FP260422

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS TAKES ON A SECOND LIFE

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

APRIL 22, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 16 · FREE

MUSHroom Collaborative UGA Art Project Emphasizes Sustainability p. 12

Coleman Bryan Barks (April 23, 1937 – February 23, 2026) In a borderless world of wonders, a young boy from Lookout Mountain grew up to become the poet who would unlock the joys of ecstatic Sufi mysticism for millions of English speakers around the world. From his earliest days on the banks of the Tennessee River, Coleman Barks sharpened and shared his hearty lust for life. The same fulsome yet sweet and tender generosity would enliven his renderings of the 13th-century poet Jalal al-Din Rumi into the tradition of American free verse, first liberated from the shackles of meter, rhyme and structure by Walt Whitman.

Coleman Bryan Barks was born on April 23, 1937 to Elizabeth Bryan and Herbert Bernard Barks. He grew up on the campus of the Baylor School outside of Chattanooga, where his father was headmaster, and which he attended along with his sister Elizabeth and older brother, Herb. The middle of the three, Barks was a stellar athlete who excelled at soccer and tennis. After graduation he earned his BA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his MA at the University of California, Berkeley, returning to UNC for his doctorate . After teaching for two years at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Barks joined the faculty of the University of Georgia English department, where he taught literature and creative writing to thousands of students, until his retirement from UGA in 1997.

In 1976, Barks’ close friend the poet Robert Bly showed him some academic translations of Jalal al-Din Rumi, a 13th-Century Islamic poet. Bly urged Barks to release the poems “from their cages,” thus beginning his long and illustrious endeavor translating the thousands of poems by Rumi. Among the numerous volumes of Rumi translations, The Essential Rumi (1995) perhaps towers tallest, opening the pleasures of timeless ecstatic experience to millions of readers,

including celebrities Madonna, Beyonce and Chris Martin, whose enthusiasm for Barks’ translations further extended the reach of Rumi’s poetry.

Although internationally acclaimed, Barks was always approachable at his favorite corner seat at The Manhattan Cafe or a coffee shop, ready and willing to talk about poetry, politics, or any stops along the astral plane. Generous with friends and strangers alike, he enjoyed laughing, dinners, conversation, and singing, which he would often initiate himself, with some partiality to shapenote hymns.

Barks lived in Athens, Georgia, where he worked on his poetry and translations and operated Maypop Books, which publishes translations of Rumi and other Near Eastern religious poets, as well as Barks’ own work.

Coleman Barks is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Barks Cox; his former wife Kittsu Greenwood, and their two sons, Benjamin and Cole, of Athens; his daughter-in law, Kelley Barks; his grandchildren Bryan Barks and her husband Chris Miller; Tucker Barks, Henry Barks, and Luna Estrada; Keller Barks, and Woody Barks; and his longtime companion, Lisa Starr.

The family would like to thank St. Mary’s staff, Piedmont Hospital, Family Hospice and Coleman’s wonderful caregivers. In the spirit of generosity that characterized Coleman’s life, the family encourages a donation in his name to a charity or nonprofit whose work inspires you.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” at 4 p.m. April 23, 2026 at the UGA Chapel. The family would love for all to join in a bagpipe-led parade to Little Kings/The Manhattan Café for a continuation of the celebration from 6–9 p.m.

Please bring an instrument, story or poems to share, as there will be an open microphone along with beverages, BBQ and a slice of apricot pie!

- Alan Flurry

TRAVELING SOON? MAKE SURE YOU ARE UP-TO-DATE ON YOUR VACCINATIONS!

VISIT YOUR

ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENT NortheastHealthDistrict.org

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

DAVE MARR

flagpole’s 6th Annual Green Issue LOOK AT THESE ADVERTISERS TO SEE WHAT MAKES THEM “GREEN”

ACC Solid Waste Ancient Suns Academy UGA poet and scholar Ed Pavlić was named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow, one of 223 honorees out of a pool of almost 5,000 applicants.

Pavlić is under contract to publish Darker than Blue: A Radical Life of James Baldwin, a literary biography expected to be finished for a 2028 publication date.

Athens Cooks

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 School Board Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Housing Trust Fund

District 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MUSHroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

How Thrifting Supports Nonprofits

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

District 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ARTS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Trees of Athens

H2GrOw

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

p. 15 p. 17 p. 16

Loving Botanicals

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PLEASE SUPPORT FREE LOCAL NEWS SUPPORT FLAGPOLE

Ladies’ Garden Club

p. 14 p. 6 p. 25

Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes p. 16

COVER PHOTOGRAPH by Jason Thrasher Courtesy of Willson Center (see story on p. 12)

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

Keep Athens Beautiful

KAT WOOD

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Jonathon Musser, 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 Lee Becker, Chris Dowd, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Jasmine Milbourne, Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

p. 11

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

FOOD & DRINK: Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 16

Cofer’s Home and Garden

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Kitty House Collective

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

Broad River Outpost

p. 9

p. 26

online exclusive The nonprofit Boybutante held its 37th Boybutante Ball on Saturday, Apr. 18 at the 40 Watt Club with a cast of new and old favorite performers, including special guests from two of RuPaul’s TV series.

See “Photo Gallery: Boybutante Ball” at flagpole.com.

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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flagpole

CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2026!

THE MAY 13TH ISSUE OF FLAGPOLE WILL BE DEDICATED TO THIS YEAR’S GRADUATES.

Show your grad how proud you are by featuring them in our Congrats to Grads section.

All graduating High School or College students are welcome!

are you an athens area creative? Connect with open art calls, patrons & resources.

We are offering 2 sizes of ads that include student’s name, school, photos and your message.

Option 1 $75: features up to 3 photos and 30 words (see examples) Option 2 $50: features up to 2 photos and 25 words (see examples)

GO TO WWW.GRADS.FLAGPOLE.COM TO SET UP YOUR AD! DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ADS IS TUESDAY, MAY 5TH.

Let’s show our 2026 grads that they matter! Send questions to ads@flagpole.com OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Peyton Aubrey Clarke Central

Congrats PeyPey! We are so proud of you and thrilled to have another Bulldawg in the family! Go out there and crush it! We love you!

— Mama, Dad, and Kiernan

Cameron Brown

CEDAR SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL

I am beyond proud of you.

Nothing is impossible, keep God first and follow your dreams!

I love you!

Love, Mom

CARTER L. WILLIAMS CEDAR SHOALS

Congratulations-you did it!

We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. May your future be bright and blessed.

Love, Mom, Dad, Calvin Jr., Clinton, and Carly

Eloise Griffin UGA

From Chase Street Elementary to UGA Graduate! Congratulations, Eloise! We’re so proud of you and excited for your future!

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

news

city dope

Housing Trust Fund WHO SHOULD RUN IT? AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com looked at trust funds in Asheville, NC and the Hilton Head, SC area. Atlanta’s is somewhat different because the city received an exemption to the gratuities clause prior to the 1996 Olympics, according to ACC interim assistant manager Andrew Saunders. That clause prevents local governments from making direct payments to individuals or businesses without receiving something in return. But nonprofits or quasi-­government authorities, such as an eviction prevention program or small business assistance program ACC started during COVID, can get around the clause.

Dems Host Commission Debate The Athens-­Clarke County Democratic Committee hosted a forum on Apr. 14 for ACC Commission candidates running to represent Districts 5 and 7.

With Commissioner Dexter Fisher running for mayor and Commissioner John Culpepper not seeking reelection, neither race has an incumbent. Bennie Lee Coleman

BLAKE AUED

The nonprofit Envision Athens could be charged with running Athens-­Clarke County’s multimillion-­dollar affordable housing trust fund if the county commission approves a consultant’s recommendation.

LEH Consulting Group is recommending tapping an existing nonprofit to oversee the fund because the local government is restricted in how it can spend funds by the state constitution’s “gratuities clause,” setting up a new nonprofit would take longer, and a bank would also have restrictions.

Consultants considered the Athens Housing Authority and other affordable housing providers, but they would have a conflict of interest because they’d essentially be lending money to themselves. The Athens Area Community Foundation has capacity restraints, and First American Bank & Trust—which runs the county’s down payment assistance program—is constrained when it comes to raising philanthropic dollars.

Envision Athens was founded in 2018 as a partnership among the ACC government, the Clarke County School District and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce to create a shared vision and strategic plan for the community, and it became a 501c3 nonprofit in 2021. If it becomes the organization that oversees the affordable housing trust fund, it would focus solely on housing and cease activities in other areas, like food security and mental health. Envision Athens does have some experience in housing, for example organizing a summit on homelessness last year and facilitating the Vision Committee, which recommends nonprofits to receive federal grants through the ACC Housing and Community Development Department.

A 2023 study recommended creating the affordable housing trust fund and putting $5 million into it each year. The fund currently has $6.4 million, pending any future contributions from ACC’s fiscal 2027 budget and from private student housing developers under the county’s inclusionary zoning law. Core Spaces pledged almost $8 million last year as part of a land swap to build student apartments near Lay Park.

“It is really meant to be the most powerful, flexible tool in your affordable housing toolbox,” consultant Tammie Hawkins told commissioners at an Apr. 14 work session.

“It does not have some of the federal strings attached to it.”

Each dollar invested in the trust fund can be leveraged into $8 from other government programs or private charitable donations, according to LEH. That money can then be used to provide gap financing or revolving low-­interest loans to affordable housing developers. It can also provide down-­payment assistance for low-­and moderate-­income homebuyers.

“The goal is that you are leveraging and deploying funds as loans so they circulate back,” Hawkins said.

At least four other Georgia cities— Atlanta, Macon, Savannah and Decatur— also have affordable housing trust funds, according to LEH. The consultants also

down to 511 units with cheaper surface parking instead of structured parking. The development will still include 183 subsidized units.

A $5.9 million gap would remain, which could be filled using remaining SPLOST funds designated for North Athens, as well as the affordable housing trust fund, Saunders said.

When Phase Two is finished in 2027, all 113 households residing at Bethel will have been relocated into new apartments, Crisp told commissioners. [Blake Aued]

About 300 people and several inflatable couches protested Vice President JD Vance’s appearance Apr. 14 at Akins Ford Arena, which drew national attention for the sparse audience at the event, organized by the late Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA. Visit flagpole.com for more.

If the recommendation is approved by the commission in June, the trust fund could launch no later than January 2027.

Commissioners appeared to have no desire to create a new nonprofit, but could open up bidding for a bank to partner with Envision Athens rather than hand the job to First Athens Bank & Trust.

Commissioner Ovita Thornton called for more opportunities for public comment before making a decision. I’m not going to fight that [appointing Envision Athens], but I will say there needs to be more public input on who’s going to manage this project,” she said.

The need for more subsidies for affordable housing was illustrated by another work session presentation on Apr. 16, when commissioners learned they may have to scale back future phases of The View at NoDA, the Bethel Midtown Village redevelopment, due to rising construction costs. During initial planning prior to the pandemic, the cost per unit was pegged at $280,000. However, units in phases one and two wound up ballooning to more than $400,000 each as the cost of construction materials and interest rates rose dramatically, Athens Housing Authority Executive Director Sheila Crisp said.

The development team—which also includes private companies Jonathan Rose and Columbia Residential—committed to replacing all 183 Section 8 housing voucher units at Bethel and to build a total of about 715 units. That total has now been scaled

III and Ed Tolley are running in District 7, while Kimberly Bennett, Zander Mason, Rick Stanziale and Craig Topple are running in District 5 (see p. 10 for more).

Tolley is a local attorney and former president of the Clarke County Board of Education whose platform includes safety, livability and unity, while Coleman’s entails managing growth, creating jobs, improving infrastructure and addressing homelessness.

Bennett is an Athens native working in nonprofit leadership and youth development aiming to foster safety and opportunities for families in the community. Topple is a health care chaplain striving to support every generation by improving housing, transportation, infrastructure and budgeting. Mason is an Athens native hoping to bring a new generation of leadership, leveraging his business background to improve safety and affordability. Stanziale serves on the ACC Hearings Board and endeavors to foster sustainable growth, attainable housing, infrastructure and budgeting.

Candidates were asked about housing, public safety, the North Oconee River Greenway, future city growth and transportation.

On addressing the housing crisis and preventing displacement of marginalized community members, Stanziale committed to making housing attainable by addressing gentrification, more student housing outside neighborhoods and targeted property tax relief. Mason recommended increasing supply and access to different forms

of housing, like accessory dwelling units, through zoning reform to create missing middle housing. Topple echoed this sentiment, as well as improvements to infrastructure, and Bennett added subsidizing and cooperating to make housing more affordable.

Tolley supported on-­campus student housing, while Coleman emphasized helping low-­income residents, improving infrastructure and ending homelessness.

When asked about Flock cameras used by the Real-­Time Crime Center, Coleman said, “We don’t have any privacy in the street.” He supported cameras solving crimes, with Tolley agreeing that cameras are good, but knowing who has access to their data is crucial.

Bennett supported them, but not data being shared or used, and Topple recommended an audit. Mason focused on police having community involvement, and Stanziale emphasized reducing poverty to decrease crime.

On utilizing TSPLOST and grant funds to support the Greenway, all candidates except Coleman supported the project. He stated he does not support the Greenway or the Firefly Trail, citing more pressing matters at hand, and said cyclists need insurance and licenses to drive on roads with cars.

An audience question asked candidates about their vision for Athens in the coming decades, and all agreed that increasing housing access, addressing aging infrastructure and managing growth sustainably is crucial to the future of both districts.

On the fare-­free ACC bus system and potential expansion, all candidates supported future expansion. Stanziale highlighted a lower need for parking, Mason mentioned route efficiency, and Bennett focused on expansion. Topple discussed the community of buses and isolation of vehicles, supporting more hours and frequency.

However, Coleman supported expansion unless UGA students benefitted, saying the school should pitch in if that’s the case.

In closing, Stanziale focused on his familiarity with city government processes, enabling him to create housing and smart growth. Mason asserted his nonpartisan commitment to bring a fresh start to leadership with fiscal transparency, compassion and common sense. Tolley mentioned his long-­term governmental involvement and understanding of the work needed to create progress. Topple referenced his 30 years in community work and ability to listen, understand and advocate for constituents.

Bennett reaffirmed her commitment to creating solutions and experience with the work that needs to be done.

Lastly, Coleman all but endorsed his opponent Tolley saying, “I’m going to support him, but yes I’m still running,” citing his candidacy as an opportunity to speak his mind.

