OCT 6 - 20, 2011

VOL. 01 NO. 19

HUNDREDS IN SAVINGS AT LOCAL BUSINESSES SEE THE GRIPON INSERT!

GET A GRIP AND GET THE GOOD STUFF

Scarecrows make their way back to the garden - pg. 4

Sheriff's election run off is Oct. 18; early voting Oct. 6 - 14

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Roundtable approves two T-SPLOST project list options for Spalding County
JESSICA GREGORY
City and county leaders presented a two-option plan to the Three Rivers Commission Regional Transportation Roundtable on Sept. 29, which was approved unanimously. The approval of this plan, which Griffin Mayor and Regional Roundtable Committee member Joanne Todd calls a tremendous victory for Griffin and Spalding County, will protect Spalding Countys share of the transportation tax (TSPLOST), if it passes next year. Both options leave the commuter rail as the number one priority on the unconstrained list, but allocate different funding amounts to this project, dependent upon the Atlanta Regions acceptance of Clayton Countys commuter rail proposal, said Todd. Option A was to fund our9.2 miles of commuter rail at $46,988,375 in the event that the Atlanta Region would also accept Clayton Countys commuter rail proposal. Since that portion is and has remained up in the air, we hedged our chances by putting forth Option B: Commuter Rail could remain our top priority with a $3 million stipend for engineering, cost estimates, et cetera, said Todd. The Atlanta Region will meet twice before the Oct. 15 deadline to finalize the list of projects. If we dropped commuter rail before Oct. 15 we were worried everyone else will drop it, but Griffin couldnt afford to put $47 million into a project that wouldnt happen, said Todd.
CONTINUED, t-splost, pg 2

Two schools receive national award for promoting health City manager: No plans
JESSICA GREGORY
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, has recognized two Griffin-Spalding County School System schools. Both Jackson Road Elementary School and Cowan Road Middle School have received the Bronze National Recognition Award based on achievement. To earn this award, the schools revamped its meal service and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards set by the Alliance. Jackson Road Elementary (JRES) received several grants to help promote student health, including the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program from the USDA, which introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample.
CONTINUED, AWARD, pg 4

in place to reduce police manpower at this time

SHEILA MARSHALL
After being contacted by residents expressing concern over rumors of a reduction of the work force at the Griffin Police Department, The Grip contacted local officials to determine if plans are currently in place to layoff, or through attrition, reduce law enforcement personnel. According to City Manager Kenny Smith, the short answer is a resounding, No, we do not have any specific plan in place for a workforce reduction in any department, including the Police Department. However, the full answer is much more complex and involves factors out of local control. Thats not to say that, at some point in the future, we may not be required to look at our general fund and find ways to reduce it, if necessary, he said. There are no guarantees in the world and if our economy continues its downturn and our revenues decline further, well have to look at what we need to do. Although he emphatically stated he has no immediate plan to lay off police officers or institute a hiring freeze at the department, which would leave positions unfilled as current personnel retire or discontinue employment by the GPD, he also said he cannot guarantee that will not change in the future. Again citing the stillfloundering economy, Smith said he cannot rule out future public safety cuts. I receive information from numerous cities and there are some nationwide that have had to cut public safety, he said, adding he hopes Griffin will not find it necessary to join their ranks. I certainly hope we wont, but if it comes down to it, those cuts would be a last resort. In the event public safety cuts do become necessary in the future, Smith said decisions would be made keeping in mind the best interest of Griffin residents. If it gets down to making any cuts, it would be in administration, because we need boots on the ground, he said. Were going to make them judiciously and from the best perspective of whats in the best interest of our residents. If it comes down to it, well put a plan in action, but at this time, there is no plan in place to reduce public safety. GPD Chief Frank Strickland stressed that at this time,
CONTINUED, police, pg 2

TOP STORIES

Living with a ghost or spirit, or something inexplainable going on? You may want to give GASP a call. pg. 2
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

13th Annual Tab Run raises thousands for charity

SHEILA MARSHALL
The Southside Riders Association 13th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run once again proved to be a tremendous success in its fund-raising efforts to support the Ronald McDonald House of West Georgia. Unlike many events, the Tab Run is not simply a one-day fund-raising effort, but for many, has become a yearlong tradition. Such is the case of the Blue Knights Chapter 13, a motorcycle club comprised of current and retired law enforcement officers. Each year prior to the Tab Run, the Blue Knights forsake their patrol cars for their bikes and ride over to Mainstay Academy to
CONTINUED, tAbs, pg 4

There's a new hot dog joint in town called Griffin's Dawg House. SRA President Mark Read the review. Barnhouse said almost pg. 3 $2,300 was raised through
FINANCE

New federal banking regulations may cause some changes in your finances. See what local community bank officials say about the Dodd-Frank Act and how it may affect you. pg. 7

the aluminum can tab recycling alone. The total donation, which includes ride registration fees and the sale of tickets for prize drawings, is still being calculated, but is expected to exceed $5,000. We had a great turnout, he said. We did a lot better than what was expected, what with the economy and all.

A biker riding in the 13th Annual Olivia Andrews Tab Run acknowledged the Fayette County Sheriff's Office helicopter that escorted the ride.

