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Sept. 17-19

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

SEPT. 20 -OCT. 5, 2021 • VOL. 10 NO. 3

Mason gets District 4 nod Once again, “the process” is slammed – but should anyone really be surprised?

A quieter, gentler

a quiter

John Coltrane local artists

See p.3

explore the Master’s ballad offerings Performance info on p.10

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 5, 2021

Future educators seek to empower communities through art instruction Jessica Key has co-founded Empowering Communities Through Art (ECTA), a national organization with the goal of improving access to high-quality training in the arts. The organization’s mission is to provide a new alternative to traditional arts education by putting an equal emphasis on pedagogical training as well as artistic talent, and to bring the arts to communities that are traditionally overlooked by engaging with them through performances in unconventional venues. ECTA’s roster of instructors include many artists who are not only active performers, but are passionate teachers. The Organization has instructors who have graduated from the world’s best universities for art, including Alvin Ailey,

The Juilliard School, and the Curtis Institute of Music to name a few. Many of ECTA’s instructors are certified educators and are full time instructors in local school Jessica Key districts. ECTA aims to work with other community based organizations that accomplish its mission, such as schools, churches and businesses. Those who would like to study or partner with ECTA can visit the website at ectaorganization.com, and email ectaorganization@gmail.com. Jessica is a 2017 graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.

Richmond County Schools bring internet access to needy students The Richmond County School System will operate fourteen specially equipped buses to provide wireless internet access to students. The program, WiFi on Wheels, will be available in neighborhoods Monday – Thursday each week, from 5 – 7 p.m. Students will be able to take advantage of the access point within 500 FEET of the bus. Launched in 2020, the buses will again support students by extending internet access beyond school buildings and hours. LOCATIONS THE CREEKS off Gordon Highway near Highland 5 - 7 p.m. CEDAR GROVE near Deans Bridge/ Gordon Highway. 5 - 7 p.m. Oak Point Office on Oak Street. 5 - 7 p.m. REGENCY VILLAGE behind Regency Mall. 5 - 7 p.m. CARR STREET off Telfair past Lamar Milledge Elementary. 5 - 7 p.m. DOGWOOD TERRACE Old Savannah near Gordon Highway. 5 - 7 p.m. SALEM ARMS Windsor Spring and Rosier Rd. 5 - 7 p.m. VILLAGE MARIE APTS. off Deans Bridge near Georgetown. 5 - 7 p.m. AUGUSTA MANOR off Mike Padgett Highway 56. 5 - 7 p.m. Magnolia Park near Highland and Damascus Rd. 5 - 7 p.m. CASTLE PINES off Mike Padgett Hwy 56. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. TRAVIS & JAMES DRIVE near Diamond Lakes Elem. 5 - 7 p.m. HIGHVIEW COURT near Old McDuffie Rd. 5 - 7 p.m. Butler Creek near Phinizy Rd. 5 - 7 p.m.

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PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/upw +1 (762) 233-5299

CONTRIBUTORS K.L Gordon Olivia Gaines Rickey Jones Latasha N. Louis Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

COMMENTARY

No one should have been surprised By Frederick Benjamin Sr UPW Political Analyst SOUTH AUGUSTA After a period of uncertainty following the suspension of District 4 Commissioner Sammie Sias, the Augusta Commission huddled and decided to appoint former commissioner Alvin Mason as interim District 4 commissioner. And while Mason supporters cheered, his detractors cried, “foul.” The chorus of complaints surrounding the Mason selection settled on three main points. First, the vote was rushed and didn’t allow for more community input. Secondly, the Super District 9 Commissioner, Francine Scott, was not given the opportunity/ (courtesy) of picking an interim commissioner as had been done in the past. And finally, Mason is a likely candidate for that position. Appointing him above already announced candi-

dates gives him an unfair advantage in the upcoming 2022 vote for the District 4 post. All of the above complaints are valid and the anti-Mason factions have a right to be upset, but it is really a wasted emotion. They weren’t the first to be stung by “the process” and they certainly won’t be the last. Once it became clear that the governor was leaving the decision for the interim commissioner in the hands of the Augusta Commission, a time-honored tradition of horse-trading kicked into high gear down at city hall. Commissioners are politicians and their favorite number is 6. You need 6 votes to get anything done. As time goes by, alliances (informal and temporary) are formed over specific issues and then dissolve until needed again. Commissioners get a “feel” for what level of support to expect on any given issue. Anytime a commissioner (an ally