Athens Democrats held a forum for candidates in districts 1, 3 and 9 earlier this month. Check last week’s Flagpole or visit flagpole.com/2026election for a recap. [Lily Thomas]

Early Voting Starts Soon Early voting for the May 19 partisan primaries and nonpartisan local elections starts Monday, Apr. 27 at the Athens-­ Clarke County Elections Office, 155 E. Washington St., next door to City Hall.

Hours that week are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ➤ continued on next page

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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City Dope

continued from p. 5

The following week, early voting will expand to the ACC Regional Library on Baxter Street, and in the third week of early voting three additional locations will be added: the ACC Tennis Center at Southeast Clarke Park (4460 Lexington Road), the Cooperative Extension office (275 Cleveland Road, off Atlanta Highway) and the Miriam Moore Community Center (410 McKinley Drive, in East Athens). Hours will be extended until 7 p.m. at all five locations through Thursday, May 14. Weekend options will be available on two Saturdays, May 2 and 9, as well as Sunday, May 10.

Check accgov.com/243/Advance-­Voting for exact hours, which vary by date and location. To find out your registration status and which districts you’re in, visit the Georgia secretary of state’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov. [BA]

Downtown Projects Hit Speedbumps

CONGRATULATIONS

WINNERS

The 2026 Green Life Awards ceremony was held April 16th at the Athens Cotton Press.

This event honors organizations and individuals who go above and beyond in creating a more sustainable tomorrow for us all.

Athens Land Trust

Land and Legacy Award Nancy Stangle Sustainable Agriculture Champion Dr. Sherman Green Community Sustainability Champions Members of the West Broad, North Athens, and East Athens Advisory Boards

Keep Athens Clarke-County Beautiful Adopt-A-Highway Group of the Year ASEZ World Mission Society Church of God Community Member of the Year Jordan Townsend Beautiful Business of the Year R&R Secret Flowers

ACC Community Tree Council

Community Tree Streward -Individual Dr. Scott Merkle Community Tree Steward - Organization Classic City Rotary

ACC Stormwater Management

Stormwater Steward Award: Residential Nathan Stuck Stormwater Steward Award: Commercial The Forestar Group Stormwater Lifetime Achievement Award Todd Stevenson

UGA State Botanical Garden of Georgia Garden Earth Naturalist Award Ashley Callahan and Copper Callahan

Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Leadership in Water Conservation Sara Clarke

ACC Solid Waste, Waste Reduction Division Zero Hero of the Year Karen Higginbotham Community Waste Reduction Champion Shell to Shore

Upper Oconee Watershed Network Unsung Hero Award Judy Goltzer

Athens Rivers Alive

Rivers Alive Supporting Sponsor Golden Pantry

Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission Walt Cook Award Susie Haggard

ACC Transit

Transit Titan UGA Office Of Global Student Engagement

ACC Solid Waste & ACC Extension Rot Star Award Compost Queens

WWW.ACCGOV.COM/GREENLIFE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

Georgia Power recently jumped into the College Square revitalization project, potentially pushing its completion well into football season, but local officials think they’ve found a solution that will keep construction on track.

SPLOST project manager Diana Jackson and David Lynn, co-­director of the Athens Downtown Development Authority, told the ADDA board last week that Georgia Power—despite being notified of construction months ago—wanted to pause the project for five weeks to replace equipment inside two underground vaults. That would have pushed the target date for completion from early September to mid-­October.

However, Jackson said she is working with Georgia Power on an alternate plan that would add $80,000 to the cost of the $7 million project, but would keep the work on schedule. “The last thing we want to do is put anybody out of business,” Jackson said.

The project involves tearing up the pavement on College Square to create a permanent pedestrian plaza with brick pavers, new plantings, tables and artwork, as well as some underground utility work. In the

meantime, sidewalks remain open, but access to businesses is limited.

The opening of a new pocket park next door to the Costa Building by City Hall has been delayed after local officials toured it with the original designers, who said that the contractor had installed walkways incorrectly and included the wrong, non-­ native species of plants. Mayor Kelly Girtz said he hopes the park will be open to the public by AthFest in mid-­June.

The cancer fundraiser Jam for Cam, featuring headliner Goose, drew 25,000 people to downtown earlier this month and “made a lot of money” selling wristbands to drink beer within an enclosed “festival zone,” ADDA co-­director Linda Ford said, inspiring the ADDA to consider establishing such festival zones before (but not after) home football games. “It made us think, what if we could do something like that for gamedays?” Ford said. The revenue could go toward beautification efforts. But first, the idea will have to go through County Attorney Judd Drake’s office.

The ADDA board and staff also discussed downtown’s dwindling supply of aging parking meters, which are “getting almost impossible to repair or replace,” Ford said.

Parking payment will switch to the Park­ Mobile app—also used by UGA and many private lots—in June or July to “ease people into it” before the start of the school year and football season.

The board also discussed homelessness after member and property owner Drew Dekle expressed frustration about a man who had been occupying a bench outside of Clocked claiming to be on a mission from the U.S. military’s special forces.

Girtz said that a committee is looking at strengthening a recently passed ordinance banning people from blocking sidewalks or entrances to businesses. He said that ACC is working with the Bigger Vision shelter and First Baptist Church to provide lockers for people to store their belongings. Ford lauded a year-­old Savannah “urban camping” ordinance that allows police to arrest individuals who are sleeping on the street.

While in jail, they are connected with service providers, and if they enter a program the citation is waived, she said. [BA] f

news

feature

Clarke County School Board THREE CONTESTED RACES TO LEAD LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com

T

wo candidates stepped up to run for each of three open seats on the Clarke County Board of Education.

Since the races are nonpartisan, the results of the May 19 election will be final; there is no November election.

Here are the candidates:

District 3 Carl Blount, who owns and operates an insurance agency, believes there are “a lot of great things going on in the school district right now,” and he wants people to stop denigrating public education in Athens-​Clarke County. The school district has “amazing programs for kids needing extra help and for gifted kids, but maybe we could focus more on building up kids in the middle.”

Blount says he’s happy that public school buildings in Athens no longer look like prisons, “but instead look like they are part of the community. Our Carl Blount facilities have gotten better— especially Clarke Middle— which helps kids to have a better education experience.”

One of his sons is at Clarke Middle; the other is at Clarke Central.

Instead of “grabbing a shiny new thing that’s going to fix everything in two or three years,” he hopes the administration and school board can figure out what they’re going to achieve over the next several years and stick with a plan.

He wants there to be enough people in each classroom “to have small group interactions in those early years and focus on reading.” He also wants the district to address absenteeism.

Recently retired as the receptionist at Barnett Shoals Elementary, Reginald Willis is also running for the seat.

What he brings to the table, he says, is his knowledge of and experience with the school district, “understanding schools from the inside out.”

He is a 1984 graduate of Cedar Shoals High; his daughter is a Cedar graduate as well, and is now employed as a behavior interventionist with CCSD; and he has grandchildren in the district.

Though retired, Willis continues to work with two Reginald Willis coordinators in Barnett Shoals’ after-​school program and its Boys to Men initiative. They bring in speakers to talk to the boys—who are in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades—about careers, self-​respect and other topics.

“Clarke County schools have a lot of great things going: great students, administrators and teachers,” says Willis.

“The students are amazing, and teachers and administrators are doing the work, they’re not just sitting at their desks.”

One challenge is the perception some in the community have of the public schools. They make assumptions without even visiting the schools in question, he says.

He wants to “bring everyone to the table, look at data and then make sound decisions about what we should be doing.”

He likes that some schools are working hard to accommodate the parents of their students. Gaines Elementary had an outreach event at Heard Park for its families. “My motto is, I’m built on service and focused on students.”

Incumbent Linda Davis opted not to run for re-​election.

District 5 Former high school Spanish teacher Heather Fletcher is running “because I wanted to make sure someone who represents my district cares about teachers and students.”

Current representative Tim Denson is running for mayor, as is LaKeisha Gantt in District 7.

Before becoming an independent real estate broker and the director of a dance nonprofit, Fletcher worked at Cedar Shoals High School for four years, then served on its Local School Governance Board (LSGT).

She’s now a literacy mentor at Howard Stroud Elementary.

Heather Fletcher The best thing about the school district, she says, “is the passion of the teachers. They don’t just come to work to draw a paycheck. Most of them have advanced degrees, and they do the work because they love it, and they love their students.”

A challenge is to continue the focus on literacy, because “you can’t learn anything else unless you can read.” She approves of the Books for Keeps reading program, which involves volunteers in reading with elementary children, and notes that Athens has a “deep pool” of retired people who participate. Keeping students off their cell phones is another challenge for the district.

“I’m hopeful that if I am elected, I can make a difference in children’s lives,” Fletcher says. “I know the board has a say in the budget but not in the day-​to-​day operation of the schools.”

While he was working for the Georgia Department of Labor, Fred Smith Sr. started working with young people by forming the Creative Vision Foundation. Participants came in the afternoons, on Saturdays and during the summer months for enrichment activities. After he retired, he started the Athens Black History Bowl and was involved with forming the Athens Tutorial Program.

“I have a passion for youth and academic support,” he says. “I’m running because I think I can make a difference, with my experience working with youth and parents at the grass roots level.”

Smith would like the administration to devote more resources, in terms of personnel, for classrooms, believing “the classroom should be the focus. We need to make sure we’re taking care of teachers and para pros and students. We need to put in place what it takes for students to learn and teachers to be effective. We can do better, Fred Smith Sr. and we must do better.”

Having one teacher in a classroom with 20 or 25 students—each with different abilities and behaviors—isn’t a model that works any longer, he says. The teachers need support, whether that means more paraprofessionals or volunteers in the classroom, and many students need one-​on-​one learning, especially in early grades, to make progress.

“There’re a lot of great people in the district,” Smith says.

“We have what we need in terms of people. We just need to keep the focus on instruction and not get distracted.”

Smith says he would be clear about his role as a member of the school board, but he would be a strong advocate for community members to get involved with the schools. He would bridge the gap between the schools and the community. Certain parents are involved and will always be

involved, “but some families are disconnected,” he says.

“They need to be included in order to impact student learning.”

District 7 Former teacher Lillie Brooks and middle school teacher Adam Shirley are running for the District 7 seat.

Brooks is running for the office because she’s been very involved in different aspects of the school district, and she thought her experience could help “the students and stakeholders of Clarke County.”

She is a parent of three sons in CCSD schools. She’s been a parapro in Barrow Elementary’s pre-​K program. She has been on the board of trustees with the Foundation for Excellence in Education. She has been serving for two years as president of the Family Advisory Board for CCSD. And she’s a member of the parent advisory council for the State of Georgia.

“I do the things I do not only for my own children, but also for every child who walks through a CCSD door,” Brooks says. “For all students, no matter where they’re coming from or who they are.”

For Brooks, the best thing about Clarke County schools is “the diversity of students, teachers and staff members.

Diversity is what makes our schools unique. My sons sit in classrooms with people who look different from them, and that provides them with a world of valuable knowledge and experiences beyond academics.”

Lillie Brooks The challenges the school system faces are multi-​faceted, Brooks says. She doesn’t like test scores, necessarily, but says they do provide a measure of student performance.

There are achievement gaps in some schools and in some parts of Athens, and those need to be addressed. She hopes the district can not only improve literacy—having children read on their grade level—but also can increase parental involvement while lowering absenteeism.

“I hope there’s a way to help parents understand that the core subjects, particularly reading and math, are the basis of education,” she says. “We know they are also concerned about their kid’s behavior. We have to find ways to support them in every aspect of their student’s education.”

Having served on the committee deciding on SPLOST projects, Shirley, who teaches science at Commerce Middle School, says he has the patience for long meetings with lots of moving parts. “Maybe that I’m not running away from this means I can sit through administrative things.” He says he believes he understands what the job is and what it is not.

Shirley also says the best thing about CCSD is its diversity—teachers, students, principals, custodians, bus drivers.

There are talented faculty and staff members trying to do the best they can do for all children. Adam Shirley Shirley says the progress with graduation rates and test scores “are impressive when you realize we’ve had so many superintendents over the past 10 years.” A challenge for the district is having stable leadership at the top.

Another is the structural underfunding of special education services, he says. “We are reaping that generational consequence of what we’ve sowed for 40 years.” He worries about retention and burnout as the state makes more demands on public school teachers, and he would like teachers to have protected planning time.

Incumbents Heidi Hensley in District 1 and Mark Evans in District 9 are running unopposed. Even-​numbered seats will be on the ballot in 2028. f To find out what precinct and districts you live in, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov.

For information about early voting, visit accgov.com/160/Elections-​ Department.

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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news

feature

10th Congressional District TWO DEMOCRATS HOPE TO RIDE A BLUE WAVE

By Lee Becker news@flagpole.com

T

he contest for the Democratic Party nomination for the 10th Congressional District has become quite visible in recent weeks, as both of the active candidates have appeared before Athens area groups, each making the case that she is better able to flip the traditionally Republican district in November.

Lexy Doherty, who represented the party in the contest with incumbent Mike Collins two years ago, appeared before a group organized by residents of Presbyterian Village Athens at the Oconee County Library on Apr. 9.

Doherty is from Athens-­Clarke County. Collins defeated Doherty in 2024 with 63.1% of the vote.

Pamela Delancy, challenging Doherty, appeared before the Oconee County Democratic Party a week earlier.

Delancy is from Henry County. Both Doherty and Delancy also used the opportunity of state Rep. Eric Gisler’s third town hall meeting in North High Shoals on Mar. 21 to showcase their qualifications and their issue stands.

Reflecting the new sense of competitiveness in the 10th Congressional District, the Atlanta Press Club has invited Democratic and Republican candidates to participate in its Loudermilk-­Young Debate Series on Apr. 26. Republicans will meet from 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m., and Democrats will meet from 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m. The event, held in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, will be recorded and livestreamed. Delancey and Doherty also have been invited to a Democratic candidate forum to be held from 2–6 p.m. on Apr. 25 at the Oconee County Civic Center.

John Dority, a retired engineer from Oglethorpe County, also has qualified for the Democratic primary, but he has not been campaigning actively.

State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-­Athens), Jeffrey Baker and Ryan Millsap have qualified as Republicans. Collins is running for Lexy Doherty Senate.

Lexy Doherty Doherty told the 31 people gathered at the Oconee County Library in Wire Park on Apr. 9 that she knew after

“I’m the only one that’s not retired in the primary on this side,” she said. “And I do love retired folks. You all are great. But I do think it’s really important that the people that are legislating are going to feel the effects of that legislation.

“And I’m the only one, at least, in this primary, that has come of age in this economy, that is trying to buy a home, trying to start a family,” said Doherty, who is 33 years old.

