Alpharetta, GA May 2026

Celebrating Friendship: Our annual women’s issue THE HIDDEN

Hello friends,

I have three pink flowered shoe boxes on the top shelf of my closet that I pull down every now and then when I need to feel grounded.

Inside are hand-written letters, sorted by decade, tied with neat grosgrain ribbon. Many are written on thin, light blue airmail paper that folds into its own envelope. Birthday cards, thank-you notes, postcards and cocktail napkins carry heartfelt messages and even confessions.

These are letters I wrote to my mom, from college through motherhood. She carefully used a letter opener (I can picture it, brass, with an engraved handle) so each envelope, return address and postmark remains intact. Stories about my early relationship with my husband (we celebrate 38 years this month!), tales from our travels around the world and snippets about my children's firsts are all in those flowered boxes. While we lost Mom 11 years ago, those letters that she held, and likely cherished, will forever remain an unbreakable connection. She would have been 100 this month.

Happy heavenly birthday, Emily.

This month, we celebrate the wonder of women.

Enjoy this issue and hug the women in your life who keep you buoyant!

All my best,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE

Photo by Bob Mackey

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Catherine James

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Bob Mackey

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Are you implementing the tax-saving strategies your business needs?

Every year, new rules and opportunities emerge that can lower your tax bill—but only if you know how to use them. Without a plan, you could be missing deductions or paying more than you should. The right approach

1: From mahjong to home inspiration, Haven Lane Design's events bring style and community together. 2: Explore all the events, news and design inspo at HavenLaneDesign.com.

Wood-Fired, Southern Menu

IEHG has brought The Butcher and Bottle to Alpharetta at the former MADE location, opening recently. The restaurant showcases a bold wood-fired, Southerninspired menu featuring fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, smoked and fire-kissed proteins, rich seasonal sides and chef-driven plates built around live-fire cooking. Led by CEO Adam Anacker, the concept pairs its food with craft cocktails, premium spirits and curated wines under Executive Chef Joey Stallings. TheButcherandBottle.com

Memorial Day Celebration

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta, in partnership with the City of Alpharetta, will host Alpharetta’s Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 9 - 10:15 a.m. at Alpharetta City Hall, located at 2 Park Plaza. This is the twelfth year the event will be held and it is free to attend.

School News

The Alpharetta High School Beta Club is one of five Senior Beta Clubs selected for the 2025-2026 National Beta John W. Harris Leadership Award for the state of Georgia. Additionally, Alpharetta AP Computer Science Teacher and FBLA sponsor, Tom Hatcher, has been named FBLA Sponsor of the Year for the state of Georgia. Chattahoochee High School Media Education and Technology Instructor, Lin-Chiou Lee, Beta Club's Kobe Chernushin and Prinsha Chanda and Principal Mike Todd.

Holistic Health Center Grows

Holistic Health Center welcomes Natalia Piedra as Junior Office Manager. "Natalia impressed us with her love for people, professionalism and desire for organization," says Dr. Michael Dellaria. As the Junior Office Manager, she holds the Front Desk Patient Care Coordinator position, along with supporting Kimberly in Managerial duties at the Front Desk. Welcome Natalia!

HolisticHealthga.com

Elegance that elevates

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Here they GROW again

Cleaver Dermatology & Aesthetics is excited to announce its newest location - opening in Roswell at 1265 Upper Hembree Rd. With a focus on studies encompassing psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, hidradenitis suppurativa and genomic research for melanoma, Cleaver is at the forefront of dermatological innovation. CleaverDermatologyAndAesthetics.com 770.800.3455.

Scan to read more

Honoring John Hanrahan

Former 2X All-American at Penn State, Eastern Wrestling League Hall of Famer, and UWW Veteran World Champion, John Hanrahan, will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Georgia Chapter). Hanrahan was a graduate assistant at PSU, head coach at Fordham University and assistant coach at American University. Currently in his 15th year as coach at Mill Springs Academy, he has directed youth club programs at Milton and Alpharetta’s Cooler.

