Evans, GA September 2024

Premier General Contractors Since 1986

Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.

Letter from the Publisher

Welcome to our September issue, where we celebrate the vibrant world of Style & Fashion. As we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to refresh your look and explore the latest trends.

This month, we are excited to feature EA Beauty Salon, where Amy and Avery share the hottest hair trends for the upcoming season. From chic cuts to vibrant colors, find the inspiration you need to revamp your style for fall.

We also highlight the Augusta Area's Newcomers Club, an incredible organization dedicated to connecting residents through fun and engaging activities. We spoke with Susan Salisbury, Realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun and past president of the Newcomers Club, who shared her insights on how this community enriches the lives of its members.

Additionally, discover Bird and Branch Furniture, a hidden gem in Thomson, GA. This family-owned store offers high-quality furniture and decor items to suit any style, making it the perfect place to find unique pieces that will transform your home.

We hope these stories inspire you to embrace new styles and foster connections within our wonderful community. Thank you for joining us this month, and here’s to a stylish and fashionable September!

JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER

@EVANS.LIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Daria Terry

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Daniel Morris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bailey Hall, Cate Marian, Michelle W. Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bird and Branch Furniture, High Cotton Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

CCSDPD Receives Prestigious Certification

The Columbia County School District Police Department (CCSDPD) received State Certification by successfully completing the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program. "We are so proud of our outstanding team of professional law enforcement officers and staff for their continued dedication to the safety of our schools, students and staff," said Dr. Steven Flynt, Superintendent.

Announcement from Prepare For Babies

Prepare for Babies, a local nonprofit, has an exciting development. While they await the construction of their future Maternity Supportive Housing Residence, a generous donor has offered to help purchase a home to serve as a temporary maternity residence. In order to purchase the home, a down payment of $250,000 is still required, and they will need support from our community to make this happen. For more information on how you can help, visit PrepareForBabies.org

Laziza Mediterranean Grill’s Food Truck is Now Open

Laziza Mediterranean Grill has added a food truck so they can bring a burst of flavor to the streets with their mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine! Now you can enjoy their Juicy Shawarma Wraps, Greek Gyro, Delicious Bowls, Feta Fries, Fresh Greek Salad & Hummus, and much more at your next event! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @laziza_food_truck_augusta and @lazizagrill to see what local events their food truck will be at next.

CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Kid's Clothing Store

Kid To Kid kidtokid.com | 706.364.6408

N Bee Tween nbeetween.net | 706.364.3688

Posh Tots Children's Boutique shopposhtots.com | 706.733.4990

The Children's Place childrensplace.com | 803.642.5805

Little Bear Smocks littlebearsmocks.com

Antique Shop

Estates Sales And Antiques estatesalesandantiques.com | 706.922.9090

Antique Gallery

706.667.8866

Romantic Farmhouse Antiques 706.426.7061

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Uptown Marketplace

706.364.6161

Mema Had One memahadoneaugusta.com | 706.426.1897

FALL HAIR TRENDS AT EA BEAUTY STUDIO

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

EA BEAUTY STUDIO IS READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK

MEET THE EXPERTS

Amy Gay, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the industry, began her journey as a receptionist and now proudly co-owns EA Beauty Studio. Her passion for cosmetology and teaching others has made her a mentor to many. In 2018, Avery Boyd, co-owner, started an apprenticeship under Amy, and with a shared love for hair and makeup, their bond grew into a powerful partnership. By 2020, they had transformed their friendship into a thriving business. This past May, they relocated their salon to a new location at 4396 Lamkin Dr., offering a wide range of services from haircuts and color to extensions, formal styling, botox, fillers, and facial waxing.

FALL HAIR TRENDS

RICH CHOCOLATE HUES

ROOTED & DIMENSIONAL BLONDE

The rooted and dimensional blonde look remains a top choice for this fall. The darker shadow at the roots makes the remaining blonde stand out, providing a striking contrast that offers flexibility with maintenance appointments. This stunning blown-out look is achieved using our favorite J Beverly Hills styling products, including Crazy Straight for smoothing and Revive Oil for a silky finish.

