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DECEMBER 17, 2025 · VOL. 39 · NO. 50 · FREE

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GIVE THE GIFT OF CANCER PREVENTION Daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of skin cancer by 50% (even when it’s cold or cloudy)

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen every day and reapply every 2 hours (even when it’s cloudy and regardless of your skin tone)

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50% of CANCER DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE More than 40% of cancer cases and nearly 50% cancer deaths can be attributed to preventable causes

Some preventable causes of cancer include:

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

this week’s issue

contents

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SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

Fox Theatre’s Fox Gives grant program awarded Morton Theatre $57,000 to support the rehabilitation of the historic theater’s stage.

Planned improvements will allow more diverse types of events to be presented while maintaining the space’s historic character.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Dems Flip House Seat

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2025 Local Albums

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Good Grief Trio

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FOOD & DRINK: Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 SAVANNAH COLE / FILE

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online exclusive Open since 2018, Buvez—the day-­to-­night coffee shop, meeting place, art gallery, eatery and performance venue—will close at the end of the year. Owner Bain Mattox will reopen the space as the Deadbeat Club, focused on being a performance space first and bar second.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

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Lack of usage by students is one of the reasons UGA cites for wanting to fill in the pool and turn it into a parking lot and additional greenspace adjacent to Legion Field.

But several speakers accused the university of deliberately trying to sabotage the pool by closing it on Aug. 1 and failing to market it to students. “It’s clear to everybody that

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com you’re not doing everything you can to save this pool,” said Jack Sims.

Democrat Eric Gisler flipped an Athens-­area Martin said in a statement. “Tonight’s The pool also loses about 25,000 gallons state House of Representatives seat Dec. 9, of water a day while in operation, and about results prove once again that Democrats eking out a win in a district he’d lost by 22 $90,000 a year, a deficit that’s covered by have the momentum across the country points last year. Gisler defeated Republican student activity fees. UGA says it would as we organize and compete everywhere, Mack “Dutch” Guest IV by just 197 votes, cost up to $2.2 million to make basic repairs including in districts that Trump won by winning 50.85%–49.15%. and up to $11 million to fully replace the double-­digits. Fresh off the resounding House District 121 straddles Clarke and victories in the Georgia Public Service Com- facility, and that keeping it open for a Oconee counties, with the majority of the longer season would only exacerbate the mission races and now this historic flip, the district’s voters in deep-­red Oconee, and financial losses and environmental impact.

DNC will continue to invest, organize and Gisler was helped by strong Democratic Katie Marages, a professor in the mascompete in every corner of Georgia as we turnout on both sides of the county line. ter’s of historic preservation program, said rebuild long-­standing Democratic power in He won 82% of the vote in Clarke County that if UGA submitted its Legion Pool prethe Sun Belt.” and 36% in Oconee, increasing his share of sentation to her for a class, it would receive the vote from 65% and 26%, respectively, a C at best. “You created the conclusion, last year. He also boosted turnout in Clarke then got the data that you want,” she said, Dozens of people spoke out against County relative to 2024. adding that if UGA were really so concerned closing Legion Pool at a public hearing held “This was a team effort. We did it. We about the environment, it would bar freshby UGA last week, telling administrators had the ground game, the volunteers. We men from bringing cars onto campus. had the right message,” Gisler told support- that the pool is important to town-­gown Art professor Benjamin Britton relations. ers at an Athens-­Clarke County Democratic expressed confidence that the university Committee gathering at Trapcould figure out a way to not peze Pub in downtown Athens. only save Legion Pool, but to The special election was expand its usage through public set in motion when state Rep. outreach and make it free for Marcus Wiedower resigned his university employees. Those seat in late October. Gisler had who work 8–5 can’t use Athens-­ already been running against Clarke County pools, faculty Wiedower in the 2026 election, member Danny Bivins said, while Guest was the sole Repubwhich UGA has suggested as an lican entrant. Special elections alternative. are inherently unpredictable, Tommy Valentine, executive and leaders in both parties director of the preservation hoped or feared that President group Historic Athens, pointed Donald Trump’s unpopularity to the university’s own historic would propel Gisler to victory preservation plan, which he said despite the district being gerrymentions Legion Pool 30 times mandered to favor a Republican. and calls for alternatives to be Eric Gisler (center) watches election returns with supporters at Trappeze That fear helped Guest raise six considered before demolishfigures in a matter of weeks, but Pub in downtown Athens. ing historic sites. “What we’re Gisler enjoyed a long head start asking for is for you to honor “As an alumni who doesn’t care about in organizing, aided by Democratic enthusithe document you produced, the historic asm bolstered by surprising victories in two sports, Legion Pool is the one place where I preservation master plan from 2019,” he still feel connected to the university,” Bradstatewide Public Service Commission races said. ley Bazzle said. last month.

Legion Pool was built by the American More than 100 people, almost all of Gisler will be sworn in when the state Legion, an organization founded by World them opposed to closing the historic pool, legislature convenes for its 2026 session War I veterans, and completed in 1936. attended the legally required public hearJan. 12 and will serve out the final year of Later it was handed over to UGA to, as seving, held Monday, Dec. 8 in a basement Wiedower’s two-­year term. Next fall, the eral locals who’ve researched the pool’s hisauditorium at the out-­of-­the-­way Complex challenge will be for Gisler to keep the seat. tory believe, be held in trust for the public Carbohydrates Research Center. Although Wiedower lost to Democrat Jonathan Walgood of the community. Under former the hearing was held during finals, speakers president Michael Adams, UGA previously lace under similar circumstances in 2017, included a number of students who disbut won it a year later, when voting pattried to close the pool in 2012–2013, but puted UGA’s assertion that students don’t terns returned to normal. community outcry forced the university to want to use the pool.

“This is going to be a shockwave,” Gisler back off.

Actually, many of them hadn’t used it, said. “It will be hard work to keep this seat Stan Jackson, assistant to Vice President but they argued that students don’t use it next year, but it sends a message right now for Student Affairs Michelle Cook, was the because they didn’t know it was there, and that next year, we’re coming.” only person to speak in favor of closing the because it closes before the fall semester The race drew national attention, with pool during the 90-­minute public comment starts. “I thought it was a baseball field,” the Democratic National Committee period. Meanwhile, the group Friends of said Ava Oldman, who walked past it every pointing to an organizing blitz for Gisler Legion Pool has gathered more than 2,000 day while living at nearby Oglethorpe and investments in state-­level parties. signatures on a petition to save it, according House and only saw a tarp. Another stuThe Democratic Party of Georgia recruited to cofounder Sara Baker. dent, Kenneth Derringer, said he’d always volunteers and paid for advertisements wanted to swim at Legion Pool but was to help offset Guest’s fundraising advannever able to. tage. Gubernatorial candidates Rep. Ruwa “We’ve been told only 2.5% of UGA stuRomman and Sen. Jason Esteves and maydents use Legion Pool, but I’d ask you, how oral candidate Tim Denson also lent help.

Developers are trying to sweeten the pot many want to use it?” asked Carter Ray, who “Georgians deserve strong, commonto entice Athens-­Clarke County commissaid he’d shown up in his swimming trunks sense leaders like Representative-­elect sioners to approve a land swap for a student only to realize it was closed. Sadie Eubanks Gisler who will lower their costs and fight housing development north of downtown said she took her own informal poll of more for them, not representatives who bend the by setting up a scholarship fund for Black than 150 fellow students and found that knee to Donald Trump and rubber-­stamp students and providing office space for 97% would use the pool if they could. his inflationary agenda,” DNC Chair Ken

Dems Flip House Seat

PLUS DATA CENTERS, DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

UGA Urged to Save Legion Pool

CHRIS DOWD

Commissioners Still Skeptical of Core Spaces Development

the Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s hard to ignore there’s a certain tepidness and skepticism from the Black community of Athens,” Andy Savoy, vice president of development for Chicago-­based Core Spaces, said at a Dec. 9 work session.

The $400,000 scholarship fund would provide tuition for 25 Black students to attend Athens Tech each year. In addition, the Black Chamber would receive office space in The Foundry building for $1 a year.

“We’re dealing with a historically Black neighborhood that was removed by urban renewal, and we’ve got a foundry building that’s literally got the fingerprints of Black slaves in the bricks,” Savoy said. “We’re inviting the Black community to stay here and make this a center for promoting Black prosperity.”

Those benefits are on top of a $7.8 million contribution to ACC’s affordable housing trust fund, expanding a sewer line that would also serve future phases of The View at NoDA affordable housing development at Bethel Homes, paying for half of a 425-­space public parking deck, providing discounted space to the Athens Downtown Development Authority for art studios and galleries, protecting the historic foundry and Hoyt House, and other concessions. In addition, the development would generate more than $2 million in tax revenue each year, including $820,000 for infrastructure across the river in East Athens through a tax allocation district.

