FEATURING SENIORS HELPING SENIORS, W.AMOR CHARCUTERIE, AND MESSAGES OF THANKS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Reflecting on Gratefulness
As Hurricane Helene passed by Cherokee County without much damage, let's take stock of what fulfills and sustains our lives. Our hearts and minds are with victims of the tropical storm in places like Florida, North Carolina, and our home state of Georgia.
Beyond the roof over my head, I am grateful for being able to have meaningful relationships with the animals in my life. I'm grateful I can afford to take good care of them. Likewise, I'm grateful for meaningful relationships with my family where we can playfully tease and bicker but always in an endearing way.
I'm grateful that I can tap into a new level of creativity when I feel like it. Creativity and humanity go hand in hand. Being creative and spreading creativity promotes a grateful sense of community. What are you grateful for this year?
SARA HAGEN, EDITOR @WOODSTOCKCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
Dianne Kaseta | dianne.kaseta@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Stephanie Benzee | stephanie.benzee@citylifestyle.com
Katya Gore | katya.gore@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sara Hagen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Sara Hagen
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zack Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
business monthly
The One Purpose Group's Scarecrow Invasion Display
David and Sierra Westrick of The One Purpose Group made their own creepy scarecrow for the Scarecrow Invasion in Downtown Woodstock.
Scan to read more
Smile Doctors of Woodstock at Cherokee County School District
Smile Doctors of Woodstock were invited and showed their support for families at a Cherokee County School District meeting with Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis.
A Cabaret of Wanderlust at Woodstock Arts
A Cabaret of Wanderlust, co-produced with Han-Made Cabarets, premiered at the Woodstock Arts Theater.
Photography by @kvcphotography
Photography by @smiledoctorswoodstockga
Photography by @sierrawestrick
~ Over vendors offering a large variety of unique and beautiful gift items ~ Jewelry, Wreaths, Pottery, Fine Art, Holiday and Home Décor, Accessories, Knits, Children’s Items and much more!
~ Tons of parking and all booths are indoors ~
~ Enter our Titan Tidings Raffle to win prizes ~ ~ Concessions will be available ~ Huge Bake Sale ~ ~ No Strollers Please ~ Admission ~
THE POWER OF PEER CONNECTION: ROSE AND TANI
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA
HAGEN
WITH SENIORS HELPING SENIORS
Seniors Helping Seniors Northwest Atlanta is an in-home care company whose mission is to create meaningful connections while fulfilling the needs of their caregivers, clients, and families. We never stop needing community, and Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) helps meet that need.
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We never stop needing community, and Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS) helps meet that need. Studies show that an integrated social lifestyle can protect against dementia, and socializing with peers later in life can decrease depression. SHS hires an often-overlooked workforce of mature adults looking to remain active in their communities while also providing meaningful care to older adults needing assistance. This unique concept of joining two people closer in age with similar interests creates a connection so the client feels like they are getting a little help from a friend.
Rose and Tani are great examples of the success of the SHS matching process for companion care. Being new to the area, Rose found it difficult to meet people in her age group during the day when her family was working. Her daughter contacted Terri, the owner of Seniors Helping Seniors, who is deeply involved in making the best matches possible.
Terri facilitated Tani and Rose’s meeting and is a friend to them both. She took the time to meet Rose, a bubbly person who always laughs and finds humor in the mundane. She introduced her to Tani, and they have become close even after just a few visits. Tani is a istener-type friend who has always been heartily interested in Rose’s stories from when she was younger and has chimed in with her own stories.
Tani and Rose fill the space with their lively conversation and wit. While they sometimes go out to lunch, they are also content staying home and playing a game of Go Fish—Tani is teaching Rose— or chatting on the porch. They often go on leisurely walks together, linking arms
and sharing laughter along the way. In fact, Rose is going out of town for a few months and has already proposed plans to meet with Tani again when she returns.
Everyone needs community with people their age or with similar interests who understand their generation and their life stage. Whether it’s companionship or more personal care, it’s important for seniors to feel as seen and understood as anyone else.
Find Seniors Helping Seniors online at www.shsnorthwestatlanta.com or @shsnorthwestatlanta on Instagram.
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“This unique concept of joining two people closer in age with similar interests creates a connection so the client feels like they are getting a little help from a friend.”
Bringing People Together
ARTICLE BY MARIANA AND VENUS, OWNERS OF W.AMORCHARCUTERIE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY W.AMORCHARCUTERIE
The Art of W.AmorCharcuterie
In a world where connections are more important than ever, two sisters, Mariana and Venus, turned their passion for entertainment into a thriving business that celebrates love, creativity, and togetherness.
W.AmorCharcuterie was born from the desire to bring people closer through the joy of sharing delicious food. After years of running their own ventures, they combined their expertise to launch W.AmorStudio, a space dedicated to ensuring every guest feels cherished and cared for.
