FP260520

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS REDEFINING MAN’S BEST FRIEND

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

MAY 20, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 20 · FREE

The Pet Issue Heartwarming Photos From Our Readers pp. 10–11

Compassionate and affordableCCare are for Your fourf-lour egged riends frien mpassionate and a ffordable for Your -lfegged

• Monthly Specials & Discount Packages • Laser Therapy & Pain Management • Surgical & Dental Care • Boarding & Grooming • Spay & Neuter • Ultrasound Services

(706) 353-2696 PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! G TRAVELIN

6) 353-2696 ARE YOUR

VACCINATIONS

IN THE 2026-2027

SOON?

flagpole GUIDE TO(DISTRIBUTED ATHENS IN AUG 2026)

CHECK NOW!

Space Reservation Deadline: June 16 th 5% Early Payment Discount Deadline: June 1st

UP-TO-DATE?

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

VISIT AN ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Contact the Flagpole Advertising Department 706-549-0301 or ads@flagpole.com

NortheastHealthDistrict.org

YOUR SECOND-FAVORITE REAL ESTATE TEAM

The Jarrett Martin Group jarrettmartingroup

Jarrett Martin, REALTOR® 229.869.5734

REALTOR® 706.201.7047

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

2

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

LAUREN LAUGHY

Rooty

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year’s annual pet issue! There were more fluffy, funny and fashionable photos than we could fit in Flagpole’s pages, but you can view the full gallery at flagpole.com.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

New Courthouse

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Pet Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Harriet Powers Forever Stamps

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

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Full Bellies Food Bowl Program

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

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Odd Paws Rescue

Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 MASON PEARSON

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 Gordon Lamb, Ed Tant CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

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

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

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $125 a year, $65 for six months. © 2026 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 20

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

PLEASE SUPPORT FREE LOCAL NEWS SUPPORT FLAGPOLE

Help us keep flagpole FREE for our readers.

DONATE a few bucks

With a recurring donation through PayPal: (https://flagpole.com/home/donations)

mail in a check:

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Ron by Kim Lee (see more pet photos on pp. 10–11) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301

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

online exclusive Post-punk band Coma Therapy released its self-titled album, a convulsive and cathartic assemblage that delves into tragedy, the shifting dynamics of relationships and the effects of violence. The album is made up of Coma Therapy’s best work over the past five years.

flagpole P O Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603

or you can make a tax-deductible contribution at: altnewsfoundation.org/flagpole

See “Flagpole Premieres: Coma Therapy, Self-Titled Album” at flagpole.com.

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

3

Congratulations

Katia Dowd Clarke Central

TO THE CLASS OF 2026!

Good luck on your next adventures! ♥ flagpole

We are so proud of you Katia!

May all your dreams come true!

Keep shining bright and beautiful!!

Love, Mama and John

Amelia ‘Moo’ George Clarke Central

You are the artist that painted all of our hearts.

We are wildly proud to be a part of your process.

— Poppa, Mama, Connor and Matt

4

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

news

city dope

Costly Courthouse EXPENSIVE SEWER, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com The price tag for a new judicial center downtown has nearly tripled to $226 million, leaving Athens-­Clarke County $148 million short for the 200,000 square-foot building, county officials told commissioners at a May 14 work session.

The commission allocated and voters approved $77 million for the judicial center as part of SPLOST 2020, the 1% sales tax for capital projects—an “amount at that time less than what was necessary,” ACC Manager Bob Cowell said. Since then, the country has gone through a global pandemic, supply chain breakdowns, persistent high inflation, chaotic tariffs and now the Strait of Hormuz shutdown, sending the cost of construction spiraling.

Cowell and Capital Projects Director Josh Hawkins recommended issuing bonds through a redevelopment authority formed in 2023 to create opportunity zones in economically distressed areas. That is a common method for funding such projects throughout Georgia, according to Hawkins.

“There is an expectation that the debt that would be issued for this would be retired through a future SPLOST initiative,” Cowell said. “Otherwise you’re retiring it through a millage rate increase, most likely.”

The next SPLOST is likely to go up for a vote in May 2028 and take effect at the beginning of 2029, and could bring in approximately $400 million over 10 years.

While SPLOSTs have always passed by wide margins locally, it is a risk—failure at the ballot box would mean an approximately 2.5-­mill property tax hike.

Space allocation studies dating back nearly 30 years have noted the need for a new courthouse. The current one is overcrowded, lacks modern safety features and is in need of expensive repairs, and there is no room for further expansion. The new building would include secure parking for courthouse employees, as well as holding areas and special hallways to move jail inmates through the building.

Once judicial functions are moved into the new courthouse, the current courthouse would be renovated, and ACC would consolidate other government offices currently scattered around the city.

For years county officials had hoped to get their hands on the federal building at Hancock Avenue and Jackson Street, but that does not appear to be in the cards. The second choice is the current site of the planning department building at Dougherty and Lumpkin streets.

The $226 million figure includes the cost of temporarily relocating employees of the transportation and public works, building inspections and planning departments, but not the cost of courthouse renovations beyond already approved elevator and HVAC repairs. Nor does it include the cost of a parking deck.

Locating the judicial center there would mean removing Athens’ “moon tree,” a loblolly pine grown from a seed that flew to the moon on Apollo XIV. However, Assistant Manager Andrew Saunders said ACC’s community forester is working with UGA

to clone the tree. “Much like the Tree That Owns Itself is the daughter of the Tree That Owns Itself, we’re exploring ways to honor its legacy,” Saunders said. [Blake Aued]

Sandy Creek Sewer The Athens-­Clarke County Commission removed the Sandy Creek basin from the county’s water and sewer service delivery A rendering of the new judicial center. plan in 2010 due to concerns about the environmental impact, but it is now reconsidering that decision.

Cowell predicted that the main beneThe engineering firm Hazen and Sawyer ficiaries of a sewer line would be developrecently looked at costs and potential ers. “If we put a trunk line in a basin, in a routes for a trunk line through the basin watershed, it’s far more likely you’re going because “there was some concern about to see folks come in with new development, aging septic tanks, aging infrastructure” bringing new pressure, wanting to connect dating back to the five-­year plan’s update in to that line than folks on septic systems 2015, the firm’s principal Alan Bowling told wanting to connect to that line,” he said. commissioners at a May 12 work session.

Generally, planners try to steer developThe area encompasses 5,800 acres and ment to areas where infrastructure already includes about 1,600 properties that are on exists, particularly sewer. However, Comaging, potentially leaking septic systems, missioner Dexter Fisher argued that adding most of which would not be allowed if built density in neighborhoods that have sewer now because the “is the same impact lots are too small. on your system” as “Eventually the soil building new lines.

Results for Athens-­Clarke County stops its ability to The problem of elections May 19 came in after absorb, and then the failing septic tanks Flagpole was printed. Check flagpole.com to see who won. sewage finds its way contaminating to creeks instead of groundwater is real, the groundwater,” though. CommisBowling said. “It’s almost impossible to get sioner Ovita Thornton said some of her a permit for a septic system on a half-­acre constituents don’t know their septic tanks lot today.” need to be maintained, or even where they But there is not an easy solution. are. “I have folks in my district that have Options include community septic syslearned to live with faulty septic tanks,” she tems (unlikely to be approved by the state, said. “Help me fix that.” [BA] according to Bowling), a gravity line (difficult because of the area’s flat terrain) or pump stations (which can break and require It wouldn’t take effect until after his more maintenance).

The environmental concerns also remain. term ends, but Mayor Kelly Girtz is pushing for a 1% sales tax hike that would cut the “Sandy Creek is pretty pristine, and it runs county’s property rate by more than a third, right to where our drinking water comes saving homeowners hundreds of dollars a out,” Commissioner Melissa Link said. In year. addition, building a sewer main requires The Floating Local Option Sales Tax removing vegetation that filters runoff and was created as part of a state law limitdigging deep trenches to bury the pipes. ing increases in property assessments Discussion focused on the more suburfor owner-­occupied homes to the rate of ban southern part of the basin—Freeman inflation. It also allows local governments Drive and Boley Drive—rather than the to raise the sales tax by 1% if they cut relatively unpopulated area around Sandy property taxes by an equivalent amount.

Creek Park. A trunk line there would In Athens-­Clarke County, that would equal cost $25 million, in large part due to the about 5 mills, bringing the millage rate expense of crossing the Loop, Bowling said. down to 7.25 from the current 12.25, thus It could run up Sandy Creek, steering clear saving homeowners $5 for each $1,000 of of the flood plain as much as possible, or assessed value. That would be nearly $500 possibly along Danielsville Road. Either on a $300,000 home. But it would raise the way, “Having that line there and not being sales tax in ACC to 9%—4% for the state, able to connect to it does nothing to help 1% for school construction (ELOST), 1% for the septic systems,” ACC Manager Bob ACC capital projects (SPLOST), 1% specifiCowell said. “Practically, you have to get cally for transportation (TSPLOST) and 2% closer to those homes, given all kinds of for property tax relief (LOST and FLOST). reasons.”

