The Old Coke Building at East Taylor and 4th Street is hosting a retrospective photography exhibit about the omnipresent place of Coca Cola, the brand and the product, in all our lives since the late 1800s until today. The exhibit is set to open June 1 to coincide with Griffin’s June Jam Celebration. 

The exhibit will feature snapshots of everyday life – families on vacation, kids at a picnic, teens at a party, adults at the beach, workmen on the job, restaurants full of people – all with one thing in common – Coca Cola. Either the familiar logo or a bottle appears just as casually as the people who are the real subject of the photo. It’s just a natural part of our lives, that most of the time we don’t even notice, that’s been there forever – in the foreground or there background but always there!

Some of the snapshots were taken locally, some from farther away and some whose origins are unknown go back as far as 1892 and bring us forward until now, all the while reminding us of good times past and present in our own lives. Each photograph was chosen because it tells a story or provokes the viewer to imagine a story or best of all implants one’s own memory on the scene.

Local residents have been encouraged to share their own photographs with a Coke in hand or a logo in the background, whatever, and several people have loaned family snapshots or pictures by amateur photographers. Their photos will be included in the exhibit. Photos can be dropped off at the building or emailed to homeplacepropertiesgriffin@gmail.com.

Like Coca Cola itself, the Old Coke Building has been a part of our lives in Griffin for as long as any of us can remember. Though we may drive past it everyday -notice it or not – it is there and has been for the last 72 years. Built in the iconic Coca Cola architectural style, Griffin has most recognized commercial building has been rejuvenated in recent years, expanded, and adapted to meet new uses as Griffin and the world has changed. But change as we may, that old yet new red brick building is still familiar, reliable, recognizable, steady, available, comfortable, pleasing, connected, a pleasure to see be around and enjoy – an old friend always there for us just like an “Ice Cold Coke!”

Griffin officials have announced potential traffic control – weather permitting – that is scheduled for Monday, May 13, beginning at 9 a.m.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), motorists are advised to avoid traveling in the area of North Expressway, from Ellis Road to Lyndon Ave., near Ellis Crossing.

This action is being taken to accommodate production crews that will be working in that area.

Motorists unable to avoid the area should be aware of reduced speed limits, and to anticipate heavy congestion.

Flaggers and local law enforcement agencies will assist motorists through the affected areas, with coordinating effort by the Griffin Police Department and the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office. Motorists will be stopped and traffic will be held for three to five minutes while work is performed.

Flaggers and local law enforcement officers will strictly enforce the reduced speed limits, with message boards, signs, barrels and cones being utilized to alert and channel motorists through the detour areas.

Tony Thomason, an 18-year veteran law enforcement officer and lieutenant with the Griffin Police Department, has founded Street Survival Tactics, which offers courses designed to provide the information and technical skills needed to give men and women the ability to protect themselves should they find themselves threatened by violent crime.

“We’re not fear mongers. Chances are you’ll not be attacked. However, we can’t predict that, so you need to be prepared,” Thomason said. “My goal is to educate the public to defend themselves – how to do it and when to do it. People too often do find themselves in horrific situations and they’re not prepared. They’re not armed and they don’t have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.”

Describing Street Survival Tactics as “pro Second Amendment,” he said the training is multi-faceted.

“My philosophy is that an educated and well-armed public can be a safer public. I think the two go hand-in-hand. It’s foolish for people to just be armed. The question remains – who can I shoot, when can I shoot them and what happens after I shoot? When you become educated, we answer those questions, or we’ll give you the framework. We’ll answer all your what-ifs,” he said. “We can’t predict every situation and neither can the law. Using the framework we teach, you will have to decide.”

Thomason said the training is designed to suit anyone, from the most basic student who has never even held a firearm to those who may have some experience, but would like to expand their skills and knowledge.

“It doesn’t sound very romantic or TV-like, but your ultimate goal is to disengage and escape,” he said. “Some of the things people see are false. People may subconsciously believe that if they saw it on TV or the Internet, it must be true, but it may not be.”

