Quarterly list of programming providing the most significant treatment of community issues


July 1    “Tracks of My Tears” & “The Measure of a Man”



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July 1    “Tracks of My Tears” & “The Measure of a Man”

Author Manswell Peterson discusses his latest book and book     signing for “Tracks of My Tears.”  Playwright Matt Hardwick previews the return of his play “The Measure of a Man, “ starring Demond Wilson of Sanford and Son.


July 8    Dougherty County & GA Tax Talk & Savannah State

Rep. Winfred Dukes, Commisioners John Hayes, and Gloria  Gaines preview public meetings on T-Splost referendum. Kathy Barnes and Commodore Conyers preview upcoming event for Savannah State University alumni.


July 15    Montford Point Marines

MSgt. Henry L. Jackson, USAF Ret. discusses receiving Gold Medal in Washington, DC for his service at Montford Point.


July 22    SWGA Project

Geraldine West Hudley, Linda Riggins and Jerome Tucker discuss Farmer’s Markets in SW Georgia, Agriculture scholarships, and grants applications for farming communities.


July 29    National Night Out & more from APD

Phyllis Banks, APD Media Specialist, previews National Night Out events for Albany students.



DIALOGUE  August 2012
August 5    Liberty House & Samaritan Clinic

Lucinda Barnes and Lashonda Kitchens preview event to benefit Liberty House, a shelter for women overcoming drug and alcohol addictions.


Nedra Fortson, Director of Samaritan Clinic previews event to educate about Cancer
August 12    Alice Coachman (Olympic Gold Medalist) and Vickie Oldham, Public Affairs @ ASU discuss the Olympics and Alice Coachman’s contribution to the world of sports and Albany State University.
August 19    The Jacksons / Rumble in the Swamp Elder Troy Jackson, Atkinson Co. Sheriff David Moore and James C. Williams, Jr. (100 Black Men) preview upcoming football classic to raise money for scholarships in Waycross.  Also, a preview of the The Jackson Family 50th Singing Celebration.
August 26    Strive2Thrive

Ausha Jackson and Nakoasha Dillard – discuss program that lifts families out of poverty.


September 2    ASU Lyceum Performance Series

Leroy Bynum, Gareth Johnson & Ken Trimmins

(Guests preview Albany State University’s 2012-2013 performance series)
September 9    National Recovery Month

Erica Graham, Mark Fulford & Jonathan Connell

(Guests preview National Recovery Month activities, focusing on people who have recovered or are going through

alcohol or drug  recovery)


September 16    “The Doctors”

Drs. Frank & Marsha Glover and Dr. Linda Walden

(Drs. Frank & Marsha Glover discuss their medical trips to Liberia and Dr. Frank Glover’s designation as the National Medical Association 2012 Practitioner of the Year.  Dr. Linda Walden previews Griffin-Jordan Medical Society, Inc.’s 2012 Scholarship Gala)
September 23    “One Day Too Late”

Scarlette Wimberly, Misty Patton & Ace Alexander

(Guests preview upcoming stage play, to be presented in Valdosta, that deals with domestic abuse)

Viewpoint -by Jim Wilcox (WALB Editorials)

Viewpoint: How much of Gary Price's driving is enough

Posted: Jul 03, 2012
How many more people will have to be hurt or killed in crashes with Albany Police Officer Gary Price?

Two people have been killed and 10 injured in four separate crashes that involved Officer Price.

He's been warned, disciplined, even transferred off the drug squad. The city and county shucked out a half million dollars to his victims, yet, he's still on the streets in a police vehicle and he's still hurting people.

Price was behind the wheel of an APD SUV that streaked through an intersection on South Jefferson Street Saturday. He broadsided a pickup truck with a family of six inside. Luckily no one was killed.

But Price has been involved in a deadly crash.

In June 2007, he chased drug suspect Bobby Jones up North Jefferson until Jones slammed head on into Billy Klewitz. Jones and Klewitz were both killed.

In a crash four months later, Price was disciplined for refusing to back off a chase even though his supervisor ordered him to. A pregnant woman and two children were injured when the guy he was chasing slammed into them.

How many more wrecks will he cause? It's clear Gary Price is a danger to the citizens of Albany.

