Aiken, SC August 2024

The Kids and Pets Issue

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For The Separated And Recently Divorced. Heal The Wounds.

You may find yourself facing the possibility of an outcome you never foresaw. You may believe as we do that marriage is an institution ordained by God and none of us desire that any marriage should fail.

Unfortunately, they do. Marriages are made of imperfect human beings and are subject to the effects of those flaws. For those of us who find ourselves on this path, there is DivorceCare®, a peer group of men and women somewhere along the journey between separation and postdivorce. DivorceCare is a thirteenweek peer group consisting of in-person lessons, and daily exercises to help the participants handle the disorientation of a marriage ending and facing an uncertain future.

LIFESTYLE

Kids & Pets

Welcome to our Kids and Pets offering! Whether you adore children, pets or Aiken itself, this jampacked issue has something for you.

In Aiken, our love for dogs knows no bounds. This town is exceptionally dog-friendly, and we've pinpointed several spots where your furry friend will be warmly welcomed.

Our very own Nikita Hanif embarked on an adventurous trip with her family and dog to Crabtree Mountain, courtesy of the Glamping Collective. In her travelogue, she chronicles her transformation from a beach enthusiast to a mountain aficionado.

As much as we love summer, it's time for kids to head back to school (perhaps to the relief of some parents). Brooke Davis, LISW-CP from B Well Counseling & Consulting, generously shares tips on ensuring a smooth start to the school year.

Melissa Hartley, Animal Behavior Consultant and owner of Sindar Kennel sheds light on five common training mistakes dog owners make. I must confess, I'm guilty as charged - my granddogs have figured out I'm the weak link when it comes to extra treats. My adult children give me disapproving looks, hinting it doesn't bode well for any future grandchildren!

These are just a taste of the stories awaiting you inside. So, settle in and enjoy your read.

See you next month!

GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Elvis, Nikita Hanif, Shelby Mayer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Scott Webster, Rebecca Judy, Gayle Bryan, KT Photography, Nikita Hanif, David Frantz

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Tips from Brooke Davis, LISW-CP from B. Well Counseling & Consulting

Aiken Mom and Owner of Mumz Helping Handz, Daniella Sanchez, Balances Business Ownership and Family Life

Melissa Hartley Discusses Five Mistakes to Avoid as Dog Owners

(registered name, Rockin’ Hearts Goldah Sindar Chapter Four) is a Cirneco dell’Etna owned by Melissa R. Hartley, Canine Behavior Consultant and owner of Sindar Kennel, LLC.

city scene

START THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SCOTT WEBSTER

TIPS FROM BROOKE DAVIS, LISW-CP FROM B. WELL COUNSELING & CONSULTING

Brooke Davis, owner and experienced therapist at B. Well Counseling & Consulting, met with Aiken City Lifestyle recently to discuss some back-toschool tips that she finds most beneficial with elementary aged children. Davis has always had a passion for helping children that struggle with trauma, anxiety or depression, or those who find themselves on the Autism Spectrum. Davis is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Play Therapy. She enjoys working with families, children and adolescents up to the age 17. Her office is conveniently located in Houndslake Country Club.

Starting school can be scary for a child due to the unfamiliar environment and new routines. To ease this transition, Davis highly recommends driving by the school several times, walking around it, scheduling a tour and meeting the staff and teachers. These actions help familiarize children with their school, making it less intimidating and more comfortable for them on their first day.

Good communication with your child’s new teacher is crucial. Informing the teacher when your child is having a rough day or experiencing high emotions helps them understand and support your child better while in school. Establishing a code word for such days alerts the teacher to expect different behavior, ensuring they can respond with empathy and appropriate strategies, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Have your child draw a picture of their school a few weeks before the first day and a few weeks after they start. Discuss what they drew and how they discern each one, exploring their expectations and feelings. This natural, playful approach helps them express their emotions and thoughts, making the transition smoother. It also provides an opportunity to address any concerns and reinforce positive feelings about school.

Finding safe adults at school for your child to depend on is pivotal. It ensures they have trusted support during the school day, easing anxiety and fostering a sense of security. This connection with teachers and staff and knowing they have reliable adults they can turn to builds their confidence. It enhances their overall school experience, promoting emotional well-being and academic success.

