Stage 1. Spider Veins
Stage 2. Varicose Veins
Stage 3. Leg/Ankle Swelling
Stage 4. Skin Discoloration
Stage 5. Healed Ulcer
Stage 6. Active Ulcer
What Stage of Vein Disease
WIN A BRAND NEW EPOXY GARAGE — ON US!
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Letter From the Editor
In this season of gratitude, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy.
This month, I’ve been especially grateful for the small, everyday moments that make life beautiful: the laughter of loved ones, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, and the chance to be part of such a vibrant community here in West Cobb.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back, and celebrating the people and organizations that make West Cobb such a special community. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.
As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.
Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and grace,
ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR
@WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tran Bui, Andrew Bramlett, Wendy Edwards
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Where Service Meets Sophistication
scene
New mural at the corner of Cole St. and Lemon St. 2: Yacht Rock Schooner at Depot Park
Coffee, Campfires, & Cryptids 4: Save Acworth History Foundation installed panels highlighting Acworth churches
Welcome Crane’s Coffee!
A new coffee spot has entered the Acworth scene! Crane’s Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee shop offering a selection of Cuban-style fusions, creative green tea refreshers, and classic cafe favorites. Stop by 3960 Southside Drive for community, connections, and great coffee.
Photography by City of Acworth
Buy, sell, and trade at Stitch Revivals
Stitch Revivals is now open in Kennesaw! Specializing in vintage clothing, this is your one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade. The search for your next vintage finds begins at 2652 S Main Street NW, Unit 2101.
Smith-Guilbert Gardens is new and improved
Smith-Guilbert Gardens unveiled new renovations that aim to improve guest experience and accessibility. The Gardens now include accessible bathrooms, more than a mile of newly paved paths, and improved parking amenities. Plus, check out the expanded Garden with Wings Butterfly Exhibit!
YOUR FUTURE IS OUR PRIORITY
At Bridger Law Group, we understand that life in Cobb County is built on hard work, family values, and community. When an accident threatens your well-being, you need an experienced team that fights with integrity and dedication. Our personal injury firm combines former judges, former insurance lawyers, and former government lawyers with a personal commitment to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Photography by City of Kennesaw
Photography by City of Kennesaw
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Have you had friends over for dinner or have you gone out lately?
Are you part of a group of friends that travels, paints, gardens, plays cards, etc.?
Do you have an exercise group that helps you maintain your indepedence?
Are you living in a maintenance free home?
As a couple, are you having the same needs as you age?
A PLACE TO Call Home
Veteran Village houses Atlanta's homeless veterans
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
The Atlanta Veterans Village provides longterm housing complete with comprehensive, on-site services tailored to address the unique emotional, financial, and physical needs of homeless veterans. The goal is to help them rebuild their lives and permanently break the cycle of homelessness.
The Atlanta Veterans Village marks the first homeless veteran housing facility supported by The Home Depot Foundation, in partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The Foundation contributed $500,000 toward the facility's renovation and organized more than 100 Team Depot volunteers, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer team, to complete the facility. Volunteers painted a mural, assembled patio furniture, built a pergola, landscaped garden beds, and prepared bathrooms for residents. Additionally, The Home Depot donated essential household items, furnishing all 88 residential units with bedding, shower curtains, and bathmats.
This grand opening reflects a strong, ongoing partnership. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested over $24 million in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, helping to build more than 100 free, specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans.
“I am happy that I could attend both the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting,” Senator Kay Kirkpatrick says. “This project was a long time coming, but it is a great resource for Cobb County.”
Atlanta is one of several sites involved in the Homeless Veteran Program. Today, the program has provided housing and access to vital support services for more than 10,000veterans.
ABOUT THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to ending veteran homelessness nationwide. This initiative honors the dignity and sacrifice of those who served by ensuring that no veteran is left without a place to call home in the nation they defended. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families with young children. The foundation also builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Visit t2t.org to learn more and get involved.
Truffles Vein Specialists
A higher standard of care
Vein health isn’t usually top of mind until something goes wrong. Swelling, aching, heaviness, or bulging veins often creep up over time, leaving many unsure where to turn. Truffles Vein Specialists prioritizes careful diagnostics and dedicated patient care.
Founded by Dr. Paul Feldman, a plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience in the field, the practice specializes solely in treating vein disease. While many aesthetic clinics offer vein treatments as a side service, Truffles is a dedicated vein practice. The clinic treats conditions ranging from spider veins to more complex forms of venous insufficiency.
For Dr. Chris Perez, his two years at Truffles Vein Specialists stand out among his 18-year career in vein care. "I think this has been the best vein company,” Perez says. “For one, the highly competent staff from the front office to the MAs to the billing people, their sonographers are all top-notch. They've all been working in the field for many, many years, you know, 5 to 10 years of experience before they hire people, so the patients get top-notch care when they come here.”