“I think I’m the only one that feels the effects as a young person of what’s happening in this country,” she said.

her loss to Collins in 2024 that she wanted to run again, and that she has been preparing in the last year for the campaign.

Delancy was the featured candidate at the Apr. 2 meetThe event at the library was organized by Indivisible ing, held at the Oconee County Library in Wire Park and GA10 Oconee (formerly named Indivisible—Presbyterian attended by 39 people.

Village Athens), which also had organized Delancy said she was running for the a Mar. 5 meeting with Delancy held at the Congressional seat because “I think it’s Athens-­Clarke County Regional Library time that the leadership represents we, auditorium. the people, not a select few people.

In her state qualification form for the “Like right now, what we have in the May 19 Party Primary, Doherty lists her administration are the have and the have-­ occupation as “candidate,” but she said at nots,” she continued. “There are more of the meeting on Thursday that her training us have-­nots than the haves. And so I’m and background is in geology. here to represent the majority of we, the “Climate and energy is really where I people. got started thinking about policy,” she “So this is who I am,” Delancy said. said in response to a question from Lorilee “Retired Army nurse colonel. I’m a cancer Sandmann, who moderated the session. survivor. I served over 30 years in the “I’ve been making the arguments for military. My last six years I spent in the renewable energy for both the climate Pamela Delancey Pentagon writing policies for veterans and benefits but also affordability, access,” also service members. she said. “There are so many reasons that “We have service members right now in harm’s way,” shifting towards renewable energy beneshe said. “They’re in Iran in a war that was started without fits us. going through the Constitution. So if we allow the Con“The first thing we should do immestitution to be continuously sidestepped and disregarded, diately, day one, is raise the minimum then we have no guide for our country anymore. wage,” Doherty told Sandmann. “So the “We have someone dictating to us what we should do, way I see this, that is something we could what we should say, even trying to suppress us from voting, do tomorrow that would change people’s which is the last tool we have to have a voice,” she said. lives.

“Health care is the number one priority for me,” Delancy “We know the cost of housing is said. “I’m also looking at education. I’m looking at public exploding, the cost of health care is out of safety with immigration and the economy.” control,” she said. “All of these things are Delancy said she thinks it is easy to reach out to Repubissues that I think we should be working licans. “You need gas, food and running water,” she said. “I on. mean, are you getting a discount that I don’t know about?

“But if you give people more money Last time I checked, we all had the same issues. The issue in their pocket to make decisions in their isn’t different. It doesn’t matter what political affiliation own lives, that takes pressure off immediyou are, the issue is the same. We’re all facing the same ecoately,” she added. “And so, my view is that nomic issues. the minimum wage should be a living wage.”

“Let’s talk about immigration real quick,” she said. “We Sandmann opened up the meeting to questions from the know we need to secure our borders. But we need to do that audience after the 20-­minute back-­and-­forth with Doherty. in the most humane manner possible. Everyone is entitled Near the end of the hour-­long session, Doherty was asked to human rights, human dignity, basic respect. what set her apart in the primary.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

“We should not be going to schools and churches and pulling people out and dividing families that we can’t put back together. Why are we doing this? Are we so barbaric?” she asked.

“Why in America is any child hungry?” Delancy asked.

“Why are we taking food stamps and the food meal cards out of the schools that students need? That might be their only good meal for the day. Why are we removing that from them?

“We need to make sure that we are putting these things back in place for our underserved populations,” she said.

Delancy’s initial comments ran about 20 minutes, and she responded to questions for another 15 minutes. Near the end, she said, “I can’t win the heart of a hardened person. I can only win the heart of people that want to change, that believe in uniting. That’s the only people I can help.

“I can only tell you what I have to offer and what I bring to the table,” she said, “which is experience, which is life experience, which is trained experience, which is education. And if that’s not good enough, well, there’s two other people running.” f

GOP Candidates Up-­and-­coming Republican state Rep. Houston Gaines had the inside track on the Republican nomination for the 10th Congressional District once incumbent Mike Collins announced his run for U.S. Senate. That was until former film studio executive Ryan Millsap upended the race.

Gaines—a prodigious fundraiser ever since he first ran for the Georgia House of Representatives in 2017—has raised more than $1.5 million. But when Millsap entered the race in March, he pledged to spend $4 million.

The two are competing for the MAGA vote.

Gaines started his career by running moderate Democrat Nancy Denson’s 2014 re-­election campaign for mayor when he was just 18 years old.

While at UGA, he was elected student body president, a position he used to push for an early voting site on campus and to investigate discrimination at student bars downtown.

Since being elected in 2018, though, Gaines has shifted far to the right. He voted in favor of the “heartbeat bill” banning abortions after six weeks, banning transgender girls from playing sports, protecting Confederate monuments and allowing Georgians to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Many of the bills he sponsored were aimed specifically at Athens-­Clarke County, such as measures requiring cash bail for minor offenses after the ACC Commission eliminated them, requiring local law enforcement to cooperate more closely with ICE after the murder of Laken Riley, and creating an agency to oversee “rogue prosecutors” after the election of progressive district attorney Deborah Gonzalez.

Millsap, meanwhile, calls himself a “pro-­Trump warrior” and claims Antifa attacked his business.

He has pledged to deport every undocumented immigrant without exception, ban hormone therapy for children, and support a national voter ID law and “crypto innovation.”

In 2024, investigative website ProPublica and the Atlanta Journal-­Constitution unearthed racist and antisemitic texts Millsap sent to his then-­girlfriend.

At the time, he was attempting to ingratiate himself with Black communities in Atlanta’s eastern suburbs while building support for a new film studio. He’s also been accused of forging Jason Heyward’s signature on a baseball card to impress investors.

Jeff Baker has a lower profile but a compelling story: He grew up in public housing, got his first job at age 14, became the first person in his family to go to college and now holds a union job as a contractor, despite being hearing impaired. He supports term limits, health insurance subsidies for everyone, cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers, zero restrictions on gun ownership, federal tax deductions for local property taxes and exempting $150,000 of income from taxes. [Blake Aued]

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feature

Commission District 5 FOUR CANDIDATES SEEK WESTSIDE SEAT

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

W

hen Commissioner Dexter Fisher made the decision to run for mayor, he created a future opening on the Athens-​Clarke County Commission in District 5. Since then, four candidates have stepped up in the hope of taking his place: Rick Stanziale, Craig Topple, Zander Mason and Kimberly Bennett.

Rick Stanziale

Stanziale, a former real estate agent and developer, currently serves as the vice chair of the ACC Hearings Board, which considers zoning variance requests from property owners. He also served on the TSPLOST 2026 advisory committee, which helped to prioritize transportation capital projects for the upcoming sales tax referendum scheduled for May 19. This gives him the most experience with local government of any of the four candidates.

Topple is a health-​care chaplain at St. Mary’s Health Care System who focuses on long-​term senior care at Highland Hills Village. He also has some experience with local government, having served on the Athens in Motion Commission, which is responsible for developing and implementing the county’s bike and pedestrian master plan.

Mason is a financial advisor and owner of The Black Arrow Group, an advising firm he founded this year.

Previously, he worked at Raymond James but had a “difference of opinion” with management “which led to an [amicable] separation,” he said. Beyond his work in the financial industry, Mason serves on the boards of various local nonprofits like Athens Jaycees, Palm House Recovery and the Athens Academy Alumni Craig Topple Board.

Kimberly Bennett is a community advocate and cofounder of the youth development nonprofit Cultivating a Lifetime of Legacy, which mentors kids and young adults. She serves on the Clarke Central High School Local School Governance Team and was previously the president of the parent-​teacher organi-

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

zation at Burney-​Harris-​Lyons Middle School. She is currently pursuing a PhD in public administration.

Bennett’s primary motivation for running for office is to do something about the increasing rates of homelessness that have been affecting her clients. “In 2022, a lot of our children, working families, started facing homeless issues,” Bennett told Flagpole. “It was laying heavy on my heart. I started digging a little bit deeper and I came to a realization that, [as a mentor], there was nothing I could do… It was time for me to stop getting upset and just talking about a problem. Maybe it was best for me to be a part of the solution.”

All four candidates view housing as one of the biggest issues facing the district, but they approach it from different perspectives. Bennett views the housing problem as a crisis requiring immediate action and additional support for the unhoused, while Mason and Stanziale focus more on addressing the lack of housing supply, which they feel is the main issue.

Mason’s housing solution would be to cut the “bureaucratic red tape” that prevents property owners from building in-​law suites, garage apartments or other smaller, accessory housing units on their property as a way of expanding supply. “I want people to have the freedom to build additional accessory dwelling units,” Mason told Flagpole. “They should have the freedom to build on their property what they want to build, within reason, of course.”

Stanziale agrees and would go a bit further, saying that his top priority in office would be to increase housing density close to Athens’ urban core. He connects the housing problem to the problem of ever-increasing taxes, saying that adding new residents in Athens could help take the tax burden off existing homeowners.

“We can’t allow the [property tax] burden to keep falling on individual homeowners in Clarke County. We have got to

Zander Mason

increase the density in the right places so that we can allow more people to move here,” Stanziale told Flagpole. “If we start going with [housing] moratoriums and keep turning down housing developments, the price of housing is going to continue to rise as it has over the past 10 or 20 years.”

Both Fisher and Tammie Foote, a candidate for commission in District 3, have expressed support for a temporary moratorium on new housing construction.

When it comes specifically to the issue of homelessness, Stanziale stresses the need to maintain the local govern-

Kimberly Bennett

ment’s current support for the Athens Homeless Coalition and other groups. Mason, on the other hand, wants to focus on the problems of substance abuse and poor mental health, which he feels are the primary reason why so many find themselves homeless in Athens.

On the issue of community involvement in planning and zoning decisions, Bennett has a different take. Instead of allowing homeowners or developers to build more of what they want by right, one of Bennett’s priorities would be to ensure that her constituents have the opportunity to comment on new developments very early on in the process.

She feels that gaining community input earlier could help new developments better “reflect the voices of the people who live in the district.”

Similarly, Topple views the primary role of a commissioner as one of service and of faithfully representing diverse voices across the district. “It’s not about my ego,” Topple told Flagpole.

“It’s not about what I think is necessarily right, it’s about how we can serve the people who have elected us to serve.”

During this campaign, Topple has often said that listening and providing service to constituents is the most important skill he would bring to the commission. “As a chaplain, my job is to listen to people,” Topple says on his website. “Not to fix everything immediately or have all the answers, but to understand what matters most. From my work as a chaplain, I’ve learned that listening—truly listening—is the first step to understanding, and understanding is the first step to real solutions.”

This contrasts with Stanziale’s view of governance, which is that good decisions are sometimes unpopular. “A job of a commissioner is to make hard decisions for Athens-​ Clarke County that are going to make people angry,” Stanziale told Flagpole.

Topple has been endorsed by Mayor Kelly Girtz, who helped recruit him to run for office.

District 5 includes neighborhoods along Jefferson, Oglethorpe and Tallassee roads like Forest Heights, Homewood Hills, Moss Side, High Ridge, Woodhaven and Country Club Estates.

The local election will take place on May 19, with early voting starting Apr. 27. f

news

feature

Secondhand Finds, Firsthand Impact HOW NONPROFITS TURN DONATIONS INTO SUPPORT

By Jasmine Milbourne editorial@flagpole.com

S

JASMINE MILBOURNE

helves of books line the walls of a storefront on Hawany capacity can walk through our door and start asking us thorne Avenue. Stocked with everything from furniquestions,” Roloff said. ture to used clothes, Project Safe has almost anything ReStore’s upcycling process starts at the donation a new homeowner or crafty thrifter could want. center. People drop off boxes and piles of household items “We will accept pretty much anything,” store manager they do not want or use anymore. Those items then get Bridgette Rollof said. sorted by volunteers and staff, cleaned and vetted to make With a few exceptions, Project Safe is a nonprofit helpsure they work properly. “Over time, you get to where, to ing survivors of domestic abuse in Athens-­Clarke County some degree, we know what sells and what doesn’t sell,” and surrounding areas. The thrift store, in particular, Edwards said. accepts donations from anyone and either sells them back into the community or gives them away to people who need them. It is one of the many places in Athens dedicated to selling used items for a better cause.

Athens Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit dedicated to rehoming unwanted items.

“We basically look to see how we want to get items that are going to make money, so that we can build houses,” ReStore assistant manager Dan Edwards said.

ReStore’s mission is to contribute to the work of Habitat for Humanity, according to its website. The organization uses the funds it gets from the store to support its construction projects. “It’s more for the things that people wouldn’t be able to donate otherwise,” Edwards said.

Both organizations work toward supporting the community through reselling household furniture, clothes and even knick-­knacks at discounted prices. Habitat for Humanity has a service for picking up ReStore assistant manager Dan Edwards massive items such as couches, fridges or other larger items that spans about 15 miles around Athens and the surrounding counties. The store The items that do not work for their original purpose allows the drop-­off of smaller items that people can fit in either have another use that ReStore can sell them for or their cars. “If you’ve got a bag of clothes, we’re not coming they get recycled. “So we get a lot of stuff that we get in to pick that up,” Edwards said. “If you have a sofa, we’ll and we think it’s going to sell, and it doesn’t sell, at which come pick that up.” point we’ve got to decide what to do with it,” Edwards said.

On the other hand, Project Safe will help clients move “Usually, we’ll lower the price on something until it’s like, into their new spaces with items from the thrift store. nobody wants this.”

Their main focus is making sure that clients and anyone Project Safe’s donation process begins in its thrift stores. in the community have a safe space to go. “Any person in People bring in bags of clothing, decor and even suitcases the community that wants to interact with Project Safe in that they do not use anymore. Employees then make

sure nothing is broken or stained before putting it on the main floor. “We can have something sitting here for three months, and then somebody will come in and see it and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the best thing ever’ and buy it,” Roloff said.

Restore receives many donations, some things people might not even consider, making them harder to sell. “We also accept cars,” Edwards said. “People donate cars every now and then, like entire cars.”

If either store cannot sell something, they give items away to other nonprofits around Athens and the surrounding areas. ReStore will give away items to Green Zone and Books-­for-­Keeps, while Project Safe will donate to rage rooms. They both recycle at CHaRM (Athens-­Clarke County’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials), which helps keep waste down. “The trash is stuff that just has no other method of being recycled or reused,” Roloff explained.

ReStore recycles materials such as metal and cardboard.

Sometimes, they keep things that might sell in more niche markets. “We find stuff that we think might be quite valuable, at which point we’ll put it away,” Edwards said. “We do a silent auction roughly once a month for some of the more interesting items.”

