OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy
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
city dope
Ending Gun Violence
ELECT DEMOCRATS TO CHANGE GUN LAWS, ACTIVISTS SAY
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Earlier this month, Mayor Kelly Girtz announced that, for the first time, Athens had made it through half the year without a single murder. “This has been a team effort with ACCPD, every community support organization, and every resident,” he posted on social media. “We continue to strive for improvements, but this is a huge accomplishment.”
That does not mean, however, that Athens no longer has a gun violence problem. From 2021–2024, there were 436 shootings in Athens, wounding or killing 138 people, according to the gun safety advocacy group Moms Demand Action.
“We still have these issues,” AthensClarke County Commissioner Tiffany Taylor told Flagpole following a town hall meeting on gun violence July 26 at the Miriam Moore Community Center. “With the efforts we’ve put into place, it’s good to see a decline, but we still have a long way to go.”
Taylor has been touched by gun violence both as a mother and an elected official. Last year, her teenage son snuck out of the house to go to an unsupervised house party, where a cousin accidentally shot him in the chest while playing with a gun. That incident came on the heels of a drive-by shooting in her district where gang members killed a 3- year-old.
During the pandemic, Taylor started the nonprofit Mothers of Black Sons to help Black boys in her neighborhood socialize while homeschooling. But when schools reopened, she said she noticed a change in her son. “His friends were a lot cooler than me,” she said. “Whatever they said trumps Mom.”
Taylor and other speakers stressed the importance of proper gun storage and teaching children to handle firearms safely. “The mentality is, the bigger the gun, the more of a man you are, or if you can shoot a gun, that makes you a man,” she said.
restrictive gun laws, according to gun safety activist Marisue Hilliard. Savannah did pass such a law, and is arguing in court that preemption does not apply to storage, she said.
Meanwhile, on the state level, the legislature continues to pass laws loosening restrictions on guns, such as permitless carry and allowing guns on many parts of college campuses. “Even though Moms Demand Action is nonpartisan, I’m going to tell you what the problem is: Georgia is dominated by Republicans,” said Hilliard, who ran against state Sen. Bill Cowsert (R- Athens) in 2018. (Cowsert was one of the few Republicans who voted against campus carry in 2017.)
Moms Demand Action supports four gun laws currently in the legislature’s hopper: One would make it a crime to leave a loaded gun within reach of a minor; one would provide a tax credit for gun storage devices; one would require background checks for nearly all firearms transfers; and one would require a three-day waiting period for most gun purchases.
conduct a cost-benefit analysis to allow the M&C to make an informed decision about fares.
Currently, Athens Transit relies almost entirely on federal grants and local sales taxes for funding. TSPLOST, the voterapproved 1% sales tax for transportation, is up for renewal in 2026, and the Trump administration has threatened to withhold transportation grants from several communities over unrelated issues like immigration enforcement.
“Fares generate revenue and allow for significantly more robust ridership data,
pandemic began in 2020. Ridership, and thus farebox revenue, had plummeted because of health concerns about being in enclosed spaces with others, and eliminating fares allowed for riders to board at the back of the bus, keeping them away from drivers.
In previous conversations about fares, transit officials have argued that reinstating fares would have little impact on revenue once the cost of installing new fareboxes and the potential loss of riders were factored in. Hassemer’s audit raised the issue that the system Athens Transit is currently using to count riders severely undercounts them, which could impact federal funding that’s based on ridership numbers.
“The only way we’re going to get good gun laws is to elect more Democrats,” Hilliard said. She urged attendees to call elected officials, donate to or volunteer for candidates who support such laws, or to run for office themselves.
“ The mentality is, the bigger the gun, the more of a man you are.
In schools, Danny Malec, executive director of the Georgia Conflict Center, advocated for a restorative justice approach. The nonprofit worked with former district attorney Deborah Gonzalez, and had a contract with the Clarke County School District to adjudicate disputes between students from 2019–2021. “We saw a 50% reduction in violence and aggression,” Malec said. “Then there was no budget for that anymore, and we saw violence and aggression [return].”
While Malec suggested addressing the root causes of violence, like poverty, and Taylor addressed the need for community centers and youth programs in every neighborhood, there is little Athens- Clarke County can do legislatively to regulate guns. At one point, Moms Demand Action approached Girtz about passing an ordinance requiring guns to be stored in a lockbox, but the county attorney advised him that it would be unconstitutional under Georgia’s “pre-emption law,” which prohibits local governments from passing
Taylor also excoriated Republicans for shredding the social safety net.
About 50 people attended the town hall meeting, including commissioners Melissa Link and Dexter Fisher.
Lamar Handy, founder of the DL Handy Foundation, lamented that most of them were white, even though gun violence affects the Black community more. “Not having a lot of African Americans here to listen to this, it bothers me,” he said.
Handy’s organization sponsored the second annual “Rally Up, Guns Down” event at Walker Park the following day, where morticians paraded their hearses to illustrate that they’ve buried too many victims of gun violence, whether murders, suicides, accidents or mental health crises.
“Our young people are losing their lives, losing their freedom at an all- time high,” he said.
Audit Questions Fare-Free Transit
The Athens- Clarke County Mayor and Commission should consider re-instituting fares on Athens Transit in light of uncertain federal funding, according to a new audit of the transit department.
While Internal Auditor Gavin Hassemer and his staff of analysts did not make a recommendation one way or the other, they concluded that administrators should
but the collection of fares incurs certain expenses, such as investing in fare boxes,” the audit concluded. “In presenting a costbenefit analysis, the administration should explore models [that] allow for the best return on capital and operating investment, such as the most current digital payment methods.”
While long a policy goal of some commissioners at the time, Athens Transit did not go fare- free until after the COVID-19
In addition, rear boarding could be adding to the list of challenges already-underpaid bus drivers have to deal with. Police calls to the Multimodal Transportation Center nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024, from 97 to 271. According to transit experts, crime on transit trended upward during the pandemic related to an overall crime spike that’s now receding, and transit remains far safer than driving.
