Kids, Paws, and Home Runs: Roswell's Summer of Heart
There's something special about a community that shows up for its youngest members two-legged and four-legged alike. This issue, we're celebrating the people, programs, and pups making Roswell feel like the kind of place where everyone gets a fair shot at thriving.
We start with the kids themselves, the ones quietly (and not so quietly) doing extraordinary things. From young entrepreneurs to student volunteers to kids raising money for causes bigger than themselves, Roswell's next generation is proving that age is no barrier to impact. Their stories remind us that leadership doesn't wait for adulthood.
Then there are the animals waiting for their people. We're shining a light on local pet adoption efforts, the shelters and rescues working tirelessly to match dogs and cats with forever homes, and the families whose lives have been changed by a wagging tail at the door. Adoption isn't just about saving an animal — it's about gaining a companion who saves you right back.
Speaking of four-legged heroes, we're introducing you to Goose, Roswell's own Police K-9 unit. These highly trained partners work alongside our officers to keep the community safe, and their bond with their handlers is nothing short of remarkable. It's a partnership built on trust, discipline, and mutual devotion.
And finally, we sit down with, Matt Capps, former professional baseball player who's trading the big leagues for the little leagues — investing his time, resources, and expertise back into Roswell. Now coaching and revamping the local Little League youth baseball program, he's giving kids access to the kind of mentorship and skill-building that can shape not just better players, but better young people. It's a full-circle story of giving back to the game that gave him so much.
Whether it's a child's big idea, a rescue pup's new beginning, a K-9's daily bravery, or a coach's second act, this issue is about the connections that make Roswell home. Turn the page, and meet the heroes big, small, and furry who prove it.
Continue to support our local businesses in Roswell and see you at the Alive at Five, August 20th!
Cheers!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Tran Bui Smith | tran.smith@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Kelly Lobuglio | kelly.lobuglio@citylifestyle.com
AREA COORDINATOR
Jeff Fischer | jeff.fischer@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Albright Photography julie.albrightphotography@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Mike Thomas | mike@mikethomasgroup.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tran Bui, Nicholas Porche, Valerie Shepherd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Albright Photography, Jude&JoJos, Narda Sigala, Jon Bauer, Jeremy Estroff
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @ROSWELLCITYLIFESTYLE
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Matt Capps with his son Wells and James Thomas,
1: Ribbon cutting celebration for You42, a unique entertainment venue and studio 2: Val Rogers, Kelly Evers & Emma Dyer supporting Mental Health Week at Roswell High School 3: Roswell Women's Club
Roswell. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is officially serving
Couture Classic Boutique Chic
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Roswell has officially opened its new Public Safety Headquarters!
Roswell Police and Fire Department are operating under one roof, with centralized hub that strengthens coordination and supports faster emergency response across community.
Funded through the voter-approved 2022 Public Safety Bond Program, the new campus includes updated technology, secure evidence storage, fleet support facilities and dedicated training space for first responders.
This is part of Roswell's ongoing commitment to providing safe, reliable, modern public safety services for residents today and for generations to come.
Summer Sippin' ends August 18th
Summer Sippin’ returns to Roswell for its 11th year, inviting residents and visitors to sip their way through the city’s most creative seasonal beverages. Running through August 18, the popular competition features 57 participating breweries, restaurants, tasting rooms, and coffee shops serving summer-inspired drinks. Guests can sample entries in three categories—Cocktail, Mocktail, and Non-Alcoholic—and vote for their favorites while exploring Roswell’s vibrant food and beverage scene.
Rediscover the confidence and glow you’ve been missing. Our board-certified dermatologists and licensed medical aestheticians craft personalized treatment plans - from Botox and fillers to lasers and rejuvenating facials, designed to help you feel like yourself, only brighter. Because at Cleaver, your skin is more than our specialty - it’s our passion.
Roswell's school awarded another high Achievement
Roswell's very own Sweet Apple Elementary School was recognized by the state of Georgia through the Single State Accountability System (SSAS) awards. The school earned Platinum Status for Highest Performing and Silver Status for Greatest Gains. These recognitions reflect not only high levels of achievement, but also their commitment to making meaningful progress and closing gaps for all students.
Quilters: A Musical, nominated for six Tony Awards, brings the voices of pioneer women to life through stories of resilience, sacrifice, and storytelling woven together through the art of quilting. This is the Signature event of Roswell’s yearlong America250 celebration, A Tapestry of Generations. Only runs for two weekends, August 14–16 and August 21–23 at Roswell Cultural Arts Center and is made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Dr. Militello, a board-eligible dermatologist, in Roswell office providing comprehensive dermatologic care for patients of all ages, with expertise in medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology.
She has a special interest in early skin cancer detection, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, hair and nail disorders, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach.
In addition to her clinical expertise, she is an accomplished researcher and educator who has published extensively in leading dermatology journals.
North Fulton Chamber presents award winners
Congratulations to the Greater North Fulton Chamber's Non-Profit of the Year Award Winners: Children's Development Academy and The Lionheart School (Lionheart Life Center). And to our Leadership North Fulton Class of 2026 on their graduation! Thank you, Ret. Lt. Col. William E. Brown, for your inspiring remarks as we celebrated America 250 and the organizations making a difference in our community.
Dr. Aaron Larsen
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ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
A North Georgia farm helps individuals and families build confidence, connection, and purpose through the powerful bond between people, animals, and nature.
Finding Belonging
Together
For families searching for connection, confidence, and a sense of community, Hand, Hoof & Heart has become much more than a farm. Since founding the organization in 2013, Erin Chimberoff has created a place where individuals feel seen, supported, and accepted exactly as they are.
