Urban Pro Weekly

22/10/2025

Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture & Agency is launching AgLab: , a high school adaptation of Sunshine Farms’ popular chick hatching project. While the original program was designed for elementary learners, the Cross Creek pilot retains the engaging embryology experience and explicitly embeds Georgia Basic Agriculture (02.47100) competencies—so teachers can deliver rigorous, standard-aligned instruction with clear student artifacts.

“Sunshine Farms gave us the spark,” said Karen Gordon, director of Growing Augusta. “We’ve tailored it for high school with agribusiness outcomes - students manage inputs, document quality, analyze margins, and communicate results just like a startup in the farm-to-food pipeline.”

20/10/2025

https://mailchi.mp/ab4f190f5f31/district-4-forum-tonight?e=a289696b7a

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19/10/2025

The National Association of Women Artists (South Carolina Chapter) Announces Exhibit Winners

The National Association of Women Artists South Carolina Chapter’s The Threads of Labor - Woman’s Online Exhibit is open now through November 15, 2025 at https://nawasc.org/threads-womens-work

Threads of Labor: Women's Work offer visitors a profound exploration of women’s contributions in Colonial America, blending history and contemporary art to create a dialogue about the value of women’s work, both seen and unseen. This exhibit invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of these women and consider how their labor continues to resonate in modern discussions of work, gender, and art. Juried NAWA artists include Jill Cliffer Baratta, Judith Carlin, Sandy Dimke, Meyriel Edge, Joyce Erb, Sheila Plaskon Grabarsky, Deidre Hayes, Linda McCune, Joan Moreau McKeever, Pamela Urban Moore, Rhian Swain, and Beau Wild.

Joanne Crouch served as the Judge for Threads of Labor - Women’s Work Exhibit. Joanne Crouch is a versatile and accomplished visual artist whose creative practice spans painting, encaustic wax, alcohol ink, cyanotype photography, and gourd art. As President of the Art Association of Ridge Spring, SC, she plays a vital role in cultivating a dynamic local arts community and leads efforts to promote creativity, connection, and education through exhibitions, workshops and public events.

Threads of Labor: Women's Work Exhibit Winners

FIRST PLACE - Quilting Queen, Rhian Swain - First Place: $200
SECOND PLACE - Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet of the Revolution, Deidre Gardner Hayes - Second Place $100
THIRD PLACE - Sew Sad Sweatshop, Judith Carlin - Third Place $75
HONORABLE MENTION - Window on the World, Joyce Erb
HONORABLE MENTION - Holding Fast To Her Beliefs, Sandy Dimke
Special Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) AWARD - One Woman's Work: A Framed Portrait, Linda McCune - Sponsored Award: $100

Sponsored Award: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award, presented by the Henry Middleton Chapter, Aiken, SC, to the artist whose work depicts a woman patriot who furthered the cause of America’s independence during the period of the Continental Congress. Established nine years earlier than the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), the National Society DAR was founded in 1890, after the Sons of the American Revolution refused to allow women to join its ranks.

Artwork is for sale. Anyone interested in buying a piece should email NAWASC [email protected] with the title of the painting, the artist and the price. Prices do not include shipping.

To purchase artwork please email [email protected] with the title of the piece and the artist. NAWASC retains 20% of proceeds from sale.  Prices do not include shipping.

17/10/2025

Congratulations to Justin Jones, an 11th-grade student at the Academy of Richmond County High School, and Pilar McClain, an 11th-grade student at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, who have been selected among 79 high school students statewide to serve on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council.

These outstanding students will advise the superintendent on education policy, represent their peers as student ambassadors, and participate in service projects to support schools and communities across Georgia.

We’re proud of Justin and Pilar for representing RCSS with excellence and leadership!

17/10/2025

Augusta Fire/EMA is inviting residents, business owners, and community partners to help shape the department’s future. Your feedback will guide the 2028 Strategic Plan, ensuring Augusta’s fire service continues to protect, prepare, and serve with excellence.
Take a moment to share your input today by completing the community survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7LRSRQ

10/10/2025

24/09/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jennifer Fairfield-Williams, (478) 301-4037 or [email protected]

Mercer Junior Alexander Marshall Chosen to Receive Voyager Scholarship for Public Service


MACON, Ga. — Mercer University junior Alexander Marshall was chosen to receive the prestigious Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. President and Mrs. Obama and Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, recently announced their fourth cohort of 100 college juniors who plan to pursue careers in public service.

The new cohort consists of students from 34 states and territories, representing 71 colleges and universities across the U.S. Marshall is Mercer’s first recipient for this prestigious award.

