Smyrna Vinings, GA June 2023

As a recent addition to the Smyrna community, I am excited to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Brandon Villar, and I am a DMD at Smyrna Family Dentistry. My wife and I are proud to have purchased the practice in February 2022, shortly after we tied the knot in January.

It is an absolute honor to be the new owners of a longstanding practice that has been serving the Smyrna community for over 68 years. We take great pride in seeing five generations of patients and hope to continue the tradition of excellence in familyfriendly dentistry.

My wife, Morgan, is currently pursuing her masters in divinity at Emory, and we are looking forward to starting a family soon. We are currently proud parents to five dogs, each with their own unique personality.

I invite you to come and experience our exceptional dental care at Smyrna Family Dentistry. You can check out our patient reviews to see what others have to say about us. It would be an honor to have you as a patient and to serve you and your family's dental needs.

Thank you for considering Smyrna Family Dentistry, and we hope to see you soon.

Best regards,

DR. BRANDON VILLAR DMD

A Note from Burke Scott, Owner & Publisher

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Father figures make countless differences in their home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make in this role is entirely up to you!

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a father figure can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• The guidance of a father figure can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.  Happy Father’s Day!

BURKE SCOTT, PUBLISHER

@SMYRNAVININGSCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Burke Scott | burke.scott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sarah Cole | sarah.cole@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Lawery | clawery@mac.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Cole, Monique McNeal

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Lawery, SM Kaleidoscope Photography, Monique McNeal, Gregory Campbell

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Welcome to Mezza Luna Pasta & Seafood

We at Mezza Luna believe an intimate atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service, and great company is what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience. Our handmade dishes accompanied with exclusively selected Italian wines and amazing staff represent the core of Italian culture.

Our culinary team creates weekly featured items such as off menu dessert, pasta, fish and meat dishes.

Authentic and freshly cooked Italian meals with the freshest ingredients, accompanied by high quality imported Italian wines.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @SmyrnaViningsCityLifestyle

1: Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle Owner Burke Scott and his wife Heather with Blooper at the Smyrna Jonquil Jog! 2: Chefs David Rose & Rusty Hamlin celebrate Atkins Park 21st Annual Crawfish Boil! 3: Mayra Richards & Remain Connected therapy team lunch at Atkin’s Park Tavern in Smyrna. 4: Cumberland Diamond Exchange supports the Wellstar Foundation at their Starlight Grand Gala! 5: Crea Petty enjoys the start of patio season in Smyrna Market Village. 6: Friends Tarun Ganeriwal (L) & Daniel Parker (R) at the Smyrna Jonquil Festival. 7: Father Alex Powell and Son Charles compete in wrestling at the Georgia Games 2023

MAYRA RICHARDS

@CHEFDAVIDROSE

@CUMBERLANDDIAMOND

@CREALYNN_

@SMYRNAVININGSCITYLIFESTYLE

@EMILYPOWELL79

DARON DOMINGUEZ ELAM EXECUTIVE CLINICAL DIRECTOR

As a biracial private practice owner who passes as white, I have a unique perspective on the importance of serving communities that are often systemically under-served and offering equitable employment to a diverse group of counselors.

Being the child of an immigrant has taught me the importance of understanding and addressing systemic issues that perpetuate inequities particularly in access to mental health services. I’ve also witnessed, first-hand the rare inspiration of those who outrage the system with their success and beating the odds.

It is my mission to make a difference in this field, and leave a legacy of altruism for my children to follow. I recognize that I hold a certain level of privilege that comes with that identity. However, I also know that this privilege does not make me immune to my responsibilities of addressing and dismantling racism and discrimination that people of color face.

It is because of this understanding that I am committed to creating a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to seek the help they need.

One of the considerations I have had to make as a private practice owner is ensuring that my team of counselors reflects the diversity of the clients we serve. It is not enough to simply say that we serve all communities if our team does not have a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. It is my great honor and responsibility to actively seek out and hire counselors who come from different

racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to ensure that we can provide culturally responsive care to all of our clients.

Additionally, I have had to be intentional about the location of my practice. I understand that access to mental health services can be limited for some communities due to systemic issues such as transportation, cost, and location.

By choosing to locate my practice in a more diverse and accessible area, I am able to better serve those who may not have had access to care otherwise.

