Don't Put The Shorts Away

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Good morning, Spalding County!

I sure am grateful that this weekend’s tropical storm mostly amounted to a whole lot of rain at my house. The lights flickered briefly one night, but the power stayed on. When a tropical storm is in the forecast, an uneventful evening is a pretty good outcome.

Now the rain has moved out, and apparently summer isn’t quite finished with us. Afternoon highs are expected to climb from the mid-80s into the upper 80s by Friday. I thought we had finally retired that part of the forecast, but Georgia likes to make sure we don’t put the shorts away too soon.

Enjoy those cooler mornings while we have them. The air conditioning still has a plenty of work to do.

- Chad

Silver Is Up 402% Since 2020. Gold, 186%

Silver has more than doubled gold's return since March 2020, even after a 53% correction from its January peak.

Our research team sees a familiar pattern. Silver's returns more than doubled gold's from 1974 to 1987. After the financial crisis, silver beat gold five-fold in three years.

The reason is size. In 2025, investors put about $15.6 billion into physical silver and silver ETFs, against $111.2 billion for gold. Small inflows move silver hard.

Silver is also in its sixth straight annual supply deficit. The Ultimate Silver Playbook explains what the team expects next. It's free.

Send Me the Playbook

THE DIGEST

Spalding Works Opens Doors for Nearly 800 Students

Nearly 800 Spalding County students got a closer look at life after graduation during the first Spalding Works career exploration event October 8–9. Held at Griffin Region College and Career Academy, the two-day program brought eighth- and ninth-graders together with 38 businesses for hands-on activities and a look inside the academy. Sponsored by Wellstar, the event connected students with local employers while introducing the education pathways that can lead to those careers. The timing was intentional: eighth-graders are preparing to choose high school pathways, while ninth-graders are beginning to discover where their interests might take them. The academy, Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, and Three Rivers Regional Commission partnered on the program, giving students an early opportunity to see the range of careers connected to their own community.

Griffin Robotics Firm Builds a Classroom Connection

Griffin’s Approach Automation is working with local engineering and computer science teachers through a new partnership involving Griffin and Spalding high schools. The company specializes in technology that handles practical jobs, including moving materials, automating storage, cleaning commercial spaces, and tracking warehouse activity. Those applications offer useful examples of how programming and engineering solve everyday business problems, from getting a pallet across a facility to keeping better records of inventory. Working with an industry partner can help teachers connect technical lessons with the equipment and challenges students may encounter in future careers. It also gives those careers a local address. For students exploring engineering or computer science, the collaboration offers a connection to a technology business operating right here in Griffin.

Jaguars Earn a Shutout as Bears Fall on the Road

Spalding and Griffin came home with different results Friday, October 9, as both teams continued region play on the road. The Jaguars shut out Upson-Lee 22–0 in Thomaston, ending a three-game losing streak and earning their first region victory of the season. Spalding improved to 4–3 overall and 1–3 in the region, with the defense keeping the Knights off the scoreboard throughout the game. Griffin fell 27–3 at Starr’s Mill, dropping to 5–2 overall and 2–1 in region play. The loss was the Bears’ first against a region opponent this season and gave the Panthers their first victory of the year. Both teams return October 23. Spalding travels to Westside in Macon, while Griffin hosts Harris County.

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.

Griffin Grapevine Organic Sweatshirt

Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together. Now you can wear that spirit into the cooler months. This organic sweatshirt features a simple Griffin Grapevine logo, a relaxed fit, and comfortable midweight fabric. Pull it on for crisp mornings, Friday night football, or a weekend around town. It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while representing the community you call home.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine sweatshirt and wear your hometown pride.

CIVIL NEWS

Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority Meeting
When: Monday, October 12, 5:00 PM
What: The authority will receive an update on the replacement regional airport construction project, review the draft five-year capital improvement plan, and consider September expenditures and airport operations data.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Orchard Hill City Council Meeting
When: Monday, October 12, 6:00 PM (regular schedule; confirm with City Hall)
What: The council handles local city business at its regular second-Monday meeting. No date-specific agenda was available. Because October 12 is Columbus Day, call City Hall at (770) 228-3411 to confirm before attending.
Where: Orchard Hill City Hall, 2972 Macon Road, Orchard Hill, GA 30224

Griffin Downtown Development Authority Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 13, 8:15 AM
What: The authority will review September finances, East Broad Street redevelopment proposals and marketing materials, facade grant applications, business assistance grants, and progress on the downtown hotel project.
Where: One Griffin Center, second-floor courtroom, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Urban Redevelopment Agency Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 13, 9:30 AM
What: The agency will discuss and consider grant writing assistance for an EPA brownfield grant application, receive leadership reports, and review minutes from its December 2025 meeting.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

City of Griffin Board of Commissioners Meeting (4:00 PM)
When: Tuesday, October 13, 4:00 PM
What: Commissioners will consider entering executive session for property negotiations, legal matters and personnel issues. The executive-session portion is closed to the public.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