In exchange, Core Spaces is asking for two county-­owned surface parking lots south of Lay Park. All told, ACC would receive benefits worth a total of $29 million and a net total of $15 million, not counting future tax revenue.

Commissioner Ovita Thornton said she hopes that the offer sets a precedent for other developers to offer something for the Black community. “White folk owe us, point blank,” she said. “It’s not like you’re giving us something we don’t deserve.”

Three other Black commissioners— Dexter Fisher, Stephanie Johnson and Tiffany Taylor—remain skeptical. “These benefits for Black folks, I’ll be honest, it rubbed me the wrong way,” Fisher said.

“The next time we want to do something for the Blacks, maybe we should go to a Black neighborhood and ask the homeless Blacks what they would like,” Taylor said.

The work session was billed as an opportunity for commissioners to get their questions answered, but at times was marked by some commissioners’ open hostility and mistrust toward Core Spaces and county staff.

Fisher asked about parking, noting that the 1,400-­bed development would not include a space for each bedroom. Savoy said Core Spaces is building 900 parking spots where there are currently 180, and UGA is going to add 600 students a year regardless of whether those new spaces are built. ACC assistant manager Andrew Saunders said the company is meeting the parking requirement under the county zoning code. Fisher called that response “a matter of opinion.”

Other issues brought up by Fisher included voting at Lay Park. It could be moved to the fire station or the Lyndon House during construction, Saunders said.

Fisher also fretted that the presence of white college students would discourage or prevent Black children from using Lay Park. ➤ continued on next page

DE C E MB E R 17, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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City Dope

continued from p. 5

Johnson pressed Savoy about traffic, which he said would only increase by about 5%, according to a traffic study, because students living near campus tend not to drive much. The plan includes redesigning the Thomas Street-­Dougherty Street-­North Avenue intersection and provides multiple ways in and out of the development.

“I have a lot of common sense, and for the record, I’m not being rude. I don’t agree.

I don’t believe that,” Johnson said.

Savoy offered her a copy of the traffic study. “I don’t need to read it,” Johnson said. “It’s going to say whatever someone wants it to say.”

“Respectfully, no, it’s going to say what our subconsultant [Athens-­based W&A Engineering] developed,” Savoy responded. “We do that independently and professionally.”

Johnson then went on to question a side deal the preservation group Historic Athens made with Core Spaces to find a new location for the Hoyt House and potentially use it as office space, subject to commission approval.

Much like Fisher, Commissioner Carol Myers denounced the proposal as abetting a student takeover of downtown. “If you were a UGA student here, you’d think Dudley Park and Firefly Trail were part of UGA,” she said, adding that “it sure sounds like we’re building public parking for our student population.”

The project’s lone vocal proponent on the commission was one who is usually against big student housing developments downtown—Melissa Link. “What we could see here is effectively a 10-­story tower without the Foundry building that does not have the interface, publicly accessible spaces, and wouldn’t have the affordable housing contribution that we see,” she said.

Critics on the commission often seemed to forget that Core Spaces does not need permission to move forward with a version of the project that would involve demolishing The Foundry as well as Hotel Abacus (formerly Graduate Athens). Then the company could build a monolithic 950-­bedroom building on property it already owns, with-

out granting any concessions to the local government.

If the land-­swap agreement and subsequent rezoning of the parking lots are not approved, Ed Lane of SPG Planners and Engineers told the ACC Planning Commission at a Dec. 11 meeting, “All those community benefits I just listed are off the table, and the adjacent properties that are zoned C-­D [commercial-­downtown] can be developed by right, with none of the protections or provisions to accommodate the playground that is right there, the parking that is right there.”

The planning commission unanimously recommended approval.

Data Center Regs Proposed Athens-­Clarke County planners are putting together regulations for data centers, and are likely to restrict them to two areas of town in rural East Athens and around Newton Bridge Road that are already zoned heavy industrial, while requiring individual approval for data centers over a certain size.

Data centers are not mentioned in Athens’ 25-­year-­old zoning code, but when the first application for one off Old Hull Road came in, “the decision was made that data centers would be interpreted as heavy manufacturing,” Planning Director Bruce Lonnee told the ACC Planning Commission Dec. 11.

That applicant decided not to follow through, but one data center was built off Voyles Road in a light industrial zone because applicants Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light are not subject to local zoning laws, Lonnee said. Most recently, Reynolds Capital, the company that started Athena Studios, has been exploring converting that facility into a data center.

In justifying the heavy industry classification, Lonnee pointed to their heavy water usage, truck traffic and the need to store large amounts of fuel for backup generators—potentially hundreds of thousands of gallons. “That amount of fuel being stored onsite is atypical for anything but a heavy industrial use,” he said.

The local government cannot regulate power usage, but is using daily electrical needs as a proxy for size. Under the pro-

posed regulations, data centers under 2.5 megawatts could be built by right, going up to five megawatts if the applicant agrees to use “purple pipes,” or reclaimed nonpotable water, for cooling and renewable energy for backup generators. Data centers larger than five megawatts would need a special use permit approved by the county commission.

For comparison, one megawatt could power all the homes in Winterville, and a typical grocery store uses three megawatts, according to Lonnee.

As for water usage, an evaporative cooling system can consume up to nine million gallons of water per day. The Athena Studios data center would use a closed-­loop system, which consumes about 5,000–50,000 gallons a day, or could use a chemical coolant instead of water. However, closed-­loop systems require more electricity to cool the water instead of using evaporation.

Lonnee said that planners want to strike a balance between stopping data centers that might be harmful to the community without

getting in the way of smaller ones that might be beneficial to UGA research or existing manufacturers. Not all of them are giant facilities built for AI computing or cloud storage. Some are the size of refrigerators.

“There are data centers you pass by every day and probably never noticed,” he said.

“They were once server rooms and morphed into something else.”

But others create noise and vibrations that bother people living nearby. On Pittard Road, residents had finally gotten on city water after decades of being poisoned by industrial chemicals leaching into wells when construction started on the Georgia Power/Atlanta Gas Light data center. “This felt like another message that our lives don’t matter,” Tawana Mattox told the planning commission.

In January, the planning commission is scheduled to send the regulations on to the county commission for final approval as soon as Feb. 2. A recently passed moratorium on new data centers expires Mar. 6. f

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SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM AI Environmental Concerns AI data centers are sprouting up throughout Georgia, with over 100 facilities currently operating or planned. Reportedly, statewide, these facilities will consume over 25 billion gallons a year of fresh water, greater than the water needs of the Savannah metro area. Where will this water come from? In addition, annually, they will consume over 12,000 megawatts of electrical power. By comparison, Georgia Power generated approximately 15,000 MW last year.

In this year’s request to the Public Service Commission, Georgia Power sought permission to build five new power plants.

An AI data center, properly designed, can be a wonderful economic asset for a community, or can be a disaster if environmental concerns are ignored. The unfortunate experience of many communities, typically rural, is that an AI data center will consume and destroy the fresh water and energy resources of the host community.

Here are two proven technical solutions to these potential problems: Specify dry cooling systems instead of evaporative “wet” cooling towers, and require that the project developer pay for and build the power plant required for his electrical load.

Electrical power for the AI facility should be generated by a dedicated power plant on site, rather than by a distant public utility power plant (paid for by all of the utility’s customers).

Dry cooling systems recycle facility cooling water (think of your car’s cooling radiator) virtually eliminating the enormous waste of fresh water in a “wet” cooling tower. In the long run, they will save money by reducing water and energy costs. However, dry cooling systems are typically more expensive to build than cooling towers. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that, in general, dry cooling can cost three to four times as much as wet cooling to install.

On-­site power generation reduces demand on the public utility to provide additional power generation and transmission, thus minimizing the rate base and power bills for all its customers. There are several types of power plants that can function as the primary, on-­site energy source by providing economical, versatile, scalable and rapidly deployable power for AI data centers.

Does Georgia have opportunities in the AI economy? Yes. But it is critical that we take up the challenge to responsibly and sustainably manage the resources so critical to the growth of this industry.

Bob Synk Athens

Too Late to Stop Climate Change There’s lots to worry about in these trying times so I can forgive you for not including climate change. Besides, political leaders and scientists will surely solve this inconvenient truth, right?

Wrong. They won’t because they can’t.

It’s too late, baby, though we really did try to make it.

Anthropogenic (human-­caused) climate change is a demonstrated fact, not some

hare-­brained theory. The mostly irreversible damage will worsen partly because so many anti-­science legislators—mainly Republicans—are running our country. It has become a partisan plank. I try to be patient and understanding with climate skeptics, but I’ve had it with deniers and cynics.

