Kids and Pets round out families and communities!
As the golden days of summer stretch on, there's something extra special about August—the laughter of children still on school break (it seems to get shorter every year!), the wagging tails of pets enjoying long evening walks along the Rail Trail, and the joyful chaos that comes when the two worlds meet. This month, we celebrate the heartwarming love of kids and pets, the little (and notso-little) beings who bring energy, joy, and perhaps a touch of mischief to our lives.
In this issue, we’ll look at some compelling stories that focus on kids, pets, and maybe even both! Chamblee is a great place for the little ones, whether they walk upright or on four paws. The Frosty Caboose is always a treat and you can see the lines out to the sidewalk nearly every evening. Or you can stop by one of Chamblee’s pet-friendly spots like Moondog Pub & Grub or the relatively new Chamblee Farmers Market. We even have some new indoor play areas for the kiddos, like the newly opened Isaac’s Sandlot or Oodazu, which is coming soon! And of course let’s not forget charitable organizations like Lifeline Animal Project and the Dekalb County Animal Services shelter.
From local pet-friendly parks and family events to businesses and nonprofits dedicated to helping our youngest and fluffiest residents thrive, we spotlight the places and people making a difference.
Whether you’re a parent, a pet owner, or someone who just enjoys a good puppy photo (who doesn’t?), we hope this issue brings a smile to your face and inspires you to embrace the beautiful mess of life with kids and animals.
Here’s to tail wags, sticky fingers, and memories made in the sunshine. Cheers and as always, thanks for reading!
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Polina Williams | polina.williams@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The city of Chamblee holds International Night Market. 2: Crowds gather for Chamblee’s International Night Market. 3: Huntley Hills residents attend a wine tasting event at Deep Roots Wine Market. 4: Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock speaks at the recent Meet the Mayor event at Kin Coffee. 5: Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock talks with residents at a Meet the Mayor event. 6: Residents gather on the lawn for the first concert in the Chamblee Rocks Concert Series. 7: Vendors and food trucks line the streets in Chamblee for the first concert.
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
JANET HOWARD
JANET HOWARD
8: A couple dances the night away at the concert. 9: The band entertains the crowd and kicks off the 2025 summer concert series. 10: Summertime rocks and so does Chamblee! 11: Bring on the band! The Chamblee crowd is ready for some music and fun. 12: On the lawn at Chamblee City Hall. 13: Vendors get set for the first concert of the Chamblee Rocks Concert Series. 14: Food is served at the Huntley Hills neighborhood event held at Deep Roots.
KEVIN PARKER
JANET HOWARD
JANET HOWARD
JANET HOWARD
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business monthly
Isaac's Sandlot
Chamblee’s newest business aimed for children is now open! Isaac’s Sandlot is the only indoor sandlot play area in the Atlanta area and features a giant indoor sandbox filled with Tonka trucks, ride-on excavators, buried treasures, and more. Perfect for sparking creativity and adventure! Also featuring comfortable seating areas for parents and fun for the entire family! Reserve your spot now.
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Dumpling Master
The newest location of Dumpling Master is open at 5255 Peachtree Boulevard, Suite 110 (next to Attiva). Explore a world of experiences at Dumpling Master, where every visit promises culinary excellence - see why it stands out as the ultimate destination for dumpling and noodle enthusiasts. Authentic ingredients, exquisite craftsmanship, and prompt service (by a robot) are waiting for you at Dumpling Master in Chamblee! For menu and hours, visit the website.
Moondog Pub & Grub
Moondog Pub & Grub is now serving a prime rib dinner on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. And speaking of the menu, Moondog has a couple of items specifically for our four-legged friends as well. The patio is dog-friendly! Visit the website for hours, the menu, and upcoming events. And here’s a tip - Moondog Pub & Grub has lots of good food and fun events!
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Photography by Shannon Wiggins
Photography Courtesy of Dumpling Master
Photography by Kori Glover
Room for a Growing Family
When your family grows does your home need to grow too?
As a new parent, the sheer number of supplies needed to prepare for a newborn can be overwhelming. But we gather the necessities and establish their locations, knowing they will meet our new bundles’ needs. But something happens - these babies grow. Their needs change. The next thing we know, they are autonomous humans with not only needs but wants. Mostly, my child wants LEGOS. So many LEGOS.
