Join Pregnant Choices for their Relish Life Pickleball Tournament
Join Pregnant Choices for their first annual pickleball event! Let's relish the value of life together with friendly competition, good food and good fellowship - all while supporting a cause that truly changes lives and saves generations. The event will be held at the Columbia County Racquet Center on Saturday, October 18, 2025. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places as well as raffles and food trucks. Register at LoveForBabies.com/Pickleball . $50/person.
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Welcome, Riverfront Vet!
There’s a new vet in town! We are so excited to welcome Riverfront Vet to North Augusta. Led by Dr. Maria Flippo, this brand-new clinic is focused on modern, compassionate care for your four-legged family members. You can check them out at riverfrontvet.com to learn more or book your first visit!
Bob Kendra and Rob Starcher Giving Back
Most Thursdays, you’ll find Bob Kendra and Ron Starcher delivering beds for Restart Augusta, a local nonprofit that provides beds to children, families, and veterans in need. Many in our community sleep on the floor due to a lack of basic furniture. Restart Augusta relies on volunteers to build, paint, and deliver these much-needed beds. To learn how you can help make a difference, visit www.restartaugusta.org. Thank you to Bob, Ron, and all the amazing volunteers!
Cookin' for Kids Benefitting Child Enrichment
Child Enrichment invites you to join them for Cookin' for Kids! This year, it's more than just oysters - enjoy a fun filled night featuring a lively cooking competition, a sweet dessert showdown, delicious food and drinks including craft beer and fine wine, exciting raffles, silent and live auctions, and live music. All proceeds support local children who have experienced abuse and neglect. For more information, visit www.childenrichment.org/cookin-for-kids
A STEM Journey from Pre-K to College and Career
iCode Augusta is proud to unveil their new BadgePath, a dynamic and gamified learning pathway that takes students from early tech discovery all the way to college and career ready mastery. Every capstone your child completes becomes a verified milestone in their journey. Whether it's building a functioning app, programming a robot, or creating a cyber security defense plan, their work is stored, tracked, and ready to shine on resumes, applications, and interviews. For more information, visit www.iCodeSchool.com or call 706.303.1212.
Big News for Your Aging Therapist
Congratulations to Jennifer Huff and Your Aging Therapist on opening their very own clinic space in Martinez! Located at 3712 Executive Center Drive, the new office marks an exciting milestone in their growth. While mobile therapy services will continue, the addition of a clinic allows even more ways to serve the community. We’re so proud to see this dream come true—cheers to this next chapter!
Polish n Parts Car Show
Project Lifting Spirits invites you to the Polish n Parts Car Show, featuring classic cars, vendors, music, and more on September 20th from 9:00 - 2:00. All proceeds support Project Lifting Spirits, which serves veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
The event will have designated parking for show cars, vendors, and spectators. They will be set up across the street from the Downtown VA Hospital for a great time and a great cause! www.projectliftingspirits.org/events/car-show
Discovering the true source of feeling and looking your best with the team at Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine
Embracing Timeless Wellness
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ACUITY PHOTOGRAPHY
Looking great and feeling even better begins deep inside a healthy mind and body. Nurse Practitioner Samantha Tojino and her team at Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine work with patients to cultivate a customized healthy lifestyle plan, as well as address the root causes of chronic conditions and concerns that often accompany getting older.
“Feeling beautiful and amazing starts with a healthy lifestyle and slowing the aging process by getting health conditions under control,” she explains. “This includes mental health, physical health, and endocrine health. All of which are part of aging beautifully.”
Using an integrative medicine approach, the center helps patients feel their best by addressing issues related to peri and menopause, sexual health, and chronic illnesses such as thyroid disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
“In some cases, patients come here because they are discouraged by conventional approaches to medicine,” Samantha explains. “When they do come, we evaluate them, educate them on their symptoms, and normalize their concerns and symptoms, explaining that many people experience the same things. We then develop an individualized plan to address their needs.”
The center also offers a medically supervised weight loss program as well as aesthetic services such as Botox, Juvéderm, advanced aesthetics, microneedling, and pelvic floor radiofrequency treatments to help with bladder control issues, bladder pain and pelvic organ prolapse.
