The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 12-7-2017

The

Courier www.couriernews.org

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

Black Friday Pop Up Shop

The Voice Of The Community: Inspirational-Informative-Empowering

Vol. 12 Edition 27 Free Thursday December 7, 2017

Here We Go Again

Tiffani Mitchell and Tea Grimes...

Promoting Economic Empowerment In The Black Community

Is It Too Much To Ask For A Superior Court Judge Who Page 7 Looks Like Us?

Don’t Show Me Yours...

Kaffie Sledge Addresses Recent Sexual Allegations Page 9

Courier Career Women

Making A Difference Their Way!

Page 10

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THURSDAY December 7, 2017

Is Frank Myers Planning To Take His Antics To City Council?

According to the street committee Muscogee County School Board member, Attorney Frank Myers, is considering running for the At-Large seat on the Columbus city council currently held by Skip Henderson.

Henderson recently announced he is running for mayo r. W h e n t h e rumor first surfaced the street committee immediately dismissed the thought but after some time it kind of makes sense. With Phillip Schley announcing that he will run for the seat currently held by Myers one thing we know for sure, Myers wants no part of that campaign. According to the street committee Myers may not seek a second term especially given that Schley “Knows some things” that Myers might not want revealed.

If that’s the case Franks ego, much like Donald Trump’s, won’t allow him to “go quietly into that good night”.

Unfortunately the street committee believes now that the people of Columbus have seen how divisive he can be he will be forever rejected at the polls.

Congratulations Mercedes Parham The street committee congratulates Mercedes Parham, as the new Muscogee County School District’s communications director. Parham, who replaces Valerie Fuller who was MCSD’s communications director for 10 years, has served as the marketing and media manager for the Columbus Museum since 2014.

The Street Committee The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper

*Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff”

The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 1300 Wynnton Rd Suite 104 Columbus, Georgia 31906 Email: couriereconews@gmail.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 2017

False Boundaries or Limitations Are Just Small Ropes!

May I ask you a question? What’s holding you back? How many times have you been held back from following your dream because you didn’t believe in yourself? Worse than that, how many times have you been discouraged from following your dream because of someone else’s limiting belief?

Take it from me I know how Satan works. Satan will try to plant all kinds of fear in your mind about things that are not even likely to happen. He will send folks to tell you that you can’t make it, that you won’t make it. He will often send family members, sometimes even a spouse who will say it’s not the right time; or we can’t afford it financially.

That’s when you have to believe that God will never give you a vision without provision.

There will all ways be “haters”, so you might as well let the “haters” hate.

The greatest vindication for me, from those who said that I didn’t have the educational background or know how to run a newspaper; for those who said that I wouldn’t be able to publish more than two papers before I would have to give up; for those who said that I didn’t know how to speak Spanish, for those who said that I didn’t have the money to start a newspaper and for those who said that it wasn’t the right time to start a newspaper, is the fact that, after twelve years I’m still standing.

If those words don’t moti-

3

vate you, consider these.

“As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg.

No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” the trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

The man was amazed.

These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.”

Don’t let your “haters”, your “so-called” friends, your family members or even your spouse be that rope of false boundaries and limitations.

Follow your dreams and don’t worry about whether you will succeed or not.

Take it from me, your attempt may fail, but never, ever fail to make an attempt.

Wane A. Hailes

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F RIENDSHIP B APTIST C HURCH

831 6 TH AVE C OLUMBUS , G A

E ARLY W ORSHIP 8AM B REAKFAST 9:AM S UNDAY S CHOOL 9:30 W EDNESDAY P RAYER M EETING /B IBLE AM M ORNING W ORSHIP 11AM S TUDY 7PM T HURSDAY N OON B IBLE S TUDY 12 NOON S UNDAY C HILD D AY C ARE S ERVICES AVAILABLE F OR T HOSE ATTENDING O UR W ORSHIP WEBSITE : WWW. FRIENDSHIPMBC . ORG (O FFICE )706.323-6996 (FAX ) 706.322.7596 (PASTOR ’ S HOME )706.561.6733

R EV. D R . E MMETT S. A NITON , J R PASTOR

First African Baptist Church 901 5th Avenue

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367

Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

St. James Missionary Baptist Church

“Put God First”

5214 St. James Street Columbus, Georgia

Church 706.687.6420 Residence 706.563.3256 Cell 706.315.5749 Dr. Ralph W. Huling Senior Pastor

www.stjamesmsybaptist.com hrwhuling@aol.com

Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia

706.322.1488

Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.

