AUGUST 2018
A U G U S TA
MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
✱ MOMMY
MAKEOVER
augustafamily.com
BACK
TO SCHOOL
Thank you
Augusta Family readers!
4 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Pediatric Dentist
contents www.augustafamily.com
photo by john harpring
32
Departments
Features 24
Mommy Makeover with Jennifer Hurst -renee Williams
32
7
Editor’s Page
9
Mom to Mom
10
News & Notes
16
Eating Well With Kim Summer Hydration
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16 Back to School Traditions to Start this Year -Pam Molnar
Back to School
A U G U S TA
20
On the cOver: Paul Owen, 5 & Bailey, 17 are the children of Jennifer Hurst and Josh Kitchens. MAKE A TIME CAPSULE
✱ MOMMY
MAKEOVER
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BACK
Photo by John Harpring
TO SCHOOL
Is your child ready for their “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine.
Also, check out our contests and giveaways!
{ } Go to augustafamily.com —click on the contest page to find the current contests!
Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine
@AUGFamilyMag
—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Doctor Dad Start a Healthy Legacy —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
AUGUST 2018
Toddlerisms —Paige Tucker
Smart Mom’s Guide A Quick & Healthy Breakfast & Lunch
—Cammie Jones
22
Raising Readers Builders, Creators & Inventors
36
Inspiration Station Billy S
—Meridith Flory
—Dustin Turner
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Calendar
46
Go Girl!
Kimberly Dozier
—Renee Williams
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 5
AU G U S TA
Contributors Writers
www.augustafamily.com
PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Renee Williams
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Mary Porter Vann
PHOTOGRAPHY John Harpring
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW.
Karen Gordon is a singer, songwriter and the founder of Garden City Jazz. She works with the City of Augusta to present the Candlelight Jazz Concert Series each year and has partnered with RCBOE to develop interactive courses such as Taking Notes: Jazz & The American Story and Jazz4Kids.
Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/ GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Dr. Dana Harris successfully completed 30 years of service with Richmond County schools and retired as an elementary school principal is 2016. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Georgia Southern. Dana has been married over 38 years and has a daughter Tanya and tow beautiful grandchildren, London and Bryce.
Chris Thelen
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Karen Gordon Dr. Dana Harris Meredith Flory Cammie Jones LeeAnn Rhoden Naimah Shaw
Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.
Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Paige Tucker Dustin Turner Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at renee.williams@augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call (706) 823-3722.
We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter. Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine @AUGFamilyMag
6 • Augusta Family | August 2018
LeeAnn Rhoden is a former 7th grade language arts teacher, established freelance editor and the publisher of Pilcrow & Dagger Literary Magazine. She is also a realtor with Blanchard Calhoun, a member of Wesley’s knitting group and treasurer for her son’s Cub Scout Pack. LeeAnn and her husband have one son and have lived in Evans for seven years.
Naimah Shaw is a freelance writer, copywriter, blogger and homeschool mom of four. Naimah graduated with a master of science in information technology and previously taught computer programming at local colleges.
After twelve years in local news, most recently as evening anchor of NBC 26, Paige Tucker is now a work-athome mom and freelance journalist. She produces two series for NBC 26 TV, First Responders and 26 Women Today, and you can see those stories on Tuesday nights. Paige and her husband have one daughter, Julia Reynolds.
Dustin Turner is an SEO and Content Specialist for Main Street Digital. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie, for 20 uears, and they have a daughter Abigail. The whole family enjoys performing in community theater.
Editor’s Notes by Renee Williams
T
his month’s issue of Augusta Family is our back to school guide. Find helpful information on back to school traffic safety in our Safe Kids Fast Fact column, gather tips on 16
back to school traditions to start this year or get ideas for making a time capsule to capture your child’s back to school memories. We also have helpful stratgegies to get organized in the kitchen to help you plan out nutrious meals for busy school nights. You can find these tips in our Smart Mom’s Guide column. To say I am thrilled to bring back our Mommy Makeover feature is an understatment. We had such an overwhelming response to requests for submissions for Mommy Makeover that is was truly uplifting. I couldn’t be more pleased to have the opportunity to gift makeovers to these special women in the area. This month, local mom, Jennifer Hurst was selected to receive a full day of pampering complete with a massage, outfit, hair and makeup. Kudos to the individuals who reached out to nominate their wives, sisters, daughters and mothers and special thanks to the generous and kind-hearted business owners who rose to the occasion to help Augusta Family with our Mommy Makeover. Thanks to D.J. Williams and staff with D.J. & Company Salon, Spa & Gifts, also to Molly Senn and staff of fab’rik Augusta and Carolyn Bailey with Rock n Rose Massage and Bodywork for sharing their talents and supporting the cause. Each one of these local business owners, without hesitation offered to gift their products and services to help our special mommy feel her best. That’s kindness in action! Moving forward, if you want to be a part of our upcoming Mommy Makeover or know someone who deserves a special day, email me at renee.williams@augustamagazine.com. Until September,
“I couldn’t be more pleased to have the opportunity to gift makeovers to these special women in the area.” - Renee
Renee Williams renee.williams@augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 7
2018 Physicians’ Directory Available Free for iPhone® and AndroidTM.
Download the Physicians’ Directory app for free and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.
Mom to Mom Pa i g e T u c ke r
O
Toddlerisms
ne of the best things about having children has to be the way they make you laugh. They do and say the funniest things as they’re growing up and I for one wonder how I ever lived without that daily entertainment. And let’s be real, sometimes laughter is the only way to survive some of the crazy days with children! I love when my Julia Reynolds says things that are just slightly off and I don’t dare correct her! I know one day she won’t ask to go eat “noon-yuls” at Nuigi’s and that will be sad. It will probably hit me when I’m sitting in a booth eating noodles at Luigi’s. She won’t say that she’s “sugaring” when she’s cold or show me the chiggers on her little baby arms. I get shivers and chill bumps just thinking about it. I already desperately miss her throwing her baby arms up saying, “I hold you, Mama” when she wanted me to scoop her up. Those mixed up pronouns get me every single time. A “Dianne Coke” doesn’t seem quite as unhealthy as a Diet Coke and wine perhaps isn’t such a guilty pleasure when a toddler points out the consumption. Julia Reynolds declared she was ready to drink some wine because she was ________ now. (*Name redacted to protect the innocent extended family member who loves her wine!) I’m trying to teach Julia Reynolds to be gracious and polite, so when she kindly tells people when we’re leaving somewhere that, “ she’ll come back anytime,” I couldn’t be more proud. As toddlers grow and discover the world around them, we as parents get the gift of seeing things with fresh eyes. There’s nothing sweeter than sharing a sunset with your child. The awe-inspiring beauty is new to Julia Reynolds and it’s as if “God painted with pink tonight.” Her words, I’ll never forget them. I’m pretty sure on a clear night the moon is there for all to see. But in that little three-year-old’s eyes, the moon comes to our house to shine over it alone. Julia Reynolds is an avid collector, mostly rocks but mainly anything she can stuff in a bag. We were hunting seashells on the beach last summer and she would proclaim each one she picked up “the gorgeous shell I’ve never seen!” They were indeed the most gorgeous shells she’d ever seen and I can’t wait to take her back to the beach to collect more. It’s not always something poetic in nature she’s talking about. Sometimes she’s explaining the way things around us work, in her own cute way. “Please turn on ‘Neckflix’ for my movie, NeNe,” she asked, as she encouraged her grandmother to find the Apple “commote” and “just press the house to start the movie.” Children can be so very honest and you can only hope their thoughts and proclamations will be endearing. My dad, who’s been the owner of a bald spot for the better part of my life (total coincidence!), has endured plenty of inspections of his hair, or lack thereof, from the little people in our family. Julia Reynolds would not share her toy hair straightener with him when they were playing one day. Why? “You don’t have enough hair, ShaSha. Look at it. Somebody took the last little bit of hair out.” Out of the mouths of babes! I do try my best to jot down all the funny little things she says. Every tomorrow she’s a little wiser than yesterday and all these silly sayings will one day be but a memory. The days are long, but it’s true the years are oh so short. Case in point, we are celebrating her fourth birthday this month!! In the words of the birthday princess... “Happy To You,” my precious baby girl!
