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As June arrives, we are thrilled to reveal our Gentlemen’s issue. Here you’ll find the stories and advocacy of four notable men who embody the mission and togetherness of the Woodstock community.
This edition pays homage to the Woodstock car culture, delving into the timeless allure of classic automobiles and the individuals who fuel this passion. From vintage beauties to modern mar vels, prepare to be captivated by the stories behind these automotive icons.
In addition, we present a thoughtfully compiled list of men’s products selected to elevate your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking creativity, knowledge or tech must-haves, let our guide be your trusted resource.
As the summer heat returns in Georgia, let’s continue to prioritize community events and fellowship. This month, we celebrate the exceptional men who shape our communities, the timeless charm of classic cars, and the art of intentional living.
Welcome to the June issue of Woodstock City Lifestyle, where every page is a testament to our city as a truly unparalleled gem full of humanitarians and businesses that share our goal of hyper-local commitment.
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Benzee | stephanie.benzee@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jordan Shankman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen Learn
Death of a Valley is a collaborative photography essay completed in 1956 by Lange and Jones for Life magazine. The project’s goal was to document the final year of Northern California’s Berryessa Valley before the area became a lake with the completion of the Monticello Dam. The result was an early commentary on environmentalism and a poignant reflection on the cost of progress in twentieth-century America. The exhibition runs through June 9 at Booth Museum
A perfect activity for kids has opened at Learning Express Toys. Kids can enjoy sensory and colorful fun while customizing their own slime! They can choose colors and toppings for slime that is unique to every slime-enthusiast.
Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University updated their website with a fresh and functional new look. On May 25, patrons got a sneak peak into the upcoming 2024-25 season of performances. Visit thefalany.com and see the new website and see the upcoming season's events.
Four exceptional men and their passion for engaging and innovating
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN SHANKMANEvery thriving community includes people going the extra mile to uplift and bring people together. Woodstock is the second fastest-growing city in Georgia, thanks to influential individuals who have unity and innovation in mind.
Marco Rossi, top Atlanta real estate agent and winner of Best Realtor of Woodstock/Canton in 2023, is the publisher of Woodstock City Lifestyle. His relentless passion for community inspired him to get more involved. He wanted to not only be a part of our community, but to help to engage and inspire Woodstock with hyper-local content, focusing on the passions of the people who work and live here. He is always excited to work with new small businesses and show the human side behind the name of a business. Rossi organized Woodstock Wishes, an event earlier this year that benefitted a local child through Make-A-Wish. He is also a fervent supporter of the arts and regularly contributes to Woodstock Arts.
Mayor Michael Caldwell devotes his career to improving the Woodstock community. All of his efforts come from one value: to create a community out of a city. Affordable housing, sustainability, and infrastructure are just a few of his focal points. As fast as Woodstock is growing, Mayor Caldwell is meeting that momentum as a leader every day. He says, “In this place, we have an entire city full of people who live here, visit here, work here, play here, that are genuinely rowing in the same direction and are trying to build a place that will be better tomorrow and better for our kids than it even is today.”
Tom Stratton is a business owner, but more importantly, he devotes as much time as possible to his philanthropic efforts benefitting the veteran community. Every month, Milvet Community meets at Reformation Brewery. This frequent engagement helps Stratton keep his ear to the ground to best help individual veterans in need. When military members return home, they often feel a lack of community and want to be a part of something, Tom says. Volunteerism and community engagement, especially with fellow veterans, gives them opportunities to pursue the enrichment and unity they need.
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Christopher Braselton is the Executive Director of Woodstock Arts. This year alone, Woodstock Arts has a lineup of over 500 planned events. The scope of this program is almost unmatched nationwide. Braselton says the sweet spot of working in the arts is when he can find a need within the community and leverage art to foster connectivity and meet that need. Thanks to Braselton and his team's dedication, Woodstock Arts has had a tangible effect in several ways, such as advocating for mental health representation in theater and working with an artist who has personal experience in the foster system to make Woodstock a Foster Friendly Community.
Woodstock Pelvic Health specializes in the treatment of all pelvic health issues such as incontinence, pain with intimacy, pelvic pain for both men and women, interstitial cystitis, pelvic organ prolapse, birth prep and postpartum recovery. Call or text to schedule your appointment today! Mention this ad to get 50% off your initial evaluation
We have curated a list of some of our favorite businesses in Woodstock that we are proud to recommend.
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful, high-quality flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green and blooming plants, fruit and gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. With fun new seasonal flavors, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches, Bizarre is our favorite coffee shop.
Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.
If you’re looking for the best selection of products and classes from local makers, visit Made Mercantile. They sell art, clothing, decor, flowers, and home goods. Stop by and tell them we sent you!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PLANT DADDIES OF ATLANTA? WHAT IS YOUR MISSION?
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steven and Tyler Crafton-Karnes bought a Monstera Swiss Cheese plant from an antique market, determined to watch it thrive.
Alec Batchelder began his love of plants just before the pandemic hit. Being indoors so much in those early days grew this love into an obsession. When all of us met in the summer of 2021, we discovered our shared obsessions and began thinking of a way to monetize this love of plants.
At Plant Daddies of Atlanta, we strive to provide our customers with the finest unique selection of tropical plants while creating an oasis that transports you to your favorite vacation destination. We aim to educate and inspire our customers on the benefits of tropical plants and how they can enhance their lives. Our goals are to promote sustainability by ethically sourcing plants and reducing our environmental impact and to create a welcoming and unforgettable experience that leaves our customers feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
A few key lessons that we have learned since starting Plant Daddies:
1. Aim high, many of the things that had on our vision board we thought to be pipe dreams have all manifested.
2. Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Your business is only as big as you let it.
