U W rban Pro NEWS • COMMENTARY
ARTS
eekly
The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER VOL.3 NO.9
ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
Slum? No. Blight? OK!
Photo by Vkncent Hobbs
Augusta administrator’s verbal sleight-of-hand quiets downtown business owners and clears way for limited, targeted urban redevelopment.
To be successful in politics one must have the ability to communicate with others and understand the art of compromise to achieve one’s goals and objectives.
Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
2
Look Here!
Jazz on Pine Concert Series extended through Thanksgiving AUGUSTA Back by popular demand, the Jazz on Pine concert series has been extended for three more weeks. Concerts will be held Saturdays at 5:00 PM, November 9, 16 and 23 in the Pine Street pocket park, Pine Street between Laney Walker Boulevard and Florence Street. A celebration of music and community in Laney Walker Bethlehem, Jazz on Pine was planned and orchestrated by highlyregarded jazz keyboardist Karen Gordon and is sponsored by the Heritage Pine Homeowners Association and City of Augusta. District One Commissioner Bill Fennoy was present at this past
Saturday’s event, originally slated to be the final concert in the series, when residents and guests enthusiastically requested that the concerts continue through Thanksgiving. “This is what can happen when people get together and decide to do something positive in and for their community. I applaud your efforts” Fennoy said. Homeowners Association members have already begun to plan similar events for next spring. Jazz on Pine II Performers 5:00-6:30pm Nov09: quietSTORM Nov16: kGordon & Garden City Jazz Nov23: Glenn Hills High
Housing counseling offered at Home Retention Clinic
VOLLEYBALL WINDS DOWN: Paine College Lady Lions volleyball player Tiera Daugherty attempts to get the ball over the net during a game against the Albany State University Lady Golden Rams at the HEAL complex in an SIAC conference matchup. Paine fell to Albany State 3-0 in the final score. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Deja’ Sims-Dean Named SIAC Newcomer of the Week The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) has announced the Volleyball Players of the Week for week nine of the 2013 season. Paine’s Deja’ Sims-Dean was named Newcomer of the Week by the SIAC Sports Information Directors Association. The Columbia, S.C., native receives the award for the second time this season. Sims-Dean
U W rban Pro
eekly
UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906
starts at outside hitter for the Lady Lions and collected 13 kills, 11 service aces, 11 digs and one solo block over three matches last week. The freshman currently leads the team in kills, service aces and block assists this season with 162, 43 and 21, respectively. Sims-Dean is also 17th in Division II and fifth in the SIAC in aces per set through games played up to Nov. 3.
Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018
AUGUSTA Free one-on-one housing counseling will be available for homeowners who are having difficulties paying their mortgage at a Home Retention Clinic scheduled for the Augusta Main Library, 823 Telfair Street Augusta, GA 30901, Friday, November 15, 2013, from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The session is being offered by through a collaboration of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, the Global Community Development Initiative and Bringing Resources and Innovation to Dreams and Goals through Empowerment, Incorporated (BRIDGE, Inc.) Hilda Alexander, a certified housing counselor with one of the host organizations, said the session is designed to help families work through their mortgage challenges.“ We can help those who are behind in their mortgage or in danger of losing their home. There are options available and we want to
Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 Photography and Social Media Courtesy of Vincent Hobbs
help those families who are suffering in silence.” Although recent reports indicate that homes in foreclosure in the Augusta area are below the state and national average, court records indicate over 800 homes remain in some state of foreclosure as of October, 2013. Homeowners who desire assistance should bring the following documents to this event:
•Proper Identification •The last correspondence from the mortgage company •Proof of income (preceding 60 days) •Last mortgage statement •Two months of bank statements. To pre-register for this event, go to www.ulgatl. org or show up on the date of the event. For further information contact: Hilda Alexander 561-252-7649 hildaalexander@yahoo. com
email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs coolveestudio@gmail.com
3
BUFFET Limited Time Only
1 Brand 3 Locations 45 Years in Business
“One-Stop Construction & Yard Maintenance Services” Our Office Provides: Architectural Drafting & Construction • Custom Church Builder • Custom Home Builder • Yard Maintenance • Metal Buildings Larry L. McCord Can Provide All Your Design and Construction Needs All Under One Roof
Maryland Fried Chicken 12 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 706-722-2051
4465 Washington Rd Evans, Georgia 30809 (706) 496-8632
6001 Clarks Hill Rd Appling, Georgia 30802 (706) 309-9674
mfcofaugusta@yahoo.com
Augusta’s 311 is at your service!
Connecting Citizens with Information & Services The Augusta 311 Department allows government agencies to focus on service delivery, while providing the public with quick, easy access to the following services and the highest possible level of customer service. Beautification: Abandoned Buildings – Vacant Lots – Overgrown Vegetation – Right of Way Maintenance Environmental Concerns: Storm water – Retention Ponds – Illegal Dumping – Trash Collections – Odors Maintenance Issues: Parks and Facilities – Clogged Ditches – Sinkholes –Street Repaving or Sweeping Water & Sewer Service: Varying Pressure – Dirty Water – Sewage Issues – Broken Water Mains Safety: Traffic Signals – Tenant Complaints – Noise Violations – Property Damage – Street Lights Information: Commission Districts – Government Office Hours/Locations – Community Events
Download Our App Today!
