APRIL 2014

nuçi’s space396 Oconee StreetAthens, GA 30601706.227.1515space@nuci.orgwww.nuci.orgwww.facebook.com/nucisspace

Newsletter Contributors

Bob SleppyChris ByronWill KiserLesley CobbsBetsy FranckDave Chamberlin

Photos

Lesley CobbsHelen Francis

Design & Layout

Larry Tenner

the newsletter for Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center

A Solid Foundation by Bob Sleppy

Several years ago when Nuçi’s mom and our founder Linda Phillips decided to step away from the day-to-day operations at Nuçi’s Space I was

initially concerned. I wasn’t afraid that Nuçi’s Space would cease to exist or that our mission to prevent suicide and serve those in need would suffer. I can say with utmost certainty Linda wouldn’t allow such an outcome. In hindsight, my concern was rooted in a feeling of personal loss and fear of the potential insta-bility the organization may experience while attempt-ing to adapt to such a significant loss in leadership. My feelings of personal loss were understandable. Linda and I had worked countless hours together, just the two of us, during the early years of building Nuçi’s Space. We often joke that we had spent more time with one another than we did with our spouses. Linda’s position as my boss was clear. However, through investment in our relationship and building trust, she also became my mentor, confidant, mother-figure, occasional therapist and most importantly, one of my closest friends. It’s fair to say that the blurring of lines between these roles presented challenges for both of us along the way but one thing remained clear – I have her back, she has mine and, first and foremost, we are both committed to the continued health and welfare of Nuçi’s Space. At the time, the thought of not having her presence at the Space as a reminder of that support was unsettling to me. Fortunately, I quickly learned that the support and guidance I feared losing had not diminished but flourished. We had filled Nuçi’s Space with a staff, volunteers, board members and donors that had been transformed into a community, creating an institution that transcended the sum of its parts. This community had become our strength. With this realization, any fears of organizational instability had also disappeared.

In 2009, as the final days of Linda’s daily trek from Atlanta to Nuçi’s Space began to wind down, many of us wanted to share the news with everyone in our community. We had started to prepare a press release and organize “a big to-do” so that we all could share our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Linda for breath-ing life into Nuçi’s Space and making her dream our

reality. Although appreciative of the gesture, Linda insisted that her departure from daily life at Nuçi’s Space not be announced in such a public way. She preferred for her “fading away” to be seen as a natural evolution, not a grand statement of “the changing of the guard.” Linda wrote in her 2010 Annual Giving Letter, “The longevity of an idea is not dependent on the creator of the idea. It is dependent on the worthi-ness of the idea. Nuçi’s Space will continue because it is worthy.”

By the time you read this Nuçi’s Space will have experienced a significant change in staffing. Four of our key staff and Nuçi’s Space family members will be mov-ing on to lives and jobs that exist beyond the confines of our little blue building. Although we are incredibly sad to know that our time working with these kind and compassionate people has come to an end, we are excited for them as they move on to their next adven-ture. It is impossible to overstate the immense gratitude and love we hold for each of them in our hearts. They will forever be a part of our family and the legacy they tirelessly contributed to through Nuçi’s Space. Obviously, with such a significant change in staffing during a short period of time, there will be bumps along the way as we adapt and grow into a “new nor-mal” at the Space. We will be welcoming new staff and training existing staff to take on new roles and respon-sibilities. However, our success is assured because of the solid foundation laid by those before them.

Although Linda and each of the amazing people that have been integral to the success of Nuçi’s Space deserve a full-blown parade through our streets, they will be cherished for their unwavering commitment to the ideal of service above self. I am humbled by their continued acts of kindness, compassion and selfless-ness. They have been and will continue to be my great-est teachers. I can only hope that when my time comes to “fade away” from Nuçi’s Space I will be able to do so with the same wisdom and grace they have shown.

As always, thank you for your continued support and please consider making a small contribution in honor of the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers.

