC is full of unexpected discoveries, whether you’re hearing your next favorite band, making new friends or just finding yourself right where you are. Visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com
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School Daze kris Fisher Bring on homework, bring on books, bring on teacher’s dirty looks. It’s back to school season and I can’t figure out if I’m happy about it or not. Some parents get excited to get their kids out of the house every day. Some parents get upset because it means they’ll have to endure more traffic and the inconvenience of chauffeuring the kids to and from school, practices, after-school activities, etc. For me, that stuff never ends. My oldest son has football practices all summer and my daughter keeps a rotating schedule of activities. So, the “Daddy Uber” stays busy year ‘round. I am happy to see that the kids are looking forward to school, for the most part. It’s such a cliché dad thing to say, but school today isn’t like school when I was their ages. I’ll admit: From middle school on, I hated school. It was eight solid hours of lectures and bullies. Not to mislead you, I wasn’t constantly bullied. But, bullied enough that it’s still a vivid memory. To further sell the point, my biggest middle school bully married my high school crush. But, I digress. School for my kids is much more fun, which it should be. There are much more creative ways to learn and more appealing school activities with which to get involved. They have much better lunch options and can bring snacks and stuff. It almost makes me wish I could go back and do high school over again. Almost. My oldest’s high school even requires us to get him a cell phone. To be clear, he already has a phone, but it’s a constant struggle with him. When he’s punished, that’s usually the first thing we take. As any parent of a teenager knows, it’s the way to hurt them the most: Take away their lifeline. However, now teachers are requiring students to keep up with assignments, etc., through apps or texting. Way to help out, there, teach. Next time he gets in trouble I’ll have to actually get creative and find a different punishment. That’s way too much work. But it did make me wonder about parents who can’t afford a cell phone, because they’re not exactly cheap. What do they do in this situation? I feel like it’s a privilege for the kid to have the phone, but now it’s becoming a necessity. It’s kind of like a teacher telling parents that the student is going to be required to watch educational movies all semester, so he’ll need a 50” TV in his bedroom. Maybe I’m being 2017’s version of old-fashioned. While the kids are super excited about the phone requirement, I’m coming around to accepting it. As for the school year, I’m filled with optimism. I am every year, actually. It usually lasts until the first report card day. I’m kidding. My kids all do much better than I did in school. If all the newness and cell phone requirements are the reason for it, then I’m all about it. To all the other parents in the CSRA: I’ll see you in the car line. Just be sure to keep it moving’ along, will ya?
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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Have a say about Public art in augusta Calling all artists and everyone else in Augusta who cares about future public art in the Garden City. The Greater Augusta Arts Council will be hosting a community input session on public art on Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the Linda Beazley Conference Room at the Municipal Building starting at 5:30 p.m. Specifically, local Augusta artists are invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the city’s future public art projects and provide the Greater Augusta Arts Council some much-needed input. If citizens and local artists show up, this could prove to be an interesting and beneficial meeting. This meeting could put the word “public” back into “public art.” Earlier this year, along with the city’s approval of the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Destination Blueprint plan, Augusta commissioners were also asked to support the Public Art Master Plan from the Greater Augusta Arts Council which features a number of recommendations for future public art projects. The plan was developed by a Minneapolis-based consultant called Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, or CSL. In 2016, CSL began analyzing the city’s existing concepts for tourism projects and comparing Augusta to other competitive tourism destinations such as Columbus, Ga., Greenville, S.C., Asheville, N.C., and Oklahoma City. As a result of some of CSL’s findings, the Public Art Master Plan was developed, which recommends the creation of several projects, including sculpture trails, a new festival for public art and the plan’s pilot project called the Art Cart. Basically, the Art Cart is a golf cart that will be transformed by local artists into a functional art installation. Several of these carts are scheduled to be placed in the downtown Augusta later this year. These EZ-GO golf carts will serve as a shaded public
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seating bench and a 4-slot bicycle rack, according to the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s plans. The carts will also have a way-finding map of downtown Augusta and a charging station for handheld devices with energy provided by solar panels on the roof, according to Brenda Durant, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Basically, the Public Art Advisory Panel and Downtown
Development Authority agreed that the Art Cart would be a fitting nod to Augusta’s status as the “golf cart capital of the world” while keeping the installation locally focused and functional. However, not everyone is jumping up and down with excitement over the proposed Art Carts. Specifically, local artist Tom Hubbard, along with a number of other Augusta artists, voiced some
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concerns in June that the Greater Augusta Arts Council hadn’t properly engaged both artists and the community in its Public Art Master Plan. “I am a local artist working on public art projects and I don’t claim to know all of the answers, but I do have experience in the field of public art and I’m greatly concerned about the actions and capabilities of the Greater Augusta Arts Council to implement public art in the city of Augusta,” Hubbard told the Augusta Commission on June 13. “It troubles me that the Arts Council is not engaging the public in these projects, something that is clearly stated in their own public art policy.” He also had grave concerns about the proposed Art Cart. “The first public art project, called the Art Cart, is a poorly conceived idea that reduces artists to being nothing more than decorators with little or no community input and no idea of where this work will be installed,” Hubbard said. “This is not the way to produce works of public art because public art is not decoration.” Right now, the public has absolutely nothing invested in this Art Cart project because they weren’t included in the proposal, Hubbard said. Support from the citizens of the county is crucial to the success of any public art project, Hubbard said. “The community actually becomes the stewards of this work after it is installed and the Arts Council and the artists are moving on to other projects,” Hubbard said. “That is one of the reasons it is called public art. I have seen and experienced this first-hand in my own projects and when it is done well, you foster civic pride, you create a sense of place and you educate people.” However, when the community is not involved in the public art from the beginning, “you get a very different result,” he said. “My other concerns about the Art Cart include issues of maintenance and professional practices,” Hubbard said. “In my view, any artist that responds to this call for the Art Cart is being set up to fail because they are
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being asked to monitor and maintain this work for a period of two years. This is simply unprofessional and it is not standard practice in the field of public art.” Artists can’t control the public’s treatment of their art, Hubbard explained. “The public will interact with this work in ways that you can’t even begin to imagine,” Hubbard said. “Sometimes good, sometimes playful and fun, and sometimes not so much. I tell people to think of their worst-case scenario, to multiple it by 10 and then to check on social media because this may become the new image for your city if the project is not well thought out.” Hubbard insisted that the Art Cart could easily become the next big disaster for downtown Augusta if there wasn’t more pubic input into the project. “Otherwise, you run into what, in the industry is usually called Plop Art, which is where it feels like something just fell out of the sky and landed there,” Hubbard said. ‘And that builds resentment because people don’t feel like they are a part of that. They don’t feel like it represents them and they don’t feel like they were included in it.” Apparently, the Greater Augusta Arts Council heard Hubbard’s concerns. As a result of some of the objections to the Public Art Master Plan and the Art Cart project, the Arts Council has called this community input session on public art on Aug. 8 to hear ideas from the people — you. In addition, the Arts Council has slowed down its “call for artists” regarding the Art Cart project and extended the deadline to Aug. 17. So it appears the Arts Council is willing to listen. Now, it’s the local artists’ turn. Show up to the meeting. Voice your ideas and your concerns about the current plan. Have a say about the public art in your own community. Otherwise, you can’t complain if you don’t like the end result.