There are also consequences to the choices I have made as a private practice owner. Being intentional about hiring a diverse team and serving marginalized communities may not be as profitable as catering to a more homogenous demographic. However, the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of those who have historically been underserved is far more important to me than any financial gain.

As a mother, I am also aware of the importance of leaving a legacy of altruism for my children to follow. I want them to understand the importance of using their privilege for good and advocating for those who may not have a voice. By modeling this behavior in my career and daily life, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in my children that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

My mission is to serve the beautiful range of this community and offer equitable employment to a diverse group of counselors. I understand the considerations and consequences of this career choice, but the satisfaction that comes from knowing I am making a difference in the lives of those who have been historically underserved far outweighs any financial gain. It is my hope that by leaving a legacy of altruism for my children, I love to know that I am contributing to a brighter future where all individuals have access to the mental health services they need.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Cobb County Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year Honoree

Attorneys at Law, Johnson & Alday, LLC are thrilled to share they have been named to the list of the top 25 small businesses of the year in Cobb County!

Wolfgang Gallery Announces Jay Miriam Exhibition

Wolfgang Gallery is pleased to announce From the Mouths of Babes, from Polish American artist Jay Miriam. In her large scale oil paintings, Brooklyn-based artist Jay Miriam finds beauty in the mundane. She examines what lies in the ordinary, captivated by the seemingly small moments of life. Miriam's contemplative practice involves painting from memory or life, with bold mark making and loose brushstrokes.

Everly Home Staging Celebrates RESA 2023 Award Nominees

Everly Home Staging believes in collaboration before competition, and their furniture leasing service offering outside stagers, realtors, film directs, etc. the option to be their one-stop shop has earned them a nomination for the RESA Home Staging Association Most Innovative Product or Service of the Year for 2023. Founder Ricci Taylor has also been nominated for Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging for 2023!

Smyrna Welcomes New Restaurant: Tonyo's BBQ Experience

Opened in April 2023 by long time friends BJ Woods and Antonyo Lindley, Tonyo's BBQ Experience is Smyrna's new must-try BBQ restaurant with amazing food and terrific atmo sphere. It's more than a restaurant, it's an experience! Visit them at 3315 South Cobb Drive, Suite 300 in Smyrna to try their delicious barbecue.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

The greatest gift we can offer is not a material thing but rather Our services can help decrease inflammation, optimize sleep, and boost energy!

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-154.1). FL & KY: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL (RESCIND) PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. (FLA. STAT. 456.02) (201 KAR 21:065). Subject to additional state statutes and regulations. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2022 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Finding Purpose in Community Service

KEVIN

Opened in 2003, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and is a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, Kevin Drawe and Rusty Hamlin. In the fall of 2002, Mayor Bacon of Smyrna invited Drawe and Hamlin to bring the historic charm of Atkins Park to the city’s developing Market Village. Kevin, along with Rusty, saw this as an opportunity to not only expand their business’ legacy as the oldest licensed Tavern in Atlanta - standing over 100 years - but also dive into their life’s purpose: community service.

Relocating their families permanently, Kevin and Rusty have made a lasting impact on Smyrna’s culture and development. Through Atkins Park Tavern, they have helped thousands

of people via local programs and non-profits, including the Jonquil City Kiwanis Club, Meals on Wheels, Campbell Middle School Education Foundation, and several others.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rusty, Kevin, and Mayor Norton collaborated with The Tillman House to feed over 5,000 meals in the community. With the help of passionate individuals, they ensured locals didn’t go hungry during a time of global crisis, which led to the beginnings of Support Smyrna through Mayor Norton.

Now a cornerstone of Smyrna, Atkins Park Tavern stands as a symbol of community service, cultural development, and heartfelt cuisine, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Kevin Drawe and Rusty Hamlin.

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONIQUE

MCNEAL

MEET

DRAWE & RUSTY HAMLIN, FOUNDERS OF ATKINS PARK TAVERN

Kevin (L) and Rusty (R) at Atkins Park Tavern's 20th anniversary party.

Meet Dr. Villar

ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY CAMPBELL

Dr. Brandon Villar is the highly skilled and compassionate owner of Smyrna Family Dentistry, a practice with a rich history of providing exceptional dental care for over 68 years. Dr. Villar’s commitment to clinical excellence and patient satisfaction, coupled with his advanced training from the prestigious Kois Center, has made him a trusted leader in the Smyrna Vinings community and beyond. He is driven by a yearning to continue learning within and outside of the field of dentistry.