Located in Acworth, the program offers therapeutic horsemanship, adaptive therapeutic riding, unmounted equine education, garden club, vocational and social skills groups, inclusive summer camps, and field trips. Through relationships with animals, nature, and the community, participants build confidence, communication, independence, and emotional growth.
Hand, Hoof & Heart founder Erin Chimberoff
The mission is deeply personal.
“Hand, Hoof and Heart grew out of my own need for connection, purpose, and belonging,” Erin shared. “Animals and the outdoors were always what helped bring me back out into the world.”
After struggling with severe social anxiety herself, Erin said animals became a source of comfort and confidence. Creating the program became her way of building the kind of community she always needed growing up.
“I wanted it to be a place where people could feel safe enough to show up as themselves, accepted enough to keep coming back, and inspired enough to discover what they were capable of,” she said.
Erin believes one of the biggest misconceptions about healing and equine therapy is that growth has to look dramatic or immediate.
“Everyone is always looking for big, out loud moments that everyone can see, but we forget that those moments only happen after a series of small, quiet, extremely important steps,” Erin explained. “People want the waterfall, but they forget about the stepping stones that get them there.”
That growth is something families like the McCrays of Smyrna have experienced firsthand through their son, Scottie, who has a rare diagnosis called GABRB2.
“As a parent, knowing that we have this outlet for him to be able to come and enjoy and spend time here really gives us a peace of mind,” Scott McCray said.
“Hand, Hoof, and Heart has just been really great for Scottie and his anxiety. I'm just glad there's something that he likes and he could be a part of,” Rachel McCray added.
For Erin, seeing those transformations never gets old.
“When we take the time to learn how someone communicates, how they process the world, and what helps them feel confident, we get to see what they were capable of all along,” she said.
www.handhoofheart.org
The McCray family
Atlanta's Newest Sports Powerhouse
How a Roswell youth rowing club quietly became one of the nation’s best.
For years, Atlanta has built a reputation as a powerhouse sports city. Friday night football lights up fields across Roswell, baseball diamonds stay busy all spring, and soccer, basketball, and lacrosse continue producing incredible athletes. But now there’s another sport making waves… and quite literally doing it on the Chattahoochee River.
Atlanta is officially on the rowing map.
Based in Roswell, the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association (AJRA) has quietly been building something remarkable. Training more than 150 athletes from middle school through high school, the program has grown into one of the nation’s premier youth rowing clubs. This season, they reached a milestone: a Top 10 national finish and qualifying five boats to compete at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota.
Against some of the fastest youth crews in the nation—and athletes who will eventually compete on the world stage—AJRA delivered one of the strongest performances in program history. Highlights
included the Men's Varsity 8+ finishing 7th nationally, Women's Second Varsity 8+ earning another Top 5 finish, Men's U17 Four+ placing 8th, Men's Second Varsity A 8+ earning a Top 10 finish, Men's Second Varsity B 8+ (racing up a class!) and Women's Varsity 8+ delivering Top 25 finishes.
But ask AJRA families or Men's Head Coach Zach Smarr, and they'll tell you the medals aren't the whole story. “What AJRA has built is a culture,” he says.
Athletes often begin in middle school and progress through developmental and novice squads before earning a varsity seat. Success is visible, and so is the work behind it.
“ Rowing may be the ultimate team sport. Every seat is earned. Every stroke matters. Every athlete depends on the people beside them,” says Women's Head Coach Maddux Castle.
Atlanta may not traditionally be known for rowing, but AJRA has quickly changed that.
Proving greatness doesn't always happen under stadium lights; it's happening on the Chattahoochee River, one stroke at a time.
We’ve put high expectations on these kids. And they’ve put higher expectations on themselves. “
Kelley and Connor Beecham's Love Story, one young couple's journey back home
ROOTED IN ROSWELL
ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE
Their love story is proof that the world is smaller than it seems. Connor's dad, Steve Beecham, and Kelley's best friend, Mary Hannah, are responsible for bringing them together. Our families had been loosely connected for generations through Austell, Georgia — where Kelley grew up and where Connor's mother spent much of her childhood. There were friendships between grandparents, family ties through a local pharmacy, and lifelong relationships that intertwined across decades. The moment everything came together happened in April 2023 on a back porch in St. Simons Island during Mary Hannah's bachelorette weekend. Steve met Kelley and spent about 45 minutes talking with her. Afterward, he excused himself, claiming he needed to "fix a lampshade." Instead, he called Connor and said, "Dude, I just met your wife."
Meanwhile, Mary Hannah and her sisters were encouraging Kelley to give Connor a chance. A few weeks later, they went on their first date, and the rest is history. What Connor loves most about Roswell is that it has managed to grow without losing its identity. While many Atlanta suburbs have changed dramatically, Roswell has held onto its charm and sense of community. His grandparents moved here in the 1950s, and the family has deep roots in the city. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2015, Connor knew Roswell was where he wanted to build his future. Friends used to joke that when he found his wife, he wouldn't propose with a ring, he would propose with a key to a house in Roswell.
Fortunately, Kelley didn't need much convincing. She had visited Roswell years earlier for Alive After 5 and always dreamed of living here. After their wedding, they spent just six months in Brookhaven before making the move north. Today, they live near Canton Street, ride their golf cart into town, fish in their neighborhood pond, and enjoy life alongside wonderful neighbors. What makes Roswell special isn't just the restaurants, parks, or walkability — it's the memories of childhood and the future being built together.
