Today is the day we set aside each year to honor fathers. Whether you are close to your own, or have adopted one along the way, you should do something kind for the fathers in your life.

A very quick and highly unscientific poll of several fathers I know showed that the vast majority apparently think a day in their honor is great, but they’d really like to be able to do what they want to do that day. A couple mentioned that they wished they were consulted more often on what they wanted, with ties mentioned frequently as a less desirable gift than say, a new toy of some sort, but really, just knowing that their children are thinking about them was the most important part.

So whether you are grilling, golfing, watching a movie, or just resting and relaxing, today’s a good day to be with friends and family. And take some time to call the new fathers you know, and those who may not have anyone close by to wish them a happy Father’s Day too. Make someone smile today!

Business Roundup

A couple of new openings to report. Maryland Fried Chicken on N. Ashley St. is apparently opening on Wednesday. The chain restaurant has locations all around the southeast.

And Magpie’s will also open by early next week. The new Christian Cyber Cafe is next to Publix in the new strip center and offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, coffees, and smoothies in a relaxed, Christian atmosphere.

Remerton Square on Baytree has seen a lot of activity lately, with the addition of Chrismill Homes and a location of Anthony and Co. spa, and now there’s a new gourmet sandwich shop coming in next to Masato’s called Jimmy Johns. The new shop is currently being renovated for a late summer opening.

Fellowship Home had a groundbreaking this week for an addition, which you can read about in today’s business news.

And while the news this week that Goody’s is in Chapter 11 is not great news, the fact that the store in Valdosta is staying open and is not on the list to be closed in Georgia is very good news.

The new Smokin’ Pig Barbecue restaurant on Old Highway 41 N. is still aiming for a July opening.

Construction is nearly finished on West Gordon/S.L. Mason school and construction is just beginning on the new CVS pharmacy on N. Ashley St.

There is a new restaurant coming into Budd Plaza that runs between both Ashley and Patterson Streets called Passage 2 India. The restaurant will offer fine Indian cuisine and a full bar, according to their sign, and renovations are going on now in the former home of Just BBQ.

We should see something soon on the new Elliano’s out Bemiss Road and I keep hearing there are plans for more development out that way, but we’ll see. A lot of retailers and restaurants are scaling plans back or canceling them altogether these days, so the fact that Valdosta still has so much going on is a great sign that things are pretty good here, especially compared to some other cities.

That’s about it for this week, but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know!