Friday, January 16, 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 February issue is January 28th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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ROGER JONES RECOGNIZED BY GOODWILL
The Goodwill on South Cobb Drive in Smyrna is losing one of its brightest lights: worker and longtime greeter Roger Jones, who retired on Friday, January 9, his last day after over 28 years with Goodwill and 21 years at the South Cobb store.
Roger stands by the door day after day, offering a kind word to every customer, remembering everyone’s name, and asking sincere questions like “How are you? How is your family? Is there anything I can help you with?” while following up on details he remembered years later, even once recalling a man’s dog well after it had passed.
Regular shoppers wanted to share his story and honor the way his everyday kindness has quietly built community inside a thrift store doorway.
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Now Available – the January Bright Side!
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KSB TO HOLD MLK DAYS OF SERVICE
Keep Smyrna Beautiful will host its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Service from January 19–24 with a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout Smyrna. Volunteer opportunities include multiple litter cleanups and a habitat rehabilitation project focused on removing invasive, non-native plants.
Registration required through Hands on Atlanta. For full event details and registration links, visit https://bit.ly/KSBVOLMLK2026. KSB is also offering an option for independent volunteering using a to-go cleanup kit that can either be checked out from the Smyrna Public Library or requested directly from KSB.
Keep Cobb Beautiful (KCB) appreciates Boy Scout Troop #22 and the South Cobb Lions Club for volunteering removing Christmas Trees from cars as they drive through the Home Depot on the East West Connector. As part of the KCB Bring One For The Chipper event, these trees will be ground up by a huge chipper.
The mulch will be available to any Cobb County citizen. We also appreciate Home Depot for their hospitality and willingness to dedicate part of their parking lot for this worthy cause. |
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FRIENDS OF LIBRARY TO HOLD BOOK SALE
The friends of the Smyrna Library will be holding a used book sale on January 24 and 25 at the library, 100 Village Green Cir SE, Smyrna. Selection includes magazines, audiobooks, videos, fiction and nonfiction. Price range: $.10 to $5.
The sale will be held in the library meeting room on Saturday, January 24 from 10 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and on Sunday , January 25 from 1 p/m/ to 4 p.m. Prices range from $1 – $5. Cash, Check, PayPal & Venmo accepted for payment.
The Friends’ Used Bookstore, is located inside the Library. Selection includes magazines, audiobooks, videos, fiction and nonfiction. Price range: $.10 to $5. The bookstore is open the same hours as the Library. The Friends also sell note cards, book bags, and matted prints. Digital Resources: Ask about Hoopla Digital and Overdrive Libby.
Online Learning & Research: Ask about LinkedIn Learning, Ancestry, MyHeritage. Genealogy: Besides several databases, the Library provides over 5,000 print genealogy books.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including setup, assisting shoppers, and packing up at the end of the day. Whether you’re able to give a few hours or help for a longer shift, your time makes a meaningful difference.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up here. Thank you for helping turn pages into possibilities and for supporting such a beloved community resource. |
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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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LEADING TOGETHER: WHEN PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
Celebrate leadership, partnership, and purpose at the Cobb Chamber’s February 9th Marquee Monday as they host an engaging conversation with Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), and his wife Blayne Alexander Bailey, Atlanta-based correspondent for NBC News.
Jay Bailey leads RICE, a nationally recognized entrepreneurial hub dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses, advancing innovation, and expanding economic opportunity. Alongside him, Blayne Alexander brings a journalist’s perspective shaped by reporting on defining moments of our time across NBC News platforms, including NBC Nightly News, the Today Show, and MSNBC.
The conversation will explore their individual leadership journeys, how they support one another while navigating demanding careers, and what it looks like to turn passion into purpose.
Moderating this special program are Tracy Styf, Executive Director of the Town Center CID, and her husband Dan Styf, Founder of DS Healthcare Strategies, adding another dynamic couple’s perspective on leadership, collaboration, and impact.
The Cobb Chamber Marquee Monday event is on February 9, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and the program at 10:30 a.m. at the Coca-Cola Roxy. Register here.
