Athens- Clarke County commissioners are considering rerouting Firefly Trail, diverting a portion of it from the railbed onto Moores Grove Road and mixing people on foot and bikes with speeding cars.
A handful of landowners there have resisted selling segments of their property to complete the trail. The commission voted in 2021 to approve the current route along the abandoned railbed and in 2022 to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire the necessary property. But now, Commissioner Patrick Davenport wants to reverse those decisions.
Flagpole could not reach Davenport for comment, but he said on the AthChat podcast, “I still believe there’s other ways we could finish it… We’re not going through peoples’ backyards, we’re not eminent domain-ing anybody.”
Davenport submitted paperwork last week to force the issue on the agenda for the commission’s Oct. 7 agenda. (Ordinarily the mayor sets the agenda, but a rarely used clause in the unified government’s charter allows six commissioners to override the mayor.) Commissioners Tiffany Taylor, Allison Wright, Dexter Fisher, John Culpepper and Ovita Thornton also signed on. Davenport represented the Winterville area until redistricting in 2022; currently, Firefly Trail straddles Thornton and Taylor’s districts.
Davenport and Mayor Kelly Girtz subsequently agreed to discuss the issue in closed session—allowed for matters involving real estate—most likely at the Oct. 21 meeting, with a potential vote at the Nov. 4 meeting. That will give staff time to put together a presentation for commissioners, according to Girtz. “This will bring down the temperature,” he told Flagpole. “What I want is for everyone to have good information and to have time to absorb it.”
The commission does not take public input on items discussed in executive session, but residents can speak during the free- for-all at the end of the Oct. 7 voting meeting, or at the Nov. 4 meeting, assuming it does come up for a vote then. However, Girtz encouraged concerned residents to contact their commissioner directly.
In 2021, ACC staff presented the commission with three options in response to nine landowners’ reluctance to sell: Keep trying to acquire those properties so that the trail could stay on the railbed, possibly requiring eminent domain; divert it to a new path along the south side of Moores Grove; or divert it to the north side of Moores Grove, where there is an existing sidewalk, requiring cyclists to cross the street. Three sitting commissioners—Melissa Link, Carol Myers and Mike Hamby—voted for “Route A,” the railbed, while Davenport, Wright and Thornton voted against it. They also voted against authorizing eminent domain, along with Hamby. The public also preferred Route A by a three- to-one margin when ACC solicited input four years ago.
“Moores Grove Road is a fast road; a signal crossing is not appropriate,” Scott Long, executive director of BikeAthens, told the Athens Politics Nerd blog. “If you have the number of people who regularly use the Firefly Trail crossing that road, you’re just asking for something to happen. One of our volunteers was killed a few years ago near Winterville. You have people who get killed or seriously injured on our roadways out there. I would want to hear that we can prevent people from being hit.”
“ I don’t think we’re going to see any greenway projects on the next TSPLOST as it currently exists.
Long was referring to Tobias Smith, a 19- year-old who was killed by a driver while riding his bike on Winterville Road in 2014. It’s unknown how much rerouting the trail would cost, nor is it clear whether diverting the trail would violate the wording of the transportation sales tax referendum funding Firefly Trail that voters approved in 2018. In addition, shifting a portion of the trail to Moores Grove would still involve property acquisition to build a 10- to 12- foot- wide multiuse path, according to Alex Bond, interim director of the Leisure Services Department. It would just be in residents’ front yards instead of back yards. “No matter what, there’s going to be somebody who wants their distance from it,” Bond said.
Crime has been a concern for some who live along the trail from the beginning, although studies show that areas near trails and greenways actually have low crime rates, and they raise property values.
Bond did not know how long shifting the trail’s route would delay the project, which has been under construction for a decade. At a recent retreat, commissioners discussed ways to speed up capital projects that take an average of four and a half years to finish. “This is an example of how we can forever delay a project,” Girtz quipped.
The ACC government acquired the Athens branch of the Georgia Railroad in 1999 after R.E.M. fans locally and worldwide rallied to save what was left of the trestle featured on the back cover of the Murmur album when railroad company CSX Transportation began to demolish it. The structurally unsound remnants of the Murmur Trestle over Trail Creek were replaced with a new steel bridge echoing the original design in 2023.
The nonprofit Firefly Trail Inc. eventually intends to extend the 39-mile trail from Winterville through Oglethorpe County to Greene County. So far, sections have been built in Maxeys, Woodville and Union Point. Firefly Trail Inc. has stated it does not have a preference for the route near Moores Grove Road.
A contractor is currently working on the section between Hancock Road near the Hallmark mobile home park and Ranick
Road, Bond said, so a final decision on the route will need to be made soon. The county has either purchased the necessary land between Hancock Industrial Way and Moss Road or has it under contract, he said.
Recently a steel firefly sculpture was installed near the RaceTrac gas station. Upcoming improvements include a small plaza with a water fountain near Ranick Road and shaded benches near the intersection of Winterville and Spring Valley roads.
Meanwhile, eight miles of paved trails have been completed along the North Oconee River Greenway—another decadeslong project—running from Sandy Creek Nature Center in the north to College Station Road and Barnett Shoals Road just south of the Loop. The greenway is well-used, with an average of 156 people a day accessing it via College Avenue alone, according to Bond.
Two future projects are in the works: One involves constructing a path in the linear park along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where the greenway is currently routed along the sidewalk. Another will create an underpass beneath Oak/Oconee Street when the Georgia Department of Transportation finishes bridge work there. Bond also hopes to one day rebuild Cook’s Trail, destroyed by storms, running from the nature center to Sandy Creek Park.
Eventually, plans call for the greenway to run along the North Oconee from county line to county line, but there is currently no funding for further expansion. Nor is there funding for a future Middle Oconee Greenway. The Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission submitted a proposal to build a path connecting Ben Burton Park with a future nature park at Beech Haven off Atlanta Highway. However, it was not recommended by the TSPLOST 2026 advisory committee, and at over $29 million, it’s likely a longshot to be added to the project list by the mayor and commission. A $17 million proposal from Friends of the Greenway (Full disclosure: The author’s wife is a member of the group) to build a pedestrian bridge connecting Firefly Trail to the greenway via the Oconee Street park-and-ride lot, thus avoiding crossing a five-lane highway, also did not make it past the first round of vetting.
“Their projects did not get much traction,” Bond said. “I don’t think we’re going to see any greenway projects on the next TSPLOST as it currently exists.” f
Bookmark it!
Events and Exhibits at UGA Special Collections Libraries
Sustained Excellence Exhibit Tour
3PM, Oct. 17, Nov. 14 & 21
Curator-led tours of exhibit celebrating UGA’s acclaimed swim & dive team
Author Tom Johnson 3:30PM, Oct. 29
On new book Driven: A Life in Public Service and Journalism from LBJ to CNN
OUTDOOR FILM SCREENING
Brown Media Presents: The Blob 6:30 PM, Thursday, October 23
Free to the UGA and Athens community Popcorn is free. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. Film starts at 7 PM
News happens quickly in today’s America, but even in the age of the internet, newspapers are needed more than ever.
The shocking assassination of right- wing organizer Charlie Kirk came at a time when news media and freedom of speech were already under attack by President Donald Trump’s increasingly authoritarian regime. Now MAGA has a martyr in Kirk, whose death is already being used by Trump and his allies as an excuse to ramp up an assault against the First Amendment’s call for freedoms of the press, speech, religion and peaceful assembly.
donating, submitting stories or letters, encouraging journalists and educating young people about the importance of our imperiled freedom of the press. The theme of this year’s observance is “Embracing Local Journalism for a Better Future.”
Banned Books Week events will also take place nationwide on Oct. 5–11. Banned Books Week began in 1982 in response to censorship attempts against libraries, bookstores and schools. Led by the American Library Association and the Banned Books Week Coalition, the observance continues today. The theme for this year’s Banned Books Week is a nod to the frightening novel 1984 by George Orwell: “Censorship Is So 1984. Read For Your Rights.”
Next year the United States marks 250 years since its birth in 1776. Newspapers were important then, and they are important now. Patriot and President Thomas Jefferson himself said that he would rather have newspapers without a government than a government without newspapers. Though he often had conflicts with the press, Jefferson recognized the importance of dissenting voices and scrutiny of government that newspapers provide for Americans.
Newspapers are in trouble today. Many city and small- town papers have vanished, and many more are suffering declines in circulation and cuts in newsroom staff. Others have switched to online-only editions. At the end of this year, The Atlanta Journal- Constitution will drop its print edition that the company has published since 1868. The paper’s executives cited economics and efficiency as the reasons for the move to a digital-only format, but many readers mourned the loss of a print edition newspaper with their morning coffee. Author Bill Bryson was right when he said, “A world without newspapers or a world where newspapers are purely electronic and you read them on a screen is not a very appealing world.”
world where
are purely electronic and you read them on a screen is not a very appealing world.
Rights are under attack in America today, but an informed citizenry is an army against tyranny. In the wake of Kirk’s killing, Trump and his cronies are using the crime as another excuse to crack down on their opponents in journalism, entertainment and politics. Late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel was correct when he said that Trump and his MAGA crowd are “doing everything they can to score political points” from the assassination. After his remarks, ABC took Kimmel off the air, but he was reinstated after a groundswell of protest from viewers and politicians— including conservative Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. Former TV host David Letterman weighed in on the controversy, saying, “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian, a criminal administration in the Oval Office.”
Trump vows vengeance against his critics in media, in politics, in academia and in the streets of America. He should consider the words of another Republican, President Theodore Roosevelt, who said, “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president… is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
partner objects when you use limits your everyday contact with family and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, confrontations, you need to step back another look. How can you cope once with a controlling partner? Call Project Our hotline is confidential, and counseling Get your life back. Get help.
National Newspaper Week began 85 years ago, in 1940, as a week-long promotion of the importance of newspapers. This year’s observance runs from Oct. 5–11. National Newspaper Week calls for Americans to support print media by subscribing,
In the 1960s the Smothers Brothers comedy duo angered many television viewers by opposing the Vietnam War. President Lyndon Johnson was often the target of their topical humor, but LBJ showed class then, which Donald Trump lacks today, by writing the brothers a letter saying, “It is part of the price of leadership of this great and free nation to be the target of clever satirists… May we never grow so somber or self-important that we fail to appreciate the humor in our lives.” f
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get
las
Where Do School Vouchers Go?
CHRISTIAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND AMAZON BENEFIT MOST FROM STATE PROGRAM
By Maggie Lee and Ross Williams news@flagpole.com
Georgia’s new program to subsidize private education has helped more than 8,000 children move from public schools with low test score averages to educational organizations predominantly affiliated with Christian churches, data from the Georgia Education Savings Authority shows.
About $5.4 million of the $7.1 million distributed by the state authority at the start of the fall school semester went to 286 private schools serving 85 counties and nine cities, according to a data investigation by The Current and the Georgia Recorder. The remaining cash—$1.7 million—went to 153 companies, including giant retailer Amazon, that sell school supplies such as computers, tablets and books, records show
As many as 8,600 private students make up the first cohort receiving the Georgia Promise Scholarship, the program approved in spring 2024 by the Republican-led state legislature and Gov. Brian Kemp. Eligible children must live in areas served by the lowest-performing 25% of the state’s public schools.