After twelve years in local news, most recently as evening anchor of NBC 26, Paige Tucker is now a work-at-home mom and freelance journalist. She produces two series for NBC 26 TV, First Responders and 26 Women Today, and you can see those stories on Tuesday nights. Paige and her husband have one daughter, Julia Reynolds.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 9
news&notes August 2018
10 • Augusta Family | August 2018
news&notes
App-Tastic!
mommy minute
GooGle lens Google has come out with a new version of Google Lens in beta. The new version will be built into the camera app, instead of Google Photos. There will also be a real-time finder that will analyze what your camera sees even before you press click. If you point your camera at a poster of a musician, Lens can also start playing a music video. You open up any camera app and Lens will tell you what’s in the image. The image recognition tool can give users more information about things like books, buildings and works of art. How it works is that you take a photo and the tool will process the pixels through machine learning to provide more details and also provide relevant search tags. Google
In early Christianity, the butterfly
has more of an eye on retail with this new update to Lens and instead
was a symbol of the soul. In China,
of just identifying clothes, it will also provide you with a shopping link. GooGle lens, Visual se arch & more
Lens can also recognize words now so you can copy and paste from the real world into your phone.
the butterfly is a symbol of bliss and joy. To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change. Many cultures have used the energy and symbolism of the natural world
Children
as totems to guide and teach.
Children laugh and children play, They can bring you splendid joy throughout the day. When something happens to make them sad, it’s my duty as a mother to comfort them and make them glad. Protecting my children is my right, but if you dare hurt them, You’re in for a tremendous fight. My children are my kryptonite, My all, a bond so strong and tight. Just remember, even after death, I am in your heart and minds and living silently within your body of life.
Center will host their annual
On August 11, Dunwoody Nature Butterfly Festival complete with three enormous tents, filled with free-roaming butterflies. The festival also includes a Birds of Prey show, a showcase of reptiles and other live animal encounters, educational booths, arts and craft activities and live music will complete the festival. You can splash around in Wildcat Creek, relax in a teepee or tree swing or discover hidden treasures at three geocaching locations. Check out their full list of activities at www.dunwoodynature.org.
- Lola Hollaway Augusta Family | August 2018 • 11
news&notes Are we there yet? AUGUSTA CANAL By LeeAnn Rhoden
T
Warm Water
Water Safety
Small Class Size
Get Ready For Summer
he Augusta Canal Discovery Center and Boat Tour has got to be one of the coolest things to do in Augusta. The Discovery Center is located in the old Enterprise Mill. You can’t miss it, it has the big Graniteville Company sign on top. The Enterprise Mill was the flour mill that closed in the 80s and saved from demolition with the redevelopment projects of the mid and late 90s. The building is now residential apartments, business offices, event center, Fat Man’s Mill Café and the Discovery Center. The Discovery Center presents the history of the canal and how the canal played a major role in Augusta’s development and growth and importance to the economy of the southern states. There are lots of interactive and informative exhibits. It is $6 to visit, free with the boat tour and there is a 10-minute movie about the building of the canal. The hours of operation vary by season so be sure to check out the website for the hours. For the summer season (July and August) they are open Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are boat tours of the canal that are initiated at the Discovery Center. The boats are electric, so no oil or gas is leaked into the canal and they are quiet, so you can enjoy the views and conversation. The boats take you up the canal past the textile mills. Depending on the tour you take, the trip can take anywhere from an hour to three hours. In the spring and fall, they offer evening music and sunset cruises and you can bring your own refreshments to compliment the entertainment and views. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can answer any question about the canal and mills and its history. We took the History and Nature Tour and our guide, Jenny,
Colonial Times Living History Park Lynn Thompson
12 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Enterprise Mill on the Augusta Canal was superb at pointing out the flora and fauna of the area, engaging children and keeping the adults engaged with history and fun facts. The boat tours times and pricing vary with season and the choice of tour. Check their website for times and availability. The website is www.augustacanal.com. The Augusta Canal is a great half-day activity that will educate and entertain kids from six to 60. It’s an activity that you’ll want to do over and over again exploring different tours and taking out-of-town guests to see. LOCATION: 1450 Greene St. Ste. 400, Augusta, GA 30901 BUDGET: Admission is $6 but free with boat tours. Parking is free. Boat tours are $14 for the 1-hour tours; $25 for the special music and sunset tours. There are discounts for children, seniors, and military. WHAT TO SEE: See the Discovery Center and take a boat tour. See the canal, the mills, the tow path and trails. IF YOU GO: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. If you are taking a boat tour bring sun protection and wear a hat. Take a camera to capture the views.
SAFE KIDS
news&notes
FAST FACTS BACK TO SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY
Back-to-school means an increased amount of traffic and pedestrians on roads and sidewalks. It is vital for parents to discuss with their children the importance of getting on and off the school bus safely. For instance, while waiting for the bus, stand back at least 10 feet – or five giant steps – from the curb until the bus has completely stopped.. Likewise, teach your child to take five giant steps away from the bus after getting off the bus. Instruct children to never walk next to or behind the bus and children under age 8 should be accompanied (hold hands) by an adult when crossing the road. Be sure to use crosswalks appropriately, and avoid distracted walking dangers by putting phones and devices away.
Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 19. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
Soccer at Town Creek Baptist Church Aiken The world’s most popular sport continues to grow at the youth level in the U.S and Town Creek is hosting “Upward Soccer”to teach children how to grow closer to Jesus while they learn the game and become better soccer players. Taught by Christian role models, the 10 week, eight game season practices one night during the week and all games are held on Saturday. Approximate committment time is two hours per week. For more info, visit www.towncreekbaptist.com.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 13
OPEN FRIDAY NIGHT 7 UNTIL 11 ALL WEEK END LONG
Same day booking available!
12 and under and parents skate free every Saturday morning 10 to noon. Open group skating lessons every Saturday noon to 12:45. Open Skating session everyone welcome Saturday afternoon 1 until 6 $6 and Sunday 2 until 6 Everyone welcome $6. Hose rental skates included with price of admission. Call 706-796-4048 or Book Your Group Online Skatelandofaugusta.com
Stephanie’s Dancers Stephanie’s Dancers Classes Start August 21
Stephanie’s Stephanie’s Stephanie’s Dancers Dancers Dancers
14 • Augusta Family | August 2018
An area auditioned student choir designed to provide talented young singers between the ages of 13 and 19 in the greater Augusta area, an outstanding, enjoyable, and excellent experience in the choral art.
Auditions are in August with rehearsals beginning in September. MORE INFO: WWW.AUGUSTAYOUTHCHORALE.ORG EMAIL US AT: MUSIC@CHRISTCHURCHPRES.ORG OR CALL: 706-306-3014
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 15
Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a v e rs , M S , R D, L D, C DE G u es t w r i te r S a ra h B o e s c h, AU Intern
16 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Eating well with Kim
Summer Hydration Whew... it is HOT! This makes sense of course, because it is summer in the South. That not only means heat but water as well. Swimming, boating, sprinklers and water balloon fights abound. However as school resumes, the water of summer may be regulated to the weekend but water is essential for hydration, health and proper functioning. So, how much water is recommended? There are many variables to consider such as weather, age, clothing, equipment, activity and other foods consumed. Fruits and vegetables contain higher water content than other foods. Read as: eat more fruits and vegetables. Basics on preventing dehydration: • Dress for the weather. In the summer this means lightweight light colored clothing. • Begin the day well hydrated. • Drink a glass of water every morning. Don’t worry! I am not suggesting you get rid of your morning coffee but I do think adding a cup of water to your morning routine is a great idea. Encourage the kiddos to drink some water before they head out for the day too. • If your children are involved in organized sports, be sure they start hydrated and take water breaks once involved. Make sure they bring some water with them and that the coach encourages water breaks—some times we need to remind our children to drink during activities or play as they can forget. • When swimming in water it is important for children to drink water for hydration purposes as well. Of course I am emphasizing water here but there are at least two aisles in every grocery store packed with things besides water to drink. The bottom line is: Kids should drink water, milk, (2-3 cups, reduced fat preferred for children over 2), and juice (4-6 ounces for kids under 6 and 8-12 ounce for older children). What about sports drinks? In general, sports drinks add calories and sugar. Sports drinks are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweat and certainly they can be useful for activitites lasting more than one hour or during extreme heat, but water is the best choice. However, if your child does not like water and will only drink sports drinks, then common sense tells us, it is better to give your child something to drink than not. Hydration is more important than limiting sugar and sweeteners. What about soda? This is easy, avoid soda! Sodas are high in calories and low in nutrients as in “0” nutrients.
