THE Style ISSUE
SEPTEMBER 2023
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Style Issue Take Two!
It is hard to believe I am working on my second Style issue as Publisher of Aiken City Lifestyle. This time last year, I had just jumped head first into this challenge and was scrambling to pull my first issue together. It is a year later, and here we are putting the finishing touches on round two. It has been an awesome year, and I am grateful for the incredible stories we have had the privilege to tell, the advertising partners who have trusted us to help grow their businesses and the folks who were strangers last year but are now friends! I celebrated my anniversary with a classic Aiken experience - I was t-boned on Whiskey Road this afternoon! I may or may not be hopped up on pain meds while I write this. However, that is a story for another day. Let’s dig into what you will find in this issue.
Regardless of your personal style, Aiken has something for you. We recruited some beautiful friends to showcase different looks that were impeccably curated by our beloved Aiken boutiques.
Vanity Fair editor, Katey Rich, shares memories of growing up in Aiken when well-dressed Southern children sported smocked dresses and handstitched overalls. Sometimes they still do.
Bespoke Interiors’ Catherine Hersacher and Forest Kitchen Design Studio’s Joel Linn recently collaborated on a modern kitchen remodel, and we get a sneak peek inside!
While reflecting on this milestone, I would be remiss if I did not give a shoutout to my team. The amazing photography of Rebecca Williams has helped elevate the quality of Aiken City Lifestyle to something that I am really proud of. Ashley Elvis and Nikita Hanif are great story tellers that I can always count on to get the job done. Ashley also does her best to clean up our mistakes and make sure we sound good!
Signing off until next month where we will be all about food!
September 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, Shelby Mayer
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
LIFESTYLE LETTER Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN | Aiken City Lifestyle™ 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 Aiken City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE Scan QR code to visit our Instagram LIFESTYLE LETTER 8
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inside the issue The Style Issue SEPTEMBER 2023 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 8 Lifestyle Letter 12 City Scene 18 Business Monthly 22 Fashion Forward SHOPPING 30 Local Limelight STYLE + BEAUTY 36 House Call HOME + DESIGN 42 Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS 46 Inspired By ENTERTAINMENT 50 Events 30 FEATURED 22 Flawless Fashion Shop Local to Find Your Fashion Fit 30 Childhood Memories and Southern Style Vanity Fair Editor, Katey Rich, Remembers Her Aiken Childhood Defined By Classic Southern Kids’ Fashion 36 Inside a Stylish and Functional Kitchen with a European Twist Inside Fabulous Kitchen Renovation: A Collab Between Bespoke Fine Interiors and Forest Kitchen Design Studio 42 Understanding Medicare Russell Turner from Navigating My Medicare Explains Medicare Basics Photography: Rebecca Williams, River Magnolia Photography Jordan Jolly, styled by Ginger Bee Boutique, at Whisper Farms. 22 36 42 10
city scene
1: Trying to stay cool with a Boudreaux’s Snowball at Boondock Farms’ Tomato Pie Festival. 2: Debbie Roland and LaDonna Heise celebrate the grand opening of Aiken Transport with Jan Friday. 3: Showing off the last tomato pie at Boondock Farms’ Tomato Pie Festival. 4: Hetal Acharekar, Delany Tavenner and Gary Sullivan model one of Aiken Tranport’s luxury vehicles. 5: Aiken turned up and turned out for Downtown Dog’s Pawtriotic 4th of July Parade. 6: Ready to march in Downtown Dog’s Pawtriotic 4th of July Parade.
