UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

PHOTO BY VINCENT HOBBS

FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024 • VOL. 14 NO. 14

BLOCKBYBLOCKTOOUTER SPACE DR. JOSEPH HOBBS has found a way to nourish his inner-child by building LEGO models of space rockets and satellites. This passion has brought him a bit closer to the awesome splendor of the universe.

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

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DHS and HOPE for Georgia Moms Announce New Partnership to Fund “Stay Informed. Stay Covered.” Community Grants Effort ATLANTA The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), in partnership with HOPE for Georgia Moms at Northeast Georgia Health System (HOPE), has announced $60,000 in community

mini-grants available to fund community-based Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids® redetermination awareness and educational activities. These grants will leverage local partner expertise to inform and educate difficult-to-reach

populations across the state, with a specific focus on pregnant and postpartum women and children.

“We are delighted to announce the Department of Human Services’ partnership with HOPE for Georgia

Moms at Northeast Georgia Health System to implement local solutions to raising awareness about Medicaid redetermination,” said DHS Commissioner Candice Broce. “Our community-based partners throughout the state have been invaluable in helping promote Medicaid redetermination, and through HOPE for Georgia Moms’ involvement, these grants will further advance our shared goals to sections of choro, samba, prog rock, help all Georgians stay informed and and neo soul. Each selected artist stay covered.” submitted an application and work Up to five organizations could be samples, which were reviewed and awarded grants to place ads in local selected by a panel of experts across papers, staff local outreach, or host an the genre’s field. Since 2018, Jazz event through May 2024—the end of Road has provided more than 280 the federally mandated Medicaid redeartists with more than $3M in fund- termination process. ing to share their work on a national Applications are due by Feb. 21, scale and advance the field through 2024. A review committee comprised Jazz Road Tours and Jazz Road of state and community-based redeCreative Residencies grants. termination and maternal health partApplications for Jazz Road Tours ners will select the awardees based on are being accepted through 2026 eligibility for the grant, capability to with multiple deadlines per year. successfully complete the grant, and The next deadline for applications is reach within prioritized and underMarch 1, 2024. served communities. Congratulations

South Arts announces 2024 Road Artists South Arts has announced the Winter 2024 Jazz Road Artists—16 artists and ensembles receiving funding through the Jazz Road Tours grantmaking program.

Jazz Road Tours grants support jazz musicians with awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to tighten the pay gap faced by artists when compared to their touring expenses.

Beginning with the current application cycle, South Arts has increased the eligible expenses to also support childcare costs, in addition to personnel, travel, and lodging needs when spending time on the road.

“Jazz Road was designed to be

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

responsive to artists’ needs,” said Drew Tucker, South Arts’ Director of Jazz. “We are constantly exploring new ways to bring resources in support of their work. There are so many excellent artists out there who want to connect with audiences, but are faced with juggling expenses related to caring for young families at home. We hope that this change to our program can help more artists, especially those caring for children, advance their careers.”

The Winter 2024 artist cohort represents the full breadth of contemporary jazz, from 20th Century Brazilian popular music to the inter-

PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299

CONTRIBUTORS • K.L. Gordon • Vincent Hobbs • Cassandra Loftlin • F/Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

BUSINESS MATTERS

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Club Car®, a global leader in golf, consumer, and utility vehicles, is excited to announce that our new flagship commercial vehicle, Club Car Urban, has been featured in a UGA Today article: “Facilities Management Division introduces new electric fleet.” This highlights the quality, safety and innovation that Club Car is known for bringing to the golf and consumer market and now adds to mini-mobility solutions for business and commercial operations.

The article showcases Club Car Urban as a vehicle that navigates the University of Georgia (UGA) campus

easily without impact to pedestrians.

It also talks about the safety features, low-cost of operation and versatile vehicle customization options as factors in the decision process.

“We are excited to offer a sustainability solution that meets our customers’ needs and exceeds their expectations,” said Jeff Tyminski, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for Club Car. “We appreciate the team at The University of Georgia for sharing the story of how Club Car Urban is helping them achieve their fleet elec- Club Car Urban has been the leading choice as an environmentally trification and sustainability goals,” friendly, street-legal alternative and addition to college campuses, businesses, farms, and industrial sites around the world.

Tyminski added.

