Metro Spirit - 07.14.16

Table of Contents

EDIT

July 14, 2016

Amy Christian

Arts Editor/Production Director

Whine Line Ruffin It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher

amy@themetrospirit.com

Stacey Eidson Staff Writer

stacey@themetrospirit.com

Molly Swift Staff Writer

molly@themetrospirit.com

4 6 7 8 9

Insider 10 Feature 14

CREATIVE Joshua Bailey Lead Designer

joshua@themetrospirit.com

COVER DESIGN: KRUHU

SALES Jim Christian Account Executive

jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059

Paige Wilhelm Account Executive

paige@themetrospirit.com 706-833-1904

LEE VS. GREG

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BUSINESS

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

19 21 24 32 34 35 36 38

Joe White Publisher

joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636

Johnny Beckworth circulation manager

johnny@themetrospirit.com

THIS WEEK

Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson

Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events.

In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum.

The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard.

Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

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

Almost a year in the making, Leonard Zimmerman’s HAPPY documentary will hit the big screen this weekend at the Imperial Theatre. Happy isn’t the only emotion you’ll feel when seeing it, though. In other words, bring tissues. page 19

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for bicyclists, and local cycling advocacy group Wheel Movement celebrates the Tour de France with a Taste of the Tour. This, however, is an event for people who love wine and food as well. page 22

I don’t know, and will never know, what it is like to be black in America. I also don’t know what it is to be gay, handicapped, Norwegian, female or a Cleveland Browns fan. Those poor bastards. Cleveland fans, I mean. page 38

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OPINION

The Whine Line

To the person who suggested Toll Booths on Riverwatch Parkway...really?

At what point will the genius traffic engineers make the i20 off ramp at Washington rd more than one lane ? Traffic backs up onto i20 everyday and it doesn’t split into three lanes until the absolute end

I have great respect for the responsibilities of our police. However they can fine me, imprison me, cause me to lose my job, and destroy my life. To fight any charge is extremely costly and occurs in a judicial system that favors their word. If they break the law or violate my rights what do I do call the police? I fear police encounters ..and I am white.

The person that murdered the Dallas Police officers was an Afghanistan Vet. I wonder when Sarah Palin will blame his actions on PTSD like she did with her alcoholic wife beating son...what do you think?

My friend got arrested and put in jail last weekend. His crime?

Driving on Gordon Highway after 2 AM.

BTB! Ban the Bullets!!!

Between a corruprion, hatred, racism, terrorism, politics, banks, insurance, and police assasinations, I honestly believe America is at the brink of a sudden collapse. I honestly do.

Music today totally sucks. The best music out there is Jon Bon Jovi singing that “Turn Back Time” tune for his Direct TV commercial.

The runoff in Columbia County will be in a couple of weeks and one of the candidates wives has an ad about how great and hard worker her husband is. She wants everyone to know that he is a farmer and works from before sunup till after sundown six days a week. IF SO, I WONDER WHEN HE WILL HAVE TIME TO REPRESENT US? But then again he must be one of the good-old-boys, as a bunch of them are begging folks to vote for him.

Ruffin It Augusta Tek Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher

only begon.

The Right does not give a tinker’s damn about public health. Once again, as has been the case for the last 7-1/2 years, Republicans block any meaningful legislation with the same type of poison pill.

Yes, the Republican House will be more than happy to provide the requested funding for Zika virus research and prevention, but only at the Draconian cost of pulling ALL funding from Planned Parenthood. Putting personal ideology ahead of everything else.... why am I not surprised.

The FBI said they did a thorough investigation without looking at ANY of Mrs. Clinton’s public statements or statements under oath.

If the police investigate us little people the same way the jails would be empty.

Will someone please thank Trump for the laughs? The world makes too big a deal about all the trivial problems we have you know hunger, crime, drugs, terrorism, human trafficking, global warming etc? Oh it’s side splitting and refreshingly idiotic! Good times..yeah.

So who is representing the Republican Party? Or are they sitting this election out?

In order to be treated equal in any society, you must raise your standards to the level of the standards of that society in which you wish to be equal. ABRAHAM LINCOLN

We need better trained officers? Maybe.

We need better body armor for officers? Certainly.

We need a Constitutional adjustment in favor of gun control? Well if you are allowed to gun down people licensed to carry based on skin color-Definitely!

On one cable news network, when a police officer is caught on video committing a crime he is one bad apple. But when a lone black gunman murders police he is associated with other blacks or black groups. Can you guess the news network?

The [name redacted} Property Owners Association is attempting to force the thirty four homeowners who live on its perimeter ,outside of the gated and fenced area, to be dues paying members of its Association and therefore subject to their By Laws and Covenants.

These homeowners receive zero benefits because they live outside the subdivision and don’t utilize its roads, facilities, common areas or its very limited security. Columbia County Cops do an excellent job on watching our homes when we are out of town. The [name redacted] is even taking two of these “Outsiders” to court over their refusal to pay these unjust dues. This is extortion pure and simple.

I really just want to get drunk and forget about life for awhile.

The billionaires have spoken. With or without the votes Hillary will be their president. Nothing new. I remembet when Al Gore won the elections and they took it away and gave it to Bush. The dissaster had

Yet more waving of the Constitution by right wing zealots in relation to any meaningful gun control legislation, such as basic background checks at gun shows and as a prerequisite for firearms sales over the internet, or blocking anyone on the no fly list from purchasing the weapon of their choice. The party of supposed common sense is farcical in this regard. Our Constitution is only handy when Republicans wish it to be, while they continue to blow their nose with it while attempting to block, or at the very least suppress, the Democratic vote this November with their completely and utterly

WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest?

Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.

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baseless claims of rampant voter fraud.

Anyone notice the states pushing this grossly restrictive legislation are all Republican controlled and are all states President Obama carried in 2012?

The tension between police and the public can reduced in a number of ways.

Public: No matter how minor the offence is, if you are caught committing a crime, don’t blame the police. Reacting aggressively or violently against the police will never make the situation better. If you can, always video encounters with police and understand your rights. If you base your opinions of police encounters on the TV show COPS, you need to watch U-tube videos from the public’s perspective. Police: Stop teaching that you must dominate a situation with the public in order to control it. Stop the practice of “professional curtesy”, the public wants to be treated the same way you do. Stop DUI and license checkpoints, these are police-State tactics. Don’t use traffic stops as an excuse to look for something more. There are laws that the public feels limit their freedoms and there are laws that the police feel limit their ability to do their job…know and follow ALL the laws.

Internal affairs, GBI, SLED cannot objectively investigate complaints…replace them with an impartial entity. There are some people that will always dislike you, what the others think is up to you.

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Party Unity?

WITH BERNIE SANDERS’ ON-AIR, in-front-of-people, no take-backsies endorsement of long-presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, we can all rest assured in knowing that the long national nightmare that has been this campaign season is about to come to an end, just in time for all of us to be dead because we all hate each other.

By far the most fun part of this little segue is seeing the respective parties’ scramble to achieve, or at least appear to achieve, party unity. Some years, it’s pretty smooth. In 2008, Hillary Clinton — after, probably, doing a few bourbon shots and tearing apart a hotel room while blasting Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” — endorsed Barack Obama fairly readily, leading to a historic victory. The next cycle, Mitt Romney failed to galvanize anyone except Democrats, and then he made Victoria Jackson cry.

Now that (the bulk of) this nonsense is finally over, let’s see how the proverbial butt-hurt is mending.

THE DEMOCRATS We have cause for optimism — cautious optimism, but I’ll take it. Tensions were high between the Clinton and Sanders camps, even, maybe especially, after it became clear that Clinton was going to be the nominee. Sanders supporters stuck to the narrative of a rigged process, harped on the super-delegate point and repeatedly referenced polls that showed Sanders performing better against Donald Trump in a general election (those same polls showed Hillary also beating Trump). Clinton supporters accused Sanders and his contingent of wasting precious time, resources, money and breath that could be better spent on making sure our next president isn’t a Nerf-colored bigot.

I was miffed for a while at Sanders for staying in, though I could understand his motivations both then and now. He understood that this was some of the best national visibility he was going to get, and was using it to promote his causes. And you know what? It worked.

Through what I assume was a healthy mixture of reasoned debate and constant nagging, Sanders was able to work several of his major, left-leaning talking points into the official Democratic Party platform this year, including a tax on carbon emissions, $15 an hour national minimum wage and free public education. Just on the heels of those announcements, Senator Elizabeth Warren, anti-Trump attack dog and VP dark horse, worked into the platform another plank that would prevent Wall Street insiders from being appointed to top political positions in Washington.

A few Sanders diehards booed at the rally and brought NeverHillary signs, but these people have a very poor grasp on how the world works, so whatever. At this point, 85 percent of Sanders supporters say they’ll vote for Hillary Clinton; in 2008, only 69 percent of of Clinton supporters said they’d vote for Obama. I think we’re alright.

THE REPUBLICANS If I write any more about Donald Trump, my computer is probably going to start bleeding. But this… this is just too much fun.

Since Trump was elected, Paul Ryan — definitely a smug asshole, but, man, do I kind of feel bad for him — has been doing everything in his power to try and encourage party unity, even if it is for someone who endorses murderous dictators and looks like a third-grader painted over a moldy squash. He’s been imploring his fellow Republicans to stand behind Trump, if only to defeat Clinton, and trying to get Trump to pivot just a skosh toward the middle. It’s not working.

The GOP as a whole is starting to realize that the same elements that led Trump to an improbable and unprecedented win in the Republican primaries are not going to do the same for him in the general election. His base of right-wing lunatics and inverse hipsters were passionate enough to carry him through wins against slightly less-garish but still-terrible versions of himself in the primaries, but all he’s done is make the Democrats realize that the world will burn if he gets elected. He’s helping to unite them, essentially.

Prominent Republican lawmakers are staying away from this year’s convention in droves; some are there because they have to be (National Committee members, embedded reporters and bloggers, other political business), but most would prefer not to share a stage, building, city or the same oxygen with Trump. Most understand that to be associated with him at this point is full-on career suicide. The only prominent party member who is openly considering accepting a VP invitation is Newt Gingrich, who, like Trump, has nothing to lose if this whole thing goes even farther south than it already has.

Which is to say: hell.

JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin,

with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.

1. Sky/cliff/scuba-dive 2. Backpack Europe 3. Visit a nudist resort

CEDAR CREEK PARK

Miss the Open House? Clip this ad for your free visit.

Must be used by July 31st.

Returning guests pay 1/2.

Open House July 16th cedarcreekpark.com 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Pokemon Go DON’T EVEN TRY TO DENY IT. Pokemon Go is pretty cool.

Pokemon Go landed in the U.S. last week. The premise is simple: search for little monsters and catch them.

Here’s the trick. These monsters actually live in a realm where cyberspace meets the physical. The only way you can see them is through the camera on your smartphone.

That’s right. Unbeknownst to us, many of these mystic creatures call Augusta home. From Thomson to Aiken, Clark’s Hill to Hephzibah — Pokemon have been causing chaos for years. It’s now our job to find them!

The Pokemon Go app is the portal. After downloading this app to your smartphone, you can see into the Pokemon world. (Make sure you use the official app.) Look up. Look down. Don’t see any? Try this — walk around.

Yes, that’s right. Pokemon Go requires participants to explore their communities in search of these little creatures. The GPS on your phone tracks your location. When you get close to a Pokemon, you’ll see them on the map.

Did I mention that you want to catch the Pokemon? A pokéball is used to capture and contain a Pokemon. Within the Pokemon Go app, the pokéball is thrown by swiping toward the Pokemon. (Don’t worry — It takes a little practice.)

I suspect that many Pokemon novices are still asking the following question — Why would someone want to walk around Augusta searching for cyber creatures just so you can flick a virtual red and white ball at them in order to capture them? Well, isn’t it obvious? How else are you going to get them to fight for you?

C’mon, didn’t you trade Pokemon cards growing up? Once you hit level 5, you can join a team and help battle for control of gyms (look for the gold and silver towers on the map). The gyms are the virtual locations where the Pokemon battle. If another team controls the gym, battle the other team’s Pokemon to take control. If your team controls the gym, add your Pokemon to make it harder to capture.

Another location that proves useful is the PokéStops. These locations provide supplies and other items that you will need on your Pokemon adventure. The PokéStops appears as blue squares on the map. Load up when you can.

From what I’ve seen online, bathrooms and baseball games are extremely popular locations to catch Pokemon. However, Pokemon also turn up in some very strange places. A quick search of Mashable shows Pokemon captured in locations ranging from the wing on an airplane in flight to wedding receptions to the front line in Mosul(!).

Many folks report Pokemon also showing up in some very inappropriate places. Please don’t trounce around graveyards and war memorials looking for Pokemon. Not cool. Also, do you really need to venture into adult establishments searching for Pikachu? That just gets a little weird.

Of course, no discussion about Pokemon Go would be complete without a mention of real life trolls. After only a week, too many reports exist of thieves using Pokemon Go to target and ambush victims. Stay safe — take a friend with you when searching.