The audit also recommended that bus drivers get raises, noting that Clarke County School District bus drivers make $4 more per hour than Athens Transit operators, and that CCSD’s drivers generally do not have to work nights or weekends. The disparity could be contributing to challenges in attracting qualified employees—Athens Transit had an 11% vacancy rate at the time of the audit.
Other recommendations include: deciding who transit is supposed to serve and focusing on that group, eliminating littleused bus stops, coordinating with UGA on routes to avoid duplication, and making sure the Athens Transit website has up- todate information. f
No War in Iran
The Netanyahu regime has decided that it is in their security interests to attack Iran. The Israeli prime minister is undermining President Trump’s attempt to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and, at the same time, exploiting America’s close ties with Israel to drag the U.S. into yet another Middle Eastern war using the billions of dollars of military equipment supplied to them by the United States.
Has our involvement in the continuous conflicts in the Middle East taught us anything? Since before 9/11, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Americans have spent trillions of dollars, lost thousands of military personnel and killed unknown numbers of innocent civilians in conflicts in the Middle East. And what have we accomplished? Nothing but chaos and a much more dangerous world.
No American should support any effort by our elected representatives, either Republican or Democrat, which will lead us into another war in the Middle East. We all should heed the prophet Isaiah’s words: “…and they will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,” (Isaiah 2:4).
Robert B. Covi Bogart
Broad Reforms Needed to Halt Fentanyl
I spent 20 years working in the criminal justice system doing social work and criminal supervision for local and state courts, the majority for drug offenses during the height of the crack epidemic. A year of that time was in a lockdown facility. I understand more than most the power of illegal substances over people.
I once witnessed a man lie down across railroad tracks as I walked on my way to lunch. He got up just in time before a freight train came roaring over the same tracks. Then I saw him do it again. Obviously he was practicing to commit suicide. But then after lunch, I returned to my office just in time to witness him again quickly lie down in front of another coming train. He was violently struck and dragged a full city block as the train engineer tried desperately to stop. His body was charred and cut in half. I later learned he had relapsed at a local drug treatment program, where he was terminated from their care that same day. For the remainder of my employment I was assigned several thousand cases of drug dealers and users to supervise and place in addiction treatment. I was aware of many events where contraband was introduced into the jail environment. There are many breaches, no matter how sophisticated the methods of interdiction.
Yes, one easy way is for staff to bring drugs in, another is through visitors, and one is by mail, also by way of inmates returning from outside duties. I agree that constant checking of staff coming and going in the jail is one way to slow it. However, there are many ways, which are only limited by a person’s imagination. The staff must
have adequate pay. There must be enough staff and detection devices to monitor everyone at the jail. With the increase in funding recently granted by the county commissioners, there should be a major improvement. When that money kicks in, it is up to the sheriff to use it efficiently.
If you consider that a lethal dose of fentanyl is about the size of a period on this page, you realize it is very easy to miss it coming into any lockdown facility. If the demand for mind-altering drugs were significantly reduced, this problem would also be. Education and treatment helps. But the overall reality is that the economic system we live in, where millions of people are struggling to survive, propagates drug addicts. Yes, law enforcement, the courts, the jails, government in general and society must do better to abate the desire of people to resort to drugs to escape hopelessness in America.
The community of Athens must do everything possible to stop deaths in custody—from the inside to the outside.
Dwight Acey Athens
We Can Afford a Universal Basic Income
We’re told that programs like Universal Basic Income (UBI) are too expensive. That there’s just not enough money to help people directly. But that’s a lie—and here’s the proof.
Who: Powerful Democratic figures like Nancy Pelosi, Stacey Abrams, Hillary Clinton and Bob Menendez.
What: They’ve funneled, redirected or personally gained from millions—sometimes billions—of dollars through insider trading, corrupt nonprofits and “charitable” foundations.
Where: Pelosi’s husband made tens of millions trading stocks tied to legislation she controlled in D.C. Abrams’ nonprofit paid $9.4 million to her friend’s law firm. Another organization linked to her illegally spent $3.2 million and was fined. The Clinton Foundation raised hundreds of millions for Haiti after the earthquake, but most of the money never reached the people. Menendez was indicted for taking gold bars and cash in exchange for political favors in the U.S. Senate.
When: This isn’t old history. Pelosi’s most profitable trades were in 2023 and 2024. The Abrams fine was just issued. Menendez was indicted this year. The Clinton Foundation’s Haiti failure is still unfolding.
Why: Because the system is designed to enrich them, not you. They create fake causes, pass insider laws and use public crises to move money through political machines, all while telling the rest of us to wait, be patient or work harder. They say we can’t afford UBI. But if we simply stopped the theft, we could give millions of Americans $1,500 a month permanently. It’s not a funding problem. It’s a corruption problem. And at the end of the day, here’s the truth no one wants to say: It’s your money, but they steal it.
Michael Kevin Kelley Hoschton
threats & promises
Check The Signs’ New Album
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
ALL SIGNS POINT TO YES: When I put on the new album A Daily Reminder by Check The Signs, I certainly wasn’t expecting it to blast out of the speakers with a tune worthy of both Stevie Nicks and Sade. But that’s exactly what you get with “Along The Way,” and it’s due in no small part to Mindy Towe’s saxophone. This is the group’s first full-length album since 2019, and it’s another packed outing full of tight instrumentation, creative melodies, in- the-pocket rhythms and overall very strong songwriting. The band has Athens Walk Of Fame inductee Michael Guthrie featured on the psychedelia- tinged instrumental “Reflyte,” and features cellist Eunice Kang on the title track. In addition to the ones I’ve mentioned already, specific highlights here include “As You Like It,” the gorgeous Carole King reprise of “Every Shade Of Blue” and the Carpenters-esque “Goodbye Is All You Know.” The band celebrated its release last week, and you can get in on the ground floor via major streaming services and gather all other information at facebook.com/CheckTheSigns.
