SOFU, GA November 2022

It's Gratitude Season!

LI F E + C U LTU R E

SH IN IN G LIGHT O N SM ALL BUSIN ESS OWN ERS AN D SERVI CE TO OU R CO M MU N IT Y!

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LIFESTYLE™ SOUTHSOFU FULTON CITY LIFESTYLE™

Tra p M u s i c M u s e u m i s a n i n t e ra c t i ve ex p e r i e n c e t h a t u s e s a r t t o s h ow c a s e t h e r i c h c u l t u r e o f t ra p m u s i c , o n e o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a r g e n r e s o f m u s i c t o d ay.

“TRAP MUSIC MUSEUM ISN’T JUST ABOUT MUSIC BUT ALSO ABOUT THE CULTURE THAT INSPIRES.” 4 04 - 367- 0 860 | TR AP M USICM USEUM .US 6 3 0 TR AV I S STR EE T, NO RTH WEST ATLANTA H O U R S : M O N DAY - W E N D E S DAY : C LO S E D T H U R S DAY : 4 : 0 0 P M - 1 0 : 0 0 P M (S I P A N D TR A P H A P P Y H OUR) F R I DAY : 4 : 0 0 P M - 1 2 : 0 0 A M

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O P E N 7 DAY S A W E E K

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Giving Thanks and Giving Back!

Hey y’all! It’s the season of gratitude and this issue is really special. We feature some spectacular small business owners here in beautiful #SoFu. In November, we focus on the ways that they raise awareness about issues and give back to the local community. Ebony Austin of Nouveau Bar & Grill relies on her faith and work ethic to pass skills on to her team. Additionally, she’s got a plan to help with affordable housing that you must read about! David Manuel has a heart for the arts in addition to being a great father and role model in this community. His mission includes getting more people to consider becoming an organ donor. If you own a small business and love good news and giving back to support this community, please reach out to our publisher Michelle Taylor Willis! This is a part of her mission and we need you to advertise and share your story!

Enjoy this issue full of good stuff and feel-good stories! Take a trip to Castleberry to visit Kerri-Ann Thomas and Brooklyn Tea! Oh and hug a veteran today!

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kyra Hatter | Kshatter@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Kristen Wright Matthews, Stevie Peterson, Shandra Hill Smith CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jamila Lisbon, Hi Lights Sports Media, Carlisa Productions, Cam Mitchell Studios, Aric Thompson

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ERIKK A SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @ S O U T H F U LT O N L I F E S T Y L E Above: AJ & Erikka Mitchell celebrate 70 years Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Atlanta chapter.

Photo by Jamila Lisbon.

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/SOFU |

Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 David Manuel

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Hometown Hero

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Financial Buzz

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Local Limelight

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Gift Guide

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Chef ’s Selection

FO O D + B EV ER AG E

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Locally Sourced

LO CA L S ERV I CE S

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School Sports

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Hosting Tips

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Travel Journal

The Art of Thanks

22 Ebony Austin of Nouveau Restaurant & Bar A New Kind of Boss

24 Local Fall Favorites!

A Gift Guide from Heart2Home Gifts!

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: R. D. Smith Let's get cozy, #SoFu! Practicing gratitude and celebrating community during the "Thankful" season!

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A RTS + C U LT UR E

FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S ENT ERTA I NMEN T

HO ME + DES I GN

EDU CAT I O N

ENT ERTA I NMENT T R AV EL

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Gagnant Media Has Your Media Needs!

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833.354.6MTW (6689)

Be sure to check out the According to Michelle TV Show every Wednesday at 10am and 7pm on the on the VTV Network on Roku and Amazon Fire.

Michelle Interviews the Nations Leading Influencers Watch as Michelle hosts some of the nations most influential leaders, right f rom Atlanta!

Advertise your business on Over the Top with Michelle Taylor Willis on Real 1100 AM and iHeart Radio (128 million subscribers). Make your afternoon drive a little better every Wednesday f rom 4-6pm.

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ABC AFFINITY GROUPS & COMMITTEES 2022

OUR MISSION

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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The Atlanta Black Chambers is a non-profit organization consisting of individuals engaging in Business, Community and Government activities. Our mission is to serve as an advocate for the creation and growth of competitive, profitable and sustainable Black owned entities. We are committed to providing quality education and training programs that emphasize economic development, ownership and wealth building practices.