Being able to live, work, and serve in the same community is deeply meaningful to both of them. Kelley works as a counselor and recently joined Anchored Mind, an innovative Roswell-based wellness concept that brings together counseling, nutrition, and fitness to support whole-person health. Connor co-owns Home Town Mortgage with his father, Steve, believing the best way to grow professionally is by becoming genuinely invested in the community he serves.
Their involvement in local businesses and neighborhoods comes from a real love for this city and a desire to contribute to its future.
The moment they knew Roswell was exactly where they belonged came just two weeks after moving from Brookhaven. Those first weeks were difficult as they had moved into their home mid-renovation, surrounded by dust, construction, and uncertainty. One evening, they took a long walk through their neighborhood. As they passed a house, an older woman was tending a beautiful vegetable garden in her front yard. She looked up and smiled.
"You're just in time," she said.
"For what?" they asked.
"To take home some vegetables."
She introduced herself as Pam and filled a large bag with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, jalapeños, and more. As they walked away carrying their unexpected bounty, they kept looking at each other in disbelief. It felt like something from another era, a simple, generous act from a neighbor they had never met.
In that moment, Roswell felt like home.
They hope it continues to be exactly that for every generation that follows, a community where people genuinely care for one another, and where belonging never goes out of style.
“Being able to live, work, and serve in the same community is deeply meaningful to both of them.”
Young, Driven & Making a Difference
Through perseverance, compassion, leadership, and purpose, these young people are leaving a lasting mark on their community.
From athletes and performers to advocates and community volunteers, these local rising leaders are making an impact while pursuing their own dreams. Though their paths are different, they share a common thread: a willingness to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and inspire others along the way.
Some are creating nonprofits, others are performing on stage, competing in athletics, developing new business ideas, or giving back through community service. Together, their stories reflect the many ways young people are strengthening the Roswell community while inspiring others to dream bigger, work harder, and lead with kindness.
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
CJ Matthews believes age should never limit a person's ability to make an impact.
CJ Matthews
CJ Matthews has spent most of his life serving others. Following the loss of his baby sister, he founded Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation at the age of five. What began as an effort to comfort children facing difficult circumstances has grown into an organization that has provided thousands of blankets, books, meals, and essential items to families in need.
Over the years, the foundation has expanded beyond blankets to provide comfort, hope, and practical resources for children and families facing difficult seasons. Matthews has also inspired countless young volunteers to discover that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Now preparing to begin his college football career at Ottawa University, Matthews continues to expand his impact through The
Giving Bowl, a service initiative that unites athletes, businesses, and community members to support children and families.
His passion for service has become just as important as his love of football. Through every project, Matthews hopes to encourage other young people to recognize that leadership isn't about age or titles. It's about showing up, serving others, and leading by example.
Despite his leadership roles, Matthews says many people are surprised to learn he is an introvert.
"Being a leader doesn’t mean being the loudest person in the room, it means being willing to use your voice when it matters."
Whether his future leads to the NFL or a career in sports medicine, Matthews says helping others will always remain part of his purpose.
From football fields and gymnastics mats to theater stages and community service projects, these local rising leaders are proving that age is no barrier to making a difference and inspiring others through their actions.
For Chloe Driese, gymnastics has become a lesson in resilience, confidence, and perseverance.
Chloe Driese
For Chloe Driese, gymnastics is about far more than medals and competition. The young athlete has learned resilience, discipline, and confidence through years of training while also sharing her journey with other aspiring gymnasts through social media.
Hours of practice have taught Chloe that progress doesn't happen overnight. Every new skill requires patience, determination, and a willingness to keep trying after setbacks. These are lessons she carries with her both inside and outside the gym.
She enjoys encouraging fellow athletes and showing both the successes and challenges that come with pursuing a dream.
"Once I began competing, something just clicked for me. I realized I loved challenging myself and having fun doing it."
Chloe admires Olympic champion Gabby Douglas for her confidence, positivity, and perseverance. Her advice to others is simple: trust the process, take things one step at a time, and never be afraid to start over when necessary.
She hopes that by sharing her own journey, other young athletes will understand that growth often comes from persistence rather than perfection. Her ultimate goal?
"The Olympics. That's the dream."
Ty Brown believes everyone deserves friendship, inclusion, and the opportunity to belong.
Ty Brown
Ty Brown believes everyone deserves friendship, belonging, and the opportunity to be included.
Throughout high school, Ty became known for his infectious personality and genuine kindness. Whether cheering on classmates or volunteering in the community, he has always enjoyed bringing people together.
Born with Down syndrome, Brown graduated from Lassiter High School in 2025, where he served as soccer manager, participated in numerous service projects, and was voted Homecoming King. After graduation, he missed being involved in the community and searched for a new way to connect with others.
That led him to Roswell Players, where he joined Shrek Jr. and found a place to share his heart and build new friendships.
Performing has given him another opportunity to express himself while building confidence and lasting friendships."I want to be included in life and have friends."
Brown encourages anyone interested in Roswell Players to simply be themselves.
"They will help you along the way."
His future goal is to attend the Georgia Tech EXCEL program for adults with disabilities.
Dominic Dal Cerro
For Dominic Dal Cerro, food is more than a passion. It's a way to connect with people and make a difference. The Roswell High School rising senior balances two jobs, while pursuing his interests in cooking, nutrition, and entrepreneurship.
His curiosity reaches beyond the kitchen. Dominic enjoys learning about different cultures and believes food has a unique ability to bring people together, start conversations, and create lasting memories.
He founded Purpose on a Plate, an initiative focused on using food to positively impact others. He is also developing Fasted, a performance supplement designed to help people start their day with focus and energy.
