WHILE I BREATHE, I HOPE. ISSUE No
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S U M M E R 2 02 0 Celebrating local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community
City of
Aiken
The Dum Spiro Spero Issue
Welcome to the Summer Small Business Issue of Fig Aiken! This is an issue unlike any other that we have produced. We honestly didn’t know if we’d be able to publish an issue this season. This issue, we’re focusing on the local small businesses that are championing, supporting, and believing in other small businesses in our community, including our own. We are overwhelmed with the support that we received to produce our 4th issue of Fig Aiken. It was made possible through a partnership with Herlong & Doran and through the support of each small business that purchased a page with us! It’s because of small businesses championing one another that we’re able to bring you this issue of Fig Aiken. We’re thrilled to be celebrating one full year of Fig Aiken with this issue and we’re excited for what the next year holds in store! W I T H G R AT I T U D E , THE FIG AIKEN TEAM
T H I S B O O K WO U L D N O T H AV E B E E N P O S S I B L E W I T H O U T O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S C H A M P I O N .
T H A N K YO U , F R O M T H E B O T T O M O F O U R H E A RT S .
Show your love for South Carolina, and for the hope and resiliency of our community with our Dum Spiro Spero t-shirts, stickers, and letterpressed cards and prints. Wear your shirt with pride, place your vinyl static cling on the door to your business, and put your sticker in a spot that you’ll see it every day. It’s our reminder to you that Aiken will be back, stronger than ever, because of the strength of our community. A portion of proceeds from our t-shirt and sticker sales will be donated to The One SC Fund: COVID-19 Response, a fund that will be used to respond to food, shelter, health, and nonprofit sustainability needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit figaiken.com to get yours today.
while we breathe, we hope
If there is one thing that 2020 has taught us all, it’s that we’re stronger together and that together, we can get through even the biggest challenges. Flip through this issue to discover how small businesses are lifting one another up and how our neighbors are doing their part to reach out and support local businesses. It is clear that our community wholeheartedly believes that the small businesses found here are what help make Aiken so vibrant and wonderful.
Big Smile Peaches
In Your Own Words
A 4th generation owned peach orchard, they’re providing smiles with each delicious bite.
How the pandemic has affected our neighbors, and the positives people in our community have found throughout its duration.
PA G E 7
PA G E 1 2 IN THIS ISSUE
Social Mission
Fig Authentic Making an impact on our community and beyond: #healthcareheroes. PA G E 1 8
Learn more about our 2020 Social Mission Partner: Cumbee Center for Abused Persons. PA G E 2 4
And of course,
great shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and services— as always. KEEP READING
Food & Drink Eat and drink local this summer to support our local hospitality industry. PA G E 2 5
Social Media Follow us on social media for contests, giveaways, local love, and much more! PA G E 3 0
Pictured Above: Big Smile Peaches ISSUE 5 / SUMMER 2020 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE DUM SPIRO SPERO ISSUE
P R O D U C E D BY BY FA R R D E S I G N byfarr.com PUBLISHER Fig Industries C R EATIV E D IR ECTOR Brynley Farr R EGIONAL D IR ECTOR Erin Truitt DESIGNER Laura Windham
C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Chris Farr Camlin Cothran PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Swiger Brent Cline S U P P O RT T E A M Sydney Wickstrom Catalina Olvera
WRITER Chesson Merritt
T H A N K YO U T O O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S C H A M P I O N ! Herlong & Doran Financial Group, LLC.
ALL THINGS SOCIAL Look for Fig Aiken on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily coverage of local entertainment, events, food, fashion, and community.
A D V E RT I S I N G I N F I G To find out how you can strategically market your business through the Fig communications package, contact Erin Truitt at figaiken@byfarr.com.
Fig Industries is redefining success through social impact and environmental accountability in the communities we serve. Learn more about our B-Corp certification at figindustries.com.
Fig Industries, LLC has made every attempt to ensure that all information contained in this publication has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Fig Industries, LLC. Fig Industries, LLC cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions contained in, or reliance made upon the contents of, this publication. Copyright: Copyright 2020 © Fig Industries, LLC. All rights reserved. Photography or page layout contained in Fig shall not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Fig Industries, LLC. Contact 803.200.1004 or figaiken@byfarr.com.
