UPW NOVEMBER 21-30, 2019
Mark Your Calendar
Omeeka Loggins
URBAN PRO WEEKLY
State Court Solicitor General is keynote speaker for MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast VOL. 9 NO. 2
Meet Bennish Brown Augusta’s point man for boosting city’s tourism Bennish Brown, President/CEO of Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau, poses for a photo at the ACVB headquarters. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Love & struggle on the big screen
Queen & Slim
Harriet
(at left) HARRIET, starring Cynthia Erivo in the title role. (far left) QUEEN & SLIM stars Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith.
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CINEMA CORNER
AT THE MOVIES: Today’s social climate is tense as racism and violence constantly come to a head, with the latter often inspired by the former. That’s what makes the poignant crime drama like Queen & Slim so appealing. Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play a newly romantically entangled black man and a black woman who end up on the run when the cop who pulled them over is killed in an act of self-defense. The two become a viral sensation in fighting against systemic racism that has resulted in so many lost lives, but they also find a passionate love between each other.
Metro AUG THE MEDIA
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By Frederick Benjamin UPW Staff Writer AUGUSTA Since 2013, Georgia Public Broadcasting reporter Drew Dawson has been the company’s lone employee in Augusta. From its studio on the Augusta University campus, Dawson hosted a mid-day program amplifying local news for the station’s listeners. Last week, however, that all came to an end. Apparently, the move was a belt-tightening maneuver. It was felt that hosting the program from Atlanta would be more cost effective. Bert Huffman, Chief Development Officer and senior vice president for external affairs for GPB, confirmed the station’s decision to end Dawson’s stint. Unfortunately, he will not be replaced. Dawson, however, was not blind-sided by the move. Earlier this year, Dawson was able to share with UPW that the station was planning on shutting down.
One of the projects that stands out under Dawson’s tenure was the oral testimony of tenants from the former Cherry Tree Crossing public housing complex prior to its demolition. Dawson, sat down with UPW shortly after he took the reins in Augusta and he outlined some of the things he wanted to accomplish. At the time, Dawson explained. “A lot has happened [since my arrival]. We now have a daily community calendar on-air, voiced by students here at the university. We started a pretty robust internship program, where students in the Communications Department are producing assignments that will actually get used on the air. A lot of the interviews for the Cherry Tree Listening Project were done by students. “We’re making this a vehicle where students studying Communications can take some of the things they’ve learned and use them in a real-world environment and be judged by professional standards. We spend a lot of time in the studios working with stu-
Drew Dawson in 2013 shortly after joining GPB’s Augusta studio. dents. We’re developing relationships with “forward-thinking” key influencers to get a feel for where the needs are in the community. There are also some serious conversations going on about the creation of a local content
talk show. GPB, however, has not divested across the board in the state. They will continue to have a presence in both Savannah and Macon according to local media reporting.
U.S. Census seeks to employ hundreds of local residents for 2020 Count this spring The Census is urging residents to sign up as soon as possible for these temporary positions which pay from $15 per hour. AUGUSTA It only happens once every ten years and many families have had members participate through successive generations — the census count. It has never been easier to land one of the hundreds of 2020 Census jobs that will be offered in the Augusta area. Applicants can sign up for the position of census taker (enumerator) or one of the many clerical posi-
On Dec. 3, U.S. Census workers will be on hand to sign up as many Augustans that wish to work in the 2020 Census. A specially equipped bus will be at the Downtown Library, Augusta Technical College and possibly Paine College. For times and locations call 912-244-5100. tions that are needed for a successful count. Hours are flexible and the pay is competitive. The going rate for the Augusta area is $15 per hour.
While the bulk of the hiring won’t happen before the spring of 2020, those who apply early can ensure that the lengthy selection process (which
includes a background check) won’t put them at a disadvantage when the hiring rate accelerates. For information go to 2020census.gov/jobs.
Behold the Star Spectacular Returns December 21st The acclaimed youth choir Creative Impressions will hold its Annual “Behold the Star” concert at the AU Maxwell Performing Arts Theater on December 21, 2019. This concert is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and features some of Augusta’s best young performers. The 2:00pm Matinee is $15 per person and 7:00pm show is $20 a ticket. Discounts tickets for students, military, senior citizens, and group discounts are available.
