AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
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VOLUME 58, ISSUE 3
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Vienna Boys stun Augusta By Lucia Conkright staff writer The Vienna Boys Choir performed at Augusta University’s Maxwell Performing Arts Theater on Oct. 22 in a sold-out performance of songs from around the world. The performance was called “stunning” by some members of the audience. The historical choir, around since the 14th century, gave a performance titled, “Around the World in 80 Minutes,” featuring songs from England, Japan, and of course, Vienna. One of the Vienna Boys Choir touring groups, called Mozartchor, was led by choirmaster Bomi Kim and was made up of 24 boys from around the world, according to the choir’s official website. Kim said this performance is one of 50 concerts the choir is performing in the U.S. on their tour. “It’s not easy, especially for me and the boys,” Kim said. “We do our best in every single concert. It’s a different acoustic, a different piano and different formation. We must figure that.” Kim said despite the many concerts and long hours spent traveling, the choir loves what they do. “It’s really fun for me, and for the kids,” Kim said. “You can imagine we are family. We drive together. We eat together. We are a big family.” The tour is only one part of the boys’ lives, according to Kim. Upon acceptance after their auditions, the
Campus mourns loss of student By Shellie Smitley news editor
COURTESY OF LUKAS BECK
The Vienna Boys Choir, pictured above, performed to a sold-out crowd on Oct. 22 at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theater.
“
They were magnificent. It was better than I had even planned for... -- Breana Walton
”
boys live at the choir’s school in Vienna, where they do most of their practicing. “I think the thing that makes them special is the fact that they are a resident program,” Linda Banister, a professor of music at the university, said. “These kids live in the school from the time that they’re eight or nine. They stay there until their voices change, which means they’re probably there for five
years.” According to Kim, the concert tours are the boys’ favorite part of being a “Vienna boy.” “They like concert tour, because they don’t have school,” Kim said. “The concert is the best part for me, and for the kids, I hope.” The concert began at 7:30 p.m. and lasted until around 9:30 p.m. “The first time I saw them, I was 17-years-old,” Banister said. “They were amazing. I’ve seen them since and they’re still amazing.” Breana Walton, a junior at the university, never heard of the Vienna Choir Boys before and was “floored” by the performance.
“They were magnificent,” Walton said. “It was better than I had even planned for. I mean I knew it was going to be great...” While the choir often sung unaccompanied, several of the songs were accompanied by Kim on piano. Throughout the performance, other instruments such as drums and a guitar were played by the boys. “Their uniformity is amazing,” Banister said. “The way they get on stage, the way they stand. That’s what makes a good choir...” The choir opened their perfor-
Graphic design paints art’s future By Inesha Howard staff writer Students have a new graphic design program in the Department of Art, according to Scott Thorp, department chair. Thorp said he was not sure who came up with the idea to bring graphic design to the school because he was a new faculty member as of July 1. He said that he assumed there was an ongoing trend to have graphic design areas throughout the Department of Art. “There’s always a need you know, for that kind of side, art and design,” Thorp said. “So I think it was just a growing need that developed over time.” Julie Sibley, a part-time art faculty member, said that graphic (design) has been needed for the program for a long time. “The former art department chair used to say that we were not gaining students to our department because we didn’t teach that,” Sibley said. “To do well as an artist in today’s cultural environment, you need those skills.” Carrie Dyer, an assistant professor in the Department of Art, will be teaching the graphic design classes. According to Thorp, they were hired around the same time. He said that he is her mentor for this school year and that he has been helping her write the curriculum for the class. He said Dyer is a combination of graphic design and fine artist and fits really well within the department. He said that she is very ambitious, smart and talented. With this new program, Thorp said it definitely would attract more students to the school and the Department of Art. The course is already being offered and there are students on a waiting list to take the class for the Spring semester. “I could only imagine that the program will continue to grow and we plan for it to grow,” Thorp said.
see VIENNA BOYS on PAGE 4
Michael Wilson, a 20-year-old pre-biology sophomore, was found dead in his student-residence at University Village. According to the Augusta Chronicle, Mark Bowen, Richmond County coroner, said on Oct. 26 that the death has been labeled as suspicious. Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:50 p.m. on Oct 24. Christen Carter, from the university’s Division of Communications and Marketing, said the death is not being treated as a homicide. “The autopsy was done at Newberry, SC., and there is good news and bad news to that,” Chief deputy coroner Kenneth Boose said. “They have pinned it for toxicology which means it could be two to three weeks before we get the results back, but if we had sent it to the GBI Crime Lab it could have been 8 months...” Mark Allen Poisel, vice president of student affairs, sent a mass email to students and faculty on Oct. 26. “Understandably, many students, faculty and staff may have been affected by this death,” Poisel said in the email. “…The University Counseling Center is available to help address any emotional needs of our students. As a community we should be sure to help each other through difficult times.” sbarb@gru.edu
Chalk wars erupt on the Summerville sidewalks By Shellie Smitley news editor
RANDY PACE | GRU
Carrie Dyer, Assistant Professor in Augusta University’s Department of Art, looks at a topography-related photo.
Thorp said that one short-term goal for the graphic design program is to define a really good model of graphic design that includes web and print based classes so that students will be prepared for anything. Along with the classes, Thorp said they have a professional development strategy that they are bringing in for upper-level courses to help with client interaction. As a whole, he says the short-term goal for the program is to get it running well and to give students professional experience. “The long-term goal is to use this as a catalyst for other design programs such as motion media, industrial design and things of that nature,” Thorp said. Sibley said she thinks that this graphic design program will make students better artists. She also said it will make them continue to be artists in some kind of way whether it is through teaching or curating. This program will give them opportunities that they will not have without this program. icarruth@gru.edu
A small chalk war erupted Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 on the sidewalks of Augusta University’s Summerville campus debating religious beliefs versus the coming out of LGBT students. Chalked messages in support of GLADD Spirit Day and Coming Out Week were altered and answered with counter-messages in support of religious beliefs opposing homosexuality. According to Maj. Eugene Maxwell of Public Safety, those responsible cannot be identified “unless they turn themselves in.” There are no cameras in University Hall or in the Jaguar Student Activities Center that can record activities outside of the buildings. “Even if they did (figure out who it was), it is not against our policy,” Scott Wallace, dean of student life, said. “It is everyone’s sidewalk.” Wallace said he was not comfortable with the actual altering of messages and would hope that students would treat each other with dignity and respect. “It is not about being uncomfortable with the messages
OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS | GRU
Religious ideas, such as the one above, counter the chalk messages written in support of Coming Out Week on the Summerville campus.
or being uncomfortable with the content of any of the messages,” Wallace said. “It is the behavior of altering what someone else did ... there were altering by both sides.” He said he understood that both LGBT students and religious students were upset by the other groups’ messages. He said the incident will not be investigated any further because no law or university policy was violated. “I think it was civil enough,” Wallace said. “I think that altersee CHALK WAR on PAGE 4
Faces on Campus If you were running for President of the United States, what would your platform be?
“I’d probably run on healthcare. It’s a complex system with many issues. Transparency and fairness need improvement. Fair pay for clinicians and fair prices for patients are important,” said Jonathan Gill, second year physical therapy student.
