Sept. 19, 2012
FREE
vol. 5 no. 13 community driven news
SAFE HOMES OF AUGUSTA SURVIVING THE ABUSE ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER
Buzz on Biz, LLC 3740 Executive Center Dr. Martinez, GA 30907
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story on pages 8 & 9
COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK
VIEWS YOU PAID FOR IT + VIBE SOULFUL SINGER + VITTLES IT’S ABOUT THYME + VALUES GOODBYE COACH SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 1
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Birds will Fly at Sacred Heart’s Silent Movie Night!
S
acred Heart Cultural Center presents Silent Movie Night featuring Safety Last, starring comedian Harold Lloyd with theatre organist Ron Carter. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 21. Lauren Cooper, an 11 year old origami artist, is working with Decorations Chair, Lois Kendall, volunteering her time and talents, to create fifty origami pigeons to be used as decorations for the Silent Movie Night. Her origami birds will fly on and around the tables set up for patrons. Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, transforms flat sheets of paper into finished sculptures through folding and sculpting techniques. The number of basic origami folds is small, but they can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. General admission seats for the Silent Movie Night are available for $18, or you may reserve a table for eight people for $18 per ticket. In addition, for $45 you can enjoy the show lounging in a La-Z-Boy with concessions included. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Sacred Heart Cultural Center at 706.826.4700. Tickets include a reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., honoring theatre organist Ron Carter’s 10th season with Sacred Heart. The film will begin at 7:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available for purchase. Both events will be held at Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene Street, downtown Augusta. by jennifer pruett
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what’sinside
you won’t want to miss a page
This is your voice to hold the powerful accountable in our community (SafeHomes and Hudson Hears)
15 vibe
Plan your activities around the best calendar in the CSRA and learn about cool music (Westobou and One on One with Adam Crabb).
29 vittles
Learn a new recipe (Food Bites) and experience an unbiased review of a new eatery in North Augusta (About Thyme Cafe).
35 values
Learn what’s been going on in the medical realm of the CSRA (Medical Roundup), laugh out loud with Nora’s “Life Face First” and honor the legend of a local coach (AB Sports).
12,000 copies of Verge are published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Copies are available FREE of charge at locations throughout the CSRA including Publix, Kroger and Earth Fare and 140 plus other locations in the CSRA. Of the 12,000 total circulation---4,000 of the copies are now direct mailed. Verge is a publication of Buzz on Biz, LLC, whose offices are at 3740 Executive Center Drive, Suite 300, Martinez, GA 30907. Reach us at 706.261.9981 or email staff members below in regards to story ideas, events listings, advertising inquiries or letters to the editor.
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EDITORIAL: president/executive editor Neil Gordon neil.gordon@buzzon.biz editor Jennifer Pruett jennifer.pruett@comcast.net primary writer Christopher Selmek events editor Sarah Childers events@vergelive.com
photography melissa@ sofiacolton.com, John Robeson, and Christopher Selmek PUBLISHING: group publisher Matt Plocha publisher@vergelive.com graphic design opendoorgraphicdesign.com sales Buddy Miller buddy.miller@buzzon.biz, Matt Plocha, Neil Gordon
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call us: 706.951.0579 email us: advertising & general stuff publisher@vergelive.com story tips, ideas and letters editor@vergelive.com free event listings events@vergelive.com find us online: vergelive.com
distribution Matt Plocha, Christopher Selmek, Buddy Miller
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9/11 Memorial
Local Remembrance Ceremonies
/ PG 6
Safe Homes of Augusta
Voices of Domestic Violence / PG 8-9
Tech Talk Windows 8
/ PG 13
THE CITY OF AUGUSTA and THE TITANIC
HUDSON HEARS story on page 11
new topnotch coming 11
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9/11 memorial SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, MAy We Never FORGET
Members of Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, Gold Cross EMS and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office gathered at the Evans Towne Center Park on Sept. 11. Pictured, from left to right, are James Thomas, Chris Slater, Jack Lindley, Jeff Prouty, David Nesbitt, Ricky Smith, Michael Day.
Members of the Augusta firefighter and police battalions gathered at the Commons, Sept. 11. Soldiers from the U.S. Army Soldier Show sang the National Anthem, American Soldier, and other songs while guests including Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Fort Gordon Garrison Commander Col. Robert Parker and City Administrator Fred Russell delivered remarks about their memory of 9/11.
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around town smatterings ...and the beat goes on and on and on
A Look At Things To Do
O
ne week removed from Arts in the Heart – a huge success this year – and we roll into Westobou Festival, First Friday and Border Bash. Take a breath and exhale after consuming flavors from around the world last week. Verge was proud to support the second ArtZilla this year with 10 great local artists transforming blank canvas into works of art during the course of the art festival’s 45 hours. It was a banner year for exposure to this beloved local art event and the buzz created around it was amazing. Now begins the bidding process: You can visit the ArtZilla web site at artzillalives.tumblr.com and bid on your favorite piece of art. Some of the proceeds from the auction will help benefit children’s art programs at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. Bid and bid often, you will be supporting local artists and a great cause. As you gear back up for more art with the Westobou Festival, we give you a glimpse of what’s coming on page 18. Keep in mind that one of the area’s most heated rivalries is on Oct. 5 – yes, that would be Border Bash. The universities of Georgia and South Carolina bring their energy and colors, cheerleaders and mascots to our border city to determine who has the most supportive and dedicated fan base. Thousands of fans, alumni and supporters converge on downtown Augusta to show support for their team. (This publisher would like to remain silent on which team is the best team in the SEC Eastern Division.) Live entertainment and a day of bragging and boasting will surely ensue. Come out and show your team spirit, have some fun and enjoy the game on Saturday, Oct. 6. In this issue, Verge goes in depth to discover the work of Safe Homes of Augusta to aid of victims of domestic abuse. Learn more about who they are, what they do and how you can help them. No one should live with this type of fear – ever. This month, you can attend their Annual Casino Night on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Legends Club. To find out more about that event and upcoming ones in October, see page 9. We hope to see you there. To say there is a lot going on in our community is an understatement, to say the least. We hope you are getting out there and soaking it all in. It is a great time of the year for our community.
See you out and about in our community! Matt
Community Honors a Fallen Hero
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n October 23, 2011 Dep. J.D. Paugh left an off-duty special assignment and was going home when he saw a car in the grass in the clover leaf of I-520 at the US 78 westbound on ramp. Dep. Paugh, although off duty, stopped to investigate. As he pulled up on his motorcycle, J.D. immediately started taking fire from the suspect. He was able to fire two rounds before his gun was disabled by a round from the suspect. He shot the suspect one time before being mortally wounded himself. The JD Paugh Memorial Foundation was formed to help bring something positive from this very tragic event. The Foundation is hosting the first annual JD Paugh Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament on September 24 at West Lake Country Club. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. At the request of JD’s family, all proceeds will be utilized to benefit local law enforcement with equipment, training and/or benevolent support. For tournament registration call 706.863.4642 or email kirkhice@westlakecountryclub.com, and for sponsorship opportunities call 706.831.8702 or email greg@deputyjdpaughmemorial.com. by Jennifer Pruett
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safehomes of augusta
SURVIVING AND STAYING SAFE A
ccording to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three teens have experienced dating violence, and one in four women experience domestic violence. In 2009, Georgia ranked 10th highest state for the rate at which men kill women, and in 2010, at least 130 victims lost their lives. Pastor Dave Willis of Stevens Creek Church calls it “the invisible epidemic,” because so many cases are unreported due to the stigma of being a victim and fear of retribution by the abuser. “They want help, they realize they desperately need help, but they’re apprehensive about reporting it to the authorities,” he says. “Karen,” a victim of domestic abuse, is also the antithesis of the commonly held “victim” stereotype. An Augusta resident and active member of the community, she graduated from a private Christian school, went to college, held a full-time job, and was 22 when she met her first husband. A former cheerleader and beauty pageant winner from a stable home (her parents have been together for 35 years), she had never been abused and had no issues with self-esteem. Her husbandto-be changed that when he moved in a few months after they began dating. It started with name calling and emotional abuse, Karen recalls. “Every argument was my fault. I was always apologizing. There were constant put-downs and criticisms. I was stupid. I was a terrible person. He made me believe that he was successful and desired, and that I should be thrilled that he had chosen me.” Karen later found out that her successful husband was in fact a high-school dropout, unsuccessful in business and in debt to the I.R.S. Like most abusers, Karen’s husband never left visible injuries. Ashamed of being a victim, Karen told no one. She became angry, bitter and resentful, and she estranged herself from family and friends. She gave birth to a daughter, but parenthood didn’t end the abuse. In August 2007, five years into her relationship, with their infant asleep in another room, he beat Karen violently -- throwing her to the ground, kicking her numerous times, straddling her, grabbing her hair, repeatedly pounding her head into the floor and choking her. Somehow, she accessed a phone and called 911. An officer arrived and her husband was arrested and charged with simple assault and battery, a misdemeanor. The following week, DFACS was dispatched to the home. Shortly thereafter, Karen received a call from SafeHomes of Augusta. SafeHomes is certified by the state of Georgia as the only domestic violence intervention center in a ten-county area, serving Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Burke, Jefferson, Wilkes, Taliaferro, Warren, Glascock and Lincoln. Last year,
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COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK SafeHomes serviced over 1000 individuals -- women, children and men -- according to Ruthie Garcia, Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. In addition to residential services, SafeHomes provides counseling, safety planning and legal advocacy to assist with completing and filing paperwork and going to court. The shelter accommodates up to 16 individuals, including women with children. “The maximum stay is 30 days at any one time,” says Garcia. “During that period, we help them to secure housing, financial assistance, TANF or Medicaid, if needed, we provide transportation, and we help them obtain a temporary protective order (TPO) to restrict proximity and contact. It is a legal document and a necessary part of the process. If the abuser infringes upon it, he has broken the law.” According to Garcia, on national average the typical victim will return to their abuser seven times before they leave permanently. The cycle of violence repeats itself in three phases: tension building, violent occurrence and the period of remorse. “Each time the abuse happens, it worsens,” she says.
