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DECEMBER 24, 2025 · VOL. 39 · NO. 51 · FREE & DECEMBER 31, 2025

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

this week’s issue

contents

SAM LIPKIN

Season’s Greetings and

Happy New Year!

Thank You for Your Support!

With Love from Ciné!

Your Local Nonprofit Arthouse Theater and Downtown Community Space.

Give the Gift of Ciné!

Memberships, Gift Cards, Take a Seat Plaques!

Available year round!

Looking Forward to Seeing You at the Movies!

The Reverend Conner Tribble will perform his old-fashioned, good-spirited rock and roll at Athentic Brewing Co. on Saturday, Dec. 27. For more info, see the Live Music Calendar on p. 10.

DONATE:

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

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

New Boulevard Hotel Plan

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Local Kwanzaa Celebrations

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

New Year’s Eve Happenings SPECIAL SECTION: Slackpole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Community Submissions

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Faye Webster

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COVER ART from the 2025 Flagpole covers

STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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

VOLUME 39 ISSUE NUMBER 51

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

online exclusive Athens GA Live Music documents artists gracing stages across the Classic City. Don’t miss footage from performances by Music Hates You, Faye Webster, Willow Avalon, TaxiCab Verses, Obscurity, Arms Dealer and more.

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

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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OLLI FEST

January 10, 10:00AM-2:00PM River’s Crossing

Find out more about OLLI, a dynamic learning and social organization for adults 50+ • 300+ Classes • Lunch & Learns • Travel Adventures • Shared Interest Groups • Social Events

Drawing for 2 FREE MEMBERSHIPS!

River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Road, Athens. GA 30602 OLLI@UGA is one of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes of The Bernard Osher Foundation, each affilated with a college or university across the country. OLLI@UGA maintains a strong 1,000+ membership.

olli.uga.edu

River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Rd, Athens GA 30602 | (706) 542-7715

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

WHAT CAN YOU RECYCLE AT CHaRM? THE CENTER FOR HARD-TO-RECYCLE MATERIALS

CHaRM DOESN’T TAKE: Furniture Construction material Fuels

UP TO $10.00 OFF YOUR NEXT VISIT! No cash value. One coupon accepted per customer/trip.

Expires 12/31/2026.

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WE TAKE THESE FOR FREE! THINGS TEACHERS CAN USE

SCRAP METAL Pots & pans Chains Rusted outdoor furniture Metal auto parts Broken appliances Things that are mostly metal

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

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

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PLASTIC BAGS AND STYROFOAM (clean & dry)

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

THINGS THAT TURN ON

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

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

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

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

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

news

city dope

Welcome to the Hotel Boulevardia PLUS, LOITERING LAWS, TSPLOST AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com A new plan for a smaller hotel behind the former UGA President’s House has been introduced by Gainesville, GA-­based Capstone Property Group, but some neighbors say it’s still too large for the location.

In the latest version, the Graduate-­ branded Hilton behind the 170-­year-­old house on Prince Avenue—put up for sale by the Board of Regents in 2023—would be half the size of the initial proposal, at 38,500 square feet, and include about 70 rooms. The building would also be moved further back on the five-­acre lot, and surface parking would replace underground parking.

“These plans are responsive to reasonable requests from neighbors and community leaders, and still allow us to preserve and maintain the historic president’s house, and create an exciting new lodging opportunity in Athens,” Jeff Payne, president of Capstone, said in a news release. “We have reduced the size of the new structure by half, and will not be doing underground parking, which will eliminate the need for any extensive excavation.”

Keep Athens Local, a group formed to oppose the project, called the new proposal an improvement, but noted that it is still much larger than the 10,000 square feet allowed under Athens-­Clarke County’s commercial-­neighborhood zoning.

“It’s not just the size and scale that raise concerns, it’s the parking, congestion and traffic, outdoor event space, noise, lighting and other nuisances that will come with a hotel and restaurant of this size that will impact neighborhood residents, surrounding streets, traffic flow and safety on Prince Avenue,” Keep Athens Local said in a statement. “While these issues are discussed in the proposal and press releases by Capstone, the real impacts are downplayed while neighbors end up paying the price for

706-548-2188 600 Oglethorpe Ave #4 Athens, Georgia 30606

ALAFERA.COM

generations to come.”

The preservation group Historic Athens had outlined six areas where the previous plan could be improved and asked for a smaller-­scale building, no blasting for underground parking, protection easements for the formal gardens and the exterior and interior of the main house, neighborhood protections, an archaeological study and interpretive displays of the site’s history. Historic Athens is now accepting feedback on the latest proposal.

The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the new plan Jan. 8. [Blake Aued]

Tweaked Law Targets Homeless The Athens-­Clarke County Commission will vote next month on tweaks to a local law aimed at keeping homeless people from blocking sidewalks and access to businesses.

The proposal would change language in the county code to prohibit “interference with sidewalks, streets and other public areas,” including highway overpasses and entrances to businesses. Police could issue citations after an initial warning.

The rewritten ordinance contains exceptions for medical emergencies, children, wheelchairs, waiting in line and other circumstances. “No one under this ordinance is going to get a citation for hanging out in front of a store talking to their friends,” Commissioner Carol Myers said.

The recommendations came from an ad hoc committee appointed by Mayor Kelly Girtz in September that included Myers and commissioners Patrick Davenport and Dexter Fisher.

“We can’t keep going down this road where people are literally sleeping in front of businesses,” Fisher said. “It affects their livelihood.”

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The definition of “interference” would include storage of personal property, in addition to bodily blocking the public right-­ of-­way. Such property could be considered abandoned and confiscated after 24 hours.

The Athens Homeless Coalition has put forward a proposal for some sort of storage area so that “people have an opportunity to put their stuff somewhere so it’s not interfering with someone else, but also so people have an opportunity to do what they need to do, take care of appointments, whatever issues they have, without having to lug around their belongings,” Myers said.

Davenport warned that, with the ordinance changes, “we are essentially criminalizing homeless people,” although he also said he would vote in favor of them.

TSPLOST: Commissioners also discussed an upcoming vote on a project list for a transportation sales tax referendum in May, indicating they could add a few projects.

Davenport said he would be working on those changes during the holiday break.

“I’m real concerned about us not having any greenway money on here,” Commissioner Melissa Link said. “I don’t believe District 2 really got anything.”

The commission already set aside $140 million for routine expenses like road paving and transit operations in what was supposed to be a five-­year, $200 million extension of the 1% sales tax for transportation. That left a citizen advisory committee with just $60 million, and it had to choose from among submissions totaling about $600 million. The committee’s list of recommendations leaned heavily toward projects in East Athens and on the Eastside, such as replacing the dangerous North Avenue bridge over the Loop, safety improvements on Barnett Shoals Road and bike lanes on College Station Road. Some projects would be distributed throughout the county.

Commissioners subsequently decided at a work session earlier this month that they would tack a sixth year onto TSPLOST 2026, raising an additional $42 million.

That would allow them to add improvements to the Five Points intersection in Winterville, as well as free up about $10 million for a Middle Oconee Greenway

segment from Burton Park to either Beech Haven or Burney-­Harris-­Lyons Middle School, and/or completing the underfunded Timothy/Mitchell Bridge multiuse trail.

Additional money could be freed up by shifting Eastside projects to tax allocation districts for the North Avenue and Lexington Road areas, where taxes from new development are devoted to infrastructure within the TAD, Link suggested.

Myers and Commissioner Ovita Thornton, who represent those areas, defended the eastward tilt by saying previous rounds of TSPLOST favored the Westside. Thornton, though, said she may not vote for the TSPLOST 2026 because she hasn’t seen enough progress in TSPLOST 2023. Under new manager Bob Cowell, ACC is looking at ways to speed up construction of capital projects that often linger for years.

HOMEWOOD VILLAGE: A proposal to level part of the shopping center to make way for two five-­story apartment buildings may be kicked down the road again after repeated delays, as new questions emerged about sewer capacity.

Residents of nearby subdivisions told commissioners they’re already having problems with sewer leaks without adding hundreds of new sinks, showers, toilets and washing machines to the equation. Cowell said the shopping center was built at a time before stormwater management was required, and so runoff is getting into the aging sewer lines.

That led to a broader discussion of whether the commission is approving more apartments than the sewer infrastructure can handle. “Buildings are going up, and we are not fixing what is below,” Thornton said.

“You are, we are, definitely investing in infrastructure,” Cowell responded, adding that the commission would get a presentation on the five-­year water and sewer service delivery plan next spring.

“We made the recommendation to install a sewer storage tank in that area,” ACC Public Utilities Director Hollis Terry said.

“In the meantime we’re putting out flow meters, and we’re going to get the capacity fixed by what we call coating the line” to prevent leaks. ➤ continued on next page

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City Dope

continued from p. 5

Fisher and Thornton repeated their calls for a moratorium on new apartments, but Cowell explained that it could wind up in court. “The developer has offered a solution that allows the development to take place,” he said. “A moratorium puts you at some legal risk.”

Atlanta-­based developer Carter is asking for a set of waivers that Chief Investment Officer Jack Murphy said would improve the redevelopment. “The planned development that we’ve submitted represents a more responsible and better site plan for the community than what can be developed by right,” he said. “The reasons we did not want to go with the by-­right process is it would require building a significant amount of ground-­floor retail space when over 50 percent of recently built retail space in Athens is vacant, as well as unnecessary parking.”

If the waiver requests are rejected, the aging shopping center could sit half-­vacant for years. Or, someone could build a five-­ story hotel or medical office building without needing commission approval, Mayor Kelly Girtz said.

“If this project doesn’t go through, a developer can come in and build by right a five-­story project that does not have to come before the commission,” Fisher said.

Nonetheless, the idea of taller buildings near single-­family homes remains unpopular with neighborhood residents. “We don’t need more apartment complexes in this town… There are apartments everywhere in this town with lots of vacancies,” Heather McElroy said. The vacancy rate in Athens is 4%, compared to 10% nationwide, according to UGA’s Selig Center for Economic Growth.

Taller buildings in underdeveloped areas are inevitable as Athens grows, Girtz said.

“That’s part of what we’ll be experiencing more of in the years and decades ahead,” he said. [BA]

CCSD Seeks Charter Renewal A split Clarke County Board of Education voted to tell the state it plans to apply

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

for another five-­year contract as a charter school system.

The current charter expires in 2027. It takes about a year to complete the application process, the school board learned at its Dec. 11 work session and meeting. The application would be due in late 2026.

Under the charter system, enrollment has doubled at the Athens Community Career Academy. State waivers have allowed the district to hire professionals from industry as teachers, as well as create internships and apprenticeships. Positive behavior supports across the district have helped reduce absenteeism in all 21 schools.

The K-­12 Career Exploration initiative lets students align career exploration with life skills programming. The district held career fairs for all grades. More than 550 high school students are enrolled in health-­ care pathways. In 2023-­24, 48% of minority students completed Advanced Academic Pathways (Advanced Placement or dual enrollment in college).

In considering “the whole child,” the district provides social and emotional support to all students. Campus health centers and partnerships provide free health care, including vision testing and glasses. The district passed out $600,000 in grants to Local School Governance Teams, which then decided how best to spend the money.

The accomplishments highlighted by James Barlement and Stephen Nobles in the Department of Innovation, Strategy and Governance were not enough to convince board members Linda Davis, Mark Evans and Mary Bagby to endorse continuing the charter system. Tim Denson, Patricia Yager, LaKeisha Gantt and Mumbi Anderson voted yes.

