Premier General Contractors Since 1986
Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.
Letter from the Publisher
May is a time of renewal, warmth, and celebration—a perfect season to highlight the strength, creativity, and resilience of women. In this issue, we’re diving (literally!) into the world of women-owned businesses, artistry, and the choices that shape our lives.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Rose Bennett, the owner of Bubbles or Not Dive Shop, a business that encourages adventure and confi dence through scuba diving. Whether you’re looking to explore underwater wonders or try something new, Rose’s passion for the ocean is contagious.
We’re also spotlighting Pregnant Choices Medical Clinic, a local nonprofit making a difference in the lives of women facing unplanned pregnancies. Their work provides vital support and resources to those in need, and we’ll explore how our community can come together to help.
Additionally, we’re honored to share the story of Tara Heaton, whose memoir, Life Minutes: Igniting Joy from the Fire of Heartache, is a testament to resilience and the power of finding joy even in life’s hardest moments. Tara’s journey through motherhood and transformation is a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, there is light to be found.
And because no spring issue is complete without a little floral beauty, we’re embracing the art of flower arrangements—pairing blossoms with unexpected elements like fruit to create stunning, vibrant displays.
This month, we hope you feel inspired by the women in these pages—women who create, nurture, and empower. No matter where you are on your own journey, may this issue remind you of the beauty in choosing adventure, in embracing support, and in celebrating life’s small, meaningful moments.
Cheers to May and the women who make it unforgettable!
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @EVANS.LIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Anita S. Lane, Bailey Hall, Michelle Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Young Scout Gives Back to Local Shelter
Columbia County Animal Services is celebrating Putnam Thomas for his generosity! As a dedicated Cub Scout, Putnam collected and donated much-needed supplies to help shelter animals. His kindness and hard work have made a real difference, and the shelter is beyond grateful for his support. Thank you, Putnam, for showing the true spirit of giving and community!
AW Electric Has a New Home!
AW Electric has officially moved to a new office at 1010 Druid Park Ave! As a trusted local electrical company, they continue to provide top-quality service to the community from their new location. Whether you need residential or commercial electrical work, their team is ready to help. Stop by or give them a call for all your electrical needs!
Bird & Branch Furniture Expands with Boutique Clothing!
Bird & Branch Furniture just got even better! In addition to their beautifully curated furniture collection, they’ve added a boutique clothing section. With stylish new pieces arriving regularly, now is the perfect time to stop by and explore their latest additions. Visit Bird & Branch Furniture to find the perfect piece for your home—and maybe a new favorite outfit too!
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Medical Spa
Luceat Vita Wellness luceatvitawellness.com | 706.842.8572
7 Seas Medical Spa 7seasmedspa.com | 706.498.9230
Luna Medical Spa lunamedicalspacsra.com | 706.715.4858
Southern Vanity Medical Spa southernvanity.us | 706.760.0013
New Skin Medical Spa newskinmedicalspa.com | 706.702.1216
Skin Care
Spa Bleu spableuaugustaga.com | 706.722.7446
Ashley G Aesthetics and Artistry ashley-g.com | 706.726.7539
Rosewater Spa and Wellness rosewaterspaandwellness.com | 706.993.6404
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Sol Himalayan Salt Cave & Spa solcaveandspa.com | 706.364.7958
Spa Indigo spaindigo.com | 706.305.9096
“Opening a dive shop in 2016 with my late husband was a dream come true,” shares Rose. “I love being able to share the passion for diving and seeing clients’ reactions, especially children, when they first get to experience what it's like to breathe underwater. Once they become a diver, they get to discover all the beauty our ocean has to offer and I get to help them create memories, take them on adventures, and teach them to protect our environment.” ARTICLE BY
Bubbles or Not
Bennett shares a passion for diving while giving back to the community
THRIVING AS A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR
In 2016, Bob and Rose Bennett opened Bubbles or Not, a one-stop shop for all things diving-related that offers beginner classes, continuing education training for specialty certifications, and diving gear for purchase or rental. Since her husband passed away in 2021, Rose has drawn on her twenty-four years of experience working as a civilian with the Department of the Army to manage the shop, share a love of diving with others, and give back to the community.
In addition to offering classes and certifications, Rose strives to utilize the shop to serve the community in a variety of ways. She does this by supporting local causes and is intentional about providing programs that benefit veterans and active service members, a group close to her heart as both her sons have served in the military, with one still in active service.
One such program is born from a partnership with local sponsors and Undersea Warriors, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for therapeutic scuba diving and marine conservation activities. Through these partnerships, Bubbles or Not offers special programs that benefit active service members, military, veterans, and first responders battling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
These collaborations not only help finance classes and equipment for the qualified participants but also includes funding for a family member or friend to participate as well.