TOP STORIES Private sector employee testing needed for Group investigates local paranormal activity Spalding to become "Work Ready"
2 October 6 - 20, 2011

JENNA HOWARD

An update on the Georgia Work Ready program available at Southern Crescent Technical College shows Spalding County still has work to do in order to make sure its citizens are Work Ready. Spalding County has met its numbers for the unemployment sector and we have met our numbers for high school graduate/current high school senior assessments, explained Steve Hendrix, the Director of Continuing Education at Southern Crescent, but we still need 2 more GED assessments, 4 more technical college assessments, 25 public industry and 225 private industry assessments needed to become a Certified Work Ready Community. Currently, there are 10 participating counties under Southern Crescents Work Ready program. Counties such as Henry, Pike, Talbot, Taylor, and Upson have all met their goals and are Certified Work Ready Communities. The program requires a certain number of assessments from the existing and available workforce in the county. Spalding, Fayette, Butts, Jasper, and Lamar Counties have all yet to meet their numbers. In comparison to the other counties, Spalding is still far behind in meeting its numbers. The deadline for each county to meet its goals is

December 2011. Counties who meet their numbers by December 2011 are eligible for a state-funded grant and serve as models for initiative in the state. Robert Parker, the Work Ready Chairman, is concerned that Spalding County may not meet its numbers by the deadline. The other counties started earlier, but they have also had grants in order to advertise. In Spalding County, we have had no money to that. Its pretty must newspaper articles and word of mouth that has kept the program running here, Parker explained. He believes that Spalding Countys biggest concern is the 225 privately employed citizens that are needed for assessments, they can work anywhere in the state, but as long as they live in Spalding County and work for a private employer, they are eligible to take the assessment and help us become a Work Ready Certified Community. Steve Hendrix believes that Georgia Work Ready is a vital tool for our workforce, it is one of the vital tools for unemployed residents to show employers that they are more competent and a better fit than other people trying to get the same job. You bring in your Work Ready results and companies know exactly where you stand mathematically and how to measure your reading skills. Parker stated that said Todd. By allowing Spalding County to have two options, she said, The Roundtable unanimously voted that all the money generated in Spalding County could be used for Spalding County projects. It was a tremendous victory for us. In the event that Option B is used, the additional (roughly) $43 million would be applied to other transportation projects, such as the airport, and improvements to North Hill Street, Georgia Highway 16 widening, bridge projects on Vaughn Road at Shoal Creek and the Flint River Bridge on West McIntosh

the program is not only important for unemployed civilians, but also for economic development in the entire community. Being a Work Ready Certified Community is a huge selling point to attract companies to Spalding County. If other counties have that certification and we dont, it detracts attention from our county to the others, Parker said. Georgias Work Ready allows residents to train and take assessments in order to improve their skill sets. The program measures three assessments using the national ACT Work Keys standard. It measures applied mathematics, reading for information, and how well one can locate material. Once a person passes these assessments, they can obtain a Georgia Work Ready certificate and help their county become Certified Work Ready. Georgia Work Ready assessments are available at Southern Crescent Technical College. Training for these assessments and practice tests are available for anyone interested in obtaining their certificate. Training and practice tests are available anywhere with internet access. Preregistration to complete the test is required. All tests taken by residents will further Spalding Countys goal of become a Work Ready Certified Community. Road. Officials have estimated that the 10-county region will generate $642 million dollars, with Spalding County receiving almost $100 million of that. Seventy-five percent of the penny sales tax (roughly $75 million) will be applied to the unconstrained (regional) project list. Spalding County can use the other 25 percent of the sales tax (roughly $23 million) for any transportation projects, such as roads, bridges and sidewalks. Sometime next year, the date has not yet been

While numerous television shows featuring investigations of the paranormal have grown to significant popularity, many are unaware that a local group GASP, or the Greater Atlantic Society of the Paranormal exists in Griffin. With a combined 18 years of experience, GASPs founders, Laurie Crane and Mike Ellis, responded to questions on the growing field of paranormal investigation. When was GASP founded and what is its purpose? Laurie Crane: GASP was founded in its original state in 2009. GASP, as it is today, is actually two teams merged into one Laurie Cranes Georgia Paranormal and Mike Ellis GASP. Mike Ellis: Were here to help people who have issues with things they cannot explain.

How many investigations have you conducted? Laurie Crane: Having 16 years experience, I have conducted hundreds. Together as GASP, we have done close to 30 investigations.

us know when we have activity. Mike Ellis: We also use a tool known as a ghost box, that switches through frequencies and produces white noise for spirits to communicate in real time.

What are some of the tools and technology you utilize? How do they work? Laurie Crane: We use all the latest technology you see on the TV shows EMF detectors which measure electromagnetic fields that spirits are said to give off; K2 meters, which do the same as the EMF detectors; digital voice recorders; infrared cameras; night vision cameras; digital still cameras; laser grids, which enable you to see and monitor movement; laptop computers; infrared thermometers to measure temperatures; and a bevy of other things that let

How do you go about debunking previously unexplainable phenomena? Mike Ellis: We try to recreate what is reported, because if we can make it happen again, it isnt paranormal. Laurie Crane: We take a close look at the environment. We also ask that the client begin a log of activity, marking the day and time it happens. We always look for natural sources such as light refraction and signs of the building settling. We did one recently that had a report of loud noises coming from the attic. After conducting two investigations at the
CONTINUED, gAsp, pg 3