Project Safe also keeps its shelters stocked with clothes in case someone comes in without having packed first. Since starting in 2020, Roloff said their avenues of repurposing items have opened up. “So, as things become more available or easier to recycle, or we learn of more resources and other things like that,” Roloff said, “we definitely will update our policies.”

Yet, there are certain times of year when ReStore gets bombarded with items. “We see more of that in the summertime, especially like June and July, because everybody’s lease is coming up. And so lots of people are donating lots of things, lots of big things,” Edwards said. “Then we hit the beginning of August, and we sell everything, because everybody moves into their new place, and I need a sofa to match this apartment, or whatever it is.”

Although they try their best to keep down the waste, both nonprofits can only do so much. When donations are broken and cannot be repurposed, they need to be thrown away. “I mean, ultimately, I wish more things were recyclable,” Roloff said.

Athens is full of nonprofits and ways to give back to the community. Organizations like Project Safe create a space for people to help those in need by donating things they no longer use. Giving back to the community they call home.

“You know, we are from Athens, built by Athens, serve Athens,” Roloff said. “We are Athens.” f

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11

feature

JASON THRASHER

arts & culture

MUSHroom

UGA’S COLLABORATIVE LIVING SCULPTURE EXPLORES SUSTAINABLE CYCLES

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

In

from mushroom sporing, but also to create this space where you and the mushrooms can meditate together, if you will, or whatever the word you want to use for it, in a controlled environment.”

JASON THRASHER

the Lamar Dodd School of Art’s atrium, brightly lit by the exterior wall of windows, sits an approximately 14-­foot-­tall dome structure covered in old Flagpole issues with a doorway to its ambiguous interior filled with hanging boxes.

It’s a MUSHroom: The second iteration of a UGA art class project made from recyclable materials that functions as a mini grow house for oyster mushrooms.

This year’s project is a collaboration between Associate Professor of Art Education Lynn Sanders-­Bustle, Associate Professor of Sculpture Martijn van Wagtendonk, Director of the Office of Sustainability Kevin Kirsche and certified mushroom forager Michael Andrews, who is the owner and operator of Georgia Mushroom and Supply Company.

Students began the installation process on Apr. 1, inviting the public to help finish the details on Apr. 8, followed by the mushrooms being installed on Apr. 13.

The goal is for the pink and blue oyster mushrooms to be fully grown in time for a public open house on Apr. 22 in the atrium from 12–5 p.m., but in an experimental setting it’s necessary to manage expectations. There will be a table set up at UGA’s Earth Day Fair at the Tate Center from 12–3 p.m. with information about the project, and students will be available in the atrium to discuss the MUSHroom. Then on Apr. 23 at 5:30 p.m., there will be an artist talk and mushroom harvest demonstration before the entire sculpture is broken down and recycled.

Sanders-­Bustle explains that in 2024 she challenged her doctoral level class to come up with a never-­before-­created curriculum. One student brought in a book by Ruha Benjamin that included a discussion about the power of mushrooms, with a summary about how to not be toxic in a toxic world, says Sanders-­Bustle. She met Andrews at an Indie South market, who was tabling for his mushroom business, and asked what he thought about creating a collaborative sculpture that could grow mushrooms to showcase at an upcoming social justice conference. It was an automatic yes, then through trial and error, a success.

Van Wagtendonk was recruited for round two, with several failed experiments between the collaborators before this year’s model was settled on. For the bones of the structure, van Wagtendonk’s class sourced fast-­growing poplar wood from a lumberyard and bamboo cut from the Georgia Mushroom and Supply Company farm.

“Originally we thought we could cob this, which is basically dirt and straw, but we quickly realized that that might be too big of a mess, so then we came up with this alternative,” says van Wagtendonk, speaking about the outer layer of Flagpoles. “Because what we wanted was a skin to keep everything in: temperature, humidity, potentially spores

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

Some of the students came up with the idea to recycle old issues of Flagpole as part of the art project, with the goal to keep everything as local as possible. “It’s a lot of pieces that need to come together, and there’s this term transpedagogical, meaning that it’s a blending of art and pedagogy. So to me, the entire process is learning,” says Sanders-­Bustle, even down to the smallest details. The students built the boxes that hold the mushrooms and cut out artistic holes for the mushrooms to grow out of, and the size of the holes will create different sizes of mushroom clusters.

“The beautiful, beautiful thing about the mushrooms is they adapt to the space that they’re in. So especially with oysters, they’re very aggressive. They will find a way. Life finds a way. It’s really, really impressive. I’ve been growing for eight years, and they still blow me away,” says Andrews.

The sculpture is a live grow setting, explains Andrews, that is essentially scaled down from what they do commercially. There’s just an added artistic element to the visual side. Although Andrews chose a hardy, beginner-­friendly mushroom strain that could be successful in an experimental environment, there’s still a sterile process with very scientific elements required to ensure a thriving grow.

This meant everyone involved had to learn more about mushrooms to make the project a success, and it provided Andrews with somewhat of an open sandbox to experiment with materials.

“You can come in and give a demonstration, but then how that translates into the students’ mind, and then having them be hands on… There’s a lot of variation. The substrate that we chose, there were humidity issues of retention inside of the bamboo, and that’s something nobody has ever done like that before, so we weren’t sure what was going to happen. We learned a lot,” says Andrews. “We have changed our ideas of what we would do the next time. Every time you figure something out, you know a better way of doing it the next time.”

Van Wagtendonk says, “Of course there’s going to be another one, even if it doesn’t look like this.”

The collaborative elements don’t just stop at art, construction, sustainability and farming: There’s music, too. Andrews says that once the mushrooms fruit, there’s a music device with nodes that can be clipped onto the mushrooms that convert biological signals into MIDI that will play sound through speakers within the MUSHroom.

Attendees will be able to actually listen to the mushrooms.

For those interested in learning more about mushrooms, Georgia Mushroom and Supply Company will have its grand opening in Carlton on May 9 at its controlled-­environment indoor facility. The farm focuses on premium gourmet mushrooms grown through environmentally sustainable processes, and it plans to have farm tours in the future.

Visit gamushroom.com for more info.

Ultimately the MUSHroom highlights what can happen when so many different collaborators come together to problem solve and create something unique.

“People come in with their own skills, their own ideas.

Next thing you know, it’s better for it, right?” says Sanders-­ Bustle. “I think that’s the beauty of it.” f

WHAT: MUSHrooms as Living Systems Artist Talk WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 23, 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lamar Dodd School of Art Room S151 HOW MUCH: FREE!

VIC CHESNUTT SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARDS THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026 AT 8:00 P.M. MORTON THEATRE 195 W. WASHINGTON ST. ATHENS, GA

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

arts & culture

feature

When Kitties Play with Trash KITTY HOUSE ART COLLECTIVE GIVES MATERIALS A SECOND LIFE

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

K

itty House Art Collective is a local community of artists with a focus on turning discarded materials into art. Its founder, Jazzmen Williams, said it all started with a cardboard box.

“I was going through a really intense depression, a transformative time in my life, and instead of stepping away from that feeling, I just poured everything into a project. I had this giant box in my house, grabbed a bread knife and started cutting.

Next thing I knew all my friends were over, and we were building decorations, paper maché-­ing, dressing up. We created this fully immersive themed event called the Madness Fair, and when it was over, I’m sitting in my bed with all my friends around me, crying, just thinking this is what life’s about. These are the moments that save lives,” said Williams.

The collective produces whimsical events that give people an opportunity to experience art in a fun and approachable way, showing off how trash really can be treasure. “Sustainability is one of our core pillars,” said Williams. “For us it’s really about adaptive reuse, giving something a completely new function. How can we change the context of how we’re considering trash, whether that’s turning scrap wood into a set design or fabric into an immersive installation?” Donated and salvaged materials also inspire creativity. “The most enjoyable part is the sustainability meeting the creative, having this uninhibited element to the creation, which is like having to use your mind and your hands and your resources in a new way,” said Williams.

Kitty House members seek materials from local businesses and the community through their recycling program. “We offer pick-­up services along with providing bins

at specific locations if you’re able to keep that. And basically we just keep this rapport with businesses, which is simultaneously strengthening that community web,” said Williams. Among some of the more unique items received is a sign from Ciné. “Ciné did a giant remodel and gave us their old menu sign that used to live inside the restaurant.

For me, that was the first big piece we got that felt like something historical—a piece of Athens history that hundreds and thousands of people have stared at.”

Another donated item was someone’s old bathroom mirror which now has “a whole hellscape fire scene to the back of it made out of cardboard,” said Williams. Sometimes donations are additions to the workshop.

“Next thing we know, we have three saws in the building. And we’re like, what are we going to do with all this? We’re building. I know how to use a saw now,” said Williams.

Outside of art installations, at a Kitty House event you might see burlesque performances, live music, costume contests or a dance party. Coming up in May Kitty House will create the decor for an album release party for the band Superstar, and in August the collective is planning a fashion show at Motherlode.

There’s a strong feminine energy in the majority-­women collective, but all are welcome to join: “We are a place for everybody, but one of the more important aspects is creating a safe space… we will never turn away anyone to come and be a part of this.” The community is free to join right now, but the hope is to create a paid membership program that offers workshop space and resources to create art. Currently, the group has a workshop at Chase Street Warehouse that also acts as a “third space” to just hang out, do a craft and be in community with fellow members.

Williams emphasized that members do not have to be trained artists. “There’s been so many people who come to me, and come to the collective, and they’re just like, ‘I’m not an artist, but I want to be here.’ And I’m like, well, you may be an artist and you don’t know it yet.”

Kitty House Collective currently has an art installation on view in the Creature Comforts taproom downtown, featuring works by more than 13 creators. It will be on display through the end of the month.

The best way to stay up to date with Kitty House Art Collective is to follow on Instagram @kittyhousecollective or by emailing contact@kittybiz.com. f

Curator talk: “We, too, are Made of Wonders” April 29________________2 p.m.

Ciel Rodriguez, curatorial assistant in contemporary art, will give a tour of the exhibition.

Free Admission

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

arts & culture

calendar picks

EVENT | THU, APR. 23

Café Apollinaire

ATHICA • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • FREE!

Returning for its 19th annual showcase of music, theater, visual art and film is the Georgia Fine Arts Academy’s Café Apollinaire, an event named after the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire. This “art-­splosion” was created in memory of William “Bill” Bray, who founded the nonprofit in 1980 to mentor and encourage young artists. This year’s theme is “Spectacle, Song and Surrealism!” Among the featured creatives will be singer-­songwriters Joe Leone and Tyler White, Bowen Craig with his latest comedic experiment, and Dodd Ferrelle and ToBoDo Arts with a sneak peak of their in-­progress musical Keeping Betsy. Student filmmakers Katie Phelan and Amanda Bastin will also be premiering their new shorts, and student visual artist Carter Lemelin will share his latest creative undertakings. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | THU, APR. 23

Southam Album Release Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $10

Indie rock trio Southam first formed in November of 2016 against a backdrop of smoke from the wildfires of Northeast Georgia. It started as a casual gathering to learn how to write songs on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, but became much more serious.

Now the band is celebrating the release of Wrestler, which it calls a documentation of “where one has been, longs to be, and doesn’t want to be anymore—with themselves, friends, family, and God.” The record came out in full on Bandcamp last year and on other streaming platforms in January of this year. The band is Jason Aldean in the process of pressing Wrestler on vinyl locally at Echo Base, with pre-­orders launching at the release show. Greenville, SC songwriter Griffin Duffey will open the show along with Noah Bowen, who will play his songs live for the first time. [MB] EVENT | SAT, APR. 25

Skate Park of Athens Birthday Bash

Skate Park of Athens • 12–6 p.m. • FREE!

Athens’ one and only skate park is celebrating its 21st birthday in style with a day of contests, music, food trucks and an artist market. First at 12:45 p.m. will be the Gnarliest Grind contest. Live music presented by Ashthrone Booking will start shortly thereafter and includes Frisson (1 p.m.), After All This (2 p.m.), Cult Potential (3 p.m.) and Craigzlist Punks (4 p.m.). Other contests include Most Creative Trick, Highest Air

and more. This is a family-­friendly event, and there will even be special designated times for kids skating at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. A silent auction and raffle will be held to raise funds for the phase two expansion project for the skate park, with signups starting at noon and the results announced at 5 p.m.

[MB]

... just listen THURSDAY, APRIL 23TH

EVENT | SAT, APR. 25

CHECK THE SIGNS

‘View Finders’ Ciné • 5:30 p.m. • $85

FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH

“View Finders,” a show following Georgia-­based photographers Chris Greer and Paul Daniel as they go on adventures to find beautiful places to capture, premiered on PBS in 2022. The first season was co-­ hosted by Greer, a resident of Watkinsville and professor at Georgia College and State University, and Jason Clemmons, who shared a love for exploring and photographing Georgia’s most beautiful landscapes.

Now in its fourth season, the program boasts an Emmy Award nomination. For this Ciné fundraiser event, Greer and Daniel will be joined in conversation with the Georgia Public Broadcasting President Bert Wesley Huffman. A reception will follow, plus a sneak peak screening of the show’s season finale. There will also be an open bar, photo ops and a red carpet attire dress code. [MB]

ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET FABULOUS FRIDAYS! SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH

AUSTIN SISK, KAMERON MITCHELL, AND TOMMY HEDGEHOG SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH

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MUSIC | SAT, APR. 25

Live Between the Hedges Sanford Stadium • 6 p.m. • $62.25–591

It’s been 13 years since the first and only concert was held inside UGA’s famous Sanford Stadium, featuring Macon-­born country artist Jason Aldean on his Night Train tour, joined by Leesburg native Luke Bryan. The two stars are returning once again alongside representatives of the new generation of country musicians: Grammy Award-­winner Zach Top and platinum-­ selling singer Lauren Alaina. There will also be sets from Dee Jay Silver and DJ Rock.

Looking ahead to the show, Aldean says, “I couldn’t be more excited to co-­headline it this time with my buddy Luke Bryan. Luke and I have talked for years about wanting to do another show in Athens, and finally the stars have aligned for us to be able to do it.”

[MB] f

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Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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athens’ favorite

CARMINA

BURANA

BY CARL ORFF

MUSIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HODGSON SINGERS UNIVERSITY CHORUS UGA GLEE CLUB GEORGIA TREBLE CHOIR

ANNE SLOVIN, soprano ANDREW VOELKER, tenor JAY IVEY, baritone DANIEL BARA, conductor

electrician

FEATURING OVER 300 STUDENT MUSICIANS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 at 7:30 p.m., Hodgson Concert Hall, UGA PAC

Monday, October 20

$20 - Adults $3 UGA students

Carmina Burana is a cantata composed by

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

recognizable piece continues to be a

Carl Orff in 1935-36 based on a collection of twenty-four medieval poems. This popular crowd pleasing experience for audience and musicians alike.