“The Voyager Scholarship is an extremely competitive award for young people who have a concrete vision for how they will change the world, skills and experience to demonstrate their ability and plan for how they will accomplish their goals,” said Dr. David A. Davis, director of fellowships and scholarships. “Alex’s recognition as a Voyager Scholar signifies that he will be a change maker in the future, and this program will escalate the scale of his impact.”

The scholarship is a two-year program that provides essential tools and resources to help students launch their careers in public service. The program includes up to $50,000 in financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience and access to a strong network of Obama Foundation leaders and mentors.

Marshall, from Augusta, is a law and public policy major with minors in military science and ethics.

“I am beyond honored to have been among the 100 students selected from across the country for the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service,” said Marshall. “It is not only a testament to the work that I have done in my community and my faith, but it signifies a return on my family’s and my community’s investment in me.”

At Mercer, Marshall serves as chairman of the Campus Safety and Improvement Committee for the Student Government Association and as a Samual F. Hart Community Mentor with the Office of Student Success. He was elected secretary of both the Order of Omega honor society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Iota Eta Chapter. He is also a member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Mercer cohort and the Phi Eta Sigma honor society, and he participates in the Mercer Army ROTC program.

Dr. Benjamin James Hoyt, assistant professor of political science, met Marshall as a first semester freshman in his “Introduction to American Government” course.

“He is committed to service, serving to defend his country and serving in the shared governance of student affairs, all while remaining a thoughtful and capable student,” said Dr. Hoyt. “When I think about the guiding principles of the Voyager Scholarship, to support students who will change the world through public service, I cannot think of a more worthy candidate, or a person more likely to carry out that ambitious goal, than Alexander Marshall.

After graduating, Marshall plans to attend law school and hopes to eventually work in a policymaking role in local government or at a state agency.

For more information about the Voyager Scholarship, visit obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/.

10/09/2025

New Annual Award Created in Partnership with Mayor Garnett L. Johnson

AUGUSTA, GA — Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture & Agency, in partnership with Mayor Garnett L. Johnson and the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, proudly announces the creation of the Adderson Legacy in Agriculture Award.

The inaugural award was presented on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to Loretta and Samuel Adderson, founders of Adderson’s Historic Black Farm in Keysville, Georgia. The recognition came during a special proclamation ceremony officially declaring August as Agriculture Month in Augusta.

The award, named in the Addersons’ honor, will be presented annually each August to recognize farmers and agricultural leaders whose work exemplifies excellence in farming, mentorship, cultural preservation, and stewardship of the land.

“The Addersons embody the heart of agriculture in our region,” said Karen Gordon, founder of Growing Augusta. “By naming this award for them, we anchor their contributions in our civic story, ensuring future generations know the heroes who nurtured both the land and our communities.”

The Adderson Legacy in Agriculture Award reflects the couple’s decades-long commitment to sustainable farming, nutrition education, and generational mentorship. It will serve as an enduring tribute to agricultural leaders who, like the Addersons, cultivate not only food but also resilience and community pride.

For more information on Augusta Agriculture Month events and future recipients of the award, visit growingaugusta.org.

10/09/2025

Volunteers and Lowe’s Join Forces to Transform Redemption House Backyard

Augusta, GA – Redemption House, known through its ReNforce program for supporting women as they rebuild their lives, is about to receive a major outdoor upgrade thanks to a $40,000 grant and an outpouring of community support.

The funding comes from Lowe’s Hometowns initiative, a five-year, $100 million national effort designed to create positive, measurable community impact. In Augusta, that commitment translates into a safe, functional, and welcoming backyard oasis for the women of Redemption House.

On Friday, September 12 and 19, 2025, Lowe’s Red Vest associates and local volunteers will roll up their sleeves for a full day of work at the home, located at 3202 Rushing Road. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., teams will tackle projects that go far beyond cosmetic fixes. Plans include landscaping, tree removal, flower planting, grading, and the construction of a pergola and fire pit—all aimed at transforming the backyard into a secure and serene gathering space.

“This makeover is more than a beautification project,” organizers said. “It’s about creating a safe, restorative environment where women can heal and thrive. It’s also about showing the broader community the value of investing in neighbors and shared spaces.”

Redemption House serves as a vital resource for women seeking to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. A renewed outdoor space will not only offer comfort to current residents but also strengthen ties with the surrounding neighborhood by showcasing what collective action can achieve.

The effort is part of Lowe’s broader pledge to deliver 10 million square feet of impact nationwide by the end of 2025. Through Lowe’s Hometowns, the company sponsors 100 large-scale community renovations each year, while also supporting more than 1,700 associate-led projects across the country. From parks to food pantries, these projects are designed to revitalize spaces that serve as cornerstones of community life.

For progress updates on this project and others across the country, visit Lowes.com/hometowns or follow on social media.