TSPLOST, cont.
Both options still include commuter rail
If Claytons rail proposal isnt accepted, then Spalding Countys list would revert to Option B. If Spalding were to put commuter rail as the first priority without another option and the commuter rail movement died in Clayton, the $47 million assigned to the project would have been diverted to other regional projects,

set, the 10-county Three Rivers region (Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson counties) will vote whether to pass the TSPLOST. If a majority of the counties approve the one-penny sales tax, then it will be imposed for 10 years, even if voters of Spalding County or other counties vote against it. The kicker is that if [TSPLOST] fails regionwide, we will get very limited transportation funds coming from Washington and GDOT, thats why its so important this passes, said Todd.

police, cont.
his department remains fully staffed. He also denied any knowledge of pending law enforcement reductions in Griffin. I dont have any plan in place; were fully employed, he said. If he does face future personnel cuts, Strickland said he would devise a plan to address the situation at that time, most likely by transferring officers to fill jobs in the Uniform Patrol Division. We would be much less specialized, lets put it that way, Strickland said.

The GPD currently has 95 full-time sworn police officers and 21 civilian employees, including eight part-time crossing guards and 13 administrative positions. In addition to stressing that Griffin will not see an immediate reduction in its police presence, Strickland expressed concern over the rumor that such action is pending. Its pretty much a pretty wild rumor at this point, he said. Whoever is perpetuating that rumor probably should come to the decision-making source (himself ) and get the facts before they do perpetuate a rumor like that.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT New hot dog joint honors military, Griffin's past
JESSICA GREGORY
When Teresa Rutledge and her partner Scott decided to open a restaurant in Griffin, they "wanted to open a down-home, Southernstyle hot dog joint," as Scott (called Cletus around the joint) calls it. Griffin's Dawg House is just that, offering homemade french fries, chili and slaw, all-beef hot dogs and steamed buns, making their food taste like it was made in Mama's Kitchen. [The Scooter Dog is a Grip staff favorite because we love the sprinkling of Oyster crackers, and we've heard rumor that regulars have gotten addicted to the chili.] "For the first two weeks, we cut fries by hand with a knife," said Teresa. They quickly realized keeping up with orders wasn't going to happen while hand-cutting the potatoes. "When we ordered that french fry cutter and it came in, it was like Christmas." Another aspect Scott and Teresa felt was important was offering superior customer service. "We drew inspiration from Teresa's grandfather, who owned The Corner Lunchroom in Griffin, who would serve french fries and chocolate milk for breakfast if you wanted it," Scott said.

October 6 - 20, 2011

GASP, cont.
location, we were able to debunk those sounds as the roof cooling from the high daytime temperatures, which caused popping sounds. Have you ever had a personal experience that frightened or amused you? Laurie Crane: Well, one that frightened me was at the Carmichael House. I entered the front dining room and just as I got under the chandelier, it began to sway violently back and forth. I thought it was going to crash to the floor with me underneath it. Another was at Griffins Old City Hall. We were walking up the back staircase in the service area, and as I rounded the corner to the final set of stairs, in front of me was this black mass outline of a very large man. What is the best part of this work? Laurie Crane: Helping people. A lot of people just feel better knowing that theyre not going crazy if we can validate their experiences, or provide a rational explanation to validate their experience. Another aspect I like is knowing that death is not the end of it all. When you connect with someone who has passed on, it is a deeply profound spiritual experience. Is there a downside to what you do?

Scott, Teresa and her daughter Casey (not pictured) sling out wet dogs, slopped dogs, and "Scooter" dogs at their location on Zebulon Road. "If you want something that's not on the menu and we have the stuff to make it, we'll make it for you," he continued. "That's why we added the BLT to the menu, because we had a few people ask for one."
The decor of the joint pays homage to the past, with "Memory Lane," a wall of old records, a "Griffin wall," with old pictures of Griffin, as well as a "Military wall," where the locals can post pictures of fallen soldiers, veterans and active duty soldiers. As Teresa's own son, U.S. Marine Lance Corp. Jeffrey Walker, was killed in action, they wanted to ensure "a way to constantly remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Laurie Crane: Oh, yes. When you get into an investigation and there is a spirit there who does not want you there, and is grumpy, mean and willing to do anything to get you out of there. Another aspect I really struggle with is that people automatically think we are full-on believers and gullible. We are healthy skeptics. I think the only other thing that bothers me is the some groups' usage of psychics in their investigations. We dont use them or seances, or anything of the like. What someone tells you cannot be scientifically validated, and some of that information could be public record. I get peeved at groups that rely on mediums as a main source for their findings. I just dont find it credible. Finally, do you personally believe in spirits? Mike Ellis: Yes, I believe in spirits, because Ive seen and heard things. Ive been around this as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are from growing up the house we lived in was haunted. Laurie Crane: While I am a healthy skeptic, I would have to say yes, I do believe. Sometimes, for whatever reason, someone gets spiritually stuck in a location. I have seen it with my own eyes, captured it with my cameras and experienced it many times over.

Learn about advertising at the

Monday, October 17; 3 - 6 p.m. Gri n Regional Welcome Center

Special advertising rates and packages for G-S Chamber, Downtown Council and The 3/50 Project members Learn how to market your business with advertising, social media & web design
Con rmed Attendees: (Stay tuned for more)

126 W. College Street, Gri n

ELECT

BEAM
SHERIFF
of Spalding County 770-227-1570

Wendell

SHERIFF OF SPALDING CO.

About Wendell...