Elegance with Purpose

The Fourth Annual Down & Derby returns in days—where elegance meets urgency. Behind the hats and celebration lies a mission that matters: supporting patient and family experiences at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Saturday, May 2, 5:30 pm to 10 pm at Crabapple Market Green, 12650 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta. Can’t attend in person? You can still stand with the patients. Learn more at CHOA.org

Elevating

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FROM A Mother’s Faith TO A CHEF’S DREAM

ARTICLE BY TIA GREENE- GRANGER

THE 34TH TASTE OF ALPHARETTA CELEBRATES WOMEN CHEFS

Chef Nahm is the founder and chef behind Nahm Fine Thai Cuisine in Alpharetta. For nearly two decades, she has been dedicated to sharing authentic Thai flavors, culture and hospitality with the local community. Known for her passion, craftsmanship and commitment to quality, Chef Nahm continues to celebrate the traditions of Thai cuisine while creating memorable dining experiences for her guests. She is one of the many women chefs participating in the 34th annual Taste of Alpharetta on May 14. Here is her story.

WHY IS ALPHARETTA A GREAT PLACE FOR YOUR RESTAURANT?

Alpharetta has a very special energy. It’s a community that appreciates quality, culture and meaningful dining experiences. When I first opened my restaurant here nearly two decades ago, I felt that people were genuinely curious about the flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine.

Over the years, many of our guests have become like family. Alpharetta diners are thoughtful, supportive and open to new experiences, which makes it a wonderful place to introduce authentic Thai flavors and hospitality. After nearly two decades in Alpharetta, it’s incredibly meaningful to see generations of families continue to dine with us. That sense of community is something I will always treasure.

The Taste of Alpharetta is May 14. Dine in Downtown Alpharetta at over 60 restaurants. Sample appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities for all ages and entertainment.

TELL US ABOUT A RECENT RECIPE BY A FELLOW WOMAN CHEF THAT CAUGHT YOUR EYE.

I’m always inspired by women chefs who honor their cultural roots while bringing creativity to their cooking. Recently, I saw a Thai woman chef share her interpretation of a traditional curry using seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs in a very elegant way. What I loved most was how she respected the essence of the dish while presenting it in a modern style. It reminded me that great cooking is about balance—honoring tradition while continuing to evolve. That philosophy is something I carry into my own kitchen every day.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR MOTHER’S DAY (MAY 2026)?

Mother’s Day is one of my favorite celebrations at the restaurant. It’s a time when families come together to honor the women who nurture and support them.

This year, we are planning a special dining experience with a curated menu featuring some of our most beloved Thai dishes along with seasonal chef specials. Our goal is always to create a warm and joyful atmosphere where families can celebrate mothers, grandmothers and the important women in their lives.

TELL US ABOUT THE WOMEN IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.

The woman who has supported me the most in my life is my mother. From the very beginning, she always believed in me. No matter what dream I pursued, she never doubted that I would succeed. Her confidence in me gave me the courage to follow my passion and eventually build my own restaurant. Even during challenging times, she reminded me to stay strong and trust my journey. That unconditional belief shaped who I am today, not only as a chef and entrepreneur, but as a person.

tasteofalpharettaga.com/ nahmfinethaicuisine.com/

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THE HIDDEN Workforce

How Caregiving Is Reshaping Careers in America

ARTICLE BY ROB SAUTHOFF

In the quiet hours before dawn, millions of Americans are already at work, not in offices or on calls, but beside aging parents, disabled spouses or chronically ill loved ones. They are caregivers, and today they represent one of the most powerful yet overlooked forces shaping the U.S. labor market.

More than 63 million Americans now provide unpaid care to family members or friends, a nearly 50 percent increase over the past decade. That is one in four adults. Most are women, many balancing full-time jobs, parenting and their own well-being. This role is often framed as a personal responsibility, yet its economic impact tells a different story. The estimated value of unpaid caregiving exceeds $873 billion annually, placing it on par with the largest sectors of the U.S. economy.

The emotional weight of caregiving is undeniable, but its effect on careers is just as significant. Seventy percent of caregivers are employed, yet many face constant disruption. Some reduce hours or shift to part-time roles. Others turn down promotions, change jobs or leave the workforce altogether. These decisions are rarely about ambition. They are about necessity. Behind many resume gaps or unconventional career paths is a caregiver navigating choices that do not have easy answers.

As the population continues to age, caregiving will become a defining element of the workforce. By 2030, older adults are expected to outnumber children in the United States. Employers who fail to recognize this shift risk losing experienced, loyal talent. Caregiving builds resilience, emotional intelligence and problem-solving under pressure, qualities organizations often say they value but rarely account for in practice.

This reality is not abstract. In 2023, after decades of good health, my father became seriously ill and returned home unable to care for himself. Stepping into the role of caregiver was not something I had planned for, and balancing his needs while maintaining an income quickly became overwhelming. I found myself making the same kinds of career adjustments reflected in the broader data.