Most patients comment on Dr. Villar’s thorough and detail-oriented work. His exceptional clinical abilities are rivaled only by his kindness and tender demeanor. Dr. Villar’s shared values concerning patient care have been a tremendous addition to the community. He has donated thousands

of hours to help provide education and services to underserved mothers and children, and was also an avid volunteer for Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Arizona Mission of Mercy, and Give Kids A Smile.

Dr. Villar lives with his wife, a Master of Divinity candidate at Emory University, and five special needs pups in Smyrna. Together, they started The Villar Foundation to provide families with access to healthcare and affordable housing. Their first project, Dignity Homes, is a non-profit development firm that builds affordable, rent-to-own single-family homes and provides programming for the 50% of Atlanta residents who are housing insecure. The non-profit will create beautiful spaces where residents live, work, and learn alongside their neighbors.

—Dr. Brandon Villar

“I aim to improve the lives of those most in need in my surrounding environment to contribute to the close-knit community where my family and I reside.”

Owner of Smyrna Family Dentistry & Community-Oriented Non-Profit Founder

Dr. Aja Nichols established Lifestyle Dentistry in 2016, where she embarked on the idea to practice dentistry a little differently than it has been done traditionally. She is continuously creating a spa-like atmosphere and a team who consistently delivers five-star experiences.

“We educate and empower patients to understand and take charge of their oral health. We pride ourselves in doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons.”

MEN OF INFLUENCE

ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS LAWERY

MEET SOME OF THE AMAZING MEN IN THE SMYRNA VININGS COMMUNITY!

Kyle Harmon

Atlanta Professional Landscaping, LLC

Kyle is a husband, father, and entrepreneur who has spent his entire life in Smyrna, growing up in a family of lifelong Smyrna residents. He began mowing lawns in high school and after graduating from Campbell, he went on to pursue a degree in horticulture from North Metro Tech. He purchased a home in the same neighborhood he grew up in, and loves sharing memories there with his wife, Katie, and sons, Korbin and Kamden. Little did he know his high school side hustle would eventually turn into the successful Atlanta Professional Landscaping. He began with one crew and has grown to 13 crews, and his mom still helps with the bookkeeping side of the business. His trucks can be seen across metro Atlanta. He is inspired by his two sons every day. They love pointing out his trucks on the road and seeing “Daddy’s workers” hard at work around town. In his spare time, you can find Kyle working out, playing with his boys, or enjoying his backyard.

Thomas Mercer

Restoration Tree Care

Thomas was born and raised in Watkinsville, GA. After 10 years at Samford University, he is earning a degree in Business Administration. Three things to know about Thomas: he loves Jesus with all of his heart; he loves his wife, Melanie, and their two teenage children; and he loves the outdoors. His favorite hobby is frisbee golf, where he can study trees while having fun.

Thomas served as both an inner-city and college youth pastor before starting Restoration Tree Care, LLC. He considers his company to be a tree service with a three-fold purpose: restoring people’s property to safety and beauty, restoring the lives of victims of human trafficking, and restoring the lives of those who need a second chance. While Thomas is the owner of the Restoration Tree Care, he still loves climbing trees so much that you will find him in a tree at least four days a week. Thomas works alongside his crew while mentoring and developing them to become men of character and make a positive difference in their community. His desire is to help create men of integrity with a strong work ethic, who know a job is not done until it’s done right.

Tony Waybright

Brightway Concepts

With 30+ years of insight into real estate development gleaned through experience serving law firms, financial workouts, and real estate zonings, Tony provides creative solutions in the commercial real estate brokerage and advisory arena. A Virginia Tech alum, Tony leveraged his BS in Finance/Risk Management to serve the professional liability insurance market for 20+ years. With the dawn of the Great Recession, Tony pivoted to apply his expertise to financial workouts and turnarounds for clients. The solutions he provided to his clients to leverage real estate led to his current role at Brightway Concepts.

Locally, Tony led the effort beginning in the late 90’s to reshape the 285/Atlanta Road area including Ivy Walk, Olde Ivy and WellStar. He founded the West Vinings Civic Association in 2005, bringing in West Village. He Co-founded Oakdale Alliance which collaborated with Northside for its current placement. His volunteer efforts led Bob Ott to appoint him in 2020 as Planning Commissioner for Cobb County District 2. Tony was a founding leader of St. Benedict’s Church and School, served on the Cobb County Transit Advisory Board, fought for SPLOST money for Campbell and its feeder schools, and led local school councils.

