Bright Side News for April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025 by

In this week’s edition:

  • ATLANTA BRAVES UNVEIL REVAMPED KIDS CLUB PROGRAM FOR THE 2025 SEASON
  • LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION FORUM SET FOR APRIL
  • CELEBRATE SPRING AT SMYRNA’S JONQUIL FESTIVAL
  • SENIOR EXPO SET FOR APRIL 23
  • EGG DROP AFTER EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
  • TASTE OF MABLETON COMING MAY 3
  • SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR SET FOR MAY 3
Bright Side News for April 11, 2025
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Friday, April 11, 2025 • 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 May issue is April 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.


ATLANTA BRAVES UNVEIL REVAMPED KIDS CLUB PROGRAM FOR THE 2025 SEASON

The Atlanta Braves unveiled their new and improved Braves Kids Club program to elevate the gameday experience for the youngest Braves fans. Kid-focused programming for this fan-favorite initiative will take place in the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park at located in the Left Field Plaza between Left Field Gate and Third Base Gate, on select Kids Club Days all season long.

The new Braves Kids Club features tiered membership options packed with an array of exclusive benefits for kids and their families to choose from. The Rookie Membership is free for fans to join and includes all previous Kids Club offerings. 

New for this season, fans will have an additional option to upgrade to the paid All-Star Membership, which offers fans the same fun perks as the Rookie Membership, plus exclusive added benefits including the opportunity to line the field with the players during the National Anthem, be selected as the Kids Club Member of the Game and recognized on Braves television and radio broadcasts, and more.

All current Braves Kids Club members will be automatically enrolled in the Rookie Membership for 2025, and fans looking to upgrade to the All-Star Membership or sign up for the Braves Kids Club can visit Braves.com/KidsClub.
Now Available! Read the April Bright Side


       


LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION FORUM SET FOR APRIL

The 2025 Cobb County Legislative Delegation Forum will be held on April 22 in Marietta. This event is a rare opportunity for the Cobb senior community to hear important information and engage directly with their state legislators. This forum is jointly sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County and Cobb County Senior Services. The forum is being held on Tuesday, April 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta.

Every Georgia house representative and senator serving a Cobb County district has been invited to participate. All persons who attend will leave the forum knowing more about which critical issues affecting seniors were addressed in the most recent legislative session at the Gold Dome.

Be sure to register using the this registration link. The event is free but space is limited and persons need to register ahead of time to secure a spot.


CELEBRATE SPRING AT SMYRNA’S JONQUIL FESTIVAL

As the jonquils bloom and the weather turns warm, the city of Smyrna is ready to celebrate spring. The city’s Jonquil Festival has something for every member of the family with more than 175 Arts & Crafts booths, 20 food booths, an entertainment stage, multiple beer gardens, and a variety of children’s activities. 

This year’s Jonquil Festival will be held in and around Smyrna’s City Hall and the Market Village for two days: Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27. On Saturday; April 26, the events run from 10 a.m. to – 6 p.m. On Sunday the event runs from noon to 5 p.m.

For those who enjoy shopping, there is a vast array of items including jewelry, hand-crafted wooden items, and much more. There are food booths for different tastes. 

Admission to the Jonquil Festival is FREE and 30,000 people are expected to attend. For more information call 770-423-1330 or e-mail: missy@jrmmanagement.com.or visit www.smyrnacity.com 


SENIOR EXPO SET FOR APRIL 23

Join other Seniors for a day filled with resources, connections, and valuable information at the Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center. This free event is open to the public, and parking is FREE. A bag of free produce will be also be available to the first 400 households.

Discover a variety of vendors offering services in life enrichment, transportation, nutrition, senior living, Medicare, wellness, safety, and much more. Plus, Northside Hospital will be providing free health screenings, and we’ll have informative seminars on important topics throughout the day.

Be sure to check cobbseniors.org for updates on vendors, health screenings, and seminar details as we get closer to the event! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore helpful resources, learn something new, and connect with your community.




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.


EGG DROP AFTER EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE 

“Come celebrate the resurrection with Life Church Smyrna. During Life Church’s Easter service, all kids in Kids LIFE, will be singing the finale song. There will be prizes given away during service. Following the 10 a.m. service, members will be dropping eggs and candy with the help of their friends from the Smyrna Fire Department. 

Bring your Easter basket to collect as many eggs and as much candy as you can! If able to donate candy, there will be a candy basket in the foyer. Come watch the eggs fall from the Fire Truck!”


TASTE OF MABLETON COMING MAY 3

The 2025 Taste of Mableton takes place at the Mable House Complex and features the flavors, people, artisans, and culture that makes the City of Mableton unique.  The event features a parade, a kids zone, live music, performances, and more.

Come out on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and try all things Mableton – additional events include Tours and Displays, Pillars of Mableton, Health & Wellness Village, Arts & Crafts Exhibits, Public Safety Zone, Service Row, DJ and Dancing, Education Pavilion, Faith Village, Civic Circle, All Day Concert at the Amphitheatre, Family Fun Zone, The Marketplace, and Foodies Court.

Admission is free. The Taste pf Mableton is set for the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Free onsite will be available at the Mable House Complex, with additional free overflow parking available at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Rd, Mableton. For more information, please email tasteofmableton@mableton.org or call (404) 997-2893.
Photo by Eloise Holland from the 2024 Garden tour. 
 

SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR SET FOR MAY 3

Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Garden Tour returns on Saturday, May 3, offering a delightful self-guided exploration of five of Smyrna’s most stunning gardens.

