FP251126

COLORBEARER OF STRATEGIC STOCKING STUFFING

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 · VOL. 39 · NO. 47 · FREE

Holiday Gift Guide pp. 12-14

2

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

this week’s issue

contents

LOOK FOR

COURTESY OF ATHENS DIAPER BANK

SL AC KP OL E.. .

FLAGPOLE’S 2 WEEK ISSUE

We write 50 issues of flagpole a year, so we’re turning the writing over to you for flagpole’s year-end double issue, in print and on the interwebs Dec. 24th.

There’s still time to get your ad in this year’s edition, we’re not slacking just yet!

In celebration of the Athens Area Diaper Bank’s 10-year milestone, an anonymous donor has pledged to match gifts up to $10,000 this month. For more info about the nonprofit and how to donate, visit athensareadiaperbank.com.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Developing Homewood Hills

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

House District 121

Holiday Gift Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

An Ode to Normal Hardware

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

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Classical Revolution Athens

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 ATHENS GA LIVE MUSIC

CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

ARTS & CULTURE: arts@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $125 a year, $65 for six months. © 2025 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 39 ISSUE NUMBER 47

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

Have your business included in , FLAGPOLE S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

PUBLISHED IN THE ISSUES OF NOV. 26TH AND DEC. 10TH

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Chairs

RATES AS LOW AS $125 PER ISSUE. DEADLINE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DEC. 10TH ISSUE IS DEC. 2ND

IN FULL COLOR! Holiday Gift Guide Big City Bread Cafe

5 Points Acupuncture

393 N. Finley St.

2027 S. Milledge Ave.

www.5pointsacupuncture.com Experience the difference, not all essential oils are the same! Bliss Blend’s high quality oils are soothing and transporting.

One sniff elevates your spirits!

The Autumn, 2017 blend is a seasonal blend which helps you through rainy days, cold 2017 is weather and the occasional virus. The Winter Blend, warming, soothes muscle and joint aches.

www.bigcitybreadcafe.com Find the perfect gift at Big City Bread Cafe! Treat your loved ones with Big City gift certificates in any denomination, delicious and healthy Mama Bird’s granola, or locally roasted Jittery Joe’s and 1000 Faces coffee by the pound!

Call 706-353-0029 to place your order for holiday treats!

Ted’s Most Best

R. Wood Studio

www.tedsmostbest.com Artisan pizzas, salads, paninis, daily specials, cheesecakes and beer make Ted’s a good place to refuel while doing your holiday shopping.

While you are here, pick up a t-shirt or cozy hoodie, and a gift card for anyone on your list.

www.rwoodstudio.com One-of-a-kind pottery, handmade in Athens, makes the perfect gift.

Each dish is entirely made and painted by hand in the studio.

254 W. Washington St.

Closed Christmas day but open Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas.

450 Georgia Dr.

Studio is open daily.

Shiraz

Perry’s Convenience & Liquors

675 Pulaski St., Suite 400

265 North Ave., 4388 Lexington Rd.

shirazathens.com Shiraz has everything you need for the holidays: Christmas gifts including soaps and candles, sauces for entertaining and lots of decor!

www.perrysstores.com Give them what they really want this year: Liquor Gift Sets from Perry’s! They have a variety of gift sets and glassware to please every person on your Holiday Shopping List!

Gift certificates available. Complimentary gift wrapping. Closed Dec. 24-26. Open at 11a.m.

Dec. 27.

All locations are open seven days a week.

The Rook and Pawn

294 W. Washington St., Suite 300

therookandpawn.com Perfect gifts for the game lovers on your list: Codenames - Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their CODENAMES. Avalon - pits the future of forces of Good and Evil in a battle to control the civilization. T-shirts for kids and adults!

Urban Sanctuary 810 N. Chase St.

www.urbansanctuaryspa.com Gift Certificates to Urban Sanctuary bring comfort and joy! Massages, facials, nails, spa time and more. Spa memberships starting at $68.

Man-Friendly, Eco-Friendly, Organic, Natural.

Shop online or call 706-613-3947.

Contact us to host your Holiday party! Gift cards available.

COVER ART by Christopher Markiewicz (see Holiday Gift Guide on pp. 12–14) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301

Deadline to advertise is 12-16 @ NOON

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

NEWS: Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Dave Martin, Isabella Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Ed Tant CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE INTERN Mary Beth Bryan PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Email ads@flagpole.com or contact your favorite ad rep for details.

online exclusive

Contact Flagpole at ads@flagpole.com or 706-549-0301 to reserve your spot

Athens GA Live Music documents artists gracing stages across the Classic City.

Don’t miss footage from performances by Jerry Joseph, Nowhere Road & Hawk Proof Rooster, Chairs, Better Lovers, Howl Owl Howl and more.

See “Athens GA Live Music Presents” at flagpole.com.

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

3

4

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

news

city dope

Homewood Hills Housing COMMISSION LIKES SHOPPING CENTER REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com The Athens-­Clarke County Commission ment that belongs here,” Grace Tuschak looks poised to approve mid-­rise apartsaid. ments at the Homewood Hills shopping Planning staff said the proposal is too center despite the misgivings of county out-­of-­scale with the surrounding single-­ planners and some residents. family neighborhoods and should be laid out Atlanta-­based Carter is proposing to in a less autocentric grid. They also noted demolish the back third of the shopping that the applicant is maxing out the allowed center and build two five-­story towers residential density for the entire 16-­acre with 234 one-­and two-­bedroom apartments, as well as eight townhouses and an amphitheater. The aging strip mall has poor visibility from Jefferson Road and is no longer viable commercially, according to the developers.

“That particular parcel, property, it’s been sitting for a number of years. It’s become an eyesore, actually, to be honest with you, and I appreciate the developer coming in and really trying to redevelop that project,” said Commissioner Dexter Fisher, who represents the area.

Fisher is often opposed to building new multifamily housing but said he was convinced that this development would be for young professionals and medical students, rather than A rendering of proposed apartments at Homewood Hills. undergrads.

“The property is definitely ripe for redevelopment,” Commissioner Melissa property, raising questions about whether Link said, but she said the townhouses are the front portion will ever be redeveloped. just an afterthought, and the plan should Carter representatives have said they include more. The amphitheater should be a can’t demolish the entire shopping center more flexible space, too, she said. at this time because some tenants, such as The apartments will be market rate.

La Parilla, have long-­term leases. They will Minutes from the Nov. 6 planning commisbe relocated to the remaining 92,000 square sion meeting indicated that would prevent feet of commercial space when the other “undesirable people” from moving in.

46,000 square feet are torn down.

“Could you elaborate on who the undesirThe planning commission split 4–3 in ables are just so that, if they’re watching, recommending approval after three public they know that’s not who we want living hearings on the project, which resulted in there?” Commissioner Tiffany Taylor asked. scaling back one of the apartment buildings Jack Murphy, chief investment officer and the addition of townhouses, the amphiat Carter, denied using the term “undesirtheater and more parking lot landscaping. A able.” At the planning commission meeting, final vote is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Bryan Austin, a local commercial real estate Due to rising costs, an inability to agent who is working with Carter on the relocate utility poles and the conflictproject, was questioned about why affording priorities expressed in Link’s 2023 able units weren’t included. commission-­defined option, ACC staff “A lot of the neighbors were curious,” recommended scaling back proposed bike Austin responded. “They wanted to make lanes on Barber Street. If approved, a sure it would be market rate and higher two-­way cycle track and sidewalks would priced, because they wanted that kind of run from the Newton Bridge Road/Chase quality person living there, and they were Street intersection to Boulevard, but not concerned [about] who would be living in all the way to Prince Avenue. Staff deterthese apartments.” mined that between Boulevard and Prince, Rents will likely be similar to the new they could not build the bike lane without apartments at Oak Grove farther down removing trees, retaining walls and/or on-­ Jefferson Road, Austin said—about $1,500 street parking, which Link’s CDO instructed a month for a one-­bedroom and $1,800– them to avoid. In addition, seven years after $2,000 for a two-­bedroom. the project was conceived, the $7.6 million No one except the applicants—who are budget is now only enough to complete two not requesting a rezoning, but a binding of the four segments. planned development (PD) with several The commission also discussed: variances—spoke at the commission’s Nov. • preliminary plans for a sidewalk along 18 agenda-­setting meeting. However, five Vinson Drive. opposed the request at the planning com• revising the county’s short-­term rental mission meeting. ordinance to ban STRs in multifamily res“I just think saying ‘yes’ to this is going idential zones, except for those occupied to be saying ‘no’ to a better proposal down by a long-term tenant or the homeowner, the line that’s going to make this a truly who could continue to operate them with walkable mixed-­use town center developa home business license.

• reallocating $274,000 from a canceled Economic Justice Coalition homelessness program to Athens Area Habitat for Humanity for home construction.

• zoning requests for a self-­storage facility on McLung Drive, a restaurant on Hull Road and what neighbors termed a “megachurch” on Smithonia Road near Winterville.

• allowing bars to open on Super Bowl Sunday under a state law letting local governments pick one Sunday a year when bars can open. [Blake Aued]

Move the Multimodal Center?

Athens-­Clarke County officials floated the idea of moving the Multimodal Trans-

when ACC officials anticipated that a passenger train to Atlanta would run along the tracks there one day. However, that prospect appears dead, at least for the foreseeable future.

The committee is in the process of hiring consulting firm Accenture to create a master plan for an entertainment district around the arena and find developers to lease publicly owned land nearby. Revenue from long-­term leases would go toward paying off the bonds that funded the majority of the $170 million project.

David Bradley, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said the committee’s main job is to ensure the bonds are repaid. “That’s a lot of dollars right there,” he said of the multimodal center land.

The arena is operating in the black, with $3.3 million in net revenue for fiscal 2025, from its opening in December 2024 through last June. Corporate support “has been far beyond what we expected,” Classic Center President and CEO Paul Cramer said, with $3.9 million a year in revenue from naming rights and suite rentals. The Classic Center Authority is projected to have enough money to make the bond payments without revenue from land leases until fiscal year 2028. [BA]

ACC Library Holiday Sale

portation Center downtown to make way for new development around Akins Ford Arena.

Commissioner Allison Wright made the suggestion during a Nov. 16 meeting of the Arena District Steering Committee, formed earlier this year to guide development around the new arena. “Does it really need to be there, and does it really need to be that big?” Wright said, especially since ACC has plans to build three transfer stations.

