Downtown revels in equine holiday event.
Bells rang, children clapped, adults sang Christmas carols and horses were decorated as Aikenites prepared for Christmas equine style.
A new Christmas celebration came to downtown Aiken on Wednesday afternoon. Christmas carolers made their rounds of downtown but they were not on foot. The carolers came on horseback, in carriages and on a hay wagon complete with Santa Claus and horses and riders dressed in holiday cheer.
Twelve horseback riders and about 30 people in the hay wagon and one horse-drawn buggy gathered together to spread holiday tidings. They sang “Jingle Bells” – “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh” – and “Silent Night” as they worked their way through town. The group began on South Laurens and caroled its way through town, making several stops on Laurens Street, at the Trinity Lutheran Home and in The Alley before making its way to The Willcox for a meeting with Santa and Toys for Tots drive. Full Story…
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Fair, races, more to liven coming days.
Aiken is jumping this week with the arrival of Steeplechase racing, the Western Carolina State Fair and plenty more things to do.
Here is a list of some activities to keep Aikenites in good cheer this week:
AIKEN FALL STEEPLECHASE
Fall Fete will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Ford Conger Field, 528 Two Notch Road [...]
Aiken’s Cost of Living Index
Aiken’s Cost of Living Index – Augusta/Aiken MSA – 2nd Quarter 2009
(this data lags a quarter)
Aiken’s “Cost of Living Index” is currently 92
(100% represents the Composite Index meaning that it costs a good bit less to live here than the national average).
In the last year, costs for utilities, transportation, and health care are down.
Comparison
Asheville, NC 103.1
Atlanta, GA 93.2
Charleston, SC 99.4
Columbia, SC 96.4
Hilton Head, SC 113.7
[Source: Council for Community and Economic Research]
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Preview to give celebration insight.
Reserve seats now to get a sneak peek of plans for the City’s 175th anniversary celebration.
A special preview will be held Saturday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Newberry Street to inform the public of activities scheduled for the City’s anniversary and to gather volunteers to help with the events.
The preview will be in two sessions at 2 and 3 p.m. The sessions – presented by Mayor Fred Cavanaugh and Bill Reynolds, chairman of the anniversary planning committee – are 15 to 20 minutes long and will highlight the events planned for the year.
The City’s yearlong celebration will officially begin on Jan. 9 with a kick-off party downtown from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will commemorate the City’s first year, called the “Sights, Sounds and Tastes of 1835.” The City of Aiken was established on Dec. 19, 1835.
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Life in Aiken, SC
Visit Aiken, South Carolina, where Main Street is a bridle path and people are in love with horses.
Article in Southern Living. Full story here…
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Local leaders review the State of Our Community;Aiken.
As they addressed the “State of Our Community” at the annual Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday, four speakers sounded a common theme in describing the City of Aiken, Aiken County, the Aiken County School District and the business community – a reason for optimism despite a challenging economy.
The speakers included Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh, County Council Chairman Ronnie Young, school Superintendent Dr. Beth Everitt and Chamber board Chairman Joe Lewis of the Savannah River Banking Company. About 400 people attended the event.
State of Business
State of Education
State of County
City of Aiken, The full story..
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Local leaders review the State of Our Community;Aiken.
As they addressed the “State of Our Community” at the annual Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday, four speakers sounded a common theme in describing the City of Aiken, Aiken County, the Aiken County School District and the business community – a reason for optimism despite a challenging economy.
The speakers included Aiken Mayor Fred [...]
The Best Places for Animal Lovers to Live
Nearly 40 percent of American families own at least one dog, a pet that demands some green space. Cat, rabbit, bird and other kinds of pet owners aren’t so concerned about space and weather, but they are affected by local and state regulations that limit where pets are permitted and what kinds of vaccines they need.
U.S. News & World Reporttook all these issues into account when it created its list of best places for pet lovers to live. It also considered the number of dog parks, proximity of large academic veterinary centers and legal tolerance for pets in public spaces like beaches, outdoor restaurants, and public parks.
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The Best Places for Animal Lovers to Live
Nearly 40 percent of American families own at least one dog, a pet that demands some green space. Cat, rabbit, bird and other kinds of pet owners aren’t so concerned about space and weather, but they are affected by local and state regulations that limit where pets are permitted and what kinds of vaccines they [...]
Planning looks at future of Horse District
The future of the Aiken’s Horse District was the focus of a planning commission meeting on Thursday.
Commission members discussed and evaluated the need for zoning ordinance amendments to possibly limit the intensity of development on large tracts in the horse-training and historic areas. The commission opened the meeting to members of the audience and listened to their input on how zoning changes may impact the Horse District and Historic Area.
“The equestrian area is one of our crown jewels, and I think most people in this town feel it should be preserved and protected by all reasonable means,” said Bill Reynolds, planning commission chairman. “City council has charged the planning commission, with evaluating how well our current ordinances protect our large tracts from over development.”
