UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW NOVEMBER 23 - 30, 2017

COMMENTARY by Ken Makin: Celebrity revelations, sexual allegations show that Hollywood, politics are one big lie

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

VOL. 7 NO. 4

Coliseum Authority’s approval leads to

SHOWDOWN JB Arena decision goes to the commissioners COMMENTARY By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer

An artist’s rendition of the proposed James Brown Arena complex

Race and class in the d’town vs. South Augusta disconnect COMMENTARY By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA We all knew that sooner or later race and class would take their place in any discussion of land, money, taxes and politics here in Augusta. On the surface, the media has done a tolerable job in keeping class and race at arm’s distance in the James Brown Arena dispute which, at times has Continued on next page

AUGUSTA When and if the Augusta commissioners decide to vote on the fate of the proposed $120 million James Brown Arena, what would appear to be a routine agenda tally, may in fact be a vote of confidence for or against Mayor Hardie Davis. Davis’s skill as a political leader will be on display — or perhaps on trial. If he gets six commissioners to buy into his vision, he will have demonstrated superior political instincts and skill. If, on the other hand, he fails to get six or is unable to massage a 5-5 tie vote, he takes a hit on the leadership-board. Let’s be clear, Mayor Davis has spent whatever political capital he has, or expects to get, in pushing through his vision for the city, which, some would argue, gets brighter as it passes through South Augusta. A loss on the Regency Mall vote at next Tuesday’s commission meeting won’t mean much if it’s just a reflection of discomfort felt by some commissioners about the genuine willingness on behalf of the mall owners to negotiate seriously. In this instance, the devil is in the details. The commissioners may say, we don’t like this deal, let’s see if we can do better. At that point, a very interest-

ing question arises. Who will continue the discussion with the mall owners? In previous administrations, that assignment would be given to then cit y administrator Fred Russell. Mayor Hardie Davis It’s hard to believe that they would task current city administrator Janice Allen Jackson with that task. Her plate is already full. On the other hand, I can’t see commissioners like Sammy Sias, Ben Hasan or Marion Williams passing up an opportunity to work on any subcommittee that would be formed to negotiate with the mall owners. I think it’s clear that a majority of the commissioners would support the Regency Mall location under the right terms. Whether or not the mall owners are serious about dealing with the city remains to be seen. What is very likely to happen is that the matter will be tabled while the comContinued on next page

RACE/CLASS from pg1

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 2017

become very emotional. Those seeking to focus more on tried and true economic realities tried to remain above the racial/class fray, but that couldn’t last. Just by covering the public pronouncements of those for or against the proposed arena, you will inevitably strike a class or racial vein with predictable consequences. That’s where we are now. In America, in 2017, race and class are volatile subjects, but they needn’t be. In Augusta, it’s tempting to oversimplify the narrative. For instance, in the James Brown Arena dispute it would be easy to look at it through purely racial lenses. Okay, you have a majority black electorate. So naturally, there’s white resentment and/or disinterest. Remember the last mayor’s election. No white candidates bothered to even run. When the demographics shifted toward a solid black political majority, some white Augustans made bold predictions about the “Detroitsyndrome” and urged their neighbors to flee to Columbia County. So, in Augusta, when things become political, you don’t have to dig too

deep to discern the racial overtones. In the mall issue, the vitriol that has surfaced toward South Augusta, where blacks are the dominant political voting bloc, has prompted many South Augusta black residents to rally to Mayor Davis’s south Augusta initiatives — especially the one which includes the Regency Mall site selection. But whites that think that Davis will automatically get the black community’s support are mistaken. They oversimplify the racial narrative. Davis can lose support in the black community and still be a formidable force. Local political history is full of instances of political alliances between white and black political factions. The one that comes most readily to the fore is the one that was alluded to by the public spat between Davis and local businessman and developer Clay Boardman. Davis suggested that Boardman was just a pampered West Augusta elitist which prompted Boardman to boast about his South Augusta business roots. That made me think of the “South Augusta Mafia,” — white politicians who made common cause with inner city blacks in the 70s and 80s. There