or detractor) has to be replaced suddenly, a tension is created and folks begin to see how best they can get to 6. At that point, the issue is strictly political and everyone else can just sit back and await the outcome. It always unfolds something like that. In 2014, you had a similar situation in District 7, in West Augusta. Donnie Smith had to be replaced and the District 7 community members were adamant about having a say in who the replacement would be. Anyone who thought that pure politics wouldn’t come into play was sadly mistaken. There were some important votes coming up. Ultimately, the commission decided to let Grady Smith (Super District 10) select the next commissioner. Smith’s super-district included District 7. That decision made a lot of folks even angrier. For one, Smith’s choice, a local businessman Hap Harris, was a close friend of Smith and, even worse,

was a member of Smith’s political campaigns. It didn’t matter. Hap Harris was appointed 7-1 (not all commissioners were present). The commissioners were only interested in appointing someone who they believed would be least capable of upsetting “the apple cart.” Folks also brought up the fact that, as a future candidate, Harris, had an advantage by running as an incumbent. They were right. Harris was a candidate and he did run, but he lost. In 2018, the commission wrangled and wrestled before deciding on a replacement for Andrew Jefferson in District 5. The commission finally selected Johnny Few. Few eventually became a candidate for the seat and he lost as well. It should be noted that in that process, the Super District 9 commissioner, Marion Williams, was not given the opportunity to select the interim as was Smith back in 2014.

UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 5, 2021

The Mason selection as interim District 4 Commissioner was a political calculation by those who hold the power; and as such,

Richmond County launches COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program AUGUSTA Richmond County Health Department has announced its partnership with the City of Augusta to serve as city-authorized clinic for distribution of the Covid 19 Vaccine Incentive Program. The program will launch on September 8, 2021 at the health department’s designated vaccination clinic located at 2420 Windsor Spring Road, Augusta, GA, as well as the May Park Community Center. This program is open to all residents of Richmond County who become fully vaccinated on or after September 8, 2021, AND who became fully vaccinated on the dates between August 19, 2021 and September 7, 2021. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if they receive two (2) doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations or one (1) dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccina-

Residents becoming fully vaccinated at Richmond County Health Department site(s) on and after September 8, 2021 will receive the $100 incentive card on the same day of their second dose of vaccine. tion. (Currently, the Johnson and Johnson vaccination is not available at Richmond County Health Department sites, so individuals will receive doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines). Residents becoming fully vaccinated at Richmond County Health Department site(s) on and after September 8, 2021 will receive the $100 incentive card on the same day of their second dose of vaccine. There is waiting period of approximately 30 days between the first and second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, so residents should plan appropriately as incentive card

supplies are limited and will only be given at the time of the resident’s second (2nd) dose of vaccine. Residents who became fully vaccinated, receiving their 2nd dose of vaccine, during the dates of August 19, 2021 and September 7, 2021 at the Richmond County Health Department vaccination site(s), including mobile units, will be able to pick their incentive cards up beginning Monday, September 13, 2021 at the 2420 Windsor Spring Road, Augusta, GA location between the hours of 9am and 4pm.

All residents wishing to receive an incentive card will be required to complete an affidavit attesting to their being a resident of Richmond County, including listing their name and address. Richmond County Health Department will not distribute incentive cards to individuals who received their 2nd dose of vaccine at another clinic or provider during the eligibility timeframes. Additionally, incentive cards will not be distributed to individuals receiving a booster vaccine regardless of when they receive a booster. Incentive cards will be distributed to residents until the supply of cards is exhausted. To register for COVID-19 vaccine visit: ecphd.com/schedule-online

UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 5, 2021

Movers & Shakers

ICK E Y JONES, a multi-talented designer and photographer from Augusta, GA, has accepted the position as Visual Stylist at Sassy Jones Boutique in Richmond, VA. Rickey will use his skills in styling, design and photography to help continue the brand’s amazing work. Rickey has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design from Georgia Southern University, is an event planner, Urban Pro Weekly columnist, and maintains a freelance photography, alterations and design business. Rickey sends special shout outs to his amazing parents and siblings, his beautiful family and his best friends as well as Tabernacle Baptist Church for all of their

Land Development Conference Registration is now open for the Augusta Georgia Land Bank Authority’s first annual Land Development Conference on Oct. 6th and 7th.

love and support during this transition. You can follow Rickey on his website www.rickeyrenoy.com and on instagram and twitter @rickeyrenoy.

