EDUCATION
FISHING
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Hello friends,
Happy Father's Day to our publisher and founding father, Jim Newman. His son, Daniel, and daughter, Lauren (pictured here), are his biggest fans.
Jim believes in our community and truly takes great pride in supporting all the new businesses, family businesses and unique stories that make this magazine tick.
We're thankful for Jim's vision and commitment to the magazine, our staff and team of contributing writers and photographers. It's his dedication to local print media that fuels every issue.
In this MEN'S issue, you'll find stories for and about men in Johns Creek.
We hope you smother the guys in your life with love and something special this month.
All my best,
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Aleksandar Kapetanovic
COPY EDITOR
Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Summer J. Robinson, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jolie Loren, Megan Chang
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 Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Home Is Right Around The Corner
Where other senior communities fall flat, Village Park Peachtree Corners soars above the rest. Here, the comforts of modern residences meet the convenience of bespoke services. Couple that with an active community campus, daily social outings, and a coveted location in Peachtree Corners, and you have a community in a class of its own. Call today for availability on select homes.
inside the issue
Fishing Runs Deep
Leaving
Every Dad's Dream
The
Summer Living, Perfectly Framed
Your home deserves window treatments as unique as your style. Our expert design consultants offer personalized guidance to craft solutions that complement your vision. Schedule your consultation today and discover the art of luxurious living.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Congrats to Rachelle, VyStar's, Marietta Branch, Q1 $1,000 Giveaway Winner. 2: Cinda Salazar and Rob of Archadeck of Alpharetta discuss decks at the Duluth Home Show. 3: Mark Salazar, Kimberly Shires, Cinda Salazar, David Brown, Karyn Slovin at Haven Lane Design Boutique 4: Hans and Martha Schuon and Catrina Maxwell reunite at our City Lifestyle gathering 5: Krisztina Bell, Tara Campos, Andria Parker share about their businesses at Haven Lane Design Boutique 6: Dr. James Harper and Nonoka Harper introduce their practice to City Lifestyle partners 7: Dr. Dellaria, Kimberly Hazekamp, John Barrows and Mimi Mulugeta network with other advertising partners.
New Jobs
Boehringer Ingelheim, a biopharmaceutical firm that manufactures medicine for humans and animals, will be moving their headquarters to Medley, a 43-acre mixed-use development underway in Johns Creek. Toro Development Co. (TDC) is the developer and owner of Medley, which will become the new U.S. Animal Health headquarters for Boehringer Ingelheim and its 500 employees in summer 2026, ahead of Medley’s opening in October 2026.
Outstanding Teacher
Shabnam “Monica” Bhatnagar is 2025-2026 Fulton County Schools' School Professional of the Year, honored for her outstanding contributions to education across the entire school district. Bhatnagar, who currently serves as a Data Specialist at River Trail Middle School in Johns Creek, was also selected as the school’s own Professional of the Year for 2025-2026. She joined Fulton County school system as a dedicated substitute teacher before transitioning into her current role.
That’s a big plus! Other great benefits include:
• Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit²
• 0.25% rate discount on any new or used auto purchase loan1
• Earn daily interest on your account balance
SCAN the QR code to apply online:
Krisztina Bell is Honored as Tops
No Vacancy is very excited to be celebrating 20 years of staging vacant homes throughout Atlanta. Owner, Krisztina Bell is recognized as a Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging. No Vacancy strives to make the home staging experience seamless in which clients can get a staging quote and download recommended paint colors within seconds online.
Krisztina also teaches home staging classes and supports the Atlanta non-profit, Furnish With Love, LLC. stagingatlanta.com
SMALL CHANGES BIG RESULTS
Our foods are freshly made using thoughtfully sourced ingredients of the highest quality, packed with vitamins and easily digestible proteins. Pet Wants formulas are designed for all stages of life from puppy to adult. All of our products, especially our formulas, are geared toward healing your dogs and cats from within, so they can lead healthier, happier lives.
