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Celebrating Kids & Companions
Welcome to our cutest issue of the year as we celebrate the kids of the CSRA and our furry pet friends! As a mom of four kids, a new grandmother of a precious grandbaby, and a pet parent, I understand why they share the spotlight in our August issue. Although they are so different in many ways, they both add so much joy to life and require our time and attention to thrive.
As students return to school, we are excited to share the unique opportunities offered through Savannah River Academy. Head of School Jennie Hawkins shares how the school’s learning environments are intentionally designed to be both fun and functional, encouraging students to engage fully in the learning process.
This month, we are also spotlighting high schooler Caleb Collins. He is one of a handful of local disc-golfing students invited to participate in the 2026 PDGA Junior World Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he shares what he loves about the sport.
We all want our kids to have fun, but we want them to do so safely. Keeping kids safe online is the focus of a new study committee led by Georgia State Representative Rob Clifton. He explains the purpose of the committee and shares ways parents and the community can engage in this important conversation.
If you’ve ever watched an anxious child become calm as they connect with an animal, you understand that animals can play an important role in emotional and mental wellbeing. Both Crawford’s Double O Farm and the Dog and Cat Networking Agents provide unique opportunities to strengthen the bond between humans and animals, and what they are doing is making a difference in many lives.
Lastly, a short drive from the CSRA, adventure seekers can find an amazingly unique opportunity to go on safari. CSRA City Lifestyle team member Allison Spence and her family spent a weekend in Madison, Georgia, and Allison shares all about their adventure in our travel journal.
As always, we hope you are inspired by the people and stories we share each month! See you around town!
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @CSRACITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Allison Spence | allison.spence@citylifestyle.com
Miranda Sprouse
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eve Crabtree, Kali Kasprzyk, Jana Morris, Michelle Parnell, Allison Spence
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chloé Giancola Photography, Janie Jones, Charlie Moore Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-3: Welcome Health hosted a ribbon cutting and open house to commemorate the opening of the new Evans location. 4-7: Kendra Financial Group celebrated twenty years of serving individuals, families, and businesses of the CSRA. Photography by Charlie Moore Photography
SRP Park Hosts Nitro Circus
CSRA residents are in for a special treat this month as SRP Park hosts Nitro Circus. Co-founded by Travis Pastrana in 2003, Nitro Circus is known for adrenaline-filled live events that showcase elite athletes from diverse action sports backgrounds as they push boundaries with skill, innovation, and fearless creativity.
Kickoff with Crowd-Pleasing Bites
Football season is here, and local gatherings are getting a delicious upgrade. Whether you’re hosting a watch party, tailgate, or draft-day celebration, Graze Craze game day grazing boards make entertaining simple and shareable. Designed to serve a crowd, these festive spreads are perfect for bringing friends and family together around the big game.
Cheers to 20 Years!
A milestone worth celebrating! Kendra Financial Group recently marked 20 years in business, commemorating two decades of serving clients and growing within the community. Local leaders, supporters, and team members gathered to recognize the occasion and celebrate the company’s continued success. Congratulations to the Kendra Financial Group team on this impressive achievement!
AN
Effortless Lifestyle
Experience happiness and togetherness at Barclay House of Augusta. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious home-style meal or joining in an exciting activity, each day will be filled with fun and a sense of belonging. Call (762) 223-2372 today to come visit our community.
(762) 223-2372
augusta.barclayhouseseniorliving.com
At our community, real happiness comes from having the freedom to do what you love. Sit down to delightful meals in a restaurant-style setting, discover an interesting new hobby, or unwind in our full-service salon. Call today to schedule a personal tour and start choosing a happier lifestyle.
Washington Commons
by Scan to read more
303-1639 | 100 Washington Commons Dr, Evans, GA 30809 washingtoncommons.barclayhouseseniorliving.com
Evans Market: Farm Fresh Edition
Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events is hosting a special market series dedicated entirely to local growers each Tuesday evening through August 11. Stop by the Market Pavilion in Evans from 5:30-7:30p.m. for fresh, peak-season produce, local honey, and farm-straight goods.
