LOAVES & FISHESQuarterly Newsletter January 2024
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Augusta Food Pantry Expands into New SpaceProject Life, an organization that has provided hope to thousands of neighbors since 1997, has moved into a new space: a former car dealership, complete with a thriving food pantry and clothing closet.
Join us in our New Volunteer CenterAfter a few years of planning and executing, we are finally welcoming in our community members to join alongside us at our new Volunteer Center!
Equity Residential Gives Back
Every November, employees of Equity Residential, a multi-family real estate investment trust, unite for their Community Giving Month. Locally, the accounting office dedicates their time to volunteering with Golden Harvest…
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Golden Harvest Food Bank 3310 Commerce Drive, Augusta, GA706.736.1199 www.goldenharvest.org
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Golden Harvest Food Bank 3310 Commerce Drive, Augusta, GA 30909
Boys and Girls Club
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Columbus Botanical Garden
Celebrate the New Year at Columbus Botanical GardenAs we step into the crisp embrace of the new year, 2024 marks the Columbus Botanical Garden’s 25th Anniversary! Each year our Garden grows, we’re happy to have our guests here with us. Amidst the celebration is our blooming Camellia trail, a woodland home to over 750 varieties of gorgeously colored camellias, unfurling its budding beauties to the new year. We’re excited to have a beautiful new year planned for all our supporters of the Garden.NEWSLETTER PREVIEW:Art of Nature ExhibitCamellia WorkshopsChildren’s ProgramsNaturalist SymposiumVolunteer of the Month
SHINE recapand MORE!Keep up with ALL upcoming events here:
Upcoming Events
Open EVERY DAY
9am-5pm, last entrance time at 4pmMembers and nonmembers, please check in at admission kiosk before entering the Garden.
As always, thank you for your membership!Use your CBG membership to receive discounts on the many upcoming events and visit the Garden as many times as you want throughout the year for free!
Garden Admission: $10 adults // $5 ages 4-17 // Free 0-3
Free entry for CBG Members
Learn More About Memberships
UPCOMING EVENTS
From camellia waxing to learning all about the flower, we’re going to have camellia workshops this season for all our camellia lovers out there! If you’re interested in fun activities surrounding this beautiful bloom, be on the lookout for more of our workshops that we’ve got coming up! Our first planned camellia workshop is… Camellia Waxing Workshop
Saturday, January 27th @ 10AMLearn all about wax camellias with our Camellia Waxing Workshop this January, the peak of our beautiful camellias blooming!This workshop will give you first hand experience and knowledge of waxing camellias, a process that’ll leave you with a flower you can cherish for weeks! Camellia Garden Tours
Saturday, January 13th @ 2PMSaturday, February 10th @ 2PMIt’s camellia season, and we will be leading tours of our Sam M. Wellborn Camellia Garden! If you’re a beginner camellia enthusiast or an all-out professional, this tour is sure to be interesting as we lead you through the intricacies of this precious flower.
Self-Led Camellia Tours
Want to experience and learn about the camellia garden but can’t catch the tour? Try out our self-led tour booklets available at the kiosk! Featuring information about the formation of our camellia garden, the history of camellias, and the profiles of several camellias we have throughout the garden!Pick up a booklet from our welcome kiosk the next time you visit our camellia garden! Kids Events are Back!With the New Year comes a whole new schedule of children’s educational events! This year, all three kids’ events will be the same theme, but geared to each age group. This month’s topic is… Winter Wonderland in BloomEmbark on a magical journey into the heart of winter’s beauty. Designed for curious young minds, this immersive experience invites children to explore the wonders of winter blooming flowers and discover the hidden treasures within the frosty landscapes. In these interactive and age-tailored classes, participants will learn about the incredible resilience of certain flowers that defy the cold to add splashes of color to the winter canvas.Each children’s education event costs:$5 members / $7 nonmembers (per child), free entry for 1 caretaker
Little SproutsTuesday, January 9th, 10-11am3-5 year olds
Register Here
Budding NaturalistThursday, January 11th, 10-11am1st-5th grade students
Register Here
Seedling StorytimeMonday, January 22nd, 10-11am0-2 year olds
Register Here Lunch & LearnWednesday, January 17th, 12:00-1:00pmTommy Alden from County Line Nursery will be here to teach us all about camellias!FREE for CBG members // $10 for nonmembers
Register Here Naturalist Symposium – March 16thOur annual CBG Naturalist Symposium intends to instill a sense of curiosity and ignite a love of the natural world in our surrounding community. This year’s event will focus on the effects that a changing climate is having on our natural communities.We invite the community to join us in a weekend of learning! Our symposium day will be capped by keynote speaker, Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate and the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia.This nature-filled weekend culminates in an event for all ages, with our Kids Day extravaganza, filled with fun weather experiments and hands-on learning opportunities.Students with research in the natural sciences needed!We would like to invite students from local universities to display posters of their own research.Undergraduate and graduate students with research in the natural sciences are welcome. Posters must be 36” x 48”.To enter your poster, please email lmoorecbg@gmail.com with the following information:
Student name School AbstractPoster submission deadline: February 23, 2024 Send your bookworm for a week of camp in the perfect setting, the Columbus Botanical Garden! Campers will read an assortment of books relating to science and the natural world, will complete activities connected to the stories, and will have opportunities to read, discuss, explore, and interact with their peers. It’s a week where the literary world and the natural world combine for learning and fun!Dates: June 10th – 14th, June 24th – 28thTime: 9:00AM – 12:00PMSession 1Dates: June 10th – 14thAge: Upcoming 2nd-3rd gradersSession 2Dates: June 24th-28thAge: Upcoming 4th-5th graders
Learn More! Become a Super Citizen Scientist at the Columbus Botanical Garden!Participate in citizen science projects at the Garden throughout the year and earn your Super Citizen Scientist Certificate.The Columbus Botanical Garden will host 6 citizen science projects from February through October every year. Come participate in these fun and educational events to earn your participation badges.Collect 3 participation badges to receive your Super Citizen Scientist certificate!Check out February’s Citizen Scientist Event:Backyard Bird Count – February 17thEmbark on a feathered adventure at the picturesque Columbus Botanical Garden as we join forces for a day of avian discovery. Nestled within the vibrant tapestry of nature, this event invites citizens of all ages and skill levels to become citizen scientists and contribute valuable data to this global bird monitoring initiative.
Learn More! Self-Led Educational Activities
Learn more! Ireland Trip Supporting CBG!
Learn more and see the itinerary Ten years ago we embarked on our first Ireland adventure. This May 2024 adventure promises to be even better! Our visits to many of Ireland’s very special gardens and Georgian mansions are being organized by Robert O’Byrne. Robert is an extremely entertaining authority on Irish houses in addition to being an accomplished author. He maintains strong connections with many of the “Old Line” Irish families. Our past estate tours with Robert have included lunches/dinners with Lords, Ladies, and Dukes. This special access is rare indeed. Recently, Robert wrote and presented a two-part history of Irish Gardens.The CBG May tour will visit gardens and stately houses primarily in county Kerry as designated by Robert. Because an enthusiastic response is anticipated and a limited group size, a $250 deposit received by January 15th will hold your place!– Geoff Robertson, American Travel Association Photo of Robert O’Byrne courtesy of TVPR A Message from our Executive Director,
Adriana Quiñones
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Repticon Atlanta
Repticon Atlanta: A Walk Among the Wild Things!Repticon brings the amazing world of reptiles and exotic animals back to Lawrenceville, GA, January 6 & 7, 2024, with a fun and educational exposition suitable for all ages and personalities. A truly family-oriented event, Repticon’s reptile and exotic animal shows are held in major cities throughout the United States and attract thousands of enthusiasts.
Our press release, with contact information, is below. If you would like more information, an opportunity for a one-on-one, Zoom, or Google Meet interview with one of our employees or vendors, or to send a reporter or film crew to the event for onsite coverage, please email our media contact.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Repticon Atlanta: A Walk Among the Wild Things!
Lawrenceville, GA – January 6 & 7, 2024 – Repticon, a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, is coming to Lawrenceville with an outstanding mixture of vendors and breeders. This family-oriented, fun-filled event offers guests the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores. Breeder-vendors are always willing to teach in their field of herpetology.
Guests can also shop for a new family pet among the hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids, and small exotic animals. Repticon Atlanta is also the perfect place for them to get merchandise, cages, supplies, and both live and frozen feeders, as well as to get expert advice about caring for their new household member.
This event, held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045, offers a unique family outing suitable for all ages and for a very diverse range of enthusiasts.
Show Hours:
Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Ticket options (sold online only):
$15 Super Ticket (entry for both days)
$12 Saturday (all day)
$10 Saturday After 1 PM
$12 Sunday (all day)
$6 for children 5-12,
children 4 and under are admitted free.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the show, please visit our website: https://repticon.com/
Please contact our Promotions Team by email at info@repticon.com if you would like more information, photos, or to discuss a ticket giveaway. We also offer opportunities for one-on-one, Zoom, or Google Meet interviews with one of our staff or vendors, or you may arrange with us to send a reporter or film crew to the event for onsite coverage.
