COMMUNITY HEADLINES – JULY 11, 2022

HEALTHY SAVANNAH SEEKS TO HELP FUND FAITH-BASED BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah has announced it is offering grant funding to support Back-to-School and other community events organized by its faith community partners. Funds are available for applicable projects, events and programs through mid-September 2022 that include COVID-19 and flu awareness activities. Applications are due on or before Friday, July 22, 2022, and early applications are encouraged. For more information and to apply, contact Dr. Elsie Smalls at elsie@healthysavannah.org, referencing the following in the email subject line: Faith and Health Funds Grant Application- Summer Program.

CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION AND ATLANTA POSTAL CREDIT UNION JOIN OTHER CREDIT UNIONS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR UKRAINE

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Center Parc Credit Union (CPCU) and its parent organization, Atlanta Postal Credit Union (APCU), were among five credit unions that participated in “Credit Unions for Ukraine,” a campaign that raised a total of $30,000 for the Ukrainian Displacement Fund.

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.

FRESH EXPRESS EXPANDS WITH THIRD SITE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Healthy Savannah are expanding 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 dates are as follows: July 22, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2. The main locations are at Curtis V. Cooper Family Health and the Moses Jackson Center, and main site dates are as follows: July 15, 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.

VETERAN CARRIERS CONTINUE “FEED A TRUCKER” CAMPAIGN AT ENMARKET ON AUGUST 8

(SAVANNAH, GA) Veteran Carriers and Enmarket continue their Feed A Trucker Campaign with $8 vouchers given to truckers for a free fresh meal on Monday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Enmarket located at 1264 Hwy 80 East in Pooler GA. This is one of the convenience store chain’s commercial trucking locations that’s ideally suited to serving big rigs serving the Georgia Ports Authority.

COVID-19 VACCINES ARE FREE

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2022, Healthy Savannah seeks to make Savannah a healthier place to live, work, and play. They lead and support a culture of health by creating an environment that makes a healthy choice an easy choice. Healthy Savannah wants to make you aware of helpful resources in our community. Visit them at www.healthysavannah.org to learn more.

HOW TO WRITE COPY THAT SELLS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Do you want more sales? When did you last revisit your messaging? Learn a framework for writing persuasive copy that delivers results in today’s FOMO-saturated climate and discover a method to fine-tune your copy so you hit just the right tone.

BRUKS SIWERTELL COMMISSIONS NEW CEMENT UNLOADING SYSTEM FOR COLONIAL GROUP

(HUB-4.COM) Bruks Siwertell has completed the installation of a new high-capacity Siwertell ship unloader at Colonial Group’s Georgia Kaolin Terminals, in Savannah, Georgia, USA. The fully enclosed screw-type system now delivers very efficient dust-free cement handling, supporting the company’s strategy for sustainable cement import growth.

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. Six vaccination events for teens will be held at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive on July 14 and July 21, 3-6 p.m. and August 4, 11, 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.

SAVPHIL EDUCATION PROGRAMS PARTNER WITH VARIOUS SUMMER CAMPS

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Approximately 800 students this summer have participated in the summer camps that the Savannah Philharmonic has partnered with, in various community center programs.

CENTER PARC ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT CHANGES TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Atlanta Postal Credit Union (APCU) – the parent organization of Center Parc Credit Union – recently announced major changes to its Board of Directors, including a new chairman. APCU’s Board of Directors also governs over Center Parc. Earlier this year, Donald D. DeCinque stepped down as chairman of the APCU Board of Directors. He has been succeeded by (Charles) David Disharoon. Also taking a director emeritus role will be Katherine Brown, who retired from the USPS after 31 years as manager of personnel and services. She became a member of APCU’s board in 1993.

YMCA RECOGNIZES LEADERS

(SAVANNAH BUSINESS JOURNAL) The YMCA of Coastal Georgia presented honors to community leaders and volunteers who went above and beyond to support the Y mission in 2021. These honorees included a special presentation of the Robert H. Demere, Sr. Volunteer of the Year Award to Leo Beckmann, as well as Community Builder Awards to Ashli Clubine of Clubine Consulting, Jeff Heeder of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Layton Gilroy of Gilroy’s Handyman Services.­ https://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/featured/july-1—-ymca-of-coastal-georgia-recognizes-community-leaders-with-service-awards/article_fd40f9ac-f947-11ec-bfc2-eb4c5311b9ec.html

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.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS NEARLY $171K IN GRANTS

(THE BRUNSWICK NEWS) Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation plans to award a record-setting total of grants this year to local organizations that work directly with the area’s most vulnerable population. Twenty-four organizations in Camden, McIntosh and Glynn counties will receive a total of $170,988 from the foundation’s Community Impact Grant initiative. The initiative focuses on organizations that provide a variety of critical, innovative and effective services to at-risk youth and the adults who care for them. The YMCA of Coastal Georgia was among the grant recipients.

THOR NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Thor is one of sixteen dogs we rescued from a twenty six dog hoard. He is a very sweet boy that is still very shy. He will need a patient owner that can give him the time to learn how to be a puppy and learn that people are good. He likes to play with his toys and other dogs. He is working on his house manners but is not 100% housebroken yet. He deserves a second chance, could that be with you?