“It would be to get back to our Constitution. It’s our founding document. It’s not perfect, but we’ve fixed issues with amendments and it’s served us well. Once we return to our roots, we can branch out to fix the rest of our issues. America is a great country and we should take pride in it,” said Medical Library Associate Shannon Terral.
“I would run under the platform of lower taxes for the middle class, more funding for education, seeking private funding for education, and reform in food and pharmaceutical industries,” said Janice Clarke, first year medical student.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
OPINION www.grubellringer.com
editorial
The voice of
Augusta University EDITORIAL STAFF editor-in-chief SARAH CARTER scarte14@gru.edu
Your vote is your voice, so make it count I think it is crucial for the future of our country 14 and on Dec. 19. that all of us are educated about the issues that are
Third, download the free GA Votes mobile app
at stake in the upcoming presidential election and on your phone. This is an invaluable resource that
arts & life and sports copy editor ERICA RUGGLES eruggles@gru.edu
are aware of the background and qualifications provides key information in regard to election
news and editorial copy editor AMY PERKINS aperkin4@gru.edu
political party. Typically, Americans think that user-friendly app also features an online voter
news editor SHELLIE SMITLEY sbarb@gru.edu arts & life editor JOSHUA ADAMS jadams35@gru.edu
of the candidates that are campaigning from each dates and other important political updates. The their voice and their vote do not matter; however, registration option that allows one to quickly and nothing has ever been further from the truth.
easily register to vote without having to fill out
A little over a year from now, the 58th U.S. and mail in a paper application. To register using presidential election will take place on Nov. 8, this app, one must have a valid driver’s license or 2016. I am especially excited since this will be the an identification card issued by the Georgia De-
sports editor TIM HOWARD thowar20@gru.edu
first presidential election that I will experience partment of Driver Services (DDS). South Car-
layout editors ANNA DRESSER adresser@gru.edu
versity.
JAMIE SAPP jsapp270@gru.edu
more about the upcoming election that are condu- Page” option, which allows viewing of local poll
staff writers ALEXANDRIA BENNETT abenne19@gru.edu
cive to the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle that the locations, sample ballots for upcoming elections
INESHA HOWARD icarruth@gru.edu
that we can take is to understand the significance ter logging in. I think that this app is incredibly
LUCIA CONKRIGHT lconkrig@gru.edu TAYLOR AWALT tawalt@gru.edu contributors ADRIENNE HAYES adhayes@gru.edu
and participate in as an alumna of Augusta Uni- olina voters can visit scvotes.org for similar information.
There are four simple and easy ways to learn
The GA Votes app also features a “My Voter
majority of students live. The most important step and even one’s own voter registration status afof each critical issue that is facing our country and important because it allows students to become how imperative it is to be politically proactive, involved in the political process with the simple particularly during our college years.
touch of a button.
First of all, conduct some valuable research.
Lastly, but certainly not least, investigate both
Take a few minutes each week to search the inter- state and national legislative internship options.
RICHARD ADAMS radams99@gru.edu
net for articles, videos, and even short news briefs Our university’s Office of Government Relations
photographer SIDNEY FOWLER sfowler@gru.edu
will be debated and discussed leading up to the ship options in both Atlanta, Ga. at the Georgia
that highlight the primary issues of concern that & Community Affairs offers competitive intern-
adviser RICK KENNEY rkenney@gru.edu
election next November.
Direct advertising inquiries to: scarte14@gru.edu
ommend for students to either add to their “book- ternships is to provide students with the opportu-
Address all correspondence to: The Bell Ringer 2500 Walton Way Augusta, Ga 30904 706-737-1600 www.grubellringer.com
editorial policy
Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s name, phone number and email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the Editorial section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum.
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State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. at the
Some of my favorite websites that I would rec- United States Capitol. The purpose of these inmarks” bar on their laptops or download as apps nity to not only better understand the legislative on their phones would include The Huffington process, but to also observe political proceedings Post, CNN or USA TODAY.
first-hand.
Second, watch both the republican and the
Clearly, there are several opportunities for our
democratic debates on television or online. These own voices to be heard within our current politidebates are an easy way to more clearly under- cal climate. By taking a few minutes a day to learn stand where each candidate stands on certain is- more about the upcoming elections, one is comsues and to decide whether or not one would want municating to others that he or she is concerned to vote for a particular candidate or even volun- about the current condition and also the future of teer to participate in their political campaign.
our country. Your activism may encourage and
A few of the presidential debates have already motivate fellow classmates and others within your aired within the last several months, but there are local community to do the same. more to come. Throughout the remainder of this
Actions speak louder than words, so your vote
year, two primary republican debates will be air- is really your voice in action. Exercise your right ing on Nov. 10 and on Dec. 15. Two primary dem- to vote and do all that you can to be well-educated ocratic debates are also scheduled to air on Nov. politically. It really does matter.
editorial policy Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum. Anything submitted to The Bell Ringer is open to be edited or rejected. However, The Bell Ringer staff gives all opinions a fair chance to be heard. All letters will be edited for grammar and style. If you would like to contribute a column or a letter to the editor, send an email to: bellringerproduction@gmail.com
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News Briefs Search for a police chief continues By Shellie Smitley news editor
SANDRA BANDY | GRU
Left to Right: Sandra Franklin, Brenda Seago, Kathy Davies and Sandra Bandy display the CONBLS Distinguished Library Award at the CONBLS Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Oct. 23.
More to celebrate: Greenblatt Library wins CONBLS award By Adrienne Hayes contributor October is National Medical Librarians month. This year, Robert B. Greenblatt, MD Library has one more reason to celebrate. It has been awarded the Consortium of Southern Biomedical Libraries Distinguished Library Award for 2015. According to their website, CONBLS comprises 22 biomedical library directors representing their respective institutions from six states and Puerto Rico. Other libraries include the Annette and Irwin Eskind Biomedical Library at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Charlotte Edwards Maguire Medical Library at the Florida State University College of Medicine. The CONBLS Distinguished Library Award recognizes “innovation, sustainability, and programs in member libraries that contribute to the library’s mission of service, education, research, and/or patient care to the academic institution or community,” according to their website. CONBLS Distinguished Library of the Year nominations may be submitted by others or by oneself and must accompany a three-page proposal regarding the program, according to their website. There is a limit of two programs
per submission. “Greenblatt Library is pleased to be recognized for coordinating the National Library of Medicine Georgia Biomedical Informatics course over 4 ½ years,” said Professor and Director of University Libraries Brenda Seago. The National Library of Medicine, located at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, “is the world’s largest medical library, with nearly 22 million items in its collection,” according to the NLM website. “The NLM Biomedical Informatics Course, now entering its 23rd year, offers participants a week-long immersive experience in biomedical informatics taught by experts in the field,” according to NLM’s website. The announcement of the CONBLS award came just before Greenblatt’s planned celebration for National Medical Libraries month, which was held on Oct. 14. The Medical Library Association uses October to recognize librarians, but Greenblatt tweaked the month to be “libraries” instead of “librarians” because “we think it’s important to acknowledge everyone who helps provide services and resources for the GRU faculty, students and staff,” said Kim Mears, the scholarly communications librarian who helped coordinate the event.