The bus station just east of downtown was originally planned in the late 1990s,

The Athens-­Clarke County Library Store has its holiday sale Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The sale includes gently used books at a fraction of their original cost and gifts from local vendors—stocking stuffers to larger presents. Included are garden flags, bookmarks, “Ask a Librarian” sweatshirts, beadwork, plant stands, book stands, cat toys, magnets, art work and crocheted pieces, including book sleeves.

The Athens Junior League will be offering its cookbook, Beyond the Hedges, and the League is also selling poinsettias. UGA Press books will be available, and so will publications from Bilbo Books. In addition, shoppers can purchase holiday refreshments, and complimentary wrapping of gift purchases bought at the market will be available. Proceeds will benefit the library.

[Rebecca McCarthy] f

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

5

news

feature

House District 121

GET READY TO GO BACK TO THE POLLS FOR ANOTHER SPECIAL ELECTION

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

It

was the first year of the Trump administration, and a Republican-­ leaning state House seat was up for grabs in a special election. Shocked, angry and highly motivated Athens Democrats, itching to get back in the voting booth, sent the GOP candidate to defeat.

That’s what happened in a special election for House District 121 in 2017. It could happen again this year.

When state Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-­Watkinsville) resigned his seat a month ago, setting up a special election Dec. 9, it echoed a race eight years ago. Democrat Jonathan Wallace pulled off an upset, winning 57% of the vote against Wiedower and two other Republicans for an open seat.

With Democrats riding high on two landslide victories in Public Service Commission races, it appears history may repeat itself.

Clarke County, home to a large number of transient college students, usually lags well behind Oconee County in voter turnout. But turnout for the PSC race was 26% in Oconee and 27% in Clarke. Clarke also skewed even further Democratic than usual, giving Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson 84% of the vote.

Oconee County also veered left, splitting 60-­40 for incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.

“Democrats won this month’s PSC races not just in traditionally blue counties, but in swing counties and even deep-­red counties that voted upwards of 60% for Trump last year. It’s proof positive that when Dem-

ocrats invest, organize and compete everywhere, we can’t be counted out anywhere,” Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Charlie Bailey told the Georgia Recorder.

Democrat Eric Gisler lost to Wiedower by more than 20 points in 2024, but if the Dec. 9 special election for House District 121 is anything like the Nov. 4 special election for PSC, Gisler has a real shot at

beating Mack “Dutch” Guest IV, the Republican candidate. State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-­Athens) said as much during a recent Athens GOP meeting.

Gaines and Wiedower “lost in a very, very similar election” in 2017. “And we only have a 10-­seat majority in the House for Republicans,” Gaines said. “I can tell you the Democrats are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to get [Guest’s] opponent elected.”

Oconee County Republican Chair Kathy Hurley wrote on Facebook: “A slice of the

Mack “Dutch” Guest IV

Eric Gisler

People’s Republic of Clarke County is also part of HD 121. What does that mean to you? Well if you sit this one out it could mean a liberal Democrat as your next state representative,” according to Lee Becker’s blog Oconee County Observations.

Gisler, however, said he sees the Democratic Party as a big-­tent party that welcomes former Republicans who don’t accept the belief that Donald Trump is inviolable.

“People who were in that [MAGA] tent before that became the rule, I don’t think they’re very comfortable anymore,” he said.

He labeled the MAGA wing of the GOP “an extremist party that on most days doesn’t even seem to care about the Constitution.”

Asked about his top priority, Gisler listed ranked-­choice voting, where voters rank the candidates in order of preference, rather than choosing one, eliminating the need for runoffs, which he called a relic of Jim Crow.

He also supports overturning Georgia’s six-­ week abortion ban, raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, funding education, and lowering costs for housing, car insurance and health insurance.

In an interview conducted the day before Congress ended the government shutdown, Gisler criticized state-­level Republicans for not dipping into Georgia’s $14 billion surplus to provide emergency funding for the food program SNAP. He is also opposed to cutting or eliminating the state income tax, as Republicans have proposed, which he said would lead to raising other taxes or cutting services. “I don’t like paying taxes

any more than anybody else, but the state income tax is half the state’s tax revenue.

It’s $20 billion,” he said. “I haven’t heard how they plan to make that up.”

Gisler graduated from UGA with a degree in oceanography, but he has spent his career in IT. He also owns The Olive Basket, an Oconee County olive oil and vinegar store that he is planning to move to downtown Athens.

Guest runs LAD Truck Lines, a Watkins­ ville-­based logistics business, with his father. “It’s taught me when to listen and learn, and how to get things done, be effective and strategic, and how to bring people together. That is my goal when I get to Atlanta, is to learn,” he said, adding that he plans to lean heavily on Gaines if elected.

Guest said he is passionate about transportation, bridges and roads. “316 might be a hot topic,” he said. Other policy interests include education and public safety, where he pledged to “work across the board with our law enforcement agencies and make sure they have the tools to get the job done.”

Early voting is underway through Friday, Dec. 5; check accgov.com/advancevoting for times and locations. For more information about Guest’s campaign, visit electdutch. com or facebook.com/electdutch. To learn more about Gisler, visit ericgisler.com or facebook.com/gislerforgeorgia.

Chris Dowd of Athens Politics Nerd contributed to this report.

YOUR SECOND-FAVORITE REAL ESTATE TEAM

The Jarrett Martin Group jarrettmartingroup

Jarrett Martin, REALTOR® 229.869.5734

REALTOR® 706.201.7047

940 Prince Avenue Suite C | Athens, Georgia 30606 | 706.559.4520 | corcoranclassic.com ©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

6

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

news

street scribe

revolutionary patriots like Thomas Paine with commentary on the issues of the 20th century.

On July 4, 1976, the PBC had a rally in Washington DC. I was there as a writer for the Athens Observer newspaper. The nearby Capitol provided a stately backdrop as American flags waved in the warm summer breezes, but also present in large numbers were yellow “Gadsden flags” originally flown by citizens of the 18th century colonies that

by American revolutionaries in 1775. The would fight to become the United States flag depicts a coiled rattlesnake above the of America. In a caustic and cautionary slogan “Don’t Tread on Me.” The PBC also commencement speech at Brandeis Univerused the rattlesnake motif on protest butsity last year, Burns told his tons worn by participants in audience that, “We are at an the 1976 rally, decades before existential crossroads in our the same Gadsden flag was political and civic lives. This hoisted at conservative Tea is a choice that could not be Party events in 2009. I still clearer.” have my PBC button from America’s 250th birth1976. day next July 4 is called the With its mixture of music, semiquincentennial, a word activism and oratory, the PBC that doesn’t exactly roll off the rally enlivened the Washington tongue. In 1976 this nation celebrations nearly 50 years marked its bicentennial, 200 ago. With its reminder that years since declaring its indeThomas Jefferson warned pendence from Great Britain. against what he called “the A president that American disaristocracy of our moneyed sidents dubbed “King Richard” corporations,” the People’s Nixon had been swept from Bicentennial Commission cauJohn Trumbull’s painting “The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.” office in 1974, just two years tioned against overweening before the U.S. Bicentennial. corporate power more than Despite his criminality in the infamous the official bicentennial events that critics four decades before Occupy Wall Street proWatergate scandal, Nixon was quickly parderided as a “Buy-​centennial” of corporate tests began in 2011. doned by his hand-​picked vice president and governmental collusion. PBC books Ken Burns brings America’s revolution and successor, Gerald Ford. like its 1974 volume Voices of the American to life today. He was right when he said, As America celebrated its bicentennial in Revolution and its 1975 volume Common “You can’t possibly know where you are or 1976, Ford and his vice president, billionSense II: The Case Against Corporate Tyrwhere you’re going if you don’t know where aire Nelson Rockefeller, were at the helm anny combined the words of 18th century you’ve been.” f

You Say You Want a Revolution KEN BURNS’ DOCUMENTARIES REMAIN AS COMPELLING AS EVER

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com Ken Burns has a shining reputation as the documentary filmmaker who created such memorable television fare as his 1990 series, The Civil War. His latest series on PBS, The American Revolution, takes viewers back to a time long ago that has relevance today.

“Patriotism means loving your country enough to tell its whole story,” said Burns.

In his work over a span of decades, Burns has told stories of America’s bold ideas and its bad mistakes. He has shown patriotism as an artist by painting a true cinematic picture of the land that he loves despite its flaws.

Burns has a long roster of compelling films, The Civil War being perhaps his most famous. He also produced such documentaries as Baseball (1994), Jazz (2001), The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (2014), The Vietnam War (2017) and Country Music (2019). The American Revolution comes as we are poised to celebrate this nation’s 250th birthday next year, with a president whom Burns has called “a naked emperor” and “a spoiled, misbehaving child” in the White House. With the Trump regime eager to gut the Public Broadcasting System, the work of Ken Burns could be imperiled.

The American Revolution shows our nation’s painful birth and the choices made

of the ship of state in Washington. Neither had been elected to the presidency or the vice presidency, so their conjunction of politics, pardons and plutocracy didn’t sit well with millions of Americans. Enter the People’s Bicentennial Commission.

Founded by author, activist and educator Jeremy Rifkin at the dawn of the 1970s, the PBC aimed to push what Rifkin called “revolutionary alternatives to the bicentennial years.” The organization did exactly that, sponsoring programs for schools, television and radio broadcasts, as well as publishing a series of books with alternative views of

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

7

pub notes

PHOTOS BY PETE McCOMMONS

news

Will Normaltown Still Be Normal?

THE HARDWARE CLOSES, AND ANOTHER ERA ENDS

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com It’s like a wake. The family is gathered in their usual places: Hank Logan in a rocking chair near the entrance, brother Bob behind the counter and Dan “Boone” Glenn on his accustomed stool beyond a shelf.

Friends and customers come and go. Publican-­ entrepreneur Joey Tatum shoots the breeze with Hank.

Master of all trades Will Wilson takes advantage of the going-­out-­of-­business sale to lay in some supplies. Bassist extraordinaire Dan Horowitz comes in for some zip ties, and Athens enthusiast Mary Lopez breezes through. A TV above the front door replays the Georgia-­Texas game.

Normal Hardware is closing on Dec. 31. Hank’s and Bob’s father, Hugh Logan, came home from World War II and started building houses—you can see a lot of them along Holman Avenue. When the supply of candidates for the G.I. Bill lessened, Hugh segued into the building supply business and opened Normal Hardware in 1949, first down the street where Bill Overend’s law office is now, then in the present iconic brick building, which was formerly Brackett’s Grocery.