“They use methods of intimidation and emotional weaponry — threatening suicide, threatening to take the children, threatening to kill her, and making her fear for others as well as herself.” Karen’s husband was released on bond the next day and pled nolo contendre, literally, “I do not wish to contend.” In layman’s terms, according to a legal source, this is tantamount to “pleading guilty without expressly admitting guilt. It’s more like saying, ‘I recognize the state has enough evidence to convict me.’ You still get convicted and sentenced, but you haven’t precluded yourself from contesting guilt at other proceedings, including civil.” Karen lifted the No Contact order two weeks later “because he was the father of my child,” but she contacted SafeHomes for legal advice in order to file for divorce. She met with legal advocate Yasmin Goodman, whose words were her turning point. “She said, ‘You don’t want your daughter to grow up and think it’s OK for a man to treat her this way.’ At that moment, it wasn’t about me anymore.” In November 2007, Karen and her daughter moved into a
different home. A year and a half later, the divorce was final. Yasmin Goodman has been a legal advocate with SafeHomes for 16 years. She specializes in helping victims in ten counties with legal rights, stalking orders and TPOs to present to a superior court judge. “The order states that the abuser must stay 500 yards away and have no contact with the victim,” she explains. “The TPO is filed if there is a family relationship. The stalking order does not require a family relationship; it means someone has you under their surveillance. As legal advocates, we file orders, arrange hearings, accompany victims to court, prepare them for court and help them maneuver through the legal system to get protection.” Karen’s husband was arrested at the time of her 911 call because of her visible injuries. If three or more reports are made involving an abuser and a victim at the same address but there has been no arrest, the sheriff ’s department dispatches a special investigator to follow up. The investigator makes every attempt to contact the victim and will assist them with prosecution, should they choose to press charges. However, because many victims have no form of livelihood, no way to take care of themselves and their children, nowhere to go, and have also been emotionally and mentally battered, they remain in the abusive relationship. Special investigation cases range from teenage mothers to affluent, prominent members of the community, according to a special investigator from Richmond County. Regardless of age, race or economic level, the investigator offers the same advice: “Get out as quickly as possible. Nothing material that you have is worth what you are going through. He’ll tell you he’s going to change, but he won’t. ‘I love you, I won’t do it again, I’ll go to counseling, don’t leave me’ — until the next time you do something that he thinks is remotely wrong. Walk away from it. You can do better. You will do better. It will be hard, but you take it one day at a time and do the very best you can on that one day. If you don’t get out, sooner or later we’re probably going to put you six feet under.” Like Karen, countless women keep their abuse a secret. For married victims, there may be spiritual conflict because of vows promising “for better or worse.” “Some women feel torn,” says Pastor Willis. “They know that what’s happening is wrong, they know that it’s not God’s plan for their marriage or their life that they stay in a situation where there’s danger toward them or their children. But at the same time, they hold their vows so sacred and they’re often very confused as to what is the right approach. They’re put in a position where they feel they can’t win, and that’s a desperate place to be.” Pastor Willis encourages victims to seek safety, and with the church, will ensure that the victim has the means and resources to do so. “If criminal activity is taking place, if there has been abuse, if there has been an assault, I encourage them to report that,” he says. “It’s terrible to see what victims go through and the hidden wounds they carry, physically and emotionally. Sometimes we’re able to provide the immediate need. If not, we can at least give them some options of places they can go to get their need met. If they’re just looking for someone to talk to, someone to pray with them, someone to help them find a safe place to go, someone to help them find emergency shelter, we will do what we can as a church to help them, whether they’re a part of this church or not, because we’re all connected.” Karen has since rebuilt her life. She is happily remarried, still employed, has custody of her 7-year-old daughter, and communicates with her remarried ex-husband as needed for his visitations. She also volunteers with SafeHomes and wants victims of domestic violence to know that her story is one of hope, and so is theirs. “It takes determination, but there is help and it does get better,” she says. “You have to want it. You have to realize that you are worth something and you deserve better. It’s easy to say now, but I was there and I know that it’s true. Anyone who beats you, anyone who puts you down, is not worth it. You are better and you can do better.” by Alison Richter
Events at ASU I
n conjunction with SafeHomes, Augusta State University is hosting the following annual events. For more information, call 706-737-1735 or e-mail Dr. Allison J. Foley, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work, at ajfoley@aug.edu. October 1: Purple Lights the Night annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the Walton Way entrance to ASU. October 2: Slap Fives, Not Wives campus awareness outreach. October 9: Lunch and Learn, 12:30–1:30, Hardy Meeting Room, Jaguar Student Activities Center, featuring a guest speaker from the Rape Crisis Center. October 24: Lunch and Learn, 12:30-1:30, location TBA, featuring a guest speaker from SafeHomes. October 24: Drama Performances on Intimate Partner Abuse, 10:00 – noon, ASU Amphitheater. October 24: Panel Discussion on Intimate Partner Abuse, time and location TBA, victims’ advocates and legal professionals discuss the legal aspects of leaving an abusive relationship and responding to abuse. October 25: Fifth annual Take Back the Night SafeHomes Survivors Walk, taking place for the third time on the ASU campus.
SOLUTIONS
If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help, contact SafeHomes of Augusta at 706-736-2499. The 24-hour crisis hotline number is 1-800-33-HAVEN (800-334-2836) or 1-800-799-SAFE. If you are in need of spiritual guidance or just need someone to talk to, Pastor Willis encourages you to contact Stevens Creek Church. You need not be a member of the congregation to call. “The church is so much bigger than one denomination or one building,” he says. “It’s meant to help everyone. That’s the way God intended it.” (706) 863-7002 by Alison Richter
SKY city MUSIC ART COCKTAILS
Sept. 25
1157 Broad Street Downtown Augusta GA
20 21
Moon Taxi (2 Sets) 10pm / $5
Lexie’s Legacy
Impulse Ride + Jesup Dolly + more...
22
9pm / $5
The Bizz “Hip Hop & Soul” 10pm / $3
North Mississippi All Stars + Missing Cats featuring
JoJo Hermann (Widespread Panic)
& Sherman Ewing
9:30pm / $17-$20 9-27 / The Simpletons 9-28 / The Ramblin’ Fevers 9-29 / Shake N Bass 10-3 thru 7 / Westobou Festival 10-5 / First Friday 80’s Night 10-6 / Acosta 10-12 / Langhorne Slim 10-18 / Talking Heads Tribute 10-20 / Modern Skirts + District Attorneys 10-23 / Chris Robinson Brotherhood
www.skycityaugusta.com SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 9
photo by JOHN ROBESON
We are downtown Downtown: The Epicenter of our community we are here every day to provide you with a safe, enjoyable and fun district. Support our local economy while supporting these business owners and our community.
We are united...
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1102 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901 (706) -364-4075 RESTAURANT: SUN-THURS 11am - Midnight FRI 11am - 1am, SAT 12pm - 1am BACK BAR: THURS & FRI until 2:30am SAT & SUN until 2am (kitchen always open late)
hudson hears investigative reporting on local politics
“It Was An Iceberg, Sir...”
These opinions are those of Scott Hudson and not necessarily those of Verge Newspaper or its staff.
W
hat do the TEE Center, the Patch Golf Course, the Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation and the Canal Diversion Dam have in common with a tiny wireless transmission station that operated off Cape Race, Newfoundland in the spring of 1912? Well, that spring, Cape Race sent warnings to a floating city, the Titanic, that ice was treading in their path; and in the years leading up to 2012, a little radio signal warned the citizens of Augusta of the bergs headed into her path. In both instances, the warnings were ignored. As early as 2007, the radio speakers were blasting with reports that ANIC was nothing more than a scheme concocted to siphon off taxpayers’ funds with no real “mission” of tourism or community revitalization. Reporting for WGAC, I exposed the fact that after funding of more than $20 million, the tax returns for ANIC were laughable. My colleague Austin Rhodes and I spent hours detailing exactly why it was illegal and unbelievable that the non-profit ANIC would open its own FOR PROFIT construction company under the same name! Meetings were held at city hall where our findings were displayed in laborious detail. No action was taken; the public yawned. Also as early as 2007, former Augusta commissioner Andy Cheek began working on Augusta’s greatest asset, the canal. He came up with some ideas that seemed impossible, but he also spent countless hours with volunteers cleaning up the canal area and discovered some serious issues. The diversion dam, or the structure that pens in the Savannah River and diverts water into the canal basin was eroding and doing so fast. Through the years Andy has been featured on the radio
detailing how bad the situation is becoming and warning that if that dam fails, then the Augusta Canal is but a memory. No action has been taken and the public has yawned. For the better part of two years, activists have pointed out one problem after another with the ongoing TEE Center project. Every clandestine meeting and dubious political association has been noted all over the internet and if that wasn’t enough, several people have taken time out of their schedules to address the Augusta Commission and voice their concerns. The same goes with the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The public and commission were told of the infrastructure problems at the course and the past mismanagement; everyone knew it would be a black eye for the city to have to shudder its municipal course. Yet, they screwed it all up anyway. The warnings about the debacles related to the TEE Center and the Patch were broadcast by Morris Communications, and in both cases, the action taken was too little and too late. While the city continues to rent property from ANIC at incredible prices, that organization has now been mismanaged to the point they can’t pay property taxes, and Georgia Power has shut off power at least once due to non-payment. According to CityStink.net, only one major booking has been placed for the new TEE Center and the management contract for the parking deck took over a year to finalize making that project an abysmal failure even before it’s finished. The planned hotel project nearby has fizzled into obscurity along with the ballyhooed “trolley line” for downtown. The Augusta Canal Diversion Dam has sprung serious leaks -- WATER LEAKS -- and according to Andy Cheek, there is a hole the
size of a Cadillac under the structure. And POW! In September, the City of Augusta took back control of their Municipal Golf Course from a private contractor. As of press time, there were no golf carts or a golf pro at the Patch. Normally, the response would be to throw money at the problem. However, the city of Augusta is now out of money. The people in power are now looking at the lifeboats and realizing there are too few for everyone. Some of them know they will get off the ship easy. Their term limits place them automatically in a boat, but the others are already pulling weapons out to secure their place. The public and the government of Augusta, just like the steamship Titanic, were warned of each obstruction. Like the Cape Race station did in earnest a century ago, the warning messages of our time were sent out, but they were ignored as the captain slept perhaps dreaming of baseball stadiums. “It was an iceberg, Sir. I reversed the engines, turned to port hard and tried to starboard her around it. It did no good, Sir. We hit it, we hit the berg Sir.” “Dear, God.”
scott hudson freelances for WGAC and is a local paralegal. Submit comments to scott@wgac.com
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the lens masters thoughts and tips on photography from the pros
“How can I take better pictures?”
tech talk Latest Technology Trends
T
hrough the years working for Wolf Camera I have been asked many, many questions. But the one I hear the most is, “How can I take better pictures?” There are many things you can do, from getting newer and better equipment to education options. Most of these do entail spending money, but keeping that in mind, here are five things that will help you take better picture, and they all are free! Know your camera/gear This seems like a real no-brainer, but so many people never take their camera off the auto setting. They have no idea of some of the amazing things the many digital cameras are capable of doing. While I agree that owner manuals have the readability of an economics textbook, there are other options. Review websites like dpreview.com and stevesdigicams.com which highlight the many features you may not know about. The number of YouTube videos about camera settings will keep you busy for the better part of a weekend. When you pick up your camera, you should know where every button is and what it does. If you will spend 5 minutes a day, for a week, using your camera and the settings on it, you will find that many of the settings will become second nature. Knowledge is power. Get closer It seems so simple, but pro after pro will tell you that to get better pictures, get closer. Move in and shoot what’s important, we don’t need to see the rest. Is there extra stuff around your subject that is not improving your image? Cut it out. You may be doing this by cropping your pictures later, but remember, the less you do to your pictures post-shooting, the better off you are. Vary your perspective What is the most boring angle to see life? The angle from which you see it every day. Great photographs are most often taken from a lower or higher perspective than standing. These pictures catch your eye because they are just a little different. This is why so many new cameras have screens that turn up and down; you can hold the camera below your waist or over your head. My photo friends know I have no problem flopping down on my stomach to get a shot, it’s the getting up that’s the problem! The built-in flash The built-in flash on a camera is one of the most misunderstood and underused features of a camera. It only goes 15 feet max indoors. It makes people look like a mug shot. What is it good for? External flashes will outperform built-in flashes any day, but the built in flash has one thing it does incredibly well -- filling in shadows outside. Shooting friends in bright sunlight? Can’t see their eyes because of a shadow? Turn on the flash and watch the shadows fade away. I recommend you use it on almost all of your outdoor pictures. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot You get better with practice. Few people just pick up a camera and take great pictures. The more you shoot, the better your pictures will be. Later, take a few minutes to critically review your pictures -- what worked, what didn’t. What could you do different with those next time? If something did work well, keep doing it! When you enjoy your friends’ pictures, ask them what they did. I don’t know of a single photographer that isn’t still learning new ideas to try. By following these five simple tips, anyone can take better pictures. The next step would be to look into the many education opportunities in the CSRA. ASU and USC-Aiken both have exceptional continuing education programs in photography, as well as the numerous classes and tutoring sessions offered through your local camera store. Lastly, don’t forget the Augusta Photography Festival’s many workshops and photo safaris. The opportunities are endless.