This year’s theme was “Are You a Risk Taker” and posters regarding the campaign read, “When you need to be right, ask your medical librarian.” “Our Embedded Librarian Program places librarians in the colleges and hospital … to facilitate access to reliable resources and to help navigate the overload of information,” Mears said. “If you need assistance but aren’t on campus, just email a librarian for an appointment and we will meet with you over WebEx, Skype or even FaceTime.” Embedded librarians are but one of Greenblatt’s many services. Study rooms are available without reservations. Students were invited to roll oversized dice to win prizes ranging from lanyards to flash drives. It was hardly a risky move as each roll of a die corresponded to a prize, making everyone a winner. “It’s awesome – I never win anything,” said Claire Lahaie, a physical therapy student. Approximately 50 people attended the event, according to Mears. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes were offered to all who attended. Jillian Estes, a physical therapy student, said, “It was a welcomed study break. It’s cool to celebrate somewhere we spend so much time.” adhayes@gru.edu
The search for an Augusta University police chief is in the initial stages. “The search is under way and we have advertised the position,” Susan Norton, vice president of human resources, said. “We are currently in what we consider the candidate, identification and cultivation stage… We hope to, through the process, have the position filled by the end of the calendar year.” Norton said there is a search committee that reviews the applications and evaluates candidates. Ultimately, it is Tony Wagner,
vice president for administration and finance, who has the hiring authority. She said this is the first time the position has been vacant since Augusta State University and the Medical College of Georgia merged. “... So now we are able to market the position as the public safety director for a comprehensive university and academic medical center and so it’s a much larger position in totality,” Norton said. The director of public safety is a combination role that functions as chief of police. Former Police Chief William McBride retired June 30. sbarb@gru.edu
Greek students ‘step’ up to the plate By Sarah Carter editor-in-chief Augusta University’s Greek Council is hosting a Greek step show performance on Nov. 6 during their annual “Greek Week” festivities. “The Greek Show,” the official title of the event, involves nine on-campus Greek organizations that are paired by Greek Council into four different teams for the dance competition. Each of the participating Greek organizations represent the National Panhellenic Conference, the Interfraternity Council or the National Pan-Hellenic Council on Augusta University’s campus. The pairings for the show include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorori-
ty, Inc. and Delta Chi Fraternity; Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity; and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Since the overall theme of the competition is “Around the World,” each pairing has picked a country to represent during their routine. Each team will perform for up to 10 minutes. “The Greek Show” will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lee Auditorium on the Health Sciences campus. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. scarte14@gru.edu
Assistant professor teaches graphic design at the university By Shellie Smitley news editor Carrie Dyer, assistant professor of graphic design, lends her expertise and experience to bring graphic design to the Department of Art at Augusta University. Dyer’s exhibits have been seen in over 40 national and international exhibitions. She has worked in the design field for over twelve years as the owner and principal designer of Cloudwhale Design, according to her biography at carriedyer.com. She is the recipient of several
American Advertising awards in addition to a second place Cover Illustration Award for the Student Society for News Design in 2005. She won Best Art Cinema Short Award in 2007 and Creative Quarterly published her work in 2015, according to the website. Prior to coming to Augusta University, Dyer taught at The University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark., and at Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. Carrie Dyer, assistant professor of art, was unavailable for an interview with The Bell Ringer. sbarb@gru.edu
City art project connects to class assignment Jamie Sapp staff writer
JAMIE SAPP | STAFF
Brenda Durant, the executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, visited Melanie O’Meara’s intercultural communication class on Oct. 13. She discussed the art boxes of artists placed within Augusta, Ga. The poster was created by Christina Berkshire.
In a communications class, Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, visited students on Oct. 13 to discuss an art project that changes the landscape and people of Augusta, Ga. While visiting communications professor Melanie O’Meara’s intercultural communications class, Durant gave information about an art project called “Art The Box.” Started in early 2015, according to the “Art the Box” brochure, the art project began between Augusta, Ga., the Downtown Development Authority and the Greater Augusta Arts
Council. Nineteen local artists were selected by a committee to create art on 23 local traffic signal control cabinets. Some of the artists included Ashley Gray, Rhian Swain, Krystle Corcino, Trilogy Gunby, Robbie Bellamy and Sarah Pacetti. Durant said she hoped that the public would enjoy the art boxes placed in the city, despite the fact that some people did not like or understand the project. “So, it’s great for our community,” Durant said. “We really hope that seeing the public art project spread across almost every (place and) district that it would make people understand public art… and support projects - public art projects in the
future. Since we haven’t had a lot of this going on in Augusta, when we talk about it, people’s bubbles stays empty.” Talking about how ‘people’s bubbles stays empty’ to the class, Durant said people don’t understand the impact of public art. “Or when you say public art, and to me, that means a lot,” she said. “And to all of you, I think it means something more than just a traffic box being painted. But to most of our kindergartners and the community, there’s nothing there.” For O’Meara’s intercultural communications class, students were see CITY ART on PAGE 4
Daily Crime Log for October 8-20, 2015 Incident (Classification) Theft by Taking Public Drunkeness Disorderly Conduct Giving False Name Entering Auto Criminal Trespass Theft by Taking Simple Battery Suspended License Poss. of Marijuana Theft by Taking
Case Number 15-0311 15-0313 15-0315 15-0316 15-0317 15-0318 15-0319 15-0320 15-0321 15-0322 15-0323
Date/Time 10/08/15 – 20:04 10/10/15 – 19:07 10/11/15 – 14:57 10/12/15 – 03:13 10/12/15 – 14:53 10/14/15 – 16:53 10/16/15 – 15:13 10/17/15 – 01:04 10/17/15 – 13:39 10/17/15 – 16:56 10/20/15 – 14:39
Location Occurred GR Medical Center GR Medical Center Lot 47 Walton Way Lot 04, Summerville Lot 25 Pavilion II University Village St. Sebastian Way 15th Street GR Medical Center
Disposition Active Arrest Arrest Arrest Arrest Arrest Active Active Arrest Arrest Active
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
www.grubellringer.com
The “white coats” are coming
ADRIENNE HAYES | STAFF
Presenting first-year medical students with white coats signifies their official induction into the Medical College of Georgia. First-year medical students look out at their families and supporters at the White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 10 at the Bell Auditorium.
