Johns Creek, GA April 2026

ARTS + CULTURE

ME TIME: TAKING BOOK CLUB OUT ON THE TOWN

EDUCATION

BEYOND SAVE VERSUS SPEND: FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR TEENS

LIFE + CULTURE

TIM TEBOW'S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

Hello friends,

I am writing this while visiting my sister and nieces outside Portland, Oregon. Since they were born 17 years ago, I've had the pleasure of visiting at least biannually, more often when they were younger. Their parents have always made a concerted effort to surround them with music, musicians, instruments and opportunities. Dana chose to study the flute and Veronica chose the trumpet. They each play multiple instruments and have lovely voices.

Last night, we attended a Metropolitan Youth Symphony concert featuring Greig, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and an impressive original composition by a young local musician. The highlight was the Carl Reinecke Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 283, mvt. 1. Dana was the soloist, the winner of the 2025-2026 MYS Concerto Competition. We all beamed with pride. Those hundreds of practice hours and a deep commitment to her passion shone through her precise performance.

For parents who are considering investing in music lessons for their kids, I say "BRAVO."

In this INVESTMENT issue, we feature stories about the importance of personal growth, teen financial literacy and understanding your Roth IRA.

We hope you are enjoying spring.

All my best,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue Gay 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 WRITERS

Sophie Brock, Angela Broockherd, Prinsha Chanda

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

Spring into Style

city scene

business monthly

Atlanta Athletic Club's Blue Ribbon

The Association of Golf Merchandisers announced that Atlanta Athletic Club is a recipient of the Best of the Best award. This elite recognition is reserved for the top ten golf retail operations that exemplify innovation, creativity and excellence in golf merchandising. The AGM Platinum Awards honor the top 100 golf shops across public, private, resort and offcourse categories, acknowledging exceptional achievements in visual merchandising, customer experience, operational success, promotional strategy and social engagement.

Visit Johns Creek’s New Leader

Welcome Kristin Edwards as the new Executive Director of Visit Johns Creek. An award-winning festivals and events professional, Kristen brings more than a decade of experience producing large-scale festivals, cultural programming and entertainment initiatives across Metro Atlanta. Her work with cities and chambers has helped activate downtowns, support small businesses, strengthen entertainment districts and drive meaningful economic

As a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kang is highly specialized in plastic surgery of the eyelids. As a true eyelid specialist, Dr. Kang is an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang is also an expert injector in Botox and fillers and aims for only the most natural appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.

Johns Creek is 20

Did you know? Incorporated in 2006, Johns Creek is a city rooted in the pioneering spirit of North Georgia in the early 19th century. The area originally attracted the attention of Native Americans due to the wildlife and cool waters of the Chattahoochee River. The town’s namesake, John Rogers, settled here in 1804 with his Cherokee wife, Sarah Cordery. Their historic home, visited by President Andrew Jackson and Will Rogers, remains a private residence today.

ARTICLE BY PRINSHA CHANDA

BEYOND

Save Versus SPEND

“FINANCIAL LITERACY ALSO REFERS TO SMALL THINGS LIKE HAVING A LIMITED NUMBER OF CREDIT CARDS, UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS.”

For many teenagers, the typical lifestyle is to go to school, come home, do homework or extracurriculars and occasionally go out with friends. Especially in such an amazing community like Johns Creek, many of us aren’t worrying about money. So, when we get into college, we’re thrown into the deep end.

That is why Student Leadership North (formerly Student Leadership Johns Creek) has been providing financial literacy sessions for its student leaders. Recently, approximately 100 young leaders in high school got to hear about issues

like cybersecurity from financial experts, including Chelsea Coclough, the CFO at First American Bank and Trust Company.

The young leaders’ day began with a forum from MoneyTalks, a program hosted by the Secretary of State. The panel included notable figures like Art Terrell, a renowned radio personality; Sileta Bell, President of the Bell Consultants; Ebony Francis, the CEO of AvestiCorp; and Leanne Craport, Manager at Deloitte.

From them, an important lesson emerged: it goes beyond save vs. spend. Financial literacy also refers to small things like having a limited number of credit cards, understanding your credit score and keeping an eye on your subscriptions. My best takeaway might have been that I should always stay on my parents’ phone plan.

The group also had the opportunity to hear from Hardy Abbott, a business development leader at Vystar Credit Union, a sponsor of Student Leadership North. From him, the students learned about budgeting basics. He also added the incentive of a dollar bill

“ONE THING I CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY I HAVE INTERNALIZED IS THAT I MUST REACH A POINT WHERE I NEVER FEEL GUILTY WITH MY MONEY, BUT RATHER FEEL SECURE.”

or candy. On a more serious note, his interactive presentation demonstrated the need to have a well-thought-out plan for income.

For me, this was my second time attending Student Leadership North’s financial literacy session, but the lesson was just as important as the first. One thing I can confidently say I have internalized is that I must reach a point where I never feel guilty with my money, but rather feel secure.