The issue of calories in beverages comes up so much these days because of the issue of obesity in children as it is related to the increased consumption of high calorie beverages. One 20 ounce soda has the same number of calories as three medium baked potatoesjust to put it in perspective for you. I like to go back to the 90/10 rule I use for food and use it for beverages too. If 90% of the things you and your children are drinking are healthy and 10% are not-- you’re doing a fine job! If your proportions are off a bit begin making improvements. The overall goal is healthy beverages at meals (milk and juice) and water between meals. Not only does this improve nutrient intake but it helps prevent cavities as well.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Aguas frescas are popular fresh-fruit drinks in Mexico. This is simple yet so refreshing the literal translation is: fresh water. 2 pound seedless watermelon (about 6 ½ cups watermelon chopped) 1 cup water Juice of 1 lime (additional lime for garnish) Sweetener if needed (taste before you sweeten, you may not need additional sweetener) Place the watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour watermelon puree through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher; add water, juice and sweetener if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour and serve in chilled glasses with a lime garnish. Yield: 6 servings Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 45, Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 5mg, Carbohydrate 15g, Protein 0g. Until next time: Eat Well, Drink Well & Live Well!
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ eatingwellwithkim. To search for specific recipes go to www.universityhealth. org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 17
Pregnancy Not a Part of Your Plan Easy, Effective, & Confidential Birth Control at little to no cost
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Richmond 706-721-5800 | Columbia 706-868-3330 | McDuffie 706-595-1740 OTHER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT LOCATIONS IN BURKE, EMANUEL, GLASCOCK, JEFFERSON, JENKINS, LINCOLN, SCREVEN, TALIAFERRO, WARREN, & WILKES
ecphd.com
Dr. Dad
b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M. D.
START A HEALTHY LEGACY FIFTH IN A SERIES OF TEN HABITS FOR A HEALTHY MOM
My dad was the king of, “Do as I say, not as I do”. This maxim led to 50
come a label reader. It’s right there in black and white. If the serving size
extra pounds, hypertension, type 2 diabetes…and an early death. In his
contains more than 5 grams of saturated fat, put the item down and run
defense, he always encouraged us to practice healthy dietary habits but
away screaming. Total fat in your diet shouldn’t exceed 25% of total calo-
there wasn’t a barbecue pork chop that didn’t have his name on it. There is
ries. There are a number of fat counters available online so it is relatively
nothing better (except maybe stopping smoking) that most of us can do for
easy to calculate how much of the grease is sliding down your gullet. Don’t
our long term health than eating well. Raised in the South, I grew up, like
forget, there are some good fats. For example, the omega 3 fatty acids
many of you, thinking the four food groups were doughnuts, Coke, any-
found in abundance in some plants (flaxseed) and cold water fish (tuna,
thing fried and ice cream. Moms set the tone for families when it comes to
halibut) are critical in assuring good health and are essential for their anti-
health, especially as it relates to diet so it’s time to take the Big Mac by the
inflammatory actions.
horns and steer a course for healthier meals.
Rule number three: Eat low sugar. The average person will consume 160
Do a Dr. Google search for healthy eating and you’ll be overwhelmed by
pounds of sugar a year! Most sodas contain 40g of sugar in each can! Sugar,
a plethora of fads, fiction and foolishness. Let’s stroll down the reduction-
or glucose in fancy doctor talk, is necessary for energy, yet most of us eat
ist’s path and break it down to a few indisputable rules. When it comes
enough sugar to power a high school soccer team. The low carb craze
to healthy eating, simple is better so here are some simple guidelines for
of recent vintage did make us aware of the evils of consuming too much
eating well.
sugar (carbohydrates=sugar) and the data supports that a low carb lifestyle
Rule number one: Eat balanced meals. What your mother always
is healthy. Keep in mind that your need for sugar and energy is directly
taught you is true. There is no one super food, in spite of what the
proportional to your activity level. Marathoners need more carbohydrates
algae lovers claim and there is likewise no naturally evil food (well, may-
than chess masters.
be Spam qualifies as evil). We were created to survive on a variety of
Rule number four: Eat more fiber. This rule may be a bit of a surprise
nutrients and no one food can provide everything you need so mix it
because it doesn’t get the airplay that the other guidelines seem to enjoy.
up to guarantee good health. Balance proteins, carbohydrates and fats
However, fiber, both soluble and insoluble, is a key component of a healthy
by selecting a wide variety of foods. Spice up your life! Get crazy and
diet. These are things that aren’t fully metabolized in the system but serve a
try foods that don’t have burgers, bacon and barbecue in their names!
variety of vital functions such as binding excess cholesterol, promoting bow-
There are three sub rules in this category: eat whole foods whenever
el health and regulating hormone levels. The American Heart Association has
possible, mainly plants, and prepare them in as close to the natural
stated that consuming 28 grams of fiber a day can reduce your risk of heart
state as you can. In other words, don’t fry, fritter and fracture your
disease, the number one killer of both men and women. Fiber is abundant in
food. And one final caveat, don’t overdo it. How much you eat is just as
fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, and tree bark. (Just seeing if you
important as the mix.
were paying attention). Choosing foods high in fiber not only fulfills the need
Rule number two: Eat low fat meals. This is not to demonize fat but to remind you that too much grease is just not healthy. In spite of the cacophony of nutritional advice on the Inter-web, there is not a reliable
for roughage but these foods also tend to be low in calories and very filling. Become the “Do as I do” mom or dad and your kids (and spouse) will benefit.
expert around who tells you to eat more lard. Some fat is necessary but we should all limit saturated and trans fats. These include margarine, salad dressings, processed cakes, chips, cookies and gobs of other nasties. Be-
Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 19
Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo n es
20 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Smart Mom’s Guide
Quick, HealtHy Breakfast & lunCH ideas Before school starts each year, I try to be creative when it comes to breakfast and lunch ideas for my girls. The usual will work for a while - think cereal and toast for breakfast and turkey and peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, and a bag of chips or crackers for lunch. But, after a few weeks, the girls want something different, and honestly, I do too! Here are some ideas that I have used over the years and some that others have suggested to make both breakfast and lunch a little more unusual and pleasing to the palate.
food if you are packing a lunch. One of my favorite styles is the salad container that allows you to place lettuce on the bottom, and then has a second segmented “level” that allows you to add cut up veggies, etc., so that they won’t get the lettuce soggy. A fork and knife fit on the underside of the second section and there’s even a small round container with a tight lid where you can put your favorite dressing. It’s all in one, handy square shaped container. It’s the perfect way to transport a traditional salad or even a pasta type salad that you can add stuff to when you go to eat.
1. Breakfast Parfait Bar. Make it easy for your kids when they enter the kitchen for breakfast before school. Have the following ingredients ready to go in the fridge or on the counter: - Granola - Vanilla or Plain Yogurt, Greek or Regular (preferably not fat-free) - Cottage Cheese - Strawberries, Blueberries, or any other cut up fruit - Honey - Clear plastic cups
5. WraPs If you are tired of the same old sandwich, there are many alternatives to this which can sometimes be more healthy. Eating a wrap can mean less bread and more nutrients. You can also skip the bread and make a turkey and cheese roll up. Add a little spinach, thinly sliced tomato or avocado and you’ve added a few extra vegetables for the day.