“Write to Heal” allows students, faculty and staff the right to heal Jamie Sapp staff writer By expressing their thoughts in order to mend, members of a support group used expressive writing to discuss managing stress at the “Write to Heal” event on Oct. 12. According to jagwire.gru.edu, “Write to Heal” started in July 2013 on the Health Sciences campus. Family support coordinator of the GRU Cancer Center Naomi Williams and some members of the Department of English and Foreign Languages got involved with the program. Anna Harris, an assistant professor of the Department of English and Foreign Languages, said Williams contacted her about the event. “She had this idea for an expressive writing support group and some of the English faculty got involved,” Harris said. “And so for the most part, it’s been down at the hospital side (Health Sciences campus), until this year, we decided to try it here (Summerville campus)...” According to calendar.gru.edu, the on-going event will re-occur on Nov. 9 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Skinner Meeting Room of the Jaguar Student Activities Center. The event is open to everyone, including students, faculty and
Vienna Boys CONTINUED from PAGE 1
mance with a selection of music from England, featuring composers such as Henry Purcell and Thomas Weelkes. They continued with selections from France, Italy and Arabia. Before the intermission, the choir performed songs from Vienna, featuring works from Johann
City Art CONTINUED from PAGE 3
given an assignment called, “A Walk in the City: Finding a Path to the Life, Stories and Culture of Augusta via Art the Box.” The students were to visit the art boxes and consider how the boxes change the landscape of the city, as well as the people. Then, they could determine if art can promote intercultural communication or not. O’Meara said Durant’s visit was beneficial to the students because they could get information about the art project. “I think it was good to have
JAMIE SAPP | GRU
English Professor Anna Harris (right) and coordinator Naomi Williams (left) talk about stress management on Oct. 12 during the “Write to Heal” event at Augusta University. Williams’ son Noah accompanied Williams.
community members. Upon arrival, members receive small, white “Write to Heal” journals. Professor Harris said the support group figured that everyone could probably use a little bit of journalistic writing. “So we always have a prompt that we suggest and give people some time to write, like 15 to 20 minutes,” she said. “And then, it’s optional sharing.”
Last time, the prompt was, “Why are you here?” she said. “So, Naomi and I journaled about why we felt like it was necessary for us to write on a regular basis to journals. … Since we’re on our campus and it’s midterm day… also being the height of stress… I was thinking we could journal about ways that we manage our stress, perhaps successfully as well as unsuccessfully, and just sort of use that as a starting
Strauss and Franz Schubert. After the intermission, the choir continued with another song from Vienna before moving on to songs from India, China and Japan. These were accompanied by small drums played by two of the boys. The choir then moved to a more familiar setting for the audience, singing a number of North American folk songs and songs from the movie Mary Poppins. After two songs from Ireland and England, the choir concluded
their “world tour” with a song from Vienna by Strauss. The boys finished their performance with a rendition of “We are the World,” prompting the audience to clap along with them. They left the stage with a standing ovation. “I loved how there was a little sampling of music from each culture,” Walton said. “I liked the one from India. You could tell they really enjoyed singing the song.”
someone, to have her, come on campus,” O’Meara said. “So, it’s not just me talking about the project. It makes it a little bit more official… and to be able to hear about how much work she puts into going to city council meetings...” O’Meara said Durant had to jump through hoops in order to make the art project occur in the city, and for Durant to be able to talk about the project to the class was cool. Communications major and art minor Payton Granade said that artist Ashley Gray’s art box, “Dogwood Tree and Tech-savvy Birds,” stood out to her by its changes to the landscape. “‘Savvy birds’ really stands out because of where it is,” she said. “... it’s this blue box with ‘tech-savvy
lconkrig@gru.edu
birds’, but it’s right near churches. And when I first saw it, the first thing that popped into my head was freedom, freedom of whatever religion you want to be, because there’s… it’s like three different churches. But then, when you get up close to it, and you start interacting with it, you can see that it’s like, for some people a different form of religion and the way they interact with technology.” O’Meara said she felt that the art project could connect to the students as well as to the class curriculum. “I think that’s what I’m trying to do,” she said. “...How does it communicate and how does it create community, or bring people from different communities or backgrounds together?” jsapp270@gru.edu
point and see where that takes us.” While reading from her journal, Williams said she managed stress through eating, sleeping, running, deep breathing, praying, meditating and other various activities. “My primary mode of relieving stress was running,” she said. “Obstacles with fitting a big car seat and big jogger have halted my running effort, and in an attempt to work around this obstacle, I’m trying to
utilize sitters. And when all else fails, take kiddo on regular wheelchair outdoor stroll.” Williams said she had a few unsuccessful moments with stress. “As of late, I’ve not been managing my stressors well. Lots of mental road blocks, but the positive is that I recognize that and I am doing something about it,” she said. “I’ve started to de-clutter my space - my car and my house. ...I’ve been proactive in reducing financial stressors, which is awesome.” Harris also read from her journal about her ways to manage stress. She said stress eating was one of her worst coping mechanisms. “Only at school, my office has this secret chocolate stash that I absolutely cannot ignore,” she said. “Stress eating has always been, I think, my worst coping mechanism. It doesn’t matter what I eat… it’s whatever, I just eat it.” Harris said the habit was similar to not washing laundry and instead pulling things from the bottom of the basket. “Here’s the neat thing I think about the program as well, that we actually participate too, and it’s not just a ‘you do it’ or ‘they do it,’” Williams said. “It’s a ‘we do it’ and I like that aspect.” jsapp270@gru.edu
OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS | GRU
Altered chalk messages on Augusta University’s Summerville campus reflect conflicting views on the topics of sexuality and religion.
Chalk War CONTINUED from PAGE 1
ing the messages of another is not respectful but I wouldn’t call that action uncivil.” Quincy J. Byrdsong, chief diversity officer, sent a massive email on Oct. 16 to students and faculty addressing the altering of the Coming Out Week messages. The email did not address the tampering of the messages that opposed homosexuality. Wallace said he thought the reason that Byrdsong sent the email was to let students know
that the university wants students to embrace the core values of the institution. “I am very proud of the opportunity that we have for students to have a voice on our campus and I feel that all students should feel welcomed on our campus and welcomed to be able to have dialogues and forms of discussion,” Karen Mobley, director of student development, said. “...I believe that a college campus is a great place for students to be able to express themselves and share interests even if those interests are opposing interests.” sbarb@gru.edu
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Cross-country team unites for victory By Richard Adams contributor Awards came early for the men’s and women’s cross-country teams this season. Along with the men’s team placing second at the 2015 Peach Belt Conference Championships and the women coming in sixth, four members of the teams were named All-Conference. Olivia Rodriguez, 11th overall, was the women’s sole representative on the All-Conference team, while Nick Del Guercio, Dylan Forester and Caleb Watson were the men’s representatives honored with the distinction. The championships, held Oct. 24 at the University of North Georgia, were the first post-season match of the year, bringing together all the conference teams as they prepare for the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championships Nov. 7 at Wingate University in North Carolina. A top-three placement in the Southeast region is required for either team to move forward to national competition. While neither team did as well as hoped, Head Coach Adam Ward said he sees room for significant improvement in each team’s performance as they prepare for regional competition, especially after freshmen members, of which both teams have a heavy component, glimpsed what it means to run at conference level. On the women’s side, several members, Ward said, felt as though their running was “flat,” meaning their legs lacked the necessary springiness needed to compete at the higher distances of conference and regional races. In a poll taken before the
The Hot Corner Tim Howard sports editor
As seasons overlap, excitement is everywhere
RICHARD ADAMS | STAFF
Nick Del Guercio and Dylan Forester run as head coach Adam Ward and assistant coach Pardon Ndhlovu look on. Del Guercio was recently named Peach Belt Conference runner of the year.
