Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency

06/18/2026

Looking for branded products and product placements for our COOL SPOT gatherings.

Who’s got your own product that you’d like to showcase at one of our events?

Swimwear? Hydration station? Skin care? Snacks? Mocktails? Wellness products? Candles? Fans? Towels? Summer accessories? Outdoor games?

Note: This isn’t a vendor setup. We’re not looking for booths or tables right now.

We’re creating small, curated experiences where products can be naturally worked into the vibe — placed poolside, styled on a refreshment table, included in guest bags, featured in photos, or used as part of the overall guest experience.

Think: live music, lovely people, summer energy, and your product in the room where the memories are being made.

Interested? Comment below or inbox us with what you have.

06/18/2026

This research confirms what many community arts leaders have known for years: the arts help young people develop far more than creative skills.

Strong arts programs build confidence, identity, relationships, and future opportunities. They create safe spaces for self-expression while helping youth develop the skills and connections that support long-term success.

At Growing Augusta, we see arts, agriculture, and community engagement as pathways to personal growth and opportunity. Investing in creative youth development is ultimately an investment in the future of our communities.

06/18/2026

The Savannah River has always been more than a geographic boundary—it has been a place where communities connect.

I love the symbolism of Augusta and North Augusta inviting the entire CSRA to “Meet Us at the River” as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. In a time when division often dominates the conversation, shared spaces and community traditions remind us of what we have in common.

This event is about more than fireworks. It’s about neighbors gathering, families making memories, local businesses participating, and a region coming together in celebration.

Whether you’re coming from Georgia or South Carolina, July 4 is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our community, and enjoy an evening along one of the region’s greatest assets—the Savannah River.

I hope to see you there.

06/17/2026

Concern is important.

But concern without structure can become exhaustion.

That is why The Georgia Civic Architect includes tools to help you turn what you are seeing, hearing, and experiencing into clear next steps.

Instead of only asking, “Why is this happening?” the guide helps you ask:
What is the issue?
Who is affected?
Who has authority?
Who has influence?
What proof do we have?
What is the next action?

That is how concern becomes strategy.

Pre-sales are open now.
Comment ACTION and we’ll send the link.

06/16/2026

Inside The Georgia Civic Architect, you’ll find practical tools to help you:

✔ Understand local decision-making
✔ Identify decision-makers
✔ Prepare for public meetings
✔ Make stronger public comments
✔ Turn concern into action
✔ Build a civic strategy
✔ Document local work as proof for broader change

This guide is for people who are ready to move from “somebody should do something” to “here is the next step.”

Pre-order your digital copy for $17.
Comment CIVIC and we’ll send the link.

06/16/2026

Georgia Farm Bureau is offering the GFB Cultivate & Educate Ag in the Classroom Grant — a $500 funding opportunity for PreK–5th grade educators to bring ag literacy into their classrooms. 10 grants are available, and applications are open through July 1, 2026.

Know an elementary teacher who's passionate about agriculture education? Tag them below!

Georgia Farm Bureau is offering the GFB Cultivate & Educate Ag in the Classroom Grant — a $500 funding opportunity for PreK–5th grade educators to bring ag literacy into their classrooms. 10 grants are available, and applications are open through July 1, 2026.

Certified PreK–5 teachers in public or private schools are eligible to apply. GFB members receive priority consideration.

Visit gfb.ag/AITCgrant for full guidelines and to apply.

06/16/2026

Today is Georgia's Primary Runoff Election Day.

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you're in line by 7:00 p.m., you can vote.

No matter your party or preferred candidate, participation matters. Local and statewide offices have a direct impact on our communities, and every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard.

Verify your polling location before you go:
📍 mvp.sos.ga.gov

06/16/2026

Today is Election Day, and while my name isn’t on the ballot, I’m celebrating something else: a successful hatch of nearly 40 quail.

My first attempt didn’t go nearly as planned, but that’s the thing about farming, community work, and life in general—you learn, adjust, and try again.

As I prepare these birds, along with a new group of chicks, for their forever homes, I’m reminded why urban agriculture matters. Every garden, flock, orchard, and community farm contributes to a more resilient local food system. It won’t replace the global supply chain, but it can help relieve some of the pressure and provide communities with greater food security and self-reliance.

Resilience was a recurring theme throughout my campaign, and it’s a lesson reinforced every day on the farm. I’m grateful for the new partnerships, friendships, and opportunities that have emerged over the past several months, and I’m excited about the work ahead as we continue building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community.

Sometimes progress arrives one vote at a time. Sometimes it arrives one hatchling at a time. 🐣🌱

06/15/2026

Augusta Savage left New York City in the 1940s for a rural life in Saugerties, NY, withdrawing from the art scene before her death in 1962. She’s best remembered today as a key mentor and educator in the Harlem Renaissance, and one of her often-repeated quotes takes pride in that, while betraying a heartbreaking resignation about her work.

“I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work,” she said in a 1953 interview.

06/15/2026

During my assignment at Cross Creek last year, several students were native Spanish speakers. I struggled with providing adequate instruction that would allow them to participate.

I used ChatGPT periodically for worksheets and such, and they were cool. But….. check out this translation from .

Does it work well, or nah?

Original in comments…