THUMBS DOWN: To all those who would think it’s acceptable to shout racial slurs from afar during a peaceful poetry reading. Poetic Magic experienced just this during a recent event in Lanier County. It is a shame that these poets, men and women of all ages and all races, were denied their right to speak freely, to reveal their poetry as a living art without fear of harm. Their mission is simply to contribute to cultural exchange and social tolerance through the power of the voice, not to spread hate.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Police Department for making an arrest in the Sunday mass shooting at Hudson Dockett. Additional arrests are expected very soon. This incident resulted in the death of a Valdosta teenager and injury to at least 10 others, including children.
THUMBS UP: To J.L. Lomax Elementary School for participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry. This program teaches students about agriculture, where their produce comes from, and the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. The students donated sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and so much more to America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc.
THUMBS UP: To Thomas Yawn for making and reporting weather-related observations on a daily basis from his home in Homerville for 21 years. He was presented the John Campanius Holm Award for his efforts. This is the second most prestigious award given by the National Weather Service.
THUMBS UP: To Lowndes County Commissioner Joyce Evans for hosting the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia District 11 at the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex. The group discussed everything from a possible T-SPLOST for transportation to funding for a statewide Trauma Care Network to water planning.