Welcome to the Summer Issue of Fig Aiken, an issue that we have completely dedicated to our resilient small business community. I want to first acknowledge the incredible business people that made this issue possible. A big thank you to Herlong & Doran Financial Group for being our Silver Champion. They, along with other small businesses, made this issue possible and we sincerely appreciate your altruism, kindness and support! This letter comes to you from someone who witnessed the city, state and nation’s shutdown as a local Aikenite and small business ambassador. For nearly two months we socially distanced and stayed home. We found ways to connect while staying safe. Now, as I write this letter, Govener McMaster has already opened up restaurants for both indoor and outdoor dining, salons and spas have begun to welcome clients in again, and local attractions around the state are starting to open their doors to visitors. On March 14th our schools closed their doors. The days following, our restaurants, boutiques, salons and spas began to close their doors as well. No one had a clear answer as to what we were facing or for how long. I remember calling several friends who owned small businesses to check in. It was hard to ask such simple questions, ‘how are you?’ ‘how can I help?’ ‘are you able to still work remotely?’ These were such simple questions that held such a heavy weight. These business owners did not simply close their doors, they closed their hearts, passions and means to provide for themselves, their employees, and their families. These were dark days for Aiken. An absolute with no answer to when or how we would move forward. There were days that my heart ached for the normalcy we’ve always known. Would we survive this? If we did survive, what did the “other side” of this pandemic look like? What would Aiken’s small business landscape look like? Could they hang on? As we begin to emerge on the other side of the pandemic, we are incredibly blessed to be able to continue to live and work, even if it looks completely different than what we
are accustomed to. As for me, I choose a positive outlook on the pandemic. This pandemic has made me realize what I was taking for granted—friendly handshakes, my loved ones, teachers, medical staff, walking around downtown, date night in a restaurant, grabbing a cup of coffee at New Moon, taking my girls into Pitter Patter to play while I shopped, the ability to go and get my haircut at the salon, hugging friends that are like family, and simply being around other people. According to sba.gov, there are 384K small businesses in South Carolina which makes up 97% of businesses and 47% of employees in our state. This issue is dedicated to each small business that is fighting and clawing for survival. We aren’t able to feature every small business in our town because unfortunately, as we go to print in May, many of them are still closed. However, we hope that this issue invigorates you to support the small businesses that you love in whatever way you feel safest doing so! We invite you to join the conversation on our social medial channels and let us know the ones you love and the ones that our town simply couldn’t live without. We know that there are hard days ahead, but together we will thrive! Our state motto—Dum Spiro Spero or while I breathe, I hope—is incredibly fitting for this issue. ERIN TRUITT & THE FIG AIKEN TEAM
An avid peach consumer himself and passionate for familyowned, local businesses, Andrew Doran (center) is proud to work with Josh (left), Chris (right), and Big Smile Peaches. Andrew is a financial planner and investment advisor who helps his clients make strategic decisions that will create, manage, and protect their wealth and their financial future. Andrew Doran and Thomas Herlong, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC Registered Representatives offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC., (member FINRA/SIPC, A licensed Insurance Agency). 6100 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210, 704-371-8500. Financial Advisors offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC., A Registered Investment Advisor. Herlong & Doran Financial Group, LLC is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies, LLC or its affiliates. Nautilus services offered through Andrew Doran Member Agent, The Nautilus Group® a service of New York Life Insurance Company.
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237 PARK AVENUE SW, SUITE 222
803.262.4 459
HERLONGANDDOR AN.COM
In 1931, just two years removed from the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and in the heart of the Great Depression, J.W. Yonce borrowed money from his father to plant 25 acres of peach trees on land 30 minutes up the road from Aiken in Johnston, South Carolina, having no idea just how much his orchard would grow over the years. Today, the original 25-acre peach orchard has grown to an orchard with over 4,300 acres filled with peach trees. It’s been a family tradition ever since the beginning, too. Big Smile Peaches is currently a 4th generation-owned peach farm that will harvest 38 million peaches just this peach season! Their peach picking season lasts for 16 weeks each year—May 1 through Labor Day—due to the fact that they grow over 41 varieties of peaches. One day can include picking up to 800,000 pounds of peaches and packing over 15,000 boxes during peak season production! Big Smile Peaches believes in processing their fruit as quickly as possible, too, and even though they pick enormous quantities each day they still get their peaches from tree to truck within 36–48 hours to ensure optimal quality and taste when it gets into your hands. Chris Yonce and Josh Yonce