He was a founding member of the Campbell High School Theatre foundation - under his leadership the program doubled its faculty and fought for the new theatre to meet its needs. Tony was once a US Forest Service Firefighter, is a Kentucky Colonel appointed by then Governor Patton, served as a Director at Georgia High School Fencing Tournaments and is the only known Scoutmaster in Georgia that has wrestled a 600-pound bear.

Paul Powers

Powers Electrical Solutions

Master Electrician Paul Powers established Powers Electrical Solutions in 2012. Based in Smyrna, Powers provides electrical service to residential and commercial customers in Cobb County and metro Atlanta, specializing in troubleshooting, repair, and installation of electrical items in your home or business.

In 2021, Paul won the Smyrna Business Association’s “Business Person of the Year.” Powers Electrical won the coveted Cobb Chamber of Commerce “Top 30 Businesses of the Year” in 2021 and has been voted “Best Electrician” at the Best of Cobb the last four years in a row.

Paul credits his success to his top-notch team who support his goal to provide the best customer service and most cost-effective solutions for customers. Paul and his team keep up with all the latest technology and innovations, such as smart devices and ever-changing electrical codes. Powers has also recently been certified as a Tesla electrical vehicle installer.

A long-time board member and current President of the Smyrna Business Association, Paul is also the outgoing President of the Smyrna Rotary Club, and an active Little League and football coach. An avid outdoorsman, Paul and his family live in Smyrna.

Dr. Jeff Pennington

First Baptist Church Smyrna

Dr. Jeff Pennington serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Smyrna. A Georgia native, he earned his Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Jeff and his wife Alison have been married for 21 years and they have four daughters: Amelia, Sadie, Paige, and Hannah.

From the time the Penningtons arrived in Smyrna in 2015, they have greatly loved their church and their city. Simply put, Jeff tries to spend as much time as he can caring for others. He enjoys running on the Silver Comet, coaching girls’ basketball for Upward Sports, and having an unhurried cup of coffee at Café Lucia. But more than anything, Jeff loves spending time with his girls and taking his wife Alison to dinner for their Thursday date nights.

Jeff truly believes Smyrna is a fantastic place to live. Every day he strives to serve others and live like a missionary. He is passionate about preaching the Bible, and he loves to bring people of different backgrounds and ages together. His life has been completely changed by the power of Christ’s love, and he longs to help others share in that same experience.

Alex Powell

Alliance Roofing

Alex has been a resident of Cobb County since graduating from Auburn University and marrying his college sweetheart, Emily, in 2001. They moved to Smyrna in 2002 and have three children: Jack, Melody, and Charlie.

Professionally, Alex has been an employee of The Home Depot for 14 years where he is currently a National Install Merchant. He has served as a strategic leader for multiple installation and services programs at the company over the years, and loves dissecting a business to learn what drives it and makes it successful – or not!

He also owns Alliance Roofing, LLC, along with his business partner, serving the greater Atlanta area with commercial and residential roofing repairs and replacements. Alex loves to take the lessons he has learned from The Home Depot and implement what fits into a much smaller organization. They believe if they create a culture that attracts great employees, then they will attract great customers!

From 2014-2018, Alex was privileged to serve on the Board of Directors for Covenant Christian School, and

considers it a tremendous experience in leadership through influence and learning to lead leaders.

For the past four years, Alex has been a youth wrestling coach for the Spartans Wrestling Club where his youngest son Charlie has been a wrestler. The SWC functions as a feeder organization for the Campbell High School wrestling program. Alex shares that one of the most rewarding experiences has been seeing the light bulb come on for young wrestlers when things start to click. They go from being the hunted to the hunter right before his eyes – sometimes in the middle of a match!

Staying in shape is extremely important to him, and he has been physically active for most of his life. Besides wrestling, he has a 5-day-a-week Crossfit habit. Alex continues to compete as a wrestler to this day, having placed in several adult tournaments in the past three years. He will be participating alongside his son, Charlie, in the Georgia State Games this year at Life University.

John Zercher

The Dwell Collective

John Zercher began working in the Atlanta real estate industry in 2005. He is a member of the Cobb Board of Realtors and has developed a stellar reputation as a real estate mentor. He has served on the KW Leadership Council for the past five years, and in 2019 he co-founded The Dwell Collective. He is father to 3 beautiful children, and enjoys live music in his spare time.