I believe that the students took away just as much as I did from the panel and the presentation. So, for this reason, I hope that these financial literacy sessions continue well into the future and perhaps even expand, so that each teenage student can see the importance of their money. One of the biggest issues that adults face is financial issues, and perhaps by providing a little more awareness from a younger age, we can invest in a brighter future for everyone.

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Make

Me Time, Us Time

Book Club:

On The Town

If you’ve ever been a member of a book club, you’ll know that while the mission is to complete and dissect a novel, the process usually involves snacks, beverages and a night out. Prose is paramount, but catching up with friends (and making new ones) is the best chapter of book club. And, while it’s always fun to host, sometimes it’s a tall order to clean your house and think of scintillating conversation around a book you just finished. Here are a few options for taking book club out on the town.

Rushing Trading Company serves locally sourced, globally inspired brunch, craft cocktails and gourmet espresso. The Rushing Family, having lived in Switzerland

for some years, has recognized that quality should not be spared and every small detail counts. Owned and operated by women, this bright space is a perfect setting to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon with a strong female protagonist.

SUGO is a family-style Italian and Greek restaurant that focuses on dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Its communal, shareable plates make it an ideal spot for book clubs discussing immersive fantasy worlds.

South City Kitchen at Avalon: From classic brunch favorites to elegant evening entrées, South City Kitchen highlights bold flavors, fresh ingredients and a generous helping of Southern charm - perfect for readers exploring Southern-based stories like Where the Crawdads Sing.

Rumi’s  at Avalon brings Persian warmth to book club gatherings with shareable dishes like charcoal-grilled kebabs, savory seafood and flavorful basmati rice dishes. The inviting space encourages relaxed discussion of a story of lifelong friendships set in a faraway land like, The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. The patio is perfect for groups too.

Johns Creek Books can help plug you into a book club. Check the shop or their website for this month’s reads. Here are a few clubs where new members are welcomed.

Erin’s AP English for Adults Book Club

Meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7pm.

Tina’s Book Club

Meeting twice a month on Tuesdays Now reading: Michael Connelly, The Proving Ground Good morning Monster, Catherine Gildiner

Joshua’s “The Future is Female” Sci-Fi Book Club

Meets the third Wednesday of the month, featuring Sci-Fi books by female authors.

Erin’s Book Club of “Award-winning books you keep meaning to read but they just sit on your TBR shelf and now you are at a cocktail party pretending to have read them.”

Meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm, featuring all those books you’ve been meaning to read.

The “Fellowship of Fantasy” Book Club

Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm.

Now reading: The Chosen and the Beautiful , Nghi Vo

Horror Book Club

Meets the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm.

Now reading: Lone Women by Victor Lavalle Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro

Current Events Book Club

Meets the last Friday of every month at 12pm.

Now reading: Trust by Pete Buttigieg

Mostly Fiction Book Club

Mondays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Northeast Spruill Oaks Library

Silent Book Club Johns Creek, GA

Monthly meetups in Johns Creek and Alpharetta to read, discuss books and socialize. BYO (Books) and enjoy the conversations! Silent Book Club donates 5% of their annual revenue to literary nonprofits and organizations dedicated to supporting public libraries and the freedom to read.

Designed. Manufactured. Installed. One place to do it all. 404-594-4690 borganikitchens.com borganikitchens & cabinetry

At Borgani Kitchens, we bring your vision to life through a seamless, start-to-finish process that eliminates compromise.

Thoughtfully designed. Meticulously built. Impeccably installed. Every step happens under one roof, guided by a single team committed to excellence. When everything is done in one place, the experience feels simpler—and the result, exceptional.

PRO MOVE

When (and When Not) to Convert to a Roth IRA

Roth conversions have become one of retirement planning’s most debated strategies. The appeal is clear: tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals and no required minimum distributions (RMDs). But while powerful, a Roth conversion is not automatically the right move.

At its core, a Roth conversion means moving pre-tax retirement dollars — typically from a traditional IRA or employer plan — into a Roth IRA. You pay ordinary income tax on the amount converted today in exchange for taxfree withdrawals later. It’s essentially prepaying taxes now to eliminate them in the future.

The key question is whether paying that tax today improves your long-term outcome.

strategy becomes. Younger investors and early retirees often benefit most because decades of tax-free growth magnify the impact.

4. YOU WANT TO REDUCE FUTURE RMDS

Traditional retirement accounts force taxable withdrawals beginning in your 70s. Large RMDs can increase Medicare premiums, raise Social Security taxation, and reduce tax flexibility. Strategic conversions can shrink future RMDs and smooth income across retirement.

WHEN A ROTH CONVERSION MAY NOT MAKE SENSE

ARTICLE BY RYAN SNOVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SNOVER, MANAGING PARTNER, ARISTIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

WHEN A ROTH CONVERSION MAKES SENSE

1. YOU’RE IN A LOWER-THAN-NORMAL TAX YEAR

Roth conversions are taxed as ordinary income. Converting during a year when your income is temporarily lower — due to retirement, a job change, business startup losses or unusually high deductions — can allow you to convert dollars at 12% or 22% instead of 32% or higher. The strategy works best when you’re paying tax at a lower rate now than you expect later.