“We treat the whole person and not just the condition or the aesthetic concern,” she says. “For example, there is more to weight management than being on a weight loss medication or program. We need to address a host of other
Feeling beautiful and amazing starts with a healthy lifestyle and slowing the aging process by getting health conditions under control.
issues to help someone be successful with weight. We look into diet and lifestyle to coach people into making the best decisions to help their weight loss journey. We also have an advanced biometrics scale that measures lean body mass, fat mass, and extracellular water so that when they start losing weight, we know what they are losing and how to adjust their plan of care if necessary.”
Samantha also wants to dispel the myth that the center serves only women. “Men can also feel fatigued, experience urological issues, or experience weight gain, leading to chronic disease issues and potential brain fog depending on medication,” she explains. “We want to address those issues and stop or slow the aging process as much as we can, for women and men.”
One thing that makes Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine unique is the time the team spends with each patient, digging deep to discover the root causes of symptoms. “During the first visit,
we do a comprehensive interview which can take a good hour,” Samantha explains. “We don’t rush in and rush out because there is so much to unbox whenever we deal with chronic disease, mental health, and menopause health. We take our time and use a holistic approach to treat from head to toe. We look at their hormones, weight, previous diagnoses, and use an integrative approach for overall health and wellness.”
For Samantha, the ultimate reward for her work is seeing patients feeling like themselves again with renewed hope and a healthier lifestyle.
For more information on services, visit augustaa2m.com. Augusta Anti-Aging Medicine, located at 610 Ponder Place Drive in Evans, accepts insurance and patients should check to see if their insurance requires a referral. To ensure the best and most successful experience, call 706-707-2808 to schedule an appointment.
Fueling Creativity Through STEM Programs
SNAPOLOGY OF EVANS OFFERS ENGAGING LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
Although Eric Lynn retired from the military after twenty years of service, the expertise he cultivated during his time in cyber programming stuck with him. The desire to pass along these important skills to the next generation prompted him to search for local STEM activities for his kids. What he found was a need to provide fun, mentally stimulating extracurricular learning activities for local children. So, he and his fiancée, Lacey Grappin, began exploring options and clicked with the Snapology model.
“I did some research online and they talked about STEMbased, Lego brick learning,” explains Eric. “I flew out to Dallas to learn more about the different classes and things they offer, and I fell in love with that concept.”
Through Snapology, kids ages 3 to 14 have access to age-appropriate classes, summer camps, workshops, and party activities to stimulate and challenge them mentally. Classes vary in length from one-time, two-hour classes to longer 6-to-8-week classes. As a mobile business, Snapology offers activities at different locations around the CSRA.
“The activities we offer are a little more cerebral in nature, but we have so much fun that the kids don’t really realize that they’re learning a lot,” says Eric. “We use the SPIKE Prime Lego kits, which are robotics kits that come with motors, and via Bluetooth hook it up to an iPad and then the kids do block programming. When you add enough of those block commands that build on top of each other, that turns into a program and the kids end up with this programmable robot. They’ve built robots, dogs, scorpions, and more.”
Other activities include creative builds where kids use their imagination in a structured environment to build things like cars, characters like superheroes, or mosaics using the bricks. “With mosaics, we use the green base pads and instead of building up, you build one brick high and create a picture with the Legos based on the colors,” he says. “The kids think that’s a lot of fun too.”
For kids who want to share these fun activities with friends and want to choose the theme, Snapology offers a party option. “We work with parents to see what their child is interested in, such as Minecraft or Pokemon, things like that. Then, we provide the activities for the party,” explains Eric.
On the horizon, Eric hopes to get Snapology workshops into schools for on-site field trips and to offer activities as after-school programs. When a school hosts Snapology for afterschool STEM programs, Snapology donates part of the fees collected back to the school’s PTA, making it a winning combination.
Ultimately, Eric’s goal with Snapology is to let kids have fun while learning a new skill. He says, “The biggest joy is getting to see the kids as they learn, especially with robotics, because as they work and finish a program, their eyes light up when they see that they created this from scratch, one piece at a time.”