are cousins, and are a part of the 4th generation that has worked on the family farm. They, along with their team, pride themselves on providing consistent, great quality when it comes to the peaches that they grow. It doesn’t matter if you buy a peach on the first day of the season or the 100th day of the season, the taste is exactly the same. They also take great pride in the level of cleanliness and sanitization of their operations that they have had since the beginning. After every shift, they spend an hour cleaning the entire facility from top to bottom, and they send their peaches weekly to be tested by microbac labs to insure customer safety. In addition to the peaches, Big Smile Peaches also grows, harvests, and ships out thousands of pounds of pecans from their farm. They’ll have between 80,000 and 100,000 pecans this year! Take a short drive up to Johnston this summer with your family to Big Smile Peaches. You can drive right up to their office and pick up a box of their freshly picked fruit to take home with you. Their prices are unbelievably great and you’ll be supporting a local family-owned business when you shop with them. We can guarantee that not only will you be greeted with a welcoming smile, but you’ll have a huge smile on your face as you head home with your tasty, Certified SC Grown peaches! 37 YONCE POND ROAD, JOHNSTON
803.275.324 4
BIGSMILEPEACHES.COM
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“Aiken has been welcoming and supportive of The Willcox since the doors were first opened to guests over 100 years ago, and this spring was no exception. Our entire team is immensely grateful for the outpouring of support, generosity, and care that our community has shown not only to us, but to all of our neighbors in need.” GEOFF & SHANNON ELLIS Since 1898, The Willcox has stood as a pillar of Aiken, welcoming guests from around the world with a commitment to providing the South’s finest hospitality. When the world took a pause on traveling, the Aiken community stepped up with an outpouring of generosity and support to keep The Willcox going. The outstanding team at The Willcox is thrilled to invite you to once again join them at their hotel where you’ll find superb personal service, gracious accommodations, award-winning cuisine, and a heartfelt thank you for all that you did for them and their team this spring. 100 COLLETON AVENUE SW
803.648.1898
THEWILLCOX.COM
Photo by Heather Sargent Photography
The Aiken Symphony Orchestra is thankful for all of the support they have received from our community this year! If you’d like to make a donation, you can make it online at aikensymphonyorchestra.com
Get ready for the thrilling, beautiful symphonic music of the Aiken Symphony Orchestra when they take the stage once again this October by purchasing your 2020–2021 season subscription. 262 EASTGATE DRIVE, PMB 4 40
803.220.7251
AIKENSYMPHONYORCHESTR A .COM
“Our stay was WONDERFUL! COVID-19 threw a wrench in our wedding plans, so we chose to stay here as a little mini-moon. William and his team left us a thoughtful note and gift to celebrate our marriage. Great location, thoughtful amenities, sparkling clean, even a prompt response to a silly question I had Sunday morning. Everything from beginning to end was flawless.”
One bedroom suite with King size bed
Living area with custom designed furnishings
Cable TVs with streaming apps Sofa bed in living area
Fully equipped kitchenette and bathroom Each suite can accommodate up to 4 guests
R ACHEL , AIRBNB
Spend your day exploring the Southern, historic charm of downtown Aiken and your evenings relaxing in the luxurious accommodations of 419 Hayne. Featuring unique art, cozy furnishings, and top of the line decor handpicked by one of Aiken’s local interior designers, these luxurious accommodations are what you have been looking for in your next vacation or staycation. Choose from 1 of 4 incredible suites Housekeeping service available daily between 11am and 2pm AIRBNB.COM/H/ THEMULLIGAN
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Shaklee Distributor for Sports Nutrition
Hormone Replacement Support & Management
CBD Pharmacy offering Support & Pain Management
Micronutrient Testing & Support
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH ZOOM
TLC Medical Center’s functional and integrative pharmacist, Zoom Heaton, is an expert when it comes to CBD oil. Zoom and her team of specially trained health care professionals can dispense medical CBD products, teach you about what you need to know in regards to CBD, and will monitor your health and prescriptions for any possible interactions. Unlock the full benefits of hemp with TLC Medical Center’s help!
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190 CREPE MYRTLE DRIVE
803.648.7800
ZOOMINGR X.COM
Saliva Testing & Support Testing: Flu A/B, Anemia, Strep
Be ready to go, from head to toe, as our town continues to open back up this season. The ladies at Caroline’s Boutique want you to feel as fabulous as you look, and will expertly pair together a beautiful outfit with the best accessories so that you’re perfectly dressed for the occasion.
131 L AURENS STREET SW
803.643.8000
CAROLINESAIKEN.COM
Necklace—Grit & Grace Purse—Hobo Bags Dress—Tyler Boë
Cliff traveled the world and spent two decades honing his craft to create the tastiest pizza recipes!
With a true wood-fired brick oven that cooks pizzas in just 90 seconds, the finest ingredients imported straight from Italy, and a passion for making authentic Neapolitan pizza, Apizza di Napoli owner Cliff Garzillo brings the most delightful pizzas to the table for you to savor and enjoy.
740 SILVER BLUFF ROAD 803.226.0700
APIZZ ADINAPOLI.COM
Open for both indoor and outdoor dining this summer!