Girtz acknowledged that sales taxes are Just as there is no mechanism to force regressive, but said the property tax cut people to pump out their septic tanks, there is no way to force residential property would help wealthy and low-­income homeowners alike. He also said it would shift owners on septic systems to pay thousome of the burden of funding services sands of dollars to connect to a sewer line, onto visitors and UGA students who don’t although Girtz said federal grants could be available to assist low-­income homeowners. pay property taxes, even indirectly.

Girtz Floats Sales Tax Hike

“One thing we do know about revenue in Athens-­Clarke County is that a lot of that sales tax revenue comes from outside the county, so those football games, a lot of those entertainment events downtown, and certainly the 10,000 people who live on campus who are getting everything from food to cellphones to laptops dropped off on their doorsteps are generating dollars that could be flowing into this community via all those activities,” Girtz said at a May 12 budget work session.

Girtz said he would put FLOST up for a commission vote in June. If approved, it would go before voters on the November ballot. If voters sign off, the additional sales tax would start in 2027. But the property tax cut would not kick in until 2028. The FLOST would be collected throughout 2027 and placed in an escrow account. At the end of the year, the amount collected would be used to calculate the exact property tax cut, which would “float” around 5 mills—possibly slightly more or less in any given year.

“From a revenue perspective, it’s net neutral from year to year,” Girtz said. Homeowners would see a reduction on their fall 2028 tax bills.

The FLOST would last for five years and could be extended by the state legislature for another five years via local legislation, according to Girtz.

Commissioners also discussed Girtz’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget for the first time. “The tax digest is coming in stronger than we had projected,” Manager Bob Cowell said, with an additional $1.6 million available. He recommended putting part of that into slightly higher raises for ACC employees (4% instead of 3.5%), part into a police pension fund and the rest into the county’s “fund balance,” or rainy day savings.

Commissioners briefly discussed whether to cut the Neighborhood Leaders program, increase funding for community events downtown, continue partnering with the Clarke County School District on after-­school programs and how to distribute hotel/motel tax revenue. Budget talks will continue through May and early June before a scheduled vote on June 9. [BA]

Scott Named Superintendent The Clarke County Board of Education announced that interim Superintendent Jennifer Scott is the sole finalist for the position on a permanent basis. Her application will be available to the public on the ➤ continued on next page

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

5

City Dope

cerns about “discretion” disproportionately being used against “black… children,” and said, “When everybody has to obey the CCSD website for review prior to a final rules, you can cut out some of these mass vote, which cannot take place until at least shootings that these caucasian white chil14 days from the May 14 meeting, under dren are committing, because they get exonstate law. erated all the way through school and all Board members clashed on the CCSD the way through their life.” She then asked code of conduct and policies on bullying, attorney Pruett if “people are bothering you naming facilities and investigations at the intentionally, putting little codes up on your work session. District 1 member Heidi desk. Putting microphones under your desk.

Hensley and District 8 member Nicole Asking you questions for you to speak into a Hull were concerned about only addressing hot mic. Is that microaggression, yes or no?” cyberbullying “that originates on school The work session concluded following a property” despite it also originating outrecess after Bagby’s comments. The CCSD side of school, but attorney Michael Pruett code of conduct was tabled for future disexplained that state legiscussion in June. lators chose that restricThe 2027 tentative tive language, and the budget and millage county cannot modify it. rate were presented at The policy on naming the BOE meeting. The facilities drew discussion, total estimated revenue as District 7 member increased to $264 million LaKeisha Gantt restated after the final tax digest her opposition to initial came in slightly higher recommendations for than expected. To increase renaming coming from retention of special eduthe Local School Govcation teachers, a $5,000 ernance Team (LSGT), supplement for adaptive “placing power there teachers and $3,000 supthat should rest with the plement for interrelated board.” She pointed out teachers was proposed. the disparities between Increased funding to the Superintendent Jennifer Scott LSGTs across schools.

Local Capital Projects Gantt’s proposal to name Fund and transportation Chase Street Elementary after Johnnie budget was also proposed. Evans expressed Lay Burks and Alps Road Elementary after support for a role primarily focused on Bettye Henderson Holston, the first Black restorative justice across schools being teachers at those respective schools, is what included in next year’s budget. prompted the policy discussion on the proPublic comment focused on the value of cedure for name changes. Since the policy the Georgia Conflict Center’s restorative did not seem likely to pass, board President justice programming, urging extending Mumbi Anderson pulled it, and the current its contract with additional funding. Dispolicy on naming facilities remains. trict 3 member Linda Davis echoed the On the investigations policy, District 5 importance of programming equity across member Tim Denson expressed concerns. schools, but Hull said she has not received “If we’re talking about trying to stop the such positive feedback about restorative school-­to-­prison pipeline, this right here justice’s impact in schools. The tentative allows subpoenas to be filed to students 2027 budget with a $30,000 addendum for who show up to school,” he said. These poliGeorgia Conflict Center passed 4–3. The cies will move on for public comment. current tentative millage rate of 18.8 mills In the CCSD code of conduct discussion, passed, and public hearings will be held on District 2 member Mary Bagby raised conthe rate and budget. [Lily Thomas] f

6

continued from p. 5

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

news

pub notes

That Quintessential Person RALPH B. MAXWELL JR. KNEW WHERE HE BELONGED

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com When a beloved citizen dies in a small town, everybody feels a personal sense of loss.

If that citizen is “prominent,” the whole community is lessened. If the prominence derives at least in part from the citizen’s work as editor and publisher of the local newspaper, the town loses its collective voice and memory. So it is with the recent passing of Ralph B. Maxwell Jr., who grew up in Crawford, working at the Oglethorpe Echo in Lexington, and eventually succeeding his father as editor and publisher for four decades.

In our urbanized, franchised, corporatized culture, there is the assumption that people live in small towns because they couldn’t make it in big cities, and are relegated to a kind of second-­class citizenship where, “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen and waste its sweetness on the desert air.”

Ralph’s life reminds us of what we already know: Wit and wisdom aren’t just in cities. The same is true of kindness and quiet dedication to helping those who need it, while obeying the scriptural advice not to let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.

There’s always the temptation to see somebody like Ralph through the lens of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life: the guy trapped in the small town while he yearns for the wider world. Ralph’s brother Scott Maxwell, in his beautiful obituary (search for Ralph Maxwell Jr.’s name at legacy.com), turns that plot around. Scott recounts how Ralph was a speedster who led their Oglethorpe County high school team to the 1968 Region 8B football championship, and, always a reader, his SAT scores brought football scholarship offers from numerous Ivy League colleges. Ralph just threw them into the trash and got his journalism degree from UGA. Scott also writes that Ralph once ended a backpacking trip through Belgium, France and Spain by running with the bulls in Pamplona, as any Hemingway reader would aspire to do. Ralph was at home in the wider world; he just didn’t want to live there.

I knew Ralph for over 50 years and never fully grasped just who he was. He was so unassuming that he made you forget how smart he was, and his wit was so subtle that sometimes it took you a while to realize how you were being kidded, but always in a friendly way that made you enjoy it.

He once dubbed me “The Venom Vendor” because of some sharp editorial columns I had written. What an honor!

Ralph, as Scott points out, was right where he wanted to be. He was comfortable in his place and in himself. That left him free to run the Echo and keep an eye on the

family-­owned Greater Georgia Printers in Crawford, where Flagpole has always been printed, and to serve on the Lexington city council for 15 years. He also was a major benefactor of Arts Oglethorpe; he sponsored foreign exchange students, and in later years presided at Saturday gatherings among friends at The Rowdy Rooster art café in Lexington, across the road from the Echo office.

Ralph grew up in a time when most Georgia towns of any size had a local newspaper staffed and published by a local family, and he carried that tradition forward until a stroke slowed him some years ago, and heart and vascular complications finally brought him down. He had been on the verge of closing the Echo a few years ago, when his Oglethorpe County friend Dink Nesmith put together a nonprofit foundation to take over the Echo and staff it with UGA journalism students who get real-­ time experience while covering Oglethorpe County as the Echo has always done.

In his article about Ralph in the May 14 Echo, editor Andy Johnston, who supervises the Echo students, quoted Ralph’s friends: “If you are fortunate, you will encounter that quintessential person who becomes the heartbeat of your business. ‘Cheers’ had Norm,” said Kathleen deMarrais and Jamie Lewis, co-­owners of The Rowdy Rooster.

“For The Rowdy Rooster, it was Ralph Maxwell. If you called Ralph on a Friday or Saturday, more likely than not he would tell you, ‘Well, I am sitting here at The Rowdy Rooster.’ Sitting for Ralph meant he was sharing his vast knowledge of the history of Oglethorpe County, his opinion on an issue of local or national importance, a funny anecdote or perhaps his critique of the book he just finished.”

