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Here we are, once again, at the end of a summer season. The end of this summer for us at Woodstock City Lifestyle marks the completion of our launch issue collection. Putting our three premiere publications together has been an inspiring and rewarding ride. The height of warmer days may be winding down, but we have another beautiful magazine to mark this chapter.
We feel very fortunate to feature some of the best in these pages. This latest edition really took shape when we confirmed University of Georgia’s NCAA 800m Title Winner, Will Sumner, and Pineapple Park’s Interior Designer, Pacita Wilson. Lastly, we chose to close out our debut series with iconic Georgia peaches.
With both applause and reflection, we are hard at work gearing up for the next installment of our publication and look forward to connecting more with the wonderful locals of Woodstock. However, before the summertime ends, we plan to bask in the final days of this season. Our August issue was created to encourage our readers to do the same. Slow down and enjoy the last bit of summer!
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Savanna Jaggears | savanna.jaggears@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Russ, Savanna Jaggears
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Russ, Gregory Jaggears
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
MARCO ROSSI, PUBLISHER @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE
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1: Breathe Pilates and Barre gear up for their stand-up paddle board yoga classes. 2: Customers purchase fresh baked breads and pastries from the local Farm Fresh Market. 3: Hobgood Baseball, Cherokee County’s youth baseball team, wins the 42 classic championship.
Bonnie is a real-estate closing attorney. With five years experience at Cook and James, she goes above and beyond with new and existing clients to meet their needs and help develop new businesses. A Cook and James closing with Bonnie is efficient, informative and fun. She also leads continuing education courses that cover vital real estate topics. Bonnie is a loyal friend, a trusted expert and a loving mother. To partner with Bonnie visit, CookAndJames.com .
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Servicewise Electric is your family owned, local, licensed and insured electrician. Servicing both residential and commercial customers – their team of certified electricians have the skills to handle any and all of your electrical needs. Ensuring that customers receive quality work and excellent customer service is their mission. Call, text or book online at ServiceWiseElectrical.com .
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Canton's Cotton Mill Exchange is your inspiration destination. Cotton Mill Exchange is located in the historic downtown district of a 123-year-old cotton mill. The original maple floors, brick walls and wooden ceilings make it a terrific setting to shop for home furnishings, gifts and statement pieces for your home or office. Cotton Mill Exchange is surrounded by a brewery, several restaurants, an ice cream shop, a wine bar, a doughnut shop and more. Visit, CottonMillExchange.net .
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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Woodstock
Eden’s smoothies are perfect for a post-workout snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. Their menu includes refreshing, healthy options made with organic fruits and veggies. Our pick to give us that muchneeded energy boost is the Eden Smoothie Bowl. Enjoy layers of banana, pineapple, almond milk and blue spirulina topped with granola, blueberry, pineapple, shredded coconut, chia seeds and honey.
Classic comfort foods are a must for us! Salt Factory Pub offers a variety of quality dishes that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The English countryside atmosphere of the restaurant, mixed with savory menu items, makes us feel right at home. Give us a Friday night, cozy in a booth with friends and the Pan Crisped Trout with Andouille, Fingerling Potato Hash, Green Beans and Crawfish Monica Sauce.
Paris Landon Jr. opened Woodstock Coffee Company in 2015. As a Seattle native, Paris believes, “Coffee is culture for us.” The small family-owned company focuses on roasting premium specialty coffee. Their carefully selected and roasted coffee is of the highest quality. We enjoy cozy mornings sipping on a Cappuccino at their café!
Pie Bar specializes in handcrafted sweet pies, savory pies and coffee. Our favorite is the special Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie blended with all our favorite ingredients and a splash of bourbon. What’s not to love?
At Vingenzo’s, they believe Italy and the American South share an affinity in culinary philosophies. Both food cultures tend to focus on the balance of tradition with creativity. Italians and Southerners love simple, humble dishes that take a lot of time, hard work and skilled technique to produce. Traditional Southern Italian food is what Vingenzo’s menu is all about. A must-try signature dish is the succulent Linguini Frutti Di Mare. Steamed shrimp, mussels, clams and red tomato sauce dress the linguini pasta to give a comfort yet robust flavor.
