Metro Spirit - 02.02.17

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Thank You Augusta Champions! An Augusta Champion is a local resident who has worked with the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau or the Augusta Sports Council to bring a meeting, reunion or event to Augusta. Augusta Champions generated a total estimated economic impact of $55,917,348.15 in 2016. They are considered “Champions” because, in addition to the tireless and often thankless work of planning or hosting an event, these individuals work hard to showcase the best Augusta has to offer. Augusta Champions will be honored at the 2017 State of Tourism Luncheon on Thursday, February 2nd at the Legends Club. Visit AugustaChampions.com for more information.

Brian Apple Karen Ard Christina Berkshire Lee Blair John Blocker Rebecca Blocker Mark Bowen Takya Browning Dave Brunk Laura Coble Bob Damen Roberta Daniels Benjamin Davis Valorie Davis Paula DeCamp Charlene Dent Anika Dunbar Brenda Durant Larry Elrod Heidi Elrod

Sharlotte Evans Margaret Faughnan Sandra Fenstermacher Elizabeth Frails Mike Freace Shavonne Fuller Brian Funk Kim Gibbons Brian Graham Vicky Greene Andrew Hammer Joyce Hammonds Adam Harris Caroline Hegg Brad Holdren Brenda Howard Stacey Hudson

Katrina Hudson Gwen Jackson Chris James Andrew Jefferson Kristi Jilson John Joe Vicki Johnson Ellis Johnson James Johnson

Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Kelly

Steven Kendrik Dameon Key Roy Lewis Pam Lightsey Jack Long Wade Marchman Bobby Martin

Debbie McCord Marilyn McDonnell Thomas McMillon, Jr. Ana Merlou Rick Meyer Marci Miller Steve Neely Diane Neely Jack O’Keefe Kim Overstreet Matt Parker Karen Pashal Brian Patterson Melanie Piltz Tonya Reid Javise Reid Sally Roberts

Jessica Rogers Enrique Romero Lynn Russell Tim Sadenwasser

Anthony “Redlegg” Saunders

Ray Schneider Dayton Sherrouse Michelle Singletary Lucy Singleton Nancy Smith John Terry Della Thomas Henry Travis Dan Troutman Thomas Vandiver Karen White Lorie Williams Robert Williams Greg Williams


Table of Contents February 2, 2017 Whine Line 4 Jenny is Wright 6 Kris Fisher 7 Insider 8 Feature 12

12 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

Molly Swift Staff Writer

molly@themetrospirit.com

Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson, Tyler Strong

SALES

Publisher

circulation manager

johnny@themetrospirit.com

Joe White Publisher

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

17 18 22 24 25 26 28 30

BUSINESS

Johnny Beckworth

Staff Writer

What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Big Three The Eight Austin Rhodes

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.

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


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OPINION

Jenny is Wright: 6 | Kris Fisher: 7

The Whine Line

So, “look at me” Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Antonio Brown is getting paid six-figures (!!!) to bloviate and pontificate on Facebook. Seriously? Why isn’t the Metro Spirit paying me? I mean, I’m in the Whine Line every week.....riiiiiiiiiiiiight?

what is the deal with this exaggerated low country Southern drawl that many of the residents of The Hill affect? They all sound as if they are still living in the 1840s and own a plantation outside of Charleston. No one else in Augusta talks that way. It sounds ridiculous. It sounds like the way non Southerners attempt to speak with a supposed Southern accent in the movies. Well Frankly Scarlett, ya’ll sound fake and pretentious.

Oil and water dont mix, but the oil is tough to get out of fur so will the feminists please respect another feminist who is actually helping. THANKYOU! I lived through Obama. You’ll live through Trump. Are the gators or crocs, especialy in Phinizy Swamp, OK from all the sewage and who knows what other poisons that were dumped in the waters?

What you are telling me is, America is being destroyed by a group of Mexican guys who work from sun-up to sun-down. How stupid do I look?

Isn’t it ironic that the daily papers poison pen commentors had balked against having to register with their real names in order to make comments after articles or rants BUT thought it OK to condemn and name completely the ones who did not attend the inauguration of Trump? No one can make a U.S. citizen go see the president, no matter your reasons. If Trump can’t have enough people supporting him that would attend to cover up the blank spots during his swearing in, that’s reality. He and his Trumpers are causing all the negative air with their constant lies.

Hey CUPCAKES! Things are about to change! Either get on board or get out.

It will take 15 years to build the wall? Pffff... they cant even finish the work on I-20. What gives the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority the right to decide where the new civic center is going to be built? Are they going to pay for it? Good grief, how can someone have so poor a judgment on millenials as a whole when we have such fine ones? And they are working on enlivening downtown quite nicely with their various businesses such as the restaurants and the incoming cyber companies. That whiner needs to open his/her eyes fully. Hay Marion. Bro Brown wanted to be on the street with his people in Augusta, NOT on stage like everywhere else. Don’t dishonor him by putting him on stage for your glory. Columbia County Commissioner Ron Cross should join the lunch bunch at Hardie’s. He might hit BINGO there! People with disabilities have voices and are human beings too. This City ought to be ashamed of it self

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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Compassion Goes a long Way Jenny is Wright I love the dollar store. When my kids were little, I’d take them there and let them pick a prize. Sometimes they’d get two! It’s where Santa shops for his stocking stuffers. I bought my first pair of reading glasses there. They were only one dollar! I don’t go often, and I never just wander around. I always have a list, and I stick to it. It’s easy, because while there are good finds, there’s a lot of crap, too. On one such day before Christmas, I was buying shirt boxes and a few other lastminute things. It was crowded, but not unreasonably so. There might’ve been five people waiting in each checkout line, and I was one of them. The woman in front of me was buying three things. I only remember one; it was a can of olives. “They have cans of olives here?” Yeah, I was surprised, too. You never know. She went to pay, and the zipper on her wallet broke. She couldn’t open it. She tried again and again, and it wouldn’t budge. She grew increasingly uncomfortable, making the other shoppers wait. The checker outer lady (COL) stared at her. Stared. Didn’t say a word. The softspoken woman (SSW) said, “my wallet broke.” “Well what do you want me to do about it?” COL was angry. “You have to pay for that stuff.” “I can run to my car and see if I have enough change, but you might just have to put it back,” SSW reasoned. “I don’t care what you do, but make it quick. I ain’t got all day.” It might not’ve gone exactly like that, but it was equally as rude and impatiently expressed. In a quick reaction, I said, “just add them to mine.” It was three dollars and change, y’all. SSW looked at me in disbelief, apologizing. “Are you sure? I’m sorry.” “Of course I’m sure! It’s Christmas. Have a good day!” She thanked me and left the store. She was embarrassed but thankful. COL was relentless. “Why would you do a thing like that?” She looked at me like I pooped in her coffee. For the record, I didn’t and I wouldn’t. Here’s why; It was no big deal, and I was trying to save this lady from being further humiliated. It wasn’t that she didn’t have the money. She clearly came into the store willing to pay. She wasn’t trying to frustrate COL. I didn’t pay for her because I thought she needed the charity. I paid for her stuff, so the godforsaken upset COL would quit berating her because of a dumb broken zipper. I’m not going to tell you at which Augusta location this occurred. It’s probably been long forgotten by both COL and SSW. Because I like to assume positive intentions, I’m hoping COL was having a really, really bad day. Maybe her dog died. Maybe she was working a third job to pay the mounting Christmas expenses and she couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t think so, but I’m trying here. Maybe she simply hates her job. I’m going to assume it wasn’t because the SSW was wearing a hijab. I don’t consider what I did to be any sort of heroic act. It was quick, spur of the moment help, from one human to another. Get over it, COL. I hope your day has gotten better. Compassion goes a long way. So does a strong cocktail. 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. 2FEBRUARY2017


