UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

The Modeling Challenge IN AUGUSTA

This image of Augusta model Ra’Chael Baker was featured in the July issue of Essence Magazine, along with other Black models photographed by Glenford Nuñez. The Baltimorebased photographer is seeking to raise exposure for Black models in the fashion industry. PAGE 6 Photo courtesy of Glenford Nuñez

JUNE 22 - 30, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 17

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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN FEATURED IN THE 2017 SUNSHINE’S ROAST & TOAST - “Forever Augusta Mini Theatre Arts and Life Skills School is announcing its 8th Annual Sunshine’s Roast and Toast on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Parish Hall) at 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA. “Forever A Lady” - Deanna Brown Thomas, Sylvia Cooper, Barbara Gordon and Lessie Price, will be roasted and toasted.

Admission is $50.00 and each table of eight is $400.00. To purchase tickets, tables, and place Business Card or Patron in the booklet, call 706-7220598 or visit www.augustaminitheatre.com.

Proceeds will benefit the Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship Fund. This fall, twenty-five alums of the Mini Theatre will

Deanna Brown Thomas

Sylvia Cooper

be eligible to receive the scholarship at $400.00 per student, per year, for four years.

Augusta Mini Theatre has awarded

Barbara Gordon

scholarships since 1984.

For tickets and information about fall classes (African/modern dance, drama, piano, and visual arts) and

a Lady”

Lessie Price

teen pregnancy prevention workshop, Making Proud Choices, call 706-722-0598 or visit www.augustaminitheatre.com.

Bob Marley Tribute celebrates 20th year as the city’s premiere live reggae music event

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA Reggae music is not rare in Augusta. Caribbean deejays keep the beat going on a weekly basis and have a loyal club following. Roots reggae, dancehall, soca, ska and calypso attract those who love to move and those who love to watch those who love to move.

Live reggae music is another matter altogether. It is very rare. So much so, that for those who yearn for that Bob-Marley-inspired roots rock reggae, the annual Bob Marley Tribute is a much anticipated event.

While reggae is hugely popular in outdoor venues near rivers and lakes and natural settings, for those who love that up close in-hour-face interaction with live musicians, there’s nothing like an intimate club setting — and that’s what the Marley Tribute is all about.

On Friday, July 28 at Sky City in downtown Augusta, i&i Productions presents the 20th Annual Bob Marley Tribute. This year will be a reunion of sorts, when former members of Kaya, the city’s seminal reggae unit, will take the stage for a live set.

The usual suspects return. Vocalists Lady and Passionate are ready to sizzle and the Marley Tribute All-Star band features key performers from the area’s hottest bands. And when the band is not on stage cooking, DeeJay Spudd will enhance the Marley reverie.

For more information, call Mr. B @ 706-836-2018.

UPW Urban Pro Weekly Hephzibah, GA 30815

URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO WEEKLY MEDIA 706-306-4647 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

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Doctors Hospital nurse to be honored for service AUGUSTA Doctors Hospital and parent company, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), are committed to the improvement of human life in the communities they serve. To recognize the shared commitment and values of HCA employees, the hospital and HCA annually recognize employees for their service in the community and their impact on the lives of people they touch.

Doctors Hospital announced this week that Leolalinda Plameras, an Intensive Care Unit Nurse, recognized as the hospital’s 2016 Frist Humanitarian Award winner is also the 2016 winner of the prestigious National Frist Humanitarian Award. Established in 1971, the Frist Humanitarian Award is the highest honor that HCA bestows upon one employee, physician and volunteer for service to patients and the com- Leolalinda Plameras munity. These annual awards are to honor the caring spirit and philan- Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA. thropic work of the late Dr. Thomas “I am thankful for every oppor-

tunity to be a vessel to help others.

That’s what God calls us to do, show each other love and compassion,” said Leolalinda Plameras, RN and Frist Humanitarian Award Recipient.

Leolalinda is dedicated to the CSRA community through her service in ministry, support and outreach through the AGAPE Children’s Ministry. The ministry operates a home in Aiken that has impacted an impoverished community by providing hope. The ministry operates afterschool support services, family support, food, a clothing drive at Christmas, and shoe drives to meet the needs of the community in Aiken.