Queenies BBQ is a casual spot inside Reformation Brewery that focuses on quality meats smoked over Georgia pecans with a selection of made-fromscratch sides. Our go-to order is the Southern Poutine Fries, Heritage Pork Plate with CHZ & Mac, Cole’s Slaw and an extra side of Brisket Chili with our favorite choice of sauce, the ‘Bama White Sauce.
In the heart of downtown Woodstock is Prime 120. Prime 120’s tender, flavorful and juicy steaks are perfectly cooked in their Mugnaini wood ovens. The essence of the sea is presented in their selection of fresh seafood dishes. Reserve your table today to enjoy a Favorite Cocktail, Crab Cake and New York Strip.
From home brewing to hometown brewery, Reformation Brewery welcomes you to their backyard! Reformation Brewery’s rich and creamy selections satisfy any palate. We enjoy the Reformation IPA (India Pale Ale), an unfiltered American IPA with talus, citra and mosaic for notes of grapefruit and pineapple.
CASA of Cherokee County trains, empowers and supports court-appointed community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. There are nearly 475 children in foster care in Cherokee County today; this is the highest number of children in our county’s history. Our CASAs strive to ensure every child has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to succeed.
Ways to get involved: Apply to become a CASA volunteer, classes start mid-August.
Visit GaCasa.org.
Never Alone’s mission is to fight hunger in our community through food assistance by providing free food to families and individuals facing financial struggles in Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow and Pickens County, Georgia. Through a dignity-based approach, guests can choose based on dietary restrictions, personal preference and items needed to ensure a more wellrounded cupboard. Never Alone relies on community involvement to carry out its mission. As a matter of fact, over 95% of the team are volunteers.
Never Alone is dedicated to serving all persons, regardless of race, creed, citizenship status or gender identity. With love and dignity they convey the encouraging message “When you encounter life’s challenges, you are Never Alone.”
Ways to get involved: Volunteer in the foundation’s office or during an event. Volunteers can assist with administration support, community service, groundskeeping, housekeeping, food pick up, remote distribution, shopping, stocking and warehouse duties.
Visit,
The HOPE Center is passionate about ensuring women are equipped, educated and empowered with the information and resources they need to make fully-informed decisions about their unplanned pregnancies. Women of all ages can be assisted and have access to free resources, emotional support and the freedom to choose their own way. The HOPE Center offers access to classes and medical services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound and material assistance. More importantly, they provide emotional support and a listening ear to women who may otherwise have nowhere else to turn. The HOPE Center’s mission and vision are to equip pregnant women to choose life and to ensure that every life is valued and families thrive in the love of Christ.
Ways to get involved: Volunteer at The HOPE Center or Seeds Thrift Boutique and/or provide financial support.
Visit SupportHopeCenter.com.
HIS JOURNEY
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARSThere are many work ethic lessons we can learn from athletes. The University of Georgia's Will Sumner is one of those athletes. Will captured the 800-meter title at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. As a true freshman, he shattered his record to bring Georgia its first title in the 800-meter event. We sat down with Will to learn more about his discipline, goals and commitment to excellence on and off the track. Track and field has always been a part of the family for Will. "I grew up in a track family. My parents ran track in college and professionally, and my sister was a successful runner in high school and college. When I was younger, we'd always watch races on TV. When I was in third grade, I ran youth track with the Woodstock Track Club. I played various sports growing up, but I always loved running. I was always the fastest on my teams, so I knew track was the sport for me."
Racing on national television gives him a sense of pride to represent his hometown of Canton, Georgia and his high school, Woodstock High School. "Woodstock means so much to me; it is my community. I cannot
thank my coaches and teachers enough for their support." Will is also grateful for his amazing coach, Caryl Smith Gilbert. Will says, "The whole environment Coach Caryl has created elevates me to the next level, helps me become more competitive and brings this new team closer. It's all about doing as much as possible for the team, scoring points and getting better."
Hard work and dedication go into Will's training. “There’s a lot more to it than just running. I’ll go for my longer runs and do my tempo workouts, which are longer intervals at a quicker pace. I do a lot of sprint work to improve my top-end speed. To prevent injuries, I spend two days a week in the weight room to improve my explosiveness, strength and durability. I focus on sleeping well, eating right and staying hydrated to be my best.”
Will believes in finding joy in putting forth your best effort. "I think the most important thing is to have fun. Sometimes people take sports way too seriously, and pushing yourself to new limits becomes more like a chore. Whether you are a professional athlete or a student-athlete, at the end of the day, you should be enjoying what you do!"