WANTS JOHNS CREEK
His first saltwater fish caught on a fly rod; Bone Fish in Belize
FISHING runs DEEP
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Sean Hisashi Nagashima spent his childhood summers with his grandfather in the mountains of Japan. If he wasn’t fishing or hunting beetles and grasshoppers, he was with his grandfather, an avid hunter and fisherman. He would catch Yamame trout using a Tenkara rod—a traditional Japanese style of fly fishing without a reel. “My older brother eventually took up Tenkara and fly fishing in his teenage years, so I always dreamed of trying it myself one day,” says Sean, who has lived in Johns Creek since 2009.
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout landed in Slough Creek
In the spring of 2020 at the age of 55, he retired from the corporate world and has spent the last five years adjusting to his new schedule, joining the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club (AFFC) in 2022 and picking up a fly rod whenever he can while traveling and exploring local trails as an avid runner.
He started fly fishing regularly at Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners and around Helen, GA, while also visiting his local fly shop, Alpharetta Outfitters, for gear and tips. “It took me about three months to catch my first fish on a fly rod. One day, while wading in the Chattahoochee River at Jones Bridge without any luck, I noticed a college-aged angler catching fish on nearly every cast. After watching him from about 100 yards away for 10-15 minutes, I saw him take a break, sitting on a rock and eating a snack. Seizing the opportunity, I walked upstream toward him with my homemade wading staff (a broomstick I bought at Lowe’s),” says Sean. “I approached him and asked if he could help me catch a fish. He smiled and gladly adjusted my rig, showed me how to cast, where to place the fly, and how to drift my line properly. After 15-20 minutes of awkward attempts, I finally felt a tug and landed my first trout on a fly rod. I was beyond grateful for his kindness—it was a reminder of the generosity that exists in the fly fishing community.”
Since then, Sean has been exploring new locations with friends and on AFFC-sponsored trips to target different species and tying his own flies.
Sean and his wife have been married 30 years, with two grown sons (ages 30 and 28), both of whom live in Los Angeles.
Sean and his family moved to Alpharetta from Chicago in 2007 with his job transition, and have lived in Johns Creek since 2009 where he says he enjoys the balance of nature, tranquility, proximity to Asian grocery stores and easy access to fishing spots such as the Chattahoochee River, North Georgia and North Carolina.
Tenkara fishing uses a collapsible rod (to 18" or so) with a fixed line. Karin Miller founded Zen Tenkara in 2022 and is revolutionizing this fixed-line fly fishing method, a “fusion” of traditional fly fishing and tenkara to target not only small traditional tenkara species but also large, powerful fish not typically associated with this ancient Japanese method.
Huacachina
Sand Dunes, Peru
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
Markets available nationwide Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com
Experience Dentistry Like Never Before—
At Dentistry at Ivy Falls, Dr. Joshua Kim and Dr. Gene Chung believe that every smile tells a story—and they’re here to help yours shine. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience dental care that’s personal, comfortable, and genuinely caring.
Whether you’re here for a routine visit or exploring a full smile transformation, you’ll always be treated like family—with the time, attention, and expertise you deserve.
Real care. Real connection. Real results. Because your smile deserves more than just routine.
Dr. Josh Kim & Dr. Gene Chung
DREAM
THE CANNONBALL RUN IS ALIVE AND WELL; SETTING NEW RECORDS WHILE HONORING THE PAST.
American car culture is a vibrant expression of freedom, identity, and innovation. From muscle cars to hot rods, it’s deeply rooted in our nation’s history as well as the individuality of the driver. Enthusiasts gather at car shows and races celebrating performance and design; it’s a lifestyle fueled by passion and horsepower.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEKSANDAR KAPETANOVIC, GREG ELLNER
Heading out on another incredible journey.
“WE LEFT LOWER MANHATTAN AT 8:30 PM AND ARRIVED AT THE PORTOFINO HOTEL, 2876 MILES AWAY, IN 36 HOURS AND 11 MINUTES.”
The Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, famously known as the Cannonball Run, is a daring, unsanctioned race that starts at New York’s Redball Garage in lower Manhattan and finishes at the iconic Los Angeles Portofino Hotel in Santa Monica. The race had no rules other than safety first and arriving as quickly as possible. The infamous Cannonball Run, wasn’t just about speed—it was about spirit, rebellion, and the thrill of the open road.
