Aiken, SC January 2025

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Happy New Year!

With the close of one year and the promise of another, January offers us a unique opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time for reflecting on what we’ve learned, setting intentions for growth and embracing the possibilities ahead. This month’s issue is here to inspire and empower you on your health and wellness journey with stories of resilience, transformation and the joy of community.

In our feature story, we shine a light on Raines Physical Therapy and Performance, a family-owned clinic redefining care in Aiken. Founded by locals Josh and Bethany Raines, this practice goes beyond recovery—it’s about helping patients regain strength and confidence to return to the activities they love. As they expand their services, including new pelvic floor therapy offerings, their commitment to the Aiken community grows stronger than ever.

We also introduce you to the Aiken Fillies, a dynamic, multi-generational women’s basketball team that exemplifies health, fitness and camaraderie. Their story is one of perseverance and teamwork, proving that sports have the power to unite people across generations while fostering wellness and connection.

Finally, don’t miss our heartwarming piece on Deborah Maffettone and her inspiring work with Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue. Deborah’s journey from a lifelong love of animals to rescuing a wild Mustang named Tally highlights the transformative power of compassion. Alongside organizations like Funny Farm Mustangs, she’s helping give these iconic symbols of the American West a second chance at life, showing how meaningful and rewarding rescue efforts can be.

This issue celebrates the ways our community lifts each other up. From clinics to courts to pastures, Aiken continues to be a place where people come together to improve lives and well-being. I hope these stories inspire you to turn the page on last year and embrace the promise of what’s ahead.

Here’s to a year of health, happiness and endless possibilities!

January 2025

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nikita Hanif, Ashley Elvis, Gayle Bryan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Judy, Gayle Bryan, Nikita Hanif

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

The

Raines

THE POWER OF A SKILLED LOCAL TEAM

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city scene

1: Sara Lord, Miss South Carolina and Caroline Turner at the Cowboy Show and Cookout. 2: Just a couple of cowboys at the Cowboy Show and Cookout at Great Oak Equine. 3: Family fun at the Cowboy Show and Cookout at Great Oak. 4: Grass Roots Vaulting Team wowed the crowd at Cowboy Show and Cookout. 5: Enjoying a perfect fall evening at Cork+Cap’s Wine and Dine Saturday. 6: Brandy Mohler and David Dickson enjoying Fall Steeplechase. 7: Elier and Jessica Alberto provided the perfect cigars for the Fall Steeplechase.
Photography by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

8: Kevin and Bobby Ard enjoyed the Steeplechase representing Beyond Bijoux in the Vendor Village. 9: Patrick, owner of Bravefriend Apparel and Design, created these incredible bags for the Steeplechase. 10: This fun group was visiting family while attending their first ever Steeplechase. 11: Choosing the perfect pairing for my corn chowder at Cork+Cap’s Wine and Dine Saturday. 12: Eva Finnan and friends enjoying the Cowboy Show and Cookout. 13: Josephine Johnson performing at Cork+Cap’s Wine and Dine Saturday. 14: Aiken Youth Polo Team showing off skills at the Cowboy Show and Cookout at Great Oak. Photography by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

15: Aiken Youth Polo Team showing off skills at the Cowboy Show and Cookout at Great Oak. 16: Even the stick horses enjoyed adventuring around the Vendor Village at Steeplechase. 17: This group dressed to impress at the Fall Steeplechase. 18: This pup had the best adventure for Steeeplechase. 19: Kathy Dutton and Jennifer Meierhenry at Oaks at Aiken. 20: James and Jamie Williams with Iron Gate Candle enjoyed their time in the Vendor Village. 21: Sarah Denero, Community Relations Director at Oaks at Aiken welcomed guests to their holiday open house.

Photography by Gayle Bryan and Nikita Hanif

A WEEKEND IN LAGRANGE, GEORGIA

ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN AND PROVIDED
Hills and Dales Estate and Gardens

Charm,

One of the best parts of publishing a magazine is exploring exciting locales and pretending it is work! My husband and I recently enjoyed a getaway to LaGrange, Georgia, to enhance our mental health and wellness. It was exactly what we needed—a perfect blend of charm, relaxation and discovery. From the moment we arrived, the town welcomed us with open arms, offering a balance of history, music and mouthwatering food.

