The Thankful Issue
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Thankful!
Our November issue celebrates the power of gathering, the spirit of gratitude and the beauty of giving back to our beloved community. We are deeply thankful for the residents and businesses who continuously support a range of meaningful causes, helping make Aiken the vibrant and compassionate place we all cherish. It’s a privilege to share just a few of their remarkable stories with you.
A common thread among our featured philanthro pists is a heartfelt desire to go beyond simply meeting basic needs. Nuture Home, the mission extends far beyond providing shelter for homeless women. Their work equips women with the tools and resources to transform their lives and achieve independent living, fostering real, life-altering change.
For Marie Durrett, personal loss inspired a mission. After losing loved ones to pancreatic cancer, she founded Brenda’s Angels, a nonprofit that provides not only financial support to patients but also much-needed emotional care as they face this devastating disease.
Similarly, NewSpring Church’s Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Meal offers more than just a meal. It’s a chance to connect spiritually and emotionally with those in need, creating moments of compassion and understanding during the holiday season.
And speaking of Thanksgiving, no gathering is complete without the perfect turkey. This year, we turned to local expert Greig McCully, owner of Fireside, for his culinary wisdom. He treated us to a flavorful cooking lesson which we’ve shared inside so that you can elevate your holiday feast!
We are also immensely grateful to our advertising partners whose support makes this magazine possible. Their contribution helps us deliver these stories of inspiration, goodwill and community to your door each month.
As we gather with our loved ones this holiday season, may we take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Let’s appreciate the blessings in our lives and consider how we can continue to make a positive impact on those around us.
November 2024
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, Gayle Bryan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Rebecca Judy
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Brandon Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER
For The Separated And Recently Divorced. Heal The Wounds.
You may find yourself facing the possibility of an outcome you never foresaw. You may believe as we do that marriage is an institution ordained by God and none of us desire that any marriage should fail.
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Tara Chapman and Kurt Mueller serving up Ironhead’s delicious BBQ in downtown Aiken. 2: The community support was incredible for the grand opening of Downtown Hydration and Wellness. 3: Tasha (Downtown Hydration and Wellness) shared a special moment with her sons at her opening. 4: The ACL team was on hand to celebrate the opening of Downtown Hydration and Wellness. 5: Shopping for outdoor style at Big House Outpost’s grand opening. 6: Caleb Connor, Faris Connor and Paul Strength celebrating the grand opening of Big House Outpost. 7: Paul with Big House Outpost was so excited for their grand opening. Photography by Gayle Bryan
NEWSPRING CHURCH’S Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Meal
FEEDING THE HUNGRY-PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
For the last four years, NewSpring Church in Aiken, South Carolina, has opened its doors to the homeless and those in need for a Thanksgiving meal. What makes this event unique is not just the food shared but the message of compassion and community that Pastor Matt Steelman and his congregation work to spread. The event is about much more than just meeting physical needs; it’s about creating a space for connection, both spiritually and emotionally.
Steelman recalls how the idea for the Thanksgiving meal took root during the challenges of the pandemic. "There was a noticeable gap that emerged during COVID," he explains. "People were isolated, and many struggled to meet their basic needs, including food. We saw an opportunity to bring people together, not just to eat but to encounter love and community." For Steelman, the meal serves as a chance to welcome people into a space where they can feel welcome, often in ways they have not felt in a long time.
He views the event as a pathway to healing for people who have faced hurtful situations in the past, including negative experiences with churches or misunderstandings about faith. "We want people to come in and encounter others who love Jesus and who can help shift their perspectives on what church is," Steelman shares. "Whether it's past baggage or misconceptions about church, we hope this meal is an open door for people to experience something different, something restorative."
“It’s beautiful to watch how the event creates awareness about the needs in our community and fosters connection among people who might not otherwise cross paths.”
One of the most powerful impacts of NewSpring’s Thanksgiving meal is its ability to bring people together across boundaries. "We’ve seen relationships develop between people of different ethnicities and socioeconomic classes," Steelman says. "It’s beautiful to watch how the event creates awareness about the needs in our community and fosters connection among people who might not otherwise cross paths."