Afternoon Tea

An Aiken Mother’s Literary Legacy for Her Children and Others

McKaleigh Sofie Durrett has released her newest children’s book, Afternoon Tea, inspired by her son, William Edward Durrett IV, and his two favorite stuffed animals. This whimsical story follows unlikely friends, a wiry Scottish goat and an uppity British rabbit, on a delightful adventure through the Fern Forest.

McKaleigh's passion for storytelling is rooted in her childhood memories of visiting her Oma (grandmother) and listening to British audiobooks before bedtime. She is excited to leave a legacy for her children. Her son’s nursery features books signed by her husband’s grandparents and filled with sweet messages. The bookshelves now include her own works and notes for her son who will soon welcome a sister. McKaleigh's books are available at 3 Monkeys, Meadow Aiken Home and Mia Mora Children’s Boutique and Consignment.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS

BY NIKITA HANIF, GAYLE BRYAN & DAVID FRANTZ

BEAT THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER IN AIKEN’S DOG-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

DOGS ALLOWED

Cities everywhere are becoming more dog-inclusive, recognizing that our four-legged friends are more than just pets. They’re family members! Aiken is no different; many places are welcom-

“OUR

SPCA DOG PARK

Located at 199 Willow Wood Road and adjacent to the SPCA Albrecht Center is the SPCA Dog Park. It’s a fenced area of about two acres which are divided into

CHARMING TOWN HAS MANY OPTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG TO PLAY, EAT OR RELAX.”

ing to pets. Our charming town has tons of options for you and your dog to play, eat or relax.

GOOD GIRL BREWING CO.

Good Girl Brewing Company, inspired by the owner's own good girl, Kate, opened this year on Banks Mill Road next to Citizens Park. The beer is cold and brewed in-house, and the full menu offers a ton of delicious options like onion rings, hot dogs, salads and a melt-in-your-mouth Philly cheesesteak. But, the best part is that it’s also dogfriendly! The outside area is shaded by huge trees and full of tables and chairs for outdoor seating. Bring your pup to roll in the grass, meet other furry friends or lounge with you on the covered porch. Check out their menu and upcoming events on their Facebook page. Come grab a cold one while your dog enjoys some fun, and be sure to take a picture and tag Good Girl!

two parts, one for all dog sizes and the other designated just for dogs under 30 lbs. There are three pavilions for shade, a splash pool for those water loving pups and water fountains for both dogs and their humans. The park is serviced daily and does require a membership to help with maintenance. All dogs must be spayed or neutered and must be up to date on vaccinations. Park rules are listed online (www.letlovelive.org) as well as prices for memberships and where to purchase them. Enjoy these dog days of summer with your fourlegged pal around the splash pool at the SPCA Dog Park!

DOWNTOWN DOG

Downtown Dog, owned by Sheri and Vic Scarborough, is THE place for all things dog. They offer grooming, dog food, collars, gifts, holiday accessories and even homemade treats made right in the store. Pups are, of course,

welcome inside, where they receive top-notch service and lots of love. The Scarboroughs and their team are also dedicated to helping all dogs in the Aiken community through various fundraisers and working with rescue organizations. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on parades, contests, auctions and more. And in the meantime, load up your furry friend and head to Laurens Street to check out Downtown Dog, “the downtown store for dogs…and the people who love them.” Information on hours, events and grooming can be found at www.aikendowntowndog.com

NEO AT THEORY5

Since we’ve mentioned some of our favorite dog-friendly areas to visit, we must also mention Neo, the German Shepherd rescue who is the epitome of a downtown Aiken dog. Neo’s human is Ron Turner, owner of Theory5 which is a branding and advertising agency on Laurens Street. Despite a bad habit of stealing covers, chewing leather belts and shedding twice a year for six months at a time, Neo is a social butterfly about town and supports local. He works full time at Theory5 and can be found every morning enjoying coffee and bagels at New Moon. Neo loves perusing the alley and visiting his favorite bartender at Electric Eats just hoping for a pretzel bite. This wellknown pup receives top notch VIP service from the staff at Rhumba Rum and Cigar Lounge in the evenings after a day of visiting shop owners at Lionel Smith, Glow and Tumble Weed. Neo loves big adventures with his owner, Ron, but when

“NEO ENDED UP RESCUING ME.” MAKE YOUR WAY DOWNTOWN IN HOPES TO MEET NEO, A TRUE

DEFINITION

OF MAN’S BEST FRIEND.

he can’t travel, a hike in Hitchcock Woods scratches the itch. Neo may have had a rough start to life, but by way of the Aiken County Animal Shelter, he found Ron. Ron says that even though he adopted Neo, “Neo ended up rescuing me.” Make your way downtown in hopes to meet Neo, a true definition of man’s best friend.