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM
www.augustaga.gov/311
Direct Line: 706-821-2300
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
Now enjoy our
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
4
The City
Attorney Jim Plunkett, special legal advisor for the city of Augusta, updates the commissioners on the revised recommendations for funding the renovations and new construction surrounding the municipal building. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Development ‘high flyers’ pull back Stung by public outrage over the ‘slum’ designation for downtown real estate, Russell & Co. offer scaled back plan omitting the s-word in favor of ‘blight.’ By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA City administrator Fred Russell has learned that packaging makes a difference. Several weeks ago, Russell and his special project counsel, Jim Plunkett, sought to get the commission to sign off on an ambitious urban redevelopment plan which would have required nearly 600 acres of downtown Augusta to be designated a “slum” area. Accepting such a designation would have allowed the city to offer taxfree bonds to fund the renovation of the municipal building. At the time, Russell thought that to save a couple of million dollars, the city could live with the “slum” designation. However, the public outcry
that resulted from that proposal and the reaction from irate commissioners who weren’t aware that the ‘slum’ designation was spelled out in the proposal or that such a designation would spark such public indignation. The commissioners also complained loudly that they had been kept in the dark throughout the entire planning process. At Tuesday’s (Nov. 5) commission meeting, Russell and Plunkett again offered the funding proposal utilizing the same funding mechanism that requires the “slum” designation, but promised that the word “slum” would not appear anywhere in the plan. Plunkett explained that the new redevelopment proposal would require the creation of an urban redevelopment area (just as in the original). It would also require the cre-
POLITICAL ANALYSIS ation of an urban redevelopment plan and, ultimately, the creation of an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) which would be run by board selected by the commissioners. None of this differs from the original proposal to create a URA. Plunkett further explained that throughout this process, when required, they would merely refer to the Georgia Code that required the ‘slum’ designation and, where appropriate, use the word ‘blight’ instead of ‘slum.’ Also, they offered to scale back the scope of the urban redevelopment area to include only governmentowned properties approved by the commission instead of the vast downtown area ini-
tially proposed. There was discussion about public hearings and the creation of an urban redevelopment plan (all of which were a part of the original proposal). However, there was no discussion of any alternative methods of funding that did not require use of the Georgia law which requires the slum or blighted designation. There was also no discussion of the operation of the current URA which was created to oversee the LaneyWalker/Bethlehem redevelopment project. The administration of that project has been plagued with problems and calls for closer scrutiny from the commission. Commissioners also did not address the fact that the renovation of the municipal building has already started
without any funding source having been identified beforehand. Also, there was no discussion of repaying the borrowed redevelopment money from SPLOST funds that have yet to be voted on. Ironically, the proposal offered to the commissioners was, in part, similar to a suggestion made by community activist Al Gray in September. Gray suggested that a much smaller opportunity zone be created, but urged commissioners not to adopt the URA model. The list of parcels to be included in the proposed URA includes the municipal building, the James Brown Entertainment Complex, and other downtown properties including the former Chamber of Commerce Building on Broad Street. Commissioners may add other parcels as well.
5 UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013 Brian Prince, candidate for Georgia House District 127, greets supporters at the Holiday Inn on election night. Prince received 44.61% of votes, forcing a run-off with opponent Diane Evans, who received 29.57% of votes. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Prince, Evans advance to runoff Dec. 3 runoff election pits a Democratic Party loyalist against political newcomer whose supporters know how to win elections. By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA The race to occupy the seat held by the late Rep. Quincy Murphy of District 127 will finally come to an end on December 3. That’s when a runoff election between Diane Evans and Brian Prince — the two top vote getters in Tuesday’s special election — will be held. Murphy’s widow, Dianne Murphy, placed third in a field of three, but pulled enough voters to make her endorsement important to either of the two remaining candidates. Prince, a retired Army Lt.Col, told UrbanProWeekly that he would welcome Murphy’s endorsement. Both Murphy and Prince attend the same local church. Many political
observers, however, say that such an endorsement is not automatic and have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Special elections are rare, but if the position is highprofile enough, they could generate a lot of interest. Richmond County voters were not very interested in this one as less that 14 percent made a trip to the polls and advance voting was very light. That does not bode well for the runoff. Both candidates will face challenges getting their supporters back to the polls. But while, the race seems to offer little interest to the general public, local political observers are watching closely to see how this one unfolds. District 127 covers Richmond and Jefferson counties. Prince is from Richmond County and
Nov. 5 Special Election District 127 RICHMOND CTY
JEFFERSON CTY
TOTAL
DIANE B. EVANS (D)
146
6.88%
827
70%
973
29.5%
DIANNE MURPHY (D)
739
34.83%
111
9.4%
850
25.8%
BRIAN PRINCE (D) 1226 57.78% 242 20.5% 1468 44.6%
POLITICAL ANALYSIS Evans is from Jefferson County. Prince dominated the polling in Richmond County where he polled at 58%. Dianne Murphy also did well in Richmond County with 35% of the vote. Evans pulled in less than 10 percent of the Richmond County vote. But in Jefferson County, Evans, a pastor and retired educator, reigned supreme with 70 percent of the vote. Prince managed 21% and Murphy pulled less than 10%. The difference in the number of voters who went to the polls in Richmond County vs. Jefferson County could be a key factor in the final outcome. Nearly twice as many Richmond County vot-
ers went to the polls as Jefferson County voters. That means that Evans has to make serious inroads with the Murphy supporters. An endorsement from Murphy could be significant if she decides to support Evans. If Murphy supports Prince, he would be almost unbeatable. At this point, however, regardless of what Murphy does, Prince has a few obvious advantages. Prince can win without any support from Jefferson County if he just gets his supporters back to the polls. He will undoubtedly pick up some Murphy voters who might have supported him the first time had she (Murphy) not been in the race. Prince can also rely on a segment the local political brain trust that knows
how to win elections. Some of the best local political minds are in his corner. But perhaps the biggest advantage that Prince has is his considerable war chest. He has clearly won the fund-raising battle having raised over $30,000 to his opponents’ collective effort of less than $15,000. But Evans is not to be taken lightly. Despite her lack of resources, her experience in statewide Democratic party politics and her standing with the local Democratic establishment will continue to work in her favor as she works to gather support before Dec. 3. She also has some well-respected grassroots support in Richmond County. Runoffs in special elections can be very unpredictable. Less than 100 votes have made the difference in some past elections.