Davis said that since she joined the board in 2012, there have been students who are left behind and don’t do well. Evans said he doesn’t see CCSD doing innovative things to reach all students, especially students on the east side of the county.

Several members want to have better ways of measuring the success of charter programs. In the weeks and months to come, the board will consider whether to accept the charter application as school officials devise it. [Rebecca McCarthy] f

arts & culture

feature

arts & culture

feature

Matunda Ya Kwanzaa

Cheers to New Year’s

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

A

multi-­day celebration of Kwanzaa will take place in Athens Dec. 26–31 with children’s activities, music and traditional drumming, a fashion show, community discussions and a panel with mayoral candidates, all free and open to the public. The local celebration, now in its fourth year, is organized by Dwight Acey, Mokah Johnson and other local educators, artists and volunteers to honor the cultural holiday in Athens.

COURTESY OF DWIGHT ACEY

Kwanzaa was created in Los Angeles in 1966 by scholar and activist Maulana Karenga to offer African Americans a way to honor and connect with African heritage, community values and collective responsibility. Though not a direct response, the holiday was established in the wake of the Watts uprising in Los Angeles in 1965, which exposed police brutality and racial discrimination and was part of national conversations about racial inequality.

Acey first experienced Kwanzaa when he was a teenager in 1968, and it made a lasting impression on him. “James Baldwin used to say that to be an African American is to be an African with no memory, an American with no privilege. [Kwanzaa] gave us a chance to look at who we were, what our past was, what our history was and to bring us together. It was a kind of cohesion.”

Today, Acey continues to celebrate Kwanzaa with his family. “My children celebrated it, and now their children celebrate it.”

“Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits,” and refers to the harvest celebrations of many African cultures. Dr. Karenga added an extra “a” so the name would have seven letters to represent the seven principles that are honored during the holiday.

“The ceremony involves candle lighting. It uses a kinara. It has seven candles with three red, three green and one black.

Each candle represents one of the seven principles,” Acey said. Those principles include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-­ determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

Acey described these principles, saying, “Umoja means unity, that we should all

work together for the benefit of each other.

Kujichagulia is self-­determination, which means that people should be able to speak for themselves… They should have their individuality and define themselves. Then there’s Ujima, which is collective work and responsibility. That can mean simple things, like if you’re in your neighborhood and there’s trash on the street, you can pick it up… The next one is Ujamaa, which is cooperative economics. That means we have a responsibility to spend some money, at least, with people in our own community… Then there’s Nia, purpose. We need to have direction, and Kwanzaa directs us into a cohesive community. Then there is Kuumba, creativity. Black people are some of the most creative people in the world. And the last one is Imani, which is faith. To have faith in our people, in our past, in our history.

We have a glorious history. To have faith in our leaders and faith in our ability to make our lives better.”

When Acey moved to Athens, he saw that there was not an active community Kwanzaa celebration. He connected with Johnson and other organizers to begin a Kwanzaa celebration in Athens open to everyone of all backgrounds. “Kwanzaa has no religious component… Kwanzaa is designed to bring people from different religious and political backgrounds together. It’s open to anybody,” Acey emphasized.

Learn more about Kwanzaa and how its principles are alive in Athens at these free events: Friday, Dec. 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

First AME Church at 521 Hull St. Umoja (Unity): Cultural Competence Strategies for Community Advancement.

Guest Speaker Jennine Labuzan-­DeLane Saturday, Dec. 27, 2:30–4:30 p.m.

ACC Library at 2025 Baxter St. Kujichagulia (Self-­Determination): Education as a Healing Practice. Hosted by Christina Hylton Sunday, Dec. 28, 2:30–4:30 p.m.

ACC Library at 2025 Baxter St. Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): Community Conversations with Athens’ Mayoral Candidates. Co-­hosted by Kirrena Gallagher and Rick Dunn Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2:30–4:30 p.m.

ACC Library at 2025 Baxter St. Nia (Purpose): Children’s Reading and Craft Program. Led by Freda Giles Wednesday, Dec. 31, 3–6 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 780 Timothy Rd. Kuumba (Creativity): Fashion Show, Community Potluck, Live Performances.

Hosted by Mokah Johnson serving as Mistress of Ceremonies f

CELEBRATION FESTIVITIES IN ATHENS

As

the UGA students leave town and the chill settles in for the end-­of-­ the-­year holidays, New Year’s Eve celebrations are a cheery spark in the middle of an otherwise barren time of year for Athens. If you’re still deciding on plans, consider these events happening right here at home.

Athens Rock Lobsters

Akins Ford Arena • 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (game)

If you want to end the year with your claws up, the Athens Rock Lobsters have you covered. Athens’ hometown hockey team will be taking on the Columbus River Dragons. Win or lose, there will be a New Year’s Eve celebration with a post-­game party inside the arena following the game, complete with a balloon drop and confetti.

Tickets are $28–$50, available at classic​ center.com.

The Original Splitz Band Athentic Brewing Co. • 8 p.m.

Rumours

Georgia Theatre • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show)

For over a decade, this Atlanta-­based band has recreated Fleetwood Mac’s golden era in concert with stunning authenticity.

Each member of the group brings their own unique touch that honors Fleetwood Mac’s legacy while delivering an allure that goes beyond simple imitation. Attendees can expect to hear a journey of iconic classic songs that defined a generation. Tickets are $48.53, available at georgiatheatre.com.

Devils of the New Frontier, Trycoh, Vicious Devil Nowhere Bar • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show)

For some people, it’s hard to beat the combination of live music and pool tables.

Devils of the New Frontier will headline, a power-pop trio made up of Steven Chambliss, Andy Pope and Brandon McDearis.

The three-piece instrumental band Trycoh

This Motown New Year’s Eve party presented by Aubrey Entertainment will feature music by The Original Splitz Band from 9 p.m. until midnight, so you can dance the night away and groove on into 2026. There will be a ham drop at midnight. Crab & Soul Catering will be onsite, and tickets include a $5 drink voucher. All ages are welcome, and the drink voucher can be used towards non-­ alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $20 at the door and in advance, available at athentic​ brewing.com.

SIXSTRINGSOUTHERNPRODUCTIONS

CELEBRATING AFRICAN CULTURE IN ATHENS

Blackberry Smoke, Nat Myers

The Classic Center Theatre • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show)

Atlanta country rock band Blackberry Smoke will be ringing in the new year with the sounds of its home Blackberry Smoke state. Its eighth studio album that was released last year, Be Right Here, draws will deliver its self-described “brawny” rock inspiration from Southern rock, blues-­ and roll, sandwiched between a double dose leaning classic rock and rootsy vintage of devil. Opener Vicious Devil is a rock band country. The songwriting is rich with relatformed by Curtiss Pernice, Ballard Leseable storytelling. Opening for this show is mann and Larry Tenner. Tickets are $10, Nat Myers, a blues singer-­songwriter with with more info available at instagram.com/ a similar knack for telling tales. Tickets are nowherebarathensga. $58–$333, available at classiccenter.com.

Classic City Wrestling

Goth Night Dance Party

Looking for a different kind of bell to ring in the new year? Classic City Wrestling is hosting one of its high-­energy evenings of pro-­wrestling with a side of rock and roll.

The main match will see Najasism defend the championship against the returning Cody Fluffman. On stage, Nashville-­based queer Southern rock band Thelma and the Sleaze will be jamming out. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $25 for second row and $30 for first row, available at 40watt.com.

Practice those dance moves like plucking cobwebs and shooing bats for the Goth Night Dance Party. DJ Goth Dad, DJ Crowe, DJ Tomb Lily and Twin Powers will keep the music going until late night, spinning a gloomy mix of goth, post-­punk, deathrock, industrial and more. These DJs are veterans of the goth scene and have established a welcoming home downtown with their regular dance parties. Tickets are $10, with more info available at athenscine.com. f

40 Watt Club • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show)

Ciné • 9:30 p.m.

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 23

event calendar

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

Friday 26 EVENTS: Cultural Competence Strategies for Community Advancement (First AME Church) As part of the Kwanzaa celebration for unity, guest speaker Jennine Labuzan will give a presentation.

5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.first​ ameathens.org GAMES: Holiday Magic (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy an afternoon of Magic The Gathering games. 4–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday’s (Hendershots) Close out the Christmas holidays and enjoy a fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 &

up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl​ cabaret.com

Saturday 27 EVENTS: Education as a Healing Practice (ACC Library) As part of the Kwanzaa celebration for self-determination, Dr. Christina Hylton will lead this talk. 2:30–4:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: The Exchange of Misfit Toys White Elephant Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring a wrapped gift deserving of a different home for a traditional White Elephant gift exchange. 4–6 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com FILM: A Peculiar Noise (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of Jorge Torres-­Torres’ Athens music documentary celebrating its 10th anniversary followed by live music.

7 p.m. $10. www.flicker​theatreand​ bar.com GAMES: Board Games (Bogart Library) Enjoy a variety of board games and card games with friends.

2​​–4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Chess Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in for open chess play. 3 p.m. FREE! www. ​​ athenslibrary.org/oconee SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Pee Dee IceCats (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7 p.m. $28–50. www.classiccenter.com

Sunday 28 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 EVENTS: Community Conversations with Athens’ Mayoral Candidates (ACC Library) As part of the Kwanzaa celebration for

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.

AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy., Suite 501) New works by artist and muralist Marisa Mustard are on view through January.

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.

ATHENAEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (287 W. Broad St.) “Beverly’s Athens” is the first institutional exhibition to focus on the more than two decades Beverly Buchanan made Athens her home. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-­known “shacks.” On view Jan. 16–Mar. 21. Opening reception Jan. 17, 4–6 p.m.

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.

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.

COMMUNITY (260 W. Washington St.) Paintings and collages by Don Chambers are on display through January.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with ani-

8

collective work and responsibility, co-hosts Kirenna Gallagher and Rick Dunn will lead a panel discussion with mayoral candidates.

2:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens 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

Monday 29 CLASSES: Yamuna Body Rolling (Healing Arts Centre) Release tension, improve strength and more with this introductory class. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. $30. www.healingartscentre.net/sangha GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco KIDSTUFF: Children’s Reading and Craft Program (ACC Library) As

part of the Kwanzaa celebration for purpose, Dr. Freda Giles will lead a storytime and crafts. 2:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

Tuesday 30 CLASSES: Getting Started with Facebook (ACC Library) Learn how to create an account, connect with others online and share updates safely. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athentic​ brewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Pinball Tournament (Starland Lounge & Lanes) Casual and beginner-­friendly with prizes and giveaways. 7–9 p.m. $5 entry & coin drop. tflipsamusements@ gmail.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia 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

mations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28. • “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.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) 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. • 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. • 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. • Jeff Campana’s “Assemblage Vessels” will be on view in the Lobby Case through Feb. 21 featuring modular ceramic vessels produced using computer‑designed molds and CNC milling.

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) In the Main Gallery, “A Way Among Ways” is curated by Beth Malone and features artists whose work explores labor, material and improvisation. On view Jan. 16–Mar. 7. • In the Members Gallery, “This Beautiful Tangle” includes

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens 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 31 EVENTS: Fashion Show & Community Potluck (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) As part of the Kwanzaa celebration for creativity, there will be live performances and a fashion show with a potluck dinner. 3–6 p.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org PERFORMANCE: Classic City Wrestling (40 Watt Club) A night of high flying, power slamming independent wrestling, with a side of rock and roll by Thelma and the Sleaze. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $20–30. www.40watt.com SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs.

