A I K EN
WHY CHOOSE PEDEGO? • S hops are locally owned & treat you like family • 5-Year warranty • 12+ years in the eBike industry • 18 models to choose from
Get a New Sleigh for the Holidays
4019 PAVILION PASS 803.226.9007 PEDEGOAIKEN.COM
Whether you’re dashing around town on your eBike like Santa as you shop the local boutiques for gifts for family and friends, or you’re hoping to find a brand new eBike under the tree with your name on it, Pedego is ready to assist you. They do everything including fitting you for the right eBike for your lifestyle, giving you trips and tricks for getting the most out of it, and even helping you keep it in tip-top shape under Pedego’s exclusive 5-year warranty.
Premium Electric Bikes Premium Service Premium Experience
The most wonderful time of the year It’s a special time in Aiken—the lights have been strung from the trees, the shops are decorated with their holiday best, and people are spreading cheer everywhere they go. Dive into the pages of our Winter Issue to explore the best places to shop, dine, and gather this season.
Fresh Face: Cork and Cap
Making Magical Memories
Meet the owners of Aiken’s newest bottle shop, Cork and Cap, and discover their passion for wine.
Discover the magic of the holiday season this year with your family at home and in our community.
PA G E 1 3
PA G E 1 8
Joye in Aiken Aiken’s favorite springtime tradition returns in 2021—with a twist! PA G E 2 4
2020 Giving Learn about the non-profits that serve our community well throughout the year, and discover how to make their holidays bright.
IN THIS ISSUE
And of course,
great shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and services— as always.
PA G E 3 6 KEEP READING
Social Mission
Social Media
Learn more about our 2020 Social Mission Partner: Cumbee Center for Abused Persons.
Follow us on social media, become a Fig Aiken contributor, or have your company featured in an upcoming issue.
PA G E 3 8
PA G E 3 9 Pictured Above: Rose Hill, Page 26
ISSUE 7 / WINTER 2020 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE GIFTING, GIVING, AND GATHERING 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 Forrest Clonts Andrew Swiger S U P P O RT T E A M Catalina Olvera Sydney Wickstrom
WRITER Chesson Merritt
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.
The lights are twinkling. There is a nip in the air and we are eagerly gathering and toasting to a season of joy and hope. With the year at hand soon coming to a close, we often find ourselves reminiscing on what has been while also welcoming the new opportunities that come with a new year with gladdened hearts. Welcome to Fig Aiken’s Gifting, Giving, and Gathering issue, where we are excited to have the ability to shop local and support those that have made it through an unprecedented year, yet remain steadfast and committed to joyously serving our Aiken community.
This time of year is exciting as the storefront windows turn into glowing visions of merriment and cheer. They light up our way through downtown and throughout Aiken as we start to shop for those on our list. This season is one to be shared and celebrated—our local boutiques and restaurants have pivoted and adapted to changes they were not ready for this year. They were resilient as they continued to serve our community and keeping their doors open, both physically and virtually. Without these stores remaining open, I would miss seeing the excitement grow in my girls’ eyes as they look for the perfect gifts for each family member and friend. The excitement radiates as they move from store to store, looking for just the right gift to give. One of the things that I love about this time of year is the way in which we can also give back to our community. Aiken has some of the most generous nonprofits that work tirelessly throughout the year
A NOTE FROM FIG
’Tis the Season for local.
to help connect and provide help to those who need it most. As our family has gotten older, we make it a point to select one nonprofit and donate each year. The spirit of giving is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the holiday season. It generates hope and it’s that hope that inspires and connects us all. As you move from boutique to boutique checking off your gift list, or gather with your family and friends at one of Aiken’s favorite restaurants, let’s remember that this year has been one of trials and tribulations. Let’s lift up and support those that continue to give their all to Aiken by shopping small and supporting locally whenever possible. This is the season where we celebrate the ability to generously give, lovingly gather, and gift with full hearts. From our Fig Aiken family to yours, we hope that you have full hearts and warm wishes this holiday season! ERIN TRUITT & THE FIG AIKEN TEAM
"Walk with me and discover the magic of Aiken, where each new season heralds a holiday. Our family became homeowners in Aiken for the first time in 1977, at Christmas, and we have never looked back. Today Aiken continues to welcome all newcomers looking for that special place to call home." — DEIRDRE STOKER VAILL ANCOURT
Home for the Holidays 142 LAURENS STREET SW 803.640.4591 AIKENSCPROPERTIES.COM
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Begin the new year in a new house, a safe haven, that you and your family transform into a cherished home for years to come. Let realtor Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt work for you to identify the ideal retreat. Her real estate experience combined with her vast knowledge of Aiken and its many unique lifestyle attractions is the perfect combination for you! She will walk with you long after closing and ensure that her beloved Aiken becomes your home too.