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
6
in the nation
Woman shot while seeking assistance? Family of slain Detroit woman seeks answers about incident Oralandar Brand-Williams The Detroit News DETROIT The family of a Detroit woman shot to death after she is believed to have sought help at a Dearborn Heights home is calling for answers in the incident. The family of Renisha McBride, 19, said she went for help after a car accident around 2:30 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 2). She died of a gunshot wound to the head after knocking on the door of a home on the 16000 block of Outer Drive near Warren in Dearborn Heights, near where the accident occurred. Her cellphone battery had died, her family said. Few other details about the incident have been released by the Dearborn Heights Police Department. “Dearborn Heights (has) identified the person who fired the shot and killed the woman,” according to a press release. The statement added that a final report on the shooting will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review
in the near future. McBride’s maternal aunt, Bernita Spinks, said the shooting was not justified even if the resident believed McBride was an intruder breaking into the home. McBride “He shot her in the head ... for what? For knocking on his door,” said Spinks on Tuesday. “If he felt scared or threatened, he should have called 911.” Spinks said the family met with officials from the Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday. Spinks said she believes her niece was racially profiled. “You see a young black lady on your porch and you shoot?” said Spinks. “He killed my niece and he needs to pay for it. He needs to be in jail. “There was no window broken. My niece didn’t bother anyone. She went looking for help and now she’s dead.” Services for McBride will be 11 a.m. Friday at House of Prayer and Praise, 16520 Wyoming in Detroit.
Legal marijuana market out pacing smartphones By Carley Schwartz Huffington Post Legal marijuana is among the fastest-growing markets in the United States, and it’s growing at a rate poised to outpace the expansion of the global smartphone market, according to a new report obtained exclusively by The Huffington Post. Researchers surveyed hundreds of medical cannabis retailers, processors, dispensary owners and industry leaders over the course of six months this year, and estimated that more than $1.43 billion worth of legal marijuana will be sold in 2013. The report also predicts that figure to grow by 64 percent, to $2.34 billion next year. By comparison, recent figures show the smartphone market expanded by 46 percent from 2012 to 2013. “Cannabis is one of the fastestgrowing industries,” said Steve Berg, a former managing director of Wells Fargo Bank and editor of the report, the second edition of the State of Legal Marijuana Markets. “Domestically, we weren’t able to find any market that is growing as quickly.” While it’s important to note that smartphones surged in popularity long before medical marijua-
na became a viable industry, and global sales numbers for 2012-2013 don’t offer a direct comparison to 2013-2014 domestic estimates, Berg said his goal was to illustrate just how rapidly the cannabis market is expanding by offering familiar data points. The U.S. smartphone market, according to research group IDC, is growing at an annual rate of 7.3 percent. “Entrepreneurs and private investors are flocking to cannabis markets,” Berg said. “Those who really understand market dynamics will reap large rewards.” Medical marijuana is currently legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Next year, Washington and Colorado will begin implementing laws that permit the sale of pot to all adults, and Berg noted that those states will obviously play a major role in the growth of the cannabis market. Colorado alone is predicted to add $359 million to its existing market in 2014. The marijuana industry’s growth coincides with a widespread shift in the public’s attitude toward the substance. A Gallup poll conducted last month found that for the first time in history, more than half of Americans think pot should be legal for both medical and recreational purposes.
7
Providence Place
First Colon Cleansing Center In Augusta
2205 Southgate Dr. • Augusta,GA 30906
Removal of Toxins and Impurities for Optimal Health Shanta Johnson
706-733-5000
706-793-2664
$150.00 OFF FIRST MONTH’S RENT 1 bedroom/1 bath starting at $425 2 bedroom/1 bath starting at $475 2 bedroom/1 bath starting at $475 energy efficient
2 bedroom/ 1 1/2 bath Townhome starting at $550 *Certain restrictions may apply Call office for details
Conditions Responding To Colon Hydrotherapy Cited by Rheumatologist, Arthur E. Brawer, M.D. Enhances Weight Loss • Allergies • Acne • Constipation • Irritable Bowel • Gas/Bloating • Asthma • Chronic Fatigue • Spastic Colon • Potbelly • Body Odor • Headaches • Improves Sexual Health
2045 Central Avenue, Augusta, Ga 30904 EssentialCleansingCenter.com
DIRECTIONS Take I-520 to Deans Bridge Road North. Turn right on Richmond Hll Road. Property is on the left. OFFICE HOURS Mon-Fri 9-5:30; 1st Sat of month 10-3
•Fully equipped kitchens •Mini-blinds •Pool •Laundry facilities •Total electric central heat and air •Washer and dryer connections in some •On-site courtesy officer •Near Ft. Gordon •Gas heat/hot water heaters •Playground •Picnic area/grills •Prices are subject to change
Marian T. Ebron, M.D. Internal Medicine and Esthetic Medicine Board Certified internal MediCine Certified in Botox & derMal fillers
Specializing in: Hypercholesterolemia Hypertension Diabetes Connective Tissue Disorder Thyroid Diseases Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder
alSo Specializing in: Esthetic Medical Procedures Beauty and Wellness Enhancement Anti-Aging and Youth Regeneration Skin/Dermal/Rejuvenation Non-Surgical Face Lift Botox & Dermal Fillers
You are beautiful ~ Show the world Call For Free Esthetic Consultation Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. – 9 AM - 5 PM 2047 Central Avenue • Augusta, GA 30904
706-738-7557
New Patients Are Welcome
Participating Provider For most Insurance Companies
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
Specializing In Colon Hydrotherapy
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
8
