HoCo. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWSWEEKLYMAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011 • VOL 1, ISSUE 5

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

Georgia PeachFestival June 3 - 11Festival June 3 - 11

SHAKEY’S PIZZASHAKEY’S PIZZAcelebrates 40 yearscelebrates 40 years

Real Housewivesof Hoco, page 13

Georgia PeachFestival June 3 - 11

SHAKEY’S PIZZAcelebrates 40 years

Patriotic

COVER MODEL Coco Esser

Pin-Ups

SPECIALFEATURE:

MILITARYAPPRECIATION

MONTH

Free Free ROBINS AVIATORS GEAR UP FOR SECOND SEASON

4 MARCH 17-30, 2011

15 days Not to miss events in the next two weeks- GEORGIA PEACH FESTIVAL- THE WELL REDS AT BARE BULB COFFEE- FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

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, number crunching

community BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 5U Roll ‘Um Smokes has perfected science of smoking

VIEWS/NEWS 8 A weekly recap and local community news & views- ROCKING LIKE A HURRI-CAIN...

by Bill Knowles- REAL HOUSEWIVES OF HOCO 13

MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011 3

IN THIS ISSUE: MAY 27 - JUNE 10

JUNE 3 -11GEORGIA PEACHFESTIVAL

Unlike many Robins’ residents, I don’tcome from a military family and,except for an Uncle who was drafted

during the Vietnam War, I knew no one whoserved his or her country. I never gave our serv-ice men and women much thought, until theGulf War. I remember driving home fromTennessee after a blissful 10-day vacationwondering why large flags were draped onmany of the overpasses on I-75. As we traveledsouth, I began to notice numerous cavalcadesof tan colored army vehicles headed north.

As we approached Atlanta, those flagdraped overpasses became populated by civil-ians holding signs of support and saluting thetroops as they passed below. An ominousforeboding came over me as I searched theradio for a news station. And in the months tofollow, I watched with the world as televisionscreens brought scud missiles and their devas-tated targets into our living rooms.

I quickly became versed in war jargonand began to realize the great sacrifice of ourmilitary and their families. And although Ilike to think I am no longer ignorant of themany challenges facing our troops, I knowthat one can never fully understand unlessshe, or someone she loves, has actually

walked a mile in those combat boots. May is Military Appreciation month and

this weekend is Memorial Day Weekend andthe 11th Hour Houston County salutes ourtroops. In honor of those who have served oris part of a military family, this issue is dedi-cated in honor of all military, active or retired.Base historian William Head gives an accountof the beginning of Robins Air Force Baseand the affect it had on the community (forthose of you who answered the Facebook triv-ia question, Wellston was the name of our citybefore it became Warner Robins). RachelHelie tells the story of an active military fam-ily and David Brockway salutes VETSROCK, whose mission is to provide resourcesand assistance to veterans of all branches ofthe United States Military.

We encourage you to join us in remem-bering the many sacrifices made for our free-dom. Make a point of thanking our men andwomen in uniform when your paths cross thisweekend. Take part in the US Military VetsMotorcycle Club at Yamaha of Byron for the11th Annual Memorial Day Ride toAndersonville National Cemetery. Or you canmake a tangible show of support by making adonation at www.vetsrock.org.

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.

Befriend us on Facebookfor up to date live musicschedules, not-to-miss

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The things making our world just a little bit better | by brad evansWe LikeI’ve never watched American Idol, but The Voicehas me tuning in every week. I think its justbecause it’s fun to watch Cee-Lo, but I don’t evenflip during the commercials these days. AlongsideTreme and Nurse Jackie, and with True Blood ondeck, I can finally say I watch a lot of TV proudly.If you’re one of those people who boast about nothaving time, you should look into the DVR.Technology is awesome because it works.

Just got back from The Hangout Fest in the cock-strong state of Alabama. I saw My MorningJacket, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals,Warren Haynes, The Avett Brothers, Motorhead,and the Flaming Lips, with brief glimpses ofBassnectar. It was really hot and really crowded,

but the tunes rocked, I’m just getting old. Music-wise I’ve bought Death Cab for Cutie’s newalbum, Codes and Keys and I’ve sampled from

Cults ‘Cults’, as well as Low, and some MarvinGaye and Wayne Cochran. I’ve been reading InCold Blood, by Truman Capote, In the Garden of

Beasts by Erik Larson, and Smokin with MyronMixon, by the BBQ master himself. I want to getThank You Notes, by Jimmy Fallon. “Thank you ,Hankerchiefs, for saying ‘I blow my nose into a tinypillowcase in my Pocket’. It’s maybe my favoritesketch on TV. The greatest youtube video I’ve seenin ages belongs to the Ottoman Humpers. Look itup and get prepared to be appalled.

The greatest headline I’ve seen lately was actuallyon local news site 13wmaz. It read Thor HammersBridesmaids at the Box Office. I didn’t seeBridesmaids, but Thor was fun as hell to watch.Yes, I’m excited about Captain America, The GreenLantern and X-Men First Class, more than I am theHangover II, what’s it too you?

FAREWELLDISASTER AT THE CAVERN

04 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011

DOUG MACMILLAN

Once in a while, you find a newpair of jeans that fit likeyou’ve worn them for years.

Occasionally, you walk into a roomthat feels like it was built just for you.If you’re fortunate, at least once inyour life you’ll make eye contact witha stranger who looks back at you likea friend, someone who already knowsand loves you for what you are.

If you’ve not heard The WellReds, an Atlanta based rock-pop quar-tet, you’re in for a similar treat. Justa few beats into Violet, the title trackfrom their freshman EP, and you’llfind yourself humming along, wondering how yousomehow know this song you’ve never heard before.By the end, you’ll be craving more and wishing the EPwas a full length album. “Soon,” says Jeremy Ezell, theWell Reds front-man. “We’re working really heardthese days and we hope to have some new music outthis summer.”

Formed in 2008, the Well Reds have quickly carveda place for themselves in Atlanta’s challenging and oftenunderestimated rock scene. “I called Sean and Rex andTorin to come record with me on a solo record I wasworking on,” says Ezell. “And as soon as we started

rehearsing together it became clear we were a band… itwas so fast, we just clicked.” Their chemistry is evidentto the listener as well. Though The Well Reds have onlytwo years of part-time gigging under their belts, theirlive performances sound like they’ve been knockingdown nightly tour dates for years.

The meaty rhythms of The Well Reds’ songs rippleand strain like muscles under a good t-shirt. In the gui-tar work of Sean Crawford, you can see the lights of theAtlanta skyline, a sparkling tapestry draped over thestructure of their songs. Jeremy Ezell’s soaring tenormelodies speak of hope made wiser by pain. Mix these

elements together and you get strong hooks, memorableharmonies, and great song craft. In short, The WellReds are the real deal. They are a rock-pop band withthe musicianship, technical skill, songwriting, and stagepresence to be a compliment to the artists to whom theyare often compared: Phil Collins, U2, Coldplay, andMaroon 5.