The approach is thorough. Truffles offers multiple treatment options, depending on the nature and severity of the vein problem, including thermal ablation, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, micro phlebectomy, and adhesive closure systems like VenaSeal. Instead of recommending a onesize-fits-all procedure, the clinic’s staff emphasize the importance of matching the treatment to the underlying issue.
The staff also emphasizes preventative care and patient education. Perez shares advice for this holiday season that, while simple, highlights the importance of being proactive with vein health.
“Over the holidays, when traveling, it’s a good idea to wear compression stockings,” Perez says. “If you're sitting in a car or on a plane for hours, it increases the risk of a clot. We just encourage people to stay mobile, get up, walk around, don’t stay lying down all day.”
It's not just about aesthetics or quick fixes. It’s about understanding how vein health is influenced by everyday life.
Truffles Vein Specialists’ West Cobb office is located at 5041 Dallas Hwy, Suite 107, Powder Springs. Visit trufflesveinspecialists. com to learn more, schedule an appointment, and view information about four other metro Atlanta offices.
Dr. Chris Perez
Dr. Paul Feldman
A SERVANT'S HEART: LEADING WITH COMPASSION
ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI
“AND SO, JUST BY LUCK OF THE DRAW, I FOUND SOMEONE WHO SOLD ONE TO CORPORATE AND DIDN’T WANT TO DO IT AGAIN. IT’S A LITTLE BIT OF A FIXER-UPPER, BUT WE’RE GETTING THERE.”
Dr. Jennifer Covington, a problem solver at heart, had a fulfilling career as a management consultant, but after five years, she felt something was missing.
“I don't feel like I am contributing to my community,” Covington expressed to her husband more than a decade ago. “I don't feel like I'm giving back.” With that, she decided to pursue her lifelong love of animals and enrolled in veterinary school at the University of Georgia.
After she graduated in 2014, Covington began her veterinary career working for other practices. However, owning her own practice was always at the forefront of her mind. When she met Kevin Fowler,
Kennesaw Pet Center’s previous owner, all the pieces fell into place.
“I always wanted to be able to shape a place and a culture. And so, just by luck of the draw, I found someone who sold one to corporate and didn't want to do it again. It's a little bit of a fixer-upper, but we're getting there.”
Covington’s business acumen now allows her to guide her veterinary team with empathy and precision. She takes a non-traditional approach to employee structure, one that she believes fosters quality feedback and collaboration.
“At the very heart of it, I am a servant leader,” Covington says. “I believe that the
best way to lead a group of people is to figure out what they have a vision for and what their needs are. We work to have a fairly flat, open structure where anybody can give anybody at any other level feedback.”
It turned out that Covington’s friend and former University of Georgia classmate, Dr. Amara Hickson, shared her leadership philosophy. When she had the opportunity to apply to be an associate at Covington’s practice a little over a year ago, Hickson jumped right in.
An individualized spectrum of care is at the core of Hickson and Covington’s professional philosophy. This means going above and beyond to accommodate the patient and the owner’s unique needs.
“We've done appointments in our lobby or in the client's car, catering to what they're most comfortable with,” Hickson says. “I have the opportunity to do that, where sometimes in the past, I haven't had that opportunity. I very much appreciate that here.”
Visit kennesawpetcenter.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Dr. Amara Hickson
Dr. Jennifer Covington
HAND HOOF Heart Heals
A HORSE LOVER TURNS HER PASSION INTO A THRIVING ORGANIZATION
ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS
Hidden within a lush 15-acre pocket of countryside rests a peaceful refuge where the scent of hay mingles with the early fall morning air. At first sight, it’s clear this is more than a farm. It's a place where every corner pulses with quiet compassion. Here, Erin Chimberoff, founder of Hand, Hoof and Heart, built a thriving sanctuary where animals and people discover passion, purpose, and joy together.
Having struggled with anxiety for much of her life, Erin discovered a unique peace in the presence of horses. Being around them, she explains, gave her a sense of purpose and calm she couldn’t find anywhere else, helping her feel confident, capable, and grounded.
Drawing on her journey and the skills she gained working with the special needs community, Erin saw a way to unite her two passions. She envisioned a place where people could build confidence, learn life skills, and feel supported through hands-on work with animals and the land, creating the same healing connection she had experienced.
After finding this special property in Acworth, she began expanding her dream, eventually assembling a team of seven staff members and ten horses who now welcome nearly 50 students. Volunteers are essential to daily operations. “I’ve hired many volunteers and former students to work here," Chimberoff says. "Once they start working here, they never leave. We don’t have a very high turnover rate. We’re just one happy FARM-ily!"