2. YOU EXPECT HIGHER FUTURE TAX RATES

Current federal tax brackets are scheduled to rise after 2025 unless Congress acts. If you believe future tax rates — either personally or nationally — will be higher, converting during today’s relatively lowrate window can be advantageous.

3. YOU HAVE A LONG TIME HORIZON

The longer Roth dollars can compound tax-free, the more valuable the

1. YOU’RE IN A HIGH TAX BRACKET TODAY

Converting during peak earning years at 32%, 35%, or 37% may be counterproductive unless future rates are clearly expected to be even higher.

2. YOU DON’T HAVE CASH TO PAY THE TAX

Taxes should almost never be paid from the IRA itself. Doing so reduces Roth growth potential and may trigger penalties if you’re under 59½. Outside cash is essential.

3. YOU’LL NEED THE MONEY SOON

Roth conversions are long-term strategies. The five-year rule and limited compounding time reduce benefits if funds will be needed shortly.

4. IT TRIGGERS TAX “LANDMINES”

Conversions can increase Medicare IRMAA surcharges, raise Social Security taxation, eliminate deductions or credits or push you into a higher bracket. Precision matters.

THE IMPACT OF CHANGING TAX LAWS

Two major considerations shape today’s environment:

• Expiring tax cuts after 2025, potentially raising future rates.

• Ongoing policy attention on large retirement accounts, reminding investors that laws evolve. Conversions should be reviewed annually, not treated as one-time decisions.

HOW TO EVALUATE THE DECISION

A proper analysis includes:

• Current vs. future tax brackets

• Time horizon

• Ability to spread conversions across years

• Available bracket “room”

• Cash available for taxes

• Impact on Medicare, Social Security and retirement income Multi-year tax modeling is essential to determine the optimal amount to convert.

Roth conversions can be powerful, or unnecessarily expensive. For many investors, partial conversions over several years offer the best balance of control and flexibility. For others, waiting is wiser.

The IRS will always take its share. The question is how much, and when. A thoughtful, tax-aware strategy allows you to decide both.

A Roth IRA conversion, sometimes called a backdoor Roth strategy, is a way to contribute to a Roth IRA when income exceeds standard limits. The converted amount is treated as taxable income and may affect your tax bracket. Federal, state and local taxes may apply. If you’re required to take a minimum distribution in the year of conversion, it must be completed before converting. To qualify for tax-free withdrawals, you must generally be age 59½ and hold the converted funds in the Roth IRA for at least five years. Each conversion has its own five-year period, and early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Income limits still apply for future direct Roth IRA contributions. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Church of Change

Where Faith is the Catalyst for Transformation

Pastor Mark Davis and Church of Change invite YOU to fellowship with us

Sundays @ 11am

5725 State Bridge Rd, Suite 203

Johns Creek, GA

For more information, visit us online: thechurchofchange.org

@churchofchangeglobal

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

At Dentistry at Ivy Falls, Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Gene Chung believe that every smile tells a story—and they’re here to help yours shine. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience dental care that’s personal, comfortable, and genuinely caring. Whether you’re here for a routine visit or exploring a full smile transformation, you’ll always be treated like family—with the time, attention, and expertise you deserve.

Real care. Real connection. Real results. Because your smile deserves more than just routine.

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

APRIL 1ST

Easter Centerpiece

Arranging Class

5950 State Bridge Rd Suite 100 | 6:00 PM

Join us for a guided floral design experience at Blossom & Vine. Guests create a seasonal arrangement in a relaxed, welcoming studio environment. Perfect for a creative outing with friends or a thoughtful solo experience. All materials included. For more information, visit Blossom AndVine.com/

APRIL 3RD

Easter Fun

The Boardwalk at Town Center | 4:00 PM

Take a “Hop” around the upper pond of The Boardwalk at Town Center, stopping at vendors along the way. Collect some goodies and then snap a picture with the Easter Bunny.

APRIL 18TH

Autrey Mill Earth Day Celebration

9770 Autrey Mill Road | 10:00 AM

Join Autrey Mill Nature Preserve staff and community partners for a fun, family-friendly Earth Day Celebration. Children and families are invited to enjoy hands-on activities that explore sustainability, environmental protection and caring for our planet. Come learn, explore and celebrate Earth Day while discovering simple ways we can all help protect local wildlife and the environment.

APRIL 27TH

Johns Creek Chorale The Wizard of Oz

Johns Creek United Methodist Church | 7:00 PM

Come and listen to the magical, the marvelous, the music of the classic Wizard of Oz. Bring your ruby slippers and prepare for the yellow brick road! To purchase tickets The Wizard of Oz - A Concert Experience | Johns Creek Chorale

APRIL 29TH

Personalizing Your Device for Comfort

Park Place at Newtown School | 2:00 PM

A free technology workshop. For more information call 678.512.3430 at Johns Creek Active Adult Center. From yoga and art classes to bridge and book discussions, Park Place offers a variety of fun, helpful and interesting activities in its ongoing programming.