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Letter from the Editor
The holiday season is finally here, and with it comes the joy of giving, gathering, and celebrating the traditions that make this time of year so memorable. Welcome to our December issue, where we hope to inspire and delight you with stories, recipes, and DIY ideas that bring warmth to your holiday.
At the heart of this issue is our annual Giving Campaign, where we invite you to nominate someone deserving of a Christmas blessing. This tradition allows us to honor those who make a difference and share the spirit of the season with those who need it most.
We also take a look at Stevens Creek Church and the incredible ways they celebrate Christmas, from joyful gatherings to events for the whole family.
For a festive touch in the kitchen, The Chef's Table with Bill Coxwell offers a delightful Cranberry-Pecan Bark recipe—a perfect blend of flavors to enjoy with loved ones or share as a homemade gift.
For a fun take on gift-giving, check out our DIY present-wrapping ideas using craft paper, polka dots, and more. These unique wrappings add an extra layer of love to every gift.
We hope this issue fills your season with inspiration and joy. Wishing you a holiday filled with peace, creativity, and all the magic of Christmas.
BAILEY HALL, EDITOR
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Jana Morris | jana.morris@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bailey Hall | bailey.hall@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Michelle Parnell | michelle.parnell@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Daniel Morris
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chef Bill Coxwell, Julie Brown Patton, Michelle W. Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chef Bill Coxwell
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7:Everyone
New Botox Injector at EA Beauty
EA Beauty Studio is proud to announce Dr. Lucas Davis, their newest Botox Injector. Dr. Davis is a dedicated physician with a strong foundation in biochemistry, graduating with honors from Clemson University in 2003. He went on to earn his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina before completing his Family Medicine residency at the Medical College of Georgia in 2012. In 2021, Dr. Davis expanded his expertise into the field of aesthetics.
Win Tickets to Christmas with John Berry
Win big this Christmas! Enter our giveaway for a chance to win two tickets to the Christmas with John Berry concert on December 4th and a $150 gift certificate to Cadwalladers! To participate, visit Augusta City Lifestyle Magazine on Facebook and enter through our page. Celebrate the season with festive music, delicious dining, and a memorable night out!
Cookbook Signing at Sweet Azalea
Join Chef Bill Coxwell, owner of Sweet Azalea Gourmet Shop & Catering, for a book signing of his latest release, Southern Menus Season by Season. Stop by Sweet Azalea on December 12th from 5-7 pm to meet Chef Bill, sample refreshments from the cookbook, and enjoy a unique shopping experience. This fourth cookbook offers seasonal menus for any occasion, from Engagement Barbecues to Tex-Mex parties!
CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Senior Living Community
Brandon Wilde brandonwilde.com | 706.868.9800
Hammond Square navionseniorsolutions.com | 803.441.8441
Stevens Park Health And Rehabilitation Center stevensparkhealth.org | 706.737.0350
Marshall Pines Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living Marshall pines.com | 706.869.9500
The Village on 5th fairwaymanagement.com | 706.722.7374
In-Home Care Provider
Visiting Angels visitingangels.com/augusta/home | 706.955.4220
Savannah River ProHome Care srphomecare.com | 706.836.9160
Home Instead Senior Care homeinstead.com/788 | 706.922.3691
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Comfort Keepers Home Care 706.723.1744
Qualicare Home Care Augusta qualicare.com | 762.930.8008
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Christmas at the Creek
JOIN STEVENS CREEK CHURCH FOR SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL
This year, Todd Sturgell celebrates his 29th Christmas at Stevens Creek Church. As Executive Pastor of Experience and Campuses, Todd oversees worship, communications, music, and more for all four of the Stevens Creek Church campuses: Augusta, Grovetown, South Augusta, and most recently North Augusta. Everything Todd and the church staff plan revolves around the church’s three main pillars of Loving God, Loving People, and Serving the World.
