Alpharetta, GA June 2023

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Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.

We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.

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Trifecta Home Furniture is an exciting and unique monthly shopping experience FURNITURE EVENTS (404) 369-7699 trifectahomefurniture.com Alpharetta • Buford • Marietta • Jacksonville • 30A

Hello friends,

Growing up with four older brothers, I felt forever protected. Even now, with one fewer brother (we lost Dan to AIDS), I never feel it’s just me against the world. I feel their unconditional love and support every day, through all my moves (more than 20), my challenges and dreams. I am a lucky little sister.

My dad, Spud Sparling, taught me to shake hands with eyes locked and a strong grip. Men comment on it now, surprised that a little lady has such a solid grip. No limp fish here. We lost dad to lung cancer 23 years ago. I was seven months pregnant with my son when I sang a medley of my dad’s greatest hits with my brothers at his memorial service. He played the piano enthusiastically and once accompanied Frank Sinatra during his front-line tour when The Chairman of the Board’s keyboard player came down with the flu. Spud lasted two numbers, so the story goes, until Ol’ Blue Eyes dismissed him with minimal appreciation. He played for his Rotary club’s sing-alongs and for my friend’s wedding when her musicians were snowed in on her January date in Michigan. I remember hiding out under the grand piano in our living room while he played his medley, watching his feet pump the pedals and create his own percussion. He was an eternal optimist, something else I inherited. Thanks, Dad. He'd be proud of this frisky trout I caught on the Tallulah River last month.

This month, we’re honoring men who make family and philanthropy a priority. Enjoy our MEN'S issue and go shake the hands of all the men in your life who make you laugh.

XO,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cathy Jones, Elissa Rosen, Maria Smith, Lance White

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Wayne Albright

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 Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Proverbs 3:5-6

Guven Brothers Fine Jewelry is a family owned and operated business located in the heart of Alpharetta with over 20 years experience in the jewelry industry. Our priority is to offer exceptional customer service and high quality selections from engagement rings, wedding bands, timepieces, to high-end fashion jewelry for every occasion in your life.

Come and visit our family and allow us to provide you the gemstones for all the milestones in your life.

GUVENBROTHERSFINEJEWELRY.COM

Bill Oyster believes in fly fishing’s power to transform. He crafts bamboo rods from his workshop in Blue Ridge.

Absolute Image Consulting has been providing Atlantans with the most natural and stylish hair replacement for over 20 years. We are a small boutique center that focuses on the individual. Each client has a unique tailored service specific to their needs and style. We only use the best materials and our entire staff is trained in house by Shannon Dixon. Shannon has been voted best in Atlanta for 5 years in a row, one of Atlanta’s top 10 women in health and beauty and who’s who in Atlanta 2022.

If you are looking for the absolute best results in hair replacement, there is a clear choice.

Absolute Image Consulting Inc.

city scene

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Tag your Instagram photos with @alpharettacitylifestyle

1: Furkids CEO and founder, Samantha Shelton, with emcee Kaedy Kiely of 97.1 The River. 2: The auction in full swing with Furkids supporters at the 21st anniversary celebration. 3: Furkids board member Jeanine Huebner (second from left) with friends enjoying the night.

4: Furkids guests perusing the silent auction in the Giaquinto Event Center. 5: The Happy Home Furnishings celebrated with a one-year anniversary event at their gorgeous Alpharetta location! 6: Owners of The Happy Home Furnishings and K&K Designs celebrated their one-year anniversary. 7: Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar invites you to join their monthly wine club dinner.

Schools News

Webb Bridge Middle School eighthgrader Can Wang received the Silver Key medal at the National 2023 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, after receiving the Gold Key medal at the state level. Alpharetta High School senior Alexandra Gavranovic was named the recipient of the 2023 PTSA Sally Fitzgerald Scholarship, an award for students who have advocated for themselves or a cause, show excellent communication skills, are involved in extra-curricular activities, and are academically proficient.

Come For Tea

Wild Fairy Tea Café is a sustainability and community-oriented café that specializes in high-quality, looseleaf tea and plant-based offerings.