Conceived by automotive journalist Brock Yates, the run was both a protest against government regulation and a
celebration of speed, skill, and nerve. Today, classic car collectors are breathing new life into that legacy, merging vintage style with raw performance. As these beautifully restored machines roar across the country, they do more than chase records—they honor the past, celebrate American craftsmanship, and prove that true automotive passion never goes out of style.
Local auto collector Greg Ellner has had a love of cars since he was a small child. “My passion for cars began with my father, Jerry Ellner - it was how we
connected,” says Greg, “we went to races, shows, and cruise nights. The Indy 500 was our Superbowl, an all-day tradition.”
“The car we ran in our first Cannonball, my 1978 Corvette, needed extensive preparation,” says Greg, “we basically replaced almost everything in the engine compartment.”
Right seater to Greg’s driving is his partner Danielle Crawley. “We pack the car with multiple tablets so we can run a variety of traffic and GPS applications,” says Danielle, “those, along with a very good radar detector, were our ‘countermeasures’ against achieving a ‘spirited driving award’ from any law enforcement we encountered along the way.”
”We left lower Manhattan at 8:30 pm and arrived at the Portofino Hotel, 2876 miles away, in 36 hours and 11 minutes,” says Greg proudly; “a cannonball is physically and mentally exhausting. It is a test of endurance. I assume it’s the same drive and will power that cause people to climb mountains and run marathons.”
“We are planning on other races,” says Ellner. One of the only rules of The Cannonball Run is that you can only talk about your own experience after the fact; oh and you cannot name names other than yours and you cannot discuss upcoming events. It really is secret driving club.
2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and 1965 Chevrolet C-10 Short bed Stepside
THE Good Life
Georgia Luxury Pools
ARTICLE BY SUMMER J. ROBINSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEKSANDAR KAPETANOVIC
For homeowners with a big dream of a built-in pool and only a small side yard to work with, this makeover by Georgia Luxury Pools and Southern Landscapes and Designs elevated the outdoor space to something elegant and fun.
This was a new build from start to finish. The design had a 10’ x 18’ Rectangle “spool” or small dipping pool that is a fully functioning hot tub with jets as well as a plunge pool. The pool has a small tanning ledge, with bubblers and eight therapeutic deck jets. The yard has new decking, a water fountain feature, and enclosed wall with two entry gates that lock with a code, and an outdoor kitchen area. A farm to table garden along with a tree buffer wall create a dreamy setting for entertaining.
David Brown of Georgia Luxury Pools and Patrick Ferguson from Southern Landscapes and Designs, whose seamless partnership has redefined the meaning of backyard environments, collaborated on this project.
“We were able to expand the yard by making the pool self supporting,” notes David. “We gave them a place to entertain friends and family as well as a really nice water feature.”
Southern Landscapes and Designs installed the necessary retaining walls to level usable areas, added landscaping, irrigation, a vegetable garden, outdoor lighting, and a beautiful custom medieval iron doors for entry into pool area. “The homeowner has complete outdoor year round living space for all seasons,” says Patrick.
For another project in Alpharetta, the two worked together to right the wrongs of a previous pool repair and to add more usable space on the top deck. The equipment was upgraded, new LED low voltage pool lights installed and new tile with waterproofing and new pebble add polish to the look. “I love the larger spill over as well as the ledge stone on the wall. It’s a much cleaner look,” says David. They also added an energy efficient pump, and a new automation for easy mobile control of the pool.
Patrick’s team added an irrigation system to the yard and full landscape design, replaced an old retaining wall and the deck, adding a roof, a fireplace and TV for fall football games, and an outdoor kitchen to keep the crew fueled.
David Brown’s journey into the pool industry began at a remarkably young age, influenced by his family’s deep-rooted legacy in the pool business. His early years spent mastering every facet of pool building culminated in over two decades of expertise. In 2022, David left the family pool business and founded Georgia Luxury
Pools to create his vision for a better pool company; driven by a passion for delivering unparalleled customer experiences and crafting award-winning designs.
Patrick’s journey began at Pike Nurseries at age 15, where his love for landscaping blossomed. His career took him across the country, building golf courses before returning home to Georgia. With over three decades of expertise and a penchant for award-winning designs, Patrick founded Southern Landscapes and Designs in 2016.
