Local Edition
Spalding County, Georgia
Local Edition
Spalding County, Georgia
Local Edition
Spalding County, Georgia
Local Edition
Spalding County, Georgia
Spalding County Local News
Griffin Grapevine
October 19, 2026
In partnership with
Good morning, Spalding County!
Saturday’s cold front certainly knew how to make an entrance. Judging by the limbs scattered across my yard, it apparently decided a polite breeze wouldn’t get our attention. I haven’t conducted an official weather analysis, but my cleanup pile suggests it gave the hurricane earlier this month some competition.
By last night, the chill had made its way indoors, and I finally performed one of fall’s great household rituals: switching the thermostat from AC to heat.
First comes that familiar smell of a furnace waking up after months off the clock. Then comes a brief, very attentive silence while you listen for reassuring noises and try to remember the last time you changed the filter. And finally, the question every homeowner knows: Are we about to get comfortable, or are we about to get acquainted with an expensive repair bill?
Thankfully, the heat kicked on, the house warmed up, and nobody had to make an emergency phone call. I slept cozily and woke up grateful for a working furnace.
- Chad
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Five local veterans received a lasting expression of gratitude on October 10, when volunteers from the Coweta County chapter of Quilts of Valor presented them with handmade quilts. The recipients were Air Force veterans Terrance Bruce Brantley and Emily Jean Braxton, and Army veterans Richard Lee Gould, Richard Lee Shields and Chaplain Joseph Wesley Smith. Griffin’s Barnett-Harris American Legion Post 15 helped coordinate their recognition. The ceremony connects Griffin to a national volunteer effort that began in 2003. Founder Catherine Roberts started Quilts of Valor while her son was serving in Iraq, envisioning quilts as a source of comfort for service members and veterans affected by war. Volunteers continue that work one quilt at a time, pairing practical warmth with a personal acknowledgment of service and sacrifice.
Spalding County’s new Leisure Services director brings experience managing recreation centers, pools and community programming across metro Atlanta. Steven D. Maxwell joins the county after leading recreation services in Decatur. His background also includes leadership roles in South Fulton and Clayton County, giving him experience with the everyday operations behind public recreation. Maxwell earned a bachelor’s degree in recreational leadership from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Public Administration from Troy University. He also completed the National Recreation and Park Association’s Director School. The job reaches well beyond the playing field. Spalding’s Leisure Services department oversees youth and adult athletics, senior and nutrition services, community centers, camps and special events. Maxwell’s responsibilities include guiding those programs, supporting staff and using resident feedback to help shape services.
Job seekers can explore six routes into local school employment when Griffin-Spalding County Schools hosts a recruitment fair Wednesday, October 21. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Georgia Department of Labor’s Griffin Career Center, 1514 Highway 16 West. The district is recruiting teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, and workers in maintenance, transportation and nutrition. Beyond the fair, the district’s human resources office lists opportunities for groundskeepers, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, custodians and a warehouse manager. Those openings expand the range of jobs available outside the classroom. Registration is available through the district’s careers page or the QR code on its recruitment flyer. The district also provides application guidance covering account creation, vacancy searches and submitting an application, giving newcomers a way to prepare before attending.
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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Spalding County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Monday, October 19, 3:00 PM
What: Commissioners will discuss the 2026 tax levy and county and fire district millage rates, parks maintenance, a proposed four-way stop at North Walkers Mill Road and High Falls Road, abandonment of part of the Camden Road right-of-way, and updates to the county’s capital improvements and community work program.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Spalding County Board of Commissioners Extraordinary Session
When: Monday, October 19, 6:00 PM
What: The agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed 14.773-mill county property tax rate, consideration of the 2026 tax levy and county, fire district and school millage rates, the proposed four-way stop at North Walkers Mill Road and High Falls Road, and county planning updates. Residents wishing to speak during citizen comments must sign up before the meeting.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Griffin Planning and Zoning Board Meeting
When: Monday, October 19, 6:00 PM
What: The board will hold public hearings and consider a special use permit for a place of assembly at 315 North 3rd Street, along with variances from the two-acre minimum lot size and street classification requirements. The agenda also includes approval of the September 21 meeting minutes.
Where: One Griffin Center, W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Spalding County Water Authority Regular Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 21, 8:30 AM
What: The authority will consider a letter supporting Griffin’s fiscal 2027 Employment Incentive Program application and a master services agreement and task order for on-call services with Jacobs. The agenda also includes management and committee reports, citizen comments, and an executive session concerning real estate.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Griffin Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting
When: Thursday, October 22, 5:00 PM
What: The board oversees the Housing Authority’s housing programs, policies and long-term plans. Its published schedule calls for an open public meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month unless otherwise announced. An October agenda was not posted when checked; this listing follows that standing schedule.
Where: Griffin Housing Authority, 327 South 9th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Monday, October 19 through Thursday, October 22, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
What: Take a fall stroll through the UGA Research and Education Garden to see handmade scarecrows created by local businesses, schools, families, and community groups. The seasonal display continues through October 30 during weekday garden hours. Free and open to the public.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223
Griffin-Spalding Mentor Training
When: Monday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Mentor Program holds an in-person training session for new mentors. Residents interested in becoming mentors must pre-register through the event page before attending.