Leolalinda joined the Doctors Hospital team in June 2009 as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit where she continues to serve.

“We couldn’t be more proud to have a member of our team recognized on the national level. It brings attention to the great work that Leolalinda is doing to give life

to a community that greatly needs it, in our hospital walls and outside of them,” said Doug Welch, CEO, Doctors Hospital.

Leolalinda is a native of the Philippines and has a ministry there through her ownership of a Christian broadcast radio station, rice fields, and a women’s clothing boutique.

“I’m blessed to be able to bless others. I couldn’t imagine life without giving others the hope they need to make it through the tough times and through life,” said Plameras. “The greatest reward is in the victories we celebrate when all things work together for good.”

HCA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Milton Johnson, will present the award to Leolalinda on Monday, June 26 during the 2016 HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction ceremony in Nashville, TN. Leolalinda’s family, friends and Doctors Hospital CEO, Doug Welch will attend the ceremony honoring her service to the CSRA.

UrbanProWeekly •JUNE 22 - 30, 2017

COMMUNITY HEALTH Happenigs

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Notice to Public Augusta Housing Authority *Property Owners and Agents* The Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, Georgia is currently seeking property owners and landlords in the AugustaRichmond County area for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. If you have property that you are interested in renting, please attend our Owner’s Briefing on June 30, 2017.

Augusta Housing Authority J. Madden Reid Administration Building 1435 Walton Way Augusta, Georgia The Augusta Housing Authority is offering three (3) sessions for your convenience. Please select one of three sessions to attend on June 30, 2017:

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2017, for the following: 1. Charter Bus Qualifications RFQ#17-787 2. Fire Extinguishers Service and Maintenance RFP#2017-018 3. School Nutrition Software Solution RFP#17-788 4. Uniforms for Nutrition Services RFQ#17-786 5. Uniforms for School Safety and Security RFQ#17-785 Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Cecilia Perkins in the Business Office at perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us or 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org/bids, or at Richmond County School System, Central Office 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, GA 30901.

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

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Angela D. Pringle, Secretary

Session One - 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m.

Session Two - 1:00p.m. to 2:30p.m.

Session Three - 3:00p.m. to 4:30p.m.

At the briefing, Housing Authority staff will explain the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Owners must have rental property that meets the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements.

Questions?

Contact: Sirena P. Rogers Director of Administration (706) 312-3112 or srogers@augustapha.org You can also find information on Section 8 and other housing programs at www.augustapha.org or www.hud.gov.

Equal Housing Opportunity The Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, Georgia By: Jacob L. Oglesby, Executive Director

Soiree: Jazz+Wine 4th Saturdays, 7:30 pm Venue: Jessye Norman School of the Arts Enjoy classic and contemporary jazz music, wines selected by the host, and a platform for up & coming musical voices. All presented with state-of-the-art sound and lighting in a beautiful, historic building.

Live Jazz. Lovely People. Dress like you mean it.

Info: www.jazzsoiree.com (762) 233-5299

4 Seasons Chamber Jazz August 18, October 20; 7:30 pm Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz is a four-event concert series, with each concert featuring two performances, ranging from Latin jazz to vocal standards to Dixieland. It’s a musical celebration of art in nature.

Artists will perform several selections representative of the season. Info: www.uuaugusta.org (706) 733-7939 Saturday Morning Swing: Music at The Augusta Market Thru November 25, 2017 Venue: Eighth Street Plaza, 8th & Riverwalk A partnership with The Augusta Market since 2010, Saturday Morning Swing brings local jazz musicians and performing arts groups to the Riverwalk for early afternoon shows each weekend. The Market features local produce, artisans, music, all in a family- (and pet-) friendly space.

Info: www.theaugustamarket.com (706) 627-0128

Candlelight Wine&Dine Concert Series July 15, August 19; 7:30 pm Venue: Columbia County Amphitheater Candlelight Wine&Dine, a new addition to the Augusta River Region, is a celebration of music and community. Bring your own seating and picnic and enjoy jazz, soul, R&B, spoken word, rock, funk, and gospel music; and live art demos. Children ages 12 & under admitted free. Info: www.gardencityjazz. com (762) 233-5299

Labor Day Jazz Weekend September 1-3, 2017 Venue: The Augusta Common, Columbia County Amphitheatre, The Augusta Market, etc Garden City Jazz presents a fun weekend of jazz music and art that all ages and music lovers can enjoy. Conceived as a capstone event for the popular Candlelight Jazz Concert Series, this celebration of music, art, and community has now come into its own as a family festival and fundraiser for various charitable organizations.

