🍇 Gardening Plans

Good morning, Spalding County!

This newsletter has grown into something special, and I think we've earned the right to tackle a truly controversial subject. No, not politics. I'm talking about tomatoes. Specifically, when to plant them. Every family around here has a rule. Some go by Good Friday. Some swear by soil temperature. Others just eyeball it and hope for the best. And every year, at least one person on the block jumps the gun, gets humbled by a late frost, and quietly starts over like nothing happened. Monday's freeze was a painful reminder for the early birds. I'm hoping it was the last cold snap, but one thing is certain. Georgia weather doesn't care about your gardening plans.

- Chad Robert

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Infrastructure improvements are rolling out across our community. The City of Griffin recently issued bids for "Year 5" of its TSPLOST resurfacing program. This phase covers nearly ten miles of city streets, including Cleveland Street and Coldwater Drive. Meanwhile, Spalding County is advancing its 2026 Resurfacing Project to pave over 21 miles of county roads. These plans include vital sidewalk installations and safety upgrades at intersections like Hamilton Boulevard. These investments ensure smoother commutes and safer neighborhoods. Watch for work crews starting this spring as your tax dollars build a more reliable local road network.

Monday morning's severe storms left a trail of downed trees and snapped power lines across central Georgia, stretching from the Alabama border all the way to Conyers. Spalding County took a direct hit, with several roads impacted including the intersection of Vaughn Road and Hwy. 92, where fallen trees temporarily forced a road closure. County Line Church Road near Mudbridge Road also saw debris. The good news, according to EMA Director Glenn Polk, is that no buildings or homes sustained damage. Once the storms pushed out around mid-morning, a sharp temperature drop followed. A freeze warning went into effect Monday night, and gusty winds were expected to persist into Tuesday. Damage reports also came in from Baldwin, Bibb, Butts, Haralson, Henry, Jones, Rockdale, and Upson counties.

Spalding High School delivered a dose of mythological adventure with its production of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical." Over four performances from March 13-15, the cast brought Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki's award-winning adaptation of Rick Riordan's beloved novel to the Griffin stage. Under the direction of Kaitlyn Echols, with music direction by Megan Lokey and assistant direction by My'Kael Phillips, the two-act show followed Percy Jackson and his Camp Half-Blood companions on a quest full of action, betrayal, and friendship. Cullen Bell, Ansley Register, and Rondell White anchored the production as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, capturing the trio's chemistry with plenty of energy. Jaiya Taylor kicked things off strong as the fearsome Mrs. Dodds, setting the tone right from the opening number.

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.

Purple Madness: America's #1 Prince Experience Band

When: Friday, March 20, 8:00 PM

What: The Griffin Opera House presents Purple Madness, the ultimate Prince tribute experience. Led by Bobby Miller, this high-energy show recreates the sights and sounds of Prince's legendary live performances. Backed by world-class dancers and musicians with over 100 years of combined experience, the group delivers a concert that fans call second to none. If you never got to see Prince live, this is the next best thing. Tickets are SOLD OUT.

Where: The Griffin Opera House, 102 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

McKenzie Reed Live at Myrtle's Plot Twist

When: Friday, March 20, 6:00 PM

What: Kick off your weekend with live country music from McKenzie Reed at one of Griffin's favorite local spots. Great food and drinks available. A perfect Friday evening out with friends or a relaxed date night downtown.

Where: Myrtle's Plot Twist, 209 S Sixth St, Griffin, GA 30224

UGA Griffin Dawg Dash 5K Food Run

When: Saturday, March 21, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Check-in at 7:30 AM)

What: Join the UGA Griffin Campus for a 5K run or 1-mile fun walk benefiting Abundant Life Soup Kitchen, 5 Loaves 2 Fish Food Pantry, and Backpack Food For Kids. Entertainment, food trucks, awards, and prizes for all ages. Register at adventuresignup.com.

Where: UGA Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment St, Griffin, GA 30223

MFA Easter Eggtravaganza

When: Saturday, March 21, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

What: Hop on over for a free, fun-filled afternoon of egg hunts, games, crafts, and treats for the whole family. Browse local vendors while the kids hunt for colorful eggs at Griffin City Park. Hosted by Manna From Above Inc. Free admission.

Where: Griffin City Park, 601 Camp Northern Road, Pavilion #2, Griffin, GA 30224

Free Photos with the Grinchster Bunny

When: Saturday, March 21, 1:00 PM

What: Bring the kids for free photos with a fun Easter bunny character. A quick, festive stop to capture some spring memories before Easter arrives. Free and open to all ages.

Where: The Sellers Law Firm, LLC, Griffin, GA 30224

Paint and Paired

When: Saturday, March 21, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Sip curated wines, enjoy paired treats, and create your own masterpiece in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with smooth music. Hosted by The She Phi Experience. Tickets from $36.22 at eventbrite.com. Ages 21+.

Where: 133 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Sunday Run Club @ Piedmont Brewery

When: Sunday, March 22, 4:00 PM (Weekly on Sundays)

What: Lace up and join the weekly Sunday Run Club at Piedmont Brewery. All paces welcome. Just show up, run, and finish back at the brewery. Every participant gets a $1 pint of house draft beer at the finish line. A great way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy a cold one with the local running community.

Where: Piedmont Brewery, 129 S 6th St, Griffin, GA

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.

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Go enjoy the sunshine this weekend!