Thank You Augusta Champions! An Augusta Champion is a local resident who has worked with the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau or the Augusta Sports Council to bring a meeting, reunion or event to Augusta. Augusta Champions generated $20,776,836.10 in direct visitor spending in 2015. They are considered “Champions” because, in addition to the tireless and often thankless work of planning or hosting an event, these individuals work hard to showcase the best Augusta has to offer. Augusta Champions will be honored at the 2016 State of Tourism Luncheon on Thursday, February 11th at the Legends Club. Visit AugustaChampions.com for more information.
Catherine Adams Mike Anchor Karen Ard Krys Bailey Lynn Bennett-Thigpen Don Blackstock Mark Bowen Helen Bratton Takya Browning Marci Cannon Bob Damen Betty Davis Lee “Ranger D” Davis Glenis Dorsey Sallie Dubay Brenda Durant Crystal Eskola
Corey Ferrando Mike Freace Sherrell Gay Kim Gibbons Chris Glover Suzette Goggans Vicky Greene Andrew Hammer Adam Harris Pam Hart Dick Hatfield Caroline Hegg Doreen Hester Brad Holdren Brenda Howard Karlton Howard David Hutchison
Andrew Jefferson Carmella Jennings Kristi Jilson James Johnson Linda Johnson Alan Kane Mildred Kendrick Dameon Key Donald Lamb John (Jack) Long Jim Lorraine Mie Lucas Wade Marchman K.B. Martin Robert Martin Esaias Merritt Rick Meyer
Marie Monteiro Gladys Moore Carlos Morales Panella Myrick Steve & Diane Neely Bruce ”ORION” Nichols Jack O’Tyson David Parks Brian Patterson Barbara Peake Earl & Kay Potter Tanya Redic Lynn Russell Anthony “Redleggs” Saunders Katrina Selby Dayton Sherrouse Michelle Singletary
Andrea Smock Richard Swan Della Thomas Vivian Thompson-Sylvester Shannon Tollison Bernard Tompkins Dan Troutman Kathey Tuckey Corey Washington Karen White Wallace White Jeanette Wiggleton Scott Wilkes Greg Williams Rodney Williams Chris Young David Young Wes Zamzow
EDIT Amy Christian
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
molly@themetrospirit.com
TableFebruary of Contents 11, 2016
CREATIVE Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
SALES Gayle Bryan
Senior Account Executive
gayle@themetrospirit.com 706-373-4846
Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
BUSINESS
Wright or Wrong?
Joe White Publisher
Page 16
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com
Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
Whine Line
4
The Sports Center
32
Ruffin It
6
Calendar
34
Jenny Is Wright
8
Nightlife
38
Kris Fisher
10
Sightings
40
Insider
12
NYT Crossword
42
What’s Up
27
The Eight
44
Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que
31
Austin Rhodes
46
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OPINION
The Whine Line
10
8
6
One point to be made in reference to Austin’s crowing over the listener demographics of his “show,” a college education and annual salary of 75K does not in any way inoculate these individuals from being rednecks, Neanderthals, bigots, homophobes, racists, xenophobic nativists or just asshats in general. It may be time to require teachers to attend a drill sergeant training course. When city employees are able to give themselves raises, it’s obvious the Augusta Commission doesn’t have a clue.
“Tea Party” sounds better than “Angry group of misogynistic racist homophobes”.
Ruffin’ It Jenny is Wright Kris Fisher
Fascinating contrast: Metro Spirit this week reports on the fatal Marshall Square fire. Meanwhile the Chronicle guts the News-Times and lays off its own newsroom staff while paying big bucks to propagandize against a pipeline that might cross Billy’s private hunting land. Then their biggest Sunday story is coverage of a ping-pong match involving their corporate management. What a joke. This isn’t a whine, but after reading your the past two articles regarding the Marshall Square fire.. I want to SCREAM! As far as the cause of the fire, I’m confident the professionals will determine the cause and hold those accountable for their actions. What I truly hope happens, is that, “Jerry” and any other individuals who think they had the right to confiscate and hold a Yard Sale and financial benefit by selling the residents personal property, in my view are not only “Scum” but should be held accountable. My heart goes out to all of the residents and their families who have been impacted by this tragedy. They may not ever get back their life’s memories, but I pray they get justice and see “Jerry” and everyone involved prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, if proven by Freddie Sanders. Welcome to Baby ATL.... Don’t look now, but we are turning into ATL. The traffic on every major part of town, especially Columbia County, is getting to the point to where we can’t get anywhere in 20 minutes like we used to brag to our friends about. Not to mention people can’t drive worth a damn in this town! Long pedal on the right people!
Stupid. I know the traffic engineers in Augusta aren’t the brightest but seriously how about reevaluating the red lights on Mike Padgett between Tobacco Rd & the Paper Mill. Your making a grueling and long trip even worse with stopping at these lights for so long. I literally was stuck so long with no traffic visible that someone pulled in ordered their food at bojangles and pulled out before it turned green. Funny but sad. The Metro spirit is the only newspaper left in Columbia County, now that Steve Crawford left the News & Times because down town would not let him write about the corruption on Columbia County the Government. Another good article regarding the Marshall Square fire, but, my, how soon we forget. Remember the lawsuit and resulting settlement where Columbia County ended up with the property. Ron Cross was adamant that no apartments would ever be built on this property and subsequently wasted tax dollars to acquire the property in order to settle that suit. As Jack Long stated, Ron Cross calls himself a builder. As a builder, I would counter that Cross knew exactly what was being built, as the property is only a block away from his county office. Someone is lying here, but it ain’t the retirement community folks! Take your story back to the beginning and follow the money.
If you think Richard Harmon quit over the Marshall Square retirement facility fiasco, then you must be smoking your shorts. For you morons considering Bernie and his crackhead views. One your just hoping to continue to get handouts and something for nothing , and two you better hope you like his Vice President pick because he’s so old he probably will die of old age before finishing half his term. Definitely a good choice....sigh
Branford Road is a disgrace. Why should taxpayers have to dodge pot holes like it’s a Vietnamese mine field?
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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METROSPIRIT 5
Didn’t See That Coming ON SATURDAY NIGHT, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson scored a firstround knockout over former welterweight champion — and still No. 2 ranked fighter — Johny Hendricks at the UFC’s latest event. It was an eye-opening performance, and those who watched it live or on television can bore witness to a rare occurrence: that moment where, for perhaps only one night, everything clicked for a fighter. Thompson entered the UFC on the strength of a lauded kickboxing and karate background, with minimal MMA experience. After winning his initial fights against relatively soft touches, he hit a wall against the supremely underrated and inhumanly tough Matt Brown, who beat Thompson by decision. Since then, Thompson has reeled off six straight wins, a streak that culminated in this starching of Hendricks, a former champ with wins over Jon Fitch, Martin Kampmann and current champion Robbie Lawler. His only prior losses were very debatable split decisions to Lawler and all-time great Georges St. Pierre, and he entered the Thompson fight as a substantial favorite. This was a massive upset, not just in regards to the outcome, but in regards to how it transpired. With that in mind, I thought it appropriate to look back at a few more of the biggest title fight upsets in the sport’s history. In no particular order, because I’m lazy. 1. Randy Couture def. Chuck Liddell (UFC 43 — June 6, 2003) Going into this right, Couture was rightfully the massive underdog. Liddell was thought, correctly, to just be entering his prime, and was in the middle of perfecting what would become his signature sprawland-brawl style. A decorated wrestler, Liddell would use those skills to keep the fight on the feet, where he would put his terrifying striking prowess to use. En route to this fight, Liddell had already dominated perennial contender Vitor Belfort and head-kicked Renato Sobral into about six different comas; by all rights, he should have been fighting Tito Ortiz for the title, but a contract dispute between Ortiz and the UFC led to the fight being stalled. Enter Couture, coming down to the 205-pound division for the first time after two brutal losses at heavyweight to Josh Barnett and Ricco Rodriguez. It was supposed to be a blowout for Liddell: Couture’s major strength was wrestling, and Liddell was a master at shrugging off wrestlers and then beating them to a pulp. The fight was made, with an interim title at light-heavyweight up for grabs. And it was a blowout, in favor of Couture. Noticing that most of Liddell’s strikes, though 6 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
powerful, were reliant on wide, looping hooks, Couture closed the distance, negating those strikes and connected repeatedly with short, straight punches of his own. Liddell, unused to his game plan not working, crumbled and was finally put away in the middle of the third round by TKO, making Couture the first UFC fighter to win belts in two different weight classes. The two would fight twice more, with Liddell winning by knockout both times, but nothing can take the shine off of Couture’s first victory. 2. BJ Penn def. Matt Hughes (UFC 46 — January 31st, 2004) BJ Penn has had one of the more entertaining, baffling, and frustrating careers out of any combat sports professional. Preternaturally gifted, he earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in a stupidly short three years, earned UFC titles in two different weight classes, and has fought across five weight classes. His nickname is “The Prodigy,” and it is perhaps his natural gifts that contribute to his sometimes underwhelming or lackadaisical approach to fighting. For every scintillating KO or submission win against the likes of Takanori Gomi, Caol Uno, Diego Sanchez and Kenny Florian, there are tepid performances against Frankie Edgar, Nick Diaz and Jens Pulver. For this fight, though, The Prodigy showed up. It’s impossible to state how dominant a champion Matt Hughes was at this point. Going into the fight as a five-time defending champ, Hughes’ powerful wrestling and complementary submission grappling had earned him victories over Carlos Newton (twice), Gil Castillo and Hayato Sakurai, effectively cleaning out the division. With a drought of contenders, the UFC granted Penn’s request to move up 15 pounds from lightweight to take on, at that time, the most dominant champion in the sport’s history. Penn completely owned Hughes. He busted his face up with sharp boxing and, when Hughes resorted to his wrestling, Penn wrapped him up in a rear-naked choke, coaxing a tap out barely four minutes into the first round. Both men would go on to successful careers, including splitting two more fights, but this is their defining moment. 3. Dan Henderson def. Wanderlei Silva (PRIDE 33 — February 4th, 2007) When these two fought, Wanderlei Silva was in the middle of a ridiculous winning streak, and had defended his 205-pound title approximately 675 times, usually by some form of soccer kick. He was vicious, and rightfully feared, a twitchy ball of veiny musculature and poor impulse control. Dan Henderson, on the other hand, had spent most of his career in PRIDE fighting
one weight class down at 183 pounds and, though the power in his overhand right was no secret, he built his success on the back of a world-class Greco Roman wrestling game, and was a master of the clinch and top-control. After defeating Vitor Belfort by decision at 205 pounds, Henderson, already holding the 183-pound belt, was granted a shot at Silva’s title in the penultimate PRIDE event. The fight was competitive for a bit, with the two trading shots and withstanding each other’s vaunted power. Then Silva began to tire. He dropped his hands and, at that moment, Henderson decided to try out that combo he saw one time in a Tekken 3 tournament: he walked Silva down, then threw a spinning backfist/left hook sequence that cracked Silva’s jaw and knocked him out cold. With that, Henderson became the only fighter in MMA history to concurrently hold belts in two weight classes. 4. TJ Dillashaw def. Renan Barao (UFC 173 — May 4, 2014) It was tough to come up with this final entry. There were several other famous examples to hold up — Matt Serra’s defeat of Georges St. Pierre, Chris Weidman knocking out Anderson Silva, Frankie Edgar over BJ Penn — but this one is notable for the seeming discrepancy in talent between the two combatants, and for how extended and prolonging Dillashaw’s dominance was. To many, TJ Dillashaw came out of nowhere. A finalist on a season of The Ultimate Fighter, he was KOd in the finale by John Dodson, who then promptly dropped down to flyweight. Afterward, Dillashaw
quietly but efficiently put a stellar record together at bantamweight, with the only blemish on his record coming via split decision against Rafael Assuncao. On the strength of a rebound victory over Mike Easton and UFC 173’s loss of its initial Chris Weidman/Vitor Belfort main event, Dillashaw was tapped to face bantamweight king Renan Barao on short notice. Barao had been running roughshod over the 135-pound division for years, defeating the likes of Urijah Faber (twice), Eddie Wineland and Brad Pickett, enjoying an unheard-of 31-fight unbeaten streak. He was a terror on the feet, a submission wizard and boasted a fairly charming, if awkward, postfight celebration dance. You will, by now, not be shocked to learn that Dillashaw ate Barao for breakfast. He darted in and out with constant, complex head movement and footwork, lighting up Barao with flawless combinations, never once getting into any sort of trouble himself. Finally, Dillashaw landed a high kick and follow-up punches to put a stamp on probably the greatest performance of his career — y’know, until he did the same thing to Barao in their rematch several months later.
JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home,
having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin, with his wife, Michelle. He is a selfdescribed beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights. 11FEBRUARY2016
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Twelve Years, in the Blink of an Eye HIS FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY was at my mother in law’s house. It was simple. I invited our playgroup buddies and their moms. We had cupcakes and wine and watched the babies play. We survived those early years on cupcakes and wine. His second birthday party was held at The Little Gym. Moms, remember when we used to take our babies there? Someone should open one again. His party had to be there that year because I was on bed rest with his sister. He opened dozens of presents and played with his friends. His third birthday party was a the first big birthday party we allowed. It seemed silly to have (read: pay for) a huge extravaganza for a kid who wouldn’t remember it. I’m pretty sure our kid doesn’t remember it. It was fun, though. We had two friends playing guitar and singing songs, and all 30-something kids and their parents gathered in our then-empty living room for a sing-along. All it took was a dozen or so pizzas, juice boxes and a cooler of beer. Beer isn’t necessary for a kid party, but if it’s there, your odds of getting dads to
come increase exponentially. Sure, not everyone likes beer, but it doesn’t feel right serving bourbon on a Saturday morning unless we’re in Athens. His fourth birthday party was a joint venture. He and his sister were born on days almost two weeks apart, so it made sense to pair them up and invite everyone we knew. Well, not everyone, but it felt like it. This was back when High School Musical was the movie du jour, so we set up a stage, played it for everyone and served pizza and beer. We called the day Pre School Musical. Cute, I know. It wasn’t anything Pinterestworthy, but that was before Pinterest was a thing, anyway. After that, we had a Superman party (I made capes!), a S’more Party (marshmallows!), a couple of bowling parties and a sleepover. I’d complain about all the kids. The cleanup was ridiculous. We had to write thank you notes. We spent money. We hurt feelings, because we couldn’t invite everyone. We came to dread them. For the very first time in his sweet little life, he doesn’t want a party. He wants to go to Hibachi with a few friends and call it a day. I thought I’d be ecstatic. You probably thought so, too. Sometimes, I surprise myself. While I’m relieved there will be no invites to print or children to entertain, I’m a little misty eyed about it. He’s 12, y’all. Twelve. Every age impresses me at this point. It’s a “how did we get here?” sort of impression. They say it goes quickly. No one can tell us that, though. It’s something we figure out when it’s nearly too late. Twelve years, in the blink of an eye. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not too sad. I love where we are. He’s fun. He loads the dishwasher and takes out the trash. He talks my ear off when I pick him up from school. What I wouldn’t give for five minutes with the his second birthday version, even just for a hug, but the 12-year-old version is pretty great. We will still have a cake. He’ll get a few presents, I’m sure, and there will be balloons at the breakfast table. It’ll be a different party, but I can promise you one thing: there will be wine. Cheers y’all, and happy birthday to The Boy! Twelve! JENNY WRIGHT’S humorous observations on marriage, motherhood and living in Augusta have earned her a devoted following, both in print and on Facebook. When she’s not spying on other parents in the carpool line at school, you’ll probably find her with either a camera, tennis racquet or wine glass in her hand.
8 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11FEBRUARY2016
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Walking the Line LateLy, I’ve been trying to teach my daughter the fine art of not crossing the line. She is the unfortunate recipient of my smart mouth and her mother’s lack of filter. Also, she’s 11, so she’s not very well versed on when to realize she’s approached the line. You know the line, that line between things you say and thoughts that are best kept to yourself. My sweet little girl always steps across that line. A habitual line-stepper, if you will. Time and time again I have to remind her: There’s some comments that you keep to yourself. We’re working on it. I find it ironic, however, that at the same time I’m trying to teach my daughter the difference between making an observation and making a potentially hurtful comment, I am also trying to learn how to stay on the correct side of another line: The difference between being a jerk and teaching a lesson. My kids have picked up another of my bad habits: Forgetting things. They have made it an art form. For example, just last week my oldest son, No. 2, asked me to sign a permission slip for school. He asked at the usual time that kids ask for these things: about 30 seconds before they have to catch the bus. I sign his slip and he proceeds to leave it on the kitchen counter as he left for the day. I receive a text from him after he boards the bus asking me to bring the slip to school before 10:20. I think, “Really, man? How do you leave the slip when you just asked me to sign it? How does this happen? I can’t bring it up there, I have a big day at work. And making the trek into Grovetown, the city that apparently outlaws widening roads, isn’t the easiest. It’s like the city engineers are conducting an experiment. How many schools can we put on the same two-lane road?” After throwing a small temper tantrum, I eventually take the permission slip to the school, for several reasons: 1. Because if I don’t, he’ll miss out on the valuable historical lesson they’re going to learn while watching “Armageddon.” Wait… what? “Armageddon?” This is educational? What are they watching next week, “Snakes on a Plane?” 2. I’m a sucker. I forget things, too. So I understand the frustration. And I don’t want him to be the only kid that doesn’t get to watch Steve Buscemi straddle and hump a nuclear bomb before drilling it into the center of an asteroid. 3. I can’t seem to find the line between teaching him to remember his own stuff and being a jerk. A similar thing happened with my daughter the very next day. She hit me up for money to buy a shirt just as we were walking out the door. “What? You don’t spring this on my at the last minute! I don’t even have any cash! I guess you’re not getting a shirt for track this year!” She replies: “They can take a check, Daddy.” “What? A friggin’ check?” The nerve she had, pointing out an obvious and simple solution to this very minor problem! I wrote her check, but I wasn’t happy about it. But still, there was that side of me that thought, “How can I teach them to be proactive when I keep supporting this lastminute forgetful lifestyle?” It’s moments like these that remind me that parenting is hard. Kids should come with an instruction manual. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Or maybe it’s just my job as a parent to understand that they are still children and I should be the understanding adult with all the answers. The problem is, I don’t have any of the answers. I’ve been looking over other parents’ shoulders and copying their paper for the past 10 years. Maybe I should make more of an effort myself to remember things so they have a good example by which to base their lives. Or maybe they do it just to get a rise out of me. In which case, these kids are evil! Come to think of it, I’m going with the overthinking it part.
KRIS FISHER,Kris Fisher is the midday host and program director for HD98.3 and an Augusta radio staple. He is a husband, father of three and lover of all things adventurous, as well as activities most people would have outgrown years ago. djkfish.com.
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V27|NO6
16
Insider Wright or Wrong?
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NEWS
What Will it Take?
12 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
HERE THE AUGUSTA COMMISSION GOES AGAIN, preparing to extend a contract with the private probation company, Sentinel Offender Services, for another year. Do any of the commissioners even care that the private probation company is facing more than a dozen lawsuits being considered by the Georgia Supreme Court? Just this past week, the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division met in California and urged the state legislature to abolish “offender funded” systems of probation supervised by private, for profit companies. The group’s recommendation came after reviewing the circumstances surrounding several cases in Georgia, including the lawsuit filed on behalf of Augusta’s own Hills McGee. More than five years ago, Augusta attorneys Jack Long and John Bell began their fight to improve probation practices in this area after hearing about McGee’s case. In 2010, an attorney from the public defender’s office approached Long about a case she handled involving a
defendant who she thought had been unlawfully incarcerated. She told Long about McGee, a disabled veteran who was originally charged with public drunkenness and obstruction of a law enforcement officer back in October 2008. After spending the night in jail following his arrest, McGee appeared in state court to face the charges. Although McGee was indigent, he signed a form that waived his rights to an attorney and entered a guilty plea. McGee was sentenced to 12 months on each count to run consecutively and was ordered to pay a fine of $270 and a monthly probation supervision fee of $30 per month plus a $9 monthly fee for the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Program. Although McGee completed 41 hours of community service in lieu of the $270 fine, because he was indigent, his probation was revoked because he couldn’t pay the $186 in fees that he owed Sentinel. As a result, McGee was thrown into jail. 11FEBRUARY2016
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“When I found out about this case, I went out to the Phinizy Road Jail and saw Mr. McGee,” Long told the Metro Spirit a few years ago. “It took me about 15 seconds to understand what was going on. This man is schizophrenic and bipolar. He is not a danger to anyone. And this case is just a very good example of why you don’t need a private company making any decisions for somebody to be in jail.” Obviously, the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division agrees with Long. “State legislatures should take a more active role in curtailing the power of private probation companies,” the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division wrote. “Until such recommendations are heeded, little change is likely to come.” The time to act is now, the group stated. “With the private companies seeking a profit, with courts in need of income and with the most vulnerable caught in the system, we end up balancing the budget on the backs of the poorest people in society,” the group quoted Stephen Bright, the president of the Southern Center for Human Rights, as saying. The problem in Georgia is particularly disturbing, the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division wrote. “A study on the practices of private probation companies in Georgia is troubling and revealing,” the group wrote. “In some courts, if defendants are financially unable to pay a fine on the day they are sentenced, they are placed on supervised probation until they pay off the fine. While this may seem beneficial to a defendant with little or no income, many of the private probation companies charge between $35 and $44 in monthly supervision fees, totaling between $420 and $528 over the course of a year. This means that a person who is unable to pay a $200 fine on the day of sentencing and is placed on probation may ultimately pay a tripled or even quadrupled amount over the course of one year as compared to a person of means who would not face probation fees.” The group specifically addressed some major concerns with Augusta’s own branch of Sentinel Offender Services. “At least one private probation company links probation officers’ job security to the amount of money they collect each month,” the group wrote, referring to the Augusta. branch. “Crystal Paige, the area manager for the Sentinel branch in (Richmond County), testified that officers are given bonuses based on profitability. If an officer does not collect enough from the people on his caseload, he may be fired.” Do state and local officials really need any more warning signs or red flags regarding Sentinel? The entire country has its eye on Georgia and its terrible private probation system. The Peach State uses private probation more than any other state in the country and it is estimated those private probation companies in Georgia collect approximately $40 million a year in supervision fees for low-level misdemeanor offenders. Of course, county officials frequently say it will cost too much to establish a probation system operated by the local government. Sure. It will be expensive, but sooner or later, counties all across this state are going to have to ditch the private companies and reform their probation systems. Change is coming. Augusta-Richmond County better prepare for it or, even better, go ahead and start the transition. Don’t just throw up your hands. Investigate the costs. See what needs to be done. Explore the county’s options. Otherwise, Richmond County will be caught with its pants down and will have no one to blame but itself.
