Augusta, GA November 2020 by City Lifestyle

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Thankful

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Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHERS

Clay Morris | clay.morris@lifestylepubs.com Jana Morris | jana.morris@lifestylepubs.com

Happy Thanksgiving, Augusta! WOW. How are we already nearing the end of 2020? The holidays will be here before we know it, then we'll be working on some form of 2021 resolutions. I daresay we could use a little merriment! Right on time, November is faithful to bring a sweet reminder: to be thankful. This may come as an audacious challenge, but I'm a firm believer in the notion that there is always something to be thankful for. Sometimes it's the medicine our hearts most desperately need.

EDITOR

Lydia Kaye Clothey | lydia.clothey@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGERS

Kathy Kelley | kathy.kelley@lifestylepubs.com Lisa Story | lisa.story@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

So before everything gets crazy...okay, it's 2020...crazier and we start shopping for

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

gifts, let's take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been one for the history

Lydia Kaye Clothey, Aaron Hayes, Nicolette Martin, Michelle W. Parnell

books, and I am deeply grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. That is a profound honor. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adrion Bell, Randy Pace, Sanjeev Singhal

our community. Without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible, but much more importantly, our city wouldn't be as robust with the flavors, experiences, and joys that it constantly exudes. We want to express our gratitude to those who have served our country. This month, we chose to shine a light on ForcesUnited, a local organization that does everything they can to repay the selflessness and courage that so many in our community have shown and continue to show. Thank you. Thank you to each of our readers for the community service you do and for every

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

way that you play a small part in enriching our city and its families. Sometimes we

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

think a gesture of giving is so small, but for some, it makes all the difference.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time being

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

grateful for the people we have around us. Kings Creek Apparel shares the deep roots

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

behind their family-run business, Francis Chan shares his journey in faith and simplic-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ity, and ExtraOrdinary Private Care guides us as we support our elders. Sure, planning a Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit much, but we’re here to help. You'll find the recipe for a delicious pear vanilla upside down cake, courtesy of Tastefully Yours Catering. This November, let’s take some time to practice thankfulness, reflecting on that which truly matters to us. Giving thanks can be a beautiful thing. I’m certainly thank-

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ful for you. We’ll see you next month.

Lydia Kaye Clothey, Editor

ON THE COVER Delicious holiday treats by Tastefully Yours Catering; see page 20 for more.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRION BELL 4

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

Proverbs 3:5-6 Augusta Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Augusta area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Augusta Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Thankful For Much The Strickland family shares the story behind Kings Creek Apparel, the power of community, and the blessing of family

16 Serving Those Who Served Introducing the new president and CEO of ForcesUnited

20 Tasty Thanksgiving Treats Enjoy this pear vanilla upside down cake from Jennifer Shuford of Tastefully Yours Catering

12 22

22 ExtraOrdinary Care Find the right private care

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Our Town

Local Limelight

20 Culinary Creations 22 Now Open 25 Faith Reflections 28 Hometown Hero 32 Lifestyle Calendar

love WHERE YOU live DON LECHNER C: (706) 294-9992 O: (706) 564-3271 DON@SUMMERHOUSEREALTY.COM 2735 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30909 summerhouserealty.com/georgia-south-carolina-agents

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

GOOD TIMES

Barney's Pharmacy Staff Joins Miracle Mile Walk 2020 Kudos to the Barney's Pharmacy staff who participated in the first virtual Miracle Mile Walk on Saturday October 3rd, 2020! Participants used #MiracleMileWalk2020 to share photos and the why behind their walk. Held each year by University Hospital in honor and memory of those affected by Breast Cancer, the walk has grown from 90 walkers in 2001 to over 15,000!

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Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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AROUND TOWN

EXTRAORDINARY PRIVATE CARE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ExtraOrdinary Private Care offers compassionate care and sitter services for your loved ones. They assist in bathing, eating, light housekeeping and laundry, reminders for medication and bill pay, escorting to wellness appointments, and more. ExtraOrdinary Private Care staff members are believers seeking to offer uplifting support to those needing care, including spinal cord patients and veterans. Call 706-223-3811 or 706-814-5712 to learn more and to reach their updated number.