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Augusta’s Probation Problems Continue Most AugustAns thought they had heard the very last of Sentinel Offender Services — the private probation company that was hit by more than a dozen lawsuits filed in both Richmond and Columbia counties —when the Richmond County Probation Office was created by the city last year. But it appears there are still some tentacles from the former Sentinel Offender Services office trying to wrap themselves around the new Richmond County Probation Office. Some fear those former employees of Sentinel are looking to strangle the life out of the county’s new in-house probation office. So what’s going on and who’s responsible? A few people are pointing fingers at newly appointed Chief State Court Judge David Watkins, who is taking the place of retiring Chief State Court Judge Richard Slaby. Just last week, Watkins reportedly called for a meeting with Chief Probation Officer Marie Boulton and shocked everyone by asking her to resign. Boulton is said to have been doing an excellent job as the chief probation officer, but Watkins still wanted her to step down. But the judge didn’t stop there. The Augusta Chronicle reported this weekend that Watkins also asked State Court Administrator Jan Hardy, who’s worked in the court for 38 years, to resign. Both women refused Watkins’ request. So, why is Sentinel even in this mix? Well, the rumor in the Marble Palace is that Watkins wants to replace Boulton and Hardy with two former Sentinel Offender Services employees. Former Sentinel employee Niya Barnes is rumored to replace Hardy, and Crystal Page, who previously ran the Sentinel office in Augusta, would replace Boulton, according to The Augusta Chronicle. As a result of Watkins’ request for her to resign, Boulton has retained local attorney Jack Long as her legal counsel. A very wise choice. If anyone knows where the skeletons are buried regarding Sentinel and any connection Watkins might have with the private probation company, it’s Jack Long. In fact, there have been rumors about Watkins’ relationship with some of the former Sentinel employees for years. Back in 2014, Judge Slaby had to answer a few uncomfortable questions from the Augusta Commission regarding vague rumors involving a particular judge favoring Sentinel staff. Slaby told commissioners that he had looked into the allegations and never found any truth to them. “Periodically, people complain about things,” Slaby said. “We have always looked into those complaints and we have always found a resolution or quite frankly found they aren’t valid.” But now, the issue has been raised again. While some people might just say it is all simply gossip, the careers of county employees are also at stake. Commissioners learned this week that Boulton has been placed on administrative leave while this matter is being reviewed. As a result, the whole thing is a mess and no one is leading the in-house probation office. Meanwhile, Judge Watkins remains completely silent on the issue. But guess which man is refusing to remain silent this week?
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None other than Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams. He clearly voiced his frustrations over Watkins’ actions this past week. In fact, he asked his colleagues to consider moving the in-house probation system under the Augusta Commission and out of the judge’s hands. “This time last year we had a probation system that was in a disarray,” referring to the private probation system led by Sentinel Offender Services. “People were being mistreated.” City leaders were hearing from hundreds of constituents that Sentinel had been ruthless in its attempts to collect excessive past probation fees. The lawsuits against Sentinel also alleged that the company was overcharging probationers and illegally collecting fees and, in some instances, using incarceration to coerce payment from probationers. As a result of the controversy surrounding Sentinel, Richmond County finally decided to create an in-house probation office last year. And yet, it appears Judge Watkins is not satisfied with the department. “I thought we had something working well, but evidently that is not happening,” Williams said. “All of the conversations that I’ve heard is about how bad it is now. Six months ago, it was the best thing since sliced bread, but now it has turned to nothing.” Williams said he found that extremely hard to believe. But without any additional information or explanation from Judge Watkins, the Augusta commissioners did not know what to do. “It would be nice if Judge Watkins would actually reach out (to us),” Augusta Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle said this week. “I have not heard anything bad about the lady that we hired to run our probation office. There was nothing from Judge Slaby that indicated anything was wrong.” But now, Boulton and the probation office are left in limbo and the commission is left with nothing but questions, Guilfolye said. “I don’t have a clue,” Guilfoyle told his colleagues about the status of the probation office. However, he definitely didn’t believe the probation office should be under the commission. “It is not designed to be run by a commission,” Guilfoyle said. “We are not in the law. We are not in the court system and, to be truthful, it is over every one of our heads trying to run a probation office.” In the end, commissioners agreed the most prudent course of action would be to ask Watkins to appear before them during next week’s public safety committee meeting. Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis told commissioners that he would be happy to ask Watkins to address the committee’s questions next week, but the mayor was also clearly frustrated with the chaos surrounding the in-house probation office. “We try to be friends with the judiciary and we will continue to do that, but we have to have partners in the process,” Davis said. “Right now, that is not necessarily what is happening.”
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Locals love traveling down the Savannah river to the ocean by kayak, canoe, powerboat, pontoon or jet ski Patrick McGahee will never forget the summer several years ago that he and a friend decided to spend a few days kayaking down the Savannah River all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s a very surreal trip,” McGahee said, laughing. “It is so quiet. The further down you get, you are literally in the middle of nowhere. It’s like another world.” McGahee and his friend decided to make the journey down the Savannah during the summer of 2009. Back then, he had worked for a couple of years at American Wilderness Outfitters Ltd. and had always enjoyed kayaking in general, but he had never made the trip to the Savannah Harbor. “I’ve always like being outdoors and it was just something we really wanted to do,” McGahee said. “I actually ended up going into the Army about a year after our trip for five years and I now work for the Richmond County Probation Office. But I’ll never forget that trip down the river. There are so many things that you would never run across again. Just the river lifestyle, the wildlife and the environment were unforgettable.” McGahee and his buddy’s journey of almost 200 miles down the Savannah River began under an overpass just along the border of Richmond and Burke counties, he said. “It was next to some highway in the middle of nowhere,” McGahee said, chuckling. “We put in 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Stacey Eidson
there and we paddled from that spot all the way down to River Street in downtown Savannah. I think it was four days and three nights. It was awesome. We took a tent and camped out on sandbars along the way. We just took cases of bottled water, soups and basically things that could survive in the heat that you don’t really have to cook, like ramen noodles. It was very primitive. I definitely would like to do it again.” The trip is filled with unspoiled vistas and swampy floodplains that seem completely untouched by the modern world, McGahee said. “We took bags of oranges to eat along the way and the current would get so fast once you get further down the river that you could just enjoy the view. Those are some of my fondest memories of that trip,” McGahee said. “You’d stop and you would put your feet in the water and peel an orange and the next thing you’d know you were already about a mile down the river. We had 15-foot kayaks, so they stayed on a straight path pretty easily and I remember that the water was just perfect.” Occasionally, McGahee said, they would encounter a few guys on bass boats or people grilling along the sandbar, but that was about all the human contact they had for more than three days on the river. “There is really nothing down there. It’s hard for people to imagine,” McGahee said. “I’ll never forget one guy that we ran across who was floating down the river on some pool noodles. We 3AUGUST2017
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pulled up next to him and we were chatting with him. This guy was quite a character, too. He had lots of teeth missing and several tattoos, but he told us he was on some news station for saving his dog’s life from being attacked by an alligator. I don’t know how far down this was, but, sure enough, when we got back home, we ran across the news clip that was on YouTube of the same guy. Apparently, he was throwing a stick into the river for his German Shepherd to swim and go fetch, but all of a sudden the dog got attacked by the gator, so this man jumped in and wrestled the dog away from the gator and saved his dog’s life.” While McGahee didn’t have a lot of human interaction during his trip down the Savannah, he saw quite a bit of wildlife during his adventure. “We saw roughly 30 to 40 gators during the trip,” McGahee said. “People were really surprised by the number of alligators we saw, but I wasn’t really. I knew they’d be there and they are not that scary. In fact, when you get up to them, they just swim away. None of them wanted anything to do with us.” McGahee also saw a variety of other animals on the trip, including herons, egrets and even some dolphins. “When we got further down towards Savannah and it was still freshwater, we ran across a group of dolphins in the river. I couldn’t believe it,” McGahee said. “It was wild because it was freshwater, so I don’t know how long or how far up they can go, but they were definitely up in the river down by Savannah.” After days of being surrounded by nothing but nature, McGahee said it was a real shock to enter the Savannah Harbor at the end of their journey. “When we got down to River Street, where all of those cargo ships are, it’s like you are trying to basically play Frogger to go across the river. Those ships don’t stop for anybody,” McGahee said, laughing. “It is pretty breathtaking when you get up next to one of those ships. You just realize how small you really are.” Once McGahee and his friend climbed out of their kayaks and walked into a restaurant on River Street, their entire trip felt surreal. “When we got down to River Street and walked straight up to the bars and restaurants, I just remember it being so loud because for the past four days we hadn’t heard anything. The river is so peaceful and quiet,” McGahee said. “But when you walk into restaurant, it is just so loud and busy. It really is a whole different world on the river. It was pretty breathtaking. All I can say is, it was a very good trip and I would recommend it to anybody.”
