Issuu

Simplifying a Beautiful Thanksgiving

LIFE + CULTURE

FINDING THE WARRIOR WITHIN: MOMS GATHER TO FIND HOPE

EMORY JOHNS CREEK'S VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

NOMINATE A FAMILY IN NEED: CITY LIFESTYLE’S ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

Window Traditions serves the Southeast area with a heritage of quality that dates back to 1990. Because we strive to be the best at what we do, we ensure integrity and excellence permeate every aspect of our operations. As a privately held business, our employees are empowered to resolve any problem onsite. And we stand behind every job we do.

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1 cup

1 cup regular milk

1 tsp vanilla TOPPING:

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup chopped pecans (or more to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, butter, sugar in large bowl until creamy. Add mashed potatoes and milk. Spoon mixture into a greased 2 qt baking dish.

2. Combine brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Sprinkle evenly on top of sweet potato mixture, sprinkle a lot of pecans on top of mixture. Bake until puffy and brown, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Hello friends,

I'm so very thankful for being surrounded by creative, engaged, talented and generous humans. These two, Karyn Slovin (our senior sales manager) and Aleks Kapetanovic (our staff photographer) are at the top of my gratitude list this month.

They produced the photoshoot for our annual THANKFUL feature, working with the efficient staff at Hotel at Avalon for a smooth afternoon of photography and portraits. True professionals and allaround stellar people, Aleks and Karyn are as dependable as they are delightful. Thank you!

We know you love this THANKFUL issue. You'll read about people you see in the grocery store and in businesses you frequent. They each make philanthropy a priority in their busy lives.

Finding your gifts takes introspection and imagination. Perhaps around your Thanksgiving table this month you can launch a conversation about the talents and resources each person sees in themselves and one another. Then take it one step further to challenge everyone to find a nonprofit to volunteer with. Deadline: New Year's Eve. Then, you'll truly have something to celebrate.

Have a wonderful month,

SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

November 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

COPY EDITOR

Summer J. Robinson | summerjrobinson2@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Aleksandar Kapetanovic

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at

BestOfGwinnettWinner NINEYearsInARow!

A Community That Captivates

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Call today for availability on Peachtree Corners’ most coveted senior residences.

city scene

1: The Holistic Health Center Team supported the OCEE Elementary School Carnival. 2: Behind the scenes at our GIVERS shoot at Hotel at Avalon.

3: Kimberly Hazekamp (with Faith), Allie Hauser, Kat Recinos, Julie Little and Mimi Mulugeta 4: Jorge Herrera noshes and Ken Hughes says hello.

5: The Designery hosted City Lifestyle advertisers and staff at their beautiful Sandy Springs showroom. 6: Allie Hauser of The Designery Atlanta with Karyn Slovin, City Lifestyle. 7: Rob Sauthoff, Prachi Patel and Jim Newman of City Lifestyle

Schools News

The seventh-grade chorus from Autrey Mill Middle School performed at the Johns Creek Patriot Day Commemoration to honor the heroes at Newtown Park. Wilson Creek Elementary School hosted author and illustrator John Patrick Green, creator of the InvestiGators graphic novel series. Findley Oaks Elementary School honored first responders with a reception and hall parade through the school with student-created posters and cheers thanking them for all they do to keep our community safe.

Experience

Dentistry Like Never Before—

Comfortable, Gentle Care at Dentistry at Ivy Falls.

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 Mon, Tues, Thur

GIVERS MAKE IT HAPPEN

KRISTI THELEN AND GARON THELEN

SHARING OUR GIFTS

Kristi Thelen and Garon Thelen chaired the 11th annual Mane Even, Hearts of Champions benefiting Red Clay Rescue. They support Church of the Apostle, Wellspring Living (restoring the souls of trafficking victims), The Shepherd Center (rehabilitating victims of spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke or other complex neurological conditions), and Place of Hope North Georgia (foster care supporting children entering foster care because of neglect, parental substance abuse and/or physical abuse), as well as the Wesleyan School.

WHY WE VOLUNTEER

Kristi: I was inspired by my mentor at work who introduced me to Women Doing Well and Generous Giving. Pam Pugh and Lacie Stevens invited me to my first JOG (Journey of Generosity) many years ago that planted a seed in my heart. I am part of a group here in Atlanta now wants Atlanta to be the most generous city in the United States!

LISA SENTERS-MCDERMOTT IS CEO/ FOUNDER AT JET SENTERS AVIATION, PARTNER AT MYCFOPLAN, AND THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE ATLANTA AERO CLUB.

SHARING MY GIFTS

I am on the board of Directors of Warrick Dunn Charities. I’ve supported the event for about eight years as a sponsor and have served on the board of directors for the past year. I am also a graduate of the Fellows program of Halftime Leadership organization for Christian leaders. Inspired by our Founder’s life journey, Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. empowers families to break the cycle of generational poverty and achieve a better quality of life for all.

Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) is the flagship program of Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. Housing is the key to reducing generational poverty and increasing economic mobility. Moreover, according to research completed by Stanford, children living in stable, affordable homes are more likely to thrive in school and have greater opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom. Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc, helps to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing a hand-up – not a handout – to single parents and their children. We surprise single parent families (who are actively working to support themselves) with home furnishings and down payment assistance.

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Seeing families receive a home — some for the first time even having their own bed — is uplifting and amazing. It’s the kind of experience I want to be part of forever! If you want to get involved you can reach out directly to me. We do an amazing celebrity golf event every year. We have a ton of fun and raise a great deal of money for the homes. We also do teaching and all sorts of amazing programs that people can volunteer for with time or treasure.

