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OCTOBER 9, 2024 · VOL. 38 · NO. 40 · FREE

Randall Bramblett The Balance and Mystery of Paradise Breakdown p. 17

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Oct. 19

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

BENEFITING

contents

this week’s issue ALI IMAM

October Artist Talks & Demos Yvonne Studevan Thursday, October 17th 10:00AM-12:00PM Artist Talk & Wine Glass Painting $10 (supplies included) Call ahead to reserve your spot 706-742-0823

Jason Machen & Chris Young Saturday, October 26th 10:30AM-12:00PM Photography & Woodworking Techniques

Brooklyn-based comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu will perform at the 40 Watt Club on Wednesday, Oct. 16 with support from Atlanta-based special guest Rebecca Wilson. For more info, visit 40watt.com.

FREE!

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 School Shootings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Youth Program Funds

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Pittard Road Water Contamination

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Randall Bramblett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Exploring Local Cemeteries

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Winterville Cultural Arts Center Gallery 371 N. Church St. Winterville, GA wintervilleccgallery.com

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FOOD & DRINK: Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Fall Fire Pits

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ADVERTISING SALES Libba Beaucham, Dave Martin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Chris Dowd, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Allyya Swaby CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Beth Bryan PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

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OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene

The Hives

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Randall Bramblett by Ian McFarlane (see story on p. 17) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,500 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $110 a year, $55 for six months. © 2024 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 38 ISSUE NUMBER 40

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

online exclusive Photographer Mike White caught sets by Swedish rock band The Hive and Essex punk group Bad Nerves at The Tabernacle in Atlanta on Wednesday, Oct. 2. See the full photo gallery online.

See “Photo Gallery: The Hives and Bad Nerves at The Tabernacle” at flagpole.com.

WASHINGTONSQUARESTUDIO.COM

706.395.6633

WE DO HAIR! OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Early detection saves lives

OCT. 22nd–30th

A CONTEST FOR THE BEST DECORATED HOUSES AROUND ATHENS

Schedule your mammogram today.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk.

Empower yourself and book your mammogram today at piedmontmammo.org or schedule on the Piedmont MyChart patient portal.

Flagpole would like to raise some Halloween spirits this year by presenting a contest of the best decorated haunts in all of Athens.

The concept is easy. Simply view the competing homes on flagpole.com and decide which one is your favorite Halloween house in town. Photos from participating houses and a map will be published on flagpole.com. Spectators are encouraged to view our gallery or drive around at their leisure to view the displays and vote for their favorites online.

HOUSES WILL BE ON DISPLAY FROM TUESDAY, 10/22 – WEDNESDAY, 10/30

Think your home could be the most ghastly in the ‘hood?

Just register your house by submitting photos of your finished display and agree to have your display up from Tuesday, 10/22 - Wednesday, 10/30 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

There will be prizes for the top 3 houses with the most votes! $150 value prize for 1st place!

11610-0824

Go to flagpole.com to submit your photos starting Oct. 8th.

Deadline to enter is on Oct. 21st.

Creepin’ it real this season!

11610-0824 BCAM 2024_PrintAd_5.875x8.5_Athens.indd 1

8/27/24 5:02 PM

flagpole Scary Story Contest

It’s flagpole Scary Stories time again. Send yours in and win valuable prizes!

Length: 750 words TOPIC: Athens-based Deadline: 5 p.m., Thurs. Oct. 10th

Prizes: $50 First, $25 Second, $15 Third Must be at least 16 years old to enter Winners published in Oct. 30th issue of flagpole. Send stories to editorial@flagpole.com

or

Scary Stories Editor flagpole, 220 Prince Ave, Athens 30601

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

news

city dope

Stealing ARPA From Babies?

COMMISSION REALLOCATES YOUTH FUNDS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Festivus is still a couple months away, but Athens-Clarke County commissioners decided to air their grievances early while discussing funding for youth programs.

At its Oct. 1 meeting, the commission narrowly passed a proposal to divert federal funds it had placed in a “bucket” for youth development and violence prevention to other projects, such as fixing courthouse elevators, buying new police cars, paving dirt roads, a new library HVAC and renovating the Costa Building next door to City Hall. The transfer did not sit well with a number of residents nor several commissioners, but ultimately time was running out to spend the money or give it back to the federal government. Meanwhile, the commission had no consensus on specific youth development programs and a number of pressing needs elsewhere.

Gym owner and former NFL player Willie Green told commissioners that he had requested $1.2 million over two years for anti-gang programs, but they opted to fund police cars and courthouse repairs instead. “What are we telling our kids?” he said. “We’re not preparing you to be future citizens or future leaders. We’re preparing you to go to jail.”

Artist Broderick Flanigan said the East Athens Development Corp. submitted a $1.8 million proposal that was not accepted.

“There are people like me who make it out of public housing, but we don’t do it without a certain type of support,” he said.

District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez chided the commission for prioritizing jail inmates over youth. “I’d rather climb five sets of stairs than take money away from children,” she said.

The fifth floor of the courthouse—formerly a jail—is not accessible by stairway, only by elevator. And only one of the three courthouse elevators is working; the inmate elevator is broken, requiring deputies to lead jailed defendants through public areas to get to a courtroom.

Funding those elevator repairs and other capital expenses out of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds frees up money in the general fund for things like youth programs, Commissioner Mike Hamby argued.

“Certainly youth development is an urgent need, and we’ve addressed that with the Boys & Girls Club and others,” he said, but courthouse elevators are also an “urgent need.”

Commissioners have had more than two years to decide how to spend ACC’s share of ARPA funds—about $57 million out of $480 billion distributed to state and local governments and school districts to help pay for broadly defined pandemic-related expenses. ACC has already spent most of its share on a variety of programs like affordable housing construction, eviction prevention, a homeless camp, an inpatient mental health facility, after-school activities and more.

But $3.7 million remains, and if that money is not formally allocated by the end of the year, it must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. Use it or lose it. “The clock is

ticking,” Mayor Kelly Girtz reminded commissioners. “We have to sign contracts for every penny of these expenditures by Dec. 31 of this year, and we’ve already kicked the can down the road.”

Commissioner Ovita Thornton blamed her colleagues for not listening to the public and for dragging their feet.

“That is a fair critique. That’s on all of us for not getting it done,” Commissioner Jesse Houle said. “But it’s unrealistic to sit here tonight and vote no and pretend we could do something else instead… There’s just no realistic way we can spend this money on creative new solutions with the amount of time that’s left.”

The commission “never found a way to count to six [votes]” on youth development, and now “the unfortunate reality is we’re out of time,” they said.

Thornton seemed to take Houle’s response Tiffany Taylor personally. “I always bring stuff forward, it’s just never heard,” she said. “I feel as though I speak on this commission, and nobody listens, and then when we get here I catch blame from the rest of y’all.”

Commissioners Allison Wright and Patrick Davenport noted that the Clarke County School District received a similar windfall through ARPA. “The school district has, what, 50-something million dollars?

I’m thinking they might do something youth-related?” Wright said. “I don’t know, call me crazy. We’re infrastructure. We’re services to the [whole] community.”

So why was a drop in the proverbial bucket for a government with a nine-figure annual budget causing such heartburn?

Commissioner Tiffany Taylor explained, sharing publicly that her 15-year-old son was shot in the chest at an unsupervised party and is now facing a police investigation for initially saying he had accidentally shot himself, as well as potential expulsion from high school.

“These are the realities of our youth,” Taylor said. “As a mom who sits on this board with children who go to the Boys & Girls club, who play basketball at Nellie B, this bucket is kind of personal. I’m the only mom that has a voice to speak on the things we go through, but there are thousands of moms just like me who go through the same thing with their student on a daily basis.”

After the commission rejected Commissioner Melissa Link’s motion to hold the youth development allocation again, Hamby’s proposal came up for a vote. Crafted at a recent commission retreat in Greenville, SC, it included: $300,000 to extend the Boys & Girls Club’s previously funded gang prevention program, $165,000 to continue subsidizing CCSD after-school sports, $558,000 for Costa Building renovations, $550,000 for dirt road paving, $750,000 to replace the library HVAC, $847,000 to

replace old police cars and $600,000 for courthouse elevator repairs.

Hamby’s commission-defined option passed 6–4, with Davenport, Wright, Houle and commissioners Dexter Fisher and John Culpepper in support. (It was an odd coalition—Houle and Hamby are rarely on the same side, as both acknowledged.) Link and Commissioner Carol Myers supported delaying the vote. Taylor and Thornton voted no on both.

Despite the split, perhaps the frank discussion bodes well for a commission that has appeared frustrated and had communication issues for the better part of two years. “I think it opened the door for more transparency between the community and this body as a whole,” Taylor said.

Affordable Housing Approved The commission also approved an affordable housing development off Lexington Road originally called Lexington Flats—though the developer offered to change the name, since it irked Commissioner Allison Wright.

In response to previous criticisms from Commissioner Tiffany Taylor, developer Birge & Held of Indianapolis, IN, added 12 three-bedroom units, bringing the total number of beds to 240. “I appreciate all the work that went into making this affordable, as well as accommodating more three-bedrooms for families,” Taylor said.

Jeff Carter of Carter Engineering also reassured commissioners that the development will not be for students. It’s being built utilizing federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) distributed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

“There’s no students allowed in this development,” Carter said. “That’s part of the LITC agreement.”

LIHTC ensures that the apartments will remain affordable for at least 30 years.

In this case, “affordable” means 30% of

income for a person making 60% of the area median income as identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which varies based on family size. According to documents filed by the developer, it is aimed at tenants making $30,000–$45,000 a year, so rents would be in the $800–$1,200 range.

Carter also addressed concerns that the development is located near Athens-Ben Epps Airport, noting that the airport authority, as well as the planning commission, recommended approval.

Election Odds and Ends U.S. Rep. Mike Collins was a no-show— perhaps too busy yassifying photos of JD Vance—but his Democratic opponent, Lexy Doherty, did appear at a candidate forum in Collins’ hometown of Jackson. View the video at facebook.com/ButtsChamber.

In other news, Doherty was endorsed last week by state Rep. Spencer Frye (D-Athens), who said she has “the same willingness and ability [as Frye] to work in a bipartisan manner to push for higher wages, lower rent and resources for our working families in Northeast Georgia.”

The Western Circuit Bar Association is hosting a forum for district attorney candidates, incumbent Democrat Deborah Gonzalez and independent challenger Kalki Yalamanchili, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Hill Chapel Baptist Church (1692 W. Hancock Ave.). Athens native Tharon Johnson, a prominent Democratic political consultant and pundit, will moderate.

Advance voting also starts Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Lyndon House Arts Center (211 Hoyt St.). Hours are 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26; and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 20 and 27. More sites will be added later.

Rumors flew late last week that Donald Trump would be visiting Athens, but it was just a campaign bus. Onboard were Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and state Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville), who stopped at the local Republican Party’s Milledge Avenue headquarters Friday, Oct. 4. Meanwhile, Trump himself visited hurricane-damaged Augusta, then held a rally in North Carolina. f

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news

feature

Forever Chemicals

NEW TESTS FIND CONTAMINATION IN PITTARD ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

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cting Athens-Clarke County Manager Niki Jones has declared a local public health emergency after “extremely high” levels of toxic chemicals were discovered in wells along Pittard Road and Star Drive on the northeast side of Athens.

The emergency declaration has allowed Jones to speed up the process of transitioning ten homes in the area from wells over to city water. The ACC Public Utilities Department contracted with Seay Plumbing and Drain Service in September to connect these residents to a nearby water line at the cost of $60,000, an expense which normally would have needed to be approved by the mayor and commission first. The commission ratified the decision at its Oct. 1 voting meeting.

The utility hookups will provide clean water to these residents in a matter of days or weeks, according to ACC staff. In the meantime, the ACC Public Utilities Department is providing them with bottled water at no charge.

demand immediate action and justice. We call for a comprehensive investigation.”

The local government had already completed an in-depth review of the available data and found no evidence of industrial contamination along Pittard Road, despite the proximity to a factory originally owned

by DuPont (later, Invista) that produced textiles from the 1970s until 2019.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division visited Pittard Road in 2005 to do well tests and other screenings. It found no evidence of industrial contamination in the wells whatsoever. Environmental regu-

wrong the entire time. “I knew years ago that there might be something in the water.

I’ve known for a while,” Star Drive resident Markell Allen told Flagpole. “I knew they was gonna have to do something about it eventually, it was just a matter of when they was gonna get to it.”

New Tests Reveal Chemicals After persistent advocacy by the Pittard Road community, Mayor Kelly Girtz decided to reach out to the Southern Environmental Law Center for help.

“As a local government, we lacked regulatory authority over people’s well water and to some degree, we had limited technical expertise,” Girtz said. “Given the level of understandable institutional distrust around governmental units, I thought that maybe an outside advocacy group would be best situated to gain trust with the community.”

What Are PFAS? It’s possible residents of the Pittard Road area, who are mostly Black, have been drinking water contaminated with high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for years, if not decades, potentially causing significant health consequences.

PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment. They’re part of a large group of industrial chemicals first discovered by the DuPont corporation in 1938. Since then, they’ve been used in a huge array of consumer products, the most famous of which is nonstick cookware coated with Teflon, a PFAS chemical. These chemicals are also used in firefighting foam, dental floss and stain-resistant carpeting, just to name a few examples.