DIABETES PREVENTION CLASSES NOW OFFERED AT BARNEY'S PHARMACY Barney’s Pharmacy is starting a diabetes prevention class at their Peach Orchard location!

ISABEL MALLAR AND RAMON BALLESTER MARRY IN SEDONA

Attendees will get a lot of helpful tools on how to

Congratulations to Mr. Ramon and Mrs. Isabel M.

lose weight, keep it off, and avoid developing dia-

Ballester on their recent union. The beautiful cou-

betes. If you are interested, please contact Zoe or

ple exchanged vows at the breathtaking Sky Ranch

Christie at 706-798-5645.

Lodge Resort in Sedona, Arizona on Saturday,

A WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS SHOWROOM IS HERE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

October 3rd, 2020. Isabel, owner of Augusta's Select Cosmetic Solutions, and Ramon, owner of Pour Taproom Atlanta, shared their destination wedding with friends and family, some present

Stroll through the Flowers on Broad Winter

and others back home sharing the moment via live

Wonderland Christmas Showroom at 1018 Broad

stream. We wish the new Mr. and Mrs. Ballester a

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lifetime of happiness and love!

November 1st and through December 31st, Flowers on Broad will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 3 pm. Flowers on Broad...NOT your ordinary florist!

ABECA NATURALS OFFERING ELDERBERRY SYRUP

FALL PORTRAITS BY RANDY PACE Randy Pace is offering fall portraits at Brick Pond Park in North Augusta, SC. The photo shoot date will be Saturday, November 14th, 2020. Socially distanced mini sessions are available for $75 for 30 minutes. Contact 864-980-4473 for times available.

ABECA Naturals is gearing up for boosting the health of you and your family throughout the coming seasons. ABECA Naturals is now offering locally made elderberry syrups, custom tinctures, holiday gift sets, and more. Call 803-335-2629 or go to ABECAnaturals.com to learn more and shop their locally crafted collection.

MEET SANTA MINI SESSIONS Hillary Kay Studios will be offering Meet Santa Mini Sessions on November 7th. Call 706-294-

6604 or email info@hillarykay.com for more

Would you like to get in touch with us? We

information and to schedule. Spaces are limited,

would love to hear from you! Contact us at

and each 15 minute photo session with Santa

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta using the Get In

Carlson is $200.

Touch link and let us know what you think.

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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OUR TOWN

ARTICLE MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY SANJEEV SINGHAL

IF YOU ASK JESSE AND MELISSA

looking for a way to spend more time with

regardless of where you are from. I wanted

STRICKLAND, OWNERS OF KINGS CREEK

his family while earning a living able to

to create something that would spark

APPAREL, WHAT THEY ARE MOST THANK-

support them.

interest from others and give opportunity

FUL FOR, THEY’LL TELL YOU THEY’RE

Around the same time, Jesse was

THANKFUL FOR RELATIONSHIPS, THE

actively involved with Augusta Outdoor

CLEAR PRESENCE AND DIRECTION OF

Ministries, an organization created to sup-

It was out of this idea and determination

THE LORD, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO

port the annual Augusta Outdoor Expo.

that Kings Creek Apparel was formally

MINISTER TO OTHERS.

It was during this time that Jesse had the

birthed and launched at the Augusta

Turning the clock back about ten years,

vision to create a brand that could be both

Outdoor Expo in 2014. After a successful

Jesse was struggling with finding enough

cool and purposeful, with a special focus

launch, it was quickly determined that

quality time to spend with Melissa and

on guiding young men from all walks.

it was going to take a lot of money and

to talk not only about our brand, but also about our mission to help others.”

their two kids, Noah (19) and Olivia (18).

