WHEN THE GIVING GETS GOOD: OUR ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEERS
BRILLIANT TEENS: MAKING PHILANTHROPY A PRIORITY
SPORTS + RECREATION ON THE FIELD WITH GEORGIA TECH'S COACH KEYS
Our luxury furniture showrooms are open to the public on select days each month. With highquality, unique, and on-trend furniture that is available to take home same-day or schedule to have delivered and a team of expert designers ready to help, you are sure to find what you’ve been searching for at one of our exciting shopping events!
SCAN THE QR TO CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR AREA!
Multiple locations in:
GEORGIA | DALLAS | FLORIDA
For over a decade, our team of expert designers have furnished thousands of homes, TURNKEY, all over the United States. We have cornered the market with superior products, lightning-fast lead times and unparalleled customer service and expertise! Reach out and let’s discuss what we can do for YOU!
We look forward to seeing you, Kristy & JJ Ortega
Hello friends,
Yes, that's me and my horse (for the day), Fitzgerald after a sensational trail ride with Jake's Horses near Big Sky, Montana. I was celebrating the culmination of a special trip out west to help at a Reeling in Serenity event, one of the awesome nonprofits I support. That smile is just a trace of the joy I experienced watching our fly fishing retreat participants slowly downshift and get into the rhythm and peace the sport provides. The participants were all at different stages of their recovery from Substance Use Disorder and were paired with fly fishing guides for a day of true retreat. For us all.
Because, that's what volunteering does. It provides a retreat, a departure from focusing on yourself and your busy life. See the world through the eyes of someone else and then share your gifts and resources to ease their pain.
In this, our annual GIVERS issue, we meet volunteers who make philanthropy a priority. We salute all of you who carve out time to step outside yourself and give back.
We're thrilled to introduce you to Jonnetta Patton, entrepreneur, chef, food industry champion, producer and mother. She set the table for her family's Thanksgiving dinner and invited our staff photographers from Firelite Studios for a visit. Her new BBQ concept, J's Smokehouse is now open. Read her story on page 14. See you there!
Enjoy this issue and have a very happy Thanksgiving.
All my best,
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
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 PHOTOGRAPHERS
Firelite Studios | akapett@firelitestudios.com
Katie Steedly Curling
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sean O'Keefe, Valerie Shepherd, Mary Eva Tredway, Irene Sanders, Katie Steedly Curling
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
Thankful Thankful
JOIN US FOR EVENING OF BEAUTY ON NOVEMBER 7
SCAN TO RSVP
RSVP IS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED.
RSVP GUESTS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A MYSTERY RAFFLE!
1: The Crew at Rushing Trading Co loves Johns Creek City Lifestyle 2: The owners of Vice Kitchen are all about their weekly wagyu and beef specials. 3: The team at Chuchat share their cakes and breads at their new Johns Creek location
Safer Rivers
The Johns Creek Fire Department (JCFD)’s newest fire rescue boat is officially in service, helping fire personnel respond to emergencies on the Chattahoochee River. The 20-foot rescue boat features the ability to quickly cruise the river and can withstand the impact from rocks and debris in the river thanks to a protective coating on the bottom of the boat. Enhancing Public Safety is one of City Council’s Strategic Priorities this year.
Giving Shelter
Brad and Tiffany Strawbridge of CR3 American Exteriors, based in Johns Creek are excited to offer a complete roofing system at no cost to a deserving family in need. If you know someone facing hardship who could benefit from this, please submit your nominations in writing, including a brief explanation of why they deserve it. Send your nominations to bstrawbridge@cr3america.com by Dec 1.
Scan to read more
As a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Julia Kang is highly specialized in plastic surgery of the eyelids. As a true eyelid specialist, Dr. Kang is an expert in her field regarding any type of eyelid concern, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kang is also an expert injector in Botox and fillers and aims for only the most natural appearing results, believing in a ‘less is more” approach.
