Woodstock, GA April 2024

INVESTING in local arts, travel, and home in this month's issue

ARTS + CULTURE

WOODSTOCK ARTS NEW EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY AND ACCESSIBLE ART

Investing in What Matters

Hello, reader. Investing isn't always a financial topic. We can prioritize investing in our self-growth, our health and happiness, and consciously living.

You'll notice the cover of this issue is unique. Isn't it gorgeous? I just want to reach out and feel it. The cover is an indicator for a couple of the stories within. I've chosen to highlight accessibility this month. Why accessibility? Because everyone experiences different levels of ability throughout their lives and communities should come together to meet those needs.

Whether it's an event at a local art gallery, a book you found at the library, or a character on television, investing in humanity is the necessary prerequisite to investing in communities. And humanity looks incredibly different for all 8 billion of us!

We hope you enjoy this month's articles. Stay tuned on our social media for posts and reels, all centered around living and having fun in our lovely Woodstock community.

SARA HAGEN, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE

Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com

Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com

Join a community where companionship thrives and connections blossom.

Embark on a journey with the Camellia Companions – your friends in fostering connections and nurturing belonging. Discover a community that thrives on companionship, where every interaction is an invitation to create memories.

city scene

1: Plant Daddies of Atlanta shares the love of plants in Kentucky and Arkansas. 2: A group from Limitless Disability Services visits Tellus Science Museum 3: ‘Talking drum’ master Massamba Diop introduces KSU to the music of Senegal 4: Grand opening of Stitch Above the Rest custom luxury drapery in new Woodstock location. 5: Pelican’s Snoballs is open for the 2024 season 6: Children’s author Katie Burgess visits Foxtale Bookshoppe. 7: Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Celebrates 25 years!

PLANT DADDIES OF ATLANTA

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS

FOXTALE BOOKSHOPPE

GOSHEN VALLEY BOY’S RANCH

business monthly

Mayor Recognizes Contributions of First Black Person Elected to Woodstock Council

At the February 26th meeting of Woodstock City Council, Mayor Michael Caldwell read a proclamation recognizing the contributions of William Eugene Ogletree, who was the first Black person to be elected to Woodstock City Council, in observance of Black History Month. As part of the proclamation, Mayor Caldwell declared Monday, February 26th, 2024, William Eugene Ogletree Day in the City of Woodstock in thanks for Council Member Ogletree’s leadership and contributions to Woodstock’s community.

Next Step Ministries At Woodstock Arts

Next Step Ministries visited the sensory-friendly pieces at Woodstock Arts' Please Touch the Art exhibit.

A Whole Body Approach

Woodstock Pelvic Health specializes in the treatment of all pelvic health issues such as incontinence, pain with intimacy, pelvic pain for both men and women, interstitial cystitis, pelvic organ prolapse, birth prep and postpartum recovery. Call or text to schedule your appointment today!

Mention this ad to get 50% off your initial evaluation

Photography by Next Step Ministries

Photography by Woodstock, Georgia Governor

OUR P I C K S FOR TOP

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Accountant

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Cherokee CPA

https://cherokeecpa.com | 678.456.4474

Simpson & Simpson Accounting

https://simpsonaccountingllc.com | 678.353.3296

Paragon Accounting and Tax Solutions

https://paragonaccountingandtax.com | 770.928.7229

Kinsey CPA

https://kinseyaccounting.com | 770.343.5212

North GA CPA Services

https://www.northgacpa.com | 770.926.5302

Law Firm

Amanda Hall Accident Lawyers

https://ahallinjurylaw.com | 678.445.7423

Nelson Elder Care Law

https://www.nelsoneldercarelaw.com | 678.904.0373

Speights Law

https://speightslaw.com | 770.479.1500

Pacific Law Group

https://pacificlawllc.com/contact | 770.702.8467

Harden Law Firm

https://www.hardenlawfirm.com | 770.285.8229

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING: MAXIMIZING WEALTH AND LEGACY

YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT

Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it's equally important to branch out.

Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one's overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for tax-free withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.

SOURCES OF INCOME DURING RETIREMENT

Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees

and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.

Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.

The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.

You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one's retirement strategy.

Disclosures

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.

Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.

MEET NICOLE LIVEOAK

The artist and maker behind Woven Oak Design

My name is Nicole Liveoak, and I'm a 25-year-old macrame artist, mother, and the owner and founder of Woven Oak Design. I first discovered macrame back in 2019 while scrolling through Facebook Marketplace. A listing for a macrame plant hanger caught my eye, and I thought, 'Hmm, I could do that.' My love affair with macrame began with a quick search on YouTube and some cord from Amazon.