6. Hummus & Pita Plates
Let your child make his own concoction. He can layer the fruit and granola between the yogurt or cottage cheese. This makes for a fun and delicious way to start the day. When the kids leave, just cover and refrigerate the leftovers for an afternoon snack or the next morning’s breakfast.
Skip the sandwich or wrap all together and make a finger food lunch of carrots, pita chips and hummus. Throw in some ranch dip if your child does not care for hummus. Add a fruit kebob and a cheese stick, and lunch is served! Again, look for individualized containers or use various sized plastic zip bags that will keep all this separate so that the food won’t get soggy or messy.
2. Homemade Breakfast Casserole muffins.
7. CHiCken & Veggie keBoBs
A friend of mine is an excellent cook who is creative as well. She will take leftover vegetables or meat and combine this with eggs and shredded cheese, which she then puts in a greased muffin pan. She cooks these muffins for a few minutes in the oven at 350 degrees. After cooling, she pops each one in a sandwich sized plastic bag and freezes them for her children to eat all week. Just pop one in the microwave set to defrost and you have a quick, healthy meal on the table in just seconds.
Have leftover chicken from the night before? Cut it into bite sized pieces and put it on a skewer. Add a couple pieces of cheese or a veggie in between. Add a small container of dip of some sort ketchup, ranch or barbecue sauce to add a little zing. You can also buy individual containers of dips at the grocery store or throw in a leftover sauce container from your favorite fast-food restaurant.
3. smootHies This is another quick way to start your morning off in the right direction. A bag of frozen fruit in the freezer or fresh cut up fruit in the fridge makes the base of this delicious treat. Add protein powder, milk or water and some low-fat yogurt to fruit in a blender. I like to add a tablespoon of organic flaxseed to add a nutty flavor and a little kick. Press the smoothie or blend button and you have a healthy breakfast drink. This is a great idea for teens who have hit snooze too many times and need to take their breakfast on the go.
8. souPs The first sign of fall and I am looking up delicious soup recipes where I can sneak in plenty of lean proteins and veggies for my children. If your child will eat soup, a great investment is in stainless steel soup container that will keep the soup warm until lunchtime. Not only is it healthy and filling, but it’s also an alternative to your usual “cold” lunches. Breakfast and lunch options have come a long way since I was a child. Using your imagination and thinking outside the box will help you to avoid the monotony of the frozen waffles and PB & J sandwiches of the old days.
4. salad Bar I love all the containers out there that allow you to separate your
Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 21
Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y
Raising BuildeRs, CReatoRs & inventoRs Regardless of an ever growing field of compe-
able and goals. Options for challenging a child’s
tition from technology, character branding or
thinking by inviting them to create structures
trendy looks, toys in the category of building
include sets with pieces that encourage further
blocks have maintained their appeal for genera-
thinking about science. Sets that require more
tions. In addition to simply being fun, building
active play, such as gears or marble runs and
sets challenge imagination and learning. When
those that engage children in art and design
organizing a child’s room or play area, building
such as traditional wooden blocks are a won-
toys make a great center focus.
derful option too - any of these toys are challenging children in a variety of ways, both artis-
Why are building toys so important?
tic and scientific.
There are a variety of toys that fall into the building category, so finding the one that works
While many sets have specific instructions,
for your family may be a process that considers
blocks encourage open ended play, rather
the age of the children, interests, space avail-
than play that follows a set script such as
22 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Raising Readers
many electronic games and toys that encourage
LocaL opportunities for BuiLding pLay
simple reenactment of something they’ve seen.
There are opportunities to build more fun at Brickz 4
Open ended play allows children to focus on creat-
Kidz, the Home Depot building workshops and LEGO-
ing and problem solving as they go along in choos-
Land Discovery Center Atlanta. According to Koerber,
ing structural and design elements, and this is in-
the Augusta Library was able to begin the Lego® Club as
credibly important for a generation of children that
part of a grant that allowed the library to purchase sets.
finds much of their time overly structured. Carrie
For more information on the various clubs they offer,
Koerber, Children’s Librarian for the Augusta-Rich-
visit www.arcpls.org.
mond County Public Library system points out that “children use tactile skills and their creativity when
Dana Peterson, the Young Adult Librarian, advises that
they work with Legos ®. They learn to work with
while there isn’t a building toy specific program for
their hands and use their imagination to make their
teens, many of their activities, such as a summer bot-
creations.” The ARCPLS offers a club as part of its
tle cap mural project “requires similar planning skills”.
children’s programming, and Koerber shares that,
Teens can become involved with the Teen Advisory
“it is amazing the many different creations that we
Group (TAG) to share their ideas for activities and learn
see that the kids make. For example, some of our
about volunteer opportunities.
kids make animals... and some make houses or miniature cities. It is a fantastic way for the library to
encouraging reading through BuiLding
foster creativity in children. I think parents might
If you have a child that has developed an interest in
not expect how creative their children really can be!
building sets, use that interest to encourage more
Many parents are amazed at what their children can
reading.
imagine and bring to life...”
and towers, looks for picture books on medieval castle
If your child spends time building castles
life. If they are building spaceships and rockets, sugBlocks also help bridge a gap between structured
gest science fiction for children or non-fiction titles on
learning and imaginative free play. At times blocks
life as an astronaut. For those building machines and
encourage open ended play, but parents can create
mazes, look for books with Rube Goldberg machines
challenges and games as well, such as seeing who can
or that go behind the scenes of how things work. Ko-
build the tallest tower with small children or building
erber shared that “by attending one of our programs,
working machines with teens. A simple Google or
the chances of a child checking out a book increases,”
Pinterest search will pull up a number of already cre-
and that librarians showcase books on the topic of the
ated activities for any subject or age range. I found
program to entice reluctant readers.
For example,
that Lego Duplos were a great way to teach count-
available for checkout are handbooks for building with
ing, colors and comparative words (e.g. smallest, big-
Legos® as well as fiction works centered around mini-
gest) to my children. Koerber pointed out that build-
figure characters such as Legos®: Legends of Chima. At
ing clubs and other activities are, “really wonderful
a similar program, my daughter and I were introduced
at building the “engineering” skills that are included
to books by Kevin Hall. One of my favorite series right
in STEM learning” and that “in such a technology
now are the adorable picture books by Andrea Beaty
centered culture, the LEGO program gives children
and David Roberts focusing on girls building and in-
a chance to “unplug” and use their brains to make
venting with titles such as Rosie Revere, Engineer. Pe-
new creations.”
terson echoed that building projects may be a way into
®
®
®
reading for teens too and suggested titles like Physics Another, perhaps unforeseen, positive aspect of
Projects for Young Scientists by Adams and Goodwin for
building play is that block toys encourage intergen-
non-fiction and Cinder by Marissa Meyer or Kat and
erational interaction, whether it’s putting together a
Meg Conquer the World by Anna Priemaza.
difficult set, playing a game or crafting a marble run. Building toys have been around for generations and appeal to multiple age groups, so they are a great way to get grandparents, uncles, aunts, parents and different aged siblings playing together.
Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 23
MOMMY
MAKE OVER “Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.� -Sophia Loren. In this issue, we are excited to bring back an old favorite segment, our Mommy Makeover. This month, local mom, Jennifer Hurst was selected to recieve a full day of pampering complete with a massage, outfit, hair and makeup.
