OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Jay Bookman, Erin France, Gordon Lamb
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL & OFFICE INTERN Mary Beth Bryan
PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
Connecting to Housing
NEW TOOL TO HELP THE HOMELESS, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
The most recent count of homeless individuals in Athens, conducted on Jan. 29, found 543 people living outdoors, in shelters or in various types of supportive or transitional housing, down from 585 last year. And officials hope that a new “coordinated entry” tool can help them bring that number down further.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates that communities conduct a one-day point-in- time census of the homeless population each year. As it did in many cities, homelessness exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from 280 in January of 2020 to 703 in 2023 before starting to decline. Those numbers are likely undercounts, as some people can be hard to find.
One challenge to finding housing for those individuals is that, historically, information- sharing among service providers has been inadequate, forcing those seeking help to tell their story over and over again to each agency they contact.
The coordinated entry tool will allow all those service providers to access information about a client whenever they’re entered into the system. It also broadens the number of entry points by including entities like hospitals, libraries and law enforcement.
tory is what it is,” Cates said. “There’s still a lack of housing.”
Case managers can also decide what type of housing is best. For example, rapid rehousing lasts six months and allows people who are down on their luck to get back on their feet. On the other end, permanent supportive housing is for those who are chronically homeless due to mental illness or disability.
The most recent point-in- time (PIT) count found that 43% of the 289 homeless individuals surveyed had some sort of disabling condition. More than half suffered from mental illness, and 71% had a substance abuse disorder.
A third of those surveyed were from Athens, and 65% had lived in Athens for at least six years. Of those who came from outside Athens, most said they were drawn by friends and family or by better resources.
meeting up with a 6.8-mile stretch to Union Point that Greene County has already completed.
Separately, the city of Maxeys, which built a “model mile” of the trail in 2021, received a Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant to add a second mile within the city limits. Meanwhile, Athens- Clarke County’s SPLOST and TSPLOST- funded portion between downtown and Winterville is scheduled to be completed around the end of the year.
“The Maxeys model mile gets heavy use throughout the year, even more than we anticipated, and the same is true of the completed trail in Greene County,” said Maxeys resident John Stephens, a member of the nonprofit Firefly Trail Inc.’s board of directors. “This project is clearly meeting a need felt all along the 39-mile trail corridor. And it will be fabulous to see the gap between the South Oglethorpe and Greene County segments close.”
use of the railway abandoned by CSX transportation by converting it into a walking and biking trail.
Pride Group Names Director
The Athens Pride & Queer Collective recently named its first-ever executive director, Elliot Williamson, a move the organization described as a major milestone in its growth.
Williamson graduated with honors from the University of Georgia, where he studied Spanish, economics and international business, and previously worked at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. APQC President Becky Loccisano cited his experience in managing projects, communitybuilding, social engagement and event organizing, in addition to his bilingual skills.
“ The Maxeys model mile gets heavy use throughout the year, even more than we anticipated…
The Firefly Trail project was launched after the ACC government stepped in to stop the destruction of the iconic “Murmur Trestle” in 1998. Officials decided to make
“ We tried to make it a more streamlined, equitable and efficient way to connect clients to services.
“We tried to make it a more streamlined, equitable and efficient way to connect clients to services,” said Claire Cates, community data coordinator for the Athens Homeless Coalition, an umbrella group of local nonprofits funded by the AthensClarke County government. “I think any coordinated effort strengthens a community [and] will lead to people experiencing homelessness less.”
With available housing limited, the system also allows service providers to prioritize clients who are most in need, for example the elderly or those who are in poor health, rather than provide housing on a first- come, first- served basis. “The inven-
Another key finding was the racial disparity: African Americans make up 26% of the Athens population, but 55% of the local homeless population is Black. About 61% are men. The survey included 14 military veterans and 48 people, mostly women, fleeing domestic violence. The PIT count also found an increase in the number of unsheltered people versus sheltered, which Cates attributed to the Salvation Army shelter being temporarily closed for renovations at the time.
Firefly Trail Gets Grant
Oglethorpe County recently received a $2.3 million federal grant to complete a 13-mile stretch of the Firefly Trail between Maxeys and Union Point.
The Georgia Department of Transportation provided the required 20% local match for the grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program, nonprofit Firefly Trail Inc. announced earlier this month. It will fund 4.5 miles to the Greene County line,
“Growing up in Athens, I was fortunate to come of age in an environment free from shame or prejudice,” Williamson said. “That experience instilled in me a profound commitment to advocacy, education and celebration—principles that will drive my work at APQC.” f
Collins Doesn’t Listen to Us
No one likes to hear that they are doing something wrong or making a mistake. Whether the messenger is a spouse or partner, daughter or son, or well-intentioned friend or neighbor, we often do whatever we can to avoid hearing important, sometimes life- saving messages. And yet, it can be vital that we do so.
Elected officials, with immense power over our lives, have a duty to listen to their constituents, especially those concerned that their actions are misguided and detrimental to our community. But are they doing so?
Mike Collins, our congressman, has consistently refused to meet with the voters in our District 10 and turned a deaf ear to those who seek to express their concerns to him. We do not need to look far to find examples. At a recent event, Collins used law enforcement to eject a veteran concerned about attacks on the Veteran’s Administration and even an individual simply because she had run against him in a prior election.
Large numbers of District 10 voters have been seeking to communicate their serious concerns about Collins’ support of measures that dramatically increase our national debt, deprive millions of Americans of basic health care, bestow billions in tax benefits on the wealthiest Americans, and cede all power to a president who seeks to rule by executive order. Surely we are illserved by a congressman who is determined to ignore his own constituents and their concerns about his dangerous and irresponsible actions.
District 10 includes over 16 counties in the heart of Northeast Georgia. We the people deserve respect and a congressman willing to listen and serve everyone in his district.
Conolus Scott Danielsville Democratic Party of Georgia District 10 Chair
U.S. ‘Eliminates’ Our Own Top Brass
Recently the Israeli Defense Force used the word “eliminate” in reports of the deaths of Iran’s senior intelligence officer, its armed forces chief of staff, about 20 other military leaders and top nuclear weaponry scientists in a series of attacks. Many members of the media ran with that banal word. While I took note of the euphemism and worry deeply about the risk of a widening war, a troubling parallel strikes me. Without firing a shot, President Trump has essentially “eliminated” the highly qualified leaders of our own military and intelligence services. For example, he fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Adm. Lisa Franchetti and other top brass earlier this year via social media.
Brown’s replacement didn’t even have the legally required expertise to serve in that capacity. And more worrisome still is Pete Hegseth serving as secretary of defense; his background at Fox News trumped any vital qualifications and concerns about his alcohol use and treatment of women.
The president, who can’t even sit through short briefings, now lacks knowledgeable advisors during this tense time in our history. His elimination of top staff— an inside job carried out by Republican senators right out in the open—risks not just the ongoing Republican ruin/nation but a much wider calamity. No need for our enemies to launch bunker-busting weapons or drones. Our loss of seasoned and experienced military leaders is self inflicted.
Pat Priest Watkinsville
Supporting Mothers
As a part of the Athens community, I want to advocate for mothers struggling with substance use disorders. I am a graduate student at UGA studying social work, and I would like to discuss the issues mothers with substance use disorders go through and how our community can help and support them. Many pregnant women avoid care because of current stigma and systemic barriers.
Due to shame and stigma, pregnant women do not get the prenatal care they need out of fear of losing their child. Substance use disorder is a complex disorder, and many struggle to quit without assistance such as therapy, rehab or medication assistance treatment. Instead of shaming anyone with substance use disorders, we should lend support wherever they need to help repair our community. Creating support systems for mothers fighting substance abuse is critical in getting them the help they need.
Athens has a few places pregnant women with SUDS can go. Advantage Behavioral Health Systems enables mothers to focus on their recovery while pregnant or caring for young children.
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems also has group therapy to further support women in need. Athens THRIVe InfantToddler Program is the first program in Georgia that aims to help women struggling with substance use disorders who have children under three years old. THRIVe is a trauma-informed program that focuses on a rapid response to families and children. THRIVe connects parents with substance use treatment, mental health care and parenting support.
While THRIVe is breaking barriers, the community can also support pregnant women with SUDs. CASA has a volunteer program to advocate for children in court. The Athens Area Diaper Bank helps parents who are struggling to provide their children with fresh diapers. We can donate to Athens Area Diaper Bank at 130 Conway Drive, Suite E, Bogart, GA 30622. Helping Mamas is a statewide supply bank that provides diapers, period products, car seats, strollers, safe sleep packs and other essential items. We can donate to their online wishlist, which includes formula, bottles, books and more. By supporting programs like THRIVe, volunteering with CASA, or donating to the Athens Area Diaper Bank and Helping Mamas, we can help women in Athens heal. Katie Stephenson Athens
A Bad Call DEREK DOOLEY’S NAME DOESN’T QUALIFY HIM FOR THE SENATE
By Jay Bookman news@flagpole.com
If I wanted a failed football coach as my U.S. senator, I’d move to Alabama. And I’m not moving to Alabama.
Seriously, what in Derek Dooley’s resume makes him think his next job ought to be serving Georgia in the U.S. Senate? At age 57, his sole asset as a political candidate is his legendary last name, gifted to him by his late father, the longtime football coach and athletic director at the University of Georgia.