The Well Reds (Nathan Angelo opening)8:00 PM, Saturday, May 28Bare Bulb Coffee1117 Highway 96Tickets $5.00

5/28THE WELL REDS PLAY BARE BULB COFFEE

CALENDAR

TIME OUTS

NIGHTLIFE

DINING OUT

Email your event tomeg@11thHourOnline.com.

SATURDAY, 5/28US Military Vets 11th AnnualMemorial Day Ride to AndersonvilleNational Cemetery12:30pm - 3:30pM, Meet at the Yamaha of Byron300 Ga Highway 49 N. The Ride is FREE to ALL!Follow us back.... Party at USMV/MC CLub House,

201 Wyler Ave, Warner Robins, (Behind MarbleMasters on N. Davis Dr.)50 / 50 & Door Prizes,Live Band Starts at 5:00 pm (no charge) For InfoCall: Cowboy 478-447-4440.

Stack the Trucks!Houston County High School Bands, Fill the bandtrucks with non perishables for tornado victims.10am - 2pm.

TUESDAY, 5/31Free Group Work OutThis is a free Turbo Fire work out. Held by theMiddle Ga fitness club and the War town Warriors.Come on out and Have a great time getting intoshape. 6:30pm - 9:30pm Quality Suites, 4080Watson Blvd in Warner Robins.For more informa-tion call (478) 442-8507.

FRIDAY, 6/3Economic Impact of Robins Air ForceBase is the topic of the Robins Regional Chamberof Commerce’s June Business Forum; to be heldonFriday, June 3, 2011 at 12:00 noon at theChamber of Commerce.The cost of the event is$12.00 for Chamber members and $25.00 for non-members. To RSVP, please email Donna Scott atdscott@warner-robins.com by Tuesday, May 31,2011 . A lunch will be provided.

SATURDAY, 6/42011 Georgia Peach Festival- Opening weekend in Byron10 a.m. Paul Reehling Memorial Poker Run5 p.m. Free concert and kids activities North PeachPark, Byron9:45 p.m.: Fireworks

SUNDAY, 6/53 p.m. School House Rock, Austin Theaterin downtown Fort Valley, presented by Bliss & Feet

TUESDAY, 6/7Spaghetti & Jazz, Austin Theater in downtownFort Valley. Tickets $10 per plate, take-outs avail-able. 5:30 - 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, 6/11Closing day of Georgia Peach Festival7 a.m.: 5K Road Race and Fun Run, Fort Valley10 a.m.: Peach Festival Parade starts at Boys andGirls Club in Fort Valley2 pm: World’s largest peach cobbler is served FREE7 p.m.: Concert on the main stage in the courthouseparking lot, free

CULTURECALENDAR

15DAYS

11thHourOnline.com 5

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

5/27 DOWNTOWN MACONFRIDAY FEST, FREE EVENTSThe 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.

5/30 GRACE POTTER & THENOCTURNALS @ THE CAPITOLGrace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnalscombines sexy and ass kicking into one hot andpowerful rock act. Don’t miss this show takingplace on an otherwise uneventful Monday nightat the Cox Capitol Theatre. Part of the BonarooBuzz Tour, tickets $25. Opening act, theFuturebirds!

“…their self-titled album may make a starof Potter, 27, who has already driven festivalcrowds crazy… Leave it to a dude fromBrooklyn and a long-haired band from Vermontto collaborate on the year’s best Southern-rockalbum.”- Playboy (July 2010)- “Best new bands 2010” - Rolling Stone

5/31 A SHOT AT COMMERCIALFAME, THE SHOPPES AT RIVERCROSSING IN MACONLocal residents will have their shot at fame asthe Aha Moment Tour makes its way to Macon.Featuring a one-of-a-kind mobile television stu-dio in a 34’ Airstream trailer, the Aha Moment

Tour is part of Mutual of Omaha’s search fortheir next commercial spots featuring real peoplesharing real stories. From the participants alongthe 25-city tour, several new 30-second ads willbe produced to air on national television nextspring. 11am - 7pm, (678) 409-8140www.ahamoment.com

6/2 UNIVERSAL CIRCUS ATMACON CENTREPLEX“We are a circus with a rhythm and beat all ourown,” said UniverSoul Circus Founder and CEOCedric Walker. “We will always produce a showfilled with soul and hip hop music, and we willalways feature only the most dynamic perform-ers from around the world.” Tickets $18 and up.

6/3 THE LEE BOYS AT THEFAMED GRANT’S LOUNGEThe Lee Boys are one of America's finestAfrican-American sacred steel ensembles. Themusical genre is rooted in Gospel, but infusedwith rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop,country and ideas from other nations. $10 admis-sion includes a fried fish ‘n grits plate. Browsethe legendary “Wall of Fame” of Grant’s backduring the Capricorn days and Macon’s musichey-day while your there.

6/4 THE BIG HOUSE PRESENTSRANDALL BRAMBLETTThe Big House presents Randall Bramblett &Geoff Achison Band at The Douglass Theatre.Featuring Yonrico Scott & Ted Pecchio. 7 p.m.Tickets 478.742.2000. 355 ML King Jr.

6/12 SECOND SUNDAY AT SUNSET: THE GRAPEVINE INWASHINGTON PARKFree, outdoor concert presented by College HillAlliance and all-ages art activity presented byMacon Arts Alliance. 7-9 p.m. 478.301.5008.CollegeHillMacon.com. College St. at MagnoliaSt.Blvd.

15DAYSBEST BETS JUST DOWN THE ROAD

Rolling your own tobacco is a science that U Roll Smokes haveperfected, saving you from some harmful carcinogens

A CLEANER SMOKEBUSINESS

JENNY MURR

URoll Smokes sits inconspicuously onthe side of Watson Blvd. beckoningsmokers to venture in to try something

new—do it yourself smokes. That’s right! Forless money, smokers can get a better qualitysmoke that is cleaner than the usual product.It’s really quite a science, making your ownsmokes, but don’t be intimidated…there aretobacco technicians on site to guide youthrough the process.

“We strive to please our customers,” saidstore manager Courtney Jones, who eagerlyteaches newcomers the ropes.

First, smokers discuss the type of blendthey want before the technicians create a per-sonalized concoction and make a single smoketo be sampled. Customers try the stick in a spe-cial “smoking room” complete with a leathercouch, cigarette stick rug and flat screen TV.Once satisfied, the customer purchases thetubes (with or without a filter) and their ownspecial blend and head to the production room.

Technicians are not allowed to producethe smokes for customers, but they are happyto impart their special knowledge to those will-ing to try. Once loaded with tobacco and tubes,the machine produces between 190 to 200smokes. Customers are encouraged to weigh asampling of the finished product to ensure thateach smoke weighs between 1.1 – 1.3 grams.