David and Patrick have worked together for over seven years—and it shows. Their collaboration delivers more than aesthetics; it delivers peace of mind. When homeowners choose this team, they’re getting a full-service transformation, managed by professionals who understand every layer of design and construction.
From solving deep structural issues to selecting the perfect landscape lighting, they work in harmony to bring the homeowner’s vision to life—and then some.
As Alpharetta and Johns Creek continue to flourish, the partnership between Georgia Luxury Pools and Southern Landscapes & Designs sets the gold standard for outdoor living.
“When the reality of the finished product far exceeds your dream. The end result proves to us we engaged with the right team. A huge ‘Thank You’ for turning our outdoor space into our own private oasis,” says happy customers, Ken and Renita Gibson.
Georgialuxurypools.com Sldtm.com
GEORGIA LUXURY POOLS' MISSION
To Design, Renovate and "Build Better" pools while providing excellence in customer service, backed by over 20 years of experience in the pool industry; we strive to create a luxury backyard for our customer with every step of the process: design it, build it, enjoy it. Georgialuxurypools.com
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kang is highly specialized in plastic surgery of the eyelids. As a true eyelid specialist, Dr. Kang is an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang is also an expert injector in Botox and fillers and aims for only the most natural appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.
The Man Behind the Bottles
How Pepe Fundora is Making Wine Accessible at Cork & Glass
Stepping into Cork & Glass Wine Shop feels like embarking on a journey through the world’s finest wine regions. Where else can you experience the bold flavors of Argentina, the rolling hills of California’s San Jose, and the timeless charm of Italy, all within the warm atmosphere of a family-owned gem?
The shop was founded by Jose “Pepe” Fundora, who was raised in the hospitality industry. His parents, Maria and the late Antonio Fundora, owned and managed restaurants, including the beloved Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta.
Initially, Pepe wanted to explore other industries outside his upbringing, but fate had different plans for him. After attaining his Electrical Engineering Degree from Georgia Tech and spending a few years in corporate America, Pepe found himself impacted by a lay-off and once again joined the family business. He cultivated a distinct talent and keen ability for making patrons feel like one of the family.
His passion was ignited after a trip to California’s wine country during harvest
season with his parents, where he connected with winemakers and was soon inspired to become a certified sommelier. “For a lot of my peers, a specific bottle is their aha moment. For me, it was an aha experience .”
Pepe opened Cork & Glass in 2020 next door to Casa Nuova, with the vision of offering high-quality wines at an exceptional value while educating customers about wine and food pairings.
“This slogan, making wine accessible, actually came from one of our guests,” Pepe shares. “I want people who are novices to experts and everyone in between to have the same exposure to fantastic wine.”
The shop offers a range of services, including wine and beer sales, wine tastings, classes, wine dinners, and a robust wine club membership with tiers set to meet any budget.
Pepe splits his time and duties between both Cork & Glass and Casa Nuova, blending his expertise in hospitality and wine to create memorable experiences for his customers.
For a lot of my peers, a specific bottle is their aha bottle. For me, it was an aha experience. “
Making Music, Making Memories
THE JOURNEYS OF ROEE HARRÁN AND JOHN GROVE
ARTICLE BY SUMMER J. ROBINSON
Roee Harrán
John Grove
“I performed during the unification in Berlin, during the celebrations when they tore down the wall dividing East and West. The joy erupting around us was invigorating,” recalls professional cellist Roee Harrán. “Being part of that historic moment is something I’ll never forget.”
Born in Israel, Harrán began playing cello at seven and was awarded scholarships from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. After completing his military service as an “Outstanding Musician” in the Israel Defense Forces String Quartet, he earned his Bachelor of Music from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s from the Eastman School of Music, studying with Paul Katz and Steve Doane.
Harrán has since performed worldwide—from solo recitals in Israel and the U.S. to concerts across Europe, Asia, and Canada. He has played with the Orchestre Mondial des Jeunesses Musicales, the Rochester Piano Quartet, and chamber groups like the Vanbrugh String Quartet. Following time with the New World Symphony and Savannah Symphony, he joined the faculties of Radford University and the Renaissance Music Academy, performing with the Avanti Trio.
