🍇 Easter Weekend

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

Did you catch the rocket launch this week? The Artemis II mission will send astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. It’s kind of wild that it has taken this long to begin the journey back, but it’s still incredible to watch.

As the countdown moved closer to liftoff, I found myself thinking about how many people it takes to send four astronauts safely into space. You think about the NASA launch team, the engineers and technicians who built the rocket, and even the people making sure the crew is fed and ready before takeoff. What I didn’t realize at the time is that one of Griffin’s own companies played a role in the mission. I highlight that below.

And while space is exciting, Easter weekend is a little closer to home. So if you’re still figuring out your plans, I also put together a list of local Easter services and places to celebrate around Griffin, especially for those who do not already have a church home.

- Chad Robert

There Are People Who Were Born to Work the Land. They Just Need to Find It.

Somewhere right now, an organic farm in Tennessee is short-handed at harvest. A family ranch in Montana needs someone who knows cattle. A permaculture garden in the Carolinas is looking for a dedicated apprentice willing to learn.

And somewhere right now, the right person for each of those jobs is still looking.

PlayInDirtJobs is America's job board built specifically for farming, gardening, and ranching. Hundreds of listings. Every type of operation, from CSA vegetable farms to biodynamic vineyards to working ranches. Many positions include housing, meals, and hands-on training from experienced farmers.

Job seekers browse and apply completely free. Employers post in minutes and reach thousands of people who are passionate about agricultural work, not just looking for a paycheck.

This is not a desk job site with a farming filter bolted on. It was built from the ground up for people who'd rather have dirt under their fingernails than fluorescent lights overhead.

Find your place on the land at PlayInDirtJobs.com.

Griffin played a role in one of the biggest moments in space exploration in over 50 years. GM Diecron, a build-to-print manufacturer based right here in Griffin, is one of 17 Georgia companies that supplied parts for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight around the moon since 1972. The company produced high-precision metal components and small connectors crafted from aerospace aluminum alloy, using AI and 3D printing at their Griffin facility. "When I see this massive engineering feat, we feel pretty excited to be a small part of it," said owner Vern Heyer. U.S. Rep. Brian Jack toured GM Diecron ahead of the launch, along with stops at Timber Products Inspection and Universal Environmental Services in Peachtree City which are two more nearby companies that contributed to the mission.

A bill moving through the Georgia legislature has local leaders on edge, including here in Spalding County. Senate Bill 382 would require every city, county and school system in Georgia to accept a statewide homestead exemption that freezes property values based on inflation. It's similar to HB 581, which voters approved in 2024, but removes the opt-out clause that many local governments used, including Spalding County and Griffin-Spalding County Schools. The City of Griffin did not opt out of HB 581. Local officials worry the mandate would force significant millage rate increases to cover lost revenue. Under HB 581, around two-thirds of school systems and a third of counties statewide chose to opt out.

The Griffin-Spalding County School System Board of Education approved two new principal appointments on Tuesday. Rodney McBride will lead Spalding High School, bringing more than 24 years of experience in educational leadership across urban, suburban, rural and charter school settings in Georgia, New York, Maryland and Washington D.C. He holds degrees from Florida A&M, Nova Southeastern University and American College of Education, along with a graduate certificate from Harvard University. Theresa Lubin will take over as principal of Cowan Road Middle School. gg"I look forward to partnering with students, staff, families and the community to build upon the proud traditions of Spalding High School while preparing all students for a successful and purpose-driven future," McBride said.

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 Farmer's Market

When: Friday, April 3, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

What: Browse fresh produce, local honey, boiled peanuts, and more from Spalding County vendors at this weekly market hosted by UGA Extension. Free admission and parking. Bring your reusable bags and support local growers.

Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Easter at Metro Auto Mart

When: Friday, April 3, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What: Bring the kids to meet the Easter Bunny before the big weekend! Free family-friendly Easter fun at Metro Auto Mart. The event continues Saturday, so you've got two chances to grab a photo with the big bunny.