STOLEN LIVES by Miss Monique Stage play examines gritty reality of human sex trafficking in Georgia AUGUSTA On Saturday, November 16, Raisin AJ Productions will present the stage play “Stolen Lives” at The Imperial Theatre. Shows will begin at 3 pm & 7 pm. “Stolen Lives,” written by playwright and radio personality, Miss Monique, is a production that seeks to enlighten and educate the community with a powerful message about human trafficking – a serious crime and grave violation of human rights. “Stolen Lives” stars, Tyrice Lollis, Mckenzie Rae- Clark, Anthony Page, Olaundra Grace, Maxine BarnetteNesbitt, Kaira Bennett and Atlanta Radio Personality Thomas Crawley. Special guest appearances include Selina Soul of 96 3 Kiss FM, Henry of “Henry’s Corner”, Senator Hardie Davis, AJ of Raisin AJ Productions and Tony Vaughn of Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Brown’s.” “Stolen Lives” depicts a very pivotal epidemic that is happening every day in the U.S. and around the world,
as well as in Augusta and Atlanta Georgia. Chasity Cross, a teenage girl raised in Augusta by her Foster Grandmother Celeste, is like a lot of teens - rebellious. On her 16th birthday, Chasity runs away, and subsequently, meets another runaway, Tina, who introduces her to Cachous “Cash” King. Cash is infamous in Atlanta for coercing young girls into the vicious world of human/sex trafficking. “Stolen Lives” is a must see spectacular for people of all ages to learn from. This thought - provoking production seeks to raise awareness and join the movement to Stopping Traffic One Life at a Time! We have partnered with non-profit organization “I’m Aware” and we will make a difference. Tickets can be purchased at www. Imperialtheatre.com or at The Box Office. Tickets start at $20 with discounted tickets for students at $10. Group sales, seniors and Military discounts are also available.
Get Urban Pro Weekly at your local Circle K Store In Augusta
Johnson Youth Organization, Inc presents
Dominion Beauty and Barber Hair & Fashion Show Extravaganza There Will Be A Model Search Call For The CSRA WHEN: Saturday – November 16, 2013 WHERE: Gracewood Community Center LOCATED: 2309 Tobacco Rd. Hephzibah, Ga. 30815 TIME: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
We are looking for males and females Ages 13 to 28 • No experience needed For Information, Please Call 706-793-1815
Stress Physical Inactivity Family History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program
Richmond County 706.721.5800
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
ARE YOU AT RISK?
9
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
10
Community Corner Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week in Augusta AUGUSTA The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Luncheon Symposium 2013 will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2013 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. At The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, Augusta. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest celebrations of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and human welfare. “Once I read about this international event, as a 22-year entrepreneur, causerelated events planning and marketing firm, I simply couldn’t pass up the chance to coordinate an activity to be held in the Augusta area,” said Organizer Helen Blocker-Adams. So I immediately signed up The HBA Group, Intl to become a partner on the GEW website www.unleashingideas.org The CSRA has over 10,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses and this event is designed to inspire, challenge, share small business resources, and explore four growth industry sectors impacting our area. They will be presented by four dynamic, well-respected and well-informed leaders in our community.
Citizens panel to host RCSO Town Hall meetings AUGUSTA The Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Board will host the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Town Hall Meetings on Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Warren Road Community Center and Thursday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Diamond Lakes Community Center. The organizers hope to update and engage the citizenry on the progress and strides made by The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to make the city safer. For more information, please contact Veronica Freeman, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Division at (706)261-0436.
Rachel Louise Snyder to speak at GRU
AUGUSTA Award-winning author Rachel Louise Snyder will speak at Georgia Regents University at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Jaguar Student Activities Center Ballroom on the Summerville Campus. The free event is part of GRU’s Russell A. Blanchard Distinguished Lecturer in Ethics program. In this presentation titled “Globalization: Manufacturing, Sweatshops, Development/ Aid Work, and Ethical Consumption,” Snyder will discuss the impact of globalization in developing countries and the importance of consumers making responsible choices about their purchases. Snyder is the author of “Fugitive Denim: A Moving Story of People and Pants in the Borderless World of Global Trade.” An excerpt of the book – “Dreams of Distant Factories” – aired on public radio’s “This American Life” and won an Overseas Press Award. Snyder’s print work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, Glamour, the Washington Post , Men’s Journal, Travel and Leisure, and the Chicago Tribune.
The industry sectors are: Entertainment, presented by Anthony Page Managing Partner, Blue Bistro Creative; Technology presented by Eric Parker AIA - Co-Founder/ Managing Partner - theClubhou.se Partners, LLC, and Military/Government presented by Thom Tuckey (Ret LTC) – Executive Director, CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon. A special presentation will be provided by Fred Humes, CED Director Emeritus – Economic Development Partnership, who talk about a 21st Century Visionary Perspective on economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners Attendees will discover how their business, no matter what product or service it is, has market potential in the growing economy; Opportunity to network with their own business or market an existing product/service This event is for any one in business or interested in going into business. Advance registration tickets by November 15th by requesting registration form at hba@ hbagroup-intl.com or call 706.619.4176.
