NOV 17 - 30, 2011

VOL. 01 NO. 22

's

Gift ideas from local stores that ring up for $25 or less Black Friday Specials Why to use your AmEx on 11/26 PG 4-5

"Atlanta's Tough Guy" opens up about his acting career (spoiler: he's a softy at heart )

PG 3

What e xactly is the Landbank Authority and what do the do? y PG 2

GET A GRIP AND GET THE GOOD STUFF

PRINTED BI-WEEKLY | WWW.THE-GRIP.NET

Cold weather didn't deter the Griffin-Spalding Humane Society Chili Cook Off

School system receives recommendation for re-accreditation; final AYP numbers in

JESSICA GREGORY
After three days of interviewing 324 individuals, listening to numerous presentations, and examining boxes of artifacts, the AdvancED (SACS-CASI) Quality Assurance Review team recommended re-accreditation for the Griffin-Spalding County School System. Dr. Michael Lodico, the lead evaluator of the eightperson Quality Assurance Review Team, commended the school system at a called board of education meeting Nov. 16 for developing a continuous improvement process that is showing significant increases in student performance; aligning leadership and communications protocol internally and externally to support the districts initiatives; demonstrating commitment to the success of each student; and supporting instruction through the systemic use of a variety of data analysis tools. The AdvancEd review team visit was part of the district accreditation process,
CoNT, SCHOOLS, pg 2

JESSICA GREGORY
Though Nov. 5 was especially windy and cold, roughly 300 people showed up for samplings of roughly 35 different chili recipes for the GriffinSpalding Humane Society Chili Cook off held at The Pavilion on Carver Road. The Chili Cook off is one of the largest fundraisers for

the society. Winning first place in the Judges' Choice category was Manhatten's Restaurant. Tony Akl, owner of Manhatten's, says he's entered the cook off every year for the past 10 years, with this year being the second in a row taking home first place.

"We change our chili a little every year," he said, "but it's always a traditional chili with a mixture of steak tips and ground beef with smokey flavoring." "Being picked as the number one choice makes it exciting, but win or lose we're going to enter because it's an important cause," said Akl.

Petro South took home first place in People's Choice, followed by Karen Mosley and Debbie Benton of Sister Brew (pictured above right).

Community support sought for UGA criminal justice program

SHEILA MARSHALL
to finish their degrees in the Griffin-Spalding County area. Currently, those graduates must go to Atlanta, Clayton State, Macon State or Columbus universities to finish their degrees. With no secondary educational facility other than Clayton State College offering such degree completion programs within 60 miles of Griffin, Bennett said if the University of Georgia opts to offer this, it would also have the potential to significantly impact local development. Just think of the opportunities with regard to students housing needs, including potential student housing, new restaurants, shopping and coffee shops, he said. This is a great opportunity to promote our community with growth, sustainability and perseverance in todays economic conditions, as well as the ability to graduate from a state of the art institution,
CoNT, pROgRAM pg 2

A community-driven movement is underway Above left: Griffin Fire which seeks to encourage Rescue hands out samplings the University of of their chili. Georgia-Griffin campus to implement a criminal justice bachelor degree completion program. Jeremy Bennett, a Griffin native, former sergeant of the Griffin Police Department and current Southern Crescent Technical College criminal justice professor, has spearheaded the effort, one he says will benefit not only those seeking a career in law enforcement, but the community, as well. I am proposing that the University of GeorgiaGriffin campus start up a bachelor degree program in criminal justice, political science, justice administration or public administration, he said. This would allow for the graduates of both Southern Crescent Technical College and Gordon College the opportunity and ability

SCTC celebrates the "topping out" of its Medical Technology Building

JESSICA GREGORY
only two months ago, Southern Crescent Technical College broke ground on what will be its largest building on campus, a new Medical Technology Building located on what used to be student parking. on Thursday, Nov. 17, SCTC celebrated the "topping out" of the building, which means the framework of the building is now complete, slightly ahead of schedule, says Anna Taylor, director of marketing and public relations for SCTC. The next steps will be to finish the exterior framing and moving on to the interior. The new 80,000 sq. ft. building will house the dental assisting, medical assisting, orthopeadic tech pharmacy tech, practical nursing, radiologic, respiratory care, surgical tech, emergency medical tech, and paramedicine
CoNT, buiLding, pg 2