Under the program’s guidelines, families receive $6,500 per year for each child to pay for the switch to a private school or homeschool or other educational support. Parents receive the money through an online state portal, where they then allocate the dollars to an approved private school or to a company to purchase educational materials or services.
The new state agency overseeing the voucher program spent more than a year finalizing rules, setting up an application portal and reviewing applications from schools, students and vendors. According to GESA, nearly 15,300 families applied, yet thousands were determined ineligible.
give the bill the minimum 91 votes necessary to pass the state House. Then-Democratic state Rep. Mesha Mainor of Atlanta also voted to support it, which later prompted her to switch political parties before her re-election bid. She lost and is now running for state school superintendent as a Republican.
How Does the Program Work?
In 2007, voucher supporters succeeded in passing a limited program called the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, which focuses on students needing special education. The
Businesses Are Leading Beneficiaries
It will take at least 15 months before Georgians will have metrics from GESA’s first review to evaluate whether the promise of the sweeping policy—better quality education and more competition for public schooling—is fulfilled. For now, however, data from the first dispersal of funds in July show dozens of private companies are the leading beneficiaries of the fledgling voucher system.
Amazon received the largest amount from the voucher funds, with $302,000 in sales. The next three largest recipients of funding were electronics vendors headquartered outside of Georgia.
The private school with the largest amount of funds from the voucher program was Newton County’s Covington Academy with $120,701. It is the only school to have received more than $100,000. Tuition there runs $5,500, plus fees.
Vouchers Failed for Years
Georgia, unlike many other Republican-led states, has been slow to adopt school vouchers, one of the main educational policies championed by the Trump administration, although proponents of such vouchers have been pushing them for decades.
Back in the 1950s, the then all- white Georgia General Assembly set up a vote on what its own supporters called “the segregation amendment,” which allowed the state to give educational money directly to residents instead of providing them with a school. That disappeared by the time of a 1983 rewrite of the state constitution.
state annually publishes data on that program, which is still active.
Conservatives have long sought to widen access to that program, but opponents from both parties have stood in their way. In 2018, Republican Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle’s ambitions for governor were scuttled, in part over a policy that supporters say lets Georgians direct a portion of their tax dollars to private schools of their choice. On a secret recording that a political opponent made public, Cagle called it “bad public policy,” but said he endorsed it to prevent the Walton Foundation from spending $3 million on behalf of GOP rival Hunter Hill.
“It ain’t about public policy,” Cagle said on the recording. “It’s about [expletive] politics. There’s a group that was getting ready to put $3 million behind Hunter Hill. Mr. ProChoice. I mean, Mr. Pro- Charters, Vouchers.”
In 2023, rural Republicans joined most Democrats in the state House of Representatives to defeat a first draft of the school voucher bill sponsored by state Sen. Greg Dolezal, a Republican whose suburban district north of Atlanta has only one school on the list of poorest performers. The first version of his bill would have covered all Georgia public school students. Those Republicans who stood against the policy worried that vouchers would drain money from public schools in their rural counties, generally the only local educational option in their areas. Democrats, meanwhile, feared that vouchers would simply be a discount for wealthier families already inclined to send their kids to private school, and that it would siphon money away from public schools by reducing state funding tied to enrollment.
But by 2024, Gov. Brian Kemp put the weight of his office behind the issue and declared it time to support families in making the best choice for their children— whether that is public, private, homeschool or a charter school. Enough Republican holdouts signed on to help
Eligibility for the voucher program depends on the elementary, middle or high school that students would attend, based on their address. If the performance of any one of those three schools is ranked in the bottom quarter of state performance, the student can apply for funds to transition to private education. But there is no statewide list of students with all three zones they inhabit, so there is no official estimate of how many students are eligible, either.
About one in four of the first students in the program come from families that earn more than four times the federal poverty income level. That number varies with family size, but for a family of four, it means about $129,000. About 52% of the students are Black; most of the rest are white.
Public schools are ranked by the average of their last two overall scores on the annual College and Career Ready Performance Index , a measure of student progress and mastery of reading, math and science. Schools’ CCRPI scores can swing up or down by more than 30 points a year on the 100-point scale. Statewide, the biggest swing came at Atlanta’s M.A. Jones Elementary. Its 2023 CCRPI was 75.7; the next year it scored 40.9. Atlanta is considering consolidating the school with another.
A school can rise out of the bottom quarter quickly, but once a child is in Georgia Promise, they have priority to stay, regardless of any improvement in their public school. The state is set to update its school rankings by Dec. 1.
For eligibility verification, GESA requires families to submit paperwork showing their own address and the kids’ public school transcript or other official school materials. There’s an exception for rising kindergarteners who don’t have any records with a public school—about 32% off the first cohort.
Grading Schools
Public school performance is measured by hundreds of metrics published online. The law requires private schools to give voucher recipients a standardized test—either a state one for the student’s grade level or some other national test GESA might approve. And private schools will also need to report on voucher students’ attendance, course completion and graduation rates.
GESA must make its first report to the legislature and the public on student performance, demographics and parent satisfaction in December 2026, once it has the benefit of a full school year’s worth of data. But it is undecided
Nine Athens-area private schools had received funding from the voucher program through Aug. 22
State Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Alpharetta)
yet whether that report will include school-by- school data. Some private schools will have so few students that detailed reporting could compromise student privacy. A GESA spokesperson said it would be premature to comment on the level of detail to be expected in next year’s report.
And the law does not specify whether poor rates can lead to the expulsion of a private school or vendor from the program. It gives GESA the power to take “corrective, remedial or preventative actions” to protect its interests, the public interest and student interests.
A state committee of parents with children in the system is set to adjudicate any family, school or vendor who feels wrongly excluded. However, that committee will not start work until after the close of the September student application period.
Asked how that committee would be chosen and whether its meetings would be public, the agency spokesperson responded, “It would be premature to comment on committee governance prior to their adopting rules and regulations.”
Dolezal, the sponsor of the 2024 law, plans to ask his colleagues to amend the legislation when the Georgia General Assembly convenes again in January. One significant change he is seeking: A requirement that unaccredited private schools provide documentation from accreditation bodies confirming that the institution is making a good faith effort to complete the complex multiyear process.
Dolezal still hopes that school vouchers could be an option to all 1.7 million Georgia K-12 students. That “is where I’m at ideologically and philosophically, and I would like to see Georgia get there,” Dolezal said in an interview earlier this month. “I don’t think we get there next year. So I wouldn’t be bringing a bill necessarily for that.” f
Private schools in McDonough, Covington and Conyers received as much money as schools in more populous places like Columbus, Savannah and Atlanta.
Keep Legion Pool
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE UGA ADMINISTRATION
By Tony Eubanks news@flagpole.com
I’m writing to question and protest your recently announced decision to close Legion Pool. Given Legion Pool’s place in history as Athens’ first integrated swimming pool and the last surviving Works Progress Administration pool in the South, your decision to demolish it is shortsighted and offensive to UGA’s role as a community partner. Many of the reasons for closing Legion Pool cited in the Working Group report are disingenuous.
My questions include:
• Who served on the working group?
• Were any members of the working group regular Legion Pool patrons?
• Were any regular users interviewed for the study?
• The study period cited in the report was 2019–2024. Legion Pool was closed due to COVID-19 for two of those years. How could averages from that period accurately reflect revenue and costs?
Legion Pool has been threatened with demolition since the Michael Adams administration, and UGA has now managed to engineer the data they need to justify pulling the plug—for 70 parking spaces. Given the current and projected admission numbers (more than 5,000 freshmen, plus transfers), there will never be enough parking. A car for every student is not sustainable. Maybe it’s time to consider not allowing freshmen to bring their cars?
To the many Legion Pool regulars, most of whom are UGA staff, it’s been obvious since reopening that Legion has been run in a manner that would assure the financial justification UGA needed to argue for its closure. I’m not surprised by your reported, yet misleading, average student usage rate of 2.5%. While it may be underutilized by students, I don’t think you realize the place
Legion holds in the hearts of generations of Athenians, much less the benefit to staff and their families.
The pool season runs when most dorms are closed, and the student population is less than 20% of fall/spring enrollment. But more importantly, what do you expect when the majority of students who do use the pool only found out about it by accident? It’s worth considering whether Student Activities is the best fit to oversee Legion Pool operations.
I wrote an op-ed in 2021 advocating that UGA should open Legion to reward faculty and staff who pivoted and saved UGA’s 2020 academic year during the onset of COVID.
My argument then, as it is now, is that the university doesn’t run without staff, and Legion Pool plays a major role in the lives of a great many staff members. According to your report, 43% of visitors in 2024 were students (12%) or staff (31%). Another 38% were children or campers. That means up to 81% of users in 2024 were affiliated with UGA. That’s a more telling statistic than the 2.5% average student use cited in the report.
students knew it was there.
And the report was correct in noting that many students live in apartment complexes with private pools for their residents, but that shouldn’t distract from what makes Legion Pool special. Side- stepping the fact that you’re implying only privileged students should have access to outdoor, waterrelated recreational activities, the value of Legion Pool lies in the stress- free environment, which promotes interaction between students, staff, campers, alumni and kids from across racial and generational divides. Is meeting the bar set by “aspirational and SEC schools” UGA’s goal, or do we want to honor and support the legacy of town/gown relations between UGA and Athens- Clarke County that’s existed—through Legion Pool specifically—since 1936?
“ It’s obvious that Legion has been run in a manner that would assure the financial justification UGA needed to argue for its closure.
On a more personal note, my ex- wife, the late Lara Mathes, who served as UGA’s campus planner for more than 10 years, explained to me years ago that, under the current administration, UGA wasn’t interested in any expenditure that didn’t directly affect student life. Legion Pool was seen as not affecting student life and therefore under constant threat of closure. But Lara recognized that Legion served a vital community purpose and fought hard to keep it open.
Because she knew I had been and would continue to be a strong advocate for Legion Pool, Lara shared her vision with me, and we discussed it in detail in the weeks before she passed. The current plan bastardizes her vision, as it’s basically the removal of a significant WPA historic resource for 70 parking spaces. The changes proposed for the hill on the south side of Legion Field can be accomplished without demolishing the pool.
Upon her passing, in recognition of her love for and positive effects on the UGA campus, the administration was quick to launch a GoFundMe to plant a tree in Lara’s honor. I suggest that if you want to do something meaningful for Lara, create an environment for Legion Pool to realize its potential as the community resource it is, can be, and has been since 1936.
Specifically, I propose:
• Open the pool in April, close in October to allow access when adjacent dorms are in use.
•A two- to- three year trial period wherein UGA moves operational control of Legion Pool to Auxiliary Services, or some other entity, with an eye towards increasing awareness and use, and therefore revenue.
• Any further analysis of the value of Legion Pool to the UGA community should include users, faculty and staff.
Additionally, how could you expect Legion Field to be fully utilized when it’s surrounded by a 10- foot fence that’s gated and locked? When I was a student here in the 1980s, Legion Field was open, accessible and a central part of our social life. The grass was always completely worn out by the end of summer/middle of fall quarter, and the shady hillsides were usually well populated. Not to mention the free concerts sponsored by University Union. Legion Pool was thriving during those years because
Legion Pool was dear to Lara’s heart, as was the entirety of the UGA campus. She worked tirelessly to make the UGA campus beautiful and accessible. In that context, she fought to have the new food services structure, currently under construction, sited behind O-House. Coupled with the planned removal of the Legion Field perimeter fencing, she saw the two moves as serving to make Legion Field more of an inviting and open space, organically encouraging use by students—thereby bringing life back to Legion Field—while relieving redevelopment pressure from the Legion Pool site. She also envisioned moving the bandstand to the pool side of the field to take advantage of the existing natural amphitheater.