Keith Jones has worked in the photo industry for over 25 years. His career has included managing photography stores for Wolf/Ritz camera across the southeast, as well as teaching photography. He has worked for The Aiken Standard, University of South Carolina and Boy Scouts of America as a photographer.
LensMaster is a behind-the-lens look at the world of photography, prepared by members of the Augusta Photography Festival, which runs this year from October 27 to November 4. Submissions for this year’s photo competition are now being accepted. Augustaphotofestival.org
Five Things To Look For With Windows 8 M
icrosoft Windows 8 is the newest operating system set to launch October 26 its not only going to have a new look using a tile-styled, touch-screen ready interface, but it will also drive new hardware styles and features that are expected to boost PC sales during the coming months. Expected Windows 8 usability across multiple hardware platforms in addition to PCs, including smartphones and tablets is also forecast to open new doors of functionality for many business users that have not been able to participate in the recent tablet-computing trend due to incompatibility of most current tablet operating systems with the majority of business computing software. Ultrabooks. Ultrabooks, so far, have been too pricey to impact sales to any great degree, and that’s not likely to change much when it comes to some new PCs. Some of the most advanced Ultrabook models like the HP Spectre XT TouchSmart are still expected to cost $1,000 or more. Ultrabooks can cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 however, and there’s a lot of room for hardware manufacturers to carve out multiple offerings in that range. Touchscreens. Until now, touchscreens have largely been a feature of tablets and smartphones. But soon, you’ll see them on more notebooks and all-in-one PCs, as well. Already, HP, Toshiba, Asus and others have announced that they will launch touchscreen PCs this fall in conjunction with the release of Windows 8. The reason for the shift is to help users better take advantage of Windows 8. Microsoft’s new operating system features a touch-centric user interface, so as with mobile devices, menus are navigated by swiping the screen, launching applications with a simple tap of the display, and viewing more detail using the pinch-to-zoom feature. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, are also incorporating hand-gesture-recognition features that enable performing functions without even touching the display. Of course, the keyboard, mouse and touchpad are still available for those who are not ready to go all-touch just yet, or don’t have the hardware to take advantage of touchscreen features. Convertibles. PC makers have been morphing their products using different form factors to appeal to consumers who want the weight and touchscreen capabilities of a tablet, and the productivity features of a laptop. As an example, one product has a slide-out display that can be propped up to create a laptop, and then lay flat on top of the keyboard to offer a tablet viewing experience. All-In-Ones. Since the days of the original iMac, all-in-one PCs have become a popular alternative to the traditional desktop PC, as they combine the monitor and base unit into one sleek package. This design allows the placement of the PC in non-traditional parts of the home or office, such as the living room or kitchen. Device manufacturers are also adding features, such as near field communication (NFC) and TV tuners, which make them media and entertainment hubs, in addition to being personal computers. That said, there are some drawbacks to all-in-one PCs. Because of their design, customization and upgrade options are more limited than for traditional desktop PCs, and they’re more expensive. Near Field Communications (NFC). NFC is most often associated with mobile payments. Some Google Android smartphones, for example, have this technology built in so users can pay for things with the Google Wallet app. But NFC will find more uses on PCs, too. With laptops and all-in-ones, the idea is that users will be able to tap their NFC-enabled smartphones against the chassis or palm rest of a computer to quickly transfer photos and other media, or pass a Web address from a smartphone to a PC in order to open it in a browser, on a bigger, better PC display. There are lots of exciting new products in store in the coming months. PC manufacturers are planning to load Windows 8 on devices scheduled to hit stores in October or November, just in time for the holiday sales season.
Kevin wade is founder and CEO of Intellisystems, an IT and telephone systems company. Email him with tech or gadget questions kevinw@intellisystems.com
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 13
14 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
Places and Faces Happenings in the CSRA
/ PG. 16
One on One with Adam Crabb Three-day Revival in Aiken
/ PG. 17
Behind the Curtain A New Season of Theater
/ PG. 23
2012 Westobou
festival highlights on page 18
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 15
places and faces
vibe
WEEKENDS AROUND THE CSRA
Trolley in front of the Augusta Museum Photo courtesy of City of Augusta
Historic Augusta Trolley Tour The Lady Liberty Trolley tour runs through Augusta’s historic downtown each Saturday from 1:30 p.m. until 3:15 p.m., departing from the Augusta Visitor’s Center located in the Augusta Museum of History. The tour features historic homes and churches such as the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson and St. Paul’s Church and cemetery.
Crowd at Arts in the Heart Photo courtesy of Chris Selmek
Arts in the Heart Draws Large Crowds Crowds gathered Saturday, September 15 at the Augusta Common to experience the 2012 Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival, seeing great live performances and tasting foods from around the world. This 32nd annual event was a great way for Augustans to get out and experience local art and explore different cultures.
BELLA BRONZAGE EXPANDS TO AIKEN Jennifer Miller, a new certified airbrush tanning specialist at Bella Bronzage will be responsible for keeping the horse city as brown as the famous fillies! Aiken will be her territory. She guarantees an even application of your 20 minute tan that will last 7-10 days. Jennifer will come to your home, office, local salons, and be present at parties, proms, weddings, special occasions, and even help with pageant preparation. Katie Silarek started Bella Bronzage in the Augusta area in 2011. To reach Jennifer, call 803.221.3400.
16 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
Artzilla Jason Craig Photo Photo courtesy of Chris Selmek
Artzilla – 45 Hours of Art in Augusta For the fifth year in a row, local artists gathered to participate in Artzilla, a threeday live painting event held in front of Sundrees on Broad Street, outside the gates of Augusta’s Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival. Artists were given canvases on which they painted live for 45 hours. The paintings were sold auctioned and part of the proceeds benefited the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. Pictured is event organizer, Jason Craig.
100 WAYS TO GIVE 100 DAYS TO GIVE Merchants in downtown Aiken participated in 100 Ways to Give 100 Days to Give campaign, which wrapped up Saturday, September 15, 100 days before Christmas, with a community blood drive outside of Ryan’s Downtown Market and Deli. During 100 Ways to Give, 100 Days to Give, downtown Aiken merchants collected donations for several area non-profit organizations. Each participating business picked a nonprofit, and some offered discounts for donations. This event came about due to many nonprofits not receiving the donations they need around the holidays, including blood donations. According to the American Red Cross, there is always a critical need for blood donations during the holiday season.
vibe
One on One with Adam Crabb A
s a member of the well-loved and highly respected Christian music group, the Crabb Family, Adam Crabb spent a great part of his life on the road with his siblings, performing onstage and sharing the Word before thousands of people. Together, they won 11 Dove awards, charted nearly 20 No. 1 songs and garnered numerous Grammy nominations. In 2007, the siblings parted ways to pursue individual careers in music and worship, although they still work together when schedules permit. Adam Crabb is on the road for close to 200 dates in 2012, including a three-day revival at Talatha Baptist Church in Aiken, S.C., on October 1 – 3. He’s been called “the face of youth” in Southern gospel, and that’s no surprise. His wit, energy and exuberance inject new life into the genre, and his passion for sharing the Word translates across generations. Verge: Aiken is a three-day revival and performance. What will that entail? Crabb: I’ll be doing all the worship. I think the thing that’s kind of different with me is I do a variety of things, where a lot of groups or singers are into one style. I do some worship, I go back and do old Crabb Family stuff, churchy stuff, and mix it up so I can reach all ages. It seems to be working well. Verge: You’re working on a new album. When and where are you recording and who is producing? Crabb: We’ve been picking songs, which has been a slow process, but I want this album to be really different. This album is completely me. It’s my first solo album, and I’m trying to find great songs with great lyrics. I’m excited about it. Jason, my oldest brother, is going to help me produce it. He’s been on the road, so it’s been slow, but we’re very excited. We have picked a studio. Jay DeMarcus, who sings with Rascal Flatts, has a home studio, and we’re going to work there. Jay loves gospel music and really has a heart for it. Within the next month or so we’ll get tracking sessions set, and from there we’ll find a vocal room and go after it. You don’t want to rush something you know God has a plan for, so we’re taking our time and making sure everything is right. Verge: What is your sound? Crabb: I was raised on Southern gospel music, that’s where my whole family started, but I’ve always had a heart for worship and ministry. This album is going to be more of what my heart is. There will be some Southern in there because you can’t take that out of me, that’s where I started, but there’s also going to be a heart of worship. There are songs that talk about life experiences and how we’re all singing for the same purpose. Even though we have different backgrounds and we may sing a different style, we’re all singing about one man. I’m really going after the church and the lost person with this record. Verge: Have you ever been that lost person? Crabb: Oh yeah. I’ve struggled through life. We’re all flesh and human, none of us are perfect, we all have things that we wrestle with, and I found myself drifting and doing things that I normally wouldn’t do. I was a miserable individual. I had to get my orders checked, look myself in the eye in the mirror and say, “This isn’t me.” God has truly changed me. I feel like God is doing, even now, such a work in my life and He’s changing me every day. We’re the clay and He’s molding us and shaping us. I’m definitely not where I want to be, but I’m on the right road. I want to uplift Him, do all I can to win souls for Him, do what’s good in His eyes and be more like Him every day. It’s a struggle sometimes because we are flesh, but we must wake up every day and crucify our flesh and try to be more like Him every day. Verge: Is it difficult to balance promoting the music and promoting the message and one not getting lost behind the other? Crabb: Yes, it is, at times. When I had my band a few years ago, we had a great sound. It was very youthful. The cool thing about it is it was different, it was unique, but sometimes the lyrics got lost a little bit because we loved playing. But you don’t ever want to take away from what the lyrics are saying, because that’s what hits the heart of people. The older I get, the more I realize that. I love to play, but at the end of the day, the ultimate result is changing a life, and the only way to do that is if they hear what you’re singing about. So it’s hard to combine the two and make it work, but when you do, it’s magic. by Alison Richter