After he retired from the post office, Hugh’s father came to help out at the store, as Hugh got increasingly involved in local politics. It was a natural development for Hugh, because he greeted every customer as if he was running for office, so he might as well do it. In his career on the Clarke County Commission and later representing Athens in the Georgia House of Representatives, Hugh was always available to his constituents. Unless he was away in Atlanta on legislative business, all you had to do was walk in the front door at the store, and you got an instant appointment with Hugh and frequently a discount, whether you came in to ask for a favor or to disagree with Hugh’s politics.

Dan came to work at Normal Hardware in 1968, when he was 18 years old, after a career shining shoes at Normal Barber Shop down the street toward where Agua Linda is today. Hugh nicknamed Dan “The Engineer of Normaltown,” an appropriate title since Dan can assemble anything and show you how to work it and repair it if it breaks—like a 30-­year-­old mattock still busting tree stumps after only one new handle installed by Dan. Customers have always humorously wondered if there is an “abnormal” hardware, and they may be about to find out, like the brand new chain-­store mattock that pretzled after its first lick at a stump, before Dan put the new handle in the old Normal tool.

Bob says he came to work at the store when he was 12 years old, loading sheetrock, and he’s hated doing it ever since. Hugh believed children should learn to make their own way, and he made sure his did. “I tell you,” Bob says, “I am not going to miss hauling that sheetrock.”

Let us digress a moment to make sure everybody understands “Normal.” It comes from the State Normal School, which preceded the present medical college and the Navy Supply Corps school gracing the beautiful campus across Prince Avenue. The school was a teacher’s college, and like normal schools all over the country and the world, it trained its teachers to teach elementary students the “norms” of learning and behavior, a concept derived from the French école normale. Thus Normaltown and Normal Hardware.

anachronism. But for its customers the store is the very essence of local, where they do not need to drive out of town to grab a toilet flap or buy a rake for the fall leaves or a mattock when stumped. And of course the best part of the equation, ever since Hugh opened it up, has been the friendly expertise always ready to greet you.

Dan “Boone” Glenn Bob Logan Hank Logan

Hank headed up a couple of departments at the university before retiring back to the family store. “We’re not going to sell the business,” he says. “We’re going to close it down, sell everything we can and dispose of the rest. And we’re going to rent the building.” (Bargain alert: Look for some deep discounts during December.) The top floor is already occupied by the architectural firm Arcollab.

Hank says he’s going to keep his office in the back that was Hugh’s, but he’ll have plenty of time for golf. Bob will have plenty of time for fishing. Dan will just have plenty of time, and he doesn’t know what he’ll do with it.

8

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

Normaltown, up until a decade before Hugh opened the store, was the gateway to Atlanta. Oglethorpe Avenue (formerly known as Monroe Road) was the only route west across the Middle Oconee, at Mitchell Bridge. Normaltown had a filling station on every corner (note Automatic Pizza’s homage) and a more diverse business mix than its present restaurant and bar establishments—though don’t forget Willie’s Place and of course Allen’s Hamburgers, made “World Famous” by the graduates of the Navy school aboard their farflung ships.

Given the trend to wining and dining in Normaltown and the omnipresence of the chain stores carrying hardware, it’s easy to see Normal Hardware as a charming

One customer suggested several years ago that the Logans should adopt the practice in Ireland of combining a pub with the store, so that the counter becomes a bar by night, and the customers who come in for a quart of varnish in the afternoon can come back for a pint of stout in the evening. Bob considered the logistics, given the beer taps already just outside either wall of the building, but eventually laughed off the idea. We’ll never know.

Now, time is running out. Just another month until the epicenter of Normaltown shifts.

“To tell you the truth,” Hank says, “this business hasn’t made any money in a long time, but we’ve kept it going because we understand how important it is to the Normaltown community. And we’re not going to put anything in here that isn’t a good fit for Normaltown.” f

Northeast Health District

Birth Control Made Easy

Don’t Forget - free condoms are available at all health departments

visit an

ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENT NortheastHealthDistrict.org

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

9

arts & culture

calendar picks

LITERATURE | SAT, NOV. 29

music

MUSIC | SAT, NOV. 29

Sarah Mosseri Book Launch

Cloud Recordings Festival Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. (doors) • $12

Hendershot’s • 2 p.m. • FREE!

Trust Fall is the first book by sociologist and researcher Sarah Mosseri, exploring the intricacies of trust and power in workplace culture. Across every industry she studied, from restaurants to tech startups, Mosseri found that the relationships that stabilize workers’ experiences are also capable of deepening their exposure to risk and exploitation. Her book balances academic

Cloud Recordings is a local record label that was founded by John Kiran Fernandes and the late Will Cullen Hart in 2001. Fernandes and Hart are best known as two prominent members of Athens’ iconic indie music collective Elephant 6, particularly in bands The Olivia Tremor Control and later Circulatory System. Fernandes, who still frequently plays in bands around town, got the idea for a music festival that would highlight artists on the label and other local artists that he loved back in 2012, and has held Cloud Recordings Festival annually since then. This year’s festival is one night only, featuring an ambient duo performance from Fernandes and David McCoy; indie-​rock band Telemarket (which recently released its new single “Didn’t Ask What’s On My Mind”); a trio performance from Fernandes, Arianna Petersen and Franklin Russell; and electronic space act Organically Programmed. [MB] LITERATURE | TUE, DEC. 2

Hanna Pylväinen Book Reading

Ramsey Hall • 6 p.m. • FREE!

Sarah Mosseri

BEOWULFSHEEHAN

insight with evocative storytelling to give its readers the ability to recognize and challenge their place in these dynamics. Mosseri’s previous sociological work has been published in interdisciplinary journals like New Media & Society, British Journal of Management, and Work, Employment and Society.

For this book-launch event, she will give behind-​the-​scenes insight and hold an open discussion. She will also sign copies of Trust Fall, and exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase. [Mary Beth Bryan]

Following up her Whiting Award-​ and Balcones Fiction Prize-​winning debut novel We Sinners, author and educator Hanna Pylväinen’s The End of Drum-​Time is a historical narrative based around the Sámi reindeer herding culture of mid-​19th century Scandinavia. The story follows a Lutheran minister attempting to convert the indigenous Sámi herders, delving into themes of faith, identity, colonialism and change. For this event

MUSIC | SAT, NOV. 29

Abbey Road LIVE!

The Foundry • 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $15 (adv.), $20

Beginning in 2002 with covers specifically from the seminal Beatles album, Abbey Road, Abbey Road LIVE! is now Athens’ premier Fab Four tribute band. Four all-​star local musicians comprise the group, having all recorded and toured with acts like Cosmic Charlie and individually with Indigo Girls, Mike Houser of Widespread Panic, Danielle Howle and more. Together, they have a catalog of nearly 150 Beatles songs. This Hanna Pylväinen is one tribute band from which audiin partnership with The Georgia Review, ences won’t encounter kitsch. The group Pylväinen will read from the book and dissays, “Abbey Road LIVE! is not your typical cuss her research, the process of writing Beatles look-​alike tribute act; don’t expect historical fiction and her connection with mop-​top haircuts and vintage Rickenbacker the themes in her story. This is part of UGA guitars. Rather, this show is about bringing Presents’ Nordic Dream series, which will to life some of the more mature and comgo on to include Norwegian pianist Leif Ove plex Beatles material in a raw and spirited Andsnes on Jan. 21, Finnish folk band Frigg fashion, while remaining true to the origion Jan. 24 and Norwegian jazz pianist Tord nal recordings.” R.E.M. tribute band Radio Gustavsen’s trio on Mar. 27. [MB] f Free Athens will open the show. [MB]

10

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

threats & promises

Kites With Lights Single PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com Hey y’all, since this is the week we’re giving thanks, I wanted to express my appreciation for your reading this column each week.

I also want to thank every musician and band who claims Athens as their homebase.

While my individual opinion on your work varies wildly, the fact is there’s no scene without you. And as someone who loves the Athens music scene more than many things, I thank you for another year of doing what you do. Now, let’s get into the news.

AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE: The collaborative album by Don Chambers and George Davidson, produced under the project name Call Letters, is titled Haint Blue and is out now. The immediacy of this record reflects the situation of its birth. All eight tracks were improvised and recorded in a single five-​hour session at Japanski Studio, where it was engineered and mastered by Matt Tamisin. Only craftsmen such as these could produce something as touching as “Garland Of Flowers” on the fly. If you’re unfamiliar with the artists, know that each has decades of performance and compositional work under his belt. Chambers sings and plays guitar, and Davidson plays saxophone. This isn’t a jazz album, nor is it a rock and roll album. It is, rather, what perhaps Nebraska might have been were it recorded in downtown New York City circa 1975.

Find this at callletters. bandcamp.com.

AN AURAL AUTUMN:

Longtime readers and local music fans will remember the now-​defunct Moeke Records Summer Singles compilations that were released for several years. Now, The Glow Studio operator and former Moeke head Jesse Mangum has reworked the concept and presented the inaugural release of some fresh studio activity. The first collection of recent recordings at The Glow are available on The Glow Recording Studio Presents: Fall Fingles 2025. Should you choose to engage, you’ll get tracks from T. Hardy Morris & Little Gold, Isra and the Paisleys, Floral Portrait, Drí and the Violence, Dog Person and Cardynal ft. The Flock. Each song here was recorded, mixed and mastered in a single eight-​hour session at The Glow. Check it out over at theglowrecordingstudio.bandcamp.com.

NO JOY IN SLUDGEVILLE: If you were hoping for a fresh onslaught of kind of sludgy (but not too much) metal that’s at least somewhat aware of 1980s-​era crossover metal, then End Times Vision has you covered. The group just released the eight-​song A Career In High-​Potency Capsules, which is exactly the kind of nasty gas station-​inspired title this record deserves. The existential metal hammering of “blackbeansandrice” contains some surprising melodic instances,

as well as notable, yet understated lead guitar. Similarly, “Strongman Competition/ Warship” is a complex, multilayered piece that pretends it isn’t. Basically, y’all, there’s a lot more going on here than initially meets the eyes and ears. However, to be sure, if you were looking for a pick-​me-​up this isn’t it. So, go gloom it up at leadmouth.bandcamp.com.

SHUMWAY OR THE HIGHWAY: Now, as long as we’re taking a trip on the roller coaster of unhappiness, let’s talk about the new five-​ song, self-​titled EP by Ralph. The enormity of the rock-​and-​roll racket this pair makes is off the charts. Careful listeners will hear dashes of Mudhoney and Bikini Kill, but uncareful listeners should enjoy this just as much without hearing that stuff. The record’s cover art is a clever/ironic play on two cultural phenomena: puppet TV personality ALF and the upside down Christian cross, each of which is placed in a comedic context. Specific musical highlights here are “The Benzos” and “Smells Like Money.”