My neighbors and I have spent a lot of effort in the past dozen or so years working to solve community problems created directly by actions from UGA—from fraternities locating (or trying to locate) in residential neighborhoods, to housing pressures created by ever-expanding enrollment without requisite allowances made for student housing (and their cars), to the sale of the President’s House for an inappropriately scaled use, and now closing Legion Pool, a treasured community resource. The latter two are attributable in part to maintenance deferred. My point is this: UGA does not exist in a vacuum, and has an outsized effect on Athens- Clarke County. We need to start working in true collaboration so that both can reach their highest potential. Working together to save Legion Pool is a great place to start. f
North Georgia Folk Festival
CELEBRATING A BROADER SPECTRUM OF FOLK OVER 40 YEARS
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
TheAthens Folk Music and Dance Society will celebrate its 40th annual North Georgia Folk Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. Every year the festival showcases musicians, artists and craftspeople from North Georgia and the surrounding area, but over time its representation of folk has widened.
generational and multicultural representation. Together they continue to push the traditional boundaries and expectations of folk music.
“This year we’ve got bluegrass; we have Irish; we’ve got singer- songwriter; we’ve got old time; we’ve got Little Mae—they’re interesting, and it’s electric guitar and electric bass, you know, is that folk music? We’ve had Cosmic Charlie, and they’ve got drums. Pam Blanchard is playing, and she’s got a drummer with the kids program. So, you know, let’s break out of the mold,” says Jordan.
When Tommy Jordan took over as director in 2008, the festival had not previously been formally organized, so he and his wife Mary Mayes decided to redesign it. Playing to their strengths, Jordan handled the music side while Mayes coordinated the art program. Along with the help of a strong committee, the festival has been transformed.
“We’ve tried lots of different things to promote it and support it and kind of make it interesting. But, you know, the big change was when we first got in there, and then we’ve refined it since then to be what you see today with the kids’ activities and music and the food trucks and all the artists,” says Jordan.
One of the most recent changes came last year when Mayes handed the art program over to Peter Loose, who has also created the colorful festival artwork the past several years since the death of Art Rosenbaum. Jordan explains that Rosenbaum provided the festival’s art from its very first event. His drawings of musicians and performers marked the style of the North Georgia Folk Festival for decades.
“I didn’t want to have an Art Rosenbaum copy, or something comparable. Somebody would say, ‘Well, that’s not Art Rosenbaum.’ So Peter stepped up and offered to do paintings. He was great because he’s nothing like Art, and his subjects are nothing like Art, too,” says Jordan. “He’s got a really good network of folk artists, potters, painters and sculptors around this region, and so he’s been able to leverage that [for the art program].”
Rosenbaum, as a fellow musician, also worked alongside Jordan in booking musicians for the festival. While Rosenbaum leaned into the older and more traditional acts, Jordan would balance out the lineup with his more modern interpretation of folk. Now Jordan works with Dick Daniels and Claire Campbell to research musicians in the area and curate a lineup that encompasses a wide range of genres nestled under folk, and even more importantly, multi-
Dance is another aspect of the folk tradition, and Jordan explains that a lot of the music played, especially old time, is essentially dance music.
The Athens Folk Music and Dance Society even holds a monthly contradance event at Memorial Park. So this year the performances include dance from Tonalli Danza Folklórica Mexicana, which also adds another cultural element to the folk umbrella. Demonstrating a variety of dance styles, the group has drawn a multigenerational membership to aid in preserving and passing down its heritage.
“This is an opportunity for people to experience something that they’re not necessarily going to have access to at some of the other festivals that we have in town, and it’s a different offering,” says Jordan.
“A lot of these folks are not going to go downtown for some of those, so our festival, it’s just this little subset of Athenians that will come out for this. It feels a little niche, those folks and young families with a blanket and a picnic and little kids running around. It’s just a family friendly event,” Mayes chimes in. “We’re 72 and our children are up in their 30s, but we would bring them to the North Georgia Folk Festival when they were so little they were laying on a blanket, you know?”
“I always think of this, when Mary was talking, I feel like every year I’m trying to put on a party for my 800 to 1,000 best friends. How can we make it the best possible day for everybody in terms of the music and the art and the demonstrators and there’s seven or eight food trucks, and it’s a wide variety,” says Jordan.
This year’s full performance lineup includes Pam Blanchard & Sunnyside Up, Tonalli Danza Folklórica Mexicana, Kids on the Mountain, Little Mae, Yes Ma’am with Caroline Aiken, Randy Steele and the High Cold Wind, Jim White, Pretty Little Goat, Borderhop Trio, Ralph Roddenberry, Julia Barfield and Fawney Rig. Musically inclined attendees are invited to bring their instruments and join in at the jam tent set up in the woods behind the festival.
For more info about all things North Georgia Folk Festival and associated events, visit athensfolk.org. f
WHAT: North Georgia Folk Festival
WHERE: Sandy Creek Park
WHEN: Saturday, Oct 11, 11 a m –9 p m HOW MUCH: FREE! (kids under 12), $8 (students), $15
f lagpole’s
scary story contest
Length: 750 words
Topic: Athens-based
Deadline: 2 p.m., Fri. Oct. 10th
Prizes: $50 First, $25 Second, $15 Third
Must Be At Least 16 Years Old To Enter
Winners published in Oct. 29th issue of Flagpole
Email stories to: editorial@flagpole.com
‘The Uncanny Valley’
FRANCES THRASHER’S SOLO EXHIBITION UNDER HEAVEN4THEYOUNG
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Multidisciplinary artist Frances Thrasher, who creates under the name Heaven4theYoung, will have new work in ceramics, oil and watercolor on view in her second solo exhibition at ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery, opening Oct. 16 with a reception from 6–9 p.m.
In the three years since her first solo exhibition in 2022, which sold out, Thrasher has accomplished a lot and acquired new inspirations that have helped to shape where she’s at as an artist today. Her painting “Withered,” featured on this week’s cover of Flagpole, was displayed at the Lyndon House Arts Center’s 50th Juried Exhibition earlier this year. Just before that, her work entitled “Teenage Lobotomy” was featured as the album cover art for Patterson Hood’s solo release Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams. Thrasher also received a Badge of Honor from the Berlin Music Video Awards for the stopmotion film she made for Hood’s song “The Pool House.” At 20 years old, Thrasher has stacked quite a resume. However, Thrasher is still an artist, and person, who is learning and growing—and that couldn’t be more evident in the differences between her first and second exhibitions. Understanding her personal journey as an artist helps to shine a light on these
developments. Thrasher began creating art under Heaven4theYoung as a freshman at Clarke Central High School during the COVID lockdown. In her isolation, she began experimenting with watercolors and telling stories with her portraits. As she became comfortable with her style, she would spend all day practicing techniques.
“Mentally I was debating a lot of challenges with religion and just being young
thing that can be for anyone that represents younger innocence with a joyful hope for the future.”
One of the defining characteristics of Thrasher’s work has been cute and innocent subjects juxtaposed with harsher colors and elements of gore, but in her newer works, the darkness has been subdued to undertones. She says that heaven comes with hell, and that balance is always present in life and will continue to be in her work, but there’s a hope that this transition will be more digestible to a wider audience.
and dealing with adult lessons and developing those new life skills by myself. I think that’s where I came up with the name for Heaven4theYoung, because now I’ve come more to terms with what I believe in,” says Thrasher. “So I was thinking my name could just be like a collective of young women experiencing different emotions growing up, and heaven is idolized as an idea, some-
This more subtle approach lends itself to the idea of the uncanny valley. Thrasher says the faces in her portraits have a distorted reflection and mirror image that has that “it’s not always what it seems” reveal. She also explains that while green grass, blue sky is often frowned upon in the art world, it’s her preferred blank canvas that further adds elements of childishness and playfulness to her eerie characters. Thrasher recently went to Spain, where she was greatly inspired and is still processing the full extent of the trip’s impact on her works in the future. At the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, seeing Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” was an impactful experience that influenced Thrasher’s idea of the uncanny valley. However, most of her time was spent in Barcelona exploring Gaudí’s architecture and mosaics. The fine details of the buildings and decor inspired Thrasher to focus on similar details in her own work.
“The few pieces I’ve made since then have been very inspired by, like there was a chair in one of the houses, and they didn’t want us to sit on it. They had a holly branch on it so that people knew not to
sit on it. I did a little painting with that, showing something’s forbidden, but they did it a prettier way instead of a sign,” says Thrasher. “Since I’ve been back, I’ve been doing some mosaics because what I saw was so interesting, and it seems so fun. I have one mosaic that’s going to be in the show, and I’m really excited about it.”
Thrasher has also done a lot of work with ceramics. In the first show, there was a regular dollhouse used to display ceramic sculptures within it, but this time around, Thrasher has painstakingly created a full dollhouse out of ceramic.
“Dollhouses were kind of a big step, but I had this idea, and I was like, ‘No, I will not let these things stop me.’ You can see where some things didn’t go as planned. There’s a crack, but I made it work. I painted gold to fill in the crack, right? It’s all a learning thing, and I think with that, I just really had an image in my head of a ceramic dollhouse. I was like, I’m going to make this happen,” says Thrasher.
In January Thrasher will start as a junior in the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, and she plans to continue her education in sculpture and further explore mosaics. Finding community at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation during her college experience so far has been a valuable resource, but she’s eager to expand her art community at UGA.
“The Uncanny Valley” will be on view at ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery through Jan. 22, 2026. For more info about the opening reception and space, visit acefranciscogallery.com.
“I like when people interpret my paintings in their own way. So I think just come in with an open mind and make your own story for it, because sometimes I have my stories for it, but it’s not always obvious. So I like when other people can connect to it in different ways,” says Thrasher. f
WHAT: “The Uncanny Valley” Opening Reception
WHEN: Thursday, Oct 16, 6–9 p m
WHERE: ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery HOW MUCH: FREE!
flagpole
FITNESS & HEALTH DIRECTORY
Welcome to our 12th annual Flagpole Fitness & Health Directory. Below you will find businesses offering ways for you to get and stay fit, and how to be healthier in general. To be included in next year’s or our other special sections, contact the Flagpole Advertising Department: ads@flagpole.com or 706-549-0301.
HEALTH AND HEALING
Ancient Suns Intuitive Arts Academy
706-247-9141 · ancientsunsacademy.com
Enhance your life through energetic development. In personal sessions, receive a soothing, replenishing energy healing or connect with pets through animal communication. Explore relationships and intimacy, career and prosperity, personal growth and more in clairvoyant readings. Through supportive classes and workshops, deepen your intuitive skills as you learn energetic self-care. Professional certification offered in animal communication, energy healing, & clairvoyance.
Proudly serving the Athens area for over 45 years, Anthony Chiropractic is a full-service clinic for all stages of life. Featuring on-site digital X-ray, they now offer non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and Shockwave therapy, specializing in disc and soft tissue injuries. Consultations are free for new patients, and they provide complimentary MRI reviews. Discover your full potential with Anthony Chiropractic today!