Call 706-664-9022 to order tickets or visit www.creative-impressions.org for more details. The repertoire of the organization includes folk, gospel, contemporary and traditional music, as well as original compositions and arrangements by the teenagers themselves. Rev. Evelyn D. Ellis started Creative Impressions in 1996 and led the organization until Trey M. McLaughlin became the Artistic Director in 2009. A Davidson Fine Arts School graduate
and former student of the program, Mr. McLaughlin was awarded 2018 Artist of the Year by the Greater Augusta Arts Council. His critically acclaimed 2019 national tour “The Zamar Experience” will resume in 2020. An after-school, non-profit organization, Creative Impressions supports approximately thirty-five teenagers of diverse backgrounds that range in age from 12 to 18 years old. Through weekly training sessions that focus on excellence, hard work, and committed lead-
ership, the organization instills pride and esthetic appreciation while promoting positive work habits and responsible behavior. Students study musical theatre, drama, dance, and music history. They learn to read music, technique and develop the self-confidence needed to perform for live audiences. Each year during spring break, students embark on a scholarship tour. They tour colleges where seniors perform in the hopes of securing a college scholarship.
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Augusta loses lone public broadcasting news person
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Window/Building Lighting contest on Broad Street AUGUSTA The City of Augusta along with the Downtown Development Authority & Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta are excited about a new Downtown Augusta lighted building/window contest. There will be
awards given for the following two categories: Most Whimsical and Most Original Use of Lights. The decorating must be completed by Thursday, December 5th at 2pm. Judging will happen that night. The winners will be announced at the official lighting
ceremony on Friday, December 6th at 8pm just before the fireworks. For an application email Margaret Woodard – mwoodard@myaugustadowntown.com or go to www. rmhcaugusta.org/augustaparade .
Other holiday festivities: Christmas Light Up Spectacular & Peace for the Holidays Music Series Friday, December 6th, 6pm – 9pm Richmond County Students singing, Mayor’s Christmas Card Winner, Tree Lighting & Fireworks Peace for the Holidays Music Series will have local students singing the following Friday’s in December
Friday, December 6th, 13th, and 20th Augusta Christmas Parade benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta Saturday, December 14th 6pm 12 Bands will have music in the Augusta Common along with inflatables Contact – Sean Frantom (706) 922-7411, 2019augustaparade@gmail.com
Winter Art Sale at City Gallery: Opening Reception December 12! The Greater Augusta Arts Council invites you to visit the annual Winter Art Sale at the City Gallery! With the holidays right around the corner, folks are starting to shop in the spirit of giving. Find a gift for a loved one and support local artists at the same time. Showcased will be smaller works from artists around the River Region.
The Winter Art Show will be up at the City Gallery from November 25 through January 3. Where is the City Gallery you ask? It is right on the first floor of our Municipal Building at 535 Telfair Street, in Downtown Augusta (the “Marble Palace”). All are welcome to enjoy the art, and maybe bring home
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2019, for the following: 1. Meadowbrook Elementary Media Center and Music Room Flooring RFP #2019-022 Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Cecilia Perkins in the Business Office at perkice@boe.richmond.k12. ga.us or 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org/bids, or at Richmond County School System, Central Office 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, GA 30901. The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw, Secretary
something completely unique. On Thursday, December 12, there will be an opening reception for the 2019 Annual Winter Art Sale. The gallery contains small works from River Region artists. The reception is open to the public and there will be light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there!
ADA Transition Plan Update Meeting The disability community of Augusta-Richmond County is invited to an Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan Update 2019 Community Meeting on Tuesday December 3rd at 5:30 6:30pm. The meeting will be held in the 1st floor Beazley Meeting Room of the Municipal Building at 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901. Augusta’s ADA Coordinator, Carole Burrowbridge, will give a presentation on the ADA Transition Plan Update 2019 that is nearing completion and provide an opportunity for members of the disability community to identify their priorities for accessibility improvements in Augusta-Richmond County. To request reasonable accommodations or alternative formats for this event, please contact us at (706)8212577 or cburrowbridge@augustaga. gov by 5pm on Friday November 29.
