UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY JUNE 8 - 14, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 16

COMMENTARY

By Ken Makin:

Are Augusta’s Black leaders representing Black issues?

Georgia Soul CEO Ernesia Wright

semi-pro hoops makes a stand in Augusta

Photo by Leroy Mundy/ RebelShots Photography

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2017Arts Awards winners announced Every year, the Greater Augusta Arts Council honors individuals and companies who have made an impact in the arts community with the Annual Arts Awards. Community members make nominations for the awards and a panel made up of former winners, arts supporters and community leaders chooses the winners. There are five categories of Arts Award: Artist, Arts Professional, Volunteer, Media, and Sponsor. Full descriptions of each category are available online at augustaarts.com/annual-arts-awards/ The winners of the 2017 Annual Arts Awards are as follows:

Artist: Leonard Zimmerman Arts Professional: Trey Maxwell Media: Mary Frances Hendrix Volunteer: Sue Alexanderson Sponsor: Goldmech

The Awards Celebration will be hosted June 22, 6 - 8:30 pm at Enterprise Mill and Events Center.Do you know someone deserving of an Arts Award?

Sign up for the Arts News newsletter at

augustaarts.com to receive announcements when the nomination period is open. The Arts Council will be accepting nominations for the 2018 awards starting in March 2018.

Farewell to a true citizen servant SHIRLEY NIXON WOODLEY We were saddened to hear of the passing, this week, of Shirley Nixon Woodley, 67, one of Augusta’s hardest working political activists.

The 1965 Laney High School alum distinguished herself by registering over 10,000 new voters by her own estimates.

She was the type of political worker that candidates would have loved to clone. Woodley was always at ground zero for whatever political campaign she happened to be working with.

Woodley took seriously the opportunities afforded by the Voting Rights Act passed the same year she graduated from high school.

“That’s how I push so many to vote, by reminding them people had to fight bak for this right,” Woodley once told a reporter in 2014. “In them days, some of them got hurt, some of them were killed. That’s why voting today is so important.”

Funeral services were held on June 1, 2017 at W.H. Mays Mortuary and the service was at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

UPW Urban Pro Weekly Hephzibah, GA 30815

URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO WEEKLY MEDIA 706-306-4647 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

By J. Scott Trubey , Jennifer Peebles and Jeremy Redmon The Atlanta Journal-Constitution AUGUSTA Before her arrest in the National Security Agency leak investigation drew headlines around the world this week, Reality Leigh Winner worked here, a major hub in the government’s sprawling intelligence-gathering network.

Thousands of code breakers, cyber security researchers, intelligence analysts, IT experts and other specialists — military members and private contract employees — work in the intelligence community on Fort Gordon, which includes an NSA installation, and more are on their way.

In November, the U.S. Army broke ground on its new Cyber Command, which will open its first phase in 2018. Fortune magazine in April listed Augusta as one of the seven cities in the world that “could become the world’s

newspapers across the country descended here. But few people attached to the military installation would talk on the record. The NSA declined to comment.

Local government officials were also tight-lipped.

“I don’t think it can be understated what the growth at Fort Gordon has meant for Augusta but also for the entire region,” said Deke Copenhaver, a former mayor of Augusta who now hosts a radio show and runs a consulting business. Copenhaver called news of Winner’s arrest “an unfortunate situation” that’s “not really a reflection on Augusta.”

“Knowing people in cyber industry and working with them a lot,” he said, “you can’t prevent totally rogue actors.”

The allegations surrounding Winner were a surprise, said Pam Tucker, who Reality Leigh Winner previously directed the Emergency Management Agency in the Augusta cybersecurity capital.”

As Winner’s story unfolded this week, suburb of Columbia County.

“I’m really very shocked that somereporters from major networks and

body would leak information, as well-vetted as their employees are,” said Tucker, who is running to lead the county commission. “It kind of makes you realize that anything can slip through the cracks.”

The U.S. Justice Department announced her arrest Monday, about an hour after The Intercept reported that it had obtained a top-secret NSA report about Russia’s interference.

The intelligence report, according to The Intercept, says Russian military intelligence officials tried to hack into the U.S. voting system just before last November’s election.

Winner previously worked as a linguist in the U.S. Air Force and speaks Arabic and Farsi, according to her stepfather. The government said Winner was employed by a military contractor, Pluribus International Corp., in Augusta and had access to the top-secret NSA report. She reportedly worked at Fort Gordon.