We create opportunities for our members in the areas of Business, Community and Government. Our membership base represents over 400 unique market sectors from an array of privately owned entities to non-profits.

HTTP://ATLANTABLACKCHAMBERS.ORG NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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“Navigating Mompreneurship to Scale Your Business” Moms All In Brunch presented by Michelle Taylor Willis, Gagnant Media and TGND Productions. 6: SoFu Lifestyle Editor Erikka Searles Mitchell and Publisher Michelle Taylor Willis. Photography by Aric Thompson

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Dr. Gyimah Whitaker Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Deputy Chief Academic Officer for Fulton County Schools, received the Pinnacle Leadership Award. The award was presented by the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center, Inc.

Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities Plays Through December Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to reinvent everything around him. Suddenly, the visible becomes invisible, perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down. KURIOS plays under the big top at Atlantic Station through December 24.

Visit the website for special offers: CirqueDuSoleil.com/Kurios.

Union City Credit Rating Upgraded Union City’s Mayor and City Council announced the municipality’s strong financial standing, fiscal stewardship and economic growth have precipitated Moody’s Investors Service to upgrade its credit rating to Aa2 from Aa3.

According to the Moody’s report, the upgrade reflected marked improvement in the city’s financial position due to ongoing tax base expansion and prudent financial management.

The plan includes new parks, trails, and streetscape initiatives.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SOFU

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | ARTS + CULTURE

DAVID MANUEL THE ART OF THANKS

“...He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years...” - the Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis David Manuel has a lot to be thankful for these days, and he lives each day to its fullest.

I was fortunate enough to steal a few moments of his time to hear what makes his heart smile.

THANKFUL FOR FATHERHOOD

this thought was on his mind as he was faced with needing a liver transplant. Manuel says he understood that with his prognosis, knowing the rarity of finding a match, he began to make peace with his higher power, making sure his children knew he loved them. Manuel had nearly completed all of his “goodbyes” when his miracle arrived.

THANKFUL FOR SHARING

Mention his children and Manuel lights up. When he talks about them, he exudes a pride and admiration that makes you want to meet them. It is apparent he loves them deeply and they bring him extreme joy. “If I weren’t their father, they would be the kind of children I would want...” It’s the love for them, and wanting to be a part of their future lives that kept him going during one of his darkest hours.

Every year in April, Manuel dons blue and green agree attire and along with thousands of others, celebrates National Organ Donate Life Month. “I will never tire of telling my story,” he says. Manuel is careful to share the importance of organ donation and encourages minorities to consider this potential lifesaving gift. This is a message that more minorities need to hear, as so many spend longer time on dialysis and waiting for the miracle that is an organ donation.

THANKFUL FOR LIFE

THANKFUL FOR THE FUTURE

Manuel is a liver transplant recipient and he understands just how challenging it is to find a match. Manuel gets a little quiet. You know he is reminiscing about a scary moment. He recalls Walter Peyton, an NFL star, asking for a liver donation. Manuel pauses as he acknowledges that for Peyton one never came. Surely,

With a new lease on life, Manuel is a very enthusiastic Director of Arts and Culture for Fulton County. The first thing he did was meet with county commissioners and ask what they wanted to see from arts in the county. This resulted in more outreach efforts across the entire county and a new initiative of 40 days

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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of FACE (Fashion Art Culture Education), participation in Atlanta Fashion Week, Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, (Manuel wants Fulton County to be at the top of discussion when people consider top fashions), Teen Talk with over 300 students having access to TI and Kenny Burns learning about how they could get started in the arts.

Fulton County is thankful to have such an impactful force at the helm.

Interested in organ donation? Every 10 minutes another person is added to the national waiting list (farrlawfirm.com).

You could be the miracle someone desperately needs, consider organ and tissue donation. Visit organdonor.gov or donatelife. net for more info.

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H OM E TOWN H E R O | ARTS + CULTURE

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NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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Investing in Treasury I Bonds!

ARTICLE BY ERIC WIMBUSH OF SERAPHIM WEALTH ADVISORS

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

ERIC WIMBUSH

Seraphim Wealth Advisors would like to bring attention to a government bond program that provides inflation protection to investors. This program cannot be accessed through normal investment accounts or through an advisory firm. Individuals that want to invest in this bond offering must sign up and open an account at Treasurydirect.gov.

