Welcome to the latest edition of Evans City Lifestyle, where we proudly present "The Ladies Issue" – a celebration of women's strength, compassion, and creativity.
In this issue, we delve into the inspiring world of the Miss United States Armed Forces Scholarship Pageant as young women from military families and allies showcase leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to honor ing America's military heritage.
Our hearts are warmed as we spotlight Wellroot Family Services, an organization dedicated to training and connecting foster parents with children in need. Meet a special family whose love and dedication are making a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable children, embodying the true spirit of compassion and caregiving.
For the creative souls among us, we have a delightful guide for DIY Pressed Flower Candles. Explore the art of infusing nature's beauty into your home decor with these enchanting and personalized candles.
Indulge your taste buds with a mouthwatering recipe for a strawberry cheesecake parfait. This delectable dessert combines creamy cheesecake goodness with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
As you immerse yourself in the stories, crafts, and culinary delights within these pages, we hope you find inspiration, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the diverse talents and contributions of women everywhere.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and celebration. Here's to the power and resilience of women, making a difference in the world every day.
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @EVANS.LIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Daria Terry
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Steve Candler | steve.candler@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Daria Terry, Megan Hoban, Michelle W. Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Daria Terry, Tullis Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
We'd like to celebrate and congratulate Goat Kick Coffee on their one year anniversary! They're located at 935 Ronald Reagan Dr Suite 101 Evans, GA 30809. Grab a taste of their amazing, wide-range of coffee beverages, smoothies, tea, house-made baked goods, breakfast & lunch!
The Little Gym of Evans, located at 368 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez, GA 30907, is now open! They hold classes, camps, and parties for children aged 4 months to 12 years (and their parents) and are aiming to help children learn and grow socially and emotionally through gymnastics and play!
Embark on a wild kayak adventure with Cole Watkins Tours' Stallings Island expedition! Encounter diverse wildlife, from charming donkeys to playful otters and majestic hawks. This immersive experience offers the chance to feed donkeys while marveling at nature's beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and osprey, adding to the excitement of this unforgettable journey. Call 706840-0433 to reserve your spot for this unforgettable wildlife encounter!
INDULGE IN THIS SWEET AND SATISFYING BETTER-THANYOUR-AVERAGE STRAWBERRY PARFAIT
Strawberry parfaits are a sweet and creamy dessert that are easy to make and satisfying to eat. Elevate that experience and this dessert by turning it into a strawberry cheesecake parfait! You will get a more refreshing and richer taste with this spin on your average strawberry parfait!
• 2 cups of fresh strawberries, quartered and stems removed
• 3 tsp of strawberry jam
• 1.5 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of whipped cream
• 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• Melt the butter in the microwave. Combine the graham crackers and melted butter in a bowl, and stir until graham crackers are covered. Set aside.
• Take strawberries and toss in strawberry jam. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, condensed milk, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth.
• Add whipped cream to the mixture and whip until well combined.
ASSEMBLE THE PARFAIT
• Place a few spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture into the bottom of a glass.
• Add a layer of the graham cracker crumbs.
• Top with a layer of strawberries.
• Repeat with one more layer, and top with fresh strawberries!
Strawberry parfaits are a sweet and creamy dessert that are easy to make and satisfying to eat.ARTICLE BY DARIA TERRY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
JASON OWNER OF QUICKCALL SERVICES LLC
Calling all DIY lovers! These pressed flower tea light candles are beautiful decorations, easy to make, and perfect for gifting! You can use store bought flowers or flowers found in your garden to make the candle even more special.
• Modge Podge
• Pressed Flowers (store bought or homemade)
• Paintbrush
• Twine
• Small Jar
• Tealight
1. Working in small sections, start by painting a patch of Modge Podge onto the jar.
2. Carefully place the flower onto the glue and brush more glue on top to seal it.
3. Continue placing flowers until you are satisfied and paint on a layer of glue over the entire jar.
3. Once glue is dry, wrap and tie the twine into a bow.
The Miss United States Armed Forces Scholarship Pageant stands as a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting education, encouraging academic excellence, and celebrating volunteerism. It focuses on mentoring young ladies from our United States Military families & allies, preparing them for leadership roles, nurturing self-confidence, fostering lasting relationships, and providing a platform in which they can be a voice to honor America’s Military.
Young ladies competing are required to have a military family member escort them the evening of the pageant. A family member can stand in for a relative that has served, but has passed away. “The event is very patriotic and much like a military ceremony with the posting of the colors, National Anthem, and Invocation. Additionally, scholarship candidates will have to submit their honors and achievements, volunteer hours, and a one page essay on one of the core values of the US military and how it aligns with your life,” says Pamela Hahn, founder of Miss US Armed Forces Scholarship Pageant. To further provide the candidates with important life skills, they are required to attend the Young Ladies in Leadership Conference, which is also open to all students in the area.
“WE AIM FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN INVALUABLE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, BUILD BRAVE CONFIDENCE, FORM NEW FRIENDSHIPS, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HONOR THE SACRIFICES MADE BY THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM.”