Once there was a way. Back in the 1960s, we atmospheric scientists knew why our globe was warming and how we could control its effect, climate change. Anyone can understand it. We cause vast amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide emitted by fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas) burning sources like motor vehicles and power plants. These greenhouse gases trap the Earth’s heat so it can’t radiate back into space. So here we are with over 50 years of solid confirming evidence, yet many malevolent politicians raise their ugly, incoherent heads and call it a hoax.

About 50 years ago, I naively thought nuclear power would save us from ourselves.

Consider this: It’s taken Georgia Power 20 years and nearly $40 billion (not a misprint) to build just two nuclear reactors—that’s double the original cost estimate—and they’re seven years behind schedule. I worry that the managers who built those reactors might operate them. Can you guess who’s going to pay for these overruns?

Some atmospheric scientists believe we can still fix this. I am not one of them.

Duke Geddis Athens

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The Backbone of America I just saw a news clip on a Sunday morning show. It featured the heavy metal band Metallica. I have never been a fan of Metalica, but I am now.

The news clip was about the band’s charitable foundation. It provides educational grants to working-­class Americans, giving a hand to those in need.

The news clip featured a young woman of color who was granted tuition for truck driving school, which qualified her to get a commercial driver’s license. She stated that the license changed her life, and now she can provide for her family.

The guys in Metallica, all multi-­ millionaires for sure, all from working class backgrounds, looked to lift up those in need. I believe that’s what defines being American. Not the indiscriminate bombing of boats in international waters killing more than 80 people with no due process of law.

Not ICE snatching up people because of the color of their skin or their accent with no due process of law. Not calling people “garbage” just because they (or their parents or grandparents) emigrated from an impoverished African country.

No matter how much gold is put into the White House decorations, we are still a country built on the backs of the hardworking class, all of us children of immigrants.

As Americans, we used to be that light on a stand of democracy and the rule of law, letting our light shine before men. Now I fear that light is hidden under a bowl. I hope we can get back to the light before it snuffs out.

Marya Dulinawka Athens

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DE C E MB E R 17, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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calendar picks

MUSIC | THU, DEC. 18

Christmas with John Berry The Classic Center • 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • $37–72

John Berry is returning to The Classic Center with a sackful of tunes for his annual Christmas tour. The Grammy and Emmy Award-­winner grew up in Atlanta and developed his music career in Athens, beginning his tradition of traveling across the U.S. performing classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Let It Snow” in 1996. These holiday shows also feature performances of his biggest hits and retellings of his favorite holiday memories. Berry says he and his wife, Robin Berry, “are so grateful to see so many of you return, year after year with your loved ones, coming together to embrace the joy of the season. This time of giving means so much to us, and I’m forever thankful for your continued support.” VIP tickets include early entry into the show, a meet-­ and-­greet and intimate Q&A with Berry, a private acoustic performance and a commemorative lanyard. [Mary Beth Bryan]

as Carter calls it, is what he has returned to since Hutchens’ death in 2021, shortly after the release of their double album Black Market Tango. For this performance, Carter will be joined on stage by a long list of special guests, including Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, Jess Franklin, Cameron Williams, Adam Poulin, Scott Nicholson, Amberly Hutchens, William Tonks, Kevin Sweeney, Rick Williams, Scott Baston, David Barbe, Josh Stack and more. The show will also feature Kevn Kinney of Drivin N Cryin as both an opener and guest performer with Bloodkin. [MB] MUSIC | FRI, DEC. 19

Country River Band VFW Post 2872 • 8 p.m. • $10

Traditional honky tonk group Country River Band is ending its decades-­long career right where it started, with a final show at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post on Sunset Drive. The band played its first gig there in 1982 and became the house band a couple of years thereafter. CRB technically began years earlier, though, with bassist Tim Thurmond and drummer Tom ThurMUSIC | FRI, DEC. 19 mond’s grandparents, who would perform in town squares across cities like Jefferson, Commerce and Athens. In fact, the family Little Kings Shuffle Club • 7:30 p.m. • FREE! is five generations of musicians deep, which New York composer Phil Kline’s annual has given them the drive to keep CRB alive touring boombox parade is returning to all these years while still working full-­time Athens to celebrate the holiday season. For jobs. Since the ’80s, the group has built up the event, participants are a long list of career highs assigned one of four tracks outside the walls of VFW, that layer with one another including winning Georgia-­ to create “Unsilent Night,” Country.com’s Traditional hitting play at the same time Artist of the Year for 2019, and parading through down2020, 2022 and 2023, and town and the UGA quad. As opening for artists like Dolly the group moves, the sound Parton, Travis Tritt and of the piece shifts depending Trace Adkins. This show on where you are and what is ending things on a high tracks are playing around note, promising a night of you, forming what Kline calls special guests and featuran “auditory sculpture.” Kline ing what Tom Thurmond first came up with the idea says is the band’s strongest for Unsilent Night in 1992, lineup to date. Though this aiming to combine participa- Stormy Daniels is a farewell show for CRB, tory public art and holiday Thurmond calls it a “semi-­ caroling. He held the first parade in Greenretirement,” with the members still planwich Village, and since then it has expanded ning to accept big gigs in the future. [MB] to an entire tour that includes both U.S. and COMEDY | SAT, DEC. 20 international cities. Most participants use a Bluetooth speaker for maximum volume, but Kline encourages creative alternatives 40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. like boomboxes and DIY sound rigs, as well. (show) • $25–200 Further instructions can be found at Whether you know her best for her scanunsilent​night.com/participate. [MB] dalous past with the current president, for MUSIC | FRI, DEC. 19 her many television appearances or maybe even for her films, Stormy Daniels’ comedy show promises to pack a punch. Hitting a 40 Watt Club • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show) • limited number of small venues before her $25 (adv.), $30 theater tour, Daniels’ special will cover her Eric Carter and Daniel Hutchens met as career in the adult entertainment induskids and became songwriting partners in try, her life as a wife and mother, and her their teenage years, officially forming their history with politics and controversy. She roots rock band Bloodkin after moving to won’t shy away from the truth in her stories Athens in 1986. The band released its debut or in the Q&A that she will hold after the album Good Luck Charm in 1994, with supshow. Dani Zoldan, owner of Stand Up NY, port from producer Johnny Sandlin and says each performance from Daniels “is a members of Widespread Panic. Bloodkin masterclass in storytelling—blending wit, has always had an ever-­evolving lineup, and humor and captivating anecdotes from her for several years it played an annual Decem- life and career that leave audiences laughing ber show at Georgia Theatre during which and engaged.” Special guest Father Nathan a litany of guests performed alongside the Monk will open the show, and Hairy Farmduo. “The Bloodkin and Friends approach” pit Girls will host. [MB] f

Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night

Stormy Daniels

Bloodkin & Friends

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

music

threats & promises

Telephone Pole Demos PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com Hi y’all, this is the final Threats & Promises of the year, and I want to thank you for being faithful readers of this column all year long. You’ve put up with my unbridled enthusiasm, seasonal moodiness, acerbic takes and otherwise opinion dealing, and I couldn’t thank you enough. Here’s to your holidays being swell, your friends and family safe and healthy, and your new year completely fantastic.

Friday, Dec. 19. Now these shows are generally always quite curated. but this one is just stacked. Featured artists this night are Marshall, NC’s Farewell Phoenix, Florida’s Heirloom, and from Athens both Pile Scraper and Quiet Evenings. For full descriptions of everyone, please see athica. org/events and click on the date. Doors are at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m., and there is a suggested donation of $10.

REMEMBERING: This last column of the year is dedicated to those we lost in the Athens music scene in 2025. I concede this list may not be exhaustive, and it’s quite possible that some news didn’t reach me. Any omissions are completely unintended.

And so, please let’s take a moment or more to remember Chris Purcell, Tiler Kuykendall, Jeff Evans and Jon Milavec.

Also, while he wasn’t a musician, BMX freestyler Jody Temple was a welcome and beloved fixture in our scene. Each left a unique and indelible mark on our town through multiple passions and pursuits, and each is very much missed.

JOYFUL NOISE: The 7th Winter Solstice show hosted by Other Voices, Other Rooms happens Saturday, Dec. 20 at Flicker Theatre and Bar. Your host will play his hardware best across house, shoegaze and punk inspired tracks. Also, in between acts, his other persona as DJ Other Voices, Other Rooms will spin tapes from his old Go Bar mixes. Also on the bill this night are Space Brother and RULB, who I honestly can’t believe hasn’t fallen out from total exhaustion considering how busy its members are. So, go get loud, y’all.

