HoCo. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWSWEEKLYMAY 13 - 27, 2011 • VOL 1, ISSUE 4

COVER MODEL Coco EsserPHOTO Robin Cook StudiosMAKE-UP Jenny Creel

COMMUNITY

NIGHTLIFE

THE SCENEWhen the Sun

Goes Down

ExclusiveBar & Music

Schedule

THE SCENEWhen the Sun

Goes Down

ExclusiveBar & Music

Schedule

Real HousewivesReal Housewivesof Hoco, page 13of Hoco, page 13

Tour de Moose atMuseum of AviationMuseum of Aviation

HEY BATTER!HEY BATTER!Victory Sports

summer t-ball programsummer t-ball program

Real Housewivesof Hoco, page 13

Tour de Moose atMuseum of Aviation

HEY BATTER!Victory Sports

summer t-ball program

Patriotic

COVER MODEL Coco Esser

Pin-UpsSPECIALFEATURE:

REMEMBERINGTHE TORNADO

OF ‘53

Free Free

4 MARCH 17-30, 2011

15 days Not to miss events in the next two weeks- RELAY FOR LIFE- TOUR DE MOOSE BIKE RIDE- CAR SHOW AT THE LANDINGS

WORTH THE DRIVE 5 Middle Georgia events just down the road

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 6Artist reviving hope from the rubble

NIGHTLIFE 14 The 11th Hour’s exclusive bar & music schedule- LIVE MUSIC 411- WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

THE DISH 8Local dining hotspots

community SPECIAL FEATURE 10RAFB historian recalls the tornado of 1952

VIEWS/NEWS 8 A weekly recap and local community news & views- HOW ARE THE FISH BITING?

by Bill Knowles- REAL HOUSEWIVES OF HOCO 13

FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 2, 2010 3

IN THIS ISSUE:APRIL 15 - 29

REMEMBERING THETORNADO THAT

BOMBARDED RAFB

We only have to think back to 1994 toremember what it is like to be a vic-tim of Mother Nature. I remember

waking up to the encroaching flood and freak-ing out while trying to retrieve my 9-year-olddaughter from Girl Scout camp in Lizella. Shehad been evacuated to a Roberta school andwould have to spend several days there if wecouldn’t find an open road.

The main roads were closed and alterna-tive routes were quickly closing, too. As Idrove through rising waters, my mother’sinstinct would not let me turn back. Finally, Ireached her and I vowed to never turn herloose again. Once back home, I watched thenews as firemen, in a rescue effort, seemed tocapsize on the Ocmulgee. I was petrified thatmy fireman husband was on that boat.Thankfully, he was not and those who were onthe Ocmulgee that day survived.

Time has passed and memories begin tofade, but the recent bout of storms thatripped through the Southeast, coupled withthe current flooding of Tennessee, hasbrought to the forefront of my mind thehelplessness I felt back in 1994. Andalthough my experience was traumatic

enough, I know that it is nothing comparedto the devastation and loss suffered by ourAlabama and Tennessee neighbors.

There are some of you who can recall thetornado of 1953 that ripped through WarnerRobins. You understand just what it will taketo rebuild after such a devastating loss. Forthose of you who weren’t around then, take amoment to read Base Historian WilliamHead’s account of that fateful day. Then readLou Warren’s inspiring article about oneAlabama artist whose mission is to restorehope to the storm victims using the vary car-nage left in the tornado’s wake.

Once you’re finished, turn to the educa-tion section and read how you can help ourneighbors restore order to the chaos, how youcan make minor donations that will make amajor difference. Then head out to the store,buy some items and take them to our HighSchools over the next few weekends. OurHigh School bands have come together toreach out to the communities in need, let’shelp them fill those five semi trailers and sendour neighbors a tangible representation of ourcompassion and concern.

EDITOR’S NOTESby JENNY MURR

SEND US YOUR EVENTSevents.11thHourHoCo@gmail.com

STORY IDEAS AND COMMENTSeditor.11thHourHoCo@gmail.com

ABOUT THECOVER: ModelCoco Esser, 20,is a mass com-municationsmajor at GeorgiaCollege. She isone part sass,one part moxy,and with one ofher homemadegourmet cheese-

cakes she's sure to make any daysweet! Photography Robin CookStudios, Makeup by Jenny Creel.

COLUMNIST ANDREW JONES is a24-year-old who wants to make a dif-ference. From writing his congressmanto volunteering for a local fire depart-ment, he has found ways to better hiscommunity. A nursing student atMacon State College, Andrew willgraduate Spring, 2012.

COLUMNIST BILL KNOWLES is a life-long Conservative who has lived in theMiddle GA area for over 20 years. He gothis first taste of the political processwhen at age 9 he proudly handed outbuttons for then President Richard Nixonand has been hooked ever since. Bill hasheld campaign positions for various local,

state and national candidates, includingPresident Ronald Reagan, Steve Forbes,Senator Fred Thompson and mostrecently Senator John McCain. He is cur-rently a member of the Georgia GOP’sState Committee. He and his wife Bridgethave one son, Teddy.

RACHEL HELIE is an offbeat wife andmother of two, a bibliophile and an avidwalker. She loves reading, writing, thearts, antiques, research, food andresearching food. She is currently work-ing on three novels, but as she has theattention span of a gypsy moth, finds itdifficult to finish them. Okay, maybe thatlast bit is an exaggeration. She movedfrom Atlanta to Warner Robins over fiveyears ago and never looked back!

NIGHTLIFE WRITER DAVID BROCKWAY fell in love with guitar andvoice in his teens and, 30 years later,has played everything from BuffaloSpringfield to Lady Gaga to a 65 pieceorchestra. He’s learned chords galore,scales out the wazoo, and toured fromMiami to Austin to Acapulco. His mis-sion for this section? To promote OURtown, musically. Got a gig coming up?Let him know. Got a music theoryquestion? Whatever it is, he wants tohear it! david11thhourhoco@gmail.

CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher >> Brad Evans brad@11thHourOnline.com

Managing Editor >> Jenny Murr11thhourHoCo@gmail.com

Art Director >> Meagan Evansmeg@11thHourOnline.com

Contributing Writers >>Cindy Hill, Bill Knowles, Frank Tracy, Brad Evans

Marketing & Sales >> Jenny Murr,11thhourHoCo@gmail.comBarbara Morris, barbmorris11@gmail.com

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O Box 14251, Macon, GA 31203

OFFICE PHONE: (478) 464-1840

GENERAL INFORMATION: meg@11thHourOnline.com©2011, The 11th Hour: Statesboro, Macon, Houston County, GA., all rights reserved. Published bi-weekly, free ofcharge. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publishers is prohibited. Publishers do not assumeliability for unsolicited manuscripts or materials. Distributed at over 150 locations throught Houston County, GA.Find a location out of papers, please call us at 464-1840. Thanks for reading.

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The things making our world just a little bit better | by brad evansWe LikeA childhood friend of my older brother is the Kingof Competition BBQ, Myron Mixon, as seen run-ning his mouth on TLC’s BBQ Pitmasters. He justwrote a book called Smokin’ with Myron Mixon,that reveals the master’s trade secrets, or some ofthem anyway. Being a big BBQ fan myself, I’vebeen enjoying every word of it.

The Hangout Festival is right around the corner.Next weekend, some pals, and both my brotherswill converge on Gulf Shores, Alabama, to witnessthe 2nd annual beach fest. Among the bands I’mexcited to see are Cee-Lo, My Morning Jacket,The Avett Brothers, Motorhead, Grace Potter,The Black Keys, BassNectar, and The FooFighters. It’s going to be a crazy weekend.

