🍇 Your Faucet

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

There's something about turning on the faucet that you never really think about. Until you have to.

Last week tested us a little. A fuel spill miles away, a precautionary advisory, and suddenly every kitchen tap in Griffin became the center of attention. But here's what I keep coming back to: the City shut down the river intake within hours. Samples went to the lab that same night. And by 10:15 PM on January 30, we had answers. This week, the final lab results confirmed what most of us hoped: our water is safe, no contamination, full stop.

That kind of response doesn't happen by accident. It happens because people take their jobs seriously.

- Chad

Cards Over Clicks helps children disconnect from their devices and reconnect with the real world. Founded by local Navy veteran Dennis Loewer, this 501(c)(3) non-profit uses the excitement of card collecting to develop critical social and learning skills.

From Pokémon and Sports to Disney and Star Wars, every free card packet comes with a grade-specific educational worksheet tailored to Georgia standards. Whether for Pre-K or High School, these packs encourage students to achieve classroom goals and engage with their peers face-to-face.

They help educators and parents turn "social media timeouts" into fun, educational wins. Their mission is simple: inspire kids to put the phone down and learn through family-friendly collecting.

Ready to inspire your students or support the community? They are actively seeking teachers to challenge their classes, educators to help design worksheets, and local business sponsors to keep the packs free.

Take the next step now: learn more at www.CardsOverClicks.org.

Spalding County's data center boom shows no signs of slowing. A fourth data center project has been proposed for the Tomochichi Road corridor, following the commissioners' recent unanimous approval of a $3.9 billion complex by Wallace Jackson LLC along Interstate 75. That project alone spans 190 acres and 5 million square feet across ten buildings. The rapid pace of proposals has drawn both supporters citing tax revenue and residents voicing concerns about water resources, farmland loss, and environmental impact. Details on the latest proposal are still emerging.

As temperatures dropped this season, the Rotary Club of Griffin stepped up. The club collected and donated dozens of warm coats to Captain Chris Thomas and the team at the Salvation Army of Griffin, where they will be distributed to local families facing the cold. The Rotary Club's annual coat drive continues through March 31, accepting new or gently used coats of all sizes. Donations help ensure no Spalding County neighbor goes without warmth this winter. Visit griffinrotary.org for drop-off details.

Griffin-Spalding County Schools has partnered with Daybreak Health to offer free mental health services, including teletherapy, to students and families across the district. The program gives students access to licensed counselors through virtual sessions, removing barriers like transportation and scheduling that often prevent young people from getting help. The partnership reflects a growing recognition that student wellness supports academic success. Families can learn more by contacting their child's school counselor or visiting gscs.org.

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.

Kids Drawing Club at 'stache studio

When: Friday, February 6, 5:30 PM

What: Spark your child's creativity at this weekly drawing session in downtown Griffin's art studio. Young artists explore new techniques and subjects in a supportive, fun environment. All skill levels welcome. Check stachestudio.net for details and pricing.

Where: 'stache studio, 116 S 6th St, Griffin, GA 30223

On the Border - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

When: Friday, February 6, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

What: Experience the music of the Eagles performed live with stunning accuracy — from "Desperado" to "Heartache Tonight." Six-part harmonies, masterful guitar work, and a full journey through the Eagles songbook. All ages welcome. Tickets available through Freshtix. Free parking on-site.

Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

The Sparrow Trail Race

When: Saturday, February 7, 8:00 AM (6-hour race) and 11:00 AM (3-hour race)

What: Challenge yourself on a scenic two-mile loop of smooth single-track trail around a lake at this endurance event. Choose between a three-hour or six-hour race. New Griffin location for 2026. All finishers exceeding distance goals earn raffle entries for sponsor prizes. T-shirt included with registration.

Where: 287 Jordan Hill Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

African American Genealogy: How to Get Started

When: Saturday, February 7, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

What: Discover your family's roots at this hands-on class covering essential genealogy research tools, resources, and techniques. The session includes a special focus on records prior to 1870 for tracing African American ancestry. Free and open to the public. Registration required — call 770-412-4770 to reserve your spot.

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

Promise Place's 10th Annual Teen Summit

When: Saturday, February 7, 10:00 AM

What: Support and empower local youth at this milestone summit focused on helping teens build healthy relationships and make safe choices. Promise Place, Spalding County's domestic violence shelter, hosts workshops and speakers for teens across the community. Free event. Register on Eventbrite.

Where: Southern Crescent Technical College - Griffin Campus, 501 Varsity Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

10th Annual Griffin-Spalding Black Heritage Festival

When: Saturday, February 7, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What: Celebrate a decade of heritage through the power of song at this beloved community festival. Enjoy performances honoring African American musical traditions, featuring special guest Isaiah Tatum. Scholarships awarded to local students.
Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children (ages 5-17). Purchase at the door.

Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 E Taylor St, 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.

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine! From city commission meetings to community events, there's always something happening in Griffin. We're here to make sure you don't miss it. No more hunting through a dozen websites and social media pages, just one weekly digest to keep you in the loop.

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Have a great weekend, Griffin!