Sweet Expansion
Aries Artisan Cheesecake recently celebrated the opening of its new Augusta location, expanding beyond its original Evans storefront. Community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chance to sample the bakery’s popular handcrafted cheesecakes. It’s exciting to see another locally owned business continue to grow and bring its sweet creations to even more customers
Celebrating Six Years of Movement
Club Pilates Evans recently celebrated six years of helping community members build strength, improve mobility, and prioritize wellness. Since opening, the studio has fostered a supportive fitness community while encouraging healthy lifestyles through movement and connection. Congratulations to the team on this exciting milestone!
Waxing Done With Care
Healing Through Hope
Redemption Through Pups in the Pen
ARTICLE BY JANA MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
This program is about connection, redemption, and what happens when two broken souls are given the opportunity to heal together.
In the quiet corridors of Augusta State Medical Prison, a transformation is taking place that defies the traditional expectations of correctional facility programming. While many initiatives focus on vocational training or classroom education, Dog and Cat Networking Agents (DCNA) has introduced a variable that changes the emotional chemistry of the environment: the presence of a broken dog.
BEYOND A “DOG PROGRAM”
The initiative, known as Pups in the Pen, was born from a desperate need to find sanctuary for the “unadoptable”—dogs so traumatized by abuse, neglect, or abandonment that they couldn’t survive the high-stress environment of a traditional shelter. The goal was simple: provide these animals with a consistent, 24/7 environment where they could learn to trust humans again.
However, the organizers soon realized that the program wasn’t just about the dogs. “This was never meant to be a dog program,” DCNA shares. It quickly evolved into a profound human experiment in connection and redemption.
HEALING AT BOTH ENDS OF THE LEASH
The magic of Pups in the Pen lies in the mirror effect between the handler and the animal. Many of the men participating in the program have experienced their own versions of being forgotten or cast aside. When a man who feels invisible is tasked with caring for a dog that is too terrified to make eye contact, a unique bond of empathy is formed.
As these men teach basic commands and socialization skills, they are inadvertently practicing:
• Patience: Working through a dog’s fear requires a calm, steady hand.
• Responsibility: The dogs rely entirely on their handlers for care, exercise, and affection.
• Compassion: Understanding a dog’s “bad behavior” as a symptom of past trauma allows handlers to reframe their own life stories through a lens of healing.
A LEGACY OF SECOND CHANCES
The results are visible in the wagging tails of dogs who eventually leave the prison walls to join forever families, fully rehabilitated and ready for love. But the results are equally visible in the men who remain. Those who were once hardened by their circumstances become leaders and advocates within the prison community. They aren’t just “inmates” anymore; they are caregivers with a tangible purpose.
This Augusta-based program proves that recovery is rarely a solo journey. By pairing two “broken souls”—the neglected canine and the isolated man—Dog and Cat Networking Agents has created a cycle of mutual restoration. In the process of rebuilding a dog’s spirit, the men in Pups in the Pen are quietly, steadily rebuilding their own.
As the program continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder to the Augusta community that no one—and no dog—is ever truly beyond the reach of a second chance. When given the opportunity to heal together, the view from both sides of the leash looks a lot like hope.
Beyond the Basket: Caleb Collins
One teen disc golfer’s journey to the Junior World Championships
ARTICLE BY EVE CRABTREE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In this feature, Caleb Collins, a 16-year-old disc golfer from the CSRA, shares his passion for the sport, how he got started disc golfing, and the excitement surrounding his participation in this summer’s PDGA Junior World Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
CALEB, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH DISC GOLF?
Five years ago, we came home and my uncle had accidentally mailed us a disc golf disc. I started throwing it in the yard and we eventually started playing with my uncle. I practiced more frequently over time and now I’m going to Junior Worlds.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE?
For the first few years, it was just throwing for fun in the front yard. This past year I’ve focused more on disc golf and practiced for an hour or two every day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT DISC GOLF?
Meeting new people is my favorite part of playing. I meet a lot of new people and make a lot of friends. The community is awesome—they’ve welcomed me in and celebrated my growth, always excited when new people join the sport.
OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL AND DISC GOLF, HOW DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING YOUR TIME?
