UPW
Call for Artists for Twiggs Circle Sculpture International Jazz Day Soiree • April 30
URBAN PRO WEEKLY
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2022 • VOL. 10 NO. 21
lakeside ladies lacrosse team advances
District 4 Candidates 2022 Election Day may 24
Mason
Reece
Disinvestment, blight, infrastructure issues still plague neighborhoods
District 2 Candidates
Crew
Gunter Sr.
Cummings
Pouncey
Cleveland
Pulliam
THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HUB FOR COMMUNITY INNOVATION will provide a home for multiple nonprofits currently serving thousands of Augusta-area families. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
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The emergence of the HUB for Community Innovation is a clear sign of investor interest in Augusta’s urban core By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UPW Staff Writer AUGUSTA Anyone familiar with downtown around the 15th Street and Walton Way area has a good idea where the ambitious community investment dubbed the HUB for Community Innovation is preparing to setup shop. The HUB complex is actually on Chafee Avenue near the corner of Fenwick Street, so if you are just motoring along Walton Way, you might not notice anything different. But what a difference the project hopes and plans to make. The idea was hatched by a coalition led by the Community Foundation for the CSRA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA, and the Medical College of
UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY
COMMUNITYWATCH
The newly constructed HUB for Community Innovation will provide a home for multiple nonprofits currently serving thousands of Augusta-area families. Photo by Vincent Hobbs Georgia Foundation. The HUB project is intended to serve as the cornerstone of an ambitious, multi-year community revitalization strategy to uplift the Harrisburg and Laney-Walker neighborhoods and the families who live there. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was a little over a year ago and, right on schedule, the first buildings have emerged and even hosted tours. During the recent Masters Tournament, you may have noticed that Condoleezza Rice met with some local folks downtown — it was there at the HUB facility. The project was designed “to catalyze revitalization in the historic Harrisburg and Laney Walker neighborhoods, two of the most underserved communities in Augusta’s urban core.
“The project will be centered around two distinct but mission-aligned facilities that will be known jointly as the HUB for Community Innovation. One building will provide a new home for multiple nonprofits currently serving thousands of Augustaarea families. The other will be a new headquarters and support center for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA, which is in its 70th year of service to the neighborhoods.” The HUB will unite multiple nonprofit organizations onto one common campus. The co-location of services will make it easier for local residents to access needed support. The larger of the HUB’s two buildings will be a 33,000-square-foot facility which will house four locally-based nonprofits.
PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299
Residents in Harrisburg and nearby Laney Walker-Bethlehem will have access to a one-stop location for services from Augusta Locally Grown, Augusta University Literacy Center, Harrisburg Family Health Care and RISE Augusta, a dropout prevention program that offers wraparound support to children overcoming obstacles to succeeding in school. The new Boys & Girls Clubs support center will be approximately 16,000 square-feet, a significant expansion from its current headquarters. Design and construction is funded through a combination of federal grants and private contributions, including a $10 million donation by Augusta National Golf Club and gifted jointly with AT&T, Bank of America and IBM.
CONTRIBUTORS K.L. Gordon • Rickey Jones Jr. Olivia Gaines • Vincent Hobbs Menia L. Chester Frederick Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia
2022 COMM. DISTRICTS
Charles Cummings
Cleveland Garrison
Ralph Gunter Sr.
Von Young Pouncey
Stacey Pulliam
District 2 candidates face familiar challenges
Crime, blighted structures, infrastructure among top concerns By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UPW Political Analyst AUGUSTA The recent political forum hosted by the Turpin Hill Neighborhood Association which attracted all six Commission District 2 candidates gave the residents a chance to meet the folks hoping to represent them. Mira Hobbs, president of the association, summed up what the residents were concerned about. “Many people are concerned
about blight and crime. People want a commissioner who stands up for the district and will respond to the community’s issues,” Hobbs told UPW. The forum hosted by the Metro Courier’s Barbara Gordon, gave each candidate a chance to address the audience. Many were already known since most of the candidates have run for office in the past. Former candidates include Charles Cummings, Cleveland Garrison, Von Young Pouncey and
Stacey Pulliam. Ralph Gunter Sr. and Leroy “Ray Montana” Crew round out the field. The candidates are v ying for the seat being vacated by Dennis Williams who is not eligible to run for another term this election. The candidates vary widely in their levels of community activism, business ownership, professional status and work experience. Stacey Pulliam is a commercial Realtor; Von Young Pouncey is a school
teacher and founder of a nonprofit serving foster children; Ralph Gunter Sr. is a retired Augusta Firefighter; Charles Cummings is a former owner of several businesses including a restaurant and semi-pro sports team; Cleveland Garrison is a pastor and owner of A1 Ironworks; Leroy “Ray Montana” Crew is a community activist. Continued on page 4
District 4: Mason, Reece promise new direction Mason touts past accomplishments; Reece seeks quality-of-life gains By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UPW Political Analyst
Alvin Mason
Betty Reece
AUGUSTA District 4 has been through a lot when it comes to political representation. It’s former Commissioner, Sammy Sias, was removed from office before his time expired and former District 4 Commissioner Alvin Mason, was picked by the city commission to act as interim until a new commissioner is elected in the May 24 Election. If you are Alvin Mason, that suits you just fine because he is also a candidate for that seat. Mason will be challenged by Betty Reece who nearly defeated Sias in a previous Dist. 4 contest. Mason’s last political outing for mayor was unsuccessful, but he points to his effectiveness as
