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THUMBS UP: To the many volunteers and participants who made this week’s Special Olympics a success. Achievement knows no bounds and it knows no barriers. All people deserve a venue where they can strive and succeed. The Special Olympics provides such a venue.
THUMBS DOWN: To drivers who persist on illegally parking in handicapped spaces. In a dropped off message this week, one area disabled Army veteran told The Times he finds it disheartening that he can’t find a handicapped space near his favorite store or coffee shop because of non-handicapped motorists taking the spots. Even more disheartening, being a disabled veteran who sees spaces filled by vehicles marked with “We Support Our Troops” stickers but nothing designating them as “handicapped” vehicles.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra for presenting the ambitious work of Haydn’s “The Creation” this weekend. In addition to the instrumentation of the orchestra, this performance will also feature the combined voices of the Valdosta State University Concert Choir, VSU Chamber Singers and the VSO Chorus. This will be the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra’s first time performing “The Creation,” and it should prove a powerful treat for the ears and the soul.
THUMBS DOWN: To losing an hour of sleep this weekend. The time changes once again, springing forward an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday. While we may grumble stumbling off to work Monday morning in the dark, this Thumbs Down will likely turn to a Thumbs Up when we have an extra hour of sunlight to enjoy after work Monday evening.
What We Think
Thumbs up, thumbs down
- What We Think
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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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, thumbs down
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
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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Tornado: An aftermath of help
