Friday, May 16, 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 June issue is May 27th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOLD BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Smyrna Public Library will be holding their Spring Book Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. The sale will be held in the Library’s Downstairs Meeting Room, 100 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. The sale is set for Saturday, May 17 and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 1 p.m. to 4.
They will have a large selection of Hardbacks, Paperbacks, Books on CD, Movie DVDs, and Puzzles priced from $1 to $5. Cash, Check, PayPal & Venmo are accepted for payment.
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Now Available! Read the May Bright Side
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HEALTH SEMINAR FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
The Senior Citizens Council of Cobb County is sponsoring a seminar on “Taking Care of Your Own Health.” Learn about patients’ rights and managing one’s own health care. Is your doctor really hearing you? Are you charged for services not received or requested? Do you understand your treatment plan? Who can help when you have a complaint? How do you safely reduce the number of medications you are on? When should you replace your doctor? FREE entry but you must register to save your seat.
Get free advice from a Board-Certified Patient Advocate professional who has for years been assisting people who have been overwhelmed by our healthcare system. This seminar is designed to answer the questions you might have about your interactions with your health care team. We often forget that we have a say in our own treatment, and we need to make changes when professionals are providing the service you expect.
This is a FREE event but registration is required to save a seat. The seminar will be held at the Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road., Marietta. Click the link below to register: Wednesday, MAY 28 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Register for the seminar at https://tinyurl.com/4fazxrst |
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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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SOUTH COBB LION & STUDENTS GIVE FOWERS
South Cobb Lion, Erin Anderson along with her The School Break Day Care students gave away recycled flowers, recycled art plaques and lots of love to the widows at Anerson Mill Assisted Living Center in time for Mother’s Day.
The elderly guests enjoy spending time with the terrific young students. The recycled art plaques were made by Glenn from Glenn’s Cafe located a few doors down from the Publix on Floyd Road. There are some more plaques remaining if you are nearby. A portion of every plaque sold this month go towards a donation to the South Cobb Lions Club who works hard to improve our community.
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MABLETON ELEMENTARY WELCOMES
NEW PRINCIPAL
After three decades in education, including 18 years in Cobb Schools, Mike Cappucci is stepping into his newest role as principal of Mableton Elementary School. His journey from school aide to school leader reflects his deep commitment to supporting students at every level and building a school culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and heart.
“Mableton is a school with heart, resilience, and incredible potential,” shared Principal Cappucci. “I am truly honored to join this amazing team. I believe every staff member, parent, and student has a unique role to play in creating a culture of excellence—and I’m excited to partner with the Mableton community.”
With a clear focus on student success, Principal Cappucci is driven by one guiding question in all decisions: “Is this what’s best for kids?” For him, success means more than academic achievement—it’s about developing the whole child and empowering every student to thrive.
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TWO CAMPBELL STUDENTS ARE NATIONAL
MERIT WINNERS
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) has announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Twp Campbell High School students were among the seven Cobb School students and the 2500 selected nationally. The National Merit Scholarship winners from Campbell High School are Aiden B. Ekanayake and Mara Claire Hanlon.
The $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.
These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
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VICKERY SEEKS FORMER EMPLOYEES
Vickery Hardware in Smyrna will be celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025. They are looking for people who previously worked at Vickery to share in the celebration.
If you worked at Vickery Hardware in the past, please contact them at
(770) 435-4567 or by email vickeryhardware@gmail.com
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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.
MAY
Fitness Jamboree
Monday, May 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free; Registration required
Join us for an empowering day of fun challenges, informative wellness demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with others while embracing the theme of “Flip the Script on Aging” – a reminder that staying active and healthy knows no age limit! Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just getting started, this event is for everyone looking to stay strong, active, and engaged in their community. Let’s move, laugh, and celebrate the wonderful journey of aging with vitality!
AARP Smart Driver
Wednesday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members
Registration required
Freeman’s Talent Showcase
Friday, May 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for a heartwarming event that celebrates the incredible skills, creativity, and stories of our talented community members! Whether it’s singing, dancing, storytelling, comedy, or any other unique talent, this event provides a stage for seniors to showcase their abilities and passions.
Dementia Friends
Thursday, May 29 from 11 a.m. – noon. Free; Registration required
The goal of this program is to help everyone in attendance understand the five key messages about dementia and how each of us can make a difference for people living with dementia. The discussion will center around how dementia affects people, the different types of dementia, how to differentiate between normal aging and dementia and how to effectively communicate with a person with dementia. Presented by B.E.S.T (Broadening and Enriching Seniors Together) and Dementia Friends of Georgia.
Brushes & Bites
Friday, May 30 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
$15 (Supply fee paid to instructor); Registration required
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of painting and dining, as you unleash your inner artist while enjoying a variety of tasty bites. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just looking to try something new, our guided sessions will help you create a masterpiece, all while savoring a selection of delectable snacks and a fancy mocktail. Instructed by Linda Cherry.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
May
May 27: JONQUIL GARDEN CLUB will hold its May meeting on Tuesday, May 27 from 1 p.m. to 3.p.m. The meeting will be held at the Smyrna Community Center, Jonquil Room, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. This month’s presentation will be “Living with Urban Wildlife,” presented by Daniel Price, a UGA Extension Agent. Each meeting includes information on horticulture and a presentation that will enhance your knowledge of gardening. 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.
June
14: CREEPER’S CAR SHOW. Jim Miller Park, June 14. Features music, vendors, food trucks, a swap meet, door prize, and event t-shirts. Show is open to all years of cars, trucks, and motorcycles and all proceeds from the event benefit local and national charities that work with children.
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
BOY SCOUT TROOP 220 meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). For more information visit https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220Smyrna/Index.htm. https://web.cobbchamber.org/atlas/events/smyrna-area-council-state-of-the-city-11830/register
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
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.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
SERVICES
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
HELP WANTED
AD SALES POSITION OPEN. The Bright Side newspaper is looking for a self-starter to join our team in advertising sales. The motivated team member will be able to call on local businesses to tell them about advertising opportunities with The Bright Side. This is a 1099 commission position with lots of potential for the right person. If interested in interviewing, contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or by email cslipsett@att.net
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to ads@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE JUNE 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, 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 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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