Urban Pro Weekly

20
MARCH 20 - 26, 2014 The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER VOL.3 NO.27 NEWS • COMMENTARY ARTS ENTERTAINMENT U rban W Pro eekly Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800 SPLOST BLUES Former Augusta mayor, Bob Young (center), a board member of the Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA), confers with fellow board member, Henry Ingram during a meeting to discuss approving the issuance of a $28.5 million revenue bond to finance Augusta’s ongoing Municipal Building renovations. URA members Brad Owens, Terry Elam and Larry Jones are also pictured. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

description

The CSRA's free weekly newspaper providing news, commentary, sports, arts and entertainment.

Transcript of Urban Pro Weekly

MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLYNEWSPAPERVOL.3 NO.27

NEWS • COMMENTARY ARTS ENTERTAINMENT Urban WPro eekly

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

SPLOST BLUESFormer Augusta mayor, Bob Young (center), a board member of the Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA), confers with fellow board member, Henry Ingram during a meeting to discuss approving the issuance of a $28.5 million revenue bond to finance Augusta’s ongoing Municipal Building renovations. URA members Brad Owens, Terry Elam and Larry Jones are also pictured. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

2

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4

Requirements:At least 18 years of Age

High School Diploma or GEDPass the Candidate Physical Ability Test

Meet the NFPA 1582 Medical Requirements

Firefighter Opportunities Available with the Augusta Fire Department

Apply online at www.augustaga.gov. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2014

(tobacco products prohibited)

Be a Team PlayerValid Driver’s License

For additional information contact the Human Resources Department at 706-821-2303.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

NACCURATE INACCURATE BANKRUPTCIES INCOMPLETE INFO TAX LIENS STUDENT LOANS INCORRECT INFO CHARGE OFFS

OUT OF DATE INFO JUDGMENTS MEDICAL BILLS COLLECTIONS INQUIRIES DEBT & MORE……….

www.jsearscompany.com

“One-Stop Construction & Yard Maintenance Services”

Larry L. McCord Can Provide All Your Design and Construction Needs All Under One Roof

Our Office Provides:Architectural Drafting & Construction

• Custom Church Builder • Custom Home Builder• Yard Maintenance • Metal Buildings

3UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

By Frederick Benjamin Sr.

AUGUSTAFinally, Augusta has something

really cool and we can thank Georgia Regents University presi-dent Dr. Ricardo Azziz. For the past couple of weeks Augustans have been enjoying free tai chi class-es at GRU taught by a member of the Confucius Institute, Professor Feng Ruiji, a Tai Chi master from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

And that’s just the beginning. The real rollout begins next week’s grand opening as Augusta will be introduced to the Confucious Institute, a joint cultural and aca-demic partnership entered into by GRU and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China.

According to GRU Vice Provost Roman Cibirka, academic programs will be offered in the Fall 2014 quarter. There will be a number of elective courses for GRU students as well as special programs set aside for the general public.

The mission of the GRU Confucius Institute is twofold, first to offer Chinese language, culture and arts to the university and community. The Chinese community has a long and storied history in Augusta with

its first Chinese immigrants dig-ging the Augusta Canal in the late 1870’s. Bringing this type of cul-tural benefit adds to this Augusta heritage.

Secondly, because the GRU Confucius Institute is distinctive in this hemisphere of the world by offering studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it will promote learning and knowledge for practi-tioners, as well as deeper cultural understanding and patient centered benefits of Chinese Traditional Medicine in Health Professions therapies at local, regional, and national levels, Cibirka said.

“We are establishing the Confucius Institute to develop more formal ties and a closer working relation-ship with universities in China. The institute will also provide a tremen-dous cultural benefit to the local Chinese community, many of whom are students, faculty and staff on the GRU campus, and expose the entire Augusta area to the rich Chinese heritage,” Dr. Azziz said.

According to GRU officials, the Confucius Institute is aligned with the Board of Regents’ strategic plan to globalize education and Georgia Regents University’s strategic plan and it will be an integral part of the university’s globalization efforts. The institute will continue GRU’s

footpath to achieve several organi-zational goals, such as becoming an internationally recognized leader in education, research, discovery, and scholarship by capitalizing on global partnerships. These partner-ships can enhance strategic areas of academic enrichment, research growth in biomedicine and the health services, as well as provide crucial wellness service to the local and global communities.”

The GRU Confucius Institute is premised on creating a highly visible and sustainable Confucius Institute with three distinct goals: 1) establish a comprehensive academ-ic center for advancing the study of Chinese language and culture, 2) enhance multicultural awareness through a Chinese language and cultures program aimed at youth through adults in the broad Augusta community, and 3) provide Chinese language and culture instruction targeted to health professionals. These goals will showcase the GRU Confucius Institute as an interna-tional, one-of a kind resource cen-ter linked with an academic health center. The SUTCM-GRU partner-ship will also develop a museum showcasing TCM exhibits. Dr. Joe Tsien, Co-Director of the Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute at Medical College of Georgia and

MCG Professor of Neurology, will serve as the founding Director of the GRU Confucius Institute.

“The successful application and in a record time is a clear testimony to the visionary leadership and enor-mous strength of this great univer-sity and our Chinese partnership university,” Tsien said. “With close to almost 400 Confucius Institutes established to date world-wide, we are very proud that GRU receives this high distinction to be the very first Confucius Institute in North and South America to have the specialty education and training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This fits so well with the University’s roles in seeking excellence in edu-cation and research, including in the emerging area of alternative medicine.”

GRU will receive matching funds from the Confucius Headquarter, known as Han Ban, from Beijing of the People’s Republic of China.

Gary Tom, President of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, echoes the views of Dr. Ray Rufo, Past President of the CCBA, about the local benefits of the new GRU Confucius Institute.

For details of the Confucius Institure Grand Opening go to http://w w w.gru.edu/centers/con-fucius.

East meets Deep South as GRU prepares for Grand Opening of Confucius Institute

Professor Feng Ruiji, a Tai Chi master from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, teaches a tai chi class to members of the Augusta community at GRU’s Christenberry Fieldhouse. The free class is one of several events leading up to the grand opening of the Georgia Regents University Confucius Institute, a new center for the study of Chinese language, culture, and Traditional Chinese medicine.Photo by Vincent Hobbs

4

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4 The City

PublisherBen Hasan

706-394-9411

Managing EditorFrederick Benjamin Sr.

