Before My Phone Dies

Good morning, Spalding County!

I have plenty of phone chargers. What I do not have is the right phone charger at the moment I need it.

There is always one nearby, of course. It is just six inches too short to reach the couch, twelve feet long and tangled around a table leg, or equipped with the wrong little piece at the end. One charges my work phone but not my personal phone. Another fits both phones but seems to deliver electricity at roughly the speed of a dripping faucet.

Then there is the charger everyone in the house claims not to have moved. It was beside the bed yesterday. Today it has vanished, leaving behind three cords that fit devices nobody remembers owning. Anyway, before my phones dies, here is what is going on in Spalding County this week.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Union Cemetery Chosen for 2026 Griffin Gives Back Project

Union Cemetery will serve as the focus of Griffin’s 2026 Griffin Gives Back community service project. The historic cemetery, located near Placid Road and Grandview Drive, is believed to contain at least 350 graves, including those of military veterans and church leaders. The city selected the site after earlier preservation work by St. George’s Episcopal School students Laine Thacker and Harrison Slye, who partnered with community advocate Tyrone Ward to bring more attention to the property. The first major workday is scheduled for Saturday, August 8. Volunteers will help remove underbrush and overgrown vines from the cemetery. The city plans to provide tools, gloves, dumpsters, restroom facilities, snacks, and water as restoration work begins.

SCTC Launches Fellowship for Future Nursing Instructors

Southern Crescent Technical College is accepting applications for a new three-year fellowship aimed at preparing experienced registered nurses to become nursing instructors. Four fellows will teach full time in SCTC’s practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs while completing master’s degrees in nursing education. One position will be based at the Griffin campus, with others assigned to Jackson, Thomaston, and Monticello. Selected nurses will receive a starting salary of $75,000, an annual education stipend, professional development funding, employee benefits, and guidance from experienced faculty members. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, maintain an active RN license, and have at least three years of recent professional nursing experience. Applications are due August 7, with the fellowship scheduled to begin October 5.

Marriott Courtyard Planned for Downtown Griffin

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel is planned for vacant land beside Historic City Hall on East Solomon Street, with construction expected to begin in early 2027. The project follows several years of discussions between Marriott representatives, local development officials, and potential developers. The hotel is expected to anchor a broader mixed-use area that includes the Parc at Solomon, an apartment and retail development now under construction at East Solomon and Fifth streets. Site plans have already been submitted to the city for review, and the developer is working through comments and Marriott’s approval process. The downtown location was selected in part because it places hotel guests within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and other businesses in the city center.

CIVIL NEWS

Monday is the busiest day on the local government calendar, with the Spalding County Board of Commissioners meeting twice in Room 108 of the Spalding County Annex Building, 119 E. Solomon Street. The board begins with a work session at 3:00 PM. Commissioners are scheduled to discuss proposed rules for boarded and blighted properties, resurfacing the Fire Station 7 parking lot, reconstruction work at 117 E. Solomon Street, the county’s capital improvement plan, and a proposed moratorium on accepting rezoning and special-exception applications. The agenda also includes discussion of a resolution and referendum involving the Marshal’s Office. Work sessions are where commissioners examine these matters in detail before taking formal action.

The commissioners return at 6:00 PM for their regular meeting at the same location. The formal agenda includes the first reading of the Board Up and Blight Ordinance, the second reading of a stormwater utility ordinance, a public hearing on the county’s 2026 capital improvement program, and consideration of the temporary rezoning moratorium. Commissioners will also consider a resolution asking voters to decide whether Spalding County should create a county police force.

Wednesday brings the week’s other confirmed meeting. The Spalding County Water Authority Planning Committee meets at 9:00 AM in the SCWA Conference Room, Room 101, at 119 E. Solomon Street. The agenda includes the Cabin Creek WRF plant expansion, the South McDonough Road and Highway 16 lift station, sewer customer billing and sewer delegation. This meeting is particularly relevant for residents following sewer capacity, utility infrastructure and future growth in unincorporated Spalding County.

Tuesday and Thursday otherwise appear quiet.

DUMP SCHEDULE

Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm

Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm

Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)

Sunday & Wednesday: Closed

Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.

All centers closed on county holidays.