UPCOMING FREE PERFORMANCES AFRICAN AMERICAN CHORAL ENSEMBLE FRIDAY, APRIL 24 at 7:20 P.M. p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall

Athens First United Methodist Church

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 1-4

9:00 a.m.- 12:25 p.m.

For more information and to register, scan the QR code!

327 N. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA | (706) 543-1442 athensfirstumc.org/vbs2026

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

UGA PHILHARMONIA and UGA SYMPHONIC BAND MONDAY, APR. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall

REPERTORY SINGERS Conducted by Christopher Hickey and Abigail Weller.

MONDAY, APRIL 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.

Explore the arts. KNOW YOUR WORLD.

music

threats & promises

Cam Norton’s Corduroy Cowboy PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com MAKIN’ BALES: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens Saturday, Apr. 25, and this one is significantly more homegrown than some previous shows. Appearing that night is new psych rock band Broken Down Boxes, which is an all-​star band of sorts that includes local luminaries Jim Willingham, Brandon McDearis, Patrick Hargon and Brian Kincade. Also appearing is Bill Taft (W8ING4UFOS, Jody Grind, Smoke) whose resume speaks for itself. Appearing as “Dainty Bill” Taft, he “writes and performs songs and stories about rage and faith and the benefits of usefulness, and the dangers of extreme positivity.” Generally speaking, Sonic Space shows have a suggested donation of around 10 bucks, so please consider taking some cash with you.

DISCO FOR THE CHRONICALLY BEWILDERED: Preorder season

has opened for the new of Montreal album aethermead.

Arriving courtesy of longtime label Polyvinyl, the new album runs 13 songs long and marks the 30th anniversary of the Kevin Barnes-​led project. On this album Barnes is joined by collaborators Ross Brand, Clayton Rychlik and

Cam Norton

Jojo Glidewell. The record was engineered by both Barnes at one New York studio and Drew Vandenberg at a different New York studio. The vinyl version is available in a limited edition gatefold ($24) or a regular edition single sleeve ($22). A compact disc version is also available for preorder ($12) as well as a digital files-​only edition for a mere $10.

Of Montreal next appears in Athens on June 19 at the 40 Watt Club. The album is slated for release June 5, and to purchase, please see ofmontreal.bandcamp.com.

THIS IS WHAT YOUR MIND IMAGINES: If you’re currently feeling OK but would like to feel worse, then get yourself down to Work.Shop at Echo Base (147 Fritz Mar Lane) on Saturday, Apr. 25. The fairly whopping bill this night includes a heavy slate of noise from artists such as Guillermo Pizarro (West Virginia, Flag Day Recordings), Weapons Envelope (WV), Mandrake Club (Athens), Confounder (Philadelphia, solo project from Josh Evans of Muuy Biien); I, Conduit (Jeffry Astin of Housecraft Recordings and Brian Kinkade of Diatom Bath) and Orcus (Athens, featuring Rachel Evans, Leslie Grove, Stacey Harvey, Mandy Mastrovita and Rashaun Ellis). Things will get cooking at 7 p.m., and the cost is a mere $7.

COME ON, DO WHAT YOU DID: Cam Norton (Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass, Cam & his Dam Jam Band) releases his new EP

Saturday, Apr. 25 and celebrates with a show that night at Nighthawks Lounge (175 Tracy St. A101). The four-​song release is titled Corduroy Cowboy. Its first two songs (“Did You Forget” and “Might As Well Try”) are desert-​swept introspections quite appropriate for desolate evenings. The third song, “Patience,” is a slow-​tempo waltz with a chorus that reeks of urgency even while its protagonist promises patience. It closes with the near-​gospel of “Show Me,” which does its best to end things on a high note, but actually feels like hands gripping a ledge trying desperately not to let go.

This is a powerful release and one of incredible vulnerability. Find it on all major streaming platforms starting at 8:30 p.m. (I promise that’s what the man told me) on release day.

MOJO MEN: Frequent collaborators John McDonald and Mark Maxwell have returned with a third blues album, and it’s named Blues & Beyond. There are multiple modern standards on here as well as a few surprises (a cover of Tom Waits’ “Heart Attack and Vine,” anyone?). The record really starts to kick around the fifth track, the duo’s version of Buddy Guy’s “Best In Town,” which Maxwell just shreds. This is followed by another Guy cover, “All That Makes Me Happy Is The Blues.” Additional specific highlights here include the jaunty Eddie Jones cover “I Done Got Over It” and a sweet version of Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart.” Find this at johnmcdonald.bandcamp.com.

GET LOW: It’s been a few weeks since one of Athens’ most psychologically punishing groups, Bone Bag, released its new full-​length album 88am1/02. The eight-​ and-​a-​half-​minute opening title track is a brutally tortuous convocation, but it’s also the longest thing here. It has several different movements, as well. For the uninitiated, Bone Bag can most conveniently be labeled as punk metal with an art fetish. To wit, the drum-​ and-​riff part that runs from 1:08 to 1:50 in “Wash Hole Star Dial” could have easily fit on any late ’80s California thrash metal record. That said, the nerve-​wrecking “Heaven ii i606a Heaven” would get you booted from any record label’s meeting room. Even the most immediately accessible tunes here, like “In The Gulch Rising” and “Corpse Room,” still require a huge amount of effort to engage. And let’s not even talk about the cover art. I’ll let you experience that for yourself. But I encourage you to experience all this for yourself, because if there was ever a local band that should be retroactively included in the 1996 compilation Music Should Hurt, Bone Bag is it. Dig it at leadmouth.bandcamp.com.

MIXING UP THE MEDICINE: There’s a new live set out by Motion Sickness of Time Travel recorded at Bolo Bolo on Aug. 5, 2023. This set is unique in that experimental performer/ composer Rachel Evans set out to play live versions of her recorded work that closely resembled themselves, as opposed to her more common inspired improvisational technique. The result is a very nice half hour of music. I mostly enjoyed the sections between the five-​and nine-​ minute marks, as well as the section between 18:29 and the end—which recalled, to my mind, Laurie Anderson, but I also accept that may be a little on the nose. At any rate, check this out at hookervision.bandcamp.com. f

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Send your description with date, time, location, and price.

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Let us know what, where and for how long.

Deadline is the Thursday before each print issue.

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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live music calendar Tuesday 21

Wednesday 22 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-​songwriter duo playing alt-​ pop and country.

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-​HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. (6 p.m.)

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.deadbeat​ athens.com FATBACK COLLECTIVE Will Shine on drums and vocals and Ryan Brown on hybrid guitar play original music with special guests including William Tonks, Erik Olson, Adriana Thomas, Gnarly G, Zack Stone and Josh Klein.

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

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $28.46. www.georgiatheatre.com ARCY DRIVE Newport, NY band known for its alternative style of “attic rock.”

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 6:30 p.m. FREE! georgiatheatre.com SNEAKY MILES Heartfelt storytelling with driving folk-​rock arrangements.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/nowhere​ barathensga DOG PERSON Organ-​driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Go Public.

DRÍ & THE VIOLENCE Project of singer, percussionist and songwriter Adriana Thomas.

GOODMORNING MIDNIGHT Songwriting project of Minneapolis-​ based musician Charlie Cacciatore.

20

Thursday 23 40 Watt Club Tank Touring Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com CONNOR LAWLEY BAND Singer-​ songwriter and acoustic guitarist blending the soulful echoes of classic rock and country with a fresh, young energy.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Jam band from Nashville, TN. LUCKY DUCK Athens-​based jam-​ fusion band.

ATHICA Café Apollinaire. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). FREE! athica.org JOE LEONE & TYLER WHITE Singer-​songwriters delivering raw, heartfelt storytelling.

Athentic Brewing Co. Blues on Tap. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SCREW TOPS Blues jam for musicians, dancers and music lovers every fourth Thursday.

Ciné 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com 12ELEVEN Atlanta-​based pop and R&B band.

THE NOVA Alternative pop band from Florida.

KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz.

They’ll rock your whiskers off!

CARDYNAL An eclectic, multi-​ faceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist delivering hard-​hitting, witty bars and catchy melodies.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com SOUTHAM Appalachian indie rock band formed in November 2016 amid the Smoky Mountain wildfires.

GRIFFIN DUFFEY Songwriter based in Greenville, SC. NOAH BOWEN Songwriter playing his first ever show.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Catalyst Collective Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com PONDGORL Athens-​based artist Laila Li McCleery joins genre-​bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory.

SLEEP JOHN B Ethereal indie band from Florida playing ahead of the release of its new EP, Restless Dreams.

MAUPAS Four-​piece soulful prog rock band from Athens.

RUNNING LATE Nashville-​based indie Americana band.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $22.51. www.georgiatheatre.com THE BENDS Rock band from Baton Rouge, LA born out of dorm room demos and packed college house shows.

COMMON PEOPLE Alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2022.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

GUITAR STUDIO ENSEMBLES CONCERT Performances from UGA Guitar Studio student ensembles.

The World Famous Hazel’s Birthday Show. 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.facebook. com/theworldfamousathens TIGER 54 A female-​fronted audio/ visual electropunk band from St Petersburg, FL. FATAL ERROR Local punk rock band.

VIV AND THE THINGS Alternative country noise for sweetie pies. Single release show!

Friday 24 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25. www.40watt.com ROBYN HITCHCOCK Influential English singer-​songwriter known

trickster that formed when Irish-​born songwriter Stef Murphy met guitar tech Jamie Mechan in Nashville, TN. DEAF CONDORS Experimental garage-​rock group with a genre-​ bending sound anchored by Peruvian brothers Bob Jesus and Darrick Alvarez.

BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band.

Cobbham Triangle Park Cobbcerts in the Park. 6 p.m. FREE! Cobbham Triangle Park on Facebook ARMISTEAD’S ARMY Project of multi-​instrumentalist Armistead Wellford, a founding member of Love Tractor.

CALL ME SPINSTER Chattanooga sister trio playing nostalgic tunes.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com BUGS EAT BOOKS Fearsome foursome that plays jangly, chaotic and

THE FOUR O’CLOCKS Hard drivin’ old time music from Atlanta.

HAWK PROOF ROOSTER Local old-​time string duo that sings and plays fiddle, banjo, ukulele, guitar and mandolin.

The Rail 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens BAD DOG KARAOKE Every other Friday.

Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu GUITAR STUDIO SOLOS CONCERT Performances from UGA Guitar Studio students.

VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 STEVE DYER AND THE JUKEBOX COUNTRY BAND Seasoned musicians playing classic country music. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 25

EMMA SWIFT

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $36.51. www.georgiatheatre.com CUPCAKKE The stage name of Chicago rapper Elizabeth Eden Harris, whose career took off after finding viral success on YouTube in 2015 for her hypersexual songs.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu MIDDLE EAST MUSIC ENSEMBLE Ensemble directed by Jared Holton that features music, rhythm and dance from from North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, featuring instruments such as the Arabic lute, reed flute, riqq, daff and tabla.

UGA Tate Student Center Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org OBSCURITY Local synth-​punk duo.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com SHAW COGGIN Georgia singer-​ songwriter whose inspirations include Vampire Weekend, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Paul Simon.

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

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com CHECK THE SIGNS Uplifting local family band with a talent for melody, harmony and hooks.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com MICHAEL WEGNER Local guitarist and member of Abbey Road Live

INTERNET DATING Alternative indie band from Minneapolis.

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.

Robyn Hitchcock will play at the 40 Watt Club on Friday, Apr. 24. performs a solo set of originals and covers.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu COMBINED CHOIRS AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing Carmina Burana, a powerful cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935-​36 based on a collection of twenty-​four medieval poems.

Morton Theatre 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (w/ UGA ID), $35. www.morton​ theatre.com VIC CHESNUTT SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARDS This year’s nominees include Julia Barfield, Andrea DeMarcus, Freeman Leverett, Michael Joe White and Your Ex’s Pets. Tonight’s show also features an acoustic performance by Futurebirds.

Normal Bar 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/normal_​ bar_athens MY WIFE’S AN ANGEL Psycho noise punk from Philadelphia.

BONE BAG Heavy punk trio with post-​punk and sludge undertones.

RALPH Band featuring members of Pervert and Marses.

SOOT Noise rock from Nashville.

Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu

for his work in rock band The Soft Boys in the 1970s and now for his prolific solo career.

EMMA SWIFT Australian-​born, U.S.-​based musician who released her most recent album, The Resurrection Game, last year.

Akins Ford Arena 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $43.25–162.50. www.classic​ center.com CAAMP Folk band from Ohio known for its sentimental lyricism and singer Taylor Meier’s distinctive, worn in vocals.

RICHY MITCH & THE COAL MINERS Folk rock band that originated in Colorado in 2015, composed of longtime friends Mitch Cutts, Nic Haughn and Jakob Ervin.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com DAVE FORKER & HIS CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers.

Ciné 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $15. www.athenscine.com THE SLEEVENS Punk rock band named after the Irish term for a

surferyish indie pop.

ROWAN NEWBY Poetic and humorous Americana music inspired by ’60s and ’70s songwriting.

EVEY MAY Athens based indie alternative songwriter with post-​ punk and shoegaze influences.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast Presents. 8:30 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com CENTIPEDE Local doom punk.

BONGFOOT Appalachian thrash based out of Raleigh/Boone, NC. SEASON OF VISIONS Doom from Athens.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu AFRICAN AMERICAN CHORAL ENSEMBLE Spring concert for the choral group that draws on the African American experience.

No. 3 Railroad Street 6:30 p.m. www.3railroad.org TRIO METRO WITH TONY MCCUTCHEN This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist, featuring special guest vocalist.

Normal Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/normal_bar_ athens

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com MARLON FUNAKI An indie rock band that recently emerged from the Salt Lake City scene.

THE KILANS Psychedelic rock artist from California touring his newest EP, Half Moon.

ATHICA Sonic Space. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.athica.org BROKEN DOWN BOXES Athens-​ based psych rock band featuring Jim Willingham, Patrick Hargon, Brandon McDearis and Brian Kincade.

DAINTY BILL TAFT Performing songs and stories about rage and faith and the benefits of usefulness, and the dangers of extreme positivity.

Athentic Brewing Co. Hey, You! Hoedown. 2–8 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com PLAN B Flying Squid Comedy improv group.

CLIMBING CEDARS Blending soulful Americana and foot-​stomping bluegrass, handcrafted in the heart of Northeast Georgia.

CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers led by Dave Forker.