PFAS are valuable for their ability to resist heat and to repel both grease and water. Unfortunately, PFAS are dangerous to human health, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Longterm exposure to these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, decreased fertility, hormonal disruption, a higher risk of obesity and a weakened immune system.

While DuPont knew that PFAS were toxic as far back as the 1970s, the company did not share this information with the public. Environmental regulators only started realizing there may be a problem in the 2000s, and it took until April of this year for the EPA to finalize their national drinking water standard for PFAS and related chemicals.

In August 2023, about a dozen Pittard Road residents came to a meeting of the ACC Mayor and Commission to demand that the local government do more to clean up industrial pollution in their area. “Our soil and water sources are now contaminated and we are experiencing severe health consequences,” resident Kiara Trammell told the commission in 2023. “Today we

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A map of the affected area.

lators left the area believing there were no issues with contamination. But there was a big blind spot in their investigation—they didn’t test for PFAS. Scientific evidence of PFAS toxicity was still accumulating, and regulators did not realize it was an issue. Furthermore, convenient tests for the chemicals had not yet been developed, which would have made testing for it difficult and costly.

When residents heard there was no contamination, they refused to accept it.

People living along Pittard Road blamed the old DuPont plant for cancers and other health issues they had been dealing with for years. In 2023, residents told the ACC Commission that they counted 31 cases of cancer in their neighborhood, which they believed were due to contamination of their soil and water by DuPont.

However, the number of cancers has not been verified, and some of the known cancers were breast cancers found in related women. Some of these women never lived on Pittard Road, which suggests a genetic predisposition in their family. To date, no industrial soil contamination has ever been discovered in their neighborhood.

Nothing was done to clean up the wells along Pittard Road back in 2005. Pittard Road residents feel that the government has ignored their plight for decades, even though they had insisted something was

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

Girtz contacted April Lipscomb, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, in August 2023, shortly after Pittard Road and Star Drive residents packed City Hall to voice their concerns.

Lipscomb held a public forum at New Grove Baptist Church to listen to the residents and hear their stories. After this meeting, the Southern Environmental Law Center gathered together the funding they needed to test eight wells in the area for PFAS and related chemicals. That’s when Lipscomb discovered that the wells were heavily contaminated.

“All eight wells that we tested have concentrations of [PFAS]… that exceed [EPA’s strictest health standard],” Lipscomb wrote to Girtz on Aug. 21. “Nearly all wells also showed concentrations of [PFAS] that exceed [EPA’s less strict regulatory limit] for public drinking water systems, as well as high concentrations of other types of [PFAS] that exceed [EPA standards]. In plain English, these residents are currently drinking unsafe levels of toxic industrial chemicals, and they have likely been drinking these contaminants for decades.”

Lipscomb held another public meeting at New Grove Baptist Church to inform the residents of her findings. She said Pittard Road residents reacted with a mix of outrage and relief.

“In the meeting when I shared the

results, there was almost a sense of relief that they finally knew that there was a problem. They had always suspected there was some kind of contamination, and now they finally had at least some answers,” Lipscomb said. “But it’s not a positive thing, they were still very dismayed, very upset to learn that industrial chemicals were in their drinking water.”

Lipscomb applauded the ACC government “for stepping up and doing the right thing” to connect these residents to city water rapidly after learning of the contamination. Residents will be connected free of charge, and they will pay nothing for their water for six months.

“I have so much respect and admiration for this community that banded together,” Lipscomb said. “They knew something was wrong and they did not give up in their quest for answers. This is what happens when you have the drive and the community will to actually get something done.

I’m so grateful that they, that Mayor Girtz reached out to SELC so that we could help get this community some of the answers that they desperately wanted.”

According to ACC Sustainability Officer Mike Wharton, Athens’ municipal water had no detectable levels of PFAS when it was last tested in 2022. To stay in compliance with new regulations from the Biden administration, municipal water supplies across the country will need to be tested for PFAS every year going forward, with mandatory testing starting in three years.

“There’s still a lot more work to be done in pinpointing exactly where the PFAS came from, how long these residents have been exposed and whether any of the health effects that they have been suffering from are actually tied to PFAS,” Lipscomb said.

“There’s still a lot of unknowns, but hopefully we’re moving in the right direction now to get those answers.”

Lipscomb said that they don’t yet have enough evidence to pinpoint the source of the PFAS pollution, since these chemicals are so widely used. However, a likely culprit is the old DuPont facility on Voyles Road, which produced carpet fibers. The plant sprayed its wastewater, which regulators assumed was nontoxic, out on nearby fields.

If PFAS were used at the plant, as was typical in the carpet industry, then it seems highly likely the fields outside the Voyles Road facility are heavily contaminated.

If so, the contamination could have seeped into nearby groundwater, where it remained undetected until recently. Once the source of the pollution is identified, it’s possible residents could bring a class-action lawsuit against DuPont and Invista.

As far as the $60,000 expense of connecting residents to city water is concerned, Girtz says that it might ultimately be paid by the federal government. “The recent Infrastructure Act includes $1 billion to connect private wells if they are impacted

by PFAS. Staff will pursue this [funding] opportunity, though we will not wait to connect the homes to clean, safe water,” Girtz wrote to commissioners on Aug. 23.

The old DuPont plant is now operated

by RWDC Industries, which is not involved in the carpet industry and does not pose a significant risk of contamination. The company’s website says that they are on a “mission to replace petroleum-derived materials with safe, sustainable alternatives.” RWDC produces biodegradable polyester plastics that, unlike PFAS, do break down in the environment. f

news

feature

Tough Discipline Doesn’t Work THREAT ASSESSMENTS ARE THE BEST WAY TO STOP POTENTIAL SCHOOL SHOOTERS

By Allyya Swaby, ProPublica news@flagpole.com Editor’s note: This story was originally published by ProPublica.

A

according to his mother. She said school officials described him as a good kid and expressed regret at having to expel him. (The assistant director of his school district declined to comment, even after his mother signed a form permitting school officials to do so.)

Meanwhile, Georgia law enforcement officials were warned a year ago that Gray was making threats, and they heard directly from his father that the teenager had access to guns. (School officials said the warnings were never passed on to them.)

As Georgia lawmakers consider what they can do to keep students safer, experts say they should consider the implications their decisions may have for a broad spectrum of

BARROW COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

year ago, sheriff’s deputies in Georgia showed up on the doorstep of middle school student Colt Gray. They were there to question him about an online threat to shoot up his school. Last week, the 14-year-old was charged with shooting and killing four people at Apalachee High School.

As details continue to emerge, the question now in front of Georgia legislators is: How should officials respond to these kinds of warning signs in the future?

Lawmakers are already indicating that they intend to take tougher action against students who make threats. In a Sept. 12 letter to members of the state House Republican Caucus, House Speaker Jon Burns wrote that one of his objectives in the next legislative session will be to “increase penalties for making terroristic threats in our schools—and make it clear that here in Georgia, threats of violence against our students will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

(Burns did not respond to a request for comment.)

But, as ProPublica has reported this year, there can be consequences to increasing penalties: Trampling the rights of children who don’t pose a threat to anyone.

A student at Apalachee High School shot and killed two classmates and two teachers in August.

Two weeks before the Apalachee shooting, we published a story about a 10-year-old in Tennessee who was children—from the 14-year-old with access to assault rifles expelled from school for a year after he angrily pointed to the 10-year-old pointing a finger gun. People who study his finger in the shape of a gun. The article explored how a the warning signs of and legislative reactions to school state law, passed in response to last year’s Covenant School shootings have long warned that zero-tolerance policies, shooting in Nashville that left six people dead, requires such as the ones Tennessee adopted, are not proven to schools to kick students out for making threats of mass make schools safer—and in fact can harm students. violence.

To deter violence, experts maintain, the research sugAnother Tennessee law went into effect in July that gests that the most effective strategy is not mandatory increases the charge for making a threat of mass violence expulsions and felony charges, but a different kind of tactic, from a misdemeanor to a felony—without requiring offione that federal officials have touted based on decades cials to take actual intent into account. Many experts and of interviews with mass shooters, political assassins and some officials consider both laws an overreach. people who survived attacks. Threat assessments, when There is no indication that the Tennessee 10-year-old done effectively, bring together mental health professionwhose case we examined posed a danger to his school or als, law enforcement and others in the community to help his community. The fifth grader had no access to a firearm, school officials sort out the credible threats from the simply

disruptive acts and provide students with needed help.

“It is the best option available for us to prevent these kinds of shootings,” said Dewey Cornell, a psychologist and a leading expert on the use of threat assessments in schools. A threat assessment team is supposed to interview anyone involved with a threat to assess whether the student poses an imminent risk to others. And it is supposed to warn any intended victims of major threats, take precautions to protect them and seek ways to resolve conflict.

Cornell said law enforcement involvement and harsh discipline should be reserved for the most serious cases— the exact opposite of zero-tolerance policies. Tennessee, along with 20 other states, requires threat assessments in schools. But because the state also mandates expulsions and felony charges, many students end up ostracized and isolated rather than getting the ongoing help that experts consider to be one of the greatest strengths of the threat assessment process.

The suggestion that schools and authorities should closely monitor and assist students who make threats may feel counterintuitive, especially with fear and frustration soaring, said Mark Follman, a journalist with Mother Jones and author of the 2022 book Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America.

It’s also easy to understand why people want a punitive response to threats, Follman said, but it can make the problem worse. Expelling a student who is potentially dangerous means school officials and others have little ability to monitor them. And, crucially, “you’re also potentially exacerbating their sense of crisis, their grievance, especially if it involves the school,” he said, moving them toward a point of attack instead of away from it.

For his book, Follman interviewed leading experts on threat assessments and embedded with a team at a school district in Oregon. He points out that for the threat assessment process to work, it has to be carried out correctly. “Most, if not all, examples I have seen of stories about threat assessment having negative impact on students and families are cases in which it’s not being done right,” Follman said.

Tennessee school officials carry out threat assessments inconsistently, our story last month found. Some allow police to take the lead in minor incidents, resulting in criminal charges for kids who made threats that school officials themselves did not consider credible.

At least one Tennessee lawmaker is responding to the shooting in Georgia by saying it validates the harsh penalties for students who make threats. Tennessee state Sen. Jon Lundberg, who co-sponsored both punitive Tennessee laws, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press this week, “The legislature is constantly looking at, what else can we do?” f

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live music calendar Tuesday 8

Ciné JOKERJOKERtv Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.athenscine.com DARSOMBRA Trans-­apocalyptic galaxy rock from Baltimore, MD. RAT BABIES Experimental grunge rock group with an emphasis on doom metal.

BAD STRAPLES Local DJ who creates electronica-­influenced sets.

KARMA KAT Athens band melding jazz, indie and pop for an innovative sound.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Indecent Artistry Presents. 8 p.m. $15. www.flickertheatreandbar.com MX LONELY Heavy, melodic shoegaze and post-­punk from Brooklyn.

SPLIT SILK Noisy and cathartic post-­hardcore led by Lucca Carver.

ALL GODS Noise band with a post-­ punk backbone.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-­jazz group centered around the compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and guests.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA GLEE CLUBS The UGA Women’s and Men’s Glee Clubs present an evening of choral music.

Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com OPEN MIC All musicians welcome.

Every Tuesday.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens SUNDAY DRIVER ’90s cover band that captures the hits that ruled the radio.

WPM No info available.

Winterville Cultural Center 7 p.m. $15. www.wintervillecenter.com THE EAST COASTERS An intimate evening of Irish music in the WCC’s newly renovated upstairs space.

Wednesday 9 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net STRING THEORY Local group playing old-­time bluegrass and Americana. (6 p.m.)

El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring pop, rock, indie and more.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-­ups). FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are

8

invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga. edu BETH WEISE Associate professor of tuba and euphonium at Vanderbilt University and principal tuba of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens FRANKENFUNK CINNAMON JAM Live freeform funk to dance to and a rotating crew of musicians. Feel free to bring an instrument.

Ramsey Hall Faculty Artist Series. 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu ANGELA JONES-­REUS Professor of flute at the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music and principal flutist of the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra.

Thursday 10 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com TY MYERS 17-­year-­old gritty country singer-­songwriter from Austin, TX. Athentic Brewing Co. Blues and Brews. 5 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (show). $5. www.athentic​ brewing.com RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-­driven local blues-­ rock group. Every second Thursday.

Ciné 8 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com ALMA RUSS Asheville, NC based singer-­songwriter and multi-­ instrumentalist specializing in bluegrass-­inspired folk rock.

DREW SERRERO Full-­time drummer, part-­time guitar player, tolerable folksy singer-­songwriter.

JULIA CATHERINE Athens-­based indie folk singer-­songwriter.

Earth Fare 12 p.m. www.earthfare.com RC OUTLAW COWBOY Country and gospel singer with over four decades of experience.

Festival Hall 7:30 p.m. $25. www.festivalhallga.com THE JAZZ LEGACY PROJECT Performed by guest vocalist Maria Howell, the program “Ella Fitzgerald, From Apollo Girl to Memorex Lady” features songs by one of the most successful jazz singers of all time.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com CHRIS ACKER & THE GROWING BOYS Wit and woes woven into songs that reference folk, country and punk.

