🍇 Past the Temporary

Good morning, Spalding County!

A town is almost like a living thing. Like any living thing, it sheds its skin. We see it every day in the fresh siding on homes, the new name on a familiar storefront, or the way the road you’ve always taken suddenly becomes a construction zone. It is easy to get caught up in the "new," but beneath the dust of renovation lies much more.

Paint may fade and buildings may rise, but the character of a community is the one layer that isn't meant to be painted over. This week, while the world around us stays busy changing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the parts of Griffin that are truly built to last.

As we enter Holy Week, we are centering our lives on the unchanging Word in a world that never stops shifting. We are reminded that while the exterior of our lives and our towns may be renovated, God stands firm. Let’s look past the temporary and anchor ourselves in the Eternal.

- Chad Robert

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The Spalding County Athletic Association has officially opened its 2026 baseball and softball season at Tyus Park, filling fields with the sounds of spring. The partnership between the association and local organizations provides youth across Griffin and Spalding County with organized league play, coaching, and a place to build teamwork and friendships. Games are underway and families are encouraged to come out and support the young athletes throughout the season at Tyus Park.

A proposed fourth data center in Spalding County would be one of the largest development projects in the county's history. Industrial VI Enterprises LLC is seeking approval to build the 75 South Data Center Campus on 292 acres at 1221 Tomochichi Road, north of State Route 16. The plan calls for seven two-story buildings totaling 2.24 million square feet, with an estimated completion date of 2030. At full buildout, the campus would carry an estimated value of $6 billion, generate $86.3 million in annual local tax revenue, and create 200 full-time jobs. The project would draw an estimated 30,000 gallons of water per day and 450MW of power daily. A wetlands variance will be required, as Cabin Creek and protected wetlands run through the property.

It's a packed week for local government, though the spotlight falls squarely on one thing: the budget. Starting today, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners holds four consecutive days of special called budget meetings for the upcoming FY 2026-27 fiscal year. Sessions run Monday through Thursday in Room 108 of the county annex at 119 E. Solomon Street, with Monday's meeting starting at 9:30 AM and Tuesday through Thursday kicking off at 9:00 AM. Every county department, from the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department to the Library and Animal Shelter, will present their proposed budgets to commissioners over the course of the week. These meetings are open to the public and offer residents a rare, detailed look at how county resources are allocated.

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 Welcome Center Open House

When: Monday, March 30, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

What: Stop by the Griffin Welcome Center for an afternoon open house hosted by the City of Griffin and InSpalding. Explore local resources, learn about community events, and connect with fellow residents. Free and open to all.

Where: Griffin Welcome Center, 143 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Tipsy Mahjong Club

When: Tuesday, March 31, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

What: Learn the classic tile game or join open play at this weekly gathering hosted by The Tipsy Daisy. Beginners welcome -- classes are included alongside free play, all with friends, community, and cocktails in the heart of downtown Griffin. Tickets from $30.52.

Where: The Tipsy Daisy, 132 South Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Drive the Runway Fashion Show

When: Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What: Enjoy an evening of style and giving at this fashion show benefiting the ABWA Iris Chapter Women's College Scholarship Fund and the Salvation Army After School Program. The night includes dinner, live and silent auctions, and games. Tickets $39.19.

Where: Cronic Nissan, 2624 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

UGA Griffin Campus Open House

When: Wednesday, April 1, 6:00 PM

What: Explore the University of Georgia's Griffin Campus at this spring open house. Learn about programs, meet faculty, and see the research facilities that make this campus a gem in Spalding County. Free and open to the community. Sign up here.

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

Griffin Region College & Career Academy Homeschool Family Information Event

When: Thursday, April 2, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What: Homeschool families are invited to learn about career pathways, hands-on learning, and dual enrollment opportunities at the Griffin Region College & Career Academy. The event includes an overview of GRCCA programs, a chance to meet administration, and a Q&A on how homeschool students can participate in dual enrollment and career and technical education courses. Eligible students must be a sophomore, junior, or senior for the 2026-2027 school year. RSVP here.

Where: Griffin Region College & Career Academy, 221 Spalding 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.

71° 🌡️ 55° | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 SE 8 mph (7 knots)

78° 🌡️ 58° | ⛅ | 15% | 💨 S 10 mph (9 knots)

80° 🌡️ 61° | 🌧️ | 30% | 💨 SW 11 mph (10 knots)

79° 🌡️ 59° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 W 9 mph (8 knots)

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine. From business openings to concerts, there's always something happening in Griffin and we're here to make sure you don't miss it. No more hunting through a dozen websites and social media pages.

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Have a great week, Griffin.