Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
May 10, 2018
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Table of Contents Augusta’s Independent Voice Since 1989 • Metrospirit.com
Kris Fisher Whine Line Feature
11 12 14 Chamber Music 18 Food Stuff 22 Thunder Over Evans 24 Calendar 27 Music Listings 34 The Eight 36 Sightings 38 Austin Rhodes 39
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Still kicking taste buds, 21 years later Page 22
The Insider Race for Columbia County Chair takes odd turn by The Insider
Out to the Ballgame Page 14 10MAY2018
For the past several months, the focus has really been on only two people in the race for Columbia County Commission Chair: Former EMA Director Pam Tucker and District 1 Commissioner Doug Duncan. The third candidate, Mark Herbert, has been present at the debates and public forums, but because of Tucker’s longtime position with the county and Duncan’s current role on the Board of Commissioners, Herbert hasn’t gotten much press. That all changed this month. On May 1, Herbert released a news release questioning “possible misappropriation of Columbia County SPLOST and GO Bond funds.” “In my preparation to be your next Columbia County Commission Chairman, my team and I set out to fully understand the county budget,” Herbert wrote in the news release. “During our review we found questions regarding SPLOST and GO Bond funds being used for a number of things prohibited by law which include employee salaries, maintenance contracts and more. Digging deeper it appears this may have been going on since 2010 and could put the county at great risk.” In order to protect the citizens of Columbia County, Herbert decided to expand his team to get a “better grasp of the SPLOST issues,” so he could “quickly identify solutions and put together a plan to address the possible problem.” “Columbia County deserves better,” Herbert stated. For a candidate who has been flying under the radar for the past several months, this was quite a news release. > Continued on next page AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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The Insider
Race for Columbia County Chair takes odd turn
> Continued from the previous page by The Insider
Herbert insisted that he was going to get to the bottom of the issue. “While these questions are extremely disturbing, it is important that the citizens of Columbia County are made aware of the possible negligence shown by Columbia County Government,” Herbert stated, adding, “I’m sure you have questions, too. It is time for answers.” Well, needless to say, it didn’t take long for Columbia County Administrator Scott Johnson to respond to Herbert’s allegations. “To my knowledge, neither Mr. Herbert nor anyone from his campaign has made a single inquiry to county leadership regarding spending,” Johnson stated in a May 2 press release. “That said Columbia County stands ready to address any and all issues once 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
properly raised. Based on these serious accusations, I respectfully request Mr. Herbert to provide my office specific details including names, dates, and any other information he may have of all perceived improprieties. Once received, we will address each item openly and will engage both our internal and external auditors to provide oversight if necessary.” All of Johnson’s comments up to that point were completely professional and understandable. However, the final line of Johnson’s statement to the press definitely had some teeth in it. “I feel quite certain our accounting is in order and his misunderstanding is simply a result of his lack of knowledge and experience in government operations,” Johnson said at the very end of his statement to the press.
Basically, here’s the translation as to what Johnson really meant with that final sentence: “Mark Herbert doesn’t have a clue about what the hell he’s talking about. Vote for Doug Duncan.” Well, Herbert definitely got the attention he’s looking for; however, he might have just burned some serious bridges with his future county administrator if he wins the May 22 election. Of course, ill feelings in this race for county commission chair are not uncommon this time around. Obviously, everyone knows that there is no love lost between Johnson and candidate Pam Tucker after her abrupt resignation last year and controversial exit from the county. But it also appears that Tucker is willing to take sides when it comes to some of her possible future colleagues on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. On the same day that Herbert released his press release, Tucker shocked many longtime politicos by actually endorsing candidates in other Columbia County commission races. “There have been numerous campaign forums held over the last couple of months. I am so happy I have had a chance to personally talk with, as well as listen to the platforms of the other candidates running in Commission District 1 and Commission District 4,” Tucker posted on her campaign’s Facebook page on May 1. “I give praise to everyone for stepping up and going through what it takes to run a campaign, but there are two individuals who really stand out from the pack. Hafeez Chaudhry in District 1 and Lee Muns in District 4.” Such endorsements by a political newcomer is unheard of in local politics. “Both of these candidates have campaign websites and I really encourage you to visit those sites and read about their platforms, experience and even contact them personally and see for yourself that they really do stand out with the best qualifications to serve,” Tucker wrote. “It’s time to truly dislodge from the establishment and the tax and spend mentality. Three weeks from today, we have a chance to really make a positive difference.” Apparently, it’s a new day for campaigns in Columbia County. What will happen next with less than two weeks left before the May 22 election? Stay tuned.
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The Insider How tight is the mayor’s race? by The Insider With about two weeks left before the May 22 election, Augusta mayoral candidate Gould Hagler sent out a press release this week insisting that he was tied with “career politician” Mayor Hardie Davis. Tied in the mayor’s race? Hagler must be dreaming. While anything is possible, and the mayor has really turned people’s stomachs during his first term in office, Davis still won the 2014 race with 75 percent of the vote and Hagler is a newbie on the local political scene. So, where is Hagler getting the proof to back this claim that he’s neck and neck with Davis? None other than a paid pollster. Apparently, according to a survey conducted earlier this month by Clout Research, a national opinion research firm based in Ohio, Hagler holds 42 percent of the vote while Davis has 41 percent. The remaining voters are reportedly undecided. So, not only does this research firm have Hagler tied with Davis, but it actually has him one percentage point ahead of the mayor, eh? (Of course, it should be pointed out that the survey has a margin of error of 4.86 percent, but that’s beside the point.) Seems awfully optimistic for Hagler, doesn’t it? According to a memo by Fritz Wenzel, founder and partner of Clout Research, his company’s telephone survey of 404 Richmond County residents found Davis with a “statistically insignificant edge” over Hagler among voters who said they were firm in their selection. According to the survey, Davis was leading 35 percent
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to Hagler’s 33 percent, with 18 percent yet undecided in the contest. “When those who said they were ‘leaning’ toward one or the other of the candidates are folded into the equation, Hagler wins 42 percent support, compared to 41 percent for Davis,” Wenzel wrote in this week’s memo. “Among the ‘leaners,’ Hagler was favored by 9 percent, while Davis has 6 percent who said they are leaning toward supporting him.” The only category that Clout Research has Davis significantly leading in the race is with local Democrats. “Davis wins 58 percent support from Democrats, while 28 percent of Dems said they support Hagler,” Wenzel wrote. “Among Republicans, 63 percent support Hagler, compared to 20 percent who support Davis. Among political independents, 42 percent support Hagler, while 35 percent are backing the incumbent.” But those independents could decide the future of the city, Wenzel wrote. “Among independents, 23 percent are undecided, and this is a demographic group that could become very important in the next two weeks,” the memo stated. “That said, 18 percent of Republicans and 14 percent of Democrats remain undecided with two weeks to go.” Wenzel insisted his survey’s results imply that Davis is in real trouble. “That the level of undecided voters is so high is not good news for Davis, as incumbents who have locked down their re-election seldom face such indecision among the electorate so late in an election race,” Wenzel wrote. “Another indication that Davis may have hit his high-water mark in the race is that his core supporters – the 35 percent who said they are ‘firm’ in their support of the incumbent – represent barely onethird of voters in the election.” According to Clout Research’s survey, Davis should be worried about Hagler’s momentum prior to May 22. “Davis is also a well-known quantity for a local political figure, as 85 percent of voters know who he is. While 57 percent have a favorable opinion of Davis, 28 percent hold an unfavorable view,” Wenzel wrote. “Hagler is known by 56 percent of voters, including 44 percent who have a favorable opinion of him, compared with 13 percent who hold an unfavorable opinion. That Hagler is unknown by 44 percent of the electorate, and yet is statistically tied in this race, is a tremendous negative mark against Davis.” Wenzel insisted that all Hagler has to do is focus on getting his name out into the public. “The challenge for Hagler is to boost his name identification over the next two weeks, and to offer a simple and direct contrast to Davis and a forward-looking agenda in terms of political leadership and management of the city and Richmond County,” Wenzel wrote. That’s it. No problem... except for one thing: People hate polls. Even though this research firm’s surveys have been featured on several major television and cable news networks across the country, doesn’t mean it can accurately predict a local political race. In fact, just ask Jon Ossoff, the former Democratic candidate for Congress in the special election for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District.
An automated survey in March 2017 by the very same Clout Research showed Ossoff leading the pack in the race to replace former Georgia Republican Rep. Tom Price. Clout Research’s survey indicated that Ossoff was leading the race in March 2017 with 41 percent followed by two Republicans: former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel and businessman Bob Gray, who had 16 percent each. The July special election quickly became one of the most expensive U.S. House races in history with Handel and Ossoff competing for the seat. Politicians from all over the country got involved in this race, including President Donald Trump. But in the end, guess who won? Not Ossoff. Despite the results of the survey by Clout Research, Handel won in an extremely close race with 51.9 percent of the votes in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District compared to Ossoff ’s 48.1 percent. Close, but no cigar. So, if Hagler is smart, he won’t take the results of this survey too seriously. If he really wants to win, he needs to hit the streets and work for it.
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Kris Fisher My chick bad by Kris Fisher
Grillin’ season is upon us! Like most men, I take pride in my grilling skills. Marinating the meat, regulating the temp on the grill, getting the right amount of smoke — these are all things that excite me about grilling. But probably the thing that I love most is when my family comes to hang out while I grill. We crank up some reggae music (always reggae while we grill; it’s become a tradition), we talk about whatever comes to mind, and we enjoy the smell of the meat searing over the coals. Truth be told, I probably KRIS FISHER is the midday host stretch the grilling time out more than is necessary to enjoy and program director for HD98.3 this scenario. and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and Something happened earlier this week. I went out to dinner lover of all things adventurous, with my brother and cousin. The only problem is, my wife as well as activities most people had said earlier in the day that we needed to grill the ‘chops would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com. in the fridge tonight or else they’ll go bad. But my brother and cousin had just moved home. I was excited to spend some time with them and we were commiserating over our hospitalized grandfather. I decided that the chops can wait another day. Then my world came crashing down. My wife decided she’d go ahead and grill them. I didn’t think much of it. She is throwing dinner together solo, so who am I to complain that she’s using my grill? It’s one of those stupid man things, like touching our tools and mowing the yard properly. This is our realm. It’s best to just let us have it because, y’know, the male ego is a fragile one. As she was grilling, she snapped me a few pics of the progress. I’ll admit: the chops looked good. But I was sure they’d eat ’em and decide that they weren’t quite as good as Dad’s. I didn’t think much more about it until the next day. I brought some of the leftovers to work with me. I remember thinking to myself “heh, let’s see how she tried to measure up to … oh, damn, these things are delicious!” With each swallow of lunch, I swallowed a little more pride. I was outgrilled by my wife. It didn’t help that the last pork chops I grilled were a little extra charred. In fact, my kids didn’t even eat them. A day passes, and upon returning home from my son’s football practice, I discover that she graced the grill again. This time, she threw some burgers on and #nailedit! Ugh! Shown up by the wife on my own grill two nights in a row. The timing is perfect: As Mother’s Day approaches, I’m reminded that my wife is more than just an amazing Mom. She slays at the “Dad Stuff ” too, which is one of the things I love about her. However, according to some idiotic male bylaw somewhere, I now have to make some public declaration and officially turn in my man card. So here you have it. It’s a tough road, but I’ll have to earn the man card back. I plan to start immediately by excessive use of a chainsaw in the back yard, working on some sort of mechanical repair in the garage and watching gangster movies from my recliner while drinking whiskey, all while grunting like Tim Allen: Argh Argh Argh… 10MAY2018
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I bet you a new Rec Tec grill that the company is not paying full rent for Evans Town Center Park. I hope Johnson is enjoying his free grill.
