Friday, October 31, 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 November issue is TODAY, October 31st. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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SWEETWATER MISSION NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Sweetwater Mission, a local nonprofit providing critical food and household essentials to over 1,700 families each week, is sounding the alarm as community need surges with the impending reduction of federal SNAP benefits.
With the cost of living at a record high and emergency food assistance funding running out, families who have never needed help before are now turning to food pantries for support. Sweetwater Mission is on the front lines of this growing crisis, but they cannot meet the demand alone.
“We are seeing a historic number of new families walking through our doors—seniors on fixed incomes, hard working parents, and our neighbors who are just one unexpected bill away from the crisis,”. “The potential cliff in SNAP benefits is creating a perfect storm, and we need the community’s support now more than ever,” said Debbie Ginocchio, Director, Strategic Partnerships & Fundraising.
Sweetwater Mission is urgently requesting:
- Increased Donations: Financial contributions are critical to purchasing essential food items in bulk.
- More Volunteers: A dedicated corps of volunteers is needed to sort, pack, and distribute food.
- Community Partnerships: Collaboration with other local organizations is essential to create a stronger safety net.
Sweetwater Mission is dedicated to serving individuals and families in [mention your specific counties, if applicable] with compassion and dignity. Through their food pantry and other programs, they provide not only nourishment but also hope and a pathway to stability. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, visit www.sweetwatermission.org.
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Read the October Bright Side!
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 Jr. Spartans Teams recognized by Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton
JR. SPARTANS MAKE HISTORY WITH CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
The Jr. Spartans Softball program capped off a history-making season with both Silver and Gold teams earning league honors in the Cobb Metro Fastpitch League.
The Silver team finished as league Finalists, advancing to the championship game before falling to a strong Harrison squad. Along the way, Silver posted a dominant 16-4 record, outscoring opponents 226–34 and outhitting them 178–47.
The Gold team claimed the Cobb Metro Championship, showcasing their strength throughout the playoffs by outscoring opponents 18–2 with two run-rule wins. Over the course of the season, Gold tallied an impressive 219 runs scored versus 60 allowed. Following their victory, the team celebrated in tradition by ringing the bell at The Stu — an honor reserved for champions.
“This group of players has been incredible from day one,” said Jr. Spartans Gold Head Coach Dave Priem. “Their work ethic, resilience, and team-first attitude carried us through an outstanding season. To see them grow as athletes and young people, and to celebrate with a championship, is something I’ll never forget.”
The Jr. Spartans’ success was made possible by the hard work of players, the dedication of coaches, and the unwavering support of parents and the local community. Fans packed the stands all season long, creating an atmosphere that fueled the teams’ accomplishments.
Together, the Jr. Spartans set a new standard for the program, proving the future of Spartan softball is brighter than ever.
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COMMUNITY LEADERS VISIT SMYRNA SCOUTS
Local Scouting America Troop 220 (Boys Unit) and Troop 1872 (Girls Unit), along with their Charter Organization, Life Church, opened their doors for a special evening of leadership and community connection, welcoming three distinguished guests and public servants: Smyrna Chief of Police Keith Zgonc, Deputy Fire Chief Eric Mohrmann, and City Councilman Tim Gould.
The event brought together Scouts and Cub Scouts from several Scouting America Troops and Packs, who listened as each guest shared personal insights on service, leadership, and what it means to build a stronger community.
Chief Zgonc spoke about the values of integrity and teamwork in public safety, while Deputy Chief Mohrmann discussed the importance of preparation and staying calm under pressure, lessons that resonate deeply with Scouting’s core principles. Councilman Gould encouraged the Scouts to stay engaged in their community and reminded them that leadership starts with simple acts of service. All three gentlemen encouraged continued involvement in Scouting America and invited them to get and stay involved in their local community.
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks from Scout leaders and families, who expressed deep appreciation for the officials’ time and their ongoing commitment to Smyrna’s youth. The Troops and Packs presented to all three speakers with a Scout Law Flip Spin Challenge Coin. Chief Zgonc received his coin and quickly provided a Smyrna Police Department response coin to Silver Comet District Executive Arisha Ali. The Chief’s response coin signifies recognition, respect, and shared values between the Scouts and the Smyrna Police Department.