What truly drives me is the inspiration I gather from my surroundings and the incredible community of local business owners and artists. Supporting local small businesses, whether it's a mom-and-pop run restaurant or fellow artists, is a true passion of mine. I believe in uplifting and encouraging others to pursue their dreams, just as my best friend Tariana did for me. She bought my very first wall hanging before I even finished making it! The support of my friends and family has been a blessing throughout this journey.

As the owner of Woven Oak Design, I want to not only create beautiful macrame pieces but also celebrate the creativity and talent within our community. Supporting local artists and businesses is at the heart of what I do. It's a way for me to give back, inspire others, and make a positive impact.

I'm excited to continue growing my business and sharing my passion for macrame with the world. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

You can find me @wovenoakdesign on Instagram and on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/ WovenOakDesign

Experts Share Their Passion and Tips for Homeowners

With Jim from Design and Remodel Brothers

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESIGN AND REMODEL BROTHERS

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN REMODELING?

WHAT'S YOUR STORY?

Our father was a general contractor in New York City for over twenty years, specializing in residential and commercial projects across the five boroughs. His expertise lay in foundation and framing and he managed a team of longterm subcontractors for other aspects of remodeling jobs. He has since retired and enjoys pursuing his hobbies across the United States.

From a young age, we were introduced to the construction industry and learned how the remodeling sector aligned with client demands, city regulations, and material requirements, all thanks to our father. After spending a significant portion of our early years working alongside him, we both decided to pursue careers within the industry.

I became an International Trade Manager, focusing on surface materials imported from Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, John concentrated on procurement management systems within national home improvement retailers. He gravitated toward the field and labor aspects of the industry, while I leaned toward design and materials. Hence, he represents the hammer in our logo, while I represent the pencil.

After establishing our career paths, we relocated to the thriving state of Georgia and settled our families in Woodstock. After gaining local experience with several remodeling companies, we recognized the opportunity to establish a showroom and offer our services as a designbuild remodeling Firm. Our father's approach inspired this business model, but we aimed to provide more comprehensive services to present a complete package. We soon realized that the absence of a firm like ours was a huge loss for the surrounding areas, and opening our firm would greatly benefit the local population, as no other company offered the services we envisioned as a whole. This led to high demand for our services, thanks to our backgrounds aligning perfectly with the community's needs.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT REMODELING/YOUR JOB? FOR INSTANCE, PLANNING, TRENDS, OR NEW DEVELOPMENTS.

I have a strong personal interest in keeping up with trends and advancements in materials and designs to meet the needs of our clients effectively. With my background in materials, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with manufacturers worldwide, making the manufacturing process, procurement of materials, and design scope areas of particular interest to me.

John is passionate about meticulous planning and ensuring that every element fits perfectly. The process of planning a remodel, which involves utilizing Gantt charts and phase planning, motivates him to implement hands-on approaches in each project with the support of our GC teams. This approach allows our teams to leave a distinctive mark on every project we undertake.

However, for both of us, I know nothing makes us happier than seeing a client's vision come to life.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TYPES OF PROJECTS?

As experts in comprehensive remodeling projects covering everything interior from design to completion, we particularly enjoy residential jobs that involve complete gutting and total renovation. This approach offers our clients a complete package at a more affordable rate and ensures they receive the highest quality materials. These projects consistently result in satisfied clients, leaving us with a profound sense of fulfillment in our work.

WHAT IS ONE INSIDER TIP THAT COULD HELP HOMEOWNERS LOOKING TO REMODEL OR SPRUCE UP THEIR HOMES?

Remodeling projects can often set off a chain reaction of changes throughout your home, which we call "the domino effect." It's essential to collaborate with the right professionals to minimize this impact.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

• Did you know that fashion and interior design trends typically cycle every ten years?

• Were you aware that while the foundation and framing of a home can endure for an average of 50 years, most materials and appliances typically experience wear and tear within 13 years?

If you find yourself in a situation where your home requires partial remodeling due to these statistics, it's wise to plan for a comprehensive renovation. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to undertake the full renovation immediately. Instead, it indicates that any changes made to specific areas during a remodeling project can have repercussions throughout your home, and it's crucial to consider the broader implications and see how you can make any changes to your home with little to no impact on the other portions.

CONTINUED >

HERE ARE TWO EXAMPLES:

1) Suppose your home is over ten years old and requires renovation because the style has become outdated.

Unless your home was custom-built with a consistent interior style, changing colors, materials, or finishes in one area may disrupt the overall cohesion of the home. Trendy elements like blue cabinets may quickly fall out of favor. At the same time, neutral options like white quartz countertops lack natural stone's visual depth and cohesion, which complements various color schemes throughout the house.

2) If your home is older than 15 years and various materials are deteriorating, leading to frequent and costly repairs.

