Friday, July 25, 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 August issue is TODAY, July 25th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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 BACK TO SCHOOL BUS RIDE ALONG JULY 31
Is your kindergartner excited—or a little nervous—about riding the big yellow school bus for the first time? You’re not alone! That’s why each year, Cobb Schools invites kindergarten and first-grade families to hop on board together for a special preview ride before the first day.
This year, the Bus Ride-Along rolls out on Thursday, July 31. This fun and helpful annual Back-to-School Bus Ride-Along gives families a chance to:
- Practice the morning bus ride.
- Meet the bus driver.
- Learn how to get on and off the bus safely.
- Ease first-day nerves for students and parents.
- See for yourself why the school bus is the safest way to get students to and from school.
This ride-along also reminds the community to stay alert for students walking to school or the bus stop, waiting at the bus stop, or crossing the road after getting off the bus. Cobb welcomes students back on Monday, August 4.
What to Expect on the Ride-Along:
- Buses will run their regular morning routes on July 31.
- Look up your bus schedule and route on the District website.
- Parents and students should be at the stop a little early, just like on the first day of school.
- Times may vary slightly as drivers rehearse and adjust their routes.
- Track your bus in real-time with the Cobb Schools Here Comes the Bus App.
- After the test ride, buses will return students and parents to their bus stops.
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Read the June/July Bright Side
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MOVIE IN THE PARK TONIGHT!
Smyrna recreation is offering a movie in the park on Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. on the Village Green Park Lawn, Downtown Smyrna. The event is free of charge, but registration is required.
Bring the family out for a movie on the lawn! Free popcorn and refreshments for those who register. Contact Art Sivertsen for more information. |
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FLASH SALE – USED BOOK SALE THIS SATURDAY
The Friends of the Smyrna Library are holding a special used book sale on Saturday, July 26 to clear out inventory and make space for new donations. The sale will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Smyrna Library Meeting Room. All items will be $.50 or $1. Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo.
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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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 DEPRESSION GLASS SHOW THIS WEEKEND
Come and embark on a journey like no other. The Peach State Depression Glass Club of Marietta invites you to the Cobb Civic Center on the weekend of July 26 and 27 for their returning Glass Show and Sale. Explore exhibits of depression era and vintage glass provided by our 18 dealers from 10 different states.
Each will have hundreds of pieces of glass on display. They will educate and enlighten you with their knowledge about those items. Feel free to ask many questions; as glass shows in general are to be a learning & aesthetic experience.
The Club focuses on education and preservation. In addition to the dealer knowledge, some club members will be presenting 30-40 minutes seminars related to their hobby and collecting experiences. (2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday – see website www.psdgc.com for listing).
At this show, visitors will find hidden gems and delightful discoveries. It might be that elusive piece of glass for which you have been looking or to be attracted to a new and different pattern. After all, there are over 100 patterns of Depression Glass alone; then, add in a larger amount of Elegant Glass, Mid-Century Modern Glass, Early America Pressed Glass, and Brilliant Cut-Glass along with sone kitchenware and pottery and you now have a huge assortment of things to see. and learn about maybe even own.
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On August 9, runners, walkers, and spectators, will gather for the 2025 Vinings Downhill 5K race. The course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop).
Despite the name of the race, well, it’s “not quite” all downhill…there are three hills to climb throughout the race – at the half-mile mark, during the second mile and during the last half-mile. There are also three really amazing down hill sections that make up for those climbs! There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run and a fun Doggie Dash & Costume Contest.
Register now: The Vinings Down Hill 5K Run for the Kids Online Registration
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SMYRNA MARKET WITH UNIQUE VENDORS EVERY SUNDAY!
The 2025 Smyrna Market season will run every Sunday now through October 19th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Smyrna Market Village.
Discover something new every Sunday at the Smyrna Market. This community gathering features 60+ unique vendors set up on W. Spring Street and along King Street (in front of city hall). Each week, find international foods, local honey, handmade soaps, baked goods, crafts and more! With new vendors each week, there is always something fresh to discover.
For announcements on weekly vendors or weather cancelations please follow the market on Facebook at Smyrna Handmade Market or on Instagram @SmyrnaHandmadeMarket
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 ENJOY FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY
Join others for Smyrna Food Truck Tuesday each Tuesday now through September 23 (no event the week of July 4 and the week of Labor Day) at Taylor-Brawner Park from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. (3180 Atlanta Road, Smyrna).
This event is the best Food Truck event series around! Enjoy the offerings from a weekly gathering of quality mobile gourmet trucks and a bit of sweet mixed in and music, too.
Please follow parking directions and remember to park legally.
Food Trucks Location and Schedule: an assortment of fabulous food trucks will gather in the lower parking spaces adjacent to the playground and mini amphitheater at Taylor-Brawner Park beginning at 5 p.m. for your enjoyment.
Check our Social Media pages Facebook.com/CityofSmyrnaGa or Instagram/CityofSmyrnaGa for weekly updates and a list of scheduled trucks.
A Couple of Things to Remember:
- If you generally visit the play area or park in that area on Tuesdays, please remember that parking will stop the evening prior to allow for safe and swift setup of the trucks on Tuesday.
- If you can walk or bike to Food Truck Tuesdays, please plan to do so. You will enjoy it and your community-minded efforts will allow a visitor to experience Smyrna and our wonderful Taylor-Brawner Park as well as the food trucks, too.
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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.
JULY
Bingo Bash
Monday, July 28 from noon – 2 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us for fun games of Bingo. Snacks and prizes available.
AUGUST
First Friday Films (Call center for title)
Friday, August 1 from 12:3 0.p.m – 3 p.m. Free; Registration required
$1 Concessions
Join us at the center for a fun movie in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on freshly popped butter popcorn to make this Friday a fun one.
Crafty Creations: Favorite Pet Collage
Tuesday, August 5 from 11. a.m.– noon
$3; Registration required
In celebration of National Pet Month, join us for a special collage craft. This creative workshop offers participants a chance to visually honor their pet’s life, capturing fun, adorable moments and showcasing their unique personality. It’s a meaningful way to preserve cherished memories and celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives. Please bring pictures of your favorite pet(s). Led by Freeman Poole staff.
Trip to GB’s Horse Stable
Thursday, August 7 from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$15; Registration required
Come join us for a fun and exciting visit to GB’s horse stable. The visit will give participants the opportunity to have a 1-hour tour with the owner, meet the horses, and learn the history of the stable. GB’s Horse Stable was established in 1949 and is passionate about providing high-quality care and services dedicated to ensuring that every horse in their care receives the best possible care. Transportation will not be provided from the center. Meet at the stables at 430 Hurt Rd SW, Smyrna, GA 30082. Activity Level 2- Limited Walking.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
July
26 and 27: DEPRESSION GLASS SHOW. The Peach State Depression Glass Club of Marietta at the Cobb Civic Center on the weekend of July 26 and 27 for their returning Glass Show and Sale. Explore exhibits of depression era and vintage glass provided by our 18 dealers from 10 different states.
August
4: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. All day for all schools in the Cobb County School System.
9: VININGS RUN FOR THE KIDS: On August 9, runners, walkers, and spectators, will gather for the 2025 Vinings Downhill 5K race. The course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop). There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run and a fun Doggie Dash & Costume Contest. Register online here.
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.
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/
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 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. Deadline for the August print edition of the Bright Side is July 25.
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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