were some serious political differences between West Augusta and South Augusta white politicians. The thumbnail narrative is that the snooty West Augustans looked down upon the South Augusta poor whites. That was purely a class thing. Does it still exists today? Who knows. Times change. Back in the day, the poor whites were Democrats. That’s all changed. So, how does race and class figure into the Regency Mall dispute? Here’s how. A lot of white folks still live in South Augusta. Ever heard of Goshen Plantation? South Augustan whites stood shoulder to shoulder with blacks who were protesting the underhanded way in which the city was attempting to place an unwanted housing subdivision in their midst less than ten years ago. While the old white South Augusta political machine has been dismantled, many of them or their heirs still live in South Augusta. They have homes and businesses there. They have gotten Hardie Davis’s attention — and he, their’s. For Davis, it means that he can get into a political battle and put up a

good fight, or even prevail, without 100 percent support from the black community. For Davis to have withstood several months of media bashing and attacks on his leadership, he has had to have support in South Augusta that transcended the black community. There are many whites in South Augusta who have no reason to feel an allegiance to the Master Plans that originate in Downtown Augusta.

DAVIS from page 1

missioners get a chance to “go over the numbers.” Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle, a steadfast opponent of the Regency Mall site despite his south Augusta constituency, dropped a lot of financial calculations on the commissioners this week and some have indicated a desire to study them and verify their relevance. Without significant further negotiations, it’s hard to see how the mayor gets his six votes. Win or lose on the James Brown Arena whenever it gets voted on, Davis will pay a political price. It will be up to him to determine whether the cost was worth it.

UNIQUE PROGRAM GETS SERIOUS ABOUT SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS

theClubhou.se receives grant r from the Ewing a Marion Kauffman Foundation a

$499,760 grant is second largest in nonprofit’s history to support business accelerator program AUGUSTA theClubhou.se, Augusta’s innovation center and technology incubator, has received its second-largest grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to fund Startup Life, a uniquely designed, year-long zero barriers business accelerator program to help 10 disadvantaged entrepreneurs launch a successful startup. The nonprofit announced the $499,760 grant, part of the Kauffman Foundation’s Inclusion Open grant program, on Nov. 6. Out of 783 applicants, theClubhou.se was one of only 17 grants awarded. Most entrepreneurs—particularly those who are disadvantaged— aren’t able to leave work to focus on and pursue their vision. The funding from the Kauffman Foundation will launch Startup Life, a year-long program providing disadvantaged entrepreneurs in the CSRA with basic living expenses along with mentorship and connections to allow them to focus entirely on developing a successful startup company and new career. “Since 2012, theClubhou.se has helped grow 35 sustainable busi-

Applications accepted through Dec. 8, 2017. New program starts on January 1, 2018. For details go to: https://startuplife.theclubhou.se/

Rebecca van Loenen (VP of Business Development at Skyraider Aeronautics) shares her entrepreneurship story at the “Startup Life” press conference. nesses contributing over 90 jobs and $7 million in economic activity in the Augusta area. Based on our experience, the success of a startup is directly proportional to the amount of time an entrepreneur is able to focus on it,” said Eric Parker, cofounder, chairman and innovation architect at theClubhou.se. “By focusing on the elimination of expenses, as opposed to startup capital requirements, we can fully leverage our community’s low cost of living to harness the creative problem-solving capacity of the entrepreneur.” In spite of the Augusta area’s low cost of living, startups involve enormous risk with little social safety net. Capital markets are also limited and unemployment is higher than the state average. Startup Life will provide entrepreneurs with: •Furnished dormitory housing •Nutritious, healthy locally sourced meals •Transportation and access to public transportation •20-week curricula in design empa-

thy, ideation, iteration, team collaboration, customer experience, financial literacy, and automation & rapid prototyping technologies •Full computer lab and makerspace access •Full coworking access with desk, WiFI, coffee and community •32 weeks of ongoing support through mentorship and connections to resources, capital and communities to scale their business •Connections to business and investment community, government services, guided educational workshops, marketing and public relations opportunities. According to a statement by the Kauffman Foundation, “The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation works with organizations that help empower entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing businesses. We fight to empower the makers, the doers and the dreamers to create their own destinies and achieve uncommon things.”