Teas are organic and Fairtrade certified and they offer gluten-free, vegan pastries and snacks. Wild Fairy is a quiet and cozy atmosphere, a lovely space to study and hang out with friends. 11500 Webb Bridge Way, Alpharetta. WildFairyTea.com

Best Roofs Ever

Georgia Roof Advisors has been awarded the exclusive GAF President’s Club! This award is given to contractors who demonstrate exceptional performance and quality workmanship in their roofing installations. Their team has achieved the highest level of excellence in the roofing industry. The team is proud of this recognition, and it motivates them to continue striving for excellence. Homeowners can trust that they are receiving the best service and workmanship available in the industry.

Renovations In the Works

Classic Blinds and Shutters showroom will be closed the first two weeks of June for major renovations. They are still scheduling in-home consultations and/or virtual consultations during this time. Call 770.924.0282 or visit  ClassicBlindsAndShutters.com You can also find them on Instagram @classicblindsalpharetta. We can't wait to see their new showroom when they reopen mid-June!

Now

Open Cancer and Blood Specialists of Georgia (CBSG) had their ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new clinic in Johns Creek at 6985 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Ste 100. CBSG’s board-certified medical oncologist Dr. Sreekanth Reddy has been providing oncology and hematology care in the community for over 18 years. CBSG provides multiple services to patients including infusion therapy, centralized laboratory and pathology, oral cancer medications and financial counseling. CancerBloodSpecialistsGA.com

Ricky's Journey

ARTICLE MARIA SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY WAYNE ALBRIGHT

SFX Fitness is not just a gym. It’s a community and a family. It is the place where everyone knows your name. SFX Fitness Alpharetta is like a good friend that holds you accountable for your actions and encourages you to enjoy life in moderation. Owner Rick Banks embodies this feeling of unity and belonging. He learned firsthand the importance of being surrounded by people who genuinely care.

At age 57, Rick was the picture of health. He had less than 10% body fat and had none of the medical problems which often plague men of this age. However, in April 2022, Rick woke up hemorrhaging blood. A frightening internal bleed from an ulcer sent him into emergency surgery and landed him in a coma. The guy who could practically benchpress a small car was suddenly fighting for his life, needing 26 pints of blood to keep him alive.

Due in part to his impressive physical health, Rick was able to weather this unexpected setback, defy doctors’ predictions and come back stronger and healthier than ever. His low BMI, fantastic cardiovascular system and overall good health played a significant part in Rick’s awe-inducing recovery. All the effort and persistence he put into helping others get healthy and strong came back to him when he needed it most.

Rick never, ever gives up. Like his father, who took a fifth-grade education and used it to become an entrepreneur, Rick believes a strong CONTINUED >

work ethic can help him get through anything. As one of eight siblings, he learned the value of teamwork and the importance of family. It is these values Rick brings to SFX Fitness in Roswell and Alpharetta. And it is what makes this full-service fitness facility perfect for those who want to improve their lives physically, mentally, and spiritually, and are looking for something other than the cookie-cutter gym experience.

For everyone who made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape, Rick has one word: Don’t! He believes fitness should be a lifestyle change, not a short-term solution you give up after a week or two. You have to invest time, money, and energy into achieving any goal. Rick believes SFX Fitness has the equipment, trainers, classes, and people to turn your dreams for yourself into reality.

Rick Banks has defied the odds more than once. He wants to help everyone in Roswell, Alpharetta, and beyond do whatever is necessary to stop life from holding them back. No doubt, his parents are looking down from heaven and beaming with pride at all the good their seventh child is putting out in the world. SFXFitness.com/Alpharetta

TREASURES OF FATHERHOOD

GUVEN BROTHERS

FINE JEWELRY

ARTICLE BY CATHY JONES

A gift of fine jewelry is one of overwhelming emotion, marked by life’s biggest achievements and milestones. Guven Brothers Fine Jewelry, an Alpharetta jewelry store built on brotherhood and generations of gemstone experience, gets this. As a family-owned and operated business, Guven Brothers understands the cherished bonds of family and friendship that lie behind such extravagant gifts.

“Our biggest desire is to be known as a family jeweler,” explains Tony Guven, one of the owners and brothers behind Guven Brothers. “We have built relationships with most of our customers and their families, making it feel like a true family experience.”

