WNRR Launches Live, Local Traffic On News12-WRDW-TV

WNRR Augusta – Starting Tuesday May 27th, Newsradio 1230 WNRR will be providing News12 viewers with live, local traffic conditions during ‘News 12 This Morning’. The popular morning program is anchored by WRDW’s Stacey Hilton, and Tim Strong. The traffic reports will originate from WNRR’s downtown studios, with information from every major county in the WRDW-TV broadcast area. Newsradio1230 air personality Will Nunley will anchor the reports.

ASU Hull Business: ‘Augusta Economy Has Growth’

WNRR Augusta – (ASU Press omic, hullRelease/City)

The attached release was provided by ASU regarding the Augusta economy this month. aec-may-2008

Mayor To Attend Memorial Service

WNRR Augusta – (City Press Release)

Mayor Deke Copenhaver will attend the Courtyard Memorial Ceremony for Clarissa Taylor, a 5^th grader from Diamond Lakes Elementary who passed away earlier this school year from health complications. Clarissa was a wonderful and pleasant 5th grade student in Ms. Jackson’s class and a great friend to all of her peers.  

 The ceremony will take place Wednesday May 21st, 2008 at 9:30am at Diamond Lakes Elementary School.  Everyone is invited to attend this ceremony.  For more information, please contact Coach Carl Robinson at 706.771.2881, ext. 110.

‘Loft Tour’ To Showcase Downtown Augusta

WNRR Augusta – (Press Release)

Historic Augusta’s Downtown

Loft Tour, June 6-7,

 2008

 

Historic Augusta, Inc. will host its fourth annual Downtown Loft Tour on June 6 and 7, 2008.  A selection of trendy living and working spaces will be open to the public during First Friday between 6 pm and 9 pm and again on Saturday from noon to 5 pm. 

 

The purpose of the tour is to encourage interest in the preservation and use of historic buildings in the Augusta Downtown Historic District by providing the public with an intimate look at their interiors.  This year, participants will view twelve sites on Broad Street and beyond including the White’s Building and Sutherland Mill, which are both in the process of being rehabilitated, and the “lofty” Union Baptist Church.  The tour contains buildings of various sizes and styles, each with distinctive architectural features and design.

 

Tickets for the loft tour can be purchased for $15 in advance or for $20 during the tour.  During the tour, participants can collect a map or purchase tickets at Tour Headquarters in front of 1002 Broad Street.  Proceeds benefit the programs and projects of Historic Augusta, Inc., a nonprofit membership based organization.  The mission of Historic Augusta, Inc. is to preserve historically or architecturally significant structures and sites in Augusta and Richmond County.

 

Metro Spirit and Historic Augusta are co-hosting a Loft Tour Celebration following the tour on Saturday, June 7 from 8-11 pm.  The party will be held at the City Club located at 724 Broad Street.  The Joe Stevenson Band will provide the entertainment and there will be a cash bar.  Admission is free with a Downtown Loft Tour ticket or $5 at the door.

 

Historic Augusta’s Downtown Loft Tour is sponsored in part by Enterprise Mill, Merry Land Properties, Inc., Metro Spirit, NBC Augusta, The CW Augusta and WBBQ 104.3.  Other sponsors include blue magnolia, City Club, Haltermann Partners, Inc., John R.B. Long, Sand Hills Properties and Sanford Bruker & Banks.

 

To purchase tickets or for more information about this or our other programs, please contact Historic Augusta, Inc. by telephone at 706-724-0436 or visit www.historicaugusta.org.

WNRR-AM Offers Free Advertising For Blood Donations

 

Publicity For Pints!

 

Newsradio1230 offers month-long advertising contract to the business that brings in the most blood donations!

 

Augusta, GA: CSRA businesses: roll up your sleeves! Augusta’s locally-owned and operated news/talk station is offering you a free advertising contract, just for giving blood! Starting May 16^th, simply have your employees tell the Shepeard Community Blood Center staffer where they work, and the employer with the most participation will win a complete month-long advertising contract with WNRR-AM 1230.

May 16^th – May 23^rd

All blood types welcome!

 

Augusta, GA Evans, GA

1533 Wrightsboro Road 460 North Belair Road

Mon. – Fri., 9-6 Mon. – Fri., 10-6

 

Martinez, GA Aiken, SC

112 Davis Road 353 Fabian Drive,

Tues. – Fri., 10-6 . Hitchcock Plaza

Sat., 10-2 Tues. – Sat., 10-6

www.newsradio1230.com

Listen for contest updates on AM 1230!

