Friday, November 13, 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 December edition is November 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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Members of the Smyrna 2026 Committee responsible for creating the Time Capsule with some of the donated items: (from left) Patrick Tedeschi, Andrea Worthy, Joseph Malbrough, Councilman Travis Lindley, Jennie Eldredge, and Mary Moore
SMYRNA TIME CAPSULE TO BE OPENED IN 2051
A committee of Smyrna leaders have spent months creating the formation of a Time Capsule of items donated by citizens and businesses in Smyrna. These items were on exhibit in the Smyrna City Hall lobby directly after the November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony. At the viewing, visitors could write their own messages to the future. These messages will be included in the capsule.
The contents of the capsule were donated by residents, business, schools, churches, and organizations in the community to reflect the culture and events of Smyrna in 2026. It will contain a map of the city, a magazine, Smyrna memorabilia, a street sign, and this November copy of The Bright Side and many more items representing the life of residents and businesses in Smyrna.
“The capsule itself will not go into a wall or underground. It will be on a plinth on the second floor of City Hall. People will not be able to see inside the capsule, but they will know that it is there. They’ll need to come back in 25 years to see the items,” said Smyrna Library Director and America250 Time Capsule committee member.”
“The Smyrna 2051 Time Capsule project has made us all think about what Smyrna’s future may look like and there is much excitement about what is coming. In 25 years, our community will have grown significantly more than it is today. Keep in mind we are currently in a boom era and have many great opportunities on the horizon. The expansion of our downtown, including the additional 9 acres, will be a huge success, making our new downtown an even greater destination for Smyrna. I hope that our future residents will note the passion for our great city and the great anticipation for the next 25 years,” wrote Councilman Travis Lindley, Ward 3, America250 Time Capsule Committee Chair.
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Now Available – the November Bright Side!
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BUILD YOUR OWN TIME CAPSULE AT
THE SMYRNA LIBRARY
 Family Time Capsules for Sale at Smyrna Library. Limited quantity. $30 each. Sale begins Friday, November 6. Purchase at Circulation Desk (cash, check, credit card). Celebrate America250 by creating your own time capsule. Fall and winter holidays are the perfect time for family history projects. Smyrna Library makes it easy. Capsule comes with Smyrna Bear and time capsule instructions. Proceeds benefit Smyrna Public Library. |
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GOBBLE JOG SET FOR THANKSGIVING DAY
On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will come to the Marietta Square to participate in the 24th Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Almost 300 volunteers will be on hand to support these runners.
The Gobble Jog offers options for all skill levels. Timed 10K and 5K runs, as well as an untimed 5K, 1K and Tot Trot are all available. There is also the Phantom/Virtual Runner option and you will still receive a t-shirt. Participants come from all over the country to participate in the run with their families and friends. Our largest teams are from area companies, schools and churches who come together that day to support our mission.
Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=207883 |
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY IS BACK
Can’t make the trip to the stadium, but love that tailgate atmosphere? Join us at Village Green Park for the big game from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Along with the game we will have a live DJ, prizes, and giveaways! Admission is free to all. Just bring your chairs and cheer your team on to victory! This all-ages event is free to attend.
Final date:
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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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BUILDING A MORE CONNECTED SMYRNA
Strong communities are built through meaningful relationships, open communication, and a willingness to understand different perspectives. But how do you put those principles into practice? Learn more at the Smyrna Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday, November 19 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Brawner Hall.
 Bridges Holmes, Founder and Chief Advisor of Moray Advisors, will explore the importance of trust, connection, and community engagement through the new Smyrna Connects initiative. Drawing on his 28 years of experience in leadership development and organizational culture, Bridges will discuss how thoughtful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and stronger relationships can help create a more connected community. He will also share insight into the role of the Smyrna Connects Action Committee and its efforts to bring resident voices directly into conversations with city leadership.
The 2026 Smyrna Citizen of the Year will be announced at this event. Register here. |
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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.
NOVEMBER
Watercolor Holiday Cards Workshop
Friday, November 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Celebrate the season with creativity! During the first hour, learn about the history of holiday cards, explore basic watercolor techniques, color theory, and fun effects like the salt technique. In the second hour, create beautiful handmade holiday cards using provided Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah templates. No experience necessary. $20.00 supply fee to pay the instructor. Led by Denise Cardin.
Around the World in 60 Minutes # 57860
Tuesday, November 17 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free, Registration required
Take a musical journey around the world! Enjoy songs and sounds from different countries while discovering the unique rhythms, artists, and musical traditions of each culture. Light refreshments will be served. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, November 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required.
Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres. The book of the month is TBD.
AARP Smart Driver
Wednesday, November 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 pm. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members; Registration required
CFP Thanksgiving Event
Friday, November 20 from 11:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.
$25, Registration required
Join us for a Thanksgiving lunch. A special time to come together, share gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal with friends old and new. Celebrate the season with traditional favorites, good conversation, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Vegan Recipe Exchange
Monday, November 30 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
In honor of Vegan Month, share your favorite plant-based recipes and discover new, delicious ways to enjoy familiar foods! Bring a favorite recipe to exchange with fellow members and leave with new recipes to try at home. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
November
17: NEWCOMERS CLUB. The Newcomers Club of Cobb County welcomes area women to join them at their monthly meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. Make new friends while learning from a speaker on topics interesting to women. New to the area or newly looking for fun activities and new friends? Come join us! For more information, visit newcomersofcobbcounty.com
26: THANKSGIVING DAY.
December
01: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Join the city of Smyrna for a magical evening at Smyrna’s annual kickoff to the holiday season on December 1. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Market Village, get into the holiday spirit with performances by local school choirs across Market Village. Santa will be making a special appearance to light the tree and will be available for photos after the tree lighting. Explore the Kris Kringle Market for unique gifts and delicious treats. Find something for everyone in our winter wonderland market, filled with twinkling lights and festive décor.
2-5: GIFTMART. Smyrna First UMC’s GiftMart: For Holiday and Home returns Dec. 2-5, and they are looking for vendors. Makers, crafters, and bakers simply drop off their items and pick up whatever doesn’t sell. We handle the selling and checkout, so no booth-sitting is required. The market is free to attend, and 25% of sales supports local missions serving women and children, run through United Women in Faith. Dates: Dec. 2 (4-9 p.m.), Dec. 3 (9am-2 p.m.), Dec. 4 (4-9 p.m.), Dec. 5 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). Location: Smyrna First United Methodist Church, 1315 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna. Vendor registration closes Nov. 16: https://bit.ly/giftmart2026
04: MABLETON ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY. Festivities from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. The annual tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Guests can also visit the large gallery to view Tree Jubilee: A Festival of Trees. This seasonal exhibition features decorated trees, wreaths, and tabletop displays created by local artists, schools, businesses, and community groups. Select displays will be available for purchase during the exhibition.
Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts, enjoying festive entertainment, taking photos with Santa, or gathering for the community tree lighting, Mable House Lights the Night is a joyful way to welcome the holiday season.
04: AUSTELL TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE. Lighting of the tree in downtown Austell. This is the city’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, featuring arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, and community participation. 8:a.m. to 4 p.m. (parade & ceremony), lighting at 5 p.m.? at 2780 Jefferson St, Austell,.
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.
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 770-426-9388 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. Please send your news and advertising to me at news@brightsidecobb.com or cslipsett@att.net Deadline for the December Bright Side is November 23.
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 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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