Table of Contents
EDIT
July 28, 2016
Amy Christian
Whine Line Jenny is Wright Augusta Tek Kris Fisher Ruffin It
Arts Editor/Production Director
amy@themetrospirit.com
Stacey Eidson Staff Writer
stacey@themetrospirit.com
Molly Swift Staff Writer
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molly@themetrospirit.com
Insider 10 Metro’s Best 12 Feature 14
CREATIVE Joshua Bailey Lead Designer
joshua@themetrospirit.com
COVER DESIGN: KRUHU
SALES Jim Christian Account Executive
jim@themetrospirit.com 706-414-4059
Paige Wilhelm Account Executive
paige@themetrospirit.com 706-833-1904
LIVING THE HIGH LIFE
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BUSINESS
Cuisine Scene What’s Up Calendar Nightlife Sightings NYT Crossword The Eight Austin Rhodes
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Joe White Publisher
joe@themetrospirit.com 706-373-3636
Johnny Beckworth circulation manager
johnny@themetrospirit.com
THIS WEEK
Contributors Jenny Wright, Greg Baker, Austin Rhodes, Josh Ruffin, Kris Fisher, Michael Johnson
Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit. com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.
Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? Call or email Joe at 706.373.3636 joe@themetrospirit.com
Last year, the Metro Spirit revived Metro’s Best and readers proved that they sure missed it during the five years we didn’t hold the contest. Now it’s time to do it again, readers. Vote for your favorites today!
Walk into any of Diablo’s Southwest Grill’s four locations for the first time and a customer would be forgiven for thinking it’s a national chain. The décor is impeccable, the food is fantastic and the restaurant itself is filled with thoughtful touches like cell phone charging stations at each booth.
It’s a sad truth that many people complain about what’s wrong with a community rather than recognizing those who are trying to make life better for those around them. The Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Community Awards wants to change that with an annual campaign that, this year, is open for nominations until August 12.
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OPINION
The Whine Line
Augusta provides police, fire, and infrastructure support to .9 Billion dollars worth of tax exempt properties. In addition, contributions to these organizations result in lost government revenue in the form of tax deductions. Think of these entitlement minded government moochers the next time you drive by one of our many mega church complexes. TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP! We are going to build our wall and all of you DumbOcrats are OUT!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Later Losers! Hey quit worrying about punctuation! We’re all gonna die anyway so just read the whine and get the damn point!
When did being poor become a legal defense to a crime? Criminals are stealing from stores, ignoring our traffic laws and smoking dope instead of working. Then, when they get arrested, they claim “not guilty” claiming they are too poor to be punished!?!!
So let me get this straight. It was fine to think we had to worry about Michelle Obama becoming 1st Lady 8 years ago just because of her race. But no ones worried about the stigma of putting Malania Trump, plagiarizer, who posed nude for GQ in the same White House with honored 1st Ladies like Mamie Eisenhower, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Jackie O, Rosalind Carter, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama?
Columbia Ciunty Commission Chairman Ron Cross: You want yet another General Obligation Bond to pay for spaceball projects from a 20 year plan? You proclaim it will cause property taxes to increase, but it wouldn’t be a tax increase, and you profess you will never vote for a tax increase but you will cast a vote for this one. You call it progress and quality of life improvements. I call it taxpayer buggery.
I know Augusta-Richmond County is approx 54-46% black to white, but city employees are approx 85-15 black to white. Lawsuit time?
I think its time assisted suicide became legal. Somebody could actually get to use my organs. But they way I plan it, My organs will never be found. At least you can rest assured the world has one black man less to be worried about.
I am still trying to digest this - a mental health counselor lying on his back with his arms straight up in the air is shot, mistakenly, as the policeman’s story is that he was attempting to instead shoot the autistic man playing with a toy truck. That is his side of the story? An honest mistake? It seems no matter the circumstances a black man’s chances of surviving an encounter with the police on any level is iffy at best. I wonder if the county commission that is worried about tax revenue on church properties is the same one that destroyed three blocks of revenue, sales tax and property tax of thriving business on Reynolds St to build the now defunct Golf and Gardens. Austin Rhodes, all mouth and no brains! Are you really that dumb that you don’t know when you’ve been played like a banjo?
Jenny is Wright Augusta Tek Kris Fisher Ruffin It
talk, dress, and completely act like women, until they too might even change their gender. I guess I’m just too old fashioned to understand it, and feel like we were born male or female because that’s what we were meant to be, damn it. By the way, I’m a “20 something” male, and I’m not living in the past, I’m living in a place we who have some sense in our heads like to call REALITY! Come back down to it, please.
I received one of those scam calls yesterday telling me to contact them and resolve an IRS issue. I called and when they answered I did not say anything. When they hung up, I called again and again, and again. After one half hour the phone just rang so I guess I shutdown their scam that day. Take the time to make their life a little harder. Since most murders and shootings are done by Democrats, instead of banning guns, why not ban “DEMOCRATS”? I read the other day where a Butcher Knife cut the throats of 4 children while their mother was holding it. Ban Butcher Knives? What about that axe that attacked those people??? We gotta ban axes? Makes more sense to ban the “DEMOCRATS” because they were holding these instruments at the time those instruments attacked other people. Don’t let Democrats use dangerouse instruments because for some reason those tools attack other people while in the hands of DEMOCRATS. I just don’t understand people these days. 20 somethings, is that what we’re calling them now? The women sooner or later don’t even look like women anymore. Some of you go and shave one side of your hair off, wear these hipster doofus glasses with oversized frames that you don’t even need to correct your vision, smoke cigarettes, cross dress, identify as “transgender,” and eventually get a sex change to “be who you really are.” The men
Flag burning is not freedom of speech. It is an invitation to your arrss whoopin. Is Melania Trump an American? Is she related to Cuchi-Cuchi Charo? If she can speak 5 languages, English ain’t one of them. The Water Park idea is the dumbest thing I think I have ever heard, it is even dumber than the idea of Toll Booths on River Watch Parkway. Come on people, put your thinking caps on and come up with something worthwhile, how about a drive through liquor store that also sells marijuana, pornography, fireworks, guns and ammunition. A place like that would make some real money and bring jobs to the area. We can’t sell CDs (Alton Sterling) We can’t sell cigarettes (Eric Garner) We can’t drive cars (Sandra Bland) We can’t play in parks (Tamir Rice) We can’t wear hoodies (Trayvon Martin) We can’t play music (Jordan Davis) We can’t sit in a stairwell (Akai Gurley) We can’t play with toys in Wal-Mart (John Crawford) We can’t be safe in police custody (Victor White) We can’t go to the mall (McKenzie Cochran) We can’t ask for help after an accident (Jonathan Ferrell) We can’t be at home (Carlos Alcis) We can’t run from robbers (Reynaldo Cuevas) We can’t walk outside (Rekia Boyd) We can’t ride public transportation (Oscar Grant) We can’t drive home (Samuel Dubois) We can’t attend our own Bachelor’s party (Sean Bell) We can’t go to the store (Mike Brown) We can’t have car trouble (Corey Jones) We can’t sleep (Aiyana Jones) We can’t pray (Charleston 9) We can’t run (Walter Scott) We can’t be afraid (Henry Bennett III) We can’t accidently park (Danroy DJ Henry) We can’t comply (Philando Castille) Shall I continue?
WHINELINE@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM 4 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Have something you want to get off your chest? Send your whines to whineline@themetrospirit.com. The Metro Spirit reserves the right to edit submitted whines for content, but we will otherwise print them pretty much exactly as you type them… spelling errors and all.
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Cutting the Cord “HOW DID YOU SURVIVE?” “Don’t you miss it?” “My husband won’t let me.” “We won’t have what we want.” “I don’t know what we would do without it.” Let me be the first to tell you, you will survive. You might occasionally miss it. You will definitely survive. I’ll help you convince your husband. You’ll have what you want, and you’ll wish you did it sooner. I’m talking about cable. It seems like a silly thing to write about, but let’s be honest. I always write about silly stuff, and people keep asking us how it’s going. Besides, it’s summer for one more week. Indulge me. I told y’all we dropped cable in January. We thought back on the previous month’s TV watching and, besides daytime TV, we’d watched things on Netflix, Amazon Prime and a few other channels. The hundreds of other channels were left sitting there, alone, collecting dust. Cancelling cable didn’t have to be permanent, but it felt like it. I love TV, but I love being without cable more. Let’s simplify. First, buy an HD antenna for your TV. Most people don’t realize it, but you can get a dozen or so local channels for free. This’ll include all major networks (and the sports that come on them). There are a few variables, such as cost and reception range, but I’ll let you do the research. Amazon always has good ones on sale. I think we paid $25 for ours. It’s a one-time cost. No monthly fees. Second, make sure you have a smart TV or a streaming device. We have The Kindle Fire Stick, but there are many options. Again, you do the research. The Kindle Fire stick was on sale for $35 when we got it. It’s a one-time cost, too. If you’re already watching Netflix on your TV, you should be all set. Third, check out Sling TV. For $20-$40, you get live cable TV, via the aforementioned streaming device. Many channels offer their shows On Demand as well. Sports fans are freaking out about missing college football. Listen, I was too. I get it. Here is your answer. The regular Sling package gets you ESPN and ESPN2. There’s a college sports package you can add for $5 a month. Since Sling doesn’t operate on a contractual basis — as in, you aren’t
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locked in to any plan — you can add the sports package and take it away as needed. Example: If Georgia is playing Florida on CBS, and you have the antenna I told you to get, you’ll be able to watch it, for free, without a cable box. If Georgia is playing the Tarheels on ESPN, you’ll be able to watch it as part of your regular Sling TV subscription via the Kindle Fire Stick that’s plugged in to the TV. If Georgia is playing Nicholls on the SEC Network, all you have to do is add the $5 extra on Sling TV, and you’ll have SECN and so much more. See? You’ve got this. Fourth, unplug the dusty cable boxes and gather your remotes. It’s time to return them. When we took ours back to the cable company, the customer service lady didn’t argue with me. She just said, “So many people are doing this these days.” I had a tinge of guilt, because that’s just me, but not enough to hang on to the boxes. She confirmed our order for high speed internet only. Yep! I walked out the door at least 10 pounds lighter. Finally, enjoy better TV. We only watch what we want to watch. I’m about $150 richer each month. Who can argue that? Still not convinced? Give it a try. You’re not bound to anything. My biggest concern was that we wouldn’t be able to record shows when we were busy or not at home. Recording devices, modern day VCRs for you ‘80s kids, do exist, but we haven’t needed one yet. If we miss a show, GASP, we live. I know, I know. I’m shocked, too. It felt good to cut the cord. I’m not complaining about my bigger wine budget, either. 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.
28JULY2016
The TA Is Online THE LAST WEEK OF JULY. For residents of Augusta, Georgia, two things are absolutely certain during this time of the year. First, the dog days of summer are in full force with a good old-fashioned Southern layer of humidity covering the region like a blanket. Second, school is about to begin. Yes, isn’t it ridiculous to talk about the start of school when the temperature is so high no three-ring binder could possibly stand up to the heat. But there it is. That’s the hand we’ve been dealt. While the start of school is a time-honored tradition, something different awaits the group of rising college freshmen. By all observations, nothing will appear out of ordinary. However, these college freshmen should keep an eye out for a teaching assistant named Jill Watson. Jill Watson was a teaching assistant last spring for Georgia Tech professor Dr. Ashok Goel. She was one of nine assistants for the online class of 300 students. Jill interacted with students through the online forum, reminding students of due dates and posting questions to spark conversations. By all accounts, Jill seemed like a normal 20-something Ph.D. student. However, Jill is not the typical graduate student. As a matter of fact, Jill is not a student at all. You see, Goel is a professor of computer science, and his class covers the subject of knowledgebased artificial intelligence. Jill is an AI — a virtual teaching assistant developed using technologies from IBM’s Watson platform. The idea for Jill originated due to workload faced by the teaching assistants. The students for the class generate 10,000 different posts in the online forum. According to Goel, the teaching assistants were getting bogged down answering routine questions. Goel created Jill to address the easy questions so the teaching assistants could focus on the more difficult or philosophical questions. The situation is very familiar for those organizations that provide online learning. “The world is full of online classes, and they’re plagued with low retention rates,” Goel said. “One of the main reasons many students drop out is because they don’t receive enough teaching support. We created Jill as a way to provide faster answers and feedback.” Before Jill could help students, she had to be trained. Using the 40,000 posts from previous classes, Jill learned how to respond to questions such as, “Where do I find the next assignment?” and “When is the homework due?” In order to maintain the confidence of the students, Jill needed to respond correctly and sound just like a human teaching assistant. Through trial and error, and a number of programmatic tweaks, Jill’s answers became good enough. If Jill determines that she is 97 percent confident in her answer, she will respond to her question. Goel believes that Jill will be able to address 40 percent of all requests by the end of the year. Jill will be back at Georgia Tech this fall assisting Goel, although she will likely change her name in order to keep the students guessing. No doubt that over time, she will pick up some additional courses. Now this is the point in the article where some folks would start talking trash about artificial intelligence. I’m not going to do that. I think any technology that automates and eliminates boring and repetitive tasks is a good thing. Like all new tech, we’ve got to see if AI finds a place in our society. So please keep all your horror stories about Skynet and the Matrix to yourself. Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to lead to the destruction of mankind. For instance, C-3PO was built by Darth Vader himself. GREGORY BAKER PH.D. That bucket of bolts turned out just fine. @gregory_a_baker
is vice president of CMA Technology and, yes, is actually a rocket scientist who used his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin. In addition to working at CMA, he also serves the community, sitting on several boards in the area.