706-306-4647

Sales & MarketingPhone: 706-394-9411

Photography and Social Media Courtesy of

Vincent Hobbs

email:Ben Hasan

[email protected]

Frederick Benjamin [email protected]

Vincent [email protected]

UrbanProWeekly LLC

Mailing Address:3529 Monte Carlo DriveAugusta, Georgia 30906

Urban WeeklyPro

By Frederick Benjamin Sr.UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer

AUGUSTAAlthough facing huge financial chal-

lenges, Augusta commissioners on Tuesday (Mar.18) sought to reassure members of the newly-seated Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) that the city has the capacity to begin repaying loans needed to complete the reno-vation of the municipal building even if the voters rejected the $194 million SPLOST package at the polls on May 20.

The five-member URA panel, which included Terry Elam, Larry Jones, Henry Ingram, Bob Young and Brad Owens had been asked by the city to begin the bond-purchasing process on Friday, March 14, 2014. The panel, however, wanted to meet with the

commissioners first in a special work session.

The board had hesitated, citing the need for “clarity” from the commission-ers on certain issues. URA Chairman Henry Ingram told the commissioners, “There has been a disconnect in terms of what we think we know versus what we think you know.”

Ingram said he wanted to make sure that the commissioners were aware of the financial obligations assumed by the city if the SPLOST 7 referendum failed.

Ingram stressed that the panel was prepared to support the construction project, but wanted to be “cautious and conservative” in the best interests of the city.

The URA panel was concerned because they were told by the city’s financial experts that if the bonds were

not issued immediately, construction on the municipal building would have to be suspended because the city would run out of money at the end of May.

This appeared to be news to most commissioners present (only Finance committee chair Wayne Guilfoyle was absent). Commissioners complained that they were never told that resump-tion of the building project was tied to the SPLOST 7 vote.

City financial experts, however, told commissioners that they had, indeed, been informed that if SPLOST did not pass that they would have to make other arrangements to find money to complete the construction.

Further, the city financial experts told commissioners that “standard” language included in all bond docu-ments required that the city resort to tax increases if needed to repay any

loans.When asked to document the need

for “emergency” funds to continue construction, the city finance experts could not provide any of the specific documents that were requested.

URA member Brad Owens expressed frustration that the board was being asked to accept all of the conclusions forwarded by the city finance experts on faith.

Commissioner Alvin Mason was assured that there was enough money “on hand” for construction through the end of May but that special authoriza-tion was needed from the commission in order to use those funds.

Finally, the URA panel said they would be satisfied and issue the bonds right away if the commission-ers approved the move in a straw poll which they did. Five commissioners

SPLOST OR NO SPLOSTCity says it has ability to repay bonds regardless of vote

Henry Ingram, chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA), addresses the Augusta Commission during a meeting to discuss approving the issuance of a $28.5 million revenue bond to finance Augusta’s ongoing Municipal Building renovations. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

5UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

City going brokeSheriff’s Dept. spared, but more city workers will lose jobs;money crunch has commissioners flirting with tax hikes

Augusta mayor pro-tem Corey Washington consults with other commissioners in the ongoing discussions on how to deal with a $1.7 million shortfall in the current budget and how to avert a financial calamity if SPLOST 7 is rejected by the voters on May 20. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

By Frederick Benjamin Sr.UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer

AUGUSTA To raise taxes or not to raise taxes

— that was the question put before the Augusta-Richmond County commission-ers on Tuesday.

Commissioners were faced with those same “tough decisions” five months ago in November prior to their firing of city administrator Fred Russell.

At the time, Russell had advised the commission that in order to balance the budget and ensure that city employ-ees received adequate compensation they would have to decide whether to impose a millage rate increase on prop-erty owners along with implementing an excise energy tax on local manu-facturers or make drastic cuts in city services.

At the time, the commissioners chided Russell for not working hard enough to offer better alternatives. Shortly after that Russell was fired and the city decid-ed to make 2.4 percent across-the-board cuts for all departments rather than con-sider raising taxes.

At a recent committee meeting commissioners expressed the desire to consider exempting the Sheriff’s Department from the 2.4 percent cuts that each department had been asked to make.

On Tuesday, interim city administra-tor Tameka Allen informed city com-missioners that removing the Sheriff’s Department from the county-wide belt-tightening requirement would leave a $1.7 million hole in the 2014 budget.

They also informed the commission-ers that if the SPLOST 7 package did not pass, the city would have to “raid” the general fund to begin repaying the bonds being used to secure funding for the ongoing municipal building project. That, in turn, would place a tremendous financial burden on the city as it tries to prepare for the 2015 fiscal year budget.

Commissioner Donnie Smith pushed for the implementation of the excise tax back in November and on Tuesday he indicated that they needed to go ahead with the implementation.

“I pleaded with my colleagues to pass the excise tax. It has caused us to be in this problem. This is a serious budget crisis. . . This government is looking at being totally broke in 3 years,” Smith told commissioners.

City finance experts told commission-ers that they did have options, but that all of them included raising taxes as well as asking the Sheriff’s Department to make some cuts.

One option would be to implement the excise energy tax. City financial experts say that implementing the excise tax could raise $4 million that could be used in 2014 and 2015. If the city had implemented the excise energy

tax back in November, the city could have received between $2 million and $2.5 million. If implemented now it would take effect in October and the city would get about $600,000 that could be used in 2014.

Clearly, however, implementing just the excise tax, would not really begin to solve the impending cash crunch. In order to do that, city financial experts say that an increase in the millage rate would also be needed.

Thus, the “tough decisions.”The city financial experts told com-

missioners that the city will lose $4.5 million by not utilizing the excise ener-gy tax. Also, even though increasing the millage rate by 2 would raise $8 million, the city would still need to find addi-tional money from somewhere else.

Commissioner Bill Fennoy said he was ready to consider the implemen-tation of both taxes if it meant that there would be no cuts in the Sheriff’s budget.

“I don’t think it would be fair to cut

sheriff’s budget. I don’t have a problem with the 2 mill increase and the energy tax,” Fennoy said.

Mayor Deke Copenhaver reminded commissioners that Augusta was expe-riencing tremendous growth and that skimping on safety and security was not a credible option.

Exempting the Sheriff’s Department from the cuts, however, means that other departments (including the elect-ed officials) would have to bear the brunt of the cuts. According to city financial experts, the tax commission-er’s office plans to make cuts by fur-loughing employees and closing offices. The Recreation Department will elimi-nate eight full-time positions.

Clearly, the line being pushed by the interim administrator Allen and city financial experts involves raising taxes.

“If we exercised the energy tax plus the 2 mills, that would take us where we needed to be,” Ms. Allen said.

However, after a lengthy discussion and pronouncements that they couldn’t

avoid making the “tough decisions,” the commissioners avoided making any hard choices and, instead, pursued the agreed upon policy of seeing how they could balance the budget by making more cuts to city jobs and services.