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.
I saw someone driving a stolen police car the other day. How do I know? He had his lights on in the rain; he was going the speed limit; and he was using this turn signals. C’mon- when does that happen? Hello salad (s); FYI, kale is NOT food. Iceberg, romaine & maybe spinach, but kale is no way near food. A goat would rather eat kudzu!! Sooo.. the Sheriff and DA have time to spy on people’s social media accounts under the guise of “stopping gun violence” but they can’t find a rapist? Sad. Don’t worry about the ticket prices at the Miller. When they can’t get enough people for those prices, they will lower them. Then events there can become more affordable like at the Bell and the James Brown Arena. Is anyone else shocked that Columbia County Republicans continue to stand behind and support a convicted wife beater? If Our “Fearless Leaders” spent OUR MONEY on Proposed Projects that it spends on “Studies” for Proposed Projects, Area Residents would Experience Real Progress! BUT! Y’all keep putting those Same “Fearless Leaders” in position to Stymie Any Real Progress! Enjoy Stagnation! You Voted for It! Women want equality? If so, many things are going to have to change. Women must be compelled to register for the draft. Women must directly compete with men in aspects including all sports and occupations. No longer should the bar be dropped to allow women to “feel” equal to men. We all must jump the same height hurdles, throw the same weight shot put and discus regardless if you are a man or a women. That is of course, we are all created equal. 12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
I can’t vote for someone who talks about cutting county positions. It’s too bad because now i have no choice but to vote the status quo. I was really hoping you would be the one Ms. Tucker. But I won’t vote for someone who intends to force county departments to fight for scraps. Has anyone else noticed that Lee Muns reads a script when introducing himself to the citizens of Columbia County? The other candidates in the District 4 race engage with and speak to the residents who attend the various forums. A “script” is probably the safest thing for Mr. Muns but it doesn’t appeal to people. And FYI Mr. Muns, pack up your circus tent because an alleged vendetta against Scott Johnson (whose ex-wife you are currently married to) is not a valid reason to run for office. Austin Rhodes’ blabber affords law attorneys glad rides. Get an education first! Kanye is right. Kanye, Snoop, Hillary, Colin, Maxine, Fox, CNN, all the NBA,and NFL, they are all millionaires. They should support 45. All the policies from 45 are great for everybody who is a millionaire. It’s the non-millionaires that I don’t understand. What’s your reason ? An Ego boost doesn’t pay the bills. You not even allowed on the golf course with the Hatians, and Mexican staff of Mar Lago. Don’t stick your own head in the poop.
It’s obvious Pam Tucker, or one of her supporters, spends a lot of time sending rants about Doug Duncan to the Spirit Whine Line. I’ll be SO glad when the election is over and we can get pass all the nasty politics; especially from the builder in the chairman’s race. The United States took a chance on voting a NON-POLITICIAN to The Office of President of the United States, and I sure do like what he has accomplished so far. Here’s hoping the residents of Columbia County will vote a NON-POLITICIAN into office, to encourage the stagnant old guard to get with the program and do their jobs. TRANSPARENCY...That’s a big word now on the revamped CC website. We’ll see what that means! Scott Johnson is barely a fair weather friend. United States of American Corporations. They own us now. Bow to your masters. Many people, including Dewey Galeas and even Pam Tucker, acknowledged the tragic passing of beloved Columbia County Investigator Frank Dodson. Lee Muns did not. Does
he still hold a grudge against CCSO because his son was arrested and sent to prison? If so, how could he effectively serve as a commissioner? Also, being currently married to Scott Johnson’s exwife sets the stage for even more Muns drama. Galeas equals results. Muns equals drama. It’s TIME for a new Sheriff and his posse. They remind me of Bill Anderson and his two thugs (one who is dead, and the other a PI), who controlled everything in the 70’s. If I ever needed a PI, it damn sure wouldn’t be this one. The company that repaved the roads in Montclair subdivision dumped asphalt all over West Road, Warren Road, Washington Road, and all the way up Clausen Road! That’s the sloppiest job I’ve ever seen done in my life. Now Montclair looks good, but all the surrounding roads look like crap! Idiots. People are talking about impeaching Donald Trump. How about impeaching Trump voters from the rolls? Any shmuck who voted for Trump should never be allowed to vote ever again. Serious question. What happens if more No votes come in versus Yes votes on both arena questions? Please whine about something else you people are pitiful.
Fox 54 Morning News, YOU SUCK! Jay, you’re the only one worthy of being on TV in that studio.. The anchors can’t read. They can’t pronounce simple words or names. The engineers behind the glass, you can’t spell, you can’t keep the cameras aimed in at the right people, you can’t set up the screens without changing people’s names.
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City Administrator Todd Glover announced earlier this year that the city would provided Lyft, Uber and taxi pick-up and drop-off stations on Railroad Avenue parallel to SRP Park just feet from the main entrance. “The Uber and Lyft drop-off lines are moving smoothly, but a lot of the people who are getting picked up, they are also using alternative pick-up points besides just the ones that the GreenJackets and the city have designated,” Fittery said. “For example, some people are telling their Uber or Lyft drivers, ‘Hey, meet me at the top of the hill,’ so they will meet up there, which will help get the traffic in and out even better.” SRP Park can seat more than 5,000 guests for GreenJackets’ games and between 9,000 to 10,000 people for concerts or other special events, but currently, there are only roughly 1,100 on-site parking spaces adjacent to ballpark. “So, if folks plan ahead and have a designated driver or arrange for an Uber or Lyft, that also helps with parking,” Fittery
“We take DUIs very seriously in our community. On average, we probably arrest about 150 DUIs a year.” — Sgt. Aaron Fittery of North Augusta Public Safety’s Traffic Division
Before this week’s first Thirsty Thursday for the Augusta GreenJackets at SRP Park, North Augusta Public Safety reminds patrons to stay safe by Stacey Eidson | stacey@themetrospirit.com Anyone who has lived in the Augusta area for more than a few months has probably already heard the warning: Be careful crossing the 13th Street bridge into South Carolina. North Augusta Public Safety will be watching. Motorists have been speeding across the bridge into North Augusta for decades only to see the flashing lights of a motorcycle cop in their rearview mirror along Georgia Avenue. Last year alone, North Augusta Public Safety issued a total of 8,261 traffic citations, which included everything from speeding to more serious offenses such as driving under the influence. That was an increase of more than 325 citations from 2016. The department also issued 3,375 traffic warnings just last year, which was an increase of almost 500 traffic warnings from 2016, according to the department’s public safety reports. But now, with the recent addition of the SRP Park and the Augusta GreenJackets’ inaugural season in the team’s new home, thousands of new guests will be crossing the Savannah River to enjoy all that North Augusta has to offer. Just this week, the GreenJackets will host its first Thirsty Thursday of the season at SRP Park on Thursday, May 10. 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
During the GreenJackets’ game against the Rome Braves on Thursday, fans can enjoy Natural Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon beers for only $1. Thirsty Thursdays were always a huge crowd pleaser and longtime tradition for past GreenJackets’ seasons at the team’s former ballpark at Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta. And while North Augusta Public Safety encourages fans to come to the SRP Park and enjoy themselves at the game, the department also wants to remind everyone on the roadways to be smart and stay safe. The message is clear: Don’t try to drink and drive, because you will regret it. “The first thing we would like to see as a public safety department is, if somebody knows that they are going to drink more than a casual beer or something like that, we would like to see them go ahead and plan ahead,” said Sgt. Aaron Fittery of North Augusta Public Safety’s Traffic Division. “They need to get a designated driver to drive them or use an Uber or a Lyft to pick them up and take them to and from the game.” In order to make travel to the games even easier, North Augusta
said. “That is just one less car that we have to worry about. Fortunately, parking hasn’t been a big issue for us. I think it has run relatively smoothly for the most part. There are also shuttles that get you to a certain point, which are free to the public. But the fewer amount of cars that we have to park, that makes it that much easier on us.” Fittery also stressed that North Augusta Public Safety will not tolerate any form of impaired driving before, during or after the games. “We take DUIs very seriously in our community. On average, we probably arrest about 150 DUIs a year,” Fittery said. “Of course, it changes from year to year. Like, I remember one year we had about 300 and another year we had almost 200, so it just depends.” The year that the department had approximately 300 DUI arrests was when North Augusta had a federal grant to fund H.E.A.T. officers, which are DUI enforcement officers who are strictly dedicated to looking for impaired drivers, Fittery said. In 2010 and 2011, North Augusta Public Safety Officer Jason Pearce was recognized by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and named “Officer of the Year” in agencies similar in size to North Augusta for his work in enforcing the state’s 10MAY2018
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DUI laws and removing impaired drivers from the roadways. Each of those years, Pearce himself made more than 70 DUI arrests. Those were outstanding numbers for
“I know when we were actually running the H.E.A.T. grant, we were up in the 300s for DUI arrests that year because their sole job function was to go out, stop vehicles and look for impaired drivers. In fact, we just applied for another grant similar to that for DUI officers and we are waiting to hear back to see if we have been awarded that grant.” — Sgt. Aaron Fittery of North Augusta Public Safety’s Traffic Division North Augusta, because in the same category this year, a patrolman in the Lexington (S.C.) Police Department was named 2017 Officer of the Year with a total of 56 DUI arrests. “I know when we were actually running the H.E.A.T. grant, we were up in the 300s for DUI arrests that year because their sole job function was to go out, stop vehicles and look for impaired drivers,” Fittery said. “In fact, we just applied for another grant similar to that for DUI officers, and we are waiting to hear back to see if we have been awarded that grant.” Such a grant would definitely increase the number of officers concentrating on DUI offenses in North Augusta, he said. “We have our fingers crossed because, not only did we get more impaired drivers off the streets, but it also lowered our traffic collision numbers, too,” Fittery said. “So just having those extra guys on the roadways was really helpful.” Even with North Augusta Public Safety averaging around 150 DUI arrests each year, it is clearly an agency in South Carolina that makes DUI enforcement a top priority. In comparison, the Lexington (S.C.) Police Department, which was named 2017 Agency of the Year among agencies similar in size to North Augusta by the S.C. Department of Public Safety, had 200 DUI arrests last year. A much larger agency, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, was recognized in its division with 364 DUI arrests in 2017. But DUI enforcement in South Carolina has been an uphill battle for many local 10MAY2018
agencies. With 331 drunken driving deaths in South Carolina in 2016, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently announced that 33 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state were drunken driving related. USA Today also published an article in 2016 stating that South Carolina ranked fifth overall in the country for dangers on the roadways associated with DUIs. The newspaper stated South Carolina was missing out on some penalties that are common in other states, such as “a mandatory BAC test for surviving drivers, interlock devices for first-time DUI convicts and greater penalties for sobriety test refusal.” However, South Carolina has been trying to improve its DUI enforcement over the past decade. In 2014, the General Assembly enacted Emma’s Law, which is meant to require DUI offenders convicted of having a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher — even if the person is a first-time offender — to use an Ignition Interlock Device. This particular device hooks up to an offender’s ignition and requires the driver to pass an alcohol breathalyzer test before the vehicle will start. Emma’s Law was named after 6-yearold Emma Longstreet of Lexington, S.C., who was killed by a drunken driver on New Year’s Day in 2012. Emma died instantly after a repeat DUI offender, who had been drinking all night, slammed into her family’s van on their way
to church that Sunday morning. The 28-year-old drunken driver, Billy Patrick Hutto Jr., was sentenced to nine years in prison for the fatal crash. Unfortunately, critics are claiming that Emma’s Law is frequently being undermined in the state’s court system. A 2017 MADD report on South Carolina’s DUI arrests and prosecutions found that a growing number of DUI plea deals in the state are allowing offenders to get out of the Ignition Interlock Device requirement. “South Carolina makes the arrest, investigation and prosecution of DUI cases far too difficult,” the 2017 MADD report stated. “National MADD Court Monitoring data suggests that South Carolina has a lower conviction rate than
