A Time to be Thankful
As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, we find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings that surround us. This month, we are thrilled to present our “Thankful” themed issue of Chamblee City Lifestyle, a celebration of gratitude in all its forms.
In this issue, we invite you to explore the things at the heart of our community. From local residents making a difference to small businesses that add charm to our streets, we’ve gathered inspiring information and images that remind us of the beauty in what makes us a community. You’ll find information on how cooking with fresh herbs can bring flavor to any fall meal and features on the events that bring us together as a community. And we highlight a personal and seasonal favorite, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization, which works tirelessly to bring toys and smiles to millions of children in need during this time of year.
Personally, I’m grateful for many things. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring this magazine to so many wonderful members of our Chamblee community every month. It's been over a year since we launched, and I’m VERY grateful to have a small yet powerful publication staff. Without them, this magazine simply would not be possible. And I’m proud to have met and connected with so many great local businesses that help make Chamblee what it is – with more coming every month!
Thankfulness is more than just a feeling; it’s a practice that enriches our lives and strengthens our connections. As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, we hope this issue encourages you to pause, reflect, and express your own gratitude— whether it’s a simple thank you to a neighbor, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply having gratitude for the little things that brighten our lives every day.
Thank you for being a part of our Chamblee community. We’re truly grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to celebrate the spirit of our vibrant city together.
Warmest wishes to you and your families!
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Polina Williams | polina.williams@citylifestyle.com
Ingrid Preda | ingrid.preda@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Habitations
Chamblee
Chamblee’s
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER 2024
1: Members mingle at the Atlanta Business Connections Gala at the Distillery of Modern Art. 2: It’s about mind, body and spirit at Yoga on the Green in Chamblee. 3: Bringing out the inner artist at a recent SPS Productions Sip and Paint event. 4: Chamblee Middle School Football team attends a September City Council Meeting at Chamblee City Hall. 5: More Sip and Paint fun thanks to SPS Productions. 6: A large crowd attends the Atlanta Business Connections Gala in Chamblee. 7: Getting ready to get fit with Yoga on the Green presented by Total Practice Yoga.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
KEVIN PARKER
POLINA WILLIAMS
POLINA WILLIAMS
business monthly
City of Chamblee
Congratulations goes to Chamblee’s Public Art Coordinator, Teneisha Jones, who received the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association District 6 Outstanding Event Award for the 2023 Chamblee Chalk Walk and Artist Market. Congratulations, Teneisha!
CityVet Chamblee
CityVet Chamblee opened in July! The clinic is led by Kelly Bradley, a veterinarian who graduated in 2004 from the University of Georgia with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bradley brings extensive experience and a deep devotion for veterinary medicine to CityVet. Her approach builds solid relationships with clients and their pets offering a welcoming environment where both pets and their owners feel valued and supported. For more information, visit CityVet.com
Photography by City of Chamblee
Photography by CityVet Chamblee
Galla’s Pizza and Tavern
Anthony DiNardo, owner of Henri’s Bakery and Deli, announces the acquisition of Galla’s Pizza, a neighborhood favorite of Chamblee and Brookhaven. The new management plans to embrace a sports bar theme and bring fresh, new menu items to the table all while building on the Galla’s 25 year legacy. Visit Galla’s Pizza and Tavern at gallaspizza.com.
Scan to read more
Photography by Galla’s Pizza and Tavern
EVENT DECOR THAT POPS!
Elevate your events with Balloonacy’s enchanting decor services, tailored to infuse festive spirit into every occasion. For private or corporate holiday parties, our expert team designs stylish decor that transforms the venue into a magical setting, creating the perfect ambience for celebrations of all kinds!
Designed with Heart
ARTICLE BY AARON MICHELLE
BAKER/ROBERT PLATT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANET HOWARD
Residential designers have a unique privilege. We get to see into the lives of our clients. Not the carefully manicured photographs of holiday cards, but the chaos of daily dinners and homework. The intricate ballet of parenting and marriage. We are privy to the way families live; how they love. Throughout our careers, we've shared in the joy of clients expanding their families, watched infants grow into charming children, ushered grandparents back into the homestead. Our honor has been altering a house to meet the needs of a family; allowing it to become a home. At times, this honor is amplified by the nature of the individuals residing in the home.