"My first thought is why is he still on the road?" said Breanna Klewitz, the sister of Billy Klewitz. "Any other driver, licensed driver, four accidents involving either injury or fatality to that extent would either go through some kind of litigation or have his license taken away too. Why is this guy still allowed to drive a car? Let alone be a law enforcement officer on the road. Why doesn't he have a desk job, something like that?"

The actions of this officer reflect not only on him, but on city leaders. Are they really willing to accept the liability that Price represents?

Can the city afford to continue paying for his bad judgment in the form of lawsuit settlements?

We call on the Police Chief and the City Manager to get this man out of a police car and off the streets.

Additionally, we urge the chief to carefully review police policy to ensure that all officers wisely handle the responsibility of safely patrolling the streets of Albany.

It is our hope that in the future, the police chief will recognize this type of dangerous pattern in an officer and address it before it goes this far.


Viewpoint: ASU, DW create progress in Albany

Posted: Jul 05, 2012

 The recent announcement that Albany State University,  a historically black college, and Deerfield Windsor, a college-prep private school, signed an agreement to offer Deerfield students college credits, probably took many by surprise!

Starting this fall, Deerfield students can take classes and receive college credit from ASU.  The agreement allows parents of Deerfield seniors to shave off some costs of college.

ASU's President and Deerfield's Headmaster called this a historic signing event.

"It benefits everybody.  If I'm a parent and I've got a student at Deerfield-Windsor and I'm looking at four years of college and I can shave off some of the cost by having my student who is college ready and college focused take those courses at Deerfield-Windsor before they even come to Albany State- that is a huge economic advantage and a huge educational advantage,"

"I think the importance of this is it allows us to keep our top students on our campus, with our teachers and program, and at the same time get the validation of college credit,".

Teachers have to be certified to be adjunct ASU faculty members. So far English literature and calculus are two classes that will be taught at the college level. But educators plan to expand.

The agreement shows our community continues to make progress on so many levels...economically, educationally, and racially!  Our hats are off to these two institutions on their work to build an important bridge in our community!


Viewpoint: We must remember kids in cars

Posted: Jul 05, 2012

Every year, we report stories of children being left in hot cars and buses. 

And every year, we hope that we won't have to report such stories. 

We've reported on parents who normally don't drop their kids off to daycare and  forget.

We've reported on school bus drivers and/or bus monitors who don't follow procedure and check to make sure ALL students are off the bus at the conclusion of their routes. 

We've even reported on parents who leave children in hot cars as they "run" into a store for just a moment.  The result is tragic. 

Especially with our recent triple-digit temperatures, we impress upon all who have children in their care to do whatever it takes to ensure the children are out of the cars and buses when you leave the vehicle. 
This precious cargo cannot be replaced
Viewpoint: Fights Stop Fireworks

Posted: Jul 12, 2012
The hooligans who went rampaging downtown on the Fourth of July, disrupted what's supposed to be a fun event, and a public display of honor and patriotism.

It brought shame to the city of Albany, and caused a near panic in families who were there with their children, to see the fireworks display that thousands anticipate each year.

The story made the state wires, and re-enforced a negative perception of the city, and will stick in the minds of people that we want to frequent and patronize downtown.

We blame parents who don't take any interest in or responsibility for what their kids are doing, and those kids who have no regard for the rights of others.

We think that law enforcement can make their presence better seen before gatherings like this begin. Local law enforcement needs to be seen circulating through the crowd, making their presence felt. The police have two-wheeled devices and four wheelers that let them move quickly through the area.

The city still maintains a mounted officer division, and this is a perfect opportunity to put these officers and their animals on display, and show potential law breakers that they can run, but they cannot hide, downtown.

Officers of all local law enforcement agencies need to be obvious and prominent, and move through the crowds, and be conspicuous next year for the fireworks show, and any other large gatherings downtown. When folks see that they will spend a few days in jail if they act out, their behavior is likely to improve.

Viewpoint: Why so many school system problems?

Posted: Jul 17, 2012

The Dougherty County School system will possibly have to repay the state more than $100,000 in misspent federal grant money. 

The most serious issue is a contract worth more than $90,000 to Darrell Sabbs and Associates to run a Saturday Academy. 