“South Carolina makes the arrest, investigation and prosecution of DUI cases far too difficult. National MADD Court Monitoring data suggests that South Carolina has a lower conviction rate than the national average.” — 2017 report from MADD S.C. the national average.” However, the MADD report also stated that law enforcement officers across the state are trying to enforce the current laws on the
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books whenever possible. “Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, officers are doing the right thing when they arrest someone they believe is impaired and get them off the road,” the MADD report stated. “They could be saving lives.” As far as North Augusta Public Safety’s traffic citation and arrest record, Fittery is proud to acknowledge that his traffic division keeps a watchful eye on its close-knit community to make sure its roadways remain safe. “I would have to tip my hat to our director of public safety, Chief John Thomas, and our command staff for providing the citizens
“I know people say we are a speed trap and things like that, but we have the reputation of, if you come over here and break the law in a motor vehicle, you are going to get stopped and you are going to be dealt with either with a citation or a warning that is possibly going to curb that behavior. People know our reputation.” — Sgt. Aaron Fittery of North Augusta Public Safety’s Traffic Division with a very strong traffic enforcement team here in the City of North Augusta,” Fittery said. “I think we have a very good reputation for law enforcement.” People throughout South Carolina and Georgia know that North Augusta Public Safety expects visitors and residents to respect the community and abide by its laws, he said. “I know people say we are a speed trap and things like that, but we 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
have the reputation of, if you come over here and break the law in a motor vehicle, you are going to get stopped and you are going to be dealt with either with a citation or a warning that is possibly going to curb that behavior,” Fittery said. “People know our reputation.” While North Augusta Public Safety issued 8,261 traffic citations last year, the department has a consistent record of having at least that many citations each year. In fact, while there was a slight drop in 2016 with a total of 7,933 traffic citations being issued, North Augusta typically issues more than 8,000 citations each year. For example, there were 8,809 traffic citations issued in 2015; 8,785 citations in 2014; 8,780 citations in 2013; and 8,698 citations in 2012. That averages to about 23 traffic citations each day of any given year. As for traffic warnings, the numbers vary each year. In 2017, the department issued 3,375 traffic warnings; while a total of 2,877 warnings were recorded in 2016. In 2015, there were 4,633 traffic warnings and, in 2014, there were 4,620 warnings. But in 2013, there were 6,607 traffic warnings and a whopping 7,035 warnings in 2012. Clearly, North Augusta Public Safety is vigilant when it comes to its traffic division. “I think it’s great to have that reputation because that helps not only with preventing traffic collisions and helping people’s lives being saved, but it also helps deter crime, too,” Fittery said. “Because, let’s face it, 99 percent of crime, you have to drive a car to get there. A lot of times, we can catch people before a crime even happens just by a simple traffic stop for not using a turn signal or not staying in their lane. It’s about crime prevention.” However, North Augusta Public Safety is also there to make sure that the ball games are fun and safe for everyone, he said. In fact, Fittery insisted he can’t stress enough the importance of those attending the games to plan ahead, especially arranging for a designated driver if they’re looking to drink more than a beer.
“When it comes to the stadium, just inform yourself about what’s available. I would recommend that the people use the websites regarding the ballpark,” he said. “I know it is new and people are trying to figure it all out, but there are some websites out there with parking information that some people just aren’t using. Instead, they are relying on us, as public safety officers, to tell them where to go and how to get there.” That’s difficult for the officers, especially at the beginning of games, because everyone is arriving around the same time, Fittery said. “The worst thing that we’ve had throughout the whole thing is getting people into the stadium. That has been the hardest thing for us,” he said. “People are just not sure how to navigate through the city yet, but if they could just take a little time and educate themselves about the parking lots and the city, they will enjoy the experience even more.” In fact, those attending the game can pre-purchase their parking lot tickets via the GreenJackets website. Patrons of the SPR Park also should take advantage of the city’s two new trolleys or the golf cart shuttles that are now available to take them from a distant parking lot to the ballpark, Fittery said. But patrons to the SRP Park this season should expect to see a definite police presence in North Augusta during the games to help ensure that the events run smoothly and the streets remain safe, Fittery said. “The games definitely change our approach to traffic enforcement,” Fittery said. “I will say, on the bigger games like the Thursday, Friday and Saturday ball games, you will see a bigger police presence than you would see a Monday or a Tuesday game. We will work those bigger games a lot more than the ones that are earlier during the week. So, we’ll definitely be there.”
The following are helpful websites that provide information about parking at the SRP Park: www.greenjacketsbaseball.com/parking The Official Site of the Augusta GreenJackets: greenjacketsbaseball.com SRP Parking Map: http://www.milb.com/ documents/3/9/4/274116394/SRP_Park_ Parking_Map_April.pdf The City of North Augusta’s parking map: northaugusta.net/home/ showdocument?id=14208 Info on the Augusta GreenJackets seating: greenjackets2018.com 10MAY2018
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Chamber music society merges with Augusta University
A new day for Harry Jacobs’ legacy by Amanda Main | amanda@themetrospirit.com
A big announcement was made recently that the people involved think is a positive change. The Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society and Augusta University announced they are officially joining forces. The music society, which has been around for 28 years, now will be housed in the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The music society regularly brings to Augusta big names in chamber music, defined as music that is composed for and performed by small ensembles (usually five or fewer people). “This partnership feels like a homecoming for the society’s namesake, Harry Jacobs,” Elna Green, dean of AU’s Pamplin College, said in a news release. “After all, he designed the university’s Maxwell Theatre, as well as served as the founding chair of the university’s Department of Music. Harry’s legacy continues to impact the quality of musical education we provide at Augusta University. Our actions today both honor that legacy and help to secure its future.” Jacobs died in 2001, but his family is still involved in the music society. The society’s retiring Executive Director Quentin Kyper said several of Jacobs’ sons and daughters live in town, and the ones he’s spoken to are happy about the change. “(His oldest daughter) has been a member of the society for as long as she’s been in town, and she’s very excited about it,” Kyper said. “We
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have one of Harry’s granddaughters, Erin Jacobs Dennis, who’s on the board of the society, and as a board member, she was very much in favor of the merger.” Kyper explained why he thinks having world-class chamber music groups coming to Augusta is so important for the community. “Chamber music is one of the greatest achievements of the artistic world,” he said. “Every major composer, every major classical music composer of the last 300 years has composed some of their best music for chamber music. We’re talking about Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky … they’ve all composed some of their greatest, most interesting most beautiful music for small ensembles.” He emphasized that despite the change happening, the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society is going to continue to offer the same type of program, with about six performances a year. He said what the society looks for is musicians who have played major venues like Carnegie Hall, or places in cities like Paris, Tokyo, London and San Francisco. They also look for winners and runners-up of major music competitions, like the Cleveland International Piano Competition. The society will remain a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It will benefit from the merger in that it will have full access to Augusta University’s facilities, including the marketing program, printing services and fundraising. The two entities
already had a good relationship, as the society’s performances have been held at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre and already have been a part of AU’s Lyceum Series. Kyper and his wife, Linda Banister, announced last year they were retiring from heading up the music society. They had been leading it for the past nine years. “I think this is one of the greatest assets of the city of Augusta,” Kyper said. “It provides a very highly professional quality of music, and it’s music that you will not find anywhere else in the city. With the other things that are going on here, musical theater organizations and the symphony orchestra and jazz bands, and things like that — there’s a lot of really good ones in the city, but this is the main chamber music organization. … We’ve had major artists over the last 15, 20 years, and it’s a very impressive history.” On tap for this coming season is a Baroque ensemble known as REBEL with Matthias Maute; the Dali String Quartet, which specializes in Latin American music; and Dinara Klinton, a Ukranian pianist who was a runner-up of the Cleveland International Piano Competition two years ago. Piano trio Trio con Brio Copenhagen will perform, and rounding out the series will be the Silk Road Ensemble, a group that started with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma
at the helm. (Ma stepped away from the group once they were on the road and let them grow without him.) Admission to the society’s events will remain the same — full-term membership, which includes access to a full season’s performances, is $150. General admission to each performance will continue to be $40 per person, and AU students, faculty and staff still will be able to get in free with a current ID. Students at other colleges and schools will get in for $5. For more information, visit augusta.edu/harryjacobs.
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DELI IOUS
Tucked in the heart of South Carolina, you’ll find a city that’s equal parts urban and low-key. After enjoying brunch at a sidewalk café or picking up a pulled pork sandwich from a takeaway hutch, there’s still room in this thriving metropolis to enjoy our gracious charm and a rollicking good time. Start your trip at ExperienceColumbiaSC.com
French Market Grille West a Columbia County favorite
Still kicking taste buds, 21 years later by Metro Spirit Staff
When local restaurants first open up, it’s never a sure thing how long they’ll be around. But customers (and employees) have kept French Market Grille West going strong for more than two decades now. The secret to success is a dedicated owner, Executive Chef Jim Beck. That, and great food, of course. “I’ve looked at the menu and talked about changing stuff, or we try to run different specials as much as possible,” Beck said, “but there are a lot of people that come to this restaurant, when they pull up in the parking lot, they’ve already got in mind what they want to eat. And if I changed it or take it off the menu, they wouldn’t like it. So it is what it is. You got to run with what you brung, pretty much.” What he’s “brung” to the Augusta area for years is authentic-tasting New Orleans-style Cajun food. The dishes were first made famous to Augustans at Surrey Center’s French Market Grille, owned by Chuck and Gail Baldwin. Beck’s background with Cajun and Creole started when he worked with his father and brother at A Taste of New Orleans in Atlanta and brought the
concept to Augusta. That Walton Way restaurant closed in 1996, however. Chuck Baldwin knew Beck liked cooking and that he was good at it, so when Beck was working as a pipe welder, he had him start spending time at the Surrey Center location, simply known as French Market Grille. French Market Grille West opened on Furys Ferry Road with Beck as the kitchen manager in January 1997. The caveat to Beck coowning the restaurant, which he landed in 2006, was that the two restaurants be kept similar for integrity purposes. That was a smart call, as the food is so good there’s really no reason to change it. The restaurant is proud to never used canned food and to make everything from scratch. You can taste the freshness in any of their dishes, including crawfish, shrimp, soft-shell crab and oysters. And in recent years, French Market Grille West has added something unexpected to its menu. “We’ve been doing sushi about five years, on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,” Beck said. “We call it Cajun sushi. It’s all your typical sushi, and then we also use crawfish tails, shrimp, catfish, and then the more traditional yellowtail,
tuna, salmon sushi rolls.” Customers fill tables for Crab Leg Night on Tuesdays, or just to get a taste of favorites such as Bourbon Street Duck, Seafood Pasta and the F.C. Philly Cheesesteak, named after former co-owner Frank Chirkinian. “I have people come in and say we have the best Philly in town,” Beck has said. “We use really good cuts of steak, and if you start out with something good, it’s hard not to end up with something good.” If you still haven’t thought of a good gift for the mom in your life, not to worry: French Market Grille West is opening on Sunday, May 13, just for Mother’s Day. Normally closed on Sundays, they’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving their dinner menu and a special Mother’s Day menu (which was still in the works as of this past week). No reservations are needed at this holiday special. If you end up at French Market Grille West, you’ll find yourself in an atmosphere like the kind you’d find in New Orleans. And if you’re unfamiliar with Cajun food and are a little afraid of the spices, just ask for a recommendation once you get in. It’s likely you’ll fall in love with the flavors.
