What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.
— Agnes M. Pharo
Although there are 35 days until Christmas, this weekend may just be the perfect time to get in the holiday spirit.
The Valdosta Board of Realtors will host its 2009 Festival of Trees Black Tie Gala from 6:30-11 p.m. tonight at The Crescent, 904 N. Patterson St. Funds raised during the event will benefit The Crescent and Lowndes Associated Ministries to People Inc.’s homeless shelter. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and include heavy hors d’oeuvres from Covington’s, a cash bar and the opportunity to bid on one of 15 themed Christmas trees and other items. The band Tanner’s Lane will provide music for the occasion.
A favorite holiday tradition, the Valdosta Junior Service League will host a special preview party for Merry Marketplace 2009 at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
The event will feature a night filled with music, drinks, giveaways, hors d’oeurves, as well as the chance to check out all the items vendors have to offer at the holiday shopping bazaar. Tickets are $40 per each person or $70 per couple. The Merry Marketplace will open its doors to eager shoppers from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, with admission costing adults $5 and children $1. The shopping will be preceded from 8-9 a.m. and from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday by a Breakfast with Santa. Tickets for this are $15 each. Proceeds from the preview party will benefit breast cancer awareness efforts.
At 4 p.m. on Sunday, 12 religious leaders from a variety of faiths will conduct a community service at Iglesia Cristiana Gethsemani.
The Valdosta Area Ministerial Association invites everyone to attend this event and offer thanks to God for this country and its religious freedoms.
What We Think
What We Think: Getting into the holiday spirit
- What We Think
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
