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The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY

Newspaper VOL.2 NO.38 VOL.2 NO.18 The CSRA’s

JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

HEERY CONTRACT ON ICE • THE NSA AND YOU

Photo by Vincent Hobbs CURVITUDE SWAG: Curvitude Boutique celebrated its second anniversary with a fashion show during this month’s First Friday celebration.

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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Look Here!

FRONT ‘N’ CENTER TAKE NOTE

Augusta Mini Theatre to honor Robert “Flash” Gordon at Annual Roast & Toast Celebration FIRST FRIDAY RUNWAY: A model walks the runway during Curvitude Boutique’s second anniversary fashion show during First Friday. The show, hosted by Cher Best, featured fashions, a live DJ and a live painting by artist Baruti Tucker. The boutique caters to full-figured women from small to 3X sizes.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Visionary Warriors Training Camp Martial arts event planned for children with visual impairment

AUGUSTA The Georgia Regents University division of Pediatric Ophthalmology is partnering with Superior Academy SelfDefense School this summer for a fun, safe, confidencebolstering event for children with visual impairment. The

one-day Visionary Warriors Training camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at Superior Academy at 4158 Washington Road in Evans.

Organizers of the camp aim to empower children who suffer from visual disorders

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UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

by teaching them the basics of self-defense through specially tailored martial arts classes. Intended for children ages 6-14, the program will also teach participants the benefits of physical training as it pertains to lifelong healthy living.

Sifu Jason Herrera, owner and operator of Superior Academy and a hall-of-fame martial arts expert, will provide the instruction.

Herrera and his staff of martial arts experts will provide comprehensive supervision throughout the day to ensure every child remains safe.

“When it comes to people’s fears of health problems, blindness is second only to cancer,” said Dr. Julian Nussbaum, Chair of GRU’s Ophthalmology Depa r tment and

Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018

Co-Director of the James and Jean Culver Vision Discover y Institute.

“Watching Sifu Jason train children at Superior Academy, I realized the martial arts atmosphere gives kids, especially those with visual impairment, a certain discipline … a certain selfconfidence they might not receive anywhere else.”

There is no charge for children to participate, but participants are asked to call ahead to reserve a spot. For more information, call 706-364-8127 or send an email toadmin@ superioracademy.com.

Proceeds from event donations or sponsorships will support pediatric eye research at the Culver Vision Discovery Institute at GRU.

Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 Photography and Social Media Courtesy of Vincent Hobbs

The Augusta Mini Theatre Community Arts and Life Skills School will present its 4th Annual Summer Hot Roast and Toast Celebration on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Augusta Mini Theatre’s Judith Simon Drama Studio.

This year’s honoree is Robert “Flash” Gordon. Tickets for the event are $50 each or $500 per table. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship. The Mini Theatre recently awarded the $400 per year scholarship to ten Mini Theatre alumni. Tickets are on sale at the Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc. located at 2548 Deans Bridge Road. You can also purchase tickets by visiting www.augustaminitheatre.com The Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship was established in 1985 and named to honor the late Mariah McKie Butler for her untiring support onApril 20, 2010. This four-year scholarship has been awarded to more than one hundred Augusta Mini Theatre Alumni to assist solely with books for their collegiate education.

For more information, please contact Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc. at (706) 7220958 or augustaminitheatre@ gmail.com

email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs coolveestudio@gmail.com

3 UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

Augusta Solid Waste would like to welcome you as a new customer to our “Cleaner. Greener. Smarter.” program!

INFORMATION ABOUT

Your new service includes: Augusta has initiated a new centralized call center for all non-emergency issues.

Have a question or suggestion?...call 311

One day a week pickups for services, with all collections made on the same day: Garbage, Recycling, Yard Waste and Bulk Waste

For additional questions regarding your new garbage service

Incentives for you to use at local businesses as rewards for recycling.

If you live more than 300 feet from the right-of-way to discuss your service options

Expanded county-wide service area, with exceptions for the city limits of Hephzibah and Blythe.

To request a recycling cart

Collection services provided to vacant/ unoccupied properties for yard and bulk waste to keep the neighborhoods clean.