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niversity Hospital’s Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography, now in its 33rd year, is accepting applications for classes beginning in July 2016. This 24-month program is accredited through the JRCERT, www.jrcert.org. Applicants must possess a minimum of an Associates Degree in any discipline and an overall grade point average of 2.25. College Algebra and English (or Composition) are also required. After completing
Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography University Hospital 1350 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901-2612 706/774-5010
the program, students receive a Certificate of Radiography and are eligible for the National ARRT Registry Exam. Applications are available online at www.universityhealth.org/clinicaleducation. For information, contact Patty Graham or Nancy Elliott at 706/774-5010, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or write to the address below. Class size is limited. To meet the eligibility deadline, all material must be received by April 15, 2016.
www.universityhealth.org/clinicaleducation
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Morris is Destroying The Columbia County News-Times
WHAT HAPPENS to a business when you lay off several staff members, pile triple the work onto the remaining workhorses in the office and then treat those employees as if they are simply lucky to still have jobs? A mass exodus, that’s what. And, no, the Insider isn’t referring to the recent departures of AugustaRichmond County Fire Chief Chris James and Traffic Engineer Steve Cassell from the city government... although, the same scenario probably holds true. This time, the Insider is talking about the chaotic state that currently exists at The Columbia County News-Times. Just this week, Morris Publishing Group announced that The Columbia County News-Times publisher Steve Crawford is stepping down from his position effective Feb. 12. Now, according to Morris Publishing Group, Crawford is leaving to take a position in his “family-owned real estate venture, which operates in the Augusta metro area.” While that statement is not inaccurate, it is hiding a huge problem behind the scenes at the newspaper. The fact of the matter is, Morris Publishing is slowly strangling the life out of The Columbia County News-Times by cutting staff, slashing expenses and 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
treating its employees like dogs. A few weeks ago, Morris laid off several talented staff members, including veteran photographer Jim Blaylock, who had worked for The Augusta Chronicle and The Columbia County News-Times for 15 years, and sports writer Scott Rouch. The last column that Rouch wrote for The Columbia County News-Times on Jan. 10 was called, “What will the new year bring?” Unfortunately, little did Rouch know that the New Year would bring a pink slip that he didn’t deserve. Is there any wonder why Crawford, a well-respected journalist in this community for 20 years, decided to pack his bags and explore other options? And Crawford wasn’t the only one. Valerie Rowell, a long-time reporter for The Columbia County News-Times, also decided enough was enough. But Morris Publishing Group wants folks to believe that these two journalists just happened to leave at the exact same time to totally switch careers. Come on, Morris folks. No one is that stupid. It’s a shame because ever since Morris Publishing purchased the News-Times back in 1998, they have caused many long-time journalists to run screaming from the media business.
For almost 15 years, former Columbia County News-Times publisher Barry Paschal was the heart and soul of that paper. But about three years ago, Paschal left the News-Times to become the senior director of marketing and communications for Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. It was a great move for Paschal, but it was devastating for the newspaper and the community because Paschal was “Mr. Columbia County.” He knew everything and everyone out there. But Morris didn’t appreciate all of his efforts and dedication to the job. The paper took Paschal for granted and just assumed his commitment to the county would keep him planted in the publisher’s seat. Well, hardworking and well-respected professionals can only take so much before they begin considering their options. And for folks like Paschal, Crawford, Rowell, Blaylock and Rouch, who have outstanding reputations in this region, new opportunities will always present themselves. The truth is, you can’t keep a good man (or woman) down. So, now it will be up to Stephen Wade,
the newly appointed general manager of The Augusta Chronicle, to find a replacement for Crawford as publisher. Good luck with that one. Crawford is an award-winning investigative reporter and former city editor of The Augusta Chronicle. He was a wise choice to follow after Paschal because Crawford knew how to dig for stories and did some of his best work on controversial issues facing the county, such as the resignation of former Tax Commissioner Kay Allen and the devastating fire at the Marshall Square retirement community. Journalists like that aren’t easy to find, especially when the job requires them to basically be a one-person show by juggling the responsibilities of reporter, editor, publisher, photographer, office manager, receptionist and everything else under the sun. No amount of money is worth that kind of torture. So, have fun, Mr. Wade, trying to find someone to step into that role. You might want to invest in some rosecolored glasses and staple them to the candidates’ foreheads because that’s the only way you are going to find yourself a captain for that poor sinking ship. 11FEBRUARY2016
Your Hometown Lender BRANDON MEARS 706.739.0123 ext. 3230 706.691.2300 (c)
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Wright or Wrong?
Local attorney and Georgia House candidate Wright McLeod is “mad as hell” over being booked on a charge of false imprisonment By Stacey Eidson
Not loNg after local attorney and Georgia House candidate Wright McLeod learned Richmond County Magistrate Court Judge William Jennings had signed a warrant for his arrest last week involving a bizarre allegation against him of false imprisonment, he quickly sent a text to his three daughters. “I simply said, ‘This will likely get worse before it gets better, but I did nothing wrong. I did exactly what your mother and I would want you to do if you were ever in a similar situation,’” Wright said, sitting in his real estate law firm’s conference room in Evans. “You treat an individual with respect, with courtesy, with dignity and you handle the situation in a legal manner. And that was done in this case.” His daughters, whose ages range from 16 to 24, were in complete shock that he was about to booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center on Phinizy Road. “I have never been arrested. I have never been accused,” said McLeod, who is also a retired naval officer. “I think the last time I even got a speeding ticket was when I was going to see my girlfriend and soon-to be-wife more than 20 years ago.” After sitting in jail for about two hours and being released on his own recognizance last Thursday, McLeod is still stunned that a former employee of the Augusta Warrior Project, Janice Jamison, is claiming he and Amy Palowitch, the director of staff and operations at AWP, refused to allow her to leave the office on Dec. 28 until they searched her purse and backpack. 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Jamison told the judge last week that she would not allow McLeod and Palowitch to search her personal belongings and, therefore, deputies from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. In her statement to the court requesting a criminal arrest warrant, Jamison said that both McLeod and Palowitch entered her office and told her that she was being terminated. “I asked why, to which he replied I would be told at a later date and I needed to collect my belongings and I would be escorted from the building,” Jamison wrote, referring to McLeod. “I relinquished the company laptop and cellphone, packed my belongings and then was told by the two of them I would not be able to leave until I let them search my purse and backpack.” Jamison claims that McLeod and Palowitch prevented her from leaving the building. “Amy Palowitch stood in front of the door and Wright McLeod in front of my desk,” she stated. “I refused and told them they didn’t have the right.” The only reason that McLeod, who serves as a volunteer board member for the Augusta Warrior Project, was at the AWP office that day was that the staff had requested he assist in the termination of Jamison. “I have been asked to assist in the terminating of employees before and have done so,” McLeod said. “I was asked to assist in the terminating of this employee and did so. I always have a witness and, all I can say is, this employee was terminated for cause.”
“Here we are again. You can’t help but see the irony in this situation.” — Wright McLeod
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While McLeod said he could not specifically discuss the reasons surrounding the firing of Jamison, he insisted the termination was justified. “The termination was done legally, it was done extremely professionally and it was done ethically,” McLeod. “Never once did I state or infer that she was not to leave the office. In fact, I was there to get her to leave the office. And I think the evidence will show all of that to be true.” According the report from the sheriff’s office, Jamison claimed that she had told McLeod and Palowitch “multiple times” that she wanted to leave, but they refused. She then alleges that McLeod told her that she could leave, but her personal belongings would have to remain at the office and would be returned to her at a later date. At that point, Jamison stated the sheriff’s deputies were called to Augusta Warrior Project’s office. “Mr. McLeod advised us that Ms. Jamison was just fired and he wanted to search her belongings because he believes that there is some property that belonged to the business in her purse or book bag,” Deputy
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Shane Van Dyke wrote in his Dec. 29 report. “We advised Mr. McLeod that no one could search her bags without her permission, and he advised us that we were wrong.” Before the deputies escorted Jamison out of the building, the report states that she gave McLeod one black binder that belonged to the company, but that she “didn’t have anything else that belonged to them.” Once she arrived at her car, Jamison gave the deputies multiple keys to Augusta Warrior Project’s office. When the deputies returned the keys to Palowitch and McLeod, they asked why Jamison had been fired. “They stated that they believe that she stole a large amount of data that belonged to the company and she was seen using different memory sticks on different occasions,” the report states. “I asked them what kind of information did they believe was stolen, they advised me that it was pertaining to veterans’ personal information. They also believed she stole product information, which could cost them a large amount of money if it went to their competitors.” On the advice of his attorneys, McLeod says he cannot elaborate on those allegations against Jamison. “I want to tell everything and there will be an opportunity to tell everything,” McLeod said. “Wright McLeod has always been for transparency. For getting the truth out as quickly as possible and we tried to do that. But at this point, talking about the specific incident is completely counter to what the lawyers are advising me, even though I sure as hell want to.” Currently, McLeod and his attorneys are waiting to receive the transcript from last week’s court hearing and a copy of the body camera video that the deputies were wearing that day. “The video will clearly show that Ms. Jamison never came forward and said, ‘He won’t let me leave,’ or ‘She won’t let me leave,’” McLeod said. “At all times, there were two of us in the room, me and the
According the report from the sheriff’s office, Jamison claimed that she had told McLeod and Palowitch “multiple times” that she wanted to leave, but they refused. director of staff and operations, Amy Palowitch.” Also, at no time, did the termination become hostile, McLeod insists. “It was very civil. There was never a Mexican standoff,” McLeod said. “There was never the blocking of the door. It was, ‘We need to ensure what belongs to you, you get and what belongs to Augusta Warrior Project, we get.’” And yet, the judge signed the warrants for the arrests of McLeod and Palowitch, ruling there was probable cause to support a charge of false imprisonment. “I am mad as hell,” McLeod said, when asked about the accusations against him. “This did not need to happen. It should not have happened. We did nothing wrong. If the call came today to do it all over again, we would do exactly what we did on Dec. 28. No different. I have not learned anything that has convinced me to do it any differently or any other way.” In fact, McLeod said he sincerely believes Jennings was wrong in signing the warrants for his and Palowitch’s arrest. “I disagree with the warrant being signed. I disagree with the judge’s decision,” said McLeod, who has previously served as a municipal judge in Hephzibah. “I am a former judge. Judges are not perfect. It is a very, very preliminary process. I think the judge made the wrong decision, but I believe in the judicial system. I believe in the judiciary and I believe, in the end, everything will come to light. At the end of the day, we have been falsely accused.” However, McLeod admits he is extremely upset by the heartache that this arrest has caused his family. Last week, his wife, Sheri, accompanied him to the jail on Phinizy Road, where his mugshot was taken, he was booked and he had to wait a few hours before he was bonded out. As the McLeods entered and exited the jail, several members of the local media were there taking photos and filming the arrest. McLeod, who is running in the Georgia House District 123 race, said his wife was furious. “The judge put a bond on me for $15,000 and Mrs. Palowitch for $15,000,” he said. “My wife and I own our house, so my wife had to go in with me to bond both me and