Looking For Something To Do?
Augusta’s abundance of art is easy to find! Plan your fun at www. Events.AugustaArts.com and explore Augusta’s: • Public Art • Concerts & Galleries • Live Theater • Museums • Night Life & Open Mic • Festivals: Arts, Music, Literature, Cultural, Food and more! @visitaugusta #loveaugusta #augustaarts #artsdestination
A scene from Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo in the title role. Glen Wilson/Focus Features
“Harriet”: equal parts embattled heroine and action star By Robert Ito Think of Harriet Tubman and you’re likely to picture an old woman in a kerchief, seated and somber, a mental image drawn from the handful of formal photos taken near the end of the abolitionist’s remarkably (and in many ways, inexplicably) long life. So it’s something of a jolt to see her in the new drama “Harriet,” in which she is both young (in her late 20s when the film opens) and active (leaping off bridges, facing down slave owners, charging through woods with hunting dogs at her heels). Perhaps most jarring, this Tubman is armed and ready to start blasting, something you certainly don’t see in all those children’s books about her. “Those books defanged her, declawed her, to make her more palatable,” Kasi Lemmons, the film’s director, said. “Because there’s something quite terrifying about the image of a black woman with a rifle.” Few figures in American history have been as shrouded in myth and misperceptions as Harriet Tubman. Biographers have made up figures about her, from the number of enslaved people she rescued to the bounty on her head, while others have misquoted her, including Hillary Clinton and Kanye West. One of her earliest biographies is filled with inaccuracies and racist language, while a cottage industry of
children’s books paints a picture of her that’s often more fable than flesh and blood. When the author and historian Catherine Clinton was writing the biography “Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom” (2004), she said, “I encountered people who were not sure if she was even a real person, or if she was a figure from folklore.” So what happens when Hollywood, an industry not known for factual fastidiousness, gets its hands on Tubman’s story? In “Harriet,” which opened on Nov. 1, the filmmakers have fashioned a lead character (played by Cynthia Erivo) far removed from her staid public image, equal parts embattled heroine and action star. The filmmakers pored over numerous biographies and firsthand accounts to separate fact from fiction, creating a two-hour narrative from a ninedecades-long life that included two marriages, encounters with Frederick Douglass and John Brown, and stints as a suffragist and Union spy. Tubman, who died in 1913, was also the first woman to lead an armed assault in the Civil War. Incredibly, despite all the biographies and monuments, operas and museum exhibitions and commemorative stamps, “Harriet” is the first feature film to focus solely on the
Underground Railroad’s most famous conductor. The filmmakers had to wait, and wait, for the industry to get as excited about the project as they were. Among the sources that the filmmakers consulted was the first biography about Tubman, “Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman” (1869), a problematic book by Sarah Hopkins Bradford that included several inaccuracies (the number and nature of her rescues, for example) and set the stage for inaccurate accounts to come. Bradford, who was white, interviewed Tubman, but “she was used to writing about Peter the Great, Columbus, these great white men,” Kate Clifford Larson, author of the Tubman biography “Bound for the Promised Land” and an adviser on the film, said. “So when she listened to Tubman, she just didn’t pay attention. And she also had her own racist views about black people, so the language she used in the biography was offensive.” Among the oft-repeated myths about Tubman: that there was a $40,000 bounty on her head, a preposterously high figure at a time when the reward for the capture of John Wilkes Booth was $50,000. “If it were that high, she would have been caught,” Larson said. In the film, we see posters citing a more reasonable $200 or $300. And then there’s the number of enslaved people she rescued through
the Underground Railroad, which was reported as 300 in her 1869 biography, but was more likely around 70. “Her story was a hard sell at the time, so they embellished things to try to sell it,” Lemmons said. The film’s epilogue goes with the more accurate estimate, while adding that as part of a relatively large military operation, she also freed more than 750 slaves during her time with the Union Army during the Civil War. In the film, we see Tubman leading hundreds of black troops, leveling a rifle at her Confederate enemies as plantations burn in the background. “I don’t think we necessarily think of historical female figures as Joan of Arcs, particularly in children’s books, but that’s exactly what she was,” the producer Daniela Lundberg said. Lemmons added, “You don’t have an image of what she was like when she was actually doing this work in her late 20s, when she was this young superheroine, this completely badass woman.” As for those guns, Tubman carried a pistol during her time with the Underground Railroad (to protect herself and her charges against slave hunters and, on at least on one occasion, as seen in the film, to encourage those under her to stay the course). During the Civil War, she wielded a sharpshooter’s rifle.
