Augusta, GA May 2023

Happy Mother's Day, Augusta!

I want to say thank you to the wonderful moms in my life. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. My mom has always been there for me and is my best friend. I'm grateful for all the life lessons she taught me while growing up and the relationship we have. My mother-in-law is also an important woman in my life. She too has taught me so many things and has loved me like I'm her own. I feel blessed to have such great women around me, knowing that I can count on them.

The moms in our community truly are heroes! In honor of that, our Hometown Heroes this month are moms that YOU nominated! We asked our readers to nominate deserving mothers and after careful consideration, we chose Molly Robinson, Jeannine Owens, Tabitha Hollimon, and Whitney Boykin. Learn about these amazing moms on page 12.

In addition to focusing on moms, we have some great special features in this issue. Have you ever heard of Traditional Thai Massage? Anjelica, owner of the Sunny Orchid, shares with us the amazing benefits and history behind it.

We have a fun science experiment for you to try with your kids! Fort STEM shares instructions on how to make your own Paper Stomp Rocket!

Susan Salisbury of Blanchard and Calhoun tells us all about what trending right now in real estate. Read her tips and hear what she has to say on page 18.

Until next time!

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Collin Beasley | collin.beasley@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Lewis | stephanie.lewis@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Daniel Morris

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bailey Hall, Jonah Miller, Michelle W. Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Bailey Hall

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

BAILEY HALL, EDITOR @CITYLIFESTYLEAUGUSTA

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @citylifestyleaugusta

1-7: Augusta Christian Schools 2023 Prom!

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Evamaria Foltz Raises Funds For The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Evamaria Foltz, owner of Foltz Fine Art Photography, is participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Visionaries of the Year campaign. Wanting to make a difference and raise as many funds as possible, she has hosted fundraising events, raised awareness, created raffles, and so much more! “When you donate to LLS, you’re helping fund research, treatments, and hopefully, one day a cure. As a mother, I joined so that in the future, no mother ever has to hear the words, ‘Your child has cancer’,” Thank you for your dedication, Evamaria!

To make a donation, please visit https://pages.lls.org/voy/ga/ augusta23/efoltz

New Boutique Now Open In Augusta

Brains, Books, Beauty, and Brawn

The HUB for Community Innovation Augusta is having a free book fair on Saturday, May 13th from 12pm to 3pm. Enjoy performances and story time readings by the princesses of Brown Beauty Magic and play games with the characters from Props and Heroes! Come dressed up as your favorite character to be entered into a costume contest. The address is 631 Chafee Ave.  Scan

The Pink Boutique is Augusta’s newest shop! There you can find stylish womens clothing and accessories, vintage, retro, and hard to find antiques, refinished and repurposed home decor, and so much more! They are open on Thursdays 11am to 3pm, Fridays 11am to 4pm, and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Make sure to drop in, see everything they have to offer, and show your small business support. Stay up to date by following them on Facebook at The Pink Boutique. They are located at 2569 Central Ave in Augusta.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

Hometown Heroes

In

honor of Mother's Day, we are highlighting four super moms

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAILEY HALL

For Mother’s Day this year, we wanted to do something special for the moms in our community. Instead of our Hometown Heroes, we asked members of the community to nominate a mom who has gone above and beyond for their children. So many great nominations were sent to us and after reading the amazing stories, we chose four moms to be pampered and celebrated. We sent these moms to Salon at Surrey where they were treated with hair and makeup services. They were also given gifts from other local businesses such as The Red Berry Co., Nothing Bundt Cake, Belair Donuts, Top Golf, and TBonz Steakhouse.

Whitney Boykin, owner of

High Cotton Photography

Mom to Khloe and Cooper

DO YOU AND YOUR KIDS COOK TOGETHER? WHAT IS THEIR FAVORITE MEAL TO MAKE WITH YOU AND WHY?

We love to cook together. Both of my children are always asking to help in the kitchen but their favorite thing to cook with me would probably be anything sweet. We all love to lick the bowl and taste test as we are baking!

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT BEING A MOM?

The most rewarding part for me is watching them grow into exactly who God created them to be. They are so different, but still so much like my husband and I, and I love witnessing it. Getting to be a part of their journey, lifting them up when they are down, and celebrating with them when they are proud is the biggest blessing.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GIFT OR CRAFT YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM YOUR KIDS?

All of the special things they make at school are so precious to me. I actually have a box for them that I keep everything in. The bigger things, I frame and either hang them or sit them around the house.

Tabitha Hollimon, owner of Hollimon Stratiegic Advisors LLC

Mom

TELL ME A FUN MEMORY ABOUT A FAVORITE ACTIVITY WITH YOUR KIDS.