A biker sports a collection of Simon G rings and wrist chains for men.

Tony and his brother Josh Guven are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to support their customers throughout the entire gem selection process.

After spending his early teens as an assistant in his parent’s shop, Tony began sourcing jewelry for them. He formed relationships with many of the prestigious brands available at Guven Brothers today. With a newfound love for jewelry and years of experience serving the Alpharetta market, he enlisted the help of his brother Josh and established Guven Brothers Fine Jewelry in 2019.

The all-time best-sellers at Guven Brothers are their custom wedding bands. From whimsical woodland bands to non-traditional stones and cuts to Star Wars-themed bands, the Guven brothers have and will create anything a soon-to-be bride or groom could dream up.

This accommodates the store’s mission to be a part of life’s most significant moments and celebrate those we spend them with. And with Father’s Day quickly approaching, Tony and Josh anticipate an influx in men’s jewelry sales.

As a dad of three and a half years himself, Tony recalls the moment he became a father and the many ways his son has redefined unconditional love and patience for him over the years. He looks forward to celebrating this Father’s Day the way he always does, in a Blue Ridge mountain home surrounded by family and of course, sporting some of his favorite pieces as a dad: a classic timepiece and gold chain bracelet. CONTINUED >

A classic timepiece from the Longines Heritage collection with a black sector dial and stainless steel clasp.

“Watches are by far our most popular Father’s Day gift, and we’ve got something for every dad’s needs. Sporty, elegant, timeless, you name it,” says Tony.

Longines, Rolex and Omega are the brothers’ three favorite watch brands for their versatility in price, design and function, while Simon G is their go-to brand for sleek neck chains and bracelets. And for the men that prefer to keep their wrists empty, Tony and Josh suggest a set of cuff links from their collection for a simple yet refined look.

Guven Brothers assures its customers that tons of brand-new jewelry and watch collections for men will be hitting the store in time for Father’s Day. In the meantime, Tony and Josh look forward to assisting the sons, daughters and wives that visit the store this month in hopes of picking out a new treasure for the man in their life.

Actor Hyun Bin shows off a timepiece from Omega's Speedmaster collection.

2705 Old Milton Pkwy #100, Alpharetta GuvenBrothersFineJewelry.com 470.246.5397

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All About The Dads

ARTICLE BY LANCE WHITE

Gary Fragle

DAY JOB:

I am in the consumer goods business for the Boston Beer Company.  My position is a division chain manager for the on-premises Class of Trade. Aka I sell beer to national restaurant chains for the Southeast and Atlantic region. I live in Alpharetta.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG MAN ENTERING YOUR INDUSTRY TODAY?   Do what you enjoy and are passionate about.  As long as you can put your heart into what you do and believe in what you do, you will be successful.

WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES IN THE BUSINESS WORKPLACE?

Being late! I feel the most valuable asset for anyone, both personally and professionally, is their time. Being prompt is a sign of respect and discipline.

HOW DO YOU DESTRESS AT THE END OF A BUSY DAY?

Spending time with family and friends, attending my kids’ sporting events, going to festivals, concerts, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Also, a cold Sam Adams is not a bad thing either (shameless plug).

HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR?

Hopefully with some nice weather heading to Top Golf or having a bunch of friends and family over to the house to cook out and relax.

Gary Fragle and family

Jordan Campbell

DAY JOB:

I help nonprofits raise money for their amazing missions! As a fundraising auctioneer, my role is to tap into people’s inner generosity, to engage them with the cause, and to make sure they have a great time while doing so!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG MAN ENTERING YOUR INDUSTRY TODAY?

When you’re on that stage in front of hundreds of people, authenticity and passion are key. It is also important to be unique and give guests the chance to feel fully immersed in the nonprofit’s mission.

WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES IN THE BUSINESS WORKPLACE?

Honestly, I don’t have many pet peeves! I’m fortunate enough to work in the nonprofit sector where every single person is there for the greater good.

HOW DO YOU DESTRESS AT THE END OF A BUSY DAY?

For me there’s nothing better than simply unwinding in front of the TV, putting on an episode of The Office or a drama series, and just letting the world drift away with escapism!

HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR?

My newborn will be one month old, so I imagine my wife and I will be walking around like zombies, cocooned in our house, stealing sleep and snacks whenever we can! Nervous but excited!

“For me there’s nothing better than simply unwinding in front of the TV, putting on an episode of The Office or a drama series, and just letting the world drift away with escapism!”

Mark's Day

ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Working every day to design beautiful spaces for friends to relax together makes Mark Salazar a happy guy.

He designs patios and decks where the guys can gather, families can spread out and memorable meals can be made. Creating spaces to fit the needs (and dreams) of active kids or retirees who entertain (and everyone in between), Mark and Cinda Salazar can construct anything from basic back patio decks to custom

The Salazar family

multi-level luxurious structures that incorporate elements such as seating areas, fire features and more. Their company is Archadeck of Alpharetta and together they are uniquely qualified to manage residential outdoor living projects, creating truly dreamy spaces.

As busy homeowners, they don’t have an abundance of downtime, but Mark says this Father’s Day he plans to spend time on his own deck and patio, relaxing with a mojito,  smoking meat in his Traeger, and watching TV. He’ll probably smoke some cigars in

front of the fire pit with his sons, and might be found floating in the pool listening to classic rock like the Eagles or Boston. Rock on, Mark!

Mark Salazar

Archadeck Outdoor Living of Alpharetta

770.696.5693

Archadeck.com/Alpharetta

Let Mark help you find your inspired vision

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attention to the expiration date of the card. Conditions apply. See www.lennox.com/terms-and-conditions for complete terms and conditions. **Offer available March 13, 2023 to June 16, 2023. All applications are subject to credit review and approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Requires purchase of qualifying Lennox® system and credit approval. No down payment required. If you qualify for this promotion (“Promotion”) and elect to participate, Finance Charges (interest) will not accrue for the first six months (Promotional Period), and you will not be required to make payments during the Promotional Period. If you pay the entire amount financed on or before the last day of the Promotional Period (Promotional Expiration Date), you will not have to pay any Finance Charges.

However, if you qualify and elect to participate in the Promotion and do not pay the entire amount financed on or before the Promotion Expiration Date, you will be charged Finance Charges starting the first day after the Promotion Expiration

Date at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 8.99%, and the balance will be payable in 120 scheduled monthly payments of $12.60 per $1,000 of the amount financed. No prepayment penalties. Minimum and maximum amount financed of $3,000 and $100,000, respectively. Late charges may apply. Complete terms and conditions and Truth in Lending disclosures will be set forth in the Retail Installment Contract which you should review carefully.

©2023 Lennox Dealers are independently owned and operated businesses.

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5230 Windward Parkway, Suite 102

Milton, GA 30004

(678) 366-1445

Sandy Springs

5975 Roswell Rd Suite A-103

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

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Growing Confidence

ALTERNATIVES TO MEN'S HAIR LOSS

ARTICLE BY ALPHARETTA CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Men’s hair loss. So many questions. We sat down with Burt Wright from Absolute Image Consulting in Alpharetta. Here is Burt’s primer.

HAIR SYSTEMS BUILD CONFIDENCE FOR MEN

Men who experience balding or thinning hair can often lack confidence. Although these feelings are understandable, you do not have to suffer alone. Men have many options to transform their appearance and restore confidence with hair systems. Today’s hair systems for men include innovative products and techniques to replace the missing hair. These customized solutions can improve your quality of life.

WHAT IS A HAIR SYSTEM FOR MEN?

A hair replacement system for men is a customized solution that uses synthetic or donated human hair that adheres to the scalp to provide a seamless and realistic appearance. The system typically includes a fine mesh base that uses a special adhesive solution to create results that last for several months. The hair system may

require maintenance appointments as the natural hair grows to keep a consistent appearance, much like regular haircuts. Hair systems offer a variety of benefits for men who are experiencing hair loss. Replacing the lost hair or adding fullness to thinning hair can restore a man’s hairline. The systems offer a custom fit to provide a realistic look that blends with the existing hair. In addition, these systems allow for custom color matching and highlights to mimic the natural hair. They also offer more flexibility in styling options, allowing the wearer to change their look

over time. Hair systems are often more affordable and less invasive than surgical hair restoration procedures. As a non-permanent procedure, the risks with a hair replacement system are lower than with permanent surgery.

HOW CAN HAIR LOSS IMPACT MEN?

Hair loss can have an emotional and psychological impact on men. When a man begins to experience hair loss, it can cause feelings of insecurity and lowered self-esteem. Men may feel embarrassed, leading them to

become socially withdrawn or isolated. In addition, men who experience balding or thinning hair often feel like they look older than their actual age.

Finally, the primary benefit is the restored confidence in a man’s appearance. A hair replacement system gives men immediate results.

AbsoluteImageConsulting.com

770.642.6003

Hot DAM Coolers

KEEPING IT COOL

ARTICLE BY ELISSA ROSEN

Co-founder and owner of DAM Coolers, a lifestyle outdoors company known for its innovative coolers and backpacks, Femi Agbato continues to build the brand, one day at a time.  What began as an idea for a group project in an Executive MBA class at Kennesaw State, is now a fully functioning business run by the Alpharetta resident.

“I knew this was what I wanted to do as soon as I heard the idea,” says Agbato, who currently owns a 95% stake in the company and manages all the facets of the business. Most known for their lighter, leaner, higher-performance cooler using V.I.P technology, their line of innovative backpacks has launched with much acclaim.

He credits the 1500-plus backers for helping him get his company off the ground through his Kickstarter campaigns.

“We crowdfunded to raise money,” says the Alpharetta resident. “This not only gave us the funding to bring the product to market, but it was a way to build an audience. Our funds come from people who want the product.”

Despite many pandemic-related setbacks, he was determined to deliver.  And he did just that.  Now, DAM coolers is making waves in the outdoor lifestyle space with their original coolers while expanding very successfully with their feature-rich backpacks which have the convenience of an insulated cooler.

“These are very versatile,” Femi says of the backpacks that have the functionality of any bag out there with the convenience of an insulated cooler.  “We designed these for all kinds of trips and adventure,” he continues. “But you can use them however you want. I keep my valuables and electronics in the hidden cooler area.”

Currently, Femi spends much of his time on the road, exhibiting at tradeshows for outdoor lifestyles, and has no plans of slowing down.

Most recently, DAM Coolers introduced a line of drinkware, made to keep drinks hot or cold for hours longer than a normal bottle. Currently in the pipeline is a new, even more advanced and modern backpack, lunch bags and a bigger version of the cooler.

DamCoolers.com CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Bill Oyster, Bamboo God

So, you like to fly fish?

How about going deep and joining a class at Oyster Bamboo Rods to craft your own fly rod?

Waitlisted for months, the six-day workshops attract kings of industry and beginning sportsmen alike who are put through the paces of planning, shaping and finishing a bamboo rod using age-old techniques. Bill and Shannen Oyster have grown the business from their basement to the beautiful new brick building at the end of Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge.

Each Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is intensely hand-crafted. Bill is the only professional bamboo fly rod maker in the world who personally hand engraves his own rods. The performance and aesthetics of each rod are truly remarkable. Oyster has been commissioned to make rods for many of the world’s finest anglers including President Jimmy Carter. As the most prolific teacher of this rod-making art alive today, Oyster draws students from as far away as England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand as well as every corner of the U.S. to his southern mountain town studio in beautiful Blue Ridge

Bill oozes authenticity, originality and raw artistic talent. Shannen shares soulful stories of their students who all experience a shift, grown men hugging their finished rod, eyes welling. OysterBamboo.com

DR. MICHAEL PAPCIAK

North Fulton’s expert specializing in Autism Spectrum and other medically complex conditions.

Physical Examinations | Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Post-Covid Conditions | Sports, Athletics and Nutrition (All Ages)

“Dr Papciak relates so well to kids of all ages, my teens especially. They are not afraid to speak frankly to him because he is very practical and straight forward.”

“He is the most knowledgeable and caring pediatrician, I would recommend him to anyone looking for good and honest care for their children.”