I hated to see Mags meet her maker on my newfavorite show, Justified, but better her thanRaylond I guess. One thing is for sure, WaltonGoggins knows how to play a bad man. I’m eagerto find out how this feud plays out. Between thatand the most loveable drug addict ever, NurseJackie, I don’t venture out much between Mondayand Wednesdays these days.

I’ve been getting back into Racquetball lately andbehind some killer serves, am a righteous 8-1 onthe courts. I’m looking at you, Drew. Cross trainingbegins this week in an effort to mold what’s left ofmy heart and lungs into organs that can survivemore than a fast paced walk. Keep your fingerscrossed.

I’ve also been listening to the super old schoolfaves The Beastie Boys new album. I'll admit it's alittle weird listening to old white men rap, but theystill sound like theBeastie Boys to me,and that is a mightygood thing. Also beenlistening to John PaulWhite and JoyWilliams as The CivilWars. Their full lengthalbum Barton Hollowis folksy greatness.The only thing I canfind to hold against them is that they have a songfeatured on Grey's Anatomy.

NEW COLUMN! REAL HOUSEWIVESOF HOCO

04 MAY 13 - 27, 2011

5/13: RELAY FOR LIFE HOUSTON COUNTY

15DAYS CALENDAR

TIME OUTS

NIGHTLIFE

DINING OUT

May 13 - 27

Email your event tomeg@11thHourOnline.com. Include time,locations cost and a contact number.

THURSDAY, 5/12Perry Players present, “AloneTogether Again” May 11-15, 7:30pmIn the hilarious Broadway comedy, AloneTogether, Mom and Dad have spent the last thirtyyears raising three active sons. How they lookedforward to the peace, the quiet and the privacy ofan empty nest. After considerable comic turmoiland revelation of deep feelings, the nest is finallyemptied. Peace now? Quiet? Not for long. Theempty nest fills up again by the sudden, unexpect-ed arrival of their parents, each with a problemwhich is dumped on Mom and Dad. Now Momand Dad must struggle to empty the nest a secondtime so they can return to their peaceful and quiettime together. Cleverly comic, witty and wise.

Reservations 10am and 3pm, Monday throughSaturday at (478) 987-5354. Tickets $12 adult / $6children. Perry Players Community Theatre909 Main Street.

Perry High presents “Zombie Prom”,May 12-14 Zombie Prom is a campy, rollicking,romp through the "atomic age" of America and the"golden age" of sci-fi horror comic strips. Set inthe fabulous 1950s, this is the tale of a sweetteenage Gidget-type girl named Toffee and the"rebel without a cause" Jonny whose name isnoticeably spelled without the "h." A musicalcomedy, the performance is rated PG.

While the unlikely pairing falls in love atEnrico Fermi High School, the strict-as-Stalintyrant principal Miss Delilah Strict seeks to inter-vene and persuade Toffee to distance herself from

the potentially troublesome Jonny. Tickets arenow on sale and reservations are being accepted.Children and students are $5, and all adults are $8.All tickets will be $10 at the door. Joe Sendekserves as drama teacher and director. Perry Highis located at 1307 North Avenue. For more infor-mation or to order tickets, call 478-988-6298, ext.21320, or e-mail joseph.sendek@hcbe.net.

SATURDAY, 5/14F2T farm to table dinnerThe Farmhouse in Warner Robins, 5:30pm.f2t (farm to table) dinner event is a gathering offolks that come together to celebrate locally grownfoods. Dinner is catered by The Perfect PearCatering and The Saucy Shallot personal chef. Theevent will feature Georgia Made and GeorgiaGrown foods and other products. Live music andtastings. All proceeds support the local farmers'market. Contact Jodi for tickets and more informa-tion: jadaley65@gmail.com or 478-225-7626$65/person or $120/couple. (478) 225-7626.

Spring Fling Biker Bash at HUD'SClubhouse on 247! Hosted by Xtreme Bikeent, we'll have live music all day and night.Vendors, games, contests, bike show, raffles, doorprizes, Giant Water Slide and more. Featuring livemusic by the Avery Dylan Project, seen below.

Huge Yard Sale, 8am-2pmAt Don Spillers Orthodontics in Warner Robins. Please plan to join us for a HUGE yard sale tobenefit our friend and teammate, Kelly McKinley.Kelly was recently diagnosed with colon cancer,has had surgery and will begin chemotherapysoon. Yard sale items will include furniture,clothes, decorative and kitchen items, books, etc.We will crank up our grill and sell lunch plates,too! All proceeds will go to the Kelly McKinleyBenefit Fund at State Bank.

Perry Farmer’s Market opens May14th. Every Saturday from 8 am – 12noonthrough the second Saturday in October.

Music on the Mound in DowntownPerry – 2pm - 4pm. This is a free family event,bring your chairs or a blanket! Live music byMiddle GA’s own, Session Road.

SUNDAY, 5/15Fine Art Society Member Show at EagleSprings Clubhouse. Members show works .2 to 5p.m. 478.929.2263. Gunn Rd., Centerville.

THURSDAY, 5/19The Lost Squadron event at theMuseum of Aviation will be held onThursday May 19th in the Century of FlightHangar. Join us for the amazing story of the recov-ery of a World War II P-38 Fighter Bomber buried246 feet below the Greenland Ice Cap Now knownas "Glacier Girl". Reservations are $15 per person.Click here for more info or call (478) 923-6600.

FRIDAY, 5/20Great Southeastern Predator andWild Hog ExtravaganzaHosted by CCR Events at the McGill Marketplace,Perry National Fairgrounds. Fri. 1p.m.-8p.m., Sat.9a.m.-6p.m., Sun. 9a.m.-5p.m. Admission $8Adult, Under 8 Free with adult For additionalinformation contact Ken or Jeff Scurry (404) 732-5658 or ken@scurryoutdoorssouth.com

SATURDAY, 5/21Ocmulgee Symphony Orchestra: "Forthe Joy of It" in Cochran. Outdoor concert inCochran, family-friendly. 7:30 p.m. LocationTBA. OcmulgeeSymphonyOrchestra.com.Cochran.

Car Show at The Landings 2-6pm hosted by Montana’s Bar & Grill. $25 registration fee, free event open to the public.Trophies and plaques to all participants. Enjoy anafternoon with the family browsing some ofMiddle Georgia’s hottest rides, live music, doorprizes, food and much more.

Tour De Moose Bike RideThe Museum of Aviation Foundation and theGeorgia Air National Guard are proud to bring youthis 2nd annual event. Bring the family for a bikeride on beautiful Robins Air Force Base. After theride, visit the Museum of Aviation for familyactivites, food and fun. Registration is required.NO WALKING OR RUNNING the course. Visitwww.active.com for online registration or call(478) 923-6600 for detailed information.

THURSDAY, 5/26Georgia High School Finals Rodeo &Wrangler Division StateChampionship RodeoHosted by the Georgia High School RodeoAssociation in Reaves Arena and Covered HorseArena at Perry Fairgrounds.Wrangler DivisionState Championship - Thursday. Georgia HighSchool Finals Rodeo - Friday - SundayNo Admission Fee Charged. For additional infor-mation contact Wayne Whiddon at (850) 539-5614, or visit their Web-site, www.ghsra.com.