Lifelong resident of Spalding County. Served in the United States Army. Married 34 years to Vickie Brooks Beam. Has 1 son, 3 grandchildren. 37 years of service with the Spalding County Sheriffs Department serving the citizens of Spalding County. Currently Major in charge of the Uniform Patrol & Communications Division of the Spalding County Sheriffs Department - holding this position for 30 years. Instructor through the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. Instructor for the Hunters Safety Course, the Home Protection Course and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course in Spalding. Professionalism, Honesty, Integrity and Dedication. More involvement in Youth Programs concerning safety, drugs and citizenship within our community and school system. More involvement with Adult Programs concerning The Neighborhood Watch Program, safety in and out of the home and other related crime protection programs.

Professional Background...

Beams Platform...

Most Experienced Proven Performance Genuinely Cares

Visit Wendell Beam For Sheriff on Facebook or www.beam4sheriff.com

Your Support and Vote Will Be Greatly Appreciated.

October 6 - 20, 2011

VIEWPOINTS/COMMUNITY
gather the aluminum can tabs the students have collected. I can tell you, the students here literally ask about this on the very first day of school, said Mainstay Administrator Chris Biggs. They always want to know if were collecting tabs for the Blue Knights again. Blue Knights Sgt.-at-Arms Larry Martin, a sergeant at the Griffin Police Department, once worked as the Mainstay school resource officer, and thus the relationship between Tab Run and school was born. I started going because of the kids. I developed a relationship with the teachers and kids, and thought it would be a good way to put it all together, Martin said. This year, Mainstay students numbering only around 75 once again pulled together, collecting 169 pounds of aluminum can tabs. Ronald McDonald House Interim Executive Director Susan Yaksh said SRAs support is greatly appreciated, particularly in challenging economic times. Mainstay Academy students and faculty collected 160 pounds of aluminum can tabs that were picked up by members of the Blue Knights Chapter 13, a motorcycle club for current and retired law enforcement personnel. We know that were making a difference in peoples lives, but its difficult to translate that into fund-raising, she said. Yaksh said SRA members have proven to be not only loyal supporters, but educators, as well, by informing the community of the services the charity provides families in the midst of medical crises. Also significant, she said, is SRAs decision to make its support an annual event. It says a lot to us that year after year, they choose this charity to support. It speaks to the validity of the Ronald McDonald House, she said. There are certainly a lot of other worthwhile charities out there. Members could get together each year with suggestions to support other agencies, but instead, they come back to us. Just to know that they continue to support us year after year makes us feel special.

GET A GRIP: POLL OF THE WEEK tab run, cont.

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:
If your current bank begins to charge a monthly fee for debit card usage, will you switch to another bank?
For more information about which banks are charging and why, read the articles on pg. 7

VOTE NOW AT WWW.THE-GRIP.NET

Letters on this subject are encouraged and should be emailed to jessica@the-grip.net or posted to PO Box 2251, Griffin, GA 30224.

Last Weeks Poll Results: For whom will you vote to be the next Spalding County Sheriff?
1. Wendell Beam 2. Keith Duncan
32 total votes

25% KD

75% WB

award, cont.
The students tried jicama the other day; theyre getting a chance to taste things they dont usually eat, said JRES Principle Sara Jones. JRES is also implemented a number of HealthMPowers programs, designed to provide students, staff and families with information, skills, and resources to take responsibility of their own health. HealthMPowers set up a body walk in the school gym, with inflatable

body organs, allowing students to get an inside look at how the brain, heart, and lungs work. This award places these two schools in an elite group: only 275 schools in the nation received the bronze and silver awards from the Alliance, and of those 17 were Georgia schools. Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones, said, We are proud of our schools for this national achievement. This took a lot of work and dedication from our students and employees, and we applaud them.

Jackson Road Elementary Physical Education teacher Andrea Woodroof explains the function of the heart to students inside the Body Walk.

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Satire: When aversion tactics fail with the dentist, time to get even
Valid Concerns and Helpful Solutions : A semi-regular column devoted to addressing issues, tackling problems and giving all-around good advice to the leaders and citizenry of the greater Griffin-Spalding County area. I usually immediately throw the card away, as if pretending it never arrived will make it go away. When the inevitable reminder phone call comes a day or so prior to the appointment, I explain that I will be busy with work, yak hunting in central Asia or have simply lost all of my teeth. I am really not sure why I have such an aversion to visiting the dentist. I have never really had a bad experience at my dentists office. However, for some reason the moment I walk through the door and get the first whiff of the dental office smell, I get a cold chill down my spine. It is a distinctive smell; a cross between mouthwash and WD40. After spending 20 to 30 minutes in the waiting room listening to the high pitched whine of a drill and reading a National Geographic article from 1989, I get to spend another 20 minutes in a smaller room with only dental hygiene posters and water pick advertisements to read. Once the hygienist arrives, I settle into the chair and makes small talk as she adjusts the light to shine directly into my retinas. She then proceeds to win the office bet as to how many metal instruments and cotton balls she can cram into my mouth at one time. In addition to being blinded and having an entire drawer of silverware in my mouth, I have to endure being lectured like a third grader who got caught cheating on a spelling test. No matter how hard I scrub my pearly whites the three days prior to my visit, the dentist will find a flaw in my oral hygiene regimen. This is completely unfair as gets to spend 30 minutes studying my teeth with a microscope looking for the slightest imperfection. Lastly, it really grinds my gears that throughout the entire ordeal I am totally unable to get in a word in my own defense. From the moment I sit down there are no less than six dental instruments in my mouth as well as four fingers. When I am asked questions that involve complex social and political issues, I need more of a chance to respond than a simple uh huh or nu. Even worse, when someone insinuates that you havent flossed since 2006 you really deserve a chance to respond. I dont even get the chance to point out that I have had nothing but popcorn and steak to eat for the last week, thus explaining the food in my teeth.

