Kids
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Q&A WITH EMANUELO FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
LIFE + CULTURE
RESCUED ANIMALS LIVING PEACEFUL LIVES AT HIDDEN
ACRES ANIMAL SANCTUARY
SPORTS + RECREATION
REINHARDT UNIVERSITY
KIDS SUMMER CAMPS
Kids & Pets
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.
I've expanded my empathy, compassion, kindness, patience, and so much more from my furry family members.
At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.
I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY
We will have the most vibrant and gorgeous locally grown blooms all Summer as well as gifts for all occasions highlighting locally crafted items! Whether you are getting married, hosting a birthday or a Summer get together let us help bring beauty and intention to your gathering through florals and gifts!
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Salon and Spa Venessa celebrates 34 years in downtown Woodstock 2: The Children’s Haven were the beneficiaries of Georgia Jeep Invasion 3: NotATypical Festival 4: Members of the Coles Ambassadors for Student Success at KSU earned Emerging Leaders Certifications 5: DJ Nightrain at NotATypical Festival 6: Two deputies graduated from the University of North Georgia Public Safety Academy 7: Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s Lemonade Day winners for Best Lemonade Stand
@SARAHAGENPHOTOGRAPHY
ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE
Local Faves
Bizarre Coffee
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock, Downtown Canton, and Roswell (coming soon!). Check out their popular menu items including cafe lattes, cold brew, bagels, sandwiches, and more.
Kitty Angel Rescue
Kitty Angel’s mission is to rescue as many cats as possible from animal control facilities.They hold adoptions at the Kennesaw and Hiram Petsmart locations.
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts
Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green & blooming plants, gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.
Deep Roots Wine Market
Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.
Purr Nation Cat Alliance
Founded in 2018, Purr Nation has facilitated the adoption of over 4000 cats, nearly 500 last year alone. Follow them on Instagram @purrnationcats.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SARA HAGEN
Rescued Animals Living Peaceful Lives
at Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary
Sara Carney always loved animals. So much so that in 2018, while searching for a new home in Canton, Georgia, she found a trashed, harsh piece of land and set out to create a sanctuary.
After five years of building Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary from the ground up and bringing in animals, Sara rescued Bucky the mule from a tragic past.
After 29 years of severe abuse, Sara and her volunteers rescued Bucky in 2023. His hooves were overgrown and digging into his legs. Lawson, a volunteer at Hidden Acres, recalls how he had never been treated by a farrier; a specialist trained in caring for equine hoof health.
Bucky won’t let Sara or any of the volunteers touch his leg because of trauma from his previous life. Instead, as volunteer Jen says, they have to get creative. Flies become a major problem when scratches or infections occur, Jen remarks. To keep them away, they make him sandwiches with peanut butter, applesauce, and apples.
Compassionate and patient care from volunteers has opened the door for Bucky to socialize with other animals and humans. Sara says, “He trusts all our volunteers that spend time and work with him.”
Jen identifies both Bucky and Boris, a resident goat, as outsiders who are, to an extent, friends.
Hidden Acres rescues and adopts animals whose life would be better being cared for by a team of passionate volunteers. Sometimes their residents come from pet situations where the owner thought they needed an open space and friends of their own species. Some, like Bucky, come from abusive and neglectful situations.
Jennifer is a volunteer at Hidden Acres. While scratching the back of a resident pig, she remarks she had met Bucky right when she started volunteering.
CONTINUED >
“You leave here and your heart is full even when there’s nothing going on.”
Bucky
She says, “He’s gentle. I don’t want to say a gentle giant, but he’s super sweet.” Jennifer and her husband always bring Bucky carrots when they visit. She says that he took some time getting used to being around people. “He was a little shy”, she said. She remarked, “He’s just Bucky, you know?”
In keeping with their mission, they instill love, healing, and hope in all of their residents. All the people working at Hidden Acres do so unpaid.
Angela, the Director of Therapy and Community Service at Hidden Acres, says she loves being at the sanctuary. She says, “There’s nothing that feels like work to me…You leave here and your heart is full even when there’s nothing going on.” She often sits with the pigs and reads a book or makes phone calls.
Hidden Acres’ big thing is therapy, says Angela. Sara has a background in special education and says she has always wanted to work with animals. They help people from all ages.
Sara founded Hidden Acres in 2018 when she was searching for real estate in the Canton, Georgia area. She saw the potential of a junk-filled fixer-upper lot and got to work with the help of Lawson, who admits “95% of it was the ladies from the farm helping me”. Together they built a fence and began their journey of rescuing animals and serving the community.