But by all means, enjoy the adventure! No doubt you will meet all different kinds of people while playing. When you get to a PokéStop, just look around for other adventurers — honestly, they are not difficult to spot.

Capture a monster and make a new friend. What could be better? @gregory_a_baker

GREGORY BAKER PH.D.

is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin.

In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.

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Pokemon… Go? I’M ADMITTEDLY OUT OF THE LOOP. It happens to me from time to time, and when it does, I feel like an old fogey. I read Buzzfeed daily. I love the Onion. CNN sends me alerts when there’s breaking news. I talk about current events with my friends and family. I don’t do Twitter. Full disclosure: I have “a Twitter,” but I haven’t gotten on it in about nine months.

Maybe that was my downfall here. I read the local papers and feel like I’m generally up to speed. But this time, I had no idea.

“Are you playing Pokemon?”

The first time I was asked, I honestly assumed the person was referring to my kid and the cards from the ‘90s and replied that way. “Boy has wanted to play, but I’m not getting into all of that mess.” And by mess, I meant endless trading cards, because I’m pretty sure that’s how one played the first time around.

A few days later, I got it again.

“Have you heard about this Pokemon game?”

This time, I knew something else must be up. I asked more. The inquirer didn’t seem to have much info either, so we asked Google. A quick search yielded a few articles, explaining how to catch these Pokemons with your phone.

Side note: I also learned that Pokemon is short for Pocket Monster. I never knew that before, because I never played before.

One more day passed, and Facebook showed me how popular this game really is. So many people talking about catching Pokemons and throwing balls. At first glance, it seems too time consuming for me, but I can see the appeal. We used to Geocache, and that’s a similar concept.

Geocaching uses GPS technology to locate items left by others at a specific location. It’s a modern day treasure hunt. Not unlike Pokemon, right?

I love seeing people talk about playing “PoGo” — it already has a nickname — with their kids, going on hunts for the Pokemons and increasing their trainer level. One friend said she was excited because her kid was excited to go on two walks that day. Another was surprised to find her teen boys wanting to go to the mall with her, until she heard there were Pokemons there.

Is that the plural form? Pokemons? It works for now.

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It’s great to see PoGo fostering family time and exercise. Intended to be a positive activity, it’s good for all ages at a time when we certainly need fun things to focus on. It may not be my thing, but for most who are enjoying it, I kinda get it. No harm, no foul.

One complaint is that the game tracks your movement and contacts and such. Let’s be honest. This isn’t the first app or game to do that. On other apps, you can turn the location services off, but that would render the PoGo app useless, wouldn’t it? I suppose I need more facts. A story has already broken about armed robberies happening because of the game.

If there’s a Pokemon to be found, there will be people there, right? And they’ll probably be focused on their phone, instead of their surroundings. Grab their wallets!

The people I’ve seen have been face down, nose in the phone, looking for Pokemons. I wonder how long it’ll take before someone walks out in traffic? I briefly saw a story about a car accident because of a Pokemon located in the middle of the street. Not sure if it’s true or not, but it sounds possible.

I’m not a total naysayer, and I’ll pretty much never say never, but the jury is still out for me. My kids aren’t allowed to play, only because I don’t want to supervise and drive them all around town looking for Pokemons. As I am writing this, a friend texts me that there are Pokemons at the Holocaust Memorial in D.C. Unbelievable, right? I checked. Pokemons there and at the 9/11 Memorial in NYC. Have we no shame? Don’t give me any “but it will encourage people to visit historic memorials and learn things” garbage. They may go, but they won’t look up long enough to learn jack.

It’s been reported that there are Pokemons in several locations at the big fancy private golf course down the street. To be specific, but without ruining the thrill of the hunt, there’s a pretty part of the course that rhymes with “baymen” and it’s near the corner. Apparently you can find Pokemons and an JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations arrest record. on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta Go! have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.

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It’s a Dog’s World Amongst All the controversY and arguing these past couple of weeks, I’ve had some friends lose some loved ones that were quite dear to them. As I sat and thought about the hurt they are going through, it really put things into perspective for me. I’ve been through their same kind of hurt. Many of us have.

The family members I’m referring to are of the furry, four-legged variety. Yes, their dogs. And yes, it hurts. It hurts bad. But, why? Maybe you’ve had a dog or cat that you’ve lost at some point in your life. Have you ever wondered why we love them so much? Maybe the more important question is: Why do they love us so much?

I think it’s a valid question. We’re all so very flawed. Yes, even me! Hard to believe, I know. I kid, but seriously, no matter what you do throughout your day, your dog or cat loves you the same. No matter what mistakes you make, your dog or cat loves you the same.

I know, because I have thoroughly tested this theory. I really think that if my dog, Roy, could have talked, he’d have looked at me and said “You did WHAT with WHO?!� and packed his doggy bowl and bone and marched right out the door. But, no, he always greeted me with the same wagging tail and stinky dog breath. No matter what your skin color is, no matter who you’re attracted to, no matter what you do for a living, no matter what your political or religious beliefs, your dog or cat still loves you the same.

I found myself thinking maybe we could all take a lesson from that. All over social media, people are pointing fingers, issuing blame and some are just plain being stubborn. Some post about Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, police brutality and claims that if suspects would just not resist, everything would be fixed. Most people, from what I can tell, have their opinion about who’s at fault. But not many seem willing to work with a person, or group of people, with a different opinion.

But this is the world we got and arguing over who’s at fault isn’t really going to solve anything. It’s a hard thing to do, to ignore your feelings about a situation and consider the viewpoint of someone that you don’t agree with. I’ll admit I’m terrible at it. One of my absolute worst flaws is my ability and willingness to hold a grudge. I still hold grudges from high school, middle school and the kid that broke my calculator in fourth grade! I’m telling you, I can hold a grudge. I’m working on that‌ the grudge thing, not the calculator.

I believe that has a lot to do with why we love our pets so much: Unconditional love. They love us through all of our flaws.

Imagine if your dog had opposing political views and did nothing but bark and growl when you came home. Isn’t it much better that he (or she) doesn’t care who you’re voting for? I don’t expect everyone to love everyone regardless of flaws. But a little compassion wouldn’t hurt. Maybe approaching the situation and/or each other with a little less anger and pre-judgment would help.

Black Lives Matter does not mean that other lives don’t. And all cops aren’t bad.

If this person worships a different God than you do, is attracted to someone that you’re not or believes something you don’t, it doesn’t make them a bad person.

Just ask their dogs.

R.I.P. Kiyah & Roxy

KrIs FIsher,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple.

He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.

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TUESDAY, JULY 19

BELL AUDITORIUM • AUGUSTA, GA Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ä‹ ÄŒĹ? Ä‹ ÄŒ Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä?Ĺ?ÄŠ Ĺ?ÄĄĹ?ĆÄ?ăĀ 14JULY2016

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Lee vs. Greg

Insider

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NEWS

What is the Future of Paine College?

EARLY REGISTRATION for the fall semester of Paine College begins this Friday, July 15, and all eyes are on whether new and current students will continue to stand behind Augusta’s historically AfricanAmerican college.

Many students want to remain committed to Paine, which was founded back in 1882 and has more than a 130-year legacy, but some have serious concerns about continuing their education at the institution.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges recommended last month that Paine lose its accreditation after being on probation for the past two years.

Of course, Paine College is appealing that decision, so the university will remain “accredited on probation” until the appeal process is completed.

But the truth of the matter is, that’s a risky gamble for students.

For a college to lose its accreditation is every student’s worst nightmare, especially if that student has spent several years working to receive a degree from the university.

In many cases, a loss of accreditation will force a college or university to close its doors. This is simply because the school will no longer be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, which is a significant source of funding for many schools.

As many Augustans already know, Paine College has financially stumbled over the past few years and has not been able to fully recover.

Back in 2014, the college was placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges after the school was found to be in violation of nine standards relating to “fiscal stability, institutional policy, qualified officers, control of finances, control of sponsored research, institutional environment, and federal student financial aid programs.”

Recently, under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Sullivan, the new president of Paine College, the future of the historic college has looked much brighter.

The college has been able to raise a significant amount of money over the past year.

Just a few weeks ago, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church College of Bishops donated $1 million to Paine College to help the university keep its accreditation.

But many Augustans are questioning whether it will be enough to overturn the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Commission on Colleges’ recommendation to revoke the university’s accreditation.

The president and board of Paine College seem very confident, but doubt is still lingering in the air throughout the community.

“Paine College will not close, instead the college will operate with its accreditation during the appeal process giving the Institution sufficient time to address the remaining deficiencies that were identified during the meeting with the SACSCOC Review Board,” attorney Michael Thurmond, vice chair-elect of the Paine College Board of Trustees, stated in a press release last month. “The remaining issues only involve financial stability and sustainability.”

Dr. Sullivan insisted that the college’s academic programs remain strong and Paine would continue to offer quality education to students.

“We are confident that with our submission of additional evidence regarding the strategy to improve financial conditions at the college, our appeal will be successful,” Sullivan stated in a press release. “Now, more than ever, is the time for the public to give to Paine College to ensure that the college is financially solvent. As we move forward, we will make adjustments in the college’s budget to reflect the institution’s needs while reducing expenditures.”

It’s clear that the university is trying very hard to reassure students that Paine College will not close its doors.

Just this week, the university posted a fact sheet regarding the college’s accreditation status on its Facebook page and website insisting that while the SACSCOC voted to remove Paine College from its membership, the university will remain “accredited on probation” until the appeal process is complete.

“Paine College is appealing SACSCOC’s decision,” the fact sheet states. “We believe that we have a strong case. Should the outcome of the appeal be unfavorable to the college, the Board of Trustees and administration may consider legal action to protect the college’s accreditation status.”

Another question that is on many students’ minds is exactly how long will the appeal process take?

“SACSCOC administrative appeal process is not a lengthy one,” the fact sheet states. “The college’s administrative appeal could be decided when the committee meets in mid-August 2016.”

So, next month Paine College may learn its fate.

The next question is, how long after the meeting in mid-August before Paine College will be notified by SACSCOC about the final decision?

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“The Appeals Committee’s decision will likely be released approximately one week after the date of the August hearing,” the fact sheet states. “If the Appeals Committee decides to affirm the decision to terminate the college’s accreditation (absent court intervention), it will go into effect immediately.

However, the Appeals Committee could remand the matter to the Committees on Compliance and Reports so that new and verifiable financial information can be considered, which would extend the process until the next meeting of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees in December 2016.”

If the college loses its appeal, it also has the option of seeking alternative accreditation through another agency.

But probably the most important question on the fact sheet is the following: As a currently enrolled student, what happens to me if Paine College loses its accreditation?

“Students who have not completed their degrees will be provided counseling and other support services. If necessary, the college will prepare a ‘teach out’ plan in order to make a good faith effort to assist affected students so that they experience minimal disruption in the pursuit of their course of study,” the fact sheet states. “Students who have not completed their programs will be advised by faculty regarding suitable options including transfer to comparable programs at other institutions.”

And if a student is on federal financial aid, what will happen?

“In the event that Paine College should lose its accreditation, after it has exhausted all options for redress, your federal financial aid will remain in place until the end of the semester in which you are enrolled,” the fact sheet states. “Arrangements will be made with appropriate agencies to transfer federal and state grants to the receiving institution.

Where such arrangements cannot be completed, students will be informed.”

One of the final questions on the facts sheet is: Should I transfer to another school?

What a terrible question to have to post on any university’s Facebook page.

“It is our hope that you will continue your enrollment at Paine College,” the fact sheet states. “The entire Paine College family is working to ensure that the college remains accredited and that our student body remains intact. Maintaining a strong and stable enrollment is key to Paine’s long-term sustainability.”

While the university’s fact sheet attempts to address most of the currently enrolled students’ concerns, possible future students enrolling this fall need to seriously look down the road when considering Paine College.

Even if their hearts are with Paine, students may need to use their heads when enrolling in college and put their own future first.

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AJC Uncovers Doctor’s Sex Abuse in Augusta THIS PAST WEEK, The Atlanta Journal Constitution did an incredible investigative series about doctors and sex abuse cases across this entire country.

What these journalists, led by reporters Ariel Hart, Danny Robbins and Carrie Teegardin, discovered was deeply disturbing.

In Georgia, they focused on a case involving an Augusta physician named Dr. William Almon who served as an Army psychiatrist, occupational medicine specialist, family practitioner and musculoskeletal expert.

“In three different settings, Almon faced allegations that he sexually violated extremely vulnerable female patients — a suicidal soldier, jail inmates, a mentally ill woman and a child of 14 — and every time was effectively given a pass,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Of the thousands of cases reviewed by the newspaper in its investigation of physician sexual misconduct, the paper stated “few show the forces that protect offending doctors more dramatically” than the case of Almon.

When Almon worked at Fort Gordon as a psychiatric resident and held the rank of major, the AJC reported that he admitted he had sex with a hospitalized patient.

