🍇 Spring in Georgia

Good morning, Spalding County!

Griffin was stunning this weekend, provided you didn't actually try to sit down. My deck chairs are currently sporting a thick coat of yellow, and the carpenter bees have taken out a mortgage on my wooden rockers. Every time I tried to get comfortable, one of those "boring" bees hovered inches from my face like a security drone guarding its post. It’s that time of year when the air is sweet, the ground is yellow, and the insects are in charge. Welcome to Spring in Georgia.

- Chad Robert

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Wellstar Spalding Medical Center celebrated the opening of its new cancer center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. The 6,475-square-foot facility nearly doubles the hospital's cancer treatment space for Spalding County. It features 14 infusion chairs, eight exam rooms, a dedicated lab, and an on-site infusion pharmacy. These resources streamline outpatient treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Partnering with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, the facility is currently staffed by Dr. Dhivya Prabhakar. A second oncologist will join the team this summer. This expansion brings advanced oncology and infusion services directly to local residents.

Spalding County Commissioners have paused a resolution for a proposed floating homestead exemption following a heated special meeting on March 11. Commissioner James Dutton introduced the local legislation after a similar statewide bill failed. He aimed to meet the General Assembly’s April 2 deadline. However, Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor criticized the proposal for a lack of board collaboration and transparency. School board members also expressed frustration. They noted they were not consulted despite the proposal affecting school taxes. With officials divided on the process and potential financial impact, the legislation remains on hold as the session deadline approaches.

The UGA Griffin campus was the site of the 2026 Griffin Dawg Dash Food Run this past Saturday morning, March 21. The annual 5K and 1-mile event serves as a major fundraiser for local food security, with proceeds benefiting the Abundant Life Soup Kitchen, 5 Loaves 2 Fish Food Pantry, and Backpack Food For Kids. In the 5K division, Connor Lister of Williamson secured the top overall spot with a chip time of 18:07. He was followed by Nicklous McCormick (19:03) and Jeremiah Hosch (19:34). The event also featured a 1-mile fun run and a strong showing from local residents and students alike, all braving the morning air to restock the shelves of Spalding County’s food providers.

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, March 23, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Join the weekly chess club at the Griffin-Spalding County Library. Open to all skill levels, kids and adults alike. Free; no registration required.

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

UGA Griffin Author Entertainment Series - Charlie & Cheryl Young

When: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 PM

What: Meet sibling authors Dr. Charlie Young and Cheryl Young as they discuss their debut historical fiction novel, "Houdini's Last Handcuffs." Charlie is a physician and eye surgeon turned writer, artist, and Vice President of the turn-of-the-century music publishing company Denton and Haskins. Cheryl is a Columbia MBA and longtime financial advisor with over 40 years in the industry across Europe and the U.S. Together they also created the radio podcast series "Unheard of Jazz" and are currently working on a sequel. Free and open to the public. Learn more at https://griffin.uga.edu/events/author-entertainment-series-charles-cheryl-young/

Where: Stuckey Auditorium, UGA Griffin Campus, Griffin, GA

Road to Resurrection Easter Event

When: Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Celebrate the Easter season at this free community event hosted by Trinity Methodist Church. Experience the story of the Resurrection through interactive stations and fellowship with neighbors. All ages welcome. Free admission. Sign up here.

Where: Trinity Methodist Church, 501 West Broad Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Citizens Academy

When: Thursday, March 26, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Learn how Spalding County government works from the inside at this hands-on civic education program. Meet local leaders, tour county facilities, and discover how decisions that affect your community are made. Free and open to residents; registration required.

Where: Spalding EMA, 1005 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Laugh Your Class Off Comedy Show

When: Thursday, March 26, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

What: Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy featuring five professional comedians who have performed at The Punch Line, The Apollo, on HBO, and Kevin Hart's Hart of the City Show. All proceeds benefit Partners In Education, supporting teacher grants and student scholarships. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30224

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.

78° 🌡️ 50° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 NW 14 mph (12 knots)

64° 🌡️ 48° | ☁️ | 45% | 💨 E 14 mph (12 knots)

58° 🌡️ 48° | 🌧️ | 45% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

73° 🌡️ 48° | ⛅ | 10% | 💨 SW 4 mph (3 knots)

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