Startup Life is a one year program where ten individuals will be ushered through the process of developing a startup. This begins by removing the barriers to starting a business by providing a place to live and three meals a day, enabling the entrepreneurs to focus on their startup.

The Kauffman Foundation launched its most recent Inclusion Open grant program this spring as a facet of its Zero Barriers movement, which is based on the belief that everyone has a fundamental right to turn an idea into an economic reality, regardless of who they are or where they live. This is the second Kauffman Foundation initiative at theClubhou. se. theClubhou.se launched 1 Million Cups, a free monthly gathering based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over cups of coffee, in September. Potential beneficiaries of Startup Life include displaced workers, veterans, underemployed, immigrants, women and other minorities who might otherwise not have opportunities into the eco-system of citizens who support new business ideas. Aspiring entrepreneurs can apply to Startup Life by visiting: startuplife. theclubhou.se.

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 2017

Community-based creative technology workshop offers life-changing opportunity for participants

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 2017

COMMUNITY

HAPPENINGS

Last Chance: Play to honor work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Written and Directed by Tyrone J. Butler After a friend is gunned down in a drive-by, Punkie must realize that her last chance for a better life is education. SHOW TIMES Fri., Jan. 12, 2018 –8:00 P.M. Sat. – Mon., Jan. 13 - 15 –3:00 pm Sat. & Sun., Jan. 20 & 21, –3:00 pm Sat. & Sun.,Feb. 17 & 18 –3:00 pm

ADMISSION $15.00 Adults; $10.00 Children & Students (Ages 2-18) & Senior Citizens (Ages 65 & Up); $8.50 Youth Groups/Chaperones & Senior Citizens Groups (Ages 65 & Up) - (10 or more) LOCATION Judith Simon Drama Studio on the Campus of Augusta Mini Theatre FOR TICKETS Call 706-722-0598

SPECIAL SHOWING: Saturday, March 10, 2018 –5:00 P.M. at Old Macedonia Baptist Church: 200 Macedonia Road, North Augusta, SC 29860 For more info call: 803.278.5244 or 803.648.8995 You can also purchase tickets and learn more about the Augusta Mini Theatre, by visiting www.augustaminitheatre.com.

This program is also supported in part by the Greater Augusta Arts Council through appropriations from Augusta-Richmond County Commission and Augusta Housing & Community Development Dept. (Community Development Block Grant).

OUR CLASSES: African/Modern Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Piano (ages 6-19) and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Workshop – Making Proud Choices (ages 14-19).

Visit us at our NEW location at

816 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901

706.723.5086

UPW Urban Pro Weekly Hephzibah, GA 30815

HOURS: Monday - 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday - 8:00 am - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 5 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

5 UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 2017

The Great War WWI EXHIBITION Through December 8, 2017 Paine College Collins-Callaway Library On display at Paine College through December 8th. Books from the archives and circulation stacks accompany the display so that students and visitors can do further research.

AUGUSTA, Georgia to BROOKLYN, New York DEPART FROM AUGUSTA Every Monday and Friday at 6:45 PM At the PILOT GAS STATION - Exit 94 I-20E RETURN FROM BROOKLYN Every Thursday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Depart from 495 FLATBUSH AVE, BROOKLYN NY • Free Water • USB Phone Charger • Free Water • Movies and friendly riders CLEAN RESTROOM AT ALL TIMES

R&S Travel & Tours

For more information contact J.R. or Kim at

856-266-6380 (JR) • 267-819-4205 (KIM)

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 30, 2017

Jaguars secondhalf comeback falls short in 79-74 loss to Livingstone in season’s home opener