I enjoy going to church and youth group, playing baseball, and working with my older brother on the junk removal business we started called Rubbish Renegades.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED RECENTLY THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?
In the Kris Kringle Fling in 2024, my first tournament in the Mixed Amateur 2 (MA2) division, I shot a professional-rated round. I’m proud to have gotten 3rd place for Mixed Amateur 1 (MA1) in the Georgia State Championship a few months ago as well.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION?
I’m most excited about making friends and being an example of Christ while doing something that I love. I’m very thankful for the businesses from the CSRA and Amelia Island that are showing their support and sending me and my family to this competition.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AN AFRICAN SAFARI IN THE HEART OF GEORGIA
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SPENCE
ADVENTURE WILD FAMILY
When most people picture an African safari, they imagine boarding a plane bound for Kenya or South Africa. I spent mine just a little over an hour from Augusta, sitting on the porch of a safari tent in Madison, Georgia, watching zebras graze the hillsides while my kids giggled at the ostrich pecking the fence.
From the moment we arrived at Georgia Conservation Safari Park, it felt like we’d somehow wandered much farther from home than we actually had. The moment we entered our tent, handcrafted in Johannesburg, South Africa, we stepped inside what quickly became a resort style hotel. Inside was warm, beautiful, and luxurious. Dark wood furniture, golden accents, a soaking tub, and a wraparound porch, (oh and did I mention air conditioning?) made it feel like the kind of place where you want to slow down and stay awhile.
Naturally, the porch became our favorite spot. We immediately settled into the rocking chairs overlooking the pastures dotted with animals. Watusi cattle grazed in the distance. Ostriches pecked the fence line, while the zebra babies followed their moms closely. As the sun dipped lower, my kids snacked on muffins and dissolved into giggles every time an animal let out a funny sound. I sat there thinking that this was one of the strangest and most wonderful views I’d ever had in Georgia. There was something oddly peaceful about watching animals that usually require a passport to see casually grazing against the backdrop of Georgia farmland.
The next morning, we woke up before sunrise because it’s impossible to sleep through the excitement of knowing there are giraffes and zebras wandering outside your window! We made our way to the guided safari tour. Seeing the animals from the porch was one thing, being amongst them was something entirely different. Then came one of the moments my kids still haven’t stopped talking about: feeding the giraffes. There is something crazy about standing face-to-face with an animal that can look directly into a second-story window. Their long eyelashes, skittish personalities, and long black tongues make them so unique and easy to love.
Roaming the property from the safety of a safari vehicle, we saw animals appear around every turn. Herds gathered in the distance as our guide shared stories about each species along the way and their impact on conservation. I had the opportunity to talk with Jared Moeller, the park’s Associate Director of Animal Care, to learn about the
work happening behind the scenes. One thing he made clear is that conservation and rehabilitation are often confused. While rehabilitation focuses on helping individual animals, conservation focuses on protecting entire species and maintaining healthy populations for future generations. I left with a much deeper appreciation for the role facilities like this play in wildlife conservation.
After our safari adventure, we headed into downtown Madison for lunch at Betty Gene’s. Housed inside a historic buggy works building dating back to the 1800s, the restaurant manages to feel trendy and timeless. We ordered far more food than necessary and immediately understood why locals love it. The afternoon was spent wandering local shops, peeking into antique stores, and eating sweets. Madison has a way of making you feel like you’re part of daily life there, even if you’re only visiting for the weekend.
Back at the safari park, we settled into what had quickly become our favorite routine: porch time. The kids worked on puzzles while animals wandered across the pasture. We watched the landscape shift as the afternoon sun set. Every so often, an animal would appear unexpectedly close to our tent, causing everyone to abandon whatever they were doing for a better look.
Dinner that evening took us to Hart & Crown Tavern, where we ordered the Wild Boar Ragù and immediately understood why people rave about it. Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, it felt like the perfect meal after a day spent outdoors.
As the sun disappeared, we hurried back to the safari park for the evening campfire. Nestled in the woods beneath strands of softly glowing lights, the communal fire pit felt like something from summer camp, if summer camp happened to have zebras nearby. We enjoyed drinks and s’mores while conversations drifted between travel stories and animal encounters.
