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ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Spend Mother’s Day at the garden
Bethel Reborn
PLUS, THE ACC BUDGET AND LAND USE PLAN
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Eight years ago, Rick Parker and the Athens Housing Authority board of directors approached the Athens- Clarke County Mayor and Commission with the innovative idea of using SPLOST money to rebuild Bethel Midtown Village as a mixed-income community. One pandemic, one global supply chain meltdown and more than $40 million later, the first phase of The View at
the area median income (about $54,000 a year for a family of four, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), and 40 are market rate. The development provides “safe, quality and affordable housing that changes lives,” said the current AHA executive director, Sheila Crisp. LeMoni Burney of the DCA called it “a model for responsible redevelopment
The budget includes pay raises for ACC employees but few new initiatives, adding just 12 positions to the county government workforce of 1,800. “I wanted to be extremely cautious,” Girtz told Flagpole, noting uncertainty about the national economy, potential federal budget cuts and a new floating homestead exemption. That exemption, approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, caps rising property assessments at the rate of inflation. The Clarke County School District opted out, but ACC did not. County finance officials estimate that the exemption will cost ACC $2.2 million in revenue this year, but Girtz said the full impact won’t be known for at least another year.
NoDA (North Downtown Athens) is officially open (and yes, the name does bring to mind SodoSopa from “South Park”).
Parker, the former AHA executive director who retired in 2023, said that when he came to Athens in 1989, people kept complaining about the condition of what was then Bethel Homes, and he had to remind them that it was not an AHA property. But in 2017, after the successful redevelopment of Jack R. Wells Homes, better known as Pauldoe, local officials “began to contemplate a bold and radical solution,” he said. As recounted by Parker at a ribboncutting ceremony May 2, the project almost died at several junctures. First, then-owner HJ Russell, an Atlanta-based construction and real estate company, unexpectedly listed the property for sale 10 months before Athens voters were scheduled to vote on SPLOST 2020, a package of sales tax- funded capital projects that included $39 million for the Bethel redevelopment. Private partners Columbia Residential and Jonathan Rose Companies put up $16 million to buy it, with the late Columbia Residential founder Noel Khalil sealing the deal with a personal phone call to the Russell family, Parker said.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, interrupting the public input process. Subsequently, supply chains broke down, drastically increasing the cost of construction. The turmoil caused interest rates to rise, making financing more difficult. But the project moved forward with additional contributions from the ACC government and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Now, a portion of the run-down and crime-ridden Bethel has been demolished, replaced with 120 new apartments. Forty of them are public housing, 40 are reserved for residents who make less than 60% of
that centers the needs of its residents and the community long- term.”
Former Bethel residents displaced by construction can move back to The View at NoDa with no rent increase and all moving expenses covered by the private developers, Columbia Residential and Jonathan Rose. That’s a point AHA board chair Valdon Daniel, who grew up in public housing himself, hammered home repeatedly.
“The projects, at that time, was a wonderful place to live,” Daniel said, full of working families who wanted “a decent place for their children.”
Charice Heywood, a banker who helped finance The View at NoDA, agreed with that sentiment. “I always judge a community by saying, ‘Would I put my mother there?’” she said, “and it’s an absolute ‘yes.’”
Construction on the second phase of the development, which will eventually include more than 500 units, is scheduled to start this fall, according to Charlie Gluodenis, the AHA’s chief real estate officer.
Due to a shaky economy, Mayor Kelly Girtz did not allocate another $5 million to an affordable housing fund he created, along with the county commission, last year. But the initial $5 million remains, along with unspent funds from the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act. “I challenge us to continue on this path, because there is more fertile ground in this city we love so much,” Girtz said.
Mayor’s Budget Keeps Tax Rate Flat
Girtz introduced a $202 million general fund budget for Athens- Clarke County last week, down $2 million from the current fiscal year, keeping the property tax rate level at 12.45 mills.
Despite raising salaries and adding a handful of new positions—such as a mechanic and engineer for the Public Utilities Department and an information technology assistant director to enhance cybersecurity—the proposed fiscal 2026 budget is less than 2025’s because last year the commission took $10 million from reserves to deal with a backlog of capital expenses, Girtz said.
The mayor and commission held their first budget hearing Apr. 30, meeting with the heads of quasi-governmental agencies like the public defender’s office, the Classic Center and Visit Athens, the local tourism group. The Athens Regional Library System asked for help covering statemandated health care expenses, which now total $22,000 for each of the library’s 29 full- time employees, according to executive director Beth McIntyre. Caught off guard by the hike last year, McIntyre said the library had to pull funding from a part- time accounting position and off-duty police officers who serve as security guards.
Now that Girtz has submitted his budget, commissioners will spend May holding public hearings and work sessions to negotiate any changes, then vote on the final version in June.
Attention, Urbanists
The Athens- Clarke County Planning Department is bringing a renowned urban planning expert to town this week as part of a three- year-long effort to draw a new future land use map guiding growth for the next 25 years.
Joe Minicozzi, former director of the Asheville Downtown Association and founder of the urban planning firm Urban3, specializes in using graphics to help people visualize the impact of land use on tax revenue. He is a proponent of New Urbanism—a design philosophy that favors oldfashioned walkable neighborhoods over car- centric sprawl—but looks at it from an economic perspective, explaining which kind of land uses generate revenue and which are a drain on taxpayers, according to ACC Planning Director Bruce Lonnee.
“He’s really good at making that case, and in a way that tells the good story and the bad,” said Lonnee, who described Minicozzi as “energetic and charismatic.”
Minicozzi is scheduled to give three presentations in Athens this week: one to the mayor and commission Wednesday, May 7 at 4 p.m.; one for the business community at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8 at the 1055 Barber Street event space, sponsored by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce; and one for the general public at 6 p.m. May 8 in the Clarke Central High School auditorium. Planners recently wrapped up a third round of public input on the future land use map. The current proposal only makes changes to less than 6% of the county’s land—primarily along major corridors and at major intersections—while leaving residential neighborhoods relatively untouched. Increased density along those corridors will allow Athens to absorb the estimated 30,000 new residents the city is expected to add by 2050, Lonnee said. He expects to present the map to the mayor and commission in August or September. f
The View at NoDA (left), contrasted with Bethel Midtown Village (right).
this year. ACC usually receives about $1.5 million annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and about $3.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration, in addition to various competitive grants for roads, law enforcement and other functions. A $5 million grant to install electric vehicle chargers throughout the county is currently on hold, as the Trump administration is attempting to block or claw back many of the Biden administration’s initiatives related to climate change.
“At this point, we are not seeing any issues with federal grants that were already under contract. We are waiting for information as it pertains to some of our annual ‘entitlement’ grants from HUD and FTA, as neither agency has communicated what changes, if any, we should anticipate. HUD has extended the submission period for our annual action plan, but I can only speculate if that is staffing-related, policy-related or a precursor to changes in funding,” said interim assistant manager Andrew Saunders. [BA]
Closing the Book on Libraries?