DARK AND LOVELY: A new split release between Marcel Sletten and Ohmu, the long-running recording project of Winston Parker, came out last week. It features two tracks from each, with Sletten’s selections including an 11-minute noise meditation “Lipstick and Leather,” which would be categorized as completely relentless if it weren’t for Sletten’s allowing some melody to exist below the surface. Sletten also contributes the markedly different, gentle, nearly pastoral “Mare,” based on loops and an acoustic guitar sample. Ohmu starts with the 13-minute “The Three Beggars,” a majestic tune full of specific movements traversing euphoria, dedication and resolution—at least that’s what I hear through this heady piece. Ohmu’s “Hexachrome Listlessness” is deliberate in its modern construction—in the album notes Parker references composer Tim Hecker as an influence —but relatively recognizable with its electronic journey from a nervy peace then into introspection and then, again, reaching some resolve. None of this is for the faint of hearing, so prepare yourself and listen in at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.
a similar musical space. Love explores several styles here, each with his own mark. These include indie psych pop (“For Orchid’s Eyes”), acoustic sentimentality (“Hold Me (Don’t)” and the baroque- y “Solitary Stem”) and bedroom electropop (“Broken Boy”). Find this at quentinlove.bandcamp.com.
ZENITH ON THE TV: Kaanan Tupper is the man behind studio and label Major Appliance Recordings, as well as recording project MikeRobeTheDemon. Now, first, this is among the best label names in recent memory. Second, this debut release by the aforementioned project, titled Redeemed Demon Arrives, deftly blends electronics with analogue instrumentation. The looped
vocal effect at the start of “Black Orange Out The Airlock” isn’t terribly different from Kraftwerk’s “Boing Boom Tschak.” From there the track escalates somewhat into a robotic fury. The destructed and heavy “Star Spangled David Banner” is a noise fest with the national anthem smack dab in its middle. Closing track, “Friendship Forthwith,” features demonic-sounding screwed vocals atop outsider artist acoustic guitar plunking. Check out the record at majorappliancerecordings.bandcamp.com, and get the whole scoop at majorappliance recording.com.
LEAVE A LIGHT ON: There’s something about the title of the new Quentin Love album, which is called Home Music, that I find quite charming. Now, the first time I listened to the opening song “Mrs. Wonderful,” I didn’t care much for its waltzy construction, but I eventually came around to it. I was immediately taken, though, by the second track “Pi R2,” which joins its indie pop sensibility to a new wave undertone. “Losing You” occupies
NEVER FORGET: OK, there’s no real reason for me to mention this show—no disrespect to those involved, but it’s not like there’s going to be dancing elephants or a parade or anything at it—except for the name of the touring band. On Friday, Aug. 1, Athens’ rock-and-rollers Wyld Staleyz will play Buvez. Also on the bill this night are the utterly fantastically named punks from Portland, OR The Last Responders. See, for a very long time I felt that first responders are great and, obviously, necessary but that no one ever really thinks about the last responders. Well, you are now. Doors are at 7 p.m. and music is at 8 p.m. sharp. For more information, please see facebook. com/lastresponderspdx and facebook.com/ rockforeverandeverandever. f
live music calendar
Tuesday 29
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.
Wednesday 30
Athentic Brewing Co.
7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
’80S THEMED KARAOKE Sing your favorites with DJ Gregory and dress up for an ’80s costume contest.
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 31
Athentic Brewing Co.
5:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
WADE NEWBURY Easy listening tunes and classics on guitar.
CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens group playing melodic, roots-influenced folk-rock.
ELLI PERRY A melancholy mesmerist and ballsy chanteuse whose style ranges from Southern Gothic blues and folk to experimental alternative rock and roll.
FREEMAN LEVERETT Hypnotic local songwriter and backing band with dreamy vocals, exuberant melodies and cosmopolitan influences. (11:50 p.m.)
WYLD STALEYZ Self-described hot blooded, ball clenching power rock band from Athens. THE LAST RESPONDERS A ’77 style punk band from Portland.
Ciné
8 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com
POP MCARTNEY Local pop-punk band.
KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off!
SEEKING APPROVAL Athensbased psych-funk band performing a mix of originals and covers. The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.), $15. bit.ly/TheFoundryAug1
JEREMY WOULD LET ME
DROWN A tribute to Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. Happy Top Lodge & Rest
8 p.m. $5. happytop.athens@gmail. com
MACK2TONE Local hip-hop artist with a contemporary sound.
YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements.
Saturday 2
40 Watt Club 5:30 p.m. $15 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com
DJ CHARLIEFLOWER & DE LA
LUNA Spinning a special set to get the night started. (5:30 p.m.)
LEX HAYLEY Singer-songwriter influenced by artists like Miley Cyrus, Bebe Rexha, Tate McRae and Ella Mai. (6:30 p.m.)
SXVXNT Lyrical rapper, singer and producer. (7:15 p.m.)
BCKS Four-piece indie-alternative band based in Atlanta. (8 p.m.)
VICKIS DREAM Project blending punk, goth and metal influences. (8:45 p.m.)
THE UNKNOWN Alternative rock band from Atlanta. (9:30 p.m.)
STARDUST SONATA Four-piece band from Atlanta that pulls in elements of blues, funk, metal and garage rock to craft their own take on guitar-driven rock and roll. (10:15 p.m.)
MANNEQUIN PARTY Local Athens band blends smoky vocals, growling baritone guitar, off-kilter chord progressions and complex rhythms into melodic indie-psych-folk. (11 p.m.)
Band united by their love for custom instruments from Georgia’s Deadwood Guitar Company play a collection of acoustic instrumental guitar music. The Deadwood Guitar Sessions, Vol 1 album release show! RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-driven local bluesrock group.
Sunday 3
ACC Library
Live at the Library. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
MARIE MARIE ’60s pop-inspired group in the songwriting vein of The Beatles and Brian Wilson.
BIZNER Alternative folk band from Atlanta.
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.
Terrapin Beer Co.
3–5 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com
JIM COOK High-energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music. Every first Sunday.