Where: 223 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Truett’s Grill Time Capsule Opening Ceremony
When: Monday, October 19, 11:00 AM
What: Truett’s Grill-Griffin continues its anniversary celebration by opening the restaurant’s time capsule during a special ceremony. Guests can also enjoy surprises throughout the day while supplies last.
Where: Truett’s Grill-Griffin, 1455 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
Downtown Council Meeting
When: Monday, October 19, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The Griffin Downtown Council holds its monthly meeting at Historic City Hall. The council meets at noon on the third Monday of each month.
Where: Historic City Hall, 201 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Scholarship and College Essay Prep
When: Monday, October 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: The UGA Extension Office helps high school students prepare for college with tips on writing college essays and scholarship applications. Registration is required. Call the library at 770-412-4770 to reserve a spot.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Chess Club for Kids and Adults
When: Monday, October 19, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Kids and adults can join the library’s weekly Monday evening chess club. The session appears on the library’s all-ages calendar.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Tape Town for Toddlers
When: Tuesday, October 20, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
What: Children ages 2 to 4 can drive toy cars through a pretend town built with masking-tape roads, parking spaces, and stops such as a library, post office, park, and car wash. The hands-on play encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and storytelling. No registration is required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Spalding Sheriff’s Office Prayer Luncheon
When: Tuesday, October 20, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The Spalding Sheriff’s Office hosts its community prayer luncheon at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Meals cost $5. RSVP by noon Monday, October 19, to Julie Shorb at jshorb@spaldingcounty.com or 770-467-5463, and indicate whether you would like the day’s entree plate or a salad.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Knit/Crochet Club
When: Tuesday, October 20, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Adults and teens are invited to learn, teach, or meet other knitters and crocheters at the library. Bring your own project, materials, and tools. No registration is needed.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Business After Hours
When: Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber hosts an evening of casual networking at the Bailey-Tebault House. Connect with Chamber members and local professionals over light refreshments, with door prizes and opportunities to make new business contacts. Bring your business cards.
Where: Bailey-Tebault House, 633 Meriwether Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Between the Covers Book Club
When: Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Plot Twist hosts its October Between the Covers Book Club discussion of Caught Up by Navessa Allen. This month’s selection is a dark romance novel, and copies are available for purchase at Myrtle’s.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Toddler Art at Stache Studio
When: Wednesday, October 21, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Children ages 18 months to 4 years can explore art through sensory play and a loosely guided lesson. Parents and caregivers can join in while the studio handles the cleanup. Tickets are $10 per child and are available through the event page.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Griffin-Spalding County Schools Recruitment Event
When: Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Griffin-Spalding County Schools holds a recruitment event at the Georgia Department of Labor in Griffin. Job seekers can find the registration link through the Chamber’s event page.
Where: Georgia Department of Labor, 1514 Georgia Highway 16, Griffin, GA 30223
Family Storytime at the Library
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
What: Families with children ages 2 to 5 can enjoy an interactive storytime with songs, fingerplays, stories, movement, activities, and crafts. Parents or caregivers participate with their children. No registration is required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Myrtle’s Book Club
When: Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Book Club gets into spooky season with a discussion of My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix. Copies of the October selection are available for purchase at the shop.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224
Open Hands Open Table Food Pantry
When: Thursday, October 22, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Faith United Methodist Church opens its Open Hands Open Table Food Pantry for neighbors who need extra help with food. The church welcomes everyone to the morning distribution.
Where: Faith United Methodist Church, 590 North 2nd Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Fall Vegetable Garden Workshop
When: Thursday, October 22, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
What: The UGA Center for Urban Agriculture shares research-based advice on selecting cool-season vegetables, planting dates, preparing beds, watering, nutrients, pest management, and extending the harvest. The $10 fee includes vegetable transplants to take home. Follow the event page’s registration link to sign up.
Where: UGA Griffin Research and Education Garden Building, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223
Family Storytime at the Library
When: Thursday, October 22, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
What: The library’s morning family storytime welcomes children ages 2 to 5 with their parents or caregivers. Expect stories, songs, fingerplays, movement, activities, and crafts. No registration is required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
D&D Club at the Library
When: Thursday, October 22, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: The library hosts an evening Dungeons & Dragons Club session. The event is listed on its adult calendar, and registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
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
70° 🌡️ 42° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 7 mph NE
76° 🌡️ 46° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 4 mph NE
77° 🌡️ 44° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 4 mph NE
77° 🌡️ 47° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 2 mph NNE
That’s all for today, neighbors.
Those fallen limbs might be calling your name, but so is another cup of coffee. Give yourself a few minutes to enjoy the cooler weather before getting to work.
Thanks for making the Griffin Grapevine part of your day. If you enjoyed this edition, pass it along to a friend or neighbor. There’s always room for another person at the table.
Stay warm, take care of each other, and we’ll see you back here soon!