COMMUNITY

HEADLINE HIGHLIGHTS
- On Wednesday, Nov. 9 a Cowan Road Middle School student brought an inoperable BB gun to school. The weapon was immediately confiscated, and the student was suspended from school and will face criminal charges and a disciplinary hearing. - City commissioners voted on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to renew a fouryear lease with Yamaha for 55 golf carts for the City Municipal Golf Course in the amount of $39,930. - The city of Griffin has entered an agreement with ReservationFor, Inc. to allow online reservations and bill payment for City Park Pavillions. A $5 service charge will be applied per reservation made online. - The adult daycare, Golden Girls Ministries, is appealing the county commissioners' decision to deny their request for a special exception for a home occupation business. - The Spalding County Sheriff's Department responded to a shooting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at Willow Creek Apartments on Futural Road. A female was shot in the hip, and treated by Spalding EMS. The incident remains under investigation. - Georgia State Troopers are joining law enforcement officers across the country for Operation Click It or Ticket to promote seat belt and child passenger safety for the holidays. The two-week enforcement wave began Nov. 14 and ends Sunday, November 27. - Orrs Elementary School teacher Dana Smith Jett was named the 2011-12 GSCS Teacher of the Year by the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education at their Tuesday, Nov. 1 meeting. She will represent the GriffinSpalding County School System in the state-level Teacher of the Year competition in January 2012. - County commissioners have approved an ordinance to amend licensing and regulations Section 6-1006(2) to provide for package sales of malt beverages and wine on Sundays, which will appear on the county ballet in March 2012. - After three days of interviewing 324 individuals, listening to numerous presentations, and examining boxes of artifacts, the AdvancED (SACS-CASI) Quality Assurance Review team recommended re-accreditation for the GriffinSpalding County School System.

Griffin native Lauren Ashely Redmond) won the Female Artist of the Year, voted by the readers of GeorgiaCountry.com pg.6
LIFESTYLES

We've highlighted a few local businesses to make it easy for you to keep it local while shopping this holiday season. pg. 4-5
GOVERNMENT

Re-elected city commissioners Hollberg, Todd, and Flowers share their thoughts on the challenges that face Griffin. pg. 7

Jessica Gregory, Publisher

jessica@the-grip.net www.the-grip.net

Nov. 17 - 30, 2011

TOP STORIES
said Burrell. "We are continuing to refine the process of determining who we can do the most for at A.Z. Kelsey. We need to accept students that we can have the greatest impact upon in the least amount of time." Burrell went on to say that if 11 more students had graduated from any of the high schools - GHS, SHS, or A.Z. Kelsey, the system would have met AYP goals this year.

schools, cont.
which is an international protocol for school districts committed to systemic, systematic, and sustainable improvement, according to the oral exit report of the review team. Dr. Curtis Jones, Superintendent, said, I am extremely proud of the work of the review team. In three days they gave our school system an extensive look in all facets of schooling. We can take pride in the commendations the review team gave. What is more, their assessment validates the hard work of the schools, teachers, and students. We are a good school system on the journey to becoming great! The SACS re-accreditation comes just after the finalized 2010-11 Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) numbers have been published, which also brought good news for GSCS. For the first time, 94 percent (17 out of 18) GSCS met or exceeded standards and made AYP. "17-1 is an

excellent won-loss record," Dr. Jones wrote in annual report. A.Z. Kelsey Academy, a nontraditional high school that focuses on students who are far behind in their academics, was the only school that didn't met AYP standards. A.Z. Kelsey's graduation rate was 25 percent, or 19 out of just over 70 students. often the students are so far behind, they simply can't graduate before they age out of the system. "We knew that A.Z. Kelsey would have an impact on our AYP report," said Denise Burrell, GSCS Deputy Superintendent for Instruction. Burrell adds that A.Z. Kelsey's number of graduates, however low, helps to boost the school system's graduation numbers and meet the AYP graduation rate requirements. "Most importantly, we've got to ask ourselves how many students can we help graduate that would have never graduated without a school such as A.Z. Kelsey?" Georgia communities following the near collapse of the real estate market. Utilizing funds of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), federal funds are channeled through the state to the LBA. The money is then used to purchase homes that have been foreclosed upon. It gives us an opportunity to make a difference in neighborhoods that really need it, Joiner said. once homes are acquired, the LBA makes any necessary repairs while also renovating the home to be more energy efficient. The way the law reads, they want these houses to be the best houses in the neighborhood, he said. These become really good houses with low maintenance and low utility costs. It should really

SCTC, cont.
programs. Thirty-six percent of SCTC's student body is currently enrolled in medical programs, and the current classrooms are at full capacity, said Taylor. "The Medical Technology Building will allow us to update and expand the facilities and training laboratories for our medical programs. We also hope to be able to get rid

of some of the modular units on campus," she continued. Additionally, the building will have 12 classrooms and three science labs to support these allied health programs. offices for faculty and staff will be located on the second and third floors. The negotiated cost of construction for this project is just over $15 million dollars with a completion date of Sept. 2012. The additional budget for furniture,

fixtures and equipment for the building is $2.5 million. The school hopes to offer courses in the new building in the spring semester of 2013, and that the new space will allow for the expansion of existing programs, as well as the creation of new programs. "New programs and expansion is still in the developmental stage," said Taylor, "but we are looking to expand the Financial Aid and Student Affairs offices to accommodate the needs of our students."