Giving Back to Johns Creek
The City of Johns Creek invites residents and community partners to join in the fun and volunteer at the many City-sponsored events throughout the year. The City hosts large events like the Johns Creek International Festival and small events like Adaptive Recreation Bingo Night. Create an account on POINT, the City’s volunteer database, to sign up for a volunteer time slot. You’ll also receive notifications when new events are posted. Share your gifts!
ARTICLE BY MARY EVA TREDWAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRELITE STUDIOS & COURTESY OF JONNETTA PATTON
JONNETTA’S TABLE
When Usher and Jlack come home, first stop is J’s SMOKEHOUSE
Johns Creek resident, Jonnetta Patton, is a name many might recognize from her work as an American music talent manager and her connections with ICON Usher Raymond and Grammy-nominated producer James “Jlack” Lackey. What you may not know is that Jonnetta is also the proud mother of both talents and has herself ventured into the film and television production world.
Recently, Jonnetta has taken her extensive business experience and passion for culinary arts to launch J’s SMOKEHOUSE, a BBQ food trailer and base of operation where you can pick-up your order placed online or place a walk-up order. J’s Smokehouse beautifully marries traditional barbecue techniques with innovative flavors. The grand opening was a roaring success, attracting over 100 guests—including a surprise appearance by Usher himself!
J’s Smokehouse promises an authentic barbecue experience, enhanced by a modern twist and a unique second grill offering delectable vegan options.
Jonnetta’s commitment to delivering unforgettable barbecue dishes ensures that patrons will keep returning for more. During a recent interview on Good Day Atlanta, when asked about Usher’s favorite dish, she playfully remarked, “Everything!”
On the menu? Ms. J’s Tennessee Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich served with mac and cheese, yams, and broccoli slaw. Full BBQ plates and vegan options are available.
In addition to J’s Smokehouse, Jonnetta has also made strides in the culinary world through her 8-year brainchild, J’s
Kitchen Culinary Incubator. This innovative space provides state-of-the-art, licensed commercial kitchens for aspiring chefs, along with invaluable resources to help them grow their culinary ventures. Among the talented chefs she has worked with is Certified Master Chef Daryl Shular whom she managed for 2 years. There are 70 Certified Master Chefs in the world and Chef Daryl Shular CMC was the first African American and minority to receive the Certified Master Chef Certification from the American Culinary Federation.
On top of these achievements, Jonnetta was recently recognized by Sysco Foods for her remarkable journey in the culinary arts during the Women En Blanc Honors Brunch at the Essence Festival.
Check out J’s Smokehouse, stay on top of Jonnetta’s culinary endeavors or book the BBQ food trailer in your area or for your party or event.
When the Giving Gets Good
JOHNS CREEK VOLUNTEERS SHINE
BRIGHT YEAR AFTER YEAR.
Katherine Perrotta
Dr. Katherine Perrotta, originally from Staten Island, moved to Johns Creek in 2012 for work and quickly became involved with the community. Volunteering with the Johns Creek Historical Society and Student Leadership Johns Creek has been rewarding for Dr. Perrotta, “I love helping students engage in civic service, their dedication gives me hope for the future.” Dr. Perrotta has worked with over a hundred local students on voluntary group projects that have been funded by grants from Georgia Humanities and the Library of Congress leaving a memorable mark on her students and the community.
Student Leadership Johns Creek empowers youth through civic engagement and teaches them how government works. A selfless volunteer for high school-age students in Johns Creek over the past 5 years, Dr. Perrotta, was inspired by the students’ passion for restoring the Macedonia African Methodist Church Cemetery and says, “It’s wonderful to see young people conduct local history research as community service.” Working with Student Leadership Johns Creek has made Dr. Perrotta more optimistic about teaching; “it’s encouraging to see students want to make the world a better place by engaging in civic service and historical research.
“I believe everyone should want to volunteer, says Dr. Perrotta, “when kids are given opportunities that align with their interests, they become genuinely engaged.” Everyone hopes that the experiences from Student Leadership Johns Creek inspire the participants into adulthood, “as more caring people would make a significant difference in the world.” Dr. Perrotta is looking forward to cooking a huge dinner this Thanksgiving and spending the day with her family.