White Tiger Sundance Party. 7–9 p.m. www.instagram.com/whitetigerathens
LIBBALOOPS Electronic musician and looping artist who loves to be silly and get “loopy doopy.”
Monday 4
HUNGER ANTHEM Local indie power-rock trio with an unabashed penchant for distortion drenched songs and a DIY punk rock ethos.
MAGYAR Math rock, shoegaze power trio led by Eric Horvath, formerly of Hypersleep and Gimme Hendrix.
Ciné
8 p.m. $17. www.athenscine.com
MONTOPOLIS Vintage synthesizer enthusiasts perform a live score called Ghost Almanac over the best scenes from classic horror films. Flicker Theatre & Bar
DOKE, FOWLER & VEALE Three members of Rick Fowler Acoustic
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets from his catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”
AHLEUCHATISTAS Instrumental avant-rock trio composed of Shane Parish, Trevor Dunn and Danny Piechocki.
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.
Wednesday 6
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net THE HUMDINGERS Acoustic interpretations of pop and soul. (6 p.m.)
Hendershot’s 7 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens. com
OPEN MIC Hosted by Liz Farrell the first Wednesday of every month. Sign up in person starting at 6 p.m. 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
Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
The Hall on Foster. 7 p.m. FREE! (performers), $5. www.mmcc-arts.org
OPEN MIC NIGHT New open mic series for music, spoken word, comedy, poetry and everything in between. Held the first Monday of each month.
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.
KILLICK HINDS Appalachian Trance Metal made on unusual stringed instruments with an emphasis on unquantifiable rhythms (shaping time), intuitive intonation (shaping pitch) and shamanistic ROYGBIV (shaping color).
SAMUEL BURT Composer, bass clarinetist, electronic musician and daxophone builder from Baltimore. Hendershot’s 6 p.m. (doors). $10. www.hendershots athens.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.
Down the Line
8/07 Todd Snider, Rachel Cole (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture)
Ahleuchatistas will perform at Hendershot’s on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
calendar picks arts & culture
ART | THU, JULY 31
‘Thaw Line’ and ‘Water Meadows’ Artist Talks
Lyndon House Arts Center • 5:30 p.m. • FREE!
Several new exhibitions opened for the summer at LHAC, two among them being Lindsey Kennedy and Josh Skinner’s “Thaw Line” and Yanira Vissepó’s “Water Meadows.” “Thaw Line” is a photography series that depicts both the intimate and expansive parts of nature and humanity’s relationship with it. Kennedy’s photos capture nature’s power through fires, frozen waterfalls and overtaking plants, with a reflection on the balance between beauty and destruction. Skinner’s black and white photos contain a ghostly human presence, with subjects like abandoned construction sites, trailers and deer stands. “Wet Meadows” features textile paintings of native plants and terrain of both Vissepó’s birthplace in the Caribbean Sea and her home in the American South. In making the pieces, she discovered connectivity in flora native to both places and researched their holistic properties, finding healing in her creative process. The artists’ discussions will reveal more about their ideas and processes in creating these exhibitions, which will be on view through Aug. 30. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | SAT, AUG. 2
Ghost Almanac
Ciné • 8 p.m. • $17
delivers four original tracks and one punkinfused rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “The Partisan.” No Kingdom began last year when the lead singer of fellow local band Beat Up helped guitarist and vocalist Bob Jesus Alvarez and drummer Dan Whitman meet, and the two began jamming together. Whitman played in another band, Gebidan, with bassist Mike Patton, who he then invited to their jams. The three bonded over their punk/ rock credentials, Alvarez having played
Kennedy and Josh Skinner’s “Thaw Line”
with Deaf Condors, Whitman with Here Be Monsters and Magyar, and Patton with legendary Orange County, CA band The Middle Class. Whitman’s band Magyar, a math rock and shoegaze trio fronted by Eric Horvath, and indie power-rock trio Hunger Anthem will open the EP release show. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, AUG. 2
Southern Hospitality
After last year’s successful tour livescoring the 1911 horror film L’Inferno, chamber music group Montopolis is returning to Ciné on a tour for Ghost Almanac, an 80-minute program of the best scenes from classic short horror films paired with live accompaniment and foley. Montopolis describes the show as “Tales from the Crypt” meets VH1, with a score driven by old school beats and vintage synthesizers. The films in Ghost Almanac are recognizable classics and ones that have recently entered the public domain, including The Skeleton Dance (1929), Haxan (1922), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), The Haunted House (1921) starring Buster Keaton (1921), L’Inferno (1911), Betty Boop’s Halloween Party (1933), The Vanishing Lady (1896) and Nosferatu (1922). This is the show’s second stop on a 23- stop tour across the U.S. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, AUG. 2
No Kingdom EP Release
Buvez • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10
Experimental garage rocker No Kingdom is dropping its debut EP, Like A Fire, which
40 Watt Club • 5:30 p.m. • $15 (adv.), $25
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of nonprofit Onyx Echelon 85 Enterprises, an organization that serves as a hub for the independent arts, owner Akeeme Martin is throwing a one-day indoor festival called Southern Hospitality that features a variety of vendors and musical acts. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a set by DJ Charlieflower and De La Luna. Other performers include pop singer- songwriter Lex Hayley, lyrical rapper and singer Sxvxnt, alternative indie-rock band BCKS, punk/goth/ metal band Vickis Dream, alt rock band The Unknown, multigenre band Stardust Sonata and indie-psych- folk band Mannequin Party. ’70s folk and pop rock-inspired musician Freeman Leverett will close the show. Martin says his goal in putting on Southern Hospitality is “to celebrate by doing what I love with people that I love in a city that I’ve channeled so much of my love to through the airwaves for 10 years and through the many projects and collaborations for now another 10 years,” and he is happy to do so at one of the first venues to open its doors to his projects. [MB] f
Lindsey
Faith, Folklore and Friendship
ORISHA! ORIXA!’ BRINGS COLORFUL MYTHOLOGY TO LYNDON HOUSE
By Lauren Leathers arts@flagpole.com
Full of whimsy and vibrant, almost electric color, the figures in “Orisa! Orisha! Orixa!” don’t just hang on the wall—they stare back. Their wide, expressive eyes pull you in, inviting viewers of all ages to connect with something ancient, yet entirely present.