“The patient, a private, was found immediately afterward on the floor of her hospital room, curled up and crying,” the newspaper reported. “The Army could have charged him with several violations. Instead, it allowed him to resign in lieu of facing a court-martial.”

Almon then went on to serve as physician at the Augusta jail were he was charged with sexually abusing three inmates.

“At least one passed a lie detector test, and a nurse told police that the doctor went out of his way to treat female inmates without anyone else in the room,” the newspaper wrote. “Yet prosecutors ultimately dropped the charges, believing a conviction was unlikely.”

Almon then moved on to Hiram, Ga., were he began working at WellStar’s East Paulding Primary Care Center.

Even though corporate officials were aware of his background, they hired Almon anyway, and he was accused of molesting two patients.

12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“One was a woman who is schizophrenic. The other was a 14-year-old girl,” the AJC reported. “The charges could have brought a prison sentence, but prosecutors allowed the doctor to plead no contest to misdemeanor counts of battery and sexual battery and receive probation. Then the Georgia Composite Medical Board negotiated an agreement that let him continue practicing as long as he complied with certain requirements.”

But the real eye-opener in the AJC’s story was that Almon is still practicing to this very day in the Atlanta area.

So what did Almon have to say about this investigative story about him and his past sexual behavior with his patients?

Not much.

He told the AJC he did not want to discuss his past.

“The fact is, people looked into these things, (the incidents) were investigated by the authorities and what happened happened,” Almon told the AJC. “And I accepted that. I have gone on. That’s where I am right now.”

Almon said the “boundary and ethics” training that the medical board required of him several years back had a profound effect on him.

“A board order comes with sanctions,” he told the paper.

“The force of those sanctions make you think. What did I do here? How is it perceived? Why was it perceived (a certain way)? What do I need to do to be different and to change?”

He insisted to the AJC, “I am a very different person.”

Everyone in Augusta should read this AJC story about Almon and his time practicing here in Richmond County. The article can be found at doctors.ajc.com/georgia_doctor_sex_ abuse/.

Chances are these women he abused at Fort Gordon’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center and the Augusta Jail aren’t the only ones. There are likely other women in the Augusta area that were sexually abused by this man.

According to the article, Almon was at Fort Gordon back in 1988 and the incident where he had sex with a patient occurred in his office.

She was apparently suffering from suicidal tendencies and a borderline personality disorder.

After the woman was sexually abused by Almon, she told an Army nurse that she felt “like a slut.”

“I want to die,” she said. “I just want to die.”

No one should ever experience something so terrible at the hands of a physician. A doctor is someone the public has almost no choice but to trust.

When patients walk into a doctor’s office, they are often scared, sick, confused and very vulnerable. For a doctor to take advantage of such a situation is not just inhumane, it’s criminal.

Dr. William Almon should be in jail. At the very least, he shouldn’t be practicing.

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the journalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the entire world can now know about Almon’s past.

Patients now have the power to determine for themselves the truth as to whether Almon is a “different person” or not.

But, more importantly, this news investigation gives the public a voice to demand change in the medical field and prevent such horrific acts of sexual abuse from continuing across this country.

Because what the AJC uncovered about doctors and sex abuse is absolutely sickening.

14JULY2016

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Who will win the Republican runoff for Georgia State Senate’s

By Stacey Eidson District 24 seat?

FoRmeR State Rep. Lee anDeRSon doesn’t hesitate to describe himself as an “old country boy” who was born and raised in Columbia County.

In fact, Anderson is deeply proud of his roots as a local farmer, businessman and former elected official who served this area for many years.

“I live on the family farm that has been in our family for three generations,” Anderson said. “I grew up on a dairy farm. Daddy and I were partners and Momma kept the books. She would cook these big old breakfasts and big old dinners for us. When Donna and I got married 35 years ago, we really lucked up and were blessed. There was a piece of property up for sale that was connected to the family farm at the other end of the farm. It was a mile from my house to my parents’ house and I told Donna, ‘That’s far enough, but close enough to Momma and Daddy.’”

One mile.

For some people, living in such close proximity to their family members would be unfathomable.

But, for Anderson, it was truly a blessing, he said.

“Not everybody gets to go into business with their Daddy and Momma,” Anderson said, recalling when his father agreed to make him a partner in the family business so 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

many years ago.

Superior Court Judge David Roper, who was an attorney at the time and also happens to be Anderson’s first cousin, drew up the paperwork.

“I never will forget Daddy leaning up to the table to sign that paper putting us into a partnership. He looked at me and the other folks in the room and said, ‘I guess this means he can’t fire me and I can’t fire him,’” Anderson said, heartily laughing. “But that’s my daddy. He always made you laugh. And I’ve learned that from him. Every day I try to live it to the fullest. I enjoy life. I love it.”

He also deeply loves this region of the Peach state.

“I grew up in the Harlem/Grovetown/Appling area,” Anderson said, chuckling. “I have to say that because I have a Grovetown address, I have an Appling telephone number and I went to Harlem High School.”

After graduating high school, Anderson attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga., and then returned to Columbia County and married his wife, the former Donna Robertson. The couple now have two grown children, Ben and Katie.

Over the years, Anderson has served on the Columbia County School Board, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and as a state representative for District 14JULY2016

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“I believe the difference between me and my opponent is I have been here my whole life and I didn’t try to go to the top all of a sudden.”

— Lee Anderson 117 in the Georgia General Assembly.

Anderson said he truly understands the responsibility that comes with being an elected official and that’s why he believes he is the most qualified candidate in the July 26 runoff for the Georgia State Senate’s District 24 seat.

“When I was a state representative, the one thing that really blew this old country boy’s mind was they trusted me with a badge where I could walk into the State Capitol anytime I wanted to and open the doors to the Capitol building,” Anderson said, smiling. “That is a lot of trust and faith that they put in me. So I understand the responsibility that comes with this office. But I used to tell people all the time when I was a state representative, ‘This is not my office. This is your office. The door is always open.’”

In the July 26 runoff for the District 24 seat currently held by retiring state Sen. Bill Jackson, Anderson is facing political newcomer Greg Grzybowski, a former District 3 candidate for the Columbia County Commission.

Anderson has already got some major political support from his friends, including endorsements by former state Sen. Jim Whitehead, Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle, state Rep. Tom McCall, Sen. Bill Jackson and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.

The reason these political leaders are supporting him is because he has a proven track record throughout this community and state, Anderson said.

“I believe the difference between me and my opponent is I have been here my whole life and I didn’t try to go to the top all of a sudden. I started small,” Anderson said. “Before I even ran for the school board, I served on committees in the county. I was learning. I think you’ve got to learn and see how the machine works. As a result, I’ve built a lot of relationships over the years because I love helping people that have a true need. And during all the years serving on the school board, the county commission and in the statehouse, people always knew that I’m accessible. They can call me anytime. I keep my cell phone on me at all times, right here in my shirt pocket. The only time it is off of me is when I lay down at night.”

In fact, Anderson said his wife likes to tease him about his attachment to his cell phone.

“My wife once said this phone is my first wife because I 14JULY2016

talk to it more than I talk to her,” Anderson said, laughing.

“I thought about that a day or two and when it was just her and me sitting there in the den watching TV, I turned to her and I said, ‘Baby, you know how you said the other day that the phone is my first wife? Well, it is closer to my heart.’”

As he patted his upper shirt pocket where he keeps his cell phone, Anderson joked that he really paid for that comment.

“I dug my hole deeper that night,” Anderson said, chuckling. “But everybody always tells me, and I have to agree with them, that the best day’s work I ever did was getting that woman to say, ‘I do.’”

Anderson says he likes telling stories about his family because it gives people a clear picture of his values and his deep dedication to this community.

“Donna and I are a team. She has also lived here all her life. In fact, Donna and I met in summer school in high school, but she went to Evans and I went to Harlem,” he said. “But that’s how we met.”

While the pair dated a little bit in high school, it wasn’t until about five years after they both graduated that a woman named Linda from their church approached him and suggested the two should go out on a date.

“A lady in our church, who is like a Mother Goose because she loves helping young people, well, she and I were walking out of the church and she said, ‘I’ve a got a teacher you need to date,’” Anderson said. “I said, ‘Really? Is she good looking?’”

The woman from the church just laughed and told him

that the teacher was very cute.

“I said, ‘Well, what’s her name?’” Anderson said.

“She told me, ‘Donna Robertson.’ And I said, ‘Linda, I’m so sorry, but I can’t help you.’ She asked, ‘What do you mean?’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry. I already gave her an opportunity!’”

The two laughed about it, but Anderson agreed to ask Miss Donna Robertson out on a date again.

“I told Linda, ‘Since it is you, I’ll give her a second chance,’” Anderson said, laughing. “And six months later, Donna and I were engaged.”

But the wedding nearly didn’t happen, Anderson said.

“Summertime is our busiest time on the farm and I was doing everything I could do to get all the crops in before I got married on July 18 because I knew I would be gone all the next week on a cruise and I didn’t want to leave Daddy having to do a whole lot of work, so we were busy, busy, busy,” Anderson said, adding that Donna was at school trying to finish her degree right before the wedding. “So, it was all coming together right before we got married.”

On the big day, Anderson remembered his father and him putting on their tuxedos in Evans Baptist Church about 25 minutes before the ceremony when his brother, Rev. Robert Anderson, came into the room asking for the marriage license.

“My brother is a pastor and he was going to marry us,” Anderson said. “He came in and said, ‘Lee, let me see the marriage license, so I can sign it and get all of that done.’

All of a sudden, I just looked down at the floor. We didn’t AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 15

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“When I was a state representative, the one thing that really blew this old country boy’s mind was they trusted me with a badge where I could walk into the State Capitol anytime I wanted to and open the doors to the Capitol building.”

— Lee Anderson

even think about getting a marriage license.”

Since the brothers often pulled pranks on one another, Robert Anderson assumed it was all a big joke.

“My brother said, ‘There ain’t no time to play around. Give me the darn license. I have got to sign it!’” Anderson said. “And you have to know my brother because, when something goes wrong, he gets really nervous. I just looked down at the floor and said, ‘I ain’t got no license. I haven’t even thought about it.’ When he really realized I was serious and I looked over at Daddy and he knew it too, my brother just panicked. He kept saying, ‘It is against the law. I can’t do it. I have got to have the license.’”

But Anderson told his brother to calm down.

“I told him, ‘Robert, we may have to pay a fine or something, but there are 600 people out there. We are going to have a wedding today,’” Anderson said. “I told him to go ask Donna to see if she’s got one, which that was a big mistake because then it got her boohooing.”

Finally, Anderson’s father-in-law quickly picked up the phone and called long-time Columbia County Probate Judge Pat Hardaway.

“God bless, Pat Hardaway,” Anderson said. “She sent somebody halfway with a license and we sent somebody halfway and we were able to get the marriage license in time for the wedding. Without her, we might not have gotten married that day.”

Why would Anderson want voters to know about that story?

“To me, that’s all about being part of this community,” Anderson said. “Helping one another out and having true relationships with people.”

As far as his plans for District 24, Anderson said he is a true conservative who believes in supporting public safety, reducing the size of government, cutting wasteful 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

spending, defending the Second Amendment rights, boosting the local schools, fighting for religious freedom and promoting Georgia agriculture.

“After serving in the statehouse, since then, I haven’t been sitting still,” Anderson said. “The governor appointed me to the Board of Corrections and, believe me, I have learned a lot. It is very expensive to have inmates in prison. It is big money and I have learned that there are other options out there that possibly would save tax dollars.”

For those with minor offenses, Anderson believes prison is not always the answer.

“I’m not talking about a cold killer. I’m talking about someone who has had some DUIs or drug charges,” Anderson said. “Somebody who has just messed up and just needs to get their life turned around. There are places where they can go to get help and these people will keep them accountable and they will report to probation officers.”

One such group is called Mighty Man Ministries here in Georgia, Anderson said.

“It is not about the dollar bill for them and that’s what I love about them. They don’t ask but $300 a month for one man,” Anderson said. “It costs taxpayers, for that type of inmate, $18 to $19 a day to house them in prison. Now, I’m not saying every family can afford this, but if they have the financial ability and they really want to help their loved ones and get their lives turned around, I would love to see the judges have more capability to sending them to a place like Mighty Man Ministries and the sentence would be that they have to complete the entire 10- to 14-month program.”

Anderson also said that his main concern has always been the safety of local citizens.

“I have connections with law enforcement in all areas of this district,” Anderson said, adding that he also believes in the importance of solid infrastructure including roads, bridges and sewer lines. “We need to strengthen that infrastructure and then, get out of the way and let businesses create jobs and not the government.”

As the husband of a retired educator and father of two children, Anderson also said he is committed to ensuring a quality education for all local students.

“I believe in education,” he said. “I believe in hiring the very best educators that we can and get out of the way and let them teach our children. Get the paperwork off of them. Let them teach our children.”

Finally, Anderson said he believes in the state of Georgia and the bright future for District 24.