To request additional garbage carts

www.AugustaSolidWaste.com

New community events including neighborhood clean-ups, educational programs and volunteer litter collections.

Also, tire collections will now be done during monthly community events!

All garbage trucks are fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) – cleaner and quieter.

Reinvesting in the community with a local small business utilization goal of 25% of total contract value.

UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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The City Crime Bulletin

Murder suspect at large; police searching for shooter of Shon Brooks AUGUSTA On June 11, 2013 shortly after midnight a shooting occurred on the 3000 block of Massoit Drive. The victim of the shooting, Yossarian Shon Brooks, was pronounced dead at the scene. Brooks was 39. Investigators were able to obtain a description of the suspect and suspect vehicle. Your help is needed to identify the suspect further.

The suspect is described as a black male between 5’09’’ – 6’00’’ weighing 180-220 lbs.

He is believed to be between 30 and 39 years of age. He was also described as having a low haircut, a medium to light complexion, and wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans. Investigators recovered spent cartridges from a 9mm Luger at the scene.

The suspect vehicle is described as a black Chrysler 300.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-8211020 or 706 821-1080. Calls can remain anonymous.

Hephzibah man hospitalized after being shot; fiance is charged On Wednesday, at approximately 1508hrs. the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office received a call to the 4400Blk. of Forest Road Hephzibah, GA 30815 in reference to shots fired and 1 subject down.

Officers arrived on the scene and found that Steven Ouzts (51yoa W/M from the 4400Blk. of Forest Road) had received one gunshot to his upper torso. During the course of the investigation it was learned that Ouzts was shot by Amanda Neeley, his fiancee’ (29yoa W/F from the 1300Blk. of Hephzibah-McBean Road).

Neeley is currently being held at RCJ for Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime under the Family Violence Act. Ouzts was airlifted from the scene to GRU ER for medical attention and is in critical condition.

HEERY Contract on Ice

Commissioners seek answers to spending discrepancies

By Frederick Benjamin Sr UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA One week after removing the item from the regular commission agenda, commissioners huddled in Monday’s Public Service Committee to discuss whether a $1.6 million contract extension for Heery International should be approved.

Heery International is the project management firm that oversees the county’s SPLOST projects. It has received some $9.5 million from the city over the past 10 years.

This debate follows a week long litany of abuse and praise for Heery following Continued on next page

Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle (center) questions Heery International representative Forrest White during Monday’s Public Service commission meeting

Airport in growth posture

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA Those who have flown in and out of Augusta Regional Airport (formerly Bush field) over the past decade can attest to the airport’s major transformation.

The $50 million investment has improved the airport’s infrastructure and it now has the look and feel of a real commercial airport.

While polished floors and gleaming brass make a good impression, Airport Director Gary LeTellier beams when he discusses just how much more efficiently the airport is operating.

An good example is how the airport planned for the crowded skies over Augusta connected with the annual Masters Golf Tournament in April. Of course these were private planes.

“We realized that over the years we had just crammed as many airplanes in here as we possibly could,” LeTellier said. “We realized that that wasn’t the safest thing to do.”

And it created problems that meant that not everyone who wanted to come to Augusta could get here.

LeTellier explains. “Here’s what happens when you have too many airplanes coming into an airport like this one.

If you’re sitting on an apron in Los Angeles and you want to come to Augusta, they’ll tell them they can’t – they’re full. This was happening every year, earlier and earlier in the year,” he said.

“Our objective was to not have any ground holds.”

So about a year out,

Augusta Regional Airport Director Gary LeTellier stands in the main concourse of the airport. Photo by Vincent Hobbs LeTellier started planning for this year’s Masters event.

“We started looking at overall airport capacity in the region and realized that there’s plenty of runway and apron capacity if we talked to all of the other airports,” LeTellier said.

“After contacting the other airports (Aiken Municipal, Daniel Field, Thomson), we decided to work regionally to diversify and distribute all of these airplanes that were descending on us.”

The plan was a huge success. “We met our objective.

We got feedback from the FAA saying ‘this is great.’

