Happy Georgia Cities Week! The City of Valdosta will join other cities across Georgia in celebrating Georgia Cities Week, April 20-25, to recognize the many services city governments provide for the quality of life of citizens. The theme this year is "Destination Downtown" and will feature how Valdosta Main Street is a gathering spot for people throughout our region and an economic development hot spot. Click here to read more or see events listed below in calendar this week.

April 21:Community Reinvestment Act Forum: Successful Community Development Through Strategic Partnerships. This workshop is free, sponsored in part by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. The event is open to bank managers and personnel, non-profit organizations, and other community-based organizations. Lunch included.Click here for event flier.

April 22: Job Shadow Day. The City of Valdosta will host 33 students from Valdosta High School Advancements via Individual Determination (AVID) program, on Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. These students will job shadow city department heads and give presentations to the Valdosta Mayor, City Council members and staff at a luncheon.

April 23: City Council Meeting Honors Youth Essay Winners. Citizens are invited to attend the April 23 City Council meeting as Mayor John Gayle announces the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the "If I Were Mayor" sixth-grade essay contest. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, and will involve other city business. Click here to view agenda, or call (229) 259-3500.

April 23: VPD Citizens Police Academy in Week #5. The Valdosta Police Academy will begin Thursday at 6 p.m., for those who have preregistered for the program, which meets for eight consecutive Thursday evenings to get a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern day law enforcement agency. The class is free and is one of three citizens information programs designed to engage and educate citizens about their local government. Call Lt. Aaron Kirk at (229) 293-3099 for more information or to get an application for the next class.

April 24: Valdosta Gateway Ribbon Cutting. In observance of National Arbor Day and Georgia Cities Week, a small ribbon-cutting ceremony willcelebrate the completion of the new Valdosta Gateway on N. Valdosta Road. The project, which was funded in part by a Georgia Department of Transportation grant, warmly welcomes new and returning citizens and guests to our city.

April 24: Bring Your Friends to Lunch Downtown Day! To celebrate Georgia Cities Week-and ANY day of the year-bring your friends to lunch in beautiful Downtown Valdosta. Click here to check out the great dining and shopping options downtown, and make plans for lunch downtown today. 

April 24:Valdosta Fire Department 2015 Recruit School Graduation. Eleven of the city newest Valdosta Firefighters will graduate from Recruits School, at 4 p.m., at the Community Center, located at 1901 N. Forrest Street. Citizens are invited to attend the graduation ceremony to welcome these firefighters.

April 25: Great American Clean Up. Volunteers for the Great American Cleanup will meet at the Valdosta City Hall Annex, Lee Street Parking Lot, at 8:30 a.m. Several neighborhoods have been selected for this year's cleanup, and volunteers will receive their assignments as they sign in. Volunteers are still needed, and interested citizens may call Keep Lowndes-Valdosta Beautiful at (229) 671-3698 to volunteer.

April 25: Shred-A-Thon Helps Prevent Identity Theft. Heritage Bank of the South is hosting a Shred A Thon on April 25 to allow citizens to shred personal documents as one tool to help combat identity theft. A truck will be on site so citizens can actually watch their documents being shredded. Canned goods will also be collected for Second Harvest of South Georgia. Click here to view flier.