- The Smyrna Vinings Steward
- Posts
- True Heroes & Timeless Treasures
True Heroes & Timeless Treasures
Honoring Our First Responders and Discovering Smyrna’s Best-Kept Secrets
Ravi Patel
May 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Dear Stewards
This week, we’re celebrating the humble heroes all around us. Whether you’re looking for weekend plans or just need a reminder that good people still exist, you’ll find it here.
— Your Voice for Local Prosperity
New here?
We’re so glad you’ve joined us! Every Tuesday, we spotlight the heart of Smyrna and Vinings with community updates, local gems, and inspiring stories. Subscribe to get your weekly dose of good news!
In Today's Edition
💎 Hidden Gem: Where Yesterday Lives Beautifully
🏅 Difference Makers: True Heroes on Hicks Road
📰 The Rundown:
Campbell Soccer Heads to the State Championship
Lovett’s Slater Nalley Makes American Idol Top 5
CSX Traincars lose control
Support Local with Smyrna Gift Cards
📚 Job Board: Exciting opportunities in Vinings
📜 Quote of the Week + Stewardship Challenge
Not everything timeless is tucked away in a museum. Some of it lives right here, in a little red house on King Street. The kind of place where stories cling to every teacup, and the scent of lavender mingles with the warmth of memory. |  Source: Lavender & Cotton IG |
"Wonderful collection of so many fun finds from vintage technology to fashion finds and loads of decor items highly recommend! Already went to do Christmas shopping and found so many delightful gifts"
The Vibe?
Warm. Timeless. Personal.
Every corner is curated by owners Ben and Patty Ferguson, who have been collecting antiques together since 2010.
Source: Lavender & Cotton IG
They travel across Europe and the U.S. to bring back pieces with soul—from stately armoires to hand-poured candles, vintage records, and casual Italian fashion.
💡 Insider Tip: Come back often.
Inventory rotates—and the best pieces go fast.
And locals? They know this is the spot for unique gifts, handmade seasonal decor, and authentic vintage finds that never feel dusty or out-of-touch.
🪻 Why Lavender & Cotton Antiques Stands Out:
🕰️ A soul-soothing mix of vintage, farmhouse, and Southern styles
🎁 Perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift (or five)
🕯️ Candles, kitchenware, handmade goods & local crafts
📷 Instagram-worthy corners with heartwarming nostalgia
Whether you're treasure hunting or just want to step out of time for a moment, Lavender & Cotton Antiques offers a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be new to feel fresh.
📍 Lavender & Cotton Antiques | 124 King St SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
🕰️ Open Wed–Sat | 10 AM - 6 PM
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
🚒 True Heroes on Hicks Road
Source: Nextdoor
Last Friday, something powerful happened on Hicks Road.
A grateful neighbor posted a thank-you that resonated far beyond her street:
“Please don't take first responders for granted. These heroes in our community are very special people! These guys saved my home yesterday! I am truly grateful to them and most of all to God!”
No spotlight. No headlines. Just courage, training, and neighborly love in action.
In a world where the loudest stories often get the most attention, Vicki reminded us that real legends don’t always wear capes—they wear turnout gear.
They carry hoses. They answer calls. And sometimes, they save your whole world in a single afternoon.
"I’m happy to see this post, I feel like Fire and rescue do not get enough of the credit that they so well deserve!"
🚨 Whether it's Engine 5 from Smyrna Fire, a 911 dispatcher guiding calm through chaos, or the EMT who checks on you after the adrenaline fades—we see you. And we thank you.
🙏 To the first responders who showed up that day on Hicks Road: You didn’t just protect a home. You restored something sacred—our faith in each other.
Is there someone in Smyrna or Vinings setting a great example of stewardship and leadership in our community? We want to hear about it!
THE RUNDOWN
🪙 Local Economy and News: Talent, Triumphs & a Transportation Tangle
🏟️ Campbell Heads to the State Championship: Congrats!
🏆 Campbell High School Spartans will face the Grayson Rams for the State Title
📍 Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 PM at McEachern High School
🎤 Lovett’s Slater Nalley Makes American Idol Top 5
🎶 Gave a heartfelt Mother’s Day performance of a Bob Dylan classic
😅 Forgot some lyrics—but recovered with major poise
🌟 Judges and fans alike praised his comeback
🚧 Train Derailment Near NW Atlanta—No Injuries
🚂 17 cars of a CSX freight train derailed over the weekend in NW Atlanta
✅ No injuries and no hazardous materials reported
🧹 Cleanup underway; some Smyrna-area freight routes may face delays
🎁 Shop Smyrna Gift Card — Support Local, Spend Local
🛍️ Use it at 20+ Smyrna businesses like Ruby’s Sourdough, Creatwood Tavern & Vickery Ace
🎓 Great for teachers, clients, employees—or treating yourself
💳 Digital, easy to send, and flexible to spend
JOB BOARD
💼 Now Hiring: Join the Beth Bristow Tutoring Team
✨ Two roles open at Beth Bristow Tutoring Services, a mission-driven center with a warm, professional vibe (and friendly office dogs 🐾)
🧠 Associate Program Manager (Full-Time): Oversee daily ops, support families, and help shape the student experience
📘 Tutors Wanted (Part- or Full-Time): For all subjects + test prep (SSAT, SAT, ACT, more)
⏰ Afternoon/evening and weekend hours available; ideal for educators or organized go-getters
📍 Located in Vinings Jubilee
📩 Apply with resume + cover letter to: [email protected]
EVENT HORIZON
Don’t just scroll—show up.
Support your city, meet your neighbors, and make a few memories this week.
🚚 Food Truck Tuesday: Savor gourmet bites, sweets, and music every Tuesday night. 📍 Taylor-Brawner Park | 🗓 Tuesday, May 13 | ⏰ 5 PM–9 PM
☕ Coffee & Connections: Network with business owners and share your 60-second pitch—plus a 7-minute talk by Jon Wilhoit of EOS. 📍 Carmichael Reception Hall, 2965 Reed Street | 🗓 Wednesday, May 14 | ⏰ 8 AM–9 AM
♻️ Recycling Center Tour: Go behind the scenes with Keep Smyrna Beautiful and learn what to sort, where it goes, and why it matters. 📍 Smyrna Recycling Center | 🗓 Friday, May 16 | ⏰ 9–10 AM | 🔗 Register here
📚 Friends Used Book Sale: Browse thousands of books, puzzles, DVDs, and more—most just $1–$5! 📍 Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle SE | 🗓 Sat–Sun, May 17–18 | ⏰ Sat: 10 AM–4:30 PM, Sun: 1 PM–4 PM
🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 60+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, May 18 | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM
📩 Got a local event coming up?
We’d love to feature it. Email us at [email protected] to be included in a future issue!
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
When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love...
📬 Stay plugged in: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM
Thank you for being a good Steward of your community. We’ll see you again next week!
— The Stewardship Group
P.S. Stewardship Challenge of the Week.
Share a small act of kindness today—hold the door, give a compliment, or help a neighbor. These simple gestures can spread joy in ways we may never see.