We didn’t have to slow traffic down, we didn’t have to stop.

This year, everybody that wanted to fly into Augusta

was able to. Not everyone flew into Augusta Regional, but they were able to land nearby.

From an operational point of view it was a huge suc-

cess. The airport has been able to get the word out that to other airports and pilots that, “You’re going to have to Continued on next page

The airport’s new terminal is part of a $50 building project. Photo by Vincent Hobbs.

HEERY CONTRACT from page 4 the release of an Augusta Chronicle report a week ago which offered a laundry list of perks enjoyed by many commissioners on behalf of Heery International staffers.

The perks included tickets to professional sporting events, campaign contributions and other consideration meant to be of public service.

Commissioners Wayne Guilfoyle and Marion Williams grilled Heery representatives, including subcontractors, during the meeting with obvious dissatisfaction with the responses they received.

At one point, under intensely focused interrogation by Mr. Guilfoyle about some contract minutia, Heery

representatives admitted that information provided by Heery was probably not 100 percent accurate.

Guilfoyle later suggested that Heery should repay the city any overpayment made as a result of Heery miscalculations.

Commissioner Williams expressed disdain for the amount of money that had been paid to Heery subcontractors Gallop and Associates and Dukes, Edwards and Dukes.

Williams asked for Gallop and Associates to provide proof that their work as community liaisons resulted in significant community participation in the projects managed by Heery International

By The Way over the past ten years.

Guilfoyle and Williams went on to vote against a motion by mayor pro tem Corey Johnson to extend contract without the automatic yearly increases that were a part of the original contract. Johnson and Commissioner member Grady Smith voted in favor of the extension. The 2-2 deadlock means that the matter will go forward to the full commission for a vote without a favorable endorsement.

Commissioner Alvin Mason suggested that the commission was out of bounds in its line of questioning. How a subcontractor spends its money is beyond the authority of the commission, Mason said.

Mason, who has benefitted from Heery contributions in the past, noted that all of Heery’s perks to commissioners were within the bounds of acceptable practice. While not able to vote on the Johnson proposal, Mason has indicated that he supports the Heery extension.

Commissioner Bill Lockett also spoke of the importance of Heery’s contributions to civic functions and political campaigns. He was happy to receive their support, he said.

City administrator Fred Russell urged commissioners not to “change horses in the middle of the stream.”

He supports Heery managing the remaining SPLOST projects.

AIRPORT GROWTH from page 4 get permission to come here.

We have to know who is coming here and who is not.”

At this week’s aviation committee meeting the Airport’s Master Plan was being discussed.

According to LeTellier, a master plan is somethng that’s required under federal law for all airports that have government certification.

“This airport has a federal operating certificate. Not many airports in the country have that — maybe about 500. A Master Plan is a long view strategic plan over a 20-year horizon,” LeTellier said. “Then you want to update the plan about every 5 years.”

According to LeTellier, the Augusta airport’s last master

plan was in 2000.

“That was before 9/11.

We really need to look at the horizon strategically,” LeTellier said.

Everything that goes into making an airport operate goes into the master plan, including the projected number of passengers, and the kinds of facilities needed.

“You don’t do that in a

vacuum. You need a public.

People depend on this airport so we need their input,” he said.

The process is ongoing, and necessary if the airport wants to keep its operating certificate.

“They [the federal government] come back once a year.

This airport industry is heavily regulated, LeTellier said.

Lockett to city attorney: Show respect Commissioner Bill Locket is wondering what a fellow has to do to get some respect from city attorney Andrew Mackenzie.

At the conclusion of this week’s Administrative Services committee meeting, which Lockett chairs, the commissioner chided the city attorney for making additions to his committtee’s agenda without proper notification.

Here’s what happened. On Wednesday, June 5, Mackenzie notified several persons, including the city administrator, the deputy administrators and others that there had been a last minute request for an item to be added to the agenda.

Lockett was not among those who received the notification.

Lockett’s complaint is that, in the past, the committee chairs were always contacted about changes to the agenda. So why not in this case?

