Friday, November 14, 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 December issue is November 28th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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Roe’s Drink Stand asked neighbors to bring a canned food item and receive a free drink.
TEASLEY STUDENTS HOLD FOOD DRIVE
The Teasley Elementary School Student Council organizes a school-wide canned and non-perishable food drive each year. This year the items received will be sent along to The Center for Family Resources helping families in Cobb County. For the week of November 10-14, the school has been collecting these items in each classroom.
On November 12, Roe’s Drink Stand asked neighbors of Argyle Estates to bring a canned food item and receive a complimentary drink from the stand. Since it was a 60+ degree day on the heels of a 37-degree day, there were both Hot Apple Cider and Cold Lemonade options. Roe, who first started her drink stand in 2019, collected nearly 150 canned and non-perishable food items to go toward the 2025 food drive campaign and ran out of Hot Apple Cider.
A special thanks to Teasley Elementary School, the student council, and the wonderful neighbors of Argyle Estates in Smyrna who always show up (And Nana, who lives in North Carolina, but set up a delivery of canned items to arrive on Wednesday afternoon while the stand was open.)
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Read the November Bright Side!
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SWEETWATER MISSION NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Sweetwater Mission, a local nonprofit providing critical food and household essentials to over 1,700 families each week, is sounding the alarm as community need surges with the impending reduction of federal SNAP benefits.
With the cost of living at a record high and emergency food assistance funding running out, families who have never needed help before are now turning to food pantries for support. Sweetwater Mission is on the front lines of this growing crisis, but they cannot meet the demand alone.
“We are seeing a historic number of new families walking through our doors—seniors on fixed incomes, hard working parents, and our neighbors who are just one unexpected bill away from the crisis,”. “The potential cliff in SNAP benefits is creating a perfect storm, and we need the community’s support now more than ever,” said Debbie Ginocchio, Director, Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising.
Sweetwater Mission is urgently requesting:
- Increased Donations: Financial contributions are critical to purchasing essential food items in bulk.
- More Volunteers: A dedicated corps of volunteers is needed to sort, pack, and distribute food.
- Community Partnerships: Collaboration with other local organizations is essential to create a stronger safety net.
Sweetwater Mission is dedicated to serving individuals and families in [mention your specific counties, if applicable] with compassion and dignity. Through their food pantry and other programs, they provide not only nourishment but also hope and a pathway to stability. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.sweetwatermission.org.
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TREE LIGHTINGS, SANTAS, AND FESTIVITIES HIGHLIGHT THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON
The 2025 holiday season begins before Thanksgiving with the Mableton tree lighting on November 22. Kicking off the holiday programming is their grand tree lighting event on November 22nd, “Mable House Lights the Night,” an evening filled with music, vendors, and a host of onsite activities tailored for both children and adults.
The tree lighting is the beginning of Tree Jubilee, at the Mable House Arts Center, which promises multiple days of enchantment. The event will feature a myriad of holiday programs amidst the splendor of exquisitely adorned holiday trees and wreaths. In the days that follow, the programming lineup will include a delightful High Tea experience, an interactive program entitled “Mystery at the Historic Mable House,” alongside an array of hands-on artmaking and craft workshops.
From November 22 through December 4, the Friends of the Mable House will hold their annual silent auction at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Score incredible items, unique experiences, and early holiday gifts—all while supporting the Friends of the Mable House 501(c)(3) non-profit organization group. Find a vintage keepsake or a niche treasure at the Annual Mable House Silent Auction this Holiday Season. A wide array of donated items will be up for sale November 30th through December 4th. Please call 770-819-6735 for the most up to date facility hours.
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ENJOY OPTIMIST PANCAKE BREAKFAST NOV. 29
A Smyrna tradition continues November 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with the Optimist Club’s 22nd “Flippin for the Kids” Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast runs from 7:30 a.m. until 11 at the Smyrna First Unted Methodist Church, 1315 Concord Road. It’s all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffer, milk and juice. Take out is available. Cost is $7.
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GOBBLE JOG SET FOR THANKSGIVING DAY
On Thanksgiving morning, more than 10,000 runners will come to the Marietta Square to participate in the 22nd Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. Almost 300 volunteers will be on hand to support these runners.
The Gobble Jog offers options for all skill levels. Timed 10K and 5K runs, as well as an untimed 5K, 1K and Tot Trot are all available. There is also the Phantom/Virtual Runner option and you will still receive a t-shirt. Participants come from all over the country to participate in the run with their families and friends. Our largest teams are from area companies, schools and churches who come together that day to support our mission. Register to run here. |
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TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA POST OFFICE
AT THE BATTERY
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, WellStar presents the 9th annual tree lighting at The Battery takes place on Saturday, November 29. This event features live music, guest appearances, and a movie following the lighting.
The fun starts early with live music from world-class talent on the Pavilion Stage.
At 7 p.m. the Braves In-Game Stadium host Mark Owens and Blooper take over to welcome Santa to The Battery Atlanta to light the Christmas tree. The evening ends with a screening of Rise of the Guardians on the plaza screen.
Admission is free. The fun takes place at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta, 755 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta 30339. For more information, please call 404-494-1150 or email BatteryInfo@Braves.com
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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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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SMYRNA’S TREE LIGHTING SET FOR DEC. 2
The city of Smyrna’s Home for the Holidays, will celebrate their tree lighting on December 2 from 5 p.m.to 9 p.m. in the Market Village and Village Green Park. This annual event is Smyrna’s kickoff to the holiday season. Enjoy music and songs starting at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive to light the Christmas Tree at 7 p.m. and be available for pictures after the tree lighting. This event is free and for all ages.
