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Giving Thanks and Giving Back N OV E M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Lifestyle Letter

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

The true spirit of this time of the year encourages the expression of gratitude and giving back. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. I am humbled at the many people in Woodstock I meet who are touched by and touch others in a serving capacity. We are a very generous community. Read about the inspiring journey of our very own Sheriff’s Chief Marshal, Dana Lloyd, who is a reminder of service before self in many ways. There are also stories of our community members and leaders who give back and inspire us. Read as we share about a family legacy with Amy Tyler and her daughter Jordyn who are making an impact in the community. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We have so many features this month of pure gratitude, hope and inspiration and perseverance. Our cover story is just one of these examples. Champ, Deep Roots Wine & Tasting Market’s chef, has given and contributed to his love of serving people food to share experiences in meaningful ways. We are especially thankful for our community business partners, these wonderful local businesses who support us and who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with friends and family, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings. Blessings to you and your family,

CO-PUBLISHER

Lan Pham | lan.pham@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Tran Smith | tran.smith@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R S

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com Jeff Fischer | jeff.fischer@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Albright Photography julie.albrightphotography@gmail.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

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Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

L I S A T H I B A U LT, P U B L I S H E R @ W O O D S T O C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Woodstock City Lifestyle® is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Woodstock area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Woodstock City Lifestyle® is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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Featured

Departments

16 22

Christmas at Biltmore:

Celebrating 131 years of Christmas magic and beyond in Asheville, North Carolina

Two Generations One Promise for Your Healthcare Needs

A Love Language on a Plate

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Expert Help EDUCATION

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Healthy Lifestyle LIFE + CULTURE

Trend Setter SHOPPING

Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

The Story of Champ Long, the chef behind Deep Roots Tasting Market

On the Cover Capturing Champ blank as he prepares for the Thankful season and sharing his passion for all things food at Deep Roots Wine & Tasting in Woodstock. Photography: Albright Photography

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NOVEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Such a special afternoon celebrating Rhonda McKnight and her novel ‘Writer in Residence’ at Foxtale. 2: CDA in Roswell received renovations from Woodstock’s Holly Ranney owner Sunshine on a Ranney Day 3: Octoberfest was a huge success as it began at reformation brewery wiht 18 loactions partricptaing

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business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

WOODSTOCK RECOGNIZED as TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT FOR FALL The city of Woodstock is a winner in USA TODAY’s 2026 Reader’s Choice Award for Best Place to Visit for Fall! Nominations were curated by a panel of experts and their 10BEST editors before voting. For four weeks, the public voted from 20 cities throughout the US to narrow down the top ten. This was the first year that Woodstock was named a contender, and is honored to have placed 3rd amongst such beautiful competition.

Mayor Michael Caldwell has joined @ americatheentrepreneurial as a Founding Mayor.

America the Entrepreneurial is the national campaign to renew America’s entrepreneurial promise in the 250th anniversary year of the US, the world’s greatest startup. Mayor Caldwell issued a proclamation encouraging expanded entrepreneurship throughout Woodstock. Reflecting on his own experience founding a company in the city, he stated, “Woodstock is a natural home to entrepreneurs. We’re going to continue to build the future of this incredible city on entrepreneurship.” Ciara Callicott and Jonathan Chambers- Cherokee Office of Economic Development

