Friday, July 31, 2026 • Just in time to plan your weekend
An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the September edition is August 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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COBB SCHOOLS BEGIN A NEW YEAR
ON MONDAY AUGUST 3
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WHISKERS ON WHEELS SMYRNA SKATING
Enjoy the fun for a great cause on August 10 from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Put on your cat ears and come skating at Sparkles during this fundraiser by Pounce de Leon Cat Rescue. The evening features energetic music with a live DJ, silent auction, raffles and games. Cat costumes are encouraged. Located at Sparkles Family Fun Center in Smyrna. (666 Smyrna Hill Drive, Smyrna). $5 includes skate rental at Sparkles of Smyrna. wwwPounceDeLeon.org |
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Read the June/July Bright Side
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Photo from the 2025 Rotary 5k race
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY 5K RACE
Put on your running shoes and get ready to Run for the Kids. On August 8, an anticipated 2,000 runners will gather in Vinings to compete in the 2026 Vinings Downhill 5K race. This is the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club’s 29th year of hosting this race to benefit children in need.
Thirty years ago, the Rotary club named it a “Run for the Kids” This annual race, a Peachtree Race qualifier, has raised over $1.5 M for children’s causes. Registration is open and organizations or individuals can become a sponsor to help in this worthy cause. Please visit viningsdownhill5k.com to register and to learn more.
The Vinings Down Hill 5K course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop). 5K Race Day registration will begin at 7a.m. at the Printpack Building. The cost is $55 for the 5K race, $30 for 1K Run and $30 for the Doggie Dash. The 1K Run and Dog Dash registration begins at 8:15a.m. at Vinings Jubilee.
Despite the name of the race, well, it’s “not quite” all downhill…there are 3 hills to climb throughout the race – at the half-mile mark, during the second mile and during the last half-mile. There are also 3 really amazing downhill sections that make up for those climbs.
There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run and a fun Doggie Dash & Costume Contest. This worthwhile event includes a huge post-race party at Vinings Jubilee with awards, music, great food and expo.
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SMYRNA PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Let Smyrna handle the childcare while you enjoy an evening to yourself. On August 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Smyrna’s next Parents Night Out. The event is open for registration, and it’s a Girl’s Only theme.
Drop your girls off for a night they’ll be talking about all week. There will be board games, epic dance battles, karaoke showdowns, gym games, and wild relay races- all capped off with a pizza party.
Cost is $35 per child. Dinner is provided. Ages 4-12 and children much be potty trained. Registration now open! Click here to sign up today. |
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SUNDAY LECTURE: MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN
 Houses in the sky, cars with rocket fins, and furniture that looked like it could fly–an introduction to the designers that brought the future to our homes. An introductory look at how the movement began, what it produced, and a few show-and-tell items. This is a Sunday lecture by Marc McAfee presented by the Smyrna Library.
Speaker Bio: Marc McAfee (pictured above with a car he does not own) is a writer, editor and lifelong Georgia native. He serves on the board of the Friends of Smyrna Library.
The lecture will be presented on Sunday, August 30, from 3-4 p.m. at the Smyrna Library, in the Meeting Room. Free admission. No reservation required. |
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CAMBRIDGE TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE
The Cambridge Assisted Living and Memory Care is opening its doors for an upcoming “Summer Saturdays” community open house events on August 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Events will take place at the community’s Smyrna location, 4838 S. Cobb Dr. SE, and are open to local seniors and caregivers, as well as any of The Cambridge’s professional partners.
Guests are invited to walk through the community, step into an apartment, and enjoy a cold drink and summer treat while meeting The Cambridge residents and team members and having any questions answered in a casual, informal setting. To RSVP or learn more about any of these events, please contact Executive Director Perry Njirani-Jacobs at 678-903-0339 or by email at director@smyrnaseniorscom.
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SMYRNA PUBLIC SAFETY SPECIAL CEREMONY
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, in conjunction with the city of Smyrna, the Smyrna Fire Department and the Smyrna Police Department, will honor the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during a special ceremony.
The event, which is open to the public, will start at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, with a ceremony at the front entrance of Smyrna City Hall, located at 2800 King Street SE in downtown Smyrna. In the grassy area between Smyrna City Hall and the Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial, a display of flags will represent the Twin Towers that were targeted and destroyed in the attacks.
The flags will be set up on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, and will remain in place through Sunday, Sept. 13. At 9:05 a.m. on Sept. 11, following the ceremony at City Hall, Smyrna’s first responders will participate in a run through downtown to honor those who died. The run is expected to conclude by 9:30.
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation is offering 25th-anniversary challenge coins for a $25 donation. All proceeds will benefit Smyrna first responders.
Additional details about the event will be announced. For more information, visit SmyrnaPSF.org. |
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SMYRNA MARKET OPEN EVERY SUNDAY
Discover something new at the Smyrna Market very Sunday, in the Market Village. This community gathering features 60+ unique vendors set up on W. Spring Street and along King Street (in front of city hall). Each Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you will find international foods, local honey, handmade soaps, baked goods, crafts and more! With new vendors each week, there is always something fresh to discover.
For announcements on weekly vendors or weather cancelations please follow the market on Facebook at Smyrna Handmade Market or on Instagram @SmyrnaHandmadeMarket |
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Place your advertising in the Bright Side eWeekly for only $25 per week
(minimum of 4 weeks).
Contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or
by email at cslipsett@att.net for more information.
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ENJOY FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS EVERY TUESDAY
Food Truck Tuesdays – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Tuesday through September 22 (weather permitting), except the week of July 4 and the week of Labor Day. This event is the best Food Truck event series around! Enjoy the offerings from a weekly gathering of quality mobile gourmet trucks and a bit of sweet mixed in and music, too.
An assortment of fabulous food trucks will gather in the lower parking spaces adjacent to the playground and mini amphitheater at Taylor-Brawner Park beginning at 5 p.m. for your enjoyment.
Let’s give a big “Thank You” to the Food Truck sponsor Cobb Travel & Tourism, Georgia Power and to South State Bank for the hospitality of use of their parking lot for each Food Truck Tuesday evening. Guests can park at South State Bank after 4:30 p.m. Read on for more instructions on where to park and how to get to Taylor-Brawner Park.
Parking: Please make plans to park after business hours at South State Bank, 3016 Atlanta Road. and at the Historic Reed House, 3080 Atlanta Road. Parking is available at Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road, but fills up early and is monitored by security once full.
Guests may be asked to wait for spaces to open or motioned to proceed down Atlanta Road to the approved parking locations at South State Bank and the Reed House. Other adjacent options are not guaranteed. Please obey Police/Staff directions.
Handicap Parking spaces may be found at the entrance of Taylor-Brawner House (3182 Atlanta Road) while available – expect security at the entrance or seek marked spaces at Brawner Hall (3180 Atlanta Road) while available. These spaces tend to fill early.
*Please do not park in neighborhood/residential areas and do not park in lots of open businesses. Check our Social Media pages Facebook.com/CityofSmyrnaGa or Instagram/CityofSmyrnaGa for weekly updates and a list of scheduled trucks. |
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
AUGUST
Hydration: Small Habits, Big Benefits
Monday, August 3 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Learn the importance of staying hydrated, recognize the common signs and symptoms of dehydration, and discover simple, practical strategies to maintain healthy hydration habits throughout the day. Join Nathan Smith from Cobb County Safety Village as he shares helpful tips and easy-to-follow recommendations to keep your body feeling energized, refreshed, and functioning at its best every day.
Mystery Lovers Meet Up
Tuesday, August 4 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Do you enjoy watching, reading, or listening to a good mystery? Want to meet with other mystery lovers to talk shop? Come share your favorite movies, shows, and books. From Alex Cross to Columbo and from James Patterson to Agatha Christie, let’s discuss both the classics and the latest mysteries.
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, August 5 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Whether you are new or have been a longtime member of C. Freeman Poole, you are invited to learn more about our center and the programs we offer, meet our team, take a tour of the center, and share suggestions for activities, events, or seminars you would like to see offered.
The Coffee Circle
Tuesday, August 11 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Join our Coffee & Conversations group—a relaxed gathering where friends and neighbors come together over a warm cup of coffee to discuss a variety of interesting topics, from music and books to hobbies and community issues. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, share your ideas, or simply enjoy good company and great coffee, this group is the perfect place to connect and engage in meaningful conversations. Led by C. Freeman Poole Staff.
Strength Training for Osteoporosis
Wednesday, August 12 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
This educational seminar introduces safe and effective strength-training principles specifically designed for individuals living with osteoporosis. Participants will learn how targeted, low-impact exercises can help maintain and even improve bone density, enhance posture and balance, and reduce the risk of falls and fractures. The session will also cover proper body mechanics, movements to avoid, and practical tips for building confidence while staying active. Presented by health professionals from Wellstar Health System.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
August
3: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL The 2026-27 school year begins for all Cobb County School System students.
8: ROTARY RUN FOR THE KIDS.
8: CLASS REUNION. The Campbell Class of 1986 will hold its 40-Year Reunion on Aug 8 at Stillfire Brewing in Smyrna. Campbell and Wills graduates are welcome. Click here to register.
29: TASTE OF MABLETON at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
September
12: TASTE OF SMYRNA. Join the fun and enjoy great food on September 12 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in downtown Smyrna for the Taste of Smyrna. Food, music and fun all day long. Experience a wide selection of foods from over 30 restaurants. There will be live music and more. Admission is free.
19: DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT. Safely and securely shred your documents! This event, provided by Keep Smyrna Beautiful, is for paper only. Participants can bring up to 5 copy paper sized boxes of documents. All binders, clips, and folders must be removed prior. Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Church Street Park/Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center, 884 Church Street, Smyrna.
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
Extra Bright Sides
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Vickery Hardware, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; and Kroger on South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and the Mable House Arts Center. In Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website www.brightsidecobb.com sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9347 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side. We are now working on the August print edition of the Bright Side. Please send your news and advertising to me at news@brightsidecobb.com or cslipsett@att.net
Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net.
You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com. In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Publix at Jonquil Plaza on Atlanta Road, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available at Cobb Hospital, the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger, Mable House Arts Center, and Mableton Pharmacy.
Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
The Bright Side Newspaper (for Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell) and the eWeekly are owned and published by Lipsett & Associates, Inc. Owner and publisher is Cathy Lipsett.
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Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to news@brightsidecobb.com.
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.
Email the ad to news@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9347 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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