'Bolder, Brighter and Better Together' with Apotheos
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Celebrating the Gentlemen in Chamblee!
With June’s arrival comes a time to celebrate the men who inspire, uplift, and lead—not just in business or community, but in their homes and everyday lives. This month, Chamblee City Lifestyle proudly presents our issue dedicated to the gentlemen, a tribute to the evolving image of what it means to be a man in today’s world. We explore the blend of strength and empathy, style and substance, that defines the modern gentleman—someone who understands that leadership begins with character and that real influence is rooted in how we treat those closest to us.
At the heart of this issue is a deep appreciation for fathers—the quiet heroes, the patient teachers, and the ever-present examples of resilience. Fatherhood is one of the greatest callings a man can answer, and this month, we honor those who are shaping future generations with intention and love. This will be my second year without my father who I still think about almost every single day, and although he is no longer with us, the love, lessons, and advice he gave me throughout my life still live on almost every single day.
As always, our goal is to shine a light on the people who make Chamblee such a vibrant place to live. Whether you're a father, mentor, partner, or simply someone striving to lead a life of purpose, we hope this issue speaks to you.
Here's to the gentlemen of Chamblee—and especially to the dads who remind us every day what strength, love, and leadership truly look like.
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER
June 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
inside the issue
Patience Makes Perfect
Looking
Community Leadership
Chamblee
Car Care Tips
Preparing
Apotheos
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The attendees at the first official meeting of the Wild Aster Books Book Club. 2: A little Frosty Treat from The Frosty Caboose during Chamblee Restaurant Week. 3: Chamblee city staff members grab coffee and more during Chamblee Restaurant Week. 4: It’s time for pizza and trivia at Vintage Pizzeria in Chamblee. 5: The Chamblee Police Department holds Car Seat Safety Checks during Georgia Cities Week. 6: Congratulations to the newest Chamblee 101 graduates honored at a recent city council meeting. 7: Chamblee City Councilman Jimmy Furst speaks to business leaders at a recent networking event.
TANA PONCSAK
The Goddard School Awarded Best Child Care by @mybrookhavenchamblee
Congratulations to The Goddard School Chamblee (Brookhaven) for being awarded Best Child Care in My Brookhaven Chamblee by Atlanta Best Media. The Goddard School Chamblee (Brookhaven) provides childcare for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. For more information about The Goddard School Chamblee (Brookhaven) and Atlanta Best Media, visit goddardschool.com/schools/ ga/atlanta/chamblee-brookhaven/our-school and atlantabestmedia.com/ my-brookhaven-chamblee-best-of-2025/.
The Social Junction Ribbon Cutting
What’s considered “The Social Junction” in downtown Chamblee is now official. A ribbon cutting was held on April 7 for these businesses that include Deep Roots Wine Market and Tasting Room, The Social Studio and Kin Coffee Co. All are located on Peachtree Road. For information on each business, visit their respective websites at deeprootschamblee.com, thesocialstudioatl.com, and kincoffeeco.com
The Harvey
Welcome to Chamblee’s newest hangout spot located downtown in the shadow of Chamblee City Hall at 5480 Peachtree Road – The Harvey Restaurant and Bar! The anticipation has been building for a while, and now the owners are ready to welcome you to their unique rooftop patio experience, with a projected opening date in June 2025. For more details check out their Instagram page @theharveychamblee.
Photography by Janet Howard
Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by Kevin Parker
Patience Makes Perfect
Looking to update your home? Time of uncertainty is time to plan.
As a community member of Chamblee, we are always honored to have our words woven into the tapestry of this magazine. We take the privilege with great sincerity, always working diligently to create articles which dovetail into the monthly theme while (hopefully) bringing some poignance or education to the reader. I must admit, this month’s theme gave me a challenge I could not seem to rise above. I grappled with how to create prose around the Gentlemen’s issue. To weave an interesting essay which focuses on the expansion of homes to create a man centered space; the ever-popular Man Cave. The more I deliberated on the task, I realized I struggled because of the current climate of things. My concept was a puff piece (at best) and tone deaf.