AUGUSTA The Augusta University women’s basketball team got its first taste of on-court action in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Wednesday night with the 2017-18 home opener against the Livingstone College Blue Bears. The Jaguars eclipsed a 24 point first-half deficit by outscoring LC by 12 in the second, but fell 79-74 down the stretch. Down by three with two minutes in the contest, Augusta (1-2) senior Joshlyn Belcher hit a deep ball with 48 seconds on the clock to make it 73-72. The Jags forced a turnover with 27 seconds remaining, but were called for an offensive foul and then an intentional foul on the ensuing possession to give Livingstone (3-2) two free throws and the ball. Despite outscoring the Blue Bears 24-12 in the final period, Augusta fell by five. They shot 39.7 percent from the floor (23-of-58) to Livingstone’s 35.4 fieldgoal percentage (23-of-65) and they recorded a 41.7 three-point percentage (10-for-24) to LC’s 23.8 mark (5-for-21). First year head coach Millette Green had three players score in double digits. Augusta seniors Jahmia Bradley and Joshlyn Belcher each scored in double figures by the half. Bradley ended with 25 points and four assists, while Belcher had 20 points – matching her game-high of six three pointers. Moneisha Goldsborough scored 13 points and had a team-high seven rebounds for AU, while Mallory Myers provided eight assists, two steals, and seven points. The Blue Bears boosted ahead 18-0 at the start of the game, before Belcher buried a three pointer for Augusta from the left corner. The Jags were still behind by 18 at 38-20 with 6:40 to go in the first half. Belcher had three early three pointers to help pace the AU offense and Goldsborough and Brianna Middleton carded back-to-back blocks on defense. Augusta went into halftime trailing 52-35. After getting outscored 29-9 in the first quarter, the Jags scored 26 points to Livingstone’s 29 in the second. A made basket and free throw from Goldsborough broke the Blue Bears’ double-digit lead and made the score 67-59 midway through the third. Each team matched 15 points in the third period, as Augusta found its offense. The Jags stormed back and trailed 69-64 with six minutes to go in the game. Bradley connected on her fourth three pointer of the night with 3:20 to play, bringing the Jags within three. Belcher’s deep ball with 48 seconds on the clock made it 73-72, but LC survived in the final minute. AU’S JAHMIA BRADLEY attempts to score during a game against Livingstone College at Peach Belt Conference competition begins on Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars were defeated by the Blue Bears in this first home game of Saturday, Dec. 2 with a trip to Georgia College in the season, with a final score of 79-74. (Nov. 29, - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal Milledgeville, Ga., at 1:30 p.m.

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 2017

SportsVIEW

NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL - AU VS LIVINGSTONE

MILLETTE GREEN, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S NEW HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH, advises the team during a timeout in a game against Livingstone College held at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Green previously spent five seasons as the top assistant coach at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Jaguars were defeated by the Blue Bears in this first home game of the season, with a final score of 79-74. (Nov. 29, - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S JAHMIA BRADLEY shoots a free throw during a game against Livingstone College held at Christenberry Fieldhouse. (Nov. 29, - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S BRIANNA MIDDLETON (L) keeps the pressure on her opponent. (Nov. 29, - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 2017

MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin WHY ARE WE STILL SURPRISED?

Celebrity revelations, sexual allegations show that Hollywood, politics are one big lie

oday Show host Matt Lauer. CBS This Morning host Charlie Rose. Minnesota Senator (and former Saturday Night Live actor) Al Franken. Michigan State Representative John Conyers. All of these men have been in the news, and some have been fired, in the face of sexual harassment allegations. Their names aren’t the only ones. Ever since early October, when scandal found its way to Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s doorstep, sexual allegations have made the news on virtually a daily basis. The response I’ve gathered from the media, as well as family and friends, is one of shock and surprise, even as the tawdry laundry list grows. Whenever “revelations” such as these hit the media, I try to look at the bigger picture. First, let’s look at the greater society. Our relationships lack civility and benevolence. In relationships, whether business or personal, we are power-hungry and sex-crazed people. This leads to symptomatic problems on a small scale such as catcalling. On a larger scale, there