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

Club Car Urban vehicle gets praise for fleet electrification

Richmond County Board of Elections

Presidential Preference Primary and Special Election On March 12, 2024, voters in AugustaRichmond County and the City of Blythe will head to the polls to cast a vote in the Presidential Preference Primary and Special Election.

email at richmondelections@augustaga.gov. Voters can also apply for a ballot by visiting the online absentee portal at securemyabsenteeballot.sos. ga.gov/s/.

The Voter Registration deadline was Monday, February 12, 2024.

All persons casting a ballot in the Presidential Preference Primary and Special Election must make changes or updates to their registration by that date to be eligible to vote in the Election. You can check your registration or register online at https:// mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/. Voters have many options for casting their ballot, including:

The last day to request a ballot is Friday, March 1, 2024. Voters who cast an absentee ballot by mail do not have to provide a reason for voting by mail. In order to be counted, voted mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections Office no later than 7:00 PM on March 12, 2024.

Voting by Mail will begin being mailed on February 12, 2024.

Applications are being accepted now.

Interested persons must apply by submitting an absentee ballot request form located on our website at www. augustaga.gov/vote. Applications can be mailed to our office at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 500, Augusta, Georgia, 30901, by fax at 706-821-2814 or by

Advance Voting will be held beginning, February 19, 2024, in the Linda W. Beazley Community Room in the Municipal Building located at 535 Telfair Street, the Charles Evans Community Center 1866 Highland Ave, the Robert Howard Community Center, 103 Diamond Lakes Way, and the Warren Road Recreation Center 300 Warren Road from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM weekdays Monday through Friday.

Saturdays, February 24, and March 2, 2024, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Sunday,

March 3, 2024, in The Linda Beazley Room only from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. The last day to vote advance will be Friday, March 8, 2024. All voters voting in person during Advance Voting must provide one of the six acceptable forms of photo identification. Voting is not permitted on the Monday prior to the Election.

Election Day Voting will be available from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM on March 12, 2024, and all polling locations in Augusta-Richmond County will be open. Voters must report to their assigned precinct in order to vote on Election Day. All voters voting in person on Election Day must provide one of the six acceptable forms of photo identification prior to casting a ballot.

Sample ballots will be available at voting sites or can be viewed at the Board of Elections Website at www. augustaga.gov/vote or the My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/. For more information, please contact the Board of Elections Office at 706-8212340.

Local Organizations Partner for Health & Wellness Expo In collaboration with Richmond County School System, the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Medical Associates Plus will be hosting a community health and wellness expo. The goal of the health and wellness expo is to foster health promotion and prevention awareness to the community which includes physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Augusta Alumnae Chapter President, Lurelia Hardy welcomed the partnership by saying, “Together, Augusta Alumnae and Medical Associates Plus aims to promote community well-being and foster a culture of holistic health.

This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering individuals with valuable resources for a healthier future.”

The “Community Health and Wellness Expo” will take

place on Saturday, February 17 from 10 am until 2 pm in the gymnasium of A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, located on 1324 Laney Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901.

The free health and wellness expo will feature health screenings, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways, voter registration and wellness sessions. Participants can learn about prevention and treatment of common chronic illnesses, physical and mental healthcare agencies and other social service organizations.

The entire community is welcome to attend. For more information about the “Community Health and Wellness Expo,” call (706)922-1862.

Olive Road Bridge closed for repairs On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the Olive Road Bridge, a CSX railway, was hit by a vehicle, causing damage to the bridge and the supporting beams protecting it.

As a result, the section of Olive Road near the Bridge has been closed to allow CSX to conduct repairs and upgrades, which CSX estimates could take up to three months. All traffic will be detoured to White Road and Kissingbower Road. Residents with questions or concerns can contact CSX by calling 800-232-0144 or emailing tellcsx@ csx.com.

Canal Towpath Trail temporarily closed Access to the Augusta Canal Towpath Trail is undergoing routine maintenance improvements and will be temporarily closed for safety precautions.

On Monday, February 12, 2024, contractors started bringing in equipment, and beginning February 14, 2024, the Canal’s Towpath Trail will be closed from the Raw Water Pumping Station to the I-20 Bridge.

The maintenance work is scheduled to be completed by March 8, 2024.

Signage will be placed along the Canal to indicate when a trail segment will be closed.

All trail users are urged to follow the closure notices for their safety and the safety of the workers.