Bear Market LIFE HAS A WAY of being awesome but sometimes being terrible. Things seem to happen in clumps. Either a few good things happen or a few bad things happen. I like to refer to it as my own personal stock market. Last week I find a $20 bill on the ground and get the last bit of cookie-dough ice cream: stocks are up. This week I get a flat tire and my AC goes out: stocks are down. Sometimes you might have an even day; you get a bonus at work but have a fender-bender on the way home. Then your stock is flat. If you ever notice, when your stock is down, sometimes people seem want to keep it down. Case in point: My dad’s neighbor recently got evicted. I’ve never gotten evicted, but I’d imagine it’s a pretty stressful event. Unless, of course, you were trashing the place and brought it on yourself. But I’m usually willing to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially when I don’t know details. If you’ve never seen anyone get evicted, it’s quite the embarrassing sight. One day you drive down the street and there’s a pile of belongings on the curb. It doesn’t matter the weather: hot, cold, rain, sleet or snow. Imagine this person, maybe struggling to come up with rent, coming home to see everything they own on the curb: TV, furniture, pictures, underwear, you name it. But that’s not all. There’s people that used to be your neighbors now rummaging through your personal belongings because, y’know, they’re in the street and why not? Now, not only is the evictee without a place to live, needing some way to do something with their belongings and apparently without means to pay rent, now they have people looting their stuff like it’s a free-for-all. I compare it to bank overdraft fees. These I have definitely had experience with. Your bank sees that, for whatever reason, your money situation is a little tighter than usual. So, they feel like it’s the perfect time to charge a bunch of extra fees. The lunacy in that idea has always been amusing to me: “Oh, you’re out of money? Okay, well, give us 40 extra bucks out of that no money for being broke. You’re welcome! And thanks for banking at The Bank of Satan!” The kick ya while you’re down thing isn’t just limited to financial woes. I see it all the time with people’s personal business. Get in an accident? Never a good situation whether you’re at fault or not. But if you happen to be at fault, you’re likely to get sued for a bigger settlement and your insurance company may or may not cover it. Marriage problems? Big break up? Get fired? Some people will form a usually illinformed opinion and you’re the subject of gossip. Sometimes it’s just better to recognize a situation for what it is: A bad day at the stock market. We can all identify because we’ve all been there in our own way. Life will bring that person back up. Although it would be a nice gesture, we don’t have to help them up. But we also don’t have to keep them down. Maybe if we all just let people get through their own personal Bear Markets without interfering the world will be a better place. People will be happier, rainbows will be more colorful, Led Zeppelin would tour again and the world will just be a generally more wonderful place. Or maybe I’m just having one of my warm and fuzzy hippie moments.
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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.
| cmaaugusta.com
28JULY2016
Rally or Die I’M NOT OLD. Not that old, anyway. Like, I remember acid-wash jeans, Donna Lewis and Snackwell’s, pretty much. So when I preface a statement with the phase, “In every election I can remember participating in…” please understand two things: that ending sentences with a preposition is completely fine now, dick, and I’m speaking with the same number of years of wisdom that it takes a Scientologist to pay $68,000 to dock penises with Xenu. But. In all the elections I can remember participating in, the party that has come out on top was the one that had a candidate to rally around. In 2004, it should have been a cakewalk to defeat George W. Bush, but Democrats ran John Kerry, a genuinely good man and great politician, but also the result of an experiment that resulted from replacing the blood of Frankenstein’s monster with Sleepy Time tea, for president. In 2008, Democrats came to their senses and ran Barack Obama, a historic and charismatic figure who trounced John McCain on the strength of “Dear god, Sarah Palin is a heart attack away from becoming the most powerful person on Earth.” Four years later, Republicans countered with Mitt Romney, the mayonnaise of politics, and I am out of stupid jokes. I’ve never seen, firsthand, an election in which both major parties are so obviously fractured. And they each have reason to be. The GOP is forced to coalesce behind a bigoted, misogynistic, xenophobic, dictator-loving, white supremacist-retweeting reality TV punchline. The Democratic Party barely survived a contentious primary season that saw upstart Bernie Sanders nearly pull off the upset and overtake Hillary Clinton. The Republicans — whatever. They can burn in the fire they lit themselves. But it’s difficult for me to bear witness to a fractured, nearly broken Democratic Party, an organization that, whatever its flaws, has consistently been the party of mainstream progress and social change in this country. The blame doesn’t rest on any one individual, or any one faction here; we are all complicit, and I hope that this is the sentiment permeating the collective dry-heave that is the DNC right now. Hillary Clinton is complicit in her willingness to accept large donations from the major Wall Street banks; Bernie Sanders is complicit, in
his continual harping on that point, to not see that there are greater stakes. Hillary Clinton is complicit in being pretty late to the game on social change (she didn’t officially endorse same-sex marriage until 2013, for example); Bernie Sanders is complicit in having all ideas and no real solutions. Hillary Clinton was complicit in not doing enough to woo progressives to her side from the get-go; Bernie Sanders is complicit in not pivoting until the eleventh hour. This convention is happening in the aftermath of yet another Democratic Partyrelated email scandal, in which it was revealed — not definitely, but probably, by hackers funded by Trump property investors in Russia — that the party as a whole was at least passively trying to tilt the election in Clinton’s favor. It’s reprehensible stuff. In one exchange, a Democratic staffer suggests accentuating Sanders’ Jewish heritage in order to swing public opinion against him, because that person believes that we’re all as terrible as they are. But there was no real evidence that any action was taken towards fixing polls, suppressing votes or any other primary related shenanigans. I don’t agree with it, but I understand the Bernie supporters’ frustration, even rage, at what has transpired. They feel cheated, marginalized, like they don’t have a place at the table. It’s a valid feeling, a valid concern, and I don’t believe for a second that this two-party system is going to last much longer in its current iteration. But continuing to insist that, as Gary Frazier, a Bernie Sanders supporter, did on a recent edition of NPR’s Barbershop, that “there is still a presidential race going on,” and suggesting that the convention needs to elect Bernie Sanders as their nominee, despite the fact that he came up short in both the delegate count and the popular vote, is dangerous and exhibits a severe short-sightedness as it pertains to the future of this country. JOSH RUFFIN is a long way from home, having moved from Augusta to Middleton, Wisconsin,
with his wife, Michelle. He is a self-described beer guru, so most of his Twitter posts are about what he’s drinking. While drinking, he enjoys writing poetry and watching MMA fights… or writing poetry about MMA fights.
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Living the High Life
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NEWS
The Runaway Winners of July’s Runoffs: Anderson and McIntyre THIS WEEK there were two entirely different runoffs in the hands of voters throughout the CSRA. In Richmond County, the runoff for the State Court judgeship being vacated by John Flythe pitted local attorneys Robert “Bo” Hunter III and Kellie Kenner McIntyre in a heated race against one another. Despite Hunter’s best efforts to get the word out about his more than 30 years of service to the local legal community and his dedication to Richmond County, McIntyre ended up handily beating Hunter at the polls. McIntyre, who is the current Richmond County State Court solicitor general and the daughter-in-law of former Augusta Mayor Ed McIntyre, managed to receive 56.7 percent of the votes cast in the runoff compared to Hunter’s 43 percent. This, despite the fact that McIntyre was heavily criticized by numerous media reports about her current job performance as solicitor. Specifically, McIntyre’s effectiveness as Richmond County State Court solicitor general came under fire following a lengthy news story that was published in The Augusta Chronicle about the enormous backlog in the solicitor’s office. The Chronicle’s story reported that nearly $1.4 million from fines paid by thousands of residents for minor traffic tickets before Jan. 1, 2014, and some cash bonds that people put up to get others out of jail had been sitting untouched in a bank account for years. The money had allegedly been just sitting there because of the backup in paperwork in the Richmond County Solicitor’s Office, according to the Chronicle. The Metro Spirit attempted to interview McIntyre prior to the July 26 runoff and give her an opportunity to address Richmond County voters, but she never responded to more than half a dozen requests for an interview. McIntyre also refused to debate Hunter prior to the runoff. It’s a sad day in local politics when an elected official running for a State Court judgeship can avoid the press, dodge questions from the public about the efficiency of her current office and still get elected to the bench. In an ironic twist, Hunter, who also served as the former solicitor general of Richmond County State Court beginning in 1988, was probably best known for quickly addressing the tremendous backlog of cases in the office during his eight years as solicitor. Did the better candidate for the State Court bench win this election? Apparently, the voters of Richmond County truly believe so. Let’s hope that they are right, because, to be honest, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. Over in the race for the state Senate District 24 seat currently held by retiring Sen. Bill Jackson, two Republicans — former state Rep. Lee Anderson and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Grzybowski — faced one another in a runoff.
Anderson, a proud native of Columbia County who often describes himself as “an old country boy,” beat out Grzybowski, the political newcomer. Throughout this election, Anderson represented the more traditional candidate from Columbia County. “I grew up in the Harlem/Grovetown/Appling area,” said Anderson, whose farm has been in his family for three generations. “I have to say that because I have a Grovetown address, I have an Appling telephone number and I went to Harlem High School.” That’s pure Columbia County for you, folks. Anderson also received some major political support from his local friends, including endorsements by former state Sen. Jim Whitehead, Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle, state Rep. Tom McCall, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and retiring Sen. Bill Jackson. While Anderson enjoyed telling more family stories than talking future legislation on the campaign trail, the long-time elected official had already proven his reliability to most local voters with his solid conservative record. Over the years, Anderson had also served on the Columbia County School Board, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and as a state representative for District 117 in the Georgia General Assembly. In fact, Anderson insisted during the campaign that he was the stronger candidate because he has a proven track record throughout this community and state. “I believe the difference between me and my opponent is I have been here my whole life and I didn’t try to go to the top all of a sudden. I started small,” Anderson recently told the Metro Spirit. “Before I even ran for the school board, I served on committees in the county. I was learning. I think you’ve got to learn and see how the machine works.” On the flip side, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Grzybowski represented everything new in Columbia County. While he had two different tours of duty at Fort Gordon and “lived off and on” in Columbia County for about 10 years, Grzybowski was still seen as a newcomer to the area. Despite being commissioned as a second lieutenant into the United States Army under the Reserve Officer Training Program in 1992 and serving 23 years as both a military intelligence and acquisition officer retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel, his impressive military career couldn’t beat out a local farmer. Needless to say, over the past two years, Grzybowski, who was also a former District 3 candidate for the Columbia County Commission, has learned the challenges of running in a local election. “When you are running against someone from here, the powers that be — not all of them, but a good number of them — support the local individual,” Grzybowski recently told the Metro Spirit. “It’s frustrating.” Welcome to politics in Columbia County, Lt. Col. Grzybowski.