THE ALLEY AND LOCAL SHOPS

Calling all local dogs! Downtown Aiken is a dog-friendly community and would love to have you and your doggo come take a stroll. The alley and surrounding areas are full of restaurants and bars like Electric Eats, Whiskey Alley, Neon Fig and The Alley Tap Room that have outdoor seating so that your dog can join. As you shop on Laurens, many store owners have fresh water out for thirsty pups, including Beyond Bijoux Aiken, Lionel Smith and Bravefriend among many others. Come take a stroll and grab a bite to eat with your dog. Maybe you’ll even run into Neo!

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Marli Cook Creates a School Supply Blessing Box

A Heart of Giving

Meet Marli Cook, a spirited 14-year-old with a heart of gold. Inspired by her Girl Scouts blessing box project, Marli tackled the issue of access to school supplies at Tall Pines by creating a school pantry box.

“I'm really bad about losing my school supplies,” Marli says, acknowledging how often teachers end up footing the bill for extra supplies.

Marli’s project, supported by generous sponsors like Cribbs HVAC, Aiken Homes Team at Meybohm, Pitter Patter Children's Boutique, Southern Carolina Palms and More, Bradley Boni LLC Attorney at Law and Carolyn Moore, is a lifeline for students in need. The pantry box is now installed at Tall Pines, stocked and ready to help.

ARTICLE BY SHELBY MAYER

Want to get involved? Bring your school supplies to the front office at Tall Pines and contribute to Marli’s mission of making access to school supplies a little easier for everyone.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Daniella Sanchez, owner of Mumz Helping Handz, is not just a successful entrepreneur; she’s also a devoted mom.

Between her business, her husband’s business and being a mom to three young children, Daniella’s life is a constant balancing act. In this candid Q&A, Daniella shares how she manages to keep everything in check.

WHEN DID YOU START MUMZ HELPING HANDZ? TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT INSPIRED IT.

We started this four and a half years ago in the middle of COVID. I was working as a nurse, and I was sick of being exhausted and never seeing my kids. My house was always a wreck because I was never home. And I wondered how many other moms felt like this. I wanted to not only have more time with my kids but to do something that’s actually making a difference in people’s day-to-day lives. Last year we expanded into lawn maintenance and property maintenance so that we can provide an all-in-one experience. Customers can work with one company that is owned by a family who understands how hard life can be.

Aiken Mom and Owner of Mumz Helping Handz, Daniella Sanchez, Balances Business Ownership and Family Life.

ARTICLE BY SHELBY MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WEBSTER

HOW DO YOU BALANCE OWNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH BEING A MOM TO LITTLES? WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

When my kids are in school, my youngest stays with family. From eight in the morning to two in the afternoon, I do consultations, meetings, etc. Then I pick up my kids, go to sports, have dinner and get the kids to bed. At night, I typically work on estimates and contracts. Normally I take off on weekends. Anything I need to catch up on, I balance around my kids. Being a stay-at-home mom on top of being a working mom means I have to have that flexibility to navigate my kids’ schedules. And that’s what I cherish about providing for other families. Knowing that we’re taking Dad out of the yard or taking the cleaning off of Mom’s plate so she’s not stuck in the house on the weekends instead of spending time with her kids…that’s what I’m most proud of.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT OWNING A BUSINESS WHILE BEING A MOM?

My favorite thing is definitely my schedule. I can flex my schedule as needed around my kids. If my son’s birthday is coming up, I can work from wherever we go for his birthday vacation. I can juggle both. I can be present for both. I love not having to choose between one or the other.

CARE THAT’S FOCUSED ON YOU

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ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

BEHAVIOR CONSULTING

Melissa Hartley Discusses Five Mistakes to Avoid as Dog Owners

Melissa Hartley, an Animal Behavior Consultant and owner of Sindar Kennel, offers helpful advice on common mistakes to avoid when owning a dog. One error she highlights is keeping puppies isolated at home between eight to twelve weeks out of fear of illness. Hartley emphasizes that behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the leading cause of death for dogs under three years old. Strangerdirected fear aggression is a significant source of behavioral euthanasia and relinquishment. The best prevention is socializing your puppy to a variety of people in places with low risk of disease, like retail stores that allow dogs. Carry a bag of treats and ask strangers to give a treat, which you provide. This practice helps puppies become comfortable around different people and environments.