Some are asking, if you disrespect one, isn’t that being disrepectful to all. Lockett says, not everyone thinks like that.

— UPW Staff

UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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Local News

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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The ARTS

Local arts groups abound Downtown Augusta is ground zero for the CSRA’s creative alliances

by Vincent Hobbs Special to UrbanProWeekly Augusta is enjoying a renaissance of sorts – a cultural growth of art groups that serve as a support system for both recognized and struggling artists. In the last few months, several new artist organizations have sprung up across the CSRA. The term “artist” is all encompassing for these groups and refers to anyone involved in the creation of original expressive work, including painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians, actors, dancers, vocalists and filmmakers.

“Cultural Augusta” is a new arts group that, according to their Facebook page, “is dedicated to raising awareness of arts events and cultural initiatives occurring throughout the Augusta region.” The group has been involved in the social-media promotion of the ArtSpace survey, a project which allows Augusta artists to share their needs for studio and community spaces, exhibition areas and affordable living spaces. The final results will determine the feasibility of ArtSpace investing in the artistic community with live/work spaces. Artists have until June 19th to participate in the survey.

“Alternative Artworks” is another new CSRA arts group that produces monthly exhibitions in various downtown spaces. The artists’ most recent group show was held in the Doris Building, adjacent to the lobby of the J.B. White’s building. Their Facebook page describes the group as “a loose organization of artists in the CSRA pursuing art on our own terms.” The shows are one-night exhibitions when held in downtown spaces, but the artists also exhibit and sell their works during Saturday’s Augusta Market on 8th Street near the Riverwalk.

“Free Art Friday” is a group of artists who create original visual art pieces, hide their work in downtown urban spaces every Friday, and by taking a picture of the work, offer a clue to its hidden location via social-media networks. Collectors of art who seek out and find the hidden art become the new owners of an original piece and

Anh Vu, a local aspiring photographer, stands next to two of her nature photographs during a one-night art show held at the Doris Building, which is adjacent to the lobby of the White’s building in downtown Augusta.

The art show, sponsored by Augusta Alternative Artworks, featured photography, painting and sculpture displays by Augusta artists. Vu’s speciality is macro-nature photography. Photo by Vincent Hobbs post their discovery on Facebook or Twitter. “Free Art Friday” is a nationwide exchange of art – artists in other cities participate by sending original pieces to be hidden and found in other urban areas. Augusta artists will be sending works themed “The Deep South” to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the next Friday event.

The power of social media is a game-changer for local creative artists. Artists can connect, network and showcase their most recent works and invite immediate feedback.

Organizing groups of supporters and events to support art is a resource that helps creative communities to thrive.

Syd Padgett, president of Artists Row on Broad Street, is encouraged by the changes he is seeing. “We

have had many great artists in the CSRA for years but very little support for individual artists. I believe that the turning point has come because several people have stepped forward and decided to just do things on their own.”

“The attention gained by ‘Free Art Friday’ and ‘Alternative Artworks’ got the attention of others - and it has grown from there.” Padgett said. “Another big factor is that the Augusta leadership has realized that the arts can be used as an engine for economic development.”

Xavier Jones, a local artist and cochairman of Artists Row, told Urban Pro Weekly, “I see the arts and cultural groups ­– and their events and programming – playing a gargantuan

role in Augusta.”

Jones has seen the struggles of young artists who have left Augusta due to a lack of support and encouragement. He believes that the presence of art groups plays a vital role in Augusta’s future.

“They can organize and gather artistically-gifted Augustans to hone their skills and build a base here that would be part of Augusta’s own brand and flavor - which could be part of a draw for not only Georgia, but the US and abroad.”

The arts community is central to any urban area that hopes to attract development and investment. The continued growth of support systems for local artists could create a true Augusta “Renaissance.”

