Letter from the Editor
As we welcome November, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we’re most grateful for. This month, our focus is all about celebrating the moments, people, and traditions that fill our lives with joy.
In this issue, we are excited to feature a heartfelt recipe from Chef Bill Coxwell. His Mother’s Candied Sweet Potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, a dish passed down, embodying the warmth of family traditions.
We’re also proud to spotlight the Augusta Area Newcomers Club, where Susan Salisbury shares how the club fosters connection and community for new residents. It’s a reminder of the importance of welcoming and sharing experiences with others.
For those looking to add a creative touch to their holiday tables, our guide to decorating Thanksgiving cornucopias will help you craft the perfect centerpiece. And let’s not forget the joy of gathering with loved ones to share delicious bites— our Dip-Giving spread features savory and sweet dips like Fig and Honey Brie, Garlic Herb Feta dip, and a decadent Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake dip that will surely be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.
As we enter the season of giving and gratitude, we hope this issue inspires you to embrace the beauty of tradition, community, and creativity. Wishing you and your family a wonderful November full of warmth and togetherness.
BAILEY HALL, EDITOR
November 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
Angela Brookerd, Chef Bill Coxwell, Julie Brown Patton, Michelle W. Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chef Bill Coxwell, Janie Jones
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
Premier General Contractors Since 1986
Beyond providing quality workmanship and comprehensive design/build services, we strive to build a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with each of our clients’ large and small. We accomplish this by putting your priorities first and conducting ourselves with integrity in every aspect of our business.
business monthly
Rose Bennett of Bubbles or Not Dive Shop
Receives Certification
Congratulations to Rose Bennett, owner of Bubbles-or-Not Dive Shop, for achieving her goal of becoming a PADI Divemaster. Rose and her late husband, Bob, made a promise together, and despite his unexpected passing in 2021, she pushed forward to accomplish it. Her determination and passion shines through, honoring Bob's faith in her every step of the way.
Gerald Jones Honda Celebrating 50 Years
Gerald Jones Honda marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of dedication to the Augusta community. Recently honored with an award from American Honda Motor Company, the dealership has built lasting relationships, offering quality vehicles and top-tier service since 1974. "Our success is rooted in the trust of our loyal customers," says Andy Jones, Dealer Principal of Gerald Jones Honda.
Laziza Mediterranean Grill Celebrates 13 Years
Congratulations to Laziza Mediterranean Grill on celebrating their 13th anniversary! Owned by Nader and Lisa Khatib, Laziza has been a beloved spot for Middle Eastern cuisine in the CSRA, with locations in Evans and Augusta. Known for their delicious feta fries, hummus, and chicken shawarma, they continue to serve up flavorful favorites. Visit them at 901 Broad Street in Augusta or 4272 Washington Road in Evans to join in the celebration!
The Chef's Table with Bill Coxwell
ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHEF BILL COXWELL
Mother's Candied Sweet Potatoes
One of my favorite memories of Thanksgiving is Mother’s Candied Sweet Potatoes. These are the real deal! Safely peeling and carefully slicing the potatoes is the hardest part. They can be made ahead and reheated, but be careful not to break the cut strips, Mother would disapprove. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!
ingredients:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick butter
• 2 large red sweet potatoes
• ½ cup Karo Syrup (clear)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
directions:
Step 1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into long strips.
Step 2. Mix all other ingredients in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3. Bring to a boil, stirring gently.
Step 4. When mixture begins to boil; drop strips into mixture.
Step 5. Reduce heat and cook uncovered, slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Step 6. Shake pan frequently to turn potatoes and to prevent them from sticking.
Step 7. Do not attempt to turn potatoes with spoon or tongs as this will break up strips.
Step 8. Serve hot.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
CONNECTING RESIDENTS THROUGH FUN AND ENGAGING ACTIVITIES
AUGUSTA AREA NEWCOMERS CLUB
For the last fifty years, the Augusta Area Newcomers Club has provided a welcoming place for residents to connect with others and enjoy fun and engaging activities.
“Our mission is to help new residents and those that have had life
at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Past events include a tour of the Savannah River Site, Fort Eisenhower Presidential Dinner Theatre, and interesting day trips.
“There are seven book clubs, Mah Jongg events, a travel group, a movie
“THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO MOVE HERE OR RETIRE HERE WHO HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER AND DON’T REALLY HAVE AN OUTLET FOR ALL OF THEIR TALENTS.”
changes learn about and enjoy the area while providing opportunities to make friends and become involved in social and charitable activities,” shared Susan Salisbury, one of the club’s Past President and co-chair of the Publicity Committee. “A lot of our members are people who are not new to the community but rather they are people who have had life changes, often a retirement or death in the family; an event where they need a new circle of friends and something fresh and fun in their lives.”