City of Griffin Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 PM
What: Public hearings cover rezoning at 113 North 16th Street and 1016 Everee Inn Road, a boarding-facility special use permit, and the proposed 5.609-mill property tax rate. Commissioners will also consider city contracts, parking deck stair repairs, transit funding and interim city manager appointments.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Spalding County Board of Assessors Regular Meeting
When: Thursday, October 15, 9:00 AM
What: The board will consider disabled veteran homestead exemptions, tax-exempt status for properties under agreements with the Griffin Housing Authority, and late homestead applications. Staff will report on appeals, conservation-use expiration notices and training.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

MONDAY

Rifle Sight-In Day at Griffin Gun Club
When: Rescheduled to Monday, October 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Griffin Gun Club is hosting a free Rifle Sight-In Day to help local hunters prepare for the upcoming season. Whether you’re checking a new setup, making a final adjustment, or looking for extra confidence before heading to the woods, the club offers a safe and welcoming place to get ready. Free and open to the public. Register through the linked form. This event was initially scheduled for Saturday, but rescheduled due to Hurricane Isaias.
Where: Griffin Gun Club, 550 Amelia Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Monday–Thursday, October 12–15, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Take a fall stroll through the UGA Research and Education Garden, where local businesses, schools, families, and community groups have created a collection of handmade scarecrows. The seasonal display is free and open during weekday garden hours through October 30.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

TUESDAY

Library Book Club at Myrtle’s Plot Twist
When: Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding County Library’s book club gathers at Myrtle’s Plot Twist to discuss Kin by Tayari Jones. Bring your thoughts on the October selection and settle in for an evening of conversation with fellow readers at the downtown bookstore.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

WEDNESDAY

Spalding Collaborative Partner to Partner Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 14, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Spalding Collaborative hosts its October Partner to Partner meeting online. The gathering is organized by the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families and Children. Advance registration is required through the linked event page.
Where: Online via Zoom; register through the event page

Toddler Art at Stache Studio
When: Wednesday, October 14, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Little artists ages 18 months to 4 years can scoop, dig, explore a sensory box, and experiment with art materials during this playful class. Parents and caregivers can join in while the studio handles cleanup. Tickets are $10 per child and available through the event page.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Business Networking Lunch
When: Wednesday, October 14, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce gathers at Uncle Bobby’s for a casual networking lunch. Take a break from the workday, enjoy lunch, and meet other people in the local business community in a relaxed setting.
Where: Uncle Bobby’s, 1618 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Poetry Night at Myrtle’s Plot Twist
When: Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Plot Twist hosts an evening of poetry and storytelling, with guests invited to share original work or a favorite piece. Come ready to read, or simply settle in and listen as local voices fill the downtown bookstore.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

THURSDAY

Drop-In Art at Stache Studio
When: Thursday, October 15, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What: Choose a pottery, canvas, wood, or clay project and create at your own pace, with instructors nearby to help. Thursday drop-in hours include clay handbuilding, and all ages are welcome. No appointment is needed; project prices vary, and kiln-fired pieces require a later pickup.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Spalding County Leisure Services Homecoming Parade
When: Thursday, October 15, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
What: Spalding County Leisure Services invites the community downtown for its homecoming parade. Bring the family to enjoy the procession and celebrate along the downtown parade route. The organizer lists Broad Street’s Annex parking lot as the event location.
Where: Downtown Griffin parade route, Broad Street at the Annex parking lot, Griffin, GA 30223

CelloVoci at Griffin Auditorium
When: Thursday, October 15, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM
What: The Griffin Area Concert Association presents CelloVoci, featuring Branden & James alongside singer and songwriter Effie Passero. The trio blends cello and powerful vocals across classical and contemporary favorites, including The Prayer and Hotel California. Seating is open, with no reserved seats.
Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute (Friday Show)
When: Friday, October 23, 8:00 PM
What: On the Border brings its Eagles tribute show to the Griffin Opera House, performing favorites such as “Desperado,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “Heartache Tonight.” The band recreates the group’s sound with multiple lead vocalists, detailed guitar work, and six-part harmonies. Hosted by the Griffin Opera House and Classic Kingdom Entertainment LLC. Tickets are available through the event page.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

WEATHER

MONDAY

84° 🌡️ 57° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 8 mph NW

TUESDAY

85° 🌡️ 56° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 5 mph N

WEDNESDAY

87° 🌡️ 61° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 4 mph NW

THURSDAY

86° 🌡️ 64° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 2 mph WSW

THANKS!

Thanks for spending part of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine.

After a soggy weekend, I hope this week gives you a chance to get outside, catch up with a neighbor, and enjoy a little sunshine. We may have to wait a bit longer for sweatshirt weather, but I’m happy to give the umbrella a few days off.

If something in today’s issue made you think of a friend, send it their way. And if you hear about a new business, a community project, or someone doing good around Spalding County, I’d love to know about it. Your tips help keep the Grapevine connected to what’s happening here.

Have a good week!