EDDIE HALFASS Self-​claimed as Athens’ 483rd best band.

KATIE CHAPMAN & FRIENDS Singer-songwriter performing with special guests.

Beth-​Salem Presbyterian Church 7:30 p.m. $15. www.lexingtonga.org DOKE, FOWLER & VEALE An unplugged-​style acoustic performance of music from the trio’s Deadwood Sessions Volume I. Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net ACOUSTIC JAM Bring an instrument and join in. (9 a.m.)

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com JOHANN GRECO Singer-​songwriter from Northeast Georgia playing emotionally charged indie rock music with an careless abandon.

FLASH TO BANG TIME Legendary Athens group with a new lineup playing a mesmerizing and unusual style of dexterous avant-​pop.

BOULEVARD SAINTS Punk-​ hearted, garage-​stained Athens band.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com ELZIG & THE SOUTH OF MEMPHIS BAND Band formed from the ashes of the Atlanta horror punk legends The Spectremen, bringing punk-​infused Vegas glitz with a Southern Gothic influence.

LOS CHUPACABRAS Performing Latin-​influenced covers of The Cure.

DJ CHARLIEFLOWER Playing Latinx goth, goth classics, darkwave and dark electro.

Flying Squid Comedy 8 p.m. $10. flyingsquidcomedy.com THRONES Atlanta hardcore.

CRYPTORCHID Local blackened hardcore punk.

DERAIL Augusta melodic hardcore.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook FOLIE À QUATRE Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitar, accordion and double bass.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $27.43. www.georgiatheatre.com UNITED WE DANCE: THE ULTIMATE RAVE EXPERIENCE An electrifying night of EDM hits, immersive visuals and non-​stop energy on the dance floor.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors). $12. www.hendershots​ athens.com AUSTIN SISK Covers and originals in the vein of alt-​rock, indie and Americana.

KAMERON MITCHELL Singer-​ songwriter.

TOMMY HEDGEHOG Five-​piece Athens rock band.

Jittery Joe’s Five Points Singer-​Songwriter Showcase. 7:30 p.m. FREE! jitteryjoes.com UGLY PETE Atlanta-​based solo project from the frontman of Perfect Animal.

SHAW COGGIN Georgia singer-​ songwriter whose inspirations include Vampire Weekend, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Paul Simon.

MICHAEL CARNES A blend of pop-​punk and indie folk held up by meditative lyrics.

WILTING PAGES Musical alias of multi-​instrumentalist singer-​songwriter Lander Combs.

The Old Pal 6 p.m.–12 a.m. www.instagram.com/ vinyl_open_decks VINYL OPEN DECKS DJ Nate and JiiG host open decks where attendees can bring a few records and sign up to share some tunes.

Turntables and mixer provided.

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.

Sanford Stadium 6 p.m. $62.25–591. georgiadogs.com JASON ALDEAN One of country’s most successful touring powerhouses, with 30 #1 singles, nearly 20 billion streams and over 20 million albums sold.

LUKE BRYAN Country music star who rose to fame in the 2010s and is now the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time.

ZACH TOP Grammy Award-​winning American country music singer from Sunnyside, WA. LAUREN ALAINA Georgia-​born singer-​songwriter who rose to fame when she was the runner-​up on season 10 of American Idol.

DEE JAY SILVER A top touring DJ/ remixer/producer.

DJ ROCK Professional DJ who has toured with the likes of Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and more.

Skatepark of Athens Skate Park of Athens 21st Birthday Bash. 12–6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/skate_spoa/ FRISSON Athens post-​metal. (1 p.m.)

AFTER ALL THIS Pop-​punk about getting better. (2 p.m.)

CULT POTENTIAL Not quite a cult, but they have potential. (3 p.m.)

CRAIGZLIST PUNKS Good vibes in the pursuit of punk. (4 p.m.)

Terrapin Beer Co. Terrapin’s 24th Anniversary. 2–8 p.m. $16.25–30.52. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA BARNHOUSE Local five-​piece rock band.

COSMIC CHARLIE Grateful Dead cover band that adds its own flair to the classics.

FIRESIDE COLLECTIVE Progressive bluegrass from Asheville, NC. White Tiger Deluxe 1–3 p.m. www.whitetigerdeluxe.com LAURA WILEY Country singer-​ songwriter.

Work.Shop Hooker Vision & Hack Court Record Releases. 7 p.m. $7. www.facebook.com/share/1Dst1uBNMp/ MANDRAKE CLUB Local duo of Grant Evans (Hooker Vision, Quiet Evenings) and Matthew Kovacevich.

COFOUNDER Latest solo endeavor of former Muuy Biien member Josh Evans’ foray into avant garde turntablism I, CONDUIT Duo project of Jeffry Astin (label head of Housecraft Recordings) and Brian Kinkade (Label head of Diatom Bath).

ORCUS New ladies supergroup of improvised, noisy, cathartic expression including Rachel Evans, Leslie Grove, Stacey Harvey, Mandy Mastrovita and Rashaun Ellis playing an assortment of electronics, auxiliary percussion, flute, clarinet, cello and synthesizers.

Sunday 26 Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier​ winery.com RAILTOWN Performing ’70s soft rock, Americana, country, pop and current tunes.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com ARMISTEAD’S ARMI A kaleidoscopic collective recalling the best of early ’80s Athens pop, led by music and art scene visionary Armistead Wellford (Love Tractor).

WOAH NELLY Three-​headed rock and roll outfit based out of Atlanta blending punk, prog, new wave and indie rock.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 4 p.m. FREE! www.meridianwomens​ chorus.org MERIDIAN WOMEN’S CHORUS Performing traditional folk songs from every continent (except Antarctica—the penguins haven’t written any yet).

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

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com EIGHT PICTURES Like if Pixies took Morrissey’s lunch money.

Monday 27 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls

ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals.

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

Georgia Theatre Rooftop Catalyst Collective Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.90. www.georgiatheatre.com ASHES Dynamic, psychedelic rock and roll.

LIVING STILL Athens-​based rock with a folky, psychedelic spin.

Debut show!

THE WRAPS Dynamic local rock quartet combining blues, hard rock, pop and jazz sounds.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $6 (w/ UGA ID), $23. music.uga.edu UGA PHILHARMONIA As one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large orchestral ensembles, the Philharmonia is open to all student string players.

UGA SYMPHONIC BAND Experienced undergraduate music majors, minors and non-​majors from across campus play classic band repertoire and new music.

Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-​ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown​ brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.

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

Rialto Club 6 p.m. $20. www.indigoathens.com ANNE RICHMOND BOSTON Former vocalist/keyboardist of The Swimming Pool Q’s performing songs from her long-​lost solo album I Should Be Happy with Neil Golden, John Neff and Sam Webber.

Tuesday 28 Flicker Theatre & Bar Primordial Void Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com HEALERS CO. East coast duo.

MARCEL SLETTEN California-​born and Athens-​based electronic music producer, composer and artist whose sound varies from peaceful to intense.

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-​ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $26.40. www.georgiatheatre.com MELT Soul, soft rock and indie pop band formed in New York City in 2017.

CLAIRE ERNST Artist combining hooky pop elements, country storytelling and R&B melodies on her debut album, Oh, Hello!

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com THE SAINT CECELIA Rock band from Costa Rica that’s a self-​ described emotional collection of passion, love and lust for music.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $64–129 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu RHIANNON GIDDENS Two-​time Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-​

winning singer and composer who stretches her brand of folk music into opera, ballet and film.

Normal Bar Normal Bar’s 16th Anniversary. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens LUXURY VEHICLE High-​energy duo featuring DJ Reindeer Games with John Swint on drums.

SERF LORDS Post-apocalyptic surf punk embedded in 8-bit DOS hellscapes.

Nowhere Bar Catalyst Collective Presents. 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga MJT Trio of brothers that are a fixture of the Long Island music scene.

SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five-​ piece jazz fusion band based out of Athens, GA that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius.

Wednesday 29 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-​songwriter duo playing alt-​ pop and country.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com HUNTER BLALOCK North Georgia troubadour who doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff.

MICHAEL JOE WHITE Athens songwriter who has a personal vendetta against the sweet potato.

CONOR CHURCHILL Tallahassee songwriter with depth and serious Gregory Alan Isakov vibes.

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

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.90. www.georgiatheatre.com SUN CHILD Dream folk project created by songwriter and multi-​ instrumentalist Brooke Garwood.

Solo acoustic performance.

VIRGINIA MAN Poetic lyrics bellowing over the sounds of middle Appalachia.

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

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $64 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER Powerhouse chamber ensemble combining the sonic richness of a string quartet with the symphonic aura of grand piano.

Down the Line 4/30 The Grateful Dads (Hotel Indigo) 4/30 Mary & The Hot Hotty-​Hots (The Globe) 5/01 Cam Norton (Amici at The Falls) 5/02 Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival (Athentic Brewing Co.) 5/02 Ethan Mullenax, Annie Leeth, Caleb Darnell (Flying Squid Comedy) 5/06 Austin Sisk & Allie Bryan (Amici at The Falls) 5/07 Woody Garrison & Friends (Hotel Indigo) 5/08 Schmooze, Added Color, Trvy & the Enemy, The Getaway Company (Ciné) f

NOW ACCEPTING SPONSORS AND VENDORS for the 2026 AthFest Music & Arts Festival June 26-28, Downtown Athens Promote your business to 30,000+ festival goers while also supporting AthFest Educates, a non-profit dedicated to music and art education in Athens.

Contact sponsors@athfesteducates.org or your flagpole Ad Rep at ads@flagpole.com

A P R IL 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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event calendar

Wednesday 22

ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Kathryn Hill will give a gallery talk about the new installation of postwar and postmodern art. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: DIY Tote Bag (Oconee County Library) Learn how to recycle an old T-​shirt into a tote bag.

Materials provided or bring your own. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: KACCB Litter League Cleanup (Athentic Brewing Co.) Volunteers will meet to pick up trash near Athentic Brewery and the surrounding neighborhoods.

5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ kaccb EVENTS: Earth Day Clothing Swap (The Rook and Pawn) Bring your gently used clothing to swap at this event focusing on sustainability.

5:30–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/fairfashionuga EVENTS: The Reset Competition (Active Climbing Athens) In celebration of Active Climbing’s 15th anniversary, all skill levels are invited for a climbing challenge with pizza and raffles. 5:30 p.m. $10 (members), $15 (non-​members). athens@activeclimbing.com FILM: The Color of Pomegranates (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1969 Soviet Armenian avant-​ garde film. 7 p.m. FREE! www.

flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.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: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. 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: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Earth Day Paper Making (Oconee County Library) Learn the importance of reduce, reuse and recycle through DIY paper making. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee OUTDOORS: Lyrids Meteor Shower (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Bring a blanket or chair and watch a night sky event. 5:00 a.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge

art around town ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) “Lands Left” features landscape works by Greg Benson in the taproom. Through May. ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) The 2026 Members’ Showcase features work by ATHICA members in all visual media. Through May 8.

ATHICA@CINÉ Gallery (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Jon Swindler: Never Not New” features etchings, collaged prints and monotypes by Jon Swindler that were in various stages of completion now finalized with a new perspective.

ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Merging Lane Ends” celebrates the 2026 MFA graduates from the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Through May 9. • Prompting artists to create the “wildest bathrooms in Athens,” artists Amanda Burk and Elinor Saragoussi designed installations for the Athenaeum bathrooms. Burk’s installation is titled “Mars: a color study,” and Saragoussi’s is titled “threshold (true): finding comfort in hidden worlds.”

BMA AT HOME (1354 S. Milledge Ave.) Works by Seanne Woodall, Leah Laturell, Megan Roberts, Hannah Betzel and Natalie French are on display.

Opening reception Apr. 23, 5–7 p.m. Through May. COSTA BUILDING (133 E. Washington St.) “A City for All” is a newly completed mural by Waleed Johnson spanning six interior and exterior walls of the historic downtown building.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) “Everything Now: BFA Studio Exhibition Spring 2026” presents the work of 54 graduating BFA students from the Lamar Dodd School of Art including ceramics, painting, metalwork, photography, fiber arts and more. Through Apr. 23.

FOYER (135 Park Ave.) Curated by Jaime Bull, “5 o’clock ANYWHERE” features drawings by Neil Hancock inspired by the spirit and nostalgia of his New Orleans neighborhood. Open by appointment through May 17.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) An Artful Conversation with associate curator Mallory Lind about “Genesis I” by Samuel M. Adler will be held on May 6 at 2 p.m. • The Tour at Two program offers guided tours of highlights from the permanent collection. May 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

• Family Day: Splash of Color invites families to explore plein air paintings and create watercolor artwork to take home. May 30, 10 a.m. • Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders”

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

Thursday 23

ART: Opening Reception (BMA At Home) Works by Seanne Woodall, Leah Laturell, Megan Roberts, Hannah Betzel and Natalie French will be on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. bmaathome.com ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Four artists featured in the 51st Juried Exhibition will give a talk. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse ART: Artist Talk & Mushroom Harvest (Lamar Dodd School of Art) UGA staff will discuss “MUSHrooms as Living Systems” and the collaboration behind its MUSHroom project, with a mushroom harvest demonstration. 5:30 p.m. FREE! art. uga.edu CLASSES: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies provided. All ages.

3:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee CLASSES: Getting Started with Drip Irrigation (Clarke County Extension Office) Learn about the benefits of drip irrigation and how to set up your own drip system at home. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.accgov.com CLASSES: Fundamentals of Credit (ACC Library) A discussion of the basic aspects of credit, how credit scores are calculated and more.

6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-​grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-​form), 8 p.m. (long-​form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: EarthGAY 2026 (Odum School of Ecology) This student-​led

collaboration highlights the intersectionality between queer advocacy and environmentalism with workshops, food and a variety show.

4–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/queer_ecology EVENTS: Café Apollinaire (ATHICA) The Georgia Fine Arts Academy will present its nineteenth “artsplosion” featuring live music, new theater works, student films and art. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.georgiafinearts.org FILM: Film Screening & Discussion (ACC Library) An encore viewing of the award-​winning documentary The Librarians followed by a panel discussion. Part of the Indie Lens Pop-​Up events. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil.

7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com KIDSTUFF: LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to complete challenges and earn prizes. Ages 5–12. Fourth Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: The Music Industry: Past, Present and To Come (Tweed Recording) Panel discussion focused on on the evolving state of the music industry hosted by Hank Sullivant. 7:30

explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” features works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-­known “shacks.” Through June 28. • asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28. • On loan from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are 377 painted ceramic plates from Julie Green’s “The Last Supper” series inspired by death row inmates’ final meal requests. Through Aug. 16. • “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.