HABITATIONS SHARES WHAT IT’S LIKE TO GET TO KNOW THEIR CLIENTS TO CREATE MEANINGFUL SPACES
“FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, WE HOPE YOUR HOLIDAYS ARE FILLED WITH FAMILY, LAUGHTER, AND CHEER.”
—ROBERT PLATT AND AARON MICHELLE BAKER, HABITATIONS, LLC
Recently, we had such individuals leave an indelible mark upon our hearts. The circumstances which brought the need of our services could've fostered bitterness or resentment. Instead, these individuals exude pure kindness and joy. They are the embodiment of gratitude.
As with any potential client, we don’t know much detail at first. For a homeowner, beginning the process of engaging a designer is a daunting one. They aren’t entirely sure what information to give - how much is too much? They stick with the basics; name, location, and a simple description of what they hope to accomplish.
In this particular situation, our initial contact was with their mother, a soft-spoken woman who carried kindness on her voice, interviewing design firms on their behalf. Her tenderness for her daughter wrapped every word she uttered. She gave us the big picture view. The couple was looking to expand their primary suite and some other minor modifications to their home to better accommodate a wheelchair. The finer details would be illuminated as we embarked on the journey with them.
Throughout the process, we learned more about this delightful duo; witnessing their immense care for one another, and we learned of their plans to expand their family. But we were devastated by the details of the rare, degenerative neuromuscular disorder that made these modifications necessary.
It's difficult to convey the challenges this couple faces. Nothing is easy. Yet, these people may be the most kind, joyful, and appreciative people we've ever encountered. No anger. No bitterness. Just a need to share their love by growing their family and passing this incredible capacity for love and humanity forward to another generation. We were inspired by the couple building a life together.
Habitations, LLC
Habitations, LLC is an award-winning residential design studio in Chamblee. They bring 37 years of success in home design that’s born from a talent to re-purpose any home with a new design mission. At the heart of the practice is a gifted father-daughter duo anchored by the firm understanding that the designer is the homeowner’s guide and advocate.
Habitations, LLC provides a full-spectrum of residential design services with a specialty in renovations and retrofit design for existing homes and new home design.
As a family-owned business, the staff has a down to earth business style working with their clients as they embark on a journey together to create your dream home.
Robert Platt - Residential Design and Construction are my passions. Over the last century, this field has become an incredibly complex, costly, and highly regulated process.
Aaron Michelle Baker - Ms. Baker joined the Habitations team in 2015 and uses her diverse knowledge to develop design solutions, assist clients with material selections, and communicate those solutions in graphic format.
Habitations is located at 1954 Airport Road, Atlanta 30341. For more information, visit habitationsllc.com .
The intricacies of their lives are engraved in our collective memories.The design is completed and soon will move forward into construction, allowing a new crew to delight in experiences with this couplet of kindness. The builder, who was awarded the job, commented during the bid process that he was prepared to build the project without profit merely to be part of their lives. This is the unknown impact we can have on one another.
As we move into the holidays, particularly this feast centered around gratitude and thanks, this is the perspective we want etched upon us. The families that have allowed us access into their inner sanctuary and shown us the shift in priorities. The focus and care they put on the wellbeing of their spouses and children over the quantity of things they can procure. Their thoughtfulness when working with us to ensure that their homes meet their family’s needs without approaching excess. It can be easy to become overwhelmed with the things out of our control. The ugliness of decisions made by others. This holiday, take the space to breathe and focus on what matters most to us can allow us to recenter.
Unfortunately, the disparity between our economy being strong and everything being too expensive won’t be solved overnight. Drivers will still make mistakes in traffic. Bullies will still exist on our children’s playgrounds. As designers, we will still have limitations that irk us. However, those things will never eclipse how grateful we are for our community. The individuals that operate the business in our city. The clients that bless us with their patronage. Our own homes, which protect us from the elements and have fostered the growth and enrichment of our families.
The last few years have been unpredictable, at best. And to say that we have carried ourselves each day with composure and joy would be disingenuous. However, we hope to continue the focus on the gratitude, granted to us by the generosity of the people that trust us. We would not be here without the clients over the years who have granted us access into their lives and relied on us to bring their hopes to reality.
We enter this holiday season with grace and joy in our hearts, and we wish you all the same comforts. From our family to yours, we hope your holidays are filled with family, laughter, and cheer.
Dr. Rachel Stockwell
Thankful for Community
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
CELEBRATING CHAMBLEE’S SENSE OF COMMUNITY THROUGH EVENTS
The sidewalk outside of Chamblee City Hall is the canvas for some beautiful art at the 2024 Chalk Walk and Artist Market.