The sanctuary holds events for seniors and people with disabilities.. While hosting a recent event, Sara guides a guest on how to approach Bucky. “Let him come to you,” She says, “You can put your hand out. Let him decide who he wants to say hello to.” The guests’ eyes light up as Sara provides them with carrots to feed Bucky.
One volunteer asks if Bucky enjoys peppermint. Sara says, “He loves peppermint.” She says he loves treats and points out that he’s good with whatever food they present to him.
People and groups everywhere are finding ways to support animal welfare. Counting Hidden Acres, there are at least 19 animal sanctuaries in Georgia, and hundreds across the country. They continue to exist because of donations from individuals.
CONTINUED >
Hidden Acres holds events like Adult and Family Happy Hour, where the tickets serve as donations for the sanctuary’s upkeep. Individuals also support the sanctuary by donating through their website.
Hidden Acres’ residents come from varying situations. A piglet named Pepper came from a factory farm. They found a pig named Simone roaming the streets of Atlanta, likely the victim of the fallacy that is the mini-pig industry, according to Angela. Boris the goat was discovered standing in the middle of a woman’s bed before his rescue.
The abuse that occurs in situations where equine animals are used for human entertainment or labor purposes is gaining awareness. News media has recently covered severe abuses in the horse racing industry and mule and donkey abuse in Greece.
The fact remains that in many states across the US, animal welfare laws are lenient at best. In Kentucky, it is illegal
to report animal abuse to a veterinarian. In Georgia, there are no laws prohibiting animal possession after being convicted of animal abuse.
While Georgia still has a lack of legislation for animal welfare, small steps in the right direction are happening. One animal’s individual story can inspire others and raise awareness.
Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary is proof of that. As Bucky’s online profile states, “The progress we’ve made with our sweet Bucky Boy has given us an even greater sense of purpose knowing Bucky will live out the rest of his days thriving here.”
Hidden Acres hosts lots of community events like Goat Yoga, Happy Hour, and Animal Therapy. They also book private events.
Update: As of this story’s publication, Bucky has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. See a farewell message on Hidden Acres' Instagram.
Jennifer scratching a pig’s back
Upcoming Events at Hidden Acres
Find a list of all upcoming events at Hidden Acres at hiddenacresanimalsanctuary.org and follow them @hiddenacresanimalsanctuary.
BY SARA HAGEN
NotATypical Festival
NotATypical Festival was a blast this year! There aren’t a lot of events that prioritize sensory-friendliness and mental health, and this festival did both. In addition, the festival is hosted by The Little Sober Bar, who provided the perfect mocktails for a hot summer day. Cherish Dance and DJ Nightrain provided some of the event’s excellent entertainment. From food trucks to vendors to inclusive activity tents and kid-friendly play spaces, we always look forward to NotATypical Festival every year. And we loved having the opportunity to donate to the Trevor Project as a part of the fun. Have you gone yet? Stay updated on news about the festival @notatypicalfest on Instagram.
Hosted by The Little Sober Bar
Q&A ON FAMILY HEALTH, TEAMWORK, AND COMMUNITY
Emanuelo
Family Chiropractic
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA HAGEN
Self-care isn't just for adults; it's for the whole family. Emanuelo Family Chiropractic stands out as a practice that understands the importance of chiropractic care for patients of all ages. Madison and Dr. Michael Emanuelo prioritize comfort and community. We sat down and asked them a bit about themselves and their practice.
Q: WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHER CHIROPRACTORS IN THE AREA?
Madison: Our philosophy and our biggest goal is to empower our patients to be an active part of their healthcare and wellness. Nobody is ever going to leave our office with a question in mind. People are always going to have their questions answered. They're always going to understand what's happening with their body and why it's happening, and have steps in a plan of action to move forward. We strive to be educational, empowering, and make sure that we're working as a team collectively to help them either relieve whatever's going on in their body or help them live an optimal, healthy life.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU'VE LEARNED SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
Madison: I think as a husband and wife, we're having to learn how to be a team. We are very passionate about both of us fulfilling our roles here, working as a unit and staying in our own lanes. We're learning a lot about our community, chronic issues that we see with people, and what suits our community better—how we could be reaching them in a more fulfilling way. All of those have been a learning process over the last two years. We've made a few mistakes here and there, but mostly we've been learning how to function best as a team for our patients.
CONTINUED >
Q: FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH OR HAVE NEVER VISITED A CHIROPRACTOR, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT, AND WHAT BENEFITS COULD IT OFFER SOMEONE?
