If the massive earthquake in Haiti has reminded us of anything this week, it’s that you should never take anything for granted — not friends, not good health, not family, not security, not anything. Appreciate what you have because none of us knows when it might go away.
Many have been personally touched this week by the tragedy, and many have been glued to the Internet and other news reports to find out the latest on the recovery efforts.
A number of people have asked how they can help, and already some questionable charities are asking for donations. If you don’t know the organization, my suggestion is to keep your money and redirect it somewhere else. The Red Cross has had a tremendous response to their text plea for donations, raising millions in just a few hours, but be leery of others. It’s sad when some want to make money off of others tragedy.
Although this may not be attainable every day, do your best to look around you and count your blessings. Life is fleeting, possessions come and go, so take the time to appreciate your life and those in it.
Business Roundup
The biggest business story of the week was certainly the Chick-fil-A opening, with the parking lot filled with eager campers waiting for their free meals for a year. The first few days of a new restaurant in Valdosta are typically packed, cramped and frustrating, so give them time to settle in folks before you start to complain.
The Waldenbooks in Valdosta Mall is just about through selling out their merchandise and so is the Lady Foot Locker. Both stores are closing, not just here, but in cities across the country.
Dogwood Senior Health Center, a geriatric psychiatric unit at Berrien County Hospital, officially opened this week to serve the community.
In Valdosta, the Hibachi Grill is supposed to be opening soon, but I haven’t seen a firm date yet. It’s going in where the Marco Polo restaurant used to be on Baytree across from the new wing place.
The O’Neals Country Buffet on North Ashley Street is still closed for renovations but should be open again in another week or so. It looks like the Passage to India restaurant in Budd Plaza is also closed for renovations and repairs.
There is a new college hangout in Remerton called Blazers Tavern just in case you want to check it out this weekend.
It looks like Lake Park has a new indoor flea market at Exit 5 that you might want to check out if you are interested in browsing.
That’s about it for this week. Hoping things pick up a bit soon!