News of this inexpensive alternative hasspread and the store actually has regular clientswho make a weekly trek from Vienna to pur-chase their smokes. For some customers, priceis the draw since a box of smokes is almost halfthe price of their counterparts. For others, it’sthe quality and cleanliness of the smoke.

First-time customer, William James ofKathleen, saved $12 per box and even pickedup a Father’s Day gift for his dad—a SherlockHolmes Mershon pipe.

“[The smoke is] very bold flavor and asmooth without the taste of chemicals,” he said.“It’s a lot better taste with not near as many car-cinogens. And it doesn’t go out every 2 sec-onds.”

Jones attributes the good burn to the lackof carpet glue in their smokes. “In order toreduce bed fires, the industry puts carpet glueinto their cigarettes,” she explained. “We don’tuse those types of chemicals.”

According to Jones, the most requestedblend is what they have termed “burkish,” abold flavored Turkish blend that, once placedinto menthol tubes, tastes like Newport’s. Ablend mimicking Marlboro Lights is a closesecond.

In addition to smokes, the store offersretail products. The store offers lighters,smokeless ashtrays, and candles to combat theodor of smoke. Also on hand are humidors,pipes and even Hookah tobacco and pipes.Cigars range from $2 - $18.

“We take care of our clients,” said Jones.“We offer special promotions and military dis-counts.” In fact, if you mention the 11th HourHouston County during your visit, you willreceive a $23.99 box of smokes for just $19.99(good thru June 9th).

U Roll Smokes has two locations inHouston County and only accepts cash pur-chases. Hours of operation for both stores are 9a.m. – 7 p.m. The Warner Robins store is locat-ed at 2520 Watson Blvd.; 478-293-1955. ThePerry store is located at 1200 Macon Rd.; 478-988-0005.

I saw it in the 11th Hour! Special reader discount, get a box of

chemical-free, rolled cigarettes for just$19.99, a $24 value!

06 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011

The “Recognition and AwardsCeremony of the Artists Craftsmanand Photography Gallery Contest”

was held at The Arts and Crafts Center onRobins Air Force Base on May 20. The AirForce-wide program, which was open toindividuals who contribute to the Air Forceand their families, displayed a diversity oftalent and work. Entries and awards wereorganized by age group, choice of medium,and subject matter; categories representedwere Fine Art, Textile Art, and Photography.

Within the categories of Fine Art andPhotography, an artist would choose todepict or explore specific themes: MilitaryLife, People Studies,Scenic or NatureStudies, Landscapes, Cityscapes,Abstracts,or Still Life.

Audrey Shirah won a Blue Ribbon forher entry in the Textile Category. “BlueBonnets,” an exquisite quilt with a flowerdesign, was inspired by the quilts she sawat Pigeon Forge, Audrey began to make herown. At first she made quilts for her family.Now she meets with other quilters everyfirst Thursday at the Presbyterian Churchon Watson Blvd. to make quilts and pillowcases for the Rainbow House, a Safe housefor abused women and children. Her nextproject is a quilted wall hanging of anAmerican eagle surrounded by stars,“United We Stand.”

Leslie Hoops-Wallace won two BlueRibbons in the fine Art Category for heracrylic paintings, “Controller’sNightmare,” which depicts all the aircraftserviced by Robins, and “CagedFreedom”, a political statement. A pro-fessional artist and art teacher, Leslie canbe found discussing a commission for apet portrait, painting on her easel, or teach-ing at the Arts and Craft Center or theButler Brown Gallery. She has been veryactive in the Fine Art Society of MiddleGeorgia and is known for promoting thearts. More of Leslie Hoops Wallace’s workcan be viewed atwww.unicornsquest.sharemyartwork.com/There was some amazing photography inthe show. Jackie Osborn won two BlueRibbons in the Adult division for her pho-tographs of a Spartan C27J in the militarycategory, and for “Missing Mildred,” atownscape. Jackie, who works at C2Technologies, Inc., is a member ofAperture of Warner Robins, a camera clubbegun by Tracey Moore who challengedclub members to enter the contest.

In the Youth Division of Photography,Emily Bilcik won four Blue Ribbons forher Caterpillar photo titled “Hanging On,”her shot of a camera lense titled “TheLooking Glass,” her picture ofMaddingly American Cemetery, and

“Wetland Wonders,” aphoto of Water Plants. Arising Senior at HoustonCounty High, and anHonors student, next yearshe will serve asYearbook Editor, andcontinue studying withAltos Godfrey. Emily hastwo loves, Design andEnvironmental Sciences.Last summer she had anopportunity to study bothat the Governor’s Honors Program inValdosta. This summer she is attendingthe Natural Resources ConservationWorkshop at ABAC (Abraham BaldwinAgricultural College) in Tifton.

Contest entries will be forwarded tothe AFMC's (Air Force MaterialCommand ) Gallery Program and the AF(Air Force)Services Gallery Program.For a complete list of winners, visitwww.robinsservices.com and click on theself enrichment tab.

The Arts and Craft Center serves allmilitary; active duty, retired, reserve, andDOD civilians, contractors, and familymembers, as well as their guests. Itoffers instruction in Arts and Crafts, aswell as a Wood Shop and Auto Shop. Formore information, contact the Director,Joyce Brannon at 478-926-5282.

To view more photos from the event,visit our Facebook page at 11th HourHouston County and while you’re there,“like” us!

LOU WARREN

ROBINS AFB ARTS & CRAFTS CENTERHOSTS ARTS COMPETIONS

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

Do you know someone in the service?

"Yes, I do. Special thanks to Brett Ernst (Air Force) and Christian Mullins(Green Beret) for your sacrifice. I fully support our troops, they are doin' stuffmost wouldn't do." - Tico Springer (WR)

"My uncle is retired Air Force stationed in Alaska. They move every 6 monthsor so. Thanks to the family for all you do." - Jenna Brown (Perry)

"Thanks to the soldiers, Brandon's dad and Kayla's grandpa for their serv-ice. And God Bless You." - Brandon Carlson (WR) and Kayla Wortman

ON THE CORNER

11thHourOnline.com 7

RACHEL HELIE

In many ways the challenges that face a mil-itary family are the same challenges thatface all families. The daily issues of raising

children and budgeting ones’ household loomlarge. The difference is in the level of commit-ment to the mission of being a family. Notonly are our military families committed toeach other, they are committed to the dutiesassigned to them by the U.S. government.Children, wives and husbands are involved inthe difficult moves and transitions that occurduring deployments and adapt in ways thatcivilian families never have to. For militaryfamilies, “quitting” is simply not an option,particularly when both parents are military.

Ken and Melissa are both staff sergeantsin the U.S. military. She flies with a J Stars“canned crew” out of Robins and he is aGuardsman with the Civil Engineers. Theyhave both served for eight years and met whileenlisted.

