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Good morning, Spalding County!

Before we get into today’s news, I want to put something on the radar of the business owners reading along: I’d love to have more local businesses involved in the Griffin Grapevine.

This newsletter is about helping people feel more connected to Griffin, and our local businesses are a big part of that story. Sponsoring the Grapevine is one way to do that. Your support helps make the work behind each edition possible, while putting your business in front of people who have chosen to keep up with what’s happening here.

With October already here, it feels like a good time to start those conversations. Holiday shopping, seasonal specials, year-end events, and plans for 2027 are all coming into view. If you’re thinking about how to get the word out over the next few months, let’s talk.

You don’t need to have a whole campaign figured out. Just hit reply, tell me a little about your business, and let me know what you’d like more people around Griffin to know. We can talk through sponsorship options and see what makes sense for you.

Thanks for making the Grapevine part of your day!

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Crescent Elementary Earns Statewide Academic Honor

Crescent Elementary School has earned recognition as a 2026 Title I Reward School, placing it among Georgia’s leading Title I schools. The statewide distinction is reserved for schools ranked in the top 5% for overall academic performance. Griffin-Spalding County Schools announced the achievement on Sept. 28 and recognized the students, teachers, staff, school leaders and families who contributed to Crescent’s success. For the Crescent community, the award reflects a shared commitment to helping children learn and succeed. It also recognizes the work that happens across the school, from classroom instruction to the support students receive from their families and community. The district celebrated Crescent’s accomplishment as an example of what strong school and community partnerships can achieve.

Every Spalding 4-H Competitor Earns a State Showcase Ribbon

Spalding County’s young cooks brought home a ribbon for every local competitor at the State 4-H Food Showcase, held Sept. 19 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Spalding was the only participating county to accomplish that sweep. Sam Wesley won Turkey BBQ, while Buruk Ykeallo, Lily Kate Murray and Audrey Hanson took first in Egg Chef. All four earned Georgia 4-H’s highest distinction, master status, and qualified for the National Egg and Poultry Conference in Kentucky this November. Hanson and Ykeallo also joined Trinity Pitts Gray and Aman Shaik on the Senior Food Challenge team, which placed second and qualified for the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Pitts Gray added third place in Chicken BBQ. Dakota Jett, Corwin Character and Giana Character earned second as the Junior Food Challenge team.

Jennifer Freeman Steps Into Griffin’s Interim City Manager Role

Jennifer Freeman is leading Griffin’s daily operations after city commissioners unanimously appointed her interim city manager on Oct. 1. The appointment took effect immediately, two days after the board voted 4 to 3 to end Jessica O’Connor’s contract. A Griffin native, Freeman brings 30 years of city service to the role. She started in customer service in 1996, later worked in planning and development, and became electric department director in 2020. She was promoted to assistant city manager of utilities earlier this year. Freeman received the American Public Power Association’s Mark Crisson Leadership and Managerial Excellence Award in 2025. Kelsey Carden remains assistant city manager of development services. Commissioners plan to meet Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. to discuss whether to use a search firm to help find a permanent city manager.

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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CIVIL NEWS

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Monday, October 5, 3:00 PM
What: Commissioners will discuss constitutional officers’ pay, regional transit service, a water authority appointment, GED testing, road projects, SPLOST priorities and a lease for veterans’ housing.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 E. Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
When: Monday, October 5, 6:00 PM
What: Commissioners will consider approvals involving constitutional officers’ pay, regional transit, correctional facility GED testing, Tomochichi Access Road and SR 16 frontage projects, SPLOST funding priorities and veterans’ housing. Public comment is included.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 E. Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin-Spalding County Schools Property Tax Public Hearing
When: Tuesday, October 6, 3:30 PM
What: Residents can comment on the school system’s proposed property tax levy at a millage rate of 16.393 mills. The district’s notice reports a 3.35% tax increase compared with the rollback level.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County School System Boardroom, 216 S. 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education Work Session
When: Tuesday, October 6, 4:00 PM
What: The school board holds its scheduled work session to review district business. Board policy provides for public participation during work sessions.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County School System Boardroom, 216 S. 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM
What: The monthly meeting, rescheduled from October 13, includes approval of September meeting minutes, the elections director’s report, public comment and board member comments.
Where: Spalding County Courthouse Annex, Room 108, 119 E. Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin-Spalding Development Authority Board Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 8:00 AM
What: The authority supports economic development in Spalding County, including recruiting industry, helping existing businesses expand and creating job opportunities.
Where: Griffin-Spalding Development Authority, 109 E. Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Environmental Council Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 5:30 PM
What: The council advises city commissioners on policies that protect Griffin’s natural resources, including tree management and environmental stewardship.
Where: Griffin City Hall, 100 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Parks & Leisure Services Advisory Commission Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 6:00 PM
What: The commission will review parks projects, programs and grant updates, including Fairmont Vocational Heritage Park and Yamacraw Road improvements. It will also consider a rental policy recommendation for the Fairmont Event Center.
Where: Spalding County Senior Center Conference Room, 885 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