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It’s About Falcon time kris Fisher It’s super Bowl week and I am beside myself! Somewhere after all the New England Patriots talk, whether it be about Tom Brady being a football god, Bill Belichick being a coaching god, Brady and Belichick possibly winning their fifth Super Bowl together or deflated footballs… there’s the Atlanta Falcons. I have loved the Atlanta Falcons since I first loved football. I’ve lived through so many ups and downs with this team. I was there when they beat the 49ers to advance to the NFC Championship game in ’98, Roddy White clowned me when I blew a football drill at his camp, I even proposed to my wife on the field before a Falcons/Browns game (which they won!). So, to say that I’m excited is an understatement. But, there’s a problem with all this excitement: It’s the Atlanta Falcons. I think the reason I identify with this team is because it seems to have my luck. Things just go wrong when things for other teams go right. For example, just in the time that I’ve been a fan they drafted one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game then traded him after throwing only four passes. The next time they drafted what was thought to be one of the potential greatest, he plagued the team with bad decisions and ultimately got arrested and kicked off the team for running a dogfighting ring. Then the coach split in the middle of the night to coach Arkansas. Really? Arkansas? Actually, I think that one might have been the best chapter ending in our story full of comic tragedies. I never liked that guy. Soo-eee! After witnessing many years of things like this happening to my beloved Dirty Birds, I have decided that the Falcons are the Cleveland Browns of the south. It’s not that the team is bad all the time, it’s just that they fail in spectacular fashion. There’s things like the blocked punt back in 2006 as the Saints were just returning to the Superdome on Monday Night Football after being displaced by hurricane Katrina. The blocked punt in the first quarter of the game was returned for a score. It kick-started (pun intended) a game that saw the Falcons playing like a high school team and the “Rebirth” of New Orleans. They even put a statue up commemorating it. A friggin’ statue. Man, I hate the Saints. There’s also the 2012 NFC championship game where they came up 10 yards short of the Super Bowl or, the “Harbaugh Bowl” as everyone called it, as it was the first time brothers had

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coached against each other in the Super Bowl. Then, of course, we can’t forget Super Bowl XXXIII: America’s send off to John Elway. Atlanta played in that one too, after a week of offfield distractions including a “guaranteed victory” from Ray Buchanan and Eugene Robinson getting busted in a prostitution sting. The Falcons are the NFL’s version of the Washington Generals — always a footnote on someone else’s great moment. Now here we are again, facing a chance at history. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s possible fifth combined Super Bowl win. Historic. Another chance for the Falcons to be the footnote on another team’s great moment. We’ve already had some Falcons-esqe distractions: Devonta Freeman’s agent bringing up contract issues that could wait until next week and Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan losing the game plan — 1999 is trying to rear its ugly head. Please, for God’s sake, someone keep Vic Beasley away from shady motels! For the record: Freeman says he’s not thinking about anything other than winning this Sunday and Kyle’s bag was returned to him, not by any Patriots employee. As expected, most sports outlets are picking the Patriots to win for many reasons, including, but not limited to, the Falcons have a team slogan, they’re wearing red jerseys and because the city of Atlanta has declared the Monday after Super Bowl a holiday. Personally, I plan on taking that holiday as well and enjoying every second of it. I believe in these Falcons. They look different, better, posed and prepared for this game. Brady and Belichick, that “one for the thumb” is going to have to wait. It’s time for someone else to be the footnote. Rise up.

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.

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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neWS

Where Will The Chips Fall?: 12

Who is the Most Hated Man in the CSRA? WHile tHe MoSt HAted MAn in the area this week is probably Columbia County Administrator Scott Johnson for creating a hostile work environment for the extremely popular EMA Director Pam Tucker and forcing her to resign from a position she has loved for almost two decades, The Insider will let columnist Austin Rhodes speak on that topic this week. After all, he’s probably known Pam Tucker longer than the majority of journalists in the Augusta area. But, just know, Scott Johnson, The Insider isn’t letting this go. Not by a long shot. Bosses are allowed to be tough and demanding, but not get involved in a deliberate campaign to force a highly respected employee out of job. Verbal attacks from a boss are abusive, disruptive and unproductive in the workplace. In fact, it could spell a lawsuit for the county, but we’ll wait and see about that. But, let’s just say, Pam Tucker isn’t the first employee who has suggested that Johnson’s behavior is hostile and abusive. There’s been others; only Tucker was the first to have the strength and wisdom to say it publicly. So, Scott Johnson, get ready. You want to create a hostile work environment? You got it. The local media can make your job extremely uncomfortable. In fact, The Insider is looking forward to the day that you are issued a pink slip from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. So be warned. We’ll be watching. But since Austin Rhodes is fully covering the shocking resignation of Pam Tucker, The Insider will focus on another widely hated former resident of Augusta: Dr. Ricardo Azziz. Last week, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Azziz, the former president of then-Georgia Regents University, was the highest paid University System of Georgia’s employee last year making a whopping $1.735 million in 2016. Wait, what? You might be asking. But Azziz’s last day at work was in June 2015, so how is he still the highest paid in University System worker in 2016? Good question. This is what The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found out: Charles Sutlive, a spokesman for University System, said Azziz has not been on the system’s payroll since last fall, when he began working for the State University of New York as chief officer of academic health and hospital affairs. “The majority of Dr. Azziz’s compensation in fiscal year 2016 was from a deferred compensation account that the University System had been contributing to since Dr. Azziz first began working for our system,” Sutlive said. He added, “After stepping down as president, Dr. Azziz continued to see patients and conduct research.” So, Azziz received $1.735 million in 2016 from a “deferred compensation account” and for work involving “patients and conduct research?” That’s an impressive salary for someone who resigned back in June 2015. Especially for someone who headed the agonizing consolidation of Augusta State University and the Georgia Health Sciences University into the awful name of Georgia Regents University. For many in this community, Azziz’s three years in Augusta was seen as wasted time, wasted effort and wasted money. They remember all the pain, discord and absolute shock over Azziz’s announcement that Georgia Regents University was the chosen new name for the school. They remember the “Save the A” signs scattered throughout neighborhoods and the anger in people’s voice when the name “Dr. Azziz” was merely muttered. 8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

But, more importantly, they remember the division between the two schools. They remember faculty and staff at the former Augusta State University feeling like red-headed stepchildren. They remember the ASU faculty saying their opinions didn’t matter. They remember the fear. Fear from students that their GRU diploma wouldn’t mean as much as an ASU or GHSU diploma. Fear from the alumni that their historic school would no longer exist. Fear from the administration that enrollment would drastically drop. And fear from the athletic departments that recruitment would suffer. So, that’s some pretty sweet salary for Azziz more than a year after he turned this city upside down. The amazing fact is that Azziz made more in the year that he was not employed with the University System than Georgia Tech’s president, the University of Georgia’s president, a neurosurgery professor at Augusta University and even current Augusta University President Brooks Keel. Poor Keel only made $765,558 last year, according to the AJC article. Yep. The native Augustan, who has been credited with finally moving the university in the right direction, didn’t get even half the salary of Azziz last year. What’s wrong with this picture? Keel is not alone. Hank Huckaby. the chancellor of the University System of Georgia, who was instrumental in Augusta University’s name change, only made $500,500 last year. It’s pretty unbelievable. After all, many Augustans knew that Azziz was going to receive a $1.1 million package paid by both the University System of Georgia and Georgia Regents Health System after resigning in 2015. It was announced when Azziz was leaving that he was going to get a $670,000 “education leave” salary and a one-time payment of $470,000. But no one thought it would carry over to 2016. Needless to say, it’s safe to say that Azziz “played Augusta,” all right. 2FEBRUARY2017


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Let the beer flow freely Craft breweries and the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild have a lot to celebrate this week. Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Rick Jeffares, which will allow consumers to purchase beer directly at craft breweries and brewpubs, will be considered this legislative session in Atlanta. Jeffares, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, introduced the bill that proposes allowing breweries to sell up to 3,000 barrels of the beer they manufacture to consumers visiting the brewery. If approved, consumers will be able to enjoy fresh beer by the glass, take up to one case to go, and purchase food without the tour package that is currently required. This bill would be a game changer for local breweries such as River Watch Brewery and the soon-to-be-opened Savannah River Brewing Co. here in Augusta. When news was announced about the proposed senate bill, the River Watch Brewery’s Facebook page was buzzing with excitement. “Here’s to hoping!” the brewery posted. “Call you legislators and tell you you support this. We’d love to see some real change in beer laws in Georgia.” In addition to allowing consumers to purchase beer directly from the craft breweries, the bill slightly modifies the brewpub license to reinforce local control on issues of to-go sales from brewpubs. It is a vast improvement to the law currently on the books, but this proposed legislation didn’t happen overnight. Throughout the summer and fall of 2016, business leaders from craft breweries and their wholesale partners met to discuss common sense updates to benefit the beer industry in Georgia, according to the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. “With suggestions championed by both brewers and wholesalers, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue

Ridge), House Regulated Industries Committee Chairman Howard Maxwell (R- Dallas), and Senator Jeffares have provided guidance to create this legislation. Their commitment to supporting the small businesses of Georgia shines through in SB 85,” Nancy Palmer, executive director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, stated in a recent press release. “The business leaders of the GBWA have been crucial in this process.” Legislators are also applauding the private businesses for being persistent in attempting to change Georgia law regarding breweries. “I applaud the industries for coming together and agreeing to an innovative solution,” Lt. Governor Casey Cagle said in a press release. “The shared interest of supporting our emerging small business and creating more opportunities for Georgians is clearly reflected in this legislation.” According to the most recent data from the Brewers Association, Georgia ranks 48th in breweries per capita, 41st in economic impact per capita and 17th in overall craft beer production. In 2016, Georgia added 11 new breweries and brewpubs, continuing a consistent trend of growth. Therefore, this year could be a big year for breweries. So enjoy a nice pint, Augustans, and cross your fingers for the future. After all, William Shakespeare once wrote, “For a quart of Ale is a dish for a king.” Don’t like that one? How about our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.” That quote seems more appropriate these days. Too political for you? Well, how about this quote from actor Jack Nicholson, “Beer, it’s the best damn drink in the world.” Enough said.