“
“Perhaps among all that we have to be thankful for, we can be thankful for our community too.”
This November we can be thankful for the opportunity to live in a community that keeps the safety and well-being of its residents top of mind. It's also a community that plans events and gives its residents a sense of belonging. A diverse community that prides itself on welcoming others and celebrating one another's strengths all while lending a helping hand when weakness strikes and help is needed. It's all this and more that makes Chamblee a great place to be!
An artist at work Little artists hard at work.
Community events bring residents and neighbors together to meet and greet and bond with one another. In this issue of Chamblee City Lifestyle, we're highlighting images from the recent 2024 Chalk Walk and Artist Market, where artists shared their talents and gifts in the way of fun and unique images on the sidewalks around Chamblee City Hall. It's there that residents had the opportunity to walk among the art and appreciate the works of art as well as those who created it.
So as we gather around the table with our friends and loved ones for Thanksgiving this month, and we think about all that we are thankful for, perhaps among all that we have to be thankful for, we can be thankful for our community too.
Here are just a few of the many events in Chamblee in 2024: A Taste of Chamblee, 2024 Chalk Walk and Artist Market, Yoga on the Green, 3rd Spot Watch Parties, Chamblee Summer Concert Series, Town Hall Meetings, National Night Out, The Downtown Entertainment District, Latin Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, Atlanta International Night Market, And much more!
THANKFUL FOR LOCAL ARTISTS
Urban Art Collective shares their talents with Chamblee and beyond
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET HOWARD
In downtown Chamblee, you'll find a community of artists. Urban Art Collective holds a number of annual events during the year where artists share their art with the community. Located at 5655 Peachtree Road, they recently held their Annual Fall Art Walk.
The Annual Holiday Party and Art Walk is planned for December. For more information about the Urban Art Collective, visit urbanartcollective5655.com
The events at Urban Art Collective give people a chance to appreciate local artists and their works.
Welcome to Urban Art Collective located in downtown Chamblee.
Residents browse among the artwork at the Fall Art Walk.
TOYS FOR TOTS
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOYS FOR TOTS
IT’S HOLIDAY TIME AND TIME FOR TOYS FOR TOTS!
Many of us can recall seeing the familiar Toys for Tots collection sites year after year during the bustle of the busy holiday shopping season.
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots began its mission of collecting toys for families in need in 1947. According to the organization’s website, Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots was inspired by Diane Hendricks who had a few handcrafted dolls and she asked her husband, Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, to deliver them where the dolls would go to children in need. When her husband couldn’t find an agency that could complete the mission, his wife told him to start one. And so he did.
That was 77 years ago. Today the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots organization continues to make a difference for millions of children and their families around the United States.
Ted Silvester, Colonel, USMC (Ret.) and vice president of Marketing and Development of the Toys for Tots Foundation, had a 25-year career in the Marine Corps and spent some of his time stationed in the Atlanta area. Now a part of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Ted says it’s rewarding to know that what you’re doing is making a difference.
“It’s a pretty good reach, and it’s a great opportunity,” Ted says. “I’m very fortunate to be a part of our small team here.”
Toys are sorted before they're distributed.
Last year the organization with its nearly 880 local chapters throughout the United States distributed 25,000,000 toys to 10.3 million children. According to the Toys for Tots website, the local impact in 2023 in the Atlanta area alone was 795,440 toys distributed to 397,720 children. Coordinators lead local efforts by planning, organizing and conducting the campaign in his or her community. Kelly Wilson is coordinator for Atlanta’s local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Chapter, and according to Ted, Kelly’s efforts have reached 400,000 to 450,000 children in Atlanta and the surrounding metro areas, the largest campaign in the states.
The Toys for Tots website notes that toy collection campaigns generally start as early as October and run through mid to late December with distribution taking place mid to late December. Toys dropped at collection sites should be new and unwrapped. Coordinators pick up the toys and take them to a central warehouse where they are sorted.
Coordinators, with the help of well-qualified local social welfare agencies, churches, and other local agencies, distribute the toys to less fortunate children in the community. Success of a local campaign depends on the community and the generosity of those who donate. Each and every toy can make a difference in a child’s life.
While many of us are most familiar with the collection sites and the holiday program, the organization has other year-round programs as well.