are scary divorcing trends. In the case of Hollywood and politics, we see a familiar story — SYSTEMIC oppression. The names we see in the news represent a larger problem — a culture of celebrities wielding their power in an abusive and destructive way. I will ask the same question again, though: why are we still surprised? Let’s look at what’s happening another way. Instead of looking at these allegations post-Weinstein, let’s look at these allegations post-Trump. In doing so, it is perfectly logical to wonder how in the world President Donald Trump is able to retain his status and position in the face of sexual allegations, as other celebrities lose their jobs and social standing. The answer is simple — Trump has the financial backing and the zealots to withstand the media frenzy. As a matter of fact, the grabber-in-chief embraces the controversy, almost to the point of trolling us all. His Twitter posts and questionable leadership keep him in the public eye, which is all the better for him, and all the worst for us. Still, there is a larger issue.

We see celebrities and politicians in a glorious light. Love them or hate them, we worship them to a fault. We study their every move and define our lives through theirs. As Black people, we associate our aspirations of wealth (and sometimes our wealth itself!) to the likes of Oprah, Beyonce and Jay Z. This is a recipe for disaster. As it relates to our politicians, we care more about their personal lives than we do the policies they enact. This is also a recipe for disaster. This series of sex scandals in Hollywood and in the political realm should make us not only question these individuals, but the systems themselves. If we can’t trust the shining stars of Hollywood, who can we trust? If we can’t trust our elected officials, who can we trust? Leave it to me, with a smiling face, to answer that question — trust NO ONE but God. Challenge yourself to look past the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, along with the prestige and popularity of politics. Look at the least of those in your communities and ask how some people can have so much

while some people have so little, and very few people show WITH THEIR ACTIONS that they actually care. Today is the day to stop acting surprised. Hollywood and the political realm have been exposed, and we are all the better for it. We should also hold folks in our communities accountable for this type of behavior. I don’t care if it’s your favorite pastor or your dearest relative — sexual abuse cannot and should not be tolerated. Unknowingly (or knowingly), we are the ones that make up the systems which allow celebrities and politicians to prosper. If we want to dictate change, then we have to uphold these entities to a higher standard. In other words, stop being surprised by a system of lies.

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference.” Updates on the show are available via Facebook at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached via email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail. com or via text at (803) 270-2331. Past and present columns can be viewed at VersesAndTiles.com.

Lena Horne’s granddaughter, filmmaker Jenny Lumet, accuses Russell Simmons of sexual violation Jenny Lumet is latest to come forward with sexual complaint against hip-hop mogul, Russell Simmons

Jenny Lumet, the award-winning screenwriter behind Rachel Getting Married and The Mummy is the latest woman to come forward with the resounding call of #MeToo, sharing what she says was her horrific encounter with music mogul Russell Simmons, who she says sexually assaulted her when she was in her early 20s. Lumet, the daughter of filmmaker Sidney Lumet and the granddaughter of singer and activist Lena Horne, took Simmons to task for his apparent hypocrisy in claiming: “I have never committed any acts of aggression or violence in my life. I would

never knowingly cause fear or harm to anyone.” That, of course, was Simmons’ statement in response to accusations from model Keri Claussen Khalighi, who earlier this month accused Simmons of sexually assaulting her when she was 17 years old. But, according to Lumet, Simmons’ statement could be nothing further from the truth she knows, a truth she detailed in the Hollywood Reporter. Lumet accused Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, of taking her to his home against her wishes after she accepted a ride that he offered.