To stay informed of updates regarding the Canal’s progress and reopening, follow Augusta Utilities on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and sign up for the Utilities alerts at www. https://www. augustaga.gov/list.aspx.

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

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Space exploration driv Dr. Joseph Hobbs, former Chair of Family Medicine at MCG, is an avid fan of space exploration and enjoys constructing designs related to space travel . . .

BY VINCENT HOBBS Dr. Joseph Hobbs is a familiar face around Augusta’s MCG campus. After a fifty-year journey which took him from aspiring medical student to Family Medicine Department Chair, generously intertwined with numerous accolades and awards, Hobbs can be defined as a founding member of the modern MCG family. A wise “godfather of medicine “ who advises, supports and innovates with faculty and students, his widespread respect among colleagues is legendary.

It wasn’t all medicine – all the time.

Biology science was the driving force behind Hobbs’ relentless pursuit of the white coat and stethoscope, but rockets and planets were the playtime diversion needed to alleviate the stress of a busy medical profession.

“Both my mother and father were very science-oriented, fact-driven and mathematically inclined. Our household had Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines, sitting along with copies of Ebony and Jet”, Hobbs shared. “Watching our father as kids, who was a radio/television repairman, tearing electronics apart and putting them back together, made us interested in taking things apart and putting it back together.”

“This was during a time when everything was about technology and space – and we were intrigued by that, because our parents were intrigued.”

Hobbs’ fascination with technology and space would lead him to science-related modeling projects. “In the 4th-grade at Levi White Elementary, we had a teacher, Ms. Bethel, coordinate with our class to write a letter to NASA to request information about the nation’s exploration of space. A month later, we got a package from NASA that had brochures, pictures and information about the preparation for manned space exploration.”

The elementary-school class, already dabbling in rudimentary rocket-building, were inspired to construct an 8-foottall non-working rocket, fashioned from cardboard, complete with a nose cone and fins. This rocket was entered into the science fair. Lucy Laney High School would invite elementary schools to participate in their science fair and discuss the school’s projects. “Our little group went over, and we talked about the solar system. To us, that’s what space exploration was all about – and that was kind of cute.”

Years later, Hobbs and his fellow 9th-grade buddies organized a rocket club, “The Augusta Rocket Club” at A.R. Johnson in 1963. “Then we transferred our rocket club to T.W. Josey after we graduated A.R. Johnson, and it became the T.W. Josey Rocket Club. We built rockets from Estes Model Rocket Kits, which were working models with prefabricated engines that we launched at school and other places.”

“Being a science nerd at that time was not perceived as a problem,” Hobbs chuckled. “I grew up at a time when it was cool to wear a slide-rule on your belt. At least I thought it was cool!”

“It’s kind of funny that I went into biological sciences because everything that had motivated me from a scientific standpoint had been math, technology and space. The fantasy that every kid had at that time was to fly into space or work on space-related projects.”

An interest in how the body is impacted by the physical stressors of space exploration was part of his evolution towards the biological sciences. Medical school beckoned.

“Once I got into medical school, there was information overload. You’re learning new vocabulary, being prepared for tests, learning new levels of science and learning to place this knowledge in a clinical setting that diagnosis and treats patients. The studies are intensive.

So, it’s stressful. I needed something I could do that didn’t take me away from my studies, that I could start and stop when I wanted, and that provided me with an opportunity to concentrate on something other than how many pages in a medical book I had read.”

The escape path for him to de-stress was a full circle event – revisiting that love for space technology and space exploration that was infused in him since childhood. It was both relaxation and a study aid.

“That’s when I started playing around with

Dr. Joseph Hobbs, former Chair of Family Medicine at MCG, is an avid fan of space exploration and enjoys constructing designs related to rockets and other space objects. His collection includes the Apollo Saturn V rocket, various space shuttles, the International Space Station, Hubble telescope and NASA lunar lander. (At left) Hobbs carefully lifts a LEGO Saturn V rocket from his personal LEGO collection at his home office.