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If the state Legislature and Georgia voters approve casino gambling in the Peach State, will Augusta become the next destination resort? By Stacey Eidson WHILE CASINO GAMBLING is currently illegal in Georgia, odds are that is all about to change. Legislation introduced last week in the Gold Dome to bring casinos to the Peach State has attracted a lot of attention, mainly because the proposed bill calls for the creation of two gaming “destination resorts” — one in metro Atlanta and another in either Savannah, Columbus or Augusta. Even though the legislation is being proposed in a joint effort through Senate Bill 79, sponsored by state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, and House Bill 158, sponsored state Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, some Augusta leaders believe that the Garden City still has a good chance at being chosen as the second destination resort in Georgia. “Based on what I heard from last year’s legislative session and this year’s legislative session, there has been a great deal of traction amongst lawmakers when it comes to casino gambling and so I’m curious to see what draft legislation will actually make its way around that folks could support,” Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis said. “But I absolutely believe that Augusta could be a viable option.” State Sen. Harold Jones II agreed that Augusta’s location right on the state line puts it in a prime position for a possible future site for casino gambling. “Augusta is a suitable location,” Jones said. “Where exactly these destination resorts would be located is for the experts to decide. But with our proximity to South Carolina, we have outside pockets of people who would access the casinos. Casinos need patrons from outside of their immediate region and we have that. We also have annual tourist events which provide for a ready stream of potential patrons.” 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Of course, this isn’t the first time legislators have discussed legalizing casinos in Georgia. Just last year a similar, but much broader bill that proposed the construction of four destination resorts — two in the metro Atlanta and two in other regions of the state— did not even make it to the floor. One major reason last year’s bill faltered was Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal publicly criticized the effort. The governor specifically stated that some of the casino firms that were interested in coming to Georgia, such as MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Corp., weren’t willing to provide enough of the gaming proceeds to help fund the HOPE scholarship, a merit-based state-funded college scholarship program which was created in 1993 under the supervision of former Georgia Gov. Zell Miller. But this year might be a little different. Under this new bill, Beach and Stephens have proposed creating a new gaming commission modeled after Nevada and, in order for a casino firm to be awarded one of the two licenses offered in the state, the firm would have to fork over some serious cash. For the Atlanta license, the bill requires an investment of at least $2 billion in the resort, and, in the secondary market like Augusta or Savannah, another casino firm would have to agree to at least a $450 million investment. The casino firms’ “generosity” wouldn’t stop there. Both resorts would be taxed at 20 percent, compared to the industry’s current preferred rate of about 12 percent, and 70 percent of the proceeds would go towards the HOPE scholarship, while the other 30 percent would go towards a newly proposed needs-based scholarship, 2FEBRUARY2017


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“A $2 billion investment is like two of our largest recent bricks and mortar job producers… put together. It’s massive. I mean, 5,000 to 10,000 jobs. Over the years, I’ve had cities that aren’t that big that I’ve represented.” — Ron Stephens

“I think what people have to understand is that these destination resorts are not smoky rooms filled with slot machines and things like that. You have other arts and entertainment activities that take place at these facilities, as well as hotel space, so it certainly adds value.” — Hardie Davis (above) 2FEBRUARY2017

designed specifically for students who can’t afford college. The details of this new proposal were first announced last week on Georgia Public Broadcasting’s television show, “The Lawmakers.” Both Beach and Stephens were invited on the show, along with state Rep. Stacey Evans, D-Smyrna, who is also supporting the House bill. Their entire plan for the casino gambling legislation was laid out and immediately caught the attention of many legislators throughout the state. “The resort in metro Atlanta, will be a minimum of a $2 billion investment, a 1,000-room hotel, retail space, restaurants and entertainment. It will be a true entertainment facility,” Beach told the GPB audience on Jan. 23. “And the one in the secondary market will be a minimum investment of $450 million, plus the hotel and the restaurants and so on, so it will be a true destination resort to attract business here and help our convention business.” As far as gambling, the resorts would offer the typical casino games such as Blackjack, craps and roulette, Beach said. However, he insisted that these resorts are much more than simply gambling. “When you build these destination resorts, 65 percent of the revenue comes from nongaming areas like the hotel revenue, the restaurant revenue, the retail revenue and the entertainment revenue,” Beach said, adding that the 65 percent non-gaming revenue is a requirement stated in the bill for the casino firms to receive a gaming license. “So the gaming is a component, but it is not the end all.” Stephens said he was also extremely proud of the proposed bill and the economic impact these destination resorts could have on Georgia. “The size of such an investment is kind of hard for most people to understand,” Stephens said. “A $2 billion investment — and that’s the floor, we expect for it to rise considerably — but a $2 billion investment is like two of our largest recent bricks and mortar job producers that have announced, Caterpillar and Baxter, put together. It’s massive. I mean, 5,000 to 10,000 jobs. Over the years, I’ve had cities that aren’t that big that I’ve represented.” With a 20 percent tax rate on these resorts, that additional revenue could not only help fund the HOPE scholarship, but also the HOPE grant that provides funding for pre-K schools across Georgia, Stephens said. Because, while the Georgia Lottery has been extremely successful over the years, it still isn’t providing HOPE enough revenue, Stephens said. “The problem is, we’ve got lots more people coming to Georgia and they will continue to come to Georgia,” Stephens stated on the GPB program. “But it’s not only the HOPE scholarship, keep in mind that the HOPE grant funds pre-K classrooms. And if you are looking at some of our failing schools, the foundation is just not there when these children are getting to primary school. Right now, children are on a lottery itself just to get into a pre-K funded school and I want to up those numbers. I’d like to see everybody have an opportunity to get a good foundation early so they will have the opportunity for the HOPE scholarship later down the road.” Beach added that he was concerned that the state is short-changing many of the students receiving HOPE scholarships. “The lottery has done well, but we need to make sure we are maximizing the lottery proceeds and we need to look at other revenue sources to continue to fund the HOPE scholarship,” Beach told the GPB audience. “When my daughter went to school, she got 100 percent of the HOPE scholarship and now I have constituents tell me that their kids are only getting anywhere from 55 to 70 percent. That’s unacceptable.” While both Beach and Stephens are working hard to sell the bill to the Georgia public, the AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 13


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“I think people see a $2 billion minimum investment with 5,000 to 10,000 jobs, 20 percent tax rate, and no public dollars. This will all be privately funded. So, let me tell you, if a company wanted to come and do that, we would be rolling out the red carpet.” — Brandon Beach bigger question was whether the governor was open to legalizing casino gambling. Both legislators were reluctant to speak for the governor regarding his feelings about the bill, however Beach said he was extremely optimistic about its chances this session. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress and I think people see a $2 billion minimum investment with 5,000 to 10,000 jobs, 20 percent 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

tax rate, and no public dollars,” Beach said. “This will all be privately funded. So, let me tell you, if a company wanted to come and do that, we would be rolling out the red carpet.” Stephens agreed that more and more of his colleagues in the statehouse are willing to listen and consider the bill this session compared to previous years. “When I started the year, I would say not a chance or I would say 50/50, but today I am incredibly encouraged,” he told the GPB audience. “We are not talking about a dirty word anymore, we are talking about a destination resort and we are talking about something that the taxpayers are not going to put a dime in.” In fact, Evans, a Democrat from Smyrna, said support for the bill will likely center around what the revenue generated from the casinos will help fund in the future. “I am in favor of anything that is going to give us a good return on some money that we can use to help Georgians,” she said. “With this legislation, this is the best chance to provide needs-based aid for college students. We have no needs-based aid for college students here in Georgia.” As a result, many low-income families can’t afford to send their children to college or possibly keep their children in school long enough to receive a degree. “We have a gap between high-income students and low-income students, who is going to college and who is not,” she said. “We know that 82 percent of high-income families send their kids to college. They step foot on a college campus and 71 percent of them graduate. That is not surprising. They probably have folks in their family that go to college. But low-income kids, those in the bottom quartile of family income, only 45 percent will ever step foot on a college campus and only 8 percent will graduate. There is something going on there and it’s money. Money is keeping these kids off the campus.” Regardless about how legislators feel about casino gambling, Evans said she believed state leaders need to look at the bottom line, which is funding for students. “I don’t have a real strong opinion about whether casino gambling is right or wrong, but I do have very strong opinions about what we

