Bright Side News for March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025 by

This week:

  • EAGLE SCOUT SERVES COMMUNITY THROUGH PROJECT
  • FRIENDS OF SMYRNA LIBRARY PRESENTATION
  • LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION FORUM SET FOR APRIL
  • TURNING POINT PRESENTS WOMEN’S DAY PROGRAM
  • EGG DROP AFTER EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
  • CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERLANDS HOSTED RIVER CLEANUP
  • WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN
Bright Side News for March 28, 2025
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Friday, March 28, 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 April issue is April 3rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.


EAGLE SCOUT SERVES COMMUNITY THROUGH PROJECT

Roderick Russell-Tutty (“Rory”), a dedicated member of Scouting America’s Troop 22, has successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, showcasing leadership and a commitment to serving the community. Rory organized a team of Scouts and adult volunteers to construct two “blessing boxes”— accessible pantries designed to provide essential items to those in need. 

Under his guidance, the group not only built the boxes but also coordinated efforts to fill them with food, hygiene supplies, and other necessities. Every single Scout in Troop 22 contributed to this important project.

The blessing boxes were delivered to two local organizations: U First (https://projectufirst.org/) who placed the box at Scott Elementary School in Atlanta, and VFW Post 2681 in Marietta. These locations were selected to ensure the resources reach community members who can benefit most from the initiative. Rory’s project reflects the Scout values of service, teamwork, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the area.

Troop 22, chartered by St. Benedict’s Episcopal School in Smyrna meets every Sunday at 4 p.m. to foster leadership, character development, and service among its members. The Troop is proud to support Rory in his quest to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting, earned through years of dedicated Scouting and the completion of a significant community service project.

For more information about Troop 22 or Roderick’s Eagle Scout project, please reach out to troop22bg@gmail.com
Read the March Bright Side


       


FRIENDS OF SMYRNA LIBRARY PRESENTATION

The Friends of Smyrna Library are presenting Mrs. Lincoln: The “First” First Lady starring Laura F. Keyes, as Mary Todd Lincoln. This educational performance and fundraiser, celebrating the nonprofit group’s 35th anniversary, will be held at the Smyrna Community Center on Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. The show includes an Afternoon Tea service.  This is a ticketed event ($35) with limited seating.  

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people know her story. Now, librarian Laura F. Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled Mrs. Lincoln: The “First” First Lady, focusing on the life and losses of Mrs. Lincoln, set on April 14, 1865.

This program depicts an extraordinarily important time in our nation’s history from a point of view that is not often explored. Learn how Mary Lincoln influenced monumental events in her lifetime and why her story is still relevant today.  

Buy tickets online at FOSLga.org via Eventbrite Ticketing.  Printed tickets are also on sale at:

Smyrna Public Library Circulation Desk, 100 Village Green Cir SE, Smyrna, Gifting Tree & the Secret Garden, 1275 Concord Road SE, Smyrna, and Vickery Hardware, 881 Concord Road SE, Smyrna.


LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION FORUM SET FOR APRIL

The 2025 Cobb County Legislative Delegation Forum will be held on April 22 in Marietta. This event is a rare opportunity for the Cobb senior community to hear important information and engage directly with their state legislators. This forum is jointly sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County and Cobb County Senior Services. The forum is being held on Tuesday, April 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta.

Every Georgia house representative and senator serving a Cobb County district has been invited to participate. All persons who attend will leave the forum knowing more about which critical issues affecting seniors were addressed in the most recent legislative session at the Gold Dome.

Be sure to register using the this registration link. The event is free but space is limited and persons need to register ahead of time to secure a spot.




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.


TURNING POINT PRESENTS WOMEN’S DAY PROGRAM

Please join others for Women’s Community Day and learn about resources, free clothing and lite refreshments…see you there on Saturday March 29

Guest Speaker for the event will be Austell City Council Woman Sandra Leverette. The Community Women’s Day presentation will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center, Jonquil Room, 200 Village Green Cir. SE, Smyrna. “Please consider us for donations and share with your networks”, said Turning Point.


EGG DROP AFTER EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE 

“Come celebrate the resurrection with Life Church Smyrna. During Life Church’s Easter service, all kids in Kids LIFE, will be singing the finale song. There will be prizes given away during service. Following the 10 a.m. service, members will be dropping eggs and candy with the help of their friends from the Smyrna Fire Department. 