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Remembering the 1996 Summer Olympics WITH THE 2016 Summer Olympics right around the corner and all of the controversy surrounding the games being held in Rio de Janeiro, it’s hard not to reflect back on the Peach State’s own experience hosting the major international multisporting event back in 1996. Twenty years ago this week, Atlanta had the honor of hosting the Centennial Olympic Games. Now, it’s easy to talk about what went wrong that summer — everything from the introduction of the goofy, abstract mascot for the Olympics named Izzy to the absolutely horrific bomb explosion in Centennial Olympic Park in the early hours of July 27, 1996, that tragically killed one woman and injured more than 110 people. It was a difficult summer for Atlanta. But there were also some wonderfully unforgettable moments that year. One such moment that is particularly bittersweet this year is when the world watched in complete disbelief as the former Olympic boxing champion and “The Greatest of All Time” Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Centennial Olympic Games. For many around the world, it was one of the most touching and emotional moments in Olympic history. Whether people were watching the ceremony live on television or traveled to Atlanta to be a part of history themselves, Ali not only lit up the Georgia sky that night, he brightened the world. But one person in particular had an unforgettable view of that Olympic moment. Two decades ago, Olympic swimmer Janet Evans had the honor of making the final pass of the torch to Ali that night in Atlanta. During last year’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in Louisville, Ky., Evans told the audience about the impact of that single moment in time. “About six weeks outside of the Olympic Games, I received a call from a gentleman named Billy Payne, the great southern gentleman who brought the Olympics to the great city of Atlanta,” Evans told the audience, according to an Oct. 2, 2015, story by NBC Sports. “Billy asked me if I would do him a favor and run the torch at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games. He would not tell me who was passing me the torch. He would not tell me who I was passing the torch to, but I would be the second to last person to carry that flame, and the final woman.” Evans said she could barely believe her ears. “I said to Mr. Payne, ‘Mr. Payne, I’m a swimmer. Swimmers don’t go to Opening Ceremonies. We swim the next day,’” Evans
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reportedly said. “I’d never been to the Opening Ceremonies as an athlete. I’d been in ’84 as a spectator. I said, ‘Plus, how many people are going to be watching?’ And he said, ‘Oh, you know, three billion or so.’ And I said, ‘Well, Mr. Payne, once again I’m a swimmer. Swimmers don’t run. I am not going to carry a lit flame through the Atlanta stadium and fall and forever be remembered as that little swimmer who dropped the Olympic flame and lit the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Stadium on fire.’ Well, in his true southern gentleman style, Mr. Payne talked me into it.” On the day of the opening ceremony, Evans said that she knew little about the events scheduled that night. “At midnight, the night before Opening Ceremonies, under the cover of darkness, I went to the Atlanta stadium, and I practiced running the torch,” she reportedly said. “The only thing was the person that was lighting that cauldron wasn’t there. But when they told me it was going to be Muhammad Ali, and when they told me that I had to keep it secret, because let me tell you I wanted to tell everyone, I was more nervous than ever. How do you pass the Olympic flame to ‘The Greatest,’ right? I was out of my mind, and I had to swim the next day.” At that point, time began to fly by, she told NBC Sports. “Before I know it, it’s the Opening Ceremonies, and I’m running along that track, and I’m thinking, don’t fall, Janet. Just don’t fall. Get up to Ali. He’s going to be waiting for you. Don’t fall. Don’t light the stadium on fire. Don’t catch my hair on fire with the flame,” Evans said. “And I looked to my left, my first Opening Ceremonies as an athlete, and I see 10,000 athletes that are in Atlanta representing their countries. I see the Americans, because they pushed their way to the front of that crowd of athletes. And I see the gymnasts on the shoulders of the basketball team. And I see the water polo team. I don’t see swimmers, because they weren’t there. My friends on the water polo team are shouting, ‘You’re going to fall!’ And I didn’t.” The scene took her breath away, she said. “I looked past the Americans, for the first time,” she said. “This was my third Olympic Games. I was the girl in the village that ate with the Americans. I spoke only to the Americans. I didn’t experience the Olympics. And I looked, and I saw athletes from all over the world. And I saw, yes, the stars, but I saw the table tennis player from Mongolia, and I saw the fencer from Tunisia, and I saw the athletes that we don’t see on NBC. And I saw the looks in their eyes. And I saw the excitement they were experiencing for being at the Olympics and participating in something that brings people together.” All of a sudden the Olympics meant more to her than ever, Evans said.
“I ran up that track, and I ran up those three big, long stairways. And I got to the top, and there stood Muhammad Ali. And I never cried after any of my Olympic medals, but I wanted to cry,” Evans said. “My moment with him was brief; you saw how quickly he lit that flame. But that moment for me, standing there, watching this man, with his courage and his determination, and being brought into the Olympic fold once again, 36 years after his gold medal in 1960. And to stand there in front of the world and inspire even more young people like myself, to be and do and accomplish anything we want to do, it was an epiphany for me. It was a defining moment in my Olympic career.” That moment changed her life, Evans said. “After those Olympics, I wanted to quit swimming and go back to college, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But after standing there with that man and watching him, I realized that as an Olympian, as an Olympic champion, a mantle we carry is to inspire and motivate others,” Evans said. “No one has ever done that greater than Muhammad Ali. So, Mr. Ali, thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for allowing me to continue to inspire young swimmers and young people to do and be the very best that they can be.” So, as the world watches the excitement of the Olympics next month in Brazil and worries about everything from the Zika virus to potential terrorism at the games, remember Atlanta. Remember Muhammad Ali. And remember the magic that night. Fear should never stop the Olympic Games.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year LAST YEAR, the Metro Spirit revived Metro’s Best and readers proved that they sure missed it during the five years we didn’t hold the contest. We had record nominations and voting in the more than 100 categories representing everything from Best Hamburger to Most Inspiring Community Leader. Now it’s time to do it again, readers. Starting today, July 28, you can visit metrospirit.com and take our survey. During the nominations phase, which will last until August 18, you can vote for anyone you see fit in each of our categories.
From Best Local Band to Best Place to Have a Baby, we want to hear what you think. After those four weeks of nominations, we’ll take a break, which will give us a chance to see who garnered the most votes in each category. Then, starting on September 8 and running through September 29, you can give your vote to one of the top 5 in each category. We’ll announce the winners on October 20.
RULES AND GUIDELINES
We will not accept paper ballots during the 2016 Metro’s Best contest. Sorry, folks: the computers have finally won. Skynet is sending the terminators as we speak. During the nominating phase of Metro’s Best 2016, please take care when typing your choices. When compiling the nominees, we will do our best to put all the responses together correctly, but it sure would make it a lot easier if each entry was spelled correctly. Google is there for a reason, people! We’ve set the questionnaire up so that it will only accept one response per computer. That’s just to keep business owners and employees honest. Unlike years past, we’re not requiring you to answer a certain number of questions before being able to turn in your list. Listen: we’d like for you to read all the questions carefully and put some thought into answering each one, but we’re also realists. We know you can’t go that long without checking Facebook (or whatever it is the kids are doing these days). All we ask is that you not go in, answer the one or two questions that interest you, and click submit. Is that too much to ask? Lastly, have fun. We had a great time coming up with these categories and can’t wait to see what you crazy people come up with. Enjoy!
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Living the High Life Clarkston, Ga., has done what no other city in Georgia has dared to try regarding its stand on marijuana possession
By Stacey Eidson 14 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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The small ciTy of clarksTon, Ga., in DeKalb County, with its population of a little more than 12,000 people, may have just forever changed the way local governments view simple marijuana possession across the state. With a city motto of “Where Possibilities Grow,” the Clarkston City Council took an incredibly bold stand earlier this month by unanimously approving the most progressive marijuana ordinance in Georgia. The new city ordinance allows for only a $75 fine and no jail time for individuals caught with less than an ounce of pot within the Clarkston city limits. Clarkston’s new municipal ordinance, which just so happened to be approved the day after Independence Day on July 5, basically flies in the face of state law. Here in Georgia, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. But now in Clarkston, the city’s police officers have the discretion of deciding whether to charge a person facing simple marijuana possession under state law or with violating the local ordinance and ticket that individual a $75 fine. And, let’s just say, the Clarkston City Council isn’t being shy about the fact that it wants local law enforcement officers to choose to follow the city ordinance. “This particular ordinance came to our attention because we had various people within our Clarkston community who had been cited or ticketed and they had paid various fines,” said Clarkston City Councilman Mario Williams. “Some had paid $200, some of them had paid all the way up to the $662 maximum here in Clarkston.” As the chairman of Clarkston’s public safety committee, Williams decided the city should study the issue and hold public hearings to discuss the matter with a wide range of organizations including Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), Georgia Cares and members of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. Williams said it was important for the city to do its homework regarding the law. “We did a lot of fact finding on this issue and we decided that the starting point is that, for every city in Georgia, those cities have the ability to regulate in the area of possession of one ounce of marijuana or less to try and dispose of those cases,” Williams said. “So when we started from that position, we said, ‘What do we really want to do? And what can we legally do?’” The last thing the city of Clarkston wanted was to enter into a legal battle with the state of Georgia over its marijuana laws, so the city council carefully reviewed its options, Williams said. “Currently, you cannot decriminalize possession of marijuana because the Georgia Legislature has deemed it a criminal activity. So we can’t do that,” Williams said. “But what we can do is fix the fine.” But even setting an appropriate fine for simple marijuana possession was tricky, Williams said. “If the fine is too low it can be considered a de facto to decriminalization. That basically embroils us in litigation that we don’t want,” Williams said. “So we stuck with that particular fine at $75. We also eliminated the ability to imprison by court order for the possession of one ounce or less that is cited under the Clarkston city code ordinance.” Williams said it was important for the ordinance to provide for only a $75 fine without incarceration because jail time can often lead to serious complications for an individual, especially if that person is employed or an enrolled college student. However, Williams stressed that it is totally up to the arresting officer to determine whether he or she enforces the municipal code or state law during a simple marijuana possession charge.