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From Fall days to Christmas celebrations at Biltmore Celebrate this fall and 131 years of Christmas magic and beyond in Asheville, North Carolina ARTICLE BY LISA THIBAULT There are holiday trips, and there are holiday experiences and Biltmore Estate is unmistakably the latter. From the moment you drive through the winding entrance, giving way to the first glimpse of America's largest home lit for the season, we understood why guests travel from all over the country for this. Biltmore doesn't just decorate for Christmas. It transforms. This year marks the estate's 131st Christmas, and the numbers behind the magic are staggering. Inside Biltmore House alone, there are 31 decorated trees, the largest a fresh 35-foot Fraser fir standing in the Banquet Hall reaching only halfway to the room's 70-foot ceiling, yet still requiring about 50 staff members to carry, raise, and secure. It's replaced partway through the season just to stay fresh. Outside, a 55-foot Norway spruce anchors the front lawn, ringed by 40 illuminated evergreens for guests attending Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Across the wider estate The Inn, Antler Hill Village, the estate's restaurants and shops another 75 trees join the display, including two themed trees. And that's before you get to the greenery. Biltmore's Floral & Horticulture teams hand-craft 203 fresh wreaths, swags, and kissing balls from fragrant Fraser fir, tend to 1,618 poinsettias refreshed mid-season, and wrap the estate in 7,740 yards of ribbon. A single oversized bow alone eats up about 6 yards. At night, it becomes something out of a storybook: 45,000 lights and 442 candles glow inside Biltmore House, while Antler Hill Village lights up with 25,000 "supernova" lights, 20,000 "meadow grass" lights, and a 25-foot tree with a synchronized 5,000-light show set to music. A returning favorite

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

this year is the 30,000-light "waterfall" installation suspended overhead, one of those details that stops you mid-step. The Candlelight Christmas Evenings event transports guests back to 1895 Biltmore House's very first Christmas, with the halls lit only by candlelight, the scent of fresh pine drifting through the rooms, fireplaces crackling, and on select evenings, live musicians filling the space with music. Walking through rooms that have hosted more than a century of holidays, gently lit and quiet, felt less like a tour and more like stepping inside someone else's cherished memory. It's the kind of experience that explains why families return year after year, and why first-timers leave already planning to come back. One tip worth passing along: don't assume the magic ends when the calendar flips. Christmas season at Biltmore runs all the way through January 10, so a visit after New Year's is still very much on the table and often a quieter, less crowded one. The trees stay up, the lights stay on, and the crowds thin out, making early January a smart window for families who want the full experience without the peak-week lines. But part of what makes Biltmore special is that it doesn't ask you to choose between "holiday trip" and "year-round destination." The house, the gardens, the winery, and the surrounding Blue

Ridge scenery are worth the drive no matter the season. We came for our visit just in time to see fall foliage begin to turn up the colors. The winery serving up its free sampling and tasting menus daily was a treat for us and we left with several favorites to take home and enjoy. We stayed at the INN, a lovely spacious room with all the amenities you need. The Inn also boast a grand living room with lit fireplaces, a beautiful terrace where we watched a gorgeous sunset. We also enjoyed the outdoor firepits after dinner and the pool terrace overlooking the grounds and with spectacular mountain views. If your family loves the holidays, come see the trees. If you're chasing fall foliage, spring blooms, or a summer escape to the mountains, Biltmore delivers just as well. November 3 through January 10, 2027, with the tree-lighting ceremony kicking things off and drawing holiday-lovers from across the country. Whether you're planning a festive family getaway or simply adding Biltmore to your year-round travel list, it's an experience worth the trip. Biltmore Estate: 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC biltmore.com CONTINUED >

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The gardens

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

This November, spread a little gratitude - one bloom at a time. Scan the QR code to order flowers & check out our workshops.

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GIVING TOGETHER

NOV. 1 DEC. 3 THROUGH

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of people in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign. But none of it is possible without you. If you know someone quietly struggling or facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Your nomination could make all the difference.

Visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org for more information.