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

Thursday 1 GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens. org KIDSTUFF: Lego Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges.

Ages 5–12. First thursdays, 3:30– 5:30. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee OUTDOORS: First Day Hike (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join a

park ranger for a 1.5 easy hike and learn about the history of the park.

10 a.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: First Day 5K (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join others for a moderate run on various trails in the park. 1 p.m. $5/person, $5 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastate​ parks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: First Day Hike (Ben Burton Park) Join ACC staff for a New Year’s Day hike on local trails.

Ages 8 & up. 2 p.m. FREE! www. accgovga.myrec.com

Friday 2 GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday’s (Hendershot’s) Kick off the new year and the Showgirl’s 16th year with a fabulous night of drag entertainment and special guests from Belli Dance Company. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret. com

Saturday 3 CLASSES: Clay Handbuilding Workshop (Southern Star Studio) Learn how to create a piece of pottery and decorate it. All supplies provided. Ages 12 & up. First Saturdays, 2 p.m. $60. www.southern​ starstudioathens.com GAMES: Learn to Play Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn about the science fantasy tabletop role-­playing game. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com

paintings and illustrations by Jeffrey Whittle alongside prints and paper works by Melissa Harshman. On view Jan. 16–Mar. 7.

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

• “Tribute to Richard ‘Ole’ Olsen.” Through Jan. 3. • “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” on display in the Educational Gallery.

Final date TBA. • “1972 Trip to Germany” highlights art inspired by 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. 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.

Sunday 4 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 GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens 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

trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia 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

Monday 5

Wednesday 7

GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.

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 FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A mute, traumatized woman faces new horrors when her cousin is murdered by a maniac in Knife of Ice. 7 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/bloodeverywhere. athens GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist.

New players welcome. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

The Word of Mouth featured poet is Abby Duran at The Globe on Wednesday, Jan 7. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco

Tuesday 6 ART: Tuesday Tour (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join a docent led tour of the State Botanical Gar-

den’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowl-

edge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 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

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Consider tossing us a buck or two.

www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia 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 LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-­ running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader Abby Duran from Charleston. 6 p.m. (sign-­ups), 7 p.m. (poetry).

FREE! www.facebook.com/athens​ wordofmouth

Down the Line 1/08 123 Toddler & Me (Lay Park Community Center) 1/08 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 1/08 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) 1/08 Ladies Only Line Dancing (Boutier Winery & Inn) 1/08 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) 1/09 Adult Trips (Howard Park & Community Center) 1/09 Art in the Park (Sandy Creek Park) 1/09 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) 1/09 Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Pee Dee IceCats (Akins Ford Arena) f

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DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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live music calendar Tuesday 23

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

Every Tuesday.

Friday 26

Saturday 27 Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com THE REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE Old-­fashioned rock and roll with a sprinkle of good-­humored irreverence.

Buvez 7:30 p.m. FREE! (cash donations to help Buvez employees with job transition). www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens SPOIL Hardcore band.

ATTEST Originally formed in 2008, the group took a long hiatus before returning with a more refined hardcore punk sound.

CRYING FORM Local hardcore punk trio.

CRYPTORCHID Local blackened hardcore punk.

HATE SPAWN SLIME West Georgia angry-­fun eldritch hardcore.

MR. [REDACTED] Local band with new brakes and tires.

OBSCURITY Noise and synth-­punk band.

Flicker Theatre & Bar A Peculiar Noise Screening. 7 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com JIM WILLINGHAM Local folk rock singer-­songwriter (Dim Watts, Burly Ivy).

10

Sunday 28 Buvez 7:30 p.m. FREE! (cash donations to help Buvez employees with job transition). www.instagram.com/ buvez_athens TREPID Local grungegaze and bouncy electro-­punk.

LITTLE MAE Trio blending indie, pop and shoegaze, drawing from influences such as Samia, Mercury and Alice Phoebe Lou. KNURD Hardcore rock band.

THE THINGS Alternative country noise for sweetie pies.

THOMAS FULFORD Alternative indie musician.

7TH TRY Atlanta-­based alt-­rock band.

Tuesday 30 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.40watt.com HAYRIDE Long-­running local three-­piece rock band led by guitarist Kevin Sweeney.

Athentic Brewing Co. 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $20. www.athentic​ brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND Part ’70s funk and disco flavor, a dash of old-school R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Ciné Athens Goth Night Dance Party. 9:30 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com DJ CROWE DJ Steven Crowe.

DJ TOMB LILY Adria Stembridge of Tears For The Dying spins deathrock, post-­punk, goth and more.

wood Mac tribute band formed in 2014.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga VICIOUS DEVIL Project from Curtiss Pernice, Ballard Lesemann and Larry Tenner.

TRYCOH Brawny rock and roll capable of veering into regions of desolation.

DEVILS OF THE NEW FRONTIER Steven Chambliss’ fist pumpin’

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.

Sunday 4 Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier​ winery.com DENNY MARTIN Country acoustic guitarist.

Tuesday 6

KAT WOOD

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 songs.

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

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

COCOMOKAZE Eclectic and dreamy folk rock singer-­songwriter.

INFINITE FAVORS Project of brothers Andrew and Nathan Prater featuring vocal harmonies, melodic basslines and hand percussion to create unforgettable, minimal bedroom pop.

The Foundry Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. (two shows). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/ SegarJazzOct25 SEGAR JAZZ AFFAIR WXAG radio DJ Dwain Segar curates a night of smooth jazz.

TONY EXUM JR. Sensational saxophonist blending contemporary jazz, R&B and funk.

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

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.), $35. bit.ly/RandallBramblettDec27 RANDALL BRAMBLETT BIG BAND American roots musician known for his genre-­blending style and creative song imagery. Holiday performance!

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.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-­expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-­rock and improvised music.”

Wednesday 7

Spoil will play an employee benefit show at Buvez on Saturday, Dec. 27.

WYLD STALEYZ Self-­described hot blooded, ball clenching power rock band from Athens.

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

Every Tuesday.

Wednesday 31 40 Watt Club Classic City Wrestling. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $20–30. www.40watt.com THELMA AND THE SLEAZE Nashville-­based all-­female, queer Southern rock band.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

TWIN POWERS Local DJ who is also a member of DJ trio Booty Boyz.

DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-­punk, ’80s, Halloween music and more.

The Classic Center 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $58– 333. www.classiccenter.com BLACKBERRY SMOKE Country rock band formed in Atlanta in 2001.

NAT MYERS Korean-­American blues poet based in Kentucky.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $48.53. www.georgiatheatre.com RUMOURS Atlanta-­based Fleet-

power pop trio with Andy Pope and Brandon McDearis.

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.

Saturday 3 Hendershot’s 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots​ athens.com CLASSICAL REVOLUTION Open classical play by local musicians.

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

Sign up online.

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 1/08 Randall Bramblett, Mike Mattison (Rialto Club) 1/09 Soul Spectacular Dance Party (Normal Bar) 1/10 Wolves, Lower (Hendershot’s) 1/10 Annie Leeth, Dhemo, Little Mae (Ciné) 1/10 Slack Times, Feltie, The Falling Spikes (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 1/10 Mab s-­Ban, Gods., Nineveh’s Garden (The Roadhouse) 1/11 Mojo Confessional Songwriters Showcase (No. 3 Railroad Street) f

BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER CHRISTMAS TREE DROP SITES

ACC Landfill LIVE, UNDECORATED CHaRM TREES ONLY GA Square Mall Lextington Road Tag Office

DEC 26 THROUGH JAN 15

CHIPPER EVENT SITES Visit these volunteer staffed sites during the event to receive a free tree seedling!

Clarke Middle School CHaRM

JAN 3 9 AM TO 1 PM

These sites will also accept lights, wreaths, cardboard, styrofoam, and plastic bags.

AFTER EVENT TREE RECYCLING YEAR ROUND

ACC Landfill ACC Leaf & Limb (Pickup schedule: accgov.com/leaflimb)

KEEP ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY BEAUTIFUL

ACCGOV.COM/CHIPPER

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)

FIGHTING

cancer LOCALLY

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:

Wear sunglasses- Eyes can get sunburned too Use a chapstick with SPFLips can get sunburned too

How We Serve The Community: M i s s i o n : To raise awareness, provide COMMUNITY EDUCATION health education, prevent and PATIENT NAVIGATION detect cancer, support SCREENINGS patients and families, enhance SURVIVOR AND CAREGIVER s u r v i v o r s ’ l i v e s a n d p r e p a r e SUPPORT future leaders for the workforce within our region.

Smoking Excess body weight FIGHTING

cancer

Physical inactivity

LOCALLY

Excessive exposure to the sun

ACTION STEPS: ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF HPV VACCINATION IS RIGHT FOR YOU. REAPPLY SUNSCREEN EVERY 2 HOURS INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GET CANCER SCREENINGS REGULARLY

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

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 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 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 & 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!

Woman-­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 @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631-­ 903-­4365.

SERVICES (Massage) Best massage on Athens East Side. John Duello LMT. Incalls and outcalls. 80/hr or 100/90 minutes. Call or text: 706-­ 963-­0068 SERVICES (Travel) Retired professional driver available to deliver your vehicle or truck, one-­way or round-­trip, anywhere in U.S. Available locally with my vehicle, up to six passengers, on an hourly basis.

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

Arts 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 (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Lyndon House Arts Center announces online call for artwork submissions for the 51st Juried Exhibition. Athens area visual artists 18 years and older can submit up to three entries for consideration. Open Jan. 6 through Jan. 20 with selections announced on Jan. 29. Entry fee is $35. www.accgov. com/exhibits, 706-­613-­3623 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.

CALL FOR ARTISTS (MAGallery) Now accepting artist applications.

MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a committee. www.themadisonartists​ guild.org/call-­for-­artists CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is accepting proposals from artists and curators living

in Athens. Artists worldwide can submit ideas. www.jokerjokertv. com/submit CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2026 Marigold Festival posters, T-­shirts and more.

Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold​ festival.com CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov. com CALL FOR 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 STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit​ box.org/tell 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

day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 6:30–8:30 p.m. $100 for project series, $20 drop-­in. www.wintervillecenter.com BOTANICAL SKETCH BOOK (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn a variety of methods of capturing botanical images in an 8 week series. All skill levels. Materials not provided. Fridays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. $80. 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. www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships CHAIR YOGA (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn basic yoga moves and breathwork with adaptive modifications for all skill levels. An 8 week series. Fridays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m. $80. www. wintervillecenter.com 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. www. gastateparks.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). Classes resume Jan. 11. $10 drop-­in. timbathens@ gmail.com, www.timbathens.com CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop-­in. www.SALS​ AthensDancing@gmail.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec ENERGY PLAN STUDY GROUP CLASSES (Covenant Presbyterian Church) The Southern Sustainability

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) Studio 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 Feb. 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 VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE (Town & Gown) Open auditions for an adult comedy. Feb. 9–10, 2026. Performances held Apr. 10–19, 2026. www.townand​ gownplayers.org

Classes BASIC CROCHETING (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn the basics of crocheting. Materials provided during class session. Every Thurs-

ADOPT ME! ACC Animal Services 125 Buddy Christian Way 706-613-3540

www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets

Athens Area Humane Society 1030 Mitchell Bridge Rd 706-769-9155 www.athenshumanesociety.org

Animal Communication & Energy Healing Classes & Sessions Theresa Flemming

Behavior & Emotional Health Transitions & Grief Support Animal Energy Healings

upcoming events

706-247-9141

Setting Your Energy for 2026 • Sat, Dec. 28 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

DONATE! FOSTER! ADOPT! THANKS! 12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

Nature Spirits Workshop • Sat, Jan. 17 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

register: hello@ancientsunsacademy.com

25% Off Sessions

• Animal Communication • Clairvoyant Readings • Energy Healings for Animals & People

Institute hosts a four week participatory study group series on ACC’s Clean and Renewable Energy Plan.