In football, that name opened a lot of doors for the younger Dooley, but once inside those doors he wasn’t able to stay
illustrious chamber. It didn’t work so well in Pennsylvania, when TV’s Dr. Oz was the candidate. It also didn’t work here in Georgia in 2022, when the GOP ran a far more famous football celebrity, Herschel Walker, as their candidate for U.S. Senate. As we know, Walker then proceeded to embarrass himself, his party and his state, losing what could have been a winnable race against Raphael Warnock.
So, given that recent history, why would Georgia Republicans risk burning their hand again on the same hot stove, this time by considering Dooley? Well, there are reasons.
long. His career peaked with a surprise hiring as head coach of the University of Tennessee, where he was fired in 2012 after building the worst record of any Volunteer coach since 1906.
Yet to hear Dooley tell it, mediocrity in other fields might be the perfect qualification for government work. He apparently aspires to be a generic candidate, spouting generic rhetoric, and in that sense at least he is already off to a grand start.
Consider his announcement of interest in the race: “Georgia deserves stronger common- sense leadership in the U.S. Senate that represents all Georgians and focuses on results—not headlines. I believe our state needs a political outsider in Washington—not another career politician—to cut through the noise and partisanship and get back to real problem solving.” Excited yet?
In that statement, Dooley refers to himself as “a political outsider,” which is one way to put it. Another is to describe his potential candidacy as a political version of stunt casting, where producers put an unqualified celebrity in a role in hopes that name recognition will make up for a lack of actual skill or talent. It shows disrespect for the audience and disrespect for the craft, but sometimes it works, if only for a short period of time.
It worked for Republicans in Alabama, where former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville leveraged a mediocre football career into a seat in the U.S. Senate, and now reigns as the dumbest member of that once
To Republicans, Herschel’s appeal as a candidate went beyond high name recognition. With a friendship with Donald Trump but no history in politics, he could be presented to the public, and more specifically to the GOP base, as a vacant slate, which he pretty much was. At the time, GOP leaders feared that a highly competitive primary would unleash forces within the base that general-election voters would find disturbing, particularly with candidates competing to outdo each other for Trump’s approval. Walker was their way of side- stepping all that.
In 2025, three years later, that danger hasn’t gone away, and with Trump back in the White House it has intensified. Look at U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter of Savannah. While Dooley dithers about whether to run, Carter has jumped into the Senate race and is campaigning hard for the attention of the one man who matters most. For example, when Trump says he wants to seize Greenland as American territory, Carter proposes to seize it and rename it “Red, White and Blue Land.” When Trump bombs Iran, Carter wants to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s shameless groveling of the sort that Trump loves, that GOP primary voters love, but many other Georgia voters will not.
But if your name isn’t Dooley, that’s what you have to do to get noticed. f
This column originally appeared at georgiarecorder. com.
Derek Dooley’s claim to fame is leading the Vols to a 15–21 record.
WADE RACKLEY
It’s Fun to Stay at…
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
The two organizations are unrelated, but the YWCO and YMCA share similar missions, play similar roles in the Athens community, and both are embarking on capital campaigns to expand and modernize their facilities.
The YWCO recently sold a 22-acre parcel it had purchased in 2007, when a senior housing developer made an offer they couldn’t refuse for its Research Drive land. That project fell through, however, and the board of directors eventually realized they could not afford to maintain two facilities.
The nonprofit Butterfly Dreams Equine Therapy owns adjacent property on Hog Mountain Road, and had been using the YWCO’s undeveloped land for its therapeutic horse-riding program for the past six years. Two months after putting the property on the market, the YWCO and Butterfly Dreams finalized a deal for the latter to buy the land for $1.85 million.
“The decision to sell our Oconee County property was the end to a challenging period in our history,” YWCO Executive Director Brad Hubacher said in a news release. “While we needed to do our due diligence and market the property, we all harbored a hope that Butterfly Dreams could find a way to use the property for the very good work they do.”
“Our program has been truly blessed to have use of the property owned by the YWCO,” Butterfly Dreams founder Cat Thompson said in the release. “The additional land has been invaluable—providing grazing space for nearly half of our program horses and essential parking for our dedicated staff, volunteers and families. We are deeply grateful. When we learned the neighboring property might become available, we weren’t sure we’d be able to secure the necessary funds. But thanks to the support of friends and some thoughtful compromises, our family was able to make it happen.”
Proceeds from selling the Oconee County land will go toward upgrading the YWCO’s Athens facility, built in 1981. “Now we’re busting out at the seams,” Hubacher told Flagpole. The gymnasium is off-limits to adults while 225 children use it for summer camp. Pool time is split among lap- swimmers, swimming classes and team competitions. And there aren’t enough fields for a youth soccer program.
Butterfly Dreams provides speech and physical therapy, in addition to horseback riding lessons, to children with developmental disabilities and people of all ages who are experiencing mental health challenges, serving an average of 50 clients a week.
Plans are still in the works, Hubacher said, but will likely include an expanded weight room and possibly pickleball courts. He said he’s in the process of creating a business plan that will be presented to the board, donors and members in about a year. “The goal is to make the Y a state-ofthe-art fitness facility,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the YMCA launched its own capital campaign in March. It’s already more than halfway toward its official goal of $9.3 million, although CEO Shae Wilson said she would like to hit $11 million.
Wilson is just the fifth CEO since the first, UGA baseball coach Walter Forbes, was hired in 1897. She started out as a youth basketball coach at age 19 and was appointed its leader in 2014.
Founded in 1857 as a men’s Bible study program at UGA, the Athens Y is the thirdoldest in the country at 168. Once housed in the building that’s now the Georgia Theatre, with an iron swimming pool in the basement, its current facility on Hawthorne Avenue opened in 1968.
The 90,000 square- foot building on 34 acres currently serves about 1,100 people a day, out of a total membership of 5,500 from five counties. Much like the YWCO, it’s bursting at the seams—there is a long waiting list for swimming lessons and summer camps, according to Wilson.
“It’s a sad situation that made us say, ‘We need to grow,’” she said. “We’ve just maxed out what we can do in so many areas.”
In addition, the building is not as familyfriendly as it could be, Wilson said. She is looking at everything from major renovations to add more space for kids to small details like automatic sliding doors to assist parents with strollers. The renovation project will consist of three phases, with the first focusing on youth spaces like a STEM or STEAM lab, a more spacious check-in area and the parking lot. Phases 2 and 3
will include a new, larger child watch center and fitness center, updated locker rooms and a family restroom. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, with the entire facility remaining open during construction.
“Families are the economic engine of this Y,” Wilson said. The organization is self- sufficient and debt- free, supporting its operations solely through membership fees, with donations going toward maintenance, improvements and scholarships.
In fact, the local YMCA is not affiliated with the national Young Men’s Christian Association, other than paying a licensing fee to use its branding. “We’re independent of each other,” Wilson said. “You should never walk into a Y anywhere in the country and have it look like another Y.”
Likewise, the YWCO is its own entity. It once belonged to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) but split off in the 1960s, according to Hubacher. “Since that time, it’s just been a local organization supported locally,” he said. (Both organizations are built on Christian principles, but people of all faiths are welcome.)
While the YWCO’s capital campaign has yet to launch, donations can be made to the YMCA by mail or through its website at athensymca.org, which also includes more information about its renovation plans. f
Athens YMCA CEO Shae Wilson
The YWCO building on Research Drive.
The Foilies 2025
RECOGNIZING THE WORST IN GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
By the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock news@flagpole.com
The public’s right to access government information is constantly under siege across the United States, from both sides of the political aisle. In Maryland, where Democrats hold majorities, the attorney general and state legislature are pushing a bill to allow agencies to reject public records requests that they consider “harassing.” At the same time, President Donald Trump’s administration has moved its most aggressive government reform effort— the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE—outside the reach of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), while also beginning the mass removal of public data sets.
One of the most powerful tools to fight back against bad governance is public ridicule. That’s where we come in: Commemorating President Lyndon Johnson signing FOIA on July 4, 1967, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, MuckRock and AAN Publishers have teamed up to publish The Foilies. This annual report—now a decade old—names and shames the most repugnant, absurd and incompetent responses to public records requests under FOIA and state transparency laws.
Sometimes the good guys win. For example, last year we highlighted the Los Angeles Police Department for using the courts to retaliate against advocates and a journalist who had rightfully received and published official photographs of police officers. The happy ending (at least for transparency): LAPD has since lost the case, and the city paid the advocates $300,000 to cover their legal bills.
Here are this year’s “winners.” While they may not all pay up, at least we can make sure they get the negative publicity they’re owed.
The Exorbitant FOIA Fee of the Year
After a church distributed a religious tract at Lessie Moore Elementary School in Pineville, LA, young students quickly dubbed its frank discussion of mature themes as “the sex book.” Hirsh M. Joshi from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a lawyer rep resenting a parent, filed a request with the Rapides Parish School District to try to get some basic information: How much did the school coordinate with the church distributing the material? Did other parents complain? What was the internal reaction? Joshi was stunned when the school district responded with an initial estimate of $2 million to cover the cost of processing the request. After local media picked up the story and a bit of negotiating, the school ultimately waived the charges and responded with a mere nine pages of responsive material.
Sports Partners, a firm that consults with college athletic programs on payment strategies for college athletes (“Name, Image, Likeness” or NIL deals), after reading a university press release about the partnership.The university denied the request, claiming that Altius was actually contracted by the University of Wisconsin Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3). So, Libit asked the foundation for the contract. The foundation then denied the request, claiming it was exempt from Wisconsin’s open records laws. After the denial, Libit filed a lawsuit for the records, which was then dismissed, because the university and foundation argued that Libit had incorrectly asked for a contract between the university and Altius, as opposed to the foundation and Altius.