Both children and adults who are eligible for treatment are still facing major obstacles in obtaining cannabis oil. 28JULY2016
“If an officer chooses to cite an individual under the misdemeanor law of Georgia statute, that is a whole different ballgame,” Williams said. “But we are encouraging all officers to use our code ordinance, cite the person and basically keep it moving at a $75 fine with no need to imprison a person or threaten to imprison a person for the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.” Of course, changes to marijuana laws in Georgia don’t come easily. Just ask Augusta’s own state Sen. Harold Jones II. Earlier this year, Jones introduced a proposed bill to eliminate felony marijuana possession charges throughout the state, but the bill didn’t get the support it needed this session in the Georgia Legislature. One of the main reasons was many people immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion about the bill, thinking that Jones was looking to legalize marijuana. Instead, he was simply trying to prevent lives from being destroyed as a result of a felony marijuana possession charge. “What we are looking at is all of the different collateral consequences that happen once you get a felony charge such as losing the right to vote, losing the right to sit on a jury, and, if you are in
school, you can lose scholarship money,” Jones explained. “With a felony charge, you are also totally banned in Georgia from receiving any kind of federal aid like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, which is old school for food stamps. The federal government allows you be totally barred, if your state wants to, from receiving those kinds of funds.” Currently, there are 10 states and Washington, D.C. that do not have felony possession laws on the books, but here in Georgia the possession of 1 ounce or more of marijuana is classified as a felony. Being charged with felony marijuana possession can drastically change a person’s life and that is why Jones decided to file Senate Bill 254 this past session. “It is really a bill that cuts across racial lines and class lines because you have people who get caught up in this no matter what side of the fence you are on,” Jones said. “You might have a young student in Georgia who gets caught and all of a sudden they lose their financial aid to go to school. Or you also may have a person in Augusta or in Atlanta that needs a little bit of help from federal assistance and they get caught up in it and the same thing happens to them. It can have a serious effect on people’s AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“Considering there are states that have made marijuana legal and there are prominent figures within our United States community that have smoked this and not suffered ill effects, we felt the punishment of being arrested was greater than the actual crime itself. It is a victimless crime.” — Dean Moore
lives, so I thought this would be a good way of trying to rectify those situations.” People simply needed to read the bill to realize that it has absolutely nothing to do with the legalization of the possession or selling of narcotics, Jones said. “This is not legalization at all,” Jones said. “I don’t even think it necessarily puts us on the road to legalization. But I realize it is an education process.” Even in the case of the state’s medical marijuana laws, change did not happen overnight and possible expansion of the state’s law has become an uphill battle. Ever since House Bill 1, better known as Georgia’s medical cannabis bill, was approved and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2015, both children and adults who are eligible for treatment are still facing major obstacles in obtaining cannabis oil. Currently, the state’s medical marijuana laws allow cannabis oil to be legally used by qualified patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, mitochondrial disease, severe multiple sclerosis, severe Parkinson’s disease, some end-stage cancers, severe sickle cell disease and severe seizure disorders relating to epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries. While qualified patients may legally use the cannabis oil if approved by a registered physician, it is still illegal to cultivate marijuana in Georgia, which means patients don’t have any legal in-state access to the drug. State Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon), who authored Georgia’s medical marijuana law a few years ago, is still working to expand the state law, but he is facing several obstacles of his own. During this session, Peake filed House Bill 722 that would create an in-state growth model for medical cannabis, as well as an expanded list of qualifying medical conditions in Georgia. “Since HB 1 was signed into law last year, hundreds of Georgians have signed up and qualified for the medical cannabis registry in our state,” Peake said when he announced HB 722 earlier this year. “Therefore, I think this legislation is the obvious next step to help hurting Georgians who need access to this medicine here at home.” While Peake hoped to expand Georgia’s medical marijuana law, he still wanted the process to be tightly regulated. “The cultivation, production and distribution model outlined in HB 722 is designed after the model currently in place in Minnesota, which is the most tightly regulated infrastructure in the country,” Peake said. “I took careful consideration when drafting 16 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
this legislation to fully address the concerns that have been expressed by Gov. Deal and Georgia’s law enforcement community, and I am optimistic that the details of this bill will satisfy those concerns.” The bill proposed creating an in-state growth and distribution model for the production of medical cannabis, which would allow a minimum of two and a maximum of six in-state manufacturers by December of this year. Peake recommended that while the manufacturers cultivate, produce and dispense the final product, the bill would also create a “seed-to-sell” tracking system, intended to provide increased security and track all plants grown, processed, transferred and stored. In addition, all manufacturers would be required to contract with an independent lab to test the medical cannabis, employ licensed pharmacists to distribute medical cannabis by July of 2017, as outlined by Peake’s office. Peake was also trying to provide additional relief for those suffering from critical medical conditions. Under HB 722, the current medical marijuana law would be expanded to include conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Epidermolysis bullosa, Tourette’s syndrome and intractable pain defined as “pain that cannot be removed or treated.” “Not only is HB 722’s production and distribution model tightly controlled,” Peake said, when introducing the proposed legislation, “but this legislation strictly prohibits the production of medical marijuana in a smokeable form, which I have always been opposed to, and outlines tougher criminal penalties offenders.” But, apparently, the bill wasn’t tough enough for Georgia legislators. Peake was unable to convince enough colleagues or the governor to support his proposal this session and the bill died. “Hardships remain for Georgia families, and we must find a solution for hurting citizens,” Peake recently told supporters of the bill. “It can be done.” The problem is, whenever cities or state officials begin talking about changing Georgia’s marijuana laws, some people automatically jump to the conclusion that the Peach State wants to become the next Colorado, where pot is completely legal. Clarkston City Councilwoman Beverly Burks, who also happens to be a native Augustan, said that is the farthest thing from the truth. Burks was extremely outspoken about the fact that the city of Clarkston was still recognizing the fact that even simple marijuana possession is illegal in the state of Georgia. “I want to make sure that point is very clear,” Burks said. “As a city, we understand that in terms of possession of marijuana, it is against the law. However, we are reducing the fine and we are making sure in terms of supporting our police staff that we provide them another mechanism for issuing out tickets where they are not doing $600 fines.” 28JULY2016
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But in no way is Clarkston becoming the next Boulder, Colo., she said. “We recognize that we must comply with the state of Georgia in terms of what is currently on the books,” she said. “But we are also making sure that we have some type of understanding for the people who are involved (in simple marijuana possession charges) so they can have a second chance, in case they are arrested with this, and not put into jail.” Burks told the audience during the July 5 city council meeting that Clarkston was simply trying to reduce the cost of fines and eliminate jail time regarding simple marijuana possession. “We are not saying that we are approving of this behavior,” Burks said. “And this is still a fine. I think those are the points that we need to make very clear.” But some of her fellow city councilmen in Clarkston had a bit more liberal view of the new ordinance. City Councilman Awet Eyasu said he would have supported reducing the fine for simple marijuana possession to $5 if the city attorney would have approved that proposal. But the city attorney felt that would basically be decriminalizing pot in Clarkston, he said. “In principle, I really definitely support a $5 fine. However, I know we can’t do that,” Eyasu said. “I would have loved to go with a lesser number of $50 because $75 is still a lot of money. But I hope there is going to be a day that is going to come where I will be on the 28JULY2016
city council again in a few years where we are going to say we are not going to charge anybody any fines (for marijuana possession).” Clarkston City Councilman Dean Moore agreed it was time to take a broader look at simple marijuana possession. “Considering there are states that have made marijuana legal and there are prominent figures within our United States community that have smoked this and not suffered ill effects, we felt the punishment of being arrested was greater than the actual crime itself,” Moore said. “It is a victimless crime. People who smoke it are taking their health into their own hands, much the same as if you are smoking cigarettes.” Therefore, M o o r e insisted it is an individual’s decision to violate the municipal code regarding marijuana. “We are not going to allow this to be smoked indoors and we are not encouraging anybody to smoke it,” Moore said of marijuana. “But we are trying to eliminate the process of being arrested simply for possession.” Of course, there are officials across the state who believe even slightly reducing the punishment for drug possession is sending the wrong message. Chuck Wade, the executive director of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs in Atlanta, feels such changes in law could encourage more marijuana use across the state. “When the perception of harm of using a drug goes down, use of the drug goes up,” Wade recently told the Metro Spirit. “As responsible adults, we must realize that when passing pro-marijuana laws we are too often sending a message to our youth that marijuana is safe and harmless and that we are condoning and in some cases encouraging its use. We have to be very careful about that.” However, recent studies have shown that the rates of marijuana use among Colorado’s teenagers have essentially been unchanged in the years since the state’s voters legalized marijuana in 2012, according to new data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Also, in late 2015, The Denver Post ran a series of stories on the impact of legalization of marijuana in Colorado and it found crimes relating to pot have become an “endangered species” in the state’s courts. “In 2010 — two years before voters legalized adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and limited home cultivation — Colorado prosecutors filed more
than 11,000 charges alleging a violation of marijuana laws, according to data provided by the Colorado Judicial Branch,” The Denver Post reported. “In 2014, the number of charges shrank to about 3,500. In 2015, it was about 2,100.” Legalized marijuana is also obviously big business in Colorado. “In 2014, nearly $700 million worth of medical and recreational marijuana was sold in Colorado,” according to The Denver Post article. “In 2015, stores breezed past that mark with two months to spare — with recreational sales for the first time outpacing medical sales. Statewide revenue from dedicated pot taxes easily topped the money from alcohol taxes. The number of licensed recreational marijuana stores grew by a third from Dec. 1, 2014, to Nov. 30, 2015.” Over the past two years, Colorado also proved it can sell an enormous amount of weed. “In the first six months of 2015, recreational and medical marijuana stores in Colorado sold a combined 56 tons of weed, nearly double what they did in the same period in 2014,” The Denver Post reported. “In any given month, Colorado is now home to more than a halfmillion growing marijuana plants that are destined for the state’s pot shops.” While Georgia is nowhere near legalizing marijuana, many state and national organizations would like to see other municipalities take similar steps as Clarkston to reduce the penalties involved in marijuana possession. Chris Lindsey, a medical marijuana attorney and a senior legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project based in Washington, D.C., applauds such changes in Georgia and throughout the country. “Most people agree that possession of marijuana shouldn’t ruin lives,” Lindsey said. Founded in January 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest organization in the country that’s focused solely on ending marijuana prohibition. Its mission is
“Statewide revenue from dedicated pot taxes easily topped the money from alcohol taxes. The number of licensed recreational marijuana stores grew by a third from Dec. 1, 2014, to Nov. 30, 2015.” — The Denver Post AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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“In the first six months of 2015, recreational and medical marijuana stores in Colorado sold a combined 56 tons of weed, nearly double what they did in the same period in 2014. In any given month, Colorado is now home to more than a half-million growing marijuana plants that are destined for the state’s pot shops.” — The Denver Post to change federal law to allow states to determine their own marijuana policies without federal interference, as well as to regulate marijuana like alcohol in all 50 states, Lindsey explained. According to statistics from the Marijuana Policy Project, someone is arrested for a marijuana offense every 48 seconds in this country and 87 percent of those arrests are for marijuana possession, not for sale or manufacture. “One thing that I would point out is that communities of color bear a particularly high burden when it comes to arrests and convictions for drug-related offenses,” Lindsey said. “There was an analysis done by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) a couple of years ago where they went state by state and just studied the rates of arrest and prosecution for marijuana when you compare white communities and black communities. In Georgia, blacks are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for possession than whites. That is a big difference and, really, both communities consume at about the same rate.” One of the main reasons that Clarkston Mayor Edward “Ted” Terry said he supported the change in municipal code regarding simple marijuana possession was the fact that studies show that drug law enforcement across the state and country disproportionately impact lower income and minority communities. “The people who typically get arrested or fined, not necessarily in Clarkston, but 18 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
statewide and nationwide, tend to be people of lower income or people of color who, statistically speaking, use marijuana at lower rates than white Americans and wealthier Americans,” Terry said during the July 5 public hearing. However, Terry insisted that Clarkston was not trying to cause any controversy with the state regarding its marijuana laws. “We are trying to be as revolutionary light as we can up here,” Terry said, chuckling. “I think there are a lot of people up here and in the community who think the laws — state and federal — should completely change. But we are a city council. We can only affect what happens in our jurisdiction.” Concentrating on significantly reducing the fine and waving jail time was the appropriate step for Clarkston, Terry said. “Before this change, the fine that was the standard fine for simple possession was $600 and $700,” Terry said. “That is close to a month’s salary for a minimum wage worker.” By changing the municipal code to a $75 fine, Terry said Clarkston is not unfairly fining its citizens cited for simple marijuana possession. “There has been a trend over the past decades of shifting a lot of the expenses from county and city governments onto the backs on their residents and citizens through increasingly higher court fines,” Terry said. “It is kind of a bold move for us to say, ‘Well, we are willing to give up close to $30,000 to 40,000 a year in
revenues.’ We don’t have a huge budget.” In fact, the city of Clarkston’s fiscal year 2016 budget for all funds is about $5.7 million, according to city records. “We are a small city, but I think we do recognize in this policy that there is a need for criminal justice reform to happen at all levels of government, but this is the only area that a municipality or a county government can actually legislate on,” Terry said. “So we are not saying it is legalized. But we are also saying that we don’t want to ruin someone’s life or drain their bank account for what could be considered a simple mistake.” Terry said he is extremely proud to be the mayor of a city that’s willing to put its neck out regarding marijuana possession laws. “This is where we have to begin,” Terry said. “And hopefully other cities and counties will look at their own codes and decide what is best for their communities and what they think would be an appropriate amount (for a fine). Clearly, $600 to $1,000 is excessive, punitive and it creates a blowback effect in the community that, I would argue, probably causes more crime and more harm to people.” Prior to voting on reducing the penalties involved in simple marijuana possession, Clarkston City Councilman Mario Williams insisted that the city wasn’t trying to tread on local law enforcement’s ability to do its job. “Officer safety is a big issue to everybody. Drugs is a big issue to everybody, especially possessing illegal drugs or drugs that are considered illegal,” Williams told the Clarkston audience. “Currently, in the state of Georgia, regardless of personal opinions, marijuana possession of any amount is prohibited. It is illegal. This particular ordinance that we passed does not prohibit an officer from exercising their discretion based on their personal experience and knowledge.”
If a police officer discovers pot on a citizen in Clarkston, it is up to that individual officer to decide how to proceed, Williams said. “If an officer chooses to arrest under the misdemeanor statute for possession of an ounce or less, that is their choice. We trust them to make the right decision... I will give you a good example of this that was brought to my attention by our chief of police,” Williams said. “If someone possessed an ounce or less of marijuana, but an officer based on their experience and knowledge saw it cut up in certain baggies or maybe saw a scale with an ounce or less of marijuana, they can still be charged with felony possession.” Williams said Clarkston is simply trying to change an ordinance the city council felt was treating citizens unfairly. “We don’t want anybody threatened or imprisoned for an ounce or less of marijuana possession, but we are not taking away the officer’s discretion either,” Williams said. “We are regulating in an area where the state of Georgia is allowing, not only Clarkston, but every city in this state the ability to regulate.” The Clarkston City Council simply hopes its decision to change its local ordinance regarding marijuana possession will begin a statewide discussion about the topic. “Right now, we encourage all cities around Georgia to take a strong look at their laws in this area because the Georgia Legislature allows them to look at their laws and it allows them to regulate in this area,” Williams said. “But there is no such thing as Clarkston city officials trying to decriminalize marijuana. We can’t do that by law. So we never were trying to do that.”