The meal is just one of many ways NewSpring Church strives to offer tangible help. The church’s onsite food pantry and clothes closet are always available, and attendees also receive information about other community resources that can assist with housing, medical care and long-term stability.
The heart of the mission at NewSpring is simple: to serve with kindness and grace. "We always remind our volunteers to meet every person with kindness, no matter what their situation is," Steelman explains. "I often tell them to have ‘smiling eyes’ because, for many of these people, they’re used to meeting condemnation and rejection. We want to offer something different; hope and welcome."
These personal interactions—whether through conversation, shared prayer or offering a listening ear—are at the core of
- Pastor Matt Steelman
what Steelman believes this event is about. "There’s something powerful about sitting down with someone, listening to their story and praying with them," he says. "These meetings, these moments of connection are what this is all about."
Steelman points to the biblical instruction in Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." This principle guides the work of NewSpring Church as they aim to accept people as they are and introduce them to the love of Jesus through their actions. "We want to meet people where they are and point them toward the Gospel," Matt says. "It’s not just about providing for their physical needs; it’s about helping them find hope and purpose through Jesus."
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Thanksgiving meal has been witnessing the transformation in past attendees. "We’ve had people who used to come because they needed assistance," Steelman shares. "Now they’ve turned their lives around and come back to serve others. That’s one of the most impactful parts—seeing how the cycle of giving and gratitude keeps going."
For NewSpring Church, this annual meal is more than just an act of charity—it’s a powerful expression of faith, love and community that continues to impact lives year after year.
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BRENDA’S ANGELS FIGHT AGAINST PANCREATIC CANCER
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
How Marie Mullis Durrett and a Dedicated Team are Providing Hope, Support and Awareness
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer, often progressing silently until it reaches advanced stages. For Marie Mullis Durrett, co-founder of Brenda’s Angels, the fight against pancreatic cancer is personal. She first encountered the brutal effects of this disease when her first cousin succumbed to it in August of 2009. Just one month later, Durrett’s best friend, Brenda Willis Bodie, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Bodie, like Durrett, was an educator who had dedicated her life to helping others. Over the next nine months, Durrett sat by her friend’s side watching as pancreatic cancer ravaged her body. Brenda passed away in June 2010, but her memory would live on in a powerful way. Determined to preserve her friend’s legacy and help others, Durrett, along with a close-knit group of friends, founded Brenda’s Angels, a 501(c) nonprofit dedicated to providing support for pancreatic cancer patients.
This organization serves pancreatic cancer patients by offering both financial and emotional support, while also funding critical research and promoting education about the disease. From helping families cover medical expenses to offering guidance on navigating the complexities of cancer treatment, Brenda’s Angels has
become a beacon of hope for those facing the fight of their lives.
Since its founding, Brenda’s Angels has raised nearly $200,000 in support of its mission. Over the past 15 years, Durrett and her team have helped countless families, providing relief to those in need. Currently, the organization is actively supporting nine patients, ensuring they have the resources and care required to fight this antagonistic cancer.
Durrett attributes much of Brenda’s Angels’ success to the generosity of the Aiken community. Local support has been a lifeline for the nonprofit, enabling it to offer assistance to more patients each year. “The Aiken community has shown us what it means to come together for a cause,” Marie says. “We could not have reached this level of support without their financial help and commitment.”
One of the core missions of Brenda’s Angels is spreading awareness and education about pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has an alarmingly low survival rate—only about 8.5% of patients survive five years past their diagnosis. Symptoms, often vague, and rarely detected early, can include pain that radiates to the back, weight loss and unexplained itching.
Brenda’s Angels aims to change the narrative by educating the public about the importance of recognizing symptoms early and supporting research for more effective treatments.
In 2023, the organization was recognized as a PANCAN Action Network Angel, a designation that highlights its contributions to pancreatic cancer advocacy.
Each year, Brenda’s Angels hosts multiple fundraisers to raise money for both patient support and research efforts. These events are crucial in continuing their mission, and Durrett encourages everyone to participate. During the month of November, designated as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Durrett asks that the community champion the cause by wearing purple or donning a purple ribbon to raise awareness about this deadly disease.