Dr. Michael: The biggest way it benefits is that the better the structure your spine has, the less tension you're going to have on your nervous system. Your nervous system controls everything. So if your spine isn't in a good position or is not moving well, then the nervous system's not going to function well or to its optimal potential. The structure of your spine also plays a role in how your body moves. You could have a high shoulder or a low hip, putting more pressure on one knee versus the other. This can lead to a lot of issues and dysfunction throughout the body. We work with a lot of athletes and kids, and we see many knee, ankle, and elbow issues that stem from the spine. Once that starts getting better, their ailments and issues start to improve too.
Q: WHAT'S THE PERSPECTIVE ON CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR KIDS?
Madison: We are very passionate about working with families and patients of all ages. Dr. Michael is especially passionate about working with children. We've seen firsthand how chiropractic care benefits kids, from birth as they grow, through the traumas of bumps and bruises, and playing sports. Chiropractic helps with chronic issues, emotional regulation, and supports the immune system. It's incredibly beneficial and valuable to children for a multitude of reasons.
Q: SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE IS THAT IT'S A FAMILY PLACE.
Dr. Michael: That's why we built a place like this. We want it to feel like you're walking into a home, not a sterile environment. It's almost like you're just going into a living room. Everyone who comes in here, we treat them like family. The same thing I would do for my family, I'll do for them regardless.
Madison: Same thing we'd recommend for our 4-year-old. We present ourselves as a family unit. Our 4-year-old is running around here all the time, working with patients. We want people to feel comfortable bringing their family here, too. We have people whose kids come in and play while they're getting adjusted. We want this to be your home for health, your home away from home. We love our patients, we treat them as friends and family, and we want to be a part of your active healthcare, helping your family be the best it can possibly be.
You can find Emanuelo Family Chiropractic on Instagram @emanuelofamilychiro and their website at emanuelofamilychiropractic.com. Please call them at 770-835-4909 to schedule an appointment.
The Falany at Reinhardt University Kids Summer Camps
Reinhardt University’s performing arts summer camps offer a dynamic arts experience for kids of all ages. Staffed by Reinhardt students, alumni, and select high school volunteers, the camps offer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. The high school musical theatre intensive is a two-week immersive experience where students reside in dorms, attend classes, and participate in a full-scale production. Middle school campers focus on learning performance skills, including memorizing lines, choreography, and vocal techniques. Counselors mentor participants, helping them grow artistically and personally. Campers even help build sets and props, engaging visual art skills as well. The program, now in its third year, was launched with donor support to reach youth without access to arts education. Faculty enjoy seeing students return as leaders, passing on knowledge to the next generation.
An inclusive fest for a cause
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SARA HAGEN
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WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
RECLAIM YOUR PRIME
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Steps:
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY DOG
BIRTHDAY PARTY
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR
OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
AUGUST 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Summer Scratch Off Lottery
Throughout the month of August, shoppers in Downtown Woodstock get to Buy. Scratch. Save. with this exciting new shopping event. Simply visit one of the participating stores as they are updated below, make a purchase, and receive one Summer Scratch Off Card. Excellent discounts are found on every card! More info at visitwoodstockga.com/scratch-off
AUGUST 4TH
Pop-Up Storytime
Woodstock Arts Event Green | 10:00 AM
After storytime in the park, stop by Woodstock Library's Pop-Up Library to return your books, receive a new card, or check out some new ones.
AUGUST 9TH
10,000 Maniacs at Woodstock Summer Concert Series
Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater | 7:30 PM
The fourth show in the Woodstock Summer Concert Series will feature one of the most enduring and influential bands in alternative rock: 10,000 Maniacs. With over 10 million albums sold and Grammy nominated hits, they are sure to be remarkable.
AUGUST 12TH
Thai Northeast with Chef Sunisa
105 East Main Street Woodstock, GA 30188 | 6:30 PM
Have you ever tried laab? A typical northeastern Thai meal in Thailand's Issan region, it's bright, spicy, and refreshing. Enjoy this delectable cooking lesson with Chef Sunisa and get inspired.
AUGUST 15TH
Anything Goes
Woodstock Arts Theatre | 7:30 PM
This show is the perfect end of summer escape – on a cruise no less! – and is perfect for those who love the breeze of a classic musical like GUYS AND DOLLS, KISS ME KATE, or FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, or musicals sparkling with wit, charm, and dance like THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. August 15-31.
AUGUST 20TH
Made Social
Made Mercantile | 5:00 PM
Mercantile's enjoyable networking and socializing event with small-business entrepreneurs. While enjoying delectable cocktails, engage in discussions that could grow your business. Take advantage of this chance to meet other entrepreneurs who share your interests in a friendly and laid-back setting.
Want to be featured?