The commission looked at three sample properties in the horse training/historic area and their current regulations – McGhee’s Mile, the Aiken Training Track and an RSS zoned lot of 6-acres or more and the historic overlay. They identified what the use rights were, what uses are permitted and if someone wanted to deviate from the permissible uses, what procedures they would have to go through.
Full story.
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Aiken bear sightings are down this year
This time last year, there were a number of bear sightings in residential areas near Aiken, but in 2009, there have been only two reported sightings, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Mike Caudell, a wildlife biologist with South Carolina DNR, said there was a black bear sighting in Columbia County, Ga., and another at Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick.
If black bears are going to be spotted in residential areas as much as they were last year, Caudell said, “they’re getting a later start. You just never know how many sightings there will be.”
The frequency of spotting bears is down on both sides of the Savannah River.
“Last year, we had several bears move through the area,” said I.B. Parnell, senior wildlife biologist with the Thomson office of Georgia DNR. “Usually, we only get a couple per summer from this area.”
There is no trend that shows bear sightings in the CSRA’s more urbanized areas are on the rise. There is, however, a growing bear population in South Carolina and Georgia, and the animals are expanding from their habitats. Full Details
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Dog park should open this year; splash park may take a few years
As for the City’s dog park, Parker said officials are looking at late summer to early fall to open the canine playground.
The 2.3-acre dog park will be located on Willow Run Road, where the new Aiken County SPCA facility will be built.
Parker said the City recently began the bid process to have a fence installed around the park area.
The dog park will have a specific area for large dogs and a place for smaller dogs, said Parker. The facility will also include a common area where any dog can roam free.
Access to the park will be free for pet owners. All dogs that enter the park will have to be vaccinated, and there will be a registration process.
Aggressive dogs will not be allowed at the dog park.
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Bargains Hard to Find In Attractive Areas
Potential buyers in areas that were hard hit by the housing downturn have read about bargains, but only find it disappointing when they go shopping.
“Every open house I’ve been to has been a zoo,” says first-time home buyer Sam Rivero, who has looked at 35 properties during the last three months. “If you follow what the media say, you’d think sellers are desperate to sell a house, but when you get there it’s totally the opposite.”
When the real estate bubble burst, it didn’t affect the mid-priced market, said real estate information firm MDA DataQuick. Instead, it created opportunities in troubled neighborhoods and slowed sales in the market of homes priced above $1 million. But in areas where most of the homes sell for $400,000 to $800,000, there are few discounts to be found.
Even the foreclosure market has slowed, says University of Southern California Professor of Real Estate Tracey Seslen. Seslen said lenders with foreclosures are supporting market stabilization and releasing only a few homes at a time to avoid flooding the markets.
“The biggest problem,” says Phyllis Harb, an associate with RE/Max Tri City in La Canada, Calif., “is that people are overreacting to housing statistics, thinking they can come in and make an offer 20 percent below price.”
Source: Los Angeles Times, Chip Jacobs (05/03/2009)
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Aiken gives and gives and gives
Aiken is an amazing town. We have lobsters, dogs and tricycles walking for good causes. We have men in high heels drawing attention to the plight of domestic abuse. There are dinners for people in blue jeans and tuxedos to give money to children in abusive situations. Owners of mansions and elaborate barns open their doors to the curious – again raising money for various causes. We seem to give and give and give.
It is well known that cancer is the second leading cause of human death in the United States. But what many people don’t realize is that it’s the leading cause of death in pets over the age of 2. Our 10th Paws for Cancer Walk was held this past Saturday and it was a wonderful morning of celebration – honoring and remembering those two and four-legged members of our families who have battled cancer. We have become family over the years – welcoming each other, sharing stories and drawing strength together to fight this horrible disease.
This year we raised (and are still collecting!) $12,000 – bringing to a total nearly $100,000 given to the American Cancer Society. We could never accomplish alone what we are doing together. This money is spent on research to find the cures for your kidney cancer, your bone cancer and many other types. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Thank you to the dogs, cat and humans who walked the walk. Thank you to our corporate sponsors, Venture Group 115, Signworks, City of Aiken bloodhounds, SPCA, Jae-Mar-S Academy, Mixon Signs, Bone-i-Fide Bakery, Nanci Racki and Laura Janecek and all the other volunteers. The Paws for Cancer Walk is made possible because you volunteer. Because of you, people facing cancer have more reason to hope through every step of their cancer journey.
Dr. Holly Woltz
Aiken
Aiken is fine place to live
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Proposed Highway Overlay District
- Planning Department
Aiken City Council asked the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board to draft regulations to create a Highway Overlay District along major roads.