1 3 6 7 4 5 2
7: Wilder Concierge Aiken puts the sip in Sip & Shop! Photography by Gayle Bryan
SEPTEMBER 2023 CITY SCENE
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Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Cork & Cap Bottle Shoppe 1 4 6 L a u r e n s S t N W | A i k e n , S C s h o p c o r k a n d c a p . c o m S h o p C o r k & C a p s w i n e a n d f i n e p r o v i s i o n s f o r y o u r s u m m e r g a t h e r i n g s Sharing Cisaring . Immerse yourself in the hyperhealthy energy of Aiken’s Own Energy Enhancement System at The Frequency Bar. Relax in both light and sound frequencies. Recharge, regenerate and deepen overall mind-body wellness. Come experience it for yourself. THEFREQUENCYBAR-SC.COM 803.226.0787 | 920 HOUNDSLAKE DR Immerse Yourself 13 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
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8: Perri and Chip decked out for the Pawtriotic Parade at Downtown Dog. 9: Jenn (Uprooted Vegan Cuisine) serves up French fare at Cork and Cap for Bastille Day. 10: Aiken Chamber Ambassadors celebrate the Ribbon Cutting at Portrait Hills with Patrick Bukszar (Hurricane Builders). 11: Dini Jones and Lily welcome guests to Equine Divine during Sip & Shop. 12: Jeanette Mosley greets a favorite customer at Flawless Glow during Sip & Shop. 13: Kelsey Lovett and Nikita Hanif toast Barbie at Beyond Bijoux during Sip & Shop. 14: Sheri Scarborough ready to lead Downtown Dog’s Pawtriotic 4th of July Parade. Photography by Gayle Bryan
CITY SCENE CONTINUED CITY SCENE 14
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business monthly
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Flawless Glow Cosmetics Studio Now Offers Luxurious Day Spa Treatments
Flawless Glow Cosmetics Studio now offers a full range of luxurious day spa treatments in the heart of downtown Aiken. Their treatment menu includes an array of services that are designed to rejuvenate, restore and replenish. Their offerings include anti-aging skincare treatments, warm stone massage and a large retail selection of skincare, cosmetics and body care.
The Frequency Bar
Elizabeth and Anthony recently opened The Frequency Bar, Aiken’s own Energy Enhancement System, located adjacent to Houndslake Country Club. Elizabeth brings a background in clinical holistic healing arts, and complimentary wellness modalities. Anthony adds experience in mentorship, coaching and business education along with over 40 years as an athlete and gym enthusiast. The Frequency Bar offers a peaceful space for members to relax, quiet their minds or meditate in the hyper healthy environment.
Aiken Wellness Spa & Boutique
Certified clinical herbalist, Haley Maness, brings her passion for holistic wellness, alternative therapies, herbal medicine and educating/empowering others to have hope to her new business, Aiken Wellness Spa & Boutique. The spa’s offerings include HALO-IR (the next generation salt therapy, red light therapy, chromotherapy, meditation and infrared sauna combined), Ionic Foot Detox Bath and an Oxygen Bar. Maness is a functional nutritional therapy practitioner and also owns Roots and Leaves and The Crunchy Club.
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
BUSINESS MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2023
Photography Rebecca Williams
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Flawless Fashion
SHOP LOCAL TO FIND YOUR FASHION FIT
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
Fashion transcends every boundary and belongs to all; it’s a universal language of self-expression. It speaks to individuality by allowing us to showcase our unique styles, regardless of age or background. From runway trends to small business boutiques, fashion empowers everyone to embrace their authentic selves. It’s a form of art that celebrates diversity and the beauty of uniqueness. Whether it’s an elegant dress or athleisurewear, fashion has the power to uplift, inspire and connect us all.
FASHION FORWARD | SHOPPING
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Karla is in love with the elegance and allure of satin; she effortlessly exudes charm and sophistication. Dive into distinction with this luxurious jumpsuit. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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Kathy strolls through Hopelands Gardens in a vibrant floral dress with a ruffle top. Her dress complements her surroundings, creating a harmonious scene that celebrates femininity and the wonders of the natural world. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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Karla celebrates her bold personality and creative flair in a colorful kimono and dazzling accessories. Combined with her jumpsuit, it elevates her look and builds a striking ensemble. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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Kathy, a 22-year breast cancer survivor, knows how to appreciate life. Amidst Hopelands Gardens she twirls in a cream, floral-accented dress which mirrors her movements. Sunlight peeks through, and the soft fabric of her dress accentuates her ethereal charm, creating a moment of joy and enchantment. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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Rosi is a captivating sight adorned in a delightful floral ruffle dress. Her iconic smile complements the flowing ruffles of her dress as she incorporates charm and radiance in this picture-perfect moment. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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Sheila and Brooke showcase the beauty of generational love and a passion for fashion with a toast. Sheila is glowing in her glamorous gold dress and Brooke shines in a stunning blush-colored, twopiece set. Raise a glass to this prevailing and timeless collection. Styled by Ginger Bee Boutique.
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Sheila and Brooke, a mother-daughter duo, not only bring their A-game but also fashion-forward poise to the court. They serve up both skill and style showing that bonding and looking chic can go hand-in-hand. Styled by Ginger Bee Boutique.
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Rosi is beaming as she absorbs the golden rays of sunshine. Her dress is a blooming one-shoulder beauty that embodies poise and vivacity. Styled by Beyond Bijoux Aiken.