“So my idea,” says Jesse, “was to come

even more time, in addition to Jesse and

After many conversations with friends

up with a cool logo that would reflect an

Melissa’s already demanding careers, to

and mentors, Jesse decided to start

outdoor lifestyle...one that was applicable

chase this dream. Without hesitation, Jesse

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

THANKFUL FOR MUCH THE STRICKLAND FAMILY SHARES THE STORY BEHIND KINGS CREEK APPAREL, THE POWER OF COMMUNITY, AND THE BLESSING OF FAMILY

and Melissa took it on. “It was a hobby and

kids, each other, and the family, [without

help during the holiday seasons, and they

a passion for him,” says Melissa. “It made

tying us down],” says Jesse.

would come over and help pack boxes.”

sense for him to continue with it, so we

Being home more became a distinct

As the business grew, Jesse and Melissa

operated out of our house while we had

reality for both Jesse and Melissa, who soon

began to see how those special relation-

full time jobs and did whatever we had to

followed Jesse in running the company full

ships and friends truly played a huge part in

do to make it work.”

time. “We were still operating out of our

the success of Kings Creek. “I think the big-

After much hard work and even more

house, which I think is such a point of refer-

gest part of this whole business puzzle for

prayer, Jesse was able to transition from

ence for us, to bring us back to that not-so-

us is that we didn’t just have people trying

his career to working with Kings Creek

distant memory,” says Melissa. “It humbles

to help put the pieces together. We had so

Apparel full time in January of 2016. They

us. We had this small room in our house,

many people who were the actual pieces of

saw an answer to their prayers regarding

and I remember we had both of my sisters

the puzzle. It wasn’t that they just came and

family time and seized the opportunity to

working for us and our kids working for us.

helped us pack boxes; these are very good

intentionally build a company that “maxi-

It was a family affair for sure! We would even

friends of ours that are completely sold out

mized the time we could spend with the

have friends who would ask if we needed

to our company and its success.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

“ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS THAT I’M PERSONALLY GRATEFUL FOR IS THE PLATFORM AND ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT IT PUTS IN FRONT OF US TO MAKE AN IMPACT,” SAYS JESSE. “WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PEOPLE.”

Jesse continues, “When we’re talking about those friends

He’s the creative one. I just know that if he is hunting

who came alongside us, they were probably the best

and I want him to meet us for dinner, he better not show

brand ambassadors that we could have asked for because

up in camouflage!” Jesse agrees. “I just try and come up

it became a challenge for them to figure out who all they

with designs that I feel are a good representation of our

could involve and tell about our business. We would look

lifestyle, minus the camouflage,” he explains.

like marketing geniuses if we were to sit back and try to

“One of the biggest things that I’m personally grateful

act like we planned for it to go the way it did, with people

for is the platform and all the opportunities that it puts in

wearing our stuff at the right time and in the manner they

front of us to make an impact,” says Jesse. "We have an

did…but that’s something only God could do.”

opportunity to help people.”

Take, for example, friend Luke Combs wearing a Kings

“The most recent [opportunity we’ve had] is the

Creek hat while accepting his New Male Artist of the Year

Police Benevolent Foundation,” says Melissa. “We just

award on the Country Music Awards. Luke’s connection with

have a heart for supporting not only the police officers,

Kings Creek stems from a friendship Jesse and Melissa cre-

but also their families, especially in today’s culture and

ated through close friend and singer/songwriter Ray Fulcher.

climate. We had the opportunity to design a hat for

“I think early on, our relationships built some credibility

them, and even though it sounds so insignificant, they

along the way, and those were things that never could have

were able to raise substantial funds off of that one hat.

been orchestrated,” adds Melissa. “It was all just very natural

That type of result can have a huge impact on the suc-

and organic growth. We didn’t know at the beginning what

cess of an organization.”

those relationships would mean or how they would blossom into business relationships and meeting other people.” Relationship building has been the focus of Kings Creek from the very beginning. Jesse says, “The King in our name

Throughout sharing their story, Jesse and Melissa exude a sincere gratitude for their family, their friends, the business with which God has blessed them, and the privilege of ministering to the community.

comes from God. Creek symbolizes that no matter what we’re doing, wherever you are – God should flow through

Located in Martinez, the Kings Creek Apparel corporate of-

you. Whether you are a professional athlete, Nascar driver,

fice and warehouse supply apparel to over 60 retail outlets

or Nashville recording artist, you shouldn’t have to be a

in the Southeast, including local stores Escape Outdoors

pastor for people to see God in what you’re doing. It’s not

and Palmetto Moon. For more information on Kings Creek,

telling everybody that I’m a Christian; it’s a desire to live

their products, and the special causes they support, visit

like one and only explain it if I’m asked.”