July 2 – September 30, 2017 Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History NELLIE ASHFORD is a folk artist whose work creates a world of cultural expression that recalls the vibrant history of the South. “Through My Eyes” incorporates a unique mix of materials and paint that reflect real-life experiences and explore emotional facets of African-American history. Considered the art of everyday people, folk art is rooted in tradition,

memories and experiences. Through My Eyes features thirty newly crafted mixed-media works.

A Charlotte native, Nellie Ashford is a self-proclaimed folk artist whose work expresses cultural identity, shared community values and aesthetics.

Each work that she creates has a story to tell.

Vintage fabrics cloth images of people who reflect varying ethnic, religious, occupational, age and gender who identities. They identify and complement each other and their world. Through her art she creates a world of historical expression – a visual, realistic imagery that reflects a time gone by.

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Garden City Jazz Calendar Now thru September, 2017

“Through My Eyes” Exhibition

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Local models hopeful for more career support in Augusta Makeup artist MELISSA MICHELLE (L) touches up AMANDA MARTINEZ before a fashion photo shoot. Martinez, an Atlantabased model, regularly works with catalog and advertising clients in metro Atlanta and Charlotte.

Both cities have booming e-commerce and fashion catalog industries.

BY VINCENT HOBBS Modeling is not an easy business, even in the fashion epicenters of New York or Paris. Photo shoots, countless go-sees, and networking with influential players in the industry are just the humble beginnings of a modeling career. One of the main factors strategic to that career is the modeling agent.

Modeling agents continuously book assignment work for models, send models to go-sees and casting calls, negotiate fees with clients, network and establish working relationships with professional photographers for portfolio development and for possible photo assignments and also advise and influence the careers of their contracted talent. Agents can generate substantial income for their roster of talent.

A quick Google search reveals that bustling cities like Atlanta boast over 50 model and talent agencies. Augusta has none. Even Columbia, SC, has a handful of agencies, despite its smaller population.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

The lack of modeling agencies in the CSRA has spawned a creative desert for aspiring models. There are hundreds of potential models walking around the city – and many don’t know how to pursue modeling opportunities or even think that they have the talent to become a model.

If an Augusta model wants to enter the business and get professional representation, they go elsewhere, usually Atlanta or Charlotte. But it wasn’t always like this. The city had model agencies decades ago that booked assignments with clients like JB White, Belk and other advertisers. Model calls would generate dozens of aspiring models for photo shoots. Fleetwood Models, run by Paul Stallings, published a “Look Book” every year that featured agency talent.

Today, a client looking to hire local fashion models will have a difficult time finding appropriate talent. Instead, models are booked from Atlanta and other larger cities.

Despite this, there are local models who face this challenge head-on in pursuit of their dream. Ra’Chael

Baker, who was featured in a layout in the July issue of Essence Magazine, is hopeful about seeing the city become more immersed in fashion culture.

“I will say it is difficult to find paid modeling opportunities in Augusta; there isn’t a high demand for models in the region, so a lot of models travel outside of Augusta to further their careers,” she shared. “Now, on the other hand, Augusta has a lot of hidden gems. We have amazing photographers, beautiful scenery and a lot of creativity - so it’s possible to create art in Augusta.”

Baker, who first started modeling in elementary school in pageants, was signed to her first agency while a senior in high school. Her family drove to Orlando for her first professional photo shoot. “While I was in college, I was signed to St. Claire Modeling Agency. I took a break from modeling to get my bachelor’s degree in psychology and got back into modeling after graduating.” She currently does not have an agent.

“If I could change anything about the modeling scene in Augusta, I’d

like to start with making more people aware to the fact that there are models in Augusta,” she said. “I’d like to see more city-wide events that celebrate beauty, fashion and art.”