WE LOVE DOWNTOWN A banner hangs in the lobby of the White’s Building in downtown Augusta, where people were invited to write down their thoughts on why they love living downtown. The banner was part of First Friday festivites, and was located at the entrance to the Doris Building where Augusta Alternative Artworks was holding a one-night gallery show.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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ON THE STREET

Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree (L) shares a laugh with Col. Robert Partain (R) and Lt. Ramone Lamkin (R-sitting) while patrolling a beat downtown during First Friday festivities. The Sheriff used the occasion to emphasize the importance of street patrols as a method of community policing and also unveiled their new “high visibility” uniforms. The uniforms will be used during large-crowd special events. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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Local woman to compete for spot on America’s Got Talent

Funmilayo Ngozi

Funmilayo Ngozi advances in The for her service in education and as a Columbia County Amateur Series to performer. She has received the Sylvia compete for a spot to perform on the McNair Soprano Award, Golden Apple NBC series “America’s Got Talent.”

Award, Opera Carolina Apprenticeship, The Columbia County Amateur Atlanta Opera Apprenticeship, and Series is an event that is held every Metropolitan Opera Honorable Friday in June to showcase the best art- Mention to name a few. She is a graduists in the CSRA. Ngozi competed on ate of Maryville College, University Auto  Home Life Health Bonds  Commercial June 7th and walked away with a $250 of South Carolina-Columbia, and prize. She will compete again on July Cambridge College. She currently Personal Training, Boot Camps, Group Fitness Classes, Corporate 12th with four others for some great serves as choral teacher at Aiken High Wellness Programs, Diet Consults, Health and Diet Products Sold prizes, one of which is the opportu-  School in Aiken, SC. In her spare time Life  Health  Bonds  Commercial nity to perform on the NBC television she enjoys research and giving the Lord series “Americas Got Talent.” her best- undignified praise.

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

Living The Arts

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

10

Community News

Programs seek to help veterans FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS CAN TRAIN TO BECOME CIVILIAN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AUGUSTA Representatives from Georgia Regents University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Albany State University, and the United States Department of Defense will meet today at the Pentagon to discuss partnering to create civilian Physician Assistant education programs for former service members.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to discuss the expansion and diversity of health professions with Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Jonathan Woodson and other national leaders within the Department of Defense’s Office of Health Affairs,” said GRU President Ricardo Azziz. “While these are certainly issues that affect our local communities, we must also recognize the importance of a more diverse national workforce.”

“We hope that our efforts become an example for the nation,” said ASU President Everette J. Freeman. “By combining our resources and expertise, we have an opportunity to serve our nation’s heroes and produce better trained Physician Assistants for our city and state.”

TBA Trowell Builders & Associates The Department of Defense houses the Center for Physician Assistant Diversity, Cultural Competency, and InterProfessional Education, a partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and the Physician Assistant Education Association that aims to increase the workforce diversity in the PA profession for veterans, underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged candidates.

The Center’s initiatives include the establishment of satellite programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

In April, Georgia Regents University signed a Memorandum of Understanding

with Albany State, one of Georgia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with the goal of exploring a satellite Master of Physician Assistant program at Albany State University.

Advantages of a potential partnership include addressing the health provider shortage, especially to rural and underserved areas since research indicates that minority providers tend to serve minority communities 10 times more than their majority counterparts; and providing Albany State University the necessary experience and capital support for the development of its own Physician Assistant program.

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11 UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

Marian T. Ebron, M.D. Internal Medicine and Esthetic Medicine Board Certified internal MediCine Certified in Botox & derMal fillers

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Commentary

UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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Solution to NSA overreach – put people in charge of their own data Massive US surveillance of phone records and Internet data disclosed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden should prompt a public debate on the balance between privacy and the use of personal data. A ‘new deal on data’ should put people in charge of their own communication.

By Cesar Hidalgo, YvesAlexandre de Montjoye, Alex Pentland CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Edward Snowden, who leaked information about far-reaching US government surveillance programs to the media, calls these programs the “architecture of oppression.” He says it is the public, not the government, who should decide their use.

At the very least, the secret and massive government surveillance of phone records and Internet data disclosed

by Mr. Snowden should prompt a public debate on the balance between privacy and the collection and use of personal data – and, we believe, a change in who controls the use of that data.