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GET READY FOR THE 2026 TAX SEASON
With the 2026 filing season quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to take a few simple steps now to prepare for filing their 2025 federal income tax returns. Visit Get Ready on IRS.gov for checklists, updates and no-cost filing options.
One of the most important steps taxpayers can take is to access their IRS Individual Online Account. IRS Individual Online Accounts are available 24/7, to view account information, make payments, manage communication preferences and protect tax information.
Use direct deposit
Due to the presidential executive order, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks. The IRS encourages taxpayers who do not have a bank account to open one so they can receive refunds by direct deposit.
Review new 2025 tax law changes
Recent legislation, such as the provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, includes several new deductions and credits that may reduce tax bills or increase refunds. Beginning in 2025, to be eligible to claim certain credits for other dependents, the taxpayer and their spouse, if filing jointly, must have valid Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers issued on or before the due date of their returns (including extensions).
New Trump Accounts for eligible children
Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals will be able to open Trump Accounts, a new retirement savings vehicle for children under the age of 18 with a valid SSN. A pilot program contribution of $1,000 will be available for children who are U.S. citizens and born from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2028. Visit trumpaccounts.gov for details.
Income from payment apps and online sales
All income from part-time work, gig activities or sales of goods and services is taxable. Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions, will be issued by payment card companies for any amount and by payment apps and online marketplaces when payments exceed $20,000 and more than 200 transactions occur for the year.
Digital assets reporting requirements
Taxpayers who bought, sold or received digital assets, including cryptocurrency, stablecoins or NFT, must report those transactions. Some taxpayers may receive Form 1099-DA from brokers. Regardless, all taxpayers must answer the digital asset question on Form 1040 and report any related income, gains, or losses. Visit Digital Assets for more information. |
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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.
JANUARY
Winterize Your Home & Pipes
Tuesday, January 20 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Learn the importance of winterizing your faucets, irrigation system and garden in case of a deep freeze.
Warm Teas & Winter Cheer
Wednesday, January 21 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$5; Registration required.
Join us for a cozy and delightful afternoon as we celebrate the joys of winter with a relaxing tea party. Sip a selection of warm teas, enjoy light refreshments, and share good conversation in a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. This event is the perfect way to unwind, connect with friends, and savor a touch of winter warmth.
Cervical Cancer Awareness
Friday, January 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative session on cervical cancer, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection. Learn about screening options, vaccinations, and lifestyle choices that can help reduce your risk.
Bingo
Monday, January 26 from noon – 2 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us for fun games of Bingo. Snacks and prizes available.
Peace of Mind: Pre-planning
Tuesday, January 27 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Pre-planning is a gift to your loved ones. Educate yourself and learn what decisions need to be made to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Receive a free planning guide to learn what steps you need to take to plan for end-of-life decisions. Presented by Southern Cremations.
Stories of Courage: Georgia Survivors & Liberators
Tuesday, January 27 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration required
This powerful presentation promotes understanding of the Holocaust through the unique stories of courage and survival of 16 Georgians, 11 Holocaust survivors and 4 American soldiers/liberators, who experienced history from diverse backgrounds and regions of Europe. Hear firsthand accounts that honor bravery, illuminate history, and inspire reflection on the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Crafty Creations: Painted Pinecone Tree
Wednesday, January 28 from 10:30 a.m. – noon
$3; Registration required
Get creative with this fun and festive craft! Join us as we transform ordinary pinecones into beautiful painted trees, perfect for decorating your home or gifting to friends and family. All materials are provided, and no prior crafting experience is needed, just bring your imagination and enjoy a relaxing, hands-on session.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
January
20: 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, January 20, at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Road, 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
24-25: FRIENDS OF SMYRNA LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE. They need children’s books for the book sale. So, as you are wrapping new books as presents for the kids this holiday season, consider donating the books that your kids have outgrown. Drop them off at the Smyrna library circulation desk when it is convenient.
27: JONQUIL GARDEN CLUB. Jonquil Garden Club monthly meeting for January will be held on Tuesday, January 27th, at the Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrn, in the Jonquil Room. The January program will be a plant exchange among members and the election of officers for the upcoming year.
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. 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
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.
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. The November newspaper is in the mail and at vendor locations.
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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