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 17
featured events
vittles
A GLIMPSE INTO WESTOBOU 2012
CONCERT JULIA EASTERLIN + BEAN SUMMER Julia Easterlin is a musician and loop artist, “one part siren and one part technologist,” whose live show progresses into a single-voice-become-chorus pop in the sky. A multi-media performance with Atlanta-based, visual artist Bean Worley - a master of experimental digital video overlay. Parade Grounds of Old Academy of Richmond County; free; 7:30 p.m.; 540 Telfair St.; 706.755.2878 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4th CONCERT SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE BY LIBBY LARSEN Chamber Music Series featuring Sarah Price, Soprano and Clara Park, Piano. St. John United Methodist Church; free; noon; 736 Greene St.; 706.755.2878 CONCERT JANELLE MONAE Four decades of funk and soul. Pivotal members of James Brown’s band, Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, are also set to take the stage. Local Augusta favorite Funk You opens this funky evening. Parade Grounds of Old Academy of Richmond County; $30 to $75; 5 p.m.; 540 Telfair St.; 706.755.2878 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5th CONCERT ASU CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Chamber Music Series featuring performances of chamber orchestra favorites. Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church; free; noon; 2261 Walton Way; 706.755.2878 ART PORTER FLEMING AWARD CEREMONY The Recognizes outstanding fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays. Writers, age 18-and-older, who reside in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina have entered and been judged. Honoring the memory of Porter Fleming, one of Augusta’s leading citizens and foremost philanthropists. Morris Museum of Art; free; 5 p.m.; 1 Tenth St.; 706.755.2878 FILM PHILIPPE PETIT: MAN ON WIRE Philippe Petit will discuss, “Man on Wire.” This Oscar-winning film chronicles Philippe Petit’s 1974 high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Petit will discuss his daring accomplishment as well as the making of the movie. Maxwell Theater; $25; 7 p.m.; 2500 Walton Way; 706.755.2878 saturday OCTOBER 6th CONCERT IMPRESSIONS Chamber Music Series featuring Angela Massey, Flute; Taylor Massey, Clarinet; Carol Cook, Piano. Free for ASP students. Maxwell Theater; $5; noon; 2500 Walton Way; 706.755.2878 CONCERT DE TRACE PARKOUR PERFORMANCE De Trace was formed by two high school boys in Atlanta, Georgia - Danillo Kisser and Dylan Moore. These students wanted to introduce their classmates to the hip, urban practice called parkour. Developed in France by David Belle, “parkour” is a method of training the human body to become stronger, more agile, more efficient, graceful and fluid. Old Academy of Richmond County; free; 2 p.m.; 540 Telfair St.; 706.755.2878 CONCERT BOYD JONES Jones performs extensively throughout the United States on both organ and harpsichord in addition to his duties as University Organist and John E. and Aleise Price Professor of Organ at Stetson University, DeLand, Florida. St. John United Methodist Church; free; 7:30 p.m.; 736 Greene St.; 706.755.2878 CONCERT L.A. DANCE PROJECT Founded by dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, fosters collaboration among choreographers, dancers, composers, producers and film-makers. They will perform Merce Cunningham’s Winterbranch, Millepied’s popular duet Closer and a new piece by Millepied set to a score by Nico Muhly with sets designed by painter Christopher Wool. Imperial Theatre; $55 to $75; 8 p.m.; 749 Broad St.; 706.755.2878 FILM MY PLAYGROUND Danish film-maker Kaspar Astrup Schroder presents a visual story of adversity, self-actualization, thought, politics and their relation to tangible, urban space in his documentary “My Playground.” A documentary on movement, tricking, free-running and parkour, this film features scenes with parkour masters Team Jiyo and interviews with urban planners, local politicians, architects and philosophers. Old Academy of Richmond County; free; 8 p.m.; 540 Telfair St.; 706.755.2878 LONNIE HOLLEY SCULPTURE UNVEILING Westobou unveils Holley’s sculpture donation to the college followed by a spoken-word and keyboard performance in Paine’s elegant on-campus chapel. Paine College’s Warren A. Candler Memorial Library; free; 10 a.m.; 1235 15th St.; 706.755.2878 LONNIE HOLLEY EXHIBIT Lonnie Holley, a self-taught artist, has had work exhibited and collected widely throughout the United States. Utilizing old, discarded items culled from the side of roads, landfills and ditches near his home, Holley rehabilitates the unwanted and obsolete into powerful artistic assemblages. Runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 7. Old Academy of Richmond County; free; 10 a.m.; 540 Telfair St.; 706.755.2878 WONDERLAND: WORKS BY BEALL & COREY EXHIBITION Karen Rich Beall draws her inspiration from the “little worlds” that exist within the vastness of our global world to create whimsical works that appear to be custom-cultivated hybrid forms. Using images culled from the internet and her own photographs of nature, Claire Corey creates collages on the computer. An abstract painter, Corey employs digital media as a major material to her work. Ends Oct. 7. The Center for Arts and Heritage in North Augusta; free; 100 Georgia Ave., North Augusta; 706.755.2878
18 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
E XC E P T I O NA L W I N E S UNIQUE FRENCH CUISINE DA I LY S P E C IA L S
From his hometown of Lyon, the Mecca of French cuisine, culinary wizard Chef Manuel Verney-Carron uses his exceptional artistry to extend delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, all guaranteed to delight any palate.
Now serving fresh vegetables from Manuel’s Blue Clay Farm and Outdoor Kitchen.
505 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841
(803) 380-1323
manuelsbreadcafe.com
Mon-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 9am-10pm Sun 11:30am-3pm
Daily Specials
daily planner The Daily Planner is our selective guide to what is going on in the city during the next two weeks. IF YOU WANT TO BE LISTED: Submit information by email (events@vergelive. com) or by mail (verge, P.O. Box 38, Augusta, GA 30903). Details of the event - date, time, venue address, telephone number and admission price - should be included. Listings included are accurate at press time, check with specific venues for further details.
+ THURSDAY
FILM SILENT MOVIE NIGHT
Sacred Heart Cultural Center; 7:30 p.m.; $18 to $45; 1301 Greene St.; 706.826.4700
THEATRE DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Directed
by John Lewis. Aiken Community Playhouse; 8 p.m. 9/21 and 9/22; $10 to $25; 126 Newberry St., Aiken; 803.648.1438 THEATRE HAIRSPRAY
Imperial Theatre; 8 p.m. 9/21 and 9/22; $17 to $43; 749 Broad St.; 706.826.4707 AUGUSTAPLAYERS.ORG
+ SATURDAY
9.20 9.22 GOOD CAUSE PERFECTLY AGED: HISTORIC AUGUSTA’S BENEFIT AUCTION Wine
tasting, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres provided by Augusta’s top restaurants and caterers and a silent auction. Saint Paul’s River Room; 6:30 p.m.; $50 to $100; 605 Reynolds St.; 706.724.0436
HISTORICAUGUSTA.ORG COMEDY BRIAN REGAN
Bell Auditorium; 7:30 p.m. $39; 712 Telfair St.; 706.722.3521
GEORGIALINATIX.COM
+ FRIDAY
9.21
ART EXHIBITION OPENING: PORTRAITS OF SOUTHERN ARTISTS Photographer
Jerry Siegel. Must RSVP, free to members. Morris Museum of Art; $5; 1 Tenth St.; 706.724.7501 THEMORRIS.ORG
THEATRE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION Only
Agatha Christie. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre; 6:30 p.m. 9/22, 9/27, 9/28; $25 to $40; 32100 Third Ave.; 706.703.8552 FORTGORDON.COM
CONCERT BRENT VERNON The talented
singer, songwriter and ventriloquist will be performing a concert for all ages. Asbury United Methodist Church; free; 7 p.m.; 1305 Troupe St.; 706.736.0061
ASBURYCHURCH.NET
CONCERT FACULTY ARTIST RECITAL Featuring
Anna Hamilton on piano. Etherredge Center, USCA; 7:30 p.m.; 471 University Pkwy., Aiken;
803.641.3305 USC.EDU
SPORTS 5K PAJAMA RUN
Sponsored by Knology Augusta. All proceeds benefit the Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center. Lake Olmstead Stadium; 7 a.m.; $25 to $35; 78 Milledge Rd.
SEPTEMBER 5 - 22 2012
+ MONDAY
9.24
GOOD CAUSE JD PAUGH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
Registration begins at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. Dinner and scoring will begin at 5:30 p.m. Westlake Country Club; $400; 3556 W Lake Dr.;
706.863.4642
CONCERT PRISM CONCERT: SAVANNAH RIVER WINDS
First Baptist Church of North Augusta; free; 7:30 p.m.; 625 Georgia Ave.; 803.442.7588
NAARTSCOUNCIL.ORG
+ TUESDAY
9.25
PAJAMARUN.ORG
GOOD CAUSE STOP CHILD TRAFFICKING NOW 5K RUN/WALK Join thousands
nationwide and walk or run to support those actively trying to stop child sex slavery. Register online. Jessye Norman Amphitheater; 9 a.m.; $25; 15 8th St.;
GOOD CAUSE OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD KICKOFF Millbrook Baptist
Church; 10 a.m.; 223 South Aiken Blvd SE, Aiken; 803.649.5802 SPORTS COLUMBIA COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY GOLF TOURNAMENT Entry
fee for this four-man scramble includes greens fees, cart, a small bucket of range balls and a catered BBQ lunch. Bartram Trail Golf Club; noon; $75; 470 Bartram Trail Club Dr.; 706.650.1114
CCCHORALSOCIETY.ORG
CONCERT MASTERWORKS I CLASSICS Light &
Heavy. Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center; free; 6 p.m.; 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd.; 706.755.5849
COLUMBIACCO.ORG
GOOD CAUSE LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK Event will
support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Augusta Common; free; 7 p.m.; 836 Reynolds St. LIGHTTHENIGHT.ORG
CONCERT TUESDAY MUSIC LIVE Presenting Olga
Caceanova, Violin and Constantine Finehouse, Piano - performing the Roy Goodwin II Concert. Lunch is served immediately following in the River Room. Lunches are $10 per person. St. Paul’s Church; free, noon; 605 Reynolds St.; 706.722.3463
COMMUNITY YPA MEMBER/GUEST GOLF OUTING Forest Hills Golf
Club. Fee includes greens and cart fees only. This event is open to the first 24 people paid. Forest Hills Golf Club; $22; 5:30 p.m.; 1500 Comfort Rd.
YPAUGUSTA.COM
ART PORKCHOP ON THE PORCH PARTY View
Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman’s “Love Stories at Ghia” while enjoying cocktails and appetizers. Free for members. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art; $15; 6 p.m.; 506 Telfair St.