As our evening stretched on, something magical happened. The pasture slowly
emptied. The animals wandered off to settle in for the night, and in their place came hundreds of lightning bugs. They flickered through the trees and across the grass like tiny floating lanterns, turning the darkness into what looked like scattered glitter. For a few moments, nobody seemed particularly interested in checking their phones or rushing back to their rooms. Everyone just sat there watching.
Those are the moments I remember most. Not necessarily feeding the giraffes or seeing the rhinos, although those were incredible. It’s the feeling of sitting around a fire surrounded by strangers, listening to animal stories while lightning bugs danced through the trees. It’s hearing zebras call out in the distance while your kids fall asleep exhausted from a day they’ll talk about for months. It’s realizing that somehow, in the middle of Georgia, you’ve found a place that feels completely unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been.
Before heading home, we made one final stop in Madison at Patisserie on Main. Walking through the doors felt like stepping into a French bakery hidden inside a Hallmark movie. Display cases overflowed with beautiful pastries, fresh bread, and enough tempting options to make decision making nearly impossible.
Armed with flaky pastries and a loaf of artisan bread, we began the drive home already talking about when we’d come back. Because that’s the thing about weekends like this. You arrive expecting to see animals. You leave remembering how it felt - the quiet mornings, porch conversations, lightning bugs, cinnamon rolls, and giraffes. The way Madison’s historic streets somehow paired perfectly with an African safari experience. It’s unexpected in the best possible way. Long after I forget exactly how many animals we saw, I’ll still remember a weekend that made Georgia feel a whole lot bigger than I ever imagined.
To schedule your own unforgettable experience, visit georgiasafari.com and www.madisonga.com.
KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE
LEARNING ABOUT THE MISSION OF THE GEORGIA HOUSE BLUE-RIBBON STUDY COMMITTEE ON THE IMPACT OF ONLINE PLATFORMS ON GEORGIA YOUTH
ARTICLE
BY MICHELLE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
During a late-night drive home from a joint session at the Georgia State House, Georgia State Representative Rob Clifton tuned into a podcast that changed his life and ignited a passion to advocate for children’s safety online. “I turned on a Shawn Ryan podcast,” remembers Rob. “He was interviewing a young man who, at the age of 13 years old, encountered a predator on Roblox. He got away from them, started counseling, and eventually made it his life’s mission to make the platform safer.”
As Rob listened to the young man’s story, he grew more and more frustrated to hear how uncooperative the online platforms were as the young man and law enforcement attempted to make it a safer online environment. “After I turned the podcast off, I spent the next 30 minutes just praying,” shares Rob. “I said, ‘Lord, this is what I’m moving towards focusing on this year. If this is not what you have for me, remove this from my heart’. The desire to help and to expose what’s going on has only grown from there.”
Rob introduced a resolution to create a study committee and the Georgia House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth was formed. Rob was appointed committee chair to oversee the initiative. This year, the committee is focused on gathering information and educating legislators and parents about the risks associated with online platforms with the intent of introducing legislation in 2027 to hold online platforms accountable.
“I want parents to understand that just because your kid is alone in a room playing Roblox does not mean they’re alone in a room, because they’re not,” explains Rob. “When parents take their kids to the playground, they may not hover around their kids, but they are typically keeping an eye out with what’s going on with their kids. Roblox is the biggest playground in the world with 140 million daily active users, and it’s only one of the online gaming platforms. While the number of predators on these platforms is astounding, we’re putting our kids in these rooms, at these playgrounds, and we’re just saying, ‘Go have fun and we’re not watching or looking at anything.’”
Part of the committee’s education effort is holding meetings throughout the state of Georgia to gather educators, law enforcement, AI experts, parents, and students to share their knowledge and experiences. Meetings are being held in Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, and Savannah. “We want to get as much information out there as possible because many parents think, ‘This isn’t going to happen to me or my kid,’” says Rob. “The reality is that many kids are approached online by someone they don’t know and receive inappropriate or explicit content. We want to explain to parents some of the pitfalls and let them hear from some of the people who have interacted with this in hopes they will change that mindset of ‘It won’t happen to me.’”