Director of Federal Programs Dr. Betty Graper approved it in clear violation of school system policy then refused to cooperate with the system attorney's investigation.

This comes of the heels of the CRCT cheating scandal; arrests for falsifying school free lunch applications and complaints from the state that school administrators won't even provide paperwork to documents how Title One money is spent.

All these issues cast serious doubt on whether the current administration is equipped to lead the system. 

This is what happens when you select the 34th most qualified candidate for the superintendent's job.

Hopefully, this school board will now take steps to correct their mistake and put a school administration team in place that can move our system forward and stop embarrassing the people of Dougherty County.


Viewpoint: When others struggle, university system hires

Posted: Jul 17, 2012
Since 2007, the University System of Georgia has been hiring left and right. The system has added more than 5,000 employees during this same period.           

This is happening while students faced larger increases in tuition and fees.

Colleges say they need to hire additional staff to keep pace with increasing enrollment. During the same period, the state cut nearly $300 million from University System funding.

So who is paying for all these new hires? The students and their families.

 And what's the result? Higher student loan debt. And this comes at a time when an alarmingly high number of people with college degrees, can't find jobs in their field.

The University System says it's making several moves to make the system more efficient.  Let's hope so.

The meter is running on all these students who are coming out of college and facing a mountain of debt.
Viewpoint: Title I mishandled?

Posted: Jul 24, 2012

Until now, the adults in charge of the Dougherty County School System might have argued that the numerous problems they have caused haven't directly hurt the students. 

While we don't think that's true, it's certainly not a claim they can make anymore.

Their latest foul-up could cost the system millions of dollars in federal money designed to help low-income students.

Last week, the state froze all Title One grant money, the latest in a long series of Dougherty County School System embarrassments.  The state is investigating how the system is spending the grant money after some of it apparently was misspent. 

The system like will have to repay more than 100-thousand dollars.  Until the system provides paperwork to justify its spending and the state reviews it… all the money is on hold. 

At least publicly, there doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency from administrators and school board members to make sure the money is unfrozen.  We can only hope they're working behind the scenes to fix the problems and get the money back. 

 Otherwise, the children will suffer, and that is something our community should not accept.


Viewpoint: C of C supports T-SPLOST

Posted: Jul 26, 2012

This is a Guest Editorial from Deborah Bowie of the Albany Chamber of Commerce

Southwest Georgia has a transportation problem. But it's not the kind of problem many of us think about when hear the word transportation.

Our problems are unique to SW Georgia - many of our roads are unsafe, many of our roads don't take us where we need to go, and in some communities, our roads are simply impassable.

Those would be problems all on their own, but in SW Georgia, roads mean more than what you just drive on. Roads connect communities, many of them rural communities where people who work right here in Albany live. Roads are vital to the survival of our Marine Base that employs more than 450 Marines and 4,500 civilian employees.

Every day, hundreds travel the roads in SW Georgia to get quality healthcare at Phoebe Putney hospital. Local farmers rely on our roads to move their product, and our manufacturers need good roads to compete and remain in business.

Over the years, SW Georgia - like the rest of the state - has struggled to get the funding it needs to fix its roads problem. In the past, we have been forced to rely on politicians in Atlanta and Washington to make our transportation decisions for us.

On July 31st, we get to change that. The referendum called TSPLOST is your chance to vote on a penny sales tax to fix SW Georgia's roads. Every penny raised in our region will stay in the region. For the first time, your money won't be sent off to Atlanta to be wasted, and you will have a say on how the money is spent.

More than $500 million dollars in roads projects over the next 10 years… and 15-thousand new jobs to go with it.

When you vote next week, vote as it our future depends on it. Vote YES for the TSPLOST.
Viewpoint: Cop's driving brings lawsuit against city

Posted: Jul 31, 2012

It was bound to happen. Two Albany families injured in June when their truck was broadsided by an Albany Police SUV have hired a lawyer.

It's not a matter of IF they will get money from the city, it's a question of how much.

A recent WALB News 10 investigation uncovered facts that will be impossible for jurors to ignore.

Since being hired in 1998, Gary Price has wrecked six police vehicles. Two of those crashes were not his fault, the rest were.

