Woodstock, GA June 2023

THE PREMIERE ISSUE

Welcome Woodstock!

It is with great excitement and pride that I welcome you to the premiere issue of Woodstock City Lifestyle magazine, dedicated to all things Woodstock, Georgia.

As the publisher of this magazine, I have had the privilege of working with a team of talented writers, photographers and designers who are passionate about capturing the essence of our vibrant community. From its rich history to its thriving present, Woodstock has so much to offer, and we are committed to bringing you the best of it.

Our mission is to showcase the unique aspects of Woodstock that make it such a special place to live, work and play. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer to our city, we hope to provide you with insights and inspiration that will enrich your experience of this wonderful community.

Some highlights of this issue include a feature on Woodstock's very own Bryce Leatherwood, the 22nd season winner of the NBC show The Voice, and a profile of a new downtown community near completion. We also have a calendar of upcoming events that will keep you informed about all the happenings in and around Woodstock.

In our future issue, you will find a wide range of articles and features that capture the spirit of Woodstock. From profiles of local businesses and community leaders to in-depth explorations of our city's cultural and recreational offerings, we are committed to providing you with a diverse and engaging array of content.

I believe that our lifestyle magazine has the potential to become a valuable resource for the entire Woodstock community, and I am committed to making it a publication that you can rely on and enjoy for years to come. With your support and feedback, we aspire to grow, evolve and ensure our magazine remains a reflection of our unique and vibrant city.

Thanks for inviting us into your homes and sharing your lives with us.  We can't wait to see you next month and around our town!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Savanna Jaggears | savanna.jaggears@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue G. Collins, Savanna Jaggears

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Eric Ahlgrim, Gregory Jaggears

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

MARCO ROSSI, PUBLISHER

@WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Business Monthly

No doubt, Dr. Taylor Hoskins and her team at AlignLife do everything to ensure the best care for their clients. Longtime and new patients will appreciate their attendance at the annual AlignLife training, an event that helps them stay up to date on the best medical practices. From learning new technical services, discovering new research and collaborating with all AlignLife franchises, their attendance is all in an effort to better serve the Woodstock Community.

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Southern Sky Homes

Southern Sky brings unique, exclusive collections to the store that reflect an unbeatable value for the quality and high style they represent. Newly featured is the tried-and-true Foley dining table in a brand-new finish called Fawn Brown, accompanied by the popular quilted back McHenry dining chairs. These pieces are designed in Woodstock by owner Bill Grace and manufactured by factory partners.

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Studio 68 Hair Salon

Best known for providing a more personalized hairdresser experience, Studio 68 Salon is a boutique salon of great expertise. Founder, Ursula Wilson, offers a wide range of services for all your haircare needs. Studio 68 Salon brings their professionalism in hair trends and fashion to you!

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to be featured?

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BRYCE LEATHERWOOD

Country Music Pursuits and Hometown Roots

In front of a screaming television audience and millions of viewers, Bryce Leatherwood croons softly as he sings Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes." The way he wears his cowboy hat and holds himself, commanding the stage belies his 22 years.

His voice proved to be more than just compelling, winning the hearts (and votes) of Americans on the 22nd season of the NBC show, The Voice. The champion grew up in Woodstock and returns home often to see his parents, Cliff and Hope Leatherwood and his grandparents.

“My family is my rock. Without my family, none of this would be worth it. As much as I’m doing this for myself, I’m doing this for everyone." By “this” he means winning The Voice alongside his coach Blake Shelton and embarking on a career as a recording artist and country music superstar.

“I want to put Woodstock on the map and make my family proud, make my hometown proud.”

“I want to put Woodstock on the map and make my family proud, make my hometown proud.”

A tribute to his childhood wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging his faith. Growing up in the church pews of Hickory Flat United Methodist Church are the roots of his foundation along with his family.

Bryce and his younger brother Lance grew up on their grandfather’s farm in Woodstock. “Staking fence posts isn’t too fun, it was tough being out there in the heat taking care of chores as kids. Lucky for us, We did a lot of playing too." They careened around on four-wheelers and dirt bikes, jumped in local swimming holes, and fished. “We did it right,” says Bryce.