Pharmacy Compounding Travel Vaccinations Health Screenings & more
AIKENPHARMACY.COM
If you’ve ever been to Family Pharmacy to pick up a prescription or to get your annual flu shot, it’s likely that you’ve met pharmacist Brandi Johnson. She had worked in the original Family Pharmacy location alongside her father since she was in high school, and opened the Family Pharmacy South Aiken location with him in 2009. Brandi helps her customers with everything from traditional pharmacy to maintaining healthy lifestyles, and she even greets everyone by name—you’ll feel just like family when you walk through the door!
803.648.1776
Where you are always Number 1
110 PRICE AVENUE
Immunizations
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SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: 3 Monkeys A Fox’s Tale ACTS Affordables Apparel Aiken Center for the Arts Aiken County Visitors Center Aiken Embroidery andDesign
All I want for Christmas is in Downtown Aiken The locally owned shops and boutiques of downtown Aiken have created an exceptional shopping experience for you. Their shelves are filled to the brim with unique, beautiful gifts from handmade jewelry and artwork to clothing, home décor, toys, and more. It’s your one-stop shop for everything that you need to celebrate the holidays this year.
Aiken’s House of Beauty Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Beyond Bijoux Caroline’s Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe Downtown Dog Epona Equine Divine Folly Fox & Lady Ginger Bee Boutique HAUS Studios High Country Olive Oil Howell Printing Company Lionel Smith Limited Little Red Fox Shop Marissa Ruth Studios Photography Material Things Menagerie Milly’s Jewelry Nandina Home & Design Openleaf CBD Paisley Peacock Palmetto Package Pitter Patter Plum Pudding Return Engagement True Value White Rose Eclectic
Join them for fun holiday events in Downtown Aiken! Night of 1000 Lights
Ladies Night Out
December 3 | 6–8pm
December 17 | 6–8pm
Holiday Cookie Stroll
Carriage Rides in Downtown Aiken
December 13 | 1–4pm
Every Friday & Saturday in December (*tickets required)
Christmas Tree Lighting December 4 | 6–7:30pm
Santa in Downtown Aiken Every Saturday & Sunday in December
DINE LOCAL: Aiken Brewing Company Alley Downtown Taproom Betsy’s Round The Corner Casa Bella Cork & Cap Flanigan’s Ice Cream Fuse Highland Park Grille Jacl’s Café & Lounge Mellow Mushroom New Moon Café Pizza Joint Prime Steakhouse Solo Vino The Stables Restaurant Takosushi The Willcox Whiskey Alley
After you’ve finished your holiday shopping and have checked everyone off your list, gather together with family and friends around the table to toast to the holiday season in Aiken. Raise your glasses to a great day, for quality time with those you love the most, and to the delectable meal that you’re enjoying at a local restaurant in downtown Aiken.
208 THE ALLEY SW # A
803.649.2221
DOWNTOWNAIKEN.COM
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Set your Holiday Table Embrace the warmth of the season as you welcome friends and family into your home, and set your table with the finest tableware and specialty food and drink from Plum Pudding Gourmet Kitchen Store. They have what you need to create a stunning backdrop for the new memories that you’ll make as you gather together this holiday season. FIND THE PERFECT HOSTESS GIFT, HOLIDAY GIFT, OR BRIDAL GIFT HERE TOO! Tabletop Glassware Kitchen Tools Cookware
Cutlery
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Gift & Bridal Registries available
101 L AURENS STREET NW
888.940.7586
PLUMPUDDINGKITCHEN.COM
Retailer
Sparkle and Shine this Holiday Season Arrive to every holiday soirée and gathering in style from head to toe with the expert guidance from Caroline’s Boutique. Treat yourself with a HOBO handbag to go along with your outfit, and find exceptional gifts for all of the stylish women on your list this year.