He initiated three high speed chases that resulted in three crashes and two deaths.

The city and county settled a lawsuit against him for more than a half million dollars.

In his most recent crash, Price sped through a red light in a police SUV and broadsided a pickup truck. Seven people were hurt.

This officer repeatedly demonstrates bad judgment, but he's still on the city payroll.

His actions reflect poorly on city leaders and once again, his actions will cost taxpayers


Viewpoint: Buy school stuff, tax-free

Posted: Jul 24, 2012
There's good news and bad news when it comes to Georgia's sales tax holiday!

The good news? After over a year off, Georgians will be able to get a tax break on school supplies, computers, and clothes.

The bad news? Many across the state won't be able to get those breaks until AFTER their school districts start the new school year.

This year's tax holiday is slated for the weekend of August 10th and 11th. Dougherty County students return to school August 6th as do Atlanta's students.

The Associated Press notes that students in Houston County will return even before then. August 1st is their date.

According to the National Retail Federation, A parent with one child in school will spend an average of $603 and of course, we have to multiply that for those parents with more than one child.

Fortunately during the tax-free weekend, shoppers can avoid paying the state tax on clothing items under $100; electronics such as computers and accessories; and general school supplies under $20. Every little bit helps!!!

While there are parents across the state who are disappointed with the dates selected for this much- needed and much-anticipated benefit, we are sure there is gratitude for the return of the holiday!

Hopefully next year, legislators will select dates that will be more beneficial to more Georgia parents BEFORE their children head back to school!

Viewpoint: Sales Tax Holiday

Posted: Aug 08, 2012

There's good news and bad news when it comes to Georgia's sales tax holiday!

The good news? After over a year off, Georgians will be able to get a tax break on school supplies, computers, and clothes.

The bad news? Many across the state won't be able to get those breaks until AFTER students are back in class already in need of those school supplies.

This year's tax holiday is August 10th and 11th. Many of students including those in Albany and Atlanta went back to school August 6th.

Houston County students have been in class since August 1st.

Retailers report sales of $603 per student.

Fortunately during the tax-free weekend, shoppers can avoid paying the state tax on clothing items under $100; electronics such as computers and accessories; and general school supplies under $20. Every little bit helps!!!

We are all happy for the tax free holiday.

But come on state legislators. Look at a calendar and make the tax free holiday before the students head back to school.


Viewpoint: Chik-fil-A controversy is misguided

Posted: Aug 09,2012

Some news outlets across the country are rushing to label Chik-fil-A president Dan Cathy as a bigot after comments he made about his company's position on "gay marriage."

What Mr. Cathy actually said was that he wants to operate his company on  "Biblical principles," and that includes supporting the quote "Biblical definition of the family unit."

Nowhere did he say he is against homosexuals. Nowhere did he say homosexuals don't deserve rights.

What he did say is Chik-fil-A doesn't claim to be Christian business. But they do operate under biblical principles.

So to label Mr. Cathy as anti-gay is not just unfair, but simply inaccurate.

Consider this: running your business on biblical principles doesn't make you anti-gay. No more than being gay makes you anti-Bible.

I am so tired of seeing good people unfairly demonized in the media because they say something politically incorrect-- yet completely honest.

Most politicians won't answer the "gay marriage" question. And they are treated like royalty.

Yet when a private, hard working citizen is honest about his beliefs and his business practices, he is crucified in the media.

It's simply not right. And you won't see this TV station passing judgement by making assumptions and using inaccurate labels.
Viewpoint: The Olympics bring us together

Posted: Aug 14, 2012

For 17 days from London, Olympic athletes from around the world amazed and inspired us. 

We're especially proud of Team USA which had an incredible games, winning  104 medals including 46 golds. 

These Olympics became the most watched television event in U.S. history.  We're proud to have brought you the coverage on WALB NBC, and we thank you for watching.

You saw the most successful Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, once again showcase his unmatched dedication and competitive spirit. 

Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings took time off to get married and have children after the Beijing Olympics, and still returned to top form to win a third straight beach volleyball gold medal. 

Gabby Douglas made history, becoming the first black athlete to win an Olympic all-around gymnastics title.  She also led her team to a gold medal, and she did it all with an infectious smile and great attitude.