The twist is the request was made by Kayla Owen, a military spouse and a member of the governor’s own task force studying the program. Despite Owen’s attempts to correct the parameters of the request, Youngkin’s office made the final decision in July to withhold more than two folders’ worth of communications with officials who have been involved with policy discussions about the program.
The Courts Cloaked in Secrecy Award
Courts are usually the last place the public can go to vindicate their rights to government records when agencies flout them. When agencies lock down records, courts usually provide the key to open them up.
The foundation did produce a copy of the contract in the lawsuit, but the game of hiding the ball makes one thing clear, as Libit wrote after: “If it requires this kind of effort to get a relatively prosaic NIL consultant contract, imagine the lengths schools are willing to go to keep the really interesting stuff hidden.”
The Fudge Up Beyond All Recognition Award
There are state secrets and there are family secrets, and sometimes they mix… like a creamy, gooey confectionary.
After Mike Pompeo finished his first year as Trump’s CIA director in 2017, investigative reporter Jason Leopold sent a FOIA request asking for all of the memos Pompeo sent to staff. Seven years later, the agency finally produced the records, including a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” message recounting the annual holiday reception and gingerbread competition, which was won by a “Game of Thrones”- themed entry. (“And good use of ice cream cones!” Pompeo wrote.) At the party, Pompeo handed out cards with his mom’s “secret” recipe for fudge, and for those who couldn’t make it, he also sent it out as an email attachment.
While Rapides Parish’s sky-high estimate ultimately took home the gold this year, there was fierce competition. The Massachusetts State Police wanted $176,431 just to review—and potentially not even release—materials about recruits who leave the state’s training program early. Back in Louisiana, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office insisted on charging a grieving father more than $5,000 for records on the suspicious death of his own son.
The Now You See It, Now You Don’t Award
Sports reporter Daniel Libit’s public records request is at the heart of a lawsuit that looks a lot like the SpiderMan pointing meme. In 2023, Libit filed the request for a contract between the University of Wisconsin and Altius
But the CIA redacted the whole thing, vaguely claiming it was protected from disclosure under federal law. This isn’t the first time the federal government has protected Pompeo’s culinary secrets: In 2021, the State Department redacted Pompeo’s pizza toppings and favorite sandwich from emails.
The ‘You Can’t Handle the Truth’ Award
In Virginia, state officials have come under fire in the past few years for shielding records from the public under the broad use of a “working papers and correspondence” FOIA exemption. When a public records request came in for internal communications on the state’s Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which provides tuition- free college to spouses and children of military veterans killed or disabled as a result of their service, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office used this “working papers” exemption to reject the FOIA request.
Except in Vallejo, CA, where a state trial court judge decided to lock his own courtroom during a public records lawsuit—a move that even Franz Kafka would have dismissed as too surreal and ironic. The suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union sought a report detailing a disturbing ritual in which officers bent their badges to celebrate their on-duty killings of local residents. When public access advocates filed an emergency motion to protest the court closure, the court denied it without even letting them in to argue their case. This was not just a bad look; it violated the California and U.S. constitutions, which guarantee public access to court proceedings and a public hearing prior to barring the courtroom doors.
Not to be outdone, a Nevada trial court judge has twice barred a local group from filming hearings concerning a public records lawsuit. The request sought records of an alleged domestic violence incident at the Reno city manager’s house. Despite the Nevada Supreme Court rebuking the judge for prohibiting cameras in her courtroom, she later denied the same group from filming another hearing. The transparency group continues to fight for camera access, but its persistence should not be necessary: The court should have let them record from the get-go.
The No Tech Support Award
In 1982, Rear Adm. Grace Hopper (then a captain) presented a lecture to the National Security Agency entitled “Future Possibilities: Data, Hardware, Software, and People.” One can only imagine Hopper’s disappointment if she had lived long enough to learn that in the future, the NSA would claim it was impossible for its people to access the recording of the talk.
Hopper is undoubtedly a major figure in the history of computing whose records and lectures are of undeniable historical value, and Michael Ravnitzky, frequent FOIA requester and founder of Government Attic, requested this particular lecture back in 2021. Three years later, the NSA responded to tell him that they had no responsive documents.
Befuddled, Ravnitzky pointed out the lecture had been listed in the NSA’s own Television Center Catalogue. At that point, the agency copped to the actual issue. Yes, it had the record, but it was captured on AMPEX 1-inch open reel tapes, as was more common in the 1980s. Despite being a major intelligence agency with high- tech surveillance and communication capabilities, it claimed it could not find any way to access the recording.
Let’s unpack the multi-layered egregiousness of the NSA’s actions here. It took the agency three years to respond to this FOIA. When it did, the NSA claimed that it had nothing responsive, which was a lie. But the most colossal failure by the NSA was its claim that it couldn’t find a way to make accessible to the public important moments from our history because of technical difficulties. But leave it to librarians to put spies to shame: The National Archives stepped in to help, and now you can watch the lecture in two parts. f
Dave Maass, Aaron Mackey, Beryl Lipton, Michael Morisy, Dillon Bergin and Kelly Kauffman contributed to this article. Art by Hannah Diaz.
HANNAH
good growing Beat the Heat
GARDENING IN JULY AND AUGUST
By Erin France news@flagpole.com
July is always hot, but are you noticing symptoms of heat stress? Heat-related deaths are on the rise, according to the World Health Organization. It’s worth knowing the early signs of heat-related illnesses to quickly correct course and avoid a trip to the emergency room. Here are a few tips for working outside safely:
WEAR LONG SLEEVES AND KEEP COVERED: It’s counter-intuitive, but covering up is one of the best ways to keep cool. Keeping the sun directly off your skin helps avoid skin cancer as well, so it’s a good two- fer. The label “moisture- wicking” doesn’t mean much (like “all-natural”), and there’s no way to tell if that synthetic shirt will really keep you feeling cooler without testing it out. I personally prefer baggy cotton shirts, but I have friends who swear by the popular synthetic back- vented fishing shirts. Plenty of runners pick tight- fitting synthetic options as well. It’s worth your while to find a few options in a thrift store and try them out for yourself. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and neck.
ACCLIMATIZE YOURSELF—TO A POINT: Gardening in the heat means I get up earlier in the morning and take my morning breaks in the shade instead of going inside. I still enjoy lounging in my AC in the afternoon when it feels like 105 degrees outside. This might feel like cheating to you. My Cajun grandfather would certainly think so. He declared air conditioning fit only for the feeble of mind and body. His Southern Louisiana home boasted a single window unit in one bedroom for his soft children and grandchildren to share. But AC helps our bodies cool off, especially when we’re experiencing record-breaking heat. It’s not a good idea to go from a couch potato to running a marathon, and it’s not a good idea to zoom around the garden on a 95-degree afternoon following a work day in a 76-degree office. Take it easy on yourself, and leave the strenuous chores for fall.
seniors and people with chronic conditions (like asthma or heart conditions) are more susceptible to heat stress. Pets will show signs of heat stress through excessive panting, red gums, vomiting or diarrhea. They may also appear lethargic or drool too much. It’s important to contact your doctor or veterinarian if you take steps to cool down a person or pet and their condition does not improve.
FOLLOW ADVICE FROM HOT-WEATHER CULTURES: I worked with Gomez, a man from the “Tierra Caliente” part of Mexico, on a farm several years ago. For him, Georgia summers were easily borne. He said short, cold showers multiple times a day got him through working on his family’s farm in the low-elevation, landlocked region of Southern Mexico he called home. Since I started following his advice, I’ve branched out to other hot- climate experts for their tips. Spicy meals including plenty of chili peppers can help induce sweating, making the after-meal experience cooling. Making mixed drinks with plenty of ice, more mix and less alcohol than normal scratches the itch of a celebratory drink without leaving behind the dehydrating effects of a hang-
over. My tinto de verano is three- fourths verano to one- fourth red wine and still delicious.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS FOR YOURSELF AND PETS: Knowing your limits when it comes to heat is important. There’s a point where you’re not going to “power through” anything without your body functioning normally. If you find yourself getting confused, dizzy, nauseous or sweating too much, or if you completely stop sweating, it’s time to bring that core temperature down. Cold showers or applying ice packs to the wrists and the neck can help as well. Children,
RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT LIMITS: I worked on a Vermont farm making Gouda cheese for a summer years ago. Heat warnings went out any time the thermometer tripped over 80 degrees. At first, I thought it was a joke, but my boss took it very seriously, reminding all her workers to stay hydrated. One person’s fine summer day could be another’s breaking point. If you see someone struggling in the heat, you can suggest they take a break to cool down. The Athens- Clarke County website does post severe weather information and lists where to find places to stay cool at accgov.com/ weather. f
Brilliant Exiles
AMERICAN WOMEN FINDING FREEDOM IN PARIS
By Lauren Leathers arts@flagpole.com
In the early 20th century, Paris presented something America couldn’t: independence. For a generation of women, the City of Light offered liberation from the constraints of gender, race, class and convention—and the chance to remake their lives on their own terms.
A new exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art, “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939,” chronicles the stories of more than 50 women who left behind the limitations of home and reimagined what it meant to be a modern woman. In doing so, they helped push the boundaries of art, literature, design, publishing, music, fashion, journalism, theater and dance to new heights.
