Tickets On Sale For Blue Jeans Gala

July 6, 2018 by

If you ever have to dial 911, what do you expect to be the outcome? Professionals with the highest level of expertise and professionalism to respond. The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation (SPSF) is dedicated to support the professional endeavors of the public safety agencies within Smyrna and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who live or work in the City of Smyrna and surrounding communities.

The 2018 Blue Jean Gala is Aug. 18 in Wallace Hall at Adventure Outdoors, 2500 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. The title sponsor is The Charyn Darby Foundation. This event is different from others in the community because it allows attendees to spend the evening with our local heroes and all funds raised stay here in the Smyrna community to promote and support the many important initiatives of the Smyrna Fire and Police Departments.

“We strive to ensure that each police officer and firefighter is qualified, trained, and equipped to perform at the highest levels of professional standards,” said Barb Allen, executive director of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation.  “Funds raised at this year’s Gala will be dedicated to funding some critical training and equipment that is outside their operating budgets.”

Annually, the SPSF sponsors the Smyrna Public Safety Awards and Recognition banquet where these Heroes are recognized for their exemplary service to the community. In December, the SPSF teams up with the Smyrna elementary schools and takes youth on a shopping spree for the Shop with a Hero event.

Make plans now to attend the Annual Blue Jean Gala. Ticket price includes live entertainment, dinner and beverages. There will be numerous unique raffle items as well as silent auction items, many which are experiences involving public safety.

At this event you are encouraged to dress casual (jeans and your favorite accessories are totally acceptable). There will be a photo booth available where you can memorialize the event.

For more information and purchase tickets, visit the website at www.smyrnapsf.org,  send an email to admin@smyrnapsf.org, or call 404-791-6935.

From the July 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: Current, Monthly, News, Smyrna, South Cobb

Mableton Park Gets Compromise Name

July 6, 2018 by

Cobb Commissioners have agreed on a compromise name, “Mableton’s Chattahoochee River Line Park,” for a new 103-acre park along the Chattahoochee River.

Parks Director Jimmy Gisi says the members of the Mableton Improvement Coalition and the River Line Historic Area, Inc. came up with the new name and ran it by District Commissioner Lisa Cupid who approved of it.

The property runs for one mile along the river and includes a variety of well-preserved Civil War-era earthworks. A large part of the property is on the National Register of Historic Places. Cobb County has owned the property since 1990 when it acquired it through the settlement of litigation.

The work on the park will cost approximately $1 million. Funding will come from the 2016 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) as part of the P.A.R.K.S. program approved by voters. Gisi told commissioners the improvements include a small parking lot, restrooms, signs and historical markers. A small display will show what a confederate Shoupade looked like. Another trail will lead to the remnants of a federal Redan.

From the July 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

 

Filed Under: Current, News, South Cobb

Whitefield Student Is Chess Champ

June 11, 2018 by

Drew Justice, a Whitefield Academy Sixth grader, recently represented his school in the National Elementary Chess Championship held in Nashville, Tennessee.

The tournament, sponsored by the U.S. Chess Federation, draws more than 2,000 players from around the country in a four-day event that begins with a 6-round blitz (fast chess) tournament and concluding with a 7-round standard tournament. Justice had an outstanding performance in the K-6 blitz tournament, claiming first place.

Overall, Justice holds four national titles in chess: 2013 K-1 Co-Champion, 2015 K-3 Blitz Co-Champion, 2017 K-6 Bughouse Champion, 2018 K-6 Blitz Co-Champion (1st place on tiebreaks). In the 2018 regular tournament, Justice came close to securing another national title. After winning his first five matches, he played very well in round 6 to earn a draw. Then, still tied for first place going into the final round, he was outplayed by a strong opponent from California and ended the regular tournament in 8th place. There are three types of chess championships: regular (90 minutes per player), blitz (5 minutes per player), and bughouse (partner chess).

Justice is a chess “Expert” (2000 U.S. rating), and hopes to get to “National Master” (2200 rating) by the end of middle school. He has been an avid chess player since he was three years old. In addition to chess, Justice enjoys playing basketball, football, and looks forward to being in the marching band next school year. He enjoys the challenge of playing other top players from around the country, and also teaching chess to younger children at Whitefield through after school programs and summer camps.

Whitefield Academy is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school serving more than 800 students in PreK4 through 12th grade. For more information, visit whitefieldacademy.com.

From the June 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton,  and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: Current, News, Smyrna, South Cobb, Vinings

Crosswalk Gets Improved Signage

June 11, 2018 by

New Dynamic Speed Display signs will soon go up near a school where a crossing guard was hit and killed last year. The Board of Commissioners approved the installation of the signs at their meeting Tuesday.

The signs will soon go up near Lindley Middle School and will be donated by Radar Signs, Inc., as part of Cobb’s pilot program. The signs let drivers know how fast they are going.  Studies have shown they are effective in getting drivers to slow down.

Cobb DOT, along with Georgia DOT and other partners, launched a Roadway Safety Audit last year after the death of crossing guard Edna Umeh last November. The audit is nearing completion and interim DOT Director Erica Parish says changes should be made to the roadway before the start of the next school year.