BEFORE
Kudos to the generous and kind-hearted individuals who rose to the occasion to help Augusta Family with our Mommy Makeover. Each one of these local business owners, without hesitation offered to gift their products and services to help our special mommy feel her best. Thanks to D.J. Williams and staff with D.J. & Company Salon, Spa & Gifts, also to Molly Senn and staff of fab’rik Augusta and Carolyn Bailey with Rock n Rose Massage and Bodywork. 26 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Above: DJ & Co. Salon, Spa & Gifts and Fab’rik helped by providing their products and talent to Jennifer’s make over.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 27
photo by john harpring
AFTER Jennifer Hurst was born and raised in Augusta and has never left! She is married to Josh Kitchens with Southbound Smokehouse and they have two boys, Bailey, 17 and Paul Owen, 5. Jennifer has been in healthcare for 11 years, focusing her time on Alzheimer’s Disease and Advanced Dementia. She works for Young Living Essential Oils and is overjoyed to help people achieve their wellness goals. Jennifer became an ordained minister in 2016 with the intention of becoming a chaplin in a local hospital. She never expected for people to start asking her to officiate their weddings. Jennifer finds it is a privilege and a complete blessing in her life to work with these couples. Jennifer’s oldest son Bailey is a rising senior who enjoys spending time with his church family, playing XBox, skateboarding and basketball. Paul Owen will begin Kindergarten this fall and he loves to play soccer!
MAKEOVER ARTISTS Hair & Makeup | D.J. & Company Salon, Spa & Gifts. Last month, D.J. Williams and staff celebrated 26 years in the industry. With over 10,000 clients and multiple educated stylists and spa team members, D.J. & Company consistently provides the best service. Their mission statement is simple, “Provide our guest with the finest service backed by the best education time after time.” Consistency is in part why D.J. & Company has been one of Augusta’s top salons since 1992. Visit djandco.net.
Spa treatment | Carolyn Morris Bailey of Rock n Rose Massage and Bodywork. Carolyn Bailey, LMT is helping others to grow in the foundation of mind, body and spirit alignment. Carolyn can help aid in relieving a variety of ailments including headaches, muscle tension, lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, detoxification, reducing stress and anxiety (silent killers)...and the list goes on! Visit rocknrosemassage.massagetherapy.com
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
Clothing, shoes and accessories | fab’rik Augusta From Augusta to Austin, Denver to Richmond, fab’rik offers high style with heart to cities across the country. Molly Senn, owner of fab’rik Augusta and fab’rik Hilton Head Island, boasts “high style with a heart.” Molly has partnered with the Rape Crisis Center to help raise runds, works with LLS Man and Woman of the Year campaign and also sponsors a child in Africa through Progect82. Visit www.fabrikstyle.com/locations/augusta
30 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 31
lnar o M m By Pa
32 • Augusta Family | June/July 2018
T
he years seem to pick up speed as your child gets older. One minute they are getting on the bus for Kindergarten and in the blink of an eye, they are walking across the stage at their high school graduation. Don’t let those years go by in a blur. Capture the first day of school with a tradition the kids will look forward to every year.
F REEZE
A
MEMORY
1
Drive to your local high school a few days before school starts. Capture a picture of your child standing by the marquee or in front of the building near the front door. You can also catch picture of your child gazing up at the school while wearing his back pack. Taken every year, this makes a great collage of photos to display at their high school graduation party.
2
Every year before school starts, purchase a Time magazine and a People magazine. Have him pose with the covers to show what was in the news that year.
3
Buy a t-shirt from the high school spirit store in an adult size. Take a picture of the child wearing the shirt with her backpack on the ground next to her. It is a great way to show how she and her choice of backpacks change over the years.
4
Pose your student standing next to mom or dad in front of the house. Bring enough books for your child to stand on until he is as tall as his parent. As the years go by and your child grows, the child will need less and less books to stand on. In his high school pictures, mom might be the one standing on the books.
5
Don’t forget to get a picture of mom and dad on the first day of school. Capture mom’s tears as the bus drives away and don’t miss mom and dad high fiving as the last child leaves the house.
Augusta Family | June/July 2018 • 33
M ake
a
T iMe C apsule
It’s never too late to make a time capsule. Decorate a box with a lid and store it away with the other special items in the basement or attic. Here are a few things you can add to the capsule each year. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
A picture of your child A sample of their handwriting with the date A family letter written by mom or the child A questionnaire about their favorites – food, friends, activities, etc. A trending item like a squishy squad or PopSocket A weekly news or entertainment magazine A letter from their new teacher welcoming them to school A favorite book that you read over the summer A penny from the current year A small favorite item like a keychain or earring
34 • Augusta Family | June/July 2018
C OOK U P SOMETHING G OOD 1
The night before school starts, bake a round loaf of bread and place a clean penny in the dough before it bakes. Before dinner, have all the kids hold on to a piece of the bread and break it off. The one that gets the penny will have extra good luck this year at school.
2
Start the day off right with a special breakfast. Choose a traditional breakfast of eggs and toast, whip up a smoothie for a light and healthy meal or lighten the mood with something silly like cookie cutter pancakes with whipped cream.
3
Shop with your child before school starts and let him choose a special back to school lunch. Go beyond the sandwich to find yogurt parfaits, fruit pizza or ham and cheese kabobs. Don’t forget a note from mom and a Hershey’s kiss.
4
When you child comes home from school, he will want to tell you all about his teacher, his classes and his day. Prepare a special after school snack like an ice cream sundae bar or colorful fruit trifle.
WATCH T HEM G ROW
1
On the first day of school, measure your child from head to toe with a piece of string cut to his height. Put the string in an envelope and mark it with the date. At the end of the year, measure him again and see how much he grew this year.
2
Plant a tree in celebration of your child starting kindergarten. Every year, take a picture of your child in front of the tree and watch them both grow.
3
Make a back to school flag out of white cloth to hang in front of the house. Every year, add your children’s hand prints using different color paints. Include the date and their age to create a treasure that you look forward to showing off every year.
4
Make concrete stepping stones with your child’s foot print and the date. Let you child decorate and add the stones to your yard to create a wonderful memory garden.
C ELEBRATE
1
Have a back to school bash. This is a great way to reconnect with all the kids you did not get to see over the summer. Rent a large slip and slide or a bounce castle, cook up some hot dogs and pass out the popsicles. Enjoy one last hoorah before school starts.
2
Your teens and tweens will be happy with an evening bonfire to mourn the end of summer. Bring out the speakers and let them plug in their own music. Provide a fire, plenty of snacks and enough seating for everyone.
3
Don’t forget a party for the moms. A first day of school potluck breakfast is a great opportunity for the moms to celebrate the return to routine.
Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. This is her 15th new school year as a parent. Augusta Family | June/July 2018 • 35
Inspiration Station Dustin Turne r
36 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Inspiration Station
Billy’s Art & Music As a professional artist, Billy S loves to sell his paintings. After all, it
spirational. If there is grass in a landscape scene, the word “love” or
lets him pay the rent and buy groceries. He gets an even bigger thrill,
the phrase “love one another” is probably hidden in another shade
though, when he inspires others to let their creative juices flow.
of green. Sometimes it’s more obvious, such as paintings where the
“One of the best side effects of my art is that somebody will come
words, “Love One Another” are the main subject. “I sold a Love One
up and say they were inspired to do their thing,” he said. “And even if
Another sign to a man who put it in his yard facing his neighbor’s
it’s just clip art or whatever, they’ll get that buzz from doing it. They
house. I love it when my work is used for the greater good,” he says.
will be amazed at how good it feels just pouring paint on a canvas.”
On another occasion, he was painting in Augusta Common dur-
Often quirky and surreal – think Yellow Submarine - but always
ing a March for Jesus event when his two favorite things happened:
colorful and fun, Billy’s paintings incorporate music (he often in-
He painted something inspirational and it was bought as a gift. ”I had
cludes his blue guitar), love (hearts are common), nature (birds,
painted an angel – I paint a lot of angels - and a woman asked if I would
butterflies and landscapes) and messages of peace (“love” and “love
sell it to her so she could give it to a friend. That is still my favorite thing,”
one another” appear often). His works can be found all over the
he says. “Selling art allows me to eat and pay my bills and have electric-
Augusta area, including Beveled Edge in North Augusta, New Moon
ity, but what it does other than that is my absolute favorite thing.”