SCAN TO NOMINATE

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ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

TWO

Generations One Promise for Your Healthcare Needs

When it comes to health insurance, one thing is certain: no two people, or two families, are exactly alike. As open enrollment begins November 1, you may be asking yourself: Is my current health insurance still the right fit? Am I paying too much? Do I really understand what my plan covers? What happens if I end up in the hospital? And what expenses could I still be responsible for? These are important questions and they are exactly why we believe having someone you can talk to matters. For Amy Tyler, helping people navigate healthcare coverage has become much more than a career. It has become a calling. And now, that calling is becoming a family legacy as Amy welcomes her daughter, Jordyn Tyler Wright, as her new business partner. A Passion for Healthcare That Began Long Before Insurance Amy brings decades of experience in the medical and healthcare industries to her work with clients. She spent 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as a representative, manager and director. During those years, she worked with a wide range of medications and therapies addressing cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, infectious diseases and more. She also spent seven years in the health and wellness industry, expanding her understanding of different approaches to healthcare. But it was a deeply personal experience that ultimately led Amy into the insurance business. Several years ago, Amy and her family were facing a frightening Stage 3 cancer diagnosis. During that difficult time, Amy’s

EXP E RT H E LP | EDUCATION

own insurance agent went far beyond simply explaining a policy. The agent took the time to sit down with the family, listen, answer questions and help them understand what they were facing. The experience stayed with Amy and she realized that an insurance professional could provide something far more valuable than a policy: a knowledgeable advocate who could help a family navigate an overwhelming healthcare system. Amy decided she wanted to provide that same kind of support to others. Now, the Next Generation Joins the Journey Growing up in Georgia, Jordyn had a front-row seat to the difference her mother was making in people's lives. She watched Amy build relationships, educate clients and advocate for people when they needed help understanding their healthcare choices. This is exactly what inspired Jordyn to follow a similar path. Today, Jordyn understands that every client’s situation is unique. Her approach is simple: listen first, educate second, and then help clients find solutions that fit their goals and budget. Known for her approachable style and genuine care for others, Jordyn believes insurance is about much more than policies and paperwork. It is about relationships, trust and providing peace of mind when people need it most. So, What Does Your Health Insurance Really Cover? As healthcare costs continue to rise, choosing coverage can feel complicated. There are deductibles, copays, coinsurance,

out-of-pocket maximums, exclusions, limitations and networks to consider. And here is an important question: Do you know what your insurance does NOT cover? We believe that question is just as important as knowing what your plan does cover. No health insurance policy pays for absolutely everything, and understanding the details before you need to use your coverage can make all the difference. That is why Amy and Jordyn prefer meeting with clients through video consultations. It gives them an opportunity to sit down face-to-face, explain the coverage, answer questions and make sure clients understand what they are purchasing, not just the price on the application.

Amy Tyler

More Choices. More Education. More Personal Service. Amy and Jordyn specialize in helping individuals and families find affordable healthcare solutions. They are appointed with a number of insurance carriers and offer a variety of products, including major medical, hospital indemnity, 24-hour accident, catastrophic accident, critical illness, specified disease, short-term medical, childonly, dental and vision coverage. Their goal is to help clients find the coverage that makes sense for their individual circumstances while doing everything possible to manage costs, not just sell a plan. The best insurance decision isn't about finding the most expensive plan, or even the cheapest plan, but it's about finding the right plan and understanding it.

Amy and Jordyn

Jordyn Tyler Wright

Two Generations. One Promise. Amy and Jordyn may represent two generations, but they share one philosophy: When You Get Our Policy, You Get Us! That means having someone available to answer your questions, help you understand your options and be there when you need guidance. As open enrollment begins this November, perhaps the most important question to ask isn't simply, “How much does my insurance cost?” Ask instead: “Who will be there to help me understand it when I need it?” For Amy and Jordyn, the answer is simple: We will.

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EMPTY NEST, FULL HEART: Jenn Kenney’s Grateful Season Realtor, designer, mom, and empty nester Jenn Kenney on dating her husband all over again. ARTICLE BY CANTON CITY LIFESTYLE

At the Kenney table, the turkey is not the hard part. Your turn is. Once grace has been said, everybody goes around and names something they are thankful for, and you cannot repeat what someone else already said. No falling back on friends. No coasting allowed. Somewhere between the last dinner plate and dessert, the room goes quiet while a grown adult thinks about what is left to say. Jenn Kenney is the youngest of twelve children, raised by parents who made gratitude a daily habit. She built a career in real estate and design while raising kids of her own, and last year was her first as an empty nester. We sat down with the Cherokee County realtor and designer to talk about what thankfulness looks like in a new season, and who she gets to be in it.

