🍇 Rooster & Hen

Good morning, Spalding County!

Back when newspapers were printed on hand-cranked presses, the editors always left a little corner for a "useful truth." I’m reclaiming that corner today.

There was once a rooster who stood upon the fence post every morning, screaming at the sun until his throat was raw, convinced his noise alone caused the day to begin. Meanwhile, the hen stayed in the coop, remained silent, and provided the family with an egg. When the farmer came out in the morning, he tipped his hat to the rooster but fed the hen the best corn.

As we look at the busy week ahead for Spalding County, let’s remember to focus on the "eggs" rather than the "crowing" that often fills our social media feeds.

- Chad Robert

3pm crashes every day. Unexpected weight gain. Unpredictable cycles. When symptoms start piling up, your hormones and metabolic health are often part of the story.

Allara helps women understand what's really going on with comprehensive hormone and metabolic testing. Their advanced testing goes beyond the basics to measure key markers like insulin, thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and metabolic health. Whether you already have a diagnosis or are still searching for answers, Allara's care team uses your results to create a personalized treatment plan with expert medical and nutrition guidance.

They treat a wide range of women’s health conditions, including PCOS, fertility challenges, weight management, perimenopause, thyroid conditions, and more.

With Allara, you get clarity, expert support, and a personalized care plan all for as little as $0 with insurance. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your body and addressing the root causes.

Get started with Allara

A building at 117 East Solomon Street near the Spalding County courthouse annex will be torn down after the commission approved a $397,000 demolition project in early March. Inspectors found severe roof failure, water intrusion, compromised structural framing, and hazardous materials including asbestos and lead paint. The building failed to meet fire, life-safety, and accessibility standards, and officials said rehabilitation wasn't feasible. Demolition work should be mostly finished by June, with final completion expected by July 21.

The City of Griffin has agreed to supply treated water to the city of Hampton for a data center project under construction on more than 600 acres near Atlanta Motor Speedway. The deal allows up to five million gallons per day, though the first three years are capped at 750,000 gallons daily. Griffin's water comes from the Flint River and two reservoirs. The Flint Riverkeeper is monitoring the arrangement, noting that water conservation and clean returns remain critical.

A new community organization supporting individuals and families affected by substance use opened its doors in Griffin. New Avenue of Live Outreach Spalding (NALO) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its location on 222 Meriwether Street, hosted by the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce. NALO provides education, peer support, and community partnerships to connect people with resources and pathways toward lasting recovery. The organization adds another resource for Spalding County residents navigating recovery challenges.

Spalding County hunters can head to the woods starting Saturday as Georgia's turkey season opens on private land March 28. Public land season begins April 4, and the statewide season runs through May 15. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources reports the best reproduction rate in a decade - 1.8 poults per hen - with the Piedmont region, which includes Spalding County, leading at 1.9 poults per hen. Bag limits allow one gobbler per day, two per season. All hunters need a free harvest record before heading out.

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.

Ribbon Cutting for NALO Spalding

When: Friday, March 27, 10:00 AM

What: Celebrate the grand opening of New Avenue of Live Outreach Spalding, a community organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use. Join the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Free and open to all.

Where: NALO Spalding, 222 Meriwether Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Easter Bunny at Metro Auto Mart

When: Friday, March 27, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What: Bring the kids for a visit with the Easter Bunny at this free, family-friendly holiday event. Stop by for photos and Easter fun before the big weekend. No registration needed.

Where: Metro Auto Mart, 392 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for Pets

When: Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

What: Bring your dogs and cats for affordable vaccinations at this low-cost pet vaccination clinic. Please keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. To register visit: https://helpspayneuter.org/ or call 770-288-5592

Where: 105 Justice Blvd, Griffin GA 30224

Spring in Pink Dash in Blue Southern Crescent 5K

When: Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

What: Support the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center by participating in this annual 5K. Participants are encouraged to wear pink and blue to show their support for survivors and community awareness. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Where: Taylor Street Gym, 1403 W Taylor St, Griffin, GA 30223

Mother's Finest Original Band

When: Saturday, March 28, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

What: The legendary funk-rock band takes the stage for a high-energy performance. Known for their powerful vocals and fusion of rock and soul, this is a must-see for music fans in the region. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Where: Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center, 349 Jonathan's Roost Rd, Williamson, GA 30292

Easter Egg Hunt at Trinity

When: Sunday, March 29, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: Families are invited to Trinity Methodist Church for a community Easter egg hunt. The event features candy-filled eggs, photo opportunities, and seasonal activities for children of all ages.

Where: Trinity Methodist Church, 501 West Broad Street, 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.

82° 🌡️ 51° | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 W 11 mph (10 knots)

66° 🌡️ 43° | ☀️ | 10% | 💨 NE 13 mph (11 knots)

68° 🌡️ 42° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 SE 10 mph (9 knots)

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine. That's a wrap on this week's 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.

Know someone who'd appreciate staying connected to what's happening locally? Forward this their way. The more neighbors we have reading, the stronger this thing gets.

Have an event, news tip, or local story we should know about? Reply to this email, I personally read every response. And if you're a local business interested in reaching your community through the Grapevine, let's talk. Reply directly or email me at [email protected].

Enjoy the spring sunshine and look out for each other.