The most influential people Will has encountered are his teammates. "This year would not have been the same without my teammates. Elija Godwin is a 2021 Bronze Medal Olympian who motivates me and keeps me hungry. Matthew Boling is a 2x NCAA Champion and has become one of my best friends this year. We have been together every step of the way in our training. Kyle Garland is a Decathlon Collegiate Record Holder and the team's biggest leader. I have a great appreciation for my teammates."
After a successful freshman year at the University of Georgia, Will hopes to make the Olympic team and compete next year.
“Whether you are a professional athlete or a student-athlete, at the end of the day, you should be enjoying what you do!”
— Will Sumner
ARTICLE BY SAVANNA JAGGEARS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY JAGGEARS
An afternoon at R & A Orchards makes us want to stop and taste the peaches. Just 53 miles north of Woodstock is family-owned and operated R & A Orchards. Andy and Jennifer, with their children Amanda, Jessica, Anna and Jacob Futch, work diligently to care for their 160 acres of fruits and vegetables.
The soil may be rich and vibrant with peach fruits, but their lifestyle is what caught our attention. The land of R & A Orchards invites us to appreciate the peace nature brings to the soul. We simply looked up from the overstimulation of our screens to bask in Georgia's beauty.
A bountiful harvest is a gift, and we were soon awakened to this reality. We had to be still for a moment to admire the fruits of their labor. The escape from the hustle and bustle gave us a fresh perspective, and we want to encourage our readers to partake in and experience the splendor of slowing down. We hope that beneath all the spinning thoughts that occur from the ebbs and flow of life, you feel encouraged to pursue the reluctant, quiet moments to discover that a gift resides in slowness.
A great place to slow down has always been around the table. Before the excitement and rush of back to school, consider slowing down and throwing an end-of-summer picnic with the kids. This is the time to gather with your closest loved ones and get together for a meal outside.
Having the perfect picnic takes some planning, and with the help of Jessica Futch, we made plans for the perfect picnic amongst the peaches. Her keen eye for design and deep-rooted knowledge of her family's farmland led us to the most bucolic spot to gather around the picnic table. Whether it's your first picnic or you've been planning them for generations, below is your definitive guide to planning the perfect picnic.
DETAIL ONE, SELECT A THEME. A theme gives your picnic a certain aesthetic appeal, and invites people to savor in and remember the moment. Of course, our theme of choice is sweet Georgia Peaches.
DETAIL TWO, PACK ITEMS. Make a list of all the essential elements to pack in your picnic basket. Food storage, utensils, cups, linens, coolers, garbage bags, sunscreen and bug spray are must-have items.
DETAIL THREE, FOOD AND DRINKS. The options are limitless when it comes to a spread for a picnic. We recommend providing a variety of breads, charcuteries, salads, veggies, dips, sweets and drinks. We opted for sweet treats, and with the help of R & A Orchards, we had an incredible selection. Our table consists of peach fritters, ice cream, fried pies and cider; these delectable desserts are all served at R & A Orchards' Market.
DETAIL FOUR, DECOR.
Florals and linens are key items to make your picnic beautiful and inviting. Flowers bring life and elegance to the table! We thank Woodstock Florals and Gifts for completing our picnic table with this incredible arrangement. We chose to pack neutral decor items that correlate well with a peach color palette. Last but not least, what's a picnic without a traditional plaid or gingham tablecloth and blanket? We love how this beige tablecloth makes for the best backsplash against vibrant peaches.
“Before the excitement and rush of back to school, consider slowing down and throwing an end-of-summer picnic with the kids.”
Here at Woodstock City Lifestyle, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of our Georgia farmers. We appreciate your hard work, dedication and the time you take in our food production.
DETAIL FIVE, SEEK THE PERFECT SPOT. Shady areas help keep everyone calm and the cold items cool. Reduce your risk of sun damage by staying in the shade under an umbrella or tree. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or protective clothing when you're outside—even in the shade.
DETAIL SIX, BRING ACTIVITIES. Lawn games such as ring toss, cornhole or a creative scavenger hunt for the kids will help keep everyone active after a meal. Picnic season is not complete without the fun of outdoor games!