If disengagement is not possible, Thomason said he believes individuals should be prepared to defend themselves by whatever means necessary.

In addition to the proper use and care of firearms, including their structure, functions and maintenance, participants will learn additional defensive skills.

“We actually teach some hand-to-hand combat. We believe that most working folks don’t have the time to attend a class multiple times a week for an extended period of time, such as the martial arts require, and most people don’t want to become cage fighters,” he said. “We aren’t teaching offensive maneuvers; we’re teaching them basically how to handle themselves defensively. The techniques we teach are easy to remember. We give them basic fundamentals on what parts of the body can be used as weapons and how to generate power or force with their bodies.”

Thomason said another key area of training is based upon the proper and legal use of force for self-defense, as well as what will occur afterwards.

“When something happens, until we can determine if it’s self-defense, you’re going to be investigated, possibly for a homicide. There will be a million questions asked, and that’s why we also teach people about the use of criminal defense attorneys, to protect their legal rights. We want people to know their Constitutional rights.”

To assist in that, Griffin lawyer Dwayne Singleton serves as staff attorney.

“They’ll learn about making the commitment to shoot – to evaluate the situation,” he said.

In addition to the most basic course, advanced training, which includes concealed carry laws and techniques, is offered. Other needs, such as responding to an active shooter, are offered for all ages, including students who are not of legal age to own firearms.

All supplies including eye and ear protection, weapons and ammunition are provided, with many various types of weapons available from small caliber handguns for beginning students to higher caliber weapons for the more advanced.

Several types of courses are available with descriptions and pricing listed at www.sstactics.com.  For more information, visit the Street Survival Tactics Facebook page or call Thomason at 678-588-1021.

These courses are taught by the same instructors who train police and SWAT officers, utilizing the same gear and training methods.

“We just don’t feel like it is proprietary information,” Thomason said. “In fact, you may be one of our best allies in certain types of conflicts.”

Describing this undertaking as “a very expensive hobby,” he said at this time, his reward comes from the reaction he receives from his students.

“When they come in saying they’re scared to death and they leave feeling stoked, it’s a really great feeling,” Thomason said. Ω

Carmen Caldwell may not have grown up in Griffin, but she certainly has a heart for its citizens, especially the children. A Georgia native, she grew up in Albany and received her undergraduate degree from Albany State. Shortly afterward, she moved to Washington to pursue her Master’s degree in Public Administration from The University of Washington.

While content in her life in ministry in Seattle, she began to feel God pulling her back to Georgia in early 2007, though she didn’t share these thoughts with anyone. Her father, a pastor of a church in Hampton, invited her for a visit, and while here, informed her of a new church they hoped to open in Spalding County. Carmen knew this was the sign she looking for. Four months later, she moved to Griffin and became the youth pastor of New Mercy Baptist Church in November 2007.

Carmen thrives in her current role. She embodies the church’s mission statement of  “going out in the power of Jesus Christ to seek the lost, disciple the found, and teach them how to apply God’s word to everyday life.” She works closely with the youth, inspiring them to participate in volunteering at the church’s  food pantry and clothes closet.

She involves the youth in New Mercy’s  Anne Street Elementary after school program for Kindergarten students.  Carmen strives to integrate the youth and adult members of the church, involving them in worship together as often as she can. “This allows the adults in the church to see that the teens are actually humans who can handle responsibility and share their gifts with others,” Carmen shares.

She has always had a heart for children and youth because she personally knows their needs. As a child, her father was addicted to drugs. As a person who lived in that world, she identifies closely with many teens today, especially the young, angry girls. “I was that girl. I understand where that anger stems from and can meet them at that place,” Carmen shares. This experience allows her an “in” with these girls. They listen to her and feel that she does truly understand their plight. Carmen adds, “In an area of such blight and poverty, I want to expose these girls to another way of living that is truly possible.”

As founder and lead consultant of Life Fulfilled Coaching and Consulting, she extends her mentorship to adults as well. She offers both personal and professional coaching, as well as team building, improving interpersonal communication, and developing accountability systems. Carmen’s goal is to be a “conduit of God’s grace and love to the community, and a voice to those that feel they have none.”