“Having leaders like Chief Zgonc, Deputy Chief Mohrmann, and Councilman Gould take the time to speak with our Scouts was truly inspiring,” said J. Barrett Carter, Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 220, who helped coordinate the event. “They reminded our young people that leadership is about service, something we strive to teach in Scouting every day.”
The event highlighted the strong partnership between Smyrna’s civic and public safety leaders and its community organizations, continuing a shared commitment to developing the next generation of responsible, engaged citizens.
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SMYRNA VETERANS DAY PROGRAM NOVEMBER 11
If your passion is veterans, airplanes, or both, this year’s November 11 Smyrna Veterans Day ceremony will be quite a treat. It features retired United States Air Force 1st Lt. David Waldrop, nicknamed “Shark”. He’s been honored by the Atlanta Braves, the National Air and Space Museum, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and more.
Waldrop, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, who lives in Cobb County, flew 105 combat missions of which 49 were over Hanoi, North Vietnam. He is credited with one aerial kill, one probable and five enemy fighters destroyed on the ground, severing a Hanoi bridge, dodging enemy gunfire, surface-to-air missiles, surviving ejection from an F-105 and more.
Fortunately, he later returned to the USA in one piece and without getting captured. He earned three Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and 12 Air Medals. He also flew F-104 Starfighters and F-4 Phantom II fighters. Post USAF, Waldrop spent 32 years flying for Delta Airlines and in that time flew F-8 Crusaders for the US Marine Corps as a reservist for four years. He is married to Sue and has two grown sons!
Waldrop will be this year’s Smyrna Veterans Day keynote speaker. The ceremony will also feature a JROTC color guard, heartwarming patriotic music, recognition of veterans by their era of service, and more.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. sharp and is for the benefit of the public. So, of course, it is open to all, and both the ceremony and parking are free. It is at the Veterans Memorial at 2800 King Street, Smyrna, unless it rains, in which case it will be held indoors at the nearby Smyrna Community Center.
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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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JAZZ UNDER THE GAZEBO RETURNS NOV. 1
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, in partnership with The Vineyard Wine Market, will present the return of Jazz Under the Gazebo on Saturday, Nov. 1.
This highly anticipated annual event blends smooth jazz, fine wine, dinner, and community spirit in support of Smyrna’s first responders. This year, The Bourbon Brothers will entertain attendees, channeling Frank Sinatra as they sip bourbon and play classics from The Great American Songbook.
Hosted at The Vineyard Wine Market in Downtown Smyrna, the evening promises a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere featuring live jazz music, dancing, dinner, wine and beer tastings. Attendees can also participate in a raffle and a wine pull.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation and its efforts to support local first responders, including police, fire and paramedics, through critical programs and strengthen community partnerships.
“This event is a celebration of community and gratitude,” SPSF Executive Director Denise Czarnik said. “It’s a chance to enjoy a beautiful evening while giving back to the heroes who serve and protect us every day.”
For more information, please visit SmyrnaPSF.org.To buy tickets and view silent auction items, please visit https://25Jazz.givesmart.com. |
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SUNDAY LECTURE: TYPEWRITERS IN WWII
The Sunday Lecture, sponsored by the Friends of Smyrna Library, will talk about “TYPEWRITERS IN WWII”. The event will be held Sunday, November 2, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Smyrna Library, in their Meeting Room. Light refreshments will be served.
Jeffrey Albertson, of the Atlanta Typewriters Club, will delve into the history and impact of typewriters during World War II, especially the use of typewriters in journalism. Attendees will be able to try out vintage typewriters!
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
NOVEMBER
Trip to the Funk Heritage Center. Registration deadline: November 3.
Tuesday, November 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$13; Registration required. Payment due at registration.
Join us for a trip to the Funk Heritage Center, the official interpretive center of the Cherokee Heritage. Experience a rich collection of exhibits and artifacts that bring to life the history, culture, and traditions of the Cherokee people and the surrounding region. Wander through thoughtfully designed displays that tell stories of the past, from early Native American life to more recent history.
