What is the proper way to respond when your favorite boss utters the words “I’m turning in my two weeks’ notice?” We probably looked like a fish out of water. It’s hard to put into words how we truly feel losing having her in the office with us every day.
“It was time for a change,” said Jennifer Bozeman, now former publisher of the Clarke County Tribune. “I’ve had some health problems this year that I need to regroup from, plus I’ve been there 30 years. I’m ready to move on to other things.”
New Publisher, Belinda Allen, has taken over the position and is eager to take care of the community.
“I know Belinda will do an amazing job,” added Bozeman. “She has been my right hand for the last three years and kept us on track.”
“I know I will never be able to fill Jennifer’s shoes, but I’m glad I have her just one call or text away,” stated Allen.
Most of you know Belinda, but for those of you who don’t, we would like to introduce her to you.
Belinda is the newest publisher here at The Clarke County Tribune. She will continue to bring her unmatched creativity to the local newspaper and also a little history with the newspaper. Her grandparents, Cleo and Sybil Williams, worked at the newspaper stuffing and delivering during the 1990s. Belinda recalls, “They would make me a pallet in the back of the delivery van and I’d have all the newspapers surrounding me. When we made the stop at the store in Pachuta, papaw would let me get out and he’d buy me gummy worms.”
Belinda and her family live in Quitman. She married Joseph Allen in 2005, and they have one son, William, 10. When she isn’t working, Belinda likes spending time with her family.
“William and I love building Lego sets together. Joseph and I just love doing anything together from just sitting on the couch and watching a movie to doing anything outdoors.”
Belinda also enjoys traveling with her family. “Of course, my favorite vacations are always to Disney,” she stated when asked about her favorite go to spot. “My mom and sister live in Gulf Shores so we get to go to the beach often with them,” Belinda commented. “My brother is always down to do whatever I come up with. I just have to tell him a time and place and he is there.” They also travel with her in-laws. “I have the best in-laws and love spending time with them. We go on at least one vacation together each year. I look forward to the dinners I have with my dad, his wife, and his side of the family. I just love my family! I love spending as much time with all of them no matter where or what we are doing. ”
Her favorite holiday is Christmas and she enjoys transforming her house into a place that looks like it belongs in the North Pole. “I normally put up 12 trees, and love for people to come over and see them all, especially kids. I have a tree that blows snow out of the top of it. I have a Disney tree, which is the kids favorite. William has his own tree that he loves adding to each year. I would have more but I have run out of room.”
Belinda is competitive and enjoys seeing her ad designs come alive for her customers at the Tribune. “My best friend helped me learn to use software that is needed at my job. It’s fun to put the ads together and help our clients.”
Belinda attends Bethany PH Church with her family. “We love our church. We are very active members. I watch the nursery on Wednesday nights, Joseph is the church treasure, we host small groups in our home, and we help serve the Wednesday night meals. We are blessed to be a part of an amazing church.”
We, the Tribune staff, are just heartbroken that Jennifer is leaving us, but will continue to publish a great paper each week.
Note from Jennifer:
I would like to truly thank the Clarke County community for supporting not only me, but this newspaper. I started right out of high school when Mary Carter Speed hired me, and I’ve been here 29 ½ years, with the exception of about a year while in college studying photojournalism. Even then, I worked some weekends when I’d come home. I have lived at the paper more than my own home. My children even grew up here.
I am passionate about this community and the people in it. I help where I can, and I love my hometown. I don’t know what is next for me yet, but I shouldn’t be too far away. Thank you for your kindness and I have enjoyed my time at The Clarke County Tribune.