For more information on how to get involved, you can reach Durrett directly at mariedurrett@bellsouth.net. Through education, support and relentless fundraising efforts, Brenda’s Angels continues to be a lifeline for patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer, helping them face their battle with hope and dignity.
ARTICLE
NIKITA
EVERGREEN ELEGANCE
Timeless Floral Artistry Blending Sustainability, Modern Flair, and Holiday Beauty
As the holiday season approaches, Evergreen Dreams Floral Studio, a thriving business in Augusta, GA is buzzing with activity. Run by mother-daughter duo Marcy and Lena, this charming floral studio has become a local favorite, offering handmade wreaths and floral arrangements with a unique eco-conscious twist.
Lena, the creative force behind the designs, has always had a passion for florals. “There’s something timeless about working with nature’s bounty,” she says, her eyes lighting up as she describes her favorite trends for the holiday season. Lena’s love for her craft shines through in the top three trends she’ll be embracing this holiday season.
First on her list is combining dried elements, delicate flowers and seasonal fruits. “There’s something incredibly nostalgic for me and timeless about utilizing these less traditional items in arrangements,” Lena shares. The beauty of dried florals lies not only in their longevity but also in their rich, textural contrast to fresh elements, capturing the spirit of nature while creating stunning arrangements that are truly breathtaking for the holidays.
Second, Lena has set the standard and prioritizes sustainability. "Being conscious of where and how we source our materials is so important," she explains. Evergreen Dreams supports American flower farms when possible and ensures freshness no matter the source. Additionally, they incorporate recycled materials into their designs, repurposing ribbons and salvaged elements to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Businesses that Lena and Marcy partner with must align with their values, ensuring fair wages for workers.
Lastly, Lena is all about blending timeless designs with modern, unexpected touches. She describes her excitement for mixing magnolia branches, a tried and true southern classic, with rich velvet bows and hand-painted accents. “I love adding a bit of class and surprise to our designs,” Lena says. This year, she is especially excited to craft arrangements featuring softer pastels,
rich jewel tones and earthy neutrals that will provide clients with a fresh twist on traditional holiday décor.
If these trends weren’t enough to inspire holiday excitement, Evergreen Dreams also offers upcoming workshops. The studio isn’t just about selling beautiful arrangements—it’s about fostering creativity in the community. Lena and Marcy are thrilled to host holiday-themed workshops starting in November. Attendees can make their own candles and floral arrangements, combining scents and blooms for a sensory experience. Lena’s friend, a business owner from Atlanta, will join her to share candle-making expertise, making these workshops a collaborative effort.
As Lena and Marcy prepare for the upcoming holidays, they both are deeply thankful for the community that has supported their dream. “We’re so grateful to God and our family and friends
Lena, the creative force behind the designs, has always had a passion for florals. “There’s something timeless about working with nature’s bounty,” she says, her eyes lighting up as she describes her favorite trends for the holiday season.
for all the love and encouragement,” Lena reflects. Marcy echoes this sentiment, noting how the people of the CSRA have welcomed their business with open arms.
As the holiday season draws near, Evergreen Dreams Floral Studio promises to add a touch of nature’s beauty to every home while staying true to their mission of creating more than just floral arrangements—they create experiences. With Lena and Marcy at the helm, this dynamic team is excited for what the season holds, ready to craft fresh, inspiring designs where old traditions meet modern elegance.
Flower arrangements and wreaths can be ordered on their website at www.evergreendreams.co.
As Lena and Marcy prepare for the upcoming holidays, they both are deeply thankful for the community that has supported their dream.
“We’re so grateful to God and our family and friends for all the love and encouragement,” Lena reflects.
HOME OF HOPE
The Heart Behind Nurture Home and Its Mission to Empower Homeless Women
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that stems from a variety of circumstances, including mental illness, trauma and lack of support. For many homeless women, finding a place that offers more than just a roof over their heads is crucial to rebuilding their lives. In Aiken, one woman has taken on
“Fulghum’s mission is focused on compassion, dedication and a commitment to making a difference.”
the mission of offering hope, healing and stability to homeless women struggling with mental illness.
