Table of Contents January 19, 2017 Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Kris Fisher 7 Insider 8 Feature 10 Metroweek What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
16 17 18 22 24 26 28 30
10 EDIT
CREATIVE
Amy Christian
Joshua Bailey
Joe White
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joshua@themetrospirit.com
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Arts Editor/Production Director
Lead Designer
Stacey Eidson Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong
Publisher
Johnny Beckworth
Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
BUSINESS
SALES
circulation manager
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Joe White Publisher
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COVER DESIGN: Kruhu
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.Š 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
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OPINION
Jenny is Wright: 6 | Kris Fisher: 7
The Whine Line
I wish John Lynn would get some manners and stop talking over Mary Morrison every morning. Let her finish a dark sentence. Ron Cross loves to brag about Don Trump and the evils of trangendered people in his “water bill newspaper” but can’t install a proper traffic light at what is the nightmare intersection of Chamblin and William “not so Few cars” Parkway.
The latest news about Trump should be of no surprise. He likes golden things. Be careful on Columbia Rd, they have changed the speed limit yet again from 55 back to 45 once you cross over Belair. Why I do not know because it is all open road, but they are waiting to pull you over so be aware of this ridiculous change back. Why won’t your news report about the pork barrel MOX project? Maybe Trump can stop the waste of Billions of dollars of taxpayer money. I thought the people of Augusta were upset about the raw sewage that was dumped in parts of the city, so why have they extended the Austin Rhodes show another hour? We’re tired of all his crap, too. What do millennials want? CLEAN WATER AND AIR by remembering what you do to earth, is what you’re going to eat, drink and breath every time you buy a gemstone that used oil and now is everywhere. Dear corporate overlords, if you think that you saving money by outsourcing your customer service overseas Then think again! I am taking my business away... to a company that doesn’t Put me in a tele-phonetic circular mind game loop that ends with a person who can’t help me and is struggling to speak The Kings English. Hahahha kiss my cash goodbye!!!! Say what? Those clowns on the Augusta Commission want North Augusta taxpayers to pay for half of their scheme to build a walking bridge into North Augusta. That’s what we want: Another way for that violence to creep into our city.
I am still laughing over the news that ‘King Hardie’ is one of the most influential Georgians. Honestly sad.... if this is where we are in today’s world. I too have experienced the wrath of the Farting Bandit at local movie theaters. I believe this is some kind of prank he is pulling and is using a fart machine. Notice how he always farts at dramatic or climactic moments of the film. Another guy is always with him and they always giggle after each fart. I have alerted the managers at two local theaters of this farting menace and how they are ruining people’s movies. Why is the Augusta Commission afraid to audit the Hyde Park project and Laney-Walker redevelopment effort?
For the new County Marshall. Can I come and talk with you without an appointment, with a 5 year old problem that the previous Marshall said he didn’t have the manpower or time to handle my situation? When will Commissioner Ron Cross realize he has overstayed his welcome in our county. Way too comfy and WAY TOO MOUTHY! When corporations stuck themselves into the Trucking Industrie, they started regulating it to their bennefit. 1000’s of old timer experienced truckers quit, and continue to quit that field. The corporations started flooding the industrie with new inexperienced drivers, starting them off with thousands dollars in school/ loan debt for their CDL. At the same time lowering
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all. 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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pay. Truck companies are now revolving doors, in and out of inexperienced drivers, while damaging driving records. Drivers are not respected. As long as new drivers walk in, the corporation makes money. As the selfdestructing of America continues. I wonder whether Austin Rhodes is still giggling over the repeal of the ACA but without a replacement for the next year or two or more. Good to notice steadfast ideologues beginning to squirm over breaking the china. Democrats would be wise to avoid giving any level of support So I decided to take a trip over the weekend to the hipster Utopia that is supposedly downtown Augusta. What would I find? A new Portland? Williamsburg Brooklyn? Seattle? Nope. Instead I saw the same sad scene as usual. Blocks of boarded up building. Bums hanging out on the corners. Tacky clothing stores caught in a 1970s time warp. The elephant’s graveyard of strip clubs. Several nasty dive bars. I guess the closest thing to a hipsters paradise was the coffee house where I saw a hippy burn out wearing a Grateful Dead shirt that appeared to have never been washed or taken off since the late 60s. If this is supposed to be downtown’s salvation, then I think it is time to pul the plug.
FEB
4
The media is NOT delegitimizing the Trump and Pence administration. trumP delegitimizes his presidency with his attacks on handicapped people, Hispanic people, our election system, our intelligence community, our NATO friends, and anyone that disagrees with him. Pence and the republican leaders won’t stand up to this tyrant and are no better.
AUGUSTA BALLET PRESENTS
The Philadelphia Dance Company
augustaballet.org Saturday, Feb. 4-7:30pm The Bell Auditorium Tickets: James Brown Arena Box Office Online: www.georgialinatix.com Phone: 1-877-4AUGTIX 19JANUARY2017
#1002246724 (3col, 5in x 10in) 01/10/2017 17:37 EST AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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smart mom Jenny is Wright I lIe to my kIds sometImes. Not about important things, though. I tell them the truth about news they hear. When the Sandy Hook tragedy occurred, they knew what really happened. They were sad for the kids whose lives were lost. I don’t hide veggies in their food. It might work, but it doesn’t feel right to make pizza crust from cauliflower. Seriously. Does it taste anything like bread? When they were little, I told them the shopping carts at the grocery, the huge ones shaped like cars, didn’t belong to us. We couldn’t use them because they weren’t ours. It worked. They haven’t ever ridden in one. Actually, I think their grandmother put them in one once. When we used to spend Friday nights at Movie Gallery in Daniel Village, trying to decide what movie to rent (Be kind. Rewind.), I’d tell them the candy they had right there at eye level for little kids was nasty candy and they wouldn’t like it. Can you believe they believed me? Every major holiday, I make mashed potatoes to bring to family dinner. When I first joined the family, they had rice instead of potatoes. I think that’s weird, so I changed it. They still offer a small amount of rice, but my mashed potatoes are a regular part of any big meal. Mashed potatoes means peeled potatoes, though. I never used to mind peeling a couple of five-pound bags. Years ago, The Man took over the peeling. I’m not sure how it started, but he never complained. Don’t do something once, unless you don’t mind doing it forever, right? He peels, I cook. That changed this year. The Girl begged me to try peeling potatoes. “Can I please, Mommy,” she asked. Uh. Sure. She loved it, y’all. She went on and on about how fun it was to peel 10 pounds of potatoes and how lucky she was to have a mom who lets her do it. Sure, baby. You’re
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so lucky! She told everyone at dinner! “My mom let me peel the potatoes this year!” All the moms in the room looked at me with knowing glances. One even winked. It’s fun to trick kids into thinking chores are fun. I haven’t emptied the dishwasher but maybe twice in two years. For a long time, it was The Girl’s job. When she was tiny, she loved sorting the silverware, and it grew from there. She’d moan and groan from time to time, but it was her job. A few months ago, she was complaining enough that it was time for a mind trick. “Boy, please empty the dishwasher. Your sister’s done it for years. Now it’s your turn.” He wouldn’t dare complain. Although he didn’t put everything away exactly where it went, I wouldn’t dare complain, either. Enter part two of the plan. “Hey Girl, if you’ll rinse the dishes, I’ll let you wear my cute, ruffly apron!” “YES! Are you serious, Mommy? You’re the best!” You know what? I am. I haven’t done the dishes in months now. She uses too much soap, but you won’t hear me speak up about it. I don’t care if she uses an entire bottle of my expensive Method soap every time. The pleasure is all mine, baby girl. I wouldn’t dare take that away. Cheers!
JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
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Window Shoppers Kris Fisher THE REPLACEMENT WINDOW GAME in Augusta is vicious. Maybe vicious isn’t the right term. Maybe it’s just competitive. Either way, I now know more about windows than I ever cared to know. We knew when we bought our house a couple years ago that this would be something we’d have to deal with soon. Our windows are miserable. However, they have their advantages: The downstairs windows are insanely loud when you open them. This came in handy when No. 2 came crawling through them last spring after he snuck out of the house. For reasons other than the handy “escaped teenager alarm” I have been reluctant to replace them. A friend had his whole house completely re-windowed and he said it was around $13k. Wow! You know how many other much cooler things I can buy for $13,000? However, the time is now. Summer is looming and $500 power bills are just around the corner. Hopefully some fancy new windows can alleviate that bill. You know how many other much cooler things I can buy for $500 a month? Anyway, we set up appointments for estimates. Boy, I had no idea what we were in for! I scheduled appointments with three different companies then another one invited itself over. Man, these people are competitive. I know this because they each told me how the other businesses weren’t to be trusted. Come to think of it, it was kind of like election season all over again. One company’s windows were gonna be yuge, better than any windows the other companies have! Believe me, so much better, I can’t even tell ya! Most of the presentations were far too long, at least for me. Years ago, in college, I took the BOLT personality test and discovered that I’m part “Bull.” Meaning, I don’t like a bunch of explanation, just get to the point. Are the windows efficient? Will they open and close? Will they keep out rain and birds and bugs and stuff? How about escaped teenagers? That’s pretty much all I need, that information and a price. What I got were four very long presentations about a bunch of details that I can’t remember and a few reasons why the other guys are whack. So, yes, I essentially got to go through another election period. Aren’t you jealous?! After all the companies came by, I did what everyone does: I asked for suggestions on Facebook to help my decision. I figure, out of the four that came by, one should stand out with my peers on Facebook, yes? Not one single person suggested any of the four companies that came by. Seriously. This stuff only happens to me. In the end, we did our research and picked the one we felt was best suited for… okay, I’m lying, we really just picked the last guy that came by because we were exhausted by all the window talk. I feel like that’s how you’re supposed to hire people, right? Window people, take note. Ask prospective clients to schedule your consult last. I guess we’ll find out how good our decision was in a few weeks. 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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NEWS
From the Principal’s Office to the School Board: 10
Is Former Local Attorney Timothy Moses Serious? WHEN FORMER LOCAL ATTORNEY Timothy Moses withdrew from practice in the federal courts of the Southern District of Georgia in August 2015 because he stole more than $77,000 from his former law firm, Hull, Towill, Norman, Barrett & Salley, the news stunned most of Augusta. After all, Moses had made the “Best Lawyers in America” list for several years in a row, managed former Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver’s two campaigns, been active in several community organizations and served on the Richmond County Board of Elections. All of a sudden, he was being accused of stealing from the Hull Barrett law firm, where he had worked from 1994 until he resigned in 2011. Less than a year later, the South Carolina Supreme Court disbarred Moses because of the “severity” of his misconduct. In the South Carolina Supreme Court’s April 20, 2016, opinion, the details of Moses’ actions were laid out in great detail. Apparently, after Moses abruptly resigned from the Hull Barrett law firm in 2011, the attorneys in the practice became suspicious after a client contacted the firm and claimed to have received a bill for $500 from Moses asking for the client to pay him directly for legal services. The client knew that the firm typically sent him a direct bill for the services and found Moses’ request to be odd. In October of 2011, one of the partners in the firm confronted Moses about the billing abnormality. At first, Moses feigned ignorance about the bill, but by the next day he admitted to the partner that he had sent the bill to the Hull Barrett law firm’s client. Apparently, Moses told the partners that he was “embarrassed and horrified” by the fact that he may have accidentally deposited the check into his personal account. In fact, Moses allegedly told the partners that it “caused [him] fits,” and kept him up at night after “discovering” that he had in fact deposited the check. As a result, Moses agreed to repay the $500, plus interest to the firm. But red flags were already raised. The firm’s executive committee was suspicious about the “error” and hired a computer forensics expert to examine Moses’ laptop to ascertain whether there were other instances of improper billing. The forensic examination uncovered approximately $77,000 in improper invoices, dating from August 2009 through September 2011. The computer expert also testified there had been two attempts to “scrub,” or completely erase, the computer’s hard drive. The expert said those attempts were largely successful, as there was evidence of other invoices that could not be recovered. After discovering the extent of Moses’ actions, the firm immediately filed complaints against him in both Georgia and South Carolina. By March 2012, Moses hired an attorney after becoming aware that he was being investigated. As a result, he finally admitted to the theft and offered to repay the money he stole from the firm. But the Office of Disciplinary Counsel filed formal charges against Moses in March 2013 relating to matters such 8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
as conduct involving dishonesty and demonstrating an unfitness to practice law. Amazingly, during his hearing, Moses had some very prominent character witnesses in his defense, such as former Augusta Mayor Bob Young, local attorney John Bell and Dan Sisson, former chairman of Leadership Georgia and Leadership South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Supreme Court, the witnesses testified that Moses’ “deceptive conduct was out of character” and he was “extremely remorseful for engaging in it.” In fact, the men testified that they did not expect Moses to “engage in similar misconduct in the future and they still had the utmost trust in him.” Really? After stealing from his own firm and trying to “scrub” the evidence from his computer records, they had the “utmost trust” in Moses? After all, the firm could only prove that he stole $77,000. He agreed to repay the firm more than $80,000. But chances are there were other inaccurate billings made by Moses over the more than 15 years that he worked for the Hull Barrett law firm. They just couldn’t prove it. The truth is, Moses is very lucky he is not sitting in prison right now. Instead, the South Carolina Supreme Court simply disbarred Moses in April 2016. While it was professionally devastating for Moses, he should be counting his blessings. By September 2016, the Georgia Supreme Court accepted the voluntary surrender of Moses’ license to practice law. These days Moses is the proud operator of several local Bojangles restaurants and enjoying the local social scene and elegant parties, such as attending the 2016 Symphony Guild Cotillion of debutantes. No harm done, right? Not by a long shot. In fact, Moses is currently suing at least one of his former clients for an outstanding bill he has been holding over her head. It was a $15,000 bill that he claims she owes him, even after he was disbarred. The client, who is an upstanding widow of a well-respected family, was outraged after receiving the bill. She wished to remain anonymous in this Insider because she doesn’t want to cause her family any additional pain, but because of Moses’ actions, she was forced to settle her case involving her family’s business because Moses’ reputation and legal research was immediately called into question after being disbarred. This client, who is the mother of two children, couldn’t face starting an entire case over again, so she was forced to settle and accept what she could get from the opposing side. Despite her great disappointment involving her own case, she did not pursue any legal action against Moses. She simply wanted him to go away. But, instead, Moses actually had the nerve to file a civil claim against her trying to collect approximately $15,000 for legal services rendered to her. Has Moses lost his mind?
Whether he had a valid contract with this particular client or not, Moses was clearly too preoccupied with his own legal problems to provide her adequate representation. And the fact that all of his legal work for her case was immediately called into question should pretty much negate the bill, right? Moses’ civil claim against his client is scheduled to be heard by Judge William Jennings in the very near future. Let’s just hope that Judge Jennings realizes that Moses was clearly in the wrong and this particular client shouldn’t have to fork over one more penny to a lawyer who has been disgraced, disbarred and now has the ego to pursue an outstanding bill. It’s completely outrageous. Moses should concentrate on frying up those chicken legs and making those buttermilk biscuits and leave the lawyering up to the real legal professionals.