Based on the information he has already gathered, Rob says there are several things parents can do right now to protect their children. First, he recommends
getting kids off online gaming platforms until the platforms put policies in place to actively protect children. Secondly, he recommends that parents know what apps their children have on devices then research and remove apps commonly known to be used by predators to communicate with kids. Third is to have open dialogue with kids about online safety.
“When you talk to your kids about these situations, you need to be very tactful in how you do it. If you just say, ‘Have you seen this?’, they’re going to shut down,” he explains. “Try to ask leading questions so that you get a real answer from them. Start by asking them which one is their favorite game and what they like about it. Get them talking about what they’re doing online.”
Fourth, Rob recommends that parents stay involved, research the issue by reading articles and listening to podcasts, and initiate conversations with
others. “Parents have the right to make their own decisions,” he explains. “But I would seriously look at what you are allowing and make sure you have as many limiting factors possible if you do decide you want to continue to move forward with you child gaming online. Again, this is for the benefit of your child’s safety. If they are on it for any amount of time, most of them are going to interact with someone that has ill intent for them.”
To join the conversation about online safety for children, plan to attend the committee’s meeting to be held in Augusta this fall. For resources, updates, and details on the Augusta meeting time and location, follow the Rob Clifton For State House Facebook page or email rob. clifton@house.ga.gov.
Rob Clifton is a husband, father to three children, CEO of Clifton Construction, and a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. He serves as the Chair of the Georgia House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth.
SAVANNAH RIVER ACADEMY
Where joyful learning and academic excellence foster growth, confidence, and curiosity
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHLOÉ GIANCOLA
Founded in 2018, Savannah River Academy was built on a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to be seen, challenged, and encouraged. Serving children from age three through eighth grade, the independent school has become a place where academic excellence and joyful learning go hand in hand.
Active bodies support active minds. We want our students to be active participants in their education, not simply observers.
For Head of School Jennie Hawkins, her first introduction to the academy came several years ago when her family was searching for a school where their children would be excited to learn. “We knew about SRA through friends and from the moment we visited, it felt special,” shares Jennie. “There was a sense of belonging that drew us in.”
As her daughters became more deeply rooted in the SRA community, Jennie found herself increasingly drawn to the school’s mission. What began as a parent’s appreciation for the school soon became a desire to be part of its work. “Eventually, I traded legal briefs for lesson plans and joined the middle school faculty before my recent move into school leadership.”
Today, as Head of School, Jennie leads and serves the community that has played such a meaningful role in her own family’s life. “I love walking alongside
families during some of the most important years of their children’s lives,” Jennie says. “I get to watch children grow from curious, messy preschoolers into confident and capable young people. Spending my time with wonderful families who are so invested in their kids, remarkable teachers who pour their hearts into helping students succeed, and children who make me laugh and inspire me reminds me every day what an incredible privilege this work truly is.”
With approximately 150 students, Savannah River Academy intentionally maintains small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to build meaningful relationships with every child. Rather than asking students to fit a single educational model, the school adapts its teaching to meet each student’s unique strengths, interests, and learning needs.
“We know children don’t all learn the same way,” Jennie explains. “Some students are ready to be challenged several grade levels ahead, while others simply need more time, encouragement, or a different approach. Our responsibility is to meet every child where they are and help them discover their full potential.”
One of the school’s distinguishing features is the thoughtful design of its classrooms and learning spaces. Every environment is intentionally created to help students grow academically, build confidence, and develop a love of learning. The academy’s youngest students enjoy classrooms that open directly into outdoor learning environments, where curiosity, exploration, and play are part of every day. As students grow, movement and collaboration continue to be woven into the school experience through flexible seating, hands-on learning, and opportunities to engage with classmates.
“Children aren’t designed to spend their entire day sitting quietly in rows of desks,” Jennie says. “Active bodies support active minds. We want our students to be active participants in their education, not simply observers.”
The school also offers an exceptional dyslexia program that uses research-based, multisensory instruction to help students strengthen their reading and spelling skills while building confidence that reaches beyond the classroom. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and to be celebrated for exactly who they are,” Jennie shares.