Currently on view at the Lyndon House Arts Center through Oct. 11, the exhibition introduces the Orishas, divine spirits rooted in West African religion and echoed throughout the African diaspora. A reading of Christopher Swain’s children’s book O is for Orisha will take place in conjunction with Family Day art workshops on Aug. 9, 12–2 p.m., where participants can make art inspired by the exhibition.
Curated by Swain, public art program coordinator of the city of East Point, the exhibition is both a celebration of spirituality and a tribute to its Havana-based artist, Victor Francisco Hernandez Mora, who’s also a longtime friend.
“The curation of this particular exhibition came just by happenstance because the paintings all belong to me,” Swain says. “I bought them as a result of when I was putting together my book, O is for Orisha, and Victor Mora was the perfect candidate with illustrations to fit my words. He sold me all the paintings with the promise that I would never sell them.”
Their friendship began during a trip to Havana, where Swain first encountered Mora’s illustrations at a local art market. Mora wasn’t there, but his work left an impression. The two connected on social media.
“I told him my vision for the book,” Swain says. “That it’s a children’s book to explain the mythology of this practice, then he was all in. Victor loves children—teaching them how to paint and draw. So when he found out what I was doing, we immediately started having negotiations around how much he would sell the paintings for.”
Swain returned to Cuba in 2018 to pick up the illustrations. “We drove immediately from the airport straight to the coffee shop [to meet Mora],” he says. “He was standing in front of the doorway with his arms wide open, ready to greet me with a big hug. What started as a business transaction has turned into family,” he says. “Victor is like a brother to me.”
“Orisa! Orisha! Orixa!” features Mora’s visual interpretations of Orishas. A multifaceted artist and devout practitioner of Santeria, a syncretic Afro- Cuban religion
that blends Yoruba traditions with elements of Catholicism, Mora’s work is connected through his signature use of color and fantastical elements.
Each figure represents a force of nature or aspect of human experience, such as love, motherhood or wisdom. The figures are presented in richly detailed portraits, with bold lines and kaleidoscopic palettes that blend folkloric tradition with Mora’s contemporary artistic lens. Some Orishas are adorned with flowing garments, seashells or blades, their gazes intense, playful or serene—subject to interpretation.
“What I find most amazing is how mythology is woven through all cultures—it’s basically the same character, but it’s just suited to fit that particular ethnic group,” Swain says. “I think [the exhibition is] an opportunity to teach people that this mythology is something that is very prevalent on the continent of Africa as well.”
For Swain, the exhibition is also the result of a much longer journey—one shaped by travel, history and a search for connection. An avid collector of tribal African art, he’s traveled the world for more than 25 years visiting countries like Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso and Kenya, to name a few.
and it just sustains them and keeps them together, keeps them united,” he says. “Overall, the takeaway from all of this, for me, is that as people we’re all more alike than we are different.” f
“It’s just showing how people are connected and how they have these common belief systems that have sustained them since the beginning of time,” he says.
At its core, the exhibition is a celebration of the shared human spirit—how belief, resilience and culture connect us across time and place.
“No matter what happens in the world or how crazy things get, people can lean into what they’ve always known
event calendar
Tuesday 29
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person conversation. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring road trip movies sponsored by OLLI presents True Grit Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www. athenscine.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/MellowMushroomAthens
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: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. 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: Scavenger Hunt (Winterville Cultural Center) Enjoy a scavenger hunt in Pittard Park with prizes for the winners. Grades 6–12. 4–6 p.m. $6. www.wintervillecenter.com
Wednesday 30
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! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanqueclub.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.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: End of Summer Dance Party (Bogart Library) Celebrate the end of summer with a dance party, balloons, snacks and more. All ages. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
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
EVENTS: Po’Boy Fest (The Old Pal) Special menu served by Cajun chef Cai Cai with New Orleans bounce music. 6–9 p.m. www.instagram. com/theoldpal
FILM: FFS Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1974 horror musical film Phantom of the Paradise. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: 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/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Summer Reading Awards (Oconee County Library) Celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Program with awards, pizza, movies, crafts and more. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (Barnes & Noble) Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Anne Hull will read from and discuss her memoir Through the Groves. 6 p.m. FREE! grady.uga.edu
MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens
Thursday 31
ART: Wine Tasting Takeover (Georgia Museum of Art) The Lark Winespace is hosting a wine-tasting experience paired with the “Brilliant Exiles” exhibition. 5–7 p.m. $28. www.georgiamuseum.org
ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Photographers Josh Skinner and Lindsey Kennedy will discuss the exhibition “Thaw Line,” and Yanira Vissepó will discuss the exhibition “Water Meadows.” 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse
ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Greg Benson’s exhibition “Another Place Entirely” will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com
CLASSES: Nature Journal (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Make your own field journal. 10 a.m. $5. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge
Company, Katie Bee Honey, Flossie May Forage and Grand Designs Woodworking. Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.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.johnnyspizza.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
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
Bridge with a tour through the longest covered bridge in Georgia. 12 p.m. FREE! www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Fungi Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about local fungi on a guided walk. 1 p.m. $5. 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
Friday 1
ART: Closing Reception & Artist Talk (The Rook and Pawn) Athens photographer Jennifer Keene’s show “Southern Cemeteries: Tombstones & Tales” will be on display.