However, each of those is cut from similar cloth as the other three, so if you dig one you’ll maybe dig them all. Check it out at ralphcore.bandcamp. com.

STAY LIT: It’s been several years since there was any new music from Kites With Lights. Well, homie, project founder and main man Jonah Cordy has blessed us all with new music.

It’s only one song, but it’s something. And it’s named “The Rules.” You’re completely forgiven for not being at all familiar with Cordy’s work because, as I said, it’s been years. But this is another compelling slice of well crafted and thoughtfully constructed synthpop that surfs along the shadow of an otherwise bright universe. Which is to say, yes, it’s synthy and melodic, but not particularly lighthearted. Find this at kiteswithlights.bandcamp.com, and demonstrate your fanship by checking out facebook.com/ kites​with​lights.

LUCKY MAN: It’s been about 14 months since I had anything to say about Iodine Watt.

But that ends now as the new album Human Music just came out. Only in the current milieu would I jump to the conclusion of surmising the title is a hot take on the expansion of artificial intelligence, so consider that jumped to. One of the album’s release tags, though, explicitly says “no ai” so I cannot be far off course, if at all. In any case, this album is another example of Iodine Watt being well versed in prog and orchestral rock, as well as other grand musical schema like video game tracks. In particular, I enjoyed “Jealous Trees,” “(This is) The End” and “Chase Scene.” Dig it at iodine​ watt.bandcamp.com. f

COZY YUM YUM IS BACK! SERVING DELICIOUS THAI FOOD

BUY 1 GET ONE HALF PRICE Any menu item *

OPEN SUN-WED 12pm-12am & THU /FRI /SAT 12pm-3am *Expires 10/31/25

Restaurant Section

179 N. Jackson St. 706-668-8420 @cozybar179

LUMPKIN & CEDAR SHOALS 706 -355-7087

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS

• LOMO SA LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S •

FOR KIDS & TEENS

Come play, create, and belong - drop in today!

Open 7 Days a Week No Registration Fees

in the Chase Park Warehouses foxdenthirdspace.com

LIVE MUSIC

FRI/SAT NIGHTS!

-DAILY SPECIALS-

Monday: $2.99 12 oz House Margaritas OTR, $5 Blueberry Mojitos Tuesday: 2 x 1 Mojitos, $5 12 oz Kiwi Margaritas Wednesday: $2 12 oz Draft Beer, $5 12 oz Blackberry Margaritas, $2 Well Shots Thursday: 2 x 1 12 oz House Margaritas OTR or Frozen, $20 Beer Buckets Fri/Sat/Sun: 3 PM – 7 PM Happy Hour 2 x 1 12 oz House Margaritas

SUN–THURS 10:30AM–10PM • FRI & SAT 10:30AM–11PM

LUNCH MENU M-F • 10:30AM–3PM SAT & SUNDAY BRUNCH SPECIALS 255 W WASHINGTON ST. (706)850-0833 NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

e l o p g a l f

Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to the first edition of flagpole’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide!

To be included in the Dec. 10th edition, contact the Flagpole Advertising Department at 706-549-0301 or ads@flagpole.com. Deadline is Dec. 2nd.

Aurum Studios Ltd.

Big City Bread Cafe

Aurum Studios Ltd. has been an Athens destination for fine jewelry, art, and pottery since 1975. Shop their beautiful selection of unique items, like this 14k Green Tourmaline bracelet and 14k Ancient Roman Scene Pendant Replica, both by the Mazza Company, and 14k Roman Coin and diamond earrings replica by In Style by Rafeal.

Treat your loved ones and celebrate your love of Big City Bread with gift certificates in any denomination. Super easy to purchase online or in person. Delicious sweets trays feature assorted mini cookies, sweet bars, and chocolate truffle stars. Call or email bigcitycafe@yahoo.com to order (with 48 hours notice) for your holiday celebration.

125 E. Clayton St. aurumstudios.com

393 N. Finley St. bigcitybreadcafe.com

Holiday Market Dec. 11 & 12, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

Canopy Studio

Cattle Dog Forge

Give the gift of aerial dance with kids winter camp, adult workshops, and classes for all ages. Check out the new bungee classes for ages 16 and up! Perfect for all abilities with no experience necessary. Wrap up a Canopy gift certificate and water bottle this holiday season!

Cattle Dog Forge Kitchen Knives makes handcrafted knives, kitchen accessories, and custom orders from high carbon steel by artisanal bladesmith Daniel Moye in his Watkinsville, Georgia workshop.

These kitchen knives are excellent quality working knives that feel great in the hand, are pleasing to the eye, and are made to last for generations to come. Knives are one of a kind with a wide variety of fine handle materials and fittings.

160-6 Tracy St. canopystudio.org

Watkinsville cattledogforge.com

Order online with free shipping, or arrange for local pickup.

The Classic Center

Classic Citiva

Athens On Ice public ice skating is back at the 440 Foundry Pavilion at The Classic Center! With theme nights, brand new toddler skating sessions, and so much more, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!

Tickets are $22 with skate rental; groups of four or more are eligible for $20 tickets.

Classic Citiva has two hemp and wellness stores in Athens, selling trusted hemp products in a welcoming atmosphere. Try their THC gummies this season. The Activators blend is perfect for someone who needs an energy boost to get through the holidays, while their Serenity blend gives the gift of relaxation to the person who is always on the go. Their classic Red White & Blues are the ultimate way to elevate anyone’s holidaze!

440 Foundry St. classiccenter.com/athensonice

Season skate passes are also available.

2361 W. Broad St., Ste. 10 • 2226 Barnett Shoals Rd. IG/FB: @classiccitiva

Open Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving.

Creature Comforts Brewing Company

DePalma’s Italian Cafe

Creature Comforts’ craft brewery and tasting room have been Athens staples since 2014.

Give the gifts of red and black Creature sweatshirts, CCBC logo tee, and Classic City Lager Can pocket tee. All black and red items are 20% on Friday, Nov. 28, and are available at the retail shop at the taproom.

DePalma’s offers catering and party trays to make your holidays tastier. Lasagna, Chicken Parmigian, salad, bread sticks, and more. Dine in or call in your order and pick it up at one of our 3 locations.

271 W. Hancock Ave. creaturecomfortsbeer.com

Closed Thanksgiving day. Retail shop opens at noon on Nov. 28, taproom at 1 p.m.

12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

401 E. Broad St., 2080 Timothy Rd., 1965 Barnett Shoals Rd. depalmasitaliancafe.com

Gift cards, both physical and email versions, are available online at depalmasitaliancafe.com

flagpole

Holiday Gift Guide

Frog Pond Shop

Georgia Museum of Art

The Frog Pond Gift Shop at Sandy Creek Nature Center has something for everyone!

Choose from an extensive selection of plush toys like this realistic baby alligator, or duplicate the walking movement of real spiders with this Smithsonian S.T.E.M. kit. They also have glazed mugs with sand carved fossil designs!

The Museum Shop has gifts for all ages! Give creatively this season with art supplies of all kinds.

Sandy Creek Nature Center www.website.com

Open Tues.–Sat. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Museum Shop • 90 Carlton St. georgiamuseum.org

Friends Holiday Shopping Week takes place December 9-14. All Friends receive 10% off everything, including frames and sale items. Upper-level members receive 20% off.

Indie South

The Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother

Indie South has a wide range of eclectic finds from over 150 small brands. Framed insects and butterflies, psychedelic mushroom puzzles, sardine hair clips and stocking stuffers galore are here for all your holiday needs. Always plenty of FREE parking.

An Athens institution for 40 years, Junkman’s - now housed within Cillie’s on Clayton St. - continues to be a beloved source for gifts that are clever, unique, hilarious, and bizarre. Classic Leg Lamps in large and small sizes, giant (24”!) screaming chickens, and swear word bingo and just a few of the treasures you’ll find.

470 Hawthorne Ave. theindiesouth.com

Holiday Hooray event at General Time Dec. 13 & 14.

175 E. Clayton St.

Loving Botanicals

Sexy Suz Couples Boutique

Loving Botanicals is the only Cannabis Mocktail Dry Bar and traditional cannabis dispensary in Athens. They offer “high” quality presents like fun and refreshing Crescent 9 THC seltzers. Got a friend with a sweet tooth?

Grab them some Seventh Hill THC Caramels or let them make their own with THC-infused olive oil.

Sexy Suz is fully stocked with your favorite adult products this holiday season! A wide selection of lingerie, party games like Fondle, and toys like The Male Rose are just a few of the great items they carry.

269 Hull St., Ste. 200 lovingbotanicals.com

4124 Atlanta Hwy. chazzy.com • IG:@seysuzathens

Open all week.

Open Tues.–Sat. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Small Business of the Month! Porter Steel Inc. The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Porter Steel Inc. as Small Business of the Month.

Congratulations to our November Small Business of the Month, Porter Steel, Inc.! Headquartered in Lilburn, Porter Steel has embraced the Athens community since opening an additional facility here, priding itself on a purpose of changing lives and leading by example. They are ‘powered by principle’, demonstrating leadership in more than just business, and we’re proud to have them in the Athens business community!

Learn how the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce can support your organization at athensga.com.

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

13

Holiday Gift Guide

flagpole

State Botanical Garden of GA Gift Shop

The Cottage

The Gift Shop at the State Botanical Garden offers a variety of festive gifts and decorations!

Mr. Bird holiday bird feeders, Roland Pine soy candles, and seasonal local honey from Tallassee Highlands are sure to bring joy this holiday season.

Donate to support the work of The Cottage, which provides free support services to survivors in our community. Make a donation as a gift to a loved one and give the gift of healing to those affected by sexual violence and child abuse.

Shop the Winter Market at Winter WonderLights. Gift wrapping available.

The Cottage operates a crisis hotline 24/7, year round. That number is 877–363–1912

The PG Show

Woodhill Artists Market

Your favorite Athens kindie-rock band has the perfect gift for your favorite little (and big!) cowpokes. T-shirts in toddler to adult sizes, stickers, and FREE downloadable coloring sheets are all available on their website for local pickup and delivery.

Woodhill Artists Market features local artists (pictured) Glenda Chamberlain, functional and decorative pottery; Lisa Freeman, collage and assemblage art and gifts; Peter Loose, joyful art and musical instruments.

Also featured: Mary Rugg, Michael Pierce, Greg Krakow, Barbara Odil, Ansley Grace, Leigh Ellis, and Louise Norrell.

