Where would this community be without the support of philanthropists who offer their resources so generously for the good of others? The death this week of Joe Vallotton, a prominent local attorney whose charitable giving through the years benefited all of us, offers an occasion for thanking those private donors who give what they have.
Vallotton, who never sought recognition for his charitable acts, gave about $2 million worth of property as gifts where he saw a need. City officials say the only reason the Vallotton Youth Complex bears the attorney’s name is because they insisted the Vallotton name be used. Most recently, in 2005, land was given to the City of Valdosta for the next fire station and ambulance station.
In April, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. was able to burn its mortgage thanks in part to The Langdale Foundation. The CAC’s new facility was dedicated in the memory of Delores M. Parrish, a longtime employee of The Langdale Co.
The Dewar family’s support of education recently resulted in a $2 million gift to Valdosta State University. To honor the family, gave its College of Education a new title — the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education.
Joe V. “Bud” Dasher realized the need for more cardiovascular services in Valdosta after he suffered a heart attack in 1996. He gave South Georgia Medical Center a donation of $500,000 in May 2000, then recently pledged an additional half million dollars. This generosity toward the heart center will ensure that other local residents with medical needs get the treatment they require.
While not everyone has the financial resources to give as much as the donors listed here have, there are other ways to serve, as those who participated in this past weekend’s Relay for Life demonstrated. Giving of one’s time to a cause such as the American Cancer Society is as valuable as the gifts donated by philanthropists.
We should all aspire to follow these generous donors’ example and give to charitable causes, not because of the recognition it can bring, but because it’s the right thing to do for our community.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Charitable giving impacts our community
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
