Friday, February 6, 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 March issue is February 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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SOUTH COBB AREA COUNCIL TO MEET
The Cobb Chamber’s first South Cobb Area Council meeting of the year will welcome Commissioner Monique Sheffield who will provide an update on District 4 and lead a meaningful conversation focused on the role non-profits in strengthening the South Cobb community. The meeting will be held on February 12 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Riverside Epicenter.
With 25 years of residency within the district and having served a full first term in office, Commissioner Sheffield brings a personal connection to the community and a practical understanding of the needs and priorities that shape District 4. In addition to sharing current priorities and initiatives across the district, Commissioner Sheffield will join two respected non-profit leaders for a fireside-style conversation to explore how organizations on the ground collaborate with county government and faith-based partners to meet real community needs.
Commissioner Sheffield will be joined by Carolyn Turner, Founder and CEO of HOPE Family Resource Center and Shari Martin, President and CEO of Cobb Community Foundation for a candid discussion on the non-profit landscape in South Cobb. Together, they will highlight the challenges and opportunities facing non-profits, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and how coordinated efforts can expand impact and improve quality of life for residents.
This conversation will offer valuable perspectives on how non-profits, county leadership, and philanthropic organizations work together to support families, promote economic mobility, and build stronger, more connected neighborhoods throughout South Cobb.
In addition, the 2025 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year will be announced. Register here. |
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Read the January Bright Side
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KSB WILL HOLD ARBOR DAY PLANTING
This month, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will host a ceremonial tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day. The event will be held on Friday, February 20, from noon to 12:30 p.m. just outside the Smyrna Community Garden located in North Cooper Lake Park. This event is open to the public, and seedlings will be available while supplies last. They will plant a selection of redbud and fruit trees.
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THE MABLE HOUSE OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES
Connect, create, and grow in the spring art classes at the Mable House—open to curious beginners and seasoned artists alike. Registration for Spring Sessions I & II opens February 2.
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Special Event – FED: Focus, Energy, Direction
Step away from the everyday and reset at FED, a two-day wellness weekend at the Mable House Arts Center, March 21–22. Designed for adults 18+, this immersive experience blends gentle movement, creative workshops, and mindful, sensory-based sessions to support relaxation and self-care. Join us for a restorative weekend focused on balance, creativity, and well-being.
Registration is open now:
? Click HERE for Saturday
? Click HERE for Sunday
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Exhibitions at the MHAC Galleries:
- Opening Reception: Thursday, February 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Works by Lee Wynn – Large Gallery
- Extinction Stories, Chantelle Chapman – Small Gallery
- Heredity, Maddie Bass – Alcove Gallery
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Classes & Programs This Spring:
From pottery and painting to music, Mahjong, and writing, our spring offerings provide creative opportunities for all ages and experience levels.
? Click HERE to view the full Spring Class Catalog
? Click HERE to see pottery offerings for ages 16+
? Click HERE to explore music classes
? Click HERE to explore performing arts classes
? Click HERE to see workshop options
Homeschool & Youth Programs:
- We offer a robust lineup of weekly homeschool classes, combining creativity, skill-building, and hands-on learning.
- Check out our homeschool schedule HERE
- Spring Break Camps
- Keep creativity blooming during the break. Our Spring Break Camps offer engaging, art-filled days for young artists. Learn more and register 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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COBB CHAMBER’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR BLITZ
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back the opportunity to shower the county’s top teachers with resources and appreciation: the 2025-2026 Give Our Schools a Hand Teacher of the Year Blitz! On March 2 through March 6, Cobb Chamber members can deliver much-needed supplies and thank Cobb’s best educators.
Visit our TOTY Blitz web page to learn about each teacher, their needs, and sign up to deliver resources to their classroom. Shop for your teacher’s supplies, and blitz your teacher between March 2-6. Thank you to Presenting Sponsor, Voyles Automotive Group. Sign up to help 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.