“In Georgia, blacks are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for possession than whites. That is a big difference and, really, both communities consume at about the same rate.” — Chris Lindsey 28JULY2016
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“Overnight” Success
Diablo’s Southwest Grill is going strong thanks to hard work and great food Walk intO any of Diablo’s Southwest Grill’s four locations for the first time and a customer would be forgiven for thinking it’s a national chain. The décor is impeccable, the food is fantastic and the restaurant itself is filled with thoughtful touches like cell phone charging stations at each booth. “A lot of people in the community don’t realize that we are a local business,” laughed Carl Wallace, one of the three partners in a venture that opened three years ago. “We just serve good food, quietly. We don’t preach that it’s locally grown, we just provide a great product.” Wallace and Brad Wall were already business partners in Augusta Granite when, six years ago, they decided to open a restaurant. “I started cooking a little bit and learned that I had a passion for cooking,” Wallace explained. “That led to cooking for some friends and then that led to people joking that I should do a restaurant.” Once the thought was planted and Brad brought his brother Brandon Wall on board, the potential restaurant owners spent years researching the idea. “We spent three years studying and recipe-ing and planning out the restaurant before we even swung the first hammer,” Brandon Wall said. Though they are passionate about food, the three are also businessmen who knew that they wanted Diablo’s to be something much bigger than one restaurant: a franchise based in the south was the goal. “We always set out to be a franchise model, but to do that is very difficult and you have to be very successful running a restaurant before you can even consider a 22 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
By Amy Christian
franchise,” Wallace explained. “That’s why it took three years to get to where we were ready to open. But that’s what a franchisee is paying for: if you follow this arrangement, if you follow this recipe, this is typically the success you should have. If you go to the Wheeler Road store and then go down to Walton Way, that food should taste just like the food at the Wheeler Road store because the procedures and the recipes are the same.” Wallace and the Walls must be doing something right because, since opening their first location on Wheeler Road three years and three months ago, they now have four locations: corporate store Wheeler Road and franchises Walton Way, Aiken and Athens. There are several more on the way, including Washington Road in Augusta, North Augusta, Grovetown and Evans, as well as ones in Braselton, Thomasville, Statesboro and possibly even Jacksonville, Florida. “When we turned three years old we had three stores that were open, which is unheard of,” Brandon Wall said. “And two of those are franchise stores.” How did that happen? “We don’t know,” Wallace laughed before admitting that he had a pretty good idea. “Well, it just happens that if you build a model based on it looking like a franchise, then people show up asking how they become a franchise. And they think, ‘Who do I get in touch with about opening a franchise?’ and it’s us. That’s what we do.” Their focus is to remain in the south for many years to come, and they give all the credit for their “overnight” success to the extensive preparation they did before opening their doors. Talk to any of the three owners — Wallace who handles franchises, 28JULY2016
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marketing and culinary direction; Brandon Wall, who handles operations; and Brad Wall, who handles construction — and they can spout off anything you want to know about any part of Diablo’s operations. They can tell you why they bother to chop their own cilantro and shred their own cheese instead of buying it pre-prepared. They can tell you where their beef (or any of their proteins) come from and what their specifications for buying it is because they’ve visited all of the manufacturers. Heck, they can probably even recite the marinade recipe off the top of their heads. They can explain why their tortilla chips are so much lighter, fluffier and crunchier than some of their competitions’ are. They can even tell you why they give customers who want water a 16-ounce cup, much bigger than other places do. “Why should a customer spend $8 or $9 for a meal and then you give them this 8-ounce water cup?” Wallace said. “It’s pretty much embarrassing the customer. You’ve got this little kiddie cup and you’ve got to keep getting up and going back and forth just so the restaurant can save two cents on that order.” Similarly, soda cups are one size — 24 ounces — so customers won’t have to make a decision at the counter and then spend time going back and forth to the drink station. The three owners don’t brag about these things, but customers do notice. They like having a choice between regular or spicy sour cream and either Spanish or cilantro lime rice with their chicken burrito bowl, the most popular item on the Diablo’s menu. They love the salsa bar, the ghost pepper cheese (which started out as a special that customers demanded be made available all the time) and the homemade peach habanero hot sauce. And the fact that the proteins are marinated and cooked at each location makes a difference. “All of our proteins are marinated and cooked in house. We have a dual grill that’s gas fired and wood fired,” Wallace explained. “There’s a transparency here with the food. You can see your food on the grill.”
28JULY2016
In fact, the only thing the folks at Diablo’s don’t make in house is the cookies. They may not brag about all their hard work, but it has paid off. On Yelp, Diablo’s is No. 4 on the list of Augusta’s best restaurants and they’re the only fast-casual spot in the Top 5. And they have a following. “We’ve been very fortunate to have the following we do. It’s almost a cult following on the local level,” Wallace said. “When we announced the Grovetown location, I think it had 28,000 views on Facebook, and that wasn’t even a share to win. It was just announcing that we were opening in Grovetown, so that’s a lot of love for a restaurant.” They credit their customers’ loyalty to the fact that they stick to their core values and are as authentic as they can be. “We actually do things extremely authentic to our concept, but we’re not as vocal about that as we should be,” Brandon Wall said. “That’s why we have so many customers. They just know it’s good food. We care about the product and we care about what we’re serving our people.” Diablo’s Southwest Grill currently has four locations open — on Wheeler Road and Walton Way in Augusta and in Aiken and Athens — from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. MondaySaturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. Other locations currently under construction include ones in Grovetown, North Augusta, Evans, Washington Road in Augusta, Braselton, Thomasville and Statesboro.
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Calendar Music Listings
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What’s Up
If you have any questions, or would like to submit an event to our calendar, please email Amy Christian at amy@themetrospirit.com.
it’s a sad trUth that many people complain about what’s wrong with a community rather than recognizing those who are trying to make life better for those around them. Walton Options for Independent Living, an organization that works to advocate for and help people with disabilities in Georgia and South Carolina, wants to change that with the Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Community Awards. Designed to honor those in the Augusta area who have worked to create a more inclusive community for those with disabilities, nominations are being accepted through August 12 in five categories: Inclusive Employment, Community Government, Public Accommodations & Communications, Outstanding Service Organization and Outstanding Individual Advocate. “There are so many organizations, business and individuals around the CSRA that create opportunities of inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities,” said Tiffany Clifford, executive director at Walton Options for Independent Living. “These awards are a chance for the community to say thank you and recognize all the work the nominees have done.” Forms are available online or at Walton’s 948 Walton Way office, and finalists will be selected by a committee from the nominations. Winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Thursday, November 3, at the Legends Club. Visit waltonoptions.org/mvpawards.
this Week
thUrsday
satUrday
Monday
It’s August in Augusta, and In the case of a disaster, What’s a vegan to do at a that means more hot weather would you know how to help barbecue? Do you even know to make everyone cranky. Get your fellow Richmond County what a jackfruit looks like? out of the house and stay cool citizens? You will if you attend (Hint: see above.) Find out at at the Augusta Museum of the upcoming Community the CSRA Vegetarian and Vegan History during their Dollar Emergency Response Team Society’s cooking demo at 10 Dog Days, when admission is $1 training, a three-session class a.m. at Fuji Asian. Then stick that begins July 28 at 6 p.m. and around to meet members of the per person all this month. The continues Saturday and Sunday. society while having lunch at the kids will love climbing around Attendees will learn first aid, restaurant. You don’t have to be on the train, and you may even learn something new about search and rescue techniques a member to attend. your town. and more, as well as participate in a drill before graduation. Preregistration required. Call 706821-1155 or visit augustaga.gov.
tUesday If your kids need to practice their reading skills but are getting bored with story time at home, the Maxwell Branch Library has something that may pique their interest. At 3:30 p.m., kids can come to the library and read to visiting therapy dogs during Paws for Literacy. And let’s face it: what could be cuter than a child reading to a dog? Better bring your camera.
For more information on these events, see our calendar of events on page 26. AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Nocturnal Thursdays: Star Gazing Reed Creek Park Thursday, July 28 8 p.m. A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. 706-210-4027 phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov
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CAMPS Mon Aug 1 - Fri Aug 1
7am - 5pm Youth Horse Camp Hilltop Riding Stables, Fort Gordon For those ages 7-13, who will learn riding, grooming, care and tack, as well as participate in other camp activities. $250, sponsored; $275, unsponsored. Call 706-791-4864 or visit fortgordon.com.
8am - 5pm Summer Adventures Camp Weeks Activities Center, Aiken For those ages 5-12. Early drop off at 7:30 a.m. and late pick up until 5:30 p.m. available. $70 per week. Call 803-642-7631 or visit visitaikensc.com.
8am - 5pm Summer Fun Day Camp Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Aiken For those ages 5-14. Early drop off at 7:45 a.m. available. $60 per week. Call 803-642-7761 or visit visitaikensc.com.
8:30am - 2pm Summer Camp Active Climbing Indoor Rock Climbing and Ninja Warrior Center Kids will learn the basics of climbing techniques and equipment, make crafts, compete on ninja obstacles, play on the slide and more. $60 a day or $200 a week. Call 706-922-1054, email augusta@activeclimbing.com or visit activeclimbing.com.
9am - 4pm Act It Out Camp Aiken Community Playhouse A week-long summer program for rising first-eight graders interested in theatre. Rising first-third graders meet from 9 a.m.-noon, rising fourth-fifth graders meet from 1-4 26 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
p.m. and rising sixth-eighth graders meet from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A final camp performance will be held Friday, August 5, at 6:30 p.m. $110-$140. Call 803-648-1438 or visit aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
9am - 4pm Camp Kroc Summer Camp Kroc Center For those ages 5-12. Extended care available. $100 a week, members; $125, non-members; $5 a day, extended care; $30 a week, swim lessons. Call 706-922-1533 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Pre-registration required. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Mon Aug 1
3:30pm - 5pm Intermediate Spanish Friedman Branch Library An adult class led by Edwin Perez of the Asociacion Cultural Hispanoamericana. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 2
10am - noon Foster Parent Orientation
Thu Jul 28
Necco Augusta A free weekly session. Pre-registration suggested. Call 706-2103435 or visit necco.org.
Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Aug 3
6pm - 10pm Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
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.
EDUCATION 10am - noon Computer Help Lab Thursdays
Old Fire Station 7 The first of three days of training that will teach Richmond County citizens how to help their neighborhood until professional responders arrive by teaching team organization, basic first aid, search and rescue techniques, intro to terrorism and more. Those attending will participate in a drill before they graduate. Day 2 of training is Saturday, July 30, from 8 a.m.-5: 30 p.m., and day 3 is Sunday, July 31, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Attendance at all three sessions and pre-registration is required. Call 706-821-1155 or visit augustaga.gov.
Sat Jul 30
10am Diary of an Addict Maxwell Branch Library
11:30am - 1:30pm Open Job Lab
Thu Aug 4
10am - noon Computer Help Lab Thursdays Wallace Branch Library Call 706-722-6275 or visit arcpls.org.
Ongoing
James Brown Family Historical Tour Augusta Museum of History Available each Saturday at 11 a.m. and lasting approximately two hours, this bus tour includes Brown’s elementary school, his childhood home, his statue and more. $15 fee, 28JULY2016
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includes admission to the museum, which houses the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia. Reservations 24 hours in advance required. Call 803-640-2090 or visit jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
summer photography camp will show July 26-August 7. A closing reception featuring participating students will take place August 7 at 1 p.m. Call 706-828-3808 or visit themorris.org.
Guided Tours
Miru: Hope Full Soul
1797 Ezekiel Harris House Offered by appointment only MondayFriday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Last tours of the day begin at 4 p.m. Adults, $2; children, $1. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Westobou Gallery A collection of new artwork by Staci Swider. A book signing will take place September 2 for Swider’s new book “Acrylic Expressions: Painting Authentic Themes and Creating Your Visual Vocabulary.” The exhibition will show Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1-September 2. Call 706-755-2878 or visit westoboufestival.com.
North Augusta Driving Tour Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta Offered by appointment and includes a 30-45-minute guided tour and admission to the center. Self-guided tours are also available through an iPhone downloadable audio tour or a Google Maps-based tour. Guided tours: $5, adults; $3, students K-12. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Guided tours, approximately 45 minutes long, are offered Thursday-Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours are available by advanced reservation. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; kids K-12, $3; under 5 years, free. Call 706-724-0436 or visit wilsonboyhoodhome.org.
Historic Trolley Tours of Augusta Augusta Visitors Center Tours aboard the Lady Libby available at the Augusta Visitors Center with 24-hour advanced reservations. Tickets include admission to the Augusta Museum of History. Call 706-724-4067 or visit visitaugusta.org.
ELSEWHERE Sat Jul 30
5pm - 8pm A Harmonious Palette Artist Reception LithaMoonGallery, Greensboro The exhibit of fine painting by Sandra Witty will show July 29-September 10, and the artist will speaker about her work at the the reception at 5:30 p.m. The reception is free, family friendly and open to the public. Call 513-356-4055 or visit lithamoon.com.