Carmen’s work with children extends far beyond the walls of New Mercy. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Griffin Alumnae Chapter and serves as the Chair of Social Action. She also serves on the Spalding Collaborative Board as Vice Chair, as well as participating in the Youth Advisory Council as Adult Advisor.

In addition to her other outreach, Carmen is the coordinator of Kid’s Explosion, a city-wide Vacation Bible School. This organization is an interdenominational ministry that reaches the children and youth across Spalding County. “Kid’s Explosion involves a great partnership of churches in our community to make this event happen each year. We are currently in our 9th year, and see over 250 kids during this VBS.  We are in great need of volunteers in so many areas this year,” Carmen adds.

The VBS will be held July 8-11 at Anne Street Elementary from 7-9 p.m. Her organizations currently have a huge need for men’s clothing for men transitioning from incarceration to the workplace. “These men need suits, ties, dress slacks and shirts for job interviews and employment,” Carmen states. Food donations for the food pantry are always needed, as well as volunteers in the community that can expose the youth to career information, field trips and life experiences. To volunteer or donate your time or items, please contact Carmen at 770-227-2422. Ω

Much effort is being made to address substandard and blighted housing in the city of Griffin, but officials want to do more than focus on the negative; they also want to celebrate what is good in the community. The Gorgeous Griffin initiative, which will run from May through October, seeks to do just that by celebrating and honoring residents and business owners who strive to beautify their community.

“When I started here, that was one of the things that City Manager Kenny Smith had set as one of my goals,” said Griffin Planning and Development Director Taurus Freeman. “He wanted a beautification program.”

Developed by Freeman and Solid Waste Assistant Director Kevin Barkley, the collaboration draws on much experience.

“With his background in recycling and beautification, he knows what it takes to make a community beautiful, and I wanted to piggyback off of his expertise to make the program successful,” Freeman said of Barkley, who also has experience as head of Keep Griffin-Spalding County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep Georgia Beautiful. “The Solid Waste Department gives Griffin citizens the resources to improve their community. This will just piggyback on what they have already achieved.”

Barkley said that organization has contributed to projects to beautify the city, but has never recognized individual efforts that keep the city clean and beautiful.

“We’re not looking for a large investment, necessarily, just clean, well-kept properties that show the nicer side of Griffin,” Barkley said. “We’re just looking to set up a beautification award for things that are already out there today. We know that there are several garden clubs in town and many people who enjoy yard work as a hobby, and I think it will be great to recognize their efforts.”

Freeman added, “We want to recognize beautiful areas instead of always focusing on the slum and blight of the city.”

In addition, Gorgeous Griffin, which is comprised of volunteers and city staff that will serve in an advisory capacity to Smith, will also be responsible for researching, developing and proposing plans for improving the health, sanitation, safety and cleanliness of the city by beautifying the entryways, streets, alleys, lots, yards and other similar projects.

Gorgeous Griffin will honor both residents and businesses selected monthly by placing a sign on their property that says, “Beautification Award – Gorgeous Griffin.” In addition, winners will also be presented with a certificate at that month’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting.

“By acknowledging those individuals and businesses that contribute to making Griffin a more gorgeous place, it will hopefully encourage surrounding property owners to do the same,” Freeman said.
Those interested in serving on the Gorgeous Griffin committee may be added by contacting the Planning and Development Department or a current committee member.

To nominate a resident or business owner for the Gorgeous Griffin Beautification Award, statements or photos may be submitted to Planning and Development Services Department c/o Gorgeous Griffin, 100 S. Hill St. Post Office Box T, Griffin, GA 30224. Nomination forms may be found at http://www.cityofgriffin.com. Ω

There’s more than just a song in her heart for Heather Statham.

The Griffin native and lead singer of the June Jam headlining band “RumbleFish,” has both a history with and strong ties to the city and local community.

“I’m still me; I’m still the same girl that was a Griffin High cheerleader 20 years ago. I am a native of Griffin and my family is there. I grew up on stage at the Imperial Theatre and my first dance recital was at the Griffin Auditorium,” Statham said in a recent phone interview.