+ FRIDAY
9.28
OUTDOORS AUGUSTA CANAL MOONLIGHT MUSIC CRUISE Music by Roger
Enevoldsen. Bring aboard snacks and beverages of your choice and enjoy live music on a relaxing hour and a half along the scenic canal. This activity is recommended for adults. Enterprise Mill; $25; 6:30 p.m.; 1450 Greene St.; 706.823.0440 AUGUSTACANAL.COM
+ SATURDAY
9.29
+ THURSDAY
9.27
ART JOHN MULHOUSE OPENING RECEPTION In
conjunction with the 2012 Augusta Photography Festival. John Mulhouse, known locally as the “City of Dust Guy.” Headquarters Library; free; 5 p.m.; Telfair St. 706.821.2600
ART THE WHISKEY PAINTERS OF AMERICA EXHIBIT OPENING Learn
the history of this unique group and just what it is that makes them “Whiskey Paintings.” Ends October 31. Zimmerman Gallery; free; 5 p.m.; 1006 Broad St.; 706.774.1006
SPORTS JAGUAR JAUNT 5K
A 5K road-race throughout the historic Summerville area and ASU Campus. Proceeds assist the ASU Foundation in funding academic programs that support the students, faculty and staff at ASU. Register today and join in on all of the fun! Augusta State University Maxwell Alumni House; $10 to $25; 8 a.m.; 1500 Walton Way; 706.667.4662
AUG.EDU/ALUMNI
CONCERT GHS SYMPHONY SERIES At this “Evening
of Festivities,” Symphony Orchestra Augusta performs Tchaikovskyís Capriccio italien. Featuring guest artist Jason Vieaux. First Baptist Church of Augusta; $10 to $45; 7:30 p.m.; 3500 Walton Way Extension; 706.826.4705
SOAUGUSTA.ORG
+ SUNDAY
9.30
SPORTS MEMORY RIDE HUNTER SHOW Horse
show, luncheon and silent auction benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Call for schedule and ticket information. Event ends at 3 p.m. Three Runs Plantation Aiken; 8:30 a.m.; 803.644.0649
+ MONDAY
9.31
SPORTS ESI IRONMAN 70.3 AUGUSTA The world’s
largest Half Ironman triathlon includes a 1.2mile swim in the Savannah River, a 56-mile bike ride into South Carolina and a 13.1-mile run through the streets of downtown Augusta, finishing at Augusta Common. Awards held at 4 p.m. at Augusta Common at 837 Reynolds St. Augusta Riverfront Marina; free; 7 a.m.; 5th St. Marina; 706.722.8326 IRONMANAUGUSTA.COM
+ WEDNESDAY
10.3
HISTORY BROWN BAG HISTORY TALK “Seventy
Five Years of Change in Augusta” by Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell.Augusta Museum of History; 12:30 p.m.; free; 560 Reynolds St. 706.722.8454
AUGUSTAMUSEUM.ORG
+ THURSDAY
10.4
FESTIVAL FIRST THURSDAY Midtown Augusta; 5 p.m.;
Kings Way and Central Ave.; 706.364.8479
+FRIDAY
Consulting, will be the keynote speaker. Event ends Oct. 6. Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center; $25 Two Tenth St.; 706.836.8190 GATOASTMASTERS.ORG
FESTIVAL BORDER BASH
A family event that brings Georgia Bulldog and South Carolina Gamecock rivals together to celebrate the annual, rivalry football game. Event includes family/ musical entertainment, cheerleaders and mascots from both teams, sports team logo vendors and food/beverage vendors. Rain or shine. VIP tickets available for $50. Ages 12-and-younger admitted free. Augusta Common; $10 to $15; 4 p.m.; 836 Reynolds St. FESTIVAL FIRST FRIDAY
Come to downtown Augusta and celebrate the first Friday of each month. Arts galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets and arts and craft vendors sell their hand-made goods along Broad Street. Family friendly. Ends at 9:30 p.m. Downtown Augusta; free; 5 p.m.; Broad St.; 706.826.4702 ART FIRST FRIDAY WITH A TOUCH OF JAZZ Come
enjoy the smooth jazz sounds of Fred Williams and his saxophone while you meet the artists, enjoy wine and refreshments and see what’s new this month at the gallery. The featured artist for the month is Ruth Pearl. Gallery on the Row; free; 5 p.m.; 1016 Broad St.; 706.724.4989 GALLERYONTHEROW.COM
THEATRE SCHRODINGER’S CAT PLAYS EXTREME THEATRE GAMES These
extreme theater games are sure to delight any mature audience member. Le Chat Noir; $8 to $10; 8 p.m.; 304 8th St.; 706.722.3322
+ SATURDAY
10.5 10.6
COMMUNITY TOASTMASTERS CONFERENCE District 14 of
Toastmasters International is holding its 2012 Fall Conference in Augusta 10/5 - 10/6. Rory Vaden, two-time runner-up for the World Championship of Public Speaking, New York Times best-selling author of Take the Stairs, and cofounder of Southwestern
OUTDOORS SWAMP SATURDAY The Academy’s
trained volunteers lead free, 2.5-mile, 1.5-hour hikes through the Nature Park every month. Don’t miss a walk through wetlands, over picturesque trails and scenic outlooks. Phinizy Swamp; free; 9:30 a.m.; 1858 Lock & Dam Rd.; 706.828.2109
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 19
PRESENTS
September 21-23, 2012 AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Call: 706-826-4707 or purchase online: 20 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
www.augustaplayers.org
NIGHTLIFE WEDNESDAY, SEPT 19 ERIK SMALLWOOD @ Wild Wing Café | 8 p.m.
COMEDY ZONE: MILLWATER + GILL @ Somewhere in Augusta | 8 p.m.
September 5-22 2012 JON ROOKS @ Playoffs 9 p.m. TJ MIMBS @ Wild Wing Cafe’ 10 p.m.
THIURSDAY, SEPT 27
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC @ M.A.D. Studios 7 p.m.
PUJOL + TURF WAR @ Sky City | 9:30 p.m., $5
ACOSTA @ Wild Wing Cafe’ 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPT 28
THURSDAY, SEPT 20
JIM PERKINS @ Carolina Ale House | 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPT 21
RUSKIN YEARGAIN DUO @ Somewhere In Augusta 9 p.m.
MOON TAXI @ Sky City | 9:30 p.m., $5
FUNK YOU @ Surrey Tavern | 8 p.m., $5 HOTGUN OPERA + STILLVIEW @ The First Round | 8 p.m. JON ROOKS @ Joe’s Underground | 9 p.m. MAMA SAYS @ Somewhere In Augusta | 9 p.m. 2012 LEXIE’S LEGACY CONCERT + CD RELEASE SHOW @ Sky City | 9 p.m., $5 LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY @ The Partridge Inn | 10 p.m. THE PACKWAY HANDLE BAND @ Stillwater Taproom 10 p.m., $5
GRANNY’S GIN @ Lady Antebellum Pavilion | 8 p.m. KE-JU (KEVIN & JULIA FOSTER) + PERFECT PICTURE @ Shannon’s Food & Spirits | 8:30 a.m.
CHRIS LANE @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS + MISSING CATS + JOHN “JOJO” HERMANN + SHERMAN EWING @ Sky City | 9:30 p.m., $17 to $20
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 26 COMEDY ZONE: DODD + MERRITT @ Somewhere in Augusta | 8 p.m., $8
MANUEL’S MUSIC WEDNESDAYS @ Manuel’s Bread Café | 5:30 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT WITH CHRISTIAN & MICKEY @ Surrey Tavern | 8 p.m. BIKE NIGHT!@ The First Round | 8 P.M. The first drink is on us!
Thursdays
80’S NIGHT WITH DJ RANA @ The Playground | 9 p.m.
SPORTS TRIVIA WITH MIKE THOMAS @ Malibu Jack’s 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT 29
PLAYBACK BAND WITH TUTU DEVINE @ Wild Wing Cafe’ 10 p.m. KE-JU (KEVIN & JULIA FOSTER) + PERFECT PICTURE @ Surrey Tavern 10 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT 2
HAPPY BONES @ Joe’s Underground Cafe | 8 p.m., $2
WEDNESDAY, OCT 3
COMEDY ZONE: Scoggins + Ehrett @ Somewhere in Augusta | 8 p.m., $8
THE FUSTICS @ Wild Wing Cafe | 10 p.m.
SABO AND DAVE @ Wild Wing Cafe’ | 10 p.m.
Wednesdays
MY OHH MIII @ The First Round | 8 p.m.
BLAIR CRIMMINS & THE HOOKERS @ Stillwater Tap Room | 9 p.m., $5
HAPPY BONES @ Joe’s Underground Cafe | 8 p.m., $2
PIANO @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.
JAZZTINI THURSDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT 4
TUESDAY, SEPT 25
TRIVIA NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 10 p.m.
THE RAMBLIN’ FEVERS @ Sky City | 10 p.m., $5
JOHN BERRET’S LAROXES @ Iron Horse Bar and Grill 9 p.m.
JOHN KARL @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5
$100 TAB BIG PRIZE TRIVIA @ Somewhere in Augusta 8 p.m.
KRAZY KARAOKE @ The Playground Bar | 10 p.m.
THOMAS TILLMAN @ The Country Club | 10 p.m., $3 to $5
SATURDAY, SEPT 22
Tuesdays
JAZZTINI THURSDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT 5
80’S NIGHT @ Sky City 8 p.m., $5 TRUTH & SALVAGE CO. @ Surrey Tavern | 8 p.m. JOHN BERRET’S LAROXES @ Playoffs | 9 p.m.
TANGO NIGHT @ Casa Blanca Café | 6 p.m.
Fridays
ALL-OUT ACOUSTIC FRIDAY @ Hotel Aiken | 9:30 p.m. OPEN MIC NIGHT @ The Playground Bar | 8 p.m. LIVE JAZZ FRIDAY @ The Partridge Inn | 10 p.m. LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY @1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover
Saturdays
FRESHSOUNDS DANCE PARTY @ The Playground 8 p.m. DRINK + DROWN @ The Library Nightclub | 10 p.m., $10 LIVE DJ EVERY SATURDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover
SATURDAY, OCT 6
Granny’s Gin @ Iron Horse Bar and Grill | 6 p.m. TEN TOES UP @ Surrey Tavern 10 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE WEEKLY Mondays
coco’s q&a Matthew Acosta
vibe
Coco rubio’s One on One Chat With CSRA Musicians
C
oco: So.... you’ve been in a few local bands over the years.... can you give us a run down on all the bands? Matthew: When I was in high school and started playing guitar, I did what all the music minded kids in my very odd neighborhood did and joined the Music Ministry, an outreach band the school had. The relationships I built there, along with my brothers eventually budded into JJMaj and the Unpolished Brass. We were sort of a crowd driven, funk-fusion band that landed a house gig at Room 9, on Broad Street. When we met the owner for the first time, he agreed to let us play one night without pay to prove that we weren’t “head bangers”. We played there, and in town for a few years. Ended up chasing the rainbow to Athens, but it didn’t pan out. Bayou Bleu was the familial echo of the “Maj” thing. We brought my younger brother Timothy into the group and cut out all the horns, except one. We played what we hoped would come across as folky-hip hop... I’m still not sure if it did. The new group Acosta is an attempt to shave it one layer closer and play acoustic music like we would after dinner. Coco: You’ve always been one of my favorite local front men.... who are some of your inspirations? Matthew: I’ve always been inspired by artists and performers with a sense of depth. Dancing, smiling and hurting inside, or calm and sincere and seemingly ready to explode. Like Bob Marley or, more recently, Scott Avett. Coco: Tell me about your Cajun flavor? Matthew: I was born in South Louisiana in a very small town to a Cajun / Creole family. It’s a something you inherit, and the uniquely rich culture that I experienced immediately and was brought up in has flavored my world-view in a way that effects everything I do. Coco: Do your folks play music – ‘cause it seems that you and your siblings all do? Matthew: My mom plays the trumpet, my dad the guitar. My dad has an incredibly honest singing voice, beautiful tone. It was their playing (and instruments) that got us all into it. My Grandmother always sang old songs to us as kids & that stuck. Coco: You moved away for a while last year (Hawaii).... what brought you back to Augusta? Matthew: Self-exploration and reconciliation is a brave process, but I was meant to be home. Coco: Who are some of your favorite local bands? Matthew: I’ve always got a special appreciation for Shaun Piazza and The Favors, Noel Brown too. Recently, Sibling String... and no one can deny that the guys from Funk You are some of the most talented around. Gavin’s the man. I like Joel Cruz’s jazz band and The Radar Cinema, Language Arts. Augusta continually has a new crop of amazing bands and I’ve enjoyed almost all of them. Coco: What’s your most memorable local show? Matthew: Definitely the night The Soul Generals played The Soul Bar after the James Brown funeral. That was a heavy (even historical) show. Packed and sweaty, emotional... true funk. I’m not sure if it was sweat or tears but I left that show drenched, it was total immersion baptism. Coco: What are some new albums or bands that you like? Matthew: Of Monsters and Men are great. Bon Iver, too. Last Bison are pretty awesome. I don’t get to a whole lot of new music... I think the newest album I like is Brothers by Black Keys, at that’s not even their newest. Coco: If you could change anything about the local music scene.... what would it be? Matthew: Increased recognition for the bands that continue to grind it out in a fairly unappreciative Augusta. Maybe drop the “underground” that we always refer to, and have people take pride in this area being a real music mecca for unique camaraderie and flow of ideas. It’s the locals self-respect that I’d change because the scene is thriving.
Sundays
BEER PONG @ The Playground 10 p.m. LIVE DJ EVERY SUNDAY @ 1102 Bar and Grill | 10 p.m., no cover
coco rubio opened The Soul Bar in 1995 and Sky City in 2008 with the intent to help revitalize downtown Augusta and to make it the entertainment center of the CSRA. When he is not working downtown, he likes to stay home and hang out with his daughter Maya, his wife Holly and their dog Pearl.