One reason this debate must happen is that data gath-

ering has evolved to include “metadata.” This involves the sweeping collection of call records, for instance, or email logs that record the traffic between email accounts and phone numbers – but not the content of what was talked about.

The multiple layers of the kinds of information that are gathered today, and the many uses of that information, are far more revealing than people generally realize. This argues for an entirely new approach to managing information – one that’s bottom up, instead of top down.

In recent years, however, the public has mostly yawned over the need for a privacydata discussion. The zeitgeist has evolved to a point where most people know that their daily activities leave count-

less digital traces. Data collection is like the rain, it will be there, whether we like it or not. This seems especially true when it comes to fighting terrorism.

According to a June 6-9 survey by the Pew Research Center and The Washington Post, a majority of Americans (56 percent) don’t object

to the National Security Agency’s (NSA) broad tracking of phone records to find terrorists, which was exposed earlier this month.

The institutions in America that control information collection also haven’t put the topic of change seriously on the table. Businesses don’t want to give up their mar-

keting advantage. The NSA, which obtained secret court permission for its dragnet of phone records and surveillance of foreigners using data from US Internet companies, doesn’t want to give up its intelligence advantage in fighting terrorism. And Continued on next page

ACLU sues Obama Administration over NSA ‘Dragnet’ surveillance revealed in historic leaks NSA phone surveillance will have ‘chilling effect’ on ACLU’s ability to protect civil liberties Jacob Chamberlain Following this past week’s groundbreaking NSA leaks, the ACLU has now filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the agency’s vast phone spying practices—a move thatcould pose an eventual Supreme Court challenge to the NSA’s now exposed “dragnet” surveillance network.

As a Verizon customer, the ACLU—who is known as an active critic and opponent of U.S. government secrecy and overreach—was targeted by the NSA, and has thus had their ability to “engage in legitimate communications with clients, journalists, advocacy partners, and others,” undermined, the ACLU argues.

The ACLU says the unprecedented ‘metadata’ now known to be collected by the NSA, “gives the government a comprehensive record of our associations and public movements, revealing a wealth of detail about our familial, political, professional, religious and intimate associations,” adding that it “is likely to have a chilling effect on whistle-blowers and others who would otherwise contact” the ACLU. ACLU’s Brett Kaufman writes: As an organization that advocates for and litigates to defend the civil liberties of society’s most vulnerable, the staff at the ACLU naturally use the phone—a lot—to talk about sensitive and confidential topics with clients, legislators,

whistleblowers, and ACLU members. And since the ACLU is a VBNS customer, we were immediately confronted with the harmful impact that such broad surveillance would have on our legal and advocacy work. So we’re acting quickly to get into court to challenge the government’s abuse of [the Patriot Act’s] Section 215.

The lawsuit maintains that given recent revelations, the NSA has violated the First Amendment rights of free speech and association as well as the right of privacy protected by the Fourth Amendment, and that the NSA has surpassed even the vast authority awarded to them by Congress through the Patriot Act. “This dragnet program is

surely one of the largest surveillance efforts ever launched by a democratic government against its own citizens,” said Jameel Jaffer, ACLU deputy legal director. “It is the equivalent of requiring every American to file a daily report with the government of every location they visited, every person they talked to on the phone, the time of each call, and the length of every conversation.”

“The program,” Jaffer adds, “goes far beyond even the permissive limits set by the Patriot Act and represents a gross infringement of the freedom of association and the right to privacy.”

The lawsuit comes a day after the ACLU and Yale Law School’s Media Freedom and

Information Access Clinic filed a motion with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), requesting that it publish its secret court opinions on the “meaning, scope, and constitutionality of Patriot Act Section 215”—the section of the Patriot Act that authorized the NSA to collect cell data at will (via the FISA court) from phone companies such as Verizon.

“There needs to be a bright line on where intelligence gathering stops,” said NYCLU executive director Donna Lieberman, in light of the revelations leaked by former NSA employee turned whistleblower Edward Snowden and published by the Guardian’s Glenn Greenwald. “If we don’t say this is too far, when is too far?”

SOLUTION TO NSA OVERREACH from page 12 Congress seems overwhelmed by the unwieldy nature of electronic communication today.