At the heart of W.AmorCharcuterie is a unique specialization in cheese and meat boards that draw inspiration from Renaissance art. Each board is not merely a collection of food; it's a meticulously crafted piece of art designed to elevate any occasion. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the sisters have worked tirelessly to transform the dining experience into a visual feast, proving that food can be a conversation starter and a canvas for creativity.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the sisters are excited to share some tips on how to create a stunning charcuterie board that will impress your guests and make every gathering memorable.
INCLUSIVE FEASTING:
PRIORITIZING EVERYONE'S NEEDS
One of the key principles at W.AmorCharcuterie is ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy the feast. When selecting cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, the sisters emphasize the importance of open communication with guests. Understanding dietary restrictions and allergies is vital, and to facilitate this, they send out a questionnaire to gather preferences and expectations. This approach allows them to cater to individual needs and ensures that every guest feels included and valued.
CRAFTING A VISUAL MASTERPIECE
When it comes to the board's aesthetic appeal, the sisters have established a few guiding principles. First, they treat cheeses as the "kings" of the board, carefully selecting varieties that complement one another without overlapping. Surrounding these cheeses, the "queens" of the board are the meats, artfully placed next to their ideal pairings.
To add visual interest, they incorporate small jars for honey, jams, or other liquids, using shapes that contrast with the board—like a round container on a square board. These thoughtful touches act as the
“W.AmorCharcuterie invites you to create your masterpiece, bringing together friends and family over a beautifully curated board that embodies love and connection.”
"rooks" in the culinary chess game, offering balance and breaking the symmetry.
Fruits also play a crucial role in their presentation, as they are chosen to reflect the flavors of the cheeses. For instance, grapes accompany a wine-infused cheese, while citrus pairs perfectly with lemon-flavored varieties. The sisters encourage the use of exotic fruits, which can elevate the overall look of the board and surprise your guests with delightful flavors.
BITE-SIZED ENJOYMENT
One of the challenges many hosts face is that guests may hesitate to dive into a beautifully arranged charcuterie spread. To combat this, W.AmorCharcuterie makes every cut bite-sized, ensuring that everything is easy to serve and enjoy. This thoughtful consideration allows guests to savor each element without feeling overwhelmed.
PORTION CONTROL
For gatherings, aim for six pieces of hard cheese and three soft cheeses per person, along with four to five slices of meat. This ensures that everyone has a satisfying portion without going overboard.
MAGICAL TOUCHES
Bring the holiday spirit to your board! Simple edible decorations, like a cute Santa, made of Brie or New Year's letters in Gouda, can add charm without detracting from the overall aesthetic. For inspiration, follow W.AmorCharcuterie on Instagram for festive ideas.
ELEVATING YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
W.AmorCharcuterie understands that the holiday season can be overwhelming. That's why they offer a variety of services, from delivery to buffet-style setups, to help elevate your event without the stress. Their commitment to supporting local small businesses shines through as they collaborate with artisans like @wooden_sugar for personalized wood boards and source honey from nearby producers.
In the spirit of community, W. AmorCharcuterie is thrilled to announce the return of Small Business Fridays for November and December. Five local businesses will have mini boxes available for gifting one Friday of the month. If you're a small business owner interested in participating, reach out atw.amorcharcuterie@gmail.com.
As the holidays draw near, W.AmorCharcuterie invites you to create your masterpiece, bringing together friends and family over a beautifully curated board that embodies love and connection. With their expertise and passion, the sisters are dedicated to making every gathering a celebration of art, flavor, and shared experiences. So, gather your loved ones, unleash your creativity, and let W.AmorCharcuterie help make your next event unforgettable.
Mariana and Venus can't wait to cater your next event. If you feel inspired by their creations, share your own holiday boards on Instagram and tag them. They love seeing the magic that others create!
W.AmorCharcuterie is not just about food; it's about creating experiences, fostering community, and celebrating love through culinary art. Let them help you bring people together around the table this holiday season.
Sweet Cheats
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN
Local Faves
Bizarre Coffee
Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. Check out their fall flavors like Pumpkin Honey Butter, Wicked Apple, Salted Thai, Cozy Core, and The Basic Witch.
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.
Foundation for Hospital Art
Create colorful, soothing artwork donated to hospitals to help soften the often stressful hospital experience. Learn more at hospitalart.org
Never Alone Food Pantry
Make sure every family has access to cozy and hearty food this fall and winter. Make a donation of your time and/or money to neveralone.org
Tricia DeJarnett
Grateful Moments
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN
Local Businesses Share Their 2024 Messages of Thanks
Design & Remodel Brothers
As we are nearing the end of the year and reflect on 2024, we at Design & Remodel Brothers are incredibly grateful for the continued support and trust from the community we proudly serve day and night. Whether through our alignment with local Non-Profits, participation in community gatherings, community services we volunteer for, or the invaluable relationships we’ve built with our stakeholders—clients, partners, vendors, collaborators—we feel deeply honored to be part of such a vibrant and supportive network. Our heartfelt thanks go to our amazing client base, whose loyalty and trust allow us to do what we love. We look forward to growing together in the years to come.
