Aiken, SC December 2021

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1 | TH E W I N TE R + R E V E L I S S U E

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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

B | katherinebydesign.com

803.335.9089 1178 Wire Road | Aiken

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

GOT JUNK? NOT SURE IF WE CAN REMOVE SOMETHING? CALL US! TRASH SERVICE • LIMBS SCRAP METAL • TIRES FURNITURE • APPLIANCES We also deliver furniture from estate sales & flea markets.

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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

1.

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

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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!

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We’re an independent agency that can meet all of your insurance needs.

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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

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out for Santa in this parade!

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31

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.

32

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

33

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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