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FASHION FORWARD | SHOPPING 24
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Jordan proves fashion belongs everywhere, even on the green. She is confidently dressed in a coordinated green blazer and shorts showcasing her sophisticated fashion. Styled by Apricot Lane.
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Jordan was a delightful sight on the golf course! Radiating charm in a ruffled top and skirt, she owned the fairways at Houndslake Country Club. This outfit has a playful touch which reflects her vibrant spirit. Styled by Apricot Lane.
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FASHION FORWARD | SHOPPING 26
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Jordan resembles a free-spirited goddess and exudes a bohemian charm in a flowing linen dress with cutout details and beaded straps. The earthy tones compliment her natural beauty and surroundings. Styled by Ginger Bee Boutique.
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The bright sunflower blossoms create a picturesque backdrop, accentuating Jordan’s luminosity in this form-fitting red dress. Fashion and beauty blend harmoniously with nature’s splendor and create a captivating sight. Styled by Ginger Bee Boutique.
| ABOUT THIS SHOOT
These charming photos were taken at Hopelands Gardens, The Willcox, The Village at Woodside, Houndslake Country Club, Odell Weeks and Whisper Farms. Special thanks to our local boutiques that styled our models: Ginger Bee Boutique, Beyond Bijoux Aiken and Apricot Lane. Last but certainly not least, a special acknowledgement to our gorgeous models: Brooke & Sheila Thomas (Ginger Bee), Karla Heitkamp, Kathy Dutton, Rosi Hancock (Budget Binds North Augusta) and Jordan Jolly (Rock Creek Landscaping and Land Clearing).
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27 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
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Childhood Memories and Southern Style
I was five years old, and it was time to take a stand. “I am not going to wear ribbons in my hair anymore,” my mom remembers me saying, removing one of the satiny pink or white ribbons that had been on my head for almost my entire life at that point.
My younger brother had a similar moment of rebellion, refusing around the same time to wear an outfit with scissors or trucks or
anything else stitched on the front. What can I say? Thanks to my mother we were particularly well-dressed children of the early 1990s, but even her powerful influence could only last so long.
As my mom, Sallye Rich, remembers it, the late 80s and early 90s were a particularly competitive period for childrens’ fashion in Aiken. Prince William was born in 1982, two VANITY FAIR EDITOR, KATEY RICH, REMEMBERS HER AIKEN CHILDHOOD DEFINED BY CLASSIC SOUTHERN KIDS’ FASHION
ARTICLE BY KATEY RICH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | STYLE + BEAUTY
30
years before me, and the perfectly pressed outfits Princess Diana selected for him and Prince Harry were an inspiration to millions of mothers around the globe, mine included. We were going to Easter egg hunts at St. Thaddeus and the tricycle race on Laurens Street, not Westminster Abbey, but that didn’t mean my brother, sister and I couldn’t have royal-worthy fashion.
It started when we were babies with smocked gowns and dresses, which my mom stitched by hand from patterns sourced from Nashville’s Children’s Corner Store. “It was just what all the little girls your age were wearing,” she tells me, mostly to church but also simpler, more durable handmade dresses for preschool or playdates. It was a lot of pressure, she admits, but “it was very satisfying to show up with your most beautiful handmade dress.”
Far more mothers I know work outside of the home than my mom’s generation did, but many of them still seek out projects to spark their creativity once the kids are in bed. For my mom, raising three children under the age of six by the end of the 80s, the painstakingly smocked dresses and hand-sewn overalls were a chance to tap into something that otherwise might have laid dormant. “It was a creative outlet. For a mother with three kids, I could stay up and smock that stuff and feel like I was creating something.”
She was in good company — she remembers showing up at church on Easter morning and laughing with a fellow mother about
the children wearing dresses so fresh off the sewing machine “there were puffs of smoke coming out of them.” In the immortal words of A League of Their Own, the hard was what made it great. “They’re very impractical and probably not nearly as comfortable as the wonderful knit clothes kids wear today,” she says. “But I wouldn’t take anything for seeing y’all prancing around in those clothes.”
Some of those clothes my mother made have hung in there for the past few decades, and when my first son was born in 2016, there was a smocked gown ready for taking him home from the hospital. This was in Brooklyn, where fancy baby fashion was much more likely to be a miniature version of a designer shirt or a high-end onesie that looked simple but somehow cost $60. No parent is immune to the appeal of dressing a baby or toddler in something gorgeous but impractical. But the Southern traditions of smocking, bows, jon-jons, and bubbles were as foreign in our Brooklyn neighborhood as a Yankees cap would be in Aiken.
