PITCHING
ARTS + CULTURE
WHAT TEENS CAN TEACH US ABOUT GIVING BACK
SPORTS + RECREATION WHAT'S GA TECH'S COACH KEY'S SECRET?
EDUCATION
INSPIRING STORIES FROM NEIGHBORS
Hello friends,
Now in its third year as a nonprofit, Reeling in Serenity is introducing more people in active recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) to the healing properties of fly fishing. Reeling in Serenity 501(c)(3) hosts free, all-day retreats where guests are paired with fly fishing guides, then learn the basics and experience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing.
I am proud to serve as president of the board of directors this year, so allow me to tell you more!
Guides, instructors and meeting facilitators, as well as staff and board, are all volunteers, fueled by the tight community fly fishing fosters and a desire to support those recovering from SUD.
Since its inception, Reeling in Serenity 501(c)(3) has hosted more than 60 guests on rivers in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, Colorado and Montana. All guides, program coordinators and staff volunteer their time to teach basic knots, casting and entomology after an hour of sharing and fellowship. Guests are then paired with a guide for a one-on-one fly fishing experience complete with waders, boots and gear.
At 320 Ranch on the Gallatin River in Montana, participants shared their recovery journey, enjoyed lunch together, fished the stocked pond, then explored the Gallatin.
I love being outdoors with fellow volunteers, watching friendships blossom, and witnessing the focus and healing of our participants while they fly fish.
Curious how you can help? Check out ReelingInSerenity.org
Where is your place to focus and heal? If you can find space to share your gifts, talents and passions, make this a priority.
Enjoy this issue, inspired by community. Our goal here at City Lifestyle is to share these stories every month, spotlighting people like Megan Nellen. A Buckhead native, she connects her passion for quality curriculum design and education and art integration while giving back to ArtsNOW. Read her story and meet others who make philanthropy a priority, on page 14.
Spread positivity, be generous with your time and VOTE!
All my best,
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hayat Nawd | hayat.nawd@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Louise Davie | louise.davie@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Firelite Studios | akapett@firelitestudios.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Steedly Curling, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katie Steedly Curling, FireliteStudios, Danny Karnik Photography, Zamora Digital Studios
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
SUE G. COLLINS, PUBLISHER @BUCKHAVENCITYLIFESTYLE
city scene
1: ShaunaMarie at Diamonds Direct, now open in Buckhead. 2: A very hot Maserati displayed at The Chiarabella Gallery, Angela Cassisi and Karyn Slovin. 3: Krisztina Bell, Karyn Slovin and Stephanie Dahlman strike a pose at The Chiarabella Gallery 4: Jessica Medina, Suri Saligan and L Ryan Bowman enjoyed the evening at Chiarabella Gallery 5: George Charriez, Karyn Slovin and John Williams 6: Angela Cassisi hosted Atlanta's top real estate agents, stagers and interior designers. 7: Renee Adams, Berkshire Hathaway and Louise Davie, City Lifestyle
8: Renee Adams, Berkshire Hathaway hosts networking event, Hey There! Connections in Buckhead 9: Livable Buckhead’s (PARK)ing Day event at Lenox Square. 10: A portion of the Lenox Square parking lot was an oasis of pop-up parks.
Generosity Abound
Premier fundraising organization, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), is pleased to announce it has donated over $3 million to 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida following another successful year of fundraising. Funding was awarded in a private check presentation ceremony at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa on August 29. To date, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida since its inception in 2005.
500 Wines at Le Bon Nosh
Le Bon Nosh, translating to “the good bite,” is the brainchild of Forough Vakili, a former chemical engineer who took a leap of faith to pursue her dream of making a difference in today's food ecosystem. The restaurant recently launched an exclusively French wine list, featuring over 500 wines. The restaurant is one of very few U.S. restaurants with an all-French wine program to be a Wine Spectator 2024 Best of Award of Excellence winner.