Calling in individual tradespeople such as handymen, plumbers, or electricians for each issue can quickly add up in terms of cost. A more cost-effective approach may involve updating multiple materials as part of a comprehensive remodel, addressing various issues with a single action plan.

When contemplating even a simple update to your home, consulting with a professional team specializing in full-scale interior remodeling can offer you a comprehensive vision of the project, ensuring that your renovations align with your long-term goals for your home.

You can find Jim and his brother John at dnrbros.com and @thednrbros on Instagram

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN & TRICIA DEJARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRICIA’S TRAVEL CLUB

EXPLORING NEW DESTINATIONS, SUSTAINABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND MINDFULNESS WITH TRICIA’S TRAVEL CLUB

THE POWER OF ADVENTURE AND INCLUSIVITY

Travel is much more than a luxury; it's a necessity for emotional health and holistic wellness. Whether you're looking for adventure, seeking to forge new memories, or simply trying to reduce stress, travel can offer a powerful remedy that can help unlock physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can enrich your life. Tricia, who runs Tricia's

accessible travel can ensure you have a fantastic vacation while meeting your travel needs.

Travel offers a restorative power that allows people to recharge and find a renewed sense of motivation, which fosters a healthier worklife balance. It can also help to combat mental and career burnout. Planning travel adds a sense of exhilaration, a potent mood booster

“HAVING A TRAVEL ADVISOR WHO KNOWS THE INS AND OUTS OF ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL CAN ENSURE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC VACATION WHILE MEETING YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS.”

Travel Club, wants us to explore the advantages of traveling, how it can be enjoyed by everyone, and some new and exciting places that are becoming popular because of their great nature and unforgettable experiences.

TRAVELING WITH A DISABILITY

Travel presents its own set of obstacles, especially for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. However, in recent times, there has been a notable increase in awareness regarding the difficulties encountered by individuals with disabilities, and thankfully, this awareness is often reflected in how people approach travel planning. For example, all major cruise lines in US waters must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Of those, the newer, bigger ships offer the best accessibility. More and more shore excursions are curated with accessibility, giving wheelchair users and other people with mobility limitations more options.

Travel also offers a more predictable, stable experience for neurodivergent guests with the growth in Certified Autism Resorts, which provides sensory breaks from crowds. Having a travel advisor who knows the ins and outs of

that can reduce depression. There is a direct correlation between travel and improved mental health.

UP AND COMING DESTINATIONS

Paris and Rome may top the list for the most traveled locations, but a few others are gaining popularity, and for a good reason! Here are a couple of our favorites.

Between the cuisine, culture, art, history, and natural beauty, Japan makes the list. This fascinating country mixes old and new with something for everyone. From the foodie to the techie, Japan has a bit of everything. Japan is home to stunning cherry blossoms with over 600 types of sakura trees with varying shades of pink blossoming every spring, signaling new beginnings. Summer boasts the matsuri festival season. The festivals are vibrant and fun ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. With its amazing landscapes, Japan is an eye-opening vacation for anyone.

For the adventurer at heart, Costa Rica offers ziplining, kayaking, mountain climbing, a biodiverse wildlife population as well as sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations. Costa Rica is a wildlife paradise. Its natural inhabitants include sloths, macaws,

howler monkeys, humpback whales, and sea turtles. It is also known as the hummingbird capital of the world, with over 50 species calling Costa Rica home. Costa Rica offers both Pacific and Caribbean beaches. It's home to dormant and active volcanoes and geothermal hot springs (imagine a natural spa experience). It is family-friendly and perfect for the coffee lover; after all, some of the world's best make their humble beginnings in Costa Rica. Additionally, Costa Rica is about a 3-hour flight from Miami, making it an incredibly convenient vacation destination.

MEANING, MINDFULNESS, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Mindfulness when traveling is so important, especially when visiting different cultures. Kindness and compassion can go a long way in ensuring a fantastic vacation for you and the locals who call your vacation destination home. Traveling offers one of the most educational and enriching experiences available to us. Immersing ourselves in new locations and new cultures opens the door for us to gain a new understanding of the world and our place in it. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, so we need to travel with mindfulness, compassion, and kindness.

An important consideration is planning consciously. You will want to research where you are going, the traditions and cultures of the people, as well as the climate, history, and geography. This helps to give you a more local understanding. It will also assist you in participating in ecofriendly, sustainable activities and giving back to the environment and community. Stay in the moment. Have a positive attitude and respect the people and places you visit. Practice kindness and compassion to help you make meaningful connections with the land and the people and step out of your comfort zone. These tips will help make your journeys meaningful, joyful, and sustainable.