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PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Repticon Main Office: 863.268.4273 // Office Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
Augusta Museum of History
January-March 2024 – First Quarter
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14th Annual Jimmie Dyess SymposiumThursday / January 11, 2024 / 5-6pmThe Augusta Museum of History is proud to present the 14th Annual Jimmie Dyess Symposium. The symposium was created and developed to recognize Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie Dyess’s courage as both a citizen and a service member of the United States Marines and to identify others who have shown similar valor or made civic contributions above and beyond the call of duty.The symposium includes talks by several distinguished individuals, including the yearly recipients of the Jimmie Dyess Distinguished American Award. Major General Perry Smith, who served thirty years in the United States Air Force flying missions over North Vietnam and Laos, will provide introductory remarks.Honorees for 2024 are local community leaders, Clint Bryant & Nancy Hussey. We will also recognize Medal of Honor recipient, James McCloughan, for his actions as a medic during the Vietnam War.All are welcome to this free event on Thursday, January 11 at 5pm in the Museum Rotunda. For more information on the Symposium, please contact the Museum at (706) 722-8454.
IN THIS ISSUEFrom the DirectorEvents
- 2024 Jimmie Dyess Symposium
- Super Museum Sunday
- Susan Still Kilrain Book Reading & Signing
- Music at the Museum
News from Collections
- So Much More to Discover
- Wilkinson Collection
- Fitz-Symms Collection
- Exhibit Update
- New Acquisitions
- Collection Care Tip
- County Corner
- NAGPRA Update
Welcome New StaffEducation Programs
- Richmond Co. Fifth Grade Field Trips
- Discovery Days
- 2024 Brown Bag History Lecture Series
- Time Detectives
- Voices of the Past
- Schedule A Tour
AMH CALENDARAMH & EHH ClosedDecember 24,25 & 31, 2023January 1, 2024Jimmie Dyess SymposiumThursday, January 11, 20245-6pm, Museum RotundaAMH & EHH ClosedMonday, January 15, 2024Martin Luther King Jr. Day ObservedBrown Bag History SeriesJanuary 17, 2024Evidence of Impact Series OverviewDr. LeeAnn CaldwellSuper Museum SundayFebruary 11, 2024Free Admission To AMHBrown Bag History SeriesFebruary 14, 2024History Through ManuscriptsCourtney BergeAn Unlikely Astronaut Book Reading & SigningWith Susan Still KilrainSaturday, February 17, 202410:00am, Free To PublicAMH & EHH ClosedMonday, February 19, 2024Presidents’ Day ObservedMusic At The MuseumSaturday, March 9, 2024Featuring Created 2 PlayBrown Bag History SeriesMarch 13, 2024Genealogy: Historical Family RecordsCatherine RobertsonAMH & EHH ClosedSunday, March 31, 2024Easter ObservedVoices of the Past1st Saturday: The Other Tubmans2nd Saturday: Petersburg Boat Pilot
From The DirectorThe Augusta Museum of History will be adding two additions over the next three years: a functional loading dock and corridor connecting the main Museum with the Knox Foundation Center for the Preservation and Study of the CSRA History. Having this structure will ensure that when moving artifacts between the two buildings the items will have the very best environment.
After the loading dock/corridor is complete the next addition will be the adjacent warehouse which was once the office and shop for the Bowes Construction Company (at one time called the T. Markwalter, Augusta Marble Works). T. Markwalter was responsible for many of the monuments, mantels and tombs in the area. The Bowe Construction Company began in 19th Century, but prospered throughout most of the 20th Century. The company was responsible for providing building supplies for homes, bridges, and buildings throughout Georgia and around the United States. It is a an incredible inventory of buildings, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church to the State Capital in Atlanta. In the 1920s and 1930s they expanded and began paving roads from Broad Street in Augusta to Salisbury, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee.
The warehouse will be converted into a woodshop/design studio. The current woodshop space will be turned into much needed exhibition space. One of the major reasons for moving the shop is the dust particulates that it generates whether cutting wood or plexiglass, painting, sanding and finishing products fumes. The shop shares the same air handling system that carries heat and air conditioning to public spaces and exhibition galleries. In its new location it will have its own systems.