Another mistake Hartley discusses is the use of punishment, especially involving pain, such as leash corrections, prong/pinch collars or shock. She explains that when pain is applied, it can create accidental emotional associations with people, animals and objects. While punishment might solve some problems, it can create

multiple new ones. A meta-analysis of scientific work shows that positive reinforcement methods are more effective and do not cause negative emotional side effects. Instead, work with a dog trainer who uses force-free methods to teach your dog desirable behaviors.

Regarding crate training, Hartley points out a common mistake: only putting the puppy in a crate when leaving the house.

This practice can cause the puppy to associate the crate with your absence, which is negative. To mitigate this, Hartley suggests feeding meals in the crate and putting the puppy in the crate randomly each day while you are home, offering a special treat not given at other times.

Hartley also warns against accidentally rewarding bad behavior and not rewarding good behavior. Engagement or attention is a

reward for a dog. If a dog is behaving obnoxiously to seek attention, looking at her, talking to her or touching her (even negatively) are all forms of engagement, which can be rewarding. Instead, Hartley advises removing engagement during those times and adding a lot of engagement when they are calm and listening. Finally, Hartley discusses the importance of not overfeeding your dog and being sure to set aside calories needed for training and enrichment. Dogs eat the calories they need to maintain their desired body weight. If a dog isn’t eating well, it could be due to acute anxiety, hormonal issues, extreme senescence, illness or overfeeding. Adjust your dog's daily calorie budget until they are eating all calories immediately when presented and are at the proper body condition. Allocate a percentage of those calories every morning for training and enrichment, ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight and receives the necessary mental stimulation.

Glamping on Crabtree Mountain

An Adventure for Family and Four-Legged Friends

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKITA HANIF & THE GLAMPING COLLECTIVE

If you had asked me a week ago if I preferred the beach or the mountains, I would have instantly chosen the beach. I’ve always gravitated towards the coastline; something about the sand and sea speaks to me. However, after spending time in a dome with the Glamping Collective on Crabtree Mountain in North Carolina, I have got to tell you that I am a mountain convert.

My family and our latest rescue dog, Nala, drove up the ascent of winding roads towards our dome on the mountain. The scenery itself was intoxicating and borderline surreal. As we parked the truck outside our glamping setup, I was immediately drawn to the fire pit and lounge area that overlooked a view that even the most talented painter would struggle to capture. A vast sea of varying shades of green foliage and various mountaintops beckoned to us, and wildflowers in every shade framed the hillside where our dome sat. As I stood gazing out at the view, a gentle breeze blew through the mountainside and rustled millions of leaves into a chorus that whispered soothingly in my ears to let go of my worries and find peace. It was as if the breeze cleansed my soul and filled me with

overwhelming warmth. I was experiencing all these emotions and sensations, and we hadn’t even made it in the front door of what would be our home for the next several days.

My kids and dog raced up the steps onto the wraparound porch leading to our entrance. Overcome with curiosity and excitement, they burst through the door to explore this oddly-shaped retreat. To my surprise, we were greeted with a harmonious mixture of rustic and modern charm. The interior featured a stunning, wide-plank wall stained in a calming blue-gray hue. The kitchen sported a contemporary vibe and edgy gold fixtures that you would expect to find in a highend resort. My kids, however, were most intrigued by the elegant and sizable bathroom that boasted heated floors and every amenity you could think of. King-size beds filled each bedroom and proved to be a luxurious place of relaxation at the end of each day. The highlight of the entire dome, though, was the living room. You could sit in any area and be greeted by a transparent wall of glass that gave you a bird's eye view of the mountainside. I know words will do the view no justice, but imagine feeling like you are sitting in the palm of a giant and they are sitting on the side of a mountain. Your view is filled with mountains and a sky riddled with voluminous clouds. Birds frequently soar past at eye level and seem to nod at you in confirmation that you are where you are supposed to be…submerged in nature and its wonder.