The Colonnade Lives On
The Colonnade has been purchased by Paul Donahue and Lewis Jeffries, co-founders of Lingering Shade, Since opening in 1927, The Colonnade has remained a beloved staple of Atlanta, renowned for its famous fried chicken, traditional Southern sides and perfectly chilled martinis. Over the years, The Colonnade has garnered a dedicated following of loyal patrons and associates. Jeffries has been a patron for over 60 years and Donahue for over 30 years.
Indulge in Custom & Fine Jewelry
With over 30 years of industry experience and three generations in the business, Alex Lexington Diamonds brings you bespoke creations that are more than just adornments they are a testament to fine jewelry and distinguished success.
Photography by The Colonnade
Winter Day Camps for Kids
Lenbrook is Atlanta’s premier in-town community for engaged senior living for so many reasons:
• Extraordinary residences in the heart of Atlanta.
• A welcoming community of interesting neighbors.
•
Need a fun solution for school break days? Ready Set Fun’s School Break Camps are here to save the day. They offer full-day camps for school-aged kids during Election Day, Thanksgiving week, and Winter Break, so your kids can enjoy a day packed with excitement while you take care of business. From creative play to engaging activities, the team keeps your kids active and happy—all day long. ReadySetFun.com
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE
BUCKHAVEN'S ANNUAL SALUTE TO NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE VOLUNTEERING JOB ONE.
LEADING BY GIVING BACK
Megan Nellen
MEGAN NELLEN
Megan Nellen, a native of Buckhead, has had an incredible professional career in education. “I’ve been a teacher, a school principal, and currently am consulting with schools on curriculum design,” says Megan, “as well as supporting families who have students with learning
“MY
LIFE
to my community within Atlanta and Georgia stronger.”
Megan and her family will be headed to Perdido Key this Thanksgiving for a beach respite and maybe a little fly fishing.
SHERRY COHEN
Sherry Cohen Grew up in Charlotte,
IS SO ENRICHED
BY THE PEOPLE I'VE MET THROUGH ARTSNOW AND CASTING FOR RECOVERY”
differences, mainly dysgraphia.”
For Megan, ArtsNOW connects her passion for quality curriculum design and education and art integration. “As an educator and consultant, I see the unique and transformative impact that ArtsNOW has on students and teachers. The integration of the arts builds creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in ways that meet the diverse needs of students across schools.”
Megan is also passionately involved with Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides free fly fishing and wellness retreats for women affected by breast cancer. “Seventy percent of the women who participate in our retreats have never attended a support group,” says Megan, “so it’s a transformational weekend of healing and hope, along with the opportunity to learn a new sport and connect with nature in unique ways.”
“My life is so enriched by the people I’ve met through ArtsNOW and Casting for Recovery, and having a wider circle of friends and causes that I love and respect has only made my connection
North Carolina and graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill before moving to Atlanta for a job. “My husband and I raised our son here,” says Sherry, “and we were always involved in volunteering at his schools and activities.” Sherry’s parents were active in their community and church in Charlotte, setting a strong example of the importance of helping others. Following their lead, giving back became a natural part of Cohens’ life and values.
“Volunteerism keeps me grounded by allowing me to step outside my daily life and appreciate the good that can be done for others, especially children.,” says Sherry. The Cohens find great joy in supporting ArtsNow, which transforms education by integrating arts into the curriculum, as well as The Hambidge Center, a creative residency program in north Georgia. Together, these organizations make a lasting impact on education and the arts. “We live in a complicated world,” says Sherry, “giving back to our community and the causes we believe in can make a difference, even if one child or meal or class at a time.”
CONTINUED >
JILL MACRAE
After being away from Georgia for many years Jill MacRae and her family returned to Atlanta when she was an executive for Spanx.
“I have always had a passion to give back to the Greater Atlanta, and Southeast areas,” says Jill. After being introduced to ArtsNOW, she became a champion on integrating arts into school curriculum. MacRae has also had the wonderful opportunity to also serve on the Board of Directors for Atlanta’s Sheltering Arms for Kids, as Chairwoman of American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign and on the Industry Advisory Committee for No Kid Hungry.
“Volunteering has opened a world of giving back for my entire family, including my children,” says Jill. “It is my greatest joy to watch them serve their own colleges and communities in the same way, all because they were able to witness what a difference giving back can make.”