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Is the Curse of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Finally Over? ALL OF AUGUSTA was celebrating this past week after Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced plans for a new $50 million cyber security facility at the former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame property. This is a major development for downtown Augusta. The 150,000-square-foot facility, called the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, is being described as a “game changer” for the Augusta area. But it is also believed to be the vision that has long been needed for the former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame property along the Savannah River. Many locals are asking the question: Is the curse finally over? More than 25 years ago, Augusta had such grand plans for the 17-acre property along the Savannah River on Reynolds Street now referred to by most locals as “the old Georgia Golf Hall of Fame” site. When the Golf Hall of Fame was first created by the Georgia General Assembly back in 1982, the project was believed to have the ability to transform Augusta into the “Disney World of Golf.” After purchasing the property in 1987, the original vision was to build a 55,000-square-foot hall of fame building and rotunda in downtown Augusta along Reynolds Street that
could potentially attract about 330,000 visitors each year and forever preserve the history of golf across the state. But over the years, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame board managed to spend more than $13 million in state and local funding, but never actually built much of anything. The board constructed a long, stately serpentine brick wall that stretched along the property, separating the public from the site. Then, the board spent more money creating a botanical garden featuring six bronze statues of legendary golfers, only to let the gardens eventually die and the statues, which cost sponsors between $100,000 to $250,000 each, to be relocated to the Augusta Museum of History and Augusta Regional Airport. Of the $13 million in state and local funding given to the project, $6 million came from the city’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and $1 million was provided by the Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation. Private contributions were estimated to be roughly around $15 million. However, the project could simply never get off the ground. Prior to the 2001 Masters, the board announced the opening of a 9-acre botanical garden called the Augusta Golf & Gardens. It was a beautiful garden and a nice place to visit, but it fell far short of the original vision. And by 2003, the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame board was back before the city asking for an additional $6 million in SPLOST monies to the utter shock of several Augusta commissioners. The bad news didn’t stop there. The original proposal of the 55,000-square-foot Georgia Golf Hall of Fame building, which called for, among other things, multiple conference rooms, a restaurant and an IMAX theater, had shrunk to 6,000 square feet or less — roughly one-tenth its original size. The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and the Augusta Golf & Gardens, combined, were envisioned as a $30 million project, but the city didn’t bite. Commissioners rejected the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame board’s request for an additional $6 million in SPLOST because the city was facing nearly $90 million worth of infrastructure and drainage problems that were deemed a much higher priority. That left the Golf Hall of Fame board turning to the state for financial help, which didn’t sit well with then-Gov. Sonny Perdue. While the Georgia Legislature originally provided the project $6 million to help purchase the land on Reynolds Street and build the botanical gardens, the state also provided
$58,000 to $85,000 for almost 10 years for the Augusta Golf & Gardens’ operating expenses. But the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame board insisted that such funding barely paid the water bill for the gardens. Let’s face it, the project was a disaster. As a result, Perdue vetoed the annual funding for the facility and the Augusta Golf & Gardens had no choice but to officially closed its doors in 2007. By 2010, then-Georgia Sen. Hardie Davis made a bold request to the state. Davis asked the state legislators to support giving the city of Augusta the 17-acre Golf Hall of Fame property for $1, even though taxpayers still owed $2.85 million in debt service on the land. Around the same time, then-Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver was hoping that the Reynolds Street property could redeveloped as a baseball stadium for the Augusta GreenJackets with the help of the team’s co-owner and baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. But those plans totally fell through. Just when there appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel for the former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame property, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia entered the picture in 2012. The General Assembly approved transferring the 17-acre site to the University System of Georgia because the thenGeorgia Health Sciences University expressed interest in using the property to expand its campus following its merger with then-Augusta State University. Now, under the leadership of Augusta University President Brooks Keel, the property has new promise. “The governor’s vision for a facility which will allow the best and the brightest in academia, industry and government to work together to address global cyber security challenges is truly transformational,” Keel stated in a press release. “Construction of a cyber-range will allow us to provide state-of-the-art training for the cyber workforce that is so desperately needed by industry and our military. I look forward to working closely with all of our partners as we do even more to turn this vision into a vibrant reality.” A vibrant reality. That is exactly what that piece of property on the Savannah River desperately needs. Best wishes to Augusta University and the governor’s new vision. Let’s really hope it is a “game changer” for downtown Augusta.
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From the principal’s Office to the School Board
After almost two decades in the Richmond County school system, Dr. Wayne Frazier is no longer breaking the rules. He’s helping make them. By Stacey Eidson
As A FoRmeR pRinCipAl and educator in the Richmond County school system for almost 20 years, Dr. Wayne Frazier was well known for bending the rules. Whether he was the principal at Glenn Hills High School, the Alternative Education Center or Tubman Middle School, Frazier refused to lead “by the book” because he said it was like banging his head against a brick wall. “Back when I was a principal, my superintendent frequently called me unorthodox, but he didn’t say it in a complimentary way,” Frazier said, chuckling. “He would say, ‘You are doing things too unorthodox,’ as if that would make me change my leadership style. But, to me, it was a compliment because, while I did things differently, I still made positive change. I was proud to be unorthodox.” While Frazier didn’t mind being the maverick of Richmond County principals, his bosses didn’t always agree with some of his tactics. More than two years ago, Frazier was demoted from being principal at the alternative school to being sent back to teaching in a classroom at Glenn Hills Middle School by both the school board members and then-Richmond County School Superintendent Frank Roberson. Not long after the demotion, Frazier resigned from the school system after almost two decades and began teaching at Southern Barber College on Deans Bridge Road. But that wasn’t the end of the story for Frazier. He recently earned a very different title in Augusta: Frazier is now the newest member of the Richmond County School Board. This past November, Frazier defeated incumbent board member Barbara Pulliam by about 300 votes to earn his seat on the board. For many local political observers, his win was an ironic turn of events considering his rocky past with the school board, but Frazier insists he is not out for revenge. “As a principal in the school system, I had some turbulent times with the leadership downtown. That’s no secret,” Frazier said. “However, as far as I’m concerned, I cannot be an effective leader on the board if I bring all of that baggage with me. So, for me, that’s all in the past.” As the newest school board member, Frazier said his main goal is to get the more than 20 schools in Richmond County off the failing list and help those schools succeed. “That’s my job, but I understand I cannot do that by myself. It can’t be a Wayne Frazier Show,” Frazier said. “I need to create alliances and build relationships with every member on the board so we can move forward and get those 21 schools off the failing list.” In order to turn around those failing schools, Frazier insists that the school board needs input from principals, parents, teachers, business leaders, members of the clergy and the students themselves. “We need to really listen to what they have to say,” Frazier said. “The truth is that certain kinds of parents, we don’t include them in the discussion. Those parents
“As a principal in the school system, I had some turbulent times with the leadership downtown. That’s no secret. However, as far as I’m concerned, I cannot be an effective leader on the board if I bring all of that baggage with me. So, for me, that’s all in the past.” 10 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I had gang members in the school, the school was failing, but I didn’t catch any hell until I got that $2 million grant. All of a sudden, I was encouraged to hire consultants that I didn’t need.” who have children who are challenging, sometimes we say, ‘Well, those parents aren’t going to come to a meeting anyway.’ But it is up to the leaders to make the schools welcoming to all parents, especially the ones who have children with the most problems.” In fact, when Frazier was the principal at the alternative school, he launched its first Parent Teacher Association. “The alternative school had never had a PTA. Now, what school in Richmond County would you think really needs a PTA program?” Frazier asked. “A magnet school? Richmond Academy? Or the alternative school? When I was principal there, we went from not having a PTA to having one of the most successful ones in the county as it relates to parental engagement. At the PTA meeting, we typically had over 200 parents attend and we never had less than 100 at the meetings when I was there.” But Frazier admits that he had to provide additional incentives to encourage parents to come to the PTA. First, he would require each teacher to call every parent of a child in his or her classroom and talk to them about attending the PTA meetings. “I would get the teachers to ask the parents, ‘Can you commit to coming?’” 19JANUARY2017
Frazier said. “If the answer was, ‘Yes,’ I’d have them check their names off a list and make sure they called them periodically to remind them about the meetings.” If the parent said they couldn’t make the meetings, Frazier would get the teachers to ask if there was anything the school could do to make it possible for them to attend. “If they said, ‘I don’t have any transportation,’ we had a solution for that,” Frazier said. “The concerned teachers and staff at the school would donate a dollar or two and we would put some money in a pot. Then, we would pay a regular school bus driver to go to these different addresses to pick up the parents and their small children and bring them to the school.” It was definitely unconventional, but it drastically increased parent turnout at the meetings, Frazier said. “And with the small children, we would put them in a little room and they played some games and watched a movie and ate some popcorn while we handled the school’s business,” he said. “So we watched their children while the parents attended the meetings.” If parents had to work during the PTA meetings, Frazier said he would frequently write the parents’ bosses to see if they could get the time off. “I would write, ‘Could you please relieve him or her from work without punishment and if she doesn’t show up to the PTA meetings, I’ll write you back and let you know that she did not show up,’” Frazier said. “Many of the parent were really surprised that their bosses let them out of work. Some parents even told me that their bosses respected them even more.” As a further incentive to attend the meetings, Frazier said the school would offer a meal to the parents who attended. “And we are not talking about hot dogs or pizza,” Frazier said. “These people need real food. Sometimes the only time their
“I wasn’t supposed to say, ‘You guys can take this $2 million and give it to a school that has a money problem. Just give me the right personnel. I don’t need the money.’” children get a meal is in the schools and the parents are not too far behind. So I got some volunteers, some friends of mine, who cook in the community to provide meals like barbecue and fried fish.” In fact, one of his favorite supporters for the PTA meetings were Bill and Sandi Watkins, owners of the Sports Center on Broad Street. “I love them. They are absolutely great people,” Frazier said. “I remember the last PTA meeting we had, they provided the food, paid for it, cooked it and cleaned up everything for about 200 PTA parents. I’ll never forget that.” Treating these parents and some of their troubled students AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“I believe in being hands-on and going into neighborhoods and seeing where these children live, sleep, eat and play ball.”