ROWAN NEWBY Poetic and humorous Americana music inspired by ’60s and ’70s songwriting.

TREVOR McKENZIE Old-­time and bluegrass musician from Boone, NC. YOUR EX’S PETS New band featuring members of Dadgum, Jake Brower Band and Liz Farrell.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20. www.georgiatheatre.com SAM BARBER Country singer-­ songwriter from Frohna, MO who is inspired by Tyler Childers.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

JACK WHARFF & THE TOBACCO FLATS Unique blend of bluegrass, country and rock from Richmond, VA. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com DYLAN AULT Appalachia-­inspired folk musician from Ohio with cutting lyricism.

Hendershot’s 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL DJ L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-­cha-­cha. An hour-­long lesson is followed by open dancing.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five Series. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/Aubrey EntertainmentAthensGA MICHAEL WEGNER Local guitarist and member of Abbey Road Live performs a solo set of originals and covers.

WHISPER KISS Acoustic-­pop project featuring Michael Wegner, Shelley Lotus and Karen Bergmann.

CANARY AFFAIR Indie rock band with an affinity for irregular time signatures and psychedelic grooves.

Friday 11 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $15 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com MACKENZIE CARPENTER Country singer-­songwriter from Hull who breaks the mold for small-­town women by writing and singing her truth.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com MRJORDANMRTONKS Tommy Jordan and William Tonks’ collaboration features rootsy guitar picking and paired vocal melodies.

Ciné 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com SWEAR JAR Local ’90s-­inspired rock band exploring new horizons in punk, indie and alternative.

Bathe Alone will perform at the Georgia Theatre on Monday, Oct. 14.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall Fall Choral Concert. 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $15. pac.uga.edu HODGSON SINGERS Conducted

by Daniel Bara.

UNIVERSITY CHORUS Introducing the new interim associate director of choral activities, Daniel Shafer, who conducted “Requiem for the Living” in fall 2023 with the University Chorus.

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 6:30 p.m. www.marigoldauditorium. com OPEN MIC Mayor Dodd Ferrell, Adam Poulin, MK Barnes and Joe Willey lead a weekly open mic.

Sing a song, tell a story or read a poem.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. (show). www.facebook. com/NowhereBarAthensGA GEOFFREY WOOD Atlanta artist influenced by Bob Dylan, The Band and Wilco.

The World Famous 10 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworldfamous​ athens WES PARKER Uneasy, fuzzed out indie musician from Richmond, VA with a polished and lyrical flair.

KLARK SOUND Atlanta musician with folk and prog influences.

GOLDEN HABITS Atlanta-­based rock band included by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool and Guns N’ Roses.

TATTOO LOGIC Five-­piece funk punk band from Athens frotned by Mia Hill and Swathi Ramaswamy.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar. com NICHOLAS MALLIS AND THE BOREALIS Local synth-­pop act claiming a diverse array of supposed corporate sponsors.

KIT New Athens-­based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius. EP release show!

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Electronic space-­themed act utilizing primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-­pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

The Foundry 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/TheFoundryOct11 TRIBUTE A celebration of the Allman Brothers Band.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30. www.georgiatheatre.com THE STEEL WOODS Country music group from Nashville with a powerful sound featured in shows like Yellowstone and Tulsa King.

BONES OWENS Sought after Nashville session musician who began his solo rock and alt-­roots career in 2017.

COLE GOODWIN Georgia country artist who writes songs that hold firm roots in stories of the old South.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com HOTEL HUGO Charleston indie rock band with a penchant for nostalgia and a knack for crystal walls of sound.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com RAE AND THE RAGDOLLS Atlanta rock and rollers blending folky psychedelia and room rattling rock.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA BRASS QUINTETS SHOWCASE Brass students perform.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens CASUAL CADENZA Atlanta four-­ piece rock band incorporating sounds of the South, extended jams and genre-­crossing spontaneity.

Oak House Distillery 7 p.m. FREE! www.oakhousedistillery. com OPEN MIC Every Friday.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA PHILHARMONIA As one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large orchestral ensembles, the Philharmonia is open to all student string players.

Terrapin Beer Co. 6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/TerrapinOct11 STEWART & WINFIELD Savannah-­and Athens-­based Americana and lowcountry rock band.

KIMBERLY MORGAN YORK A vibrant blend of classic country and camp with a dash of ’70s pop. Celebrating her new album, FUN! VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athens-­ based band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music with line dancing in between the breaks.

Saturday 12 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $12 (adv.), $15. www.40watt.com MONSOON Melodic indie rock duo weaving together unorthodox styles to create music that dips between the conscious and unconscious.

JOHNNY FALLOON Deranged local band with hard-­hitting songs and complex theatrics.

PINKEST Atlanta band bashing keys in a noisy cavalcade of theatrical glory.

COMA THERAPY Muscular dark wave goth influenced by post-­punk and no wave.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents: A Benefit for Western NC. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com PENNY LOAFER Alternative indie rock trio with heavy grooves and dreamy vocals.

SHANE PARISH Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre.

ZACH RITTER AND THE ETERNAL SOUP The quietest band in town.

ISRA & THE PAISLEYS Atlanta/ Athens bubblegum pop band.

PONDGORL Athens-based artist Laila Li McCleery joins genre-bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! jmazzucc@uga.edu BORDERHOP TRIO High lonesome pickin’ and singing from Athens’ own bluegrass outfit.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25. www.georgiatheatre.com YACHT ROCK SCHOONER A tribute to Steely Dan and other yacht rock favorites.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.hendershotsathens.com HELEN GILLET New Orleans based singer-­songwriter and surrealist archeologist live looping her voice and cello.

WOLFLI Somber and reflective songs.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens JAMAZONIAN No info available.

The Root 9 p.m. www.therootathens.com SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.

Sunday 13 Athentic Brewing Co. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com ATHENTIC BLUEGRASS JAM Players of all skill levels are invited to participate in this open jam, which strives to unite members of the local folk music community.

Every second Sunday.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall Payne Memorial Concert. 4 p.m. FREE! (tickets required). pac.uga.edu CALIDORE STRING QUARET AND GABRIELA MONTERO Performing Venezuelan pianist Montero’s new “Canaima: Quintet for Piano and Strings” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet.”

No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org FESTER HAGOOD’S MOJO CONFESSIONAL SHOWCASE Hagood continues Mark Wilmot’s series by spotlighting songwriters. Today’s performers include the Redstone Ramblers, Brian Revel and Jenna Robinson. Live art by Sam Balling.

Bring a potluck dish to share and a chair for this outdoor concert.

Oak House Distillery 3:30–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistilery. com KIP JONES Local songwriter playing all your favorite folk, rock, R&B and country covers and some of his own tunes.

Sandy Creek Park BBQ, Blues & Cruise-­In. 2–7 p.m. www.accgov.com/sandycreekcar​ show RICK FOWLER BAND Original, guitar-­driven local blues-­rock group.

TERRAPLANE BLUE Local blues-­ rock band featuring Doug Peters, John Straw and Dean Johnson.

SCOTT LOW & THE BLUE BOUILLON Rustic folk singer-­ songwriter and former Athenian now based in Clayton.

The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous​ athens SETH MARTIN Georgia born and raised songwriter, painter, filmmaker, short story writer, photographer and poet currently working in Nashville and performing working class psychedelic folk.

MARISA MUSTARD Musician and popular mural artist.

Monday 14 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $5. www.flickertheatreandbar. com BLUE MONDAY SPOOKY DANCE PARTY Dance the night away to spooky, scary songs.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 (doors), 7:30 (show). $15. www. georgiatheatre.com BATHE ALONE Dream-­pop solo project of Atlanta-­based multi-­ instrumentalist Bailey Crone.

RECESS PARTY Local indie-­rock band with a self-­described collage of rock, funk and alternative.

FLORENCE CARDIGAN Local “reggae disco dreamy funk pop” trio.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu GUEST ARTIST/FACULTY RECITAL As part of the 60th anniversary of the American Liszt Society Festival, Terrence Wilson, Yakov Kasman, Clara Osowski and others will perform pieces by Franz Liszt and Nickolai Medtner.

The World Famous 8:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/the​ worldfamousathens COCOJOEY Chicago-­based happy hyper-­bitpop.

GIRL PORN For queer punks by queer punks.

PROBLEMS Chicago-­based electronic music with live vocals that range from very fun to very beautiful.

JOSEY Athens-­based indie pop artist, incorporating audience participation and off-­kilter comedy into her sets.

Tuesday 15 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com TERMINUS VICTOR Midwestern indie and emo with a tinge of math rock.

GORGEOUS BEAST New darkwave dance-­pop project by Erica Strout (Motherfucker, Dream Tent, Incendiaries).

FATHER WEREWOLF Athens-­ based rock trio with pop-­infused and gain-­soaked melodies and the grunge undertones of the ’90s.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-­jazz group centered around the compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and guests.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall American Liszt Society Festival. 7:30 p.m. $45–65. pac.uga.edu MARC-­ANDRÉ HAMELIN Renowned pianist performs a solo recital featuring works by Beethoven, Busoni and Liszt, plus the world premiere of his own new

piece, commissioned by the American Liszt Society.

Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com OPEN MIC All musicians welcome.

Every Tuesday.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens KRISTINA MURRAY Georgia-­born and Nashville-­based country artist.

AC DARNELL Member of the Darnell Boys.

Wednesday 16 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.

Ciné 8 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com HUNLO Electrified, soulful artist with a soft, inspiring sound.

A.M. RODRIGUEZ Local bluesy, alt-­country singer-­songwriter.

RACHEL ANGEL Asheville alt-­ country and indie folk songwriter.

AVA SWAN Nashville indie pop and alt-­Americana songbird.

El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $40. www.georgiatheatre.com ATMOSPHERE Hip-­hop duo inspired by soul, funk, rock and reggae that has released over two dozen studio albums in the past two decades.

NOFUN! LA-­based collective whose sound ranges from alternative rock to West Coast hip hop.

REVERIE Rapper from LA inspired by underground hip hop.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music 1:50 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu ~NOIS Chicago-­based saxophone quartet dedicated to connecting with diverse audiences through the creation of new work.

The World Famous 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous​ athens CULT OF RIGGONIA Waves of texture with catchy melodies that rise up from the primordial stew.

DHANA JEERA North African and Ethiopian inspired group led by Immaterial Possession member and visual artist Jeremy Kiran Fernandes.

YERFDAAS Mostly instrumental trio from Atlanta drawing inspiration from bands as diverse as Don Caballero, Hella and D’Angelo.

O KEY Experimental pop project led by Art Contest’s Cole Monroe.

Down the Line 10/17 A.D. Blanco (Madison-­Morgan Cultural Center) 10/17 Solid Country Gold (Nowhere Bar) 10/18 Killusonline, Hambear, Regulator (Buvez) 10/18 Persona Machine, Oxystar, Giant Enemy Crab (Ciné) 10/19 Sheila Fest (Traditions of Braselton) 10/19 Klezmer Local 42 (Front Porch Bookstore) 10/19 Kilough (Tapped Athens Wine Market) f

Jack-O’-Lantern Jog 5K & 1m Goblin Fun RuN BenefitTing

Sandy Creek Nature Center

GO DAWGS!

Sunday,October 27, 2024

2:00 p.m. - Fun Run 2:30 p.m.- 5K PLEASE NOTE RACE LOCATION: The race will be at Sandy Creek Park 400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA 30607

Entry fee received by Oct. 18: $25 per person (either event), $80 Family rate, $20 for “no-shirt” option. and not guarenteed a t-shirt.

•20% STUDENT DISCOUNT •CATERING •ORDER FOR PICKUP AT GYROWRAP.COM •DELIVERY THROUGH ALL APPS COMEDY MON. & FRI. LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY FULL BAR•EVENT RENTAL

114 COLLEGE AVE • 706-850-7442

Sandy Creek Nature Center is a facility of Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT: sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org/jack-o-lantern-jog-5k

Books for Keeps is hosting its 5th Annual Community Book Fair!

For 3 weeks BFK Warehouse (420 Athena Drive) will be open to the public to browse thousands of books to take home for keeps.

Everyone is invited to take up to 100 FREE BOOKS per day!

Donations welcome.

Bring your own tote bag or box!

Friday Oct. 11th, 10AM-6PM Teachers Only Sneak Peek (ID or paystub required)

Saturday Oct. 12th, 10AM-2PM Sunday Oct. 13th, 10AM-2PM Thursday Oct. 17th, 9AM-11AM Brunch & Browse (Ticketed event including breakfast) Thursday Oct. 17th, 2-6PM Friday Oct. 18th, 2-6PM Saturday Oct. 19th, 10AM-2PM Thursday Oct. 24th, 2-6PM Friday Oct. 25th, 2-6PM Saturday Oct. 26th, 10AM-2PM

420 Athena Dr. BooksforKeeps.org

flagpole.com OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

9

arts & culture

feature

Exploring Local Cemeteries AN ALTERNATIVE HISTORY OF ATHENS’ RESIDENTS

By Jennifer Keene editorial@flagpole.com

... just listen TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

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ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

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ARTIST TALK Tokie Rome-Taylor

October 17 at 5:30 p.m. FREE!

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

I

t’s early October, and it seems like most of us are making plans for Halloween and all of the spooky season offerings.