PONY UP: Hot on the heels of his nearly sold-​out EP Middle Aged Love, Sloan Simpson—who writes and records as Sloan Brothers—has his upcoming full-​length album available for presale as we speak.

It’s titled Love & Other Diagnoses, and comes courtesy of Science Project Records. The vinyl LP is $20 in the presale which, as much as I hate to admit we live in the 21st century and things just cost more now, is a pretty dang reasonable price. In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that Simpson and I have worked together on Sloan Brothers items in the past as well as other projects. The new album is scheduled for release Feb. 13, 2026, and you can get a head start at sloanbrothers.bandcamp.com.

THE MODERN SOUNDS: I didn’t want to let the year’s end slip by without mentioning the album Some Loves by indie honky-​tonkers The Lenders. And that’s pretty much the entire description of them, but with a little nuance implied. For example, music fans in general should pick up on certain

WHERE YOU BEEN: The three-​song release

by Telephone Pole may function as a demo for the group but, to me, it’s Telephone Pole release quality. Continuing, sort of, in the same direct Dinosaur-​ish influenced rock of its excellent April debut single Tom Waits-​isms, as well as some X-​styled “Bipolar,” the new release is titled You Get aesthetics, including X-​related band The So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense.

Knitters. Time was, you’d find a group like Opening song “Oil” is kind of like one of this performing back by the staircase at the those old Uncle Tupelo songs that revs its old Georgia Bar, but now you can find them engine but never really takes off and, thus, over at thelenders.bandcamp.com. keeps all its energy tightly concentrated ONE-​TWO PUNCH: If you needed a couple of and the listener on edge. The seemingly tracks of getting yelled at over some thick-​ whimsical “You Can’t Remember You” is a ’n’-​punky guitar riffage, well, Lifelong relaxed-​sounding jangle pop number that’s has you covered. The two songs on its both sadder and darker than its tune lets Sentimental Demo ’25 fit this bill quite on. This collection closes with the urgent nicely. “Sentimental Stomp” is pretty by-​ “Drum” that’s just perfect for those afternoons when the air is crisp and cool but you the-​numbers old school hardcore, but the just got to have the window down. Find this second track, “Awesome (like Anna) Rad (like Rocky),” is the real winner here. It’s at telephonepole.bandcamp.com, and keep got tons of artsy weirdness that really disup with them at telephonephoneathens. tinguished so much of the creative punk substack.com. community, especially on the West Coast, THE THIRD ANNUAL REPORT: This month’s during hardcore’s formative years. Dig this instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens at lifelongga.bandcamp.com. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

music

feature

For Fans Of

2025 LOCAL RELEASE RECOMMENDATIONS

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

S

ome will say it was a terrible year for music, while others will say it was amazing, and personally, I side with the latter. There are still musicians pushing boundaries, building on the foundation of decades of influence for certain, but nonetheless delivering quality and inventive music. There are also musicians who fit squarely within their genre and do it well, keeping traditions alive. All of this is to say, the comparisons and reviews found here are based on one music editor’s ears—try not to take it too seriously or literally. However, if you enjoyed any of these more mainstream album releases this year, then I’ve got some recommendations in the local music scene that you may have missed.

Across the Sea by Hog-​Eyed Man

For fans of: Greensky Bluegrass’ XXV Local Appalachian band Hog-​Eyed Man released its sixth album this year, delivering Southern old-​ time music with some help from across the pond. Clawhammer banjo player Michael Starkey collaborated on this project from Scotland, along with bouzouki and bodhran player Paddy League from closer to home in Tallahassee. Although Greensky Bluegrass’ XXV is more of a career retrospective, it’s built on a base of impressive features, including rising star Billy Strings. These albums really let the instruments shine while showcasing why traditional music can still compete in the modern music arena.

Bird Brain by Cardynal and DK

For fans of: Chance the Rapper’s STAR LINE If you’re concerned about the state of hip hop, then I urge you to look off the beaten path, because there were some great albums released this year. Local lyrical rappers Cardynal and DK activated like the Wonder Twins to dissect politics both at large and within the music scene, and similarly Chance the Rapper came back with some ugly truths about the industry. Both albums emphasize the power of community and influence of relationships, all while softening the blow of rapid lexical firepower with catchy melodies and fire beats.

Black Cat, Good Luck

by Obscurity

For fans of: Deafheaven’s Lonely People With Power The industrial noise duo Obscurity isn’t going to be for

everybody, something fans of the blackgaze band Deafheaven already understand. Both bands hit you with a wall of sound and a critical lens of society, and maybe that’s where the similarity ends. Deafheaven is more guitar and shoegaze driven, while Obscurity is essentially an electronic project. There’s an experimentation with heavy sounds here that are capable of finding a home in someone’s heart.

Dirty TV by Honeypuppy

For fans of: girlpuppy’s Sweetness Am I pushing the connection between these albums by the similarity of the band names? I don’t know, maybe. If we come at this from a songwriting perspective, I think there’s more underneath. Honeypuppy is decidedly bubblegrunge with ’90s nostalgia and influences, while girlpuppy is an indie rock band that flirts with alt-​pop. Respective songwriters Josie Callahan and Becca Harvey share a bittersweet rawness that explores the innocence of girlhood through a serrated edge of adult experience. Neither is exclusionary of their audience, though; there’s something in here for everyone.

Keep to Me by Julia Barfield

For fans of: Julien Baker and TORRES’ Send a Prayer My Way Drawing on outlaw tradition in their storytelling with an alternative country sound, duo Julien Baker and TORRES made a lot of headlines with their album release this year. The sweet, soothing nature of both the vocals and guitars feels very much in line with local songwriter Julia Barfield. While the duo leans into more of a pop sound, Barfield’s alternative country is based in folky Americana. For listeners like me, that’s an incentive in Barfield’s direction. Ben Hackett led the production and engineering on Keep to Me, so you know the album was in good hands.

Painted Like Dandelions by Little Mae

For fans of: Maria Somerville’s Luster What we have here are different sides of the shoegaze aisle.

Both albums deliver well-​produced dream pop, but the key difference is where the sounds are sitting in the mix. Little Mae’s alternative indie guitar tones and vocals sitting over the mix create a clarity that’s more rock oriented, while Irish songwriter Maria Somerville’s droning tones and vocals sitting down inside the mix is more ambient. Two perfectly suitable albums for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Proverbs by The Shut-​Ups

For fans of: Sloan’s Based on the Bestseller When you’ve created music long enough, you can either ride what you know into oblivion or adeptly flex into adjacent spaces—we won’t set the bar at mastering everything.

Local power-​pop five piece The Shut-​Ups released a double

album that navigates a lot of musical ground within what I would consider a classic rock framework, and it does so with varying degrees of seriousness. Similarly Sloan tells its own jangle pop story through decades of influences.

Both albums have some garage rock tendencies, and overall would make a true rock and roll lover quite happy.

Tell Hell I’m Not Coming by Johnny Falloon

For fans of: Geese’s Getting Killed I’m a big fan of where experimental rock and what I believe would be considered art punk are going. Johnny Falloon and Geese have both captured whiplash in an album, but it sure is groovy whiplash.

There are palpable krautrock influences in both, taken in a heavier direction by Johnny Falloon, while Geese wears a love for classic rock on its sleeve. Chaotic horns, screeching guitars and screaming vocals are offset by almost lullaby-​esque melodies. If you know you know, and Johnny Falloon will be a delight.

Thank the Lord… by The Pink Stones

For fans of: Charley Crockett’s Lonesome Drifter The reign of pop country is being effectively dismantled by the tradition of outlaw country and the new frontier of cosmic country—thank the Lord. This musical intersection seems to suit The Pink Stones perfectly, as the band very successfully dug up its roots and cooked them up into something refreshing that hit the palette just right.

Grammy Award-​nominated country singer Charley Crockett understands the value of this cross-​section right now, so if you were impressed by his delivery, then you shouldn’t overlook what’s happening here at home.

Vessels and Vices by Ashes to Omens

For fans of: Thrice’s Horizons/West Alternative rock almost means nothing as a descriptor, and alternative hard rock is not much better.

But when I tell you that what Ashes to Omens has released is in line with Thrice’s new album, hopefully you know exactly what I mean. If you don’t, then maybe it’s not for you anyway. There’s some depth in guitar-​driven sound, at times cinematic and at others more raw, but everything is staying within that pocket—because it works. These releases do share emotional complexity and themes of introspection and confrontation of personal identity. f

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music

feature

The Good Grief Trio AN ATHENS TRADITION CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

O

ne of Athens’ most beloved holiday traditions is celebrating 10 years of Good Grief. Seth Hendershot on drums, Greg Hankins on piano and Luca Lombardi on double ​bass make up the trio that brings the soundtrack of A Charlie Brown Christmas to the stage with a spirit of its own.