Tax increase advocates suggest that Richmond County already is in the lower 25 percent of all the counties in Georgia as far as property taxes go. Also, they point out that, the city is the only municipality in Georgia with a “self-imposed” property tax cap. At present, however, the county still has enough “cap room” to raise taxes.

After giving the Urban Redevelopment Agency the go-ahead to fund the completion of the municipal building through the issuance of bonds, com-missioners have to grapple with the very real possibility that the SPLOST referen-dum might not pass on May 20, 2014.

If that happens the city will eventual-ly have to make some “tough decisions” to keep the budget balanced for 2014 and ensure that enough money would

6

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4 My Journey toward Building a Model Community through Trust

DEAR VOTERS:Below is a listing of some of the things I have done “lately” to build a Model Community through Trust:

THE JOURNEYMy journey started with me studying the

power and influence of the media — talk ra-dio, television news, print and social media. After about three years of a daily ritual of listening to and reading media sources, I came to the conclusion that Augusta’s best years are yet to come.

I spoke with many elected officials and city leaders to try to get an understanding of the challenges facing Augusta. Unfortu-nately, at the end of this leg of my journey, I did not find answers to the question in my heart. The question was simply this, “why are we so divided as a community?”

THE CHALLENGEI concluded that, if what exists now is a

model, it is not working. So I asked myself, how do I help to begin the building of an-other model, a model based on trust?

In 2006, I started a program on WKZK Radio 1600 AM, titled “Can We Talk?” I was purchasing radio time. The goal of the program was to publicly discuss issues that we don’t want to talk about. I believed the public discussions would help prepare us for where we are now as a community. We are a community that is transitioning its leadership.

Additionally, in September 2006, I approached a Comcast em-ployee about being a sponsor of “Can We Talk.” During that conversation, I was offered an opportunity to do Political Com-mentary on Connect Live, a Comcast program hosted by Austin Rhodes.

I accepted even though, I had never done radio or television before. There was no pay involved. But, it was exposure that I hoped would lead to sponsorship of my radio program. It also gave me an opportunity to be a leader involved in diverse dia-logues in the community.

Furthermore, in December 2006, I approached Bill Botham of Comcast; he gave me the opportunity to do a Connect Live program dedicated to HIV & AIDS Awareness Month. My guests were, Mayor Deke Copenhaver, Sandra Wymberly of Richmond County Health Department and a pediatrician from GRU (MCG).

I named the program, “Comcast Community Concerns.” At the conclusion of each program, I always quoted my motto, “Al-ways Moving Our Community into the Future.” I utilized the same motto for radio and television.

In January 2007, my guests were Minnesota Fattz, Reverend Larry Fryer and our current sheriff, Richard Roundtree. We discussed a program they were starting called, “Taking Back The Streets.” At the time, Sheriff Roundtree was a homicide

ELECT Ben HasanCommission District 6

detective.My program, “Comcast Community Con-

cerns,” aired for 7 ½ years. I interviewed all of the candidates running for office, includ-ing your current commissioners. I never re-ceived “a dime” in compensation from Com-cast. I did it in service to the community. My program was an opportunity for the public to see and hear our community lead-ers and their respective messages.

On February 1, 2011, I appeared before the commission and charged them with violating the Consolidation Charter when they attempted to make the former admin-istrator, the C.E.O of Augusta. The Con-solidation Charter identifies the Mayor as the C.E.O. and Chairperson. As a result of my appearance before the commission and a suit filed by the Baptist Ministers Asso-ciation, the title, C.E.O was never given to the former administrator.

I have attended approximately 85% of the commission and commission committee meetings since 2006. The commission ex-perience has been frustrating, entertaining and rewarding. It has given me valuable insight into how to start to Build a Model Community through Trust.

TRUSTI believe that trust must begin with the

mayor and the commissioners; they are the face of our city. When the trust is broken within the leadership, it enables the break-

ing of our spirits in the community. On the other hand, when trust is established within the leadership, it creates a commu-nity buy-in by the citizens.

Here are a few of the benefits of living in a community based on Trustworthiness:

1. Trust with community buy-in creates an environment to work with other leaders and elected officials to ensure that good-paying jobs are attracted to our city, our streets are safe, our neighborhoods are clean and we experience growth and prosperity.

2. Trust creates an environment where businesses will be at-tracted to District 6 and other parts of South Augusta. This will greatly benefit Augusta-Richmond County.

3. Most importantly, when trust with community buy-in is realized, we can foster an environment together that encour-ages personal and business investment into our community. The generation of positive relations between the government and the citizenry will transform our efforts into the supreme accomplishment of “Always Moving Our Community Into the Future.”

I sincerely appreciate your Consideration and Vote. Please Vote for Ben Hasan during Early Voting or on May 20, Election Day. Thanks for taking the time to read my message to Voters: Building a Model Community through Trust.

FRIENDS OF BEN HASAN, P.O. BOX 92720, AUGUSTA, GA 30916

7UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

Join us for

“March Madness”Richmond County Health Department

950 Laney Walker Blvd.

Every Wednesday in March For a Special Clinic For Rising 7th GradersMarch 5, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

March 12, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

March 19, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

March 26, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

No ShotsNo School

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 7TH GRADE

Effective July 1, 2014, children born after January 1, 2002 who are entering 7th Grade this Fall are

Required To Receive One Dose of TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Vaccine) and One Dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Health Fair on March 26th

This will also affect any new entrant to a Georgia school for the first time in Grades 8th through 12thA new entrant is any student entering Georgia schools for the first time or who is entering Georgia schools again after an absence of 12 months or one full school year.

706-721-5800 • www.ecphd.com

Mayor’s RaceThursday, March 27, 7 p.m.

The Political Action Chair of the Augusta Branch of the NAACP is hosting a Mayoral Political Forum, and Voters Registration on Thursday March 27, 2014 at 7 pm. This forum will be located at Beulah Grove Baptist Church (1440 Popular St.) in Augusta GA.

This forum is to allow voters of Augusta, GA to hear the candidate’s platform, as well as ask questions concerning the future growth of the city. All Candidates from the Commissioner’s and from the Board Of Education races are encouraged to attend and meet with voters prior and post the Forum. Once the forum begins only the Mayoral Candidates will be allowed to take part.

The candidates will take questions from two local tele-vision reporters from WJBF and WRDW. The questions will be prepared from the Political Science departments of Georgia Regents University, Paine College, and the Augusta Chamber of Commerce. Other questions will come from local neighborhood alliances and from the floor the night of the event.

Provisions are being made for news stations to record the forum from the Beulah Grove’s closed- circuit system or their own cameras. All other news reporters will be allowed to interview each candidate after the comple-tion of the forum. County PTAs. He may be reached by phone at 706.840.0508 or by email at [email protected] .

Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m.All of the mayoral candidates have agreedto appear

at Williams Memorial CME Church located at 1630-15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

Sponsored by: The United African Christian Methodist Ministerial Alliance

Rev. Larry Fryer, Coordinator706-399-1292

Political ForumsIn recognition of March being Women’s

History month Cher’s Sister’s Only Club will host the 8TH annual Shero Awards luncheon, Saturday March 29th, 2pm-4pm, at the Legends Club. This annu-al luncheon seeks to honor the outstand-ing accomplishments and selfless acts of women from throughout the CSRA. “A Shero is a woman who recognizes a need and uses her time, talents and resources to do something about it,” said the club’s president, WKSP 96.3 Kiss FM radio talent Cher Best.

The event theme this year is based on a popular song by R&B singer Alicia Keys, “A Woman’s Worth”. “I am beyond excited that our guest speaker is Reverend Charles Goodman of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He is an amazing speaker and he really gets the impact of women in our world and community. And what can I say; I’m blown away by the amazing group of women who are nominated” said Ms Best.

The Sisters Only Clubs’ volunteer efforts

are designed and implemented to bene-fit non-profits and health organizations. Proceeds from the Shero Awards fund Camp Be Your Best-a multi-city, free girls day camps in Thomson, Augusta and Aiken, to provide scholarships for high-school senior girls and to assist with the clubs mentorship efforts. Last year the group served over 140 girls at camp, provided two one thousand dollar schol-arships to high-school senior girls and worked with eleven mentees appointed by the juvenile court.

Join us in congratulating the 2014 Shero Award Nominees. The 2014 Shero Awards is sponsored in part by Nicholson Revell LLP Attorneys At Law, the Quincy Murphy Insurance Agency, Paine College and 96.3 Kiss FM. Jay Jefferies of NBC 26 Today will serve as the MC. Advance tickets are $30 and are on sale now by calling 706-951-1244. It is a seated event and no tickets will be sold at the door.

Shero Award Nominees Named

Valencia Hunt-Myrick Crystal Neal Gloria Hamilton Zebra Jefferson Brittany Bush LaVeeta Dinkins Tiera Bowen Lillian Santiago Joyce Caldwell JaVonne Jones Wendy George

Dr. Yolanda D. Allen Deonna K. Brown S. Latasha Warren Tiana Curry-McCoy Velice R. Cummings Shelita Johnson Ruthie Garcia Karen A. Mobley Belk Mushanda Blount Ray Toekia Darrisaw Deborah Burns-Robinson

2014 Shero Award Nominees:

8

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4

Pro boxer Jade Ealy strikes a pose for the crowd after demolishing opponent Rodrick Reed with a TKO in a 19-second bout. Ealy, an Augustan, made his profesional boxing debut in the match held at Paine College’s HEAL Complex. Dubbed as “CSRA Fight Party, Round 1”, the multi-fight card attracted hundreds to the event. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Urban Sports

9UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014$

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.

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.

Make the smart choice with Tax Wize Financial for

all of your income tax needs.

“Admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service”

(706) 305-1412

Just to name a few!

The Place . . . is the place to be!Your choice for comprehensive long or short term nursing care and rehabilitation services. Open for admissions 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

The Place At Deans Bridge3235 Deans Bridge Rd.

Augusta, GA 30906706-798-1430

The Place At Martinez409 Pleasant Home Rd.

Augusta, GA 30907706-863-6030

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to provide excellent quality of care and services to our residents, families and community.

Nursingand Rehabilitation

10

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4

Pick up the latest edition of UrbanProWeekly

at a Circle K location near your home or workplace.

Aspiring photographer Catherine Balducci stands near an exhibit of her photo work during a group art show held by Alternative Artworks at the former Chamber of Commerce building on Broad Street. Over twenty artists presented their creations in the areas of photography, paint-ing, sculture, and woodwork at the evening reception. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

“Making Your Feet Feel Like Your First Steps”

Fyne Foot Care Center“Do your feet hurt? Do your legs hurt? Do you have what you consider ugly toenails? Do you have painful corns & calluses? What about bunions? Do your heels hurt? Do you have Diabetes? Do you have an ulcer or sore on your leg or foot?

If you answered yes to any of the above, WE CAN HELP YOU! CALL US RIGHT AWAY!!!

Now dispensing Diabetic Shoes (FREE with certain insurances)

We also offer testing for PAD (poor circulation)

1710 Central AvenueAugusta, GA 30904

[email protected]

1 blk from Family Dollar2 blks from Druid Park

Dr. Latanya P. Fyne, Podiatrist

706-373-4402

Fax: (706) 364-8628

NEW LOCATION

AUGUSTAThe City of Augusta Special Events,

Clear Channel Radio, and friends of Downtown Augusta will host “Par-Tee on the Green” on Monday, April 7, at the Augusta Common, in place of the Mayor’s Masters Reception.

“Par-Tee on the Green” is a dance party with music for all ages from beach, soul, pop, jazz, soulful deep house, disco, afro beats and more with a family-friendly feel-good vibe. Think of it as American Bandstand meets Soul Train meets Shag City meets Teen Town in this amazing Celebration of Community for all ages.

This event will take place from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and will feature performances by community dance groups and group line dance finale, food trucks, golf demos, a drum cir-cle, and activities for the kids.

Through Par-Tee on the Green,

organizers have an opportunity to strengthen a sense of pride in the Augusta community, among residents and visitors alike, by showcasing a beautiful space downtown and pro-viding recreational family-friendly activities in a healthy, casual com-munal environment during Masters Week. Organizers will also highlight downtown businesses during a spe-cial trivia contest.

This is a family friendly event and all are welcome. You don’t want to miss this evening of music, beautiful people and celebration. Bring Chairs but LEAVE Pets and Coolers. Vendors welcome!

WHEN: Monday, April 7, 2014 | 5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. | Augusta Common

Donation to Enter: $1 For Vending and Volunteer

Information Contact: [email protected]

A community effort results in a new event in Downtown Augusta “Par-Tee on the Green” will replace the

recently canceled Mayor’s Masters Reception

11UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

BEST STRATEGY TO PASS RTRP EXAM= Tax Course & Study Guide + Practice Exams

www.fastforwardacademy.com/KTBS

Every 4th Saturday at 7:30 PM and features classic jazz music performed by the area’s top artists, various wines selected by the host, and light eats provided by Augusta’s finest chefs. All presented with state-of-the-art sound and lighting in a beautiful, historic building.

RSVP Required due to limited seating. Dial 762.233.JAZZ (5299) Dress like you mean it.