For more information, visit snapology. com/georgia-evans or call 706-261-5614. Also follow Snapology of Evans, GA on Facebook and Instagram for updates on upcoming classes.
The activities we offer are a little more cerebral in nature, but we have so much fun that the kids don't really realize that they're learning a lot.
FAMILY, LEGACY, AND Financial Planning
TOMMY AND CHANDLER NORRIS OF NORRIS FINANCIAL & INSURANCE GROUP
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID GOMES
For Tommy Norris, financial planning has always been about people. A second-generation advisor with Prudential Financial, Tommy entered the business 38 years ago thanks to a suggestion from his uncle after high school graduation. “I let it go in one ear and out the other,” Tommy says with a laugh. “But after I graduated college and still didn’t know what I wanted to do, I remembered what he said. I called him, he set me up with an interview at Prudential, and the rest is history.”
Norris Financial & Insurance Group focuses on helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, long-term financial decisions. From planning and investment strategies to employee benefits, Tommy and his wife Cindy, who runs the Employee Benefits Division, take a proactive, relationship-based approach.
“We like to look 5, 10, 15 years ahead and build a strategy around where our clients want to be,” Tommy says. “It’s not just transactional— it’s about creating freedom and well-being.”
Christian Athletes for four years and has always enjoyed helping people. Once he had his first child, I think the importance of planning really hit home.”
Recently, Chandler officially became the family’s third generation Financial Planner with Prudential. “I had a family and the lightbulb came on,” Chandler says. “Making informed financial decisions is a great way to support loved ones and your passions. I got into financial planning to help others strategically fund what matters most.”
“He worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years and has always enjoyed helping people. Once he had his first child, I think the importance of planning really hit home.”
Recently, Tommy and Cindy welcomed their son, Chandler, to the firm. “I started recruiting Chandler while he was still in high school. It took me ten years of recruiting to finally get him,” Tommy says. “He worked with the Fellowship of
For Chandler, continuing the Norris legacy means everything. “It’s about more than business. It’s our family values— faith, connection, long-term vision—and that’s what we bring to our clients too.”
And the best lesson he’s learned from his dad? “The best time to start planning was yesterday. The second best time is today.”
From one generation to the next, Norris Financial & Insurance Group continues to serve families with the same dedication and heart that started it all.
Norris Financial & Insurance Group is located at 228 Baston Road in Augusta. Call their office at 706-869-8888 or send an email to Tommy.Norris@ Prudential.com or Chandler.Norris@Prudential. com to learn more or schedule a consultation.
You Need a Reliable Law Firm That Helps Deal with Your Family Matters
Mastny Law Firm practices exclusively in the area of family law to focus on providing our clients with the best representation in cases of divorce, child custody, visitation, legitimation, adoption, guardianship of minors, and child support. 18+ years Navy JAG experience (active and reserve) offering military discounts.
CREATING SPACES THAT SOOTHE
HOW VENUS DAVIS TRANSFORMS HOMES—AND LIVES—THROUGH THOUGHTFUL ORGANIZATION AND DESIGN
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
In a world that rarely slows down, home should be a place that does. Yet for many families, daily stress begins the moment they walk through the door—tripping over clutter, hunting for missing items, or simply feeling the weight of a disordered space. Venus Davis, founder of Calming Home by Venus, knows how deeply our surroundings impact our well-being.
With more than 40 years of experience and a deep-rooted passion for both beauty and function, Venus brings a unique approach to interior styling and home organization. Based in Augusta and serving Aiken and the surrounding areas, she offers highly personalized services that are as much about mental clarity as they are about aesthetics.
“Every home tells a story,” Venus says. “My goal is to help you tell yours in a way that feels peaceful and practical.” Whether it’s transforming a cluttered living room into a calming retreat or creating easy-to-maintain systems for a busy kitchen, Venus customizes each project to reflect her client’s lifestyle, habits, and personal taste. She doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—because no two homes, or people, are exactly alike.
That mindset also extends to Calming Home’s relocation concierge services. Moving into a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Venus and her team handle room-by-room unpacking, organization, and even décor—taking the pressure off so families can start fresh, fully settled, and stress-free.