You don’t need any past investment experience to invest in this government-backed program.

THESE BONDS ARE EXTREMELY SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND INITIATE. HERE ARE A FEW OF THE SPECIFICS THAT ONE SHOULD FOCUS ON: • Low risk rate of return—currently set at a 9.62% annual rate that is paid semi-annually; • Investment maximum of $10,000 per individual each calendar year (electronic bonds have a minimum purchase of $25 and paper bonds a minimum of $50); • Rate of return is a combination of a fixed rate that stays the same for the life of the bond and an inflation rate that is set twice per year (charts are available on the Treasury Direct website, www.treasurydirect.gov, with the historical return and the component pieces since 1998);

• Can be given as a gift; • Can be used for education purposes; • Hold period—can be cashed in after one (1) year, but investors lose the last 3 months of interest if they are redeemed within the first five (5) years (the website has a great example).

There are tax implications for this security type that individuals need to be aware of as they move forward. The interest on these bonds is taxable at the federal level and not subject to taxes at the state level. If the money is used for higher educational purposes, it may not incur the tax implications at the federal level. To be fully aware of the tax implications, individual investors need to consult with their tax professional to fully evaluate the way that this investment will fit with the full financial picture of a household.

It is our professional opinion that every household should take advantage of this program, regardless of whether you have investment experience or use a financial firm for advice (hint, hint: you don’t need to pay a professional for access to this offering). There are no fees related to this program and the return is “low risk” which makes it a perfect vehicle for every client regardless of their risk level.

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Serving up some good news!

While other prices have risen, GreyStone Power is offering a double helping of savings for members:

$12 million in capital credits is coming to members this fall. This money back is tangible evidence of members’ ownership of their electric cooperative.

And those served by GreyStone Power are already enjoying rates that are more than 21% lower than Georgia Power’s.* These are just a couple of the benefits of being served by a not-for-profit electric cooperative.

Money back. Safe, reliable electricity. That’s definitely good news. * According to the 2022 summer rate survey by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Based on the average residential use of 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.

Making Life Better

greystonepower.com

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GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSOR

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NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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Ebony Austin

OF NOUVE AU RESTAUR ANT & BAR A NEW KIND OF BOSS

It has become a trend for large employers to build affordable housing nearby job sites to attract and retain workers. But one Southwest Atlanta restaurateur has taken an enormous order and is taking it a step further. Ebony Austin, the owner of Nouveau Restaurant & Bar, which currently has locations in College Park and Jonesboro, is building a community for her team while simultaneously building the communities she serves.

Recently closing on development property, Austin plans to build a community of affordable homes to help her team members realize the dream of homeownership.

The project’s first phase will consist of 12 new townhomes slated to open in Fall 2023.

“By the time this phase is done, they will be qualified and ready to move in,” says a proud Austin.

Team members are currently participating in workshops to teach them about debt, and helping them to purchase their own homes. Driven by gratitude for all she has accomplished and the faith of a mustard seed, Ebony Austin says she strives to be the change she wants to see in the world. But she doesn’t just talk the talk— this serial entrepreneur and extraordinary human being also walks the walk, and the giving doesn’t stop with her employees.

“Every month, I make sure Nouveau is giving back,” says Austin. From discounts to residents, delivering free meals to those in need, holiday toy drives, and scholarships for HBCU students, Austin puts philanthropy and friendly service at the forefront of her businesses.

“Everything I do, I try to make it an experience,” says Austin. From the ambiance of her establishments, music and decor to her interactions with customers, she pours her all into making everyone feel special and want to return.

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

“The Nouveau Experience is a vibe,” says Austin. “I am interested in building relationships with customers like on the show, ‘Cheers.’” When she gives, she takes pride in going above and beyond just providing to creating a WOW factor.

“When I give kids toys for Christmas, I don’t just want to give them anything; I want to make their dreams come true,” says Austin.

