“Adopting a mile is my way of giving back, honoring loved ones, and helping to ensure our shared spaces are clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone,” says Eyvaine.

Transforming Grief into Purpose

Eyvaine is the founder and CEO of Cancer Awareness for Thrivers and Survivors (C.A.T.S.), an organization born from profound personal loss. After losing her daughter, Police Lieutenant Shakeya L. Walker, to breast cancer, Eyvaine became determined to transform grief into purpose. Today, her organization provides advocacy, education, moral support, and financial assistance to individuals and families facing cancer. Her goal is to ensure that no one walks their cancer journey alone.

Her decision to join the Adopt-a-Mile program reflects the same compassion that drives her nonprofit work and sees the work as connected.

Caring for People and the Environment

“Both missions are centered on care, care for people, care for the environment, and care for the community,” she says. “A clean and beautiful environment supports physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of hope.”

Through both C.A.T.S. and her service with Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Eyvaine demonstrates how small acts can create meaningful change. Whether supporting cancer thrivers and survivors or helping keep Smyrna’s roadsides clean, she sees every effort as an opportunity to strengthen community and inspire others to serve.

Visit our Adopt-a-Mile page to learn about how your family or group can join.

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Eyvaine Walker appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

Shannon Balestrini: A Passion for Pollinators

Shannon and her husband moved to Smyrna in 2020, settling into the Bennett Woods neighborhood. What she appreciates most about life here is the balance. “We’re close enough to Atlanta for travel and in-town activities, but far enough away to enjoy the peacefulness of this area,” she says. She also values the City’s commitment to improving parks, recreation, and public safety.

As a new board member, Shannon is especially excited about KSB’s growing Pollinator Pocket program. After seeing the native plant installation at the Smyrna Recycling Center, she knew she wanted to be part of it. “Supporting our pollinators and ecosystem through gardening with native plants is something I’m deeply passionate about,” she says. Shannon is looking forward to collaborating across KSB initiatives to help advance the mission of keeping Smyrna clean, green, and beautiful.

Diane Overton: A Heart for Education and Community

Diane has called Smyrna home for 25 years and lives near King Springs Elementary. For her, the best parts of Smyrna are the community, the people, and the abundance of activities nearby, including hiking, biking, beautiful parks, and great local food.

As a new board member, Diane is eager to focus on education: “I’m excited to work on educating the community (and myself!) about all the large and small ways we can be better stewards of the environment.”

Diane grew up mostly in Cobb County and graduated from the University Notre Dame. She built a career in pension and health benefits technology before pivoting to a new calling: teaching math. She now enjoys working with students of all ages. Outside the classroom, she loves spending time with her family, practicing yoga, traveling, playing pickleball, and volunteering with organizations that support education, food security, and environmental causes.

Dawn McLoughlin: Leading the 2026 Garden Tour

After two years on the KSB board, Dawn McLoughlin is stepping into a new role as Chair of the 2026 Smyrna Garden Tour, which takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. “I am very excited to bring our community together for this awesome event,” she says.

New this year? An event theme! “Homegrown Habitats” celebrates the diversity of gardens that Smyrna has to offer.

“Ticket holders can expect to see beautiful ornamental gardens as well as purpose-driven gardens that serve our pollinators,” says Dawn. The popular plant sale will also return to the Reed House on tour day. Dawn invites everyone in the community to, “join us to learn more about gardening with purpose and be inspired!”

With leaders like Shannon, Diane, and Dawn, Keep Smyrna Beautiful is entering a new season of growth—cultivating community, fostering education, and inspiring a greener future for all who call Smyrna home.

To learn more about the Smyrna Garden Tour, including sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/

The post KSB’s Newest Leaders appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

Making Connections

With support from a 2024-25 Keep Smyrna Beautiful School Grant, Argyle students rolled up their sleeves to create a thriving educational garden. From weeding beds to planting corn, squash, and berries, these young gardeners are discovering where food comes from while building community connections.