Among the changes being considered are medians dividing the four-lane road, and installation of a “HAWK” crossing which is a lighted, well-marked pedestrian crossing.

From the June 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: News, South Cobb

Surprise Results, Election Runoff

June 8, 2018 by

The name was familiar, but nobody knew who she was – until she won.

Sandra Bullock won the Democratic party primary in House District 40, ahead of Erick Allen for a seat being vacated by Rep. Rich Golick.

But after the win, she bowed out, citing health concerns.

Once Bullock’s withdrawal becomes official, Allen will become the nominee – and go up against Republican pick Matt Bentley.

In Smyrna, and in some state races, the campaign is not over.

Smyrna voters will choose a new council member in Ward 6 in a runoff election July 24.

Idella Moore finished first in a crowded field, with Tim Gould in second place to force the runoff.

In the District 2 School Board contest, Dr. Jaha Howard defeated Angela Pressley.

In congressional races:
• Rep. David Scott (D-13) will face David Callahan, winner of the Republican primary, and Libertarian candidate Martin Cowen in November for the 13th District congressional seat.
• Lucy McBath will face Kevin Abel in a runoff for the Democratic nomination for Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District. Incumbent Rep. Karen Handel (R-6) was unopposed.

In House District 39 State Rep. Erica Thomas, D-Austell, survived a primary challenge from three fellow Democrats, defeating Sheila Edwards and Tray S. Deadwyler. She will face Republican James “J.W.” Morrow Jr., in November.

Leah Aldridge won the Georgia Senate Republican primary and will face state Sen. Jen Jordan, D-Atlanta, in November for the Senate 6 post.

From the June 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

 

 

Filed Under: News, Smyrna, South Cobb

WellStar Vinings Heath Park Opens Surgery Outpatient Center

May 7, 2018 by

The final piece of the new WellStar Vinings Health Park fell into place with the opening of the Outpatient Surgery Center in April.

The 20,000 sq. foot surgery center includes 17 private prep and recovery rooms, three operating rooms and three procedure rooms.

The new center will also provide onsite treatment and testing, pharmacy and pathology support and   a private patient discharge elevator.

“Tonight is special because it another event in the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of Cobb Hospital allowing us to serve our community closer to home,” said Callie Andrews, President of WellStar Cobb Hospital.

The Vinings location opened in September of 2017 as the third Health Park in Cobb. A fourth will open in Cherokee County in February.

Dr. Bill Mayfield, WellStar chief surgical officer, “what we have done here, is that we have reinvented the future of surgery.”

The new facility is “designed for patient safety, patient experience and patient flow. (The center is) packed with technology and connected by one electronic medal record.”

“Opening our Vinings Health Park Outpatient Surgery Center will allow us to meet the growing demand for outpatient care in the local market,” said Joe Brywczynski, senior vice president of WellStar Health Parks Administration & Development. “This addition allows us to offer a variety of outpatient medical services and procedures to patients close to home, in one location for increased convenience.”

The addition will create 25 new jobs, increasing the total employment at the Vinings Health Park to more than 175 team members.

From the May 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: Blog, Current, News, South Cobb

Andrews Named New Wellstar Cobb President

May 7, 2018 by

WellStar Health System announced Callie Andrews as WellStar senior vice president and president of WellStar Cobb Hospital. Previously, Andrews served as the hospital’s chief operations officer (COO) for the past two years.

“Since opening as Cobb General 50 years ago this summer, WellStar Cobb Hospital has seen tremendous growth and innovation under the leadership of a distinguished group of hospital presidents,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, WellStar executive vice president & chief operations officer, Hospitals Division. “Callie will continue this legacy as she has demonstrated a constant focus on improving patient care, safety and experience and increasing team member engagement.”

Andrews brings more than 10 years of executive hospital administration experience to this role, including the past two years at WellStar Cobb Hospital. Her recent accomplishments include serving as hospital executive lead in operationalizing WellStar Vinings Health Park, overseeing several WellStar expansion and renovation projects totaling more than $35 million, and leading the development of a new cancer center and pediatric burn program at WellStar Cobb Hospital.

“It’s an honor to be named president of WellStar Cobb, especially during such a monumental time as the hospital celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Andrews. “WellStar Cobb is a beacon for the community and along with our experienced management team and world-class caregivers and physicians, I look forward to exceeding the expectations of our patients and community.”

Before joining WellStar, Andrews held several roles at Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), serving as COO and ethics and compliance officer at HCA’s Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Georgia and associate COO at HCA’s Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. Andrews has master’s degrees in business and healthcare administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Georgia.

With 382 beds, WellStar Cobb Hospital offers several exemplary programs, including a recently renovated burn and wound unit, a state-of-the-art cardiac program and a private maternity center. Additionally, the hospital is the only one in Georgia to receive meritorious status for surgical patient outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and is one of only six baby-friendly facilities in Georgia.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Andrews is active in the community, serving on the boards of Safe Path Children’s Advocacy Center and South Cobb Business Association. She is also involved in the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, currently serving as president-elect.