The purpose of such an “Overlay” district is to figuratively “sit on top,” of the zoning districts and to regulate aesthetic features such as building design. The intent is to create developments that are compatible with the architectural qualities and styles that have been hallmarks of Aiken’s identity. Aiken has two existing overlay districts, the Historic Overlay District and the Old Aiken Overlay District.
The New District would include land in the city limits along major roads outside of the other two districts. It would extend 500 feet from the highway right-of-way and would probably also apply to new developments outside the City requesting city water or sewer services.More Details
Equine Rescue of Aiken has helped 150 horses.
Equine Rescue of Aiken has given hope to horses in need by providing them with a second chance.
In the last 1¬½ years, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has seen approximately 150 horses find new homes after being rehabilitated; many of the horses had been neglected, abandoned and abused.
A Champagne and Ice Party was held at Bridle Creek Equestrian Community April 23, and Equine Rescue of Aiken’s Larkin Steele wanted to thank the community for its support.
The party is to be an annual event, she said. She appreciated the support and the passion the organizers and volunteers put into the event and their commitment to helping Equine Rescue of Aiken.
“It was really nice because Dineen Daniels is just an amazing woman,” said Steele. “We had a full house; we had a great group of people. Everyone really enjoyed the event and came out to help the rescue, and that really filled up my heart. There are very few people who would do what Dineen Daniels, Tracey Turner and Michael and Luke Tokaruk have done and for two years in a row. They’ve been staunch supporters of the rescue. They have no idea of how much of a difference they make.”
The facility is in need of continued financial support, and the community’s response to the event was heartwarming, said Steele.
“We’re pretty much on our own, and at some point I’d like to see the facility be self-sufficient through donations and government and federal grants,” said Steele. “The fact that so many people showed up meant a lot and that the event was at the last minute, the support from the community was really appreciated.”
The rescue is still in need of volunteers, she said.
For more information about Equine Rescue of Aiken, visit www.aikenequinerescue.com or call 643-1850.
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Dates set for City municipal elections.
Four City Council seats will be up for grabs in this year’s municipal elections – the two at-large seats currently held by Jane Vaughters and Don Wells and seats for Districts 2 and 4, held by Lessie Price and Dick Smith.
While Wells and Price have said they plan to run again this year, Smith and Vaughters recently announced that they will not seek election for another term as City Council members.
Filing for the City’s municipal elections will open Aug. 3. According to Richard Johnson, chairman of the Aiken Election Commission, those interested must file with either the Aiken County Democratic Party or the Aiken County Republican Party.
Filing will close for the primaries on Aug. 10. Should there be primary elections for either party, they will take place on Sept. 8.
Johnson said petition candidates should file with the City of Aiken. In order to be considered a petition candidate, one must obtain signatures from 5 percent of registered voters in the district they are looking to serve. All petition candidates must file by Sept. 18.
In addition to Price and Wells, City Planning Commissioner Liz Stewart has said she plans to run for an at-large seat.
Kent Cubbage, coordinator of the biology program at Aiken Technical College, has also announced his intention to run for an at-large seat.
Wells, Stewart and Cubbage will run on the Republican ticket. Price will run as a Democrat.
The Election Commission is putting in a request to the U.S. Justice Department to change the Precinct 53 polling place from Chukker Creek Elementary School to South Aiken Church of God on Whiskey Road for the November general election.
If the change is approved, Johnson said the location could stay the same for the primary election, which he said is run by the local parties.
Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.
2009 Election Schedule
* Aug. 3 – Opening of filing as candidates for the primaries or as a petition candidate
* Aug. 10 – Filing closes for primaries
* Sept. 8 – Primary elections will be held
* Sept. 18 – Last day petition candidates can file
* Sept. 22 – Municipal party run-offs (if necessary)
* Oct. 2 – Last day for certifying candidates to the Election Commission
* Nov. 3 – Election Day
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Upcoming Events.
Museum hosting rug demonstration
The Aiken County Historical Museum will host a woven rag rug demonstration and tatter party on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn how to turn old clothing into beautiful woven rag rugs and placemats using the Museum’s vintage loom.
Refreshments will be served. This event is free to the public, but space is limited. Call the museum at 642-2015 for more information and to make a reservation.
The Aiken High FFA Plant Sale will be held at the Aiken High School Greenhouse from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. For more information, call Meghan Wood at 641-2500.
The Masterworks Chorale of Aiken will present its spring concert at USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center Saturday at 8 p.m.
Joining the Chorale for the performance will be South Boundary, a 16-voice male ensemble from Aiken and Augusta.
The concert features the contrasting works of Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana,” (from the writings of the American poet Robert Frost), Johannes Brahms’ “Liebeslieder Waltzes,” and song settings of poems by the Scottish bard, Robert Burns.