BonnieAnne Fulghum, the Executive Director of Nurture Home, oversees a program that goes beyond providing temporary relief to create long-lasting change for these women.
Fulghum’s mission is focused on compassion, dedication and a commitment to making a difference. Four years ago, she saw the need to adapt the goals of Nurture Home after a life-changing encounter just two days before Christmas. Fulghum met a homeless teenage girl living on the streets, overwhelmed by fear, depression and mental illness. The teenager’s situation was dire—alone, scared and lost in the fog of untreated mental health struggles. This teenage girl had run away from home to escape an extremely abusive situation. Fulghum’s heart was broken when she realized this teenage girl felt safer living on the streets than at home. This experience ignited a deep
sense of responsibility in Fulghum, compelling her to create a haven for women like the young girl she met, who needed care, medical support and safety.
Nurture Home is not a shelter; it’s a transformative space where women suffering from mental illness and homelessness can regain control over their lives. Many of the women who come to Nurture Home have experienced severe and unthinkable trauma which often exacerbates their mental health challenges. Fulghum ensures that these women receive the care and therapy they need in order to begin their journey towards healing. The staff at Nurture Home works strenuously to connect them with medical professionals for treatment and helps them access necessary therapy services.
At Nurture Home, women are educated on basic but critical skills like cooking, cleaning and proper etiquette—skills that many take for granted but that can be life-altering for women who have never
experienced a stable home environment. Fulghum goes beyond these basics as the women progress through her program and offers lessons in budgeting and job skills, preparing the women for a future where they can support themselves. She recognizes that helping them gain independence is not just about securing immediate housing but about equipping them with the tools they need to thrive on their own.
In addition to teaching these practical skills, Fulghum strongly encourages the women of Nurture Home to find employment. For many of these women, their mental health challenges make traditional employment difficult or even impossible. Fulghum works to match them with jobs that accommodate their limitations, allowing them to work within their capacity and build confidence in their abilities. Some of the women she has helped have even been able to enroll in online college courses, opening doors to further opportunities and growth.
One of the most vital elements Nurture Home provides is stability—a concept foreign to many of the women who walk through its doors. For those who have faced years of instability, abuse or neglect, finding a place where they can finally feel safe is a profound experience. Fulghum ensures that every woman who enters Nurture Home is treated with respect and care, giving them a sense of belonging they have never felt before. This stability is the foundation for the other work that happens at Nurture Home, allowing the women to believe in themselves and make strides towards improvement in their lives. Fulghum’s heart for this cause has already transformed the lives of 40 women that have gone through the program at Nurture Home, helping them to achieve independence, something many thought was impossible. Under her guidance, women have not only learned how to care for themselves, but have also developed the autonomy to move forward with their lives, whether that means finding stable employment or pursuing education.
While Nurture Home has made incredible strides in helping women reclaim their lives, the organization relies heavily on financial donations to continue its mission. The work that Fulghum and her team are doing is critical, but without the necessary funding, many women in need may be left without the support they so desperately require.
Every contribution helps Fulghum reach more women, providing them with the security and safety they need to start over. The impact of her work is undeniable, and with continued support, Nurture Home can continue to change lives for years to come. Those interested in supporting Nurture Home’s mission can make donations through their website at https://www.mha-aiken.org.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
MASTERING THE Perfect HOLIDAY TURKEY
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
The holidays are quickly approaching and the pressure of cooking the perfect turkey is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Small business owner, Greig McCully of Fireside in Augusta, Georgia, recently held a cooking class taking the guesswork out of cooking a superb holiday turkey. Under McCully’s expert instruction the class focused on achieving a succulent and flavorful turkey with crispy skin just in time for Thanksgiving. Fireside is the only retail store in the CSRA offering state-of-the-art and high-end kitchen appliances. They also offer an impressive array of cookware, including all the necessary staples for cooking a successful turkey dinner ranging from reliable cookware like Smithey, made in Charleston, SC to premium cutlery like Shun.