race, Del Guercio received the mantle PBC Runner of the year. “I was a little surprised,” Del Guercio said. “I’ve just been trusting coach’s training. Eventually, I knew this kind of individual success would come.” It was the loss of the first place standing that most occupied Del Guercio’s thoughts. As good as it felt being named the conference’s runner of the year, “I would have rather won the race and been conference champs.” Now in his third year with the team, Del Guercio came to the Augusta University Men’s Cross-Country Team only three years after the program began. In that time, the team has become used to being in the conference’s top tier. In 2013, Del Guercio, as a freshman member, became an integral part of the fledging team and watched as it ascended to the national championships, an achievement he would like to see replicated this year. In his first conference cham-
pionship, Del Guercio placed 24th in the 8k competition with a time of 26:21.19, compared to his 25:42.9 second place finish this year. Experience goes a long way, Ward said. When looking at the conference’s finishing scores, Ward saw that it wasn’t until the final laps that the younger runners on the team began to have difficulty. “We were beating (Pembroke) through (the third lap),” Ward said. “We were up by 4 or 5 points up for (laps) one, two and three, but their fourth and fifth (runners) were a little older, a little wiser. Sometimes, maturity - and I don’t mean maturity in terms of their character, but maturity in terms of race experience and things like that – sometimes that helps out and pays off in the end. You know, they know what to expect and they know what to do, they know how to handle it when things aren’t going their way.” Now in a similar position as Del Guercio was once in, fresh-
man Noah Hulett is currently adjusting to the longer run length of college cross-country courses and doing his best to hang in there. A high school standout, Hulett said joining the team has made him a better runner. “Early in high school, it was just kind of me out there pushing myself,” Hulett said. “But having a solid seven, eight guys in there is just really motivating. And it’s good to not be at the top of the team right now, just kind of sit back and let other people motivate you and see that they’re in front of you and just try to push every day to get closer and closer to them.” In response to a question about the team’s adopted motto this year, which reads, “Everything. Every day. Together,” Hulett said being motivated isn’t hard with a team like this. “We’ve just got a good family thing going on, and we’re always pushing each other to do our best (on the course) and in life, in general.” radams99@gru.edu
Christenberry Fieldhouse celebrates silver anniversary By Tim Howard sports editor Just off of Wrightsboro Road stands a monolithic building that is a house of horrors for some and a cozy home for others. But it can be an easy building to miss, despite the large electronic sign at the entrance welcoming visitors inside. Christenberry Fieldhouse is the heart of Augusta University’s Forest Hills campus. Not only is it home to the university’s basketball and volleyball teams, it is also home to administrative offices for athletics as well as various wellness-related classes. Located at the end of Marvin Vanover Drive, which is named for the former Augusta College athletic director and men’s basketball coach, the Fieldhouse can trace its earliest origins to the 1960s. It was during that decade, says Clint Bryant, current athletic director at Augusta University, that a plan for a new athletics facility for Augusta College first appeared. “The Physical Education Athletic Complex, as it was officially known, the P.E.A.C., had been on the Board of Regents agenda, as I understand, for funding for about 20 years, going back to 1968 or so,” Bryant said. “And Marvin Vanover’s 1968 team made a run at the national championship, and so he had been talking about a place to play basketball for years.” Before Christenberry Fieldhouse was built, Augusta College played its home games at a warehouse-turned-gym that seated “about 300 to 400 people on a good day” located on the college’s Walton Way campus, a gym that was not suited for basketball. In 1987, almost 20 years after first appearing on the agenda, the Board of Regents finally appropriated money for the building. But before the first shovel could hit the ground, there was a small problem – two
TIM HOWARD | STAFF
Christenberry Fieldhouse is a source of pride and joy for the university’s students, athletes, fans and custodians. The building will celebrate its 25th birthday in February 2016.
million of them, to be precise. “By the time they broke ground (on the building) in November 1989, the building had gone from $7.5 million to $9.5 million, so it had gone up $2 million in about two years,” Bryant said. “So we had to give up some stuff, and the stuff that we gave up were the athletic fields outside, the end zone bleachers, and the bleachers inside the mezzanine, because the complex was originally supposed to seat 5,000 people.” The first basketball game inside what was then known as the P.E.A.C. was a doubleheader. Augusta College’s Lady Jaguars beat the University of North Carolina Asheville 97-84. The men followed with a game against the University of South Carolina in front of a sellout crowd of 3,314. The first game at the new venue was so anticipated that Augusta College brought in bleachers to place in the end zone so that enough people could fit inside the building. Bryant, who was the men’s basketball head coach at the time, said the atmosphere was electric inside despite a downpour outside that caused parking issues for the hundreds of cars parked on the grass. The Jaguars hung around South Carolina and even tied the game up with six minutes remaining in regulation, but the Gamecocks eventually put the game away.
In the late 1990s, the university named the fieldhouse itself – but not the entire athletic complex – as Christenberry Fieldhouse, in memory of George Christenberry, who was president of Augusta College from 1970 to 1986, and under whose leadership the venue was constructed. “Now we call the whole building Christenberry Fieldhouse, but the intent was that the arena was the fieldhouse part, not necessarily the whole building,” Bryant said. “But over time, this has become Christenberry Fieldhouse.” After Augusta State’s men’s basketball team made three consecutive Elite Eight appearances from 2008-2010, demand for increased seating grew, and the university responded. “Since we made the runs at the NCAA tournament, one year (in 2011), we got end zone bleachers,” Bryant said. “And the next year, we put bleachers in the other end zone. Now, it holds 3,026. But for us, for our size of institution, I hope that we grow into having to put the mezzanine bleachers.” Despite all of the action that the venue has seen over its 25 years, Christenberry Fieldhouse has aged well, which Bryant attributes to the building’s custodial staff. “It (Christenberry Fieldhouse) was the first new building on this campus in twenty-something years, so there was a lot of pride for it,” Bryant said. “And I tell people that the custodial people that were given to this building – we must have had four or five of them – they took an unbelievable interest and pride in making sure (the building was kept clean) – and it still shows today, on the inside of this building. People come in here all the time and they say, ‘You’ve been in here how long?’ This is a pretty good-looking building, and that’s because the people took really nice care of it.” thowar20@gru.edu