Danessa Burnett is a model/actress who has worked with a myriad of clients such as auto dealer Fairway Ford, Acura of Augusta, Augusta Mall, Roosters Beak, Surreal at Surrey, Cline Design, Augusta Convention Center, Augusta Marriott Hotel, United Way and Maxim Magazine and Miss Georgia Latina. She also would like to see more opportunities for models in the area.

“If Augusta could start an actual agency, that would be amazing. I don’t understand why it hasn’t happened yet,” she expressed. “Augusta is in an area that’s not too far from huge cities like Atlanta and Charlotte.

What if we had an agency that could train and guide models and actors in the industry and book them for local jobs or in nearby cities? When movies, TV shows and commercial Continued on next page

Models from page 6

ing here, I’ve been incredibly busy!

I love the market - it keeps me to where I don’t have to travel, which is awesome, especially now that I have a baby. Although a lot of the work here is catalog and e-commerce, there is good opportunity for commercials as well.”

Despite the short distance between Atlanta and Augusta, Martinez, who was named as one of 50 Most Beautiful Atlantans by Modern Luxury’s Jezebel Magazine, hasn’t garnered any work in the Garden City. “I don’t know much about Augusta, as I don’t really work outside of Atlanta and North Carolina for most of the stuff that I do,” she said.

Unfortunately, many other advertising and film/TV industry clients seeking talent aren’t familiar with

Augusta either.

Professional photographers face a similar challenge in finding local talent to book for commercial advertising work or even just to add fresh images to their portfolio. Model agencies regularly promote new talent to established photographers in order to generate portfolio images – and possibly to gain an assignment for the model.

When that orchestration of rep, model and photographer is off-key, creative opportunities are missed.

“Augusta does not have that dynamic of creative collaboration, where you are constantly being exposed to new models who want to shoot and build their portfolios and gain tearsheets”, an Augusta photographer shared. “The lack of modeling agencies here is puzzling.”

DANESSA BURNETT is a model/ actress based in Augusta.

RA’CHAEL BAKER is a model based in Augusta.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Amanda Martinez, an Atlanta-based model, regularly works with catalog and advertising clients in metro Atlanta and Charlotte.

Photo by Alex Martinez

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work comes here, they usually hire talent from out-of-town, which is very unfortunate - because I’m sure we have plenty of beautiful and talented people here that just need that opportunity to shine.”

Fashion designer Zaccheus Miles, who created Augusta Fashion Week in 2015 to showcase local designers and models, understands the challenge of finding models to walk the runway and the lack of fashion-oriented events in the city. The AFW 2017 fashion celebration could possibly be postponed this year due to the need for more sponsors and more available talent.

“I would like to see people open up to more fashion and beauty events.

That’s my whole goal, to see Augusta

hosting fashion events that are even bigger than Charleston Fashion Week or Columbia Fashion Week,” Miles said.

Further up I-20, Atlanta is a bustling mecca for models. Amanda Martinez has appeared in advertising and catalog campaigns for Coca Cola, Bud Light, Cato, Belk, Saks Fifth Ave., Wrangler, Stein Mart, TJ Maxx, Vera Bradley and Laura Mercier Cosmetics.

Martinez has steadily worked in both the Atlanta and Charlotte markets. “We do have some pretty great agencies in Atlanta. I am with Ursula Wiedmann and she’s been fantastic!”

“I moved to Atlanta with my husband about three years ago. He had been here for several years before we met in New York and he always told me I would do really well in the Atlanta market, Martinez shared. “Since mov-

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN AT ALL COSTS

Tragic, trifling incicents should be a wake-up call for our community “If we don’t stand up for children, we don’t stand up for much.”

— Marian Wright Edelman LaTania Carwell. Frelicia Tucker.

Their names have been plastered all over the media, whether it be news media or social media.

Their stories are heart-breaking and heart-wrenching.

According to reports, Carwell was last seen on April 17. Four days later, the Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help to find her. In the early part of May, Carwell’s stepfather, Leon Tripp, was wanted for kidnapping, and her mother, Tanya, pleaded with the community to help find her daughter.

On May 23, Leon was apprehended in Dekalb County. And then, the first piece of stunning heartbreak — Tanya had been arrested for hindering the apprehension of a criminal.

The worst was declared on June 12 – Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree announced that the case of LaTania Carwell was an investigation into a homicide.

