Aiken, SC August 2023

THE Kids and Pets ISSUE

Kids and Pets!

Welcome to the Kids and Pets Issue! Nothing against kids, but Aiken is a pet-loving town, and the pets pretty much took over this month.

Inside, you will meet Chilo, the therapy-dog-in-training, that hangs out at Kitfox Pediatric Dxentistry just to help their young patients feel comfortable when they are in the chair.

Downtown Dog is the center of all things dog-related in Aiken. Take a peek inside the adorable store on Laurens Street.

A big part of the draw of owning a pet is that they love you even when you don’t deserve it. Patrick Donovan’s dog, Tanner, displayed the ultimate act of unconditional love and is the inspiration behind Patrick’s Bravefriend brand. You might want a tissue handy when you read his story.

Of course, we love kids, too, and didn’t neglect them completely! We accompanied Beth Spangler Huie and her beautiful family on a trip to Eudora Wildlife Safari Park. If you’ve never been, go. Her boys had a blast and the pictures are amazing!

My kids are busy adulting now, and while it took some adjusting, I am enjoying this stage of life. My husband and I love spending time with our grown-up children; they are pretty great! Our nine-pound morkie, Roxie, rules the roost at our house these days. She is sweet and gentle unless she sees a dog on TV, and then all bets are off!

I hope you are enjoying the dog days of summer with your kids and your pets. We are already hard at work on the style issue. See you next month.

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Elvis, Nikita Hanif, Rebecca Willliams, Gayle Bryan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: This pretty pup was playing shy at Hops and Hogs. 2: Newkirk Barnes lending a hand at Hops and Hogs. 3: Aiken’s finest keeping an eye on things at Hops & Hogs. 4: Hanging with friends at Hops and Hogs. 5: Friends and family were on hand to celebrate the Grand Opening of Cart Mart. 6: Brad Haerle toasts the Grand Opening of Cart Mart. 7: Heidi Haerle with CP and Amy Doremus at the Grand Opening of Cart Mart. Photography by Gayle Bryan

8: Golf Cart Zach and Golf Cart Shawn celebrating the Grand Opening of Cart Mart. 9: These ladies loved the Wine and Wags fundraiser for Team Stinkykiss Rescue at Downtown Dog. 10: The Downtown Dog Team at the Wine and Wags fundraiser for Team Stinkykiss Rescue. 11: The Aiken Fillies take a break from practice to pose for a team pic. 12: King Size entertaining the shoppers at Cold Creek Nurseries. 13: It takes a team of committed volunteers to make the Juneteenth Celebration so special. 14: Education Matters representing at the Juneteenth Celebration at Founders Park. Photography by Gayle Bryan

PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE

BOBBY ARD AND VIKKI CROSSLAND WITH BABY GIRL AND SHEP BEYOND BIJOUX & AIKEN HOMES TEAM

Aiken City Lifestyle Partners Show Off Their Four-legged Friends!

The Aiken community has a culture of pet-inclusive businesses as well as a thriving equestrian scene. Pups and horses are considered to many as part of the family, and these Aiken City Lifestyle partners had fun showing off their four-legged family members. The addition of a furry friend to the home is a complex decision, and there are many animals that need loving homes. FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter) is committed to saving the lives of those who are abandoned and homeless. Their commitment to reduce shelter euthanasia has saved over 35,000 pets since 2013. Volunteer, donation and fostering opportunities are available. For more information visit fotasaiken.org

BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Bobby and Vikki are strong believers and supporters of pet adoption. They are posing with sweet shelter pets Baby Girl and Shep to advocate for FOTAS.

CHRISTOPHER HEATH AND SABLE HEATH INSURANCE

Sable has a fun story about how she became a part of the Heath family. Chris’ daughter, Caroline, expressed to him that the family needed a dog. At the time, they were in California for the Rose Bowl. The game was super close, and she made a bet with him that if their team won the game, the family would get a dog and he agreed! Chris kept his end of the bargain, and Sable has been a valuable member of the family ever since.

