THUMBS UP: To everyone who has either donated already or who plans to donate blood or platelets at the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center on Bemiss Road this summer. One donation can help to save the lives of up to three people. People with O- type blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of all blood types. It is the blood type most often used in an emergency and with newborns; however, only 7 percent of the population has O- blood. According to American Red Cross officials in the Southern Region, “Blood has been called the river of life because it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. (It) ... is essential to life, a precious gift that you can share as a volunteer donor.” Every two seconds a person needs blood in the United States.
THUMBS UP: To those parents who will make it a priority to share with their children the meaning of Independence Day today. Independence Day is a time to honor the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is more than just a day to eat hot dogs, spit a few watermelon seeds, enjoy a parade, or burn your fingers while holding onto a sparkler.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who played a little golf in the annual Valdosta Open this past weekend. It was hot, but more than 40 golfers showed up and raised some much-needed funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. With a location on Lake Laurie Drive and Toombs Street in Valdosta and a total of three locations in Brooks County, the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta strives “to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as moral, responsible, caring and productive citizens.”
THUMBS DOWN: To people who care only about themselves, often at the expense of those around them. This is especially true in the workplace. As the economy struggles and companies attempt to stay afloat by doing more with less, it is important that everyone be a team player, watch each other’s back and do what needs to be done. In terms of a professional environment, a true team player is an employee who can be counted on to do his or her part of the work and be relied upon to complete tasks and work cooperatively with others. Basically each team member must do his or her part, move beyond any personal issues or office politics, treat each other with respect and get the job done.
What We Think
What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down
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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