The Trump Administration is proposing to slash the budget for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that provides $180 million to the country’s many public libraries, archives and museums to build their collections and strengthen their programming. Already, $3.9 million that was allocated for the state of Washington has been terminated, and other states have suffered the same fate.
Ending federal support would devastate the Athens Regional Library System and Georgia’s approximately 400 other libraries, which received a total of $5.2 million in 2024 through the Georgia Library Services and Technology Act. Georgia officials don’t yet know how much money, if any, the state will receive from IMLS.
“I’ve seen firsthand how libraries serve every corner of our community, regardless of political affiliation, background or belief system,” said Beth McIntyre, director of the Athens system. “Public libraries are anchored in the shared values that unite us as Americans. Whether you’re a parent looking for early literacy story times, a veteran applying for benefits, a student without home internet, or a small business owner researching local markets, the library is here for you because you are a member of the community.”
The Georgia library system relies on federal money to fund the computerized lending technology (PINES) that serves the state’s nearly 5 million library card holders. If the local library doesn’t have the book you want in its collection, another library in the state will send its copy. Federal money also helps cover the costs of summer reading programs, which introduce young readers to the joy of books and encourage established readers to continue reading. Among other services, the library provides speedy internet access and talking books for blind and print-disabled patrons, facilitates the process of applying for a passport, and allows patrons to scan and fax documents and obtain e-books. The main Athens library even has a seed library for checking out vegetable, fruit and flower seeds. In fiscal year 2024, residents made more than 45 million visits to libraries across Georgia and checked out 35 million items—
books, movies, CDs of music, audiobooks and even musical instruments. Librarians fear that without federal support, many of their services will be decimated. The budget for buying books for their collections will shrink. Free, high- speed internet service will be cut, and eventually, so will staff positions. There will be no more experts to teach patrons how to use computer software and hardware, to help those looking for jobs or to support children and adults learning to read.
“Libraries are not just about books. We are about access, equity and empowerment,” said McIntyre. “Federal investment in libraries is a modest cost with a profound return. To eliminate it is to gamble with our future.”
The head of the American Library Association, Cindy Hohl, called the cuts callous and cruel.
“The White House may have no qualms about slashing opportunities for jobseekers, students, veterans and families, but Congress has the power to restore support for services their constituents rely on,” she said in a statement. “It’s time for elected leaders to show up for our libraries.”
nine other surrounding counties, officially providing assistance to 110 people enrolled in their services. However, they unofficially serve a much larger population with transportation, as well as providing other hardto-quantify services like information and referrals.
When describing their work at Multiple Choices, Scott said, “We don’t have the same level of transportation. We don’t have the same employment opportunity. We don’t have the same social opportunity.” CILs throughout the U.S. are meant to help provide a stopgap for these disparities.
CILs came into being as an outgrowth of the Independent Living Movement of the 1970s. Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 created a network of these organizations throughout the country.
Athens’ Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins will not be showing up. In a letter to Janet Burroughs, director of the Elbert County Public Library, he said, “The federal government is too large and there are too many agencies, large and small, using taxpayer money to do things that should be left to states, local governments, or Americans themselves. In the spirit of the 10th Amendment and as a small government conservative, I support President Trump’s effort to get rid of wasteful federal agencies and programs, including IMLS.” [Rebecca McCarthy]
‘Anguish’ in the Disability Community
“Whatever barriers the federal budget cuts create for you as an individual without a disability, multiply that by 10 for a person with a disability,” Garrick Scott, a disability rights leader in Athens, told Flagpole Scott experiences these barriers firsthand as a person who is blind, but also through a wider community lens as the director of Multiple Choices, Athens’ Center for Independent Living (CIL). In this role, Scott helps facilitate services this community needs, connecting people to the essentials of daily living within a society that frequently excludes them. However, Multiple Choices faces massive uncertainty due to the possibility of federal funding cuts that could slash its budget by nearly half, joining many other federally funded and necessary services for people with disabilities that might be drastically reduced or even become nonexistent.
Multiple Choices’ 17 team members serve Athens- Clarke County residents and
Path for Future Success.” The initiative was helping high school students in certain districts within Georgia, Virginia and Arizona transition to college or working life after high school. It was unceremoniously cut in February as part of the several thousand contracts ended by the Department of Education.
A concrete example of how Multiple Choices and other CILs offer support is through providing home modifications.
“There are so many people with disabilities that may just need support with a ramp, or they just need a new grab handle,” said Scott. For a person with a disability, this often makes the difference between being forced to live in a nursing facility versus being able to live independently.
Basic mobility is another important area where they offer critical services. “We support people with transportation, ranging from a doctor’s appointment to needing a haircut, to even those wanting to participate in one of our events,” Scott said.
Other important services like peer support, which offers a sense of community, and additional access to resources, job support and skills training all make daily life more manageable for this community. However, these resources are under threat. Multiple Choices receives approximately 45% of its budget through federal funds via the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This agency is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is facing $40 billion in cuts and a massive restructuring. Should its funds be dissolved in the process, it could lead to Multiple Choices letting go of about half of its staff members.
The threats the disabled community is facing extend well beyond the CILs. President Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, already in process, could pose major threats to the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, of major concern for students with disabilities and their parents. Also, an already implemented reduction in funding to the Social Security Administration creates the possibility of long wait times for disability claims and payments for beneficiaries in Athens, as it has in other areas throughout the U.S. While the Athens SSA office remains open, five others in Georgia have been closed.
One example of direct harm is the termination of a program called “Charting My
Of paramount concern, cuts to Medicaid would have an even wider reach in the disability community. According to Zolinda Stoneman, director of UGA’s Institute on Human Development and Disability, “The disability community is especially concerned about potential cuts to Medicaid. Medicaid funds therapies and other important services for children with disabilities. Through its Home and Community Based Services waiver program, Medicaid is also the primary funding source for adults with disabilities living in the community. Cuts to Medicaid could jeopardize the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities from infancy through adulthood.”
Beyond the material impact of these cuts, it’s impossible to measure the internal strain all of this creates. “The mental anguish that comes along with it is taking a toll,” Scott said. Living under these threats can undermine confidence in virtually all the basic components of daily living for people with disabilities.
To give some scope to the impact nationwide, the CDC reports that 28.7% of the U.S. population, or roughly 70 million people, are living with a functional disability. Scott said that he doesn’t know of any such percentages for Athens- Clarke County specifically. However, he added that even if there were a figure, it would be smaller than the actual number, since people with functional disabilities frequently don’t identify themselves for fear of discrimination. [Matt Shedd]
Fair Housing Faces Funding Cut
Organizations that have protected Americans from housing discrimination since 1968 are under dire threat as the Trump administration guts watchdog agencies and attempts to pull funding from fair housing nonprofits across the country.
