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Good morning, Spalding County!

Well, we made it. The votes have been cast, the campaign ads can finally take a seat, and with any luck, the mysterious numbers texting us about elections will find a new hobby.

There’s been no shortage of attention on the big races across Georgia and the country. But here at the Grapevine, we know some of the most important results are the ones closest to home. Results for our local elections can be harder to track down, but that’s why you’re subscribed to the Griffin Grapevine right?

The Georgia Secretary of State has posted the full Spalding County election results. Results are unofficial until certified and may change as the process is completed.

- Chad

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The ZOLEO Satellite Communicator and its companion app help you message your people, share your location, and send an “I’m OK” check-in message beyond cell service. Whether you’re heading for the trail or a remote shoreline, make communication part of your preparation. 

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Not valid on sale-priced devices or with other discounts. Valid outside promotional sale periods.

THE DIGEST

Griffin Musicians Come Together to Form Worship Orchestra

When seven Griffin-area musicians found fewer opportunities to play their instruments in church, they decided to create a place where they could worship through music together.

Their idea became the Iris City Worship Orchestra. Thirty-seven musicians initially expressed interest, and rehearsals now regularly bring together 24 to 29 players from at least six area churches.

Since its first rehearsal in August, the nonprofit orchestra has been preparing traditional hymns, sacred selections and contemporary Christian music. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church provided a home for rehearsals, while Second Baptist Church of Griffin donated music from its former orchestra.

The community can hear the ensemble at its inaugural concert Sunday, November 15, at 4 p.m. at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 14550 U.S. Highway 19 in Griffin. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted afterward.

A Green Glow for Those Who Served

The Spalding County courthouse is glowing green this week as the county joins a national tribute to veterans and their families ahead of Veterans Day.

Operation Green Light runs November 4–11, and residents and businesses can participate by switching an indoor or outdoor bulb to green. This is Spalding’s second year taking part.

The National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers organize the campaign, which recognizes military service and highlights resources available to veterans. Green represents hope and a path forward, giving the display meaning beyond the color itself.

For local families, a porch light or illuminated window offers a simple way to show appreciation throughout the week leading up to Veterans Day.

Thirteen Students Get a Head Start on College

A classroom surprise has put college a little closer for 13 Griffin-Spalding middle school students selected for REACH Georgia scholarships.

Superintendent Donald Warren and school leaders delivered the news to students at Carver Road, Cowan Road, Kennedy Road and Rehoboth Road middle schools. A signing ceremony is planned at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin next week.

Each student can earn up to $10,000 toward an eligible Georgia college after completing the program’s requirements. The support begins well before graduation: REACH pairs students with mentors and academic coaches to help them stay on track. Scholars must meet academic, attendance and behavior standards, including maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA.

The awards represent up to $130,000 in future college assistance, with local businesses and civic organizations contributing toward the scholarships.

Growing the Future Inside UGA Griffin

Some of Georgia’s next farming advances are taking root inside UGA Griffin, where new research facilities let scientists adjust growing conditions with far greater precision.

The university highlighted an automated greenhouse and a container farming research facility in an October 30 report following their October 9 ribbon cutting. Researchers can control supplemental lighting, watering and temperature to study how crops respond.

The work brings plant breeders together with insect and disease specialists to tackle challenges growers face beyond the laboratory. UGA’s Griffin container farms also allow experiments with separate lighting and irrigation zones, helping researchers compare conditions.

A central question is whether indoor farming can produce a wider variety of crops profitably. Better growing conditions offer promise, but equipment and energy costs still have to make sense for the farmer.

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.

Griffin Grapevine Organic Sweatshirt

Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together. Now you can wear that spirit into the cooler months. This organic sweatshirt features a simple Griffin Grapevine logo, a relaxed fit, and comfortable midweight fabric. Pull it on for crisp mornings, Friday night football, or a weekend around town. It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while representing the community you call home.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine sweatshirt and wear your hometown pride.

CIVIL NEWS

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Special Called Meeting
When: Friday, November 6, 10:00 AM
What: Board members will review election records from the November 3 general and special election. The agenda also includes board member comments.
Where: Spalding County Elections and Voter Registration Office, 825 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

FRIDAY

5th Annual Christmas Charity Golf Classic
When: Friday, November 6, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
What: The annual charity tournament brings golfers to Shoal Creek for a day of golf and fellowship supporting Christmas charities. Registration and payment were due October 25, so contact the organizer about any remaining availability before heading out.
Where: The Club at Shoal Creek, 430 Country Club Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Ribbon Cutting for Brick’s Food for the Soul
When: Friday, November 6, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce welcomes Brick’s Food for the Soul with a ribbon cutting at the restaurant’s new location. Meet the team, see the space, and help celebrate a local business specializing in soul food.
Where: Brick’s Food for the Soul, 1215 D F Fuller Drive, Suite B, Griffin, GA 30224