“We are a church where the lost can be found and the broken can be healed,” shares Todd. “We want to be a place where people come in, even if they don’t know God, and create a space for them to have that opportunity to experience Him.”
Todd and the Stevens Creek team put a lot of thought into each and every service, but know there is something extra special about Christmastime. “Christmas is an incredible season; we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus and really the start of Christianity,” he explains. “We want to make every Sunday in December special and have different events throughout the month that culminate with our Christmas Eve services, which have become an incredible tradition in our community.”
“We take it to another level during December, to inspire people and bring them joy. We want to create moments where people can connect and families can come have an incredible Christmas experience,” he adds. “We want everyone to be in a position where they are open to hear
the message of Jesus. For me, the ultimate reward is creating those moments and experiences where people can leave differently than they came.”
The church’s Christmas Series begins in December with the festive decorations, familiar carols and songs, special music and video presentations, and Christmasthemed messages. On December 15th, Stevens Creek will hold a special night for families called Christmas Blast. It’s an opportunity for children to get a free picture with Santa and for everyone to enjoy fun foods and end the evening with fireworks. All the while, excitement builds for Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Eve service at each of the four campuses looks the same, from singing Christmas classics of different genres and tying it all together with a familiar holiday story. After sharing a special Christmas-focused message, the service ends with a special presentation of the song “O Holy Night”.
“So many people have made Christmas Eve at the Creek part of their tradition, and they look forward to it every year because it’s such a powerful time,” says Todd. “Our goal is for everyone to experience all of the emotions of Christmas. We want them to laugh, cry, and feel moved to leave differently. During the Christmas season, but especially on Christmas Eve, we create an experience like no other. We feel like if you’re going to do anything for Christmas this season, especially a Christmas Eve service, that it needs to be at Stevens Creek and you will not be disappointed.”
For more information on times and locations of special events for Christmas at the Creek, visit s tevenscreekchurch. com/Christmas or call 706-863-7002
"So many people have made Christmas Eve at the Creek part of their tradition, and they look forward to it every year because it’s such a powerful time."
"Christmas is an incredible season; we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus and really the start of Christianity. We want to make every Sunday in December special and have different events throughout the month that culminate with our Christmas Eve services, which have become an incredible tradition in our community.”
Calendar: Christmas at the Creek
Ladies Christmas Party with dinner, activities, and ornament exchange
• Grovetown Campus – Sunday, December 1st at 6:30pm
• North Augusta Campus – Monday, December 2nd at 6:30pm
• Augusta Campus – Tuesday, December 3rd at 6:30pm
• South Augusta Campus – Thursday, December 5th at 6:30pm
Christmas Blast
• Augusta Campus – Sunday, December 15th 5:00-7:00pm
Simple Christmas
• All campuses – Sunday, December 22 – an opportunity to slow down and have a simple, intimate, and meaningful worship experience
Christmas Eve Services
• Augusta Campus – Monday, December 23 at 5:00pm & 7:00pm Tuesday, December 24 at 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, & 7:00pm
• Grovetown Campus – Tuesday, December 24 at 3:00pm & 5:00pm
• North Augusta Campus – Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00pm
• South Augusta Campus – Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00pm
THE CHEF'S TABLE WITH BILL COXWELL
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CHEF BILL COXWELL
Lynn's Cranberry-Pecan Bark
This month, chef Bill Coxwell shares a festive treat from his friend Lynn, who is known for spreading holiday cheer through her delicious recipes. Lynn’s Cranberry-Pecan Bark is a holiday favorite, perfect for gifting or savoring yourself. Its sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors make it a simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe to celebrate the season.
Makes enough to eat and some to share
ingredients:
• 2 packages (12 ounces each) white chocolate chips
• 6 (2 ounces each) vanilla candy coating squares
• 1 ¾ cups dried cranberries
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
directions:
Step 1. Melt morsels and candy coating in a microwaveable bowl.
Step 2. Time in 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and creamy.
Step 3. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
Step 4. Line a 15 x 13-inch cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5. Spread mixture on parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.