Service Sunday School 9:30 A.M Monday Night Tuesday Bible Study

Schedule Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Prayer 6:00 P.M 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M

Mission Statement A growing church for growing Christians attempting to grow the Kingdom, one soul at a time.

Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church Corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes Jr. Way Columbus, Georgia 31901 706.324.2055 Rev. J.H. Flakes, III -Pastor Rev. Dr. J.H. Flakes, Jr. - Pastor Emeritus

December 7, 2017

T HE L AW O FFICES OF S HEVON S. T HOMAS & ASSOCIATES

Practice Areas: Misdemeanor . Felony . DUI .

Personal Injurury . Auto . Divorce . Family .

Juvenile . Probate . Wills

201 9th Street

Columbus, Georgia

706.507.5425

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

Page 5

E MPOWERING

December 7, 2017

Tiffani Mitchell and Tea Grimes...Promoting Economic Empowerment In The Black Community although we knew a lot of the Black business owners and entrepreneurs in our community there are many who don’t.” Mitchell went on to say, “We talked about providing a place where Black businesses could come together and at the same time be able to showcase their products and services”

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

According to Tiffani Mitchell, the Black Friday Pop Up Shop began as a conversation between two friends.

“One day Tea and I were discussing the pitfalls of Black businesses. One of the main problems we realized is that

It was that day, three years ago, Mitchell and her friend Tea Grimes co-founded “The Black Friday Pop Up Shop”.

“We felt that the day after thanksgiving would be the perfect opportunity for us to “kill two birds with one stone”, said Grimes. “Not only can you find a large selection of Black business owners in one space you are able take advantage of the

discounts associated with “Black Friday.”

“Our mission, noted Mitchell, is to continue to support black businesses. If we can become economically empowered our community as a whole will benefit.”

“That’s right, added Grimes.

We need to support each other but first we need to know that we exist. If people don’t know about you how can they support you? That is one obstacle we hope to work on.”

Grimes and Mitchell have plans of expanding to hosting their “Black Friday Pop Up Shop” events on a quarterly basis.

With over 30 vendors and more than 200 customers taking advantage of the sales this year they definitely have the support.

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Request for Bids

RFB No. 18-0023 Roofing Services at North Precinct Due: December 13, 2017 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB, Buyer Specialist A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit will be held at 11:00 AM on November 29, 2017. Vendors shall convene at the North Precinct, which is located at 8395 Beaver Run Road; Midland, GA 31820.

Vendors will be allotted a 10-minute grace period.

RFP No. 18-0014 Court Reporter Services for Recorder’s Court (Annual Contract) Due: December 15, 2017 – 5:00 PM Della Lewis, CPPB, Buyer Specialist Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the respective due dates shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901.

To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at

http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Excel_Docs/Bid_Opportunities.

htm, notify the Buyer via email dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

December 7, 2017

LIFE INSURANCE No Exams

YOU MAY QUALIFY

ISSUES AGE 18 THROUGH AGE 85 ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO

CURRENTUNDERWRITING GUIDELINES

CALL TODAY!

(706) 304-8290

I NFORMATIVE

Page 7

December 7, 2017

The Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Has An Opening...

Is It Too Much To Ask For A Superior Court Judge Who Looks Like Us?

State Court Judge Ben Richardson

Attorney Robert Wilson

Attorney LaRae Dixon Moore

to be a political one.

When it comes to Jordan’s replacement there are plenty of Black candidates who are more than qualified to take his place on the bench that include: current State Court Judge Ben Richardson, Attorney’s Robert Wilson, LaRae Dixon Moore, attorney and parttime Municipal Court Judge Raymond Tillery, Assistant Chief District Attorney Alonza Whitaker and criminal defense attorney Stacey Jackson.

Ass’t Chief DA Alonza Whitaker

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

We’ve been here before. The last time was 1993 when Chief Judge John D. Allen, the only Black judge with the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court, announced his retirement.

In a move that was expected, Governor Nathan Deal appeased his Republican Party and the Blacks in our community with his decision to appoint Ron Mullins and Maureen Gottfried to the Superior Court and at the same time

appointed Ben Richardson to take Gottfried’s place as a State Court Judge.

Ron Mullins, who, at the time had been

Attorney Stacey Jackson

on the short list at least 5 times has been a strong supporter and fundraiser for the Republican Party. His appointment was just a matter of time. With Gottfried’s appointment the governor satisfied the black community’s call to have a minority on the bench, only in this case it was a white female. The bottom line is these appointments were all political.