As the project moves forward, I will giving tours of the additions. Stay Tuned!Nancy J. GlaserExecutive DirectorAugusta Museum of History
Free Admission To The Museum For Everyone
February 11th is Super Museum Sunday and the Augusta Museum of History is thrilled to offer free admission for all on this day from 1-5pm. There will be fun events happening at the AMH this day in association with our Discovery Days Program. (See more info in the education section on Discovery Days) Please put this date on your calendar, invite your friends & family and join in the fun.
Local Legend NASA Astronaut Susan Still Kilrain Returns to Augusta!
The Augusta Museum of History is proud to have Astronaut Susan Still Kilrain, at the Museum for a book reading and signing on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10am.Commander Susan Still Kilrain is an astronaut, a Navy test pilot, an aerospace engineer and a world traveler. She is the youngest person to pilot the space shuttle, and one of only three women to do so. Susan piloted space shuttle missions STS-83 and STS-94 both in 1997, spending more that twenty days in space. Susan is currently a motivational speaker, specializing in encouraging young women and underprivileged teens to excel in STEM careers.Susan will read her book, An Unlikely Astronaut in the Museum Rotunda. Books will be available for purchase, and the reading is free to attend. To celebrate the day we will offer free crafts in the Garden City Room after the Book Reading from 10:30am-12:00pm. Make sure you put this date on your calendar.
Created 2 Play Coming To The AMH!
Music At The Museum returns with a free performance from Created 2 Play on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00pm.Created 2 Play is a local youth drumline program that started in 2019 by Jermal & Christine Harris. C2P Drumline not only serves as a source of musical enrichment, but also as mentorship and unique education for local youth. Their mission: to use musical and visual experiences as well as performances to assist the children in the Augusta community to develop confidence, cooperation, leadership, responsibility, and standards of excellence.Save the date and invite your family and friends for this entertaining and inspiring afternoon of music.
SO MUCH MORE TO DISCOVER
Sweetheart Pin, ca.1942You’ll find this symbol of affection with our military history exhibits. “Sweetheart Pins” like this one were worn in support of loved ones stationed abroad during World War II. This pin, with its anchor design and “USN” initials indicates that the wearer’s loved is a member of the United States Navy.Museum Purchase1997.004.014
The Peace Sign Hand Figure, ca. 1960s
The Counter-Culture moment was popular in the 1960s, and the peace sign was symbolic of the peace and tolerance that was promoted in this movement. It was, and still is, used in many forms of media to reference the iconic era of the 1960s.Donated by Adam Engel1999.138.001
NEW DISCOVERIES
Wilkinson Photography CollectionThe Wilkinson Photography Studio collection has over 250,000 negativesdocumenting the CSRA’s past. Robert Wilkinson Jr. was a prominent photographer in the Augusta area active from the 1940s-1980s. Donated by Wilkinson family members Linda Askey and Charles M. Askey, Jr., the collection is digitized and cared for through the Photography Collections Internship Program. The following are a few interesting discoveries made during the collection care process.
The Augusta Museum of History wishes to thank the Community Foundation of the CSRA for the generous grant to support the Wilkinson intern for 2023.
Fitz-Symms CollectionDonated by Kirk and Lora Baxley in memory of Robert Symms, the photographic collection of Fitz-Symms Photography captures the history of the Augusta region between the 1940’s and the 1980’s. To preserve this history, the Photography Collections Internship Program at the Augusta Museum of History processes this collection by scanning and rehousing its 800,000 photographic negatives. The following images represent just a fraction of the negatives which thus far have been processed.
J.B. Whites Fashion Show, 1965Located in Augusta, GA, The J.B. Whites Department Store was first established in Augusta, GA in 1874. This image is taken by Fitz-Symms for J.B. Whites Department Store in 1965 during one of their fashion shows. The image shows women who were models a variety of styles, from daywear to evening gowns, At the time of this image J.B. Whites was located at 936 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia
Jefferson Hospital, 1974Jefferson Hospital dedication ceremony and hospital walkthrough, located in Louisville, GA. The hospital had its groundbreaking for the new structure in August 1972 and opened its doors in March 1974. After speeches and ribbon cutting, several hospital officials toured the facilities. This group of gentlemen are being given a tour of one of the new surgical rooms.
Johnson Motor, 1966These image, taken by Fitz-Symms for Johnson Motor in 1966 shows the exterior of the property taken from the roof of the Maxwell Building. This shoot was done to include in a brochure made by Edward Seigelson. The image is taken at dusk showing the lights of the showroom and signs as well as several vehicles for sale.
