Friday, December 12, 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 January issue is December 30th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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GIANT GELT DROP AND MENORAH LIGHTINGS
On December 15 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Chabad Smyrna – Vinings will hold its annual Giant Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting at Brawner Hall. Chocolate Gelt will rain from the sky as Chanukah is celebrated in Smyrna. Face painting, balloons, entertainment and more Chanukah treats will open the eight nights of Chanukah.
On Sunday, December 14, there will be Chanukah Festival and Menorah lighting at Vinings Jubilee beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a giant Chanukah snow globe, a fire show, a photo booth, and refreshments. |
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Now Available! Read the December Bright Side!
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SANTA POST OFFICE AT THE BATTERY
Santa Claus is once again setting up shop at his Post Office in The Battery Atlanta. From Saturday, November 22 to Wednesday, December 24, Santa will continue the time-honored tradition of greeting local children in the Truist Holiday Community Corner, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue.
Families are invited to bring their handwritten letters to Santa – postage not required – at his official Atlanta outpost. Santa’s helpers will take care of the rest! This free opportunity allows parents and guardians to take their own photos of their children interacting with Santa as he listens to their wish lists. The Community Corner presented by Truist will also house the Holiday Market, featuring a shoppable collection of Atlanta-area diverse-owned small businesses. For more information, go to https://batteryatl.com/holidays2025/ |
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MAYOR OWENS TO DISCUSS STATE OF SOUTH COBB
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens will join Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons and Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman to discuss the state of South Cobb at the year-end South Cobb Area Council meeting.
In a moderated discussion led by Dr. Chris Boyd, the mayors will share exciting updates on economic development initiatives, community events, and much more.
The Cobb Chamber event will be Monday, Dec. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverside EpiCenter. For more information about tickets, click here. |
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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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BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER
On January 3, Keep Smyrna Beautiful and Keep Georgia Beautiful are sponsoring a Christmas Tree Recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On that day, live trees may be brought to the Home Depot, 2450 Cumberland Parkway, in Vinings. Trees should be live and unbound with no decorations or flocking. Seedlings will be available while supplies last.
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BASEBALL TEAM TO PICK-UP CHRISTMAS TREES
Every year, the Campbell Baseball Spartans baseball team coordinates a Christmas tree pick up to raise funds for the Campbell baseball program. This year they will do this on Saturday January 3rd and Sunday January 4th.
After you sign up for a date, place your Christmas tree at the curb and a group of Campbell Baseball players will come by your home and pick up your tree. Suggested donation amount is $25
To sign up and for more information visit: https://campbellspartanbaseball.com/events-and-fundraisers/ or email dane.lorio@campbellspartanbaseball.com. |
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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.
DECEMBER
Ugly Sweater Social
Monday, December 15 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$5: Registration required
Put on your wildest, most hilarious ugly sweater and join us for a sweet and festive gathering! This Ugly Sweater Social is all about fun, laughter, and indulging in delicious holiday desserts. We’ll have plenty of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth while you show off your tackiest holiday gear.
Crafty Creations: Wooden Ornament Picture
Tuesday, December 16 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
$3; Registration required
Get creative this holiday season with our Wooden Ornament Picture Craft! Join us to design and decorate beautiful wooden ornaments that you can personalize with photos, colors, and festive embellishments. It’s a fun and hands-on way to make unique keepsakes for your own tree or thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, December 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30
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.
Active Assailant Presentation
Thursday, December 18 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Join us for an important and informative presentation led by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office on how to respond effectively in the event of an active shooter situation. This session will provide critical safety information, practical strategies, and guidance on how to protect yourself and others during emergencies.
Freeman Foodies
Friday, December 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Holiday Basket Class with Commissioner Sheffield
Friday, December 19 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
It’s the holiday season, and Commissioner Sheffield is bringing the cheer!
Create a holiday themed masterpiece with Commissioner Sheffield to show off to friends and family! All supplies are provided.
Crafty Creations: Peppermint Foot Scrub
Monday, December 22 from 10 a.m. – noon
$3; Registration required
Treat yourself to some relaxing self-care with our Peppermint Foot Scrub recipe! Learn how to make a soothing and refreshing foot scrub using natural ingredients like peppermint oil, sugar, and moisturizing oils. This easy and fun craft is perfect for pampering tired feet and making a great homemade gift.
Toast to the New Year
Wednesday, December 31 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m0
Free; Registration required
Join us as we ring in the New Year with a joyful and heartfelt toast! Celebrate fresh beginnings, reflect on the past year’s memories, and share hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Whether with friends, family, or new faces, this special moment is the perfect way to come together in good spirits
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
December
22 – 31: COBB SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK
January
03: BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER. The Home Depot, 2450 Cumberland Pkwy. Vinings, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
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/
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 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 770-426-9388 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. The November newspaper is in the mail and at vendor locations. Deadline for the JANUARY print edition of the Bright Side is December 30.
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, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available 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.
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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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