Recently Judge Frank Jordan announced that he would leave the bench on Dec. 31, a year before his term expires.

Once again this has created a vacancy that will be filled with an appointment by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

Once again we expect the appointment

According to a reliable source District Attorney Julia Slater and Juvenile Court Judge Joey Loudermilk have shown interest in the position.

The deadline to submit names to the Judicial Nominating Commission was November 22, 2017. Each person nominated will be sent an application package by the commission which must be completed and returned for receipt on or before Dec. 11 for consideration. The

Attorney Raymond Tillery

commission will meet to interview applicants sometime after Dec. 15. Applicants will be notified of the time for their interview. All interviews will be held at the State Bar of Georgia in downtown Atlanta. The commission will then send a short list to Governor Nathan Deal for his consideration who will ultimately make the decision.

The ideal selection, given the demographic make-up of this community, would be to select someone who looks like us but of course we’ve been here before. If we were to make a recommendation we would suggest appointing Richardson to the vacant seat and then appoint one of the remaining individuals pictured above to fill Judge Richardson’s position as State Court Judge. But that might be too much like the right thing to do.

The six-county Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit covers Muscogee, Harris, Chattahochee, Taylor, Talbot and Marion counties.

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December 7, 2017

Page 9

K AFFIE S LEDGE ...J UST

Don’t Show Me Yours, Please recall hearing of incidents at the LedgerEnquirer and other high-profile Columbus employers in which a male supervisor was caught in a compromising position at work with a female underling, and the women got into big trouble. They lost their jobs. The men, however, …. well “boys will be boys.”

“Can’t nobody fix it like God,” my greataunt Sula used to tell us.

She is someplace on high smiling down because scores of women, who have been raped, harassed, sexually assaulted, or subjected to sexual misconduct by men, are now being heard and believed. And the high-profile, powerful men, with bank accounts deep enough to swim in, are apparently being brought low by word of mouth.

Perhaps I’m wrong, but I always got the impression that unwanted sex stuff was not that big a deal to some men as it was to women. Touching, groping. Hey, take it as a compliment. I

SAYING

Even the laws of some states -- Georgia and Alabama don’t have good laws – don’t support catching and seeking justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment. After a few years, when the Statute of Limitations expires, the case is dropped. Some states keep sexual assault cases live because they have no Statute of Limitations on kidnapping. Not so in Alabama and Georgia.

And then, of course, a perpetrator with money can hire one of the best lawyers, whose job is to negotiate a settlement with the victims. Before finally being terminated, Fox reportedly reached settlements of $13 million with five women, who accused Fox news anchor Bill O’Reilly of sexual harassment or verbal abuse.

Lately, “being a boy” seems to have serious consequences. Just ask these men who were either fired or asked to step down: Matt Lauer, former Today Show host; Charlie Rose, former CBS This Morning anchor, who also had shows on PBS and Bloomberg; Mark Halperin, former MSNBC political analyst; Glenn Thrush, former New York

Times White House correspondent; Billy Bush, former radio and television host, and member of the presidential Bush family; Harvey Weinstein, former American film producer and film executive, he and his brother co-founded Miramax; Kevin Spacey, American actor, director, producer, screenwriter and singer; Russell Simmons, American entrepreneur, producer and author. Also former chair and CEO of Rush Communications and co-founder of DefJam Recordings.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any activity where consent is not freely given: completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is not able to consent, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Sexual violence also includes: • Unwanted sexual contact • Non-contact, unwanted sexual expe riences (such as verbal harassment)

Sexual violence can be committed by anyone: • Current or former intimate partner • Family member • Person in position of power or trust • Friend or acquaintance • Stranger or someone known only by sight Some of the men actually forced them-

December 7, 2017

selves on their victims, and we are lying to ourselves if we say rape is about power – not sex. It’s about both.

It is also violent, degrading and intended to instill fear. The perpetrators deserve the harshest form of punishment. Firing, being stripped of pay and benefits and put on the streets does not seem unfair.

Now these other perverts, and we should have seen this coming. Remember all the private-part selfies that were showing up uninvited and unwanted. It seems the weirdo counterpart of this behavior is jumping out of the shower wearing only beads of water or an unbelted bathrobe. Ewww. Gross. Yuck. Major turn-off, mister. Nobody wants to see yours if they haven’t agreed to show you theirs.

But what’s the victim to do? If she’s looking for a job, or trying to remain employed, she’ll do whatever she thinks she has to.