Swim Lessons - Fountain Pool American Red Cross Learn to Swim CoursesPreschool to Adult starts June 6. Register yourchild online thru the Warner Robins recreationaldepartment.

Walkers will go around the clock in thebattle against cancer when the 22ndAmerican Cancer Society Relay For

Life® of Houston County gets underway with121 teams of residents gathering at the GeorgiaNational Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center inPerry, on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM forthe Opening Ceremony. Relay for Life events areheld overnight as individuals and teams camp outaround the track, with the goal of keeping at leastone team member on the track or pathway at alltimes throughout the evening. Teams do most oftheir fundraising prior to the event, but someteams also hold creative fundraisers at their campsites during Relay.

Cancer survivors will kick off the Relay bywalking the honorary first lap, a moving experi-ence honoring those who have defeated cancer.Survivors will join together to take Relay’s open-ing lap, unified in victory and hope, while the restof the event’s participants surround the track tocheer them on. Entertainment chairs, Jennifer andDavid Wilds, scheduled local entertainmentthroughout the evening which includes dance andjump rope teams from numerous schools,Morning Side Elementary School Chorus andDrum Club, the First Baptist of HaynesvilleDrama Group, Skip Blumenthal Bagpipes, the

USAF Neon Jug Band, and the Narrow RoadBand. A Victory Lap will precede the ClosingCeremony, scheduled at 6:30 AM Saturday morn-ing. “Relay is a unique opportunity for our com-munity to come together to celebrate people whohave battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost,and fight back against the disease,” said ThainaBrown-Brake, Event Chair. “Many of the partici-pants are cancer survivors, which serves as areminder that Houston County is not immune tothis disease and that by participating in Relay, weare joining with the American Cancer Society’sefforts to create a world with less cancer and morebirthdays,” Heather Gilbert, American CancerSociety Community Manager, added. Funds raisedat Relay for Life of Houston County are enablingthe American Cancer Society to impact the livesof those touched by cancer within the community.

Ceremony takes place about 9:00 PM, honor-ing the community’s cancer survivors and remem-bering those lost to the disease. Participants willcircle a track that is surrounded with glowingluminaria that bears the name of someone whohas battled cancer.

Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry478) 952-4335www.relayforlife.org/houstonga

CULTURECALENDAR

The Museum of Aviation Foundation presents the2nd annual Tour de Moose bike ride on beautifulRobins Air Force Base Saturday, May 21. The ridetakes its name from Brig. Gen. Tom “Moose”Moore, commander of the 116th. With the Museumof Aviation as the starting point and center of activi-ties, participants have the choice of a 7-, 15-, or 30-mile ride across the base. Visit active.com foronline registration.

11thHourOnline.com 5

Worth the Drive...Mark your calendar, worthy events just down the road

Fri May 132nd Fridays in the Village, "Stroll theStrip" from 5pm to 8-ish. Visit Joycine’s, SocietyGardener, antique stores and art galleries locatedalong Ingleside Avenue. Free event.

Downtown Macon Friday FestFree Live music by Saoco Latin Septet, an afro-caribbean and Latin American style band.The streets of downtown Macon are alive withmusic, art, and great food every Friday of theyear. Downtown merchants keep their doorsopen later each Friday with art galleries open-ings, dinner specials, family events and the like.They have specials, sales and exhibits to show-case the season’s latest and greatest merchandiseand trends. In Third Street Park, an outdoorvenue in the heart of downtown, you’ll find liveentertainment each week such as drum circlesand children’s dance performances, to up-and-coming artists, to Macon’s favorite local celebri-ties. Third Street Park will have children’sinflatables from 5pm until 7 pm on the first andthird Fridays of the month.

Sat May 14The Douglass Theatre Presents:TheMetropolitan Opera HD Live "DieWalkure" HD broadcast of live performance.Hosted by Central Georgia Opera Guild team upto present the live HD broadcast of theMetropolitan Opera's season of matinees. Allshows begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 - $24.478.742.2000. 355 ML King Jr. Blvd.

Paws for Tunes at AmersonWaterworks Park, 4pm-10pm. Bring yourpicnic baskets, and your coolers. Moe Dyer &Andrea Turner are hosting a fundraiser for all thefur babies who do not have a home. LIVEMUSIC ALL AFTERNOON.Tickets are $20/per-son and 25.00 at gate.Kids 12 and under free.Money will be raised for Paws and Adopt whichis a new animal rescue organization in the areaand Heart of Georgia Humane Society.

Fri May 20"Twentieth Century" at TheatreMacon. Comedy about a Broadway producerand an actress on a train. Wednesday &Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Tickets $15 - $20.478.746.9485. 438 Cherry St.Thru May 28.

"A Bad Year for Tomatoes" atMacon Little Theatre. Comedy about asoap opera actress who flees to a small, quirkytown to write her memoirs. Wednesday –Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Tickets $10 -$18. MaconLittleTheatre.org. 4220 ForsythRd.Thru May 29.

Sat May 21Georgia JugFest and Old KnoxvilleDays in Knoxville, GA. Festival of pottery,music, and folk arts. 478.836.3825.GeorgiaJugFest.com. Knoxville.

Delta Moon in concert at The BigHouse; Allman Brothers Museum Part of the Big House Music Series on the lawnof the Museum. Bring your chairs and blankets,no coolers please. Food and beverages availableon site. Tickets are $10. Gates open at 6pm,Show starts at 7pm. Tickets are available at TheBig House Museum. (478) 741-5551.2321 Vineville Ave., Macon.

Two men who spent a decade of their lives torecover a World War II fighter plane buried 265feet under the Greenland icecap will tell their

amazing story at the Museum of Aviation on Thursdayevening, May 19. Pat Epps, a 2011 inductee into theGeorgia Aviation Hall of Fame, and his partner RichardTaylor were co-founders of the Greenland ExpeditionSociety that braved sub-zero temperatures from 1981 to1992 to retrieve a P-38F aircraft that was eventuallyrestored and flown again

The public is invited to the presentation sponsoredby the Museum of Aviation Foundation, the WarnerRobins Patriot and Chapter 296 of the Air ForceAssociation, a social hour at 6:00 pm and presentationat 7:00 pm in the Century of Flight Hangar. Artifactsfrom the Expedition will be on display including anactual part of the P-38 tail. The cost is $20 a person forthose who register by May 13 and $25 after that date orat the door. Reservations can be made on the Museumgift shop web page (http://moagiftshop.com/thelost-squadronstory) or by calling (478) 923-6600.

About The Lost SquadronThe recovered P-38, renamed “Glacier Girl,” was part ofan ill-fated flight of 2 B-17s and 6 P-38s that was forcedto land on the ice in eastern Greenland after fighting astorm and running low on fuel. The flight on July 15,1942 was part of Operation Bolero, a massive buildupand movement of Allied aircraft from the United States

into the European Theatre. The eight aircraft had flownthe day before from Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada toSondre Strom on the Western coast of Greenland andwere headed over ice-capped mountains and theDenmark Strait for Reykjavik, Iceland and eventually onto Scotland.

Ninety minutes from Iceland at twelve thousandfeet, clouds began to form and the temperature droppedto minus ten degrees Fahrenheit. Trying various routesand altitudes and battling a snow storm the flight decid-ed to return to Sondre Strom. Unfortunately their gastanks ran low and they were forced to land miles fromnowhere on the frozen tundra of Greenland.