MIKE FROST JAZZ @ The Willcox | 8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 21
22 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
the film reel
vibe
now playing on the big screen
behind the curtain
vibe
BUSY ARTISTIC SEASON IN THE CSRA
A
h, fall is in the air! The Augusta air is finally a bit cool enough that I don’t sweat like I’ve run a marathon when I walk to the mailbox. All signs point to that most glorious of seasons. Football is underway, new television episodes are just around the corner and every other message is one a politician has to approve. And for those of us with a heightened artistic sense, it also means a whole new theater season. In fact, two shows open this Friday, September 21. The Augusta Players are bringing back the musical, Hairspray on Friday and Saturday at 8pm with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. It’s back “by popular demand,” so it’s one of the few local shows I can rave about before actually seeing it. All the incredible music from the movie, plus a few more, come to life in this colorful, toe-tapping show. Cheronda Harris shines as Motormouth Maybelle, and her number about overcoming the obstacles of the Civil Rights Movement will bring you at least to the verge of tears, if not have you in puddle at your seat. However, John Hutchens steals any scene on stage as he transforms into Edna Turnblad, who unlike John Travolta, will quickly make you forget you’re watching a man in a dress. The last go around, everyone left the Imperial with songs on their lips and smiles on their faces. Also opening Friday is Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater. This classic mystery will run for three weekends, and knowing director Steve Walpert, will have a healthy dose of comedy with the suspense. It has been called Christie’s “best mystery ever.” That is a big statement, and one I cannot wait to judge for myself. And finally, for those looking for more edgy fair, Le Chat Noir is in the middle of their run of Kitty Kitty Kitty, which seems appropriate for a theater whose name translates as The Black Cat. And while it sounds like a child’s book, the play is actually about a cat who clones himself for… well, let us just say... pleasure. And that’s what I love about Augusta theater. Every weekend is a different opportunity to suit almost any theatrical palette. So let the leaves change color and the weather become cooler, because that means it is time for the curtain to go up!
wes hennings has been in the performing arts since he could walk, and since moving to Augusta has been in dozens of productions with companies such as The Augusta Players, Fort Gordon Dinner Theater, Enopion Theater Company and the Augusta Opera, both on stage and behind the scenes. By day, Wes is a technical director and media producer. Questions? Story Ideas? wes.verge@gmail.com
TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE
F
rom “Go ahead, make my day,” to “Get off my lawn,” Clint Eastwood’s on-screen personas have had an undeniable toughness about them. His act has gone from unwavering authoritative figure to headstrong curmudgeon, proving the octogenarian can roll with Tinseltown’s punches and still connect with viewers. Whether his recent shenanigans at the Republican National Convention -- wherein the Oscar winner conducted a rambling conversation with an empty chair -- will hurt box office numbers for Eastwood’s latest movie remains to be seen. Dirty Harry no more, Eastwood revisits the cranky old guy role that earned him raves in Gran Torino as he plays a legendary baseball scout whose age and failing eyesight put his career in jeopardy in TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE. Amy Adams plays the daughter he essentially abandoned in her youth, a tough lawyer who returns to help her cranky dad in a last-chance scouting trip to North Carolina. Their strained relationship coupled with the career ultimatum build stress-inducing drama for the duo. A charismatic up-and-coming scout played by Justin Timberlake adds comic and romantic nuances to the story. John Goodman also stars in this September 21 opener from Eastwood’s longtime collaborator (as producer) Robert Lorenz, who makes his directorial debut with this movie. Amy Adams also stars as the wife of a Scientology-like religious cult leader opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix in THE MASTER, a limited opener set for expansion this week. This film comes from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, There Will Be Blood). Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, The Hunger Games) finds a little piece of hell in the thriller HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET. Befriending the cute, reclusive neighbor boy with the murdered parents and missing sister may not have been her brightest idea. Elisabeth Shue also stars. Ladies may weep at the sight of pretty Jake Gyllenhaal’s totally bald head in END OF WATCH, but it was the most obvious physical way for him to get into character as a tough former Marine turned overachieving city cop alongside Michael Pena. The partners’ heroics put them in deadly danger when they infringe on the operations of a powerful drug cartel. This movie comes from writer-director David Ayer, who also penned Training Day. Violence also abounds in DREDD, a new 3D take on the comic that previously hit the bigscreen in the poorly-reviewed 1995 action flick Judge Dredd, in which the title character was played by Sylvester Stallone. Karl Urban (Star Trek) takes on the role of the futuristic masked law keeper up against a ruthless lady drug dealer named Ma-Ma (Lena Headey). To acquaint fans with Ma-Ma and the time-perception altering drug she pushes, a prequel comic was released online ahead of the film’s premiere. A limited opener allows Harry Potter alum Emma Watson and Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians) to make the most of their tumultuous high school years in a big-screen take on Stephen Chbosky’s book THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. Chbosky also produced and directed this adaptation. September 28 openers include Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis in the futuristic thriller LOOPER, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis take on inadequate inner-city schools in WON’T BACK DOWN and Adam Sandler and his funny friends lend their voices to animated monsters in HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA. by mariah gardner, movie guru
HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 23
24 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
Food Bites
Breakfast – Kick It!
/ PG 26
Restaurant Review It’s About Thyme / PG 26
Cigar 101
How Are Yours Rolled?
/ PG 29
Feeding the Family at North Augusta’s Newest Café
Real Unbiased Restaurant Review on page 27
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 25
26 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
feeding the family
food bites - kick it!
vittles
vittles
The Fast & Skinny on Breakfast It’s About Thyme, A North Augusta nyone who remembers Saturday morning kids television will probably also remember the nutritional commercials that stressed the importance of eating a good breakfast. One of them, if I remember correctly, even put such an importance on breakfast that it suggested that breakfast was so important, if short on time just grab anything out of the fridge like a cold chicken leg or slice of pizza. Anything as long as you eat to start off the day. While the years have only proved that breakfast is indeed the most valuable meal of the day, maybe just yanking food out of the fridge is a bit much but seeing that September is National Breakfast Month maybe we can all celebrate by being more consistent to start off the day. The right breakfast gives your day a great kick start and is the key to a consistent appetite throughout the day helping you eat less and better as the day goes by without feeling hungry. Remember, the best daily route to take during main meals – at breakfast eat like a king, at lunch eat like a prince and at supper eat like a pauper. Now with having to be at work early and being in a rush it can be easy just to grab a breakfast bar or hit some fast food drive-thru for some greasy carb/fat-loaded food that in a short while will have you at work praying for nap time. You can avoid that with this quick, easy to make wrap.
article by John “Stoney” Cannon
El Desayuno Wrap INGREDIENTS: - 2 Eggs - 1 Sliced scallion - 2 Tbsp reduced fat shredded Mexican blend cheese - 1 Tbsp fresh chopped cilantro - 2 Tbsp salsa - 1 Medium-size whole wheat tortilla - Hot sauce (optional Directions Mix eggs and scallions in bowl and microwave until cooked. Layer ingredients onto tortilla, roll and slice in half. Eat and enjoy. It’s that simple! This recipe is for a single serving and great for the person on the go who needs to get out of the house quick. With 20 grams of protein it’s a great delicious way to kick-start your day and at only 270 calories and 13 grams of fat you won’t get the same guilty feeling you might get running though a fast food drivethru and picking up their breakfast burrito, sandwich, or biscuit. Rinse down with a nice cold glass of water, unsweetened tea, or even low-sugar juice and you have a great day-starter that’s hard
M
any North Augustans have wished for more locally-owned eateries; and in recent years, that wish has come true. Several restaurants and cafes have opened in the area, and this week we chose to “feed our family of five” at one such café. About Thyme Café is located in downtown North Augusta near the city’s new municipal building. It is locally owned and operated and certainly fits the bill of a small town gathering spot. Walking in to About Thyme sort of reminded me of the old television series, Cheers, where, “everybody knows your name”. The place was filled with familiar faces – just one of the beauties of small town living, I guess. As the café is designed, customers walk to the back counter, like soda counters of old, and order. Lining the counter are cake plates containing fabulous cakes… almost made me bypass ordering dinner and just sit down at the counter for a slice of goodness. There were several different homemade, freshly-baked cakes to choose from, but the one that really caught my eye was the strawberry cake. Yum! In addition to the yummy sweet treats, the café offers a selection of gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, specialty salads and hot casserole selections. The day we went was a terribly busy day in the life of the Panini’s. We didn’t really have time to go and sit down for family dinner before they closed at 7 p.m., so I just picked it up and took it home. Shrimp and grits casserole and lasagna were the specials of the day, and because I wanted a sampling of different items, I chose both. The staff at About Thyme was great. I told them that I needed enough food to feed my family of five, and they got busy getting it together for me. The casseroles were warm when I got them, but they were also packaged in a way that I could reheat them if dinner would be delayed. With our shrimp and grits and lasagna – a strange combination, I know – we had a mixed green salad. The salads at About Thyme are “build-your-own”. They offer several different types of lettuce, nuts, fruit and cheeses, and the salads are assembled at the counter as selections are made. The dressing I chose, a homemade sweet balsamic dressing, was so good I could have eaten it with a spoon. Everyone in the Panini house loved this dinner. The food was fresh and very tasty, and we could tell that it was made from scratch. The shrimp and grits was the hands-down favorite, as I knew it would be. We succeeded in staying within our $50 budget, even sneaking in a slice of that strawberry cake. This will certainly be a place that we will frequent. One of my favorite parts of the café, and one that I didn’t get to enjoy completely on this visit, is the outside seating. Enjoying great food with great friends in the cool air…what could be better? I cannot wait to go back! FOOD QUALITY It’s about time North Augusta…it’s About SERVICE Thyme!
ENVIRONMENT
article by Sally Panini
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 27
28 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
cigar feature
vittles
MACHINE OR HANDMADE? I
t is funny how myths and legends are cultivated within the cigar community. Several friendly cigar smokers gather around their favorite cigar retreat and the talking comes to which is better -- the machine-made cigar or the hand-rolled cigar. Sooner or later the story will go something like this, “In Cuba, all handmade cigars are rolled between thighs of virgins. Now really, if only it was that easy. The construction of every cigar has the same basic three elements, binder, filler and wrapper. The choice of tobaccos and length define the character of the cigar. Many would say that the machine-made cigar lacks the skill it takes to create the best smoke. But don’t dismiss the machine-made cigar so quickly. It is true that that the machine-made cigar uses short fillers and homogenized binders, but this is not always a distraction. These cigars can provide a mild and gentle smoke especially for the novice smoker. These also provide a quality alternative for the seasoned cigar aficionado as a daily smoker because of their economical price. Machine-made cigars are made one of two ways, machine bunched and full machine. With machine bunching, the final wrapper is hand rolled after the machine creates the cigar and binder. Some manufactures utilize this method of cigar manufacturing because the final hand wrapper process still allows these cigars to be called hand rolled. A full machine-made cigar is typically very consistent in size, shape and texture. This makes machine-made cigars the choice of most mass markets and provides the easiest access to most consumers. Most cigar smokers would be surprised to learn that a lot of top European brands are machine bundled and enjoyed by many discriminating cigar connoisseurs. These cigars are called “dry” cigars and use short fillers along with machine bunching to provide excellent short cigars. The hand-rolled is still the premier cigar. The skill of the craftsman, not virgin, to select and craft the ultimate cigar is still the benchmark of a great cigar for any private retreat. These cigars should be kept at a constant humidity and temperature to ensure peak aroma and taste. If choosing the hand-rolled cigar, maintain the cigar at 70 to 72 percent humidity at 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The basic rule is 70 and 70. Enjoy your cigar in comfort with friends or alone as an inner time to reflect on the day’s events. The mode of retreat and the selection of the cigar are yours. Stay happy and light up a good cigar tonight! Richard Hudson by Richard Hudson, co-owner at the Smokers Retreat located at 4446 Washington Road in Evans, is a long-time cigar hobby enthusiast. The Smoker’s Retreat stocks the most comprehensive tobacco products available for its discerning client’s - creating a relaxing environment for the specialty and recreational tobacco smoker. Richard, a military veteran, has resided in the Augusta area for more than 25 years.