Trails of Tears Presentation
Monday, November 3 from 10 a.m. – 11
Free; Registration required
Join us for a powerful and educational presentation by the Fun Heritage Museum exploring the history and impact of the Trail of Tears. This event will provide an in-depth look at the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s, sharing stories of resilience, hardship, and cultural preservation. Through engaging visuals and thoughtful discussion, this presentation offers an important opportunity to learn about a significant chapter in American history and honor the experiences of those affected.
The Coffee Circle
Tuesdays, November 4 from 10 a.m. – 11
Free; Registration required
Join us for our monthly Coffee Circle, a warm and welcoming space where individuals come together to relax, sip a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Each gathering features a new topic selected by our center staff, ranging from light-hearted themes and interesting local news to wellness tips and life stories.
Crafty Creations: Bird Feeders
Thursday, November 6 from 11 a.m. – noon
$5: Registration required
Join us for a fun and hands-on Bird Feeder Craft session, where you’ll create a simple, homemade bird feeder to hang in your yard or window. This easy and enjoyable activity is perfect for all skill levels, and all materials will be provided.
First Friday Films (Call Center for Title)
Friday, November 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
$1 Concessions
Join us at the center for a fun movie in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on freshly popped butter popcorn to make this Friday a fun one!
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday November 12 from 10 a.m. – 11
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.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Thursday November 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men. What puts someone at risk for prostate cancer and what are the symptoms? Is it preventable? Discover how you can detect prostate cancer as early as possible. This is a critical presentation for men or those who know men. Presented by B.E.S.T (Broadening and Enriching Seniors Together).
Freeman’s Karaoke Jam
Friday, November 14 from 1 p.m. – 3
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.
Freeman Thanksgiving
Monday, November 17 from 12:30 p.m. – 2
$20; Registration required
Join us for a Thanksgiving lunch. A special time to come together, share gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal with friends old and new. Celebrate the season with traditional favorites, good conversation, entertainment and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Composting 101
Tuesday, November 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Discover how composting at home can reduce household waste, enrich your vegetable, and flower garden with valuable nutrients. Composting can also help soil retain moisture, leading to better water conservation. Learn the proper recipe for healthy compost and understand why what’s good for the soil is good for you, too! Facilitated by Sarah with Cobb County Water Services.
AARP Smart Driver
Wednesday, November 19 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members; Registration required
Sports Jerseys and Root beer Floats: Let’s Talk Football!
Thursday, November 20 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$3; Registration required
Join us for a celebration of football season and your favorite sports team! Wear your favorite sports team and let’s talk football, while enjoying a delicious root beer float. Whether college or professional, let’s celebrate football season. Led by Freeman Poole staff.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, November 20 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required.
Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres.
Trip to the Funk Heritage Center
Tuesday, November 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$13; Registration required
Join us for a trip to the Funk Heritage Center, the official interpretive center of the Cherokee Heritage. Experience a rich collection of exhibits and artifacts that bring to life the history, culture, and traditions of the Cherokee people and the surrounding region. Wander through thoughtfully designed displays that tell stories of the past, from early Native American life to more recent history.
Payment due at registration. Registration deadline: November 3. Price includes transportation. No refunds will be given unless the trip is cancelled. Lunch is on your own. Activity Level 2 – Limited walking, some stairs and/or inclines. Mobility Requirements – travelers must be able to navigate on and off the bus independently. If you have any concerns with walking or climbing stairs, please check with staff before registering.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
November
18: NEWCOMERS CLUB. The Newcomers Club of Cobb County welcomes area women to join them at their monthly meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Rd, Marietta. Make new friends while learning from a speaker on topics interesting to women. New to the area or newly looking for fun activities and new friends? Come join us! For more information, visit newcomersofcobbcounty.com.
24 – 28: COBB SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.
27: THANKSGIVING DAY
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
SERVICES
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side. The October Bright Side has been mailed and is at vendor locatons. Deadline for the November print edition of the Bright Side is today, October 31.
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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