2450 S. Milledge Ave. botgarden.uga.edu

3019 Lexington Rd. northgeorgiacottage.org

thepgshow.com IG: @thepgshowIG

4745 Bob Godfrey Rd. barbaraodil.com/woodhillartshow2025

Opening Reception Dec. 5, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Market: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

HAVE THINGS THAT ARE HARD TO RECYCLE? BRING THEM TO CHaRM!

WHAT CAN YOU RECYCLE AT CHaRM?

WE TAKE THESE FOR FREE! Pots & pans Chains Rusted outdoor furniture Metal auto parts Broken appliances Things that are mostly metal

THE CENTER FOR HARD-TO-RECYCLE MATERIALS

CHaRM DOESN’T TAKE: Furniture Construction material Fuels

UP TO $10.00 OFF YOUR NEXT VISIT!

WEIRD LIQUIDS Car fluids (not fuel) Paint & stains Cleaners & solvents Pool supplies Fertilizers, Herbicides Motor and cooking oil Other liquids or powders

No cash value. One coupon accepted per customer/trip.

Expires 12/31/2026.

14

THINGS TEACHERS CAN USE

SCRAP METAL

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

1005 College Ave, Athens, GA Open Tues, Fri, & Sat 7AM to 1PM, and Wed 12PM to 6 PM

PLASTIC BAGS AND STYROFOAM (clean & dry)

Grocery bags Plastic wrap Packing peanuts Bubble wrap Plastic mailers Styrofoam containers Styrofoam inserts

THINGS THAT TURN ON

(OR USED TO) & THEIR PARTS! Electronics Batteries Plugs & cords Lightbulbs Tools Appliances

See website for a complete list of accepted items, fees, and additional info.

Art supplies Office & school supplies Science Equipment Working Electronics Items for creative reuse

AND MORE! Tires Mattresses & box springs Fire extinguishers Tennis and golf balls Any size propane tank- full or empty Helium tanks VHS, cassettes, DVDs, & cases Medical sharps from households Documents to shred Food scraps for compost and more!

accgov.com/CHaRM recycle@accgov.com 706-613-3501

music

feature

Classical Revolution Athens OUT OF THE CONCERT HALL, INTO THE COFFEE SHOP

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

T

he University of Georgia’s Performing Arts Center is a valuable asset that draws world-​renowned musicians and provides access to classical music, but that doesn’t mean its opportunities and offerings are equally accessible to all in the Athens community. Classical Revolution is an international grassroots movement that aims to bring classical music out of the concert hall and into community spaces.

The local Athens chapter was established in 2015 by Maria Kindt, a violist and UGA alumna, but the pandemic spurred an extended hiatus for the group. Under the leadership of Alexandra Dunbar, a professor at the University of North Georgia, and Jazmyn Trujillo, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, Classical Revolution Athens has resumed its monthly open mic-​ style events at Hendershot’s this year.

times they get premieres.

“There’s a really fantastic composer at UNG, David Peoples, and he’s kind of a regular at these performances. He will come do a brand new performance, and he’ll play something that’s never been performed anywhere,” says Dunbar. “I always try to really, really encourage that. Students at UGA have come and performed, too, and it’s really interesting the kind of music that they’ll play. So it’s usually mixed music. I always like to hear what new music is doing these days, bridging between universities and community.”

However, Dunbar also emphasizes that, just like the space is open to all levels of performers, it’s not just for people with lofty musical dreams seeking to be professional at any point. It’s also for those who simply love and enjoy the music. Sometimes

... just listen WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH

BIG BAND ATHENS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH

GIVE THANKS 8K

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH

COCKTAILS AND SILENT FILMS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH

"TRUST FALL" BOOK LAUNCH 2PM

KIRBY CRAFT, QUENTIN LOVE, EIGHT PICTURES 8PM HENDERSHOTSATHENS.COM ORDER UP SOME FRESHLY IN–HOUSE ROASTED COFFEE! ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

237 prince ave. • 706.353.3050

Classical music enjoyers of all kinds are invited to listen and cheer in a more relaxed and informal environment while performances take place from a mix of touring professionals, students of all ages and even casual players. The environment is also a great place to meet people looking for small ensembles to join or chamber partners.

“There’s not really a lot of dedicated spaces to [classical music] other than a performance hall that’s kind of strict, and you have to know how to behave and act when you go to a classical concert. But this is not like that. There’s no set, ‘you have to clap at this time’ or ‘don’t clap in between the movements,’” says Dunbar. “I love it that we’re kind of hooting and hollering.

It’s a different kind of level of support that you get from an audience. I remember one time… there was a really good pianist, and he took lessons from me. I was like, ‘I think he’s a better pianist than I am,’ but then he went to go play, and he just had a really bad case of performance anxiety. He couldn’t play, and then everyone cheered him on and just said, ‘You got this.’ Everyone was just really cheering him on.”

Whether attendees want to grab a glass of wine or some hot tea at the bar, the atmosphere of Hendershot’s helps to create a supportive and low-​pressure environment. In addition to it being a safe space to overcome anxieties, practice performing or test out new pieces, Dunbar says that some-

flagpole

CLASSIFIEDS BUY SELL RENT HIRE

Interact with real, local, human beings.

706-549-9523 • class@flagpole.com

it’s also about providing the opportunity for someone to experience something they’d never have a chance to otherwise.

“I am happy to play and donate my time if it’s going to help more people come to music, or be drawn to music. I play the harpsichord. That’s a very obscure instrument. If anyone can say, ‘Oh my gosh, I saw today… how cool and yet random is that?’ then I’ve done my job. I’ve fulfilled my mission,” says Dunbar.

Signups take place through a Google form leading up to the event. Dunbar says they’ve yet to turn someone away, and the only request is to be mindful of time and perform shorter pieces to give others a chance. Both solo and group performances take place, but it’s also a great place to network or make new friends if you’re not ready to get on stage.

There’s one more event happening before the year’s end on Saturday, Dec. 6. For more information about signing up to perform and updates on next year’s schedule, visit facebook.com/classicalrevolutionathens or instagram.com/classicalrevolutionathens. f

WHAT: Classical Revolution Athens WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6, 3–5 p.m.

WHERE: Hendershot’s HOW MUCH: FREE!

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

15

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR COMING SOON

COMING TO THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE

NOVEMBER

25-26 Broadway 26 Clue: Entertainment Series DECEMBER

Dreams Holidaze: 25-26 4 Cirque Broadway Entertainment Series Dreams Holidaze: 25-26 5 Cirque Broadway Entertainment Series

SLACKPOLE...

BECAUSE WE NEED A BREAK! We write 50 issues of flagpole a year, so we’re turning the writing over to you for flagpole’s year-end double issue, published on Dec. 24th.

Submit your stories (600 words max), comics (one page), poems, humor, recipes & photos to slackpole@flagpole.com.

COMING TO AKINS FORD ARENA

NOVEMBER

Rock Lobsters vs.

29 Athens Monroe Moccasins Rock Lobsters vs.

30 Athens Monroe Moccasins DECEMBER

Rock Lobsters vs.

11 Athens Pee Dee IceCats Rock Lobsters vs.

12 Athens Pee Dee IceCats 13 Classic City Showcase ClassicCenter.com/UpcomingEvents

Deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 2nd!

STAY IN TH E GAM E

29 0.0 ALC./VOL. CALS %

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

© 2025 Anheuser-Busch, Michelob Ultra® ZERO, Alcohol-Free Malt Beverage, St. Louis, MO. KOI 6118333 Per 12 FL. OZ. - Average Analysis: Calories, 29. Carbohydrates, 6.5g. Protein, <1.0g. Fat, 0.0g.

16

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

Anheuser-Busch: BUDWEISER

Production Job# xxxxxx

Project Name: MU_Stay in the GAme Trim/Live Area: 10” x 4.25” Bleed Size: None Safety Area: 9.75” x 4”

Item Number: Date/Round: 09.22.25 – Round 1 MB Operator: Closing Date:

Creative Job# XXXXXX

live music calendar Tuesday 25

Cheba Hut 8 p.m. FREE! www.chebahut.com KARAOKE Every Tuesday.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com MOTION SICKNESS OF TIME TRAVEL, GRANTANDMATT, IXIAN Providing audio and visual offerings for the closing reception of James Greer’s exhibition “Nineteen Drawings.”

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 7:30 p.m. FREE! music. uga.edu VERBINDEN STRING QUARTET String group founded in 2024 at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music by Ian Koontz, Rogelio Bonilla, Clarissa Tamara and Jhonni Campos.

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 GUITAR STUDIO Ensemble performances from UGA Guitar Studio students.

Wednesday 26 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.

El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss KARAOKE WITH DJ D00MSDAY Every Wednesday.

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

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com BIG BAND ATHENS 18-​member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s.

MaiKai Kava Lounge 7:30 p.m. (sign-​ups). FREE! www. instagram.com/bulaatmaikai

MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga F.O.R. Trio of Neal Fountain, Erik Olson and Jeff Reilly playing funk, rock, soul and experimental jazz.

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Friday 28 Athentic Brewing Co. Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $7 (adv.), $10. www.athenticbrewing. com THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND Part ’70s funk and disco flavor, a dash of R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Classic Citiva Eastside High Note Friday. 4:20 p.m. FREE! www.classiccitiva.com GUIDESTONES Duo made up of Americana singer-​songwriter Joe Cat and Jim Wilson on drums.

El Paso Tacos & Tequila 7 p.m.–12 a.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss KARAOKE WITH DJ D00MSDAY Every Friday.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Normaltown Records Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com JULIA SANDERS Alt-​country musician and poignant songwriter from Asheville, NC. CANNON ROGERS Local alt-​country songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams.

DUSTY INKWELL Solo performance by Austin Darnell (member of The Howdies).

Normal Bar Soul Spectacular Dance Party. 8 p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/normal_bar_athens DJ NATE & DJ KURT WOOD Two local vinyl hounds bringing you all the best ‘60s soul platters that matter for your dancing pleasure.

VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872 RAMBLIN’ COUNTRY BAND Georgia-​based band playing country, western and rock classics. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 29 Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athens-​ based band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Cloud Recordings Festival. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $12. www. flickertheatreandbar.com DAVID MCCOY & JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES Ambient duo performance featuring Fernandes’ clarinet

to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/AbbeyRoadLiveNov29 ABBEY ROAD LIVE! Beloved local tribute band that keeps the crowd rocking to its extensive Beatles cover sets.

RADIO FREE ATHENS R.E.M. tribute band focusing mostly on the band’s 1980s catalog.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $8. www.hendershotsathens.com KIRBY CRAFT Pianist from Gainesville whose songs will get stuck in your head.