Nuçi PhillipsMemorial Foundation

Board of Directors

President: Rebecca Hood

Secretary: Ellie MacKnight

Treasurer: Helen Pinson

David BarbeBarrie BuckJulie CheneyPatterson HoodBill OrrBeth Hall ThrasherAnna & Ken Zankel

Founding Family

Linda PhillipsPierre PhillipsKP Devlin

Executive Director

Bob Sleppy

Legal Counsel

Jim Warnes

Nuçi’s Space Staff

Will KiserChris ByronLesley CobbsMatt HudginsDave ChamberlinGlenn ReeceBetsy Franck

Recent DonoRS

November 1, 2013 –March 23, 2014

Athens-Clarke County Charity Drive Committee

Athens-Oconee Junior Woman’s Club

Babaliaros, Constantine & Fotini

Barbe, JohnBartenfeld, Richard & CarolBlaschak, AnitaBryan, Philip & JaneCanine, DavidCarson, Jr., RobertCausey, BrianCauthorn, Nohr & O’DellCoastwise Consulting, Inc. /

Chris SlayCommunityCommunity Foundation of

Northeast FloridaCooper, DeniseDavison, Heidi & AlDickson, BettyFerguson, NancyFirst American BankFlicker BarFrierson, Sarah & JackHanmer, Don & PenelopeHarvey, David & Nancy McDuffHutson, BarbaraJarrett, Seth Copeland & DianeJohnson, JenaKarchenes, RuthKim, Bo-KyungKiser, Betsy & HowellKiser, John & MiriamKissane, John & AmyKnox, John and PamelaLaczniak, MarcLamb, CathyLatona, John & KayLeathers, MiltonLester, DavidMartin, Dr.& Mrs. DavidMathews, RachelMcCoy, DavidMcLucas, BryanMorse, MelissaNagy, KarenNicholson, Dr. PeterOrr, Jr., WilliamPeach MacPerry, SharonPorter, Derek & KendallPrater, AndrewRabinowitz, Allison TaffelRaeburn, Susan DelaneyRoberts, DonRose, II, RichardRudow, RogerSaad Dine, Dr. YssaSaucier, Scott & CindySchools, DavidSeitz, Carole & DavidSheffield, AlisonSimeon, ReneeSimpson, SloanSommer, MarcSloane, Spencer & Country Fried

RockStarrs, ChrisStepp, Jared

Team ClermontThomas, KeciaThomas, TraciTrinity Accounting Group, P.C.Valerio Properties,Walbert, Suzanne & ThomasWalthers, MikeWampler, JohnWhitman, William B. & Paula J.

SchwanenflugelWild Rumpus Halloween Parade

& SpectacularWilliams, AprilZankel, Ken & Anna

In Honor of Drive-By Truckers (Three Dimes Down)

Adams, ChristopherAdams, JohnAlexander, Michael & ColleenAnonymousBaker PLLC, GarlandBekkala, StevenBernfeld, JeffreyBishop, MarkBlair, DavidBogart, LeslieBorn, PaigeBoudreau, GaryBrooks, MichaelCohen, RichardContovasilis, JohnDoherty, MichaelDonnelly, AimeeFiveash, RobertFlower, JonathanFuhrman, SteveFulgham, CurtGaetzi IV, JohnGaier, DavidGoodman, PeterGrange, ChrisGusky, IanHackleman, AndyHarris, JohnHatton, BradHauser, DavidHayes, MichaelHeadlee, TimHelms, RobertHewlett, DaleHillis, DavidHimpele, JeffHoffman, ChristineHuster, TomIbbitson, KristenJacobs, JamieJohnson, ChristopherJoyner, MerlKing, StevenKoone, JeffreyKugel, MaxLinden, MattLockyer, IanMiller, DavidMilward, JohnNagy, KarenNakoneczny, StephenOsora, DamonOxford, AndyPeacock, TimPierce, AndrewPursell, RodRaigins, JohnRitter, VickyRobinson, BaileySalas, Aaron

Shelby, JoeStettler, AllisonSwink, AshleyWalthers, MikeWillrett, GaryWinograd, JeremyZadrozny, Stephen

In Memory of Craig LieskeBaird, Lorena & familyDickson, Beth & Edward GavneyHenderson, Sarah & LukePartridge, ToddHood, Patterson & RebeccaWeissman, Barr

In Memory of A. Nuci PhillipsBaron, Richard & MaggieBarstow, JanetCorish, Jr., Walter & PattyMcMahon, BrianPhillips, Dr. & Mrs. PierreShropshire, Mr. & Mrs. William

In Memory of Alan BrownBrown, Jeffrey

In Memory of Andrew GagaiBachtel, Bonnie

In Memory of Angie RobertsRoberts, Don

In Memory of Anthony StirlingStirling, John

In Memory of April BachtelLundergan-Linker, Kirsten

In Memory of Doug BachtelLundergan-Linker, KirstenCrawford, Jerry & Judy

In Memory of Bradley RobinsonRobinson, David & Christine

In Memory of Casey NettlesNettles, Victor & Charlotte Quist

In Memory of Christopher M. Page

Page, Cathy

In Memory of Colin SuttonRaque, David & Susan

In Memory of Elissa HadleyHadley, CeciliaStroud, Theresa M.