Photos by Vincent Hobbs

model a space crawle proble model he laug “As throug those b mature

ls, first starting with Mattel model kits and building e shuttle, another shuttle with external fuel tanks, a er transport and gantry and a Saturn V rocket. The em with Mattel is that you need skills to paint the ls. I can’t paint. Those models weren’t for display”, ghingly admitted. the years went by, I was introduced to LEGOs gh my kids. I found out that I was fascinated with basic blocks just as much as my kids. When my kids ed into other interests and left the LEGOs alone, I

still played with the blocks. They matured, but their father didn’t,” he giggled. “Imagine my reaction when I discovered that my wife Janice had donated a big box of LEGOS to Goodwill after the kids were grown!”

A visit to LEGOLAND with the family spurred the idea that those model kits might be more attractive to build than the Mattel kits. No painting skills required. The first purchase was the space shuttle and Hobbs was amazed at how great the model looked when completed. More space-related LEGO projects would follow.

“My favorite large-scale kit is the Saturn V rocket. It took a long time, probably 4-6 weeks. I like this one the most.

But the one that I’m most proud of is the space shuttle with rocket boosters that my kids gave me as a gift.”

Hobbs found a means to nourish his inner child of wonderment, the dream of a young boy to see and explore the stars and planets. Building models of space rockets and satellites just brought him a bit closer to the awesome splendor of the universe.

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

ves LEGO builder

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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES:

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

The Sustainable Vision of Ebony Tree Farms

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n the heart of the Central Savannah Regional Area (CSRA), Ebony Tree Farms stands as a beacon of environmental consciousness and community empowerment.

Led by Frederick and Anna Griffin, Ebony Tree Farms integrates cutting-edge farming techniques with a steadfast commitment to promoting health and well-being. Their nutritional education programs include interactive workshops and seminars covering topics like meal planning, label reading, and mindful eating. These programs provide participants with practical tools to improve their overall health and well-being.

Nurturing Health and Sustainability Frederick and Anna’s innovative approach revolves around their indoor hydroponic farming system, utilizing coconut fibers to grow produce without the need for land or soil. This system is exemplified by Ebony Tree Farms’ partnership with Dr. Malcom Bevel at the Georgia Cancer Center’s M. Bert Storey Research Building. Together Fredrick and Anna operate a sizable hydroponic farm yielding a variety of crops, including kale, butter lettuce, bok choy, and an assortment of herbs like Thai basil, parsley, chives, mint, and cilantro. Collaborating closely with Dr. Bevel, a local chronic disease/cancer epidemiologist, Ebony Tree Farms employs advanced agricultural methods to address food deserts and promote healthy lifestyles in the community.

Advancing Agricultural Innovation Hydroponic farming, despite its benefits, presents challenges such as plant disease, pests, algae, and seeding issues, all of which require specialized knowledge and technical proficiency to overcome.

Frederick’s technical background and training equip him to effectively manage these challenges, ensuring optimal plant health and productivity within Ebony Tree Farms’ hydroponic system.

The partnership between Ebony Tree Farms and Dan Scott’s Agricultural Apprenticeship Program represents a significant advancement in agricultural innovation in the CSRA. Frederick Griffin’s expertise in hydroponics and aeroponics positions him as a champion of conservation practices, emphasizing the importance of

sustainability in crop production.

His dedication to maximizing water and land usage efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing pesticide reliance underscores Ebony Tree Farms’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

Through Scott’s program, Frederick can use a Google Pixel Tablet and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to educate and support farmers and gardeners across the city. This technology streamlines the diagnosis and treatment of agricultural issues, providing farmers with real-time data and expert insights for effective crop management. By empowering farmers to address agricultural challenges promptly, Frederick and Dan’s collaborative efforts not only enhance farm productivity but also promote conservation practices, contributing to soil health and watershed management.

Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition Ebony Tree Farms, in partnership with their public benefit corporation, Ebony Tree Council, takes a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, extending beyond agricultural production. Anna Griffin, a driving force in fostering holistic health in the CSRA, is dedicated to culinary education, nutritional empowerment, and community engagement.

Through her efforts, Anna fosters a culture of well-being, transforming lives and creating a healthier community for generations.

Anna’s dedication to community-based culinary education shines through in her leadership of cooking classes, where she empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to create nourishing meals using farm-fresh ingredients. These classes transcend mere recipe demonstrations, delving into the nutritional benefits of each ingredient and offering practical tips for integrating them into daily meals.