Bring your Easter basket to collect as many eggs and as much candy as you can! If able to donate candy, there will be a candy basket in the foyer. Come watch the eggs fall from the Fire Truck!”
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CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERLANDS HOSTED RIVER CLEANUP

Chattahoochee Riverlands hosted while the Archer Western Construction-Walshe Group sponsored the Saturday morning river cleanup. More than 40 volunteers from The Friends of Bolton Park, Connect the Comet, Mableton City Councilwoman Patricia Auch, Lions Club, Team Noodle and nature lovers came together to split into teams covering Bolton Park, the Fulton County side of the Chattahoochee and Cobb County side of the Chattahoochee. 

The Cobb County side removed over 95 bags and lots of heavy debris. It was estimated around 5,000 pounds of litter was removed from the Cobb County side of the Chattahoochee; and guessing that the Fulton County side of the Chattahoochee will be at least 3,000 pounds. The volunteers accomplished a lot in just three hours. 

The group appreciates Keep Cobb Beautiful for lending us supplies and removing the bags from the Cobb County side of the Chattahoochee River. They are grateful to the Starbucks at the Bolton Road/Marieta Blvd intersection for letting them use their parking lot and furnishing the group with their delicious coffee. They especially appreciate MD Jim Moulton for organizing this event. None of this would have been possible without his hard work.

WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN

Cobb Executive Women is seeking nominations for its 2025 Woman of Distinction Award. The Woman of Distinction award is given annually to recognize a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her professional endeavors, community involvement, and commitment to social responsibility. Through her leadership, this recipient drives meaningful change and creates a lasting impact by uplifting and empowering others. The award will be presented at the June 2 Marquee Monday, celebrating the transformative power of inclusive leadership in building a stronger community.

Nominations are now open through Friday, April 18. Thank you to the Woman of Distinction Award Sponsor, S.A. White Oil Company, and Cobb Executive Women Presenting Sponsor, Northside Hospital.  Submit a nomination here.

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
 

Join other Seniors for a day filled with resources, connections, and valuable information at the Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center. This free event is open to the public, and parking is FREE. A bag of free produce will be also be available to the first 400 households.

Discover a variety of vendors offering services in life enrichment, transportation, nutrition, senior living, Medicare, wellness, safety, and much more. Plus, Northside Hospital will be providing free health screenings, and we’ll have informative seminars on important topics throughout the day.

Be sure to check cobbseniors.org for updates on vendors, health screenings, and seminar details as we get closer to the event! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore helpful resources, learn something new, and connect with your community.
 

Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.

MARCH

The Pharmacy – Over-The-Counter Medicines (OTC) 
Monday, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Free; Registration required
Virtually everyone takes some kind of over-the-counter, (OTC), medication.  From cold-symptom relief to heartburn to headache…there is an OTC for everything.  We tend to think of OTCs as less risky or harmful than prescription medications, but they can be every bit as dangerous if used wrong or too often.  Come and hear some of the dangers and risks of using OTCs and get some advice on which ones to avoid, from our resident Pharmacist. The presenter is F. Rocky Beeland, a clinical pharmacist with a large Atlanta hospital system. Presented by B.E.S.T (Broadening and Enriching Seniors Together). 

APRIL

Powerful Tools for Caregivers 
Thursday, April 3 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Free; Registration required
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend.  You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. This class series meets for 90 minutes once a week for six weeks. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Deadline to register March 20. 

Maximize your Personal Wealth 
Friday, April 4 from 11 a.m. – noon. Free; Registration required
Join us to learn how managing your money can help maximize your personal wealth. You will learn about reaching your wealth goals, building an effective investment portfolio, managing a transfer of wealth and signs of potential investment fraud. Presented by Regions Bank.

First Friday Film 
Friday, April 4 from 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. $1 Concessions; Registration required 
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!
 
Navigating Taxes: A Session with the Tax Commissioner 
Monday, April 7 from 11 a.m. – noon. Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative and interactive seminar led by the Tax Commissioner, designed to help individuals and small businesses confidently navigate the complexities of the tax system. Whether you’re dealing with property taxes, motor vehicles, homestead exemptions, etc., this session will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about your tax responsibilities. Presented by the Cobb County Tax Commissioner Office and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department.

Celebrating Jazz 
Monday, April 7 from 1 p.m. –2 p.m.  $5; Registration required
Celebrate National Jazz month with a delightful Jazz Happy Hour where you can relax, mingle, and enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz music in a cozy setting. Light refreshments will be served. Music by saxophone player Spurgeon McWilliams. 