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with respect and kindness made all the difference in the world, Frazier said. “How you treat parents and how you assist them will engage them in the school and get them involved in what’s going on with their child,” Frazier said. “The schools can’t do it alone. They need that involvement from the parents.” Also, unlike the way he was sometimes treated as a Richmond County principal, Frazier said he looks forward to suggestions from the faculty and staff at these struggling schools. “What I had problems with as a principal, I was given a $2 million school improvement grant,” Frazier said. “I had gang members in the school, the school was failing, but I didn’t catch any hell until I got that $2 million grant. All of a sudden, I was encouraged to hire consultants that I didn’t need. We got some consultants in the building from Idaho or somewhere who didn’t understand or even care about these children.” From his perspective, Frazier said the $2 million federal grant was an absolute waste of money.
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“I didn’t need that $2 million because I didn’t have a money problem,” Frazier said. “My school’s problem was not money. My problem was personnel issues. We had good teachers, but teachers that were not prepared culturally to deal with the children in their classrooms. It wasn’t the money. It wasn’t the resources. But we got money thrown at that problem.”
“I did not know that, one day, being poor and coming from a very violent, disruptive and dysfunctional family would give me an advantage, but it did.” When he questioned the need for the grant, Frazier said he was criticized. “That money didn’t do nothing. I can’t see where a dime of that money helped the school I was in,” he said. “But it is very politically incorrect for a principal to talk about it that way. I was supposed to say, ‘Thank you, boss. Show me the money.’ I wasn’t supposed to question it. I wasn’t supposed to say, ‘You guys can take this $2 million and give it to a school that has a money problem. Just give me the right personnel. I don’t need the money.’” Frazier said he spent the majority of his time as principal mentoring young teachers and trying to help them properly handle their classrooms. In many occasions, that also meant making home visits for at-risk students, he said. “I believe in being hands-on and going into neighborhoods and seeing where these children live, sleep, eat and play ball,” Frazier said. “That also meant going at some of the most inopportune times, like 10, 11 or 12 o’clock at night so I could talk to them in their environment.” While Frazier encouraged his teachers to follow his example, he acknowledged that not everyone could make home visits. “I had teachers who were afraid for their lives to go into some of these communities,” Frazier said. “But I had an edge on a lot of teachers and principals. It’s amazing to me, but I did not know that, one day, being poor and coming from a very violent, disruptive and dysfunctional family would give me an advantage, but it did. I was able to use that to help others.”
“The only people who are benefiting from these tests are the people who are making the money off of them.” Frazier grew up in a poverty-stricken home with 10 other siblings being raised by alcoholic parents in Shreveport, La. His childhood was far from easy. “I grew up in a house with 11 children, sleeping on the floor,” Frazier said. “The first time I ever slept in a bed was when I was 17 years old in the United States Army. Now, here in Augusta, I am going to these homes and seeing some of these children who have it 10 times worse than I had growing up.” When an educator sees a child in that kind of environment, it gives them an entirely different perspective about that student’s behavior in class. “So I asked teachers to go to their students’ homes,” he said. “But I remember one lady came back and was totally honest with me. She said, ‘Dr. Frazier, I can’t go to these homes anymore. There are roaches everywhere.’” AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Frazier said the teacher was completely horrified by the conditions of some of these homes. “Well, I joked with her and said, ‘I lived in a house with roaches. If it wasn’t for roaches in my house as a kid, I wouldn’t have had any pets,’” Frazier said, laughing. “But that teacher taught me something. She didn’t come up like that. She doesn’t know anybody like that. While I may not be afraid of roaches, I can’t expect everyone to be Wayne Frazier.”
“As a parent, if I was moving here for Cyber Command, and I thought my child would get a better education in Columbia County, I owe it to my child to get them in a school in Columbia County.”
“And I’m not just talking about the magnet schools because everybody is not going to be able to go to Davidson Fine Arts. We need to improve all of the schools in Richmond County.” Turning a failing school around is not easy, but it has to be done, Frazier said. “Every school that I’ve gone into as a principal, when I first walked in the door, I said, ‘I wouldn’t want my own child in this school.’ That’s the honest truth,” Frazier said. “I am not one of those people who are going to say, ‘Oh, this is a wonderful school.’ I’m not going to lie. But I also always said this, ‘It is my job to turn it into a school that I would have my child in.’” And, in every case, Frazier said he was extremely proud of his role as principal. “When I was principal, every school that I walked out of, I would be proud to have my child there,” he said. “Now, as a board member, I believe if a school is failing, I’m not going to be pointing at the principal or the teachers or the children or the parents. It’s not their fault. In my opinion, the buck stops with the board.” The school board needs to take responsibility for the chronically failing schools in Richmond County, he said. “The public should be holding our feet to the fire,” Frazier said. “If the schools are failing, then we, as a board, are failing and it’s our job to turn these schools around.”
After talking to the teacher, Frazier said he respected her for being honest with him. “Here was a teacher who loved teaching and loved her children, but was uncomfortable making home visits. So, I created a team when she needed to make these home visits,” Frazier said. “I would have someone go with her that came from that kind of culture. She teamed up with another teacher and they walked in that home together. That way, she could walk in and comfortably talk to the parents and the other teacher would keep her eye on the roaches.” During his time at Tubman Middle and the alternative school, Frazier said he was able to see some of the most challenging students begin to excel. “When you have a team of teachers, staff, custodians, secretaries and a principal who genuinely love these children, it makes all the difference in the world,” he said. “I wasn’t concerned about who had this degree or that degree or what your area of teaching was, as much as I was concerned about you having a genuine care for all children. Once you have that, we’ll get you a piece of paper and show you how to teach math or whatever. That’s the small stuff. My goal was to get teachers who would teach children the same as if they were their biological children.” In order to improve the more than 20 failing schools in Richmond County, Frazier believes there needs to be more individualized support for these students and less of a focus on constantly testing them. “Now, we should have an evaluation that all children who are going to the schools are competent at a certain level, but I think we have too many tests and we change tests too many times. It is only hurting our children,” Frazier said. “In fact, the only people who are benefiting from these tests are the people who are making the money off of them. There are a lot of people who are making a lot of money off these tests and the tests don’t mean a thing.” It’s no wonder that there are so many new residents moving into the area and immediately looking at homes in Columbia County after hearing about the failing schools in Richmond County, Frazier said. “As a parent, if I was moving here for Cyber Command, and I thought my child would get a better education in Columbia County, I owe it to my child to get them in a school in Columbia County,” Frazier bluntly said. “That’s the way I feel about it. This isn’t about politics. This isn’t about being loyal to a system who is not loyal to me and my child. No way. I’m not going to fall on any sword for a system that I don’t believe in. And I’m definitely not going to punish my child if there is a better opportunity to Columbia County.” That being said, Frazier said it is his job as a Richmond County school board member to fix the failing schools in Augusta. “My job is to create a school system here that the people in Columbia County and Aiken County will want to move to Richmond County for the schools,” he said. 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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If the Bell Auditorium’s current lineup of shows is any indication, spring is going to be a very good season to be in Augusta. You don’t have to wait until the weather warms up (little joke, there) to make plans, however. In fact, if you want to see Dave Chappelle, you’d better get off your ass and buy tickets now. (Excuse our language, but you’re probably going to hear much worse than that from Chappelle.) Fresh off his hilarious turn on Saturday Night Live last November, Chappell’s show at the Bell on February 7 was just announced last week and is already nearly sold out. Old-school country crooner Dwight Yoakam counted Johnny Cash as one of his fans, but Cash isn’t the only one who appreciates the cowboy hat-wearing singer-songwriter’s work. He’s racked up awards galore in his decades-long career, a career that has also included memorable on-screen acting turns. Anyone who saw him as Doyle Hargraves in 1996’s “Sling Blade” can attest to that. If you’re lucky, he may just perform his cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” when he visits the Bell on March 3. And now, just announced this week is Alice Cooper, who’ll stop by the Bell on April 30, bringing with him a brand of dark, theatrical music that has been causing moms to clutch their pearls and fear for their children’s souls since the 1970s. Add to that shows like Vince Gill (February 12), Styx (March 1), Garrison Keillor (March 8), Casting Crowns (March 16) and the Festival of Laughs with Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce and more (March 17) and the upcoming season will be bountiful indeed. Now if we could just figure out where we’re going to get the money to go to all these shows…