An HBCU grad, Austin hosted a simple Instagram challenge with no restrictions for students attending HBCUs. Everyone who participated was granted gifts ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 toward their college tuition. Twenty-eight winners received over $60,000 last summer, bringing this initiative’s total to over $100,000 in scholarships. Additionally, in March Austin launched a new line of stone-ground grits available nationwide via Shopify and on-site at both locations. The first product under Ebony’s Nouveau Creations umbrella comes in three flavors: Original, Garlic and Herb, and Jalapeño and Cheddar, and all proceeds go to support HBCUs. “It’s my way of giving back and thanking God,” says Austin.

With a team of over 100 employees, Austin understands what excellent leadership is, and it’s not about wearing a crown but building up the people around you. To do that, you must trust and empower your team members so every part of the ecosystem can grow.

“The key to having a successful business is having a great team, and I am so grateful for the team that sits right beside me.” Ebony Austin is an absolute boss who realizes there is no I in TEAM. Because of that, she will keep winning in business and life.

The food is also spectacular at Nouveau Restaurant & Bar, as the brand has gained buzz as an Atlanta hotspot on the lounge and fine dining landscape. Try the restaurant’s signature dish, the Seafood & Grits, Nouveau Creation’s stone-ground grits topped with shrimp, salmon, crab, bell peppers and onions, and Chef Ebony’s signature Cajun sauce served in a martini glass.

For more information, visit Nouveaubar.com.

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WRIGHT MATTHEWS

Kristen Wright Matthews is a publicist, author, wife and mother of two young changemakers, CJ (15) and Kollin (6). When not working on projects for clients, she is busy building her family’s legacy with Blankies 4 My Buddies.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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L O C A L fall FAV O R I T E S A

G I F T

G U I D E

ARTICLE BY CHARIS TRENCH-SIMMONS 1 GRATEFUL JARS

Fall is in the air ya’ll! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s a great time to shop local! Make room for campfires, cozy sweaters, gatherings with family and friends, fall festivals, apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and wine-tasting tours in the picturesque Georgia mountains.

1. Grateful Jars- Set includes a handcrafted glass jar with a wooden lid and 365 bronze foil gratitude cards. $55 2. Happy Everything Charcuterie Wooden Serving Board- Add Happy Everything Mini Attachments (sold separately) to personalize your event. Mango Wood, 10” diameter x 10” height, including handle; 14” width x 10” height. $75

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3. Leopard Mules- These leopard mules are the hottest shoe styles of the season and can be dressed down with jeans or worn with a suit. Sizes 6-10. $60 4. Stemless Initial Wine Glasses- For the wine lover! Stemless wine glasses personalized with a gold initial. Set of 2; 16 oz. $38 5. South Fulton Canvas Tote- Rep your city totes can be used for weekend getaways, a gym bag or groceries! Heavyweight canvas with leather handles; 20” W x 11” H x 6”. $54 6. Cheetah Print Cardigan- Perfect for work from home, a casual weekend outing, or an intimate dinner date. Available in camel or white, small-XL. $44 7. Vintage Pearl Jewelry- Beautiful handmade pieces and personalized sterling silver or gold jewelry that will connect with your heart and soul! Add a pearl or Swarovski crystal for a personal touch. $32-$60 All gift guide items can be purchased at Heart2HomeGifts.com.

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G IF T GU ID E | HOM E + D E S I GN

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Cam Mitchell Studios

SPILLING THE TEA

WITH KERRI-ANN THOMAS VISIT BROOKLYN TEA IN CASTLEBERRY HILL ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAM MITCHELL STUDIOS

Got Tea? Pause on all you coffee drinkers. Tea is the new wave in Atlanta and it’s trending in the south. This isn’t your typical “southern sweet tea” café! Brooklyn Tea brings you a variety of options for all tea enthusiasts in town.

“When you walk in, it’s bigger than putting your name on the cup, it’s actually knowing your name,” says Kerri-Ann T. Thomas, the owner of Brooklyn Tea’s Atlanta location.

The company thrives from building relationships, engaging in the community, and the obvious reason—to vibe while enjoying delicious tea and all vegan-based treats. Thomas was brought into the franchise by good friends Jamila and Alfonso Wright, who are the founders and owners of two locations in Brooklyn, New York. Thomas is no newcomer to Atlanta—she finished her undergrad at Spelman College and felt strongly about expressing her love for tea and the love she has for the community, making it a no-brainer that she chose the Castleberry community.