Consistent with past years, this year’s gardens offer a mix of size, style, and personality. Visitors will explore everything from a cozy space packed with hidden treasures to a serene streamside sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Other highlights include blue-accented courtyards and a thoughtfully designed walking path that invites guests to explore.

“We have another amazing collection of gardens this year,” says Keep Smyrna Beautiful Board Chair Phyllis Owens. “Visitors will not only get some great gardening ideas, they can also feel good knowing that their ticket purchase goes back into the community.” 

Proceeds from the Smyrna Garden Tour support litter cleanups, environmental education, community events, and more. As Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s largest annual fundraiser, this event plays a vital role in sustaining local beautification efforts.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 for the day of the event. Buy online at Eventbrite.com or In-person at Smyrna Recycling Center and Vickery Hardware. For sneak peeks and updates, follow Keep Smyrna Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram.
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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.

APRIL

Safety in Focus: Gun Safety Education 
Monday, April 14 from 11 a.m. – noon. Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative and engaging presentation on gun safety, where we’ll discuss the essential practices and responsibilities of firearm ownership. Whether you’re a new gun owner or an experienced owner, this session will equip you with the knowledge to handle firearms safely, reduce accidents, and promote responsible gun use in your community. Presented by Cobb County Sherriff’s Office. 

Trip to Gibbs Garden 
Wednesday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  
$26 (transportation & entry); Registration required
Get ready for a peaceful and picturesque escape as we embark on a trip to the stunning Gibbs Gardens! Known for its breathtaking landscapes and beautifully curated gardens, this is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
Activity Level 2-4 – Limited walking, some stairs, and/or inclines. No refunds unless trip is cancelled. Deadline: April 8. 

The Freeman Poole Page Turners 
Thursday, April 17 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 “The Reckoning” by John Grisham. Please stop by the Center to grab a copy. Hosted by South Cobb Library.


The Crafty Corner: Paper Hydrangeas 
Monday, April 21
11:00am – 12:00pm 
Free; Registration required
Join us for a fun and creative craft session where we’ll be making beautiful paper hydrangeas. This hands-on workshop will guide you step-by-step to create stunning, lifelike flowers that you can use for home decor, gifts, or just as a personal keepsake. Hosted by South Cobb Library. 

AARP Smart Driver 
Wednesday, April 23 from 9:30 a.m.  – 3:30 p.m.; Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members
Registration required
Check with your insurance agent about a possible discount for taking this class. Bring a lunch.

Freeman’s Karaoke Jam 
Friday, April 25 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free; Registration required
Get ready for an afternoon of fun, music, and unforgettable performances at C. Freeman Poole’s Karaoke Jam! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, this is your chance to take the stage and show off your vocal talent.

Bingo Bash 
Monday, April 28 from noon – 2 p.m. 
$3; Registration required  
Join us for fun games of Bingo. Snacks and prizes available.

Sprout and Thrive 
Tuesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. – noon 
$3 (Supplies); Registration required
Join us for a fun and eco-friendly event where we’ll plant trees, flowers, or herbs together. Whether you’re new to gardening or experienced, everyone is welcome to help grow a greener community. Let’s dig in and grow something special! Presented by C. Freeman Poole Staff. 

BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR 
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL


April

12: PALM SUNDAY

26 – 27: JONQUIL FESTIVAL. The Spring Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna. There will be 150 arts & crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities. The show will also feature a local entertainment stage.

May

3: SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR. The Smyrna Garden Tour is back on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticketholders enjoy a self-guided tour of five Smyrna gardens and refreshments the Reed House. A plant sale, which is open to the public, will also be located at the Reed House. Tickets go on sale by the end of March. Learn more: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/

3: TASTE OF MABLETON. Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 Taste of Mableton features the flavors, people, artisans, and culture that makes the City of Mableton unique. The event features a parade, a kid’s zone, live music, performances, and more.

June

14: CREEPER’S CAR SHOW. Jim Miller Park, June 14. Features music, vendors, food trucks, a swap meet, door prize, and event t-shirts. Show is open to all years of cars, trucks, and motorcycles and all proceeds from the event benefit local and national charities that work with children. 

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

BOY SCOUT TROOP 220 meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). For more information visit https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220Smyrna/Index.htm.https://web.cobbchamber.org/atlas/events/smyrna-area-council-state-of-the-city-11830/register

SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome. 

JONQUIL CITY INVESTMENT CLUB open membership now happening. Jonquil City Investment Club is an all-female organization that encourages women to learn more about investing and applying financial knowledge by investing small amounts of money ($25) in the stock market.  We meet on the first Thursday of each month to learn from a licensed investment broker and discuss the performance of our investments.  Now is a great time to invest in the stock market while it is static.  Have fun with us riding the wave to the top!  For additional information, contact Cindy Acker, Senior Partner, at jcic2004@yahoo.com.

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. 

 

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.

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/
 

SERVICES

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 fall, 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/


HELP WANTED


AD SALES POSITION OPEN. The Bright Side newspaper is looking for a self-starter to join our team in advertising sales. The motivated team member will be able to call on local businesses to tell them about advertising opportunities with The Bright Side. This is a 1099 commission position with lots of potential for the right person. If interested in interviewing, contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or by email cslipsett@att.net


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 ads@brightsidecobb.com

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. 

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, at the Jonquil Publix on Atlanta Road and at Vickery Hardware, at the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger and Mableton Pharmacy.

Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
 
The electronic weekly is a publication of Lipsett and Associates, Inc., publisher of The Bright Side Newspaper. Publisher and editor is Cathy Lipsett with electronic design by Peter Lipsett. 
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 ads@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 ads@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 ads@brightsidecobb.com.
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