Ken was born to serve in the U.S. mili-tary. He is descended of generations of deco-rated military men, and knew from an earlyage what he wanted to do, “I have, for as longas I can remember, wanted to be a soldier.”

Melissa participated in her JROTC pro-gram in high school and found an appreciationfor the structure and the military culture,“There is definitely a culture in the military,particularly during deployments. Those peo-ple are my family and my best friends.”

Both Ken and Melissa have had to under-go deployments while also navigating thetough terrain of parenting young children.When their eldest child was three years old,they were both deployed. “The first twoweeks were the hardest,” said Ken, who servedin Baghdad as a security escort during thattime. “You just keep thinking of home andhow much you want to be there with your wifeand kid, but then the routine sets in and thatroutine becomes your home.”

Access to phones in remote locations isdifficult when schedules on duty consumeentire days. Allowed two fifteen-minutephone calls per week, Ken says that it was luckif he could gain access to a phone during offduty hours at all, demand for them being sohigh. “I would have to time it just right, or Icouldn’t make my call,” he said. Both say thatYahoo messenger and Webcam are a Godsendwhile away from home.

Ken and Melissa say that the transition tolife in Warner Robins wasn’t difficult, but theywill soon prepare to move abroad. Melissa hasreceived orders of an imminent transfer. Theytake it in stride. “We’re excited. This will be awhole new experience,” she said.

The military offers services through theFamily Support Center and Ken and Melissahave many positive things to say about thatresource. And the kids adapt to the rhythm oflife in the military. “Will, our five year old,already wants to be like Mom and Dad,” Kensays proudly.

Ken & Melissa,a couple currently at RAFB have two youngchildren they also have to transition to military life

UNITED THEY STANDTIME-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’sShannon’s CafeMama GoldbergsExpress AutoHamby AutoLarry’s Giant SubsBouchezAllen’s PizzeriaGeorgia Bob’s Shenanigan’s

Roberto’s MexicanStarshipMellow MushroomMiddle GA Tech. CollegeWR Music StoreChandler CollisionMajestic FramesTouch of MagickEl TapatioCafe Caribe RestaurantSugar MagnoliasMy Fathers PlaceWicked Art TattooU Roll Smokes

BYRON:Peach Mall Music MastersGeorgia Bob’s ByronCane VineyardsMontana’sLane Packing

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

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

For the first time, Houston County Board ofEducation will live stream graduation cere-monies. “Since this is the first attempt to

show the ceremonies live online, this year is a trialrun in which glitches will be worked out,” saidBeth McLaughlin, Director of Community &Student Affairs. “The system plans to offer thisservice routinely in the future.” A link to watchthe ceremonies online will be posted to theBoard’s home page, www.hcbe.net. Approximately 1,670 Houston County studentswill be part of the HCBOE 2011 graduation cere-monies on May 27 and 28. Five ceremonies willbe held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds inPerry, in the Miller-Murphy-Howard Building.

Guests are asked to be prompt as no one willbe allowed into the arena after the graduate pro-cession begins. West or north gate entrances arethe most convenient.

For more information, please contact the indi-vidual high schools or Anthony Lunceford, execu-tive director of secondary education, at 478-988-6200, ext. 10111.

Houston County GraduationCeremonies Go Virtual

EDUCATION

• Perry High School,Friday, May 27, 8:00 p.m.,about 268 graduates;

• Houston CountyCareer Academy,Saturday, May 28, 9:00a.m., about 44 graduates;

• Northside HighSchool, Saturday, May 28,11:00 a.m., about 375graduates;

• Warner Robins HighSchool, Saturday, May 28,3:00 p.m., about 427graduates; and

• Houston County HighSchool, Saturday, May 28,7:00 p.m., about 554

The Bonaire Middle School FFA Horse Team won first-place at state, plus three indi-vidual awards, in the Junior Horse Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) atthe competition held at the University of Georgia on May 7. Twenty teams and 77students competed.

“I am extremely proud of these girls! They have worked very hard this year andthey did an amazing job!,” said Cheralyn Keily, agricultural education teacher and FFAadviser. Members of Bonaire Middle’s state championship team: (pictured from left)Rachel Kelly, sixth grade;Ali Ikner, eighth grade; Skye Ramirez, sixth grade and GeneMarie Shremshock, seventh grade. In addition Ali won 5th high individual, GeneMarie won 13th high individual, and Rachel won 14th high individual.

08 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011

OPEN

HOUSE SUN.

MARCH 27

2-5PM

SOMEONE WILL WIN A AMILLION DOLLAR DREAM HOMEMILLION DOLLAR DREAM HOMESOMEONE WILL WIN A

MILLION DOLLAR DREAM HOME

1st PrizeONE MILLION

DOLLARDREAM HOME

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RAFFLE PROCEEDSBENEFIT

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SUPPORTED BY

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• Successful Images/WR• Ken’s Stereo Macon/WR• BB&T Macon Mall• BB&T Gray Hwy• Youman’s Chevrolet• Jack O. Barber/WR• Monroe County Reporter

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15DAYS DINING OUT | local dining spotlight

Back in the good ole days, when K-mart marked the end of civiliza-tion on Watson Blvd. and the only

businesses located on Russell Pkwy werea bowling alley and grocery store, backbefore the times of the internet and cellphones…there was Shakey’s Pizza Parlor.

The food was great, especially the “allyou can eat buffet.” It was the place tocome after ballgames or just to be seen. The70s commercial promised, “We serve fun atShakey’s…also pizza.” And it was fun. Itwas THE place to be on the weekends.

One of three anchors for the weeklycruising scene, the parking lot was thehangout. Teens would drive their cars upand down Watson and Russell before rid-ing once through Shakey’s parking lotbefore backing into a space, opening thetrunk and drinking beer…until the policeran them off.

Forty years later, Shakey’s is still acommunity favorite. Businesses holdmeetings, airmen come for lunch, andthere’s even been a wedding receptionheld there.

Parents come in to reminisce whiletheir children create their own memories.And owner, Jim Kiefer, has been aroundfor most of it. Initially a dishwasher(1974), Kiefer quickly worked his way upto assistant manager-working with ownerMike Beardon in both the Macon andWarner Robins stores until 1979, when hemoved to Florida to work at GM.

In 1983, after the untimely death ofShakey’s owner Mike, Kiefer received acall from Wheeler Beardon, Mike’suncle. He made Kiefer a deal he couldn’trefuse—come run both of Mike’s storesfor six months, if he could turn themaround, Mike’s uncle would sell Kieferthe stores…and he would finance them.“I went from working for ‘the man’ tobecoming ‘the man’, Kiefer said.

He and his wife, Carol, worked sideby side for fourteen years at their endeavor.It was a struggle for the first six months,said Kiefer. “We struggled to make it work.We sold the cars, moved into an apartmentnext to the store, and practically ate pizzathree times a day to begin with.” It was afamily affair that included the help of histhree daughters. Kiefer grins when he tellsof how his 9-year-old stood on a box ofolives to run the cash register.