Trejoundra “Nikki” McKinney
Nikki McKinney is the Financial Center Manager for Fifth Third Bank on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek. Born and raised in Southwest Georgia, she and her husband relocated to Johns Creek 12 years ago so their children could access better schools. Nikki’s children are now adults; her daughter is an Air Force veteran, and her son is a Washington and Lee University sophomore. “I’ve been an active member of the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce since 2022,” says Nikki, “its mission aligns with my belief in supporting local businesses and communities.” Introduced to volunteerism as a child through church events, school activities and other community events; she remains dedicated to her community. Nikki, a breast cancer survivor of 20 years, has a very special place in her heart for the American Cancer Society, and has personally led several Relay For Life fundraisers. Nikki’s Thanksgiving plans include hosting dinner for 35 friends and family.
“Introduced to volunteerism as a child through church events, school activities and other community events; she remains dedicated to her community.”
“Though it's grown into a bustling city, we still love living here in Johns Creek and it remains a familyfriendly, beautiful place that they have always cherished.”
Butch Carter
Originally from North Carolina Butch Carter relocated to Johns Creek in 2008 to be closer to family. “Due to my corporate commitments and travel schedule, I initially couldn’t participate in community activities,” says Butch, “however; after opening our first business, I began volunteering through Rotary as a way to give back.” Rotary is an incredible service organization that supports many non-profit organizations. Outside of Rotary, Butch and his family also support Revved Up Kids, where his wife serves on the board. “Recently, I joined the Board of the Johns Creek Chamber to help foster the growth of our local business community,” says Butch.
“There are countless individuals who generously give their time and money to support important causes. Although we live in a prosperous community, there is so much need; many of us remain unaware because we simply don’t see it. While not everyone can volunteer due to time or resources, there are both small and large ways to contribute,” says Butch. “People and organizations in our community depend on this support.”
Jill Robinson
Jill Robinson has called Johns Creek home since 2010, when she relocated to Georgia for her job. Currently, Jill serves as the CFO and EVP of the Atlanta Braves. Originally from Chicago, Jill earned her degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois.
Jill and her husband, Rob, love the area’s excellent schools and strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to raise their children, Chloe and Tyler.
Jill is deeply committed to volunteer work and serves on several boards including acting as VP of Finance for the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Secretary of the Board of Directors for ArtsNow, and Treasurer of the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Jill also serves on the Advisory Board for the Atlanta CFO Forum, and in 2021, she was honored as Atlanta’s Preeminent CFO by the Forum.
“I believe everyone should volunteer,” says Jill, “it’s important to find something you’re passionate about, it’s essential to be fully committed to the cause.”
There is great fulfillment in giving back to our community and making a positive impact through leadership and service.
“ArtsNow holds a special place in my heart,” says Jill, “my daughter, Chloe, is majoring in Animation at SCAD, and my son, Tyler, thrives in a non-traditional academic setting. ArtsNow is the perfect blend.
We usually stay in Johns Creek for Thanksgiving, hosting a big traditional dinner with my parents and sister. In recent years, our day always starts with the Johns Creek Turkey Trot. It’s a fun tradition and a great way to justify that piece of pumpkin pie!
“ArtsNow holds a special place in my heart,” says Robinson, “my daughter, Chloe, is majoring in Animation at SCAD, and my son, Tyler, thrives in a non-traditional academic setting. ArtsNow is the perfect blend.”
“As a family, we also plan to give back by serving in a local nonprofit’s kitchen.”
Tiffany and Brad Strawbridge
Tiffany and Brad Strawbridge are originally from Florida and moved to Johns Creek for work. The Strawbridges fell in love with the area and the vibrant Johns Creek community. After starting our own business, the couple decided to stay and opened their doors, right in the heart of this wonderful community. “Volunteering allows us to give back and connect even deeper with our neighbors,” says Tiffany.
They believe everyone deserves a safe and secure roof over their heads. Having a safe place to sleep should bring peace of mind, not fear. They are giving away a new roof to a family in need this season (see Business Monthly). They also contribute to other nonprofits that focus on community well-being and safety, as are passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives.