That quintessential person who becomes the heartbeat: That was Ralph Maxwell all his life, right up until the end, when his own great heart finally stopped beating. f

feature

news

feature

A Stamp on History

Full Bellies Food Bowl Program

By Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

POSTAL SERVICE HONORS ATHENS QUILTER HARRIET POWERS

T

he United States Postal Service dedicated Forever stamps in honor of quilter Harriet Powers, who spent a portion of her life enslaved, on Thursday, May 14. She is one of the few known female American artists of the 19th century, and one of the few former slaves whose work is known. Her Bible Quilt is in the Smithsonian, and her Story Quilt is in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Born on a Madison County plantation in 1837, Powers married in 1855, had nine children and moved to Athens with her family after emancipation. Three children survived into adulthood. Like many country women, Powers made quilts to keep her family warm with whatever scraps of cloth

she could find. She used traditional West African storytelling and appliqué techniques. She is thought to have created at least five quilts, but only two are extant, and both are celebrated as exemplary works of fiber art by art historians. Jennifer Swope, curator of textiles at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, has said that “Powers was one of the most important women artists ever.”

According to the Smithsonian, Powers was winning prizes for her work as early as 1872. Her first quilt comprised “4 thousand and 50 diamonds.” In 1882, she made a Lord’s Supper Quilt before beginning to work on the Bible Quilt, which features a visual narrative of Biblical stories from Cain and Abel to the Last Supper.

Powers called her Bible quilt “the darling of my brain.” She exhibited it at a county fair in Athens in 1886, and a woman who saw it there later bought it from her for $5—Powers reluctantly sold it because her husband and she had fallen on hard times.

Featuring both hand and machine stitching, the Bible Quilt was later displayed

at the 1895 Atlanta Cotton Exposition.

A group of Atlanta women, trustees of Atlanta University, saw the Bible Quilt at the exposition and subsequently commissioned a work from Powers—the Story Quilt. It has 15 panels telling Bible stories and historic events the way she understood them. The trustees gave the quilt to the president of New York City’s Union Seminary. Eventually, it came to the Boston museum.

On Thursday, after postal employee Oscar Wilson sang the National Anthem, Athens resident Fred Smith Sr., director of the nonprofit East Athens Development Corp. and president of the Athens branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, talked about Powers’ accomplishments and her place in history. In her quilts, he said, she told stories with a needle and thread, and she created works of art that incorporate Bible stories, local legends and historical records. She didn’t wait for permission to create, he said. The many panels of her quilts show her faith, wonder, struggle and survival. Stamps travel and connect people, Smith said.

By putting images from her story quilt on stamps, her story will continue.

“Harriet Powers’ quilts stitch together history, faith and the human spirit,” said Michael Benevento, U.S. Postal Service postmaster at the Athens Sorting and Distribution Center.

He said it was “a privilege to help share her remarkable legacy with every community we serve.”

Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, created panes of 20 stamps based on the Story Quilt to give the impression of a continuous, flowing narrative. “This is what is extraordinary about Harriet Powers’ quilts: I never would have thought of these works of fabric art as canvases for telling stories until seeing the quilts,” Noyes said. “I chose details that would hold up well at stamp size while still communicating the stories Powers was trying to tell.”

The stamp unveiling is the second time Powers has been honored locally in recent years. In 2023 the Women of Color Quilters Network placed a new headstone at her gravesite at Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in East Athens. Powers was buried there in 1910 alongside her husband Armstead and a daughter, but their graves were neglected until being rediscovered in 2005. f

ATHENS AREA HUMANE SOCIETY EXPANDS PET FOOD BANK

F

inancial hardships put strains on an cuts costs. Nestlé Purina has manufacturentire household—even down to its ing plants in Hartwell and Fairburn that smallest, furriest members—and can provide in-​kind donations to the program, cause families to make really difficult decibut sometimes their misfortune means the sions, like surrender their pets to already shelter catches a lucky break—such as the overcrowded animal shelters. In an effort pending 150 pallets of wet cat food AAHS to prevent surrenders and keep wanted is about to receive because the wrong color pets with their families, the Athens Area lid was used during the canning process, Humane Society (AAHS) runs the Full Belmaking it unsellable by Nestlé Purina lies Food Bowl program. standards.

On the first and third Saturday of every “We’ve kind of nurtured this partnership month, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., AAHS on and grown it to where if they do have these Mitchell Bridge Road hosts a community issues, we’re able to come in and make the pantry event to distribute dog and cat food most of it,” says Jackson. to those in need. Rain or shine, staff will At the end of January, a press release serve a drive-​through line and ask if the documented that in 2025 the food bowl person needs dog/cat food or both, and program distributed 193,630 pounds of if they have puppies/kittens or adults, in food and had a goal of distributing at least order to match them with the right food.

250,000 pounds this year. Thanks in part to The only personal information required is a little luck, says Jackson, the program will a ZIP code so that AAHS can track what have distributed close to 300,000 pounds counties it’s serving. AAHS Operations by the end of May—far exceeding the goal Director Steven Jackson says that in 2026 set for the entire year. about 59% of the individuals served live in Athens-​Clarke County, 11% in Oconee County, 10% in Madison County, 6% in Barrow County and 4.5% in Walton County.

“We have a set amount of pet food that we’re able to distribute to everyone. So whether someone says they have five dogs or one dog, we are going to be giving them the same amount of pet food just because we want to make sure that we’re giving an equitable share. And Full Bellies Food Bowl public distribution event we just want to make sure we’re helping as many people as possible,” says Jackson.

“This part of my job, running the food Outside of its pantry events, AAHS has bowl program, is probably my favorite partnered with animal services organizajust because I know how much it means to tions in surrounding counties to deliver pal- people. I have a dog myself. I consider him lets of needed food when large shipments my son; he’s a part of my family. Knowing come in. On a smaller but more daily basis, that we are able to help feed people’s aniindividuals in the community will donate mals so that they can stay in their homes pet food at the shelter directly or at the just makes it for me, makes all the hard donation bins at Pet Supplies Plus and Trac- work worth it. Being able to bring all this tor Supply Co. Sometimes larger donations food back and help feed our animals and come from the nearby FedEx distribution our communities,” says Jackson. center when there are goods that can’t be One of the pantry regulars picks up pet delivered to customers. However, Jackson food for some of his friends who are senior says that the program was able to triple in citizens and unable to make the trip themsize last year due to partnerships with the selves, shares Jackson.

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Greater “I think that’s one of the biggest things, Good Charities and Nestlé Purina. is also seeing how the community then When the food bank wins bids on comes together to help each other. They severely discounted pet food from nonprofrealize there’s this resource I can help other its like Feeding America, AAHS purchases people with who may not be able or may the pallets and transports them to its facilnot know about it, and so they’re just helpity. The Greater Good Charities partnership, ing each other,” says Jackson. which began at the end of last year, sends For more information about assistance AAHS an unknown but large shipment of or how to donate, visit athenshumane pet food for a flat-​rate shipping fee that society.org. f

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

7

ATHENS AREA HUMANE SOCIETY

news

arts & culture

feature

The Odd Ones Out RESCUING ATHENS’ QUIRKIEST KITTIES

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

O

dd Paws Rescue is a local nonprofit, founded and led by Scarlet Gannon, that rescues and homes special-­ needs kittens and cats. The “oddities” often only amount to aesthetic differences or conditions that require a little extra attention rather than any expensive medical requirements or expertise.

“Just because an animal looks a little different or might have something slightly ‘wrong’ with it, they’re fine. They’re perfectly lovable and can live happy lives,” said Gannon. The unusual collection of rescue cats includes those who are blind, missing limbs, or have other conditions and abnormalities that limit their abilities in some ways, but never in the amount of love they can give.

today. Blind cats are the least frequently adopted, but Gannon encourages people to consider how able blind cats actually are.

“People think, ‘Oh, as a human, if I couldn’t see, I wouldn’t be able to do X, Y, Z,’ but these are cats… their senses go far beyond what we have,” said Gannon, noting also how whiskers offer cats a sense of spatial awareness.

Cats with missing limbs have been more easily homed. Other conditions like cerebellar hypoplasia which Gannon describes as “wobbly cats” requires a few considerations: “You’re going to want to make sure you don’t have stairs or something high up that they can fall off of.” Manx syndrome, a condition that can occur when two tailless cats produce offspring, can cause severe spinal abnormalities.

“We had one kitten that was just born with his legs on backwards... he gets around fine, he just looks insane,” she said.

Outside of these “oddities,” some of the cats are also rescued from terrible conditions, like Munster, a partially blind and affectionate feline who is currently available for adoption.

“He came from a hoarder situation—there were like 50-­plus cats in that house,” said Gannon.

Gannon encourages those interested in starting their own rescue to maintain a healthy environment stressing the importance of quarantine to prevent transmittable diseases. “You want to keep any new Odd Paws Rescue provided assistance caring for this found kitten's animal—I don’t care broken leg until it was healthy enough for the finders to officially adopt. how healthy it looks— away from all other aniGannon began rescuing cats when she mals for at least 72 hours, I would prefer a bought a home in Athens and discovered week,” she said. Other practical advice from she had more neighbors than she realized.