October’s end and November’s beginning is one of the most exciting times of the year. It is exciting to Halloween lovers, but it is also a very exciting time to be a sports fan because of all of the events happening at once. For college football fans, this is the time when championship contenders either strengthen their resolve or collapse under pressure. Florida State and Utah were two of those teams that suffered crushing road defeats to Georgia Tech and Southern California, respectively. It is not too late for either of those teams to get back into the hunt for the College Football Playoff, but both teams’ losses did hurt their chances – especially when Florida State’s loss came to a 3-5 Georgia Tech team that is struggling just to remain bowl-eligible. Clemson leapt to the No. 3 position in the AP Top 25 poll after their 58-0 win over the Miami Hurricanes, the worst defeat in Miami history. The Tigers look like true contenders, and if they play the way they have played so far this season, they will bring Clemson its first national championship since Danny Ford’s 1981 team won the school’s only national title. In the NFL, it is a little bit early to make any bold predictions, considering that we have not yet reached the season’s halfway point. But so far, New England, Green Bay and Carolina have played well, with all three teams sporting identical 6-0 records. That said, the Atlanta Falcons have been a surprise so far, with a 6-1 record under first-year head coach Dan Quinn. Second-year running back Devonta Freeman has been a crucial part of the Falcons’ balanced offensive attack, leading the NFL with nine rushing touchdowns and ranking in the top 10 in both total rushing yards (505, second in the NFL) and rushing yards per game (84.2, sixth in the NFL). Baseball fans get their last hurrah before the offseason with the World Series between the defending American League champions, the Kansas City Royals, and the underdog New York Mets. The Royals expected to make the playoffs again and contend for their title, so their presence in the World Series does not come as a surprise. This is an odd line for a team that did not make the playoffs once between 1986 and 2013. New York finds itself in the World Series for the first time since the 2000 World Series, when they fell to the New York Yankees in five games in the first Subway Series since 1956. Will the Royals get over last season’s World Series disappointment and win their first World Series in 30 years, or will the Mets cap their incredible season with their first title since 1986? The start of the NBA season is full of hope for many teams and uncertainty for others. Cleveland, Golden State, San Antonio and Los Angeles lead a short list on teams that look to capture the 2016 NBA Finals, although plenty of other teams remain in the hunt. Oklahoma City small forward Kevin Durant will be one of the more intriguing players this season, as it is rumored that if the Thunder do not win the title, he may look to play elsewhere. If you also follow the English Premier League, you are able to enjoy another sport whose season has been a surprise so far. Both Manchester-based clubs – Manchester City and Manchester United – are playing well so far, with both teams in the top four of the Premier League standings and on pace to advance past the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Defending Premier League champions Chelsea are experiencing some difficulty, however, with the club currently sitting in 15th place. The Blues have five losses through 10 matches, more than the team suffered all of last season, when they went 26-9-3 and won the title by eight points over Manchester City. As a result of their difficulties so far, Chelsea manager José Mourinho is facing scrutiny for his team’s subpar performance so far. No matter what your favorite sport is, there is plenty of action happening, with one sport season ending, another sport season beginning, and others in the midst of their proceedings. The unpredictability of sports makes it that much more interesting when we crown all-new champions in a short time, or maybe those familiar teams will claim the title once again. thowar20@gru.edu
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ARTS & LIFE www.grubellringer.com
Graduate wins Playboy’s Contest By Joshua Adams arts & life editor It may be difficult to find pictures of nude women in next year’s issues of Playboy, but the famous magazine will never cease to publish beautiful writing. For the past 29 years, Playboy’s College Fiction Contest has paved the road to success for many aspiring writers. This year’s winner, Donnie Watson, plans on walking down that road, as his short story, “My Feet Are Fire,” was published in Playboy’s October issue. “I wrote the story I needed to read,” Watson said. Some people know Watson as the “The Heat,” his retired alter-ego, doing less than impressive stunts on a Razor scooter in YouTube videos. Many may have seen him on stage, screaming with a fiery passion, with old bands, Mudbrute, Sludgebomb, or Bull Durham. Others may have had their IDs checked by him at the door of Soul Bar. Most people, however, may not be aware of his status as an aspiring writer. Watson, 26, of Augusta, set up a small office in his house where he bleeds words daily. “Being in this room and working on stories and comics is the happiest I’m capable of being at the moment,” Watson said. “In ‘On the Road,’ Jack Kerouac says ‘the road is life,’ and for me, when I get here and start working, I get caught up in the music and the scene as if it’s really there and I’m really seeing what my character is doing, the desk is life.” For Watson, writing has been the plan and the dream since he was in the fifth grade. His earliest story was inspired by the video game, “Final Fantasy VIII.” “I was so absorbed in this video game,” Watson said. “When I finished it I was like, ‘no, that can’t be it, there has to be more to this story,’ but there wasn’t. At the time I didn’t know it was a fan fiction,
GRU graduate, Donnie Watson, works on short stories, comic books and other types of fiction in his home.
but I was like ‘I’ll just make more of the story.’” He did just that. His first short story was a sequel to a video game in which he became connected to the characters. He made the characters do things that he thought they should have done throughout the original story. Watson said that he has been into comic books for as long as he can remember. He eventually began striving to create his very own comic book series in 2010. “I think it was those stories and characters (in the comics) that I began to identify the most with,” Watson said. “Not for just the silly reasons like, ‘I want to fly, also,’ or ‘Man, I wish I had super strength.’ There is a vast, vast amount of depth within each character. It’s not just blue, red, white spandex. There
is a human underneath.” Realizing he had not developed his literary ability yet, he decided to enroll in the creative writing program at Augusta State University. “I didn’t know how to do what I wanted to do,” Watson said. “It was like a bad translation. It was kind of like a person who speaks a different language than us has a very, very important message to tell us but they’re speaking to us in this very, very choppy and broken English.” Watson’s bad translation began to shape up into a beautiful language during the course of his first creative writing class, poetry persona. “If you look at what I wrote at the beginning of that class and compare it to what I wrote near the end, there was so much growth,” Watson said. He wrote “My Feet Are Fire”
JOSHUA ADAMS | STAFF
in one of his last creative writing classes. In this class, Dr. Jared Hegwood, assistant professor of literature, worked with Watson to create the polished story you can read in Playboy today. “What I find in a lot of young writers is that they tend to lean on serious questions in an attempt to sort of sound a little bit more mature than they are, and in an attempt to create some sort of artificial meaning to their stories, some extra weight,” Hegwood said. “Donnie, however, has a light heart. He’s a very sincere person. He’s a very genuine person.” Hegwood said that getting published in Playboy and winning the College Fiction Contest is no small feat. Over the years, he has seen friends and colleagues win the contest, and it launched their careers. “I understand when people hear
Playboy, they tend think of what the magazine is most known for, but it’s, in terms of literary writing, a highly reputable publication,” Hegwood said. “To be chosen as the winner of the College Fiction contest is more than just a feather in your cap.” “My Feet Are Fire” is a story about being a regular human being and dealing with the constant struggle of being accepted. After a little bit of polishing, the short story was ready to be sent off to publishers and entered into contests. Playboy’s senior copy editor, Cat Auer, said that Watson’s story was a breath of fresh air. Auer was among the four judges that chose “My Feet Are Fire” over thousands of other contestants. “Donnie’s (story) had character, plot and really great pacing,” Auer said. “His language was very catchy. It also had elements of mystery, romance and action. On top of that, I think it was a very relatable story.” Auer said that everyone who read “My Feet Are Fire” at Playboy felt a connection with Duncan, the short story’s main character. Watson said it is a story about how he perceives himself meeting how he wants to perceive himself. “Duncan is how I see me,” Watson said. “And he meets Ritchie, who is this person with this amount of confidence and this certain level of joy to him. This person who will go out of his way to bring joy to someone else. So it’s me meeting how I want to be.” Watson is now looking ahead to a bright future. He is currently working on two comic book pitches, a short story and a novel based on a novella he wrote before taking most of his creative writing courses at Augusta State University. Winning Playboy’s contest opens a huge door for Donnie, and it seems as if he is ready to walk through it.
jadams35@gru.edu
Student production coming this weekend By Taylor Awalt staff writer
JOSHUA ADAMS | STAFF
The Miller theater, on the corner of 7th Street and Broad street, is set to be open to the public in fall 2017.