What stood out just as much was the lack of accessible elder care. In metro Atlanta, even the most affordable assisted living options cost more than double my own housing expenses. In-home care was no better. When cost was not the barrier,

quality often was. It became clear that the system is not just strained, but deeply misaligned with the realities middle-class families face.

Other developed countries have taken a different approach, investing more in long-term care and building systems that reduce the burden on families. In the United States, many are left to navigate this responsibility alone, often at significant financial and emotional costs.

Caregiving is not a detour from professional life. It is part of it. As more individuals step into this role, the question is no longer whether the workforce will adapt, but how.

SINGER SONGWRITER'S STAR IS ON THE RISE!

HOMETOWN GIRL: TORI GIDEON

Downtown Alpharetta has always felt like Tori Gideon’s second home. She loves spending slow afternoons walking the streets with her family, popping into local shops, soaking in the charm and admiring the beauty of the town. There’s something about the brick sidewalks, open spaces and friendly faces that feels grounding and inspiring.

Tori is 12-years old and already, her music career is unfolding in beautiful ways. She has written an entire album — songs filled with heart, resilience and encouragement for young teens navigating their own stories. She recently released her first single and has already performed live at Ryan Seacrest Studios at Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital. She has been interviewed by CBS Atlanta and will appear on 11Alive — milestones that reflect both her talent and her calling.

In her hometown of Alpharetta, one of her favorite stops is Comeback Vinyl. You can often find her there flipping through gently used records, headphones on, discovering new sounds and old legends alike. For Tori, vinyl isn’t just music; it’s history, storytelling, and inspiration. It’s where she studies the greats, absorbs the layers of classic rock and continues shaping her own evolving sound.

When it’s time to eat, she loves gathering with family at Never Enough Thyme — especially up on the roof. Recently, Up on the Roof even selected her Pandora station to play throughout the restaurant, hoping to hear her newest single in the mix. For a hometown girl, hearing your music woven into the soundtrack of your favorite local spot is something truly special, a quiet reminder that dreams can grow right where you are planted.

Another familiar place is North Point Mall, where she enjoys walking with her mom — laughing, browsing and just being together. And when she’s hunting for unique fashion finds to match her rock spirit, she stops by Opulence Stylehouse to discover cool treasures that reflect her bold, glitter-punk style.

She’s incredibly grateful to Stick By Stick for helping her create custom swag on the fly — supporting her creative journey in such a tangible way.

Food adventures are another favorite. Whether it’s dinner at Nahm Fine Thai Cuisine, sushi nights at Ichiban Steak & Sushi or grabbing rolls at Revolving Sushi Factory, she loves sharing meals and memories with friends.

On weekends, you might catch her and her friends at the movies at Halcyon, or taking her pup Sunny to Unexpected Pooch for some fun. She also loves strolling through Avalon with her girls and finishing the night with a sweet treat from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

These aren’t just places — they’re part of her rhythm, her memories, her growing-up story.

You’ll often find her on the Big Creek Greenway, training alongside her sister for cross country — pushing each other, building discipline and strengthening their bond.

And when it comes to music, her journey has been intentionally nurtured. Tori has been under development at Jan Smith Studios with Mama Jan Smith — one of the most respected vocal coaches and artist developers in the industry. Under Mama Jan’s mentorship, Tori has not only refined her vocal strength and control, but also grown in confidence, artistry and stage presence. The studio has become a place of discipline, growth and professional preparation — shaping her not just as a singer,

HER TIME AT SCHOOL OF ROCK ALPHARETTA IS WHERE SHE FIRST FELL IN LOVE WITH THE RAW ENERGY OF ROCK — LOUD GUITARS, HONEST EMOTION, FEARLESS EXPRESSION. IT INTRODUCED HER TO THE POWER OF LIVE PERFORMANCE AND GAVE HER THE COURAGE TO OWN THE STAGE.

but as a true artist. She is thrilled to produce her first single, “Glitter Punk 1985,” with the legendary Mama Jan Smith and Jesse Owen Astin.

Her time at School of Rock Alpharetta is where she first fell in love with the raw energy of rock — loud guitars, honest emotion, fearless expression. It introduced her to the power of live performance and gave her the courage to own the stage. That early spark ignited something lasting.

But even as her career grows, Alpharetta remains her place to call home.

Tori simply loves being a kid. She loves the parks, the green fields, the freedom to run, laugh, dream and create. Her hometown isn’t just a backdrop to her story; it’s part of her heartbeat.

