• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month



On October 15 from 5-7 p.m. the Pearlman Cancer Center will have a free clinical breast screening for women of all ages. Those who qualify for the program may be eligible to receive a free mammogram.

Paint the town Pink is a slogan to make people more aware of breast cancer. Many stores and businesses are offering percentages of sales to fight this cancer. SGMC will have a Chevy Traverse, donated by Prince Automotive, wrapped in hot pink so that it can be signed in honor or memory of ones touched by breast cancer.

Cancer is no respecter of persons and it can sneak up on you like a thief in the night. That is why I urge you to get checkups of all kinds. Cancer can grow so rapidly that early diagnosis pays.

As a three-time cancer survivor and having lost three siblings plus other relatives to cancer, fighting cancer is so important. In August, I lost my sister to cancer. It was not detected early on, and spread to her liver and lungs. I cannot urge you strongly enough to go for checkups. We are blessed to have a wonderful facility, Pearlman Cancer Center here in Valdosta.

The American Cancer Society has a new cookbook out “What To Eat During Cancer Treatment: 100 Family and Friends’ Recipes to Help You Cope.” Cost is $19.95. Join in the fight against cancer. Give to cancer research at every opportunity. It takes money for research. Early detection is the key.

Nina King

Valdosta



• What a great senior center Valdosta has



We bring greetings from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. We had the privilege of visiting Valdosta and area this past week. Beautiful scenery, beautiful people.

We especially wanted to comment on the seniors center of Valdosta. What an absolute amazing facility. The seniors of Valdosta are so blessed to have this center where one can learn new things, socialize and make great friends. We were able to play Spades with some terrific folks — lots of laughter and great camaraderie. Our superb hosts have given us a glimpse into the possible fun a senior can have in your community. We hope that any seniors who have not checked out this incredible facility do so very soon.

Keep up the great work Valdosta.

Bill and Bonnie Swan

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada



• Divided we fall



I worked vigorously to get President Barack Obama elected. After his win I thought the worst criticism was over. However the unprecedented attacks upon him, his wife, their children, and friends will probably continue far beyond the health care debate. (medianeeded.blogspot. com)

My sympathy goes out to all members of our armed forces, their spouses, and dependent children. They must listen to criticism of their parents’ executive commander-in-chief of our armed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other war-torn areas. 

The damage being done by calling Obama a racist , illegal alien, socialist , terrorist, ignorant, hates white people, and hates America among the hundreds of other derogatory remarks does not unify members of our armed forces now serving on foreign battlefields.

During the presidential election a 92-year-old lady in Valdosta, said she had never seen a presidential candidate criticized as much as Sen. Barack Obama. Not even during slavery or when blacks were brought to these shores in 1555 aboard a slave ship called Jesus captained by one Sir John Hawkins — a white European slave trader, did blacks disrespect or condemn the other 43 white male presidents as is now being done to our 44th president.

Regardless of how we may feel about our president, servicemembers must rise above the criticism, hatred, and disagreement and carry out the assigned mission — as all active duty, discharged veterans, and retired military veterans understand.

Yet there are those who believe that unless their particular candidate wins the office of president, it is their duty and responsibility to ensure that the president fail at all cost.

It’s up to the American people to stop sending politicians to Washington bent on dividing our nation. God bless America.

George Boston Rhynes Valdosta



• Home in time for bed



If your children attend Sallas-Mahone and ride bus 46, there is no need to extend the school day. The children are picked up around 7 a.m. and return home around 5 p.m. If we extend it any more, they should get home in time for bed.

According to the transportation department, they are short drivers and short buses. They are in the process of hiring more drivers, however a date for completion was unavailable. More buses would be available if they weren't being used to transport athletes. Yesterday, due to the shortage, they transported elementary children with high school children.

Are we ever going to make education and the welfare of the school children a priority over the athletes?

Valerie Buckner

Valdosta



• Get outdoors, Georgia



Despite recent rainy weather, thousands of Georgians gathered at state parks and historic sites to enjoy “Free Day in the Parks,” a celebration of National Public Lands Day and our way to say “thanks” to all the people who have supported our parks during this financially challenging year. Our corporate sponsors, the Coca-Cola Company and Verizon Wireless, deserve special appreciation for helping underwrite the costs of the free day.

Our staff and volunteers provided programs such as fishing rodeos, storytelling and guided hikes to help our visitors have a great visit and, our Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites hosted volunteer service projects like building trails, landscaping projects, invasive plant removal and river clean-ups as a way to show our guests how they can help support state parks and historic sites.

Every day, we hear from citizens who want to know how they can protect Georgia’s most precious places. Joining the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is one of the most effective ways to show support. Church groups, scouts and corporations help by hosting volunteer workdays. Even the simple act of visiting your local state park or historic site helps. 

I encourage all Georgians to get outdoors and explore our beautiful state. After all, our state parks and historic sites belong to everyone, and your support will ensure they are here for generations to come.

Becky Kelley

Director

Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division

Georgia Department of Natural Resources