So, while law and order is good. And taking the perpetrator to court has been an option for some, the court of public opinion gets the quickest – and best results.

Yes, Aunt Sula, God’s in His Heaven – All’s righter with the world. (Apologies to Robert Browning.)

Contact Kaffie Sledge at ksledge@springmail.com.

Page 10

Courier Career Women...

Tanya Smart...The Wombpreneur

about Feminine Hygiene" She has also been featured on FOX 5 DCNEWS, “THE DR. OZ SHOW,” THE MILLS CONNECTION, MGN Radio, “FRO FASHION WEEK” and a host of other media outlets.

With over 25 years of experience as a holistic natural specialist, Tanya Smart has always crafted herbal-based products for the hair, skin, and body. Tanya’s transition into hygiene products with the V-Smart Bar was an instant success!

Tanya and her sister suffered from chronic dry skin and eczema for years.

This motivated her to create a remedy to soothe her skin naturally, and viola!...the V-Smart Bar was born.

Her creativity and expertise did not stop there. Her mission is to provide all natural hygiene solutions for the masses, and now she currently markets her products worldwide. Her product line offers over 150 eco-friendly herbalbased soaps, all hand-made by Tanya.

Smart’s products have been praised for being all-natural, and proven to aid in the prevention of many diseases and aliments, and the V-Smart Bar has been endorsed by a board certified OB-GYN physician. Tanya is a Certified Stress & Anger Management Instructor and is welcomed as a Transformational Speaker. She travels and shares her expertise on the subject of healthcare, and natural feminine hygiene solutions.

Due to the overwhelming success of her product line, Tanya opened Wombtique in the beautiful historic downtown location in Roswell, GA and after three (3) successful years in Roswell, her vision moved her to a new location in Columbus, GA where she opened Wombpreneur Wellness Boutique. She offers her powerful, innovative, educational seminar "The Truth

December 7, 2017

Attorney LaToya Simone Bell

In July of this year Tanya was a contestant on the show “Steve Harvey’s Funderdome,” where entrepreneurs pitch in a head-to-head competition to “The Funderdome” (a live studio audience) for the chance to win up to $100K in capital. The pitch that gets the most votes wins the money. Before the winner is announced, both competitors get the chance to “Cash Out” for a lower sum of money.

Tanya pitched her product – The VSmart Bar – in the Funderdome and won $10,000.

In an interview after the show Smart has this to say about pitching her business.

“The fact that they found me online from an old video made me quickly understand the power of social media.

You never know who’s watching! Being a spiritual person at heart, I felt that the love of God was definitely showing me favor. I was a bit nervous at first, but I’m a firm believer that Spirit doesn’t offer you opportunities unless you’re ready. I felt like it was my time to share the V-Smart Bar with the world. Pitching to the Funderdome was very scary but I knew it was my one shot to help millions of young girls/women all over the world!”

You will always face some hardships but never give up!! I feel that every businesses core mission should be to help someone and to spread kindness, peace, love, and joy with the gifts the Spirit has given you!!

Wombpreneur Wellness Boutique 3878 East Britt David Rd Columbus GA 31909 706.570.4807

LaToya Simone Bell began her quest for excellence at an early age. She graduated in 2005 as the Valedictorian of the George Washington Carver High School in Columbus, GA. Bell continued her tedious journey through education at Albany State University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She then went on to matriculate at Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctor and then an LL.M. (Masters of Laws) in Federal Criminal Practice and Procedure.

As a member of Mercer University’s inaugural LL.M. class, LaToya is noted as the first African American in the Nation to obtain a Master of Laws degree in this area.

A servant leader who believes in providing her clients with zealous advocacy and compassionate service, LaToya currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender in the Houston Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in Warner Robins, GA. She is also an adjunct profes-

sor of paralegal studies at Central Georgia Technical College.

As a member of Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers LaToya serves as a member of the Bill Daniel trial advocacy program faculty and social chair, President of the Houston County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, member of the Macon Reentry Coalition, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and many more civic and social organizations.

Bell is the wife of Overseer Eric L. Bell, Founder and Senior Pastor of New Life International Ministries in Macon, GA. Her service in ministry extends statewide, as she has recently been appointed as the State director of the Daughters of the Promise in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. LaToya believes that a curve in the road doesn’t mean the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.

Latoya is the daughter of Gladys Tillman of Columbus, Georgia.

Page 11

Courier Career Women...

