Roswell, GA June 2023

Blake and Bryce!

Welcome to our June issue of Roswell City Lifestyle.

An inspirational man has the incredible power and privilege of shaping young people in their lives to grow and mature in a multitude of ways. Whether they are a father, coach, uncle, boss, or colleague, being a role model and leading by example can make a lasting impact on those watching. We can all probably think of a man in our life who has had a big impact on us at one time or another. Whether it was someone pushing us to be a better version of ourselves, someone who sees the best in us, someone we look up to for guidance, or perhaps someone we don’t personally know but who inspires us by their greatness, we can recognize the impact these role models can have on our lives.

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. My father is and has been one of my heroes my entire life. He served as a mentor to young people who were fatherless. He coached youth sports for many years. He served in his church, all the while being a loving husband and father at home for his family. He led his peers in the business world with great humility and success. He taught me so many things; but most of all, he taught me what unconditional love means without judgment. I am eternally grateful and blessed that I have such an inspiring role model in my life, and today I still look up to him always - as he is 6 foot, 4 inches tall! He has learned to use emojis at 80 and his text messages never cease to amaze me, make me laugh and smile at the same time. I treasure them all.

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Abby Ramsey | abby.ramsey@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Mike Thomas | mike@mikethomasgroup.com

MARKET AREA ADMINISTRATOR

Tran Bui Smith | tran@tranbuiproductions.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jeff Fischer, Oreoluwa Onabanjo, Jeni Rakestraw

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abby Ramsey, Wayne Albright

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

much to Roswell, "Pug" Mabry is honored

on page 66.

This month, I am proud that we can honor a few local men and their contributions to the growth and health of our community. An unforgettable man who gave so

We are also highlighting men who put themselves second, work hard, and inspire others to do the same. Check out how Mark Beal gives back on page 18. To all of the men out there that are making a difference in someone’s life, big or small, we applaud you. The lasting impact that you are making and the ripple effect that often ensues is worth it.

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you, as well as the community around you.

Happy Father's Day

LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @ROSWELLCITYLIFESTYLE

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Proverbs 3:5-6

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Who

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Theresa

Nicole

the Alpharetta

Christy

Ryan

Abby

Julia

1: Tran Bui Smith, Julie Wojenski and Lauren Hill celebrating. 2: Julia Gurela sharing wine tasting with

Chabot at the Women and Wine event 3: Spa Sydell welcomed Roswell City Lifestyle staff, advertising partners and friends to

Spa. 4: Lisa Thibault,

Ramsey, Sue Collins and Tran Bui Smith- your magazine’s dream team 5: Lisa Thibault,

Cecere,

Stargel,

Williams,

Gurela, Alicia Wyatt enjoying women’s night! 6: Ryan Williams, Tran Bui Smith, mother daughter team Morgan and Tiffany WHydrate Roswell 7: The Board and Box Charcuterie was on hand with tasteful and delicious treats and bites

8: The first Alive at Five lit up downtown. Julie Wojenski celebrates with Melanie Ziegenme 9: Tran Bui and Becky Bui share memories and fun at Alive at Five 10: The first Live at Five lined the streets of downtown Roswell with loads of people 11: Marie Stevens, owner Pet Bar Boutique spreading doggie treats around town at Alive at Five 12: Staff at 1920 enjoying the beautiful weather at Alive at Five 13: Christopher and Adam, owners of Salon Arcaro with Lisa Thibault 14: Sarah Churilla and Laura Jesseph taking a peek at our sister magazine in East Cobb

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @roswellcitylifestyle

15: Roswell Cultural Arts Center presents Unleash Your Superhero, the annual spring showcase. 16: Larry Davis sharing new products and aesthetics 17: Roswell celebrates the WellStar Family Waiting Room partnership. 18: Furkids celebrated friends and growth. 19: Mayor and Council honor esteemed Veterans Senior Airman Joseph Crowley and Staff Sergeant Donna Crowley. 20: Mark Lazinski, Larry Davis, owner Spa Sydell; Nicki McCauley, owner State Farm Agency celebrating 21: Women awarded for making a difference in STEAM education for our community were honored

Riverside Concert Series

June

24

Grab your lawn chairs, food, beverages, blankets, and friends for a fun night along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. On June 24, jam to The Deslondes whose inspiration comes from the Big Easy, eclectic Americana, psychedelic, lo-fi garage rock, country.

They "let go of who we were in the past and embrace who we're meant to be now." The Deslondes have taken such steps as not only bandmates, but as brothers.  RoswellGov.com/ RiversideSounds

School News

The Centennial High School soccer, baseball and girls tennis teams all won their region championships. Roswell High School (RHS) participated in the Virginia Beach Festivals of Music Competition. Both the RHS Treble and Chamber Choirs scored "superior" and placed first in their divisions while the RHS Concert Chorale scored "excellent" and placed third in their division. The Chamber Choir scored 97.50 and were the sweepstakes winners, scoring higher than any festival performing group.

Your Pets in the Magazine!

We're featuring the pets of Roswell in our August issue. Send a photo of your pet OR you and your pet. We want to know your name, your pet's name, and your favorite story about your pet in a few sentences (How did you two find each other? Does she have a special talent?). Email SCollins@citylifestyle.com with an original photo from a smartphone, or a professional photo. Subject line: Pets of Roswell. By June 15.

• Roswell has been home to my family for the last 12 years. Furthermore, it’s the place that I work to help clients sell and buy homes everyday.

• As an award-winning REALTOR, I offer full concierge service, from the beginning to the end of every real estate transaction and beyond.

• My goal as your agent is to get you top dollar for your home and to leverage my experience and strengths to win your dream home.

Photo credit by Just Listed Photographer

“A home is not a place, it’s a feeling.”