Tucker’s situation doesn’t end with such a gruesome result. In fact, Tucker is a star-studded senior from Aiken High School who boasts the honor of 2016 Wendy’s High School Heisman, as well as Presidential Scholar.

On June 9, Tucker was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in North Myrtle Beach.

According to reports, an officer on duty at Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues was approached by employees who said Tucker appeared to be intoxicated. She admitted to police that she had been drinking alcohol, and was later released on bail.

These incidents clearly vary in severity and in shock. Still, the sim-

It is disgraceful for the “Standard” to drag one of the city’s exceptional students, Frelicia Tucker, through the mud.

On June 12, Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree announced that the case of LaTania Carwell was a homicide investigation. ilarities in terms of the response of the media and community are very real.

As a Black man, and the oldest of three brothers, I feel a sense of protectiveness when it comes to anyone, but especially our children.

They are wrongly vilified and victimized, seemingly at every turn.

In the case of LaTania Carwell, the case hit especially close to home because she was a member of my home church. That is ironic, because as much as there were prayers and calls for her to come home, there was just as much gossip and hearsay.

Still, things got worse. As the situation and the hopes of Carwell’s safe return home became more dire, it seemed people cared less and less about the sanctity of this child’s life and legacy, and more about their own personal glory.

Glory hounds sought the limelight that vigils and “community searches” provided. It turned a heartbreaking situation into a taxing and toxic one.

Incidentally, Tucker’s calamity also hit close to home. Tucker, an intelligent and dynamic young lady, attended my alma mater. I, too, was recognized as one of the best and brightest students.

I also remember how uncomfortable the backlash was from that at times — the uncertainty of being one of the only Black kids in the “white world” of advanced courses.

I remember the dirty looks, the feeling of others wanting me to fail.

The incident also hit close to home because one of the primary media outlets responsible for the hatchet job at Tucker’s expense was The Aiken Standard, a former employer of mine.

It is embarrassing that the “Standard” would stoop so low to report on a story outside of its coverage base — the incident happened in Horry County. It is downright disgraceful for the “Standard” to drag one of the city’s exceptional students through the mud for a charge as trivial as disorderly conduct.

It’s the type of “story” that justifies an unfortunate and derisive nickname of the publication in question — The Aiken “SubStandard.”

I’ll take it a step further — this underscores the importance of Black media AND the importance of media that shines a positive light on our community. If a publication or media entity fails to do so, we should stop giving it credence. Stop buying their products and stop sharing their posts on social media.

The motivation for media outlets to share destructive commentary and stories is nothing more than profit. They believe these stories will generate buzz, therefore, generate money.

I’m sick of it. I’m sick of media entities and community “leaders” trying to build their reputation on the backs of our children. They deserve better.

The late Whitney Houston sung about how she believed the children are our future. I love that song.

In hindsight, though, I respectfully disagree. Our children are our future AND our present. They are a gift that we must protect with all that we love and all that we have.

It’s time to stand FOR our children, not grandstand at the expense of our children.

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” a media conglomerate that incorporates podcasting/radio, social media and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/ makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached by email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com or by text at (803) 270-2331.

Colin Kaepernick is right

Colin Kaepernick is right and his critics are wrong. Black lives did not matter to the author of America’s national anthem. Accordingly, self-respect takes precedence over respecting a disrespectful anthem.

In 1814, the poet and lyricist Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The problem is Francis Scott Key was a known racist and slave owner. Nevertheless, he is esteemed as a great historical figure.

Therefore, it should be no surprise America’s national anthem upholds white supremacy.

First, “The Star-Spangled Banner” consists of four stanzas with the last line of each stanza saying, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Obviously, this verse is an insult to black people. In 1814, when Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics, millions of enslaved Africans existed in America. Second, the anthem’s third stanza contains verses which show Key’s utter contempt for the enslaved African. The verses state, Their blood has washed out their foul footstep’s pollution; No refuge could save

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Send us the details at urbanpromedia @yahoo.com

the hireling and slave; From the terror of flight or gloom of the grave; And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave. Undoubtedly, Francis Scott Key imagined the star-spangled American flag to be a symbol of terror and death to any slave who dared to escape.