One of my favorite activities to do with my kids is to go skating at the local skating rink. Skating is so fun and gives you a great workout. I can remember taking them for the first time and watching each of them learn how to skate. Now we go as much as we can!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GIFT OR CRAFT YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM YOUR KIDS?

My youngest daughter made a picture of a cat for me and put it in a frame. I don’t know why it makes me feel special, but it does. It sits on my window sill.

HOW HAVE YOUR KIDS MADE YOU PROUD?

I am proudest of my kids when they play together, pray together, care for each other when one is sick, and cook for one another.

Jeannine Owens

Mom to Kaley, Christina, Isabella, Azzy, Meredith, Marcus, Frank, and two foster babies

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GIFT OR CRAFT YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM YOUR KIDS?

Our elementary school does the same craft for each grade so it’s nice to have one of each from each kid as they grow up. We have a whole china cabinet to display their art and they are so proud of the things they have made.

HOW HAVE YOUR KIDS MADE YOU PROUD?

I love how welcoming and loving my kids are to every foster child that stays with us. It has been such a  great way to teach them about love, empathy, and kindness.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BE A FOSTER MOM?

My parents fostered when I was growing up and I enjoyed it as a kid so much that I vowed to do it when I was older. I’ve always loved kids and helping kids during the most difficult time of their lives can be so rewarding. Whenever I hear people say “I could never do it because I’d become too attached,” I always remind them that is exactly what foster kids need… someone to love them so much that it hurts when they leave.

To learn more about being a foster parent, visit fostergeorgia.com.

Molly Robinson

Mom to ten month old Lilly

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING WITH LILLY?

I look forward to being her “hype woman” and to cheer her on in whatever endeavors she may choose. I can’t wait to be the one she looks at when she scores a goal, hits a home run, wins a medal, or whatever it may be. I also can’t wait for mommy and me shopping trips!

DID YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL OR MOTHER FIGURE THAT YOU LOOKED UP TO AND LEARNED FROM? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TEACHINGS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM THEM?

My mom - she is my best friend, other than Lilly. She has always been my biggest fan but also my biggest critic. She has always pushed me to strive for the best in everything I choose, and she taught me how important it is to be present. I will be forever grateful that she always made time for me and I want my children to know that no matter what, I will be there!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW MOMS?

My advice would be that it’s okay to not be okay. Social media makes motherhood sunshine and rainbows ALL the time. As a mom, you don’t have to have it all together, and that’s okay! I saw recently that flamingos lose their pink when they have babies because they put all of their energy into their babies. But after a little while, their pink comes back. You will get your pink back even at times when you may think you won’t.

Real Estate Trends

Susan Salisbury, top selling agent and Vice President with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co., has worked in the real estate industry for twenty years, with the last eight years focusing on sales. “I love guiding clients through a complex transaction, which is not only their biggest purchase but it’s also their most personal purchase,” shares Susan. “It’s such a high stress transaction that it really does take a lot of care, support, and education to get through the process smoothly.”

Over the course of her career, Susan has experienced the ebb and flow of the market

and interest rates, which are hot topics these days. She wants buyers and sellers to be encouraged during the current economic times. "Although interest rates continue to fluctuate, they are staying in a reasonable range," shares Susan.  She also works closely with Augusta Mortgage Company to ensure clients get the best rates possible and with the family of Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance, Property Management, and Commercial businesses to facilitate successful transactions.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SUSAN SALISBURY SHARES SIX THINGS BUYERS CURRENTLY LOOK FOR IN POTENTIAL HOMES

Susan also keeps an eye on style trends, especially when it comes to what buyers are looking for in their new home. “Overall, home buyers continue to focus on comfort, functionality, and sustainability in their home, with a trend towards cozy and convenient living,” says Susan. With that in mind, she’s noted six current style trends in the real estate market:

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

Homeowners are looking for an easy transition from indoor to outdoor living, which can include a pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, lounging area, and low-maintenance landscaping.

FLEXIBLE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOMS

These rooms need to fulfill a variety of roles in the same space, such as functioning as a home office and guest room or a home gym and game room. Versatility is the key.

NATURAL MATERIALS AND COLORS

We’re seeing expanded use of wood, stone, and metal materials, including kitchens with natural wood cabinetry, and accentuating with fabrics in earthy colors and muted tones. There is also a trend towards pops of bold color.

SPA-INSPIRED BATHROOMS

Looking to incorporate elegance with functionality, homeowners are focusing on creating calming and peaceful bathroom spaces where they can relax and refresh.

MINIMALISM AND SIMPLIFICATION

Many homeowners are prioritizing quality over quantity and are keeping furnishings simple and functional while reducing clutter and unnecessary items to give the home a calm, peaceful feeling.