DOES THE GAME EVER LEAVE THE DINING ROOM?

Anywhere, honestly. It's my thing, and I make sure everybody does it. On trips, on walks, whenever there's a little silence, somebody has to say out loud what they're thankful for. My parents ingrained in us the importance of gratitude, being thankful for God and finding the good every day. That's where it all started.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR NOW THAT THE NEST IS EMPTY? Basically, dating Scott again. We were always intentional about it, even with the kids at home. They are still a priority, but now we can really focus on each other. I love that. Scott and Jenn were deliberate about their marriage while the house was loud. Now it is quieter, and she has advice.

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE ABOUT A YEAR AWAY FROM THE LAST CHILD LEAVING HOME? Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy all of your time together, because when the kids leave, it's hard. Talk. Ask questions. Listen. Once they're gone, you're in something like a long-distance relationship, so take advantage of the time you have right now.

CONTINUED >

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HOW DO YOU HOLD ON TO YOUR OWN IDENTITY ONCE THE KIDS HAVE LEFT THE HOUSE? You have to divert that energy. When your whole life revolves around taking care of your kids, you still want to pay it forward afterward. I've noticed it with a lot of moms who never worked full time and suddenly found something they love. It's never too late to find something that gives you the same endorphins being a mom did. When we're good moms, we've got a lot of goodness to share in other areas of life.

WHY DOES GIVING BACK MATTER TO YOU?

God blesses you with amazing opportunities and you work hard, so you want to pay that forward. Not just in November. I was raised as the youngest of twelve, doing for others, which is why November is one of my favorite months. It's tricky, because you never want to come across as wanting a trophy for being generous. The goal really isn't that. I love paying for the person behind me at Starbucks. You don't know if they're ordering one coffee or fifteen, but their faces say it all.

WHAT DO YOU THANK YOUR CLIENTS FOR?

For the opportunity. There are so many options out there, so I spend a lot of time understanding what a person loves. What will make them happy when they walk into their kitchen? When a client is smiling at the end of a project, there's nothing better.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHEROKEE COUNTY?

Hands down, I could not have picked a better place to raise our family. Our neighbors became our tennis friends and our golf friends. We're still close to them all. The teachers, the coaches, the churches, the charities, all of it overflowed from one thing to another. Our kids worked hard, and they were surrounded by people who pushed them to be better. It was absolutely perfect. Thanksgiving is a few weeks away. At the Kenney table, someone will be asked what they are thankful for, and the easy answers will already be taken.

The Professional Side Jenn brings more than twenty-two years of North Metro Atlanta real estate experience to her work with Engel & Völkers Atlanta, along with a background in design consulting for custom home builders. Through JK Design to Sell, she personally prepares luxury homes throughout Cherokee County for market, guiding renovation and staging, directing high-end marketing, and negotiating on the seller's behalf. Her approach starts with listening. "It's my job to pull out of them what they like," she says, and what will make them love being home. Her motivation is simple: help people love the homes they live in every day.

Schedule a consultation at jennkenney.com 678.457.8422 jennifer.kenney@evatlanta.com