The federal Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate by denying someone a housing opportunity based on race, color, sex, national origin, disability, familial status or religion. The law remains in effect, but may no longer be enforced—at least not in the same way it has been for 57 years.
Metro Fair Housing Services, a nonprofit based in Atlanta, has been one of the primary groups protecting Northeast Georgians from housing discrimination since its founding in 1974. Like many similar nonprofits around the country, it gets most of its funding through a contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the agency tasked with enforcement of the Fair Housing Act.
Small nonprofits like Metro Fair Housing Services process the vast majority of federal housing discrimination complaints in the U.S., with agencies like HUD contracting out most of the initial intake work to them. The National Fair Housing Alliance reports that in 2023, private nonprofits processed over 75% of these complaints, with HUD and the U.S. Department of Justice processing a little over 5% combined. Yet, these small nonprofits are being targeted ➤ continued on next page
Multiple Choices, Garrick Scott’s organization that assists disabled residents in the Athens area, could see its budget slashed in half.
ASHIA
JACKSON
AI Announcements
By Ross Williams news@flagpole.com
Young adults across Georgia will soon be passing that major milestone: walking across the stage, taking their diplomas in hand and basking in the applause after their names are read. Most friends and family members cheering from the stands won’t give the person behind the voice a second thought, but at some Georgia colleges, there may be more to those announcers than meets the ear, and some rising graduates say they’re not happy about it.
At least three universities in the state have reported using services that incorporate artificial intelligence to read the names of students preparing to turn over their tassels, including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University.
Tassel, the company these universities use, boasts a database with phonetic pronunciation components for over 100,000 names, according to its website. The software is trained on thousands of previously recorded names from voice artists, which Tassel says results in a natural and authentic reading with a lower chance of flubs or mispronunciations.
UGA communications director James Hataway said the university uses Tassel’s services for graduate commencement ceremonies—individual student names are not read at undergraduate commencements—and that it also allows students to create personalized graduation slides for the program. “UGA has coordinated with this company and its predecessor—Marching Order—since 2020, and it has been a great benefit to the flow of the commencement ceremony,” he said.
wrong. An online petition at Change.org urging the University of North Georgia not to use the software for its upcoming commencement ceremonies has garnered more than 1,800 signatures.
school made headlines last year after a student was put on probation after a teacher accused her of using AI to write a class paper. The student said she wrote the paper herself and only used software to check her spelling, grammar and punctuation.
UNG communications director Clark Leonard said the school hopes the new technology will make the ceremony more special for students. “Our focus is never on any one element in isolation—it’s about the full experience and finding thoughtful ways to make this special day even more personal, inclusive and celebratory for every graduate,” he said. “For example, this technology allows us to synchronize each graduate’s name with video board displays, on- screen captions and the announcement itself, creating a more consistent, accessible and respectful moment for every student crossing the stage.”
Graduates at schools that use Tassel get the opportunity to review the pronunciation of their name before the ceremony, and if the system can’t get it right, they can record the name and send it to the company to ensure it is pronounced correctly. “We now utilize AI to generate names when possible,” according to a company FAQ. “The synthetic voices are based on real voice artists, who will still be engaged to create new recordings if a graduate’s name is not pronounced to their satisfaction at first.”
Some Georgia students say the thought of an AI generated voice reading out their name on their big day seems
“Graduation is so much more than just another school event to set up and take down within a week,” the petition reads. “It is a celebration of each student’s success, a reflection of how much they have grown, and the ultimate payoff for their hard work. What UNG plans to do does not represent how a university should handle recognizing their graduating students as they advance to the next chapters of their lives.”
Petition signers echoed those sentiments, and some called it hypocrisy for the university to use AI in this way while taking a hard line against its use by students. The
Georgia State University professor Arun Rai, co- founder and director of the university’s Center for Digital Innovation and a member of the Georgia Technology Authority’s AI Advisory Council, said as artificial intelligence technology improves, we should expect to see it integrate more and more into established traditions like graduations. When it’s used correctly, he said, it can help solve logistical or accessibility challenges like making sure names are pronounced correctly and integrating with on- screen captions or other assistive technologies.
“That said, I understand why students might feel slighted or worry that an AI voice removes the personal connection they’ve looked forward to—especially on a day as emotionally significant as graduation,” he said. “Hearing your name read aloud by another human being who shares your sense of pride can feel more meaningful and communal. It’s not just about the words, but the tone of voice, the excitement, and the sense that a fellow person is celebrating right along with you.”
Rai said universities should seek to strike a balance between tradition and innovation and welcome student feedback. “I’d reassure students that their university experience—and the relationships they’ve built—shouldn’t be overshadowed by this single use of AI,” he said. “At the same time, it’s completely fair for them to expect a ceremony that feels personal and special. If there’s been a communication gap or if students believe the focus on efficiency is overriding tradition, it’s worth raising those concerns, as they’re doing.
“Ultimately, commencement should recognize the human stories of resilience, achievement and growth—an AI tool is only helpful if it respects and enhances that experience,” he added. f
This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com.
art notes
A Life in Full Color
ROBERT CLEMENTS ON A LIFETIME OF ART AND UPCOMING EXHIBITION
By Lauren Leathers arts@flagpole.com
“Vita brevis, ars longa,” says Robert “Bob” Clements. “Life is short, but art is long.”
It’s a motto at Ball State University, where he once taught, and his final phrase during a recent interview.
Clements, 87, has been a venerable fixture in the local art scene for over 50 years. This Sunday, 30 paintings from the past 15 years go on display at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, capturing Southern landscapes. An opening reception takes place May 11, 12–2 p.m., and the works are on view through June 22.
A Pittsburgh transplant, Clements moved to Athens in 1969 and taught art education at UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art for 25 years, earning top honors for teaching and research. His work has been shown in major museums and corporate collections, and he’s authored three books.
Clements’ wife, Claire, is also an award- winning artist and founded the Athens Area Plein Air Artists in 1994. The couple’s art- filled home, built in 1972, was often described as a “hobbit-hole” or “lunchbox.” Their son Cal is also a multidisciplinary artist.
Flagpole sat down with the local legend to discuss the upcoming exhibition and a lifetime commitment to art.
Flagpole: How did you first get involved in art?
Bob Clements: My first recollection is a story my mother, who was a first grade teacher, told me. I drew a row of ducks at two years old, and she thought that I had an unusual ability for a child at that age. She said, “Bobby will be an artist,” and that was a narrative she gave me from then on. I always loved art shows, and I had a competitiveness to me—I entered art shows in high school every chance I could.
FP: What are some of the art projects you’ve been involved in?
BC: I did a public art project of sculptures outside the Athens- Clarke County Library and at Argo Apartments on South Milledge Avenue.
Winterville Cultural Center and so many more.
FP: Can you tell me about the Athens Area Plein Air Artists group?