A 1
November 26 • Healthy Living Expo from 9am to 2pm @ 216 8th Street
Put Your Stuff Out In the Street. Call 706-394-9411 to Advertise
3452-B Peach Orchard Road Augusta, GA 30906 (706) 793-8623 Fax
SANITATION SERVICE
706-793-0806
The Mini Roll-Off
Ideal for Home Builders and Contractors Yard Waste • Carpet Installation Rental Property Clean-Up Home Improvements * Home & Office Clean-Up • Roofing
Rick Smith
Locally Owned and Operated
Sales
Kendrick Clearing & Hauling, Inc. Demolition - Lot & Land Clearing Hauling • Roll-off Box Rental
706-722-4409 Fax 706-722-1602 kendrickchi@yahoo.com Cedrick T. Kendrick & Bridgett D. Kendrick, Owners
“We Do The Job Right”
Have you considered Downtown Augusta? Welcome to the New Augusta! Downtown Augusta is growing and the opportunities are endless. Looking to build your home or business? Let LNH really assist you in Turning Your Real Estate Opportunities Into Reality. Properties Available 829, 831, 1102, 1106, 1110, & 1114 James Brown Blvd. 906 Barnes, 840 Hopkins 835 Bennet Ln. 1013 & 1015 D’Antignac St. Lidia Harris Office 706-755-2335 Direct 706-836-0034 lharris@LNHRealty.com www.LNHRealty.com
If your house is currently listed this is not intended as a solicitation. An Equal Housing Opportunity Broker
TBA Trowell Builders & Associates Designers • Builders • Planners
Sanctuary Multi-Purpose Buildings Renovations P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 30917 1.800.546.2685 • Fax 706.738.6328 email: tbamakedreams@aol.com
11
Attorney At Law Uncompromised Representation and Unmatched Results
Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Wills
706-814-5998 4137 Columbia Rd., Suite C, Martinez, GA 30907
Need Credit Help?
J Sears Company LLC Don’t Let A Low Credit Score
Don’tThe LetDoor A Low Credit Score Close To Your Future!!! Close The Door To Your Future!!!
TE
· · · · · ·
INACCURATE BANKRUPTCIES INCOMPLETE INFO TAX LIENS STUDENT LOANS INCORRECT INFO CHARGE OFFS
· · · · · ·
www.jsearscompany.com
OUT OF DATE INFO JUDGMENTS MEDICAL BILLS COLLECTIONS INQUIRIES & MORE……….
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
Inga N. Hicks, PC
FORUM
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
12
Black voters key to Virginia win McAuliffe won black voters by a 90-8 percent margin, a similar spread to the 93-6 percent President Barack Obama ran up in the 2012 presidential election in the Old Dominion.
By Domenico Montanaro Democrat Terry McAuliffe lost white voters to Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli by 20 points in the Virginia governor’s race, 56-36 percent. But McAuliffe still won the election by 3 points, 48-45 percent. How is that possible when more than seven-in-10 (72 percent) of Virginia voters Tuesday were white? Simple: Black voters. McAuliffe won black voters by a 90-8 percent margin, a similar spread to the 93-6 percent President Barack Obama ran up in the 2012 presidential election in the Old Dominion. Black voters also voted at a similar clip to the 2012 election. They made up 20 percent of voters, or one of every five people who went to the polls. That’s exactly the percentage of the electorate black voters made up for Obama in 2012 in Virginia. What’s more, for all the discussion of women, the gender gap, and the millions of
dollars in ads McAuliffe ran in Northern Virginia targeting women on the issue of abortion, it was really black women specifically that fueled that gap. McAuliffe won women overall by a 51-42 percent margin. But he lost white women by 16 points (54-38 percent) and won black women by an astonishing 91-7 percent spread. They made up 11 percent of all Virginia voters. Black men voted at a similar margin as women, 90-9 percent, and made up a similar percentage of the electorate, 9 percent. These margins resemble what black voters delivered for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the 2009 Virginia race, but turnout was stronger, up 4 points. Black voters turned out at exactly the percentage they make up of the overall population. But other key minority groups underperformed. Even though Latinos, who have grown four-fold since 1990 in Virginia, make up 8 percent of the population,
Federal probe restores public confidence in law enforcement STATESBORO The Georgia NAACP is responding with praise for the Holder Justice Department to the announcement of a federal investigation into the mysterious death of Kendrick Johnson by Michael Moore, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The Georgia NAACP has monitored the investigation in the death of Kendrick Johnson in Valdosta Georgia over the last 10 months providing support and technical assistance to the family and legal team. “Today, the NAACP’s request for an Independent Investigation by Federal authorities has been answered and the parents of Kendrick Johnson may finally getting what they’ve been asking for: a thorough and independent investigation into the teen’s mysterious death in the gym of Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia” said Francys Johnson, Civil Rights Attorney and Georgia NAACP State President.
The NAACP had pressed Attorney General Eric Holder and Michael Moore, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia for the federal probe because of a growing lack of confidence by public in the local law enforcement’s handling of the Kendrick Johnson homicide. “A common sense review of evidence collected by authorities and the family’s own investigator clearly demonstrate a sufficient basis exists to warrant a formal review of the facts by federal authorities into the circumstances behind the death of Johnson, whose bloody body was found inside a rolled-up gym mat on January 11,” Johnson remarked. According to U.S. Attorney Moore announcement, “the federal investigation” will follow the facts wherever they lead.” That’s is what the Georgia NAACP has demanded because that is what Kendrick Johnson and every American deserves.