As they grow, it seems the home shrinks. What once felt airy and comfortable, now feels claustrophobic. If you’re anything like me, you start heavily investing in bins and baskets to store away the accessories of these burgeoning humans and reclaim some control over the chaos.
The root problem isn’t a lack of organizational techniques. It's a lack of space. But you love your home. Your neighborhood has your friends and your kids’ friends, you have favorite nearby haunts, and you have the layout of your local grocery store memorized. Moving is not top of the bucket list. Perhaps you’ve taken a late-night search on Zillow and the new home prices give you a mild panic attack that further solidifies that staying where you are is the best option. But you need more space, so what do you do?
ARTICLE BY ROBERT PLATT/AARON MICHELLE
BAKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Renovation used to be an option isolated to those with historic homes. Now, it has become more common. And more accessible. When we use the word renovation, it can mean different things based on your needs. As some people hear the word, they think they must make a drastic change to their home, such as adding an entire second floor. That’s not a requirement. To meet your needs, renovation may mean adding space - such as another bedroom. It could also mean changing some wall locations to make spaces more efficient. You have control over the “scope” or size of the project. By beginning your project with a designer, you maintain controlover the design, the builder you choose, and your overall project. What does that look like - beginning with a designer? The prospect can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few places you can begin.
Looking to renovate your home? Start with a designer.
First, know exactly what you’re willing to invest in your home. You’re the only one who can determine that. It's more than what the bank will approve you for - though that’s an important piece of information! Determining your budget also means looking at where the investment begins to overshadow your quality of life. That point may make vacations inaccessible or keep your kids from attending summer camp. Your budget is the amount that doesn’t cause those worst-case scenarios.
Second, determine what you need your renovation to do for you. A lot of people dream about how to design it. Where to expand. What walls to add. Which is fun to ponder! But sometimes the solution is different than
you imagined it to make sure the new spaces work for you and your family. What you want the renovation to accomplish is what matters most.
Third, take the first two pieces of information and have a phone call or video conference with a designer who is seasoned in renovation design. They can guide you through the process and tell you what can be done for the best value.
Once you’ve engaged a designer, they're your advocate through the entire project. They'll shepherd you through making decisions during the design, selecting a builder, and answering questions during construction.
No matter what, a designer can assist you in making choices that are best for your family.
Robert Platt and Aaron Michelle Baker are the father-daughter duo at Habitations LLC.
www.perrypriceinteriors.com
AHIMSA House
Keeping pets safe during crisis until they can be reunited with their owner
ARTICLE PROVIDED BY AHIMSA HOUSE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Meg Schurmann sits with the AmbassaDOG for Ahimsa House.
Almost all pet owners consider their pets part of the family, according to a Pew Research Center (1) survey. Furry family members provide companionship, emotional support, protection, and even physiological benefits for human caretakers (2). But when crisis strikes, it can affect the whole family… pets included. Those benefits from furry family members are often amplified for people experiencing crisis such as domestic violence. While the violence is frequently physical, domestic violence also occurs when one partner exhibits a pattern of using certain behaviors – like emotional abuse, isolation, financial abuse, or threats -- to exert power and control over another. Given this, it’s easy to see how amidst such turmoil, one might depend on a beloved pet even more. In fact, a relationship with a pet may be the only nonviolent relationship they know.
Sadly, the bond between survivors and their pets is often exploited. But regardless of whether pets are targeted, survivors need to be able to seek safety without leaving their pets behind or being left to worry about their pet's daily care and well-being while they seek the much-needed help they need. What they need is some time along with peace of mind that comes with knowing that their pet is being well cared for while they make a plan for a better future and they can be reunited with their beloved pet. But unfortunately, it's not always that simple.
Escaping violence and rebuilding is already challenging and dangerous enough for humans, but bringing pets along can complicate the situation even further. Space at one of Georgia’s 48 state-certified domestic violence shelters can be hard to find, and less than 30% of these shelters can accommodate pets.
Thankfully, pet-owning survivors have another option: a nonprofit called Ahimsa House, which helps victims of domestic violence reach safety by providing temporary care for their animals. Ahimsa House offers numerous services that are available free of charge to victims seeking safety anywhere in Georgia with any species of animal – most often dogs and cats, but the organization has also assisted with horses, snakes, birds, and even pigs.
Rather than operate a physical facility, Ahimsa House relies on a statewide network of volunteers and partners to care for the animals of survivors, allowing their humans to seek safety and begin rebuilding in their choice of temporary accommodations -- a domestic violence shelter, family member’s house, or other location -- regardless of whether their pets can stay there too. They also provide veterinary
AmbassaDOG welcomes you to the Ahimsa House.
care, pet supplies, pet deposits for new housing, and much more. In addition they operate a 24-hour crisis line, assist with safety planning, offer referrals to other resources and information about the Ahimsa House program.
Founded in 2004, Ahimsa House has helped more than 2,200 humans reach safety by providing over 216,000 nights of safe shelter to their nearly 4,000 animals. While support for pet-owning survivors has recently grown, Ahimsa House worked tirelessly in its early years to change the perception of funders and service providers who were historically more dismissive of survivors’ desires to seek safety with pets.
In 2014, Ahimsa House became the first program of its kind to receive federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding after advocating for the need to designate some of Georgia’s VOCA funding to assist pet-owning victims. The grant’s guidelines were formally changed and now specifically name certain animal-related services as allowable uses for VOCA funds. Currently, federal funding sources cover approximately 85% of salary expenses for Ahimsa House’s seven full-time employees.
The organization's outreach program has increased awareness of the agency’s services and resulted in a steadily growing demand which, coupled with pandemic-induced financial challenges, ushered in a new era: Ahimsa House can no longer accommodate every request for its services as it previously could. Following the pandemic, many veterinary and boarding partners were forced to reduce or cease
WHAT AHIMSA HOUSE DOESRESCUE. REBUILD. REUNITE.
To Get Help: Ahimsa House provides up to 60 days of care for pets of any kind while their owners seek safety from domestic violence. Advocates are available 24/7 at 404-452-6248.
Give Help: Visit ahimsahouse.org to learn about donating or volunteering.
Ahimsa House has helped more than 2,200 humans reach safety by providing over 216,000 nights of safe shelter to their nearly 4,000 animals.
offering discounts, or close altogether, causing the program’s costs to rise substantially.
As 2025 brought about changes to the landscape of federal funding, current awards remain intact, but the organization isn't sure about the future. A loss of funding could force a reduction in employees and mean cutbacks when it comes to the life-saving services provided to both human and animal survivors.
Ahimsa House continues to rely on the community to make its work possible. And while monetary donations are critical to the organization’s success, volunteers can make a significant and positive impact. For example, fostering a pet, which is temporarily keeping and caring for someone's muchloved pet, accounts for only 22% of nights that the safe shelter program provides, yet fostering is over six times more cost-effective than the alternative of paid boarding. Those who volunteer to foster a pet don’t need to commit to a pet’s entire stay – any amount of time can give them a break from boarding and saves an average of $21 per night.
Learn more about Ahimsa House at ahimsahouse.org
Sources:
1) https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-asmuch-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/
2) https://www.bluecrossvt.org/health-community/blog/listing/health-benefits-pets
CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER
Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Edible Flower Ice
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
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SAT. 9/20/25 10AM-4PM CHAMBLEE CITY HALL
Sara Hong is a therapist with Emerald Integrative Therapy Services.
OFFERING THERAPIES TO HELP CHILDREN AND OTHERS HEAL AND THRIVE
Parents know their children best, so as a parent, you may be concerned if you notice your child is acting a bit differently. By communicating with your child, you may find there’s a simple answer and solution. But if that’s not the case, when should parents seek professional help for their child?
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Sara Hong MA, LPC, NCC, is a professional therapist who practices at Emerald Integrated Therapy Services located in nearby Sandy Springs, and she says she takes pride in the center. She works with individuals, adults, families and children, with children under the age of 10 accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Sara says when a parent notices changes in their child’s behavior – perhaps the child isn’t as happy as usual or not as excited to do the things that brought them joy before. If they’re not as talkative, they may be avoiding friends, or their grades are suffering, and the parent has attempted to
communicate with the child, but the child isn’t responding, That’s when seeking a therapist may be helpful.
Sara says she provides a number of services for her clients at Emerald Integrated Therapy such as Brain Mapping, where they record and assess the brainwaves of a client, Neurofeedback Therapy, using operant conditioning, Art Therapy, and more for conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and others.
Sara, who initially attended art school, says she got very excited when she learned about the idea of using artistic expression to find healing. “The two
things that I love – psychology and art,” she says. “Since I’m already doing psychology, it just made a lot of sense.”
Sara says that Art Therapy is used for both children and adults as an alternative way of communicating. “It doesn’t always have to be what you think of as classical art,” she says. “It could be storytelling or writing. It’s a creative way of communicating and giving the client a sense of freedom to process difficult emotions.” Sara adds that by engaging or participating in the process of making art, the client is creating something that’s completely and literally outside of the body, and it’s a way to
“I GET TO SEE THE GROWTH,” SAYS SARA HONG, THERAPIST.
externalize or separate their identity from any issues. You don’t have to be an artist or create a masterpiece. The end result or the art itself or Sara's interpretation of it isn't what's important, but she explains it's the way the client approaches it and their interpretation of it that matters.
Sara says no matter what therapy is used, clients can expect therapy to be hard work. And when it comes to therapy, a child can sometimes benefit from other family members being involved. “They should expect to work hard and rely on their own strength,” Sara says, adding that she’s there to provide a safe place and to
support them as they’re learning new habits and skills. “The goal is to make it to a point where they’re basically good to go. They have the tools they need to rely on, and they feel better."
Sara says she reminds her clients along the way of their accomplishments. “I get to see the growth,” she says. “I see my clients go through ups and downs, even if it seems slow at first. They’re getting closer and closer to their goals and making progress.”
And she wants to see her clients get better and on their own. “I want to know I’m doing my part professionally, and I’m doing this correctly,” Sara says. “And that I’m the best therapist I can be for each client.” And when a client reaches their goal, she knows her job is done.
For information about Emerald Integrated Therapy Services, visit emeraldcounselingcenter.com .
Sara provides a safe space and support for her clients at Emerald Integrated Therapy Services.
realty report
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Chamblee Summer Concert Series Finale
Chamblee City Hall | 6:00 PM
Concert goers will experience the music and essence of Bruno Mars when Uptown Funk takes the stage to headline Chamblee's final summer concert of the 2025 Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Series. The music and fun starts at 6 p.m., August 1, on the lawn at Chamblee City Hall. Summer Concerts are free to the public. For more information, visit chambleerocks.net.
AUGUST 5TH
National Night Out
Chamblee Police Department, 4445 Buford Hwy, Chamblee, GA 30341 | 6:00 PM
Chamblee's National Night Out returns with free food, games, and more! The event will be held by the Chamblee Police Department from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 5. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. For more information, visit chambleega.com/police.department/.
AUGUST 9TH
Groovin' on the Green
Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, Georgia | 5:30 PM
Groovin' on the Green is an unforgettable night of live music, food, and community fun in nearby Dunwoody. The night of music and fun is set to start at 5:30 p.m. on August 9 at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater with DieDre Hurdle-Ruff & G Clef & The Playlist taking the stage. For more information, discoverdunwoody.com/events/live-music-concerts/groovin-on-the-green/.
AUGUST 16TH
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
Piedmont Park | 10:00 AM
The Piedmont Arts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 16 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 17 at Piedmont Park. The event emphasizes visual art and family fun. So don't miss this Atlanta tradition. For more information, visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com.
AUGUST 23RD
Serve Smart - A Community Wellness Experience
Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, 2125 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 9:00 AM
Serve Smart: A Community Wellness Event is from 9 a.m. to noon, August 23 at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. The event includes pickleball tournaments with doctors, professional coaching, and injury prevention through functional movement and yoga, and access to wellness vendors, expert health resources, and activities for all ages. It's free to the public. For more information, visit lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wnx79wz/lp/da252160-6691-442b-9ff9-f19c69b58f1c
AUGUST 24TH
Circus Vasquez
Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta 30345 | 2:00 PM
The circus is coming to town! Circus Vasquez will take place starting August 22 at Plaza Fiesta. According to the website, the Circus Vasquez has 30 years of touring the U.S. entertaining audiences with world-class acts. It's fun for the whole family! For more information, show dates and times, and for tickets, visit circusvazquez.com
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