program, cont.
such as the University of Georgia. This proposal has already garnered the support of local law enforcement officials. I dont know that you have to have one (degree) to be a police officer, but I think it makes them more wellrounded police officers, said GPD Chief Frank Strickland. They do better with problem solving once theyve been through the college process. He also said he believes be the best house they (purchasers) can get. The LBA began its work with a $1.1 million NSP grant that was used to purchase and restore 21 homes. Parties interested in purchasing these homes must meet certain lower income requirements, based on a percentage of the countys median income level. Its really targeted at getting people into homes who otherwise might not be able to purchase a home, Joiner said. We actually have a limit on the maximum we can sale a house for. We may even take a loss on some sales. However, according to the legislation under which statewide LBAs were established, it is not required that all costs be recouped.

his current officers would benefit from such a UGA program, because they would have an opportunity to continue their educations locally. Sheriff Wendell Beam is also a strong supporter of Bennetts efforts. I definitely endorse it, he said. Law enforcement is heading towards where the more education you have, the better the career will be. Having the ability to obtain a degree locally would be very beneficial for those already in law enforcement and those interested in a career in law enforcement. As funds come in from the sale of these homes, they are used to purchase additional qualifying properties. Its kind of a revolving fund, Joiner said. In addition to the initial $1.1 million NSP grant, the LBA recently received a second grant totaling just over $660,000. Joiner said the LBA will seek to use these NSP3 funds to purchase more than one home in badly affected neighborhoods. Long term, it should really have a good effect on Griffin and Spalding County. It will work to stabilize property values in these neighborhoods, he added. As important as these real estate transactions are to neighborhood revitalization, it was not the original legislative intent in the establishment

Dr. Doris Christopher, UGA-Griffin assistant vice president for academic affairs and director of academic programs, said university officials in Athens have not yet ruled on the proposal. Its a coming together of two departments in Griffin and Athens, she said. The department has to go through and review whether criminal justice is something they want to bring to the campus. Its really exciting if it happens, but its in the hands of the vice president of instruction (Dr. Laura Jolly) in Athens. of LBAs. The reason LBAs were originally authorized was to deal with tax delinquent properties, Joiner said. In those circumstances, when a countys tax commissioner offers residences up for tax tale, the LBA appears and places a bid on the home. The minimum bid acceptable by tax commissioners is the amount of past due taxes plus its administrative costs associated with the sale. Joiner said the only concern he was aware of was that of investors who feared they would be excluded from the purchase process. However, Joiner said that if the LBA and a private investor each place matching bids on such properties, the private investor, by law, automatically wins the bid.

Bennett is strongly encouraging Spalding County residents and interested parties to write letters of support for a criminal justice program to himself, as well as Christopher. Bennett may be reached at jeremybennett@yahoo. com, and Christopher may be contacted by e-mail at Email-dvc@uga.edu. A massive number of letters of support have been coming in and Ive been forwarding those to Athens, Christopher confirmed. We really are a purchaser of last resort, he said. In these circumstances, the LBA is required to notify the original owner of its tax sale purchase, and they then have one year to reclaim their property. To do so, the homeowner must pay the amount of the tax sale plus 20 percent. At the end of that year, a second notice is issued and another 30-day waiting period ensues. If the owner still fails to reclaim the property, it then becomes the property of the LBA. If we sell a property, of course the first goal is to recoup the past due taxes that are owed, Joiner said. However, the Land Bank Authority is the only authority that can extinguish delinquent taxes if it is necessary to do so to get the property back into the hands of a private owner and in a productive status.

WATCHDOG
You've got questions? We'll find the answers.
Curious about some rumor you heard about local government, what an organization does, or who paid for what? Send an email to watchdog@the-grip.net.

SHEILA MARSHALL
Recent reports that the Spalding County Board of Commissioners reduced by 50 percent the budget of the Griffin-Spalding County Land Bank Authority (LBA) prompted reader questions regarding the role of the governmental agency. According to Executive Director John Joiner, the LBA was formed to address some of the negative issues that permeated

