If Your Phone Disappeared

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Good morning, Spalding County!

If your phone disappeared right now, how many people could you actually call from memory?

There was a time when remembering phone numbers was just part of having friends. You knew which house to call, how to get there, and whose parent would probably answer. Now someone asks for your own number and you occasionally need a second.

We have handed our phones quite a few responsibilities. They remember birthdays, get us to restaurants, and keep track of appointments we confidently agreed to twelve minutes ago. I appreciate the help, although I do wonder what my brain is doing with all that newly available space. Apparently, storing commercial jingles from twenty years ago.

Here is a little challenge over your coffee: try remembering your childhood phone number. Then try remembering the password you created last week.

Funny what sticks.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Griffin and Spalding Will Gather to Remember 9/11

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Griffin and Spalding County residents are invited to pause together in remembrance. The city and county will hold a joint ceremony Friday, September 11, at 8:30 a.m. on the courthouse steps in Griffin. The gathering will honor those who lost their lives, recognize the people who responded and served, and reflect on the attacks’ lasting impact. For residents who remember that morning, the anniversary offers a shared moment of reflection. For younger generations, it provides an opportunity to connect with history through community remembrance. Organizers have invited the public to attend as Griffin and Spalding mark the milestone together.

A $1 Million Boost for Southern Rushton Mill’s Water System

Griffin has secured $1 million to help fund the next phase of water improvements in the Southern Rushton Mill neighborhood. The Community Development Block Grant will support Phase II of the project, which is expected to benefit 110 residents. All residents identified as beneficiaries fall within the program’s low-to-moderate-income category. The award summary estimates the full project at approximately $1.67 million, with about $665,000 coming from matching funds and other contributions. That means the grant will cover roughly 60% of the anticipated cost. For the neighborhood, the award supplies a substantial share of the funding needed for planned water infrastructure improvements.

School Officer Agreements Renewed After Funding Debate

School resource officers will continue serving Griffin-Spalding County Schools and Griffin Christian School following two August 31 votes by Spalding County commissioners. Both agreements retain the existing funding arrangement: schools cover 70% of the cost, while the county pays 30%. Commissioners approved the public school contract unanimously, 4–0, and Griffin Christian’s agreement 3–1. The central disagreement concerned who should pay. Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor opposed the private school agreement and argued that both school systems should cover their officers’ full costs. Sheriff Darrell Dix explained that the deputies also serve the wider county during school breaks, answering calls, supporting patrol operations and staffing summer camps. That explanation helped secure continued support for the shared funding model, although Flowers-Taylor remained opposed to using county money for private school security.

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.

The Official Griffin Grapevine Hometown T-Shirt

Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together and now you can wear that spirit. This soft Comfort Colors tee features a richly illustrated tribute to Griffin, Georgia on the back, with irises, railroad tracks, peach, sweet tea, and classic Doc Holliday hat. Wear it around town, to community events, or anywhere you want to represent the people and stories that keep Griffin connected.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

FRIDAY

Griffin-Spalding 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
When: Friday, September 11, 8:30 AM
What: Spalding County and the City of Griffin will hold a joint ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Residents are invited to remember those who died, recognize the responders who served, and reflect on the attacks’ lasting impact.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse steps, 132 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Farmers Market
When: Friday, September 11, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County hosts its weekly farmers market at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Shoppers can browse produce, honey, boiled peanuts, and other offerings while supporting local vendors.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Try It Out Pottery Wheel Lesson
When: Friday, September 11, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM or 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
What: Learn to form a basic bowl or vessel on the pottery wheel with an instructor, then practice during the remainder of the hour. Reservations are required. Lessons cost $45, with an additional $12 for each piece participants choose to keep, fire, and return to glaze.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Doc Holliday Pizza Cook-Off
When: Friday, September 11, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: The Doc Holliday Festival and Pizza Cook-Off Association host a sanctioned competition with cash prizes and an opportunity to qualify for the association’s national championship. The schedule begins with a cooks’ meeting at 5:30 PM and ends with awards at 8:30 PM. Competitor entry is listed at $150 after September 5, subject to availability.
Where: Griffin City Park, 600 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224

