🍇 Summer Buzz

Good morning, Spalding County!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend and found a good way to celebrate the moms, grandmothers, wives, and mother figures who keep families moving.

If your weekend plans took you up toward Atlanta, you may have caught a break. The much-dreaded I-285 shutdown was called off because of “poor weather.” I’ll admit, I’m still wondering where that poor weather was hiding. My yard could have used it. The grass is starting to look a little tired, and a few of my plants are clearly considering giving up on me.

Speaking of Atlanta, we are now officially one month away from the World Cup kicking off. That may sound like an Atlanta story, but an event that big has a way of spilling well beyond the city limits. Hotels, restaurants, traffic, watch parties, visitors, and general summer buzz could all ripple down this way in one form or another.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for local watch parties and community gatherings where folks in Spalding County can get together, enjoy the games, and cheer on Team USA. If you hear of one happening around Griffin or elsewhere in the county, send it my way. Big global events are always more fun when there’s a local place to enjoy them.

- Chad Robert

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Black Shears Pet Grooming has opened at 1424 North Expressway in Griffin, giving local pet owners another option for grooming services. The new owner-operated business officially opened May 2 and offers grooming appointments for dogs and other pets. The salon is focused on providing personalized care in a quieter setting, with an emphasis on keeping animals comfortable during appointments. Black Shears Pet Grooming is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. The business is currently accepting appointments as it begins serving customers in the Griffin area.

The City of Griffin took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Griffin-Spalding Regional Airport, marking a major step forward for a project that has been in development for more than two decades. City commissioners joined City Manager Jessica O’Connor, Airport Director Robert Mohl, state and local officials, community partners, and project stakeholders for the ceremony. The project is expected to support future growth, improve regional connectivity, and create new economic development opportunities for Griffin and Spalding County. City officials said the milestone reflects years of planning and cooperation among local leaders, organizations, and community partners who helped move the airport project forward.

Downtown Griffin has a new place to gather with the opening of Pour Decisions Lounge on South Hill Street. The new lounge recently celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting, adding another business to Griffin’s growing downtown scene. Its arrival continues a stretch of new investment in the city center, where restaurants, shops, and entertainment-focused businesses have helped bring more activity to the area. For downtown Griffin, the opening is another sign of momentum as local businesses work to make the district a more active destination for nights out, weekend plans, and community gatherings.

It is a fairly active week on the local government calendar, with meetings spread across Griffin and Spalding County. Monday starts with the Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority at 5:00 PM, where airport project updates and related development issues are likely to be on the table. Tuesday brings the Griffin Downtown Development Authority at 8:15 AM, followed by a busy evening with the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners and the Spalding County Board of Elections & Voter Registration both meeting at 6:00 PM. Wednesday appears quiet, but Thursday picks things back up with the Griffin Environmental Council at 5:30 PM, the Spalding County Parks & Leisure Services Advisory Commission at 6:00 PM, and the Spalding County Board of Appeals also at 6:00 PM. In plain English, this week covers a little bit of everything: the airport, downtown development, city business, elections, parks, the environment, and zoning appeals.

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 Wynn’s Pharmacy

When: Monday, May 11, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon cutting to celebrate Wynn’s Pharmacy moving into its new location. Wynn’s has served the community for more than 40 years, and residents are invited to come out, show support, and help mark the milestone.
Where: Wynn’s Pharmacy, 536 South 8th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Coffee & Connections

When: Tuesday, May 12, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
What: Local business leaders are invited to meet for coffee, conversation, and quick networking at the Griffin-Spalding Chamber. The event is designed to help members build relationships and connect with others in the local business community. No registration fee, but space is limited.
Where: Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, 143 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Ribbon Cutting for Auntie Joy’s Story House

When: Tuesday, May 12, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: The Chamber is celebrating the grand opening of Auntie Joy’s Story House, a new children’s bookstore and learning space focused on literacy, imagination, tutoring, and educator-led services for local families. Guests can meet the team and get a look inside the new community hub.
Where: Auntie Joy’s Story House, 802 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Business Networking Lunch

When: Wednesday, May 13, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber is hosting a casual networking lunch for members and local professionals. This month’s lunch features a family-style meal from Firehouse Subs. Registration is requested, and the cost is $10 per person.
Where: Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, 143 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

QPR Suicide Prevention Workshop

When: Thursday, May 14, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: This free workshop teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis and respond using the Question, Persuade, Refer method. It is open to community members, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants to be better prepared to help someone in crisis.
Where: Saint Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1689 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Griffin, GA 30224

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.

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Thanks for spending part of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine. I’m grateful you choose to make this local read part of your week.

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And as always, if you spot something around town that deserves a mention, just hit reply to this email. New businesses, events, community updates, road projects, odd little local happenings, I want to know about it.

Have a great week, Spalding County!

P.S. A few premium sponsorship spots are opening for local businesses that want to get in front of Griffin Grapevine readers. Interested? Reply to this email or reach me at [email protected]