If you’re thinking of adding a cemetery visit to your checklist of Halloween activities, why not take a moment to look beyond the idea that cemeteries are just eerie, fog-covered and haunted spots depicted in an old Hammer horror movie? They’re also a glimpse into the past of the city of Athens and the residents within, and they come in a variety of styles with intriguing stories.

For example, Oconee Hill Cemetery near downtown Athens is an excellent example of a garden cemetery. These types of green cemeteries were considered the very first public parks in the United States, and they were created for those living just as much as they were for the dead. Oconee Hill Cemetery not only allowed burials for anyone in the community, but it also encouraged Athenians to visit the area by providing meandering paths to stroll, shady trees to picnic under, and a varied green landscape design that has profusions of flowers and shrubbery to admire. Garden cemeteries like this also tend to be rich in Victorian Era architecture and trends such as floriography, symbolism and grandiloquent epitaphs, and Oconee Hill Cemetery is nationally recognized as an illustrious example of all of these things.

In the oldest sections you’ll find names that are very familiar to an Athens dweller such as Lumpkin, Barrow and Aderhold. Crawford Long, the inventor of anesthesia, and Ben Epps, the first to build and fly an airplane in Georgia, are also buried here.

While the newer sections beyond the river aren’t as ornate, they are still no less important. Here you’ll find the grave of Ricky Wilson. Wilson was a founding member of the B-52’s, and his pyramid shaped grave still sees a steady stream of visitors who leave retro-themed tokens, like mini lava lamp keychains, in his honor.

Did you know that Sanford Stadium, located right across the street from Oconee Hill Cemetery, is a cemetery of sorts, as it has a one-of-a-kind mausoleum beneath its stands? It’s no secret that everyone who likes college football is familiar with UGA’s cute and wrinkly English bulldog mascot Uga. We’re now at number 11 (XI) in the lineage, and for those wondering what happened to Ugas 1–10 after they passed on, the answer is that they’re buried in a wall mausoleum close to Gate 9 of the stadium.

While alive the bulldogs enjoy an air-conditioned dog house, custom-made jerseys and a pampered lifestyle. In death each has a specialized epitaph plaque placed on their marble tombs. They read the specific name and dates of each Uga as well as their monikers like “Damn Good Dog” and “A Big Dog For A Big Job, And He Handled It Well.”

UGA is the only major college that buries

its mascot within the boundaries of a stadium. Thousands of visitors visit the tombs every year and often leave grave goods such as dog treats and other trinkets. Before each home game there are flowers laid at the tomb by the university to honor the spirit of the dogs… and the Dawgs.

Near Clarke Middle School, you will find Athens’ oldest African-American cemetery, Brooklyn Cemetery. This was the final resting place for the local Black community of the Brooklyn/Hawthorne area and beyond.

The first burials took place in the 1880s and the cemetery, called Bethlehem Cemetery at the time, grew rapidly and remained active until the 1950s. After that time the burials began to slow, and the land fell into a state of neglect. Recent efforts of The Friends of Brookly Cemetery have seen that change as the cemetery has been mostly cleared and lost plot restoration has begun. In the last decade over 1,100 graves have been identified and marked, and unique gravestones have been uncovered.

One of those unique gravestones was crafted by Atlanta outsider artist Eldren E.M. Bailey. Bailey was a prolific outsider artist who created yard art, structural art within his home, and, of course, gravestones for all African American communities across the state of Georgia. His work includes a hand-lettered plaster front inscribed with symbols from across the world with the honorific “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Miss” as a way to show respect to the deceased. Historically, the Black community was never allowed to use those honorifics, so Bailey was sure to include them on every stone he crafted.

In the spirit of keeping it local, it’s also important to note that Brooklyn Cemetery’s west side entrance now boasts an ornate gate created by the renowned Athens metal sculptor Harold Rittenberry. Dedicated in 2017, the gate is interwoven with a number of images that symbolize differing stories.

You’ll see a tree for knowledge and life, birds ascending for freedom and transition, and much more. Rittenberry’s work for the cemetery has special meaning since he often played in the cemetery as a child.

As you can see, cemeteries and mausoleums can be much more than a spooky location or somber place. They are historical and cultural landmarks of Athens, and they’re full of life in their own ways. Explore one of the 83 local cemeteries and learn more about the people, or even pets, within.

There is a self-guided tour map for Oconee Hill Cemetery at oconeehillcemetery.com/visits and virtual tours at oconeehillcemetery.online/videos/virtual-tours.

Brooklyn Cemetery hosts volunteer cleanup days every MLK Day where you can join others as they care for this historic Athens cemetery. Additionally, Brooklyn Cemetery has a Heritage Hunt interactive PDF at brooklyncemetery.org/heritage-hunt that you can share with your fellow explorers. f

MARIGOLD AUDITORIUM SAT OCT 19TH - 7 PM SHOWTIME

$14.95 AND UP! VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE! DOORS AT 6 PM 21+ TO ENTER A night full of high energy, crowd interaction, and more!

Get ready to let loose, dance, sing, scream and get your HANDS ON experience with the MAGIC HUNKS!

Winterville...it’s closer than you think!

Marigold Auditorium

373 N Church St Winterville, GA marigoldauditorium.com 706-742-0823

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Athens Area Health Department NortheastHealthDistrict.org OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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02/15/2023

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THE BEST PLACE TO WATCH

EVERY GAME

School of Music Concerts are held at the SERIES UGA Performing Arts Center FACULTY ARTIST 230 River Road, Athens, GA

Imagine Imagine the the

Possibilities Possibilities

Amici e fiati

FREE REPERTORY SINGERS CONCERT

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS LIVE MUSIC

STUDENT CONDUCTORS

Friends and Winds

Shelby Laird & Joshua Wagner conduct student chamber choir

Wednesday, September 25 at 3:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

FREE WIND SYMPHONY AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT INTRODUCING:

NEW Associate Director of Bands Jack Eaddy, Jr. Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

Athens fAvorite wings • tAcos hAppy hour outdoor bAr

235 W. Washington St

FREE GUEST ARTIST LECTURE RECITAL

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Piano, ethnomusicology andat 7:30 p.m.

EVREN KUTLAY post-colonial studies

@Palomapark.athens

RAMSEY CONCERT HALL

Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 230 RIVER RD, ATHENS, GA The American Liszt Society 60th Anniversary Festival

THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION: HINDEMITH, WAGNER, & MENDELSSOHN Includes Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber”and more.

Thursday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.

music.uga.edu | 706-542-3737

Hodgson Concert Hall @ugamusic UGA PAC

FREE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA GLEE CLUBS CONCERT AMERICAN VOICES

This concert features a series of composers celebrating American voices.

Sunday, October 20 | 6:00 p.m.

Athens First UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 327 N. Lumpkin Street

Tuesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

FREE FACULTY ARTIST SERIES RECITAL AND RECEPTION ANGELA JONES-REUS, FLUTE

Featuring: D. Ray McClellan, clarinet, Erica McClellan, piano & Gabriella McClellan, cello

ADMISSION

Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

athensfirstumc.org | 706.543.1442

FOR TICKETS: Scan the QR code | music.uga.edu | 706-542-4400

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HHSOM AD_10-9.indd 1

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

10/4/24 9:49 AM

arts & culture

calendar picks

ART | THU, OCT. 10

Leonard Piha Artist Talk and Demo

Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE!

music

her unique brand of spunky, outspoken songwriting. The Hull native’s career first launched in 2021 after she co-wrote Lily Rose’s No. 1 hit, “Villain.” Carpenter has reached several noteworthy milestones since then, including featuring on fellow country sensation Megan Moroney’s song “Nothin’ Crazy” and co-writing on her Top 15 single “I’m Not Pretty,” as well as playing iconic venues like the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, and going viral on TikTok with her song “Huntin’ Season.” In the past, Carpenter has opened for big names in country music like Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, but this show at the 40 Watt Club is among her first ever headlining shows.

[MB]

Leonard Piha’s newest exhibition features a collection of bottle whimseys, a form of folk art where sculptures are built inside clear glass bottles. Piha first encountered the art form while in graduate school at Cranbrook Academy of Art, and he found it again 40 years later when he visited a friend’s studio and was given a pile of discarded gallon-sized jugs. Combining these with broken wooden boards from Barnett Taekwondo, Piha began recreating the subjects MUSIC | OCT. 13–16 he would normally paint or sculpt into this new art UGA • Times Vary • form. Piha is a lifePrices Vary long artist, having The annual decided on it as his American Liszt career by the time he Society Festival is a reached high school, celebration of influthen going on to ential Hungarian receive his Master of composer Franz Fine Arts in 1983.

Liszt’s ongoing He began working legacy. This year’s as an elementary festival marks the school art teacher Mackenzie Carpenter 60th anniversary of in 1995, and is dedthe society and the icated to creating a spirit of exploration and engagement in the 100th anniversary of the death of Italian world of art. He is known for creating works composer Ferruccio Busoni. The headlining events are Gabriela Montero on piano in a wide variety of disciplines, from paintwith the Calidore Quartet on Oct. 13 at 4 ing to carving to welding. “Art in a Bottle: p.m. and Marc-Andre Hamelin on piano Works by Leonard Piha” is on view through on Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., both at Hodgson Nov. 15. [Mary Beth Bryan] Concert Hall. The festival also includes lecTHEATER | THU, OCT. 10 tures, workshops, other concerts, a special exhibit at the Georgia Museum of Art, a showing of a documentary on the life of Morton Theatre • 7:30 p.m. • $10 (w/ UGA ID), Polish-American composer Josef Hofmann $30–50 and more. Visit music.uga.edu/liszt for Finding itself at the intersection of more details about the festival schedule and humor and tragedy, Hotel Elsinore is the prices. [MB] story of the relatives of a once-great actor, ART | TUE, OCT. 15 Henry Elder, who dies the night before his career-defining performance of Hamlet. His family spends the night in a hotel room in Denmark rehearsing the play late into the evening, while Henry seems insistent Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE! on not letting death stop him from being The result of years of collaboration there. The play is performed by British/ Canadian playwright Susanna Hamnett and between art teachers Laura Lee D’Huyvetter and Jennifer Jones, “Inspired” is an exhiher two children: actress, dancer, singer bition featuring works by Clarke County and visual artist Lily MacGregor and actor, students from kindergarten through 12th dancer and writer Joshua MacGregor. grade alongside works by the professionals The three created the play largely during who inspired them. It features all types of the COVID-19 lockdown and went on media, including weaving, sculpture, photo perform a successful run of shows at tography, painting, drawing and collage. the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022.

To kickstart the project, the two teachers Hamnett says the idea was born of “thinkconnected with local artists and asked them ing of new and unexpected ways to explore to make videos detailing their backgrounds, Shakespeare’s plays.” [MB] artworks and creative processes, which MUSIC | THU, OCT. 10 students then used to produce works for this exhibition and its accompanying book.

The opening event will also include perfor40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors) • $15 (adv.), $20 mances from Clarke Central High School Up-and-coming country artist Honor Chamber Strings and Cedar Shoals Mackenzie Carpenter is known for embracHigh School Chamber Strings. “Inspiration” ing the hot mess, crediting her “upbringing is dedicated to longtime, venerated Clarke consisting of a rowdy support system, back County art teacher Leonard Piha, and it will porch hootenannies and juicy drama” for be on display through Jan. 18. [MB] f

Liszt Festival

Hotel Elsinore

‘Inspired’ Opening Reception

Mackenzie Carpenter

threats & promises

KIT’s Debut EP SYZYGY PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com LITTLE LOVE LETTERS: Kimberly Morgan York is releasing her newest full-length album, Fun, on Friday, Oct. 11. That same night she’ll celebrate its release when she and her band open for Stewart & Winfield at Terrapin Beer Co. I’m not gonna go all into who’s in her band, but trust me when I say they’re all on the Athens A-Team. The album was produced by David Barbe. The new album is an economical eight songs long, and the title track and lead single is a grablife-by-the-horns anthem that scoots along very nicely with its speedy tempo. Honestly, that’s kind of the theme of the whole album.

And as poppy as some of this is delivered, there is no mistaking York’s deep country tendencies as evidenced on “My Mama’s Done Lost Her Mind.” This new album is self-released by York and will be available on all major streaming services. For all other information, please see kimberly​morgan​ york.com.

NO JOKING: JOKERJOKERtv and vhs. or.die are finished booking performers for the upcoming VHS Fest happening Sunday, Nov. 3 at Athentic Brewing, and attendees will see Black Wick, Annie Leeth, Libbaloops, Snotnoze Saleem, Ihlyatt, Corporal Quigg, Bad Straples and Mr. Blank during the annual event this year.

The call is still open for vendors, so jump on that if you’re a VHS enthusiast or similarly situated merchant. Believe me, you can probably get as weird with this as you want. If you think your particular vending scheme isn’t in line with what these guys are doing, just ask!

They’re a friendly bunch and will sort you out right away. For all other information, please see jokerjokertv.com/ athens-vhs-fest.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?:

The members in KIT are celebrating the release of their new KIT EP SYZYGY, which is a name that remains as difficult as when Ian Hemerlein first started using it years ago. The band will celebrate with a release show on Oct. 11 at Flicker.

Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis and Organically Programmed are also on this bill this night. The EP, a lot of which I’ve already covered as the band released singles, is a great little collection of sweet pop tunes seemingly suspended in time between the twin poles of classic psych pop and synth pop. That said, I really dig what these folks are doing, but for the life of me I’ll never understand why they chose to follow up an utterly unsearchable band name with such a clunkily titled debut. Any questions? Ask them directly over at instagram. com/kit.rocks, and find this EP on Spotify and other streaming services.

GIMME, GIMME THIS, GIMME, GIMME THAT:

Currently on a real tear with its new

releases, skate zine/label/show promoter Hard Tack returns this week with the new five-song demo from Peter and the Skeeters. This is the first band of its type to come to the Athens punk rock table with what represents a pretty complete working knowledge of what made late 1970s to early 1980s weirdo art punk so compelling and—at least in its time—so seemingly necessary, since Muuy Biien. And they’ve done it all without aping anyone’s sound, instead working with this music as a common language. As such, listeners will hear moody Rollins-era Black Flag in “Not My Problem,” shades of The Screamers in opening song “Slumlord,” and there’s Germs all over “Lick The Floor.” These are just reference points I hear for myself and maybe they’ll help you out, too. This is also the first band I’ve heard recently that could be spiritual brethren with other Athens locals Rubber Udder. This is available digitally and as a limited-edition (25 copies) cassette tape. Find this immediately at hardtackk. bandcamp.com.

AND SINCE I ALREADY BROUGHT ’EM UP…: Are you in for the 20-track journey of madness that the art terrorists in Rubber Udder plan to subject you to across its new, charmingly titled compilation testes vomit cuddle?

Before we get too into it, Rubber Udder is completely unpretentious and knows full well a lot of this stuff is dumb. But, as has been written famously about The Ramones many times, they may be dumb but they’re not stupid. So, to this end, you get a lot of noise punctuated with drones (“Welmf­ Wwelmf­De­Shmoine”), anxiety inducing feature-length tracks that only give slight relief at their end (“if only my dog could vomit”), the Surfers-meet-Manson freak folk (“Gun In My Rice”) and legitimate psychedelic freakouts (“Chrome”). Look, this is gonna take you a long time to hear, and I’ve already done the preliminary leg work for you. Find this at rubberudder.bandcamp.com, and send best wishes to instagram.com/rubber_udder.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE: The World Famous has a show Wednesday, Oct.16 that’ll make other stages in town that night green with jealousy. This stacked bill includes Cult of Riggonia, Dhana Jerra, Atlanta’s Yerfdass and O Key. The show is 10 bucks at the door, all ages, and you can get up to speed ahead of time by plugging into the following URLs: cultofriggonia.bandcamp. com, cloudrecordings.bandcamp.com/ album/dhana-jeera, yerfdaas.bandcamp. com and okey.bandcamp.com. None of this music is particularly “easy,” so to speak, but it is all rewarding and, for a mere two and a half bucks a band, if you go wrong with this one then that’s on you. f

OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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AthFest Educates 5K | Nov. 2 @ 2:30 pm Health & Fitness Expo | Nov. 2 @ noon - 5:00 pm Athens, GA Half Marathon | Nov. 3 @ 7:30 am JOIN 3,000+ FELLOW RUNNERS TAKING ON THE ATHHALF RACE WEEKEND!

Come out and cheer on the runners starting at 2:30 pm on Saturday for the 5K and 7:30 am on Sunday for the half marathon.

(Find course maps on athhalf.com) All are welcome at the AthHalf Health and Fitness Expo on Saturday 11/2 at the Classic Center Pavillion from noon - 5:00 pm Shop at vendor booths, hear live music and cheer on the 5K runners!

Volunteer

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

feature

IAN McFARLANE

music

Randall Bramblett

THE BALANCE AND MYSTERY OF PARADISE BREAKDOWN

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

S

itting on the patio of Hendershot’s sipping a latte on one of those anticipatory not-quite-fall days, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett gives a warm hello to the owner, his good friend and drummer of 15 years Seth Hendershot. Bramblett begins his interview with many praises of Hendershot and his brick-and-mortar, and in fact, he goes on to express admiration and thankfulness for his friends and colleagues in Athens from beginning to end.

Now in his 70s reflecting on a long career as a solo artist, session player and touring musician, Bramblett defines success as “just doing what I’m doing the best I can, and having these great people around me.” Over the decades he’s worked with acclaimed musicians like Steve Winwood, Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic, Chuck Leavell and Marc Cohn, in addition to writing for singers like Bonnie Raitt, but the worldly writer has an adoring appreciation for the comforts and people of his Athens home.

Rolling Stone calls Bramblett “one of the South’s most lyrical and literate songwriters,” and his recently released 13th solo album, Paradise Breakdown, is a shining poetic example. Within its eclectic rootsy soundscape, the album is a reflection of the balance and mysteries of life—turning inexplicable contradictions into crafted juxtapositions. After moving away from “chemicals” to fuel his writing in the early ’80s, Bramblett says he writes from an authentic and grounded place, leaning into feelings of sadness and anger while still focusing on the world’s beauty.

“Lately I’ve been writing from things that I hear, stories that I hear people tell sometimes. ‘Throw My Cane Away’ was told to me years ago when I was playing with Winwood. A guy that was in the band opening for us from New Orleans, he was good

New

e l o p flag h Merc

friends with Dr. John, and they got sober and clean, and they ran into each other in New York, just by accident,” says Bramblett.

“I kept that for, like, 20 years. It helps to have a true story to work from. I love to just hear things and people having spiritual awakenings… [In the song] one of the guys overdosed, but the joy of their recovery, even if it was just a small time, was just beautiful.”

“Throw My Cane Away” has become Bramblett’s favorite track on the album as a funky song that was able to capture a realness and sadness while being uplifting, too. “It just excites me,” he says, sharing that when he listened to the mix it almost brought him to tears. “The Circus” is a slower-paced song about fall fading into winter that’s also dear to Bramblett, and coincidentally a perfect fit for the season. Reflecting on the themes and sounds of the album in the moment, it struck Bramblett that although he originally had hoped to release this album earlier, the feelings of longing and yearning have found the perfect season for listening.

Released through Strolling Bones Records, half of the album was tracked in East Nashville while the other half was tracked in Athens, downtown at Tweed Recording. Although Bramblett has worked in Nashville for decades with New West Records, this time he says they went to the legendary country capital for one musician: Tom Bukovac.

“He guided these songs on the new record. We let him. I said, ‘I just want you to go do what you want.’ And so he led us through a lot of these things,” says Bramblett.

At the Nashville studio it was a very collaborative experience, including musicians Steve Mackey and Nick Johnson alongside producer/drummer Gerry Hansen.

Bramblett says it was nice to be in a different place, but he was “anxious to get back to Athens to play with my guys.” Longtime musical partners Hendershot, Johnson, A.J. Adams and Tom Ryan stepped in, and the result was an album described as built for roadhouse dance floors and dark, lonely corners.

Bramblett’s tight-knit group of musicians, and friends, that he’s worked with over the last decade or two in Athens has elevated his personal recordings because they know each other so well, he explains.

As a songwriter, he’s been evolving for a long time, and together this group has evolved with each other.

When Bramblett first started writing songs out of college, he was inspired by James Taylor, then Charles Lloyd’s jazz album Forest Flower took him in a “funky” direction. Listening to early avant-garde musicians sparked an interest in utilizing unusual sounds, and Beck’s Mellow Gold album influenced his use of atmosphere and drum loops. When mentioning artists who changed his life, Bramblett throws out names like Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Kendrick Lamar. He says of Lamar, “That To Pimp a Butterfly, that is so creative and so risk-taking. It is just amazing.”

Songwriters naturally influence one another, and one of the biggest compli-

Available at flagpole.com or at the flagpole office

ments and validations in the songwriter world is for another well-known musician to cover your song. Blues legend Bettye LaVette took that a step further by creating a full-length album covering 11 of Bramblett’s songs. The album, LaVette!, was nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award.

When LaVette told Bramblett she wanted to record this album, he said, “Good luck selling that.” But the result has left him feeling honored and confident.

In his continued musical journey Bramblett says that George Fontaine of New West and Strolling Bones has been his biggest musical supporter and he “probably wouldn’t be able to do this” without him.

With the release of Paradise Breakdown through local Strolling Bones, Bramblett says it’s been great to just walk right in to check in or grab some CDs and LPs. “The main message is, it’s great to be able to play good music that some people are really appreciative of,” says Bramblett. f

WHO: Randall Bramblett Album Release Show WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. (doors) WHERE: The Foundry HOW MUCH: $20 (adv.), $25

PAIN & WONDER

TATTOO

VOTED AN ATHENS’ FAVORITE TATTOO STUDIO 2011–2020

285 W. Washington St.

Athens, GA 30601

(706) 208-9588 www.painandwonder.com OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Wednesday 9

event calendar

ART: Artful Conversation: Minna Citron (Georgia Museum of Art) Callan Steinmann, curator of academic and public programs, will lead a discussion about works by American artist Minna Citron. 2 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS​ AthensDancing@gmail.com COMEDY: Level 2 Improv Grad Show (Buvez) Flying Squid Comedy will showcase what students have learned in group improv comedy. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flyingsquid​ comedy.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m.

AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent.

Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens​ farmersmarket.net FILM: History Film Series (101 LeConte Hall) Screening of the 1953 film Tokyo Story. 5 p.m.

FREE! history.uga.edu FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (Oconee County Library) Join club members to watch and discuss episodes of “Paranoia Agent,” “Assassination Classroom” and “Domestic Girlfriend.” 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. animefandom.org FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1987 folklore manga series GeGeGe no Kitaro. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist.

New players welcome. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Trivia Night (Normal Bar) Test your trivia knowledge. 7 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/normal. bar.7 GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nickalous Benson.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Toddler Art (Oconee County Library) Drop in for tactile and sensory fun that builds fine motor skills, and leave with your own masterpiece. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Teen Anime Club (Oconee County Library) Join other fans of manga and anime to discover books, play games, snack and watch anime. Grades 6​​–12. 7​​ –8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (ACC Library) Photographer Jason

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Thrasher will discuss his new photobook Murmur Trestle. 7 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.com MEETINGS: Casual Crafting (Oconee County Library) Bring your current creative project and talk with other creatives and the host instructor Zakk Wilder. Registration required. 6​​–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

Thursday 10 ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Leonard Piha will lead a demonstration and discuss his art in a bottle works. 6 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/LyndonHouseArts CLASSES: Wine Tasting (Tapped Athens Wine Market) Try Malbec wines, a grape with its roots in France. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. $40. hello@tappedathens. com COMEDY: Comedy in the Cellar (Onward Reserve) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of touring and local comedians. Thursdays, 8 p.m. $7. www.instagram.com/ athenscomedy COMEDY: Flying Squid Improv Jam (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 10–11, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! botgarden. uga.edu EVENTS: Community Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Memorial Park) Local organizations such as The Family Justice Clinic, Project Safe, The Cottage and more invite the public to honor those lost to domestic violence. 5:30 p.m. FREE! family​ justice.law.uga.edu EVENTS: TSPLOST Submission Workshop (Lay Park) Local government officials will be available to walk people through the project submission process. Oct. 8 & 10, 6–8 p.m. Oct. 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

FREE! www.accgov.com/tsplost GAMES: Adult Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) A gaming session for players of all skill levels.

Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 6 p.m. (doors).

FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872 GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd Henderson. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnys​ pizza.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Buvez) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for playtime that’s focused on encouraging early literacy and brain building. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: STEAM Thursday: Scary Science (Bogart Library) Enjoy seasonal science experiments with slime and more. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12.

Thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (UGA Miller Learning Center) Jason De León will discuss his acclaimed new book Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling. 3:30 p.m.

FREE! history.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Food, Power and Politics (UGA Special Collections Library) Daniel Warshawsky will discuss the increasing global need for food banks, and attendees are encouraged to donate 15 ounce cans of pumpkin puree for Turkey­ palooza. 5:30 p.m. FREE! libs. uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: How Religion Happens Book Club (ACC Library) Discuss Elaine Pagels’ non-​fiction book The Gnostic Gospels. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org LECTURES & LIT: Athens Music Scene BEFORE It Was Famous (ACC Library) This presentation will include rare newspaper advertisements, posters and stories about Athens’ early bands in the ’50s and ’60s that traveled the Southeast.

6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: The Business of Fashion (UGA Chapel) Founder and creative director of Tibi Amy Smilovic will discuss entrepreneurship, creative direction and fashion design. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. FREE! forms. gle/2mBwizVTdKyJFdt18 MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last.

Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@petanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: Hotel Elsinore (Morton Theatre) This play combined tragedy and comedy to portray the challenges of relationships, forgiveness and Shakespeare. 7:30 p.m. $35–50. pac.uga.edu THEATER: The Legend of Georgia McBride (Town & Gown Players) When a drag show comes to town Elvis impersonator Casey trades in his role as “The King” to become an all-​out queen. Oct. 10–12, 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 2 p.m. $20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Friday 11 ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-​led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m. FREE! gmoa-​ tours@uga.edu ART: Bulldog Olympians Curator Tour (UGA Special Collections Library) Tour the new exhibit “Bulldog Olympians: A Celebration of UGA’s Olympic History” each

Friday before home football games.