EIGHT PICTURES Like if Pixies took Morrissey’s lunch money.

QUENTIN LOVE Bubbly indie pop with leanings into country and sunshine pop psychedelia.

SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.

Sunday 30 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.

Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com TRIO METRO This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist.

Monday 1

Cannon Rogers will perform at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Friday, Nov. 28. drenched in reverb and McCoy’s guitar filtered through a variety of effects pedals for an otherworldly sound.

TELEMARKET Driving, angular indie-​rock band from Athens.

ARIANNA PETERSEN, FRANKLIN RUSSELL, JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES TRIO Clarinet, cello and baritone saxophone trio.

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-​ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga THE GRATEFUL DADS Local Grateful Dead cover band.

Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila 7 p.m. www.panchostacosandtequila. com KARAOKE Every Saturday.

The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga. edu ELIZABETH KNIGHT Studio recital from the mezzo soprano.

Madison Morgan Cultural Center 7 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-​arts.org OPEN MIC NIGHT First Mondays.

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.

Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA HORN CHOIR An ensemble of both horn majors and non-​ majors attending the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Tuesday 2 Cheba Hut 8 p.m. FREE! www.chebahut.com KARAOKE Every Tuesday.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two

sets from his catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga. edu SOUTHERN WIND QUINTET Graduate chamber music ensemble that represents some of the finest instrumental musicianship on campus.

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

Every Tuesday.

Ramsey Hall 3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu REPERTORY SINGERS A mixed chamber choir directed by graduate student conductors.

Wednesday 3 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.

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

Hendershot’s 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots​ athens.com OPEN MIC Hosted by Liz Farrell the first Wednesday of every month.

Sign up online.

MaiKai Kava Lounge 7:30 p.m. (sign-​ups). FREE! www. instagram.com/bulaatmaikai MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Down the Line 12/04 The Seven Two, Warren Hollow, Lightwatch (40 Watt Club) 12/04 Ohmu, Rauncher, Ixian (Flicker Theatre & Bar) f

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

17

Tuesday 25

event calendar

ART: Closing Reception (Flicker Theatre & Bar) James Greer’s exhibition “Nineteen Drawings” will be on view with audio and visual offerings by Motion Sickness of Time Travel, grantandmatt and Ixian.

5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com 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: Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (El Paso Tacos & Tequila) A hot meal from the restaurant’s Thanksgiving dinner table. 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss 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 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.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: BINGO & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenskava.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 GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: YA Dystopian Book Club (Bogart Library) Discuss The Giver by Lois Lowry with the group.

Ages 12 & up. 4:30​​p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Teen Silent Book Club (ACC Library) Bring a book or browse the library and enjoy peaceful reading time. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Discuss BlueBird BlueBird by Attica Locke with the group. 5:30​​p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Coven & Claw Reading Club (Coven & Claw Salon) Discuss this month’s selection Weyward by Emilia Hart. RSVP required. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/coven_and_claw SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: Clue (The Classic Center) Live-​action play adaptation of the murder mystery board game. Nov. 25–26, 7:30 p.m. $33–126. www. classiccenter.com

Wednesday 26 CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenspetanque​ club.wixsite.com/play COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying​ squidcomedy.com

art around town ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 500) Heaven4theYoung presents “The Uncanny Valley” featuring ceramics, oils and watercolors by Frances Thrasher. Through January 2026.

AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy., Suite 501) Works by artist Camille Hayes on view through Dec. 7 with new works by Marissa Mustard going up.

Closing/opening reception Dec. 7.

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.) “Halloween Forever” by artist Judah Cannerella features poster-​style illustrations inspired by the pop culture of Halloween. Through Dec. 25.

ATHENS-​CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) In the Bogue Gallery, “Over and Under: Woven by the Athena Weavers” featuring textile arts. Through Jan. 11.

AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Works by local painter Mary Sams on view through December.

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 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.) Paintings by Mark Dalling are on view through November.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Works by collage artist Susan Pelham are on view through November.

LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd.) “INCANDESCENCE: BFA Fall 2025 Capstone Exhibition” showcases new work by graduating BFA students across drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and

18

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

EVENTS: Thanksgiving Feed the Hungry (The Sparrow’s Nest) Enjoy a buffet-​style lunch and receive one bag of hygiene products per person.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.sparrows​nestathens.org EVENTS: Beersgiving (Normaltown Brewing Co.) Join in pre-​holiday shenanigans and hang with friends; it’s too late to defrost your turkey.

5–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/normaltownbrewingco EVENTS: Salsa Night (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Enjoy an evening of dancing. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.panchostacosandtequila.com FILM: Thanksgiving Double Feature (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the stop-​motion classic Fantastic Mr. Fox and the comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

7 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. 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 trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia 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: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Disney Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your knowledge of the whole Disney universe. 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: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Drop by to meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour.

5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ FilmAthens MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Heard Park & Community Center) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions. Fourth Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. athenshc.org/coc THEATER: Clue (The Classic Center) Live-​action play adaptation of the murder mystery board game. Nov. 25–26, 7:30 p.m. $33–126. www. classiccenter.com

Thursday 27 EVENTS: Give Thanks 8K (Hendershot’s) Start your day with a race around the downtown Athens area with a kids fun run and refreshments afterwards, in benefit of ACCA. Registration required. 8:30 a.m. $45. www.givethanks8k.com

Friday 28 EVENTS: Carrs Hill 5K and 11K (Dudley Park) Southeast Striders Walking Club sponsors a guided route to walk off all that turkey. 9:45 a.m. $4 (adults), FREE! (ages 18 & under). www.southeaststriders​ walkingclub.org

digital media. Through Dec. 4.

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. The exhibit explores southern folklore surrounding the caul and the concept of double consciousness.

Through Jan. 24. • In the lower and upper atrium, “Seams to Be: New Approaches to Textile Techniques” highlights innovative uses of needle and thread by 13 Georgia artists. Guest curated by Didi Dunphy. Through Jan. 24. • 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. • 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. • In the Nancy Lukasiewicz Gallery, “Shawn Ireland: Arts Center Choice Award Winner” showcases colorful still-​life paintings by the Athens-​based artist.

Through Jan. 3. • In the Lounge Gallery, “Public Works: Athens Public Art Behind the Scenes” highlights the mockups, engineering drawings and design proposals behind Athens’ public art installations. Guest curated by Tatiana Veneruso. Curator talk Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m. Through Jan. 3.

MADISON-​MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) “Emergence – In Black & White” features charcoal works and figure studies

by Gary Hudson. Through Jan. 25.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) “Art to the Max” pop‑up exhibition features artwork inspired

by OCAF’s beloved orange cat, Max. Opening reception Dec. 9 (noon– 1:30 p.m.); on view through Dec. 20.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Steffen Thomas: Exploring His Brotherhood Credo.” Through Jan. 3. • “Tribute to Richard “Ole” Olsen.” Through Jan. 3. • “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

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.feelfreeyogawellness.com FILMS: Silent Films and Cocktails (Hendershot’s) Settle in with a drink for a night of silent film showings. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia 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 SPORTS: Alumni Association Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Watch the UGA vs Georgia Tech football game with the UGA Alumni Association hosting giveaways, speeches and more. 3:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

Saturday 29 ART: Glass Blowing Demonstrations (Bendzunas Glass Studio and Gallery) Drop in to watch molten glass become stunning works of art and browse the gallery. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www. bendzunasglass.net ART: Make an Ornament Party (Southern Star Studio) Drop in to make your own clay ornament. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $5/ornament. www. southernstarstudio​athens.com 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: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer organic

produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods.

MFM doubles SNAP dollars spent.

Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www. marigoldcollectivewinterville.com EVENTS: Athens Library Store Holiday Market (ACC Library) Browse locally crafted ceramics, holiday decor, woodworking, jewelry, art prints and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.friendsofacclibrary.org/market EVENTS: Pet Photos with Santa (Athens Area Humane Society) Bring up to two pets for photos with Santa. Registration required.

Nov. 16 & 23, 12–4 p.m. Nov. 22 & 29–30, 12–2 p.m. $30. www. athenshumanesociety.com EVENTS: Beechwood’s Holiday Market (Beechwood Shopping Center) Celebrate the Beechwood Center’s tree lighting with live music, face painting, food trucks, s’mores, photos with Santa and more. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/beechwoodathens GAMES: Board Games (Bogart Library) Enjoy a variety of board games and card games with friends.

2​​–4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Book Launch (Hendershots) Author Sarah Mosseri offers a behind-​the-​scenes look at her latest release Trust Fall plus a book signing, exclusive merchandise and an open discussion opportunity. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www. smosseri.com/trust-​fall LECTURES & LIT: Little Local Book Fair (ATHICA) Browse locally-​written books for holiday shopping. 2–6 p.m. www.neighborhoodbooks.com PERFORMANCE: High Tea: A Drag Show (Athentic Brewing Co.) Mary Jane hosts a fabulous and hilarious night of drag entertainment. 9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs.

Monroe Moccasins (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter.com

Thomas’ trip overseas. Final date TBA. TAPPED ATHENS (297 Prince Ave.) Local artist Will Eskridge’s exhibition “Beach Bumz” celebrates “all things sun-​soaked, wave-​crashed and good-​ vibes-​only.” Through November.

TINYATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Local artist Caitlin La Dolce’s multimedia exhibition “Thing Church” is on view through December.

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.

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.

UGA CAMPUS/SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS (Athens) Month-​long series of arts events including temporary visual-​art displays, special gallery hours and pop-​up exhibitions presented by UGA arts units. Through November.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) “Brush and Lens” features watercolors by Barb Schell paired with photography by John Schell in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Through December.

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “Small Works” features 85 works all under 14 inches contributed by 60 different community artists. Through Dec. 18. • “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. Through Dec. 18.

Sunday 30

Monday 1

ART: Glass Blowing Demonstrations (Bendzunas Glass Studio and Gallery) Drop in to watch molten glass become stunning works of art and browse the gallery. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www. bendzunasglass.net CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-​up material.

6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai 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: Pet Photos with Santa (Athens Area Humane Society) Bring up to two of your pets for Christmas photos with Santa. Registration required. Nov. 16 & 23, 12–4 p.m. Nov. 22 & 29–30, 12–2 p.m. $30. www.athenshumanesociety.com EVENTS: The Winter Wanderer Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse vendors offering unique trinkets, vintage clothing, jewelry, art and more. 2–6 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your impressive trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens LECTURES & LIT: Author Signing (Avid Bookshop) Author Leara Rhodes will be signing her historical fiction novels about Irish immigrants. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. avidbookshop.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players are always welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens​ petanque.org SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs.