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Local cyber-leaker lands Augusta in center of NSA leak investigation

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THE GEORGIA SOUL IS AUGUSTA’S SEMI-PRO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Augusta athlete turns love of hoops into Soul stirring enterprise A CONVERSATION WITH ERNESIA WRIGHT OWNER OF THE GEORGIA SOUL

By Vincent Hobbs Ernesia Wright has loved sports since she was kid, competing in cross country, track, softball – and basketball. Yet, it was the thud of the bouncing ball on a hard court, the swish of the net and the ultimate feeling of achievement when scoring a basket that solidified her journey toward the highest levels of the sport. The little girl who played basketball in her backyard, thanks to a basketball goal that her dad set up, would eventu- Ernesia Wright ally make her way to playing professionally in Europe, earning her team the distinction of Imports All-Defensive Team and AllStar Team – twice.

But she isn’t finished just yet.

Wright can now add the title of “team owner” to her list of accomplishments. The Georgia Soul is Augusta’s semi-pro women’s basketball team, playing a talented variety of teams in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League. Local sports enthusiasts will recognize some familiar names, players such as Augusta University alumni Breonna O’Conner and Kariel Hutt, along with Laney alumnus Khadijiah Cave, who earlier this year contracted and attended a pre-season training camp with the WNBA champions, LA Sparks.

UPW spent some time with Wright to get a broader picture of the sports entrepreneur and her goals for the future.

THE GEORGIA SOUL’S KHADIJIAH CAVE gets the rebound during a semi-pro basketball game against the Georgia Stampede at Laney gymnasium. The Soul defeated the Stampede 87-82 in the final score. Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal You’ve had a stellar career that spans over 20 years, playing basketball in high school (Laney) and college and in semi-professional and professional leagues. When did you decide that you wanted to become the owner of a semi-pro women’s basketball team?

Wright: In November 2015, I decided to form the Georgia Soul because the previous local women’s basketball team folded (the semi-pro Ga-Carolina Lady Hurricanes). With the abundance of talented ladies in the CSRA,

I wanted to continue helping them to pursue their passion and to build a brand that exceeds basketball.

What motivates you personally?

Wright: Impacting lives positively and seeing those individuals succeed is the greatest motivation for me! The support from my caring family and friends also motivates. I have people in my life who not only support me, but also see my vision, and they help me bring it to fruition. This helps me to stay motivated.

How did you decide on the team’s name?

Wright: Actually the team name was selected by a friend of mine Kevin “KJ” Kenny . We had dozens of names that we were considering. I wanted to have a team name that was related to Augusta and since Augusta is known for the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown, we decided on The Georgia Soul for the team name.

Continued on next page

Georgia Soul from page 4 Wright: We hold tryouts yearly and some players hear about us through social media or word of mouth. We haven’t really had to recruit because we’ve been blessed with some great talent in the CSRA. The team competes in the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL). Why do you feel it is important for the players to be a part of this league?

Wright: I think this league is a great opportunity for players for several reasons. The WBCBL offers exposure to some of the top recruiters looking for players to play overseas. I played for this same league with the Augusta Blaze in 2006 prior to playing overseas in Romania. It also gives those who want to keep their skills in-tune an opportunity to do that and allows those who simply love the game to continue to play.

The Georgia Soul team is currently undefeated this season, with a 7-0 record. What are your thoughts on this achievement?

Wright: This is a great achievement and I’m extremely proud of my players and coaching staff. I expected the team to be undefeated; we have so much great talent. Most of our girls were Division 1 (NCAA) basketball players. It’s bigger than just being undefeated. Our ultimate goals this year are to win the Regional Tournament and advance to Nationals in St. Louis and claim the National Title.

What should fans expect when they attend a Georgia Soul game?

Wright: Fans can expect to experience a funfilled game in a family-oriented environment that everyone, regardless of their age, will enjoy.

Our coaches and staff are welcoming and greet each and every fan as they enter the arena. We have a professional dance team that provides entertainment throughout the game. We also offer games during halftime that children and adults can participate in with the opportunity to win various prizes. Fans can expect a full-service concession stand that includes everything from candy to pizza to chicken wings. We give our fans an experience that they won’t receive anywhere else.

How can the community help to support the team?

s o o n

THE GEORGIA SOUL’S TRACEY FLOWERS goes for a layup during a semi-pro basketball game against the Georgia Stampede at Laney gymnasium. The Soul defeated the Stampede 87-82 in the final score. Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

Wright: Come out and support us for our final four home games beginning June 11th, 3pm at Laney High School. The community can also support us by making donations to the team.

These funds go towards team expenses such as travel, gear, etc. We also accept non-monetary donations in various forms like food sponsorships and business services.

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How do you recruit your players?

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ARE YOU AT RISK?