The first P-38 landed with its gear down and flippedover. The remaining aircraft landed gear up and allskidded safely to a stop. Miraculously all crew mem-bers including the pilot in the first P-38 to land wereuninjured. They endured three days on the ice before aski and dogsled team reached them. After an exhausting17-mile hike back to the coastline they were picked upby a Coast Guard cutter and returned to their base.

The abandoned aircraft were left to the elementsand no one saw them for almost 40 years. Covered byyears of snow and ice, they would drift more than a milefrom where they landed.

The Speakers – Epps and TaylorPat Epps, a native of Athens, Georgia and the youngestson of Ben T. Epps, graduated from Georgia Tech in

1956 and entered the United States Air Force in 1957.As a distinguished graduate of Class 58L, he became thefifth of Ben Epps’ sons to become a military pilot. Eppsled an 11-year quest to recover the Lost Squadron. In1992, he succeeded in retrieving a WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning buried beneath 265 feet of the Greenlandice cap. In June 1994, Epps piloted a friend's DC-3 toFrance. As he flew over Normandy, veteran War WorldII paratroopers jumped to commemorate the 50thAnniversary of D-Day landings.

Richard Taylor was born in Washington D.C. andserved in the US Army Airborne for three years, includ-ing two years in Germany. After the service he receiveda Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kent StateUniversity and a Master of Architecture from GeorgiaInstitute of Technology. Subsequently, as an AssociateProfessor, he taught Architecture at Tech for ten years.

“LOST SQUADRON” STORY TO BE TOLD ATMUSEUM OF AVIATION ON MAY 19

15DAYSCITY’S BEST BETS

The Glacier in flight

06 MAY 13 - 27, 2011

With tornados in a six state area,April 27th was the most prolif-ic and destructive tornado day

in United States history. One especiallydestructive tornado traveled fromTuscaloosa to the suburbs on the northwestside of Birmingham leaving snapped trees,flattened buildings and heaps of rubble,twisted metal and overturned cars for asfar as the eye could see.

I t ’ sonly naturalfor victimsand onlook-ers alike toview thedevastationof the torna-does as anugly, fright-ening mess.But Alabama artist Catherine Partain seesbeauty amid the destruction, which hasgiven her a vision of monumental propor-tions.

Hoping to “create a memorial to thevictims of the tornadoes, as well as to theunifying spirit of sacrifice shown by all thepeople who are helping to restore the rav-aged communities of Alabama andGeorgia,” she is building crosses fromscrap iron left from the storms.

Partain, who is rapidly making aname for herself both locally and national-

ly, has already received requests from fam-ilies in the path of destruction to buildcrosses for them made of the pieces oftheir destroyed homes. Still in shock anduncertain of their futures, they wantmementos of the places they knew andloved and grew together as families.They want reassurance of hope, faith ifyou will, in something greater. In fact, herfirst requests were from her own family in

Tuscaloosa .T h e

artist hasseveral otherideas on howher crossescan bringnew hope tocommunitiesstill in shock.She would

love to construct a Hill of Crosses in eachcity affected by the tornadoes, construct-ing a scrap iron cross for each soul lost.

Or imagine one huge memorial crossat the end of the very long path of thestorm that traveled from Tuscaloosa to theBirmingham suburb of Pleasant Grove,made of the longest, most twisted scrapiron left by the tornado.

“This would symbolize a new begin-ning where at the end, God is there forus… our possessions end and He meets usat the end,” said Partain.

Living in Birmingham, with familyand roots in Tuscaloosa, Partain is wellaware of the devastation in the wake of theterrible storms. Her family survived thetornadoes, but their old home-place and the75-year-old family business, begun by hergrandfather did not. She, like so manyothers, experienced shock and disbelief, butshe also experienced a call to action.

Initially, she has been handing outwater to people trying to make sense out ofthe rubble and their lives. “The degree ofthe damage and the huge area of sheer dev-astation is overwhelming. Not only dopeople need housing, but their spirits needhealing,” she said; something she knows alittle about.

After an emotionally drainingdivorce, she remembers waking in themiddle of the night with the feeling thatGod was telling her to build crosses. Shewas so moved that she began right awayby dismantling a French chest and creatinga cross on the spot. Soon, she was creat-ing crosses out of anything at hand. Aftera friend introduced her to metalwork, shesought out the iron and steel scraps, whichare easily found in Birmingham.

The process restored order to her life,and the passion she felt in creating hercrosses became a passion for her own spir-

itual journey. As she turned garbage intoart, she realized that God wants to turnyour life into the beautiful work of art itwas meant to be.

It is her hope that through her crossesshe can help the survivors find comfort inthe love we have for each other and thelove God has for us all; and thisartist/welder is uniquely qualified toaccomplish her vision.

For the last two years she hassearched scrap heaps for iron, steel, woodor other materials—the more twisted andbroken the better. From this discardedscrap she creates beautiful powerful cross-es symbolizing God’s love, whichredeems the twisted soul of man.

Her crosses hang in homes andchurches, even hotels. They may be seenin galleries throughout the Southeast, andshe has received many written affirma-tions from people whose lives are madebetter or even changed by her crosses.

To learn more about the art ofCatherine Partain, or how to assist herplans for monuments, visit her Facebookpage “Alabama Tornado Scrap Iron forCrosses” or visit her website:www.crossesbycatherine.com. Find herlocally through Ocmulgee Arts, Inc. inMacon, Georgia

ARTIST WORKS TO CREATE HOPE FROM THE RUBBLE

15DAYS ARTS & CULTURE | local enthusiast lou warren spotlights an artist every issue

Hoping to “create a memorial to the victims of the tornadoes, as well as to

the unifying spirit of sacrifice shown byall the people who are helping to restore

the ravaged communities of Alabamaand Georgia,” she is building crossesfrom scrap iron left from the storms.

11thHourOnline.com 7

RACHEL HELIE

In central Georgia, and particularlyWarner Robins, tee-ball isn’t just fun andgames—it is an institution. In 1958

Claude Lewis, director of the WarnerRobins Recreation Center, mailed his ver-sion of the rules and regulations to otherfacilities all over the country and the world.With a group of twenty kids, he propelledhimself into the history of sports.

And the youth in our community are stillenjoying a good game of ball: baseball, softball,and, yes, tee-ball. In fact, in 2006, a field wasdedicated to Lewis, “The Father of Tee-Ball”,at the Warner Robins American Little LeagueComplex. The tots take their ball games as seri-ous as the teens and each spring, tee ballleagues abound in Houston County.

Even in the beginning phases of learninghow to swing a bat and catch a ball in a glove, ten-

sion and emotions can run high, not only withthe kids, but with parents, too. Hoping to teachyoung players the importance of sportsmanship,many local churches offer opportunities for chil-dren to be part of a team in a healthy way.

Piloted by a group of churches who start-ed with a basketball program, focus on serviceis what distinguishes these programs. Part ofthe Upward organization, Victory sports’ host-ed over 700 boys and girld in tee-ball, baseballand softball programs this season. Their mis-sion statement is to “introduce children toJesus Christ by creative opportunities to servethrough sports.” Rick Selle, tee ball commis-sioner, says that the program can be summedup in a word…”wholesome.”

Victory is a smoke free, drug free, profan-ity and alcohol free safe zone for kids. The vol-unteers endeavor to create an atmosphere ofsupport, trust and encouragement, providing aclean and well maintained facility in which chil-

dren and adults can practice physical disciplineand fitness at a convenient location.