The stunning Hills and Dales Estate was one of our favorite stops. Walking through the impeccably maintained gardens, we were struck by the beauty and serenity surrounding the historic home. The vibrant flowers, towering trees and intricate landscaping created a sense of timeless elegance. We were left in awe of the women who created and maintained the gardens across three lifetimes - Sarah Coleman Ferrell, Ida Cason Callaway and Alice Hand Callaway. Exploring the estate together, we couldn’t help but imagine the lives of those who had walked these same paths generations before and ponder how stunning they must be in the spring.

Music and Lemon Sugar Cookie Ice Cream
Lemon Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Cone from Rock Salt Milk Bar in Historic Hillside

Another highlight was our evening at Nutwood Winery where we enjoyed an incredible dinner paired with their delicious wines—the winery’s rustic yet refined ambiance set the stage for an unforgettable meal. With live music playing in the background and the vineyard glowing in the soft evening light, it was one of those rare moments that felt exciting and deeply peaceful.

Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in dessert, and the lemon sugar cookie ice cream from Rock Salt Milk Bar became my new favorite treat. The creamy lemon base, perfectly balanced by the sweet crunch of sugar cookie bits, was pure bliss in a cone. My husband, who’s usually less enthusiastic about sweets than I am, couldn’t resist stealing a few bites, and we may or may not have paid them a second visit on our way out of town.

We were introduced to Pure Life House of Music, a southern-chic listening room that radiates timeless creativity. The Barry Waldrep Band headlined the evening, and they executed their Allman Brothers tribute with a lot of soul and impressive musicianship that had us and the rest of the audience spellbound.

Our mornings were just as memorable, especially the breakfast at Gus’s Grill. The omelet I ordered was fluffy, packed with fresh ingredients and perfectly seasoned. The friendly service and diner-style charm made it feel like the heart of LaGrange. Cafe Brûlée makes a mean Chai Tea Latte and serves up a delectable offering of pastries and sweet treats.

LaGrange offered us more than just a weekend getaway—it gave us moments to savor together, from the tranquil beauty of Hills and Dales to the lively melodies of Pure Life. And that lemon sugar cookie ice cream cone? I’m already dreaming about our next trip back for another taste.

The Barry Waldrep Band performing at Pure LIfe House of Music.
Nutwood Winery
Gus's Grill in Downtown LaGrange.

A SECOND CHANCE for Tally

The Story of an American Mustang’s New Life in Aiken, SC

Deborah Maffettone has always had a heart for animals. When she moved to Aiken, South Carolina, four and a half years ago, she sought opportunities to make a difference in the local rescue community. Her journey led her to Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care, training and adoption of wild American Mustangs. For Maffettone, it was the beginning of a life-changing experience—one that brought her closer to the majestic horses she had always dreamed of as a child while watching John Wayne movies with her grandfather.

Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Aiken that specializes in preparing wild mustangs for adoption. The organization, led by Lisa Mallory and Bill Finger, provides training, health enrichment and care for these iconic symbols of the American West, offering them a second chance at life.

When Maffettone discovered the rescue, she immediately connected with Mallory, quickly forming a friendship built on a shared love of animals. Through Mallory, Maffettone learned about the Mustang Summit Auction, an event that would change her life. She decided to attend the auction, curious to see the Mustangs and learn more about the adoption process.

Maffettone spent time visiting the horses up for adoption at the Mustang Summit Auction. As the bidding approached, she noticed a special connection with a Mustang named Tally. Deborah joked with herself that if the trainer, Bryan Smith, randomly drew Tally’s banner, it would be a sign that Tally was meant to be her horse.

In what Maffettone describes as divine providence, Smith indeed drew Tally’s banner. Without hesitation, Maffettone bought Tally outright and brought her home.

With Tally now part of her family, Maffettone knew she wanted the best start possible for her mustang. She reached out to Smith, the trainer she admired, who operates Funny Farm Mustangs, an organization focused on gentling and foundation training for Mustangs. Smith works closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Mustang Heritage Foundation to prepare Mustangs for adoption.