Wednesdays, Jan. 7–28. 11:30 a.m. Registration required. info@ sosuin.org 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 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 mem-

bers 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. keepathensbeautiful.org SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more.

Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org SEEING VOLUNTEERS (Morton Theatre) Volunteers needed for upcoming events. Board Member opportunities also available. www. mortontheatre.com/volunteer SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-­389-­2273 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 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) Over 15 free 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 VOTER REGISTRATION RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium) Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www. economicjusticecoalition.org f

ENTERCALENDAR T AI N M ENT COMING SOON

COMING TO THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE

DECEMBER

Smoke - Rattle, 31 Blackberry Ramble, and Roll Tour

JANUARY

17 Jason Isbell - Solo Tour 2026 - Part of the 25-26 20 Hadestown Broadway Entertainment Seris - Part of the 25-26 21 Hadestown Broadway Entertainment Seris COMING TO AKINS FORD ARENA

DECEMBER

Rock Lobsters vs.

27 Athens Pee Dee IceCats Rock Lobsters vs.

31 Athens Columbus River Dragons JANUARY

Rock Lobsters vs.

9 Athens Pee Dee Ice Cats Rock Lobsters vs.

10 Athens Pee Dee Ice Cats

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Enjoy flagpole's 2 week Slackpole issue covering Dec.24-Jan.6. Next regular issue will be out on Jan. 7th DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

13

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

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slackpole Written and Illustrated by Our Readers S

lackpole is a look inside the community: what makes it laugh, smile, care or feel nostalgic.

Our staff is thankful for all of our Flagpole readers who contribute to writing and illustrating our end-­of-­the-­year annual issue, allowing us to take a break during the holidays. We enjoy reading all of the submissions, and those that didn’t make it into print can be found shared online over the holidays at flagpole.com. We’ll be back with the first Flagpole of 2025 on Jan. 7.

Thanksgiving at Weaver D’s

By Warren Flick

en la esquina de la migra, migraña matutina.

Your fingers float down my back, consoling my tiny hairs; arms of embraced braceros, entwined in their stretched love.

My tongue, intruder, and your breasts, citizens.

Nuestro aliento se conjura en palabras de amanecer con el sueño deportado.

Agentes rompen las puertas, arrebatan los anhelos, estremecen niños migrantes.

Pistolas que secuestran y roban utopías.

Tus dedos flotan por mi espalda, consolando mis bellitos; brazos de abrazados braceros, enredados en su amor dilatado.

Mi lengua, intrusa, y tus senos ciudadanos.

The Last Flight

By Jill Hartmann

Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods, offering authentic soul food, has been an iconic restaurant in Athens since 1986.

Now Mr. Weaver is ready to retire, and he’s put his restaurant up for sale. Still open at Thanksgiving, he fulfilled one of his last wishes: To celebrate by offering a free Thanksgiving dinner to the hungry or homeless—for the fourth

By Beto Cacao year in a row. This year a fraternity at the University of Georgia (Phi Kappa Tau), offered its building on Wilkerson Our dream awakens, tangling hair.

Street, just two doors away from Weaver D’s restaurant.

Sunlit hair combs the borders of night, Weaver D’s restaurant is small, but the fraternity building in the sleepless mane of a whisper, is designed for events, with public restrooms, a stage and a a whisper that could have been a song: large open room, all of which is ideal for a crowd of hungry people.

Dexter Weaver and his help prepared the food in the restaurant, then carried it in vehicles and by foot to the fraternity’s building where it was set out buffet style. He had about 10–20 helpers, and he confessed to cooking throughout the night on Thanksgiving eve.

Athens police were around most of the time to help organize the traffic and parking.

A Gospel service came first—a tribute to God, Mr. Weaver’s helpers and the community for making this public charity possible. The service featured prayer, scripture reading, gospel music and a short talk by Mr. Weaver, giving thanks for his success over almost 40 years.

Dexter Weaver offered to feed the hungry or homeless. But the larger truth is that he and his workers fed anyone who showed up, took a plate and moved through the buffet— offering living witness to his slogan: “AutoThanksgiving at Weaver D’s matic for the people.”

An online photo gallery at flagpole.com sometimes a song of cornered love, shows Mr. Weaver, his workers, his restaurant, the buffet sometimes a warning of la migra, line, the food and the people they served. on the corner of work without papers, on the corner of la migra, morning migraine.

mixed status Love

WARREN FLICK

mixed status Amor

By Beto Cacao

Nuestro sueño amanece enredando cabellos.

Cabellos de sol peinan las fronteras de la noche, en la desvelada melena del susurro, un susurro que pudo ser canto: a veces canto de amor esquinero, a veces aviso de la migra, en la esquina del trabajo sin permiso,

Our breath conspires in dawn-­lit words with the dream deported.

Agents break down doors, snatch away hopes, shake migrant children.

Guns that kidnap and steal utopias.

On the last flight from Atlanta to San Diego, the sun was setting as the airplane began its descent. I’d never seen a sunset from this viewpoint above the clouds. The orange-­ red sphere glowed like a beacon calling me home. Witnessing this phenomenon of nature for the first time in my life felt like the perfect grand finale to my 14-­year-­long adventure in the Southeastern college town. The sun accompanied me in those last minutes of my long-­awaited journey like a guiding light, even as the fiery globe merged with the dark bands of the horizon.

As the light of the sun disappeared behind the line of gray and white clouds, the flight leader’s announcement came over the loudspeaker.

“Seatbelts fastened. Tray tables stowed, and seat backs in the upright position. We will be landing shortly.”

My heart raced with anticipation. I looked out the window and saw a sea of white lights in the distance as the plane approached the first glimpse of my home city.

I tried not to think about lost time. Children had grown up and moved away. Friends had lived lives that I could not share with them. My mother could no longer walk on her own or breathe without a portable oxygen tank.

We were all 14 years older, and time had made its mark on all of us—for the better and for the worse.

We didn’t have much time left now. But my worst fear—the fear that my mother would pass away before I made it back home to her— had never happened. As far as I knew, Mom was waiting for me and couldn’t wait to hug her daughter. The feeling was mutual. I’d kept her on the phone with me up to the very last minute when the plane pulled back from the gate, and all passengers were ordered to put our cell phones into airplane mode and end all calls.

The last words Mom and I said to each other were, “I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

My ears ached, but I didn’t care. I spotted the familiar red neon lights, “Mister A’s,” that signaled that I was almost home. Moments later, the plane flew over downtown San Diego and bounced onto the runway.

The captain turned on the cabin lights as soon as the plane stopped at the gate. Everyone around me jumped out of their seats, opened the overhead bins, grabbed their bags and formed a line in the aisle.

I stayed in my seat and turned on my cell phone.

She answered immediately, “Hello?”

“Mom, I made it. I’m home.” ➤ continued on next page

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

15

slackpole

continued from p. 15

After the last flight, I promised myself there would be no more blame—nor bitterness—for my having left home in the first place. Instead, I decided I would forgive him. I wasn’t quite there, not yet. I needed more time. But I was determined. I knew that in order to start my life over, and to find peace, I had to forgive him.

Someday. I promise. Someday, I will.

Cajun Christmas Possum

been. He pondered how he could visit the house without the noise and light and danger. Finally he had an idea.

The next year on Dec. 23 Little Possum crept over to the house. The family was relaxing around the tree reading and playing board games. This was so much better. He could enjoy the holiday without all the noise and confusion. He remembered how happy everyone was to get the presents from the man in the red suit, so Little Possum left presents, too. He returns every year on Dec. 23 to bring a present and enjoy the holiday spirit in the home. That is why every Christmas Eve Eve we each get to open one present in honor of the Little Possum who became the Cajun Christmas Possum!

By Tony Paramore

It was the evening of Dec. 24, and as the sun set a little possum was just waking up and decided to see what the humans were doing. He saw bright lights in the yard and decorations everywhere. As the door opened he heard music, talking and laughter spill out. That sounds fun, he thought, and snuck in the house. There were people everywhere, and he almost got stepped on. Finally he found safety in a corner of the room and looked around. There was a tree lit up with lots of presents around it. The kids were shaking the presents and guessing what was inside. People were eating all kinds of yummy food, and everyone looked like they were having a great time. Little Possum wanted to join in the fun, but the noise of music and laughter was giving him a headache and the bright lights hurt his eyes so he escaped back to the woods.

Little Possum’s heart was racing, but he was fascinated by what he had seen and vowed to return later. The lights outside were off, but the tree inside was still lit up. The house smelled so good, and he found lots of delicious crumbs. Then he heard a sudden racket on the roof and a crash in the fireplace. He dropped to the floor and played dead. A man in a red suit with white trim and a belly that looked like jelly came out of the fireplace. He began putting toys under the tree and filling the stockings with candy. He then helped himself to some cookies and milk and read the note sitting beside them. As he headed back to the chimney, he saw the Little Possum. The man whispered, “Little Possum you need to get out of here. Go back to the woods and have a Merry Christmas!” Little Possum did as he was told, but only after eating the cookie crumbs the man in the red suit had dropped.

Little Possum was so fascinated by all he had seen and wondered why the man had left all the toys and candy.

Before the sun rose he saw lights coming on in the house and decided to see what was happening. As he approached the house he heard the children shriek and yell as they played with their toys and ate their candy. As he rambled home in the early morning light he reflected on all the incredible things he had seen, but also on how scary it had

Recipes

By Ellie Riddell

With December officially here and Girl Scout cookie season right around the corner, I am sharing two Girl Scout Cookie inspired recipes perfect for the chilly weather and upcoming holidays.

Thin Mint–Inspired Hot Chocolate A minty, warm cup of holiday cheer. Perfect for sipping by the fire or cozying up on the couch.

Ingredients: 1 serving hot chocolate mix ¼ cup peppermint syrup 1 peppermint candy cane Directions: Prepare your hot chocolate according to the package.

Pour into your favorite mug.

Stir in the peppermint syrup while it’s hot.

Finish it off with a candy cane… and if you happen to have Thin Mints nearby, crumble a couple on top for the full effect.

Adventurefuls Caramel Brownie Jar Layers on layers of chocolate, caramel and cookie goodness. This one looks impressive, tastes even better and makes a fun dessert for guests.

Brownie Levels Ingredients: Fudge brownie mix Fudge brownie mix ingredients (on package) Whipped Cream Cheese Custard Levels Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese 1 cup sugar 8 oz. tub of whipped topping Cookie Level Ingredients: 8 Adventurefuls, finely chopped Milk chocolate frosting Topping Level Ingredients: 6 Adventurefuls

Chocolate salted caramel sauce 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional) Equipment: 9x13 baking pan 7 mason jars (8 oz.) or tall glasses (8 oz.)