do with the money if it comes here,” she said. “And I think we are seeing from these polls that there is a will in our state to bring this type of gambling and this type of opportunity for shopping and entertainment here. I just want to make sure that we are putting the money in a place where it will give us the most bang for the buck.” As for the governor, Deal told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week that he wouldn’t oppose the legislation to legalize casino gambling as long as it didn’t “devastate” the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship. “We need to be absolutely certain that if a casino bill passes, it doesn’t adversely impact a lottery program for the state,” he told the AJC. “That is the first big marker — to make sure that we don’t devastate what is probably perceived as the most successful lottery program in the country.” Deal also felt that a higher tax rate on the gambling industry would be preferable. Last year, Deal suggested between 24 to 35 percent of the casino’s gross revenue go to education, the AJC reported. But this time, the legislation won’t require the governor’s support. Instead, the bill needs two-thirds support by the Legislature and then it will be up to the voters to decide. “This will go to referendum,” Beach stated on the GPB program. “The voters will have the final say on this issue.” However, along with debating the proposed bill, legislators are also reviewing several studies regarding the impact casino gambling has on communities throughout the country. Earlier this month, the Central Atlanta Progress group and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District released a 180-page report evaluating the state-level impacts of casino gaming and the social and economic impacts it has on local communities. What the study found is causing some legislators great pause. One of the key points was that while casino gaming could generate an additional source of state revenue, the study found that the revenue is primarily generated from locals and not tourists. “At a 20 percent proposed tax rate, the state could earn between $320 and $400 million a year in gaming tax,” the report stated. “However, it is unclear how much of this casino revenue would be ‘new’ money or a diversion of other non-casino discretionary spending (from local shops, theaters, entertainment, etc.)” Therefore, the addition of casinos in Georgia would likely generate significant revenue, but from the pockets of Georgians, the study stated. “Georgians are currently estimated to spend between $570 to $670 million/year at casinos in adjacent states,” the study stated. “Under the recently proposed legislation, this translates into $90 - $107 million/year in 2FEBRUARY2017


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“The casinos will make money, but we want to make sure the average working family also receives a benefit.” — Harold Jones II (above)

potential tax revenue.” The study also said the proposed 20 percent tax rate is actually low compared to other recently approved casinos around the country. “Massachusetts is taxing what are termed the category 2 slots-parlor at 49 percent of gross gaming revenue (their new Plainville, Mass. slots casino),” the study stated. “And it will tax the new Winn Casino in Everett, Mass. at a 25 percent tax rate.” In addition, some casinos aren’t able to generate the revenue that was initially anticipated, the report stated. “In the four case study cities (Cleveland, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Detroit), revenue growth forecasts have not materialized due to competition for the gambling dollar, both in state and in adjacent states,” the report stated. “For example, from 2007-2016, Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans has 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

seen a 30% reduction in gross gaming revenue.” The study also found that the casinos would most likely negatively impact the revenue generated by the lottery. “A recent research study conducted by Cummings and Walker in 2014 examined the impact of introducing casinos on lottery sales in Maryland and concluded that, ‘Casinos have a statistically significant negative impact on Maryland lottery sales, with an estimated [annual] decline in annual lottery sales of $44-50 million (or 2 .7%) due to casinos, and that the casinos’ cannibalization of lottery revenues is greater when located proximate to a casino,’” the study said. However, the study also found that the loss of revenue from the lottery could be made up with the revenue from the casino. “The impact on Georgia’s lottery revenue from the introduction of casino gaming is believed to be minimal and would certainly be offset by incremental casino gaming revenue,” the study stated. But that gamble is causing some legislators, such as Augusta’s own state Rep. Mark Newton, reason to seriously question the benefits of casino gambling. “One of my big concerns with casino gambling is that it will compete with the HOPE Scholarship Educational Lottery. The HOPE scholarship program has done great things for our state and I do not want to disrupt this success,” Newton said. “Other states such as Maryland experimented with casinos and have shown a negative impact on their lottery.” But proponents of casino gambling in Georgia are also pointing to another study conducted by the University of Massachusetts that found statewide lottery sales increased last year by about 23 percent in the city of Plainville, Mass. even after a new slot parlor opened in 2015. Regardless, Newton believes Augusta should concentrate on other incredible economic developments coming to this region. “The Augusta area has so many positive developments in the Cyber-related arena, and, in particular, downtown with the expansion of both the private sector and the new state Cyber Innovation Center,” he said. “Fully capturing and encouraging this growth will be the key focus of economic development in our area.” State Sen. Harold Jones II of Augusta agreed that there are some definite pros and cons to casino gambling in Georgia. “I support the concept of casino gambling as a way to bring additional revenue for HOPE and other areas. Yet I do have some concerns,” he said. “First, we need to address needs-based scholarships. I want any bill to address that aspect of HOPE. There has been a conversation concerning needs-based, but I want to make sure the details confirm this. Second, we need to make sure that Labor members are involved in performing some of the work.” That is a sticking point for him, Jones said. “You will recall that an agreement was reached that Labor would be used to build the new reactors. I want to make sure that a similar agreement can be reached and Labor will be part of the construction process,” he stated. “A third issue is money to schools. A percentage of the proceeds should be allocated to schools located in the casino’s immediate vicinity. It would be up to the local school board on how to use the money, but that should be part of any casino gambling bill. So I would like to see some more significant movement on that front. We also need to make sure that a minority participation plan is used in the construction of the facility.” Jones said he is also concerned about potential social impacts of casino gambling on Georgia. “The pros are another stream of commerce for the area, but the con can be increased crime or criminal activity,” Jones said. “Yet, one good aspect in the original bill was that a percentage of the proceeds are allocated to deter and combat increased crime or criminal activity.”

“One of my big concerns with casino gambling is that it will compete with the HOPE Scholarship Educational Lottery. The HOPE scholarship program has done great things for our state and I do not want to disrupt this success.” — Mark Newton But one of Jones’ biggest concerns is the impact a casino would have on other local businesses. “A larger con is that local businesses can suffer because local dollars go to the restaurants in the casino and, of course, gaming,” Jones said. “That is why it is important that you receive patrons from outside of the region to patronize the casino so you will not cannibalize local businesses. So, in theory the concept has merit, but we need it to be structured correctly. The casinos will make money, but we want to make sure the average working family also receives a benefit.” While Mayor Hardie Davis understands people’s concerns over casino gambling, he feels Augustans should keep an open-mind about the proposal. “I think what people have to understand is that these destination resorts are not smoky rooms filled with slot machines and things like that,” Davis said. “You have other arts and entertainment activities that take place at these facilities, as well as hotel space, so it certainly adds value. After all, we have got buses that travel from Augusta throughout the year taking people to these gaming sites all across the southeastern U.S., so if we are able to keep that revenue here, I think it’s a great thing.” In fact, the Augusta Commission during its first meeting of the year unanimously passed a resolution that was sent to the state in support of casino gaming in Georgia if it provided additional funding for needs-based education. But, as a former state legislator, Davis said he realizes the bill still has a long way to go. “I think it is important for everybody to understand that this is not something that has been decided,” Davis said. “I think the state Legislature, if in their wisdom they see fit to put this on the ballot, what I would hope is that they not choose winners and losers in terms of communities, but allow the communities to decide. Let the people vote on whether or not they want this in Georgia and then let the municipalities determine if they have the capacity to support a destination resort. That’s my hope.” 2FEBRUARY2017


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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.

hoNoRiNg Debi wheN YoU ThiNk of the Augusta Players, you can’t help but also think of Debi Ballas (pictured at left). The artistic and executive director of the theatre troupe for the past 19 seasons, Ballas is, pretty much, its heart and soul. However, after directing “Beauty and the Beast,” The Players’ season closer in May, Ballas will retire. That musical will be a must-see event, but, in the meantime, the group will honor their leader with “Debi,” a gala concert this Saturday night at the Imperial Theatre. A free, black-tie-optional (emphasis on the “optional”) event, this production will feature performances from Augusta Players cast members. They will be joined by Willy Falk, a Broadway performer who’s coming all the way from NYC to join in the celebration. So come, have a drink at the cash bar in Debi’s honor. Just don’t forget to call or email to reserve your seat. Debi: gAlA CoNCeRT hoNoRiNg Debi bAllAs Imperial Theatre Saturday, February 4 7:30 p.m. Free, but RSVP required 706-826-4707 info@augustaplayers.org

This week

ThURsDAY

It’s a great weekend to make the short drive to Aiken. Why? Because it’s time for the annual Antiques in the Heart of Aiken. The festivities kick off Thursday night with the Cocktails and Collectors Preview Party, followed by the show and sale on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to all the great finds, two informative presentations are scheduled for Friday and Saturday morning, and the Sweetheart Café returns once more to provide lunch and desserts.