This event distinguishes itself as a merit-based organization where young women must earn the title and crown, reflecting the honor upheld by our brave men and women in the United States Military. Through this pageant, and the requirements involved, they encourage academic excellence, mentor them for their success, and provide leadership opportunities; along with awarding a scholarship. “We aim for our participants to gain invaluable community connections, build brave confidence, form new friendships, and always remember to honor the sacrifices made by those who have fought for our freedom,” says Pamela. Montana Mosher, the very first Miss United States Armed Forces, tells us what the Scholarship Pageant means to her, “It’s a privilege to be able to speak on behalf of those who have served or have a family member in service. It’s an honor. I take so much pride in it and I love the meaning behind it. I want to inspire other people and that even though I’m not in the military, I can still speak, represent, and advocate.” Montana currently attends Augusta University and is pursuing Early Childhood Education. Her Father, James Mosher, retired Army Sergeant Major, was her pageant escort. The ultimate goal of the
Scholarship Pageant is to be a prestigious pageant exclusively dedicated to US Military families and allies. Looking ahead, they aspire to make Augusta the home of a national pageant for the Annual Miss United States Armed Forces, with representations from every state.
The symbolism infused into the crown emblem and official logo of the Miss US Armed Forces Pageant is a deliberate homage to the United States Military. The crown features six stars representing the six branches of America’s Military, thirteen diamonds symbolizing the thirteen stripes on the American Flag, and the Fleur-de-Lis, a longstanding symbol in military units. The official logo depicts a figure of respect, holding the six branches of the United States Military, adorned with a sash bearing seven diamonds representing the seven red stripes on the American Flag, honoring the valor and bravery of those who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. Completing the ensemble is the official crown, making her the embodiment of the Miss US Armed Forces Scholarship Pageant.
For further information about the Miss United States Armed Forces Scholarship Pageant or to make a donation, visit their website at missusafp.org
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ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY
I always tell the children that the most important part of their life right now is to enjoy their childhood.
Since 1871, Wellroot Family Services, formerly The United Methodist Children’s Home, has operated with the vision of every child being raised in a loving, compassionate, and nurturing home. The organization, which works throughout Georgia, connects children with foster families, offers transitional and independent living assistance for children aging out of the foster care system, and provides programs to help children and families every step of the way. With approximately 11,000 children currently in the foster care system in Georgia, Wellroot still has significant work to do.
Tammy Ferguson, an art teacher at Riverside Elementary School, and her husband have worked closely with Wellroot over the last four years of their foster care journey. As empty nesters, the Fergusons initially set out to provide respite care over weekends and school breaks for a local foster family, but that time investment later turned into fostering, and then adopting their two girls. “We just fell in love with their little sassy personalities,” shared Tammy. “When their placement was disrupted, we had no idea where they would go. So, we got certified through Wellroot so we could foster, and three years later, we adopted them.”
Because they believe in helping children, the Fergusons recently added two more children to their home through fostering with hopes of adopting the children soon. “I have a passion for protecting children and I believe that everyone would have a wonderful life if their childhood is wonderful,” she said. “I always tell the children that the most important part of their life right now is to enjoy their childhood.”
For the Fergusons, Wellroot’s programs have been a vital part of their success as a foster
family. “Not only do they certify foster parents, but they provide the educational courses that are required by the state, remind you if you need to take the courses, and help you with your paperwork,” explained Tammy. “It is a supportive group of people that really become your family.”
In addition to serving as a foster family, there are other ways to help children in Georgia’s foster care system. One way is providing respite care for families who foster children. Another way to help is through the Fostering Success Tax Credit which allows Georgia residents to redirect their taxes to agencies like Wellroot that support youth who have aged out of foster care.
“Each year over 700 young adults transition out of foster care when they turn 18 without a permanent family support network,” explained Allison Ashe, president and CEO of Wellroot Family Services. “Many of them find themselves homeless during this critical time. At Wellroot Family Services, we provide these young adults with housing, continued education training, life skills coaching, and, most importantly, the love and support of a community.”
Through the Wellroot transitional living program, young adults live in an apartment on Wellroot property with access to 24-hour assistance and a life coach to help them complete their education and fully transition into adulthood.
Wellroot also offers additional programs to help Georgia families including the Functional Family Therapy and Healthy Families programs. For more detailed information on these and other Wellroot Family Services programs, visit wellroot.org or call (404) 327-5820.
The Wellroot Family Services Augusta Office is located at 5555 Hereford Farm Road in Evans.
As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.
If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.
With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.
I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.
Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.
MAY 4TH, 11TH, 18TH, 25TH
Evans Market Pavilion
The Evans Market includes several producers, farmers, artisans, and other vendors. This event will be held every Saturday this month from 9am to 1pm. Admission is free.
MAY 12TH
Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms in our community! Moms make the world a better place and we are grateful for you!
MAY 18TH
Evans Towne Center Park
Thunder Over Evans is the CSRA's free public celebration of Armed Forces Day. Enjoy an evening of music, an extreme fireworks show, and a tribute to those who serve. It will take place at the Evans Towne Center Park on May 18th, and the gates open at 5:30pm.
MAY 20TH
Columbia County Library
Build early literacy skills while building healthy bodies! Join Ms. Lizzie on the mat and bring stories to life using your mind, body, and breath. This event is for children ages birth to five years old. There will be simple yoga poses, books, and songs in a fun, interactive program. This event is free and no registration is required.
MAY 22ND
Outdoor Augusta
Join Outdoor Augusta for their Flower Moon Paddle Tour at Betty's Branch on Wednesday 22nd. The tour will leave at 7pm and return at 10pm. For more information, visit OutdoorAugusta.com.
MAY 23RD
Elks Lodge
Calling all local business owners! Join us and JT Realty Group on May 23rd at 5:30pm at the Elks Lodge for our CSRA Business Networking Event. Dinner will be provided and booths are available for a $25 donation to the Elks Lodge. Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass out!