The EGCC works to raise awareness, prevent and detect cancer, support patients and families, enhance survivors’ lives and prepare future leaders for the workforce within their region. Their work includes ensuring people in their region receive cancer prevention education, screenings, healthcare system navigation, family and survivor support and information about the latest cancer research discoveries.
Heart Stone Therapeutics & Coaching
740 Prince Ave., Ste. 13 & 14
Transform your life experiences into opportunities for deep, long-lasting healing alongside Heart Stone Therapeutic Healing & Coaching therapists. Their practitioners empathetically provide traumainformed, person-centered, and self-led therapy through a holistic perspective. They understand that each person experiences a life with unique needs and strengths, and desire to be a partner in your treatment. Reach out for a free consultation today!
MedLink Georgia
2000 Prince Ave. · 706-521-3113 · medlinkga.org
MedLink Georgia provides primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, imaging, podiatry, diabetes care, nutrition counseling, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services at 35 locations across Northeast Georgia. They offer high-quality, affordable care with a sliding fee discount, ensuring everyone has access to health and wellness close to home.
Open Hearted Holistic Therapy
500 N. Milledge Ave. · 706-389-5358 · openheartedholistictherapy.com
Optical Experts
At Open Hearted Holistic Therapy, their approach to working together is rooted in open-heartedness, which allows full connectedness with their inherent curiosity, compassion and love. This space enables them to hold and honor your unique lived experience with care until you are capable of holding yourself with that same curiosity, compassion and love.
1260 Mars Hill Rd., Ste.103 • 706-705-1613 • optical-experts.com
Urban Sanctuary
Are you tired of the high cost of eyewear? Optical Experts in Watkinsville has the lowest prices, period. They are exactly what you need as a go between when it comes to big corporate and pricey private retailers. You deserve professional service, quality and fair prices on the products you need. Stop by or visit their website for complete details.
1348 Jordan Dr. · 810 N. Chase St. · 706-613-3947 · urbansanctuary.com
Urban Sanctuary is a luxury spa with two locations in Athens. Enjoy award winning spa services in a beautiful atmosphere. They specialize in HydraFacial, Glo2Facial, waxing, lashes, and body treatments, as well as relaxing & therapeutic massage services such as Deep Tissue, Chill CBD, Hot Stone, Lymphatic Drainage, Sports, and Prenatal. Call today to book a service at Athens’ Best Spa.
FITNESS & HEALTH DIRECTORY
NUTRITION
Smoothie King
1591S Lumpkin St. · 706-613-2600 · smoothieking.com
At Smoothie King, they have a Blend for Every Purpose, and a flavor for every taste! All crafted using whole fruits and veggies made just for YOU. With countless combinations of fruits, veggies, supplements, and enhancers - as well as new Protein Boxes, Loaded Toasts, and smoothie bowls - Smoothie King offers endless ways to RULE THE DAY!
flagpole RECREATIONAL FITNESS
EXERCISE
Canopy Studio
160-6 Tracy St. · 706-549-8501 · canopystudio.org
160-6 Tracy St. Athens, GA 30601 www.canopystudio.org info@canopystudio.org
Canopy Studio offers camps, workshops, classes, and private lessons for kids and adults throughout the year in bungee, trapeze, vertical pole, lyra, rope, fabrics, slings, rope, and aerial yoga. They are dedicated to enriching the community through aerial dance, movement education, and performance arts, regardless of background, age, or physical ability. Go fly with them today!
M3 Yoga & Hot Pilates
1260 S. Milledge Ave., Ste. E-1 • 175 Tracy St., Bldg. D 706-214-2233 • m3yoga.com
The Studio Athens
With two studios in Athens, M3 offers 70 weekly classes to fit your life and help you meet your goals. Stretch, strengthen, relax, and take time for self care. The new Boulevard Moon Studio on Tracy Street offers unheated yoga and Pilates. The 5 Points Sun Studio offers warm yoga, hot yoga and Inferno Pilates. Intro Offer: 2 Weeks for $30.
160 Tracy St., Unit 8 · 706-850-0446 · thestudioath.com
Triad Training is a community-driven gym in Athens, GA. They offer expert coaching, energizing workouts, and a supportive environment for every fitness level! Whether you’re building strength, boosting endurance, or just starting your journey, Triad helps you stay motivated, challenge yourself, and enjoy the process while surrounded by people who want to see you succeed!
Active Climbing
665 Barber St. · 706-354-0038 · activeclimbing.com
Experience an excellent full-body exercise that rewards persistence and concentration above all else. They’re here to help you develop skill. They love climbing and they want you to love it, too! Inside or outside! This is not a gym, it’s a lifestyle and they have a wonderful community to show it. They also offer camps, climbing teams and birthday parties for kids! Go Climb!
Classic City Marathon, Half Marathon, & Marathon
Relay - presented by Piedmont Athens Regional @classiccitymarathon · classiccitymarathon.com
The Studio Athens offers dance and fitness classes for all ages, genders, and bodies. Classes include ballet, burlesque, hip hop, jazz, tap, swing, yoga, and more! All experience levels are welcome. Take unlimited classes for 2 weeks for $30 with our NEW Studio Starter Pass. Come dance, find your community and have fun!
Saturday, January 24, 2026
The joy and community of a big-city marathon, here in Athens! Run together. Walk together. Gather your friends and co-workers to volunteer for race day. Or sign up to create a Cheer Zone along the race course! See their website for lots of information, including free training runs every Saturday morning until race day.
Your Pleasure is Our Business. Offering the finest choices in adult pleasure. Elations of Athens is a sex-positive place to discover products that excite you. As your Sexual Health and Wellness partner, all Starship branded stores offer a large inventory of sex toys, lingerie, enhancements and romantic gifts, all at unbeatable prices. With unparalleled product education, Elations supports your pursuit of pleasure.
MUSIC
Hodgson Singers and Georgia Treble Choir
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL For tickets:
$15 - Adults $3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
Symphony Orchestra Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL For tickets:
$15 - Adults $3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL
University of Georgia Philharmonia This Concert is Free
Conductor: Mark Cedel
Assistant Conductor: Nicholas Han
GUEST ARTIST: Tesserae Trio Including UGA Faculty Alan Woo, piano (pictured)
Tuesday, October 14 5:30 p.m. in Ramsey Concert Hall
FACULTY/GUEST ARTIST RECITAL
UGA Faculty Maggie Snyder, viola (pictured) with Allemagnetti
Thursday, October 16 5:30 p.m. in Ramsey Concert Hall
All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.
High priority: Finish Line Chute Assistants, Finish Line Setup/Unload, Course Monitors, & Hospitality. Receive t-shirt with Will Eskridge theme art + snacks!
Saturday, October 11 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: EXPO AthHalf Packet Pickup Music + Vendors + More @ Classic Center Pavilion
EVENT | THU, OCT. 9
Music in the House
Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE! Every quarter, Lyndon House Arts Center hosts Music in the House, an event during which the community is invited to listen to music and create art together in the lower atrium. Different local musicians join each session to provide a backdrop for people to draw, journal or write. Singer Tracy Brown and harmonica player Jeff Lustig will be the musical guests for this session, performing classic blues. Drawing easels and tables for writing will be provided by LHAC, and guests are invited to bring whatever sketchbooks, paper and drawing supplies they need. The event offers a great environment to practice live figure drawing, get inspired and mingle with other local creatives. All ages are invited. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | FRI, OCT. 10
Annie Merkley, Burly Ivy, King of Prussia
Normal Bar • 8 p.m. • $10
Two fixtures of the 2000s Athens music scene, King of Prussia and Annie Merkley, will be joined by local psych/art rock band Burly Ivy for a special bill at Normal Bar this week. Formed in Athens in 2006, King of Prussia is a psych-pop band that has released four albums, toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe, worked with artists like Mike Mills and members of Elf Power, and opened on tour for acts like Deerhunter and Ezra Furman. Its first new single since 2014, “Perfect Daze,” is coming out the day of the show, when frontman Brandon Taj Hanick will play a King of Prussia solo set. Annie Merkley is a singer- songwriter whose band Annie and Her Guns performed in Athens frequently in the early 2000s. Since then, Merkley’s playing has taken her across the world, from England (where she recorded an EP with Neil Halstead from Slowdive) to Antarctica to Nepal, and now to Santiago, Chile, where she currently lives. [MB]
EVENTS | OCT. 11–12
from previous years. The half marathon, which begins at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 12, runs through the Boulevard, Normaltown and Cobbham neighborhoods to the Five Points area before weaving through the UGA campus and finishing at Sanford Stadium. Local bands will be playing at the start and finish line of the 5K and all along the halfmarathon route to motivate participants, and those not running are encouraged to watch along the course and help cheer on the runners. These races are fundraisers produced by AthFest Educates, a nonprofit that awards grants to schools, other local nonprofits and local government agencies to provide high-quality arts and music education for local K–12 youth. [Sam Lipkin]
Greenwich, NY duo Phantogram obsessed over the concept of time while creating its fifth record, 2024’s Memory of a Day. The album follows both the joyful and tragic moments in life, while looking at them through the forbidding lens of a life calendar, a gridded sheet that measures a lifetime in weeks, with each passing week slowly blacking out the grid. These ideas are distilled into the duo’s signature blend of electronic indie rock and hip-hop beats and samples, taking reference from mutual favorite artists like J Dilla, Prince, Slowdive and Talking Heads. Phantogram is currently at the tail end of a North American tour, with Franco-Mexican electronic duo Los Eclipses opening this leg as part of its own tour for last year’s Eden Sauvage. [MB]
AthHalf Half Marathon and 5K
Downtown Athens • Various Times • Registration Closed
AthFest Educates’ annual half marathon and 5K will wind through downtown Athens and the surrounding area this weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 11, a Health and Fitness Expo will be held at the Classic Center Pavillion from 12–5 p.m., with vendors open to the public and packet pickup for runners. The 5K begins at 2:30 p.m., starting and finishing at the pavilion, with its course running along the Firefly Trail—a shift
FILM | MON, OCT. 13
Helena From Sarayaku
Ciné • 5:30 p.m. • FREE! The documentary Helena From Sarayaku tells the story of the Kichwa Indigenous people from an Ecuadorian village in the Amazon called Sarayaku through the lens of a 17- year-old girl named Helena Gualinga. For years, Sarayaku has struggled with environmental degradation, eventually giving rise to the Living Forest Proposal for Indigenous-led conservation and climate change mitigation efforts. Traveling between her life in Finland and her roots in Ecuador, Helena fights to protect her community and home from the effects of extractive development and climate change by educating others, participating in climate marches and giving speeches about Indigenous sovereignty. Following a screening of the film, there will be a Q&A with director Eriberto Gualinga, an award- winning Indigenous filmmaker who has been working to document the landscapes, livelihoods and political struggles of his native village of Sarayaku for nearly two decades. This event is hosted by the Department of Anthropology at UGA in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. [MB] f
JORDY SEARCY Indie-pop musician whose music contains religious themes.
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.”
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
UGA GLEE CLUBS & UNIVER-
SITY CHORUS UGA’s largest mixed choral ensemble and glee clubs composed of undergraduate and graduate music majors, minors and students from majors across the university, both conducted by Colin Mann.
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday. Ramsey Hall
5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
GUEST ARTIST RECITAL Featuring guitarist Isaac Bustos.