“We advised Mr. McLeod that no one could search her bags without her permission, and he advised us that we were wrong.” — Deputy Shane Van Dyke’s report
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Mrs. Palowitch out. That was painful.” However, when the McLeods arrived at the jail, they discovered his wife did not have to accompany him after all. “When we got there, the judge had changed it from a property bond to what is called an O.R., or own recognizance, bond so my wife did not have to sign our house over,” he said. “But, when we went in that morning, that was why she was there.” The entire situation has been extremely stressful for his entire family, McLeod said. “My wife is mad,” McLeod said, adding that each of his daughters are handling the situation much differently. His 24-year daughter, Collier, is a law student at the University of Georgia, and seems to understand that this is simply a legal process that the family unfortunately must deal with, McLeod said. However, his middle daughter, Margaret, a senior at Emory University, is deeply upset that he was booked and had to sit in jail. “My middle daughter is probably the 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
most affected because she doesn’t want anything to do with Augusta, Georgia. Period. Ever,” McLeod said, shaking his head. “Or, at least that is what she says. And then our younger daughter is only 16. I don’t know that she quite realizes the situation.” Of course, McLeod said his youngest daughter may become more impacted by the arrest if his mugshot appears in this week’s edition of The Jail Report and attracts the attention of her classmates. “Let’s just say, I certainly don’t agree with the system right now,” McLeod said. “What has occurred did not need to occur. However, I like public service. I like helping people. I like making a difference. I enjoy politics. But I don’t enjoy sitting in jail. I think, in the end, this is going to work out. The price that I have to pay, it’s fine. But when it comes to the family, that’s tough. I think sometimes that price might be a little high.” When asked if he believes he was unfairly targeted by Jamison because he is a candidate running for the Georgia House, McLeod said he is not certain. “There is no doubt that my desire to
serve in public office has made this a much more visible case. There is just no doubt in that,” McLeod said. “Now, would she have attempted to file the warrant had I not been running for the House seat? I don’t know. It is certainly awfully odd. It is extremely odd. Normally, a situation like this is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. So, it is extremely odd that this is going down the criminal road. And we expect there to be a civil matter, as well. You have to prepare and we are preparing for a civil matter, too.” McLeod also realizes that these accusations could possibly impact his
McLeod quickly told supporters on July 4 that he would run for the seat. McLeod has already raised more than $100,000 for his campaign, but he is now facing what he describes as “baseless” accusations from a woman who he believes is “unfit for her position” and “stole from veterans.” However, McLeod insists that he will still be District 123’s next state representative. “We are going to win,” McLeod said, smiling. “We are going to give it everything we’ve got. The support that we have received is overwhelming. And
“Wright McLeod has always been for transparency.” — Wright McLeod chances in this year’s election for the House District 123 seat that is currently held by state Rep. Barbara Sims. Not long after Sims announced she was retiring and not seeking re-election,
we are going to work on everything. We are going to fix the schools in Richmond County. We are going to fix the roads in Columbia County. We are going to help Fort Gordon get a new gate. And we are 11FEBRUARY2016
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going to make Augusta University the third flagship university in the state.” Of course, McLeod knows all too well how controversy can derail a campaign. Back in 2012, McLeod lost the Republican primary for the 12th Congressional District to Republican rival Rick Allen because his camp was hammered with an official complaint to the Federal Election Commission in Washington, D.C. The complaint, filed by Allen, accused the McLeod campaign of stealing proprietary donor information from Rick W. Allen for Congress, accepting excessive contributions involving the Wright McLeod campaign office and failing to properly disclose expenditures by not itemizing campaign expenses and reimbursements. At the time, it appeared Allen was looking to hit McLeod’s campaign with a final knockout punch just before the primary. “Due to the volume and pattern of these violations, which suggest either incompetence or willful disregard for the law, we urge the Commission to take actions to investigate these matters fully and to carefully review all aspects of operations of the McLeod campaign for other potential violations,” the Allen campaign stated in 2012. In response, the McLeod campaign immediately shot back with a press release claiming McLeod was being attacked for being too frugal. “Allen Campaign Calls on McLeod to Follow Their Example to Spend and Borrow,” the press release read. The McLeod campaign announced that it had spent less than the other viable candidates, including Allen. But, unfortunately for McLeod, the Federal Election Commission didn’t dismiss all of the allegations against him until September 2013. That was more than a full year after the 2012 Republican primary. “Upon further review of the allegations contained in the complaint, and information supplied by you, the Commission, on September 10th, 2013, voted to find no reason to believe with respect to certain allegations, dismissed the remaining allegations and closed the file,” the FEC wrote. For McLeod, it was a victory, but an accusation that probably cost him the 2012 election. “Justice prevailed,” McLeod stated in 2013. “This was an unnecessary and expensive legal fight in which the ethical allegations crossed the line, even by 20 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
today’s standards. Instead of debating the issues, it became a fight over my integrity.” It turned into a brutal fight that didn’t benefit McLeod or Allen in 2012, he said. “The result, I was forced to defend my character,” McLeod wrote, “and the Republican Primary became a circular firing squad that caused the people of GA-12 to lose and John Barrow to win.”
“Now, would she have attempted to file the warrant had I not been running for the House seat?” — Wright McLeod Looking back at that Congressional race, McLeod admits it was extremely difficult having to combat false allegations. “You have to have one hell of a stiff spine to do this,” McLeod said. “The last campaign, my only campaign that I’ve ever run, was, by those in the know, extremely dirty. That was our first rodeo. It cost me in excess of $50,000 in legal fees that I had to pay. In the end, we were completely vindicated and we won, but we lost the political race.” It was a difficult pill to swallow, McLeod said. “Whether that caused the loss, it is hard to determine. I certainly believe it did,” he said. “And it has taken me a long time to get over it. Rick (Allen) has apologized. I don’t think Rick intended it to go as far as it did. And I have accepted it and I have moved on. My wife and children have not.” For that reason, the timing of this allegation of false imprisonment against him by Jamison is particularly painful, McLeod said. “Here we are again,” McLeod said. “You can’t help but see the irony in this situation. I think the last time it was very calculated. How calculated this one is? I just don’t know.” While McLeod said the response that he has received this past week from the public has been “overwhelmingly 11FEBRUARY2016
QUARTERLY TIRE RECYCLING EVENT
SCRAP
ST. PAT'S IN FIVE POINTS MARCH 19 REMIX: THEMES & VARIATIONS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
GETAWAY
TIRE EVENT
RECYCLE SCRAP TIRES IN FEBRUARY!
E
Individuals can RECYCLE UNWANTED SCRAP TIRES, FREE OF CHARGE during the quarterly scrap tire event
Must provide proof of Richmond County residency
Tires may be on or off the rim
Tires will not be accepted from those in the tire business
RECYCLING EVENTS WILL BE HELD ON A QUARTERLY BASIS AT THE LANDFILL
STIONS ?
FIRST QUARTER RECYCLING EVENT CA
11
QU
Here is how it works:
COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART FEBRUARY 5- MAY 3
LL 3
Recycle your scrap tires at the following locations.
SATURDAY, FEB 20th AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY LANDFILL 4330 Deans Bridge Road Blythe, Georgia 30805 from 9am – 2pm
2016 : SCRAP TIRE EVENTS
Saturday, May 21st Saturday, Aug. 20th Saturday, Nov. 19th
at the Augusta-Richmond County Landfill www.AugustaSolidWaste.com
SC PHILHARMONIC 2015/2016: SAYAKA IN THE SPRING MARCH 12
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“Rick (Allen) has apologized.” — Wright McLeod positive,” he has also been surprised by the fact that some individuals who have had past legal dealings with his real estate law firm and homeowner association management company have been anxious to throw stones at him. “Here is how I look at things: If you want to do something, if you want to make something better, you are going to make somebody mad,” McLeod said. “And the neighborhoods that we are involved in, at the request of the board — remember that we work for the board — those neighborhoods are better.” If you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowners association, the residents must follow certain rules and regulations within that particular community, he said. “I mean, we don’t make new rules. All we do is enforce the rules that they have already agreed to,” McLeod said. “And it does make people mad. Some people believe that it is their house, so they get to do whatever they please. But when you choose to live in a planned community, the answer to that question is, ‘No. You do not.’”
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Considering the stress and pain that the last election in 2012 caused his family, McLeod was asked whether it was worth running for the Georgia House under the current circumstances. “Is it worth it? You know, I want to leave my home, Augusta, this district, a little better than I’ve found it,” said McLeod, a native Augustan. “This is one way to do it. I believe in public service.” However, the price of politics is particularly high on certain days, McLeod said. “You acknowledge that some days are better than others and last week was not a particularly good week,” McLeod said. “I mean, I literally sat in jail for two hours for something that I flat out did not do. But if that is the price I have to pay to serve on the board for the Augusta Warrior Project and help the veterans, so be it.”
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presents
At the Imperial Theatre
FEBRUARY
26th & 27th @ 8:00pm 28th @ 3:00pm
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34
32
31
WHAT’S UP
Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Burger Heaven Calendar Music Listings
REAL GOOD DEALS
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 11FEBRUARY2016
by Amy Christian
DESPITE ONLINE PETITIONS and a couple of Facebook groups dedicated to the prospect, Augusta seems no closer to having a Trader Joe’s than it was several years ago when lobbying for the specialty grocery store began. What Augusta does have, however, is almost as good and is, in fact, a sister to the store that brought us such novelties as TwoBuck Chuck (their Charles Shaw wine label, bottles of which sell for $2.99 and are actually drinkable). It’s called Aldi, short for Albrecht Discount, and is an import from Germany, as is Trader Joe’s. In fact, each is owned by members of the same family, who split their empire in 1960 over a disagreement about whether or not to sell cigarettes. Karl Albrecht now owns Aldi and Theo Albrecht owns Trader Joe’s. Augusta’s one Aldi store opened with a little fanfare in 2013 and hasn’t been talked about much since. And, after my first visit a week ago, I kind of understand why. Aldi is definitely one of those places you’ll either love or hate. Why? For one, European grocery stores are just different than American ones. Frugality reigns at Aldi, which tries to save money however it can by doing things like only staying open during peak hours, keeping their stores small, using open carton displays instead of shelving all their items, stocking their own brands almost exclusively, and requiring shoppers to bring their
Continued on Next Page
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
When Winter Jam is described as a tour spectacular, they’re not joking around. The Christian music festival at the James Brown Arena features co-headliners For King & Country and Matthew West, as well as a ton more acts on the bill. Get there early enough to see the pre-jam party.
If you’re so over romantic Valentine’s Day celebrations, visit Somewhere in Augusta for a Valentine’s Murder Mystery starting at 7 p.m. RSVP jaime@ somewhereinaugusta.com to make sure you and your sweetheart get seats.
The former Sector 7G has risen from the ashes as The Iron Heights. It’s still an all-ages live music venue, and tonight features Her Pride, Jynzo, As Animals Eat My Insides, WitchKing and If Only.