a policy maker while he served. “During my earlier tenure as Commissioner, we completed over $350 million in infrastructure projects and over $400 million in capital projects, including the construction of our Judicial Building, Library, Sheriff’s Office, Augusta Tee Center, Webster Detention Center just to name a few. We successfully recruited businesses such as Starbucks, Costco, Cabela’s, ADP, and T-Mobile which brought hundreds of jobs to AugustaRichmond County,” Mason said in a statement released to UPW. Retired healthcare provider Betty Reece is a past president of the League of Women Voters of the CSRA and the Richmond County Neighborhood Continued on page 4
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Leroy “Ray Montana” Crew
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District 4 FROM P3
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Reece said she would like to see quality-of-life improvements, including the water park approved by voters in Sales Tax 8 through to completion. “We need parks for a family to go to, to have fun and enjoy the open environment and the greenery,” Reece said, “and hopefully a family restaurant that we all can enjoy.” South Augusta-Richmond County has significantly less of the retail and other assets than areas such as West Augusta, Reece noted. The commission has made some strides, such as funding a development specialist, but the dearth of shopping, dining and other experiences is a common complaint. Both candidates see real opportunity for the city thanks to the
American Rescue Funds which awarded municipal governments everywhere much needed stimulus in the wake of the covid epidemic. Reece said she wants to ensure the city is a good steward of the millions it is set to receive from the Plan. The amount is over $80 million. According to Mason, “the receipt of the American Rescue Funds provide more opportunities to partner with the business community. We are seeing the type of progress I have always advocated for. The residents of District 4 can now safely walk or bike ride on Tobacco Road because of the installation of sidewalks. Traffic calming devices and the resurfacing of our roads are also projects that need to begin. The candidates differ widely on
campaign effectiveness. According to the latest campaign contribution disclosure reports, Mason has collected $5,000 while Reece reported no contributions to her campaign. “I am asking for your vote to continue working for District 4. It works better when we work together because experience matters,” Mason said.
“I really want to be a voice for the people who don’t have a voice,” Reece said. Alvin Mason previously served two terms on the commission from 2006 to 2014, when he lost a bid for mayor. Mason, who is retired Army and has owned small businesses, works in the procurement office at Fort Gordon. He will appear as the incumbent on the May 24 ballot.
District 2 FROM P3 Though varying greatly in many areas in terms of their personal outlooks and approaches to problem-solving, the candidates didn’t much differ on the need for neighborhood improvements. There was not a single over-riding issue where they clashed. However, one interesting factor
shed a little light on how effective they will be as campaigners. Half of the candidates have not raised any money at the time they filed their most recent campaign contributions report. Those who have raised money include Stacey Pulliam ($9,020), Von Pouncey ($2,850)and Gunter Sr. ($3,700)
Call for Artists for Twiggs Circle Original Sculpture tual theme of the History of Augusta’s Black Medical Community. The selected artist will receive a stipend of $15,000 to cover expenses associated with the envisioning, creation, transport and installation of the sculpture. Applications close on June 1, 2022. The installation will begin in December of 2022. Applications and more information can be found by visiting https://artist.callforentry.org/ festivals_unique_info.php?ID=10216. The request for proposals is open to all professional sculptors and artist teams residing in the Southeast region of the United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). All members of any team that applies must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the United States. Artists who apply for this call are strongly encouraged to research the history of Augusta’s Black Medical Community. In depth questions about Black History in Augusta can be answered by Corey Rogers, Historian at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, 706724-3576, or email ocur761@gmail. com. This sculpture call is made possible by a generous grant from Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Inc., a not-for-
profit corporation that serves to better the lives of persons with disabilities and the elderly population in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). This request for proposals is part of the Golden Blocks public history through public art place-keeping project, a collaboration between the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, and the Augusta Housing & Community Development Department. The Twiggs Circle roundabout is part of the Augusta Housing & Community Development Department’s Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Area.
Got a Great Story Contact us at growingaugusta.co/upw
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The Greater Augusta Arts Council is requesting proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create a unique, durable, low-maintenance, meaningful sculpture to be placed in the center of the fully landscaped Twiggs Circle traffic roundabout in Augusta, GA. The purpose of the sculpture is to create a highly visible, visually pleasing addition to the historic Golden Blocks. The Golden Blocks project highlights the rich cultural legacy of the historically Black neighborhoods of Laney Walker and Bethlehem. The sculpture is intended to last for 50 years in good condition and incorporate the concep-
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UMOJA VILLAGE
Be proud to tell your children/grandchildren that you voted. To check the status of your registration or to register today, go to either www.scvotes. org or www.gavotes.org In case you haven’t listened to WAAW 94.7 FM, SC House District 82 Representative William “Bill” Clyburn has opposition for the first time in many years.