BC: Athens Area Plein Air Artists, a self-guided group that meets monthly to create art outdoors in various media, has been going on for 30 years. My wife, Claire, founded it in 1994, and now Kim Kennedy is the organizer. It’s free and does not involve any teachers or dues. It’s very exciting to go out painting with a group of artists, because they all stimulate each other to make attractive things. Claire started the Plein Air Group
book “Emphasis Art: A Qualitative Art Program for Elementary and Middle Schools” when he became unable to do so, and I’m proud that I got to continue his legacy.
FP: Having been part of the Athens art scene for over 50 years, how have you seen it change?
BC: I moved to Athens in 1969. The Lamar Dodd Art School had expanded the art department, and we had about seven art education professors. At the time UGA had the biggest art department in the nation with about 60 professors. There was also a time when folk artists became more celebrated, and I became friends with Harold Rittenberry—we’ve done a lot of collaborations together.
shortly after she retired from the University of Georgia, where she was an associate professor of art.
FP: How did you and your wife meet?
BC: We’ve been married for 60 happy years. We met at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where we were both art students. I had just come back from Christmas break, and I had two season tickets to the symphony. I’ve always loved classical music, and I had to find someone to sit with me, and that was Claire.
FP: How has your art evolved over time?
BC: There was a period of creating more political, controversial and tragic events—one, titled “The Slave Ship,” was accepted into the Smithsonian American Art Museum—that pointed to key moments in time. But, people tend to prefer landscapes to controversial topics. It’s been nice to do beautiful paintings outside with talented people like in Athens Area Plein Air.
FP: Which artists have influenced you?
BC: My friend Leonard Piha—a prolific local artist who creates whimsy bottles, a form of folk art consisting of small handmade sculptures built inside clear glass bottles— has been an inspiration to me. So has Lawrence Stueck, who was one of my doctoral students. He’s created more than 60 playscapes for children and is very, very creative. Frank Wachowiak, who preceded me in the art education department at UGA, was also a big influence. I took over his
FP: Can you tell me about the upcoming art show?
BC: Thirty paintings total will be on view, all acrylic. Of the paintings, one includes Claire and I walking in a meadow of Queen Anne’s lace off Barnett Shoals Road, which is one of my favorites. I’ve regularly gone up to Southeast Clarke Park to paint the Queen Anne’s lace that blooms in the springtime—it’s probably blooming right now. All the paintings were done over the last 15 years, and many are influenced by Hokusai, one of my favorite artists, composition- wise: zig-zags going back into deep space.
FP: What achievement are you most proud of in your career as an artist?
BC: I taught art appreciation at the university for 25 years, and I’m proud to have a legacy of helping young people to appreciate art. I also always tried to encourage other artists in the community.
FP: What advice would you give to young artists starting out?
BC: Just follow your heart. f
WHO: Bob Clements Exhibition WHEN: Sunday, May 11, 12–2 p m WHERE: State Botanical Garden of Georgia HOW MUCH: FREE!
Another big project was in Atlanta at the Indian Creek MARTA Station as part of MARTA’s Art Program called “Dancing at Indian Creek” in 1993. I’ve also shown my artwork in a lot of exhibitions—Lyndon House Arts Center,
MUSIC | FRI, MAY 9
Dog Person Tape Release Show
Normal Bar • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10
Local pop band Dog Person released its debut full-length album, Late Bloomer, on Mar. 11 and is celebrating that album being put to cassette tapes with a show presented by Attaboy Tapes. Dog Person is a supergroup containing members of several popular Athens bands, including Nana Grizol and Go Public. The group’s songs combine twee and angst with influence from artists like The Breeders, Harry Nilsson and Camera Obscura, often with lyrics about terrible exes. In addition to launching the sale of its new tapes, the band will also have new limited edition merch available for purchase at the show. Bubblegum pop band Isra & the Paisleys will open, and a dance party will follow the show. [Mary Beth Bryan]
EVENT | SAT, MAY 10
Winterville
album, Terrapin Station. Twenty- three years later, Terrapin is celebrating its birthday with a lineup of local bands. Folky bluegrass band Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass will open the show, followed by modern folk rock from Workhorses of the Entertainment/
Recreational Industry. Cosmic Charlie will close out the show with a unique and personal twist on Grateful Dead’s catalog. There will be an afterparty at Paloma Park at 8:30 p.m. [MB]
Since the 1970s, the Marigold Festival has been organized with the purpose of bringing the community together through music and art. Dozens of arts, crafts and specialty vendors will be sharing their creations, and a selection of rock and country musicians will perform starting at noon. This year’s lineup will open with kid- friendly music from Sir Crazy Pants, followed by Women in STEM, Donovan Ram Band, Kimberly Morgan York, Michael Joe White, The Howdies, Ma’en Mills and the Randall Bramblett Band. The festival’s featured artist for 2025 is Miranda Bellah, an Athens-based surface design illustrator whose work focuses on nature and repurposing materials. The festival will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. There will also be a 10K race—the second oldest 10K in Georgia—at 7:30 a.m. and a car show from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. [MB]
Terrapin Beer Co. was founded by University of Georgia graduate John Cochran and American Brewers Guild graduate Brian “Spike” Buckowski in 2002. The two met while working at Atlanta Brewing Company and decided to partner up to open their own brewery in Athens, naming the business after Buckowski’s favorite Grateful Dead
Athens Master Chorale
NEW DIRECTOR BRINGS FRESH VOICES AND CONCEPTS
By Patrick Barry music@flagpole.com
This weekend the Athens Master Chorale will perform its annual spring concert, with a wide array of choral classics as well as contemporary and folk music.
Since its inception in 1989, the 50-plus member volunteer chorus has served as a professional- level choral group with deep ties to the community, a long legacy and a history of high-quality shows. Athens Master Chorale has performed as part of the Athena Grand Opera, appeared in multiple music festivals, and has performed major choral works at Asheville’s Biltmore and Carnegie Hall.
The chorale’s founder, Joseph Napoli, was the director and conductor of the group for 35 years. Last year Napoli stepped down as conductor, though he still sings regularly with the group.
The group’s new conductor, Justin Han, is taking the group in an exciting direction in his inaugural year. Young, talented and ambitious, Han holds masters degrees in both choral conducting and piano perfor-
“Arirang” translates roughly to “my beloved one,” and was written approximately 600 years ago. The song has endured many transformations and adaptations since its inception, and in the early 20th century “Arirang” somewhat unexpectedly became a symbol of Korean resistance against the occupying Japanese.
Singing patriotic songs was banned under Japanese rule, so “Arirang,” with its themes of love and longing, became a rallying cry for Korean nationalism. The song will be performed with percussion accompaniment by traditional Korean drums.
The show will also include “Fern Hill,” an arrangement of the Dylan Thomas poem of the same name, as well as the contemporary choral work “Let My Love Be Heard.”