Masterworks Chorale will perform the Brahms, and South Boundary will present the Burns selections. In addition to several mixed-voice pieces and some women-only pieces, “Frostiana” features a number of “men only” pieces that will combine the forces of the two local ensembles. Elana Pagal and Larry Miller will serve as the evening’s accompanists.
Tickets are available by phone or in person at the USCA box office.
For more information, call 641-3305.
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Flowers of the woods.
Ever wonder exactly what the beautiful bloom you see while you run, walk or ride through Hitchcock Woods might be?
Now the guessing game is over as one local resident’s passion for the woods has led to a pocket guide dedicated to the wildflowers of the woods.
“Trailside Wildflowers of the Hitchcock Woods” includes photographs and descriptions of more than 220 species found within Hitchcock Woods. Author and photographer Kenneth Perrine, Ph.D. compiled the material for the book over a period of many years. The research has been an ongoing project for Perrine’s curiosity and passion for nature.
“The book was conceived as an educational resource for use by those who know and love the woods, people who, like me, would like to know the identity of plants and flowers they see in the woods,” said Perrine. “This was envisioned as a community service, a tool for those who ride, run, and walk in the woods and who might like to know what they are seeing. I love the woods and the flowers.”
Organized by color, the 160 page book includes photographs as well as commentary including scientific and common names of genera and species, botanical families, blooming dates and location of shots. The idea for the book began in 1998 and once Perrine discovered he had collected more than 100 different species for his own enjoyment, he knew it was time to move forward with the book.
“My goal everywhere I go is to know what I am looking at; the photos came secondary as a tool for research,” said Perrine.
He visits the woods typically five days a week and often twice each day; the first time to run or walk and the second with his camera.
Perrine fell in love with Hitchcock Woods first as a runner in the 1980s. Full story.
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Birds & Butterflies offers pair of events.
Local nature and garden store Birds & Butterflies has two upcoming seminars to help people get more out of the great outdoors this spring.
Paul Koehler, director of the Silver Bluff Audubon Center, will give a presentation on “Explore Audubon South Carolina” at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the shop located at 117 Laurens St. N.W.
Koehler will discuss the day-to-day activities at the Silver Bluff estuary and wildlife conservation site in Jackson and in Audubon’s other South Carolina conservation facility, Francis Beidler Forest, a 15,000-acre old growth swamp forest known for its stands of bald cypress trees in the Four Holes Swamp just north of Harleyville.
“We wanted to make people more aware of the places around here where they can go to see wildlife and exotic plants,” said Birds & Butterflies co-owner Ron Brenneman.
Admission to the presentation is free, but space is limited, so advance reservations are required.
The April entry in Birds & Butterflies’ 2009 Nature Series is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the garden shop. This month’s seminar will feature guest speaker Joanna Weitzel, executive director of Carolina Wildlife Care. Weitzel will describe the mission of the Columbia-area wildlife rehabilitation center. She has spoken at Birds & Butterflies before and usually brings a visitor or two from the Center’s patient population, Brenneman said.
“It’s the place many of the injured wild animals you hear about in this area are taken,” he said. “She’s going to tell us about the Center and what to do if you find an injured bird or animal because a lot of people sometimes unknowingly do the wrong thing.”
Admission to Weitzel’s presentation is free, though Brenneman said donations for Carolina Wildlife Center will be collected at the seminar. Space is limited, and advance reservations are required.
For more information about upcoming events, call Birds & Butterflies at 649-7999.
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Online calendar connects horse community.
A new resource will help keep horsemen and equine enthusiasts up to date on when equestrian activities will be taking place in Aiken.
The concept to create ecalendaraiken.com, or the Equestrian Calendar of Aiken, was the idea of Nancy Bruen Smith and Ann Kinney. The two women thought the idea of an online event board listing the date and times of area equine events would be an outstanding way to keep everyone informed about scheduled events within the equestrian community.
“I’ve been marketing and selling advertising for a number of equestrian publications and organizations for the past four years in Aiken,” said Smith. “We realized that a calendar in print doesn’t work because of changes that can occur.”
The website will provide information on events that will be coming up in advance (in some cases within the next eight to 10 months), and will give show organizers and equestrians a better idea of when other shows have been scheduled. The e-calendar will be a useful resource and enable horsemen to get the word out about their shows, clinics or events, said Smith.
“We wanted to create something that’s very user-friendly,” said Smith.
The website will update scheduling changes and cancellations, said Kinney, who has a background in websites and web design.
“Anything that happens, if there are changes, will be done in real time,” said Kinney. “It’s another way for people to find out about what’s happening. We’ve arranged the website by discipline as well. On the home page, we have a general list that gives people an idea of what’s going on, but if you want to find out about a specific discipline, you can click on dressage and find out what’s going on this month.”
The e-calendar is a way for Smith and Kinney to give back to the equestrian world, so horse people can connect.