There were as many enthralling stories at the London Olympics as there were athletes at the games.  For two and a half weeks, we didn't worry so much about our still struggling economy or nasty political battles. 

We were all just Americans cheering for our team.  Hopefully, we won't have to wait until the next Olympics to feel that sense of togetherness again.
Viewpoint: Heritage House takes on new meaning

Posted: Aug 16, 2012

We can't wait to drive down Oglethorpe Boulevard and see a big eye sore transformed into green space!

The improvement will be even greater than the big conversion on Slappey Boulevard, when the abandoned Ford Dealership was leveled.

That dilapidated eyesore sat as blight on Albany for years, but was finally made right when Oxford Construction took it over.  They bulldozed the building, hauled the remains away to be recycled, and planted grass on the ground.

Now Oxford has joined forces with the city of Albany to rid us of the Heritage House in the same way.

It's a win, win...

The city gets rid of the monstrosity at the least possible cost, and can be confident the job was done right.

Oxford Construction keeps its people busy, while recycling the material they're hauling away.

And the citizens of Albany win by having this giant hulk of a building disappear.
Now the term ‘Heritage House' will become synonymous with a project that finally turned out right...

Viewpoint: Augusta National breaks tradition

Posted: Aug 21, 2012

A momentous decision was made this week as Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters, admitted women for the first time in its 80-year history!

Former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice and business Executive Darla Moore invited to make it no longer a men only club.

Women's groups have protested outside Augusta National every year – asking for change. And as many major companies are now being headed by women, many outside the golf world wondered why not make the change?

After all, it's well known that deals are made and sometimes major business decisions are made on the golf course.

There are still several other clubs across the country that don't allow women to join and in some cases, don't allow women anywhere on the property.

So, there's still more work to be done.

Thank you Augusta National for making the right and long overdue decision


Viewpoint: Drivers license rules have changed

Posted: Aug 22, 2012

Many of you have complained recently about new rules for renewing your driver's license. We agree the new regulations are cumbersome, but they're meant to make our country safer by preventing identification fraud. 

And there's nothing the state can do about it.  These are rules mandated by the federal government.

Here's what you need to know.  The next time you renew your license, and ONLY the next time, you can't do it online.  You must do it in person.

You must bring something that proves your identification, such as a passport or an original birth certificate.  You must also bring your social security card, or official documents that show your social security number.  You must also bring two documents that prove your current address.

If your name has changed since the last time you got a license, you may have to go to your county's probate court to get a marriage license or divorce decree.  You may also need to visit that office if you don't have a birth certificate.

If you're still unclear about what you need, read this editorial online for a link to the rules.  It could help your next visit to the Department of Driver's Services be a little less of a headache.
Viewpoint: Gangsters, give us a break

Posted: Aug 28, 2012

Weekend gang activity spilled over into Dougherty County high schools this week as rumors of gang violence led to heightened security.

Some parents even took their students out of school for the day.

The threat came one day after a gang member was killed and six others injured in two East Albany shootings.

The fatal shooting happened during a hail of gunfire in a store parking lot Sunday morning.

Anyone passing by could have been caught in the line of fire.

These gang members are a threat to the public.

Albany Police have a Gang Task Force unit, but clearly more needs to be done to get these gangsters off the streets.

We call on Albany city leaders to recognize this public safety threat and take steps to make our community safer.
Viewpoint: Know who's coming in the door

Posted: Aug 30, 2012

It's happened again in Albany. Criminals set up an ambush of a convenience store, then they sling the door open, and are on top of the clerk before he can do anything about it.

We would like to suggest some changes in convenience store operations that will minimize the element of surprise.

Why not lock the front door after 10 or 11pm, and install one of those door-buzzers that release the door from a locked condition?

That way, the cashiers cannot be caught off guard by this ambush tactic. If a crook does try to put on a mask once he's inside, he's been seen at the door already. And a good surveillance system with a camera trained on the entrances would make sure that everyone's face is seen. Criminals would know that a mask won't save them.

Late at night, there is far less traffic to shop inside the store, and at least the workers can see who is coming, and are more prepared.