Duncan Brothers Band at The Tipsy Daisy
When: Friday, November 6, 8:00 PM
What: Duncan Brothers Band brings its blend of country and Southern rock to downtown Griffin. Twin brothers Matt and Colin Duncan lead the group, joined by guitar and bass players for an evening of live music. The event listing advertises free admission.
Where: The Tipsy Daisy, 132 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA

SATURDAY

11th Annual Book Bolt 5K / Fun Run
When: Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Run, walk, or bring the stroller for this fundraiser supporting the Griffin-Spalding County Library. The library and its Friends group host the annual event to support library services and encourage health and wellness. Children, volunteers, and library supporters are welcome. Registration is available through the event page.
Where: East Poplar Street and South 5th Street, 310 East Poplar Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Hampton Cross Stitchers Stitch-In
When: Saturday, November 7, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Experienced cross stitchers and curious beginners are invited to gather for stitching, snacks, and conversation. Bring a current project or come ready to learn, with help and encouragement available for newcomers. No experience is needed.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Turkey Handprint Platters
When: Saturday, November 7, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
What: Turn your child’s handprint into a Thanksgiving keepsake. Reserve with a $10 deposit, then drop in during the event window and choose a plate or platter priced from $30–$60. The deposit goes toward your purchase, and the usual $15 design fee is waived. Finished pieces will be ready by Thanksgiving.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Operation Helping Hands on Wheels
When: Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Operation Seed Sowers of America is offering a community outreach event focused on free transportation to essential destinations around the county, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Contact the organization through its event page for participation details.
Where: Operation Seed Sowers of America, 115 South 12th Street, Griffin, GA 30223

A Weekend of Healing and Renewal with the Rev. Nigel Mumford
When: Saturday, November 7, 3:00 PM talk, 5:00 PM meal, and 6:00 PM healing service; continues Sunday, November 8
What: St. George’s welcomes the Rev. Nigel Mumford for a community gathering centered on fellowship, prayer, and reflection. Saturday includes a talk about his ministry with veterans, a parish meal, and a healing service with music and individual prayer. He will also preach at Sunday Eucharist. Free and open to the wider community.
Where: St. George’s Episcopal Church, 132 North 10th Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Glory Sound Music Night with Parson Road
When: Saturday, November 7, 6:00 PM
What: Faith Fellowship Church welcomes Parson Road Music for an evening of live music. The event is open to everyone, and admission is free. Bring friends or family to enjoy the performance together.
Where: Faith Fellowship Church, 475 Hammond Drive, Griffin, GA

5th Annual Veterans Day Tribute Concert
When: Saturday, November 7, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Chuck Martin and The Lineup bring ’90s country favorites to the Griffin Opera House for its annual tribute to veterans. Veterans and one guest can attend free using access code VET2026. Other attendees can purchase tickets through the event page, and giveaways are planned.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Crafts and Cauldrons
When: Saturday, November 7, 7:30 PM
What: Sage & Stone hosts a craft class making homemade vanilla extract and intentional bath salts, with projects suited for holiday gifts or your own use. The class costs $45 and is open to ages 10 and older. Seats are limited; message the host to reserve a spot.
Where: Sage & Stone, 324 East Broad Street, Suite 210, Griffin, GA 30223

Billy and The Jets Live at The Garden
When: Saturday, November 7, 8:00 PM
What: Billy and The Jets pays tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John with two sets of familiar hits. The show features one set devoted to each artist, with favorites such as “Piano Man,” “Rocket Man,” and “Bennie and the Jets.” RSVP information is available through the event page.
Where: The Garden Beer Garden and Venue, 314 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SUNDAY

First Presbyterian’s 185th Anniversary Organ Concert
When: Sunday, November 8, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
What: First Presbyterian Church of Griffin marks its 185th anniversary with an afternoon organ concert. The congregation traces its beginnings to November 1841, when six people gathered in a warehouse on Broad Street. The church invites the community to celebrate the anniversary.
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Griffin, 1349 Macon Road, Griffin, GA 30224

UPCOMING

Iris City Worship Orchestra Inaugural Concert
When: Sunday, November 15, 4:00 PM
What: Iris City Worship Orchestra invites the community to its inaugural concert, “Give Thanks.” The ensemble brings together instrumentalists from at least six area churches, sharing their talents through traditional hymns, sacred selections, and contemporary Christian music. Celebrate the beginning of this local music ministry with an afternoon of instrumental worship. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted following the concert.
Where: Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 14550 U.S. Highway 19, Griffin, GA 30224

WEATHER

FRIDAY

73° 🌡️ 47° | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 7 mph NW

SATURDAY

66° 🌡️ 44° | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 7 mph NW

SUNDAY

68° 🌡️ 43° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 5 mph NNE

THANKS!

Thanks for spending part of your day reading the Griffin Grapevine. I hope your coffee is strong and your phone is enjoying a well-earned break from campaign texts.

Know a neighbor doing something great, a local business worth celebrating, or an event coming up? Hit reply and tell me about it. Some of the best stories start with a note from you.

You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more of what’s happening around Spalding County.

Have a great weekend!