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Mother’s Beautiful Flowers
Look at these beautiful flowers! These were my mother’s (Venice Meeks) flowers. She absolutely loved them! Her mother (Louise Dupree) had a green thumb for sure. She had flowers in her yard, on her porch, in her house and in her little green house. She enjoyed them so much. Mother got her flowers from Pa’s Plants in Sumner. She absolutely adored Mrs. Sherry and the wonderful workers there. They were so helpful to her. The flowers are so beautiful! She had them on the front porch, by the mailbox and on the walkway. I saw her out there everyday checking on the flowers, giving them water and a little tender care. She takes such good care of them. She watched the weather religiously in order to take care of her beauties. If it was going to be chilly or cold, she had certain blankets that she covered them up with. If it was going to be very windy, she brought them all to the front porch and tucked them in very well. When I tell you she took care of those plants, she truly did. Do you have flowers in your yard? What is your favorite kind of flower? I am not a flower in the yard kind of person, but I love looking at mother’s and all of my friends that post them on Facebook.
Keeping Our Children Safe on Bicycles
May is the perfect time for enjoying the outdoors and bike riding with your family. Riding a bike is a great way to get kids outside and encourage them to stay active, but without precautions in place, it can be a cause of serious injury. Here are some simple rules to follow to keep the little ones safe:
1. Make sure your child’s helmet meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards.
2. A helmet should sit on top of the head in level position, should not rock forward, backward, or side to side.
3. Helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly.
4. When the helmet is positioned on your child’s head, the rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
5. The straps should form a “V” under the ears when buckled.
6. A helmet should hug the head when the mouth is opened wide.
If you ever have any questions, please visit
Chris Janson to Perform at Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series May 9
Chris Janson to Perform at Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series May 9
Multi-platinum country artist to deliver high-energy performance in 2026 lineup during park’s 30th anniversary season
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures Theme Park will continue its 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series on Saturday, May 9, with a performance by multi-platinum selling Country singer Chris Janson, delivering an energizing performance of fan-favorite records during a full lineup of live entertainment during the park’s 30th anniversary year.
Chris Janson is an accomplished, award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter. Janson’s live shows and songwriting set him on a path of great success. The Grand Ole Opry Member has amassed billions of global streams, Gold and Multi-Platinum awards and more than 10M in sales as a solo artist.
“We’re so excited for Chris Janson to take the Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheater stage,” said Asher Raymond, public relations specialist. “What better way to cap off a day at Wild Adventures than singing along to a live performance of ‘Buy Me A Boat.’ It is sure to be ‘Good Vibes’ all around with Chris Janson.”
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheater. A park admission ticket or Season Pass is required to attend. General Concert Admission is $10. In the general admission area, guests may bring chairs and blankets.
Reserved concert seating is available in advance for $5 for Diamond Season Passholders, $10 for Gold Season Passholders and $15 for all other guests. Reserved seats will be $20 on the day of the show.
For guests planning to attend multiple concerts, a Season Pass offers added value. Season Passholders receive free General Concert Admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert, and Gold and Diamond Passholders can also purchase reserved seats at a discount. Guests will receive $25 off and two free Bring-a-Friend tickets when they purchase a Gold Season Pass now through Monday, May 25.
The 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series will continue throughout the season with performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Parmalee & LOCASH, Travis Tritt, The Beach Boys, Australian Pink Floyd, Skillet and for KING + COUNTRY.
More information about the concert series, reserved seating and Season Passes is available at WildAdventures.com.
About Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.
About Chris Janson
Chris Janson is the real deal. An accomplished, award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter. Janson’s live shows and songwriting set him on a path of great success. The Grand Ole Opry Member has amassed billions of global streams, Gold and Multi-Platinum awards, and more than 10M in sales as a solo artist. Janson is best known for his true-to-self anthems, five of which are Number 1 hits including "Buy Me A Boat" (5xPlatinum), "Fix A Drink" (Platinum), "Good Vibes" (Platinum), "All I Need Is You" and "Done" (Gold). Additional certifications include "Drunk Girl" (Platinum), "Holdin Her" (Gold), and his Buy Me a Boat album (Gold). Janson has been awarded twice with the prestigious NSAI “Top 10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Award, received an ACM Award, iHeart Radio Country Song of The Year Award, among numerous nominations from the ACM and CMA. He is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, mastering more than 10 instruments. Aside from his music, Janson is a happily married husband and father. He is involved in many notable Conservation and Philanthropy efforts, alongside his long-time partnership with Bass Pro Shops and his official partnership with nationally branded, Crav’n Flavor. Chris Janson was a small-town kid who dreamed big, won big, and proudly lives the American Dream. His latest album, Wild Horses, is out now.