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 29
PLUS TEAM TRIVIA
PLUS SABO AN D DAVE
A LLW O O D 9 .1 9 ER IK SM BS 9 .2 6 - TJ M IM
9.
LIVE AND LOCAL 20 S
TA
THURSDAYS
HE N CO SHE • 9.27 A
S
JOE 9.21 TOKYO S R IN’ ICHARD 9.28 - SWING
9.22 FREAKIN NUTZ 9.29 TUTU DEVINE
• • • •
2012 Football Fare Menu $3.25 20oz. Miller Lite Stadium Cups $2.50 Miller Lite Bottles • $13 Buckets Wild Card Giveaway: Choose from 3 Grand Prizes!
• 2012 Football Fare Menu • $2.50 Bud & Bud Light Bottles • $13 Buckets • Scratch Off Cards are back! Qualify to Win 2 Tickets to the Super Bowl!
AUGUSTA • 3035 WASHINGTON ROAD 706-364-WILD • W W W. W I L D W I N G C A F E . C O M 30 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
Faith Story
Why All the Noise?
/ PG 32
Annie Graham Lotz Just Give Me Jesus
/ PG 33
Life Face First Late for Yoga!
/ PG 35
The Loss of a High School Football Legend
Remembering Coach Dupree ON PAGE 35
SEPTEMBER 19 _ VERGELIVE.com / 31
love letters
from fran and jack
values
Joseph Weathers and the Coat of Many Colors J
ack spent most of that Sunday morning by the creek. A few weeks back, seven men in solemn suits had visited the Weathers’ home, Fran’s daddy among them. Jack had sat upstairs by the open window, hearing but not understanding much of what was said. There was some talk about the moonshine that Doc occasionally took as trade. Mr. Henry had asked Doc to be reasonable. But Doc declined the offer and sent the men away after only a few minutes of talk. Since then, Sunday mornings had been marked by the same routine: Doc would fix a modest breakfast-- Hattie still attended her church--then he would read from the Bible and say a short prayer over his family before heading into town. Once, Jack asked his father why he worked on Sundays when everyone else was at home, and Doc said that if Jesus could heal folks on the Sabbath, he reckoned it would be all right to do likewise. After Doc left the house, Jack would walk down to the creek and wait for Fran. That Sunday, she came running into the clearing with a brightly-colored bundle under her arm. “I have a new game,” she announced, shaking the bundle loose. She held it out to Jack, a striped dress that shimmered in the June sun. “Who are you gonna be in that get-up?” he asked, looking warily at the dress. Fran laughed. “Not me,” she said. Jack sat up straight. “I ain’t wearing no dress.” “Yes you are,” Fran said. “You’re gonna be Joseph and the coat of many colors and I’m gonna be your brothers and sell you into slavery.” “I ain’t wearing no dress,” he repeated, looking away. He knew this was a losing battle. “Everybody wore dresses in Bible Times,” Fran said. He couldn’t argue that point. He’d seen the pictures, too. “I’m wearing a dress,” she added. “But you’re a girl.” “No. I’m your brother and our daddy sent you to check on us and the flocks.” “Why can’t you wear that dress, then?” “Because you’re Joseph.” “Can’t we play something else?” “No.” Fran crossed her arms. “We could go swimming.” “Just put it on.” Fran held the dress out again and Jack took it from her. “How many brothers are you?” he asked, tugging the dress over his head and finding the arms. “There were a bunch but only a couple had names. You got it on backwards.” She laughed as Jack pulled the zipper up to his neck. “This is how it is in the pictures,” he said, saving face. “Fine,” she conceded. “Now I’m gonna go tend my flocks over there in the field and you’re gonna come check on us like daddy said.” Jack watched Fran disappear beyond the pines and into the field. He followed her. He knew the story well enough. She was waiting on the edge of the field, with a long, twisted branch in her hand. “Hey!” she said. “I’d recognize that coat anywhere. Hey Roobin!” she called over her shoulder, “Daddy sent the dreamer.” She tilted her head, waiting for a response, then turned back to Joseph. “The goats are over yonder,” she said, pointing east, then she struck out across the field. “Hey!” Jack called. “Where’re you going?” “To the flock,” she said. “I thought they were right here,” he said, catching up to her. He had the dress hiked to his knees, the fabric bunched in his fists. “It ain’t far,” she said. “Just past that fence. You can tell me about those dreams you have.” “Huh?” “You know,” she growled. “’Bout the wheat bowing down.” “Oh, yeah,” Jack said. “I was in this big wheat field, hiding from the lions. And the natives.” “That’s not how it goes.” “It’s my dream. And there were a thousand injuns and forty-seven lions all in a circle around me.” Jack crouched low to the ground. “And a twister came out the sky and blew ‘em all away.” Fran straightened and cocked her head. Jack frowned. “I’m getting to the good part,” he said. “Shhh!” She put her finger to her pursed lips. “Do you hear that?” (to be continued)
the love letters of fran and jack
by Doug Holley and Jennifer Craig is an ongoing, serialized story cycle. Look for further adventures of Fran and Jack in the second issue of Verge each month.
32 / VERGELIVE.com _ SEPTEMBER 19
your faith
values
Pump up the volume??
T
here is noise all around us-- and lots of it! It used to be that we could escape to a park or library and find a quiet place for a few moments of reflection. As we know, it’s tough to find that quiet anywhere anymore. Blaring advertising messages bombard us with TV screens throughout airport terminals, restaurants and even restrooms! Isn’t there a place where people recognize the need for quiet? Don’t they ever want a break from the noise? A couple of recent experiences have brought this to the forefront for me. By the way, I’m sitting at a McDonald’s while my car is being serviced nearby, and the volume of the music overhead is not too bad. We were in North Carolina recently visiting friends -- enjoying the surrounding beauty and the welcome cooler temperatures! During our brief time there I had the chance to head off for a few hours by myself. My camera joined me as I explored sights I’d never encountered before. They included a vista of beauty called “Max Patch”. During this time I also literally soaked in the soothing sounds of a cool mountain stream that was gently, steadily flowing over a hodgepodge of small stones, rocks and boulders. It was an absolutely delightful time … I felt re-energized in the silence and was immersed in the handiwork of God’s creation. In stark contrast to this scene was a visit I had in the recent past to a church outside of the CSRA. The preacher’s delivery was LOUD…from start to finish. Truth be told, he was YELLING. It’s unfortunate too because he had some good things to say. During his audio assault I dutifully sat and took notes, trying my best to stay focused on the content and not be distracted by his volume. By the time he finished, 45-50 minutes later, my ears physically hurt. (He could have easily been heard without a sound system!) Where do we get the idea that in order to effectively communicate that “louder is better”? For me personally, the louder a message is, the more I am apt to tune it out, or try to ignore it. Working in radio now for the past several decades, I am very aware of the need to care for my hearing. Having a “pumped up” volume -- especially listening with headphones -- can easily lead to hearing loss. A loss that often cannot be restored. I have to think that it’s the same idea applies when we are trying hard to get our message across. Let’s not mistake more volume with greater passion or better communication. They are not the same thing! I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land. One of places we visited was where Jesus shared the “beatitudes”. You can read his words in Matthew chapter 5 of the Bible‘s New Testament. It actually tells us that he “sat down” and addressed the crowd that had come to hear him. It’s hard for me to imagine him yelling at those who came to hear him! I have a couple of kids - and certainly raised my voice at times with them during their years at home. Did it ever help improve our communication? No. Did it clarify whatever point I was trying to make? No. So, again, I ask the question, WHY do we think the person we’re speaking with wants us to “pump up the volume” when we’re having a conversation, discussion, or even a debate? It’s NOT about the amount of noise we’re able to generate, but the message we have to share. Let’s speak the truth with a large measure of God’s love -- without raising our voices -- and see what happens!
STEVE swanson serves as the Station Manager of Family Friendly 88.3 WAFJ. He’s invested 30+ Years in the world of radio and was named the Christian Music Broadcasters Program Director of the year 2009 and 2011. He and his wife Susie make their home in North Augusta.
one-on-one with anne graham lotz
I
n advance of bringing Just Give Me Jesus to the James Brown Arena, Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, granted Verge a lengthy and candid interview. In Part 2, Ms. Lotz discusses the struggles women face, why she doesn’t like the word “religion,” her unexpected journey into preaching, and what she learned from her parents. Verge: What are the greatest struggles and questions that people have today regarding their lives and their faith? Lotz: I think a lot of the struggle -- and I’m going to take people within the church, people who would call themselves Christians -- I think if you say women, one of the things we struggle with is busyness. It used to be that stay-at-home moms had plenty on their plate just to raise the children and keep the home. Somehow, we added to that a job, a career, a profession, and now you add cell phones, e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, and it’s busy, busy, busy, busy, busy -- almost that you have no time for what’s really important. You succumb to what has been called “the tyranny of the urgent.” I have that struggle also. I have to make the time every day to center down on Jesus, to fix my eyes on Him, to give Him my attention. One of the struggles I have is intentionally remaining focused and maintaining what I would describe as that fire in my own heart. I think one of the questions -- this is what I run into and my next book will be more about this -- sometimes people who go to church, who call themselves Christians, can be deeply wounded and hurt by other Christians or church people. When you’re in a setting like that and you’ve seen the hypocrisy, or you’ve been wounded, so often we don’t understand, and because we don’t have a strong personal relationship with God, we think that the way people treat us is the way He’s treating us, so we leave the church, leave God and throw away our faith: “Who wants that? Who needs that?” I’ve been wounded too, but I know enough about God to know that the people who wounded me are nothing like He is. I’ve been able to separate that, my faith has grown stronger, and it has given me a real heart for people who have been hurt by people in the church and think that God is like those people, and He’s not. Verge: Do you ever feel that faith, or let’s call it religion, divides people instead of bringing them together? Lotz: Yes, it does, and that’s why I don’t like religion. I’m going to define religion for you. Religion, to me, has been man trying to work his or her way to God on his own terms, so we build these religious systems with traditions and rituals and creeds and we say, “Well, ours will get you to God.” And someone else says, “No, ours will get you to God.” So you’re exactly right. Wars are fought over that. Religion can be very divisive and it can hinder real faith. What I’m talking about is a relationship with God, because no religion
in the world can get you to God. That’s why God has given us Jesus. That’s why God sent His son. God is love. That’s an amazing thing I never get over. When we put our faith in Him, our trust in Him, and we believe that His death on the cross was not perpetrated by Jews or Romans, it was God sacrificing His son as the lamb of God, the sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world, when I claim that for my own self, when I put my faith in Jesus and claim his death on the cross for my sin, then God accepts that sacrifice on my behalf and I’m forgiven. I’m saved from the judgment and the wrath that otherwise would come on me because it’s my sin. When I’m saved and cleansed of my sin and He puts his Holy Spirit within me, that’s the beginning of a relationship with God that’s personal. Verge: Your father called you the best preacher in the family. Was it a given that you would follow in his footsteps? Were you ever hesitant? Lotz: Oh, of course. I never meant to do this. I got started because I got married young, had three children by the time I was 26, and just in the busyness of young motherhood, my children were 5, 3 and 10 months old, and I was so busy I didn’t make time for God. I knew I was saved and my sins were forgiven and I would go to heaven if I died, but that personal relationship that I just described became dull, cold, it almost felt like it wasn’t there. Someone told me about an organized Bible study, one thing led to another, and I started one in this city because I wanted to be in it. Nobody would start it, nobody would teach it, and I was so desperate to come back into that vibrant personal relationship with God that I started that Bible study and taught it. I had 300 women that showed up the first six weeks, then 500 women. I’d never taught anything in my life and I was so afraid to stand up in front of them that I would throw up before I would go into the pulpit! But there were no Bible studies in the city then. They didn’t know I couldn’t teach, so we learned together. We started out in Genesis that first year and they couldn’t ask me about next week’s lesson because I didn’t know that yet, so I would teach them what I’d learned and we’d go from week to week like that. I never missed a class every week for 12 years because I wanted to learn and get everything I could. In that process I did come back to that precious, vibrant, passionate relationship with God, but it’s been centered in His word. Verge: Faith often gets a bad rap, whether it’s a Christian, a Muslim or a Jew of great faith. Why are people so intolerant? If you slip through quietly, it’s fine. If you’re open about it, not so good. Why do we distrust anyone who walks strongly in faith?