Attorney Jennifer Dunlap

Many of you read an article in this publication a few months back when A Second Chance Criminal Record Relief P.C. was just getting started in this area and I had just made my exit from the District Attorney's Office after 8 years. Since that time, through that article, facebook, radio, television, speaking engagements, and word of mouth, many of you have reached out to me at my Columbus office. I always knew there was a need in this community for assistance with criminal record related issues, but I never imagined that the need was so great. In addition to using new laws to go back and retroactively alter felony and misdemeanor entries on official background reports, much of what I do has just been to educate. I have reviewed countless criminal background reports and counseled hundreds of citizens on the meaning of entries on their background.

Some have believed they were convicted felons and found out through my review that they are actually not. Some have believed they were one time convicted felons, only to find out they had duplicate entries on their record. Some have gotten their felony conviction removed and gone on to obtain gun permits from our Probate Court. Even more have gotten misdemeanor convictions removed and been able to qualify for degrees in the medical field or upper level management jobs. This effort has not been just mine alone. I do want to take the time to thank our District Attorney's Office here in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit under DA Julia Slater and Chief Assistant DA Alonza Whitaker, our Solicitor General Suzanne Goddard, the District Attorney

of Sumpter County Plez Hardin, and Pete Skandalakis District Attorney of the Coweta Circuit. Huge thanks to our Clerk of Superior and State Court Ann Hardeman and her entire staff. Many thanks to each and every one of our Superior Court Judges Hon. Chief Judge Gil McBride, the Hon. Judge Jordan, the Hon. Judge Peters, the Hon. Judge Rumer, the Hon. Judge Smith, the Hon. Judge Gottfried, the Hon. Judge Mullins, State Court Judges the Hon. Chief Judge Andy Prather and the Hon. Judge Richardson. These are the people who have shown a commitment to our community and been willing to hear from people who have been overlooked by the system.

We all know that having a criminal record is a major barrier to all kinds of employment. Therefore, removing these barriers serves most importantly to create access to employment for a lot of people in our community that only have one transgression on their record. When people can get a job that provides for their family they are much less likely to continue criminal activity. Our goal at A Second Chance Criminal Records is to put people back to work. It's to free people from the stigma of one mistake. It's to equalize those that pled under the first offenders act to begin with and never had a criminal conviction, with those qualified at the time of their guilty plea, but who were never offered that relief because their attorney didn't remember to ask. It's also to create a place for people to come and find answers about their closed criminal matters for no cost.

While we began in the Columbus area, we are now expanding into the Newnan areas. To reach me call 706-223-5380.

My Columbus office address is 1332 Wynnton Road (within the offices of Forrest B. Johnson and Associates) and my Newnan office address is 1973 GA34 Newnan GA 30265.

For more information on the services we offer please visit www.secondchancelaws.com or for educational videos related to criminal records please see my facebook page at Jennifer Dunlap on facebook. Also, I specialize in car accident and slip and fall cases; so don't forget to call me for that as well.

December 7, 2017

Arlena Baker...1st Choice DUI School

Columbus State University.

Baker says these local institutions gave her the foundation and structure that was needed for her to become a small business owner.

“1st Choice DUI School allows me to be an entrepreneur and at the same time serve my community. It’s a privilege for me to be approved by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, and Georgia Addiction Counselors Association.

My commitment is to serve the people that are in need and I am grateful for the opportunity to educate people on the dangers of driving under the influence,” said Baker.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and I believe strongly in community service. I wanted to start a business that I felt like would have a positive impact in the community,” said Arlena Baker, the owner of 1st Choice DUI School.

The passionate feeling that I have about community service comes from my years being enlisted in the United States Army. While enlisted I learned the importance of self-service, loyalty, integrity and respect.

I have always wanted to find a way to help others. In the past I have volunteered with the (CASA) program as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children in Columbus. While volunteering I realized I could have a tremendous impact on people in the surrounding areas.

Although I enjoyed what I was doing there was always this feeling that there was something else I was supposed to be doing, but didn’t know exactly what at the time.

As a native of Columbus, Georgia Arlena attended Baker High School and

To attend the DUI School “clients” contact the school when they have been ordered by the court to take the class.

It’s important for the “clients” who attend our classes to know that they will always be treated with respect and will be given every opportunity to attain their license. I’m not there to judge them nor berate them, noted Baker.

I’m there to assist them in making the right decision not to drive while intoxicated.”

At 1st Choice DUI School they provide an easy step-by-step process in obtaining the certification that has been required by the State. Mindful of clients work schedules, the classes are conducted on Saturday and Sundays for eight hours each day and Monday evening for four hours. The location of the school is discreet and private as well as easily accessible from any location in the bi-city area.