In Memory of Garrie VereenRanck, BrianStack, JoshBarbette HouserMacKnight, Ellie & RobertSchools, David

In Memory of Herb GuthrieGlikin, Eddie & FriendsFive Points Bottle WestTowe, Mindy

In Memory of James FordFord, Bruce & Lisa

In Memory of Jamie ToulanJoiner, Mr. & Mrs. Hank

In Memory of Jason MolinaGrimsley, Michael

In Memory of Jean HurteauBachtel, Bonnie

In Memory of Jimi HendrixLohlein, Matthew

In Memory of Kate Drye MangumMangum, LarryStanton, Jennifer

In Memory of Kathi GreerPhillips, Dave

In Memory of Katie EganKiser, Emma

In Memory of Laura L. CarterJohnson, Arthur & Donna Ashley

In Memory of Meredith Leigh Kinard Watkins

Kea, Betty Meyer

In Memory of Michael Blaine Courtner

Athens Holiday Market

In Memory of Michael RoberdsRoberds, Thomas & Pamela

In Memory of Peter E. LauxLaux, Joyce A.

In Memory of Rich SleppySleppy, David

In Memory of Ryan KingMejias, Erin & Sergio

In Memory of Susan Amanda Smith

Smith, Nicolas

In Memory of Ted HaferJohnson, Arthur & Donna AshleyGreene, Jessica L.

In Memory of Tommy ClarkGreen, Derf

In Memory of Vic ChesnuttHood, Patterson & RebeccaMcCrory, Clint & Sue Custance

In Memory of Vince GladinGladin, Sue

In Memory of W. Lane GreeneDownes, Marion & MelanieRoberts, George & Mary

In-Kind DonationsBel-Jean Copy & Print CenterDeCamp, MattDuplicating Systems, Inc.Lachowski, MichaelLee, William T.Mayer, PhilipOlivera, RyanRuppersburg, TriciaStepp, JaredWampler, JohnWhite, JimZevos, Dorian

camp Amped HappeningsSpring is in bloom in Athens and the next wave of bud-

ding musicians will be coming through our doors over the next few months. Our Camp Amped After School Program took place the week of March 22–30, with the grand finale held at The World Famous.

If you missed the March session it’s not too late for musicians entering the 6th–12th grades to apply for the

Summer Camp Amped Program. The application dead-line is April 11 for the summer session dates which run

June 2–14 and July 7-19. Applications can be found online at www.nuci.org/campamped

Connections By Dave Chamberlin

“Friendship is born at that moment when one per-son says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

— C.S. Lewis

On a recent evening at Nuçi’s Space after a successful UGA alumni event I was in the process of getting the Space ready for a birthday party taking place the following morn-ing when a guy named Joe came through the doors and said he was there to volunteer. The tables had been taken down and most of the cleaning had been done and I explained to him there must have been a miscommunication on when he should come in to help. As all that was left to do was clean the bathrooms, take out the trash, and mop the floor, and I didn’t want to ask him to do any of those things for his first volunteer experience, I decided to take the opportunity to learn what brought him to Nuçi’s.

After learning that he was a full time student as well as working 30 hours a week I asked him what made him want to volunteer and his answer was something that I am find-ing to be a common thread at Nuçi’s Space.

He told me that he simply wants to do something outside of himself that benefits other people. We went on to talk about how much we learn about ourselves and find what we are truly passionate about when we spend our time on things that aren’t about meeting our own immediate needs.

Now I know this isn’t anything profound or new, but it serves as a reminder how we as humans thrive on making

meaningful connections with each other which C.S. Lewis so simply, but brilliantly states in the quote at the top of the page.

In the 1½ years that I’ve been involved at Nuçi’s Space I’ve seen these connections take place time and again. Whether it’s a regular coming in for their weekly rehearsal throwing a few bucks in the tip jar while saying how much this place has done for them, or having a cup of coffee with someone I’m meeting for the first time while they wait for the rest of their band to show up, meaningful connections are being made.

After the recent death of the actor Philip Seymour Hoffman I read a quote from an interview he did in 2005 where he says, “No one knows me. No one understands me. That’s the other thing that changes as you get older. It’s like everybody understands you, but no one understands me.”