Dave Chappelle Tuesday, February 7 7 p.m. $65 Dwight Yoakam Friday, March 3 7:30 p.m. $35-$65 Alice Cooper Sunday, April 30 8 p.m. $39.50-$79.50 For tickets to these and other Bell Auditorium shows, call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
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whaT’s up
Calendar: 18 | Music Listings: 22 If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
#goodTrouble ConTrary To popular belieF, the newly formed Augusta Solidarity doesn’t believe this weekend’s Sister March is anti anything. Rather, they want the event that begins Saturday at 1 p.m. at downtown’s Springfield Village Park to be seen as a non-partisan demonstration of support for women’s, civil and human rights. “We choose to view ourselves not as anti- anything or anyone, but rather as proponents of social justice and inclusion for all citizens of our city, our state, our country, and our world,” a recent press release explained. “We all march and gather for our own individual reasons, but in the end the intent is the same; we will not stand by in silence nor inaction when our fellow humans are being insulted, demeaned, or threatened.” Organized for those who wanted to but couldn’t attend the Women’s March on Washington or the sister march in Atlanta, Augusta’s Sister March has a route that is approximately 4.5 miles, and instructions will be provided to those who wish to participate via motor vehicle. All are welcome, and donations are being accepted to help with permits and police presence. augusTa solidariTy wiTh women’s marCh on washingTon Springfield Village Park Saturday, January 21 1-5 p.m. augustasolidarity@yahoo.com facebook.com/augustasolidarity
This week
Thursday
Down your coffee and call the chamber, because this morning’s Third Thursday Business Builder should be a good one. Held at Kruhu Design + Creative Services, the group responsible for those Killer Pillar T-shirts and a whole lot more, the meeting on marketing starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes lunch. It’s free for chamber members and $15 for non-members. To grab a last-minute spot, call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
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Friday
saTurday
sunday
Molly Sawyer’s sculptures in the Gertrude So the food you prepared for your recent The Columbia Museum of Art will soon Herbert Institute of Art’s main gallery contain Christmas party didn’t turn out to be quite as begin gallery renovations and, before they many lovely driftwood pieces. They’re on delectable as you had hoped. Helms College do, they’re holding farewell tours of the display beginning tonight when, from 6-8 can help improve your cooking skills with their European and American art that graces the p.m., there will be an opening reception. Also Party Food class, held today from 10 a.m.- walls of the galleries awaiting the makeover. on display in the Creel-Harison Community 12:30 p.m. Part of the Saturday Chef series These tours begin at either 2 or 3 p.m. today Gallery are works from Lillie Hardy Morris, of community cooking classes, participants and are free with admission to the museum, many of which were inspired by Columbia will learn to create memorable small plates, giving you no excuse not to take a quick trip County’s Heggie’s Rock Preserve. While appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. $75, pre- out of town. you’re at the reception, sign up for the guided registration required. Call 706-651-9707 or tour of Heggie’s Rock that goes along with email saturdaychef@helms.edu. the exhibit, which will be held Saturday, January 21, at 1 p.m. For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 18. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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augustamuseum.org.
Pysanky Eggs Workshop Aiken Center for the Arts Saturday, January 21 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants should bring a lunch. $55; pre-registration required. 803-641-9094 aikencenterforthearts.org
Mon Jan 23
9am - 11am GED Class Diamond Lakes Branch Library A 10-week class led by Augusta Tech that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7714131 or visit arcpls.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Jan 24
10:30am GALILEO for Genealogists Headquarters Branch Library Held in the library’s Georgia Heritage Room, this class will teach participants how to use the library’s databases for family history research. Pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
ARTS Fri Jan 20
6pm - 9pm Oil Painting 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class. $30. Call 706556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@ hotmail.com.
Sat Jan 21
10am - 5pm Corner Basket Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and older in which weaving supplies are included. Participants should bring a hand towel, tape measure or ruler, squirt bottle, garden shears or scissors and their lunch. $40, members; $45, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
10am - 1pm Photos to Paintings: Landscape/Seascape Aiken Center for the Arts Participants of all ages and abilities should bring a photo to work from. $60; preregistration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
10am - 3pm Psyanky Eggs Workshop Aiken Center for the Arts Participants should bring a lunch. $55; preregistration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
2pm - 4pm Valentine’s Mailbox Cover 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class in which all supplies are included. $25. Call 706-5566656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@ hotmail.com.
9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners
Tue Jan 24
11:30am All Around Marketing
2pm - 4:30pm Acrylic Painting for Beginners Aiken Public Library A free series of classes held Tuesdays through March 28. Preregistration required. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed Jan 25
7pm Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Le Chat Noir A burlesque live drawing event featuring contests, performances, prizes and more. $10, advance; $12 at the door. Call 706-7223322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
DANCE Thu Jan 19-Fri Jan 20
6pm Dance and Dessert with Emerging Artists Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School A performance that will feature a variety of dance styles. Tickets include desserts and beverages. $10, advance; $12, door. Visit davidson.rcboe.org.
EDUCATION Thu Jan 19
Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org. Kruhu Design + Creative Services A Third Thursday Business Builder lunch meeting sponsored by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Kruhu. Lunch is provided. Free, chamber members; $15, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber.com.
6:30pm - 8pm Lower School Open House Westminster Schools of Augusta Visit wsa.net.
7pm - 8:30pm Intermediate Sign Language University Hospital An eight-week class that meets Thursdays through March 9. $45, tuition; $45, text. Preregistration required. Call 706-738-2095 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat Jan 21
11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm A Petersburg Boat Captain Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit
10:30am Get to Know Your PINES Account Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm - 8pm Middle and Upper School Open House Westminster Schools of Augusta Visit wsa.net.
Wed Jan 25
10:30am Georgia Download Destination for Beginners Headquarters Branch Library A class held in the third floor computer lab. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
ELSEWHERE Fri Jan 20
7pm CMA Jazz on Main Columbia Museum of Art An event that begins with happy hour in the 19JANUARY2017
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galleries at 7 p.m. and a concert by Andy and Zack Page, along with Asheville, N.C., jazz violinist Matt Williams at 7:30 p.m. $28, members; $35, non-members; $5, students, $300, premier table seating for six; $200 table seating for four. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Sat Jan 21
10am - 4pm Embroidery 101 Columbia Museum of Art $48, members; $60, non-members. Call 803799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
1pm Gallery Tour: CUT! Costume and the Cinema Columbia Museum of Art Free with membership or admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Sun Jan 22
2pm CMA Collection Farewell Tour Columbia Museum of Art An overview of the European and American art in the CMA collection before gallery renovations begin. Free with membership or admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
2pm Gallery Tour: Highlights of the CMA Collection Columbia Museum of Art Free. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
3pm CMA Collection Farewell Tour Columbia Museum of Art An overview of the European and American art in the CMA collection before gallery renovations begin. Free with membership or admission. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Ongoing
“Psychedelic Design: Rock Posters from the Mel Byars Collection, 1966-1971” Columbia Museum of Art An exhibition of posters from the 1960s San Francisco Bay area. On display through March 12. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Jan 19
6pm - 8pm Winter Exhibitions Reception Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta The main gallery exhibition features the work of photographer and painter Luke Andrews and sculptor Wesley L. Stewart. The Balcony Gallery features the work of abstract painter and Augustan Darlene Williams. Both exhibitions will be on display January 19-March 3. The reception is free on open to the public. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Fri Jan 20 19JANUARY2017
6pm - 8pm Opening Reception Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art Exhibits include Between Earth and Sky: Sculpture by Molly Sawyer in the main gallery and works from Lillie Hardy Morris in the Creel-Harison Community Gallery. Free, members; $5, non-members. The exhibits will remain on display through February 24. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
Ongoing
Winter Exhibitions Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta The main gallery exhibition features the work of photographer and painter Luke Andrews and sculptor Wesley L. Stewart. The Balcony Gallery features the work of abstract painter and Augustan Darlene Williams. Both exhibitions will be on display January 19-March 3. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Don’t Erase Your Crooked Lines Jessye Norman School of the Arts This collection of sketches from Leonard Zimmerman will show in the Ann & Ellis Gallery of the school January 13-February 11 each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon-3 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment. Call 706-877-0411 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.