“People can put all of their information on the calendar for free,” said Smith. “We’re trying to structure it so everyone in the horse world can come together.”
Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.
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Good News for Aiken County!
Federal stimulus plan to bring $1.615 billion, 3,000 jobs to Savannah River Site.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Tuesday that the Savannah River Site (SRS) will receive $1.615 billion in stimulus funds to accelerate decommissioning work and create as many as 3,000 jobs.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to safely and efficiently create jobs,” said Helen Belencan, Recovery Act project manager for DOE – Savannah River. “We have been given the public’s trust to use the money wisely … and with transparency.”
The projects will accelerate decommissioning of nuclear facilities and contaminated areas throughout the Site, including in-place decommissioning of two nuclear materials production reactors.
Jobs financed with stimulus dollars are also aimed at early completion of clean-up programs and reducing the Site’s protected area by 40 percent, or 79,000 acres, by September 2011.
“These investments will put Americans to work while cleaning up contamination from the Cold War era,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “It reflects our commitment to future generations as well as to help local economies get moving again.”
As well as providing employment, the effort looks to significantly reduce environmental threats and reduce the life cycle costs of these projects.
Eliminating 90 percent of plutonium-238 means significantly reducing risk to Site workers, according to DOE. Full Story.
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More things to do in Aiken SC!
Rock wall to pick up sessions today
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department’s rock climbing wall will officially open today.
The wall-climbing sessions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week to people age 3 or older. To participate in climbing sessions, register at the front desk at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.
For more information, call 642-7631.
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Annual drive offers scenic view.
JACKSON — The 2009 Audubon Coach and Carriage Drive at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary, which was held Friday, provided an opportunity to view indigenous flora and fauna while enjoying one of the area’s most idyllic backdrops.
The event was sponsored by the Aiken Driving Club and the Four-in-Hand Club. The day’s festivities featured a lunch presented by the Green Boundary Club, hosted by Jack Wetzel and Jacqueline Ohrstrom.
“This event is wonderful,” said Norman Brunswig, Audubon South Carolina executive director. “The best thing for Silver Bluff, Audubon and conservation is for people to value this place. This group of people have come to appreciate this place (the Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary) not just as a wildlife resource and a beautiful aesthetic, but as a wonderful place to do the thing that they love most, which is to drive in natural settings. I think these sand roads and beautiful piney woods are evocative of the centuries when carriages were the means of transportation. We think it’s perfect. We’re delighted that they come and have a good time.”
Four-in-hands, pairs and singles took part in the carriage drive that went along the trail system that totals 8.8 miles.
“This is such a pretty venue, and I love supporting it because it’s such a great place to drive,” said Sandy Nicolaisen, who participated in the drive, is a member of the Aiken Driving Club and was accompanied by her Cairn Terrier Toby, who was the carriage dog. Full story.
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Expect changes at Steeplechase.
There will be some changes to this Saturday’s Aiken Spring Steeplechase. The modifications to this year’s races include reducing the number of fences from 13 to nine and shortening the length of the races from 2¬º miles to 2 miles.
The reason the changes were made is because of the number of falls that had occurred over the last fence, in particular last spring, that created legitimate concerns and caused the National Steeplechase Association’s racing committee to reassess the number of national fences, not only at the Aiken Spring Steeplechase, but also at some of the other race courses, said Barry Watson, NSA safety inspector.
“We decided to reduce the distance to 2 miles, letting the horses have a break early in the year. It’s too early to go 2¬º miles,” said Watson. “The racing committee had further concerns about the perception of the fan base (because of the number of falls last spring). Full Story
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Aiken stands to gain from Masters.
It’s not looking good for Augusta during the Masters Tournament this year. The annual financial windfall from the thousands of money-spending visitors is slipping away this year – another victim of the sagging economy.
Many of the corporations that in the past spent tens of thousands of dollars to rent homes, hire drivers and caterers, and party in the restaurants and bars where the prices are tripled just for that week, are staying away this year.
But so far it appears that Aiken’s financial benefits from the tournament will continue, say local hospitality industry owners and managers. It’s a little slower, but it’s looking OK.
“We’re fine. We’re looking forward to a good year,” said Janny Bijas, owner of Up Your Alley restaurant.
Hotel Aiken is sold out as usual during the tournament, said manager Peggy Greer-Buyers. “We have one room over the bar with a single bed and it will go.” Full Story.
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Banksia gardeners reach out!
A group of local horticulture enthusiasts has banded together to help Banksia’s garden grow.
The Gardeners for Banksia group takes care of the landscaping of the historic Winter Colony home Banksia on Newberry Street, which now houses the Aiken County Historical Museum.
The group’s current project is the installation of the Savannah River Cancer Foundation Memorial Garden on the grounds, according to member Jacque Rees.
