COMMUNITY HEADLINES – AUGUST 15, 2022

HEALTHY SAVANNAH CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO WEIGH IN ON NUTRITION AND FOOD INSECURITY

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah, together with partner and community organizations throughout Savannah and Chatham County, is asking for community input in helping redesign the Savannah-Chatham Food Policy Council. A series of three listening sessions have been scheduled on August 16, 23 and 30 to gather that input.

(LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY) On Thursday, August 18, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society will have its monthly meeting. This meeting is free and open to the public. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/ldssga

PHIL THE NEIGHBORHOODS – ISLE OF HOPE MARINA

(SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC) The Savannah Philharmonic’s first weekend of free outdoor concerts kicks off on September 16 at 7 p.m. with a collaboration with the Savannah Jazz Festival. Join SavPhil musicians and Savannah Jazz Festival performers for a laid back evening of music and community fun.

CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION DONATES $3500 TO READY SET GO BACK TO SCHOOL

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union presented a $3500 sponsorship check to the Ready Set Go! Back to School event on Aug. 6 at the Henderson E. Formey Jr. Early Learning Center. The event is now in its 14th year and provided 5,000 bags of school supplies for students in Chatham and surrounding counties. Center Parc Credit Union was also on location to greet attendees and provide additional giveaways.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND YMCA PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY WORKPLACES

(SAVANNAH, GA) In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month during August, local advocates are inviting organizations and businesses to pledge to support and provide breastfeeding-friendly spaces for employees and guests. Visit https://healthysavannah.org/healthy-savannah-and-ymca-announce-funding-and-support-for-breastfeeding-friendly-workplaces/?preview_id=12620 for more information about adopting a workplace policy to support breastfeeding employees.

MAKING REAL INSTAGRAM CONNECTIONS

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Trying to grow a following on Instagram? Could chasing new followers be negatively impacting your connection to current followers? In this video, you’ll discover a strategy for growing and sustaining an engaged and responsive community on Instagram.

NORAVAZ COVID-19 VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) A new type of COVID-19 vaccine is now available in the Coastal Health District. The Novavax shot is the fourth COVID vaccine to be cleared by the FDA in the U.S. and relies on an older, more familiar vaccine technology. Novavax is a two-dose vaccine and is available in the health departments in Chatham and Glynn counties and in the Richmond Hill clinic of the Bryan County Health Department. There is no out-of-pocket cost for vaccination. Appointments for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled online at chdcovidvax.org, or by calling the Chatham, Glynn, or Bryan County Health Departments.

FREE ORAL HEALTH CLINIC AUGUST 27 & 28

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council will present its 2nd Annual Free Adult Oral Health Event on August 27 & 28 at the Garden City Recreation Department, 160 Priscilla D. Thomas Way in Garden City. The clinic will provide oral exams, oral cancer screenings, fillings, cleanings, extractions and hearing exams to Chatham County residents 18 and over. No ID, insurance or co-pays are required. For more information, contact Reginald Lee at reginaldlee@chlink.org or call 912.661.1355.

ENMARKET IS HIRING

(ENMARKET) Enmarket is looking for fun and friendly folks to join its Hilton Head Island team at 3 Palmetto Bay Rd. and 125 Mathews Drive. Enmarket is an EEO/AA Employer and offers exceptional benefits including 401K with company match, health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and pay-before payday options.⁠ Visit the following link to apply now: https://nowhiring.com/enmarket/?start=0&rad=5&sort=distance&view=list&location=hilton%20head%20island#job-results

FREE CLASS: DEALING WITH DEBT AUG 24

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) An online & in-person class will be held on Wednesday, August 24 with resources for dealing with debt. Life happens. We all face emergencies and sometimes we slip into debt over time as we try to get by. If your balances are higher than you’d like or if you’ve been making payments without seeing much progress, this Consumer Credit Counseling Service workshop may be able to help. The class will be held on-site at the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center, 801 E. Gwinnett St. Registration is required for online attendance. Register here: https://savannahga.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucOugrzkqGtDuujZssG5j63ui5kWJpw1H

SHINE – A HOSPICE SAVANNAH SUMMER NIGHTS PARTY AUG 25

(HOSPICE SAVANNAH) You are invited to SHINE at Hospice Savannah’s annual Summer Nights Board-sponsored party on Thursday, August 25th from 6-9 pm, at the Soho South event space. This fun event will raise critically needed funds to support the organization’s pediatric hospice program. Hospice Savannah is the only hospice in the region that provides support to children dealing with a life-limiting illness and is committed to providing services that go above and beyond when caring for its youngest patients. Guests will enjoy music from DJ Jose Ray, heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, and original art from local artists curated by Location Gallery will be on display and available for purchase via auction. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shine-a-hospice-savannah-summer-nights-party-tickets-372124964787