Now, he spends his days playing in the studio, writing music with some of the most talented songwriters in the business. “Most of these songwriters have several number-one hits,” he says with admiration. “I’ve written more than 30 original songs since the first of the year in Nashville."

Grammy-nominated country artist Blake Shelton remembers those early days. “When I think of myself at that age, I was hoping someday I would just hear myself on the radio… If I could just hear myself on the radio, mission accomplished,” said Shelton in an interview with People magazine after Bryce’s win.

Bryce says his “mission accomplished” would be recording a song that people can connect with. “I want to put a song out there that impacts people and changes their lives. I want to tell stories about the common people of the south; of Georgia. I want my songs to reflect the stories of my life.”

Reflecting on his experience on the four-time Emmy Awardwinning music competition series, Bryce says his biggest takeaway is that he discovered who he is as an artist. "I discovered who I am and the songs I want to create, the music I want to base my sound on and to honor the legends who came before me.” His plan is to be one of the greats, like his heroes Keith Whitley and Conway Twitty.

With his talent and performance prowess, he found himself at home on stage. "The Voice band is full of incredibly talented musicians. It’s a tribute to them the way they translate the song to fit Bryce Leatherwood. They are to die for.”

“Managing the nerves of playing with such accomplished musicians, in front of millions of viewers gets easier over time,” says Bryce. “It’s like getting calluses on your hands from working. You still feel it, but soon it hurts a little less.” Sounds like a country hit!

This Father’s Day, Bryce plans to be home with his family. The day will be built around good food, good stories, smiles, hugs and handshakes. “The best feeling in the world is to make the people who saw me grow up proud.  It’s the best feeling in my life.”

Bryce will perform in a City of Woodstock Welcome Home Celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 25 at the Northside Hospital - Cherokee Amphitheater in Woodstock. Admission is free!

Welcome home, Bryce!

Follow Bryce’s career at BryceLeatherwood.com  and on Instagram @BryceLeatherwood

At Home in Woodstock

The Woodstock way is to celebrate both its history and embrace the new. With open arms, our town welcomes flourishing new businesses and residents. John Wieland, the founder of John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, the Southeast’s leading home builder for decades, contributes to the new developments of Woodstock with his JW Collection. The JW Collection is the legacy business of John Wieland. It represents his 50-year commitment to building better homes, a promise he has kept for over 30,000 homeowners and continues to uphold.

Character, not quantity, is the guiding principle of the JW Collection. No two homes are alike, every home is different and personal for every homeowner. John is actively involved in creating South on Main, a rare boutique

collection of homes and townhomes that upholds quality over quantity.

South on Main’s traditional design rings true to Woodstock’s roots and historical surroundings. The neighborhood redefines luxury living with a new urban flair. One of the distinct features of the area is that the design is for today’s metropolitan lifestyle, where having it all and being in the heart of it all aren’t mutually exclusive. The collection is walkable and right where you want to be -steps from Woodstock’s downtown.

Each home’s interior is as meticulously designed and crafted as the exterior. John Wieland has been inspirational in improving home finishes, often going to great lengths, including manufacturing his cabinetry and other products. The JW Collection continues

this legacy, sourcing top-grade cabinetry, millwork, appliances, lighting, flooring and stone. John personally oversees the selection of materials ensuring their appropriateness for his quality homes.

The interior design of the JW Collection is airy and allows natural light to flow in during all hours of the day. Though the homes are bright and fresh, details such as intricate tile work, fireplaces and wood features peppered throughout the spaces add a cozy appeal. The remarkable juxtaposition of openness and comforting elements motivates homeowners to live inspired lives. Whether you are hosting a big party or relaxing with a cup of coffee, the JW Collection’s architecture welcomes every scenario.

The JW collection kitchen designs incorporate wellbuilt features such as quality lighting, appliances and JW signature ceiling high cabinets. The living rooms and bedrooms are simple, sleek and elegant. High ceilings and well-thought-out layouts between one space and another enhance homeowners’ living patterns. Elsewhere in the home, the bathrooms and entryways exude a crisp, immaculate elegance.

Large-scale and minute elements in each aspect of the different home interiors ensure the space is optimized. Peak functionality accommodates all ages and lifestyles regardless of abilities without letting go of JW Collection’s desire for sophistication and style.