Smith emphasized the importance of “trust before training” when working with Mustangs. Often taken from the wild, these horses require patience and understanding to build confidence in their new environment. He praised Maffettone for her commitment to the process and dedication to Tally’s training.

“Deborah has done an amazing job staying committed to Tally,” Smith said. “The bond they’re building is a testament to her dedication and love for animals.”

Wild Mustangs are a living symbol of the American West, embodying freedom and resilience. However, their numbers have reached critical levels, with an estimated 73,520 wild horses and burros living in the Western United States and over 60,000 more in government holding facilities. Organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs work tirelessly to save these animals, providing them with the care and training needed to find loving homes.

“Mustangs are incredible animals,” Smith says. “They’re strong, intelligent and deeply intuitive. They just need a chance.”

Tally isn’t the only rescue on the farm. She joins a family of other animals who have been given a second chance at life by Maffettone, including Ollie, a horse saved from a kill pen, and Spanky, a spirited donkey. Alongside her equine companions, Maffettone also cares for six canine rescues: Turbo, Clifford, Daisy, Mac, Dakota and Petey.

HALFWAY TO HEAVEN MUSTANG RESCUE

55 Kimball Pond Road Aiken, SC 29803

halfwaytoheavenrescue.com Lisa@halfwaytoheavenrescue.com (336) 870-9398

FUNNY FARM MUSTANGS

Funnyfarmmustangs@gmail.com funnyfarmmustangs.org

“Mustang adoption is a rewarding experience,” Maffettone says. “These horses have so much to offer, and it’s incredible to see them thrive when given the chance.”

Since bringing Tally home, Maffettone has been amazed at their progress together. She describes their growing bond as transformative and deeply fulfilling. “Tally has such a sweet spirit,” Maffettone says. “I’m already blown away by the relationship we’re building. She’s becoming part of the family.”

There are many resources available for those who share Maffettone’s passion for animals and are interested in Mustang rescue. Organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs are committed to educating potential adopters about the process and providing support throughout the journey.

“Mustang adoption is a rewarding experience,” Maffettone says. “These horses have so much to offer, and it’s incredible to see them thrive when given the chance.”

Maffettone’s story reminds us of the impact one person can make on the lives of rescue animals. Through her work with Tally and her dedication to her farm full of rescues, she is fulfilling her childhood dream and giving back to animals in need.

Her journey is proof of the importance of organizations like Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs. By adopting, training and providing care for wild Mustangs, these groups are helping preserve the American West's spirit while giving these animals a new lease on life.

Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue and Funny Farm Mustangs offer invaluable resources if you also have a heart for rescues and want to learn more about Mustang adoption. Together, you can help give these majestic animals a second chance and experience the unique bond of working with a wild American Mustang.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH HEART

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

Raines Physical Therapy and Performance is more than just your average clinic; it’s a family-owned physical therapy practice that embodies community, compassion and a commitment to individualized care. Owned by Aiken locals Josh and Bethany Raines, the practice is a testament to their passion for physical therapy and the community they hold dear. With a focus on creating a supportive, welcoming environment, Raines Physical Therapy is redefining how rehabilitation and performance therapy are delivered in Aiken. Their journey to opening their own practice began after Josh Raines spent several years working as a physical therapist. While he loved the work, Josh envisioned something different, a place where he could treat patients in a way that he felt was most effective. He wanted to focus on the individual needs of his clients, tailoring treatments to align with their goals and abilities. This vision, coupled with a desire to create a work environment that allowed for more family time, led the Raineses to open their practice in their hometown.

“Aiken has always been home,” Bethany shares. “It was important for us to give back to the community that shaped us. We wanted to build something that would positively impact the lives of others right here.”

The Raineses have purposefully created a team that mirrors their mission of serving the community with love, patience and excellent customer service. For the Raineses, physical therapy isn’t just about helping patients recover physically; it’s about promoting positivity, building relationships and assisting clients in regaining the confidence and strength to pursue the activities they are passionate about.

