The year when Americans came together and fought against a common enemy and finally declared the country’s independence from the oppressive oversight of Great Britain was 1776, and for more than 200 years, we’ve celebrated Independence Day on July 4.
But do we really consider what the holiday is all about? And what our forefathers sacrificed on our behalf?
I doubt it. Most of us are so caught up in the hot dog eating contests on TV, the fireworks displays, the backyard cookouts, and having a day off from work to stop and think about the fact that we would all still be part of the British colonies if not for the Declaration of Independence.
So this week, think about our forefathers but also about the patriots of today; the men and women of the armed forces who continue to lay their lives on the line so that America can stay ... America.
Think about Col. Greg Laffitte, who just submitted his last column from a very long deployment, again, this time to Iraq. He’s endured 125-degree heat, while we complain about 95. He’s missed his family, his friends, and good old fashioned Southern food being half way around the world, and yet all of his columns were upbeat and full of genuine happiness to be an American and in a place where he was doing some good for others.
So while you watch TV, relax and barbecue out this holiday weekend, think about those who are overseas in a war zone protecting you and your right to relax, watch TV and barbecue. Welcome home, Col. Laffitte, and may the rest of your fellow patriots make it home safe and sound soon as well. God Bless America.
Fireworks this week
Don’t forget the special show at Wild Adventures on July 4 and 5 for the holiday, with a huge fireworks extravaganza planned, plus a lot of other fun and exciting events. And the Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting the annual fireworks display near the mall area and Sam’s Club again this year, and if you time it right, you might catch both shows!
Business Roundup
The new Holiday Inn Express and Suites is opening in Valdosta this weekend, right next to the Comfort Suites on St. Augustine by the interstate.
The new smoothie bar is now open in Remerton and you can read all about it in today’s Business section. The emphasis is on all-natural, all-healthy items.
You can also read all about the new Langdale Honda-Kia of Valdosta dealership on North Ashley Street in today’s section.
There is a new store, Edible Bouquets, opening up on Park Avenue, near the intersection with North Ashley Street.
And an all-new Pediatric Health Care for Kids is opening in Valdosta around the second week of July for children with chronic issues such as tracheas, tubes in their stomachs, etc.
Still nothing new on the Buffalo Wild Wings, but hopefully they’ll start breaking ground soon. It is supposed to be built on an outparcel by the mall.
I understand the Bleu Q in downtown Valdosta is being renovated and will reopen in a couple of weeks as the Bleu Pub with a different atmosphere and genuine pub food that will be served until the wee hours of the morning.
The area where the Chick-Fil-A is hopefully going on Inner Perimeter and North Valdosta Road is shaping up, so there should be an official announcement soon.
The Harveys going in on Highway 122 in Hahira should be breaking ground in the early fall, and it sounds like there may be a fun event tied to it, so we’ll see.
That’s about it for this week, send your tips to me if you have them, and otherwise, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Business
Business This Week: The true meaning of the Fourth of July
- Business
-
-
Valdosta Shared Office Space
VALDOSTA — Though Valdosta Shared Office Space is not new to Valdosta, it is newly green. The first and only shared office space in Valdosta owned by Gino Fina, just became the first Downtown Valdosta business to work with the Georgia Cities Foundation’s Green Communities Fund to implement environmentally friendly, energy-efficient improvements, reducing energy consumption upwards of 50 percent. -
Downtown businesses to be mobbed this week
A few years ago, when everyone started talking through social media, flash mobs became the new in thing to do. Primarily in the big cities, although VSU did their own a year or two ago, a designated place and time would be set and masses of people would descend on these sites, sometimes dancing, sometimes singing, sometimes acting obnoxiously.
-
Keep tails wagging when your budget is lagging
I have a problem. Though I am a tight-wad when it comes to spending my money, I cannot resist the calling to buy adorable toys, collars and, yes, even clothes for my three cuter than all get out fur babies.
-
The Valdosta Mall: Revamped and Ready for Business!
VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Mall has made tremendous strides since its rebranding away from Colonial Mall in 2007 and it’s refocus in 2008 when it made a move from serving the community to being a part of the community.
“We had taken for granted our place in the community for a long time,” said Jerry Weller, general manager of the Valdosta Mall. “We don’t do that anymore.” -
Keep your clothes looking fab to avoid looking drab
As I get older, I’m beginning to learn that there are more important things than clothes. Ugh! It pains me to even form that sentence; however, it’s true.
-
Business This Week: Happy Mother’s Day!
Today is the one day a year dedicated to celebrating mothers, although we all use their guidance and wisdom every day. But for this one day, their sacrifices, kindness, love, and advice are recognized, hopefully, by the children they raised or helped to raise. It might not even be those born to them, as most mothers don’t limit their love and it flows over onto their children’s friends, family members, and the children they influence in the classroom, in Sunday school and in volunteer activities.
-
Downtown will have a new beat this week
The Brown Bag Concert Series produced by Valdosta Main Street will begin again on Monday and last all week.
-
Valdosta Regional Airport: Flying Valdosta to the Top
There are 104 publicly owned, public-use airports — nine commercial service and 95 general-aviation airports — in Georgia. Airports are significant to the state’s economic infrastructure and essential to transportation of goods and people. A single airport can support various diversified industries such as technology, manufacturing, distribution, agriculture and tourism.
-
Brittany's Budget Diary: Be Green to Save Green
“It’s not easy being green,” once said Kermit the Frog. No offense to Kerm, but it is in fact quite easy being green. I know because I am incredibly green.
-
Propex: Global Presence, Local Roots
VALDOSTA — Not every company sets out to build a better community, a better world and a better future. However, not every company is Propex.
Propex is known as a leader in building and rebuilding key infrastructure all over the world. Products made at Propex are used to protect hillsides, highways and waterways from damaging erosion by combining engineered fabrics with natural vegetation rather than broken rock. - More Business Headlines
-