By the time my second son was born in 2018 we were living back in the South, but with a toddler and a newborn I was inevitably drawn to the practical — onesies with snaps, white T-shirts that could be bleached, rugged pants with built-in knee patches. For devotees of classic Southern kids clothes, though, they’re the ones that are practical. “For a mom of a boy, if you do a short set and you do two shortalls and a couple of shirts, you’ve got their
> 31 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
“I’m incredibly grateful for the handmade clothes that my mom has passed down to my children, my nieces, and my nephews — the unbroken chain of history they represent, and the promise that kids, no matter how grubby or willful, also deserve to look their best.”
CONTINUED
wardrobe,” says Leslie Gouge, who has owned downtown Aiken’s Pitter Patter Children’s Boutique since 2004. With unpredictable Southern weather and blistering heat, there’s an obvious advantage to flowy girls’ dresses or wrinkle-proof seersucker. “When you see kids, and they look like they’ve been dressed from the South, it’s just beautiful— but it’s simple,” Gouge says. And even if it’s a hassle in the moment, the photos — the inescapable fact of childhood that have only become more ubiquitous in the age of Instagram
— speak for themselves. “Whether it is a bubble or just a one piece, kids are always going to be comfortable in what they wear,” says Gouge. “So if they wear it and continue to wear it, that’s their safe place. That’s where they feel like themselves.”
There are magical pictures from my childhood in which we’re all wearing muddy T-shirts in the backyard or stretched-out bathing suits on the beach, but the dressed-up photos have an extra glow about them. They evoke the smell of summertime peaches and pine straw
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | STYLE + BEAUTY 32
Katey's niece carrying on the tradition in a family heirloom dress.
crunching under your feet, a specifically Southern childhood — really, a specifically Aiken childhood — that only a handful of other people can understand. They evoke the pride my parents felt in us, the place in our community they made for us. They feel, simply, like home.
When I was about 4 years old, my mom and her friends organized something that felt, to me, like pure magic: an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party, complete with a White Rabbit and a local girl dressed like Alice. I still can’t really wrap my head around the logistics of putting this event together, something even bigger than a birthday party but for no occasion other than a chance to dress up and play pretend on a grand scale.
In the pictures you can see that magic seeping right through the frame. It’s me and a bunch of other little girls, every single one of us with our hair brushed up into a bow, taking in the spectacle that had somehow landed in our small hometown. We’re transported not just to Wonderland but through history, celebrating a hundred-year-old story wearing dresses and lace collars that feel entirely timeless.
When you have kids, you’re encouraged to celebrate the little moments, to want to freeze time and stay with them exactly as they are. The cruel irony is that it’s impossible. Kids don’t just get older, they get opinionated, ripping bows from their hair and refusing even the cutest appliques on overalls. The time you have to dress them in the gown their grandmother wore as a baby or to choose the ribbons that coordinate with their dresses is far more limited than anyone ever wants to admit.
My mom chose to spend some of that time smocking, carrying on a handcrafted tradition that’s been part of Southern culture for centuries. I’ve spent much more time perusing the Cat & Jack line at Target or Oxicleaning T-shirts. But I’m incredibly grateful for the handmade clothes that my mom has passed down to my children, my nieces, and my nephews — the unbroken chain of history they represent, and the promise that kids, no matter how grubby or willful, also deserve to look their best. “We all have that same experience— we put on something that’s our favorite and we look in the mirror and it’s like, we’ve got this,” says Gouge. “It’s just a style that seems to put us all with our best foot forward.”
33 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
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STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL
KITCHEN WITH A EUROPEAN TWIST
HOUSE CALL | HOME + DESIGN
Take a Peek Inside This Fabulous Kitchen Renovation: A Collab Between Bespoke Fine Interiors and Forest Kitchen Design Studio
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
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We’ve all heard the saying “three’s a crowd” but when it came to the kitchen renovation at Tiny Taj, owned by Natasha and Joby Chornesky, it was more like Three’s Company. The homeowners and two very talented designers took this craftsman-style home and created a super-functional, modern, sexy, European-chic kitchen space. Natasha Chornesky first reached out to Catherine Hersacher, local designer and owner of Bespoke Fine Interiors, about curating a custom kitchen with the clean lines and bright whites of Scandinavian design and European-style cabinetry. That’s where the idea for white lacquer cabinets came in, and Hersacher needed to find someone who could bring that element into the design process.