Complete Performance Schedule: • Mar22: Soiree - Not Gaddy Trio • Apr26: Soiree - A Step Up • May24: Soiree - 4 Cats in the Doghouse • Jun28: Soiree - B. Courtland & Friends • Jul26: Soiree - Augusta Big Band Aggregate • Aug23: Soiree - 3 Sides of Jazz • Sep27: Soiree - Travis Shaw 3

• Oct25: Soiree - UNITY Jazz • Nov22: Soiree - Dennis DiSano Jessye Norman School of the Arts 739 Greene Street, Augusta GA Visit http://ssme.to/SOIREE or email (name, number in party, telephone number) to [email protected]

Soirée: Jazz and Wine at the Jessye-Norman School of the Arts

MEETING NOTIFICATIONAugusta Aviation Commission Meeting

The Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers located in Administration on the 2nd floor of the Airport.

Please feel free to contact Airport Administration at 706-798-3236.

Pick up the latest edition of

UrbanProWeekly at a

location near your home

or workplace.

12

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4

“First Time Home Buyers Welcome”

Debra Henderson McCord, Broker25 Years Experience

Call Us Today For All Your Real Estate Needs!

706-564-4898

Ofc: 706-945-0675 [email protected]

Residential * Commercial * Land * Investments

Tender Care Training CenterAccredited and State Approved

Train to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA)

Phlebotomy Technician or Pharmacy Technician

For Enrollment Information, Call (706)736-9225

Fax: (706) 736-0995

New Location1755 Gordon Hwy, Suite E

Augusta, GA 30904

Visit www.tendercareschool.comcastbiz.net

A-Tech Self Storage3114 Augusta Tech Drive

(706) 796-1986Tell A Friend Special1st friend gets 1st Month Free, and you get a month free. Second friend gets Free Month you get half off a month. 3rd friend 1ST Month Freeyou get 10.00 off your rent.

Offer Expires July 30, 2014Bring This Ad With You

[email protected]

Insurance Professionals

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

i p

706.560.9990 706.560.9997 fax

2636-C Tobacco Rd Hephzibah, GA 30815

Insurance Professionals

Need Insurance? We Can Help!

Auto Home Life Health Bonds Commercial

JyNelle Handy, Agent

[email protected]

First Colon Cleansing Center In Augusta

Conditions Responding To Colon HydrotherapyCited by Rheumatologist, Arthur E. Brawer, M.D.

Enhances Weight Loss • Allergies • Acne • Constipation • Irritable Bowel • Gas/Bloating • Asthma • Chronic Fatigue • Spastic Colon •

Potbelly • Body Odor • Headaches • Improves Sexual Health

706-733-5000

2045 Central Avenue, Augusta, Ga 30904EssentialCleansingCenter.com

Specializing In Colon Hydrotherapy

Shanta Johnson

Removal of Toxins and Impurities for Optimal Health

13UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

1139 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904-5849(706) 736-4601

Trust the experts for your income taxes

•Outstanding Service•Same Day Tax Preparation•No wait Express Drop-Off Service•One Day Refund Anticipation Loans

•Electronic Filing Service with NO up-front fees

•Free State Tax Return Preparation

with Federal Return

438 Hampton AvenueAiken, South Carolina (803) 502-0149

Marian T. Ebron, M.D. Internal Medicine and Esthetic Medicine

Board Certified internal MediCineCertified in Botox & derMal fillers

Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. – 9 AM - 5 PM2047 Central Avenue • Augusta, GA 30904 New Patients Are Welcome

Specializing in:HypercholesterolemiaHypertensionDiabetesConnective Tissue DisorderThyroid DiseasesGastroesophageal Reflux Disorder

You are beautiful ~ Show the worldCall For Free Esthetic Consultation

Participating Provider For most Insurance Companies

alSo Specializing in:Esthetic Medical ProceduresBeauty and Wellness EnhancementAnti-Aging and Youth RegenerationSkin/Dermal/RejuvenationNon-Surgical Face LiftBotox & Dermal Fillers

706-738-7557

Billy was born deaf into a hear-ing family that never learned sign language. He had to adapt to their world. It’s not until he meets Sylvia that he finally understands what it means to be understood.

Tribes, winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, is a “bright and boldly provocative drama.” --Associated Press

Location Information: Summerville Campus - Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 2500 Walton Way

Dates and Times: March 20-22, 7:30 p.m. performance; March 23, 3 p.m. performance

Contact Information:Name: Maxwell Theatre Box Office

Phone: 706-667-4100Email: [email protected] Admission InformationTickets:General Public $10 (be sure to

note if you need front seats due to hearing or visual or other problems) Seniors (60+) $7 Students and Children $5 GRU students are free admitted free with a valid JagCard GRU faculty and staff: $5 with a valid JagCard

GRU Theatre“Tribes” by Nina Raine

Directed by: Doug Joiner

Pick up the latest edition of UrbanProWeekly

at a

location near your home

or workplace.

AUGUSTADr. Anthony Robinson, a busi-

ness professor at Georgia Regents University will host a discussion with high school juniors and seniors on March 29th from 10 – 11 a.m. at Smith Grove Baptist Church about career options after high school.

Dr. Robinson teaches and con-ducts research in the areas of mar-keting, management, and entrepre-neurship which will provide stu-dents with a broad perspective. He serves on a number of boards in the area to include Leadership Augusta, the Family Y, the Technology

Association of Georgia, and the Westobou Festival to name a few. He provides consulting services for local institutions and businesses and coaches youth sports.

According to Reverend Al Robinson, Jr. at Smith Grove Baptist Church in Wrens, GA, the work is just beginning in the rural areas. Rev. Robinson and three other pastors are the organizers of the event. The wanted to increase awareness of post secondary options for students in Burke and Jefferson Counties.

“Dr. Robinson’s experiences and interests provide him with a

broad platform to reach, teach, and motivate our youth,” Reverend Al explains. “We’re excited to have him speak to the kids.”

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, suggests that while enrollment in undergraduate programs has increased by 37% between 2000 and 2010, rural counties are not enjoying college enrollment increases. In fact, he suggests that the numbers in rural counties in GA and throughout the south could be declining.

While the percentage of American

college students who are Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black have been increasing, they have been increasing at a much slow-er rate according to the National Center for Education Statistics. For instance between 2000 and 2010, black students rose from 9% to 14%. A closer look at differences among rural and urban students may show important differences within that group.

The organizers of this program believe that the community has to pull together to address this growing problem amidst a growing economy.

Program to address declining college enrollment among rural youthPreparing for Life After High School – March 29th from 10 – 11 a.m. at Smith Grove Baptist Church

COMMUNITY CORNER

14

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4 Urban WeeklyPro FORUM

By Corey Washington

Some would say that “The Godfather of Soul” loved Augusta, more than Augusta

loved him. Some would use the old adage that a prophet is never honored in his hometown the way he should be to sum up James Brown’s relationship with the city of Augusta.