Travel is a transformative experience that can help enrich your life in ways you never thought possible. Whether you're traveling solo or with loved ones, it's essential to travel mindfully, treating every destination and its people with respect and kindness. With the right mindset and planning, you can create lasting memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

You can find Tricia at triciastravelclub.com and @triciastravelclub on Instagram

WOODSTOCK ARTS’ LATEST EXHIBIT IS ACCESSIBLE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA HAGEN

Sensory-friendly and accessible art curated with everyone in mind

According to CDC Data from 2020, 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over 6 million children have ADHD. There is more representation of neurodivergence in literature and television than ever before. The more compassion and understanding exists around neurodiversity and disability, the more representation increases. We can see the effect of this positive feedback loop in our own Woodstock community.

Woodstock Art's latest exhibition, Please Touch The Art, is a collection of sensory-friendly art installations. Various textures, colors, and patterns adorn this collection. Even a piece that seems symmetric has tiny fluctuations in the material, making for an excellent touch experience.

Please Touch the Art is a pinnacle of accessibility. For the neurodivergent art enthusiast, the gallery is usually relatively quiet. There are no strong or overwhelming smells. The gallery is at the Reeves Visual Arts Center, a family-friendly creative outlet for the community. There is a small café, and tables and chairs are spread out well in case one needs to rest and recharge. Another plus is that the house is easy to navigate, and it's almost impossible to get lost.

ARTIST’S PALETTE | ARTS + CULTURE

A blue and white two-toned bunny with soft fur-like material on top of a fluffy blue circle

Rough and bluntly spiky art piece with a green circle in the middle with a square border of shades of pink and white

For people with visual disabilities, the various textures offer a one-of-a-kind experience. One of the installations is several pieces by North Carolina artist Kenn Kotara, who uses Braille to explore the relationship between the grid of a canvas and language forms.

Woodstock Arts held a class called Bedazzled Braille as part of their Kids Corner series. This class was about educating kids on the history of Braille and how people with visual disabilities use this language. The participants used a flyer that showed the alphabet in Braille and learned to spell out their names in the language by gluing rhinestones to construction paper. The kids rushed to show their parents what they'd worked on.

White and felt-like fluffy but smooth balls bunched together to form a shape of spheres bunched together

Art desk with an alphabetical Braille chart, a practice Braille sheet, and the full name of Sara Hagen spelled out in Braille

Kenn Kotara's Braille art

Most non-disabled adults aren't aware of how to spell their name in an alternative language such as Braille. The kids who attended this event learned an invaluable skill in accessibility. They made a connection with the language and lives of people who exist differently from them.

It's never too early to teach kids about accessibility and inclusive spaces.

You can visit Woodstock Art's latest collections at Reeves Visual Arts Center and check out more events at woodstockarts.org .

Hanging bulb-like objects in different colors, shapes, and textures.

The name Sara Hagen written in Braille using blue rhinestones on green construction paper

Someone's finished rhinestone Braille project, their mom holding out the piece of yellow construction paper with their name on it in Braille

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN WOODSTOCK.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from December 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

“Marco Rossi exemplifies true professionalism and attention to detail. Every step of the way he gave it 110% and made us feel at ease. He took the stress out of a usually stressful situation of getting your home ready to sell and have multiple showings per day. He was able to get our house multiple offers within the first week of it being listed for sale! He knew we were under a time crunch and followed accordingly. Listen to what he says in order to get your house show ready! We trust him with everything! We will definitely use him again if needed. We highly refer Marco to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”

- Rocio B.

678-469-6138

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH

Tower Garden Workshop: Grow Your Own Food

Sweetwater Urban Farms : 420 Foster Coltrane Lane Ball Ground, GA 30107 | 9:00 AM

Come learn how to grow your own food at home from Tower Farmers and Seedling Providers Clint and Sheree. Perfect for anyone who has a Tower Garden by JuicePlus+, a Lettuce Grow Tower, or is interested in aeroponic gardening indoors or outdoors. You will learn Tower Garden basics and how to become a successful tower gardener.

APRIL 15TH-26TH

Georgia Legal Food Frenzy

Online

The Georgia Legal Food Frenzy is an annual two-week fundraising competition created in partnership with the Georgia Attorney General, the State Bar and YLD, and Feeding Georgia. Register at galegalfoodfrenzy.org

APRIL 20TH

The Lone Bellow at Woodstock Arts

Woodstock Arts Event Green - 113 Elm St. | 7:30 PM

Throughout their lifespan as a band, The Lone Bellow has cast an indelible spell with their finespun songs of hard truth and unexpected beauty, frequently delivered in hypnotic three-part harmony.

APRIL 20TH

B.L.A.C.K: Beautifully Linked Artistically Creative Kindred Grassroots Community Pop-up

580 Fort Street Northeast, Marietta, GA, USA | 6:00 PM

Explore unique and beautifully crafted pieces while supporting local talent. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover one-of-a-kind treasures!