She reached out to Joel Linn, principal designer and co-founder of Forest Kitchen Design Studio in Greenville, SC, and after an interview and sharing of similar philosophies, the collaboration was born. Hersacher and Linn worked really well together as a design team and found a balance between style and function that perfectly blended all of the elements that the homeowners were wanting in their kitchen. When asked about their favorite parts of this renovation, Linn had an appreciation for the existing architecture and really liked being able to integrate the aesthetic so that the kitchen really spoke to the house. Hersacher loves the triangle tile they used for the backsplash. That element was something they came up with early on, but in the middle of the project,
it was no longer available. Hersacher and team stayed committed to the vision and waited patiently for a similar replacement. They’re so glad they did as the tile makes the perfect statement. Hersacher and Chornesky both love the stainless vent hoods; they are sleek, minimalistic, and sculptural. Not to be overshadowed, the kegerator is a huge favorite. The homeowners entertain quite a bit and share that their guests love to pour their own beer!
Home renovations can be really stressful, but having the right team to collaborate with can make all the difference in the dayto-day journey and in the end-product. Linn says that it’s a hard process, and he recommends finding a good builder who can really take charge and be a project commander. The team brought in Mitch Johnson as the builder for Tiny Taj and, as Chornesky says, “his partnership was key to the project’s success.” Hersacher believes starting with the budget is top priority so that clients know what to expect. After that, it takes great inspiration, conversation, commitment and trust. Both designers agree that the end-product is for the client and that the goal is to take the vision and make it the best it can be. They hit the nail on the head with this kitchen renovation at Tiny Taj where the impact is anything but tiny. When asked about her design duo, Chornesky replied, “We had our share of sticky wickets, and each time their dual-charged brain power resulted in multiple solutions that far surpassed our expectations. Project challenges emerged as assets!” CONTINUED >
37 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
HOUSE CALL | HOME + DESIGN 38
39 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
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Understanding Medicare
Russell Turner from Navigating My Medicare Explains Medicare Basics
ARTICLE BY SHELBY MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE | HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Health insurance (really, any type of insurance) can be complex and confusing, but it’s safe to say that Medicare tops the list. That’s why we sat down with Russell Turner from Navigating My Medicare to have a chat about all things Medicare… and what people really need to know.
LET’S START WITH THE BASICS. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE?
The simplest eligibility requirement for Medicare is the one most people know — you become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 years old. However, what folks may not know is that you can also be eligible for Medicare if you’re under 65 and you’ve been on disability for 24 months.
SO LET’S SAY I’M GETTING READY TO TURN 65… WHAT DO I DO NOW?
As you’re nearing your 65th birthday, you enter a time that’s called your Initial Enrollment Period. That’s your first chance to sign up for Medicare. Your enrollment period lasts for seven months beginning three months before you turn 65. Once that window opens, you can sign up for parts A and B of Medicare by contacting your local Social Security office, visiting ssa.gov or setting up a free consultation with me.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PART A AND PART B?
Details like this are why Medicare can be so complicated and why it can be helpful to consult with a Medicare specialist. Essentially, Medicare is split into two parts. Part A is your hospital insurance (covering inpatient care, hospitalizations, etc.) and Part B is your classic medical insurance (which covers doctor’s visits, tests, specialists, etc.)
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH PARTS TO ENROLL IN?
The good news is that most people will receive Medicare Part A for free. That’s because you’ve typically paid into Medicare taxes for a while by the time you’re eligible for Medicare. Part B, on the other hand, does have a standard monthly premium. That being said it’s important to know that Part A and Part B aren’t your only options when it comes to Medicare. There are several other plans and options with Medicare, but going through them all would take us a little too far into the weeds. The most important thing to know is that you can enroll in Medicare supplements to fill in the gaps in original Medicare. For example, when you turn 65, you could enroll in original Medicare and then add a supplement/Medigap policy, a drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T ENROLL IN MEDICARE WHEN YOU TURN 65?
That’s actually a very common question since many people are still working full-time and entitled to employer-provided health insurance coverage at the age of 65. What you want to do in this situation is to compare your current health insurance to Medicare. Are the plans comparable? How much are the premiums with your work insurance and the deductibles?
WHEN CAN YOU CHANGE MEDICARE PLANS?
If you choose not to enroll in Medicare when you become eligible, or if you do but want to change your coverage later, then you have to wait for an enrollment period to open. The enrollment periods differ depending on your circumstances and the type of plan. It’s always best to talk to a specialist to find out which enrollment period applies to you.
