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Smyrna Strong: Good News You Made Happen
Coaches, comfort food, and community fun — here’s what’s buzzing around town.
Ravi Patel
April 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
Dear Stewards
There’s a lot to smile about in Smyrna-Vinings this week. Thanks to your support and voices, two of our hometown heroes are back where they belong.
Plus, we’ve got new eats, historic stories, and community fun ahead. Let’s dive in!
— Your Voice for Local Prosperity
In Today's Edition
🏀 Difference Makers: Smyrna unites to bring Coaches McClure and Gwyn back.
🦸♂️ Local Legends: Smyrna’s first firehouse gets a second life—and live jazz.
🍦 Bite by Bite: Cool off with Smyrna’s best frozen treats and sweets.
🪙 The Rundown: Caribou Coffee replaces Checkers with fresh brews.
🏃♂️ Family Favorites: Jog, garden, and give back at Smyrna’s spring events.
🎤 Speak Up, Smyrna: Share your voice on our growing city.
📜 Quote of the Week + Stewardship Challenge: Inspire and make a difference.
Smyrna Coaches Score the Biggest Win of Their Careers—Getting Their Jobs Back
Smyrna, you did it. 🙌
Two beloved coaches—Randy McClure and James Gwyn—are back in the game. And it wasn’t just any victory.
It’s the biggest win of their careers.
When news broke that these long-time Campbell High coaches had been let go, the community was stunned. After all, with over 1,200 career wins, 16 regional titles, and decades of service to Smyrna, it didn’t make sense.
But Smyrna rallied. 💪
From impassioned speeches at school board meetings to a Change.org petition that quickly gathered over 4,000 signatures, the community made its voice heard.
"I was very, very appreciative that people felt like we had made a difference in this community and we had made a difference with the students,"
The Cobb County Superintendent launched an investigation into the firings after community outcry.
Thursday night, the decision was made: The coaches were reinstated. For the first time in a while, things felt right.
"Ready to go back tomorrow, I’ll be doing workouts, trying to catch up for the six weeks I lost so we can get back to being competitive,"
For Smyrna, it wasn’t just about basketball. It was about fighting for what’s fair, what’s right, and what matters most: community.
Is there someone in Smyrna or Vinings setting a great example of stewardship and leadership in our community? We want to hear about it!
Old Smyrna Firehouse: Still Standing, Still Telling Stories
It’s easy to miss.
A weathered building, tucked behind the trees on Atlanta Road.
But this isn’t just any old brick shell.
This was Smyrna’s first real fire station—built in the 1930s when motorized engines replaced horse-drawn wagons.
Every alarm that blared from these doors meant hope.
A neighbor running to help a neighbor.
A small city dreaming bigger.
Then came the kitchen fire.
In 1963, while Engine Company #3 rushed to save a home across town, their own station caught fire.
The firehouse was scarred, the city moved on, and for decades, it stood silent.
Until Robert Harrison came along.
Where others saw ruins, he saw history.
He saved it—brick by brick, story by story.
“In 2012, I found the property while looking for a site to build my house, but I had no idea what the ruins of the building once were….and began my research to learn what the building originally looked like.”
And now, Smyrna’s Old Firehouse is back in action.
This time, it's bringing people together in a different kind of way, hosting events like Jazz Under the Stars—a celebration of history, music, and community.
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Old Smyrna Firehouse Lawn, 2889 Alexander St SE
🎟️ $30 Tickets (includes beverages + light bites)
Bring your blanket, your people, and come be part of the story. Proceeds support the Smyrna Arts Council.