Barn manager and volunteer coordinator Raven Redd began volunteering
CONTINUED >
with her teenage daughter four years ago and has since joined the full-time team. She agrees that the horses all have a purpose in helping humans. “I would tell my daughter to go groom the horses and tell them your problems," Redd says. "Forty-five minutes later, she would come back and declare that she felt better.”
This sense of connection runs deep in the symbiotic relationships between humans and animals that Erin and her team foster to serve children and young adults of all abilities. Children and adults of all abilities visit throughout the week to interact with a diverse array of farm animals and learn to care for and handle them. Likewise, the therapeutic horseback riding program, an adaptive sport, is designed for those with neurodiverse challenges. “Every part of our program is designed to create connection, offer support, and give people a place to grow,” Chimberoff explains.
Allison Ferrer, a longtime student, is learning natural horsemanship and groundwork with her White Arabian horse, Puddin’. “Puddin’ is so nice to me, and he’s a special horse because I ride him a lot," Ferrer says. "We have done a lot together, and we have a special relationship.” Ferrer's lessons have translated meaningfully to everyday life as she now works at Chick-fil-A, assisting guests in the dining room.
a real celebration when we see them using all the brushes in the correct order on their own, or even putting their helmet on, when at first they refused a helmet,” Chimberoff adds.
Yet, the program’s true stars are its ten horses, each with a unique personality and role. Princess, Chimberoff’s own horse, serves as the farm’s mascot and inspiration. Carlie, a retired mare, gently welcomes timid children, while Angelina suits both beginners and skilled riders. Chunky Boy teaches assertiveness and patience, working especially well with severely disabled or autistic children. Five horses were purchased for their special talents, and five were brought into the program through private owners in exchange for care or socialization. Every horse undergoes a six-week evaluation to ensure the right fit.
“Every part of our program is designed to create connection, offer support, and give people a place to grow”
Hand, Hoof, and Heart faces daily costs in resources, time, and staffing, relying on events, fundraisers, and private donations to cover expenses like veterinary care and daily upkeep. Initiatives like the Tidal Wave Auto Spa Charity Day and the annual Lasso the Night Gala raise both awareness and essential funds. This year, the gala was so successful that it raised $50,000 for the program, solidifying it as an annual event.
However, the program is meant to meet students where they are without imposing set milestones or rigid goals. “Some parents enter the program not knowing what their child is capable of, so it’s
Erin envisions continued growth for Hand, Hoof, and Heart as community needs and interest rise. “We are currently searching for another horse to join the program,” she says, confident that expanding the FARM-ily will enable it to keep sharing its gifts with families and groups for generations to come.
Not Corporate. Not Cold. Just Exceptional Veterinary Care.
At our practice, you’ll find brilliant medicine delivered with open hearts. We believe in doing things differently: leading with kindness, solving problems at their root, and offering transparent pricing that respects your trust. Here, every pet and every person is treated with grace, compassion, and individualized care—because love, not profit, drives everything we do.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand – even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
Dave Roach F.D., C.C.O., President and CEO
Chris Messina F.D., C.C.O., General Manager
Madi
Mills Advance Planning Specialist
NOVEMBER 1ST
Acworth Beer & Wine Festival
Logan Farm Park | 1:00 PM
A fall Saturday calls for beer, food, and football. Spend an afternoon sampling more than 100 craft beers, wine, and mimosas while you enjoy live music and college football. Tickets are $55 at the gate and include entry and beverage samples. Learn more at acworthbeerwinefest.com
NOVEMBER 7TH
Veterans Luncheon
Ben Robertson Community Center | 12:00 PM
The City of Kennesaw will host its annual free Veterans Luncheon in honor of past and present military members. No identification or prior registration is required to attend.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Veterans Day Parade
Roswell Street Baptist Church | 11:00 AM
The City of Marietta’s Veteran’s Day Parade begins at Roswell Street Baptist Church at 10:40 a.m. The parade spans 1 1/2 miles and includes 38 entries and around 1,000 participants, including marching units, veterans’ and civic organizations, and scouts celebrating America’s Veterans.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veteran’s Day Ceremony
Cauble Park | 2:00 PM
The City of Acworth will proudly honor those who have served or are currently serving our country at the veteran’s memorial at Cauble Park.
NOVEMBER 21ST - 23RD
Cobb County Gem & Mineral Club Show
Cobb County Civic Center | 10:00 AM
Discover rocks, gemstones, minerals, and fossils from all over the world from over 30 professional dealers, as well as demonstrations of gem and mineral polishing and free mineral identification classes. Admission is free.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Tree Lighting at the Battery
The Battery | 5:30 PM
Enjoy entertainment on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage. Mark Owens and Atlanta Braves’ mascot Blooper will watch the skies to help track Santa as he comes to light the tree at 7 p.m.
