Oct. 5-9: VFD Pours into Community for Fire Prevention Week. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. A properly working smoke detector may cut these fatalities in half. "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep" is the theme for this year, and the Valdosta Fire Department has various educational events planned for folks of all ages. Click here to read more, or call (229) 333-1835 for information.

Oct. 5: Voters Registration Ends Today: Today is the LAST DAY to register if you want to vote in the Nov. 3 elections. Citizens may register in person at 2808 N. Oak Street or at www.sos.ga.gov/elections. For more information, contact the Board of Elections office at (229) 671-2850.

Oct. 5: HPC Meets. The Historic Preservation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting today at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 N. Lee Street. The HPC is responsible for ensuring any new development or redevelopment within the Local Historic District is consistent with the locally adopted design guidelines. For more information about the HPC, attend today's meeting or call (229) 259-3563.

Oct. 6: ZBOA Meets. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its monthly meeting at 2:30 p.m., in City Hall Annex Multi-Purpose Room. The ZBOA hears all variance requests and appeals regarding staff interpretations of the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations. Contact the city's Planning and Zoning Office at (229) 259-3563 for information.

Oct. 6: Deadline to Nominate for the MCPD Awards Banquet. Citizens are invited to the Mayor's Council for Persons with Disabilities 20th Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet, which will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at 7 p.m., in VSU's University Center Magnolia Room. The event, co-sponsored by Valdosta State University, celebrates exceptional people, organizations and businesses who are committed to tearing down barriers for individuals with disabilities in our community. Tuesday, Oct. 6 is the deadline to nominate a person or organization that has gone above and beyond to make our community accessible. Click here to access the nomination form.

Oct. 6: Valdosta City Council Meets for Work Session. The Mayor and City Council will meet for a work session on Tuesday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., which allows council members to spend an adequate amount of time discussing agenda items. The meeting is open to the general public and is held in the second floor Council Chambers of City Hall, at 216 E. Central Avenue.

Oct. 7: VFD Installs Fire Sprinkler System at Freedom House. The VFD will be installing a residential sprinkler system at the Valdosta Habitat for Humanity Freedom House Build on Tuesday, Oct. 7, to promote the safety of residential sprinkler systems. The Freedom House, located at 1007 Lee Street, was originally scheduled to be opened on Sept. 11 in remembrance of 9-11, but it was postponed to Fire Prevention Week due to uncontrollable circumstances. Residential fire sprinklers respond quickly and effectively, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives. Click here for information about the importance of residential fire sprinkler.

Oct. 8: Valdosta City Council Meets. The Mayor and City Council will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the general public and includes an Employee of the Month Award presentation, among other city business. Click here to view the agenda.