Although Carol and the girls havemoved on to other jobs, Kiefer stillenjoys a little help from his family—hisnephew. Like his uncle, Joseph Kiefer(Macon State Marketing student) startedas a dishwasher and now helps run theplace when needed.

Kiefer attributes his continuing suc-cess to the support of his wife and thefoundation built by his predecessor. “I’vetried to follow in Mike’s footsteps,” Kiefersaid. “Mike was loved by everyone. Hewas a great sup-porter of thecommunity andI try to do thesame.” And thewalls of hisestablishmentreveal his dedi-c a t i o n .A p p r e c i a t i o nplaques acknowl-edge his supportfor HCBOEschools and sportsteams. “I’m mostproud to helplocal schoolsthrough yearbookads and signboards,” he said. “The kidsof our community need the moneyand support.”

Giving local bands and musicians aplace to perform is another way Kiefer con-tributes to the community. Warner Robinsnatives Josh Graff, Mario Martin, and themembers of “Doc Holliday” were just afew. But perhaps the most exciting per-formance of all times was the summer con-cert given by “Stillwater” in 1987.

It was a joke, orso he thought,when Kiefermentioned to oneof his buddiesfrom the bandthat they shouldhave their sum-mer concert at

Shakey’s. And,unbelievably, theytook him up on it.So on a balmysummer evening inJuly, the bandplayed non-stop toa packed house forover four hours.

“Besides the memo-ries of working with my

wife and kids, this is by far my mostfavorite memory,” Kiefer said.

And the memories continue. Buildingrelationships with his repeat customers,Kiefer has witnessed one couple grow up,date, get engaged and celebrate eachanniversary in his store—he even providesthem a heart-shaped pizza.

Kiefer invites you to come make yourown memories at Shakey’s—enjoy the buf-fet (especially the chicken), a drink andrequest your favorite song from pianistSmokin’ Joe Anderson every other Fridaynight.

Shakey’s Pizza Parlor is located at 785 N.Houston Road; hours of operation are 11a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday thru Saturday. Formore information, call 478-923-5381.

FEEDING HOUSTONCOUNTY FOR 40 YEARS

DAILY SPECIALSMonday – Kids NightTuesday – 2 for $11.99Wednesday – Lunch Buffet$5.99 + tax

Thursday – Large 1 topping pizza $7.99 + tax

Friday – Catfish, Shrimp &Hush puppies on buffet

All You Can Eat Buffet $9.95 + tax – 5 to 9 p.m.

10 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 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 beamazed by the succulent USDA prime-aged steak,fresh fish and unique daily specials prepared byExecutive Chef Mike Vinson.Ask about the crab

cake 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 theGoodwill 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, smoked

turkey, 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

Shakey's Pizza ParlorWith an all-you-can-eat buffet offered in addition totheir special pizzas, Shakey's is a family-friendlyplace. Offering specials for kids, military and seniorcitizens, there's something for every taste. Don'tforget the fried chicken and cinnamon buns or you'llbe sorry! Friday night, enjoy a special catfish andshrimp buffet. LD • $; $$ Hours of operation Sun.- Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 785 N. Houston Rd.,478-923-5381

Montana’s Bar & Grill at The LandingsSpecializing in some of this areas finest steaks, ribs,chicken & seafood. With lunch and dinner specials,open seven days a week. Special dinner menuThursday - Saturday 5pm-closing. 309 Statham’s Way,478-923-5222

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

TIPS VIP LOUNGEHALF OFF

ENTREEEvery Saturday, buy one entree

get the second half-off.

THE TAVERN ATSOUTHLAND STATION

$2 OFF ANYDINNER ENTREE

ALL WEEK LONG: EARLY BIRDSPECIALS 4-5:30PM:

Enjoy $2 off any dinner entree.ALSO ENJOY

Mondays: $6.95 shrimp basketfor lunch, 30¢ wings dinner

Tuesdays: $6.95 shrimp basketfor lunch, Buy one, get one free

pasta dinners

JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA

KIDS EAT 99¢Monday nights, treat the kids!

A slice and a drink under a buck

JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA

LUNCH $4.99Enjoy our daily lunch special; 2slices with one topping and a

drink for just $4.99

SHAKEY’S PIZZA

KIDS FREEMonday night kids night! Kidsget a free buffet with the pur-

chase of an adult buffet

BLD: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerBAR: Alcohol Served$: Entrees under $10$$: $10-$20 $$$: Above $20

THE DISH dining hotspotsGRILL ME

A Q&A with those in therestaurant biz

ALANA RECOMMENDSWhere she works? The Tavern at Southland StationHometown: Warner Robins

What she recommends - Chef X Dogwood Club

Favorite Restaurant other thanwhere you work? Genji’s, I lovethe Hibachi Chicken.

NUMBERCRUNCHING

Special Offers andWeekly Dining Deals

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11thHourOnline.com 11

Spending warm summer nights at the ballparkhas been a tradition for generations. Beginningin 1929, fans and families from Macon and all ofMiddle Georgia have come to Historic LutherWilliams Field to enjoy the best that baseballhas had to offer. And this field is what broughttwo Chicago ball enthusiasts to Macon to createthe Peach State League.

Chris Diserio and Bill Larson (pictured right) have over 30 years of collective experience inminor league baseball and summer collegiatebaseball and have been working hard since the2010 inaugural season to make baseball asuccess in Middle Georgia. The in-field has been sodded, improvementshave been made, and theleague is gearing up for itssecond season!

Peach State League season willbegin mid June after the MajorLeague Baseball first-year draft.

Owners of the Peach State League, thatconsists of four teams playing for Macon,

Warner Robins, Milledgeville and Albanyproudly say that most of their support for

the inaugural year at historic Luther WilliamsField in Macon came from Warner Robins.

Discounted ticket offers and season ticket packages will be offered in the 11th Hour next issue.

news & views

OP-ED

Alittle over a year ago, I introduced thereaders of The 11th Hour to HermanCain, then a man who in an off the cuff

statement hinted at the possibility that hewould run for President. Unless you have livedunder a rock, you have most likely become verywell familiar with the former CEO ofGodfather’s Pizza over the last month asHerman has vaulted from a virtual unknownoutside of the South to a candidate poised tobreak the top tier of Republicans vying for thenomination of our party and for a chance ofgoing head to head against President Obama.To say that I am excited about Herman’s can-didacy is an understatement.