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THE ARTS FEST
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Q&A Bennish Brown,
Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau Bennish Brown, President/CEO of Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau, poses for a photo at the ACVB headquarters. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
UPW: What was your first impression of Augusta? Brown: It had been years since I visited Augusta. I used to come here with my parents and sister in my early school years. We shopped for school clothes here, and my first pair of glasses - around the 5th grade or so - came from the late Dr. Victor Casella. As an adult who has lived in other parts of the southeast and in the Pacific Northwest, I was pleasantly surprised to see an Augusta that has a great vibe with some cool amenities, and is on the verge of maturing even more as a place to live, work and especially visit.
President/CEO
UPW: Apart from the business of tourism marketing, what are some of your hobbies and interests? Brown: My wife and I have been married for 35 years and we have one adult son. The three of us absolutely love to travel. So, traveling is a hobby. We’ve been to five of the seven continents, and we’re always planning our next trip, including places to discover here in the United States. My other interests include trying to play golf, and restoring my deceased father’s 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 classic car. I love reading self-help books about leadership, I love science fiction movies and the new movies inspired by UPW: What sparked your interest comic book superheroes. Finally, I in destination marketing? love to cook outside on the grill. Brown: Nearly twenty years ago, I Nothing fancy, just comfort food. was encouraged by a friend to apply for a job as the executive director UPW: As a relative newcomer of the destination marketing organi- with fresh eyes on the Garden City, zation in Rock Hill, SC. At the time, what is Augusta’s greatest weakmy friend, Robin Montgomery, was ness in terms of attracting new employed at Carowinds theme park, visitors? Greatest strength? on the border of South and North Brown: The greatest weakness is Carolina. Our paths had previously trying to narrow down specifically crossed twice in our careers; once one or two things that truly make while working as reporters for a news- Augusta unique and stand out among paper, and again as members of a cor- all the destinations that travelers can porate communications department. choose from globally. Another weakIn early 2000, he was on the Board ness is that many local people don’t of the Rock Hill/York County CVB. see the “new” Augusta that is emergThe CVB was looking to transition to ing right before our eyes, so we have an organization that merged with the to do a better job of promoting what’s local sports commission. Robin was dynamic about Augusta to the people confident that my communication and who live here. We keep repeating the public relations skills would transfer saying, “Love where you live.” That’s significantly to help me succeed in really something we can build on. working at the Rock Hill organization. Augusta’s greatest strength is that I applied for the job, and the rest is it does have global name recognihistory. tion because of the Masters and the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. UPW: What is the strongest char- That’s a huge plus from an overall maracteristic that you possess that has keting standpoint. But, we need to be helped to determine your success? bolder in promoting our soulful spirBrown: My top two strengths iden- it, which comes through in so many tified in a Strengthfinders’ personal- ways. In addition to being a riverfront ity profile are Relator and Achiever. I city, we have lots of strong separate think that combined, those character- assets, from a growing culinary scene, istics have helped with my success. I a growing distillery and craft brewing have a strong affinity for developing scene, and world-class entertainment, meaningful relationships and working among other strengths, and we need collaboratively with people and teams. to do a better job of packaging those At the same time, I have a strong drive to both let visitors know and remind and a constant need for achievement. our local residents. Using my energy and skills to make progress is a key motivator for me, UPW: What would be your dream and I also am energized by inspiring event/attraction for the city? others to achieve. Brown: My dream event would be
a festival or an attraction that authentically represents the soul and character of Augusta. I don’t yet know exactly what that looks like, but some great ideas are on the table, including an International Soul Festival, inspired by and infused with the music of James Brown, which also features southern food. UPW: What is your long-range vision for the Augusta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau? Brown: I simply want us to be the absolutely best, and most effec-
tive organization that we can be at achieving our mission, which is to be the leader at marketing Augusta as a destination for conventions, events, leisure travel and film production; tell Augusta’s story to both external and internal audiences; help to create tourism products that elevate our city and region; and grow the tourism economy which employs local residents and supports local businesses. UPW: Community involvement is Continued on page 8