R. Mitchell III PRESIDENT

City of Roswell Welcomes Richard Rhinehart as Chief Operating Officer

Roswell welcomes Richard G. Rhinehart as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Bringing almost 30 years of executive leadership and organizational management experience to Roswell, he will work with the city’s leadership to achieve the Mayor and Council’s strategic priorities and goals. “Richard’s professional experience and training is unmatched. We’re excited to see how his leadership will help our great team create unique opportunities for the professional development of our staff,” said Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson.

ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MICHELLE PHOTO, MARIETTA, GA

Giving Is His Game

MEET MARK BEAL, CEO OF INSTEAD OF FLOWERS

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. WHAT ARE YOUR FATHER'S DAY PLANS?

It is all about quality time with my wife, Lindsay, and boys, Bennett (age 4) and Grant (17 months). At this age, we are always on the go and love to spend time outside. We get an early start at Pop’s Coffee Co. for coffee, chorizo empanadas, and to check out the motorcycles (fun fact - they recently restored my dad’s 1969 Triumph). After Pop’s, we head to Riverside Park for some playground

time and exercise on the river walk. If the weather is nice, we have a stand-up paddle board and kayak that we love to take out. Then it’s time for lunch and naps. We spend time on our front patio where neighbors and friends are always enjoying each others’ company.

Naturally, Instead of Flowers would be on the menu for dinner. One of the things that makes Instead of Flowers so special is that it allows the recipient to enjoy quality time with the ones they love. Though I love to cook on my Big Green Egg, this Father’s Day I won’t have to worry about making the trip to the grocery store or prepping the grill and cooking. Instead, I will get to spend all my free time with the family and enjoy a gourmet meal without the work! I look forward to our June meal of the month. The ribs are perfectly seasoned and make for the perfect Father’s Day meal. Bennett loves the kid's mac and cheese and Grant is a big fan of our

chicken fingers, so I will for sure add the kid's meals to my order - something for everyone! Instead of Flowers makes so many great desserts, but cheesecake is one of my favorites, so I‘d choose that on Father’s Day!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH INSTEAD OF FLOWERS AND WHY IS THE BUSINESS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

Instead of Flowers has been serving gourmet meals for 25 years. My business partners and I bought the company about 2 years ago. We had all been longtime customers, always gifting it to clients and friends. It's the perfect gift for any person and any occasion and it was always so well-received and appreciated by those we gifted to. When we learned the owner was retiring, it was a no-brainer to pursue continuing and building the brand. It was a service and business model we believed in wholeheartedly. I’ve always been interested

in entrepreneurship. This business is unique in the world of gifting, so I was eager for the opportunity to make a shift from my role in the financial world.

Customers send gifts for pretty much any reason you can think of, though more common occasions include birthdays and the birth of a baby (hello sleepy parents), as well as bereavement and get well soon. My family was impacted by cancer when my mom battled a grade IV Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. In the midst of grief and treatments and so much else, having a meal to come home to was both a luxury and a necessity.

I believe so strongly in our mission and sending meals that matter. It’s personal for me. We want to create an amazing experience for both the gift giver and the recipient. We do that by showing kindness to everyone we serve and truly caring about the reason they are gifting in the first place.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

My wife Lindsay and I are college sweethearts. From the night we met, I knew I was going to marry her. This June, we will celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary (though we’ve been together much longer than that!). She is a nurse and works for Shepherd Center. I love Lindsay because she has an amazing ability to care for others, which is especially true for our family where she is outnumbered in a house full of boys. We have two sweet (and sometimes rambunctious) little boys, Bennett and Grant. They are at such a fun age, but it is all-go all the time. Bennett is so outgoing and adventurous. He has never met a stranger. He can remember names better than most! Grant loves to walk and climb everything. He’s a happy little guy and has such a fun personality. Our dog Banks is a big part of our family. His favorite things are catching tennis balls and chasing chipmunks. He loves the waterwhether it's the Chattahoochee, at the lake, or the beach, he’s jumping right in. We’re also so lucky to have a strong community of family, neighbors, and friends.

Meet Stacey Wyatt, Creator of Opportunities

Stacey Wyatt Real Estate Group

WHERE ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND INVESTMENT PROWESS MEET

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

SUE G. COLLINS: YOU BRING AN ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING MIND, A BUILDER BACKGROUND AND AN INVESTOR MENTALITY TO REAL ESTATE. THAT'S AN INTERESTING COMBINATION.

Stacey Wyatt: For most people, a primary residence is one of the largest assets they will purchase. So when it is time to sell, property owners want to identify a seasoned agent partner that can help them extract the most equity with the least amount of stress. They want to partner with someone that looks at their equity as if it were their own.

The engineering mind allows us to evaluate their home in a highly analytical way because no two properties are ever the same. We take into consideration the location, lot size and features, the home's floor plan, size, condition, and upgrades to determine a strategic list price that will generate the most attention. Our pricing and unique listing strategy have netted our seller more money than the average agent for the last five years running.

The contractor and investor background helps us give the best advice to sellers upfront on what small improvements or repairs will

yield the greatest return at the time of sale. Our background becomes even more important during due diligence, aka inspection period, when buyers and agents alike raise various concerns. When you are negotiating against a licensed general contractor it is near impossible to inflate an issue or suggest repairs that cost more than they should. We also utilize our contractor experience to help resolve complicated repair issues as well as guide the co-op agent and their clients to an amicable resolution that otherwise would kill a contract.

SGC: AND THE CREATIVE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE?

SW: With our architectural background, or the creative side, we can market our seller's homes in very unique ways. This is the fun part! Every home has a story and we love to tell it through our photography, video, and creative writing skills. After all, the best listing agents are not only savage negotiators, they are great storytellers who, through their marketing, can drive the most amount of traffic and eyeballs to a home with the goal of getting one buyer to fall in absolute love!

CONTINUED >

Stacey Wyatt

SGC: YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY AND MAKE PHILANTHROPY A PRIORITY.