That hits right at the core of what Nuçi’s Space is about in being the gateway in helping people struggling with mental illness, addictions, and sometimes just being there to listen and maybe letting someone talk and feel more understood. Face to face interactions can seem like a thing of the past in our technology driven mode of modern communication, but something deep inside us still craves to be understood and looked in the eyes.

To finish the story and end my night Joe helped me clean the bathrooms and take out the trash and most importantly another connection was made. It’s fulfilling and exciting to make a new connection and leave work while saying…

“What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

Storm Can’t Stop DBT FansEvery winter the anticipation leading up to the Drive By

Truckers Homecoming Weekend is felt by their loyal fans from all across the globe. Flights are booked, hotels are reserved, and plans are made to meet up with friends that share a passion for the music. Adding to the excitement this, year not only did the three night stand at the 40 Watt land on Valentine’s Day weekend, but it was also likely that devotees would be treated to a preview of songs from the new DBT album set for release in early March.

We here at Nuçi’s Space look forward to hosting the pre-party and silent auction that precedes the final show of the weekend on Saturday afternoon. An impressive display of artwork, posters, and other music memorabilia is collected to be bid on, and it gives everyone a common place to meet and get acquainted. It seemed nothing could stop the positive vibes that lead up to the week-end… and then something called Winter Storm Pax happened!

6500 flights originating or destined for the United States were cancelled, not to mention the ice and snow that made travel by car nearly impossible for a few days. However, you would be wrong if you thought this would keep the faithful from descending upon Athens, it only set the stage for travel adventures.

Helen Francis, along with her husband Mark and sons Joe and Ollie, made plans to attend their third homecoming weekend this year all the way from England. Fortunately, they beat the storm and made it to Huntsville, Alabama, where they stayed with friends. You would think that would have been the hardest part of the trip, but as Helen noted, the amount of snow that would have meant business as usual back home brought Huntsville and the majority of the Southeast to a standstill.

“The usual social media hysteria was being bantered about. Homecoming was going to be cancelled; Athens had run out of food, all the power was out, etc.” Of course this didn’t turn out to be the case, and after some treacherous driving and salt on the roads, it only made everyone more appreciative to finally get the party started.

But it does beg the question: why do people go to such extremes to make this trip? Here is what Helen has to say:

“Nuçi’s is such a valuable place, offering so many lifelines to musicians. You all do such an amazing job. Personally I am hum-bled by what you all achieve. We do make a point of finding the scrap albums and sitting and reading them while we are there.”

“We have met so many people through our love of DBT from all over the world. HeAthens {as fans affectionately call each other} are more of a family than a fan base. Everyone stays in touch, exchanges gifts and supports each other. Homecoming for us all is exactly that. We all get together, eat, drink, and have fun. Bringing the boys, they have now thrown themselves into the DBT scene and it has opened up a multitude of opportunities for them that would never have happened back {in England}.”

Whether you consider the masses who were affected by the storm, or individual experiences like Helen’s, it’s amazing that DBT fans were able to make it to the homecoming, but they didn’t stop there; they went above and beyond and helped contribute to a cause that will last much longer than the weekend by raising over $5000 in cash donations, plus nearly another $5000 through the silent auction!

“Til next year…”

Athens Business Rocks 2014 is over and the results are in! The basics of the 4th annual ABR were simple:

employees of local businesses formed bands and competed against other businesses on stage at the world-famous 40 Watt Club. The ultimate goal was to raise money for Nuçi’s Space while having as much fun as possible. This year we had 18 bands compete and the finalists were decided by judges’ scores, audience popularity, and votes ($1 = 1 vote). In the end, TSAV’s “Punch List” came out on top with their brilliantly executed renditions of classic Hall & Oates tunes. The 40 Watt Club’s “40 Cent” came in 2nd place, and the Last Resort Grill’s “Pajaamy Party” came in at a close 3rd place.

ABR 2014 was a huge success and we genuinely appreciate everyone involved who made it happen. The performers and the Nuçi’s Space staff all had a great time and we took away some wonderful memories. We would especially like to thank the 40 Watt Club for hosting the event, Terrapin Brewery for providing refreshments for the bands, all of our amazing volunteers who

helped make each show go off without a hitch, and all of the businesses that participated. We’re

already looking forward to Athens Business Rocks 2015, so start thinking about a band you want to form with your coworkers next year! For can-did shots and official band photos from ABR 2014 please check out the Nuçi’s Space’s Facebook page.