Eddie Hudson is a Georgia native who has been in Real Estate since 2001. After many years of growing a successful business, he has stepped out of production and transitioned to working as the co-owner and Chief Sales Office of The Dwell Collective. When Eddie is not busy supporting agents, he can be found hiking, hunting, or spending time with his family and friends.

Together, John and Eddie are incredibly proud of the exceptional team they have built, and with over 170 5-Star Google reviews, their dedication to providing top-tier client care is evident. As business owners they have had the opportunity to support local charities such as “Our Giving Garden,” “Stamp Out Hunger,” and “Cobb Street Ministries,” while also supporting “New Story,” a global charity fighting against homelessness.

Eddie Hudson

The Dwell Collective

Village Bourbon & Cigar

ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE

BY CHRIS LAWERY

AN UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE IN SMYRNA MARKET VILLAGE

Village Bourbon & Cigar was created by Anthony Alvarez, owner operator of The Vineyard Wine Market. Knowing the high niche demand, he focused on providing an unmatched experience in a comfortable, intimate space catering to cigar, whiskey, and cocktail enthusiasts. He then hired Jim Malliakis, the perfect fit with hospitality and industry experience, as manager.

What makes Village Bourbon & Cigar different? Jim shares, “It’s simple: we are all about a personal experience. We get to know our guests. We are a traditional cigar lounge - not a rowdy bar or club with loud music and shots. We provide the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, focus on the therapeutic cigar ritual of connecting with yourself. Time stops when you smoke a cigar. Cigar smokers are all about quiet time, making friends, and sharing stories. The cigar community has a special bond - I encourage you to join us for the experience.”

Village Bourbon & Cigar was awarded Best Cigar Lounge in Atlanta and Best Cigar Lounge Manager by Atlanta Cigar Week. “This was an honor and proved what we are doing was recognized by the community. I’m proud of our accomplishments in just one year and thank our small staff, Kristina and Audrey, for believing in what we do and why we do it.”

They offer an extensive selection of liquors beyond bourbon and whiskey, and the cocktail list includes something for everyone. They also offer wines from sister company Vineyard Wine Market, along with weekly specials, tasting events, and live music.

PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTICLE BY SARAH COLE

Barbecue - Well Done!

ENJOY RESTAURANT QUALITY

BBQ AT HOME WITH THIS RECIPE FROM TONYO’S BBQ EXPERIENCE!

As the weather warms and summer arrives, we love to break out the grill. Something about the taste of grilled recipes and barbecue just scream, “It’s finally summer!” This recipe from Tonyo’s BBQ Experience is perfect for cookouts with family and friends, and can easily be adjusted to feed a crowd.

Tonyo’s BBQ Experience: Opened by long time friends BJ Woods and Antonyo Lindley, Tonyo’s BBQ Experience is s new must-try restaurant. Stop in at 3315 South Cobb Drive, Suite 300 in Smyrna and try their delicious barbecue!

ingredients:

• 5 lbs bone-in chicken drumsticks or leg quarters

• 1/4 cup yellow mustard

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

BBQ SEASONING:

• 2 T brown sugar

• 2 T paprika

• 2 t garlic powder

• 2 t chili powder

• 1 t onion powder

• ¼ t cayenne pepper

• salt & pepper to taste

BASTING SAUCE:

• 1 Stick of butter, melted

• 1 T BBQ Seasoning

• 2 T Honey

Grilled BBQ Chicken directions:

1. Wash and trim any excess fat from chicken. We like to use leg quarters for this recipe!

2. Coat chicken in mustard & Italian dressing. Lightly coat with BBQ seasoning.

3. Grill or smoke until internal temperature reaches 165F; time will depend on size and cut of chicken. If you do not have a grill, you can also bake the chicken.

4. Remove from heat and baste with sauce while warm, if desired! Enjoy!

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most— time together —is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

GO AXE-THROWING

Axe-throwing venues are still going strong across the country. Make an evening of it and practice your throwing skills!

COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS

If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.

GO ON A BIKE RIDE

Find a local trail you haven’t tried before, load up the bikes and set out for a day of riding. Finish off the day with a nice meal out after all your hard work.

01 02 03 04

MAKE A TIME CAPSULE

Dig a hole in your backyard and have Dad help the kids gather items around the house (like a current newspaper or flyers) and put them in a waterproof bag.