“Christmas is our primary mission,” Ted explains. “But the needs of families don’t end with the holidays, so we’ve been able to expand our reach through our network of partners.”
These additional programs include a literacy program where since 2008 the Marine Toys for Tots organization has distributed more than 57 million books to children in need. They provide gifts and backpacks to children living in foster care. They’ve initiated a Native American Program. And they’ve implemented a Youth Ambassador Program with about 50 to 60 youth ambassadors throughout different regions of the United States. “It’s a good image of kids helping kids,” Ted says.
In 1991 the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was established as a nonprofit. Ted says it’s the foundation that does the heavy lifting of raising and managing funds, purchasing additional toys, educating the public and much more.
Ted says the organization’s goal is to reach 11 million children this year. To accomplish this goal, it takes a lot of toys and a lot of manpower. Toys For Tots is a Community Action Program with 100% support from the American public. Volunteers are a big part of the program. Last year 50,000 volunteers helped to put 25,000,000 toys into the hands of 10 million kids.
If you want to help by donating a toy to a child in need during the holidays, it’s simple.
“We ask that when you’re out doing your Christmas and holiday shopping, just buy an extra toy or two and drop it in a box in your community,” Ted says.
To find a collection center in your area, you can visit the Toys for Tots website or try the new Toys for Tots app. If you can’t donate a toy but would still like to help, you can also make a monetary donation online.
For more information such as toy collection and drop-off locations, volunteer information, to make an online donation and more, go to toysfortots.org
Toys that have been donated are taken to a central location for sorting and distribution.
TOYS FOR TOTS BEGAN ITS MISSION OF COLLECTING TOYS FOR FAMILIES ABOUT 77 YEARS AGO.
Cooking With Fresh Herbs
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD| PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JANIE JONES
Garlic Herb Butter
This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• cracked pepper to taste
Process
Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!
2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MONDAYS
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Exhibition
5660 Buford Highway NE, Doraville, Georgia 30340 | 10:00 AM
Embark on a timeless journey and explore the Titanic! According to the website, this exhibit features more than 300 artifacts, room recreations, 3-D views and video animations using cutting-edge technology. Location is at the Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center in nearby Doraville. For times and tickets, visit expo-titanic.com.
NOVEMBER 2ND
Chastain Fall Arts Festival
Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, 30327 | 10:00 AM
Named as one of the nation’s Top 100 (67) Arts Festival Nationwide by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Chastain Park Arts Festival will hold its 13th annual event at Chastain Park. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 3. For more information, visit chastainparkartsfestival.com.
NOVEMBER 7TH
Babe Wall Mural Festival
Along the rail trail in Chamblee | 5:00 PM
Babe Walls returns with a festival in 2024 - this time going south to our very own city of Chamblee and bringing Babe Walls to the Atlanta area. For more information, visit babewalls.com/upcoming-events
NOVEMBER 9TH
Nuts 'N Berries Pickle Fest
4274 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30319 | 4:00 PM
Pickle lovers rejoice and join us for Pickle Fest at Nuts 'N Berries neighborhood market in nearby Brookhaven under the pickle tent! This family friendly event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 and includes activities for kids, pickle tasting, and fun for the whole family. It's a BIG DILL! For more information, visit nutsnberries.com.
NOVEMBER 28TH
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon
Center Parc Stadium at Georgia State | 7:30 AM
The Georgia State Stadium is the starting point for this race that goes through some of Atlanta's beautiful and historic neighborhoods such as Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park and Little Five Points. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Center Parc Stadium at Georgia State located at 755 Hank Aaron Drive in Atlanta. To register, visit atlantatrackclub.org.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Piedmont Holiday Gift Market
Piedmont Park | 10:00 AM
Find unique gifts while strolling among artists such as painters, sculptors, glass blowers, and more. This two day event takes place in Piedmont Park and is free to attend. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information, visit https://allevents.in/atlanta/200027103242336.
20% OFF your First Purchase of Booze-Free Bevies when you mention this ad in store.
our Booze-Free Bevie Shop – Where Wellness Meets Flavor with None of the Regrets Join the mindful beverage revolution! At Nuts ‘n Berries, we’re excited to bring you our new Booze-Free Bevie Shop, a haven for those who seek delicious, alcohol-free alternatives. Whether you’re looking to cut back on alcohol, enhance your wellness journey, or simply enjoy a new kind of refreshment, our Booze-Free Bevie Shop has something for everyone.