THEATER: Urinetown the Musical (Oconee Youth Theater) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents this musical featuring dark humor and satire to explore a dystopian future. Aug. 1–2 & 8–9, 7 p.m. Aug. 3 & 10, 3 p.m. $15–20. www. oconeeyouthplayhouse.com
Saturday 2
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. Thursdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last. Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Tarot & Tea (Indie South) Gather to learn more about Tarot cards and practice readings. Registration required. Last Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. www.theindiesouth. com
OUTDOORS: A Bridge to the Past (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about history of Watson Mill
6 p.m. FREE! www.southerncemetery.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: Bold Tales About Brave Girls (Oconee County Library) Read picture books together about women in the “Women of Courage” exhibition. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
PERFORMANCE: The Sentient Pile (ATHICA) Nonsensica presents an absurdist walk-through interactive funhouse-style performance event in benefit of ATHICA. Aug. 1, 7–9 p.m. Aug. 2, 1–4 p.m. $7–15. www.athica.org
dors, bartenders and samples from a themed cooking competition. This week’s theme is create your own dish. 2–5 p.m. theckofathens@ gmail.com
EVENTS: Family Fun Day (Lay Park) Celebrate the facility’s 50th anniversary with games, inflatables, public swim, food trucks and a DJ. 2–5 p.m. www.accgov.com/lay
EVENTS: Hope Gala (The Cotton Press) The Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation’s 8th annual gala themed “Starry Night.” 6–9 p.m. $150. www.ashtonhopekeeganfoundation.org
FILM: Ghost Almanac (Ciné) A clip show of vintage horror films set to the synthesizer music by the band Montopolis. 8 p.m. $17. www. athenscine.com
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Community Health in Focus Symposium (ACC Library) ACC Human Relations Commission, panelists from local healthcare providers and moderator Dr. Loretta Duggan of HER Health will discuss access, equity and the future of care in Athens. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/hrc LECTURES & LIT: Georgia Writers Hall of Fame Induction (ACC Library) Anthony “Tony” Grooms will have a Q&A with local filmmaker Jesse Freeman before being officially inducted with a light reception. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www. georgiawritershalloffame.org
PERFORMANCE: The Sentient Pile (ATHICA) Nonsensica presents an absurdist walk-through interactive funhouse-style performance event in benefit of ATHICA. Aug. 1, 7–9 p.m. Aug. 2, 1–4 p.m. $7–15. www.athica.org
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret. com
PERFORMANCE: High Tea: A Drag Show (Athentic Brewing Co.) Mary Jane hosts a fabulous and hilarious night of drag entertainment. 9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: OLLI Fest (River’s Crossing) Learn more about OLLI, the learning and social organization for adults over 50, with a drawing for free membership. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! olli.uga.edu
EVENTS: World of Oz Escape Room (ACC Library) A Wizard of Oz-themed escape room event with clues, puzzles and more. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Back-to-School Giveaway (Aaron Heard Community Center) This annual event offers students the opportunity to receive new backpacks for the upcoming school year. Limited quantities. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.multiplechoices.us
EVENTS: Foodie Saturdays (Little Kings Shuffle Club) This market offers free fresh produce, local ven-
SPORTS: Petanque Carnival (Lay Park) Classic City Petanque Club hosts games for adults and children ages 10 & up as part of Lay Park Community Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 2–5 p.m. FREE! info@athenspetanque.org
THEATER: Urinetown the Musical (Oconee Youth Theater) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents this musical featuring dark humor and satire to explore a dystopian future. Aug. 1–2 & 8–9, 7 p.m. Aug. 3 & 10, 3 p.m. $15–20. www. oconeeyouthplayhouse.com
Sunday 3
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.athenslibrary.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
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Hull will give an author talk at Barnes & Noble on Wednesday, July 30.
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
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Trivia Night (Cheba Hut) Test your trivia knowledge. 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/chebahut
MEETINGS: Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring your crafting project to work on and connect with other artists in the community. First Sundays, 2:30–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com
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
THEATER: Urinetown the Musical (Oconee Youth Theater) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents this musical featuring dark humor and satire to explore a dystopian future. Aug. 1–2 & 8–9, 7 p.m. Aug. 3 & 10, 3 p.m. $15–20. www. oconeeyouthplayhouse.com
Monday 4
CLASSES: Marketing Workshop (Hendershot’s) Business owners, creatives and local entrepreneurs can learn about growth marketing and how to apply strategies to your specific businesses. Registration required. 9 a.m. $150. www.hendershotsathens.com
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
KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary.org
Tuesday 5
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person conversation. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (150 Fritz Mar Lane) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
FILM: Death Race 2000 (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1975 action sci-fi film. 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar. 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/MellowMushroomAthens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowl-
edge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. 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
LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn about the history of the UGA President’s House and what might come next. 12–1 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens.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 6
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! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanqueclub.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.flyingsquidcomedy.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: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) After police discover a dead schoolgirl, a motorcycle helmet wearing maniac begins killing witnesses in What Have They Done to Your Daughters? 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodeverywhere.athens
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: 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/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader Mark Flanigan. 7 p.m. (sign-ups), 8 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www.facebook.com/ athenswordofmouth
MEETINGS: Greater Athens Libertarian Party (Akademia Brewing Co.) Fellowship with others of likeminded politics. First Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenslp. square.site f
Groomed for Success
NOVELIST ANTHONY GROOMS INDUCTED INTO GEORGIA WRITERS HALL OF FAME
By Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com
Celebrated novelist, poet and teacher Anthony Grooms will be inducted into the 2025 Georgia Writers Hall of Fame on Aug. 2, at the Athens- Clarke County Library. There, he will be in conversation from 1–3 p.m. with Madison filmmaker Jesse Freeman, talking about “When Fiction Remembers: A conversation on fiction, history, and the art of storytelling.” The event is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow the discussion.
Induction into the Hall of Fame isn’t Grooms’ first honor. During his long career, he has been a Fulbright fellow, a fellow at writer’s retreat Yaddo, a Hurston-Wright Foundation Legacy Award finalist and a National Endowment for the Arts arts administration fellow. He has also twice received the Lillian Smith Award for Fiction.
Born in Charlottesville, VA, Grooms graduated from the College of William and Mary with a bachelor of arts degree in theater and speech, focusing on playwriting. He earned a master of fine arts in English from George Mason University and began teaching, first at what was then Macon Junior College (now Middle Georgia State University). He had met Morgan County native Raymond Andrews before moving to Georgia, and the two reconnected.