Topics include everything from Opportunity Zones and Tax Credits to Economic Investment in the region and Deal Structuring. Register now to ensure your seat for what will be the premier conference of the fall in Augusta. http://www.arctax. com/210/Conference

Augusta Regional Airport hosts Meet-a-Machine benefitting Childhood Cancer Awareness! AUGUSTA Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is proud to host the Second Annual Meet-aMachine benefitting the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be an estimated 15,780 new cases of children, from birth to age 14, diagnosed with different forms of cancer each year. The Meet-a-Machine is a family event that provides the public the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about multiple types of vehicles. These vehicles include emergency response vehicles, planes, aircraft equipment, construction equipment, and much more. The event is designed to raise funds to support the research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, and cures of childhood can-

cers. “We are grateful for the Augusta Regional Airport’s continued support of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia,” said Kelsey McCullough, CMN Philanthropy Coordinator. “The funds raised by this organization greatly impact our patients.” “Despite the challenges of the past year, the Airport was determined to safely put on this event for such an important cause,” said Herbert L. Judon, Jr., Airport Executive Director. “As an organization, we stand in solidarity and support of all the young people, their families, and healthcare professionals battling all forms of pediatric cancers. In recognition of support of those lost or battling cancer, you will see a display of gold pinwheels at the entrance of the Airport.” Meet-a-Machine will be held on September 25th

from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. by Hangar One at Augusta Regional Airport. Tickets are $5 per adult. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at w w w.f lyags.ticket leap.com / meet-a-machine-2021 or by

scanning below. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors; Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Portable Services, Textron, Chick-f-la, Coke-aCola, Bruster’s Ice Cream,

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text UPW to (706) 528-6855

Get UPW delivered to your inbox OR your front door. Subscribe at growingaugusta.co/upw

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#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW

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Latrell’s Easy Vegetable Soup

If you have questions or would like to see other recipes, please visit my website or social media sites: www. southernjazzandsweets. com dessertsbylatrell @gmail.com

Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef, owner of Desserts by Latrell, a musician, lover of agriculture and I believe in Public Health. My professional background includes all of these things and Family and Consumer Sciences or Home Economics as you might know it! I am delighted to join this team of journalists so that I can provide you with answers to your questions about food, gardening and so many other issues or concerns that may present in our community. The fall is upon us and many of you may be looking for quick and easy recipes that are tasty yet not too expensive to create. This vegetable soup is a long time favorite of my family. This recipe can be doubled and cooled then frozen for later. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef (optional) ½ tsp minced garlic 1 cup onion-diced 6 oz tomato paste 1 cup petite diced tomatoes ½ tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried oregano ½ tsp dried garlic 3 cups of water 1 15 oz pack of frozen vegetable soup mix or 3 cups of diced mixed vegetables (corn, celery, string beans, potatoes, green peas)—you may also use two cans of mixed vegetables be sure to drain and rinse them. Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions Skip to step two if you are not going to use meat

1. Brown the ground turkey drain (or ground beef if you choose)-set aside in bowl 2. Heat olive in a large pot over medium heat, add onion and sauté for two minutes.

3. Add garlic tomato paste, vegetable mix, tomatoes, and water. Stir to combine (Add more water if needed)

4. Add basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer about 15-20

minutes until vegetables are tender and soup is thickened. Be sure to stir the soup constantly while cooking. 5. Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches or crackers. 6. Enjoy!

4th Quarter 2021: Take a staycation to prepare for success in 2022 have not prioritized rest in your daily, Commerce is here to service busiweekly, and quarterly schedule, then ness owners in the CSRA commuit is critical that this begins today. We nity through advocacy, education, have a high number of entrepreneurs and business owners with health and depression issues. Much of this is because the basics are missing from the daily structure. It is critical that you schedule time for your health and rest. It is critical to plan for the future, but also enjoy the present. Take time to reflect by completing a brain dump and writing down your accomplishments, goals, thoughts. It doesn’t have to make sense, but you must get it out of your head and onto paper. Remember, growth happens daily and it is critical to keep your mental and physical health in alignment as you build. Greater Augusta Black Chamber of

Got a “Mover & Shaker” in your family, business, or church? UPW wants to know about it. Send us a message on Facebook...

programming and more. Visit us at www.mygabc.org and follow us on social media @mygabc…

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We will soon be entering 4th quarter of 2021. As an entrepreneur and business owner, it is time to take assessment and begin preparing for 2022. Before you complete the assessment and begin preparing, we suggest you take a staycation and complete a brain dump. Staycations are critical for life balancing and we strongly suggest it, if you are an entrepreneur and/or business owner. The first benefit for the staycation is to reboot your mind. As a business owner, you are always thinking of ways to grow and sustain your business. Taking regular breaks will assist you in a clear vision of where the business is going. Another benefit is to rest your body because the long days and nights will eventually catch up to your health. If you

UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 5, 2021