Food often brings people together, and a community cooking class taught by the experts at Helms College looked like a great opportunity for Connie Davis.
“I’m kind of new to the area. All I do is work. I’m just looking for something to meet people, get out of the house and interact with other people,” said Davis, who attended the Oct.18 Saturday Chef with her daughter, Valerie Golden.
Each month, the cooking class offers a different menu. From bread to pies to grilling favorites, the classes offer plenty of variety. The most recent menu highlighted game day snacks.
While Connie Davis was a newcomer, Julia Spahalaski and Kathy Davis are regular attendees.
“I like cooking, and this is the only place around here I’ve found that offers them. You always pick up something new, but I just enjoy it,” said Spahalaski, who’s been to seven or eight of them.
Kathy Davis typically joins Spahalaski.
“I like to eat, and I enjoy the concept of cooking,” she said and laughed as she sauteed some onions for a dish.
There are two more sessions this year. On Nov. 15, get some ideas for those Thanksgiving leftovers, and on Dec. 5, prepare some sweet holiday treats. The schedule for next year should be out soon. For more information, go here.
Spahalaski said they would’ve attended more classes, but they didn’t book them fast enough.
Some fill up quickly, and they are limited with their numbers,” she said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