SEEDS Exhibit Westobou Gallery An exhibition of small works by local and regional artists, all available for $300 or less. Featured artists include Andrea Anderegg, Ellie Benson, Anna Bliss, Ethan Brock, Sydney Ewerth, Tom Hubbard, Gabi Hutchison, Jay Jacobs, Chase Lanier, Anna Patrick, Staci Swider, Jacob Vaz, Kelsea S. Windham and Leonard Zimmerman. The exhibit will remain on display until January 27 and the gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 706755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
FLIX Thu Jan 19
1pm and 7pm Cinema Series AU’s Maxwell Theatre Free. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu.
Sat Jan 21
3pm “Florence Foster Jenkins” Aiken Public Library
Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Jan 24
A free cardio dance class. Call 706-8212600 or visit arcpls.org.
5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays
HOBBIES
Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.
1pm - 3pm Cool Coloring and Hot Chocolate for Grownups
HEALTH Thu Jan 19
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Sat Jan 21
10am - 2pm Let’s Get Healthy Together Warren Baptist Church An interactive wellness event for families, sponsored by Doctors Hospital, that includes an appearance by comedian Bob Stromberg, a Girlology class for fourth and fifth grade girls, health screenings, a kids zone, bike safety inspections and more. Call 706-651-3232 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
1pm - 4pm Open House The Yoga Center, North Augusta This event includes free mini-classes, kids yoga and discounts on class packages. A complete schedule is available online. Visit theyogacenter.net.
Mon Jan 23 6:30pm Refit
Headquarters Branch Library
Thu Jan 19
Aiken Public Library Pre-registration required. Call 803-6422020, ext. 1131, or visit abbe-lib.org.
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern A new club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-8261940 or visit booktavern.com.
Sat Jan 21
10am - 12:30pm Party Food Helms College Part of the Saturday Chef series of community cooking classes. In this one, participants will learn to make small plates, appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. $75, preregistration required. Call 706-651-9707 or email saturdaychef@helms.edu.
KIDS-TEENS Thu Jan 19
5:30pm Teen Movie Night: “The 5th Wave” Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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registration deadline. Email Dr. Craig Albert at calbert@augusta.edu or visit augusta. edu/pamplin/pols/juniormodelun.php.
LITERARY Wed Jan 25
6:30pm Book Club Kroc Center Open to anyone ages 25 and older interested in a fun, dynamic discussion. Books are selected by members and cover a variety of topics. Free. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
MUSIC Sat Jan 21
7:30pm Zora Quartet Jabez S. Hardin PAC Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Columbia County Music Series. $15.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
Dance and Dessert with Emerging Artists Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Thursday, January 19-Saturday, January 21 6 p.m. A performance that will feature a variety of dance styles. Tickets include desserts and beverages. $10, advance; $12, door. davidson.rcboe.org
Sat Jan 21
10am Big Kids Story Time
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
11am Nanette’s Baguette Story Time
10am Preschool Story Time
11am - 1pm Family Lego Day: Animals
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
11am Sensory Story Time Headquarters Branch Library This event is designed to engage kids through movement, music, stories and sensory activity play and is ideal for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration challenges or children who have trouble sitting still. All ages welcome. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-821-2625 or visit arcpls.org.
Sun Jan 22
12:30pm “Frozen” Headquarters Branch Library Free, but pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon Jan 23
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.
7pm Wild Kratts Live!
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Noon Tuesday’s Music Live
Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Young Children’s Story Time
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for children ages 0-3. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
The Book Tavern Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
5:30pm Snowglobe Craft Headquarters Branch Library A young adult program in which preregistration is required. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Jan 25
10am Story Time Wallace Branch Library Pre-registration required for groups of 3 or more. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Story Time for Tots
Bell Auditorium $27-$108. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Jan 24
10:05am Toddler Story Time
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Tue Jan 24
Ongoing
The Shepard Project Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safespace 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.
Junior Model UN Registration Augusta University Middle school students who are interested in assuming the perspective of a diplomat from a United Nations Member State and representing their position can register for the day-long simulation at Augusta University. February 15 is the late
Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by The Davidson Chorale. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.
SENIORS Thu Jan 19
1pm Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center Conducted by the Area Agency on Aging, this workshop provides an overview of services available to caregivers, the aging, and those with disabilities. Call 706-9220171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jan 19
7:30pm An Evening with Danny Kaye Etherredge Center, Aiken Featuring Brian Childers. $40. Call 803-6413305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
Fri Jan 20
5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3-ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
Sat Jan 21
1pm - 5pm Augusta Solidarity with Women’s March on Washington Springfield Village Park An Augusta Solidarity event for those concerned with women’s rights, racial equality, LGBTQ+ equality, religious freedom, rights of immigrants, and any other progressive human rights movement. Attendees should gather at Springfield Park (aka Peace Park) at the corner of 12th & Reynolds Streets at 1 p.m. The march route is approximately 4.5 miles 19JANUARY2017
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and instructions will be provided to those who wish to participate via motor vehicle. All are welcome. Visit facebook.com/ augustasolidarity.
5:30pm - 8pm Robert Burns Night Dinner Newberry Hall, Aiken Held by the St. Andrews Society of Aiken to honor Scotland’s National Poet. $50; pre-registration required. Email dickdewar@ gmail.com or ladycelt53@gmail.com.
7pm “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 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
8pm “To the Moon and Beyond” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sun Jan 22
3pm Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration USCA Convocation Center Featuring keynote speaker Bakari Sellers of CNN and emcee Jay Jeffries. Free on the open to the public. Visit uscatix.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Jan 21
7:30am Resolution Run 5K Run/Walk Savannah Rapids Park A race to benefit the Christ Church Health Clinic. $25. To register, visit runsignup.com/ Race/GA/Augusta/P AResolutionRun5K.
9am 4-H Family Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For all levels of kids and adults. Participants should bring yoga mat and water. Call 706828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
9:30am Health & Wellness 3K Fun Run/Walk Nelson Fitness Center, Fort Gordon To register, call 706-791-6872 or visit fortgordon.com/event/health-wellness-3k.
10am - 2pm Health & Wellness Fair Nelson Fitness Center, Fort Gordon Call 706-791-6872 or visit fortgordon.com/ event/health-wellness-3k.
10:30am FATS Skinny Trail Hike South FATS Parking Lot A Sierra Club-sponsored 6.5-mil easy to moderate hike. The parking lot meeting spot is at the intersection of Woodlawn and Deepstep roads near Sportsman’s Corner. Preregistration required. Email billjakson@att.net.
1pm Guided Tour Heggie’s Rock Preserve, Columbia County 19JANUARY2017
The tour accompanies artist Lillie Hardy Morris’ exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, much of which focuses on the landscape of this natural landmark. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.
Ongoing
38th Annual Augusta Futurity James Brown Arena Continues through Saturday, January 21. $14.50-$35. For more information and a schedule of events, visit augustafuturity.com.
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. The next round of introductory classes will start Monday, January 23, and meet weekly. The 10-week course is $180, with all competitive equipment and text provided. The class meets as follows: teens ages 10-13 meet Mondays at 5 p.m.; youth ages 6-9 meet at 6 p.m.; and those 14 and up meet at 7 p.m. Call 706-722-8878, email rvolk1@comcast.net or visit augustafencersclub.com.
SUPPORT Thu Jan 19
6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Jan 24
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.
6pm CSRA Parkinson Support Group St. John Towers dining room Featuring Dr. John Morgan, director of the Augusta University Movement Disorders Clinic, who will present on a variety of topics of interest to people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers and will also respond to questions. Free and open to the public. Call 706-364-1662.
7pm Prostate Cancer Support Group AU’s Cancer Clinic Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
Ongoing
Write to Heal Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Preregistration required. Call 706-721-5160 or
email nawilliams@gru.edu.
