Safety First: When Small Details Make the Biggest Difference

Sometimes the smallest details matter most when protecting the people we care about.

This week's stories span from a product safety recall that could be sitting in local pantries right now, to exciting culinary celebrations that showcase our region's signature flavors during peak peach season.

From Dollar General's voluntary coffee recall affecting Georgia stores, to Atlanta restaurants embracing August as National Peach Month, we're reminded that community awareness operates at every level—from the products we consume to the seasonal traditions that define our Southern identity.

Whether it's checking your coffee jar for safety codes or discovering a new peach cocktail, staying informed helps us make better decisions for ourselves and our neighbors.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🛡️ Stewards Watch: Dollar General recalls instant coffee due to glass contamination

• 🍑 Flavor Focus: Atlanta restaurants celebrate National Peach Month with signature dishes

• 🌡️ Weather Window: Hot August continues with heat index values approaching 100°F

• 💼 Job Board: This week's local job opportunities in Smyrna and Vinings

• 🎉 Dining Scene: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Smyrna celebrates National SPAM® Musubi Day

• 📅 Event Horizon: What's Going Down in Smyrna-Vinings this Week

STEWARDS WATCH
🛡️ Dollar General Recalls Instant Coffee Due to Glass Contamination

Dollar General Corporation has issued a voluntary recall of three lots of eight-ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee due to potential glass contamination that could cause serious injury to consumers.

Recalled Product Details:

• Product: 8-Ounce Clover Valley® Instant Coffee

• UPC: 876941004069

• Affected Lots: L-5163, L-5164, L-5165

• Best By Dates: 12/13/2026 and 12/14/2026

• Distribution Period: July 9-21, 2025

The recalled coffee was distributed to Dollar General stores across 47 states, including Georgia. Customers can find lot numbers and best-by dates around the neck of the container.

Health Risks: The recall was initiated after a customer reported the potential glass contamination to Dollar General employees. Ingesting glass fragments may cause:

• Damage to teeth

• Laceration of mouth and throat

• Perforation of the intestine

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

Customer Action: Customers who purchased this product should immediately discard it and contact Dollar General for a full refund (including tax) by:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 1-888-309-9030 (6 a.m. to 1 a.m. CST, seven days a week)

Why it matters locally: With multiple Dollar General locations serving Smyrna and Vinings residents, this recall directly affects our community's safety.

Product recalls like this demonstrate the importance of checking household items against safety alerts and maintaining open communication between retailers and customers when safety concerns arise.

FLAVOR FOCUS
🍑 Atlanta Restaurants Celebrate National Peach Month

August brings National Peach Month, and Atlanta's dining scene is embracing Georgia's signature fruit with creative cocktails, seasonal dishes, and special celebrations throughout the region.

Peach-Forward Beverages: Local restaurants are crafting innovative peach cocktails and mocktails that celebrate the state's most iconic fruit:

• Peachtree Margarita at Chido & Padre's

• Bourbon-spiked Peachtree Tea at Your 3rd Spot

• She's a Peach gin cocktail at The Southern Gentleman

• #2 Peach with Campari and cardamom at Gunshow

• Woody peachy bourbon drink at Steak & Grace

For non-alcoholic options, try the Peach Agua Fresca at Buena Vida Tapas Bar, the Peach-Hive at Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, or the Peachtree Mule at The Woodall.

Seasonal Dishes: Restaurants across the metro area are featuring fresh Georgia peaches in both sweet and savory applications:

• Owens & Hull offers specialty peach sausage with baked Pearson Farm peaches, candied pecans, and pimento cheese

• BeetleCat serves peach toast and peaches & honey yogurt for brunch

• La Tavola hosts their popular Tomato Tasting (August 9-10) and Tomato Feast (August 14-24)

• Ecco features peach tart for dessert

• Alma Cocina offers peach tres leches

Why it matters locally: Georgia peach season represents more than just seasonal dining—it's a celebration of our state's agricultural heritage and economic identity.