Embrace the cooler weather with a rich chocolate hair color that makes any eye color pop. This luxurious look is perfect for fall and we enhanced it with Bellami clip-in extensions, which add instant length and volume.

STYLISH FALL ACCESSORIES

Fall is the perfect time to experiment with hair accessories. Whether it’s a chic hat, a beaded headband, or a cute bow, these accessories pair wonderfully with fresh color and trendy styles like braids or buns. To achieve these looks, we rely on J Beverly Hills styling sprays, which offer a variety of options including hair sprays, shine sprays, and texture sprays.

Step into fall with confidence and style, and let EA Beauty Studio be your go-to destination for all your beauty needs. To book an appointment, call or text 706.832.1928. To see past work, follow EA Beauty Studio on Facebook and Instagram at @ea.beauty.studio.

Connecting residents through fun and engaging activities

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Augusta Area Newcomers Club

For the last fifty years, the Augusta Area Newcomers Club has provided a welcoming place for residents to connect with others and enjoy fun and engaging activities.

“Our mission is to help new residents and those that have had life changes learn about and enjoy the area while providing opportunities to make friends and become involved in social and charitable activities,” shared Susan Salisbury, one of the club’s Past President and co-chair of the Publicity Committee. “A lot of our members are people who are not new to the community but rather they are people who have had life changes, often a retirement or death in the family; an event where they need a new circle of friends and something fresh and fun in their lives.”

With over 250 members and 30 activity groups, members always have activities available. One of the club’s summer events included a day at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Past events include a tour of the Savannah River Site, Fort Eisenhower Presidential Dinner Theatre, and interesting day trips.

“There are seven book clubs, Mah Jongg events, a travel group, a movie group, yoga, and more,” shared Susan. “We also have monthly luncheons and an annual fundraising event. There is so much going on with daily activities and something for everyone to enjoy.”

In addition to fun activities, there are many ways for people to be involved with the Newcomers Club. Members can participate through committees that focus on event planning, fundraising, helping disseminate information through the club’s website, Facebook page, and newsletters, and even participate on the Board of Directors.

“There are many people who move here or retire here who have so much to

“Our mission is to help new residents and those that have had life changes learn about and enjoy the area while providing opportunities to make friends and become involved in social and charitable activities.”

offer and don’t really have an outlet for all of their talents,” said Susan, a local realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun. “The Augusta Area Newcomers Club offers opportunities to use their talents in a very satisfying way.”

Each year, the club chooses a local charity to support. Members collect donations throughout the year and volunteer at the non-profit, culminating efforts in the spring with a large fundraising event. This year, the club presented over $22,000 to the Drumgoole Family Initiatives project that is building homes for those who have aged out of the foster care system and need a place to live.

“My favorite part of the Newcomers Club is how we collaborate and bring our different experiences together towards reaching whatever goal we set,” shared Diane Evans,

long-time member and this year’s co-chair of the Publicity Committee. “This year was one of our most stellar fundraising years yet and we exceeded our expectations in the amount we raised. We are so excited to be part of something that is such a positive influence in our community.”

The fundraising focus for this upcoming year is RISE Augusta, an organization that provides programming and resources to help children succeed in school and life.

The Augusta Area Newcomers Club membership year begins in September with the kickoff luncheon on September 19th. The membership fee is $40 per year and the membership year runs September to August. For more information, visit  www.augustanewcomers.net or contact Susan Salisbury at 317-847-7216.

of Thomson: HIDDEN GEM

BIRD AND BRANCH

FURNITURE

Explore an Eclectic Mix of Trendy and Timeless Pieces

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIRD AND BRANCH FURNITURE

Just a short drive from Evans, GA, lies Bird and Branch Furniture, a hidden gem in the world of style and home decor. Run by JoAnna Bohler, her husband, and her parents, this charming store offers a unique, boutique atmosphere that sets it apart from typical furniture warehouses.