SW:  We have always enjoyed giving back to our community that has supported our business when we were a small start-up to where we have now served over 1,000 clients in 14 metro counties. As a relationship based, versus transaction-based real estate group, we host large events for our clients, friends, family, and sphere of influence. At every event, we have a charitable component. At our Fall Festival, we collect dry and canned foods and personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap (Irish Spring, of course) at our St. Paddy's Day Event. This past year we were able to donate over 11 bags of groceries, 6 family and 21 individual personal hygiene kits to Must Ministries.

We are "Partners in Education" with multiple schools where we provide financial assistance, in-kind contributions and other resources. We love to dote on the teachers and staff that work tirelessly to educate our children by providing breakfast, lunches or the occasional coffee when we just want to say thanks! Most recently, we donated sports equipment to a local elementary school. We hosted a Pups and Pints event at Lucky's Burger and Brew Roswell location, where clients and friends were able to hang out on their back lawn, have a beer on us, and get a photo with their pup! We collected dry food, pee pads, and toys to donate to our friends at Angels Among Us.

staceywyattgroup.com

141 Norcross Street, Roswell

REAL VASCULAR SURGEONS, REAL RESULTS

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SALUTING DADS

ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

MEET FOUR ROSWELL DADS WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST

DAY JOB: Entrepreneur, co-founder and managing partner of Dal Cerro Real Estate Group, a business based in Roswell since 2006. The firm provides consulting services in real estate and recruiting.

HOMETOWN BOY: Attended Roswell High School, class of 1991. Father of three sons, married 26 + years. Michael invested hundreds of hours in community involvement cutting across education, music and arts, the environment, public safety, our local businesses, charities, and non-profits, and giving back to the needy and less fortunate.

MY FATHER’S DAY: I am beyond excited to say that I will be having a perfect Father’s Day this year! We have arranged a reunion trip to visit family in Italy. This will be a very special and emotional trip. My dad immigrated to the United States in 1955 when he was only 10 years old. This will be his first trip back to Italy in 68 years. My wife and I, my sons , my brothers and extended family will be going with him. We will visit his birthplace, childhood home, school and church in Lucca, located in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy.

CAN YOU SHARE A PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR FATHER GAVE YOU? Being a first-generation American, I learned from an early age the importance of values and being principled. My father is a passionate man who always puts family first. Nothing is more important. When I was 13 years old my father told me, “Stand up for what you believe in.” What this means to me is to stay true to my values. Integrity. Passion. Courage. Stay informed. And don’t be afraid to share my views. Family is top priority, but my community is too! It’s also about doing the right thing to help others in the community around us and to speak up for others who can’t. It is my hope and desire to live this every day in my hometown of Roswell and to impart Dad’s wisdom to my three sons.

Michael Dal Cerro

DAY JOB:

Realtor with Century 21 Connect Realty, living in Roswell for 22 years for its walkability, Canton Street and its proximity to my work.

FAVORITE HAUNTS:

Thumbs Up Diner for breakfast; Lucky’s, Houcks and Lazaros are my go-tos, but there are many more restaurants that I love like Little Alley and Table & Main.

FINDING NATURE:

Roswell Area Park has been awesome for my entire family. We live close enough to walk there. I’ve logged a lot of miles there. My girls spent many years doing swim team, gymnastics, dance, volleyball, art, tennis, softball and more there. Roswell’s parks cannot be beat!

FAMILY:

I met and proposed to my wife Meredith on Fowler Avenue. She had purchased a house four doors down from mine a few months before I moved to the street. We

are raising our daughters Caroline (17) and Claire (14) here. Roswell is an incredible town for raising kids! We loved walking the girls to elementary school when they were little. We also have an awesome dog named Olaf.

HOMETOWN CHAMPION:

Roswell means everything to me. It’s where I bought my first house in 2001, where I met and proposed to my wife Meredith, raised our daughters Caroline and Claire, and it’s where I work. I love the small town feeling of Roswell that connects all of the businesses, schools and residents. I think what stands out is the support that business owners, residents and the city give one another.

MY FATHER’S DAY:

Father’s Day is usually pretty laid back at our house. We’ll just hang out as a family, grill out and maybe get together with friends and neighbors. I love being a dad and have been blessed with two amazing daughters! My consistent message to them is to always be kind, even if someone is mean. You never know what people are going through in life.

Hoban

Adam Penaflorida

DAY JOB:

I’m a talent acquisition supervisor for surgical services at Northside Hospital and live in Roswell.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG MAN ENTERING YOUR INDUSTRY TODAY?

To reference the book, The Ideal Team Player, by Patrick Lencioni, “Be Hungry, Be Humble, and Be Smart.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES IN THE BUSINESS WORKPLACE?

Lack of accountability.

HOW DO YOU DESTRESS AT THE END OF A BUSY DAY?

To destress, you can usually find me at the gym or tennis court. When I need a little more creative zen, you can find me tickling the ivories on my piano.

HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR?

I will be spending Father’s Day with my three lovely daughters (#girldad), smoking up some meats and enjoying some tasty beverages.

“When I need a little more creative zen, you can find me tickling the ivories on my piano.”

Brennan Posner

DAY JOB:

I am a partner at the law firm Evershed Sutherland (US) LLP and live in Roswell.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG MAN ENTERING YOUR INDUSTRY TODAY?

The practice of law, particularly in a large firm environment, is a tough road that takes a considerable amount of dedication and sacrifice. Try to decide early on in your career whether it is the right path for you. If you decide that it is not, there are plenty of opportunities to use your law degree elsewhere, but as your career progresses those opportunities quickly dissipate or become more difficult to transition to.

WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES IN THE BUSINESS WORKPLACE?

The work ethic (or lack thereof) of the younger generation. People who send 25 emails about an issue instead of just picking up the phone and resolving it in ten seconds.

HOW DO YOU DESTRESS AT THE END OF A BUSY DAY?

A stiff drink and spending time with my family remind me (sometimes verbally) that my job is really the least important part of each of my days.

HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR?

We will be on our annual family beach vacation in 30A.

“Try to decide early on in your career whether it is the right path for you.”

LILAC WINE

IS BEST OF THE

BANDS

Fundraiser for Saprea brings down the house

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAYNE ALBRIGHT

Three local bands from Roswell battled it out on stage in Battle of the Bands 2023, while also raising donations for the nonprofit Saprea. Lilac Wine stole the show, winning the competition with their skillful musicianship and adventurous arrangements.

This stellar trio features three voices in harmony singing popular songs of all genres, elegantly backed by a driving acoustic guitar and a punchy upright bass. Lilac Wine is the ideal small acoustic ensemble for the perfect blend of traditional styles and classic songs performed with taste.

"The Battle of the Bands event has many levels of benefits for the work at Saprea," says Lynda Lee Smith, chief development officer of Saprea. "First, it brings awareness to the global epidemic of child sexual abuse and the tremendous impact it has on our society. Secondly, it elevates the prevention and healing resources available at no cost from Saprea: in-person survivor retreats, online healing webinars, support groups, trainings, and over 75+ online self-teaching resources. Thirdly, the event generated critical resources to allow Saprea to continue offering all of their resources and services at no cost to those who need them."

MEET LILAC WINE

Gbeke “Beks” Fawehinmi is a performer hailing from Dallas, TX and currently resides in Atlanta, GA. She has experience in film, stage, and even interactive theatre. Her most recent credits include the Sleepy Hollow Experience and Mad Hatter’s G&T Party for FeverUp, Arden of Feversham at Aux Dog Theatre, and The Diary of Anne Frank at Santa Monica Repertory Theatre. She received her Bachelor of Arts at Pomona College in Claremont CA, where she double majored in mathematics & theatre with

Lilac Wine

a concentration in performance. She recently began performing music professionally, and has been singing with Lilac Wine for a year now. Her biggest passion is bringing stories to life, whether it be onstage, in front of a camera, or through music.

“I’m so happy to have performed in my very first Battle of the Bands, all the while supporting Saprea and their fight against sexual abuse. The fact that I can use my talent to lift others up means the world to me. I had such a fun time being a part of the event, especially listening to the other bands, and I’m so thankful to all who voted for us to win!”

Robert Henson is one of Atlanta's most versatile musicians having played and/or recorded as a bass player with a wide array of musical groups including the Who, Yacht Rock Revue, the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, Electric Avenue and numerous singer-songwriters such as Shawn Mullins, David Ryan Harris and Vince Gill. From 2006 to 2012 Rob recorded five records and toured 150 shows a year with singer/songwriter Corey Smith, headlining sold-out concerts throughout the

U.S. and opening for legendary acts such as ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, Cheap Trick, Snoop Dogg, Eric Church and Merle Haggard. In response to these incredible musical experiences, Robert formed Lilac Wine in 2014 to explore innovative ways of performing acoustic-themed popular music. His band has since been consistently in demand for a wide range of public, corporate and private events in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern U.S.

“It is an honor to help bring awareness to the public about Saprea and all they do to confront child sexual abuse,” says Robert. “So many societal ills stem from these childhood traumas and they are often not spoken about or treated. The Battle of the Bands event was a perfect way to engage with the Roswell community, raise awareness and enjoy an amazing evening at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.”

A veteran of the Atlanta music scene for 35 years, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Tim Ussery stays busy as an in-demand session musician for live and studio performances. His credits include recording with Grammy-nominated producer Warren "Oak" Felder and two-time Grammywinning producer Don Mccollister. Tim also is a sought-after live performer having shared the stage with members of the Allman Brothers Band, Wide Spread Panic and, most notably, a former and founding member of the earliest incarnation of Georgia's own Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band.

Founded in 2014, Saprea exists to liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Saprea empowers survivors with healing strategies, skills, and resources to reduce trauma symptoms, experience post-traumatic growth, and significantly improve the quality of their lives. They also encourage parents and caregivers to proactively learn and apply the preventative skills needed to reduce the risk of sexual abuse that could impact the children they love. Saprea is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, funded by a combination of public and private donations.

CHEERS, TO DAD AND GRILLING SEASON

TWO COCKTAILS TO GRILL WITH, FROM HOME BAR NETWORK

"We love using grilled fruit when mixing cocktails because the subtle char adds a background complexity that pairs great with any backyard cookout," says Haleigh Brown. She and her husband and partner Cody own Home Bar Network. They are all about bringing the culture and craft of professional bartending to the world in a fun and approachable way. They have a combined 20+ years of experience in the beverage industry and get so much joy from teaching people the art of imbibing. "We’ve traveled the world tasting some of the best cocktails at their origins. Hospitality is in our blood," they say.

For this issue, we asked Haleigh and Cody to dream up two cocktails for us to sip while grilling that steak for Dad.

GRILLED PINEAPPLE SIDECAR

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz Remy Martin VSOP Cognac

• 1/2 oz Amaro Angostura

• 1/2 oz Grilled pineapple gum syrup*

• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice

• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 1 Egg white

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice until well-chilled. Strain cocktail out and dump the ice. Shake cocktail again without ice, in a circular motion to whip the egg white. Pour into a chilled coupe and garnish with a grilled pineapple slice. *recipe at HomeBarNetwork.com

HOME BAR NETWORK'S TWO FAVORITE COCKTAILS FOR GRILLING SEASON!

GRILLED ORANGE PEEL OLD FASHIONED

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz 100 Proof Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

• 1/2 oz Rich turbinado syrup*

• 4 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Garnish: Grilled orange peel*

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing glass, lightly muddle grilled orange peel, syrup and bitters. Add whiskey and ice and stir slowly until well-chilled. Strain mixture over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with a fresh grilled orange peel.

*Rich Turbinado Syrup: Add 1 cup turbinado sugar and 1/2 cup filtered water to a pot over low heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Store in an air-tight container. Will last 3-4 weeks refrigerated.