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

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A LOVE L ANGUAGE

on a Plate The Stor y of Champ, the chef behind Deep Roots Tasting Market

Champ Long and owners, Deep Roots, Andrew and Emily Porrera

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Champ and his family

For the chef behind Deep Roots Wine and Tasting Market in Woodtsock, cooking has never really been about following a recipe. It's about connection, the kind that starts with one very specific food critic: his fiveyear-old son, Cruz. "The answer to how I got started always comes down to one specific inspiration: what does my son, Cruz, want to eat?" he says. He'd grown tired of cooking the same traditional dishes he was raised on, but Cruz's insatiable palate pushed him out of his comfort zone. Together, father and son began experimenting and blending flavors they both loved until an ordinary dish became something else entirely, what he now calls a "2.0 version." That instinct to reimagine the familiar became the foundation of his cooking style, and it still guides him today. His journey began, fittingly, in his own kitchen cooking the foods he loved and eventually bottling his own hot sauce, Champ Sauce. But watching other chefs push the boundaries of the industry lit something in him. He moved away from the comfort food of his childhood and toward an innovative fusion style, a culinary evolution he says he's still pushing forward. "My purpose has become a mission," he explains, "to introduce our guests to vibrant flavors from around the world and show just how beautifully they can come together on one plate." For Champ, food is best understood as a journey through the senses. "First is the visual, because we all eat with our eyes first. Second is the aroma, inviting you to imagine the taste before the food even touches your tongue. Third is the taste CONTINUED >

“ M y p u r p o s e h a s b e c o m e a m i s s i o n ,” he explain s, “ to introduce our guests to v ibrant f l avors from aroun d th e worl d and show just how beautifully they can c o m e t o g e t h e r o n o n e p l a t e .” NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

itself, delivering on that imagination with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, or savory." But it's the fourth sense that matters most to him — the feeling after that very first bite, whether it transports a guest to a happy memory, a place they've traveled, or the warmth of a loved one. That feeling is exactly what he's chasing every night at Deep Roots. "Serving food is never just a job; it is a love language," he says. "There is nothing quite like seeing the immediate smile and genuine happiness on our guests' faces when they taste the food." He wants every guest to feel like they've walked into their own living room — comfortable, cared for, at home — and he builds that experience through the food, the wine list, the service, and the atmosphere in equal measure. That sense of hospitality runs deeper than the dining room. As Woodstock City Lifestyle builds its November Giving Back issue around stories like his, he's quick to point out that giving back isn't a seasonal gesture at Deep Roots — it's baked into how the restaurant operates every day. "Hospitality is not an industry; it is a radical act of care that must begin from the inside out," he says. That philosophy starts with his own team. In an industry long defined by burnout, he's worked to build predictable schedules and a culture where mistakes become teaching moments rather than failures. "You cannot authentically serve warmth and comfort to guests if your own people are running on empty," he says. "When we invest in our staff's mental health, growth, and creative freedom, that sense of security and respect translates directly onto the plate."

“When we invest in our staff ’s mental h ealth , growth , an d c reat ive freedom , th at se n se of sec ur it y an d respect t ran sChamp with sons Cruz and Shiloh

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

l a t e s d i r e c t l y o n t o t h e p l a t e .”

“ S e r v i n g fo o d is never just a job; it is a love l a n g u a g e ,” he says.

That same philosophy extends beyond the restaurant's walls, into the community's fight against food insecurity. "True hospitality cannot exist in a vacuum," he says. "It's about creating a space where anyone who walks through the door feels seen, nourished, and valued, regardless of who they are." A meal, he believes, is never just fuel — it's an opportunity to forge connection and cultivate joy, and that belief is what turns the act of feeding people into something bigger: a vehicle for real, positive change. Looking back across the years and the restaurants he's owned, the meals he's served, what he's proudest of isn't the food itself. It's the people. "I honestly feel like everyone who has ever sat down to a meal I've served is a friend," he says, reflecting especially on his time at The Roswell Garden, where many of those friendships were formed and still carry through his life today. If there's one thing he hopes guests carry with them after a meal at Deep Roots, it's simple: "Meals create joy, joy creates friendships, and friendships last a lifetime."

