Key Facts About Selective Service Registration

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May 22, 2014

NAPSI—Young men in the United States often find turning 18 can bring a number of opportunities. It also brings an important obligation-registering with Selective Service.
Registration is mandated by the federal government and is required in order to be eligible for college loans, federal jobs and more.
To help make the process more understandable, here are some key questions and answers.
Q. Who must register with the Selective Service and when must they register?
A. All young men, including immigrants, regardless of their status, are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Immigrants who arrive after their 18th birthday must register within 30 days of their arrival if younger than 26.
Q. In addition to being in compliance with the law, are there benefits to registering?
A. Proof of registration is required when applying for federal college loans and grants, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Direct Stafford Loans/PLUS Loans, National Direct Student Loans, and College Work-Study.
Registration is also required for federal jobs, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes registration with Selective Service a condition for U.S. citizenship if the man first arrived in the U.S. before his 26th birthday.
It is also necessary for jobs with many state and municipal governments as well as government contractors. Some states even require it when applying for a driver’s license.
Q. Can failing to register bring penalties?
A. Yes. A man who fails to register may, if prosecuted and convicted, face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years.
Q. Is registration difficult or complicated?
A. Over the past few years, registration has become increasingly convenient.
Many find the easiest and fastest way to register is to register online at www.sss.gov. However, a valid Social Security Number is required for online registration. Those who do not have a Social Security Number must register at a U.S. post office.
Selective Service “mail-back” registration forms are available at any U.S. post office. Those living overseas may register at any U.S. Embassy or consular office.
It is also possible to register when applying for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA form). Simply check “Register Me” on Box #22 of the form. In addition, some high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar who can assist with the registration process.
To learn more, visit www.sss.gov.

Legal Services Alabama Prepares Last Will and Testament for Qualified City of Birmingham Residents

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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Legal Services Alabama, through a Partnership with the City of Birmingham will provide free drafting and execution of wills and free probate of wills to low-to-moderate income property owners and senior citizens in the City of Birmingham through the “Preserving the Wealth of our Communities Project.”
There are income restrictions. You may qualify if your income is under $34,200 for a single person; $39,050 for a family of 2; $43,950 for a family of 3; and $48,800 for a family of 4.
We will be at the following locations to provide help with wills and answer your probate questions:

Tuesday, June 10
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
East Ensley Library
900 14th Street Ensley
Birmingham, Alabama 35218

Friday, June 13
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
West End Library
1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW
Birmingham, Alabama 35211

Tuesday, July 1
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
East Ensley Library
900 14th Street Ensley
Birmingham, Alabama 35218

If you have questions or would like for Legal Services Alabama to come to your church or organizational meetings to talk with your members on wills and the Probate of wills, please call Legal Services Alabama at (205) 328-3540, Ext. 3504 or 3508. Legal Services Alabama also provides free-civil legal help with: Family Law/Domestic Violence, Public Benefits, Housing, Consumer Benefits, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, and HIV/AIDS Reach Project. Call toll-free at 1-866-456-4995 or apply online at www.AlabamaLegalHelp.org for assistance with these services. You can find our calendar of outreach events at www.legalservicesalabama.org.

Expert Advice on Student Loan Repayment

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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(NAPS) – Here are two bits of good news for recent and soon-to-be college graduates with student loans:

1. You probably have a six-month grace period after graduation before you have to
start making payments.
2. While adding a new payment of any kind into your life can be daunting, the vast
majority of Americans with student loans do successfully pay them off, due, in
part, to the value of their college education.

These student loan repayment tips can help you be among them:
• Contact your servicer. Some students have more than one loan, so it’s best to contact each servicer to discuss your payment options. The servicer can also help identify alternatives if you’re experiencing difficulty.
• Pay every month, and pay extra when you can. Make payments every month. Options to postpone payments typically mean you’ll pay more over the life of the loan, so tackle your payments now. Whenever you can, pay extra to reduce your interest costs and pay off faster. Put money from a raise or bonus toward your student loans.
• Create a budget. Know how much is due every month and create a budget that’s in sync with the amount due. Get the big picture when creating your budget. Put together a snapshot of all your financial obligations, including your credit cards, car loan, student loans and rent.
• Pay yourself. Build an emergency savings fund of $500 to $1,000 to be prepared for car expenses, an emergency trip or life’s other unexpected expenses.
• Sign up for auto-pay. Automatic payments not only make sure you never miss a payment, but servicers such as Sallie Mae, the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education, may reduce your interest rate if you pay by automatic debit. It’s peace of mind with a bonus.
• Learn more. Go to www.SallieMae.com.

Once you graduate from college, you may have a few months before you have to start repaying your student loans.