WUOG
Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org
MATT KNOX For fans of Elvis Costello, friends of Dorothy, and Men of the Cloth, maximalist power-pop meets a confused upbringing.
MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Nowhere Bar
8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga
ERIK OLSON’S WRESTLE THE BEAR JAM Monthly jam session featuring a rotating cast of players and genres.
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.
THE GLASS HOURS Songwriters Megan Barbera and Brad Armstrong combining influences from Barbera’s Colorado mountain roots and Armstrong’s Birmingham, AL southern roots.
WILL STEWART Birmingham, AL singer-songwriter-guitarist who recently released his sixth studio album, Moon Winx
L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. An hour-long lesson is followed by open dancing. Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com
JIM & JACK Jack Miller and Jim Green will be strumming and singing some classics along with originals.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $48–92. pac.uga.edu
CHRIS THILE Acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter and composer known for his work as a founding member of influential string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek.
Lyndon House Arts Center
Music in the House. 6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/LyndonHouse Arts
TRACY & JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig.
AUSTIN SISK Alt-pop wanderer, soundtracking the strange, sacred and cinematic.
ELLI PERRY A melancholy mesmerist and ballsy chanteuse whose style ranges from Southern Gothic blues and folk to experimental alternative rock and roll.
LIZ FARRELL Singer with folk, jazz and indie pop influences manifesting in heartfelt, intentional throughlines of ukulele and piano.
T. HARDY MORRIS Singer-songwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-rock.
TYLER RAMSEY Introspective singer-songwriter and unique fingerstyle guitar player who has built a rich catalog rooted in folk and melodic indie rock.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $6 (w/ UGA ID), $18. pac. uga.edu
HODGSON SINGERS AND TREBLE CHOIR A program featuring two vocal ensembles conducted by Daniel Bara and the Treble Choir the Treble Choir, conducted by Colin Mann, one of the newest additions to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music faculty.
Normal Bar
8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
ANNIE MERKLEY Singer-songwriter and banjo player who was a fixture in the local scene in the early 2000s, visiting now from Santiago, Chile.
KING OF PRUSSIA Psych-pop outfit formed in Athens in 2006 that toured the U.S. extensively, as well as across Europe with the Barcelona-based version of the band. Solo set by Brandon Taj Hanick.
BURLY IVY Psych art rock band with loungy space sounds and midnight choirs featuring Jim Willingham, Bryan Poole, Dain Marx and Ryan Bousquet.
CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athensbased band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music with line dancing during the breaks.
Saturday 11
Athentic Brewing Co. Chelsyfest. 2–8 p.m. www.chelsyfest. org/chelsyfest-2025 HENDERSON/WILLIAMS Singersongwriter duo pulling from the Great American Songbook. (2 p.m.)
TRE POWELL Rhythm and blues for the whole family. (2:45 p.m.)
DOOLEY & BALDWIN Performing an assortment of alternative rock, country and pop. (3:30 p.m.)
LIBBALOOPS Electronic musician and looping artist who loves to be silly and get “loopy doopy.” (5:15 p.m.)
SCARLET STITCH Rock and roll band influenced by outlaw country, jam bands and alternative rock. (6 p.m.)
PHANTOGRAM Billboard-charting electronic rock duo from Greenwich, New York.
LOS ECLIPSES Electronic music duo composed of French singer Eva de Marce and Mexican producer Dan Solo that released its debuted album, Eden Sauvage, last year.
OXYSTAR Alternative and stoner metal mixed with shoegaze and space rock.
ANDOVIA Hard alternative rock from Atlanta. The Root
10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
Sandy Creek Park
40th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. FREE! (kids under 12), $8 (students), $15. www.athensfolk.org
PAM BLANCHARD & SUNNY-
SIDE UP BAND An Athens mainstay for over 13 years, the band’s back together with fun new tunes for children and their adults.
TONALLI DANZA FOLKLÓRICA
MEXICANA Mesmerizing traditional Mexican dance group based in Athens.
KIDS ON THE MOUNTAIN Rob McMaken and Jason Cade of HogEyed Man join forces with fiddler
Amanda Kapousouz for a set of Irish tunes.
LITTLE MAE Trio blending indie, pop and shoegaze, drawing from influences such as Samia, Mercury and Alice Phoebe Lou. YES MA’AM FAMILY BAND WITH CAROLINE AIKEN A traveling feast of the very best in Georgia music, spanning multiple decades of love and friendship across multiple genres.
RANDY STEELE AND THE HIGH COLD WIND High-energy bluegrass band based in Chattanooga.
JIM WHITE Winterville-based singer-songwriter with a canny lyrical style and a Southern gothic flair.
PRETTY LITTLE GOAT Lovers of old-time music pulling from the deep well of tradition found in the mountains of western North Carolina.
BORDERHOP TRIO High lonesome pickin’ and singing from Athens’ own bluegrass outfit.
RALPH RODDENBERY Dynamic blend of Americana, roots rock and a twist of the blues.
JULIA BARFIELD Young singersongwriter with roots in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.
FAWNEY RIG Irish folk-rock project featuring vocals by Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) and Nathan Peters (Beat Up) backed by friends to play Celtic classics, foot-stomping jigs, sweet ballads and even a few rockers.
CORPORAL QUIGG Lo-fi experimental electronic dance punk and multi media artist.
LIBBALOOPS Electronic musician and looping artist who loves to be silly and get “loopy doopy.”
JAGUARDINI Combining the sounds of old video games and synthesizers to create a live blend of lo-fi synthpop.
ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic spacethemed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions. 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.
No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org
MOJO CONFESSIONAL SONGWRITER SHOWCASE Every second Sunday. Bring a dish to share at the potluck.
T.R.E. FEST XXV In memory of Kenneth Driskell aka “Sikeokidd,” all proceeds will benefit the family. Performances by Nic Main, HAMMAD, UniverSouLove, Kaliah Hearts, Saxokeem and Ricky B.E. with local vendors.
STEPHEN DAY Georgia-born, Nashville-based crooner inspired by soul, country and pop music who has toured with acts like Teddy Swims and Stephen Sanchez.
AUBORY BUGG St. Louis-based singer-songwriter known for picture-painting lyrics and a voice reminiscent of old time crooners like Bonnie Raitt and Carole King. Flicker Theatre & Bar
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.”
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $6 (w/ UGA ID), $18. pac. uga.edu
UGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, conducted by Nicholas Han as his final Doctor of Musical Arts recital.
Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome.
Every Tuesday.
Ramsey Hall
7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
GUEST ARTIST RECITAL Featuring the Tesserae Trio (Fabiola Kim, violin; Leo Singer, cello; Alan Woo, piano).
WUOG
Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org
DOG PERSON Organ-driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Circulatory System.
Wednesday 15
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday. Creature Comforts
KYLE KIMBRELL Alabama-based Americana singer-songwriter whose music blends gritty Southern roots with introspective storytelling. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $44–64. pac.uga.edu
CAMERATA NORDICA OCTET Sweden’s leading chamber orchestra whose musicians share a dynamic energy and shared musical purpose.
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast.
Down the Line
10/16 MrJordanMrTonks (Hotel Indigo)
10/16 Rick Fowler Acoustic Band (Athentic Brewing Co.)
10/16 Ty Myers (Georgia Theatre)
10/16 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe)
10/18 Klezmer Local 42 (Front Porch Bookstore) f
BIRTH CONTROL Health Department MADE EASY
& promises
Sloan Brothers’ “In A Movie”
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
INTO ANOTHER: Rachel and Grant Evans, the pair behind the wonderfully expressive Hooker Vision label, released a split album recently titled Dark Macramé / FM Prayer, and it’s credited to Rachel’s project Motion Sickness Of Time Travel (MSOTT) and R. Grant Evans. These recordings were captured during rehearsals for separate solo shows that took place back- to-back this past June. The MSOTT side (“Dark Macramé”) is, somewhat expectedly, composed of meditatively peaceful drones for the first several minutes, but begins to turn in mood just after the nine-minute mark. Before its conclusion it escapes, but just barely. Grant’s track, “FM Prayer” also takes up most of 20 minutes, but is much more mechanical in its execution. Melodic bleeps and bloops are all around, there’s what sounds like a fan blade passing through, etc. Interestingly, this track, too, changes just after its nineminute mark and into something moodier and half- sinister. It does not, however, reach as comforting a conclusion. Find this at hooker vision.bandcamp.com.
YOURS TO KEEP: In advance of a new EP coming out in November, Sloan Brothers will release a new single this week named “In A Movie.” This is, of course, the ongoing project of musician and recordist Sloan Simpson, who often employs a cast of Athens ringers to bring his visions into full relief. The new EP is titled Middle- Aged Love The single is yet another instantly catchy pop tune full of synth swells and hooks, but this one features a tad more jangle-pop in its DNA than previous Sloan Brothers tracks. In the interest of full disclosure, please note that Simpson and I have worked
For all other information, please see sloan brothersathensga.com and facebook.com/ SloanBrothersMusic.
THE MUSIC MAKER: Working at his own steady pace, composer and musician Monty Greene has released a new Nerveclinic single. It’s named “New Energy.” He warned me in a
by the likes of Aphex Twin. Find this and a host of other tunes over at youtube.com/@ nerveclinic.
COOL ON THE SPOOL: VHS enthusiast organization vhs.or.die will present the fourth annual VHS Fest Sunday, Oct. 12. Conveniently spread across two nearby venues—Creature Comforts and Ciné—it’ll run from noon to 5 p.m. at the former and 5–7 p.m. at the latter. The entire event is free and open to the public. At Creature Comforts, attendees will enjoy the VHS market accompanied by live performances from Libbaloops, Corporal Quigg, Jaguardini and Organically Programmed. The VHS market is to be populated by over 20 vendors, so you’ll have plenty to look at
message that this was a “pop song.” While he’s not completely incorrect, listeners will not likely match this up with anything in the current chart milieu. However, this
and purchase. At Ciné, there’s a screening of 2018’s Hellbound, along with a Q&A with director Ben Winston. For more informa-
releasing singles over the next few weeks, and I’m going to tell you about all of ’em as they come out. First up is last week’s twosong release “Trenches” b/w “Drink Smoke Fuck.” The former opens with a nightmarish wave of screams buoyed by a slow synth. This continues for a couple of minutes until there’s a clearing in the actual musical track, then continues on but with more clarity. The latter is an apocalyptic dance track appropriate for stark, disused industrial buildings as well as claustrophobic urban landscapes. While it follows a traditional song structure (i.e. discernible lyrics, a sense of melody, etc.) it’s also another punishing track, albeit maybe not quite as punishing as previous releases. Find this at obscurityy.bandcamp.com.
CELEBRATE: Nuçi’s Space will celebrate its 25th anniversary Friday, Dec. 12 at the Georgia Theatre. Advance tickets are on sale now with VIP access—which includes a pre-party, mezzanine access, buffet and two drink tickets—running $250 and general admission $100. Performers include Patterson Hood and Camped Amped alumna Willow Avalon. In other news, Nuçi’s has teamed up with Condor Chocolates to release a limited edition 25th anniversary chocolate bar. These are available at all Condor locations, as well at Nucçi’s Space. One bar contains a Golden Ticket for admission for two to the anniversary concert at the theater. So make like Charlie Bucket and go get you one. For more information, please see nuci.org.
