When Local Institutions in Smyrna-Vinings Say Goodbye (Issue #29)

Good morning Stewards,

This week brought the end of an era as two beloved entertainment institutions announced their final curtain calls after decades of serving metro Atlanta families.

Mountasia Marietta and Malibu Grand Prix will close September 28th, marking the end of the last surviving locations after 30 years of birthday parties, go-kart races, and family memories.

Meanwhile, Bella's Pizza Bar and Grill shuttered after 25 years on Atlanta Road, citing the same pressures crushing small businesses everywhere: staffing struggles, rising rent, and changing customer habits.

But while we mourn the loss of community gathering places, we're also seeing exciting progress in public safety technology and stark warnings about predatory companies targeting vulnerable homeowners.

Your awareness of these local changes—from business closures to infrastructure improvements to consumer threats—helps you navigate a rapidly evolving community landscape.

— Your Voice for Local Prosperity

In Today's Edition

• 🛡️ Stewards Watch: Georgia AG exposes home theft scam targeting struggling homeowners

• 🏢 Business Beat: Local institutions close as Mountasia and Bella's Pizza end decades-long runs

• 📡 Public Pulse: Cobb 911 gets AI upgrade—real-time translation and video streaming

• 🎭 Event Horizon: Josh Johnson comedy, jazz concerts, tons of other local events

STEWARDS WATCH
🛡️ Home Theft Scam Alert: How "Help" Becomes Highway Robbery

Georgia's Attorney General sued an Atlanta-based company for allegedly stealing homes from distressed homeowners under the guise of foreclosure assistance—a sophisticated scam targeting our most vulnerable neighbors.

The Scheme:

• Company: Home Saver 911 (Atlanta-based)

• Victims: 70+ homeowners facing foreclosure

• Method: Promise foreclosure assistance, then take property title

• Legal Action: Georgia AG lawsuit filed for deceptive practices

How It Works:

• Target homeowners behind on mortgage payments

• Promise to "save" homes through legal assistance

• Require homeowners to sign complex documents

• Transfer property ownership to company

• Homeowners lose homes they thought they were saving

Red Flags to Watch:

• Door-to-door "foreclosure assistance" offers

• Upfront fees for "guaranteed" help

• Pressure to sign documents immediately

• Companies claiming "special relationships" with lenders

• Requests to transfer property deeds "temporarily"

Legitimate Help Sources:

• HUD-approved housing counselors: Free consultations

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Foreclosure prevention

• Local legal aid: Free legal assistance for qualifying households

• Your mortgage servicer: Often willing to modify terms

Why This Matters: Sophisticated scammers target financial desperation with professional-looking websites, official-sounding company names, and emotional manipulation. When families face foreclosure, desperation makes them vulnerable to predators offering false hope.

Protect Yourself:

• Never pay upfront fees for foreclosure help

• Consult HUD counselors before signing anything

• Verify company credentials with state agencies

• Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, investigate thoroughly

BUSINESS BEAT
🏢 End of an Era: Beloved Local Institutions Close After Decades

Two family entertainment staples said goodbye this month, highlighting economic pressures facing community gathering places across metro Atlanta.

Mountasia & Malibu Grand Prix Close Sept 28:

• Mountasia Marietta (175 Ernest W Barrett Parkway) - 30 years

• Malibu Grand Prix Norcross - also 30+ years

• Legacy: Last surviving locations of once-24 unit chain

• Memories: Go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, countless birthday parties

Bella's Pizza Closes After 25 Years:

• Location: 3599 Atlanta Road SE (corner of Paces Ferry)

• Owner Bruce Blumberg: Cited staffing, rent, declining customers

• Known For: NY-style pizza, live music stage, pool tables

• Community Space: Large back room hosted events, gatherings

The Bigger Pattern: Both closures reflect challenges facing entertainment venues nationwide:

• Rising Costs: Rent increases outpacing revenue growth

• Corporate Consolidation: Chain venues with deeper pockets

Economic Impact: When local entertainment venues close:

• Families travel further for recreation

• Community gathering spaces disappear

• Local jobs eliminated

• Property taxes potentially decrease

What Survives: Businesses adapting to current conditions:

• Smaller footprints with lower overhead

• Unique experiences chains can't replicate

• Strong community loyalty and repeat customers

• Multiple revenue streams (food + entertainment + events)

Support Local Entertainment:

• Visit remaining venues regularly, not just special occasions

• Recommend local spots to friends and family

• Attend events and shows to boost revenue

• Share positive experiences on social media

PUBLIC PULSE
📡 Cobb 911 Gets AI Upgrade: Faster Help When Seconds Count

Cobb County's 911 system received a major technology upgrade featuring artificial intelligence capabilities that could save lives through faster response and better communication.