By demystifying plant-based cooking and emphasizing its role in promoting health, Anna empowers participants to make informed dietary choices and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, both Fredrick and Anna collaborate with local organizations, including churches like Journey Community Church, that distribute food boxes. In addition to supplementing the pantry staples

Fred Griffin joins his wife Anna, in educating Walton Options clients on the benefits of healthy eating and plant-based nutrition.

(Photo credit: Cassandra Loftlin) in these boxes with fresh produce from their hydroponic farm, Anna uses the food boxes as a platform for ongoing nutritional education. Recipients learn how to prepare and enjoy the contents of each box through Anna’s curated recipes and cooking tips.

Now, let’s delve into one of Ebony

The teaching table at Ebony Tree Farms’ health and nutrition series is adorned with vibrant vegetables and condiments, ready to create delicious raw, vegan lettuce wraps for eager learners. (Photo credit: Ebony Tree Farms) Tree Farms’ delightful recipes that perfectly captures the essence of their commitment to accessibility and nutritional education: Ana’s fluffy sweet potato biscuit recipe.

Ebony Tree Farms Fluffy Sweet Potato Biscuits INGREDIENTS

7. Cut into biscuits

¾ Baked mashed sweet potato

8. Bake 12-15 minutes

1 tsp Apple cider vinegar

9. Serve with favorite toppings

1 cup Soy milk 1½ cup flour 1 tbsp baking soda Pinch salt 5 tbsp cold vegan butter 2 tbsp sugar INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 and line tray with parchment

2. Mix milk and baked

mashed sweet potato

3. Separately mix flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar

4. Cube butter and cut in flour mixture

5. Add wet mixture and stir 6. Kneed for 2 minutes

and enjoy

In the realm of sustainable agriculture and community empowerment, Ebony Tree Farms efforts shine brightly.

Their dedication to promoting environmental stewardship, social equity, and access to healthy food is not just a mission but a transformative journey. Together, they cultivate resilient communities and pave the way for a future where sustainability and well-being thrive hand in hand.

Ebony Tree Farms: FB EbonyTreeFarms, https:// ebonytreefarms.com Meet Cassandra, your wordsmith on a delectable journey where the art of food writing meets the culinary magic of The Stop Food Truck. With a fervor for capturing the essence of local produce, she intertwines storytelling and food culture with a focus on local ingredients. Follow her on IG: @ chef.cassandra or FB: Goodness Gracious Grocery-Augusta.

EMPLOYMENT

Splost 9, clean audit among action items

FT Fermentation Process Development Engineer

In this wrap-Up of the Augusta Commission meeting held on February 6, 2024, city officials accepted various action items, such as receiving $15,000 in grants to support an educational youth program hosted by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Augusta, Georgia receives a clean audit Mauldin & Jenkins, an independent certified public accounting firm, has issued an unmodified (clean) opinion for Augusta’s 2022 Financial & Compliance Audit. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) was presented during the Augusta Commission meeting. The Single Audit Report, required for entities receiving more than $750,000 in federal expenditures, also received an unmodified (clean) opinion. The reports show the City’s financial practices to be in compliance with Generally Accepted Governmental Accounting Principles and government auditing standards.

The delay in the FY 2022 audit resulted from the City undergoing a network disruption in 2023, but City officials report the FY 2023 audit is on schedule for a June 2024 completion.

accept grants totaling $15,000 from the Georgia Recreation and Park Association to execute the “Coaching Boys into Men” program, a preventative educational program to help youth build healthy relationship skills and avoid domestic violence. The Department has offered the program at the Bernie Ward Community Center and the May Park Community Center.

Manus Bio Inc seeks FT Fermentation Process Development Engineer (Augusta, GA). Develop, test & optimize fermentation conditions & parameters for production of complex natural products. Reqs Master in Biochem Engr, Chem Engr, Agricu & Biosys Engr, Metabolic Engr, Microbio, or rel fld & 3 yrs industrial exp. Must have exp in operating fermenters & improving industrial fermentation processes. Exp w/bacterial fermentation optimization, incl E. coli fermentations.

Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: D. Hicks, Manus Bio Inc, 1762 Lovers Lane, Augusta, GA 30901 dhicks@manusbio.com

The installation of speed humps approved for South Augusta neighborhood The Augusta Commission approved the installation of twelve speed humps along Fairington Drive between Tobacco Road and Teakwood Drive per adopted Augusta speed hump policy. Based on the current cost of materials and labor, the price to install the speed humps totals $54,000.00 and will help calm traffic and reduce overall vehicle speeds in that area.