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

"Atlanta's Tough Guy" shares experiences from his acting career
Tim Perez, a retired veteran who served in the Army and Navy, who in 2008 also ran for Spalding County sheriff, speaks out on his acting career. Perez, also a pilot, likes to relax by jumping out of airplanes. Learn more at Perez at www.timothydperez.me Q: What type of roles do you tend to play? A: At first I was getting tough guy roles. You know, biker, killer, prisoner, etc. They used to always call Q: When did your acting career me the tough begin? guy, which turned into Perez in a scene with Meet the Browns' David Mann A: My very first gig was The Atlanta Life is full of challenges, as an extra in the Lifetime Toughguy. obstacles, and personal movie The Wronged Man. However, Ive been a cop, drama, so when telling a It was filmed partly at the military dude, father and story through acting, some old Griffin jail. I had seen all around general dude, of the details have to be an ad for extras in the as well. Im not locked told for the story to be newspaper, responded into one character type, complete. As an example, and was called in to be a which is good. I want to be as a matter of policy, I prisoner. This was three versatile enough to do any don't swear. However, if years ago, around January role that comes my way. swearing, to a degree, 2009. makes sense and tells Q: As the Atlanta Tough Guy, do the story, which sells the Q: How did you become involved you have concerns of becoming scene and character, then in the film industry? type cast in the bad guy roles? I'll make a decision as to A: During the filming of A: Haha! I kinda thought on whether I can support it or not. I also don't kill people The Wronged Man, I this question a little. First in real life, but I will in a got in with several extras off, cast means that Im movie! I wouldn't want to casting agencies. From getting roles! So, Ill take play a wife abuser, but if there, I had featured extra them, bad guy or not. But the role had redeeming roles as a prisoner, biker I like doing other types qualities in the character, and all around tough guy. because I want folks to and it needed to be done Eventually, I started getting see that I can be a tough to make the story, then speaking roles, and then father, tough husband, I'd probably do it. To do it got picked up by an agent. tough coach, tough cop, just for the sake of doing This past summer I also etc. Tough doesnt always it might be a challenge for picked up a manager. have to be bad, or mean. me personally. The line isn't on one hand, always in a black and white I dont want to area. be locked in to one type. on the Q: How does your family feel other hand, if about your acting career? being a bad guy feeds me, then so A: My family is very be it! supportive. When I first started acting, my wife Q: How do you Marlene had concerns. correlate your personal beliefs with After all, the only news acting? For example, that seems to come out of Hollywood is of the would you ever turn drugs, sex, divorces and down a role that cheating scandals. My wife you felt portrayed was afraid that I could get a character that caught up in that mess, but contradicted your Perez with Callie Thorn on the set of Necessary since she travels with me personal faith? Roughness some and has met a lot of the folks in the industry, Q: What are some of the projects A: This is a good question, shes seen that there are youve been involved with? one that comes up in a lot of good folks that discussions quite often just love the craft and A: Wow. Ive been in roughly amongst Christian actors. want to make a career of 25 movies/TV shows. I I've wrestled with the it. Plus, she runs a tight was a series regular on a "line" on more than one ship around my house and Comcast on Demand TV occasion. In fact, my wife series titled Money, Power, and I discuss it regularly. All keeps me in line anyways! I know which side of my and Respect. Ive also been I can say is that I won't use bread the butter is on! on Past Life, The Glades, the Lord's name in vain. The Walking Dead, Nor will I do a sex scene. Q: What is your favorite aspect Necessary Roughness, other than that, I have to of acting? Meet the Browns and judge the merits of each many other projects. project individually. I say Ive also been in a few that because someone commercials. Theres a list has to be the bad guy of most of the projects on for the story to be told. IMDB. A: There are several pieces to the answer. First, I enjoy being somebody different bringing a character to life and telling a story is an awesome thing. There is lots of creativity at play when developing a character for a role. Secondly, I enjoy the business side of it. Being a successful entrepreneur of sorts, I enjoy the challenge of building my own road to success. Im not sitting around waiting for someone to tell me that its my turn to be successful. Im taking the bull by the horns and making my own way. Thats the beauty of this great country. We can do that! I do NoT have to follow the beaten path. None of us have to! Q: What is the most challenging aspect of acting? A: Acting is a lifestyle. A tough aspect is that we have to be able to go away on a moments notice somewhere for an audition, or to film. For instance, I got a callback, which is a second audition, for a role in a major motion picture. Well, my wife and I had to drop everything that we were doing at one day at 4 p.m. and hit the road for a grueling 11-hour drive to Shreveport, La., for an 11 a.m. call time the next day! We got four hours sleep that night, then drove 14 hours the next day to get the rest of the way to the audition and then back home. Q: Where do you see your career going? What are your aspirations? A: Ive had several day player roles on TV shows, been the lead in quite a few independent films and I was a regular on an on Demand TV series. The next logical step would be to land a recurring role on a regular TV series, and to land a role in a major motion picture that has theatrical distribution. other than becoming a successful actor, my aspiration is to use that fame and notoriety to make a difference in the lives of others. It will make a great platform from which to do that.

Nov. 17 - 30, 2011

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Nov. 17 - 30, 2011

LIFESTYLES

GET A GRIP: POLL OF THE WEEK

Each week at www.the-grip.net a Get A Grip poll will be posted. The results and any related content will be published in the consecutive print edition of The Grip. Visit www.the-grip.net to vote today!