McCully’s preferred method for cooking a holiday turkey involves using a Coyote pellet grill, which allows for even heat distribution and consistent flavoring through natural wood pellets. The class learned that the cook time for a turkey is approximately 2 ½ hours, though this can vary based on the size of the bird. McCully emphasized maintaining the temperature of the grill at 350°F for most of the cooking process with a final burst of heat at 425°F to brown the skin and achieve that sought-after, crispy texture.
THE CLASS ATTENDEES
Before the turkey hit the grill, McCully prepped it with gourmet duck fat cooking spray which adds richness and moisture to the bird and helps the seasoning adhere to the skin. He then generously applied Yardbird rub, a flavorful poultry seasoning blend. The prepared turkey was then placed in a Hestan V rack and pan. McCully explained that the V rack and pan prevents the turkey's juices from dripping directly onto the grill which keeps the cooking area clean and helps avoid potential flareups or fires.
To ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked, McCully showed attendees the best way to check the internal temperature. He recommended inserting a Thermapen thermometer into the deepest part of the joint on the leg bone, aiming for an internal temperature of 158°F. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat while remaining tender and moist.
After the turkey was pulled from the grill, McCully advised letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing the final flavor and texture.
One of McCully’s key pieces of advice, which he emphasized throughout the class, was the importance of properly slicing the turkey. “The most important part of making your turkey outstanding,” Greig noted, “is slicing against the grain.” Using a quality knife, like a Shun, makes a noticeable difference in tenderness. Slicing the meat against the muscle fibers, perpendicular to their direction, ensures that each bite is soft
and easy to chew. For more advice on carving your bird, visit Fireside Kitchens' YouTube channel for a detailed turkey trimming video.
The class attendees were impressed with how tender, flavorful and juicy the turkey was, which exceeded their expectations. Many of the participants expressed how excited they were to replicate these techniques in their own kitchens this holiday season.
Fireside continues to be a staple in the CSRA, offering not only high-quality indoor appliances, but also a carefully curated selection of cookware, cutlery, spices, rubs and sauces to elevate every meal.
NOVEMBER 20TH
Unleashed:
An Evening of Improv
by Schrodinger's Cat
Amentum Center for the Performing Arts | 6:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of laughs by Schrodinger's Cat: Augusta's premier comedy improv troupe, benefitting the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare. The evening begins at 6 PM with a reception with beer, wine and charcuterie board hors d'oeuvres. The laughs commence at 7 PM.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Holiday Open House and Pink Friday
Downtown Aiken | 10:00 AM
Aiken Downtown Development's Holiday Open House is the official launch of the holiday season and gives Aiken the opportunity to #shopsmall before Black Friday. Downtown retailers will be open until 8:00 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to support our local businesses.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Aiken Fall Steeplechase
Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse | 8:00 AM
Aiken is proud to host the National Steeplechase Association's final race of the season! The Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship will determine the top trainer, jockey, and horse of the year. Tickets are available at showpass.com. Contact the Steeplechase office for info about purchasing a Reserved Railside Tailgate Space.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 28TH
Blessing of the Hounds
Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods | 9:00 AM
Kick-off Thanksgiving with the Blessing of the Hounds, a long-time Aiken tradition and the official start of the hunt season. There is no parking at the South Boundary entrance, but attendees may park downtown. Allow 30 minutes to walk from Laurens Street to Memorial Gate.
NOVEMBER 28TH
Bloodies and Bagles
Aiken County Historical Museum | 9:30 AM
Get ready for an unforgettable Thanksgiving tradition at Bloodies and Bagels. This lively gathering promises a morning filled with delicious bagels, Bloody Mary's and live music. It's the ultimate social event where friends, family and community come together to enjoy the holiday spirit. This year the event will benefit Equine Rescue of Aiken. Tickets must be purchased online at eventbrite.com. Children under five are free!
NOVEMBER 28TH
2024 Aiken Turkey Trot and 1-Mile Fun Run
Citizen's Park | 8:00 AM
Put your turkey in the oven, pack up the family and join the Aiken community for its 13th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run! The event will be held on Thanksgiving Day at Citizen's Park. The run will benefit Toys for Tots! Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy. Don't forget to wear your best Thanksgiving Day costume!