Organized into seven sections, the show highlights iconic figures like Josephine Baker, Zelda Fitzgerald, Isadora Duncan and Gertrude Stein, along with others who helped redefine modern womanhood. Drawn to Paris for its cultural openness and creative energy, they found inspiration not only in their work, but in how they lived, dressed and thought. Their stories unfold through more than 60 portraits, as well as sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints and more, all created by female artists or that depict these unorthodox women.
played alongside related artwork across the exhibition, adding another layer of dimension to the immersive storytelling.
“When you take a prepared show like this, it’s nice to have something to add that speaks to the local audience,” says Damiano, who’s worked at the museum for six years.
“It just makes it feel more at home.”
While gorgeous, detailed portraits anchor the exhibition, the emotional heart lies in highlighting women’s stories—those of creative risk, personal reinvention and the search for belonging. According to Damiano, the exhibition doesn’t just spotlight individual accomplishments, but the collective strength of community as well.
“When you start looking at these pieces and reading about these women… there was that sense of community—the sense of helping one another and championing one another,” she says. “It was a really tight network of introducing people, hosting, encouraging gatherings [and] discussion. It was a very fertile space and a moment where you could exchange ideas.”
“Essentially, the show is about these American women who went to Paris and were able to embrace a new independence— autonomy, financial or artistic,” says Nelda Damiano, the Pierre Daura curator of European art at the museum. “The show focuses on the first 40 years [of the 20th century]. Everything was happening in Paris at that time from a literary perspective, from an arts perspective and music.”
The exhibition was organized by the National Portrait Gallery and received federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. It’s traveled to museums across the country, with the Georgia Museum of Art as its final stop. In addition to the traveling pieces, the Georgia Museum of Art contributed a few of its own. Among the local additions are two works from the museum’s collection featured in the section titled “The Dancer of the Future,” which centers on the legacy of Isadora Duncan, a pioneering American dancer who rejected the rigid forms of classical ballet in favor of movement inspired by nature. In addition, dresses from the University of Georgia’s Anne Barge Historic Clothing and Textile Collection will be dis -
Seedbed’s Stalemate
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
FAME AND FORTUNE: The debut album by Athens rockers Real Wow comes out this Friday, July 18. The band is populated by longtime Athens names Kemp Stroble, Mat Lewis, Charlie Estes and Kris Deason. It’s titled Hello, I Hope This Finds You Well, which is basically an identical title to the Four Eyes album from 2021. In any case, though, this is a pretty tightly wound stew of classic post-hardcore. In addition to the killer arrangements, I was most taken in by Stroble and Deason’s guitar tones, which are well versed in Black Flag, Mission of Burma and other bands of distinction. This energy is most present on tracks like “Remarkable Constitution” and “A Great Feat For A Birdbrain.” At times this gets a little too math-rock for me. but some of you will love it for exactly that reason. On my ballot, though, the closing track “The Porch At The End Of Time” is the winner of the whole thing. The band celebrates this release the same night at Flicker Theatre and Bar along with Father Werewolf and Durham, NC’s Blab School. Look for it at realwow.bandcamp. com.
old band GrandDad and selected songs from releases dating to 1988, 1989 and 1992. Compositionally these songs are a little different from his most recent work in that they have a youthful sense of urgency about them which, I suppose, is to be expected. The album notes indicate these were tracked in the decade spanning 2012–2022 and recorded on an iPhone. I have a particular affection for the stompy opening song “Angel Of Mercy” as well as the could-havebeen-a-hit “Cause For Alarm.” So, welcome to Athens, Scott! And, for the rest of you, explore this and his whole catalog over at scottroberts1.bandcamp.com.
That space, particularly for Black artists, offered a kind of freedom America didn’t. One section of the exhibition explores the impact of the Harlem Renaissance abroad, where Black artists were able to find recognition away from segregation-era America.
“African American artists found more freedom abroad than at home and were able to make a name for themselves,” Damiano says. “It doesn’t mean that they got rich or their life was better once they returned home [to America], but they experienced that parentheses of being abroad and being celebrated for their talent. Not to say there wasn’t racism, but it was different.”
That experience of stepping outside the American context continues to resonate today. Whether seeking a fresh start or a break from American routine, the lure of the other side is still very present, according to Damiano.
“I think there’s something stimulating and exciting about going abroad,” she says. “Of course, you’re confronted with another culture… but I’m hoping visitors, especially younger visitors, can try to imagine how it was such a deliberate choice.” f
WHAT: Opening Reception
WHEN: Friday, July 18, 5:30–7 p m
WHERE: Georgia Museum of Art HOW MUCH: $15
WILLING TO WAIT: Years ago former Athenian JJ Posway and his then-band Scooterbabe were undertaking the recording of that band’s final album. However, what emerged between the years 2016–2022 was an album nonrepresentative of that band, so it wound up being the debut album, Stalemate, for his next group, “a revolving-door collective project” called Seedbed. Some of you out there will still recognize some of the names on these recordings, such as Dillon McCabe, Terence Chiyezhan, Sebastian Marquez, Michael Buice Jr. and others. This 10- song excursion is full of personality expressed through a few different, but connected, styles. First, listeners encounter the explosive and propulsive indie rockers “Mouse At Your Feet” and “It Comes Around Less Often.” While these characteristics pop up fairly regularly throughout the album, there’s also the art-n- tenderness of “C c c c c c c c c c c,” the space hymnal feel of “Unit 4” and the ironically triumphant defeat of the title track, which closes the record out. Listen in at seedbedga.bandcamp.com.
GLAD YOU’RE HERE: Songwriter and guitarist/ singer Scott Roberts is deep into what is, I believe, his fourth decade of music making, and he’s recently moved to Athens after living in Atlanta for the past 37 years. Last year he released Still Kinda Here, which was his first album in a decade. Most recently, though, he’s released the seven- song Unplugged And Unnecessary. On this one he goes back and covers select songs from his
BACK TO THE MIC: One of Athens’ most entertaining MCs, Donny Knottsville, technically retired a few years ago, but he’s now emerged with a new EP, The Chill Mongoose, featuring four collaborations with beatmaker Rubik. The pair have worked together previously, so their pairing here fits like hand in glove. Knottsville, a master of subtlety and reference, gives a sly shoutout to the Drive-By Truckers on the title track, but holds back nothing on the explicit yet comedic “Laser Tag Academy” which also has the best beat of the four songs here. For the uninitiated, Knottsville’s flow is pretty classic hardcore rap, and y’all can find it at donnyknottsville.bandcamp.com/ album/the- chill-mongoose-ep.
HEY HO, LET’S GO: Riff factory Boulevard Saints released its self- titled EP a few weeks back, and it starts with a sloweddown Ramones- style intro before sliding into a decidedly 1990s-ish alt-rock song type. Next up, “Rust” is a blue collar singalong not entirely unlike what a local Social Distortion might produce. The last two songs are a simple and melodic three- chord power pop number (“How’s Road”), and a straight-up cheeky and sludgy heavy rocker (“Norm”). Like most things, this is far from essential, but unlike most things, I found time to enjoy it. Give it a try at boulevard saints.bandcamp.com.
DO YOU HEAR ME NOW?: It’s been more than a solid minute since I mentioned Spitehound in these pages. But since that time there have been a handful of releases worth checking out. The latest of these is the twosong single Defensive Eater. The title song is a nicely paced merging of an acoustic base wrapped in a slow rock arrangement with some shoegaze touchstones clearly present. The second song, “(coda),” is kinda like a narcoleptic Bert Jansch, and I mean that as a compliment. Check it out at spitehound. bandcamp.com. f
Seedbed’s Stalemate
Luigi Lucioni’s 1939 portrait of Ethel Waters honors the iconic singer at her peak.
Deadwood Sessions: Volume I
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
The Deadwood Sessions: Volume I has two stories to tell: one of the instruments themselves, repurposed from fallen trees within Georgia, and one of the close bonds between longtime friends who view music as a second language with one another.
Rick Fowler, Michael Doke and Greg Veale first recorded these acoustic tracks about 10 years ago, and 14 of those tracks will finally be released on Friday, July 18 as Deadwood Sessions: Volume I, courtesy of Strolling Bones Records. It was never intended to be an album, but nonetheless Fowler says, “We’re thrilled it got to see the light of day.”
The namesake of the album, and its motivation at the very core, lies in the instruments made by Deadwood Guitar Co. Thirteen years ago Veale read an article about Jason Booth, a luthier crafting unique instruments from fallen trees in the area—recycling materials and giving them new life. Veale paid a visit to Booth’s shop on Macon Highway in Athens, since relocated to Lexington, then shared his find with Doke and Fowler. As it stands now, the three have amassed a collection of 25 Deadwood instruments.
Over the years Doke, Fowler and Veale have enjoyed testing out new models and fully customizing their instruments with Booth, but one of the most meaningful things about what Booth does is the ability to create heirlooms and instruments tied to memories. At the time that Doke first visited Booth’s shop, he was looking for a specific type of wood for a Telecaster body.
“I had a specific wood that I wanted: eastern cedar… and the reason I wanted it was because when I was growing up, my grandmother had a bunch of eastern cedar furniture—the chest, the big armoirs and all that stuff. He went over to the corner, and he had a chunk about that big. And I said, ‘That’s it.’ So that’s how I got started with him. Then this came right afterwards,” says Doke, motioning to the acoustic beside him that was used in the recording of the album. “He and I kind of designed this one together for slide guitar because you have more tension on the strings, so everything has to be beefier on it. This is a prototype for a patent he got, actually, for the bracing inside of it called spider bracing.”
Gathering at a home studio in the evenings after work, the three friends would sit in a circle and record themselves live jamming through songs until they had a clean song in one take.