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Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

MONDAY

Chess Club for Kids and Adults
When: Monday, August 3, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Children and adults can gather at the library for an evening of casual chess. The weekly club offers beginners a place to learn and gives more experienced players a chance to meet new opponents, making it a useful indoor activity for families and individual players alike.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

TUESDAY

Knit and Crochet Club
When: Tuesday, August 4, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Local knitters and crocheters can bring a current project to the library for an informal afternoon of crafting and conversation. The gathering is a relaxed opportunity to work alongside other yarn enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and make progress on something that may have been sitting unfinished at home.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Ribbon Cutting for Birch + Vine Boutique
When: Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce is welcoming Birch + Vine Boutique with a public ribbon cutting. Visitors can meet the team and look around the locally owned shop, which carries clothing, accessories, gifts, and other boutique items.
Where: Birch + Vine Boutique, 208 W Broad Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Music Bingo at Nic McKay’s Irish Pub
When: Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Nic McKay’s weekly Music Bingo night combines familiar songs with six rounds of bingo covering several decades, country music, and sing-along favorites. It is free to play, with pub gift cards offered as prizes, making it an easy midweek option for friends looking for food, drinks, music, and a little competition.
Where: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub, 133 S Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

WEDNESDAY

Small Business Development Center Consultations
When: Wednesday, August 5, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Current and prospective business owners can schedule an individual consultation with the Small Business Development Center. The sessions provide an opportunity to discuss starting, operating, or expanding a business with an experienced adviser. Advance appointments are required through the event registration page.
Where: Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, 143 N Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SABA August Meeting
When: Wednesday, August 5, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The South Atlanta Business Association’s monthly gathering brings local professionals together for lunch, networking, and a guest presentation. The meeting is intended for business and community leaders interested in making local connections and picking up practical ideas they can use in their work. Registration is available through the Chamber listing.
Where: Conner-Westbury Family Life Building, 1891 W McIntosh Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Family Storytime at the Library
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
What: Parents and caregivers can bring young children to the library for an afternoon storytime centered on books and early literacy. It is a short, easy indoor outing that gives children a chance to enjoy stories alongside other local families. Registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

THURSDAY

Family Storytime at the Library
When: Thursday, August 6, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
What: The library is offering a second family storytime Thursday morning for children, parents, and caregivers. The program provides a simple way to introduce younger children to books and the library while giving families an activity that fits comfortably into the morning. Registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Ribbon Cutting for Patrona Mexican Restaurant & Bar
When: Thursday, August 6, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: The Chamber is hosting a public ribbon cutting for Patrona Mexican Restaurant & Bar. Residents can meet the restaurant’s team, see the new Griffin location, and help welcome another locally operated dining option to the community.
Where: Patrona Mexican Restaurant & Bar, 4290 Newnan Road, Suite B, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

Flint River Astronomy Club Meeting
When: Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The Flint River Astronomy Club will gather for its monthly meeting at the UGA Research and Education Garden. Experienced stargazers and curious beginners are invited to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts, discuss upcoming celestial events and learn more about exploring the night sky. The evening will include club updates, an open question-and-answer session and planning for the group’s next stargazing event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and curiosity about astronomy.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
When: Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM
What: Bobby Miller brings a full Michael Jackson tribute show to the Griffin Opera House with a performance built around the music, dancing and stage presence of the King of Pop. The production recreates the feel of Michael Jackson’s live concerts and features familiar hits from throughout his career. It is designed for longtime fans as well as anyone who never had the chance to see Michael Jackson perform in person. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

12th Annual Doc Holliday Festival
When: Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: The Doc Holliday Festival returns to Griffin City Park for a free day of barbecue, history and family entertainment. The festival will feature more than 30 professional teams competing in a Georgia Barbecue Association competition, along with a People’s Choice tasting where visitors can sample barbecue and vote for their favorite. Spurred West will perform three reenactments of the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral while sharing the story of Griffin native John Henry “Doc” Holliday. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the Spalding Collaborative for Families and Children.
Where: Griffin City Park, 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224

WEATHER

MONDAY

83° 🌡️ 67° | ⛈️ | 30% | SW 5 mph

TUESDAY

84° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 70% | SW 5 mph

WEDNESDAY

87° 🌡️ 68° | 🌤️ | 30% | Light/calm

THURSDAY

89° 🌡️ 71° | ⛈️ | 40% | Light/calm

THANKS!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with the Griffin Grapevine today.

Hopefully this issue helped you find something worth knowing, somewhere worth going, or at least reminded you about something before the week got away from you.

As always, if you hear about a new business, community event, school update, or anything else happening around Griffin and Spalding County, reply to this email and send it my way. Some of the best leads come from readers who simply notice what is happening around them.

And if you enjoyed today’s issue, forward it to someone who you know will enjoy it too.

Have a great week!

P.S. Local businesses interested in advertising to Spalding County readers can reply to this email or contact me at griffin@welldiem.com.