C O R O N AV I R U S . C O V I D -19 . PA N D E M I C . S O C I A L D I S TA N C I N G . C A N C E L L E D . W O R K F R O M H O M E . C D C G U I D E L I N E S A N D R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S . FA C E M A S K S . 6 F E E T A W AY. S E L F - Q U A R A N T I N E . S TAY AT H O M E . W A S H YO U R H A N D S . H E A LT H C A R E H E R O E S . P O S T P O N E , D O N ’ T C A N C E L . At the beginning of 2020, these were all words and phrases that didn’t quite fit into our everyday vocabulary. We began to hear them on the nightly news and to see them on social media from our friends living on the West Coast and in places like New York. The reality of each one of them hit us in early March as schools, businesses, restaurants, salons, and state parks began to close their doors and gates and as we retreated to our homes to work, to care for our children, and to do our part to stop the spread. Businesses shifted their operations overnight. As physical doors closed, virtual ones opened up in the form of online shopping, e-learning sessions, live streams of educational experiences, online workout sessions, and more.
Though we were social distancing from one another, our community felt more accessible and closer together than ever before. Everyone was doing their part to stop the spread by practicing good social distancing habits, yet were still out supporting the local businesses through shopping online and ordering takeaway meals from their favorite restaurants. Churches were offering services online, restaurants were giving people the opportunity to easily donate meals to healthcare workers, and local non-profits felt the overwhelming support as donations were made to help keep their services going throughout the pandemic. As bleak, dark, an unending as the pandemic has seemed at times, we have also seen the light of hope, promise,
and community shine through brighter than ever. It has been beautiful to see how Aiken and our neighbors have responded to taking on a new challenge unlike anything we’ve ever faced before. There have been incredible acts of kindness from strangers, an appreciation for neighbors helping neighbors, and a deep sense of gratitude for those in the healthcare industry. Our community is resilient and we’re honored to fight alongside everyone to keep our town and the small businesses here thriving. Aiken, as it has throughout its history, will survive this and will be stronger because of it. Why? Because while we breathe, we hope.
WE REACHED OUT TO OUR READERS AND OUR FOLLOWERS TO HEAR STR AIGHT FROM OUR N E I G H B O R S H O W T H E PA N D E M I C H A S A F F E C T E D T H E I R L I V E S A N D W H AT T H E Y W E R E M O S T LOO K I N G FO RWA R D TO G E T TI N G B AC K TO WH E N IT WA S SA FE TO D O SO.
“I plan to visit Aiken Center for the Arts as soon as it reopens! There are so many beautiful expressions of creativity within its walls.” NEWKIRK B.
“I believe the pandemic underscored the importance of supporting local vendors, especially as SBA dollars intended for small businesses were syphoned off to big companies. I have always believed in buying local but it seems even more important now and going forward.” CHAR L.
“My family misses when the Masters comes to town. Our city is always full of life and spirit, but she really shows her hospitality when we are able to host others from around the world.” J OY W .
“I loved seeing everyone outside and getting active. I felt more connected to my town seeing friends and people I know out on the streets walking, riding their bikes, running… enjoying their time outside with their families. It was like the town paused, if only for a moment.”
“I’m most looking forward to going back to The Willcox! It is one of our favorite places in Aiken! Not only for the food, but also for the atmosphere. We love ordering one of their delicious cocktails and hanging out by the fireplace in the lobby or outside by the pool. Their truffle fries are the best in town!”
STEPHANIE L.
K E RI W.
“As a busy on the go family of four, this pandemic sort of forced us to slow down, to spend time with one another, and has reminded us what is most important is in our lives.” KASEY H.
“Though my family has missed going out to our favorite restaurants, staying home has allowed us to try more of the local cuisine around town via takeout! We had never tried classic Neapolitan pizza before, and Apizza di Napoli has become one of our new favorite Friday treats.”
“Some families, particularly dads, have bonded more with other family members as they have had the opportunity to work from home. People have been out walking more and actually getting to know and recognize their neighbors.” R ALPH C.
TAY L O R W .
“I have missed the lively atmosphere of downtown Aiken from Amp the Alley to evenings at The Willcox, but I have enjoyed having slower mornings where I can go for a run through Hitchcock Woods or bike around town on my Pedego.” J O H N P.
“The good I see that has come from this pandemic is our community has come together to support businesses and restaurants to help keep their heads above water. We’re working together to get us all through this the best that we can. I believe that the understanding nature of that has been so positive in a time where so much is negative. I pray we get on the other side of this with a new understanding of our neighbors.” ASHLEY S.
FUNERAL C R E M AT I O N
“I am excited about seeing people out and about downtown again. It was very sad to look out and see Park Avenue empty of people and cars. We are the best small town in America because of our beautiful town and its people.”