HEARD PARK (400 McKinley Dr.) A new mural titled “The Future Floats Before Her” by Allison Ward has been installed.

JITTERY JOE’S (297 E. Broad St. & 1860 S. Barnett Shoals Rd) Whimsical paintings by Susan Pelham inspired by Magic Realism are on display at both the downtown and Eastside locations. Through May. LAY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER (297 Hoyt St.) A new mural titled “Where It Leads” by Amy Patterson has been installed.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The 51st Juried Exhibition will take place through May 16 featuring 130 works by 91 artists selected

by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe of the Katonah Museum of Art in New York. • “Green Life: Hometown Heroes” features paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and poems by K–12 students reflecting on local environmental stewardship, part of the annual Athens-­Clarke County Green Life Awards program. Through Apr. 30. • “AIR Group 1” presents work

by Artist in Residence participants Elizabeth Given and Anne McInnis featuring ceramics, printmaking and textile arts. Through May 2. • A new Lobby installation by artist and STEAM educator Maria Nissan, “18,443 Souls: A Metamorphosis of Coffee Culture,” features works inspired by the multicultural connections to coffee that are composed using coffee and tea filters touched by 18,443 people in Athens. Through May 8. • “Surface Tension” features artwork by Erika Diamond and prosthetics by Chelsa Lillo that explore protection, identity and the fragility of the human body. Through June 27.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville)

p.m. FREE! www.tweedrecording. com LECTURES & LIT: Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome.

Fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 24 ART: Free Sketch Friday (Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum) Artists of all ages and skills can tour the museum then sketch items from the collections. All materials provided. 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu ART: Opening Reception (Winterville Cultural Center) The Third Annual Juried Show and solo projects by Leslie Moody, Yvonne Studevan, James Cook and Paula Reynaldi will be on view. 6–8 p.m.

FREE! www.wintervillecenter.com CLASSES: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-​led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m.

FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga.edu EVENTS: Exit Reading (Athentic Brewing Co.) A night of readings from graduating PhD students in the UGA Creative Writing Program. 5–7

p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com EVENTS: Disco Skate Party (Firefly Trail) Skaters of all ages are encouraged to join with bright colors, disco outfits and glow accessories.

5–7 p.m. FREE! 706-​613-​3620 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 KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Art Explorers (OCAF) Enjoy a scavenger hunt, artist talk, art activities and more.

Ages 5 & up. Registration required.

10 a.m–2 p.m. FREE! (members), $10 (non-​members). www.ocaf.com LECTURES & LIT: UGA Grady College McGill Symposium (Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication) Tamir Kalifa will receive the 2026 McGill Medal for Journalistic Courage followed by a moderated Q&A, a music performance and viewing of his works. 11 a.m. FREE! grady.uga.edu/mcgill LECTURES & LIT: An Evening of Poetry (ATHICA) Georgia Writers Hall of Fame inductees Alice Friman and Charlie Smith will read from their works with a reception following. 6 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​writershalloffame.org OUTDOORS: Evening Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river.

Registration required. 6 p.m. $15/ person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill​ Bridge OUTDOORS: Night Paddle (Sandy Creek Park) Bring your own boat or use one of the provided single

In the Main Gallery, Youth Art Month showcases works from local Oconee school district students. Through Apr. 24. • In the Members Gallery, “Tiny Worlds” features miniature works by OCAF Member artists. Through Apr. 24.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Reimagine: Contemporary Georgia Artists” presents 20 works from Georgia’s State Art Collection alongside pieces by local and regional artists including painting, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, photography and works on paper. Presented by the Georgia Council for the Arts as part of a statewide touring exhibition. Through May 29. • “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” is on display in the Educational Gallery. Changes quarterly.

TAYLOR-­GRADY HOUSE (634 Prince Ave.) “Sankofa: Tracing Lineage” features works by Nigerian artist Tunde Odunlade. VIP reception and fundraiser Apr. 24. Panel discussion and workshop Apr. 25. Through May 10.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by Tex Crawford and Peter Loose will be on display through Apr. 30.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series.

Through May. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May. • “Fashioning the Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” features 33 dresses from the UGA alumna. Through July. • “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October.

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery on the mezzanine level outside Ramsey Concert Hall are large-­scale paintings

by Christopher Hocking with themes of pop culture, history, literature and more.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (780 Timothy Rd.) “Claire and Bob’s Home Collection” is on view in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Through May. WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on exhibit in Room 103. Through December. • The Gallery Gals Pop-­Up Exhibition is on view through May 13. • Spring exhibitions open Apr. 18 with a reception Apr. 24, 6–8 p.m. featuring the Third Annual Juried Show and solo projects by Leslie Moody, Yvonne Studevan, James Cook and Paula Reynaldi.

or tandem kayaks for a peaceful evening on the water. Ages 12 & up. 7:30 p.m. www.accgov.com/ sandycreekpark OUTDOORS: Night Creatures (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn about nocturnal creatures and look for bio-​fluorescent critters on this guided walk. Registration & waiver required. 8:45 p.m. $5/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastate​ parks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: Dancing With the UGA Stars (UGA New Dance Theatre) UGA Ballroom Performance Group hosts a dance competition featuring eight campus stars trained by eight dance coaches. 7:30 p.m. $18. ugapac.evenue.net/events/ department-​of-​dance PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday’s (Hendershots) A fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up.

9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl​ cabaret.com THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org THEATER: From Page to Stage (Winterville Cultural Center) Winterville Players present a showcase of original one act works by local playwrights and directors. Apr. 24–25, 7 p.m. $10. www.winterville​ center.com

Saturday 25 ART: Sankofa: Tracing Lineage (The Taylor-​Grady House) Panel discussion and shared stories about the collection of West African art on view. 1 p.m. FREE! www.taylor​ grady.com CLASSES: Connecting with Crystals and Gemstones (Ancient Suns Academy) Learn how to access gemstones’ energy, set intention and care for them. 11 a.m. www.ancientunsacademy.com CLASSES: Print and Paint with Tannins and Ferrous (Lyndon House Arts Center) Artist-​in-​Residence Anne McInnis will lead a workshop to create hand-​designed bandanas. 1 p.m. $25. www.acc​ govga.myrec.com COMEDY: Money is No Laughing Matter (ACC Library) An night of improv comedy with Off The Rails featuring financial scenarios from budgeting fails to spending wins.

3:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org COMEDY: Rapture Comedy Show (Sister Louisa’s Church Bar) Lineup of Southern-​based comedians. Last Saturdays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/rapturecomedy_ EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers​ market.net EVENTS: Community Yard Sale (Forest Heights Neighborhood) The neighborhood-​wide yard sale of more than 20 homes will also feature a lemonade stand, local art for sale and plant sales and swaps. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Find Forest Heights Neighborhood Yard Sale on Facebook EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-​market

EVENTS: Spring Pottery Sale (R. Wood Studio) Celebrating the studio’s 35th anniversary, browse pottery and artwork by Rebecca Wood, browse wares from local vendors and glaze your own ceramic tile. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.rwoodstudio.com EVENTS: Skate Park of Athens Birthday Bash (Skatepark of Athens) Celebrate the park birthday with raffles, live music, food trucks, an artist market and more. 12–6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ athensskateparkproject EVENTS: APEX Grand Opening (Wire Park) There will be live music, climbing competitions, a community-​wide celebration tied to the Miles for Smiles 5K and activities for all ages. 12–9 p.m. FREE! www.apexclimbingandspa.com EVENTS: Terrapin’s 24th Anniversary (Terrapin Beer Co.) Celebrate the brewery’s anniversary with live music, street vendors, family-​ friendly activities and more. 1​​–9 p.m. $16.25–30.52. www.terrapin​ beer.com EVENTS: Georgia Congressional District 10 Voter Fair (Oconee County Civic Center) Hear from candidates for statewide office, State House, State Senate, and Congress, and browse a variety of campaign information tables. RSVP suggested. 2–6 p.m. FREE! tinyurl. com/demfair EVENTS: Hey, You! Hoedown (Athentic Brewing Co.) This fourth annual music festival and fundraiser will feature an art auction and collab beer release benefitting the Carrie Fischer Siegmund Grant for Classroom Innovation. 2–8 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.instagram. com/teamsiegmund EVENTS: Hogs and Dogs (Normaltown Brewing Co.) Community barbecue, vendor market and nonprofit fair with can collection hosted

by Athens Can Collective. 2–9 p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/athens​ cancollective FILM: View Finders (Ciné) Screening of “View Finders” followed by a conversation with the TV series filmmakers Chris Greer and Paul Daniel in benefit of Ciné with catering and an open bar. 5:30 p.m. $85. tinyurl.com/view-​finders-​ticket KIDSTUFF: Home School Prom (ACC Library) Local homeschooled students are invited to an evening of dancing, snacking, photo ops and more. 6:30 p.m. Registration required. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org OUTDOORS: Athens Sampler 5K or 10K Walk (Dudley Park) Southeast Striders Walking Club leads a round-​trip walk of downtown Athens and the UGA Campus. All fitness levels welcome. 9 a.m. $4 (adults), FREE! (18 & under). www.south​ eaststriderswalkingclub.org OUTDOORS: Pollinator Survey (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join park staff as they survey the on-​site pollinator garden. 2 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Community Plant Walk (Ben Burton Park) Discuss local wild edibles and their traditional medicinal uses. 2 p.m. FREE! allisoneholistichealth@gmail.com OUTDOORS: Fun Run 5K (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join a ranger led run around the park. 3:30 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill​ Bridge OUTDOORS: Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7:15 p.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge

PERFORMANCE: Tempest Pointe Case File #2 (Thunderfoot Studio) Take This! Theatre’s mixed media horror series featuring both recorded and live improvised skits.

7 p.m. $15. www.thunderfoot​studio.com THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org THEATER: From Page to Stage (Winterville Cultural Center) Winterville Players present a showcase of original one act works by local playwrights and directors. Apr. 24–25, 7 p.m. $10. www.winterville​ center.com

Sunday 26 CLASSES: Caring For Your Collection (Oconee County Library) Part of Preservation Week 2026, join the Ivy Room as they teach how to care for family heirlooms. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

lowed by a discussion about next steps. 3 p.m. FREE! www.winterville​ center.com GAMES: SIM Race Sunday (ACC Library) Drive for fun or compete for fastest lap at the Leguna Seca. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens LECTURES & LIT: Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome.

Fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Georgia Young Authors Reception (Madison County Library) The Friends of the Madison County Library will hold a general meeting including a reception for students who are recipients of the 2025 Georgia Young Author’s Award. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/madison OUTDOORS: Tails on Trails (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Bring your pup for a hike around the loop trail. 1 p.m. $10 parking pass/

Join the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission to learn how to care for basil plants. One plant per registered participant. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee 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 (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Half-​Way To Halloween Trivia Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your Halloween-​themed knowledge for a special Wild Rumpus trivia night. 7 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco KIDSTUFF: Movie Night (Oconee County Library) Join library staff to watch a movie of the month. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee

Tuesday 28 “Green Life: Hometown Heroes” features paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and poems by K–12 students at the Lyndon House Arts Center through Apr. 30.

COMEDY: Funny Femmes (The Globe) An all-​femme showcase featuring comedians from Athens and Atlanta. Fourth Sundays, 9 p.m. $10. www.globetavern.com EVENTS: Native Plant Sale (Creature Comforts Brewery) The Ladies’ Garden Club will host a plant sale supporting scholarships for Georgia students. 1–4 p.m. Find Ladies’ Garden Club on Facebook EVENTS: Crow Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse items from local artisans and vendors, enjoy a trinket trade and bring a canned good item for a local charity. 2–7 p.m. www.therookandpawn.com EVENTS: Miss Black University of Georgia Pageant (Morton Theatre) The 47th annual competition hosted by the Zeta Psi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority where contestants will showcase their skills and compete in variety of presentations.

3:13 p.m. $15–25. www.morton​ theatre.com FILM: WRYB Fundraiser and Celebration (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of a pilot about a youth empowerment project created by Dodd Ferrelle, Bowen Craig and Tom Ward fol-

vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org

Monday 27 ART: Student Showcase (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of interdisciplinary presentations on student research and responses to the museum’s art collection. 2–4 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee CLASSES: Mom’s Night Out Gardening (Oconee County Library)

CLASSES: Google Drive and Docs (ACC Library) Learn how to upload, manage and share files in Google Drive. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​brewing.com EVENTS: Fashion Show & Film Screening (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Teen Fashion Design & Sewing Club and Teen Media Club will showcase what they’ve been working on. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com 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 knowledge 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 trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco

GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom​ Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: Bath Bombs (Bogart Library) Learn how to make bath bombs for a Mother’s Day gift. Ages 6 & up. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart PERFORMANCE: Vixens Heels Co. (40 Watt Club) Dance FX presents a dance showcase. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $8 (adv.), $10. www.40watt.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 29 ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Ciel Rodriguez will give a gallery talk about the exhibition “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders.”

2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.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: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. 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: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia 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 f

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bulletin board & classifieds BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Part-​Time) Join our growing team of well-​paid, motivated, hardworking individuals.

Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr–$20/hr + Tips. Learn more about Junk South at www.junksouth. com and text us at 706-​424-​4389.

HELP WANTED (Seasonal) Summer Opportunity -​Nationwide FF&E Installation. Hiring Project Manager w/starting pay of $300–$400/day.

Online www.classiccityinstallation. com, email rnichols@classiccity​ installation.com or text/call 470-​ 866-​8777.

JOBS (Part-time) Join us! Part-Time Tour Guide wanted at Historic Athens Welcome Center. $16.75/ hour + tips. Apply: athenswelcome​ center.com/jobs. Share history and make memories!

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 (Instruction) Now offering electronic music lessons. Specializing in Ableton Live, VCV Rack, vintage synths, and modular systems. Instagram: @microsound​ athens 706-​495-​6416

MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) BAND: 20 yr. old male guitar player looks to form or join an alternative rock band. Check out my originals and DM me on IG @gmarkey2024 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-​612-​4926 NOTICES (Miscellaneous) Free cut firewood. All hardwood. Call 404-​ 896-​1791.

REAL ESTATE (Art Studio) Artist studio space for lease downtown.

Not apartment. 159 North Jackson St. Approx. 400 s/f. Electricity/ water included. $300/mon. Contact Michael at 706-​201-​6058 or mginn2872@aol.com REAL ESTATE (Wanting to Rent) Retired single professional seeking long-​term one BR guest house / ADU rental. Athens or adjacent cities. Non-​smoker, no pets. Please call cell at 678-​677-​3144.