Just like most businesses, there are issues that may arise.

Imagine opening a brick and mortar during a pandemic.

Thomas expressed how difficult it was during that time.

When asked if she was fearful of opening the Atlanta location, she simply responded, “In terms of the business aspect, I was terrified. There were times where I cried and thought to myself ‘Am I really going to do this?’ It took everything in us to keep maintaining the faith and seeing the location through.”

Entering a new market is extremely challenging. However, Thomas made it possible.

“There’s no blueprint to success. Follow your heart, be in tune with yourself and know your why, and the rest will come,” she says. Unlike other tea shops, the restaurant displays amazing artwork, music for culture, and diversity. Many describe it as a second home and sanctuary.

Everyone who lives in ATL and those who visit to stop and shop will love to “sip something sensational!”

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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YOUN S ' A

GEST FARMER'S

1ST

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PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE IN THE SOUTH FULTON COMMUNITY

GREEN HEART FESTIVAL

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WRIGHT-MATTHEWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAM MITCHELL STUDIOS

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LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | LOCAL S E RVI CE S

Kendall Rae Johnson’s boundless endless energy and radiant smile are captivating but merely flicker when compared to her overflowing heart, which apparently is green. The 7-year-old farmer and entrepreneur, with the help of her parents, recently launched Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit devoted to helping young people develop their character, social skills, service learning, and community leadership with a focus on youth agriculture education, business economics and healthy lifestyle habits. Kendall Rae made history as Georgia’s youngest certified farmer at age 6, and the 1st Annual Green Heart Festival was a day to remember in South Fulton.

On September 24, Kendall Rae was joined by over 50 kidpreneurs, including business owners, philanthropists, influencers and entertainers, at the inaugural event held at the Southwest Arts Center. It was a beautiful day filled with hope as our future leaders led the festival described as “by kids for kids.” Their smiles shined brighter than the sun as they showcased their businesses, from lemonade to dog treats, socks to blankets, wacky milkshakes, clothing, accessories, books and more. Others beamed with pride as they exhibited their talents on the main stage, from dancers to singers, photographers, a DJ, reporters, and the adorable twin influencers who interviewed each kidpreneur.

The day peaked when Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman of “The Mighty 6” commission district and the first Muslim woman elected in Georgia, named each child, presented them each with a proclamation and declared Friday, September 23, 2022, as Kendall Rae’s Green Heart Appreciation Day. Kendall told me that she was delighted at how the first Green Heart Festival turned out and was very happy to meet many new friends.

“I can’t wait to help others learn to grow their own food, be sustainable and eat healthier,” Kendall Rae said.

Kendall Rae’s love of farming began in a small patio garden, where she planted two cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and collard greens. When she was 4 years old, her parents built a more extensive garden bed, where she planted seeds and watched plants grow. The precocious youngster invited friends to help harvest her garden and, with great pride, would walk them around explaining each plant she had grown.

The grass is growing vastly beneath her feet, and she is leaving a broad trail through it for others to follow. Seeds, much more precious than vegetables, were planted at The Green Heart Festival.

For more information about Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, visit https://www.kendallraesgreenheart.org.

Kristen Wright Matthews is a wife, publicist, writer and mother of two young changemakers, CJ (15) and Kollin (6).

When not working on projects for clients, she is busy building her family’s legacy with Blankies 4 My Buddies.

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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Meet Coach Rico Zackery WESTLAKE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Hi Lights Sports Media

ARTICLE BY SHANDRA HILL SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLISA PRODUCTIONS AND HI LIGHTS SPORTS MEDIA

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S CH OOL SP ORTS | ED U CATI ON

For Rico Zackery, taking the head football coach position at Westlake High School in Atlanta means a return to coaching on the high school level plus an opportunity that also could prove a win for him and his family.

On a personal level, “My wife and I had been looking at the area as a place to relocate,” said Zackery, who, with his wife, Sikithea, shares two daughters: Skylar, who will turn 9 on Nov. 6, and Sydney, 6. “We thought it would be good place to raise our kids and grow as a family. When the Westlake job came open it made sense to look at it.” They now reside in beautiful #SoFu. Professionally, Zackery, a native of Newnan, gets to join a successful program that “has a good reputation as a place that can

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compete year in and year out” and one with a history of winning. “Westlake has always been a successful program in terms of winning,” said Zackery. “We would like to be a championship program. We work toward that every day. It’s a process.”

