Items of Interest

Past Items

Items of Interest

CAVEZZA CHALLENGES BOARD AT ANNUAL MEETING

On the occasion of the One Columbus Annual Meeting, held on Monday, February 6, outgoing Co-chair Carmen Cavezza challenged the board of directors to become much more involved with the vision and mission of One Columbus. Everyone involved must have a passion for what One Columbus stands for and should realize that One Columbus is not just an organization; it is a philosophy and all people of the city must become involved with it, he said.

He also stated that One Columbus should take positions on certain issues that come up in the city. There are opportunities where the voice of One Columbus must be heard on certain matters. If board members become disciples of One Columbus, then the ‘passion for the mission’ will make it happen.

He implored those present to put their personal agendas aside when they get involved with One Columbus. There must not be any hidden agendas, and egos in doing One Columbus work, he said.

He gave credit to Ed Wilson, an unsung hero, for writing the One Columbus song, and suggested that the Recognition Dinner be the “signature event” of the organization.

In conclusion, Cavezza noted that the Strategic Plan must be revisited regularly so that the board can stay focused on its work.

Individuals recognized for special extraordinary service and support of One Columbus were: Vivian C. Bishop, Patricia B. Ingram, Gloria Weston-Smart, Peter Bowden, Donna Griffin, Ed Booth, Laura Lowe, Vincent McNeill, James Brewbaker, Debbie Caballero, Steve Chittum, Marie Cordero, Jonathan Curry, J. P. Moore, John Studstill, Florence Wakoko, and Berrien Zettler

Ed Wilson and Nemia Chai were given special recognition for having served as chairpersons of committees

Members of the board and community leaders voted to Ex Officio status with Mayor Bob Poydasheff and Councilor Evelyn Turner-Pugh were: Carmen Cavezza, Executive Director, the Cunningham Center at CSU, Brandon Cockrell, Chief, Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office at Fort Benning, Vivian Creighton Bishop, Municipal Court Clerk, Isaiah Hugley, City Manager, and Councilor Mimi Woodson

The 2006 board roster includes: Farhad, AliFarhani, Wayne Anthony, Carol Baker, Lee Brantley, Doug Bryant, Ann Caggins, Nemia Chai, Junie Christian, Willie Coleman. Franklin Douglass, J. H. Flakes, Jr., April Harris, Ron Hinze, Henry Holt, Betty Jones, Edward Lopez, Brenda Mullins, Mitzi Oxford, Allen Page, III, Vicky Partin, Willie Perry, Max Roth, Elva Shoemaker, Rosa Stanback, Terry Sybrant, and Ed Wilson.

Officers for 2006 are: J. H. Flakes, Jr., Chair., Lee Brantley, Co-Chair., Ron Hinze, Secretary, and Brenda Mullins, Treasurer. Ken Crooks is Executive Director.

Dialogue Group Question: Are Hispanics Happy In Columbus?

The fourth session of the Dialogue Group0601 will be held Tuesday, February 14 at 5:30 PM. This series runs for only 2 more weeks, and you are invited to attend. They meet in the Gleaners Room (Room 110) of St. Luke United Methodist Church down town. If you have not been before please call Berrien Zettler at 324-6363. You should enter St. Luke’s from 3rd Avenue.

Topic for these sessions is “Hablan espanol?” Learning to Relate to the Hispanic Community.

You should plan to attend.

The E Pluribus Unum series continues with 2 more sessions planned for

February 28, 2006 Church & State
March 28, 2006 Citizenship and Immigration

They are at the Main Library and start at 7:00 PM.

The 2006 Dare to Dream Summit

The 2006 Dare to Dream Summit sponsored by the Leadership Columbus Alumni, One Columbus and the Muscogee County School District will be held at the Trade Center on Thursday, March 2, 2006 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The luncheon which starts at 11:30 AM is open to the public this year and will feature the internationally acclaimed and respected Joseph Seberenzi who is former head of the Rwandan Parliament. He endured tragedy and genocide atrocities most of us cannot imagine. In 1994, he lost his parents, seven siblings and many other relatives in the Rwandan genocide. Yet, years later, as a senior government official in a position to exact revenge, he instead pushed for peace and reconciliation. Respectfully and with courage, Sebarenzi said "Revenge is like adding guilt to victimhood. It solves nothing. At some point, we have to ignore the past and envision the future."

The luncheon costs $40 per person unless you are a paid member of Leadership Columbus Alumni in which case you need to make reservations through Jennifer Majors at 706-327-1566 or jmajors@columbusgachanber.com