BRIAN WALDMAN
Brian Waldman, Brookhaven resident and chief investment officer at Peachtree Group, has a strong connection to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (ARMHC) mission of keeping families together, as both a cancer survivor and parent.
Shortly following his 40th birthday, Brian was diagnosed with colon cancer and endured the hardships and expenses of traveling for medical appointments and surgery. He developed a deep compassion for those facing similar situations who struggle with the logistics and costs associated with receiving critical medical treatment. Also, as a father of two children, who each have their own health needs, he has always been drawn to helping families during a moment of crisis.
Brian’s journey with the organization began in 2019, after hearing about their plans to build a new house next to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta North Druid Hills campus. He realized this was an opportunity to offer his expertise in hospitality and instill hope in families with sick and injured children.
Since joining the organization five years ago, he has served on ARMHC’s Advisory Council and is currently a board member
Brian Walkman
Sherry Cohen
Jill MacRoe
Where Giving Begins
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRELITE STUDIOS
“Always be kinder than necessary.”
Shepard Sloan carries that motherly advice with him every day and as he volunteered with the Northside Youth Organization. The Christopher League is a baseball league run by NYO for children with special needs. This program is designed for “buddies” ages 11 and older to assist the players in the games. The program was one of a few that Shepard volunteered with as a part of his membership with Young Men’s Service League.
Young Men’s Service League is a national organization that creates opportunities for moms and their high school sons to volunteer together at philanthropic organizations in their community. YMSL is a comprehensive four-yearlong program for mothers and sons dedicated to serving together, learning life lessons, and leading with heart.
“We just completed a huge project called the ‘Ultimate Gift’ based on the book of the same name by Jim Stovall. It is a powerful book with a wonderful lesson about service,” says Mary Elizabeth Ellenburg, who is participating in YMSL with her son Jack, a junior at North Atlanta High School. “We applied for a 9/11 grant from our national chapter and received over $3500 for a project geared toward Veterans. We just spent two days planting landscaping at the Marietta Aviation Museum next to the campus of Dobbins Air Force Base. The boys spent time interviewing Veterans and hearing stories about their service.”
We caught up with Jack and fellow NAHS students, brothers Easley and Shepard Sloan to find out more about their commitment to community. These boys are all busy with extracurricular activities, competitive sports and homework, but are making giving back a priority. We applaud you, gentlemen!
Jack Ellenburg and Austin Stevens
11th Grade, North Atlanta High School
Extracurriculars - Football, Fishing, Golf, Founder of Jaxsox.com (founded at age 11)
“It taught me to be grateful for what I have and it gave me the perspective.”
MOST MEMORABLE EVENT OR MOMENT WITH YMSL?
My most memorable time with YMSL is working with the charity Open Hand. Open Hand is an organization that makes and delivers meals to people who need food. First, we had a training session to understand the needs of the community. Then, we loaded up boxes of food that had been prepared at Open Hand. After that, I helped deliver the meals to homes in Atlanta. The people who received the food were so thankful to see us. It taught me to be grateful for what I have and it gave me the perspective that there are people around us everywhere who need help. I spent about four hours that day delivering food and the food was enough to last a week.
IF YOU WERE DESCRIBING YMSL TO A YOUNGER BOY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM?
YMSL is something you should strongly consider joining. There isn’t a book or a movie that can teach you what you will learn from serving your community. Also, read the book called “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovall.
WHAT IS A PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR MOM HAS GIVEN YOU THAT YOU APPRECIATE?
My Mom has taught me to thank God for everything I am and everything I have. Take nothing for granted and use my God-given abilities to help others.
WHICH NONPROFIT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SUPPORTING WITH YMSL?
Piedmont Park Conservancy makes me the most proud. When I was a child I lived in walking distance to Piedmont Park and made so many great memories there. Growing up I completed the Peachtree Road Race several times ending in the park. Now, as a North Atlanta Football player, I play football games across the street from the Park at the Midtown stadium. Keeping the park clean is important to me and it is an easy thing to do. We should all care about where we live so that others can make memories there, too.