FAMILY MATTERS

My son who has a website called helpwithjoy.com inspires me everyday. He donates his birthday to a different charity every year and started to be philanthropic when he was very young. For his 12th birthday he raised $1,700 for Warrick Dunn Charities and often forgoes presents to provide hope and opportunities for those less fortunate. He is truly one of my greatest inspirations.

JOIN ME

With the help of donations from our sponsors and individuals like your readers, we work with local partners to turn houses into homes for single parent families. WDC.org Halftime.org HelpWithJoy.com

CONTINUED >

FRIENDS, PAM ABRAHAMSON AND CHRIS GOLEN SUPPORT WELLSPRING LIVING.

SHARING OUR GIFTS

Pam: For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Wellspring Living, whose mission is “transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation.” They provide trauma-informed, participant-centered programs at no cost, empowering survivors to heal and discover hope for the future.

My service has included everything from mentoring and cooking breakfast, to board leadership and simply listening and celebrating milestones. Six years ago, my friend Chris Golen joined me, and together we take participants out once a month—to dinner, movies, picnics and entertainment centers. These nights give them a chance to talk, laugh, share struggles and accomplishments and to be celebrated in their journey.

WHY WE VOLUNTEER

The most meaningful moments come from watching each young woman enter the

program, often feeling lost, unloved and unseen, and then experience healing and transformation through Wellspring Living. To see their lives changed and their dreams realized is nothing short of miraculous. They begin to hope again, feel empowered to live the life they were meant for, with dignity and freedom.

We are grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on Wellspring Living and to be part of this organization. The staff at Wellspring Living are everyday heroes, offering counseling, education, housing, medical care, job support and above all, love. Their compassion and dedication make all the difference for the young women who enter their program.

JOIN US

There are many ways to get involved and serve, including mentoring, tutoring, helping at events and various other volunteer opportunities. Wellspring Living relies on a variety of skills and contributions to manage and operate transformative programs.

WellspringLiving.org

Chris Golen

Pam Abrahamson

ARTICLE BY JOHNS CREEK CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

What Would Ed Do?

Emory Johns Creek Hospital 2025 Volunteer of Year

Edward Holt is the Emory Johns Creek Hospital 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Ed has been a member of the volunteer auxiliary since 2012. Over the years, he has volunteered with the Transport Shuttle Team, Outpatient Rehab, Woman’s Services and has helped with all the Auxiliary fundraisers. He has held the position of Auxiliary President and currently holds a seat on the Auxiliary Board.

The Emory Johns Creek Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to providing services to Emory Johns Creek Hospital. As volunteers, they provide hours of service directly to various areas in the hospital, along with managing the Gift Shop.

The Auxiliary also conducts fundraisers to provide scholarships to medical students who have a connection to our hospital and for employees of the hospital who are enhancing their professional skills. The Auxiliary also funds the “Wishlist Grants” for various hospital departments. These grants provide funds for various under budget projects that enhance the hospital’s environment and their patients’ experience.

Lakisha Hudson-Benbow is the Manager of Volunteer Services, Emory Johns Creek Hospital. “We provide world-class care and treatment to the people in this great community. Working right alongside our staff, is an amazing Volunteer Auxiliary.”

In the spring of 2024, Ed took over the management of the hospital’s gift shop and transformed it with his extensive background in retail management. Along with the wonderful team of gift shop volunteers, Ed has turned the hospital gift shop into a premier place to shop in Johns Creek. “Throughout the years, Ed has always helped where he was needed and continues to be a guiding light for our volunteer team. Thank you Ed, for all you do,” says Lakisha. “Here at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, we love and appreciate all our volunteers!”

To find out about volunteer opportunities, go to EmoryHealthCare.org

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.

SEASONAL

a simpler

RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN

HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL

Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.

3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.

4. Add salt and pepper

5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes

6. Take them out of the oven and set aside

CRISPY POTATOES

7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.

8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top

9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing

Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”

Ingredients: 10 small yellow gold potatoes, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, olive oil, salt, rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to

HONEYNUT SQUASH

a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.

4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy

5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives

Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”

Ingredients: 3 honeynut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, pomegranates

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400° F

2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds

3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes

4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve

Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”

FLAVORS

CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust

• 12 graham crackers

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar

Filling

• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)

• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar

• 5 large eggs (room temp)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F

Crust

• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• zest of whole lemon

Caramel

• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar

• 1-1⁄3 cup water

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.

2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides

3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base

4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes

Filling

1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!

2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.

3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.

Caramel

1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.

2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk

3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes

4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

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.

NOVEMBER 1ST

Buford Corn Maze

I-985 Exit 8 to 4470 Bennett Rd.

The Buford Corn Maze is located on the Winnie Roberts Tutton Farm at Roberts Crossroads. It has a long and storied history beginning in the early 1800s. Pumpkins, farm animals and more. Through November 16. For more information visit BufordCornMaze.com

NOVEMBER 8TH

Honoring Our Veterans

3150 Old Alabama Rd. | 9:00 AM

Join us as we celebrate, honor and thank those who have served in our nation’s military services.

NOVEMBER 18TH

Get

Crafty

Northeast Spruill Oaks Library 9560 Spruill Road | 6:00 PM

Join neighbors to craft and chat! Please bring a project with you to work on. The group works on crochet, knitting, embroidery and other projects. No instruction is provided. No registration needed.