“Lil Dickey, Pam Glokowski and I are designing and planting this garden,” Rees said. “We have about 37 members, and we’re getting volunteers from the community – we’re talking to the garden clubs, and the Girl Scouts are going to be helping. They’ll be making us stained glass stepping stones in the colors of cancer awareness ribbons.”
The ground has been tilled for the memorial garden, and a few plants have already gone in – magnolia trees, a hibiscus, a vilex plant and bulbs are already planted. Full Story.
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Habitat completes 73rd Aiken home!
Shameco Butler had cut the ribbon to her new Habitat for Humanity home Last Sunday.
She had formally received the keys to the residence in the Kennedy Kolony area of Aiken and had accepted a Bible as a gift.
It was her turn to speak to a cheering crowd of family, friends and volunteers, but Butler was immediately overcome by tears. She could only express her gratitude to Habitat, the sponsoring Aiken Board of Realtors, the Realtor Habitat Committee chair, Lyvia May, Kay and Joe Buggy and St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church.
A few minutes later, Butler would describe how she had become so worried about the neighborhood where she had once lived with her three young children – Dystiny Lawrence, 9, Dashawna Hicks, 8, and Shawn Hicks, 6. She moved in with family members and dreamed about her own home. She applied for Habitat and was accepted. Full Story.
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Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce:Helping in Tough Times
In response to our recent membership survey, the 2009 Spring Business Academy Series will focus on our members’ #1 need — increasing customer traffic.
“Finding Opportunities Amidst the Chaos”
- Wednesday, March 25th — Session #1 – Back to the Basics, will be led by Kevin Hanville, National Speaker and Business Consultant [www.quadrantgroup.biz <http://www.quadrantgroup.biz/> ]
- Wednesday, April 29th — Session #2 – Customer Service, How “You” Doin’ presented by a “Global Spectrum Executive”
- Wednesday, May 27 — Session #3 – Building Your Hometown Business Network led by a panel of local business leaders
These presentations clearly offer fundamentals that can be applied to any business.
Business Academy Sponsors:
Carolina First Bank
Dunkin’ Donuts
Eden Gardens, A Sunrise Assisted Living Community
Smith Tax Advisory Group
USCA Convocation Center, a Global Spectrum Managed Facility
Veracity Payment Solutions, Inc.
Act Today
The total cost of the three-part series is $50 and includes Dunkin’ Donuts and coffee, networking and presentation at each session.
Companies may purchase multiple series seats at $50 each and send different employees to different sessions or the same person to all.
All sessions will be held in the USCA Convocation Center VIP room. Sessions will begin at 7:45 AM and end at 9 AM.
*
To make this as simple as possible for you, just hit reply and tell me how many seats to hold for your company, and I’ll send you an invoice. Please provide me the names and email addresses of all registrants. [The last two Business Academy Series were sellouts --- so don't delay.]
In 2009, the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Means Business.
Those who would like more information can contact The Chamber
or Contact Victoria Foulkes-Pyle,(Ambassador) @ 803 599 1014.
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Events of the Triple Crown.
The festivities begin Thursday with the Breakfast at the Gallops, a fund-raiser for the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, held at the Aiken Training Track’s clockers stand. Learn more about the sport of Thoroughbred racing as trainers based at the training facility discuss the sport and answer questions. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The event will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information call 642-7650.
The Starting Gate Party is Thursday on the infield of the Aiken Training Track and will feature music by Anybody’s Guess. The dinner will be catered by Papa Russ’s Catering by Jennifer, and the meal will have a barbecue theme with a varied menu. Tickets to the Starting Gate Party are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. More Info.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Bookstore, groups join to help area gardeners.
The Aiken Master Gardeners, The Book Stall and the Garden Gate Cafe have teamed up to help Aiken residents brighten their homes with the colors of spring.
The bookstore and cafe at 413 Hayne Ave. will host two lectures by the Master Gardeners in mid-March. Jacquelyn Rees will speak on “The Southern Spring Garden” from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the shop; Ben Roden will speak from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the shop on “Hydrangeas.”
Space is limited to 20 people for each lecture, and advance registration is required; if demand is great enough, the lectures may be repeated in a second session another day, according to Rees. More Info.
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Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch continue improvements.
Members of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch Inc., have put together a long range plan of renovations and improvements to be made at Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch over the next 10 years.
The plan was announced at the group’s annual meeting, which was held at Rye Patch on Sunday afternoon.
“This is more of a 10-year look to the future,” Dr. Joe Spencer, president of Friends, said in his description on the plan. “Hopelands and Rye Patch are a very important asset to our city.”