“To get to Griffin is an opportunity for me to get back home. Friends and family who are there who haven’t had an opportunity to see me on stage since the Imperial was still standing. I’m very excited about it; it’s a homecoming in a little bit of a different capacity. This is primary the music side of my performing arts career.”

“RumbleFish” is a band providing an audience wide a variety of musical samples, including R&B, Blues and Rock, according to the band’s Web page, rumblefishband.com.

In addition to Statham’s performance background, which ranges from experiences with Studio D School of Dance, the Footlight Players and the Imperial Theatre and the Griffin Auditorium, the other band members bring a rich background of musical talents such as jazz studies and classes from the Atlanta Institute of Music.

“At this point it’s all covers but some of the music you will not have heard before because it’s from lesser known blues artists or not as well known, sort of like old soul music that is not done often. Some of it is very familiar and you will know exactly what it is but it’s a good mix and a good feel of music,” Statham said. Ω

The Grip asked Heather Statham, lead signer of Rumblefish, a few questions:

Why “RumbleFish?”
Statham: I don’t know, honestly. Our bass player Mike Stevens is the one who orchestrated the bands. It was an S. E. Hinton novel. He kind of just suggested it as a band name.

What has been your most embarrassing or awkward moment on stage?
Statham:  I don’t know about embarrassing. I don’t embarrass too easily. The most awkward sort of moment is when there’s an awkward pause and when we’re playing like this past week where we played a gig where it wasn’t a very busy venue. It was a bar that had a lot of music but they were never really busy. So we’ll play our heart out on a song but then there will be silence then from the back of the bar you will hear a clap that will pass around a bit slowly then stops. You really want people to realize at that point that you’re a little bit more than background. We once had someone who had too much to drink one time who wanted to come up and play the piano in the middle of a set.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
Statham: Honestly, I love Bette Midler and I think she is one of the most amazing people in the world from a performance standpoint and also as a humanitarian. I think it would be pretty cool to step in her shoes for a week.

Is being a musician a full-time job? What else do you do when not performing for an audience?
Statham: I have four jobs. I am a vocal coach, a dance teacher, I work for a tutoring company and I am a sorority house mom at Georgia Tech. They all know that I am a member of Rumblefish. They are a huge supporter and fan of the music with what we do and what I do. My dance teachers have come to see me. All of the sorority members know I am in a band and have come to several gigs. The tutoring company is in support of what I do.

What can people expect from RumbleFish at June Jam 2013?
Statham:  We have an amazing group of musicians that come together for the love of the music. We like one another and we connect very well and you will see that on stage. It’s two fold, an opportunity for us to get in front of people that is a home crowd and as well as let people hear what we are doing and also to generate new fans and friends that can’t be in Atlanta, and also to come home and bring some music to Griffin. We’re super, super excited. We hope that you will be so tired by the time that you get finished from all the dancing that you do and that you will partake of all that downtown Griffin has to offer.

Is there anything you miss about Griffin when not performing “at home?”
Statham: I miss the sidewalks and walking down the street and being able to walk over to church from when we lived on Hill Street. We used to walk to the Ben Franklin’s which is not there anymore. In spring and summer our family would walk over to the Imperial Theatre. I really miss the Imperial Theatre.

By Sheila A. Marshall

Managing Editor

The world around us is constantly changing. Although we may not notice the minutia on a daily basis, over time, the differences can be shocking. Such is the case with a video filmed in 1979 by lifelong Griffin residents David and Reba Baugh.

Entitled “A Drive Thru Griffin,” David Baugh said the video was basically an experiment with some new and at-the-time cutting edge electronic equipment.

“I had a huge, chunky VCR – an RCA SelectaVision – one of the very first ones that came out. I paid $1,200 for it; I thought my wife was going to kill me,” he said. “That video was pretty much an experiment, more or less. I wanted to see if I could record in the car. I wanted to go out around town and shoot a video, and it worked.”

