🍇 No Excuses

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

I hope your Easter was incredible. My kids accumulated and consumed an enormous amount of chocolate bunnies this weekend, and I plan to support them in their efforts by eating my “fair share” today. Someone has to step up.

Things are a bit quieter around the school zones this morning as Spring Break officially kicks off for the Griffin-Spalding County School System. If you're reading this while basking in the sun on a beach somewhere, I'm only a little envious. Only a little, because this week's weather around Griffin looks absolutely perfect to get outside to work in the garden, go for a walk, or finally finish that project you've been putting off since February. No excuses this week.

- 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.

Southern Crescent College in Griffin is launching its first-ever soccer program, with men's and women's teams now officially part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Athletic director Donald Hardy spent the past year building the program from a 2024 concept into a scholarship-offering reality. The shift to NJCAA status unlocks scholarships unavailable during the program's club phase, strengthening recruitment. Hardy says academics come first. "We want our student-athletes to graduate and move on to four-year institutions," he said. The first official season kicks off this fall, with community excitement building and a potential rivalry with Gordon State College already on the horizon.

Spalding High School is celebrating one of its own. Athletic trainer and sports medicine teacher Kaitlin Hailey was named a finalist in FOX 5 Atlanta's annual "High 5 for Teachers" contest, one of just five educators selected statewide. Hailey built her passion for sports medicine after suffering an injury in high school, and last year helped six student-athletes recover from ACL and meniscus injuries. She'll be featured on Good Day Atlanta this Tuesday, April 7, at 6 AM and 8 AM. Public voting opens April 20 through April 24. The winning teacher receives $2,500 for their school, which Hailey says would go directly into student equipment and learning resources.

The Griffin community showed up in a big way this weekend for the Spalding County Sheriff's Office K9 unit. The "Cruisin' for K9s" poker run, hosted by the Twisted Sisters Jeep Club for Spike's K9 Fund, raised more than $7,800 to purchase ballistic vests for the department's K9 officers. More than 30 Jeep owners and supporters took part in the event, which kicked off at Black Smoke Coffee on Macon Road and made stops at Cronic Chevrolet in Griffin, DaVinci's NY Style Pizza in McDonough, and AmChar Georgia Gun Range and Store in McDonough before returning to finish where it started. Charlotte Dixon of Twisted Sisters spoke to the crowd and emphasized that every dollar raised stays local. The vests will go directly to the Spalding County Sheriff's Office K9s, who often lead the way ahead of officers in dangerous situations.

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.

Chess Club for Kids and Adults

When: Monday, April 6, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Join chess enthusiasts of all skill levels for this weekly drop-in club at the library. Open to kids and adults with no registration required. Whether you're learning the basics or looking for a competitive match, everyone is welcome. Free admission.

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

Knit & Crochet Group

When: Tuesday, April 7, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: A relaxed, peer-led group open to all skill levels. Bring your current project, learn to knit or crochet, or help teach a beginner. First-timers can borrow needles and yarn to get started, no registration required.

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

Family Storytime @ the Library

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

What: Bring the little ones for an afternoon of stories, songs, and activities designed to build early literacy and a love of reading. A weekly Wednesday tradition at the library. Free and open to all families. No registration required.

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

Ribbon Cutting for Farmer's Home Furniture

When: Thursday, April 9, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

What: Celebrate Farmer's Home Furniture's official welcome into the Griffin+Spalding Chamber community. Meet the team, tour the showroom, and browse a wide selection of home furnishings and appliances. Light networking included. Free to attend and open to the public.

Where: Farmer's Home Furniture, 222 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

D&D Club at the Library

When: Thursday, April 9, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Gather for a monthly evening of Dungeons & Dragons at the library. Open to players of all experience levels, newcomers and veteran adventurers alike are welcome. No registration required. Bring your dice and your imagination. Free admission.

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

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.

65° 🌡️ 47° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 NE 7 mph (6 knots)

72° 🌡️ 47° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 NE 9 mph (8 knots)

65° 🌡️ 49° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 E 14 mph (12 knots)

68° 🌡️ 48° | ⛅ | 20% | 💨 E 13 mph (11 knots)

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine. There is always something happening in Griffin, whether it is a new business opening, a concert, a community event, or something unexpected around town. The goal of this newsletter is simple: help you stay informed without having to spend your time bouncing between websites and social media pages.

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Have a great week!