Spencer said most of the components of the plan will require work with the City to develop a timeline for the projects. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
South Boundary Home with Guest House
South Boundary Historic residence, circa 1902 this rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored home located on one of the most desirable Avenues in Aiken.Included in this price is an immaculate guest house with 3 bedroom,LR,DR,New Kitchen and fabulous professionally landscaped yard with pool.Dynamic rental history for the Guest house.Please call Susan @ 803 645 8881 with any questions.
Take a Visual tour!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Museum to look at the Triple Crown.
The Aiken County Historical Museum is planning an upcoming exhibit documenting the town’s enduring love for the Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown exhibit will open on Tuesday at the museum on Newberry Street, and will remain on display in the ballroom through the end of March. A reception is tentatively planned for Friday, March 13, but details have not been finalized, according to the museum’s executive director, Elliott Levy.
“It’s primarily going to be photographs and posters. We do have some equipment, but not a lot. Again, like all exhibits, we find they have a tendency to be added to as time goes on,” Levy said. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken roads getting $17M from stimulus!
Millions of dollars of stimulus funds are headed to Aiken County to help improve roads and transportation.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has released figures and the specific locations for projects where the money will be spent.
The list ranges from regional mass transit to road paving and was released for public comment so the public can share its two cents on how the billions are spent.
Aiken is a major recipient of this first wave of projects with a total value of $17,215,177.
All of these projects have been selected because they are “shovel ready,” meaning they could be started immediately with funding, according to Wayne Rogers with the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG). Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Battle of Aiken comes to life again!
Blue coats and gray coats will clash once again this weekend as The Battle of Aiken reenactment kicks off.
This year marks the 145 anniversary of the historic battle which was fought, quite literally, on Richland Avenue in Aiken and the 15th anniversary of the reenactment. Spectators and reenactors alike will converge on the fields off Powell Pond Road and take part in the recreation of Joe Wheeler and his Confederate troops’ campaign against Gen. Judson Kilpatrick and his Union men. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Woodside is focus of magazine article.
“Where to Retire” magazine profiles Woodside Plantation in its March/April 2009 issue.
Aiken’s upscale, gated community has many features which appeal to the magazine’s readers, its editor said, like leisure and social venues which will be highlighted in the publication’s Best Neighborhood section.
“This wooded, all-ages community offers ample leisure opportunities for active retirees with four golf courses, riding trails, miles of walking paths and social opportunities in a variety of clubs and groups,” said Editor Mary Lu Abbott. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Sign of spring brings promise!
The color of hope is yellow. When the chill of winter slaps Aiken in the face as it has this past week, I look for the coming of spring – the hope for tomorrow – in a small yellow flower.
This week, the first sign of arriving spring came at the same time as our coldest temperatures. Yet, there it was popping its head out of the dead leaves in my wife’s perennial bed – the first daffodil.
I was excited to see this harbinger of warmer times. It was much later than it has been in the past few years when mild winters have given way to daffodil season shortly after Christmas.
This year has been different. Cold weather belies the notion that global warming is occurring. Coat weather has come too often, and the sound of the furnace turning on in the middle of the night brings uncomfortable visions of dollar bills fluttering out of my wallet.
Full Story.
Dogs get new lease on life in New England.
With Gretchen’s time nearing the end, her last chance was a ride to Massachusetts. Her last chance has become a new life.
Gretchen was one of the 13 dogs the Aiken County Animal Control shelter shipped to a no-kill shelter in Massachusetts through a partnership between the two shelters and a horse transport company.
Now, at least 10 of the dogs already have new homes in just a little more than a week.
Betty Bilton, director for the Northeast Animal Shelter, in Salem, Mass., said the animals arrived Feb. 4, after a 1,000-mile trek courtesy of Fairway Horse Transport. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Augusta stations to make the switch.
Augusta television stations and ETV are all going ahead with the digital transition, which will take place on Feb. 17.
ABC’s affiliate WJBF News Channel 6, NBC’s WAGT Augusta and CBS’s WRDW News 12 will either cease all analog broadcasts on the effective date or act as a “night light station,” meaning the station will discontinue regular programming on its analog channel.
Those TVs which will see nothing on Feb. 17 are those that still receive an analog signal via an antenna on top of the TV or on a roof, although digital converter boxes are available for such TVs. Full Story!
Land conservancy to meet THIS afternoon!
The Aiken Land Conservancy (ALC) is holding its annual meeting and asking for support from anyone who rides horses, walks dogs or has a general love for nature and green space.
The event will be at The Willcox hotel on Sunday between 3 and 5 p.m., and is intended to attract new members and reconnect and inform current participants.
The ALC is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of open, undeveloped space in Aiken County. ALC is one of 20 land trusts within South Carolina and one of more than 1,000 land trusts nationwide. ALC has preserved more than 1,200 acres of land throughout Aiken County. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Garden clubs’ lecture series set to start on Saturday .
The Aiken Garden Clubs Council brings a lecture series to the museum this weekend that will help local gardeners get more out of the great outdoors.