City Council Highlights

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on May 20, 2014 Council:
Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with AMT, LLC under which the City will provide a total of up to $2,150,000.00 in Disaster funds to construct up to eighty-six (86) multi-family low/moderate income units. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:
1. Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Project Agreement with Festival Center Birmingham, LP under which Festival Center will redevelop the Crestwood Festival Shopping Center located at 7001 Crestwood Boulevard in order to retain and increase the number and quality of tenants at the Festival Center and the City will provide incentives totaling up to $1,784,000.00 in support of the project from sales tax revenue as partial reimbursement of the cost of the implementation of the project. The City’s incentives will be payable in up to 5 annual installments, each equal to the lesser of 50% of sales tax revenue generated by Festival Center during the prior fiscal year or $356,800.00. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

2. Approved a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Project Development Agreement with Florentine Building, LLC, under which Florentine Building, LLC will renovate the historic Florentine Building located at 2101 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, for the purposes of: (1) moving Corretti Catering, LLC into the City; (2) providing an event center on the 2nd floor; and (3) opening a new restaurant and bar on the first floor, and the City will provide incentives totaling up to $625,000.00 in support of the project to include $350,000.00 for building renovations and, subject to availability of funds in the City’s FY15 budget, $275,000.00 for public infrastructure improvements. The incentive of $350,000.00 will be payable over up to 7 years through annual payments equal to 50% of the sales tax revenue generated and paid to the City by the catering service, event space and restaurant and bar during the preceding fiscal year. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

3. Approved a Resolution expressing the City’s official intent to reimburse itself, from Bond proceeds, for amounts spent on bond referendum projects prior to the issuance of the bonds, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service guidelines and also intent to issue $7,500,000.00 of Bonds for the Birmingham Zoo Project. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

4. Approved a Resolution supporting the Tiger Grant application for funding the first phase study for the subsequent relocation of the I-20/59 downtown corridor. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Kim Rafferty at 205.254.2348.

5. Approved a Resolution determining that the dedication ceremony to be held May 30, 2014, naming the vehicle/pedestrian bridge on Shuttlesworth Drive the Maxine Herring Parker Vehicle/Pedestrian Bridge, serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and requesting that City funds be administered to pay for this event in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor William Parker at 205.254.2464.

Announcements

1. The Council Budget Hearing of the Mayor’s Proposed Budget will be held Wednesday May 21, 2014 at 4:00pm in the Council Chambers.

2. The Administration/Education Committee Meeting will be held Friday May 23, 2014 at 1:00pm in Conference Rooms D&E.

3. The Council Connecting Community Citizens Budget Hearing will be held Thursday May 29, 2014 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Regions Park Baseball Field.

4. Councilor Steven Hoyt will host the District 8 Town Hall meeting on Thursday May 29th at 6:00pm at the Birmingham Crossplex.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.

NABJ Names Darryl R. Matthews Sr. as New Executive Director

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) recently announced the selection of Darryl R. Matthews, Sr. as the new Executive Director of the association, the largest organization of journalists of color worldwide. Matthews had been serving in the role in an interim capacity.
Most recently he served as the Executive Director of the National Medical Association, a national professional organization which represents the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians. He has also served as Executive Director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was the fraternity’s 32nd General President. Earlier in his career, Matthews was the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Black Accountants, where he helped them achieve their most profitable years, coupled with remarkable growth.
Matthews is a highly respected, effective and successful senior association executive, with experience in federal government operations, association management and consulting.
“Darryl brings more than 30 years of diversified leadership experience in association and nonprofit management,” said NABJ president Bob Butler. “He is a proven leader in fundraising and grants management with a successful record of increasing an organization’s sponsorship base. He is well connected in the Washington, D.C area and has raised and administered millions of dollars in federal grants and contracts. ”
Members and partners will have an opportunity to formally meet Matthews at NABJ’s 39th Annual Convention & Career Fair, July 31- Aug. 3, in Boston.
“My vision is to ensure that through effective programs and events we will be the premier membership association of choice for Black journalists pursuing excellence in their academic and professional lives,” said Matthews. “I very much look forward to working alongside our members to ensure that they have the tools and resources needed to maximize their potential and rapidly ascend as leaders in their career pursuits.”
Matthews received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Central Missouri.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide. For more information, please visit www.nabj.org.

From the Bible by Jerry Kingery

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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My refuge and fortress

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall the, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Upon and instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

from Psalms 91 and 92

For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon 97132; email: bf@bf.org.