One of Raines Physical Therapy and Performance's defining features is its patient-centered approach. Each client is treated as an individual with unique needs, challenges and goals. Josh and his team work closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans designed to help them recover safely and effectively.

“We focus on our patients’ goals,” Josh explains. “We want everyone to feel important and empowered. Whether someone wants to return to horseback riding, golf, tennis or even just daily activities like lifting their child, we’re here to help them achieve that.”

When asked about the moments that inspire them the most, the Raineses shared a heartwarming story that involved a mother who had suffered a back injury and was unable to lift her special-needs daughter in and out of her wheelchair. The team helped her regain her strength through targeted therapy and strength training,

JOSH

“IT’S SEEING THOSE SUCCESSES THAT MOTIVATE US,”
SAYS. “HELPING PEOPLE REGAIN THEIR STRENGTH AND RETURN TO THE ACTIVITIES THEY LOVE IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.”

allowing her to resume her role as her daughter’s caregiver.

“It’s seeing those successes that motivate us,” Josh says. “Helping people regain their strength and return to the activities they love is why we do what we do.”

The practice is currently in the midst of an exciting expansion project. The new space will allow for additional therapists, more room for patients and a private area dedicated to pelvic floor therapy, one of

the practice’s latest offerings. This specialized service focuses on issues such as postpartum recovery, incontinence and pelvic pain, providing much-needed treatment to patients in the community.

The Raineses express gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received from their patients and the community. “We’re so thankful and humbled by the way the community has embraced us,” Bethany shares.

The Raineses are dedicated not only to their patients but also to the broader Aiken community. Whether it’s participating in local events, supporting community initiatives or simply giving back, Raines Physical Therapy remains

actively engaged. The Raineses recognize the importance of giving back to the community that made their dreams a reality, and their commitment reflects the practice’s core values of love, service and connection.

Ultimately, Raines Physical Therapy and Performance aims to help patients return to their favorite activities—whether it’s playing pickleball, riding horses or simply living without pain. Through compassionate care, tailored treatment plans and a

commitment to excellence, Josh, Bethany and their team are making a difference in their patients' lives.

For the Raineses, their practice is more than a business—it’s a calling. It’s a place where recovery meets compassion, patients are treated like family and every goal achieved is a celebration of resilience and determination.

As their expansion nears completion, Raines Physical Therapy and Performance's future is full of potential. With their unwavering dedication to their patients and community, the Raines family is sure to continue making a lasting impact in Aiken for years to come.

NEW YEAR, NEW SKIN

Beginning the Process of Investing in Your Skin with Aiken Medical Aesthetics

Armed with years of experience, a caring and highly-trained staff and a passion for improving the lives of others, Kristin Cadavos, owner of Aiken Medical Aesthetics, is helping her clients invest in themselves by investing in their skincare. In the aesthetics world, med spas started as a quick stop for

“Skin and hair affects your self-perception. Beauty is personal and subjective. I’ve had so many patients tell me they feel like themselves again or feel like they’ve gotten their lives back.”

botox but have evolved into so much more, ensuring patients receive what they need whether just a medical grade serum or cleanser or one of the many rejuvenating procedures like light therapy or microneedling. And there’s no time like the new year to focus on healthy skincare.

Cadavos, who began her Physician Assistant career with general medicine in the ER and then in dermatology and plastics, opened Aiken Medical Aesthetics in April of 2023 after seeing a need in the Aiken community. She was working in Augusta and many of her patients were driving over from Aiken. Since then, in less than two years, her med spa has grown exponentially. She has added a physician, an esthetician and a

nurse practitioner and will be adding another nurse practitioner in January. The growth shows that skin care protocols and practices are not just trends but important parts of our medical health, and Cadavos adds, “I would like to see aesthetics become more normalized and I think that it slowly is. It’s becoming more mainstream.”

In the new year, Cadavos plans to focus on skin health and skin quality by not only continuing to offer all current treatments such as facials, fillers and neurotoxin injections but also concentrating on procedures that allow the skin to rebuild and maintain itself.