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“When we got down to River Street, where all of those cargo ships are, it’s like you are trying to basically play Frogger to go across the river. Those ships don’t stop for anybody. You just realize how small you really are.” — Patrick McGahee A Family Tradition David Hargrove of Waynesboro completely understands how people like McGahee instantly fall in love with the Savannah River. “Ever since a Father’s Day trip down the Savannah back in 1984, I’ve been twice a year every year since then,” said Hargrove, whose family owns property directly across from Plant Vogtle in Burke County. “My dad took me on a trip down the Savannah in the late 1950s back when he had a boat.” That river trip began Hargrove’s fascination with the Savannah River, he said. “My dad was wealthy back then for a little short period of his life before he had five boys,” Hargrove said, chuckling. “Well,
my dad was a member of the boat club that put together that first Father’s Day trip down the Savannah River in 1954. I don’t know how many boats were there that first year, but it has become a tradition every year now. At the high-water mark of our trip, we had 106 boats that went on Father’s Day one year. That was a huge crowd. It has whittled down to about 25 or 30 boats at the most. But we go every year. In fact, my children started going with me in 1985. I have two daughters and they haven’t missed a trip since 1985.” Enjoying the natural beauty of the Savannah has become a family tradition for the Hargroves over the past several decades, he said. “In 1956, my dad bought the place that we have on the river adjacent to Plant Vogtle,” Hargrove said. “Shortly after that, the next year or two, he built a cabin on the river. Then, me and my brother, Henry, and some of my friends began going down every weekend. We would hunt and fish. We really grew up on the river adjacent to Vogtle.” Twice a year, Hargrove says his friends and family really look forward to traveling down the Savannah River on their powerboats. “We go from 30 to 40 mph, so a 30 mph trip will take you about five and a half hours of actual driving time, but we stop along the way,” Hargrove said, adding that their trip is a wonderful social occasion. “My rule thumb is, everybody puts in at my place now at our cabin and I usually leave around 10 a.m. or thereabouts and we make several stops along the way. The first stop after people leave my place is about a mile and a half below the Highway 301 bridge in Screven County. It is about a 37-mile run down there. There is a pretty sandbar on the Carolina side and we just stop there.” That first stop is where the weekend’s fun officially begins, Hargrove said. “It’s kind of like a big luncheon,” Hargrove said. “Everybody pulls out their favorite recipes they’ve made. My friend who owns T’s restaurant, Garrett Fulcher, he always has something AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“Some people try to go with boats with motors that are 15 to 20 years old. That is almost always a sure sign that somebody is going to have some problems. And take an extra propeller with you.” — David Hargrove
really good for us to eat, like some kind of dips or salad or shrimp. And my wife makes pickled shrimp so that’s kind of big deal for me. That’s what we bring.” All of a sudden a quiet sandbar turns into an incredible buffet for friends and family to enjoy, Hargrove said. “Walter Clay, back when he was working at the French Market Grille, he went on a few trips and I remember he brought a big bag of crawfish one year,” Hargrove said. “So you have an assortment of different kinds of food and it is just a big social time. You walk around for 45 minutes to an hour and visit with folks that you might not see but once or twice a year.” People take their time and enjoy visiting with friends, then people break off into smaller groups of usually about three or four boats. “It is a comfortable ride with just that many boats. If you get many more than that, the water will get chopped up pretty bad and you can’t seem to get the bounce out of it,” Hargrove said. “Then, we run down to a place called Poor Robin Landing in Screven County. Usually that is the next stop. And then people will stop kind of along the way to go to the bathroom or whatever if they see a sandbar. Then, the last stop is what we call the Smokestack. It is in Effingham County about a mile or a mile and a half below the Ebenezer landing. We stop there and from there we do maybe a 35-mile run on into the harbor in Savannah.” It is tradition for all the friends and family to stay at the Hyatt Regency Savannah on River Street. “Once we arrive on River Street, the wives and the children get out and one or two of the guys stay in the boat and take the boat on over to Thunderbolt Marine and dock them at Thunderbolt,” he said. “Then, the guys will group up and three or four of them will catch a cab back over to the hotel.” After the long journey down the Savannah River, Hargrove said his friends and family generally make a long weekend out of the trip. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
“If we go down on Friday, we will either run up to Hilton Head and eat lunch and have a few drinks there on Saturday or go over to Daufuskie Island,” Hargrove said. “They have a really nice outdoor bar over there and always have a good band playing there in the afternoons. A lot of the local people go there, so that’s where we will hang out on Saturday.” But Hargrove didn’t always use a powerboat to navigate the Savannah River, he said. “When I was a younger person, I went to a camp, which it is closed now, but it was called Burt Maxwell Camp down in Burke County,” Hargrove said. “It was a two-week, YMCA camp on Highway 23 and a lot of folks from Augusta came down there. Well, one of the highlights of the camp was a trip down the Savannah River.” The camp would begin its trip at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, which was established back in 1937. “From there, we would paddle down to my family’s place, the cabin we had and we would stay at the cabin. That would be a 35-mile run. We would make that in one day and then the next day we would paddle down to 301,” Hargrove said. “The day after that, we would paddle into Poor Robin Landing and camp out there. Then, we would go on into Ebenezer and stay at Ebenezer because at that point, you are reaching the tidal influence. The tides are coming and going and if you catch an incoming tide, you just have got to wait until it turns. But that trip was always a highlight of the camp.” Besides Father’s Day, Hargrove also always schedules a trip later this month. “Our second trip will be Aug. 11, 12 and 13 to enjoy the end of summer,” Hargrove said. “Sometimes I have made the trip in October because a group of guys will want to go down. The wives usually don’t want to have any part in that one because it is a little cooler in October. But a group of us will get together and have a weekend in Savannah.” Depending on the season, you’ll see a variety of different wildlife on the river, he said.
