VALDOSTA —
The Sesquicentennial committee members have been working hard for more than a year now to ensure that the city’s 150th birthday celebration is a noteworthy year-long event.
Several events are coming up soon, including Monday evening’s reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts for the entrants to the Sesquicentennial photo contest. The public has been voting for the photos over the last month and the winners will be announced on Monday night. There will also be a cake to celebrate the city’s birthday and a chance to look at nearly 150 terrific photos taken in the city.
Coming up in August is another exciting event — the committee, with lots of help, is burying a time capsule in Drexel Park to be opened in 50 years. There will be items from area schools, photos, and historic artifacts included. It’s a neat way to commemorate the city’s birthday as well as preserve parts of our history for future generations. I doubt I’ll still be around in five decades, but if I am, I’ll be here for its opening.
There will be more fun activities as the year progresses, but take advantage of and attend any and all you can.
Retirement
In a meeting with City Engineer Von Shipman Friday, he revealed what is apparently no longer a secret, and that is his imminent retirement.
He will be retiring in mid-August from his position with the city. Good luck Von!
Business Roundup
The former Southern Buffet on North Ashley Street is being transformed into Mongo: The Mongolian Firepit. Impressive name and an interesting concept. Should go over well here.
The finishing touches are being put on the Supermercado on North Ashley Street, which is reopening soon as a supermarket where you can also find a variety of pre-cooked foods.
Family Dollar’s remodeling in part of the former Goody’s location on St. Augustine is moving along well. No opening date is posted yet, but I understand it will take several weeks before they open.
Smith Northview Hospital held a groundbreaking this week for an expansion of its Labor and Delivery area. Apparently, the baby business is booming in town, and the hospital needs the space for more rooms.
I understand that Cheddars is hoping to do a groundbreaking on their new location on Norman Drive sometime this month, but I’ll keep you posted.
The Harveys in Hahira should be going vertical soon, as the site work is done and the foundation looks nearly finished.
The grand opening for the joint city/county crime lab is planned for Monday morning.
And the McKey Tennis Center is moving quickly, and very well may make its late July opening, which was originally scheduled for March/April.
On a sad note, Antoine's Flavor of New Orleans closed its doors last week. Their lease was up and the owner is looking for a new location, but he's not sure if he's going to stay downtown or explore other options, but he's sure he's going to reopen somewhere in town.
That’s it for this week, but if there’s something I missed, please let me know!
