🍇 One Small Window

Good morning, Spalding County!

These cooler mornings and evenings have me opening the windows and letting fresh air fill the house. We’ve finally reached that brief, wonderful stretch when opening a window cools things down instead of inviting Georgia’s humidity to come sit on the couch.

It always reminds me of a story John Adams told about traveling with Benjamin Franklin. In September 1776, they stopped at a crowded inn in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Only one bed was available, in a room barely larger than the bed itself, with no chimney and one small window.

Naturally, they disagreed about the window. America had barely declared independence, and we were already arguing about the bedroom temperature.

Adams wasn’t feeling well and worried the night air would make him sick, so he closed it. Franklin objected, convinced the stuffy room was the bigger problem. Adams reopened the window and climbed into bed to hear Franklin’s explanation.

Franklin then launched into a lecture about air, breathing, and perspiration. Adams fell asleep before it was over. He suspected Franklin drifted off shortly afterward, since his last words sounded half asleep.

Apparently, even Benjamin Franklin couldn’t stay awake through an entire Benjamin Franklin lecture.

- Chad

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Spalding County residents will have a new option for staying active this fall when water aerobics arrives at the county’s Aquatic Center. Registration opened September 21 for the three-week program, which runs October 5 through October 24. The cost is $50 per session. The program brings a low-impact approach to fitness, allowing participants to exercise in the water while working toward their wellness goals. It also gives residents another way to make use of the county’s aquatic facilities beyond traditional swimming. For anyone looking to add movement to their fall routine, the October program offers an opportunity to explore a different kind of workout close to home.

Eight students are taking a step toward manufacturing careers through a new apprenticeship program involving Southern Crescent Technical College and Gerresheimer. The inaugural machine operator program combines classroom instruction with practical industry training over one year. Participants will have opportunities to connect their technical coursework with experience in a manufacturing setting. The first group includes Angel Caldwell, Alexander Calle, Joshua Crawford, Raymond Larkins, Reynaldo Molina, Natalie Perez, Terry Sims and Ashley White. A signing-day celebration recognized the apprentices as they committed to the program. For the Griffin-based college, the partnership adds another pathway connecting students with industry experience while helping them develop the skills needed for manufacturing work.

Griffin Christian overcame an early two-touchdown deficit Friday to defeat CrossPointe Christian Academy 28–21, keeping the Titans unbeaten at 5–0. CrossPointe jumped ahead 14–0 in the opening quarter. Griffin Christian answered with two second-quarter touchdowns but still entered halftime trailing 21–14. The Titans took control after the break, scoring 14 unanswered points in the third quarter. Their defense kept CrossPointe off the scoreboard throughout the second half, protecting the lead through a scoreless fourth quarter. The September 25 home victory dropped CrossPointe to 2–3 and gave Griffin Christian another reason to celebrate its strong start. The Titans next face Peachtree Academy of Covington on October 2. The Panthers enter that matchup with a 1–4 record.

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.

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Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.

Griffin-Spalding County Land Bank Authority Meeting
When: Monday, September 28, 4:00 PM
What: The authority will open purchase proposals for 522 Meriwether Street, consider a $40,000 marketing agreement and proposals to sell additional properties, and review property transactions and financial reports.
Where: One Griffin Center Municipal Courtroom, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Board of Commissioners Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 AM
What: Commissioners will receive a Griffin Police Department policy compliance report presented by City Attorney Drew Whalen.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin-Spalding County Schools Property Tax Public Hearings
When: Tuesday, September 29, 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
What: Two public hearings will allow residents to comment on the school system’s proposed property tax rate of 16.393 mills. The district’s notice identifies the proposal as a 3.35% property tax increase.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County School System Boardroom, 216 South Sixth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Griffin-Spalding County Land Bank Authority Meeting
When: Monday, September 28, 4:00 PM
What: The Land Bank Authority will discuss local property sales, redevelopment proposals, and its agreement with the city and county. The agenda includes opening proposals for 522 Meriwether Street and considering proposals for several additional properties. Residents may comment on specific agenda items during the public comment period.
Where: One Griffin Center, Municipal Courtroom, 100 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Board of Commissioners Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 AM
What: City commissioners will receive a presentation on the Griffin Police Department’s policy compliance report from City Attorney Drew Whalen. The report is the only substantive item listed on the published agenda, making this a focused meeting for residents interested in police department oversight.
Where: W. Elmer George Municipal Hall, One Griffin Center, 100 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Prayer Luncheon
When: Tuesday, September 29, 12:00 PM
What: The Sheriff’s Office will host its monthly community prayer luncheon, rescheduled from September 15 because of the county fair. Attendees can choose a pot roast plate or an entrée chef salad. RSVP to Julie Shorb at 770-467-5463 or [email protected] by Monday, September 28, at 2:00 PM, and provide your meal preference. Meals are paid; the announcement does not list a price.
Where: Kiwanis of Griffin Center, 1025 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Thursday, October 1, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: UGA’s annual fall scarecrow display opens Thursday, featuring handmade creations from local businesses, schools, families, and community organizations throughout the Research and Education Garden. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy the seasonal displays at their own pace. Admission is free. The display continues weekdays through October 30.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 W. Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Agent Tech Toolbox: Canva to Closings
When: Thursday, October 1, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Keller Williams Southern Premier is hosting an in-person workshop for real estate professionals interested in using Canva for branding and marketing. The session introduces practical tools and design tips for creating visuals and supporting an agent’s business, with material aimed at both beginners and experienced users. Admission is free, with registration available through the event listing.
Where: Keller Williams Southern Premier, 416 E. Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding Jaguars vs. Howard Huskies Football
When: Thursday, October 1, 7:30 PM
What: The Spalding High School Jaguars host the Howard High School Huskies in a Region 2-AAAA football matchup. Fans can catch the Jaguars at home for a Thursday evening game at Griffin Memorial Stadium.
Where: Griffin Memorial Stadium, 310 E. Poplar Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Cemetery Ramble 2026
When: Saturday, October 3, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber Ambassadors and local volunteers bring Griffin’s past to life during an evening walk through Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitors will hear stories of former residents and see the cemetery’s historic monuments and tombstones. The event is recommended for ages 10 and up. Expect up to two miles of leisurely walking across grass, dirt, and pavement. Tickets are available through the event page.
Where: Oak Hill Cemetery, 797 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

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Thanks for spending a little of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine!

This feels like a good week to take the long way home, linger on the porch, or catch up with a neighbor outside. A little cooler air makes even the ordinary parts of the day more enjoyable.

Know someone doing good work in Spalding County? Hear about a new business or an event worth sharing? Hit reply. Some of our best stories start with a note from a reader.

And if you know someone who’d enjoy the Grapevine, send this issue their way.

Enjoy your week!