“You will see some gators, wild hogs, deer, plenty of turtles and a lot of birds like herons, wood storks and lots of doves and some mallards,” Hargrove said. “And you will see some snakes, occasionally.” The best advice that Hargrove has for newcomers to the river is to plan ahead and make sure you carry enough fuel for the entire trip because there are no gas stations available along the way. “That is probably the biggest shortfall of people who make that trip. They don’t think that through too much and they will come up a little short on gas,” Hargrove said. “For instance, I will take 12 extra gallons with me and we may need five or six of it, but we never need the whole 12. However, we take it just in case and we have given gas to people before. Generally speaking, if you are going to take a powerboat, you will need in the neighborhood of 50 gallons to go down.” You will need about the same amount, maybe a little bit more, on the return trip, he said. “Running against the current, it may take you another gallon or so, but it is not a big difference,” Hargrove said. “Also, people should know you definitely drop a few dollars on fuel for this trip because when you buy it down in Savannah, it is up to four or five dollars a gallon on the dock.” Another good rule of thumb is not to travel alone and take at least two boats on the trip, Hargrove said. “Make sure the boats are in good condition and they have been checked out. You want to make sure the water pumps are functioning well and haven’t had any problems,” Hargrove said. “Also, I would generally recommend a newer model motor. Some people try to go with boats with motors that are 15 to 20 years old. That is almost always a sure sign that somebody is going to have some problems. And take an extra propeller with you.” As far as navigating the river, Hargrove wanted to remind people that the Savannah River isn’t very deep. “My advice is to just run the middle of the river and keep a keen eye out for snags that are just below the water. You can generally see those,” he said. “And when you get to a wide curve in the river, stick to the outside of that curve as far as you can because that is always a sign that there is real shallow water to the inside.” But, overall, Hargrove said it is a smooth and enjoyable trip as long as boaters respect the river and pay attention when they enter the Savannah Harbor. 3AUGUST2017
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“There is plenty of room in the port, so the big ships really aren’t a problem,” Hargrove said. “The ones that make the biggest wake are the tugboats and that’s what you have to watch out for. It is not going to sink you or swamp your boat, but if you meet a tug in the river, they are generally plowing through the water at a pretty high speed. When they do that, they will create a wake that is probably four or five feet high.” Therefore, boaters just need to be aware and cautious of the tugboat’s wake, he said. “You just slow down. When you see it, you can learn to expect it and slow down,” Hargrove said, explaining that if you approach the wakes at a slow speed you can easily ride over them, one at a time. “But I have seen people don’t take the time to slow down, so that can be a pretty wild ride for them, especially right at the end of the trip.” On the Fast Track But not all locals traveling down the Savannah River choose to go by powerboat or kayak. James Beltz and his wife, Judy, have been enjoying their trips down the Savannah River on jet skis almost every year since 2006. “This all evolved out of employees from John Deere in Grovetown,” Beltz said. “One of our engineers, Eric Miller, came up with the annual John Deere River Run back in 2006 as a team building project. With the exception of three years, we have continued it every year since around June. But Eric conceived this. This is really his baby.” Over the years, those involved in the John Deere River Run have been introduced to Hargrove, who agreed to allow them to use his private dock to begin their adventures. “Typically, we will leave Friday morning and we will try to get on the river before 9 a.m.,” Beltz said. “That way we’ll get down to Savannah by 4 or 5 p.m. We stay Friday and Saturday
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nights. We go out to the ocean on jet skis on Saturday and we’ll come back up the river to Augusta on Sunday.” While each year is different, Beltz said they typically have around 10 people on jet skis go down as a group. “We had a pontoon go with us originally, but we’ve had a jet boat go with us lately,” he said. “We’ve had probably as low as seven skis go down and as many as 16 jet skis go down and come back.” Using jet skis on this trip takes a little more preparation and planning for possible roadside assistance, Beltz said. “With that amount of distance that we’re traveling, we have a support truck or trucks that we have certain meeting places along the river,” Beltz said. “We pick just public docks that we meet with the skis and everyone can gas up since there is absolutely no place at all to refuel. And if there are any problems with the skis, we take a trailer so that we can take the broken ski out of the water and we can just trailer it.” Very rarely do all of the jet skis on the trip make it down to Savannah without any problems, Beltz said. “As a matter of fact, this was the first year that we made it down and back without any skis breaking down. Typically, we lose one and, in years past, we lost two. They just get hauled back on the trailer,” Beltz said. “But the trip is a lot of fun. To be honest with you, there’s a little more logistics to it than I would like, but it is worth it when you get on the river. It is a good time.” Traveling down to Savannah, Beltz said you really appreciate what the river has to offer. “For the most part, until you get down in the Savannah and the marsh area, there are trees on both sides of the river and you can’t see anything past all those trees,” Beltz said. “Right now, the river is a lot nicer than all of the lakes because other than the wakes caused by the other skis, it is glass smooth. So it is really an enjoyable way to spend the weekend.”
When Beltz and his wife first began traveling down the Savannah River, they would share a jet ski and his wife would take photos of all the wildlife. These days, they both have a jet ski for the journey. “This year we saw more alligators than we had ever seen before,” Judy Beltz said. “We saw 17 going down and more than 20 coming back.” Occasionally, people on the trip are surprised at the size of some of the alligators, James Beltz said. “Most of the gators are anywhere from 3 to 6 feet, but we’ve seen them easily pushing 12 to 13 feet, so there are definitely some big boys out there,” James Beltz said, laughing. “There are always a lot of river birds like ospreys, egrets and blue herons on the river. I’ve also seen a river otter as well as coyotes, foxes and deer swimming across the river.” While everyone generally has a great experience on the trip, accidents can definitely happen, so people need to be cautious and prepared, James Beltz warned. “The worst thing that happened to us was about four years ago,” James Beltz said. “My wife and I were riding on my jet ski that year and my son was riding the other one behind us. Well, she was taking pictures of him coming up behind us and without thinking, I decided to give him a little spray.” All of a sudden, James Beltz’s joke became no laughing matter. “I accidentally threw my wife off the jet ski going 50 mph,” James Beltz said. “She cracked eight ribs, so we spent that weekend and a full week down in the Savannah hospital trauma room. That was the worst accident anybody has had on one of our trips.” Fortunately for the Beltz family, the group managed to still have cellular phone service and help wasn’t too far away for Judy Beltz. “We were probably still another 15 miles from a take-out
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“Most of the gators are anywhere from 3 to 6 feet, but we’ve seen them easily pushing 12 to 13 feet, so there are definitely some big boys out there.” — James Beltz point, but we did have cell coverage there and we called 911,” James Beltz said. “They came in an ambulance and actually pulled up the same time we got there with a boat. We were able to put her in a boat and meet the ambulance and they took us on into Savannah. So we were really lucky there because there are miles and miles of no cellular phone coverage on the river.” The best advice that James Beltz has for anyone considering taking the trip down the Savannah is make sure you have additional support in place. “They definitely need to have some kind of road-based support system,” James Beltz said. “The newer skis that we have are pretty gas efficient, but there is nobody that can make it without having a support system. We are close now. We can carry an additional 10 gallons of gas on the skis, but, even with that, you still end up about 30 miles short of being able to make it down to Savannah without additional gas support, so support would probably be the most important thing.” Those traveling along the river should also take the adventure very seriously, he said. “Treat it more as a trip than just tearing around the lake and splashing people and stuff,” James Beltz said. “Because it is no fun to get soaking wet and then have eight hours on the river riding, so think about that before you head out. And, remember, it is easy to get sunburned because you are traveling 35 to 40 mph and you have a good wind, so you really don’t feel the heat, but the sun is actually just baking down on you.” Weather is also the unknown factor on any river trip headed to the coast, Judy Beltz said. “Something that we’ve learned is plan for the unexpected,” Judy Beltz said. “We have 3AUGUST2017
this rain gear called Frogg Toggs that we use because we have hit several different rain events over the years. This last one coming back was thunder and lightning and heavy rains almost the whole way back. So without those Frogg Toggs and good face protection, there is nowhere to go. You are just out on the river.” Respecting the Savannah There is no doubt about it, people are definitely fascinated with traveling down the Savannah River, said Tonya Bonitatibus, the executive director of the Savannah Riverkeeper. “The biggest thing that people need to understand is that it’s a 200mile trip. Most people don’t get that,” Bonitatibus said. “In fact, we get calls to our office on a weekly basis of people saying, ‘We are going to try to go to Savannah this weekend,’ and we have to tell people, ‘Nah. I don’t think you should do that.’ There are a lot of rescues that happen in the Allendale area because people will try to take off on a motor boat and won’t make it down. They find out that there isn’t gasoline available and they get stuck.” Bonitatibus recommends people plan for a four-day trip by motor boat and a six or seven-day trip by canoe or kayak in order to thoroughly enjoy your journey. “If you are in a motor boat, you can put it in at New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam because the locks don’t work and you can stop around Jackson, S.C., for lunchtime,” Bonitatibus said. “Jackson has a brand new, beautiful boat ramp and you can stay somewhere around Plant Vogtle, which is Burke County. That’s about 40 miles away. The second day, you can stop for lunch at Little Hell Landing, which is an awesome artisan well that is the center of the community in Barnwell, S.C. It is the craziest thing in the world. You are just going down the river and it is nothing, nothing, nothing and then you turn into this little oxbow and there is this really cool spring that comes out of the ground and