“I’ve heard my opponent say that Georgia is in tremendous debt, but we are not,” he said. “We are one of only 12 states that have a Triple-A bond rating.”

And Columbia County is one of the most financially sound counties throughout the state, Anderson said.

“I never will forget, when I was a county commissioner and we went to New York City to try and get a Triple-A bond rating,” Anderson said. “They had a whole committee up there questioning us about Columbia County. They got to me and asked, ‘Commissioner Anderson, what need would you have to go outside of Columbia County?’”

Anderson said he thought about it for a few seconds.

“I looked them straight in the eyes and said, ‘I know of only two reasons why I would 14JULY2016

have to go outside of Columbia County. One is that we don’t have a hospital. So if I get really sick, I would have to leave Columbia County to go to the hospital. The only other reason I know of why I have to leave Columbia County is I have to come all the way up here to New York City to get a Triple-A bond rating,’” Anderson said, laughing. “Those people in New York were shocked.

They didn’t know what to think. But that is the truth. I love this county with all my heart. It’s my home.”

Greg Grzybowski Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Grzybowski has had two different tours of duty at Fort Gordon and says he has “lived off and on” in Columbia County for about 10 years.

He understands that he represents the new blood moving into this region every day from all over the country.

Grzybowski is not afraid to tell people that he isn’t a native of Columbia County or even the state of Georgia.

“To be honest with you, I think the majority of people living in Columbia County now are not originally from here,” Grzybowski said. “We are the majority, but many of us haven’t really started voting in this county yet.”

Grzybowski was born in Newburgh, N.Y., and attended James Madison University in Virginia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, history and military science.

Following college, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Army under the Reserve Officer Training Program in 1992.

He then served for 23 years as both a military intelligence and acquisition officer, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He and his wife, Joanne, raise their four girls in Evans.

“During this election, I have been trying to reach out to those new residents and new voters of this county because those voters tend to be very smart, they are professional businesspeople, they are hard-working individuals and they have families,” Grzybowski said.

“I’m just not sure why they are not voting, so trying to

reach them is very difficult.”

And Gryzbowski knows the challenges of running in a local election.

Just last year, he lost a December runoff against fellow Republican Gary Richardson to represent District 3 on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.

“When you are running against someone from here, the powers that be — not all of them, but a good number of them — support the local individual,” Grzybowski said. “It’s frustrating. During this race, I have personally reached out to a number of locally known folks here, but at the end of the day, they are going to support somebody from here versus somebody who is not from here.”

In order for Columbia County and District 24 to truly grow, Grzybowski believes the region desperately needs new leadership.

“I am not part of the establishment,” Grzybowski admitted. “And let’s face it, there are parts of this community who do not want a new person to get elected because they are afraid if that person gets elected, they are not going to do what those people want.

My answer to that is: Well, if it is in the best interests of the total community, I would certainly be in favor of it. The truth is, we need a lot of new people in office. We just need to change the mindset.”

Grzybowski also says he is not shy when it comes to voicing his disappointment in some local leaders who refuse to support anyone from outside the area.

“I have personally told them, as nicely as I can say it, that supporting only local candidates born and raised here is not a good recipe for the future,” he said. “You should vote for the person who is the best qualified. I don’t think a qualification should be whether I was born here or not. As a candidate, that’s difficult to have to deal with.”

After all, along with endorsements of community leaders often comes serious financial support for those local candidates, he said.

“Just look at the dollars being spent in this race and you’ll know the difference,” Grzybowski said. “This race

“I am not part of the establishment.

And let’s face it, there are parts of this community who do not want a new person to get elected because they are afraid if that person gets elected, they are not going to do what those people want.”

— Greg Grzybowski comes down to competing against somebody who has been here their entire life and the families who know that person give them a lot of money. I mean, I can’t financially compete with that. It’s impossible for me.”

But Grzybowski refuses to let the differences in campaign contributions discourage him.

“I am not running and going to Atlanta for a title. I am not going in there in hopes of a follow-up job and I’m not going in there to get reelected,” Grzybowski said. “I am going in there to prove to people that a regular person can run for office in this country, get elected, do the job and go home. Not make it a career and not get absorbed into all the things that happens with politicians and lobbyists.”

Grzybowski wants to open doors for the average citizen to become interested in becoming an elected official.

“I am trying to prove to folks here in my community here that there are plenty of us who can do these jobs,” he said. “We don’t have to be rich and we don’t have to be well-known. We don’t have to be particularly special in any way. We just have to care about our country and our future, take a chance and work hard.”

If elected to the state senate, Grzybowski pledges to represent every citizen in District 24, no matter what their background.

“There are lots of different groups of people in this community,” he said. “It is very fractured. We don’t have a future in this community or in this country if we don’t start finding some common ground. We have the rich and the poor. We still have racial differences in this community. You have Democrats and Republicans. We have to stop it. I don’t believe in any of those divisions.

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“Supporting only local candidates born and raised here is not a good recipe for the future. You should vote for the person who is the best qualified.

I don’t think a qualification should be whether I was born here or not.”

— Greg Grzybowski Having been in the military, I’ve seen that is not true. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

People from all different walks of life can work together for a common goal to improve a situation, he said.

“It can be all about merit and being a quality person and being respected for the hard work that you do,” Grzybowski said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or your race or gender or what your political beliefs are, so long as we have the common ground of understanding that we should all be free, we should all be able to live our lives the way we want, as long as that isn’t taking someone else’s freedom away. It is a pretty simple formula. We talk about it all day long, but we don’t practice it. We really don’t.”

As an elected official, Grzybowski believes one of the biggest responsibilities is to stay connected to your constituents and inform them of what is being proposed at the state level.

“Being an elected official isn’t like an office job,” he said. “As an elected official, you go and talk to your fellow citizens and find out what they need and help educate them on what is going on, so they can then tell you what they want to do. You shouldn’t just go up there saying, ‘Well, I know everything. I am going to go up there and make all the decisions.’ That’s not how it works.”

Much like a teacher in the classroom or a pastor in the church, Grzybowski said an elected official’s duty is to inspire people and to tap into his or her constituents’ talents in order to improve the entire community.

“You are there to raise people up, help that talent get tapped and find really innovative solutions for people’s problems,” he said. “That, at the end of the day, helps people live their lives better. Let people have more power for themselves. Not more power for you, not more power for the state, not more power for the county. That’s not how it is supposed to work. It is supposed to be empowering individual people to become more powerful in their own lives. That means more money in their pockets and less laws telling them what to do.”

If elected to the state senate, Grzybowski says he wants to ensure all legislation supports personal and real property rights; protect and defend first amendment rights to include religious liberty; ensure the preservation of the nation’s second amendment rights; support school choice and local control of educational resources; pursue a balanced and transparent budget process; support increased infrastructure investment and provide increased economic development focused on cybersecurity, information and communication technology.

“To me, the number one issue is business growth,” Grzybowski said. “So, how do you get that business growth? Infrastructure. So, people are paying out of their pocket to invest in infrastructure with the hopes of enticing businesses to come in. But that’s the big question that I have for citizens: How much are you willing to spend on the gamble that we will have businesses come in?”

In his opinion, Grzybowski doesn’t believe the state has done a good job of enticing new businesses to come and look at locations all across the state.

18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

“Now, they tout themselves as bringing businesses to Georgia, but there are a lot of counties that don’t benefit from that,” he said. “My argument in the Legislature would be, what about the rest of Georgia? And I would look for allies to support me, especially in the border counties.” All of the state’s attention shouldn’t just be focused on metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, Grzybowski said.

“That wealth will need to be reinvested in other parts of the state to grow wealth there,” he said. “Folks here in Columbia County will say, ‘I don’t want to spend my tax money on Hart County.’ Well, I understand that. But people in Hart County are saying, ‘Why aren’t we getting any benefit of all this other money from these other counties because we are growing crops and we are providing food for people?’ So both sides are correct and wrong.”

The key is to understand the entire region’s mission and the differences between each county.

“Nobody should get money for free from somebody else. Then again, somebody who is a very wealthy county wouldn’t want to see a farmer go out of business because then they are not going to get their food,” Grzybowski said. “People don’t think through it well enough sometimes. We have to understand that we are all in this together as a state and people look to the government to sort out those balances. So what I think is missing is an understanding of one another.”

As a state senator, Grzybowski pledges to spend a great deal of time on the road talking to residents throughout the district and listening to each county’s problems and challenges.

“There is a reason why we are a state. We are dependent on one another,” he said.

“What folks have forgotten is we are a sovereign state. We have a flag that flies on a flagpole and we are in this thing together and we do have to distribute wealth to a certain degree in order to help people out because of the nature of what they do. For example, farmers who live in rural counties are struggling for lack of tax base. They need help and we have to find that balance.”

Growing up in New York state, Grzybowski said he learned to see people as individuals and understand everyone brings something different to the table.

“I come from a very poor background,” he said. “I have met some very rich people and very poor people in my life. I see no difference between the two. To me, at the end of the day, it is about pursuing your dream. If you end up being very rich, that’s great. If you are still very poor, but happy and you’ve done good things for people, you are just as great of an American. That’s the way I’ve been brought up. I believe in that.

“My father said, ‘Never be jealous of anybody. Everybody has earned what they’ve got. Just go out and do the best you can and make sure you help people along the way.’ That’s how I live my life.”

14JULY2016

After almost a year of production, “The HAPPY Documentary: A Small Film with a Big Smile,” is ready for its close up.

Focused on the life and art of local visual artist, Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman, the documentary explores the artist’s HAPPY campaign, and his personal journey through loss and grief. A premiere showing of HAPPY is taking place at the Imperial Theatre on Broad Street this Saturday, July 16.

Making a movie sounds like a fun project, but it’s also hard work.

“I’m exhausted,” producer Michael McKinley said. “Trying to make a documentary for a year without losing your day job is no small feat.”

Before he began the project, McKinley was only familiar with Leonard through social media. Throughout the filming process, he says making the connection has been rewarding.

“My initial impression was that he was quite a talented and fascinating character,” McKinley said. “The person I grew to know and love during the making of this film has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever encountered.”

Leonard’s assessment of the experience differs only slightly.

“I’ve been amazed every step of the way. There are a lot of folks, more than I would have guessed, who believe in this project and its message,” Zimmerman said. “There has been a very positive energy around this whole production; folks have been very eager to assist.”

Part of the positive energy was a result of the crew and the Augusta locals coming together to support the producer’s vision. McKinley and his team have traveled between Milwaukee and Augusta on four separate occasions to film for the documentary, and they found Augusta to be a welcoming community.

“I have been so incredibly impressed with the community,” McKinley said, “Especially in its support of the arts. And of course, the way so many people rallied around me, this

stranger from the North, to help me get this film made.”

Zimmerman found the entire process to be exciting, and sometimes fun, but he discovered there’s more to it that just the glossy glamor of starring in a documentary. “Making movies is… time consuming, sometimes boring and rough on your back,” he said. “There is a lot of waiting. I did ask if we could do the movie without me in it. That was a flat out no.”

While production has been crowd-funded, the documentary is still seeking donations to help with post-production costs and the next stage — entering film festivals. McKinley said, “We’re looking to get HAPPY submitted to about 80 festivals over the next year, so that adds up, too! If anyone would like to help out, they can visit our website, happydocmovie.com” In addition to its striking — and often moving — visuals, the documentary features unscripted interviews from plenty of familiar Augusta faces, including former Mayor, Deke Copenhaver, the Zimmerman family and friends of the artist. As they discuss the impact Zimmerman’s HAPPY campaign has, one thing becomes abundantly clear — this is not about the artist. It’s about all being human.

“The themes running through this film are ones that all people can relate to,” said McKinley. “Love, loss, family, and community. Much like the HAPPY campaign itself, it [the documentary] has no agenda other than to inspire folks, and spread some smiles.”

McKinley recommends the audience keep tissues handy, too.

In one of many poignant moments in the film, Zimmerman’s close friend Emily Capps, who was undergoing chemo treatments at the time, explains, “The HAPPY campaign is not about blind optimism. It’s about saying, ‘Okay I’ve had enough. Now it’s time to stand back up.’”

McKinley says making the documentary altered him.

“At the risk of sounding a little dramatic, the experience of bringing this project to life has forever changed me,” he said. “This is my first film. Trusting my inner voice that I should do this, was the catalyst for the most gratifying journey of my life.”

The documentary is also a chance for a wider audience to engage with the HAPPY campaign, and better understand its beginnings. Zimmerman explained that although the documentary has a positive message, there probably won’t be many people who can watch it without getting emotional.

“This is a love story that deals with overcoming loss,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only person crying in the theatre.”

Tickets and more information are available online at happydocmovie. com. The show starts at 7 p.m. Join the online community at facebook. com/happydocmovie.

Photo courtesy Brent Cline 14JULY2016

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What’s Up

Tasting and Touring Calendar Music Listings

Cheers to a Year

If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.

as diffiCUlt as it may be to believe, it’s Southbound Smokehouse’s one-year anniversary. To celebrate, they not only released a new menu, but will also hold a free Perpetual Groove concert Saturday night, July 16.