3. Pivot. If something isn’t working, stop pushing and pivot
Houseplants are a great uniter. Our plants transcend age, race, religion, and politics. It’s amazing seeing our fan base grow with the most diverse groups of amazing people.
At Plant Daddies we are road warriors. We travel the country sharing our love for plants at markets. In the past year and a half, we have been to 12 states and we have many more on the schedule. We are also TikTok plant influencers. We host live plant sales from our greenhouse that attract customers from across the globe. While traveling and expanding our reach, we don’t neglect our local community. We participate in and host local plant swaps, host wine/ plant make-and-takes and much more.
We will be opening a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Canton in June. We are excited to begin the renovation process, creating a tropical haven that our neighbors can enjoy. The new space will feature our retail boutique, classroom/ hangout space, and our entire growth operation. We are also the headline sponsor for the Southeast Plant Show at the end of June. We have fans from across the country coming to participate and meet the Plant Daddies in person.
You can find The Plant Daddies of Atlanta at plantdaddiesatl.com and @plantdaddiesofatl on Instagram
We’ve collected these products through research on the top performance from product lifespan, production quality, and sustainability. You can be sure these picks will get many uses and enrich the lives of yourself or the men in your lives. Shop these products to upgrade your wardrobe, nutrition, entertainment, and pet care.
“Together, we’re not just a car club; we’re a catalyst for community connection and progress.”
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAR COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Do you have a passion for cars and camaraderie? Car Community Connection are a group who take pride in building a community centered around car and biker culture and making a difference in Woodstock.
Every month, Car Community Connection meets for a show at the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta. They’ve used these events as fundraising opportunities to benefit families and individuals in need. Furthermore, their events
support local projects and initiatives, all aimed at uplifting the Woodstock community.
All events are family-friendly and welcome to all, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or novice interested in learning more or attending your first event.
Visit @carcommunityconnection on Instagram to follow fellow car enthusiasts and get involved in this passionate and engaging community.
MIX-AND-MATCH THE PERFECT SIX PACK
When the hot summer months roll around, many people reach for a cold, refreshing beer to cool off. There are many different types of beers that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months. Whether you prefer a light and crisp ale, a fruity wheat beer, or a bold and hoppy IPA, there are plenty of different beer types that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months.
Light-bodied and smooth, an easy-drinking beer known for its simplicity.
One of the most popular craft beer styles; a hoppy, moderately strong ale of golden-to-copper color.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: cajun chicken wings, grilled salmon, Monterey Jack cheese
GRILLED AND SPICY FOODS: burgers, steaks, Indian curries, ginger spiced desserts
Used with wheat ales and lagers, brewers can choose from a variety of fruits for the desired flavor.
A cloudy, unfiltered style of German wheat beer with refreshing flavors of banana and clove.
ACIDIC AND LIGHT FOODS: salads with fruity dressings, pickled dishes, fruity desserts
LIGHT DELICATE FOODS: salads, Gruyere cheese, seafood, sushi
Oatmeal Stout
Also known as a Shandy, a refreshing, low-alcohol drink combining beer and citrus soda.
A dark, full-bodied, roasty, malty ale with a complementary oatmeal flavor.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: seafood, salads, fruit tarts, spicy shrimp, thai curry
RICH AND SALTY FOODS: lobster, french fries, mushrooms, blue cheese
This data is a sampling of sold properties
“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.
JUNE 1ST - JULY 31ST
Woodstock Public Library
Beginning June 1st, go on an adventure through programs and reading at your local library with the Summer Discovery Challenge! Log your reading and complete fun activities to earn digital badges and win prizes all summer long with the free Beanstack app. The Sequoyah Regional Library System is going fine-free to celebrate Summer Discovery 2024. Join the all-ages Summer Kickoff on June 5 at 11 A.M. at Woodstock Public Library
JUNE 6TH - AUGUST 4TH
Artists from the
Reeves House Visual Arts Center
A juried exhibition showcasing the phenomenal artistic talent of artists living and working in the South. Opening reception June 6 at 6 P.M.
JUNE 8TH
Woodstock Arts Event Green | 10:00 AM
The Little Sober Bar is bringing music, options, and activities together for a block party downtown. This is a free to attend family-friendly community event featuring vendors, live music, silent disco, activities, and more!
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JUNE 8TH
Dementia Caregiving Resources and Communication Strategies
Good Hope Lutheran Church - 1208 Rose Creek Drive | 10:00 AM
As people living with dementia progress in their journey and lose the ability to use words, caregivers can discover new ways to communicate effectively in any stage of the disease. Learn how dementia affects communication, how person-centered approaches can improve communication and much more. Respite care for loved ones will be provided.
JUNE 8TH
Guardians of the Jukebox w/ Black Lion Reggae at Woodstock Summer Concert Series
101 Arnold Mill Rd | 7:30 PM
Local sensation Guardians of the Jukebox take the stage with Black Lion Reggae. The Guardians are a five-star, nostalgia juggernaut transporting fans back to 80s with smash hits from artists like Madonna, Tears for Fears, Bon Jovi, Lionel Richie, and more.
JUNE 28TH
Bracelets, Beads and Bevies with SONGbIRD Jewelry
Made Mercantile | 7:00 PM
Let the creative juices flow with SONGbIRD jewelry! Super easy, and super fun - create 3 gemstone bracelets that fit the way YOU want them to fit. Plenty of dude and unisex options available. Light snacks, wine & non-alcoholic drinks provided.