Preacher is a 6-year-old Bay Roan that was picked up this year at the Southern Belle Classic. He has been shown in various ranch classes and ranch horse competitions. Kristen says, “Preacher is as laid back as they come and a great all-around horse. He loves chasing steers and being with his people.”

KRISTIN ROY AND PREACHER

MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS FINANCIAL

ADAM KATO AND MATE PALMETTO MUAY THAI AND KICKBOXING

Mate, Kato’s six-year-old paint Quarter Horse, was trained by Kato during the Covid pandemic. A favorite riding spot of his is Hitchcock Woods.

COME ON SAFARI WITH ME!

Explore Eudora Wildlife Safari Park with Rob and Beth (Spangler) Huie and Their Boys!!

Aiken City Lifestyle met up with Beth Spangler-Huie and family at Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, the first drive-thru safari in South Carolina. Owned and operated by Mark Nisbet, Eudora Wildlife Safari Park located in Salley, SC was built on values of education, preservation, conservation and the protection of the animals and the environment. The park allows guests to drive through in their own vehicles and view and interact with exotic animals. New to the safari is the walking trail to get an up-close view of lemurs and exotic birds. We caught up with Beth and her husband, Rob, who are expecting a baby girl in October, and their two boys, Micah (4) and Malachi (2) to see just how incredible the Eudora experience is for families. Nisbet and his assistant first brought out the baby goats to feed, and the family was just smitten. Micah jumped right in and was a total natural. Though Malachi was a little skeptical at first, he followed big brother’s lead, and they both were completely delighted to feed and pet the goats. Beth, Rob and the boys also had fun in the exotic bird enclosure where the birds seemed pretty smitten with Beth! One even crawled up on her shoulder while another put on a dance from up above. Eudora Wildlife Safari Park really is

an awesome, hands-on experience which is exactly what Mark Nisbet dreamed to provide for people.

On the way back from the exotic birds and just before the family got to load up in Mark’s original safari truck for the drive-thru portion, we got to talk to Beth about growing up in Aiken, her time on The Voice and her passion for music and ministry.

When Beth Spangler was growing up in small town Aiken, there weren’t many opportunities or avenues in the music field to help her pursue her passion. But she didn’t let that stop her. With several years of working at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia under her belt, Beth felt called by God to share her musical gift with others, and so she began working to make that happen. After putting in forty hours at the hospital during the week, she would pack up and hit the road to record and do shows, work with the band, rehearse and then head back on Sundays to do it all over again. All those hours and hard work paid off when Beth finally released her first single online. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, shortly after that release, The Voice contacted Beth about a private audition which, of course, landed her on the show. She really credits her husband, Rob,

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

for encouraging her to give the show a chance as trying big things and stepping outside her comfort zone wasn’t always easy to do. The Voice opened a lot of doors for Beth including releasing her first album, Audio Selfie, traveling and performing all over the country, and recording a song she wrote for a charity with the kids of the Tuleeni Orphanage in Africa. Though Beth was incredibly thankful for each and every opportunity the show brought her way, she found it difficult to handle the unforeseen pressure to be the small town talent on a national stage. And though she was fulfilling one of her biggest dreams, she couldn’t sacrifice having a family for the demands of a music career. Moving back to Aiken to focus on family led Beth to explore another calling dear to her heart, ministry. She started at First Baptist Church of North Augusta as the Artist in Residency and has since become the Director of Worship, planning and constructing services, leading online and on-campus worship and ministering to kids in the Kid Zone on Wednesdays. One of her weekly highlights is Grounded, a Monday morning devotion through songs; it gives people encouragement for the week. Beth is strong in faith and loves that her passion for music has led her to minister and find her church family.

Beth isn’t done yet with her own music avenue. She is still writing songs, and once her kids are older, she would love to release another album, travel, and even write a book. She believes that her music experiences have led her right where she needs to be, and she doesn’t feel the pressure to pursue things and call them success by everyone else’s standards. Beth’s family, faith, and ministry are what she is focused on in this season, but there’s definitely another season on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see where it takes her. Aiken is lucky to have such a kind, genuine, talented person leading in the community.

