Routines Are Shifting

Good morning, Spalding County!

We have reached that funny part of the year where the calendar still says spring, but everything else says summer has already moved in and made itself comfortable. School is officially out and routines are shifting. Kids are looking for something to do and parents are remembering just how long a summer day can feel when everybody is home.

The weather has changed its mind too. A few weeks ago, the yard was begging for rain. Now the forecast looks like it found the sprinkler setting and left it on. That is Georgia for you. The same week can make you water the tomatoes and then wonder if you should build them a roof.

- Chad Robert

$1.1 Billion in Art Sold in Less Than Three Hours

A single evening only brought in $1 billion at auction one other time, Paul Allen’s estate in 2022.

Christie’s May 18 evening sale was headlined by:

• Pollock: $181.2M, nearly 3x his previous record

• Brancusi: $107.6M, second highest sculpture price ever

• Rothko: $98.4M, a new record for the artist

Obvious outliers, but the evening capped a spring auction season that totaled $2.5 billion (roughly 2x last year). This follows a Q1’26 that saw the postwar contemporary art market grow 23.1%.

Masterworks offers investors the opportunity to invest in blue-chip contemporary and post-war art. Since 2017, it has offered over 500 artworks and raised over $1 billion in total investments.

29 exits to-date have delivered net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6% and 17.8% on sold works held over 12 months.

Join 70,000+ members in adding art to their portfolios.

Skip the waitlist here.

Skip the waitlist here.

*According to Masterworks data. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at

THE DIGEST

Griffin Gathers to Remember on Memorial Day

Griffin’s Memorial Day ceremony brought the community together Monday morning at Veterans Memorial Park for a quiet service of remembrance. Hosted by VFW Post 5448, the ceremony included veterans, local leaders, students, Scouts, and families honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country. The program included the presentation of colors, prayers, patriotic music, the Pledge of Allegiance, wreath presentations, rifle volleys, taps, and a missing man formation by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Speakers reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day, the cost of military service, and the importance of remembering local men and women who never came home. The ceremony also included memorial brick and casket flag dedications, continuing a local tradition of honoring veterans and preserving their stories at Veterans Memorial Park.

Data Center Hearing Pushed to June

A proposed data center campus on Tomochichi Road will not go before the Spalding County Board of Commissioners this week as originally expected. County officials said the applicant requested a continuance, moving the zoning items to the next public hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 25. The proposal, called the 75 South Data Center Campus, would cover more than 292 acres near Tomochichi Road and State Route 16. Plans call for seven two-story buildings totaling more than 2.2 million square feet, along with a separate power station. Before the project could move forward, several approvals would be needed, including changes to the county’s future land use map, rezoning, a special exception for data center use, and variances related to wetlands protection and building height.

New Firefighters Join Spalding County Ranks

Spalding County Fire Department celebrated Recruit Class 58 on May 22 with a graduation ceremony at City Church, marking the start of a new chapter for nine firefighter recruits. A Spalding County Correctional Institute inmate who completed the recruit school program was also honored during the ceremony. The event brought together family members, friends, county leaders, and current firefighters to recognize the work required to complete training. The ceremony included a processional, presentation of colors, the national anthem, the firefighter oath, certificate presentations, and the issuing of new helmets. Speakers reminded the graduates that firefighting is more than a job. It is a public service role built on discipline, sacrifice, trust, and continued training. After a holiday weekend with family, the new firefighters began reporting for duty this week.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

FRIDAY

Griffin Farmer’s Market
When: Friday, May 29, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County hosts the weekly farmers market with produce, honey, boiled peanuts, and other local items. A good Friday stop for fresh food and local vendors.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224.