The anniversary happily coincided with the band’s idea to try something new. While in the studio preparing a new EP release, the guys in the band — Brock Butler, Adam Perry and Matt McDonald — decided to perform a series of acoustic sets in locations in South Carolina and Georgia, wrapping up in Augusta.

“It’s been great to tackle new arrangements and execution for so many songs in these acoustic shows,” Butler said. “Having Matt on guitar opens up an entirely new interpretation to both old and new tunes; it really is a treat to let folks hear the songs this way.”

Don’t worry, though. The show will be anything but laid-back.

“I think the word ‘acoustic’ might trigger ideas of mellow to folks, but honestly, it’s been anything but that,” Perry said. “We’re still keeping the energy very high and utilize a few toys on stage to keep the people moving.”

this Week

fridaY Eli’s American, up until now known as a great Columbia County restaurant with an impressive menu of even more impressive burgers, is getting into the live music game with local artists performing each Friday night. The series starts this Friday with favorite Donna Jo. Don’t forget to order dessert — the fried pecan pie, to be exact — while you’re listening.

tUesdaY

WednesdaY

thUrsdaY

Don’t know if you’ve ever seen a roast on Comedy Central, but these events, in which “friends” of the roastee get up one after another and mercilessly make fun of him or her, can be brutal.

We can’t imagine why Sen. Charles Walker, then, agreed to take the heat, but maybe it’s because it’s for a good cause.

See what the community has to say about him at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd during the Augusta Mini Theatre’s Roast and Toast.

If you’ve never tried plein air painting, Phinizy Swamp wants you to give it a go starting this Wednesday. A four-week Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop will be held Wednesday mornings through August 10 and is led

by Dick Dunlap. Who needs an art studio when the world, or at least Phinizy Swamp, can be yours?

Art at reasonable prices.

Decadent desserts. Coffee and tea. All this can be yours Thursday, July 21, from 6-8 p.m. when When Help Can’t Wait hosts its first Live Art Auction at Advent Lutheran Church. A benefit for the group’s nursing home ministry, the event will include prints and original works sold at auction, complete with paddle bidding. The event is free, but an RSVP is a must.

For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 24.

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TasTing and Touring

EvEn wiTh the oppressive Georgia heat, July remains many a cycling fan’s favorite time of year.

“This particular time of the year is a magical one for cyclists,” laughed local attorney and cyclist Jim Ellington, “with the biggest bicycle race going on in France right now.”

Ellington is, of course, talking about the Tour de France, a 21-stage race taking place over 23 days. Teams of professional cyclists will cover a wide array of terrains and about 2,000 miles during the race, which turns the serene French countryside into something resembling a brightly colored circus.

Most amateur cyclists and sports fans dream of seeing a Tour de France stage in person, but Ellington and other members of local cycling advocacy group Wheel Movement know that’s not always possible. So, last year, they decided to hold their own celebration called Taste of the Tour.

“People can’t necessarily travel to France to enjoy all the festivities that go along with the Tour de France, so what we’ve done is put together a little gathering which will allow us to perhaps introduce people to cycling, but we wanted to focus on some of the wines that are available along the route this year and have a food and wine pairing,” Ellington, president of Wheel Movement, said. “We think it’s a great opportunity to gather together and celebrate the sport and celebrate the many things that can be enjoyed about the sport.”

This year’s Taste of the Tour is coming up on Saturday, July 23, and Wheel Movement member and Augusta Canal Authority employee Russell Foster is chair and organizer of the event that will be held at the Enterprise Mill Discovery Center. Foster said that while the event definitely has a cycling theme, those attending definitely don’t have to be cyclists to enjoy it.

“You just have to like wine and people and food,” he said. “I suppose if you’re an introvert this might not be your event, but the wine could loosen you up.”

This year, the four wines included in the tasting are not only from France, but they’re from wineries located along the Tour de France’s route. A white, a sparkling, a red and a dessert wine will all be included and, once they were chosen, they were sent to Chef Havird Usry of Fat Man’s so he could come up with food pairings.

“It’s a really cool concept and these are some good wines, too,” he said. “These are some really well-rated wines.”

As participants in the event approach each station, they’ll find out about the wines, the food and the stage of the race that took riders past the winery.

Of course, they riders will have already passed each of the stages. In fact, the Tour de France will, for all intents and purposes, be over the night the Taste of the Tour is held. The final day of the race is Sunday, July 24, but it consists of riding into Paris and, except for the final sprint, is a mere formality for the riders. The last real day of racing is Saturday.

“The event itself is the same day as the penultimate day of the tour, so essentially, if you’re an avid cyclist and you care about the tour, you already know who has won,” Foster said. “But we’ll DVR it and it’ll be playing in the theatre we have here. That ended up being really popular last year, and there were 30 or 40 people in there watching it on the huge screen.”

Money raised from Taste of the Tour will go to help fund the programs and initiatives of Wheel Movement, which Randy DuTeau founded in 2010 after his good friend Dr. Matthew Burke died after being struck by an SUV driven by Daniel Johnson while on a group ride. Four other cyclists were injured, and Burke was in a coma for several months between the time of the wreck and his death.

Johnson receive a 90-day jail sentence, followed by five years probation and a suspended drivers license.

Around that same time, DuTeau said, the CSRA was beginning to benefit from hosting a number of cycling events like the International Mountain Biking Association Summit and Ironman 70.3 Augusta. Still, there was a segment of the area’s population that didn’t care for cyclists.

“The word that always kind of stuck in my mind was when someone referred to cyclists as lycra-clad eco-terrorists,” he said of some of the comments surrounding Burke’s death. “There was just such a deep-seeded resentment toward people who road bicycles. When there’s this nasty tone, then people have resentment toward cyclists so they’re going to take less care, try to buzz cyclists. We wanted to be smart about how we promoted cycling and cycling safety.”

The aim of Wheel Movement is to promote and support the local cycling community through education, outreach and advocacy.

“Education was real important to us,” he said. “We wanted to educate the public about the laws of cycling but then also, at the same time, make sure cyclists understood what their role was in safe cycling. In Matt’s case it was strictly on the driver, but, at the same time, it doesn’t give cyclists permission to go out and not pay attention to laws.”

The fact of the matter is bicycles are vehicles and, as such, have every legal right to be on the road. Ellington, who went to one of Wheel Movement’s early community meetings and got involved when they asked if there was a lawyer in the room, said that cyclists are required to follow the same rules as cars are.

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“Bicycles are vehicles, held to the same rules of the road that those who drive cars or trucks are required to follow,” he explained. “Yes, we are vehicles out there, and I mean cyclists.”

And though, in Georgia, the law only requires helmets up to age 16 (South Carolina doesn’t require helmets at all), Ellington thinks that helmets should be worn by everyone.

“I think it is incumbent on parents to make sure their kids use bicycle helmets when they ride their bikes and, not only that, for parents to be good examples for their children and use bicycle helmets when they ride their bikes as well,” he said. “I have two friends who would be severely injured today had it not been for bicycle helmets and it’s something that takes very little effort to put on your head and make sure it’s properly used. In fact, we’ve had several kids cycling clinics where we try and make sure that kids and parents are properly instructed on the importance of wearing helmets.”

These are the kinds of outreach and educational programs Wheel Movement focuses on. In the future, they’d like to work on becoming a certified bicycle friendly community through the League of American Bicyclists and help update the area’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

Right now, though, they just want to focus on having a great time while celebrating one of the biggest cycling events in the world.

“It’s great that we can put the organization out there and people who may not know about us will get exposed,” DuTeau said. “But, at the same time, if you’re someone who just likes great food and loves great wine, you can come and it’s not so cycling centric that you can’t just go in there and have a really good time.”

Taste of the Tour is at the Enterprise Mill Discovery Center Saturday, July 23, from 7-9 p.m.

It is $40, singles; $75, couples, with a deadline of Wednesday, July 20, to purchase tickets. Visit tasteofthetour2016.eventbrite.com/.

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What’s on the menu?

Taste of the Tour will feature four French wines, picked because they come from regions of the country through which the Tour de France passes. Chef Havird Usry of Fat Man’s Mill Café then created a dish to go with each of the wines.

At the event, guests will be offered wine and food and will have a chance to see which stage of the Tour de France went through the region from which the wine came.

Here’s what they can expect. station one

Wine: Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisee (Chardonnay) Dish: Fig and prosciutto flatbread Tour Stage: Moirans En-Montagne to Berne (16) station tWo

Wine: Clos de Quarterons Cremant de Loire (80 percent Chenin Blanc, 20 percent Chardonnay, sparkling) Dish: Atlantic blue crab and herb stuffed mushrooms Tour Stage: Saumur to Limoges (4) station three

Wine: Chateau Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel en Primeur Rouge (30 percent Grenache, 30 percent Mourvedre, 20 percent Syrah, 20 percent Cinsault) Dish: Smokey pulled pork samosa with South Carolina peach barbecue sauce Tour Stage: Montpellier to Mont Ventoux (12) station Four

Wine: M. Chapoutier Banyuls (Grenache, dessert) Dish: Turtle caramel drizzled brownie Tour Stage: Carcassonne to Montpellier (11)

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9am - 4pm Camp Kroc Summer Camp Kroc Center For those ages 5-12. Extended care available. $100 a week, members; $125, non- members; $5 a day, extended care; $30 a week, swim lessons. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.

9am - noon ideaventions Chemical Reactions Camp theClubhou.se A camp for rising 1st-4th graders in which campers will spend the week experimenting with different chemical reactions. $165. Call 706-723-5782 or visit theclubhou. se/ camps/.

“Oklahoma!” Auditions Augusta Ballet School Tuesdays, July 19 and 26 7 p.m.

Parts for performers ages 16 and up are available for this Augusta Players production, which shows September 23-25 at the Imperial Theatre.

706-826-4707 augustaplayers.org

ARTS Sat July 16

9am - 3pm Nature Printing on Fabric Phinizy Swamp Nature Park All materials are provided and no experience is necessary. $40, members; $50, non-members. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

10am - 5pm Basket Weaving: Beachy Baskets Aiken Center for the Arts A class in which no previous experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch. $50; pre-registration required. Call 803-641- 9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

Wed July 20

9am - noon Plein Air Oil Painting Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A four-week class held Wednesdays through August 10 led by Dick Dunlap. $100, members; $120, nonmembers. Members are asked to bring their own supplies.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

CAMPS Mon July 18 - Fri July 22

Running Wild With Creativity Camps Aiken Center for the Arts Half-day, either 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m., or full-day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., camps available for those ages 4-6, rising 1st-4th grades and middle schools in 5th grade and up. $140 a week, half days; $265 a week, full days. Pre-registration required. Call 803-641-9094 or visit aikencenterforthearts. org.

7am - 5pm Youth Horse Camp Hilltop Riding Stables, Fort Gordon For those ages 7-13, who will learn riding, grooming, care and tack, as well as participate in other camp activities. $250, sponsored; $275, unsponsored. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com.

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8am - 5pm Summer Adventures Camp Weeks Activities Center, Aiken For those ages 5-12. Early drop off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick up until 5:30 p.m. available. $70 per week. Call 803-642-7631 or visit visitaikensc.com.

8am - 5pm Summer Fun Day Camp Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken For those ages 5-14. Early drop off at 7:45 a.m. available. $60 per week. Call 803-642-7761 or visit visitaikensc.com.

8:30am - 4:30pm Augusta Sailing Club Sailing Camp Clarks Hill Reservoir For ages 8-14, this camp features on the water sailing instructions and on-shore activities. $232, members; $258, non-members. Call 706-910-7920 or email sailcamp@ augustasailingclub.org.

8:30am - 2pm Summer Camp Active Climbing Indoor Rock Climbing and Ninja Warrior Center Kids will learn the basics of climbing techniques and equipment, make crafts, compete on ninja obstacles, play on the slide and more. $60 a day or $200 a week. Call 706-922-1054, email augusta@activeclimbing.com or visit activeclimbing.com.

9am - 4pm App Development for Sumo Robot League theClubhou.se A camp for those ages 11 and older in which participants will take their sumo robots to the next level by developing an Android-based mobile app to remotely control it.

Participants should bring a sack lunch. $300 per person, plus $20 for the kit. Call 706-723-5782 or visit theclubhou. se/camps/.

9am - 5pm Camp ENGage Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, Aiken For rising seventh graders, this camp will be an immersion into engineering and design-based thinking. Call 803-6413313 or visit rpsec.usca.edu/campengage/.