PRE-PLANNING GRIEF SUPPORT
C O DY A N D E R S O N
Over the last century, George Funeral Home has survived the Great Depression, World War II, and everything in between as they provided superior personal service to the Aiken community in their times of loss and grief. They have freshened up their historic chapel with new pews and fresh paint, and are ready to guide you through celebrating and honoring the life of your loved one.
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211 PARK AVENUE SW
803.649.6234
GEORGEFUNER ALHOMES.COM
“Our shutdown due to the Coronavirus has made us realize how grateful we are to be a part of our patients’ lives. We missed them and their families! But, with a few small changes, we are up and running safely and are ready to see all your smiling faces again!”
Schedule your child’s appointment for this summer! DYK: within 6 months of your child’s first tooth popping up—or by their first birthday—they should have an appointment to see a pediatric dentist.
DR. THOM AKINS
Dr. Thom and Anna have created a pediatric dental practice with a welcoming, friendly environment that will put your child at ease while providing complete dental care and positive experiences at the dentist. They will keep your child smiling for years to come!
1395 SILVER BLUFF ROAD
803.393.4550 KITFOXDENTAL.COM
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Throughout the years, Prime Steakhouse owner Randy Stamm has owned 20 steakhouses around the country from New York City to Las Vegas. He brought his incredible expertise to Aiken 11 years ago as he introduced Prime Steakhouse. Try the finest in aged steaks (aged at least 28 days), whole lobsters, fresh seafood, and more.
Start your meal out with their Filet Mignon appetizer! 316 RICHL AND AVENUE W
803.642.4 488
PRIMESTEAKHOUSEAIKEN.COM
Dressing the stylish Southern gentlemen of Aiken since 1976, family-owned Lionel Smith Ltd. offers customers the finest apparel and menswear expertise for everywhere you go from the office to the race track, the golf course, and date nights.
“We are most grateful for family. That is our personal and Lionel Smith Ltd family. Without that support we would not have succeeded in keeping everything together and learning the people that have our backs." VA N S M I T H
132 L AURENS STREET SW LIONELSMITHLTD.COM
803.648.2100
"I am truly grateful for Hitchcock Woods as a healing place for all during the pandemic of 2020. We are privileged to have daily access to wander freely thru the Hitchcock Woods to find stillness and calmness, not to mention to enjoy the health benefits of outdoor activity. I guarantee that all visitors who venture in emerge renewed—I call it FOREST THERAPY." D E I R D R E VA I L L A N C O U R T
Take a leisurely walk, energetic hike, or horseback ride thru the 2,100 acre Hitchcock Woods—one of the nation's largest urban forests—in the heart of downtown Aiken, and be swept away by the peaceful, restorative, and beautiful outdoors. Luxury realtor Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt loves to share her beloved Woods with clients when they are searching for the perfect home in Aiken, because it is one of the places that makes Aiken so unique and special. She knows our town inside and out and will help find you the place to call home .
142 L AURENS STREET SW
803.640.4591
AIKENSCPROPERTIES.COM
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AUTHENTIC Leading the way through innovation and example.
Authentic: Cheryl Marvin & Heidi Sklizovic Nurses have always served a critically important role in caring for and keeping our community safe, but this spring, their profession was thrown into the spotlight as these men and women became the frontlines of fighting a global pandemic. With their passion to help people, they work in a profession where they float in and out of rooms as they see and tend to patients, often going unseen and underappreciated. The reality of COVID-19 and how it has so deeply affected our world has shown us all just how incredible these
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healthcare heroes are for the jobs that they do.
and my mom, among many other things, was a volunteer at a local abuse shelter for men and women. Caring for people is something I always remember my parents doing.”
Sisters Heidi Sklizovic and Cheryl Marvin, both nurses with Daybreak Adult Care Services, are just two of the thousands Likewise, Cheryl knew from early on that of healthcare professionals in our community whose caring nature and she wanted to follow in the same path desire to serve others shined through as her sister. even the darkest days of COVID-19. “I knew I wanted to help others, possible “I knew I wanted to be a nurse at a young in a nursing capacity, in the first grade,” said Cheryl. “On most days during age,” said Heidi. “I grew up in a home of ‘helpers.’ My dad was the Chief of lunch, I would sit with a classmate that Police in our local town in Pennsylvania was born with one leg shorter than the
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other. He would often cry in pain, so I encouraged him to prop his feet up on a chair, and I comforted him by reassuring him that he would ‘be ok.’ I listened to his frustration about being unable to run and play like the other children. I gained tremendous happiness when he no longer cried.”
educate them, and make them feel as safe as possible. The pandemic became very real to me when physicians and nurses that I regularly work with in this community began treating COVID-19 positive patients in our local hospital.”