Step 6. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
tips:
During Christmas, Lynn makes these and shares them with others in little baggies. The bark does not have to be refrigerated after breaking into pieces.
that’s a WRAP
DIY Gift Wrapping That Stands Out During The Season
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
‘TIS
‘Tis the season to get crafty, clever or characterized! Well-wrapped holiday packages create immediate enthusiasm and somehow seem to make gifts more meaningful. Whether going for shiny, vintage, colorful, rustic, playful or eco-friendly impressions, the following are some Do-ItYourself gift-wrapping ideas to make the wrapping process even more satisfying. Simply applying jute twine to gifts provides a ‘less is more’ vibe.
ADD NATURAL TOUCHES TO CRAFT PAPER:
For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents, such as sprigs, pine cones and cinnamon sticks, tied up with twine, encircling recycled paper for the wrapping.
FIRST INITIAL DECORATION:
In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient’s first initial to the top of the box. The letter then can serve as customized décor, too.
POLKA DOTS:
Wrap gifts in plain craft paper and then cut out big, multicolored polka dots to glue down. It’s hard not to smile at big, bright dots.
CARDBOARD BOX SNOWPERSON:
Wrap three or four boxes in white paper, with different gifts inside, and then stack them. Tape the boxes together, tapering to the top. Glue buttons on the bottom ones, create a snowperson’s face on the top one, with carrot nose cut out of orange paper.
the SEASON
Attach a real hat, if desired. Tie wider, festive bow around the snowperson’s ‘neck.’ Add a real corncob pipe for a bonus finishing touch, if preferred.
MINI TREE GIFT WRAPPING:
Pine needles and small tips of real tree branches make quick and easy mini Christmas trees that can be glued onto Christmas gifts. They will smell nice, too.
BOOK PAGE WRAPPING PAPER:
Repurpose old book pages by cutting out shapes of dreidels, snowflakes, ornaments, candles or reindeer to paste on gifts.
DIY STAMP WRAPPING PAPER:
Wrap gifts in solid colors of paper. Secure ink stamps and an ink pad in a themed color(s), and stamp the paper as much or as little as desired.
UNBOXED:
Apply other types of containers, rather than boxes or bags, for gift wrapping; examples: canisters, pillow cases, baskets, fabric scraps, maps, glass containers, towels, blankets, scarves, Bento bags (also called triangle bags or origami bags).
events
DECEMBER 3RD
Christmas in Columbia County
Evans Towne Center Park
Mark your calendars for December 3rd for a full day of fun at the Evans Towne Center Park! The Holiday Market begins at 1pm, the Christmas parade begins at 3pm, there will be pictures with Santa from 1:30pm to 5pm, live music from 3pm to 6pm, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks at approximately 6:15pm.
DECEMBER 4TH
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland
Miller Theater
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland has entertained thousands around the globe and now returns to the U.S. this holiday season. Don’t miss your chance to see this magical show! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MillerTheaterAugusta.com.
DECEMBER 5TH - 8TH
Hayride Through the Life of Christ
Columbia County Fair Grounds
Sharon Baptist Church presents the Hayride Through the Life of Christ. This free event offers a unique presentation that will carry you through a special performance centered around the "Reason for the Season." Enjoy hot chocolate, music, and a kids corner. This hayride is held on December 5th through the 8th from 7pm to 9pm.
DECEMBER 6TH
Augusta Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
Witness the magic of the season with the Augusta Ballet as they present The Nutcracker. This performance will take place at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center on December 6th. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com.
DECEMBER 14TH
Auggie's 11th Annual Holiday Buzzar!
SRP Park
Auggie’s 11th Annual Holiday BUZZar will be held at the SRP Park on December the 14th from 10am to 1pm. Santa will be at the Hive Pro Shop for photos and concessions will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Drive! This event is free and dogs are welcome.
DECEMBER 25TH
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas from the Augusta City Lifestyle team! We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends!