PLEASE RSVP - 770-412-0005

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 pm 210 East Solomon St.

Championship Martial Arts, next door to courthouse

With Star Avery Through Oct. 29

DIRT MCGIRT
Every six months or so, I get a little card in the mail with smiley faces, puppies or balloons on the front. The pleasing pictures on the front are an attempt to hide the more sinister message on the back reminding me that I have an upcoming dentist appointment.

Robert Hayden DC, PhD, FICC

770-412-0005 210 Rock Street, Gri n

414 S. Hill Street

770-228-7738

Griffin

Georgia

DOCTOBER
Friday, October 21 Oak Hill Cemetery
5:30 pm

DAYS 2011
Great Griffin Graveyard Ramble Low Down Dirty Dawg Dash Bird Cage Theater Pop Up Shop presented by Blue Bird Market

Its safe & secure

Saturday, October 22 Griffin Spalding Airport

9:00 am

The convenience of 24-hour shopping

$3 shipping (or less)

Downtown Griffin
Noon to 6:00 pm

Notification of special sales & new products

1:00 pm to Doctoberfest Beer Festival 6:00 pm

Saturday Night Free Concert

6:30 pm Heather Luttrell Rollin Bones 8:30 pm

ay c Hollid Do
f Home o

Sue F arber

Independent Sales Representative

DOCTOBERDAYS.CITYOFGRIFFIN.COM

770 -412-9608

109 S. Hill Street M-F 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

I think the next time I get that little reminder card I will have a heaping bowl of garlic and onions for breakfast to even the score.

COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
October 6 - 15; Annual GriffinSpalding Kiwanis County Fair; new this year is a petting zoo and blacksmith demonstrations; for information and calendar visit www.kiwanisofgriffin. com. October 8; Saturday; The Official Georgia Day of the Cowboy; The Rock Ranch; mock gunfights, train robberies, rodeo, quick draw demonstrations, calf roping and mounted shooting throughout the day; for more information visit www.therockranch. com. October 8; Saturday; Artifact ID Day; Indian Springs; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. October 8, 15, 22, 29; Saturdays; Griffin Humane Society pet adoptions; Petsense Griffin location; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 15; Saturday; Hymn Festival; Second Baptist Church; 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; workshop for the singers (fee required), then a free concert at 1:30; for more information visit www. griffinchoralarts.org. October 15; Saturday; Hot Air Balloon Rally; The Rock Ranch; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; watch as 15 to 20 hot air balloons take flight in competition; for more information visit www. therockranch.com. October 20; Thursday; Chamber Business After Hours, Old Griffin Bottling Company The Eagle & Lion Restaurant and Pub; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. October 20; Thursday; Heavenly Light; First Baptist Church of Griffin; 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Griffin Choral Arts first concert of the 2011-12 season; for more information visit www.griffinchoralarts.org. October 22; Friday & Saturday; D'october Days; Downtown Griffin and various locations; Great Griffin Graveyard Ramble, Low Down Dirty Dawg Dash, Doctoberfest Beer Festival and free concerts featuring Heather Luttrell and The Rollin Bones; for more information visit www. cityofgriffin.com. October 24; Monday; Flint River Regional Library; 6:30 7:30 p.m.; A coordination meeting to form a "Friends of the Library" group to support the GriffinSpalding County Library. October 27; Thursday; Entrepreneur Class & Discussion; Griffin Regional Welcome Center; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; learn start-up basics, legal structures, reasons for business failure and more; $69 with 50 percent off each additional person from your business; register at www. georgiasbdc.org. October 28; Friday; Downtown Griffin Trick-or-Treating event; 4 - 6 p.m.; for a map and free trick-or-treat bag, visit the Griffin Welcome Center during the event; participating downtown businesses will have a sign in their storefront. November 5; Saturday; Griffin Humane Society Chili Cook Off; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m; The Pavilion. To view more local events visit the calendar page at www.the-grip.net. NEW OPEN HOURS:

October 6 - 20, 2011

Mon, Tue, Wed & Saturday 3 - 10 pm Thursday, Friday, Sunday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

770-228-5442 | 1707 N. Expressway

Mon-Fri 10-6; Sat 10-7 | 117 Hill Street, Downtown Gri n | (678) 692-8488

Community briefs
Scarecrows return to UGA Research and Education Garden
Scarecrows are returning to the UGA Research and Education Garden located at 121 Ellis Road, Griffin. They will be arriving on Monday October 10th and will remain in the garden through Sunday, October 23. The fourth annual event will again feature wild and wacky scarecrow creations byindividuals, local organizations, schools, andbusinesses. The garden is open every week day from 8 a.m. until 4:40 p.m. It is also open on Sundays until the end of October. Sunday hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Come by and be sure to bring your camera. Take pictures of the scarecrows and with the scarecrows. The scarecrows will leave after their anticipated return with a Scarecrows in the Garden Celebration Sunday, October 23, 1 4 p.m. There will be something for kids of all ages during the celebration. There will be pumpkin painting, face painting by Tater the Clown and Face Joy, hair decorating/designs by Krazy Hair, story telling by Josie Bailey and Wild Bill Hoosen and his son, cooking decorating, bracelet making, a pumpkin patch, and a duck pond, balloon creations by Twisting Time, photo area and more.