LINE DANCE Classes
When: Friday, May 29, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Friday night line dance class at VFW Post 8480. The event listing notes a 6:00–8:00 PM class window and a $5 donation.
Where: 610 North 3rd Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

SATURDAY

Pickleball 103 and 203 with Darin Kourajian
When: Saturday, May 30, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
What: Spalding County Pickleball Association is hosting two 90-minute classes. Pickleball 103 focuses on serving and baseline skills for beginners up to 3.0 level. Pickleball 203 focuses on the fast game, pressure, defending, volleys, and “fast hands” for intermediate players. Class fee is $25.
Where: 1301 Cowan Road, Griffin, GA 30233

Storytime and Snacks – City Park Community Center
When: Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Storytime and snacks for children up to age 4, hosted by Spalding County Leisure Services. Registration is encouraged.
Where: City Park Community Center, 641 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224.

P.E.O. Luncheon at The Emerald Chandelier
When: Saturday, May 30, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
What: Tea party luncheon featuring a choice of half sandwich, creamy chicken wild rice soup, spring mix salad, half scone with Devonshire cream, and pots of tea at the table.
Where: The Emerald Chandelier Tearoom, 204 West Poplar Street, Griffin, GA 30224.

“Bon Voyage: Adventure Awaits!” Spring Dance Recital
When: Saturday, May 30, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: Powerhouse Talent’s 2026 spring recital featuring all dancers. at $15 for a single show or $25 for both the noon recital and the evening showcase. Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

3rd Annual Most Accurate Summer Slam Pro/Am
When: Saturday, May 30, 7:30 AM – 4:20 PM
What: A PDGA C-tier disc golf tournament hosted by Most Accurate Discs of Griffin. The schedule lists check-in at 8:00 AM, players meeting at 8:30 AM, first-round shotgun start at 9:00 AM, lunch after round one, and a second round around 1:00 PM, with trophy and CTP presentation afterward. For more information and registration visit .
Where: Dundee Lake, Griffin, GA.

HWY54 at Nic McKay’s Irish Pub
When: Saturday, May 30, 8:30 PM
What: brings blues, soul, rock, and roll to Nic McKay’s Irish Pub for a live music night in downtown Griffin.
Where: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub, 133 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA

SUNDAY

4th Annual Wulfpack Games GA Renaissance Festival Fieldtrip
When: Sunday, May 31, 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
What: Wulfpack Games is organizing its annual , with a scavenger hunt and group activities.
Where: Wulfpack Games, 136 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

Families in Faith
When: Sunday, May 31, 1:30 PM
What: Mt. Nebo Community Baptist Church is hosting Families in Faith with guest speaker Pastor D. Silas and Springhill Baptist Church.
Where: 604 North 3rd Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

Tom Wise Men’s Chorale Benefit
When: Sunday, May 31, 3:00 PM
What: A two-hour fundraiser and music concert presented by Sun City Peachtree Footlights. Tickets are listed at $10, but the tickets are only available for purchase to Sun City homeowners/members.
Where: Sun City Peachtree Amenity Center, 500 Del Webb Boulevard, Griffin, GA 30233.

Tea and Tiara’s
When: Sunday, May 31, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
What: A tea-and-tiaras social event hosted by Whole Life Healing Center, with tea, treats, tiaras, and a “royal” themed gathering. For tickets and more information, visit .
Where: 529 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WEATHER

FRIDAY

79° 🌡️ 65° | ⛈️ | 80% | E 5 mph

SATURDAY

80° 🌡️ 63° | ⛈️ | 90% | 💨 W 5 mph

SUNDAY

75° 🌡️ 61° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 Light/variable

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine.

A local publication only works when people treat it like part of the community. That is what you do every time you open an issue, send in a note, or pass it to someone who would have missed something useful.

The best way to help the Grapevine grow is simple: forward today’s issue to one person in Griffin or Spalding County who likes knowing what is happening close to home. One good reader usually knows another.

You can also follow Griffin Grapevine on Instagram and Facebook for updates that move too quickly for the next issue.

Have a great weekend, and keep an umbrella or raincoat close by.

P.S. A few sponsorship spots are opening for local businesses that want to reach Griffin Grapevine readers. Interested? Reply to this email or reach me at griffin@welldiem.com.