“Years from now, our students may not remember every lesson they learned in a classroom, but they will always remember how they were treated and how they were made to believe in themselves. Those are the things that shape a child’s future.”
In addition to classroom instruction, Savannah River Academy offers an array of extracurricular opportunities. Students participate in choir, coding, chess, and 3D printing clubs, as well as athletics including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, soccer, cross country, and track. The school also produces an annual all-school musical, a beloved tradition that Jennie says is one of the highlights of the school year.
While academics and enriching opportunities are important, Jennie believes the true strength of Savannah River Academy lies in the relationships that define its community. “Raising children today isn’t easy,” says Jennie. “Our students are growing up in a world where they’re exposed to more
When children know they have an entire team of adults working together, cheering them on and helping them navigate successes and setbacks, they flourish.
information and pressure than any of us probably would have known what to do with at their age. Because of that, the partnership between school and home matters more than ever. When children know they have an entire team of adults working together, cheering them on and helping them navigate successes and setbacks, they flourish. So, we make it a priority to have a great partnership between home and school.”
In a time when families are searching for connection as much as education, Savannah River
Academy continues to offer both—a close-knit community where every child is known, every family is valued, and every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Savannah River Academy, located at 213 S. Old Belair Road in Grovetown, offers rolling enrollment, allowing families to join the school throughout the year. To learn more or schedule a personal tour, visit savannahriveracademy. org or call 706-469-4522. Also follow Savannah River Academy on Facebook and Instagram.
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HAPPY HIGHLAND ENCOUNTERS
ARTICLE BY JANA MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HOW SCOTTISH HIGHLAND COWS TRANSFORMED CRAWFORD'S DOUBLE O FARM
The Scottish Highlands are the world's most docile cows.
What happens when a pandemic-era impulse purchase needs a few friends? For Vanessa Crawford, it sparks a booming, multi-state agritourism empire and a groundbreaking mental health initiative.
Located just 30 minutes outside Augusta in Thomson, Georgia, Crawford’s Double O Farm began around the time COVID-19 forced Vanessa, a psychotherapist of over 20 years, to transition to virtual work. Having owned horses for decades, she fell in love with a picture of a Scottish Highland cow online. She convinced her husband to let her buy one—but the story didn’t stop there.
That first cow kept escaping to visit the neighbor’s Black Angus cattle. Following a veterinarian’s advice that her lonely cow “needed friends,” Vanessa bought a few more. Today, the farm boasts a herd of upwards of 20 purebred Scottish Highlands. Imported directly from Canada, these heritage animals boast bloodlines that trace directly back to Scotland.
As the public caught wind of these shaggy, docile creatures, people began asking to visit for photos. Vanessa embraced the curiosity, and the farm’s offerings quickly snowballed from simple photo ops into:
-Guided farm tours and bottle-feeding sessions
-Elegant birthday parties, elopements, and weddings (where dressed-up cows make guest appearances)
-Luxury overnight stays in climate-controlled yurts featuring concierge food delivery and activities like “llama pizza parties” and ceramic painting.
After going viral on Travel Pirates, Crawford’s Double O Farm became ground zero for a larger movement. Vanessa launched Havenfield, a network that now includes five partner farms nationwide—stretching from Colorado to Florida—all offering the same high-quality, free-range animal interactions.
Vanessa is also leveraging the incredibly gentle nature of her herd to innovate in her primary field. While equine therapy is well-established, Vanessa is pioneering bovine-assisted psychotherapy. “Horses can be more reactive,” Vanessa explains. “The Scottish Highlands are the world’s most docile cows.”
Launching structured eight-week group and individual sessions in the fall, Vanessa utilizes cows like Polly as therapeutic tools to help patients process trauma and mood disorders, opening up deep layers of healing.