Sweet Treats & Pony Kisses With a gentle soul and a belly full of carrots, Rudy the miniature pony delivers delectable cupcakes and cheer to every special occasion or ordinary day. Rudy and Grace are Aiken’s premier cupcake delivery service—they’ll deliver sweet treats and as you enjoy them, Rudy is available for petting, playing, and photos! It’s a magical experience that you won’t soon forget. Grace is passionate about equine rescue and donates a portion of proceeds from every party to Last Chance Kill Pen in Asheboro, North Carolina, the shelter where Rudy was rescued from.
Don’t forget to shop next door at their children’s shop, Pitter Patter, for gifts and outfits for your children! 131 L AURENS STREET SW
803.643.8000
CAROLINESAIKEN.COM
803.716.8385
CARROTSNCUPCAKES.COM
Holiday Ready from Head to Toe Discover the chic, dazzling styles at Ginger Bee Boutique this winter that will have you impeccably dressed for everything from a date night out on the town to holiday parties and gatherings. They have the apparel and accessories you need to sparkle and shine your way through the season.
Jewelry Designer Clothing Accessories
110 L AURENS STREET SW 803.226.0340
X
F R E S H FA C E Welcoming new businesses to Aiken.
Shop local with Cork and Cap this holiday season— they’re putting together beautiful holiday gift boxes, featuring wines and gourmet treats, at a variety of price points.
Fresh Face: Cork and Cap T U C K E D I N S I D E A LO V I N G LY R E S T O R E D C O T TA G E on Laurens Street you’ll find Aiken’s newest—and only—neighborhood bottle shop, Cork and Cap. Specializing in wine, craft beer, and fine provisions to go, along with instore tastings, Cork and Cap was a dream of husband and wife team Erin and James from their very first date over six years ago. They both wanted a place to call their own where they could introduce their neighbors to new wine varieties while sharing the stories contained in the bottles of both the people and the places that make them possible. James is Cork and Cap’s wine guy—he’s a seasoned wine professional that has immersed himself in the world of fine wine and food, and has done a little bit of everything in the wine industry throughout his professional career. From his early days as an apprentice in a historic restaurant learning how to build
an award-winning wine list to learning the ins and outs of importing, wholesaling, and opening up markets to new varieties of wine, he’s passionate about sharing what he’s learned over the years to help bring new varieties to Aiken. Erin, a marketing and local food advocate, developed her passion for local food and culture at the University of Gastronomic Sciences, in a region of northern Italy called Piemonte. She spent an entire year immersed in one of the world’s most famous winemaking regions where she tasted and traveled, met artisan producers and winemakers, studying local food systems, and more. Her deep understanding and appreciation of fine wine and cultural food grew, and today, she firmly believes that all wine and food tell a story of taste and place. At Cork and Cap, Erin and James have combined their experiences and 146 L AURENS STREET NW
knowledge to bring Aiken not only the best fine wines, but also the best local craft beers and fine provisions as well. They have what you need for a quiet night at home or for your holiday parties and family gatherings. Their team will help you pair wine with your menu, discover a new local brew, and even answer your questions about how much you’ll need for your guests at a wedding or larger event. Drop in to Cork and Cap with an open mind and a willingness to try something new—James and Erin will talk with you, discover your preferences, and introduce you to what will likely become your favorite new variety of wine… at least until your next visit to their bottle shop! DYK: Cork and Cap is launching a Wine Club! Visit shopcorkandcap.com to learn more.
803.761.0768
SHOPCORK ANDCAP.COM
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Letterpressed Save the Date
Hand-lined envelope with marble paper
Custom crest, foiled on vellum
Within the walls of ByFarr Design’s letterpress shop, you can let your imagination run wild. Their team will take your stationery inspiration and will turn it into a beautiful invitation that’s an impeccable representation of you, your personality, and your upcoming special occasion.