“The fact that we didn’t know we were making a record, we just did this real quickly and didn’t try to get too obsessive compulsive about it, that made it better, I think,” says Fowler.
“It’s pretty honest, you know, no frills,” says Veale.
As a result, the Deadwood Sessions has a living quality to it reminiscent of nights by the fire or lazy afternoons on the porch shared by friends and family. The listening experience is as organic and natural as the process of making it, free of feeling overprocessed or trying too hard. However, there’s a skill and thoughtfulness present that comes as a result of playing an instru-
ment for so long that it becomes an extension of yourself.
The making of the guitar played by Fowler on the album was documented in a short promotional film for the business, which sparked Booth to request an accompanying soundtrack from Doke, Fowler and Veale. Taking it a step further to show their gratitude and support, they ended up recording what were essentially 22 demos of what the instruments could do.
“‘Devil’s Clock’ is a time piece kind of song. It’s kind of slow and loping. It has a lot of holes in it. That’s the other thing we’ve tried to do recording this stuff is we don’t fill every space in the song. The last tune on this record, called ‘Bittersweet,’ we recorded it once and then sat there and listened to it. And I said, ‘You know, let’s record this again and play half as much.’ That particular tune is the most sparsely played one we have. There’s big holes in this thing, but what that did for the song was you hear these guitars resonate. You hit one chord, and it resonates,” says Doke. “We just played what we felt, but we definitely were trying to keep it minimalistic and just no show-off stuff, just feel it and let it happen.”
“I think some of these songs, from the time one of us brought in the idea until the
time it was recorded and finished was like an hour, an hour and a half. Some of them may be two hours, but we didn’t spend much time on any of them,” says Veale.
And so the tracks sat as instrumental demos for nearly a decade until Booth burned them onto a CD that he handed over to George Fontaine, head of Strolling Bones, who wanted to officially release them as an album. Volume I will feature 14 of the original 22 tracks, with the other eight being reserved for a second volume alongside six new tracks in the works.
“It took a long time for it to come where other people would hear it, but we’re just tickled with Strolling Bones. We’re here, they’re here. It’s a great place for our music,” says Veale.
“Jason NeSmith, he did a fantastic mastering job on this record, and we were real happy with that. We’re excited about it,” says Fowler.
Not only is the music finally coming out in an accessible and official way, but one of the songs is set to be featured on HBO Max’s new crime drama series “Task,” featuring Mark Ruffalo. It’s “All Right Goodnight,” named for the last words sent out from the Malaysian airplane that disappeared in 2014, back when these songs were being recorded.
“When we were doing it, we didn’t realize that it was going to be an album for sure, but we knew that it was like some cool stuff. So that’s why we kept doing it. It’s always been in support of these guitars because we’ve been affiliated with [Booth] for 13 or 14 years, and he’s just gotten better,” says Doke.
Listeners have a few weeks to settle in with the album ahead of its release show on Aug. 2 at The Rialto Club. Doke, Fowler and Veale will perform the instrumental album in full, then the full Rick Fowler Band will kick things up a notch with a more traditional rock set.
“We’re excited because it’s a very unique kind of concert for Athens, to play 14 tracks acoustic instrumental. That’s one reason we picked the room; it’s just more of a listening room,” says Doke.
The spectrum of Doke, Fowler and Veale as musicians will be on full display that night, and through it all, the chemistry of having played together for decades is endearingly inescapable. f
WHAT: Doke, Fowler and Veale Album Release Show
WHEN: Saturday, Aug 2, 7 p m (doors) WHERE: The Rialto Club HOW MUCH: $10 (adv .), $15
KNOOKE One-time only duo formed by Iain Cooke and Matt Knox.
MAGNUM NORM Music by Aidan Lyerly of Bayou Princess.
MARCEL SLETTEN California-born and Athens-based electronic music producer, composer and artist whose sound varies from peaceful to intense.
Hendershot’s
No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m.
$12 (ages 5–16), $26. botgarden. uga.edu
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ STOMP-
ERS Specializing in the historic “hot” syncopated dance music of the early 20th century. Chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome at this concert in the flower garden.
MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Thursday 17
Athentic Brewing Co.
6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com THE REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE Old-fashioned rock and roll with a sprinkle of good-humored irreverence.
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. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga
BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.
Tapped Athens Wine Market
6:30 p.m. www.tappedathens.com
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND Featuring a set of three songwriters sharing songs.
Friday 18
1127 Oconee St. Hard Tack Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $5. www.instagram. com/h.a.r.d.t.a.c.k/ REGULATOR Hardcore punk project from the Hard Tack label. DERBY Corporate music for business bugs.
OZZY CRÜE Tribute band playing Ozzy Osbourne and Mötley Crüe hits.
Creature Comforts
Brewery
6–10 p.m. FREE! www.creature comfortsbeer.com
VINYL OPEN DECKS DJ Nate and JiiG host an open decks night where attendees can bring a few records and sign up to share some tunes. Turntables and mixer provided. Flicker Theatre & Bar Nogin and Nonsense Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatre andbar.com
TELEPHONE POLE Alternative rock band from Athens that recently released its first singIe, “Bipolar.”
OKEY Athens indie folk rock.
ROWAN NEWBY Poetic and humorous Americana music inspired by ’60s and ’70s songwriting.
WEAVER Musical project of Bradley Weaver.
non-fiction songs that your dad will respect and your little sister will understand.
RACHEL RACHEL Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her unique vocal stylings, relatable lyrics, fast flow and catchy melodies.
ANNA KELLAM Athens-based folkpop artist who is in the process of releasing her first album, recorded with Tommy Trautwein at We Bought a Zoo Records. Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID Entering its 20th year, the brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, postrock and improvised music.” Live Wire Tiki Taco Tuesday. 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.livewireathens.com
KINKY WAIKIKI Relaxing, steel guitar-driven band following the traditions of Hawaiian music.
Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday.
Band formed over 30 years ago by Dr. Tony “Doc” McCutchen and composed entirely of former UGA students performing Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and other island sounds.
Sunday 20
Athentic Brewing Co.
3–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
VINYL OPEN DECKS DJ Nate and JiiG host open decks where attendees can bring a few records and sign up to share some tunes. Turntables and mixer provided. Five Bar
11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.five-bar.com
SWING THEORY Local jazz trio playing brunch every Sunday. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens
TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Easy listening traditional Irish music.
Monday 21
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
FUTURE CRIB Indie-rock fourpiece from Nashville crafting
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday. Ciné
7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.athenscine.com A DAY WITHOUT LOVE Musical project of multi-genre, multi-disciplinary creator, Brian Walker, who aims Ito spread good vibes and help others rise above their own struggles.
MANNEQUIN PARTY Local Athens band blends smoky vocals, growling baritone guitar, off-kilter chord progressions and complex rhythms into melodic indie-psych-folk. CANARY AFFAIR Indie rock band with an affinity for irregular time signatures and psychedelic grooves.
Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net NEW ORLEANS JAZZ STOMPERS Specializing in the historic “hot” syncopated dance music from the early 20th century.
BUCKETHEAD The stage name of critically-acclaimed electric guitarist Brian Patrick Carroll, who currently has 31 studio albums. MaiKai Kava Lounge 7:30 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www. instagram.com/bulaatmaikai MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f
Pondgorl will perform at the Georgia Theatre Rooftop on Thursday, July 17.
