Thankful Hearts, Full Plates.
As smokey fire smells, crisp autumn air fills our town, and the leaves turn to shades of gold and red, November reminds us of all we have to be thankful for. Welcome to this special issue, where we reflect on the many blessings that make our community extraordinary. Last month, I heard from Avery, a middle schooler in Bridgemill, who sent us this lovely note:
"Thank you so much for all the beautiful stories and pictures you share in your magazine. I love reading about all the new things our family can explore in North GA, and we like the stories and pictures of the people who live here. My family enjoys each issues, and we guess for the new cover each month. It’s exciting to see local places and people we know! P.S. can you put me in City Scene?"
Thank you, Avery; we are thankful for all our readers and YES - tag us on IG. This month, we celebrate the hearts of Canton—the people who give selflessly, lifting those in need and strengthening the bonds that make our town a true family. We are particularly grateful for organizations like Never Alone Food Pantry, which continues to ensure no one in our community goes hungry, and the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program, which works tirelessly to support those who have served our country and now need a helping hand. These efforts and many others in Canton show how deeply our community cares for one another.
As we celebrate this season of giving, we are profoundly thankful for all those who share their time, treasures, and talents. From volunteers who offer a helping hand to businesses that give back, Canton’s spirit of service is truly something to be proud of.
This issue is dedicated to the givers who go above and beyond to ensure no one is forgotten and whose acts of kindness ripple through our community. May their stories inspire us all to continue spreading love, support, and generosity in our ways. From Bridgemill to Woodmont, from Union Hill to Laurel Canyon. I challenge everyone to take an hour this month and recreate your Hartman Blessing Bags with your family for those in need in Canton! Let's keep the spirit of giving alive and thriving in our community.
Be intentional with your gratitude, togetherness, and the countless blessings we share. Cheers,
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Chicka Elloy | chicka.elloy@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Jennifer Elloy | jennifer.elloy@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Elloy: @elloyjenny
Bob Preston: @Harold_YessirHill
Rhys Barby @nigelWTJ
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kevin-Jonas Davis: @KDavisWhat
Naomi Hopkins: @NaomiHopkinsPhotography EOTL Productions @EOTL_Productions
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
PRODUCING OUTSTANDING RESULTS • CREATING GREAT EXPERIENCES TREATING OUR PATIENTS LIKE OUR OWN FAMILY MEMBERS
WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, WE LOOK GOOD.
MEET DR. ANDY KRAGOR
NOW OPEN IN CANTON
city scene
1: Barrel House Coffee’s Fall Brew is representing! 2: Savory bites on the menu at Food Truck Alley in Holly Springs. 3: Duo of @shopharperandhoney Sydney and Riley provides the vibes and styling for you! 4: A wonderful weekend family trip to the mountains and scenic railway 5: Cheryl, Karen, Colleen, & Eileen take first place at the Woodmont Ladies Golf Association tourney. 6: La Cantina on Main is open and look who joined the party! Mayor Bill Grant. 7: The Little Sober Bar HQ is now open in downtown Canton! Come and visit.
BREAK THE ROUTINE
take a day trip and we’ll feed you from sunrise to sunset
BLUE RIDGE - ELLIJAY - JASPER - BALL GROUND - CANTON
FAMILY OWNED | BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
business monthly
Thanksgiving Gobble Jog
Participants come from all over the country to participate in the Must Ministries run on November 28, 2024, with their families and friends. The Gobble Jog offers options for all skill levels, and all proceeds go to MUST Ministries, dedicated to providing services to our neighbors in need. MUST offer various services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, groceries, clothing, job readiness, and job placement. Register today: GobbleJog.org
Historic Canton Theatre Hosts Johnny Cash
For over 100 years, the Historic Canton Theatre has been a shining star for entertainment in the Canton community. This November, come and check out the Johnny Cash experience, Alfred Hitchcock, Joe Lemmo comedy and The Grinch En Espanol. The Theatre is a community fixture, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy live theatre from both local and traveling productions. Visit: CantonGA.gov/CantonTheatre
Best New Breakfast Spot = Sunrise on Main
Would you be interested in a new breakfast experience? Fourteen minutes north of Cannon Park in Downtown Canton, you will find yourself in the charming downtown of Historic Ball Ground. Right next to the tavern, we have Sunrise on Main, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere and hearty skillets for breakfast. The menu features a delightful mix of classic breakfast staples, cocktails, and innovative dishes. Perfect for a new morning or Saturday adventure.