“Let My Love Be Heard” is perhaps most well known for its performance in honor of Nohemi Gonzalez, a California State University student who was killed in a 2015 terrorist attack while studying abroad in Paris.
Athens Surf Stomp is returning for its 10th year of welcoming in the summer season. A diverse lineup of beachy performers will be gracing the stage all day, bringing everything from laid-back steel guitar music to post-apocalyptic surf rock. Atlanta instrumental band The Frigidaires will open the show. Next up will be surf, spy, go-go and garage rock from Big Ray & the Ultras; Forbidden Waves’ concoction of surf, metal, punk and psychedelia; scary surf rock from Serf Lords; Trycoh’s brawny rock and roll; and Hawaiian tunes from Kinky Waikiki. The Creature Preachers will close out the show with a set of swampy surf rock. DJ Nate from Wuxtry Records and DJ Kurt Wood will be spinning records between sets to keep the fun going. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, MAY 10
Athens Goth Prom
Ciné • 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show) • $10
Goth Prom is one of Ciné’s most beloved late-night events, during which The Lab is turned into a party destination for people dressed to the nines in their blackest blacks. For this third annual Goth Prom, DJs Crowe, Tomb Lily (Adria Stembridge from Tears for the Dying), Twin Powers (member of Booty Boyz) and Goth Dad (Dusty Gannon from Vision Video) will spin the best of goth, post-punk, new wave, industrial, electronic body music and deathrock. Attendees can stay refreshed as they party into the night with free cake and punch. In true prom fashion, there will also be a photographer on site to capture everyone in all their goth glory. Themed attire is encouraged, but not required. [MB] f
mance from Georgia State University. He has taught chorus across Atlanta, was the artistic director for the Stone Mountain Chorus and is currently a biology instructor at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College.
For fans of earlier Athens Master Chorale performances, this year’s spring concert may be a pleasant surprise with more folk, spiritual and contemporary music than past concerts, but with a traditional backbone centered around major choral works. Thematically, this year’s concert strives to reach high concepts.
The concert is evocatively titled “The Sound of Distant Voices,” and it is a musical journey through the full spectrum of human emotion. The concert takes the audience from joy to grief, longing to anger, but with a throughline of resilience. It’s a reminder to learn from the past, whether through our own struggles or through those of our ancestors.
The concert opens with “Loch Lomond,” a Scottish folk song, before transitioning to “Arirang,” a Korean folk song that holds special significance to Han as a Korean American.
Subsequently, the group will perform its major choral work, Antonín Dvořák’s “Romance, Op. 11,” followed by Ola Gjeilo’s “Dark Night of The Soul” and its sequel “Luminous Night of The Soul,” the spiritual “My Soul’s Been Anchored By The Lord” and will close with “Over The Rainbow.”
Lisa Yarn, board member and longtime vocalist of the Athens Master Chorale, said she’s excited to see the recent influx of younger participants spurred on by Han’s arrival as conductor.
“He’s brought in all younger people, 10 new people, and it’s really cool,” Yarn said.
The entry of new voices signifies a regeneration in the ranks of the chorale, a passing of the torch while still remaining faithful to the vision laid out by Napoli in 1989. Yarn said they’re excited by the new vocalists, some of whom are in university and high school.
The Athens Master Chorale’s spring concert will be held on May 10 at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for children and students, and can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu. f
Dog Person
AMIE DUNFORD
DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec
IMPROV COMEDY CLASSES
(Hendershots) Learn the basics of improv comedy. No experience needed. May 17, 24, 31 & June 14, 21, 28, 2 p.m. $15. Registration and information at hattmouse.com/ classes.
TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS
CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Taekwondo, self-defense and more are offered for all ages. Visit the website for a full schedule. www. liveoakmartialarts.com
Help Out
ADOPT-A-MOM (Athens, GA) The Ark’s annual Adopt-a-Mom distributes flower bouquets and cards to nursing home patients and single mothers. Donate $25 to “adopt a mom” for Mother’s Day. Proceeds also benefit The Ark’s Single Working Mother’s Fund. Through May 10. www.athensark.org/adopta-mom
ATHENS REPAIR CAFE (Solid Waste Office) The repair cafe is seeking volunteers comfortable fixing a variety of items including: clothing, small appliances, tools and more. Fourth Sunday of every month. reuse@accgov.com, www.accgov. com/RepairCafe
BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. Contact Athens Area Bra Bank at 706-8500387, support@grailbras.com
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
PACK WALKS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Volunteer dog walkers needed for daily interactions with the shelter dogs. Open opportunities every day, 4–5 p.m. Register at www.tidycal.com/ animalservicesvolunteer/pack-walk
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
nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com
SEEKING FOOD DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Athens Farmer Market) Seeking volunteers for the 2025 season to help with weekly markets, special events and more. Submit applications online. www.athensfarmersmarket.net/ volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB)
Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopta-ramp and more. Visit www.keep athensbeautiful.org for more info.
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Visit accgov.com/trs for hours.
TIREd OF TRASH TIRE TRACK DOWN (Various Locations) Use a special QR code to find illegally dumped tires. No disposal fee for residents of ACC and Oglethorpe Counties for up to 6 tires. May 12–17. Call 706-613-3508 or visit www.accgov.com/CHaRM for more information.
TOWELS FOR ANIMALS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and hand rags for bathing animals and cleaning kennels. Donations can be dropped off at the door if it’s after hours. www.accgov. com/animalservices
Kidstuff
BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’Brella Studio)
A variety of after-school art lessons available for all ages. Other events and programs include “Art Truck,” art camps, “Mommy & Me” mornings and more. Check website for descriptions and meeting times. www.brellastudio.com/events
CAMP PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services) Registration for the 2025 Summer season is now open. A variety of programs, classes and camps for all ages are available at local parks and community centers. Visit website for full list of classes, availability and registration. www. accgov.com/myrecs, 706-613-
now open. Programs run through June. Visit fireflyhomeschool community.org for pricing and scheduling.
CAMP PROGRAMS (Merit Music Academy) Registration for a variety of Summer Camp classes is now open. Offering Puppetry, Piano, and Ukulele Camps, with crafts, snacks and performances. Visit MeritMusic Academy.com/summercamp for pricing and scheduling.
CAMP PROGRAMS (Nuçi’s Space) Registration for 2025 camp programs is now open for June and July Camp Amped sessions, Camp Amplify recording/engineering camp, Camp Amped Half Day 1 week sessions and 1 week Sound Check sessions. Visit www.nuci. org/camp for more information.
CAMP PROGRAMS (Sweet Olive Farm) Registration for 2025 camp programs for children ages 6–12 is now open. Programs run June through Aug. Visit www.sweetolive farm.org for pricing and options.
