Friday, January 30, 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 February 3rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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RIBBON CUTTING FOR LARGE ART INSTALLATION
The public is invited to join city officials on January 30 for a ribbon cutting, celebrating Smyrna’s latest public art installation – along the ARTery (corner of Atlanta Road and W. Spring St).
“The Jonquil Bloom” by artist Gabi Madrid is the new addition to the city’s public art collection. The ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, January 30, at 5 p.m. in the Smyrna Market Village – (outside of Zucca).
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Read the January Bright Side
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PUBLIC HEALTH PARTNERSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS
Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) proudly celebrates the accomplishments of the 2024-2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Partnership Grant recipients. These organizations exemplify community collaboration by implementing sustainable initiatives that expand access to care, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen the social and physical environments that shape health outcomes in Cobb and Douglas Counties in support of the 2023-2027 CHIP.
Building on the success of the 24-25 recipients, CDPH is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 CHIP Partnership Grant recipients whose new or expanded projects will continue advancing community health equity through policy, systems, and environmental improvements:
- Cobb Collaborative
- Douglas County Public Library
- Douglas County Parks and Recreation
- Eastchester Family Services
- Good Samaritan Center of Douglas County
- Mpowerd
- MUST Ministries
- Paint Love
- S.A.F.E PLACE
- The Center for Family Resources
- Wellstar Foundation, Inc.
- YouthCentric, Inc.
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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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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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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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GRAND OPENING OF BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT
The City of Powder Springs announces the grand opening of a powerful new Black history exhibit at Powder Springs City Hall at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1. The public is invited to attend this special event celebrating history, culture and global connections.
Hosted by Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman, the exhibit highlights the deep historical ties between Sierra Leone and Georgia, illuminating stories of African heritage, resilience, and legacy that shaped the region. The exhibit was curated by Kennesaw State University (KSU) and is being gifted to The Before Slavery Experience, marking a significant collaboration between academic scholarship and community education.
“This exhibit is an opportunity for our community to engage with history in a meaningful and transformative way,” Thurman said. “We invite everyone to come out, learn, and reflect on the profound connections that link Powder Springs, Georgia, to Sierra Leone and the broader African diaspora.”
The exhibit will be on display at Powder Springs City Hall from Feb.1 through March 2026, offering residents, students, and visitors ample time to explore its historical narratives and educational materials.
As part of the exhibit’s programming, Before Slavery Experience Board Member and KSU Professor Dr. Seneca Vaught will present a public lecture on March 26, 2026, at 6 p.m., providing deeper insight into the exhibit’s themes and the historical significance of the Sierra Leone–Georgia connection.
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FORTIS COLLEGE TO HOST “GIVE KIDS A SMILE”
On Friday, Feb. 6, Fortis College in Smyrna will put kids’ smiles first by participating in the?American Dental?Association (ADA) Foundation’s “ Give?Kids?A?Smile” program. The event is part of a national initiative dedicated to helping children build lifelong oral health habits.
Students from the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs will lead engaging oral health education activities and interactive learning opportunities. Attendees can take part in hands-on demonstrations using teeth models to practice proper brushing and flossing techniques. The event also will offer oral screenings, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral hygiene instruction and even face painting. Participants will receive oral hygiene products and samples to take home.
According to the?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13% of children ages two to five have at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth, and that rate increases to nearly 20% by ages six to eight.
“Give Kids A Smile is one of those special days where our students can put their skills into action while making a real difference in the community,” said Fortis College in Smyrna Campus President Mark Williams. “Students have the chance to connect with local families, help children feel comfortable visiting the dentist, and show how important preventive care is. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact our students can have and why their work matters.”
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The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs at Fortis College in Smyrna combine classroom instruction, laboratory training and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students to perform patient care, office and laboratory tasks. The programs also help students develop skills in preventive care and patient education that are essential for working as part of a dental team.
The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program was launched nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fortis College in Smyrna campus, located at 2140 South Cobb Drive. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the dental clinic at (678) 460-0910 or email KPrice-Boykin@fortiscollege.edu. Additional details can be found at 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
Heart Health Awareness
Tuesday, February 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative and engaging presentation focused on keeping your heart healthy. Representatives from the American Heart Association will share important tips on recognizing risk factors, making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, and understanding the signs of heart disease. This session is a wonderful opportunity to learn practical ways to protect your heart and ask questions in a supportive environment. Presented by the American Heart Association.
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, February 4 from 10 a.m. – 11a.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.
Heart Health Walk and Smoothie
Friday February 6 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required.
In honor of Heart Health month, join us in a walk at your own pace, walk around Freeman Poole, and enjoy a delicious fruit smoothie afterwards. Heart Walk Champions Unite! Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
First Friday Films (Call center for title)
Friday, February 6
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Free; Registration required
$1.00 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!
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. Now gathering news and advertising for the February 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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