R&B Gospel Artist ADIA Set to Release Debut Album

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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Features Jessica Reedy, Eric Dawkins, Gemstones & more

ATLANTA, Ga.— Get ready to welcome a new voice within R&B Gospel! Xist Music is proud to announce the release of their first female artist Adia as she gears up for the release of her debut album, Behind Enemy Lines, which will hit stores July 29th. Bringing a new vibe to the genre, the album is produced by Fred “Blaze” Crawford (Deitrick Haddon, Day 26, Dave Hollister, Ramsey Lewis), and gives a dynamic one-two-punch that is a treasure trove of songs that are not only message-driven but artistic, engaging, and entertaining. Behind Enemy Lines features appearances by Jessica Reedy, Eric Dawkins, Sean Simmonds and Gemstones.
The first single, “Rags to Riches” featuring Sean Simmonds, is available on iTunes today and has been well received among her fans as well as industry insiders. The single highlights the realities of life, and how keeping the faith can carry one through. The video, which co-stars Willie Taylor of Day 26, touches on topics of suicide, teen peer pressure, and verbal/physical abusive relationships.
Ready to share all of her inspirations, experiences and every tiny step of her journey with listeners, Adia wants her music to show people what real life looks like, how real faith works and how music – in its most real and honest form – can help to lighten loads and transform lives.
“I am so excited to share this project with the world,” says Adia. “I believe that my generation will appreciate the transparency of “Behind Enemy Lines” and be able to receive and witness the Love of Jesus in a way that is relevant to them.”
A young budding voice in the world of Gospel music, Adia was featured on the lead single “Incomplete” from the movie soundtrack, “A Beautiful Soul,” which was written by and starred Grammy nominated Gospel singer and TV personality Deitrick Haddon. The soundtrack hit #10 on the Billboard Gospel Charts.
Adia will be hitting the road this summer making appearances at various concerts, tours and festivals. For more information on Adia log onto www.adiadaily.com and follow her on social media at @adiasings.

A Quest for Living

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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New Man/Old Man
Upon being born again, the old man becomes deadened and the new man surfaces and dominates the new born again you. Now that you are a new man, you must read Scripture prayerfully in order to keep the new man in dominate control, because the old man wants to regain his territory. Your enemy works through your old man, but the new man has control, by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you have the greater power. Your responsibility is to obey what Jesus told His disciples in Luke 9:23, and that was: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” You may be thinking what does this mean, and if you are thinking that, this is what it means. Now that you have chosen to follow Jesus, and obey all His Word, you must set aside quality time and prayerfully read, study, and meditate on His word daily. In doing so, you will be able to live what He tells you to do. You will now grow strong, and your new man will resist what the old man dictates to you. Your enemy works through the old man, and he will have you thinking wrong thoughts, in order to try to persuade you to do the sinful things you did before you chose to live for Jesus.
Always remember – you were bought with a price, which was the cross of Jesus, therefore, when the enemy comes to your mind with evil persuading thoughts, you look to the cross. In your inner man, say to Jesus, ‘you paid the price on the cross for all my evil thoughts and sin’, therefore cleanse my thoughts and forgive my evil thinking and doings.
Keep making the right choices, and doing the right things. The Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen you. You will always continue to grow in the Lord as long as you continue to be persistent in your walk with the Lord. Amen.
www.thealmightyeyes.com

God’s Calling You

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4

Isn’t it funny how we work so hard to grow up and become adults? Can’t wait to be responsible, come in when we want to, do what we want to when we want to and then when we grow up, we don’t necessarily want all that being an adult has to offer. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone else worry about paying the bills, getting groceries, picking us up and dropping us off, keeping track of our appointments and all that great stuff parents did when we were children? Sure it would be. Yet do we want to give up our freedom to do what we want to do when we want to do it? Not really.
Seems like Jesus knew we would have this dilemma. He knew we would reach a point where we want freedom without all of the responsibility, when we would want the pleasures without the pain, when we would want the benefits without the work and when we would want the Kingdom without the obedience necessary to obtain it. That is the reason He said we would have to go back to our childlike state. The place where we were totally dependent on someone else to lead us where we should go, feed us what we needed to survive, teach us what we needed to learn and nurture us until we were able to care for ourselves. But this time that someone is Him.
We must remember that we have more to learn, we have need for His direction to reach our destination, we are subject to discipline when we are out of order, we must be open to change for progress, we are not in control of our lives – He is. Paul reminded us of this fact when he said in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3:
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.
God needs us to humble ourselves to Him and seek the truth according to His Word. Stop arguing and complaining and start seeking the answers from Him. He’s calling you to start over if you need to, start now, if you haven’t begun to seek Him and help others to find their way to Him. Remember how you used to go get the others to come play with you – go get the others to come grow with you. He’s calling you –- will you answer?

Have a playful and prayerful day,
Minister Deidra Bibb

Missionary Day 2014

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Birmingham Times

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May 22, 2014

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