What’s happening at Augusta University next week? Story ideas for Sept. 23-27

Next week at Augusta University, enjoy the melodic sounds of the quintet Ranky Tanky during the university’s Lyceum Series and find out how one man escaped a $6,000 fine after returning a library book 48 years overdue. Below are a few of the news stories to consider next week at Augusta University.

Library book returned 48 years overdue

An Augusta University library book has made its way back home — 48 years late. From his home in Nashville, Tennessee, retired United States Army Reserve soldier John Ham discovered in his basement a copy of Mark Twain’s 1601: Conversation As It Was By the Social Fireside in the Time of the Tudors, marked for Augusta College, now Augusta University. The book’s interesting journey includes being boxed up for several moves and remaining intact during an attic fire. Based on the university’s current late-fee rate, Ham would have owed over $6,000, but the university waived the fine. Schedule an interview with John Ham and Augusta University librarian Melissa Johnson to learn more about this story.

Regional folk music takes center stage

With a blend of Lowcountry traditions, jazz, gospel and funk, the highly acclaimed quintet Ranky Tanky will perform their chart-topping folk music at Augusta University at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24, at the Maxwell Theatre. This concert is presented by Augusta University’s Lyceum Series and is part of the university’s Wycliffe Gordon Jazz Series.

Augusta University brings awareness to fall prevention

Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, and each year three million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To shed light on this issue, Augusta University is hosting a free Fall Prevention Awareness Day event from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 27, at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. Activities include tai chi demonstrations, balance and fall risk assessments, assistive technology and blood pressure checks.

Photo, video and interview opportunities are available for these story ideas. Call 706-522-3023 to schedule an interview on any of these topics. Also, check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts ready to provide timely, informative interviews on topics ranging from cybersecurity to business.