Alpharetta gave her room to grow.

Room to dream.

Room to be free.

And from those streets — from vinyl shops, rooftop dinners, studio sessions, and sister runs — a glitter-punk artist with a big voice and an even bigger heart continues to rise.

Follow our young star at ToriGideon.com

Built By Friends, For Friends

Sometimes, you just want that one friend. Take her to Firelight at Shope Creek.

Decades ago, when two friends shared their dreams for life after nine-to-five, their stories collided and intertwined. Both had a vision to create a wellness retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains where guests could seamlessly embrace nature during a luxury stay. Amy Cavanaugh and Shari Robins purchased a piece of property along Shope Creek, in the outskirts of Asheville, North Carolina. In 2014 and opened Firelight at Shope Creek in 2025.  They collaborated with local architects and interior designers initially renovating a hilltop cabin, then building seven smaller modern cabins along the grassy lawn leading to the creek.

Horses graze in the rolling meadow across the way and Brownie, the resident rooster reigns over the families of ducks and chickens and a pretty produce garden, all for guests to enjoy. And, we did!

One night after a strenuous hike up the trail on the property, we enjoyed scrambled eggs from the coop with fresh herbs from the garden. For dessert, we roasted marshmallows over the coals in the mod wood stove and steeped tea, stepping onto the deck and into the hot tub under the stars.

Shari and Amy have thought of everything, including soft robes (two per guest!), radiant heat in the bathroom,

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN THEEDE

a perfectly stocked kitchen, and enough stacked firewood to please even the most enthusiastic scout (me).

Plans for spring and summer at Firelight include adding an elevated yoga platform nestled in the woods, more wellness amenities and an expanded collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours (already in place). We enjoyed a private yoga practice in our living room followed by a mini spa session just steps away in the outdoor barrel-shaped sauna, complete with herbal tea and reusable water bottles. Each choice here seems intentional and powered by design and guest service. It’s personal too. “You’ll often find us tending the animals and gardens on-site, restocking the cabins between stays, and interacting with guests in the communal areas of the property,” says Amy. “Our community of cabins creates a haven for guests seeking both tranquility and adventure, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain and forest views.” With 22 miles of wooded trails on the property, guests don’t have to adventure out to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest to explore, but it’s there for the taking. The nearby small town of Black Mountain is 20

“Our community of cabins creates a haven for guests seeking both tranquility and adventure, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain and forest views.”

minutes away, as is Asheville, both packed with coffee, good food, beer, and art.

My longtime friend Elizabeth and I had a beautiful dinner at The Pure and Proper in Black Mountain, then built a roaring fire in the stone fireplace at Firelite’s community lounge, a beautiful outdoor covered patio along the creek. I greedily rubbed my hands together at the giant stack of firewood and settled into the couch, smothered with cozy blankets, for a long conversation with my pal.

We wished upon the stars.  They came true at Firelite.  AshevilleWellnessTours.com FirelightCabins.com

Join the Movement of Skincare and Self-Care at The Graivier Center

WOMEN IN WELLNESS

ARTICLE BY CATHERINE JAMES

Wellness.

A word on every woman’s lips. Whether it’s baked into her meal plan, infused into her skincare routine or literally, on her lips (in the form of glosses, masks or dermal fillers), it’s more than a trend. It is a crux of the modern feminine lifestyle.

The Graivier Center, an Alpharetta-based plastic surgeon and full-service medical spa, brings this philosophy to life through its long-standing team of women and wellness advocates like these.

JILL GARVERSPA MANAGER

Jill Garver’s journey into skincare is a story of passion, persistence and serendipity.

“I’ve always known this was something I wanted to do,” notes Jill. “I put myself through school and stayed highly involved, but I was also fortunate to have met the right people early on in my career.”

One of those was a peer who helped Jill during her first and only encounter with adult acne, leading her to pursue specialized training in acne management.

“Clearing up acne became my passion, and it inspired me to open my first acne clinic in Laguna Niguel, California,” says Jill.

The other is a cosmetic chemist who helped develop J Harper Clinical Skincare, a product line that evolves alongside Jill and her own skincare philosophy.

“We developed a skincare line focusing on acne and age-defying products.”

Formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients and non-comedogenic formulas, J Harper represents skincare without complexity.

Now, three decades into her career and 14 years as The Graivier Center’s spa manager, Jill continues to help patients achieve clear, radiant skin while aging gracefully. Her team of estheticians is equipped with cutting-edge technology, a wealth of product knowledge and Jill’s own skincare methods to deliver exceptional care to the Alpharetta community and beyond.