FRiDAY

It’s an event as unique as the organization it is supporting. The Fourth annual reNew & Brew, held at Goodwill’s The Snelling Center at 7 p.m., will feature art available at silent auction made from items repurposed from Goodwill’s retail training store and hors d’oeuvres created by Helms College culinary students. As a perfect complement, the event will feature eight regional breweries (including Augusta’s own River Watch) bringing two brews a piece for guests to sample in their commemorative tasting glasses.

TUesDAY

If you and your kids want to have a really fun evening, then stop by the Chick-fil-A on Washington Road at 6 p.m. to watch firefighters from five different Augusta stations compete in a chicken-eating contest. Not only will you get to watch the fun, the Chick-fil-A firefighter cow will be there, as will a fire truck and volunteers to talk about fire prevention. Games and more round out what is sure to be a fantastic night.

weDNesDAY

One of Augusta’s most well-known and -loved artists, Lisa Kay Baggs, drops by the Jessye Norman School of the Arts this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to lead a free collage art discussion and class. If you’ve always wanted to know how to create works like hers, which often feature whimsical birds and sea creatures, then now’s your chance to pick her brain and find out how she does it.

For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 18. 2FEBRUARY2017

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33nd Annual Pasta Festival Immaculate Conception Catholic School Friday, February 3 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m. Hosted by the Italian American Club of the CSRA. $9 tickets include pasta, meatballs/sausage, salad, rolls and tea. Wine is $5. Food available for eat-in or takeout. iacaugusta.org

Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.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.

Free Tax Assistance Headquarters Branch Library Available Wednesdays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Free Tax Assistance Maxwell Branch Branch Library Available Thursdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 15. This service is for taxpayers with low- to moderate-income and those 60 and older. Those interested should bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax returns and a voided check. No appointment necessary. Call 706793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

ARTS

EDUCATION

Sat Feb 4

Thu Feb 2

10am - 2pm Sculpting in Clay: With Love Kroc Center A two-session class in which participants ages 14 and up will sculpt something for their loved ones and themselves. No previous experience necessary and all supplies provided. $45, members; $50, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

Mon Feb 6

10am - noon Oil Painting 175 N. Louisville St., Harlem A Harlem Arts Council class for up to six students. $20 per class. Call 706-556-6656, 706-513-2634 or email blalocka@hotmail.com.

Wed Feb 8

3:30pm Collage Art Class Jessye Norman School of the Arts Led by local artist Lisa Kay Baggs. Free and open to the public. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org.

DANCE Mon Feb 6

7:30pm Riverdance Bell Auditorium $65-$87. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgiallinatix.com. 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

9am, noon and 6pm Code Bootcamp Information Session theClubhou.se For those seeking a new career in web development, and who have beginner skills in web development and coding, theClubhou.se will offer a boot campstyle class March 20-June 19, MondayFriday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This session will give more information to those interested. Financial aid is available. Visit augustacodeschool.com.

9am - 11am Computer Help for Absolute Beginners

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm Beginner Spanish Headquarters Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Feb 7

10:30am Our Website: A Helpful Guide Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm - 4pm Email for Beginners

Wallace Branch Library Call to schedule an appointment. Call 706722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Fri Feb 3

Wed Feb 8

3pm Heggie’s Rock Lecture Augusta Museum of History The lecture accompanies artist Lillie Hardy Morris’ exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, much of which focuses on the landscape of this natural landmark. Free. Call 706-722-5495 or visitghia.org.

11:30am - 1:30pm Brown Bag History Series Lecture

Mon Feb 6

Augusta Museum of History Featuring Edgefield, Town and County, led by Rainsford Development Corporation’s Bettis Rainsford. Participants should bring their own lunch and the museum will provide beverages. A Q&A session follows the lecture at 12:30 p.m. Free, members; $3, nonmembers. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Headquarters Branch Library

5:30pm Tablet and Tech Help

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish

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.

ELSEWHERE Sat Feb 4

7:30pm Hot Havana Nights Ball Columbia Museum of Art A Contemporaries event that will feature a silent auction, live music, Cuban-inspired food and more. $70, single, or $125, per couple, members; $90, single, or $155 per couple, non-members. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.

EXHIBITIONS Ongoing

The African-American Professional Nursing Experience Exhibition Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History A Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority exhibition that shows through February 26 at the museum. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

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Exhibitions

Education

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. The exhibits will be on display through February 24. Call 706-722-5495 or visit ghia.org.

University Hospital Class continues Saturday, February 4, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

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 through 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.

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 Fri Feb 3

Noon “Wag the Dog” Morris Museum of Art Part of the Films on Friday series that includes a discussion afterwards. Participants are invited to bring lunch. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Mon Feb 6 6:30pm Refit

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

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A four-session class that continues on Mondays through February 27. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Tue Feb 7

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Hospital A three-session class that continues on Tuesdays February 21 and 28. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Wed Feb 8

10am - noon Wellness Checks Headquarters Branch Library Free blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings and information provided by Christ Community Health Services. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation University Health A three-week class meeting Wednesdays February 15 and 22. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

HOBBIES Thu Feb 2

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.

Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

KIDS-TEENS Thu Feb 2

10am Basket Weaving Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will view the exhibition Billie Ruth Sudduth: Baskets from the Collection of Hathia and Andrew Hayes, and then weave their own baskets. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.

Fri Feb 3

6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out

Maxwell Branch Library Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

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.

Thu Feb 2

Wed Feb 8

Sat Feb 4

Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Diamond Lakes Branch Library An all-day event featuring scavenger hunts with prizes. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Tue Feb 7

5:45pm Free Movie Tuesdays Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 for weekly selections. Visit arcpls.org.

HEALTH 7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101

Fri Feb 3

6:30pm - 9:30pm Weekend Childbirth 2FEBRUARY2017

Sat Feb 4

4pm Clipping and Clicking for Savings

6pm Board Game Night

Ongoing

Basic Genealogy Tutorials Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room

Take Your Child to the Library Day

10am - noon You’re a Big Girl Now Doctors Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their

mothers, on puberty and adolescence. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

11am Disney Reads Day Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

Sun Feb 5

2pm Lincoln’s Tale Morris Museum of Art Part of the Artrageous! Family Sunday series in which educator Gerald Pitts portrays Abraham Lincoln and participants will create their own Lincoln portraits. Free. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

Mon Feb 6

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 Feb 7

10am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-6 featuring a Black History/Heritage Month theme. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Preschool Story Time Diamond Lakes Branch Library A program for those ages 3-5 that includes stories, songs, games, short movies and AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Featuring author Larry D. Thomas. Call 803641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

MUSIC Thu Feb 2-Fri Feb 3

7:30pm Ken Lavigne: The Road to Carnegie Hall AECOM Theater, Aiken An Aiken Performing Arts Group presentation. $40. Visit apagonline.org.

Tue Feb 7

Noon Tuesday’s Music Live Saint Paul’s Church Featuring a free concert by pianist Chris Atzinger. Lunch afterwards is $12 a person and requires reservation. Call 706-722-3463 or visit tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting The Book Tavern Thursday, February 2 6:30 p.m. A new club open to all ages and skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. 706-826-1940 booktavern.com crafts. Pre-registration required for groups of 6 or more. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Young Children’s 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.

3:30pm Paws for Literacy Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.

Wed Feb 8

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 Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.

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

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

10:30am Preschool Story Time Appleby Branch Library For children ages 3-5. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

Jockey Silks Design Contest Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame This contest, to celebrate the 75th running of the Aiken Trials, is open to high school students in Aiken County. The winner will have their design made into silks that will be worn in one of the races held at this year’s trials. The deadline to enter is February 10 at 4 p.m. and the winning entry will be announced February 14. Entry forms and guidelines can be found at aikenracinghalloffame.com/ Special_Events.html.