 

Official Rules: Employer must be a licensed business within Richmond, Aiken, Burke, Edgefield, or Columbia counties. Offer not valid for any other broadcast media outlet. Contract does not carry cash value. Advertising contract will include :30 or :60 second commercials not to exceed $350.00 in value. WNRR advertising regulations apply. Offer not valid for political advertising. Advertising contract may be redeemed with (3) calendar months of contest close. Not valid with any other offer. Contest runs from May 16- May 23^rd 2008. Winner will be announced on WNRR-AM May 30^th.

 

© 2008 WNRR-AM is a Will Nunley Broadcasting station.

Aiken Brewer Partners With Local Firefighters

WNRR Augusta – (Press Release)

 

Hook & Ladder Brewing Company partners with

A B Beverage to enter Aiken, South Carolina

Area’s newest brew gives back to local communities with its

“A Penny in Every Pint”® and “A Quarter in Every Case”® donation program for local firefighters and hospital burn centers

 

Hook & Ladder Brewing Company has partnered with the A.B. Beverage Co. to bring its award winning beers to southwest South Carolina in the month of May. The official kick-off will be assisted by the Aiken Kroger and North Augusta Wine & Beverage. Consumers looking to try Hook & Ladder can find it in these locations.

 

Hook & Ladder produces three great-tasting beers: the Great American Beer Festival gold medal winning Hook & Ladder Golden Ale^®, the full-bodied Backdraft Brown^®, and the new lower-calorie ale Hook & Ladder LIGHTER^™, the only light ale in the U.S. with only 95 calories. The Hook & Ladder Backdraft Brown was recently crowned 2008 Champion in the Washington Post’s BeerMadness competition beating out 31 other fine craft brews.

As part of its commitment to give back to local firefighters and the community, Hook & Ladder and its wholesale partner A.B. Beverage Co. will donate a portion of all sales to the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation and the Still Burn Unit at Doctors Hospital. Through the “A Penny in Every Pint ®” and “A Quarter in Every Case®” programs which donates 25 cents from each case and $4 from each barrel sold. These efforts have raised over $30,000 in the past year and a half and these donations have gone directly back into the communities in which Hook & Ladder products are sold.

 

Hook & Ladder was founded by Rich Fleischer, a 15-year firefighter and brewer. “We’re extremely passionate about two things: our beers and our work in the community. I’m eager to bring that passion to Aiken and South Carolina and to get involved with their local heroes.”

 

One of the fastest growing craft brewers in the country, Hook & Ladder products are currently available in 20 states and Washington, D.C. and are distributed by 75 wholesale partners.

SC Governor Questions Spending

WNRR Augusta – (SC Press Release)

Governor: Retirement Bill, Corrections Deficit Show Need for Fiscal
Responsibility
GOVERNOR SAYS ISSUES SHOW MORE FINANCIAL RECKLESSNESS

Columbia, S.C. – May 13, 2008 – Governor Mark Sanford today highlighted
two issues that point to fundamental flaws in our state’s spending
practices, and urged people to make their voices heard on the budget as it
heads into its final stages.

“We’re heading into the final stretch on the budget, and now is the
time for people to speak up if we’re going to impact this practice of
borrowing from Peter to pay Paul,” Gov. Sanford said. “Whether it’s with
the Department of Corrections’ deficits or with passing on the cost of
retirement raises to future generations, today there have been two
unfortunate examples of poor budgeting practices – failure to set priorities,
and passing on unpaid for political promises for another group of
people to deal with.”

This morning, the Department of Corrections requested approval for up
to a $4.3 million deficit – a move needed because lawmakers have failed
to adequately fund the agency. The agency has repeatedly warned
lawmakers about their financial situation, but was told to run deficits rather
than getting more funding. Instead of addressing these needs, the
Senate budget leaves untouched an $18.5 million pet project fund and spends
$20.5 million to create “mini farmers markets” around the state. To
its credit, the House has already proposed eliminating and re-allocating
$10 million from the Competitive Grants program and $14.5 million from
the mini-markets.