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Homebuyers are looking for current technology in homes through smart appliances, thermostats, lighting, sound systems, and security systems, including voice activated assistance.

Susan prides herself on providing first-class concierge service to all her clients with the goal of having a smooth transaction that closes on time. For more information on how Susan can assist you, email SSalisbury@blanchardandcalhoun.com or call 317847-7216 or 706-868-1000.

THE HARRY W. JERNIGAN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF SUPPORTING MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN THE CSRA

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

On the first Monday of May, golfers gather for the Harry W. Jernigan Memorial Golf Tournament not only to pay tribute to the legacy of Mr. Jernigan, but to also raise money for the medical advancement causes for which he passionately advocated during his lifetime.

“In the late 1970’s, Mr. Harry W. Jernigan, recognizing that traditional funding could no longer provide Augusta with the latest advances in health care, established the University Health Care Foundation (now Piedmont Augusta Foundation) and served as Foundation President from 1978 until his death in 1984,” shares Laney Mize, Foundation Gift Officer at the Piedmont Augusta Foundation.

“The foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Piedmont Augusta,” explains Laney. “All the funds that we raise through events and charitable giving stay local here at our hospital. We also support patient and employee assistance, scholarships and continuing education, capital campaigns, and other projects as determined by the priority needs of the hospital.”

This May, the foundation will host the 37th annual Harry W. Jernigan Memorial Golf Tournament, which began in 1986 and raised $8,000 the first year for the then newly named Jernigan Cancer Center. This year’s tournament, the foundation anticipates hosting approximately four hundred people and raising between $200,000-$400,000.

“In years past, proceeds from the golf tournament have been used to renovate rooms in the Jernigan Cancer Center, aid families in financial difficulty due to the cost of cancer treatments and provide educational opportunities for Piedmont Augusta cancer staff,” says Laney. “After strategic planning, we realized that we could also raise money for other areas of the hospital that needed funding as well. So, that's when we started raising support for different departments such as giraffe beds for the NICU and a cardiac catheterization lab for the Heart Institute.”

“Proceeds from this year’s event, of which 100% stay in our community, will be used to support Piedmont Augusta’s efforts in achieving a comprehensive stroke program, which entails accommodating more stroke patients and bringing state of the art stroke care to our community,” adds Laney. “It will include the latest developments in stroke care by multiple medical and surgical specialties.”

“The Tournament is played on the Jack Nicklaus Reserve Course, Reese Jones Wisteria Course and Bob Cupp Course at beautiful Woodside Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina,” explains Laney. Teams, which are formed through sponsorship packages, will enjoy a day of competitive golf and end the tournament with dinner and awards in the clubhouse. As part of this year’s program, two stroke survivors will share their stories and excitement for the hospital’s commitment to creating the comprehensive stroke program.

For more information, contact Laney at  Laney.mize@piedmont.org  or visit the Piedmont Augusta Foundation’s website at  www.universityhealth.org/ charitable-giving  and select Foundation Events.

relaxation

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAILEY HALL

Ancient Healing

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGES PROVIDE RELAXATION AND HEALING

Enjoy getting massages but want to try something different? Have you heard of Thai Massage? No? Well, meet Anjelica “Jel” Rosario, owner of The Sunny Orchid Thai Bodywork & Massage, who is on a mission to spread the knowledge and healing benefits of traditional Thai Massage throughout the CSRA. “The Thai name for it is nuad bo-rarn, which means ancient massage. It’s actually recognized as part of UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a protected modality,” says Jel.

So, what can you expect during a Thai massage?  Unlike a Swedish massage that you would receive on the table, a client receiving Thai massage is treated on a large floor mat fully clothed in comfortable and loose attire. Jel takes the client’s body through a series of warm up compressions and stretches before moving the client into the powerful yoga like extensions.  “A lot of people think Thai massage is just stretching, but it’s more than that. You get the benefits of acupressure, increased blood flow, relaxation, better and deeper sleep, as well as lower back pain relief,” says Jel.

Thai massage is wonderful for people who are looking to gain better mobility, improved body alignment and even relaxation despite the amount of movement and stretching involved.  “I’ve had people who were a little intimidated because they might have seen one of the extreme videos of people getting contorted into uncomfortable positions. I say all the time that I will only do what your body will let us do. The more sessions you have, the more you will find that your body is more open and willing to receive the dynamic flows and stretches,” says Anjelica. “I help facilitate your body’s own ability to heal itself.”

For more information about The Sunny Orchid Thai Bodywork & Massage and services available, please visit them on Facebook and Instagram. To schedule a traditional Thai massage with Jel, visit the-sunny-orchid.square.site.