Gannon: steel litter boxes to avoid bacterial “The house I bought kind of came with a growth, veterinary disinfectants that kill neighborhood cat colony that no one was more cat-­specific diseases than household really doing anything about. I reached out cleaners, and prioritizing deworming and to a bunch of different other rescues and flea medication. Forming a 501(c)3 nonorganizations out here trying to get help profit to receive grant funding has also been with TNR [trap-­neuter-­return] and realized essential. “Otherwise, you are just going to that everyone is overwhelmed. So, I was hemorrhage money and not have access to like, I’ll do it myself then,” said Gannon. any of the already limited resources,” she Gannon began rescuing cats on her said. Taking in one cat requires $300 in own, but soon she, too, was overwhelmed vaccines alone. Food, litter, supplies and vet by requests. “I posted about it once in the visits all add up quickly. Donations from the Crazy Cat People of Athens group, and community and grant funding can make a since then it was just endless—just people significant difference, and Gannon is open asking me to take in kittens and help to collaborating with musicians and artists with cats,” she said. That’s when Gannon on fundraisers. The biggest difference you decided to focus on rescuing special needs can make is, of course, adopting an Odd cats. “I’ve always had a soft spot for special Paws cat. needs cats… so, I’m like, I’m just going to The best place to learn more and connect hyper-focus on the weird ones that nobody with Odd Paws Rescue is on their Linktree else has time for.” at linktr.ee/​Odd​pawsrescue, @odd​paws​ Gannon formed Odd Paws as a nonprofit rescue on Facebook and @oddpaws.rescue in 2024 and has a small group of volunteers on Instagram. f

8

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

arts & culture

calendar picks

EVENT | THU, MAY 21

Athens Football Kickoff Celebration Akins Ford Arena • 11 a.m. • FREE!

Georgia’s first team in the Indoor Football League is going to be right here in Athens. This kickoff event will introduce the new Athens-­based expansion franchise, which will have seasons March through July beginning next year. Jerome Bettis, a Hall of Fame NFL running back; Brian Jordan, who played in both the NFL and Major League Baseball; and David Pollack, a nationally recognized broadcaster and one of the most decorated football players in UGA football history, are the team’s owners and will make appearances at the kickoff.

Two-­time SEC Championship-­winning former UGA football coach Mark Richt will also be featured. There will be live music, street performances, fan experiences and a first look at what the Indoor Football League will bring to Athens. Finally, the community will get a chance to weigh in on Athens’ team name. [Mary Beth Bryan] EVENT | THU, MAY 21

Music in the House

Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE!

tion will be on display in the Main Gallery through July 31. [MB] EVENT | SAT, MAY 23

WAGGLEFEST/BOOM BOOM BEES

Low Star Farm • 1–10 p.m. • $40 (free for kids)

Music and art are glued together with a healthy serving of honey for this collaborative event hosted on local band/beekeepers Cicada Rhythm’s home farm by experimental art and music collectives Swanntopia and Drones in the Garden and boutique music label Hooker Vision. Described in its press release as an “ambient farm stroll and celebration of honeybee communication and agricultural cross-­pollination,” the event will feature 15 live bands–—many of whom are traveling from Western North Carolina or further—across two stages, a wide variety of land art installations, HAM radio demonstrations, a guided honey tasting, facepainting, a taco truck and more. Several of the art installations will also incorporate musical elements, such as the analog modular synthesizer sounds in Kyle Scott MacKinnel’s “Inverse Golf” and Now Time Hexagon Dances, which is like a square dance for six that will be accompanied by a fiddler playing an original song

by Sally Anne Morgan. A Sunset Surprise light show will be held at 8:33 p.m., including projections, glowing visuals, lanterns,

Lyndon House Arts Center’s quarterly Music in the House event provides a space for artists to work in the lower atrium with accompaniment from local musicians. Previous musical artists have included Tracy & Jeff and Cicada Rhythm, and this installment will feature blues, country and rock performer Jimee Stoune & the Blue Blazes. The event is open to visual artists, writers and people who just want to enjoy live music in an informal, relaxed setting.

It’s a perfect environment to practice live figure drawing, get inspired and mingle with other local creatives. Music in the House runs until 7:30 Music in the House p.m., and people of all ages are welcome. Lyndon House Arts Center analog video synthesis and a neon hexagon will provide writing tables, easels and draw- array. Blankets, chairs, coolers, water boting benches. [MB] tles and bee costumes are encouraged. [MB] ART | FRI, MAY 22

‘Southworks’ Opening Reception OCAF • 5 p.m. • FREE!

The annual “Southworks” national juried exhibition is now in its 30th year of highlighting selected works in a variety of mediums and styles. This year’s exhibition is juried by Beth Malone, executive director of OCAF, and Rachel Waldrop, director and curator of the UGA gallery Athenaeum.

Before the opening of “Southworks,” the evening will begin with the dedication of the Stancil entrance at OCAF from 5–6 p.m.

Then artists and visitors will join in food, drinks and fellowship to celebrate the exhibition. There will also be music provided by DJ Sebastian Grendados. “Southworks” is OCAF’s biggest show of the year, acting as part of its mission to enrich lives and build community through the arts. The exhibi-

MUSIC | SAT, MAY 23

Funk on the Lawn

Madison-­Morgan Cultural Center • 5:30 p.m.

• FREE!

MMCC is inviting the community to boogie on its front lawn to music from The Original Splitz Band. The local band, which features Madison native Rufus Hope on drums among its several members, was originally formed in 1990, and its lineup over the years has been ever-­evolving.

Dedicated musicians from a variety of generations fold their own takes on Motown, gospel, jazz, soul, rock and country into the band’s sound. For Funk on the Lawn, The Original Splitz Band will perform until 8:30 p.m., and there will also be food vendors and activities for kids. Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets, tables and chairs.

In the event of inclement weather, Funk on the Lawn will be hosted in the Hall on Foster. [MB] f

music

threats & promises

Go Public’s ‘Becoming A Stranger’

Pet Loss Grief Support

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com BACK TO THE START: HHBTM Records will release the debut full-­length album by post-­punk/new wave tower of strength Go Public on July 24, but the first single is out as we speak. The album is titled You Are Traffic, and the single is “Becoming A Stranger.” Go Public’s debut EP was released back in 2022, so it’s time for some new tunes, most definitely. On the new single we hear the band smoothing out some of the jitters that characterized the EP. The guitars here absolutely shine when they’re not doing double-­duty laying down a thickly repetitive rhythm. The beat flourishes between the stomp of A Certain Ratio and full-­on rock fills.

Each of these dudes (Sean Rawls, Adrian Finch, Sam Gunn and Jay Domingo) have been in multiple bands over the MATT MILLER

Go Public

years, each achieving their own level of relative fame. For my money, though, this is the best and most consistently pleasing project in which any of these dudes has been involved. The album is available for both vinyl and digital pre-­orders, and the single for streaming, at hhbtm.bandcamp.com/album/you-­are-­traffic. You can keep up with the band via instagram.com/gopublicband.

THE ANXIETY OF SYMMETRY: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens Saturday, May 23. Now this is going to be a loud one, and I encourage all of you to remember earplugs if attending. I’m not kidding. I cannot tell you how much I wish I’d begun heeding this directive years ago.

Featured performers are Ihlyatt, about whom you’ve read in this column for years; Drone Tomorrow, which “constructs immersive electronic environments that blur the line between sound and space—moving through ambient drift, industrial tension, and cyberpunk-­inspired atmospheres;” and “industrial harsh noise project” The Store. Things get going at 8 p.m. Remember to take some cash money or have your Venmo ready to go, as these shows generally cost 10 bucks. For more information on ATHICA, please see athica.org.

PLAY FOR TODAY: The sizable new album Myths For Tomorrow

by The Vet’s Fetching is more accessible than the album tags might let on. I mean, sure, this definitely has some dark ambient elements in it, but this is no mood ruiner. It’s actually quite sprightly and full of motion. The synth work here is stunningly catchy (notable on “Arcane Speedway”).

There are also musical nods to early-­mid period The Cure (“The Intergalactic Happenstance,” “Myths For Tomorrow,” “Insert Coin To Continue,” “The Weight of Stargazing”)

as well as a few harder tracks that are as remix ready as you like (“Total Cobra,” “Subnautical Clubbing,” “Digital Winter”). Find this at thevetsfetching.bandcamp.com.

SEARCH AND DESTROY: The three-­song demo from 700 Club

comes courtesy of HARD TACK. It should be understood that I’m very partial to this kind of thing that sounds like it was recorded on a boombox in a practice space. But this only works for me if the songs are there. And, thankfully, they are. This is more straight-­up punk than hardcore, but still pretty punchy, especially on “No Cash.” The other tracks funnel their speedy aesthetic through such classic offerings as The Dictators and, ever so slightly, MC5. I dig it, and maybe you will as well. Test it out at hard​ tackk.bandcamp.com.

BACK TO THE GARDEN: Cicada Rhythm is hosting an event named Wagglefest on Saturday, May 23, and it’ll run from noon to 10 p.m. It’ll happen at Low Star Farm, located at 473 Old Commerce Extension in Athens. Featured performers are Sally Anne Morgan and The Lightfoots, Hidden Nectar, Cult Of Riggonia, Lea Lea, Farewell Phoenix, Sleep Number, XOR, Modern Lamps, Brainworlds, Dragana, Arbor Labor Union, Immaterial Possession, Cicada Rhythm and I, Conduit. On the group’s website it mentions that this will feature “outdoor art installations, music, and educational elements centered around pollinators, communication, and community.” Not bad! Tickets are 40 bucks and are available for purchase, along with any additional information you might need, at cicadarhythm.com.

AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: The mighty Woggles haven’t been a presence in our town for a while now, but their garage-­rock legacy is writ large across Athens music history.

So it pleases me to let you know about the group’s new collection of B-­Sides and rarities named Stop And Take A Minute. The title track was written by the late Jeff Walls (aka “Flesh Hammer”) and features the total treat of guest Keith Streng (Fleshtones) on guitars and backing vocals.

By my best estimation, The Woggles started on this lifelong rock-­and-­roll pathway around 1987 or so, and this collection demonstrates why the band has enjoyed such staying power across the years. The previously mentioned title track is an obvious highlight, as is “Only Got Myself To Blame,” “Little Red Wagon” and the boogie-­woogie “Top Shelf.”

Find this on major streaming services or purchase vinyl, CD and digital copies at thewoggles.bandcamp.com, and for all other information, please see thewoggles.com.

TRY THIS ON: The While has been cooking for a couple of

years but just recently released its debut single. It’s a fairly simple-­sounding indie pop song but is layered in a nice way that really draws the ear to the guitar action in the background. It picks up the tempo around the one-­minute mark, which also happens to be the moment the song slips into a recognizably psychedelic style. So, not very much to go on considering there’s only this one song available, but all signs point to more good stuff coming out from these folks. Find this on major streaming services. f

You’re not weird for hurting this much.

Come be with others who understand.

Athens Pet Loss & Grief Circle 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:00pm • Free AthensPetGriefSupport.org

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! IN THE 2026-2027

flagpole GUIDE TO(DISTRIBUTED ATHENS IN AUG 2026) Space Reservation Deadline: June 16 th 5% Early Payment Discount Deadline: June 1st

GREAT FOR NEWCOMERS, VISITORS AND LOCALS!

THE GUIDE FEATURES: • THE ONLY COMPREHENSIVE RESTAURANT, BAR, & CLUB LISTINGS • INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL ART, PARKS, EVENTS, MUSIC, BREWERIES, & MORE

Contact the Flagpole Advertising Department 706-549-0301 or ads@flagpole.com M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

9

pets

photo gallery

Coco

Griffin

Belushi

Cora Lee

Hugo

Bijou

Daisy

LouAnne

Chili

Fenton

Lucy & Stella

Baldr

10

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

Mama Kitty

Ophelia

Tater Tot

Milton & Hiker

Shep

Tuesday

Olive & Cupid

Suzy

Zoe

Bouncy

Mr. Mittensworth

Smudge

Socks

Turkey

In Memory of Jody Temple

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

hawthornepet.com

12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

live music calendar Tuesday 19

Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes at Daily. 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop JIM WILLINGHAM Local folk rock singer-​songwriter (Dim Watts, Burly Ivy) exploring themes of comedy and tragedy.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-​expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-​rock and improvised music.”

Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $13 (w/ UGA ID), $28. music.uga.edu CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS Performing its Gala Finale, featuring works such as Turina’s Scène Andalouse, Ravel’s Chansons Madécasses and Saint-​Saëns’ Septet.

Wednesday 20 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net BENNY ST. PEIXE Atlanta-​based bass player layering and looping jazz. (6 p.m.)

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.deadbeatathens.com FORCEGHOST & FRIENDS Ambient house with arps and heart in the sleepy South, featuring special guests John Fernandes, Ben Hackett and Patrick Hargon.

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

The Globe 8 p.m. $15. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens ROBBER ROBBER Vermont rock band touring its second album, Two Wheels Move the Soul.

EMPATH Philadelphia noise pop band whose recent record Visitor received praise from Paste Magazine, Stereogum and more.

RACECAR 44 Athens indie band featuring members of Picture Show.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga SEEKING APPROVAL Athens-​ based psych-​funk band performing a mix of originals and covers.

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.

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $15–25. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA LEAH BLEVINS Artist from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky with influences ranging from gritty country to graceful gospel.

Thursday 21 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues and Brews. 6 p.m. $5. www. athenticbrewing.com RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-​driven local blues-​ rock group.

Dead Beat Club 8:30 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com 69 DUDES Athens misfits on a mission to write 69 punk songs, each exactly 69 seconds long.

MOLLY’S LIPS Nirvana tribute band featuring members of The Agenda!, Donkey Punch and Shehehe.

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. (sign-​ups), 8 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com JAZZ JAM Seth Hendershot and the house band Unstarched host an open jazz jam. Bring an instrument or your voice.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com JIM & JACK Jack Miller and Jim Green will be strumming and singing some classics along with originals.

Little Kings Shuffle Club Attaboy Tapes Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www. instagram.com/littlekingsshuffleclub MEGHAN DOWLEN Janet Jackson inspired pop meets Lizzy Mercier Descloux experimentation.

YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, soft-​ loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements.

THE FALLING SPIKES Loud, dumb rock and roll.

Lyndon House Art Center Music in the House. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse JIMEE STOUNE & THE BLUE BLAZES Performing blues, country and rock.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam.

Rialto Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20. www.indigoathens.com JIM WHITE Winterville-​based singer-​songwriter with a canny lyrical style and a Southern gothic flair.

Friday 22 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com TRIO METRO This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist.

Dead Beat Club 8:30 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens. com LITTLE GOLD Local group playing garage rock with country and pop sensibilities.

SUNSET HONOR UNIT Sentimental pop from Atlanta comprised of dueling songwriters Drew Kirby and Jake Chisenhall.

DIPPER GRANDE Alt-​cosmic music from Athens.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz.

They’ll rock your whiskers off!

MARALUSO Indie rock project based out of Charleston, SC known for its intense songwriting structures and conversational melodies.

TELEPHONE POLE Indie rock band from Athens.

Normal Bar 7 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens FAWNEY RIG Hard-​edged Irish folk rock with a traditional Irish open session after the show. Bring your instrument and a tune to share!

DAVID LUKA Local songwriter featuring a blend of blues, folk rock, reggae and punk galvanizing the working class revolution.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga MILE FROM MEADOW Three-​ piece band from Monroe playing originals and covers.

Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand​ grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night.

Saturday 23 ATHICA Sonic Space. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.athica.org IHLYATT Audiovisual artist Josh Anderssen creates atmospheric and textural work based around ambient music and VHS technology.

DRONE TOMORROW Constructs immersive electronic environments that blur the line between sound and space.

THE STORE Industrial harsh noise project that combines butchered guitar textures with raw distortion.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net DAVE FORKER Custom Concern member plays originals and covers.

(9 a.m.)

Boutier Winery & Inn 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Local band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music.

Ciné 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com DAMES New local four-​piece project.

ANTRONA Alt-​rock for your younger brother’s oldest cousin’s wife’s pet dog’s past foster parents and their kids.

DOGISM New rock trio from Atlanta.

Dead Beat Club 9 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com POLAR WAVES Alternative and punk rock band led by singer-​ songwriter Julio Duran. A two-​set, immersive performance celebrating the Spring Equinox and Winter’s Death.

VILLARREAL Four-​piece psychedelic blues rock band from Atlanta.

Flicker Theatre & Bar GARRETT WHEELER Punk music for truck drivers, country music for punk kids.

CURTIS CALLIS & THE COTTONMOUTHS Country cover tunes, the old school way.

RYAN LOCKHART South Carolina-​ born songwriter whose work bridges the intensity of the Southern hardcore scene and the restraint of traditional folk songwriting.

Flying Squid Comedy 7:30 p.m. $10. flyingsquidcomedy. com HATESPWAN SLIME West Georgia angry-​fun eldritch hardcore.

MAUL RAT New project by members of Spoil.

LILYPAD Southeast sabotage, heavy hardcore punk-​ish.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook TERRAPLANE BLUE Versatile trio performing originals, traditional blues tunes and blues rock songs.

Hendershot’s Dizzy Rat Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots​ athens.com 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.

GAGE GILMORE Library music, music for film, improvisation and field recordings from Atlanta.

TEMPLE OF CALISTHENICS Local surreal pop music.

Low Star Farm Wagglefest. 1–10 p.m. $40. www. cicadarhythm.com CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens act playing melodic, roots-​ influenced folk-​rock.

IMMATERIAL POSSESSION Dark psychedelic folk pop group often incorporating visual art, theater and improv into their creative sets.

ARBOR LABOR UNION Transcendental twang from Atlanta.

DRAGANA A cappella vocal group performing traditional folk songs from the rich musical tapestry of Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

SALLY ANNE MORGAN Playing haunting psychedelic Appalachian folk drone that invokes the rhododendron thickets, creeks and mountains of Western North Carolina.

CULT OF RIGGONIA Macon/Athens-​based psychedelic collective known for its unique immersive performances that blends tribalist rhythms and vocal harmonies with textured noise.