Up until a few weeks ago, although I wasexcited and passionate about Herman’s poten-tial bid, I viewed him as a Don Quixote type ofcandidate with excellent vision for the future ofAmerica, fantastic oratory skills, superb ideasbut also not sure if he could vanquish the wind-mills of other candidates that were more wellknown to us such as Mitt Romney, MikeHuckabee (who has since taken himself out ofcontention), Rick Santorum, Ron Paul or for-mer Speaker of the House of RepresentativesNewt Gingrich. All of those thoughts came toa screeching halt as I watched the firstPresidential debate that was held in Columbia,South Carolina as Herman not only won thedebate decisively, but in doing so catapultedhimself over all of the other participants as wellas the candidates who failed to come to South

Carolina, such as Gingrich, MichelleBachmann and Romney. After the debate,political consultant Frank Luntz questioned afocus group that he got together who over-whelmingly said that Cain had won the debate.In their words, Cain was “direct…a breath offresh air…clear and concise…very impres-sive…and the Godfather of business sense.”WOW, I thought! Then Lunzt asked of the 29participants, how many of them walked in withHerman Cain as their first choice to be theGOP nominee. One hand went up. He thenasked how many people now felt Cain wastheir number one choice. In what Luntz called,‘unprecedented’ sixteen hands went up. Thena statement that will be said many more timesthroughout this campaign was made by ayoung lady in the group, “He won us over, Ithink he can win America over!” I agree. Andhave agreed for a long time now. The morepeople who see and hear Herman, the morepeople will support his candidacy. No doubt.

Macon has been the center point of thepresidential campaign for the past week as notonly Herman, but Newt Gingrich came to ourfair city to address the Georgia RepublicanConvention held last weekend, and I was fortu-nate enough to be able to hear both of theirspeeches in person. Now I have heard that com-paring the two speeches is not fair to SpeakerGingrich as Gingrich was speaking to a subduedcrowd who paid a chunk of money to hear himwith a side dish of chicken, while Cain spoke tothe entire Convention with supporters lining thetop rows of the Coliseum. I say hogwash! I cancompare the two speeches and will in a VERYshort summary: Gingrich: informative, well

thought out, deci-sive, long, bland andstatus quo. Cain:informative, wellthought out, deci-sive, exciting,vibrant and not oneshred of status quothought. Ohyeah…BOTH weredelivered with NOnotes and NOteleprompters.

I am not goingto compare on con-trast the speechesby breaking themdown line by line.That’s not what Ido. I will tell you,however, that I kept getting texts from my nor-mally subdued wife as I listened to Hermanbackstage. (Thanks to my buddy MauriceAtkinson.) She had a great seat in theConvention in the third row listening as well.Now my wife was brought up SouthernBaptist, but since we have been married she hasconverted to my faith as a Lutheran. If youknow anything about Lutherans, we’re all astoic bunch and my wife has become the per-

fect Lutheran; onthis day however,she was far fromreserved. Her firsttext to me said,“Wow! He makesme proud to be anAmerican again!I’m almost intears!” and thenfollowed with,“He’s incredible!”To paraphrase theyoung lady in thefocus group inSouth Carolina, ifHerman can bringout those feelingsin my wife, he cancertainly do it

across America. (My wife is a Marriage andFamily Therapist. She doesn’t look at thingsemotionally. She analyzes and makes decisionsbased on the data presented. I call it “therapyz-ing”. And she’s damn good at it.) Over theweekend, we watched a replay of Newt’sspeech on CSPAN. Within about five minutes,she had switched the channel to a Hoardersshow.

SEEING RED

BILL KNOWLESActive member of theRepublican Party

12 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011

NEWS & VIEWSCOMMUNITYEDUCATIONARTIST SPOTLIGHT

5%FACEBOOK POLL: What was the city's name before

it was Warner Robins?

95%York

Wellston. The city was called Wellston beforebeing named Warner Robins in honor of BrigadierGeneral Augustine Warner Robins. The town ofWellston was originally called York.

To say that I am excited about Herman Cain’s candidacy forPresident of the United States is an understatement

ROCKIN’ LIKE A HURRI-CAIN!

Herman Cain will be announcing formally hisPresidential candidacy Saturday, May 21st

at the Olympic Centennial Park in Downtown Atlanta.

11thHourOnline.com 13

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

It’s official. I live in Warner Robinsnow. My mortgage payments are auto-matically withdrawn from my checking

account, I have received a property tax billfor the year, and those unsolicited, compli-mentary return address labels one gets fromthe charities have found me. Also, without adoubt, my social support rug from our lastmilitary assignment is definitely no longerbeneath my feet—those phone calls andemails are now few and far between. I havelived here for six months and I am still asocial Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles, look itup). No longer can I blame my loneliness onthe haze and chaos of settling in to a newplace. I can’t say that I “just moved in” any-more for I have surpassed the self-imposed,six-month benchmark.

I have had to cull through all thesenegative feelings all too often in my adultlife. I have moved seven times in fifteenyears of marriage to a military man. Myperspective, which I base on childhoodexperiences, differs drastically from myhusband’s. Swaddled in a blanket and inmy mother’s arms, I came home from thehospital after my birth and left that samehouse as an ornery teenager eighteen yearslater. In contrast, my husband was born inNew Orleans while his father was servingin Vietnam, then spent his “Air ForceBrat” childhood moving from Californiato Michigan to New Hampshire to Ohioand finally to Nebraska.

Moreover, he has to diligently work atrelating to my need to grow roots in a townand nurture (in person) established friend-ships since it doesn’t come to him natural-ly. He has had to deal with a wife asking forhim to separate from his dear Air Force ona weekly basis the first ten years of his mil-itary service and with same said wife ask-

ing for a retirement date ever since then. (Ifa person serves ten years or more in themilitary, then logically, that person shouldfinish out the twenty years required for thelife-long retirement benefits.) From base tobase, my military sponsor has had to dragme by my hair because I just want to goback to Texas and live out my life in myreal home. My husband likes to joke withhis dimpled smile and suspiciously tightarm around my neck, “My wife supportsme, but not my career.”

Please spare me some of the mostcommonly heard “comfort statements”like, “Home is where the Air Force sendsyou,” which is often seen as wall art inmilitary homes and “You knew what youwere getting in to,” which is really a told-you-so remark and not an affirmation ofincredible insight. Personally, I think Ishould launch my wall art business withthat second phrase since it applies to anyconsenting marital arrangement. TheSong of Ruth is another good one:Wherever you go There you will find me Wherever you lodge That is my home Wherever you die There I'll be buriedYour people are mine Your God is my God

One time, when I was consideringusing a nom de plume, I came across a for-mula that uses your first pet’s name andthen the name of the street you grew up on.In my case that would be Poppy Shepherd.I am currently raising two Air Force Bratsof my own, so I applied the formula to myeldest. Her name would be “Mary ParkNellis Munstead Ashcreek KeeslerSouthfield”—and she is in fourth grade.

This path is not for the wimps.Problem is that I am more exhausted andmore worn with every transition. This hasled to my stagnating in Eleanor Rigby sta-tus and making Facebook my best friendhere. Out comes my bullhorn: “HoustonCounty, Tranquility Base here. The Eaglehas landed” (albeit six months ago).

Houston County, “Tranquility Base” here, the Eagle has landed.