Augusta & Company is the headquarters for the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
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SportsJOURNAL
BY VINCENT HOBBS
Lady Spartans Tip-Off tournament at Glenn Hills The Glenn Hills varsity girls basketball team were defeated 51-19 in a game against Ridge Spring-Monetta High during the Lady Spartans Tip-Off tournament held at Glenn Hills. The annual event features several varsity girls basketball teams from across metro Augusta. (November 26, 2019 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports
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ACVB from page 6 crucial to the success of any destination marketing strategy. What can Augustans do to help this city attract more visitors and garner more interest from large-event promoters? Brown: It is important that every resident view themselves as an Ambassador of this destination. We know that nearly 50% of our leisure travelers are here to spend time with family or friends. So, many Augustans are hosting and influencing the itinerary of many visitors to our area. We encourage locals to use our tools, both print and digital (website and social media) to be better informed about what there is to see and do here. We also invite Augustans to our new Visitor Experience Center, Augusta & Co., at 1010 Broad Street. It’s a unique new space that is designed to bring people together, like community. Through its rotating art gallery, tasting bar, curated merchandise, and continued promotion of attractions and events, the space conveys the true local flavor of Augusta, and it makes the perfect place to kick-start any visit here. When it comes to garnering more interest from large-event promoters, it’s the same premise. Many local residents have professional ties to a lot of different organizations, or they may be part of the decision-making pipeline for large events that rotate around the coun-
try. Then, many people are involved in large events because of their children. These are opportunities for local residents to help pave the way for Augusta to be considered as a location for that respective event as part of a rotation or on a more
frequent basis like we do for the Ironman 70.3. We suggest that people individually look around this city and this region, look at our assets and amenities (from our proximity to the interstate to having a regional
airport) and imagine the types of events that could benefit from being here. Everyone, please become an ambassador, be proud of where you live, and help us recruit visiting groups and events to our remarkable destination.
Augusta Chorale’s 37th Season Christmas Concert The Augusta Chorale will present is annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel of Paine College, Augusta GA, under the Direction of Dr. Phyllis W. Anderson, with Accompanist, Ms. Angela Arrington. Guest Vocalist Karen Gordon, Augusta’s First Lady of Jazz, will inspire all who attend. The Aiken Civic Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Adam DePriest, will accompany the choir. The concert will also feature Christmas Favorites, selections from Handel’s Messiah, and choral works arranged by renown Professor Wycliffe Gordon (Augusta University). The audience will be given an opportunity to sing carols with the Augusta Chorale. The concert promises to be a truly ‘magnificent’ event. Dr. Anderson, artistic director of the Augusta Chorale, will conduct the production and Ms. Angela Arrington will accompany the Chorale. Advance tickets are $20 for adults.
General admission tickets on the day of the concert are $25.00. Children 17 years and under are admitted free! Tickets may be purchased online at www.augustachorale.org or by call-
ing (706) 250-0937. For more information about the Augusta Chorale please call 706.830.0991 or visit our Facebook page.
Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Senior Luncheon DECEMBER 11, 2019 FROM 11:30 AM – 1 PM
The Augusta Chorale Holiday Performance Cost $11.00 includes lunch The Augusta Chorale was founded by local music enthusiasts in 1983. Whether singing in concert, for veterans in nursing homes, at churches for special services, during festivals or at schools, the Chorale has distinguished itself with outstanding repertoire and performances. Dr. Phyllis Anderson is the group’s third Director and has successfully expanded both the members and the audience due to its growing reputation for excellence. To RSVP email ceharris85@hotmail.com or call 706-724-3576. Seating is limited so reserve your spot early.
Brunch with Santa The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History DECEMBER 7, 2019, 9:30AM – 1:00PM Santa Claus has filled his bag with plenty of goodies to share, and he’s ready to welcome the children with a chat and a gift. There will be other activities the children are sure to enjoy, such as games and holiday art projects. As a bonus, attendees of this special event will enjoy the Christmas Story as told by Brennan Francois, CEO of Dynamic Living. The day is sure to be filled with lots of Christmas cheer. Please join us! We wish you a wonderful holiday season!