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L e ad i ng W ith Qu iet St reng th Cherokee County’s First Female Chief Marshal Shares Her Journey

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doesn't reach for statistics or slogans — she reaches for memories. Her mother walking her to the library in downtown Woodstock, where Mrs. Johnston read to the neighborhood kids every summer. The gym at Etowah High School, still echoing with the wins and losses of her basketball days. Every mountain bike trail she's ridden, the boat slip she kept at Lake Allatoona for years, the outdoor YMCA camp where her own son once spent his summers. More recently, she finds herself driving through the Georgia National Cemetery, just to feel close to her father, laid to rest there almost a year ago. "Serving Cherokee County has never been just a career choice," she says. "It's a commitment to the place and the people who mean the most to me." In 2024, that commitment reached a new milestone when Martin became the first woman to serve as Cherokee County's Chief Marshal. It's a distinction she holds with humility, but also with purpose. "It felt like a recognition of the hard work, challenges, and determination that brought me here," she explains. More than anything, she hopes her appointment sends a message to the women who will come after her — to "step forward, take on

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For nearly thirty years, Dana Lloyd has shown up for Cherokee County long before the title, the headlines, or the history books took notice. She joined the Cherokee Sheriff's Office in 1997 as a Deputy, working her way steadily through the ranks to Major before stepping into leadership of the county's Public Services Agency. In 2024, she made history as Cherokee County's first female Chief Marshal, a milestone few outside her circle fully realized had happened. But if you ask the people who've worked alongside her, that's exactly the point. Dana has never been someone who sought the spotlight; she simply keeps serving, leading, and quietly opening doors for the women coming up behind her. For nearly 30 years, Dana Martin's career has been inseparable from the place she calls home. Since joining the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office in 1997, she has built a career defined not by ambition or title, but by an unwavering commitment to the community that raised her. "I was born and raised here; this is my hometown," Martin says. "My family lives here, my memories are here, and this community shaped the person I am today." Ask her to describe Cherokee County, and she

difficult assignments, trust her voice, or envision herself in a position she once thought was out of reach." As Martin puts it: "You belong here. Your perspective, your instincts, and your leadership are not just welcome — they're needed." For her, being first matters less than making sure she isn't the last. "My hope is that leaders are chosen based on their character, their abilities, and their commitment to serving others." Today, Martin's leadership extends far beyond the Marshal's Office. She oversees Emergency Management, 911, Radio Technology, the Animal Shelter, and Probation Services — a sprawling portfolio she's unified under the Public Services Agency, guided by a simple motto: Together We Thrive. "Each function has its own operational demands, yet they are all tied to one mission: protecting and supporting the wellbeing of our community," she says. Her approach starts with listening — understanding what each team needs to succeed, then working to strengthen communication across departments and remove barriers that could impede performance. "When teams are supported, empowered, and aligned with a shared mission, the quality of service elevates — and the community feels that difference every day." It's a philosophy rooted in something Martin has practiced her entire career: leading without chasing the spotlight. "Leadership isn't about the spotlight — it's about the outcomes you enable for others," she says. When asked what she hopes her legacy will look like, she doesn't mention accolades. She

“If future leaders inherit teams that are empowered, unified, and deeply committed to our mission, then I’ll know my work made a lasting difference for Cherokee County.” talks about people. "I want people to say that I helped build strong, capable teams who felt cared for, supported, valued, and connected to a clear purpose." Above all, she hopes her impact is felt in the community itself, through service that continues to improve long after she's gone. "If future leaders inherit teams that are empowered, unified, and deeply committed to our mission, then I'll know my work made a lasting difference for Cherokee County." Off the clock, Martin's world narrows to what matters most — family. The loss of her father a year ago sharpened her appreciation for time with loved ones, and she fills it with biking, hiking, and traveling. "Anything that lets me reset, enjoy nature, and recharge," she says. It's a fitting rhythm for a leader whose entire career has been about balance: strength paired with humility, authority paired with service, and a hometown loyalty that has never wavered. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

