Oct. 22: Inaugural Valdosta Youth Council Meets. Mayor John Gayle will meet with the 16 local middle schoolers selected for the Valdosta Youth Council at their first regularly-scheduled meeting, on Oct. 22, at 4 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Council Chambers. Click here for details about this exciting new group or join their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/valdostayouthcouncil.

Oct. 22: Valdosta City Council Meets. The Mayor and City Council will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Valdosta City Hall (located at 216 E. Central Avenue). The meeting is open to the general public and includes the official swearing in of the first Valdosta Youth Council, among other city business. Click here to view the entire agenda.

Oct. 24: City-Wide Bulk Trash Amnesty Day. This year's Make a Difference Day in the City of Valdosta will include a City-Wide Bulk Trash Amnesty Day, from 9 a.m. to noon, in four specific locations in the city. The event will allow city residents, who show water bill and photo ID as proof of residency, one trip to dispose of unwanted household items and other bulky trash items at no cost. Click here for more information, or call Aaron Strickland at (229) 671-3698 to volunteer.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Oct. 28: Putting Trees to Work Lunch & Learn. The "Putting Trees to Work for Stormwater" Lunch & Learn workshop is one of the highlighted events for Valdosta's Community Planning Month, which is observed throughout October. The lunch & learn event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 12-1 p.m., in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. Lunch will be provided free of charge for guests who RSVP by Oct. 26 by calling Angela Bray at (229) 259-3530. Click here for details.

Oct. 28: Last Day to Apply for Eight Public Service Opportunities. Citizens who seek a rewarding public service role in the community are encouraged to apply for the eight positions currently vacant on the city's boards, commissions, authorities or advisory committees. Interested citizens have until Oct. 28 to review the membership requirements, complete an application and sign the Code of Ethics form. The Mayor and City Council will evaluate the applicants and appoint individuals at the Nov. 5 City Council meeting. Click here to view vacancies.

Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat? The annual Trick-or-Treating festivities will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-9 p.m. Click here for more information and for tips on how to make it a fun and safe evening.

Nov. 14: Fall Electronics Recycling Event. Get your unwanted electronics out of storage and ready to recycle in an environmentally friendly way at the city's Fall Electronics Recycling event, on Saturday, Nov. 14. Click here to download flier for more details about what will and will not be accepted at the event.