1. ELECTION PRIMARIES: Democrat and Republican primaries in South Carolina will be held Tuesday, June 14th. Democrat and Republican primaries in Georgia will be held Tuesday, May 24th. We must participate 2. REGISTER TODAY: On Saturday, in record numbers to move forward to the November General April 30th from 1 - 3 PM, Aiken Election those candidates who and Charleston (SC) Chapters of will best represent your interests. The Links, Incorporated will offer
the last of a three-part series of Heathy Homestead webinars focused on Heirs’ Property, Homeownership, Financial Literacy, and Estate and Retirement Planning. On April 30th, four excellent session leaders/presenters will focus on”Access to Economic Prosperity-Gaining a Seat at the Table, Home OwnershipObtaining Mortgages, The Rights and Risks of Heirs Property, Sustainable Forestry Programs, and Building Generational Wealth,” etc. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting /
register/tZYvcOuqrzssGdenXMYuXilCsN0hgKzZcqbX 3. COUNTY FUNDS RESERVED FOR NONPROFITS: As it currently stands, Aiken County Council will discuss at a work session on Tuesday, May 3rd, 6 p.m., the application and funding processes for $2 million ARPA appropriations reserved for nonprofits. Please make plans to attend. UMOJA=UNIT Y, visit www.umojavillage.com
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Saturday, April 30
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY SOIREE
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RSVP: (706) 528-6855
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Latrell’s Easy Smoothie recipe Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef and owner of Desserts by Latrell and Southern Jazz and Sweets. Smoothies are a great way to make sure that you get your daily intake of fruit and vegetables. I like to add spinach and all kinds of fruit to mine. Blueberries and strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. Here’s my favorite smoothie recipe that kids love too. Enjoy! Latrell’s SMOOTHIE RECIPE INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup of orange or pineapple juice 1/2 cup blueberries 1 ripe banana
INSTRUCTIONS COMBINE spinach, fruit, and juice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste. Add juice if a thinner consistency is desired. Add honey if desired. Serve immediately
1/2 cup chopped strawberries 1 cup loosely packed spinach ice 1 tsp of honey (optional)
If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website or send me an email.
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Have A Suggestion For A Great Story? Let us know about it. Contact Us At growingaugusta.co/upw
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THE LAKESIDE GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE team celebrate winning the Region 6A-7A Area 8 Championship after defeating Evans High School 20-3 in a game held at the Panthers home stadium. The Lady Panthers are 15-1 in regular season play. (April 19, 2022 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs
#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW text UPW to (706) 528-6855
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for cooling now open ly, and disabled Georgians with cooling bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been expended. To qualify, a family’s income must be less than
RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION March 2022
or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $26,474; the income threshold for a household of five is $59,057. Georgians seeking assistance must contact their local Community Action Agency. All applicants will be asked to
PROJECT NUM. B-22-047-0422.2 City Parking Deck Retrofit Project
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received by The Richmond County Board of Education for the RCBOE City Parking Deck Retrofit project until 3:00 p.m. local time, Monday, May 9, 2022. This will be a public bid opening, read aloud in the Richmond County Board of Education Conference Room located at 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga. 30901. No extension of the bidding period will be made. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held April 26, 2022 at 11:00 am local time on the project site located at the corner of James Brown Boulevard and Ellis Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 2956 Mike Padgett Hwy, Augusta, Georgia 30906, Tel: (706)737-7189. Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Engineer: Johnson, Laschober & Associates, P.C., Attn: Mark Lorah @ mlorah@thejlagroup.com or 706-724-5756. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $150.00 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 10 days after date of opening bids. Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 35 days after time has been called on the date of opening. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities. 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) 826-1297 for location to review and obtain this database. Bids shall be submitted: Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith, CPA
provide the following: Most recent cooling bill or statement of service from their heating providers Social Security numbers for each member of the household Proof of citizenship for each member of the household Proof of income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household (e.g., paycheck stub or a public assistance verification letter) Verification of Social Security or unemployment benefits for all applicable household members For more information on the program, contact DHS tollfree at 404-657-3426. To find a Community Action Agency in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa. org.
Florida National University falls to Paine Lions AUGUSTA SRP Park, in partnership with Miracle Nissan of Augusta and North Augusta, along with Paine College hosted the inaugural HBCU Baseball Classic on Sunday, March 20, 2022. The first game featured Benedict College vs. Kentucky State. Paine College played Florida National University and took home the win after nine innings – 8 to 7. This game may not go down in Lion Athletics history, but it will be remembered as a sweet win in the inaugural HBCU Baseball Classic. Coach Melvin Marshall said the Lion Baseball Team showed a lot of heart and pride. “We fought hard to emerge victorious. We never doubted our ability to win. The Lions have hearts of champions.”
2022 Elections Round 1 May 24, 2022
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ATLANTA The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), began on April 1. This federally funded program assists low-income, elder-
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