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Everyday Champions: Honoring Nurses & Teachers
From the Classroom to the Clinic: The Unsung Heroes We Rely On
Ravi Patel
May 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
Dear Stewards
Today’s edition is filled with inspiration, local gems, and a little bit of everything to make your week brighter.
From celebrating unsung heroes in our community to discovering the best chili in town, there’s something for everyone. Let’s get to it.
— Your Voice for Local Prosperity
In Today's Edition
💎 Hidden Gem: Family Flavor, Served Hot: Chop Chili
🏅 Difference Makers: Everyday Heroes Who Impact Our Lives
🛡️ Steward’s Watch: Self-Checkout, Self-Doubt: Are We Being Overcharged?
📰 The Rundown: Local News and Economy Updates
🏃♂️ Family Favorites: Thank You for Making the Jonquil City Jog Unforgettable + Smyrna Events
🌿 Weekend Warmup: Mother Nature—Smyrna’s Quietest Matriarch
🗳️ Public Pulse: Cobb Commission Special Election Results
📜 Quote of the Week + Stewardship Challenge: Inspire and make a difference.
Some meals fill you up.
Others fill you with something more.
At Chop Chili, every sandwich, every scoop of chili, every basket of fries carries a little bit of home with it.
You feel it when you step inside: walls lined with snapshots of the owner’s mother—her biggest inspiration—and the pride that seasons every dish.
“A couple of coworkers and I discovered the best chili dogs in Smyrna! Angela, the owner has pictures of her beautiful mother Che-Che on the wall. We learned that Angela's chili and potato wedges have Che-Che's secret recipe of spices.”
The food?
Big, bold, crave-worthy.
The kind of hearty, scratch-made comfort that reminds you what real cooking tastes like.
And Smyrna’s already noticing—AtlantaFoodGuy recently featured their over-the-top, melty sandwiches in a reel that’s been making over 10000 mouths water across town.
Why Chop Chili stands out:
🔥 Bold chili that warms you from the inside out
🍟 Fries that stay crispy, every single bite
🖼️ A family kitchen, not a factory
🥪 Sandwiches stacked with fresh, high-quality ingredients
🥣 Comfort food with a twist you’ll crave again and again
🍔 Try the Veggie Chopped Cheese
8-inch creation where the savory notes of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms mingle with the richness of cheddar and Monterey Jack. A refreshing crunch of lettuce and tomato is then elevated by the smoky, creamy kiss of chipotle ranch dressing.
Craving something new? Get to Chop Chili. They’ve taken comfort food to the next level.
📍 Chop Chili | 4924 S Cobb Dr SE, Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080
📝 Closed Sun & Mon | Dine-in, Pickup, or Delivery
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
👩🏫 Heroes in Action: How Teachers and Nurses Impact Our Lives Every Day
"Do you remember the teacher who believed in you when no one else did?"
Think back to that moment in school when a teacher’s encouragement turned everything around for you. Maybe it was the nurse who soothed your fears during an unexpected visit to the doctor.
These are the everyday heroes who shape our lives—and it’s time we show them the gratitude they deserve.
🍎 Teachers: The Architects of Our Future
Teachers don’t just teach—they inspire. They see potential in students that others might overlook and nurture it, even on the toughest days. They're more than educators; they’re mentors, friends, and sometimes, lifesavers.
💉 Nurses: The Calm in the Chaos
Nurses are the ones who comfort us in our most vulnerable moments. Whether it's a gentle touch or words of reassurance, they make sure we know we’re cared for, no matter the situation. They bring expertise, compassion, and a calming presence to every room.
How You Can Make a Difference
For Teachers: Show up with gratitude—whether it’s a thank-you note or a donation to your local school.
For Nurses: Support their well-being by simply saying thank you or contributing to healthcare causes.
⚡ Take Action
Have a teacher or nurse you admire? Nominate them for a chance to be featured in our next edition and share your story of gratitude. Let’s make sure these difference-makers know they’re seen.
Let’s celebrate the heroes who are always in action, often unseen but never unappreciated. 🙌
STEWARD’S WATCH
🛒 Self-Checkout, Self-Doubt: Are We Being Overcharged?
Cathy H. from Brookwood recently sparked a firestorm on Nextdoor with a simple observation:
“When scanning your produce with no barcode at self-checkout, they put the more expensive products on the 1st screen… you need to click the right arrow to get to the 2nd page where what you’re actually buying is located.”
Dozens of neighbors—from Smyrna to Midtown—chimed in with similar stories, frustrations, and a few tips:
🧅 Zucchini, onions, and apples charged at premium rates.
📦 Clearance items ringing up full price unless the barcode is covered.
🛒 Self-checkout scales allegedly weighing heavy (even at Publix)
🧍♂️ And the kicker? Some stores don’t even have cashiers anymore.
Some folks, like Solomon from Lindridge Martin Manor, asked flat-out:
“What’s self-checkout? You allow them to put you to work in their store? Why?”
Others pointed to disappearing customer service, rising prices, and the quiet shift in retail power dynamics. One neighbor summed it up perfectly:
“It’s the price of convenience. But I didn’t realize I was the one paying it—literally.”
