Dear Stewards

Welcome to your weekly dose of community spirit and local insights with this edition of Smyrna Stewardship!

We've packed this issue with inspiring stories, important updates, and fun happenings right here in Smyrna. Let's dive in!

In Today's Edition

• 🪴 Difference Makers: Keep Smyrna Beautiful earns the 2024 Governor’s Circle Award

• 🦸🏻 Local Legend: Meet Lorena Pace Pruitt, Smyrna’s first female mayor

• 💎 Hidden Gem: The speakeasy behind a cooler door: Eleanor’s at Muss & Turner’s

• 🛡️ Steward’s Watch: Flock Safety opens facility in Smyrna, sparking debate

• 🧸 Family Friendly: LEGO® build event at South Cobb Library

• 📆 Events Calendar: Transit Race to Atlanta United + how to submit your event

• 📜 Quote of the Week: A reflection from Seneca on gratitude and clarity

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

🦸🏻 Local Legend

^{Highlighting stories from hometown heroes}

Lorena Pace Pruitt: The first female mayor of Smyrna

Smyrna's Trailblazing Female Mayor

In 1945, Lorena Pace Pruitt made history as Smyrna's first—and, to date, only—female mayor, serving until 1948. Her tenure marked a period of significant progress for the city.

Key Achievements:

• Infrastructure Development: Pruitt initiated the paving of several roads in Smyrna, enhancing transportation and connectivity within the city.

• Securing Water Supply: She successfully negotiated with Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield to connect Smyrna to Atlanta's water system via an eight-inch water line across the Chattahoochee River. This development provided residents with a reliable water source, crucial for the city's growth.

Background:

Born on June 30, 1895, into a family with a legacy of public service—her father served in the Georgia legislature, and her grandfather was a former mayor—Pruitt was deeply rooted in Smyrna's civic life.

Legal Context:

During Pruitt's era, married women's property rights had evolved significantly from earlier legal doctrines like coverture, which had previously restricted married women's legal autonomy.

By the mid-20th century, legislative reforms had granted married women the right to own and control property independently.

Therefore, Pruitt's ability to engage in property transactions and hold public office was supported by these advancements in women's legal rights.

Legacy:

Lorena Pace Pruitt's leadership during a transformative period laid the groundwork for Smyrna's modernization. Her efforts in infrastructure and public services have had a lasting impact on the community, making her a pivotal figure in the city's history.

💎 Hidden Gem

Discovering diamonds in the rough

Behind the Cooler Door at Eleanor’s

Tucked behind an unassuming cooler door inside Muss & Turner’s in Smyrna is one of the city's most beloved speakeasies — Eleanor’s.

But this isn’t just a clever concept; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the real Eleanor Seale, the bar’s namesake and the soul behind much of the restaurant group’s success.

Eleanor wandered into Muss & Turner’s over 15 years ago, freshly out of culinary school. What began as a search for a kitchen job transformed into something greater — a pivotal role in operations, community-building, and culture.

Today, she’s the company’s controller, go-to sage, and unofficial bourbon taster. The bar named in her honor reflects that same warmth and authenticity.

Think cozy leather seats, thoughtfully curated cocktails, and a vibe that makes strangers feel like friends. It’s not just a bar — it’s a thank-you letter in liquid form.

Walk through the cooler door, and you’ll find one of Smyrna’s best-kept secrets.

Here’s why Eleanor’s makes the cut this week:

• Speakeasy-style entrance that still surprises even locals

• A cozy, low-key setting perfect for conversation or contemplation

• Rotating drink menu that includes bourbon-forward and seasonal cocktails

• Built on community, gratitude, and the spirit of a local legend

• Quiet enough to think, strong enough to inspire

Visit Eleanor’s

• Location: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 309, Cumberland, GA 30080

• Hours of Operation: Mon - Sun @ 11:30 AM. (Last call is approximately one hour after the kitchen closes, but may be subject to change based on volume.)

🛡️ Stewards Watch

Holding local businesses and officials accountable

Flock Safety Opens Smyrna Facility, Drawing Praise—and Questions

Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based public safety technology company, has opened a 97,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Smyrna. The $10 million investment is expected to bring over 210 new jobs to the area over the next three years.

The new facility will support production of Flock’s public safety tools, including its controversial Drone as First Responder technology, which enables emergency drones to be dispatched to 911 scenes—sometimes arriving faster than patrol cars.

The Smyrna site will also assemble solar panels and handle refurbishment of surveillance equipment.

Governor Brian Kemp applauded the expansion, stating Georgia continues to offer “a business environment where innovative companies can get off the ground and grow into leaders.”

But not everyone is cheering.

While law enforcement agencies across the U.S. credit Flock’s technology with helping reduce crime, critics—including civil liberties groups and the Institute For Justice and privacy advocates—have raised concerns.

Many view the company’s widespread use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and AI surveillance tools as a potential overreach, arguing it could lead to over-policing and erosions of public privacy.

Flock maintains that it does not use facial recognition and only shares data with law enforcement under strict policies. Still, the broader debate over technology in policing continues to intensify—especially as cities adopt tools faster than regulations can catch up.

🔍 In Summary

• 🏭 Flock Safety’s Smyrna facility signals major economic growth.

• 🚨 The company is a frontrunner in next-gen policing tools.

• 🕵️‍♂️ Supporters call it crime prevention; critics see surveillance overreach.

• 🏙️ Smyrna finds itself on the front lines of a national debate.

🧬 Family Friendly

^{Fun for the little ones (and some peace for the grownups)}

🧱 LEGO® Build at South Cob Library: Let their imaginations run wild

Join us for two hours of creativity and Legos! Kids can build, play, and explore — and yes, Legos are provided.

This program is designed for ages 5–12, but Lego Duplo big blocks will also be available for younger siblings.

🕑 Tuesday, April 8 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 South Cobb Regional Library | 805 Clay Road, Mableton

Perfect for a weekday outing, some hands-on fun, and maybe even a little screen-free time.

Support our local businesses! Visit the directory on our websites:

Share this newsletter with your neighbors!

📜 Quote of the Week

Let this guide you as you move through your week — with eyes wide open to the blessings already around you.

Thanks for reading, and more importantly being a good steward of your community. We’ll see you next week!

— The Stewardship Group