THIS OLD CHESNUT: Way back in 2015 rapper Donny Knottsville released his mixtape Hoof Beats (Freedom Rock), which was constructed entirely with samples from the band Deerhoof. The thing is, though, having a working knowledge of Deerhoof’s catalog, or even a passing knowledge of their existence, is not at all necessary to enjoy this. Indeed, I can’t stand ’em, but still rock this comp. This new edition features three bonus tracks, as well. Due to its Deerhoof sign from theloaded Knottsville album. With your help, it knotts -
Sloan Simpson
event calendar
Tuesday 7
ART: Tuesday Tour (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join a docent led tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES: Discover Your Community Archives (ACC Library) Learn about how Heritage Room acquires, manages and promotes the archival collections, and how to utilize those resources. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES: Data Centers in Our Backyard (First AME Church) Learn about data centers in our area and their local impact. 4 p.m. FREE! RSVP@sosuin.org
CLASSES: Art Work Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Recipe for Press founder Amy Flurry will teach attendees essential editorial etiquette to get your business/brand publicity. 5:30 p.m. (networking), 6 p.m. (workshop). FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (Flying Squid Comedy) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: BINGO Bash (Howard Park & Community Center) Persons with developmental disabilities are invited to play for prizes. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 12 p.m. $2 (ACC resident), $3 (non-resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com
GAMES: Music Bingo (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Join in to play music BINGO. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.johnnyspizza.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
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 Latinx history and community with members of DIA, U-LEAD, Pinewoods community and CLASE. 12–1 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens.com
LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters and discuss it with the group. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Normal Talk (Normal Bar) Dr. Eli Sperling, a teaching fellow in UGA’s School of International and Public Affairs, discusses topics on ongoing IsraeliPalestinian conflict. 7:30–9 p.m. FREE! www.normaltalk.org
SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. UGA Ice Dawgs Scrimmage (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home teams in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $16. www.classiccenter.com
Wednesday 8
ART: Art Works (Lyndon House Arts Center) Persons with developmental disabilities are invited to express themselves through a creative art activity. 11 a.m. $3 (ACC residents), $4.50 (non-residents). www.accgovga.myrec.com
ART: Faculty Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Susan Rosenbaum will give a gallery talk on the exhibition “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: Senior Shenanigans: How Does This Thing Work? (Lay Park Community Center) A handson class that teaches computer basics, how to navigate cellphones and more. 9 a.m. FREE! www.acc gov.com/myrec
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: Level 1 & 2 Improv Graduation Show (Buvez) Flying Squid Comedy will showcase what students have learned in improv comedy. 7 p.m. (level 1), 8 p.m. (level 2). Donation suggested. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Farm Field Day (Latimer Luck Acres Dairy Goat Farm) The Regenerative Institute of Community Education hosts hands-on activities, guided farm tours and educational workshops covering goat breeds, nutrition and wellness. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.rice-georgia.org
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
EVENTS: Winetober Fest Tasting (Tapped Athens Wine Market) Taste a selection of German wines with small plates. 6:30–8 p.m. www. tappedathens.com
FILM: Brews & Boos Halloween Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vampire double screening of The Lost Boys and Fright Night 5:30–10 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1977 horror film Curse of the Dog God. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot trivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Music Bingo (B&B Theatres) Join in to play music bingo. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.bbtheatres. com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your
would like to draw, write or simply listen to music by Tracy & Jeff. 6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ LyndonHouseArts
EVENTS: Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals Warehouse Sale (Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals) The warehouse is open to the public to browse over 6,000 square feet of crystals and specimens. Oct. 9–10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.facebook.com/planet earthrocksandcrystals
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
general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Story Time (Oconee County Library) Drop in for songs, fingerplays and early literacy skills. Ages 3–7. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc
Thursday 9
ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) The exhibitions “Not Here/Not Now” and Effy Wang’s “The Sweetest Meat in This Abattoir” will be on view as well as the MFA open studios. 5–7 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu
ART: Visiting Artist Lecture (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Katie Kameen creates wearable art and sculpture by playfully experimenting with premade plastic objects. 5:30 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu
ART: Music in the House (Lyndon House Arts Center) Easels and tables will be set up for anyone who
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: Days Off School (Lay Park Community Center) Join Leisure Services staff for a day of exploring dinosaur themed adventures. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (ACC residents), $22.50 (non-residents). www.accgov.com/myrec
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: 123 Toddler & Me (Lay Park Community Center) Bond with your toddler using fun gym games, arts and crafts, and kitchen goodies. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC residents), $4.50 (non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Thursday (OCAF) Drop in for a mix of staffled and self-led activities or to look at art. Ages 5 & under. 10 a.m. FREE! (members), $5 (non-members). www.ocaf.com
LECTURES & LIT: 2.5D: Scanning Flat Objects in Detail (Georgia Museum of Art) Learn about the Selene Photometric Stereo System designed for high-resolution, noninvasive recording methods in cultural heritage. 11 a.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org
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
EVENTS: Social Skate Night (Dudley Park) All ages and skill levels are invited to cruise the Firefly Trail while making friends and building skills. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www. accgovga.myrec.com
EVENTS: Honeys of Georgia Tasting (Daily Groceries Co-op) Try local honeys and learn about the importance of bees. 5:45–7 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop
EVENTS: Fly Fishing Film Tour (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Oconee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a film tour and fundraiser featuring short films about fly fishing, raffles and more. 6–9:30 p.m. $12. www.flyfilmtour.com
FILM: Possession (Ciné) Screening of the 1981 cult horror classic with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 p.m. $15. www.athenscine.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: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd
and then create your own bouquet of fresh flowers. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
COMEDY: Level 3 & 4 Improv Graduation Show (Flying Squid Comedy) Flying Squid Comedy will showcase what students have learned in improv comedy. 8 p.m. (level 3), 9 p.m. (level 4). $5/show. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals Warehouse Sale (Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals) The warehouse is open to the public to browse over 6,000 square feet of crystals and specimens. Oct. 9–10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.facebook.com/planet earthrocksandcrystals
EVENTS: Books For Keeps Book Fair (BFK Warehouse) Every day visitors can take 100 children’s books for free. Oct. 10 is for educators only (school ID required) and Oct. 11 is preview night ($10/ individual). Oct. 10–12 & 16–19. www.booksforkeeps.org
EVENTS: Death & Mourning Tour (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Explore how families mourned the loss of their loved ones and the differences between funerals for white and enslaved persons. Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $20. www.athenswelcomecenter.com
EVENTS: One Night Stand (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) A monthly edu-taiment event featuring short presentations hosted by Amanda Auchenpaughof Shameless Sexuality. 18 & up. Registration suggested. 6–8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.revolutiontherapy andyoga.com
MEETINGS: Disco Hills Skate Club (Firefly Trail, Winterville) Join the group to socialize or exercise while skating outdoors. Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. FREE! Find Disco Hills Outdoor Skate Club on Facebook
MEETINGS: Astronomy Club (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Discuss upcoming astronomical events, star watches and enjoy guest speakers. 7 p.m. FREE! michelle.cash@ accgov.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: The Shadow Box (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown Players present a drama about how three very different people face death with hope and support. Oct. 9–11, 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org
Friday 10
ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m. FREE! gmoatours@uga.edu
CLASSES: Secret Language of Flowers (Oconee County Library) Learn the history of floral symbolism
EVENTS: TranscenDANCE (Feel Free Yoga + Wellness) Based on the principles of ecstatic dance, this is a sober, judgement-free zone for anyone to come and let loose. Fridays, 6–8:30 p.m. Donations suggested. www.feelfreeyoga wellness.com
FILM: Movies by Moonlight (Walker Park) Screening of Wicked. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 7:40 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com
FILM: Open: A Journey Through Love (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Screening of a documentary that seeks to destigmatize ethical non-monogamy, followed by a discussion and access to local advocacy groups. 8 p.m. Donation suggested. www.shamelesssexuality.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: Sports Trivia (Heard Park & Community Center) A sports themed event with games, crafts and more. Ages 6–12. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15 (ACC residents), $22.50 (non-residents). www.accgov.com/ myrec
KIDSTUFF: Morning Makers (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Hali to make themed crafts. Ages 4–7. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart
KIDSTUFF: Trunk or Treat (Big Blue Marble Academy) Enjoy festive games, crafts, snacks and trick or treating. 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! www. bbmacademy.com
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Historical Death & Mourning Tours will be held at the Historic Athens Welcome Center on Friday evening through October.
OUTDOORS: Fall Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river. Registration required. 6 p.m. $15/person, $5 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Draconid Meteor Shower (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join rangers for a viewing of the meteor shower. 8 p.m. FREE!/ person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill Bridge
PERFORMANCE: DanceATHENS
2025 (Morton Theatre) This annual celebration unifies the dance communities of Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $13–16. www.mortontheatre.com
PERFORMANCE: Tear It The Fuck
Apart 2 (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Cara Piss presents a performance art showcase. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
THEATER: The Shadow Box (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown Players present a drama about how three very different people face death with hope and support. Oct. 9–11, 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org
Saturday 11
CLASSES: Anyone Can Paint: Spooky Surprise (Bogart Library) Follow an oil painting video tutorial to create a seasonal masterpiece. Registration required. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
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.athensfarmers market.net
EVENTS: Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals Warehouse Sale (Planet Earth Rocks and Crystals) The warehouse is open to the public to browse over 6,000 square feet of crystals and specimens. Oct. 9–10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.facebook.com/planet earthrocksandcrystals
EVENTS: Books For Keeps Book Fair (BFK Warehouse) Every day visitors can take 100 children’s books for free. Oct. 10 is for educators only (school ID required) and Oct. 11 is preview night ($10/ individual). Oct. 10–12 & 16–19. www.booksforkeeps.org
EVENTS: Fall Festival (The TaylorGrady House) Enjoy local vendors, live entertainment, textile exhibits, period demonstrations and seasonal refreshments. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. taylorgrady.com
EVENTS: 19th Annual Downtown Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival (Madison Town Park) Browse local food products and handcrafted wares at the marketplace, enjoy live music and sample chili from the cook-off. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.madisonga.com
EVENTS: North Georgia Folk Festival (Sandy Creek Park) This 40th annual festival will showcase musicians, artists and craftspeople from around North Georgia. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. FREE! (kids under 12), $8 (students), $15. www.athens folk.org
EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 500) Heaven4theYoung presents “The Uncanny Valley” featuring ceramics, oils and watercolors by Frances Thrasher. On view Oct. 16 through January 2026. Opening reception Oct. 16, 6–9 p.m.
AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy., Suite 501) Works by artist Camille Hayes on view through October.
ATHENAEUM (287 W Broad St.) In the main gallery, Krista Clark’s “assembly” presents a site-specific installation informed by the politics and poetics of the urban built environment. • In the second gallery, Steven Thompson’s “Ever Loyal, Ever True” features recent work that merges handmade pigments, rococo color and symbolic structures. Through Nov. 22.
ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) Landscape and still life works by Sonja Amor on view through November.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) In “Smoke & Mirrors” Courtney Khail’s paintings play with ink blots as a projection of our subjectivity and bias. Through Oct. 25.
AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Works by local painter Mary Sams on view through December.
DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In the Lupin Gallery, “Mountain Tongue” by Aidan Koch reimagines her short story “Man Made Lake” as a handdrawn wall work. Through Nov. 14. • In the Margie E. West Gallery, “The Body Politic” surveys two decades of work by Kristine Potter. Through Nov. 14. • In “NEOLOGISMS,” Ukraine-born artist slinko transforms a New York Times investigation into the disappearance of certain words from federal language in the Plaza Gallery. Through Nov. 14. • Located in the Suite Gallery, “Not Here/Not Now” is a group exhibition that explores speculative fiction. Through Nov. 14. • In the Bridge Gallery, Effy Wang’s “The Sweetest Meat in This Abattoir” features large-scale abstract paintings and hybrid sculptural forms. Opening reception Oct. 9, 5–7 p.m. Through Nov. 14.
FLICKER (263 W. Washington St.) Annual exhibition “Ghouls Night Out” features various Halloween-themed works by local artists. Through October.
FOYER (135 Park Ave.) “ONLY FANS,” by Jack Jiggles, showcases restored vintage electric fans transformed into elegant kinetic sculptures. On view by appointment through Oct. 26.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June
EVENTS: AthFest Educates 5K (440 Foundry Pavilion) The 9th annual 5K in benefit of AthFest Educates with a shorter course and live music to cheer on participants with a Health and Fitness Expo at the Classic Center Pavilion. 12–5 p.m. (expo), 2:30 p.m. (5K). www. athhalf.com
EVENTS: Chelsyfest (Athentic Brewing Co.) An annual fundraiser for epilepsy education and awareness that features live music, vendors, food trucks and more. 2–8 p.m. www.chelsyfest.org/chelsyfest2025
GAMES: Kids vs. Adults Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your wizarding knowledge in this family battle. 4 p.m. www.bbtheatres.com
GAMES: Adult Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) A gaming session for players of all skill levels. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Teen Anime Club (Oconee County Library) Join other fans of manga and anime to discover books, play games, snack and watch anime. Grades 6–12. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Dig into Art (Georgia Museum of Art) Join a mini-archaeological dig in the sculpture garden and make your own fantastical clay beast inspired by the Chinese mingqi collection. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
KIDSTUFF: Family Day (Lyndon House Arts Center) Drop in for art workshops inspired by the artists and exhibitions currently on view. Registration suggested. 12–2 p.m. FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com
LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens Heritage Walk (Oconee Hill Cemetery) Join Luis Vicente-Vasquez for a walk exploring the nationally recognized Oconee Hill Cemetery.
2 p.m. $25.75. www.historicathens. com
MEETINGS: Creek Critters (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Experience hands-on stream ecology while hiking along Beaver Creek. 11 a.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill Bridge
MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (ACC Library) Non-prophet discussions with friends and neighbors. 4 p.m. FREE! www.atheist societyathens.org
OUTDOORS: Rivers Alive (Dudley Park) Join the annual Georgia Waterway Cleanup as part of the largest single volunteer effort to beautify Georgia’s water resources. 8:45 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/riversalive
OUTDOORS: Afternoon Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river. Registration required.12:45 p.m. $15/person, $5 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Kids’ Survival Craft Combo (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join rangers to learn how to build an outdoor shelter and then create a survival kit. 3:15 p.m. $8/ person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill Bridge
PERFORMANCE: DanceATHENS 2025 (Morton Theatre) This annual celebration unifies the dance communities of Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $13–16. www.mortontheatre.com
SPORTS: Alumni Association Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Watch the UGA vs Auburn football game with the UGA Alumni Association hosting giveaways, speeches and more. 12 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
THEATER: The Shadow Box (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown Players present a drama about how three very different people face
28, 2026. • “Looking Through a Sewn Sky: Rachel B. Hayes” is a commissioned installation in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden that blends sculpture, painting and craft. Through Jul. 30, 2027. HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Collaborative show of spooky-themed works by Ella & Belle, inspired by The Secret of NIMH, Redwall and ’80s animation. Through October.
JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Works by collage artist Susan Pelham are on view through November.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) In the West Gallery, “Interwoven Narratives: Caul and Response” is a collaborative work by twin sisters Sachi Rome and Tokie Rome-Taylor. Using photographic realism and abstract expressionism, the exhibit explores southern folklore surrounding the caul and the concept of double consciousness. Through Jan. 24, 2026. • In the lower and upper atrium, “Seams to Be: New Approaches to Textile Techniques” features works by 13 Georgia artists. Through Jan. 24, 2026. • The Lobby Case features Susan Perry’s small-scale sculptures created from handmade paper and bamboo. Through Dec. 6. • In the Atrium Cases, Artist Katie Kameen recontextualizes plastic pieces to create new forms in her exhibit “Plastic Tense.” Through Jan. 24, 2026. • A two-person exhibition featuring the abstract sculptural paintings of Sebastian Garcia Huidobro alongside the brutalist architecture-inspired sculptures of Rachel Lea Seburn will be on display in the South Gallery. Through Jan. 24, 2026. • In the Lukasiewicz Gallery, Chris Moss and Sue Fox’s “Habit” offers parallel explorations of form and color. 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. On view in the North Gallery through Oct. 11.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville)
“Forging Connections: Metal Art Inspired by the Marine Carbon Cycle” features jewelry and metalwork by Barbara Mann. Through Oct. 31 • “Teaching Through Creation” is a diverse display featuring contributions by local educators. Through Oct. 31.
OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave., Watkinsville) “Southern Cemetery: Tales & Tombstones” explores unique stories and monuments found in rural and garden cemeteries through the images of local photographer Jennifer Keene. Through Nov. 3.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) “The Waters of Georgia” exhibit by self-taught artist Earl Miller features acrylic painting of landscapes, florals, birds and architecture. Runs Oct. 12 through Nov. 9.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead)
death with hope and support. Oct. 9–11, 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org
Sunday 12
CLASSES: Build A Bird Feeder (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn how to build your own bird feeder. 9:30 a.m. $5/per person, $5/vehicle parking. www.gastate parks.org/WatsonMillBridge
CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
CLASSES: Halloween Themed Stained Glass Class (work.shop) Learn the basics of cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering a stained glass pumpkin, candy corn, ghost or witch hat suncatcher. Oct. 12, 19 & 26, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. $75. www.fluxgoods. com/classes
COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-up material. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai
COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local and touring comedians. 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/ athenscomedy
EVENTS: AthHalf Half Marathon (Downtown Athens) The 16th annual marathon in benefit of AthFest Educates with a winding course and live music to cheer on participants. 7:30 a.m. www. athhalf.com
EVENTS: Books For Keeps Book Fair (BFK Warehouse) Every day visitors can take 100 children’s books for free. Oct. 10 is for educators only (school ID required) and Oct. 11 is preview night ($10/ individual). Oct. 10–12 & 16–19. www.booksforkeeps.org
EVENTS: Athens VHS Fest (Creature Comforts Brewery) Fourth annual festival celebrating analog media with vendors, tape swaps, live music, director Q&A and more. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.vhsordie.com
EVENTS: Tie Dye To Die For Spooky Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring a shirt and then get creative with tie-dye while enjoying a variety of crafts. 2–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com
EVENTS: Autumn Harvest Feast (The Taylor-Grady House) The 18th annual farm-to-table dinner and fundraiser benefiting the Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. $118–147. www.taylorgrady.com/events
FILM: Hellbound (Ciné) As part of Athens VHS Fest 2025, the screening of this film will be followed by a Q&A with director Ben Winston. 5 p.m. FREE! www.vhsordie.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens
OUTDOORS: Bridge History (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about history of Watson Mill Bridge with a tour through the longest covered bridge in Georgia. 11:30 a.m. $5 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Afternoon Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river. Registration required. 1 p.m. $15/person, $5 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
OUTDOORS: Fall Foliage (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join a ranger for 1.5 mile hike through the woods, learn about local plants and view the fall foliage. 3 p.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: Horror Circus (Morton Theatre) Watch acrobatics, stunts, illusions and strange characters take the stage. 6 p.m. $26. www.mortontheatre.com
“Steffen Thomas: Exploring His Brotherhood Credo.” Through Jan. 3, 2026. • “Tribute to Richard “Ole” Olsen.” Through Jan. 3, 2026. • “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” on display in the Educational Gallery. Final date TBA. • “1972 Trip to Germany” highlights art inspired by Thomas’ trip overseas. Final date TBA.
TAYLOR GRADY HOUSE (634 Prince Ave.) “Quilt & Lace” features antique and contemporary quilts and laceworks displayed throughout the historic home. On view through Oct. 12.
TAPPED ATHENS (297 Prince Ave.) Local artist Will Eskridge’s exhibition “Beach Bumz” celebrates “all things sun-soaked, wave-crashed and goodvibes-only.” Through November.
THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) A photography series by Jennifer Keene that highlights funerary art, cemetery symbolism, ghostly tales and regional history. Extended through October.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) “Living Legends of Georgia Music,” an exhibition by Georgia-based watercolorist Jackie Dorsey, pays homage to eight iconic musicians. Through Jan. 5, 2026.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “From Farms to Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Need for Sustainable Style.” Through December. • David Zeiger’s photography project “Displaced in the New South” explores the cultural collision between Asian and Hispanic immigrants and the suburban Atlanta communities in the 1990s. Through December. • “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series. Through May 2026. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May 2026. Free tour offered at 3 p.m. on Oct. 17, Nov. 14 and Nov. 21.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS CLEMENTS GALLERY (780 Timothy Rd.) The 2nd Annual Invitational Art Exhibit features “The Bounty of the Land” which focuses on the beauty of Earth. Through October.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “Small Works” features eighty-five works all under 14 inches contributed by sixty different community artists. On view Oct. 17 through Dec. 18. Opening reception Oct.17, 6–8 p.m. • “Duets by Claire & Bob: A Lifetime of Sharing Creativity” showcases work by the Clements. Claire founded the Athens Plein Aire Painters group and was known for her cut paper botanical creations. Bob is a multi-disciplinary artist known for his landscape paintings and community sculptures. Oct. 17 through Dec. 18. Opening reception Oct.17, 6–8 p.m.