JW Collection homes are built to last beyond a lifetime. Each house is constructed with premium materials selected for site suitability and sustainability. These resources are coupled with detailed engineering and veteran project managers who oversee professional crews, ensuring your home’s solid construction. JW Collection homes are built to be beautiful today and truly create a family legacy long into the future.

John Wieland is a much-lauded home builder, and his art and technique of designing and building are timeless. With Woodstock’s growing population, it is exciting to see how JW Collection is helping to accommodate longtime locals and newcomers with homes that are built with the utmost quality. Excellence, passion, empowerment, accountability and integrity are JW Collection’s core values, and this is evident in South on Main, as it is an incredible addition to our Woodstock community.

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

SPOIL HIM WITH BREAKFAST IN BED

Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.

06 09

HAVE A WINE AND PAINT NIGHT

Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.

TACKLE A TASK TOGETHER

Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.

07 10

DO A FITNESS CLASS TOGETHER

Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.

08

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

11

HAVE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

out after all your hard work.

13 14 15

FIRE UP THE BACKYARD GRILL

There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.

CONSTRUCT SOMETHING OUT OF LEGOS

Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.

GO AXE-THROWING

Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

Your next event, served alfresco

Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings. For this alfresco dinner party, Chef Kyle draws on his favorite recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast.

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. Start with what produce is available locally based on the season for the most authentic meal experience. For instance, Chef Kyle says “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” but that meal served in the heat of Summer wouldn’t hit the same. In-season fruits and vegetables will always be of highest quality and best taste.

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s colors and temperatures. For Spring and Summer, think flowers, fresh herbs and linens. For Fall, think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” For Winter, head indoors to create a cozy environment for guests to connect.

• “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with bur - nished brass for warm fall vibes.”

• An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.”

• Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.”

• To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!”

• As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” Insider Tips for Hosting: “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

Read on for some of Chef Kyle’s favorite recipes.

Fresh Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hardwood Smoked Bacon

Yield: 6 servings

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, raw, halved

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup yellow onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon garlic, sliced thin

• 1-2 cups bacon, smoked, thick cut, large dice

• Salt, pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons real butter, unsalted

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F for convection setting, (425 °F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and cut raw Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned sprouts on baking sheet and bake in oven until done, about 20-40 minutes (soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some dark brown color). Remove from oven.

4. Place large sauté pan on medium heat and render bacon. Add a splash of olive oil to get it going, if needed. Cook until bacon is crispy and golden brown, 5-10 minutes.

5. Add onions to pan and cook until soft, 5-8 minutes.

6. Turn heat to high and add garlic and butter and cook for 1 minute.

7. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to pan and toss all together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. For optional garnishes, add fresh chopped parsley.

9. Serve and enjoy!

CHEF NOTES:

• If Brussels sprouts are large, cut in quarters.

• Rendering bacon means extracting the bacon fat which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Heirloom Root

Vegetable Hash

Yield: 6-10 servings

• 2 cups heirloom carrot, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom rutabaga, peeled, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom parsnip, cubed

• 1 cup heirloom turnip, cubed

• 2 cups heirloom marble potatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons rosemary, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 1 tablespoon thyme, fresh, de-stemmed, chopped

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt – to taste

• Pepper – to taste

• Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400°F on convection setting (425°F conventional).

2. In mixing bowl, add oil and raw cut vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Place seasoned vegetables on oiled baking sheet and bake in oven until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-60 minutes. Will be soft yet still with good texture and crispy edges with some lightly charred areas.

4. Remove from oven once finished cooking.

5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

6. Enjoy.

Cranberry Orange

Zest Sauce

Yields 4 cups

• 3 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen

• 1 cup cranberry juice, sweetened

• 1 piece orange peel

• 1 each orange for zesting

• ½ cup orange juice, freshly juiced

• 3 each cinnamon stick

• ¼ teaspoon clove, ground

• ¼ teaspoon allspice, ground

• ½ cup sugar

• Pinch salt

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

1. In medium saucepot on high heat, add everything except orange peel and orange zest. Bring ingredients to boil, then reduce to a simmer with lid.

2. While simmering, stir occasionally with rubber spatula ensuring bottom does not burn. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.

3. Remove lid and add orange peel and season to taste. Can add more sugar or spice if needed.

4. Once sauce is thickened and most liquid has evaporated, remove orange peel and cinnamon sticks and remove pot from heat.