Smyrna’s Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
Source: Loco4Lucuma Instagram
Last week, we chased down the best cookies and cakes — this week, we’re chilling out with the frozen favorites locals swear by.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Bright Italian ice + soft-serve swirl = summer’s best mashup. 🍧 Pro move: Mango-vanilla Gelati.Paleteria Superior
Handmade Mexican ice creams and rainbow popsicles. 🌈 Don’t miss: Mango chamoy paleta.Burger Crush Milkshakes
Old-school thick shakes perfect for cheat days. 🥤 Go classic: Chocolate shake.Loco 4 Lucuma
Rare lucuma fruit ice cream, buttery and caramel-like. 🥭 Find it: Handmade Market.Marble Slab Creamery
Wild custom-mix scoops smashed to order. 🍨 Create your own masterpiece.
Mention you found them through The Steward — it helps local businesses grow, and keeps Smyrna sweet. 💛
🪙 Local News and Economy
What Happened to Checkers? Say Hello to Caribou Coffee!
The popular Minnesota-based coffeehouse chain known for its high-quality brews and community focus, is opening soon (date TBD) at at Windy Hill & Cobb
Location: 2410 South Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
What to expect:
Drive-thru & walk-up 🚗🚶
Patio seating 🪑
Free Wi-Fi 📶
Caribou Coffee vs. Checkers: You Decide!Big change is brewing at the old Checkers location on South Cobb Drive. Caribou Coffee is coming soon, and we want to know what you think! |
Historic Covered Bridge Hit Again - (Read More)
Concord Road Covered Bridge struck by a car carrier — despite clear warning signs.
Driver cited; repairs underway.
Bridge has been hit 18+ times since 2017, even after warning upgrades.
Officials urge drivers: stay alert, protect history. 🛤️
Blue Bird Lane Boutique Update
Temporary Operating Hours: Fri - Sun Only (Starting May 2)
Adjusted due to medical reasons
Thank you for your continued support and prayers 💙
🧬 Family Favorites
Join us for the Jonquil City Jog, one of Metro Atlanta's best community races, taking place in the heart of Smyrna.
Choose Your Impact:
🏃 5K (8AM) – Push your limits
🏅 1-Mile (9AM) – Walk with purpose
👶 Tot Trot (Immediately following 1-mile) – Create lifelong memories
Proceeds benefit the Campbell High School Educational Foundation, Inc. and Support Smyrna, two organizations dedicated to helping local schools and the community.
🚀 Interested in Sponsorship? Learn more and sign up here
The difference between a thriving Smyrna and a forgotten community? Your participation on May 3rd.
Smyrna Events: Bikes & Blooms!
🚲 Give a Bike, Gift a Smile: Donate gently used bikes to Free Bikes 4 Kidz and empower local kids. 📍 Campbell High School PAC Parking Lot | 🗓 Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
🌿 Smyrna Garden Tour: Visit five stunning private gardens hosted by Keep Smyrna Beautiful. 📍 Reed House + local gardens | 🗓 Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM | 🎟 $20 advance / $25 day-of
⚖️ Pop-Up Legal Clinic: Get free advice on family law, probate, small claims, and more.📍 Smyrna First United Methodist Church | 🗓 Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 60+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, May 4 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
🚚 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)
🎤 Marking the Doorframe: How’s Smyrna / Vinings Growing?
As kids, many of us remember the tradition of marking our height on a doorframe, watching those little lines stack up year after year.
Each one was a reminder that we were growing — changing, becoming something new.
Smyrna and Vinings are doing the same. With new parks, businesses, and neighbors, we’re marking our own growth every day. But how do you feel about it?
We’d love your quick take:👉 Do you feel Smyrna / Vinings is... |
Every voice helps us steward the city we love. ❤️ Thanks for taking 10 seconds to weigh in!
Your Move, Smyrna-Vinings Residents!
🌻 Good things grow when neighbors share. Forward this to a friend.
🧭 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
📜 Quote of the Week
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”
— Anonymous
📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM
Grateful for your support and care for Smyrna. We look forward to connecting again next week!
— The Stewardship Group
🚲 P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week.
Next time you're running errands, go by foot or bike. It’s a great way to stay fit, cut down on traffic, and discover hidden parts of Smyrna!