About Herschend
Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.
Source: Wild Adventures
Memories of Older Ones
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Chris Janson to Perform at Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series May 9
With it being Older Americans Month, it has me thinking of times with older people that have now gone on to their Eternal Home. It’s amazing what we learn from older people that we remember our whole lives. It’s also the simple things we do with our older friends and family members that leave us with memories that will last a lifetime. I could seriously write a book but I will share some of my great memories. I was blessed with two grandmothers that quilted quilts and I have quilts in my house that they both quilted through their lives. I have some on our beds and then I have some on a quilt rack that my daddy built while he was living and then I had some hanging on my daddy’s ladder that he used for many, many years. I have always loved to write but one thing I did when all the little ladies were still living in my church was send them cards for every occasion. And I do mean every. Whether it was Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or any of the other holiday’s or even if it was just to say hello, I sent out cards. I loved to do it and they loved to get them. It was the simple things to them that meant the world. A funny memory I will never forget was when an older couple that I loved dearly saw my sister was getting married in the local newspaper, however they didn’t know she was divorced so they just assumed it was me and gave me a wedding present. How sweet was that?? They were no longer with us when I did get married so that early wedding gift was meant to be. Oh how I loved them!
Know the Facts about High Blood Pressure
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Sponsored by the CDC, National High Blood Pressure Education Month raises awareness about the impact high blood pressure can have on health. Written as two figures, blood pressure is measured as the pressure when the heart has pumped (systolic) and when the heart is in between beats (diastolic). When the heart pumps blood, blood pressure is higher than when it is in between beats. The systolic measurement will be higher than the diastolic measurement. Normal Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic < 120mmHg Diastolic > 80mmHg At Risk Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 120-139mmHg Diastolic 80-89mmHg High Blood Pressure Levels: Systolic 140mmHg or higher Diastolic 90mmHg or higher. Also know as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious diseases and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. In the US, heart disease is the most common form of death whilst stroke is the third leading cause. Other risk factors of high blood pressure include congestive heart failure & kidney disease. In the US, approximately 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, however most people are not aware they have this condition due to a lack of signs or symptoms. High Blood Pressure Education Month encourages people to look at various lifestyle factors which may be contributing to high blood pressure. It is well documented that high levels of sodium (salt) is linked to high blood pressure. In the US, the majority of people consume more than twice the level of recommended sodium intake. Guidelines recommend up to 2,300mg of sodium per day for an adult. Those at higher risk should consume even less (up to 1,500mg of sodium a day). Higher risk groups include those who have diabetes, kidney disease, existing high blood pressure and African American people. It is also recommended that people eat potassium rich foods which help lower blood pressure. Potassium rich foods include fish, green leafy vegetables, bananas, citrus fruits and potatoes. Lifestyle changes which can help reduce blood pressure, include maintaining a healthy body weight , regular exercise, quitting smoking and following a healthy low sodium diet rich in fruit and vegetables. There are many affordable blood pressure monitors available for the consumer making it convenient to monitor your blood pressure at home. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure, please check with your local physician.
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America
Paradise River Voted the Top Spot by USA TODAY Readers
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures Theme Park & Splash Island Waterpark is celebrating a terrific win for Paradise River, as the lazy river won the top spot as America’s “Best Lazy River” according to readers of USA TODAY in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The historic win follows four weeks of intense competition between twenty lazy rivers at parks nationwide, including Universal Studios, Disney, Aquatica and Six Flags.
“We are eternally grateful for our supportive guests and the readers of USA TODAY for voting for Paradise River,” said Donald Spiller, vice president & general manager. “Splash Island Waterpark has been delivering family-friendly fun in the summer since 2003, which includes countless laps around the relaxing waters of Paradise River. This prestigious win could not have come at a better time, as we continue to celebrate Wild Adventures’ 30th Anniversary.”
Splash Island Waterpark is now open on Saturdays and Sundays and will begin daily operations May 23, delivering another season of thrilling water slides and gallons of fun for all ages. Admission to Splash Island Waterpark is included with a Wild Adventures Daily Ticket or Season Pass.
No One Funs Like Wild Adventures, especially with a season of fun with a Season Pass. A Season Pass includes unlimited admission to Wild Adventures and Splash Island Waterpark, free general admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert, and free soda all Season with a 30th Anniversary Souvenir Cup. Guests will receive $25 off and two free Bring-a-Friend tickets when they purchase a Gold Season Pass now through Monday, May 25.
More information about operating calendars, attractions offerings and Season Passes is available at WildAdventures.com and the Wild Adventures Theme Park App.
About Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report and home to Paradise River, America’s “Best Lazy River” by USA Today’s 10Best. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.
About Herschend
Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.
Ice
Source: Wild Adventures
Recognizing Older Americans Month
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
May is recognized as Older Americans Month. Let’s give a SHOUT OUT to getting older. You may ask, “So what’s so great about getting older?” Well, ponder on these seven reasons to celebrate:
1. You’re nearing the top of a mountain which gives you perspective. As the years go by, you gain a perspective not found in younger years. Mysteries of why things happened years ago start to clear up. You begin to see how the pieces of life fit together. The older you become, the more life makes sense.
2. You care less and less about what people think. There was a time when you put a lot of pressure on yourself worried about what people thought about you. Not anymore. Growing older rescues you from that kind of thinking.
3. You learn what’s really important. In your formative years, life centered on building a career. Maybe you put a lot of things on the back burner in your younger years, thinking ‘I will do that later.’ With every year that passes, I learn that life is all about relationships. Nothing is really more important.
4. You realize the need to make every day count. Focus on what you can do for the day, realizing that none of us are guaranteed the next day. Every choice counts and every day needs to be lived to the fullest.
5. You are morphing into the role of a sage. In many cultures, older people are held in high esteem for good reason. Life is the best teacher. Believe it or not, you may begin to have people seek you out for wisdom and guidance.
6. You get to see your kids and grandkids grow up. One of the joys of getting older is you get to watch the next generations grow into adulthood. You get the privilege of being a part of their journey.
7. At the close of every year, you’ve written another chapter in your book of life. When you die, your legacy is the life you have lived. Now is the time to work on your legacy. Make it count.
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines. Learning how to swim is essential if you plan on being on or near water. Many organizations provide swim instruction to people of all ages, check to see what classes are available in your area. "Buddy up!" That's what swimming instructors say. Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency. Get skilled. Speaking of emergencies, it's good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving skills, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters. Check with your YMCA or YWCA, local hospital, or chapter of the Red Cross. Know your limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard, especially when your friends are challenging you — but it's a pretty sure bet they'd rather have you safe and alive. If you are a good swimmer and have had lessons, keep an eye on friends who aren't as comfortable or as skilled as you are. If it seems like they (or you) are getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest that you take a break from swimming for a while. Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, rip currents, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques. Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water. If you do find yourself caught in a current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Try to swim parallel to the shore until you are able to get out of the current, which is usually a narrow channel of water. Gradually try to make your way back to shore as you do so. If you're unable to swim away from the current, stay calm and float with the current. The current will usually slow down, then you can swim to shore. Even a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you're going to be swimming in an open body of water, it's a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide you with tips on handling unexpected hazards. Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Do your research so you know where not to swim, and pay attention to any warning signs posted in the area. For more information on subjects just like these, please visit kidshealth.org.
Seniors Staying Fit
Beating the Summer Heat and Staying Safe While Enjoying the Water
Getting into shape and staying fit is important for any age person but especially as we age, it is very important. When we are younger we want to stay fit and have that great body everyone dreams about but as you age health becomes the real factor instead of just the great looking body. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores. Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls. These are just a few of the ways that the Mayo Clinic suggests we do and why to do it to get fit and stay that way. Staying healthy is a very important subject and you are never too old to exercise.
Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper
Oil for frying
Directions:
Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve.
Start Your Engines… National NASCAR Day
Start Your Engines… National NASCAR Day
Annually celebrated on the third Friday in May is National NASCAR Day. This day is a celebration of NASCAR drivers, celebrities, corporate partners, media, and millions of fans coming together to raise fund for charitable causes. NASCAR believes their greatest asset is the power and passion of their NASCAR fans: passion both for the sport and for giving back. NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR spirit. If you are a NASCAR fan you have a favorite driver for sure. My driver was and still is Dale Earnhardt Jr. but I now pull for Kyle Bush. My son’s favorite driver was and still is Jimmy Johnson but is pulling for some new ones this year too. We love to watch NASCAR. My favorite races are Saturday Night Races and my favorite track is between Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta. Who is your favorite driver?
National Learn to Swim Day
Start Your Engines… National NASCAR Day
National Learn to Swim Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim. With summer right around the corner, learning this invaluable life skill is even more essential for fun as well as for safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14. If we work together to promote the importance of swimming, we can improve this scary statistic and make water wonderful for everyone. If you do not know how to swim or you do not feel like you can teach your child to swim, please contact your local YMCA in Tifton or Albany for swimming lessons or to see if they know of anyone local in Sylvester that can teach your child to swim. It will be the best money you ever spend. I know I sure am ready for the Summer and swimming! We hope you all have a great Summer.
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Destiny Fitness
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