and help out those in need. One of her favorite quotes is from Mr. Rogers, and is one that reminds us to always look for the helpers in scary or tough situations. “Being a mom of three boys ages 21, 19, and 15, I have enjoyed having them all at home,” said Heidi. “We have become gardeners, chicken owners, and helpers. My oldest son, Alex, decided to 3D print hundreds of face shields which we sent to Dr. Zotovic in New York City, ARMC ICU doctors and nurses, the radiology department at ARMC, a pediatric pulmonologist in Savannah, and to my husband’s private practice in Maine. Friends seeing his efforts online started sending us supplies to help defer the cost of printing—it was a joy to see people coming together. Helping is contagious!”
Our community, usually bustling with activities and events in the Heidi served as an inspiration to her springtime, screeched to a halt as younger sister Cheryl. Cheryl would businesses, schools, restaurants, parks, often visit Heidi at nursing school, and museums temporarily shut their and she aspired to follow in her older doors and we all stayed home with our sister’s footsteps. They both attended families. While continuing to work with and graduated from Sewickley Valley their patients, Heidi and Cheryl both Hospital School of Nursing within found the slower pace refreshing, and one year of each a welcome other. Now, they work break from “The Aiken community together at Daybreak the realities of has done a wonderful Adult Care Services, a the pandemic locally owned personal in their job of ‘bonding’ together in-home healthcare professional to support our medical We have seen the ways that our provider, where Cheryl lives. community has stepped up in amazing community by providing is the Senior Nurse Case “The most ways to show their appreciation for food, supplies, and prayer Manager and Heidi is a significant nurses, doctors, and everyone in the Nurse Case Manager. to name a few. COVID-19 thing that healthcare industry. From sending has forced us all to slow “I enjoy the satisfaction stands out to thank you cards to dropping of meals to of knowing that I have me from this printing face shields, each kind gesture down the pace of our very made a difference in our time is that has been truly appreciated by those busy everyday lives.” clients’ lives,” said Heidi. nobody should who have received it. As our community “I have been in my current take their and state open back up though, these CHE RYL M ARVIN position for 7 years, and health for healthcare workers implore you to have developed many, granted,” said still consider your health, the health of many friendships with our clients and Cheryl. “Unfortunately, no one group your neighbor, and the health of our their families. I consider it a privilege to of persons is immune to this virus. The community as a whole by continuing be in people’s homes providing good Aiken community has done a wonderful to follow CDC guidelines as a way of care.” job of ‘bonding’ together to support supporting the hard work that they do our medical community by providing each day. As the pandemic spread throughout the food, supplies, and prayer to name a few. country and to our community, Heidi “The community can best support COVID-19 has forced us all to slow down and Cheryl worked hard to reassure healthcare workers by practicing the pace of our very busy everyday their patients and to continue to patience, staying home if you aren’t lives. This has been a positive for me provide exceptional care. feeling well, continuing to social personally, as well as the majority of the distance, wearing masks, and practicing “The pandemic became very serious patients that I care for each day.” good hand washing,” Cheryl said. “I am to me in Aiken when my patients Heidi found additional positives so very thankful to be a nurse in Aiken began to express fear and sadness throughout the pandemic in the ways as we all continue to battle COVID-19. due to COVID-19,” said Cheryl. “I was that our community chose to step up Be kind! We’re all in this together." determined to try and protect them,
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Premium Electric Bikes Premium Service Premium Experience
“It has been refreshing to see folks reconnect with the outdoors. We have seen a huge uptick in the amount of folks riding bikes and we have had fun working on people’s old bikes and getting them back out on the road.” C O K E R D AY
Try out a Pedego bike for yourself! Stop by their shop to take a test ride on one of their electric bikes.
Get outside this summer and explore the beauty that surrounds us on your Pedego electric bike! Pedego offers the most comfortable, user-friendly electric bikes that can take you and your family—no matter your skill level or ability—anywhere you want to go. Ride down Laurens Street or take a day trip to check out the greenways and bike trails around the state. No matter where you want to go, Pedego can get you there!
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4019 PAVILION PASS
803.226.9007
PEDEGOAIKEN.COM
Custom color mixing
Color matching
Custom spray paints
Wallpaper
Blinds
Interior Design
Color consultations
“We are thankful and proud to be a part of a resilient and understanding community that supports local businesses.” TOM USKUP
Pictured: Tom Uskup standing in front of the freshly-painted home of Melissa Hiner, designer at Boxwood Interiors. Below: A stunning before and after transformation of another client's home using Romabio Masonry Flat paint.