there are 50 people just hanging out.” There are several spots along the river that are perfect resting places for travelers such as Burton’s Ferry by Highway 301, Cohen’s Bluff in Allendale County, Johnson’s Landing near Allendale, Poor Robin Landing in Sylvania, Stokes Bluff near Estill, Ebenezer Creek and Milestone Landing in Hardeeville, Bonitatibus said. “The final stop is Houlihan Boat Landing, where our Savannah office is,” she said. “Now, that does not get you through the port and there is a reason for that. We try to convince everybody not to go through the port. It is incredibly scary. Those boats are terrifying. I’m extremely cautious anytime I do any work in the port because those boats are bigger than the Empire State Building laying down and they cannot stop. And it is a 40-foot deep ocean port. It is not a recreational zone.” Instead, if people want to continue out to Atlantic Ocean, Bonitatibus suggests they can take Back River and end up at Tybee Island. Bonitatibus also has a few more safety tips when it comes to traveling down the Savannah River. “The river is about three to four feet deep the whole way. That’s super important to know,” she said. “Cohen’s Bluff is actually the spot that eats a lot of boats. If you have a big boat, the sand bars will get you if you don’t pay attention.” For those who plan on kayaking or canoeing down the river, Bonitatibus says you will see the river in ways others going 40 mph will never get to enjoy. “It is a beautiful paddle because you actually see things that you don’t see things every day,” she said. “For example, if you put in at Augusta, and go directly to the South Carolina side, you will see a barge that was left there. Roy Simpkins’ family did the straightening of the river and that is one of their barges. So, if you go to the South Carolina side next to the barges as you are going along, you will start AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“Any real river person knows that actually the most dangerous thing out on the river are not the animals, it’s the hornets. They hang out in the trees that overhang the river. If you are in a canoe or kayak, you have to be really mindful of running underneath the trees and watching out because those hornets are gnarly.” — Tonya Bonitatibus seeing railroad tracks down in the river. Those railroad tracks are part of the straightening.” Visitors down the river should also know there can be a lot of contamination, so be careful, she said. “I would put in about a mile below the paper plant because that is a pretty contaminated section of the river,” she said. “In fact, I don’t let my children walk on the sandbars that are the first couple ones because there is a lot of heavy metal left over.” Bonitatibus also pointed out that people should be prepared to see wildlife along the river. “There are, for sure, alligators, hogs and a lot of coyotes,” she said. “Having said that, after 11 years of working almost daily on the river, I have not had any problems with anything except the hogs. I don’t like hogs. They can be mean. Their eyesight is very, very bad, so by the time that you and the hog realize that you are in close proximity, it’s too late.” But, to some people’s surprise, gators and wild hogs aren’t travelers’ biggest concerns. “Any real river person knows that actually the most dangerous thing out on the river are not the animals, it’s the hornets,” she said. “They hang out in the trees that overhang the river. If you are in a canoe or kayak, you have to be really mindful of running underneath the trees and watching out because those hornets are gnarly.” However, a trip down the Savannah River can be an extraordinary experience for the entire family, she said. “This time of year there are manatees and sea turtles in the river,” Bonitatibus said. “You also see lots of sturgeons jumping out of the water. They are the most awesome and majestic fish ever.” All visitors have to do is respect the Savannah River and be prepared for the journey, she said. “People should look at this trip as if they were going on The Amazon,” Bonitatibus said. “I think oftentimes people tend to look at their back yard and not realize the risks that can come with it. This is not a place you can walk to the gas station. I don’t think most people realize there is less than 100 houses between Augusta and Savannah along the river. It is completely rustic. You are in the middle of nowhere, so you need someone with you who has outdoor experience and knowledge of ropes and boats.” And, most importantly, be smart while on the river, she said. “Make sure that you have plenty of water and not just beer. Beer doesn’t count,” Bonitatibus said. “Realize this is not Six Flags. The mosquitoes are real. The alligators are real. The hogs are real. The hornets are real. And it is a step back in time, so you just have to be prepared for it.”
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706.724.8840 AugustaPowderCoating.com
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FIRST FRIDAY is upon us once again, and this month’s event will provide visitors a chance to see four fantastic art exhibits, all at galleries within walking distance of each other. A good starting point would be the Westobou Gallery, where local artist Jay Jacobs will open his Symbols and Allegories exhibit. You may have seen Jacobs, along with several others, at each year’s ArtZilla, a continuous weekend of painting that happen during Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival weekend. The painter is known for his full canvases of faces, and you can even see him create one on the Westobou website. From there, head to Wolf and Finch near the Augusta Common. Look for the red façade next to Silla Cafe and, once inside, you’ll find the work of April Michelle Traugott. Hul Gil: The Plant of Joy is a collection of two- and three-dimensional pieces focusing on the poppy flower. The works in various mediums also draw upon her childhood love for “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Next, make your way to 600 Broad to the unmistakable building designed by architect I.M. Pei that sits in the median of Broad Street. There, 4P Studios collaborates with the Augusta Regional Collaboration Project to present Ray Little: An Exhibition of Recent Artworks. The mixed media works by the owner of a special events and décor company will have curated musical accompaniment by Cross Culture Future. And, finally, head over to the Jessye Norman School of the Arts on Greene Street where, in their Ann & Ellis Johnson Gallery of Art, they will host Captured/Composed: The Photography of Brent Cline and Chris Thelen. The goal of the exhibit, by two of Augusta’s most experienced photographers, is “to provide an unexpected glimpse into the specific methodologies… through work that is at once challenging, beautiful and engaging.”
Symbols and Allegories: Works by Jay Jacobs Artist Reception Westobou Gallery, 1129 Broad Street 5pm - 8pm westobou.org
Ray Little: An Exhibition of Recent Artworks 600 Broad Street 7pm - 10pm facebook.com/600Broad
“Captured/Composed: The Photography of Brent Cline and Chris Thelen” Opening Reception Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene Street 5pm - 8pm jessyenormanschool.org
Hul Gil: The Plant of Joy Opening Reception Wolf and Finch, 859 Broad Street 5pm - 9pm 706-250-0301 wolfandfinch.com 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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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 Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
a roaring good time promS don’t have to be exclusively for teenagers, and that’s exactly what the folks at the Headquarters Branch Library are setting out to prove tomorrow night. That’s when they’ll host the Senior Senior Prom, for anyone 50 years and older, with a Roaring Twenties-themed dinner and dance. This is a come-as-you-are event, but costumes are definitely welcome. And who wouldn’t want to dress up as a flapper, a gangster, a silent-film star or even Jay Gatsby himself? After all, the bobbed hair topped with a cloche hat and low-waisted dresses look great on any type of woman and make dancing the Charleston a whole lot easier. And three-piece suits make any man look debonair. So turn back the clock and put your dancing shoes on. This Great Gatsby Dinner Dance will be a roaring good time. Senior Senior prom: the great gatSby dinner dance Headquarters Branch Library Fri Aug 4 7pm - 10pm A 1920s-themed dinner-dance for those 50 years old and older. $10, advanced purchase only. 706-821-2600 arcpls.org
Friday, aug 4
Saturday, aug 5
Sunday, aug 6
WedneSday, aug 9
It’s First Friday and there is a lot going on downtown. Don’t believe us? See Metro Week on page 22 and our calendar of events. If you’d love to go but need a sitter, why not drop the kids off at the Kroc Center. There, from 6-10 p.m., those ages 2-12 will get to do all sorts of things like swimming (children 4 and under won’t swim), gym play and inflatables. Dinner is included, and that’s not event the best part. The best part is, even if you’re not a member, your kids can still participate for $20. All you have to do is call and sign them up.
Ever heard of a Bullet Journal? Google it and you’ll see that people get a little crazy with the concept, which combines elements of day planner with short- and long-term goal making, inspiration to get you through the day and ways to keep up with your physical and mental health. You don’t have to be an artist to use a Bullet Journal to get more organized, however. You just have to know how to get started and that’s what a boot camp at The Mission, today from 10 a.m.noon, aims to help you with. The $30 preregistration fee even includes a journal and a whole lot more. Visit PayPal.me/JanetteMetz.
Runners often aren’t the most limber of athletes because they tend not to indulge in anything that isn’t, well, running. Ignoring those minor muscle aches, however, is a sure path to a more serious injury, one that could keep you from running altogether. Keep that from happening by trying Yoga for Runners, a free, hour-long class that Fleet Feet Sports offers each month. It happens today at 11:30 a.m. and all you need to bring is a mat and some water. Your body will thank you.