Stress Physical Inactivity Family History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Stress Physical Inactivity Diabetes Family History of Cardiovascular disease High Blood Pressure Obesity Diabetes High Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Cigarette Smoking High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking

HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK Hypertension Management Outreach Program East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program

Richmond County Richmond County Health Department 706.721.5800 Richmond County 706.721.5800 706.721.5800 www.ecphd.com

Davidson Fine Arts teacher named 2017 Excellence in Theatre Education Award Honorable Mention The Richmond County School System would like to congratulate Mrs. Betty Walpert, Theater Director and Teacher at Davidson Fine Arts, for being named a 2017 Excellence in Education Award Honorable Mention by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University.

The Excellence in Theatre Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated monumental impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theatre industry selected the winner and twenty honorable mentions.

Dr. Renee Kelly, Principal at Davidson Fine Arts, said of Mrs. Walpert, “Betty is an extraordinary teacher. She cares about kids and makes every day fun and exciting for them. She truly invests in all of her students and makes a lifelong

WE TAKE

• Georgia medicaid • Insurance plans • Charge cards • WIC vouchers

Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID

SECTION A Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Abatement and Demolition of the Former Funeral Home on 1128 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia Project No.: ACES 118-241 by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 PM local time, June 29, 2017 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on June 15, 2017 at 1:30 pm local time at the project site, 1128 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901.

Betty Walpert impression on them. It is no surprise to me that she is one of the top 20 in the nation.”

Augusta Mini Theatre presents 2017 Annual Sunshine’s Roast and Toast

“Forever A Lady” Augusta Mini Theatre Arts and Life Skills School is announcing its 8th Annual Sunshine’s Roast and Toast on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Parish Hall) at 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA. “Forever A Lady” - Deanna Brown Thomas, Sylvia Cooper, Barbara Gordon and Lessie Price, will be roasted and toasted.

Admission is $50.00 and each table of eight is $400.00. To purchase tickets, tables, and place Business Card or Patron in the booklet, call 706-7220598 or visit www.augustaminitheatre.com.

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY

Proceeds will benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship Fund. This fall, twenty-five alums of the Mini Theatre will be eligible to receive the scholarship at $400.00 per student, per year, for four years.

Augusta Mini Theatre has awarded scholarships since 1984.

For tickets and information about fall classes (African/modern dance, drama, piano, and visual arts) and teen pregnancy prevention workshop, Making Proud Choices, call 706-722-0598 or visit www.augustaminitheatre.com.

Drawings, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Consultant, Alternative Construction & Environmental Solutions, Inc. (ACES), 2247 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, Georgia 30904 [(706) 262-2000]. Applications for documents together with non- refundable deposit of $25.00 per set should be filed promptly with the Consultant. Bidding material will be forwarded (shipping charges collect) as soon as possible.

Any bid submitted will be subject to the conditions and time line specified in the documents. The bid, 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.

Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Angela D. Pringle Superintendent of Schools County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. C. Gene Spires

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Bulletin Board

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin THE MAKEUP OF BLACKFACE POLITICS

What happens when Black leaders don’t represent Black interests?

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n 2000, Spike Lee wrote and directed a satirical film named “Bamboozled.” It was about a modern-day televised minstrel show, where Black actors wore blackface.

It featured the struggles of fame and unforgivable stereotypes.

When I look at the current state of Black politics (and Black media, for that matter), I can’t help but see a similar phenomenon. Our leaders and media outlets are so inept at pinpointing critical issues in the Black community that we appear to be caricatures of progressive individuals.

Because our leaders wear Blackface, other figures in society feel comfortable wearing the mask as well. That’s why artists of all nationalities use hiphop as a springboard to celebrity. It’s why the “n-bomb” rolled so smoothly off of Bill Maher’s tongue on his show recently.

Let’s talk about Maher for just a second. He called himself a “house n— er” on a recent episode of his HBO

LETTERS When Austin Rhodes refused to read my post directed at Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom yesterday, (June 6) I called in and read it myself. Austin was vehemently attacking Augusta Administrator Janice Jackson over the Augusta Equipmentgate Scandal that landed almost literally in my back yard.

Since I feel that there are no less than FOUR major groups with responsibility for the outrageous use of Augusta equipment, materials and labor on private property in Lincoln County, all of whom need to feel the wrath and fury of the city’s citizens, a one-sided condemnation of Ms. Jackson is most unfair. I submit to you, for publication and for a rebalancing of the discussion of

broadcast. Surely, a white man making that kind of commentary would lose his job, right?