Today is the final days of Washington Georgia’s Revolutionary Days. If you can, you should attend Friday and Saturday’s schedule of events as well. All of it celebrates the 237th anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek. For a full schedule of events, call 706-678-5111 or visit facebook. com/historicwashingtonwilkes.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 28.
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Secondly, don’t expect the same attention to appearance that you would find at Trader Joe’s. Everything is clean at Aldi, but, besides that, they’re not too concerned about how they look. It very much has a warehouse feel, just at half the size of a warehouse store. Finally, don’t expect to get in and out quickly because the layout is haphazard at best. I’m one of those odd people who enjoys grocery shopping. I like to pick up things I have no intention of buying just to look at the packaging and read about new ingredients. In the past, family
own bags, unless they want to pay for bags or scrounge for boxes while they’re shopping, and bag their own groceries. They also only take cash, debit cards and EBT so they don’t have to pay the money credit card companies charge businesses who use them. The biggest hang up a lot of American shoppers have with Aldi is their costsaving cart system. You won’t find employees running out to the parking lot and retrieving carts here. Instead there’s one location for the carts at the front of the store and they are chained together. Customers deposit a quarter in a slot on top of each cart, which allows them to unhook the chain. The quarter stays in the slot and, no, you can’t get it out. Once done with the cart, customers take them back and chain them to the other carts, which releases the quarter from the slot. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
members have actually called to make sure I was okay because I’d been at the store so long. In a new store with an unfamiliar layout, a lot of their own brands and things only available in Europe, it took me a while and I left wishing I’d had more time to explore. I know not everyone feels that way about grocery shopping, so it could get frustrating. If it’s so much trouble, why go to Aldi? Simply put, price and quality. American shoppers may actually be put off by the prices, thinking that the
Shopping at Aldi is so different from shopping at an American grocery store that there’s a “New to Aldi” tab on their website’s homepage to explain everything from the carts to checkout procedures. It sounds stressful for first timers, but it’s really not. And I was impressed with how much food I got for $70. There are a few things new shoppers should know, however. Most importantly, Aldi isn’t for serious meal planners. There are some items you can always find here, but, in a lot of instances, you never know what you’re going to get. That can be frustrating when you can find everything but one crucial ingredient for a meal you’d planned on making that night. That happened to me and required a trip to another store on the way home. 11FEBRUARY2016
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only way they could be so low is if Aldi sacrificed on quality. But from what I’ve read online, coupled with my personal experience, I can tell you that’s far from the truth. Aldi is proud of their product testing and, if you bring an item back because you’re not satisfied, they’ll give you a replacement and your money back. Not only that, Aldi has things like their own line of gluten-free products that are very affordable. A loaf of bread, for instance, is $3.99, which is cheaper by a couple of dollars than I’ve seen in other stores. Here are a few things I bought during my first shopping trip: a dozen eggs for .99; a container of chili powder twice the size offered in normal grocery stores for .99; a bottle of merlot, $2.89; ground coffee, $3.99; a block of cream cheese, .99; giant bag of tortilla chips, $1.49; a container of baby kale, $1.99; and pasta sauce, $1.99. Every time I added an item to my cart and the price to my phone’s calculator, I kept thinking that there was no way stuff this cheap was going to be any good at all. I have, however, been really happy with everything I’ve bought at Aldi. The pasta sauce, especially with a little wine added to it, was delicious and I’d go back for the veggie straws and eight-packs of trail mix alone. Aldi is a fantastic place to go for snacks and non-perishables like baking supplies, as well as just to browse the everchanging selection of non-food items. I seriously almost bought a cast-iron fondue pot for $14.99 before common sense kicked in. So the next time you find yourself lamenting Augusta’s lack of a Trader Joe’s location, head over to Aldi’s. It’s not the same, but it’s pretty close. Aldi 227 Bobby Jones, Martinez Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 855-955-2534 aldi.us
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Music lovers were really impressed when, in 2014, the organizers of Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que announced the Avett Brothers would be headlining the two-day music, food and beer festival. Well, if you thought that was a good get, you’re not going to believe who’s headlining the 2016 festival. Willie Nelson and Family will play the Evans Towne Center Park Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28, in two days of music that includes a whopping 22 bands. Others include Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree and the always popular Little Roy & Lizzie Show. Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que also includes a nationally recognized barbecue competition with $40,000 in prize money on the line, family activities and more, with proceeds from the event going to the Joseph R. Pond Memorial Foundation. In 2015, that foundation donated almost $50,000 to local charities. Memorial Day weekend may be a ways away, but you better believe weekend passes will go fast and they’re already on sale. If you don’t want to miss Shotgun Willie, you’d better act fast. PAPA JOE’S BANJO-B-QUE Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 $60, weekend pass; $325, VIP weekend pass (daily passes available at a later date) banjobque.com
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Burger Heaven It’s Been two Hours since I left Broad Street’s The Sports Center. I still reek of grilled onions and haven’t gotten a thing done at work since, but damn was it worth it. Haven’t been to The Sports Center? It’s understandable. It’s a little sketchy looking and located right next door to Luigi’s, so most people walk right on past. That’s their first mistake. Once in the door, the next mistake would be not ordering a beer, even if you go there on a weekday for lunch. The Sports Center doesn’t have much of a selection — their four taps carry everything from PBR to Killian’s — but a large beer served in a frozen fishbowl mug is $2.25. That, my friends, is only 75 cents more than a Coke. It doesn’t make fiscal sense <<italics>>not<<Italics>> to have a beer! After ordering drinks, take a good long look around, preferably from a seat at the bar. The ‘70s and ‘80s vibe is perfectly preserved here, from the beer advertisements on the wall, one of which features a girl with feathered blonde hair in an extremely high cut one-piece swimsuit, to the dark wood paneling and pool tables in the back. The plumbing hearkens back to those eras too. There’s one bathroom in the joint and it barely has enough room for the toilet. Seriously: the mirror and sink are outside the bathroom, in the dining area of the restaurant. I know, I know: I’m not doing a very good job of selling a visit to The Sports Center to anyone who hasn’t already been. Those who have tried the Sports Center, however, know a secret: inside the welcoming but somehow forbidding front door (seriously, check out the sign) lives the best old-school hamburger with a side of onion rings the city of Augusta has ever seen. Why call it old-school? Because The Sports Center doesn’t give you a choice when it comes to buns or fancy ingredients. What they do give you is a beautifully cooked hamburger or cheese hamburger with everything on it unless you specify otherwise. Everything includes ketchup, mustard, mayo, grilled onions, lettuce and tomato. That’s it.
Before we go any further, it bears mentioning that The Sports Center has a lot more on the menu than just hamburgers. Those menus, in little plastic holders on the bar and on each table, list everything from a Gut Buster Hot Dog Special and a shrimp dinner to cheddar poppers and grilled chicken salad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone order anything besides hot dogs and hamburgers, though. There’s a reason for that, and it’s the same reason people are willing to wait a little while to get their food: It’s just a damn good burger. It’s so good that you don’t mind waiting nearly a half-hour for it from a seat at the bar directly in front of a game station that, thanks to Penthouse, kept showing me pictures of almost naked women. It’s so good you don’t mind smelling like the grill and the fryer, both of which sit in a small cooking area behind the bar at the front window, for the rest of the day. It’s so good that you’d pay a lot more than the $9.75 (cash only) this place charges you for a burger, onion rings and a beer. Except for a slice of pizza and a glass of water at the Pizza Joint, it’s the best deal on Broad Street and something a lot of people would come back for again and again even if it was just okay. This burger is a whole lot better than okay, however. It is thick and cooked through; if you want it medium rare or rare, you have to ask for it that way. Our waitress, who was very sweet and friendly, didn’t ask us how we wanted our burgers cooked but did ask us if we wanted everything on them. Once the ordering was out of the way, all we had to do was wait. Waiting, even in good company, is more difficult that you’d think it would be since the grill is inside and in plain view. It smells great and every time the cook would carry a basket toward the dining area, every eye in the place would turn toward her, mentally crossing our fingers. When most of us found out it wasn’t our turn after all, we’d reluctantly turn back to our companions — or that goldfish bowl full of beer — and wait some more.
by Amy Christian
When the cook finally does place the baskets in front of you, it’s almost like a mirage, a gift too good to be true. That feeling only lasts a second, however; then it’s a race to grab some paper towels (because you’re going to need all you can get) and squeeze some ketchup onto the basket’s paper lining before digging in. The only question is what to start on first. I chose the onion rings because they’re my favorite version of this classic in town. They’re not perfectly formed or perfectly round. They’re not gigantic and they’re not heavily breaded. On the other hand, they’re not greasy at all, they’re incredibly crunchy and they taste like onions (rather than the breading). I had almost inhaled half of them before I remembered my burger. Like I said before, this burger isn’t fancy, but that is what makes it so great. It’s thick and juicy, well seasoned and perfectly dressed. You’ll make a bit of a mess eating this burger, but you never feel like eating it is completely unmanageable. Unlike some other places, The Sports Center doesn’t feel the need to impress customers with a leaning tower of hamburger that can’t possibly be eaten without either looking like an idiot or having to resort to a knife and fork. Instead, they just want to cook a good burger that their customers will enjoy. In that they have succeeded admirably. So don’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to The Sports Center. If you do, you’ll only have yourself to blame for missing one of the best burgers in town. tHe sports Center 594 Broad Street 706-724-9307
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Petersburg Boat Pilot Augusta Museum of History Part of the Voices of the Past series of character monologues. Free with museum admission. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
4:30pm Scandals and Gossip Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site A program (not suitable for children) exploring the love affairs, political scandals and broken hearts of the Hammonds of Redcliffe. $10. Call 803-827-1473 or visit southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
A family event that includes art stations, games, tours, a gallery hunt, a Columbia Marionette Theatre performance at noon and 2 p.m. and more. Free. Call 803-7992810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Sun Feb 14, 2016
Noon - 3pm Passport to Art: Puppy Love Columbia Museum of Art A free open studio for families in which participants create a furry friend work of art and take a dog-themed tour at 1 p.m. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
6pm A Valentine’s Tour and Tasting
Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Columbia Museum of Art An event that includes wine and chocolate pairings, as well as an after-hours tour of the museum’s collections. $55, members; $65, nonmembers. Call 803-799-2810 or visit columbiamuseum.org.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
Mon Feb 15, 2016
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Rabun Community Center, Wrens Free to all ages in honor of American Heart Month. Call 706-922-0261 or email tlofton@mapbt.com.
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish
2pm Social Media for Beginners
4pm Group Fitness Class
5pm - 6:30pm Atheist Agendas Maxwell Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Feb 17, 2016
11am Digital Library: Getting Started
Cinema Grand Exhibit Opening Reception Westobou Gallery Friday, February 12 5-8 p.m.
Aiken Public Library This presentation will cover how to get started checking out digital books for free with Overdrive and 3M apps at the library’s website: abbe-lib.org/digital.
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab
ARTS
EDUCATION
Sat Feb 13, 2016
Thu Feb 11, 2016
6pm Money Management
Diamond Lakes Branch Library Participants can complete job applications, resumes or conduct job searches with staff available for one-on-one help if needed. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Harrison Hall, Church of Our Savior An Artists Guild of Columbia County workshop for teens and adults of all skill levels. $50; all supplies provided. Participants should bring their own lunches. Register by calling 706-294-2188 or visiting artistguildcc.org.