Seeing your home in a new light this season? Marketplace Paints can guide you in giving it a brand new look for the summer! Brighten up your exterior with a fresh coat of Romabio Masonry Flat paint, a high-end product that is made specifically for brick and that is carried by Marketplace Paints. You’ll completely transform the look of your home with exterior paint that will last for years to come. 1214 WHISKEY ROAD
803.226.0591
MARKETPL ACEPAINTS.COM
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Attending a dinner party at the home of a client is a joy. Especially when the clients are delightful and the home is as charming as the one for sale at 736 W. Rollingwood Road. The aromas coming from the kitchen are fabulous! Time to light the candles? Sure, I’d love to! NANCY CERRA
This home is currently for sale. To see the full gallery of the house, visit figaiken.com
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To inquire about purchasing this home so you can host your next dinner party here, contact Nancy. CONTACT NANCY AT 803.295.3424 OR BY EMAIL AT NANCY@NANCYCERR A .COM
Home to the award winning Nicklaus Course, The Reserve Club is excited to reveal their second completed course featuring nine brand new golf holes this July! The Hollow Creek Course will offer members and their guests a challenging yet picturesque landscape, creatively designed by Clyde Johnston and U.S. Open Champion, Fuzzy Zoeller. Careful attention to detail and thought have gone into the planning of the new course—from the initial design phase through the final construction— to create the most memorable and exciting play possible. To take your game to the next level, contact their membership office today and schedule a personal tour!
"The new holes will wrap around the Hollow Creek land preservation, 110 acres of natural woodland and wetland area, established by The Reserve Club, to ensure the safeguard indigenous wildlife and pristine condition of local land." D E R E K F L OY D
From Left: Derek Floyd, Golf Course Superintendent and Saul Schwartz, General Manager Contact: Gabby Dubuc, 803.220.3423 gdubuc@thereserveclubatwoodside.com
3000 RESERVE CLUB DRIVE
803.648.1601
THERESERVECLUBATWOODSIDE.COM
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Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons has a 24-hour crisis hotline available for those in need to call at 803.649.0480.
Social Mission: Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons At Fig, we believe in the power of a community that works together to identify needs and find solutions— one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors. For our 2020 Social Mission Partner, we’ve chosen Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, an impactful non-profit whose good works contribute immensely to our thriving, local community. Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons was established in 1979 by a local minister, Dan Barton, and his wife, Melanie Barton, and their mission is to support and empower domestic violence and sexual violence victims and their families by providing services, reducing the tolerance of abuse, and advocating for social change. They serve our Aiken community and beyond, including Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda counties to reach
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a 6-county service area. The services that they offer include a 24-hour crisis hotline, hospital accompaniment, 60-day emergency shelter, legal advocacy, case management, support groups, counseling, rural county outreach, youth programs for children and teens, and community education and trainings. COVID-19 caused Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, as it did for many other businesses and nonprofits, to rethink how they could best serve our community while keeping their team safe. Unfortunately, it meant that they had to close their office doors, work remotely, and suspend all community outreach programs and support groups. They were able to keep their crisis hotline running and to provide shelter accommodations for anyone facing imminent danger. As COVID-19 spread throughout the world and our country, and as state
LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG SOCIAL MISSION AT FIGAIKEN.COM
governors issued Stay at Home orders in order to help slow the spread, domestic violence cases rose. Many of those in abusive or violent situations found themselves trapped in a home with their abuser, and with fewer outside interactions, there were limited opportunities to reach out for help. Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons remained committed to continuing to provide support and safety for anyone that needed it, and their crisis hotline remained open. This hotline provided assistance with safety planning, counseling, support, and also helped survivors to find immediate safety. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CUMBEE CENTER TO ASSIST ABUSED P E R S O N S , to become a volunteer, or to make a donation, visit cumbeecenter. org or call 803.649.0480.
In Aiken, food brings us together. It brings us together inside of restaurants, on Saturday mornings on Laurens Street, outside for a picnic in Hitchcock Woods, at Steeplechase tailgates, in our homes with our family and friends, and even with 1,000 of our neighbors on Thanksgiving Day. Aiken has a growing, vibrant food and drink scene with new restaurants popping up all the time. It’s such a huge part of our culture and it’s why our summer issue of Fig is typically dedicated to celebrating the incredible restaurants, bakeries, caterers, bars, and more that have made their home here in our city. As we go to print, the food and hospitality industry is slowly beginning to reopen their doors. First with the ability to host customers on outdoor patios and then moving to welcoming customers back inside their dining rooms for the first time since March 18. These local entrepreneurs and their teams have spent the last two months quickly adjusting to online sales, curbside pickup, contactless delivery, and more to be able to keep their business and their livelihoods afloat. They have been innovative and have come up with the most creative solutions to continue providing their food and drink to our community, and our community responded in kind with overwhelming support.