At the Kris Kringle Market, in the Market Village, you can expect to find a wide array of artisanal goods, handmade crafts, and unique gifts perfect for the holiday season. From handcrafted ornaments to warm knitted scarves and seasonal decorations, there is something for everyone on the gift list.
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AUSTELL’S TREE LIGHTING SET FOR DECEMER 5
Austell will light their tree on December 5 at Collar Park, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd. Join Santa in lighting the city’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. There is something for the whole family, including a parade and vendor booths. The parade starts at 6 p.m.
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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.
NOVEMBER
Freeman Thanksgiving
Monday, November 17 from 12:30 p.m. – 2
$20; Registration required
Join us for a Thanksgiving lunch. A special time to come together, share gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal with friends old and new. Celebrate the season with traditional favorites, good conversation, entertainment and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Composting 101
Tuesday, November 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Discover how composting at home can reduce household waste, enrich your vegetable, and flower garden with valuable nutrients. Composting can also help soil retain moisture, leading to better water conservation. Learn the proper recipe for healthy compost and understand why what’s good for the soil is good for you, too! Facilitated by Sarah with Cobb County Water Services.
AARP Smart Driver
Wednesday, November 19 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members; Registration required
Sports Jerseys and Root beer Floats: Let’s Talk Football!
Thursday, November 20 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us for a celebration of football season and your favorite sports team! Wear your favorite sports team and let’s talk football, while enjoying a delicious root beer float. Whether college or professional, let’s celebrate football season. Led by Freeman Poole staff.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, November 20 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.
Trip to the Funk Heritage Center
Tuesday, November 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$13; Registration required
Join us for a trip to the Funk Heritage Center, the official interpretive center of the Cherokee Heritage. Experience a rich collection of exhibits and artifacts that bring to life the history, culture, and traditions of the Cherokee people and the surrounding region. Wander through thoughtfully designed displays that tell stories of the past, from early Native American life to more recent history.
Payment due at registration. Registration deadline: November 3. Price includes transportation. No refunds will be given unless the trip is cancelled. Lunch is on your own. Activity Level 2 – Limited walking, some stairs and/or inclines. Mobility Requirements – travelers must be able to navigate on and off the bus independently. If you have any concerns with walking or climbing stairs, please check with staff before registering.
DECEMBER
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Tuesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Whether you are new or have been a long-time member of C. Freeman Poole, you are invited to come and learn more about our center, the programs we offer, meet our team, take a tour of our
center, and offer suggestions about activities, events, or seminars you would like to see offered.
Holiday Beverage Bonanza
Thursday, December 4 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Celebrate the season with warmth, cheer, and a cup (or two) of your favorite festive drinks! Join us for a cozy Holiday Beverage Social featuring classic eggnog and rich, creamy hot chocolate, served with all the toppings and add-ins you love. Whether you’re in it for the marshmallows or a splash of something spirited, there’s a cup waiting for you.
First Friday Films (Call center for title)
Friday, December 5 from 12:30 pm – 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!
Cancer Prevention Tips
Monday, December 8 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Come discover the American Cancer Society’s guidelines on diet and physical activity. Learn the links between diet, physical activity, body weight and cancer risk. Find out about the recommendations for community action to make healthy lifestyles more accessible for everyone.
The Coffee Circle
Tuesday, December 9 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.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
November
18: NEWCOMERS CLUB. The Newcomers Club of Cobb County welcomes area women to join them at their monthly meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Rd, Marietta. Make new friends while learning from a speaker on topics interesting to women. New to the area or newly looking for fun activities and new friends? Come join us! For more information, visit newcomersofcobbcounty.com.
18: JONQUIL GARDEN CLUB. Jonquil Garden Club monthly meeting November 18, at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, in the Jonquil Room. The November program will be a “make and take” project. We will be making Christmas table decorations for a local senior living facility. Please join us for a fun and worthwhile community project. If you are coming, bring three pint-sized canning jars.
Each meeting includes information on horticulture and a presentation that will enhance your knowledge of gardening. Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month (Sept-May) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The November meeting has been changed to the 3rd Tuesday of November due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
New members are always welcome! Jonquil Garden Club includes members from novice to master gardeners. For more information visit our Facebook page (Jonquil Garden Club of Smyrna, GA) or contact our President, Michele Cox at jgcprez@gmail.com
22: MABLETON TREE LIGHTING. “Mable House Lights the Night,” an evening filled with music, vendors, and a host of onsite activities tailored for both children and adults. The tree lighting is the beginning of Tree Jubilee, at the Mable House Arts Center, which promises multiple days of enchantment.
24 – 28: COBB SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.
27: THANKSGIVING DAY
27: GOBBLE JOG. Starts at the Marietta Square. Benefits MUST Ministries. Register here.
29: FLIPPIN FOR THE KIDS. The Smyrna Optimist Club’s annual pancake breakfast. $7 for all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk, and juice. Smyrna First United Methodist Church. November 29.
29: TREE LIGHTING AT THE BATTERY. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, WellStar presents the 9th annual tree lighting at The Battery takes place on Saturday, November 29. This event features live music, guest appearances, and a movie following the lighting. Admission is free. The fun takes place at The Plaza at Battery Atlanta, 755 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta 30339. For more information, please call 404-494-1150 or email BatteryInfo@Braves.com
December
02: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Smyrna tree lighting and visits with Santa. Smyrna Market Village from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Santa arrives at 7 p.m.
05: AUSTELL’S TREE LIGHTING. John Collar Park, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd, Austell. Parade at 6 p.m.
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 December print edition of the Bright Side is November 28.
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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