Letter from the Publisher
As November rolls in, we find ourselves reflecting on the people, businesses, and moments that make our community so special. In this issue, we celebrate gratitude in all its forms—whether it’s for family, friends, or the traditions that bring us together.
We are excited to highlight All About Trucks and Autos as they mark 20 years of business. Owner Daniel Morris shares valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful family-run company and the importance of community support, especially in tough times. It’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and the joy of working with family.
In another feature, we turn the spotlight on Augusta Amusements, a beloved local business run by Mike Deas, that has been bringing family-friendly concerts to the CSRA for years. Their dedication to providing quality entertainment enriches our community, giving families and music lovers the chance to enjoy unforgettable experiences together.
For those planning autumn gatherings, we’ve included mouth-watering side dishes perfect for your next dinner party. From the hearty Fresh Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon to the colorful and flavorful Heirloom Root Vegetable Hash, these dishes are sure to impress and bring warmth to your table.
As we dive into this season of gratitude, we hope this issue serves as a reminder of the incredible people and businesses that shape our community. May you find joy in the simple pleasures, cherish time spent with loved ones, and enjoy all that this season of thankfulness has to offer.
JANA MORRIS, PUBLISHER @EVANS.LIFESTYLE
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
Bailey Hall, Chef Kyle Williams, LeAnn Parker, Madeline Leblanc, Michelle W. Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chris Coward, Janie Jones, Leann Parker
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
business monthly
Gerald Jones Honda Celebrates 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.
Tuscany Spa Reopens After Year-Long Closure
After more than a year of being closed due to a fire, Tuscany Spa has officially reopened and is operating at full capacity. They are excited to welcome back their loyal clients and offer their full range of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. It's wonderful to see this local favorite back in business, ready to help the community relax, rejuvenate, and renew!
Kindness in Action
We would like to wish Lillian Perry a very Happy 10th Birthday! In celebration of her special day, Lillian generously collected donations for Columbia County Animal Services, helping local animals in need. Thank you, Lillian, for your kindness and for making a difference in our community with this heartwarming act of service!
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.
Rolling into 20 Years
ALL ABOUT TRUCKS AND AUTOS MARKS 20
YEARS OF SERVICE AND GRATITUDE
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
As All About Trucks and Autos celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, owner Daniel Morris reflects on the journey that has shaped his locally owned truck customization and accessories shop into a trusted name in the community. What started as a small family business has grown into a cornerstone for truck enthusiasts and owners alike, providing high-quality customization services like wheels and tires, lift and level kits, spray-in bedliners, and more. But as Daniel tells it, the secret to their success goes far beyond the products they offer—it’s rooted in passion, perseverance, and a commitment to building lasting relationships.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
For those considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship, Daniel has one piece of core advice: “Find something you love doing, and don’t stop doing it. The first few years running your own business can be tough, but don’t give up.” Starting any business comes with its challenges, and Daniel knows this firsthand. “It can take some time to get your name out there and figure out a system that works for you,” he explains. “A few important things I’d say are good customer service and advertising your business. Without those, you won’t get far.”
Daniel’s own experience speaks to the value of perseverance. He’s seen the ups and downs of owning a small business, but his dedication to his craft has kept All About Trucks and Autos thriving. “Good customer service isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice every day,” he says. “That’s how you build loyalty.”
THE REWARD OF A JOB WELL DONE
One of the most fulfilling aspects of running his own business, Daniel shares, is the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. “A customer will come in and tell us everything they’re wanting to do to their truck, we order the parts, and after we finish the work and show them the results… there’s nothing better than seeing them get excited and be satisfied with our work,” Daniel says with a smile. For him, the reward is in those moments when a customer’s vision is brought to reality, and they leave with a vehicle customized to their exact specifications.
It’s not just about the trucks, though. Over the years, many customers have become much more than clients. “We have a lot of loyal customers that have become great friends,” Daniel says. “We strive for our customers to feel like family.”
THE STRENGTH OF A FAMILY BUSINESS
For Daniel, one of the greatest blessings of owning All About Trucks and Autos is working alongside his wife and kids. “I love being able to come to work every day and be with my family,” he says. “We all work together really well, and we all have different strengths and skills that keep us running smoothly and efficiently.” Each family member plays a role that helps the shop function at its best, whether it’s handling the technical aspects of the work, managing the day-to-day operations, or interacting with customers, and their combined efforts have made the business what it is today.
Recently, All About Trucks and Autos faced a significant challenge when Hurricane Helene hit the area, leaving the shop without power and halting business temporarily. “It was a tough time for us, but we worked together as a family and made a plan to move forward,” Daniel recalls. “We’re so thankful for the community and for those who supported us during that time. The outpouring of support reminded us why we love serving this community.”
“We have a lot of loyal customers that have become great friends. We strive for our customers to feel like family.”
Photography Credit: Chris Coward
“We couldn’t have done it without our customers, our family, and the community. It’s been a blessing to do what we love every day, and we look forward to continuing for many more years.”
GRATITUDE FOR 20 YEARS
As Daniel looks back, his gratitude shines through. He is thankful for the support of loyal customers, the opportunity to work alongside family, and the strength of the community that has been with them through thick and thin. “We couldn’t have done it without our customers, our family, and the community,” Daniel says. “It’s been a blessing to do what we love every day, and we look forward to continuing for many more years.”