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANNIFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Bravefriend Apparel & Design

THE LOVE BEHIND THE LOGO

In the heart of our thriving and picturesque Downtown Aiken lies a small business with a big story. Bravefriend Apparel and Design has a welcoming ambience from the moment you enter its doors. Your senses are immediately met with the aromatic tickling of lavish coffee beans roasting. As you scan the shop, you feel at home and comfortable. Comfy and stylish apparel in every color of the rainbow greets you, and uniquely styled items fill every inch of the store teasing you to purchase them.

Your focus will undoubtedly be drawn to a large mural of a sweet-looking canine studying you while you look around. His gaze seems to follow you around with curiosity and warmth. As you peruse further, you find this furry visage is branded upon most of the merchandise in the store from shirts, bags, cups and more. There are numerous conclusions a shopper could come to over why this branded pup is center stage at this shop. To understand the significance, you must travel back in time multiple years to when Patrick Donovan, the owner of Bravefriend, was a struggling college student at the University of South Carolina.

From as early as Patrick can remember, he always wanted a Weimaraner for a dog. He scanned every classified section and ad searching for this special breed he dreamed about. He came across a listing for a huge litter in Appling, Georgia, so he loaded up his vehicle and made the trip in search of his first dog. Upon his arrival,

the lady opened her door and a wave of Weimaraner’s burst from the door except for one. This puppy seemed on a mission and immediately made his way straight to Patrick. They instantly clicked, and Patrick managed to barter with the lady and snag his dream dog for just $200. On the ride home Patrick lovingly named his precious pup, Tanner. Tanner showed a true love for Patrick early on; he was a typical puppy but always managed to only chew and demolish Patrick’s college roommate’s items. In Patrick’s words, “Tanner was the best worst puppy I could have ever asked for.”

Patrick was constantly creating sorority and fraternity shirts and shirts sporting famous bands. No matter how busy Patrick was with life, he and Tanner were inseparable. They developed a true bond-one that would end up saving Patrick’s life. On April 20, 1999, Patrick and his best friend, Christian, headed to bed after a long day. Sound asleep, neither of them were

aware of the aggressive blazing fire that was consuming the front of their townhome. Tanner, however, sprang into action and made his way into Patrick’s room licking his face until he awoke. Tanner guided Patrick to Christian’s room to wake him and led them to the door where they were rushed to the hospital for severe burns and smoke inhalation. When Patrick awoke at the hospital, he was informed his heroic dog never made it out.

The next day Patrick returned to the townhome and wrapped Tanner’s body in his favorite Patagonia blanket. He drove Tanner to his grandparent’s home on Lake Murray; Patrick wanted his lionhearted champion to be buried in the perfect place. Tanner was laid to rest along the shoreline where the best sunrises and sunsets oversee his grave. Patrick drew a sketch of Tanner as he grieved and in November 1999, that sketch became the iconic screen-printed image that people recognize today.  To commemorate his brave friend, Patrick made 36 shirts and distributed them to people who had helped him recover during such a dark time. What occurred next was destiny sparking a revolution. Patrick started getting calls that more people wanted shirts. Thus, the dream and vision of Bravefriend was born. Patrick started peddling shirts at concerts and national parks eventually opening shop in an art studio behind his home and then branching out into two current storefronts. The story of Tanner continues to grow and so does the request for more merchandise. Tanner has forever been immortalized through Patrick’s undying devotion and mission to spread his story.

“Tanner was the best worst puppy I could have ever asked for.”

Dental Work and Dogs

A PAW-FECT PAIRING IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Visiting the dentist can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, especially for young children. A new environment, strange sounds and medical procedures can induce anxiety and fear. However, at Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Thom Akins and his wife, Anna Akins, have taken a unique approach in our community to put their young patients at ease. Driven by empathy and a desire to make dental visits a positive experience, this practice has taken multiple steps to transform the way children perceive dental care. From the moment their patients enter the door, they have access to a heartwarming and friendly staff, a kidfriendly theater and game room.