It may only be the beginning of August, but summer is winding down and school begins next week. What better way celebrate all the fun you and your kids have had this summer by having some more fun? That’s what will happen today at 10:30 a.m. at the Book Tavern, when their weekly Super Awesome Story Time will also feature a concert by local singer-songwriter Tara Scheyer. It’s sure to be an interactive event and, as always, New Moon Cafe will provide juice and cookies.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26.
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through November 3. $45, text; $50, tuition. Pre-registration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth.org.
Culture Club: Yogurts Icebox Urban Farm Thu Aug 3 6:30pm Participants will learn how to make yogurt at home and sample some already made. Suggested donation: $5. Pre-registration required. register@iceboxfarm.com
7pm The North Augusta Homefront and the GI Bill in WWI North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A presentation by Don Rhodes. Call 803279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Professional Development Courses Jessye Norman School of the Arts The school offers classes in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other software programs. Call or visit the website to see a schedule of spring and summer classes. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
ARTS Mon Aug 7
10am - noon Oil Painting 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $20 per class; pre-registration required. Call 706-5566656 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
Thu Aug 10
10:30am - 12:30pm Pottery 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A four-session Harlem Arts Council class that continues Thursdays through August 31. $80; pre-registration required. Call 706394-4682 or visit harlemartscouncil.org.
CAMPS Ongoing
8am - 4:30pm Summer Adventures Day Camp H.O. Weeks Center, Aiken A camp for those ages 5-12 that includes activities based around each week’s theme. Camps are held weekly through August 18, and early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up at 5 p.m. are available. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
9am - 3pm Camp Kroc Kroc Center A camp for those ages 5-12 in which participants will enjoy swimming, arts & crafts, group games, sports, Bible lessons and more. Before- and aftercare available. Members: $400 per 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
session; non-members, $600 a session. Sessions available July 17-August 11. Preregistration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
EDUCATION Fri Aug 4
8am The Creative Roundtable
803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Aug 9
10am Computer Boot Camp: Part I Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
New Moon Cafe A breakfast meeting for those in the advertising and design community that will begin with a meet and greet, continue with a roundtable discussion of entrepreneurism and end with discussion and networking. Visit facebook.com/aafaugusta/.
10:30am The ARCPLS Website: A Helpful Guide
Tue Aug 8
Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748.
10:30am Get to Know Your PINES Account Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
11am - 1pm Homeschool Hub Aiken Public Library An information session for homeschooling parents that will include services, tips and more. Participants are invited to bring lunch and hang out with other homeschooling families in the park after the program. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1141, or visit abbe-lib.org.
7pm Woodrow Wilson: Childhood and Great War President North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A presentation by Erick Montgomery. Call
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group
Thu Aug 10
10:30am Get to Know Your PINES Account Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Microsoft Word Columbia County Library A computer basics class that will cover keyboard usage, fonts, text size, copy/paste and printing. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Beginning Sign Language University Hospital An eight-week class that meets weekly
Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org. 3AUGUST2017
ELSEWHERE Thu Aug 3
6pm The Art and Craft of Historic Preservation Columbia Museum of Art A panel discussion in which attendees will learn what building a community looks like from the early stages of drafting plans to later considerations, such as how to preserve the design. Panelists include Adrienne Montare, AIA SC executive director and Columbia Design League member (moderator); Chuck Moore, president of SC Building Trades and member of SC AFL-CIO; Sean Stucker, director of facilities at Historic Columbia; Walter Hill, director of the Horry County Museum and blacksmith; and Joseph Johnson, archaeologist at Historic Columbia. Visit columbiamuseum.org.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Aug 3
Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
1pm “Hotel for Dogs” Aiken Public Library Part of the Dog Days of Summer movie series. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
2pm Movie Time Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Aug 5
11am Movie Time Maxwell Branch Library A rated G or PG kid-friendly movie will show. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
3pm “Boss Baby” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception
Mon Aug 7
Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the South Carolina Watermedia Society Traveling Show, Joy in the Journey and ACA Summer Art Camps shows. Call 803641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can bring their own snacks. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Fri Aug 4
5pm - 8pm “Captured/Composed: The Photography of Brent Cline and Chris Thelen” Opening Reception Jessye Norman School of the Arts The exhibit will be on display until September 20, and the opening reception is free and open to the public. Visit jessyenormanschool.org.
5pm - 9pm Hul Gil: The Plant of Joy Opening Reception Wolf and Finch This exhibition by April Michelle Traugott includes two- and three-dimensional pieces focusing on the poppy flower. The exhibition remains on display at the gallery until September 1. Call 706-250-0301 or visit wolfandfinch.com.
5pm - 8pm Symbols and Allegories: Works by Jay Jacobs Artist Reception Westobou Gallery The reception is free and open to the public. Visit westobou.org.
FLIX Thu Aug 3
4:30pm Family Movie Night Columbia County Library Featuring “The Lego Batman Movie.” Call 706-863-1946 or visit arcpls.org.
Fri Aug 4
Noon “The Night of the Iguana” Morris Museum of Art 3AUGUST2017
11am Back to School Movie Celebration
Tue Aug 8
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
Thu Aug 10
11am Movie for Special Needs Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
1pm “A Dog’s Purpose” Aiken Public Library Part of the Dog Days of Summer movie series. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Aug 3
7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Center for Women Tour Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Mon Aug 7
6pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class University’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more.
Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
Ongoing
Meditation Sessions
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
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.
Tue Aug 8
HOBBIES
6:30pm Refit
4:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
7:30pm Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed Aug 9
5pm Breastfeeding Class University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Aug 10
7pm Happiest Baby on the Block Doctors Hospital An infant care and sleep class for new parents. Pre-registration required. Call 706651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Aug 3
1pm - 3pm Coloring for Grownups Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm Fiber Arts Craft and Chat Columbia County Library Open to those of all abilities who crochet, knit, loom and cross stitch. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
6:30pm Culture Club: Yogurts Icebox Urban Farm Participants will learn how to make yogurt at home and sample some already made. Suggested donation: $5. Pre-registration required. Email register@iceboxfarm.com.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for those ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Local musician Tara Scheyer will read a story, which will be followed by a kids’ mini music concert. Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-8261940 or email superawesomestorytime@ booktavern.com.
Wine Tasting Wine World Fri Aug 4 5pm - 8pm A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. 803-279-9522 wineworldsc.com
Sat Aug 5
10am - noon Bullet Journal Boot Camp The Mission A bullet journaling introduction and workshop that includes a notebook, one ticket for a raffle, the class and refreshments. $30; pre-registration required. Visit PayPal.me/JanetteMetz.
10:30am Chess for Beginners The Book Tavern A free event in which chess sets will be provided. Visit augustachess.com.
Mon Aug 7
6:30pm Doodle Hour Columbia County Library Coloring for grown ups. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu Aug 10
10:30am Crafting for Adults Friedman Branch Library All material provided. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
KIDS-TEENS Fri Aug 4
11am Sensory Class Columbia County Library 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
A class for those ages 3 and older designed to help strengthen motor, social and cognitive skills. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out Kroc Center A drop-off program for kids ages 2-12 that may include swimming, gym play and inflatables. Swimsuit and towel required. Children 4 and younger will not swim. $15, members; $20, non-members. Dinner is included. Register at the welcome desk or visit krocsales.sauss.net.