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The Armed Forces Day event celebrating the military is back May 19
Thunder Over Evans lives up to its name by Metro Spirit Staff
The most popular, privately funded event in the U.S. for the military — Thunder Over Evans — is back next week. Not only is this event all about honoring the nation’s troops, but it’s also somewhat of an outdoor circus. It’s all totally free to get in, too. Founded in 2009 by area businessmen Donnie Thompson (owner of Windsor Jewelers), Andy Jones (owner of Gerald Jones Auto Group) and the late Dale Phelon, Thunder Over Evans takes over the area at Evans Towne Center Park. It’s known as the largest privately funded Armed Forces Day celebration in the country. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 19, the day is jam-packed with death-defying entertainment, from extreme pogo (people gaining major air by flipping on their pogo sticks) to freestyle motocross (riders doing the same, only on their motorbikes). The XPGO Stunt Team is pretty incredible, and it’ll be their first time in the Augusta area. “They’re bringing this high-jump bar that goes up to nine or 10 feet, and they’ll be jumping over that,” said Shane Thompson, son of Donnie Thompson and the person who scours the internet to find the coolest performers to organize into Thunder Over Evans. “And then they’re gonna bring out one of Andy Jones’ cars, and they’re gonna be jumping over that. They also do a
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backflip contest to see how many backflips they can do against one another.” Members of the team have been recognized as the best in the world by Guinness World Records 13 times. Some of those records include highest jump (11 feet, 1/2 inch), most consecutive cars jumped over
(3 cars), and most backflips in a row (18). Not quite impressed? One member of the team has also done the most no-handed backflips in a row (nine). With more than 10,000 live performances in 23 countries behind them, this group is made up of true pogo stick experts. (You probably never knew that was a thing.) The team will be performing three, 25-minute shows throughout the day. To see the kind of amazing stuff you’ll get the chance to witness if you see them in person, visit xpogo.com. Also new this year are some bicycle motocross (BMX) pros, including X Games medalist Rob Nolli. The BMX area will be set up in the same place as the motorized, freestyle motocross (FMX), so you’ll see guys doing all kinds of tricks on all kinds of bikes, all at once. “So last year, we had this guy called Geoff Gaskin (with FMX),” Thompson said. “He’s one of the few riders in the world who’ll do a front flip on a motorcycle. Backflips are pretty common these days, but
front flips are different. They have to bring a different ramp that has a kick plate in it that’ll punch the back tire as they ride, and it throws them forward. It’s very dangerous to do a front flip.” Because of the danger, the front flip is planned to be only during the final BMX/FMX show, which is scheduled for 6:15. If you see any of these shows, that’s definitely the one to try to be at. But at any of the shows, you’ll see these riders going like 40 feet into the air. Crowd favorites that are back this year are the Lumberjack Show, Skydive Drop-In, the Kid Zone and Obstacle Course — and, of course, the biggest fireworks show around (it starts at 9:15 p.m.) There are so many explosions happening in the air at once, it’s almost scary… and it grows bigger every year. Thunder Over Evans organizers suggest wearing sunglasses. Seriously. The Lumberjack Show, as weird as it sounds, is a must-see. The Wisconsin-based Timberworks “Olympics of the Forest” will bring 10MAY2018
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a log-rolling pool, speed pole climbing, axe throwing, chopping and more. The Skydive Drop-In involves a multi-jumper parachute team dropping right into the middle of the park with smoke and flags, in front of the Lady A amphitheater. And there’ll be inflatables, inflatables, inflatables. The Kid Zone has been expanded this year, with an added Toddler Zone, and more than 20 inflatables for the kids to get their jumps on. Adults aren’t left out, either — y’all can run a 128-foot inflatable course, taking on friends and members of the military. Prizes will be given out for the top three times, so get your running legs ready. Other entertainment includes Florida band The Royals, performing all kinds of popular hits for every age group, and kickboxing events with 15 International Kickboxing Federation fights lined up, facilitated by Strike Force MMA. Amid all this excitement, there also are some more solemnly important things going on. One of those is the swearing in of new recruits, who go directly to basic training after taking the oath. “The general comes out and does a speaking point where he talks about the involvement with the military and the community,” Thompson said. “At the end of that, they get all the new enlistees and bring them in front with the general, and then he swears them all in. And then the soldiers do this chant, and it’s really emotional to hear them saying all of this in unison, and you can see the enlistees are just… it’s cool.” Also at the event are military displays including vehicles, demonstrations and exhibits that are a mix of educational and entertaining. And historic exhibits show displays of artifacts from World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, including uniforms, Vietnam firebase, a bunker, vehicles,
weapons and veterans who know all about them. And the area’s very own 282nd Army Band, Detachment 1, will give a 45-minute concert in the afternoon. Thousands of people show up to Thunder Over Evans, and for good reason. It’s a great way for the military and civilians in the area to come together. And in case you’re wondering, parking’s going to be about the same as usual… meaning, people kind of park all over the area. The last couple of years when there were helicopter rides, people couldn’t use half the parking area, so this
year is no different. Thompson said the reason this whole event came together was because of a display of disrespect that two of the founders witnessed. “I think when everybody talks about this, they’re going, ‘Well, there’s some twist to it, what are the businesses getting out of it, or how are you making money from it?’ And it all began from three local business guys — two of them were out, and they were traveling back and saw a soldier get disrespected when he was trying to come home in the airport,” Thompson said. “And I think that had an impact on them, and when they got back they said, ‘We’re gonna make sure that in Augusta, we’ll take out a day and try to bring the civilians together with the military and show a day of appreciation where the military will have a blast, they’ll be celebrated, and the civilians can see the impact that they make by appreciating the soldiers.’” It’s important to the people involved — and to the county, Thompson said — to keep bringing this day to the Augusta area. “I think it means something to (the troops) to know that people come and they appreciate their service,” founder Donnie Thompson has said. “And I think to see them and thank them and see the flags flying — it just gives you a feeling that we don’t have in this country too often.” Thunder Over Evans Evans Towne Center Park 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, May 19 Free. Visit thunderoveraugusta.com.
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Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning English at the intermediate/advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-2847555.
5:30pm - 7:30pm Gadget Help with Alex
Columbia County Library First come, first served. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri May 11
11am - noon Estate Planning and Elder Care
Cruise-In on the Square Washington, Georgia 5pm - 8pm Sat May 12 An event for admiring classic vehicles. Free admission; $10 registration fee for entrants. A $100 prize will be awarded to the car club with the most cars registered (minimum of 10 to qualify). Visit memorylanecruisersga.com or email dtoburen@gmail.com.
ARTS
Sat May 12
All day DFA Fine Arts Festival
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School This free festival will include student performances and showcases; bring cash to buy snacks and support different campus groups. Visit rcboe.org/davidson or call 706823-6924.
3pm - 5pm Beginners Digital Photography
Harlem Java House Leena Dennison leads this class. $30 per person; beverage of choice included. Bring a DSLR camera and at least one lens. For ages 12 and up. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call or text 813-455-5876 or visit leenadphotography.com/dslr-class.
6:30pm - 10pm “31 Days in May” Book Signing & Film Screening
600 Broad Cleveland artist Derek Hess is on tour for Mental Health Awareness Month — his art, book and a documentary about him involve his dual diagnosis with addiction and mental illness. Free, but a $5 donation is suggested, to go toward Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta’s children’s store. Visit facebook. com/events/2010495022543520.
Tue May 15
10am - 4pm Printmaking Workshop
Aiken Center for the Arts Led by Marissa Evans, participants will learn how to do traditional Gyotaku with a modern approach in block printing. All supplies 10MAY2018
provided, but participants should bring a sack lunch. Ages 18 and up; no previous skill necessary. $65; pre-registration required. Visit aikencenterforthearts.org or call 803-6419094.
Wed May 16
10am - noon Watercolor Painting Class
The Best of Tap
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays. $50 for a four-week course. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool. org/community-classes-all.
Hip-Hop and Modern Dance Classes
Harlem Arts Council Watercolor painting with Frank Carstarphen. $30 per class, for ages 18 and up. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Call 706-799-9854, visit harlemartscouncil.org/ register or email harlemartscouncil@gmail. com.
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $50, month; $15, dropin. For all ages; modified for people with limited mobility. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/community-classesall.
Ongoing
MMUVE (Modern Movement Under Various Elements) with Ashley Denerra
BOGART Paint Party
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This step-by-step painting class takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. $30. Bring snacks and beverages of your choice. Pre-registration required. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/paint-parties.
Mermaid May Art Contest Showcase
Headquarters Branch Library Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to submit entries including paintings, drawings, collages, prints, computer-generated art, photographs or mixed media. Must be your own original artwork and submitted to the YA Librarian through May 16. Visit arcpls.org or call 706821-2600.
DANCE Ongoing
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. $50, month; $15, drop-in. For all ages; modified for people with limited mobility. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/community-classesall.
Lett’s Dance with Mario Lett
Jessye Norman School of the Arts This class takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Partner dancing taught in the styles of Latin and Swing; no experience necessary. $7. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool. org/letts-dance.
EDUCATION Thu May 10
10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Spanish for Beginners
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon May 14
3pm - 4:30pm Partners in Friendship
Aiken Public Library This elementary course in conversational Italian language and culture is suitable for teens and adults. Partners in Friendship membership optional. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Class
Friedman Branch Library An adult class for those who already know some Spanish, led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit elcervantino.org or arcpls.org.
