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N OV E M B E R 2 02 1 | TH E P R E M I E R E I S S U E

RE · DEFINE

831 E PINE LOG RD AIKEN, SC 29803 · 803-642-7283

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C H A S L I N H P H O T O G R A P H Y. M Y P I X I E S E T. C O M

FA M I LY

PORTR A ITS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Jacqueline Bailey | jacqueline.bailey@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Welcome and hello!

Bailey Morris | bailey.morris@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Chad Jensen

WELCOME TO THE PREMIERE ISSUE OF CITY LIFESTYLE AIKEN! I am so

L AYO UT DESIGNER

excited that you are holding this issue in your hands! This publication comes from a

Sara Minor

five month long journey of hard work, prayers, and support from the Aiken community!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chastity Barton, Board In Aiken, Jarius Smith

Our publication is for and about the residents of the Aiken community. So take a peek inside, maybe you’ll see someone you know! Inside this issue, you will read about… Williamson’s Auto Center is celebrating their fifty-fourth anniversary this year! Hear the father and son story of how this shop came to be. Learn about Heath Insurance and Financial Group and how they bring peace of mind to their clients. Learn how to make your own charcuterie board this holiday season with Board In Aiken! Ashley and Casey share what all goes into a charcuterie board and what their favorite pairings are!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages of this magazine! Thanks for reading,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

and I’ll see you around town!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Jacqueline Bailey, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken ON THE COVER Amp the Alley PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARIUS SMITH 4

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 City Lifestyle Aiken™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Aiken area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in City Lifestyle Aiken™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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From window cleaning and roof stain removal to gutter cleaning and mildew removal, Sunshine Pressure Washing has you covered. (803) 642-6341 thesunshineboys.com CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2021

FEATURES 14 Heath Insurance and Financial Group Heath Insurance and Financial Group brings peace of mind to their clients

18 Williamson’s Auto Center Hear the father and son story behind Williamson’s Auto Center

22 Building The Perfect Charcuterie Board Hear from Ashley and Casey from Board In Aiken on how to build the perfect charcuterie board

18 22

26 Meet The Publisher Get to know Jacqueline Bailey, the publisher of City Lifestyle Aiken!

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Financial Buzz

22 Culinary Creations 28 Inspired By 33 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES

Food Truck Friday at Three Star Vineyards and Orchard of Johnston Three Star Vineyards and Orchard hosted Food Truck Friday. There were many different food trucks on site and Ryan Able from Goin’ South performed. PHOTOGRAPHY JACK BAILEY

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

GET INSPIRED

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SUNDAY SERVICES

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7:45 A.M.

HOLY EUCHARIST, NO MUSIC

9:00 A.M.

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE AT ST. THADDEUS

11:15 A.M.

TRADITIONAL SERVICE AT ST. THADDEUS

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AROUND TOWN

SUPPORT HORSE CREEK ACADEMY THROUGH PUBLIX PARTNER DONATIONS.

horse. We wish you great success in your new career, Shawn!

Horse Creek Academy is participating with Publix in their Publix Partner Donations! If you shop at Publix and would like to help out Horse Creek Academy with your purchases, visit publix.com/partners and select Horse Creek Academy. Enter your phone number every time you shop at Publix and the program will donate a portion of qualifying purchases to Horse Creek Academy!

NEXTHOME REALTY CONSULTANTS WELCOMES SHAWN CAMPBELL Please help us welcome Shawn Campbell to the NextHome Realty Consultants team! Shawn is an active member of the community and is excited to be switching his focus to real estate! He enjoys kayaking, spending time with his family, and getting some moments in with their

DORTHY BYRD RETIRES AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS Facilities Assistant Dorthy “Ms. D” Byrd is retiring

Our vineyard has been family owned and operated for 30 years.

803.275.3200 ThreeStarVandO.com 172 Holmes Pond Rd. ∙ Johnston, SC 29832 10

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

TASTING ROOM | GIFT SHOP | EVENTS

after fifteen years of service. Her friendly face and excellent customer service will be missed at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center, Odell Weeks, and the Price Center. Happy retirement, Dorthy!

Aiken provides food, clothing, house wares, utility assistance and furniture for those in need in the Aiken community.

JOE SEAMON ACHIEVES TITLE It’s our honor to announce that Joe Seamon has achieved Top Listing and Top Sales Agent for

FOX HAULING GETS A NEW TRUCK Fox Hauling & Waste Management has a new truck! With this new truck, Fox Hauling can better serve their clients and still offer affordable pricing!

August with Meybohm Real Estate. Congratulations Joe on all your hard work!

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH’S WOMEN OF ECLA MAKES DONATION TO ACTS OF AIKEN Thank you to the Women of ECLA from St. Paul Lutheran Church for your donation to ACTS

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

of Aiken! These donated items help alleviate the

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.

stress of living in poverty and are greatly appreci-

com/Aiken using the Get In Touch link and let us

ated. ACTS (Area Churches Together Serving) of

know what you think.

Look ahead!

Are you truly protected? We’re an independent agency that can meet all of your insurance needs. Auto

Home Farm

Aiken 215 Silverbluff Rd. 803.649.6461

| |

Business | Life | Retirement Commercial Trucking North Augusta 921 Georgia Ave. 803.279.8046

Belvedere 853 Belvedere Clearwater Rd. 803.593.4208

heathinsuranceandfinancial.com CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

THANKFUL THIS MONTH, WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS WE HAVE IN OUR LIVES. Take some time to enjoy Aiken’s unique eateries and explore opportunities to give back to the community.

THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Photography Lauren Virgo

+ Volunteer at the Aiken County Historical Museum by gardening, giving tours, painting, manning the front desk, sewing, and much more! 433 Newberry St SW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 + Show some love to the furry friends at the shelter with Friends of the Animal Shelter - Aiken! Make a sweet dog’s day by taking them for walks! 333 Wire Rd, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 + At Golden Harvest Food Bank, your time is a gift to the hungry kids, seniors, and families who don’t have enough to eat. 81 Capital Dr, Aiken, South Carolina 29803 + ACTS (Area Churches Together Serving) of Aiken provides food, clothing, house wares, utility assistance and furniture for those in need in the Aiken community. 340 Park Ave SW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 + Aiken Senior Life Services provides hot and ready meals, transportation, and pantry foods to the seniors in Aiken. 159 Morgan Street NW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 12

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

CAFÉ CRAWL + Since 1995, New Moon café has been flying the flag of authentic cool by roasting the best socially conscious coffees and serving creative comfort food in a super casual setting. 116 Laurens St NW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 + Visit Polo Grounds café for breakfast or lunch! With their delicious selections, you’re sure to leave with a full belly! 225 Barnwell Ave NW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 + The Village café is an upscale counter service cafe serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner specials, beer, wine, and in-house made authentic gelato. 110 Coach Light Way, Aiken, South Carolina 29803 + Vampire Penguin’s shaved snow is light, fluffy, and creamy! 108 Laurens St SW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801

scan for more city-wide tips

+ Satisfy your sweet tooth at Flanigan’s Ice Cream! 221 Barnwell Ave NW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801

S A LT C AV E & S PA

We are THANKFUL for our salty tribe and the wonderful benef its of Salt Therapy! From Black Friday until Christmas Eve, enjoy a gift card for a f ree session with the purchase of $100 in gift cards!

(706) 364-7958

solcaveandspa.com

7013 Evans Town Center Boulevard Evans, GA 30809

Event Designer | 762.994.7476 B HEART OF GRACE CREATIONS

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

FINANCIAL BUZZ

H H ee aatt hh II nn ssuurraannccee aann dd FFiinnaanncciiaall G G rroouupp

ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY CHASTITY BARTON

HEATH INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL GROUP BRINGS PEACE OF MIND TO THEIR CLIENTS

HEATH INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL GROUP IS AN

North Augusta, SC. Since opening his first office in 2006,

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY OWNED BY

Chris has grown his agency. There are now three locations

CHRIS HEATH. Chris has lived in North Augusta his

available - one in Aiken and two in North Augusta. Chris

whole life and enjoys coaching his two daughters softball

specializes in financial and retirement planning which

teams, fishing, and spending time with his family. Chris

includes sitting down with clients to assess their needs

has over twenty years of experience in the insurance field.

and future goals before creating a personalized plan.

He started out as a financial agent in 1995, and then in

Through the years, Chris has assembled an outstanding

2006 he opened Heath Insurance and Financial Group in

team to work at the three locations. At the Georgia Avenue

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

office in North Augusta, you’ll find Angela Temples, who is a Licensed Agent that specializes in property, casualty and life insurance and is the Operations and Marketing Manager at Heath Insurance and Financial

the office. Joseph Park, the Office Manager and an Associate Agent,

Group. Angela is from Augusta and has lived in North Augusta for

previously worked in the office with Olen Berry and continued to

twenty-nine years and has twenty-two years of insurance experience.

stay and work after Chris acquired the office. Joseph is a deacon at

She was introduced to her career in insurance by a friend whose father

his church and he and his family love sports. He often coaches the

owned an insurance agency. She decided to take a job working for them

different sport leagues that his kids are in. Ally, a Licensed Customer

part-time and found out she loved working in the insurance field.

Service Representative, loves spending time with her nieces and

Christi Skarosi and Lori Rau are also at the Georgia Avenue location.

nephews, traveling, and is very talented at crafting.

Christi specializes in Commercial insurance and Lori is a licensed cus-

The team at Heath Insurance and Financial Group works together

tomer service representative. At the Belvedere Clearwater office, you will

to provide the best insurance plans so that you and your family can

find Stephanie Tullos, a licensed Property and Casualty Agent, and Patrice

be protected. “Everything is costly these days and it would cost a

Sullivan who specializes in commercial trucking business. Michelle

whole lot to replace a home or a vehicle,” says Angela.

Rosamilia is the General Manager and oversees all of the locations.

Each member of the team understands that everybody doesn’t

Joseph Park and Ally Rains work out of the Aiken location. The

have the same situation and will work with you to find the best plan

Aiken office was previously the Olen “Buddy” Berry Insurance

for you that covers all of your needs. “We try to get to know our

Agency office but when Olen “Buddy” Berry retired, Chris acquired

clients and get to know their needs and situation,” says Angela.

Provided by Heath Insurance and Financial Group

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

FINANCIAL BUZZ (CONTINUED) Provided by Heath Insurance and Financial Group

“We don’t just work for one company now; we work for several. That way we are able to give more options for all insurance needs.” The staff at Heath Insurance and Financial Group knows their

that we’re supporting for that quarter,” says Angela. “In addition to

clients on a personal level and enjoys when clients stop in just

those donations for the referrals, we also physically go out as an

to say hello.

agency and volunteer,” she adds. Heath Insurance and Financial

Heath Insurance and Financial Group covers home, auto, life,

Group is currently working with the Ronald McDonald House, the

commercial trucking, renter’s insurance, business insurance, and

RECing Crew, and Golden Harvest Food Bank. “We’ve made meals

recreational vehicles. “We do a little bit of everything,” says Angela.

at the Ronald McDonald House for the families there and we just

In July of 2020, Heath Insurance and Financial Group became an

volunteered at the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Aiken packing bags

independent agency. “We don’t just work for one company now; we

of food for the elderly,” says Angela.

work for several. That way we are able to give more options for all insurance needs,” says Angela.

Come say hello to Joseph Park and Ally Rains at the Aiken Heath Insur-

Heath Insurance and Financial Group also has a rewards pro-

ance and Financial Group located at 215 Silverbluff Rd. Call the office at

gram that supports community causes. “For every referral that we

803-649-6461 or email Joseph at joe@heathifg.com or Ally at ally@

get and do a no obligation quote, $10 goes to the community cause

heathifg.com. Visit their website at heathinsuranceandfinancial.com.

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY CHASTITY BARTON

WILLIAMSON’S AUTO CENTER 18

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

HEAR THE FATHER AND SON STORY BEHIND WILLIAMSON’S AUTO CENTER

THIS MONTH, WILLIAMSON’S AUTO CENTER IS CELEBRATING THEIR FIFTY-FOURTH ANNIVERSARY. It was first owned by Cebie Williamson. Before Williamson’s Auto Center, Cebie owned a gas station in Aiken. Aiken was just a small town when Cebie first opened his gas station in 1967. He dealt with Texaco and his station was open 24/7 with five bays available. After a few years of hard work, Cebie ran all three of the Texaco stations in Aiken. In the early 80s, the Texaco full-service stations were commissioned to be shut down. Cebie saw the potential growth coming to Aiken and decided to purchase ten acres of land on Whiskey Road and build an automotive shop. Now, Williamson’s Auto Center is owned by Cebie’s son, Ronnie Williamson. Ronnie has worked for his dad since he was just thirteen years old. “My dad told me that I could work as long as I did well in school,” says Ronnie. “It was just the little town of Aiken then and I’ve been here all these years to watch it grow.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

WILLIAMSON’S AUTO CENTER (CONTINUED)

Ronnie has now owned Williamson’s Auto Center for twenty-one years. He learned how to work on cars by watching his dad when he was growing up. When he was a junior in high school, he was able to get more involved and began training with his dad. “I watched him through the years, and I have a love for it,” says Ronnie. Ronnie and his dad also love to race cars together. “Daddy has always liked fast cars,” says Ronnie. “We drag raced and stock car raced.” They would often drag race at the Jackson Dragstrip, but they also raced all over the southeast. Ronnie’s younger son, Dustin, plans to come and work with his dad soon. Dustin will be trained by his dad for the next few years and plans to keep the Williamson’s Auto Center’s legacy alive. A few of the services offered at Williamson’s Auto Center are transmission work, exhaust work, general and computer repairs, A/C, and brakes. “We do pretty much everything to a car that can be done to a car,” says Ronnie. Williamson’s Auto Center specializes in A/C repairs and it is their most popular service along with brake work. One of Ronnie’s favorite things about working at his shop is getting to greet his customers. He enjoys talking with them and has customers that have been with him for over thirty years. Ronnie says that honesty and good work have carried him far in his business. Come say hello to Ronnie and the rest of the crew at Williamson’s Auto Center at 3773 Whiskey Rd or give them a call at 803-649-6101. Williamson’s Auto Center is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Follow Williamson’s Auto Center on Facebook.

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

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CULINARY CREATIONS

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

B U I L D I N G

T H E

P E R F E C T

B O A R D

ASHLEY AND CASEY FROM BOARD IN AIKEN ARE BEST FRIENDS WHO STARTED MAKING CHARCUTERIE BOARDS TOGETHER OVER THE HOLIDAYS TWO YEARS AGO. They were taking the boards they made to family get-togethers and they were a huge hit! Friends

STEP 3) Cheese Popular choices for cheese are cheddar,

started asking Ashley and Casey to make charcuterie

brie, and gouda.

boards for them and their new business was born. Ashley and Casey shared with us this guide on how to

STEP 4) Fresh Fruits and Veggies Including fresh fruit and

make your own charcuterie board this holiday season!

veggies such as strawberries, grapes, carrots, cucumbers,

There is no wrong way to make a charcuterie board, just

and celery will bring a pop of color to your charcuterie board!

fill it with foods you love and it’s sure to be amazing! Ashley’s favorite pairing is brie and honey on crackers or a

STEP 5) Crackers and Bread Crackers and bread add

baguette and Casey’s favorite pairing is peppered salami

stability to the food on your charcuterie board. Some great

with cucumbers.

options for bread are naan and baguette.

HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT CHARCUTERIE BOARD

STEP 6) Jellies/Honey/Dipping Sauce Make sure you

STEP 1) Board The best thing about charcuterie boards

use honey or jellies to make a great flavor combination and

is that there are no rules! A wood board or metal tray are

include dipping sauces such as ranch for your veggies.

perfect choices for your charcuterie board. STEP 7) Toppings Top off and fill empty spots in your STEP 2) Meat Salamis, Coppa, and Prosciutto are great

charcuterie board with pistachios, almonds, olives, and

choices of meat for a charcuterie board.

dried apricots. CONTINUED >

HEAR FROM ASHLEY AND CASEY FROM BOARD IN AIKEN ON HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT CHARCUTERIE BOARD ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BOARD IN AIKEN

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

“Charcuterie is a French word and a

or tailgating and everybody’s going to

lot of places that you go to, if you were

be happy because everybody’s going to

to order charcuterie, it would be a plate

like something on the board.”

of meat,” says Casey. “On our twist of a

Ashley and Casey can make char-

charcuterie board, you’re going to find

cuterie boards for any type of occasion.

a veggie and a dip component, fresh

They have Traditional Boards, Dessert

fruits, pickled items, crackers and/or

Boards, Kid Boards, Brunch Boards,

bread, and of course all the meats and

and Specialty Boards. They even offer a

cheeses that your heart desires.”

Combo Board which is their Traditional

“I think the perfect charcuterie board

and Kid Boards combined, and the Half

has a little bit of everything,” says

and Half Board is half Traditional and

Ashley. “One thing I really love about our

half Dessert.

boards is that you can take it to a party

Contact Ashley and Casey about

making

the

perfect

Charcuterie Board for you by visiting their website www. boardinaiken.com or by calling or texting 803-646-8630. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @boardinaiken.

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

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MEET THE

PUBLISHER 26

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

HELLO AIKEN! My name is Jacqueline Bailey and I am the Publisher of City Lifestyle Aiken. I am so excited to be finally sharing this publication with you! Thank you for letting me into your home and for reading the stories of your neighbors. I hope you were inspired and learned something new in the process! I was born and raised in the CSRA and I adore the city of Aiken. One of my favorite things about Aiken is the tight knit community and the obvious love that each resident has towards their city. It’s such a special place to live. I feel so honored to be able to present this community magazine to you every month. PHOTOGRAPHY CHASTITY BARTON

who Jacqueline Bailey

what Publisher of City Lifestyle Aiken

Here are a few fun facts about me. I love to sing and write music, read novels on my porch, and watch movies with friends. I have a Diet Coke addiction, and my favorite thing is meeting new people! I can’t wait to continue getting to know you all on this journey together! -Jacqueline Bailey, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

INSPIRED BY BEN HIGGINS TALKS COFFEE, HOPE & HUMANITY, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THANKFUL

Living a Purposeful Life

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 28

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR BEING LEAD #20 IN THE

CL: ARE THERE THINGS YOU DO,

BACHELOR, THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO BEN HIGGINS THAN

OR MANTRAS YOU LIVE BY ON A

BEING ONE OF AMERICA’S REALITY TV SWEETHEARTS, SUCH

DAILY BASIS?

AS HIS DEEP PASSION FOR MAKING MOVES TO “MULTIPLY

BH: I don’t wake up going “today is going

GOOD IN THE WORLD.”

to be a good day.” I’ve found that some of

Since his time on The Bachelor, Ben has taken the opportunity

the worst days have taught me the most.

to use his fame to create not one, but two inspiring podcasts, pub-

They’ve built grit, character, resolve, and a

lish a successful autobiography, while also elevating awareness of

story that will not only help me, but allow me

his “for-purpose” Generous Coffee brand. We sat down with him

to be more empathetic and loving.

(virtually) to reflect on all that he has accomplished in this season of “thankfulness.”

I did a speaking tour 4 years ago for high school students. At one moment during a speech I got emotional speaking about pur-

CL: WHAT DOES THE TERM ‘THANKFUL’ OR ‘GRATEFUL’

pose and hope and trying to build in them the

MEAN TO YOU?

idea that because they have breath, they have

BH: It may sound corny and cliche, but when I think of gratitude, it’s an

value. All of a sudden it was like this reeI of my

every day break to look at where my life sits and to be thankful for the

life went through my head where these little,

friends and family around me and the things that I am able to be a part

small moments led me to that point in time

of. There are moments in my life where I become ungrateful, and so

to speak with this group. For example, one

when I think of being grateful, I think of it as being in a rhythm where I

random person invited me to move to Denver

remind myself every day that I still have ‘breath.’

where I got a job; one person at that job told

We believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) me I should go on a show; I went on a show

pay attention to me. I started asking myself,

that turned into the ability to create Generous

“where do I want this to go? How famous do

Coffee; and Generous has parlayed me with

I want to try to be?” Through contemplation

these new opportunities.

I realized 100 to 200 years ago if you told us

I try to sit in those moments daily and

to name the top 10 most famous people from

remember the things that got me here, what

that time, we would have a hard time doing it.

I’ve learned along the way that I can cele-

People come and go and that’s sad, but it’s

brate, and what keeps me thankful.

also beautiful because something new arises and something new comes up.

CL: TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE

So, as much as I want my legacy to be

MOST PROUD OF OR INSPIRED BY?

important and to be remembered, I’m not

BH: I’m proud that my podcast Hope Still

naive enough to believe it will be, and that

Wins and my book Alone in Plain Sight both

gives me peace and keeps me focused on

play a part in getting resources for help to

the present. If I could choose the memories

those who need it. Writing Alone in Plain

of my kids, grandkids,

Sight was a good cry for my soul. As much

friends and family, it

as I am thankful that other people are read-

would be to remember

ing it, it was something I knew I needed to

that Ben lived a life

get off my chest regardless.

where he loved others

At the same time, I am not oblivious to the

really, really well and he

fact that from the outside looking in you could

sacrificed a lot to do that.

look at my life and assume “he doesn’t even

People matter and have value. There’s a purpose for the life we are living and when people get out and care for others well the world is a better place. Stay curious; look left and right at the needs around you and use your impact to be a community maker. That’s the message I’d like to share.

know what struggle is, he doesn’t know what

CL: HOW DID

pain is.” So, one of the ways I love to connect

GENEROUS

with others when they doubt my sincerity is

COFFEE BEGIN?

to connect them with stories of other people

BH: The idea came in July

that I’ve been able to be a part of. For exam-

of 2017 and we launched

ple, in my book I highlighted a girl named

in January of 2018. Even

Annie who was 23 and had two weeks to live

further

— she was dying from cystic fibrosis when I

when I was 15 years old I

interviewed her. I got to talk to her about the

went to Central America;

end of life and what that means, and what

our hearts were broken

messages she would share.

and eyes were opened to the lack of strategy

back,

though,

I’m often asked, ‘what is this whole thing

behind mission and non-profit work. People

about for you, what is your mission in all of

were stepping on each other’s toes, coming

this?’ Selfishly, I just want to be a part of really

and going and leaving villages behind, and

cool stories that I believe are good and heal-

there was no relationship or respect.

ing. And my filter on whether they are good or

So, my buddy who was also on that trip

not comes from my faith. I just want to be a

started a non-profit called Humanity & Hope

part of stories of loving others and loving God

United Foundation. The idea is that we can

well, and that’s not always going to be about

ask people within these communities, what

me personally or the life I am living.

do you need? What do you want? What do you dream of, and how can we help? The

CL: DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE LEGACY

goal was a partnership for perpetuity — to

YOU WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND?

help them increase their education pro-

BH: I want to be known as someone who

grams, their healthcare, but be led by them.

gave more than I took, as someone who cared

When the show [The Bachelor] hap-

deeply for those around me and that loved

pened, our fundraising increased 500%

others and God well. One thing that’s helped

within a year and that was awesome, but we

me recently is thinking about how I got thrust

also knew that it probably wasn’t going to

into a life where people recognize me and

last. So, during that time we asked ourselves

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

how we can make funding this non-profit more sustain-

If one person is positively affected by the Generous coffee we are

able, and we came up with the idea that we could start

selling, then it’s all been worth it. I’d say the same thing to everyone in

a for-profit business and call ourselves “for-purpose.”

their local communities; if one person or thing has benefited from your

The founders were financially-able enough to sign off on

efforts and activity, it’s worth it. Get out there and just start.

donating 100% of our profits to non-profits, now that we had the platform to do it. Plus, we believe that people enjoy drinking life-changing coffee that has a story behind it over their regular cup of coffee.

CL: WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE BACK IN THEIR COMMUNITY?

With over 1.2mm Instagram followers, Ben Higgins is co-founder

BH: At Generous we have always enjoyed investing in

of @generous_coffee_, author of #AloneinPlainSight, host of

fighting human-facing injustice, and we do that because

@hopestillwins, and co-host of @almost_famouspodcast.

that was the thing that angered us the most. I think everybody can figure out what they can do in their local communities by asking the same question: What is it around me that makes me the angriest? Maybe it’s people without homes — maybe your heart breaks for them — maybe it’s animals or the environment for you. What emotional pull is it? Go after that.

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 27, 30 AIKEN COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET

WE HAUL

IT ALL

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

115 Williamsburg St NE Aiken, SC

The Aiken County Farmer’s Market is open year round! Come enjoy fresh, local goodness with vendors selling produce, baked goods, honey, artisan goods, beef, eggs, and pork!

GOT JUNK? NOT SURE IF WE CAN REMOVE SOMETHING? CALL US! TRASH SERVICE • LIMBS SCRAP METAL • TIRES FURNITURE • APPLIANCES

6, 13, 20, 27 HISTORIC TROLLEY TOUR

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

Experience Aiken’s charm, grace, and elegance during this two-hour tour aboard the trolley. You will

We also deliver furniture from estate sales & flea markets.

visit Aiken’s many historic homes and churches, Aiken’s century-old equestrian community, the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, The Live Oak Canopy on South Boundary, a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum

803-645-0819 CBFOXHAULING@OUTLOOK.COM

B FOX HAULING

(weather permitting), and much more! For tickets and more information, visit discoveraikencounty.com.

SERVICE

7 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS

It's Daylight Saving Time Ends! Don't forget to set your

7 Powderhouse Polo Field

Aiken Polo Club has matches open to the public every

CONNECTION

SUNDAY POLO

FLEXIBILITY

clocks back one hour!

Sunday this fall at 3 pm. These matches are held at Powderhouse Polo Field. The games usually last one and a half to two hours. For more information, visit www.aikenpolo.org.

Free public charter school that serves Aiken and surrounding counties

11 VETERANS DAY

Happy Veterans Day! We would like to honor and say thank you to those who have served and fought for our freedom!

Where relationships matter

hcacs.net | 803.226.0160 1200 Toolebeck Rd Aiken, SC 29803 @HCACS

@hca_wearethevillage

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

25 THANKSGIVING DAY

Happy Thanksgiving from us at City

Lifestyle Aiken! We are extremely

grateful for you and the Aiken community! We hope you enjoy a won-

derful day filled with family, friends, and good food!

AIKEN TURKEY TROT 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN 2021 651 Old Airport Rd. Aiken, SC

Put your turkey in the oven, pack up the family, and join the Aiken com-

munity for its 10th Annual Turkey Trot 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run! The run will benefit The Golden Harvest Food

Bank. This organization provides

quality food and other grocery prod-

ucts to those in need in the CSRA. Please bring canned goods.

27, 28 CHRISTMAS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY Living History Park

Learn

how

colonists

observed

Christmas in the backcountry. The buildings will be open for visitors to tour and there will be demonstrations. Bring the family to enjoy life in the 18th century. The Mercantile will be open with handmade gifts for sale. They will have bread and cookies from the bake oven. Admission is free.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Aiken using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 34

City Lifestyle Aiken | November 2021

NOVEMBER

Patrick Boylan has been surveying since 2014, and a licensed Registered Land Surveyor in South Carolina since 2019. Living in the Aiken area, Patrick can get to any survey in a hurry. Give Patrick a call or send him an email with your survey request, and he will get back to you in a hurry!

Patrick Boylan, PLS | 803-480-4495 pboylan@boylansurveying.com | boylansurveying.com

AIKEN’S HOUSE OF BEAUTY SERVICES INCLUDE HAIR , NAILS, LASH EXTENSIONS, EYEBROW SERVICES, WAXING, HAIR PRODUCTS, 118 Park Ave, SE Aiken, SC 29801

EXTENSIONS, & MORE Appointments are preferred but walk ins are welcome when we’re available.

(803) 300-4010

aikenshouseofbeauty.com

BRING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY AND INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS THAT WILL EDUCATE, LOVE AND RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION.

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME CityLifestyle.com/Aiken

REMODELING + CUSTOM HOME BUILDS

F A M I LY A N D L O C A L LY O W N E D C O M PA N Y

706-910-3423 WWW.DYNAMICFINISHINGS .COM