Longevity Wellness and Med Spa
We are so grateful for the wonderful Woodstock community that has welcomed and supported us in the first year of our Towne Lake location. We could not be more appreciative of the opportunity to grow our passion for helping others in our own community, surrounded by family and friends. We look forward to another beautiful year together!
ServiceWise Electric
We are deeply grateful for the support and trust of our community. Your continued confidence in our services allows us to grow, thrive, and keep delivering reliable electrical services that power our neighborhoods.
Steven H Bailey MD of Woodstock Plastic Surgery/Bailey Cosmetic
I have so much to be thankful for this year. I can’t believe that our Woodstock Plastic Surgery/ Bailey Cosmetic office in downtown Woodstock has already been open for a year. As a solo practitioner in the Atlanta and Woodstock communities, I’m incredibly thankful for the trust and support of my patients and community. Being an entrepreneur is not always easy, but I have been truly fortunate to have the unwavering love and support of my family. They really inspire me, keep me grounded, and make all the hard work worth it. I am so proud that my extended family continues to grow through the wonderful relationships I’ve been able to develop with my patients and my dedicated staff. As 2024 draws to a close, I look forward to what the new year will bring to my personal and professional life and thank God for the opportunity to do what I love every day.
Amanda Hall Accident Lawyers
This year, we are thankful for great results for our wonderful clients. We are thankful for their continued trust in us and the referrals from our clients, friends, and community. We are grateful for finally having easy access back to Towne Lake and 575 from downtown Woodstock!
We are grateful for our community and first responders here! We hear stories from our clients daily of extended waits for first responders to get to the scene of an accident, not doing reports correctly, etc. Not here in Woodstock! Our Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments do things right and treat folks involved in accidents respectfully! Sometimes, it is just the little things.
ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN
The Word Spreading
ONE FAMILY’S ACTIVISM: HYDROCEPHALUS ASSOCIATION’S WALK TO END HYDROCEPHALUS IN ATLANTA
This year’s Hydrocephalus Association (HA) Walk to End Hydrocephalus in Atlanta was especially meaningful for a Woodstock family. Lisa, a lifelong Cherokee County resident and current Woodstock local, is stepping forward to raise awareness about hydrocephalus, a condition her 5 ½-year-old daughter, Ashtyn, has lived with since birth.
Ashtyn manages the challenges of hydrocephalus with the help of a shunt, a medical device placed in her brain to regulate fluid buildup. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution. Shunts have a high failure rate, with 50% failing in children within the first two years, often leading to repeated brain surgeries. Ashtyn has undergone 10 surgeries, including six in the last five months alone.
Determined to raise awareness and improve treatment options, the family participated in the HA Walk to raise funds for research, patient support, and educational programs. While they haven’t connected with others in the community who share this experience, they hope to change that by bringing more visibility to hydrocephalus. They are eager to collaborate with local residents and businesses to spread the word and support other families facing this condition.
In-Home Services for Seniors by Seniors
A Whole Body Approach
Woodstock Pelvic Health specializes in the treatment of all pelvic health
NOVEMBER 2ND
Native American Heritage Month - Heritage Day at Etowah
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site 813 Indian Mounds Road SE Cartersville GA 30120 | 10:00 AM
Come celebrate Native American Heritage month. Times of guided tours will be posted the day of the event. Expect to be outside for at least an hour and a half.
NOVEMBER 5TH
Fall Home Refresh
Woodstock Public Library | 6:00 PM
Is your home ready for the holiday season? Join us at the library for Fall Home Refresh to learn different tips about decluttering, and ways of preparing your space for holidays guests. Michelle Clark, from Sweet Home Organizing, will help make your transition of holiday decorating a breeze.
NOVEMBER 8TH-17TH
Youth Spotlight: The Many Disguises of Robin Hood
Woodstock Arts Theatre - 8534 Main St.
This show is perfect for audiences of all ages who love a sense of adventure like THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, or a story of the power of friendship and camaraderie like SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Or for folks who love a story full of new stories about classic figures like ORPHIE AND THE BOOK OF HEROES.
NOVEMBER 17TH
Sip & Savour- North Ga Mountains Wine Tasting Day Trip
North Springs MARTA Station | 10:00 AM
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall foliage while sipping on delicious wines from some of Georgia's most renowned wineries. Here’s what the experience includes:
• Round trip transportation to the wineries
• Welcome Mimosa and Snacks
• Tasting at Three Sisters Winery
• Tasting at Cavender Creek Winery
• Lunch stop and Optional Tasting at Montaluce Winery*
NOVEMBER 27TH-DECEMBER 6TH
Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale at A New You Skin & Body Clinic
Online only at anewyouclinic.com. Don’t miss out on the largest Sale of the year! Skincare, Lasers, Facials, Injectable fillers and Botox!