LEA LEA Local musician with folk-​centric guitar picking, thick layered vocal looping and lullaby-​ style melodies dripping from the tree tops.

MODERN LAMPS Opium den drone from Rachel Evans and Grant Evans layers bells and chimes, echoing guitar and fuzzed-​out bass.

I, CONDUIT Duo project of Jeffry Astin (label head of Housecraft Recordings) and Brian Kinkade (Label head of Diatom Bath).

FAREWELL PHOENIX The experimental music project of Vietnamese-​American artist, video animator, writer, composer and synthesist Lynn Nguyen Fister.

SLEEP NUMBER Drone soundscapes for your ears, head and heart from Asheville, NC-​based multidisciplinary artist Sophie Hull.

XOR Asheville, NC-​based experimental ambient/electronic project of Matthew Bowman.

BRAINWORLDS Atlanta-​based guitarist Mason Brown works to envelop the listener in sheets of meditative sound and delve deep into the subconscious.

GINSENG AVATAR Psychedelic, kaiju-​inspired sound system/performance act, trailing slime and blasting tapes of fried electronic riddims and otherworldly air horn.

M. KOVACEVICH Low Yo Yo Stuff employee and regular local music collaborator whose recent duo and solo performances and recordings see him delving deeper into music concrete.

Madison Morgan Cultural Center Funk on the Lawn. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-​arts.org THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-​school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga SWING THEORY Athenian jazz collective plays standards and arrangements.

The Old Pal Townie Summer Kickoff. 10 p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/ theoldpal DANCE PARTY DJ Kap10 and DJ Reindeer Games will be keeping the party going late night.

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.

Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 6–9 p.m. southerndrawlbarandgrille. com THOMAS GAY Comer local with a small-​town country sound.

Sunday 24 Athentic Brewing Co. 5–7:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com OL’ FADER Local rock band.

Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier​ winery.com KASEY KING Classic pop and rock hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

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

The World Famous 9:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworldfamous​ athens GENERAL PURPOSE Prog rockers based in Greensboro, NC utilizing classical instruments such as clarinet and violin in a rock context.

ALIEN FUNK ACADEMY Athens-​ based power trio specializing in high intensity rock and roll and galactic funk influenced by Vulfpeck, Umphree’s McGee and Phish.

Monday 25 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.

Tuesday 26 Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-​expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-​rock and improvised music.”

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). www. flickertheatreandbar.com ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings.

KILTERCLUB Hypnotic beats, haunted textures, and Berlin style sequences with field recordings and live instruments.

OHMU Abstract ambient solo project of Winston Parker, creating ruptured beds of high volume sound draped in fog and frenetic sound reactive lighting.

Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music.

Wednesday 27 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.

Dead Beat Club 6 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.deadbeat​ athens.com ERIK OLSON Pianist known for his work in jazz-​infused trios and quartets, as well as his band Erik Olson’s Slam Tilt.

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

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. f

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

13

Tuesday 19

event calendar

COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform an abridged improv version of The Devil Wears Prada.

7:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.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: 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: Toddler Tuesday: On Repeat (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity.

Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-​ tours@uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk with the group. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

Wednesday 20 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the bilingual version of the 195 film Monster Zero. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-​Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches.

Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com 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/shihtzunottrivia

art around town ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) “Lands Left” features landscape works by Greg Benson in the taproom. Through May. ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) 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.”

ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) “Mutual Grit” features works within the theme of Georgia’s ecology and human impact on the environment. Opening reception May 22, 6–8 p.m. Through June 30.

AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “The Silk Show ’26” features painted silks by Margaret Agner. Through July.

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

Through May. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) “A Love Letter to Athens” features photography by Megan Savage. Through May. GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Seeing the News in Harper’s Weekly, 1860–80” features Civil War-­era and Reconstruction-­era illustrations by Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer, curated by students in UGA’s Hands-­on Public History course. On view May 23–July 12. • Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” 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. • asin-

14

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

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

Discuss Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin with the group. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

Thursday 21 ART: Open Studio (Chase Park Warehouse, Unit 4, Suite #10) Artist Christina Habibi’s work will be on view with featured guest Mr. E reading poetry. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.habibiart.com ART: Music in the House (Lyndon House Arts Center) Easels and

The exhibition “Mutual Grit” features works based on the environment at ATHICA. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 22 from 6–8 p.m.

KIDSTUFF: Author Meet & Greet (Bogart Library) Catherine Jarvis Smith, author of the Sparkelina series, will discuss her books for kids. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Read In Peace Book Club (Hendershot’s) Discuss What Moves The Dead by T. Kingfisher with the group or read silently with others. 5:30​​p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/ripbook​ clubathens LECTURES & LIT: Armchair Historians Book Club (ACC Library)

tables will be set up for anyone who would like to draw, write or simply listen to music by Jimee Stoune & the Blue Blazes. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Yoga and Pilates for the People. Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny

najaq’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.

HABIBI ART (160 Tracy St. Unit 4, Ste. 10) Free open studio event with guest artist Mr. E. and live poetry readings. May 21, 6–9 p.m.

HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER (280 E. Dougherty St.) In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, an exhibit titled “Dear Friend: We’ve Done it” will share the story of how the historic Church-­Waddel-­Brumby House was saved from demolition in 1967. Through May. 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. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded mass-­ produced objects. Through July 18. • “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.

MADISON-­MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October.

OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop. May 22–July 31. Opening reception and Stancil entrance dedication May 22, 5–8 p.m. • “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett.

May 22–June 26. • “Art in the Family” presents multi-­medium works by OCAF members and volunteers. July 3–31.

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: Athens Football Kickoff Celebration (Akins Ford Arena) Introduction of the Indoor Football League team with live music, street performances, food and more.

RSVP requested. 11 a.m. FREE! www.classiccenter.com EVENTS: Forest Heights Blueberry Festival Kickoff (Oglethorpe Garage) Organizers will give a preview of this year’s events and festival merchandise will be available in support of the Community Blueberry Project. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.regenerators.earth/festival FILM: The Battle of Algiers (Ciné) Screening of the 1966 war documentary with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 p.m. $15. www. athenscine.com 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 trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia 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: Magic & Wonder (The Meadow Montessori Play Studio) Magician and ventriloquist Mr. Keith will perform before an open play session. 10 a.m. $20. www. themeadow.as.me KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Bogart Library) Drop in to read a story to certified therapy dog Maisy Jane.

Ages 4 & up. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-​run gam-

ing session open to all skill levels.

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

Friday 22 ART: Opening Reception (ATHICA) The exhibition “Mutual Grit” features works based on Georgia’s ecology and human impact on the environment. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athica.org ART: Opening Reception & Ribbon Cutting (OCAF) The National Juried Exhibition “Southworks” will be on view with a special dedication celebrating the new Stancil entrance.

6–8 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com OUTDOORS: Night Paddle (Sandy Creek Park) Bring your own boat or use one of the provided single or tandem kayaks for a peaceful evening on the water. Ages 12 & up. 7:30 p.m. www.accgov.com/ sandycreekpark OUTDOORS: Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7:30 p.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge 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

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) Athens printmaker Amanda Burk displays works combining traditional printmaking techniques with hand-­drawn and painted elements. Through June 28.

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.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by Manda McKay will be on display through May 29. Closing reception May 29, 6–9 p.m.

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) The Third Annual Juried Show features works of various mediums by local artists. Through June 12. • Solo projects by Yvonne Studevan, James Cook, Leslie Moody and Paula Reynaldi are on display through June 12. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

Saturday 23 EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and more. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net 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 FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of a classic Jim Henson film filled with mazes, puppetry and a singing Goblin King.

3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart OUTDOORS: Athens Multiple Sclerosis Community Ride (Watkinsville Baptist Church) A group bike ride with 20–30 mile route options followed by a community lunch.

Registration required. 9 a.m. FREE! john.beverstein@gmail.com OUTDOORS: World Turtle Day (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led interactive presentation on some of Georgia’s native turtle species. Waiver required. 12 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: 5K Trail Fun Run (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join a ranger led run around the park. 2:30 p.m. $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7:30 p.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: Afternoon Tea: A Drag Brunch (Athentic Brewing Co.) A high tea themed afternoon of drag entertainment. 12 p.m. $10 (show only). www.athenticbrewing. com

Sunday 24 COMEDY: Funny Femmes (The Globe) An all-​femme showcase featuring comedians from Athens and Atlanta. Fourth Sundays, 9 p.m. $10. www.globetavern.com FILM: Tokusatsu Club (ACC Library) Screening of the 1962 Japanese sci-​fi disaster movie Gorath. 3 p.m.

FREE! clubtoku@gmail.

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 OUTDOORS: Morning Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river. Registration required. 9:15 a.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Creek Critters (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Experience hands-​on stream ecology while hiking along Beaver Creek. 12 p.m. $5/person, $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Tails on Trails (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Bring your pup for a hike around the loop trail. 2 p.m. $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge

Monday 25 GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Nor-

maltown)) 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/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Video Game Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia skills about all things video games.

7–9 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 GAMES: Trivia with Marissa (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Test your trivia knowledge with host Marissa.