Meanwhile, the House approved changes to the state’s retirement system
that promote a false image of stability when it comes to the woefully
under funded system, while at the same time adding $2.6 billion to the
state’s long-term retirement debt. The bill seeks to cover that
shortfall by simply changing the state’s assumed rate of return on retirement
system investments – a smoke-and-mirrors move that does nothing to truly
address the debt. In fact, the new assumed rate of return in the bill
would be 11 percent higher than the national median for public funds,
33 percent higher than Georgia’s retirement system, and 43 percent
higher than North Carolina’s retirement system.  When all retirement
benefits are figured in, South Carolina’s retirement system is under funded by
$20 billion – and when traditionally granted cost of living
adjustments are included, it jumps to $27 billion. This problem is compounded by
the Senate’s taking of money that was meant to address this liability
in an effort to balance this year’s budget.

GA Approves Measure For State-Level Authorized Charter Schools

WNRR Augusta – (GA Press Release)

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law legislation that will create a state-level charter school commission to provide charter schools with an alternate approval process in the event the school is rejected at the local level.  This is an important step in equalizing treatment of Georgia’s two forms of public education. In addition to creating an alternate authorizing commission, House Bill 881 will also provide for more equitable funding of charter schools relative to their traditional public school counterparts.

 

“This legislation is important because it provides charter schools that are rejected at the local level for purely political reasons an alternate means for being approved,” said Randy Hicks, president of Georgia Family Council.  “The net result is that parents will be given greater ability to decide how their children will be educated.  That was the reason charter schools were created in the first place and this legislation is faithful to that purpose.” 

 

Some have said that the previous method of charter school approval was like asking Burger King to approve the building of a new McDonald’s across the street. The school district in authority was seldom eager to create competition for itself by welcoming a new charter school into the district.

 

“Now, parents will have greater choice, and frankly, more power, in choosing the type of school that is best for each of their children,” Hicks said.

 

More information is available at www.georgiafamily.org.

Please call to book an interview with a staff member of Georgia Family Council at 770-242-0001.

Georgia Family Council is a non-profit research and education organization headquartered in Norcross, Ga., and committed to strengthening families and promoting civil society by shaping laws, influencing public opinion, and equipping marriage and family advocates.

‘Powers To The People’ Debuts

WNRR Augusta – Newsradio’s new live evening program ‘Powers To The People’ premiered Monday evening. The half-hour live radio program features local radio veteran Tony Powers. You can learn more about the show and Tony, by visiting http://www.tonypowerstothepeople.comThe program is broadcast weeknights from 6:30 until 7:30 pm on WNRR 1230.  

Violent Plot Halted At Cross Creek High

WNRR Augusta – (This article property of WRDW-TV)

Dozens of police officers were at Cross Creek High School Friday morning. Now at least 25 students are suspended for the rest of the school year for suspected gang affiliation.

Principal Lynn Warr told News 12’s Lynnsey Gardner the school system received information from the Richmond Coutny Sheriff’s Gang Task Force that there was going to be a fight at the school Friday.

The message was, “There is going to be blood on the walls today.”
She says suspected gang members were instructed to bring cutting-type weapons.

News 12 was the only media outlet at the school early this morning as deputies and school board police were out in force. Officers and faculty members spread out at every door to search all students.

Students who were believed to be suspects or targets of any potential fight were taken to the gymnasium and questioned. At least 25 students are now suspended for suspected gang affiliation. All are boys except one, and all are 9th to 11th graders. Most of those suspended are freshmen.

At least one parent who dropped her daughter off at school this morning was very concerned, and she questioned how safe the school is.

Principal Warr told News 12’s Lynnsey Gardner at mid-morning the school is safer now than ever. She says, in her opinion, parents don’t need to be worried. However, the deputies and school board police will return to Cross Creek at 2:15 pm Friday to make sure everyone is safe when classes let out for the day.

The Principal says all of the suspended students will have a chance to make up their school work if they prove to be on good behavior. There are about two weeks left in the school year.

No weapons were found on any students during the extensive searches. However, the Principal says they did find gang-related drawings and writings. They included questions on how to get into a gang, and “Who is a gang king?” Those writings are being turned over to the school district.

Warr also says they don’t know if all those suspended are actual gang members. Offices think some are suspects and some are targets, so everyone was suspended for gang affiliation. That was done for safety reasons. Police and school officials will interview all the students and their parents to try to sort things out.

News 12 has also obtained information about a previous “major fight” at a bus stop involving Cross Creek students. That happened March 28th. Eight students were suspended then and eventually sent to the Alternative Center by a district Tribunal. There are indications the earlier fight could be related to what happened today. News 12 is also investigating whether a shooting incident later could have been some type of retaliation for the March 28th fight.