With over 250 members and 30 activity groups, members always have activities available. One of the club’s summer events included a day
group, yoga, and more,” shared Susan. “We also have monthly luncheons and an annual fundraising event. There is so much going on with daily activities and something for everyone to enjoy.”
In addition to fun activities, there are many ways for people to be involved with the Newcomers Club. Members can participate through committees that focus on event planning, fundraising, helping disseminate information through the club’s website, Facebook page, and newsletters, and even participate on the Board of Directors.
“There are many people who move here or retire here who have so much
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Susan Salisbury
to offer and don’t really have an outlet for all of their talents,” said Susan, a local realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun.
“The Augusta Area Newcomers Club offers opportunities to use their talents in a very satisfying way.”
Each year, the club chooses a local charity to support. Members collect donations throughout the year and volunteer at the non-profit, culminating efforts in the spring with a large fundraising event. This year, the club presented over $22,000 to the Drumgoole Family Initiatives project that is building homes for those who have aged out of the foster care system and need a place to live.
“My favorite part of the Newcomers Club is how we collaborate and bring our different experiences together towards reaching whatever goal we set,” shared Diane Evans, long-time member and this year’s co-chair of the Publicity Committee. “This year was one of our most stellar fundraising years yet and we exceeded our expectations in the amount we raised. We are so excited to be part of something that is such a positive influence in our community.”
The fundraising focus for this upcoming year is RISE Augusta, an organization that provides programming and resources to help children succeed in school and life.
The Augusta Area Newcomers Club membership fee is $40 per year and the membership year runs September to August. For more information, visit www.augustanewcomers.net or contact Susan Salisbury at 317-847-7216.
thanksgiving cornucopia
How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.
deliciously edible
Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.
florals can be gourd- geous
Or, get inspired from the following ideas and have fun creating a centerpiece completely customized.
• Slice and fill real squashes with floral foam to hold classic fall flowers, such as mums, pom-pom daisies and dahlias.
• For a pop of color on Thanksgiving tables, a large turquoise or pink pumpkin goes a long way.
• For a cranberry-filled vase, place a smaller glass cylinder inside a larger one, then pour fresh cranberries into the gap between the two vases. For flowers, mix a few grocery-store blooms with dried millet and faux dill blooms, or silk and dried flowers.
• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.
• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.
• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.
• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.
• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.
• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.
use vintage finds
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
NOVEMBER 3RD, 10TH, 17TH, 24TH Holiday Market at the Marina
5th Street Marina
Visit 5th Street Marina every Sunday for their Holiday Market from 12PM to 4PM. There will be a wide variety of vendors and artists selling jewelry, soaps, food, wreaths, and more presents.
NOVEMBER 9TH
2024 Augusta Buddy Walk
Evans Towne Center Park
The 2024 Augusta Buddy Walk celebrates people with Down Syndrome and their families, as well as promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. This celebration features a short walk around the park, bounce houses, an obstacle course, food and business vendors, face painting, and the GaSCar Antique Car Club. For more information, visit UpsideOfDownsInc.com
NOVEMBER 9TH
The CSRA Mustang and Ford Club Car and Truck Show
C&C Automotive
The CSRA Mustang and Ford Club Car and Truck Show will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at C&C Automotive in Martinez, GA. All makes and models are welcome! Show times are from 8AM to 2PM. For more information, visit www.csramc.org
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NOVEMBER 23RD
The Fab Four: USA Meets The Beatles!
Columbia County Performing Arts Center
If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four Ultimate Tribute. The 2024 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating the Beatles’ first visit to the USA, with performances from the Ed Sullivan Show and the Meet The Beatles album, as well as the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era. For more information and tickets, visit TheCenterOfCC.com
NOVEMBER 27TH
Friendsgiving - Swamp Music: A Tribute to Skynyrd
Miller Theater
Friendsgiving with Swamp Music: A Tribute to Skynyrd benefitting Golden Harvest Food Bank will be held at the Miller Theater on November 27th. Non perishable foods items can also be dropped off the night of the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MillerTheaterAugusta.com
NOVEMBER 28TH
Thanksgiving
Wishing you a joyful and warm Thanksgiving from all of us at Augusta City Lifestyle. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food as you gather with family and friends.