Where: Metro Auto Mart, 392 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Easter at Metro Auto Mart (Day 2)

When: Saturday, April 4, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What: Enjoy a second day of Easter Bunny fun at Metro Auto Mart. Bring the little ones for photos and family-friendly Easter activities. Free and open to all ages. A great Saturday morning outing before the holiday.

Where: Metro Auto Mart, 392 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Poets' Open Mic at the Library

When: Saturday, April 4, 12:00 PM

What: Share your original poetry or just come to listen at this monthly open mic hosted by the Griffin-Spalding County Library. All skill levels and styles welcome. Free admission, a creative way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

If you’re making plans for Easter Sunday, several churches around Griffin have sunrise services, special worship times, and Easter breakfasts happening throughout the morning. Here’s a roundup of public Easter services happening this Sunday, April 5.

McIntosh Baptist Church
2222 W McIntosh Rd
10:30 a.m. Easter worship service
12:30 a.m. Easter picnic (after service)

First Baptist Church of Griffin
106 W. Taylor St.
6:30 a.m. community sunrise service
11:00 a.m. Easter One Church service

First Presbyterian Church of Griffin
1349 Macon Rd.
7:30 a.m. sunrise service
8:30 a.m. pancake breakfast
10:00 a.m. Easter worship service

New Salem Baptist Church
57 Bicycle Rd.
7:00 a.m. SONrise service and breakfast
9:00 a.m. Easter worship
10:30 a.m. Easter worship

Southside Baptist Church
1332 Zebulon Rd.
7:30 a.m. sunrise service
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. worship service

St. George’s Episcopal Church
132 N. 10th St.
8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I, Easter Day

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1323 MacArthur Dr.
9:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass

DeVotie Baptist Church
1355 Experiment St.
9:15 a.m. Easter at DeVotie

Carver Road Baptist Church
334 Carver Rd.
9:30 a.m. to noon Easter Sunday gathering

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
3235 Teamon Rd.
8:00 a.m. Easter breakfast
9:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Divine Service

Faith United Methodist Church
590 N. 2nd St.
10:00 a.m. Easter Sunday service

Eagles Way Church
100 Hudson Rd.
10:00 a.m. Easter at EWC

Mount Zion Baptist Church
321 E. Taylor St.
11:00 a.m. Resurrection Sunday worship

City Church
220 E. Solomon St.
8:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.

Mt. Olive OutReach Ministries
729 W. Quilly St.
11:30 a.m. Griffin Campus Easter service

Damascus Road Christian Church
291 S. Pine Hill Rd.
7:00 a.m. sunrise service
12:30 p.m. resurrection service

Hard to Handle - The Black Crowes Experience

When: Saturday, April 18, 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)

What: The Griffin Opera House welcomes Hard 2 Handle, the area's only tribute to The Black Crowes. Featuring guitarist Steve O'Dell and a full band of Charlotte's best musicians, the group recreates the look, sound, and vibe of the Atlanta-born rock legends' live show. Expect all the hits from "Shake Your Money Maker," "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion," and beyond. Tickets available at the Griffin Opera House box office or online on Freshtix.

Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 N. Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

Camelot Theatre: The Prince of Egypt

When: April 17-19, 2026

What: Camelot Theatre Company presents The Prince of Egypt, the sweeping DreamWorks musical featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, including his Oscar-winning "When You Believe." Journey through Ancient Egypt as Moses and Ramses are torn apart by a secret past, one destined to rule as Pharaoh, the other to free his people. Tickets are $15 and available at camelottheatre.com.

Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, 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.

81° 🌡️ 59° | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 SE 9 mph (8 knots)

77° 🌡️ 62° | 🌦️ | 25% | 💨 S 9 mph (8 knots)

65° 🌡️ 48° | 🌧️ | 75% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots)

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Happy Easter, Griffin!