“I ventured to Athens where Ray had settled, and we became close friends,” Grooms said. He and his wife moved to Atlanta, and he began teaching at Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University. Recruited to the creative writing program at the University of Georgia, he spent five years commuting to Athens, where he became friends with Jim Kilgo, Coleman Barks and Judith Cofer, whom he had also met in Macon.
In 1995 Grooms was recruited by Kennesaw State University, where the dynamic Betty Siegal was president. While UGA had a master’s program in writing, Kennesaw was creating one called the Masters in Professional Writing (MAPW), in which Grooms taught for 26 years. From 2018 until he retired, he directed the program. It’s interdisciplinary, with students choosing from a wide array of writing, including rhetoric and composition, applied writing and creative writing. Grooms taught playwriting and poetry writing, but his primary focus was fiction writing.
At Kennesaw, “if you had an idea, the attitude was, ‘No, we don’t have money for that, but get it done.’ The school was growing and expanding—there was an exciting atmosphere,” he said. With her signature red glasses, Siegal would come into the faculty dining room and sit with the faculty and just talk, Grooms said. He didn’t know if the UGA president would have been so approachable.
Grooms partnered with faculty in American Studies and created a popular course in civil rights literature. One of his students worked with another professor to create an oral history of the Atlanta movement. In his course, the students read poems, stories and documents from the era, including an application to join the KKK, as well as speeches by George Wallace and Martin Luther King, Jr., and song lyrics.
Since his retirement from Kennesaw State in 2022, Grooms has continued to write and post older stories published decades ago on Substack, as well as new poems and stories. He’s trying to place two novels, one of which is for middle grade readers.
Two other well-known authors are also included among the 2025 Georgia Writers Hall of Fame honorees: novelist and Macon native Tina McElroy Ansa, who died in 2024, and journalist Deborah Blum, whose tenure as director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT ends on July 31.
Ansa wrote several novels, including Baby of the Family and Ugly Ways. She also started DownSouth Press to showcase Black writers and helped create the Sea Island Writers Retreat, held in Georgia and in other states. She twice received the Georgia Authors Series Award, and also was given the prestigious Stanley W. Lindberg Award. There was a celebration of her life and many achievements in Atlanta earlier this year.
By 2001, it had taken 18 months for Grooms’ novel, Bombingham, to appear. His publisher, the Free Press, planned a book tour after the Oct. 1 release date—possibly the worst time for a new book to launch, with the country still in shock over the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The book was well-received, but “I remember empty airports and being on a plane with one other passenger,” Grooms said. It was not the reception anyone would want. But, Bombingham has been in print for 24 years, now offered by Random House.
His book Trouble No More, like Bombingham, also explores identity and race relations in the South. Both books received the Lillian Smith Award.
The daughter of UGA entomologist Murray Blum and UGA publications specialist Ann Blum, Deborah Blum grew up mostly in Athens and graduated from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications. She later earned a master’s in science writing from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. As a staff writer at the Sacramento Bee, she received a Pulitzer Prize for “The Monkey Wars,” a series of stories about using animals in research, which became her first book.
Other works include The Poisoner’s Handbook in 2010, focusing on nescient forensic science, and The Poison Squad in 2018, which tells the story of USDA chemist Harvey Wiley’s fight to make food safe for Americans. Both books have become PBS shows.
Blum will be coming to Athens for her induction on Sept. 23, when she will participate in a panel discussion for UGA’s annual Food, Power and Politics lecture. f
Anthony Grooms
LAUREN KRESS
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 info.
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. 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. adial@athens library.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. swatson@athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athens Cultural Affairs Commission) Athens-area artists are invited to submit public art proposals for a community center improvements project. The selected artist(s) will work with stakeholders and government staff to create public art for a mural design on the exterior of Lay Park and Heard Park Community Cen-
ters. Deadline to apply is Sept. 19, 5 p.m. Contact tatiana.veneruso@ accgov.com with any questions. For details and application form visit the website. www.accgov.com/acac 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 (Hotel Abacus) Seeking painters, sculptors or ceramicists to participate in the Live Art & Jam Session event on Aug. 28. Artists will create an item live during the event. Email tjordan@ hotelabacusathens.com for more information.
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. www.themadisonartistsguild.org/ call-for-artists
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 COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov.com
CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS (AthFest Educates) Applications for the 2025-2026 grant cycle are
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. Music and literature series New Town Revue returns Aug. 14, 6 p.m.
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.) Works by artist Tara Tanner will be on view Aug. 1–31. Reception Aug. 17, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
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.) Susan Pelham’s collages, oil and acrylic works are on view Aug. 1–Sept. 30.
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Caitlyn Riesinger will be on view through August.
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
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. Deadline Aug. 25 and grantees announced sometime in September. www.athfesteducates.org/ grants/apply-for-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 enagementcoordinator@athenshc.org for more info.
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. www.drawathens. org
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
CASTING CALL (Zombie Farms Haunted Trail) An open call for actors and support staff for the 2025 season. No experience required. Ages 18 & up preferred.
Aug. 9 for returning cast members only from 5–8 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Aug. 16 & 23 for new or returning cast members from 7–10:30 p.m. at Zombie Farms. Visit www.zombiefarms for more info including roles available and submission forms.
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Aug. 25, 5–7 p.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church. To schedule an audition and request registration form email Justin Han athmcdirector@gmail. com or visit www.athensmaster chorale.org for more info.
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
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & 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
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
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
women in Paris reshaped modern womanhood and used portraiture to express a new sense of self. Through Nov. 2.
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.) Nirvinyl Album Art’s “Summer Set ’25” is on view through August.