DETAIL SEVEN, LEAVE NO TRACE. Bring out the trash bags and clean up after the fun. Take care of nature!
DETAIL EIGHT, SIT BACK AND SLOW DOWN. School will soon be back in session. Take the time to plan this end-of-summer picnic to make the best memories with your kids. Bring a fun Polaroid to capture the moment to reflect on and reminisce about one day.
Pacita Wilson, award-winning interior designer and founder of Pineapple Park, is an expert in all design aspects, including upcoming trends. Velvet will be a popular interior design trend this fall. Its timeless and classic appeal adds an element of richness and luxury to any space. The texture is soft and plush with an exquisite, elegant sheen. Velvet, as a foundational element, anchors a room. It adds depth, color and visual interest to make a space feel welcoming and inviting. Velvet is set to dominate magazine covers, social media and interior design as we enter the fall season.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY RUSS
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.
The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.
Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor. Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor
run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Want to go the fancy route?
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
Certain breeds of chicken are also known to be great with kids. There are literally hundreds of breeds of chickens, and each is unique in their own way. Here are ten breeds of chickens that have been found to be good for children.
1. GOLDEN COMETS
2. BUFF ORPINGTON
3. BRAHMA
4. PLYMOUTH ROCK
5. COCHIN
6. AUSTRALORP
7. SILKIE BANTAM
8. POLISH
9. EASTER EGGER
10. WYANDOTTE
A sample of recently sold properties in Woodstock.
“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.”
- Rocio B.
Yield: 4 flatbreads
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each
• 12 slices soppressata or any salami
• Fresh mint
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• Balsamic reduction
• 4 baked naan bread
FOR
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.
In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
FLATBREAD:
Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
TOWNE LAKE HILLS GOLF CLUB, 1003 TOWNE LAKE HILLS EAST WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30189 | 8:30 AM
Etowah Eagles Footbal Program is set to host the 3rd Annual Etowah Football Scholarship Golf Tournament! The event's mission is to ensure any child with the desire to be a part of the Etowah football program will have the opportunity no matter their financial situation. The event will be a good time with great Eagles fans! For more information visit, EtowahEaglesFootball.sportngin.com.
ROOTSTOCK RESTAURANT, 8558 MAIN ST., WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30188 | 5:00 PM
The V.I.A (Very Influential Artist Awards) is a celebration of wonderfully talented performing artists, visual artists and authors who achieve a level in their art careers and deserve recognition. The event is open to the public, among those present will be art buyers, art collectors, appraisers, media representatives and a variety of community fans. For more details visit, TranquilityFineArts.com.
LEANING LADDER, 105 EAST MAIN ST., WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30188 | 7:00 PM
Fire up the grill! This demonstration cookout class will feature the main ingredient, black garlic. Chef Oakley of Oakley’s Provision grows gourmet purple garlic and ferments garlic into black garlic -a semi-sweet ingredient, reminiscent of balsamic flavors. Chef Oakley will introduce you to this particular ingredient and prepare a beautiful dinner to enjoy. Sign up at LeaningLadderOliveOil.com.
SUNSET GRILLE LAKESIDE RESTAURANT, 1001 VICTORIA LANDING DR. 1483, WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30189 | 6:00 PM
Hear Leah Belle Faser LIVE! Georgia native Leah brings an authentic musical style that breaks down the walls of many different music genres but remains grounded in a sound seasoned with country, pop, rock and folk influences. Sit back, enjoy lakeside views, good food and great music from the talented Leah. Follow Leah's musical journey at LeahBelleFaser.com.
MADLIFE STAGE AND STUDIOS, 8722 MAIN ST., WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30188 | 7:00 PM
Morgan Myles from NBC's The Voice is set to take the stage at Madlife Stage and Studios with a full band performance. Morgan believes it’s her mission to help people through the power of music. Attend this live event and give a good Woodstock Welcome to Morgan Myles! For tickets visit, MorganMylesLive.com.
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CHEROKEE AMPHITHEATER, 101 ARNOLD MILL RD WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30188 | 6:00 PM
Welcome Home Season '22 winner of The Voice, Bryce Leatherwood! See Bryce light up Downtown Woodstock with his classic country voice and live band. Bryce's passion for his hometown of Woodstock remains, and we are excited to see him take the stage! Follow Bryce's country music career, BryceLeatherwood.com.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Woodstock