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Building Responsible Individuals with Construction Knowledge (BRICK) Class Schedule Begin on Monday, January 6, 2020 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Class Schedule End on Friday, March 20, 2020 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING Patterson-Brown and Associates will be introducing a training program for individuals that are interested in breaking into construction. The program will introduce students to important aspects of construction and gaining employment in the construction industry. Topics that will be covered include Safety, Math Skills and Interview preparation. The Core Curriculum is a pre-requisite to our NCCER level 1 training curriculum. It will last approximately 3.5 weeks. If you are looking for a rewarding career in construction, then BRICK may be a great start to your future! For additional information www. pba-diversity.com/BRICK. Early Bird Enrollment Pricing Through November 15, 2019, $1,499, After November 15, 2019. $2,499. Payment plans are available, but the balance has to be completely paid before classes begin! #AugustaGA #North Augusta #FortGordon #AugustaPublicHousing #AikenSC #CSRA
Call for Artists: GCA Seeking to Commission a Script
The Georgia Council for the Arts seeks a playwright or theatre to create a script for a one-act play to serve as a preventative educational initiative against domestic commercial sex exploitation of minors. Applications are due at 5PM on November 20, 2019. GCA has partnered with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Georgia Department of Education, Wellspring Living and Street Grace to offer a $10,000 contract for the creation of a script for a one-act play to serve as a preventative educational initiative against domestic commercial sex exploitation of minors. For more information call 706826-4702 or go to info@augustaarts.com. Greater Augusta Arts Council, 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, GA
E-mail your Community News to editor@urbanproweekly.com
RICHMOND COUNTY BOARDOFEDUCATION BondIssueProgram
PROPOSAL NUM.B-19-014-1052 Butler High SchoolRenovations
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Butler High School Renovations by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, Nov. 21, 2019, 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 Nov. 7, 2019 at 11:00amlocal time at the project site, 2011 Lumpkin Rd., 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, 2956 Mike Padgett Hwy, Augusta, Georgia 30906. Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Studio 3 Design Group, P.C.attn: Jennifer Powell @jpowell@s3dg. comor 706-667-9784 .Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $300.00 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. 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. 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. Kenneth Bradshaw County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith, CPA
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The Golden Blocks Opening Ceremony The Opening Ceremony for the Golden Blocks was held on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The program opened with remarks by Corey Rogers from the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Leon Maben from the T.W. Josey Class
of 1970, and Pax Bobrow from the Greater Augusta Arts Council. The auditorium of the A.R. Johnson Lecture Hall was filled with a diverse audience entertained by the powerful spoken word pieces from poet Kristie Robin Johnson and original
music sung by composer Audrey Sala Adenike Jeter Allen and Creative Impressions. The ceremony concluded with a walking tour and a reception at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. The Golden Blocks Project is a
creative place-keeping collaboration of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, and local artists. The history stored within the archives of the Museum is being shared in public forums through the arts.
Rah’Mere Williams is named Augusta Technical College’s 2020 GOAL Winner
Rah’Mere Williams AUGUSTA Rah’Mere Williams, a Design and Media Production Technology student at Augusta Technical College, has been named the college’s 2020 winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). The announcement was made at the college’s annual Faculty & Staff meeting and GOAL recognition event on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, in the Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center. A panel of local leaders chose Williams over three other nominees for the award. The runners-up were Gabriel Andrews, Augusta, Welding & Joining Technology; Dineashia
Griffin, Augusta, Early Childhood Care & Education; and Sheyna Novakovski, Martinez, Criminal Justice Technology. GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges. The announcement of Williams as the Augusta Technical College GOAL winner was made by President Terry D. Elam. Williams will now proceed to regional judging. “I am deeply honored to represent my college at the state GOAL competition. I want to thank TCSG, Augusta Technical College, my instructors, and everyone who has supported me on this journey to share my story in hopes that it will inspire someone else to pursue technical education,” said Williams. All college GOAL winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Atlanta for three days in April. Nine regional finalists, three finalists from the three regions, will be announced in Atlanta on April 22, 2020. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2020 State GOAL Winner, TCSG’s Student of the Year, and the recipient of the GOAL medallion. The grand prize also includes a brand new car, courtesy of KIA, the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program.