We’re hopeful that every restaurant has the opportunity to reopen this summer. Here is a list of restaurants that are currently operating in one way or another for you to either pick up an order to go, dine outside, or dine inside. Please note that this list is not an all-inclusive as restaurants are opening back up each day and unfortunately, does not include every restaurant in town: Aiken Brewing Company
New Moon Café
Apizza di Napoli
Prime Steakhouse
Betsy’s Round the Corner
Solo Vino Restaurant
Blue Collard
Takosushi
Casa Bella
What’s Cookin’ Downtown
Cyndi's Sweet Shoppe
Whiskey Alley
Malia’s
The Willcox
Mellow Mushroom
The Whitney Restaurant & Bar
Our city’s restaurants need your support! We encourage you to support them in whatever way you feel is safe for you and your family. That can be buying a gift card for a future date night, picking up a to-go order, dining on an outdoor patio, or dining inside the restaurant. However you choose to support these businesses is greatly appreciated by the owners and their teams!
ISSUE 5 / SUMMER 2020 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE DUM SPIRO SPERO ISSUE
Keep in balance—especially during this time—by being proactive instead of reactive with the help from Palmetto Weight Loss. Dr. Greg Eaves and Veronica understand that navigating your healthcare can be confusing. To guide you, they offer: Food allergen testing; Natural approaches to cardiovascular disease; Immune system support; Digestive restoration; Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy; and Alternative approaches to autoimmune disease. ALL PROVIDERS ARE BOARD CERTIFIED IN FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
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210 HIGH GATE LOOP, VILL AGE AT WOODSIDE
803.646.5003
AIKENWEIGHTLOSS.COM
“When adversity happens, teams come together. The employees of Aiken Senior Life Services demonstrated true resilience during the pandemic. There was—and continues to be—a beehive of activity, ensuring that our seniors were cared for in ways that went above and beyond.” AIMEE HANNA
D I D YO U K N O W ? Aiken Senior Life Services served 11,938 meals to Aiken County homebound seniors in the month of April. Aiken Senior Life Services traveled 59,571 miles throughout Aiken County, delivering meals and performing non-emergency medical trips for their clients during the month of April.
How can you help? Donate online at aikensenior.org using your credit card or PayPal. When you shop through Amazon Smile, select Aiken Senior Life Services as your charity of choice. You can also support their work by following them on both Facebook and Instagram!
Aiken Senior Life Services has locations in Jackson, Gloverville, and Wagener—as well as in Aiken. 159 MORGAN STREET, NW
803.648.54 47
AIKENSENIOR.ORG
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Feel better faster. We’re taking extra measures to keep you safe. Social distancing protocols in place Limiting patient companions Increased cleaning and sanitization Enhanced masking precautions
Open late and weekends. Walk-ins welcome. North Aiken
1029 York Street NE (803) 648-4119
Aiken Mall North Augusta
850 Aiken Mall Drive (803) 648-1464
1520 Knox Avenue (803) 279-4120
Check in online at DoctorsCare.com
Mirrors surround us—in public restrooms, in our cars, in our homes, and in the world around us. You find your reflection everywhere. Women often allow the mirror to win by letting it define what it is they don’t like about themselves. Instead of being critical, the women at Moxie Moment decided to make the mirror and their own reflection a reminder of who they are— strong, beautiful women who wake up daily to take on the battles of the world no matter how difficult those battles might be. Moxie Moment has developed reusable, inspirational reminders—stickers that can be placed on the front door of a small business, a busy mom’s mirror, the face shield of a front-line worker—with the goal to encourage and motivate. Want daily encouragement? Follow Moxie Moment on Facebook & Instagram (@moxiemoment) Want to gift someone encouragement? Visit the Moxie Shop to purchase reusable static cling stickers for the brave women in your life!
803.200.1004 Please note: the models for Moxie Moment are not registered nurses
MOXIEMOMENT.COM
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/ ISSUE 5 / SUMMER 2020 / THE DUM SPIRO SPERO ISSUE
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G ET I NVOLV ED!
@figaiken The Village at Woodside
@figaiken New Moon Cafe
@figaiken Hitchcock Woods
You Do Life, while we do the details. With Merit In Home, we bring our custom in-home service to you, in your home! Start online by sharing your vision for your space, collaborate with our designers, and we’ll handle all of the details.
C O M P L E T E Y O U R R E N O VAT I O N P R O J E C T W I T H O U T E V E R L E AV I N G Y O U R H O M E get started at AIKEN
AUGUSTA
EVANS
803.649.0961
706.736.1491
706.863.5839
meritinhome.com
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