THEATER Fri Jan 20
7:30pm “A Few Good Men” Aiken Community Playhouse $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm “Tuesdays with Morrie” Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sat Jan 21
3pm “Before the Storm” Augusta Mini Theatre $15, adults; $10, students, children ages 2-18 and seniors; $8.50, groups of 10 or more. Call 706-722-0598 or visit augustaminitheatre.com.
7:30pm “A Few Good Men” Aiken Community Playhouse $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
8pm “Tuesdays with Morrie” Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sun Jan 22
3pm “A Few Good Men” Aiken Community Playhouse $20, adults; $17, seniors and active military; $12, students; $7, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
3pm “Before the Storm” Augusta Mini Theatre $15, adults; $10, students, children ages 2-18 and seniors; $8.50, groups of 10 or more. Call 706-722-0598 or visit augustaminitheatre.com.
3pm “Tuesdays with Morrie” Le Chat Noir A Les Chatons Noir youth collective production. $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
6pm - 7:30pm Improv Class Aiken Community Playhouse A class for those 18 and older that meets weekly through March 12. $160; preregistration required. Call 803-648-1438 or visit eventbrite.com/o/aiken-communityplayhouse- 11117186349.
Mon Jan 23
4pm - 5:30pm Acting I Class Aiken Community Playhouse A class for those in grades 9-12 that meets weekly through March 13. $160; preregistration required. Call 803-648-1438 or
visit eventbrite.com/o/aiken-communityplayhouse- 11117186349.
5pm - 6pm Drama Fun Aiken Community Playhouse A class for those in grades K-2 that meets weekly through March 13. $160; preregistration required. Call 803-648-1438 or visit eventbrite.com/o/aiken-communityplayhouse- 11117186349.
8pm Tales from the Box Le Chat Noir Comedy and improv by Schodinger’s Cat. $10, advance; $12, door. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Tue Jan 24
9:30am, 10:45am and 12:15pm “Cinderella” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre School shows of this Storyland Theatre production. $5 per student. Visit storylandtheatre.org.
4:30pm - 6pm Drama Kids Aiken Community Playhouse A class for those in grades 3-5 that meets weekly through March 14. $160; preregistration required. Call 803-648-1438 or visit eventbrite.com/o/aiken-communityplayhouse- 11117186349.
Wed Jan 25
9:30am, 10:45am and 12:15pm “Cinderella” AU’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre School shows of this Storyland Theatre production. $5 per student. Visit storylandtheatre.org.
5pm - 6:30pm Acting Techniques Aiken Community Playhouse A class for those 18 and older that meets weekly through March 8. $120; preregistration required. Call 803-648-1438 or visit eventbrite.com/o/aiken-communityplayhouse- 11117186349.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
Volunteer Drivers Needed Veterans from the CSRA are in need of volunteers to drive them to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta for their medical appointments in a 10-passenger van that does not require a special license. Volunteers must complete a nocost health screening, a background fingerprint check, a driver’s license check and provide proof of insurance, but do not have to be a veteran or member of any veterans’ organizations. This is an equal opportunity position. Call Gregory Knight at 706-731-7256 or email gregory.knight@va.gov. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 21
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Bethany and the Southside Boys Stillwater Taproom Saturday, January 21 Music, 10 p.m. $5 bethanyandthesouthsideboys.com
Thursday, January 19 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Sky City - Wasted Wine, Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands, Me Bad Eye Wild Wing - Mike Reid Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Coyotes - Karaoke with Bam Fox’s Lair - Open Mic Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Friday, January 20 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - Daniel Lee Eli’s American - Friday Night Live Imperial Theatre - Kountry Wayne Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy “Doc” Easton Shannon’s - Inauguration Party (11 a.m.-6 p.m.); Atomic Road Sky City - Rebel Lion, Token Black, Richelle Brown, Kalamity Kev, DJ C9 Surrey Tavern - The Get Right Band Wild Wing - Sequence 8 The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
What’s Tonight?
Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Soul Bar - Pop Life
Saturday, January 21 Live Music
Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Sarah Ross Coyotes - After Hours 6 Band Fox’s Lair - No Sir Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Scott Low Shannon’s - Pit Boss Sky City - Southern Hip Hop and R&B Tribute Show w/ Bizzo Beats and Phaze 360 Stillwater Taproom - Bethany and the Southside Boys Wild Wing - Just Sweet Karma The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Game Night with the Soul City Sirens Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Sunday, January 22 Live Music
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, January 23 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - Suppressive Fire, Dire Hatred
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Tuesday, January 24 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music with Dr. John Fisher Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
What’s Tonight?
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, January 25 Live Music The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Soul Bar - Harakiri
That Place Coffeehouse - Doctor Paul Wild Wing - Sabo and Dave
Steep Canyon Rangers
- Bell Auditorium April 27 Alice Cooper
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
- Bell Auditorium April 30 The Avett Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28
Elsewhere Dr. John
- City Winery, Atlanta January 19 Lera Lynn
- Terminal West, Atlanta January 20 Don Henley
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta January 22 The Beach Boys
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta January 25 Doc Severinsen
Upcoming
- Georgia Southern Performing Arts Center, Statesboro January 25
No Sir
Pat Metheny
- Stillwater Taproom January 26
- RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus January 28
Flat Out Strangers
Delbert McClinton
- Stillwater Taproom January 27
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta January 28
Dave Chappelle
Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Bell Auditorium February 7
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah January 29
Hot Rize
Tinsley Ellis
- Imperial Theatre February 10
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 3
Valentine Massacre Red Party w/ Chainsaw Masscara
The Devil Makes Three
- Sky City February 17
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta February 3-4
Vince Gill
Rick Astley
- Bell Auditorium February 17
- Center Stage, Atlanta February 9
Dwight Yoakam
Bon Jovi
- Bell Auditorium March 3
- Philips Arena, Atlanta February 10
Garrison Keillor
Perpetual Groove
- Bell Auditorium March 8
- Georgia Theatre, Athens February 10
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
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V28|NO3
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Tony Williamson with Cullene and Jeff Schneider at the Poison Peach Film Festival at the Imperial Theatre.
Brad Owens, Bobbi Cliett and Perry Harron at the Poison Peach Film Festival at the Imperial Theatre.
Cheryl Martin, Joe Zuchowski and Jezibell Anat at the Poison Peach Film Festival at the Imperial Theatre.
Patrick McBride, Lucia Wilby, Holly Mae and Mark McBride at Southbound Smokehouse.
Russell Dobson, Jerry Chesser, Lin Laffitte and Christopher Forbes at the Poison Peach Film Festival at the Imperial Theatre.
Dorina Komini, Rachel Inglett, Danielle Dunnagan and Alicia Connolly at Southbound Smokehouse.
James Michel, Beth Rogers and Nicole Smith at Wild Wing.
Andrea Edmunds, Darin King and Kerry Rhein at Wild Wing.
Lilly Shoaf, Heather Walls and Karly Kinard at Wild Wing.