The Garden Clubs Council’s Spring Lecture Series opens with a presentation from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Aiken County Historical Museum by John Nelson. Nelson is the curator of the A.C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, and writes the “Mystery Plant” column which appears weekly in the Aiken Standard.
Lectures will take place on the first Saturday of the month in February, March and April, according to Garden Clubs Council president Pam Kolb. Full details!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Therapist using horses in treating PTSD
An individual may look healthy physically, but it’s possible that, even without any physical manifestations, stress and traumatic experiences can take their toll on both humans and horses.
But, thanks to psychotherapy, horses and humans are interacting and bonding with one another to help each other heal.
This Sunday, soldiers who are stationed at Fort Gordon and have returned from their deployment in Iraq, and at risk members of the community, will have a chance to use a unique modality to help with their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychotherapist and horseman Suze Maze will be using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to help.
The therapy sessions will be conducted on Sundays at Equine Rescue of Aiken. Full Story!
Aiken’s quartoseptcentennial celebration to last all of 2010
The City of Aiken is gearing up for its 175th anniversary.
City officials held the first planning session at the Municipal Building Thursday to begin preparing for the year-long celebration that will kick off the first of next year.
The City of Aiken was established on Dec. 19, 1835. The last anniversary celebration was in 1985, when the City recognized its 150th anniversary. However, then the festivities only lasted 12 days, and many Aiken residents missed out on some of the events, said Mayor Fred Cavanaugh.
“This time we decided to extend it over the whole year so everyone can participate,” he said.
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Aiken, where horses are Kings!
Wayne’s Automotive Center has a unique tow!
The cold weather can bring a plethora of problems, and sleeping the wrong way can add to that dilemma. And for Cabot Trail, an 1,800 pound draft horse, the chilly temperatures made sleeping a bit awkward on the morning of Jan. 17.
“They said that particular Saturday, was the coldest temperature in 30 years, and he had a blanket on,” said Pixie Baxter, Cabot Trail’s owner. “And even though he spends some of the night laying down, apparently on this particular night he curled up like a cat with his legs tucked under him, and went down. By the time I got down here to feed him in the morning his rear right leg was unable to move.” Full Story
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
White Oaks Farm -3 lots available!
Enjoy the country life on a paved road just 10 miles from downtown Aiken, off Highway 302.This 2.25 acres is level and ready to build or bring your Mobile Home! Price at $22,500 each!! For more information about this property please contact Victoria Foulkes @ 803 599 1014.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Well-known competitor conducts clinic at Ash Stables
Cindy Sydnor, a renowned name in the world of dressage, conducted a clinic at Andrea Sirrenberg-Hunt’s Ash Stables at White House Farm this weekend. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Preview of Antiques in the Heart of Aiken will give collectors sneak peek
By RACHEL JOHNSON
Staff writer
A weekend of antiquing is coming to downtown Aiken.
Antiques hold a special place for many as they are representative of the past and are often passed as family heirlooms from one generation to the next.
The art of antiquing differs for every collector as an item of intrigue differs from person to person.
Antiques in the Heart of Aiken is designed to offer items for everyone from estate jewelry and glassware to furniture and tools. The event, celebrating its 10th year, draws dealers and collectors from all over the United States to participate in the three-day event which begins on Friday and continues through Sunday. Full Story.
Residents discuss state horse park
A state horse park is a visionary concept that would bring multiple equine disciplines and other events under the umbrella of one … READ MORE
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Many Aiken homes top $1M
What makes a million dollar home in Aiken? According to Aiken Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there have been 60 transaction … READ MORE
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Palmetto Golf Club: Pictorial
Aerial Photos of the 18 holes at Palmetto Golf Course.
Check out this link.
It shows why Aiken is a wonderful palce to live and play!!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Welcome Best Friend Express! Take a Ride With a Friend
Anyone can catch a ride on the Best Friend Express. When you see our bus, just flag us down. It’s easy. We’ll stop and pick you up and you’re on your way.
The Best Friend Express circulates throughout Aiken and North Augusta every 2 hours and even offers transfers to the Augusta Transit System (see SCHEDULE). All Best Friend Express buses are accessible, with wheel chair lifts for persons with disabilities. Our buses are also equipped with bicycle racks. More info.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Forum discusses tourism in Aiken, would a Horse park be good for Aiken?
Tourism officials in South Carolina gathered at the USC Aiken Convocation Center to discuss possibilities of a long-term state tourism initiative which could include a horse park in Aiken. More details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
How far will my salary go in another city?
Thinking about moving? See how much you should earn to maintain the same lifestyle. more
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken a great place for Boomers
Baby Boomers Michael and Elizabeth Krystoviak loved Aiken at first sight. They are not alone. Aiken was recently named a 2009 … READ MORE
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