CAMP PROGRAMS (The Studio) Registration for “Creative Kids Camp” starting in June is now open. Programs are for ages 4–8 with music, art and movement to foster creative expression and imaginative play. www.thestudioath. com
CAMP PROGRAMS (University of Georgia) Registration for a variety of art programs for teens ages 14–17 is now open. June 2–July 18. Subjects include metals, printmaking, painting, and photography. Both daytime classes and overnight residential programs available. art.uga.edu/programs/communityprograms/uga-summer-art-camp
CREATIVE CLASSES & SUMMER ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) Classes include “Art Card Club” for teens and pre-teens. Summer art class camp registration is now open for young artists ages 10–17. Visit Visit www.kaartist.com for schedules, costs and general information.
CREATIVE 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,” “Saturday Morning Crafts” and more. Summer camp registration is now open. 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
SUMMER CAMPS (Athens First UMC) Registration for True North Vacation Bible School for kids K–5 is now open. June 2–5. Outdoor adventures and lessons of trusting Jesus in a wild world. www.athens firstumc.org/vbs SUMMER THEATER WORKSHOPS (On Stage Walton) “Space & Burgers” for grades K–3. June 2–7 with a performance June 7. “Agents of Space Encounters” for grades 4–8. June 16–21 with a performance June 21. $95. Scholarships available. Registration and information available online. www.onstage walton.org
YOUTH BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Metal Shop Fantasy Camp, Watkinsville) Basic classes scheduled weekly for children, teens and homeschool groups. Visit www. metalshopfantasycamp.com for cost, registration and requirements.
Support Groups
ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com
ADVANCED CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (University Cancer and Blood Center) A support group for those living with advanced/ terminal cancer with the goal to find comfort, encouragement and valuable resources. First Monday of every month. 5:30–7 p.m. www.university cancer.com
AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Free daytime and evening meetings are held several times throughout the week in Athens. www.ga-al-anon. org/meetings
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org
ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-424-2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor Therapy Room) This support group
third Friday of the month, 5:30–7 p.m at Inclusive Recovery Athens. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m at Oconee Presbyterian Church, Watkinsville. www.namiga. 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. www.byyourleave.org
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (Multiple Locations) Do you worry about the way you eat? OA may have the answer for you. Meetings held Tuesdays, 12 p.m. at 24th Street, Inc. and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Text 678-736-3697 about Tuesdays or 706-224-4919 about Saturdays. www.oa.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of the month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net
PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP (Chase Park Warehouses)
A peer-led support group of people who understand the depth of love and grief for animal companions. Meets every second and fourth Wednesday, 6:30–8 p.m. www. vibrantbeing.net/grief-support
POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) An open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
PREVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN (Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support) Women ages 18–50 who have been diagnosed with a genetic mutation for breast cancer (but not diagnosed with cancer) can gather for peer support and share unique challenges. Third Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. 706465-4900, loransmithcenter@ piedmont.org
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
RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.org
RECOVERY DHARMA (work.shop) inspired support group for addiction of all kinds. Meetings consist of introductions, a short meditation and book reading, followed by group sharing. Open to all, especially service industry workers. Meets every Monday, 6:30 p.m. www.recoverydharma.org
SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from compulsive sexual behavior. Contact for location. athens downtownsaa@gmail.com
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
ATHENS ZEN GROUP (work.shop) Sangha sits every Sunday morning 8:30–10:00 a.m. followed by a discussion of Zen teachings 10:00–10:50 a.m. Newcomers’ orientation is the second Sunday of every month at 11:00 a.m. Other sits are held at various times of the year. Visit www.athenszen.org for schedule and information. 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 STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box presents true short stories shared by community members. Submit story ideas for upcoming shows. Themes include “Soundtrack of My Life” on (May 27). www.rabbitbox.org/tell 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. www.athensga filmoffice.com
RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Jam (Tuesdays, 8–10 p.m.) and Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 8–10 p.m. & Sundays, 3–5 p.m.). www.rabbitholestudios.org
SEVENTH GENERATION (Various Locations) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m. at Feel Free Yoga and Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m at St. Gregory’s Church. For information: 706-3407134
SUMMER REGISTRATION OPEN (ACC Leisure Services) A diverse selection of programs for both adults and children are now open for registration. Visit www.accgov. com/myrec to sign up. Scholarships available. www.accgov.com/ scholarship VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive on YouTube channel, @vhsordie3030, and the Athens GA Live Music channel. bradley. staples88@gmail.com, vhsordie. com f
event calendar
Tuesday 6
CLASSES: Discover Your Community’s Archive and Special Collections (ACC Library) Learn how the Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room acquires, manages and promotes archival collections. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
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: X-tra Special Art (Monroe-Walton Center for The Arts) A structured and engaging environment where differently-abled adults can enjoy a variety of art projects at an individual pace. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. Every Tuesday, 1–3 p.m. $15. www.monroe waltonarts.org/x-tra-special-art
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open 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: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
EVENTS: Better Business Community Launch Event (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meet fellow business owners, explore the initiative and help shape what better business looks like in Athens. 5 p.m. FREE! kpalombo@atlanta.bbb.org
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
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 (Lyndon House Arts Center) The University of Georgia Community Mapping Lab presents its work on Brooklyn Cemetery 12 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens. com
LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of This Other Eden by Paul Harding and discuss it with the group. 1 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@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: The Hallelujah Girls (On Stage Playhouse) On Stage Playhouse presents a comedy about five feisty women who decide to shake up their lives after the death of a dear friend. May 9–10, 8 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. May 6, 7:30 p.m. $10–20. www.onstagewalton.org
Wednesday 7
ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
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
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: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) An exotic dancer flees Paris to escape a black-clad maniac determined to get their hands on her slain father’s gems in Death Walks on High Heels. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/blood everywhere.athens
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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. 6 p.m. FREE! www.indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Music Bingo (B&B Theatres) Join in to play music bingo. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.bbtheatres. com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
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: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: Avid Writers’ Collective (Avid Bookshop) Members critique each others’ pre-submitted writing of all forms. First Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. FREE! events@ avidbookshop.com
Thursday 8
ART: Opening Reception (ACE/ FRANCISCO Gallery) Keith Bennett’s “ORB COMPULSIVE DISORDER” and Mike Landers’s “Black & White LEGO” will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.acefrancisco gallery.com
CLASSES: Creative Aging Seated Yoga (Georgia Museum of Art) This class will include restorative stretching, deep breathing and mindfulness. All levels welcome. RSVP by email. 10:30 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
EVENTS: Plant & Seed Swap (Bogart Library) Share and swap outdoor and indoor plants and seeds. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.athenslibrary. org/bogart
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, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee 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
MEETINGS: The Cost of Our Land Use Patterns (Clarke Central High School) Learn more about the finances of our community land use patterns through a talk that makes
GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872
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: 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Foundry) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Your Pie Watkinsville) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for playtime that’s focused on encouraging early literacy and brain building. Ages 5 & under. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Seussical JR. (Morton Theatre) Enjoy exploring various stories by Dr. Suess with a musical showcase by Studio Athens’ Triple Threat Musical Theatre Company. May 9–10, 7 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.thestudioath.com
PERFORMANCE: Tear It The Fuck Apart (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Cara Piss presents a performance art showcase. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
THEATER: Angel Street (Gaslight) (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Production presents a suspenseful Victorian Era mystery set in 19thcentury London. May. 9–10, 7 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. $9–17. www. elberttheatre.org