MIKE WHITE DEADLYDESIGNS.COM
event calendar
Tuesday 15
COMEDY: Monthly Movie Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) Improv group Take This! will perform an abridged version of movie favorites. Third Tuesdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com
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
COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.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
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
Wednesday 16
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
CLASSES: Yoga in the Gallery (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) This gentle flow yoga session is held in the upstairs gallery space. 8:30 a.m. $15. www.winterville center.com
CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 10 a.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
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: 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: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2002 sports comedy film Ping Pong. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.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: 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (Oconee County Library) Enjoy storytime, crafts and a scavenger hunt plus a visit by Pete the Cat. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: The Magical and Colorful World of Reading (Bogart Library) Mr. Keith the Magic Man will perform a magic and ventriloquism reading show. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Tween/Teen Magic Workshop (Bogart Library) Join magician Keith Karnok to learn tricks, magic and more, and receive a bag of magic tricks to take home. Registration suggested. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Art Olympics (Oconee County Library) Teens compete for the crown in various speed art competitions. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
Thursday 17
ART: Open Studio (Chase Park Warehouse, Unit 4, Suite #10) Artist Christina Habibi’s work will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. habibiart.com
CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga. Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org
EVENTS: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: Athentic Farmers Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Weekly market featuring vendors Diamond Hill Farms, Normaltown Bread Company, Katie Bee Honey, Flossie May Forage and Grand Designs Woodworking. Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Happy Hour & Community Yard Sale (Winterville Cultural Center) Browse a community yard sale and enjoy a sneak peek at upcoming art installations. 5 p.m. www.wintervillecenter.com
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: 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
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Thursday (OCAF) Drop in for grab-and-go crafting, storytime or to look at art. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. FREE! (members), $5 (non-members). www. ocaf.com
KIDSTUFF: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (ACC Library) Enjoy storytime, crafts and more plus a visit by Pete the Cat. All ages. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
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
KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Bogart Library) Drop in to read a story to
Friday 18
ART: Anxie-trees (Oconee County Library) Artist Hayley Tankersely teaches how to channel anxiety into drawings of trees. Ages 16 & up. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
ART: Opening Reception (Georgia Museum of Art) The exhibition “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939” will be on view. 5:30–7 p.m. $15. www.georgiamuseum.org
COMEDY: Chop Shop V (Flying Squid Comedy) Expect the unexpected, from sketch to characters, performance art, storytelling, human pet tricks and everything in between. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
ART: Neurographic Art (ACC Library) Learn about this freeflowing style of art that is used as a meditative tool, then create your own individual artwork. Registration required. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org
CLASSES: Genealogy 101 (ACC Library) Learn about how to research records and search for family members. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: Shelter Building (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn the basics of primitive shelter building in the woods. 3 p.m. $5. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and
KIDSTUFF: Teens Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join the volunteer led role-playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands and more. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Book Launch & Reading (Buvez) Author Benjamin Ray Allee celebrates the debut of his short story collection Mediac along with readings from Athens area writers. 7 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/buvez_athens
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 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
EVENTS: Nowadays THC Cocktail Tasting (Classic Citiva Eastside) Learn about and sample this canned cocktail. 4:20–7 p.m. FREE! www. classiccitiva.com
EVENTS: Birthday Party (Hendershot’s) Everyone is invited to this surprise birthday party for a friend of Hendershot’s. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
FILM: Breaking Away (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture)
Bike Athens hosts a screening of the 1979 sports comedy film. 7 p.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter.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
KIDSTUFF: Lunchtime Movie (ACC Library) Bring a lunch and enjoy a screening of the family-friendly movie The Wild Robot. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Calm & Color (ACC Library) Join Teen Services librarians to enjoy calming music and
more. 5–9 p.m. $125–800. www. tinyurl.com/sjsknights
EVENTS: Ales For ALS Counterpunch Release Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Celebrate the release of Counterpunch ale benefiting ALS research with representatives of Ales for ALS, raffle prizes, a photo booth, live music and more. 5–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Feather and Cotton (work. shop) Inspired by the artist salons of Gertrude Stein in Paris, there will be local Athens writers, libations and conversation. 8 p.m. $10. www. instagram.com/work.shop_athens
KIDSTUFF: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet (Bogart Library) Enjoy storytime, crafts and more plus a visit by Pete the Cat. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (ACC Library) Drop in and build your own unique LEGO creations. Ages 11 & under. 2–3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
OUTDOORS: 5K Trail Race (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) A park ranger leads a moderate rated trail race. Registration & waiver required. 10 a.m. $5. www.gastate parks.org/WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Creek Critters Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Experience hands-on stream ecology while hiking along Beaver Creek. 1 p.m. $5. www.gastate parks.org/WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Firestarting & S’mores (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join the park staff to learn how to start a fire using flint and steel strikers, and make s’mores. 6:30 p.m. $5 (adults), FREE (12 & under). www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
PERFORMANCE: Interactive Story Lab (Flying Squid Comedy) Watch or join on the stage local theater artists as they explore and experiment with new interactive techniques and story ideas. Third Saturdays, 2 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: Abnormal Bazaar (Indie South) This market features vendors selling soaps, jewelry, vintage, vinyl and more. Third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.theindiesouth. com
EVENTS: 15th Annual Tomatoes at Terrapin (Terrapin Beer Co.) The Athens Wellness Clinic’s familyfriendly fundraiser event features music and sandwiches with locally grown tomatoes. 4–7 p.m. $20. www.athenswellnessclinic.org
EVENTS: A Knight of Memories (St. Joseph Catholic Parish School) A celebration of the school’s 75th anniversary featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, music, auctions and
PERFORMANCE: Night Moves (Georgia Theatre) Studio Athens presents a dance show and party. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $15.95. www.georgiatheatre.com
Sunday 20
ART: Sunday Afternoon Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) This drop-in public tour features highlights of the permanent collection. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
ART: Opening Reception (Oconee County Library) The portrait exhibition “Women of Courage” will be on view. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
CLASSES: Chainmail Class (work. shop) Join Hammer of Hobus to learn the beginner friendly 4-in-1 European Weave and create your own bracelet. 1 p.m. $25. www. hammerofhobus.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
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
Chess and Community is hosting its first annual International Chess Day Celebration at Creature Comforts Brewery on Sunday, July 20.
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: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: 2025 International Chess Day Celebration (Creature Comforts Brewery) Chess and Community hosts its 1st annual family-friendly celebration featuring a tri-city chess tournament, live music, food trucks and more. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.chessand community.org
GAMES: Trivia Night (Cheba Hut) Test your trivia knowledge. 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/chebahut
OUTDOORS: Morning River Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park)
Enjoy a ranger-led morning paddle on the river. Registration required. 9:15 a.m. $15. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: A Bridge to the Past (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about history of Watson Mill Bridge with a tour through the longest covered bridge in Georgia. 12 p.m. FREE! www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Tree ID Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about local plant life on a 1.5 mile guided walk. 3 p.m. $5. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Sunset Kayak Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park)
Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 8 p.m. $15. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Monday 21
CLASSES: Cursive Camp (ACC Library) Learn about the various styles of American handwriting and the techniques used to read old documents. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
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.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
EVENTS: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) Tommy and his friends trade in their textbooks for guns and drugs in the afterschool special-y Wilding: The Children Of Violence. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/BadMovieNight
GAMES: Trivia with Marissa (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Test your trivia knowledge with host Marissa. 8 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar. 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
KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D Club (Oconee County Library) Join a one-shot game open to all skill levels, including Dungeon Masters, with a prize drawing at the end of the evening. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Third Monday Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary.org
Tuesday 22
CLASSES: MS Excel: Spreadsheet Basics (ACC Library) Learn how to enter, move, select and format data to create simple equations and charts. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.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
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: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: ADA is for All (ACC Library) Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) at this annual event with keynote speakers, the ADA Proclamation read by Mayor Kelly Girtz, cotton candy and more. 1:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.multiple choices.us/youre-invited
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: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring road trip movies sponsored by OLLI presents Smoke Signals Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www. athenscine.com
FILM: Athentic Movie Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the seasonal suspense classic Jaws. 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: 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: 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
KIDSTUFF: Learn to Crochet (Winterville Cultural Center) All skill levels are invited to learn how to crochet. Grades 6–12. 4–6 p.m. $6. www.wintervillecenter.com/ teen-program
MEETINGS: Death Over Drafts (Athentic Brewing Co.) Casual destigmatizing discussion about all things death and dying while using The Death Deck. RSVP encouraged. 6–8 p.m. FREE! organizingdeath@ gmail.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 23
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
CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
CLASSES: Plant Repotting Workshop (Oconee County Library) A master gardener teaches plant basics and how to repot a plant, and those registered will receiver a plant of their own. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
CLASSES: Borrowing Through Libby (ACC Library) Learn how to access and navigate free e-books and audiobooks using the Libby application. Registration required. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.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: Indoor Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Escape the heat with 90-minute summer skate sessions. July 17–20, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $15. www.classiccenter.com
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2021 horror comedy film Coffin Homes. 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: 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Magic Show (Oconee County Library) Drop in to enjoy a magic comedy show with Ken Scott. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Stuffed Animal Clinic (ACC Library) Bring your stuffies in for a checkup or repair by an expert. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org
KIDSTUFF: Baking from Books (Oconee County Library) Join librarians as they make delicious creations based on various classic book series. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Heard Park) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions. Fourth Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc f
calendar picks arts & culture
EVENT | JULY 17–20
Summer Skate
Akins Ford Arena • Times Vary • $15
Akins Ford Arena is offering a fun way to beat the summer heat by opening up its indoor ice skating rink to the public. The arena opened last December and has since housed Rock Lobsters hockey games, monster truck shows, a music history collection and more. Its state-of- the-art rink offers the perfect opportunity for families, dates and everyone in between to enjoy an outof- season skate. Individual tickets start at $15, and groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounted $12 tickets. Skate rentals are included with each ticket purchase. Visit akinsfordarena.com to see what time slots are available for each day. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | FRI, JULY 18
Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis Single Release
40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m (show) • $10
Psychedelic pop rock band KIT is headlining the 40 Watt Club this week alongside supporting acts Meghan Dowlen and Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis. Dowlen is an Atlanta-based musician known for her big stage presence and powerhouse performances inspired by dance pop and new wave. Mallis’ weirdo pop performances are equally grand, combining elements of new wave, post-punk, disco and surf rock with a healthy dose of absurdity. This show also acts as a single release celebration for Mallis’ “The Contract,” a post-punky number that has a bit of a heavier sound than the band’s other music, written from the point of view of a crooked salesperson. The single, which was recorded this past April, precedes an album that the band plans to finish up this summer. [MB]
MUSIC | FRI, JULY 18
punk band Blab School and local post-rock band Father Werewolf. [MB]
Chop Shop is a comedy showcase that features a variety of unique local talents curated by improviser and artist Jessica Mickey in collaboration with Flying Squid Comedy. The first iteration of the show happened in May 2023 and included acts like musical improv, drag, magic and character performances. Since then, Chop Shop has become known for its experimental and unpredictable nature, wherein performers sign up ahead of time to test their most offbeat ideas in a 10-minute set. Mickey says of the showcase, “We’re definitely building something, and want people to be inspired to express themselves and make people laugh as an act of joy and rebellion.” This fifth installment of Chop Shop will include performances from Mickey, Flying Squid founder Kelly Petronis, local clowning master Chase Brantley, the Greater Athens Puppetry Club, Paige Keane, Raiana Kelly, May Hitchins & Brenda Izaguirre and more.
