Oct. 26: LAST WEEK to Early Vote. The last week of early voting will take place this week Monday through Friday at the Lowndes County Board of Elections Office, with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Citizens may visit the My Voter Page, at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov, hosted by the Georgia Secretary of State, for specific voter information or call (229) 671-2850. Exercise your right to vote.

Oct. 27: City Employees Inspire Youth for Career Day. Several City of Valdosta employees are participating in the J.L. Newbern Middle School Career Day on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to inspire local youth on the importance of staying in school, excelling in academics and planning a rewarding career in public service.

Oct. 27: Future Journalists Meet with Mayor Gayle. Mayor John Gayle will welcome Ted Geltner's News Writing Class from Valdosta State University for a mock press conference, on Oct. 27, at 2:30 p.m., at Valdosta City Hall. The city hosts the event each semester to provide the students with practical application for their future news writing careers and to introduce them to local government. For more information on this event or similar educational opportunities in local government, contact Public Information Officer Sementha Mathews at (229) 259-3548.

Oct. 28: Let's Put Trees to Work. The "Putting Trees to Work for Stormwater" Lunch & Learn workshop is one of the highlighted events taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Valdosta City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, in observance of National Community Planning Month. As a designated Tree City U.S.A. for 29 consecutive years, the city wants to educate and reinforce the important messages about the environmental benefits of trees in our neighborhoods and throughout our community. Lunch will be provided free of charge for guests who RSVP by Oct. 26 by calling Angela Bray at (229) 259-3530.

Oct. 28: Last Day to Apply for Eight Vacant Positions. Wednesday, Oct. 28 is the last day for citizens to apply for the eight positions currently vacant on the city's boards, commissions, authorities or advisory committees. Citizens who seek a rewarding public service role in the community are encouraged 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. 28: WCTV's Live Broadcast in Downtown Valdosta. Citizens are encouraged to come out to WCTV's live broadcasts of the 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. news shows in beautiful downtown Valdosta. The news shows will take place on the front lawn of the historic Lowndes County Courthouse and will feature several interviews highlighting people and places in our community. Citizens are invited to enjoy the live news casts and, afterward, enjoy the great dining and shopping options available downtown.

Oct. 29-30: Valdosta Welcomes the Georgia Association of MPOs. The City welcomes the attendees of the Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Annual Conference to Valdosta on Oct. 29 and 30. Planning professionals from across the state will learn about emerging concepts that can be applied to creating solutions to meet their sustainable and reliable future transportation needs.

Oct. 30: Best Wishes for a Safe Winnersville Classic! The City of Valdosta wishes the Wildcats and the Vikings a safe football game on Friday, Oct. 30, at the popular Winnersville Classic. Motorists are urged to drive with caution throughout the city, especially in areas surrounding the Martin Stadium.

Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat? The annual Trick-or-Treating festivities will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-9 p.m. Extra police patrol will be scheduled during this time to ensure the evening is both safe and enjoyable. Click here for safety tips.

Nov. 1: Fall Back for Daylight Saving. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m., on Sunday, Nov. 1, and citizens should turn their clocks backward one hour to 1 a.m. The purpose of daylight saving time-observed by the United States and Canada-is to provide more hours of daylight during the evenings and less in the mornings. Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome says Daylight Saving Time is also a great bi-annual reminder to change the batteries in smoke detectors. More than 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke detector. Please take an extra minute on Nov. 1 to change your smoke detector batteries while setting your clocks backward.

Nov. 1: "Go the Extra Mile" Day. For the second consecutive year, Mayor Gayle has signed a proclamation observing the National "Go the Extra Mile" Day. Valdosta citizens are urged to take time on this day to acknowledge those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, communities, country and world a better place. Click here to read the Mayor's Proclamation. Citizens are encouraged to publicly share their stories on the City of Valdosta Facebook page, from Nov. 1-7, at https://www.facebook.com/ValdostaUSA and include the hashtag #ExtraMileValdosta.