News 12 has continuing team coverage of this developing story, including reaction from Superintendent Dana Bedden. Stay tuned for new details on News 12 First at Five and News 12 at Six O’Clock.

News12: Arrest Warrants For Band Teacher

WNRR Augusta – (This article property of WRDW-TV – available on WRDW.com)

AUGUSTA, Ga — News 12 has confirmed the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of taking out arrest warrants for 38 year old Anthony Shelton, a former band director at Butler High School.

Shelton, 38, is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old former Butler High School student. According to an incident report filed with the Sheriff’s Office last week, the victim’s mother alleges Shelton had sex with her daughter six to eight times a week in the band room. She also alleges Shelton would pull her daughter out of class and that her child even knew that Shelton kept the condoms hidden in his desk drawer.

Investigator Thelma Gilchrest says it is possible that there are more victims in this case and that the investigation is ongoing.

Stay tuned to this website and News 12 First at Five for the latest on this developing story.

Bloodhounds Crack Aiken County Case

WNRR Augusta (ACSO Release)

Bloodhounds Track Pair in Montmorenci Convenience Store Burglaries

 

Aiken, SC., May 8 – After tracking for more than a half-mile, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Aiken Bloodhound Tracking Team arrested two men this morning concerning a pair of burglaries and thefts from overnight at Montmorenci Junction, 1049 Charleston Highway, Montmorenci, South Carolina.

 

The subjects are uncooperative, so investigators still are trying to positively identify the individuals.

 

Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., deputies arrested the pair in a mobile home at 123 Psalm Circle , in Montmorenci. They recovered stolen lottery tickets, beer, cigars and candy.

 

Shortly before 3:00 a.m., the subjects pried away the siding and climbed into the business.

Investigators have linked the men to another break-in Wednesday night at the store.

 

The subjects are being held at the Aiken County Detention Center . More arrests are likely.

 

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office: (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call Crimestoppers of the Midlands : (888) 559-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward or between $50 and $1000.

 

Graniteville Man Wanted For Carjacking

WNRR Augusta – (ACSO Press Release)

Graniteville Man Sought in Carjacking

 

Aiken, SC. , May 8 – The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office holds warrants for the arrest of a Graniteville man, who on May 5 attacked a motorist and stole the victim’s pickup truck in North Augusta , South Carolina .

 

Joseph E. Rowe, 24, 9 Gregg Street , Graniteville , South Carolina , will be charged with Assault and Battery High and Aggravated Nature, Carjacking and Financial Transaction Card Theft (two counts).

 

Subject Description

Gender: Male   Race: White   Height: 5’9”   Weight: 185   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green

 

About 4:45 a.m., Rowe asked the victim for a ride at a Bank of America automated teller machine outside Kangaroo Express, Highway 25 and Belvedere – Clearwater Road , in North Augusta . The victim is identified as Joseph S. Roberts, 51, 101 Windy Mill Drive , in North Augusta .

 

The victim drove Rowe to a synagogue, Beth Shalom, 701 Atomic Road , in North Augusta .

As the driver prepared to drop off the subject, Rowe attacked the victim, pushed him out of the truck and drove away. Later the same day, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office recovered the stolen 1994, Ford Ranger pickup truck at Dugas and Harrison Streets, in Augusta .

 

Between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., surveillance video shows another man using the victim’s stolen credit card at four different convenience and grocery stores in Richmond County and then drive away in the victim’s stolen pickup.

 

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday arrested the individual, Terry L. Hanna, 41, 610 Grant Avenue, North Augusta , South Carolina . He faces charges in Richmond County for the use of the stolen credit cards.

 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joseph Rowe is asked to contact Investigator Charles Cain at the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office: (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call Crimestoppers of the Midlands : (888) 559-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward or between $50 and $1000.

 

Augusta Mayor To Help Open St. Paul’s Facility

WNRR Augusta – (City Press Release)

Mayor Copenhaver to Attend Dedication of Saint Paul’s New Facility

 

 

Mayor Deke Copenhaver will attend the dedication for the new event facility at Saint Paul’s Church on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 5:00 pm.  The new Parish House, which is located on the River Walk, will contain an event facility and full catering kitchen on the upper floor and the Children’s Ministries Center and offices on the lower floor. 

 

“I applaud the leadership of Saint Paul’s for developing a facility that will not only serve this church, but our entire community as well.  This facility will no doubt help to foster more activity along our riverfront,” states Mayor Copenhaver.