2 medium mixing bowls Small plate Spatula Piping bag Hand mixer Round cookie cutters (optional) Directions: Prepare for layering: Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Bake brownie mix in a 9x13 baking pan and set aside. To make the custard, combine cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use hand mixer to blend until smooth. Add whipped topping and blend until smooth.

Place custard in piping bag, set aside.

Sweeten the jar: Turn mason jars or tall cups upside down and rotate the rim in the chocolate frosting. Place finely chopped cookies on a separate plate. Turn jars upside down and rotate the frosted rim in the finely chopped Adventurefuls to coat all of the frosting. Lightly pat to make sure the crumbs stick. Shake off excess crumbs. Turn jars right side up and drizzle caramel sauce in the bottom of the jar.

Build the jar: Using the additional matching jar as a cookie cutter, cut out 12 jar-­sized circles of brownie. Place one circle at the bottom of each jar. Use a piping bag to add a layer of custard over the brownie level. Repeat brownie and custard layers for each jar.

Top it off: Drizzle the top layer with caramel sauce. Garnish with Adventurefuls. Add chopped pecans if desired.

Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!

Relax: Nothing is Under Control

By Kathryn Kyker

The exercise studio had a prompt on the white board, asking members to share: “What saying, quote, or mantra, helps you in difficult times?”

Wanting to be a good community member, I wrote a saying that I find comforting—“Relax: nothing is under control.” (author unknown). I stepped back to admire my work. A woman standing behind me smiled as she began to read what I’d written. But as she finished reading, her smile was gone. She looked horrified. I had failed to read the room. I’d been living in a bubble.

My bubble is full of liberal thinkers, often with a Buddhist bent. They are kind people with a fierce courage. They know that the only things fully under their control are their

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

time machine

By Vikki Wynne

Grab the fuel for the time machine.

The keys are tucked in my coat next to the matches that will light candles for all the birthdays we’ve missed.

We’ll wipe our boots before we step inside, point to the hot pink circles on the map, and check the mirrors for objects trying to follow.

Did you wrap our dinner in parchment and bring the best of your vinyl?

You’ll tell me again your curated tunes always spin in digital chapters.

But you bow to my nostalgia and vow a turn around the hi-­fi when we settle.

I remembered to pack the napkins and gummy bears.

We’ll bite their heads, swap their bodies for two-­toned confections with no flaws in flavor combinations.

Now check the gauges, check the windspeed.

Let’s drive this machine in infinite loops, hand over hand, hand over wheel, find the stops where we once were, where we want our last kiss to be.

To the east side of town where we clinked bottles of beer, everyone blind to how our knees anxiously touched.

To the spots we sat separately for a film, engaged in scene and snack critiques.

To leaden moments that clung to sorrowful song.

The lavender sheets and chilled champagne never shared.

MICHAEL DAY

own actions and reactions.

The next time I went to class, I looked at the board, wondering if my contribution had been erased. My quote was still there but was now encircled, with more conventionally positive examples pelting it from all sides: “Believe in yourself,” “Sing like no one is listening,” “Live, Laugh, Love.”

Bumping up against my quote was a religious saying with a bible notation and the words: “I’m grateful for my life!”

Did someone think I wasn’t grateful for my life? Did they think I didn’t “live, laugh, love?” Maybe they thought I was a negative, doomsday kind of person with no faith.

Or maybe their responses had nothing to do with me.

Their reactions are one of those things not under my control, right? But I can control my reaction. My biggest fear (besides heights and roaches) is being misunderstood, so, let me run my intentions up the Flagpole.

This saying, “Relax: Nothing is Under Control,” was found online, with an accompanying picture—a cherubic child maybe four years old, asleep, his head leaning against a stone wall with a slight smile—totally vulnerable, yet surrendering into the moment. I see his serene face whenever I think of the quote. Usually thinking of how little control I have in life evokes anxiety, but this image reminds me to breathe, to settle, to try to not be ruled by fear.

I included this saying in my recently published book about recovering from a career working in the ER, where there was no controlling what I had to confront. I’ve written this saying onto the inside cover for many people buying my book, and now I wonder if they read that inscription and felt offended, thinking I was flippant and harsh. Part of my mental health recovery has been to be truthful about my perceptions, even the stark ones… especially the stark ones. When I share that saying, I am trying to share a part of me that resonates with a mystery—the peace that comes from being able to relax into the unknown means that even when things aren’t OK, they are (somehow) OK. There is much about our lives and the world that we cannot control. But I don’t feel defeated, hopeless or passive. If we stop pretending that we have the means to contrive and sustain the “perfect” life, we have a chance to more deeply value the beauty of the moment. Of course, we all want the best moments to last forever, and, of course, they cannot.

Unable to explain all this on that whiteboard, I could have made a different choice.

Here’s one from Lt. Colonel Ann Ruth Schabacker. She was an Army nurse who died from TB, contracted during her service: “Every day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbon.”

In Memoriam of Broken Kroger

By Patty Tacuri

I am broken Kroger on the eastside, a complete and functional mess who even with the many cracks in my aesthetic still gets up bright and early in the morning despite my weary bones in desperate need of repair always bursting into some random song that could be from the ’70s or modern bedroom pop It’s either “I will survive” or “She’s got you mesmerized while I die!” always falling short of everyone’s expectations and left for a better and brighter option and randomly breaking down because while I have panic attacks in the bathroom the dairy section will suddenly stop working in solidarity the truth is both me and broken Kroger are trying our best in these modern times defying the odds every single day we get up and fulfill our duties in a society that reminds us that if we don’t we’ll be dismissed, discarded and replaced the next day

The site where a memory erased was an offer denied.

The halls where your name spoken would never feel like consequence.

The matching fireplace stockings, cinnamon gum, bad dancing in the kitchen, finger-­written messages in the shower steam.

To the places we’d never nap, the places we’d always find ourselves entwined.

A toast to our finite collection of souvenirs, our journey forced in parallel.

I’ll savor each sentiment, leave the keys, and take the matches.

The Americans

By Andrew Benzinger

Like gods working out our karma In feasts before the fall, Like pigs we ate, like fish we drank, Set to burst into flames.

Pray tell the virtue in gaping mouths?

Monolithic exchange.

Please don’t be polite in order To assuage our hatred.

Like gods we swallowed our karma And the bottle shattered Scattershot glass, Ramayana, And frothed Bintang alike.

Like ghosts we danced, like worms we dined In feasts before the fall, In feasts before the fall, Like gods working out our karma In feasts before the fall, In feasts before the fall.

United We Stand

By Patricia Priest

Some of my loveliest friends in town are from Iran, where they were stripped of their rights and their positions at universities and sometimes tortured because of their Baha’i faith. Many fled the country in precarious ways, and some Baha’i were murdered. During the early years of Ayatollah Khamenei’s revolution, radio broadcasts warned the Baha’i not to call the fire department if their homes were set ablaze by looters.

That’s what life in America feels like now, with a rogue administration setting fires everywhere. Neighbors young and old are swept up by ICE agents acting like an American Taliban, masked and without warrants, disappearing people.

And our steadfast federal workers have been treated by the Trump regime as if they’re enemies of the people and cruelly fired by the thousands. Yet they are the very backbone of civil society that keeps the country humming along robustly with safeguards and laws in place to protect us.

I’ve been thinking lately of Ray Bradbury’s book Fahrenheit 451 because MAGA types have been on a bender banning books that center on histories and characters they want to extinguish. In that classic novel, the fire chief in charge of burning people’s libraries said, “Kerosene… is nothing but perfume to me.” Trump’s budget director Russell Vought is just as callous. He said of the anguish felt by fired federal workers: “We want to put them in anguish.”

What has become of us? We can’t look the other way when the people in control are merciless. We cannot lose our humanity, especially these days when it seems that Rome is burning, wrecked and weakened; our safety net slashed.

I’m so grateful for the brave and principled people rising up across America to protect and help the vulnerable. They know we’ve got to look out for one another, not see other people as enemies.

We are infinitely weaker and more vulnerable when we are divided. United we stand! Especially against a tyrant and his ogres unleashed and doing his bidding.

Night of the Meek

By Eddie Whitlock

The boy kicked Hank Corwin one last time before getting on his bike and heading home. He called the old man “a piece of shit old drunk.”

Hank knew that he deserved it. The boy had asked him for a gift he could take home to his little sister. Corwin— dressed in his bell-­ringer Santa costume—had reached into the bag he was carrying and brought out a pickle. In the dim light, it probably looked like a turd.

The boy had shoved him. Hank fell, dropped his bag and shattered the several glass containers inside. The kid proceeded to pummel him with fists and feet.

Once the boy was gone, Corwin pulled himself up.

Ringing the bell was the only job he had held in years.

For three weeks he played Santa, he hadn’t touched a drop ➤ continued on next page

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

17

slackpole

continued from p. 17

of alcohol. Today was the last day, Christmas Eve, and he had been paid in cash. He bought bottles for himself and two friends, and treated himself to his childhood favorite, a jar of pickles.

Sober, broke and reeking of brine, Corwin saw two rips in his borrowed costume.

Would they make him buy a new one?

A bag then fell from the sky, and Hank heard a bellowing ancient voice shout a very bad word, followed by a commotion of bells and the distressed bawls of draught animals.

The bag landed a few feet from Hank, who hurried to see what it contained. As he moved towards it, he saw Erma, manager of the shelter Hank called home on those rare occasions that he met their high standard of sobriety. She was running towards the bag.

Corwin was able to reach the bag first. He stuck his hand inside and pulled out a wrapped gift. “That bag’s mine!”

Erma yelled. “I saw it first.”

Hank handed the beautiful box to her. “These are Christmas presents,” he said.

“I’m Santa Claus, and I’m giving out presents!”

Temporarily forgetting the bag, Erma tore the box open.

Inside was a new cell phone. She looked with wide eyes at Hank. “This is what I wanted.” Her eyes narrowed back to their usual hatefulness as she yelled, “Give me my bag!”

By the time the words were out of her mouth, Hank was already four steps away and gaining speed. He darted into an alley, hoping to elude the woman. Instead, he tripped and fell, losing his grip and watching the bag slide on the grimy asphalt.

Erma stepped on his hand as she ran past and seized the bag. She turned and swung it, hit Corwin in the face, and ran from the alley and out of sight.

As Hank Corwin sat up, the sound of the bells and animals came again.

The sleigh landed in the alleyway, its rotund driver quickly dismounting and hurrying to where the old man sat. “Where’s my bag, you drunk piece of shit?” he screamed.

“Erma took it. She runs the shelter on Glendale Street!”

“You better not be lying!” St. Nicholas screamed as he shook a finger in Hank’s face.

“I’m not.”

The bearded elf leaped back in his sleigh, jostled the reins, and took again to the sky.

“I hope he kicks her ass,” Hank said to himself. “I hope he beats the shit out of her.”

Santa Claus did, indeed, beat the shit out of the woman who had his magic bag. When Hank heard about it the next day at the shelter, he realized it truly had been a Christmas miracle.

The Endless Ring

By Sean Hribal

Sunn O))) is a drone metal band. The loudest band in the world. In the late ’90s, the founding member, Sean O’Malley, plugged a Les Paul guitar into a fuzz pedal into a cranked Sunn O))) tube amp and created an entirely new sound. That sound isn’t like other metal bands. It’s more like the blast of an oceanliner’s horns in a dark fjord.

