Items of Importance

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 First Presbyterian Dialogue Group to resume January 6, 2009

 The First Presbyterian Dialogue Group will resume its weekly meetings on Tuesday   January 6, 2009.  Over the past year, numerous topics of interest were covered; book reviews and guest speakers were also a part of the dialogue groups' agendas.  The program for 2009 will continue on a weekly basis beginning in January with speakers, films, and issues of interest to the participants.

 Thank you to those who came to these sessions and I look forward to 2009 with enthusiasm and hope that we will continue to offer meaningful programs to Chattahoochee Valley residents where all are welcome.

Happy Holidays to all.

H. Berrien Zettler, Dialogue Group Coordinator

Race Relations Breakfasts to resume January 14, 2009

I would like to express my appreciation to the many participants, friends and guests who attended the One Columbus Race Relations Breakfasts during 2008.  I want to especially thank those who were presenters at our newest feature "My Challenges With Race" series and to David Rothschild for his support of the activity. To provide a safe, comfortable, non-confrontational environment to discuss honestly issues that face our diverse population made a positive impact on this community.

We will resume our breakfasts on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:25 pm.

Have a very safe and enjoyable Holiday Season.

Lee Brantley, Facilitator

WTVM to produce Inaugural Diversity Forum in 2009

January, 2009 marks the 5^th anniversary of the One Columbus Recognition event. In the past, One Columbus has celebrated with a dinner and ceremonies at the Trade Center.  This year, to mark the significance of our 5^th anniversary, WTVM, in cooperation with One Columbus, will produce and air a live two-hour community forum from the Studio Theater at the RiverCenter for The Performing Arts on Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 PM. The purpose of this public forum is to have honest, open dialogue concerning issues of diversity in our community.  The core efforts of One Columbus are centered on creating dialogue amongst our neighbors. What better way to do than by opening that dialogue to a wider audience?

The program will consist of pre-produced videos describing issues of diversity followed by audience participation and discussion. The show will be hosted and facilitated by WTVM anchor Barbara Gauthier. Barbara has won national awards for her participation in such events in the past and will bring a knowledgeable and professional element to the show. The first hour of the live show will air on WTVM and both hours will be streamed live on WTVM.com.

Included in the program will be the presentation of the Annual Community Excellence Award for service promoting unity in a diverse community. This year the award will be presented to Judge John D. Allen for his lifetime efforts. We will also recognize the annual recipient of the Richard R. Miles Youth Award which is given to a high school junior or senior for similar work.

WTVM will produce, promote and distribute the program to anyone interested in having it for future use.

Sponsorships are available for this Inaugural Event. Contact Lee Brantley at 706-324-6471 or email us your request for a Sponsorship Package.

If you plan to attend this free inaugural televised town hall meeting, you need to email your name and telephone number to onecolumbus4@MSN.COM.  The doors will be closed at 6:45pm.

VITA program - a chance to serve

Hundreds of low income citizens in the Chattahoochee Valley miss getting legitimate refunds due them and have to pay for tax preparation by not taking advantage of the free services of VITA

.At this season of the year and into 2009, you can be a VITA volunteer to help offer this free service that could save hundreds for our low to moderate income families whose income is $40,000 or below. The record suggests that there are tens of thousands of dollars in refunds that are not being claimed.y.

Contact: Donna Cassell 706-327-0199 x 101or  donnacassell@contact211.org  

ONGOING

The multimedia exhibit 381 days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story tells the dramatic tale of how one Southern city struggled with institutionalized segregation in the 1950s. When Rosa Parks famously informed her bus driver that she would not give up her seat for a white man, she set off a remarkable series of acts of civil, non-violent disobedience that ultimately led to the overturning of the law.  This awesome exhibit continues in the Main Library until January 11, 2009.  .

Contact: Henry McCoy 706-243-2669