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.

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 registration deadline. Email Dr. Craig Albert at calbert@augusta.edu or visit augusta. edu/pamplin/pols/juniormodelun.php.

LITERARY

Thu Feb 2

8am - 6pm Auto Auction Preview Salvation Army of Augusta, Greene Street Auction is Saturday, February 4, and registration to bid is $5. Call 706-826-7933 or visit salvationarmycars.com.

5pm - 8pm First Thursday Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. The featured organization is Child Enrichment, Doug Larson will show his paintings, and Dana Burkhart will personalize her children’s book, “A Weekend with Nanny and Pa: Memories of Lincolnton, Georgia, and Clarks Hill Lake in the 1980s.” Call 706-733-1788.

6:30pm - 9pm Cocktails and Collectors Preview Party Aiken Center for the Arts A preview party for Antiques in the Heart of Aiken. The 2017 show and sale is February 3-5. $50, members; $60, non-members. Includes admission to the weekend’s show and sale. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Fri Feb 3

Sat Feb 4

11am - 2pm and 4:30pm - 8pm 33nd Annual Pasta Festival

Headquarters Branch Library Held in the lobby, the Friends Book Shop will be open as well. Most hardcovers will be $1 and, from 2-3 p.m., books will be $5 per bag full. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School Hosted by the Italian American Club of the CSRA. $9 tickets include pasta, meatballs/ sausage, salad, rolls and tea. Wine is $5. Food available for eat-in or takeout. Visit iacaugusta.org.

Tue Feb 7

8am - 6pm Auto Auction Preview

10am - 3pm Book Sale

6pm Literary Festival Book Club Headquarters Branch Library Featuring a discussion of “A Sinful Calling” by Kimberla Lawson Roby, a 2017 Literary Festival panelist. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.

7:30pm Oswald Writers Series Etherredge Center, Aiken

Salvation Army of Augusta, Greene Street Auction is Saturday, February 4, and registration to bid is $5. Call 706-826-7933 or visit salvationarmycars.com.

10am - 6pm Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Aiken Center for the Arts A show and sale. $15 tickets are good for 2FEBRUARY2017


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all three days. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

5pm - 9pm First Friday Downtown Augusta A family friendly arts event that includes musicians, dancers, artists and other vendors. Visit artistsrowaugusta.com.

5pm - 9pm 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. Visit facebook.com/600Broad.

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.

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 Morris Gala Morris Museum of Art A black-tie event with a Cajun theme in honor of the focus of the event, James Michalopoulos’ exhibit “Rhythm and Movement.” It will feature food, live entertainment, dancing, raffles and more. For ticket information, call 706-828-3825 or visit themorris.org.

7pm reNew & Brew Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Throughout the evening, participants will sample craft beers from the Southeast paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Helms College chefs and students, as well as bid on auction items bought from Goodwill and repurposed by local artists. Keith Gregory will perform live. Proceeds benefit Helms College. $75. Call 706-650-5760 or visitgoodwillworks. org/renewandbrew.

Sat Feb 4

8am - 6pm Auto Auction Salvation Army, Greene Street Registration, $5, is from 8-10 a.m. or on the preview days prior to the auction, which begins at 10 a.m. Call 706-826-7933 or visit salvationarmycars.com.

10am - 6pm Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Aiken Center for the Arts A show and sale. $15 tickets are good for all three days. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

6pm Annual Heritage Gala Augusta Marriott A black-tie event that starts with a 2FEBRUARY2017

reception, then continues with dinner at 7 p.m. and keynote speaker Zena Howard. $75; RSVP required. Call 706-724-3576 or visit lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

7pm “Follow the Drinking Gourd” 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 “Explorers of Mauna Kea” 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 Feb 5

11am - 4pm Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Aiken Center for the Arts A show and sale. $15 tickets are good for all three days. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

12:30pm - 5:30pm Georgia Bridal Show Bell Auditorium An event that includes a bride and groom fashion show, cake and food tastings, live entertainment and vendors. $12, advance; $15 (cash only) at the door. Visit eliteevents.com.

Tue Feb 7

6am Georgia State Capitol Visit An Augusta Interfaith Coalition event in which participants will visit the state capitol and participate in a series of committee meetings. $35; RSVP required. Call 706-9934089 or email info@augustavote.com.

6pm Augusta Firefighters Chicken Eating Contest Chick-fil-A, 3066 Washington Road This event also features games, photo ops with local firefighters, a fire truck and the Chick-fil-A cow. Visit facebook.com/ events/1645013122182557/.

SPIRITUAL

$10-$30. Visit active.com.

9:30am Swamp Saturday Hike Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A free, guided, 2.5-mile hike. Also featuring a Walk Your Pet 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.

Mon Feb 6

6:30pm - 9:30pm Roller Derby Recruitment Night Red Wing Rollerway The Soul City Sirens are looking for skaters, referees, non-skating officials and volunteers. Skaters should bring mouthguard and appropriate workout clothes. Visit soulcitysirens.com.

Tue Feb 7

Silva Martin Dressage Clinic Stable View Farm, Aiken For more information, call 484-356-3173 or email amber@stablewviewfarm.com.

Wed Feb 8

I Love Dressage Recognized Dressage Show Stable View Farm, Aiken Call 484-356-3173 or visit stableviewfarm.com.

SUPPORT

For caregivers, family members, students and employees. Call 706-721-2929.

6:30pm Cancer Share University Hospital For those with any type of cancer. Call 706774-5946 or visit universityhealth.org.

6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting 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 Feb 7

10:20 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.

5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.

Sat Feb 4

Thu Feb 2

7:30pm Debi: Gala Concert Honoring Debi Ballas

Kroc Center For those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or caregivers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-860-5233.

Imperial Theatre A black-tie optional Augusta Players event celebrating Executive and Artistic Director Debi Ballas. Free, but reservations required. Call 706-826-4707 or email info@ augustaplayers.org.

10am Alzheimer’s Association Support Group

Mon Feb 6

Noon Holistic Grief Support Group Ronald McDonald House

Thu Feb 2

7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to engage the public in dialog about different issues in Islam. This session will address racial equality in Islam. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Email outreach@isaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/ICCAOpenHouse/.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Feb 4

9am Panther 5K and Kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run Lakeside High School AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Thursday, February 2 Live Music

Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

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 Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Friday, February 3 Live Music

James Brown Dance Party w/ The Chase Brothers, Elise Testone w/ members of the James Brown Band, Snarky Puppy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Eric Gales Band, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Sky City Friday, February 3 Doors, 8 p.m.; music, 10 p.m. $15, advance; $20, day of show skycityaugusta.com

Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Coyotes - Augusta Most Wanted The Highlander - Happy Bones, The Wizard Iron Heights - Sweettalker, Cage Pacer, Birdperson, BullMoose, Crabhammer Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Doc Easton Shannon’s - Preston and Weston Sky City - James Brown Dance Party w/ The Chase Brothers, Elise Testone w/ members of the James Brown Band, Snarky Puppy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Eric Gales Band, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Stillwater Taproom - Phillip Lee & Michael Baideme Wild Wing - The Will McCranie Trio The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Country Club - All Night DJ Dance Party Soul Bar - First Friday DJ Mix

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

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, February 7 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 Bell Auditorium - Dave Chappelle Blue Sky Bar & Kitchen - Butt Naked 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, February 8 Live Music The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Sabo and Dave

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke 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 Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey

Saturday, February 4 Live Music

Country Club - Scott Brantley Coyotes - The Joe Olds Band Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Sky City - Kelen Heller, Alphatier Stillwater Taproom - Kenny George Band w/ Sweet Sweet and Prettier Than Matt Surrey Tavern - Travers Brothership Wild Wing - Center Lane The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Soul Bar - DJ Dance Party

Sunday, February 5 Live Music

Rick Astley Center Stage, Atlanta Thursday, February 9 Doors, 7 p.m.; music, 8 p.m. $35, advance; $39, day of show centerstage-atlanta.com 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.

Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000 Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson

Monday, February 6 Live Music

Meet sexy new friends

FREE TRIAL

706-434-0112 2FEBRUARY2017



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SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Brandon Carter, Anna Christensen, Raymond Bagley and Brennan Olivas at Wild Wing.

Colton Faircloth, Haley Glover, Morgan Rodgers and Phillip Landers at Wild Wing.

Tyler and Haley Smallwood with Katherine and Trey Becton at Wild Wing.

Britton Monroe, Ashley Henry and Heather Hagler at Craft & Vine.