FEBRUARY
Don’t Miss a Beat: Blood Pressure
Monday, February 9 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30
Free; Registration required
Managing blood pressure is vital for preserving health and reducing the risk of dangerous conditions. Learn what blood pressure is, why it is so important, and the choices you can make today to lower heart attack and stroke risk. You will learn why high blood pressure is called “the silent killer”, some of the risk factors to develop high blood pressure, and the difference between those factors you can control and those you can’t control. You will also learn how to measure your own blood pressure and what actions you can take to control high blood pressure, as well as treatments available from your care team. Presented by B.E.S.T
(Health & Wellness, Educational)
The Coffee Circle
Tuesday, February 10 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 just 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.
Understanding the Food Labels
Tuesday, February 10 from 11:30-12:30 p.m.
Free, Registration Required
Learn how to read and understand food labels with ease and confidence so that you can know what is in the products you buy and make healthy food choices
Presented by UGA Cobb Extension.
Make Your Own Charcuterie Board
Thursday, February 12 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$5; Registration required
Students will design and assemble their own charcuterie board using a variety of foods, practicing creativity, presentation skills, aesthetic arrangement, and safe food-handling techniques.
Valentine’s Day Party
Friday February 13 from 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
$10; Registration required
Join us for a cheerful Valentine’s Day Party filled with music, treats, and warm company.
A wonderful time to celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of being together.
Tuskegee Airmen Presentation
Monday, February 16 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free: Registration required
The Tuskegee Airmen explores the history and heroism of the first African American pilots to fly in combat during World War II. Between 1941 and 1946, what became known as the “Tuskegee experiment” trained more than 1,000 pilots. Although required to train and fight in segregated units, the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be some of the most skilled aviators during the war. This exhibit offers a look into the historical challenges and triumphs of these unsung American heroes. Presented by K.S.U.
Mardi Gras Mask Making Social
Tuesday February 17 from noon – 1 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us as we embrace the spirit of Venice and New Orleans by designing and embellishing your own elaborate masquerade mask. We’ll provide all the supplies—feathers, jewels, glitter, and more—along with some festive music and snacks to get you into the Carnival spirit. Discover the fun of anonymity and self-expression as we prepare for the most vibrant season of the year. Purple, green, and gold encouraged!
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, February 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.
Hula Hoop Fitness
Friday February 20 from noon-1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
We will be using weighted hula hoops to get a full-body workout. Don’t worry if you haven’t done it since the playground. We will warm up and practice with the hoops during class. Bring your body and music requests, and I’ll bring the hoops! Presented by Nakisha with South Cobb Library.
Freeman Foodies
Friday, February 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
AARP
Wednesday, February 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25.00 Non-members; Registration required
Sacred Sound Healing: Sound Bath Meditation
Friday February 27 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
A sound bath is a meditative and healing journey, and one of the most relaxing experiences you can give yourself. It is an effective form of deep rest and rejuvenation for your physical body & your mind. Just 30 minutes of rest and meditation in a sound bath can be equivalent to 2 hours of deep sleep. This journey of sound incorporates healing sounds which radiate from quartz crystal bowls tuned to the 7-point chakra system (your body’s energy system), a native drum will mimic the sound of ocean waves, which are cleansing and clearing, and finally, gentle tones from Koshi chimes tuned specifically to the four elements will complete the experience. This sound bath experience is cleansing and rejuvenating on the deepest cellular levels, connecting mind, body, and spirit.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
February
20: ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING. Keep Smyrna Beautiful will host a ceremonial tree planting to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, February 20, from noon to 12:30 p.m. just outside the Smyrna Community Garden located in North Cooper Lake Park. This event is open to the public, and seedlings will be available while supplies last. We will plant a selection of redbud and fruit trees.
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/
SERVICES
TUTORING: Help your child succeed in math. One-on-one tutoring for grades 8 – 12 and SAT/ACT math prep. Trusted Supportive instruction located in the Smyrna area. Call 404-729-8087 or email KGEmathsolutions@gmail.com
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.
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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