HOW HELPING OTHERS IS THE ASHFORD TEA COMPANY’S CUP OF TEA

(WSAV) Ever wonder how to find the right tea to help calm your mind, sleep better or just feel better? Helping others understand the benefits of tea is why the owner of the Ashford Tea Company opened his store in Savannah. But, that’s not all that the specialty tea shop offers. It also has a partnership with Healthy Savannah in which a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Equi-Tea will go toward support its mission.

YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION TRANSFORMATIONAL INVESTMENT

(SAVANNAH BUSINESS JOURNAL) At its 167th annual meeting, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia announced a transformational investment into the health and well-being of its core constituent communities, beginning with Pooler’s West Chatham YMCA.

FREE AT-HOME COVID TESTS

(COVID.GOV) Every U.S. household can get up to 3 orders of at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at no cost. Visit COVID.gov/tests to place your order.

WJCL 22 ADDS WEEKEND MORNING NEWS ANCHOR OLIVIA WILE

(WJCL) WJCL 22, the Hearst Television-owned ABC affiliate for Savannah, Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry, has named Olivia Wile as weekend morning news anchor. She will join Meteorologist Melissa Hall for news and weather for Savannah and the Lowcountry beginning July 9 th . Wile will also report three days a week.

YOUTUBE CORRECTION CARDS, ANALYTICS UPDATES, AND MORE

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Explore YouTube changes with Social Media Examiner featuring Jerry Potter with Diana Gladney.

BLACK IN BUSINESS

(SCORE) The first ever Savannah “Black in Business” event has been announced for Savannah-area Black business owners and aspiring Black entrepreneurs. The event will consist of a panel of successful local Black business owners who will share their stories and answer questions about their entrepreneurial journey. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Howard Jordan Auditorium at Savannah State University and is free of charge. “Black In Business” is being presented by a partnership among the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, Savannah State University, Savannah Technical College, Truist, and Savannah SCORE. To register, go to https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000005rOnx.

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC HIRES NEW CHORUS MASTER

(WJCL) The Savannah Philharmonic (SavPhil) and its Chorus have welcomed a new chorus master, Paul Thornock. In his new role, he will work with Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada to prepare the SavPhil Chorus for performances. Thornock is well-known in Savannah’s sacred music community. He is the organist and director of music at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, where he conducts the semi-professional Cathedral Choir, the fully professional Choral Scholars, and acts as artistic director for the Friends of Cathedral Music concert series.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLINICS

(CHATHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT) The Chatham County Health Department will offer free hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition screenings on July 28. This screening is required for any students new to Georgia schools, regardless of grade level. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take advantage of these clinics and not wait until the back-to-school rush. Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis and no appointment is necessary. For additional information, call the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441.

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 UNDERSERVED 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.

COLONIAL OIL ADDS PEAK ENERGY/HAYWOOD OIL

(BULKTRANSPORTER.COM) Colonial Oil Industries, a subsidiary of Colonial Group based in Savanah, Ga. recently acquired Peak Energy/Haywood Oil Company. The combined operation of the North Carolina-based petroleum marketer expands Colonial’s operations, allowing it to serve more customers in and around the Asheville market, the company said.

SAVE THE DATE

(ISLE OF HOPE, GA) The Isle of Hope Art and Music Festival returns Saturday, October 22, 2022. The festival will feature talented local artists and musicians. The event is free for all ages and will feature IOH favorites and new vendors. Artists will be located at the Isle of Hope Marina Pavilion, Paxton Park, Rose Avenue, and Bluff Drive from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Music Festival will be from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the IOH Marina. An incredible lineup of musicians will be announced soon. Local food trucks will provide great food and treats. The Isle of Hope Marina will sell beer, wine, soda, and water.

5K FRIENDSHIP FUN RACE

(SAVANNAH, GA) In honor of International Friendship Fun Day, S2S is sponsoring a 5K on July 30. S2S is a community 5013c whose mission is to bridge gaps through diversity, inspiring friendship, empowerment, and community engagement for girls and women aged 9 years and older. The 5K Friendship Fun Race route is certified by USATF, and will be held at the Tanger Outlet in Pooler Ga. starting at 8am, registration at 7am. There are multiple levels of sponsorship opportunities.  Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Pooler/S2S5kFriendshipFunRun

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FREE ORAL HEALTH CLINIC

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council is seeking general volunteers, dentists, dental hygienists, interpreters (Spanish) and vendors for its 2nd Annual Free Adult Oral Health Event. Planned for 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 SCAN> PAY> GO

(ENMARKET) Getting what you need on the go has never been easier. Enmarket is now accepting in-store payments from the Enmarket app, Paypal & Venmo.

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:

July 27th @ 12pm

September 28th @ 12pm

November 30th @ 12pm

CAMP BUDDY IN CHATHAM

(CHATHAM COUNTY) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will be hosting their 13th annual Camp Buddy summer camp for Chatham County on July 11-15 at St. Andrews School, located at 601 Penn Waller Rd, on Wilmington Island. ldssga.org

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

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC PARTNERS WITH LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES

(SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC) The SavPhil and Live Oak Public Libraries are beginning a new partnership to offer programming which combines creative musical exploration and literary discovery across the region. Follow both organizations’ social media to see where we’ll be popping up!

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.