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2112 SUMTER STREET, COLUMBIA 803.200.1004 BYFARR.COM
Hosting at Home for the Holidays ’Tis the season for hosting and gathering, for welcoming friends and family into your home, and for showering those you love with classic, beautiful gifts. Set your table with grace and warm, Southern hospitality with the help of the collection of home décor and gifts at 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts. You’ll be ready to host guests in your home for the years and celebrations to come whether it’s your first holiday season as a married couple or you’re hosting everyone from your children to your great-grandchildren. 3 Monkeys offers a full-service wedding and bridal registry that is available in stores and online.
A Few of Your Favorite Things Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe for the season or you’re hunting down just the right gift for a loved one, the experts at Lionel Smith, Ltd. have curated a collection of the finest menswear for you to shop.
132 L AURENS STREET SW
803.648.2100
LIONELSMITHLTD.COM
141 L AURENS STREET SW
803.648.7592
3MONKEYSAIKEN.COM
Guiding Aiken’s Past into Aiken’s Future
Cody's care for Aiken goes beyond serving grieving families. He's an advocate for small businesses and for local nonprofits. He has served on various boards and committees including The Green Boundary Club, Joye in Aiken, and Aiken Center for the Arts. He believes in ensuring that Aiken is a community that offers something for everyone—whether it's a unique shopping experience downtown or a rich arts and culture experience. He's even transforming a historic 1930s house into a newly renovated home, preserving Aiken's history one architectural detail at a time.
211 PARK AVENUE SW
803.649.6234
GEORGEFUNER ALHOMES.COM
Photo taken in the Library of Green Boundary Club
Meet Cody Anderson, life-long resident of Aiken and owner of George Funeral Home. Cody was inspired by the compassion and professionalism extended to his family after his grandmother passed away in 2008 and decided to enter the funeral profession. He has diligently worked to care for the families in our community since 2011, joined George Funeral Home in 2014 as the funeral director before later purchasing it in 2018. For over a decade, he has guided families through some of the most difficult days of their lives to ensure that their loved ones are given the honor they deserve as friends and family gather to say goodbye.
Cody is helping to preserve the history of Aiken with the purchase of this 1930s home. He plans to bring it back to its original charm through careful restoration and renovation, and will have it available to rent for future events.
Make your list (check it twice) & make magical memories in Aiken this holiday season In a year that could use all of the extra sparkle and magic that it can get, we’re all looking for ways to make the holidays as special as possible. We’re adapting our usual traditions to ensure we’re staying safe and healthy this winter, we’re finding new ways to share our holiday joy with those we love, and we’re shopping as locally as we possibly can to show our support for the resilient small businesses in our community. How do you plan to celebrate the holidays this year with your family? We’ve gathered together a list of ideas of things that you can do together that are socially-distant and enable you to still create wonderful memories:
Plan a night of holiday lights
Treat a friend to holiday treats
Dress in your favorite holiday pajamas, load up the car, and drive around some local neighborhoods to see the colorful light displays.
Bake your favorite cookie recipe—or make a gingerbread house!—and deliver to their front porch with a note.
Shop local
Gather together
Create your holiday shopping list and head out to downtown Aiken to find the perfect gifts at one of our many locally owned boutiques.
Make reservations at your favorite restaurant, get dressed up, and enjoy a fancy dinner out on the town.
Get crafty
Visit Christmas in Hopelands Garden
Make homemade holiday cards and deliver them to a local nursing home to distribute to their residents who are unable to have many visitors this year.
Bundle up and walk through over 100,000 twinkling lights that light up the gardens each December.
Make your holidays as bright as you can this year! We all deserve something extra special as we close out the year—whether it’s a new memory or tradition with your family, or bringing joy to someone else’s day—we hope that your holiday season is full of cheer.
A Brighter New Year
As we close out 2020, Andrew Doran is already looking ahead to 2021 for his clients to ensure—even in uncertain times—that their financial strategies are sound. He has a proven process that will guide you down a path that designed to protect your legacy and grow your wealth along the way. Start making progress on your financial goals for 2021 by scheduling your consultation with Andrew Doran. Personal Planning
Business Planning
Eagle Strategies, LLC
Wealth Management Solutions
The Nautilus Group®
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® is a service of New York Life Insurance Company.