For more information you can contact Arlena Baker at 706.221.3571 or stop by their location at: 5870 Veterans Parkway, Suite M-1 Columbus, Ga. 31909 706.221.3571 Email: 1stchoiceduischool@gmail.com

PAGE 12

I NFORMATIVE

December 7, 2017

The Dream Lives...Come For The Run, Stay For The Fun

By Wane A. Hailes

The Dream Lives, an annual celebratory tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been scheduled for January 13, 2018.

This signature event presented annually by the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity is a community festival that gathers a diverse group to celebrate the continued importance and relevancy of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of unity, equality and justice for all people regardless of race, classification or economic status.

This is the fourth year the Mayor’s Commission has organized the commemorative event and the third year it will be held in the Liberty Cultural District. The Liberty Cultural District, once the hub for African American entertainment and culture is a major historic landmark having hosted on its stage such notables as Cab Calloway, Ma Rainey and Nat King Cole.

The highlight of the event, which draws upwards of 2500 people each year, is the Unity Processional bringing together civic and church groups, bands, corporate entities, city officials, and individuals to walk in unity while converging on the green space directly in front of the Liberty Theatre.

the return of Ruthie Foster, a native Texan and an award-winning national recording artist who visited Columbus a few years back.

The Courier Eco Latino newspaper in its commemoration of the civil rights icon, began hosting its annual 1 Mile MLK Walk/Run in 2011. In 2015 mayor Teresa Tomlinson suggested that we include our run/walk as a part of “The Dream Lives” celebration and as a result, the Courier Eco Latino newspaper, enterd into a collaboration with Big Dog Running Co. For the last three years we have increased our participation to over 350 runners with not only the mile walk/run but the addition of the Courier Eco Latino MLK 5K and the Courier Eco Latino MLK 10K.

This event unifies the community and provides an opportunity to appropriately honor a man who gave his life in the quest for equality and prosperity for all.

Over the years The Mayor ’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity has brought to Columbus from MSNBC Joy Reid, Daymond John from Shark Tank and violinist Damien Escobar.

This year the Commission welcomes

Request for Bids RFB No. 18-0018

Roofing Services at North Precinct Due: December 20, 2017 – 2:30 PM Della Lewis, CPPB Buyer Specialist A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit will be held at 11:00 AM on December 6, 2017. Vendors shall convene at the North Precinct, which is located at 8395 Beaver Run Road; Midland, GA 31820. Vendors will be allotted a 10-minute grace period.

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the due date shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901. To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at http://www.columbusga.org/finance/Excel_Docs/Bid_Opportunities.htm, notify the Buyer via email dlewis@columbusga.org, fax 706.225.3033 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey Purchasing Manager

Pagina 4

Consejos para reducir los gastos navideños sin hacer recortes en la alegría

(StatePoint) En medio de la alegría de la temporada festiva hay una dura realidad: casi seis de cada diez estadounidenses no tienen ahorros suficientes para permitirse un gasto inesperado como sería una reparación de auto de $500 o una factura de $1000 de la sala de urgencias, según un estudio bancario llevado a cabo por Princeton Survey Research Associations International.

Aunque se espera que el 83 por ciento de los consumidores de los Estados Unidos gasten $1,189 esta temporada de fiestas, una cantidad igual o superior a la que gastaron el año pasado, no hay motivo para entrar al año nuevo sufriendo una mala

situación financiera, si hace un poco de planificación inteligente y gasta con sabiduría. Éstas son algunas formas excelentes de reducir sus gastos de la temporada sin hacer recortes en la alegría.

• Conozca su límite. Calcule cuánto puede gastar en regalos, decorados, etcétera. Divida la cantidad total para obtener un límite por cada regalo. Si no le salen las cuentas, recorte la lista de regalos o plantéese regalar una golosina hecha al horno u otro regalo hecho en casa, o dar un certificado de regalo de un servicio que usted puede proporcionar, como sería servir de niñera, lavar un auto o limpiar la casa.

• Compre con sabiduría. Esté alerta a los días de rebajas especiales y los cupones.

Muchos sitios de venta en línea ofrecen envíos gratuitos, descuentos y otras promociones durante la temporada festiva.

Después de las fiestas, busque rebajas adicionales en papel de envoltura y tarjetas de felicitación que pueda guardar para las celebraciones del año próximo.