Also, if you must leave the front door open, keep the workers and the cash behind locked and protective areas. Most big cities have this system; we even found some over in East Albany. If a would-be robber attempts a hold-up, the worker can hit the panic button and reach for a gun to protect themselves.

Does it cost a little more? Yes, but you will never be a victim again... what's that worth???

Remember the public is also at risk. If some of us are outside putting gas in the car, and the bandit strikes, you and I and our families are at risk.

Let's spend some time being more pro-active on prevention, rather than just let these robberies continue.

 
Viewpoint: School improvements are welcome

Posted: Sep 04, 2012

We've chronicled serious problems with multiple south Georgia school boards in recent years.

From Randolph to Sumter County, from Miller to Dougherty County, it seems too many school board members are more interested in protecting their own interests or winning petty arguments than doing what's right for students.

But we shouldn't think all is lost. The Coffee County School Board was among the most dysfunctional in south Georgia, but the members seemed to have solved their problems

Two years ago the accrediting agency SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, put the board on probation. Last year, the State Board of Education considered kicking all the Coffee board members out of office. All that was enough to get the board in gear.

Under the leadership of a new superintendent, board members say they got busy working together. They put students first and followed the SACS recommendations.

Earlier this month, not only was the board removed from probation, but the system earned full accreditation from SACS. After years of trouble, Coffee County school leaders are now an example that things can turn around, an example we hope school leaders from other systems follow.

Viewpoint: Stay alert for gang activity

Posted: Sep 06, 2012

A deadly gang battle in East Albany ten days ago had far- reaching implications.

Gangs threatened retaliation, and rumors of violence swept through our schools.

Some parents even pulled their children out of class.

Thankfully, police and school leaders got together in a show of solidarity to protect the schools and the community from any hint of gang violence.

We commend them for that, and so far, there's been no violent retaliation.

But don't let your guard down.

If these small-minded gang members turn to violence, Police should stop them cold


Police officers: Stay vigilante in protecting this community
Viewpoint: Never forget 9/11

Posted: Sep 11, 2012

It's been 11 years since our world changed, since terrorists attacked the United States and killed nearly 3,000 innocent people.

September 11th can never be just another day. It is a day when we must remember what happened on 9-11-2001, and a day when we honor the victims.

We're proud that the American Legion here in Albany puts up its field of flags as a somber but patriotic reminder each year.

We're glad that the Marine Corps Logistics Base and other groups hold ceremonies to commemorate the anniversary.

We encourage you to take part in those events, but also remember that Patriot Day is meant as a day of service. Many of those killed in the 9-11 attacks were serving our country or their community at the time of their deaths.

They were soldiers and public servants in the Pentagon, firefighters and police officers in New York, and even brave civilians who put the lives of others above their own when they fought to take back United Airlines Flight 93 from hijackers.

Honor them by finding a way to serve your community on Patriot Day and always remember their service and sacrifice.


Viewpoint: The bus station is OK

Posted: Sep 13, 2012

We've all heard of the infamous waste of tax dollars building a bridge to nowhere.

Well, now, a majority of city commissioners want to waste more of your tax dollars, $150,000 this time, for a second plan to relocate our downtown bus station.

But why? The existing bus terminal serves its purpose well. It's a good, centralized location. It's spacious, air conditioned and close to taxi-stands.

Some are pushing for the move, because the city will lose millions in federal grant money to help pay for it.

We say, so what? Our zeal to get our hands on DOT money should not cloud our good judgement.

Just because government grant money is available doesn't mean we have to do whatever it takes to spend it.

Isn't that the kind of state and federal waste we all complain about???

There's nothing wrong with the existing bus terminal.

We totally agree with the Mayor who voted No, to wasting $150,000 on another study…

We say leave the bus terminal where it is!

Viewpoint: Why is police dog dead?

Posted: Sep 18, 2012

Last week, we learned that a Warwick Police Department K-9 dog died under peculiar circumstances, two weeks ago. The dog was found inside a police vehicle, apparently killed by a heatstroke.

 Lt. Thomas Frye, who was in charge of the dog, resigned a week after the dog's death.

We are told that the dog got inside the police SUV while Frye was on a weekend vacation.

How did she get in there? We are told that the dog could open car doors.