When local restaurants embrace peach month, they support Georgia farmers while offering residents authentic tastes that connect us to our regional culture and seasonal rhythms.

WEATHER WINDOW
🌡️ Hot August Continues with Heat Index Values Near 100°F

The National Weather Service forecasts another hot week for Cobb County, with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s. Heat index values are expected to reach as high as 99°F, making it feel dangerously hot during peak afternoon hours.

This Week's Outlook:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 92°F, 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms

• Sunday: Sunny, high near 91°F, heat index up to 98°F

• Monday: Sunny, high near 95°F

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 92°F, slight chance of storms after 2 p.m.

Heat Safety Reminders:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Limit outdoor activities during peak heat (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives

• Never leave children or pets in vehicles

• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating

Scattered Storms Possible: The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlooks for scattered thunderstorms across north and central Georgia. A few storms may become strong, capable of producing gusty winds, locally heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.

Why it matters locally: Extreme heat affects everyone in our community differently, with particular risks for outdoor workers, athletes, and vulnerable populations. Understanding heat safety helps protect our neighbors while allowing us to enjoy summer activities safely.

DINING SCENE
🎉 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Smyrna Celebrated National SPAM® Musubi Day

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue at Smyrna Market Village brought the aloha spirit to Cobb County with their full-day celebration of National SPAM® Musubi Day on Friday, August 8.

Event Highlights Included:

• Free SPAM® Musubi distributed from noon to 2 p.m.

• Photo opportunities with Hormel's mascot SPAMMY®

• "Make Your Own Musubi" contest with community participation

• Special pricing: Eight musubi for $8.08 during afternoon hours

• Late-day special: 99¢ musubi from 5-8 p.m.

• Live music and family-friendly activities throughout the day

The island-style celebration hosted by franchisees Michael and Ruth Kervin introduced many Smyrna residents to authentic Hawaiian flavors and the cultural significance of this beloved Pacific snack.

About SPAM® Musubi: This popular Hawaiian treat features grilled SPAM® on a block of rice, wrapped with nori (seaweed). It represents the unique fusion of Asian, Polynesian, and American influences that define Hawaiian cuisine.

Community Response: The event drew families throughout the day, with many residents trying musubi for the first time and learning about Hawaiian food traditions. L&L's plate lunch offerings—featuring mixed plates with rice, macaroni salad, and grilled proteins—continue to attract diners seeking authentic Pacific flavors.

Why it matters locally: Events like this demonstrate how Smyrna's growing dining diversity creates opportunities for cultural exchange through food. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's community engagement helps residents discover new flavors while building connections around shared culinary experiences.

EVENT HORIZON
Your Week in Smyrna-Vinings

• 🪐 Six Planets Alignment: Want to know more about the best way to see the "planet parade" this month? 📍 Eastern Horizon | 🗓️ August 12–23 | ⏰ An hour before sunrise | 📝 Viewable with naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Binoculars needed for Uranus and Neptune. 👉 Watch the video for a full breakdown.

• 🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesday, August 20th | ⏰ 5–9 PM

• 🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 40+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, August 24th | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

• 🏃 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, August 25th | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

👋 Until Next Tuesday

This week highlighted how community awareness operates at multiple levels—from checking product recalls that could affect our household safety, to celebrating the seasonal flavors that define our regional identity.

Whether it's responding to a Dollar General coffee recall, discovering new peach cocktails during National Peach Month, or staying safe during another week of dangerous heat, being informed helps us make better decisions for ourselves and our neighbors.

Community strength comes from residents who stay alert to both safety concerns and opportunities for celebration.

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Thanks for being part of a brighter future for Smyrna-Vinings.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. This week's Stewardship challenge: Check Your Pantry
Take a few minutes to check any Dollar General Clover Valley instant coffee in your home against the recalled lot numbers (L-5163, L-5164, L-5165). Product safety starts with individual vigilance, and checking recall notices protects both your family and helps companies improve their quality control systems.

When we stay informed about safety issues, we contribute to a culture of accountability that benefits everyone.