“It’s an honor and privilege to share the gifts we’ve received with others. We truly believe you receive true joy and fulfillment when you give your time, talent, and skills to those in need, and everyone should experience the fulfillment that comes from serving others.”
Tiffany and Brad are excited to be spending Thanksgiving with family and friends in Florida. “As a family, we also plan to give back by serving in a local nonprofit’s kitchen,” says Tiffany,” which makes the holiday even more meaningful for us!”
Carol McGrevin
Carol McGriven and her husband moved to Johns Creek 30 years ago, seeking a peaceful, rural community after years as corporate nomads. “Though it’s grown into a bustling city, we still love living here in Johns Creek and it remains a family-friendly, beautiful place that they have always cherished,” says Carol.
ArtsNow is making a significant impact on student learning, particularly for those from low-income communities. As an educator at heart and by training, she has a deep passion for improving the lives of all children, especially those facing big challenges. ArtsNow’s mission aligned perfectly with her passion, and she wanted to help them succeed. “They needed financial and organizational guidance,” says Carol. “I was willing to volunteer my time to make sure the children impacted would come to love going to school and enjoy the process of learning.” Having worked as a teacher, principal, and professor, she had seen too many kids who hated school, so supporting ArtsNow was an easy decision for her.
“Volunteerism simply feels like the right thing to do, says Carol. “There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing I’m making a difference without compensation.” Many impactful organizations rely on volunteers to achieve their goals. She is a firm believer in saying it takes a village. “People need to support that ‘village’ in any way they can, especially by volunteering where help is needed most.”
“There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing I’m making a difference without compensation.”
From Regan’s Kitchen, to
Sweet Potato Souffle with Pecans
INGREDIENTS
• 2 or 3 Large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup regular milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
TOPPING:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or more to taste)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Combine eggs, butter, sugar in large bowl until creamy. Add mashed potatoes and milk. Spoon mixture into a greased 2 qt baking dish.
2. Combine brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Sprinkle evenly on top of sweet potato mixture, sprinkle alot of pecans on top of mixture. Bake until puffy and brown, about 30 to 45 minutes.
From the kitchen of Regan Maki
ADYA SRINIVASAN'S JOURNEY FROM CLASSROOM TO CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH
A Bright Future in Biomedical Engineering
ARTICLE BY VALERIE SHEPHERD | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADYA SRINIVASAN
Adya credits her passion for bioinformatics research, particularly in single-cell genomes, to a personal family experience—a relative diagnosed with congenital heart disease who underwent xenotransplantation.
Whether in the classroom, or in the lab, or in the many organizations she is a part of, Johns Creek Innovation Academy High School Senior Adya Srinivasan is already contributing life-changing and impactful research and contributions to both the community, and the world.
Adya’s path is not that of a typical high school student. Sure, her days are filled with classes, friends, clubs and organizations, and she’s also achieved academic excellence and holds leadership roles. But several of her days are also filled with producing award-winning films as well as biomedical engineering internships that started her sophomore year at Emory Winship Cancer Institute and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
Adya credits her passion for bioinformatics research, particularly in single-cell genomes, to a personal family experience—a relative diagnosed with congenital heart disease who underwent xenotransplantation. This sparked not only Adya’s interest in medical science, but inspired her to want to make a real difference, a lifetime difference, to not only that particular family member but anyone affected with that condition and disease. As her skills have developed, so has her fascination with computer science, especially in how it intersects with healthcare research.
Addressing pressing social issues for her peers and within the community and state are also a priority for Adya, in the hopes of increasing awareness and conversations on stigmatized topics as well as fundraise for them. Issues like opioid addiction, where Adya firmly believes that “the more you know, the more you can do,” dedicating much of her time to impactful campaigns. And local organizations are taking notes - she won accolades at the Georgia HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference and was awarded the Seed
of Change award by the Raksha Board of Directors last year for her contributions for her short film titled “Pain Point” she wrote and directed, which become very popular over social media channels.