JUNE 2023

events

We were grateful to Jim. He is very knowledgeable about navigating the vast amount of choices for colleges. Jim is generous with his time and really takes the time to understand our priorities when choosing a college, particularly the budget

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 4TH

Sunday Lecture: "From Eyes to Ears: The Process of Creating Audiobooks"

SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY

MEETING ROOM | 3:00 PM

Presenter Janet Metzger, of Decatur, GA, has been an audiobook narrator of fiction and nonfiction since 2009. She will share how narrators take the written word and turn it into a performance for one – YOU!  She will also touch on the future of audiobooks – AI-voiced books – an opportunity or a threat? Light refreshments will be served.

JUNE 9TH Men's Skin Health Night RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS

VININGS | 6:00 PM

This event will focus on educating men on skin health, providing demos, tips, and personalized recommendations from a team of professionals. Attendees will learn about at-home skincare routines and treatments tailored to men's needs, with exclusive discounts and event-night specials offered. Find more info at  mens-skinhealthnight. eventbrite.com

JUNE 10TH Electric Avenue Concert

DOWNTOWN SMYRNA | 7:00 PM

Join the City of Smryna downtown for a great night of 80’s music featuring Electric Avenue! A musical journey spanning both sides of 1985, Electric Avenue delivers the full concert experience where your favorite New Wave and 80’s music hits come to life. Admission is free.

you have students in Middle School or High School, let’s talk!

JUNE 18TH

Juneteenth Concert

SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY

MEETING ROOM | 3:00 PM

Singer Dileesa Archer puts her experience and training in multiple genres on display in this eclectic and exciting celebration of the Black American experience. Don’t expect any sad songs during this concert! Get ready to smile, tap your foot, and clap your hands to the best of black composers and artists of the 20th century. Light refreshments will be served.

JUNE 23RD

Tori Amos - Ocean to Ocean Tour

COBB ENERGY CENTRE | 6:30 PM

Trailblazing musician, author and activist Tori Amos has announced a US tour this summer to continue celebration of her highly acclaimed 2021 album, Ocean to Ocean. Following a sold-out World Tour throughout 2022, Tori will once again be performing with long-time collaborator bassist Jon Evans and renowned UK drummer Ash Soan, with special guest support to be announced.

JUNE 29TH

Workout with Bobby Workshop

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS

VININGS | 6:00 PM

Bobby, a certified personal trainer, will lead a two-hour interactive workshop on June 29th, focused on building strength, increasing endurance, and improving overall fitness anywhere, anytime. Participants will engage in a 30-minute workout using a yoga mat and body weights, while Bobby provides guidance and support. Suitable for all fitness levels! Find more info at workoutwithbobby-workshop. eventbrite.com.

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

From Pennington’s Pen:

Recently, our family spent a week visiting prospective colleges. In fourteen months, my wife and I will drive our oldest daughter Amelia to a college dorm, move in her belongings, and leave her there. I hope I will be ready for what’s coming. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was walking Amelia into her first kindergarten class.

For this important season, God has given me a Bible verse to focus my fatherhood. Jesus’ most beloved disciple, John, is the kind of man that all dads aspire to become. His life displays respect, authenticity, and integrity. Speaking as a spiritual father, he writes: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Fathers, isn’t this verse inspiring? Charles Spurgeon, known as “The Prince of Preachers,” explains: “When a man’s heart

is really right with God…it is certain that he is anxious about his children’s souls. Nothing give[s] him greater joy than to hear that his children walk in the Truth of God.”

Dads, this is what our children need from us the most. If you are looking for a church to encourage and equip you to lead your children to walk in the truth, we would love for you to join us on Sunday mornings.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

- 3 John 4

Jeff Pennington Senior Pastor

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Smyrna Vinings.

REALTY REPORT PROVIDED COURTESY OF

FORMERLY KNOWN AS, THE SMYRNA TEAM. NEW NAME- SAME EXPERT SERVICE FOR ALL THINGS SMYRNA REALTY!

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OVER 170 5 STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS

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FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE SMYRNA TEAM. NEW NAME- SAME EXPERT SERVICE FOR ALL THINGS SMYRNA REALTY!

4 days on the market and sold for 102% of the original list price.

2 days on the market and sold for 100% of the original list price.

2 days on the market and sold for 105% of the original list price.