Paper Stomp Rocket

MAKE THIS FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENT PROVIDED BY FORT STEM

Materials

• Scissors

• Pen or pencil

• Empty 2-liter bottle

• 1/2” pvc pipe (2-3ft)

• 1/2” pvc elbows (2)

• Card stock paper

• Scotch tape

• Electrical tape

1.

2.

4.

3.

5.

Directions:

Building the Paper Rocket

Step 1: Wrap a sheet of cardstock around a ½” pvc pipe.  Make sure the cardstock tube can slide freely along the pipe and tape it in place.  But sure not to wrap it too tight or the rocket won’t launch when the time comes.

Step 2: Seal up one end of the card stock tube with several pieces of tape.  Make sure this area is sealed well because the pressure from the rocket launch is placed almost entirely on this tape seal.

Step 3: Roll up another piece of cardstock into a cone shape and tape it in place.  This will be the nosecone of your rocket.  Place the cone on the sealed end to the rocket body and the cut the nose cone to the right size to fit on the front of the rocket body.  Then tape this nose cone in place on top of the sealed end to the rocket body.

Note: It is important that the rocket body is sealed with tape before attaching the nose cone because it will only be able to hold a fraction of the pressure if the nose cone if the only thing sealing the end of the paper rocket.

Step 4: Design and cut out three to four tail fins from card stock paper.  Keep in mind that the larger the tail fin, the more drag (air resistance) will be created.  Now line them up at the base of the rocket and tape them to the body so that they stand perpendicular to the surface of the rocket body.

Note: If all of the tail fins are slightly angled in the same direction the rocket will spin adding stability but be careful because too much spin will create excessive drag (air resistance) slowing the rocket.

Building the Rocket Launcher

Step 1:  Start by building the base to your launcher.  This can be made of many different materials but I chose to make my base with three one foot sections of ½” PVC pipe.  Tape these three pipes together into a triangle shape.

Step 2: Insert a one foot section of ½” PVC pipe into the opening of a two liter bottle.  It will be a nearly perfect fit as long as it is the standard ½” opening.  Use electrical tape to make sure that the PVC pipe

is attached to the bottle and stays in place when the rocket is launched.

Step 3: Attach two ½” 90 degree PVC threaded elbows to create an adjustable launch angle.  Use electrical tape to secure them to the other end of the pipe connected to the 2-liter bottle.

Step 4:  Attach a one foot section of ½” PVC pipe to the other end of the ½” PVC elbows and use electrical tape to secure it in place.  This is where you will place your rocket for launching.

Step 5: Tape the entire launcher apparatus to the base we made in step one.  Tape it just behind the PVC elbows for maximum stability.  The base will help your rocket stay pointed in the same direction during launch.

Now you are ready to launch your rocket by sliding your rocket on the end of your PVC pipe and then stomping on the 2-liter bottle.

Note: Everyone in the area should have on eye protection because the rockets can fly with a surprising amount of force and could easily hurt someone’s eye.

Fort STEM and The Painted Lady Studio Summer Camp registration is now open! For more information or to register your kids, visit fortstem.com and thepaintedladystudio.org

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Play a Family Board Game

If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Get Theater Tickets

Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

events

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

Spring Holistic Market

THE SOLFOOD KITCHEN

The Solfood Kitchen and 2 Wolves Herbal Apothecary invite you to the Spring Holistic Market on May 7th from 11am to 3pm. The market will be at the Upper Level Surrey Center and inside The Solfood Kitchen.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day from the Augusta City Lifestyle team!

Mother's Day Brunch

BACK TO NATURE GARDEN CENTER

Mother's Day Brunch will be on Sunday the 14th from 12pm to 2pm. Enjoy live entertainment with Chris Ndeti, voted one of Augusta's best female vocalists all while munching down on a complimentary buffet and bottomless mimosas with different fruit juice options. The buffet will include homestyle potatoes, sausage, scrambled eggs, cut fruit, assorted muffins and more! To purchase tickets, please visit backtonatureaugusta.com

2nd Annual KROC to LOCK Ride

1833 BROAD ST

Celebrate National Bike Month with your family and friends at the Kroc to Lock bike ride! The approximately 10 mile ride will start at Kroc Augusta, proceed up the Augusta Canal Towpath to the Headgates and then head back to the green space at the Kroc for a post-ride picnic. For more information and tickets, please visit bikesignup.com and search Kroc to Lock.

Movies at the Miller: Finding Nemo

MILLER THEATER

Bring the family for a free showing of Finding Nemo at the Miller Theater on May 21st. Admission to the movie is free for all ages, but a ticket is needed for entry. Tickets can be reserved online at millertheaeraugusta.com, in person at the box office, or by calling the box office at 706-842-4080.