IG: @homebarnetwork

LOCAL FAVORITES

ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

Roswell Garden House: The Roswell Garden House is Roswellʼs neighborhood gathering place, built on a shared history of community and kinship. Depart from the monotony of life, share in the simple pleasures of a pint and a seasonal small plate from the shade of our garden. Welcome! Grab a seat. We’ve added a spot at the table for you. RoswellGarden.com

Houcks Grille: Tried and true, and getting better since 1986 is Houck’s Grille in Roswell. A popular family-favorite American cuisine restaurant with extensive lunch, dinner, and brunch menus. Check out the calendar to enjoy weekly events such as trivia, comedy, and live music. Houck's has a large main dining area, an event room, and a patio to accommodate private events. Don’t forget to celebrate your birthday at Houck's with a free lunch or dinner entree (up to $24)!  HoucksGrille.com

Pet Bar Boutique: A locally owned, upscale dog bathing and grooming boutique that offers all of the standard services you expect: bathing (professional and self-wash), grooming, nails, special shampoos, special hair treatments, specialty everything! It will be an experience that pet and pet parents will all enjoy! Try their unlimited Bath & Brush monthly membership program along with convenient and precise scheduling. Pet Bar is a full-service and self-service dog boutique.  Appointments are not necessary for the self-service wash section, and if you choose full-service wash or a groom, their professional dog bathers and groomers will make your pups look their best! PetBarInc.com/locations/Roswell

Clean Eatz: Dedicated to helping people create a healthy eating lifestyle, Clean Eatz Café offers lunch and dinner options such as bowls, wraps, meltz and smoothies. Grab-and-go freezers are in-store and contain 30-plus options at all times. Meals are $6.99. The core of their business is the weekly meal plan that offers six choices each week. It's not a subscription and is the most affordable way to stay on track with delicious healthy food. An email is sent each week with options, including all macros and allergens listed. Order what you like and pick it up in-store Sunday - Tuesday. Locally owned and operated by Deborah Erickson and Rusty Burleigh. CleanEatz.com

Elite Skillz Sports and Fitness: They have one goal, to help people become the best version of themselves! They offer programs for children and adults. Adult programs include Kickboxing Skillz and Yoga Skillz classes with Free Child watch. Elite Kidz programs include Karate Skillz and Ninja Obstacle Skillz. The after-school program is an extended day learning program for children grades K-5th where they pick up from local schools and provide a wide range of activities. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, fun, and affordable place that families can trust. Parents love it because it is all-inclusive and kids love it so much that they rarely want to go home! School break camps, parents' night out, mommy’s morning out and birthday parties are also offered. Summer Camp registration is now open! Call 678.674.4663 for a free trial membership or to save your child’s spot in camp. EliteSkillzSportsAndFitness.com

Body Fit Training, BFT Roswell: This is the place where you will get stronger, period. Strength training is something we should all do for the rest of our lives to help with quality of life. What better way to do this than with a welcoming community, personal trainers, and progressive programming! Scan the code and book your first class on us. Call 770.759.0880 BodyFitTraining. com/location/roswell

BODY FIT TRAINING

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

WHERE SCIENCE MEETS FITNESS

To say Alberto Perez is enthusiastic about fitness is an understatement. He and wife Martha Garza just opened Body Fit Training in Roswell and together, they want you to find your best self through their training program. We caught up with Alberto to find out more.

Roswell City Lifestyle: You are all about a well-balanced exercise program in a group setup with engaging coaches who provide fun, progressive training with a perfect mix of strength, cardio and endurance. How do you get started with someone on their first day?

Alberto Perez: That’s right. This is a wellrounded training program. It is the perfect formula between working with a personal trainer and doing it in a group setup. On the first day, our members can expect a welcoming community, energizing environment and to work with certified personal trainers that will coach you on the technique and drive accountability. On your first day you will meet with one of our trainers to learn about your fitness journey, any injuries

and fitness goals. You’ll get an Evolt 360 Body Composition Scan, put on your tennis shoes and step into our spacious training area. The class will start on the dot and that’s when our trainers will address the class in what we call the “talk time” where they’ll explain the purpose and science behind today’s session, what will be the focus, and the intervals scheme. They will then demo the movements and explain the room layout. After that, we go right into our warmup, and training. Finally, we’ll have time for cooling down and, very important, stretching. All done efficiently within 50 minutes.

RCL: You tout science and technology! That's great. Tell us about BFT's science-based programming and the technology used to track and maximize results.

AP: Yes, there’s a lot of research behind the programming and we aid this with technology for measured and maximum results. The main differentiator is that we focus on strength and that’s the reason why BFT had to develop its proprietary Heart Rate (HR) monitor.

The desired HR response for a cardio class is not the same as a strength class. Different exercises and exercise prescriptions have different physiological outputs!

The difference at BFT is our PXI (Performance X Intensity) targets. Each individual BFT session has a unique target PXI score. Adherence to the exercise prescription and the overall BFT

programming intensity will provide more reward. To achieve the target PXI score, and more importantly the optimal results/adaptations, members will be specifically rewarded for following the heart rates prescribed for each BFT in-studio session.

To track progress, our members have access to an Evolt 360 scanner as part of their membership. This is a state-of-the-art body composition scanner that will give us over 30 parameters to keep track of things like skeletal muscle mass, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, Basal Metabolic Rate, etc. This is how we keep track of how our body starts changing even before we can see it in the mirror. Another way we track progress is with our strength test. We test for five movements and members see how they can lift heavier over time, and we use the results of the test to incorporate in the progressive training. Then we have the performance app, where we keep track of the strength test results, data from each session and the medals/rewards received for adhering to the prescribed PXI. Our members stay motivated, and best of all, they get the results they are looking for.

RCL: Your proven elite, high-performance group training methods are tailored to deliver the best results for every stage of fitness. What does "proven elite, high-performance progressive training" mean?