• Gaste de manera diferente. Las nuevas formas de pagar las mercancías pueden ayudar a que la tarea presupuestaria sea más organizada y directa. Busque a vendedores en línea especializados como

Purchasing Power, que muchos empleadores ofrecen como beneficio voluntario y que da a los trabajadores la oportunidad de comprar miles de productos de marca que necesitan hoy y por los cuales pueden hacer pagos razonables con el tiempo a través de deducciones de nómina. Sin comprobaciones de crédito, cuotas ocultas o intereses, se trata de un servicio que usted puede descubrir que le aporta más flexibilidad en una temporada tradicionalmente costosa.

“No siempre es posible pagar en su totalidad las mercancías de alto costo cuando las necesita, ya sea que esté comprando una tablet para su adolescente con motivo de las fiestas o un paquete vacacional familiar para el próximo verano”, dice Elizabeth Halkos, Directora Operativa de Purchasing Power, LLC. “Creamos esta solución para darle poder a la gente, de modo que pueda presupuestar más sabiamente y comprar las cosas que necesita, al tiempo que evita las cuotas por penalización y los intereses crecientes que suelen estar asociados con otras opciones de pago”.

Pregúntele a su empleador si su fuerza de trabajo tiene disponible un programa de compras para empleados y un beneficio de bienestar financiero como PurchasingPower.com.

Algunas otras opciones de costos favor-

7 de Deciembre 2017

ables para las fiestas: • Sugiera un intercambio de regalos familiar. Ahórreles a todos los gastos y la frustración que implica tratar de encontrar regalos para todos los miembros de su familia extensa. En vez de ello, saquen nombres de un sombrero y encuentren algo especial para sólo una persona. Para hacerlo más divertido, hagan un juego de “amigo secreto” manteniendo ocultas las identidades de los que entregan el regalo hasta el momento del intercambio.

• Pasen tiempo juntos. En lugar de darse regalos, reúna a todos para las fiestas.

Organice una noche de juegos de mesa o un día de apoyo, como sería servir comidas en un refugio.

• Disfrute de la temporada. Hay muchas otras formas de celebrar gastando poco o nada de dinero. Prepárese para un maratón de películas festivas, horneen galletas o busquen conciertos navideños gratuitos en su localidad. Los centros comerciales y los comunitarios habitualmente ofrecen un programa de entretenimiento navideño sin costo.

Para darle un mejor inicio al año nuevo, gaste con sabiduría en esta temporada de fiestas. Hacer presupuestos de modo inteligente y usar las nuevas opciones de pago son cosas que pueden hacerlo fácil.

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Pagina 2 ses a través de pagos fijos mensualmente en un tiempo determinado. Este tiempo podría ser meses como años.

By Kathy Rosado Service Line Manager NeighborWorks Special To The Courier Entendiendo Crédito – Parte I ¿Alguna vez has sentido que el crédito puede ser algo confuso, intimidante, como si fuera un rompe cabeza o hasta amenazante? Para muchas personas, es difícil comenzar a entender cómo los pagos atrasados, el impago de préstamos o como situaciones con acreedores le puede afectar su historial de crédito.

Como consumidores, usted puede beneficiarse en muchas áreas si toma el enfoque para entender el crédito en general, desde solicitando su informe de crédito anual, diferenciar los distintos tipos de crédito, el lenguaje de crédito y/o la importancia de resolver o clarificar errores en su informe de crédito.

Beneficios incluye en recibir una mejor opción de préstamo hipotecario, mejores intereses de tarjeta de crédito como también mejorar sus oportunidades de empleo o alquiler de vivienda.

Comencemos con la información básica relacionada a crédito para incrementar sus conocimientos. Las reglas de créditos son pocas y simples. Un acreedor le provee a usted una línea de crédito. Usted acuerda repagar la cantidad recibida más los cargos de financiamiento y posiblemente otros cargos. El acreedor establecerá los días de pagos y luego deberá pagar en las fechas programadas. La regla más importante es pagar sus deudas a tiempo. Si usted puede seguir esta regla, será exitoso con su crédito.

Existen distintos tipos de crédito y su comprensión lo ayudará conocer la diferencia. Los distintos tipos de crédito son: • Crédito rotativo (tarjetas de crédito): la mayoría de las tarjetas de crédito están en forma de rotación. Significa que se le provee un límite de crédito máximo y usted puede hacer cargos contra ese límite, llevando el balance hacia adelante, girando la deuda.