8 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar. com OUTDOORS: Morning Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-​led paddle on the river. Registration required. 9:15 a.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Twig Boat Race (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn how to craft a twig boat and then race them against competitors.

1 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMill​ Bridge OUTDOORS: Bridge Building (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Learn to build a miniature bridge out of popsicle sticks. 3 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge

Tuesday 26 CLASSES: Outdoor Recreation Apps (ACC Library) Learn about available apps, how to set up an account, plan trips and more. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.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: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.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 LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (Hendershot’s) Local author Brian Buffington will discuss his new fantasy novel The Rules of Blackstone followed by a book signing. 6 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com PERFORMANCE: Rabbit Box Storytelling (VFW Post 2872) This month’s storytelling theme is “My First Job” with local people sharing real life stories. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www.rabbitbox. org SPORTS: Athens Athletic Hall of Fame Golf Tournament (UGA Golf Course) Enjoy breakfast, on-​course contests and a post-​tournament reception. Proceeds benefit a variety of local athletic scholarships.

7:30 a.m. (registration), 9 a.m. (tee-​off). $100. www.athenshallof​ fame.com

YOU ARE INVITED A NEW IDEA FOR A JOINT CELEBRATION

A GOOD STORY ATHENS’ FIRST COLLECTIVE BIRTHDAY

Wednesday 27 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org 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: 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

Down the Line 5/28 Creative Aging Seated Yoga (Georgia Museum of Art) 5/28 D&C Day (Various Locations) 5/28 Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) 5/28 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) 5/28 Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) f

Has your pet been diagnosed with a condition that is affecting their mobility?

Ostheoarthritis? Hip Dysplasia? Back Pain?

LEARN MORE HERE

Mobility coaching can help!

Contact us today at petmobilitycare@gmail.com

flagpole

CLASSIFIEDS

BUY SELL RENT HIRE Interact with real, local, human beings.

706-549-9523 • class@flagpole.com

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

15

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) Junk South is hiring for the Crew Leader position. Must be 25 years or older, clean 3 year MVR and be a hands-​on leader. Starting pay + tip ~ $25/hr. Email us at info@junk​ south.com to find out more.

MUSIC (Instruction) Athens School of Music. Now offering in-​person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athensschoolof​ music.com. 706-​543-​5800 MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) 20 yr. old male guitar player looking to form or join an alternative rock/ metal band. Check out my originals and DM me on IG @gmarkey2024.

Serious inquiries only.

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 (Organizations) Summer Co-​Op social and launch luncheon at ACC Library. May 23, 1–4 p.m.

Join community for networking and cooperative connection. Women, veterans, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-​ owned businesses especially encouraged to attend. www.athens. coop

REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $1000/mon all inclusive. Graduate student preferred.

Call 706-​286-​0138 for more information.

SERVICES (Classes) Change the direction of your life in 6 months— from burnout to balance. Flexible career, enrolling now w/July program start. Strada Institute, School of Massage. www.athensmassage​ school.com 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.foxdenthird​ space.com/camps SERVICES (Classes) SUMMER CAMPS at Merit Music Academy are now open! Songwriting, Rock ’n Roll, Piano, and even Puppetry and Comedy camps. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.–5 p.m. options available.

Read more at MeritMusicAcademy. com/camps.

SERVICES (Home & Garden) Professional interior and exterior painting services. Fully insured. Call Ryan at 706-​410-​0177 or email at normalpainting@proton.me for a free quote.

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.

SUPPORT GROUP (Chase Park Warehouses) Pet loss and grief. A peer-led support group of people who understand the depth of love and grief for animal companions.

Meets every second and fourth Wednesday, 6:30–8 p.m. www. vibrantbeing.net/grief-support

Arts ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory 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 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 ART (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Taking inspiration from 18th-​century political and satirical art, entrants are invited to

ADOPT ME!

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

Penny(60726501)

Little Penny is sweet as ice cream and loves her toys. As soon as she gets into the interaction pen, she goes straight for her favorite one and starts a game of fetch with the nearest friend.

Corncob (60551885)

Corncob is an adorable twoyear-old cat who is looking for a new companion to lounge around with. Consider adopting or fostering Corncob or another lucky cat from the shelter today!

Parker (60681104)

Parker has a reputation as an escape artist, but she makes up for it in sweetness. She loves pressing her face up against a friend’s and giving kisses. She’s got a lot of love to share!

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

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

16

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

contribute their own works which speak to their personal conceptions of Revolution and Rebellion. Submissions accepted through June 8. On view June 9–Sept. 15. www. wintervillecenter.com/gallery 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 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 CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit​ box.org/tell CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator​ @athenshc.org COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

throughout the month. www.georgia​ museum.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 1776 THE MUSICAL (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Interested performers should bring a 32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show or a 30–60 second monologue of their choosing. Sign up for a 10 minute slot required. June 11 & 12, 5:30-​9:30 p.m. www.wintervillecenter.com/ ANTIGONE (Town & Gown) Seeking a variety of performers for classic drama. June. 9–10. Performances held Aug. 7–16. www.townand​ gownplayers.org 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 IN MIRACLES (855 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m.

770-​237-​2354 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 & 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 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 (The Studio) TIMBAthens & Bachata Conexión host a 9-​week workshop series for salsa and bachata dancers of all levels.

June 7–Aug. 9, 4:30 p.m. No class July 5. Registration required. www. timbathens.com/events.

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 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 FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison 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 BOARD MEMBERS (Athens Area Arts Council) The council is accepting applications from individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and have a passion for the arts. www.athensarts.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-​serving, non-​perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-​off please call 706-​546-​1133, ext 223.

SEEKING DONATIONS & 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 TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store.

Please bring credentials. www.acc​ gov.com/trs 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 GRAND SLAM SUMMER PROGRAM (Lay Park) Evenings include games, giveaways, guest speakers, life enrichment activities, music, refreshments, sports and more. For ages 11–17. Fridays through May 29–July 24 6–9 p.m. www.accgov. com/grandslam HISTORY CAMP (Crawford Long Museum, Jefferson) Registration now open for the Masterpiece Makers day camp. Learn about and create a variety of art from around the world. Ages 6–10. $110. June 8–12, 9:45 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. Limited availability. 706-​367-​5307 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.athens​ humanesociety.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 CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Registration is now open for a variety of summer camps in June & July including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolive​ farm.org/collections/2026-​summer-​ camps 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

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 CALL FOR VENDORS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Applications now open for Market Days featuring fresh foods, baked goods and specialty items. Every second Saturday beginning in June. $25 per market or $80 for the full four-​market series. www.athenswelcomecenter. com CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including Speed Workout (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and Fun Runs (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens​ roadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youre-​ invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome.

Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org SEEKING CAMP COUNSELORS (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Now accepting applications for Counselors In Training for a variety of summer camp programs. Kat at howdy@sweetolivefarm.org.

SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-​340-​7134 VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com 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

Animal Communication & Energy Healing Classes & Sessions Theresa Flemming

Behavior & Emotional Health Transitions & Grief Support Animal Energy Healings

706-247-9141

upcoming events Animal Communication Workshop • Sat. June 13 11am–1:30pm Healing Pet Separation Anxiety • Sat. June 27 11am–1:30pm

register: hello@ancientsunsacademy.com

25% Off Sessions

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

Clean, Safe, Fun, and Friendly. Serving the Athens Community Since 1995

FourSeasonsPetResort.com

BWS FQ • $30 A MONTH 2.5 GALLON COLD WATER TANK UP TO 1.8 GALLON HOT WATER TANK 4 STAGE ULTRAFILTRATION OR 4 STAGE RO SYSTEM WITH SEDIMENT, PRECARBON, AND POST CARBON FILTERS FOR GREAT TASTING WATER

BUSINESSWATERSOLUTIONS.COM

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

17

arts & culture

feature

Tomato Tips

PICKING YOUR PLANT AND MAKING IT THRIVE

We’re swiftly approaching ripe ’mater produce better in high tunnels or greenseason y’all—which means I get 50% more houses where moisture can be better reguSouthern and 50% more serious in the lated. If you’re growing outside, here’s a few garden. There’s still time to plant tomatoes, more tips for growing tomatoes. even if you don’t have them in the ground TIE THEM UP: My favorite method for keeping yet. Our growing season is relatively long, tomatoes contained is called the Florida and it generally takes about 65–80 days for Weave. This does assume more than two most varieties to grow an edible fruit ready tomato plants and access to T-​posts or for your salad, sandwich or sauce. some other fence-​like structure you can If you’re looking for recommendations: use as support. Tomato cages work well Jolene and Early Girl work well in my for smaller gardens. Whatever you choose, garden. I plant San Marzanos every year because they are excellent paste tomatoes and make delicious sauces and curries. I’m trialing Lemon Boy, a medium-​sized, bright yellow tomato, as well as a standard Black Cherry variety this summer.