Zackery, too, has had his share of wins.

His career record is 41-18.

He spent three seasons as defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator at Kennesaw State University. His high school experience includes the head coaching role at Villa Rica High School and head coach at Central Carroll High School.

He also was recruiting operations director at Georgia Southern University, his alma mater for undergraduate studies.

“From 2013-2015, we went 30-6 and won the first region championship in several years at Central,” he said of the school where he spent five years, with the first two as defensive coordinator. He would spend the next three years as head coach.

One long-term goal Zackery has for Westlake, which returns to Class 7A this year, is to “create a culture built off toughness, effort, attitude and mentality,” he said. “Developing these things will help us maximize the talent we have in the classroom and on the field.”

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Your Autumn Dinner Party Is Served Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings.

For this alfresco Autumn Dinner Party, Chef Kyle draws on favorite fall recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast. Hannah creates an iconic autumn ambiance using artisanal table settings and mixed flannels for each guest to blanket any chill on a brisk evening. Whether for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or a new November tradition, it’s time to get outdoors again surrounded in sweater-weather coziness while sharing bites and clinks with family and friends.

Insider Tips for Hosting: • Build a menu around the season. “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” Chef Kyle says. “Autumn dinners mean bigger-course meals with varied proteins, like turkey, duck and sirloin, hearty starches, and good fall produce, especially root vegetables such as butternut squash and pumpkin.”

• Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers.

“Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says.

• Draw inspiration from the season’s changing colors, cooler temps and lower humidity to move back outdoors.

“Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.”

savorandswirl.com Instagram: @savorandswirl, #savorandswirl

Want to see more?

For this fall dinner party, Chef Kyle created the perfect dinner menu to tantalize guests’ taste buds.

For a complete list of recipes, scan the QR code.

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M a rg a r it av i l le I sla nd Hot el Island Fun on Repeat in Pigeon Forge ARTICLE BY SHANDRA HILL SMITH

When your pre-teen continues to ask, even after hitting the teenage mark, to make at least an annual stop to this popular Tennessee spot, you know you’ve found a can’t-miss family getaway. Having the convenience of everything you need within reach to enjoy a well-rounded stay makes the trip to Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, even better.

This property offers Southern Appalachian hospitality with a tropical island twist and features rooms with serene colors of mountains and the ocean as the backdrop, stone fireplaces and private balconies.

Your young one and the young at heart will enjoy the hotel’s location in The Island entertainment complex, where you can dine and shop—from boutiques to gift shops—plus ride the 200-foot-high Smoky Mountain Wheel. From all-glass gondolas that seat up to eight people, you can take in a view of the Smoky Mountains—a view that’s made even more spectacular at sunset. After some fun and games at The Island, including an arcade, a ropes course with two zip lines, an escape room, bumper cars and more, wind down in an Adirondack chair while taking in the Island Show Fountain presentation of water and light choreographed to 14 pieces of music.

If more relaxation plus a bit of self-care is in order, check out Margaritaville’s St. Somewhere Spa. There, you can choose from manicures, pedicures, full-service hair salon services, massages and facials.

When you’re ready for more action, take a drive over to Dollywood theme park. If this mom can survive getting on one wild ride after another (ones I’d never dare to otherwise) because your adventurous one can’t get enough, you can, too! Our list of stops, thanks to the now teen, included Blazing Fury, FireChaser Express and the Great Tree Swing.

Can’t get enough of roller coaster fun? The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is within a 10-minute drive of Margaritaville Island Hotel and offers a view of the mountain with you controlling the speed (up to 30 miles per hour) of this roughly 9-minute ride. The ride is even more exciting at dark!

From island fun to food to some of the best views around, what more could you ask for in a getaway?

The answer: more time, as there’s so much to take in, you’ll find it hard to do it all in one visit. Considering that reality, it seems the teen was onto something: This is one place worth having on repeat.

Margaritaville Island Hotel is located at 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. For more information, call 865.774.2300 or visit the following websites: MargaritavilleIslandHotel.com, IslandinPigeonForge.com, Dollywood.com and RockyTopCoaster.com.

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