Parental involvement is encouraged.Melissa Shelverton states, “It provides physi-cal, mental, emotional, and spiritual nourish-ment for my child that is invaluable. I don’tknow where I could find all of those thingstogether anywhere else.” The children thatparticipate don’t exhibit aggression but acheerful enthusiasm, sliding into home platefor the sheer joy of sliding through the dirt andkicking up dust.

One player says, “I like to batter…and I likeCoach.” Girls and boys participate together onteams up to the kindergarten level, allowingthem to realize the contributions that both gen-ders can make to the game at the higher levels.

Skip Malcolm, coach of the Comets PreK/Kindergarten team, and member of SecondBaptist Church has three children in theleague. He says that although many church

members are involved, participation is by nomeans exclusive to the Second Baptist Churchfamily, or Baptists. “I personally would like tosee more people who aren’t church membersinvolved. That way we know we are reachingthe community,” Malcolm said.

With softball, baseball and tee-ball seasoncoming to a close, Victory Sports is gearing upfor soccer, which is played late summer throughearly fall. Early registration is $75 (prior to June13) and includes the cost of soccer shorts; thedeadline for registration is June 27. Playersmust be 4-years-old by Sept. 1, 2011.

The Victory Sports complex is adjacent toSecond Baptist Church at 2504 Moody Roadin Warner Robins. If needed, equipment canbe provided by the Victory program; they alsoaccept donations of various sports gear. Formore information contact the Second BaptistChurch business office at (478)923-7101 orregister online at www.sbcwr.org.

Victory Sports provides a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual experience with their summer tee-ball program

HEY BATTERTIME-OUTS

15DAYShighlighting family activities and HoCo’s exemplary education | FAMILY-FRIENDLY

PICK US UP AT THESE FINE LOCATIONS throughout Houston County

WARNER ROBINS:Museum of AviationRAFB Commons Macon State WR campusNola Brantley LibraryWR Little TheatreMedical AssociatesMoe’sEl Cotija Friends’s II Bar & GrillTips VIP LoungeFincher’s BBQWow CafeMargarita’sSmokes BBQ

Crickets Bar & GrillYesterdaze Bar & GrillShane’s Rib ShackThe TavernBuffalo’sHooter’sLarry’s Giant SubsBouchezAllen’s PizzeriaGeorgia Bob’s Shenanigan’s Roberto’s MexicanStarshipMellow MushroomMiddle GA Tech. College

WR Music StoreChandler CollisionMajestic FramesTouch of MagickEl TapatioCafe Caribe RestaurantSugar MagnoliasMy Fathers PlaceWicked Art TattooU Roll Smokes

BYRON:Peach Mall Music MastersGeorgia Bob’s Byron

Cane VineyardsMontana’sLane Packing

BONAIRE:Emilio's Cuban Cafe (Hwy 247)Cavern at Southland StationJohnny’s PizzaThe CavernFusion Salon

PERRY:Nu-2-UJalisco GrillRamada InnGreen DerbyMy Sister’s CaféPerry Medical CenterShell Food Mart Angelos Italian BistroGalaxy Spirits LiquorsShipwreck Seafood

High school band programs have organized arelief effort for tornado victims in Ringgold, Ga.and Tuscaloosa, Ala. Local organizations and

community members are invited to help fill five semi-trailer trucks with items designed to meet the immediateneeds of those who lost so much in the recent storms.

On May 14, May 21, and May 28, donations willbe accepted at all high schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Delivery is planned for June 4 and 5.

Houston County High Band Director Wally Shawsaid, “This past week we have been in touch with theCatoosa County and Tuscaloosa EMA as well asacquaintances in these tornado-ravaged areas to find outtheir needs and how we can best help. Our goal is tomake a large delivery to north Georgia with two of ourband semis and Alabama with three of our semis thefirst weekend in June. The amount of donations willlikely have subsided by then, but not the need.”

School volunteers will transport and deliver itemsfor any groups that have already been collecting contri-butions.

Houston County High School Bandscollect donations for tornado victims

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Clothing, all sizes(packs of socks),linens, blankets, laun-dry detergent, dry petfood, flashlights andcooking utensils.

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15DAYS DINING OUT | local dining spotlight

JOHNNY’S BRINGS NEW YORKSTYLE PIZZA TO THEDEEP SOUTH

Melted mozzarella cheese oozesamong the plentiful filling ofricotta cheese, sausage, onions,

mushrooms, green peppers, beef,Canadian bacon and pepperoni eventuallycascading from the folded pizza doughonto the silver serving platter creating avisual masterpiece. As you smell thearoma wafting toward you, your tastebuds kick into action and you actuallystart to drool in anticipation. And as youtake that first bite, you realize that this isno ordinary Calzone and that you have anew favorite pizza place: Johnny’s NewYork Style Pizzeria of Bonaire.

When owner, Pete Ranson, openedhis doors in Macon five years ago, hedidn’t expect to become a MiddleGeorgia favorite so quickly. But from thefirst day, his staff hasbeen busy providingcustomers with Italianfare rivaling any NewYork Pizzeria. And now,pizza connoisseurs inWarner Robins willunderstand just what itis that draws crowds toJohnny’s NY StylePizzeria.

“Bonaire is a grow-ing area,” Ranson said.“Years ago, I playedbasketball here whenthere was only WynnDixie and a gas stationhere. Now the place isbustling with business. It is the perfectplace to open a store.”

According to manager MichelleIrvine, the difference between NY stylepizza and regular pizza is the thin crustand larger slices. The pizzas are larger,too. A large takeout pizza measures 16”and a large dine-in pizza is 18”.

Size isn’t the only thing that sets thispizzeria apart from others in the area.Toppings are ample and savory. Witheach bite, consumers enjoy a flavorsomearray of toppings and generous helpingsof smooth mozzarella cheese. “We usefresh ingredients and make our dough onsite daily,” said Irvine.

The menu is extensive offering appe-tizers, salads, pizza, calzones, Stromboli,wraps, subs, cinnamon knots, draft beerand wine.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. – 3p.m., Mon.-Fri.; prices range from $5 to$6.85 and diners are invited to dine in orcarry out. Service is quick to accommo-

date those workers with limited lunchbreaks and orders can be placed by phoneso that orders are ready upon arrival.

The atmosphere is wholesome andfamily-friendly, with special child por-tions and on Monday night kids eat for99 cents. Beginning in June, the firstMonday of each night will feature specialevents for the kids.

Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, BakedZiti and Eggplant Parmigiana are justsome of the dinners offered with a gardensalad and garlic bread. There are even afew surprises; the Manhattan Garden fea-tures a vegetable medley of mushrooms,onions, green peppers, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach & artichokehearts baked in marinara sauce, toppedwith feta and mozzarella.

Their goal is not only to serve greatfood, but to make a difference in the com-munity. By sponsoring local High Schoolsand charities, Ranson is making a tangiblecontribution to the community. He alsoaccommodates his customers by providinga facility for them to hold special occa-sions and by offering catering services.

Friendly service, reasonable prices,fresh ingredients and a passion for thecommunity resulted in a great diningexperience and loyal customers in theMacon pizzeria. So, the next time youhave a hankering for something Italian,pack up the family and head out forHouston County’s newest dining hotspot.

The Warner Robins store is locatedat 778 Hwy. 96 in Bonaire, next toKroger. To place an order for pick-up orto get more information, call 478-988-0220. To view a menu and learn moreabout Johnny’s NY Style Pizzeria, visitwww.johnnyspizza.com

JENNY MURR

10 MAY 13 - 27, 2011

15DAYS DINING OUT | dining hotspots and weekly dining deals

Montana’s Steakhouse, ByronSpecializing in some of this areas finest steaks, ribs,chicken & seafood. Located in the Peach OutletMall and open Monday - Sunday 11 am - 10 pm! 311Ga Highway 49 N Byron, (478) 956-0441.