• Tarjetas de pago: estas se parecen al crédito rotativo y son utilizadas de la misma manera; sin embargo, cuentas de crédito deberán ser pagada en su totalidad mensualmente cuando llega el estado de cuenta.

• Tarjeta de crédito asegurada: esta tarjeta de crédito requiere un deposito colateral en efectivo que se convierte en la línea de crédito para esa cuenta. Por ejemplo – usted deposita $500 en esa cuenta, entonces usted puede cargar su tarjeta hasta esos $500.

• Crédito de servicio: es su acuerdo y arreglos de pago con el proveedor de servicio. Algunos servicios incluyen gas natural, electricidad o servicios como el alquiler de apartamento, servicio celular o membresía en el gimnasio con un acuerdo de que usted les pagara mensualmente, como cualquier otra forma de crédito. El contrato requerirá que usted pague por un tiempo determinado; aunque no continué utilizando el servicio.

• Crédito a plazos: dos ejemplos de este crédito son préstamos de autos y préstamos hipotecarios. Este tipo de crédito está entre el más común y el más fácil de entender. Usted recibe una cantidad específica de dinero y usted acuerda repagar el mismo con los intere-

Ya sea que usted es nuevo con el crédito o tenga años de experiencia con crédito, siempre es una buena idea entender qué, cuándo, por qué y cómo usar su crédito sabiamente.

NeighborWorks Columbus conoce como prepararlo con su crédito, puede ayudarle a usted entender la importancia del crédito y como le beneficiara a usted en el futuro, sea para un auto nuevo o para su nueva vivienda. Para más información, puede visitar nuestra página electrónica: www.nwcolumbus.org o comunicarse con nosotros a través del 706-324-4663. Estén atentos para la Parte II de Entendiendo Crédito.

ENGLISH Understanding Credit – Part I Have you ever felt that credit can be confusing, intimidating, puzzling or even menacing? For many people, it is hard to begin understanding how the late payments, defaults on loans or issues with creditors can affect your credit history.

As a consumer, you can benefit in many areas if you take the approach to understand credit overall, from requesting your annual report, understanding the different kinds of credit, the credit language, and/or the importance of resolving or correcting mistakes on your credit report.

Benefits include receiving a better mortgage loan, better credit card interests as well as improve your job hunting opportunities or home rental options.

Let us begin with the basic information related to credit in order to increase your knowledge. The rules of credit are few and simple. A creditor provides you with a line of credit. You agree to pay back the amount you received in addition to the finance charges and maybe some service fees. The creditor will set up the payment schedule and then you are required to pay back on the scheduled dates. The most important rule is to pay your bills on time. If you can follow this rule, you will be successful with your credit.

There are different kinds of credit and understanding them will empower you to know the difference. Following are

some different forms of credits available: • Revolving credit (credit cards): the majority of the credit cards are in form of revolving. This means that you are provided a maximum credit limit, and you can make charges against that limit, carrying a balance forward, in which you are revolving the debt.

• Charge cards: these look like revolving credit and are used in the same way; however, charge accounts must be paid in full each month when the statement is issued.

• Secured credit card: this credit card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account.

Example – you deposit $500 in that account, you can charge up to $500.

• Service credit: is your agreement with the service provider with credit arrangements made. Goods received; such as natural gas, electricity or services such as apartment rental, cell phone service, or health club membership with the agreement that you will pay for them on a monthly basis, just as you would with any other form of credit. The contract will require you pay for a specified number of months, even if you stop using the service.

• Installment credit: two examples of this type of credit are car loans and mortgage loans. This type of credit is among the most common and most easily understood. You receive a specific amount of money and you agree to repay that amount and interests in fixed amounts on regular monthly installments over a set period. This could be months as it could be years.

Whether you are new to credit or have years of experience with credit, it’s always a good idea to understand what, when, why and how to use your credit wisely. NeighborWorks Columbus knows how to prepare you, helping you to understand the importance of credit and how it will benefit you in the future, whether it’s for a new car or for a new home. For more information, please visit our website: www.nwcolumbus.org or call us at 706-324-4663. Stay tuned for Part II of Understanding Credit.

NeighborWorks 18 11th Street Columbus, GA 31901 Office: 706-324-4663 Ext. 106 Fax: 706-256-2047

Eco Latino Vol. 12

Edición 27 Gratis

Jueves 7 de Deciembre 2017

Consejos para reducir los gastos navideños sin hacer recortes en la alegría

couriernews.org

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

La voz de la comunidad hispana

Entendiendo Crédit – Parte I Understanding Credit...Part 1

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