 

The Bishop of Georgia with the Clergy, Wardens and Vestry of Saint Paul’s Church will attend the event.  Please enter at the River Walk entrance.  For more information or to RSVP, please call the church at 706-724-2485 or visit www.saintpauls.org.

 

Saint Paul’s Church, established in 1750, is the Mother Church of Augusta in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. For more information, please contact Julia Jackson at 706-724-0436.

 

Newsradio Exclusive: A.K. Hasan States Platform

WNRR Augusta – During an exclusive interview on People And Issues With Helen, Georgia State Representative candidate A.K. Hasan unveiled his platform for his new campaign. “Education is my top priority” Hasan said Wednesday. “My decades of experience in this field make me confident on making a difference on this issue”, he added. Hasan spoke in his first long form radio interview since qualifying for the race. Helen Blocker-Adams, host of the program, is featuring local candidates before the upcoming July primaries.

New Local Show On AM 1230

WNRR Augusta – Newsradio1230 welcomes Tony Powers, beginning May 12th here on Newsradio 1230. His program, ‘Powers To The People’ will air each day from 6:30pm-7:00pm. Tony has decades of broadcasting experience, and 1230 is thrilled to have him on board. To learn more about this new local show, visit his website at http://www.tonypowerstothepeople.com and Tune in Monday at 6:30 pm following News12!

New Augusta 911 Emergency System Announced

WNRR Augusta – (City Of Augusta Press Release)

ON MAY 6^, 2008, THE AUGUSTA RICHMOND COUNTY 9-1-1 CENTER WILL BE UPGRADING TO A NEW “VIPER” 9-1-1.  THIS “VIPER” 9-1-1 WILL PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE CAPABILITY FOR RECEIVING CELL PHONE TEXT MESSAGES, INSTANT MESSENGER TEXT, AS WELL AS DIGITAL VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM CELL PHONES AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY.

THIS CHANGEOVER HAS BEEN PLANNED SO AS TO CAUSE NO INTERRUPTION IN SERVICE.  IF DURING THIS PERIOD YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEM CALLNG 9-1-1, CALL 706-821-1080 OR 706-821-2900.  PLEASE MAKE THE COMMUINICATION OFFICER WHO TAKES YOUR CALL AWARE SO WE CAN PROMPTLY CORRECT THE ISSUE.

AGAIN NO PROBLEMS SHOULD OCCUR AND THIS UPGRADE IS TO HELP US BETTER SERVE YOU IN THE FUTURE.

Low Cost Animal Health Clinic Announced

WNRR Augusta – (Columbia County Animal Press Release)

Columbia County Animal Care & Control
Rabies Vaccination Clinic!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. @ Patriot’s Park
COST $2

Columbia County Animal Care & Control is holding a low-cost “Rabies Vaccination Clinic” on May 3, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Patriot’s Park.  There will be separate rooms for dogs and cats inside Patriot’s Park, located at 5445 Columbia Road.  The cost will be only $2 per animal!     

We will hold these clinics quarterly in various locations around the county with 250 vaccinations each.  We hope that citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to have their pets vaccinated at such a low cost.  Licensed veterinarian will administer the vaccinations. 

---

Columbia County Humane Society
Microchip Clinic!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. @ Woodlief Clubhouse
COST $5

The Columbia County Humane Society will hold a low-cost “Micro-chip Clinic” on May 3, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Woodlief Clubhouse.  The cost will be only $5 per animal!  (Directions posted below.)

This micro-chip clinic is generously sponsored by Bill Beazley Homes and Pierwood Construction Company, which enables the Humane Society to offer the micro-chips at such a low cost.  They also come with an AVID PETrac Registration!  (The normal cost of getting your pet micro-chipped can range from $30 to $50 with an additional $15 registration fee, so this is an incredible bargain.) 

There are a limited number of 50 micro-chips available…which will be administered on a first come, first served basis. Citizens from all over the CSRA are invited!  Licensed veterinarian will administer the vaccinations.

Directions:  Washington Road to Belair Road (at Home Depot) go to red light and turn right onto Hereford Farm Road.  Go 3.7 miles to Brandywine Drive on the right…then turn right into Woodlief Subdivision.  The clinic is in the clubhouse.