Government’s love of secrecy presents ‘clear and present danger’

In addressing the American Newspaper Publishers Association on April 27, 1961, President John F. Kennedy said, “The very word “secrecy” is repugnant in a free and open republic; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and secret proceedings. We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and warranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweigh the dangers which are cited to justify it.” Kennedy continued, “And there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit. And no official of my Administration, whether his rank is high or low, civilian or military, should interpret my words here tonight as an excuse to censor the news, to stifle dissent, to cover up our mistakes or to withhold from the press and the public facts they deserve to know.” Furthermore, Kennedy said, “In time of “clear and present danger”, the courts have held that even the privileged rights of the First Amendment must yield to the public’s need for national security.” Then, Kennedy warned, “For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means of expanding its sphere of influence—on infiltration instead of invasion.” Unfortunately, America no longer opposes secret societies, secret oaths, and secret proceedings. s Instead, America resembles the monolithic and ruthless conspiracy which considers awakened, freedom , loving Americans as a “clear and present danger” whose dissent must f be stifled and censored. t . Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Roof Replacement and Renovations to Glenn Hills Middle School Project by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, December 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 November 29, 2017 @ 10:30 a.m. local time at the Glenn Hills Middle School Office, 2941 Glenn Hills Drive, Augusta, Georgia 30906. School Office Ph. 706-796-4705. 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: Hughes, Beattie, O’Neal, Law & Associates; 1201 Broad Street, Ste. 2A; Augusta, GA 30901 . 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 Assocaites at (706) 826-1127 for location to review and obtain this database. Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Angela 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

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 2017

LETTERS

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 2017

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PROPOSAL NUM. B-17-008-3556 Bond Issue Program PROJECT NAME: Parking Expansion at 1230 Laney Walker Blvd

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Parking Expansion at 1230 Laney Walker Blvd by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 3:00pm; 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 Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 2:00pm; local time at the site located at 1230 Laney Walker Blvd. 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. Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: STUDIO 3 DESIGN GROUP, P.C. 1617 WALTON WAY, AUGUSTA, GA. 30904 Attn: Jennifer Powell. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $30.00per 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 companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUM OF BLACK HISTORY ANNUAL QUILT EXHIBITION

Through Dec. 31, 2017 The Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild from Atlanta, Georgia has brought twenty exquisitely stitched quilts for a spectacular Annual Quilting exhibition. The Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild of Atlanta, GA is a diverse group of African-American quilters from all over the metropolitan area. The crafters of this guild have gained popularity both regionally and nationally.

WWI EXHIBITION

Through December 8, 2017 Paine College Collins-Callaway Library On display at Paine College through December 8th. Books from the archives and circulation stacks accompany the display so that students and visitors can do further research.

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

December 2, 2017 9:30 am - 1:00 pm The Lucy Craft Laney Museum, Delta Academy, Jack and Jill Inc., and Heritage Pines Home Owners Association, invite you to the Annual Brunch with Santa Experience. Childen enjoy a chat with Santa, play games, make crafts, sing Christmas Carols, listen to Christmas Carols, and enjoy delectable treats. We will also take a trolley ride through the Laney Walker Historic District to view the holiday decorations and learn more about the neighborhood historical treasures.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SENIOR LUNCHEON

December 13, 2017 11:30 am - 1:00 pm The renown Augusta Chorale will be our honored guest as we continue to welcome the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season through their melodious voices. Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman, Jr. of Tabernacle Baptist Church, faithfully returns to bless us with the spirit of the season. Your reservation is needed by Monday December 11th. The cost is $11.00.

The 2nd annual Winter Art Sale debuts this Friday, December 1. Join us Tuesday, December 5 11:30-1pm to celebrate the artists featured. All work is small scale and affordably priced (under $150), perfect for holiday gift giving. Purchased artwork will be available to be taken home on the same day as purchase, and online options are

available. Featured artists in this year’s Winter Art Sale: Abstract Alexandra, Betsy Brown, Ronda Bryce, Dawn Cardona, Si-Long Chen, Stephanie M. Dunatov, Alisha Gaillard,Nico Gozal,Amy Graham,Colette Hughes, Jennifer Jones,Rachel Miller, 82 Paints, C Prater, Christina Rice, and Lea Rigdon.

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE

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

Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

11 UrbanProWeekly••NOVEMBER NOVEMBER16 2017 UrbanProWeekly - 22, 2017

WINTER ART SALE ON DISPLAY SOON! RECEPTION DECEMBER 5

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER

2017