19JANUARY2017
THE DOWNSIZING OF NATHANIEL AMES By Peter Broda and Erik Agard/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Loops in, in a way 5 Goddess with a throne headdress 9 Tempo 13 Figs. on drivers’ licenses 16 When repeated, a Pacific tourist destination 17 Fish whose name is a celebrity’s name minus an R 18 Old bandleader with an Egyptianinspired name 19 Outrigger projections 20 Things smoked by singer Courtney? 23 Scandalmaker in 2002 news 24 Speed demon 25 Headwear the N.B.A. banned in 2005 26 Game involving sharp projectiles and alcohol 28 Parrot’s cry 29 1950s prez 31 “Charlie Hustle is my name/I am banned from Hall of Fame,” e.g.? 33 Fist bump 34 “Yes, ____!” 36 Put a coat on 37 “Eureka!” moments 40 Press 42 Cloth colorist 43 Feature of Africa 44 ____ oil 46 Televangelist Joel 48 Alternative to “News” and “Maps” in a Google search 50 Road restriction 51 Pugnacious Olympian 53 Relative of a ferret 54 Cold and wet 55 F.B.I.’s div. 56 Hoopster Steph not playing at home? 60 Riffraff 62 Japanese watchmaker 64 Like Granny Smith apples 65 Endless chore 66 Dickens’s Uriah 68 Sega Genesis competitor, in brief 69 Radiant 71 Intersect 73 The sport of boxing in the 1960s and ’70s, essentially? 75 “Nothing to write home about” 76 Groups with co-pays, briefly 78 Jockey strap
80 “Star Trek: T.N.G.” role 81 Installment 83 Personalized gifts for music lovers 85 Valet in P. G. Wodehouse stories 89 Contemporary hybrid music genre 90 Sots’ sounds 91 Nickname for Louise 93 Feast 94 Sail support 95 In unison 97 Echo effect 99 El operator in the Windy City, briefly 100 Hat for pop singer Corey? 103 Anthem contraction 104 “Uhh …” 105 Show what you know, say 107 “In all probability” 109 Regular 111 Obstinate one, astrologically 112 Two-time Best Actor winner arriving early? 115 Four-star rank: Abbr. 116 Monopoly purchase 117 Singer/songwriter Laura 118 Little foxes 119 Slump 120 ____ cosa (something else: Sp.) 121 Wanders (about) 122 They begin in juin DOWN 1 Original airer of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” 2 Pop competition 3 Something smoked by comic Chris? 4 Hang on to 5 Org. against doping 6 Spindly limbed 7 Shakespeare villain 8 Photo of Canada’s former prime minister Stephen? 9 “Stay ____” 10 Aardvarks, by another name 11 Enter surreptitiously 12 Press lightly, as the brakes 13 He was buried in 1915 and died in 1926 14 Dressage gait 15 Invoice figs. 18 ____ lily 19 Fulminating 21 Dwarf planet more massive than Pluto 22 Atypical
23 Summer hrs. in Phila. 27 Literary device used to address plot inconsistencies 30 Nephrologists study them 32 Spies, informally 35 M.L.K.’s title: Abbr. 38 “Today” personality 39 Shark’s home 41 Close by 43 Egg producer 45 Arctic fliers 47 Blow it 49 Like a handyman’s projects, for short 50 “Anything! Anything at all!” 52 Shade of pink 54 Sword fight, e.g. 56 Filament sites, in botany 57 Imprisoned 58 Underhanded use of someone else’s domain name 59 Troubles 61 Cherry for talk show host Chelsea? 63 Glimpsed 67 Forswear 70 Genius 72 Arm muscle, informally 73 ____ drop 74 Miney follower 77 “Idomeneo” composer 79 “All My ____ Live in Texas” 82 U.N.C. student 83 Figure at the center of a maze 84 Tahoe, for one 86 Entourage of a 1990s white rapper? 87 Musical intermission 88 Continuous 90 Flamboyantly successful sort 92 Trampolinist’s wear 96 Start to -scope 97 Cincinnati squad 98 Dude, in British lingo 101 Smallish batteries 102 Long spear 105 Makes “it” 106 Zone 108 “Dark Sky Island” singer 110 Drink sometimes served hot 113 “Snowden” org. 114 ____, cuatro, seis, ocho …
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O R C H E S T R A HA H A L L
B A D G E R
A C C R U E
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C H E D I A N I O R D S M A C S T A T S R O L E D O U T S D E D B S Y S E M M A A I L E R S L O T I N G A S A N O R C E R Y E N E S E S
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A D A P T C O V E R H E A T E Y L A N B A R D A N D Y G N C R C H W A E E E R A D I T E D G V I A T R E N T A I N G O R A N HA L O C A S W H O E A A R W N U P T O T N E A N S O L E
S T R E S S Y O D E L E D L A B O R S
V28|NO3
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS “Hidden Figures” keeps the top spot over the long holiday weekend. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
HIDDEN FIGURES
$20,853,947
$55,237,047
4
1
2
LA LA LAND
$14,533,070
$74,114,639
6
5
3
SING
$14,240,380
$233,455,900
4
3
4
THE BYE BYE MAN
$13,501,349
$13,501,349
1
-
5
ROGUE ONE
$13,468,189
$498,559,923
5
2
In Theaters January 20
ACTION “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” rated PG-13, starring Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen,
HORROR “Split,” rated PG-13, starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy. Director M. Night
Nina Dobrev, Toni Collette, Samuel L. Jackson. Xander Cage, a government operative long thought dead, returns from exile to find a weapon, known as Pandora’s Box, before the bad guys do. His new team, however, finds they’re not only up against Xiang, but governments they thought were on their side.
Shyamalan is capable of making great movies. All you have to do is watch “The Sixth Sense” to see that. After a series of disappointing follow-ups to that masterpiece, though, moviegoers have come not to trust him to scare them. This one, about a man with 23 different personalities who kidnaps three teen girls, may just change all our minds. It looks scary as hell, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
19JANUARY2017
V28|NO3
Mr. Isaac’s days at Josey are Likely over austin Rhodes I had hoped I would not have to deliver this news, but it sounds as though there is virtually no chance the man many call “the very best teacher in Richmond County” will professionally survive the scandal involving his son’s on-campus music video shoot. Ben Isaac, or Ike, as I have known him for the past several decades, is an awardwinning English teacher at T.W. Josey High School. He is also very well known for his days as a production technician working for Comcast in Augusta, and as the lead singer for the local alternative rock band known as Jemani. If you have been living in a cave for the last few weeks, you may have missed the fact that Ike has been suspended since the release of his son Nigel’s hip hop video “No F**ks”, which was produced in part on campus at Josey, using some students (after hours) and school owned equipment and uniforms. Ike has told friends and supporters he had the permission of school administrators to make the video, which uses highly profane language to convey a very serious and important message to young people, about the hideousness of using profane and obscene imagery to get attention. You might say the project has become a cautionary tale of a brilliant message, delivered in the worst possible way. To attempt to describe the video would be folly, but it is all over YouTube and Facebook, so have at it. Nigel is an incredibly talented graduate of Davidson Fine Arts High School, and a young man with tremendous potential in the entertainment business. I hope he will soon hit it big, because he may have to support his dad for a while. I am told that even though no final decision has been made, there is a better than 90 percent chance Superintendent Janice Jenkins will recommend termination to the members of the Richmond County School Board, with all 10 members getting a closed session update on the matter Tuesday night. The final call for action is still several weeks away, but suffice to say Mr. Isaac is not returning in the interim and, barring some kind of miracle, he will be officially, and likely unanimously, s**t-canned once the Trustees vote. If Ike has a case to be made, I hope he has a good attorney armed with the paperwork to do it. Nothing short of signed documents with full disclosure of the content of said video to his superiors will come close to getting him off the hook. Ike did himself no favors with his defiant tone on social media, such as captured in the screen shot above from last week. The trouble concerning the video is completely about involving school colors, locations and equipment (clearly shown as Josey) within a creative piece featuring language and imagery completely inappropriate in a “school-related” project. Clearly he should have known better, no matter how pure his intentions. He had a major lapse in judgment on this one. If Quentin Tarentino or Spike Lee had paid the system to use Josey as the location for the same project, there would have been pages off legal disclaimers demanding that no connection to real persons or institutions be relayed in any way, shape or form. And there wouldn’t have been. What a terrible, terrible waste in so many ways. The video itself is an incredible accomplishment. While the song is not my “cup of tea” its message is 100 percent worthy and relevant, and the artistic qualities of the overall project are genuine and remarkable. In many ways, it looks like a Hollywood shoot that cost well over $100,000 to make. It is heartbreaking that Ben Isaac and his talent will not be available to the students of Josey ever again, at least not in his capacity as a teacher and a mentor there. I encourage and sincerely hope another local system, preferably in Georgia for financial reasons, will hire him next year. Perhaps since he is just short of earning his Ph.D., he will get that finished, and move on to teach at the college level. His talent and heart
30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
are needed. I will say this, if my son has the opportunity to ever have Mr. Isaac as a teacher, I will encourage it as strongly as possible. He is a brilliant and hard-working educator who made a mistake. Forgive him, and move on. You have heard the idiom, “It happens to the best of us”? Here we have proof positive, it most certainly does! AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
19JANUARY2017
Be safe (and warm) this winter! Sig Cox will check all of your heating system’s connections, the gas pressure, burner combustion and your heat exchanger (A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation). Improperly operating gas (or oil) heating systems are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems.
Call today to schedule your pre-season checkup. 706.722.5304 www.sigcox.com