Dec. 6 | Mayor’s Motorcade Brings Cheer to Parkwood
The City of Valdosta is making the holiday season special for persons with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs who reside at the Parkwood Developmental Center. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m., Mayor John Gayle, VFD Fire Chief Freddie Broome and members of the Valdosta Fire Department will deliver gifts to the 117 patients—ages 7 to 71—who reside at the facility. Read more, or call 229-333-1835.

Dec. 6 | ZBOA Meets
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 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.
 
Dec. 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.
 
Dec. 7 | Happy 156th Birthday, Valdosta!
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the City of Valdosta will celebrate its birthday at the South Georgia Regional Library, from 4-6 p.m., observing the date that the city was chartered 156 years ago. Many Valdostans may be unaware of the history available at their fingertips at the SGRL. For example, did you know that library patrons have access to a broad collection of Valdosta history books—in additional to more than 200,000 books on other topics? Did you know that a local genealogist teaches free classes monthly, and patrons have access to Heritage Quest and Ancestry (typically valued at over $100/year) at no cost through the GALILEO system, an initiative of the University System of Georgia? Make it a point to get to know your family and city heritage. Start by visiting the SGRL on Dec.  7, where city and library staff will be available to help you sign up for the weekly city E-news, share a variety of other information about your city and community, and much more.
 
Dec. 8 | Valdosta City Council Meets
The Mayor and City Council will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor City Hall Council Chambers to conduct several items of business and to announce the winners of the 2016 Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade. The meeting is open to the general public. View meeting agenda.
 
Dec. 9-10 | Congratulations VSU Graduates!
The City of Valdosta congratulates all graduates participating in Valdosta State University’s fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10. Motorists should use caution when traveling around the campus—particularly around the P.E. Complex located on Baytree Road—and throughout the city this weekend, as an increase in motorists and pedestrians is expected due to the celebratory events.
 
Dec. 10 | VFD and VPD Compete in Toys for Tot’s Charity
The City of Valdosta Fire and Police Departments will compete against other local first responding agencies in the annual Toys for Tots softball tournament on Saturday, Dec. 10 to help children in need this Christmas. The third annual double-elimination, slow-pitch tournament will take place at Freedom Park. Admission fee for attendees is one unwrapped toy or a small cash donation for the Toys for Tots campaign. The public is invited to support your city teams and this worthy cause.