Stewardship Takeaway:
If you're scanning your own groceries, keep a close eye on what shows up on-screen—and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Transparency is part of stewardship, too.
👀 Have a story like this in Smyrna or Vinings? Hit reply or drop a line. We’re listening, and so is your neighborhood.
THE RUNDOWN
🪙 Local Economy and News
Vickery Hardware in Smyrna is facing tough times due to tariffs, which the owner Susan Harlan says feel “personal.” The family-run store remains a community favorite. (Read More)
Slater Nalley, a Lovett School senior, has made it to the Top 14 on American Idol after a viral audition featuring an original song. (Read More)
🎓 Campbell High Expands Academic Pathways
Not in IB? No problem. Campbell’s CAPS Program (Campbell Advanced Placement Scholars) gives motivated students a shot at college credit, mentorship, and a graduation stole — no matter their background.
🔹 For non-IB students with a 3.5+ GPA
🔹 Must complete: 5 AP exams, a career or fine arts pathway, and 2 foreign language classes
🔹 Perks: peer mentorship, parent-student events, and a stole ceremony for graduates
🔹 Local support: Smyrna alum Sahad Walker (Instant Imprints) creates CAPS swag
🔹 Backed by the CHS Educational Foundation, which helps cover $100-per-exam costs
🌟 Smyrna parents: expect more info at next PTA meeting, May 15.
📌 New funding will go toward equipment, industry mentors & paid internships. Learn more or donate: campbelleducationfoundation.org
🍜 Now Hiring at Pad Thai – Wait Staff Wanted!
Summer crowds are rolling in—and so are the tips! Pad Thai is looking for friendly, reliable waiters to join the team. Great opportunity for fast-paced work and extra 💵.
Location: 5350 United Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30082
Interested? Call: 678-333-5497
FAMILY FAVORITES
🏃♂️ Thank You for Making the Jonquil City Jog Unforgettable
Source: City of Smyrna IG
From the 5K champs to the tiniest trotters, thank you to everyone who showed up, cheered loud, and helped turn May 3rd into a celebration of movement, memory, and meaning.
💙 Because of you, support is flowing to the Campbell High School Educational Foundation and Support Smyrna.
EVENT HORIZON
🏞️ Your Smyrna Adventure Awaits
🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesdays, May 6–Sept 23 | ⏰ 5 PM–9 PM (No events July 1 & Sept 2)
🧱 Kid’s Pop-Up: Archaeology! Explore archaeology through crafts and hands-on fun during Georgia Archaeology Month. 📍 Smyrna History Museum & Train Depot, 2861 Atlanta Road SE | 🗓 Saturday, May 10 | ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM
🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 60+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, May 11 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
WEEKEND WARMUP
🌿 Mother Nature: Smyrna’s Quietest Matriarch
This Mother’s Day, skip the waitlist and step into something quieter.
From blooming trails to sun-dappled parks, Mother Nature is hosting the most peaceful celebration in town — and everyone’s invited.
Pack a picnic, pick wildflowers, or just walk without your phone for once.
💐 Favorite local spots to honor the day:
Sope Creek Trail (if you’re up for a peaceful creek-side hike)
North Cooper Lake Park (bring a blanket and breathe)
Silver Comet Trail (start at the Mavell Road Trailhead)
Heritage Park (boardwalk strolls and shaded benches)
No reservations. No noise. Just nature, doing what moms do best — quietly showing up.
PUBLIC PULSE
🗳️ Cobb Commission Special Election: Results Are In
After court-ordered redistricting, Cobb County voters decided leadership for Districts 2 and 4 under new state maps.
📍 District 2: Erick Allen (D) won with 58.6% over Alicia Adams (R)
📍 District 4: Incumbent Monique Sheffield (D) kept her seat with 64.5% over Matthew Hardwick (R)
🧭 Why It Matters:
The elections followed a legal battle that led to redrawn district maps. A Cobb County Superior Court judge ruled the previous maps unconstitutional.
📊 Voter Turnout:
Over 16,000 votes were cast, showing strong engagement despite the changes.
With these results, the Cobb Commission now has a 3-2 Democratic majority, with Allen and Sheffield joining Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. Republicans Keli Gambrill and JoAnn K. Birrell remain.
🧩 A Shift in Representation:
District 2 was reshaped after redistricting in 2022, leaving Jerica Richardson’s seat vacant and prompting the special election.
Your Move, Smyrna-Vinings Residents!
💌 Share the Love: Forward this to someone who loves discovering local gems and celebrating the heart of Smyrna.
🧭 Support our local businesses! Visit our directories for Smyrna & Vinings
📣 Got a local gem or listing? Send it our way
💬 Chat with your neighbors: CobbTalk Forum
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM
Thank you for being part of Smyrna’s journey. We’ll see you again next week!
— The Stewardship Group
💊 P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week.
Tell a teacher or a nurse they made a difference. Post it. Text it. Say it. Gratitude is contagious—and it might just be the best medicine we’ve got.