1:30pm Kids Summer Yoga Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Thu Aug 10
10:30am Create with Me: Beach Critters
Mon Aug 7
10:30am Jr. Lego Club Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 2-4. Legos provided. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 8
10am Big Kid Story Time Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 3-6. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Sat Aug 5
10am - 11:30am Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers Club
Patriots Park Gym A free interactive event for kids of all ages. Visit cckidsfest.com.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Stories and hands-on fun. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1424 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
11am Peterrific and Aqualicious Story Time
4pm Beginner’s Guitar Class
9am - 2pm KidsFest
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
1pm - 3pm Lego Day
Columbia County Library A class for those ages 11-18 in which six guitars are available for use. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Friedman Branch Library Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Aug 9
Sun Aug 6
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm Gullah Culture and Traditions Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series which features a presentation by Gullah educator and storyteller Theresa Hilliard and a basket-weaving craft. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
10am Story Time
10am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library For those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will view the painting “Afternoon at the Beach, Chesapeake Bay,” by Gladys Nelson Smith, and make their own sea creature. Free, members; $4 per participants, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
6pm - 8pm Art Appreciation Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
Fabulous Friday Homeschool Jessye Norman School of the Arts Two eight-week sessions are available for homeschool children ages 6 through teens. Each Friday begins with fitness at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and then art classes from noon-2 p.m. Participants are organized into two groups according to age. The first session is Augusta 18-October 6; the second is October 13-December 8. $100, each session; preregistration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com. 3AUGUST2017
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LITERARY
SENIORS
Sat Aug 5
Fri Aug 4
10am - 3pm Book Sale Headquarters Branch Library Held in the lobby. From 2-3 p.m., books will be $5 per bag full. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
11am - 1pm Characters, Setting & Writing Dialogue That Works Headquarters Branch Library Part of the 2017 Novel Writers Lunch & Learn Series. Visit augustaliteraryfestival.org.
1pm Book Signing The Book Tavern With Bryce Gibson, author of “The Reading Buddy.” Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
3pm Storyteller Tim Lowry St. Andrew Presbyterian Church A program for those ages 10 and older by the internationally renowned storyteller from Charleston, S.C. $10 tickets can be purchased at the church office during business hours or online at standrewpc.com.
Sun Aug 6
2:30pm Local Author Group Therapy Columbia County Library Include a webinar about the new Biblioboard database and Pressbooks Public Self-Publishing Platform. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu Aug 10
6:30pm It’s the End of the World As We Know It Book Club The Book Tavern “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury will be discussed. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Ongoing
Month-Long Book Sale Appleby Branch Library Held in the story hour room through August 31. Call 706736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Let’s Talk About It: The Play’s the Thing Aiken Public Library A book club in which participants will read three plays, watch their film adaptations and then discuss the difference. The series meets Tuesdays, September 19-December 5. Preregistration is required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
MUSIC Sat Aug 5
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.
Thu Aug 10
6pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
7pm - 10pm Senior Senior Prom: The Great Gatsby Dinner Dance Headquarters Branch Library A 1920s-themed dinner-dance for those 50 years old and older. $10, advanced purchase only. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Aug 3
5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
Fri Aug 4
5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. First Friday Fire, presented by Arcane Arts, will be at the corner of 11th and Broad at 8 p.m. and will feature feats of fire, spinning poi, staff, hoop, fan and more in a family friendly show to the music of DJ Codec. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.
7pm - 10pm Park and Play Downtown 600 Broad Street A monthly First Friday event presented by the Augusta Regional Collaboration that features live music, art, food and more. This month’s exhibition is recent artworks by Ray Little with curated musical accompaniment by Cross Culture Future. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.
Tue Aug 8
10:45am Aiken Newcomers’ Club Luncheon Newberry Hall, Aiken Registration begins at 10:45 a.m., with a business meeting following at 11:15 a.m. and then lunch at 11:30 a.m. $15; pre-registration required. Call 757-593-9013, email newcomers29803@gmail.com or visit aikennewcomers.com.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-parkfarmers- market/.
SPIRITUAL Thu Aug 3
7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam, this one called Purification of the Soul with speaker Adel A. Bakr, Ph.D. Free. Email outreach@isaugusta.com.
Sat Aug 5
4pm - 5:30pm Can We Talk About? Jessye Norman School of the Arts A four-week series of roundtable discussions beginning with Can We Talk About Unity? Organized by Baha’is from Augusta and Columbia County, this discussion is free and open to the public. Visit facebook.com/pg/ augusta.bahais.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Aug 3
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies 5pm - 8pm Wine Tasting Wine World A drop-in First Friday event. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a bottle of one of the featured wines. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
7pm - 11pm First Friday Augusta Common A family event that includes live music, vendors, a kids fun zone and more. Free. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Sat Aug 5
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 - 1pm Third Annual Back to School Giveaway McDuffie Woods Park Call 706-771-2656 or visit augustaga.gov.
11am - 2pm All-Star Smoothie Event Edible Arrangements All smoothies will be $1.99 and a bounce house will be available for kids. Visit allstarjumperspr.com.
8 and 9pm “Dark Shadows” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1$5.50. Call 803-641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fri Aug 4
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat Aug 5
GatorFest Augusta Savannah Riverkeeper Office A 1.2- or 3.4-mile open water swim benefiting Savannah Riverkeeper. Times will be given out once participants are registered. $40-$50; pre-registration required. Visit gatorfestaugusta.org.
9:30am - 11:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
10am - noon Hike and Craft Mistletoe State Park A naturalist-led hike of about one hour, followed by a craft time. $2, craft; $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks. org/mistletoe.
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KidsFest Patriots Park Gym Sat Aug 5 9am - 2pm A free interactive event for kids of all ages. cckidsfest.com Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
7pm MMA: Conflict 45 Bell Auditorium $30-$100. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Wed Aug 9
universityhealth.org.
Stableview Farms, Aiken Spectators welcome. Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm.com.
6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting
Noon USEF/USDF Dressage Show
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves
Sun Aug 6
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fleet Feet Sports A free, hour-long class. Call 706-922-9860 or visit fleetfeetaugusta.com.
SUPPORT
11:30am Yoga for Runners
5:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Mon Aug 7
Thu Aug 3
10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Preregistration required. Call 706-860-5233.
Noon Active-Duty Parent Support Group Fort Gordon’s Family Outreach Center Call 706-792-5220 or visit fortgordon.com.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue Aug 8
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com. 3AUGUST2017
Sat Aug 5
10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Aug 7
6:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706-774-5946 or visit
A group for women in their 20s and 30s dealing with breast cancer. Call for location. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm Parents Healing Together University Hospital A support group for parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Call 706-774-5811.
Tue Aug 8
10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
Thu Aug 10
6pm Cancer Survivor Support Group Augusta Oncology Associates Call 706-651-4567.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 31
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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.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.
on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.
Write to Heal Creative Writing
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
Children’s Hospital of Georgia 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.
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.
Diabetes Youth Support Group
Alcoholics Anonymous Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Overeaters Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Hospital of Augusta
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Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
THEATER Fri Aug 4
7pm “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
8pm xTreme Theatre Games Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door (if available). Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
10pm Sloppy Seconds Le Chat Noir First Friday improv comedy by Schrodinger’s Cat. $5. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Aug 5
9:30am - 4pm “Once on This Island, Jr.” Auditions Jessye Norman School of the Arts This is an Augusta Jr. Players production and auditions are open to those ages 10-19. Audition schedule is as follows: paperwork, 9:30 a.m.; dance/sing, 10 a.m.-noon; cold read, noon-1 p.m.; break, 1-2 p.m.; callbacks, 2-4 p.m.; and cast list posted, 5 p.m. Call 706-826-4707.
7pm “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
7pm “He Say She Say: The Unspoken Conversation” Imperial Theatre A presentation of Achemistry Productions featuring actors Nathan Rothwell and Olaundra Grace playing different characters in five one-act plays. $20-$40. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Thu Aug 10
7pm “Don’t Dress for Dinner” Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. $53, civilians; $50, seniors, retirees, DA civilians, active-duty E7 and above; $40, active-duty E6 and below, students; $30, show only. Call 706-793-8552 or visit fortgordon.com.