KingsCreekApparel.com. The Stricklands jokingly share

When it comes down to the concept behind the apparel design, Melissa says, “I leave most of that up to Jesse.

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

that the key to making it work is driving separately to the office each day.

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED FORCESUNITED AIMS TO ASSIST AREA VETERANS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN EVER

ARTICLE MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FORCESUNITED AND ALISON SOUTH MARKETING

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED 16

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

SERVING FAMILIES

VETERANS THROUGH

AND

THEIR

PROGRAMS

AND RESOURCES TO MITIGATE CRISES,

IMPROVE

THEIR

LIVES,

AND

EMPOWER THEM TO PROSPER IN THE COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MISSION AND TOP PRIORITY OF FORCESUNITED UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO VICTORIA HANN. Victoria, the daughter of an Air Force veteran herself, has more than 23 years of experience in managing nonprofit organizations. She says, “Like many, we are in a phase of transition and change. We’ve had a leadership change with our former CEO, Kim Elle, retiring and a huge loss with our board chair, Sam Tyson, passing away. However, we have a very strong executive committee and board, who are very committed to our mission and service to our warriors.” “As far as transition, we know what our core values are,” says Victoria, “but we are looking at each of the areas that our organization provides and what we look like in this new space as an operation. We are examining how we operate internally, how we function within collaborative partnerships, and how programs are shifting to address these needs, which are growing daily. We have some re-sculpting to do, but the core values are not going to change.” Founded in 2007 as the Augusta Warrior Project, the non-profit organization meets the needs of transitioning service members, veterans, and their families. Although the organization went through the rebranding process a few years ago, the basic mission has remained consistent. “We rebranded from Augusta Warrior Project to ForcesUnited,” says Victoria, “and since that time, we’ve served more than 17,000 transitioning service members and their families.” ForcesUnited serves 33 counties that cross between Georgia and South Carolina and is specially set up to help veterans in the CSRA while collaborating with the VA system and Fort Gordon. “We’re attracting so many new military members with our missions at Fort Gordon, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

and then, once they transition out, they are our neighbors and part of our community,” says Victoria. “We focus on assisting in navigation of benefits available to them, collaborating with other service agencies, and serve as a referral source - not to duplicate, but to connect to opportunities for assistance.” Striving to take a holistic approach to helping veterans, ForcesUnited collaborates between departments to ensure that veterans thrive in all areas of their life by providing assistance with housing, benefits, health and wellness, education, and employment. These areas that were crucial before the economic turmoil of 2020 have become even more challenging for veterans today. “In the division of employment, we’re really looking at how we serve and how we can meet the new needs we’re seeing among our veterans, who are losing their jobs, and how that connects to our local employer base,” explains Victoria. “Additionally, we’re making sure that during a time that’s really vulnerable for so many, housing is stabilized because it’s a fundamental need. We're making sure that when people are losing jobs, they have the resources they need to maintain their roof over their heads.”

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

“We disperse some funds, as we’ve been able to secure some grants,” says Victoria, “but more importantly, we [seek to understand why] an individual is in their situation. For instance, is it due to an employment issue? [Employment services can help them.] We work one on one with those we serve, and we use this holistic approach to address their needs.” Part of that holistic approach involves being intentional to address the overall health and wellness of the veteran community. “The other area we focus on is health and wellness - especially right now with our current environment nationally and globally - through physical health, mental health, and wellness initiatives,” says

“WE’RE MAKING SURE THAT WHEN PEOPLE ARE LOSING JOBS, THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MAINTAIN THEIR ROOF OVER THEIR HE ADS.”

Victoria. “Cycling and kayaking events are some of the different platforms for engaging in physical wellbeing, but they also provide a sense of community and camaraderie, which is good for everyone's mental health.”

Many of the connections made through ForcesUnited

Within the stories of the veterans helped though

rely on community partnerships, especially from

ForcesUnited, you find the heart of the organization.

local businesses eager to train and hire veterans.