Café and Nacho Mama’s in downtown Augusta and at all three area
Billy doesn’t just limit himself to painting. A singer and songwriter,
Mellow Mushroom locations. He even added an artistic touch to
he even keeps his music uplifting. He realized that people with big hits
the Broad Street restaurant’s back door. He paints signs and on
had to sing and perform those songs a lot. “If you’re singing a song,
canvases, wood and even roofing metal of all shapes and sizes.
you’re usually living it, so if it’s a terrible sad song about a huge heart-
Billy S didn’t become such a prolific artist by taking classes or
break and it’s a hit, well, I might have the money to buy a boat but I won’t
going to art school. In fact, a small painting his aunt did set his
feel like riding on the boat! I always try to write a happy, uplifting song.”
sights on art. “I remember looking at it, and I’d look at the back of
For Billy, being able to inspire and uplift others is the most im-
it, and I was wondering how this image was on the cottony fab-
portant part of being an artist. Sometimes, though, the landlord
ric and how my aunt did that. It gave me the idea that if my aunt
wants his rent money. Paying the rent, in fact, turned into a teach-
had painted, maybe that it’s in my blood. Often what our parents or
able experience. He tells it like this:
adults can do around us, we think we can do that.”
“So, the rent was due TODAY, and I’m sitting there trying to figure
A computer drafting course in college persuaded Billy to stop
out what I can do immediately. This little voice in my head kept tell-
drawing precise, measured lines and get creative. “I could draw a
ing me to go check my mail. Instead, I thought my friend would let me
straight line with a ruler, but it had to look like things and be correct,
hold $200 for the night for my Strat – my good guitar - but that wasn’t
and there are all these details that have to be precise and not artistic.
enough. I thought I could quickly whip up a cat painting or two and
For me, that was a foundation. I knew I didn’t like having to make it
sell them quickly – everybody buys cat paintings. But I was still hearing
perfect. I didn’t feel like that was my job, and for me nowadays, I re-
‘Go check the mail!’ I finally checked the mail, and it was something
ally don’t feel like that’s my job.”
from House of Blues. I thought it was an invitation to their annual week-
Billy often paints with a specific person in mind. He tells how
end art festival. I opened it and thought, ‘Why does that invitation look
he started painting a fish and used colors that reminded him of a
funny?’ But they had sold some of my paintings I had there, and it was
friend from high school. He thought she might be interested. “So I
a check. My name was on it. I looked over at the amount, and it was ex-
called her and told her, ‘I think I have your new painting.’ I sent her
actly what I needed for my rent. It matched my exact need for the night.”
a photo, and she said, ‘I’ll take it.’”
From that experience, Billy decided he would create art and not
“I think every one of them is for something or somebody,” Bil-
worry about the money. “My actual thought is to make the art for
ly says. “I especially love it when they are given as a gift. I traded
where it’s going go. I think the money will always come because it al-
something for my art or got paid for it, which is wonderful for me,
ways has, so I never can waste time going, ‘Where’s the money coming
but then that painting is given as a gift to someone else. It blows my
from?’ I just have to believe it will come on time.”
mind that it goes again to be a blessing to somebody, and maybe that person is inspired to do their own thing.” Billy is so excited to inspire people to create their own art that he doesn’t care if they do it out of spite. “I don’t mind people coming by and going, ‘Oh, I can do that!’ Because they probably could!” he says with a laugh. “I actually love to hear that. If they can, go and do it! Don’t think I’m going be mad. I’m happy even if it is spite-inspired.” When he is painting, Billy likes to keep things positive and in-
For more information on Billy S, his art and music, find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/billysartmusic/ and www.facebook.com/billy.s.777.
Dustin Turner is an SEO and Content Specialist for Main Street Digital. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie, for 20 uears, and they have a daughter, Abigail. The whole family enjoys performing in community theater.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 37
38 • Augusta Family | August 2018
calendar
calendar AuGuST
August 1. Recurring Event. Pendleton King Park. Music Play date for the families with newborn to 8 years old. This class is designed to bring the joy of music and movement to little ones and their caregivers.This is a very active class sure to burn energy for both children and parents. Activities include singing, dancing, focused listening and simple instrument playing, creating an environment in which the child’s music aptitude is nurtured and skills are developed. Your group leader will help modify movements and participation for each of your children. August 2 and every Thursday enjoy a night of jazz at The Willcox Hotel. Visit the beautiful lobby bar every Thursday night for live jazz. Visit www. thewillcox.com. August 2. Westobou Gallery Presents Valton Murray. Murray’s brightly colored palettes depict scenes of his childhood home, his family and the beauty of the rural landscape as he envisions it. Challenged by his battle with epilepsy and the polio virus, he found early and continued success in creating pictures. Visit www. westoboufestival.com. August 2. National Ice Cream Day.
August 3. Kids Night Out. Kroc Center. 1833 Broad St., Augusta. Parents can enjoy a night to themselves by dropping their children, age 2-12, off at the Kroc Center from 6PM-10PM, the first Fridays of most months! Children will enjoy activities such as swimming, gym play, inflatables, arts and crafts, and more. Call 706-364-5762. August 3. Kroc Center. Kids & Tunes. School of Rock. This class will spend every Friday during the summer delving into different works of early childhood literature and then taking that literature to another level. The class will begin with the instructor reading a book, some examples are The Little Engine That Could, Rainbow Fish, and Pete the Cat. Once the book has been read, the instructor will lead the group in music interventions centered around the book. 1833 Broad St., Augusta. Call 706-364-5762. August 3 and 4. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre presents Cheaper by the Dozen. Suppose you’re an attractive high school girl and you’re not only a member of a large and unique family but your father is, in fact, one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency. Then suppose he decides to apply his unorthodox methods to your family. The results are terribly embarrassing, funny and it must
be admitted extremely effective. www. gordon.armymwr.com. August 4. Rent at The Imperial. Based on Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’, ‘Rent’ is a 2005 American musical drama film directed by Chris Columbus. It is adapted from the critically acclaimed and Tony award winning Broadway Musical. The film depicts the lives of several Bohemians and their struggles with sexuality, drugs, paying their rent and life under the shadows of AIDS. It takes place is the East Village of New York City from 1989 to 1990. Shows how much changes or doesn’t change in the 525,600 minutes that make up a year. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving drugs and sexuality, and for some strong language. Visit, www.imperialtheatre.com. August 5 and every Saturday. The Augusta Market. Enjoy music, art, fresh produce and local food at the Augusta Market held each Saturday March to October. 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit, www. theaugustamarket.com. August 5 and every Saturday. Join host, Brenda Durant and special guests every Saturday morning at 9:30 am, on Smooth Jazz 92.3 FM for highlights on upcoming arts and culture events in the Augusta
Westobou | August 2nd Westobou Gallery Presents Valton Murray. Murray’s brightly colored palettes depict scenes of his childhood home, his family and the beauty of the rural landscape as he envisions it. Challenged by his battle with epilepsy and the polio virus, he found early and continued success in creating pictures. Visit www.westoboufestival.com.
We’d love to hear from you. If you have an event you’d like to add to our next issue, send an email to renee.williams@augustafamily.com.