FELIX NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Felix is like a bouncing ball of energy. So far he and his brother, Oscar, are extremely playful with each other and the big dogs in their foster home. Typical terrier mixes, they are brave and fierce, looking for their next good time. Both sleep in the crate set up for sleeping, eating and puppy pads, with the hopes they will use them. They both stand on their tiny hind legs and beg with their front paws – it will both melt your heart and make you laugh! Extremely adorable, Felix is available for adoption soon – but you can meet him now!

COLONIAL GROUP, INC. IS HIRING

(SAVANNAH, GA) With the growth of all of the Colonial companies, they look for talented, motivated individuals who want to become part of a company with a culture driven by their core values: Service, Integrity, Entrepreneurship, and Family. Colonial provides a wide range of job opportunities across multiple fields. View current job openings here: https://colonialgroupinc.com/careers/

WTOC NAMES HEALTHY SAVANNAH AS HOMETOWN HERO

(WTOC) Healthy Savannah has been named WTOC’s Home Town Hero for helping to make neighborhoods pedestrian friendly and safe.

SHOP & DINE UNITED

(UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE) Join the community of local businesses for this year’s Shop & Dine United Weekend on September 10-11. Shop & Dine United is a special weekend event of shopping and dining and is an opportunity for local businesses to give back by pledging to donate to United Way of the Coastal Empire. You decide what kind of donation works best for your business. It can be proceeds from a specialty item, a percentage of sales from the event, or something else creative. In return, United Way will provide you with signage and promote the event and your business on social media and more. Learn more here: https://uwce.org/shopdineunited/?utm_source=all_email_contacts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=shop_dine_united&utm_content=Shop+&+Dine+Recruitment

METRO SAVANNAH HISPANIC CHAMBER 6TH ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber announces the 6th Annual Awards Banquet and Gala that will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 17 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. This Latin-themed gala will celebrate the accomplishments of local Hispanic business owners, Chamber members, and community leaders who have upheld the values of the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber. For more information, please visit the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website at www.msavhcc.org or contact Alfonso Ribot, president and CEO at 912-495-7276.

DEEP CENTER PRESENTS: THE BALANCE: ARTICULATING HOPE IN OUR STORIES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Deep Center’s 2022 SLAM team presents The Balance: Articulating Hope in Our Stories, a free album release party and debut of the newest SLAM book. The Balance is a poetry book and album featuring original content from Savannah’s rising literary artists, who are known for pouring their hearts on the page, the stage, and throughout various communities throughout the southeast. The community is invited to celebrate the release of The Balance: Articulating Hope in Our Stories from 3 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at The Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St. This is a free event, open to the public. Members of the media are encouraged to attend. No registration is required. Learn more at http://deepcenter.org.

3 SECRETS TO INCREASED FACEBOOK GROUP ENGAGEMENT

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Do you want to get more engagement inside your Facebook Group? Wondering if there are easier ways to do it without having to wear all the hats? In this video, community expert Dana Malstaff explains the three key secrets to growing a sustainable Facebook Group almost hands-free. You’ll discover how to leverage your most active members to encourage continued engagement and stimulate new members to interact. Plus, you’ll learn one key thing that may be killing your engagement.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH RECEIVES CDC’S 2022 REACH LARK GALLOWAY-GILLIAM AWARD FOR ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY CHALLENGE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah is pleased to announce it has received the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2022 REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity Challenge. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals and entities whose work has contributed to advancing health equity.

SAVANNAH MAGAZINE

(SAVANNAH, GA) New Guard nominations: Help Savannah Magazine recognize Savannah’s movers, shakers and change-makers. Click here to nominate an entrepreneur, business leader or innovator who dreams and dares to make our city better, day by day: https://savannahmagazine.submittable.com/submit/213495/new-guard-2022

SAVANNAH BASED COLONIAL OIL INDUSTRIES APPOINTS BOB KENYON AS DIVISION PRESIDENT

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah-based Colonial Oil Industries, Inc. has announced the appointment of Bob Kenyon as division president. The Savannah-based subsidiary of Colonial Group, Inc. has been a trusted name in the fuel and lubricant management business for over 100 years. With more than 28 years of experience in fuel operations, Kenyon most recently served as senior vice president, Sales & Marketing for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. In his new position, Kenyon will report to Colonial Group COO Brett Giesick.