Channeling her efforts into areas where she can bring about the most significant change, whether in a research lab or through community initiatives, Adya Srinivasan exemplifies what it means to be a young leader with a vision for a brighter future fueled by her passions and focused work to give back and contribute forward.
Johns Creek can take great pride in not only Adya’s current achievements, but look forward to her continued success in the transformative work, communities and organizations she dedicates her time and talents to as she pursues her passions centered around giving for years to come.
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Georgia HOSA Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference Accolades
• Seed of Change award by the Raksha Board of Directors
• Raksha Youth - President and Founder
• Innovation Academy High School - Alpharetta, Member and President of the National Honor Society
• Emory University - Lab internship (starting 2022), bioinformatic research - CHOA + Winship Cancer Institute
• “Pain Point” written and directed by Adya Srinivasan
• CHOA fundraising efforts - Performed a self-choreographed solo dance in the Tower of Talent
• Awarded Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for service with Raksha Youth
• Accolades at the 2024 Georgia Science and Engineering Fair - Independent research in 3D Bioprinting
• 1st place at the Georgia Student Technology Competition
• Finalist for the Governor’s Honors Program in Biotechnology
A Vision for our Future with AI
Meet
ARTICLE BY IRENE SANDERS
Shiv Garg, a member of the Student Leadership Johns Creek class of 2025 from Innovation Academy has developed EyeAI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system poised to transform the global landscape of ocular disease diagnosis. EyeAI, which is designed to augment access to affordable and rapid eye health diagnostics, leverages state-of-the-art machine learning to detect ocular diseases based on retinal fundus images.
The World Health Organization reports that 2.2 billion people are affected by visual impairments worldwide, of which 1 billion cases are preventable; EyeAI presents an avant-garde solution to this growing global burden.
Shiv Garg is a high school student at FCS Innovation Academy, where he applies cybersecurity and machine learning to healthcare challenges. Shiv aims to continue developing technology-driven solutions to promote global health equity.
Traditional ophthalmologic care requires costly equipment and appointments with specialists; conversely, EyeAI offers
a low-cost, web-based diagnostic tool that can be accessed from any location.
Thus, underprivileged communities can particularly benefit from this innovation as access to trained ophthalmologists is generally limited. As a method of preliminary diagnosis of disease, EyeAI users can directly access retinal imaging services or machines and upload retinal images to the EyeAI system to receive an almost-instant diagnostic result. This serves as a powerful tool for early disease detection, minimizing costs associated with diagnostic services.
“With the global population aging and the prevalence of diabetes on the rise, in addition to a disparity in ophthalmologist access, ocular diseases are becoming a major public health challenge,” said Shiv Garg, founder and developer of EyeAI. “EyeAI is designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access, providing communities with a low-cost, low-touch solution for early diagnosis of vision-threatening diseases.”
“EyeAI’s potential to improve global health equity is vast, offering accessible healthcare to underserved populations and enabling the early identification of conditions that would otherwise lead to disease complications or blindness if undetected.”
Johns Creek high school student and entrepreneur, Shiv Garg
ARTICLE BY MARY EVA TREDWAY
SUPPORTING STUDENT ATHLETES MEANS COACHING THEM ON BALANCE AND BUILDING SELF ESTEEM.
FINDING STRENGTH
Saire Davis, the founder of Saire Davis Academy, is dedicated to empowering youth athletes, particularly female lacrosse players in the Atlanta and Johns Creek communities. As a two-time author and former Division 1 athlete, Saire understands the unique challenges young athletes face today, including pressures related to performance, self-esteem, and the intense scrutiny from coaches, peers, and parents. He has a remarkable track record of mentoring 10 USA Lacrosse AllAmericans and helping over 100 athletes secure scholarships via mindset and skills development, including Johns Creek High School Senior Maddie Tredway who has committed to play Division 1 lacrosse at Lindenwood University in St. Charles Missouri. Saire has been working with Maddie for a few years on footwork and mental
toughness as she plays both Varsity Flag Football and Lacrosse. Saire’s expertise is both profound and impactful and he recognizes that today’s youth athletes often contend with unrealistic expectations, leading to mental health concerns such as anxiety, burnout, and depression. According to a 2019 study, about 35% of elite athletes report mental health issues, underscoring the critical need for mental fitness training.