Venus’s love for organizing began at home. Influenced by her stylish and structured mother, she saw firsthand how a well-ordered space helped her own four children thrive. “Kids need rhythm, structure, and predictability—but honestly, so do we,” she shares.
Clients say the transformation is more than visual—it’s emotional. With restored order comes a sense of control, clarity, and relief that’s often life-changing.
Venus also believes in giving back. During projects, she helps clients declutter with purpose by donating unwanted items to local charities or a cause of their choice.
“Kids need rhythm, structure, and predictability—but honestly, so do we.”
In a time when modern life feels anything but calm, Venus helps families reclaim their homes—and their peace. Want to learn more? Visit calminghomebyvenus.com, call 706.250.2285, or email Venus at Venus@calminghomebyvenus. com. You can also follow Calming Home by Venus on Facebook for inspiration and before-and-after transformations.
— VENUS DAVIS
JORDAN BURGHOFF’S FULL-SERVICE YARD CARE BUSINESS KEEPS THINGS CLEAN
The Inside Scoop
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAS LINH PHOTOGRAPHY
Jordan and his father Gary Burghoff
““I’m not just cleaning up yards. I’m giving families peace of mind, helping the environment, and showing that even something as silly-sounding as poop scooping can be done with heart, professionalism, and a sense of humor.”
When Jordan Burghoff launched Scoopr, a full-service pet waste removal company, he never expected to become known for both pristine lawns and hilarious online videos. But for this Navy veteran, family man, and self-proclaimed “poop nerd,” blending purpose, creativity, and a little humor has turned out to be the perfect formula.
With nearly 20 years of active-duty service in the Navy, Jordan is no stranger to structure and high standards. As he approaches retirement, he’s channeled his experience into something completely different, yet equally mission-driven. Now based in the CSRA with his wife (an Augusta native) and their three young sons—plus one more on the way—he saw a need in his own backyard that sparked a business idea.
“We adopted our dog, Bodie, and I realized how tough it was to keep the yard clean when you’ve got kids running around barefoot,” he says. “Even if I picked up the poop, it never really felt clean.”
His research revealed that dog waste is not just gross—it’s hazardous. “A lot of people think it’s like fertilizer, but that’s actually a dangerous misconception. It’s more toxic than human waste. It carries bacteria and parasites that can harm your lawn, your pets, and your family.” Inspired to find a better solution, he couldn’t find a service that offered true disinfection. So he built one.
“I wanted to solve the entire problem, not just half of it. We scoop, sanitize, deodorize, and haul it away. No shortcuts.” His disinfectant? A homemade, all-natural spray he developed himself using 3% hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, and surfactants. “It’s safe for pets and kids, even good for your grass. I’ve even tested it myself—literally.” He laughs. “It’s weird work, but it’s good work that I stand behind fully.”
That attention to detail extends beyond the yard. Scoopr techs wear boot covers, provide gate-closed photo confirmations, and issue health and safety reports if anything unusual is found. Tools are sanitized between every visit, and uniforms are neat and professional. “We might be scooping poop, but we take it seriously.”
Still, the most unexpected part of Jordan’s business might be what’s happening online. His Facebook and TikTok videos, where he dances around to upbeat music or parodies pop culture, have gained a strong following. They’re funny, clever, and somehow make dog waste removal both entertaining and endearing. “At first, it was just to break the ice. Nobody wants to talk about poop removal. But if I can make people laugh, they’re more likely to hear what I’m saying—and maybe give us a try,” he shares. His favorite video? A joyful backyard dance to “Can’t Steal My Joy.” “I was out there sweating in 98 degrees, totally committed. But it still makes people smile, and that’s the point.”
Creativity, it turns out, runs in the family. Jordan’s dad is Gary Burghoff—best known as Radar from M*A*S*H—but also an accomplished musician, painter, and inventor. “My dad isn’t just an actor. He’s one of the most creative minds I’ve ever known. Growing up around that sparked something in me,” Jordan says. That upbringing planted the seeds for Jordan’s many hats today: business owner, technician, video editor, scriptwriter, customer service rep. “Creativity helps with everything—from developing my sanitation formula to writing scripts for videos. It’s how I solve problems and connect with people.”