AP: Our programming is designed with a purpose: to get you stronger. Strength training is something that we should all do for the rest of our lives. Think about it this way, it’s like your 401K or retirement plan. You need to add to it every day with the goal that it will last until your last day. Science tells us that there’s no other way to develop strong muscles than by using them and lifting weights. Strength is developed progressively, so training has to be progressive as well. Little by little we’ll get stronger, and we do this by having the right combination of weight and reps along the 8-to-10-week cycles program.

RCL: Your coaches are dedicated and highly trained and motivate, educate, inspire and push your members to achieve their goals.

AP: This is something we are very proud of. They are all certified personal trainers and have gone through our proprietary training. We want you to receive the attention that you deserve, and for that reason, we have more than one trainer in each session Having two to three trainers in every class allows us to pay attention to each of our members and make sure you are getting the proper coaching.

145 Woodstock Rd, Roswell 770.759.0880

BodyFitTraining.com

Vroom, Vroom!

75 Years of Porsche at the Savoy

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SAVOY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

The Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, GA is quickly gaining a reputation among car enthusiasts and collectors since opening its doors just over 16 months ago. One of the Savoy's newest temporary exhibits is  75 Years of Porsche , which celebrates the evolution of the brand and runs through July 30. The exhibit features some of the most significant and iconic Porsche models, including the 1955 Porsche 356 Continental and a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder on loan from the Ingram Collection, Durham, NC. Other

notable models on display include 1963 Porsche 901 Prototype on loan from Don and Diane Meluzio, York, PA; a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS on loan from Steven Harris, New York, NY; and the 1987 Porsche 959 on loan from the Mauzy Family & 1thirtyone Motorcars, Fort Worth, TX.  75 Years of Porsche  is guest curated by Ken Gross and is supported in part by Charles Schwab Kennesaw/The Pefferly Family. A trip to the Savoy is a must for anyone interested in automobiles and their history.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS on loan from Steven Harris, New York, NY

1963 Porsche 901 Prototype on loan from Don and Diane Meluzio, York, PA

How do you want to be remembered?

An estate plan is the best gift you can give to your family. I have helped hundreds of Roswell residents protect what they've worked hard for, and avoid the costs, delays, and hassles of Probate Court by using Living Trusts. If you want to protect your family and assets, call before July 1st to reserve a Free Strategy Session to discuss your options.

take action today: CALL OREN ROSS & ASSOCIATES for your free Estate Planning Strategy Session.

“Oren was referred to me by two different colleagues who are both top in their own fields. I found him to have immeasurable knowledge which he conveyed to me in concise and easy to understand ways and he advised me in accomplishing my

BLUE RIDGE BOYS

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLIINS

For the better part of three hours, standing in the middle of the gin-clear Noontootla Creek in Blue Ridge, I was laser-focused on a 2-inch piece of green yarn. I’d glance up occasionally for a new cast, looking for foam or those treasure troves of cold, dark water. My guide David Hulsey was patient, then pushy when that green yarn indicator dipped ever so slightly. Six times over that morning, I won the battle with strong and willful trout, learning when to let the fish run and when to reel like hell. Hulsey leads trips along the two miles of water over 1,200 acres owned by Noontootla Creek Farms. Other members of his team teach and guide upland wing shooting and sporting clays.

This is not your mama’s Blue Ridge, the cute little town where you have lunch on rainy North Georgia Mountain days.

Head up, unplug and make plans to paddle, raft, hike, golf, fish, shoot, bike or really go deep and join a class at Oyster Bamboo Rods to craft your own fly rod.

Waitlisted for months, the six-day workshops attract kings of industry and beginning sportsmen alike who are put through the paces of planning, shaping and finishing a bamboo rod using age-old techniques. Bill and Shannen Oyster have grown the business from their basement to the beautiful new brick building at the end of Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge.

Each Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is intensely hand-crafted. Bill is the only professional bamboo fly rod maker in the world who personally hand engraves his own rods. The performance and aesthetics of each rod are truly remarkable. Oyster has been commissioned to make rods for many of the world's finest anglers including President Jimmy Carter. As the most prolific teacher of this rod-making art alive today, Oyster draws students from as far away as England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand as well as every corner of the U.S. to his southern mountain town studio in beautiful Blue Ridge Bill oozes authenticity, originality and raw artistic talent. Shannen shares soulful stories of their students who all experience a shift, grown men hugging their finished rod, eyes welling.

Blue Ridge can do that.

This spirit of entrepreneurism, community and fierce custodial love for the land is pure Blue Ridge.

BlueRidgeMountains.com

OysterBamboo.com

NCFGA.net

TEMPERATURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND TAP

5 TIPS FOR DESIGNING A PLACE TO CALL HIS OWN

ARTICLE BY JENI RAKESTRAW

PLANNING IS EVERYTHING

Before you get started building space for the guys, it is crucial to have a solid plan in place for the things that are important to see in the room.

How much time do you usually spend at home? Will the space have multiple functions? Will the space be shared with children? Will you include a working space? All of these questions are vital to planning the space of your dreams.

CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL

It’s best to get a professional opinion before you get started on the actual building of your man space. A designer can help you create a unique and

functional space for your needs. They’ll tell you if something is even possible, which is especially important if you want some extra unusual features in the final space.

Even if you have an idea of what you want, getting expert advice throughout the process is still essential. A designer can take your ideas and wants to the next level of impact and make suggestions that you may not have dreamed of. This way, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about proceeding with your design.

CREATE A JAW-DROPPING ENTRYWAY

Make sure the entryway is different and has its own style. A secret door can be a fun way to separate the space from the rest of the house. You can create a brick wall with dark atmosphere lighting if you are entering a basement. The separation of styles from everyday function to masculine luxury can be accomplished with paint colors.