Melissa Brace, artist Jonathan Green and Martha Schuman at the High Art and Low Country exhibit opening reception at the Morris Museum.

Eric Parker, Sherry Farrugia and Alexandra Farrugia at the Bee’s Knees.

Krista Spinks, Ginny Frierson and Ashley Risher at World of Beer.

Ben Yeargin and Alyssa Blair with Ashleigh and John Palmer at World of Beer.

Lindsay Hicks, Kim Waters and Kristal Hicks at World of Beer.

2FEBRUARY2017


MISHMASH By Dan Schoenholz/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Inconceivably vast 7 Hard looks 13 Stream, as of revenue 19 Baseball-like game 21 Flowery 22 Et ____ 23 Witty British judge? 25 Conquistador Cortés 26 Copies, informally 27 It shows who’s who or what’s what 29 Perform a full-body scan? 30 Pizza, e.g. 32 Quest of 25-Across 33 Ortiz of “Ugly Betty” 34 Site of Spaceship Earth 37 Language akin to Thai 38 Three-legged race, e.g.? 44 School chum, say 46 “Mr. Blue Sky” band, for short 47 World’s most voluminous river 48 Chapter in early 20th-century history: Abbr. 49 Property inheritor, legally speaking 51 On point 53 Julie of TV’s “Big Brother” 54 “One of the most civilized things in the world,” per Hemingway 55 Nail? 58 Consider anew, as a decision 60 Girl with a ball 61 Sound investments, in more ways than one 62 ____ Minor 65 A– 66 “America”? 71 Hindi word for “spice mix” 74 Brief second? 75 ____ generis 76 Theological inst. 79 What Cubs fans get carried away by? 81 Grant a girl permission to dis Drake? 86 Fortify 87 Page (through) 90 1990s Indian P.M. 91 Week, on Martinique 92 Alias inits. 93 Game for the goal-oriented? 95 Keeps in the loop, in a way 97 Worn out 98 Ability to score at Madison Square Garden, e.g.?

1

102 Mouse’s resting place 103 Take a timeout 104 French ____ 105 Title at Topkapi Palace 106 Egg container 107 Religious image 109 Piano dueler with Donald in 1988’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” 112 Quiz-bowl fodder 114 Like Serbia and Croatia 117 Diving disaster? 122 Maintain 123 Bawdy 124 Gently show the door 125 Give a new tournament ranking 126 Pulls on, as heartstrings 127 Speakers’ spots

42 Take responsibility for something 43 Atheist’s lack 45 Place to hang tools 50 Leave a good impression? 52 One lifting spirits? 54 Jet measure 56 Think-tank product 57 Chi follower 59 Diesel in movies 63 Reeling 64 Shivering fit 67 Key locale: Abbr. 68 They’ll take your measure 69 Manhattan, e.g.: Abbr. 70 They’re dubbed 71 Mullally of “Will & Grace” 72 Hard to tell apart 73 Informal measures of popularity DOWN 77 It lies between Cleveland, O., and 1 Bluecoat Buffalo, N.Y. 2 Only woman to sing lead vocals on a 78 Nut Beatles song 80 Made out 3 Darn things 82 Showy in a cheap way 4 Sierra ____ 83 Salmon roe, by another name 5 Drink commonly served with a spoon- 84 “Don’t worry about me!” straw 85 Await resolution 6 H.O.V. lane user 88 Relative of “Aargh!” 7 Farm females 89 Wetland 8 Lateral opening? 93 Measly amount 9 Chest pain 94 Guitar Hero activity 10 Grist for analysts 96 Wolf (down) 11 Californie, e.g. 99 Mantle, e.g. 12 Gaming giant 100 Some vaults 13 I, to Izaak 101 Like cats, typically 14 Word for a name-dropper? 106 Secure spots 15 1960s sitcom set in the 1860s 107 Certain steel beam 16 From one side to the other 108 Racer Yarborough 17 Kind of history 110 Fig. on a periodic table 18 Ebb 111 Mrs., abroad 20 Grammy-winning drummer ____ 112 Bedouin shelter Lyne Carrington 113 ____ facto 24 Lorna of literature 115 Common thing to lie about 28 Codger 116 ____ Yost, 2015 World Series-winning 30 Opposite of ruddy manager 31 Thyroid need 118 Mauna ____ 33 Embrace 119 Poland’s main airline 35 Bus. card info 120 Start of the Lord’s Prayer 36 N.L. Central squad, on scorecards 121 Education support grp. 37 Don’t work too hard 38 Half of a swinging couple? 39 Goes by 40 Alternative to Cinemax 41 “That’ll be the day!”

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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS I N B A D T A S T E

D I A M O N D O B J I S I L A M

S S O R F I N E O X E S S I E F I N R E E R T T S I V E D O S P I L R E L A O R A S E O H A C O B E P P L A S E N R Y S E C T I A H C P S I

S O F T T A C O

L I F E V E S A T I R H Y A S T N E T E T V E O R N S

E A S A M E L E U T U R N R A E A R T T Y E H S S I C E C O P P R I O V E C L E C O E A H P R E S D U E S R X N C E S O R C C A S E A Z O N T Y L E

L T T S E P E U I C L L L O L O G B U Y E D A A U S T T O H E R E N T I N S M T R U S I S F L L I E N

C U R F E W

I N F O

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F I G T W Z A E S P A A N T E N T A C I S O C T U L I N T N S E G A R

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The Big Three

With the Academy Awards looming a little under a month away, it may be time to get familiar with the films that are likely to be cleaning house While The nominees were just announced on January 24, there are already some clear-cut favorites emerging in some of the big ticket categories at February 26’s Academy Awards ceremony. For example, when it comes to Best Picture, it’s a three-horse race. When the Oscars inevitably run long and the final envelope is torn open, you’re only going to hear one of three things: “Moonlight,” “La La Land” or “Manchester by the Sea.” These three films have been sweeping most of the smaller awards shows leading up the Oscars, with “Moonlight” and “La La Land” both taking home top prizes at the Oscars’ little brother, the Golden Globes. Even then, since the Globes have a Best Comedy or Musical (of which “La La Land” is unabashedly both) and a Best Drama category (and “Moonlight” is the best drama), they essentially split the Best Picture award in half. While the Best Picture race has essentially narrowed down to these three movies, there is an early favorite even within that group: “La La Land.” This story about an aspiring actress and a struggling jazz pianist reminded me why I love movies, and why I love to go to the movies. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle is one of the more dynamic young minds working in Hollywood today, and the follow-up to his Academy Award-winning “Whiplash” (2014) is as colorful and ambitious as it is wistful and heartbreaking, and you know what you’re in for from the very first scene — a huge song and dance number staged on an LA freeway. “The idea was to sort of introduce the world and, I think even more importantly, begin the musical with as musical-esque a scene as we could possibly imagine,” Chazelle said in an interview with NPR concerning the opening. “Really try to announce our intentions right off the bat with a bang.”

26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

While the ensemble numbers don’t carry the same intimacy as the solos and duets performed by the film’s co-stars, played brilliantly by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, they do act as anchors throughout the film and serve Chazelle’s purpose perfectly — telling the audience straight up that this is what the film is about; you can get off the train here or keep riding. This is a gorgeous film to look at, there is an electric chemistry between the two leads, and the balance

By Tyler Strong

that Chazelle creates between hearkening back to the Hollywood musicals of old and the influencing of modern day sensibilities and situations make for one of the most fun and heartfelt cinematic experiences I’ve had in a long time. This movie is built for the big screen, and it won’t be in theaters too much longer. Make a point to catch this one while you still can. “Moonlight” is just a special, special film. The care with which Director Barry Jenkins handles the subject matter of this movie is astonishing, and the plot is a story that isn’t heard or seen often enough: an oft-bullied AfricanAmerican boy struggling with the urban environment in which he grows up, as well as some extremely personal obstacles that arise as he transforms from a young boy in the beginning of the film to a grown man by the end. The protagonist’s story is told in three distinct chapters: the five- or six-year-old “Little,” the teenaged “Chiron,” and the adult “Black.” Each chapter introduces a new actor playing that same character, which you might think would make it hard to stay immersed in the experience, but each actor has a remarkable way with connecting with the (fantastic) supporting cast and the audience alike. It is the most seamless transition. I can truly say I’ve never anything quite like “Moonlight.” It’s touching in the most personal way — even for someone like me, who couldn’t have had a more contrasting upbringing than Chiron. While I, and I’m sure many other viewers, can’t fully understand his struggle, there is something deeply human about Chiron’s life of hardship. There is a piece, maybe just a tiny piece, somewhere, that anyone can hang onto throughout the experience and when Chiron experiences even the 2FEBRUARY2017


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slightest bit of catharsis, there is a heavy weight just lifted from your shoulders. I had to make the trek to Athens, Georgia, to see “Moonlight” in a tiny, two-screen, independent theater (athenscine.com/intro.php) but if there’s a way to see this movie before it hits Netflix, home video and all the rest, please do it. We have to support art like this if it is to keep being created. “Manchester by the Sea” did not snag a nomination for “Feel Good Film of the Year.” While that isn’t a real category at the Oscars (yet), it’s safe to say that “Manchester” would be missing. This is a hard, brutally honest family drama from Writer/Director Kenneth Lonergan that simply presents its story to the viewer and forces them to process and ruminate on their own time, in their own way. There is no hand-holding here.

