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5825 Glenridge Dr. Bldg 2 Ste. 110, Atlanta, GA
CHAMBLEE & ViNE Help Us Raise a Glass
SAME OWNER, SAME STAFF, SAME GREAT WINE!
With Gratitude
November always brings a distinctive shift in pace, doesn't it? The air grows crisp, the lights come on earlier, and our thoughts naturally turn toward hearth and home. As we gather, reflect, and prepare for the flurry of the holidays, we dedicate this issue of Chamblee City Lifestyle to one powerful, universal idea: Thankfulness.
For us, gratitude isn’t a one-day event reserved for the fourth Thursday of November; it’s a constant heartbeat found in the everyday moments that make Chamblee such a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.
Within these pages, we’ve sought out stories that truly embody this spirit. As the feat of Thanksgiving approaches, you’ll discover tips and advice on how to entertain for the holidays. You’ll get to know one of our wonderful non-profit organizations in the Chamblee area (but operates state-wide) – Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.
Day to day you meet the local heroes and organizations whose tireless work often goes unrecognized, the small business owners who know your name and your coffee order, and the neighbors who make our city feel like a village. This issue is a celebration of the unique energy of Chamblee—the bustling storefronts, the quiet neighborhood parks, and the diverse culinary scene—all the things we often take for granted but couldn't imagine living without.
The challenge this month is to not just feel thankful, but to actively express it. Take a moment to pause. When you visit a local shop, tell the owner what you appreciate about their service. When you see a community volunteer, offer a word of thanks. Gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with use, and it has a profound way of warming the world, especially as the days get shorter.
We hope the features and photographs in this issue serve as a gentle reminder to look around and acknowledge the many small, beautiful blessings right here in our community. I am profoundly grateful for our loyal readers, our dedicated advertisers, and all the contributors who make it possible to share the best of Chamblee month after month.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives. From my team to yours, we wish you a November filled with meaningful connections, deep appreciation, and a peaceful holiday season. We’ll see you next month to close out 2025!
With gratitude,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Natalie Fox | nataliefoxcreative@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
CatMax Photography
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
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER 2025
city scene
1: Freddo Gelato holds a ribbon cutting. Welcome to Chamblee! 2: Hanging colorful artwork at Chamblee’s Annual Chalk Walk. 3: Residents and guests walk through vendor tents at the Annual Chalk Walk in Chamblee. 4: Mosaic Bistro & Pub holds its Grand Opening in Chamblee. 5: City officials take time for sweet treat after Freddo’s ribbon cutting. 6: Lynn Hale, owner of Chamblee and Vine, gives a tummy rub to a furry guest. 7: Chamblee and Vine holds a Wine-O-Bingo benefiting the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue.
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KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
STEPHANIE GASTINGER
STEPHANIE GASTINGER
JANET HOWARD JANET HOWARD
business monthly
Chamblee and Vine (Formerly Deep Roots Chamblee)
We're thrilled to announce a change that's been bubbling up! Deep Roots Chamblee is evolving and will now be known as Chamblee and Vine. While the name is new, you can expect the same exceptional experience—from the carefully curated wines and lively events to the beloved wine clubs, everything you love about our shop is staying put. Come raise a glass with us as Chamblee and Vine!
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Mosaic Bistro and Pub
The wait is over! We are delighted to announce the grand opening of Mosaic Bistro and Pub Owner Chef Joey Riley, mastermind behind the former Kaleidoscope restaurant in nearby Brookhaven, brings his energy and vision to the newest dining spot in Chamblee. Enjoy the unique blend of comforting pub classics and exciting bistro fare, all in a welcoming atmosphere. Visit today and experience your new favorite neighborhood spot!
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City of Chamblee Names New Planning and Development Director
The City of Chamblee is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Adams as the new Planning and Development Director. The appointment was made on September 16 by Chamblee’s Mayor and Council upon the recommendation of City Manager, Kristen Gorham. Prior to joining the City of Chamblee, Adams served as the Assistant Director in the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning.
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Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by Kevin Parker
Photography by City of Chamblee
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
THE GEORGIA LIONS LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION PROVIDES EYE CARE TO THOSE IN NEED ALL ACROSS GEORGIA
GIFT OF SIGHT
The staff includes a team of dedicated individuals.
Sharpened eyesight heightens every aspect of our lives for the better. Reading, driving, and taking in the majesty of nature are all enhanced when our eyes are at their best. There are over 52 counties (one-third of our state) in Georgia without access to vision services, impacting thousands of children and adults. This is where the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation comes in.
With a stellar reputation, costs are negotiated down to approximately 10% of the full price, and the remaining balance serves as an in-kind donation, which helps to keep these vital services available.
Beth Ehrhardt joined as Executive Director in September 2022. A social worker by background, Beth simply states, “My heart is in service.” Offerings include a Chamblee clinic and an on-site
“WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT EVERYBODY CHIPPING IN AND DOING THEIR PART.”
Founded in 1949 by Tom Bingham, who was blinded in a hunting accident, the initiative was always intended to be a statewide effort to enhance access to much-needed eye care. His membership with the Atlanta Lions Club led him to recruit two other clubs, Albany and Moultrie, to invest in starting the foundation.
With $1,000 each and the intention to serve, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation began. Their first service provided eye surgery to correct congenital cataracts for a four-year-old boy named Max.
This organization stands out for its ability to cover all surgical costs, which include anesthesiology, ophthalmology, and the surgical center.
finishing lab, remote eye exams through tele-optometry, traditional mobile clinics, including school screenings (with Lions volunteers), and exams and eyeglasses. “Many kids need glasses to be able to learn to read,” Beth explains. She makes it a consistent practice to experience every facet of their provided programs, and the pre-testing at the schools tugs at her heartstrings the most, where she sees a student struggling simply because their eyesight is poor. Knowing they'll be able to give that child glasses and dramatically change their life is what drives her every day.
It takes a village to serve a village, and the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation forges partnerships across the state to provide high-quality programs.
Amongst the dedicated staff, David Martin, a licensed optician, matches lenses to frames in the finishing lab and ensures each pair of glasses is ready for the patient. He also delivers the glasses to students in schools to address any issues. Nanon Morrison, chief development officer, utilizes her leadership to fundraise with phenomenal impact by focusing on the organization’s values. Jamal Green, director of the Mobile School Clinic, inspires the team to excel in working with students.
“We couldn’t do it without everybody chipping in and doing their part. That’s the key to this organization,” Beth explains. The team also includes a grant writer, a masterful marketing team, the Lions Liaison and Volunteer Manager, and the foundation’s board. There are currently four spots open on the board for non-Lions, and anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to Beth directly.
One of their services is the on-site glasses recycling center that's one of the largest in the United States, recycling over 100,000 pairs of glasses annually, many of which travel across the world on mission trips. Glasses are pre-sorted, washed, and sorted again into two categories: single vision and bifocals. It's volunteer-led, and volunteers are trained on lensometers to read prescriptions, then each pair is placed in a labeled bag, and ready to be given away.
They welcome new volunteers. If you’re able to contribute financially, there’s a donate button on their website, and you
“MY
HEART IS IN SERVICE.”
can specify which area you’d like your funds to go. 80 cents of every dollar given goes directly to patient services, with the remaining 20 cents going toward administrative costs. People have even donated used cars to the foundation!
With a serious lack of vision care providers across our state, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation is changing lives with every pair of glasses given and each eye surgery performed. “I believe in providing services,” Beth says, “So we’re constantly working on increasing partnerships.” From a YMCA partnership focused on services for school-aged children over the summer to federally-qualified health centers, every relationship extends its reach. They’ve seen people who haven’t had an eye exam in years (or ever), and getting their eyes tested is about more than just sight. It can reveal diabetes, for example, and offers an opportunity for education on preventative measures to help preserve one’s vision.
Seeing our world with clear vision, near and far, is tantamount to a fully experienced life. Contribute to the cause or apply for services on lionslighthouse.org
The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation has a facility in Chamblee and serves the state of Georgia.
Beth Ehrhardt serves as the Executive Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.
CHAMBLEE’S ANNUAL CHALK WALK
Artists decorate the sidewalks of Chamblee
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
Professional artists and novices took to the sidewalks of Chamblee to have fun and to create masterpieces. It was a great way to bring more color to downtown Chamblee, and also a great time to connect with friends and neighbors while watching the artists in action.
The Chalk Walk is an annual event in Chamblee. For more information, visit chambleega.com .
STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
Jana Bitton and Jenny Ochotnicky of Perry Price Interiors
TIPS TO KEEP THE FOCUS ON GRATITUDE WHILE SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK/ PERRY PRICE INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATMAX PHOTOGRAPHY
Thanksgiving is here, and that means spending time with friends and family.
Whether you’re having a small gathering of close relatives, a large feast with extended family, or an intimate Friendsgiving meal with a few of your closest buddies, entertaining can be stressful.
Chamblee City Lifestyle checked in with Jenny Ochotnicky and Jana Bitton of Perry Price Interiors for some holiday tips and easy decorating ideas, so everyone from the host to even the youngest guests can focus on the time together and the sentiment of the holiday – Giving Thanks.
PLANNING AND PREP
Jenny and Jana suggest assigning guests a specific dish to bring to lighten the load and to ensure variety without overlap.
Make a cooking schedule and create a timeline for oven use, stovetop time, and prep to stay on track throughout the day. The day can get hectic, so it helps to have pre-set cooking stations. Lay out all baking and serving dishes in advance with the recipe, the ingredients list, and cooking time. This helps to make Thanksgiving Day cooking easier and more efficient.
They also suggest making what you can ahead of time. Dishes such as mashed potatoes and stuffing reheat well. Also,
Kids can enjoy a fun and festive setting at the holidays.
this isn’t a time to experiment. Cook what you know, so you can execute confidently.
If you've never cooked a turkey, they say to consider roasting a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. It's easier and faster. And stick to the familiar – it’s not the day to try complicated, untested recipes.
Don’t be shy about asking for help or to have an event catered, if needed.
TABLE SETUP AND DÉCOR
A beautiful table setting can set the mood for any holiday event. Here are some tips from Jenny and Jana for easy, but festive table settings.
“YOUR HOUSE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT.”
Set the table on Monday to ensure you have enough chairs, plates, and flatware when there's still plenty of time to get anything that you may be missing.
Use place cards for seating. It allows you to decide who sits where and adds a personal touch.
When it comes to tableware, Jenny and Jana stress that it’s fine to use what you have. If you have fine china, use it. If not, that’s okay too. Don’t worry about matching or staying traditional. Paper plates and plastic utensils are also fine for a fun and casual vibe, with colorful, seasonal options available at many local grocers, boutiques and gift shops.
For decorating, they say you don’t have to get fancy. Mini pumpkins, grocery store flowers, or even backyard branches and leaves can be used for unique centerpieces. Jenny and Jana suggest keeping centerpiece arrangements low to allow for easy conversation flow. And use items such as pitchers, glasses, or jars as makeshift vases for a unique touch.
While there can be a time and place for a kids’ table, Jenny and Jana suggest letting the kids sit with the adults. It can provide teachable moments for encouraging manners and let them feel included. Save adult conversation for dessert or post dinner.
TIPS FOR GUESTS
If you’re the guest, Jenny and Jana point out these important tips.
Do your best to be on time, but if you find you're running late, communicate with the host.
Offer to help. They may or may not take you up on it, but the offer is always appreciated.
And above all, remember this - Your house doesn’t have to be perfect. They stress that a sock on the floor or a spilled drink won’t ruin the day. Thanksgiving is about the people around you and having gratitude, not perfection.
For more information about Perry Price Interiors, visit perrypriceinteriors.com
realty report
events
NOVEMBER 1ST
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta | 10:00 AM
Join us for fine arts and crafts, gourmet food trucks, live music, and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 at Chastain Park for the Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival. Admission is free. For more information, visit chastainpartartsfestival.com.
NOVEMBER 7TH
4th Annual Future Successors Gala
Factory Atlanta, 5616 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee | 7:30 PM
Get ready for the 4th Annual Future Successors Gala to celebrate and empower the next generation of leaders. The celebration is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Nov. 7, at Factory Atlanta in Chamblee. For more information and tickets, visit futuresuccessors.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
Dental Dash at Dawn 5K
3105 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta 30329 | 7:30 AM
The Dental Dash at Dawn 5K will be held on at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 8. The starting point will be located at 3105 Clairmont Road in Atlanta. Proceeds from the race go to the DDD Foundation’s programs that provide dental treatment for developmentally disabled patients. For more information about the 5K, visit bigpeachrunningco.com. For more about DDD Foundation, visit dddfoundation.org
NOVEMBER 8TH
Brookhaven Art Splash Festival
Brookhaven Park, 2660 Osborne Rd., Brookhaven | 10:00 AM
Enjoy arts and crafts, classic cars, live music, food and beverages, and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9 at nearby Brookhaven Park for the Brookhaven Art Splash Festival. Learn more at splashfestivals.com
NOVEMBER 15TH
Lanier Islands Thanksgiving by the Lake and more
Lanier Islands | 6:00 PM
A short drive from Chamblee, Lanier Islands has a number of holiday events starting with Thanksgiving by the Lake. Other festive holiday celebrations include the Magical Nights of Lights, the Holiday Market, Santa's Arrival on Nov. 29, and Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 30. For more information on all Lanier Islands holiday events in store for 2025, visit lanierislands.com
NOVEMBER 29TH
Huntley Hills Neighborhood Association's Annual Toy Drive
Huntley Hills Train Park, 3770 Longview Drive | 9:00 AM
The Huntley Hills Neighborhood Association continues its Annual Toy Drive from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nov. 29, at the Huntley Hills Train Park. Toys are collected and contributed to the Chamblee Police Department's annual toy drive through the "Chamblee Cop N Stuff" program. Visit huntleyhills.net for more information.
Shelter Guard Roofing offers holiday light design, installation, maintenance and repairs. Why Shelter Guard?
CUSTOM DESIGNS REFLECTING CHAMBLEE'S CHARACTER HASSLE-FREE, PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION | ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND SAFETY