He says his dad has seen the videos and is supportive. “He’s proud I’m building something honest and doing it my way,” he shares. And that’s exactly what Jordan wants people to see: a business with real purpose, a product that’s helpful and safe, and a personality that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
“I’m not just cleaning up yards. I’m giving families peace of mind, helping the environment, and showing that even something as silly-sounding as poop scooping can be done with heart, professionalism, and a sense of humor.”
To learn more about Scoopr, schedule a service, or check out Jordan’s latest videos, visit MyScoopr. com or follow @ScooprCSRA on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Clean yards and good laughs await.
S TRETCH INGYOU R
DOLLAR
Investing in Your Wardrobe Without Compromising Your Style
ARTICLE BY LISA WOLF
1.
IT’S POSSIBLE TO SHOW YOUR UNIQUE STYLE WITH NICE CLOTHES WHILE ALSO STRETCHING YOUR DOLLAR
One’s wardrobe says a lot about a person and it is important to dress to the occasion whether it be work or play while still expressing yourself. Building a wardrobe can be a costly expense but it’s possible to show your unique style with nice clothes while also stretching your dollar.
2.
A FUN, SUSTAINABLE WAY TO BUILD A HIGH-QUALITY AND STYLISH WARDROBE
Second-hand and vintage-style clothes are a fun, sustainable way to build a high-quality and stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Buying handmade and second-hand also reduces the demand for new clothing production, which helps reduce waste and the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
SIMPLE, WILD, CLASSIC, COLORFUL; DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR STYLE
The best way to keep your wardrobe fresh is to look for either trendy or classic new pieces and match them with your favorite vintage or second-hand pieces, like a new dress with your grandma’s old leather jacket or a recently purchased foundation piece with a skirt made from vintage fabrics. Simple, wild, classic, colorful; don’t be afraid to show your style and your financial fashion savvy at the same time.
Some pieces are simply better when they are second-hand like worn denim and lived-in boots or leather that’s softened over time. Get creative and add touches to your old favorites with patches, embroidery, and even natural flower colors transferred to fabric. Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.
SOME PIECES ARE SIMPLY BETTER WHEN THEY ARE SECOND-HAND 4.
“Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.” 3.
My sister, Haley, used an 1800s petticoat and blouse, salvaged Edwardian style Christening gowns and a tablecloth, and other fabrics to create the most amazing vintage-style wedding dress. It was so perfectly her and absolutely gorgeous. IT WAS SO PERFECTLY HER AND ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS
Jana turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
CSRA City Lifestyle
Published by Jana Loved by CSRA
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Screen on the Green Lakeside Park
Wicked is coming to Lakeside Park on September 5th! This is a free event and the fun starts at 6:15pm! Bring your chairs, blankets, and popcorn!
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 13TH, 20TH, 27TH
The Evans Market
1000 Market St
The Evans Market includes several producers, farmers, artisans, and other vendors to shop and choose from! The opening day will be on Saturday, September 6th. This event will be held every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at the Market Pavilion.
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Food Truck Friday
Evans Towne Center Park
Indulge in delicious food from a diverse range of food trucks, groove to live entertainment, and have a blast with your loved ones at Food Truck Friday on September 12th from 6-9pm!
SEPTEMBER 13TH
2025 Plant Swap
Bedford Greenhouses
Whether you’re looking to swap, give, or sell your extra seeds, cuttings, or plant propagations - or just hoping to discover something new for your plant collection - this event is for you! Spots are limited, so invite your plant-loving friends, secure your space, and mark those calendars now! Visit Form.JotForm.com/251965874274168
CONTINUED
SEPTEMBER
Augusta Ballet
Presents Cinderella
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
The Augusta Ballet Presents Cinderella at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center on September 13th at 7pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com.
SEPTEMBER 20TH
14th Annual Baby and more Expo
Columbia County Exhibition Center
The 14th annual Baby and more Expo is back for their fall event! All things maternity, baby and young children awaits you on September 20th at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. Visit BabyAndMoreExpo.EventBrite.com for more information and to register.
