Sept. 28: Norfolk Southern Closes Crossing for Repairs. Norfolk Southern is closing the railroad crossing on S. Forrest Street, located between Hero and Cason Streets, for repairs and repaving. This portion of S. Forrest Street is expected to be closed the entire day on Monday for the repairs.

Sept. 28: Last Day to Comment on the CAPER. Citizens have until 5 p.m. today to view and comment on the FY2014 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the Community Development Block Grant program. The CAPER provides detailed information on the city's overall progress in carrying out the priorities and objectives identified in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved Consolidated Plan. View this document in the city's Neighborhood Development Division, located at the Valdosta City Hall Annex, Room 104, or call (229) 671-3617 for information.

Sept. 28: GLPC Meets. The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting today at 5:30 p.m., at the South Health District Administration Office, 327 W. Savannah Avenue. Call (229) 259-3563 for details.

Oct. 1: National Fire Prevention Month Begins Today. October is National Fire Prevention Month, and the Valdosta Fire Department has various educational events-such as station tours, puppet shows and school visits, etc.-planned to teach and reinforce the lessons of fire prevention. Call the VFD Fire Safety Educator Sgt. Chris Staples at (229) 333-1835 for more information or to schedule an event.

Oct. 1: October is Also Community Planning Month. The City of Valdosta will observe Community Planning Month in October to promote awareness about the importance of planning within an community. The city's Planning and Zoning Division is coordinating several events to engage citizens around this year's CPM theme, "Healthy Community, Healthy People." Citizens are encouraged to visit www.valdostacity.com/planning to view the events and makes plans to participate. Call Alexandra Arzayus at (229) 259-3563 for more information.

Oct. 3: First Friday in Downtown Valdosta. The popular First Friday event will feature live music, dining specials, shopping and more of the fun that the community expects on the first Friday of every month, beginning at 6 p.m., in beautiful downtown Valdosta. Visit www.valdostamainstreet.com for more information, or call the Valdosta Main Street office at (229) 259-3577.

Oct. 3: Rivers Alive Cleanup. Volunteers are still needed for the Rivers Alive Cleanup, hosted by Keep Lowndes-Valdosta Beautiful, on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. For information about the event or to volunteer, visit www.klvb.net or click here to view event flier.