RealHousewives

KAREN JONESRAFB wife, mother andaspiring novelist

the

OF HOCO

RealHousewives

Georgia's Attorney General, SamOlens is joining the lawsuitagainst the act informally known

as "Obamacare,” an appeal by multiplestate attorneys general scheduled to beginon June 8.

Personally, I oppose "The PatientProtection and Affordable HealthcareReform Act", as I do not feel it a proper roleof government to compel individuals, viathe threat of surtaxes, to purchase healthinsurance from a private corporation.

It removes incentives for insuranceproviders to market theirservices efficiently. Ifcustomers didn't like theway insurance compa-nies were behaving, theycould quit doing busi-ness with them—thoughit was a risky option, itwas an option nonethe-less. Now, either you'lldo business with them, or they'll sic theI.R.S. on you.

Much like many issues handled in theU.S. Congress, it started out on the wrongfoot. They should have amended theConstitution before even drafting the bill.They skipped a step in the process: involv-ing the states to ratify an amendment giv-ing the federal government the authority toconsider the issue.

It isn't the first time this has happenedin our nation's history, and it won't be thelast. You can add this to the long list of 'onesize fits all' "solutions" that have come outof Washington. Which brings me to themuch deeper issue, and even if you dis-agree with me on the issue of"Obamacare," perhaps you'll see somelogic in this:

Take a randomized group of 5,000people from the far reaches of the UnitedStates and try to get them to agree oneverything. What do you suppose would bethe result?

Now, take five million and waste yourtime trying to convince them that weshould all do things a certain way. Again,let me know how that works out.

Lastly, take 308,745,538 people andgive them one government to fight over inWashington and you have the current luna-cy that is the United States federal govern-ment. With a plethora of issues not specifi-cally mentioned in the Constitution as adelegated power to the FederalGovernment being fought over in ournation's Capitol, you might think it a bitcrazy to expect everyone to come to agree-ment on, well, everything.

Unfortunately, there are few issuesthat aren't dependent on the actions of ourcentralized democracy on the Potomac.Through federal distribution of highwayfunding, grants with strings attached,

and/or outright mandates, the state andlocal governments, be they Democrat- orRepublican-controlled, are made essential-ly irrelevant by the whims of those onCapitol Hill. A "republic" isn't supposed towork this way.

Article 4, Section 4 of theConstitution “guarantees to every State inthis Union a Republican Form ofGovernment.” The framers of ourConstitution were not referring to the nameof a political party, but rather, to the labelgiven to our system of government.

Republics are supposed to beimprovements over democracies. Our sys-tem is designed to limit the power of thecentral government and split such power

equally among thestates. Federal govern-ment is not supposed todo anything that is notan expressly grantedpower, authorized to thefederal governmentthrough an amendmentprocess which involvesratification by the states.

Amending our Constitution is a diffi-cult process, purposefully designed to bepainstaking, to prevent the majority fromrunning roughshod over the minority, who-ever they may be at the time. It's little won-der we're seeing our freedoms eroding,when it takes just 51% of voters to deprivethe remaining 49% of their rights.

As Benjamin Franklin once said,"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb vot-ing on what to have for lunch. Liberty is awell-armed lamb contesting the vote."Sadly, democracy is what we now have,and it's what our nation's founders warnedus to beware.

I really don't think my idea of gov-ernment's role is the same as a personfrom Massachusetts. However, if a per-son from Massachusetts wishes to run hisor her state government a certain way(say, supporting government-mandatedhealth insurance, for example), it shouldbe of no concern to me, being way downhere in the southeast U.S.A.

Likewise, if you put me in a roomwith a Californian or a New Yorker, we'llprobably argue back and forth over whatgovernment should or shouldn't be doing.At the end of the day, though, we tend toour own states, and discover that ourstates' jurisdictions don't overlap—ourlittle argument, as polarized as it probablywas, turned out to be rather meaningless.At least, jurisdictions aren't supposed tooverlap—throw a morbidly obese centralgovernment into the mix, and the dynam-ics turn sour.

I suggest we should go back to therepublican system of government. It is theonly way that liberals and conservativeswill ever live side-by-side in peace withoutgoing at each other's throats to claim thehelm of a powerful, centralized democra-cy—one that was never meant to be.

SEEING RED

...AND THE REPUBLIC FORWHICH IT STANDS?

ANDREW JONESA 24 year-old that wantsto make a difference

...take 308,745,538 peopleand give them one gov-ernment to fight over in

Washington and youhave the current lunacythat is the United States

federal government.

14 MAY 27 - JUNE 10, 2011

THE LOW DOWNGreetings music lovers!Looking for some liveentertainment? Here aremy recommendationsfor the next couple ofweeks. Chapter 13 willbe playing their last gig

of the season at the US Military VetsMotorcycle Club. It is their AnnualMemorial Day Andersonville Ride andParty at their Clubhouse located at 201Wyler Ave, WR, and yes, it is open to thepublic. Show starts at 5pm. Old schoolstyle country duo, The QuantumPenetrators, are playing Friday, 27th atFriends on the Hill. Yesterdaze is host-ing Josh Byrd and the Neon Jug Bandon May 28th. Also playing the 27th, is TheJohn Stanley Project at Shenanigan’s. Ifyou’re looking for a multi-band line-upwith some great original music, check outFarewell Disaster at The Cavern on May28th. Chris Neal will throw down atBouchez, May 29th with Blood Countryand Southern Psykology at the same onJune 3rd. Also on June 3, Jason & Darinare at Rusty's Grand Opening in Perry.Ransom is playing at Friends II on June17th. 2 Finger Jester is at The Cavern on

June 18th and 11th Hour will be there toshow their support and give away prizes.(If you would like to have your musicevent listed here, please email info tod a v i d . 11 t h h o u r h o c o @ g m a i l . c o m )Thanks. Now go rock out!

There is an organization out there thatdeserves our support and our interest. Thisnon-profit is called VETS ROCK and isgeared towards helping homeless and hun-gry military veterans via fundraising con-certs all across our nation. You might rec-ognize some of the names involved such asJoan Jett, Blues Traveler, Chuck Leavell,Death & Taxes among many others.VETS ROCK was founded in 2009 bylocal vet, Scott Ceratti who is one of themost passionate people I have ever metwhen it comes to getting involved with theneeds of our vets. In Scott’s words, “AtVETS ROCK, we challenge each andevery American to SHOW their support ofour nations true heroes - the brave men andwomen who put themselves in harms way

for every one of us everysingle day. It's great forpeople to say they supportthe troops and ourvets....but at VETSROCK, we're aboutACTION. We believe thatthe time to DO somethingis now. Won't you join usin our effort to providefood and shelter to themen and women whohave given and sacrificedeverything....for YOU?Donate or VolunteerTODAY!” Find out moreabout this awesomeorganization at www.vet-srock.org

BEST BETWhat better way to celebrate music onMemorial Day than to recognize one thebest bands you will ever see, The Band ofthe USAF Reserve. If you were like me,you associated this name with the commonmilitary marching band, however, I cantell you after talking with band memberand organizer Frances Kness, this is justthe tip of the iceberg. These guys play just

about every format of music imaginablefrom modern pop to jazz to woodwindquartets and everything in between.Haven’t heard them yet? Then make plansto attend the Independence DayCelebration at McConnell-TalbertStadium in Warner Robins at 6:30pm withguest star, Wynonna. They will also beplaying every Tuesday in September at theMuseum of Aviation. You can find moreinformation at http://www.usafreserve-band.af.mil

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN...