SERVICES (Classes) Fox Den Third Space. Creative camps for ages 5 & up and teens. Art, STEM, drama and more. Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Aftercare available. Limited space.

Register now. www.foxdenthirdspace.com/camps SERVICES (Home & Garden) Are you ready for spring? We can help!

Woman-​Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized

edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 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 (Support Group) Pet Loss and Grief Circle. A free in-​person semi-​monthly gathering to support those grieving the loss of an animal companion. Visit AthensPetGrief​ Support.org 706-​296-​6893

Arts ART ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP (Winterville Cultural Center) A 6-​week workshop designed for beginners and creatives who want to explore digital illustration using Procreate. Tuesdays, May 5–June 16. 6 p.m. $120. Registration required. www.wintervillecenter. com CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin​ board for ongoing open art calls.

CALL FOR ART (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking art submissions for upcoming Pet Portrait Exhibition.

Artists of all skill levels and ages

ADOPT ME!

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

Tallulah Belle (60639765) Tallulah Belle is a sweet senior who finds all the barking at the shelter to be a little overwhelming. When she’s comfortable, though, she transforms into a very playful girl who loves fetch.

Uno (59924201)

Meet little Uno! This cutie currently lives at Entangled Cat Cafe, but she’s on the lookout for her forever home. Consider adopting or fostering her or another lucky cat today.

Mack Mack (60748103)

Mack Mack is a happy-go-lucky pup who loves sitting and lying down for treats. He has some slight vision issues, but that doesn’t affect his enthusiasm for being with friends and playing!

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

that meet guidelines are invited to submit up to two art pieces. Drop off May 29–30. On view June 18– Aug. 29. www.accgov.com/11761/ Pet-​Portraits CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athica Studio­ fest 2026) Seeking artisans, crafters, galleries, markets, pop-​ ups, makers spaces and creatives for day-​long art and craft crawl.

Submission deadline Apr. 20. Event May 2. www.athica.org/studiofest-​ 2026 CALL FOR ARTISTS (Circulating Stamp Project) Take part in an interactive experience to create a limited-​edition postcard while visiting multiple art venues across separate participating venues including ATHICA, Georgia Museum of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center and Winterville Cultural Center Gallery.

Through May 31. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse CALL FOR ARTISTS, VENDORS & WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS (Marigold Fiber Fest) Now accepting applications for instructors to lead a variety of workshops centered around fiber crafts. Also accepting arts submissions, vendors and sponsors for this inaugural event. Deadline May 1. Event held Nov. 14. www.instagram.com/ marigoldfiberfest CALL FOR EXHIBITORS (Athens Art Book Fair) Seeking Athens area publishers and artists for fourth

annual book fair. Deadline for submissions Apr. 26. Event held June 26–27 in conjunction with AthFest events. art.uga.edu/athens-​ art-​book-​fair CALL FOR MURAL LOCATION (Double Helix) Students from the Double Helix Steam School are offering to paint a free mural for a local business/organization. kquinn@doublehelixschool.com LIFE MODELING 101 (OCAF, Watkinsville) Male and female art models explain the ins and outs of modeling for artists. From portraits to clothed to nude, including where to work and expected pay. May 2 at 10 a.m. $15. Preregistration required. www.drawathens.org PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-​Art-​Selection-​Panels

Auditions OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians. www.athenssymphony. org/openings

Classes A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. www.unityathens.com ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up.

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com

CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio.org, www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Knit Lits Knitting (Thursdays) and more.

CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Drop-​In Painting (Tuesdays), Open Chess Play (Saturdays) and more.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES & 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.athens​ landtrust.org/classes-​events 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). $10 drop in. timbathens@gmail.com, www. timbathens.com CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop in. www.SALS​ AthensDancing@gmail.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for

community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.

VARIOUS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for extended session pottery classes, art instruction and more. www.ocaf.com/ courses VARIOUS ONGOING CLASSES (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) The Basics of Crocheting (Thursdays), Yoga in the Gallery (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Tai Chi (Wednesdays) and more. www. wintervillecenter.com

Help Out ATHENS FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN (Stegeman Coliseum) Volunteers needed to pack meals.

Sign up for two-​hour shifts. Event held May 15–17. give.fmsc.org/ athens 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. 706-​850-​ 0387 or 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 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE (Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace​ inc.org, info@silverlace.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.

MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-​country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-​850-​4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us 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 DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices 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 SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (PAX Exchange Students) Seeking volunteer families to host global exchange students. www.pax.org, 800-​555-​6211 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 SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Seeking volunteers for a variety of shifts and opportunities. Parking, parade, stage help and more. Volunteers receive free t-​shirt. Deadline May 8.

Event May 9. www.marigoldfestival. com/volunteers TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store.

Please bring credentials. www.acc​ gov.com/trs VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION (Wholesome Wave Georgia) Seeking bids for fundraising auction from Apr. 20–29 with final in-​person bids at Athens Farmers Market at Creature Comforts on Apr. 29, 5–7 p.m. Proceeds benefit food access, scarcity relief and education. www.wholesomewave​ georgia.org VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff ARCHAEOLOGY SUMMER CAMP (Carter-​Coile Country Doctors Museum, Winterville) Registration now open. Camp attendees will conduct a real archaeological excavation with an experienced group of historians and educators. Ages 12 & up. June 1–5, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $150. wintervillehistory@gmail. com, 706-​389-​5151 CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Jumping Gym, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Storytime and more. www.accgov. com/myrec CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (Tuesdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Kids Yoga and Open Play (Tuesdays), Story Time and Cocoa Club (Wednesdays), and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee GUITAR CLUB (Lay Park Community Center) Monday classes run through Apr. 27. Ages 8–11, 5:30 p.m. Ages 12–17, 6:30 p.m. $10. Registration required. www. accgovga.myrec.com

LEARN TO SWIM (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for variety of lessons for ages over 3 years old including Swim School, Parent/Tot Swim School and Adult Swim Lessons. $33 per session. Additionally, a free Kinderswim program is offered for 5-​year-​ old children. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.com/ aquatics SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-​12 is now available. www.canopy​ studio.org/class-​schedule/camps SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www. athenshumanesociety.org/summer-​ camp SUMMER CAMP (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for variety of summer camp opportunities including improv, puppet making, mixed media art and more.

Ages 7–14. www.ocaf.com/kids SUMMER CAMP (Nuçi’s Space) A production, engineering, mixing and live sound curriculum added to the two week summer Camp Amped sessions. Registration now open.

Financial aid available. www.nuci. org/camp SUMMER PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. www.accgov. com/myrec

Ladies’ Garden Club

NATIVE PLANT SALE SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1 PM – 4 PM

Patio of Creature Comforts Brewing Company Taproom 271 West Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601

Supports scholarships for Georgia students.

Pollinator magnets propagated from membersʼ gardens.

Word on the Street CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS (APQC) Seeking parade participants, vendors and volunteers for Pridefest.

Deadlines vary. Event held June 6. www.linktr.ee/athensgapride 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.mindfulbreath​ sangha.org SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-​340-​7134 SUMMER JOBS (ACCGov Leisure Services) Now hiring for more than 100 summer positions including camp counselors, counselors in training, lifeguards and more. $15.60–$17.94 an hour. www. accgov.com/jobs VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com 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

Missing Something?

MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f

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food & drink

good growing

I Speak for the Trees NOTABLE TREES OF ATHENS TO LOVE AND PROTECT

By Erin France editorial@flagpole.comBy Erin France editorial@flagpole.com Trees are a part of our everyday lives. You in place. Despite many rumors and a 2021 might eagerly watch for the fall colors to change.org petition with 10,000 signatures, arrive on a particular oak on your daily there are no restrictions in place, Fennell commute. Possibly, you keep an eye on the said. “Technically, they could cut those North Campus tree your husband climbed down and not even replant them.” to impress you on a first date. (Yes, I was That said, the Athens community has ralimpressed.) lied to protect the Varsity magnolias several Urban trees are easy to fall in love times in the past. According to the Athens with—they provide much-​needed shade Tree Registry: “Former site of Jos. Hodgand natural beauty to cityscapes. But the son. Residents of Athens rallied to save the urban environment in which they live can trees when the house was razed.” mark those trees with an early expiration While weak ordinances are part of the date because of stressful growing condiissue, it’s hard to see into the future to tions and the ongoing march of metropolifind the safest places to plant urban trees. tan developments.

Athens’ moon tree, a loblolly pine outside Athens’ urban trees are growing a of the planning department, could get the number of new champions. A few events ax if the site is turned into the new judicial this spring, includcenter—a plan ing the new bridge moving its way opening at Shoals through governCreek Sanctuary mental work groups, as well as the though there are no Artemis I Moon Tree: Loblolly Pine 50th anniversary official plans yet.

115 Marigold Lane, Winterville of Athens Tree Fennell hopes to Registry, have the save a part of the Cycle World: Willow Oak Athens Tree Council moon tree through 4225 Atlanta Highway and some county its seeds, as well Prince Avenue: Ginkgo commissioners as clones through 585 Prince Ave. discussing better grafting. protections for our “Don’t fall in love Moon Tree: Loblolly Pine urban trees. “We’re with that tree,” Fen120 W Dougherty St. ripe for being able nell said. “[Interim to do that [update],” Assistant Manager] Courthouse: Magnolias said Mateo Fennell, Andrew Saunders 325 E Washington St. Athens-​Clarke said, don’t get County’s comattached.”

Varsity: Magnolias munity forestry For Athens resi1000 W Broad St. coordinator. dents, and especially Most Athenians those on the tree The Tree That Owns Itself know of the much-​ South Finley and Dearing streets council, that’s easier loved Tree That said than done.

College Station: Post Oak Owns Itself at the Laura Ney, an ACC 1054 College Station Road intersection of extension agent and Dearing and Finley ex officio member streets, whose of the council, said owner left it the deed to its own property. she fondly remembers a now-​gone WinterNone of the city’s other trees have that level ville hemlock. The property’s owner said of protection, though there are many that the Northern transplant traveled with his bring beauty to an otherwise unremarkmother on a covered wagon before settling able roadway. The behemoth willow oak on with the family in their new Southern Atlanta Highway by Cycle World is a favorhome. ite among the tree council members.

“It shouldn’t have been here,” Ney said.

“That single spot of shade along an end“That tree gave me hope.” That feeling less strip of car dealerships and strip malls of hope persisted, even though the first always makes me smile,” Nunally Benzing, time Ney saw the 100-​year-​old tree, it was UGA’s Latin American ethnobotanical already turning brown and dying. garden curator, wrote in an email. “The oak Despite the repeated admonitions, I is the single reminder of the area’s natural would argue that it’s good to fall in love history, but also an example of what the with urban trees. Fall in love with the ones future could hold if we just left a few trees on this list, or any others you find fun, while clearing the land.” wacky, strange or beautiful.

Another council member, artist Helen That love will help you care enough to Kuykendall, mentioned the willow oak as contact your representatives, agitate for an inspiration. “It just gives me hope,” she better urban tree protections, and volunteer said. “I’m afraid to love that tree.” your time and attention to make a change.

“You should be,” said Phil Hale, a retired If this rings true with you, the Athens Tree UGA forestry researcher.

Council has four open seats and could use The potential or impending loss of sevinterested, motivated residents to fill them. eral large trees around town is another catMore info about the Athens Tree Council alyst for the council and local dendrophiles can be found at accgov.com/8876/Commuto revise city legislation. Urban trees, even nity-​Tree-​Council, and an interactive map ones like the magnolias on the former Varwith notable trees identified by the council sity property, don’t have formal protections can be found in the article at flagpole.com. f

Notable Trees of Athens

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 22, 2026

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

9 7 6 5

7

8 3 6 5

1 2 8

9

4 2

VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW

8

5 2 3 6 4 8

CORD SIBILSKY WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD

O:706-510-5189

3

|

C:706-363-0803

|

CSG-GAP.COM

Copyright 2026 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 4/20/261- to 4/26/26 theofnumbers 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

by Margie E. Burke

8

9

15

14

12

13

30

31

32

52

53

54

19

18

20

Solution to Sudoku:

21

24

22 25

2 279 283 7 6 8 5 129 4 7 6 1 4 2 5 8 9 3 33 34 8 5 4 9 1 3 2 7 6 36 37 1 7 2 8 4 6 9 3 5 40 39 4 8 9 3 5 7 1 6 2 43 42 5 3 6 1 9 2 4 8 7 45 46 6 1 5 2 3 9 7 4 847 48 9 492 7 6 8 4 3 550 1 55 3 4 8 5 7 1 656 2 9 26

35 38 41 44

51 57

58

59

60

61

62

63

ACROSS 1 Turning point?

5 Unruly crowds 9 ____ in the right direction: 2 wds.

14 Part of the Corn Belt 15 On ___ (without a contract) 16 Mecca native 17 Burt of 1960's "Elmer Gantry" 19 Clean completely 20 Items on to-do lists 21 Seismic source 23 Caviar fish 25 Outspoken 26 Lucky charm 29 Out of shape?

30 Where Switz. is 33 Penalty 35 Beheaded Boleyn 36 Begged 37 Peter, pumpkinwise 38 Portion out 39 Cleanse 40 Etcher's fluid 42 OH to MA direction 43 Kind of curve

11

16

17

23

10

Tastes so Tastes so good, good, you’ll stay you’ll stay on on their mind. their mind.

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

44 Thanksgiving fare 45 Regarding birth 47 Depend (on) 48 Sponsorship 51 Works, as a field 55 Buyer's proposal 56 Wistful for the past 58 Smelled awful 59 Icicle former 60 Hogwarts librarian Pince 61 Puts a stop to 62 Fax button 63 Equinox mo.

DOWN 1 Scottish garb 2 Weather tracking org.

3 Admits, with "up" 4 Fall off the wagon, perhaps 5 Publisher's pile: Abbr.

6 Chose 7 Microwave sound 8 Copyist of old 9 ____ ratio (TV spec)

10 Spa feature 11 High-collar top 12 Result of honing 13 Fishing spot 18 Contents of some urns 22 Penitent 24 Plato was one 26 Eden fruit 27 Disney's Chinese warrior 28 Humdrum 29 Midler of music 31 Loosen a knot 32 Oboe-sounding 34 Views from isles, often 35 Lilylike flower 41 Mea ___ 43 Baby birds?

46 "___ we all?"

47 Varnish ingredient 48 Luxurious 49 Shaving lotion brand 50 1990s VP 52 Grimm villain 53 Spineless sort 54 "Beat it!"

57 Covered in Cottonelle, say

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

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