American Rhythms Saturday, January 18 | 7:30pm Miller Theater Augusta Symphony Dirk Meyer, Music Director Clayton Stephenson, Piano
Clayton Stephenson
AGUILA The Giant Guitar GERSHWIN Piano Concerto in F COPLAND Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo AGUILA The Fall of Cuzco Four works by American composer Miguel del Aguila that are full of Latin rhythms, beautiful melodies, and raw power. Call the Box Office at 706-842-4080 ext 1.
Pictured l-r:Vanessa Ashmore, CRT, Frist Humanitarian Award Recipient and Morgan Masters, RN, HCA Excellence in Nursing Award Recipient. Photo courtesy of Doctors Hospital of Augusta
HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction recipients honored AUGUSTA Doctors Hospital of Augusta recently honored the recipients of the prestigious HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction, the highest honors bestowed upon employees, physicians and volunteers. They are Vanessa Ashmore, CRT,, recipient of The Frist Humanitarian Award and Morgan Masters, RN, recipient of the HCA Excellence in Nursing Award “We are pleased to honor Vanessa and Morgan . . . for their commitment to our mission to care and improve human life,” said Doug Welch, Doctors Hospital CEO. “Their exemplary work and compassion in serving our patients and our community raises the bar for healthcare professionals all over the nation." Vanessa Ashmore, embodies the spirit of service to others. She currently serves our patients as a Cardiovascular Technician in our EKG Department. Vanessa has been part of the Doctors Hospital family for 31 years and has always placed the needs of our patients and colleagues above her own. She has been known to prepare meals for those experiencing difficult times. Vanessa volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House supporting families with children seeking medical treatment in our community. She is also dedicated to ministries in her church including health, music and scholarship ministries. Vanessa volunteers for community health fairs
and is always ready and willing to serve our community. Morgan Masters, RN is an example of the spirit of nursing. Morgan is a Registered Nurse in the Newborn Nursery and has been part of the Doctors Hospital family for 3 years. It is evident by the number of compliments that Morgan receives from both her patients and peers that nursing is her passion and that she always puts patients first. She has created special ways to communicate to parents as if their own baby was communicating to them. At Christmas, she makes cards for moms with their baby’s footprint and a special note. During her free time, she makes ball caps for all newborn baby boys and bows for newborn baby girls. Morgan also takes care of her colleagues and makes the work environment fun for her co-workers. She is always trying to find a meaningful and positive way to encourage staff and to get things done. She is admired by her co-workers and they look forward to working the same shifts with her. “These caring and talented individuals demonstrate a genuine commitment to providing the best quality care to our patients. Their selfless devotion and love for our patients and our community is evident in everything they do,” said Welch. For more information, contact: Lynthia Ross, lynthia.ross@hcahealthcare.com, 706-834-8657.
The 23rd Annual Rev. Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast will take place on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 7:30 a.m., at the Oglethorpe Ballroom of the Augusta Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center. The Honorable Omeeka P. Loggins, State Court Solicitor General will be the keynote speaker. The event is sponsored by the Phil H. Waring Memorial Education Foundation and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter. The breakfast honors the life, legacy and memory of an American icon whose fight for freedom and equality changed the course of race relations in this nation and the world. During the breakfast the coveted Bert T. Thomas Unity Award will be presented to an individual or community organization who during the past year has worked toward making Dr. King’s dream of brotherhood/sisterhood and racial harmony a reality. The Lee N. Beard Humanitarian Award will also be presented. Tickets are $40.00 or $400.00 for a table of 10. Tickets may be purchased at www.alphachilambda1935.org
The Honorable Omeeka P. Loggins, State Court Solicitor General will be the keynote speaker at the Jan. 20, 2020 MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast.
11 UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 7 - 20, 2019
MLK Unity Breakfast to feature keynote speaker Omeeka P. Loggins
UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 7 - 20,
2019
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