Victoria shares, “A recent request came from a veteran

Additionally, there are a variety of opportunities to come

who was laid off from her job as a daycare worker in

alongside ForcesUnited in educational and fundraising

March. The daycare was shut down due to COVID. She’s

campaigns. “We have a lot of businesses that do third

not been able to return to work because the daycare has

party types of events or marketing efforts to support our

not reopened. She needed help with her September rent,

organization,” says Victoria. “There are many opportu-

or she would have been without housing. We helped

nities for them to tie in their own outreach and market-

her with her rent, but in addition to that, we connected

ing platforms to benefit our mission.”

her with other partners who could help her navigate

“We have our Eleven to Eleven campaign going on

through this situation. From there, she [connects with]

right now,” says Victoria. “It’s an awareness and fund-

our employment services, where we can help her identify

raising platform where we have certain events like a golf

potential employment opportunities.”

tournament, a kayaking event, and a raffle. The Eleven to

Victoria gives credit to the amazing staff, who are

Eleven campaign was started a few years ago to recog-

appropriately called advocates, for serving their clients

nize September 11th, what that meant to our country, and

so well. “It is a personal and professional privilege to

the individuals who served during that crisis. We carry

work with this group and to have been selected as the

on through Veteran’s Day to rally individuals together to

director and leader of these really talented individuals

better understand who we are and those we are serving.”

who care about people and whose niche is caring for the individuals who have cared for our country.”

As an organization, ForcesUnited (previously the Augusta Warrior Project) was the first of its kind and

Advocates make it a priority to listen to the needs of

now serves as a blueprint for other veteran organizations

their clients, get to know them, and use all the tools in

being created across the country. With those core values

their collaboration toolkit to come up with solutions to

still firmly in place and under Victoria's seasoned leader-

a variety of challenges. “I’m very privileged to work with

ship, ForcesUnited will continue to provide extraordinary

these individuals who make magic happen every day, and

services to veterans and their families.

it really is magic to witness,” says Victoria. “They get a call from someone who is desperate, or maybe someone

The ForcesUnited offices are located at 701 Green

who just needs to know that someone is there to help

Street, Augusta. For more information on services offered

them, hear them, and help them make connections. They

to veterans and their families, or to find out how you or

dialogue, talk it through, and then if they need to connect

your business can support or partner with ForcesUnited,

to other internal divisions, that connection is made.”

visit ForcesUnited.org or call 706-951-7506. CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

CULINARY CREATIONS

t ast y t ha n ksg iv in g treats ENJOY THIS PEAR VANILLA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE FROM JENNIFER SHUFORD OF TASTEFULLY YOURS CATERING ARTICLE LYDIA KAYE CLOTHEY PHOTOGRAPHY ADRION BELL

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

pea r va n i l l a upside dow n c a ke IN MANY WAYS, THANKSGIVING IS SYNONYMOUS WITH DELICIOUS FARE. This sweet dessert recipe is compliments of Jennifer Shuford, owner of Tastefully Yours Catering, and is sure to delight. Enjoy the soft, seasonal scents and flavors of these cakes along with your annual favorites.

i n g re d ient s FOR THE TOPPING: + 1/4 cup light brown sugar + 3 tablespoons unsalted butter + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (a little more if you prefer salty caramel) + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste + 4 fresh pear slices, 1/4” thick (may have to be cut down to size of ramekin) FOR THE CAKE: + 1/3 cup cake flour + 1/3 cup all purpose flour + 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon baking powder + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt + 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold + 1/3 cup milk (I used 1%) + 1 egg + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

i n st r uc t ion s MAKE THE TOPPING: Grease four ramekins. Place the brown sugar, butter, and salt into a small skillet over medium heat. Stir together until the brown sugar has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste. Divide the mixture evenly between the 4 ramekins and place a pear half into the center of each. MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles moist crumbs. Add egg and beat until well combined. Add milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste and beat for about a minute. Divide batter equally between the four ramekins. Bake for 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Run a thin knife around edge of each ramekin to loosen cake. Invert onto a serving plate. Note: the tops of cakes may need to be trimmed off (to flatten them) if they’ve risen to a high dome during baking. CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

NOW OPEN AGE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE BRING CHERISHED

WISDOM

CELE-

ARTICLE MICHELLE W. PARNELL

BRATE. It’s the honor and privilege of

PHOTOGRAPHY RANDY PACE

younger generations to care for those who raised, taught, and shepherded us through our coming of age. As our parents and grandparents enter their twilight years,

FINDING THE RIGHT PRIVATE CARE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS IS CLOSER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

we desire to care for them in the best way possible. Sometimes, that means making decisions about whether they can stay at home or if more care is needed. For that, we look to experts for advice.