Saire’s coaching approach is characterized by positivity and motivation. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience alongside physical preparedness, helping athletes turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Saire believes that true victory comes from within, encouraging athletes to compete against their own limitations, thereby fostering a strong sense of self-worth and mental toughness.
In addressing the factors contributing to mental burnout among young female lacrosse players, Saire highlights five key reasons:
1. High Expectations and Pressure to Perform: The pressure to excel can be overwhelming, leading to burnout.
2. Lack of Mental Resilience Training: Many athletes are not equipped with the mental tools needed to handle stress and setbacks.
3. Comparing Themselves to Others: Social comparisons can diminish self-esteem and increase anxiety.
4. Overtraining and Lack of Recovery Time: Physical exhaustion without adequate rest can contribute to mental fatigue.
5. Isolation from Social Support Networks: Lack of connection with peers and mentors can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and stress.
Saire’s commitment to addressing these issues extends beyond lacrosse; he provides invaluable support to athletes across various sports, including football and softball. His work with educational institutions and corporate partnerships helps individuals develop mental toughness and confidence, essential traits for success both in sports and life.
By focusing on “winning the game within,” Saire Davis Academy offers a comprehensive approach to athlete development that prioritizes mental well-being alongside athletic achievement. Through effective mentorship and dynamic coaching techniques, Saire is setting the stage for youth athletes to thrive, cultivate their passion for sports, and build resilience that can last a lifetime.
And the best part is that the Johns Creek community has access to his program which can be done individually or as a group.
Back to Ireland
THE OLDER THE FIDDLE
THE SWEETER THE TUNE
ARTICLE BY KATIE STEEDLY CURLING PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE STEEDLY CURLING & PROVIDED
Gigas Oysters. Ardagh Hotel and Restaurant. Clifden, Ireland
Ballinalacken Castle. Doolin, Ireland.
Late in August, I traveled to Ireland to attend the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game inspired a full-on Irish adventure for myself and my football-loving husband.
DUBLIN
Dublin combines old European charm with a pub-inspired, literature-infused cultural backbone, all set amidst public parks and ocean bay.
The Merrion, a hotel in Dublin’s City Centre, warmly welcomes. Details and art invite guests to next-level comfort. It is easy to be struck by the elegance of the common areas, gardens, and rooms.
Art Tea at the Merrion is a treasure. It begins with a glass of champagne and progresses through two courses of treats and teas. You walk slowly through an exhibit of decadent tastes for an amazing two-hour delight.
North of the Merrion, on the bank of the River Liffey, sits the Spencer Hotel — a contemporary, bustling, friendly space. The Spencer’s location grants access to restaurants, pubs, and sites on the northern edge of Dublin’s City Centre.
CLIFDEN
Due west, across the entire span of the country, Clifden beats in the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way — the rugged coastline and pastoral countryside made famous in literature and film. Drive Clifden’s Sky Road. Wake up to Irish breakfasts overlooking Clifden Bay at the Ardagh — a charming hotel, complete with European flare, friendly staff, and reading rooms enveloped in enchanting light. Eat fish and chips, Connemara mussels, and Gigas oysters. Fresh local seafood from these waters is amongst the best in the world.
DOOLIN
A short drive south, still on the Wild Atlantic Way, lies the Ballinalacken Castle and Country House — a cozy, antique-filled, three generationally-owned and operated hotel nestled beautifully within Doolin’s contoured terrain. Arrive early enough to see the castle
adjacent to the country house with the Cliffs of Moher in the near distance. The beauty of Burren — the region of rock and wildflowers surrounding Doolin — casts a spell.