During the pandemic, I discovered Sunn O))) and listened to all of their albums. But what I kept hearing about the band was that you had to see them live. That it was a once in a lifetime experience. The loudest show you’ll ever hear. Louder than Jucifer. So when it was announced that Sunn O))) was coming to the Georgia Theater in December 2023, I bought a ticket.

Two men in hooded robes walked on stage with their guitars. They stood before a wall of Sunn O))) amps. I rolled up my orange, foam earplugs and stuck them in my

18

ears. Then, the other member of Sunn O))), Greg Anderson, raised his silver ring-­adorned hand into the sky and brought it down across his guitar strings and the amps roared. Everyone said, “Holy shit.”

The crowd stood transfixed in the relentless blast of sound. It was like a religious experience. Fog swirled through the light beams from the three white lights above the stage. We were microwaved by the sound. Thirty minutes in, I felt like one of my ears was short circuiting. I moved to the back of the theater and tried to put my ear plugs in deeper, but it didn’t help. So I went outside where I saw a friend who was working security. He told me the volume was over 130 decibels.

I went to sleep that night with a dull ring in my ears. I wasn’t surprised. I figured it would go away in a day or two.

Then a week passed, and the ring didn’t stop. In fact, it got louder and higher pitched. I realized I had tinnitus.

The ring howled endlessly day and night, and I could barely sleep. I started having panic attacks in bed, worried that I’d never sleep well again. I researched if you could get surgery to deafen yourself. When I found out that deafening yourself doesn’t work (because the ring is created by your brain), I resigned myself to thinking I had ruined my life.

Over the next few months, I visited my ENT and read all the tinnitus forums online. I found out there’s no cure for tinnitus. So I tried to cope. I started listening to ambient music and nature sounds. I’d try to distract myself with work or hard exercise. Sometimes I’d just have to let my ears ring and try not to go crazy. I talked to other people who also had tinnitus. A colleague of mine said she got tinnitus from a Nirvana cover band. That made me realize how lucky I was to have gotten tinnitus from a much cooler band.

It’s been two years now and, fortunately, my tinnitus has gotten much better. I can live a normal life again. Although, a few things have changed. I’m no longer interested in loud music. And I have learned how to tune into the sound of the world around me instead of the ring in my head. Occasionally, I don’t hear the ring at all, and I cherish these moments of silence. They remind me of my life before I heard the loudest band in the world, when I lived with a peace I never knew I had.

one

By Steve Piazza

because you are you are loved the that which makes a single moment exist invites the next that can’t resist quietly fills the space between to hold the next in place it seems a chance to breathe and not despair it’s ever fine when no one’s there because you are

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

Heat Lightning

By Nathan DeBar

I blink my eyes open and see the flash streak brightly to the ground, silently breathing out the suffocating humidity. The sky is ablaze with bruised clouds stretching out these gleaming fingers to their playmates’ cheeks under the lazy moon. “Heat lightning,” I mutter softly to the faded rose holding my own hand. I want desperately to believe the hot passions of wind stir up nature’s lust too. A solitary scout of rain shatters my illusion. I stand, relieved, to cover the patio chair with its rain jacket and leave the rose to the cold, cold rain.

How Thanksgiving Made Me Who I Am

By Elizbeth G. Alder

My childhood memories of Thanksgiving revolve around our driving to Waycross from Albany. There were five of us stairstep kids, so our parents gave us each a pill and loaded us into the back of the family station wagon the evening before. By the first half hour we were knocked out and slept the rest of the way to Granny’s house. There we were put straight to bed. Our medication was Dramamine, kiddie Xanax for motion sickness.

French kids got wine.

I actually saw a Dramamine display in Toys R Us years ago. Of course, it’s not there now. But apparently it was actually a thing for families with lots of kids.

The next morning when we woke up, the turkey and all the fixins were being prepared in full swing. There was roast turkey expertly carved by my daddy, a highball in hand, cornbread dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls and cranberry sauce.

My favorite coconut cake was made by my great grandmother, and the cinnamon pound cake, my sister’s favorite, was made by our Granny, a demure woman who taught my cousins how to smoke when they hit 12 years old. My great grandmother taught us how to drink beer.

Who needs France?

Then there was Aunt Hawk. Hortense was her real name.

Why they called her Hawk, I couldn’t tell you. Maybe it was her nose. It looked somewhat like a hawk’s beak, but she didn’t seem to mind. She wore her name proudly. Her dish for Thanksgiving was ambrosia, minus the marshmallows.

Aunt Hawk had worked for the telephone company.

Think Lilly Tomlin. “Hello! Hello? Snort, snort. Is this the party to whom I am speaking?” Her hair was just like that, too. Dark hair with a kind of 1940s updo. I wonder if Lilly knew her. They looked so much alike.

But to little 4-­year-­old me, Aunt Hawk wasn’t funny.

I hid when I knew she was coming. Maybe no one would see me if I was curled up under the coffee table next to my mother’s legs, but it never worked. Unfortunately for me, Aunt Hawk loved me the most. Mother would make me sit right beside her. “Sit beside Aunt Hawk, honey,” my mother said, as she placed me on the couch, a cigarette held between her long fingers.

Aunt Hawk was a patter. She would lean close so there was no escape from her claw-­like hand. Patting, patting, endlessly patting my skinny little leg into oblivion.

Finally, I’d start to cry, then go straight into the scream

cry. You know the one. The piercing cry that gets you whisked out of the room and fast! Poor Aunt Hawk didn’t know she was the cause. She thought I was a crier who probably needed some more leg patting.

What I really needed was a cigarette and a beer.

As much nicotine, alcohol and Dramamine that was going around, you would think I might have become an alcoholic or a drug addict of some kind. But at first, to my family’s dismay, I became a meditator and a yoga teacher.

There but for the grace of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, go I. So gratitude, my Aunt Hawk, for teaching me the blessing of a quiet room away from the beer, the smoke and the overzealous patting, too.

Aunt Hawk, every Thanksgiving I think of you, and hope you have a loving Angel who patiently sits beside you for some heavenly patting from your heart.

Bubble Trouble

By Jamie Ovinnio

Athens runs on caffeine, creativity and the occasional questionable decision… so naturally, I started a mobile dirty-­soda business called Bubble Trouble.

Bubble Trouble wasn’t created in a boardroom—it was born the same way all great Athens ideas are: at 11 p.m., while standing in my kitchen, staring at a can of Dr Pepper like it owed me money. Somewhere between the sugar high and the intrusive thought that said, “Hey, what if I turned this into a whole business?”… Bubble Trouble arrived.

For the uninitiated, “dirty soda” is what happens when you mix soda, flavored syrups, cream and pure emotional support. Think coffee shop energy, but for people who say, “Actually, caffeine makes me feral.” We pop up around Athens—markets, festivals, church events, small businesses, you name it—with aqua-­and-­purple bubbly branding that screams fun, chaotic joy, and your kid definitely can’t have three of these.

In true Athens fashion, I’ve learned more from setting up at local events than I ever learned in school. For example: If your tent tries to fly away during a wind gust, that’s just Athens testing your commitment.

A cooler full of soda cans will develop its own personality after hour six.

And nothing—nothing—unites people faster than a specialty drink with cream on top.

People always ask how I come up with drink names. Easy: I just pretend I’m naming indie bands.

“Velvet Punch”? Could easily headline at the 40 Watt Club.

“Caribbean Fizz”? Sounds like three UGA students who met in a GroupMe. “Pink Starburst”? That one’s absolutely playing AthFest.

But honestly, what makes Bubble Trouble feel so… Athens… is the people. The kids who try every flavor. The moms who whisper, “I need the strongest one you’ve got.” The dads who pretend they’re buying a drink for their kid but immediately take the first sip. The vendors who trade drinks for snacks like we’re in an adult version of the lunchroom.

Athens has its own heartbeat, and Bubble Trouble just tries to dance along with it, preferably off-­beat, because rhythm has never been my ministry.

So if you see a lavender-­and-­aqua tent with bubbles floating everywhere and a woman sprinting between a cooler, a syrup table and a Square reader… come say hi. I’ll probably hand you a drink, a laugh and a story you didn’t know you needed.

Helpful Book for a Horse from Hell

By Liz Conroy

In my summer of sweet 16, the toughest challenge for me was trying to train a treacherous horse.

As a riding instructor in a coed camp near Clintwood, VA, my job was to teach children to ride horses and learn safe behavior around them as well.

Arriving in late spring to a verdant mountain setting, I enjoyed meeting the camp counselors, instructors and all of the horses. Except Lucifer.

He was the lanky chestnut gelding standing alone in the pasture. As I approached him for the first time, he tensed his muscles and pinned back his ears. I moved slowly toward him and spoke softly so he could learn my voice and smell. Yet his distrust remained.

Clearly, Lucifer was unsafe for campers at that time. Yet, we needed him. The other horses required breaks from long hours in the riding ring. All of them had to work. Lucifer was not vicious, but I learned how he tested riders in a cunning way.

I rode him each day before sunset when campers were not around. In the dusty riding ring, Lucifer waited until I relaxed in the saddle. Then, he’d swiftly swerve sideways to try to smash my leg hard against a fence post.

Fortunately, as a youngster I read Son of the Black Stallion

by Walter Farley and learned how a horse can learn from self-­inflicted consequences.

me. My gratitude for my hometown library and its wide variety of good books for young readers grew as well.

Repairs

By Lane Young

I often wonder, what if we didn’t heal?

Every break of bone would stay apart.

Every cut would bleed and never seal, Along with every fracture of the heart.

Poison ivy rashes, tendon tears, Ego bruises, tempests of the brain, Wells of grief and general despairs, And colonies of microbes would remain.

For all the woven tales a body tells, For all of these repairs, let me say, Thank you, blood and bones, thank you, cells, Thank you, soul, thank you, DNA.

Into the Distance

By Philosophy

Into the distance, the shadow grows.

Into the distance, the fork in the road.

Into the distance, the shadow goes.

Into the distance, the highs, the lows.

Into the distance, the open space.

Into the distance, that hated place.

Into the distance, they see the fight.

Into the distance, they see the mite.

Into the distance, the mystery sings.

Into the distance, the mystery brings.

Into the distance, the eye sits low.

Into the distance, the fork in the road.

Into the distance, the ocean blinks.

Into the distance, the clouds do sink.

Into the distance, the mountains breathe.

Into the distance, the ocean seas.

Into the distance, the shadow knows.

Into the distance, the shadow stows.

Into the distance, the shadow fleas.

Into the distance, the shadow seize.

Into the distance, she marks the path.

Into the distance, hope turns to ash.

Into the distance, comes the spring.

Into the distance, comes the fling.

Into the distance, she sets her sights.

Into the distance, dark turns to night.

Into the distance, she sets her sights.

Into the distance, dark turns to night.

As I recall, Satan, the horse in the story, had a habit of biting. But the smart trainer avoided using physical punishment.

Instead, he baked a big potato, wrapped it carefully and stuffed it up his sleeve so it created a large bulge.

As he walked into the stall, he put his potato arm forward. Immediately, the big horse lunged for that bulge and bit down on it as hard as he could. After Satan burned his own mouth, he never bit anyone again.

With that story in mind, I decided to let Lucifer rush to a fence post to try to crush my leg against it. But at the last second, I’d raise my leg, and Lucifer would slam himself into the post instead. It took several times. And it was risky.

Each time I pulled my leg out of the stirrup and lifted it back, I was off balance. If he bucked or reared at that moment, I could have fallen.

But it worked! He realized that his own action resulted in pain. With praise instead of punishment, he calmed down and gradually became rideable. Although I only let the most experienced riders on him.