E X T R AO R D I N A R Y CARE

Theresa Price, owner of ExtraOrdinary

Private Care, encourages families to keep their loved ones at home if possible. “Home health care is so important. What’s best for them most of the time is for individuals to do all they can to keep their loved one at home in their familiar environment. However, I realized at a young age that you don’t want strangers coming into your home.” According to Theresa, the secret to overcoming this challenge involves listening to the client and the family and allowing the clients to have an active role in choosing their caregiver. “Letting clients interview caregivers to see if it’s a good fit before they start working is very important to me,” says Theresa. "The client's realization that they get some input - that they get to choose who will be coming - helps out a lot.” To Theresa, the personal connection between client and caregiver claims top priority. She says, “We will search until we find a good home for that caregiver and the right person for the client. I want to get the right caregivers into the right homes.” She does so by listening to clients, helping them identify their unique needs, and being intentional to match the caregiver to a client based on the client’s needs and the ability of the caregiver to meet those needs.

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

With so many factors surrounding choosing home health care for a loved one, Theresa shares four important aspects to explore:

Consider home health care when your loved one has a high risk of falling or begins to jeopardize their safety by forgetting important details like taking medication, leaving the stove on, or where they’re going.

Seek out private care services that are properly licensed on both the state and local level and have the appropriate level of medical training for your needs.

Decide on which services you’ll need: personal hygiene care, medication management, food prep or feeding assistance, light housework, respite or companion services.

Contract with a private care service who will put a priority on personal introductions and who search until they find a good fit with caregiver and client. For more information on private home health care, contact Theresa Price at ExtraOrdinary Private Care by calling 706-223-3811 or 706-814-5712 or sending an email to EOHCStaffing@gmail.com. ExtraOrdinary Private Care serves many Georgia counties in the CSRA, including Columbia, Richmond, McDuffie, Burke, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Warren and Washington counties. CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

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Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 26

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

HOMETOWN HERO

HOMEMADE HERO MEET FRANK STRAUSSER, OWNER OF PROPS AND HEROES AND BRINGER OF SMILES, JOY, AND STRENGTH

ARTICLE AARON HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY SANJEEV SINGHAL

Frank Strausser with fellow hero Amanda Stiles

FICTION, IN ITS OWN WAY, CAN BE TRANSFORMATIVE. Through

he says. So, with the help of online forums, he began creating his

the lives of characters on a page or a screen, we are able to find parts

own costumes and props. He quickly discovered the wide online

of ourselves within the characters’ worlds. Stories can change us,

market for his work, and his costume business took off, right out

rearrange our thinking, and help us to find ourselves in ways that we

of his parents’ laundry room. “I ended up making a $1000 return

could never have imagined. Frank Strausser, an Augusta native and

in just a couple of weeks,” Frank explains. His grandmother

lover of fiction, combined his passion for beloved characters and his

helped him hone his craft, teaching him to sew his own material;

creative intellect to create a business that brings fiction to life: Props

that was nearly 12 years ago now.

and Heroes, a company specializing in creating custom costumes.

Frank makes all of his costumes from materials that he person-

Frank and his business, just like any comic book character,

ally selects. Everything is hand drawn, painted, and researched to

had humble beginnings in his childhood home when he was

be as accurate as possible. Frank is wholly dedicated to his craft,

15. He was disheartened by the Halloween costumes for sale in

even using Hollywood-grade materials and standards to ensure

stores. “The quality of normal costumes was just … not great,”

the costumes are as accurate and high-quality as possible.