All About Trucks and Autos has not only customized countless vehicles, but it has also built lasting connections, becoming a business the community can trust and depend on. All About Trucks and Autos is located at 640 South Old Belair Road. To get a free quote, call 706.855.8768. To see pictures of past work, follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @AllAboutTrucksLLC.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BRINGING LIVE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT TO THE CSRA
AUGUSTA AMUSEMENTS
A native of Augusta, Mike Deas returned to the area after retiring and one day stumbled upon a post-retirement adventure.
“I was driving down Broad Street and saw the Miller Theatre had a for sale sign
“WHEN
“We love doing holiday concerts,” he says. “My wife and I decorate the stage for Christmas with lights and it gives you a warm holiday feeling when you come see one of our holiday shows.”
YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO THE HARDEN AUDITORIUM TO SEE SHOWS THAT AUGUSTA AMUSEMENTS PUTS ON, WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.”
on it and was all boarded up. It was so sad that a place that was so valuable to me as a kid had deteriorated into that shape,” he remembers. “When Peter Knox purchased the theatre, I asked if I could go in and salvage the historic information about The Miller. During the process, I pulled out a number of documents with Augusta Amusements on it.”
Mike discovered that Augusta Amusements was founded by five gentlemen who were big names in the entertainment and theater industry: Frank Miller, William K. Jenkins, Arthur Lucus, James Hull, and Leonard Goldenson. Not wanting such history to be forgotten, he filed to have the business name reinstated in 2009 and since then Augusta Amusements has brought over 150 family friendly concerts to Augusta.
Mike is particularly excited about this year’s holiday line-up which includes the Edge Effect, an a Capello group of five guys presenting Under the Mistletoe; A Crooner’s Christmas by Good Shot Judy; and the Celtic Angels Christmas.
On the schedule for the new year are tributes to the ladies of country music, Motown, the Eagles, and the era of the British invasion along with the Evans Opry featuring Tony Jackson. The season will wrap up with The Drifters, one of Augusta Amusements’ most popular events.
Concerts are held in the Hardin Auditorium inside the Evans Library, providing patrons with easy access, plentiful parking, and a drive thru portico for inclement weather.
Mike and his wife, Jeannette, like connecting with the community and hearing feedback that audiences enjoy the shows. “You have a lot of choices of venues where you can spend your money to be entertained,” shares Mike. “When you choose to come to the Harden Auditorium to see shows that Augusta Amusements puts on, we really appreciate it.”
This holiday, consider giving the gift of experiences and take advantage of tickets for all shows being on sale now at www. augustaamusements.com or contact the 24 hour Box Office at 706-726-0366.
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
ON Fall Fun STALKING up
Cornhusk Centerpiece
When life gives you lemons, or cornstalks as it seems, make something beautiful! The holidays can be stressful. Your table centerpiece doesn’t need to be.
To create this cornhusk centerpiece, simply remove the dried tops of the cornstalks, arrange them in a vintage soup bowl adding a few ears of corn to give more stability and visual interest. Add preserved pinecones for guests’ place settings and you have the perfect touches for your table. Pinecone instructions can be found at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/pinecones-leaves
LeAnn’s Cornhusk Styling
• White Dishes & Platters
• Gold Charger Plates
• Woven Placemats
• Rust-Orange Napkins
• Thanksgiving Crackers
• Cornhusk Centerpiece
• Pinecone Guest Cards
• Real Pumpkins
BY LEANN
LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create for your own fall table. Tag her on IG @SilvertoothHome and #SilvertoothHome so she can share.
PARKER
CELEBRATE FALL WITH THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES
Autumn DINNER PARTY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Yield: 6 servings
• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin
• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted
• Optional garnish - 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Method of Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.
4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.
5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.
6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.
Serve and enjoy!
Chef notes:
If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.
Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Bon appetit! Chef Kyle Williams, Savor & Swirl
Fresh Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon
Yield: 6-10 servings
• 2 cups heirloom organic carrot, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic rutabaga, peeled, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic parsnip, cubed
• 1 cup heirloom organic turnip, cubed
• 2 cups heirloom organic marble potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Optional Garnish – 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Method of Preparation:
1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).
2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.
4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy.
Chef notes:
Buy all organic heirloom vegetables if possible.
Bon appetit!
Heirloom Root Vegetable Hash
events
NOVEMBER 5TH, 12TH, 19TH, 26TH
Toddler Tuesday
Nailed It DIY Evans
Are you looking for a fun project to do with your little ones? Come to Toddler Tuesday at Nailed It DIY Evans from 10AM to 12PM. You pick your design and paint colors, and then complete the perfect project! No registration is required. For more information, visit Evans.NailedItDIY.com
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 11TH
Youngmakers
Columbia County Library
This Makerspace program is geared especially for children. Kids ages 8-12 will learn about science, engineering, and design with handson experiences. It will be held on November 11 at 4:00PM.
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
Friendgiving 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 Evans City Lifestyle. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and delicious food as you gather with family and friends.