they were just 4 percent of the electorate Tuesday, down from 5 percent in 2012. Asians make up 6 percent of the population, but were just 1 percent of Tuesday’s voters, down from 3 percent in 2012. So why did black voters come out in the numbers they did? There are several possible explanations, but it starts with policy, especially Cuccinelli’s support for voter ID laws. Cuccinelli also opposed the president’s health-care law, entertained the notion that Obama won the presidential election because of voter fraud, questioned where Obama was born. All that made for Obama’s base being fired up to defend their president. On top of all that, McAuliffe hired many of the old Obama campaign hands, who were able to specifically target black voters. Having Obama’s back Some have suggested that President Obama being in the state for McAuliffe in the final days before the election may have hurt the Democrats’
TAKE FIVE
margin of victory because of the president’s struggling approval ratings. But that’s not the case for black voters, a key plank of the Democratic coalition. They continue to strongly back the president, the first African American to hold the office. Black voters have felt like Obama has been under constant attack from an intransigent opposition. And, just a year removed from his historic reelection, the president finds himself at the lowest point of his presidency. It’s when he most needs his base. First Lady Michelle Obama drove that point home in an ad she cut for McAuliffe that aired in predominately black Hampton Roads. “We all worked so hard last year to re-elect Barack as president,” she says in the ad, “and whether it’s building good schools, or creating good jobs, or ensuring women can make their own decisions about their health, the issues we were fighting for then matter just as much in Virginia today. … This election will be
close, and every vote counts, so I hope I can count on you to make your voice heard for Terry McAuliffe.” Cuccinelli, who took the Affordable Care Act to the Supreme Court, touted that in his gubernatorial bid in an attempt to turnout conservatives. It very well may have accomplished that, but it also may have helped turn out black voters, who are strongly supportive of Obama and the law, in part, because it is so closely tied to the president’s legacy. The McAuliffe campaign hired some of the same people from the Obama 2012 Virginia team to target voters and get them out to the polls. As to be expected in an off-year election, black voters – like all other groups – did not turn out with in the raw numbers they did in 2012. But McAuliffe with the help of the former Obama campaign team got them to be the same percentage of the electorate and delivered the same margins, which was always the goal.
By Ben Hasan
Life lessons from a great lady I had the pleasure of attending the home going of Mrs. Dorothy Lee Smith Johnson, known as “Sweets” to many who knew her. Mrs. Johnson was the mother of several of my lifelong friends. Attending Mrs. Johnson’s service were two young ladies from The Place at Deans Bridge where Mrs. Johnson resided for a year prior to her passing. The two young women, Kimberly Wageman, 30, who spoke and Alexia Anderson, 27, who supported and comforted her as she spoke, gave an impressionable presentation about the character of Mrs. Johnson. Kimberly shared how the Johnson family had showed love towards her during things such as reading the bible to her, taking her out on short outings when she was able and just sitting and talking with her for extended periods of time. The true beauty of Kimberly’s comments came when she begin talking about the amazing
spirit of Mrs. Johnson. She stated that she loved her family, she always had a kind word to say, always had a big genuine smile and she truly cared about others. Even when her care went to the level of hospice and many days were spent in pain, Mrs. Johnson’s true spirit was always present. By now, Kimberly was beginning to breakdown and Alexia is comforting her and encouraging her to continue. Kimberly shared with the audience that after Mrs. Johnson had passed, the family had cleaned out her living area and asked if any of the other residents would be in need of any of the items. Kimberly stated that she saw a pair of black shoes and she asked the family if she could try them on. The shoes fit and Kimberly let the audience know that she was wearing those shoes as she spoke. She wanted to walk in Mrs. Johnson shoes the remainder of her life and she took pride
in wearing them. By this time, there was not a dry eye in the service. Mrs. Johnson was 95 years young. I spoke with Kimberly later and asked her about the shoes. She said the shoes were black and the style was like the ushers wear. She stated that once she put the shoes on her feet, she felt like Cinderella. She knew Mrs. Johnson had impacted her life forever and she wanted to be like her. This story is worth telling because many of us seem to always want to give up on our young people instead of trying follow Mrs. Johnson’s example. She was still teaching about human decency at the age of 95. Among the recipients of her lessons were Kimberly and Alexis, both young mothers These two women had only known Mrs. Johnson for about 8 months, but in that short span, they received a life lesson the likes of which it would be good for all of us to try to duplicate.
Movies with difficult racial themes assist nat’l dialogue Who could ever forget the emotional sunset reunion between the estranged sisters, Nettie and Celie in The Color Purple or the gripping scene as John Singleton’s optimistic Ricky tries desperately to outrun a bullet in the 1991 classic Boyz n the Hood? Whether it’s the spitfire, real-life commentary of Madea or a thought provoking Spike Lee joint, black cinema and black artistry in general offers an influential and critical contribution to American culture. The debate surrounding the depiction of black life throughout various media outlets is intriguing, often passionate, but always necessary. This past week, I expressed to a few friends my earnest desire to see Steve McQueen’s recent release, Twelve Years a Slave. The film is an adaptation of the autobiography of Solomon Northup, a 19th century freeborn African-American man who was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery. The reaction that I received was mixed to say the least. Half of the people that I spoke with shared my eagerness about the movie. The others had a very different and pointed opinion. They felt that a film like Twelve
Years would conjure up feelings of sorrow and animosity. Understandably, they’d rather avoid the emotional turmoil that is often associated with such a movie. One friend actually told me that he had not seen The Color Purple, The Help, or The Butler for the exact same reasons. While we certainly have the option to not indulge in the retelling of a truly painful past, we can never erase history. I believe that these types of depictions, as uncomfortable as they can be, are vital to advancing a cultural dialogue about race in America. To be clear, so-called black movies are not intended for exclusively black audiences. I would actually argue that it is more important for individuals who are not African-American to see these films. A well-crafted, nuanced, and historically accurate two-hour feature can do a great deal to begin to break down a lifetime of misinformation and stereotypes. We also have to remember that these stories are not just black stories; they are American stories. Black history is American history. The black experience is a unique patch in the quilt that is our complicated republic and should be equally rel-
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
Kristie Robin Johnson
13
Director Steve McQueen (R) and Twelve Years A Slave actor Chitewel Ejiofor. Ejiofor portrays Soloman Northup, a 19th century New York African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. evant in our collective narrative. We all know that, more often than not, this is simply not the case. African-American history is often relegated to one short, cold month and a single chapter in textbooks. This is why black films are so impactful. In no way, shape, or form is it the responsibility of Steve McQueen, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, John Singleton, Robert Townsend, or any other black filmmaker to make up for the shortcomings of a poor public
education system. But I am incredibly grateful to every visionary (of any race) that takes on the bold, underrated and over-criticized task of telling our diverse stories. Hopefully, sometime in the next week or so I will get to see Twelve Years a Slave on the big screen. I honestly cannot say how I think I’ll feel when I walk out of the theater. No matter what my initial emotional reaction is, there will always be an underlying part of me that is just happy that someone gave this story a voice.
