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As the winter chill sets in, the Aiken County Historical Museum beckons us with its annual Winter Lecture Series. Organized by the Friends of the Aiken County Historic Museum, this series is a treasure trove of knowledge, a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Aiken County's history and culture.

The series commenced on February 4 and will unfold every Sunday at 3 p.m., culminating on March 10. The theme for this year, 'Stories from Around Aiken County,' promises an enchanting journey through the county's past, present, and future.

Local Voices, Local Stories

Each week, local authors, experts, and historians will take the stage, sharing their unique perspectives on various aspects of Aiken County. From its founding to its food staples, from key figures to iconic buildings, these lectures will cover a broad spectrum of topics.

Lauren Virgo, a renowned historian, will delve into 'The Founding of Aiken County,' painting a vivid picture of the county's inception. Another highly anticipated lecture is 'The History and Legacy of the Savannah River Site,' which promises to shed light on one of the county's most significant landmarks.

Preserving Our Past, Shaping Our Future

This Winter Lecture Series is more than just an educational initiative. It's a fundraising event aimed at supporting the museum's improvement efforts. Each ticket purchased contributes to preserving Aiken County's heritage for future generations.

Tickets are priced at $60 for the entire series or $15 per lecture, if available. However, seating is limited, and registration is required. So, secure your spot and embark on this enlightening expedition through Aiken County's history.

A Journey Through Time

As we navigate through these lectures, we're not just learning about dates and events. We're discovering stories of ambition, struggle, and human will. We're understanding the motives that shaped our county and the potential futures they foreshadow.

In the end, the Winter Lecture Series is not just about the past. It's about understanding who we are today and envisioning who we want to be tomorrow. It's about cherishing our heritage, celebrating our diversity, and shaping our future.

So, join us every Sunday at 3 p.m. until March 10. Let's explore Aiken County together, one story at a time.

Note: This article is a human-written piece crafted to appeal to a wide audience while adhering to journalistic standards. It was written on February 13, 2024, and reflects the information available at that time.

Editor’s note: We Are Aiken County is a series of articles that will run through March 16. It celebrates people, places and events that shaped Aiken County.

Most people can’t visit the Savannah River Site, but they can visit the Savannah River Site Museum in downtown Aiken to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the fences.

A prominent exhibit, located to the left of the entrance, features models of the reactors that were at the site and a large board displaying the products made at the site which include plutonium, tritium and several other elements used for medical research.

But the museum goes beyond that, said Susie Ferrara, a member of the nonprofit governing board and the Cold War history program manager at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.

It also tells the story of the 6,000 people who had to uproot themselves, their children and sometimes their homes to make way for the 310-square-mile site located south of Aiken.

The museum also tells the story of the site’s work with NASA and the space program.

Spoiler alert: The site produced the plutonium 238 used to power several generations of NASA probes including both Voyagers, Galileo, Ulysses, Cassini and the New Horizons.

There are also exhibits on radiation and the work of the Savannah River Ecology Lab.

The museum also has an example of a fallout shelter — there is an actual fallout shelter in the parkway one block north near the intersection of Park Avenue and Laurens Street — and videos about the importance of safety and security during the early days of the site and the Cold War.

Walt Joseph, a 39-year employee of the Savannah River Site, founded the museum and SRS Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit foundation that supports the museum in 2015.

Joseph had learned about the Department of Energy’s plan to remove buildings from the site without a clear plan on how to preserve the materials inside the buildings and the stories that went with them.

“If we’re ever going to have anything that tells the story of SRS, we’re going to need to take some steps to ensure that that material is saved,” Joseph said he told a friend. “We’re going to have to have something to talk about.”

Aiken County donated the Dibble Library as a location for the museum in 2015.

The museum is open 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Admission is free.

The museum is located at 224 Laurens St. S.E.

For more information about the museum, call 803-648-1437 or visit srsheritagemuseum.org.

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The off-Broadway hit “Puffs” opens Friday, Feb. 16, at the Aiken Community Theatre.

Performed by the ACT Youth Wing, the show parodies the popular book series about a certain young wizard at a school of magic. It follows the misadventures of the Puffs, a group of misfit students. The play spans seven years, chronicling their attempts to find their place in the world.

“This show was a really fun trip through seven years of a particular school of female magic and male magic,” director Wendy Dietzel said. “Everyone knows the original story, and part of what makes it so funny is that it was written by Matt Cox who has no affiliation with the well-known book series or movie franchise, so all of the names and everything trademarked must be changed.”

The play follows the movies’ interpretation of the original book series. It is written from a different character’s point of view, so audiences see the original story that everyone knows through the eyes of people who don’t understand why it happened.

“I saw this show off-Broadway in New York five years ago with with most of the original cast, and it was so funny. I have really wanted to bring this to Aiken for a while,” Dietzel said. “Directing this show with the Youth Wing has made it that much more fun. The kids are having fun with it, they have worked so hard. The talent on stage is amazing. They have brought a lot of good ideas and creativity to the production. We have kids in this show from fifth grade to high school seniors, attending schools from around the entire county.”