5:30pm Beginner Spanish Class
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue May 15
11:30am - 1pm Women in Business Luncheon
Legends Club An Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce event that will begin with networking at 11:30 a.m. and will continue with the luncheon and “Forging Leadership: Igniting your impact in the workplace,” a talk by Wendy and Michael Perry of Catalyst Executive Advising & Development. $30, members; $40, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-1300 or visit augustametrochamber. com. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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5pm - 7pm Digital Library Branch Info Session
Aiken Public Library Learn how to browse, check out and download eBooks, audiobooks, videos and music from the Digital Branch Library. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Wed May 16
11:30am - 1pm Environment Matters Lunch and Learn
Columbia County Library Led by Margarete Alligood, this monthly meeting is about eco-gardening and lawn care tips. Participants should bring their own lunches. Pre-registration required. Call 706863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Columbia County Library An attorney will discuss the basics of real estate law. Three more classes will be held June 7, July 19 and Aug. 2. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
7pm Remembering World War II Aiken Public Library This program will be a presentation by Fred Gehle about the oral histories gleaned from more than 800 Aiken and Augusta area veterans of World War II. Books and DVDs will be available for purchase after the talk. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Ongoing
GED Classes
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
Kroc Center These free classes are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year for adults 18 and older. Preregistration and entrance testing required. Call 706-771-4131 to register for entrance testing.
2pm Computer Basics: Internet Basics
James Brown Family Historical Tour
Noon - 2pm Bookkeeping, Payroll and Business Financial Seminar
Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2615 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm Tertulia: Spanish Conversation Group
Headquarters Branch Library A group for beginner to intermediate Spanish speakers. Call 317-695-4748 or visit arcpls. org.
6:30pm - 8pm English as a Second Language
Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes are for all levels and run weekly on Wednesdays through May 16. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving. com, or call 706-284-7555.
Thu May 17
10am - 11:30am English Conversation Class
Fairview Presbyterian Church, North Augusta These free classes, held weekly on Thursdays through May 17, are for people learning English at the intermediate/advanced levels to practice their skills. Register by visiting LearnEnglishForLiving.com, or call 706-2847555.
1pm - 3pm Score Workshop Series
Columbia County Library These workshops are for people who are thinking of starting a business. Register at greateraiken.score.org, or visit gchrl.org or call 706-863-1946.
Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
Guided Tours
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
North Augusta Driving Tour
Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours
Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta
Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
1 Million Cups
theClubhou.se Held from 8-9 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month is an opportunity for two earlystage start-ups to present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a Q&A. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. To apply, visit 1millioncups.com/augusta. Visit theclubhou. se or call 706-723-5782.
ELSEWHERE Sat May 12
5pm - 8pm Cruise-In on the Square
Washington, Georgia An event for admiring classic vehicles. Free admission; $10 registration fee for entrants. A $100 prize will be awarded to the car club with the most cars registered (minimum of 10 to qualify). Visit memorylanecruisersga.com or email dtoburen@gmail.com.
Thu May 17
8pm Dickey Betts Band w/ Devon Allman Project
Macon City Auditorium $85-$150. Visit FWBpro.com or bit.ly/ dickeybetts-macon.
EXHIBITIONS Thu May 10
5pm - 7pm Exhibit Opening Reception
Sacred Heart Cultural Center Featuring works by Frank Carstarphen and Pat Warren. The exhibition will remain on display through June 29. Reception is free and open to the public. Call 706-826-4700 or email kimsacredheart@knology.net.
6pm - 8pm Aiken Artist Guild Annual Juried Show
Aiken Center for the Arts This opening reception is for a show that will be on display through June 15. Visit aikencenterforthearts.org or call 803-6419094.
6pm - 8pm Exhibition Opening: Street Scenes: The Magical World of Robert Vickrey
The Morris Museum of Art Preview this exhibition of paintings by Robert Vickrey. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Reserve a spot by calling 706-828-3867, or visit themorris.org.
Ongoing 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”; “Life Cycles”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots,” and the “Victorian Era in Augusta.” Call 706722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Savannah River Site Museum
224 Laurens St., Aiken This free museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. on the first and third Fridays and the following Saturdays of each month. Phase 1 construction has been completed, and scheduled public openings will continue as further construction permits. Visitors will see exhibits describing the history and accomplishments of the once-secret SRS. Call 803-648-1437 or visit facebook.com/srs. heritage.
“The Eyes Have It”
Westobou Gallery “The Eyes Have It” is presented in conjunction with Augusta University’s Art Department featuring four graduating seniors. The exhibit is on display through June 15. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
Tom Crowther
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art “Be Careful of the Ants: Reinvention and the ART of Plodding Along” is an exhibition of paintings and drawing spanning a variety of subjects, but it is predominately rooted in the psychology of the self. The exhibit is on display through May 25. Visit ghia.org or call 706-722-5495.
Staci Swider
Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art The exhibit titled “Within: Reckless Acts of Faith” is on display through May 25. Visit ghia.org or call 706-722-5495.
The Epochs of Courage: AfricanAmericans in Golf
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History This traveling exhibition explores the bittersweet evolution of African-American golf emerging from the Jim Crow Era. For more information or to book a tour, call 706724-3576. The museum will be hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 19, at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The tournament format will be a four-person best ball; registration is from 6 to 7 a.m., with tee time at 8 a.m. The Early Bird entry fee for golfers is $85. Registration information can be found at lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
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FLIX
Sat May 12
2pm “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (Audio-Described Movie) Headquarters Branch Library This viewing is for people with visual, physical, learning or reading impairments, but all are welcome. Call 706-821-2625 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue May 15
5:30pm “Moana”
Columbia County Library Ages 3 and up. Visit gchrl.org or call 706-8631946.
5:30pm - 8pm Tuesday Night Movie Series
Headquarters Branch Library Eclectic variety of films. Visit arcpls.org or call 706-821-2600.
7pm “1945”
Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center $10, general; $5, students. This film screening is part of the Augusta Jewish Film Festival. Visit augustajcc.org.
HEALTH
Thu May 10
7pm Women’s Center Tour
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Sat May 12
10:30am Childbirth Tour
AU Health Call 706-721-2273 or visit calendar.augusta. edu.
Mon May 14
4pm Breast Self-Exam Class
University Hospital’s Breast Health Center Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
strength. $10 per class. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/communityclasses-all.
to solve. Turn in your completed puzzle and be entered to win a prize at the end of each month. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed May 16
3pm Genealogy Club
6pm Hip-Hop Yoga
Bernie Ward Community Center Led by certified yoga teacher Karin Bush, this weekly hourlong Hip-Hop Yoga class is an athletically powered vinyasa flow challenging all levels, set to your favorite hip-hop and R&B tunes. Beginners welcome. $10. Email clearlykarinyoga@gmail.com or call 470-2409412.
Columbia County Library A group for those of all abilities. Call 706863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue May 15
5:30pm Chess Part II
Columbia County Library Open to all ages and abilities. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
Thu May 17
Wed May 16
University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Friedman Branch Library Supplies provided, and pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls. org.
6pm Breastfeeding Class
6pm Center for Women Tour
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Breastfeeding Class
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
7pm Center for Women Tour
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Ongoing
Augusta Meditation Meetup
11am Decorate a Flower Pot
Thu May 17
6:30pm - 8:30pm PWN AUG Chess Club Meeting
The Book Tavern A club open to all ages and skill levels that meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chess sets. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Ongoing
Basic Genealogy Tutorials
Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Free sessions offered by appointment. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Unity of Augusta sanctuary Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Gray leads this 20-minute nonreligious, breath-awareness meditation at 9 a.m. Sundays. Find more details at meetup.com, or email cynthiagray@ outlook.com.
KIDS-TEENS
Meditation Sessions
4pm Teen Advisory Board
Thu May 10
4pm Lego Club
Aiken Public Library For kids ages 5-11. Legos provided. Call 803642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6:30pm Refit
The Yoga Center, North Augusta Led by members of the Southeastern Buddhist Community the first and second Wednesday of each month. Sessions are free and open to the public. Visit sebuddhist.org.
Columbia County Library Teens can help plan programs for the Teen Department while getting volunteer credit. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
Tue May 15
HOBBIES
Headquarters Branch Library A teen event in which participants will help plan upcoming programs. Call 706-434-2036 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library A free cardio dance class. Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Class
University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute A class that offers information, diagnostic exams, lab work, a personal plan and more. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-5548 or visit universityhealth.org.
6:30pm It’s a Stretch: Yoga for the Stiff Skeptic
Jessye Norman School This hourlong Vinyasa flow yoga class for all abilities focuses on balance, flexibility and 10MAY2018
Sat May 12
11am - 12:30pm Knitting Circle Woodworth Consolidated Library, Fort Gordon Open to the public, this weekly gathering is for knitters and crocheters. Registration required. Call 706-791-0396, ext. 4674, or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Mon May 14
All day Puzzle of the Week
Appleby Branch Library Join the library each week for a new puzzle
5:30pm TAG Meeting
6pm - 7:30pm Big Brother/Big Sister
Doctors Hospital An educational and interactive class for children ages 3-8 who will soon be welcoming a new baby into the home. Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctorshospital.net.
Fri May 11
10am - 12:30pm Story Time Fridays
Aiken Public Library Stories, songs and interactive activities. Story time for babies (0-23 months) begins at 10:15 a.m., toddlers (2-3 years) at 11 a.m. and preschoolers (4-5 years) at 11:45 a.m. Participants and caregivers are encouraged to participate. Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbelib.org.
Sat May 12
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Story time and nature hike designed for kids from toddler age to age 8. Pre-registration required. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-396-1428 or email info@ phinizycenter.org.
10:30am Family Story Time
Aiken Public Library Family Story Time is a repeat of the previous Friday’s Story Time. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
11am “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” and “Everything is Mama” Story Time
Barnes & Noble Special Mother’s Day story time, with activities to follow. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
2pm Brilliant Birds
Reed Creek Park Kids ages 5 and up will learn about birds from a guest speaker from Feathered Friends Forever, featuring demonstrations with birds. Free, members and nonmembers. Donations accepted for Feathered Friends Forever. Pre-registration required; register through reedcreekpark.com. For information, call 706-210-4027 or email reedcreekpark@ columbiacountyga.gov.
2pm Lego Club
Headquarters Branch Library Legos provided. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Mon May 14
10am Monday at the Museum: History of Southern Cooking
Augusta Museum of History This program for children ages 2-6 will include learning the history of Southern cooking and decorating a recipe book. $2, members; $4, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-722-8454, email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org, or visit augustamuseum.org.
10:30am Jr. Lego Club
Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 2-4. Legos provided. PreAUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 29
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Ongoing
The Shepard Project
Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A teen hangout and safe space for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 14-17, and allies that meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The group is also looking for chaperones ages 25 and older and youth mentors 18-24 years old, who must pass a background check. Call 803-617-8352 or email shepardprojectaugusta@gmail.com.
Homeschool PE
Kroc Center For kids ages 5-12 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for an hour at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Free, members; $2 per visit, nonmembers. Activity follows the Richmond County school calendar. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Symphony Under the Stars Evans Towne Center Park 7:30pm Sat May 12 This event starts with family activities at 6 p.m. and the Augusta Symphony performance at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks. Bring a picnic; ice cream and drinks available for purchase. Free. VIP sponsorship is $350 and includes a table of 8 with wine basket and premium parking. Visit augustasymphony.com or call 706-826-4705. registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue May 15
10am Story Time with the Morris Museum of Art
Headquarters Branch Library Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-8212623 or visit arcpls.org.
10:30am Baby Explorers
Columbia County Library Playtime for ages 0-2. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
10:30am - 11am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time
Imagination Station Stories, songs, counting and dancing are a part of this story time. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine. augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org.