The first of these is Sculptra, one of Cadavos’ favorites, which is a more natural-looking filler used

to stimulate the rebuilding of the skin’s own collagen in order to lift, tone and plump, reduce wrinkles and fine lines and increase firmness. BBL HEROic is another treatment. It uses ILP (Intense Pulsed Light) to help with skin tone and texture, acne, pigmentation and discoloration, enlarged pores and even improve elasticity. Microneedling, the use of tiny needles on the skin, is also a procedure where Cadavos has seen so much improvement with hair loss, acne scars, collagen production and dermal repair. All of these treatments are designed to work by stimulating the skin to do what it is naturally made to do.

Another avenue that Cadavos has taken at Aiken Medical Aesthetics is adding a medical weight loss program to the menu of services, and she has seen huge success with hundreds of patients. The program uses vitamin and semaglutide injections but with the full body composition scanner she uses, Cadavos feels confident that her patients are losing unhealthy weight in the safest way. The scanner not only measures a person’s weight but muscle mass, fat, water weight and visceral fat around the organs. Cadavos’ patients are required to have monthly scans to track progress, and all of this information gives her the bigger picture of each person’s body and allows her to “objectively measure what’s changing”. The body composition monitoring along with programs to help with diet and exercise makes the weight loss sustainable because of progress through small victories and making sure her patients don’t feel miserable or deprived.

In talking with Cadavos, it’s clear that she is passionate about helping people

“Seeing changes in her patients’ self-confidence and self-perception is most rewarding and is why Cadavos feels so strongly about skin health.”

gain confidence, whether it’s a cancer patient who was able to regrow her hair or someone who has been battling acne scars or unhealthy weight they just couldn’t lose. Working with Cadavos and her staff is “not a one-and-done thing; it’s about relationships and the process we get to go through with our patients.”  Seeing changes in her patients’ self-confidence and self-perception is most rewarding and is why Cadavos feels so strongly about skin health.

If some are feeling intimidated by starting a skincare journey with Aiken Medical

Aesthetics, Cadavos wants them to know that they are in good hands and will be well taken care of. Her motto is “go low, go slow” so that patients are totally comfortable and receive better outcomes. She and her staff adapt their plans and adjust to the patient’s pace. It’s also good to know that Cadavos and staff are also all on their own skin journeys and facing skin issues themselves. Going through the processes together builds trust and allows for support. It’s time to invest in your skin, and Aiken Medical Aesthetics is a great place to start in 2025!

IKEN

Staying fit isn’t confined to working out in a fitness center. The Aiken Fillies is a diverse group of women ages 16 to 71 who get their reps in on the basketball court. Formed in 2022 by Ruth Siegfried and Darcy Armstrong, the Fillies practice weekly and compete in tournaments, some in conjunction with the National Senior Games Association. What started as a way to reconnect with a beloved sport and get some exercise has transformed into a sisterhood of care and support.

BEVERLY QUARLES

Occupation: Accountant

Basketball Experience: Played varsity basketball for four years at Wardlaw Academy

Why You Play with the Fillies: For exercise and fellowship

LISA BURCH

Occupation: Physical Therapist

Basketball Experience: Played at Frewsburg Central High in Western New York

Why You Play with the Fillies: For fun, exercise, camaraderie and competition

LARA ANDERSON

Occupation: Real Estate Broker/ Owner and Equestrian Facility Owner

Basketball Experience: Played throughout middle school, high school and junior college

Why You Play with the Fillies: I love the sport and value the welcoming and caring atmosphere of the team.

RUTH SIEGFRIED

Occupation: Founder and President–InVision Human Services in Pennsylvania (retiring 12/31/2024).

Basketball Experience: Played basketball and other sports pre-Title IX in high school and college. I later competed in the Pennsylvania Senior Olympics women’s basketball team, including three National Senior Games, before taking a hiatus to focus on horse competitions.

Why You Play with the Fillies: This team provides unparalleled support and camaraderie. During recovery from a broken ankle, teammates assisted me with appointments, brought groceries and offered companionship, showing the strength of the community we’ve built.

KIM COLEMAN

Occupation: Retired Parks & Recreation Superintendent

Basketball Experience: Played high school basketball.