If you’re after big ol’ sandwich tomatoes, a survey of University of Georgia cooperative extension agents and master gardener volunteers published by UGA’s College of Agricultural and Southern tomatoes are some of the best backyard and farmyard proEnvironmental Sciences duce available in the summer. recommends Beefmaster, Big Beef, Goliath and definitely keep those ’mater vines off the Bodacious as the top four picks. I’m still ground. You’ll decrease the disease and pest looking for my favorite sandwich tomato. pressure and will make your garden slightly Most of the standards, like Cherokee less unruly.

Purple—which earned an honorable mention in the survey—have a great taste, but KEEP THEM TRIMMED: I stick with the “high and tend to split their skin after heavy summer tight” haircut for tomatoes. Getting in there downpours. I’m open to suggestions and recommendations for sandwich tomatoes in with a pair of shears and snipping off botthe 2027 garden at troublesomecreekfarm@ tom leaves and side shoots might not feel great, but your plant will last longer. Pick gmail.com. one main trunk for your plant and then New gardeners might want to start with cherry tomatoes. Cherry varieties grow pro- allow a shoot on each side to develop every 6–12 inches. This will stop your tomato If your partner objects when you use thelifically phone,and can encourage children to try plant from becoming too shaggy and help cuter, bite-​sized veggies. Sungold limits your everyday contact with familysmaller, and friends, produce larger tomatoes. I lop off the first well in our region. Nearly indestrucand you restrict yourself to avoid angry,does aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you use the phone, foot of leaves once the plant reaches 3-​feet tible, Coyote cherry plants produce small, you need to when step back and take tall to increase air flow and slow down dislimits contact with family and friends, pale yellow tomatoes that taste great. They anotheryour look.everyday How can you cope once you are involved ease progression. do have a tendency to split their skins after with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. and restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, aggressive a rainfall, Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free.which can allow pests and disconfrontations, you need to step back and take USE NON-​PETROLEUM BASED FERTILIZER: Tomatoes ease to set up shop. Double check for any Get your life back. Get help. another look. How can you copeuncharacteristic once you are involved are hungry plants. Adding fertilizer will brown spots before popwith a controlling partner? Call ping Project help. one inSafe yourfor mouth.

Matt’s Wild Cherry help you achieve the large, red tasty fruit and become the envy of the neighborgrows well locally, but each fruit is so tiny Our hotline24 is hours/day confidential, and counseling is free.

Hotline, hood. But, stick to a non-​petroleum based that it hardly feels worthwhile to spend the If your partner objects when youGet use the phone, your back. help. del dia Linea de life crisis, las Get 24 horas alternative. First, there’s the whole Strait time harvesting. limits your everyday contact with family and friends, of Hormuz, anything-​with-​oil-​in-​it-​is-​skyOverall I’m now wary of tomato varietand you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive rocketing-​in-​price argument. Second, petroies that seem too good to be true. Brad’s leum-​based fertilizers for backyard gardens Atomic Grape with its iridescent coloring confrontations, you need to step back and take is sort of like using Thor’s hammer to sink a is beautiful, but I found the skin tough and another look. How can you cope once you are involved the meat Linea de crisis, las 24 horas delinside diabland. The White Tomesol finishing nail—overkill to the point of reckwith a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. lessness. Do you want your tomato plants tomato I hoped to make a highlight of the to grow? Or that Bermuda grass weed next summer a few years ago turned out to be Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. to it? Because I can guess who’s going to a flop. Insects loved the taste more than I Get your life back. Get help. make more use of that 3-​and 6-​month ferdid. The indigo Blue Berries didn’t produce tilizer. It’s the weed, and possibly, the algae the sweet, sharp taste advertised, though I downstream. Instead, pick fertilizers like didn’t have a chance to taste many because organic fish fertilizer (Neptune’s Harvest they were a pest favorite. is my favorite, but big box stores do stock Some of these tomato failures could be Alaska), worm castings or compost tea. due to my location or growing practices.

Your tomatoes, your garden and your local I don’t spray pesticides on the tomatoes watershed will thank you. f (organic or otherwise), and some varieties

If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Alpha Chi Omega wants you to find help.

706-543-3331

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia

18

F L A GP OL E .C OM · M AY 20, 2026

ERIN FRANCE

By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

2 7 1 8

5

4 3

CORD SIBILSKY

1 4

VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026

8

3 3 9 7

6 7

2

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD

8 9 1 7 5

9 4

O : 7 0 6 - 5 1 0 - 5 1 8 9 JRB | CI AD : 7 0for 6 -Flagpole 363-0803

|

C S G - G 3.1875" AP.CO M X 3.125"

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 by 3 boxes must contain Week of 35/18/26 - 5/24/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 2

3

4

5

8

9

10

11

12

13

16 19

18 21

20 23

7

15

14 17

6

22

24 25 Solution to Sudoku:

2 7 9 263 6 8 5 127 4 31 1 326 338 5 9 4 2 3 7 36 37 8 9 6 38 3 5 4 2 1 7 43 41 42 4 9 2 8 7 6 3 5 1 47 9 48 6 2 45 7 8 1 4 465 3 6 3 495 509 2 1 7 4 851 5 561 6 7 3 2 4 857 9 55 8 2 3 6 4 9 60 1 7 5 59 9 4 7 1 8 5 63 6 2 3 62

28 34 39

35 40

52

53

CASUAL & SOCIAL BEER & WINE FAMILY FRIENDLY

61 64 67

Locally Sourced Goodness Everyday

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

DOWN 1 Photo-sharing app, slangily 2 Not as timeworn 3 Biblical verb with "thou" 4 Quick jokes 5 Cambridge coll.

6 So to speak 7 The Kinks hit 8 Short sock 9 Get cozy 10 Comic O'Brien 11 Diluted espresso 12 Quite a few 13 Rock concert pit 18 Stun gun

22 Predicament 24 Steps up to the mark 27 "____ Grows in Brooklyn" 29 Sixth Jewish month 30 "All ___ are off!"

31 Details, briefly 32 Eggheady sort 33 Irish prime minister 35 Expansive views 38 Put off 39 Coop group 42 Start of a Christmas poem 44 Legal eagles, briefly 47 Doings 48 Club Med, for one 50 Theater worker 52 Winged 53 Atlanta-based airline 54 C.S. Lewis lion 55 Ancient Roman commoner 56 City north of Carson City 57 Nebraska native 61 Internet security protocol (abbr.)

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

02/15/2023

54

58

49 Like James Bond 51 "CHiPs" star Erik 55 Continues forward 58 Certain locks 59 Remini of "The King of Queens" 60 Bigger 62 Suffix with exist 63 Equine gaits 64 Lead-in for boy or girl 65 Atomic physicist 66 Kind of guitar 67 One of the Lennons

Athens

(SAT & SUN BRUNCH ONLY)

www.mamasboyathens.com LOMO S A LTA D O • W I N GS • E M PA N A DA S • S H A K E S • M A D U RO S •

CALL

FOR CATERING

THE MINI GRAN-COMBO DE PUERTO RICO. FOR KIDS AGE 95 AND UNDER STEAK AND EGGS, RICE, BEANS, SWEET PLANTAINS, AVOCADO SLICES AND SALSA - $13.99 LUMPKIN & CEDAR SHOALS 706-227-9979 • 706 - 355 - 7087

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS

ACROSS 1 Prefix with European 5 Italian fashion center 10 Waveless 14 Light gas 15 Hole-____ 16 Melville work 17 Coaxes with flattery 19 Trawler gear 20 Edison contemporary 21 Coastal wetland 23 Entertainer 25 1985 John Malkovich movie 26 Just-born babies 28 Fleet member 31 Investor concern 34 1 of 13 in a deck 36 Within easy reach 37 Daughter of Asher 40 Pre-med course: Abbr.

41 "Dust of Snow" poet 43 Rigby and Roosevelt 45 I hate: Latin 46 Really enjoyed, once

30

44

66

65

29

OPEN FOR BRUNCH AND LUNCH EVERY DAY!

CUBAN SANDWICH • TOSTONES • QUESADILLAS • TACOS • BURRITOS •

1

by Margie E. Burke

M AY 20, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

19

The Ultimate

PLAYGROUND

for DOGS & CATS!

Dog Daycare

Luxury Suites

Daycare Sleepovers

Kitty City

At Pawtropolis we honor the unique bond people have with their pets while cultivating a community that serves pets, clients, and employees alike. We do this in the following ways.

We build personal relationships with our clients, find ways to make their lives easier, and always maintain open and honest communication.

We focus on pets’ physical AND emotional well-being by creating personalized experiences for the pets in our care.

We are owned, operated and staffed by industry experts.

Owner: 25 years experience Leadership: Certified Pet Care Experts Playgroup Supervisors: average 100 hours of training and observation before independently managing daycare groups We have beautiful facilities specifically designed for the pets’ safety and well-being, and to provide transparency to clients.

We offer our employees competitive pay, health & retirement benefits, paid time off, and more.

WESTSIDE

EASTSIDE

MALCOM BRIDGE

130 Whitetail Way Bogart, GA 30622 706-227-7887

670 Olympic Drive Athens, GA 30601 706-850-8744

2531 Malcom Bridge Rd. Bogart, GA 30622 706-208-0808

PAWTROPOLIS.COM

Live Webcams!