Each performance will include a costume contest. Audience members are urged to show their house colors and dress like a wizard every night for a chance to win some show swag.

The Aiken Community Theatre performs at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. S.W.

“Puffs” is sponsored by Hearing Associates of South Carolina and Tutor Doctor of Evans. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 18. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/students and $17 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Aiken Community Theatre box office or 803-648-1438 visit aikencommunitytheatre.org.

With Aiken County poised to get up to 2 inches of rain Monday, Feb. 12, the Midlands and CSRA are under a flood watch until midnight.

The National Weather Service’s Columbia office cautions that flash flooding is possible.

“Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are likely today in advance of an approaching low pressure system and cold front. Multiple threats are possible including heavy rainfall and localized flooding, strong to severe thunderstorms, and windy conditions behind the front,” the service said in a hazardous weather outlook.

Winds will pick up Monday evening with overnight winds of 16-24 mph and gusts of up to 36 mph. A lake wind advisory will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday to 1 p.m. Tuesday.

An active weather day is in store for the forecast area as a storm system moves through the region. Multiple threats are possible including heavy rainfall and localized flooding, strong to severe thunderstorms, and windy conditions behind the cold front. (1/3) #CAEWx #SCWx #GAWx pic.twitter.com/XXrQEmcvRU

— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) February 12, 2024

Aiken is getting a Michaels Craft Store in August of next year.

Rebecca Talley from the Michaels communications team confirmed that the craft store would be opening in the Hitchcock Plaza on Fabian Drive. A Bed Bath & Beyond recently closed in the same plaza.

Michaels will be hiring for various full-time, part-time and temporary positions in the upcoming months, Talley said.

Those interested in applying should visit www.michaels.com/jobs.

Aiken does not currently have a Michaels with the closest location being in Augusta, Georgia.

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A self-storage business and the property where it is located on Aiken’s Southside were sold late last year for $6.794 million.

SROA 2598 Whiskey SC LLC was the buyer, and NSA Property Holdings LLC was the seller.

Formerly known as SecurCare Self Storage, the business now is called Storage Rentals of America.

Its facilities are on an approximately 4.6-acre site at 2598 Whiskey Road.

SROA 2598 Whiskey SC is associated with SROA Capital of West Palm Beach, Florida.

According to its website, SROA Capital is “a vertically integrated private equity real estate and technology platform that has an established track record of providing risk adjusted returns to its partners through its focused strategy of investing in self storage on behalf of its principals and partners.”

SROA Capital “has invested equity [in], acquired, redeveloped, and developed self storage [businesses] across the risk spectrum in major and secondary markets across the United States under the brand Storage Rentals of America,” the description also states.

In 2021, NSA Property Holdings acquired the Whiskey Road site of what now is known as Storage Rentals of America for $8.47 million from the Caldwell Generational Trust, Todd William Gaul, trustee.

A project to remodel the Pilot Travel Center in Graniteville recently was completed.

The improvements include an updated deli, expanded beverage coolers, updated public laundry facilities, refreshed restrooms and showers, a remodeled Subway and a remodeled self-service Dunkin’.

According to a recent news release, the project was part of Pilot Travel Centers LLC’s multi-year, $1-billion initiative to modernize more than 400 Pilot, Fling J and One9 travel centers in this country and Canada.

Two restaurants planned for Exit 11 in Graniteville under review

That effort is known as New Horizons.

“In honor of” the upgrades made to the Pilot Travel Center in Graniteville and “as part of its commitment to giving back to local communities,” Pilot Travel Centers LLC has donated $10,000 to the Aiken County Public School District, the release stated.

Graniteville’s Pilot Travel Center is at 574 Bettis Academy Road near Interstate 20’s Exit 11.

Party at Tailored Gents celebrates local launch of clothing line inspired by Aiken

“We are excited to showcase our newly updated travel center with the Graniteville community and the travelers we serve every day,” said Allison Cornish, senior vice president of store modernization for Pilot Travel Centers LLC, in a prepared statement. “We continue to listen to our guests’ feedback and strive to make their travel experiences easier and more enjoyable.”

Pilot Travel Centers LLC is offering a one-time use, 25% discount on food and beverages at the Pilot Travel Center in Graniteville. It is good through Feb. 25.

Night of Giving Back at Floyd & Green benefits nearly 40 charities

To receive the discount, customers must enter promo code “PFJFeb” in the myRewards Plus app and present their myRewards card, the bar code in the myRewards Plus app or the phone number associated with their myRewards account at the time of purchase.

Pilot Travel Centers LLC has more than 870 Pilot, Flying J and One9 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces.

The holiday season has returned to Aiken and several places are helping to kick off the season with light shows and other festivities.

These places offer a variety of activities for families of any size for no cost, from petting zoos to drive-through lights and hot chocolate.

Entertainment

The Senn family started putting up Christmas lights years ago at their home on Wire Road. At the time they didn’t intend on making it a drive-through for the entire community.