According to grant lead Dr. Joseph Wang, “This support allowed us to transform our courtyard into a thriving space where we now grow blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins.”

Beyond Raised Beds

The project extends beyond traditional soil-based growing. Students launched a hydroponic system in the cafeteria, exploring innovative ways to produce fresh food. Meanwhile, the school courtyard blooms with new plantings that brighten everyone’s day.

With support from dedicated volunteers and funding for essential supplies—tools, fencing, and irrigation—the garden now reaches over 335 students, providing hands-on lessons in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“The funding has not only helped us grow plants, but it has also helped us grow community,” says Dr. Wang, reflecting on how this living classroom continues bringing joy to the entire school.

Interested in applying for a school grant?

• Visit the School Partnerships page on our website to learn more.
• Review the KSB School Grant Guidelines.
• Apply online by June 15, 2026

The post Seeds of Learning Take Root at Argyle Elementary appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

“We were taught every living thing is woven into the fabric of existence and is therefore precious,” they say. Over the years, this sense of connection led to a lifelong love of outdoors and search for meaning through work and service.

Their experience includes work as a research fellow, at an early childhood education organization, as an admission advisor at their alma mater Emory University, and, currently, as a masterdata specialist at McMaster-Carr.  They joined their current employer in 2018 and graduated with an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Georgia State University the following year.

Making Smyrna Home

Liv and their wife Susanne married in October of 2020 and moved to Smyrna that December. “We decided on Smyrna because of its diversity, its centrality to our work, and its easy access to nature’s beauty,” says Liv. They enjoy access to the Silver Comet Trail as well as gardening and painting.

“We love Smyrna,” Liv adds, “and we pride ourselves on playing a part in its hopeful future.”

Joining Keep Smyrna Beautiful

Liv first volunteered with KSB alongside Susanne at the 2021 Rivers Alive cleanup at Rottenwood Creek. “Our group removed 1,620 pounds of litter, which was really rewarding,” recalls Liv. Soon after that experience, they applied for an open board position.

Since joining the board, Liv has led litter cleanups, played an integral role in the creation of the Pollinator Pockets program, developed plans for the community garden at the Hawthorne Adult Education Center, and worked to strengthen board governance. This month, they stepped into the role of chair, ready to build on the organization’s past successes while reaching even more Smyrna residents with KSB’s important work to protect the local environment.

“My spirit is lifted when I work with KSB,” says Liv, “because I’m reminded that I’m part of the interconnected fabric of existence. Being a part of something bigger than oneself creates a real sense of belonging and is deeply satisfying.”

Would you like to join Liv to keep Smyrna clean, green, and beautiful? The board is currently recruiting for an open, at-large position. Fill out the nomination form here.

The post Board Profile: Chair Liv Wise appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

The grant program, now in its fourth year, was made possible by the Webb family, and allocates funding for projects that address sustainability needs. It also honors the memory of Sandra Webb, who founded Keep Madison County Beautiful in the early 1990s and spent more than three decades championing environmental initiatives.

“At Keep Smyrna Beautiful, we’re passionate about protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for our residents. This grant will do both by helping us expand our new Pollinator Pockets program,” said Julie Barwig, executive director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and director of Environmental Services for the City of Smyrna.

Protecting Smyrna’s Pollinators

Pollinator Pockets is a community-driven environmental program that supports native pollinators by creating small, sustainable gardens throughout the city. The first garden, located at the Smyrna Recycling Center, is thriving and will be formally introduced during a grand opening on June 16. This grant will fund a second garden in Ward 7, advancing the goal of placing a pollinator pocket in every ward of the city. Each garden is pesticide-free, 100–200 square feet, and made up of at least 75% native plants. The program also includes educational outreach, resident resource guides, and a plan to create a large demonstration garden to be built in a public park. Our ultimate goal is to create a pollinator corridor through Smyrna while uniting residents around a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Investing in the Future

“When we invest in the environment, we invest in the well-being of communities,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of the Webb family, our affiliates can continue creating cleaner, greener, more vibrant spaces across Georgia.”