Dr. Thom went to dental school at the Medical College of Georgia where he met his wife, Anna. Together they decided that Aiken was the perfect place to raise their family and open a revolutionary pediatric dental practice. Aiken encompassed all the values that they held dear to their hearts: family, safety, community and compassion. With their focus

on cultivating a unique, child-centered dental practice, it was abundantly clear that there was no better city to begin this unprecedented venture than Aiken.

Dr. Thom understands the importance of sensitivity in providing dental care to children and recognizes that a comforting experience can shape a child’s attitude towards oral health for a lifetime. Dr. Thom and Anna focus primarily on building trust and rapport with both their pediatric patients and their patients’ families. Anna then takes it one step further and works tirelessly to help families understand their options for care and how to best access benefits through insurance for the recommended treatments and procedures. Education of oral conditions and helping patients’ families navigate convoluted and often confusing insurance channels is one of Anna’s

many passions. This dynamic duo works in tandem to provide a smooth and painless process for patients and parents alike.

Anna says, “One of the most rewarding parts of this job is watching our patients grow up in our practice. We celebrate their successes in the office but also in sports, academics and in life.” Kitfox has always used the most innovative practices to help their patients have enjoyable dental visits and experiences. Their commitment to providing a compassionate and welcoming environment has opened the door to their newest office addition which happens to have four paws and a wagging tail.

Chilo, an adorably friendly Cavapoo, has taken up residence as the newest staff member at Kitfox. This therapy-dog-in-training has already taken leaps and bounds in making young patients feel comfortable, relaxed and even

excited about coming to their dental visits. With his wagging tail and infectious enthusiasm, Chilo takes his duties seriously by providing comfort and security to all the patients at Kitfox. Many studies have shown that the presence of an animal, especially dogs, have a remarkable impact in helping alleviate anxiety, reducing stress and providing reassurance to children during their visits. Dr. Thom and Anna knew that Chilo would be a huge success in such a dog-loving community and have witnessed first-hand how effective their canine companion has been in recognizing and responding to children’s emotions in the office. Seeing their patients react with joy and entering their appointments relaxed

has been the affirmation they needed that Chilo was a necessary addition to the practice. Chilo has proven to be a comforting outlet when pediatric patients need a moment to calm their nerves and redirect their focus to something positive.

Children who once dreaded their dental visits now eagerly await them thanks to the welcoming atmosphere of Kitfox and their furry friend, Chilo. This positive association helps foster a healthy attitude towards dental care and encourages regular visits and lifelong oral hygiene practices. With this approach, it’s easy to see why so many children are excited to go to the dentist knowing their furry friend will be waiting at the next visit.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this job is watching our patients grow up in our practice. We celebrate their successes in the office but also in sports, academics and in life.”

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Aiken’s Downtown Store for Dogs

Downtown Dog is Aiken’s Favorite Shop for Pets and the People who Love Them!

If you live in Aiken and have a question about dogs, there is a good chance the answer is at Downtown Dog. Looking for an experienced groomer that greets your dog by name and with a smile at the front door? Downtown Dog employs a staff of expert groomers who will treat your pet as their own and send them home with a bag full of delicious homemade treats! Want to celebrate your best friend’s birthday in style? Downtown Dog bakes personalized cakes for the pet of honor and offers super cute, frosted treats for any canine party attendees. Need a fun gift for a dog-loving pal? Downtown Dog has you covered. Need a new collar, harness, leash or toy for Fido? Downtown Dog has a great selection of all of the above.

Downtown Dog, owned by Vic and Sheri Scarborough, has an in-house kitchen where they bake 10 different flavors of fresh treats daily using only human-grade ingredients.

They stock a curated selection of healthy, natural dog foods and will not feed your dog anything they wouldn’t feed their own dogs.

