April is Financial Literacy Month

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April 3, 2014

We observe National Financial Literacy month in April in an effort to highlight the importance of financial literacy. As this occurs, many Americans have an inadequate understanding of the fundamentals of finance. And this lack of knowledge – financial illiteracy – has brought with it dire consequences for many families.
Millions of Americans cannot make the payments on their mortgages. Unfortunately, many lacked the financial capability to service a loan.
Credit card debt is astronomical. The average debt per household is $7,123. Significantly, one-third of consumers make only the minimum payment each month.
One-fourth of households are spending more than they make. Another 36 percent are spending what they make – breaking even.
More than half of U.S. households have no emergency fund to act as a cushion against unexpected financial shocks. And the average savings per household is only $6,000.
A better understanding of finance would help prevent this from happening. Where can one seek financial knowledge? Many government agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations offer a wide range of programs. But some of the best are offered by financial regulators.
The Federal Reserve (www.federalreserve.gov) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (www.fdic.gov) provide an array of programs that attempt to increase consumer access to information about financial products and services. They also have initiatives that promote awareness of the importance of financial literacy and provide for cooperative arrangements with educational and community organizations.
The best approach, however, is to teach young people the basics of finance and economics before they become submerged in debt as adults. Teaching the basics can change financial practices and lead to a more financially literate public.
Surveys indicate more needs to be done in the educational arena. The latest, conducted in 2013, found only 19 states – Alabama is one of them – require a course in personal finance. And just 24 states, including Alabama, require a high school course in economics.
That this country has such a low level of financial literacy is a national disgrace. Not only is literacy crucial for individuals, but it is also vitally important to the nation’s financial system. To have a strong, competitive economy, our citizens must be able to manage their financial lives well.

Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., is a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean. He is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club Renames its Birmimgham Location

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club has renamed its South Park Unit in the West End neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama in recognition of the late Dr. Kirkwood R. Balton. Dr. Balton is best known for his long-time commitment to the Club as one of its founding Board members.
“It is a great privilege to honor my friend and mentor, Kirkwood Balton,” said Walter Howlett, Jr., Board Chairman for the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club.
Dr. Balton was a great friend and supporter of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, serving as the Club’s Board Chairman and Treasurer during his tenure with the organization. Dr. Balton and his wife Dr. Juanita J. Balton, in partnership with the Community Foundation generously supported the renovations of the then, South Park Unit Computer Lab. In 1999, he founded The A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, Classic Moments in Black History, a well-received county-wide Black History Month scholar’s bowl competition hosted at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. He also launched the Club’s first and only broadcasting program, WGBC, which taught Club members the fundamentals of radio broadcasting.
“The Boys and Girls Club here in Birmingham always had a special place in Kirkwood’s heart,” said Dr. Juanita J. Balton, wife of the late Dr. Kirkwood R. Balton. “He was devoted to these young people, as if they were his own. We are so honored and touched by this lasting remembrance. He would be so proud.”

He was born on June 9, 1935 in Birmingham and died on February 10, 2009 after a bout with stomach cancer. He was 73. A native of Birmingham, Dr. Balton was educated in the public school system graduating from A.H. Parker High School. Dr. Balton earned his bachelor’s degree at Miles College in 1957 and began working for Dr. A. G. Gaston two years later. He went on to earn a master’s in business administration at Samford University in 1970 and was also awarded doctorates in humane letters from Miles College and Birmingham Baptist Bible College. In addition to establishing his own successful enterprises, Dr. Balton spent 42 years working under the Club’s founder, Dr. A.G. Gaston. He rose within Dr. Gaston’s business empire to manage WENN-FM and became chairman and CEO of Dr. Gaston’s insurance company, Booker T. Washington Insurance Company, before he retired in 2001.

He later founded the J&B Medical Supply and later J&B Management and Electric Supply, both named for his wife, Juanita. In 2004, the supply company was formed after learning a medical supply company, and not the hospital, had provided his walker following hip surgery.

In retirement Dr. Balton remained active in Dr. Gaston’s charitable efforts, including the A. G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. Dr. Balton served on the boards of several organizations including Mercedes-Benz USA International, Colonial Bank, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health Services Foundation, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Managing Board, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, National Conference for Community and Justice and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. He was also a member of the Miles College Board of Trustees. Dr. Balton was a member of Rotary International, Leadership Birmingham Class of 1987, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Leadership Alabama Class of 1995 and The Guys.

At his death, he was survived by his wife Dr. Juanita J. Balton; daughter, Ms. Adriene Balton- Topping, J.D., a sister, a brother and a son-in-law, Mr. W. Frank Topping. He was a member of St Paul’s Cathedral and a resident of College Hills.