Friends Bar & GrillServing up your favorite homestyle dishes, alongwith famous burgers, chicken tenders and other barfood staples.1129 Russell Pkwy,225.1165LD • BAR • $.

Johnny’s New York-style PizzeriaA New York style pizzeria featuring fresh bakedpizza, authentic pasta dishes, calzones, subs and sal-ads. Monday nights, kids dine for 99¢ (one-toppingslice and a drink.) This pizzeria offers an amazingand affordable menu also featuring weekly drinkspecials and some nightly entertainment. StudentSpecial Monday - Friday 2-5pm, enjoy 2 cheese slicesand a coke for just $4.99. LD • BAR • $-$$ Hwy96 in Kroger Shopping Center. Open Mon-Thu,Sun11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm. 478.988.0220

Mellow MushroomIn 1974, three college students in Atlanta openedthe first of what has now grown to 100 restaurants.Each one locally-owned and operated, with theirown distinct, funkified flavor. Gourmet pizza, originalsandwiches and a large drink menu. Family friendly!LD • BAR • $-$$ Located just off Bass Road at5425 Bowman Road, Macon.

The Tavern at Southland StationAmerican dining at its finest. Entrée choices are vastand the portions are plentiful.Whether selectingseafood, chicken or beef, diners are sure to be

amazed by the succulent USDA prime-aged steak,fresh fish and unique daily specials prepared byExecutive Chef Mike Vinson.Ask about the crabcake weekend special. LD • BAR • $-$$ 117Russell Pkwy (near Southland Station), Monday –Saturday, 11 a.m. – midnight. For more information,call (478) 929-5126 or visit the website atwww.thetavern.biz

Allen’s Stone-baked PizzeriaHandmade dough, special requests, and X-box 360’sKinect make this the perfect place for the family tohead out for a night of fun & food. Lunchtime, 11 –3 p.m., offers a special 15-minute guarantee to haveyour pizza to your table at a cost of only $4.99 forone topping. Delivery, pick-up, or dine in. LD • $-$$ 115-A Margie Drive, just down from the

Goodwill store. Hours of operation are Mon.-Sat. 11a.m.—10 p.m. and Sun. noon –9 p.m.

Martin’s BBQPulled pork, ribs, sliced beef brisket, sausage, smokedturkey, pork chops and all the normal fixins for agood ole southern barbecue can be found at con-venient locations. $-$$ 102 South 1st Street (nearthe base) 478-923-0800 & 866 Ga Highway 96 # D478-988-0292

Café CaribeAuthentic Dominican cuisine prepared with organicingredients, choice meats and seafood, fresh rice andbeans, served with tortillas baked daily. LD • $-$$713 Watson Blvd. (Near Nola Brantley Library) 10a.m. – 9 p.m. daily 478-922-6700

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THE DISH dining hotspotsGRILL ME

A Q&A with those in therestaurant biz

LYNN RECOMMENDSWhere she works? Bare Bulb Coffee1117 Hwy 96Hometown: Warner Robins

What she recommends - A Mocha Frappe

Favorite Restaurant other thanwhere you work? The SwansonHouse, I love those tiny biscuits.

NUMBERCRUNCHING

Special Offers andWeekly Dining Deals

11thHourOnline.com 11

WILLIAM HEAD

Over the past week or so, most ofus living in the Deep South havebeen left in shock over the televi-

sion, Internet and newspaper stories andimages of the devastation wrought on ourpart of the country by the recent wave oftornado activity. Parts of Alabama, espe-cially Tuscaloosa, were literally blownaway. Worst of all, nearly 400 peoplelost their lives, and thousands have beenleft homeless. The economic losses arestill being assessed, but it will clearly bein the billions of dollars.

Fortunately, Middle Georgia sufferedlittle or no damage. However, we havenot always been so lucky.

One of the worst tornadoes in statehistory hammered the entire region in1953. Looking back, it was a time whenit was our turn to scurry for cover andpick up the pieces after the weather hadits way. It was a day that started outcalm enough in Houston County, but itwas a time when early warning was in itsinfancy. By the end of the day, manypeople had been caught unaware.

April 30, 1953 dawned like manyspring mornings in Middle Georgia. Itwas partly cloudy. The weather servicein Atlanta warned there was a possibilityof thunderstorms that afternoon. In atime before weather satellites andDoppler radar, weather predictors couldnot foresee the devastation that was aboutto strike the area. Before the day wasdone, a conflagration of weather phenom-ena would leave residents dazed.

Some small communities all butceased to exist in the face of this F4 tor-nado that packed winds over 100 mph.As that afternoon began, torrential rainspelted an area roughly 25 square milesaround Warner Robins which quicklybrought the Oconee River to near floodstage. In the face of this potential disas-ter, witnesses reported seeing a “sicklyyellowish gray cloud” hurtling toward

them from the west. The main tornadostruck around 5 p.m. that afternoon justas civilian and military workers wereheaded for their homes on or near RobinsAFB. In just 12 minutes, the tornado,with little warning, tore a swath approxi-mately 1,000 feet wide through WarnerRobins, Robins AFB and surroundingcommunities.

Particularly hard hit was DryBranch, where several people were killedincluding a three-year-old boy. In theaftermath, Warner Robins Mayor W. T.Giles personally toured the devastation.Early reports indicated that 13 people hadbeen killed in Houston County and morethan 300 were injured. Weeks later, theofficial death toll was placed at 18 with354 injured. Parts of the base were laidwaste. Much of the North ZieglerApartment complex, used for militaryhousing, was turned into kindling.Eventually, the area suffered approximate-ly $10 million in damages. Today, thatwould translate into hundreds of millions.

Depot Vice-Commander BrigadierGeneral A. V. P. Anderson immediatelycalled for support from the Third Armyand Army National Guard troops inAtlanta and Columbus. Within hours,they arrived to support airmen and com-munity fire and police workers feverishlysearching for the dead and wounded. TheRed Cross sent medical personnel, med-ical supplies and blood plasma to care forthe victims. Area hospitals were burstingat the seams. Community spirit saveddozens of injured and by the end of theyear, operations at Robins AFB were wellon their way to becoming normal, andnew housing construction was underway.

It was the fourth deadliest tornado inthe history of Georgia, and it was anevent that people would remember for therest of their lives. As then one seven-year-old girl recalled, her mother grabbedher with her stuffed animal and her two-month-old brother and ran to the bath-room in the middle of the house. It was

there that her mother pulled out a Bibleand read to her and her baby brother fornearly thirty minutes as parts of the housewere blown away. By some miracle, theysurvived. Afterwards, she could onlyremember one thing – the rubble that waseverywhere.

According to one woman, her hus-band called her as he was getting ready tocome home from work. He suddenlyshouted that a tornado was coming andhung up. She, immediately, called thenewspaper to report what he had said. Itwas hours later that she finally found thathe had survived.

As General Anderson, who hadserved during World War II recalled,there were vehicles turned upside downand a scene of such destruction that theonly thing he could compare it to werethe bombed out cities. He was not beingdramatic since nearly thirty buildings inthe base housing area, alone, were

destroyed, and each had five units. Manyother buildings on base were destroyed.In the surrounding area, a high schoolgymnasium was leveled, and a nurseryschool was flattened, fortunately with noone in them.