Clay Pumpkin Class
When: Friday, September 11, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Make a pumpkin-shaped container with a lid while learning basic clay-building techniques. The $34 workshop includes clay, tools, instruction, firing, and a return visit to paint or glaze the project. Recommended for ages 7 and older. Reserve a spot through the studio’s event page.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

SATURDAY

Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Competition
When: Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Griffin’s annual festival combines local history, Old West entertainment, and competitive barbecue. Spurred West will perform three reenactment shows, while professional barbecue teams compete in the park. Visitors can purchase People’s Choice barbecue samplers and vote for their favorite team. Festival admission is free, and a portion of event profits supports the Spalding Collaborative for Families and Children.
Where: Griffin City Park, 601 Camp Northen Road, Griffin, GA 30224

Hard To Kill Showcase Event: Keith Douglas Lee
When: Saturday, September 12, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: Myrtle’s Plot Twist hosts a “Hard To Kill” showcase featuring Keith Douglas Lee. The bookstore’s event listing confirms the afternoon schedule and location but does not provide additional program or admission details.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

2nd Saturday Concert Featuring the Duncan Brothers
When: Saturday, September 12, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Finish downtown’s western-themed Second Saturday with a live performance by the Duncan Brothers. The outdoor concert is part of Griffin’s monthly community event series. Free and family-friendly.
Where: Park at Sixth, 204 Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Back N Black: The Ultimate AC/DC Experience
When: Saturday, September 12, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Back N Black returns to the Griffin Opera House with a tribute concert covering four decades of AC/DC music. The announced set includes favorites such as “Thunderstruck,” “Back in Black,” and “Highway to Hell,” accompanied by theatrical effects and stage antics. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SUNDAY

Sun City Civitan Club Foundation LIVE(ly) Auction
When: Sunday, September 13, auction preview 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM; evening refreshments begin at 7:00 PM
What: Preview 233 auction items, then return for an evening featuring the auction, a door prize, and a 50/50 raffle. The previously announced buffet has been canceled; complimentary desserts, coffee, and tea will be provided, with bar service available. Reserve your evening spot by noon Saturday by calling or texting Linda Ephgrave at 276-732-3943. The announcement does not specify the bidding start time.
Where: Sun City Peachtree Golf Club, 250 Del Webb Boulevard, Griffin, GA 30223, with the daytime preview in the Iris Room

UPCOMING

Moonlight and Magnolias
When: Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 27. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM.
What: Main Street Players opens its 2026-27 season with Moonlight and Magnolias, a fast-paced comedy set behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most famous films. Producer David O. Selznick has halted production of Gone With the Wind because he needs a new screenplay, so he pulls screenwriter Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming away from their own work and locks them in his office. For five frantic days, the trio survives on bananas and peanuts while racing to rewrite the script. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors 55 and older, and $15 for students. The production runs for two weekends at Main Street Players’ intimate downtown Black Box Theatre.
Where: Main Street Players Black Box Theatre, 115 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

WEATHER

FRIDAY

91° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈ | 40% | 💨 0–5 mph SW

SATURDAY

89° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈ | 80% | 💨 0–5 mph SW

SUNDAY

90° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈ | 30% | 💨 0–5 mph W

THANKS!

That is all for this edition of the Griffin Grapevine.

You might still remember your childhood phone number, but you shouldn’t have to memorize everything happening around Spalding County. That is what we are here for. Hopefully, today’s issue gave you something useful, something interesting, or a reason to get out and try somewhere new.

Have a story tip, an upcoming event, or a question you think we should look into? Just hit reply. I always enjoy hearing what is catching your attention.

And if someone came to mind while you were reading, forward this issue their way. A recommendation from a friend goes a long way toward helping the Grapevine grow.

Until next time, enjoy the weekend ahead.

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Spalding County readers can reply as well or email griffin@welldiem.com.