Parkinson’s Awareness 
Tuesday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
Free; Registration required
Join us for Parkinson’s 101, an informative session designed to help you better understand Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, and the latest treatment options. Whether you or a loved one are impacted by Parkinson’s, or you’re simply interested in learning more, this presentation offers valuable insights into how the disease affects individuals, as well as strategies for managing its progression. Presented by Calle Wallace with the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Safety in Focus: Gun Safety Education 
Monday, April 14 from 11 a.m. – noon. Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative and engaging presentation on gun safety, where we’ll discuss the essential practices and responsibilities of firearm ownership. Whether you’re a new gun owner or an experienced owner, this session will equip you with the knowledge to handle firearms safely, reduce accidents, and promote responsible gun use in your community. Presented by Cobb County Sherriff’s Office. 

Trip to Gibbs Garden 
Wednesday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  
$26 (transportation & entry); Registration required
Get ready for a peaceful and picturesque escape as we embark on a trip to the stunning Gibbs Gardens! Known for its breathtaking landscapes and beautifully curated gardens, this is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
Activity Level 2-4 – Limited walking, some stairs, and/or inclines. No refunds unless trip is cancelled. Deadline: April 8. 

The Freeman Poole Page Turners 
Thursday, April 17 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 “The Reckoning” by John Grisham. Please stop by the Center to grab a copy. Hosted by South Cobb Library.


The Crafty Corner: Paper Hydrangeas 
Monday, April 21
11:00am – 12:00pm 
Free; Registration required
Join us for a fun and creative craft session where we’ll be making beautiful paper hydrangeas. This hands-on workshop will guide you step-by-step to create stunning, lifelike flowers that you can use for home decor, gifts, or just as a personal keepsake. Hosted by South Cobb Library. 

AARP Smart Driver 
Wednesday, April 23 from 9:30 a.m.  – 3:30 p.m.; Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members
Registration required
Check with your insurance agent about a possible discount for taking this class. Bring a lunch.

Freeman’s Karaoke Jam 
Friday, April 25 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free; Registration required
Get ready for an afternoon of fun, music, and unforgettable performances at C. Freeman Poole’s Karaoke Jam! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, this is your chance to take the stage and show off your vocal talent.

Bingo Bash 
Monday, April 28 from noon – 2 p.m. 
$3; Registration required  
Join us for fun games of Bingo. Snacks and prizes available.

Sprout and Thrive 
Tuesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. – noon 
$3 (Supplies); Registration required
Join us for a fun and eco-friendly event where we’ll plant trees, flowers, or herbs together. Whether you’re new to gardening or experienced, everyone is welcome to help grow a greener community. Let’s dig in and grow something special! Presented by C. Freeman Poole Staff. 

BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR 
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL


April

9 – 11: SPRING BREAK for Cobb Schools. Spring break will be April 9 – 11. The last day of school will be May 21 with early release that day for all levels. May 19 and 20 will also be early release day for all levels.

26 – 27: JONQUIL FESTIVAL. The Spring Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna. There will be 150 arts & crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities. The show will also feature a local entertainment stage.

May

3: SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR. The Smyrna Garden Tour is back on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticketholders enjoy a self-guided tour of five Smyrna gardens and refreshments the Reed House. A plant sale, which is open to the public, will also be located at the Reed House. Tickets go on sale by the end of March. Learn more: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/

3: TASTE OF MABLETON. Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 Taste of Mableton features the flavors, people, artisans, and culture that makes the City of Mableton unique. The event features a parade, a kid’s zone, live music, performances, and more.


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 American Legion Post 160, located at 160 Legion Drive. Visitors welcome. 

JONQUIL CITY INVESTMENT CLUB open membership now happening. Jonquil City Investment Club is an all-female organization that encourages women to learn more about investing and applying financial knowledge by investing small amounts of money ($25) in the stock market.  We meet on the first Thursday of each month to learn from a licensed investment broker and discuss the performance of our investments.  Now is a great time to invest in the stock market while it is static.  Have fun with us riding the wave to the top!  For additional information, contact Cindy Acker, Senior Partner, at jcic2004@yahoo.com.

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.

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 fall, 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 ads@brightsidecobb.com

WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE APRIL BRIGHT SIDE


There is still time to be a part of the April 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 and at Vickery Hardware, 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. 
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 ads@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 ads@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 ads@brightsidecobb.com.
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