EXHIBITIONS Ongoing
Dollar Dog Days Augusta Museum of History Admission during the month of August is $1 per person. Call 706-722-8454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
Photo Discovery Project 2016 Morris Museum of Art An exhibition of work from students in this 28JULY2016
Out of Africa Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta A show featuring more than 80 pieces of African art from the locally owned corporate collection of Tibi Winston Ltd. Will show through August 19 in the main gallery. A reception will be held July 13 from 7-9 p.m. Call 803-441-4380 or visit artsandheritagecenter.com.
Exhibits Augusta Museum of History Includes the following: “The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; “Celebrating a Grand Tradition, the Sport of Golf”; “Augusta’s Story”; “A Community That Heals”; “Into the Interior: A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company”; “Local Legends”; “One Man, Two Ships: Lessons in History and Courage”; “A Quilt Journey”; and “Canteens to Combat Boots”. Call 706-7228454 or visit augustamuseum.org.
FLIX
HEALTH Thu Jul 28
7pm Infant CPR Class University Hospital Pre-registration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Jul 28
Sat Jul 30
Diamond Lakes Branch Library A G- or PG-rated movie will show on the library’s big screen. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Fuji Asian A CSRA Vegetarian and Vegan Society event. Visit meetup.com/csravs/.
Noon Back to School Movie
Sat Jul 30
10am “The Muppet Movie” Imperial Theatre Part of the Summer Family Fun Film Series. Free, but tickets required. Call 706-722-8341 or visit imperialtheatre.com.
Ongoing
Call for Entries Cause + Effect Georgia Progressive Film Competition The festival will accept through October 2 short film with a focus on social, political, environment or economic issues facing Georgia or a community in Georgia. Open to all Georgia filmmakers. No entry fees. Semifinalist films will screen at Cine in Athens in November. Visit causeandeffectfilm.org.
10am Vegan BBQ and Jackfruit 101 Cooking Demo
11am CSRA Veg Meet Up Fuji Asian A CSRA Vegetarian and Vegan Society event. Membership is not required. Visit meetup.com/csravs/.
Tue Aug 2
6pm Weight Loss Surgery and You University Hospital Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706774-8931 or visit universityhealth.org.
7pm Childbirth Preparation Class University Hospital A four-session class that continues on Tuesdays through August 23. Free, but preregistration required. Call 706-774-2825 or visit universityhealth.org.
Thu Aug 4
5:30pm - 8pm Cribs for Kids Safe Kids Office This class will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and a pacifier for a fee of $10 per registered child. Call 706-721-7606 or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
HOBBIES Thu Jul 28
11am Thursday Game Mania Diamond Lakes Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-772-2432 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 2
10am Genealogy 101 Headquarters Branch Library’s Georgia Heritage Room Participants will learn how to start a family history project, as well as discuss resources and strategies. Call 706-826-1511 or visit arcpls.org.
Wed Aug 3
Noon Georgia-Carolina Toastmasters Fat Man’s Mill Cafe Those interested are invited to learn speech and leadership skills in a fun and supportive AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989 METROSPIRIT 27
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Sat Jul 30
8pm Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party The Book Tavern A celebration of the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in which participants will be sorted into houses, participate in wizarding games and more. There will also be a costume contest, prizes, food and more before the midnight release of the book. Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
8pm Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party Barnes & Noble An event leading up to the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two, which goes on sale at midnight, that includes activities and giveaways. Call 706737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Community Giving Day Whole Foods Thursday, July 28 The store donates 5 percent of its sales to Paine College. 762-333-0259 wholefoodsmarket.com
Sun Jul 31
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Celebration Barnes & Noble An all-day event that includes activities and giveaways. Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
Mon Aug 1
10am Skulls, Scat & Tracks atmosphere. Call 706-627-2134.
2pm Paper Football
KIDS-TEENS
Headquarters Branch Library A young adult program. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Thu Jul 28
9:30am - 2pm Junior Rangers: Back to School Mistletoe State Park A program for those ages 6 and older, who will Prepare for school by making naturethemed journals and bookmarks, as well as play beach games. Participants should bring lunch, water and sunscreen. $20; preregistration required. Call 706-541-0321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
10am Incredible Birds Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Mr. Bill, His Guitar George and His Girlfriend Nancy Appleby Branch Library A program for those age 3-12. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
2pm Library Putt-Putt Golf Headquarters Branch Library The children’s department will turn in to a miniature golf course for kids of all ages. Pre-registration required. Call 706-821-2623 or visit arcpls.org. 28 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
2:30pm - 5pm Get in the (Video) Game Columbia County Library A teen program featuring gaming on a big screen with surround sound. Call 706-8631946 or visit gchrl.org.
3pm Perler Bead Craft Appleby Branch Library A YA program for those ages 12 and up. Preregistration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
4pm Tonight Show Game Battles Aiken Public Library A summer YA program for those in grades 6-12. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
8pm Noctural Thursdays: Star Gazing Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@ columbiacountyga.gov.
Fri Jul 29
10:15am - noon Friday Story Times
Story time are at 10:15 for those ages 0-23 months, at 11 a.m. for those ages 2-3 years and at 11:45 a.m. for those ages 4-5 years. Call 803-642-2023 or visit abbe-lib.org.
1:30pm Simply Science Fridays: Egg Drop or Bust! Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
2:30pm Friday Afternoon Movie Columbia County Library A teen program featuring popcorn and a new movie each week. Call 706-863-1946 or visit gchrl.org.
6pm Family Movie Night Kroc Center Refreshments available for $1. Free and open to the community, although members can reserve space up to a week beforehand. Call 706-364-5762 or visit salvationarmyaugusta.org.
6pm - 11pm Teen Lock-In North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Game On is the theme and participants should bring a change of clothes and a towel. Pre-registration required. Call 803279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up in which participants will learn to identify different animal species without actually seeing them. Free, members; $2 per child, non- members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
10:30am Music & Me Headquarters Branch Library A class for children ages 0-4 in which participants will learn how to chant, sing, play instruments and move to the music. Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706821-2623 or visit arcpls.org.
Tue Aug 2
10:30am Milk Does a Body Good Friedman Branch Library Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6758 or visit arcpls.org.
3:30pm Paws for Literacy Maxwell Branch Library An event in which members of the community can read to therapy dogs. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
Wed Aug 3
10am Story Time Maxwell Branch Library For those ages 3-5. Call 706-793-2020 or visit arcpls.org.
Aiken Public Library 28JULY2016
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10am Story Time in the Park Osbon Park, Aiken A free event for children ages 8 and under in which each family receives a book. Call 803-642-7631.
10:05am Toddler Craft Time Appleby Branch Library This is a program best for children ages 18 months-3 years. Pre-registration required. Call 706-736-6244 or visit arcpls.org.
10am Wacky Wednesday Story Time Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
10:30am Super Awesome Story Time The Book Tavern Featuring music, a story and crafts. Cookies and juice provided. Call 706-826-1940 or email superawesomestorytime@booktavern.com.
Countdown to Midnight Party The Book Tavern Saturday, July 30 8 p.m. A celebration of the release of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” in which participants will be sorted into houses, participate in wizarding games and more. There will also be a costume contest, prizes, food and more before the midnight release of the book. 706-826-1940 booktavern.com
4:30pm - 6pm Alley Cats Strikehouse Bowl, Aiken Part of the Aiken Recreation Department’s Buddy Sports program for those with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, this class is for those of all bowling abilities. $12 a month; pre-registration required. Call 803426-1284 or visit therecingcrew.com.
Thu Aug 4
10am A Day at the Beach Morris Museum of Art Part of the Mommy and Me series for children and parents in which participants will see and talk about beach artwork, then create a tropical visor. Free, members; $4 per participants, non-members. Preregistration required. Call 706-828-3867 or visit themorris.org.
8pm Noctural Thursdays: Nocturnal Night Crawlers Reed Creek Park A program for those ages 5 and up and their accompanying adult. Participants will also take an astronomy class. Free, members; $2 per child, non-members. Call 706-210-4027 or visit phobbs@columbiacountyga.gov.
LITERARY Thu Jul 28
10am - noon Morning Book Club Maxwell Branch Library Discussion will be on “The Martian” by Andy Weir. Call 706-793-2020 or visit ecgrl.org.
7pm - 9pm Graphic Novel Discussion The Book Tavern The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month and discusses a book picked at the previous meeting. Call 706-826-1940 or email david@booktavern.com. 28JULY2016
Sun Jul 31
Sun Jul 31
The Book Tavern Featuring Mark Beaver, author of “Suburban Gospel.” Call 706-826-1940 or visit booktavern.com.
Augusta Common Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for this live jazz concert. $6. Call 706-821-1754 or visit augustaga.gov.
1pm - 3pm Book Signing
Wed Aug 3
6pm Page Turners Book Club Barnes & Noble Call 706-737-0012 or visit bn.com.
6:30pm - 9:30pm Book Club The Book Tavern Featuring a discussion of “God and Government: Twenty-Five Years of Fighting for Equality, Secularism and Freedom of Conscience” by Barry Lynn. Call 706-8261940 or visit booktavern.com.
MUSIC Thu Jul 28
7pm Sweet Adelines North Augusta’s Nancy Carson Library Call 803-279-5767 or visit abbe-lib.org.
Sat Jul 30
11am - 2pm Saturday Morning Swing Eighth Street Plaza Live music from local jazz artists and performing arts groups during the Augusta Market. Call 706-627-0128 or visit theaugustamarket.com.
7:30pm Candlelight Jazz
Mon Aug 1
7pm Hopelands Summer Concert Series Hopelands Gardens, Aiken Featuring the Savannah River String Band. Attendees can bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and well-behaved pets on leashes, but no alcohol. Free. Call 803-642-7631 or visit facebook.com/experienceaiken. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661.
SPECIAL EVENTS Thu Jul 28
includes transportation, tours and admission fees. Pre-registration by July 22 required. Call 706-724-7501 or visit themorris.org.
5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.
Fri Jul 29
7pm The Wines of Veneto, Italy Seminar Wine World A tasting of 10 wines, with bread, cheese and snacks. Participants will be offered special prices on featured wines. $20; preregistration required. Call 803-279-9522 or visit wineworldsc.com.
Community Giving Day
Sat Jul 30
Whole Foods A quarterly event in which the store donates 5 percent of its sales to local organizations. This time proceeds will benefit Paine College. Call 762-333-0259 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
8am - 2pm Augusta Market at the River 8th Street Plaza, Reynolds Street The event features vendors of all kinds, activities, live entertainment and more. Visit theaugustamarket.com.
Day Trip to Milledgeville
North Augusta’s Living History Park Featuring living history demonstrations. Call 803-279-7560 or visit colonialtimes.us.
Morris Museum of Art Participants will visit a number of historic sites, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, Andalusia Farm and Lockerly Arboretum. $50, members; $65, non-members. Fee
10am - 1pm Last Saturday in the Park
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$17-$102. Call 877-4AUGTIX or visit georgialinatix.com.
Mon Aug 1
6:30pm - 9:30pm Roller Derby Recruitment Night Red Wing Rollerway The Soul City Sirens are looking for skaters, referees, non-skating officials and volunteers. Skaters should bring mouthguard and appropriate workout clothes. Visit soulcitysirens.com.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Diary of an Addict Maxwell Branch Library Saturday, July 30 10 a.m. Presented by former drug addict Tripp JohnPaul Mills. Pre-registration required. 706-793-2020 ecgrl.org 8pm “Engineering the International Space Station” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
9pm “Digistar Laser Fantasy” Dupont Planetarium, Aiken Weather permitting, the observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be available for viewing after each show. $1-$5.50. Call 803641-3654 or visit rpsec.usca.edu.
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Shops of Midtown, Kings Way at Central Ave. This event features discounts in the shops, hors d’oeuvres and more. Call 706-733-1788.
Ongoing
MVP Community Awards Nominations
SPIRITUAL
SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare An event that includes live music, a cash bar, open dog park and food. Visit letlovelive.org.
7pm Lifting the Veil on Islam
Thu Aug 4
5pm - 7:30pm Farmers Market in the Alley Downtown Aiken This weekly event includes fresh goods, 30 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Wed Aug 3
5pm - 8pm First Thursday
Wed Aug 3
6pm - 9pm Yappy Hour
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lakewood BlueClaws
AL Williams Park This weekly event, held through the end of October in the park across from the Kroc Center, features all local farmers and doubles EBT. Visit growharrisburg.org.
4:30pm - 7pm Veggie Truck Farmers Market
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies
food vendors, artisans, flowers and live music. Call 803-293-2214.