Current Poll:

Last Weeks Poll Results:

What type of events would bring you downtown more often? 42% Concerts/street parties 25% Shopping/dining specials 25% Holiday festivities 8% Other - answers included
Collegiate Stainless Steel Spatula by Sports Chest; $18; Ace Hardware of Griffin Reflection beads; starting at $10; Griffin Jewelers

Should Georgia put a cap on the value of gifts given to legislators from lobbyists?
VOTE NOW AT WWW.THE-GRIP.NET

Cocoon Grid-It Organizer; $20; Liberty Technology

Silver-plated, pink crystal heart key chain; $15; Sharps Jewelers

more restaurants, retail stores

Olivina all-natural lotion;$18; All Together Unique Clothing & Accessories Snark clip-on chromatic tuner; tunes acoustic, electric and bass guitars; $20; Record Heaven

Cosmo Classic Pointy-Toe Patent Pump with 3.5" heel; $20; Taylor-Made Shoes

Hat and diaper cover for newborn to 4 mo. by Crotchet Beanies by Wanda; $25; Hissy Fit

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Floral clutch, long strap included; $25; The Bag Lady Personalizable Suzy Toronto glass ornament; $16; Hobbs Pharmacy "When life hands you lemons, add vodka" flask; $12; Rita's Jewelry, Pawn & Gifts

Variety of monogrammable and printed scarves; $22; The Tiger Lily

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Hape mini-vehicles made of bamboo; "Hot Rod"; $6; ClaxtonCole Pharmacy

Snow Baby; $25; Jan's Used Furniture

Shoes in a bag by Serendipity; various colors; bag monogrammable; $23; Serendipity

Vintage enamel cake and pie carrier;$24; One sampling of over 25 dealers on location at Weekend Treasures

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*Griffin has many great local and independently-owned retailers, all of which certainly could not fit within our pages. If you enjoy these items, you may also want to check out these businesses: The Clothesline, Griffin Antiques, Aging Gracefully, Blue Moon Bicycles, J. Michael's Frameworks, Griffin Gallery, The Sock Shoppe, Lola's Cigars, Safehouse Coffee and Tea, Artistic Flowers, Jones Harrison Furniture, From Out of the Past, Angie's Boutique; Manhatten's Clothing, Young at Heart, Paisleigh's Corner, Spalding Saddelry, and American Mills. We apologize if in our oversight we have failed to mention any other local retailers, but we encourage everyone to shop locally this holiday season, and always!

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LIFESTYLES
American Express Offers $25 Credit On 'Small Business Saturday'
JESSICA GREGORY
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday (sponsored by American Express) is quickly becoming a new shopping day, one in which the rewards are much greater than percentages off and dinky door busters. American Express's "Shop Small" movement began last November, when they offered a $25 statement credit for anyone who first registers their AmEx card online, then spends at least $25 with a small business merchant. Like last year, American Express is giving away 200,000 $25 statement credits for cardholders that shop at an American Express accepting small business on Nov. 26. Learn more about the campaign and sign up for the statement credit: Facebook.com/ SmallBusinessSaturday. While the 25 free dollars is an incentive enough, the idea behind the Shop Small initiative is to breathe life back into local communities. At the most basic level, when you buy locally, more money stays in the community. In fact, The New Economics Foundation found that almost twice the amount of money stays in the community when folks buy locally, in the form of property taxes, payroll and other expenditures. "That means those purchases are twice as efficient in terms of keeping the local economy alive," says author and NEF researcher David Boyle. Last year, merchants that accept American Express saw a 28 percent rise in sales volume compared with the same Saturday the previous year, the credit card company said. over 2.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials have declared their support for Small Business Saturday since last year. Businesses interested in promoting this event can visit the website smallbusinesssaturday.com to download free materials and take advantage of free Facebook ads. Make sure to check out the gift ideas on the opposite page for ideas on what to buy on November 26 to receive your American Express statement credit of $25!

Nov. 17 - 30, 2011

's

Aging Gracefully Antiques 30% OFF SELECT ITEMS 103 N. Hill Street; 10:30a - 5:30p

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Local tree farms allow families to create holiday tradition

SHEILA MARSHALL
Many local families share the beloved Christmas tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree. Two local tree farms will be open to the public beginning the day after Thanksgiving, with numerous options to make the holidays bright. While new to the agribusiness industry, Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm, which opened to the public in 2010, has a full crop of trees from which to select. much more than just a place to hang their familys ornaments. Its a family event. Its exciting to watch the kids when they come out and go through the trees. Its great to see the expressions on their faces. Kim Slaughter, of The old Barn Christmas Tree Farm, said it has been in her family for 50 years. Families who come here are going to go home with a warm memory of The Virginia Pine and Carolina Sapphire trees. Guests are also invited to visit the old Barn Shoppe, where they may peruse local handmade crafts, along with specialty European handcrafted items, local honey and homemade baked goods. For families who prefer Fraser Firs (which do not grow in the Georgia climate) and don't want to go to big box stores to get them, these two farms, as well as the Yard Depot, will also offer pre-cut Fraser Firs. "The big box stores level oregon forests in october and load the trees on a truck. When you buy a tree the day after Thanksgiving, it's already been cut for over a month," said Mark Redmond, co-owner of The Yard Depot. "our trees will have been cut within a two-week window of your purchase." Guests visiting these three locations will also be treated to hot cocoa and hot apple cider, respectively, and children visiting both tree farms will receive a complimentary holiday-themed coloring book and crayons. For additional information, call Evergreen at 770-468-3057; The old Barn at 770-2275237; The Yard Depot at 404-790-2082.