To have your information appear in the this section of The Grip, (space permitting) email a press release to sheila@the-grip.net.
socioeconomic condition or academic performance is consummate. He truly wanted no child to be left behind in school. I have the highest regard for him and wish him the best in his retirement.

Children are invited to wear their zany costumes for an afternoon of free activities and treats for all ages 1 to 100. The rain date is set for the following Sunday, October 30.

Parks & Rec hopes to partner with SCTC to offer camps

For the past several years Spalding County Parks and Recreation has provided free camps at two sites for children during fall, winter and spring breaks. These camps were funded by grants from the State of Georgia. Due to recent state budget cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development resources, these camps will no longer receive funding. With very short notice to prepare, Spalding County is planning a partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College for SCTC students to earn credit hours while working at a camp. Even if a concrete partnership is not in place for this fall break, Parks and Recreation will be offering a free camp at city park from October 10-14 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the first 30 children to pre-register. If definite plans with SCTC materialize in time, more than 30 children can be served. In addition to the Camp at City Park, Fairmont Community Center will be open during the fall break each week day at 2:00 p.m. for children to come in and play. For more information please call Parks and Recreation at 770-467-4750. To pre-register for the City Park Camp please visit the Parks and Recreation main office or City and Fairmont Parks.

The retirement of Dr. Melton has put into action cost-containment measures for A. Z. Kelsey Academy The event is sponsored as well as Taylor Street by Master Gardener Achievement Center, the volunteers and the Friends alternative education of the Garden. For more program for middle and information contact Barbara high school students who Harris at barbaraharris69@ have been unsuccessful in gmail.com. their home school because of their conduct.

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Your husbands next wife, Elaine
In the month since your death, has brought home-cooked meals to your husband six times Each time she visits, wears a skimpier out t Cant wait to redecorate your home, especially that hideous wallpaper you chose inks there is no good reason that money earmarked for your children shouldnt be spent on more important things like jewelry, sports cars, and European spa vacations

A.Z. Kelsey, Taylor Achievement Center will share principals after Melton's retirement
Dr, Quimby Melton, III, principal of A. Z. Kelsey Academy, has announced that he will retire effective October 1, 2011. Dr. Meltons retirement was approved by the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education at its meeting Tuesday, September 27.

Dr. Curtis Jones, Superintendent of the Griffin-Spalding County School System said, It makes sense to combine the administration of two small schools when we are looking for every opportunity to cut costs to meet a projected shortfall of $6 million next school year.

Mrs. Janet Ware will assume the principalship of A.Z. Kelsey Academy as well as continue in that role at the Taylor Street Achievement Center. Jamie Cassady, assistant principal at Griffin High School, will transfer to be assistant In addition to serving as principal at the Taylor Street principal of A. Z. Kelsey Achievement Center and A. Academy, Dr. Melton also served as a teacher, assistant Z. Kelsey Academy. principal and principal at Griffin High School. Although those schools serve different populations Dr. Curtis Jones, in different locations, Superintendent, said of Dr. Melton, Quimby has always the number of students enrolled currently is 175 had the best interests of students. our students at heart. His compassion for all students regardless of race, gender,

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This little scrapper is the cutest little guy ever. He is bubbly and funny and we have enjoyed having him as our little foster pup. Reeces (named after the candy) is about 5 months old and is a little bundle of energy. He isn't going to get much bigger and at the moment weighs about 11 lbs. He is a little shy at the beginning but once he is comfortable he is all about kissing, kissing, kissing. He can't get enough of licking you all over. He is neutered and upto-date with routine shots.

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(Don't) stick it in your ear: Q-tips, that is

DR. BOB: I see people using Q-tips to clean their ears occasionallyparticularly seniors or mothers caring for children. Is this a safe practice?
DR. BOB HAYDEN, DC, PhD, FICC In a word, No. I feel compelled to flesh that out just a bit so that my answer sounds more complete. about this, including this one from www.qtip.com: Always remember that Q-tips cotton swabs are not to be used for cleaning inside the babys ear canal (or yours!). The wording seems clear to me (i.e., always and not), but the most common application for them, nevertheless, is swabbing ear canals. The danger here is two-fold: you can push ear wax further into the canal, causing an impaction and loss of hearing (an inconvenience) or puncture the eardrum (really bad). If you have done the former, when you speak, you will hear your voice loudly on the side of the impaction because sound does not have to travel through air to get to your eardrumit goes through the bone in your skull. You can mimic this by plugging an open ear with your finger, then singing the Bama fight song. If you have the lattera punctured ear drumyou have pain + deafness + some impending medical bills, and you may only enjoy half of your I-pod henceforth. Ear wax, or cerumen, has a purpose. It protects the skin of the ear canal from water (for example, the water that might get there when you shower, get into snowball fights, or swim), and it prevents ear infections. When it builds up or gets hard, it can be bothersome. If ear hygiene is a problem for you, first see a health care professional (HCP) for an otoscopic exam to be sure that wax is the only problem and that the eardrum is intact. Consult with your HCP about using an ear cleansing system designed for home use. There are ear drops you can get without prescription that are safe and effective. Back to the Q-tipsthe other uses seem limitless. To name a few of the hundreds of fascinating applications: You can apply medication

LIFESTYLE

to wounds with them. They are handy for cleaning an umbilical cord, if you have one of those. Dirt and grime in the cracks of keyboards (between letters or numbers) might be accessible to a tip. People who do crafts find lots of clever ways to use them. Makeup can be applied with one of these, but please, not while driving. Very small people might use them for vaulting. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: Taylor, one of our feline children, amuses himself for hours daily playing with them as Diane discards them. Bottom line: celebrate the inventiveness of that great Polish-American by using a Q-tip for something other than your ear. Offer them as toys to your cat, for example, as a substitute for jewelry.