Downtown theater celebrates reopening By Joshua Adams arts & life editor The Miller Theater held a public event downtown to celebrate its progress toward the venue’s reopening on Oct. 23. According to a press release, the theater was given to the Symphony Orchestra Augusta by Peter Knox in 2008 after its 45-year run was ended in 1985. The SOA has since raised 80 percent of funds for renovations and its rebirth. The 700 block of Broad Street was closed off for the event, which featured live music, campaign announcements and merchandise sales along with kid’s activities, concessions and raffles. Marketing co-chair of the Miller Campaign Angela Maskey said the event was meant to inform the public of the campaign’s progress and to invite the community to be a part of the process. “It’s fundraising and awareness,” Maskey said. “We’ve been working so hard behind the scenes with acoustic tests, capability studies and fundraising.” The Miller is targeted to open in the fall of 2017, Maskey said. The theater is poised to fill in the gap of a mid-range capacity theater in Augusta, Maskey said, and will work to bring more life to downtown Augusta.
Tom Casella owns Casella Eye Care with his son. Casella said that the business is located in what used to be a theater and that he and his son love downtown Augusta. “We love everything about it,” Casella said. “We’re very excited about the Miller. It’s a wonderful thing, what they’re doing. We love the atmosphere, people and diversity. It’s just a great thing, without a doubt.” Casella believes that the Miller’s reopening will “absolutely” revitalize the culture of downtown. “Anything that’s good for downtown, I’m good for because it’s good for the whole community,” Casella said. “It’s the soul of the community. Where else do you want to be? Where else do you want to be? Nowhere! Absolutely nowhere! I’m excited about it.” Maskey said she hopes it will help to revitalize, in regard to both culture and business, the community of downtown Augusta. “Many cities across the country have demonstrated that once you get the theater and entertainment pieces of the puzzle, the restuarants start coming after that, and it all blossoms from there,” Maskey said. “This is the catalyst to get that economic driver that we need on this end of Broad Street. The arts are always at the center of development.” jadams35@gru.edu
Euripides’ Medea is given a modern, edgy twist in directors Rick Davis’ and Melanie O’Meara’s translation of the play, premiering Nov. 5 at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theater. The play that was originally performed in masks by an all-male cast in 431 B.C. is modified with Davis’ unique perspective and O’Meara’s choreography and composition. Davis said he shortened the speeches and translated the text in order to hold and captivate a 21st century audience. He said he accomplished this while also staying true to its ancient story of love and betrayal, with an emphasis on gender inequality and racial otherness. O’Meara, in turn, designed a more modern and provocative dance that allows the chorus to play a more dominant role than usual. Davis said he also allows the chorus to become more interactive, as members are set in various points on the stage in order to keep the audience on their toes. Sidney Fowler, who plays the heartbroken lead Medea, said that although Medea is exotic (much like Fowler, who is Hawaiian) she does not connect with her character on a racial aspect. In fact, she said, “I connect with my character on gender inequality.” Fowler said she believes that her character clearly sees aspects of gender inequality in the actions of her husband, Jason. Jason is greedy and power-hungry in seeking to marry another woman, while Medea has done gruesome things to put him in the position that he holds, Fowler said. When confronted about his actions, he shows a complete disregard for Medea’s feelings and believes that as a male, he has the right to do what he pleases. However, Fowler said her character decides that she will not let Jason get away with what he has done and seeks revenge. Furthermore, Fowler said that she believes that it is important to understand that Medea is not “a through and through villain, she’s a woman who’s been wronged.” Al-
The Department of Communication & Theatre AUG Present
Medea Directed by Rick Davis and Melanie Kitchens O’Meara
7:30 p.m., November 5-7 & 3 p.m., November 8 Maxwell Theatre $10 Public; $7 Alumni, Military, and Seniors; $5 Students and Children; $5 AUG Faculty and Staff FREE for AUG Students with valid JagCard
Tickets available at gru.edu/maxwelltheatre or 706-667-4100
MELANIE O’MEARA | FACULTY
though the aspects of heartbreak and betrayal are relatable to everyone, it could be especially relatable for women, she said. Davis said that in ancient Greece nothing was more important than having a son, so gender inequality was as prominent an issue as racism. However, he said, the Greeks were not so much concerned with race as they were with outsiders in general; anyone who was not Greek was considered barbaric. Fowler said that when Jason wants to leave her for another woman, it is easy to see how race plays a role because the other woman is said to be of pale skin. To illustrate racial otherness and express the importance of diversity, Davis implemented an ethnically diverse cast. Fowler said that the “cast is wonderful” and that there is an “incredible vibe in the room that takes over when we rehearse.” The play premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 and will open at the same time through Nov. 7. On Nov. 8, Medea will begin at 3 p.m. tawalt@gru.edu
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Crew gives students a scare By Jamie Sapp staff writer On a cool, dark night, the Jaguar Production Crew gave students and guests a fun and frightful night as members of the organization and volunteers participated in the CREW’s Horror Story event on Oct. 23. From 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., the CREW held the “American Horror Story” themed event inside various rooms of the Jaguar Student Activities Center. On the first floor of the JSAC, students and guests hung out and played various games within the Breezeway. There were a few games that the crowd played, including an “American Horror Story” trivia game, UNO, Connect 4, checkers and chess. The first floor was based on “Coven,” the third season of the TV show. DJ Patrick O’Connor of Amplified Events played various songs to the dancing crowd. Students and guests ate Papa John’s pizza and chicken wings along with candy, chips and drinks. On the second floor of the JSAC, the Coffeehouse conference room was a gaming and lounge area, while the Hardy conference room was used as a “scare” room. Scary music played in the Coffeehouse, where students played poker and enjoyed popcorn, candy and a big purple spider. The room was based on “Freak Show,” the fourth season of the show. In the Hardy room, students and guests entered into the “scare” room, which frightened some to the point of screaming. The room was also based on “Murder House,” the
By Anna Dresser layout editor
JAMIE SAPP | STAFF
Dressed as a knight, Zachary Houk won the “Most Creative Costume” at the CREW’s “American Horror Story” themed event.
first season of the TV show. For the horror themed event, the CREW’s Special Events Director Brikkel Rucker said that “Murder House” was one of the best seasons from the television show. “When I think of Halloween, I think of killings and murders and all that,” she said. “And we also have a ton of decorations for ‘Murder House.’” In the “Murder House” room, Rucker said the team had four grim reapers to scare people and thought that it would be the scariest aspect of the event. During the horror television show themed event, some students and guests, along with volunteers and members of the CREW, wore various creative costumes. Some of the CREW members dressed up as
clowns based on “Freak Show.” The event featured a contest which had two winners: freshman history major Zachary Houk won the “Most Creative Costume” and sophomore biology major Elliot Lewis won “Scariest Costume.” Houk was dressed up as an honorable knight in shiny armor. Lewis wore a white, wolf-like costume with a pair of bluish-red horns. Houk said dressing up as a knight was his first choice. “I’m actually an armor collector,” he said. “And so, I thought, ‘you know what, I might showcase some older stuff that’s actually 11th century armor.’ I have everything from (the) 11th century to (the) 15th century.” Robert Davis, special events assistant director of the CREW, said
he was nervous about the event. “I was absolutely nervous when this event started because I didn’t know if we had enough people for each of the rooms,” she said. “But this one turned out better than I could have ever hoped.” Davis said she hoped that the students and guests were terrified, but also had a lot of fun. “I hope they enjoy it because a lot of work has been put into it,” she said. “I really hope it (paid) off in the end and that people (enjoyed) it, and will talk about it in a good way after they (left). And I even hope that if they had their friends that didn’t come, that they tell their friends about it and their friends get jealous that they didn’t come because it was so great.”
jsapp270@gru.edu
JAMP goes on ‘The Good Foot’ By Alexandria Bennett staff writer Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of the legendary James Brown and founder of the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils, said she is proud to have formed a melodic, educational academy that continues her father’s legacy. JAMP is a musical initiative designed for youth to discover their musical ability. JAMP continues to “Get on the Good Foot” as it lives out their mission to motivate, educate and inspire children through the universal language of music. “I learned a lot of great business lessons and life lessons from my dad while traveling around the world with him,” Brown Thomas said. “I just want to share it all and allow these young kids to get a feel of what entertainment is really about.” JAMP will be performing at Christmas in the Park on Dec. 5 at Evans Towne Center Park. The
ALEXANDRIA BENNETT | STAFF
JAMP students rehearse in their classroom at the Augusta Museum of HIstory.