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8631946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
2pm Maps Tell Some of the Story for the African-Ancestored Genealogist
10am - 2pm Oil Pastels
10am - 1pm Welcome Spring Acrylic Workshop Kroc Center A class for those ages 15 and up. No previous experience necessary and all supplies are included. $35; pre-registration required. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
7pm The Book of Revelation Etherredge Center, Aiken Part of the Signature Speaker Series, this event features Dr. Elaine Pagels leading an exploration of the history surrounding one of the most controversial books in the Bible. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
Fri Feb 12, 2016 Sat Feb 13, 2016
11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm A
Headquarters Branch Library A free Legacy Family Tree webinar with Angela Walton-Raji, professional genealogist and founding member of afrigeneas.com. Walton-Raji will be available via Skype following the webinar to answer any questions. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
ELSEWHERE Sat Feb 13, 2016
Noon - 3pm Sweet on CMA Columbia Museum of Art
Wed Feb 17, 2016
8:30am - 10am Blood Pressure Screenings Rabun Community Center, Wrens Free to all ages in honor of American Heart Month. Call 706-922-0261 or email tlofton@ mapbt.com.
Ongoing
Revolutionary Days Downtown Washington, Georgia A three-day celebration of the 237th anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek February 12-14 that includes walking tours, historical performers, a parade on Saturday and memorial service on Sunday. For a full schedule of events, call 706-678-5111 or visit facebook.com/historicwashingtonwilkes.
EXHIBITIONS Thu Feb 11, 2016
6pm - 7:30pm Meet the Artist: Alicia Cully Hire Grounds Cafe Alicia Cully is an up and coming young American artist whose work with colored stain on wood is breaking new ground and is on display throughout the month of February. Call 706-650-5760 or visit goodwillworks.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
5pm - 8pm Cinema Grand Exhibit
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com. 34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Opening Reception Westobou Gallery An exhibit of large format French cinema posters curated by Matthew Buzzell from his collection. The exhibit shows through March 25. Visit westoboufestival.com.
5pm - 8pm Scategories: Part Deux Exhibit Opening Reception 4P Studios An exhibition by local artists inspired by 1960s Italian avant garde artist Piero Manzoni. Call 706-267-6724 or visit 4pstudioart.com.
5pm - 8pm Laura Neff Exhibit Opening Reception That Place Call 706-339-7011 or visit thatplacecoffee.com.
FLIX Thu Feb 11, 2016
11am Thursday Movie Madness Diamond Lakes Branch Library Call for title and rating. Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
6:30pm “War Room” North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Feb 13, 2016
2:30pm Family Fun Movies Appleby Branch Library Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
11am Healthy Cooking Demonstration Medical Associates Plus Free to all ages in honor of American Heart Month. Call 706-922-0261 or email tlofton@ mapbt.com.
Sat Feb 13, 2016
10:30am Childbirth Tour AUHealth Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
1pm - 3pm Look Good Feel Better University’s Breast Health Center An American Cancer Society program that aims to help female cancer patients combat the appearance-related side-effects of chemo and radiation. Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
4pm Beyond the Doctors Office: Living with Low Vision Friedman Branch Library Led by Mallory Lanier, MHS, OTR/L, participants in this seminar will learn about rehabilitation services that can help people who have low vision from eye diseases. Call 706-721-3443 or visit guides.gru.edu/ healthliteracyseries.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
7pm - 9pm The Daddy Class
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Doctors Hospital An infant care class for fathers only. Preregistration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
5pm “Oliver & Company”
Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:30pm “Captive”
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
6:30pm “Girl With a Pearl Earring” Aiken Public Library Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
HEALTH Thu Feb 11, 2016
5:45pm - 8pm Car Seat Class Safe Kids Office Pre-registration required. $10; car or booster seat provided to families who meet financial guidelines. Call 706-721-7606 or visit augustahealth.org.
Wed Feb 17, 2016
6:30pm - 8pm Infant CPR AUHealth Pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2273 or visit augustahealth.org.
HOBBIES Thu Feb 11, 2016
1pm Columbia County Genealogical Society Meeting Euchee Creek Branch Library For those of all abilities. Call 706-556-0594 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
3pm Genealogy Club
Doctors Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-651-2229 or visit doctors-hospital.net.
Columbia County Library Participants will learn the basics of finding their roots. Pre-registration required. Call 706-863-1946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
7pm - 9:30pm Women’s Center Tour
Sat Feb 13, 2016
7pm - 8:30pm Babies, Bumps & Bruises
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10am Keep Calm and Coupon On
Euchee Creek Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-5560594 or visit gchrl.org.
and leadership skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
Thu Feb 11, 2016
5pm - 7pm Couponing Class Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
6pm - 8:30pm Civil War Roundtable Goodwill’s The Snelling Center Featured speaker is Kyle Sinisi, professor of history at the Citadel and author of “Price’s Raid,” the story of Sterling Price’s Missouri invasion in 1864. Meeting will begin with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. that is $12. Membership is $25 per year, individual; $40, couple. Guests are welcome and membership is open to anyone interested in the history of the Civil War. Call 706-736-2909 or visit civilwarroundtableaugustaga.com.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
7pm Augusta Rose Society Meeting First Baptist Church’s Adult Building Free. Call 803-215-0157 or visit theaugustarosesociety.org.
Wed Feb 17, 2016
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech
KIDS-TEENS 4pm Lego Club
Aiken Public Library For those in grades K-5. Legos provided. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
5:30pm Beginning Piano with Emily Kroc Center A four-session class for those ages 6-13 that continues Thursdays through March 3. $50. Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:30am Kroc Tots
Kroc Center A weekly event for those ages 18 months-5 years and their parents that includes stories, projects and playtime. $1, members; $2, nonmembers. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
6pm Second Annual Family Forts Night Columbia County Library Families are invited to bring blankets, flashlights, pillows, and the library will provide game booths, stories, s’mores snacks and more. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
7pm The World of Owls AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Reed Creek Park A program about the owls that live in Georgia for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Free, members; $2, nonmembers. Pre-registration required. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Sat Feb 13, 2016
9:30am - 11am Children’s Hike with Story Time Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Pre-registration required. Call 706-396-1424 or visit phinizycenter.org.
11am Love Monster and the Last Chocolate Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
9am - noon Magical Horse Masterpiece
counting and dancing. Free for members; included with $10 admission for up to 3 kids for nonmembers. Email imagine.augusta@ gmail.com or visit imagineaugusta.org. Kroc Center Parents are invited to bring their toddlers for 30 minutes of playtime and a story, followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. Free, members; $5, nonmembers. Call 706-9221533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Wed Feb 17, 2016
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
2pm Bibliobop Dance Party Columbia County Library A dance and creative movement class for those ages 2-5. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
LITERARY
9:30am - 2pm Jr. Rangers: Breakfast with Wildlife
Columbia County Library The February selection is “Letters from Skye” by Jessie Brockmore. Call 706-8681946 or visit gchrl.org.
10am Monday at the Museum: President’s Day
101 Lunch and Learn
7pm Tony Howard’s Motown Revue
Fri Feb 12, 2016
10:30am Toddler Tuesday
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame An arts and crafts event for those ages 5-12. $35. Call 803-642-7631 or visit aikenracinghalloffame.com.
Mistletoe State Park For ages 7-12, participants will make breakfast in a bag, then learn about the animals at Mistletoe, go on a hike and make a bird feeder to take home. $25; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
continues with the performance at 7:30 p.m. $15, general; $10, alumni and military; $5, Augusta University faculty staff, students and children. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
6:30pm Monday Night Book Discussion
Tue Feb 16, 2016
7:30pm Oswald Writers Series Featuring David Joy Etherredge Center, Aiken Free. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge.usca.edu.
Imperial Theatre A Valentine’s Day Eve Extravaganza that features Danny Ray, James Brown’s cape man, and tributes to Elvis, Gladys Knight, the Temptations, Earth Wind and Fire and more. $10-$45. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
7:30pm The Beach Boys: “Pet Sounds” Turns 50 Bell Auditorium Part of Symphony Orchestra Augusta’s Pops! at the Bell series. $10.19-$40.74. Call 706-826-4705 or visit soaugusta.org.
8pm An Evening of Champagne, Dessert and Love Songs Etherredge Center, Aiken $20. Call 803-641-3305 or visit etherredge. usca.edu.
Sun Feb 14, 2016
2pm “The Marriage of Figaro” Opera and Lecture Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Begins with the lecture at 2 p.m. and continues with the performance at 3 p.m. $15, general; $10, alumni and military; $5, Augusta University faculty staff, students and children. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Columbia County Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-8681946, ext. 4, or visit gchrl.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS 5pm - 8pm Wine Not It’s Friday Whole Foods A $5 wine tasting in which participants get five 3 ounce samples of featured wines. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
7:30pm Johnny Peers and His Muttville Comix Jabez S. Hardin PAC An Augusta Amusements event. $12.50, children 12 and under; $29.50, adults. Call 706726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.
Sat Feb 13, 2016
10am - 2pm Pet Health Fair SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken An event that includes low-cost vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchips, city registration and more. Call 803-6486863 or visit letlovelive.org.
11am - 2pm Local Vendor Day Whole Foods Market Local food vendors will be onhand to talk about their products and give away samples. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/augusta.
11am - 4pm Open House Islamic Community Center of Augusta An event that includes presentations, Q&As, international cuisine, henna, calligraphy, movies and more. Free. openhouse. isaugusta.com.
MUSIC
Mon Feb 15, 2016
Thu Feb 11, 2016
AECOM Theater, Aiken An Aiken Performing Arts Group production. $40. Call 803-648-1438 or visit apagonline.org.
Saint Paul’s Church A free concert featuring a 12-piece professional brass ensemble and Keith Shafer on the Saint Paul’s organ. Call 706724-2485 or visit saintpauls.org.
Columbia County Library Teens will have the opportunity to work on their own projects under staff guidance while using library equipment including CAD software, development software, a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, soldering equipment, and general electronics tools. Call 706-8681946 or visit gchrl.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
Tue Feb 16, 2016
Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Begins with the gala at 6 p.m. and continues with the performance at 7:30 p.m. $50 includes both. Call 706-667-4100 or visit augusta.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Featuring the Augusta University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Rob Foster and joined by Israeli jazz guitarist/oudist Amos Hoffman. $5; free for GRU students. Call 706667-4100 or visit gru.edu/maxwelltheatre.
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
4pm Pawsitively Pawesome Pups
7:30pm Kit & the Kats
SENIORS
Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Augusta Museum of History This program for preschool-aged children will include a colonial hat-making craft. $2, members; $4, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
7:30pm Kit & the Kats
8pm Brass and Organ Spectacular
4pm Makerspace
North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library A celebration of the Westminster Dog Show that includes stories, crafts, snacks and more. Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
10am Ms. Kathy’s Story Time Imagination Station An event that includes stories, songs, 36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
6pm “The Marriage of Figaro” Opera and Opening Night Gala
AECOM Theater, Aiken An Aiken Performing Arts Group production. $40. Call 803-648-1438 or visit apagonline.org.
