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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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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