Not a chance. Maher will keep his show and have a pair of Blackface guests – Black author and academian Michael Eric Dyson and rapper Ice Cube.

Here’s why Maher can get away with that foolishness — firstly, because he has Blackface buddies on speed dial. Secondly, and most concerning, respectability politics in the form of this idea: “Well, if rappers say the N-word, why can’t white folks?”

Now, let me be clear – I don’t think ANYONE should say that word. It is toxic and counterproductive. Still, if you think I’m going to make excuses for a white guy saying that word, or forgive Black folks making excuses for said white guy, you’re out of your mind.

That’s the current state of affairs, though. We have individuals on the

political and celebrity level whom we THINK are on our side, who we THINK speak out on our behalf.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

That’s why I came down so hard on our local commissioners who insisted on the “sagging pants” ban. There are profound economic and political issues going on in Augusta, and the topic of conversation for our (mostly Black) Commission was how people wear their clothes?

Now is the time for a different approach. How do we go about this the right way? I believe there are three keys: • Focus on facts, not feelings.

As I type this, I am learning about some of the specifics of former Augusta Environmental Services Director Mark Johnson’s resignation.

Truth is, Johnson has been a controversial figure in that department for years.

Here’s the bigger question, though.

Why aren’t our city leaders (and the community at-large) challenging the enterprise status of the Environmental Services and Utilities departments?

Based on finances alone, the directors of those departments have more power than the Commission. As much as our leaders talk about budgets and revenue, we should be able to draw on the resources of those departments. At the very least, we should be able to allocate funding where desperately needed to improve Augusta. I don’t want to hear about historical precedence. I want to hear about progress.

We should demand leaders who challenge the status quo.

• Economic empowerment should be the first and most important issue in our community.

Here’s the real power of city services, such as transit: they are gateways to wealth for people who otherContinued on next page

A message to Commissioner Frantom this issue, my comments directed to Commissioner Frantom.

They are as follows: They (Augusta Commissioners)are like the farm hand who left the barn door open and not only let the cows out, but in so doing, left piles of hay to be stolen and possibly replaced by fakery.

The incompetence at best and fraud at worst in failing to secure assets means all manner of evils are plausible.

Remember, we have proven $10’s of millions in malfeasance yet Commissioners like Sean Frantom ridiculed us all the way, then promised controls that do not exist.

Keep it up Sean, your slips are

showing and your many promises were empty!

You brought your FRAUD to the very sacred oak-lined ancient roadway that my great grandparents traversed to school, town, work and church.

Remember, we up here did not put a gun to your Mark Johnson’s head and force him into that ( IMHO) crazy trip here at night, did not transport your mini excavator up here on YOUR trailer, did not have a Sheriff deputy enmeshed in this tawdry affair, did not have our employee on the apparently on the county clock indiscriminately operating a Bobcat tree shredder on U.S. government property against very clear prohibitions as you did, and we did not cover all

of this up for 2 months after the facts were known.

YOU DID IT, YOU WORTHLESS, SPINELESS JELLYFISH! What is worse YOU rejected every offer that I personally made to you to prevent this outrage!

While I was attending my failing Mama I spent countless hours digging deep into the Epiphany of Fraud that is Augusta. SEC Filings, contracts, FDIC reporting, Georgia Code, ARC property records. Your city and our area has 600,000 people who deserve a lot better than swine like you.

I sent dossiers on it all to Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chicago, Dallas and Winston Salem, plus an inner circle locally that even Lori Davis and Brad Owens know nothing of.

Makin from page 8

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” a media conglomerate that incorporates podcasting/radio, social media and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached by email at makinadifferenceshow@ gmail.com or by text at (803) 2702331.

Letters from page 8 You would not leave me in peace and now I am bringing every resource at my considerable reach down on that Hellhole called Augusta, Georgia!

I understand that these words are harsh, but they are very richly deserved, not only by Commissioner Frantom, but also by Commisioners Grady Smith, Mary Davis, and Wayne Guilfoyle.

It is my hope that you will publish my words.

What happens in Augusta, should have stayed in Augusta.

It did not.

Regards, Al M. Gray The Arrowflinger at agraynation. com

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Bond Issue Program

B-12-013-4064 Wheeless Road Elementary School

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Wheeless Road Elementary School, Project # B-12-013-4064 by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 2:00 P.M. local time, July 6, 2017, at which time the 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 June 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm local time at Wheeless Road Elementary School, 2530 Wheeless Road, Augusta, GA 30906.