237 PARK AVENUE SW, SUITE 210
803.262.4 459
HERLONGANDDOR AN.COM
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“I do” with a View
Stable View’s 1,000 acre nature preserve and state-of-theart equestrian facility makes for a unique and scenic setting unlike any other for your big day. They have a variety of outdoor ceremony locations—a gazebo and pond, options along the cross country course, and even perfect spots located in the woods. If you’ve been dreaming of hosting a rustic wedding reception, the Main Barn is everything that you’ve been looking for. Stable View’s second venue location is The Pavilion, a LEED Gold Certified building that is both elegant and romantic, while still being nestled out in the country. Pop the bubbly as you gather with your closest friends and family to celebrate your big day—there are even overnight accommodations that your guests can enjoy!
Photographer: Dailey Alexandra Photography Makeup: Renew You Makeup Artistry Flowers: Honeycomb Florals Hair: Holly Mae Clothing: Ginger Bee Boutique
Stable View is a wonderful location to host your corporate retreat, family reunion, or wedding, too!
Room with a View Enjoy your relaxing getaway at Stable View, just minutes away from all of the dining, sightseeing, and shopping that you love to experience in historic downtown Aiken. Take in the quiet beauty of the 1,000 acres of gorgeous countryside at this international equestrian facility. With a friendly office staff, they have been dedicated to conserving 900 acres where guests and the public can enjoy biking and hiking for free, and they have a thriving wildlife population that calls their land home. Stable View offers 21 accommodations from nightly to monthly stays, and you can conveniently book on Airbnb. Each accommodation is fully-equipped and has everything you need for your stay. 117 STABLE DRIVE
484.356.3173
STABLE VIEWFARM.COM
Give the gift of a membership! Talk to Green Boundary's General Manager, Jacob Cyr, about setting up a membership as a gift.
Drink, Dine, and Stay Get dressed up in your most dashing attire and spend an evening at The Green Boundary Club, a welcoming club where members can enjoy the company and friendship of their fellow members alongside outstanding cuisine, a variety of activities, and special events. At the end of the night, you can even retire upstairs to one of their luxurious guestrooms.
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780 WHISKEY ROAD 803.649.2549
GREENBOUNDARYCLUB.COM
ADS Supply now has hand sanitizer and other sanitizing products to meet all of your disinfecting needs this winter!
Keeping you Safe & Healthy this Winter
SERVING BOTH RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLIENTS Schools Places of worship Gyms
888.788.2377
Private residences
305 MAGNOLIA L AKE COURT
As we head into the cold and flu season, family-owned ADS Supply is working around the clock to ensure that everywhere from your home to your business stays sanitized and virus-free. They provide tailored services to meet your budget and virus-prevention needs utilizing PURE Hard Surface ÂŽ, a disinfectant spray that is safe, non-toxic, odorless, colorless, and EPA/FDA approved that offers 24-hour protection. Give the gift of health this holiday season!
Daycare & more
ADSSUPPLYINC.COM
Businesses
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On stage and beyond J OY E I N A I K E N BR IN G S T HE A NNUA L F E STI VA L TO A I KE N I N A NE W FO RM AT Performing arts and the artists behind the performances—from live jazz music to beautiful dance performances—have the power to completely transform someone’s life or way of thinking. They offer hope and spread joy; they provide inspiration and a way to momentarily escape the real world; they give us a renewed sense of self and bring clarity to our lives. They are vitally important to our way of life, now more than ever. After a chaotic and challenging 2020 that has reshaped and redefined us all, Joye in Aiken is passionately committed to
continuing to bring world-class talent to the annual Joye in Aiken Festival. The 2021 Festival brings changes designed to protect the health and safety of everyone from artists to attendees. Instead of a single Festival week, the nonprofit will bring a schedule of top-tier performances and outreach events spread out over several months during the spring of 2021. This will allow the organization to maintain strict health and safety guidelines, while getting creative with new ideas and venues. Most performances will be outdoors; the extensive Outreach
Program will be presented in a new virtual format. Flexibility and innovation will be the watchwords as Joye in Aiken continues its mission to make the very best in the performing arts available to the community and to area students. Joye is something to hear, something to share, something to experience, something to give, and something to see. Experience Joye in Aiken 2021 and allow the arts to transform you. Find Joye in Aiken on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website at JoyeinAiken.com for more information.
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Host your next intimate dinner party in the chapel!