The members met through Hendershot’s jazz jam playing as the house band. One fateful day Hendershot brought in the piano sheet music to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas.

“I distinctly remember I brought it up to show Hankins and was like, ‘I want to try and learn one of these songs,’” says Hendershot, who knew something special was in the making. “He hugged the book.

And I was like, yeah, we’re doing this.”

The show began as a casual project for the group, but even the first show proved to the trio that the music really resonated with people. As the number of performances grew to meet demand each year, they started to notice that families returned year after year. “The evolution of a tradition is what we got to witness… becoming part of people’s holiday tradition has been really special,” says Hendershot.

“Eight-​year-​olds are now starting college and still coming with their parents.”

There’s a lot to appreciate about the music itself and the magic of jazz improvisation. “I can choose where to go,” says Lombardi. “Even if we play 10 times, every single time will be slightly different because of all these nuances of what we call jazz.”

The trio appreciates this playful nature of jazz, the musical communication and intuition of the form, and the joy of simply having fun together. It’s something they cherish sharing with younger audiences especially. “The arrangements are gorgeous… and I think for children, specifically, it brings a level of listening sophistication that they might not even know is going on,” says Hendershot.

Each member brings a different musical background and connection to A Charlie Brown Christmas. Lombardi began his musical training at the age of 5 and went on to study in Milan, earning advanced degrees in music, before moving to Athens in 2012 for a doctoral assistantship at UGA. His move to Athens was a challenging transition in the beginning, but it was music that allowed him to find community and choose Athens as his home.

Hankins started by playing songs by ear on a keyboard when he was a kid. He later studied music at James Madison University and earned a graduate degree in piano performance at UGA. He finds it a bit funny that these days he’s performing for live audiences. When he first started taking piano lessons, he learned that there would

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

be a recital. “I was really nervous about the thought of performing in public… now it’s almost every day that I’m performing in front of people,” says Hankins.

Hendershot’s first drumset was given to him by a friend whose family would be away on a church mission trip. His father’s friend happened to be a drummer and offered a few lessons to Hendershot. In high school, his band director introduced him to jazz, and a new passion began. In 2009, he opened Hendershot’s Coffee, which became an essential hub for the local jazz community and the founding of the Good Grief Trio.

When asked which Peanuts character each member embodied, Hankins and Lombardi agreed with Hendershot’s consensus.

Greg is, of course, the Schroeder of the group, but he keeps things in order with a Lucy-​like discipline. Lombardi is a clean and hygienic version of Pig-​Pen who exudes a friendly confidence. Hendershot says his “heart is Linus,” but he’s got some Charlie Brown, too. The group as a whole embodies the childlike playfulness of Peanuts both on and off the stage. “We’re just having fun playing music together, because we love each other, and we love this music,” says Hendershot.

After the performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas, audiences can stick around for a second act featuring Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. “The albums already like each other.

They’re somehow related in a spiritual way to me. They have this cold weather vibe,” says Hankins.

While the Good Grief Trio has performed in large venues for special events, it’s important to them that the experience remains intimate. That’s why they’ve added an additional show to their already sold-​out run this year on Friday, Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Kids ages 10 and under receive free admission. Get your tickets as soon as you can so you don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a new tradition of your own.

Visit hendershotsathens.com for more information. f

live music calendar Tuesday 16

Wednesday 17 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.

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $40 (adv.), $45. bit.ly/TabBenoitAthens TAB BENOIT Four-­time Grammy Award-­nominated artist renowned for his distinctive guitar tone and Otis-­Redding-­esque voice.

JESSE DAYTON Towering figure in the realm of outlaw country known for his guitar contributions to albums by musicians including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

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

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Thursday 18 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues and Brews. 6 p.m. $5. www. athenticbrewing.com RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-­driven local blues-­ rock group.

The Classic Center 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $37– 72. www.classiccenter.com JOHN BERRY The country star performs classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Let It Snow,” and his timeless hit, “O Holy Night” for his 29th annual Christmas tour.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com TEARS FOR THE DYING Long-­ running local deathrock and goth group fronted by songwriter Adria Stembridge.

ACADEMY ORDER Philadelphia group blending goth, deathrock, new wave and hints of hardcore.

Friday 19 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com BLOODKIN & FRIENDS Long-­ running Athens group playing a bluesy style of roots-­rock with big guitars and sharply written lyrics.

KEVN KINNEY Lead singer and songwriter of the Atlanta rock band Drivin N Cryin.

ATHICA Sonic Space. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.athica.org FAREWELL PHOENIX Experimental music project of Vietnamese-­ American artist, video animator, writer, composer and synthesist Lynn Nguyen Fister.

HEIRLOOM Andrew Chadwick’s project for his droney and meditative impulses.

PILE SCRAPER Athens trio creating sweaty, disorienting, blurred patterns pulsing.

QUIET EVENINGS Ambient project of Grant and Rachel Evans.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com ELVIN JAMES Emerging from the crossroads of moody R&B, alternative pop, ’90s country, Southern rock and indie soul.

Buvez 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ darkentriesathens DARK ENTRIES KARAOKE Sing your favorite song from a curated catalog of classic to modern goth, post-­punk, punk, ’80s and J-­Pop. Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com THE FOUR O’CLOCKS Hard drivin’ old time music from Atlanta.

COMER STRING COLLECTIVE Playing that jingle jangle old-­time string music.

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/HolidayHustle​ ClubDec19 HOLIDAY HUSTLE CLUB Lead by local writer and musician Bart King, this jazz quartet throws back to the era of iconic nightclubs, songwriters and vocalists like Birdland, Irving Berlin and Ella Fitzgerald. This year’s shows feature guest performers Dan Horowitz, Andrea DeMarcus, Alys Wilman, Anthony Zuniga, Mokah Johnson, Nathan and Miki Lu Peters, Evan McGown and others.

Donations suggested. www.facebook.com/davemarrmusic SEMI-­ANNUAL LAST-­MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOW Christmas songs and originals led by Dave Marr, special guest performers and hot cider.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Winter Solstice Show. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com SPACE BROTHER Electronic-­and hip-­hop-­influenced producer.

OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS House, rap and shoegaze-­inspired music on synth hardware.

RULB No info available.

COURTESY OF DAVE MARR

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

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.classiccityband. org CLASSIC CITY BAND The community band’s Christmas concert will include traditional holiday songs and modern classics.

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

Every Tuesday.

NOW AFTER NOTHING Atlanta darkwave act bringing classic post-­ punk and darkwave influences and modernized electronic instrumentals to the present-­day crowd.

The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-­HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.hendershotsathens.com GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 10 year anniversary!

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $64–106. pac.uga.edu BÉLA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES Groundbreaking banjoist, composer and bandleader Béla Fleck has reconvened the original lineup of the Grammy Award-­ winning quartet for this one of a kind holiday program featuring a variety of genres.

Madison Morgan Cultural Center 8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.mmcc-­arts. org ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing Handel’s Messiah for the holidays and a sing-­along of familiar tunes.

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents.

7:30 p.m. $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/ JimAndJimDec18 JIM LAUDERDALE Grammy Award-­winning Americana legend still pushing creative boundaries with his new album Game Changer.

JIM WHITE Winterville-­based singer-­songwriter with a canny lyrical style and a Southern gothic flair.

Sunday 21

The Foundry Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.). www.facebook.com/Aubrey​ EntertainmentAthensGA THE SOLSTICE SISTERS Susan Staley, Anna Durden and Maggie Hunter harmonize on old-­time country ballads, traditional folk and ’40s styled swing.

The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music.

Hendershot’s 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.hendershotsathens.com GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 10 year anniversary!

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 3 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $52–106. pac.uga.edu ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing Handel’s Messiah for the holidays.

Monday 22

Dave Marr’s Semi-Annual Last-Minute Holiday Show will be held at Fire Hall No. 2 on Saturday, Dec. 20.

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (w/ UGA ID), $12 (adv.), $15. bit.ly/ TheFoundryDec19 BTBTE Local five-­piece ’90s tribute band covering Matchbox Twenty, Oasis, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls and more.

MANNY COSTELLO Country singer-­songwriter who found fame competing on The Voice.

Hendershot’s 4:30 p.m. $20. 8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.hendershotsathens.com GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 10 year anniversary!

No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org TRIO METRO WITH LIZ FARRELL This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist, featuring special guest vocalist.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga OZZY CRÜE Tribute band playing Ozzy Osbourne and Mötley Crüe hits.

The Root 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ therootathens DAVE FORKER & HIS CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers.

VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic western and honky-­tonk style country band. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 20 Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net CLIMBING CEDARS Blending soulful Americana and foot-­ stomping bluegrass, handcrafted in the heart of Northeast Georgia.

(9:30 a.m.)

Ciné 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.), $15. www.athenscine.com FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences.

VALLEY OF GIANTS Athens emo folk.

NOT IVER New local project.

Fire Hall No. 2 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show).

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 5 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). FREE! bit.ly/​ BasketballTeamDec20 BASKETBALL TEAM Local band performing Christmas classics after a holiday workshop and marketplace in The Foundry Ballroom.

Hendershot’s 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.hendershotsathens.com GOOD GRIEF TRIO Greg Hankins (piano), Luca Lombardi (bass), Seth Hendershot (drums) and the Peanuts Choir interpret Vince Guaraldi’s timeless holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 10 year anniversary!

Memorial Park Administration Building AFMDS Contra Dance. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance).

FREE! (17 & under), $10–12. www. athensfolk.org THE FOUR O’CLOCKS Live music for a contra dance hosted by Athens Folk Music and Dance Society.

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

The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens.com SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com BLUE MONDAY De La Luna and DJ Charlieflower spin new wave, post-­punk, remixes, goth and Italo disco for this ’80s dance party.

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.

Tuesday 23 Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com OPEN MIC All musicians welcome.

Every Tuesday.

Wednesday 24 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.

Down the Line 12/27 Randall Bramblett Big Band (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) 12/31 Devils of the New Frontier, Trycoh, Vicious Devil (Nowhere Bar) 12/31 Thelma and the Sleaze (40 Watt Club) 12/31 Blackberry Smoke, Nat Myers (The Classic Center) f

DE C E MB E R 17, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 16

event calendar

ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom.

All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m.

FREE! gmoa-­tours@uga.edu 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: 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 COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: A Jane Austen Holiday (Oconee County Library) Celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday and craft holiday decorations. 4–5:15 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee FILM: Fleischer Holiday Toons (Ciné) Screening of a holiday themed collection featuring some of Fleischer Studios’ most beloved cartoons with an introduction and discussion after the films. 5:30 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: 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. Tues-

days, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge 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: 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 LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy with the group. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com OUTDOORS: Hot Chocolate Hike (Memorial Park) Enjoy a leisurely hike on the Birchmore Trail and then warm up with hot chocolate.

Ages 7 & up. 10 a.m.​​$3 (ACC resident), $5 (non-­resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com 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

Wednesday 17 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 ART: Artist Reception (Athentic Brewing Co.) Artist and muralist Broderick Flanigan will have new works on view. 5–7 p.m. www. athentic​brewing.com CLASSES: Life Drawing (Winterville Cultural Center) Monthly open drawing studio with a nude model.

Registration required. Ages 18 & up.

1–4 p.m. $20. www.drawathens.org

CLASSES: Holiday Paint-­N-­Sip (Terrapin Beer Co.) Follow instructions to create a holiday work of art to take home. 6:30 p.m. www. terrapinbeer.com COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying​ squidcomedy.com COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers.

Hosted by Noell Appling. Third

Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershots​athens.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 The Santa Clause and Elf. 6 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1979 holiday film Kate Bush Christmas Special. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist.

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize MORE Creative Agency as Small Business of the Month.

Congratulations to our December Small Business of the Month, MORE! MORE is a creative agency based in Athens, dedicated to showcasing the true value of brands and individuals. Established in 2020, their team combines strategy, design, and personality to help clients stand out, show up, and grow with purpose.

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

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

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: Gingerbread Workshop (Lay Park Community Center) Receive a pre-­baked gingerbread village, icing and candies. Registration required. 12 & under.

6​​p.m. $10 (ACC resident), $15 (non-­resident). www.accgovga. myrec.com KIDSTUFF: Holiday Party (Oconee County Library) Enjoy crafts, refreshments, snacks and more.

International Ballet Stars will perform The Nutcracker at The Classic Center on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Small Business of the Month!

14

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/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 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 KIDSTUFF: Ready, Set, Grow (Aaron Heard Community Center)

Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

Thursday 18 ART: Open Studio (Chase Park Warehouse, Unit 4, Suite #10) Artist Christina Habibi’s work will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. habibiart.com CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga.

Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Africa in Athens Holiday Shop (Mbare Home + Gift) Browse

a rotating selection of objects handcrafted by African artisans, including Senegalese baskets, Shona sculptures, stocking stuffers, linens and more. Thursdays, 1–7 p.m. www.mbare.com EVENTS: Wine Tasting (Ciné) Try more than 10 different wines from Kate Arnold Wines with proceeds benefitting Ciné. 5:30–7:30 p.m. $25. www.athenscine.com FILM: Eyes Wide Shut (Cinè) Screening of Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 masterpiece with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 p.m. $15. www.athenscine.com GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors).

FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872 GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd Henderson. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnys​ pizza.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia KIDSTUFF: 123 Toddler & Me (Lay Park Community Center) Bond with your toddler using fun gym games, arts and crafts, and kitchen goodies.

10 a.m. $3 (ACC residents), $4.50 (non-­residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com KIDSTUFF: Toddler Thursday (OCAF) Drop in for a mix of staff-­ led and self-­led activities or to look at art. Ages 5 & under. 10 a.m. FREE! (members), $5 (non-­ members). www.ocaf.com KIDSTUFF: Jolly Jamboree (Lay Park Community Center) Celebrate the holidays with crafts and activities. 10 & under. 6​​–7:30 p.m.

FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last.

Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 19 EVENTS: Epic Gift Exchange Party (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Enjoy dinner, ornament decorating, gingerbread making and a gift exchange (bring one $10–20 gift to participate).

7–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava. com EVENTS: Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night (Downtown Athens) Parade through downtown to the UGA quad with handheld speakers playing secular music. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.unsilentnight.com FILM: Movies by Moonlight (Sandy Creek Park) Screening of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com KIDSTUFF: Holiday Crafts (Memorial Park) Kids will enjoy holiday crafts, story time, snacks and more. Ages 6 & under. Registration required. 10 a.m. $3 (resident), $5 (non-­resident). www.accgovga. myrec.com THEATER: Work/Toy Balance: A New Original Christmas Play (Winterville Cultural Center) A Christmas comedy about a toy store employee who discovers he’s actually an elf. Dec. 19–20, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter.com

Saturday 20 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 COMEDY: Stormy Daniels (40 Watt Club) An evening of storytelling and comedy with the pop culture icon, with opener Father Nathan Monk.

7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $25 & up. www.40watt.com EVENTS: Last Minute Market (Buvez) Browse local vendors for last minute shopping needs. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens EVENTS: Journey Through The Stars (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Learn about the night sky with an immersive planetarium program.

Ages 5 & up. Registration required.

10 a.m. $5 (ACC residents), $8 (non-­residents). www.accgov.com/ myrec EVENTS: Solstice Sale (R. Wood Studio) Browse discounted pottery from Rebecca Wood and her team of artists during a candle-­lit sale.

Dec. 20–21. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.instagram.com/rwoodstudio​ ceramics EVENTS: Adult Trips (Howard Park & Community Center) Leisure Services offers roundtrip travel to Atlanta for a showing of The Urban Nutcracker. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. $50 (ACC resident), $75 (non-­resident). www.accgov.com/myrec EVENTS: Last Minute Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse locally crafted art, handmade gifts, vintage goods and more. 1–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Ornament & Gingerbread Decorating (Mai Kai Kava) Decorate a festive holiday gingerbread house and make holiday ornaments.

3–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava. com EVENTS: Hotel Abacus Holiday Market (The Foundry) There will be local vendors, kids activities and a Christmas concert. 5 p.m. bit.ly/ BasketballTeamDec20 EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features callers Amanda and Rob Seteli and live music by The Four O’Clocks. No partner required.

6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org

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) New works by artist and muralist Marisa Mustard are on view through January.

ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) New works by artist and muralist Broderick Flanigan are on view. Artist reception Dec. 17, 5–7 p.m.

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” features textile arts. Through Jan. 11.

ARTS + ATHLETICS (130 The Plaza) Atlanta artist Paige Adair’s exhibition “The Swan’s Chamber and Other Enchanted Portals” features paintings, printmaking and works on paper. On view by appointment only through Mar. 21, 2026.

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

BMA DESIGNS (1354 South Milledge Ave.) Abstract botanical art by Seanne Woodall on view through December.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) The museum will stay open late on Dec. 18 from 6–9 p.m. for special gallery hours and activities • 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.