Monroe Moccasins (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 4 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter.com

EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (100 North Church Street) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods. Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com FILM: Movie Night (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Screening of a new movie release with free popcorn and a two-​drink minimum purchase.

Every other Monday, 8 p.m. www. athenskava.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco 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: Death Over Drafts (Athentic Brewing Co.) Casual de-​ stigmatizing discussion about all things death and dying while using The Death Deck. RSVP encouraged.

6–8 p.m. organizingdeath@gmail. com

Tuesday 2 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: Designing Holiday Cards with Canva (ACC Library) Learn how to design personalized holiday cards using Canva. 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 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

with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco 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 GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your

days, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 3 ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 1 p.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque​ club.wixsite.com/play

Paintings by Mark Dalling are on view at Hendershot’s through November.

GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.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 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.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge

general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Book Reading (Ramsey Hall) Author Hanna Pylväinen will read from her historical novel The End of Drum-​Time with a reception and book signing. 6 p.m.

FREE! pac.uga.edu MEETINGS: West Broad School Public Info Session (Clarke County School District) The Clarke County School District will present its vision for the future of the historic West Broad School complex.

10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. FREE! www. youtube.com/clarkecoschools SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tues-

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying​ squidcomedy.com EVENTS: Salsa Night (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Enjoy an evening of social dancing. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.panchostacosandtequila. com FILM: Athentic Holiday Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Double feature screening of Jingle All The Way and Die Hard. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A series of gruesome decapitations of college coeds are committed by a helmeted, black-​

leather clad maniac in Night School.

7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ bloodeverywhere.athens GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist.

New players welcome. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: 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: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Story Time (Oconee County Library) Songs, fingerplays and more. Ages 3–7. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Ready, Set, Grow (Aaron Heard Community Center) An active program for toddlers and preschoolers with a weekly theme.

Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC resident), $4.50 (non-​resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: Greater Athens Libertarian Party (Akademia Brewing Co.) Fellowship with others of like-​ minded politics. First Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenslp. square.site OUTDOORS: December Star Watch (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Enjoy a guided tour of the night sky that highlights various astronomical events throughout the year. 8 p.m. $2. www.accgov.com/myrec f

Support Local

Journalism

Local journalism comes with a cost: Salaries, printing, website, rent…it all ads up.

Help us keep flagpole FREE for our readers.

DONATE a few bucks

With a recurring donation through PayPal

(https://flagpole.com/home/donations)

or mail a check to

flagpole P O Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

19

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 (Sporting Goods) Bicycle seat for sale! BROOKS (England) B 135 (COMFORT) Leather, hand made, springs. $125 (lists for $250). 404-​295-​8876 JOBS (Full-​time) Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila is seeking a reliable and motivated bartender. Also seeking reliable and motivated individuals to join our team for TV and sound device installation work. Call or text 706-​621-​8280.

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.athensschoolof​ music.com. 706-​543-​5800 MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) 2 dope boys plus a man with an axe. Hip hop band in search of rhythm section. Must keep tight pocket. Influences include OutKast, The Roots, Rage Against the Machine. Contact Whisper clncmmngs@yahoo.com, 706-​254-​5960.

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 NOTICES (Lost & Found) LOST DOG $1000 REWARD. Odin is a 12 year

old black miniature schnauzer. Lost near 441 Newton Bridge Rd. area on Aug. 4. Microchipped and has heart murmur. Please call 904-​803-​ 7360. No questions asked.

REAL ESTATE (Art Studio) Join 8 potters in Community Clay Studio.

75 ft.² private studio space plus access to Kilns, slab-​roller, shared working table & utilities. $275/mon www.southernstarstudioathens.com SERVICES (Health) JAMES HILTON HYPNOSIS. Help with smoking, vaping, exercise motivation and confidence issues. Harvard trained health professional. 678-​895-​4278, www.hiltonhypnosis.org SERVICES (Home & Garden) Fall is here! Let’s tackle those invasives!

Woman-​Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible & native 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 low-​maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail.com or call 631-​903-​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

SERVICES (Travel) Retired professional driver available to deliver your vehicle or truck, one-​way or round-​trip, anywhere in U.S. Available locally with my vehicle, up to six passengers, on an hourly basis.

Call Bob Andrews 706-​608-​2288 or email AthensBob5@gmail.com

Arts 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 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. 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

ADOPT ME!

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

Mrs. H (59667176)

Mrs. H is a sweet and affectionate girl. She was a little nervous when she first came to the shelter, but now she loves playtime and going for walks, plus getting to cuddle up afterward!

Mr. Bee (59751459)

Meet Mr. Bee! This little guy lives for treats, although he also enjoys an occasional scratch. He is a good listener and an even better friend.

Adopt or foster Mr. Bee today.

Honey (59751453)

Look at those striking eyes! Honey came to the shelter with Mr. Bee, and the two make the cutest pair. She lives up to her name as a sweet dog who loves to make new friends.

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

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

20

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

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) The Leisure Services Arts Division is seeking artists to create temporary light sculptures for display during the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade. Submission deadline is Friday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. Event is Mar. 7, 2026.

CALL FOR ARTISTS (OCAF) Artists invited to submit work for “Tiny Worlds,” a curated exhibition exploring the meaning of scale. All media and approaches welcome.

Deadline Dec. 12. www.ocaf.com/ exhibitions CALL FOR ARTISTS (Oconee County Library, Watkinsville) Seeking submissions for variety of interior and exterior low maintenance art pieces.

Deadline Dec. 1. www.athenslibrary. org/oconee, jmitchell@athens​ library.org 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 MUSICAL PERFORMERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) The Marigold Market is seeking musicians for upcoming market events. All acts considered.

bradley@marigoldcollective winterville.com CALL FOR PERFORMANCE ARTISTS (Athens Pride and Queer Collective) Seeking trans and gender non-​conforming performers for upcoming event Operation Transformation. Event held Dec. 5. www.athenspride.org CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator​ @athenshc.org LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Open studios for artists 18 & up to draw unclothed models. Every third Wednesday of the month, 1–4 p.m. A muscle in movement study with authentic Olympic banner backdrop Dec. 6 & 17. Registration required for all events. www.drawathens.org PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST (Firefly Trail Inc.) Submit black and white or color photography for the categories “people enjoying the Firefly Trail” and “scenes of the Firefly Trail.” Photos will be judged by professional photographers, and winning entries will be displayed at the Winterville Cultural Center.

Deadline Jan. 8, 2026. Winners will be announced February 2026. www. fireflytrail.com POET LAUREATE (ACCGov) The Leisure Services Arts Division’s Poet Laureate program is now accepting applications. Application deadline Friday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. www. accgov.com/11626/Public-​Art 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

Auditions DECK THE HOLLOW (ACT) Seeking actors, storytellers, musicians and singers for event at Bear Hollow Zoo. Virtual auditions held through Nov. 30. In-​person auditions held Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m. Event held Dec. 11–14. act@accgov.com, 706-​613-​3628 MAD SCIENTISTS IN LOVE (Town & Gown) Auditions for this romantic comedy will be held Dec. 7–8.

Performances held Feb. 6–15,

2026. info@townandgownplayers. org, www.townandgownplayers.org/ auditions 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. www.athenssymphony. org/openings THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES (The Cottage) Open to all ages, backgrounds, those who identify as women or those who identify with having a vagina. Auditions held Dec. 1, 4 and 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2–7 p.m.. Performances Feb. 5–7, 2026. www. northgeorgiacottage.org

Classes ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up.

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com BASIC CROCHETING (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn the basics of crocheting. Materials provided during class session. Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 6:30–8:30 p.m. $100 for project series, $20 drop-​in. www.wintervillecenter.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 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, $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 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 OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com, athens_ga_figure_​ skating_club

Help Out 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 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-​850-​ 0387. support@grailbras.com 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 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 BOARD MEMBERS (Athens Pride and Queer Collective) Applicants with experience in fundraising, event planning, nonprofit governance and communications are especially encouraged to apply.

Deadline Nov. 29. www.athens​ pride.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 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 DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of winter clothing for their free distribution program. Other donations accepted for fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting program.706-​207-​5172 SEEKING HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERS (Athens Area Humane Society) Temporary fosters and volunteers needed to help care for animals during Nov. and Dec. Applications available online. www.athens​ humanesociety.org 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/athenswelcome​ volunteer SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB) Keep Athens-​Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-​a-​ramp and more. www. keepathensbeautiful.org SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more.

Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org SEEING VOLUNTEERS (Morton Theatre) Volunteers needed for upcoming events. Board Member opportunities also available. www. mortontheatre.com/volunteer 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 (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-​389-​2273 SHARE THE WARMTH BLANKET DRIVE (Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept.) Collecting new blankets and throws to distribute to seniors at select nursing homes and children in foster care. Deadline Dec. 15. ccsocommunity@accgov.com 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

VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff YOUTH MENTORSHIP (Waymaker) Registration open to match teens with one-​on-​one flexible tutoring services. Focus on academics, confidence building, life skills and more. Volunteers are also welcome to apply. www.way-​makers.org YOUTH PROGRAMS (Sheats Social Services) Registration now open for a variety of weekly programs that provide educational and community support for K-​12 students.

Volunteers are also needed. www. sheatssocialservices.org WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events. Now registering. www. accgov.com/myrec

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 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-​Repair-​ Stations ESCAPE ROOM (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Register for a themed escape room event designed for ages 5 & up. Multiple sessions on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-​3. $20. www. accgov.com/myrec FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youre-​ invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome.

Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners via scanning stations. 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 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

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

21

news

letters

food & drink

grub notes

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM

Doughn’t Get Your Hopes Up

Diverting Firefly Is Dangerous

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

Thanks to France Dielmann for her Oct. 22 letter—it helps me understand the sudden and surprising demand to reroute the Firefly Trail.

“The best route would be to Coile Middle School where there is already a four-­way stop.” This was never proposed as a viable alternative to route A. Route C parallels Oakmont Circle and crosses Moores Grove.

I drove Spring Valley from Taylor Lane to Coile, 0.8 miles of roadside drainage ditch that is expensive to remediate and pave over. Taylor Lane to the intersection with Oakmont Circle via Spring Valley is 1.5 miles, twice the rail bed’s by three-­quarters of a mile—expensive and impractical.