A Garden SoirĂŠe for Every Occasion Plan an intimate garden ceremony and celebration with your closest friends and family at Rose Hill, an original historic Winter Colony property that was established in 1898 and brought back to its original splendor in 2020. Tie the knot underneath the gazebo and then raise your glasses and dance the night away under the stars in the garden. With Southern garden party grace and undeniable charm, Rose Hill will set an unforgettable backdrop to your big day while showcasing the best of Aiken. More than a venue, Rose Hill of Aiken also features The Stables Restaurant and accommodations that you and your guests can enjoy. Host your rehearsal dinner at The Stables and stay close to your ceremony and reception site with their accommodations. You can host your entire weekend in one place! 221 GREENVILLE STREET NW
803.648.1181
ROSEHILLINAIKEN.COM
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Cookie Bake-Off Challenge Friday, December 4th
New Member Brunch Sunday, December 6th
Santa Scavenger Hunt Friday, December 11th
The Most Delicious Time of the Year
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 12th
Toys for Tennis Mixer Sunday, December 13th
Corks & Courts: Tennis Clinic, Cork Toss, & Wine Tasting Thursday, December 17th
Ugly Christmas Sweater Happy Hour Friday, December 18th
Polar Express Pajama Party: Pancakes & Pajamas Saturday, December 19th
Chip & Sip Saturday, December 19th
No holiday soirÊe, social gathering, or family gettogether is complete without the exceptional cuisine and divine drinks served at Woodside Plantation Country Club. Plan a fine dining experience in their Charleston Dining Room—complete with a cozy fireplace, this room is perfect for private events as you celebrate the holidays with the ones you love the most.
1000 WOODSIDE PL ANTATION DRIVE 803.649.3383 CLUBCORP.COM/CLUBS/ WOODSIDE-PL ANTATION- COUNTRY- CLUB
Golf Tennis Juniors Swimming Fitness Center Dining Kidz Zone
Memberships to Woodside Plantation Country Club are the best gift to wrap up and give this holiday season!
For questions, contact Woodside Plantation Country Club's Membership Director, Alexandra Marozzi at 803.649.3383 x 5696
This home is currently for sale. To see the full gallery of the house, visit figaiken.com
Creating a Dream Whether creating a gingerbread house or building or renovating your dream home, Aiken is the perfect venue. Its warm winter days even allow you to move your holiday preparations outside! This view over the water is from the veranda of the home for sale at 162 Tall Pine Drive. To inquire about enjoying it every day, contact Nancy. Hurry home. Enjoy the creations at Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe in downtown Aiken! CONTACT NANCY AT 803.295.3424 OR NANCY@NANCYCERR A.COM
Fresh Face:
Aimee Hanna with Aiken Senior Life Services Three years ago, Executive Director of Aiken Senior Life Services, Aimee Hanna, and her family moved to South Carolina and, now, she finds herself very much at home, serving her community in a very altruistic way. “Aiken is a very giving, compassionate community,” said Aimee. “I knew there would be an opportunity for me one day to use my time and talents in some noble endeavor. I just didn’t know it would involve our seniors!” She’s found her home at Aiken Senior Life Services over the last year and has dedicated her time and her talents to serving the seniors in our community well. Aiken Senior Life Services is a non-profit agency, celebrating nearly 50 years of programming to help seniors age gracefully at home. Their nutritional, recreational, socialization, and transportation services are designed to support the independence, health, and well-being of our community’s aging population. The timing of her arrival to Aiken Senior Life Services could not have been more perfect. Aimee arrived on the job three months prior to the onset of the COVID pandemic. “Clearly, the Lord’s hand was in this!” Aimee said. “The demand for meals from additional homebound seniors rocketed upward nearly overnight—resulting in our agency creating 17 new meal routes, feverishly recruiting additional volunteers to deliver these meals, and creating a ‘telephone chain’ to provide wellness checks on our seniors. Our agency went from serving 7,400 meals to seniors in February to 12,400 meals by the end of July. Clearing these hurdles and meeting these needs were a monumental effort.” Our community’s aging population has been the most vulnerable group during the pandemic, and Aiken Senior Life Services has provided more than just a hot, nutritious meal each day. The beauty of the program is that seniors receive daily social interaction with caring volunteers and staff to ensure they remain cognitively fit and vibrant.