4pm Storytime in the Gardens
10am Music and Movement
10:30am - noon Super Awesome Story Time
Headquarters Branch Library Music, songs, dance and rhymes for children. Groups of six or more require registration. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
The Book Tavern Juice and cookies provided by New Moon Cafe. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
10am Story Time
Thu May 17
Wed May 16
Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org. Headquarters Branch Library For kids ages 0-3. Pre-registration recommended. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Morris Museum of Art Participants will explore the impressionism gallery, then create their own spring-inspired crafts. Free, members and parents; $4 per participant, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
10:05am Toddler Story Time
5:30pm Parent & Me Zumba
10am Story Time for Tots
Appleby Branch Library This program is best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Hopelands Gardens, Aiken For families with children ages 8 and younger. Blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks are welcome. Call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time
4:30pm Gaming Club for Teens
Appleby Branch Library Songs, finger plays and stories for kids ages 18 months to 3 years. Pre-registration required for groups of six or more. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Headquarters Branch Library For teens who play games like “Yu Gi Oh,” “Magic: The Gathering,” “Pokemon” and more. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org. 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
10:30am Create with Me: May Flowers
Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Preschool Story Time
Pendleton King Park This play date combines music, dance and educational tools for 30 to 45 minutes of fun. The last 15 minutes will be for snacks and socializing. For moms, dads, caretakers and kids. Bring a water bottle. $6. Visit eventbrite. com.
5:30pm Teen Trivia: Fantasy
Aiken Public Library For teens in grades 6-12; pizza will be served. Bring a cellphone to play along (you won’t have to download anything on your phone.) Call 803-642-2020 or visit abbe-lib.org.
After-School Program
Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken A program for those ages 5-13 that includes homework help, games, snacks and more. It meets Monday-Friday from 2:30-5 p.m. and follows the Aiken County Public School calendar. $20 first child, then a $5 sibling discount. Call 803-642-7634.
Kroc Tots
Kroc Center A program for parents and children up to age 5 that includes work on physical, social and emotional development, as well as cognitive skills and language development. Meets most Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school year. $2, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Kids’ Night Out!
Kroc Center Held from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month, this night for kids ages 2-12 means a night alone for parents. $15, members; $20, nonmembers. Price includes dinner and activities like swimming, gym play, inflatables, crafts and more. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
LITERARY Fri May 11
Noon Art at Lunch: William Dunlap and “Short Mean Fiction”
Morris Museum of Art Discussion led by visual artist Bill Dunlap, who will read from and discuss his first collection of short stories (note: they contain sex and violence), based on sketches he did before writing the stories. $12, members; $16, nonmembers. Catered lunch included. Pre-registration was required by May 9. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
Ongoing
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Kroc Center This diverse group of people who love to read and talk about literature meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For ages 25 and up. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
MUSIC
Thu May 10
6pm - 7:30pm Adult Guitar Club Columbia County Library A club for experienced guitar players. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6pm Guitar Lessons
Jessye Norman School This hourlong class is taught Thursdays by Keith Jenkins. $5 donation for group lessons; private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/communityclasses-all.
8pm Three Dog Night
Miller Theater $47-$96. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Fri May 11
7pm - 8:30pm Music Cruise
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Featuring Chris Hardy, an indie/acoustic rock songwriter. Participants are invited to bring snacks and beverages. $25. Pre-registration required. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Sat May 12
8am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing
Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7:30pm Sandy Cameron (Violin)
7:30pm - 9:30pm Candlelight Music Series
Augusta Common Participants are invited to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs at this weekly event. $8. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
Mon May 14
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series
Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring Southern Meltdown. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and wellbehaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit visitaikensc.com.
Tue May 15
6pm Piano Lessons and Workshops
Jessye Norman School This hourlong class is taught by Daon Drisdom. $5 donation for group lessons; private lessons available. Call 706-828-7768 or visit jessyenormanschool.org/communityclasses-all.
SENIORS
Thu May 10
2pm Senior Movie
Friedman Branch Library Pre-registration is required for this movie and popcorn. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls. org.
Tue May 15
10:30am Senior Technology: Typing Skills
Appleby Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS Fri May 11
9:30am - 12:30pm Human Rights Advocacy Meeting
Etherredge Center, Aiken $30-$45. Visit etherredge.usca.edu or call 803-641-3305.
Earth Fare Community Room An Amnesty International’s Augusta Chapter event. Call 706-284-3002.
7:30pm Symphony Under the Stars
2pm - 1am Aiken Bluegrass Festival
Evans Towne Center Park This event starts with family activities at 6 p.m. and the Augusta Symphony performance at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks. Bring a picnic; ice cream and drinks available for purchase. Free. VIP sponsorship is $350 and includes a table of 8 with wine basket and premium parking. Visit augustasymphony.com or call 706-826-4705.
Sun May 13
1:30pm Mangelly Accordionaires Augusta Museum of History Free. Call 706-722-8454 or e-mail amh@ augustamuseum.org. 10MAY2018
Aiken Fairgrounds Continues 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, May 12. Featuring live music, a kids area, vendors and more. Visit loveabf.com.
9pm Mother’s Day Weekend Southern Soul Fest
Miller Theater Featuring Tucka, Sir Charles Jones and Lebrado. $45-$65. Visit millertheateraugusta. com or call 800-514-3849.
Sat May 12
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street
The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
8am - 4pm Market at the Marina 5th Street Marina Vendors will set up at 8 a.m. and stay set up until at least 2 p.m. but can stay until 4 p.m. Held weekly on Saturday through Dec. 22; no market on rainy Saturdays. Call 706-8695404 for information; sign up on the day of the event.
7pm “Two Small Pieces of Glass”
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Ongoing
Barkin’ Art BBQ
Julian Smith Barbecue Pit Set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, this festival to help raise money and awareness for spaying and neutering of pets includes an art show and sale featuring local artists, a vendor marketplace, a silent auction and raffle drawings, along with great food and a cash bar. There also will be a photo booth, kid zone with face painters and more. It benefits That’s What Friends Are For Inc. Visit facebook.com/events/160750317959310 or thatswhatfriendsarefor.org, or call 706-7262559.
Annual Arts Awards Nominations
Edgar’s Grille This buffet brunch featuring $13 bottomless Mimosas benefits Goodwill. $30, adults; $12, kids 5-12; free, kids under 5. Reservations recommended. Call 706-854-4700 or visit edgarsgrille.com.
The Greater Augusta Arts Council announced that community members are encouraged to submit names of individuals, corporations and sponsors who have supported the arts and made a difference in the Augusta River Region through their work to the following categories: volunteer, arts professional, individual artist, media, sponsor, and the Kath Girdler Engler Public Art Award. The deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m. May 10. More information, past winners and the nomination form can be found online at augustaarts.com/annual-arts-awards. The Annual Meeting and Arts Awards Dinner will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. June 21; tickets and location information will be available soon.
Mon May 14
ARC Class of 1968 50th Reunion
8pm and 9pm “Sunstruck”
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $2-$6.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Sun May 13
9am - 4pm Edgar’s Grille Mother’s Day Brunch
4pm Anti-Manic Monday
Headquarters Branch Library Come to the library on Mondays through May 21 for fun that will help students relax and get ready to take on finals and exams. Visit arcpls.org.
Tue May 15
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Park Farmers Market
Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve Street This weekly event in the park behind the Kroc Center features all local farmers and doubles EBT/SNAP benefits. Visit augustalocallygrown.org/veggie-parkfarmers-market/.
Wed May 16
Noon League of Women Voters Meeting Friedman Branch Library Meeting the third Wednesday of every month, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Suitable for ages 18 and older. Email csra. lwv@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/ CSRALeagueofWomenVoters.
Old Medical College of Georgia The Academy of Richmond County Class of 1968 is having its 50th anniversary reunion June 9. Visit arcclassof68.com to learn more, and share the website with your out-of-town classmates. Email Hap Harris at hharris@sbbinsurance.com, Keith Henry at henryke@bellsouth.net, or Gail Evans Patty at gepatty@aol.com.
SPIRITUAL Ongoing
Food, Faith & Fitness
Kroc Center This faith-based fitness class meets each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Golden Agers
Kroc Center This seniors group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study, crafts, exercise, educational workshops and more. Call 706364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
Creative Arts
Kroc Center A program that meets each Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in which those ages 13 and older worship and develop their gifts in dance, AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 31
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drama and music. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org/
Kroc Kids
Kroc Center A program for those ages 3-12 years old that meets each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Participants will develop character and and understanding of God through games, singing, arts, crafts and more. Snacks provided. Call 706-364-5762 or visit augustakroc.org.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu May 10
8am - 5pm Aiken Charity Horse Show Aiken Horse Park Runs daily through May 13. Visit aikenhorsepark.org.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves
SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Also happening is the inaugural Thirsty Thursday at SRP Park. Call 706-7367889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Fri May 11
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Rome Braves SRP Park, North Augusta $9-$14. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat May 12
7am - 2pm Marine Mud Challenge and Children’s Challenge
Fort Gordon, corner of Chamberlain Avenue and 19th Street A 5-mile off road course with obstacles for those in five adult categories: competitive male, competitive female, competitive co-ed, competitive hard corps and non-competitive. For kids there is a 1-mile, self-contained course with appropriately sized obstacles. All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt and race bag, and finishers receive a medal. Visit marinemud.com or runsignup. com.
9am - 2pm Paddlefest
Savannah Riverkeeper A race and paddle along 10 miles of the Savannah River for canoes, kayaks, SUPs, rowboats and dinghies that ends with an afterparty with lunch, live music and beer. $25-$80. Visit paddlefestga.com.
9:30am Poker Run
Timms Harley Davidson This motorcycle ride is with Richmond County Man and Woman of the Year to benefit LLS. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Lunch and live music. Visit augustahd.com or call 706-414-1374.
5pm - 7pm Cecil Herrin Men’s Cancer Awareness Celebrity Basketball Show
Westside High School This event features The Cecil Herrin Cancer Warriors with local celebrities taking on the Harlem Legends in a friendly game of hoops “Globetrotter Style.” All proceeds benefit the Cecil Herrin Men’s Cancer Support Fund and Endowment at the Georgia Cancer Center. Before the show, there will be a $25 basketball clinic with the Harlem Legends from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at all three Tile Center locations in the CSRA. Call 706-799-9465 for more information, or visit giving.augusta.edu/ cecilherrin.
Ongoing
Hilltop Lesson Dates
Hilltop Riding Stable, Fort Gordon Private and semi-private horse riding lessons are available for all ages and abilities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com/events.
Augusta Sports Leagues
SRP Park, North Augusta $9-$14. Call 706-736-7889 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, dodgeball and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com or call 706-309-0280.
Sun May 13
Free Fun Run Thursdays
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers
9:30am - 1:30pm Hike
Mistletoe State Park A Sierra Club-sponsored 7-mile moderate hike of the park’s Rock Dam Trail. Participants should bring water and lunch. $5 parking, or free passes available at the library. Pre-registration required. Email sonnyandcathyblack@gmail.com.
2:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Mon May 14
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Tue May 15
10:35am Augusta GreenJackets vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers SRP Park, North Augusta $8-$13. Call 706-736-7889 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
6:30pm - 8pm Sierra Club Monthly Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A Savannah River Group Sierra Club event that will include a talk by State Forest Ranger Cathy Black about how forestry is a sustainable, renewable resource. Free and open to the public. Email msmcb@outlook. com.
Wed May 16
6:30pm - 9pm Ladies Night Pickleball Newman Tennis Center
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$2 per person; call 706-821-1600 to sign up. Newman Tennis Center will have paddles and balls, but bring your own if you have them. Also, free play is available from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
Your Pie, North Augusta Hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, this is intended for anyone looking for a 2- to 5-mile run with a group. It happens at 6 p.m. every first, second, third and fourth Thursday of the month. Wear lights and reflective gear when appropriate for better visibility. Email training@fleetfeetaugusta.com or visit facebook.com/events/218818291994876.
Gordon Lanes Dollar Fifty Days
Gordon Lanes Bowling Center, Fort Gordon Bowl Mondays and Wednesdays during select times for $1.50, and get shoe rentals for $1.50. Call 706-791-3446 or visit fortgordon.com/ events.
SUPPORT Sat May 12
10am WIC Breastfeeding Support Group
Headquarters Branch Library Call 706-821-2600 or visit arcpls.org.
1pm - 3pm Looking Forward Group for Older Blind
Headquarters Branch Library Socialize with and support others who are ages 50 and up with low vision or blindness. Call 706-724-6262. Sponsored by Walton Options.
Mon May 14
6pm Pink Magnolias Breast Cancer Support Group
University Hospital’s Breast Health Center Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth. org.
Ongoing
Recovery International Mental Health Support Group Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta
A weekly group that meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. Based on the work of Abraham Low, MD, RI offers its members a low cost method to regain and maintain their mental health by using mental health through will training. People who stick with the RI Method are able to live healthy, productive lives with lower levels of tension, anger, fear, anxiety, stress, compulsions, and other symptoms. Email marykahb@yahoo.com.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Kroc Center Meeting the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., this support group helps those dealing with Alzheimer’s or someone who is a caregiver of an individual who is affected by Alzheimer’s. Call 706-9228338
Furry Friends
AU’s Cancer Clinic On the second and fourth Monday of every month, the Georgia Cancer Center uses furry friends to help people recover from or cope with various physical and emotional health issues related to cancer. Call 706-721-0472 or visit augusta.edu.
Georgia Carolina Toastmasters
Group empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders. Meets weekly from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays at Fat Man’s Cafe. Email jmcneill22@att.net or call 706-798-5515.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weigh-in beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit www.TOPS.org.
La Leche League
A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery
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.
Write to Heal Creative Writing Program 10MAY2018
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fortgordon.com.
“The Little Mermaid”
Imperial Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. May 11 and 12, 2 p.m. May 12 and 3 p.m. May 13. An Augusta Players production. $20-$48. Call 706-7228341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
Communities In Schools of Augusta Richmond County
Barkin’ Art BBQ Julian Smith Barbecue Pit 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat May 19 This festival to help raise money and awareness for spaying and neutering of pets includes an art show and sale featuring local artists, a vendor marketplace, a silent auction and raffle drawings, along with great food and a cash bar. There also will be a photo booth, kid zone with face painters and more. It benefits That’s What Friends Are For Inc. Visit facebook.com/events/160750317959310 or thatswhatfriendsarefor.org, or call 706-726-2559. Children’s Hospital of Georgia family resource library For patients, family members and caregivers, this program meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-5160 or email nawilliams@augusta.edu.
schedule, visit augustaaa.org/documents/ Meetings/meetings.pdf.
Diabetes Youth Support Group
Beyond the Bars
A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
Kroc Center Showing at 7 p.m. May 11, and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. May 12. An Enopion Theatre Company production. $16, adults; $12, seniors over 65, children under 12, and groups of 10 or more. Call 706-771-7777 or visit enopion.com.
Overeaters Anonymous
THEATER
“Sister Act”
Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241. This 12-step, self help program for people who are addicted to food meets for an hour at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. No dues or fees. Call 706-863-9534 or email oa.augusta. recovery@gmail.com.
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Holds several meetings locally. For a current 10MAY2018
Narcotics Anonymous
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Fri May 11
5:30pm Singin’ in the Rain Jr.
Jessye Norman School of the Arts Repeats at 4 p.m. May 12. This is the school’s annual Spring Showcase. $10. Visit jessyenormanschool.org or call 706-877-0411.
Tue May 15
7pm - 8:30pm “Cheaper by the Dozen” Auditions
Musical Theatre Studios Continues 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 16. This Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre production, directed by Karen Brotherton, has parts available for two men ages 18-80, three women ages 18-80, seven boys ages 8-18 and four girls ages 8-18. The production will show
This nonprofit works full-time inside K-12 schools with help from volunteers throughout the community. Opportunities include reading to a classroom of children, helping small groups of elementary school children with basic learning skills (like reading and math flash cards) and tutoring high-schoolers on math. Donations also are accepted. For volunteer opportunities, email salias@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716; for donation opportunities, email dkalliokoski@ cisaugusta.org or call 706-550-7716. Visit cisaugusta.org for more information.
Tech Tutors
Aiken Public Library This program is for teens and adults who love working with technology and are looking to volunteer. Ask for an application at the reference desk. Call 803-642-2020, ext. 1131, or email mariec@abbe-lib.org.
in July and August. Call 706-793-8552 or email danny.f.posey.naf@mail.mil.
Ongoing
“The Gathering in the Shire”
Aiken Community Playhouse Showing at 7:30 p.m. May 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, and 3 p.m. May 20. $25, adults; $20, seniors and active military; $15, students; $10, children. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
“Evil Dead: The Musical”
Le Chat Noir Showing at 8 p.m. May 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. $30. Visit lcnaugusta.com.
“Nana’s Naughty Knickers”
Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre Showing at 8 p.m. May 11, 12, 18 and 19, and at 3 p.m. May 13. A meal will be served about an hour and a half before the show. $28-$53. Call 706-793-8552 or visit
Joe White Publisher joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636 Amanda Main Arts Editor/Production Director amanda@themetrospirit.com Stacey Eidson Staff Writer stacey@themetrospirit.com Joshua Bailey Lead Designer joshua@themetrospirit.com Johnny Beckworth Circulation Manager jdbeckworth@gmail.com COVER DESIGN: KRUHU Contributors Jenny Wright, Austin Rhodes, 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 AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 33
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Salmon, Love Canon, Billy Strings and more Wild Wing - Swift Creek Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Cricket Ridge Bluegrass
Live Music
What’s Tonight?
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Karaoke
Saturday, May 12 Live Music
Aiken Bluegrass Festival Aiken Fairgrounds All day Fri May 11 and Sat May 12 Featuring live music by Greensky Bluegrass (pictured), Leftover Salmon, Billy Strings the Larry Keel Experience, as well as a kids area, camping area (RVs and tents) vendors and more. $40, Friday; $50, Saturday; $80, both days. Visit loveabf.com.
Augusta Common - Candlelight Music Series Coyotes - Larry Frick The Epicenter - Cuzco, Catholics, OCNS, SubuTech, Mobius Etherredge Center (Aiken) - Cameron Plays Sibelius w/ Aiken Symphony Orchestra Evans Towne Center Park - Symphony Under the Stars w/ the Augusta Symphony Fox’s Lair - Perfect Picture Pizza Joint (downtown) - Hound of Goshen Shannon’s - Shinebox Stillwater Taproom - Dewayne Brock and the Lucky Bastards Surrey Tavern - Roshambeaux Western Carolina State Fairgrounds (Aiken) - Aiken Bluegrass Festival w/ Greensky Bluegrass, Larry Keel Experience, The Lil Smokies and more Wild Wing - Bad Cash The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn World of Beer - Mike and Nate
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia, then Karaoke The Highlander - Karaoke Sky City - Darren Fleet (comedian)
Sunday, May 13 Live Music
Capri Lounge - Vivian Valium & the Lounge Lizard Divas Wild Wing - Prettier Than Matt The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson
Monday, May 14 Live Music
Paula Poundstone Miller Theater 8pm Fri May 18 $33-$43. Visit millertheateraugusta.com or call 800-514-3849.
Thursday, May 10 Live Music
Fox’s Lair - Open Mic w/ Brandy Douglas Harlem Java House - Open Mic Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Mellow Music Miller Theater - Three Dog Night Sky City - Shop Boyz Wild Wing - Will McCranie The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House
What’s Tonight?
Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Pizza Joint (downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Friday, May 11 Live Music
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Moonlight Music Cruise w/ Chris Hardy Country Club - 8 Second Ride The Epicenter - The Reso Kids, St. Jupiter, Afterglow, Klange Fox’s Lair - Jeff Johnson Miller Theater - Mother’s Day Weekend Southern Soul Fest Shannon’s - Anybody’s Guess Sky City - The WannaBeatles (tribute) Southbound Smokehouse - Half Seas Over The Stables Restaurant (Aiken) - Keith Gregory Stillwater Taproom - Circus No. 9 Western Carolina State Fairgrounds (Aiken) - Aiken Bluegrass Festival w/ Leftover
Fox’s Lair - Desmond Jones The Larder - Chris Hardy Wild Wing - Whiskey Run Duo
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Capri Lounge - Game Night Chevy’s - DJ Richie Rich Joe’s Underground - Open Mic w/ J. MartinMoses Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ Mike Johnson Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz
Upcoming
Ronnie Hopkins
- Wild Wing May 17 Paula Poundstone
- Miller Theater May 18 Runaway Gin (PHISH tribute)
- Sky City May 18 Black Cat Sunshine
- Wild Wing May 18 Lilakk, Fenwick
- The Highlander May 18 Atomic Road
- Shannon’s May 18 Caleb and the Gents
- Stillwater Taproom May 18 Nick Brown
- Southbound Smokehouse May 18 Thunder Over Evans
- Evans Towne Center Park May 19 A Tribute to MTV’s Unplugged
- Sky City May 19 Vicky Grady Band
- The Backyard Tavern May 19 Sugarland
- James Brown Arena May 25 Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous Stringdusters, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and more
- Evans Towne Center Park May 25-26 Black Jacket Symphony
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Southern Meltdown Sky City - Midnite Panda, Whiplash, CLVLND, Dope Fiction
- Miller Theater June 1
What’s Tonight?
Boz Scaggs
Craig Morgan
- Country Club June 2 The Charlie Daniels Band
- Miller Theater June 2
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Wild Wing - Trivia
- Miller Theater June 8
Tuesday, May 15 Live Music
Jeff Foxworthy
The Revivalists
- Bell Auditorium June 9 - Miller Theater June 10
Fox’s Lair - Irish Music w/ Dr. John Fisher and the Undefeated Army The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
JJ Grey & Mofro, The Texas Gentlemen
What’s Tonight?