EXHIBIT UPDATE
Wells Fargo Textile CaseSeasons: A Year in Augusta’s FashionsThe Wells Fargo Textile Case now features Fall fashions, installed on October 2nd. The final installment in the 2023 Seasons Series features football, county fairs, and Halloween costumes. The exhibit will be on view through January 7th, after which the case will feature a new theme for 2024!Coming SoonFantastic Fibers:Augusta’s Textile ArtJanuary 11, 2024 the Wells Fargo Textile Case will begin a four-part series featuring objects from our textile collection for the artistic skill that went into their production. Follow this series as we learn about the ways Augustans have made their lives vibrant with leatherworking, weaving, crochet, needlepoint, and more!New Acquisitions CaseOn January 25th, 2024 new items that recently entered the Museum’s collection will be added to the New Acquisitions Case. This case is located near the Trolley and will be curated by Wilkinson Intern, Dana Wilde.
New Acquisitions
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THIS WEEK at the Morris
BBB Holiday Safe Smart Shopping Tip
David Weekley Homes delivered a holiday bounty
Grant a Wish
GIVE FOR A MORE BIKEABLE, WALKABLE MACON-BIBB COUNTY
GIVE FOR A MORE BIKEABLE, WALKABLE MACON-BIBB COUNTY!
We’re passionate about creating a Macon-Bibb County where everyone can experience the joys and benefits of biking and walking, whether it’s commuting to work, exploring our neighborhoods, or simply enjoying the fresh air. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in 2023, and we’re excited to share our accomplishments with you and continue making a positive impact with your support.
Your donation on Giving Tuesday will help us continue to advocate for policies that prioritize biking and walking, develop innovative programs that promote sustainable transportation, and create a Macon-Bibb County that is truly bikeable, walkable, and accessible for all.
Join us in making Macon-Bibb County a place where everyone can thrive.
CLICK TO SUPPORT BIKE WALK MACON’S WORK!
A FEW 2023 HIGHLIGHTS…
Expanding Safety Programs
We expanded our bicycle and pedestrian safety programs in 2023, launching new education initiatives for youth and seniors at nine Macon-Bibb County Recreation Centers. We also partnered with United Way, Safe Routes to School, and other partners to introduce walking school bus programs at LH Williams Elementary and Burdell-Hunt Elementary Schools.
Bringing People Together
We extended the reach of our popular Open Streets Macon program to the Houston Avenue neighborhood, reclaiming streets for people and showcasing the benefits of car-free spaces. In addition, we introduced our new Play Streets Macon initiative in the Greenwood Bottom, Downtown Macon, East Macon, and Bellevue neighborhoods, creating temporary, car-free play spaces for families and children.
Enhancing Infrastructure
We partnered with the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood to install Macon’s first protected cycle track along Walnut St, providing a safer and more accessible route for bicyclists. This project also included improved pedestrian crossings, an intersection mural, and updated signage, enhancing the overall experience for pedestrians and cyclists alike. We also collaborated with the Macon 200 Committee and local artists to paint a bicentennial-themed mural on Main Street, celebrating Macon’s rich history and culture.
Group Rides and Walks for All
We continued to offer free group rides and walks for people of all ages and abilities, including our popular Bike Party rides and Tatnall Tuesday walks. These events provide safe and social opportunities for people to enjoy bicycling and walking while connecting with others in their community.
Making Holidays More Enjoyable and Safe
We worked with the city and NewTown Macon to add safer pedestrian crossings on Poplar St. during Downtown Macon’s Christmas lights, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer experience for visitors.
Advocating for Change
Our ongoing advocacy, from the grassroots to the government level, is making Macon-Bibb County a better place for everyone. This year, we witnessed Macon-Bibb County allocate more funding for pedestrian improvements, establish a Traffic Safety Manager position, transform Cotton Avenue Plaza, and secure funding for the expansion of bike lanes down Walnut Street and the enhancement of Linear Park.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Your donation will help us continue to make a difference in our community. Here are a few ways you can support Bike Walk Macon on Georgia Gives Day:
- Become a member: Your membership dues help us fund our programs and advocacy efforts, ensuring that we can continue to create a more bikeable, walkable, and accessible Macon-Bibb County for all.
- Make a one-time donation: Any amount is appreciated, and every contribution helps us move closer to our goals.
- Tell your friends: Share our story and encourage them to support Bike Walk Macon’s mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community.
CLICK TO SUPPORT BIKE WALK MACON’S WORK!
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