From the May 2018 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: News, Smyrna, South Cobb

‘Twisted Cyclone’ Roller Coaster Coming To Six Flags In 2018

August 31, 2017 by

Six Flags Over Georgia—the Thrill Capital of the South— announced the all-new Twisted Cyclone hybrid roller coaster will arrive in 2018. Twisted Cyclone will offer guests the best of both worlds—a classic wooden structure combined with a modern, steel track for multiple inversions and a smoother, more thrilling riding experience.

“Six Flags was the first in the industry to introduce this hybrid technology and Twisted Cyclone is a shining example of Six Flags innovation at its very best. Year after year, our park keeps delivering unique thrills for all ages and this state-of-the-art hybrid coaster is an absolute game-changer,” said Park President Dale Kaetzel. “Our guests are going to be blown away by the unbelievable features of this coaster.”

Twisted Cyclone highlights include:

  • An insanely steep 75-degree initial drop from nearly 100 feet into a jaw-dropping reverse cobra roll sending riders perpendicular to the ground;
  • Three hair-raising upside down inversions and 10 airtime moments along 2,400 feet of track at speeds of 50 miles per hour;
  • The feeling of weightlessness through a 360-degree zero gravity roll;
  • One-of-a-kind custom coaster trains modeled after a classic 1960’s sports convertible; and
  • A smoother, sleeker, more intense ride than ever before.

Construction on Twisted Cyclone is underway and the ride is expected to debut in the spring of 2018. For more information about next season at Six Flags Over Georgia, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/newfor2018.

Six Flags Over Georgia is also announcing the start of 2018 Season Pass sales with its special Flash Sale through Labor Day weekend featuring the best deal of the year— savings up to 70% off on a 2018 Pass!

August 31 through Sept. 4, guests will receive a free upgrade to a Gold Combo Season Pass with every Pass purchased. Gold Combo Season Passes include admission to Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water, and any other Six Flags theme park, as well as free parking and special admission offers for friends.

Filed Under: Blog, News, South Cobb

Golf Cart Parade Honors Fourth, Veterans

July 5, 2017 by

 

  Presbyterian Village in Austell held its annual golf cart parade to honor the Fourth of July with more than two dozen golf carts decked out in patriotic bunting. Where in previous parades there has been a Grand Marshall seated in the lead car; this year some 14 World War II veterans were honored as Grand Marshalls, riding in individual carts.

Among them was, below left, Navy veteran Bill Smith, a pharmacist’s mate 3rd class, who served aboard the USS Wyoming in WWII.

Hilliard Pouncey, right, an original Tuskegee Airman, rides in the lead car as one of more than a dozen “Grand Marshalls” at the annual golf cart parade at Presbyterian Village in Austell on July 3.

 

 

 

 

Bringing up the rear in a 1915 Model T, below right, are Robert and Bryant Brough of Mableton in vintage uniforms to honor the veterans.

At left, Ike Strueusee, an Infantry Staff Sgt. during the war, fought at the Battle of The Bulge in the Army.

Filed Under: Blog, News, South Cobb

Brenda Humphrey Names Braves Honorary Bat Girl

June 22, 2017 by

ATLANTA, GA – MAY 19: Honorary Bat Girl Samantha Timmons poses with Brandon Phillips #4 of the Atlanta Braves before the game against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on May 19, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won 8-4. (Photo by Logan Riely/Beam Imagination/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Phillips

Brenda Humphrey of Mableton served as Honorary Bat Girl for the Atlanta Braves at the May 19 game.

The Honorary Bat Girl contest recognizes fans who have been affected by breast cancer and have demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease.

After supporting and caring for her mother and three sisters as they each battled various forms of cancer over the years, Ms. Humphrey was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2014. The single mother of a Marine serving in Japan, she immediately began to educate family members and friends about the disease while going through treatment and recovery. Diagnosed again in March 2016, Ms. Humphrey continues to fight the disease while never letting it break her spirit.

The Braves hosted Ms. Humphrey on May 19 as the Braves played the Nationals at Sun Trust Park for a VIP experience that kicked off with a special lunch with the Braves wives. Following lunch, she watched batting practice from the field and stayed for the game. Ms. Humphrey also took home limited-edition pink MLB merchandise. This year, Atlanta Braves player Brandon Phillips served on the Guest Judging Panel for the Honorary Bat Girl Contest.

During the Honorary Bat Girl contest entry timeline, fans from across the United States and Canada shared how they, or their loved ones, support the cause to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including special guests, who chose the winning submissions based on the following criteria: quality of writing and description of personal connection to breast cancer, demonstration of commitment to the battle against the disease and public appeal (as determined by online fan votes).

The Honorary Bat Girl program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer” initiative celebrated on Mother’s Day. In nine years, thousands of unique testimonials have been submitted and millions of fan votes have been cast. Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer is a Major League Baseball initiative supported by MLB charitable partners, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen. This initiative raises awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research.

From the June 2017 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.

Filed Under: News, South Cobb
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