Augusta Mega Hiring Fair

Augusta Commission Approve Barton Chapel Road-Gordon Highway Intersection Improvements Project The Augusta Commission approved a construction contract for the Barton Chapel Road at Gordon Highway Improvements Project to Reeves Construction SPLOST 9 Planning Work Company. The project is one Session Scheduled of three traffic flow operAugusta leaders agreed to ational efficiency plans for have a s SPLOST 9 planning various intersections, and work session on Wednesday, the purpose of this project February 21, 2024, at 2pm. is to gain operation efficienIn the coming days, a loca- cy by widening the intersection will be announced. tions to allow for a left-turn lane.

Augusta Parks and Recreation Department Augusta Commission receives funding for eduApprove MOU Between cational program Augusta Regional Airport Augusta leaders agreed to and Battelle Savannah

The Augusta Human Resources Department will host three hiring events in February to allow the community to apply for jobs with their local government. Event dates include February 15, 2024; February 22, 2024; and February 29, 2024.

All meetings will be held from 10am-1pm at the Julian Smith Casino at 2200 Broad Street.

Richmond County School System tohost Transportation Job Fair The Richmond County School System is hosting a transportation job fair to recruit employees interested in bus driver or mechanic positions on Tuesday, February 20, at the

River Alliance, LLC. Augusta Commission approved a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) and Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC as the managing and operating contractor for Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).

The Augusta Regional Airport has been working with SRNL for the past several years to advance the new aerospace technologies in the Augusta area, and SRNL staff have participated in multiple events hosted by AGS, including several of the Innovation Xchange Forums and drone demonstrations to local area STEM students. The Airport and SRNL have agreed to expand their efforts to

include possible research and additional collaboration opportunities in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Georgia Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application Augusta Commissioners approved a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan award totaling $450,000.00 between the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and Augusta, Georgia to conduct and compile a Drinking Water System Service Line Inventory. These funds will allow Augusta Utilities to investigate, interview, employ predictive and statistical modeling, field investigations, and/or potholing.

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OURTOWNOURGOVERNMENT

UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024

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City launches Augusta Coffee Trail Mobile Passport Brewing A Rich Experince in Augusta’s River Region

Interviews will be available after the announcement of the trail with: • Bennish Brown, Destination Augusta, President/ CEO • Cesar Schettini, Relic Coffee Co., Owner • Scott Russell, @LoveAugusta & @6BitesIn Please join us to celebrate the official launch of the Augusta Coffee Trail mobile passport, a collaboration between eight coffee-enthusiast businesses and local experience advocates Destination Augusta, with support from the Love Augusta promotional team. This product was developed with both locals and visitors to Augusta in mind, highlighting a well-known food and beverage point of interest for travelers.

Destination Augusta, in collaboration with locally owned coffee shops unique to our area, is delighted to announce the official launch of the Augusta Coffee Trail mobile passport. This innovative tourism product is designed to showcase the distinctive coffee shops that originated After a brief presentation about the development in Augusta’s River Region, featuring an array of of the trail, Relic customers will earn a coupon for a espresso-based beverages. free Gusanito (small sweet bread roll) for signing up “We are thrilled to be part of this collection! for the trail, and we are offering $1 off the first 100 We look forward to highlighting our unique ordered beverages. coffee experience paired with our traditional MORE ABOUT THE COFFEE TRAIL Ecuadorian baked goods,” said Cesar Schettini, owner of Relic Coffee Company.

The Augusta Coffee Trail invites locals and visOFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY - MEDIA itors to embark on a delightful journey through Augusta’s exceptional specialty coffee havens.

INVITATION From rich espressos to velvety lattes, this trail promises to enhance the stay in the vibrant city.

Date and Time: Friday, February 9, 10 a.m.

Location: Relic Coffee Company, 1504 Monte The mobile passport grants access to 11 participating Augusta coffee shops, offering exciting Sano Ave.

rewards and prizes – and the best part, it’s absolutely FREE! “This mobile pass allows smartphone users to seamlessly check in on their own device when they arrive at a local coffee shop,” said Sarah Childers with Destination Augusta. “When they check in, points are accrued, and participants can earn rewards as they use the pass – first, an Augusta sticker and an I Love Augusta coffee mug,” Childers said.