David Baugh said in addition to the VCR, he also purchased an inverter that could be plugged into the lighter of his 1979 Plymouth Gold Duster. The inverter converted battery power to electricity, powering the video recorder.

“At that time, we didn’t have battery pack cameras like we do today,” he said. “My wife was actually holding the camera because she didn’t drive. A lot of things were different then.”

Baugh said until recently, the video, which depicts scenery in and around downtown Griffin, was never viewed by anyone other than family members.

“There was really no way to share it back then – there was no Internet – and back then, it was probably boring, because you could just drive downtown and see it for yourself,” he said. “I never realized that 30-something years later, others would be looking at it. I know the quality is awful, but I think it does have some importance. I didn’t realize until I got that video out and played it just how much Griffin has changed.”

It was upon his retirement that he found himself with time to go through old family videos and begin the process of converting them to more modern formatting. He said public interest in this first project has encouraged him to continue on.

“I’ve had some comments from people saying how much they’ve enjoyed it. One person said they saw the house they once lived in,” he said. “It brought back a lot of memories for me, too. I met my wife at work in early 1969 and we married Dec. 19 of that same year. Our first date was at the Blue Goose. It’s not there any longer, but I noticed it was in the video. Later on, when I asked her to marry me, we were parked at the old A&W. They tore that down years ago and built Griffith’s, but the original A&Ws was in the video, too. There are some very historic places from my life in that video.”

Sgt. Dwayne Hancock, of the Griffin Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, has identified the victim of a fatal Saturday night shooting as 63-year-old Harry Burkett, of Flowery Branch.

This information was released Sunday evening after Burkett’s next-of-kin, his son, had been notified of his father’s death.

Although several leads are being investigated, a motive has not been identified for the 844 Crescent Lane incident, which was reported to authorities at approximately 10:30 p.m., said Capt. Dwayne Jones.

Contrary to rumors circulated on social media sites, the murder is not believed to be gang-related, he added.

The alleged suspect – who is believed to have fled the scene on foot – is described as a black male who was wearing sunglasses and a black stocking cap.

Officials do not believe this individual remained in the area, however, residents are being asked to report all suspicious activity to 911.

Anyone with information pertaining to the investigation is asked to contact Hancock at 770-229-6452 or jhancock@cityofgriffin.com.

Personnel  of the Griffin Police Department were dispatched at 10:29 p.m. on April 6, to a report of a shooting at 844Crescent Lane.

Uniform officers located the white male victim inside the residence suffering

from a gunshot wound to the chest.

The victim was pronounced dead by medical staff with Spalding Medical Center.

Griffin Investigators are withholding additional information on the victim awaiting notification

of next of kin.

A multiple agency search of the area included the use of a helicopter from the Spalding County

Sheriff’s office and tracking dogs.

The lone suspect is described a black male who was wearing sunglasses and a black stocking

cap. It is believed that he fled the scene on foot. It does not appear that he remained in the area.

Residents are asked to report all suspicious activity and to call 911.

Additional information will be released as the investigation continues.

All proceeds are use to support Cancer patients and their families.  From day one we send a battle bag filled with a blanket, water bottle, t-shirt  (designed for the Warrior), CD of Praise music, hat, bookmark, CWSO bracelet, no slip socks, pocket cross, book of encouragement, and other Cancer related educational items. We send cards several times a month to each Warrior, as well as, birthday cards.  We also hold an annual Christmas party for all of our Warriors an their families. All of this free of charge to the Warrior and their family.

Our goal is to support as many Warriors (patients) and their families during this trying time. By Gods grace we have been able to reach hundreds all over the world. Everyday in the state of Georgia 132 people are diagnosed with Cancer. The need for support is greater than any one person can comprehend.

The Fashion Show is our largest fundraiser of the year, we are asking the community to come out and support the fight against Cancer April 5th.  Tickets are available at Kenny’s Collision, Eternal Hope Hospice, Economy Rental, CareMaster Medical and All Together.  If you need additional information, please contact Amy Dunham 404-931-1799 or amydunham@me.com.