For a young teenager in a mountain camp far from home, taming Lucifer meant newly found confidence for

Light

By Margaret Agner

In a cold brown dusty stable An infant was born.

Christ A brown small baby— Quietly among cows and sheep Asses and barn smell.

A special star marked the place.

We remember the stable With a cacophony of lights Glittering red and green Silver and gold, And music coming out of sidewalk loudspeakers.

Tinsel stars and birds, Tinsel angels with hourglass figures and platinum hair, Kissing and drinking and spending. ➤ continued on next page

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Going back to a bunch of empty need was not going to work anymore.

Did it ever?

Maybe she flubbed the first kiss. She had been so, so tired and so shy. It would be almost hilarious if that were the reason.

Almost.

The best part had been waking up in the Hotel Abacus (hadn’t she seen Nathan Shepherd there when it was still The Foundry?) with a bit of hope. She drank two Coca-­Colas to combat the four Guinness she’d inhaled at the glorious, intimidating Globe. Few would realize how much it had thrilled her to simply be there, sharing fish and chips like she belonged.

She wandered through almost all the old haunts: Mitchell Street, Reed Hall, the dramatic stadium—everything except Milledge Avenue (oh Chuck, oh Exsirlence). She felt haunted by her younger ghost, the one who had wanted so much and thought it would all come.

All of it hurt.

Most of all, she liked you. You and your attention and the way you spoke made everything before seem ridiculous.

It was like remembering chocolate when you’d been thinking white chocolate was it.

continued from p. 19

A boom in the economy.

Maybe a little brown crèche under the tree buried by the bright presents.

Christ’s light is greater than all of these though He lights the whole universe with His love Tender and humble and warm.

Pots and Pans

By Jasmine Rogers

Inside Out

By Leigh Martin

She wondered what to start this with. She had been flirting with it since the second exodus from Athens. She decided this would be the most appropriate: “you have touched me, and now I am left with nothing.” “welcome human. welcome.”

She woke at three in the morning, looked at her blank phone, and decided it was still late enough to drink a beer—a Tropicalia, perhaps. Maybe that would quell the humiliation of caring more.

Seeing Athens again after three decades had been jarring. She used meeting a new man as the gambit. She’d found it odd that she couldn’t land on an outfit after all the shopping she’d done. But that was how it started: Realizing she couldn’t find something that would please both The Globe and him/her. The true game was afoot.

As she pulled into Athens, she took a slipshod photo of her mother’s old dorm—Myers—through the car window.

Another tiny token of affection.

He had mentioned playing catch with his sons.

She never got to tell him she played catch well.

She never got to tell him many things.

The shittiest part was that he wasn’t boring. He was more interesting—more intriguing—than she’d expected.

It made pretending to learn to love even sadder, of course.

20

LEIGH MARTIN

The guys are all sitting in the living room, bellies popping. Her grandpa is just starting to doze off, and her uncle has already worked up to a loud snore. Her stepdad and brother are jawing at each other on the couch, their attention drawn to the game only when the crowd screams for primacy. Great Uncle Harold nods along even when no one is talking.

Her grandma and mom are on the tail end of a round of laughter caused by her rinsing the dishes in cold water. It doesn’t suds up as much when you use cold, she had said.

They both finish with the same long hooooo and a shake of their head.

As the steam rises from the cold steel colliding with water now of a proper temperature, everyone gets down to business. An efficient assembly line is made: Her mother gathers all the soiled things, her grandmother makes them squeak again, she mops up the excess water with a limp towel, and her aunt puts everything back in its place. The potent combination of routine and too much good food puts her in a trance. Even the occasional, where does this go, fits within the monotony of the work.

A quick glance in the living room shows all the men, mouths open wide, in various stages of slumber. Their sleepy sounds add to the squeak of countertops as the women complete the last of their tasks before they settle into the hard wooden chairs that surround the kitchen table. Her grandmother is the last to sit after placing a teapot within the center of the cleared and cleaned space.

A peculiar silence falls, limned with a sense of ceremony, broken only by the occasional clink of a spoon against teacup as the women coax their honey to dissolve.

In hushed tones, the women speak of extended family and family friends, births and deaths, marriages and separations. They compare memories and histories, weigh them against time and experience, and reconcile it all into coherent story. Nodding to each other and themselves, they sip the last of the tea, lean back in the stiff chairs, and accept what comfort there is to find in the completion of another year.

How dare you! Traitor. Can you stop??? No it is making it… wait… what?? OMG? Guitar pedal. Ha ha. (snickers). WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHAT THE GENERAL READER IS INTERESTED IN. Let’s get back on track here. We can edit it later. We play indie-­rock, rock and roll and progressive rock. (That is, some rock and roll elements—and can I also say “shoegaze” elements, if you know that that is.) We sometimes record on the four track, but we haven’t released anything yet. Four tracks are pretty cool. Let’s name the songs. We have songs like “Confusion,” “Feel One Way,” “Hypnotization,” “Cherry Red Skies,” and that’s it. After this we should practice a bit.

The Albatross Learns

By Danielle Towers

She is not the wounded bird though her wings were once marred by your furtive barbs, nor the vindictive corvid as she eases splinters from her skin: one by one by one.

Uncommon she may be; she bears each pruning with quiet hands, And as salt clears from her eyes, the tides grow predictable.

Then she will not clamp her mouth shut again – the next blade falters at the edge of her wings.

Cast as bitter, she becomes nothing more than unripe fruit in their mouths.

And with hurt but resilience she stumbles into the wind.

She will learn to be the albatross, tracing the easy arc of the world.

Fixed on the very few, her true North, she will glide, until she shows another there is a way.

Skyscrapers

By Forrest Peters

And another thing.

It was almost funny when the hotel desk clerk commented on her Athens, Greece shirt—“that’s a pretty ironic shirt.” It was thick, and she got too sweaty in it. She took awkward selfies at her red-­and-­black stations of the cross.

One survived. One tried.

You play, you win.

You play, you lose.

You play.

And his aunt had been in Pylon.

The Wild Circus

By Zeke Clements, Mylo and Asher Kinlaw

A young trio band, The Wild Circus, was spotted playing Porchfest at 590 Nantahala Ave. as its first gig. “It was so exciting, playing that first gig,” said Zeke Clements, one of the three members of the band. He is also the illusionist, the one that does the magic tricks in between the music.

The other two band members are twins Mylo and Asher Kinlaw; they play a variety of musical instruments such as guitar, bass, saw, banjo and accordion. Formed from Camp Amped/Nuçi’s Space, the band members found out that we lived right across the street from each other and so we started playing music together in the shed. We started a band called the Wild Circus. People read a lot. This is probably good for Slackpole. We want to sell our music on Bandcamp—hey don’t type that! We will release an EP first or maybe a single. Guys look what he is writing down.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

Let’s get together to watch It all go up in flames.

I’ll bring the popcorn, You can bring the memories.

I’ll make sure to grab the Bottle of wine you like— The one that has no label.

Experiencing life the same Time as you has made me Grateful.

Becoming close with you Is my single biggest Accomplishment.

The discovery of you— Something worth Jumping out Of the car for.

I get worried when I lose things.

I am incapable of losing you.

The gravity you give off Isn’t forced—no, It’s magnetic.

Opposites waiting for Their attraction.

The universe planned it.

Inseparable since the beginning, In this lifetime, through the Generations, all while Mother Earth was still spinning.

The story of us finding one Another— Our connection, our bond, As the universe keeps playing Us along.

The true love story, The one that’s never boring. ➤ continued on p. 22

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

7 4 1 7 3

6 7

5 1 4 6

4 2 3 5 1 9 3

8 8 7

3 6 1 5

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

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

Weekthe of 12/22/25 12/28/25

The Weekly Crossword

17

18

20

by Margie E. Burke 9

13

22

28

29

51

52

34

40 43 46

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

43 Put ____ in it: 2 wds.

44 Trucker's turf 47 Swiss miss of kid lit 50 Many-sided 53 On a downward slope 55 Old-womanish 56 French city once known for silk 57 "Welcome to" sign abbr.

58 Bamboo lover 59 Go on and on 60 Sgts., e.g.

61 Classic watch maker DOWN 1 Swedish auto 2 Beige shade 3 Showed a difference 4 Moon of Neptune 5 Golfing legend Ed 6 "Les Diaboliques" actress Simone 7 Hints at, with "to" 8 Peter, in Poland 9 Shipwreck signal 10 Most importantly

D

P

31

OLI

. HA

30

Y H

YS

24

P

A

7 4 1 2 5 8 3 6 9 26 27 2 8 3 6 9 1 7 5 4 33 32 9 6 5 4 7 3 2 8 1 35 1 7 2 368 3 9 5 4 637 38 6 9 8 5 4 2 1 339 7 41 3 5 4 7 1 6 9 242 8 45 7 2 4 1 9 443 6 5 8 47 48 49 50 5 2 6 1 8 7 4 9 3 53 54 6 1 5 8 3 7 9 2 4

ACROSS 1 Religious groups 6 Exhausts 10 Gardner et al.

14 Squirrel's snack 15 Pelvic: Prefix 16 Netanyahu, informally 17 Golfer Palmer, to pals 18 Play down 20 Type of squash 22 Egg-shaped 23 Where the stars shop 25 Impose ___ on (outlaw) 27 Mine find 28 Bad atmosphere 32 Bell and Barker 33 Louder, in music: Abbr.

34 Chocolatier's machine 35 First hymn of a Mass 37 Manor workers 38 Brosnan TV role 39 Scads 40 Prefix with system 41 Big Apple river 42 Kimono sash

12

19

21

25

11

16

Solution to Sudoku: 23

10

P

15

8

HA

14

7

.

6

YS

5

A

4

HOLID

3

Y

2

P

1

11 "____ Las Vegas" 12 Beat anagram 13 Filly's father 19 Cold war foe 21 Adjust, in a way 24 "Survivor" idol 25 Simple-living sect 26 African language 29 Rising sharply 30 French thanks 31 Fiery felony 33 Cleansing procedure 36 Junk mail addressee 37 Olympic racers 39 Home of the Maple Leafs 43 Not written in key 45 Protestant denom 46 Slack-jawed 47 San Francisco's Nob ___ 48 One-named Irish singer 49 Wedding words 51 Grocery chain 52 Hamburger grade 54 Former DWTS judge Goodman

FREE CONDOMS TOO!

Birth Control

MADE EASY

visit an

ATHENS AREA

Health Department NortheastHealthDistrict.org

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

DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

21

slackpole

continued from p. 20

In each lifetime, in different ways, Everyone needs a book or a show To watch when they are Home on their days off from work.

Maybe this is his version of that.

We are his movie he likes to Watch over and over again.

If that’s the case, I hope he Never gets tired of our show, And I hope our story never ends

Sonder: The Realization

By Kaidyn Harris

There will be a moment when you seek out into the world and feel the vibration. You will feel the admiration and the bliss, The anguish and the repentance And you will crave to know if you’re alone If this feeling cracks the alternative of other’s stability as it does yours. You will wish to know the cause of their very being What makes them laugh and cry.

You will crave to know everything about everyone And when you finally understand that all, you will know you are nothing.

A blur in someone’s passing, A sneeze too far for someone’s blessing, The extra shoe in someone’s picture And you will know There are other lives than your own And you will know the feeling of being alone And you will wish you never felt at all.