Other initiatives created by Rose include the Robert Bennett PADI Aware Foundation to support protecting earth’s underwater environment and the Bob Bennett Youth Scuba Scholarship. “The scholarship program is geared towards youth ages 10 to 18 years old who are currently enrolled in school,” says Rose. “It emphasizes providing the scuba experience for at-risk youth, low-income families, and youth who have a history of trauma.”
Rose also stays active in local outreach by helping to organize local Wreaths Across America efforts to place wreaths on the graves CONTINUED
of veterans at Christmas and works to raise support for local Girl Scout troops.
As a female entrepreneur, Rose recently joined forces with several women to raise money for Safe Homes of Augusta through the Fake It to Make It campaign. She is also currently working with her team, The Fierce Flames, to raise $100,000 for the 2025
I THINK THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR IS THAT WE ALL WORK TOGETHER AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER, AND WE ALL WANT TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.
Visionaries of the Year campaign for the Augusta Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“I think the best thing about being a female entrepreneur is that we all work together and support each other, and we all want to give something back to the community,” says Rose.
“As a minority woman in the diving industry, which is predominantly male, I sometimes have to work twice as hard to prove that I am capable of doing the job. Which is why I tell other female entrepreneurs all the time to find your passion and surround yourself with like-minded people with the same vision.”
Bubbles or Not Diving, which is located at 211 N Louisville Street in Harlem, is Georgia’s XDeep dealer and the only dive shop that is a Garmin dealer in the CSRA. For more information on classes, diving gear, and the programs mentioned in this article, visit www.bubbles-or-not.com, call 706- 9015045, or email info@bubbles-or-not.com. Also follow Bubbles or Not on Facebook and Instagram.
When Jimmy and Kerry Rhodes retired, they knew they wanted to give back. Rooted in their faith, they felt a deep calling to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. After a year of research, their vision became clear—they would open a clinic dedicated to providing compassionate, life-affirming care. In February 2017, Pregnant Choices Medical Clinic opened its doors.
PR E G NANT CHOICESMEDICALCLINIC
PROVIDING GUIDANCE, SUPPORT, AND RESOURCES FOR WOMEN FACING UNEXPECTED PREGNANCIES
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
“At one point, I was so overwhelmed. I told Jimmy, ‘Maybe we should just write a check to give to someone else to do this; this is hard.’ I’ll never forget, Jimmy told me: ‘Kerry, God calls us to do the hard. If it were easy, there’d be a clinic on every corner,’” Kerry recalls.
Starting with just two staff members, Pregnant Choices initially provided pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and options education. But they quickly recognized that many women lacked support and resources beyond pregnancy confirmation. Over time, they expanded their services to include mentorship, peer counseling, parenting classes, limited STI testing and treatment, and a unique 5-Year Follow-Up Program. All of their services are provided for free.
Today, Pregnant Choices has helped over 1,783 babies and counting, and continues to be a safe, supportive place for women in crisis pregnancies.
Pregnant Choices operates on the L.O.V.E. Approach: Listen & Learn, Open Options, Vision & Value, Extend & Empower. Every woman who walks through their doors is met with care, dignity, and practical support. “These women need more than shallow promises of fulfilling motherhood; they need a team who believes in them and has real resources to help them embrace motherhood with courage and confidence,” says Rachel Culling, Communications Coordinator.
CONTINUED >
Through their GROW Mentorship Program, clients are paired with mentors who walk alongside them, regardless of their pregnancy decision. The 5-Year Follow-Up Program ensures continued support, and educational classes on birthing, newborn care, breastfeeding, and parenting provide valuable guidance. This year, they are adding infant CPR and toddler parenting classes to their offerings.
On May 5th, Pregnant Choices will host their 10th Annual Love for Babies Golf Tournament at Champions Retreat. The tournament plays a critical role in funding their services, covering about 15-20% of their annual budget. “These funds literally help keep our doors open, our ultrasound machines running, and allow us to reach women who need us,” says Rachel. Businesses and individuals can support the event by sponsoring a team or a hole sign.
Pregnant Choices is 100% donor-supported, and community involvement is crucial to their mission. You can support them through donations, attending fundraisers, hosting a baby bottle campaign, holding a diaper drive, and volunteering your time. To learn more, visit LoveForBabies.com, call 706.305.9042, or email Rachel@PregnantChoices. com. More details about the Love for Babies Golf Tournament are available at LoveForBabies.com/ Golf-Tournament. Pregnant Choices Medical Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. By supporting Pregnant Choices Medical Clinic, you are helping women find hope, courage, and the resources they need.