FILM: The Best Christmas Carol Ever!(Bogart Library) Enjoy sing-­ alongs, hot chocolate and cookies while viewing Jim Henson’s A Christmas Carol. All ages. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart GAMES: Pathfinder Society RPG (Tyche’s Games) Come and adventure with the Pathfinder Society. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Tabletop Roleplaying Game Club (Oconee County Library) Join library staff for a tabletop roleplaying game. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee GAMES: Trivia & Hot Cocoa (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy hot chocolate while playing rounds of trivia. 5:30 p.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastate​ parks.org/WatsonMillBridge KIDSTUFF: Winter Kickoff (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Kids will explore the winter woods and enjoy time outside. Ages 4​​–12.

Registration required. 2​​–4 p.m. $6 (resident), $9 (non-­resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (ACC Library) A reality-­based, non-­prophet organization. 4 p.m.

FREE! www.atheistsocietyathens.org OUTDOORS: Jingle Bell Jog (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Celebrate the holiday season with hot chocolate and a fun run. Registration required. 1 p.m. $2/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Holiday Glow Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Don your ugliest holiday sweater and join park rangers for a night hike searching for creek critters.

7:30 p.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge THEATER: A Christmas Carol (St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church) The Collective Artist Workshop presents music and storytelling based on the classic holiday story. Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 3 p.m. $20. www.collective​ artistsworkshop.org THEATER: Work/Toy Balance: A New Original Christmas Play (Winterville Cultural Center) A Christmas comedy about a toy store employee who discovers he’s

actually an elf. Dec. 19–20, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter.com

Sunday 21 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: Intuitive Abstract Stained Glass (work.shop) Learn the basics of cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering a stained glass suncatcher. 12 p.m. $75. www.flux​ goods.com/classes CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee CLASSES: Cacao Ceremony (Healing Arts Centre) This heart fortifying experience will include drumming, sipping, gentle stretching, breathwork and savasana. Registration required. 5 p.m. $60. www.healing​ artscentre.net 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: Solstice Sale (R. Wood Studio) Browse discounted pottery from Rebecca Wood and her team of artists during a candle-­lit sale. Dec. 20–21. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.instagram.com/rwoodstudioceramics EVENTS: Holiday Ornament Craft (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join park staff to learn how to craft a holiday ornament. 10 a.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge GAMES: Christmas Cornhole Tournament (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Sip hot chocolate while playing rounds of cornhole. Registration required. 12 p.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastate​ parks.org/WatsonMillBridge GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens

HABIBI ART (160 Tracy St. Unit 4, Ste. 10) Artist Christina Habibi will host a free open studio on Dec. 18 from 6–9 p.m. All proceeds from sales directly support the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

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. • Jeff Campana’s “Assemblage Vessels” will be on view in the Lobby Case through Feb. 21, 2026 featuring modular ceramic vessels produced using computer‑designed molds and CNC milling. • 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. 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. 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

PERFORMANCE: Drag Brunch (Athentic Brewing Co.) A high tea themed afternoon of drag entertainment. 12 p.m. $10 (show only). www.athenticbrewing.com PERFORMANCE: The Nutcracker (The Classic Center) International Ballet Stars perform this holiday classic with hand-­painted sets and intricate costumes. 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. $33–68. www.classiccenter. com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: A Christmas Carol (St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church) The Collective Artist Workshop presents music and storytelling based on the classic holiday story. Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 3 p.m. $20. www.collective​ artistsworkshop.org THEATER: Work/Toy Balance: A New Original Christmas Play (Winterville Cultural Center) A Christmas comedy about a toy store employee who discovers he’s actually an elf. Dec. 19–20, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter.com

Monday 22 FILM: Holiday Movie Night (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Screening of a holiday special with free popcorn and hot cocoa. 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: Holiday Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your special holiday trivia knowledge with host Nick.

7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity (Bogart Library) triviaco KIDSTUFF: Winter Wonderland Day Off School (Memorial Park) Enjoy crafts, explore Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo, and more. Ages 6–12. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $25 (ACC residents), $38 (non-­ residents). www.accgov.com/myrec KIDSTUFF: Storytime with Santa (Bogart Library) Join Mr. and Mrs. Klaus for a special holiday themed storytime. Ages 3–7. 10:30 a.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee

Tuesday 23 GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com 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: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 24 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 f

Through the Eyes of Young Adults” on display in the Educational Gallery.

Final date TBA. • “1972 Trip to Germany” highlights art inspired by Thomas’ trip overseas. Final date TBA. TIGER’S EYE GALLERY (675 Pulaski St.) “Animal Spirit” features prints, drawings and paintings by local artists David Hale, Tatiana Kiselyova, Valley StipeMaas, Jeffrey Whittle and more that are inspired by the animals both mythological and real. Noah Mendelson of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico will also show several new paintings. Opening reception Through Jan. 15.

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.

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.

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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) Life insurance agents wanted! Uncapped income, flexible hours, no experience needed, training provided. Build your own future while helping others. Apply today! rcprosperitas@ gmail.com, 770-​725-​8220 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 (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records and CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-369-9428 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Brrr… winter is here! A perfect time to tackle those invasive plants! Wom-

an-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and 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 @pablo​from​seed, 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 AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists. www.athensarts. org/support ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR

Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals to develop an art exhibition for LHAC. www.accgov.com/9799/ ArtistCurator CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Seeking artists to share artwork in monthly exhibitions. careywelsh20​ @gmail.com CALL FOR ART (Donderos’) Seeking new artists to exhibit works. contact​ @donderoskitchen.com CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) Seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. adial@athenslibrary.org CALL FOR ART (Winterville Library) Apply to be a featured local artist in the Front Room Gallery. The library accepts all 2D mediums. swatson​ @athenslibrary.org CALL FOR ARTISTS (ACCGov) 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.

ADOPT ME!

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

Hilton (59642470)

This outfit is giving Santa a run for his money! Hilton is a great listener and would fit perfectly in a high-energy family. Her interests include playing with toys and staring down squirrels.

Holly (59908227)

If you’re looking to spice up your home for the holidays, consider adding Holly! This adorable orange girl is in need of a family this Christmas. You can adopt or foster her today.

Tilly (59885010)

Meet Tilly! She’s all dressed up for the season and ready to spend it with a new friend. Tilly is already house-trained and crate-trained and plays well with kids and other dogs.

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

16

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2026 Marigold Festival posters, T-​shirts and more.

Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold​ festival.com CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov. com CALL FOR MUSICAL PERFORMERS (AthFest) Applications for AthFest 2026 now open. Selection based on musical talent, following and draw, self-​promotion and previous AthFest experience. Submission deadline Feb. 14, 2026. Event held June 26–28, 2026. www. athfest.com/athfest-​music/ CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator​ @athenshc.org POET LAUREATE (ACCGov) The Leisure Services Arts Division’s Poet Laureate program is now accepting applications. Deadline extended to Friday, Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. www. accgov.com/11626/Public-​Art 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. Registration required. www.drawathens.org OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Members have access to spaces for photography, ceramics and more. www.accgov.com/7350/ Open-​Studio-​Membership 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 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 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

Classes A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. www.unityathens.com ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & 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 CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS (Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-​person classes. Topics include “Affordable Housing Info” and “Homebuyer Education Course.” www.athenslandtrust.org/classes-​ events CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including “Firestarting 101”, morning and evening kayak sessions, various educational hikes including “A Bridge to the Past” and more.

Full listings and registration for events on website. www.gastate​ parks.org/WatsonMillBridge 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. 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 NETWORKING, LESSONS AND MEETINGS (Integrative Medicine Initiative) Free events for those in the local wellness sector seeking support and educational opportunities. admin@integrativemedicine​ initiative.org

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.athensareadiaper​ bank.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 Area Arts Council) The council is accepting applications from individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and have a passion for the arts. www.athensarts.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 through Jan. Applications available online. www.athenshumanesociety. org SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB) Keep Athens-​Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-​a-​ramp and more. www.keep​ athensbeautiful.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 SHELTER PET ANGEL TREE (Athens Area Humane Society) Shop for shelter pets this holiday by choosing an ornament from the angel tree. Donations can be delivered during shelter hours. www.athens​ humanesociety.org TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store.

Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs TOWELS FOR ANIMALS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and hand rags for bathing animals and cleaning kennels.

Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www.accgov.com/ animalservices VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff 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 HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Nature centered programs for groups 5–7

and 8–12 years of age. Jan. 9 and Feb.6, various times. Registration required. www.accgov.com/myrec KIDS YOGA (Oconee Library) Free yoga classes led by certified yoga instructor. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Registration required. www.athenslibrary. org/events TOY GIVEAWAY (Aaron Heard Community Center & Park) Register children age 5–15 for free toy distribution. Event held Dec. 12, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sign up sheets available at various locations or email keylime577@gmail.com.