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Spalding County is one of the top ten Christmas tree-producing counties in Georgia. Some 55 acres are devoted to Christmas trees with a farmgate value of $206,250. Georgia farmers plant a total of 2,177 acres in trees for the holiday season.
Source: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences This is our second year selling trees, said owner Ricky Crawford. We have Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice and Virginia Pines ranging from six to 10 feet tall. Crawford said his trees are priced from $25 to $45, but visitors will receive old Barn. Theyre going to experience a more traditional setting because we are surrounded by woods, and its a slower pace we try to provide a good homey feel to our customers, so theyll feel welcome. The old Barns selection includes Leyland Cypress,

Dove Salon

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2898-C N. Expressway, Grin 770-227-2242

Lose 15-20 lbs per month SAFELY
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109 S. Hill Street, 7a - 10p

Spalding

SPECIALS ON BOOTS, BELTS, BUCKLES 122 S. 8th Street; 9a - 5p

Shoe Repair & Saddlery

GET STARTED NOW

Taylor-Made Shoes
117 N. Hill Street; 10a - 6 p

75 % OFF SELECT ITEMS AND DOOR PRIZES

PLEASE RSVP - 770-412-0005

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 pm 210 East Solomon St.

Championship Martial Arts, next door to courthouse

The Tiger Lily

50% OFF SELECT PURSES & JEWELRY 136 S. Hill Street; 10a - 5:30p

Weekend Treasures
125 S. Hill Street; 11a - 6p

MA JOR MARKDOWNS IN MANY BOOTHS

Robert Hayden DC, PhD, FICC

Gold Silver Watches Eye Glasses

210 Rock Street, Gri n

770-412-0005

Check with other downtown businesses & restaurants for more Black Friday specials!

Nov. 3-17, 2011

COMMUNITY
BUBBA'S HOMETOWN BULLETIN BOARD
November 18 - December 25; "Gift of Lights"; Atlanta Motor Speedway; a nightly drive-through event with over one million LED lights in hundreds of displays; 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; $15 admission per car. November 22; Tuesday; Airport Road Tree Lighting; 6-8p.m. ; tree lighting hosted by Spalding County Parks & Rec, with activities for children and a visit from Santa Claus. November 25; Black Friday; Shop in downtown Griffin on Black Friday for great specials and deals; see page 5 for a partial list of participating businesses. November 25; Friday; "The Nutcracker"; The annual holiday special presented by the Griffin Ballet Theatre; Griffin Auditorium; call 770-228-1306 for times. November 26; Small Business Saturday; register your American Express card at smallbusinesssaturday. com to receive a $25 credit to your AmEx statement when you purchase from a small business on Nov. 26. November 27; Sunday; Santa in the Garden; bring your children, grandchildren and pets to take professional photos with Santa in the UGA Research & Education Gardens 121 W. Ellis Road; 1-4 p.m.; $20 for two 5x7s and eight wallets. December 1; Thursday; Arts Association open House Downtown Griffin Tree Lighting; 5 - 7 p.m.; Griffin City Hall. December 1; Thursday; "Christmas with Griffin Choral Arts"; 7:30 p.m.; Begin your holiday observance with this annual concert event featuring traditional holiday selections and new compositions celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. Enjoy a night of great choral music accompanied by organ, harp, brass, percussion, and handbells; First Baptist Church of Griffin; www. griffinchoralarts.org December 2-11; "A Tuna Christmas"; Mainstreet Players; a withering satire, notable in that two men play the entire cast of over twenty eccentric characters of both genders and various ages; www. mainstreetplayers.org December 3; Saturday; Mistletoe Market and Downtown open House; noon - 6 p.m.; Griffin Regional Welcome Center; Purchase unique gifts, enjoy old fashioned mule cart rides, photos with Santa, kids activity area, and more. December 4; Sunday; G-S Chamber Christmas Parade; 2:30 p.m.; Route along Taylor Street, starting at Chick-fil-a to the old Taylor Middle School; Registration accepted through Dec. 2nd for $20. Contact the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce at 770-2288200. To view more local events visit the calendar page at www.the-grip.net. Our community calendar is sponsored by UGA Griffin Campus & 92.5 FM The Bear

BUY, RENT, SELL, SEEK

Place your items, events, rentals, and announcements in the classified section starting at $12. CALL: 770-227-1857 EMAIL: jessica@the-grip.net POST: PO Box 2251, Griffin FAX: 770-227-4939

ANNOUNCEMENTS SERVICES JOBS MISC. WANTED

HOW HIRING: NAIL TECHNICIAN at Star Salon. License required. Call Star Avery at 678-6033373.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