Augusta Family | August 2018 • 39
calendar MATT FRANCO As the first and only magician ever to win NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Matt Franco takes an innovative approach to magic-making that’s driven by pure joy. Almost entirely self-taught, the 29-year-old Rhode Island native began developing his own shows before the age of ten and took the stage at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas by the time he was 15. With an improvisation-fueled and humor-laced performance style partly honed through his years as a hugely in-demand college act, Franco is now currently headlining his own show, Magic Reinvented Nightly, at the LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas that offers both boundless fun and a stunning sense of thrill and wonder.
area. Current and past episodes of Arts Weekly can also be found on the Greater Augusta Arts Council website. Do you want to be featured on the Arts Weekly?? Make certain your event is on the Augusta Arts Calendar?and then contact Brenda.? We love our local arts scene! Email: brenda@060.461.myftpupload.com. August 5. City of Augusta and I Heart Media present the Candlelight Music Series, a series of evening of music concerts, beginning on Sunday, May 6th at 7:30pm at the Augusta Common, downtown Augusta. Concerts are held on every Sunday night from May 6th – September 2nd and will feature a few of the area’s most popular bands. Hosted by Cher Best of 96.3 Kiss FM each Sunday. Vendors will be available. The community and visitors are invited to the Augusta Common on every Sunday to meet up with friends, dance and enjoy great evening of music. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic. Regular Location: The Augusta Common. Rain Location: May Park Community Center (Gym) – 622-4th Street. August 5: Jashon & The Natty Vibez (Columbia, SC) August 12: American Jazz Combo. August 19: Tre Sounds August 26: The Lady and The Gents September 2: quietStorm (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM). For More Info Visit www.augustaga.gov. August 6. National Sisters Day. August 7. Happy Hour live at Humanitree House. 40 • Augusta Family | August 2018
Featuring the Ballroom Maestro Seve Every Tuesday. Smooth Tunes, drink specials, mixn-mingle. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visit, www.humanitreehouse.com. August 7. National Friendship Day. August 8. Friends with Benefits Production and Steve Hall Productions present Yonder Mountain String Band at Sky City. Yonder Mountain String Band’s first new album in two years, LOVE. AIN’T LOVE is undeniably the Colorado-based progressive bluegrass outfit’s most surprising, creative, and yes, energetic studio excursion to date. Songs like “Chasing My Tail” and “Alison” are rooted in tradition but as current as tomorrow, animated by electrifying performance, vivid production, and the modernist power that has made Yonder one of the most popular live bands of their generation. Melding sophisticated songcraft, irrepressible spirit, and remarkable instrumental ability, LOVE. AIN’T LOVE is a testament to Yonder Mountain String Band’s organic, dynamic, and intensely personal brand of contemporary bluegrass-fueled Americana. Visit, www.skycityaugusta.com. August 9. National Book Lovers Day. August 10. The Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art is pleased to present Material + Method: Exploring Gender Roles through Tradition curated by Megan Schaeffer. This exhibition works of four female
artists– Abby Bullard, Adejoke Tugbiyele, Sonya Young James, and Leisa Rich- who create relevant works that explore gender roles, female identity, and expand the definition of fine art. Exhibition Dates: Through August 24th at 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art is located in Washington Hall on the Augusta University Summerville Campus. August 11. Children’s Hike with Storytime. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. August 11. Artwork by The Five and Clay Artists of the Southeast (CASE) from August 2 - Sept. 14, 2018. Artists in the “The Five” Exhibit are Doris Sofge, Elizabeth Moretz-Britt, Jill Stafford, Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith. Arts & Heritage Center of North Augusta. Visit, www.artsandheritagecenter.com. August 13. Recurring event. Sacred Heart Cultural Center presents Karen Banker and Jan Jackson. Karen Lind Banker was formally educated in New York and has taken many art classes and workshops through the years. Her style is evolving from impressionistic/representational to more abstract, incorporating larger and simpler shapes into her paintings and collages. Karen’s subjects range from architecture and nature to still-life paintings. She has shown in solo and group exhibitions, as well as, been accepted into and won awards in regional and national juried exhibitions. an Jackson educational background includes a BFA in fine art and Masters
42 • Augusta Family | August 2018
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in curriculum and technology. Following retirement, she returned to painting for personal growth and enjoyment. Jan vacillates between oils painted directly onto small panels and watercolors painted using wet into wet technique. Her favorite subject depicts glimpses of everyday life or objects. This program is supported in part by the Greater Augusta Arts Council through appropriations from the City of Augusta. Visit, www.sacredheart.com. August 13. Soft Slab Clay Teapot with Aiken Center for the Arts. Using handbuilding techniques, students will create a soft-slab teapot with instructor Madeline Fox. Slabs of clay are formed into the elements of body, lid, spout and handle and joined together. Decoration will be the student’s original design, which will be applied as a raised edge decoration. Cost: $80. Register online here or call 803-641-9094. August 13. Using handbuilding techniques, students will create a soft-slab teapot with instructor Madeline Fox. Slabs of clay are formed into the elements of body, lid, spout and handle and joined together. Decoration will be the student’s original design, which will be applied as a raised edge decoration. Cost: $80. Register online or call 803-6419094. Visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org.
August 13. National Bowling Day. August 14. Puddle Ducks Kids & Caregivers Club at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock & Dam Rd., Augusta. Puddle Ducks is a special program that allows caretakers the opportunity to explore and grow with their toddler as they discover the wonders of our natural world. An early connection with nature helps develop a lifetime of stewardship. Call 706828-2109. Recurring monthly on the 2nd Tuesday. 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Admission: $5. August 15. National Relaxation Day. August 16. Pink Slips. A group of local artists are planning to open their downtown studio to the public on third Thursdays for a new, live art event called Art Night. The free event, which is intended for those 21 and older, is an opportunity for the public to come draw, paint and screen print with local artists. All the artists are asking is that members of the public bring their own supplies and beverages. August 17. Matt Franco. As the first and only magician ever to win NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Matt Franco takes an innovative approach to magicmaking that’s driven by pure joy. Almost entirely selftaught, the 29-year-old Rhode Island native began
developing his own shows before the age of ten and took the stage at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas by the time he was 15. With an improvisationfueled and humor-laced performance style partly honed through his years as a hugely in-demand college act, Franco is now currently headlining his own show, Magic Reinvented Nightly, at the LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas that offers both boundless fun and a stunning sense of thrill and wonder. August 17-19. Le Chat Noir Presents The Black Cat Picture Show, an international adjudicated film festival. The only one in Augusta that provides a platform for independent film artists to exhibit their work in an intimate setting that facilitates the exchange of ideas in order to cultivate artistic growth. Visit, www.lechatnoir.com. August 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 p.m. & August 19 at 3:00 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse Present Prodigal Son. From the author of Doubt, a 17-yearold boy from the Bronx suddenly finds himself in a private school in New Hampshire. He’s violent, gifted, alienated, and on fire with a ferocious loneliness. Two faculty members wrestle with the dilemma: Is the kid a star or a disaster? A passionate, explosive portrait of a young man on the verge of salvation or destruction. Directed by Dave Howard. Written by
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calendar John Patrick Shanley. Visit www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com. August 17. Four Seasons Chamber Jazz Series by Garden City Jazz. A musical celebration of art in nature, a four-event concert series, with music ranging from Latin jazz, to vocal standards, to Dixieland. Artists perform several selections representative of the season. Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta. The series is a collaborative effort between Karen Gordon (Garden City Jazz), Robert Foster (Augusta University Music Department), and Gaye Ortiz (Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta). Visit www. eventbrite.com. August 18. National Fajita Day August 18. Saturday Chef Community Cooking Classes. Treat yourself to Saturday Chef Community Cooking Classes at Helms College Class: La Cocina Latina on August 18. $75 per person. Uncover the buried treasure of the Caribbean’s Latin influences from Cuba, Puerto Rico and beyond. Southwestern Cuisine class on September 15. The flavors of the American Southwest come to life in this look at the abundance the desert has to offer. Visit www. goodwillworks.org. August 18. Aiken Music Fest is a 6 event music se-
ries on Saturday nights from 7-11pm, with a $10 per car load entry fee, located at Highfields in Aiken, SC . Each event will feature a top local talent followed by a headliner band that is currently touring the South East. You can find refreshments from any of our local food and drinks vendors, along with doing a little shopping at our makers and creators market. Aug 18th – Kevin Maines & The Volts-soul, blues, and jazz. Sept 8th – Dangermuffin-americana roots rock. www.aikenmusicfest.com. August 18, Fort Gordon Glow Run. Open to the public. For more info, visit www.fortgordon.com. The Fort Gordon Glow Run 5k lights up the night in a 5k event designed for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Runners and walkers alike are welcome to join in for an evening filled with glow sticks, black lights, and music. Arrive early for the pre-party. The pre-party will feature music, face painting, GLOW ZUMBA and more! For more information, please call 706-791-1142. August 18. Hilltop Riding Stables Family Fun Day, 508 North Range Road Augusta, GA. Open to the Public. Join the Hilltop Riding Stables team for Family Fun Day! They will have horseback riding all day for kids and families. Enjoy a relaxing trail ride or just enjoy the scenery. For more information, please call 706-791-4864.