MONKEYPOX VACCINE PROGRAM EXPANDS

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) The Coastal Health District’s monkeypox vaccination program is expanding. In addition to the Chatham County Health Department in Savannah, the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine will also be available at the Glynn County Health Department in Brunswick beginning Friday, August 5th. You must have an appointment for vaccination as supply is still limited. Appointments can be self-scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.org/monkeypox.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: WIDESPREAD PANIC AT ENMARKET ARENA IN OCTOBER

(SAVANHAH, GA) Widespread Panic fans! Don’t miss the band when they bring their Halloween show to Enmarket Arena right here in Savannah on Friday 10/28 & Saturday 10/29! https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=widespread+panic+savannah&CAMEFROM=CFC_SAVANNAH_CIVIC_CENTER_WEB_EMAIL_ONSALE&spMailingID=8558902&spUserID=NDg4NDY3MDUwMDg0S0&spJobID=1560123507&spReportId=MTU2MDEyMzUwNwS2

FREE CLASS: LABOR FORCE RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Online & in-person. This workshop hosted by WorkSource Coastal and its One-Stop Job Center, will provide business owners with resources and services available to assist with labor force needs. On site at the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center, 801 E. Gwinnett Street. Registration required for online attendance.

VOTE

(SAVANNAH TRIBUNE) Encourage someone to register or to re-register to VOTE. Our votes are our voices. Our votes are powerful fighting tools. Use Your vote. VOTES count, and VOTES make the difference! You must register to vote by Oct 11 for the Nov 8 midterm elections.

THE LUMINEERS COMING TO ENMARKET ARENA

(SAVANNAH, GA) Don’t miss your chance to see The Lumineers, with special guest James Bay, right here in Savannah at Enmarket Arena on August 24! Tickets are available now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005C7F398F64EA?spMailingID=8551478&spUserID=Mjg4ODY0NTM1OTAyS0&spJobID=1560081934&spReportId=MTU2MDA4MTkzNAS2.

LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOOK CLUB SIGN UP

(SAVANNAH, GA) What have you enjoyed reading this summer? Find a book club tailored to your unique interests or discover something new. From engaging YA reads to an imaginary trip to Paris, there’s something fun for everyone! Find a book club here: https://libcal.liveoakpl.org/calendar/programs/?cid=9544&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=9544&ct=39341&inc=0

FRESH EXPRESS EXPANDS WITH THIRD SITE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Healthy Savannah has expanded the Fresh Express no-cost fresh food distribution program to a third site and its own day! The third site is at 40th and Waters and upcoming dates are: September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2. The main locations are at Curtis V. Cooper Family Health and the Moses Jackson Center, with these upcoming dates: August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16. Fresh Express provided more than 6,600 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and bread to communities with low access to fresh foods in 2021. Interested in volunteering? Contact Laura Schmarkey, YMCA of Coastal Georgia director of outreach programs at laura.schmarkey@ymcaofcoastalga.org or visit YMCAofCoastalGA.org/Volunteer. Fresh Express is supported by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Healthy Savannah through the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health grant awarded through the CDC.

MENINGITIS VACCINE CLINICS FOR TEENS

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA)The Chatham County Health Department will hold several meningitis vaccination clinics for teens in July and August to help local students get up to date on required school vaccines. This fall, all Georgia students going into 11th grade who are at least 16 years of age must receive a booster shot to protect against meningitis. Vaccination events for teens will continue at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive on August 18, and 25, 3-6 p.m. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.org/teenclinic or by calling the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441.

INAUGURAL COHORT OF BIRTH & BREASTFEEDING LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP TO INCLUDE DR. NANDI A. MARSHALL

(BLACKPRWIRE.COM) Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) has announced the inaugural cohort for its Birth & Breastfeeding Leadership Institute. Fifteen leaders with professional backgrounds ranging from policy to healthcare were selected, including Nandi A. Marshall, DrPH, MPH, CHES, CLC – Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia. The Birth & Breastfeeding Leadership Institute is a six-month development program designed to better Black birth and breastfeeding outcomes by leveraging social capital in Black communities. The program is the vision of BMBFA’s Founding Executive Director, Kiddada Green, and supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which awarded the organization a 3-year grant in 2019. BMBFA is a 501©(3) non-profit community-based organization and the leader of many local, state, and national programs aligned with the organization’s mission to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for Black families. Find out more at https://blackmothersbreastfeeding.org/

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND YMCA LEAD EFFORTS TO HELP IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ISSUES

(SAVANNAH, GA) An initiative led by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is focusing on creating safer places to walk and bike within Savannah neighborhoods. By identifying potential barriers to safe, active transportation and physical activity, the organizations are working to create more equitable access to walking and biking routes within Savannah communities and throughout the City, including the Tide To Town urban trail system.