BOBBY & MADERA
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Florals and Fruit
“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
Flower Frogs
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between longstemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
Life Minutes
Tara
Heaton’s Best-Selling Memoir is a Powerful Story of Resurrecting Love and Laughter Amidst Unrelenting Heartache
Tara Heaton appeared to be living the American dream: three healthy children, a loving husband, a rewarding career, and a joyful home. Without warning, everything changed when her middle daughter, Caroline, was struck by a virus that led to severe encephalitis, leaving her with a seizure disorder that gradually impairs cognitive function. At 12 years old, the confident, spirited girl Tara knew began to slip away—taking with her the joy that once permeated the family’s home. From the onset, Tara refused to surrender. Today, Tara Heaton’s memoir, Life Minutes: Igniting Joy from the Fire of Heartache, is rewriting the narrative on turmoil, tenacity, and the power of truth. Both raw and radiant, the memoir has quickly become a #1 New Release on Amazon and brilliantly invites readers to witness a mother’s relentless fight to save her child—and the profound inner transformation that unfolded in the process.
FIGHTING FOR JOY IN THE SHADOWS
What makes Tara’s story so remarkable isn’t just the hardship she endured—it’s the joy she found within it. Her book pulses with heart-wrenching moments that are surprisingly humorous and somehow relatable to any mother. She invites us into her world of seizing joy: dancing barefoot in the kitchen to Van Morrison, letting her guard down with
ARTICLE BY ANITA S. LANE
late-night porch swing confessions, and daring to dream again— even while her world was still burning.
Tara describes her journey not as a fall from grace, but a climb toward something greater. “Heartache is not heartbreak,” Tara explains. “We can repurpose pain to make room for new depths of freedom, love, and joy.”
Life Minutes captures the brutal reality of a mother-turned-warrior, driven by a primal need to restore her daughter’s health. “The flame that I discovered on a diving board at nine years old fuels me today,” she writes. “I will stop at nothing.”
FROM GRIT TO GRACE
Tara’s story goes beyond the relentless fight to stop epilepsy from damaging her daughter’s brain and stealing her dreams. Life Minutes explores the quiet unraveling of her marriage, the guilt of failing her other children, and the spiritual reckoning of faith
in crisis. With piercing honesty, she reveals how she kept going—not by pretending to be okay, but by deciding to tell the truth. “I have been wasting my fighting spirit on fighting off my truth and denying human connection,” she admits.
In doing so, she uncovers a powerful message: resilience isn’t about being unbreakable. It’s about letting the cracks become conduits for light.
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
Tara Heaton is not just a writer—she is a voice for caregivers, special needs families, and anyone grappling with loss. Most importantly, she hopes her readers will see that we cannot wait for the absence of pain to embrace laughter and love. She says, “What a waste of life minutes. We could be waiting a lifetime.”
Tara Heaton is also an entrepreneur, and as the founder of En Pointe Communication, Tara has trained CEOs, healthcare providers, and educators to lead with empathy and influence, communicate with authenticity, and connect through vulnerability and truth. Yet it is through Life Minutes that she shows her deepest strength—not as a professional, but as a mother, a woman, and a human being who dares to live fully, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
THE POWER OF LIFE MINUTES
In Life Minutes, Tara reminds us that even in moments of darkness, we hold the power to choose light. Her story isn’t wrapped in a neat, happy-ending bow—but it is filled with hard-won wisdom, hearty laughter, and a kind of hope that lingers long after the final page.
As Tara often says, “We can’t keep waiting for the storm to pass. We must pull on our boots and dance in the rain.”
You can learn more and connect with Tara at www.enpointe global.com/lifeminutes
events
MAY 2ND-4TH
The Big Bounce America
Hephzibah Agricultural Center
Experience the world's largest touring inflatable event at the Hephzibah Agricultural Center from May 2-4. Enjoy the 24,000 sq. ft. bounce house, a 900+ ft. obstacle course, and more! Visit TheBigBounceAmerica.com for more information.
MAY 3RD
Touch-A-Truck 2025
TrueNorth Church
Bring the family to the 2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck on May 3 from 9am-1pm at TrueNorth Church in North Augusta! Explore fire trucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and more. A sensory-sensitive hour will be held from 9-10am. This free event is perfect for all ages.
MAY 3RD, 19TH, 24TH
The Story of Noah and the Ark
Flowing Wells Theatre
This live performance of The Story of NOAH follows the lives and trials of Noah and his family on the Ark. Watch as they struggle to trust God while dealing with lots of water, lots of animals and a lot of family-time! For information and tickets, visit www.flowingwellstheatre.com or call 706-771-7777.
MAY 6TH
Nature Game Night
Reed Creek Nature Park
Enjoy Nature Game Night on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 4pm inside the Wetland Interpretive Center for nature themed games from Cardboard Castle Games! This event is free to attend and no registration is required.
MAY 11TH
Mother’s Day
We would like to wish all the amazing mothers in our community a Happy Mother’s Day!
MAY 18TH
Movies at the Miller: Steel Magnolias
Miller Theater
Bring your family for a free showing of Steel Magnolias at the Miller Theater! Admission is free but you will need a ticket to enter. Tickets are available at the Miller Theater box office. The movie starts at 2pm.