Whether he's preparing meals, experimenting with new recipes, or developing new ideas, his goal is always the same: use food as a way to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Dominic’s passion for helping others through food became clear when he began serving meals to those in need.
"When I began serving home cooked meals to others and saw the look on their faces, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue."
He credits his grandfather, whom he affectionately calls Abuelo, as a major inspiration for his commitment to healthy living and hard work.
That encouragement has fueled Dominic's desire to pursue a career where business, hospitality, and service come together.
His advice to other young people is simple:
"You're going to regret not trying. Just go for it."
Looking ahead, Dal Cerro hopes to combine his love of food and service by opening a restaurant that helps families facing food insecurity.
CONTINUED >
Dominic Dal Cerro is turning his passion for food into a mission to serve others.
Bennett D. Key Ari Harris & Will Parnaby
Bennett Key approaches life with enthusiasm, humor, and creativity.
His positive attitude and quick sense of humor have made him a favorite among friends and castmates, and he approaches each new experience with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Born with a rare condition called Joubert Syndrome, Key chooses to focus on what brings him joy, whether that means spending time with family, touring with the Songs for Kids Band, or participating in Roswell Players.
Theater has become more than a hobby. It has provided a place where he feels supported, valued, and encouraged to express his creativity.
After learning about the program from his caregiver, Billy, Key eagerly signed up and quickly discovered a community he loves. He especially enjoys the friendships he has built through rehearsals and performances.
"I was happy because I am passionate about theater."
Known for his sense of humor and love of wrestling, Key credits his mother as his biggest role model because of her unwavering support and advocacy.
His dream is both ambitious and inspiring.
"I want to write my own musical called Love."
For Ari Harris and Will Parnaby, dance has been about much more than technique. The rising seniors have grown up together at the Roswell Dance Theatre at the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance, beginning their ballet journeys at just 2 and 4 years old. Over the years, they've become not only accomplished dancers but also lifelong friends.
Their years together have been shaped by discipline, teamwork, and countless hours in the studio. Beyond technical training, dance has taught them responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of supporting one another.
Each year, the school's senior dancers choreograph and produce an original concert, using their talents to give back. Last year, the performance raised nearly $14,000 for Blessings in a Backpack, helping provide food for children throughout the community.
Their dedication has also opened doors beyond Roswell. Ari has trained with Nashville Ballet and will attend the Regional Dance America Dance and Choreography Intensive this summer. Will has participated in summer programs with Louisville Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, and will train with Miami City Ballet this summer.
Those experiences have exposed them to dancers from across the country while reinforcing the strong foundation they built in Roswell.
As they prepare for their senior year, both plan to continue dancing in college while carrying with them the lessons they've learned through years of training.
"Growing up in the company has meant more than just dance training—it's character training and being part of a community," says Will.
Bennett Key finds joy through theater, music, friendship, and making others laugh.
Ari Harris & Will Parnaby have grown up together through dance, friendship & service.
The GS Bestie Squad
What started as a group of toddlers sharing toys at The Goddard School has grown into a friendship that has lasted more than a decade. Known affectionately as the "GS Bestie Squad," the children of the Hughes, Monahan, Roberts, Robinson, and Wilson families have grown up together through birthdays, sports seasons, school events, and countless milestones. Over the past five years, they have added another tradition to their friendship through Keep Roswell Beautiful's street adoption program.
Over the years, the cleanups have become more than a volunteer project. They provide an opportunity for the families to reconnect, celebrate milestones, and teach the next generation the value of giving back.
Several times each year, the group gathers along Crabapple Road to collect litter and help care for the community they call home. What began as a parent led activity has become something the kids genuinely care about.
The same children who once played together at The Goddard School now wear safety vests, carry litter pickers, and spend hours helping keep Roswell beautiful while catching up on life and celebrating each other's successes.
As they prepare for college and future careers, they carry with them more than memories. They carry a shared commitment to friendship, service, and community pride.
Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the strongest impact comes not from one individual, but from a group of friends growing up together and choosing to leave their community a little better than they found it.
Together, they have collected countless bags of litter while creating memories that will last far beyond their school years. Their commitment shows that community service doesn't have to be a one-time event. It can become a lifelong tradition.
Whether through athletics, the arts, advocacy, inclusion, or service, these young people are already making a meaningful difference. Their stories remind us that leadership isn't defined by age. It's defined by character, compassion, and a commitment to making the world around them better.
There is something powerful about a community moving together for a cause.
The GOCA Teal Trot 5K Run/Walk is more than a signature event. It is a day of purpose, remembrance, celebration, and action. Survivors, caregivers, families, and advocates gather side by side, united in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Hosted by Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Teal Trot raises critical funds and awareness to support education, advocacy, and programs serving those impacted across Georgia.
Whether you run for someone you love, walk in honor of a survivor, or show up to support the cause, every stride carries meaning.
“Every
From preschool classmates to community volunteers, the GS Bestie Squad continues to grow together.
Local Cravings
Spotlighting standout dishes that keep diners returning to beloved restaurants.
ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE
Sushi Yoko & Tomato Japanese Grocery
A family-run Japanese restaurant serving for nearly three decades. One kitchen, two ways to eat well. During the day, SushiYOKO is comfort food. Tonkatsu, donburi bowls, udon, ramen, and lunch sets, the honest Japanese cooking you would find at a neighborhood spot back home. Nothing fussy. Just good. At night, the counter turns to omakase. A seasonal tasting course built around fish flown in from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, served at the pace the chef sets. Same room, two very different concepts. That is the whole idea. If you can sit with us, we will cook for you. If you cannot, you can pick up onigiri, a bento, or one of the first sushi push pops in Atlanta from Tomato2 and take a piece of SushiYOKO home with you. sushiyokoatl.com
Canton Street Social
Located just across from the Heart of Roswell Park, Canton St. Social is proud to celebrate four years of serving the neighborhood globally inspired craft cocktails and thoughtfully prepared dishes. Our diverse menu spans seafood like our signature Canton St. Salmon, steaks, burgers, brick-oven pizzas, comforting brunch favorites, and scratch-made desserts—including our famous Praline Pecan Bread Pudding. Crafted with everyone in mind, our menu reflects our passion for creating unique and delicious dishes. Paired with friendly service and a lively atmosphere, our family-run restaurant is one you won’t want to miss. cantonstsocial.com
Sushi Yoko
Canton St. Social
8560 HOLCOMB BRIDGE RD STE 108
FOR MER MLB ALL-STAR MATT CAPPS IS INVESTING IN YOUNG ATHLETES, BUILDING COMMUNITY, AND PROVING BASEBALL'S GREATEST LESSONS EXTEND BEYOND BASEBALL.
FROM MAJOR LEAGUE MOUNDS
The roar of a packed Major League stadium may be behind him, but for Matt Capps, the game that shaped his life is still very much a part of who he is.
Today, Capps can often be found on a baseball field in Roswell, encouraging young players, talking with parents, and helping build a program designed to give local athletes the opportunity to grow without leaving their hometown.
For Capps, baseball has always been about more than wins and losses. The lessons he learned throughout his career now shape his work as a broadcaster, coach, and community leader in Roswell.
Growing up in Georgia, baseball quickly became more than a pastime. His father, Mike, introduced him to the game and helped establish the values that would remain with him throughout his professional career.
When asked who influenced him most growing up in the game, Capps didn't hesitate.
"My father for sure."
Those early years laid the foundation for a remarkable professional career. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2002, Capps worked his way through the minor leagues before making his Major League debut in 2005. Over an eight-year career, he pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins, earning recognition as one of baseball's top relief pitchers. In 2010, he was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, one of the sport's highest honors. He later spent time with the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks before retiring from professional baseball.
"It’s hard to say one moment in particular as most proud, but pitching in the All-Star Game and representing my team was certainly at the top of the list!"
"The Pirates drafted me and gave me the opportunity to be a big leaguer for the first time. Honoring the chance they gave me to live out my life long dream was very special. As I got to know the people of Pittsburgh and understand the grittiness of our fanbase, it made it even more special to wear the black and gold!"
Eventually, Capps knew it was time for a new chapter.
"I still don’t think I’m over the game and competing, but it became clear that the game had moved on from me. I remember a veteran player telling me early in my career that at every point in every player's journey, something tells you that it’s over. Mine was expedited by an injury, but the next wave of players quickly surpassed what I was able to do and I knew my window to compete was closing."
Broadcasting came unexpectedly.
"This is a great lesson in life! Always treat people with respect and how you would want to be treated. I got a call with an opportunity to get into broadcasting by the director for the Pirates. He remembered my name because of how he saw me interacting with fans, employees, and my teammates."
Although baseball has taken him across the country, Roswell became home for a simple reason.
"I grew up in Georgia and would play a lot of my high school summer ball around the Roswell area and always loved being here. My wife and I are good friends with Jimmy Barthmaier (Roswell High School legend) and his wife, Maria. We came to visit them and decided Roswell is where we wanted to be."
That vision led to BSBL, a youth baseball program whose name spells "baseball" without the vowels.
"We wanted to create a place for kids to compete at a high level in Roswell. There are a bunch of good programs around us, but local kids would have to leave the city to compete and we wanted to provide a place that could be home for kids to play from the very beginning of their baseball days from T-Ball and coach pitch with the rec department through high school."
"My hope through our coaches is that the players learn and develop a love of what I believe is the greatest game on the planet. We preach attitude and effort as this game is a very difficult game to play. We want to control the controllables. Our attitude and effort will always be within our ability to control."
Matt and his parents
Those same values were first taught by his father.
"Attitude and effort were all he preached. We had plenty of skill and fundamental conversations, but I never saw him mad or frustrated if he knew I was giving everything I had."
That same philosophy now shapes the culture he hopes to build in Roswell; a place where young athletes become better teammates, stronger competitors, and better people.
Away from baseball, Capps has also found a passion for real estate and development.
"So many wonderful things about Roswell like Canton Street, our parks and the ability to be outside. I can’t wait for Hillrose Market (a mixed-use development in Downtown Roswell) to be completed and open, but mostly the people and the feeling of community that we have here."
"People may not know that I like the real estate world and seeing things built. I’ve been involved with Hillrose Market and seeing it come out of the ground."
For Matt Capps, the uniform may have changed, but the mission remains remarkably similar: show up, work hard, respect people, and leave the game and the community better than you found it.
Wells, Matt and James
The Capps family in Cooperstown
Matt in the broadcast booth for the Pirates
GOOSE: ROSWELL'S UNLIKELY BOMBSNIFFING HERO
MEET THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER PROVING K-9S COME IN ALL BREEDS
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
When most people picture a police K-9, they imagine a big German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. That is why so many are surprised to meet Goose, a Labrador Retriever serving alongside Master Police Officer K-9 Handler Barron Dixon with the Roswell Police Department. "Labs are a great fit for this work," says Officer Dixon.