The eleven stops on the Augusta Coffee Trail include these coffee businesses: Bodega Ultima, Buona Caffe (all three locations), Cavalier’s Coffeehouse, Christie’s Coffee Company, Edgar’s Bakehouse, New Moon Café, Relic Coffee Company, Trellis Coffee Bar, and Ubora Coffee Roasters.

To opt into the Augusta Coffee Trail, visit the Augusta Coffee Trail webpage. Once registered, the pass is delivered conveniently via text or email.

Tech support is provided for the pass through Bandwango, the software provider through which the pass is offered.

“This launch is the first in a series of mobile passes in development within our organization designed to engage locals and help visitors easily experience Augusta,” emphasized Bennish Brown, President/ CEO of Destination Augusta. “Our trails collection will highlight Augusta as a thriving community rich with experiences that attract people.”

Get Ready For the Art Party Of The Year The WetPaint Party and Art Sale on March 8th Participating artists: Follow the yellow brick road to this year’s WetPaint Art the Artist Abdon Party & Art Sale at Sacred Laurie Algar Heart Cultural Arts Center MIles Kilpatrick at 7pm! Sip our themed craft Rachel Shea Beck Jaxx Beck cocktails and peruse all the Emily Bender wonderful local art available David Benson through auction. Enjoy music Colleen Beyer curated by Emcee Kigg Cherry Stoney Cannon & K ATz Audio and perforMel Cearley Fox Si-Long Chen mances by ShoFusion Dance Melissa Coffey Arts. Experience an OZ photoJeremy Cohen booth art installation by Emily Boper9 Bender. Delicious food providA.C. Daniel ed by Chef Edward Mendoza Tiphiknee De Herrera Sabrina Dickson of Cucina 503 and the Augusta Creatives Junior Woman’s Club. The Thou Art Ju D event is free for members with Heather René Supporter Individual member- Dunaway ship and higher. Tickets are Deb Estep Jeremy Fearneyhough $85 for individual or $160 for Kaye Ferguson couples.

Zilphia Visit augustaarts.info/ Alex Foltz WetPaint2024 to RSVP and pur- Panny Force chase your membership/tickets! Jade Fousek

Zoey Green Alissa Marie Curtis SHamrick Subject Dolly Kimi Huttar Kelley Igo Melvin Jackson Michelle Scarborough Johnson Cat Kingery Rich Klein June Klement Francie Klopotic Mikey Lindsey Genevieve Lucas Felina Martin Jacqui Magon Deepti Malik Megan Maloney Johanne McDonough Gimbrone Susan McKew Kortlyn McPeek TJ McSherry John Meeks Mike Meissner Ethan Moore Jaylyn Morris Lillie Morris Carolyn Odell

Gerry O’Meara Stacy R O’Sullivan PASC Erica Pastecki Ashton Maya Sindhu Pillai Rachel Polvadore Avery Prather Emily Rahn Christina Rice Lea Rigdon Juana Rubio Mary Rufo billy s Karey Santos Katie Scarborough K Sio Trina Smith Darby Spencer Wesley L Stewart Rhian Swain Patricia Tante Ana Thompson Lisa Anne Tindal Baruti Tucker May Tuschen Jacki Mayo Van Dyke Lexi Kay White Greg Fortune Cameron Young

The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson offers tours Celebrate the holiday with a tour of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, a National Historic Landmark and one of only 3 presidential sites in Georgia. President Wilson grew up in Augusta from 1858 until 1870 while his father was pastor of First Presbyterian Church during the Civil War and early years of Reconstruction.

Join us at NOON on Monday, February 19, 2024, for a special offering of our Authentic Augusta Experience, Bringing Up A President: Tea with Mrs. Wilson.

You will meet Mrs. Wilson who will recount Tommy’s experiences growing up in Augusta and how the lessons of his youth formed his character. Reservations for the Authentic Augusta Experience must be made by February 16, 2024. Cost is $25.

Regular tour admissions are Buy One, Get One Free (of equal or lesser value) on Presidents Day, February 19, 2024. Admission cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, or $5 for students K-12. Visit our website at www. wilsonboyhoodhome.org or call us at (706) 722-9828 to make a reservation.

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UrbanProWeekly - FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 3, 2024