The Scarboroughs and their staff put a lot of love and a bit of fun into everything they do. They host epic events that you do not want to miss even if you don’t have a dog!  The Aiken community goes all out for the Howl-O-Ween Parade and Costume Contest, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Stroll and the Patriotic Paw Parade for Fourth of July. These annual events provide a great opportunity to include your furry friends in your holiday celebrations. Through fundraising events, Downtown Dog also supports many rescue organizations in the community including FOTAS and Team Stinkykiss Rescue.

Downtown Dog bills itself as the downtown store for dogs and the people who love them, and that is exactly what they are.

ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Oasis Outdoor

ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND REBECCA WILLIAMS

It is August in Aiken, so the temperatures are off the charts. It is hard to imagine that fall is lurking around the corner. Its more moderate climate will bring a welcome relief and, for many, the call of the outdoors. Now is the time to consider transforming your yard into an outdoor retreat to enjoy with family and friends. Amen Corner Ponds builds custom ponds and water features that can transition a ho-hum yard into a peaceful and relaxing oasis. The following pages contain just a few examples of their amazing work. Take a peek and envision coming home after a long day to cooler temps, the sound of moving water and your own little slice of outdoor paradise. It can be just around the corner.

CONTINUED >

Amen Corner’s Patio Falls is a small 10’ pondless waterfall that can fit anywhere.

A 15x20 koi pond and waterfall. This is an ecosystem pond and utilizes plants, gravel and natural filtration. It is home to a few beautiful koi.

A 150’ pondless waterfall that snakes throughout a Japanese-themed garden. The soft water flow and large boulders give it a look of being established for 1,000 years. It is Amen Corner Ponds’ pride and joy.

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 4TH

Movie Night at Steeplechase- Secretariat

STEEPLECHASE RACECOURSE

| 6:00 PM

Get ready for movies under the stars at the Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse! Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy great food and sweets with our food truck vendors. No alcohol. Pets must be leashed and please bring waste bags for your pets. Movies begin at dusk and entry is $10 per car in ADVANCE! Entry is $15 per car (cash or check only) at the gate. Car passes can be purchased online or at one of our local ticket outlets.

AUGUST 4TH

Live Music- Beth Turner

NEON FIG | 6:00 PM

Beth Turner is a singer-songwriter from Virginia Beach. Beth's music ranges from pop, rock and alternative, to jazz, blues, R&B and soul. Her upbeat, original music will leave you dancing!

AUGUST 4TH-6TH

9th Annual Palmetto Indoor Pickleball Doubles

Invitational Tournament

ODELL WEEKS ACTIVITY

CENTER | 8:00 AM

Registration fee is $55 and includes two events. There is a $10.00 charge for a third event. T-shirts may be purchased at check-out for $15. Thursday, August 3, clinics at various levels will be offered to all registered players for a fee of $10.00 per player. A maximum of 16 players will be allowed in each clinic.

The format is Round Robin. There will be a maximum of seven teams per division.

AUGUST 5TH

Jason Sikes as Elvis

USCA ETHERREDGE CENTER

| 7:00 PM

A local favorite, Jason Sikes, is celebrating 25 years entertaining audiences with his tribute to Elvis. Call 803-257-5563 for tickets.

AUGUST 8TH

History on Tap:

Belinda Smith-Sullivan

AIKEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

| 6:00 PM

Columnist and cookbook author, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, will be giving a lecture with light bites. Belinda has led an incredible life and was inducted into the Charleston chapter of Les Dames d' Escoffier, a philanthropic organization of women in the food service industry. She is currently working on her fourth cookbook.

AUGUST 25TH

3rd Annual Senior Fun Day

LESSIE B. PRICE AIKEN SENIOR & YOUTH CENTER | 12:00 PM

The summer is in full swing, and it’s time to connect with new friends and catch up with old ones. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department will host its 3rd Annual Senior Fun Day on Friday, August 25, 2022, from 12pm–3pm at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. NW, Aiken, SC.

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