Hometown Heat: Pride, Power, and Public Life in Smyrna

Good morning Stewards,

Summer heat is settling in, but the energy in our community is absolutely electric!

From hometown heroes making national headlines to neighbors stepping up in times of need, this week reminds us why Smyrna and Vinings continue to be places where people don't just live, they thrive together.

I was walking through Argo Park yesterday evening, watching families gather as the sun set, and it struck me how these simple moments of connection are what make our community truly special.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🏆 Hometown Hero: Smyrna's Zack Wheeler dominates MLB

• 🐎 Clydesdale Magic: Budweiser's famous horses coming to downtown Smyrna

• 🏥 Healthcare Horizon: Wellstar Kennestone expansion brings Level 1 trauma care closer

• 💼 Work Local: Entry level positions available now

• 🏗️ Downtown Dreams: Survey results show strong support for expansion

• 🎪 Event Horizon: Your week ahead

LOCAL LEGEND
Hometown Hero Takes the Mound

Our very own Zack Wheeler is having the month of his life. The Smyrna native and Philadelphia Phillies ace was named National League Pitcher of the Month for June, posting an absolutely dominant 0.58 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 31 innings.

What makes this extra special? Wheeler's journey from our local fields to the biggest stage in baseball represents everything we love about this community, hard work, dedication, and never forgetting where you came from.

His success is already inspiring conversations at youth baseball programs across Smyrna, with coaches pointing to Wheeler as proof that big dreams can start right here in our backyard.

Wheeler's recognition comes at a perfect time as we head into the heart of summer baseball season. Local leagues are seeing increased participation, and there's nothing quite like having a hometown hero to rally behind when kids are learning to love the game.

Clydesdales Coming to Main Street

Hold onto your hats, Smyrna—the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to our downtown! This Saturday, July 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the magnificent eight-horse team will make a special appearance right here in our community during MLB All-Star week.

These aren't just any horses, they're living symbols of American tradition and craftsmanship. Each Clydesdale stands nearly six feet tall and weighs close to 2,000 pounds, yet moves with the grace and precision that has captivated audiences for nearly a century.

For families with children, this is the kind of magical experience that creates lasting memories.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. With Smyrna's own Zack Wheeler making headlines in baseball and All-Star festivities in the air, having these iconic horses parade through our downtown feels like a celebration of everything that makes our community special.

It's the kind of event that brings neighbors together and puts Smyrna on the map.

City officials are finalizing the exact viewing locations and will share details as we get closer to Friday. Keep an eye on official city communications for the best spots to watch this incredible spectacle unfold.

Healthcare Expansion on the Horizon

Big news for our healthcare landscape: Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center is less than a year away from opening a major expansion that will bring more than 200 new patient rooms and elevate the emergency department to a Level 1 Trauma Center. The new patient bed tower is projected for occupancy in 2026.

This expansion represents a significant upgrade in healthcare access for Smyrna and Vinings residents. Level 1 trauma designation means the most advanced emergency care available, right here in our backyard.

For families, this translates to shorter travel times during emergencies and access to specialized care that previously might have required trips to Atlanta.

The timing couldn't be better as our community continues to grow. With new residential developments and an aging population, having expanded healthcare capacity ensures we can support residents at every stage of life.

PUBLIC PULSE
All- Star Week Makes a Local Impact

With the MLB All-Star Game happening July 15 at nearby Truist Park, our region is preparing for increased visibility and visitor activity.

This presents both economic opportunities for local businesses and logistical considerations for residents. The Cumberland/Galleria area, which borders Smyrna, will experience the heaviest concentration of activity.

The heart of Smyrna is getting a major upgrade, and the changes are becoming more visible each week. The City's downtown redevelopment project is moving forward with significant improvements including upgrades to the splash pad water feature and a new playground designed for children ages two to five.

Additional enhancements include a new bathroom facility next to the playground and a shade structure adjacent to the water feature.

EVENT HORIZON
Your Week in Smyrna-Vinings

• 🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesday, July 8th | ⏰ 5–9 PM

• 🛠️ Cemetery Workshop – Smyrna Memorial Cemetery: Learn about headstone preservation and Smyrna’s oldest burial grounds. 📍 Smyrna Memorial Cemetery | 🗓 Saturday, July 12th | ⏰ 9 AM

• 🎶 Blanket Concert – The Troubadour Project (Classic Rock Tribute): Step back into the golden era of 70s rock.📍 Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs St SE, Smyrna | 🗓 Saturday, July 12th | ⏰ 7–10 PM (Free event. No tents, tarps, grills, or open flames allowed. Low chairs, coolers, and blankets welcome. Non-smoking event.)

• 🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 40+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, July 13th | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

• 🎨 Make-it Mondays: Pick up a themed to-go craft kit for kids ages 3–7, designed to accompany the Storytime theme for each week.📍Smyrna Public Library, Youth Services Desk, 100 Village Green Circle SE | 🗓 Monday, July 14th | ⏰ 10 AM–7 PM (While supplies last. Craft kits will be distributed during Curbside Pickup from 9–11 AM and 6–8 PM due to library closure.)

• 🏃 Monday Night Run Club - Run Smyrna: Meet fellow runners for a relaxed 3–5 mile run📍Smyrna Beer Market (by Stout Brothers, SW of the fountain). 🗓 Monday, July 14th | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

👋 Until Next Tuesday

As we head into another week of summer heat and community activity, I'm reminded that stewardship isn't just about grand gestures, it's about the daily choices we make to support each other and our shared home.

Whether it's conserving water, supporting local businesses, or simply waving to a neighbor, we're all part of something bigger.

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Thanks for being a part of this movement towards a brighter future for our city.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week
Leave a review at your local business that more people should know about. Costs you nothing and it means everything to the owners.