43 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
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MUSIC & MOCKTAILS
Fun Family Event That Focuses on Life and Hope
Music and Mocktails is an annual event that has been gaining steady traction since its first appearance in 2021. Every year the number of attendees has doubled in size as word has spread about this family-friendly experience sponsored by the Overflow Foundation. The Overflow Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created by a grieving mother, following the tragic and unexpected loss of her son to suicide.
This incredible affair is a free event that welcomes people of all ages. As you find yourself strolling around Generations Park on Saturday, September 30th from 5pm to 8pm, you will be embraced by live music performed by the soulful Chris Ndeti and Company and rising country music star, Cody Webb. Cody Webb most recently released a brand-new music video for his
INSPIRED BY | ENTERTAINMENT
“There is no better way to bolster comradery and create wonderful memories than by surrounding yourself with spine-tingling live music, a delectable selection of sweet treats, tummy-filling food truck fare and savory mocktails.”
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 46
song “Peaches” which has taken social media and music platforms by storm. Along with live music, you will find inflatables for children, homemade ice cream and other sweet treats, and a plethora of tasty food offerings from multiple food trucks. One of the best parts of the evening is sipping the mouthwatering and flavorful alcohol-free mocktails served by the Overflow Foundation.
Along with this evening being a fantastic free event, it is also a time to reflect on those who lost their lives to suicide and find opportunities to help others who are struggling to stay strong and find hope. This occasion spotlights local, state and national mental health and substance abuse resources to create substantial awareness surrounding the importance of mental health education and resources. This event is always celebrated in September to commemorate National Suicide Prevention Month, and live music will always be an important part of the evening in memory of singer and songwriter, Phillip Lee Jr.
The Overflow Foundation focuses on making this evening a safe and supportive atmosphere for families, friends and people struggling to find a healthy environment and community to join. There is no better way to bolster comradery and create wonderful memories than by surrounding yourself with spine-tingling live music, a delectable selection of sweet treats, tummy-filling food truck fare and savory mocktails. Mark your calendars and make your way to Generations Park for a heartwarming moment in Aiken. Did we mention that IHEART Radio will be doing a live broadcast from the event this year?
Overall, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a night in our wonderful town.
If you wish to learn more about the vision and mission of the Overflow Foundation, please visit their website at overflow.foundation.
47 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
COMING THIS FALL!!
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Living in the Aiken area, Patrick can get to any survey in a hurry. Send Patrick an email with your survey request, and he will get back to you in a hurry! Don’t forget to mention this ad.
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TTH-SAT, H-SAT, 44-6PM -6PM
DINNER 5-9 PM DINNER 5-9 PM 48
Sustainable gardening consultations and coaching available
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49 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN SEPTEMBER 2023
events
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
AUGUST
31ST-
SEPTEMBER 9TH
SEPTEMBER 16TH
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Downtown Aiken Labor Day Sidewalk Sale
DOWNTOWN AIKEN | 10:00 AM
Shop Labor Day sales and specials, while supporting local businesses downtown!
Aiken's Makin'
PARK AVE. | 8:00 AM
This year’s show will have something for everyone. Casual and serious shoppers will find many unique pieces of art and handmade crafts available this year. Selections range from pottery, glass art and wood creations to children's clothing and accessories. There will be jewelry, baked goods, homemade candy, sweetgrass baskets and yard art, as well as many other unique handcrafted items from around the Southeast.
Movie Night at Steeplechase- National Velvet
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 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.
Great Oak Proudly Presents: 2023 Equus Film Festival
URBAN + RURAL 703 RICHLAND AVE. E. | 2:00 PM
2:00pm-5:00pm children and family screenings. Popcorn and soda with filmmakers, $10 per person. 6:00pm9:30pm evening wine event with grazing table and conversation with the filmmakers, $45 per person. For more information email info@greatoakeap.org.
Touch-a-Truck
VIRGINIA ACRES PARK | 9:00 AM
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department will host the 21st annual Touch-A-Truck Event on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm! This is a free event. The Power Wheels Derby starts at 11:00 am.
Wine Tasting
CORK AND CAP BOTTLE SHOPPE | 12:00 PM
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2023
Want to be featured?
SEPTEMBER
Stop by for a complimentary wine tasting and check out downtown Aiken's destination bottle shoppe specializing in wine and beer, to-go and on-site. SEPTEMBER
2ND
8TH-9TH
SEPTEMBER 8TH
SEPTEMBER 30TH
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Aiken