Walton Options for Independent Living is now accepting nominations for the Most Valuable Partner Community Awards. Categories include Inclusive Employment, Community Government, Public Accommodations and Communications, Outstanding Service Organization and Outstanding Individual Advocate. Public nominations will be accepted through August 12 and winners will announced at a ceremony at the Legends Club on November 3. Online forms are available at waltonoptions.org/mvpawards.
Tue Aug 2
Tue Aug 2
Thu Aug 4
Islamic Society of Augusta Part of a monthly program to enlighten newcomers about Islam. This series, held the first Thursday of each month, is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Visit openhouse.isaugusta.com.
SPORTS-OUTDOORS Thu Jul 28
Fri Jul 29
10am - noon Friday Summer Fun Mistletoe State Park Kid-friendly activities in the park led by a Naturalist. $5 plus $5, parking. Call 706-5410321 or visit gastateparks.org/mistletoe.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lakewood BlueClaws Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Sat Jul 30
3pm - 9pm Under the Stars Jumper Night Stable View Farm Call 803-648-1222 or visit stableviewfarm. com.
7:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Columbia Fireflies Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Ongoing
Fencing Classes Augusta Fencers Club Classes for children as young as six, as well as teens and adults, meet five nights a week. Call 706-722-8878 or visit augustafencersclub.com.
Augusta Sports Leagues
Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
This organization offers adult sports leagues and social events, including kickball, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, indoor and sand volleyball, cornhole, and more for coed and men’s leagues. For more information, visit augustasportsleagues.com.
Sun Jul 31
Guided Tours
6:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lakewood BlueClaws
5:05pm Augusta GreenJackets vs. Lakewood BlueClaws Lake Olmstead Stadium $8-$12. Call 706-922-9467 or visit greenjacketsbaseball.com.
7pm WWE Live: Summerslam Heatwave Tour James Brown Arena
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Call to schedule custom tours of the park for organizations, kids groups or private parties. Tours included hiking, bicycle or golf cart tours and more. Call 706-828-2109 or email info@phinizycenter.org.
Daily Canal Tours Augusta Canal 28JULY2016
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Tours Mondays-Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; the Civil War Boat Tour is daily at 1:30 p.m.; music cruises are Friday evenings at 7 p.m. in June; and sunset cruises are the third Saturdays, in June at 6 p.m. Tickets are $13.75 for adults and $11.75 for seniors, military and students for Heritage Boat Tours and Civil War Boat Tours. They are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors, students or military for the music and sunset cruises. All tickets include admission to the Canal Discovery Center, which costs $6 for adults and $4 for seniors, military and students without a boat tour. Pre-registration encouraged. Call 706-823-0440, ext. 4, or visit augustacanal.com.
Augusta Disc Golf Association Leagues
6:30pm CSRA Huntington’s Disease Support Group
sexual abuse. Call 706-724-5200 or visit universityhealth.org.
Meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta and Mondays at 6 p.m. at Lake Olmstead. Entry fee for each, $5; ace pool, $1. Call 803-215-8181 (North Augusta), 706-833-4263 (Lake Olmstead) or visit augustadiscgolf.com.
GRU Movement Disorders Clinic Call 706-721-2798 or 706-231-2775.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Rides include Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., mountain bike ride; Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., road bike ride; Saturdays at 9 a.m., road bike ride. Front and rear lights, as well as a helmet, are required. Call 706-724-6777 or visit andyjordans.com.
6pm Mental Health Support Group
Guided Trail Rides
Outspokin’ Bicycles Group Rides
Ongoing
Hilltop Riding Stables Available Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon; and WednesdayFriday at 11 a.m. with reservations 24 hours in advance. All trail rides are on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the trail ride starting for sign in procedures. Call 706-7914864 or visit fortgordon.com.
Zumba Classes Patriots Park Held Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Bobby Waters Gymnasium. Taught by Alex Stampher. First class is free; $5 for each after that. Call 831-521-6439 or visit alexandrastampher.zumba.com.
South Atlantic Recreation Club Offers kickball, flag football and bowling leagues. For more information, visit sarcaugusta.com.
Weekly Group Runs Include the Monday Run meeting at Stillwater Taproom at 6 p.m.; Monday Intervals meeting at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; the Tuesday Nacho Mama’s Group Run at 5:30 and 6 p.m.; Wednesday’s Hill Training Run at the Family Y track on Wheeler Road at 7 p.m.; and Thursday’s Homer Hustle at 6 p.m. Visit augustastriders.com.
Andy Jordan’s Group Rides
Rides include Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. Water and helmet required. Call 706-736-2486 or visit outspokinaugusta.com.
BlazeSports Swim team Wilson Family Y’s Katie’s Pool For all ages of physically challenged swimmers who want to train for competition. Members, $30 a month; non-members, $40 a month. Call 706-922-9664 or visit thefamilyy.org.
SUPPORT Sun Jul 31
11am Meditation Moments Ronald McDonald House An open support group for those in crisis or experiencing loss. Call 706-721-2929 or visit augusta.edu.
Mon Aug 1
6:30pm Pink Pistols Meeting A group for women in their 20s and 30s dealing with breast cancer. Call for location. Call 706-774-4141 or visit universityhealth.org.
Tue Aug 2
10:20am Moms Connection
Wed Aug 3
Noon General Cancer Support Group AU Cancer Center Call 706-721-1634 or visit augusta.edu. Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta A group for teens and up that follows the methods of Recovery International. Call 630-605-6913 or visit recoveryinternational. org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) GA, 110 Augusta St. Alban’s Episcopal Church fellowship hall The group meets Mondays, with weighin beginning at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 706-790-0391 or visit tops.org.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Pine View Baptist Church The group meets Tuesdays, with weigh-in beginning at 4:45 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Call 706-868-0539 or visit tops.org.
La Leche League A breastfeeding support group. For more information on meeting dates, times and locations, visit them on Facebook under La Leche League of Augusta or at lllaugusta. wordpress.com.
Celebrate Recovery Journey Community Church This Christ-centered recovery program meets every Monday night at 7 p.m. The meetings last two hours and childcare is provided. Pre-registration suggested. Visit cr@journeycommunity.net.
Diabetes Youth Support Group Meets quarterly. Call for more information. Call 706-868-3241.
Club practices 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Julian Smith Casino for players 18 and up. Email augusta.furies@ gmail.com or visit augustafuries.org.
Augusta University Medical Center This free weekly support group for new mothers meets in the Terrace Dining Dogwood Room on the second floor beginning. 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.
Chain Reaction Group Rides
5:30pm Weight Loss Support Group
Adult Sexual Assault and Rape Support Group
The Augusta Furies Women’s Rugby Football Club
Rides include Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; Thursdays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 a.m.; and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Participants should bring their own water and helmet. Call 706-855-2024 or visit chainreactionbicycles.net. 28JULY2016
AU Professional Building 1 Free, but pre-registration required. Call 706-721-2609 or visit augustahealth.org/ weightloss.
Overeaters Anonymous Meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Unity Church, and at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 706863-9534 or email oa.augusta.recovery@ gmail.com.
Holds several meetings locally. For a current schedule, visit augustaaa.org/meetings.pdf.
Narcotics Anonymous Trinity Hospital of Augusta Meets Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Visit na.org.
Beyond the Bars A support group for those with incarcerated loved ones. Call 706-855-8636.
Families Who Have Lost a Baby Support Group For more information, call 706-721-8299 or visit grhealth.org.
THEATER Sat Jul 30
7pm Magic Moments AU’s Maxwell Theatre The American Opera and Musical Theater Summer Institute’s young artists perform scenes from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and musical theater favorites. Free and open to the public. Call 706-667-4100 or visitaugusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/.
Sun Jul 31
3pm Magic Moments AU’s Maxwell Theatre The American Opera and Musical Theater Summer Institute’s young artists perform scenes from Mozart’s The Magic Flute and musical theater favorites. Free and open to the public. Call 706-667-4100 or visitaugusta.edu/maxwelltheatre/.
VOLUNTEER Ongoing
CASA Volunteer Training Child Enrichment Inc. Those wishing to be an advocate for abused children by becoming a CASA volunteer can attend training that runs July 18-28. For more information, call 706-737-4631 or visit childenrichment.org.
Senior Companions Needed Senior Citizens Council The council is seeking those ages 55 and older who can serve 20 hours a week with a special needs adult. Benefits include stipend, travel reimbursement and annual physical. For more information, call 706-868-0120.
Provides group counseling at University Hospital for those who have experienced sexual assault, incest, rape or childhood AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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Neko Case, K.D. Lang, Laura Veirs Atlanta Botanical Gardens Friday, July 29 7 p.m., gates; 8 p.m., show $69.50 404-876-5859 atlantabg.org
Thursday, July 28 Live Music
Iron Heights - Sea of Treachery, In Dying Arms, It Lies Within, The Wise Man’s Fear Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Live Music on the Patio Soul Bar - Red Mouth Stillwater Taproom - Billy S Tin Lizzy’s - Spencer Rush Wild Wing - Sabo & Dave The Willcox (Aiken) - Thursday Night Jazz w/ 4 Cats in the Dog House Wing Place (Aiken) - The Ands
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Somewhere in Augusta - Alan & Kim Smith Stillwater Taproom - Chris Ndeti and Company Whole Foods - Music @ the Turn Wild Wing - Cash Money Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B Knight’s Lounge - Hip Hop Meets Reggae w/ DJ Adrian, DJ Spudd Sky City - ‘80s vs. ‘90s Night Soul Bar - Soul Bar Sound Lab Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
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 Knight’s Lounge - Karaoke w/ Cheryl Bryant The Loft - Karaoke MAD Studios - Open Mic, Spoken Word Pizza Joint (Downtown) - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper (7 p.m.) Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Poker for Fun
Saturday, July 30 Live Music
Friday, July 29 Live Music
What’s Tonight?
Back Yard Tavern - The Vicky Grady Band Bar West - Live Music Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Tyler Hammond Band Eli’s American - Friday Night Live w/ Donna Jo and Company The Fox’s Lair - Happy Bones The Highlander - Keith Davis Red Pepper (Aiken) - Sherry Iles, Lo Down Brown
32 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Bird Dog Grille - Gerry Petrin “Mr. Jukebox” Cotton Patch - Live Jazz & Blues Country Club - Michael Stacey Coyotes - Chris Hamrick Eighth Street Plaza - Saturday Morning Swing at the Augusta Market on the River Joe’s Underground - Dr. iLL, Mark Deez, E. Rilla Shannon’s - Perfect Picture Sky City - One Love w/ ATL Dreamvision, Lady D, Gorganus, Happy Bones Stillwater Taproom - Hound of Goshen, the Will McCranie Band Wild Wing - Brandan Roberts Band The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - DJ Fugi Chevy’s - DJ Nicky B The Fox’s Lair - Changing of the Guard Party w/ live music and cornhole tournament Helga’s Pub & Grille - Bluegrass Brunch (11 a.m.3 p.m.); Trivia, nights The Highlander - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Ladies Night, Singles Night Vera Cruz Mexican Restaurant - Karaoke
Billy S Stillwater Taproom Thursday, July 28 9 p.m. $5 facebook.com/ StillwaterTaproomAugusta/ 28JULY2016
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Sunday, July 31 Live Music
Aiken Speakeasy and Eats (Aiken) - Live Jazz Augusta Common - Candlelight Jazz Concert Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Brunch w/ Mike Frost and Lauren Meccia Wild Wing - Mike Reid Duo The Willcox (Aiken) - John Vaughn
What’s Tonight?
Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane
Monday, August 1 Live Music
Hopelands Gardens (Aiken) - Hopelands Summer Concert Series w/ Savannah River String Band Metro Coffeehouse & Pub - Blues Monday w/ Famous Last Words
What’s Tonight?
Joe’s Underground - Poker Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - World Tavern Poker Wild Wing - Trivia Wing Place (Aiken) - Trivia
Tuesday, August 2 Live Music
The Fox’s Lair - Dr. John Fisher Joe’s Underground - Open Mic The Willcox (Aiken) - Hal Shreck
The Cotton Patch - Trivia Limelite Cafe - Bottom’s Up Trivia Mellow Mushroom (Aiken) - Trivia Shannon’s - Karaoke w/ David Doane Somewhere in Augusta - Big Prize Trivia Twisted Burrito - Trivia w/ Mike Sleeper
Wednesday, August 3 Live Music
The Highlander - Open Mic Night Shannon’s - Mike and Walter Wild Wing - Live Music
Bar West - Trivia
28JULY2016
- Stillwater Taproom August 4 Maxwell, Ro James
- Bell Auditorium August 6 Trae Pierce & the T-Stones
- Sky City August 6 Uncle Jack
- Stillwater Taproom August 6 Boston
- Bell Auditorium August 7 Andrew Hibbard
- Stillwater Taproom August 11 The Whigs
What’s Tonight?
