Chamblee, GA August 2026

We love our Kids and Pets!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Focus on Our Kids and Pets

August 2026 PUBLISHER

Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com

As the golden weeks of summer unfold, our focus naturally shifts to the heartbeats of our homes: our children and our beloved animals. August brings that familiar, bittersweet transition of preparing our kids for the school year ahead while squeezing every last ounce of joy out of sunny summer afternoons. In this month’s Kids and Pets issue, we are thrilled to celebrate the vibrant spirit of youth and the unconditional companionship that fills our community with warmth and laughter every single day.

Chamblee is a city continuously moving forward, and this month we highlight spectacular new local spaces dedicated to keeping our younger generation active, creative, and engaged. We take you inside the highly anticipated opening of SkateATL, a phenomenal new indoor skatepark and academy here in town where kids of all skill levels can safely master their boards, build confidence, and find community. For our younger adventurers, we explore the vibrant play zones of OODAZU, located on Pierce Drive. This premier indoor multi-activity space and playground is designed to get energy flowing, laughter echoing, and imaginations soaring, providing local families with a clean and bright place for active indoor fun all year round.

Of course, our city's compassion extends far beyond our kids. This issue also shines a vital spotlight on the massive, long-awaited expansion of our local animal shelter on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road. Managed by the dedicated team at LifeLine Animal Project, the facility's beautiful new climate-controlled “pet neighborhood” offers unprecedented comfort, space, and rehabilitation resources to vulnerable animals. This major milestone reflects Chamblee’s collective heart, reminding us that a thriving community is measured by how deeply it cares for its most defenseless friends.

We hope these pages inspire you to play a little harder, love a little deeper, and embrace the vibrant neighborhood we call home. And as always, thanks for your continued support and readership, enjoy the rest of the summer!

K E V I N PA R K E R , P U B L I S H E R @CHAMBLEECITYLIFESTYLE

STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com STAF F W R I T E R

Natalie Fox | nataliefoxcreative@gmail.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Alyssa Kreplin | alyssakreplin@kw.com

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Chamblee City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chamblee area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/CHAMBLEE

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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 Chamblee City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | K I D S & PETS

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

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Featured

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Departments

Animal Advocacy

Saved, cared for, and uplifted through Lifeline Animal Project

Purpose-Filled Play The OODAZU brand comprised of three community play centers designed for families of all ages

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Pet Friendly LOCAL SERVICES

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Kids Corner ENTERTAINMENT

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Get Active SPORTS + RECREATION

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Realty Report REAL ESTATE

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Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

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Events

Skating for Self-Expression

Allan Minter brings top-tier skateboard training, a one-of-akind indoor park, and communityfocused passion to Chamblee

On the Cover Our August cover was taken at SkateATL. Learn how the team provides a fun and safe environment for kids of all ages and abilities.

Photography: Janet Howard

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AUGUST 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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HAMMER & NAILS

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HAMMER & NAILS

HAMMER & NAILS

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HAMMER & NAILS

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HAMMER & NAILS

CITY OF CHAMBLEE AND AINM

CITY OF CHAMBLEE AND AINM

1: On Father’s Day, Hammer & Nails treated their guests to food, drinks and their services. 2: Members of Hammer & Nails take time to relax and rejuvenate. 3: For more information about Hammer & Nails and the services offered, visit hammerandnailsgrooming.com. 4: Cheers to Hammer & Nails and the classic and premium treatments they offer. 5: Hanging out at Hammer & Nails for the event on Father’s Day. 6: Crowds shop unique vendors at the Atlanta International Night Market in Chamblee. 7: Guests taste foods from around the globe at the Atlanta International Night Market.

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CITY OF CHAMBLEE AND AINM

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8: Chamblee residents and guests gather to experience the Atlanta International Night Market. 9: Celebrating the kick-off concert of the 2026 Chamblee Rocks and the city’s Juneteenth celebration 10: The headliner, The Evolution of Beyoncé, serenades the crowd with a show-stopping number. 11: The Evolution of Beyoncé, entertains the crowd with dancing and singing. Chamblee still rocks! 12: The Evolution of Beyoncé takes the stage with a choreographed number. 13: Having fun at the Chamblee Rocks and Juneteenth celebration in downtown Chamblee. 14: Residents are set and ready for The Evolution of Beyoncé and Chamblee’s Juneteenth celebration.

Photography by City of Chamblee CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

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CITY OF CHAMBLEE AND AINM

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CITY OF CHAMBLEE AND AINM

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15: Some interesting sights to see at the Atlanta International Night Market. 16: All the flags are a sight to behold at the Atlanta International Night Market. 17: Capturing the FIFA Cup Spirit with lots to do. 18: Addressing the crowd at Fiesta Futbolera and Live! From the Pitch at Plaza Fiesta. 19: And lots to see at Fiesta Futbolera and Live! From the Pitch at Plaza Fiesta. 20: Win or lose, a fun time to gather and cheer! 21: Ready to watch the game at the Live! From the Pitch at Plaza Fiesta.

Photography by City of Chamblee

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AUGUST 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Spruill Center for the Arts Spruill Center for the Arts held a ribbon cutting and open house for the new Spruill Studios located in downtown Chamblee. Spruill Studios offers 15 affordable, creative individual studio spaces for rent to local artists. Congratulations and welcome to Chamblee!

Scan to read more Photography by City of Chamblee

Creative Spark Ignites at Little Thistle Studio Chamblee’s arts community has a vibrant new hub with the opening of Little Thistle Studio. Designed to help both adults and children discover the joy of crafting, the workspace features a diverse lineup of hands-on workshops ranging from sewing, watercolors, hand-built ceramics, fiber arts, and more. Whether you're looking to master a new skill or book a creative night out with friends, it provides the perfect space to get your hands dirty.

Scan to read more Photography by Kevin Parker

JMAC Burgers Proves Flavor Trumps Footprint Proving that the best culinary hidden gems are often found in the most unexpected places, JMAC Burgers and Tacos is taking the neighborhood by storm from its unique location inside the Shell station at 4301 North Peachtree Road. This local favorite serves up premium, made-to-order smashburgers with perfectly crispy edges, alongside an impressive lineup of breakfast biscuits and street tacos. It’s high-quality, fast-casual dining wrapped in pure Chamblee neighborhood energy.

Scan to read more Photography by Kevin Parker

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ANIMAL

Advocacy ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD

Saved, cared for, and uplifted through Lifeline Animal Project

Lifeline Animal Project supports pets and pet owners of our city in every way. The joy of pet companionship is scientifically proven to reduce the risks of heart disease and uplift our everyday lives.

These precious souls deserve happy homes and proper resources.

Two major causes of animal homelessness include a lack of spaying and neutering, and pet owners being unable to afford the cost of care for their pets. This is why Lifeline Animal Project offers affordable (and often free) pet care services.

Timyka “Tiki” Artist, is Lifeline’s PR Manager. A storyteller at heart, she understands how tapping into the authentic everyday life of Lifeline Animal Project touches people’s souls and drives them to take action. Tiki cites the massive passion that exudes from every person involved in their mission, from staff to volunteers to prospective pet parents. There have been numerous nights of extended hours late into the night, holding out hope that an adoption event will find homes for every pet in need.

Often they succeed, due in no small part to the marketing push that Tiki and her team make.

Lifeline’s newest addition to their expansive organization in Chamblee is called “The Pet Neighborhood.” These climate-controlled buildings can house up to 12 dogs each. “Currently, court case animals, animals in medical isolation, and dogs in quarantine are being housed there,” Tiki explains. “This addition means we now have more space in our main shelter to house dogs in need

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more humanely, which eases overcrowding and enables us to provide a better quality of life for the animals in our care.”

The project broke ground in December of 2025 and is an example of the highly specific ways Lifeline directly serves our animal population. Creating more space for animals in need has a resounding impact. Hope is fostered, conditions are enhanced, and the power of animal advocacy runs strong.

Lifeline Animal Project makes animal adoption clear-cut while ensuring pets are matched with homes that work best for all involved. Jessica Lunsford-Davis, social media coordinator, explains, “You can come to the shelter with a specific dog in mind, browse our adoption floor, or speak with a staff member or a volunteer about your lifestyle and they can make suggestions. After you've met some dogs and decide you want to adopt one, you'll fill out some paperwork and give the shelter your ID.” Then important details are discussed. An adoption counselor will go over all of the dog's notes: how they got here, any behavioral or medical notes, etc., and they'll chat with you about the microchip and getting it transferred to your name. The adoption fee is typically $85, but it's occasionally waived on certain days or for certain pups. When you take home your furry friend, your pup will be dressed with a leash and collar. You'll also receive some basic information about training and vet care, toys, and a starter bag of food and treats.

“Creating more space for animals in need has a resounding impact.”

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“The joy of pet companionship is scientifically proven to reduce The new addition called "The Pet Neighborhood" features climate-controlled buildings that can house up to 12 dogs each.

the risks of heart disease

Lifeline Animal Project aims to support pet parents along every step of their journey while providing top-tier services for every animal. Services include low-cost and free veterinary services, which includes spaying and neutering, as well as pet food assistance. Saving animals from the streets and supporting them once they’ve found their forever home is what makes Lifeline’s organization stand out. “Animal welfare entails supporting pets from every angle,” Tiki tells me. By offering quality care, overpopulation is controlled, and pets all across the city can live happier lives.

The heart of Lifeline beats across our city, and partnerships span the gamut: local county commissioners who advocate with gusto, Moondog Pub and Grub, which hosts adoption events in the heart of Chamblee, and Advocates for DeKalb Animals, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of all animals on a policy level. Uplifting Lifeline’s mission is possible through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donations. One can volunteer in a variety of ways, and many will come to their local shelter to take dogs on a walk, or simply sit on the floor and play with the pet that calls to them that day. There are additional options to take pets out for the day or longer through the “Dog for the Day” and “Weekend Warrior” programs before deciding to move forward with fostering or adoption. And as a proper 501(c)(3), Lifeline relies on and appreciates every dollar donated.

This month, Lifeline Animal Project is partnering with NBCUniversal for the annual “Clear the Shelters” campaign. All pet adoption fees are reduced to $25 at Chamblee, Decatur, and Atlanta shelters. Over one million pets have found their forever homes through this initiative since its inception in 2015.

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and uplift our everyday lives.”

Uplifting Lifeline's mission is possible through adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donations.

Visit LifeLineAnimal.org for more information about adopting, fostering, donating, resources and all upcoming events.

Looking toward the fall, October 24th is Lifeline’s 2nd Annual Spooky Pooch 5K at Grant Park. This seasonal Halloween-themed community event brings together pets and their humans, decked out in costumes, to get some exercise while raising money for Lifeline.

“Healthy Pets Dekalb” takes place four times a year offering free veterinary services and pet supplies in a fun, family-friendly outdoor event.

Lifeline Animal Project provides exactly the type of good news we all need in today’s day and age. Even more powerful, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this cause in any way they can.

Animals, like humans, require loving care to grow to their full potential. By supporting shelter animals and taking excellent care of our own pets, we make our city better, and Lifeline Animal Project is here every step of the way.

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PU R POSEF I L L E D PL AY ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD

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K I D S COR N E R | ENTERTA IN ME N T

The OODAZU brand comprised of three community play centers designed for families of all ages

OODAZU is a place for parents to let their kids play with freedom. The name itself is an acronym standing for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act (a military-based decision processing framework) that captures how kids naturally take in the world and make it their own. The “Zu” is a nod to 1960s Californian slang for “cool.”

This community-focused hub provides families with fun, development, and peace of mind. That mission extends to the OODAZU Party Boutique, which began organically as customers requested party supplies, and quickly grew into a full-fledged retail element. Party balloons, supplies, and gifts are all available in person and online. OODAZU, with branches in Chamblee, Decatur, and Buckhead, seeks to serve as the ultimate third place for families. Kids of all ages can find fun, friends, and enriching activities here.

The concept began in Buckhead in 2019. Clair Flores took the reins in July 2022 with a vision for expansion. "From the beginning, I knew the goal was to expand because I saw the viability,” Clair explains. “There's a need for children's activities and places where families love to go."

The beauty of OODAZU lies in its accessibility. Memberships at Chamblee and Buckhead are only $40 per month per child, including parents, and come with a wide range of benefits: unlimited play, discounts on their extremely popular camps, reduced fees for birthday parties, unlimited coffee for parents, and halfoff Parents’ Night Out events. OODAZU camps are offered as halfday or full-day options and span across school breaks and teacher workdays. Birthday parties are much-loved, as they provide a full-service, stress-free model with themes that kids love.

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Memberships provide the greatest value, even for 1 year olds.

The play center is designed with sections for various age groups to expose children to new people and sensory experiences. Clair’s commitment to working with local small businesses results in a rotating selection of offerings (from Occupational Therapy to STEM & Robotics programs) that meet an elevated set of community needs. She’s always open to other businesses approaching her for collaboration or space usage. "I’m an open book in terms of options and things that the community wants and needs,” Clair says. “I want to meet the community where we are." OODAZU wants to contribute to each city it resides in on multiple levels.

From supporting families to enriching the local economy, their vision is ever-expanding and mission-oriented.

Club OODAZU is the newest offering, and it’s worth the drive to Decatur. The 67,000-square-foot space is a full-service family sports facility that includes the OODAZU Decatur indoor playground. Unlimited access to both facilities is available for $60 per month for the first child and $30 for additional children. It offers multiple youth sports, perfect for kids curious to try, where they can dabble in basketball, volleyball, flag football, pickleball, and indoor/outdoor soccer. Batting cages on a turf field, a dance studio, and a tumbling room round out the vast array of options.

First Sports classes, for kids 18 months to 5 years, introduce them to sports in a non-competitive and age-appropriate manner. "It allows kids to explore sports that maybe they haven't explored before,” Clair says excitedly. “It’s a safe space where kids can do that." For athletes ready to take their game to the next level, OODAZU Elite Sports Academy offers a competitive edge program focused on speed, strength, agility, and long-term athlete development.

Classroom spaces offer piano lessons, language immersion, robotics, and STEM. There’s even a full gym for parents that overlooks the courts from glass walls, making it easy to keep an eye on your child while getting in a moment for self-care. They’ve included a cafe and quiet workspaces as well, perfect for answering last-minute emails or decompressing while your children explore a new sport. Since the sports facility is attached to the play center, it makes it easy to go back and forth between the two spaces, especially for those with multiple children.

Parenting can feel overwhelming on days when the weather prevents outdoor play, or children are simply bored with their local playground. OODAZU offers a respite for kids and parents alike to engage, explore, and enjoy. “I’m mom to a 5 and a 7-year-old,” Clair tells me. “And as we were building this, we looked at the community and said, 'Where is there a need?' We built around that.”

The emphasis on building around community needs and the universal needs of all young families is what drives Clair and her team to keep evolving OODAZU’s offerings. It’s crafted with intention for energetic kids and parents in need of a little handsfree time. Visit for Drop-In Play and see the magic for yourself.

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K I D S COR N E R | ENTERTAIN ME N T

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SK ATING FOR SELF-EX PR ESSION

Allan Minter brings top-tier skateboard training, a one-of-a-kind indoor park, and communit y-focused passion to Chamblee ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD

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G E T ACT IV E | SP O RTS + R E CRE AT ION

Allan Minter’s daughter, Stella, is the reason SkateATL exists.

After being gifted an epic skateboard by one of Allan’s buddies, complete with custom graffiti, her interest slowly grew.

“All five senses are necessary to engage in the sport, learn a new trick, and stay safe.”

By the time she was 8 years old, the same age that Allan began skating in Miami, her curiosity was fully piqued. Allan searched everywhere for an in-person skateboarding lesson for his young daughter. "I was shocked that I couldn't find a real person who offered skateboarding lessons in Atlanta," Allan shares.

Atlanta has a dense skating community, and Allan was surprised by this gap in the market. SkateATL started as a mobile lesson academy, meeting students of all ages across the city at their nearest skate park. Now, less than four years later, their brick-andmortar is open in Chamblee. Allan invested his own capital into the venture and hired fellow skaters to build and design the indoor park in a fully collaborative process. “It really was a built from the ground up kind of concept," he says. It is the only pure indoor

skatepark in the city. Skateboards only, to preserve the masonite, and to maintain that special focus on the sport.

Although skateboarding is now an Olympic sport, there’s still a counter-culture essence to the scene, which Allan especially loves. It's fully in sync with his unwavering conviction to never sell to big business, retain as many local and small business suppliers as possible, and create a safe space for everyone to learn; he knows firsthand the value of skateboarding, especially in youth, as it serves as an excellent emotional outlet. "It's a healthy outlet. There's an expression that takes place when they're skateboarding,” Allan explains. All five senses are necessary to engage in the sport, learn a new trick, and stay safe.

It’s heady, exhilarating, and demands discipline.

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Allan Minter is founder of SkateATL.

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G E T ACT IV E | SP O RTS + R E CRE AT ION

Many adult students also come to SkateATL, whether through private individual lessons, group lessons, or free skate. Skating was something many of them loved throughout their youth. It served as an identifier, a passion, and a place to go every day after school. Now, reconnecting with the magic of adrenaline on wheels brings them a truly pure experience.

"We've had people from all walks of life. Doctors and lawyers and artists, who are in their thirties or forties or even fifties,” Allan says excitedly. “All of a sudden, they want to learn how to skate." It’s physically and mentally taxing, in the best of ways, and interest is growing at a rapid pace.

SkateATL’s offerings include various levels of involvement and an in-house skate shop. Private and group lessons are available and expanding.

Coming soon will be beginner adult classes, femaleonly sessions, and an “Old Man’s Skate Crew” for skaters over 40 led by Instructor Mike. It's the ideal spot for casual skaters, too, with $15 day passes available. For those most dedicated, a standard membership with unlimited access is offered for $60 per month, and there’s also an unlimited weekday-only membership for $40 per month. Their retail space sells SkateATL-branded skateboards, wheels, and apparel.

“I'm a huge advocate of shopping local,” Allan says. “I feel like we are truly the epitome of a small business, and that makes me really proud.” They prioritize local and regional suppliers whenever possible, leaning into Allan’s forthright dedication to supporting small businesses and ethical practices.

"We have no interest in ever selling out,” he emphasizes. “We want to keep this local. We're called SkateATL for a reason."

The trajectory of SkateATL was aptly speedy. As soon as the idea sparked in September of 2022, Allan purchased the domain, with the website launching only one month later. Their captivating Instagram page drew attention at a rapid pace, helping them find footing in the private lesson space. It didn’t take long for people to assume they had a physical location, and while that wasn’t the initial vision, the demand couldn’t be ignored. Their grand opening, on March 21st this year, solidified SkateATL as one of Chamblee’s coolest assets.

“I’m a huge advocate of shopping local. I feel like we are truly the epitome of a small business, and that makes me really proud.”

For more information, visit skateatl.com.

Allan, alongside head pros Christian Drizzy Hanna and Mike Manion, worked closely with builder Pat McLain on developing the plans.

Pat, known for the McKoy skate park, was the perfect partner for the job. Construction was completed in a stunning 60 days after a fairly straightforward development and rendering phase. Designed solely for skateboarders, by skateboarders, the ramps and street art epitomize the best of the Atlanta skating scene. Allan doesn’t view skateATL as merely a recreational space. It’s a place where people of all ages can

enjoy self-expression, present-moment focus, and tangible progress. He’s found their lessons are especially beneficial for neurodivergent students, and he knows the benefits of skating are beyond what even he can fully comprehend.

The growth speaks for itself, and SkateATL is on a roll.

For anyone who's ever been itching to learn how to skate or get back on the board, in the words of Allan, “You don't have to just do it on your own.” Find your newest passion and our city’s coolest community at SkateATL.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA M BL E E

29

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N C H A M B L E E .

N E I G HBO RH O O D

ORIGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Huntley Hills

$600,000

$654,500

109%

4

4

3

Repose

$990,000

$1,058,320

107%

5

4

4.5

Ashford Park

$1,550,000

$1,585,950

102%

5

5

4 2.5

Westover Woods

$795,000

$810,000

102%

4

5

Embry Hills

$599,000

$602,500

101%

5

4

3

Sexton Woods

$2,100,000

$2,100,000

100%

3

5

4.5

Sexton Woods

$2,100,000

$2,100,000

100%

4

5

4.5

Sexton Woods

$1,885,000

$1,885,000

100%

3

6

5.5

Ashford Park

$1,750,000

$1,750,000

100%

3

6

5

Huntley Estates

$1,175,000

$1,175,000

100%

0

4

4.5

Henderson Hills

$850,000

$850,000

100%

1

5

4.5

Gainsborough

$700,000

$700,000

100%

4

4

3

Embry Hills

$625,000

$625,000

100%

3

5

3

Gainsborough

$925,000

$923,500

100%

4

3

2

Huntley Hills

$529,000

$529,000

100%

2

3

2

Embry Hills

$550,000

$550,000

100%

2

4

3

Ashford Park

$685,000

$685,000

100%

4

3

2

Nottaway

$540,000

$540,000

100%

5

4

2.5 2.5

Embry Hills

$520,000

$520,000

100%

1

3

Nottaway

$650,000

$650,000

100%

3

5

3

Sexton Woods

$1,695,000

$1,695,000

100%

6

5

5.5

Harts Mill

$845,000

$845,000

100%

3

4

2.5

Huntley Hills

$559,000

$559,000

100%

2

3

2

Embry Hills

$549,000

$549,000

100%

1

4

2.5

Sexton Woods

$710,000

$710,000

100%

1

3

2

This data is a sampling of sold properties from July-December 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.

30

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

Dreaming of your perfect home?

Let’s talk.

Debi Campbell Mortgage Banker, NMLS# 1106720 404.667.2966 amerisbank.com/debicampbell debi.campbell@amerisbank.com

All loans subject to credit approval.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA M BL E E

31

TREY & KATIE

KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

32

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage.

Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s.

“There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

F E AT U R I N G T R E Y & K AT I E K E N N E DY Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA M BL E E

33

AUGUST 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S AU G U ST 1 ST

Creator's Market at Atlantic Station Atlantic Station | 11:00 AM A Creator's Market is held at nearby Atlantic Station starting at 11 a.m. on August 1 and features local vendors that bring shoppers unique handcrafted items. Celebrating 10 years! For more information, visit atlanticstation.com.

AU G U ST 7 T H

Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Finale Downtown Chamblee | 6:30 PM Chamblee wraps up the Chamblee Rocks Summer Concert Series on August 7 with Boy Band Review. Join your friends and neighbors at 6:30 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall for a night of nostalgic 1990s and 2000s boy band tunes. There'll be food, fun, and memories! For more information, visit chambleerocks.net.

AU G U ST 1 5T H

Piedmont Park Arts Festival Piedmont Park | 10:00 AM The 17th Annual Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns August 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and August 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival features 200+ artists, food and live music. Admission to the two-day festival is free. For more information, visit affps.com.

AU G U ST 2 2 N D

Summer Shade Festival Historic Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Ave NE., Atlanta 30312 | 10:00 AM The Grant Park Conservancy will hold the 24th Annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 22 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 23 at historic Grant Park. This festival features vendors, music, and family-friendly activities. For more information, visit summershadefestival.org.

AU G U ST 2 3 RD

Follow the Sign 5K Brook Run Park, Dunwoody, GA | 10:00 AM The Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will hold the Follow the Sign 5K from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., on August 23, at Brook Run Park in nearby Dunwoody. The 5K is a USATF-certified 5K course and Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Spectators are welcome! To learn more about GCDHH, race rules, route, and more, visit runsignup.com.

AU G U ST 2 9 T H

Blooms Chinatown Market Atlanta Chinatown, 5382 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341 | 11:00 AM Food, music, arts and crafts, local vendors and fun is what you'll find at Blooms Chinatown Market located at the historic Atlanta Chinatown established in 1988. The Market is planned for August 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. So come join the fun and visit discoveratlanta.com for more information.

Want to be featured?

G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / C H A M B L E E

34

EVE N TS

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive E X P L O R E W E S L E YA N AT W W W. W E S L E YA N S C H O O L . O R G / A D M I S S I O N S

Shop Local

At Nuts ‘n Berries Neighborhood Market

Your Non-GMO Grocery Store Next Door.

Nuts ‘n Berries is more than your favorite health food store. We’re your neighbors, too. For over 40 years we have proudly served the greater Brookhaven & Chamblee communities. Count on us for everything you need, from fairly priced local better-than-organic meat and eggs to premium vitamins & supplements to support your healthy lifestyle. We’re more than a grocery store – we’re your health partners. Guided by the belief that food is medicine, we’ll help you nourish your body with the right nutrients, and assist you in solving health puzzles, every step of the way. With 1,000’s of products you can feel good about, we’re close to home and dedicated to keeping you and our entire community healthy.

Nuts ‘n Berries – we are YOUR neighborhood market. nutsnberries.com | 4274 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven

10% OFF

next purchase in August when you mention our ad or shop online using code “CITYLIFE”