On Thursday March 27th Council President Pro Tempore Jay Roberson presented a resolution at the Facility Renaming Ceremony & Rededication of the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club former South Park Unit in honor of the A.G. Gaston Legacy Board Chairman Dr. Kirkwood R. Balton. Attorney J. Mason Davis gave greetings on the past outstanding leadership of Dr. Balton in the Birmingham community and his charitable efforts to the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Balton’s widow Juanita, performed the honors of unveiling the commemorative plaque.

Books News

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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By Esther Callens

It is now, around this time every year that many (practicing Judaism or not) celebrate the Passover. The Seder is a pivotal component of this most consecrated event. One booklet that many find instrumental in their preparation is found in 60Minute Seder – Complete Passover Haggadah. Written by Robert Kopman, along with co-author and illustrator Bil Yanok, 60Minute Seder presents a practical abbreviated format.
Families are a lot about tradition. One observance will begin sundown on April 14th. This is when Passover (commemorating the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt) begins. A lot of time and preparation goes into making sure the Seder (the ritual feast) is observed in a proper manner. Having said this, many are wondering what prompted Robert Kopman to write this book? Why is a condensed version of the Seder deemed necessary? The author’s note explains it all. It states, “It’s challenging to present all 15 Seder parts in a concise manner while keeping the entire family engaged. Great Care was taken to keep the after-dinner prayers brief, yet compelling, because many families don’t come back to the table for the completion of the Seder. 60Minute-Seder meets that challenge easily and presents the story of the Passover in an entertaining and spiritual way.” The result yielded a beautifully illustrated, concise book with impressive glossy pictures.
Precise attentions to details were rendered to present the complete Seder in an easy to understand format. It is a wonderful guide that has been Rabbinically approved.
Robert Kopman was a student of Jewish Law and History while in Jerusalem. He is an expert on Jewish traditions with specialized concentration on Passover Seder. He has an extensive history of Jewish community involvement. He, along with his wife and children make Arizona home. He is also the author of the 30Minute Seder – The Haggadah That Blends Brevity With Tradition.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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Jefferson County Commissioner Sandra Little Brown - District 2

Jefferson County Commissioner Sandra Little Brown - District 2 — Jefferson County Commissioner Sandra Little Brown – District 2

Homeowner Water Conservation Assistance Program

The Jefferson County Department of Community and Economic Development will use funds under its Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation program to assist eligible applicants who are experiencing water leaks that are causing spikes in water usage, thus increasing sewer bills.
Participation in the program will only be available to eligible homeowner households that are located in the Jefferson County HUD Consortium, which includes all of Jefferson County with the exception of Birmingham, Hoover and Bessemer, who themselves are HUD entitlement cities. In addition County Line, Argo, Sumiton and Helena are not members of the Consortium
Minimum qualifications for the program are:
1.   Homeowner;
2.   Household income must be 80% of Median Household Level f, as specified by HUD for Jefferson County; and
3.   Home located in the Jefferson County Consortium.
Eligible work to be performed includes the supply and distribution side of the water service. This includes all water and distribution and supply lines on the homeowner’s side of the meter and any plumbing fixtures that leak and need to be repaired or replaced. Examples would include leaking water lines such as pipes that burst due to cold weather or pipes that have deteriorated over time. Plumbing fixtures might include a faucet, shower valve, toilet or leaking water heater,
The Department of Community and Economic Development will work with Jefferson County Environmental Services and the Bessemer Utilities to identify customers that may be experiencing spikes in water bills.
Once the department receives a referral from the agencies, a Housing Rehabilitation staff person from the department will inspect the home to determine if the spike is the result of a leak or damage to the water distribution system. If the inspection reveals an eligible water leak, the homeowner will be required to complete an application to determine eligibility.
Once the application is approved, a Community Development staff person will develop a work write up to be used for engagement of a contracted plumber previously procured by the County.
The pilot program will be funded on the basis of available funds, which are initially estimated to be $90,000.

Ms. Ann Dawson August, CCTM

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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Ms. Ann Dawson August, CCTM

A woman with a passion for God and Country – from her family to public service.
She served 30 years in the United States Army JAG Corps. and insures that public transit services are on the streets, six days a week. Ms. Dawson-August believes that
“The more you know, the more you grow” and “Where much is given, much is required”.