Now based in Johns Creek, he freelances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet. In 2023, he founded the Temple Chamber Players and currently teaches at Emory University. Before each performance, he centers himself with a picture of his wife and daughter. “It used to be just my wife, but now we have a two-year-old,” he says. “Sometimes I tape it to my stand.”
Harrán’s advice to aspiring musicians? “Take a risk in your playing. Be genuine. Don’t imitate—find your own voice.”
At the opposite end of the orchestra, you might find John Grove—bassoonist, contrabassoon enthusiast, and artist affiliate at Georgia State University. Like Harrán, Grove blends a dynamic performance career with deep community roots.
He performs with the Johns Creek and Columbus symphonies and has appeared with ensembles ranging from the Atlanta Symphony and Opera to the Alabama and Charleston symphonies. As a woodwind doubler, Grove has also played in pit orchestras for Broadway shows at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.
His collaborations are as wide-ranging as his instrument collection, having performed with The Moody Blues, The Indigo Girls, The Who, and even Weird Al Yankovic. But his favorite instrument? “The contrabassoon. The lower the better,” he laughs.
Music runs in the Grove family—his wife, Debby, and sons, Chandler and Mark, all play bassoon. “Debby is also a professional bassoonist,” he says. “Much better than I am.” The family often plays bassoon quartets together, sometimes followed by Grove’s post-performance ritual: peanut butter M&M’s and sparkling water. “It makes my reeds taste better.”
Among his more memorable gigs: a rain-soaked Mozart performance at the Atlanta Botanical Garden where audience members shielded musicians from sprinklers with umbrellas. Another time, he was mid-performance in The Rite of Spring when a key fell off his contrabassoon. “We borrowed a screwdriver from the English horn player and fixed it just in time.”
Grove, who also plays Scottish snare drum with the Atholl Highlanders pipe band, is a band director at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. His advice to beginners: “Find the instrument that speaks to you. Learn it well. Then the real joy begins—making music with friends.”
Whether sharing historic moments on world stages or fixing broken reeds backstage, Harrán and Grove are united by a lifelong passion: connecting through music.
“Each show is a shared experience that lives on in our memories,” Grove reflects. “Then—it’s time to start practicing for the next one.”
Listen to the music! JCSymphony.com
“Take a risk in your playing. Be genuine.
imitate—find your own voice.”
- Roee Harrán
GRAND OPENING
JUNE 5TH
Tin Cup Cruise-in
Cumming City Center | 6:00 PM
Peruse chrome and gleaming paint for the evening in Cumming! This classic car show promises to be a fun family event. Admission: Free
JUNE 6TH
Summer Concert Series: Carpool
Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater | 6:00 PM
Concerts are rain or shine! In the case of rain, attendees are welcome to bring umbrellas. No pop-up tents, please. If we experience lightning or severe weather, we may delay the start of the concert or evacuate if necessary. Free to attend! Food trucks will be on-site. Beer & wine will be available for purchase.
JUNE 7TH
2025 Garden Tour “Petals and Pathways” 11:00 AM
Proceeds from the Celebration Garden Tour support community gardening education in North Fulton and beyond, including programs for young children and local demonstration gardens maintained by the North Fulton Master Gardeners. For tickets, visit NFMG.net
JUNE 21ST
Juneteenth Event
Newtown Park | 5:00 PM
The Johns Creek Juneteenth Event is a celebration of the day that slavery truly came to end within the United States of America, and the City of Johns Creek wants to join with the community to celebrate this great achievement. The Juneteenth Celebration will feature food, activities, performances, fun and so much more! Stay tuned for details!
If you ' ve admired a standout roof in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, or the surrounding towns, there's a good chance it was installed or restored by a trusted local favorite now known as Capital City Roofing. The name has changed, but the craftsmanship, customer service, and attention to detail remain the same.
While some companies change names due to mergers or ownership changes, for us, it’s a return to our roots. Capital City Roofing is our original name — and it better reflects the pride we take in serving Georgia’s capital region and surrounding areas. Same expert team. Same elite service. Just a name that feels more like home.
Capital City Roofing holds the highest level of certification with both GAF and CertainTeed, meaning homeowners get not only top-tier materials but also enhanced warranties and proven installation quality. We don’t cut corners we set the bar.