The post KSB Receives Grant for Pollinator Pockets appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

Award Recipients and Honors:

• Clean Community Champion Award – Keep Smyrna Beautiful
  This award honors organizations that lead the charge in changing community attitudes and behaviors about litter. KSB earned recognition for its impactful cleanup events, educational workshops, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing litter.

• Waste Reduction Warrior Award – City of Smyrna Recycling Center
  Presented to groups making significant progress in reducing waste, this award highlights the Recycling Center’s efforts in promoting sustainable practices and making recycling accessible for community members.

• Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award – Eric Dennis
  Named after Georgia’s first affiliate leader, this award celebrates a passionate volunteer who has made a lasting impact. KGBF honored Eric Dennis for his extraordinary dedication and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We’re honored to have Smyrna recognized by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation,” said Julie Barwig, Executive Director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and Environmental Services Director for the City of Smyrna. “The Clean Community Champion Award highlights our team’s commitment to reducing litter through education and action. The Waste Reduction Warrior Award celebrates the incredible work of our Recycling Center in promoting sustainability and providing effective and accessible recycling services. And we are especially thrilled to celebrate Eric Dennis, whose unwavering volunteer spirit and commitment to Smyrna’s tree canopy embodies the very heart of the Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Recognizing Environmental Excellence

Each year, KGBF celebrates individuals, groups, and organizations across Georgia that demonstrate environmental excellence in litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community beautification. This year, a committee of representatives from multiple environmental agencies selected nine honorees across multiple categories through a nomination and review process.

“It’s always inspiring to celebrate the people and programs making a real difference in protecting Georgia’s environment,” added Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director of KGBF. “This year’s honorees truly embody the mission of building a more beautiful Georgia.”

These awards underscore the strong partnership between Keep Smyrna Beautiful, the City of Smyrna, and its engaged residents—working together to keep Smyrna clean, green, and beautiful.

The post Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Honors Smyrna for Environmental Excellence appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

Guests also enjoyed the Tea Room and Plant Sale at the Reed House. The stop was enhanced by live music from local musicians and an onsite artist in the garden. It was the perfect gathering place to dry off, grab refreshments, and shop under the influence of the tour’s inspirational gardens.

KSB offers a special thank you to the event sponsors and the homeowners who opened up their gardens to the public. Proceeds from the Garden Tour help fund Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s work to end littering, promote recycling, reduce waste, and beautify our city. Every ticket sold helps make Smyrna a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place to call home.

Photos by Phillip Hannaford and KSB staff

The post Smyrna Garden Tour Shines through the Rain appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

Consistent with past years, this year’s gardens offer a mix of size, style, and personality. Visitors will explore everything from a cozy space packed with hidden treasures to a serene streamside sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Other highlights include blue-accented courtyards and a thoughtfully designed walking path that invites guests to explore.

“We have another amazing collection of gardens this year,” says Keep Smyrna Beautiful Board Chair Phyllis Owens. “Visitors will not only get some great gardening ideas, they can also feel good knowing that their ticket purchase goes back into the community.”

Proceeds from the Smyrna Garden Tour support litter cleanups, environmental education, community events, and more. As Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s largest annual fundraiser, this event plays a vital role in sustaining local beautification efforts.

Enjoy Refreshments, Music & Art

During the tour, ticketholders are invited to stop by the Tea Room at the Reed House (3080 Atlanta Rd SE) to enjoy complimentary refreshments.

While there, they can enjoy music from local musicians including Reid Stevens (@33andOneThirdRecords), Todd DeFeo (@ToddDeFeo), Kerian Thomas (@KerianThomas), Jocelyn Steward (@MusicStudioLC), Students of Holly Tate (@aCupOfRainbows), and digital music of local performers including Sonya Shell.