In this film, Casey Affleck’s character is forced to return to a hometown he left behind years ago by the death of his brother, leaving no one to take care of his now-orphaned nephew, played by Lucas Hedges. This pair, combined with Michelle Williams, make for an absolutely heartbreaking trio, with sensitive and subdued performances emanating from all three. The decision of Lonergan to present his story in such an unapologetic and melancholy way is not going to leave you bounding excitedly out of the theater. It’s more of a “silent walk back to the car and somehow even silent-er drive back home” sort of affair, but that shouldn’t take away from the great performances and tremendous writing this movie is packing. At times, it honestly felt like I was eavesdropping on real people having real conversations about real events, which is a welcome change from the generic, rehash of a rehash dialogue we as movie-goers are force-fed so frequently these days. While “Manchester” is definitely the outside shot to win Best Picture, I’m just thrilled that there are so many great films to choose from. I know a lot of people don’t put much weight in the Oscars — and I don’t blame them; the Academy voters typically award the same kinds of movies year after year — but they do inspire a boost in audience interest (and subsequently, audience viewings) for the films that garner attention. That’s important, especially for lower budget films like “Moonlight” and “Hell or High Water,” another best picture nom that I wrote up a few months ago. Whether you tune in February 26 or not, make a point to seek out some of these special films. They’re leading the pack for a reason.


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THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS The big news? Bad press and negative reviews didn’t stop “A Dog’s Purpose” from taking the No. 2 spot. RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

SPLIT

$25,655,440

$77,385,530

2

1

2

A DOG’S PURPOSE

$18,222,810

$18,222,810

1

-

3

HIDDEN FIGURES

$14,003,275

$104,024,969

6

3

4

RESIDENT EVIL: FINAL CHAPTER $13,601,682

$13,601,682

1

-

5

LA LA LAND

$106,693,300

8

5

$12,233,928

In Theaters February 3

DRAMA “The Space Between Us,” rated PG-13, starring Britt Robertson, Asa

HORROR “Rings,” rated PG-13, starring Vincent D’onofrio, Laura Wiggins, Aimee

Butterfield, Carla Gugino, Gary Oldman. The first human born on Mars comes to Earth and teams up with a girl to go on an adventure. Sounds vaguely like a mashup of “Starman” and “E.T.”

Teegarden, Johnny Galecki. Finally, a follow-up to 2002’s “The Ring.” That, along with the fact that they convinced actors we actually know (D’onofrio from “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and Galecki from “Big Bang Theory”) to be in it, means there’s a chance in hell that this might actually be good.

28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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teeny Weenies run tucker out of columbia county austin rhodes For practically 30 years, if I have had a major emergency weather, chemical spill, traffic catastrophe or civil defense question, I knew I was seconds away from an answer because I had Pam Tucker’s phone number. In the near 25 years I have been doing the daily radio show, I knew I could, without warning, put her on the air live and get the unabashed truth and breaking details on any event or issue with which she was familiar. All that ended a few months ago. It is now the policy of the administrator of the county, Scott Johnson, that any and all such questions or interviews go through the public information person they have hired to “handle” the media. That is right, media folks have to go through a middle man to talk to the most astute emergency management mind in two states.

30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Screw that. And screw him. Bad policy, stupid policy, and one of a thousand reasons that the most popular public servant I have ever known in service in the CSRA basically told Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross that he could, in so many words, “take his job and shove it.” Let me make this as clear as I can: three Columbia County commissioners I have spoken with — Doug Duncan, Bill Morris and Trey Allen — have told me they were stunned to hear about the atmosphere Tucker has been working under, and they worked diligently behind the scenes to work out the differences. I have heard the same sentiment is shared by Gary Richardson, and I believe it. Chairman Cross? No idea where he stands. After his steadfast refusal to remove his lips squarely from the butt of notorious lowlife and erstwhile politician Joe Mullins I really don’t care to talk to him. Talk about attempting an intervention? I tried that, but he chose Mullins over the truth and the stink that stuck with him is too much for me to stomach. So feel free to ask him how he feels about this situation with Pam. I frankly do not care. Cross has seen this coming for a long time, and did little to stop it. To be fair, I suppose I should tell you that no one thought she would actually go through with the resignation. I spent a long time discussing this with Sheriff Clay Whittle the other day, and I can tell you three things I took away from the discussion. One, he personally likes Pam Tucker. Two, he thinks she is the best EMA person he has ever met. And, three, he didn’t believe she would resign. He was wrong about that last one. Hell, I was too. There were several “starts and stops” with this resignation over the last few weeks, and she backed off enough to where I thought she was going to stick it out. But the hits just keep on coming. While there has never been love lost between Johnson and Tucker, the relationship seemed to come to a head just after Christmas when her former assistant, Rusty Welsh, put a knife in Tucker’s back big enough to skewer the Lamar Building. Rusty went to meet with Johnson when Pam left for Christmas vacation. The epitome of a disgruntled employee, he wrote a lengthy resignation letter that took shots at the woman who loved him like a son and lifted him from obscurity, teaching him everything he needed to know about the EMA office so he could work there. I have been told he assumed he would eventually replace Pam when she retired, but all that went to heck when Pam was asked a while back to find and hire someone who could eventually replace her (10-15 years down the road) because, clearly, Rusty wasn’t going to be that person. That was a directive from Scott Johnson. Rusty reportedly didn’t respond well to that, and he apparently blamed Pam. I have not seen the letter he wrote, but it must have been a doozy, because before she could come back from Christmas vacation, Johnson had called in almost every single person who works under Tucker, looking for dirt. When the big boss asks third-tier employees to give him dirt on a second-tier employee and they know the big boss doesn’t like the secondtier employee, well, you can predict the outcome. When Tucker returned Johnson confronted her, and she was rightly livid. On top of all that, he apparently tried to talk Rusty Welsh out of resigning, and he sent him back to work out his two weeks’ notice and, hopefully, reconsider his

resignation in Pam Tucker’s office. That is beyond stupid, that is insane. Pam very rightly expressed that it was a horrible idea for him to return to her department, with her “rhetorical” blood still fresh on his hands. Thank goodness a majority of the county commission agreed with her. He was sent home, and rightly so. No crap, Kojak. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as to the silliness Tucker and others have been subjected to under the rule of Scott Johnson and his chairman, Ron Cross. Unfortunately, of the several major players who have left Columbia County under less than ideal conditions, Pam is the only one who seems willing to go out with a bang. God bless her for that. The folks who left quietly, while mumbling complaints, and griping secretly to friends and colleagues, congrats! Business like this with Pam Tucker is enabled by your failure to call such garbage into the light. You have blood on your hands with this, and all other hideous business conducted beyond the public view. There are a few others in the county who are apparently offended or intimidated by Tucker’s success in the community, and they also deserve membership in the “teeny weenie” club. They say Pam “promotes” herself, and never fails to take credit for anything good in the county. Well you know what? Grow up. This isn’t junior high school, and no one cares who wins Miss Congeniality. Except you. She knows the EMA business, and that could save lives and provide vital information at difficult times, so get over your damn selves. And for those of you who want to look at what happened to Pam in Augusta/Richmond County, and say “it happened again,” please explore that theory. Take a look at the motley crew who stood by and allowed Pam to be run out of that city and ponder, where are they now? Scott Johnson may survive this, and if he learns from the experience and becomes better, God bless him. But unlike when about two dozen other folks left under odd circumstances, Pam Tucker has turned on the light while slamming the door. He created a hostile work environment for her, and that, in my humble opinion, is tantamount to termination. So pay the lady what we owe her. As a Columbia County resident I demand it. As a member of the media, I will hold you accountable for it.

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. 2FEBRUARY2017




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