ANDREA SPIDALIERI –LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Andrea Spidalieri also had a fated encounter with her passion. A car accident led her to seek healing beyond traditional physical therapy, where she discovered the transformative benefits of massage therapy.

Inspired, she pursued Integrative Therapeutic Massage, mastering techniques such as Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and Swedish massage.

“Each massage is a little different,” says Andrea. “I design my sessions according to what my clients need most in the moment.”

With 28 years of experience, patients of The Graivier Center would agree she is an expert in her craft. She joined the practice in 1998, when Dr. Miles Graivier introduced post-operative massage to enhance healing and accelerate recovery.

“It’s important that our patients feel as good as they look after surgery,” expresses Dr. Graivier.

Today, Andrea remains a coveted part of patients’ recovery and long-term wellness, offering services beyond post-op care. She believes that regular massage, as often as once a week, when possible - along with movement, nutrition and room for enjoyment, is key to a life of health and longevity.

“I think people need to be a part of their own healing process,” says Andrea. “I’m here to help them facilitate that.”

To book with Andrea or an award-winning esthetician, visit TheGraivierCenter.com.

“It’s important that our patients feel as good as they look after surgery,” expresses Dr. Graivier.

Rooted in COMMUNITY

As the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) nears its 50th anniversary, its story is one of tremendous impact, built over decades through community support, thoughtful leadership and a mission that has never wavered: connecting people with nature.

For long-time supporter, Dotty Etris, that mission was clear from the start. After volunteering in the earliest days of the center and encouraging others to get involved, she joined the staff in 1977, a mere six months after CNC first opened its doors. What was meant to be a short-term role quickly evolved into a 14-year career, where she served as the first Director of Operations, helping guide everything from fundraising to public relations.

In those early years, CNC was introducing a concept that was unfamiliar to many in the region. “We had to really educate the public about what a nature center was,” Etris recalls. “What ultimately drew people in was something simple but powerful—a welcoming, family-friendly place where learning about the environment felt approachable, engaging and even fun!”

That same spirit of creativity and education laid the groundwork for what would become one of CNC’s most beloved traditions: the Native Plant Sale. Its origins trace back to the mid-1980s. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated supporters, an early shade garden filled with trilliums, bluebells and ferns took root on the property and began to flourish. By 1987, Henning von Schmeling, CNC’s retired horticulture director, worked alongside fellow CNC employee, Charlotte Reese, to launch the first plant sale, working with a local Alpharetta nursery to prepare the plants for the community.

The initiative continued to grow alongside CNC itself. By the early 1990s, the sale expanded to include fall offerings of shrubs and trees, creating even more opportunities for visitors to bring a piece of the center home, while sustainably supporting Georgia’s ecosystem.

Today, that sense of connection remains central to CNC’s success. According to Natasha Rice, president and CEO of CNC, “Our ability to connect over the past 50 years comes down to a strong foundation: a mission that has endured for decades, supported by a committed community, dedicated staff and deeply engaged volunteers and board members.”

Over the past 50 years, CNC has grown into a leader in environmental education and conservation, and has developed one of the region’s premier wildlife clinics.

chattnaturecenter.org.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

MAY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 1ST

Celebrate Freedom Rodeo

Wills Park Equestrian Center | 6:00 PM

The Celebrate Freedom Rodeo returns to Alpharetta’s Wills Park Equestrian Center arena. The two-day, action-packed western celebration will feature special events for all ages and is sure to put the whole family in a hootin’ and hollerin’ mood. May 1 and 2.

MAY 23RD

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest

The Grove at Wills Park | 10:00 AM Alpharetta Arts Streetfest features more than 100 artists from across the U.S. At this festival, art enthusiasts can stroll through the outdoor gallery, meet the artists and acquire a piece of original, whimsical art. Festival eats and drinks will be available. May 23–24, 2026, 10:00 am–5:00 pm

MAY 25TH

Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute

Alpharetta City Hall – 2 Park Place  | 9:00 AM

The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta will host Alpharetta’s Memorial Day Tribute. The program begins at 9:00 am and will include an invocation, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and a keynote address by Tommy Clack, followed by “Taps.”

Offer expires June 12, 2026.