The Backyard Tavern - Karaoke Bar West - Karaoke Chevy’s - Karaoke Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Knight’s Lounge - Game Night 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 Yon and Devin Seibold Southbound Smokehouse - Trivia Stillwater Taproom - Pub Quiz Surrey Tavern - Trivia w/ Christian and Mickey
- Sky City August 25 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
- Imperial Theatre September 9 I Love the ‘90s Tour w/ Salt N Pepa, Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Kid N Play, Rob Base, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd
- Bell Auditorium October 6 Yonder Mountain String Band, Fruition
- Jessye Norman Amphitheatre October 6 Blues Traveler, the Marcus King Band, Cranford Hollow
Super Bob, Bridge to Grace
- Sky City August 4
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
- Evans Towne Center Park October 14 Mountain Faith
- Imperial Theatre October 14 ZZ Top
- Bell Auditorium October 26
Try FREE: 706-434-0108 More Local Numbers: 1-800-926-6000
Moon Taxi, Big Something
- Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, North Augusta October 28 Gin Blossoms, Tonic
Upcoming What’s Tonight?
Josh Brannon Band
- Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, North Augusta October 29
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Meet sexy new friends
FREE TRIAL
706-434-0112
AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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SIGHTINGS
Michael Johnson | mejphoto.photoreflect.com
Brooke Collett, Tera O’Neal and Kari Plowman at the Steve Miller concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Rebecca Chase, Tracy Barefield and Becki Brady at the Steve Miller concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Christina Kirkland, Julia Snoddy and Kyle Shell at the Steve Miller concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Tommy Hawk and India Neal with Edie and Larry Miller at the Steve Miller concert at the Bell Auditorium.
Ben and Maegan Cantrell with Diana and LJ Gay at Southbound Smokehouse.
Brad and Neely Thornton with Maryanna and Jay Thornton at Sky City.
Justin Mole and Mary Beachum with Sarah and Jimmy Quick at Sky City.
Joe Seigler, Shannon Goolesby and Toby MacKendree at Sky City.
Mark and Suzette Williamson with Stephanie and Garret Lipecky at Sky City.
34 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
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DOUBLE FEATURES By Jerry Miccolis/Edited by Will Shortz ACROSS 1 Really tiny 7 Deli fixture 15 Over yonder 19 First N.F.L. QB to pass for 5,000 yards in a season 20 Cathedral-music maker 21 Best hand value in baccarat 22 Double feature about the Arctic Ocean? 24 Kardashian matriarch 25 “____ sow, so shall …” 26 French for “square” 27 Museumgoer, e.g. 29 Upholstery problem 30 Sealy rival 31 Some Korean-made TVs 34 City hard hit by the Zika virus 35 Didn’t play in the game 36 Actor who was lionized in the 1930s? 38 … about the search for extraterrestrial life? 42 Chump change 45 Mustang rival 46 Unfair treatment, with “the” 49 … about baseball-size hail? 52 First home? 53 Like a neat freak 54 Suffix with project 55 Actress Amanda of “Togetherness” 57 Additional, in adspeak 58 Got room service 64 Dope 66 Forget to carry the one, e.g. 67 … about Lee Harvey Oswald not being the lone gunman? 72 When doubled, something to beat 73 Bow 74 Bandleader who popularized the conga line 75 Like much of Namibia 77 “Within ____ a hell”: Shak. 80 Number on un orologio 81 About 85 Kitchen counters? 87 … about attending a funeral? 93 Watchdog org., in two senses? 94 Occupant of a 52-Across 95 Stein relative 96 … about an insomniac? 100 Optimistic 101 Floor
103 Wide shoe spec 104 U.S.N. rank 105 Marked, as a ballot 107 Cap-and-trade org. 110 Basis of a political scandal, maybe 113 They lose their heads over time 114 Promising exchange 115 Really tiny 116 … about Pablo Escobar? 121 Manual component 122 Longtime “All My Children” role 123 Turn on 124 ____ Park (Chicago neighborhood once home to Obama) 125 Most geeky 126 Yak, yak, yak
Shaw 47 Like stuffed animals 48 Leader issuing a ukase 50 Some cameras, for short 51 Castle part 52 Pioneer Day celebrant 56 Address of the Boss’s band 59 ____ Victor 60 Sides of a quadrangle, maybe 61 “____ not!” 62 High dudgeon 63 Nasty ____ (rap nickname) 65 Shade of green 67 ____ Johnson, former mayor of London 68 “Well, you’ve dazzled me!” 69 Commend DOWN 70 It has three feet 1 H.I.V. research org. 71 Range that’s home to the Mark 2 Foot bones Twain National Forest 3 Only U.S. state motto in Spanish 72 “Buh-bye!” 4 Hall-of-Fame slugger Johnny 76 Art ____ 5 Chemical suffix 78 Beliefs 6 Liszt wrote three for piano 79 Black 7 Kind of heart valve 82 Didn’t budge 8 Tool for a duel 83 Thrice, in Rx’s 9 ____ Lingus 84 “Huh”-inducing, say 10 What may follow a breakdown 86 One going around in circles? 11 ____-Magnon 88 Small songbird 12 Tourist destination SSE of Delhi 89 Sailing ropes 13 Amalfi Coast city 90 Short flight 14 Breaks up 91 Monet or Sartre, by birth 15 Cross with a loop 92 In due course 16 Stephen King novel with a 94 Blight pyrokinetic character 97 One of the Wayans brothers 17 Hill in Hill hearings 98 Old-fashioned stage direction 18 Change to all zeros, say 99 Candy man 20 First section 101 Electricity-eschewing group 23 “This means ____!” 102 Swift, in a way 28 Done for 106 Nickname for baseball’s Dwight 30 Avoid Gooden 31 Canadian flag symbol 108 Cool 32 Fed. lending agency 109 “Roots” Emmy winner 33 Where your roots are 111 Info for a dating profile 37 Kind of watch 112 Ado 39 Standoffish 113 Drag queen’s collection 40 Heraldic border 114 “____ Plenty o’ Nuttin’” (“Porgy and 41 Cereal used in party mix Bess” song) 42 Open-house org. 117 Condition for a neat freak, in brief 43 A, on the Aare 118 Thor Heyerdahl craft 44 It “never solves a problem without 119 1950s pol raising 10 more,” per George Bernard 120 Body with many arms, for short
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B G Y S U R O V D Y R C H U R E E O N W T T O A W W L O I E S T S T A R G R A O D S H A O U R U E R Y
A Y E P O N E R T I I O C C K K E S P E H E N M R I O O D S T P A S H C A D M M E E M H I L E A A R T Y E A
O N U N S O R S T L I A N D G
P A N I C
A M I S H
L E F T O P A K E C A N N Y E G P O N A R R A E R C O D H E A P S I A S E T S S L I E A A S E N V E D I O O Y O R N E R
S D I C A I R R O I L S A A S S T T O A N
R E A D
E N T E R F S L A S T T C A A G R D N A S H I I H O T S O N D O M M E D G I B E M A S
A N I S E
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M O N E T
S C A P E G O A T
A D I I R S S O N C E
P E P S
S N O R E
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S A T A N
V27|NO30
THE EIGHT
BOX TOPS Star Trek flies past the competition. RANK TITLES
WEEKEND GROSS TOTAL GROSS WEEK # LAST WEEK
1
STAR TREK BEYOND
$59,253,211
$59,253,211
1
-
2
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS
$29,607,210
$260,985,955
3
1
3
LIGHTS OUT
$21,688,103
$21,688,103
1
-
4
ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE
$21,373,064
$21,373,064
1
-
5
GHOSTBUSTERS
$21,009,831
$86,266,570
2
2
In Theaters July 29
ACTION
“Jason Bourne,” rated PG-13, starring Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles. Will Jason Bourne ever truly find out what the hell’s going on with his past? If it means there will be no more in this excellent Matt Damon series, we certainly hope there are tons of secrets left.
36 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
ACTION
“Nerve,” rated PG-13, starring Emma Roberts, Dave Franco. A game of truth or dare (without the truth part) gets a little too real for a high schooler who, along with her partner in crime, becomes a prisoner of the game and its watchers. By the end, it begins to look more like The Hunger Games.
COMEDY
“Bad Moms,” rated R, starring Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith. Mila, Kathryn and Kristen play three women fed up with trying to keep up with PTA supermom Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate) and her gaggle seemingly perfect followers, so they decide to earn their “bad mom” label. This one hasn’t gotten great reviews, but the moms in the audience probably won’t care. They’ll just love the wish-fulfillment fantasy. 28JULY2016
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Hillary Feasting on Fruit from Poisonous Tree FRUIT OF THE POISONOUS TREE n. in criminal law, the doctrine that evidence discovered due to information found through illegal search or other unconstitutional means (such as a forced confession) may not be introduced by a prosecutor. The theory is that the tree (original illegal evidence) is poisoned and thus taints what grows from it. — law.com Hillary Clinton cheated. She cheated in collusion with the leadership of the Democratic National Committee in a conspiracy to undermine the success of, and discourage support for, the presidential campaign of fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders. For those who scoff at the notion that Sanders ever had a shot at collecting more votes than Hillary, I would remind you of the “scoffs, guffaws and ridicule” heaped upon the candidacy of one Donald Trump. Political preferences aside, Trump emerged as an outsider who “took it to” the well-financed GOP establishment standard bearers (Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, etc., etc.), and showed the world that such a challenge was possible, even if not probable. How ironic that the richest presidential candidate since John Kennedy won his nomination spending a fraction of the money spent by his opponents. Of course the Trump victory is something of a miracle because the Republican leadership didn’t cheat the process the way the Democrat leadership most certainly did. The Wikileaks releases were as damning as Monica’s stained blue dress when it came to establishing “fact vs. rumor” status of these allegations. Senator Sanders himself said the released secret email proving the “fix was in” did nothing more than confirm what he already knew: The political leadership in his own party was not interested in anything or anyone that stood in the way of Hillary’s ascension, and damn the poor souls who attempted to stand in the way of her coronation. They cheated. They got caught. And at least the party leadership offered a mild mea culpa for their end of the arrangement: “On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic Party for the inexcusable remarks made over email,” says the statement, released by interim chair Donna Brazile and other DNC leaders. “These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process...and (we are) taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again.” The architect of this unholy arrangement, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman “I know nothing, I see nothing” Schultz, has been run off the dais of her own state delegation meeting, and into virtual seclusion as a result of the revelations. Though she resigned the position from which she conducted this hideous perversion of the nomination process, she does so only at the end of this week’s Dem convention in Philadelphia. Even Stephen Colbert compared that to “discovering a turd in the punchbowl, and then announcing the bowl will be cleaned out at the end of the party... so drink up.” A moment of clarity and fairness at the hands of Colbert, imagine the Hell out of that. Oh yes, Hillary did make sure everyone knew she was being retained in a leadership position for her ongoing campaign. So Debbie does have that. DSW got her wrist slapped. Hillary got the nomination. Free and clear. WhoopDeeDoo. Sidebar: If I were in the T-shirt business I would put out a shirt with DWS’s picture featuring a mock up of the “Debbie Does Dallas” port classic but renamed “Debbie Does Philly.” I would include the tagline, “Watch Debbie screw Bernie and 13 million of his supporters!” In a conversation with 12th district Congressman Rick Allen this week, he agreed with me that Congress should look at rewarding such dishonest manipulation of the party nominating process with federal campaign matching funds. Damn straight we should! Those are taxpayer dollars going to a group, the Democratic National Committee, conducting unethical and immoral party primaries under the false pretense of an “unbiased and untainted” political process. We should think of Clinton’s primary victory as “fruit from the poisonous tree.” It was a reward derived of highly dubious and dishonest schemes and behavior. If there are not official sanctions, or at least such sanctions empowered in the future, what is to stop this hideous fix from being played again and again? In the 38 METROSPIRIT AUGUSTA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1989
Hillary Clinton’s “plausible deniability” map reads like something out of a Hollywood movie. A Hollywood movie based on organized crime. meantime, give credit where credit is due. This entire scheme almost worked as well as the Corleone Family “buffer defense” in the Godfather saga. The Godfather (Hillary, in this case) always had stooges between him and the myriad criminal acts committed in his name and under his direction, so that no matter what happened, he didn’t get nailed for it. The Clintons must be gigantic fans of that story. Capisce?
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.
28JULY2016