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THUMBS UP: To Georgia Christian School for inviting former First Lady Laura Bush to Dasher and Valdosta. Mrs. Bush gave an inspiring speech and inspired others by her warmth meeting with the school’s elementary students. A job well done to Headmaster Brad Lawson, school board Chairman Jim Thornton, Ryan and Nikki Warren for making the visit such a success.
THUMBS DOWN: To candidates who refuse to attend any locally sponsored political forums. Within less than two weeks, three forums were held in the Valdosta area. In state races, incumbent candidates missed all three events to meet the voters, face their challengers and take questions. With three events so close together, missing one of the forums may be understandable, but missing all three is incomprehensible. These candidates know who you are and so do voters.
THUMBS UP: To the volunteers of Make-A-Difference Days. Last week, numerous volunteers helped Second Harvest of South Georgia keep its facilities prepared in its constant efforts to feed the region’s hungry. This week, volunteers will help Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful in its constant efforts to make our cities and county a clean, environmentally friendly place to live.
THUMBS DOWN: To local races turning negative in the last days of the campaign. Mudslinging television ads, biting comments, brutal Facebook posts, and more are rising in the final run to the polls. There’s enough negative energy glomming onto the national races without dragging our local races into this spewing maelstrom. Candidates sliding into negative territory: You know who you are and so do voters.
What We Think
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- What We Think
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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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: 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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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