SOUTHRIDGE APTS - 2 bedroom/ 1.5 bath townhomes. Crescent and Spalding High school districts. $535/mo. 1 yr lease required/1 free mo.! SEARCY & COMPANY 770-227-4115

ROOMS FOR RENT YARD/ESTATE SALES

12 Draft Beers - Wings 9 Ways - Fresh Oysters

Happy Hour: Half-Price Bar Wednesday 3-7 | Thurs - Sat 3-6

Gluten-Free menu includes fried seafood, pasta & desserts

Dinner: Wednesday Saturday 4-9:30

Gift certificates & holiday party reservations available! 770-584-8660

129 S. Hill Street | 770.233.1220 | 6thstreetpier.com

Community briefs
Griffin native named GeorgiaCountry Female Artist of the Year

To have your information appear in the this section of The Grip, (space permitting) e-mail a press release to sheila@the-grip.net.

that are very supportive. I am very thankful and appreciative of my hometown community of Griffin who have been so supportive.

BLACK FRIDAY

109 S. Hill Street Griffin, Ga 30224

SALE %50 Off

French Press, Tea Sets, Mypressi Twist, Coffee Mugs, And much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come out and get your holiday treats with us. Doors open at 7:00 am so get here early..

In the past year LaurenAshley has opened for such acts as Luke Bryan and After much anticipation Ronnie Milsap. In addition and five long months to these performances, of voting, the suspense Lauren-Ashley released her was put to rest as the first self-titled EP which Georgia-Country Award received outstanding winnerswere announced this Saturday at Cowboys in reviews, and has been busy touring throughout Milledgeville, GA. Griffins Georgia, building a loyal very own Lauren-Ashley and supportive fan base. Redmond was named the Georgia-Country Female 2011 has been a mindArtist of the Year, which blowing year for me. I was a fan-voted award. have had so many great Being named the Georgia- opportunities and am looking forward to what is Country Female Artist of to come. said Redmond. the Year is such a great honor. said Redmond. The For more information on awards were voted on by Lauren-Ashley, please visit the fans which made it even more special to me. I her webpage at www. have a great group of fans laurenashleymusic.com

Griffin FireRescue among Best Places To Work In Georgia

Georgia Trend magazine has announced its 2011 list of the Best Places to Work in the State of Georgia. Along with major companies such as Lockheed Martin, Newell Rubbermaid, and Shaw Industries, the 64-member team of Griffin Fire-Rescue was recognized by the respected magazine as one of 15 Best Places to Work in Georgia. Through a nomination process allowing employees to recognize their company, the magazine evaluates the overall workplace

environment through how the employee is nurtured and encouraged. Recognition of how the workplace provides benefits such as wellness incentives, educational opportunities, and healthcare insurance coverage through tough economic times is highlighted as well. Griffin Fire-Rescue made the list because of the departments dedication to allow for a growth environment that prepares personnel for professional and personal success. The department has built a large library of motivational, leadership, and self- development books that expose personnel to business philosophies which foster a more creative and focused public servant. Incentives for EMT and Search & Rescue certification are offered to allow personnel to obtain higher skill-sets and prepare themselves for future promotion. Firefighter Jeff Baker nominated the department for the honor. The full article is available to read at www. GeorgiaTrend.com. Please contact Chief Tommy Jones at 770/229-6415 or

Tell your story with...

Boarding & Grooming
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Whether a short visit or extended stay, our four-legged friends will always have a place to hang their collars. FREE BLUEBERRY FACIAL Blueberry facials clean tear stains and provides anti-oxidants while smelling great! Safe for cats and dogs. Must bring this coupon. 1550 A. Flynt Street, Grif n

770-228-9009

visit our website or facebook for monthly specials!

Text the red keywords to 55958 to receive updates and coupons from your favorite local businesses!

Buy a starter bracelet (starting at $24.99) and get a starter bead free! 770-227-1157 Monday - Saturday 10 - 6 435 N. Expressway, Suite 101 Behind Verizon Wireless