THEATER: The Hallelujah Girls (On Stage Playhouse) On Stage Playhouse presents a comedy about five feisty women who decide to shake up their lives after the death of a dear friend. May 9–10, 8 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. May 6, 7:30 p.m. $10–20. www.onstagewalton.org
Saturday 10
ART: Artist Talk and Reception (ATHICA) Artists Leah Mulligan Cabinum, Ally Christmas, Lori Brook Johnson and Mary Stuart Walker will discuss their work in the exhibition “Deluge.” 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org
CLASSES: Mommy & Me Floral Bouquet Design Class (Farmview Market) Learn how to create bouquets in this hands-on workshop and take home a tied bouquet. Registration required. 9 a.m. $25. www. farmviewmarket.com
CLASSES: Intuitive Gardening (work.shop) Learn how to talk telepathically to plants, trees and nature spirits in your garden to share healings with them and discourage unwanted pests. Registration required. 11 a.m. $35. www. ancientsunsacademy.com
data digestible. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/planning
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
Friday 9
COMEDY: Level 3 & 4 Improv Graduation Show (Flying Squid Comedy) Flying Squid Comedy will showcase what students have learned in improv comedy. 8 p.m. (level 3), 9 p.m. (level 4). $5 (each). www.flyingsquidcomedy.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 (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart
brewery’s 23rd anniversary hosted by Aubrey Entertainment with all-day live music, street vendors, family-friendly activities and more. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. $20–30. www.terrapinbeer.com/anniversarytickets
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: Indie South’s Springtacular (Downtown Athens) Shop this annual spring market featuring over 100 makers, artists and curators, food trucks, live music and more. May 10, 12–6 p.m. May 11, 12–4 p.m. www.theindiesouth.com
FILM: Changing the Narrative (Oconee Street United Methodist Church) A viewing of documentary created by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement which highlights the challenges and victories of local Black and minority business owners. 2 p.m. FREE! www.aad movement.org/
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
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. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: Seussical JR. (Morton Theatre) Enjoy exploring various stories by Dr. Suess with a musical showcase by Studio Athens’ Triple Threat Musical Theatre Company. May 9–10, 7 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.thestudioath.com
CLASSES: Backyard Fruit for the Home Gardener (ACC Library) Learn about native fruit, soil testing and proper planting techniques in this fruit gardening workshop. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
COMEDY: The Hothouse (work. shop) An improv comedy show that pokes, prods and stretches reality until it verges on the surreal featuring LeeAnn Peppers, Bradley Bazzle and Matt House. 8 p.m. $10. www. hattmouse.com/shows
EVENTS: Winterville Marigold Festival (Pittard Park) During this family-friendly festival, there will be a 10K, parade, vendors, kids activities, car show and live music. 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. FREE! www.marigold festival.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: Terrapin’s Anniversary (Terrapin Beer Co.) Celebrate the
THEATER: Angel Street (Gaslight) (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Production presents a suspenseful Victorian Era mystery set in 19thcentury London. May. 9–10, 7 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. $9–17. www. elberttheatre.org
THEATER: The Hallelujah Girls (On Stage Playhouse) On Stage Playhouse presents a comedy about five feisty women who decide to shake up their lives after the death of a dear friend. May 9–10, 8 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. May 6, 7:30 p.m. $10–20. www.onstagewalton.org
Sunday 11
ART: Artist Reception (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Robert Clements will have a collection of about 30 works on view. 12–2 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/botgarden
CLASSES: Intuitive Gardening (work.shop) Learn how to talk telepathically to the plants and nature spirits in your garden, share healings and discourage unwanted pests. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. $35. www.ancientsunsacademy.com
CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
CLASSES: Sushi Workshop (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn authentic techniques and make delicious rolls together for Mother’s Day. Regis-
An Artist Talk & Reception for the exhibition “Deluge,” featuring the painting “Split Horizons” by Lori Brook Johnson, will be held at ATHICA on May 10.
COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-up material. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai
COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local and touring comedians. 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/ athenscomedy
EVENTS: Indie South’s Springtacular (Downtown Athens) Shop this annual spring market featuring over 100 makers, artists and curators, food trucks, live music and more. May 10, 12–6 p.m. May 11, 12–4 p.m. www.theindiesouth.com
EVENTS: Voices from the Past (ACC Library) A variety of writers from the OLLI UGA Writing Memoir Special Interest Group will share stories at the annual community reading. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe)
Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Trivia Night (Cheba Hut) Test your trivia knowledge. 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/chebahut
MEETINGS: NE Georgia Civil War History Roundtable (Oconee County Library) This roundtable hosts guest speakers that discuss topics relating to Civil War history. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Angel Street (Gaslight) (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Production presents a suspenseful Victorian Era mystery set in 19thcentury London. May. 9–10, 7 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. $9–17. www. elberttheatre.org
THEATER: The Hallelujah Girls (On Stage Playhouse) On Stage Playhouse presents a comedy about five feisty women who decide to shake up their lives after the death of a dear friend. May 9–10, 8 p.m. May 11, 2 p.m. May 6, 7:30 p.m. $10–20. www.onstagewalton.org
Monday 12
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
CLASSES: Paint & Sip (Oconee County Library) Enjoy a painting tutorial while sipping sparkling grape juice. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (100 North Church Street) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods. Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.marigold collectivewinterville.com
EVENTS: Second Monday Line Dancing Lessons (Ciné) Learn two to three line dances. All ages, no experience required. 6:30–7:30 p.m. (beginner lesson), 7:30–9 p.m. (social dancing). $10. www. athenscine.com
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
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
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: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary.org
MEETINGS: Activate Athens (Aaron Heard Community Center) The ACC Leisure Services Department will host a community meeting providing an update on the department’s master plan. 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ activateathens
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
Tuesday 13
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
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open 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: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
FILM: Athentic Movie Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the epic saga Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Gallery ABCs (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
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
MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others
and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Activate Athens (Lyndon House Arts Center) The ACC Leisure Services Department will host a community meeting providing an update on the department’s master plan. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/activateathens
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 14
ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
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
EVENTS: Abundant Table (1055 Barber) Enjoy a variety of locallygrown foods and learn more about the organizations working toward healthy food accessibility. Registration required. 11:30 a.m. www. envisionathens.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: Eco Fair (Clarke Central High School) Join Clarke Central High School’s Ecology Club for an evening of games, live music, raffles and more. 5:30–7 p.m. FREE! www.clarke.k12.ga.us
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1969 comedy film Crazy Big Explosion. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar. 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. 6 p.m. FREE! www.indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (B&B Theatres) Test your trivia knowledge on a variety of topics. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www. bbtheatres.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
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: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc f
Metro Diner’s Middleground
PLUS, FOXTAIL COFFEE’S BOUTIQUE, STUDY ATMOSPHERE
By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com
METRO DINER (3075 Atlanta Highway, 706-708-9243, metrodiner.com): It’s quite possible that Metro Diner is the most aggressively normal restaurant I’ve ever eaten in. Opened last year in front of Target, in a space that was previously Hardee’s, it is a franchise out of Jacksonville, FL. Guy Fieri made the reputation of the original, opened in 1992, by featuring it on his “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” That might lead you to expect something selfconsciously wacky, like fried cheesecake bites or a burger topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, but there’s nothing of the sort on this menu. Instead, Metro Diner serves breakfast all day and an array of American standards like meatloaf, roasted chicken and fried shrimp. It’s like Cracker Barrel without the kitsch, solidly middle America. Walk in the door and ignore several Athens- themed signs, and you could be literally anywhere. It’s the perfect location for a table of elderly men to shoot the breeze, or a convenient place for a mom shopping with kids to stop with safe options for everyone. Would I suggest that you go here over a local restaurant? Not really, but it does seem to meet a need.