These naysayers would point to the empty Civic Center in May when JB would come for his annual Birthday celebrations. They would point to those people in the com-munity (You know who you are!!) who disparaged JB every chance they got, when he was incarcerated and had legal troubles.

Yes, I have to admit, that as a resident of Augusta since 1991, I have constantly heard the negative rumblings about Soul Brother #1. I am happy to say that I was never one of those people. Sure, I never cast a blind eye to what JB did in the past, but I focused on the key word: “the past.”

Every time an honor was pitched for James Brown, you had those who would speak out against it because of the many failings of James Brown. Didn’t he beat his wife? Doesn’t he use drugs? Didn’t he go to jail? These were some of the excuses that people would use to shoot down JB honors.

Despite all of the negativity that Augusta is sometimes known for, James Brown never moved away to Hollywood, NYC, or Europe. He stayed right across the Savannah River in good ole’ Beech Island, S.C. In fact, he loved Augusta and fought through all the dark clouds cast upon him and was rewarded in the process.

On Nov. 11th, 1993, 9th Street in Augusta was changed to James Brown Blvd. This was not just another street. We all know how JB felt about kids getting an educa-tion. I am sure that he was delight-ed to know that his Blvd contained

Get On Up – The Big Payback?

the Main Board of Education and the Main Library branch!!!

Nearly a year before JB died, he was honored with a stat-ue in the heart of Downtown Augusta overlooking the Augusta Commons. Although people have complained about the size of the statue and it not being on a ped-estal, it is in a very prominent place, on the second widest street in America (Broad St.).

Also, four months before JB died, he was able to have the Augusta Richmond County Civic Center be named in his honor. The official name of the arena is the James Brown Arena. Imagine the trag-edy if they would have waited to bestow that honor after his death.

James Brown has also had his leg-acy continue after his death. He was going to be given an honorary degree from Paine College when he was alive, but instead was post-humously awarded this honor at his public funeral at the JB Arena. His Turkey and Toy giveaway are still going strong in his name. And his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas has the J.A.M.P., which is a music academy that is really making a difference in the lives of local kids.

Later on this year, the new James Brown stamp will be revealed. (Let’s hope it looks better than the Jimi Hendrix stamp.) Oh, I almost forgot, there is a new JB movie coming out called Get on Up.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that JB is getting a biopic about his life. I really wished that they would have done it when he was still alive like they did with Ray Charles.

In fact, the movie Ray, is the measuring stick for which all biop-ics are pitted against. As unfair as that sounds, I expect nothing less when it comes to the story of James Brown. I don’t mean to pit Ray Charles against James Brown, but JB’s story is a more compelling one.

I had high hopes when I learned that Spike Lee would be direct-ing the James Brown movie. My hopes were even higher when I learned that Spike was favorable to shooting the movie here in Augusta, GA (CSRA). Just like the film Ray, many were hoping that Spike Lee could do for the James Brown biopic what he did for hie Malcolm X movie. Besides, I know that James Brown would have approved of his hometown

being the site of his movie. We are talking about a man who men-tioned Augusta, GA in his songs, right along with major U.S. cities (listen to Night Train).

Many people who know nothing of the Masters golf tournament know Augusta solely because of James Brown. That’s how much pride he had for his city.

Sad to say, neither Spike Lee nor the city of Augusta will play a huge role in the upcoming movie Get on Up. After Mick Jagger got the rights, director Tate Taylor was brought on board. When they brought Tate Taylor in, he pret-ty much looked out for his own by shooting the movie entirely in Jackson, Mississippi, where he is a native.

If James Brown were alive, he would have looked out for his own, by making sure the movie was shot here in the Augusta/CSRA area.

Now that the trailers with Chadwick Boseman playing James Brown have surfaced on the inter-net, I have to say that I’m a bit skeptical, but will hold my judge-ment until after viewing the film.

The only question I have now is: Will Augusta get a Red Carpet pre-miere of Get On Up?

Can the Imperial, Regal 20, or Maxwell Theater be utilized? This would be a great way to get up, get into it, and get the city of Augusta fully involved in JB’s major motion picture. Or is this The Big Payback, for all those critics and haters that have hounded JB over the years? I hope not.

But if Augusta is not deeply involved in some way, it will leave me Bewildered!! So in the immor-tal words of Mr. Dynamite: Please, Please, Please allow the city of Augusta to be a major part of another milestone in the legacy of James Brown. For all that he gave to the city of Augusta, he would have wanted Georgialina heavily involved.

Full House: Candidates Qualify for Local ElectionsMAYORHelen Blocker-AdamsHardie DavisCharles CummingsAlvin D. MasonLori Myles

COMM. DIST. 2Cleveland GarrisonDennis Williams

COMM. DIST. 4Melvin IveyTomasenia JacksonSammie L. SiasGwen Watts

COMM. DIST. 6Bob FinneganRoger GarvinAngela C. HardenBen HasanTony Lewis

COMM. DIST. 8Wayne Guilfoyle

COMM. DIST. 10Brandon K. DialGrady Smith

STATE COURT JUDGERichard A. Slaby

STATE COURT JUDGEDavid D. Watkins

BD OF EDUCATIONBD OF ED. DIST. 2 Frank V. Beckles Jr.Monique BraswellCharlie Hannah

BD OF ED. DIST. 3Alex Howard

BD OF ED. DIST. 6Jark Padgett Jr.

BD OF ED. DIST. 7Frank Dolan

BD OF ED. DIST. 9Venus D. CainJames Swanagan Jr.

STATE SENATE DIST. 22Elmyria Chivers (D)Corey Johnson (D)Harold Jones II (D)

STATE SENATE DIST. 23Jesse Stone (R)Diane Evans (D)

Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in ‘Get On Up’

15UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Of Women and WomanhoodBY KRISTIE ROBIN JOHNSON

The month of March often con-jures up thoughts of strong gulf-stream winds, longer days

accompanying the Spring solstice, vibrant blooms finally escaping win-ter’s grip, and a sudden onset of a national obsession with college bas-ketball known as March Madness. Very few of us ever remember that March is also Women’s History Month.

Well it is. And in celebration of Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to offer my reflec-tions on the remarkable past, hope-ful present, and promising future of the dazzling and indomitable young women of my generation.

As much as I hate to admit it, in so many ways, I am my mother’s daughter. I am that no-man needing, overachieving, career driven, for-ward thinking young woman that my

mother always dreamed of raising. Young women of my generation,

more often than not, are the daugh-ters of mothers who came of age in a time of unprecedented cultural change and dogged feminism. They were encouraged to openly chal-lenge the status quo, explore their own sexuality without shame, and value intellectualism above tradition-al female roles. Our mothers took charge on the home front and in the workplace. They made us smart and confident and probably too strong for our own good.