Fun and Aimless Night Downtown

By Cass Lessing

First time in Downtown Athens.

I left around 10 p.m.

During my drive I ran into deep traffic and cursed my decision to take the Honda, even though it saved me from nearly a 2-­mile walk. Someone challenged me to rock paper scissors, and I lost by picking paper against their scissors.

Dang.

I stopped near the Spirits on Washington pub and slammed the front door shut.

The first stop was the 1785 Bar and Grill. Long line. It had a left and right division; the left containing a lit bar with red walls, a pool table and gambling machines, and the right containing a set of bars and a dance area. A few college guys with big bro energy asked to take a picture of my all-­black fit, and I readily accepted. I inched my way toward some girls. A drunk guy ran into them while they were singing a country song I didn’t know, because I didn’t know any country song except that one by Kesha, and struck up a conversation.

I drifted some, “dancing” in the right division before heading back to the left via some wooden saloon doors. The guy was still with the girls, and by the look of his phone had successfully grabbed a number. Another missed opportunity. Oh well.

On my resumed walk toward nowhere, a paparazzi appeared on my horizon. It surrounded a young Asian man with his piano and mic, singing and playing hits like “Someone Like You” and “Piano Man.” The crowd was drawn to it like moths to a flame.

An undergrad asked if I was European, based on my outfit. He said I looked German. I corrected him with, “No no I am American but I understand,” then pointed to an important German work I was reading, Martin Heidegger’s Sein Und Zeit. He was unfamiliar with it.

He then alluded to a European nihilist. I first guessed Albert Camus, then E M Cioran, but neither were on his mind. I finally guessed Nietzsche. Ding ding ding. I made the point that Kneeche was not a gloomy nihilist, but a vitalist life affirmer, just not of his or my life. He went to

22

get his friends to come see me, but after a wait he didn’t show back up.

I was a bit hungry. Insomnia Cookies. Inside some small chat about choosing the right cookie, and I settled on a relatively OK priced s’mores flavor. I inquired about the Asian Piano Man, and some girls clarified that he was a regular performer in the downtown area and even hosted a popular TikTok. Retracing my steps led me to Wonder Bar. Small, not too crowded, and full of excuses not to buy booze. I looked around. Games everywhere. Gallaga. Mortal Kombat.

Foosball. A Simpsons Beat-­Em-­Up. Some college kids were playing Mario Kart on a projector with GameCube controllers, and one of the players was mad about the map. A heterosexual couple kissed. On another projector three players were duking it out in Smash Bros Ultimate with Switch controllers. One guy had picked Ganondorf, the one in the middle Corrin or Chrom, and the woman on the left, his girlfriend I assumed judging by their intimacy, Pink Yoshi.

The woman won pretty handily.

After clapping her hand to congratulate her, I was finally ready to leave, but not before getting interrupted by someone who thought I was an Oober. I reassured them I was not an Oober, wished them a good night, and left just a little after two hours after having parked.

Conservatives vs.

Progressives on Tax Policy

By John Wyle

Traditionally, Conservatives have advocated for smaller government, a strong national defense, lower taxes, free markets, as well as personal and fiscal responsibility. Progressives on the other hand traditionally advocate for social and political reforms, to address problems of social justice, and the growing inequality between the haves and the have nots. A key reform is instituting a progressive tax policy to support those objectives.

The recent government shutdown is an example, where blame was predominately assigned to the Republican Party with roughly 60% of Americans agreeing that the Democrats should fight for a continuing resolution that would reinstate subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Without those subsidies, it was reported that health care premiums would double and triple for some 44 million Americans making health insurance unaffordable for many. Those on the right believe that extending the subsidies are unaffordable and should therefore be discontinued. The following excerpts from national media offer a picture of what the two different approaches look like in terms of taxpayer dollars: “Top 1% to Receive $1 Trillion Tax Cut from Trump Megabill Over the Next Decade WASHINGTON — The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced Thursday that if lawmakers permanently extend the enhanced tax credits for certain people who buy their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, it would cost the government $350 billion over 10 years and increase the number of those with health insurance by 3.8 million.”

While I can agree with many of the positions traditionally advocated by the Republican party, how those objectives are structured is where the rubber meets the road.

These days, the difference between the two parties lies chiefly in who benefits from their actions. Is the Republican call for lower taxes and smaller government about building a better America or “conserving” what is considered “mine”? Consider the fact that the money each of us earns is not entirely of our own making, but also the product of a great business environment that enjoys a vibrant stock market, roads, bridges and airports that get our people and products to market, and an educated work force.

Government plays the leading role in building that favorable environment in which business can operate profitably.

Is there then a middle course, and should the Republican call for smaller government instead ask, what resources does government need to bring about a stronger, safer and more equitable society in which the majority want to live?

Unless we ask, not how much we can cut from the services offered by government, but how much revenue we need to provide a means-­tested, well-­coordinated, opportunity-­

F L A GP OL E .C OM · DE C E MB E R 24, 2025 & DE C E MB E R 31, 2025

laden society in which we can all thrive, we will continue to see growing inequality.

The American society that currently exists is simply unaffordable for those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder. And while some of us did not take advantage of the opportunities our society has offered in the past, many others who did prepare themselves well, now find themselves in an economic vice, tightening ever so quickly. That is the product of an overly exuberant market gone wild.

To make society work better for everyone, but more importantly, to ensure that the next generation of Americans will avoid the pitfalls of desperation, dependency and anti-­social behavior, they must be well fed, educated and healthy. To do that, we need to tax ourselves at a level required to provide affordable healthcare, childcare and housing. Those goals are easily within reach. To move beyond this present period of imbalance between those on the top, and those on the bottom of the economic ladder, we must focus on building a better, safer, more satisfying society for the many, instead of our current focus on earning and preserving wealth for the few. How much money is enough, and how important is stroking egos at the expense of building that more perfect union? For my money, I want our government to chart a bi-­partisan course to get us there.

Pity the man or woman who stumbles now in the race to put food on the table, to pay a mortgage, or send a kid to school, when his or her livelihood is taken away because one man in the White House has decided that government is too big and he alone will define the solution. That’s called the actions of a king. It was recently reported that 50 million Americans had to rely on foodbanks this year—a pretty good indication that something is wrong with the richest country on earth!

How many of us now live paycheck to paycheck fearful of the day someone in the family gets sick, or the landlord decides to raise the rent. To maintain the prosperity that most Americans enjoy will require that Congress address these hardest issues of health care, childcare and housing, plus our immigration policy. We must remain an attractive destination for immigrants to do the jobstoo many Americans don’t want to do, but are essential to an orderly society—much less, to attract those who will build the businesses of the future that will employ our children.

Congress is key to keeping the business climate tuned for prosperity, but it’s We The People who should decide what services those taxes provide to build that better, stronger society with a growing middle class. That can only be accomplished with a fairer progressive tax policy.

The recent Ken Berns series on the Revolutionary War said it all, “We are an improbable nation.” Fortunately, our forefathers and mothers stood up to tyranny and fought to build a nation of laws, founded on the idea of personal liberty. The only way we keep this nation as the beacon of liberty is if we take up that mantle and fight for the principles on which it was founded. The ball is in our court.

A Little National News with Big Local Ramifications

By Bob Clements

Part 1 Rumor has it that several local and national corporations will be going vegan including McDonald’s, Burger King, Piedmont Hospital, Chick-­fil-­A , Zaxbys. By January 2026, most all of their food will be fully plant-­based.

Part 2 We have heard that more and more doctors, health care providers and hospitals are coming to recognize that the microbiota in all our bodies is a reality and that a healthy diet, supplemented by moderate exercise, is necessary for a long, healthy life.

Part 3 USA’s two-­term President Donald J. Trump announces that he and his billionaire friends do not feel it is necessary for him to have to run for an illegal third term as president in the November 2028 elections because all the 300 billion right-­thinking Americans must necessarily appreciate his many sacrifices on account of us and that all dissenters deserve to be shat upon. f

SUDOKU

LET PEIKEN HELP!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

9 5

6

Selling In-Town Athens for Over 25 Years UGA Graduate / 706-296-2941 Voted one of Athens Favorite Realtors by Flagpole’s readers!

2014-2016, 2018

7 3 4

9 8

2 7

3 6 1 3

2

7 4 9

5 6

RE D UC ED

1

PRONOUNCED I CAN HELP

1 4 2

RE D UC ED

7

THREE OAKS DRIVE

KENNY RIDGE COMMUNITY 4 BED / 3 BATH ON 4.57 ACRES $574,000

310 SPALDING CIRCLE 4 BED / 3 BATH • 0.78 ACRES ON THE NORTH OCONEE RIVER $389,000

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0.76 ACRE BUILDING LOT • IN ATHENS, WITH VIEWS OF THE NORTH OCONEE RIVER • $100,000

Daniel Peiken dpeiken@hotmail.com • 5Market Realty 824 South Milledge Ave., Ste 200 • 706.850.4636

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 Week 12/29/25 - 1/4/26 theofnumbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

22

21

Solution to Sudoku: 24

11

12

13

33

34

35

23

25

8 277 286 5 3 1 9 2 429 1 2 9 7 6 4 5 832 3 30 31 4 3 5 9 378 2 6 7 1 36 38 6 1 2 4 429 7 3 5 8 43 41 3 9 467 471 5 8 4 6 248 5 518 4 3 2 6 1 952 7 50 7 4 8 6 1 5 2 3 9 53 54 9 6 1 2 7 3 8 4 5 59 60 58 2 5 3 8 4 9 7 1 6

Unwrap Something Naughty

26

39 44

40 45

49

55

56

57

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

Copyright 2025 by The Puzzle Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Yeshiva leader 54 Ones putting up 6 Casino cubes buildings 10 Campbell of the 58 Extended family "Scream" movies 59 "I ___ you!"

14 Indian, for one 61 Kind of being or 15 Ares' twin sister race 16 Line on a graph 62 Stringed flyer 17 Outbuildings 63 New York canal 18 Entree item, often 64 Daugher of Zeus 19 Gift add-ons 65 Risked a ticket, 20 Lawn improvesay ment process 66 Property title 22 Musical Keys 67 Begin again 24 Astutely 26 L.A. hoopster 29 Allude (to) DOWN 30 Winning streak 1 Santa ___, Calif.

31 Most secure 2 Longing 33 Mooch 3 Ballpark 36 Corby of ''The beverage Waltons'' 4 Spoiler of a sort 38 Vacation rental 5 Marching 39 Forestall, with together "off" 6 U.S. and others, 41 Actor Wallach politically 42 Footnote word 7 "Goodnight" girl 45 Line-___ veto of song 46 Bibliography 8 "The Recruit" org. entry 9 They're left 48 Rectangle's four behind 50 Like old 3D 10 Lifelong local images 11 Make worse 53 ____ borealis 12 Close watch

Scan the code below to read our blog and find the answers to our quiz!

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13 English assignment 21 Tees off 23 Certain shoe inserts 25 Like robocalls 26 Chief Big Bear, for one 27 Droop laxly 28 Unable to read 32 Pet rocks, once 34 Veer anagram 35 Tiara inlays 37 Gunpowder ingredient 40 Dyeing substance 43 Swollen 44 Pout about 47 Pressed 49 Heavier, as a dessert 50 Gives the axe to 51 Flower for Tiny Tim 52 "The Color Purple" protagonist 55 Arabian gulf 56 Word with birth or interest 57 Winter coat?

60 Crude metal

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23

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