By sourcing locally from CSRA businesses, like goat soaps from neighboring farms and pizza from Fernando’s in Thomson, Crawford’s Double O Farm has woven itself deeply into the local community. Whether guests come for an evening movie night under the stars, a relaxing yurt getaway, or a breakthrough therapy session, Vanessa’s accidental herd has created a true Georgia sanctuary.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com
Shannon Whitwell MSN,APRN, FNP-C
Samantha Tojino DNP, FNP-C, IF, NCMP ABAAHP
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 22ND, 29TH
Cowabunga Café by Havenfield
Crawford's Double O Farm, 4579 Wrightsboro Road Northwest, Thomson, GA 30824 | 11:00 AM
Cowabunga Café offers a unique farm experience where guests can enjoy sweet treats, drinks, and up-close encounters with Highland cows in a relaxed outdoor setting. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a memorable day on the farm, this intimate experience features limited time slots and reservations are recommended. For more information, visit crawford.thehavenfieldexperience.com
AUGUST 1ST
Family Day at Top Dawg Tavern
Top Dawg Tavern, 2821 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30909 | 11:00 AM
Top Dawg Tavern’s annual Family Day returns August 1 from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. with an afternoon of family-friendly fun. Enjoy character meet-and-greets with Spider-Man and Cinderella, face painting, games, a coloring contest, and more. It’s a great opportunity for families to make summer memories together.
AUGUST 4TH
Mom & Me at Goat Kick Coffee
Goat Kick Coffee, 935 Ronald Reagan Drive Suite 101, Evans, GA 30809 | 9:30 AM
Parents and little ones are invited to gather for coffee and connection at Goat Kick Coffee in Evans. Enjoy breakfast, pastries, smoothies, and coffee while children explore the play area stocked with toys and books. This welcoming meetup is open to mothers, babies, toddlers, and older children.
AUGUST 6TH, 13TH, 20TH, 27TH
Veggie Park Farmers Market
The Veggie Park Farmers Market, 631 Chafee Ave. Suite 102, Augusta, GA 30904 | 4:00 PM
The Veggie Park Farmers Market connects the community with local farmers, producers, and crafters offering fresh, seasonal goods. Held indoors, this welcoming market provides an opportunity to shop local and support sustainable agriculture while discovering a variety of regional products, rain or shine.
AUGUST 7TH
Radio Source Returns to Doc's Porchside
Doc's Porchside, 3035 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30907 | 8:00 PM
Radio Source returns to Doc’s for an evening of live music featuring favorite rock hits from the 1980s and 1990s. Fans can enjoy a high-energy performance packed with familiar classics and crowd favorites, making for a great night out with friends and fellow music lovers.
AUGUST 8TH
Plantchella
Bedford Greenhouses, 1023 Oleander Drive, Augusta, GA, 30904 | 9:00 AM
Plantchella returns August 8 with a celebration of all things green. Browse plant vendors, shop a large plant sale, enjoy local food trucks, and take in live music throughout the day. This free community event is a must for plant enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun summer outing.
“GOING
events CONTINUED
AUGUST 12TH
Grovetown Farmers Market
Grovetown United Methodist Church, 206 E Robinson Ave., Grovetown, GA 30813 | 4:00 PM
The Grovetown Farmers Market takes place on the second Wednesday of each month at Grovetown United Methodist Church. Hosted by the Grovetown Garden Club in partnership with Augusta Locally Grown, the market features local growers, artisans, and community vendors while promoting sustainable food, gardening, and local connections.
AUGUST 15TH
Color Run 5K
Barton Field Softball Complex, Fort Gordon, GA 30905 | 8:00 AM
The Color Run 5K brings a vibrant splash of fun to the course with colorful powder stations, upbeat music, and a festive atmosphere for all ages. Whether you run or walk, this untimed event focuses on participation, community, and fun. All participants receive a finisher medal to commemorate the experience. For information, call 706-791-1142. Get a pass at https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/branch_selection.
AUGUST 19TH
Mom + Me at Playdates Indoor Play Café
Playdates, 4020 Washington Road Suite 1, Martinez, GA 30907 | 10:00 AM
Families can enjoy a relaxing outing at this indoor play café, featuring a full-service coffee bar and a thoughtfully designed play space for children ages 0–6. Play passes include two hours of access to the indoor play area, making it easy for little ones to explore while caregivers unwind nearby. Advance reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. Want