This holiday season, consider volunteering your time with Aiken Life Services or making a donation to help support their efforts to serve our seniors well. “We are always looking for more volunteers, especially now that our meal routes have expanded to accommodate the increased need for meals,” Aimee said. “Visit our website to obtain a volunteer application. There are also opportunities to donate—a mere $800 can feed one senior a hot, well-balanced meal for for an entire year! Our volunteers are the very backbone of our organization. Without these incredibly compassionate, giving individuals, our agency would not be so successful.” 159 MORGAN STREET, NW
803.648.54 47
AIKENSENIOR.ORG
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DYK: their Baby Oral Health program is suitable for babies ages 6 months and up? The program focuses on teaching healthy habits early so children have beautiful pearly whites for life!
A Gift for a Lifetime From their team to your family, Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry wishes you a delightful holiday season! Give the gift of a brilliant smile and lifelong exceptional dental habits by making Dr. Thom at Kitfox your pediatric dentist of choice. They get kids—children feel welcome the moment they walk into the fun, relaxing office, and the environment promotes a great experience at the dentist from beginning to end.
1395 SILVER BLUFF ROAD
803.393.4550 KITFOXDENTAL.COM
Dr. Gregory L. Eaves MD, FACC
A Holistic Approach to Health in 2021 Dream big in 2021 and set your goals high for your personal health. Make it a resolution to take a holistic approach to your health in the new year with the help of Dr. Gregory Eaves and Physician Assistant Veronica Chavis of Palmetto Wellness and Weight Loss. They work closely with their patients to discover their health needs and determine the ways in which they can help put each patient on the right track for a healthier life. Dr. Eaves and Veronica both work to be proactive, not reactive, with your health and to help you live a fuller life. Dr. Eaves is the only cardiologist in the CSRA to be board certified in interventional cardiology, internal medicine, bariatric medicine, and functional medicine. His educational background and experience allows for him to offer more tools to his patients, including encouraging lifestyle changes tailored to individual needs. They believe in preventative care and catching potential health problems long before they develop into life threatening issues.
Veronica Chavis, Physician Assistant
Make your health a priority as we close out the year— schedule your appointment to get started!
My husband and I have been seeing them for over a year now, and both Dr. Greg Eaves and Veronica are caring, attentive, and listen to our concerns as they work to adjust our wellness plan based on our needs. Their whole staff is a pleasure to work with and we look forward to our visits. — AMY T.
Heart attack & stroke prevention Diabetes prevention
210 HIGH GATE LOOP
Weight loss
Hormone replacement
803.646.5003
AIKENWEIGHTLOSS.COM
Spotlight: Advanced Endodontics of Aiken N E A R LY T WO D E C A D E S A G O, dentistry brought together Doctors Robles and Velez in Chicago as Dr. Velez’s best friend—also a dentist!—introduced the two. Destiny had its place for them from the very start and the two have been married since 2004. The couple worked separately over the next 10 years as their dentistry careers began. After having their third child, they felt a strong conviction to unite their strengths and together, they created the first private dental multispecialty practice center in the history of the CSRA. Doctors Robles and Velez chose to open their practice in Aiken because of the wonderful people that call our community home, and because of the welcoming culture found here. It was an easy decision to choose Aiken to be their home and their place of practice. By uniting their specialties, they have been able to provide patients and referring dentists expedient and integrated dental solutions as they utilize the most state-of-theart equipment in the area. It is not unusual to have both doctors consulting together in the same room with their patients—this provides a unique diagnostic setting for the patient that is both comfortable and intimate as they are assured of receiving the best care possible. When they are not serving their patients, Doctors Robles and Velez enjoy spending time outside in nature with their three children: Ysabel, Bella, and Sebastian.
20 TEA OLIVE COURT
803.648.0056
SMILEAIKEN.COM
Changing Smiles, Changing Lives
You’ll feel at ease when you meet with the team at Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for the first time. Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and the treatment options available to you, while your doctor will thoroughly answer any questions that you might have about the process. Their team provides the best oral surgical care in the area and will have you smiling your brightest smile.