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: The Shadow Box (Town & Gown Players) Town & Gown Players present a drama about how three very different people face death with hope and support. Oct. 9–11, 8 p.m. Oct. 12, 2 p.m. $20. www.townandgownplayers.org
Monday 13
CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (100 North Church Street) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods. Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
EVENTS: Second Monday Line Dancing Lessons (Ciné) Learn two to three line dances. All ages, no experience required. 6:30–7:30 p.m. (beginner lesson), 7:30–9 p.m. (social dancing). $10. www. athenscine.com
FILM: “Over the Garden Wall” (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the animated TV series adventure. All ages. 4 p.m. FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.com
FILM: Helena From Sarayaku (Ciné) Screening of the documentary about Sarayaku’s struggle against environmental degradation in their territory in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, followed by a Q&A with the director. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Storytime with Miss Harli (Bogart Library) Build early literacy skills through songs, letters, language fun, stories and STEAM. Ages 3–7. Mondays, 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
MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library)
Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
Tuesday 14
ART: Tuesday Tour (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join a docent led tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative
achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans, followed by a group walk. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.multiplechoices.us
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Music Bingo (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Join in to play music BINGO. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.johnnyspizza.com
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Pumpkin Party (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
MEETINGS: Athens Fibercraft Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Make greeting cards for members to use by pasting objects onto blank cards. 12:30–2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athensfiber.org
Arts Museum. Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open Improv Jam (Flying Squid Comedy) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
EVENTS: White Cane Awareness Day Celebration (ACC Library) An annual community event recognizing and honoring the many
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: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
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.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
CLASSES: Life Drawing (Winterville Cultural Center) Monthly open drawing studio with a nude model. Registration required. Ages 18 & up. 1–4 p.m. $20. drawathens.org
CLASSES: Rising Into Leadership (Bogart Library) Learn tips for listening, hard work, boldness, power poses, judgement and letting your talents lead you. 5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
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: Bear Hollow Zoo Percentage Night (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream) Learn about special projects at the zoo with a percentage of sales supporting them and enrichment for the animals. 3–6 p.m. www.friendsofbearhollow.org
horror comedy film Mr. Vampire III 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Harry Potter Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your knowledge of the books and movies. 7:30 p.m. www.bbtheatres.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Story Time (Oconee County Library) Drop in for songs, fingerplays and early literacy skills. Ages 3–7. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
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
Wednesday 15
ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours
EVENTS: Reclaiming Agency: Keeping the Story Alive (ACC Library) Screening of Linnentown documentary followed by a panel discussion around history and advocacy with an ending reception and book signing. 4:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! HKelley@AthensTech.edu
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: Brews & Boos Halloween Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Slasher double screening of Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. 5:30–10 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the
PERFORMANCE: Greek Grind: Turn Up the Grind (Akins Ford Arena) All 20 UGA Panhellenic sororities face off in a dance competition in support of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). 8 p.m. $80. www. classiccenter.com
THEATER: No Exit (Redline) Production of the fast-paced, comedic, existentialist play about the afterlife. Oct. 15–16 & 18–19, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/agatheater
(BFK
(Bobby Snipes Water Resources Center) f
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com.
CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.
Classifieds
FOR SALE (Yard Sale) Multi-household yard sale on Hidden Hills Lane cul-de-sac, Athens 30605 off Whitehall Rd. Sat. October 11, 9
a.m.–2 pm. Books, crafts material, tools, fat tire bicycles, clothes from baby to adult men and women all sizes, antique French postcards, household goods, wondrous items!
FOR SALE (Yard Sale) Benefitting
“Hands of Hope” homeless ministry. Fri. and Sat. October 10–11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Weather permitting. Donations also accepted. 145 Johnson Dr. 706-207-5172
JOBS (Full-time) Seeking a motivated and reliable Carpenter/Assistant for full-time position. Must have own transportation and basic tools. Salary based on experience. Call 706340-1370 for more information.
JOBS (Part-time) Equestrian help needed. Maintain horse/sheep/ llama feeding and stall maintenance. Watkinsville/Athens area. $20/hour. Text or call 706-5344032.
MUSIC (Instruction) Athens School of Music. Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athensschoolofmusic.com. 706-543-5800
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 (Home & Garden) Happy Summer! Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible & native focused gardens for your school, home or business! For more info call/text 706-395-5321.
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in lowmaintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631903-4365.
SERVICES (Massage) Best massage on Athens East Side. John Duello LMT. Incalls and outcalls. $80/hr or $100/90 minutes. Call or text: 706-963-0068
Arts
AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists. www.athensarts. org/support ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR
Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals to develop an art exhibition for LHAC. www.accgov.com/9799/ ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. Email an introduction and a few examples of work. careywelsh20@gmail.com
CALL FOR ART (Donderos’) Seeking new artists to exhibit works. contact@donderoskitchen.com
CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) Seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. 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. swatson @athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (ACCGov) Seeking professional artists to submit qualifications for large scale 3D artwork for Tallassee Road roundabout. Deadline Friday, Nov. 7. All entries must be submitted via online portal. www.accgov.com/11626/Public-Art
CALL FOR ARTISTS (MAGallery) Now accepting artist application. MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a committee. www.themadisonartists guild.org/call-for-artists
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKER JOKERtv is accepting proposals from artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can submit ideas. www.jokerjokertv. com/submit
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2026 Marigold Festival posters, T-shirts and more. Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold festival.com
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov. com
CALL FOR MUSICIANS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) The Marigold Market is seeking musicians for upcoming market events. All acts considered. bradley@ marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, lyrics and more are welcome. engagementcoordinator@athenshc.org
CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Library Store) Local artists, artisans and publishers can submit applications for Nov. 29 “Holiday Market.” Deadline Oct. 10. www.friendsofacc library.org
CALL FOR VENDORS (Treehouse Kid and Craft) Seeking artists, crafters and creatives for Oct. 26 “Little Joyfest” market event. Deadline Oct. 10. kristen@treehousekidand craft.com
LIFE DRAWING (OCAF) Open studio for artists 18 & up to paint and draw two unclothed models together in classic poses. $25 (member), $30 (public). Registration required. Sat. Nov. 1, 1:30–4 p.m. www. drawathens.org.
OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for photography, ceramics and more. www.accgov. com/7350/Open-StudioMembership
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
SEEKING FLOATS & PERFORMERS (ACC Leisure Services) Applications are now open for the annual Downtown Parade of Lights on Dec. 4. Deadline 5 p.m., Nov. 4. $40 application fee. www.accgov.com/ parade
Auditions
ACT’S GOT TALENT (Athens Creative Theatre) Auditions for talent acts and host, Oct. 24. Show held Nov. 7 at the Morton Theatre. Schedule appointments only. 706-613-3628, act@accgov.com
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians ahead of its holiday concerts. www.athenssymphony. org/openings
A SHERLOCK CAROL (Winterville Players) Open auditions for all
ages. Oct. 14–15, 6 p.m. at Marigold Auditorium in Winterville. Performances held Dec. 13–15. wintervillecampus@gmail.com
Classes
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.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.” www.athenslandtrust.org/classesevents
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville) OCAF offers a number of classes including painting, ceramics, textile dying, fashion design and more. ocaf.com/courses
CLOWNING (The Studio Athens) Chase Brantley teaches a class on play and failure for ages 17 & up. Sundays, 4–6 p.m. through Nov. 16. $190/series, $35 drop-in. Scholarships available. www.instagram. com/moonlight_theater_company
CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Sundays, 3 p.m. (Level 1), 4 p.m. (Level 2 & 3), 5 p.m. (Advanced). Through Dec. 7, no class Oct. 19. $10 drop-in. timbathens@gmail.com, www. timbathens.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
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY SKILLS WORKSHOP (Heart StoneTherapeutic Healing) Learn specific skills to manage emotions, improve relationships and more. Fridays, 12 p.m. Through Oct. 17. Info@Heartstoneth.com
FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.
GUIDED GARDEN TOURS (UGA Botanical Garden) Learn about various plants at a guided walk for groups of less than 10. Every Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. $5 per person. botgarden. uga.edu
HOW TO DO BUSINESS (ACC Library) Workshops to help businesses navigate the vendor process for local organizations. Oct. 15, University of Georgia. Oct. 22, Clarke-County School District. Registration required. www.accgov. com/doingbusiness
SPORTS OF ALL SORTS (ACC Leisure Services)
A program for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities to experience new sports, skill development and cooperative play. Staff will be present to assist with facilitation and provide adaptations for skill development. If one-on-one supervision is needed, a caregiver should be present for the duration of the program. “Gymnastics for All” (Oct. 21, Nov. 4), “Basketball Workout” (Oct. 23) and “Let’s Play Ball” (Nov. 3). www.accgov.com, 706-613-3800
Help Out
volunteers comfortable fixing a variety of items including: clothing, small appliances, tools and more. Fourth Sundays. reuse@accgov. com, www.accgov.com/RepairCafe
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT
(Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org
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. 706-850-4025, 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 VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR (AthFest) Seeking a volunteer KidFest Coordinator for the 2026 AthFest event. Planning meetings run January through July. www. athfest.com/kidfest, events@athfest educates.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Athens Farmer Market) Seeking volunteers for various shifts at the 2025 Autumn Harvest Feast. Thursday, Oct. 8 from 1–4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct.12 from 8 a.m.–9 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net/volunteer
COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED
(Historic Athens) A petition to name the park adjacent to the Costa building as the “Richardson-Davis Park” in honor of local African American leaders is now collecting community signatures. Signatures accepted at Welcome Center, by appointment at Old Firehall No. 2 or by special arrangements. www. historicathens.com
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
(Animal Services Adoption Center) Volunteers needed for daily interactions with the shelter dogs. Sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. www.tidycal.com/animalservices
volunteer
ATHENS REPAIR CAFE (Solid Waste Office) The repair cafe is seeking
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
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 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. momsadoptingmoms@gmail.com
SEEKING FOOD DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING SPONSORS & DONATIONS (Kickin’ for a Cause) A variety of team participant, donor and sponsor opportunities available
VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff
HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services) Programs for homeschool children ages 5–12 focused on home economics. Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration required. www.accgov. com/myrec, 706-613-3800
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Historic Athens) Volunteers and coordinators needed for the Welcome Center’s new field trip program. Completion of virtual training program and background check required. bit.ly/athens welcomevolunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB) Keep AthensClarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-a-ramp and more. www.keepathensbeautiful.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle) A variety of volunteer, donor and sponsor opportunities available. Saturday, Oct. 26. www.wildrumpus.org
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs
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 after hours. www.accgov.com/ animalservices
REDCOAT BAND DAY (5 Lake Herrick Dr.) Students K-12 are invited to the Redcoat field to experience what it’s like to be in the band. Oct. 25. $20. Register by Oct. 8. www. instagram.com/sai_iotazeta
YOUTH PROGRAMS (Sheats Social Services) Registration now open for a variety of weekly programs that provide educational and community support for K-12 students including Rainbow Reading Collective and Strong Beautiful Godly Girls (SBG²) Mentor Program. Volunteers are also needed. www.sheatssocial services.org
Word on the Street
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
ATHENS ZEN GROUP (work.shop) Sangha sits every Sunday morning 8:30–10 a.m. followed by Zen teachings. Newcomers’ orientation second Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. www.athenszen.org
BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations located across Athens with tools, an air pump and more. www. accgov.com/10584/Bike-RepairStations
CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit box.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.). www.athens roadrunners.org
FILM LOCATION DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The Athens Film Office seeks submissions of potential local sites for production projects. www.athensgafilmoffice.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
MOVIE MATINEE (ACC Leisure Services) Series of screening events designed specifically for populations with disabilities. Staff will be present to assist with facilitation and provide adaptations for skill development. If one-on-one supervision is needed, a caregiver should be present for the duration of the program. www.accgov.com, 706-613-3800
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners via scanning stations. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location. NETWORKING AND MEETINGS (Integrative Medicine Initiative) Free events for those in the local wellness sector seeking support and educational opportunities. admin@ integrativemedicineinitiative.org
OPEN STUDIOS (Nuçi’s Space) Four sound-treated, climate-controlled rooms available for rent. Equipped with a full PA system, drumkit and Wi-Fi. www.nuci.org
PUBLIC INPUT SURVEY (ACCGov) The Public Utilities Department (PUD) is seeking input regarding updates and additions to the Service Delivery Plan, which evaluates the water and sewer needs over 20 years. ACC residents can view the list of open house engagement opportunities, various plans and more online. www.accgov.com/sdp SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134 VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com f
The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians ahead of its holiday concerts.