If you have a separate entryway, make sure it reflects the rest of your planned space. If not, look for interesting decorating pieces inside the actual room that can tie everything together.

FURNITURE FLOW

There are typical design rules for furniture layout and placement, yet there are no rules in a man cave. Plush velvet, leather chairs, zebra rugs, a bar counter covered in gunmetal... no rules apply if it is what brings him joy. The key to the selections is making sure you stay within the means. It is easy to invest too much money and not get a return on it when it's time to sell. Getting the right TV, how many TVs, where to position them if gaming or entertaining is coming into play - all these concerns should be outlined in your planning stage for a better result.

TEMPERATURE, TECHNOLOGY, AND TAP

Music, lighting, surround sound, and what’s on tap. You are creating a retreat at home. What do you stock and keep fresh? If you consider placing mirror behind a beverage area, it can create the illusion of looking larger. If you insert back wall lighting, it can evoke the feeling of a favorite bar you might like to visit.

HOME TIPS

You can do many things with a spare bedroom or an unfinished basement. If you’re creative and dedicated, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure that whatever you choose fits your needs and lifestyle.

See more design ideas here: CenturyParklnteriors.com

Photographed by Emily Followill

ARTICLE BY OREOLUWA ONABANJO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE MOSIER

TV PITMASTER CELEBRATES SUCCESS

Pitmaster Rodney Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years, he worked with his family in their bbq stop in Hemingway, SC until 2017 when he partnered with Nick Pihakis of Pihakis Restaurant Group to open Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, SC. In that same year the restaurant was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef Southeast.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ now has locations in Atlanta (near the old Braves stadium) and Birmingham, in addition to the original Charleston store. A third Birmingham area location opened in Trussville in the spring of 2022.

Rodney and the Pihakis Restaurant Group has partnered

with country music star Eric Church and Ben Weprin of AJ Capital to bring Rodney Scott’s BBQ to Nashville. Eric’s epic Broadway entertainment complex, Chief’s, will open in 2023 and Rodney’s pit-cooked meats and sides will be part of the bar and music venue.

Rodney has been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix Chef’s Table series and worked as a judge on two seasons of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl with Chef hosts Bobby Flay and Michael Symon. His cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ , published by Clarkson Potter, was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare including a coveted spot in The New York Times Top 10 Cookbooks of the Year.

RodneyScottsBBQ.com

FAE LEFT: Pitmaster Rodney Scott

ABOVE: We love a good mop and this one is the real deal.

More Reasons to SMILE

Cosmetic, implant & general dentistry for the family.

An international leader in cosmetic, implant and general dentistry for more than three decades, Dr. David Mastro’s patients travel world-wide for his Atlanta cosmetic dentistry and report that he is one of the country’s top cosmetic and general dentists.

Not your ordinary dentist, not your ordinary dental office.

Dr. Mastro is a unique dentist with his artistic expression developed through years of hand crafting crowns, veneers and bridges. Today, with the aid of the most advanced technology available, Dr. Mastro can care for patients’ complete dental needs from oral surgery and implants to fillings and general cleanings. Dr. Mastro is legendary for quality dentistry and for transforming smiles for people from all walks of life.

Before and Afters

Remembering

Roswell’s 34th Mayor

ARTICLE BY CITY OF ROSWELL STAFF

“Mayor Pug Mabry devoted his life to Roswell and to bettering our city in extraordinary ways,” said current Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson. “We will forever be grateful to him and his legacy of leadership and public service. I extend my deepest condolences to Pug’s wife, Sandra, to his family and friends, and to all those who loved and respected him.”  William Lee “Pug” Mabry, the 34th Mayor of Roswell, served the community for 31 years, from 1966 until 1997 and passed away April 28, at the age of 95.

Born to William Lee Mabry and Edna Jenkins Mabry on September 3, 1927, Pug received his lifelong nickname from a childhood neighbor who always said he was “as sweet as her dog, Pug.” The family moved in 1956 from Sandy Springs to live in Roswell, where the Mabry family was one of the longest-established and most influential families in the community. Pug was the great-great grandson of Robert Watson Mabry, who moved his family to the area by covered wagon in 1841. Mabry Rock, a historic site near where the family settled, is located within Roswell’s Leita Thompson Memorial Park and was frequently visited by Pug and other descendants throughout the years.

When Pug took office in 1966, Roswell was a sleepy town of about 3,000 residents. During his tenure, he saw the city’s population grow to almost 60,000. Under Pug’s leadership, the city purchased the 63 acres that would become Roswell Area Park, as well as the purchase and construction of the Roswell Municipal

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE ROSWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Complex, which houses City Hall and the Cultural Arts Center. He was instrumental in buying the land that would become Roswell’s riverfront parks and expanding many of the city’s recreation facilities. In addition, Pug supported the preservation of the historic homes purchased by the City of Roswell and the designation of Roswell’s Historic District to include 656 acres.

In 1988, the Georgia General Assembly honored Pug for his accomplishments and designated a portion of State Highway 9 to be named the W.L. “Pug” Mabry Highway. In 1998, the City of Roswell granted him the honorary title of Mayor Emeritus in recognition of his accomplishments. He celebrated his 90th birthday in 2017 during a special recognition ceremony at Roswell City Hall, surrounded by his beloved wife Sandra, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he received honors from then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp and U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, as well as former President Jimmy Carter.

In addition to serving the City of Roswell as Mayor, he worked for more than 40 years for Flagler Construction Company, overseeing field operations.

A public celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 7, at 2 p.m., at Roswell First Baptist Church, 710 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell. A private, family, graveside service will follow the church service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Pug Mabry to Roswell First Baptist Foundation at FBRoswell.org/give.

“We will forever be grateful to him and his legacy of leadership and public service. I extend my deepest condolences to Pug’s wife, Sandra, to his family and friends, and to all those who loved and respected him.”