Dr. William A. Trotter IV, DMD
3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! AIKEN, SC 1907 PAWNEE STREET 803.716.9586
Dr. Kyle H. O’Neal, DDS
N. AUGUSTA , SC 101 NUTGROVE DRIVE 803.278.2050 EVANS, GA 7011 EVANS TOWN CENTER BLVD
706.724.8735
Dr. William A. Trotter IV, DMD Dr. Daniel D. Scott, DMD CFOMS.COM
Dr. Bradford P. Huffman, DMD
Share the Joy We’re all making our lists, checking them twice, and ensuring that everyone we love is receiving a thoughtful, carefully selected gift from us this holiday season. It’s the time of year that has an abundance of opportunities to show our appreciation to the people that are most important to us. But what about the local nonprofits that work tirelessly throughout the year to make our community a better place for everyone to call home? We’ve added them to our list this year and we hope that you find one that inspires some gifting and giving from your family, too.
These nonprofits have all faced an uncertain, challenging reality this year with the onset and continued effects of the pandemic. They remain unwavering in their dedication to continue to serve those that need them the most in spite of having fewer volunteer hours and smaller budgets to work with. Now it’s our turn to show our support of their work—make it a new tradition with your family this year to “adopt” a nonprofit for the holiday season (or even the year)! Find one whose mission speaks to you and make a plan of how you can support them. You can make a monetary donation, volunteer your time, purchase tickets to their annual fundraisers and galas, and more. There are dozens of ways to give back to our nonprofits, and in turn, the community that we all love. Share the joy this holiday season!
Aiken Audubon Society
Children’s Place, Inc
Mission: to promote the enjoyment, study, and conservation of birds of the Pikes Peak region.
Mission: to protect, heal, and strengthen children and families from the impact of trauma in their lives through education, treatment, and prevention services.
aikenaudubon.com
Aiken Center for the Arts Mission: to inspire and educate by providing unique visual and performing art experiences for all ages. aikencenterforthearts.org
Aiken Community Theatre Mission: to entertain, educate, and enrich our community by providing a quality theatre experience. aikencommunitytheatre.org
Aiken Horse Park Foundation
childrensplaceinc.org
Equine Rescue Aiken Mission: to rescue unwanted horses who have suffered from abuse and neglect; work with various racetracks to ‘repurpose’ Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds; and take horses whose owners can no longer care for them. aikenequinerescue.org
Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS)
Mission: to promote Aiken’s equestrian way of life and to encourage the community’s civic, educational, and charitable endeavors
Mission: to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the elimination of euthanasia of all adoptable animals.
aikenhorsepark.org
fotasaiken.org
Camp Gravatt
Golden Harvest Food Bank
Mission: to be a sanctuary for the ministry of faith formation, hospitality, leadership development, and environmental stewardship.
Mission: to provide quality food and groceries to hungry individuals across their 30 county service area.
campgravatt.org
goldenharvest.org
Social Mission: Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons AT F I G , W E B E L I E V E I N T H E P OW E R O F A C O M M U N I T Y T H AT WO R K S T O G E T H E R T O I D E N T I F Y N E E D S A N D F I N D S O LU T I O N S —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.
Serving our community since 1979, Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons works 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. Over the last three years, they have served over 2,200 victims, provided roughly 10,000 nights of safety for families fleeing abusive situations, and championed progression in counseling for 516 new individuals. They are continuously training and making improvements in how they are serving our community. Currently, they are initiating changes in all aspects of their agency from renovations to make client spaces more inviting, to additional training that allows for their staff to better view clients through the lens of trauma that they have experienced. Their team is going above and beyond to ensure that they are continuing to provide the best service possible to those that they serve. As you look for impactful non-profits to make a donation to this holiday season and as you begin to make your volunteer goals and plans for 2021, consider becoming involved with Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons. They are always looking for friendly, dedicated, and caring people to help them in their mission in our community. You can be a part of the impactful work that they do and make a difference in someone’s life with the gift of your time. To learn more about Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, to become a volunteer, or to make a donation, visit cumbeecenter.org or call 803.649.0480.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG SOCIAL MISSION AT FIGAIKEN.COM
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ISSUE 7 / WINTER 2020 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE GIFTING, GIVING, AND GATHERING ISSUE
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