FORSYTH FARMERS’ MARKET ANNOUNCES NEW FARM TRUCK 912 STOP AT EASTERN WHARF

(SAVANNAH BUSINESS JOURNAL) Eastern Wharf and the Forsyth Farmers’ Market announced a new Farm Truck 912 stop on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Farm Truck 912, a mobile farmers’ market, will bring local seasonal fruits, vegetables and agricultural products sourced from the Forsyth Farmers’ Market vendors directly to the Park at Eastern Wharf, 101 Port St, Savannah, GA 31401. The team at Eastern Wharf also presented a check for $10,000 to support the Food Farmacy program to help further the mission of improving the access and affordability of healthy foods. Farm Truck 912 will be on site every other Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The next scheduled stop is Aug. 20.

CHATHAM & BRYAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS BEGIN COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) Beginning next week, the Bryan and Chatham County Health Departments will expand their COVID vaccination programs to include vaccine for young children. Chatham County will offer the Pfizer vaccine for anyone 6 months of age or older. The Bryan County Health Department will offer Moderna vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years, and anyone age 12 and older. For more information and the latest on availability, please visit covid19.gachd.org.

COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT PILOTS GEORGIA’S NEW EWIC ROLLOUT

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) The Coastal Health District has been selected by the Georgia Department of Public Health to pilot eWIC, a new electronic system for issuing food benefits through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. Previously, WIC participants used paper vouchers to purchase approved foods. The new system allows participants to use an eWIC card, which functions like a debit card, to purchase WIC-approved foods. For more information about WIC, including eligibility requirements, please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/wic.

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES COLONIAL GROUP AS TITLE SPONSOR OF PHIL THE PARK ON OCT 8

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Philharmonic is pleased to announce Colonial Group as the title sponsor for “Phil the Park” on Oct 8, 2022. This free, outdoor, family-friendly concert starts at 4 p.m. at Forsyth Park, 2 W. Gaston St. in Savannah. The concert will feature the Savannah Philharmonic orchestra and chorus with conductor Keitaro Harada. The event also includes music from local army bands; legendary Clarksdale blues artists; American Traditions Vocal Competition winners, and much more.

HEALTHY CORNER STORE INITIATIVE WELCOMES A SEVENTH STORE BRINGING PRODUCE TO SAVANNAH’S UNDESERVED COMMUNITIES

(SAVANNAH, GA) A seventh store is now participating in the Healthy Corner Store Initiative. In 2019, Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s received a joint $3.4 million Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant that enabled the establishment of the program which encourages local corner store owners to stock fresh fruits and vegetables for their customers. Stores currently participating include Nitis Gas at 1263 US-80, Chevron at 3014 Skidaway Rd., Zack’s Quick Stop at 2701 Ogeechee Rd., A-1 Foodmart at 902 Pennsylvania Ave., Shiv Food Mart at 4602 Skidaway Rd, Eagle One Market at 2120 W Bay St., and now, the Circle K in Georgetown.

FAITH AND HEALTH COALITION

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Are you a faith-based organization in Savannah/Chatham County interested in encouraging a culture of health among your members and the broader community?

Please join the Faith and Health Coalition at our next virtual meeting to discuss the importance of health within our community. Please email FaithAndHealth@healthysavannah.org for the meeting link. For more information, visit the Faith and Health Coalition page on the Healthy Savannah website.

Meeting Dates:

September 28th @ 12pm

November 30th @ 12pm

ENMARKET’S ENJOY WINNING SWEEPSTAKES

(ENMARKET) Through August 30, earn a digital game ticket every time you make a qualifying purchase using Enjoy Rewards at Enmarket. Plus, earn bonus game tickets when you purchase specially marked items in store. Every game ticket gives you entry into the daily, weekly, and overall sweepstakes prizes – giving you a chance to be a daily $25 cash card winner, FREE fuel for a year winner, or win the grand prize of $25,000.00. To learn more about the Enjoy Winning Sweepstakes visit www.enmarketenjoywinning.com.

#EnmarketEnjoyWinning #SummerSweepstakes

TELFAIR MUSEUM DAYS

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Jepson Center and Telfair Academy are now offering FREE admission on the weekends through August 28. The museums are open to residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty counties in Georgia, and Beaufort and Jasper in South Carolina. The Jepson Center and the Telfair Academy are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.