CONTINUED >
Meet Easley Sloan
12th grade, NAHS
Extracurriculars: Football, Lacrosse, National Honor Society
MOST MEMORABLE EVENT OR MOMENT WITH YMSL?
One of my favorite volunteering days was when we worked in an assembly line to make the meals at Open Hand. We had to put on aprons, hairnets, and gloves and enter a freezing room. It was fun because they had good music playing, and we made around 350 meals to be delivered. It felt good to help so many people in just three hours.
IF YOU WERE DESCRIBING YMSL TO A YOUNGER BOY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM?
As a senior about to graduate, my years volunteering through YMSL have flown by. YMSL is an opportunity to serve our community with your mom and brother if you have them. You also have monthly meetings where you learn essential life skills like how to change a tire or write a thank you note.
WHAT IS A PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR MOM HAS GIVEN YOU THAT YOU APPRECIATE?
My mom is big on treating everyone how you want to be treated. When we deliver Open Hand meals to people in nursing homes or people who can’t leave their houses, I try to talk to them just like I would want someone to talk to me. Many look forward to weekly food deliveries to have regular conversations with volunteers. Often, our conversations are pretty funny.
WHICH NONPROFIT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SUPPORTING WITH YMSL?
Open Hands
Meet Shepard Sloan
10th grade, NAHS
Extracurriculars: Football, Lacrosse, Best Buddies
MOST MEMORABLE EVENT OR MOMENT WITH YMSL?
I have so many great memories from spending Saturday mornings at NYO volunteering with Christopher League. At this point, I know a lot of the players. One of my favorite players never says a word; he always gives us a smile and thumbs up. He can’t verbalize it, but he’s having a great time.
IF YOU WERE DESCRIBING YMSL TO A YOUNGER BOY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM?
YMSL is about spending time with your mom and brother helping our community. It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend your Saturday morning. We also like to deliver meals through Open Hand during the school breaks. We go in the morning, and by lunch, you are done and feel good about helping others. It feels nice to start the day that way, especially during the holidays.
WHAT ADVICE HAS YOUR MOM GIVEN YOU THAT YOU APPRECIATE?
Always be kinder than necessary. I think about this a lot, and it’s easy to do!
WHICH NONPROFIT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF SUPPORTING WITH YMSL?
Christopher League
“YMSL is about spending time with your mom and brother helping our community.”
“One of my favorite players never says a word; he always gives us a smile and thumbs up.”
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3 Bedroom | 3.5 Bathroom
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MEET COACH BRENT KEY
The Gift of Guidance
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY KARNIK PHOTOGRAPHY, GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS
ARTICLE BY KATIE STEEDLY CURLING
Georgia Tech Football Coach Brent Key. Dublin, Ireland
Aviva Stadium. Dublin ESPN College GameDay, Dublin
...the
day I stop getting butterflies is the day I'm going to stop coaching.
On a beautiful last summer evening in Dublin, Ireland, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic kicked off the 2024 college football season. Aviva Stadium hosted a sold-out crowd of 48,000 fans, with 26,000 visiting from the United States. Under the international spotlight, Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key lead his alma mater to a thrilling last-second victory.
Coach Key embodies Georgia Tech football. He was the starting offensive guard at Georgia Tech for four years. He was part of a team that made four straight bowl appearances, finished the season in the AP poll top-25 four times, beat rival Georgia three consecutive times, and was ranked No.1 nationally in total offense in 1998. He was even named team captain his senior year. It makes perfect sense he leads the Yellow Jackets today.
Coach Key’s deep connection to Georgia Tech extends to Atlanta. He reflects:
“As someone who grew up in the South, growing up in Birmingham, the South was near and dear to my heart. Even as a young child coming to Atlanta to visit, whether it was the World of Coke, or Six Flags, or going to Braves’ games, all those things, I’ve always loved the city. Coming to college here. Being a freshman in 1996 during the Olympics. It’s a wonderful city. My heart’s here. … The better part of my life has been here in Atlanta. … Obviously, the heart and soul — right in the middle of it — is Georgia Tech. Where I call home.”
