Special Skills Training in the CSRA

        The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the desire for new hobbies for many people. Extra time spent at home meant looking for new activities to do. Now that the vaccine is out and businesses have begun to expand their capacity for re-opening, there are quite a few places to visit in person to learn new hobbies or skills. If you are looking for in-person classes to build upon the dreams you have had, check these places out:

Martial Arts

        Premier Martial Arts has locations in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Aiken and North Augusta. They have been in business for more than 20 years and help people of all ages learn personal skills for growth, fitness, self-defense and more. Children will learn discipline and respect through their training. Visit Here for the locations and class options as well as info on how to sign up for training.

Ballroom Dance

        Ballroom in Motion is located in Evans at 231 Fury’s Ferry Road Suite 212. They have been in business for more than 20 years teaching dances for weddings, parties, competitions and more. The skills learned through ballroom dance range from coordination to self-confidence and just about everything in between. The friendly instructors will help you meet your goals through group classes, private lessons and social dances. Check their Facebook Page for class schedules and more information.

Pottery

        Artsy Me has locations in Evans and Grovetown that give you everything you need to create your own pottery masterpiece. Kids and adults alike enjoy creating at Artsy Me and they can also be booked for birthday parties and events. Visit Here for addresses, hours and contact info.

Sewing

        The Augusta Sewing Center at 3230 Washington Road not only sells sewing machines and supplies, they also host classes to learn new skills and techniques. There are beginner classes for kids as well as embroidery clubs and more.

Candle Making

        Are you obsessed with filling your home with beautifully scented candles? Maybe you just want to learn something new for fun- Augusta Candle Company at 1124 Broad Street is your place to be. You can shop their selection of hand-poured candles, but the real fun is learning to create your own. You can build a blend from their selection of more than 100 fragrances and choose your own jar size.

        Try one or all of these activities in the area. You’d be surprised at the new skills you may learn and enjoy for life!

Washer/Dryer Cleaning and Maintenance

        Washers and dryers are some of the most treasured and necessary home appliances one could own. It is a luxury that not all countries or homes have, so those that do should not take them for granted. Whether you have a used set or invested in a brand new one, it is extremely important to properly maintain them for longevity and to avoid the need for repair. Here are a few ways you can care for your washer and dryer:

• Empty wet clothes from the washer as soon as possible. It is one of the easiest and most necessary steps in keeping your washer running smoothly. If wet clothes are left in the washer too long, there could be odor buildup as well as mold and mildew.
• Inspect the washer door. Mold and mildew can accumulate if there is moisture in the door gaskets, so wipe them dry after each use and keep the door slightly open for air circulation. Clean the gaskets monthly with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
• Avoid overloading your washer. Too much stuffed in at one time can cause poor washing results and damaged clothing. The machine should be loosely filled and not packed to the brim. Multiple loads may be necessary sometimes, but it is worth it to keep the washer functioning.
• Wash the machine itself periodically. Around 2-3 times per year, run the washer empty of clothing and on the hottest cycle with detergent. This will help the machine and pipes stay clean and remove additional grease and dirt.
• Inspect the water hoses. If they burst, hundreds of gallons could flood into your home. Check the hoses several times a year for cracks or breaks- if you see these, unplug the machine immediately and turn off the water supply to replace them.
• Always, always, always clean the lint trap in your dryer. If lint builds up in the screen or ducts, the dryer can burst into flames. An estimated 16,800 fires are caused by washers and dryers in the United States yearly, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Remove the lint screen after every single load to clear it out.
• At least once per year, clean out the dryer’s venting duct from the outside. Check to see that it is free of obstructions such as debris or loose materials.
• Don’t put unclean wet items into the dryer. This is especially important during summer when it may seem easier to toss a pool or beach towel straight in to use again quickly. However, it will dirty up the dryer’s interior and affect its longevity. Run any wet items through the washer first to remove dirt and grime.
• Clothes need the hot air circulation to properly dry, so don’t cram large amounts in there at a time. This will actually increase the drying time as opposed to running multiple smaller loads.
• If you use fabric softener, use the liquid variety that runs with your washer. Dryer sheets may be cheaper, but they also leave residue that can clog vents and affect the efficiency.