The current reality is that home acquisition cost is the highest it has ever been in this market. Construction costs are elevated and unpredictable. The market feels unstable. These factors create uncertainty. It’s understandable. That’s not where the article ends; it is where it begins.
ARTICLE BY ROBERT PLATT/
AARON MICHELLE PLATT BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
This unprecedented set of circumstances brings about some unanswerable questions, to be frank. Said questions leave homeowners paralyzed; unclear of which decision is the best to move forward with. I can say, with certainty, this cannot last forever. Moreover, if you own a home in this wonderful community, you’ve already made a great decision. Rest assured; you will continue to make good decisions.
How do we move forward when we are mired down by this unpredictability? We plan. We find the pieces of the puzzle we have control over within the disorder. As a homeowner looking to make modifications to your homestead, you have more control than you realize. First and foremost, you have what we call a “Golden Ticket.” You own a parcel of land in a community you love. A place that has your favorite restaurants, a neighborhood you adore, a community where you want to raise your kids (or dogs) in. Your family has entrenched roots, creating a history. This is invaluable.
Second, you have control. You can say no to circumstances or pricing that doesn’t work for you and your family. You can wait. You can use your patience and thoughtfulness to your advantage.
Let’s be honest, sometimes waiting is the last thing we want to do. I have a nine-year-old, who is my greatest sidekick. Through the course of his precious life thus far, I have had to teach him patience by example. I say this because not only is it a difficult concept to instill in an emerging personality, but it's tough for me as a grown adult. When you’re looking to expand your home for desperately needed extra space to breathe, patience may feel like torture some days. This endurance, though temporarily painful, will prove invaluable.
Nevertheless, this perseverance of restraint doesn’t mean doing nothing. During this time, you can plan. You can begin gathering data needed to engage with a designer. You can engage an architect, designing the expansion you will have in the future. You can meet with banks to see what your options are. You can gather bids from builders once your plans are complete, gathering realistic ideas of costs. You have control. You will meet your goals, even if the timeline may differ from what you originally thought.
The market may feel unclear, but your goals aren’t. Your ability to prepare for more certain times is concrete. As I stated before, you have made good decisions for your family so far, and you will continue to do so.
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Atlanta, GA 30341
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ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CITY OF CHAMBLEE
“They had the comprehensive plan…and this is why I wanted to be in the city.” Paul Stovall, Chamblee City Councilman
Community Leadership
Chamblee City Councilman Paul Stovall talks about his deep roots and growth in Chamblee.
Chamblee City Councilman Paul Stovall has deep roots in Chamblee. “I’m third generation owner of our house in Chamblee,” Paul says. The house he’s referring to was previously owned by his grandparents and originally purchased in the early 1960s. According to Paul, he and his wife, Sunny, bought the house from his grandparents’ estate in 2004. At that time, the house was in greater DeKalb County and annexed into Chamblee city limits in 2014.
Growing up, Paul and his family lived in Lilburn, but he says they visited his grandparents often. At that time, he says the area was mostly industrial and he’s seen a lot of changes over the years.
After buying the home, Paul and Sunny got involved by volunteering, and Paul became a member of city council in the position vacated by Karen Lupton and then he was reelected,
Since then Paul has been a part of many of the recent changes. “They had
the comprehensive plan…and this is why I wanted to be in the city,” Paul says. And he’s quick to credit city staff members for doing the real work. “These people went to school to learn city planning and engineering,” he says. “On council, we listen to their recommendations based on law and science.”
Paul says he likes that there’s a coolness to the density of Chamblee’s Downtown District with something for everyone. “I like ice cream,” he says, talking about The Frosty Caboose. “And then across you have Vintage Pizzeria, and it’s this cool family thing. Then you walk further down it becomes more of a professional adult area with places like Blue Top. And further down you’ve got the social area. And then past that you get to Hopstix and a hip and trendy area.” And Paul says he likes that public art is now big part of the city’s appeal. “It’s a symptom of a healthy city,” he says.
OUT AND ABOUT
With springtime comes fun community events!
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
The weather is warmer and residents in Chamblee have had a number of opportunities to get out and enjoy the community. In this issue, we're celebrating some recent funfilled events with a few snapshots.
This marks the 15th Annual Hustle for Hope 5K where runners got the opportunity to lace up for a good cause. For over 50 years the Elaine Clark Center has offered unique programs in an all inclusive environment where children with special needs learn and play alongside children who are typically developing, according to the Elaine Clark Center website. For more information, visit elaineclarkcenter.org .
Art and fun were on the agenda for the Chamblee Art Fest by Splash Festivals. The two-day festival brought out artists and musicians and more - the best of Chamblee!
Vendors line the streets of downtown Chamblee as residents gather for the Chamblee Art Fest. For more information about Splash Festivals and the event, visit splashfestivals.com/events-festivals/ chamblee-art-fest/.
1. HUSTLE FOR HOPE 5K
2. CHAMBLEE ART FEST BY SPLASH FESTIVALS
3. CHAMBLEE ART FEST
Wild Aster Books, the new bookstore in downtown Chamblee, celebrates books and reading on the recent Indie Bookstore Day. For more information and other in-store events, visit wildasterbooks.com .
Urban Art Collective in Chamblee opened its doors for the Annual Spring Art Walk in April. Residents had the opportunity to visit and meet the individual artists in their studios and to purchase unique and one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork.
5. URBAN ART COLLECTIVE ANNUAL SPRING ART WALK 6. URBAN ART COLLECTIVE SPRING ART WALK
Artwork is on display during Urban Art Collective's Spring Art Walk where visitors can see and appreciate the many different pieces of artwork from jewelry to paintings and more. Urban Art Collective holds a number of events throughout the year open to the public. For more information and hours, visit urbanartcollective5655.com .
INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY
CAR CARE TIPS
Preparing your vehicle for the summer and rainy seasons: essential maintenance tips
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
With summer months here, we turned to the professionals at MBT Atlanta for tips on how to maintain our vehicles during the hot summer and often rainy months. David Jacob, owner of MBT Atlanta sent us a number of summer maintenance tips to help us keep our vehicles in tip-top running condition even when the heat is on.
“Proper seasonal maintenance can enhance your vehicle’s performance, ensure your safety, and prevent costly repairs down the line.” David Jacob
David says as summer approaches and the rainy season follows, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the warmer weather, longer road trips, and unexpected showers. "Proper seasonal maintenance can enhance your vehicle's performance, ensure your safety, and prevent costly repairs down the line," David says.
Here’s a breakdown of tips that David sent to us to ensure that a vehicle runs smoothly during the hot months of summer and rain.
COMMON SUMMER MAINTENANCE CHECKS
TIRE CONDITION AND PRESSURE
Check tread depth: Worn tires can impact your vehicle's handling. Use the “penny test” by inserting
a penny into the tread. If you see all of Lincoln's head, it’s time for new tires.
Inspect for damage: Look for cracks, bulges, or foreign objects lodged in the tires.
Tire Pressure: Heat causes air to expand, increasing tire pressure. Check the pressure early in the morning when it's cooler and maintain it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND FLUID
Inspect wipers: Ensure your wipers are in good condition; frayed edges or stiffness can hinder visibility during summer storms.
Refill washer fluid: Summer bugs and dust can obscure visibility. Keep your windshield washer fluid topped off with summer-friendly fluid.
BRAKES
Check brake pads and rotors: Excessive heat during summer can lead to brake fade. Ensure your braking system is responsive and in good condition. Fluid levels: Inspect brake fluid and replace it if it’s dark or contaminated.
COOLING SYSTEM
Radiator and coolant: Ensure your coolant levels are adequate and your radiator is free of debris. Flushing the coolant system can help maintain performance. Thermostat function: Ensure the thermostat is working properly to avoid overheating.
BATTERY CHECK
Inspect for corrosion: Hot weather can exacerbate issues with the battery. Clean any corrosion from terminals.
Battery age: If your battery is over three years old, consider having it tested to avoid mid-summer failures.
AIR CONDITIONING
Test the air conditioning system: Make sure the air conditioning system is blowing cold air. If not, it may need a recharge or repair.
Check cabin air filter: After pollen season, inspect and replace the cabin air filter if necessary to ensure good air quality inside the vehicle.
ENGINE AIR FILTER
Inspect for blockages: A clean engine air filter is essential for optimal engine performance. Check it after pollen season and replace if it's dirty or clogged.
PREPARING FOR THE RAINY SEASON
SUMMER VS. RAINY SEASON MAINTENANCE
While summer maintenance focuses on heat management and road preparedness, David says the rainy season maintenance prioritizes water management and visibility. Heavy rain can lead to flooding, reduced visibility, and increased road hazards, making it essential to ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle these conditions safely.
“Stay safe on the road and enjoy your summer and rainy season adventures.”
David Jacob, owner of MBT Atlanta Mercedes Master Techs
CLEAN COWLING AND DRAINAGE PASSAGES
Remove debris: Ensure that the cowling (the area under the windshield) is clean from leaves and debris to allow proper water drainage. Check water drain passages: Inspect and clear all water passages to prevent clogging. This helps avoid water penetration into the car from unintended areas due to blocked pipes.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace routine maintenance required on any vehicle by a car care professional.
Check functionality: Make sure your wipers are in good condition and ready to handle heavy rain. Replace them if they streak or skip during operation.
Visibility: Ensure that your windshield washer fluid is full to keep your view clear during rain.
TIRE TREAD AND PRESSURE
Focus on tread depth: Tread depth is crucial for rain traction. Make sure your tires have adequate tread to prevent hydroplaning.
Check Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure to ensure optimal contact with the road, especially on wet surfaces.
David says that by performing these essential maintenance checks and being proactive for both summer and rainy seasons, you can ensure the vehicle remains reliable and safe throughout the year. In addition, regular maintenance enhances your driving experience and extends the life of your vehicle.
"Stay safe on the road and enjoy your summer and rainy season adventures," he adds.
For more information about MBT of Atlanta, visit mbtofatlanta.com
APOTHEOS FC
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
APOTHEOS FC SOCCER IS THE COMMON GROUND BRINGING EVERYBODY TOGETHER
“BOLDER, BRIGHTER AND BETTER TOGETHER.”
Anthony Catalano played soccer for the Charleston Battery team in the Silverbacks Park many years ago. Today, Anthony is back in the Silverbacks Park but not as a soccer player, but as a founder of the Apotheos FC Soccer Team that’s branded with the Apotheos coffee and a motto to be bolder, brighter, and better together
“I started thinking about ways I could invest in the sport that gave me so many great characteristics and attributes, and some of the qualities of who I am today,” Anthony says. “What I do in all of my businesses is from the foundation of the game of soccer – what I learned from it, where it took me, and the people I got to meet.”
After playing professional soccer for several years for a number teams in the U.S. and abroad, Anthony, along with his father, Dr. Charles Catalano, and Dale Hughes founded Apotheos FC. Since then, they’ve also added Michael Hitchcock, known as Hitch in the soccer industry and who's no stranger to soccer bringing much to the table for this professional development team. “He has an incredible amount of tenure in sports management and marketing in soccer,” Anthony says, talking about Michael. “I’m thrilled to have him as a partner, as a friend, and to bring him on to this project with us to help us continue to grow.”
The team was created in 2021, but because of the pandemic, Anthony says players didn't step on the field and kick the first ball until 2022. The team is a professional development team that previously played out of Kennesaw, Ga., and recently moved making Silverbacks Park, which is not too far from Chamblee, the team's home field.
As a professional development team, many players join the team during the summer to keep up their skills and to improve their game. At the end of summer, many will go back their respective teams, such as college teams. In the soccer league pyramid, Anthony explains that at the professional development level, soccer players aren't paid players. “We sit right below the third division, so we are a fourth division team,” he says.
Anthony says he tapped Chris Arrigali on the shoulder as general manager to help them build the staff for the organization. “You’ve got to have a team to put on the field every week and every match,” he says. “So we needed the right coach who has the right identity and the right philosophy, and the right characteristics that we are looking for to represent the Apotheos Football Club and the Apotheos brand.” Jonathon Mercado is back as coach for a second season to lead the team. Anthony adds that at this level, coaches are also developing their leadership and coaching skills. “Chris has done a phenomenal job for us to be able to identify and find the right coaches,” he says.
And Anthony says this year they have high expectations for the team and the current season. “We are going into a new league with USL League 2, so we are transitioning from the NPSL,” he says, explaining that it’s a strategic move in order to create some really good close rivalries. “This was a great way for us to get a little more of a centralized competition within the conference that’s very competitive. So, we have high expectations to really compete in this new conference,” Anthony says. In the division, Apotheos FC will play other competitive teams from nearby, such as Birmingham Ala., Nashville, Asheville City, NC., and more.
With the World Cup headed to Atlanta in 2026, it's a great time to be a soccer fan, and having the team nearby is a great opportunity. It's an affordable alternative to some of the higher priced ticket options. Anthony says they’ve had great fans in some of the former Silverbacks supporters. He says it's also a great way for youth players to come and see high level soccer and get to engage with soccer players. Anthony describes it as a family-friendly environment. “It’s a phenomenal experience for a young player to get to watch these guys play at the speed that they’re playing,” Anthony says. “Then after the game get the players’ autographs, give them high-fives. and get their photograph right there on the field. It’s a different experience, and it’s very economical.” And for Chamblee residents, it’s just a short drive to the Silverbacks Park.
The first game of the season took place in mid-May, but there are plenty more games in the 2025 season. For more information, the schedule, tickets and more visit apotheosfc.com .
“IT’S A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE, AND IT’S VERY ECONOMICAL.”
ANTHONY CATALANO, CO-FOUNDER APOTHEOS FC
realty report
JUNE 1ST
Atlanta Fringe Festival
Venues throughout East Atlanta | 7:00 PM
According to the website, this festival features live theater, dance, comedy, storytelling, puppetry and more. it's for artists of all backgrounds, disciplines and experience level. It's a production of Twinhead Theatre, a nonprofit organization. The festival runs from May 27 to June 8. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit atlantafringe.org. JUNE 3RD
Moon Dog Pub & Grub Trivia Night
Moondog Pub and Grub, 5077 Peachtree Road | 7:00 PM
Test your knowledge at Moondog Pub & Grub Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Trivia Night by Outspoken Entertainment. In ad dition to great food, Moondog Pub & Grub brings fun and entertainment to Chamblee with a lineup of events. Check out the details at moondogpubandgrub.com.
G r o u p C l a s s e s
A t C r o s s F i t V e n g e a n c e , o u r g r o u p c l a s s e s a r e d e s i g n e d
f o r a t h l e t e s o f a l l l e v e l s - f r o m b e g i n n e r s t o s e a s o n e d
c o m p e t i t o r s E a c h s e s s i
P e r s o n a l T r a i n i n g
L o o k i n g f o r a c u s t o m i z e d a p p r o a c h t o y o u r f i t n e s s g o a l s ? O u r P e r s o n a l T r a i n i n g p r o g r a m a t C r o s s F i t
V e n g e a n c e p r o v i d e s o n e - o n - o n e c o a c h i n g d e s i g n e d
t o h e l p y o u m o v e b e t t e r , g e t s t r o n g e r , a n d r e a c h
y o u r f u l l p o t e n t i a l o n y o u r s c h e d u l e
N u t r i t i o n C o a c h i n g
A t C r o s s F i t V e n g e a n c e , w e k n o w t h a t n u t r i t i o n i s t h e
f o u n d a t i o n o f h e a l t h a n d f i t n e s s . O u r N u t r i t i o n C o a c h i n g
p r o g r a m i s d e s i g n e d t o h e l p y o u d e v e l o p s u s t a i n a b l e
e a t i n g h a b i t s t h a t s u p p o r t y o u r g o a l s w h e t h e r i t ’ s f a t l o s s , m u s c l e g a i n , p e r f o r m a n c e e n h a n c e m e n t , o r o v e r a l l w e l l - b e i n g