In the end, as terrible as the torna-do had been, the spirit of communitythroughout the state helped thousands ofcitizens reclaim their lives. This provedto be the one positive thing that cameout of the terrible event. It has beenthis same spirit that has helped ease thepain of those in places like Alabama.We know. We’ve been there. It is whyfolks from Auburn have brought thou-sands of dollars worth of food and sup-plies to their football rivals inTuscaloosa to remind them that theymay be rivals one Saturday inNovember each year but, in the end,they are all brothers and sisters in thetruest since of the word.

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THE RECENT INCLEMENT WEATHERREMINDS ONE BASE HISTORIAN ABOUT

THE TORNADO THATBOMBBARDED RAFBIN 1953

news & views

OP-ED

From time to time (English translation:just about every minute of every daysince his inauguration) I have disagreed

with President Obama, his agenda, his cabinet,his wife and every decision he has made exceptfor his pick of Kansas to go all the way in theNCAA tournament during March Madness.We both blew that one. But I have to give cred-it where credit is due. President Obama did astellar job in overseeing the hunting down andexecution of Osama bin Laden.

Since September 11, 2001, every citizenof the United States has lived in fear that

“Insane Osama” would launch another attackon innocent Americans. Everyone in ourcountry can now breathe a giant sigh of reliefthanks to the Navy Seals and the CIA opera-tives that brought down the kingpin and headof Al-Queda. Even Muslims are glad thisscourge is gone as they now don’t have toworry about him being the poster child for theMuslim world. I have to warn people, though.He is not the only member of Al-Queda and itis my fear that someone else will rise upthrough the ranks of evil to lead another attackagainst the United States. So what can we as acountry do to prevent it?

The first thing we can do is never, everlet our guard down. We should all be happyas hell in the long lines at the airports and theinvasive pat-downs and scans that we aresubjected to. Is it a little overboard?Probably so. However, I would much ratherhear of a 80 year old man complaining abouta member of the TSA groping him than readhis obituary in a stack of others because theguy behind him had an explosive device hid-den in his shoe. I would rather hear a moth-er complaining that there’s no way her infantcould be smuggling a bomb on an airlinerthan to hear about how this precious gift oflife from God was snuffed out becauseanother parent’s hatred toward the UnitedStates led her to pack her child’s stroller withweapons so that they could ram that airlinerinto the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta orcrash into The Ted during a Braves game.

The second thing we should be doing ispulling our troops and energy out of Libya

and focusing on Pakistan. For all intents andpurposes, it appears that the government ofPakistan knew that bin Laden had been hid-ing in Abbottabad for awhile. Further, weshould cut all economic help to this countryand consider them enemy number one in thefight against global terrorism. The UnitedStates has given Pakistan over 20 billion dol-lars over the last year. I ask why in God’sname should we be giving money to a countrythat aided and abetted our greatest threat toour national security? And getting back toLibya, we are helping terrorists get rid of a ter-rorist. Let them work that garbage out them-selves. I say we focus on Pakistan. All that cando is strengthen our ties with India as well. Iwould much rather have 1.2 billion allies inIndia than possibly 126 million terroristicsympathizers in Pakistan. Am I saying thatevery Pakistani is a terrorist or a sympathizer?No. I am saying that I would rather take mychances with the country that spawnedGandhi than one that hid bin Laden. Eventhe liberal lefts’ Rachel Maddow said thatPakistan was the ‘real sponsor’ of bin Laden.My God! I can’t believe I’m even agreeingwith Maddow now. Has the world gone com-pletely crazy?

Last, we should now bolster our home-

land security and shut our borders; at leasttemporarily. I have long been an advocate ofmaking the Border Patrol a separate wing ofthe armed forces and give them everythingthat they need to secure our country. Now isthe time to do it so that we can activelyenforce not only the war against terrorism onour home soil, but also the war against drugs.The wall is a great idea; but why not rein-force it with hundreds of tanks and helicop-ters lined up on our Southern border daringthe drug dealers to try something. Wherewill the money come from? How about the20 billion we just sent to Pakistan?

This was without a doubt the mostcourageous decision that President Obamahas made, as he went against his own policiesin order to get bin Laden; however the realcredit does squarely belong to the brave menof the Navy Seals Team Six, who got their tar-get ‘Geronimo’. Will this make me eventhink of voting for President Obama? Hellno, and it shouldn’t you. One great decisiondoes not make up for the thousands of otherbad ones that he has made, but it does makeme respect him more today than I did a weekago. Good for you Mr. President! Enjoy mypraise now, because things go back to normalin my future columns.

Stop the press... Bill gives credit to Obama administration inoverseeing the execution of Osama bin Laden

HOW ARE THE FISH BITING?SEEING RED

BILL KNOWLESActive member of theRepublican Party

http://w

ww

.osamab

inladenis.com

.

12 MAY 13 - 27, 2011

NEWS & VIEWSCOMMUNITYEDUCATIONARTIST SPOTLIGHT

89%FACEBOOK POLL: What type of car should MayorShaheen drive when conducting city business?

11%He should drive his own car andjust be paid mileage.

A car that is comparable to hisconstituents.

11thHourOnline.com 13

Politics as Usual…..Our new Attorney General, Sam Olens, isnow on record that he “pledges tostrengthen Sunshine laws” in our media.In our opinion, our Attorney General isnow on record that he can talk out of bothsides of his mouth - Politics as Usual.

The new Attorney General is the onewhose office continues to legally sealcritical documents detailing serious ethi-cal and fiscal violations by top officials inthe Board of Regents and key administra-tors at our local Macon State College.This Georgia Whistleblower ProtectionAct case is currently in the Georgia Courtof Appeals Docket No. A11A0392,Fulton County Superior Court2009CV165267. Attorney General Sam Olens shouldknow that “actions speak much louderthan words,” and if he really wants somecredibility, he can earn it by allowingthese sealed records to be viewed by themedia and Georgia taxpayers.

It’s bad enough that (out of fear oflosing our jobs) we cannot ask questionsabout the fact that our own president Bellreceived a check from our college’sFoundation donations last year for$400,000. The Development Office

stressed to us during fundraising eventsthat we needed to give our hard earnedmoney for student scholarships; yet, ourpresident Bell’s “scholarship” was nevermentioned! Our guess is that the localbusinesses that gave to the Foundationwere not informed either. Ask them! The word on campus is that our presidentBell is now scheduled to receive anothercheck for $200,000 next month from ourtax dollars during a time of tuition andstudent fee hikes. (And you thought alltheir extra compensations were on thewww.open.georgia.gov website?)

We understand that our own localSenator Staton (a.k.a. Beth?) responded(in part) by stating: “These practices arenot unique to Georgia… Presidents oflarge universities are often paid as if theywere CEOs of large corporations. It hasbeen that way for some time.”

Unless you put pressure on your leg-islator to introduce new legislation tomake our higher education system, theBoard of Regents, accountable to some-one other than themselves, then “Politicsas Usual” with your tax dollars will con-tinue (we gave up on bringing back ethicsby them years ago).

SUBMITTED VIA EMAILTERRY GIDDEN, ET AL

Do you think the U.S. should release thedeath photo of Osama Bin Laden?