Lotz: I’m not sure I agree, and I’ll just take it from myself, personally. If I hear a Muslim presenting their faith on television, for example, and they’re passionate and convinced, or if I hear a Jew doing the same, that’s not offensive to me. I’m glad they believe in what they believe in and they’re living it out. What becomes offensive is when a Jew or a Muslim or a Christian says that I have to believe as they do, because that sort of steps over into that intolerance level. So it’s not religion that I’m promoting. It’s Jesus Christ and having a personal relationship with God. I can tell you what the Bible says, but I’m not going to tell you to believe it. I believe that the Bible is God’s word and that God speaks the truth, I believe every bit of it is the truth, so I present it that way. Verge: Your parents have been so important in your life. What are the greatest lessons you’ve learned from them and how do they apply to your day-to-day life and what you try to teach to others? Lotz: Together, my parents showed me an authentic relationship with Jesus, and that who they are in public is the same people that they are in private. They genuinely had a relationship with God, a love for people, a love for the Gospel, and I saw that behind closed doors. So to me, the greatest gift that both of them gave me, besides life, would be an example of an authentic man and woman of God on their own journey of faith. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect, but they were genuine. My mother was in love with Jesus and she spent time with Him every day. She had five of us without Daddy and she spent time in prayer on her knees every day with her Bible, and I saw that. Even at the very last, when she could not do one thing for herself, her eyes still sparkled. She taught me by her example to love my Bible and to love Jesus. My daddy is someone who has been very faithful to God’s call in his life. God called him outside the home and he obeyed that call. I feel that God has, by his example, shown me -- and I know there’s some argument there, but I know from my own experience -- that God can call a woman just as He can call a man. God has called me to serve Him. My father’s faithfulness to that call, and his focus, he never got diverted from it. He’ll be 94 in November and he’s still focused, so that’s something I want to maintain. His humility -- that’s born out of his relationship with God. He’s not impressed with himself. Other people can be very impressed with Billy Graham, but he’s not. He knows that God’s hand has been on his life, and he’s an ordinary man that God has called to do extraordinary things. by Alison Richter
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here’s to your health
PRESENTED BY WALKER CHIROPRACTIC: CONSIDER THEIR PROMOTION BELOW
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treatments to patients that are targeted, less toxic to normal tissues and that can change the prognosis of these tumors. It’s a very significant step in care for patients with brain tumors here in the Southeast and beyond.”
Doctors Hospital Patient’s Near Death Experience To Be Featured on Series Premier of new Discovery Fit & Health TV show
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early a year ago, Doctors Hospital patient, Craig Harrison, was fighting for his life because of one small french fry. Now the entire country has seen his incredible survival and journey back to health. On Saturday, September 8 Craig Harrison, and his physicians, Dr. Philip Catalano, cardiothoracic surgeon, and Dr. Sunil Lal, gastroenterologist, were featured on the series premier of the new television series, I Was Impaled, which aired on the Discovery Fit & Health network. Craig’s story began when he and his family were eating at a fast food restaurant and he choked on a french fry. He attempted to cough up the fry but in the process tore his esophagus allowing food contents to flood his chest cavity, nearly killing him. Craig remained in Doctors Hospital’s ICU for months before he was moved to the inpatient rehab unit where he had to regain the strength to accomplish daily activities. After learning about Craig’s story in The Augusta Chronicle, producers from Discovery Fit & Health inquired further and eventually chose his story to air on their new program. A film crew flew from London in April where they spent 2 full days in Augusta, filming the hospital and recreating Craig’s story through interviews with the Harrison family and Doctors Hospital physicians.
GHSU Cancer Center launches brain tumor clinic
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n overseeing the brain tumor clinic at the Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center, medical oncologist Olivier Rixe draws on his experience at the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris, one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Europe. He also conducted research at the National Cancer Institute and in Europe to develop drugs that are now staples in cancer care. Bringing new, research-based treatments to patients is a focus of the GHSU Cancer Center. “As we look to the future of cancer care, exciting medical treatments like vaccines and personalized medicine are becoming reality,” said Dr. Samir N. Khleif, Director of the GHSU Cancer Center. “As the region’s only dedicated cancer center, we are at the forefront of research and clinical trials bringing these new treatments to patients.” Rixe is working at the GHSU Cancer Center to offer new medical treatments for newly diagnosed patients as well as those with recurring disease. Along with new medical therapies, patients with brain tumors also benefit from a multidisciplinary model of care, where an entire cancer team -- including dedicated neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, radiation oncologists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians and a nurse navigator --meets with the patient and family. Together, they develop a coordinated and individualized treatment plan. Multidisciplinary cancer clinics are most often available at advanced academic cancer centers such as GHSU’s. “It’s an exciting time to be working in this field,” said Rixe. “Essentially, this is an entire cancer community coming together, drawing on GHSU’s current strengths in immunotherapy, neurosurgery, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiation, gene sequencing and more, to advance
DEA National Prescription Take-Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012, and several CSRA pharmacies will participate. The Take-Back Day provides the opportunity to properly dispose of unused or expired medications. At the last Take-Back event, held in April of last year, one local pharmacy, Parks Pharmacy in North Augusta, collected over 100 pounds of expired and unused medication. People across America people have responded overwhelmingly to the Take-Back efforts. Nationwide, during the most recent event, citizens turned in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of medications for safe and proper disposal. When the results of the four Take-Back Days to date are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medication from circulation. Parks Pharmacy will again be a drop off location for the September 29 event. In addition, medications may be dropped off in the lobby of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, at the Richmond County Board of Education Police Department on Broad Street in downtown Augusta. from press releases compiled by Jennifer Pruett
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ab’s sports
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The Passing of a Legend
life face first
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have covered sports in the CSRA for 17 years, and I have been fortunate enough to get to know some of the very best coaches in Georgia history. I played baseball for Terry Holder at Evans High School; Holder built the baseball dynasty in Columbia County, winning 8 State Titles over and twelve year span. He retired in 1999 as the state’s all-time leader in career victories. I also know the man who broke Holder’s record, Gerald Barnes. Like Holder, Barnes built an incredible baseball tradition at Westside High School. I have gotten to know plenty of great football coaches too -- like Lincoln County’s Larry Campbell, and the late Thomson Coach Luther Welsh. Yes, I am blessed to have been able to pick the brain of some of the best coaches in the history of the Peach State. I am sad to say, however, that I did not know David Dupree. Sure, I knew who he was -- if you’ve talked to a Laney Football fan for five minutes, you’ve heard of Coach Dupree. I can honestly say in all the times I heard Coach Dupree being discussed, I’ve never heard a single negative thing said about him. He was loved by everyone at Laney. Whether they played for him in the 50’s or talked to him after a practice in 2008, everyone loved and respected Coach Dupree. It is rare for someone to have the respect and admiration from people of three different generations, but Coach Dupree had it. Looking back now, I wish I had walked over and introduced myself at one of the games or practices when I saw him; however I will not have the opportunity now. Coach Dupree passed away on September 12, at the age of 88. Coach Dupree came to Laney in 1949 as an assistant coach. Long before he ever stepped on the gridiron for Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was a football star, Dupree was like a sponge soaking up all the football he could as a kid growing up in Clemson, South Carolina. Jim Crow Laws would never allow him to suit up for the Tigers, but they did not stop him from working the scoreboard and watching practices from afar throughout his youth. Yes, by the time he arrived in Augusta, Dupree was ready to lead a program. He finally got the chance when he was named the Head Coach in 1958. After winning just five games his first two seasons, Dupree built a football powerhouse. After those first two seasons, he put together a run of 20 consecutive winning seasons. He also led the Wildcats to a pair of state titles -- first in 1961, then again in 1966. He coached some of the best football players this area has ever seen…like Emerson Boozer, who went on to star for the New York Jets and was a member of the Super Bowl Winning team in 1969. He also coached George Harold who would go on to play for the Baltimore Colts and the Washington Redskins. In all he helped guide six different players to the NFL. However, if all I wrote about when discussing Coach Dupree were his accomplishments on the football field, I would be doing the man a disservice. Every person I talked to about Coach Dupree since his passing said he always put the players first, academics second and football third. He was tough on his players on the field, but his demands on them in the classroom were even more stringent. “He wanted to see his young men become great citizens first. If they were great football players, that was fine, but great citizens…that is what he wanted for all of us,” said one former Laney player. Coach Dupree loved Laney high School. He retired from coaching in 1983 after 26 years as the school’s head coach. The next three seasons Laney went 2-28. Into his 80’s he still supported Laney. Despite knee replacement and being on kidney dialysis, he attended practices in to his 80’s. The area lost a treasure on September 12. Luckily for us, he groomed hundreds of young men along the way.
ashley brown known to listeners as AB, is the Sports Director for Beasley Broadcasting in Augusta. He’s producer of the Austin Rhodes Show and host of CSRA Sports Hour. AB’s quick wit and encyclopedic sports knowledge have made him the leader in sports broadcasting in the CSRA. Comments? Story Ideas? ab@wrdwam.com
Yoga Sprint L
ate for yoga! I dash through my morning routine like the traffic light had just turned yellow, frantic to be there on time. Cats fed, me fed, cats watered, me water bottle, cat’s litter scooped, me potty break, teeth brushed (me, not the cats) yoga mat under my arm and out the door! I slap the steering wheel. No gas. Mario Andretti impression as I skid into the gas station. I toss the contents of my purse on the passenger seat digging for my credit card. I swipe the card through the slot. “Is this a debit card?” the screen asks. I push the NO button. Nothing happens. I push the NO button again and twist the gas cap off my car. “Do you have a Kroger Plus card?” the screen asks. I push the NO button. Nothing happens. I push the NO button again and put the gas pump in the gas tank. “Do you want a car wash?” the screen asks. “NO!” I scream as I hit the NO button 40 times. The screen freezes. “Do you want a car wash?” the screen asks. “AAaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” I hit the button again and mercifully the machine complies and fills my Civic with gas. $9834583478 later I’m back in my car, darting in and out of traffic, sidewalks and stopped school busses. “Move people,” I scream from my sun roof. “I’ve got to get to yoga so I can freaking relax!” Parking downtown inspires panic attacks in the most B type personalities. I slam the car into the first empty space I see and sprint four blocks to the gym and call it cardio. Wrenching the door open, I unfurl my mat with an experienced flick of the wrist and flop onto it just as class begins. “How is everyone feeling today?” our instructor asks. “Out of gas!” I sigh. nora blithe is the author of Door In Face, a humor blog about all things that lay you flat. Read more at DOORINFACE.COM.
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