        If you do invest in new laundry equipment, be sure to purchase a warranty for your protection. Take the proper steps to keep things clean and maintained but have the warranty as an option if something happens that is beyond your area of expertise.

Memorial Day

        Ever heard anyone wish you a “Happy Memorial Day” or wished it to someone yourself? Unfortunately, it is the wrong terminology. Actually, Memorial Day is meant to commemorate military service members who lost their lives while serving their country. It often gets mixed up with Veterans Day, which is for those who served whether they are still alive or not. Memorial Day is honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

        It is tradition on Memorial Day in the United States to visit military cemeteries and memorials and place an American flag on gravesites at the national cemeteries. This was originally started as “Decoration Day” after the Civil War when Americans felt the need for a patriotic ceremony to honor fallen soldiers. One of the earliest recorded commemorations was held in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865 by a group of freed slaves, less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered. By the end of the First World War, the day grew to honor those who passed in all American wars.

        Memorial Day became a national federal holiday by an act of Congress in 1971 and is observed each year on the last Monday of May. This creates a three-day weekend for federal employees. Memorial Day 2021 will be on May 31. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 pm local time. Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of the summer season with most school years ending the week of or the week before. Travel is heavy and cookouts/parties are everywhere. Families and friends gather to cookout and while the time seems fun, it is still important to remain somber and remember the reason the holiday is happening. If you personally know a soldier who has given their life in battle, honor their legacy and fly a flag for them.

Armed Forces Day

        May 15, 2021 will be Armed Forces Day. It is on the third Saturday in May each year and is part of Military Appreciation Month (along with Memorial Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day).

        The Defense Secretary in 1949, Louis Johnson, created Armed Forces Day to replace the separate days held for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Air Force. The aim was to unify the armed forces under one agency, the Department of Defense. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated across America in 1950. It brought parades, receptions and air shows across the U.S. as well as 10,000 troops from all military branches marching in Washington, D.C. By 1961, former President John F. Kennedy declared it a national holiday to honor the military and all of its strength.

        Not only is Armed Forces Day celebrated in the United States, but other countries honor this day for their armed forces as well. Some of these include but are not limited to: Armenia, Australia and New Zealand, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom.

        Armed Forces Day contains a new theme each year. The very first year was “Teamed for Defense”. Other previous themes have been “Appreciation of a Nation”, “Freedom through Unity”, and “Patriotism”. As of the writing of this blog, a theme for 2021 has not yet been announced.

        To celebrate locally, visit the Evans Towne Center Park in Evans, Georgia for the annual Thunder Over Augusta event. Gates open at 5:30 pm and the event will begin at 6:15. Expect an evening of music, a tribute to those who serve our country and one of the largest fireworks shows you’ll ever see. There is no ticket charge for entry, but there will also be multiple food vendors set up around the park to purchase snacks and dinner.

Mother’s Day

        Sunday, May 9 marks Mother’s Day this year. Ever wonder where the holiday got its start?

        The American version of Mother’s Day was started by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and the U.S. officially began recognizing it as a holiday in 1914. Anna was the daughter of Anne Reeves Jarvis, a woman who started “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” during the Civil War in an effort to bring unity between the North and South. Anna started Mother’s Day after her own mother’s death as a way to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. She gained financial support from a Philadelphia department store owner in May 1908 and organized the first official celebration in West Virginia. Jarvis wanted her holiday added to the national calendar, arguing that most American holidays recognized more male achievements. She organized a campaign to newspapers and politicians urging them to honor motherhood with a special day. Woodrow Wilson signed an order to officially declare the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day for the United States.

        Anna Jarvis originally wanted Mother’s Day to be a day of personal celebration for mothers and their families. However, once it became a national holiday, large companies such as florists and retail stores capitalized on the popularity and greatly commercialized it. By 1920, she was outraged with the capitalization and denounced the way companies took advantage of an originally simple holiday. By the time of her death in 1948, she completely disowned the holiday and regretted having it added to the national calendar.

        Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in a way Jarvis would not approve of, but is still largely enjoyed by mothers. Gifts and flowers are presented as well as days of self-care or special trips. It is one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. However, some mothers don’t want anything other than a nap or a day free of chores and responsibilities.

        No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day, be sure to honor the mom in your life in a way that will make her feel loved. Don’t forget- Sunday, May 9th!

Cinco de Mayo

        Cinco de Mayo (or 5th of May) is a holiday that originated in Mexico and has spread through North America. While the U.S. uses the day for tacos, cheese dip and drinks, it has a much larger history in its country of origin.

        May 5 marks the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War. It is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. It is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually on September 16 to commemorate Mexico’s Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1810. It is a common misunderstanding among Americans, but Cinco de Mayo has still evolved into a display of Mexican culture and heritage.

        Although the Battle of Puebla victory was not a major win overall in the war, the success meant a great victory for the Mexican government and boosted the movement of resistance against the French. France finally withdrew in 1867 when the United States was able to offer more aid and political support after the Civil War.

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico today is mostly observed in Puebla, where the victory took place. However, other parts of the country do take part. Traditions they practice include military parades, re-creations of the battle and other festivities. For the majority of Mexico, it is just another day and not a federally recognized holiday.

So why is Cinco de Mayo so widely celebrated in the U.S.? It recognizes Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations. These include Los Angeles, San Antonio, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver and El Paso. Awareness of the holiday was increased in the 1960s by Chicano activists, or those born in the U.S. of Mexican descent. They identified with the victory of indigenous Mexicans and wanted to recognize it. Today, you can find Cinco de Mayo parades, parties, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods across the country. Visit your local Mexican restaurant for the occasion and explore their celebratory specials.

4 Summer Events in the CSRA

        The CSRA is full of fun during summertime. Now that we are nearing the tail-end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the CDC is beginning to lift guidelines and restrictions, many areas and businesses are planning events. Here are 4 upcoming events to check out:

Aiken Hops and Hogs Festival

        On June 5, head to downtown Aiken, South Carolina for the Hops and Hogs Festival from 4:00 pm-9:00 pm. More than 20 different craft breweries will be lining Newberry Street with beer selections as well as BBQ vendors and live music. Other than the alcohol, this is a family-friendly event to check out. There will be a kid zone as well! Admission is free and food and beverages are available for purchase.

Evans Summer Beach Blast

        The Evans Towne Center Park will hold a Summer Beach Blast event on Saturday, June 12 from 5:00 pm-10:00 pm. There will be fun for the entire family with an A1A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show, bounce houses, water slides, a beach sand area, Polynesian dancers and more. Food and beverage vendors will be on site as well. Tickets range from $20-50.

Juneteenth Mega Festival

        Saturday, June 19 will be the Juneteenth Mega Festival at the Landing on Bogus Hill Road in North Augusta, South Carolina. This festival celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans which took place on June 19, 1865. There will be history presentations, gospel singing, cornhole, DJs, a step show, southern soul food, black-owned business spotlights and more. There will also be a kids zone and a soul concert at night. The event begins at 8:00 am with the Saturday Market and runs all day.

The Big Bounce America

        The Evans Towne Center Park will host the Big Bounce America from June 4-6. It features the world’s largest bounce house with time slots for specific age groups to play. The Big Bounce is a 10,000 square foot bouncy castle that gets as tall as 40 feet high! More information and tickets can be found here.

Going Grey

        Grey is a classic color choice when it comes to decorating homes. It can be as muted or bold as you like and can achieve a cozy, yet classic look. It is an easy way to set the palette for a room without using plain white. Here are a few design ideas to consider when using grey in your home:

Layer it Up

        Using just one shade of grey can make a room feel dull. Instead, give it some depth by using various light and dark tones. If you have light grey walls, a dark charcoal-toned couch could anchor the room and give it a focal point. Add a grey striped throw blanket for some dimension.

Bring in Some Plants