We emerged a grand amalgama-tion of mixed blessings. The number of female CEO’s has multiplied great-ly in recent decades; yet we still only make 90 cents for each male dollar. We are earning college degrees at a breakneck pace; yet mothers still make up the majority of people

living in poverty. We are entering the halls of Congress and gover-nor’s mansions in record numbers; yet we are still disproportionately under-represented in government. We fervently search for that elu-sive “work-family” balance as the divorce rate skyrockets. We aimed for the pristine perfection of Claire Huxtable and have landed some-where near the supreme complica-tion of Olivia Pope. And that’s okay. We are still growing.

As we move forward, it is imper-ative that we strike the delicate bal-ance between harnessing our own power and acknowledging our vul-nerabilities with honesty. We’ve suc-ceeded in making the world stop and take notice and accept us exactly as we are. Now we must do the same for ourselves. As modern women, all too often we turn out to be our own

toughest critics. If we truly believe in the words

of Chaka Khan’s anthem, I’m Every Woman, we have to learn to truly love every woman — the housewife, the hood rat, and the heroine. In our quest for the holy grail of fem-inine dynamism our imperfections can either be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. Every moment spent in judgment of another woman is a moment wasted. That exact moment could have been used to encourage, influence, or inspire another woman.

The true power of womanhood lies in sisterhood. So this Women’s History Month, and every month, let’s make it our business to lift our sisters and love our sisters- uncondi-tionally.

[email protected]@KristieRobinJ on Twitter

Arts in the Heart of Augusta, an award-winning festival has been awarded a Silver Kaleidoscope Award for Best Festival at the Southeast Festival and Event Association Conference held in Savannah, Georgia in February 2014. Arts in the Heart of Augusta competed with other Festivals from all over the southeast to win this award, which is just one of several garnered in the

past year. Others were:• Best Festival for 2013 by readers

of the Augusta Magazine• Best Annual Festival for 2013

by readers of Columbia County Magazine

• A Top 20 Event for fall 2013 by Southeast Tourism Society

• A Top 200 Event (debuting at a ranking of 73rd) by Sunshine Artist magazine

• A Top USA Event by the publisher of Top Events USA

• Listed in American Profile “Happ-enings” column for the week of August 25-31, 2013.

The Festival Committee and Staff are busy gearing up for the 34th annual event to be held September 19-21, 2014. As in the previous three years, the Festival will be held on Broad Street and the

Augusta Common (836 Reynolds St.). Applications are now available online for the following areas: the Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Market, Volunteers and Food Vendors. They may be found at www.artsintheheart.com.

For up to the minute announce-ments, LIKE the ARTS IN THE HEART OF AUGUSTA on Facebook and follow along on Twitter, @artin-theheart14.

Arts in the Heart Festival wins awards and opens applications

16

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4 LEGAL NOTICECity of Augusta for the

Augusta Regional Airport

30-Day Public AdvisorySubject: Request for Variance Under the Provisions of O.C.G.A. 12-7-6(b) (15)Drainage Improvements and Application for Encroachment upon the 25-Foot Vegetative Buffer for One State Water

Project: Drainage Improvements; BV-121-13-05County: Augusta-Richmond

The purpose of this public advisory is to provide interested parties with the opportunity to submit comments related to the proposed stream buffer variance. The City of Augusta’s Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (the Airport) plans to perform a project to correct stormwater drainage issues on the Airport’s property, replace a culvert that was previously blown out by storms in 2011, and to improve aircraft safety within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). The project will consist of the construction of approximately 4,000 linear feet of new two and four lane roads and associated drainage improvements to access the southern portion of the Airport’s property to allow for the economic development of this portion of the Airport. The project will also improve Airport safety by improving access for Airport emergency and firefighting equipment and by mitigating the existing drainage issues in low lying areas within the Runway 35 approach.

The project would impact the 56 linear feet of buffer of intermittent Stream 1 by re-grading the streambank slopes, placement of riprap for channel and outlet protection, placement of the outlet of the new detention pond, and the placement of best management practices (BMPs) such as silt fences.

Site plans for the proposed construction can be viewed at the Augusta Regional Airport Engineering Office at 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, Georgia 30906-9620, Phone: (706) 798-3236.

The public is invited to comment during the 30-day period on the proposed activity. Written comments should be submitted to: Program Manager, Non-Point Source Program, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30354.

INVITATION TO BIDSealed proposals from contractors will be received for the Goshen Elementary School Renovations Building 2010 Project No. B-12-012-0194 by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 1:00 p.m. local time, on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. local time in the Media Center of Goshen Elementary School, 4040 Old Waynesboro Road, Augusta, Georgia 30906.

Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 1781 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the office of the architect: Johnson, Laschober & Associates, 1296 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, (706) 724-5756. Applications for documents together with a refundable deposit of $150.00 (payable to the architect) per set should be filed promptly with the architect. Bidding material will be forwarded (shipping charges collect) as soon as possible. The full amount of deposit for one set will be refunded to each prime contractor who submits a bona fide bid upon return of such set in good condition within ten (10) days after date of opening bids. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within ten (10) days after date of opening bid.

Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty-five (35) days after time has been called on the date of opening.

Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not less than 5% of the base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price.

The Richmond County Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

BID LIST: The Richmond County Board of Education maintains a bid list for many categories that are let for bid each year. Contact Amy Bauman in the Business Office (706) 826-1298 or at [email protected] if you need additional information concerning the bid list.

To promote local participation, a database of sub-contractors, suppliers, and vendors has been developed by the Program Manager, GMK Associates. Contact Jeanine Usry with GMK Associates at (706) 826-1127 for location to review and obtain this database

Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Frank G. Roberson, Superintendent Richmond County School System 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 Attention: Mr. C. Gene Spires, Controller

Be sure toVOTE on MAY 20

for• Augusta-Richmond Mayor

• Commission Districts • State House & Senate • SPLOST referendum

17UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

WORSHIP Directory

Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church314 Sand Bar Ferry RoadAugusta, Georgia 30901(706) 722- 0553Church School Sunday 9:25amMorning Worship Sunday 11amEvening Worship 6pm (1st & 3rd Sunday) Midday Prayer 12pm WednesdayIntercessory Prayer/Bible Study 6pm Wednesday

Radio Broadcast: Sundays • WKZK 103.7 FM at 7:30 a.m.

Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor

Good Shepherd Baptist ChurchRev. Clarence Moore, Pastor1714 Olive Road / P. O. Box 141 (mailing address) Augusta, GA 30903706/733-0341- Telephone/706/667-0205 – FaxE-mail address: [email protected] address: goodshepherdaugusta.orgChurch Service: 7:45 & 11:00 a.m.Church School: 9:45 a.m. / Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m. – WednesdayBible Study: 9:00 a.m. - Saturday / 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday

Rev. Clarence Moore

Sunday School 8:30 amMorning Worship Services: 9:45 amEvening Worship Services 6 pm (4th Sunday)Bible Study: 6pm (Mondays)Midday Bible Study: 12pm (Tuesdays)Prayer Services: 6pm (Wednesdays)Celebrate Recovery: 6pm (Fridays) and 12pm (Mondays)

2323 Barton Chapel Road • Augusta,GA 30906706.790.8185 / 706.922.8186 (fax)

Visit Us @ www.broadwaybaptistaug.org • Join us on facebook

Dr. C. William Joyner, Jr.Senior Pastor

Start your calling today! Mount Olivet Certified Academic Institution 706.793.0091 • 706.793.0335 • www.mocai-aug.org

Sunday Morning Services 10 am

Wednesday Services 7 pm

2070 Brown Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815(706) 592-9221 | www.alwc.net

You don’t haveto live with BACK PAINor any other kind of discomfort, including headaches, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, muscle tension, sleep ������������������������������������

2 Locations: 1125 Druid Park Ave. �� 2583 Tobacco Road Augusta, GA 30904 Hephzibah, GA 30815

706-736-5551

1132 Druid Park Ave, Augusta, GA Drug Testing Now Available! • MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

WE TAKE:•Georgia medicaid•Insurance plans•Charge cards•WIC vouchers

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY

Marshall Curtis,Pharmacist/Owner

Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

18

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4

Universal Wealth Management GroupLeroy Stokes IIIPresident/C.E.O. C.S.F.P.

Chartered Senior Financial Planner401 K - I.R.A. Rollover Specialist • T.S.A. Rollover Specialist

Are you making 14% on your investment?

Are your investments guaranteed to never go down due to market downturn?

Does your investments guarantee you an income for the rest of your life?

If you answered, No, to any of these questions, please give us a call.

4404 Columbia Rd., Suite 100Martinez, GA 30907

706-650-7012 (o) • 706-832-5973 (c)

Cynthia HarrisCPA & Tax Specialist

Tax Services Start At 4995

TAX SERVICES AVAILABLE

website: gradientfg.com

TBATrowell Builders & Associates

Designers • Builders • Planners

SanctuaryMulti-Purpose Buildings

Renovations

P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 309171.800.546.2685 • Fax 706.738.6328email: [email protected]

2321 Peach Orchard Rd (Suite Z), Augusta, GA 30906Office 706.863.2212 • Cell 706.495.2304Fax [email protected]://veronicaharrisrealty.net

Sales, Listings, Rental Management, Short Sales and Homebuyer Education

Veronica “Roni” HarrisBroker/Owner • Licensed in GA & SC

REALTY.LLC“Opening The Door To Homeownership”

VERONICA HARRIS

Treat yourself . . . you deserve it!

Blest H andzBEAUTY SALON

ROBIN FUEWELL

3420 PEACH ORCHARD RD AUGUSTA GA 30906 MONDAY - SATURDAY • BY APPOINTMENT

PHONE (803) 292-3994

OWNER & OPERATOR • MASTER COSMETOLOGIST

OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN QUALITY HAIRCARE SERVICES

3450 Peach Orchard RdAugusta, GA 30906

Harold V. Jones IIATTORNEY AT LAW

706-432-9028407 Sixth Street

Augusta, GA [email protected]

Criminal Law • Divorce • Personal Injury • Employment Law

The public is invited to join stu-dent members of Paine College’s History Club in their fifth annual Living History Guided Re-Enactment Tours at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Augusta’s Historic African American

Cemetery on Saturday, March 22, 2014, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tours will begin on the hour at 11, 12, and 1:00 p.m. The last tour begins at 1:00 p.m.

To get to Cedar Grove Cemetary:

From Paine College, please take Laney-Walker Blvd to 2nd Street. Turn left on 2nd Street continue until you reach Watkins Street. Turn right for Cedar Grove Cemetery at 120 Watkins Street, Augusta, GA.

Please park on the street.For more info, call the Paine

College History Club advisors, Professor Audie Holmes, 706-821-8371, and Professor Robert Jones, 706-267-1120.

Cedar Grove Cemetery Tours reset for Sat., March 22

Meet the Candidate Angela C. Harden

County Commission District 6Public Meeting

Tuesday March 25, 2014Jeff Maxwell Public Library

1927 Lumpkin Rd.6-7PM

“What are your issues, Come share your concerns!!She wants to hear from you!!”

For further information Please call 706-306-4651

19UrbanProW

eekly • MARCH 20 - 26, 2014

StressPhysical Inactivity

Family History of Cardiovascular diseaseObesityDiabetes

High Blood PressureHigh Cholesterol

Cigarette Smoking

ARE YOU AT RISK?

HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACKEast Central Health DistrictHypertension Management Outreach Program

Richmond County 706.721.5800

20

U

rban

ProW

eekl

y • M

ARCH

20

-26,

201

4 THE LAW OFFICE OF

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Experienced Representation

Real Estate Transactions

Personal Injury

Bankruptcy

Business Litigation

Probate • Domestic

Criminal Defense

706-855-6715211 Pleasant Home Road • Suite A1 • Augusta, GA

Randolph Frails Kelli J. Spencer Aimee Pickett Sanders Edwin Wilson

Frails & Wilson

Tough Problems Need Tough Lawyers

706-814-5998

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family LawWills

Inga N. Hicks, PC

4137 Columbia Rd., Suite C, Martinez, GA 30907

Attorney At Law

Uncompromised Representation and Unmatched Results

Providence Place706-793-2180

2205 Southgate Dr. • Augusta,GA 30906

1 bedroom/1 bath starting at $4252 bedroom/1 bath starting at $4752 bedroom/1 bath starting at $475energy efficient

2 bedroom/ 1 1/2 bathTownhome starting at $550* Certain restrictions may apply Call office for details

•Fully equipped kitchens•Mini-blinds•Pool•Laundry facilities•Total electric central heat and air•Washer and dryer connections in some•On-site courtesy officer•Near Ft. Gordon•Gas heat/hot water heaters•Playground•Picnic area/grillsSELECTED UNITS

$50.00 OFF FIRST FOUR MONTH’S RENT *

DIRECTIONSTake I-520 to Deans Bridge Road North. Turn right on Richmond Hll Road. Property is on the left.

OFFICE HOURSMon-Fri 9-5:30; 1st Sat of month 10-3

SELECTED UNITS

Apartmentsstarting at

$425