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THUMBS UP: To Dr. Brian Hickox. Valdosta’s newest chiropractor overcame great odds to open his practice last week. Born with partial vision, an assault robbed him of the remainder of his sight. Despite these odds, he followed his dream to become a chiropractor. School took him twice as long, at seven years rather than the usual three and a half to complete, but he reached his goal. The story of Brian Hickox should be an inspiration to us all. It proves that we may lack sight, we may have to overcome difficulties and disabilities, but that doesn’t mean we have to lack vision.
THUMBS UP: Jose Urquilla, a 17-year-old Lowndes High School student who won a Griner Nissan car this week as part of a program that gives academic achievers the opportunity to win a vehicle and other prizes as rewards for their hard work. Many may feel it is not right to award students for work they should already be doing, but no one should diminish the accomplishments of students like Jose Urquilla. These students strive to excel and reach their goals. Agree or disagree with the car program, but students deserve congratulations for their successes.
THUMBS DOWN: To Georgia Power for its handling of its new smart meters. Arguments can be made for and against the use of smart meters, but what may be most troubling is the way many residents report the power company’s handling of installation and customer concerns. Residents report hearing a noise on their property and walk outside to discover utility workers changing the meter. Spokespeople telling residents they have no choice in the matter doesn’t help either. A thorough information campaign would have probably been a smarter approach.
THUMBS UP: To Medal of Honor winner Marine Major Gen. James Livingston. The Georgia native visited Valdosta Thursday night as the guest of the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Livingston proved his valor in combat on many occasions. Retired, he continues speaking for veterans and the military. We salute his service and the work of MOAA in inviting him here.
What We Think
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
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Thoughts on graduation