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.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Virgo Gambill Architects, 2531 Center West Parkway, Suite 200, Augusta, GA 30909.Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $100.00 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. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within 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 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 Owner 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. If your company wishes to remain on our bid list, we must receive a response either through a bid or by a no bid response. If we do not receive a response, your company’s name will be removed from our bid list. Please call the bid office at 706-826-1298 if you fail to receive a post card.

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. Angela Pringle County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. C. Gene Spires

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wise wouldn’t have the opportunity to improve their situation. We talk about education as a great equalizer, and it is certainly a viable outlet. Think about the individuals who want to work, though, but can’t afford transportation. How do they get to work?

When government properly allocates resources, it funds the entire community. Considering the wealth disparities between Blacks and whites, it is beyond necessary that we focus on what government can do to close those disparities. We should see these advancements in jobs (public and private sector), education and extracurricular opportunities for youth.

• Make Black leaders accountable.

This is simple. If leadership is ineffective and we have the voice and/or the vote to get them out of office, we must take advantage of that opportunity. We must also raise up grassroots leaders to lead our city in a positive direction, without the negative influence of old money and antiquated ideas.

When it comes to Blackface politics, I’m taking a quote from the rapper Future: “Mask off.”

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PROPOSAL NUM. SEGO MIDDLE SCHOOL-Demolition

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Sego Middle School-Demolition by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, July 6, 2017, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held June 27, 2017 at 10:00 am local time in the Gym of Sego Middle School, 3420 Julia Avenue, Augusta Ga. 30906.

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.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Studio 3 Design Group, P.C. attn: Jennifer Powell @ jpowell@s3dg.com or 706-667-9784 . Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $30.00 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. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within 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 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 Owner 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. If your company wishes to remain on our bid list, we must receive a response either through a bid or by a no bid response. If we do not receive a response, your company’s name will be removed from our bid list. Please call the bid office at 706-826-1298 if you fail to receive a post card.

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. Angela Pringle County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. C. Gene Spires

Boots to Breakthrough Seminar set for June 10

Dr. Ja’net Bishop will present a special Boots to Breakthrough Seminar on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm at the KROC Center, located at 1833 Broad Street, Augusta GA 30904.

Boots to Breakthrough is designed to support, connect, and guide women. This seminar targets all women who desire to achieve their goals, but is particularly useful for military women, including spouses who are in transition from military service to civilian success.

In this unique seminar participants will be introduced to methods of manifesting more joy in their life as they transition from one season of their life to another. Participants will be encouraged to identify long-held goals in an area of relationships, health, work, spirituality or leisure.

Speakers include Dr. Ja’net Bishop, Veteran and CEO/Founder of HAVE JOY, LLC and Retired Lt. Col. Wendy Perry, CEO of CATALYST Executive Advising and Development, and recently appointed Ambassador for Women for the American Memorial Foundation of Georgia.

Event is FREE to Public but seating is limited so please reserve your spot.

Water will be available but food is not.

For more information visit www. havejoyllc.com. To register email dr. janet.bishop@gmail.com.

Creative Impressions presents Summer Music Workshop at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will be hosting Creative Impressions’ 15th Annual Summer Music Workshop.

This two week workshop will take place July 10th – 21st and is open to youth ages 12-­18. It is during this workshop that youth are exposed to various genres of music, are taught music theory and literacy, and are exposed to other art forms to include African dance and drama. Augusta native an international clinician, Mr. Trey McLaughlin, facilitates this workshop.

The cost of the workshop is $150.00 For more information call at 706664-­9022 or e-­mail tolbert.shanita@ gmail.com

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inside Back Page

PARIS DAVIS (center) models an outfit during Curvitude Boutique’s annual fashion show, held at the Doris Building downtown. The women’s boutique, which specializes in a wide range of sizes, from small to 3x, celebrated their six-year business anniversary.

June 2, 2017 (Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Models walk the runway during Curvitude Boutique’s Annual Fashion Show, held at the Doris Building downtown. The women’s boutique, which specializes in a wide range of sizes, from small to 3x, celebrated their six-year business BAND LEADER CHAYMON”TRACLAYER”JAMES (R) plays the keyboards along with other members of the Phaze 360 Band during the annual Curvitude Boutique fashion show held at the Doris Building. June 2, 2017 (Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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UPW backpage

(Above) JASMINE JONES on the runway at the Curvistude Boutique’s annual fashion show.

June 2, 2017 (Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Models walk the runway during Curvitude Boutique’s Annual Fashion Show, held at the Doris Building downtown. The women’s boutique, which specializes in a wide range of sizes, from small to 3x, celebrated their six-year business anniversary.

(At left) GRETA MERRITT on the runway at the Curvistude Boutique’s annual fashion show.

June 2, 2017 (Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs