DISCOVER 13 HUB LANE – WHERE STYLISH LIVING MEETS BOUTIQUE CHARM IN ROSWELL & MARIETTA
Located in the Roswell MarketPlace and also at The Avenue East Cobb, 13 Hub Lane is a curated lifestyle boutique offering furniture, home décor, art, apparel, jewelry, gifts, and more (www.13hublane.com). Alongside home decor & furnishings, the boutique features a stylish selection of women’s apparel—from everyday staples to standout statement pieces. Transform your home & apparel with unique pieces and tailored design services.
Complimentary one-hour design consultations—with their talented design team from concept to completion to craft a space that fits your taste and personality.
13hublane.com
Roswell: 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 402, Roswell Avenue at East Cobb: 4475 Roswell Road, Marietta
Diabetes doesn’t just a ect blood sugar—it can quietly impact your vision, too. In fact, it’s a leading cause of blindness in adults, damaging tiny blood vessels in the eyes without early warning. By the time vision changes appear, significant damage may already be underway.
With the right care—regular eye exams, healthy habits, and proactive treatment—you can protect your sight and keep seeing life’s most meaningful moments.
7 WAYS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR SIGHT
The Spirit of Gratitude The Power of Us
This season of gratitude is a time to pause and reflect on the blessings that surround us. As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of the importance of connection, generosity, and community spirit.
In this issue, we celebrate the Junior League of Cobb–Marietta and the remarkable impact its members continue to make. We also honor the men and women in blue at Cobb County’s Precinct 4—guardians among us whose service and dedication protect and strengthen our neighborhoods.
November kicks off the holiday season, from races and historic tours to dazzling performances - there are endless ways to experience cherished traditions and community treasures. The same magic carries into our own homes, where we create dazzling tablescapes, festive front-door displays and seasonal trimmings. There are endless ways to gather, celebrate, and share joy.
We are deeply thankful for the leaders, nonprofits, and businesses who make our communities vibrant and strong. We are especially grateful for the businesses with whom we collaborate and partner—your support makes our work possible. Even more, we admire your passion, dedication, and how deeply you care about the community, your customers and the legacy you are building for future generations. Your vision, hard work, and heart create ripple effects that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire us.
And above all, we are thankful for you, our readers, whose continued engagement uplifts local voices and fuels the heartbeat of our cities, county and state.
From all of us at East Cobb City Lifestyle, wishing you a season filled with warmth, gratitude, and joyful gatherings.
KEVIN KASETA,
PUBLISHER
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Catherine James | catherine.james@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sydney Kate Lewis sydneykate.lewis@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT Rei Kaiser
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Wendy Edwards | wpcreative@gmail.com, Tran Bui, Rei Kaiser
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Visit Marietta, Chris Savas, Albright Photography, Justin Hadley, Abigail Werner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn
Voted Cobb County’s Best Retirement & Assisted Living Communities 7 Years in a Row!
“We’re honored that Sterling Estates of East Cobb was Voted Best Assisted Living Community in My East Cobb and that Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized “Best of Cobb” for Retirement, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. We’ve been serving Seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now... We invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities
“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents period. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... bet yours will too.” ~ Susan S.
With Home Prices so High - Never Been a Better Time to Sell & Move into One of Our Sought After Rental Cottages
inside the issue
city scene
1: East Cobb Business Association's Lynn Bring and Susan Smith Hopkins - September Luncheon 2: Marietta Business Association President Chase Sanger and District Attorney Sonya F. Allen 3: Kitchen Designs Group was proud to sponsor the Cobb Association of Realtors Annual Golf Tournament. 4: Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta Women Build gathers to strengthen community. 5: Women unite to celebrate one another and community at Johnson Ferry Church Girl's Night Out! 6: Welcome to the Community! Celebrating the opening of East Cobb's Providence Dental Spa! 7: Providence Dental Spa Co-Founders Dr. Jason Mann and Phil Cassis with key leader Jamie Burks
Strengthening Cobb Through Match Magic
The Cobb Community Foundation's Match Magic campaign launches November 11–December 2. Twentyseven Cobb nonprofits have been selected to benefit from the campaign, which multiplies the impact of donations across the community. Last year’s match pool helped unlock more than $808,000 for local causes. The Cobb Community Foundation is a catalyst for a thriving community, mobilizing people, ideas, and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb. For more information, call 770-659-2366, email CCFTeam@cobbfoundation.org
Building Homes, Communities and Hope
Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking and land dedication on October 2 for its 2025 Women Build home in Marietta. Led by co-chairs Kim Gresh and Stacey Chapman, volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders are supporting Makailah, a City of Marietta Police Service Representative, and her family. Women Build empowers women to lead, fund, and construct homes, creating opportunities for affordable homeownership and strengthening communities across Cobb. Learn more visit habitatnwma.org.
East Cobb Business Association Celebrates Local Business
The East Cobb Business Association (ECBA) recently hosted its annual Business EXPO at the Wellstar East Cobb Health Park. The event provided a high-energy networking opportunity for local small businesses to showcase products and services, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and engage with East Cobb consumers. Exhibitors and attendees alike celebrated the region’s growing business community, highlighting collaboration, innovation, and growth across East Cobb. To get involved and learn more about the Association email eastcobbba.com.
A Festive Reindeer Adventure
Long-time East Cobb resident Rosemarie Perry and Wheeler High School student Helen Davis created a festive new holiday book, A Reindear Tale, featuring a spirited cast of all-female reindeer. With charming illustrations and a playful story, the book captures the magic of the season while celebrating creativity and imagination. A Reindear Tale is available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and at local independent bookstores, offering families a joyful way to share holiday cheer. rosemarieperry.com.
Photography by Chris Savas
Annual Tradition Celebrates our Veterans
Mark your calendar! Horace Orr Post 29 with the City of Marietta plans Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8, beginning at 10:40am. The community is invited to line the route and honor the men and women who have served. With 1,000 participants, patriotic displays, marching bands, and heartfelt tributes, this proud tradition draws an estimated 20,000 spectators—uniting neighbors in gratitude and celebrating the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. For more information, www.post29marietta.org /veterans-day-parade.
As the holiday season approaches, ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy by scheduling a check-up at Providence Veterinary Clinic before the festivities begin. Our experienced team is ready to provide your pet with the care it needs, giving you peace of mind to enjoy the holidays together.
Call us today or visit our website to schedule an appointment online!
A LEGACY OF Volunteerism and Impact
FOSTERING GROWTH, LEADERSHIP, AND LASTING COMMUNITY CHANGE
ARTICLE BY EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta (JLCM) is a longstanding force for community engagement in Cobb County. Founded in 1933 as the Marietta Junior Welfare League, it has for nearly a century centered its work on three core pillars: promoting volunteerism, developing women’s leadership, and improving communities through trained volunteer action. These guiding tenets have allowed the League to remain a trusted partner in shaping Cobb County, while also offering generations of women the opportunity to grow as leaders and community advocates.
The organization’s roots date back to the early 1930s, when Marietta’s civic-minded women took up the cause of welfare through volunteer service. In 1976, the league formally affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), thereby joining a broader network of leagues worldwide and gaining access to training, support, and shared best practices. This connection expanded the League’s reach and impact, linking local efforts to a global movement of women working for stronger communities.
Over the decades, the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta has founded or contributed to many important community projects. Among them are the Cobb County Youth Museum; the Center for Children & Young Adults; Gate City Nursery; Sheltering Arms Daycare; Cobb County Safety Village; and Cobb Diaper Day. These initiatives stand as lasting reminders of the League’s ability to identify needs and create solutions that continue serving families long after their founding.
As the community has changed, JLCM has evolved too. Today it provides over 300 volunteer hours annually in service to children and families in Cobb County. From mentoring and tutoring to hands-on projects that meet practical needs, members focus on making a visible and personal difference across the county.
In recent years, the league has reintroduced a formal grant-making process; in the 2024-25 year, it awarded $9,500 in grants to local nonprofits addressing critical needs in the region. These grants extend the League’s impact by empowering other organizations to innovate, expand, and strengthen services for residents.
Membership continues to grow and diversify. JLCM emphasizes leadership training for women, offering opportunities to serve, lead, and collaborate with other organizations, civic agencies, and fellow volunteers. Many members carry these skills into workplaces and civic life, with alumni often serving in leadership roles throughout Cobb County and beyond.
“The
Signature events like Serve Up Some Good Pickleball Tournament and mini fundraisers with partners, such as Southern Baked Pie Company, also play a dual role: raising funds and fostering community spirit. They not only support the League’s initiatives but provide tangible benefits: donations of needed resources and support for local artisans and businesses. These gatherings are celebrations of service and connection, reminding the community that collective goodwill can generate both joy and impact.
Key components of this vision include:
• Leadership development: equipping women with skills not only for volunteer work but for civic advocacy, collaboration, and measurable impact.
• Responsive programming: listening to emerging community needs and adapting projects accordingly—whether that’s in child welfare, education, safety, or family services.
• Stronger partnerships: working closely with nonprofits, civic bodies, schools, and other stakeholders in Cobb County to maximize resources and effectiveness.
Junior League of Cobb-Marietta
is committed
to
developing women to do a world of good.”
Going forward, JLCM’s vision emphasizes being a catalyst for lasting community change. The League aims to build a legacy of service that reaches deeply into the lives of Cobb County children and families. Its future rests on a strong foundation of tradition, while embracing innovation to meet modern challenges.
• Financial sustainability and innovation: through events, fundraising, and grants, ensuring the resources are in place to support ambitious goals. With over ninety years of service behind it, the Junior League of CobbMarietta sits at a point of both heritage and possibility. By continuing to empower women leaders, responding nimbly to community needs, and building sustainable models of impact, the League hopes not only to sustain its legacy but to magnify its relevance and effectiveness for future generations. It is a story of vision, perseverance, and community connection— proof that when women unite in service, their influence can transform lives for decades to come.
If you are interested in learning more about the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta or how you can support it, please visit JLCM.org
GUARDIANS AMONG US
A Community Salute: Honoring officers for their courage, kindness, and unwavering resolve
ARTICLE BY REI KAISER
This November, the East Cobb community comes together for a special evening - not about business networking or civic awards, but about gratitude. For the past 13 years, neighbors, leaders, and local organizations have joined forces to host a private celebration for the men and women of Cobb County Police Department’s Precinct 4. The event is a heartfelt way to say “thank you” to the officers who dedicate their lives to protecting the community.
“We feel blessed to live in such a generous community. This special night provides our hard-working officers the opportunity to relax, connect, and know they are deeply appreciated.”
What began in 2012 as a one-time gathering organized by a small group of past East Cobb Citizens of the Year has since grown into a beloved annual tradition. That first celebration left a lasting impression: officers expressed overwhelming gratitude for the care and appreciation shown by the community, and the committee knew immediately that it could not be a one-time effort.
Each year, about 75 officers and staff attend alongside their significant others. Over time, the celebration has touched nearly 900 officers. It has also become a signature hallmark of the precinct. As one officer once said, “This is the precinct that is supported by the community; they really care about us, and the yearly party is just one big example.”
The event is made possible thanks to generous sponsors, community partners and dozens of volunteers, including presenting sponsors East Cobb Rotary Club and Pinnacle Financial Partners, as well as longtime supporters like the Cobb Chamber’s East Cobb Area Council, the East Cobb Business Association, and the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation. Together, with local businesses, churches, nonprofits, and individuals, they ensure the evening is truly special.
The night itself is designed entirely for the officers and their families. All funds raised cover event expenses, from dinner and entertainment to awards recognizing the Officer of the Year in four categories - Morning Watch, Day Watch, Evening Watch, and CONTINUED >
Detective Unit. Cobb Special Operations teams step in to cover shifts so every officer can attend, while a catered meal is also delivered to those on duty— making sure no one is left out of the celebration.
Among the most memorable moments each year are the stories shared of officers who go beyond the call of duty. One story that continues to resonate is of an officer who discovered a mother and child living in their car on a frigid winter night. Moved by compassion, he personally paid for a hotel room and then spent his own time connecting them with resources to help them get back on their feet. Stories like these remind the community that behind the badge are men and women who quietly serve with both strength and heart.
Precinct 4 covers a large and demanding area, and like police forces across the nation, faces staffing challenges. Yet the officers remain dedicated, well-trained, and deeply committed to keeping East Cobb safe. The community’s ongoing support—whether through this annual event or through smaller gestures throughout the year—plays a vital role in uplifting and sustaining them.
For the committee, the sponsors, and all who contribute, being part of this tradition is a source of pride. “We feel blessed to live in such a generous community,” the organizers share. “Our officers do hard and stressful work. The least we can do is provide them one special night to relax, connect, and know that they are deeply appreciated.”
Safe communities are the foundation of thriving neighborhoods and strong local economies. By investing in its officers and celebrating their service, East Cobb is investing in its future. Year after year, this November tradition continues to shine a light on the true heroes of Precinct 4.
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DANNY WUERFFEL
A JOURNEY OF GRATITUDE AND FAITH INSPIRES A LIFE DEDICATED TO LOVE, FAMILY AND GIVING BACK
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
Danny Wuerffel has spent a lifetime proving that true greatness goes far beyond the football field. The former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback and NFL veteran now devotes his days to serving others guided by faith, fueled by gratitude, and anchored in family.
“My father was an Air Force chaplain, so I grew up moving all over the country and in Spain,” he recalls. “I played high school football and got a scholarship to play at the University of Florida. My time there was amazing. Sometimes I feel like it wasn’t even real. We won four SEC championships, a national title and I won the Heisman Trophy in 1996. I was drafted by the New Orleans Saints and after seven years in the NFL, I retired to work full time at an inner city ministry in New Orleans, Desire Street Ministries. After Katrina, we moved our headquarters to Atlanta and now support other ministries and under resourced neighborhoods all over the country.”
His résumé reads like a sports fan’s dream. Racking up 17 NCAA and UF records, earning the Campbell Award for the nation’s top scholar-athlete, and graduating with honors. Drafted by New Orleans Saints in 1997, he also played for the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins. In 2000 he won the World Bowl Championship in the NFL’s European League with the Rhein Fire, before retiring in 2004. In recognition of his character and leadership, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy was established in 2005 as college football’s premier community service award, and in 2013 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
While still a rookie, Wuerffel began volunteering at Desire Street Ministries, a nonprofit serving under resourced neighborhoods. “I got involved as a
Danny Wueffler holding his Heisman Trophy
“IT DEFINITELY TEACHES YOU A LOT OF LESSONS ABOUT LIFE, AND ALSO ABOUT LEADERSHIP.
I BELIEVE LIFE IS LIVED BETTER AS A TEAM SPORT.”
volunteer in my rookie season with the Saints. It’s been an incredible journey over the past nearly 30 years. We’ve had lots of highs and lows, and there’s lots of struggles in this type of work, but it’s very rewarding.”
That early act of service would shape the rest of his life. In 2006, he became Desire Street’s Executive Director, leading efforts to create thriving and sustainable ministries across the Southeast. The Wuerffel Foundation followed in 2020, leveraging his platform to inspire service and unity by honoring and developing community service leaders.
Football prepared him well for leadership beyond the gridiron. “It definitely teaches you a lot of lessons about life, and also about leadership. I believe life is lived better as a team sport. How we engage and work with other people largely determines quality of life and our effectiveness at any endeavor. Learning to deal with adversity, to focus on the things you can control versus the things you can’t, the ability to be flexible, are just a few of things one can learn from football for life.”
Two profound trials deepened his perspective. “Hurricane Katrina destroyed our house and leveled the ministry where we worked in 2005,” he shares. “The aftermath was so difficult, but it helped shape the future for Desire Street and really established my calling as the leader. In 2010, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Guillain Barre Syndrome, and was very sick for several months, and then very tired for over a year. That forced me to slow down, be still, and learn some new things about myself in life. I now cherish quality time alone each day, and have a much more authentic and deeper prayer life.”
Faith and gratitude have been the steady threads through every season. “As a husband, father, former football player and leader of a nonprofit, I fully believe the quality of life is based on how well we deal with other people. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for all the amazing people that have been a art of my life."
Wuerffel continues to inspire on and off the field. A competitive pickleball player in the National Pickleball League, he was drafted by the Denver Iconics for the 2024 season and is a partial owner of the Major League Pickleball team, the Orlando Squeeze. In 2022, he hosted the first annual PickleBowl, a charity celebrity pro-am tournament.
Part of his legacy as written in his new book, Tales from the Gator Swamp: Reflections of Faith and Football is available on Amazon. This book takes readers on a delightful journey back to the "good old days" of the 1990s, when Spurrier's running and gunning and cunning style of offense revolutionized the SEC. Fans will understand why Danny collected as much admiration and as many accolades as
perhaps any player in the history of college football.
Whether cheering on the Gators at “The Swamp,” where his bronze statue stands, or speaking to corporate and nonprofit groups around the country, Danny Wuerffel embodies the spirit of gratitude and service. He and his wife, Jessica, now make their home in Atlanta with their three children. He is living proof that a life dedicated to love, family and giving back is the greatest victory of all.
Visit wuerffelfoundation.org or desirestreet.org.
Tales from the Gator Swamp book cover
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO
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.
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East Cobb COUNSELING
Treasured Traditions + Magical Moments
Discover the spirit of the season through beloved community happenings
As you plan your annual celebrations this holiday season, be sure to mark your calendar for one of the many festive events happening in Marietta. With its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere, Marietta stands out as one of Metro Atlanta’s best destinations for creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Kick off the holiday season with MUST Ministries Gobble Jog, November 27th 2025. This is the perfect event to get you and your family moving before indulging in your holiday feast. In addition, your participation directly supports MUST Ministries and their mission to combat food insecurity. There are five race options to choose from-ranging from the 10K to Phantom runners and everything in between. After registering for your race of choice, you can take it a step further by pledging one dollar for every day of November or by joining the ’27 Days of Thanks,’ a meaningful way to share daily gratitude. You'll also have the opportunity to share your personal fundraising page with friends and neighbors to increase your impact. The race will start and finish at Marietta Square-Glover Park, where a lively, festive atmosphere will set the tone for the day.
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
As the Christmas season approaches, make the Nutcracker with the Georgia Metro Dance Theatre at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre November 28-30 a top priority on your holiday to-do list. Music blends with imagination and the artistry of ballet as your senses are delighted by candy-filled backdrops and enchanting snow scenes. Dancers bring the story to life, weaving their talent with the dreamlike magic Tchaikovsky intended. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind performance of art and dance.
The 39th annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, scheduled for December 5-7, is a must for anyone who loves historic architecture and holiday design. This self-guided tour leads you through private homes in Marietta’s Kennesaw Avenue neighborhood, each
beautifully decorated for the season. Tickets are $30, with proceeds supporting two treasured nonprofits, Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society and Visit Marietta. Recognized by Southern Living as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, this holiday tradition is truly not to be missed. Brittney Gray, Executive Director for Visit Marietta, champions events such as this, which are much anticipated and wonderful community traditions.
“There’s something truly special about the holidays in Marietta. From twinkling lights on the Square to neighbors gathering for cherished events, the season showcases the heart of our community at its very best."
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Marietta Square, taking place December 4 is a can’t-miss.” at the end. Enjoy performances from local choirs, a Santa letter-writing station, and even an Ugly Holiday Sweater Parade to kick off the festivities. Of course, the highlight is Santa’s arrival, just before the tree lighting celebration begins. Perfect for all ages, this cherished tradition is sure to become a favorite family outing. For an extra special way to spread joy, consider contributing to the Tree Fund, helping to brighten the season for the entire community. The holiday season is a time to savor life’s sweetest moments, and these beloved events offer the perfect chance to create family traditions filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories. For more information, please visit visitmariettaga.com and mariettapilgrimage.com.
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
HOLIDAY TRIMMINGS
Creating warmth and enchantment this season
As the aromas of Grandma’s sweet potato casserole, the beauty of the decorative cornucopia, and the season’s warmth return, we find ourselves reflecting on how to bring that same sense of delight into our homes. With Thanksgiving approaching and Christmas and Hanukkah close behind, opportunities abound to create inviting porches, mantles, and table scapes for the perfect backdrop that lasting family memories are made of.
Start at the front porch, where festive décor greets friends and passersby. A traditional fall look might include large urns brimming with gourds, acorns, and twinkling lights spilling down the steps. For a modern twist, arrange pampas or wheat grass with bright leaves and berry sprigs.
CONTINUED >
When the season shifts, swap in evergreens with eucalyptus, frosted pinecones, and subtle shimmer. Porches can be playful with bold orange and purple lights or understated with pumpkins and mums. For Southern charm, drape magnolia leaves across bannisters or eaves, accented with sunflowers or pumpkins, then transition to bows and festive bulbs. Even fading magnolia leaves can be revived with a coat of gold spray, carrying holiday cheer into the new year.
Inside, the hearth becomes a natural focal point for your guests. In autumn, adorn the mantle with fall leaves, eucalyptus, pinecones, acorns, or dried corn husks. By December, trade these for evergreens, red berries, silver pinecones, soft lights, and a touch of faux snow to bring the outdoors inside. Add candles or heirloom trinkets for nostalgia, and place a mirror above the hearth to double the glow of your display.
the scene. For 2025, navy and gold dominate trends, pairing beautifully with Thanksgiving and Hanukkah while providing a rich backdrop for fall accents. December calls for subtle ele gance. Incorporate a velvet runner, votives filled with pearls and rhine stones, and candles nestled into fresh greenery with fairy lights. Families with children may prefer a playful Kitschmas theme, where sugar-plum colors, iridescent fin ishes, and whimsical decorations make the table sparkle. Whether elegant or fanciful, the table scape sets the tone for gathering with loved ones.
of Glory Haus in Marietta, knows how holiday adornments can uplift and inspire. She and her co-founders have spent over fifteen years creating distinctive, faith-based art and home accents crafted from both new and repurposed materials. Their work not only beautifies homes but also supports marginalized communities in Marietta and abroad by providing meaningful employment. Glory Haus now offers more than 2,000 unique items in its warehouse, and its seasonal Warehaus Sales are a favorite destination for finding that perfect piece to complete your holiday home. This season, let your décor reflect your personality, style, and spirit, bringing joy and beauty indoors for all to share.
Full Circle:
ARTICLE BY REI KAISER
A deep appreciation for the past, thankful for today and commitment to community shaping tomorrow
A Family's Legacy
For many Atlantans, this pizzeria has been more than a place to grab a slice; it’s been a destination for fresh, flavorful Italian fare, from amazing salads to their renowned meatballs. This November, the family is writing a new chapter—honoring the roots that began it all, the second generation continues the family story with gratitude, appreciation, and spirit of community that connects past, present and future. We start where it all began, when the first generation came from Italy and established their roots at the Jersey Shore.
The story starts decades ago, when the family patriarch Carlo Accardi discovered a small pizzeria along the Jersey Shore. What began as a simple, local venture soon turned into a culinary passion that would define a family legacy. Years later, the second generation brought that vision to Atlanta, opening new locations that stayed true to their Italian roots while catering to a growing and enthusiastic audience. Their commitment to quality ingredients, natural distribution, and authentic flavors quickly won over locals and established the brand as a household name in the city. Like many small businesses, the family faced unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. With in-person dining limited and supply chains disrupted, they had to pivot. Innovation became a necessity, and they quickly adapted by shipping pizzas, meatballs, and other favorites across the country. What started as a survival strategy soon revealed a broader opportunity: their food could travel far beyond the city’s borders, reaching customers nationwide. Even in the midst of global uncertainty, the family found a way to keep their culinary tradition alive while connecting with fans in new ways. Earning an 8.1 One Bite score from Barstool Founder Dave Portnoy, today more than 100,000 pizzas have been shipped across the U.S. Now, after years of growth, adaptation, and nationwide
distribution, the biggest news of all comes full circle. The second generation is returning to their roots, reopening a store along the Jersey Shore, where the family’s story began. This move isn’t just about expansion—it’s about honoring a heritage, celebrating the original vision, and bringing their signature flavors back to the community that first inspired them.
For the family, this return is deeply personal. The Shore location represents more than a restaurant; it’s a bridge between past and present, a nod to the father who discovered the original pizzeria and instilled a love for food, hospitality, and community. It’s also a chance for the second generation to bring the lessons they learned in Atlanta back home: how to balance tradition with innovation, how to grow while remaining true to one’s roots, and how to serve food that brings people together, whether across town or across the country.
Located at 1700 Surf Avenue, the North Wildwood store will feature two concepts in one retail space. A mercantile offering Carlo's Pizza frozen specialities alongside locally produced items including fresh farm produce, baked goods, and other high-quality staples. The space also houses Carlo's Pizza restaurant, where customers can enjoy freshly prepared pizzas and classic menu favorites on-site.
Atlanta customers will continue to enjoy their locally beloved menu, featuring everything from fresh, vibrant salads to hearty, hand-prepared meatballs, made with the same care and attention as when the first pizzeria opened. But now, with the Shore reopening, the family can celebrate a dual legacy—strengthening their presence in Atlanta while reconnecting with the original community that sparked their passion.
This November, the story of this family business is one of gratitude, resilience, creativity, and a full-circle journey that honors both the past and the future. From adapting to a pandemic to shipping their products nationwide, to returning home to the Jersey Shore, the family demonstrates that great food and deep-rooted values are timeless. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to where it all started
“COMING BACK TO THE JERSEY SHORE FEELS LIKE HOME AGAIN - OUR ROOTS, OUR FAMILY, OUR STORY. THE COMMUNITY’S WARM WELCOME HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING. WE’RE BEYOND EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW CHAPTER NOW HAVING LOCATIONS IN TWO CITIES WE CARE DEEPLY ABOUT.”