3 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu CLASSES: Cemeterrarium Craft (Oconee County Library) Make a spooky terrarium craft. Registration required. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee COMEDY: Kickstarter Telethon Extravaganza Benefit Show (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Flying Squid Comedy will livestream the event in front of a live studio audience, performing sketches and taking calls from supporters. 7 p.m. $10. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 10–11, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu EVENTS: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (Pinewoods Library & Community Center) Enjoy an exchange of culture with music, dance, food, games and the opportunity to meet new friends. 5–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: One Night Stand (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) A monthly edu-​taiment event with micro talks about anything sexuality related with snacks and drinks. 5:30–7:30 p.m. $15. www.revolutiontherapy​ andyoga.com EVENTS: Death & Mourning: Candlelight Tour (Athens Welcome Center) Explore how families mourned the loss of their loved ones during the Regency Era by touring a parlor and dining room adorned in mourning decor. Oct. 11, 18 & 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $20. www.athenswelcomecenter.com EVENTS: The Chant Connection (Let It Be Yoga) Connect with others through a cacao ceremony and ecstatic kirtan sound journey. Registration required. 7 p.m. $45. www. theradharose.com GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.winterville​ center.com GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Online: Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game.

New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com KIDSTUFF: Bouncing Baby Storytime (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for a music and language floor-​based program. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-​appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Arts Collaborative Conversation (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Amit Kaushik will discuss his collaborative project with Indigenous artist Bhajju Shyam using paintings to critically engage with environmental injustices. 12 p.m. FREE! calendar.uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Friday Speaker Series (UGA Miller Learning Center) Kimberly Van Orman will present on the ethics of AI. 12:40 p.m. FREE! iws.uga.edu OUTDOORS: Bats’ Night Out (Dudley Park) Learn about local bat populations and how to help them, then go on a guided hike. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/myrec

THEATER: The Legend of Georgia McBride (Town & Gown Players) When a drag show comes to town Elvis impersonator Casey trades in his role as “The King” to become an all-​out queen. Oct. 10–12, 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 2 p.m. $20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Saturday 12 ART: Artist Talk (OCAF) Lisa Freeman will discuss her current exhibition “So Much More.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers​ market.net EVENTS: Danielsville Farmers Market (Danielsville City Hall) Browse vendors with an array of homemade, handmade and state-​ grown products. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.danielsvillemarket.wixsite. com/farmersmarket EVENTS: Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival (Classic City Flowers & Nursery) Enjoy decorating stations, hayrides, s’mores, hot chocolate, a photo booth and haunted tea room.

Oct. 12, 19 & 26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Oct. 13, 20 & 27, 12 p.m.–6 p.m. $10/children, $15/adults. www. classiccityflowers.com EVENTS: Native Plant Sale (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Browse plants for sale, and experts will answer questions about incorporating native plants into every space. Oct. 10–11, 2–6 p.m. Oct. 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! botgarden. uga.edu EVENTS: Comer Community Market (Farmer’s Market Building) Locally grown produce, eggs, foods, pottery, jewelry and handmade goods. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.facebook.com/ComerFM EVENTS: Bag of Books Sale (Front Porch Bookstore) Browse books for sale. Saturdays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $10/bag. Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market (Rocksprings Park Pavilion) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ landtrust.org/wbfm EVENTS: Bluey Boo Bash (Oglethorpe Co. Library) An all ages Halloween event with games, activities, a costume contest and a chance to take a photo with Bluey. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oglethorpe EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free.

Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally​ freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens EVENTS: Plant & Seed Swap (Bogart Library) Share and swap outdoor and indoor plants and seeds. 2–4 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org/bogart EVENTS: Artisan Festival (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Browse local handmade goods and enjoy live music with food drinks. 2–7 p.m. www.soswhiskey.com

GAMES: The Gaming Lounge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to enjoy a variety of gaming options including Nintendo Switch, PS5, board games, community decks and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee GAMES: Day of Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Try new games and watch how they’re played. 12 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com THEATER: The Legend of Georgia McBride (Town & Gown Players) When a drag show comes to town Elvis impersonator Casey trades in his role as “The King” to become an all-​out queen. Oct. 10–12, 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 2 p.m. $20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Sunday 13 ART: Sunday Spotlight Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) This drop-​in public tour features highlights of the permanent collection. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents local comedians and improv, this week featuring Dan Alten from Louisville, KY. Sundays, 9–10:30 p.m. $7. www.athenscomedy.com EVENTS: Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival (Classic City Flowers & Nursery) Enjoy decorating stations, hayrides, s’mores, hot chocolate, a photo booth and haunted tea room.

Oct. 12, 19 & 26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Oct. 13, 20 & 27, 12 p.m.–6 p.m. $10/children, $15/adults. www. classiccityflowers.com EVENTS: Sandy Creek BBQ, Blues & Cruise-​In (Sandy Creek Park) This inaugural event features blues bands, a unique and classic car cruise-​in, and local barbecue and food vendors. 2–7 p.m. www. accgov.com/sandycreekcarshow GAMES: Host Your Own Tabletop Game (Oconee County Library) Bring your tabletop game or use a library provided one and join friends to play. 2​​–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibary.org/oconee MEETINGS: Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring your crafting project to work on and connect with other artists in the community.

1:30–3 p.m. FREE! www.athentic​ brewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@petanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: The Legend of Georgia McBride (Town & Gown Players) When a drag show comes to town Elvis impersonator Casey trades in his role as “The King” to become an all-​out queen. Oct. 10–12, 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 2 p.m. $20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Monday 14 CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnamese.

6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee COMEDY: Open Mic (Wonderbar) Hosted by Owen Hunt, this is a traditional show up and go up comedy

GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 11:30 a.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog​ athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox.

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Trivia Night (Hi-​Lo Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge. 8 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ hilolounge KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Drop in and join Ms. Jera for rhymes, songs, movement, a story and a craft. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies Provided. All ages.

Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens History Hour (Athens Community Council on Aging) Learn about the history of St. Mary’s Hospital, its advancements in medical technology and influential figures. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.historicathens.com LECTURES & LIT: Art History Faculty Lecture (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Associate professor of Art History Isabelle Loring Wallace will present “On Duchamp, Johns, and Fountains.” 5:30 p.m. FREE! art. uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Pick up a copy of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and discuss it with the group. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

Tuesday 15

Wednesday 16

ART: Opening Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) Clarke County School District’s student art exhibition “INSPIRE” will be on view with musical performances by high school string groups. 6–8 p.m.

FREE! www.accgov.com/exhibits CLASSES: Harmony English Conversation Group (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Practice speaking English in a friendly environment.

Ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

FREE! marjorievmiller@gmail.com CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-​person conversation. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES: Sonic Alchemy Sound Experience (Winterville Cultural Center) Bring a yoga mat and enjoy the utilization of specific instruments to harmonize body, mind and spirit. Registration required. 5–7 p.m. $35. www.wintervillecenter. com EVENTS: White Cane Awareness Day Celebration (ACC City Hall) An annual community event recognizing and honoring the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans, followed by a group walk. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.multiplechoices.us EVENTS: District Attorney Candidate Forum (Hill Chapel Baptist Church) Candidates DA Deborah Gonzalez and challenger Kalki Yalamanchili will discuss their campaigns. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. westerncircuitda.com

ART: Faculty Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Join Nell Andrew, professor of art history, for a gallery program focused on two new works by conceptual artist Sol Lewitt. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS​ AthensDancing@gmail.com COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying​ squidcomedy.com COMEDY: Hari Kondabolu (40 Watt Club) The Brooklyn-​based comedian, writer and podcaster discusses race, inequity and Indian stereotypes. 7 p.m. (doors). $20. www.40watt.com COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers.

Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m.

AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent.

Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens​ farmersmarket.net

EVENTS: Southern Sips Happy Hour (Five and Ten) This casual social event highlights food and drink with information and fundraising for Wholesome Wave Georgia. 5–7 p.m. $25. onecau.se/ southern-​sips FILM: My Bloody Horrorcast (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1990 horror sci-​fi film The Suckling. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist.

New players welcome. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Trivia Night (Normal Bar) Test your trivia knowledge. 7 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/normal. bar.7 GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nickalous Benson.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Playtime Express (Oconee County Library) Join a train-​themed small group playtime.

Registration required. Ages 3 & up. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Trunk or Treat (Heard Park) Dress up for trunk or treat, pumpkin painting and a haunted house. Ages 5–12. 4:30–6 p.m.

FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com OUTDOORS: ‘Normal’ Run (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Athens Road Runners for a 1–3 mile run that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing.

Every other Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

Down the Line 10/17 Artist Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) 10/17 Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) 10/17 Clown Car Comedy Tour (Onward Reserve) 10/18 Play All Day (Oconee County Library) 10/18 Terrapin Mobile Food Pantry (Terrapin Beer Co.) 10/18 Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) 10/18 Homeschool Hangout (Oglethorpe Co. Library) 10/18 Bear Holloween (Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park) 10/18 Death & Mourning: Candlelight Tour (Athens Welcome Center) 10/18 Oktoberfest (Oconee County Library) 10/18 Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) 10/18 DanceATHENS 2024 (Morton Theatre) 10/18 Friday Night Initiative (Online: Tyche’s Games) 10/18 Walk Thru Boo (Lay Park) 10/19 Rivers Alive Cleanup (Dudley Park) 10/19 Comer Community Market (Farmer’s Market Building) 10/19 TSPLOST Submission Workshop (Lay Park) 10/19 Flavors of Fall Festival (Farmview Market) 10/19 Bag of Books Sale (Front Porch Bookstore) 10/19 Fall Skies Planetarium Program (Sandy Creek Nature Center) 10/19 Family Day: A Perfect Model (Georgia Museum of Art) f

food & drink

good growing

Light My Fire

SAFELY SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE THIS FALL

By Erin France news@flagpole.com Besides pumpkin spice lattes and the somehow-always-changing Halloween props at Cali N Tito’s, autumn sparks the beginning of fire pit season. If you’re in the market for a fire pit, or are considering building one in your yard, here’s a few ways to avoid a sad smolder and reach a bright, cheery blaze.

RENTERS BEWARE: Everyone should be mindful of where they want to place their fire pit, but it might be more trouble than it’s worth for renters. Leases generally ban any open flames, like grills and fire pits.

SIZE AND SHAPE: If you’re eyeballing available fire pits this fall, go for sturdy, deep models, which will provide good air flow. Avoid the shallow, UFO-shaped pits, especially those with a metal fire guard on top. The shallow pits can only hold a few logs at a time.

Ideally, you want space for coals, currently baking logs and air flow. The metal fire guard might look like a good idea, especially if you have kids. Maybe it’s great for kids.

For adults, the metal fire guard seems to cause more burnt hands than it prevents.

If a metal fire guard is necessary, a deeper STOCK PHOTO VIA PIXABAY

open mic. Mondays, 9 p.m. (list opens), 9:30 p.m. (show). FREE! www.instagram.com/athenscomedy FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) After a growth hormone experiment goes awry, a swarm of giant rats invade a college campus in Gnaw: Food Of The Gods 2. 8 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/BadMovieNight GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (LumberJaxe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox.

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Beginner Guitar Club (Lay Park Community Center) Learn the basic fundamentals of the guitar. Registration required. Every Monday. Ages 8–11, 5:30–6:20 p.m. Ages 12–17, 6:30–7:20 p.m. $10 (ACC resident), $15 (non-​resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m.

FREE! www.classiccityrotary.org MEETINGS: Hook and Needle (Winterville Cultural Center) A crafting group with a focus on creating and contributing blanket projects for Project Linus. Second Mondays, 2 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter. com MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee

Granted, I broke that rule for only the best parties and still set the borrowed pit as far away from the rental home as I could go. If you’re renting and want that campfire feel, I’d head to Normal Bar once the temperature drops to enjoy their outdoor fire pits.

Other opportunities for fans of the flame include the sanctioned pits at Sandy Creek Park.

COUNTY REGS: If you’ve got a bunch of leaves and limbs from Hurricane Helene, don’t throw them in a giant pile and burn them.

That’s considered “open burning,” and it’s not allowed in Athens-Clarke County. Leafand-limb will remove roadside debris and turn it into compost at the county landfill.

Though it takes longer, compost doesn’t degrade air quality and can’t accidentally set your house on fire.

Fire pits can be used for “recreational purposes or for cooking food for immediate human consumption,” according to the ACC Code of Ordinances Section 4-4-1. So, if you’ve got an outdoor fire where you’re toasting marshmallows over a few logs, that’s fine. Place fire pits at least 25 feet away from any structures, and make sure you’ve got a water hose on hand. If some old, dead wood fell during the storm, that could become good firewood for a backyard burn, once it dries out. Green wood and leaves will make the fire smoke. Just in case: Don’t burn trash. It’s illegal in Athens, it smells gross, and your neighbors will likely hate you for it.

pit where you can start the fire and leave it to burn without much poking and prodding would be best. Some fire pits come with holes in the bottom for proper air flow. If you’re not a fire aficionado, this could help give your fire the needed oxygen to burn without worrying too much about log cabin vs. teepee fire builds. The ventilation hole will also allow rain water (and dowsing water), to run out of the fire pit automatically. Otherwise, your fire pit could become another mosquito breeding ground in your yard. If you opt for a fire pit with a ventilation hole at the bottom, make sure you’ve got gravel, sand, fire bricks or some other non-flammable surface below it. Ash and hot coals will fall out of it occasionally and should have a safe landing spot.