I walk my dog every day on the Winterville trail, and I have almost been hit at crosswalks many times. Sometimes, if I happen to have a bag of dog poop in my possession and I draw it back to throw it, the cars will stop instead of blasting through the flashing crosswalk as they usually do. I wrote an email to a business owner in a clearly marked vehicle who almost hit me after two other vehicles had blasted through the crosswalk before him. He was not contrite, and he blamed me.

The houses along the railbed with Carney Lake Road addresses were built between 1925–1980. Georgia Railroad service stopped in 1988. Each house in that section had a railroad in the back yard. To say the trail changes the character of houses built when the railroad was active seems disingenuous. The houses on Moores Grove and Oakmont Circle were built after the railroad was decommissioned, on top of a cut looking down on the rail bed.

Four years ago I walked the disputed properties with commissioners Patrick Davenport and Mike Hamby. I asked Patrick if I could walk the road from Spring Valley to the back side of 300 Carney Lake Road.

He said yes, because the county had already acquired it. When I walked the road I found tires and overgrowth—a dumping ground.

It was only between the back of 300 and 200 Carney Lake that I saw anything resembling a yard, not more than a quarter-­mile.

I remember discussion of how route A would be a windfall for property owners along Carney Lake Road because it would solve their drainage issues at no expense to them. My back yard in Winterville also floods in extreme weather, but it’s rare, just a few times since I moved here in 2020.

There was also discussion of a slight diversion to miss a garage, the only major structure jeopardized by the trail.

It’s worth saying that the gradual long curve coming into Winterville between Taylor Lane and the parking lot at Chibugan Cafe is a beautiful and scenic route that will be appreciated by cyclists. I have been on many trails, and I can see how it will be.

Joe Willey Winterville

Condos and Congestion Continue Edward and Rita Kelly wrote an impassioned response to my original letter to the editor, “Frustration With Commission

22

Decisions,” in the Oct. 22 issue. It is great to hear from such fierce advocates for affordable housing. Edward and Rita make an important point: Athens needs more affordable housing. I am so excited that wealthy residents in the Five Points neighborhood are advocating for affordable housing.

Oftentimes, affluent residents are opposed to such developments (see Steph Curry).

Edward and Rita buck this trend.

The condos discussed are pricey; indeed, homes over a million dollars are far from “affordable,” but homes are not built in a vacuum. Study after study shows that housing prices decrease as supply increases (yay for capitalism). The condos built in Five Points, the neighborhoods coming to life on the Eastside, and even the “viewshed blocking” (lol) apartments downtown will all help drive down housing costs. The quest for affordable housing is a “both/and” journey—we must increase the overall supply of housing, and create meaningful pathways and programs for low-­and middle-­ income Athenians to continue living in our community.

Airbnbs et al. do have an impact on our community (I live next to one and have lived to tell the tale… so far). There are better ways we can regulate short-­term rentals, but at the end of the day, these condos will bring in important revenue in the form of taxes that will help keep the water running, the roads paved and schools thriving. When you say no to development, you say no to vital funds that will sustain our city. Fear not, Edward and Rita; if your new condo neighbors are an Airbnb, you don’t have to worry about 24/7 “congestion” as the guests will just be visiting.

Also, I hate to break it to y’all, but there are already condos, and even apartments in Five Points… oh, the humanity (actually because it’s humans living in them).

Lastly, the concern for congestion: Edward and Rita mention that the proposed condos would have “21 bedrooms. That would mean 21 more automobiles in a zone that has narrow streets with associated congestion.” I urge my fellow Athenians to imagine a world where one bedroom does not equal one car. Twenty-­one bedrooms can mean 10 cars and 11 bikes, or five cars, 10 bikes and six scooters; or it could mean zero cars and 21 people taking the bus or walking. My house has two bedrooms and one car; you can do this, too!

Slow-­moving traffic around a school actually seems pretty good. We can all contribute to less congestion in our community. Walk or take your bike next time you have an errand to run. Carpool with a friend or take the bus. Cars are expensive, loud and smelly. Athens should support developments that promote walkability and take seriously the ill impacts of cars. The proposed condos are an excellent example of this. These new neighbors will be able to walk to get groceries, grab a coffee, and catch a bus to work. There are trade-­offs in every decision we make, but I am not comfortable accepting a housing crisis, worsening homelessness and suburban sprawl in exchange for a traffic-­free Five Points.

Ezra Schley Athens

F L A GP OL E .C OM · NO V E MB E R 26, 2025

DOWNTOWN CHAINS THAT DIDN’T RISE TO THE OCCASION

SULLY’S STEAMERS (255 E. Clayton St., 706-​850-​0210, sullyssteamers.com): I’ve been skeptical of this place since it was announced. I’ve had steamed sandwiches before that I liked, including at a barbecue place in Lawrenceville that made them with ham, lettuce and tomato, but the form is tricky to get right. Sully’s doesn’t just make steamed sandwiches, though, it makes steamed bagel sandwiches. When I first had one, the words “look how they massacred my boy” sprang unbidden to my mind, for the essence of bagelness had been extracted by the big tortilla steamer. No chewiness, no crisp toastiness, just some kind of wet bread that held ingredients together. You could say this is true of many breakfast items: a tortilla obviously, or sometimes a biscuit, wrapped in foil and steamed into a Thing-​like melange of components.

Sully’s Steamers

Get over the expectations of a bagel, and think of this place as the result of someone working in a burrito shop who wondered what else they could steam, and you might be happier. The bigger the flavors to begin with, the less they get muted by the steaming process, and classics like sausage, egg and cheese are better than anything that includes avocado.

The place runs well. Everyone is nice and professional. It keeps long but predictable hours. Your sandwich is ready speedily, whether you order online or at the register.

If you get the bagel that has Doritos on it (which of course you should), they’ll pop the rest of the bag of chips in with your order as a bit of lagniappe. The price is reasonable, and the sandwiches are fairly large.

I may not adore the result, but I do admire

the logistics and the neatness of the place (terrifying AI-​looking mural of a bulldog holding out a drippy bagel sandwich in its long-​nailed paws with the Georgia Theatre in the background excepted). It might not be my thing, but it could be yours.

Sully’s Steamers is open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m.–3 a.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday.

STONER’S PIZZA POINT (175 E. Broad St., 706-​465-​5420, stonerspizzajoint.com): Is it foolish nostalgia to say that, once upon a time, restaurants were more functional? I understand that my expectations should not have been high, given that this is a weed-​themed pizza place that keeps late-​night hours and is a chain. And they weren’t. And I was still disappointed. Cost cutting, thin margins, bad labor practices in the industry, an epidemic of overpromising, lack of training, underestimating the consumer (and being proven right to do so over and over) and more have made this kind of experience miserable. I don’t care if I sound like an unc: restaurants can be good, even low-​end chain ones that care more about a buck than about feeding you properly. If you walk into a place and there’s one person working there, and it’s the same person who takes your order as who prepares your food, that is mostly a warning sign. If there are other folks tapping their feet in impatience, same deal.

Usually I go to every place I write about twice, but there are exceptions, and serving a bad, slow, expensive pizza will put you on that list. Maybe the focus is on the late night hours, when crowds are bigger and less opinionated. Maybe someone else didn’t show up for work that day. But if you search the Google reviews for Stoner’s, you’ll see multiple people complaining that they were served an extremely underbaked pizza, which suggests it’s a pattern and not a one-​time thing. Pizza is usually pretty good even when it’s not very good, but it’s got to be baked all the way through, and if you’re going to err in a direction, go with overbaking rather than by producing something Paul Hollywood would roll irritatedly between his finger and thumb and pronounce “raw.” It wasn’t actually raw, but it also wasn’t baked. f

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

1 9 7 6 1 8

4

5 8 1 9

7 4

7 8 7 4

2 3

1 6 5 3

2

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

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

Weekthe of 11/24/25 11/30/25

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

7

9

10

12

13

28

29

30

49

50

51

19

24

THANKFUL FOR GOOD VIBES.

22

21

25

2 4 6 3 7 5 8 9 1 26 27 9 3 5 8 1 4 2 7 6 34 31 32 33 7 8 1 9 2 6 5 3 4 37 6 9 4 5 3 2 7 1 8 41 39 40 1 5 3 7 8 9 4 6 2 43 42 8 7 2 6 4 1 9 544 3 47 8 1 2 5 3 6 457 464 9 52 53 5 1 8 2 6 7 3 454 9 56 4 2 9 1 5 3 657 8 7

35

36

38

48

Unscramble the words below to find what we’re thankful for!

Scan the QR code, follow us on Instagram & comment on our November puzzle post for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

55 58

59

60

61

62

63

64

ACROSS 1 Highest point 5 Sandler or Scott 9 Bodies of organisms 14 Heart of the matter 15 Runner's distance 16 Music exec Davis 17 Softest mineral 18 Supporter 20 Over again 22 Plaza Hotel girl of kid-lit 23 Nostalgiainducing 24 Means of entry 26 Media event, informally 28 Tiny amount 31 Most expansive 34 Grand theft, e.g.

37 Objective 38 Movie Guy? 39 Bugs Bunny creator Freleng 41 Handled badly 42 Junior's junior 43 Finds one's bearings 45 Lab chemical 48 Devour eagerly

11

16

Solution to Sudoku:

23

by Margie E. Burke

8

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

52 Waste 54 Editor's concern 56 Oscar night VIPs 58 Ancient Andean 59 Edmonton skater 60 Pay period, for some 61 Furniture wood 62 Reveals 63 Two-to-one, e.g.

64 Puppy noises DOWN 1 Someone in a cast 2 "Frasier" surname 3 Punish with a fine 4 Selected, as from text 5 Shots, for short 6 Anne Frank, for one 7 "Star Trek" extras 8 People in a Steinbeck title 9 Justice symbol 10 Spiced stews 11 Sunday speakers

12 They're numbered in NYC 13 Moistureless 19 Aquatic turtle 21 Oscar-winning Rita 25 Hair raiser?

27 Female hormone 29 Ending to avoid?

30 Like Easter eggs 31 Caesar's eight 32 Standards org.

33 Evacuation route, often 35 Took a breather 36 Reason for a result 40 Before, before 41 Like most taxi fares 44 "You don't say!"

46 Artist's implement 47 Teen-___ 49 Skin problem 50 Pop a bottle top 51 Range tops?

52 Munsters' pet dragon 53 NY canal 55 Inquires 57 Number in a Dickens title

CSTSYEA NUOIN SSSKIE SSUAELN ISLBS

Discover the products that turn you on, then take 15% off with code: FP25 in-store or online!

Follow our blog on Instagram

Starship.Social

4100 Lexington Road - ShopStarship.com

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

NO V E MB E R 26, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

23