New AI Features:

• Real-time language translation: Instant communication with non-English speakers

• Video streaming capability: Callers can share live footage with dispatchers

• Enhanced location tracking: More precise coordinates for faster response

• Smart call routing: AI directs calls to appropriate specialists immediately

Why This Matters:

• Language Barriers Eliminated: Spanish, Korean, other languages instantly translated

• Visual Intelligence: Dispatchers see emergency situations in real-time

• Faster Response: AI reduces time from call to emergency unit dispatch

• Better Outcomes: More information leads to appropriate response team selection

Scale and Scope:

• Coverage Area: Largest AI-enhanced 911 system in Metro Atlanta

• Call Volume: Handles thousands of emergency calls daily

• Integration: Works with existing police, fire, EMS dispatch systems

Privacy Protections:

• Video sharing requires caller consent

• No permanent storage of routine calls

• AI translation maintains confidentiality

• System designed with privacy safeguards

Local Impact: For Smyrna-Vinings residents, this means:

• Faster emergency response times

• Better communication during crises

• More accurate emergency unit deployment

• Improved outcomes for medical emergencies

How It Helps:

• Medical Emergencies: Paramedics see conditions before arrival

• Fire Calls: Visual assessment of fire size and spread

• Crime Reports: Real-time suspect and scene information

• Accidents: Traffic conditions and injury assessment

The AI upgrade represents significant public investment in community safety infrastructure that benefits all residents.

EVENT HORIZON
🎨 This Week's Community Connections

• 🎨 Smyrna Arts Council Lecture: "The Impressionist Style": Learn about Impressionism with local artist Leigh Pursley. 📍 Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle SE, Smyrna, Georgia | 🗓 Thursday, Sep 25th | ⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM

• 🎶 The City of Mableton Fall Jazz Concert: Get ready to groove with free, live smooth jazz music. 📍 Mableton Town Square Park, 5220 Church St SW, Mableton, GA | 🗓 Friday, Sep 26th | ⏰ 6–9 PM

• 🎭 Josh Johnson: "The Flowers Tour" (Buy Tickets): An evening with Emmy-nominated comedian Josh Johnson 📍 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 🗓 Friday, Sep 26-27th | ⏰ 6:00 PM (doors 4:30 PM)

• 🏈 College Football Saturdays: Watch live college football on an LED screen with games, music, and prizes for the whole family. 📍 Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs ST SE, Smyrna, Georgia | 🗓 Saturdays, Sep 27th, Oct 18th, Nov 15th & Dec 6th | ⏰ 3 PM

• 🎭 KOS Comedy Writer's Room Showcase (Buy Tickets): A showcase of amazing comedians from the twice-monthly writers' room, featuring special guest Todd Parker. 📍 1125 Concord Rd SE, Suite B, Smyrna, GA 30080 | 🗓 Saturday, Sep 27th | ⏰ 8:00 PM (Doors 7:30 PM)

• 🛍️ Smyrna Market: Shop 40+ vendors with food, crafts, local goods, and fresh finds. 📍 City Hall, 2800 King Street | 🗓 Sunday, Sep 28th | ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

• 🎊 Hispanic Heritage Celebration: Celebrate the rich cultures of Hispanic communities with live entertainment, delicious cuisine, local vendors, and a free blanket concert by "COT Band." 📍 Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs St SE, Smyrna, Georgia | 🗓 Sunday, Sep 28th | ⏰ 2–9 PM

• ☕ Adult Workshop: Roast Your Own Coffee (Registration Required): Learn how to roast your own coffee beans using a hot air popcorn popper. 📍 Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle SE, Smyrna, Georgia | 🗓 Monday, Sep 29th | ⏰ 6:30–7:30 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, Sep 29th | ⏰ Meet at 6:30 PM, run starts shortly after (Run at your own pace, and your own risk.)

👋 Until Next Tuesday

This week reminded us that community institutions require constant support to survive changing economic conditions.

While we say goodbye to Mountasia's go-karts and Bella's pizza nights, we're also seeing public investment in 911 technology that protects everyone's safety.

The challenge is balancing nostalgia for closing businesses with excitement about infrastructure improvements.

Your choices about where to spend entertainment dollars, how quickly you report suspicious activities, and your engagement with local events all contribute to shaping what survives and thrives in our community.

When economic pressures threaten local gathering places, informed residents become the difference between community institutions that adapt and those that disappear.

💌 Share the intelligence: Forward this to someone whose always asking you whats going on in town

🧭 Support our local businesses! Show them the same enthusiasm they show our community in Smyrna & Vinings
📣 Got a local gem or listing? Send it our way

📬 Stay in the loop: Sign up for Smyrna-Vinings news delivered right to your inbox every Tuesday @ 8 AM

Preserving community character, one Tuesday at a time.
— The Stewardship Group

P.S. Tune in next week to find out how to see this band you’ve all probably heard before for FREE