Why You Play with the Fillies: I initially joined because of my love of basketball and exercise, but I discovered a close-knit network of friends. The team participates in local events like MS walks, fundraisers for human trafficking and social gatherings to watch college basketball and WNBA games.

WO1 MAHYLA DAVIS

Occupation: Warrant Officer, U.S. Army

Basketball Experience: Played in high school and at the unit level in the Army

Why You Play with the Fillies: Originally I joined for conditioning but developed a deep connection with the team. I now consider them family.

DARCY ARMSTRONG

Occupation: Physical Therapist

Basketball Experience: I played varsity basketball for four years at Model High School and two years at Reinhardt College.

Why You Play with the Fillies: I joined for fun workouts and rediscovered basketball. Now, I value the sisterhood and support among teammates.

IVORY EDWARDS

Occupation: Underwriter

Occupation: Scientist

Basketball Experience: Played varsity basketball (1999–2003) and at USCColumbia (2004–2009)

Why You Play with the Fillies: I love the game and cherish the strong sense of family and community that the Fillies embody.

Basketball Experience: Played in high school

Why You Play with the Fillies: I love the game and appreciate the team’s inclusive and fun environment.

EBONY JEFFERSON

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue

smart SWEETS

This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.

Combine:

• 1 cup wheat flour

• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled

• 2 cups oats

• 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts

The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 2/3 cup raisins

• Optional: chocolate chips as desired

• Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.

Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa.

Add this mixture slowly to combine:

• 2 eggs

• 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 banana

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.

We work with all insurance companies. We will take care of all the paperwork and file claims for you. We are participating providers with BCBS SC, Cigna DPPO, Unum, TriCare TDP, and Aetna Extended Network

To learn more about your insurance plan and our practice, please call to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable front desk team members.

Call today to reserve your child’s appointment with Dr. Thom: 803.393.4550 | www.kitfoxdental.com 1395 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken

JANUARY 2025

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 1ST-4TH

Exhibit: Spark! Places of Innovation

The City of Aiken’s Visitor Center and Train Museum | 10:00 AM

The City of Aiken’s Visitor Center and Train Museum is hosting the Smithsonian’s “Spark! Places of Innovation” exhibit, running from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. This exhibit focuses on how innovation has impacted small towns. Additionally, “A Tale of Two Horses: Innovation, Aiken, and Southern Railway” will be displayed, showcasing Aiken’s railroad history.

JANUARY 2ND

Festival of Trees

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum | 10:00 AM

Visit the annual Festival of Trees at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture. Vote for your favorite tree and capture the moment with photos. The Festival of Trees continues Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., through January 4.

JANUARY 11TH

Aiken Symphony Masterworks Series

Etherredge Center | 7:30 PM

Ying Li, renowned pianist, returns to The Etherredge Center on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM for an evening of captivating music. Don’t miss this chance to experience her exceptional talent in concert. Tickets are available for purchase. Visit the Etherredge Center for more information.

CONTINUED

JANUARY 18TH

Carolina Series-Lobster Man, by Jonathan Cook Etherredge Center | 7:00 PM

Experience the world premiere of Lobster Man at the Etherredge Center! From award-winning playwright Jonathan Cook, this full-length production explores two post-apocalyptic survivors confronting solitude and a dreamlike stranger. Hailed as “magical” by the Houston Press, Lobster Man is part of the Carolina Series. Don’t miss this captivating theatrical event

JANUARY 24TH

Dancing Dream: ABBA Tribute Band

Aiken Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM

Relive the glitz of the ’70s with a threenight ABBA musical tribute! Enjoy timeless hits like Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance and Gimme Gimme brought to life on stage. This unforgettable celebration of iconic pop hits is perfect for music lovers of all ages. Don't miss this dazzling journey through the era when ABBA ruled the music world!

JANUARY 31ST

Aiken Antique Show

Downtown Aiken | 10:00 AM

Celebrate the Aiken Center for the Arts’ 25th Annual Antique Show on January's final weekend! Featuring 21 premier Southeast dealers, enjoy antique treasures, morning presentations, a Collector’s Café and a Sunday Bloody Mary brunch. New this year: a Friday evening Bourbon Tasting. Don’t miss this milestone event for antique enthusiasts!

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