FUEL FOR FIRES: I despise the little bundles of logs covered in plastic and sold throughout the winter. It’s unnecessary landfill trash.

Much of the packaged wood doesn’t burn well because it was dried through commercial processes, instead of allowed to dry out over a longer period of time. Plenty of local firewood sellers will deliver a truckload to your home. Placing your order early on will ensure seasoned wood, perfect for burning.

I’ve found most of the seasoned wood sold out by December.

Stack your logs in a spot protected from the rain. It’s best to use all of it before April.

Stacks of firewood left in the same place during the warmer months can attract pests like snakes, mice and termites. f

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bulletin board Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board is every THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the print issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Online listings are updated daily. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Art AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists in any medium to support specific projects that enrich the culture of Athens. Rolling deadlines are Dec. 15, Mar. 15, June 15 and Sept. 15. Apply online. www. athensarts.org/support ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a semi-​private workspace, access to the center’s seven open studios and a $250 stipend. Rising professional and studio-​based artists are invited to apply. Artists will be expected to present their work in a workshop or artist talk and will be invited to take part in a group exhibition with other AIR Program alumni. Applications are reviewed Apr. 20 for residencies beginning July 1 and Sept. 20 for residencies beginning Jan. 1. www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons.

Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. www.athenscreatives.directory

BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1,500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians.

Email if interested in displaying your collection. shelby.little@ accgov.com JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual, musical and video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www. jokerjokertv.com/submit OCAF HOLIDAY MARKET CALL FOR ARTISTS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) The 30th annual holiday market is seeking original handmade works like pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass jewelry and more.The market will be held Nov. 22 from 4–8 p.m.,

art around town 1000 FACES (510 N. Thomas St.) Recent abstract paintings by Hannah Jones. Through November.

ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1500) “Murmur Trestle: Photographs by Jason Thrasher” shares images from a new book of photos taken during different seasons over the course of six years. • “Grit Portraits: Paintings by Tobiah Cole” includes portraits of some of the artist’s friends from his many years at The Grit.

ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) In “Fission Or, Eclipse,” New York-based artist Rose Salane uses seemingly mundane objects to explicate systems of evaluation, exchange and organization that shape daily life. Through Nov. 23.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) Evan Michael Bush’s “Death Becomes Him” includes a whimsical and macabre series of oil paintings depicting dapper skeletons alongside spooky pen and ink illustrations. Through Nov. 2.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Garden of Dreams” features photographs by Austin Emerson, whose darkroom-based practice centers the alchemy of the process in the resulting images. Through Oct. 25.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) In Classic Gallery I, “Spotlight” features works by painters William Ballard, Jaci Davis and Ella Hopkins. • In Classic Gallery II, Kristin Roberts’ “The Fables” illustrates Aesop’s Fables with detailed works that are both whimsical and dangerous.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In “Shape Shifting,” Dodd MFA alum Joe Camoosa uses images from his favorite sketchbook to present a colorful grid. Through Nov. 7. • The 2024 Margie E. West Prize Winner Exhibition, “Hong Hong: Inland,” examines the body as a closed ecological system, where various materials continually interact to sustain and regenerate itself.

Through Nov. 7.

DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes, fables and more.

Through October.

FESTIVAL HALL (201 N. Main St., Greensboro) The “Georgia Watercolor Society Member Exhibition” features around 80 watercolors by artists from across Georgia and the Southeast. Through Oct. 26.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) The annual Halloween art show features spooky works by Dan Smith, Marisa Mustard, Rachel Burnham, Will Eskridge, Sara Kirkpatrick, Ed Edderson and others. Through October.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “A Perfect Model: Prints after Anthony van Dyck’s Portraits” presents prints that attest to Van Dyck’s

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

Nov. 23–10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.ocaf. com/ocaf-​annual-​holiday-​market OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-​Studio-​ Membership PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. Panels review, evaluate and select from submitted proposals for ACC-​funded public art commissions. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-​Art-​Selection-​Panels

Classes A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! www.unityathens.com ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) The shop offers a range of fine art classes and workshops for adults,

“Garden of Dreams: Photographs by Austin Emerson” is currently on view at ATHICA@Ciné Gallery through Oct. 25. private classes and parties, summer camps, and art clubs for youth.

Topics include abstract art in aqua oils (three-​week class Oct. 16, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30), gouache (Oct. 20 or Dec. 14), drawing (Oct. 27 or Dec. 1), calligraphy (Nov. 17), watercolor (Dec. 1) and holiday postcards in watercolor (Dec. 10 or Dec. 12). Register online. www. kaartist.com BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade, Washington) A variety of blacksmithing classes include “Forge Bottle Openers” (Oct. 18), “Forge Grilling Tools” (Oct. 19), “Forge a Railroad Spike Knife” (Oct. 25 or Nov. 8), “First Time at the Forge: Three Hook

lasting impact as a printmaker and portraitist. Through Dec. 1. • Organized in conjunction with the American Liszt Festival at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music in October 2024, “Saint Petersburg as Franz Liszt Saw It” features works on paper that show Russia at the time of the Hungarian composer and pianist’s visits in the 1840s. Through Dec. 1. • Shot through the windows from inside Waffle House restaurants across the Southeast, Micah Cash’s photographs in “Waffle House Vistas” contemplate the built and natural environments. Through June 1. • “Mind the Gap: Selections from the Permanent Collection” explores the spaces between tradition and innovation in art. Through Dec. 1. • “Joel Sternfeld: When It Changed” includes portraits taken at the 2005 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Through Dec. 1. • “The Artist as Witness” includes works from the museum’s permanent collection that serve as visual responses to Joel Sternfeld’s exhibition. Through Dec. 1. • “On Wonder and Witnessing at Tallulah Falls” places a 1841 painting by George Cooke alongside contemporary photographs by Caitlin Peterson. Through Jan. 12.

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights.

HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Paintings by Marisa Mustard. Through October. • Nirvinyl Album Art presents “Room by Room (Part two): Living Room/Dining Room.” Through Nov. 15.

HOTEL INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Vivian Liddell shares “Athens Landscapes,” a series of monotypes based on photographs taken around town over the past several years. Through November.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Susie Criswell presents a collection of bold nature paintings. Through November.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The Window Works series presents a site-specific artwork by Atlanta artist Michael Reese that questions the perception of the Black Body against cyanotype photography popular with architectural blueprints. Through spring 2025. • Leonard Piha’s solo exhibition features mixed-media sculptures set within one-gallon glass jugs, drawing on the deep history of bottle whimseys, an art form spread in the U.S. by self-taught craftsmen. Through Nov. 15. • Collections From the Community presents Ahndhi Stitcha’s VHS tape collection. • “Inspired: Artworks by Students of the Clarke County School District Inspired by Athens Creatives” was envisioned as a way to foster a connection between local artists and students. Opening Reception Oct. 15, 6–8 p.m. Currently on view through Jan. 18.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) Lisa Freeman’s exhibition “So Much More” addresses the limitations frequently imposed on women in a patriarchal society. Artist Talk Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

Closing Reception Nov. 1, 5–7 p.m. • This year’s annual juried exhibition “SouthWorks” was juried by William Eiland, who served as director of the Georgia Museum of Art from 1992–2023. Through Nov. 1.

Rack” (Oct. 26 or Nov. 16), “Forge a Firepoker” (Nov. 1), “Forge Christmas Ornaments” (Nov. 2 or Nov. 15), “Forge a Tomahawk” (Nov. 9) and “Forge a Medieval Flail” (Nov. 22). Classes held 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. www.greenhow​ handmade.com CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults.

Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio. org, www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) “Making Pasta 201: Squash Agnolotti” will be held Oct. 10, 6–8 p.m.

$103. “Ricotta Gnocchi Dinner” will be held Oct. 16, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Ceviche Celebration” will be held Oct. 17, 6–8 p.m. $103.

“Bao Bliss: Making Steamed Bao Buns” will be held Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m. $103. Register online. www. athenscooks.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and tap. Lunch time classes are available for adults including “Pilates & Dance Conditioning” on Wednesdays at noon. www.accgov.com/myrec LEVEL 1 IMPROV (Flying Squid) This six-​week course covers fundamental skills like making offers,

OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave., Watkinsville) Members of the Athens Area Plein Air group share their works. Through Oct. 30.

OX FINE ART (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1700) Artwork by the late Art Rosenbaum, a painter, muralist, professor, and collector and performer of traditional American folk music.

PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) Two new collections celebrating the connection between art and nature include a complete Jasperware tea set from Wedgewood in England and a series of hand-carved coconut vessels.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) “Tiny Wonders” presents macro photography of local plants, insects and other tiny creatures by Heather Larkin, Don Hunter, Diego Huet, Bill Sheehan, Sandy Shaul and Rosemary Woodel. Through Nov. 12.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Queer Perspectives” is a juried exhibition featuring work by 13 Georgiabased artists including Yousef Bousheri, Perrine Gaudry, Rial Rye, Ezra Witkowski and Clint Zeagler. Through Jan. 4.

TIGER’S EYE GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1600) Celebrated poet, Rumi translator and UGA professor emeritus Coleman Barks shares a collection of new works on paper alongside pieces by Ben Rouse, Mark Magnarella, Marla Star, Jamie DeRevere, Jessica Magnarella and Noah Mendelson.

Poetry Reading and Closing Reception Oct. 27, 4 p.m.

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) In “Low Anchored Cloud/Spring Hoax,” Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA, explores themes of life and death through two distinct bodies of work. Through Dec. 21.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Athens Potluck” revisits Jason Thrasher’s 2017 book that includes portraits of 33 musicians at home or in the studio.The exhibition includes photographs, stories, loaned items from the featured musicians and items from the music collections of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Through December. • “Bulldog Olympians” celebrates over 200 UGA athletes who have competed for Team USA or their home countries through photographs and artifacts. Curator Talks Oct. 11, Nov. 15 and Nov. 22.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS CLEMENTS GALLERY (780 Timothy Rd.) Lori Hammer presents “Enhanced Paintings from Photos.” Through Jan. 2.

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “First Annual Juried Exhibition” featuring selections from the gallery’s inaugural juried show. Through Oct. 30. • “Wonders of Watercolor” including works from the W.O.W. OCAF artists group. Through Oct. 30.

WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Lane, Winterville) Leslie Guo’s exhibition, “Colors of Water,” explores the fluid beaty and endless possibilities of water as both subject and medium. Through Nov. 1.

cultivating spontaneity, saying “Yes, and…” and creating interesting scenes. Begins Oct. 8, 6–8 p.m. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com MINDFUL SPIRIT WORK (Sangha Yoga Studio) Rebecca Shisler Marshall leads a four-​week program blending mindfulness, shamanic journeying, connection with spirit guides and hypnosis to deepen your self-​awareness and spiritual connection. Begins Oct. 28, 5:30–7 p.m. $125. bit.ly/mindfulspiritwork PÉTANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (5 Alumni Dr.) Learn to play Pétanque.

RSVP for a free Wednesday introduction. athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque​ club.wixsite.com/play PLEIN ART SKETCHING (Winterville Cultural Center) Jack Burk leads a six-​week outdoor nature class utilizing pen, pastels, colored pencils or watercolor. Wednesdays and Fridays, Oct. 16-​Nov. 1, 1–3 p.m. $15/class, $75/series. www. wintervillecenter.com QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s hosts free monthly QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention sessions for anyone interested, not just mental health professionals.

Nuçi’s also offers free training for businesses and organizations. qpr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org/qpr RUBBER PEOPLE SOUL YOGA (work.shop) Cal Clements teaches classes that include gratitude, breath, flexibility poses, strength building and some chanting of Om. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. Donations accepted. www.rubberpeoplesoulyoga.com SALSA CLASSES (Multiple Locations) UGA Salsa Club hosts “Level 1: Foundational Movements & Partner Work” for students with no prior dancing experience. No partner required. Held in Adinkra Hall (Memorial Hall 407). Sundays through Nov. 24, 3–3:45 p.m. (No class Nov. 3, Nov. 17.) FREE! www. ugasalsaclub.com. TIMBAthens hosts “Level 2: Partner Work & Foundations of Rueda I” for students who want to learn Cuban style. Held at YWCO Sundays through Dec. 15, 4:30–5:25 p.m.

(No class Oct. 20). $10/class. www.timbathens.com TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-​style Taekwondo, self-​defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the website for a full schedule. liveoak​ martialarts@gmail.com, www.live​ oakmartialarts.com

WREATH WORKSHOP (Bishop Park) Make a festive wreath with Diamond Hill Farm using dried flowers, grapevine, greenery and more.

Registration required. Oct. 19, 9–11 a.m. $50. www.diamondhillharm​ athens.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-​body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-​ informed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyand​ yoga.com YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles.

Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga Athens) This body-​neutral and trauma-​ informed space in Normaltown offers heated and unheated classes.