GRIPPER: The Grip APIEGRIFFIN: American Pie Griffin IHEARTGRIFFIN: Griffin Events BOWLING: Magnolia Lanes CLEANING: Hospitality Cleaning
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GOVERNMENT
Commissioners list economic development, transportation, forward progress among Griffin's greatest challenges during new term
SHEILA MARSHALL
Two Griffin Board of Commission members Joanne Todd, representing District 4 and Doug Hollberg, representing the city at-large were reelected to serve another term on Tuesday, Nov. 8, while a third incumbent, Will Evans, was unseated by Cora Flowers, who will now represent District 2. Also carried by voters were two questions on the ballot those of whether to approve the city of Griffins sale of the Pimento Avenue School to New Mercy Baptist Church and for Sunday package alcohol sales. as well as the County Commission, to develop the new airport, as well as continuing to strengthen our financial position in all city operations. Hollberg said he has not at this time decided if he will seek reelection in the future. At this time, I will consider all options of public service, whether its serving in political office or as a private citizen, he said. At this time, I have not made a decision on the future. Plant, and thats going to be very expensive. Crucial in this process is striving to keep the costs of government off the backs of the citizens. I think weve done a pretty good job of that. Also a high priority of Todds is the advancement and eventual approval of the Transportation Special Local option Sales Tax (TSPLoST). Weve got to do a really good job of helping voters make the right choice. I believe we can do it if we lay out the education and inform our constituents, she said. Griffin-Spalding County stands to garner a $23 million piece of the pie, she said, money that will be used for sidewalks, paving streets and infrastructure improvements. The big ticket items, like improvements at the airport, she said. Todd said it is an honor to serve her constituents, but she is unsure if she will again run for elected office. Everything depends. It depends on health, family and what the needs of the city are at the time, she said. Its also about the constituents if they think Im doing a good job, Ill be here. think, oh, my goodness! Where do we begin? Were lacking a general sense of improvement and forward progress. With that perspective in mind, Flowers said she intends to immediately begin and maintain constant movement to improve her district. Among her concerns are roads that need paving, the clearing of lots, boarding up buildings as necessary and the installation of streetlights. I just dont see where its been a constant progression forward, even in small steps, she said. Theres been a little bit of improvement here and there, but it starts and then it stalls out. As for the city of Griffin at-large, Flowers said she believes economic development should remain the highest priority. I think a big part of that is the question of whether we have a work force that is capable of enticing businesses to come here to create economic development, she said. If we get the jobs, are we going to have a viable work force? As an example of her concern, Flowers highlighted the arrests of numerous Marshalls employees on theft charges. Marshalls came here and created jobs, but after they had been open only six months, several employees were arrested after the store conducted a two-month investigation. That means that after the store had only been open four months, they already found it necessary to conduct an investigation, she said. I dont really know how to solve that. Is it education? People having jobs that lead to better jobs? I think thats what I dislike the most its a circle and if you break a link, it all falls apart. You have to jump in there at some point, but the question is where do we begin?

Nov. 3 - 17, 2011

Give the gift of great food.

Gift certificates available!
Call now to schedule a banquet room for your holiday party! 770-228-5442 | 1707 N. Expressway

Serving Great Steaks and Prime Rib Since 1988

Hollberg says bringing jobs to Griffin is greatest challenge

Griffin Commissioner Doug Hollberg, who has served eight years on the board, is prepared to serve his constituents by continuing his efforts to improve the citys economic status. Himself a local businessman, Hollberg said this is his number one priority for his upcoming term. Economic development is our most serious challenge attracting jobs to our local community, he said. In order to meet the growing needs of Griffin residents, Hollberg said he will persist in his efforts to support local governmental departments working towards that goal. We will continue to lay the foundation, whether its support for the Development Authority or the airport expansion, whatever is necessary to bring the jobs to Griffin and Spalding County, he said. I look forward to working with our board,

Todd prepared to face challenges faced by city of Griffin

Having been reelected to serve a fourth term on the Griffin Board of Commissioners, Joanne Todd is both grateful to those who supported her candidacy and prepared to serve residents as they face decisions that she said will affect the region for many years to come. I think weve got some challenges, she said. I think the greatest challenge we face is water. I dont think the powersthat-be years ago thought the Head Creek Reservoir would ever run out of water or fall into a state of disrepair, but it has. She said this is a very pressing issue that must be soon addressed. Well have to start on this problem, probably at the beginning of the year. We have got to do repairs and its going to be expensive. It (the reservoir) must be dredged to remove the silt so it can be refilled, she said. Also, we have a 35-inch pipe now, but we need a much bigger one for the Harry Simmons

Flowers: I want to bring forward progress to District 2

Having served on the Griffin Board of Commissioners from 2004 to 2007, Cora Flowers is familiar with many of the responsibilities she faces once she is in January sworn into office to again serve the residents of District 2. overall, if I had to summarize the greatest challenge I face, I would say its progress in District 2, she said. Progress here has been stagnated, but when I look at the district overall, as compared to the rest of the city, I just

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120 E. Bank Street, Griffin

NEW LOCATION INSIDE THE OLD COKE BUILDING 410 E. Taylor Street, Suite M, Griffin

Searcy & Company Insurance

Make your list. Check it twice.

Sat, Dec 10th 9am until 12pm

Snap a photo with

Santa

Enjoy cider, coffee, cookies and special goodies for good little boys and girls

505 South Hill Street

2011 United Bank Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

Welcome to Ashford Villas in Gri n! Our community o ers an amazing park-like lifestyle where every apartment is a two-story townhome. The cozy, relaxing environment is the perfect place to call

home.

770-233-6895
Ashford Villas (Formerly Flynt Ridge) 1560 Flynt Street, Leasing O ce Apt A2