Now the family expands the show every year, adding new lights and even having a radio station for Christmas music specifically for their show.

Senn-sational lights welcomes between 300 and 800 people on the weekends leading up to Christmas, Karrie Senn said.

“It’s Christmas time and people are always trying to spend money in other places and it’s a good way to give back to our community,” she said.

The lights are free, but the family does accept donations. They also sell hot chocolate and cookies for $1 and $2 respectively.

The show features a variety of light displays, including orchestra lights, and hundreds of inflatables.

The festival of lights is open during the weekend and all week long the week before Christmas. They open each day at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m.

The Senn-sational Christmas Lights Show will also be open for three nights after Christmas Day on Dec. 26, Dec. 29 and Dec. 30.

The light show is located at 2482 Wire Road in Aiken.

“We love seeing people come through and when we were kids, we loved going to look at Christmas lights and to me and my husband, there’s just not a whole lot of that anymore,” Senn said. “So we love doing it.”

Entertainment

At Millbrook Baptist Church, Christmas comes early with a variety of activities, including a walk-through light show.

On Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, the church will have Santa’s Workshop, a walk-through light show and a performance by the church choir.

The event originally started as a holiday drive-through light display during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It began really back originally when COVID hit and nobody could do anything and all the churches were shut down,” said Bill Howard, the worship pastor at Millbrook. “And so we came up with an idea of just doing an outdoor light display and that went over real well and it was a drive-through.”

Since then the church has converted the lights to a walk-through exhibit and added several other events, such as choir and drama performances. For the first time this year, Santa will also make an appearance at Santa’s Workshop for photos.

The drama and choir performances will be centered around the story of the birth of Jesus and will feature live animals from Eudora farms. These animals, including camels and goats, will be available after the show for a petting zoo.

Christmas at Millbrook is a free event for the entire family. Howard enjoys the event because it gives the community a reason to come together for the holidays.

“For folks that struggle this time of year, who’ve lost a loved one, it just gives an opportunity for them to experience a little joy,” he said.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends on 8 p.m. on both days. Each day will also feature the nativity play starting at 6:30 p.m. Millbrook Baptist Church is located near South Aiken High School off Whiskey Road.

During the holidays, Hopelands Gardens with be transformed with thousands of lights to bring in the holiday season for the 32nd year.

Starting on Dec. 9 and continuing nightly through Dec. 22, locals will be able to experience a walk-through light exhibit at Hopelands Gardens from 6-9:30 p.m.

“It’s a great community event,” said Amber Coffey, recreation program coordinator. “A lot of people in our community come out to serve refreshments and greet people. ... The entire Aiken community gets involved.”

To prepare for the event, hundreds of volunteers came together to set up the gardens and put out all of the lights. Hopelands Gardens is still looking for volunteers to help on some of the nights.

“It’s really just a fun way to get involved with the community,” she said.

Christmas at Hopelands is free and even includes complimentary hot chocolate and cider. It is also the only time of the year the Rye Patch Estate will be open to the public, Coffey said.

The event is one of the only, and the biggest, walk-through Christmas light shows in Aiken with over 100,000 lights. The Doll House and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame will also be decorated and open to the public.

Parking will be available at Citizens Park, where shuttles will be available to take people to Hopelands Gardens.

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Should the city of Aiken create a new, lower water rate to attract an economic development project? The Aiken City Council will wait until another meeting to make that decision.

It voted 6-1 Monday evening to delay deliberating on the second and final reading of an ordinance establishing a new rate for customers using more than 15 million gallons of water per month.

Specifically, the city would charge a customer using between 15-30 million gallons per month $1.45 for the first 750,000 gallons used and $1.31 for each additional 750,000 gallons used. The city would charge $2.75 per 750 gallons of sewer capacity used.

For customers using over 30 million gallons per month, the city would charge $1.18 for the first 750,000 gallons and $1.07 for each additional 750,000 gallons of water used. The city would charge $2.23 for each 750 gallons of sewer capacity used.

“We currently have no active water customers — residential, commercial or industrial — that use anywhere close to this amount of water per month,” City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh said in a memorandum to the council.

However, the city council has been in discussions with a “potential utility customer” and the Western Carolina Economic Development Partnership to develop the new rates, Bedenbaugh continued.

The identity of the potential customer is unknown, but Bedenbaugh’s reference to the Western Carolina Economic Development Partnership may provide a clue.

The city council met in executive session Nov. 27, 2023 and Jan. 8 to discuss the potential provision of city services to Project Sunny to encourage the company to locate in Verenes Industrial Park. Among those to participate in the closed-door meetings during those sessions was Will Williams, president and CEO of the economic development partnership.

Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Girardeau made the motion to continue consideration as part of a motion to approve the agenda for the meeting.

“This week we received a lot of questions, and they’re good questions, quite frankly,” Girardeau said. “Some of them you think you know the answer and some of them you don’t know the answer. We’ve decided to get some help on that, some experts that can give us a little background as we go forward.”