Sat Feb 13, 2016
6:30pm “The Marriage of Figaro” Opera and Lecture Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Begins with the lecture at 6:30 p.m. and
7:30pm Jazz at the G
Thu Feb 11, 2016
11am - 1pm Medicare and You Kroc Center Call 706-922-0171 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
11:30am - 1pm Elmcroft Senior Studies
Noon - 4pm Pamper Me Day The Snellings Center A Women’s Veterans Club of the CSRA event that is free and open to the general public. Visit wvcofscra.org.
7pm “Follow the Drinking Gourd”
8pm “Explorers of Mauna Kea”
Mon Feb 15, 2016
10am - 6pm Wee-Peats Spring and Summer Consignment Sale 3119 Washington Road 11FEBRUARY2016
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Cabela’s Free. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas. com/augusta.
SUPPORT
Crossbridge Baptist Church Auditions for those ages 8-12 for the Augusta Players production that will show in May. For more information, visit augustaplayers.org/auditions-casting/.
Fri Feb 12, 2016
8pm “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”
11am - 2pm ALS Support Lunch and Learn AU Medical Office Building room 4306 This support group gives individuals an opportunity to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving the independence and quality of life for ALS patients and their loved ones. Lunch is provided. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-721-2681 or visit augusta.org/classes.
Le Chat Noir $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Sun Feb 14, 2016
2pm - 5pm “Winnie the Pooh Kids” Auditions Jessye Norman School of the Arts An Augusta Junior Players production that is scheduled to show at the end of April. Call 706-826-4707 or visit augustaplayers.org.
Mon Feb 15, 2016
Mon Feb 15, 2016
Daksha Chudgar Lydia House Call 706-721-5557 or visit grhealth.org.
Aiken Community Playhouse The production shows in April and May. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
6:15pm - 7:30pm CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group
7pm “Dearly Departed” Auditions
Tue Feb 16, 2016
10am - 11:30am Moms Connection Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning at 10:20 a.m. All new moms and their babies are welcome and an international board certified lactation consultant/educator/perinatal nurse will answer questions and offer resources. Call 706-721-8283 or visit augustahealth.org.
THEATER Fri Feb 12, 2016
8pm “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” Le Chat Noir $25. Call 706-722-3322 or visit lcnaugusta.com.
Pet Health Fair SPCA Albrecht Center, Aiken Saturday, February 13 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit weepeatsconsignment.net.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
10am - 6pm Wee-Peats Spring and Summer Consignment Sale 3119 Washington Road Visit weepeatsconsignment.net.
Wed Feb 17, 2016
10am - 6pm Wee-Peats Spring and Summer Consignment Sale 3119 Washington Road Visit weepeatsconsignment.net.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Sat Feb 13, 2016
8:30am - 10:30am Bird Hike Mistletoe State Park 11FEBRUARY2016
Sat Feb 13, 2016
5pm “Mary Poppins” Auditions The group will meet at the nature center before the hike. Participants will need binoculars. $5, parking. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
MARKETPLACE
9:30am - 11am Yoga in the Park Phinizy Swamp Nature Park For all levels. Participants should bring yoga mat and water. Call 706-828-2109 or visit phinizycenter.org.
1pm Gun Cleaning 101 Cabela’s Free. Call 762-444-6500 or visit cabelas. com/augusta.
Tue Feb 16, 2016
6:30pm Protection Outside the Home Firearm Safety Seminar
$40 PER WEEK. EMAIL JOE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM OR CALL (706)373-3636 ALL CLASSIFIED ADS ARE
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Thursday, February 11 Live Music
AECOM Theater (Aiken) - Kit & the Kats James Brown Arena - Winter Jam 2016 w/ King & Country, Matthew West, Crowder, RED, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong and more Red Pepper (Aiken) - Mike Frost, Lauren Meccia Stillwater Taproom - Chris Ndeti and Friends Wild Wing - Mullinax Bros The Willcox (Aiken) - Jazz
Local favorite Snapdragon hits the Sky City stage for an early show on Friday February 12. Jennifer Daniels opens for the Scheyers and company. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music begins at 8 p.m. $5. Visit skycityaugusta.com.
What’s Tonight?
Andrew’s Place - Karaoke with April Powell Bar West - Open Mic Night w/ Jonathon Flowers Carolina Ale House - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (9 p.m.) Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Old School Thursday w/ DJ Groove Fox’s Lair - Trivia, Soup and Suds Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia Joe’s Underground - Trivia The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Sky City - Renegades of Bass w/ DJs Fugi, SuperPro, Jr, Krusher, Drivenn, SycNasty Somewhere in Augusta - Karaoke That Place - Open Mic Spoken Word, Poetry, Prose and Singer/Songwriters
Friday, February 12 Live Music
AECOM Theater (Aiken) - Kit & the Kats Aiken Brewing Company (Aiken) - Jon Stickley Trio The Backyard Tavern - TDC Cotton Patch - Live Jazz Country Club - James Otto Coyotes - The Joe Olds Band Drifters (North Augusta) - Southern Meltdown Imperial Theatre - The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters Joe’s Underground - Primo Noctus, Trust in Traitors, Gin Jockeys, The Least Likelys Playoffs (Aiken) - Donna Jo Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Jazz w/ Jimmy “Doc” Easton Shannon’s - The Unmentionables Sky City - Snapdragon, Jennifer Daniels Somewhere in Augusta - All Bets R Off Stillwater Taproom - Sinners and Saints Whole Foods - @ the Turn w/ Live Music Wild Wing - Quincy Mumford
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Somewhere in Augusta - Valentine’s Murder Mystery Soul Bar - Sound Lab Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Saturday, February 13 Live Music
Bell Auditorium - Pops! at the Bell: The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” Turns 50 Cotton Patch - Pamela Bowman Revue Country Club - Phil Vaught
38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Coyotes - Jake Clayton Imperial Theatre - Tony Howard’s Motown/Elvis Revue The Iron Heights - Her Pride, Jynzo, As Animals Eat My Insides, WitchKing, If Only Rose Hill Estate (Aiken) - Smooth Jazz w/ Jimmy “Doc” Easton Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Sky City - Kelen Heller, False Flag, Six Somewhere in Augusta - Adam Harris Thompson Band Tin Lizzy’s - Steely James, Caryn Womack That Place - Cusions and Caffeine w/ Live Music (2-4 p.m.) Wild Wing - Tim Cadiere and the Washboard Road Band The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
Wild Wing - Adam Harrison Thompson and Michael Baideme The Willcox (Aiken) - Jon Vaughn
Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia; Poker for Fun Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
What’s Tonight?
Wednesday, February 17 Live Music
Shannon’s - Valentine’s Party w/ Russell Snider
Monday, February 15 Live Music
Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Shameless Dave Wild Wing - Brandon Reeves
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Soul Bar - Boom Box Saturdays Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke w/ Denny van Valkenburgh
Tuesday, February 16 Live Music
James Brown Arena - R5 Joe’s Underground - Open Mic Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre - Jazz at the G w/ the Augusta University Jazz Ensemble and Amos Hoffman Surrey Tavern - Roxy Roca The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Pizza Joint (Evans) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper The Playground - Krazy Karaoke w/ Big Troy Polo Tavern (Aiken) - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Sky City - Wednesday Night Conspiracy w/ DJ Knightmare Somewhere in Augusta - The Comedy Zone w/ James Sibley and Dan Whitehurst Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey Three Dollar Lounge - World Poker Tournament
Sunday, February 14 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
Upcoming
What’s Tonight?
Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Bar West - Trivia The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Karaoke Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Powerkompany, Gomeisa
- Sky City February 18
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V27|NO6 Silvertown
- Stillwater Taproom February 18 Sean Danielson (Smile Empty Soul), J Loren (Hurt)
- Sky City February 19 The Clydes
- Stillwater Taproom February 19 Colonel Bruce Hampton, Buh + Poose
- Sky City February 20 Derelict String Band, Blackwater Deep
- Stillwater Taproom February 20 Patti LaBelle
- Bell Auditorium February 26 Music for Memories w/ Easton Corbin and Kane Brown
- The Country Club March 2 Copious Jones
- Sky City March 3 Lecrae
- Bell Auditorium March 4 Boyz II Men, All-4-One
- Bell Auditorium March 13 Travis Tritt
- Imperial Theatre March 19 The Major Rager w/ Umphrey’s McGee, the Revivalists, Earphunk and Tauk
Papa Joe’s Banjo B Que w/ Willie Nelson and Family, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, Blitzen Trapper, Mountain Faith, Sarah Jaroz, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Susto, Ben Miller, Have Gun Will Travel, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Little Roy & Lizzie Show, Great Peacock, Josh Roberts & the Hinges, Motel Radio, Packway Handle Band, Laney Jones & the Spirits, BooHoo Ramblers, Georgia-Lina Boys, the Mason Jars, Muddy Johnson, Delta Cane
- Evans Towne Center Park May 27-28 Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band
- James Brown Arena June 3
Elsewhere Wilco
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta February 11 Jerry Seinfeld
- Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah February 11 Jerry Seinfeld
- Classic Center, Athens February 12
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta February 19 Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta February 20 CeeLo Green
- Terminal West, Atlanta March 3 Wolfmother
- Center Stage, Atlanta March 7 AC/DC
- Philips Arena, Atlanta March 8 Fool’s Paradise w/ Lettuce, Griz, Chris Robinson’s Soul Revue, Vulfpeck, The Nth Power, Goldfish
- St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, Fla., April 1-2
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
Todd Rundgren
- Center Stage, Atlanta February 12 Chris Brown
- Augusta Common April 7
- Columbus Civic Center, Columbus February 13
Widespread Panic
Kid Cudi
- James Brown Arena April 19
- The Tabernacle, Atlanta February 15
Rascal Flatts, Jana Kramer
Mutemath
- James Brown Arena April 23
- 40 Watt Club, Athens February 16
Merle Haggard, Jason Isbell
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- Bell Auditorium May 17
- Philips Arena, Atlanta February 18
11FEBRUARY2016
Bill Maher
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AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
METROSPIRIT 39
V27|NO6
SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Wendy Morsberger, Philip Morsberger, Nancy Gambill and Laura Evans Moody at First Thursday at Midtown Market.
Jill Brasington, Kathie Stallworth and Jon Brasington at First Thursday at Midtown Market.
Tom Swift, Pat Clayton, Margaret Brown and Lisa HoltzclawMartin Moody at First Thursday at Midtown Market.
Megan Steinberg, Stephanie Forbes and Alex Yendell at Hive Growler Bar.
Ivey Harrison, Katelynn Bell, Julie Carter and Tara Nelan at Hive Growler Bar.
Christen Eller, Brooke Barnhill and Jordan Bartlam at the Bee’s Knees.
Jonathan and Tiffany Walker with Samantha and Eric Olson at Fuse.
Carleigh Hamilton, Ashleigh Hamilton and Ashlyn Kelly at Stillwater Taproom.
Tyler and Beth James with Felix Oliha and Alyssa Noel at Stillwater Taproom.