In the morning, visual artist Siri Gulledge (@sirigegart) will create art inspired by her surroundings in the Reed House garden.

Shop for Plants

Guests at the Reed House can also browse a public plant sale, featuring a variety of perennials and annuals for sale, including a selection of native plants.

Tickets & Availability

• Advance Tickets: $20
• Day-of Tickets: $25
• Where to Buy:
  • Online at Eventbrite.com
  • In-person at Smyrna Recycling Center and Vickery Hardware

For sneak peeks and updates, follow Keep Smyrna Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by nature, support a great cause, and experience the beauty of Smyrna’s gardens!

The post Smyrna Garden Tour Returns on May 3 appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

We checked in with last year’s scholarship recipients, Emma Daxe and Hannah Hoeh, to see where their first year of college has taken them.

Emma Daxe: Future Sustainable Marketer

While 2024 scholarship recipient Emma Daxe initially pursued landscape architecture at UGA, she has since shifted her focus to marketing—without losing sight of her passion for sustainability.

“My goal is to work with small, environmentally focused companies,” she says. “Our planet is facing significant challenges, often due to a lack of awareness about what keeps our environment healthy and what harms it.”

Her advice to future applicants?

“To anyone considering applying for the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Environmental Studies Scholarship, I would strongly encourage you to go for it. Even if you’re still figuring out your career path, passion and commitment to sustainability are what truly matter.”

Hannah Hoeh: Future Horticulturalist

For Hannah Hoeh, another 2024 recipient, hands-on work with plants led her to switch her major from environmental resource science to horticulture at UGA. Her dedication has already earned her recognition—this past fall, she was named a Presidential Scholar for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

“Learning to care for and protect the environment is so important, so that we can have a healthy environment now and in the future,” she says.

Her advice for students considering applying?

“Just do it! Everything is an opportunity, and you never know if you will get to realize that opportunity until you apply.”

How to Apply

To be eligible, applicants must be a Smyrna resident or currently enrolled at Campbell High School or Whitefield Academy. Full details are available on the School Partnership page of our website.

Applications are due by March 2, 2025. Learn more and apply.

The post KSB Environmental Scholarship Deadline: March 2 appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.

To qualify for the Governor’s Circle Award, affiliates must be certified and in good standing with Keep America Beautiful (KAB), the national nonprofit that oversees state and local programming. Additionally, the affiliate must be an active member of the KGBF network. Certified KAB affiliates are required to effect meaningful, positive, and lasting change by directly addressing community needs in the areas of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, and beautification.

“We’re committed to creating clean, green, and beautiful communities across Georgia,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “This year’s award recipients have gone above and beyond to make that vision a reality, and we’re proud to celebrate their incredible efforts.”

In 2024, more than 2,000 Keep Smyrna Beautiful volunteers picked up 31,078 pounds of litter from Smyrna roadways, diverted 37,020 pounds of paper from landfills through community events, and established the city’s first Pollinator Pocket garden, among many other accomplishments. Also in 2024, KSB reached 2,467 people with in-person education, awarded $5,000 in beautification grants to six Smyrna schools, and supported the Smyrna Recycling Center in processing more than 1.2 million pounds of material.

“Keep Smyrna Beautiful is honored to receive this award on behalf of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who make our mission possible,” said Julie Barwig, executive director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and director of environmental services for the City of Smyrna. “We take immense pride in being part of a community where residents are deeply committed to protecting our environment—whether through cleaning up litter, building pollinator habitats, or educating the public.”

Pictured left to right: Christopher Nunn, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Julie Barwig, Executive Director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and Director of Environmental Services for the City of Smyrna; and Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation at the Georgia State Capitol on February 6, 2025.

The post Keep Smyrna Beautiful Receives Governor’s Circle Recognition appeared first on Keep Smyrna Beautiful.