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

Frank also likes to help customers make costumes for themselves. While he does enjoy the business side of things, Frank is also heavily involved with his community and uses his costumes to visit children’s hospitals, raising money for several charity organizations - all for no compensation whatsoever. “Money is great. It’s a power tool, but that’s never been my drive. We absolutely love making kids smile. It’s the best feeling in the world. As cliché as it is, we want to bring smiles to people.” Frank’s relationship with his charity work comes from his lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy, which enables him to relate deeply to those he helps with his costumes. “I always knew that I was physically weaker than the other kids,” he explains, “but I didn’t know why until I was 10.” Frank went through years of physical therapy and was in and out of hospitals with his struggles with muscular dystrophy and asthma. “One of my favorite characters when I was a kid was Spider Man, and that’s still kind of true. For Halloween, I would dress up as him because for that little bit, I was Spider Man…I wasn’t weak Frank; I was strong Spiderman.” With the help of his supportive parents and the strength of characters he grew up admiring, Frank hopes that his business will CONTINUED >

“WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE MAKING KIDS SMILE. IT’S THE BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. AS CLICHÉ AS IT IS, WE WANT TO BRING SMILES TO PEOPLE.” CityLifestyle.com/Augusta

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

not only teach others the craft of making costumes, but that they will also find hope and strength within the fictional characters that they love. “We always hear, years later, that the kids are still talking about our visits. They’ve recovered, and they’re still so ecstatic about it.” “Heroes in general are very important to us. They mean that it’s going to get better. In the comics, superheroes have as many problems as ordinary people do, and you can still look to them. It’s the same thing here. We get to put on a suit and be a superhero for these kids. There’s just no better feeling.” To contact Frank Strausser of Props and Heroes, call 706-564-6960, email PropsAndHeroes@gmail.com, PropsAndHeroes.com.

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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OCT 31

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

HEROES FOR HOPE 5K RUN/WALK

Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans To Locks Road

Join Child Enrichment's Heroes For Hope 5k Run/Walk on October 31st. This will be a fun, family friendly event

where adults and kids are encour-

aged to dress up in their favorite superhero costume and participate

in the 5k run, 5k walk, or the Fun Run for kids ages 10 and under. Call 706737-4631 or visit VisitAugusta.com/

Event/Heroes-For-Hope-5k-RunWalk/16841/ for more info.

6, 13, 20 RECTEQ MOVIE NIGHT

Recteq, 4301 Evans to Locks Road

Family Night. Date Night. Friday Night. We have you covered with

SERVICES Precision Cut Window Tinting Lift Kits Leveling Kits Wheel & Tire Packages Bed Liners Detailing and MORE

Movie Night! Mark your calendars and join us at the recteq™ headquarters for the perfect way to kickstart your weekend! Food trucks, movies for all ages, the list goes on! Did we mention you can bring your own coolers? For more details and the show schedule, visit MovieNight.Recteq.com

21 SWAMP TREKS - ART IN NATURE

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock & Dam Road

Swamp Treks brings nature to life for 3rd – 8th grade children. Focused on making the outdoors exciting, Swamp Treks makes it fun to gain respect for the environment and to enjoy wildlife.

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Split into two age groups, children will explore art in nature (patterns and seed art). Admission is $10 per person. Call 706-396-1426 for more info. CONTINUED >

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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Santa Claus is coming to

Bristol Tiller Photography!

26 THANKSGIVING DAY

NOVEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

We hope today is filled with family and friends, excellent food, and

moments that fill your heart with gratitude for the little things, the big blessings, and everything in

Dates Santa will be with us: Saturday, November 7th Sunday, November 8th Saturday, November 14th Sunday, November 15th Saturday, November 21st Sunday, November 22nd

between. Happy Thanksgiving from the Augusta Lifestyle team.

27 LOW COUNTRY CLOTHIER BLACK FRIDAY EVENT Low Country Clothier, 426 Furys Ferry Rd

Black Friday is on at Low Country Clothier! Starting at 8 am, they'll

have lots of deals and freebies, and you'll find clothes and gifts for the favorite people on your list. You'll have chances to win swag bags and

drawings for other goodies too! This will be a safe and exciting shopping experience to enjoy this Black Friday.

Call Bristol at (706) 466-2478 Book your appointment today! Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Augusta using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 34

Augusta Lifestyle | November 2020

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