Officer Barron Dixon & his K-9 partner Goose
Their exceptional sense of smell and ability to stay focused allow them to consistently detect scents without becoming distracted. Just as important is their temperament. Labradors are naturally calm, steady, and comfortable in busy, noisy environments, making them well-suited for places like airports, community events, and other crowded public spaces.
Goose has served with the Roswell Police Department for just over four years as an Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) K-9, more commonly known as a "bomb dog." His work is part of the department's broader K-9 program, which also includes dual-purpose dogs trained in narcotics detection and criminal apprehension.
One of the biggest ways police K-9s help protect the community is through detection work. Their highly trained noses allow them to locate and smell things humans simply can't, including illegal drugs, explosives, and missing persons.
That ability doesn't happen by accident. It requires extensive training. Police K-9s spend countless hours mastering obedience, reinforcing specific odors, proofing against environmental and other distractions, and participating in ongoing maintenance training throughout their careers.
"The science behind a dog's nose is remarkable," shares Dixon. "While humans typically smell scents as one combined odor, K-9s can detect and separate individual odors within the same mixture. The percentage of their
brain dedicated to analyzing smells is nearly 40 times larger than that of humans, making them extraordinary partners in protecting the public."
While Goose plays an important role in public safety, he's still a dog at heart. When off duty, his favorite activity is a classic game of fetch. His most prized rewards include a Kong toy attached to a rope and a well loved squeaky duck.
There's also a playful side to his competitive nature. "If Goose knows another police dog is working nearby while he's waiting in the vehicle, he becomes very vocal," shares Dixon.
That enthusiasm is part of what makes working dogs so effective. They genuinely enjoy the challenge and thrive on having a job to do.
When Goose eventually retires, he'll trade his badge for a quieter life as a full-time family pet. Until then, he'll continue putting his powerful nose to work, proving that sometimes the most important member of a police team walks on four legs and answers to the name Goose.
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Before and Afters
Building More Than Athletes
How one coach is helping young athletes build confidence, resilience, strength, and character beyond sports.
For more than two decades, Julian A. Amedee has trained student athletes to become stronger, faster, and more prepared for competition. But ask the young people who work with him what makes the biggest difference, and many will point beyond the physical results. They talk about confidence, resilience, leadership, and the impact his mentorship has had on their lives both on and off the field.
“I have been training athletes since 2001,” said Amedee. “Once I received my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and started training more athletes, I realized this was where my passion for sports and helping/teaching came together.”
Over the years, he has watched athletes transform physically. “I have seen athletes get faster and stronger over time,” he said. “I have seen uncoordinated athletes start to excel in their sport.”
Still, Amedee believes the mental side of training is just as important as the physical side. “This is what I pride my training on,” he said. “It is not just the physical aspects of training that develop a good athlete; the mental aspects also play a role.”
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
That mindset has left a lasting impression on athletes like Hannah Gore, a former softball player who went on to compete collegiately at Berry College. “I wanted to play softball in college so I decided to take training more seriously,” said Gore. “I heard about Coach Julian because he was training a number of top athletes at Roswell High School, and he had a reputation for being one of the best in the business.”
Gore said the results showed quickly. “I am stronger, faster, and more athletic since training with Coach Julian,” she said. “My skill set as an athlete improved drastically, which helped me compete at the highest level in travel softball and achieve my goal of playing collegiately at my dream school, Berry College.” But for Gore, the biggest transformation came mentally.
Julian A Amedee
“I am one of those athletes who often struggled with confidence on and off the field, regardless of my success,” she said. “Coach Julian played a huge role in addressing that and other aspects of my mental game.” She credits his encouragement and focus on mindset for helping her become more confident and resilient in all areas of life.
“Before working with Coach Julian, my mental game hindered my performance and made me doubt my ability,” she said. “I became more mentally tough and am better equipped to handle challenges, both on and off the field.” Amedee believes resilience is something athletes build through experience, mistakes, and setbacks.
“A major part of my training is built on striving for progress and not perfection,” he said. “Once they start training, they get a lifetime free pass to mess up.” That philosophy has continued to shape Gore long after her playing career. Today, she trains six days a week, prioritizes both physical and mental wellness, and now works with young athletes herself.
“He has also inspired me to pursue a career in coaching youth athletes,” she said. “I strive to instill the same values in my athletes that Coach Julian has instilled in me.”
For Amedee, seeing athletes grow into confident young adults is the most rewarding part of the job. “I take great pride when I see an athlete grow,” he said. “I am honored to be a part of their journey.”
Coach Julian & former student athlete Hannah Gore
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INNOVATION ACADEMY STUDENTS TURN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT INTO ACTION, INSPIRING CHANGE LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY.
BUI
ARTICLE BY TRAN
For students involved in Sole Purpose: The Good Trouble Project, history is not something confined to textbooks. It is a call to action.
Over the past year, students from Innovation Academy have registered voters, spoken on the steps of the Georgia Capitol, partnered with community organizations, and taught younger students about civic engagement. Their efforts, inspired by the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis, are now earning national recognition.
The initiative grew out of the Smithsonian Democracy in Dialogue program, a partnership between Innovation Academy teacher Meggin Sussman and Dr. Shelina Warren of Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. Together, they challenged students to examine how one person can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and within their community.
As students explored Lewis’ example of service, leadership, and perseverance, they were encouraged to consider a question that became the driving force behind their work.
“As we celebrate 250 years of democracy, how can you walk in the path of Good Trouble and positively impact your community?” Simply put, “What is your legacy?”
The longtime Georgia congressman became the centerpiece of the project because of his commitment to justice, equality, and civic participation. His story offered students a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people willing to take action.
