Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency

Multiple sources report on the  Trump administration's proposed "skinny budget" for FY26 , which calls for  significant cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, including the elimination of funding for cultural and educational agencies  such as the  NEA, NEH, IMLS, and CPB . The sources also detail various legal challenges arising from the administration's actions, including l...

This information outlines  Black Restaurant Week , a promotional campaign dedicated to showcasing  Black-owned culinary businesses  throughout North America, including restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and specialty food shops. Participating businesses can register for varying  levels of digital marketing support , which include website listings, social media and newsletter exposure, and marketi...

This text, an article from Morning Ag Clips, reports that  Clemson University has become the first organization to achieve full certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard . This certification, announced on  Arbor Day , acknowledges Clemson's dedication to responsibly managing its  campus trees and green spaces  for long-term...

Both sources discuss the challenges and opportunities facing  urban and small-scale agriculture , highlighting the need for  increased recognition and support  for these growers. They point out that current agricultural policies often favor larger, rural operations, making it difficult for urban farmers to access  funding, land, and resources . Both sources emphasize the importance of  policy chan...

This Investigate Midwest article focuses on the  U.S. Department of Agriculture's attempt to rehire employees  it previously forced out through resignations and terminations. The article explains that the administration is now recognizing the  "vital, mission critical" work  these individuals perform, particularly in  preventing and controlling agricultural pests and diseases  throug...

This content from  The People's Pharmacy  promotes a podcast featuring  Dr. Allan Hamilton , a neurosurgeon, who discusses the  hidden capabilities of the unconscious brain . The discussion highlights how the unconscious brain processes vast amounts of information beyond conscious awareness, citing examples like brain activity in comatose patients and the potential for premonitions or influenc...

C. Joy Johnson Brown is a deeply committed individual who leverages her expertise and passion for agriculture to foster community development, combat food insecurity, and promote sustainable practices. Her work at the Belle Terrace Community Garden and through her various leadership roles demonstrates a holistic approach that nourishes both the body and the spirit, driven by her faith and a strong...

This interview highlights Carolyn Henry, owner of the  Stop Food Truck , who moved to the Augusta area seeking a slower pace of life. She emphasizes her motto,  "Where we will stop is where we will cook,"  reflecting her commitment to  harvesting locally  from area farmers and adding  global flavors  to her dishes. Henry strongly advocates for  supporting local businesses and growers , n...

According to data from a  Pew Research Center report , the public holds largely  negative views of key actions taken by the Trump administration , specifically  cuts to federal departments and agencies, increased tariffs on imported goods, and the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies . However, the report indicates that  majorities of Republicans express approval for thes...

An excerpt from an article titled "FDA Suspends Food Safety Checks Following Staff Cuts" reports that the  Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  has temporarily halted a crucial  quality control program  for its food testing labs due to significant reductions in staff at the  Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) . This suspension impacts the ability of the  Food Emergency Response...

This discussion critically examines the  current state of nonprofit boards , highlighting their common  dysfunction and ineffectiveness . It challenges traditional models of board service, particularly the emphasis on volunteerism and fundraising requirements, suggesting these practices are  outdated and detrimental . Instead, the text advocates for  boards comprised of skilled professionals chose...

The provided text is a guide explaining Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), also known as earmarks, for nonprofit leaders. It outlines who can apply for these federal funds, the essential steps for preparation, and the necessary components of a successful application. Additionally, it offers tips for strengthening a request and lists helpful resources, concluding with a checklist for readines...

Growing Augusta's  article outlines straightforward methods to combat soil erosion, a significant threat to food production and environmental health. It emphasizes the importance of soil conservation for nutrient retention, water management, and future food security. The text details five practical strategies:  contour planting , aligning crops with land slopes;  windbreaks , using vegetation...

Cory Brim from the YouTube channel "SugarRimBar" presents his top ten real side hustles for 2021.  He introduces the video with a comedic skit unrelated to the main topic before outlining his intention to share actionable income-generating methods he personally uses.  Brown emphasizes that these are not "get rich quick" schemes but practical ways to earn extra money, focusing on passive or automat...

This YouTube transcript captures a conversation with Leah Dais, the owner of the legacy magazine  Hype Hair  and  The Girl Cave LA  beauty supply stores. Dais recounts her journey acquiring the magazine for six figures, transitioning it to a digital format, and revitalizing its brand through strategic partnerships, particularly with Conair. She also details her experiences building and franchising...

A  ribbon-cutting ceremony  is scheduled for May 2, 2025, to celebrate the installation of  ten new temporary sculptures  along Augusta's Sculpture Trail. Initiated in  2020  by the Greater Augusta Arts Council to promote public art and economic activity, the trail features rotating collections of artwork available for purchase. The event will include  speakers, entertainment, and refreshments , o...

This single source, identified as excerpts from a Fortune article titled "A 92-year-old refuses to sell her home to the Masters golf course that’s spent $200 million on expansion: ‘Money ain’t everything’," is a  news piece  covering a specific incident related to  real estate  and a major  golf course , Augusta National Golf Club, known for hosting the Masters Tournament. The article focuses on a...

Revolt CEO: Cultural Change, Creator Empowerment, and Media's Future

The Center for Craft offers a  Curatorial Fellowship , a ten-month program providing an emerging curator with a  $5,000 award and a platform  to develop and present an exhibition in their Asheville, North Carolina gallery. The fellowship aims to  support innovative curatorial research  focused on craft, particularly encouraging proposals for the 2026 cycle that explore the theme of  Craft and Comm...

Collectively Sustainable's YouTube video outlines the "ABAWD to ABOSS" workforce accelerator program.  This initiative responds to rising inflation, frozen wages, and reduced government support by connecting able-bodied adults (ABAWDs), particularly those facing SNAP benefit work requirements, with local agricultural operations.  The program facilitates a mutual exchange where ABAWDs can fulfill t...

Government Executive reports that the USDA is planning significant staff reductions and a restructuring that involves closing its Washington D.C. headquarters and relocating many remaining employees to new regional hubs.  This initiative aims to reduce the workforce, consolidate operations, and place employees closer to the communities they serve.  The agency anticipates widespread layoffs in late...

Karen Gordon of  Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency  submitted a programmatic request to Senator Ossoff advocating for the  elevation of the USDA's Office of Urban Agriculture  to a standalone division. Her request, detailed in a cover letter and a formal funding request document, emphasizes the need for  dedicated federal support for urban agriculture  to foster food access, economi...

EQIP Bridge Loans: 0% Interest for Conservation Projects

The provided texts discuss  smart farming  and the increasing collection of  agricultural data . One article highlights that  satellite imagery  is being gathered without explicit farmer consent due to its capture from public airspace, raising questions about data privacy. Experts note that this publicly available data is being combined with farmer-generated information to refine agricultural mode...

An IN THE WILD podcast episode from Augusta University features a discussion on professionalism and etiquette for students and job seekers. Experts Ingrid Tutt from the Office of Protocol and Special Events, and Julie Goley, Director of Career Services, address topics such as making good first impressions, including online presence and in-person demeanor. They provide advice on resume building, em...