EDUCATION Thu July 14

10am - 3pm College and Financial Responsibility Fair Diamond Lakes Branch Library A HOPE-sponsored week-long event for rising seniors and non-graduates that will offer options for college, assistance with college registration, financial aid forms, tutoring for the GED if needed and more. Pre-registration required. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

10am - noon Computer Help Lab Thursdays Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Getting to Know Your PINES Account Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

11am Identity Theft Prevention North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Led by a representative from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7pm Ty Cobb North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Led by Don Rhodes. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Fri July 15

10am - 3pm College and Financial Responsibility Fair Diamond Lakes Branch Library A HOPE-sponsored week-long event for rising seniors and non-graduates that will offer options for college, assistance with college registration, financial aid forms, tutoring for the GED if needed and more. Pre-registration required. Call 706772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

Sat July 16

11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pmThe Other Tubmans Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

Mon July 18

3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

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10am - noon Foster Parent Orientation Necco Augusta A free weekly session. Pre-registration suggested. Call 706-210-3435 or visit necco. org.

Wed July 20

6pm - 7:30pm Spanish Conversation Headquarters Branch Library For those at beginner and intermediate levels.

Call 317-695-4748.

Thu July 21

10am - noon Computer Help Lab Thursdays Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

6pm Batter Up! Headquarter Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room An evening with baseball aficionado and local collector Lamar Garrard. Call 706-8261511 or visit arcpls.org.

Ongoing

James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-6402090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

Guided Tours 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation.

Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit 14JULY2016

wilsonboyhoodhome.org.

Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.

ELSEWHERE Thu July 14

7:30pm - 9pm Tours Elmwood Cemetery, Columbia, S.C. Participants can choose from a Secrets of the Grave Tour at 7:30 p.m. to study the symbols on the markers and headstones in this historic cemetery, or a Moonlight Cemetery Tour at either 8 or 8:30 p.m. Suitable for the entire family, participants should bring a flashlight.

Members: $8, adults, and $4, youth. Nonmembers: $12, adults, and $6, youth. Visit historiccolumbia.org.

EXHIBITIONS Thu July 14

6pm - 8pm Gallery Opening Reception Aiken Center for the Arts Featuring the works of those who attended the center’s 2016 summer camps, as well as the ACA Adult Student Exhibition. Works will show through August 6. Call 803-6419094 or visit aikencenterforthearts.org.

6pm - 7:30pm Meet the Artist: Jennifer White Hire Grounds Cafe White’s photography work, mostly of animals she meets in her job and volunteer work with rescue organizations, will be on display in the cafe in the month of July. Call 706-650- 5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.

Ongoing

Miru: Hope Full Soul Westobou Gallery A collection of new artwork by Staci Swider.

A book signing will take place September 2 for Swider’s new book “Acrylic Expressions: Painting Authentic Themes and Creating Your Visual Vocabulary.” The exhibition will show Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 1-September 2. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.

Out of Africa Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta A show featuring more than 80 pieces of African art from the locally owned corporate collection of Tibi Winston Ltd. Will show through August 19 in the main gallery. A reception will be held July 13 from 7-9 p.m. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.

Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.

FLIX Thu July 14

Imperial Theatre Part of the Summer Family Fun Film Series.

Free, but tickets required. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

6pm “Happy: A Small Film with a Big Smile” Imperial Theatre The premiere of the film based on the life of Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman and his Happy campaign. $20. For tickets, call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.

Tue July 19

2pm Retro Family Afternoon Movie

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

Appleby Branch Library Featuring “Turbo.” Participants are invited to bring their own snacks. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm “The Karate Kid”

5:45pm “Miles Ahead”

11am Thursday Movie Madness

Headquarters Branch Library A movie showing for young adults. Call 706821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

2:30pm Movie Time Friedman Branch Library Featuring a G-rated movie. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls. org.

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

Wed July 20

Noon “The Peanuts Movie” Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center Part of the Family Movie Matinee Series, door open for this event at noon and the movie starts at 12:30 p.m. Free. Call 706868-3484 or visit columbiacountyga.gov.

Sat July 16

10am “Jumanji” AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Wallace Branch Library With Tara Brunson. Pre-registration required.

Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10am Really Cool Reptiles Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members.

Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.

10:30am Creatures of the CSRA Appleby Branch Library A program for those ages 6-12 led by Sean Poppy from the Savannah River Ecology Lab. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.

“Jumanji” Imperial Theatre Saturday, July 16 10 a.m.

Part of the Summer Family Fun Film Series. Free, but tickets required.

706-722-8341 imperialtheatre.com Ongoing

Call for Entries Cause + Effect Georgia Progressive Film Competition The festival will accept through October 2 short film with a focus on social, political, environment or economic issues facing Georgia or a community in Georgia.

Open to all Georgia filmmakers. No entry fees. Semifinalist films will screen at Cine in Athens in November. Visit causeandeffectfilm.org.

HEALTH Thu July 14

5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.

7pm - 9:30pm Baby 101 Doctors Hospital An infant care and development class. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Mon July 18

1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.

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 August 1. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Wed July 20

2pm Paper Plate Ping Pong Headquarters Branch Library Participants will make paddles out of paper plates and then play ping pong. Preregistration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.

2:30pm - 5pm Get in the (Video) Game Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Dr. Edward Hightower, professor of history at Clark Atlanta University, will present a program on Georgia’s penal system during Reconstruction. Meetings are $12, including dinner. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.

Tue July 19

10am Genealogy 101 Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Participants will learn how to start a family history project, as well as discuss resources and strategies. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.

7pm - 9:30pm Childbirth Preparation

7pm Augusta Rose Society

University Health A four-week class meeting Wednesdays through August 3. Pre-registration required.

Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

First Baptist Church’s Adult Building Free. Call 803-215-0157 or visit theaugustarosesociety.org.

Thu July 21

6pm Breastfeeding Class Babies R Us Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.

Wed July 20

Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.

7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps and Bruises

Thu July 21

Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

HOBBIES Mon July 18

6pm - 8pm Civil War Roundtable

7pm Adult Coloring Night

KIDS-TEENS Thu July 14

10am Puppet Show and Workshop

Columbia County Library A teen program featuring gaming on a big screen with surround sound. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.

4pm Teen Book Club Harlem Branch Library Call 706-556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.

6pm Young Adult Summer Prom Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

8pm Nocturnal Thursdays: The World of Owls Reed Creek Park A program about the owls that live in Georgia for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.

Fri July 15

10:15am - noon Friday Story Times Aiken Public Library Story time are at 10:15 for those ages 0-23 months, at 11 a.m. for those ages 2-3 years and at 11:45 a.m. for those ages 4-5 years.

Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

10:15am - 11:30am Friday Story Times North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Story time are at 10:15 for those ages 0-2 years and at 11 a.m. for those ages 3-5 years.

Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

1:30pm Simply Science Fridays: Solids, Liquids and Gas Reed Creek Park 14JULY2016

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A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.

2:30pm Friday Afternoon Movie Columbia County Library A teen program featuring popcorn and a new movie each week. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

2:30pm Kids Self-Defense Class Harlem Branch Library Led by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department. Preregistration required. Call 706-556-9795 or visit gchrl.org.

1pm Game Day for Teens Maxwell Branch Library An event in which participants are invited to bring their own games or play the library’s. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls. org.

2pm Game Day Headquarters Branch Library A teen summer reading program event. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

4pm Get Pop-Cultured: Pokemon

3pm It’s Disgusting and We Ate It

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

North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A program for kids of all ages. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

7pm Get Pop-Cultured: Manga

7pm Get Pop-Cultured: Star Wars Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

7pm - 9pm Summer Blast Party Seigler’s Karate Center A party for kids that will include games, contests, the chance to compete on the Ninja Warrior obstacle course, light refreshments and more. $5. Visit goskc.com.

Sat July 16

9am - 1pm Touch a Truck Weeks Activities Center, Aiken An event in which participants will see, climb, sit in and explore bulldozers, police cars, ambulances and more. Kids are encouraged to wear swimsuits for a fire truck spray down.

Free. Visit cityofaikensc.gov.

9:30am - noon Growing Boys Trinity Hospital A class for boys ages 9-12, accompanied by their father, male relative or friend, in which participants will learn what to expect in the pre-adolescent years. $10; pre-registration required. Call 706-481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

9:30am - 2pm Junior Rangers Mistletoe State Park A program for those ages 6 and older, who will participate in lots of outdoor activities. Participants should bring lunch, water and sunscreen. $25; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

10am Raptors: Incredible Birds of Prey Reed Creek Park Falconer and wildlife educator Wade Carruth will give participants ages 5 and up a chance to see them up close. $7 per person. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.

10:30am Family Story Time Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

11am Are We There Yet? Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.

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

Mon July 18

10am - noon Maker Mondays Columbia County Library A teen event in which participants will work on a group project or one of their own using the library’s equipment.

Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.

10am Really Cool Reptiles Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.

10:30am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library A class for children ages 0-4 in which participants will learn how to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music.

Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm Movie Monday Headquarters Branch Library A G- or PG-rated movie will be shown in the children’s department. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

7pm The Amazing Library Race North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A YA program in which participants will race to complete 12 tasks. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Tue July 19

10:30am Big Kids Story Time Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 3-5. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time Imagination Station An event that includes stories, songs, counting and dancing.

Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.

6pm - 9pm On Being a Girl Trinity Hospital A class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers, female

friends or relatives, focused on the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706481-7604 or visit trinityofaugusta.com.

6pm - 8pm Slime & Playdough Factory Aiken Public Library A drop-in program for kids of all ages. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

Wed July 20

10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library For those ages 3-5. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.

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

10am - noon Wii Day Wednesday for Teens Wallace Branch Library An event that includes snacks and games. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am A Visit from the Morris Museum of Art Appleby Branch Library For those ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706-7366244 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Indoor Summer Carnival Friedman Branch Library An event that will include crafts, games and more. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.

10:30am Kat Kong Puppet Show North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.

10:30am Story Time for Tots Headquarters Branch Library Stories and songs for those ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm Lego Print Making Workshop Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm Savannah River Ecology Lab Aiken Community Playhouse A library program for those in grades K-5. Call 803-6422023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

3pm Savannah River Ecology Lab Aiken Community Playhouse A library program for those in grades K-5. Call 803-6422023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803-426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.

5pm Teens @ Your Library Diamond Lakes Branch Library AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

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Sat July 16

Call 706-736-6244 or visit ecgrl.org.

Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.

Ongoing

7:30pm Candlelight Wine & Dine

Silversneakers

11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing

Columbia County Amphitheatre Featuring Reggie Sullivan, Wayne Hoey and All That Jazz. Part of the Garden City Jazz concert series in which guests are invited to bring their own seating and picnic, and enjoy music and live art demos. $10; $200, VIP table for 8, which includes preferred seating and two bottles of wine; free, children ages 12 and under. Visit gardencityjazz.com.

Candlelight Wine & Dine Columbia County Amphitheatre Saturday, July 16 7:30 p.m.

Featuring Reggie Sullivan, Wayne Hoey and All That Jazz. $10; $200, VIP table for 8, which includes preferred seating and two bottles of wine; free, children ages 12 and under. gardencityjazz.com An event for those ages 12-17 that will include movies, crafts and/or board games.

Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

screen with surround sound. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.

4pm Color Me Happy

Thu July 21

Aiken Public Library A summer YA program. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

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

8pm Nocturnal Thursdays: Interesting Insects

9am Get Pop-Cultured: Comic Convention Collectibles on Sale

10am Pond Exploration Reed Creek Park A program in which participants ages 5 and up will learn about the animals living in the park’s ponds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.

10:30am B&B Puppet Theatre Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.

2pm Bike Clinic with Outspokin’ Bikes Headquarters Branch Library Brett Ardrey will teach kids bicycle safety as well as about the Tour de France during this clinic. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.

2:30pm - 5pm Get in the (Video) Game Columbia County Library A teen program featuring gaming on a big 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.

LITERARY Tue July 19

2pm Friends of the Aiken County Public Library Meeting Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.

MUSIC Thu July 14

7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring Palmetto Blue. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the community center. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.

Sun July 17

2pm Bethany and the Southside Boys Morris Museum of Art Part of the Music at the Morris series. Free.

Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.

7:30pm Candlelight Jazz Augusta Common Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for this live jazz concert. $6. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.

Mon July 18

7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring the Mike Frost Band. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and well-behaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit facebook.com/experienceaiken. The rainout hotline is 803-643-4661.

Tue July 19 - Wed July 20 7:30pm Heart Show Encore

Etherredge Center, Aiken This encore of the annual Aiken Women’s Heart Board’s February production will feature musical numbers from past performances. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Aiken Women’s Heart Board and the Theatre Department at USCA. $15. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.

Thu July 21

7pm Music in the Park Maude Edenfield Park, North Augusta Featuring ABBA Big Band. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the community center. Free. Visit naartscouncil.org.

SENIORS Thu July 21

10:30am Seniors Golden Games Appleby Branch Library

Senior Citizens Club Smith-Hazel Recreation Center Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon. Call 803-642-7634.

H.O. Weeks Center Silversneakers Classic Classes offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m., while Silversneakers Yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. at the Weeks Center in Aiken. $27, members; $52, nonmembers. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Games for Seniors H.O. Weeks Center Include Mahjong each Thursday from 1-4 p.m., Bridge each Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bingo each Tuesday 9-10 a.m., Pinochle each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and board games on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. Call 803642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

Senior Basketball H.O. Weeks Center Leagues for those ages 50 and up. Practice is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

SPECIAL EVENTS Thu July 14

8am - 6pm Auto Auction Preview Days Salvation Army, 1384 Greene Street Customers can view the inventory for the auction, which will be held Saturday, July 16, as well as look under the hood and start the vehicles. There is a $5 fee to register for the auction. Call 706-434-3178 or visit salvationarmycars.com.

5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.

Fri July 15

7pm Augusta Southern Nationals’ Night of Fire Augusta Common Visit augustasouthernnationals.org.

Sat July 16

8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street 14JULY2016

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The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.

SPIRITUAL

augustafencersclub.com.

Sat July 16

9am - 5pm Women Helping Women Conference

Augusta Sports Leagues

8am - 6pm Augusta Southern Nationals Savannah River $20-$80. Visit augustasouthernnationals.org.

8am - noon Auto Auction Salvation Army, 1384 Greene Street Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the auction begins at 10 a.m. There is a $5 fee to register for the auction. Call 706826-7933 or visit salvationarmycars.com.

4pm - 8pm Monthly Beer Tasting Whole Foods Featuring Bombers. $5. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

8pm “Engineering the International Space Station” 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.

9pm “Digistar Laser Fantasy” 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 July 17

8am - 6pm Augusta Southern Nationals Savannah River $20-$80. Visit augustasouthernnationals.org.

Tue July 19

7pm Sunshine’s Roast and Toast Church of the Good Shepherd This roast of former Sen. Charles Walker is presented by the Augusta Mini Theatre Community Arts & Life Sills School.

Proceeds benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial Book Scholarship Fund. $50; $400, table of 8. Call 706-722-0598 or visit augustaminitheatre.com.

Thu July 21

5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.

5pm - 8pm Third Thursday Tasting Wine World A drop-in event that features a wine or beer tasting. $5; $3 rebate upon purchase of a featured bottle. Call 803-2799522 or visit wineworldsc.com.

6pm - 8pm When Help Can’t Wait’s Live Art Auction Advent Lutheran Church A fundraiser for the group’s nursing home ministry that will include prints, original oils and more sold in a live auction with paddle bidding, as well as coffee, tea and desserts.

Admission is free, but please RSVP. Call 706-650-9467 or email whenhelpcantwait@comcast.net.

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Augusta Mission Center An event to help women find their gifts in the local mission field. Information sharing booths will be provided in areas of women’s health, children’s health, social services, Veterans Administration, financial planning, mental health and drug treatment. Featured speakers are Beth Ann Williams, executive director of the Women’s Mission Union, and Priscilla Gary, CSRA community leader. $15, advance; $20, door. Visit headofthegiantministry.com.

SPORTS-OUTDOORS Fri July 15

10am - noon Friday Summer Fun Mistletoe State Park Kid-friendly activities in the park led by a Naturalist. $5 plus $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.

7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Delmarva Shorebirds Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

Sat July 16

8am Mistletoe Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike Mistletoe State Park $5, parking. Visit tribluesky.com/mistletoe-state-park.

9am - 9:30am 4-H Yoga Phinizy Swamp Nature Park A third-Saturday class for kids of all ages and adults. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.

6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Delmarva Shorebirds Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.

Guided Tours Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.

Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal Tours Mondays-Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; the Civil War Boat Tour is daily at 1:30 p.m.; music cruises are Friday evenings at 7 p.m. in June; and sunset cruises are the third Saturdays, in June at 6 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students for Heritage Boat Tours and Civil War Boat Tours. They are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students or military for the music and sunset cruises. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged.

Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.

Zumba Classes Patriots Park Held Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Bobby Waters Gymnasium. Taught by Alex Stampher. First class is free; $5 for each after that. Call 831-521-6439 or visit alexandrastampher.zumba.com.

SUPPORT Thu July 14

12:30pm Breast Cancer Support Group

Sun July 17

AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1560 or visit augusta.edu.

Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

Sun July 17

5:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Delmarva Shorebirds

Mon July 18

7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Delmarva Shorebirds Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.

Tue July 19

10am - noon Aiken Adaptive Golf Clinic The First Tee of Aiken A free event for both beginner and long-time golfers ages 15 and older who have faced life-changing or acute illnesses or injuries. Visit waltonfoundation.net.

Ongoing

Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. Call 706-722-8878 or visit

11am Meditation Moments Ronald McDonald House An open support group for those in crisis or experiencing loss. Call 706-721-2929 or visit augusta.edu.

Mon July 18

6pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Meets at 6:15 Call 706-721-5557 or visit grhealth.org.

Tue July 19

10:20am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/ perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources.

Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.

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Augusta Southern Nationals Night of Fire: Augusta Common, Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m.

Races: Savannah River, Saturday-Sunday, July 1617, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. augustasouthernnationals.org 10:30am Alzheimer’s Support Group

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta

Overeaters Anonymous

Alzheimer’s Association A support group for caregivers. Call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-7900391 or visit tops.org.

Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@gmail.com.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group

Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-8680539 or visit tops.org.

Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.

La Leche League

Alcoholics Anonymous

A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.

Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.

2pm Alzheimer’s Support Group St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, North Augusta A support group for caregivers. Call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

6:30pm Alzheimer’s Support Group Brandon Wilde A support group for caregivers. Call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

Wed July 20

11:30am Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group AU Cancer Center For patients, family, friends and caregivers. Call 706-7211634 or visit auhealth.org.

6pm Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A group for teens and up that follows the methods of Recovery International. Call 630-605-6913 or visit recoveryinternational.org.

Thu July 21

6pm Bariatric Surgery Support Group University Hospital Call 706-774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.

Ongoing 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group GRU Cancer Center Meets the third Wednesday of each month. Call 706-7211634 or visit grhealth.org

Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@ journeycommunity.net.

Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.

Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.

Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.

Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.

THEATER Fri July 15

7:30pm “Freud’s Last Session” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

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8pm Dirty South Burlesque & Cabaret Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Sat July 16

7:30pm “Freud’s Last Session” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

8pm Dirty South Burlesque & Cabaret Le Chat Noir $20. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.

Sun July 17

3pm “Freud’s Last Session” Aiken Community Playhouse An Aiken Community Playhouse production. $20; $17, seniors; $12, students and $7, children 12 and under. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Tue July 19

7pm “Oklahoma!” Auditions Augusta Ballet School Parts for performers ages 16 and up are available for this Augusta Players production, which shows September 23-25 at the Imperial Theatre. For more information, call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.

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Steve Miller Band Bell Auditorium Tuesday, July 19 7:30 p.m. $49.50-$129.50 877-4AUGTIX georgialinatix.com

Thursday, July 14 Live Music

Downtown Farmers Market (Aiken) - Fuzzheimer Iron Heights - Never Count Me Out, Rookie of the Year, I the Victor, The TREP Agency Maude Edenfield Park (North Augusta) - Music in the Park w/ Palmetto Blue Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Red Pepper (Aiken) - The Mike Frost Band Soul Bar - The Young Step Stillwater Taproom - Nick and the Nightcrawlers Wild Wing - Will McCranie Trio The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.)

Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.)

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun

Friday, July 15 Live Music

Back Yard Tavern - 3rd Time Charmers Bar West - Live Music Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Logan Brill

32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

Eli’s American - Donna Jo Joe’s Underground - Last Time Only The Loft - Beauregard and the Down Right Red Pepper (Aiken) - Anybody’s Guess Shannon’s - Atomic Road Sky City - Hound of Goshen, Stink Bamboo, Vicky Grady Band Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Gavin Reily Stillwater Taproom - Laura Blackley and the Wildflowers Vinny’s Pizzeria (North Augusta) - Gerry Petrin, “Mr. Jukebox” Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn w/ Joanna Yeager Wild Wing - Deleveled The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Soul Bar - Soul Bar Sound Lab Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke

Saturday, July 16 Live Music

Columbia County Amphitheatre - Candlelight Wine & Dine Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Holman Autry Band Coyotes - Megan Fowler Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Jabez S. Hardin PAC - David Lee, the Ultimate Elvis Shannon’s - Shinebox Sky City - 499 Seats Somewhere in Augusta - Donna Jo Southbound Smokehouse - Perpetual Groove Stillwater Taproom - Jacob Beltz Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn w/ False Flag

Wild Wing - Tim Cardiere & the Washboard Road Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn

What’s Tonight?

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke

Sunday, July 17 Live Music

Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Concert Series Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Josh Johansson

What’s Tonight?

Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane

Music at the Turn w/ Joanna Yeager Whole Foods Friday, July 15 5-8 p.m.

Free 762-333-0260 wholefoodsmarket.com

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Monday, July 18 Live Music

Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ The Mike Frost Band Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words Soul Bar - The Hoy Polloy

What’s Tonight?

Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia

Tuesday, July 19 Live Music

Bell Auditorium - Steve Miller Band Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Soul Bar - Dollar Signs, Gloom Cocoon The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck

What’s Tonight?

Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper

Wednesday, July 20 Live Music

The Highlander - Open Mic Night

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Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Live Music

Chris Ndeti and Company

- Stillwater Taproom July 29 Hound of Goshen, The Will McCranie Band

What’s Tonight?

- Stillwater Taproom July 30

The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ Adam Dodd and Billy B Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey

Maxwell, Ro James

Upcoming

Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan

- Bell Auditorium August 6 Boston

- Bell Auditorium August 7 I Love the ‘90s Tour w/ Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Kid N Play, Rob Base, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd

- Bell Auditorium October 6 ZZ Top

- Bell Auditorium October 26

Elsewhere Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo, Melissa Etheridge

- Chastain Park, Atlanta July 16 Indigo Girls

- Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville July 16

Dip, Twinki

- Chastain Park, Atlanta July 17

- Soul Bar July 21

Macy Gray

Jaycie and the Beards

- City Winery, Atlanta July 18-19

- Stillwater Taproom July 21 Chris Robinson Brotherhood

Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates, Jhene Aiko

- Sky City July 22

- Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta July 22

Kenny George Band CD Release Party

Aaron Neville

- Stillwater Taproom July 23

- City Winery, Atlanta July 22-23

The Monkees

Garbage

- Bell Auditorium July 24

- The Tabernacle, Atlanta July 22

Crunk Witch, Gloom Cocoon

Digable Planets

- Soul Bar July 25

- The Masquerade, Atlanta July 22

Dead Neighbors

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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 33

V27|NO28

SIGHTINGS

Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Summer Bell, Cassie Alexander and Crystal McKnight at Fuse Creative Cuisine & Craft Beer.

Michael Downing, Jamie Alexander, Catherine Waldron and Jack Owen at Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Savannah Beal, Ariel King and Pam McCurry at World of Beer.

Darriouse and Brenda Jackson with Emily Harrison and Johnny Covington at 1102 Downtown.

Kristin Wheeler, Lauren Wheeler and Dylan Sides in downtown Augusta.

Jaclyn Habeeb, Dominic Harrell, Casey Joye and Jennifer Joye at Sole.

Kevin Wood, Cam Henry and Carmen Savalli at Stillwater Taproom.

Laura Ellis, Kelly Foster and Emily Burnsed at the Indian Queen.

Ashley Pernett, Kevin Fisher and Kateln Cartier at the Indian Queen.

34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

14JULY2016

SHUNNED

By Samuel A. Donaldson/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Carol opening 7 Unable to make a mess?

11 “Yeah, same here” 19 Crankcase base 20 Rib-eye alternative 21 “S.N.L.” cast member, 1985-90 22 Emmerich who directed “Independence Day” 23 Portrayer of Buffett in “Too Big to Fail” 24 Doesn’t cool down 25 What’s involved in a tongue twister?

28 Alternative to “la” 29 School leader?

30 Good looks or a nice personality 31 Who said, “If you even dream of beating me, you’d better wake up and apologize” 32 Very, very top of the earth’s crust?

35 Outback baby 37 ____ Na Na 39 Subject of many an internet meme 40 Did some housecleaning 41 Internet annoyances 44 Handler of many trays, for short 45 Unit of bricks, so to speak 47 Beryl and bornite 48 Mary Kay rival 49 First home of the three rich little pigs?

55 Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls 56 We all do it 57 Recently retired Laker great, to fans 58 Green Day drummer 63 Gussying up 66 Wally’s bro, on ’50s-’60s TV 68 Raw footage?

69 Counting rhyme start 70 Bank-window letters 72 Donald Duck’s nephews, e.g.

74 ____ Barkley, Truman’s vice president 75 Sing about?

76 Dixie term of address 78 Curt ____, 2001 World Series M.V.P. 80 Suffragist Elizabeth Cady ____ 83 Polish site 85 Entrance requirements, informally 86 The first step 87 Two things the candy lover took to the beach?

90 Going ____ 91 Still quite red

95 Abbr. on a copier tray 96 Every leader of North Korea so far 97 Like supermarkets, theaters and planes 99 Sci-fi-inspired toys of the 1980s 101 Suffix with Darwin 103 Point 104 Peer onstage 105 What an overbearing sergeant causes?