nuçi’s spaceRecent volunteers

Alex NashAndrew McCraryCaleb HunterCathy EdmondsChaka ColemanChris GreerCindy NashDeborah JacobellisElizabeth FingerElizabeth StipeFrancine BryanGerda MostonaiteGlen ReeseJack JonesJacob BeckhamJanet WilsonJoe LinehamJustin UnbehaunLindsay SchiratoMadeline BatesMandy GoodwinMarcos ColtarMonique HemansPage KelleyRaven HinsonRemember WattsSascha SmithTom GarneVictoria GloverWilliam Heaton

Athens Business Rocks 2014

PARTICIPATING BANDS

Priced to Move (Athens Habitat for Humanity Restore)Jailbroke (Athens School of Music)Pie High (Ted’s Most Best)Super-Proof! (Jimmy John’s on Baxter)Vanilla Ice Latte (Hendershot’s)

The Torpideros (Oglethorpe Co Schools)Pot Pie (Epting Events)The Fret Dressers (Baxendale Guitar)Pajaamy Party (The Last Resort)Punch List (TSAV)Ed’s Locally Owned Allstars (Musician’s Warehouse)The Wedding Singers (Partner Software)

The Clap and the Cure (Athens-Clarke Emergency Specialists)The Compliance Alliance (Madison Consulting Group)Greazy Ryders (Sunshine Cycles)Meatlogs (The Grill)Same Day Service (Athens West Cleaners)40 Cent (40 Watt Club)The Çlash (Nuçi’s Space)

WINNERS✦ 1st Place:Punch List (TSAV)✦ 2nd Place:40 Cent (40 Watt Club)✦ 3rd Place:Pajaamy Party (The Last Resort)

FAVORITEStHURSDAY:✦ Crowd Favorite:Priced To Move (Athens Habitat For Humanity Restore)✦ Judges Favorite:Jailbroke (Athens School Of Music)

FRiDAY:✦ Crowd Favorite:Pot Pie (Epting Events)✦ Judges Favorite:The Wedding Singers (Partner Software)

SAtURDAY:✦ Crowd Favorite:The Clap & The Cure (Athens-Clarke Emergency Specialists)✦ Judges Favorite:40 Cent (40 Watt Club)

THANK YOU!Celebrity Judges:

tHURSDAY:Peter Dale (The National)Paul McHugh (Pilgrim, DBT Guitar Tech)Tom Ashton (The March Violets)

FRiDAY:Jeff Griggs (JeSuis France)Michelle Davis (Protect Athens Music)David Parajon (Co-Owner The World Famous)

SAtURDAY:Lisa Love (Georgia Music Magazine)Joe Silva (WUGA’s Just off The Radar)Russ Hallauer (Ghostmeat Records)

Host: Will KiserPhotography: Cassie Wright, Chad Osburn,

Jason ThrasherSponsors: 909 Broad Street, Trinity Account-

ing Group, Mark and Cindy Nash

right side glows the newsletter for nuçi’s space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center

Upcoming Events at Nuçi’s Space

Be sure to check out our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/nucisspace

for updates on all the exciting things happening around the Space.

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“Pay it forward—One Love”

10 a.m.–2 p.m. every Wednesday since August Justin has been volunteering at the Front Desk. He practices here from time to time which is how he found out about our volunteer program. After a lit-tle research he decided to join the team. We keep him busy too, in addition to working the front desk he is often in the practice rooms showing our equipment some TLC keeping everything well main-tained. Justin also volunteered his musi-cal skills performing the music of The Clash as the bassist in our house band for Athens Business Rocks!

Justin is the first volunteer we have had in the house band and it was great to see him having such a good time. When asked how it was, he lit up and said “That was awesome! I wish I could do it again. It reminded me of how much fun being on stage can be.”

He grew up listening to the Grateful Dead and is inspired by Andy McKee and Victor Wooten among many others.

His passion for music kicked in around age 12 when he picked up his broth-ers cast off, broken, left handed guitar that only had 4 strings and he has never looked back. He had an acoustic bass (recently donated to Nuçi’s Space) until he bought his electric, with money he won playing Texas Hold ‘em. Seriously, do not play cards with this man!

Working at Earth Fare and with a dozen engaging interests & activities such as yoga, meditation, walking in nature, salsa dancing and of course play-ing cards we are so lucky that he finds time to volunteer with us. When asked what attracted him to Nuçi’s he simply said the atmosphere and community

attracted him and the sense of purpose and feelings of fulfil-ment keep him with us.

Justin’s super power is that he has the ability to diffuse peoples’ anger, and if he could tell the world one thing it would be the following:

“In lak’ech—I am another like yourself ”

Volunteer Profile: Justin Unbehaun