Morris Museum Announces May Events

Exhibitions Something to Look Forward To: Abstract Art by 22 Distinguished Americans of African Descent Open through May 25, 2008 Something to Look Forward To presents paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by African American artists who were inspired by the tradition of abstract expressionism that emerged and developed in the U. S. after World War II. [More] A. Aubrey Bodine: Baltimore Pictorialist May 3–July 13, 2008 The Morris Museum of Art presents a rich representative sampling of masterworks by A. Aubrey Bodine, a photographer in the pictorialist style, organized with the assistance and cooperation of Kathleen Ewing. [More] Mildred Thompson, Magnetic Fields/Diptych, 1990. Courtesy the Philips Museum of Art, Franklin & Marshall College.

Special Events A. Aubrey Bodine, Longshoremen, 1955. Copyright © Jennifer B. Bodine. Exhibition Opening Reception for A. Aubrey Bodine: Baltimore Pictorialist Tuesday, May 6 6:00–8:00 p.m. Jennifer Bodine, daughter of the late photographer A. Aubrey Bodine, discusses her father’s long and productive career as a photojournalist for the Baltimore Sun. Reception and conversation with the speaker follow. Admission is free.

Family Programs Artrageous! Sunday: Abstract Paintings with Found Objects Sunday, May 4, 2:00–4:00 p.m. After being inspired by David Hammons’s work B Ball Drawing in the Something to Look Forward To exhibition, create a painting using found objects with instructor Pamela Ferguson Haggins. Free. Toddler Time: Absolutely Abstract! Thursday, May 8, 10:00–11:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Discover what abstract means by viewing the exhibition Something to Look Forward To, and create your own colorful shape painting using stamps. For children 5 and under. Museum members, parents, and chaperones, free; nonmembers $4 per participant. Register by calling 706-828-3867. Stupendous! Family Saturday: Abstract-mania Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Enjoy a lively interactive modern dance performance by the Power Company in the auditorium, and construct an abstract sculpture in the activity room. Free.

Performances and Films Caroline Herring Music at the Morris: Singer Caroline Herring Sunday, May 25, 2:00 p.m. Caroline Herring brings to the Morris one of the most haunting voices in American music today. With lyrics informed by the literary giants of her native Southland, Herring’s music combines a variety of traditional styles, from acoustic folk to bluegrass and old-time country. Refreshment and conversation with the artist follow. Free.

Lectures Art at Lunch: Jackson Cheatham Friday, May 9, Noon Master printmaker Jackson Cheatham discusses his techniques using examples of real printing plates and completed prints. Catering by A Catered Affair. $10 for museum members; $13 for nonmembers; includes museum admission, lecture, and lunch. Paid reservations are required by noon on May 7. Call 706-724-7501. Why is This Art? Sunday, May 18, 2:00 p.m. Georgia Southern University professor Dr. Bruce Little removes the mystery surrounding abstract art and poses the aesthetic question, “Why do we consider this art?” during a gallery talk about the exhibition Something to Look Forward To. Free. Jackson Cheatham, Cortona #1, 2007. Courtesy of the artist.

Classes and Workshops Adult Artist Workshop: Drawing Exploration Saturday June 7, 14, and 28, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. each day Augusta State University art professor Diane Sweet explores a variety of drawing approaches, techniques, and media during a three-day class series. Appropriate for all skill levels. $65 for members; $85 for nonmembers. Includes all materials. Download an application or register by calling 706-828-3865 by June 2. Morris Art Break: A New Summer Program for Kids Looking for a fun summer activity for your children? During four sessions in June and July, the Morris will host Art Break, a week-long program featuring an exciting variety of hands-on projects based on works in the galleries, taught by art teacher Jennifer Johnson. Session 1, Element Explorers Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20, ages 6–9 Monday, June 23–Friday, June 27, ages 10–13 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. each day Explore how artists use art elements such as line, color, form, and shape, and then incorporate their techniques into your own artwork. Each one-week session is $80 per child with a museum family membership; $100 for nonmembers. Fees include all art supplies. To reserve your space, call 706-828-3865 or download an application. Register by June 9; only 20 slots per session are available. See the museum’s web site for information about July’s Morris Art Break

‘James Brown Camera’ To Debut First Friday

WNRR Augusta – Playfully nicknamed ‘Soul Cam’ a digital automated tourist camera over the James Brown Statue will be unveiled Friday May 2nd. The camera allows a cell phone user to dial a free number, and activate the camera to take a single picture of them posing with the statue. The image is then available for download from the City’s Arts Council website. The camera Will be available for use starting Friday evening, officials tell WNRR Radio. The James Brown statue is located between 8Th and 9Th streets, across from the Augusta Common Downtown.