Gospel TV Legend Dr. Bobby Jones Hits the Road to Promote First CD in 7 Years

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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In stores now

Gospel TV legend Dr. Bobby Jones has been on the road all week promoting his first CD in seven years “Rejoice with Me” (EchoPark JDI/ Caroline Distribution) that features collaborations with Faith Evans, Howard Hewett, Ann Nesby, Tommye Young West, Renee Spearman and Shawn McLemore. For months, gospel enthusiasts have been buzzing about the energizing radio single “Rejoice with Me” that features R&B star Faith Evans. The full CD is in stores now and Dr. Jones was on the road heralding the news about the brilliant album.
Dr. Jones was recently featured on The Tom Joyner Morning Show where he talked about the soul-stirring, 11-track set and he just returned from Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage cruise. He was in Chicago for a radio tour beginning on Tuesday and culminated with a Wednesday night CD signing at The House of Hope church and then off to Nashville for a variety of appearances.
The project was produced by Michael Bereal and Professor James Roberson and is a showcase for NSC (Dr. Jones’ longtime Nashville Super Choir). Howard Hewitt guests on the engaging, “Searched All Over.” Ann Nesby sings with Dr. Jones on the balmy ballad, “Praise The Lord.” Former `70s R&B artist, Tommye Young West, who’s been recording in the gospel field exclusively for the last three decades, delivers a rousing Pentecostal rout on the feverish, “Right Now Praise.” Various members of NSC take leads on the beautiful anthem, “Faithful Is He.” NSC member Jamal Carter leads the mellow, “Created For Worship.” The thunderous voice of Shawn McLemore ignites a fiery call and response with NSC on the hand-clapper, “Let’s Praise The Lord” and Renee Spearman closes out with the smooth urban AC track, “Nothing Without You.”
For the last 33 years, Dr. Bobby Jones has spent his Sunday mornings rejoicing with millions of gospel lovers around the globe who tune in to BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel,” the longest running program in cable TV history. Jones has also released a dozen or so albums and hosted syndicated radio programs like his weekly “Bobby Jones Countdown.” Jones formed the New Life Singers in 1975. He later expanded the group’s membership and changed its name to NSC (Nashville Super Choir).

Doing What We Can

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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Mark 14:1-9

Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper. During supper, a woman came in with a beautiful flask of expensive perfume. Then she broke the seal and poured it over his head.
“That’s wasteful,” some of them said. “She shouldn’t have done that,” others joined in. “Why that expensive perfume could have been sold for a fortune and the money given to the poor,” they snarled. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing a good thing? You always have the poor among you, and they badly need your help, and you can help them whenever you want to; but I won’t be here much longer. She has done what she could, and has anointed my body ahead of time for burial.”
The woman in this story is an example for all of us. Jesus paid her a great compliment when he said, “She has done what she could.” We need to ask ourselves if we are doing what we can?
Unfortunately, some of us have inferiority complexes that make us think to ourselves, “I can’t do anything. I can’t teach, preach, witness, or sing.” As a young boy in a church, I sat behind an older man who couldn’t carry a tune, but he didn’t let that stop him. He sang unto the Lord. He made a joyful noise. His singing was a blessing to me and to all who heard him. Can’t sing? Then make a joyful noise.
Some of us don’t give as we should. We think we’re not rich, my little bit won’t make a difference. The woman that Jesus praised wasn’t rich either. The perfume she poured over Jesus’s head was the most valuable thing she owned. True love is like that. It doesn’t count the cost – it is extravagant. She gave what she could. She gave it willingly, and gave it when needed most. What she did was one of the last acts of kindness done for Jesus before His crucifixion, and it was a great blessing to Him.
The message here is let’s not think about what we can’t do – let’s do what we can.

Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.peopleforthechristianway.com

Free Financial Aid

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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BIRMINGHAM – Each year thousands of dollars are offered to graduating high school seniors to offset the cost of college, but few in Alabama fill-out the required documents needed to qualify for assistance.
Alabama Possible’s Blueprints College Access Initiative, in partnership with the Alabama Career Information Network, is hosting two free workshops on April 3 and April 5 at the Southside Baptist Church (1016 19th Street South, Birmingham) to raise awareness about and ensure area high school seniors fill-out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required for students to receive federal and state grants, loans, and scholarships at most two- and four-year institutions. In addition to qualifying for cash to pay for college, families that complete the FAFSA at one of the upcoming workshops will be entered into a drawing for a free Wal-Mart Gift Card.
“The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is one of the most important college documents prospective students need to complete, but have never heard of it,” said Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible. “As a result, each year tens of thousands of Alabama families don’t file their FAFSA in time to meet the various deadlines for financial assistance. These workshops will provide hands-on, expert assistance that can make college tuition more affordable.”
Blueprints is a statewide initiative that matches current college students with high school students from low-income families. The college mentors work with their younger peers to guide them through the college-going process and connect them with the numerous resources available to make college more affordable. Currently, students from nine high schools and eight colleges take part in this effort.
This is the third year in a row that Blueprints has hosted FASFA workshops. Last year, 100 percent of students who completed a FAFSA form at one of Blueprints’ workshops qualified for Pell Grants. According to the U.S. Department of Education, nine out of 10 students who file a FAFSA attend a two- or four-year college that fall.
When:
Thursday, April 3: 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where:
Southside Baptist Church
1016 19th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama Possible is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing systematic poverty and its root cause across Alabama. AP educates Alabamians about poverty, collaborates with colleges and faith-based institutions on poverty-reduction activities and advocates for fact-based policy decisions. AP was founded in 1993 and is based in Birmingham, Al. For more information visit www.alabamapossible.org.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church to host conference to equip associate ministers