Cigarette smoke: A weapon of mass destruction? By Juanita L. Burney The world as a whole is concerned today about the threat to civilization from weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These weapons contain chemicals that do great bodily harm. Containing and controlling weapons of mass destruction have led to wars abroad. Yet, there are many among us who fail to realize that citizens are encountering WMDs in the guise of second-hand cigarette smoke on a daily basis. Does a smoker have a right to smoke? Of course, even if it is detrimental to their health. However, a right to smoke on a personal basis does not come with the right to endanger the lives of others. There is no inherent right of a smoker to trump the rights of others to breathe air that is as free as possible from chemical toxins. Cigarette smoke causes many illnesses and, in fact, is a killer; second hand smoke is just as deadly. For some individuals genetically predisposed to certain health conditions, second-hand smoke is even more deadly. Our government has the responsibility to pass laws for the good of all citizens. Never would government sit idle if there were a threat from terrorists seeking to release poisonous gas. Yet, cigarette smoke contains no less than seven thousand chemicals that pose a threat to human life. I was very disappointed to hear Commissioner Mary Davis state on TV that she would probably not support a smoking ban and that the effect of such a ban on the Masters Golf Tournament needed to be considered. Really? A tournament that occurs for one week out of a year where the fat cats smoke their cigars should trump the health and well being of all citizens for the remaining 51 weeks of the year?
There is also the argument that private businesses should be allowed to make their own decisions. Data has proven that in most instances, business increases because of the increased patronage of nonsmokers willing to support a business with a clean air environment. Some of these same business owners will have a change of heart later in life when they themselves start suffering from the debilitating effects of smoke such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma or lung cancer. Money will not cure and in many instances will not ease suffering from these diseases. As a person who worked in health care my entire career, I wish every citizen had the opportunity to look at an actual lung from a lung cancer patient as compared to a healthy lung. Or, witness a patient struggling to breathe and ready to give up on life because of the pain and misery they are in. Have many not noticed that insurance companies are charging smokers a greater sum of money for insurance coverage because they increase the potential payout for smoking related illnesses. Do you think insurances companies could get away with these surcharges if existing data didn’t justify their demand for higher premiums for smokers? The only way to protect citizens from harm is to ban cigarette smoke in all indoor places. Smokers have not lost the right to smoke. They do need to change where they smoke. Personal cars are fine. Within the personal home is fine. Large outdoor non public event spaces are fine. However, drifting smoke that affects others is not a right that any smokers have. Make no mistake about it; cigarette smoke and second hand cigarette smoke are “Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Why are we still debating this issue?
Come under the protective wings of the dove, because when you start to take flight you want to be cared for in life!
COMPETITIVE INSURANCE COMPANY CREATIONS Life Health Home Auto Supplementary Insurance
Free Quotes • Reasonable Rates Uninsured Motorist • Discount Car Insurance Medicare • Free Dental • Vision
Cynthia Boatwright, Agent 3350 Peach Orchard Road • Suite 805 (In Public Storage Complex) Augusta, GA 30906 • 706 869-4322 FAX: 706 814-9170 Email: competitiveinsurancecreations@gmail.com • Website: Cicga.com
You don’t have to live with BACK PAIN
or any other kind of discomfort, including headaches, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, muscle tension, sleep ������������������������������������ 706-736-5551
2 Locations: 1125Available! Druid Park Ave.•�� Road ACCEPTED M2583 OSTTobacco INSURANCE Drug Testing Now Augusta, GA 30904 Hephzibah, GA 30815 1132 Druid Park Ave, Augusta, GA
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
14
Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Rev. Clarence Moore, Pastor 1714 Olive Road / P. O. Box 141 (mailing address) Augusta, GA 30903 706/733-341- Telephone/706/667-0205 – Fax E-mail address: admin@goodshepherdaugusta.org Web address: goodshepherdaugusta.org Rev. Clarence Moore Church Service: 7:45 & 11:00 a.m. Church School: 9:45 a.m. / Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m. – Wednesday Bible Study: 9:00 a.m. - Saturday / 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday
INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from contractors will be received for the Murphey Middle School Additions and Renovations Project #B-12-003-5058 by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made. A NON-MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. local at the Board Conference Room, Richmond County Board of Education, 864 Broad Street. Augusta, Georgia 30901.
Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 1781 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.
Sunday Morning Services 10 am Wednesday Services 7 pm 2070 Brown Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815 (706) 592-9221 | www.alwc.net
Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church
314 Sand Bar Ferry Road Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722- 0553 Church School Sunday 9:25am Morning Worship Sunday 11am Evening Worship 6pm (1st & 3rd Sunday) Midday Prayer 12pm Wednesday Intercessory Prayer/Bible Study 6pm Wednesday
Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor
Radio Broadcast: Sundays • WKZK 103.7 FM at 7:30 a.m.
Bidding documents may be obtained at the office of the architect: Dickinson Architects, P.C., 771 Broad Street, Suite 200, Augusta, Georgia 30901, (706) 722-7488. Applications for documents together with a refundable deposit of $250.00 per set should be filed promptly with the architect. Bidding material will be forwarded (shipping charges collect) as soon as possible. The full amount of deposit for one set will be refunded to each prime contractor who submits a bona fide bid upon return of such set in good condition within ten (10) days after date of opening bids. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within ten (10) days after date of opening bid. Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty-five (35) days after time has been called on the date of opening.
Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not less than 5% of the base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price. The Richmond County Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.
BID LIST: The Richmond County Board of Education maintains a bid list for many categories that are let for bid each year. Contact Amy Bauman in the Business Office (706) 826-1298 or at baumaam@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us if you need additional information concerning the bid list.
Spoken Word Christian Ministries “Presents”
Fall Gathering of Prophetic Intercession 2014
Theme: Awakening The Generals Beginning Nov. 12 - Nov. 23, 2013 Prophetic Infusers for this event: Thursday, Nov. 21 @ 7:30 p.m. Mother Fanny Walker of Aiken, S.C. Friday, Nov. 22 @ 7:30 p.m. Prophetess J. Williams of Orangeburg, S.C. Saturday, Nov. 23 @ 5 p.m., Apostle Carla McDouglad of Augusta, GA (There will be a workshop on Sat. Morning at 10 a.m.) Spoken Word Christian Ministries 1219 Edgefield Hwy (US Hwy 19) Aiken, SC 29801 Senior Pastor (Prophet) Ray Singleston
To promote local participation, a database of sub-contractors, suppliers, and vendors has been developed by the Program Manager, GMK Associates. Contact Jeanine Usry with GMK Associates at (706) 826-1127 for location to review and obtain this database Bids shall be submitted and addressed to:
Dr. Frank G. Roberson, Superintendent Richmond County School System 864 Broad StreetAugusta, Georgia 30901 Attention: Mr. C. Gene Spires, Controller
A-Tech Self Storage
15
Computers Done Right, Free Diagnostic Check
(706) 796-1986
Clarence PC TECH
2658 C Barton Chapel Rd. Augusta, GA
UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
The Computer Guy
3114 Augusta Tech Drive
I nsurance Professionals I nsuranc ip I nsurance Professionals i p Insurance? Need Insuran Tender Care Training Center 706.814.7188 computerguyaugusta@live.com
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
Auto Home L
Offer expires 4/30/2014
Can Help!
Auto Home LifeAre Health Bonds costs Commercial yourdental taking a bite out of your budget?
We Can Help
Accredited and State Approved
If you have Medicare and full Medicaid Need Insurance? offers you Help! switch to a health plan that 706.560.99
Train to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) We Can Phlebotomy Technician 560.9997 fax or Pharmacy Technician
560.9990 New Location
6-C Tobacco RdHwy, Suite E 1755 Gordon Augusta, GA 30904 hzibah, GA 30815
$0 copay for Dentures 706.560.9997 fax
706.560.9990 JyNelle Handy, Agent
INFO@INS-PROS.COM 706.560.9997
For Enrollment Information,
Call (706)736-9225 Fax: (706) 736-0995
I nsurance Professionals Visit www.tendercareschool.comcastbiz.net
fax
Eloise Meardith GA 308 Hephzibah,
Independent Agent n1 Oral exam and 1 cleaning each year (706) 771-9522 n1 Dental X-ray every year 2636-C Tobacco Rd nDenture adjustments JyNelle Handy, Agent www.hisbyeloise.com Hephzibah, GA 30815nScaling and restorations INFO@INS-PROS.COM
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
Insurance? I nsurance Professionals Can Help!
ip
I
I nsurance Professionals
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
I nsuranc i p We Can Help!
Need Insurance?
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
ip
2636-C Tobacco R
You’ll have a low copay for an office visit that may also include:
P I
Auto Home L
Insurance? Need Insuran 560.9990 706.560.9990 Harold V. Jones II nsurance nsurance rofessionals rofessionals 560.9997 fax 706.560.9997 fax We Can Help ATTORNEY AT LAW Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial Can Help!
CriminalRd Law • Divorce • JyNelle PersonalHandy, Injury •Agent Employment Law 6-C Tobacco zibah, GA 30815 INFO@INS-PROS.COM
P
2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815
JyNelle Han
429 Walker Street 560.9997 fax
Need Insurance? 706.560.99 706.560.9997 fax We Can Help!
6-C Tobacco Rd hzibah, GA 30815
2636-C Tobacco R Hephzibah, GA 308
S ,P 560.9990 HEPARD
LUNKETT,
HAMILTON & BOUDREAUX, LLP
Phone 706-722-6200 Fax 706 722-4817 hjones@shepardplunkett.com JyNelle Handy, Agent
Upper Level Augusta, GA 30901
INFO@INS-P
706.560.9990 i I nsurance Professionals I nsurance P rofessionals p 706.560.9997 fax INFO@INS-PROS.COM
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
Insurance?
Need Insurance? 2636-C Tobacco Rd JyNelle Handy, Agent We Can Help! Hephzibah, GA 30815 INFO@INS-PROS.COM
Can Help!
560.9990 I nsurance Professionals
Auto Home 560.9997 fax Life Health Bonds Commercial
6-C Tobacco Rd zibah, GA 30815
Insurance?
Can Help!
Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial
i
JyNelle Handy, Agent INFO@INS-PROS.COM
ip
706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax 2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815
I nsurance Professionals
I nsuranc
Auto Home L
JyNelle Han
Need Insuran
INFO@INS-PROS.COM
INFO@INS-P
We Can Help
16 UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 13, 2013
THE LAW OFFICE OF
Frails & Wilson ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Experienced Representation
Real Estate Transactions Personal Injury Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Probate • Domestic Randolph Frails
Edwin Wilson
Aimee Sanders
706-855-6715
Criminal Defenses
211 Pleasant Home Road • Suite A1 • Augusta, GA