Really?


That seems implausible at best, but if she could, how did she have the opportunity to do so?

Who was in charge of the animal? SOME HUMAN is responsible for the fact that the dog was not properly secured and cared for.

The person ought to be held accountable for the sad and sorry end to this police dog's life.

Something doesn't smell right with this whole story.

We call on the city or Warwick, and the GBI if necessary, to conduct a full investigation of the police dog's death, and to make its findings public, and to provide the real story of why the dog wasn't secured, and exact WHO was responsible.
Viewpoint: Joint Church Meeting

Posted: Sep 18, 2012

It's been done before but it's still needed!  This week's joint revival services between Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church of Albany are an effort to promote much-needed racial and religious harmony.

 Over the years, congregations held joint services to learn more about each other, how our worship services differ, and are similar.

Ernest Davis, the pastor of Bethel, invited Garret Andrew, the pastor of First Presbyterian,  to preach a three-night revival service at Bethel. 

These are two of Albany's oldest churches, both very familiar with the racial, economic, and social divides in our city. 

In spite of that history and in spite of many saying this type of coming together could never happen in this city, the two pastors and their congregations are working to break down the barriers and the walls that continue to divide us even in 2012.

Thanks Bethel and First Presbyterian for reminding us all that the hearts of our community should be filled with a love that transcends all that divide us.
Viewpoint: Drug problems abound

Posted: Sep 25, 2012

Every week it seems there is another story about a meth lab in a neighborhood.

Does it make you wonder why we did not have such bad drug problem in our day?

You may recall a different drug experience in our day...

I was drug to church on Sundays and then to Grandma's for dinner after.

I was drug to family reunions and on family vacations.  I was drug to my room, to clean it up, and drug to the kitchen to dry the dishes after dinner.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults, or to the sink, to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a bad word.

I was drug inside after school, to complete my homework, and drug off the playground if I brought home a bad report card.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they now affect my daily behavior, thoughts and beliefs. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, our country might be in a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us!


Viewpoint: Music festivals are marvelous

Posted: Sep 27, 2012

Fall is here and it'll be hitting the right notes with two, first-time, major music festivals. The Georgia Throwdown and Albany's Ray Charles Music Festival!  

The 3-day Georgia Throwdown Music and Arts Festival at the Exchange Club fairgrounds will take place October 12 through the 14th.  The festival will benefit the Georgia Music Foundation and will feature Lynyrd Skynyrd, Big and Rich and performances from other national headliners.

October 27th will bring us Albany's Ray Charles Musical Festival in the Charles Sherrod Park in Harlem and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cancer Coalition.  This festival will feature Ray Charles' own daughter, Shelia Ray Charles, as well as the 5 Blind Boys of Mississippi, featuring Albany's own Willie Moody, and several other national acts from across the country! 

All of those working to make these festivals happen have been working non-stop to bring quality music and arts to Albany and SW Georgia.  We encourage everyone to get out and support these festivals so that hopefully, south Georgians can sing a "new tune" about the quality and variety of activities in the area!

WALB Public Service in the Third Quarter 2012

Don Norman, Promotions Manager
Along with the regular public service announcements produced and aired by WALB (job and public service announcements aired in the noon newscasts, airing various packaged PSAs), the station performed the following in the third quarter of 2012:

July:


  • “Bring Change 2 Mind” to support The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) efforts to erase the stigma associated with mental illness.

  • “An Evening in the Rainbow Room” Dinner and Dance fundraiser benefitting Albany’s Alzheimer’s Outreach Center.

None for Valdosta or Thomasville.



AUGUST

Albany:


  • Local Church Connection – A free publication serving Christian Churches in Southwest Georgia

  • Crimestoppers Golf Tournament to benefit the Albany Area Crimestoppers

  • 100 Years of Broadway concert to benefit the Tifton/Tift County Library

Valdosta:

None
Thomasville:

None


SEPTEMBER

Albany:


  • American Cancer Society, “Cancer Ties Event” to raise funds for cancer research

  • The sale of the new book:  “Albany – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” to benefit the Thronateeska Heritage Foundation

Valdosta:



  • The Greater Valdosta United Way

  • 2 Spots for The Turner Center for the Arts

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