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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REV_THOMAS_BEAVERS — Rev. Thomas Beavers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church will hold its annual conference to give associate ministers training and preparation they need for service to their churches and for future pastoral roles.
The conference, “Associate Ministers’ Preparing for a Life of Service: Clarification, Application, Education and Glorification,” will be held on April 4-5 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2135 Jefferson Avenue S.W.
Conference sessions will range from topics of four major areas of concerns for associates such as understanding their calling; understanding their purpose; the decision about becoming a pastor and understanding why they do what they do.
This year’s conference will have sessions designed for women in ministry or those who feel they have a call on their life.
There will be conference study modules on topics such as Evangelism – Reaching Men in the Streets; Emerging Trends for Women in Ministry; Ethics – Personal Conduct; Missions of Mercy – Sick, Visitations, Funerals; and Apologetics – Defending the Faith. The sessions will be conducted by some of Birmingham’s best teachers and venerable pastors.
Speakers include the Rev. Thomas Beavers, Pastor of New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Reginald Calvert, Pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. John Henry Williams, Pastor of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Thomas Wilder, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Collegeville; the Rev. James Brooks, Pastor of New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Michael Wesley Sr., Pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Bernard Lloyd, associate minister at Greater Shiloh; and Rev. David Hopewell, founder, Joshua Ministry, Atlanta.
The associate minister’s role is one of great importance, but is often misunderstood and underestimated, according to Wesley. Wesley noted that the associate minister’s calling is one that has the potential to greatly support the congregational need.
The conference begins Friday, April 4, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On-site registration is 5 to 5:50 p.m., with dinner from 6- 6:30 p.m.
The conference resumes Saturday, April 5, from 8 to 3:30 p.m. Intercessory prayer and breakfast is from 8 to 8:45 a.m.
The cost is $75 per person and is open to ministers from all denominations. Registration includes two days of lectures, Friday night’s dinner. It also covers breakfast and lunch on Saturday, conference materials and conference prayer partner.
Registration forms can be found at www.greatershiloh.org/associate-minconf-2014 or requested through email, info@greatershiloh.org. For more information, contact the Rev. Carl Hill at chill@greatershiloh.org or call 205-925-5972, ext. 204.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church has been a cornerstone in the Birmingham community since May 3, 1891. The church has grown dramatically within the last 10 years to more than 1,200 members under the leadership of Dr. Michael W. Wesley who has been the pastor for 27 years. Greater Shiloh’s mission is to reach, teach, and baptize throughout the world, beginning in its community, fulfilling the Great Commission by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, until Jesus returns. For more information about Greater Shiloh, please visit www.greatershiloh.org or call 205-925-3972.

Ark of Safety

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Birmingham Times

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April 3, 2014

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God is a Spirit. If you know Him, if you walk with Him, and if you love Him, you must do so in the Spirit and in His truth. He is not A Man! Though “He created all things in heaven, all things in earth, all things visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities or powers…all things were created by Him.” Yet, He Himself is not a man. He is our ultimate Father and Creator and He entreats us beyond the abilities of any natural parent. His love is fervent, deeply heated, as, He is also a flaming/consuming fire.
At the fall of the first Adam, darkness inevitably covered the earth. At the death of the second Adam, those who accept Him as Savior and Lord, to them He gave power to become Sons. Those who have become sons now stand as the light of the world! If we walk in the light endowed unto us, there would be no need for stumbling. Man sometimes feels that to love him indicates that he shouldn’t be corrected. Mature men can stand to be corrected. Their feelings are not that easily offended. Remember, whom the Lord loves He chastens.
God loves us where we are, when we are, but never how or why we are. He will never embrace our sin as an acceptable thing. He sent His Son to destroy the works of the devil, or should I say, the works of evil. He is not as man that He sits around waiting on any to fall; He made preparations for man, should a fall occur.
Peter denied Him three times but His unconditional love never failed. He looked beyond Peter’s problems, prayed for him that his faith to be made whole would not fail and commanded him to strengthen his brother once he was converted. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him just as He knows what all are capable of doing; yet He had already prepared man an Ark of Safety (Jesus the Christ).
Today the throne of grace remains unmovable. The ark of safety has gathered many a-thousand. The mercy seat yet has room for one more. We are the light of the world. How can we give light to a dark place when our flame no longer exists? Jesus will light your fire, if you come close enough to the flame!
electra.gethsemaneministries@yahoo.com