JoAnna’s vision was to create a space where customers could easily envision pieces in their own homes.

“I wanted something smaller and more like a boutique when you come in. I didn’t want it to feel like a warehouse,” she explains. Every piece in the store is thoughtfully displayed.

Bird and Branch caters to a wide range of tastes, offering something for everyone. “We keep up with trends, but we keep things traditional too. It’s a very eclectic mix so most everybody is going to see something they connect with,” she notes. JoAnna also carefully selects companies that offer high-quality furniture at reasonable prices. “I’m a big fan of good deals, so it’s important to get the quality and style without paying the big price tag,” JoAnna adds. In addition to furniture, Bird and Branch offers decor items like florals, vintage vases, lamps, artwork, and candles.

One standout feature is the immediate availability of their pieces. Unlike many stores where you wait months for delivery, items at Bird and Branch are ready to take home right away. “Pieces are here and available so you don’t have to wait six to eight months for a piece of furniture that you love. We usually sell right off the floor, so you get to take it home or we deliver it to you,” JoAnna explains.

JoAnna’s journey originally began in 2016 with a 10x10 booth where she refinished furniture, while her dad built new pieces. “We realized we couldn’t keep up with refinishing furniture.” As demand grew, they bought their storefront in 2020, and it was the perfect blank slate. “Everything in the building has our handprint on it. We designed and built it together, so it’s really special to us.”

For those looking to enhance their home’s style with quality pieces, Bird and Branch Furniture is a mustvisit. Find them at 1494 Washington Rd, Thomson, GA 30824, or call 706.361.0900. Follow their Facebook page, Bird and Branch Furniture, and Instagram, @birdandbranchfurniture, for updates.

YOUR DRINK DRESS UP

THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS

BLUE MARTINI

WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES

BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces Absolut Citron

• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao

• 1/2 ounce lemonade

• 1 ounce Sprite

• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums

DIRECTIONS:

Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight. Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.

ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN

FIG + THYME

SPARKLING LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

• thyme simple syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 bunch thyme

• 2 fresh figs

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice

• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup

• 3/4 ounce Sprite

In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.

For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.

SEPTEMBER 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 3RD

Guitar Lessons

Columbia County Library

Sharpen your skills or get started from scratch with free guitar lessons at the Columbia County Library on September 3rd at 3:00pm. These are group lessons, but the instructor can work with all skill levels. Don't have a guitar? No problem, the library has guitars available. This is a free program for ages 16+.

SEPTEMBER 7TH

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water'

Columbia County Performing Arts Center

On September 7th at 8:00pm, The Black Jacket Symphony presents Elton John's 'Madman Across the Water'. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com

SEPTEMBER 7TH

S'morevivor 2024

4687 Columbia Road

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is hosting the next annual S'morevivor Team Challenge Event on September 7th at Girl Scout Camp Tanglewood. Funds raised through this event will support programming for girls in Georgia from Kindergarten to 12th grade and provide them with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. For more information, visit gshg.org

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Augusta Ballet Presents Alice in Wonderland

Columbia County Performing Arts Center

Don't miss The Augusta Ballet as they present Alice in Wonderland on September 20th at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com

SEPTEMBER 26TH

CSRA Business Networking

Elks Lodge

Business owners are invited to the CSRA Business Networking Event at the Elks Lodge on September 26th at 5:30PM. There will be food, a cash bar, and lots of local business owners to mingle with. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards!

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Joe Gatto: Let's Get Into It

Columbia County Performing Arts Center

Joe Gatto, best known from the hit TV shows "Impractical Jokers", brings his comedy tour to Columbia County on Saturday, September 28th. Tickets are available on TicketMaster.com.