Many players in government characterize the NSA’s use of metadata as more or less benign. The agency gathers the phone records, detects worrisome patterns that might threaten America’s security, and only then asks for a search warrant to dig into the communications content of certain individuals.

But metadata is more powerful than most people realize. For instance, something as simple as recording Facebook “likes” and web-

site clicks can reveal a person’s religious and political views, economic standing, sexual preference, personality, mental health, ethnicity, use of addictive substances, and more.

The ability to characterize groups by these traits might tempt some in the government to cross the line from finding terrorists to targeting groups because of their political leanings.

Because of the scale and connectedness of data collection and the inability of today’s institutions to squarely face the privacy issues involved, we strongly back a new approach to data privacy that we’re

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, for the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Basketball/Wrestling Uniforms 2013-2014 Bid #327 Basketball Wrestling Equipment 2013-2014 Bid #328 Student Lunch Accounting System RFP #13-642 Replacement School Bus Engines RFQ #13-643 Replacement School Bus Tires RFP #13-644 Replacement Tires for Cars, Light Trucks and Vehicles RFQ #13-645 7. Davidson Fine Arts School Art Building Re-Roofing Project 8. Joseph Lamar School Auditorium Carpeting Project 9. Digital Intercom System 10. Literature Books RFQ #13-646

Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Amy Bauman in the Business Office at 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org, or at the Richmond County School System, Central Office, 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

working on here at MIT’s Media Lab. It puts individuals in control of their personal data, allowing them to determine who can possess their data, how it can be shared, redistributed, and disposed of.

Each citizen would have a personal data store, like an email inbox, that would let them see where data about them goes and how it is being used. The NSA could still get a court order allowing it to use a person’s metadata to track terrorists, but at least an individual could see that something is happening – rather like seeing a police cruiser patrolling the neighborhood. The big difference from now is that individuals could see which companies or government

agencies were using data about them, and control these groups’ access to that data.

Given the new data landscape, simply attempting to redraft policies on how the government collects data will not achieve the needed balance between the privacy and utility of data. A “new deal on data” is needed that puts individuals in charge of their own communication. That starts with a national debate.

Cesar Hidalgo and Alex Pentland teach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, where Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye is a graduate student. All three specialize in “metadata.”

CSRA EOA, INC

WEATHERIZATION WORKER WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

___________________________________________________ Responsibilities include weatherization of homes, maintenance of necessary materials, tools, equipment, and agency vehicles.

-Performs carpentry tasks necessary of the weatherization of homes including patch work, insulation of home to include attic and walls.

-Delivers materials to work site when requested to do so by the Weatherization Coordinator -Performs duties in accordance with received safety training, to include wearing the required appropriate safety gear according to duties performed.

-Works with electric saws, drills, etc.

-Be able to climb ladders, work atop roofs and crawl through unfinished attics and crawl spaces.

-Work with cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, and two-part foam.

-Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws.

-These duties are not all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related duties assigned by the agency and Weatherization Management.

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Frank G. Roberson, Secretary

Harold V. Jones II ATTORNEY AT LAW

Criminal Law • Divorce • Personal Injury • Employment Law

SHEPARD, PLUNKETT, HAMILTON & BOUDREAUX, LLP 429 Walker Street Upper Level Augusta, GA 30901

Phone 706-722-6200 Fax 706 722-4817 hjones@shepardplunkett.com

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: -Must have high school diploma or its equivalent.

-At least one year vocational training in the area of carpentry or experience in carpentry.

-Must be able to read and understand local maps.

-Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds.

-Must have valid driver’s license, transportation and appropriate vehicle insurance coverage with a clean MVR. -Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check -Must be able to work in an outdoor environment.