Jason Michael Carroll
Capri Lounge - Trivia The Highlander - Game Night Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Wednesday, May 16
- Sky City June 14 Raheem DeVaughn
- Miller Theater June 16 - Country Club June 22 The Wood Brothers
- Imperial Theatre June 26 Plies
- Bell Auditorium June 29 Pokey Bear and Friends 10MAY2018
- Miller Theater June 30
- Terminal West, Atlanta May 21
Bring It! Live
Okkervil River, Benjamin Lazar Davis
- Bell Auditorium July 3
- Aisle 5, Atlanta May 22
Johnnyswim, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors
“Hamilton”
- Bell Auditorium July 11
Marcy Playground, Local H, Everclear
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Miller Theater July 12 Nitty Gritty Band
- Miller Theater July 17
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta May 22-June 10 - Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta May 24 Dave Matthews Band
- Cellairis Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 26
Indigo Girls
Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, Brandon Lay
- Miller Theater July 17
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta May 26
Gladys Knight
Atlanta Jazz Festival
- Bell Auditorium July 27
- Piedmont Park, Atlanta May 26-27
Johnny Hensley and the Red Hots (60th & Final Reunion Concert)
Peter Hook & the Light
- Imperial Theatre July 28
U2
Elsewhere
- Variety Playhouse, Atlanta May 27 - Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta May 28 Frank Caliendo, George Kanter
Alice in Chains, Walking Papers
- The Punchline, Atlanta May 28
- Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta May 10
Shania Twain
Sum 41
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta June 4
- Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta May 10
Cheap Trick, Poison, Pop Evil
Justin Timberlake, The Shadowboxers
- Verizon Amphitheatre, Atlanta June 5
- Infinite Energy Center, Atlanta May 11
John Fogerty, ZZ Top
Shaky Beats Music Festival w/ Ludacris, Marshmello, Dillon Francis, Space Jesus, Bleep Bloop, San Holo and more
- Chastain Park, Atlanta June 6 Stryper
- Central Park, Atlanta May 11-13
Big Boi
Primus, Mastodon, All Them Witches
- Fox Theatre, Atlanta May 16 Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers
- Verizon Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 19 Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss
- Verizon Amphitheatre, Atlanta May 20 Nada Surf
- Center Stage Theater, Atlanta June 7 - The Tabernacle, Atlanta June 8 Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Elle King
- Chastain Park, Atlanta June 8 I Love the ’90s Tour w/ Salt-N-Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc and more
- Verizon Amphitheatre, Atlanta June 9
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THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
$114,774,810
$453,107,350
2
1
2
OVERBOARD
$14,711,101
$14,711,101
1
-
3
A QUIET PLACE
$7,763,085
$160,057,471
5
2
4
I FEEL PRETTY
$5,050,520
$37,948,803
3
3
5
RAMPAGE
$4,637,400
$84,801,710
4
4
In Theaters May 11
THRILLER “Breaking In,” rated PG-13, starring Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke and
Richard Cabral. Gabrielle Union stars as Shaun Russell, a mother who takes her two kids to her dead father’s house, which had been turned into a high-tech fortress. Turns out, there’s something very valuable in there, and some dudes take her kids hostage locked inside the house, as she fights to get them out of danger. The Mother’s Day weekend lesson here is, don’t mess with an angry mama. 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
COMEDY “Life of the Party,” rated PG-13, starring Gillian Jacobs, Melissa
McCarthy and Debby Ryan. A woman’s husband throws divorce at her after more than 20 years of marriage… so she chooses to go back to college and hang with 20-somethings. So OK, she’s a middle-aged mom, but why does she have to resemble the look of Beverly in “The Goldbergs,” set in the 1980s? If you for some reason see this movie… prepare yourself for Melissa McCarthy pointing to her vagina and referring to it as a “Google.” 10MAY2018
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Kristin Callaway, Alex Sponcia, Mary Morris and Tonya Fairburn at Male Review for Pediatrics Cancer through the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at Chevy’s Night Club
Denise Hensley, Tonya Boyd and PJ Camparo at Male Review for Pediatrics Cancer through the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at Chevy’s Night Club
Ytica Mondor, Sammy Stanfield, Stacey Sheppard and Michelle Suber at Male Review for Pediatrics Cancer through the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at Chevy’s Night Club
Greg Leopard, Colby Glosson and Brenner Ham at Male Review for Pediatrics Cancer through the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at Chevy’s Night Club
Calvin Ho, Sara Boyett with AU’s celebrity Dr. Jedidiah Ballard at Male Review for Pediatrics Cancer through the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at Chevy’s Night Club
Tex and Marianne Maxwell and Bobby Timmerman at Derby Day at the Legends Club for the Augusta Training Shop
Matt and Allie Blumb, Ashley and Garon Miller at Derby Day at the Legends Club for the Augusta Training Shop
Kerin Older, Jeremy Adams and Leslie Hamrick at Derby Day at the Legends Club for the Augusta Training Shop
Lee and Jackie Prather with Margaret and Bubba Healton at Derby Day at the Legends Club for the Augusta Training Shop
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
10MAY2018
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Austin Rhodes Long knives, bayonets and dirty bombs are out in local politics by Austin Rhodes
Say what you want about the partisan political battles we see in Washington, D.C., but there are few things that compare with the “family hate” on display when interparty power struggles pit Democrat against Democrat and Republican against Republican. We are seeing that kind of animosity in spades in Richmond and Columbia counties this season ... so much so that you have to wonder whether we are going to get out of all these battles without blood drawn. AUSTIN RHODES A long-time radio talk show host who can be In Richmond County, while there are technically few heard weekdays on WGAC from party primaries that are creating heat, the two lifelong 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Democrats vying for state court judge have folks in each Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the camp beside themselves. Monique Walker is hoping to publisher. unseat the appointed Bo Hunter, one of the last of the dying breed of Southern white male Democrats you can find in office in this area. While the position is nonpartisan, Hunter is trying to remind everyone of his political pedigree, and the establishment legal community is quietly pushing him as hard as they can. To say that it would be an embarrassment to have Ms. Walker, who barely escaped Federal prison in the case that sent her Dad (former State Senator Charles Walker) to the pokey for almost a decade, win a Judgeship, would be the understatement of the year. She was clobbered by Ed McIntyre’s daughter in law in the race for solicitor a few years back, but in a contest against an old white guy in Augusta, Ga., in 2018, it is hard to see her losing. When it comes to the mayor’s race, incumbent Hardie Davis is doing all he can to embrace the beauty, splendor and magnificence of South Augusta, while riding the wave of enthusiasm for his Regency Mall arena relocation scheme. Many believe it to be the only reason he remains a favorite to retain his seemingly powerless (but well-paid) position atop the Augusta government. For those who were counting out Gould Hagler III as the long shot dark horse (ironic, huh?) in this contest, don’t look now, but two different polls show the race in a dead heat. Hey, in the Trump Political Era, anything is possible! I guess we can also toss in the acrimony, accusations and distrust that abounds in the ranks of the local Richmond County Democratic Party, where longtime chairman Dr. Lowell Greenbaum has been moved into an “emeritus” position, while the rest of the party leadership are going at each other’s throats. Restraining orders, arrests and armed police guards are now par for the course at the meetings, and as much as I try to keep up with all the soap opera drama being generated by the personalities at war, it is like watching The Three Stooges doing battle with The Marx Brothers. No idea who is going to win, but the losers will likely be taken away by the Keystone Cops. While tempers flare in Augusta-Richmond County in certain contests, there is no comparison to the white-hot-hate we see in Columbia County Republican showdowns this year. The main lightning rod, for good or for ill, seems to be Pam Tucker. You either love her (for chairwoman) or you don’t. If you don’t, those who do are more than happy to relegate you, your children, your mother, and all your family pets, to the deepest, darkest pit in Hell. Anyone who doesn’t support Tucker’s self-made, grassroots campaign is accused of being a “crooked, bought-off, stuck-up, money-grubbing, country clubber who hates women.” Pam even accused me, a lifelong friend and supporter of hers, of endorsing her opponent because she “doesn’t have the keys to the country club.” If she had said Monkeemobile, Heinz Field, or the Starship Enterprise, she may have been onto something ... but “keys to the country club?” ME? No, it has nothing to do with anything Doug has done, or can do, for ME PERSONALLY. It has everything to do with the life in politics he has led since 10MAY2018
working with Otis Hensley, Lillian Johnson and Mike Eubanks in 1988 to defeat the lifelong Democrats who were screwing up life and government in Columbia County. Doug was a conservative Republican before it was fashionable to be one, and he has worked long and hard for GOP causes and candidates both at the forefront of politics, and behind the scenes. Pam got in this race because she believes she was done wrong by county administrator Scott Johnson. Rather than stay in place as Georgia’s best EMA director and fight that good fight, which I begged her to do, she quit. As a result, my family and my county has been less safe than it should have and could have been under her EMA leadership. Nothing against the current EMA director, but it will take years of experience until he is, what Pam was. In the meantime, if Pam got to work doing all that Doug Duncan has done to prepare him for the chairmanship of Columbia County, it would take her quite a while to catch up as well. Doug’s knowledge of the state GOP leadership, which is firmly in control of Georgia and will be for some time, is second to none. There is no way Pam can re-create what 35 years of political groundwork has done for Doug Duncan. Certainly not anytime soon. I did not “change course” on Pam, she “changed course” on me. Doug in the meantime, is right on schedule, and is primed to take Columbia County to the next level. Pam’s political naiveté was never on better display than her recent endorsements of fellow candidates Hafeez Chaudhry (District 1) and Lee Muns (District 3). While I understand that she wants and needs two more votes to accomplish any changes she wants to make in county government, taking these two gentlemen aboard her bus was not a wise move. Mr. Chaudhry’s campaign Facebook page recently referred to his opponent Connie Melear as a “lightweight” and “immature.” I cannot “LOL” enough at such ridiculous statements. Mrs. Melear comes to the ballot as the most seriously educated, professionally accomplished and successful businesswoman ever to offer for office in Columbia County. Bar none. Disagree with her politics, question her ambitions, ponder her motives... all legitimate political strategies. But for Chaudhry to describe her as an “immature lightweight,” well, my two-word reply to that was to call him a “colossal dumbass.” Case closed. Then to Lee Muns, whose financial and business difficulties were reported in the Augusta Chronicle this week. While it would seem Lee does have bigger problems to handle, much more important than voluntary political entanglements, those legitimate concerns pale when compared to the hideous personal conflicts of interest a victory would guarantee him from day one. Lee is married to the ex-wife of Columbia County administrator Scott Johnson. Yep, the same guy Pam Tucker has promised to “run off.” I understand the complexities of dealing with an ex-wife and her new husband. I was comparatively lucky in that department, but even I wouldn’t push my luck by voluntarily running for a position that would put me in direct supervision of the man. But, hey... Lee says, “hold my beer,” prompting his new nickname, “Colossal Dumbass Jr.” If everyone in this “new age” Brady Bunch/Addams Family saga got along, that would be one thing, but these folks all can’t stand each other. The adults don’t speak, the grown children involved are at odds, and in the midst of it all, Lee decides he is going to run for a supervisory position over his wife’s ex. I would write all this up in a script and send it to Hollywood, but no one would believe it; it’s just too damn stupid. As long as Lee’s wife’s ex-husband is the administrator of Columbia County, he has no business at all running for the commission. NONE. All the above animus, all the knives, all the nasty remarks, strictly within the confines of the Republican Party. With friends like those, who needs enemas? AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 39
when Sentimental moments matter
2635 Washington Road Augusta, GA 30904 Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm 706.738.7777 windsorfinejewelers.com