108 Green org.

110 Actress Hayek 114 …, to Samuel Morse 115 Spirits: Abbr.

116 What improved tire tread produces?

119 Something you might have a handle on 122 New Mexico natives 123 Ruin, as a parade 124 IMAX predecessor 125 Cousin of an impala 126 Seinfeld’s “puffy shirt,” e.g.

127 Painkillers 128 Spine part 129 Detects DOWN 1 It helps get the blood flowing 2 Some gowns 3 “American Psycho” author 4 The cantina in “Star Wars,” e.g.?

5 Bit of summer wear 6 Onetime Expos/Mets outfielder Chávez 7 X-coordinate 8 Custom 9 New York native 10 “Vive ____!”

11 Response: Abbr.

12 Too tired for the task, say 13 Product that works, and is stored, under the sink 14 Mystery writer Dorothy 15 “____ bodkins!”

16 More run-down 17 Like some soap 18 Shifts to the right 20 Follow 26 Appointment-book page 27 Fed. reactor monitor 33 Ink 34 Wee hour 36 Will work

1

38 Peddle 41 Coddles 42 Have thirds, say 43 Cornmeal dish 44 Hot 46 Winter Olympics powerhouse: Abbr.

50 “Glad the week’s almost over!”

51 Pitchfork-wielding group 52 Help illegally 53 Narrows the gap with 54 Only country with a nonrectangular flag 59 Where they sell accessories at a pet shop?

60 Like a satellite’s path 61 Unvarying in tone 62 Kind of truck 64 Red Cross setup 65 Humongous 67 Mark 71 Group sharing a tartan 73 Only state with a nonrectangular flag 77 Rap epithet 79 “Nope, huh-uh” 81 Night ____ 82 Bottom-line figure 84 Villain in “The Avengers” 88 Historic blocks 89 Internet surfing, often 91 Daphne du Maurier novel made into a Best Picture 92 Flooded with 93 “South Pacific” star ____ Brazzi 94 Squeak (by) 98 Proportionate 100 Like a clear night sky 102 Quill tip 103 Yearly tree growths 104 Long-nosed fish 106 Online finance firm 107 Moved like sap 109 Concern for vets 111 “Peanuts” thumb-sucker 112 North Woods denizen 113 Queen ____ lace 117 Some, to Spaniards 118 Some Wall St. traders 120 “Ideas worth spreading” grp.

121 “Live ____” (Taco Bell slogan)

2

3

4

5

6

7

19 22 26

30

31 35 42

10

11

55

32 37

38

50

70

75 81

92

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94

77

120

78

112

113

90 97

116

98

104 108

109

110

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118 123

124

125

126

127

128

129

O H A R A

111

86

122

C O M A S

62

79

103 107

121

61

74

85

96 102

115

119

59 68

89

106

114

60

47 54

73

84

95

105

46

53

72

83

101

18

29

67

88

100

17

34

58

71

82

87

99

52

66

76

80

16

40

57 65

69

15

28

39

51

64

14

33

45

56

63

13

24

44 49

12

21

27

36

43

48

91

9

23

25

41

8

20

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS A B R A M

T O I L S

T I H O V A T O N O R Y

G E M

A L A B O D M I L E P A D R E L M D Y A D S E N A T I A L E C P A R E

R A C K O H O O N E R S M E S A V O T E E R S C R C A R A U S A G N K E E E A N N E T A R M E S B O D I A R T A S T I O N A L K C O E E X

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

E S R T E P I N P I T A T E N D L G A R E E N A T R R A T E H A V R D I U S E C L U B

L E N A

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B E E T E S

A M B I T

R I S E S

A B N E T Y S B E L L E

A S S E S

V27|NO28

THE EIGHT

BOX TOPS Looks like you need to be an animated movie to do really well at the box office this summer.

RANK TITLES

WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK

1

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

$104,352,905

$104,352,905

1

-

2

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN

$21,006,462

$81,804,174

2

2

3

FINDING DORY

$20,817,949

$423,047,192

4

1

4

MIKE AND DAVE...

$16,628,170

$16,628,170

1

-

5

THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR

$12,388,445

$58,798,720

2

3

In Theaters July 15

COMEDY

“Ghostbusters,” rated PG-13, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Annie Potts. We don’t care if dudes are pissed off that someone dared to remake this classic with an female cast; we think it looks hilarious and are convinced that, after seeing it, many will realize that Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon are funnier than McCarthy and Wiig. Plus, most all of the original main players are back, so that can’t be bad.

36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

DRAMA

“The Infiltrator,” rated R, starring Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Amy Ryan. This movie is based on the true story of a U.S. Customs agent who, in 1986, infiltrated Columbian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar’s network. Sounds intense, and Cranston is perfect for the role of would-be money launderer.

DRAMA

“Café Society,” rated PG-13, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Steve Carell, Parker Posey, Blake Lively. A 1930s period piece that bounces from East Coast to West and back, the critics’ consensus is that this is a pretty movie that could have been great but, in the end, doesn’t say much about life or love.

14JULY2016

V27|NO28

What Is a BlockBuster?

By Tyler Strong

You’ve probably heard the term “blockbuster” about a million times. You’ve probably even used it to describe a movie yourself at some point. But does anyone really know what that word means?

The biggest brick-and-mortar movie and video game rental franchise ever based their company brand on this name and we don’t have a real definition! Remember when we had to go all the way around the corner to the local Blockbuster to get a movie for the night? Dark days.

In its most literal form, the word “blockbuster” could be a term for crowds of people lining up at their local movie theater box office, literally “busting the block” with the amount of foot traffic… but that’s just one man’s opinion. Since summer is the season most often associated with that “blockbuster” tag, I decided to take a closer look at this word and what it says about the movies we assign the term to.

The summer of 1975 is widely considered the birth of the blockbuster. It’s no coincidence that a little movie called “Jaws” was released on June 20, 1975. This movie changed the landscape of movies and the theater-going experience forever, and the sheer number of imitators and copycats that have tried to recapture what made “Jaws” so great is astounding.

How do you first hear about a movie? It’s either word of mouth or a movie trailer, right? Back in 1975, movies were usually released gradually, starting with densely populated cities and then slowly trickling down to the suburbs after a few weeks had passed.

However, in the case of “Jaws,” studio executives decided that a barrage of TV ads would sweep into American homes before the movie released in 400 theaters — on the same day.

This was almost unheard of. The thinking was that by getting a ton of attention drummed up for the movie and releasing it all at once, everyone would be talking about and seeing “Jaws” even before critics had a chance to give their two cents and influence the movie-going public.

Boy, did that pay off. “Jaws” owned the weekend box office for a record 14 weekends, and many other box-office records were crushed by its rampant popularity.

Riding on the success of the shark, director Steven Spielberg then rattled off an absolutely legendary string of movies, including “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and perhaps his most magical film of all — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a pretty nice follow-up performance to me.

It wasn’t long after “Jaws” that the next summer blockbuster came around… “Star Wars.”

While the sequels of the former have been nothing to write home about (except maybe to say “Stay away!”), the cultural impact and long-lasting success of “Star Wars” can not be underplayed.

There will never be another “Star Wars.” This is, of course, a figurative statement since there have been six more “Star Wars” films since 1977, with even more coming down the pipe in the future. But nothing says movie magic quite like the original film. The perfect marriage of space, westerns and pure adventure is manifested in “Star Wars,” and it’s a perfect movie as far as I’m concerned.

The team behind “Star Wars” couldn’t afford anything like the massive ad campaign that “Jaws” employed, and that made it all the more unbelievable when box offices began bringing in money hand over fist from audiences wanting to see the cultural phenomenon of “Star Wars” again and again and again. The creativity and heart of that original film puts it right up there with “Jaws” as one of the blockbuster cornerstones.

After taking a closer look at the term in question, it doesn’t seem all that ambiguous to me anymore. Although no dictionary entry exists to give me the exact definition of “blockbuster,” I believe that a movie that garners huge commercial success while also capturing the hearts and minds of the moviegoing crowd (with bonus points if its released in the heat of summer) can be characterized as a blockbuster.

However, like “Jaws” and “Star Wars” and many others after them, there’s a special kind of intangible magic involved with the truly great blockbusters that simply can’t be defined, and those are the ones I’m hoping for every year when summer arrives.

14JULY2016

AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

METROSPIRIT 37

V27|NO28

White Like Me Outraged citizens. Neighborhood organizers. The Right. The Left. The NRA. The GOP. The NAACP. Whites. Blacks. Hispanics. Asians. Urban dwellers. Suburbanites.

Baptists. Catholics. Jews. Muslims.

Us. Them.

We all need to take a moment to seriously get over ourselves.

America needs to grow up.

I am punching this column out while sitting in the Salt Lake City International Airport. Hundreds of people all around me, and I am the darkest skinned guy in sight.

Seriously. In the land of Senator Orin Hatch and the Osmond Brothers, I look more closely related to Tito Jackson than anyone else on Concourse E. But I am not that different. And I know that. And if anyone besides my wife notices my presence, I am pretty sure no one is going to think that I am much different.

Hours of yard work and a robot pool vacuum on the fritz has put me in the sun a lot this summer, so I am kinda dark.

But I am not black.

I do not know what it is to be black. I have no idea what goes through the mind of someone who forever lives with the impression that they are in a constant battle against bigotry and discrimination and systemic suspicion and angst.

But… I am a man. So come to think of it, I kinda know what all that is. In a way.

It first hit me around 10 years old. I had always been perfectly at home around girls.

Didn’t care much for their toys or the games they played, but they were cute, and ticklish, and easy to scare. So it was cool to have a few around as often as possible.

Neighbors, cousins, even my female baby sitters... I loved chasing them, teasing them and generally making their lives a little more exciting.

But somewhere around 1975, I was told I needed to calm down. The girls who had always enjoyed my admittedly aggressive attention were changing and, because of that, I had to alter my behavior. No more chasing, or teasing, and forget about tossing lizards and dead bugs at them. That was frowned upon, as well.

Also, and this was most disturbing of all, the girls in the neighborhood started looking at me and most of my male cohorts as some type of bizarre and outrageous aliens. My female relatives never copped that attitude toward me personally, but it seemed almost overnight that every boy in the fifth grade was looked at as “suspect” by our female friends and classmates.

And yes, it is a suspicious prejudice that I am sad to report continues against me, and every other puberty aged male on the planet. According to my older friends and family members, it is a permanent condition that we will all carry to our graves.

Women are suspicious of men. Look a strange woman in the eye in a dark parking lot and see what happens. Listen in on any mother giving her daughter “the talk” about boys and the only thing they want. The minister of our church is so aware of the “fear” and the “talk” generated when a male meets with a female in private, that he refuses to do it. Smart man.

So yes, I kinda-sorta know what it feels like to live with unearned and unspecific suspicion all the time.

You might think that would be the end of the bigotry and prejudice tossed my way, unless you remember that I am well-known conservative who has for years worked hundreds of hours annually, most of my life since age 15, in Augusta’s performing arts community. In a world largely populated with talented, raging left wingers, I stick out like a pork chop at a Louis Farrakhan dinner.

Once folks get to know me, they usually only dislike me for my genuine personality quirks (who wouldn’t?) and the fact that I am a conservative doesn’t bother them that much. But I would not be exaggerating to tell you that I have heard it said in one way or another a thousand times, “Oh man, you are not the Neanderthal I thought you were supposed to be, you are just a typical ass like the rest of us…”

But still, I’m not black.

So I don’t know, and will never know, what it is like to be black in America. I also don’t know what it is to be gay, handicapped, Norwegian, female or a Cleveland Browns fan.

Those poor bastards. Cleveland fans, I mean.

38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989

I cannot know your experience, just as you cannot know mine. But that is why we are supposed to use common sense, good manners and, oh yes, the law, to get us past our differences.

Try to be smart, strive to be kind, but when all else fails, follow the law. If you believe the law is failing you, turn to others and share the concern.

What we cannot do, what we must never do, is surrender the covenant we have made as Americans to stand united in respect of the law.

It is not enough to obey the law in our own house, because if we turn a blind eye when the law is broken next door, the fallout and the damage to the body as a whole is real.

American law enforcement officers have 3 million engagements with the public each and every day. The number of those interchanges that go wrong are less than one tenth of one percent of the total. While no one wants to be that “one tenth,” it appears to be an overwhelmingly successful system an overwhelming number of times.

We can make it better, we need to make it better, and that starts, not with the officers who have always had extensive training and guidance on how to behave, but with the general public, who has not. In almost every single episode involving violence between cops and citizens, the citizens are being combative, uncooperative and belligerent. A physical altercation with law enforcement never ends well for the civilian.

Never.

Remember that, and also keep in mind that the officers we see getting maligned, threatened and, as of last week, murdered on live TV, are the ones who come to your house or your business when you have a problem that requires law enforcement.

Funny how that works. I have had to call 911 a few times myself over the years, and it was not the media, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump or Jesse Jackson who showed up… it was the police.

Just like Batman, you put up the signal and they will come. Every single time. 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.

14JULY2016