Items of Importance

IOI090605

First Presbyterian Dialogue Group suspended for the summer.

As this dialogue group completed another year of service to the community, a special Certificate of Appreciation was presented to H. Berrien Zettler who has served as facilitator for the group for the past two years.

The last session, held June 2nd, included an opportunity for participants to express their feelings about the value of he sessions in which they participated..Most agreed that it has been a wonderful learning experience as well as an educational one. There was a feeling expressed that the group needed to "do something" about some of the challenges that were brought to the sessions.

"I've learned a lot about people that are different from me," was one comment; and another was "I've never met so many intelligent white people."

In a spirit of appreciation which included cookies prepared by one participant, the group agreed that for next year:

a) The dialogue group should return to an earlier format where those who participated had an opportunity to talk about their own experiences relating to racial diversity, past or present. This would be expecially important for new participants.

b) Speakers should be invited to talk about issues and challenges that arise in Columbus.

c) book reviews should be encouraged (It was suggested that Wilson's "More Than Just Race" be read by participants over the summer, and they return in September prepared to discuss it)

d) An offshoot of the dialogue group might be a social justice action committee to deal with action items that arise in the community. (A call for a planning committee will be issued during the summer. For those interested, contact H. Berrien Zettler. His number is listed below).

e) The First Presbyterian Church should be thanked for being a part of the group and providing the facility

The next session is scheduled for the week after Labor Day, A public announcement will be made.

Contact: H. Berrien Zettler 706-324-6363

Wednesday, June 10 - Race Relations Breakfast

The next Race Relations Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

These race relations breakfasts are held at Ruth Ann's on Veterans Parkway. Breakfast begins at 7:25 am and you are encouraged to bring a friend with you. $7.00 is asked of regular members. First timers and visitors are our guests.

Contact: Lee Brantley 706-324-6471

DOWN THE ROAD - BUT RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

June 25 - 4TH Annual "Unity" Golf Tournament

Have you seen the PSA on WTVM or heard it on clear channel radios? Tthry are well worth seeing and hearing.

The Fourth Annual Golf Tournament begins at noon on Thursday, June 25.

Teams are still forming and you are encouraged to participate. If you wish to play and don't have a team, call D. J. Jones (see below) and he will find a spot for you on a team.

You can also support this fund raising event for One Columbus by being a sponsor.

We play at the world famous Robert Trent Jones trail in Opelika.. Check the One Columbus website and click on the Golf Tournament from the home page for details.

Contact: D. J. Jones at 706-681-1136