For trivia buffs, I found out that Q-tip is a proprietary name, and it means quality tip. It is an outgrowth of Adoption fee: $125; Contact Kathie at catsanddogs4you@ Leo Gerstenzangs idea yahoo.com. Phone: 770-229-4925 for more information, or from the 1920s that was originally called a Baby to apply to adopt. Gay. The term Q-tip has become like Coke, a household term that is generic for all items that are similar in construction Residents of Spalding, Butts, Henry and Pike counties or use. now have more help to get their cats and dogs spayed or neutered at very low cost prices. The HELP Spay/Neuter Interestingly, the most Clinics transport van, The Snip Ship will be meeting commonly reported use residents of Spalding, Butts, Henry and Pike counties in for these cotton swabs is the parking lot at Spalding County Animal Shelter, 208 in cleaning ears. This is Justice Boulevard, Griffin, GA 30224, to transport pets to ironically just about the the surgical hospital in Newnan. For more information or only use for which they are to schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, not intended. There are contact Cindy Leopard at (770) 304.7911. all kinds of warnings out

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Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4

Fall is fire ant killing time

APRIL R. SORROW, UGA
Fire ants can ruin picnics and football games. Treating fire ant colonies in the fall can help edge out future colonies, lessening the likelihood theyll steal your chips or nip at your toes. Fire ant colonies have been growing through the summer and have reached their peak size, said Dan Suiter, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension entomologist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Attacking those colonies now will help next spring when they start to swarm again. Fire ants are easier to kill in the fall, he said, for four main reasons. First, they're more active. That makes it easier to treat them with fire ant baits. "You can use fire ant baits any time of the year," Suiter said. "But they're most effective when the ants are actively foraging for food." Fire ants are most active in spring and fall, when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees, he said. Actively foraging ants will pick up bait and carry it into the nest within the first hour or two. If the ants are inactive, the bait may not appeal to the ants by the time they find it. Second, in the cooler weather of fall, fire ants aren't too deep in the ground. That makes them easier to kill with a mounddrench, granular, dust or aerosol contact insecticide. When you use those products, Suiter said, its critical to treat when the queen and brood are close to the surface. Third, in the fall, you're treating when many fire ant colonies are very young. Fire ants mate all year long, but theyre most actively mating in the spring, he said. Mated queens fly away and establish new colonies. By fall, these colonies are wellestablished but still fairly small. Broadcasting fire ant bait is the first step in the ongoing program Suiter recommends. Use fresh bait, he said, and apply it using the label directions. Never apply bait using a spreader thats been used to spread fertilizer. Fertilizer can contaminate the smell of the bait. Treat individual problem mounds with an approved contact product. Be sure to follow directions carefully. Misuse of pesticides, like fire ant control products, is a violation of federal law. A lot of misuse comes from homeowners who think that what they put out isnt strong enough to kill the ants, he said. But many of the chemicals are pretty much the same as professional chemicals. Fourth, and the one thing that makes fall the single best time to treat fire ants, Suiter said, is that it's followed by winter. Extreme cold is tough on fire ants. This makes baits even more effective in the fall. "Winter is an ally in controlling fire ants," Suiter said. "Reducing their numbers in the fall can help push them over the edge in the winter." April R. Sorrow is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

DUSTY TAKLE
If there were only more hours in a day. Or an extra day in the week. Then I would, could... Truth is, we dont need another hour or day. What we really need is an awareness of the time we have. Suppose we had twenty-five hours in a day. How would we spend that extra hour? Probably doing what we already do. That extra hour at the office. That extra hour reading and replying to emails. That extra hour running errands or cleaning the house. That extra hour on Facebook. {Gasp.} Rushing here and rushing there. Its become a way of life for most of us. Her nightly routine takes priority over lying in the grass to stare at the sky on a night when the stars are innumerable. He chooses taking business calls over playing a game Battleship with his son. We chase after more, because there is always more.

More of something that really never satisfies. More success that means nothing at the cost of losing his family. More material goods that she will never be able to take with her when she takes her last breath. Mark 8:36 that says, And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? The people in my life are my heart and soul. We were created to not only be in relationship with God but in relationship with each other. Yet, when we run into that old friend in the grocery store, we make sure she knows we are in a rush, so the conversation remains brief. Instead of welcoming lifes interruptions. Because, real life happens in those interruptions. In those, Mom, would you color with me? Dad, look at my hand stand! Friend, how are you doing today? When we focus on whats really important, we live differently. We invest our time differently. We say no to good things, so we can say yes to BETTER things. What would you do with an extra hour in the day?