WALKING THE PATH OF GOOD TROUBLE
“John Lewis was an incredibly important Civil Rights leader that represented Georgia for many years in Washington, D.C. Dr. Warren and I decided to focus on John Lewis and his actions taken to improve the lives of all Americans, with a focus on civic engagement such as voting rights,” Sussman explained.
The lessons quickly moved beyond classroom discussions and into real world experiences. In partnership with the League of Women Voters and Fulton County Elections, students organized voter registration drives that registered 118 students. They attended Youth Day at the Capitol, spoke from the Capitol steps, developed educational materials connected to the musical Young John Lewis, visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and shared what they learned with 130 fifth-grade students at John Lewis Elementary School.
For Sussman, the experience reinforced something she has witnessed throughout her three decades in education.
“As a teacher of 30 years, there is very little that can surprise me. I have seen how motivated and enthusiastic students are when they are passionate about a topic, but many times, they feel powerless. Through examining the life of John Lewis, the students saw someone that was close to their age advocating for changes and being successful.”
The group's work recently received national recognition when Sole Purpose was selected to present at the National Council for the Social Studies conference.
“We were thrilled!! I am excited that our hard work is going to reach an even broader audience and hopefully inspire teachers from across the United States to lead a design team and make changes, however small, in their world.”
Adding to the excitement, student leaders Laryn Russell and Colby Gallow will help present the project alongside Sussman, sharing their experiences and lessons learned with educators from across the country.
Young Laryn with John Lewis
“As we learned, John Lewis stood up for the rights of all citizens and dedicated his life to making the world a better place through non-violent resistance. Young people can make the world a better place through some Good Trouble.”
The momentum will continue next school year through partnerships with the Atlanta History Center, Roswell Historical Society, League of Women Voters, Fulton County Elections, and John Lewis Elementary School. For these students, Good Trouble is more than a lesson from history; it is a blueprint for creating positive change in their own communities.
Student leaders Laryn Russell and Colby Gallow helped drive many of the project’s activities, from voter registration efforts to community outreach. Their work will now be showcased on a national stage when they present Sole Purpose: The Good Trouble Project at the National Council for the Social Studies conference.
Student leaders Laryn Russell & Colby Gallow
Teacher Meggin Sussman with students Laryn & Colby
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ARTICLE BY ROSWELL CITY LIFESTYLE
PAWS, PURPOSE, and POWER
Roswell's location in your backyard making a difference for pets
There is something quietly powerful about the moment a child meets an animal. A tail wags, a hand reaches out, and in an instant, something shifts. For the Atlanta Humane Society, including their location right here on Mansell Road in Roswell, that moment is at the very heart of everything they do.
"The bond between people and pets can help foster empathy, compassion, and responsibility from an early age," says a spokesperson for the organization. "Caring for animals teaches children kindness, patience, and the importance of understanding the needs of others, which helps build more compassionate communities overall."
It is a simple idea with a profound ripple effect. One of the oldest nonprofits in Atlanta, founded in 1873, Atlanta Humane has spent more than 150 years turning that idea into action. Today, their Roswell campus brings that mission directly to North Fulton families — a no-kill shelter offering adoption, veterinary care, and community programs for the neighborhoods that make up our own backyard.
Children who grow up alongside animals often develop stronger emotional foundations. Pets offer comfort, companionship, and a kind of unconditional support that is difficult to replicate. They encourage routine, nurture responsibility, and for many kids, become the trusted confidant they turn to when the world feels overwhelming. In that way, a family pet is rarely just a pet — they are a cornerstone.
Few stories illustrate this better than that of Biskit, a dog helped through Atlanta Humane's Pets in Crisis Support Program.
Biskit's family had endured tremendous hardship, losing much along the way. But through it all, the bond between their daughter and Biskit never wavered. That connection became a lifeline, a source of stability and joy when little else felt certain. The family fought to keep Biskit not out of habit, but out of deep understanding: their child needed him.
"Pets are family," the Atlanta Humane spokesperson reflects, "and the human-animal bond can provide hope and stability during life's most challenging moments."
For Roswell families considering adding a pet to their home, Atlanta Humane encourages a thoughtful approach. Matching a pet's personality and energy level to a family's lifestyle is essential for long-term happiness on both sides. To help ease that transition, they offer a Welcome Trial - a chance for families to ensure the fit feels right before making it official. For those not quite ready to commit, fostering offers a meaningful way to introduce children to animal care without the permanent responsibility.
And for families who are not in a position to adopt? There is still so much they can do. Fostering, attending community events, or even organizing a neighborhood lemonade stand to raise funds for shelter animals are all ways children can engage with animal welfare in age-appropriate, empowering ways.
That spirit of community connection runs through everything Atlanta Humane does. Animals have a unique ability to bring people together, neighbors meeting on morning walks, families bonding over a shared love for their pets, entire communities
rallying around an animal in need. These moments of togetherness strengthen the social fabric in ways that are hard to quantify but easy to feel.
Looking ahead, Atlanta Humane envisions a greater Atlanta and a Roswell where every family has access to the resources they need to keep their pets. Low-cost vaccine clinics, pet food support, and community assistance programs are all part of that mission. Because keeping pets with the people who love them is not just good for animals. It is good for everyone.
This summer, Roswell families had a special opportunity close to home. On June 20, Atlanta Humane's Teddy Bear Mobile hosted a "Stuffed Animal Adoption Day" event, where children can create and "adopt" their own plush dog or cat while learning about animal care and compassion in a hands-on, joyful setting.
It is exactly the kind of moment Atlanta Humane, your neighbors on Mansell Road, lives for. One small paw print at a time.
atlantahumane.org/who-we-are/our -locations/roswell/
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“When
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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STANDING OVATIONS: FROM DIRT ROADS TO
HOW NANCY TOLBERT YILMAZ
BUILT A WORLD-CLASS DANCE
LEGACY IN HER HOMETOWN
For Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz, the rhythm of Roswell, is deeply personal. Long before the city evolved into the bustling, vibrant hub of culture it is today, Nancy’s roots were firmly planted in its soil. As a fourth-generation member of the Tolbert family, her connection to the area stretches back to her great-grandmother, who immigrated from Ireland and eventually settled in Crabapple.
"Growing up in Roswell was the best," Nancy reminisces. "But there was absolutely no arts scene when I grew up. There wasn't even a McDonald's! I grew up on Crossville Road back then, it was just a dirt road."
Her father was a skilled carpenter who built many Roswell homes still standing today, and her mother was a force of nature, driving the Grady Hospital Wagon and later opened Roswell Mart Furniture. Though Nancy did not inherit an artistic lineage, she possessed a fierce, innate calling. At just three years old, she began telling her mother, "I want to do ballet." Recognizing her daughter's relentless passion, her mother undertook the long weekly trek down to a makeshift basement studio near Lenox Square. It was the spark that would ignite a lifelong devotion to dance.
Nancy’s journey was nearly cut short just as it was taking flight. In the summer of 1976, fresh out of Roswell High School and a week away from leaving for college, she took a job performing in an H.R. Pufnstuf television production at The World of Sid and Marty Krofft at the Omni. During a rehearsal lift, disaster struck. Nancy was dropped, sustaining a catastrophic head injury.
She was rushed to Crawford Long Hospital unconscious, where doctors discovered a serious blood clot. Her family was left facing an incredibly critical 24 hours, with deep uncertainty surrounding what her recovery might look like.
Nancy in the Nutcracker Performance
ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS PORCHE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON BAUER
"But God had another plan," Nancy says. "When the doctors went back to do another CT scan, the blood clot had started to dissipate." After six weeks in the hospital and a miraculous recovery, Nancy walked away with only one lingering effect. "Since that accident, I cannot smell! It’s no big deal. That is God’s way of reminding me that I am not in charge."
The accident shifted her trajectory, keeping her close to the community she loved. While Nancy would go on to work on some of the world's grandest stages—including choreography and performances for Disney, cruise lines, three Super Bowls, and three Olympic Games across three countries—she always returned to her roots. "Like Dorothy says, 'There is no place like home.'"
Transitioning from a professional dancer to the owner of the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance (TYSOD) brought a steep learning curve. The hardest lesson? Learning to say no and accepting that you cannot please everyone. "When I was a performer, I was told what to do," Nancy explains. "When you become the studio owner, you are the one making the decisions. You have to be ready to be on call 24/7/365."
Nancy successfully struck a balance between the creative and corporate worlds by leaning into her strengths and surrounding herself with brilliant minds. Chief among them is her husband of 46 years, whom she met at age 16 on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. " We are about as opposite as two people could ever be", Nancy laughs. "I see the world through sequins and feathers and he sees the world through interest rates, budgets, stock markets and contracts. He is the smartest person I have ever met and he has listened to all my crazy ideas."
By delegating technical and financial logistics to experts, Nancy kept her focus on what she does best: choreographing, teaching, and dreaming up spectacular productions.
Under Nancy’s leadership, TYSOD and the Roswell Dance Theatre have become an institution tailored to the family-oriented, highly educated community of North Fulton. At the core of her philosophy is a strict commitment to positive reinforcement.
CONTINUED >
Disneyland
The Tolbert-Yilmaz family
Nancy and Yilmaz in New York at Metropolitan Theatre
"Only .03% of dancers who walk into any studio will become professionals," Nancy points out. "So, our mission is to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Dance reduces anxiety and depression. We teach respect, student-to-student and student-to-staff."
This nurturing environment is a critical "third place" for local youth—a safe haven outside of home and school where they are greeted by name at the door and lifted up by encouraging instructors. The proof of this familial culture is in its longevity; this year alone, eight faculty and staff members are former TYSOD students who returned after college.
While the primary goal is personal growth, the studio's technical excellence is undeniable. They have launched dancers onto global stages. Dylan Lackey, at age seven, went to watch his sister Michaela (who later became Miss Georgia 2011) and spotted a hip-hop class, fell in love with dance, trained intensely at Roswell Dance and eventually joined the Houston Ballet. Today, he performs as a principal dancer with the Queensland Ballet in Australia.
As an unstoppable community force, TYSOD extends far beyond the studio walls, anchoring Roswell’s cultural calendar year-round. Snapshots of their annual civic engagement highlights their impact:
Performances at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Magnolia Place Assisted Living, and the Roswell Pops Concert.
Hosting National RDA Dance Choreography Intensive and the Staib International Dance Festival.
The Roswell Arts Festival, the Youth Day Parade, Canton Street's "Boo Y’all," and the beloved annual production of The Nutcracker.
Currently, Nancy remains forward-thinking as ever. Channeling her inner Dolly Parton, she declares, "I’m not finished yet." Her ultimate dream for her hometown is a civic one. She envisions the City of Roswell building a state-ofthe-art, 1,000-plus-seat theater complete with professional lighting, sound, dressing rooms, and a rehearsal hall. "We have performed in much smaller cities, and they always have a big, beautiful theater. It would do so much for the citizens of Roswell."
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