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 BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Ffree bike repair stations located across Athens with tools, an air pump and more. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-​Repair-​Stations BOOK SALE (Front Porch Bookstore, Winterville) $5 bag sale benefiting local library. Dec. 13–20, 10 a.m. until close. Find them on Facebook.

COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens​ roadrunners.org 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. Available 24 hours.

Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.

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

flagpole is seeking a news intern to help cover local government, 2026 elections, UGA campus events and more.

le gpo

fla

Interested students can send a resume and writing samples to Blake Aued at news@flagpole.com by Friday, Jan. 16.

DE C E MB E R 17, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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706-549-9523 • class@flagpole.com

IfIf you youare are crisis in in crisis due to due todomestic domestic violence, Classic violence, Classic City Orthodontics City wantsOrthodontics you wants you to find help. to find help.

It can be hard to shop for the plant-­ centered people in your life during the holidays. Favorite specimens may not be available in the winter, most won’t stay alive for weeks under the Christmas tree, and plants are notoriously hard to swaddle in gift wrap. Here’s a few suggestions for the gardener in your life, and a few items to avoid wasting your cash on.

GIFT CARD TO A NURSERY ($20–$100): Gift cards can be seen as impersonal presents, but having a larger-­than-­expected budget to buy beautiful things feels great. This gift will take some detective work on your part, because not all nurseries are a good fit for what each gardener wants. Feel free to pose the question as a New Year’s Resolution: “Well, do you have any plans for your 2026 garden?”

Athens nurseries sport a good selection of popular landscape plants, so don’t overlook the local option.

That said, the closest nurseries might not have the specific species your giftee is drooling over. In general, try to pick nurseries geographically closer to your backyard. This will lessen the shock a plant endures in acclimating to its new environment.

can handle getting wet. I like the thinner, nitrile gloves in the summer and a thicker leather or insulated pair for winter chores.

Even Wirecutter’s own guide suggests another set of options for the “more practical type.” Gardeners are (overall) the practical type, so opt for anything more practical than gloves that will literally show every speck of dirt and cannot be submerged in water.

GARDENING STOOL AND/OR KNEE PAD ($20–$70):

This could be as simple as cutting a wooden stool down to size and sewing a water-­ resistant cover for a polyurethane foam pillow. You could also spend some cash on

PLANT FLASHCARDS ($12–$35): I bought a stack of tree flashcards this year to practice my identification skills, and I’ve loved it. If your person says things like, “Gosh, I wish I knew what this plant Sunrise Nursery then flashcards could If your partner objects when you use thewas,” phone, thefriends, way to go. I’ve seen limits your everyday contact with familybe and some longer-­lasting non-­DIY options. Avoid decks built around wildflowers, If you are in crisisand you restrict yourself to avoid angry,flashcard aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you use phone, any product where it seems like holding a medicinal mushrooms and house you need to when step back and taketheherbs, due to domestic limits straight back is impossible. I’ve seen a few plants.

If your particular plant person is contact with family and friends, anotheryour look.everyday How can you cope once you are involved stools where the tag ergonomic seems more more interested in learning the nomenviolence, Classic and with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, aggressive aspirational than a practical descriptor. clature and common identifying traits of Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. you need to step back and take City Orthodonticsconfrontations, botanical families, you might be more inter- I’m also highly skeptical of the wearable Get your life back. Get help. another look. How can you copeested once you are gardening stool you’re supposed to strap to in Botany in ainvolved Day by Thomas J. Elpel wants you with a controlling partner? Call ($25).

Project for help. your butt for “convenience.” However, it is TheSafe book (unfortunately) does not to find help. goofy, and for $23 might be just the choice teach botany inisa day, but does explain in Our hotline24 is hours/day confidential, and counseling free.

Hotline, for the class-­clown plant-­lover who won’t common, easy-­to-­understand terms how to Get your back. help. del dia Linea de life crisis, las Get 24 horas mind waddling around the garden with a identify plants.

I often use it to puzzle out If your partner objects when you usephone, the phone, If your partner objects when you use the toadstool strapped to their derriere. the family name of a particular plant before limits your everyday contact with family and friends, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, checking the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive COPPER PLANT TAGS ($20–$50): This is a great Center to discover the specific variety. and you restrict yourself to angry, aggressive confrontations, youavoid need to step back and take gift for a gardener. They’re aesthetically Yes, yes, I know Google Lens can tell you another How youback cope and once take you are involved confrontations, youlook. need tocan step pleasing, and you, the gift giver, don’t have in two seconds what a plant is, but I want Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia with a controlling Call Project Safe for help. another look.

How can youpartner? cope once you are involved to know much more about the gift receiver to learn—not recite an internet query’s Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. than they love their garden and try to make answer. If you’ve got an amateur botanist, Get your life back. Get help. it beautiful. Most growers begin the spring help them on their way with these gifts.

Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. season staying on top of plant tags, but by Get your life back. Get help.

PASS ON THE WHITE WORKWEAR GLOVES ($60): The summer most are toast. Little plastic tags Hotline, 24 hours/day New York Times’ Wirecutter suggests buying tend to blow away or become obscured as Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia a $60 pair of white goatskin gloves for the the plant grows larger. Homemade versions gardener in your life. Are they using AI? can fade because they’re not UV resistant.

Someone or something hallucinated while Copper plant tags stay in place and refuse Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia making this pick. Gloves for a gardener is a to fade. They’re also beautiful and give the safe bet. Purchase sturdy, cheap gloves that garden an overall cohesive feeling. f

If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Classic City Orthodontics wants you to find help.

706-543-3331

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

706-543-3331

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

18

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 17, 2025

SUDOKU

LET PEIKEN HELP!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

PRONOUNCED I CAN HELP

7 9

RE D UC ED

1 8 3 5 2 7 3 5 4 1 8 7 2 6 4 9 1 5 8 4

Voted one of Athens Favorite Realtors by Flagpole’s readers!

2014-2016, 2018

RE D UC ED

3

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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 Weekthe of 12/15/25 12/21/25 numbers 1- to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

10

21

11

12

13

31

32

33

16 19 22

Solution to Sudoku: 24 25

26

9 4 278 282 5 1 3 629 7 2 6 1 7 8 3 36 4 5 9 34 35 7 3 5 4 6 9 38 39 1 8 2 1 8 3 6 429 5 7 2 4 41 5 2 9 8 4 7 6 3 1 45 44 4 7 6 471 3 2 5 9 849 48 8 541 557 5 2 6 9 456 3 53 6 9 4 3 7 8 2 1 560 59 8 7 6 3 5 2 9 1 4 63 62 65

9

18

17

23

8

15

14

20

7

by Margie E. Burke

30

Unwrap Something Naughty

37 40 43 46 50 57

66

51

52

58 61 64 67

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Judgment payout 53 "See you then!"

6 "What the ____!" 57 Hostage taker 10 "Dude ..."

59 Bluffing game 14 Lowest point 61 Easily duped 15 Soon, to a bard 62 Suffix with 16 Stairstep leather or lay measure 63 2023 Oscar 17 Fleetwood RV winner Michelle line 64 Middling poker 18 Now and then pair 20 Bering, for one 65 Pigeon-___ 22 Those going 80, 66 Taxpayers' IDs say 67 Uneasy state 23 Kyoto currency 24 "Lilies of the DOWN Field" character 1 Unable to relax 26 Designer Cassini 2 Ralph of "The 27 Shellfish dish Waltons" 30 Bocelli, for one 3 Trimmings 34 Brown bird 4 Baltic capital 36 Gift-wrapper's 5 Pulls the plug on need 6 Suffers from 38 Tear apart 7 Hazzard deputy 39 River in Hades 8 Place for kitchen 40 Place for a roast scraps 41 Like some parties 9 Prepare to be 43 Riesling, for one dubbed 44 Puccini opera 10 Capital of 45 Rising sky-high Barbados 47 Taylor of "Amer11 Wintry coating ican Crime" 12 ____-friendly 49 A.T.M. need 13 Name on a 50 Fly ball's path green toy truck

19 Places for crowns 21 Go at it 25 They may be bare 28 No Clue 29 State-run game 31 Plotting, as a course 32 Pop the cork 33 Fiona on TV's "Tracker" 34 Order in the court 35 City near Sparks 37 Comic dubbed 'the Entertainer' 42 Speakeasy risks 46 Canadian actress Sarkis 48 ____ mantle 51 Wanders 52 Colgate alternative 53 "Why should ___ you?"

54 Jackson 5 member 55 Fill beyond full 56 Course for bus. majors 58 Liniment target 60 "Say what?" sounds

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DE C E MB E R 17, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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