JAMP Masters’ goal is to put a smile on each listener’s face by filling their hearts full of holiday cheer through their musical talents. JAMP has a number of accomplishments such as recording their first original tune, “Get Loose,” opening up for Prince at the United
Center in Chicago and performing at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles during Grammy week. The accomplishments continue to roll in as they recently traveled to Orlando for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. JAMP Master Lorenzo “Ain’t
That a Groove” Robinson is an alto sax player who says that education and music are the two words he thinks of when it comes to JAMP. Robinson loves being part of the program and bonding with his band members, who he now says are like family to him. “Being in JAMP has inspired me to take everything that I learn and give back to help others,” Robinson said JAMP Master Nigel “Music Box” Henderson, a lead singer and drummer, said he believes. Henderson continues to explore his musical talents, learning more about music theory and progressing vocally as a lead singer. He said these lessons will be a great asset to his career goal of becoming a music producer who leaves a huge impact. “I want people to remember Nigel Henderson as a talented young man who did a lot in this world,” Henderson said. abenne19@gru.edu
The Highlander hosts unique open mic night Joshua Adams arts & life editor As a musician and songwriter, I am always itching to play my songs for people. I am most comfortable when playing with a band because a special connection shared between musicians is something more than words can describe. Being without a band for the past year, I have turned to open mic events, where I am used to performing alone. Eventually, I caught wind of The Highlander’s open mic and could not resist the urge to check it out. The Highlander, just across the 13th Street bridge in North Augusta, has open mic every Wednesday. The bar is modeled after a British pub and is just across the street from North Augusta’s Municipal building. What I found at The Highlander was not your typical open mic night. When I began my performance, I was nervous. After butchering my first song, a patron picked up an electric guitar and began to play with me. Soon, I had a bassist,
Garden city grub: Füse
FRED SWINDELL | FREELANCE
Jennifer Sparling plays trumpet at the Highlander’s open mic night.
drummer and horn player to boost my confidence. I thought to myself, “this isn’t your average open mic.” It was almost like being in a band again. Dewayne Brock, a professional musician from Austin, Texas, runs the Highlander’s open mic and said he started doing open mics in Augusta when he realized they were a rarity to the area. “The ones that were here were kind of cliqued-up,” Brock said. “There was maybe four or five people there that could play for two and a half hours and no one would say anything to them.” Brock noticed that Augusta has many up-and-coming musicians
and wanted to offer them encouragement and a place to display their talents. “It’s getting harder and harder for these people to find places to play unless they’ve got their act totally together,” Brock said. “The biggest part of it is, to me, you can be a virtuoso in your closet or on the couch at your house, but when you’re standing in front of a crowd of people, it’s a whole different learning processes.” As a musician who has played in many places across the country, Brock said that it is uncommon for other musicians to join performers at an open mic night. “It might be one of the things that makes people leave and not want to come back, but it’s one of the things I absolutely love about it,” Brock said. “To me, it just speaks volumes of the camaraderie of musicians, especially locally. I’ve been doing this for many years in many places.” Among the musicians who regularly attend The Highlander’s open mic is Jennifer Sparling, who was
inspired to play the French horn after watching her sister play it as she grew up. She now plays trumpet, glockenspiel and various hand percussion instruments. After spending her high school years in different bands and orchestras, Sparling lost interest in playing music after she went to college. She ran into Brock on Broad Street about 10 years later and was invited to an open jam for his birthday. Since then she has played with local acts like the Low Creek Killers, Celia Gary and Gin Jockeys, as well as random open mics. Among the many open mics Sparling has played, she said that The Highlander’s is special. “The people who usually go there, for the most part, are these warm, inviting, wonderful people that appreciate what’s going on,” Sparling said. “We’ve all got our own ways of doing it, whether it’s playing at home or whatever, but there’s an appreciation and a participation that is unlike anything I’ve seen.” jadams35@gru.edu
I did not know what to expect when I first arrived at Füse, but I can say that I was, and am, quite pleased. The open, fun and modern atmosphere combined with the fresh and local food menu makes for a style that is both contemporary and unique. The first thing that I noticed was their amazing customer service. Kat, my waitress, was very helpful and brought everything out in a timely manner. She also answered every question of mine, promptly told me about all the specials and spoke to all of the other customers in the same friendly way. I went during the dinner hour and got the chef’s choice of Korean barbecue with fried rice, peppers, onions, pico de gringo and mushrooms. This dish was incredible. The meat literally fell off of the bone because it was so perfectly tender. It was pleasing to the taste buds as it was spicy, tangy and sweet all at the same time. I also ordered some of the Irish cream mousse housemade ice cream. I am a huge ice cream fan and my only qualm is that more is not included in the serving. This particular ice cream is thick, rich, flavorful and so worth buying. There are also other flavors such as bacon bourbon and apple jacks. I am impressed by Füse because, according to both Kat and the chef Eric Drapper, co-owner, everything is made fresh daily and 90 percent of their ingredients come from local farms. The meats come from Savannah River Farms in particular. Not only do they have a high standard for ingredients, but they have many alcoholic options, including a full-service bar, 30 handcraft beers on tap, specialty cocktails and a wine selection. Füse also has several specials such as Wine Wednesday after 6 p.m., when all wines are half-price with any food purchase and a 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour. They are also open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Although I thought my meal was a little bit pricey for what I got, I enjoyed every single bit of it. The next time I go back, I would like to try their Pintxos, a bar snack popular in Northern Spain that is a slice of bread topped with different ingredients such as salami, quail egg, pastrami pork and aged cheese. Oh, and I will definitely be back to try the Lamb Burger – Kat said it was the most popular dish, and I for one cannot wait to taste it! adresser@gru.edu
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015
Interested in law school? We give you choices. Upcoming Prospective Student events in two Georgia cities at two Georgia law schools Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Information Session at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Open House at Savannah Law School Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Open House with Focus on Part-Time Programs at Savannah Law School
RSVP online, email or by phone for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School event in Atlanta, GA: www.johnmarshall.edu admissions@johnmarshall.edu 404-872-3593 for Savannah Law School events in Savannah, GA: www.savannahlawschool.org admissions@savannahlawschool.org 912-525-3929
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