Growing Old Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone How Cherokee County Senior Services and neighbors like you are caring for our seniors For over 50 years, Cherokee County Senior Services has been a lifeline for older adults across our community. Since 1975, Senior Services has grown into a hub of support, offering meals, transportation, caregiver support and in-home assistance for residents 60 and older. "The senior population is predicted to grow to a milestone we have never seen before. By 2034, seniors age 60 and older are predicted to outnumber children under the age of 18,” said Senior Services Director Stacy Jones. “We assist local seniors with critical needs like meals, respite care, transportation, and socialization.” As of September, Senior Services has more than 350 Silver Roamers members, while about 35–40 seniors attend the Canton center and nearly two dozen visit the Ball Ground center daily Cherokee County operates senior centers in Canton and Ball Ground, with plans for a future senior center at Woodworth Park to serve southwest Cherokee. The need is real and close to home. Many seniors in Cherokee County live alone, without family nearby to help with transportation, groceries, or to help make needed home repairs. That's where Senior Services steps in. The organization's programs include: Home Delivered Meals and a daily Congregate meal program, Case Management, Caregiver Support, Homemaker Services, Respite Care, and Transportation Vouchers, plus an Information & Assistance line for families navigating Medicare. Programming at the Canton

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center includes everything from Bingo and crafts to field trips and guest speakers, giving seniors a reason to stay active and social. "When a loved one finds themself losing independence, families often begin looking for resources and services to assist,” Jones said. “When a senior can no longer prepare food, a home delivered meal fills that need. When a senior can no longer change their bed sheets or take their trash out, the Homemaker Program provides an aide to assist.” Senior Services offers both a Caregiver Support Group and a Respite Program to provide resources, connections, and respite from caregiving duties. “Many caregivers continue to work and manage their own lives while they care for their aging loved one,” Jones said. “Caregivers may need a break to run errands or simply have some alone time. Our caregiver programs are just as important as the programs that directly meet senior needs.”

Some of the programs Senior Services offers have lengthy waitlists. Partnerships give the community the opportunity to sponsor a senior citizen on the Home-Delivered Meals waitlist. Sponsorships range from $5.25 for one meal for one senior up to $1,286.25 for one year for one senior. As the November Giving Back issue lands in mailboxes, Senior Services is gearing up for one of its most beloved traditions: the Adopt-ASenior Program. Each December, the community donates holiday gifts for Meals on Wheels clients. This year, Senior Services staff aims to collect gifts for 400 seniors. "For many of our seniors, these gifts will be the only ones they receive. We plan how to provide gifts that meet our seniors’ needs and still gives them feelings of Christmas from their childhood,” Jones said. This year’s donation list includes: books of stamps, holiday themed treats, candy and snacks (non-perishable), $25 gift cards to Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Ingles, Aldi, Walgreens or CVS. This year, small reusable, holiday-themed shopping bags no larger than 12x9 or 10x13 are requested.

Items can be dropped off at the Senior Center in Canton now through Dec. 4, Monday through Friday, 8 to 4pm. A Saturday dropoff will be held Dec. 5, from 10 to 1pm . Senior Services offers several ways for neighbors to pitch in: • Adopt-A-Senior: Fill a holiday gift bag for a local senior this December. Information is shared with local media, on county social media and the Senior Services website. • Sponsor Meals on Wheels for a Senior on the Waiting List Sponsor 1 meal, 5 meals, 25 meals or an entire year of meals. Contact Dianne at 770-345-7515. • Volunteer Driver Program: Give a senior a ride to run errands. Trips typically run two to three hours, scheduled around the volunteer's availability. Contact Laura at 770-345-2675 • Donations: The center accepts physical and financial donations. Find a full list on the Senior Services website. For financial donations, contact Terry at 770-345-2675. The center has a pantry with limited space for clothing and food donations. Cherokee County Senior Services 1001 Univeter Road, Canton NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

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Check out our locally sourced shopping guide for every kind of gift

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Gift

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GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our nonprofit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

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that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.

“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

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