Classes are offered in Power Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Yin and Restorative Yoga. New student offer: four weeks of unlimited yoga for $40. shakti​ yogaathens.com YOGA TEACHER TRAINING (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Kelsey Wishik leads a 200-​hour Yoga Alliance approved Embodied Wisdom Yoga Teacher Training program combining the holistic practice of yoga with contemporary, trauma-​ informed techniques. Nov. 16–Apr. 4. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga. com

Help Out ATHENS RIVERS ALIVE (Athens, GA) Help remove litter from streams, creeks and rivers as part of a continuing statewide campaign to clean and preserve over 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. Now registering. Georgia Waterway Cleanup held Oct. 19. www.accgov.com/RiversAlive CALL FOR FORMAL WEAR DONATIONS (Oconee Library) The library is accepting donations of any formal wear and accessories for its annual Bling Your Prom event as well as the Purple Women Corporation partnership program with the Athens Area Women’s Shelter’s One Night with the King event. www.athens​ library.org/location/oconee HOLIDAY TREE (Athens, GA) ACC Landscape Division is seeking a donated tree to place in front of City Hall for the holiday season. Must be at least 35 feet high and 20 feet wide. 706-​613-​3561 MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers

to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-​country area of Northeastern Georgia. Contact Daniel Myers at 706-​850-​4025 or dmyers@multiplechoices.us PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. The application is available online. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Morton Theatre Corporation) The Morton Theatre Corporation is seeking new members for its board of directors and volunteers. The application is available online. board@morton​ theatre.com, www.mortontheatre. com/join-​the-​board TRAIL GUIDING (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Volunteers lead small groups of children on hikes around the nature center trails and emphasize the lesson for the day by incorporating things found on the hike. Register online. accgov. givepulse.com/event/379177-​Trail-​ Guides-​Training

Kidstuff ART CARD CLUB FOR PRE-​TEENS AND TEENS (K.A. Artist Shop) Draw, paint, collage and create your own collection of art cards. Materials provided. Fridays, 6–7:30 p.m. $28/drop-​in, $200 (10 classes). www.kaartist.com ATHENS FOREST KINDERGARTEN (Sandy Creek Park) Now enrolling children ages 3–6. AFK is a cooperative preschool that aims to develop initiative, persistence, interdependence, and empathy. www.athensforestkindergarten.org BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’BRELLA STUDIO) After-​school art lessons for ages 6–11 include drawing and mixed media activities and are held Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Family Playgroups are for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Check website for descriptions and meeting times. www.brellastudio.com/events FALL CLASSES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Treehouse offers a variety of art-​centric activities for children, such as “Art School,” “Toddler/ Baby Process Art,” “Digital Art Designer,” “Open Studio,” “Art School Junior,” “Saturday Morning

Crafts” and more. Check website for schedule and details. www. treehousekidandcraft.com GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM (ReBlossom) A variety of classes, playgroups and support groups are offered for parents and young children. Topics include birth and breastfeeding, prenatal and parent-​baby yoga, instrument play, maternal mental health and more.

Check website for a schedule. www. reblossomathens.com LIBRARY STORYTIMES (ACC Library) Storytime for preschool aged children and their caregivers is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. www.athens​ library.org

Support Groups BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor Therapy Room) This support group for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers friendship, information about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. Contact Floretta Johnson, 706-​353-​1892, floretta.johnson@stmarysathens. org NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals.

Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

FREE! www.byyourleave.org POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) This open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy discusses navigating jealousy, polysaturation, relationships with metamours and polyamorous parenting. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-​safe.org RECREATE JOY (Sunny Days Therapeutics) Nuçi’s Space hosts a recreational therapy support group.

Improve coping skills and self esteem while reducing depression and anxiety through adaptive yoga, games and leisure education. Six-​ week sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-​led support group offers a Buddhist-​inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the web-

site for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.org SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE (Nuçi’s Space) SOS is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m. www.nuci.org

Word on the Street ANNUAL BIRDSEED SALE (Sandy Creek Nature Center) A variety of bird seed is available in multiple sizes. Proceeds benefit Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. Place orders by Oct. 20. Pick-​up Nov. 8–9. www.sandycreeknaturecenter​ inc.org/bird-​seed-​sale BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations are located across Athens with tools, an air pump and a QR code for quick guides on basic bike repairs. Visit the website for participating locations. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-​Repair-​Stations CALL FOR PHOTOS (Athens, GA) Submit water or nature-​themed photos taken in Athens-​Clarke County to be considered in the Stormwater Management Program’s annual calendar. www.accgov.com/ stormwater DIAL-​A-​POEM (Athens, GA) Call 762-​400-​POEM (or 762-​400-​7636) to hear selections from Athens current Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson Smith and inaugural Poet Laureate Jeff Fallis. www.athens​ culturalaffairs.org DIAMOND HILL FARM CSA (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Community Supported Agriculture program offers a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits and/or flowers directly to consumers each week. Check website for weekly pickup locations, home delivery details and to register. $15 (flower share), $25–35 (farm box). www.diamondhillfarm​ athens.com DOWNTOWN PARADE OF LIGHTS (Downtown Athens) Seeking floats and performing units for this year’s annual holiday parade. This year’s theme is “Run, Run Rudolph.”

Prizes awarded. Deadline Nov. 5, 5 p.m. Event held Dec. 5. www. accgov.com/parade FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Now registering. www.accgov.com/myrec FILM LOCATION DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The Athens Film Office, part of the ACCGov Communications Department, recently

launched a new database to showcase potential local sites that could be considered for film, TV or other production projects. Residents and business owners can add photos and information. www.athensgafilm​ office.com FREE MEDICAL CLINICS (Nuçi’s Space) Free medical clinics are available to people without insurance through the AU/UGA Medical Partnership. Call to reserve a spot.

Translators available. Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. 706-227-1515, www.nuci. org/additional-health-services RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.m.) and Drumming and Song Circle (Sundays, 3–5 p.m.).

Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbitholestudios.org/ calendar SEEKING MUSIC (Athens, GA) Seeking music submissions for the third season of “View Finders,” a locally produced TV series that will air on national PBS. Music can vary from electronic, ambient, hip hop, folk, Americana, rock, country, blues, classical and beyond. Contact for submission form. chrisgreer​ photography@gmail.com, www. viewfindersontv.com SEEKING POLL WORKERS (Athens, GA) The Elections Department is seeking residents to serve as poll workers for the Nov. 5 general election. www.accgov.com/pollworker SEVENTH GENERATION (Healing Path Farm) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m., Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Women’s Circle every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. www.seventhgeneration​ nativeamericanchurch.org TURNTABLE REVOLVING LOAN FUND (Athens, GA) The Joint Development Authority of Athens-​ Clarke County and the City of Winterville has created a new program to provide low-​interest, 30-​month loans for small businesses. www. investathensga.com VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Brad Staples (of the Athens GA Live Music crew) is seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC or DVDs to digitize and archive on his YouTube channel, vhsordie (@vhsordie3030). Original recordings will be returned, and credits and dates will be included in the online video description.

Digitization services are free. Contact for details and to coordinate shipping. bradley.staples88@ gmail.com f

SAVE AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES: WOMEN • GIRLS • FAMILIES This plea for sanity is from a WW2/vintage American citizen furious at Republicans who have made rape and incest legal and medical procedures necessary for saving women and girls’ lives illegal and punishable by imprisonment and death. Republican nazis have made women, young girls, and families America’s most endangered species. Stop them! Vote them out permanently! Vote Democratic this time! Save our rights, freedoms, and lives!

VOTE DEMOCRATIC! OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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classifieds Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com or call 706-­549-­0301

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BASIC RATES: Individual $10/week • Real Estate $14/week • Business $16/week • Online Only $5/week Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com • Deadline to place ads is 11 a.m. every Monday for the following Wednesday issue

REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR RENT 3BR/2BA house in Normal­ town, quiet interior street.

Central heat/air. Furnished.

Hwd floors. Washer/dryer.

Driveway/on-street parking.

No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505

HOUSES FOR SALE Looking for a house or a home? Condo or land? Call Daniel Peiken. REALTOR 5Market Realty. Selling in and around Athens for over 20 years. 706-296-2941 Get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox!

Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year. Purchase at www.flagpole.bigcartel. com or call 706-­549-­0301.

MUSIC

Nuçi’s Space is always accepting and selling used gear and instruments. All profits go toward our mission of ending the epidemic of suicide. Visit nuci.org/ rewired.

INSTRUCTION Athens School of Music.

Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more.

From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens​ schoolofmusic.com. 706543-5800

INSTRUMENTS For Sale: guitars and other stringed instruments. All in excellent condition. Some new. Most with cases or gig bags. Also numerous pedals. Flexible pricing.

Contact Beaumont 913-2691793.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MUSIC SERVICES

Join us for a not-so-spooky Parents’ Night Out on Oct. 25, 6-8:30pm! We’ll have music, pizza, games, and crafts! Learn more at MeritMusicAcademy.com!

Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428

SERVICES HEALTH Improve your physical and emotional health by balancing your energies.

Energy medicine for you and your dog in the Chase Park Arts District. 706-2966893 VibrantBeing.net

HOME AND GARDEN Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden clean-up/maintenance, invasive plant removal, raised beds, personalized native/edible gardens for home/business and more!

Call/Text: 706-395-5321.

MISC. SERVICES If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, call Project Safe for help 706543-3331. project-safe.org

ADOPT ME! Jakobe (56664877)

Chatterbox (56933577) Orange tabbies are known for their sparkling personality so it’s no surprise that Chatterbox is, well, a chatterbox! He’s also snuggly, soft and loves it when you give him lots of pets.

Karen (56953573)

Meet Karen! She’s a sweet and energetic kitty who loves to play.

At a little under a year old Karen still has some growing to do but we know she’ll stay as loving and curious as she is right now.

These pets and many others are available for adoption or foster at:

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way · 706-613-3540 Call for appointment

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 9, 2024

TRAVEL FREE travel booking/consultation with local Travel Advisor Kristi Patrick!

Cruises, all inclusives, honeymoons/destination weddings, corporate incentive travel, group travel, and more! TravelmationKristi.net

flagpole

CLASSIFIEDS

JOBS PART-TIME Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 12–40 hours, Mon–Fri. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for.

Must type 65+ wpm. Make your own schedule and work independently with no customer interaction.

Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com

Juvenile Offender Advocates. Seeking volunteer advocates and interns to make a difference in a juve- Seeking PT research assisnile offender’s life. juvenile​ tant. $15/hour to start to investigate local traffic fatality offenderadvocateinc.org information. Email resume to: Flagpole ♥s our advertisers. vintagelumber@gmail.com.

Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

This handsome man is up for adoption or fostering and we know he’s going to find his purrfect family! Jokobe has big blue eyes, a lovely coat with gray socks and floof, and a very cute meow.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2872. Community events each week!

Follow us on Facebook @ fwpost2872.

Interact with real, local, human beings.

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

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WITH OVER 500 HOMES SOLD

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VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2024

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW

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CORD SIBILSKY

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CSG-GAP.COM

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Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain to 9.

Weekthe of numbers 10/7/24 Ͳ1 10/13/24

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

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5

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7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

15

14

11

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13

31

32

57

58

16 19

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Solution to Sudoku:

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6 2 8 237 4 5 1 924 3 26 1 273 284 9 2 8 629 5 7 33 34 7 5 9 3 6 1 4 235 8 37 38 4 6 7 5 8 3 939 1 2 42 4 5 7 6 41 8 1 3 2 9 45 5 9 2 466 1 7 8 3 447 9 7 496 4 5 2 350 8 1 52 54 2 6 5 55 3 534 1 8 7 9 2 8 5 1 3 6 60 7 4 61 9 59

25 30 36 40 43

44 48

51 56

62

63

64

65

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67

Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Neuter a neigher 52 One of Marvel's 5 Clip, as wool Avengers 10 Airport lineup 55 Stew ingredient 14 Mishmash 59 Poker play 15 Way off base?

60 Meet half-way 16 Light greenish62 Weather word blue 63 Library listing 17 Part of AP 64 Tolstoy heroine 19 Pipe problem 65 Village People 20 Take away classic 21 Overly optimistic 66 Pitcher's stat 23 Treadmill settings 67 Trawling gear 25 Skirt's edge 26 Kind of test DOWN 29 Stress, in a way 1 Spur 33 Different ones 2 Besides 35 Nixon's pardoner 3 Shopper's aid 36 Potter pal 4 Place for a Weasley welcome mat 37 Straddling 5 Pizza serving 38 Offer one's two 6 Fastball, in slang cents 7 Absorb, as a 40 Pub order cost 41 Quick swim 8 Strong dislike 42 Tehran's land 9 Modernize décor 43 One on the 10 College grad's payroll goal 45 Dispersed 11 March birthstone 48 Rundown 12 Go over 21, in 49 Color shade blackjack 50 Conforms (to) 13 "Eats" anagram

18 Escapade 22 Shake off 24 Clearly set out 26 Warty creatures 27 Storage room 28 Compulsive buyer 30 Ring site 31 Muscularly fit 32 Way in 34 Ticked off 39 Irrational distrust 40 Newspaper worker 42 Agenda entry 44 The Jetsons' dog 46 Toyota pickup 47 Mark with spots 51 Peels 52 Up in the air 53 Not stay put 54 Plays a part 56 Supreme Court count 57 George Harrison's "___ It a Pity" 58 Pod veggies 61 "The Challenge" network

Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles

OC T OB E R 9, 2024 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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