BISHOP PRAISES INSTACART EBT SNAP PARTNERSHIP WITH ALDI

COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Registration

From Surviving to Thriving During COVID-19

By Obiora N. Anekwe
It has been several months since the country shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Life has changed for many Americans. People have had to adjust to job loss, layoffs, and employment furloughs like never before. Everyone has known someone who has been affected by COVID-19, whether directly or indirectly. How does one survive in these changing times? 
During several months of quarantine in Brooklyn, New York, I have been able to reflect on my past, present, and future. I had time to think about what is important and relevant to genuine success. If nothing else, being in quarantine has forced me to prioritize the basics of life and not take anything or anyone for granted. When New York initially went into quarantine, I had to teach my high school students online, while my wife, Alexis, taught our 4 year-old son, Amari, from home. It was a big adjustment because home and school were blended in one place.  We all had to balance our work and family life with the ever-changing landscape that struck us all.
Once the academic year concluded in late June, my family traveled to Upstate New York in the Adirondacks. This environment allowed me to think and breathe the fresh mountain air I so desired and needed. I used my time to create artwork, walk and climb mountain trails, play mini golf, and read books. We all wore our masks and kept social distancing paramount in every public encounter. 
After living through these unique and unprecedented months, I have learned to not only survive, but thrive in the mist of human turmoil. For it is not the events that happen to us which shape our outcome, but rather how we react to it.
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VACCINE DISTRIBUTION UPDATE 

On Jan. 11, 2021, Phase 1a will be expanded to include all law enforcement and fire personnel (including volunteer departments), adults aged 65 and older, and their caregivers (as applicable). Therefore, as of Jan. 11, 2021, 

Phase 1a includes: 

- Healthcare personnel 

- Long-term care facility residents 

- Law enforcement and fire personnel (including volunteer departments) 

- People aged 65 and older 

- Caregivers of people 65 and older 




People who fit into the expanded definition of Phase 1a, please put your name on the vaccine waiting list here: https://westcentralhealthdistrict.com/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/ 

Once you have registered, you will receive a phone call from the Health Department when vaccines are available. ​



Columbus, GA--Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement after Instacart announced its Electronic Benefit Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) integration in partnership with ALDI. This launch will begin in Georgia in more than 60 stores, and will expand to Illinois, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania to more than 570 stores in the coming months:

 

“With a global pandemic where we are encouraging social distancing and quarantine, it is good to see the private sector work to make grocery delivery accessible to all. This move by Instacart will help increase food security in a time where more than 54 million are experiencing food insecurity. I am very pleased Georgians in Columbus and Macon will be among the first in line to try this out and I hope Americans everywhere will have this option soon.”
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New Business Practices Safety in Columbus

 
Columbus, Georgia — There is a fairly new business in the city that is practicing safety during the Corona Virus Pandemic.  What are some of the reasons for its founding? They label their company veteran-owned. The owners, Mr. Robert and Mrs. Radiah Mallard, work together as husband and wife and also together in a unique firm called Property Management Inc. They both served in the military, Mr. Mallard had three tours of duty at Fort Benning and Mrs. Mallard had one tour of duty at Fort Benning. They are now retired from the United States Army and as Mrs. Mallard expressed, “Columbus just grew on us.”  So this was the beginning of Property Management Inc.
The Mallards reasoned that if a world renown company, such as Aflac, got their start in the city, the Aflac example had a major influence on this dynamic couple, to start in Columbus. Their finding out that Columbus was the second largest city in Georgia also added to their decision to locate here. Some of the services offered by Property Management Inc. include an opportunity for clients to rent a facility for vacationing.
In addition, the couple also saw a need for property management services in the area, They serve Columbus as well as Phenix City, AL. The Mallards also wanted a business that could serve as a role model for young people to learn how to make an investment.
Property Management Inc. manages properties owned by individuals and the owners want to rent their facility to others. Their firm also sells homes as well as rent residences.
One of the aspects of Property Management Inc. is to provide places for those interested in vacationing, just a little different than past vacations. However, the Corona Virus Pandemic has presented some challenges for the enterprising couple.  With their seeing people getting out, despite the virus, the Mallards adapted so their clients are safe. The firm follows CDC guidelines and makes doing business safe at this time. There are secure tenant portals for communication and when it comes to payment for services rendered, Property Management Inc. has bank grade mailboxes where clients do not have to worry about security. In their business relationships, any skilled trade workers who are under contract with Property Management Inc. must wear a mask, wear gloves and follow safe distancing.
While vacationing was down with the initial outbreak of the Corona Virus, it appears the scene is changing for Property Management Inc. They have won some recognition for their business as well maintaining contact with the public through their memberships with the National Association of Real Property Managers, East Alabama Board of Realtors and Columbus Board of Realtors. 
Property Management Inc. is a trend setter as they successfully cope as a unique business during the Corona Virus pandemic.
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