*Rebate requires purchase of qualifying items between March 9, 2026 and June 12, 2026 from a participating Lennox® dealer. Contact your local participating Lennox® dealer for promotion details. Qualifying items must be installed by June 19, 2026. This offer applies to residential installations only. Rebate claims must be submitted (with the Dealer’s invoice to the homeowner listing all models and serial numbers) to www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than July 19, 2026 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

Rebate is paid in the form of a Lennox Prepaid Mastercard®. Use your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank, N.A.; Member FDIC. This is not a gift card. This card is issued for loyalty, award or promotional purposes. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card. Conditions apply. See www.lennox.com/termsand-conditions for complete terms and conditions. **Offer available between March 9, 2026 and June 12, 2026. All applications are subject to credit review and approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Requires purchase of qualifying Lennox® system. No down payment required. If you qualify for this promotion (“Promotion”)and elect to participate, Finance Charges (interest) will not accrue for the first twelve months (Promotional Period), and you will not be required to make payments during the Promotional Period. If you pay the entire amount financed on or before the last day of the Promotional Period (Promotional Expiration Date), you will not have to pay any Finance Charges. However, if you qualify and elect to participate in the Promotion and do not pay the entire amount financed on or before the Promotion Expiration Date, you will be charged Finance Charges starting the first day after the Promotion Expiration Date at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 11.95%, and the balance will be payable in 120 scheduled monthly payments of $14.30 per $1,000 of the amount financed. No prepayment penalties. Minimum and maximum amount financed of $3,000 and $100,000, respectively. Late charges may apply. Complete terms and conditions and Truth in Lending disclosures will be set forth in the Retail Installment Contract which you should review carefully. ^^Savings vary based on local energy provider and where you

and

THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD

Community effort feeds neighbors. You can too.

My typical Tuesday usually feels like a race against the clock, juggling a calendar of practices, club meetings and a never-ending mountain of homework. I see that same frantic pace in the adults around me, too, as they navigate back-to-back Zoom marathons and the constant cycle of extracurricular drop-offs. From my perspective as a student, it’s easy to see how fast this community moves and how, between our careers and our school commitments, our collective free time can feel non-existent. When life feels that packed, it's easy to assume the only realistic way to help is through donating, buying a raffle ticket or clicking a donate button. Also, most people want a more direct, hands-on way to make an impact; they just don't think they have room for it.

The Sandwich Project (TSP) addresses both of these issues. It is hands-on and direct, and it only takes about 20 minutes. The Sandwich Project began as a grassroots response to immediate food insecurity emergencies due to the COVID pandemic. The mission is simple: provide fresh, reliable nutrition to thousands across metro Atlanta facing food insecurity.

Every Wednesday, volunteers drop their donations at one of over 30 host homes nestled right in our own subdivisions. On Thursday morning, volunteer drivers whisk these meals away to more than dozens of partner organizations, including local shelters and community outreach organizations. It is a high-impact operation that moves roughly 8,000 sandwiches a week, proving that when neighbors coordinate, even a 20-minute task can result in thousands of meals delivered. Beyond the logistics, there is something deeply grounding about the time spent at the kitchen counter. For the busy professionals and parents in our community, this work offers a rare 'analog' break. Engaging in such a tactile, rhythmic task provides a genuine mental reset—a moment of quiet perspective that a frantic workday rarely allows. As you settle into that rhythm, the work begins to shift your perspective on who we are serving. You realize that hunger doesn't always look like an unhoused individual on the street. It lives right here in our own neighborhoods, often hidden behind the front doors of families with working parents who still struggle to put food on the table. It could be the cashier at Target or the gas station attendant skipping meals so their children don't have to go without.

The most eye-opening impact is learning that hunger lives right where we do and realizing we can do something to help solve it

ARTICLE BY AASHNA SINGH

right now. Perhaps an even more transformative shift occurs when the next generation gets involved. While we can talk to our children about the importance of giving, nothing compares to the moment they realize a meal they personally prepared is going directly to a neighbor. For a child or teenager, this builds a lasting sense of self-esteem; they aren’t just observers of a problem, they are active participants in the solution. In the end, as we nourish our community, we are also strengthening our families by turning the abstract concept of 'charity' into a tangible, lifelong lesson in empathy.

Getting started is designed to be simple; a user-friendly website awaits. The weekly newsletter includes a link to the host homes. Make sandwiches at home on Wednesdays (or Tuesday night) and drop them off. Groups welcome.

By dedicating just 20 minutes at your own kitchen counter, you can transform a routine chore into a profound act of local service. Help The Sandwich Project reach its next million meals—one handmade gift at a time.

TheSandwichProject.org

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