"No. Because if it were to be released online, it would be easy for kids tosee." - DANIEL HOLLIDAY, Line Cook @ The Tavern at Southland Station

"Yes. Just to make more business off it. We can make money." - ADRIAN PANTOJA, @ U Roll Smokes

"I would like to see the pictures of Bin Laden. I'm sure they're graphic, butI'd like to see more of the whole maneuver." - Laurie Holland, Cochran, atJohnny's New York Style Pizzeria

OP-EDyour neighbors’ opinions on local and national affairs | COMMUNITY

ON THE CORNER

THE SOAP BOX

Climb up on your very ownsoap box, this is Houston

County’s open forum.NEED AN ANSWER, HAVE A RANT,OR PRIVY TO INSIDER NEWS?

EMAIL: 11thHourHoCo@gmail.com

Agroup of Air Force wives are hud-dled tightly and engrossed in thedetails of the story being shared.

Mouths are agape with hands cusped overthe lips and the foreheads are furrowedwith concern. Anxious cries of, “You hadwhat packed in your box?” and “Crap wastracked allover the floor,” come together tocreate a curious anthem. Then, the nextwoman starts to engage the others with herown story. This pattern continues andleaves all the participants in a tizzy.

A casual observer might guess thatthey are sharing wild tales of the childbirthexperience in a military hospital or dis-cussing the woes of toilet training their chil-dren. No, in fact, these beleaguered gals areinstead exchanging stories on the dismayand calamities associated with the dreaded“military move”—the tie that binds.

One may believe that moving sucksfor everyone, military or non-militaryalike. True, the process is just miserableand draining, no matter what employer istransferring you to a new location. But Ican make the case that it is worse for themilitary family.

First, a typical Air Force familymoves regularly—anywhere from everyfew years to even just a few months. Thelong-term material effects (mental issuesare another for another day’s column) arefar reaching: family heirlooms are dam-aged, quality furniture is trashed, and allyour belongings could literally end up atthe bottom of the ocean. Never mind thedifficulty of trying to accumulate any siz-able home equity! Statistically speaking,the more one moves, the higher the risk ofsuch tragedies. And, to pour salt in thewound, while in transition, a family shouldexpect to be crammed into low-budgetlodging for weeks while awaiting the endof the move. After ten days, the govern-ment no longer picks up the tab and the rest

of the blissful stay comes out of the mili-tary member’s own wallet.

Second, it seems that the corporateworld offers a much better relocation dealwhen transferring a valued and accom-plished employee at the employer‘s request.(I use the term request loosely when speak-ing of a military transfer, or PCS.) When Ihear my corporate friends describe theirrelocation packages, I get incensed by thewide berth in differences.

For example, a company might buythe employee’s home if it won’t sell.Military: strike one. When a companysends the employee to a foreign country,the company finds a home for the familyand offers assistance for private schooltuition for the children. Military: striketwo. A corporation will routinely moveeverything that the employee owns and ismovable. Military: strike three.

The government will only pay tomove up to a maximum limit of weight thatis pre-determined by some bean-countertype’s little calculation on what each rankshould be allowed to own in pounds. Thisis a problem especially if the military mem-ber is married to someone who earns asalary as well and they collectively pur-chase more belongings than perhaps thegovernment thinks they should. This forcessuch a family to either rid itself of itsbelongings until the maximum is met (kindof like a sinking ship’s crew tossing itsexcess cargo to stay afloat), pay for theoverage’s difference, or load the overflowinto a rental truck and suck up the expens-es and annoyances involved with that.

Obviously, the source of governmentfunds (tax money) is the reason for suchslim entitlements for the military member.The people expect the government to betight with its expenditures (no frills) andfor anyone who works for the governmentto appreciatively accept the low-balling inthe name of public service and patriotism.Astonishingly, that notion works and is alarge part of the military members’ fabric.Now that’s shock and awe.

It seems that the corporate world offers a much better relocationdeal when transferring a valued and accomplished employee at

the employer‘s request than the Air Force.

RealHousewives

KAREN JONESRAFB wife, mother andaspiring novelist

the

OF HOCO

14 MAY 13 - 27, 2011

POST PALOOZAAll I can say is that ifyou weren’t there, youmissed a fantastic eventfilled with great foodand prizes, wonderfulweather and beautifulmusic. Huge thanks to

everyone who volunteered, played or justshowed up to this worthy event. I cannotwait to do it again next year.

THE RETURN OF RANSOMIt’s been awhile since any of us have hadthe chance to listen to Derry and hispower-packed gang of music makers,Deadeye, Matthew, Paul and Gravey, butthe wait is finally over. Ransom will beplaying tonight at Friends on the Hill at104 Westcliff Blvd. I know…it’s Fridaythe 13th, but don’t be skeered to come outand support this great band.

SHE-NANA BANDSI have been lax in my duties as a support-er not only of our great local talent but ofthe venues that host them as well. One ofmy personal favorite hotspots is of course,Shenanigan’s Pub on Houston Lake Rd.Wonderful staff, great food and a friendlyenvironment are just the bare essentials ofwhy I love this place. They appreciate liveentertainment as I do and work hard tobring us the newest and best entertainmentin town. During the month of May, you’ll beable to catch acts like Wayne Minor (14th),

Project 77 (20th) and The John StanleyProject (27th) among others. Thanks toMark, Becky, Suzie Q, Kristen, Erin and therest of the Shenanigan’s team. Keep up thegood work.

HELLO DISASTERWe all know that Wartown is not thenumero uno place for original music; how-ever, we are in line to get a real treat withlocal touring band, Farewell Disaster. Ilistened to some tunage on their Facebookand was highly impressed with the meati-ness of their sound, the clarity of vocalsand harmonies and the general impressionof their professionalism. Farewell Disasterwill be at The Cavern on May 28th and Ican tell you as a huge fan of the originalstuff, that’s where I’ll be. Don’t take myword for it. Check them out for yourselvesonline at http://www.farewelldisaster.com

11 QUESTIONS FOR ONE OFLIVE MUSIC’S UNSUNG HEROSAs a musician, I cannot stress the impor-tance of a great sound mix both on and offstage. I have played venues that have mas-sive amounts of quality sound gear butalas, when played through, sounded likesick mules braying because the ‘house’sound guy would make a perfect smileyface out of the 20 band EQ. Fortunatelyfor WR, there is one man who dares takesound to a clear and interpretable level andhis name is Robin Kurth. Robin has beenon the board for such bands as DocHoliday, Nantucket and Stillwater. I hadthe opportunity to corner Robin this weekand talk to him about sound and music ingeneral and wish to share his commentswith you in this, our first article enti-tled…11 Questions.

Hi Robin. Hi DavidWhere are you from? London, England(Air Force Brat)How long have you been mixing sound?Roughly 34 years.What instruments do you play?Mostly guitar and bass.Who are your musical influences?The Beatles, Yes, Steely Dan and TheAllman Brothers Band.What’s your favorite mixing board?The Midas Heritage 3000 Analog Board.What’s the key to achieving greatsound?...one of the most importantapproaches to achieving "good sound" is

going in with an "idea" of how themusic/event should be represented for theartist's target audience. Understanding theequipment's capabilities, creating some bal-ance and a sense of "air" are also things Istrive to achieve. Talented musicians almostmix themselves, I just turn them up. :-)What’s the best concert you’ve attend-ed?‘Yes’ and ‘Poco’ in 1972 at theSavannah Civic Center.Do you wear ear protection? No I don’t.Who is your favorite local band? Hardto say with so many good varieties of greatbands.What is your favorite local hangout?Haha. My house.What would you like to say to our read-ers? Continue to support local music andthanks for the ton of support that I havereceived from you.

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