To understand Coach Key’s success — on and off the field — it is essential to understand his philosophy. He believes coaches are fundamentally teachers.
“My mother was a teacher for her entire career. Some of the most influential people in my life
have been teachers. Really, coaching is teaching. Teaching is the ability to inspire learning. That’s what we do every day. We’re on a journey to inspire these young men to learn, not just the game of football, but to learn how to turn themselves into better people in the real world when they leave Georgia Tech,” says Key.
Positive habits — like routine, structure, focus, discipline, and attention — are must-haves for Coach Key. Conversations with him stress how important it is that he model these habits for his coaching staff and players. Coach Key maintains:
“You focus on the process of improving every day. What we’re focused on right now is creating the habits, building the structure that allows you the chance to have success and win football games.”
Over time, those habits build individual and collective success.
Experiencing the game in Dublin, a few things were clear. The electricity was palpable. As the teams and coaches took the field, it is not a stretch to say Coach Key felt butterflies. A new season was starting. All the planning and preparation had occurred. He had a new group of players facing their first test. “The best way to say it, is the day I stop getting butterflies is the day I’m going to stop coaching.”
Georgia Tech won a hard-fought game in Dublin. I feel certain that Coach Key would say there is no such thing as luck — or perhaps that we create luck by building and sustaining positive habits. Still, I want to argue and invite the luck of the Irish to inspire continued success for Coach Key, his family, his coaching staff and players, and the entire Georgia Tech community.
As someone who grew up in the South, growing up in Birmingham, the South was near and dear to my heart. “ ”
Coach Key taking the field on gameday at Aviva Stadium
Coach Key with his mentor Coach Nick Saban, Dublin
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HOME TO THE HILLS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN
ZAMORA | ZAMORA DIGITAL STUDIOS
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NOVEMBER 2024
FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST
Art Exhibit by Paulina Carretero
The Consulate General of Mexico, 1700 Chantilly Dr NE
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "KALEIDOSCOPE," an exhibition showcasing the mesmerizing oil paintings of acclaimed Mexican artist Paulina Carretero. Experience the vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Closes November 23.
NOVEMBER 1ST
OUMA Art Exhibition: "The Gaze"
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA)
This group exhibition, curated by Aleatha Lindsay, is a deeply personal exploration of how mind and body shape how we interact with society and how society interacts with us. Marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of Deaf and disabled artists at OUMA, “The Gaze” illustrates how disability, accessibility, and ableism intersect. Closes December 1.
NOVEMBER 2ND
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
4469 Stella Drive | 11:00 AM
Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, a children’s area, and local food and beverage concessions including gourmet food trucks. Local acoustic musicians will enliven the atmosphere. This event is organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and volunteer artists. Best of all, it’s entirely free to attend. Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm – Sunday: 11am – 5pm.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 9TH
Peachtree Heights East Movers, Shakers, and Heartbreakers Walking Tour
70 Lakeview Ave NE | 10:00 AM
Caleb Brown and Richard Waterhouse offer a fascinating tour of this hidden neighborhood near Peachtree Road and Lindbergh. The mile-and-a-half route is hilly and will last about an hourand-a-half. We will meet at the Duckpond's historical marker and stay on the road during the tour. To register, please contact Executive Director Richard Waterhouse at rwaterhouse@buckheadheritage.com or 404.467.9447.
NOVEMBER 14TH
The History of Westview Cemetery
Cathedral of Saint Philip Gould Room | 7:00 PM
In 1884, several leading citizens purchased 577 acres to open Atlanta's Westview Cemetery. The rolling terrain, part of which was a site in the Civil War battle of Ezra Church, became the final resting place for more than 125,000 people. Author Jeff Clemmons traces the complete history of this treasured necropolis. To register, please contact Executive Director Richard Waterhouse at rwaterhouse@buckheadheritage.com or 404.467.9447.
NOVEMBER 19TH
Dinner and a Diva: Les
Misérables at Petite Violette
2948 Clairmont Rd., Brookhaven | 7:00 PM
Join Capitol City Opera Company at Petite Violette for a night of delicious food and performances from Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer’s Les Misérables.