The dome itself is luxurious enough that I could have been thrilled to stay inside the entire trip and enjoy the views; however, the outdoor porch spoiled us with a hot tub and expansive outdoor dining area. I found myself in awe during the evenings, gazing up at the immeasurable blanket of stars that winked at us while we relaxed in the bubbling waters of the gigantic hot tub. Hunting for constellations to the sound of playful crickets and late-night avians was a blissful escape. I got lost in the tune, and time seemed to slow. The cares and stresses of life that rode up the mountain with me were blurred and seemed so trivial when staring up at the expanse of our universe. My kids were even moved to moments of stillness, just taking in their surroundings, which never happens in our daily grind. This mountainside stay wove its magic into all of us, preserving each moment in wonder. Whether cuddling on the couch with the family and the pup or playing Uno outside on the dining table, this getaway put life in perspective and made choices much simpler.

I didn’t think I could have been any more impressed with our stay, but we ventured onto one of the many trails offered by the Glamping Collective. My kids chose the Creekside Trail, and we set off, dog in tow, to test

“My kids and dog raced up the steps onto the wrap-around porch leading to our entrance. Overcome with curiosity and excitement, they burst through the door to explore this oddly-shaped retreat. To my surprise, we were greeted with a harmonious mixture of rustic and modern charm.”

our mettle against the mountain. I was so impressed with how well the trails were maintained. It was easy enough that my five-year-old made it on a 2-mile hike but still challenging enough that, as a family, we felt like we had accomplished a feat when we returned home. The trail seemed like it belonged as the backdrop for a Tolkien story. Winding, clover-filled paths led us past numerous wildflowers and giant ferns. My youngest son let his imagination run wild and pointed out the hidden faces of the rock trolls carved in the sides of the mountain we walked past, warning us not to talk too loudly lest we wake the trolls and they try to eat us for trespassing. As we ventured through the trail, we started hearing the bubbling creek the

trail was named after. Crystal-clear water trickled and tumbled down a zigzag rock wall into a stonefilled creek draped in moss and greenery. I lost track of time, counting all the butterflies that fluttered around the creek and weaved through the air around us. I wanted to take this entire moment and store it in a bottle so that I could revisit it over and over again. I would have never thought a glamping experience would be such a life-changing journey for my family and me. I highly recommend checking out the Glamping Collective in North Carolina. If you need the reset button or love nature, make this your next stop. I, for one, know exactly how I will answer the next time someone asks, “Beach or mountains?”

AUGUST 2024

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 2ND Fabulous Friday

Salley Civic Center Fair Grounds | 6:00 PM

Visit the Salley Civic Center Fair Grounds for Fabulous Friday from 6 to 9 pm on August 2nd. Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors and live entertainment at this lively event hosted by the Town of Salley.

AUGUST 3RD Drive-in Movies at the Big Mo

The Big Mo | 7:00 PM

Experience Drive-In Movies at The Big Mo! Be part of the outdoor screenings featuring classic films under the stars. Bring your car and friends for a nostalgic movie experience. Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check their schedule for showtimes and films.

AUGUST 15TH - 25TH Aiken Summerfest 1 & 2

Bruce's Field | 8:00 AM

Equus Events presents the Aiken Summerfest I & II, a free public event at Bruce’s Field in Aiken. Join us for exciting competition featuring USEF National A Rated Level 2 Jumpers in this scenic location!

Aiken’s MOST Full-Service MD Med

events

CONTINUED

AUGUST 23RD

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Art Show

The Village Cafe | 6:00 PM

Experience the Opening Night of the Village Cafe’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" Art Show from 6-8pm on August 23rd. Enjoy light bites, coffee, beer and wine, all available for purchase. Art will be on display through September 30th. To submit your themed art piece, email bkerley@woodsidecommunities. com. Submissions are due by 5:00pm on August 16th.

AUGUST 24TH

2024 Arts Alive Open House

Aiken Center for the Arts | 11:00 AM Arts Alive Open House from 11:00am2:00pm celebrates youth and local community organizations with live music, performances, face painting, crafts, balloon animals, artist demos and more! Enjoy this free event— everyone is welcome!

AUGUST 30TH

3rd Annual BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

Newberry St Festival Center | 4:00 PM

Discover the Southern charm of Aiken’s BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival! Indulge in delicious barbecue and refreshing sweet tea while enjoying family-friendly activities. Don’t miss this chance to savor Aiken’s finest flavors and hospitality on August 30-31 at the Newberry St. Festival Center.