Send a written notice to the Personnel Office no later than June 27, 2013. Please include an outline of your qualifications for this position, which meet the requirements above. Detailed job descriptions are available in the Personnel Office, 1261 Greene Street, Augusta, GA. Fax 706-722-8565

UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

Opinion / National Forum

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UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

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Support for Health & Safety calendar Child Safety Seat Inspections 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 11 Georgia Regents Medical Office Call for Appointment - Friday, July 5 Georgia Regents University Cancer Building, 1446 Harper St., fourth Safe Kids Office, Building Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., floor, Room 4306. This support group first floor, Community Room provides opportunities for individu1010C, 1225 Walton Way Four out of five car seats are used This group, which supports women als to share their personal experiencincorrectly. Could yours be one and families affected by breast can- es, and learn more about strategies of them? Allow technicians from cer, meets on the second Thursday for preserving the independence and Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by of each month. Call 706-721-4109 for quality of life for ALS patients and Children’s Hospital of Georgia, to more information or visit gru.edu/ their loved ones. Lunch is provided, and the group meets the second teach you how to use your car seat classes.

Friday of each month. Please reserve properly. This free inspection is held ALS Support Lunch and Learn: a spot by calling the ALS Clinic at 706on the first Friday of every month.

Please call Rene Hopkins at 706-721- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 12 721-2681 or visit grhealth.org/classes.

7606 to make an appointment or visit grhealth.org/safekids.

A-Team (Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group) 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Family Resource Library, Room 1801, first floor This free meeting offers education and support for families and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders, including Autism, Asperger’s, and PDD NOS. Parent, educators, community support representatives, caregivers, medical representatives and anyone affected by autism spectrum disorders is invited to attend.

Group meets the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, please email call 706-721-5160.

Child Safety Seat Inspections: Wednesday, July10 . Call for Appointment, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Could yours be one of them? Allow technicians from Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, to teach you how to use your car seat properly. This free inspection is held on the second Wednesday of every month. Please call 706-541-3970 to make an appointment or visit www. grhealth.org/safekids.

Look Good...Feel Better Cancer Support Group (for female cancer patients). 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10. Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., first floor, Community Room.

Join us at a free, hands-on, group workshop dedicated to helping female cancer patients cope with and combat the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Learn skin care and makeup applications, as well as demonstrations on hair/wig techniques. A free gift of full size name-brand cosmetics is given for use during and after the workshop. Classes have moved to the second Wednesday each month and are sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Please call 706-7210466 to register or visit grhealth.org/ classes.

Car Seat Class - 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 11, Safe Kids Office, Bldg 1010C, 1225 Walton Way Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training.

Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Call 706-721-7606 to register for this class, which is held on the second Thursday of each month.

Registration fee is $10. Visit grhealth. org/safekids.

Breast Cancer Support Group

Jennifer Norman-Dixon Independent Cruise & Vacation Specialist

Hephzibah, GA 30815 Phone 706-925-2929 Toll Free (877-790-6082 Fax 404-601-4492

Email:jdixon@cruisesinc.com www.cruisesinc.com/jdixon

Stress Physical Inactivity Family History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program

Richmond County 706.721.5800

UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

ARE YOU AT RISK?

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16 UrbanProWeekly • JUNE 13 - 19, 2013

THE LAW OFFICE OF

Frails & Wilson ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Experienced Representation

Real Estate Transactions Personal Injury Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Probate • Domestic Randolph Frails

Edwin Wilson

Aimee Sanders

Criminal Defenses

706-855-6715

211 Pleasant Home Road • Suite A1 • Augusta, GA

IRS or State Tax Problems?

Don’t be taken by some of the companies you see on TV. Many will take upfront fees before they even know the extent of your tax problems. And, more often than not, they will do very little to resolve your case.

Make the smart choice with Tax Wize Financial for all of your income tax needs.

(706) 305-1412 “Admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service”

At Tax Wize Financial, as a part of our initial free consultation, we will conduct an in depth analysis of your account with the IRS or State agency to determine the extent of your tax problems. After we have determined what courses of action should be taken to resolve your problems we will outline the services for you and provide you with an estimated cost for those services.

OuR SeRVIceS IncluDe: • Preparation and filing of federal current and past years tax returns, including all necessary states.

• negotiating the release of wage garnishments, levies, liens and other intrusive IRS actions.

• Installment Agreements • Offer-In-compromise • IRS audit examination preparation and representation.

Just to name a few!