Local indie/noise band Real Wow is celebrating the release of its album, Hello, I Hope This Finds You Well. The album, which will be available digitally on Bandcamp and on limited edition hand- stamped CDs, features six tracks of driving, angular riffs and seasoned vocals from Kemp Stroble. Though the band has been playing together since 2023, this marks its debut studio release. Real Wow is one of Stroble’s most recent projects, joined by Mat Lewis on drums, Kris Deason on guitar and Charlie Estes on bass. His other musical exploits include Hot Fudge, Yallweh and the currently active Weaponized Flesh, of which Deason is also a member. Joining Real Wow for this album release show is Durham, NC-based post-
Proto-grunge band UDDER has returned after a three-decade hiatus to release a set of songs originally recorded in the ’90s, both on streaming and vinyl. UDDER began when Sherri Brady Carter and Heather Jones Lotti hung a flyer downtown looking for a guitar player. Rick Stanziale, who knew Lotti from working at The Grill and Carter as the then-girlfriend of Laura Carter of the Bar-B-Q Killers, took up the post. The three began playing shows around town, and eventually recorded three original songs with up-and- coming studio engineer David Barbe. UDDER broke up within a couple of years, but when Stanziale reached out to Barbe 30 years later, he found that the band’s master recordings were still intact. The trio then decided to release those three songs and come together for a reunion show to promote them. Joining UDDER will be rock band Hayride and bootgaze band Viv and the Things. [MB] f
Electronic looping musician Libbaloops will also perform when the doors open to warm up the crowd. [MB]
Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis
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.
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. Apply online. www.athensarts.org/support
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. Visit www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse for application and more information.
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 PROJ-
ECT 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. www. accgov.com/9799/ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Amici is seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. Email an introduction and a few examples of work. careywelsh20@gmail.com
CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) The library is seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. Email for information. adial@athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ART (Winterville Library) Apply to be a featured local artist in the Front Room Gallery. The library accepts all 2D mediums
such as watercolor, collage, textile and more. Email swatson@athens library.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athica) Artists are invited to submit up to three contemporary works in any media for 2025 juried exhibition “Radical Imperfection.” Artwork must be original and created within last two years. No reprints, multi-pieces or previous submissions. Online submission deadline Aug. 31. Winners notified Sept. 19. www.athica.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (MAGallery) Now accepting artist applications for gallery exhibits. MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a committee. Visit www.themadisonartistsguild. org/call-for-artists for more information.
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www. jokerjokertv.com/submit
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Spruill Gallery, Dunwoody) Accepting nationwide submissions for annual AMPLIFY mural competition through July 28. All mediums considered. Ages 18 & up. Winning artist will receive $10,000 prize and mural will be installed for one year. All applicants will be eligible for inclusion in a city database of artist projects for future consideration. Winner announced Sep. 3. www.spruillarts. org/amplify
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 500) Photographer Terry Allen presents “Passenger Side,” a collection that ranges from street photography to landscapes. In the Upper Gallery, Grace Lang and Mason Pearson showcase “The Nuclear Age: 2018–2025,” a seven-year photographic chronicle of the band Nuclear Tourism. Through Oct. 1.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY BOGUE GALLERY (2025 Baxter St.) Margaret Agner’s “Silk in Motion” presents dyed silk wall hangings, scarves and educational items along with samples, sources and brushes. Through Aug. 31.
ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) Juancho Cano’s “Fragmentario: Visions in Pieces” features paintings inspired by Colombia and the immigrant experience. Through July 23.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) In “upstage / downstage” photographer Chase Brantley observes his fellow performers in their inbetween moments, capturing their unguarded transitions between stage and backstage, upstage and down. Through Aug. 25.
AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Twenty landscape paintings by Greg Benson are on display through August.
DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) “One Day the Birds Will Explain Everything,” an exhibition of photos by local poet Mark Bromberg, celebrates the people and places of Athens through moments captured at clubs, festivals and more. Through July.
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) “This ’n’ That” presents original works by Steph Rivers and Lydian Brambila. Rivers presents a series of drawings and Brambila will showcase a knitted shawl and illustrations. On view through July.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Feel the Beat: Rhythm, Music and Movement” features 20 works by artists around the world and explores the connections between dance, music and visual art across cultures, histories and media. Through Aug. 3. • In “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939,” 65 portraits in various mediums show how American
“Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov.com
CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS (AthFest Educates) Applications for the 2025-2026 grant cycle are now available. Applicants planning to use music and/or arts as a teaching and learning mechanism for core education are encouraged to apply. Certain criteria must be met. Details available on website. www. athfesteducates.org/grants/applyfor-a-grant
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for upcoming street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics and more are welcome. Email enagement coordinator@athenshc.org for more information.
OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for photography, ceramics and more. Visit website for availability and cost. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership
OPEN STUDIO LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Limited registrations available for monthly Life Drawing Open Studio with nude model beginning Aug. 20. $20. Adult artists only. Visit www.drawathens.org for details and times.
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
Auditions
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) Auditions and membership open to qualified musicians able to attend rehearsals and maintain preparation of music. Current listings can be found online. www. athenssymphony.org/openings
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. www.unityathens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 and up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) The shop offers a range of fine art classes and workshops for adults, private classes and parties, and more. Register online. www.kaartist. com
ART CLASSES (Lauren Adams Artist) Paint with local professional artist in Eastside Studio. Day and evening classes include “Intermediate Watercolor” and “Acrylic 101.” More info: www.laurenadamsartist. com, 404-913-3597.
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
women in Paris reshaped modern womanhood and used portraiture to express a new sense of self. July 19–Nov. 2. Opening reception July 18, 5:30–7 p.m.
GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Atlanta artist Paul Leroy’s installation “Tree of Life” will begin growing for its six-month exhibition. HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Paintings by Johnny Reynolds that reflect his love of music and unique perspective are on view through July.
LAST RESORT GRILL (174-184 W. Clayton St.) A collection of Susan Pelham’s collages, oil and acrylic works is on view through July.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The summer series features seven artists across six new exhibitions. On view through Aug. 30. • In the Lukasiewicz Gallery, Chris Moss and Sue Fox’s “Habit” offers parallel explorations of form and color, playing with the viewer’s perception, concealing and revealing forms of common imagery amongst a camouflage of multifaceted hues. The two have not met prior to the opening of this exhibition. Through Oct. 11. • An exhibition by Cuban-born artist Victor Francisco Hernandez Mora features vivid illustrations of Orishas—West African deities tied to nature and daily life—found in belief systems across Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. On view in the North Gallery through Oct. 11. Family day book reading Aug. 9, 12–2 p.m. • Inspired by memories and the literature of Latin America, María Korol’s “Playing Ball Without a Ball” explores the connection between human and non-human through drawings, paintings, sculptures and more. On view in the lobby case July 18–Sept. 27.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “Member’s Exhibition” features a variety of styles and mediums. Through July 25. • In the Members’ Gallery, Lindsay Swan’s work explores the intersection of the unreal and the psychological, weaving together vivid imagery that challenges and inspires. Through July 25. • Nancy Evelyn’s “Patchwork Memories: A Family Quilt in Paintings” features 42 canvas panels, each inspired by a personal memory of someone who shaped her life. Each honors gratitude, connection and legacy. Through July 25.
OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave.) Exhibition “Women of Courage Portrait Exhibit” honors the achievements, resilience and lasting impact of remarkable women who have shaped our history and society. Through Aug. 29. Reception July 20, 4 p.m.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-person classes. Topics include “Affordable Housing Info” and “Homebuyer Education Course.” Visit website for full list. www. athenslandtrust.org/classes-events
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville) OCAF offers a number of classes for all ages and skill levels. Selections include basic and advanced painting, ceramics, textile dying, fashion design and more. Visit ocaf.com/courses for information and registration.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(The Lightroom Athens) A variety of programs to help build skills in photography, videography and audio production. Follow @light roomath on Instagram for the latest updates.
COOKING AND BAKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) A varied selection of culinary classes offered for all skill levels. Rotating wine classes. Visit website for full list, prices and registration. www.athenscooks.com
CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop-in. www.SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com
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
PILATES MAT CLASSES (work. shop) Drop-in pilates mat classes every Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. Call 706-247-4513 for information and pricing.
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
WORKOUTS & MORE (CrossFit Liberate) A variety of multi-day and weekly programs for adults of all ages. Upcoming sessions include “Sweat Sisters” for ages ages 40 and up. $75 per week through Aug. www.crossfitliberate.com
YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) A multipurpose mind-body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Grateful Head Yoga) Classes are offered in beginner, gentle and other styles of yoga. 10 classes for $140. Visit www.gratefulheadyoga.com for full schedule.
YOGA CLASSES (Healing Arts Center Sangha Studio) A variety of yoga styles offered weekly including Yinyasa on Wednesday mornings. First class for new students is free. See website for schedule and details. www.healingartscentre.net/sangha
YOGA CLASSES (Highland Yoga) Classes are offered seven days a week. Intro offer includes 30 days for $30. www.highland-yoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, gentle and other styles. Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www. letitbeyoga.org
YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga Athens) Classes are offered in a variety of styles. New student offer: four weeks of unlimited yoga for $40. shaktiyogaathens.com
Help Out
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER (Animal Services Adoption Center) Volunteers needed for daily interactions with the shelter dogs. Sessions run Monday through Friday, no experience required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Register at www.tidycal.com/animalservices volunteer for training.
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
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Every third Sunday of the month. Visit
THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) Drawings by local artist Cameron Lyden are on view through July 27.
THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) Photographer Jennifer Keene’s “Southern Cemeteries: Tombstones & Tales” explores rural Southern cemeteries through funerary art, epitaphs and symbolism, highlighting their beauty, history and folklore. A portion of proceeds benefits Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery. Through July.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Elizabeth Barton presents “For the Love of Trees,” a collection of fiber and mixed media works that explore reflected light, translucency, effects of time and repeated patterns of natural or architectural forms. Through Aug. 3. TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Local artist Greg Benson presents a collection of landscape paintings. July 17–July 31. Opening reception July 17, 6–9 p.m. Artist talk and demos July 20, 2–5 p.m. Closing reception July 31, 6–9 p.m.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) Benjamin Britton, an associate professor at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, presents “surface potential,” a collection of four abstract paintings over 7 feet tall. Through Aug. 8.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “From Farms to Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Need for Sustainable Style” explores the rise of fast fashion and who pays for the cost of its convenience. Through July. • “The Golden Age of Broadway” provides a glimpse into Broadway’s Golden Age through musical posters, playbills and artifacts. Through August. • “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series, which inspired young people to care for the environment. Through May 2026.
WILLSON CENTER FOR THE HUMANITIES AND ARTS (1260 S Lumpkin St) A new series of landscape photographs by Michael Lachowski, alongside a photo series of clouds, is on view through summer.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Two exhibitions are currently on view at the gallery: “The Art of the Mixtape” by Karen S. Campbell and “Cloudland” by Elyse Mazanti, Eli Saragoussi and Emily Tatum. July 22–Sept. 13. Reception Aug. 23, 4–6 p.m.
www.athensskateparkproject.org for information and opportunities.
ART SUPPLIES (Classic Center Cultural Foundation) “A Heart for Art” invites the public to donate art supplies for Clarke County Elementary Schools. Donation box available in the Classic Center lobby through Aug. 1, 5 p.m. Contact the Classic Center with questions. www.classic center.com
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
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 (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. moms adoptingmoms@gmail.com
SEEKING DONATIONS (Car Craft of Athens) Car Craft of Athens is hosting a “Back to School Drive” to help the students at Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary School. Drop off supplies Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m through Sept. 1. Supplies needed include Lysol wipes, pencils, crayons, school uniforms and more. For full list of items requested and more information call 706-546-6695.
SEEKING DONATIONS (St. Joseph Catholic Parish School) Currently accepting donations for silent auction at the fundraising event “A Knight of Memories” Donations can be made until the day of event. July 19, 5 p.m. Contact 706-548-6332 for more information.
SEEKING DONATIONS (ACC Human Relations Commission) Currently accepting donations for sealed any brand, quantity or size of menstrual hygiene products. Donation bins available at Athens-Clarke Regional Library on Aug. 2, 1–4 p.m. Direct or large quantity donations are also welcome. Contact Morgan.lyle@ accgov.com for more information.
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 706546-1133, 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, adopt-
a-ramp and more. Visit www.keep athensbeautiful.org for more info.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Local environmental non-profit seeking volunteers for a variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. Hands-on opportunities to help plant 3000 native varieties are available every first Sunday, 1-3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreeksanctuary.org/ volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Historic Athens) Registration for the 2025 Historic Athens Porchfest is now open. In need of porch hosts, performers, volunteers and sponsor support. Visit www.historicathens. com/porchfest for more information.
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Visit accgov.com/trs for hours.
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
QUILT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library’s Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” hosts a raffle for a handmade quilt to benefit various programs. $2 per ticket. The winning ticket will be drawn in Sep. to kick off Library Card Sign-up Month. Visit www.athenslibrary.org/ madison for more information.
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) 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, 706-613-3800
CAMP PROGRAMS (Athens Humane Society) “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps are open for registration. July availability but spaces are limited. www. athenshumanesociety.org/summercamp
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 (Sweet Olive Farm) Registration for 2025 camp programs for children ages 6–12 is now open. Activities include animal care, music, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures and more. Programs run through Aug. Visit www.sweetolive farm.org for pricing and options.
CAMP PROGRAMS (The Studio) Registration for “Creative Kids Camp” is now open. Programs are for ages 4–8 with music, art and movement to foster creative expression and imaginative play. Through Aug. www.thestudioath.com
CREATIVE CLASSES & SUMMER
ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) Classes include “Art Card Club” for teens and pre-teens. 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,” “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 parentbaby yoga, maternal mental health and more. Check website for a schedule. www.reblossomathens. com
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
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
WORKOUTS & MORE (CrossFit Liberate) Lessons on health, nutrition and fitness for ages 10-16 during “Teen Athlete Accelerator Camp.” Through Aug. $95 per week. www. crossfitliberate.com
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
for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers information about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. floretta.johnson@ stmarysathens.org
NAMI CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP (Multiple Locations) Peerled support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. First and 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
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. CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box presents true short stories shared by community members. Submit story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbitbox. org/tell
COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). Visit their website to become a member, sign up for newsletters and see the full schedule of events. www.athens roadrunners.org
FALL REGISTRATION (ACC Leisure Services) A diverse selection of programs for both adults and children open for registration Aug. 4. Visit www.accgov.com/myrec or call 706-613-3800 for more information. Scholarships will be available. www.accgov.com/ scholarship 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
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) Help for those suffering with addictions and self-destructive habits. Peer-led and open to all. 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. athensdowntownsaa@gmail.com
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE (Nuçi’s Space) SOS is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to
GUIDED GARDEN TOURS (UGA Botanical Garden) Learn about various plants at this guided walk. Available for groups of less than 10. Every Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. $5 per person. botgarden.uga.edu NETWORKING AND MEETINGS (Integrative Medicine Initiative) Monthly meetings and open networking opportunities for those in the local wellness sector seeking support and who have interest in educating the community. Next meeting July 25. Contact admin@ integrativemedicineinitiative.org for more information.
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/ calendar
SEEKING VENDORS (Winterville Cultural Center) A limited number of vendor tables available for indoor yard sale during the Third Thursday art event on July 19. $6–10 per table. Space is limited. Call 706742-0823 to reserve a table.
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
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
Nancy Evelyn’s exhibition “Patchwork Memories: A Family Quilt in Paintings” will be on view at OCAF through July 25.
classifieds
REAL ESTATE APARTMENTS FOR RENT
4BR/3BA apartment. Great Location off Macon Hwy. W/D, community pool, back deck, super spacious. Available August. $1800/mo. and $1800 sec. dep. Call or text 706-340-0139.
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. Text 706- 4010880.
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.
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
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.athens schoolofmusic.com. 706543-5800
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
Advertise your service in the Flagpole Classifieds!
Learn French with native French speaker with 15 years of professional experience. $40/h. Contact Jonathan @ jonathan baille hache@gmail.com, call 347 360 9022 or visit www.jonathanbaillehache.com/t-en.
CLEANING
Peachy Green Clean! Celebrating 10 years of being your local friendly green cleaners! 706- 248- 4601, www.peachy green clean coop.com
HEALTH
Athens area retired RN provides care to elderly in their homes. Seeking new clients. 40 years experience providing compassionate care. Rates as low as $18/ hr. Text Ginny 409-218-4490 to discuss your needs.
HOME AND GARDEN
Happy Summer! WomanRun 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.
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 @pablo fromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail.com or call 631-9034365.
MISC. SERVICES
Hotel Abacus offers six unique and historic venues for your special event. hotel abacusathens.com
PETS
Pamper your pup at Bark Dog Spa, Athens’ premiere dog grooming facility! Book online at barkdogspa.com
JOBS
FULL-TIME
Hologram Salon seeks a licensed hairstylist. Experience in haircutting techniques and various coloring services. We offer flexible scheduling, health/retirement benefits and more. Email resume/portfolio: hologramsalon@gmail.com. Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.
Hiring Exceptional LMTs – Watkinsville
Join our expert Integrative Clinic. Growing our exclusive nervous- systemfocused protocol. Gentle on your body, high pay, supportive culture, in- house perks. Seeking therapists dedicated to growing with our team long- term. Send resume: audrey@blanchard wellnessclinic.com
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
Join us! Part- Time Tour Guide wanted at Historic Athens Welcome Center. $16.75/hour + tips. Apply: athenswelcomecenter.com/ jobs. Share history and make memories!
Advertise job opportunities in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301.
NOTICES
ORGANIZATIONS
Become a Juvenile Offender Advocate to compassionately and effectively transform the lives of young people in need of mentorship and rehabilitation. juvenileoffenderadvocateinc.org
Follow ACC Solid Waste on Instagram/Facebook @ acc solid waste for tips and resources for recycling, composting, repairs, and more or visit accgov.com/ solidwaste.
If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Project Safe is here to help. Call 706- 543- 3331 or visit project-safe.org.
Northeast Health District offers free or low-cost services to all people within our area and to promote healthy lifestyles among all members. northeasthealthdistrict. org
VFW Post 2872. Join us for weekly Bingo nights, live music and more at VFW Post 2872 at 835 Sunset Drive in Athens!
by Margie E. Burke
Then, send us a picture of your completed quiz on Instagram @BedsideManners_Blog for the chance to win a $100 gift card. Scan the code to read our blog and
1. There’s evidence that the Egyptians believed the god ______ created the universe by masturbating.
2. Dutch scientist ______________________ discovered sperm in 1677 by examining his own ejaculate under a microscope.
3. Archaeologists have unearthed stone and ivory dildos dating back over ____________ years.
4. Romans had a thing for ______________ and ___________ style spectacles.