Clearly, for enlightened African-Americans, it is appropriate to not show respect for an anthem which includes racist sentiments.

Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA,

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LETTERS

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Bulletin Board Creative Impressions presents Summer Music Workshop at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will be hosting Creative Impressions’ 15th Annual Summer Music Workshop.

This two week workshop will take place July 10th – 21st and is open to youth ages 12-­18. It is during this workshop that youth are exposed to various genres of music, are taught music theory and literacy, and are exposed to other art forms to include African dance and drama. Augusta native an international clinician, Mr. Trey McLaughlin, facilitates this workshop.

The cost of the workshop is $150.00 For more information call at 706-­ 664-­9022 or e-­mail tolbert.shanita@ gmail.com

Runs Missionary Baptist Church Runs Missionary Baptist Church, 717 Williston Rd, invites you to the following events.

Vacation Bible School which began on Monday, June 19th through Thursday, June 22nd from 6pm to 8pm. Classes for all ages! Rev. Stevie W. Berry is our pastor.

Youth Awards Day on Sunday, June 25th at 8am. Rev. Stevie W. Berry is our pastor.

Holy Communion on Sunday, July 2nd at 8am. Rev. Stevie W. Berry is our pastor.

Summer Revival on July 24-27 at 7pm nightly. Our revivalist will be Rev. Daniel Latimer, pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, Allendale, SC and The Kings Church, Augusta, GA. Rev. Stevie W. Berry is our pastor.

Got news?

Send us the details at urbanpromedia @yahoo.com

Richmond County DFCS announces temporary location after Fenwick St. fire Richmond County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) staff are again able to take walk-in customers following a fire that destroyed the county office at 520 Fenwick St. this week.

Beginning Friday, DFCS staff will accept applications and verification documents for economic assistance programs and as conduct in-person interviews to determine applicants’ eligibility from a temporary site at Augusta Technical College.

Staff are available in Building 400 of Augusta Technical College (3200 Augusta Tech Dr., Augusta, GA 30906) to accept paper applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) programs.

Child Protective Services staff will also be housed at the temporary location.

The original DFCS office located at 520 Fenwick Street, will

be closed indefinitely due to extensive structural damage caused by an overnight fire on June 12. However, Richmond County residents can continue to pick up and drop off applications for benefits at the original office location.

In addition to the temporary location, applications and verification documents can be picked up or left in a locked drop box at 520 Fenwick St. Applications and verification documents can also be mailed to

Richmond County DFCS, P.O. Box 2277, Augusta, GA 30903.

To report instances of child abuse or neglect, please call the DFCS CPS Intake Communication Center at 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-4224453). Those wishing to speak with Richmond County Staff may call 706721-3000 and leave a detailed message, which will be returned within 24 hours.

Ongoing updates will be posted at www.dfcs.ga.gov.

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE

• Georgia medicaid • Insurance plans • Charge cards • WIC vouchers

Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

Augusta Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program The Augusta Housing Authority has selected entities to receive Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) assistance under the Project Based Vouchers (PBV) Program for rental properties in AugustaRichmond County, Georgia. The entities are as follows: Freedom’s Path – 78 PBV units, FP Augusta II, LLC – 20 PBV units, and Legacy at Walton Green 2 GP, LLC – 20 PBV units.

The Project Based Voucher Program provides long-term rental assistance through Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments contracts for rental properties occupied by low and moderate income persons.

The approved units must meet requirements as outlined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Augusta Housing Authority.

The Augusta Housing Authority is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing by providing equal access to all of its programs, services and activities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or age.

Equal Housing Opportunity

The Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, Georgia By: Jacob L. Oglesby, Executive Director

Stress Physical Inactivity amily History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Stress Physical Inactivity Diabetes Family History of Cardiovascular disease High Blood Pressure Obesity Diabetes High Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Cigarette Smoking High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking

HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK Hypertension Management Outreach Program East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program

Richmond County Richmond County Health Department 706.721.5800 Richmond County 706.721.5800 706.721.5800 www.ecphd.com

UrbanProWeekly •JUNE 22 - 30, 2017

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The Modeling

Challenge Augusta model RA’CHAEL BAKER was featured in the July 2017 issue of Essence Magazine Photo by Vincent Hobbs

IN AUGUSTA Story on P6