Inside features diner- themed decor, with some neon that says “where the Dawgs eat” (a statement also emblazoned on the T- shirts staff wear for uniforms) and a blackand- white checked floor. There are a couple of large TVs that encourage you to order the current specials. The space isn’t huge, and it isn’t tiny. The staff isn’t super fast, and they’re not super slow. The food isn’t amazing, and it also isn’t terrible. Right down the middle on pretty much everything, with the exception of the payment system, which involves you tapping to pay at your table (it’s kind of nice!).
sandwich, meatloaf, fish and chips, and some bowls. Metro Diner also offers kids meals and family meals that feed four, and it is open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.
FOXTAIL COFFEE (357 W Hancock Ave., 706-215-9557, foxtailcoffee.com): This brand-new coffee place, also a location of a franchise out of Florida, occupies the ground-floor space at Hancock House, a fancy loft/townhome complex. The branding is intensely modern farmhouse: cool neutral colors, exposed wide-plank wood, pressed- tin ceiling, subway tile. The staff wears black-and- white- checked shirts, and the clientele is largely Greek life. The front door is huge and hard to open, plus often blocked by a line of people at the register. The goal is to present the appearance of a boutique shop—macaron pistachio lattes, affogatos that can be ordered as a flight, $4 tiny packages of chocolate- covered snacks by the register—but the presentation and the reality don’t line up as nicely as they should. Things don’t move quickly. The staff is friendly but seems overwhelmed.
Metro Diner makes a decent fried chicken (it beats out the herb-roasted version of the same protein), which is an impressive value: $16.99 for half a chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and a biscuit. Its fried shrimp is too salty, but plump and nicely fried. The coleslaw is passable. As you’d probably expect, the portions are large. Huevos rancheros comes with a sun of double- fried tortilla chips around the edge of the dinner plate, topped with eggs however you want them, fried pickled jalapeños, bacon, sausage, black beans, onions, tomatoes, corn and more. For $12.79 you could likely feed two people, and it’s got flavor and color. The menu is significantly bigger than just these choices, with pancakes and waffles, ribs, soup, burgers, a club
The coffee, which comes with a pretty hefty price tag (a good 60–70 cents higher than Starbucks; $1.50 more than Jittery Joe’s), isn’t particularly well brewed. Even the cold brew tastes bitter and acidic, not as smooth as it should. A bagel topped with egg, turkey sausage and pepper jack was so tough and flavorless that I didn’t finish eating it. The cake pops, the croissants (priced higher than Independent’s and not even in the same area code, let alone ballpark), the muffins, none of them are really worth your time, although they could provide some sustenance if you were to hang out and study at Foxtail, something that seems like a common activity. There’s also gelato, available in flavors like “blue monster,” which is a strong hint that you’re not dealing with a traditional artisanal product. It’s very sweet, obviously in a flavor like birthday cake. But so are the flavors like pistachio that are usually more geared to a grown-up palate.
It’s convenient for the people who live in the building, and it’s a good replacement for people who used to go to Starbucks downtown but can’t do that anymore since it closed. There’s free Wi-Fi and some nice counter seating if you want to linger and study, but if you’re looking for good coffee, there are better places mere blocks away. Foxtail is open from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, and does not have its own parking. f
Metro Diner
classifieds
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES FOR RENT
House in ARMC. 3BR/2BA. Central HVAC. Furnished. Hwd floors. Washer/dryer. Driveway/on-street parking. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505
Tiny living in the country. 30’ RV camper on small farm 30 miles east of Athens. All utilities furnished, wi-fi, 2 TVs, trash service, private, secure, large covered porch, nice setting. Security deposit and references required. $1000/mon. Text 706-401-0880.
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. 706296-2941
Land For Sale. Quiet spot off 441 in Oconee County. 1.142 Acres with easement. 10 minutes to Watkinsville/Sanford Stadium. If interested, call 912-596-9350
Sell or rent your property in the Flagpole Classifieds..
PROPERTY FOR RENT
Hotel Abacus offers six unique and historic venues for your special event. hotelabacusathens. com
ROOMS FOR RENT
Male individual in Bogart area looking for roommate. Utils. included. W/D on site. Furnished. Private bath. Queen bed. $600/ mon. Deposit required. Call 678227-2704.
MUSIC 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.athensschoolofmusic.com. 706-543-5800
Summer Camps at Merit Music Academy are filling fast! Offering Puppetry, Piano, and Ukulele Camps, with crafts, snacks and performances. Read more at MeritMusicAcademy.com/summercamp!
MUSIC SERVICES
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
CLASSES
Watercolor 101 Painting Class w/professional artist instructor. Athens Eastside Studio. Two sessions: Tuesdays, May 13, 20, 27, and June 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. OR Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, and 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. More info: 404-913-3597 www.laurenadamsartist.com
Get ready for spring! 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: 706395-5321.
Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low-maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail. com or call 631-903-4365. Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.
PETS
Pamper your pup at Bark Dog Spa, Athens’ premiere dog grooming facility! Book online at barkdogspa.com
JOBS
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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
Join our growing team of wellpaid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South starting pay $15/hr + tips (totaling $22+/ hr). Learn more at www.junksouth.com and text us 706-4244389.
Summer Seasonal (May-Aug) Classic City Installation - Starting @ $20–25/hr. Assistant Manager roles performing furniture installation on college campuses. Email: rnichols@classiccityinstallation. com or text/call 470-866-8777.
Do you need old newspapers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. Please leave current issues on the stands. 706-549-0301 Flagpole ♥s our donors.