5. With hand-held blender, puree sauce, keeping some texture.

6. Freshly grate in orange zest, stir and season to taste.

7. Transfer sauce to jar and place in refrigerator to cool overnight.

8. Enjoy!

CHEF NOTES:

• Enjoy with all types of poultry and game birds.

• Do not use ground cinnamon.

• Can puree with blender if you do not have hand-held blender.

• Consistency should be thick sauce and not a jelly.

“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Farm Fresh Market

MARKET ST., WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 8:30 AM

Whether you're in search of something sweet or savory, the Woodstock Farm Fresh Market will be serving a variety of exceptional local foods all month long. Featuring locally grown produce, jams, jellies, honey, locally raised meats, seafood, fresh baked breads, pastries, bath and beauty products and much more. Come for the goodies, stay for hospitality and fun!

Jazzy Brunch With Laurie Ann Jazzwine

ROOTSTOCK ROOFTOP 8558 MAIN ST., WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 12:00 PM

All that jazz and brunch too! Laurie Ann is a regular special guest the first Sunday of every month at Rootstock's rooftop. Enjoy her smooth vocals while you sip a Sunday mimosa.

Monthly Wine Tasting, Exploring Southern France

THE LISTENING ROOM 8558 MAIN ST., 2ND FLOOR WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 6:30 PM

Say,  Bonjour to a taste of Southern France right here in Woodstock! For the wine enthusiasts, sip and savor at The Listening Room's monthly wine tasting featuring this month's Southern France favorites. Guests will enjoy listening to wine professional's insight and detailed tasting notes as you savor French wines.

JUNE 10TH

Woodstock Summer Concert Series, Rick Springfield

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE AMPHITHEATER 101 ARNOLD MILL ROAD WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 7:30 PM

Fans of the unrequited love song, Jessie's Girl will have a chance to hear the classic hit LIVE as Rick Springfield takes the stage! Don't miss the opportunity to hear his classics on June 10th at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater.

JUNE 11TH

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Woodstock

Leaning Ladder Cooking Classes With Chef Michelle

LEANING LADDER 105 EAST MAIN ST., WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 12:00 PM

Join Chef Michelle as she instructs participants to make sweet yeast breads. Do not miss this tasty class, filled with fluffy and moist outcomes. Coffee & Tea will be served!

Menu to Include: Roasted Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls, Neapolitan Rum Baba and Apricot Streusel Buns

JUNE 25TH

Woodstock Arts Presents, “Screen on the Green”: Soul

WOODSTOCK ARTS EVENT GREEN 113 ELM ST., WOODSTOCK, GA 30188 | 3:00 PM

Kick off the summer season by enjoying a free movie provided by the Woodstock Arts. June's "Screen on the Green" event is featuring Soul, a family-friendly film about a pianist's big break as a jazz musician.

meet the

publisher

Our Publisher's Picks For What's in Woodstock

I moved to our city years ago to be closer to my family and I'm so happy living here.  It didn't take long to fall in love with Woodstock and everything it has to offer. My professional life as a top-selling Realtor has always felt personal to me because I get to create meaningful relationships with people who ultimately become my close friends. Some things I enjoy in my leisure are family dinners, anything to do with cars and time outdoors. I enjoy going downtown, listening to live music and sampling the great cuisine. It's such an honor to be your publisher. I look forward to seeing you all around town!

01 ROOTSTOCK. A gourmet restaurant and bar with a focus on wine from family owned vineyards.  02 OLD ROPE MILL PARK. A beautiful spot to enjoy bucolic trails, or adventurous hiking and kayaking. 03 MADLIFE STAGE AND STUDIOS. Concert quality music venue and restaurant.  04 REFORMATION BREWERY. A spot to catch up with friends and enjoy hometown brew. 05 STROLLING DOWNTOWN SHOPS. Woodstock's shopping district offers a variety of unique local boutiques.  06 WOODSTOCK ARTS THEATRE. Provides performing art productions with the surrounding community.

You have ONE life to live. ONE chance to make it meaningful and ONE opportunity to live with no regrets. Take risks, be bold, seize the day and lead with respect. Your circumstances will change, people will change, you will change. Be open to it, embrace it, live it. Every ONE matters and every ONE has a voice.