LAST RESORT GRILL (174-184 W. Clayton St.) A collection of Susan Pelham’s collages, oil and acrylic works is on view through August.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The summer series features seven artists across six new exhibitions. On view through Aug. 30. “Thaw Line” artist talk with Josh Skinner and Lindsey Kennedy on July 31, 5:30–6:30 p.m. “Controlled Burn” artist talk with Tom Schram Aug. 7, 5:30–6:30 p.m. “Peach Fuzz” artist talk with Victoria Dugger Aug. 21, 5:30 p.m. • 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 through Sept. 27.
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. THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) Photographer Jennifer Keene’s
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. ocaf.com/courses
COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) Seasonal classes for all ages offered multiple times a year. ww.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 info and pricing.
SQUARE DANCE CLUB (Jug Tavern, Winder) Jug Tavern Square Dance Club is recruiting new members. Lively square dancing and line dancing. Classes are generally held the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Couples and singles are invited to the next class on Aug. 14, 7–8:30 p.m. oak.street.park@ gmail.com, 706-254-2320
TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Taekwondo, self-defense and more are offered for all ages. www.liveoakmartialarts.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 online for training. www.tidycal. com/animalservicesvolunteer
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. www. athensskateparkproject.org
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 (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
“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. Closing reception and artist talk Aug. 1, 6 p.m. 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. Through July 31. 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. Through Sept. 13. Reception Aug. 23, 4–6 p.m.
or large quantity donations are also welcome. Contact Morgan.lyle@ accgov.com for more info.
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 info, call 706-546-6695.
SEEKING FOOD DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Athens Farmer Market) Seeking volunteers for the 2025 season to help with weekly markets, special events and more. Submit applications online. www.athensfarmersmarket.net/ volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Historic Athens) Registration for the 2025 Historic Athens Porchfest is now open. In need of porch hosts, performers, volunteers and sponsor support. www.historicathens.com/ porchfest
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB)
Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopta-ramp and more. www.keepathens beautiful.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Local environmental nonprofit seeking volunteers for a variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. Hands-on opportunities to help plant 3,000 native varieties are available every first Sunday, 1–3:30 p.m. www. shoalcreeksanctuary.org/volunteer
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 September to kick off Library Card
Sign-up Month. www.athenslibrary. org/madison
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 (Wild Earth Forest School) Fall registration for nature-based learning programs now open for ages 3–8. Sessions begin Aug. 18. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. school.wildearthcamp@gmail.com, wildearthcamp.org
CREATIVE CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) Classes include “Art Card Club” for teens and pre-teens. Check website for schedules, costs and general info. www.kaartist.com
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
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (ACC Gov) Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council for students in grades 10-12. The council is designed to provide an opportunity for youth to learn more about the workings of ACCGov while interacting directly with staff. Deadline for applications is Aug. 19 with the first council meeting to be held in September. Meetings are monthly. www.accgov.com/youth council
Support Groups
ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets
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
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
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
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 for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers info 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 First Presbyterian Church
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share info with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of the month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@bellsouth.net
PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP (Chase Park Warehouses) A peer-led support group of people who understand the depth of love and grief for animal companions. Meets every second and fourth Wednesday, 6:30–8 p.m. www. vibrantbeing.net/grief-support POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) An open support group for adults prac-
ticing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
PREVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
FOR WOMEN (Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support) Women ages 18–50 who have been diagnosed with a genetic mutation for breast cancer (but not diagnosed with cancer) can gather for peer support and share unique challenges. Third Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m. 706465-4900, loransmithcenter@ piedmont.org
PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-safe.org
RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.org
RECOVERY DHARMA (work.shop)
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 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 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 a.m. www.athenszen.org
BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations are located across Athens with tools, an air pump and a QR code for quick guides on basic bike repairs. Visit the website for participating locations. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-Repair-Stations CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box presents true short stories shared by community members. Submit story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbitbox. org/tell
COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill lev-
els 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
FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youreinvited
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. Contact admin@integrativemedicine initiative.org for more info.
SAFETY SURVEY (ACC Gov) As part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, the Transportation & Public Works Department is gathering public input to help improve roadway safety for all users including driving, walking, biking and transit. Survey open until Aug. 3. www.accgov.com/safestreets 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. 706-340-7134 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
Photographer Jennifer Keene’s exhibition “Southern Cemeteries: Tombstones & Tales” is on view at Rook & Pawn. A closing reception and artist talk will be held on Friday, Aug. 1 from 6–7 p.m.
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 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.athensschoolofmusic.com. 706543-5800
Flagpole ♥s our advertisers!
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
Advertise your music service in the Flagpole Classifieds. Call 706-549-0301 to place your ad.
SERVICES
CLASSES
Learn French with native French speaker with 15 years of professional experience. $40/h. Contact Jonathan @ jonathanbaillehache@gmail.com, call 347 360 9022 or visit www.jonathanbaillehache.com/t-en.
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: 706395-5321.
Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low- maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail.com or call 631-9034365.
MISC. SERVICES
Hotel Abacus offers six unique and historic venues for your special event. hotelabacusathens.com
PETS
Pamper your pup at Bark Dog Spa, Athens’ premiere dog grooming facility! Book online at barkdogspa.com
JOBS
FULL-TIME
NOW HIRING – BEER EXPERT (EVENINGS). ABC Package is looking for someone who knows their beer! Must be familiar with domestic and craft brands. Evening shifts available. Pay is negotiable. Apply in person at ABC Package. Cheers to a new job!
Hiring Exceptional
LMTs – Watkinsville
Join our expert Integrative Clinic. Growing our exclusive nervous- systemfocused protocol. Gentle on your body, high pay, supportive culture, inhouse perks. Seeking therapists dedicated to growing with our team long- term. Send resume: audrey@ blanchardwellnessclinic. 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
NOTICES
MESSAGES
Need old papers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. 706-549-0301
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 @ accsolidwaste for tips and resources for recycling, composting, repairs, and more or visit accgov.com/ solidwaste.
Get your notice in the Flagpole Classifieds. Email class@flagpole.com.
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!
Flagpole Hs our readers and donors!
Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year.
Purchase online at www.flagpole.big cartel.com, call 706-549-0301 or email frontdesk@flagpole.com.