Tuesday - Dinner Specials

Wednesday - Wine Down Whiskey Wednesdays

Thursday - Ladies Martini Night GaslightSupperClub.com

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC AHLGRIM & TRAE PATTON/NBC

Photo by Eric Ahlgrim

In front of a screaming television audience and millions of viewers, Bryce Leatherwood croons, singing Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” like it was his own. The way he wears his cowboy hat and holds himself, commanding the stage, belies his 22 years.

His voice proved to be more than just compelling, winning the hearts (and votes) of Americans on the 22nd season of the NBC show, The Voice. The champion grew up in Woodstock and returns home to see his parents, Cliff and Hope Leatherwood and grandparents nearby as often as possible.

“My family is my rock. Without my family, none of this would be worth it. As much as I’m doing this for myself, I’m doing this for everyone,” says Bryce. And by “this” he means competing and winning The Voice alongside his coach Blake Shelton and embarking on a career as a recording artist and country music superstar. “I want to put Woodstock on the map and make my family proud, make my hometown proud.”

A tribute to his childhood wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging his faith. The years growing up in the church pews at Hickory Flat United Methodist Church are the roots of his foundation, along with his family.

Bryce and his younger brother Lance grew up on their grandfather’s farm in Woodstock.

“Staking fence posts isn’t too fun, and it was tough being out there in the heat taking care of chores as kids. Lucky for us, we did a lot of playing too,” he says. They careened around on four-wheelers and dirt bikes, jumped in local swimming holes, and fished.   “We did it right.”

Now, he spends his days playing in the studio, writing music with some of the most talented songwriters in the business.

“Most of these songwriters have several number-one hits,” he says with admiration.

“I’ve written more than 30 original songs since the first of the year in Nashville.“

Grammy-nominated country artist Blake Shelton remembers those early days.

“When I think of myself at that age, I was hoping someday I would just hear myself on the radio. At that time, all my heroes were on the radio, and if I could just hear myself on the radio, mission accomplished,” said Shelton in an interview with People magazine just after Bryce’s win.

Bryce says his “mission accomplished” would be recording a song that people can connect with. “I want to put a song out there that impacts people and changes their lives. I want to tell stories about the common people of the south;

of Georgia. I want my songs to reflect the stories of my life.”

Reflecting on the formative experience on the four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series, Bryce says his biggest takeaway is that he discovered who he is as an artist. "I discovered who I am and the songs I want to create, the music I want to base my sound on and to honor the legends who came before me.” His plan is to be one of the greats, like his heroes Keith Whitley and Conway Twitty.

Bryce will perform in a City of Woodstock Welcome Home Celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 25 at the Northside Hospital - Cherokee Amphitheater in Woodstock. Admission is free! Welcome home, Bryce!

For concert information:  Woodstock.recdesk.com

Follow Bryce’s bright career at BryceLeatherwood.com  and on Instagram @BryceLeatherwood

With his deep talent and performance prowess, he found himself at home on the television stage. “The Voice band is full of incredibly talented musicians. It’s a tribute to them the way they translate the song to fit Bryce Leatherwood. They are to die for.” Managing the nerves of playing with such accomplished musicians and in front of millions of viewers, says Bryce, gets easier over time.  “It’s like getting calluses on your hands from working. You still feel it, but soon it hurts a little less.”  Sounds like a country hit! And, the excitement feeds him.  “It’s like mainlining adrenaline, the best feeling in the world.”

This Father’s Day, Bryce plans to be home spending time with his family. His brother Lance just graduated from Georgia Southern (Bryce’s alma mater) with a degree in finance.

“He is a smart and hardworking kid and knows I am proud of him, even when I make fun of him or push him in different ways. It’s my job as his older brother.”

The day will be built around good food, good stories, smiles, hugs, and handshakes.

“The best feeling in the world is to make the people who saw me grow up proud.  It’s the best feeling in my life.”

“I WANT TO PUT A SONG OUT THERE THAT IMPACTS PEOPLE AND CHANGES THEIR LIVES...”

Photo by Eric Ahlgrim

Lessons From Dad Run Deep

ARTICLE BY  JEFF FISCHER

Father’s Day has always been very special to me. In fact, it is extremely special since both my grandmothers died very young, as did my mother and mother-in-law. While there were several nurturing aunts, my grandfathers and father immediately became the primary role models in my life.

As a second generation American, I was always fascinated by the stories each granddad would share about the countries they came from, the challenges they faced to get to America, and the emotion they would show when they described becoming an American citizen. The families they started and the lives they led always inspired me. While neither had a formal education, they were extraordinarily knowledgeable about things that mattered, spoke numerous languages, could fix any household item and the house itself, and always saw every day as an opportunity. They not only talked about these things, but also showed them by example. I was always an apprentice learning something, often not willingly, as well as not truly learning how to do “it” exactly right… but it would be an education that I’d later rely on and appreciate.

My dad, who will be 87 this June, is very similar in his ability to share his knowledge of repairing the family car, putting on a roof, or building a driveway by hand with me and my two brothers (no sisters). All of these times are more than the task itself. They are quality times with people you love and admire.

Some of the best times I’ve had with my dad have been spending time working on a landscape project or going to a NY Giants game— just sharing the experience with only a few words spoken over hours of joyful time. This lifelong mentorship has instilled in me a desire to share my life experiences with my own son (and daughter), both in their 30s now. Outside of my Roswell family, whether I’m serving as a surrogate father at the local elementary school for a child on “donuts for dad” day or reading a story to a second-grade class on grandparents day, these experiences have a tremendous impact on my life and hopefully also on that child.

This is also a primary reason for being an active member of my church men’s group. Through our activities, we help each other as well as all members of our church and the community by distributing food at assisted living communities, cleaning up our adopted mile of road, or sprucing up an elderly person’s yard in the spring or fall. Mentoring, perhaps a little. Caring for others, within a group of men, absolutely. I can honestly say that I would not be the man I am today, if not for the men in my life, then and now. God bless them. Always.