MONDAY

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Monday, October 5 through Thursday, October 8, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
What: Take a fall stroll through the UGA Research and Education Garden and enjoy creative scarecrows made by local businesses, schools, families, and community organizations. The annual display offers an easy outdoor outing for families and anyone looking for a little seasonal inspiration. Free and open to the public. The display continues through October 30.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

TUESDAY

Griffin Choral Arts: Sing for Joy
When: Tuesday, October 6, 7:30 PM
What: Griffin Choral Arts opens its 20th anniversary season with a concert celebrating the joy of singing together. The program features music in a variety of styles, including selections by Handel and Moses Hogan and Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla. A local evening out for music lovers and anyone who enjoys a live choral performance. Tickets are available through the organization’s website.
Where: Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive, Griffin, GA 30224

WEDNESDAY

SBDC Small Business Development Center Business Consultations
When: Wednesday, October 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: The UGA Small Business Development Center at Clayton State University is offering confidential, no-cost business consultations at the Chamber. Eligible businesses can receive guidance on planning, marketing, management, operations, and growth. Consultations serve established businesses and startups with economic growth potential. Schedule an appointment through the event listing.
Where: Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, 143 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop at Myrtle’s
When: Wednesday, October 7, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
What: Join Claire from Garden Party at Myrtle’s Plot Twist to create a pumpkin centerpiece to take home for the fall season. The workshop offers a hands-on seasonal activity in a downtown setting. Tickets and additional details are available through Myrtle’s event registration page.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

South Atlanta Business Association October Luncheon
When: Wednesday, October 7, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The South Atlanta Business Association meets for networking, a sponsored lunch, and a guest speaker. Local business owners, professionals, and community leaders can make connections and hear ideas relevant to their work. Registration is available through the Chamber’s event listing.
Where: Conner Westbury Family Life Building, 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, GA 30223

THURSDAY

Spalding Works 2026
When: Thursday, October 8, beginning at 8:00 AM; the two-day program continues Friday, October 9
What: Spalding Works brings local students together with businesses and workforce partners for career exploration. The program includes separate experiences for eighth- and ninth-grade students, helping them connect school pathways with local careers. Hosted by the Griffin Region College & Career Academy, the Chamber, and Three Rivers Regional Commission. This is a coordinated student program, with registration available for participating partners.
Where: Griffin Region College & Career Academy, 221 Spalding Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Advo-Kids CASA Fall Training: Final Session
When: Thursday, October 8, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Advo-Kids CASA concludes its eight-week fall training series for prospective Court Appointed Special Advocates. The closing session wraps up a program covering child well-being, trauma, communication, and advocacy. This session is part of the full volunteer training course, which began August 20.
Where: Advo-Kids CASA, 141 West Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Flint River Astronomy Club October Meeting
When: Thursday, October 8, 7:30 PM
What: Join the Flint River Astronomy Club for its monthly meeting at the UGA garden building. Club meetings feature astronomy talks, demonstrations, telescope education, and related activities. Guests are welcome to attend in person. A Zoom option is also available, with guests asked to contact the club for an invitation.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden building, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

Rifle Sight-In Day at Griffin Gun Club
When: Saturday, October 10, 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 rifle 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.
Where: Griffin Gun Club, 550 Amelia Road, 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

WEATHER

MONDAY

78° 🌡️ 60° | ⛈️ | 20% | 💨 0 to 5 mph NE

TUESDAY

77° 🌡️ 55° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 5 to 10 mph NE

WEDNESDAY

79° 🌡️ 54° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 5 mph NE

THURSDAY

83° 🌡️ 56° | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 0 to 5 mph NE

THANKS!

Thanks for reading today’s Griffin Grapevine.

If something in today’s edition caught your eye, make a little room for it this week. Try that local spot, put an event on your calendar, or send this to a friend who’s always asking, “What’s going on in Griffin?”

And if you own a local business, I’d love to hear what you’re working on. Hit reply to this email, and let’s talk about introducing your business to Grapevine readers through a local sponsorship.

Have a great day!