Ongoing
“Eli’s Bethlehem Inn” Auditions Enopion Theatre Company Appointments for auditions for the company’s annual Christmas dinner show are now being scheduled and will begin August 28. The website lists monologues, rehearsals and show times for those considering auditioning. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
65th Anniversary Time Capsule Aiken Community Playhouse The theatre group is seeking donations to seal in a time capsule to honor its 65 anniversary. The time capsule will be opened in 2052 when the ACP marks its 100th anniversary. The deadline for donations is August 25. Email wolt1545@gmail.com or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
The Dog Days of Summer: 93 Fosters in 93 Days Hands to Paws Rescue The foster-based rescue organization, which can only save as many animals as they have foster home to place them in, is attempting to increase the number of foster families during the 93 days of summer. For more information about becoming a foster family, call 706-4810657 or visit hands2paws.org. 3AUGUST2017
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Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Shaun Piazza Metro Pub & Coffeehouse Thu Aug 3 8 p.m. $5 706-722-6468
Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Celtic Pub Night Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Sky City - Palace Doctor, Wandermonch Soul Bar - Nihilist Cheerleader, Dream Culture Southbound Smokehouse- Eryn Eubanks Stillwater Taproom - Cricket Ridge Surrey Tavern - 2 Broke Kings, False Flag, Willess Wild Wing - Interstate Exiles The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Hannah Thomas
Soul Bar - Soul Night w/ DJ Matto World of Beer - Karaoke
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix
Saturday, August 5 Live Music
8th Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club- Lyn Avenue Coyotes - Pitboss Fox’s Lair - Brandy Douglas Shannon’s - Third Time Charmers Southbound Smokehouse- Perfect Picture Stillwater Taproom - Bethany and the Southside Boys Wild Wing - Spider Spoke Hillbillies The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn Woody’s BBQ - One-Year Anniversary Party w/ The Roadhouse Blues Band World of Beer - Time Pirates
Wednesday, August 9 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Soul Bar - Jazz Night w/ A Step Up Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz World of Beer - Trivia
Upcoming Ed Turner and Number 9
- Imperial Theatre August 11-12, August 19 Corey Smith
- Bell Auditorium August 12 Renshaw
- Soul Bar August 14 JJ Grey & Mofro
- Country Club August 24
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Karaoke Sky City - Press Play w/ DJ Sha, DJ Visionz
Sunday, August 6 Live Music
Bethany Davis’ Fam Jam w/ Special Guests Sky City Thursdays in August beginning August 3. Special guests throughout the month will include Phillip Lee, Shaun Piazza, Taylor Swan, Henry Wynn III, Kenny George, John Krueger, Micah Swenson, Will McCranie, Nick Brown and more. Doors, 8 p.m.; music, 8:30 p.m. $5 skycityaugusta.com Thursday, August 3 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Jam w/ Thomas Langley Mellow Mushroom (Evans) - John Kolbeck Duo Metro Pub & Coffeehouse - Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Shaun Piazza Sky City - Bethany Davis’ Fam Jam w/ Special Guests Soul Bar - The Highbeams Wild Wing - Phillip & Baideme The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia
The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane That Place Coffee - MAD Open Mic
Friday, August 4 Live Music
Chevy’s - ATL DreamVision Band Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club- Holman Autry Band Coyotes - Pitboss Fox’s Lair - Ruskin and Cam The Highlander - The Loris Trio Polo Tavern (Aiken)- Sir Edward Phillips and Psychedelic Blue
Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Southbound Smokehouse - Philip Lee Wild Wing - Mike Reid Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
- Bell Auditorium August 25 Bobby Bones
- Imperial Theatre August 26 Riverwalk Revival w/ Ben Folds
- Jessye Norman Amphitheater September 1 Ricky Scaggs and Kentucky Thunder
- Imperial Theatre September 8 Diggin’ It Music Festival w/ I Am Spartacus, Brooke McBride, Trust in Traitors
- Columbia County Amphitheater September 9 Clint Black
- Evans Towne Center Park September 14 Mary J. Blige
- James Brown Arena September 16 Tank
- Sky City September 19 Michelle Malone & Drag the River, Silvertown
Monday, August 7 Live Music
The Highlander - Acoustic Mondays Iron Heights- Rich People, Keep Flying, Harbour, Crabhammer Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Deadbeat Beat, Bloom Cocoon
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia World of Beer - Open Mic Night
Tuesday, August 8 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
The Highlander - Game Night
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Brian Regan
- Sky City September 29 An Evening with Chris Robinson Brotherhood
- Sky City October 3 Kevin Hart
- Bell Auditorium October 7-8 Chris Janson
- Bell Auditorium October 21 Kansas
- Bell Auditorium October 25
Elsewhere Tinsley Ellis
- Terminal West, Atlanta August 4 Gillian Welch
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta August 5 Blondie, Garbage
- Chastain Park, Atlanta August 6 Mary J. Blige
- Wolf Creek Amphitheater, Atlanta August 8 Mary Chapin Carpenter, Luncinda Williams
- Chastain Park, Atlanta August 10
John Mayer
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta August 10 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, Moon Taxi
- Symphony Park, Charlotte, NC August 10 Isley Brothers, Keith Sweat, Kid N Play, Evelyn Champagne King
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta August 12 Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows
- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta August 13 Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth August 13 Tig Notaro
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta August 13 Donald Fagen
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta August 16 Lyle Lovett
- Symphony Hall, Atlanta August 19 Earth, Wind and Fire, Nile Rodgers
- Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Alpharetta August 19 Deep Purple, Alice Cooper
- Chastain Park, Atlanta August 21 Social Distortion
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta August 23 Ed Sheeran
- Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth August 25-26 Patti LaBelle
- Wolf Creek Amphitheater, Atlanta August 26 Dionne Warwick
- Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, Peachtree City August 26
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
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V28|NO31
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Noah Cartin with Aaron and Holley Edwards at Southbound Smokehouse.
Heather Hutchinson, Scott Bovier, Hannah Quick and Cameron Kerzic at Southbound Smokehouse.
Elizabeth Boardman, Banks Tate and Andrea Massey at Southbound Smokehouse.
Tommy and Sarah Kaszas with Jeremy and Kim Mace at Southbound Smokehouse.
Faith Storey with Jeremy and Jessica Cohen at Craft & Vine.
Jamie B. Chafin ll, Katie J. Douglas, Virginia Claussen and Stu Baker at Southbound Smokehouse.
Freda Keck, Julie Keck, Sandi Crowley and Prity Sinha at Craft & Vine.
Sarah Dasher, Tamera Wilson and Maggie Wilson at Farmhaus Burgers.
Toni Scott, Felande Ross, Tira Talbert and Tasha Willis at 1102 Downtown.
FIRST FRIDAY Join us for a reception with Jay Jacobs in the Gallery on August 4 from 5pm to 8pm.
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
3AUGUST2017
V28|NO31
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
DUNKIRK
$26,611,130
$101,317,350
2
1
2
THE EMOJI MOVIE
$24,531,923
$24,531,923
1
-
3
GIRLS TRIP
$19,646,305
$65,085,525
2
2
4
ATOMIC BLONDE
$18,286,420
$18,286,420
1
-
5
SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
$13,261,372
$278,168,177
4
3
In Theaters August 4
ACTION
“The Dark Tower,” rated PG-13, starring Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Nicholas Hamilton. Stephen King’s The Dark Tower is an eight-book series that many consider the horror master’s finest achievement. It crosses genre boundaries, including fantasy, sci-fi, horror and westerns. So how will Hollywood weave what is a complicated narrative into one coherent movie? We have no idea. All we know is director Nikolaj Arcel picked a great hero to play The Gunslinger, Idris Elba, and made an equally great choice for his foe, The Man in Black, in Matthew McConaughey. 38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
DRAMA
“Detroit,” rated R, starring John Boyega, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski, Anthony Mackie. This movie, by acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), is based on the true story of one of the largest race riots in the country’s history. In July of 1967, three black men were killed and nine other people beaten during the 12th Street Riot. It was the police against the people, most of them black. Given the state of our country, Bigelow couldn’t have chosen a better time for this history lesson.
THRILLER
“Kidnap,” rated R, starring Halle Berry, Sage Correa. In this one, Halle Berry plays a mother turned vigilante after her child is kidnapped during a trip to the park. Unable to let the police do their jobs, she decides to set off after the kidnappers herself, turning this movie into a cross between “Taken” and “Speed.” Maybe this is supposed to be Hollywood’s idea of female empowerment, but it looks just awful. Bet it does great business at the box office.
3AUGUST2017
Chris Huffman V.P. ABR, CSP President’s Club Office 706-869-6989 Cell 706-495-6657
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