Take the Doolin Ferry to capture breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher. Drive between castles and farms and make a few serendipitous wrong turns and view the cliffs from the land before seeing them from the sea. The ferry embarks and the choppy water reveals how the Cliffs formed ages ago as water and stone collided and collapsed.
Head to a crowded pub and hear musicians playing flute, fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, guitar, mandolin, piano and more, as you encounter Doolin’s traditional — “trad”— music scene. The music feels like laughter, wind, and secrets.
CORK
Further south, you find Cork. A prideful spirit and gritty, creative, colorful edge perfectly frame the city. While there, wander the English Market and St. Patrick’s Street. Dine at The Grill Room in the River Lee — the impressively modern and welcoming hotel located a short walk from the City Centre. Also, climb Blarney Castle, a 20-minute drive from Cork. It’s home to the Blarney Stone and 60 acres of exquisite castle gardens.
MORE ABOUT DUBLIN
There is so much to love about Dublin. Explore its rich literary history by visiting the Museum of Literature Ireland and joining the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Experience the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Enjoy a meal at the beautiful Hawksmoor. Lift a Guinness in Dublin’s most historic pubs including — Stag’s Head, Kehoe’s, The Long Hall, and Brazen Head.
I am reminded of the Irish saying, “The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune.” Share pints in storied pubs. Discover cliffs through awestruck eyes. Kiss a magical stone in search of a muse. Indulge in fresh seafood prepared by expert hands. Welcome friendship from kind hearts. Hear old fiddles playing the sweetest tunes.
“Wake up to Irish breakfasts overlooking Clifden Bay at the Ardagh — a charming hotel, complete with European flare, friendly staff, and reading rooms enveloped in enchanting light.”
“Share pints in storied pubs. Discover cliffs through awestruck eyes. Kiss a magical stone in search of a muse. Indulge in fresh seafood prepared by expert hands.”
-Katie Steedly Curling
Cliffs of Moher. Doolin, Ireland
Mutton Lane. Cork, Ireland
The Perfect Place to Host Any Type of Event
Date Night | Baby Showers | Gender Reveals
Girls Night Out | Corporate Events
Sorority Meetings | Celebrity Events
Listening Parties | Wellness Events
FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD
NOVEMBER 2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST
Mahjongg Meetup Fridays
Northeast Spruill Oaks Library | 1:00 PM
Do you know how to play Mahjongg? Join us on the first and third Fridays each month to play! Registration is required for each event. 1pm - 3pm. Register on the library website: FulCoLibrary.org
NOVEMBER 9TH
Honoring Our Veterans
Veterans Memorial Walk | 9:00 AM
Pay tribute to those who served our country. Join us as we celebrate, honor, and thank those who have served in our nation’s military services at the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Magnificent Marimba
Johns Creek United Methodist Church | 7:30 PM
Enjoy the expressive sounds of the marimba in JCSO’s Magnificent Marimba concert featuring percussionist Britton-René Collins! Led by guest conductor Howard Hsu, this strings-only concert includes an electric performance of Starburst, written by Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year Jessie Montgomery, as well as Tchaikovsky’s lush Serenade for Strings.
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 23RD
Festival of Trees and the Pink Pig
The Gas South Convention Center | 11:00 AM
Each tree, wreath, centerpiece, and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated, and donated by individuals and organizations from around the Southeast, providing a breathtaking selection of decorative items, available for auction. Pink Pig ride, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop, and photos with Santa. Through Dec. 1, excluding Thanksgiving.
NOVEMBER 23RD
Johns Creek's Finest 5K
Shakerag Elementary School
Presented by Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Johns Creek's Finest 5K is open to participants of all levels. Proceeds from this event will benefit the special needs community. JohnsCreeksFinest5k.net
NOVEMBER 25TH
Small World Storytime
6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd | 10:30 AM
Join us for a special Storytime with Johns Creek Art Center. There will be stories about children from all over the world and a craft. This program will occur once a month on the last Monday of each month and requires registration. Space is limited. Contact 404.613.7300.
H i g h - q u a l i t y c a r e
w i t h h o m e t o w n h e a r t
Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.
No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.