August 19. World Humanitarian Day. August 21. National Senior Citizens Day. August 24 & 25. The Augusta Broadway Singers Present: An Evening of Gershwin. Join The Augusta Broadway Singers (TABS) at the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Augusta Hotel for Dinner and a Concert as they present musical favorites of George and Ira Gershwin. Visit www.tabsaugusta.com. August 25. Sky City Presents Jupiter Coyote. In the course of their 27 year history, Jupiter Coyote has played over five thousand shows, traveled everywhere and done just about everything a touring band can do. The innovative group has independently sold well over half a million CDs, tens of thousands of downloads, and who knows how many bootlegs loose to fans for free. JC is brand name and still trucking along, despite today’s ever-changing, increasingly unpredictable music scene. Visit, www. skycityaugusta.com. August 25. Sherry Management presents Faces of Elvis. Starring Dwight Icenhower, Taylor Rodriguez, Steve Chappell and the Blue Sued Band. The show will take you through all eras of Elvis’ career. Visit, www.imperialtheatre.com.
Look for our Teen issue in September SEPTEMBER 2017
SEPTEMBER 2016
A U G U S TA
A U G U S TA
September 2015 ANNUAL FAMILY FAVORITE WINNERS LIMITING SCREEN TIME ACNE
September 2014
SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY TEENS
ANNUAL FAMILY FAVORITES WINNERS
Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n eSeptember 2013
FAMILY FAVORITE WINNERS CYBERBULLYING
HELPING TEENS SEE PAST HIGH SCHOOL
STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUR TEEN
SMART MOM’S GUIDE TO BUYING BLUE JEANS
RED CROSS TEEN BOARD
Family AUGUSTA
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PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
2013 Gold Award Winner Editorial and Design Awards Competition
Teen
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Teens
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✲ TEXT TALK Acronymns Decoded
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Zach McGhee, 14, is the son of David and Ruthie McGhee of North Augusta.
What You Need To Know augustafamily.com
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RAISING SAVVY SAVERS
Sam Carter, 13, left, is the son of Tway and Branch Carter of Grovetown. Jake Koenig, 13, right, is the son of Denise and Barry Koenig of Augusta.
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Victoria Orr, 17, is the daughter of Kevin and Rose Orr of Evans.
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BRIAN STONE, 13, IS THE SON OF BRIAN AND DEBROHA STONE OF AUGUSTA.
calendar August 25. National Banana Split Day. August 25. WAFJ Revive event. Crossbridge Baptist Church. 3130 Skinner Mill Rd., Augusta. Join in the coming together of the complete body of Christ for a day full of uplifting. This day of worship will begin at 10am with a new band & worship group every hour and special speakers durning set changes. As well as lots of family fun activities on the grounds. For more info, visit www.revive-america.org. August 25. Operation Christmas Child Project Leader Workshop. Lifeway Christian Bookstore, 217 Robert C. Daniel Parkway. This is a workshop for someone who is interested in or currently leading Operation Christmas Child activities in their church, community group or business. We will learn about the impact you are having on children all around the world, updates on the ministry and fellowship with like minded individuals in the community. THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISER. It is an informational workshop for those interested in and currently participating in Operation Christmas Child. August 28. Banksia Tour. We all know and love Banksia as the Aiken County History Museum. Some remember it as the Library, or, even the University. But have you ever wondered how it looked as a private home? Join Linda Johnson and find out
just how much this wonderful building has changed in its 80+ years. The tour is limited to 15, and is first come, first serve. So call the Museum today at 803-642-2015 to reserve a spot. The tour is free, but you must have a reservation. The tour will be conducted on the 4th Tuesday of every month through November. August 29. Recurring Event. Pendleton King Park. Music Play date for the families with newborn to 8 years old. This class is designed to bring the joy of music and movement to little ones and their caregivers. This is a very active class sure to burn energy for both children and parents. Activities include singing, dancing, focused listening and simple instrument playing, creating an environment in which the child’s music aptitude is nurtured and skills are developed. Your group leader will help modify movements and participation for each of your children. August 30. National Beach Day. August 31. AAF Creative Roundtable at The New Moon Cafe. The Creative Roundtable is an outlet in which creatives in the advertising industry can swap stories, share insights and offer solutions to problems that might have you stumped. This loosely moderated forum is open to anyone interested in advertising, marketing and design in the Augusta
community. Visit www.aafaugusta.com. August 31. Movies on the Common. Lion King. Movies on the Common is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a safe and fun night under the stars with the whole family. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks (Food vendors will be available) Pre-Movie activities begin at 7:30 PM with the show beginning at dusk. Come early and get the best seat in the house. August 31. Sky City presents Johnny Cash Unchained: Johnny Cash Tribute Band. Take a journey back in time to the life and music of “The Man in Black” performed by Cash Unchained. The band has been national sought after while touring all over US bringing the sights and sounds of the legendary Johnny Cash. Visit www.skycityaugusta.com. August 31. Le Chat Noir. Night of Cine with Wages of Cine. For 2018 Wages of Cine presents Shot for Shot. With Shot for Shot, directors pick a movie trailer or movie scene and remake it the best they can with the resources available to them. Would you like to make a Shot for Shot? Then contact Le Chat and sign up today. This month they have 2 very entertaining Shot for Shot’s from local directors that you do not want to miss. Afterwards stick around and watch an amazingly bad movie together. Visit, www.lcnaugusta.com.
SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 4584 Cox Road, Evans (adjacent to Evans High School) www.mysanctuary.org 706-364-8284 Pastor Bryan and Sharon Cockrell
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Girl Go
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
b y Ren ee William s
Kimberly Dozier Kimberly Dozier, 44, is a pharmaceutical sales representative. She is married to Will Dozier who is the director of development for Blanchard and Calhoun. The couple has three children, Jackson, 11, Harrison, 9 and Wilkes, 7. The family also has an English Cocker named Marshall. Kimberly is with the American Heart Association as the Heart Ball Chair and PTO for Stevens Creek Elementary. One word you would use to describe yourself: Happy.
Favorite indulgence? Louis Vitton Handbags.
If you could have any job, what would you choose? I love my job!! Everyday is different. I love making a difference in patient’s health. But growing up I wanted to be a doctor..
What was your first job? I was the birthday clown at McDonalds.
What quality do you most admire the most? Kindness.
Whom do you admire the most? My 11 year old son Jackson. He’s a Heart Warrior! He’s had two heart surgeries. His attitude is amazing. He’s taught me you can do anything you set your mind to do!
What’s your favorite food? Shrimp.
Signature dish? Pot roast.
Dream vacation? Bora Bora.
Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? Give us an example of why: Doer. I am always involved in doing things for the activities my children are involved in. A million things it seems.
Favorite place to take the kids? Disney World. I think I love it more than they do. If you had a super power, what would it be? Healing. Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy or Southern Charm. What did you want to be when you grew up? Pediatrician. Hobbies? Shopping and traveling.
Favorite subject in school? Science. Greatest hope: A cure for heart disease. Biggest fear: Snakes. What are you reading right now? The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? Kindness matters.
What inspires you? I am inspired by the fact that every day is a new day. I really think that there is an opportunity in every day.
What would surprise people about you? I love cotton candy.
Favorite college football team: UGA
Best thing about being a mom? Snuggles and when my boys tell me they love me..
Song playing in your head: Thunder by Imagine Dragons. It’s my son Harrison’s favorite song.
46 • Augusta Family | August 2018