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FINANCE
Community bank officials doubt protection provided by Dodd-Frank Act
SHEILA MARSHALL
In response to the financial crisis that resulted in the loss of an estimated eight million jobs, which led to the nations deepest recession since the Great Depression, the federal government is preparing to implement the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, so named after its primary champions, Representative Barney Frank and Senator Chris Dodd. First National Bank President Chuck Copeland said the legislation will bring about what he views as both positive and negative changes in the banking industry. One positive is that it made permanent the FDIC limits on deposit insurance, he said. That had been set at $100,000 for a number of decades, but as an emergency measure when the markets melted down, it was extended to $250,000. That extension, he said, has brought about an increased sense of security and stability to the average deposit customer. People are no longer concerned with whether they need to run down to the bank, get their money and hide it under the mattress, Copeland said. Among the negatives buried within the Dodd-Frank Act is the creation of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), he said. The CFPB is touted as a watchdog for consumers that will have independent leadership appointed by the president and approved by the Senate with a dedicated budget paid by the Federal Reserve. It will have independent rule writing authority for consumer protection that will govern all financial institutions, as well as the authority to examine and enforce regulations for banks and credit unions with assets over $10 billion, along with numerous other financialbased enterprises. While this may on the surface appear to be a muchneeded arm of protection for consumers, Copeland said more questions remain than answers, such as how will smaller community banks be affected by increased regulatory oversight. Right now, the community banking industry position is that we were not the ones doing the egregious things done to consumers after the financial meltdown, like creative financing and questionable mortgage foreclosures, he said. A lot of the unsavory behavior that contributed to the financial meltdown did not originate with the smaller community banks, but theres no clarification if were going to be penalized for the actions of others. What exactly is it youre going to protect the consumer from? The response you get now is, Oh, youre right; it wasnt you, but the proof isnt in the pudding. United Bank President Jim Ogletree said the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act will be felt throughout the financial industry. No doubt, its changing completely the way we do business, he said, describing the changes as consumer driven. Ogletree said he believes the banking industry should, indeed, be held to an extremely high standard, but that new regulatory requirements are penalizing every bank, not only those responsible for the countrys recent financial crisis. Its an issue; its a big issue, he said. Most banks and most creditors are good and trustworthy. This takes away our ability to deal with customers in the way we want to. A lot of smaller banks will go out of business because they cant comply with the regulatory requirements. They simply cant afford to. Like Copeland, Ogletree also does not have confidence in the newly established CFPB. All its going to do is create more bureaucratic red tape. Its another government entity thats going to cost consumers and taxpayers more money, he said. The big thing for me is that we need to be more proactive and let our senators know how we feel. The most vocal are the ones who make things happen and bring about change. We need to keep our congressmen in touch with who we are and where we are. Whos not for consumer protection? But, the biggest problem to me is our Congresss overzealousness.

October 6 - 20, 2011

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Local community banks will not charge monthly debit card transaction fees
SHEILA MARSHALL
The Durbin Amendment, which was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin in conjunction with the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, has resulted in the implementation of monthly debit card use transaction fees by many national franchise banks. As a provision in the final bill, the Durbin Amendment was intended to regulate debit card interchange fees that are reasonable and proportional to actual cost. Several national franchise banks have announced that in response to the implementation of the Durbin Amendment regulations, customers will now be accessed monthly debit card transaction fees. Although the Durbin Amendment applies only to banks with greater than $10 billion in assets which means it will not affect local community banks such as First National Bank and United Bank presidents of both these financial institutions remain strongly united in opposition to the new regulation. This amendment dealt with the fees banks could receive for debit card transactions. Theres now a cap on those fees that were promoted by merchants. Were providing this banking service and assuming the risk for potential fraudulent losses, while providing a valuable service, and yet youre asserting that were somehow unfairly profiting from that, said First National Bank President Chuck Copeland. Essentially, I think you would learn that most community banks are strong proponents of a free market system, and the Durbin Amendment is essentially nothing but price fixing establishing a price ceiling for a service provided by a private industry. United Bank President Jim Ogletree said the Durbin Amendment is an example of the government shooting itself in its foot. The goal may have been to reduce debit card transaction fees assessed to consumers, but he contends that if banks lose those fees due to regulatory restructuring, it will be passed on to customers in other ways. When you take away a source of revenue in one area and dont replace it with another, the organization has to find a way to replace it, he said. As a possible example, Ogletree cited most banks recent practice of offering free checking accounts. It was offered because it was a revenue stream. Once that dries up, though, what do you do? You have to go back to the drawing board, he said. I hate it worse than anything, but its the reality consumers are going to be facing. Theres nothing free anymore. He said there are no immediate plans to charge United Bank customers a monthly debit card use fee, but he did say future changes community banking are inevitable. No, we dont have any plan to charge those fees at this point in time and I dont foresee it. Well evaluate it on an ongoing basis. We dont have a plan in place at this time, but guaranteed, though, there will be something that happens in the future, Ogletree said. I cant say now what that may be, and we hope that by the time that comes, it will be an easier choice to make. Just bear with us on it. The bottom line, Ogletree said, is that while banks do seek to serve their customer base, they are nonetheless, businesses. Unfortunately, were not not-profits, but I think thats where the government wasnt us to go, he said. As long as its not turned into an actual governmental entity, there are going to be fees that generate revenue. Thats part of a free market society. Would it be better if the banking industry was completely controlled by the government?"

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