40 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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V27|NO6
MESSAGE TO BUYERS By Yaakov Bendavid / Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Aspect 6 They’re not tipped very much nowadays 10 ____ Bay, former U.S. base on Luzon 15 County center 19 Pope John X’s successor 20 Latin 101 verb 21 Italian fashion label 22 Weigh-station unit 23 Notice regarding voting in a state legislature? 26 In ____ land 27 Fake 28 Prurient material 29 Cool, once 30 Pride : lions :: mob : ____ 31 Some G.I. duties 32 Suited to serve 34 Sign on the N.S.A.’s entrance? 37 Something to chew on 38 Unchanging 41 Person of interest to the I.R.S. 42 Explorer for England who mistook Canada for Asia 45 Deg. for a teacher-to-be 46 Command and Control 49 Runs into 50 Biblical prophet 51 Spanish royalty 53 Nomadic northerner 55 Ace 56 Audition caution for a movie with a cast of thousands? 60 One side in “The Terminator” 61 Mexican cigar brand 62 Squirrel away 63 Blue 66 Shoreline problem 68 Brings good news to skiers, say 70 See 45-Down 72 It ends in Nov. 73 Sporty car roof 75 Pickled garnish 77 “Seinfeld” role 78 Note on a watered-down assault indictment? 81 Where to get a mud wrap 83 Numerical prefix 84 Abstain 85 Screen meas.
86 1914 battle locale 88 Chick magnets? 90 Some safari camping gear 91 Unable to get it, say 92 Houses 94 Feature of the Devil 96 ____ Hots 97 Offer of free pillow fill? 100 Second-largest moon of Saturn 102 Beauty 105 Many a bush plane, in brief 106 Thrice, in prescriptions 107 Center of a Scrabble board 110 Typically active voting group, with “the” 112 Chum 113 Desert supermarket? 116 Stress, it’s said 117 Bewildered 118 Ex-Yankee Martinez 119 Buzzing 120 During whose reign Peter was crucified 121 Formal letter opener 122 Panache 123 Cell towers for cellphones, for example DOWN 1 Steak cut 2 “The Old Lion” storyteller 3 Overhead items 4 Always 5 Break 6 Berry that’s much sought after? 7 Musical documentary/biopic of 2015 8 Smears 9 Stick in the ground? 10 News sensation of 10/4/1957 11 Ocean State sch. 12 Ballet dancer’s support 13 10, say 14 Bag carrier 15 Ones doing demos, maybe 16 Bay Area newspaper 17 Suggest 18 Promos 24 Wedding expense 25 Computer command 33 Court stat 35 Infection fighter
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36 “Forrest Gump” setting, for short 37 Longtime Olympics TV host 39 Conjugation factors 40 Mulishness 42 Squirreled away 43 Trysters 44 Witticism 45 With 70-Across, member of Hollywood’s Frat Pack 47 Blathers 48 Old-timey footwear accessory 51 Dish that’s stirred constantly when being made 52 Neighbors of Fijians 54 Guard 57 Soul singer Baker 58 Nadir 59 Herringbone, for example 63 Tried to avoid a tag, say 64 Defender of Troy 65 Clear, as a channel 67 Belt mark 69 Parlor piece 71 Held in high esteem 74 Super Bowl-winning coach Carroll 76 Target of a curfew, maybe 78 Old Southwest outlaw 79 Title chameleon of a 2011 animated film 80 Fraternity letters 81 Throw a monkey wrench into 82 Concert V.I.P. 86 Masculine icon 87 Poetic twilight 89 Low-quality material, in a saying 91 Unsmilingly 93 Attacks 95 Opposing voice 96 Count (on) 98 “The best is ____ come” 99 Impurity 101 Graceful bird 102 Hazard for high heels 103 1961 Charlton Heston title role 104 Fort ____, Fla. 108 Penny ____ 109 Commuter option 111 Alternatively 114 Big name in camping gear 115 Strands in a lab
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PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS P O S E D S C A M P A M B I T M A N
A L D E N
R E I N A
A M A S S I O W N P A G T L E L F D A O R N E T O N E T U S A N S C A M I C A A M N T E Y E S
M I N Y A N U N I F Y Y E L L O
U S S S D N A N V A G A L L N I E N S A T A S P A P A N H E L M Y R I O E A N P S O K S L O T E R S E G
C A N O E
A B C D
R A Y E A C S T P U I P E S R H E A L I A L Y S S
C L U E
A C H I E R
M O U N T E T N A
P S E U D I B A R
T Y N E
T A B L E H O P S B F F S
B O U N D
E A L C L U O O M T B N A O U G F N O E R E E P S H I T I T O N S G T S A R T I E Y O W R O N C C L R E
R E A A C T T H O D L U S A H C K H U O O M E R I O N A H R E A R T R
I S L O Y A L T O
C A L L S H E E T
H I Y A I S S O
L E T I T
E V I L S
R O C K Y
D O D I E
E R I C A
R A T E D
V27|NO6
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS A slow weekend because of some stupid football game leads to few surprises at the box office. RANK
TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS
TOTAL GROSS
WEEK #
LAST WEEK
1
KUNG FU PANDA 3
$21,242,181
$69,293,138
2
1
2
HAIL, CAESAR!
$11,355,225
$11,355,225
1
-
3
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
$6,973,316
$906,044,785
8
3
4
THE REVENANT
$6,939,795
$149,543,198
7
2
5
THE CHOICE
$6,050,443
$6,050,443
1
-
In Theaters February 12
ACTION
“Deadpool,” rated R, starring Ryan Reynolds. From what we can figure, Wade Wilson gained “accelerated healing powers” from some kind of weird experiment. Not sure if that same experiment gave him his a-hole “personality,” but his alter ego, Deadpool, just seems like Martin Shkreli in a mask and tights. Some may find his humor darkly funny; it just makes us want to punch him in the face.
44 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
COMEDY
“Zoolander 2,” rated PG-13, starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Penelope Cruz. The gang’s all here for this sequel, made 15 years after the first one was released. And not only are Derek and Hansel trying to stay in the modeling game despite another company’s best efforts, but they’re also trying to find out who’s killing beloved celebrities like Justin Bieber (yeah, that was sarcasm). Come for the blue steel, stay for a very disturbing looking Benedict Cumberbatch.
COMEDY
“How to Be Single,” rated R, starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Damon Wayans Jr. Hey, you guys: They made “Sex and the City” into a movie. Oh, wait…
11FEBRUARY2016
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V27|NO6
Conservatives Should Be Aggressive If you ever wondered how national media outlets would handle the use of a profane insult directed at a legitimate news figure by another legitimate news figure let me show you right here from their respective websites: CNN: Donald Trump on Monday night repeated the offensive term a woman attending his rally shouted in reference to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. After first calling on a woman close to the stage to “shout it out” again, Trump repeated the woman’s one-word insult aimed at Cruz: “She said he’s a p****.” The term was flung into the political orbit just a day before the New Hampshire primary as Trump was discussing Cruz’s apparent hesitation during the last GOP debate on whether he would support waterboarding. People Magazine: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump basically just called rival Ted Cruz a “p****.” During a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Monday night, Trump was criticizing the Texas senator’s stance on waterboarding when a female supporter in the crowd caught the billionaire businessman’s ear with one choice word about Cruz. “She just said a terrible thing,” Trump said, pointing to the woman and asking her to repeat herself. New Republic: Donald Trump continues to turn the Republican primary into a Quentin Tarantino movie. Speaking in New Hampshire on Monday night, Trump berated Ted Cruz for being only half-hearted in support of waterboarding. This provoked a woman in the audience to yell out that Cruz is a “p****.” Trump lit up in delight when he heard that, and delivered a faux-lecture in order to make sure the rest of the audience knew what she said. “She just said a terrible thing,” Trump said with mirth. Salon.com: Yes, as you have probably heard by now he called Ted Cruz a “p****,” or at least passed along that description from a woman in the audience. He was just being helpful! We couldn’t hear her clearly! Then he remembered the media furor in September after another New Hampshire audience member had said that Barack Obama was a Muslim and “not even an American” and Trump had declined to correct him. “Ma’am, you’re reprimanded right now,” he told Cruz P**** Lady. “You’re reprimanded.” Then, turning to the crowd: “Can she stay?” Big cheer. “To the press, this is a serious reprimand.” Okay folks, enough comedy for now. You see, this is the problem with a lot of GOP policy, or at least the explanations of it on the campaign trail by just about every candidate except Donald Trump. If Ted Cruz hesitated on defending the act of waterboarding in the course of interrogating a dangerous terrorist, he was in fact acting like a p****. Taking the soft peddled “easy way out” on such a question is not something a self-respecting American conservative should do. To be frank, taking an aggressive stand, even an unpopular stand, on such an issue when the answer is clear cut is imperative. As a footnote, Cruz made it quite clear that while he does in fact reject waterboarding as standard operating procedure, if the captive in question had valuable information that seriously required extraction, he would give the order to proceed. Damn skippy. In recent American history the voting public has seemed to embrace the tougher, more unforgiving stands taken against terrorists and criminals by conservative politicians. We may have a few things to learn as a party when it comes to social issues, and the art of using common sense rather than the Bible when it comes to issues of vice (let me be clear, that is vice, not criminal acts) and personal behavior (your sin is none of my business). When it comes to the real bad guys in this country and beyond, Republicans have the answers and the attitude that historically has been the most effective, certainly at the state and local level. When it comes to vulgar adjectives in the world of political discussion, and with what is clearly at stake in the fight to protect the American way of life, that word is the last one you want people throwing around in reference to the president of the United States.
AuSTIn rHodeS
A long-time radio talk show host who can be heard weekdays on WGAC from 3-6 p.m. The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. 46 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
11FEBRUARY2016
Wander over to Washington-Wilkes Less than an hour's drive from Augusta and Evans, Historic WashingtonWilkes is a small town with a big history. With nearly 240 years of stories, a bustling downtown, and some great restaurants and bars, there's lots to discover any day you wander our way. From Early Federal to Greek Revival and Victorian, Historic Washington boasts more antebellum homes per capita than any city in Georgia. Get started with our three house museums open throughout the year. Tuesday-Saturday.
GRAB YOUR MUSKETS!
The British are coming!
50 POSTAGE STAMP
Washington-Wilkes Museum c. 1835
The Robert Toombs House C. 1797
Callaway Plantation c. 1869
Upcoming Events.. Washington Walls
50 POSTAGE STAMP
Facebook.com/HistoricWashingtonWilkes
Downtown Washington is getting a mural! Watch an artist bring Washington's history to life on the walls of one of our downtown buildings. Artists, craftsmen and snack vendors will be selling their creations. Activities planned for all ages.
Tour of Homes WWTourOfHomes.com Facebook.com/WWTourofHoms
Since 1955 Washington has welcomed guests to tour some of its most impressive private homes. This year's tour includes a private collection of antique cars and courtesy tour cars to homes and museums. Call today to book your group tour.
Washington-Wilkes Visitor Information Center
22B West Square, Washington, Georgia WashingtonWilkesEvents@gmail.com WashingtonWilkes.org Facebook.com/HistoricWashingtonWilkes 706-678-5111
REVOLUTIONARY DAYS
February 12, 13, 14
Join us this weekend as we celebrate the 237th Anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek. Relive colonial history through a host of activities held in and around the Historic Square in Downtown Washington, home to the only existing monument honoring African-American Revolutionary soldiers. History comes to life with re-enactors in colonial attire and patriotic colours, music and musket volley, and a colonial parade. Following the parade there will be a dramatic portrayal of the victorious action that occurred at Kettle Creek in 1779. For a full schedule of events call 706-678-5111 or follow us at Facebook.com/HistoricWashingtonWilkes