ARTICLE BY BOB PRESTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN JONAS-DAVIS
Lighting Up the Night Sky
Never Alone Food Pantry: A Beacon of Hope in Our Community
During the tumultuous year of 2020, a light emerged in Canton, Georgia, as the world faced the daunting challenges of loss and food insecurity. I first encountered Lamar Green and his dedicated team from Never Alone Food Pantry in the parking lot of New Life Church. Their mission was clear yet profound: to feed the hungry without judgment, to wrap those in need with compassion, and to remind them they are never alone.
Lamar’s passion for serving others and his unwavering faith resonated deeply within our church community, creating a community outreach team. Every fourth Saturday of the month, we gathered to serve the residents of Cherokee County and its surroundings. Little did I know that this experience would transform my perspective on being a servant leader.
As the months passed, I recognized familiar faces among the recipients—especially an elderly couple from Ukraine. They had moved to the United States a decade prior, struggling to make ends meet. Each month, they arrived with warm smiles and heartfelt gratitude, reminding me that our efforts made a real difference in their lives.
Inspired by my experiences, my newly retired father joined the team at the Woodstock location. He witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a small, renovated house could have on the lives of those in need. Together, we learned that generosity, offered without strings attached, was a powerful force for change.
On one of my Never Alone Food Pantry visits, I was warmly greeted by Millie Hughes, the Director
and Community Outreach Liaison. Her words, “Jenny, I just knew it had to be you,” reminded me of our shared history. I had met Millie years earlier when she led the American Heritage Girls troop my daughters attended. Millie’s commitment to fostering resilient, servant-hearted leaders laid the foundation for our community’s outreach efforts.
Feeding our neighbors is not merely an act of kindness; it is a responsibility we share as Americans and followers of Christ. At Never Alone Food Pantry, we believe in serving all individuals— regardless of race, creed, citizenship status, or gender identity—with love and dignity. Our mission is to combat hunger and ensure that those we serve feel accepted and valued. We embrace the message that when life’s challenges overwhelm you, you are “Never Alone.”
With a team of 150 volunteers, we pour our hearts into every aspect of the pantry's operations. Open six days a week, we send our 26-foot refrigerated truck into the community two to three times a week, delivering food to approximately 1,100 households each month. We distribute over 110,000
CONTINUED >
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
pounds of food, filling the cupboards of families facing food insecurity.
In 2019, as we sought innovative ways to fund our mission, we discovered the Beltline Lantern Parade in Atlanta. This unique event aligned perfectly with our desire to be a beacon of hope in the community. Thus, the “Be the Light” Lantern Parade & Festival was born. This festival features a lantern-decorating station, games, food trucks, and even a petting farm, culminating in a dazzling parade of glowing lanterns.
Our festival has grown significantly, raising funds that directly support our mission. The 2022 event
raised $11,000, while the 2023 event netted an impressive $18,000. These funds allow us to reach even more needy families, reinforcing our commitment to fighting hunger one household at a time.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission: to ensure everyone in our community feels alone in their struggles. Never Alone Food Pantry is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and unwavering faith. Together, we can illuminate the path for those facing hardship, proving that even in the darkest times, hope shines brightly when we stand together.
“Be the Light” Lantern Parade and Festival will include a lantern decorating station, inflatables, games, food trucks, Rumor has it that Santa & Bluey will be joining the fun! The evening will all conclude with a parade of brightly shining Chinese Lanterns.
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
Etowah River Park Canton, GA
3:00 – 6:00 pm
A SIMPLE GESTURE
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER ELLOY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARTMAN
LAW
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF COMPASSION:
In the heart of Woodstock, Georgia, a quiet mission was unfolding, led by a father-son duo determined to make a difference. Andy Hartman, founder and partner at Hartmanlaw, and his 10-year-old son Sam embarked on a journey to teach the importance of giving back to those in need. Their project, Sam’s Blessing Bag Project, was more than just an initiative; it was a profound lesson in empathy and community.
Andy first heard about the Blessing Bags concept from a police officer who kept a supply of “homeless supply bags” in his cruiser. So in 2016, Andy began to formulate the idea of creating Blessing Bags to address homelessness tangibly and locally, but in a way that would help his son (who is challenged with ADHD) work on concepts of task organization and finishing a project. He envisioned small kits filled with essentials for those experiencing temporary or long-term hardships. Each bag would contain a refillable coffee mug, snacks, protein bars, toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks, and warm accessories like gloves and stocking caps. “Filling 100 bags with 10 items was overwhelming for Sam at first,” says Andy. “but once he trained his brain to create a system and ‘assembly line’ - he cruised through the project.”
Although they may not be solving the larger issue of shelter insecurity, these needful things from a stranger send a message: Someone cared enough to make this little package for me,” Andy explained. After undertaking the project in their basement as a family for the first several years, Andy was encouraged by fellow parents to publicly launched the project, hoping to engage the community and instill a sense of purpose in Sam. “Part of our goal was to teach Sam the value of giving back and the skills necessary for organizing a project,” Andy said “and sharing this with other children seemed like a natural progression.”.
THE STORY OF SAM’S BLESSING BAG PROJECT
Initially, the Hartmans filled 80 to 150 bags in their home, distributing them directly to those in need. However, as the project gained traction, they realized the potential for a larger impact. In 2018, they mobilized their community, and together with generous friends, and several Hartmanlaw team members, they assembled over 600 bags and 100 blankets for distribution across multiple counties, including Fulton, Cherokee, Cobb, Bartow, Pickens, and Paulding.
This past December, Andy hosted a “Blessing Bag party” at his law office, where families came together for a fun evening of giving. We had snacks and prizes for the kids, and it felt like a celebration,” he recalled. The excitement was palpable as children and parents worked side by side, filling bags with care and laughter. It was a beautiful sight—community members united in their mission to uplift others.
Recognizing that they could do even more by collaborating with established organizations, Andy and Sam reached out to local nonprofits like Simple Needs GA, Never Alone, Action Church, MUST Ministries, and 7 Bridges To Recovery. These groups had the infrastructure to distribute the bags effectively and were already deeply engaged in helping the homeless population.
As the Blessing Bags were delivered, stories of their impact began to emerge. One recipient, Clara, had lost her job and lived in her car. “I felt invisible like nobody cared,” she shared when she received her bag. The simple act of receiving a Blessing Bag—a gesture of kindness—restored her sense of dignity and reminded her that hope still existed.
Andy shared Clara's story with Sam, emphasizing the significance of their efforts. “This is why we do what we do,” he said. “It’s not just about providing items; it’s about reminding people they are seen and valued.” Sam nodded, understanding the weight of his father’s words. Each bag represents physical aid and a lifeline to someone in need.
As charitable endeavors flourish in our community, people witness the positive changes—the growing willingness to help one another and the spirit of generosity that flowed throughout the town. Families started to move into the area not just for its charm but for the values that defined it: compassion, kindness, and a sense of belonging.
Through their work, Andy and Sam illustrate that giving back enriches the lives of both those receiving help and those who offer it. Their mission fosters a culture of generosity, where acts of kindness become the norm, creating a community that people want to be a part of.
Sam’s Blessing Bag Project is more than a charitable endeavor; it is a legacy of compassion that Andy hopes will inspire future generations to continue to give to others. Andy's challenge to all is not to join his project, but to start your own. Divide and multiply! If you visit Andy's website, he shares all the lessons he’s learned and encourages families to begin their own "blessing bag" traditions to help others in need.
Together, they are building the community they want to live in—a place where kindness reigns, and everyone is treated with respect and compassion regardless of their circumstances. In the end, the heart of this mission is simple: when we extend kindness, we create ripples that grow far beyond what we can see. Sam’s Blessing Bag Project may have started in one household, but its message resonates universally—every small act of giving has the power to change lives and create a world filled with compassion and hope.
“IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT PROVIDING ITEMS; IT’S ABOUT REMINDING PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE SEEN AND VALUED.”
SERVING OUR VETS IN NEED
Cherokee Homeless Vets Program Helps Men and Women that have Served Our Country
ARTICLE BY RHYS BARBY
In 2015, our nation's leaders set forth a significant challenge to end veteran homelessness. At that time, estimates suggested over 100,000—some believe closer to 200,000—homeless veterans were living on the streets across America. This statistic hit close to home as a West Point graduate and former Army officer. While serving, I often witnessed soldiers transitioning out of the military due to injury or at the end of their term. We would replace them, rarely pausing to consider where they would go next. One soldier, in particular, haunts
my memories: a young section sergeant in my Squadron Maintenance Section who suffered a traumatic injury during an exercise. At just 23 years old, he had a promising military career ahead of him, yet suddenly, his life took a dramatic turn.
I have often wondered what happened to him after he left the service. Did he find support? Was he among those who fell into the shadows of homelessness? This concern for my fellow veterans inspired me to establish the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program. Our mission is simple
yet profound: to advocate for and assist honorably discharged veterans who find themselves homeless or on the brink of homelessness in Cherokee County, Georgia.
Every veteran's experience is unique, and their needs vary widely. The Cherokee Homeless Vets Program aims to provide tailored support through housing assistance, job training, or mental health resources. Importantly, we believe in the principle of reciprocity: we encourage those we help to assist other veterans in need in the future. This creates a cycle of support that strengthens our community.
Our program is adaptive, evolving with the needs of our veterans. A few years ago, the pressing need was for necessities like socks. Today, we focus on ensuring our veterans have a permanent address and a reliable means of communication, such as
In America, we have over 49,000 homeless veterans living in our communities. Ways we can change the course of homeless veterans in our community.
• Annual Coat Drive from October 1 - November 8th at any Arrow Exterminator Service Centers
• Annual October Red, White, and Blue BBQ and Pizza Cook-Off
• Annual Spring Golf Outing in Cherokee County
• Adopt a Veteran to support the needs of our servicemen and women
• Donate a Vehicle to a Vet in need
Check out all the details and events at the Cherokee Homeless Vets Programs website to be informed of all the community-based outreach opportunities available at CherokeeHomelessVets.com/programs
For additional questions and information, please contact Executive Director Jim Lindenmeyer at (678) 983-7590 or jlindenmayer80@gmail.com
a cell phone, which are essential for connecting with services and opportunities.
The generosity of our local community has transformed the lives of many veterans. Jim Lindenmayer, a dedicated advocate, shared stories of veterans who have found hope through our program. One story that particularly moved me was of a disabled female veteran with six children, teetering on the brink of homelessness in another county. When she contacted our program, we didn’t hesitate to assist her, even
though her family was outside our immediate jurisdiction. We worked diligently to secure housing and transportation for her family, ensuring they felt safe and supported.
The Cherokee County School District also stepped in, helping the children transition smoothly into their new schools. This collaborative spirit makes our community truly special. We may never fully comprehend our veterans' sacrifices, but we can show our gratitude through action, offering them the support they need to reclaim their lives.
As we move into 2024, we plan to expand our efforts. One key initiative is the development of a transitional shelter on Belly Ferry Road. This shelter will allow us to utilize our funding more effectively than relying on local hotels. To realize this vision, we must transition from a 501(c)(19) to a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing us to employ paid staff for the first time—until now, our team has operated entirely on a volunteer basis. We aim to keep veterans in Cherokee County, which currently ranks as the sixth-largest veteran population in the state. We will rely on local donations and seek federal grants to achieve our goals, especially as state and local support for our program has been limited. Our mission is crucial, and we need the community’s backing to continue our work.
As winter approaches, we urgently need gently used or new coats for our homeless veterans. Last year, we collected over 7,000 coats, and this year, our goal is 9,000. You can donate at any Arrow Exterminator Service Center through November 8th. Let’s make supporting Cherokee County veterans a national conversation, showcasing how we can unite as a community to uplift those who have served our country.
In closing, advocating for homeless veterans is not just a duty; it’s a heartfelt commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Let’s honor their service by ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference, one veteran at a time.
PROTECT YOUR NEW BEGINNINGS WITH
When a new chapter begins, get peace of mind by planning for the future. Because there’s no time like the present to financially protect their tomorrows.
a festive pairing
The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.
ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL
It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewü rztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.”
But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun.
“People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different.
“If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.”
For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and
I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey.
“With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.”
Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.”
What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.”
If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
What if I’m serving ham this year?
“Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious.”
What about dessert?
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine?
“If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”
“That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around $20, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.”
James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife, Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.
realty
NOVEMBER 2ND
The Bigfoot Boogie Run in North Georgia
McCaysville Welcome Center, 53 Market St McCaysville GA 30555 | 5:30 PM
The Riverwalk Run Series is America's only 5K series spanning two states! Join the excitement on a route that goes through the historic downtowns of both McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. All three 5Ks are in the evening because we encourage visitors to stay the weekend. Shop, dine, and unwind in our beautiful riverfront community! RiverwalkRunSeries.com
NOVEMBER 16TH
Bizarre Bash and Dash Fun Run 5k
Downtown Canton | 8:00 AM
8 am start and Bizarre Bash in Canton, GA. Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely walk, this 5K is perfect for all fitness levels. Enjoy a beautiful fall morning run in Historic Downtown Canton. Afterward, Enjoy an ideal day packed with activities for the whole family, including a bounce house, local art activities, a pasta-eating contest for charity, face painting, insane giveaways, and much more! BizarreCoffee.com
NOVEMBER 16TH
Never Alone Food Pantry: Lantern Festival
Etowah River Park 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy Canton, GA 30114 | 3:00 PM
Lantern Festival is a fun, family-friendly event with many activities culminating in a lantern parade/stroll through Canton’s Etowah River Park at dusk. There will be a petting zoo, bounce houses, spin art, and much more, including adult activities, at no charge for ticketed attendees. Lanterns are provided along with purchased tickets. Benefit the Never Alone Community Food Pantry. RunSignUp.com/TicketEvent/NeverAloneLanternFestival2024
NOVEMBER 28TH
22nd Annual Gobble Jog for MUST Ministries
The Marietta Square (39-75 E Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060) | 7:30 AM
On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will join Marietta Square to participate in the 22nd Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Almost 300 volunteers will be on hand to support these runners. Our largest teams are from area companies, schools, and churches that come together to support our mission that day. GobbleJog.org
NOVEMBER 29TH
Christmas at The Mill on Etowah
225 Reformation Parkway Canton, GA US 30114 | 10:00 AM
Join us for the 5th annual Christmas at The Mill festival. Experience the joy of ice skating under twinkling lights, explore over 100 charming vendor booths, cheer on your favorite team with football on the big screen, and savor delicious holiday treats! Whether you’re here to catch the big game, shop til you drop, or snap a photo with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, this is the Christmas headline you won’t want to miss! Etowahmill.com/Christmas
NOVEMBER 29TH
Santa Claus Train Arrives in Blue Ridge, Georgia
241 Depot Street Blue Ridge , GA 30513 | 10:00 AM
A festive 1-hour train ride on our Holiday Express. You will listen to holiday music and the story "The Night Before Christmas" here. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and a chance to see Santa Claus. You'll enjoy delicious hot chocolate and other snacks that are available for purchase inside our concession car. BRscenic.com/holiday-special-rides/