SCENE NIGHTLIFE | david brockway explores Houston County’s nightlife

FRI 5/27DJ Dance PartyTHE CAVERN

Karaoke FRIENDS II

Quantum PenetratorsFRIENDS ON THE HILL

John Stanley ProjectSHENANIGANS

Karaoke SMOKES, 9pm-1:30am

The Finesse Band$3 Margs, $2 bud lite & YeunglingTIPS VIP LOUNGE

SAT 5/28Chris NealBOUCHEZ

Farewell DisasterTHE CAVERN

Karaoke w/DJ Dale FRIENDS II

AJ THE DJTIPS VIP LOUNGE

Karaoke @ SMOKES, 9pm

Neon Jug BandYESTERDAZE

MONDAYSFamily Guy Trivia, Spot Specials,$5 Pitchers @ THE CAVERN

Martini Mondays @ THE TAVERN

Special: 24oz draft and 10 wings$7.50 @ FRIENDS II

TUESDAYS$10 Drink or Drown, Karaoke til2am @ THE CAVERN

2-4-1 drafts all night @JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA

Martini Mondays @ THE TAVERN

Special: 24oz draft and 10 wings$7.50 @ FRIENDS II

WEDNESDAYSDJ Drive til 2amTHE CAVERN

Trivia, $5.99 Pitchers@ JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA

Indoor Cornhole 7:30pm,Karaoke 9pm @ FRIENDS II

Eddie Stone & Rob Walker6:30-9:30 @ THE TAVERN

THURSDAYSDJ Phi $3 Margs, $2 bud lite & YeunglingTIPS VIP LOUNGE, 8:30-2am

Acoustic Music@ THE CAVERN

JIM CABLE$1.99 drafts JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA

$6 Pitchers all day @THE TAVERN

Texas Hold ‘Em 7:30pmPool Tourney 8:30pmFRIENDS II

FRI 6/3DJ Dance PartyTHE CAVERN

Blood Country & SouthernPsykology @ Bouchez

Karaoke FRIENDS II

Live Music tbaFRIENDS ON THE HILL

SAT 6/4PsyknyneTHE CAVERN

Karaoke w/DJ Dale FRIENDS II

Dart TournamentFRIENDS ON THE HILL

Karaoke @ SMOKES, 9pm

FRI 6/17RansomFRIENDS II

Exclusive HoCo&BAR MUSIC MAY 13 - 27NIGHTLIFE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

TO GET YOUR BAR & MUSIC SCHEDULE LISTED, PLEASE EMAIL: 11thhourhoco@gmail.com

TIPS VIP LOUNGE

THE CAVERN

DJ PHI 8:30-2AMDailyHappy Hour

5-8pm

LIVE MUSICwith Jim Cable

$1.99 drafts

LIVE MUSIC5/19: Jeff Hilyer5/26: Acoustic

duo Jason & Darin

TRIVIA$5.99 Pitchers

10% Discountfor military

all day, every day!

10% Discountfor military

all day, every day!

BallroomDancingClasses

LADIES NIGHTGals free all night!

5/28 FarewellDisaster

5/20: PajamaParty w/DJ Drive

KIDS EAT FOR 99¢A slice and a drink

FAMILY GUYGAME DAY

Shot Specials$6 Draft Pitchers

LIVE MUSICEddie Stone

& Rob Walker6:30-9:30

LUNCH SERVED11-3 DAILY

$6 Pitchersall day

Specials onfood and drink

$2 Tuesdays:$2 premier beers

and top shelf drinks

2-4-1 draftsall night

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM7:30PM

INDOOR CORNHOLE7:30PM

$5 to registerKARAOKE 9pm

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM7:30PM

POOL TOURNEY8:30PM

KARAOKE5/20: Sidewinder

LIVE MUSIC5/28: NeonJug Band

KARAOKEwith DJ Dale

MartiniMondays:

SPECIAL:24oz draft and10 wings $7.50

(also wed & thur)

$10 buckets$6 draft pitchers

LIVE MUSIC5/14: Failtrain5/21: Campbell

Airlines

4027 Watson Blvd.Tel: 971.0100

Hwy. 96 & Moody RdBonaireTel: 225.2351

JOHNNY’S PIZZERIA778 Hwy 96, BonaireTel: 988.0220

THE TAVERN117 Russell Pkwy.Tel: 929.5126

FRIENDS IIRussell Pkwy

YESTERDAZE710 Lake Joy RdTel: 287.6355

$10 DRINK ORDROWN NITE

Karaoke til 2am

DJ DriveSpinning til

2am

THUR - SAT:$3 Margs, $2 BudLite & Yeungling

The United States Air Force Reserve Band willplay Memorial Day and every Tuesday in

September at the Museum of Aviation.

5/28: Farewell Disaster erupted out of the need for theformer members of a successful national/regional touringband to get back out there. Jeff Sutton, Josh Knight,Shaun Deal and Jacob Kay amaze audiences everywherethey play promoting their new album "Disbelief".

6/1: Eddie Stone (formerly of Doc Holiday) and RobWalker (formerly of Stillwater) perform original and clas-sic Americana hits on acoustic and electric guitars. Theseseasoned musicians know how to play the blues, and willget you on the dance floor with southern rock.

11thHourOnline.com 15

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$ 9935

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1229 Russell Pky.Warner Robins

(478) 225-1165

Monday - Saturday 3pm - 2amHappy Hour 3pm - 7pm

24oz Draft & 10 Wings $7.50Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday

FRIDAYS: Pool Tourney 8:30p

Tuesday & Thursday PokerTexas Hold ‘Em starts at 7:30p

WED / FRI / SAT

FRIDAY6/17: RANSOM

EVERY OTHER

KARAOKE CONTEST - 14 WEEKS!COMPETE FOR $1000!

THE LANDINGS - WARNER ROBINS309 Statham's Way • (478)923-5222

BAR & GRILLTUES. JUNE 14Member Appreciation Night 6-8pm

RESTAURANTOPEN 11-UNTIL...

7 DAYS A WEEK

FULL SERVICE BARMONDAY - SATURDAY

Limited menu all week.

FULL DINNER MENUAVAILABLE THUR-SAT

5PM - CLOSING

TUES & THUR7:30PM

POKERPOKER1st come1st serve!

LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS