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FA M I LY
+
PORTR A ITS
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803.275.3200 ThreeStarVandO.com 172 Holmes Pond Rd. ∙ Johnston, SC 29832
TASTING ROOM | GIFT SHOP | EVENTS
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
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
3
LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Jacqueline Bailey | jacqueline.bailey@lifestylepubs.com
Merry Christmas, Aiken! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S ALREADY CHRISTMAS TIME?! This magical season brings joy and wonder to all. We hope your Christmas is filled with love and time with your family.
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Morris | bailey.morris@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Chad Jensen L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
We have created a Christmas Gift Guide to help you with your holiday shopping!
Allison Gibeson, Bailey Morris, Michelle Tordoff, Crystal Waters
Our Christmas Gift Guide has unique gifts for everyone!
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Founded in 1842, St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church is the oldest, continuously wor-
Chastity Barton, Danielle Franklin, Janie Jones Photography
shipping church in its original building in Aiken County. Read our article on page 24 to learn more about the history behind this congregation. Steve’s Quality Processing shares their services and how they can help you this hunting season. The Overhead Door Company is celebrating their 100 year anniversary! Check out our article to learn the history behind the Overhead Door Company and meet the family from the Aiken/Augusta location. Hot Chocolate is the perfect drink to cozy up by the fire with. Michelle Rutter of Sugar and Spice Cocktail Mixers has shared with us a Boozy Hot Chocolate recipe that’s perfect for winter weather!
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
After a successful campaign last year, Lifestyle Publications is giving $300,000 to
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
recipients in need this Christmas season and beyond... and we need your help!
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
Read our article, Gratefully Giving Away, for more information!
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for you, dear reader. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to a great year ahead. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Blessings to you and yours. We hope to see you soon!
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA
Jacqueline Bailey, Publisher
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken ON THE COVER The perfect cup of hot chocolate PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY 4
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
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.
45minutes Afterjust just 45 minutesin inthe thesalt salt cave, cave, After
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This holiday season, enjoy a gift card for a free cave session with the purchase of $100 in gift cards!
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Playland of Aiken is an indoor playground. 3,000 square feet of play area, jungle themed play environment, two party rooms, sitting area for parents, air conditioned summer space, free WiFi. (803) 226-0096 | playlandofaiken.com 951 b Dougherty Rd, Aiken, SC 29803
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MOBILE DETAILING SERVICE 706-524-3397 | MOBAEMOTORS.COM INFO@MOBAEMOTORS.COM CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
5
INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021
FEATURES 12 Christmas Gift Guide Find the best gifts with our holiday gift guide
14 Boozy Hot Chocolate Learn how to make this perfect winter treat
22 Steve's Quality Processing Learn how Steve’s Quality Processing can help you this hunting season
14 24
24 St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, a historic church in Aiken County
22
12
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local’s Choice
14
Food & Wine
24 Our Town 30 Lifestyle Calendar 32 Giving Back
GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle
YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
Carolina Horse and Pet Services A PET CREMATION BUSINESS STEVE’S QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST Carolina Horse and Pet Services is a family-owned and operated PROCESSING LLC company. We have been in business for more than 20 years, but our team has over 50 years of experience in the cremation industry. Under theCOW management of Derek Dyches and family, · PIG · SHEEP our primary focus is to help pet owners cherish the memories GOAT AND DEER of their beloved pets.
345 Elko St. Williston, SC 29853
STATE INSPECTED (803) 590-2288
Carolina Horse and Pet Services DEDICATED TO THE DIGNITY OF LIFE Helping pet owners cherish the memories of their beloved pets.
chaps@carolinahorsecremation.com
803-652-2799
AS07-1927720-1
2373 Williston Rd Aiken, SC 29803
345 Elko Street, Williston, SC 29853
(803) 590-2288
Steven L. Kephart - Owner
chaps@carolinahorsecremation.com CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
7
GOOD TIMES
Mead Hall Episcopal School's Fall Festival Everyone had a blast at Mead Hall Episcopal School's Fall Festival! There were many unique costumes, inflatables, face painting, and more! This Fall Festival is an annual event that the school provides for their students and the St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church families.
8
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
WE DO PAINTING. Zach Armstrong
YOU DO LIFE.
Best Mortgage Professional of the CSRA
(706) 955-0266 THEHOMELOANPLUG.COM 803.295.5160 | 215 Baston Rd Martinez, GA 30907
228 Richland Avenue W Ste 5 | Aiken, SC
St. John's United Methodist Church
We invite you to celebrate the advent season at St. John's. 8:30 am 9:02 am 11:00 am 6:00 pm
Sanctuary Faith Center Sanctuary Around the Fountain
WWW.STJAIKEN.ORG | RICHLAND AVE. & NEWBERRY ST. | (803) 648-6891 CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
9
AROUND TOWN
NEXTHOME REALTY CONSULTANTS GETS NEW OFFICE NextHome Realty Consultants has a new office! You can now find them at 1305 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841. Visit them for their grand opening on December 10th!
MEAD HALL EPISCOPAL SCHOOL RANKED #1 Congratulations to Mead Hall Episcopal School for ranking #1 in Best Private High Schools in Aiken County on Niche! Mead Hall Episcopal School challenges students to pursue academic excellence, spiritual growth, and moral integrity. Great job on this achievement!
POND CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | REPAIR
Your oasis awaits... (803) 226-1002 AMENCORNERPONDS.COM
NEW WINES AT THREE STAR VINEYARD AND ORCHARD Three Star Vineyard and Orchard now has three new delicious wines available! The three new wines are Raspea, Tiger’s Blood, and Blackberry Mal.
AIKEN COUNTY CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSAY This year, Aiken County is celebrating their 150th Anniversary! On March 10, 1871, a South
Karen Peterson Interiors Let me bring your ideas to life! Personalize your Interior Design needs! 571.243.2057 | 803.641.9760 | karenpetersoninteriors.com 10
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
Carolina legislative act to establish a new county was signed by Governor Robert K. Scott. There have been many virtual and in-person events this year to celebrate the anniversary. We hope you have had fun celebrating and we wish Aiken County a Happy Anniversary!
WE HAUL
IT ALL
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR COMMUNITY
30TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN HOPELANDS The 30th Annual Christmas in Hopelands event will transform Hopelands Gardens in Aiken December 11 - 23. The exhibit will be open 6:00 - 9:30 pm each evening for the public to enjoy. Guests can spend time with friends and family as they stroll through Hopelands Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season, while
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B FOX HAULING
sipping hot cocoa or apple cider. This enchanting walk-through exhibit features over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays. Over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens are a must-see during the holiday season. Admission is free. Photography Credit Mark Hudson.
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.
Event Designer | 762.994.7476 B HEART OF GRACE CREATIONS
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
11
LOCAL’S CHOICE
Christmas Gift Guide 1. Custom Made Knife A custom made knife is a gift he’s sure to love! Cypress Custom Knives 803-640-5118, prices vary. 2. Embroidered Crossbody Purse These crossbody purses and wristlets are fun and unique! They can be purchased with or without embroidery. Aiken Embroidery and Design, 117 Laurens St NW, $30. 3. Jewelry Get her some beautiful jewelry that shows her South Carolina pride! Jewelry Doctor 2416 Whiskey Rd, prices vary. 4. Custom Dog Ornaments Don’t forget about Fido this Christmas! Make sure to get an ornament for all your pups. Aiken Embroidery and Design, 117 Laurens St NW, $15. 5. Wine Pick up a bottle of the best wine from Three Star Vineyard and Orchard. Three Star Vineyard and Orchard 172 Holmes pond Rd, prices vary. 6. Auto Upgrade Surprise them with tint, kits, and more! All About Trucks and Autos 706-855-8768, prices vary, gift certificates available.
12
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
13
FOOD & WINE
O
B
O Z 14
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
Y
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT WINTER TREAT
BOOZY H OT C H O CO L ATE ARTICLE CRYSTAL WATERS | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
WITH THE COLD WEATHER THAT WINTER
+ 1 teaspoon of sweetener of your choice
BRINGS, NOTHING FEELS BETTER THAN
(Michelle’s recommendation is raw cane sugar)
TO SIT BY THE FIRE WITH A WARM MUG
+ Whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate
OF HOT CHOCOLATE. Take your hot choc-
shavings, orange zest, and/or grating of nut-
olate to the next level with this Boozy Hot
meg/cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Chocolate recipe provided to us by Michelle Rutter of Sugar and Spice Cocktail Mixers.
DIRECTIONS
Enjoy this 21-and-over hot chocolate recipe
Step One Fill two mugs with hot water
with chocolate chip cookies and candy canes
and set aside while you make the cocoa. In
while you wait for Santa this year. Share your
a small saucepan over low heat, warm the
hot chocolate creations with us by using
milk, chocolate, vanilla and salt, whisking
#citylifestyleaiken.
until the chocolate has melted and the mix-
ture is smooth and uniform.
INGREDIENTS + Hot water, for filling mugs
Step Two Add the rum and coffee liqueur and
+ 2 cups whole milk
stir to combine. Continue to stir until the mix-
+ 3 ounces dark chocolate chips
ture is fully heated. Do not let it come to a boil.
+ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 large pinch of salt
Step Three Discard the hot water in the
+ 2 ounces dark rum or another spirit
mugs, ladle the mixture into your mugs and
+ 2 ounces coffee liqueur or another liqueur
garnish as you like.
+ 1 dash of cinnamon + 1 dash of red pepper
Step Four Enjoy!
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
15
FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)
C
O C
O 16
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
A
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
17
Celebrating 100 Years with Overhead Door Company of Aiken/Augusta LEARN THE HISTORY OF THE OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY AND MEET THE FAMILY BEHIND THE AIKEN/AUGUSTA LOCATION
ARTICLE MICHELLE TORDOFF PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE FRANKLIN
18
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
"T hey are a f amily oriented, honest, and reli able company t h at st ands behind t heir work. If t here are problems, t hey work h ard t o make t hing s righ t."
“OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION WAS
Jack’s company in their teens. His sister,
FOUNDED IN 1921 BY C.J. JOHNSON,
Jimmie Ruth Garrett, has worked since
THE INVENTOR OF THE GARAGE DOOR,”
his humble beginnings as his bookkeeper
ACCORDING
BAUMANN,
and still shows up daily to work at 79 years
EMPLOYED FAMILY MEMBER OF THE
TO
ABBIE
young. It wasn’t until 2015 when the third
AUGUSTA OFFICE. Jack Sheppard, her
generation began their work at Overhead
great uncle, began his garage door busi-
Door Corporation. The third generation
ness in 1975 working hard out of his truck
would include Billy’s son’s Tyler, who is now
to make a business that would support his
learning to handle commercial job bids and
family. He became an authorized distribu-
installation, and Grayson, who followed
tor of Overhead Door Corporation in 1980
Billy’s footsteps installing fireplaces. His
after being approached by the company
employed grandson Mason, son of Tommy,
which he gladly accepted.
just graduated high school. His great niece,
Jack’s business beginnings were small,
Abbie Baumann (daughter of Mike), who
but now it is a family business that employs
shared all the history of the business with
eleven members of the Sheppard family
City Lifestyle Aiken, also works for the
and fourteen others who became family
company doing residential bidding, sales
through the business. They not only deal in
and marketing. That means eleven family
commercial and residential garage doors,
members show up to work regularly. Jack
but they also have dealt in fireplaces for the
even comes in daily at 74 years of age to
last 40 years. In fact, Jack’s son Billy is the
oversee the workings of the business, and
Fireplace Manager while his son Tommy is
he continues to help do installations on
the gate manager. His wife, Susan, works
larger projects.
daily invoicing the day-to-day jobs. Jack’s
According to Abbie, they are a family
nephews Mike Garrett is the Commercial
oriented, honest, and reliable company
Manager,
the
that stands behind their work. If there
Residential Manager. The second and third
are problems, they work hard to make
generation began working after school for
things right and won’t disappear like other
and
Steve
Garrett
is
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
19
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS (CONTINUED)
businesses until the customer is satisfied. They believe deeply in family and a strong work ethic. They want to impart that integrity Provided by Overhead Door Company
to their customers whether they are the large commercial job or the small residential buyer with garage door needs. They will service all makes and models of garage doors and openers not just the products they sell. Locally owned Overhead Door Company of Augusta/Aiken knows garage doors and has 100 years of experience and a great reputation to back them up. Congratulations Jack Sheppard and the Overhead Door family! The City Lifestyle Aiken Team would like to wish the Overhead Door Company a Happy 100th Anniversary. Overhead Door Company of Augusta/Aiken can be found at 1529 Crescent Dr, Augusta, GA 30909. They are open Monday through Friday from 7am to 5:30pm. If you are interested in having Overhead Door in your home, make sure to stop by and check out their showroom. They have plenty of options for what you need! Call them today at 706-736-8478.
20
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
21
processing
Steve’s Quality LEARN HOW STEVE’S QUALITY PROCESSING CAN HELP YOU THIS HUNTING SEASON
ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY CHASTITY BARTON
STEVE’S QUALITY PROCESSING IS A LOCALLY OWNED MEAT
worked with them. “We like to think that
PROCESSING SHOP OWNED BY STEVE KEPHART. They are a state
when people come to work with us, they
inspected facility, which allows them to process cows, deer, sheep,
are a part of the family,” says Linda.
goats, pigs, bears, and even elk. Everything is cut to the customers’
The team at Steve’s Quality Processing
liking. “We do it all,” says Steve. “We do jerky meat, summer sausages,
takes pride in their work and works hard
snack sticks, bacon burgers, and it’s all done here on the premises.”
each day to provide quality meat. During
Steve has been cutting meat his entire life. He grew up on a
deer season, they often work from day-
dairy farm and learned how to cut meat in Strykersville, New York
light until dark processing orders. They
working for a family-owned business. The building for Steve’s
appreciate their customers and would like
Quality Processing was previously a meat market before Steve
to say thank you to them for supporting
purchased it in 2010.
their small business.
Some processing facilities will combine deer from different
22
Steve’s
Quality
Processing
is
open
hunters during processing but Linda Kearney tells us that at
Monday through Sunday from 8:00am to
Steve’s Quality Processing, the deer you bring them is the deer
8:30pm. During the off season, they are
you bring home. Linda has worked with Steve for twelve years
open by appointment only. Find them at
and says that it’s like working with family. Steve’s sons have
2373 Williston Road Aiken, SC 29803. Call
worked with him and several of Linda’s family members have also
their office at 803-652-2799.
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
23
OUR TOWN
S T. T H A D D E U S E P I S C O PA L
CHURCH
ST. THADDEUS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, A HISTORIC CHURCH IN AIKEN COUNTY
ARTICLE BAILEY MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
24
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
25
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
THERE
HISTORIC
and more to those in need in our community. They have
CHURCHES IN THE UNITED STATES AND ST.
ARE
MANY
BEAUTIFUL,
also made several mission trips to Haiti where they
THADDEUS
AIKEN
helped found multiple schools and worked on water
COUNTY IS ONE OF THEM. Founded in 1842, St.
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
IN
projects. The church’s youth group does mission trips
Thaddeus Episcopal Church is the oldest, continuously
most years with a group called Homework. They go to
worshipping church in its original building in Aiken
areas of Appalachia and help rebuild homes for those
County. “The original church building is the one we
in need and make homes wheelchair accessible for the
worship in,” says Reverend Grant Wiseman. In 1929,
elderly and disabled.
they added on the steeple and removed the balconies where slaves once sat during services.
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church. The church then pur-
The historic gravesite at St. Thaddeus Episcopal
chased Aiken Prep in 2014 and combined the schools.
Church has many prominent characters in it including
Mead Hall Episcopal School teaches k3 through 12th
General Gabriel James Rains. General Rains attended
grade and currently has 372 students with excellent
West Point and was a lieutenant colonel in the United
sports teams. Their girls swim team recently took sec-
States Army before signing his commission and
ond in state and other student athletic teams perform
appointed as a brigadier general in the Confederate
well in tennis and golf also.
Army. His brother, George Washington Rains, owned
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church live streams their
the Augusta Powderworks and they were known as
services so that people who are unable to attend due
“The Bomb Brothers”. General Rains invented the first
to Covid can watch online. Their mission statement is
modern landmine in 1862. Also buried in the cemetery
“Loving God... Serving others… Living our faith.” They
is Henry Ravenel. He was a planter and botanist who
are a welcoming church family and have many oppor-
studied fungi and cryptograms in South Carolina and
tunities for ministry and worship.
discovered many new species.
Reverend Wiseman and the congregation of St.
Reverend Grant Wiseman has been the priest at St.
Thaddeus Episcopal Church would like to invite you to
Thaddeus Episcopal Church for twelve years. Before St.
visit them this Christmas season. They will have two
Thaddeus Episcopal Church, he served as a chaplain and
Christmas Eve Services; the family pageant service is
rector at a church in Omaha, Nebraska. Before joining the
at 4:00pm and the carols and traditional music with
priesthood, he served in the Army, worked at boarding
incense is at 10:45pm. On Christmas Day they will have
schools, and owned a legal services company. Many of
a 10:00am service.
Reverend Wiseman’s family members are also priests.
26
Mead Hall Episcpoal School was founded in 1955 by
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church is located at 125
St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church is actively involved in
Pendleton St SW Aiken, SC 29801. Service times on
serving the Aiken community. The church hosts a soup
Sundays are 7:45am Holy Eucharist - no music, 9:00am
kitchen every Saturday and is involved in ACTS (Area
Contemporary Service, and 11:15am Traditional Service.
Churches Together Serving) of Aiken. ACTS of Aiken
Visit their website www.stthaddeus.org or call the
provides food, clothing, housewares, utility assistance,
church office (803)648-497 for more information.
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
27
OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)
28
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
SUNDAY SERVICES 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
(803) 648-5497 | www.stthaddeus.org | 125 Pendleton St Sw Aiken, SC 29801
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Overhead Door Company of Augusta™
454 W MARTINTOWN RD, NORTH AUGUSTA, SC 29841 (803) 279-4090 • HAMMONDHILLSAH.COM
Find your perfect home.
Design according to your style. Call us today for a free estimate!
The industry leader for 100 years (1921-2021). Locally serving the CSRA for 46 years (1975-2021).
(706) 736-8478 | ohdaugusta.com
(803) 226-0473 681 Silver Bluff Rd Aiken, SC 29803 CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
29
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 LADIES NIGHT AT EVANS TOWN CENTER EVERY WEDNESDAY Evans Town Center
Ladies Night is hosted by Sol Himalayan Salt Cave, Westobou Design, and Stay. Social Tap & Table. You will receive a passport to enjoy
Aiken where there’s something
The Christmas Craft Show is also a
for everyone! December 2nd from
great place to shop for your holiday
6pm to 8pm.
gifts and décor. This is a free event and starts at 9am.
3 ANNUAL DOWNTOWN TREE LIGHTING
Newberry Street in downtown Aiken
3-5, 9-11 A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS AT AIKEN COMMUNITY THEATER
a $20 one hour salt cave session,
Discover the magic of Christmas in
20% off merchandise at Westobou
Aiken as Mayor Osbon counts down
The classic animated television
Design, and 20% off wine and des-
to the lighting of the tree. This free
special, A Charlie Brown Christmas,
sert at Stay. Social Tap & Table. Be
event will take place on Newberry
comes to life in this faithful stage
sure to leave your stamped pass-
Street in Historic Downtown Aiken.
adaptation in which Charlie Brown,
port for a chance to win monthly
There will be a live musical perfor-
Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts
drawings! Ladies Night is every
mance, a special hello from Santa,
Gang discover the true meaning
Wednesday and salt cave sessions
and a countdown to the lighting of the
of Christmas. Visit https://aiken-
are at 5pm and 6:15pm.
singing Christmas tree. Parents, be
communitytheatre.org/ for more
sure to grab a take-home craft kit for
information.
2
NIGHT OF 1,000 LIGHTS Downtown Aiken
The Night of 1,000 Lights is the most beautiful night of the holiday
Aiken Community Theater
your children. Starts at 6pm.
3-4 51ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW
4 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Three Star Vineyard and Orchard
Three Star Vineyard and Orchard
Odell Weeks Activity Center
would like to invite you to visit
town streets lined with luminaries.
The show features handmade crafts
them for their Christmas Open House
Downtown shops will be open
and goodies made by talented arti-
on December 4th from 10am to 12pm.
late! There will be carolers, elves,
sans from across the Southeast.
Santa will be there from 1pm to 5pm.
and Santa himself! Enjoy the
There is sure to be something for
holiday festivities in Downtown
everyone’s style, taste, and budget.
season! Enjoy walking the down-
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 30
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
12
18
21
JAYCEES CHRISTMAS PARADE
SANTA AT THE DEPOT
FIRST DAY OF WINTER
Head downtown for the annual
Train Museum
ter from the City Lifestyle Aiken team!
Jaycees
Downtown Aiken
It's the first day of winter! Happy win-
Aiken Visitors Center and
at
Come visit with Santa and tell him
2pm. The theme for this year’s parade
how good you’ve been this year! There
is “It’s a Hometown Christmas.”
will be festive Christmas music and
Christmas
Parade
the Drive-A-Train exhibit. Children will
17-19
receive a special gift. Be sure to bring your camera! Reservations must be
AIKEN CIVIC BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” The Etherredge Center
The
Aiken
Carolina’s
Civic longest,
Ballet, South continuously
operating dance company, will per-
made in advance. 10:00am to 1:00pm.
25 CHRISTMAS DAY
The City Lifestyle Aiken team would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! We hope
18
your day is filled with love, good fellowship, and joy!
HOOFBEATS AND CHRISTMAS CAROLS PARADE Downtown Aiken
Would you like to get in touch with
through the 19th. Visit http://aiken-
The twelfth annual Hoofbeats &
us? We would love to hear from you!
ballet.org/ for more information.
Christmas Carols Parade is December
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/
18th at 2pm! Make sure to keep an eye
Aiken using the Get In Touch link and
out for Santa in this parade!
let us know what you think.
form The Nutcracker December 17th
Serving Aiken for 25 years
transmisSion work • exhaust work general & computer repairs • A/C • brakes
From window cleaning and roof stain removal to gutter cleaning and mildew removal, Sunshine Pressure Washing has you covered. (803) 642-6341 thesunshineboys.com
3773 Whiskey Road • Aiken, SC 29803 CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
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GIVING BACK
Gratefully
ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. Anna Sarol
“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.
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City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”
“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.
In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy 34
City Lifestyle Aiken | December 2021
Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram
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