COMMUNITY HEADLINES – JUNE 20, 2022

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.

INTERPRETIVE NATURE TRAIL PLANNED NEAR ENMARKET ARENA

(THE CURRENT) Savannah is planning to build an interpretive nature trail as part of a future wetland preservation park near the new Enmarket Arena in the city’s Canal District, just west of downtown. Savannah City Council has approved nearly $170,000 for the project. The park is meant not only as a recreational amenity but also as a way to hold stormwater and mitigate flooding on this floodplain along the Savannah River.

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.

YOUTUBE FOR BUSINESS: THE EASY PATH TO CONTENT

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Are you struggling with creating YouTube content that helps your business? Want a better way to make content that converts? Discover some of the most common mistakes people make on YouTube and how to create better content for your audience.

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.

COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT HIV TESTING EVENTS JUNE 27

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) In observance of National HIV Testing Day, the Coastal Health District HIV Prevention Program in partnership with Walgreens will offer free HIV testing events at select Walgreens locations from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, June 27, in Chatham and Glynn counties. All testing is free and confidential and results will be available in about one minute. A follow-up visit will be scheduled for anyone who tests positive and counseling will be made available to those individuals. Individuals who get tested at any of the Coastal Health District NHTD event locations on June 27 will receive a $10 gift card. In addition to free testing at health departments and outreach events, the Coastal Health District now offers free self-test kits that can be used at home. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage people to get the facts, tested, get involved, and get linked to care and treatment services.

More information: coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv

LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CONCLUDES WITH GRADUATION CEREMONY

(BRYAN COUNTY NEWS) Leadership Southeast Georgia, a professional development and leadership program held throughout 10 coastal counties, concluded its 2022 programming with a focus on regional health and infrastructure. Speakers during the final session and graduation ceremony featured Armand Turner of Healthy Savannah, Ryan Chandler of Colonial Oil and Jeb Bush with Forsyth Farmers’ Market. Participants consisted of regional leaders from business, professional and civic organizations selected to participate in a five-month course of ongoing personal and professional growth to build connections and learn collaboration skills that empower them to improve the region.

SSU HONORS STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

(SAVANNAH TRIBUNE) Of Savannah State University’s approximately 250 staff members, Helpdesk Coordinator Kimberly Pitts has been named Staff Member of the Year. Pitts works in the university’s Information Technology (IT) Services department and received the award during the annual Staff Appreciation Day event.

CURLEY NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Curley was transferred from the Pembroke animal shelter after they lost power due to the recent tornado. If you are looking for a dignified old gent who just wants a place to spend his elder years, Curley could be your man. Curley enjoys the occasional walk and is friendly to most dogs and people. Won’t you consider giving the old guy a soft place to land?

$30K GRANT AWARDED

(THE CURRENT) The Current recently received a grant from the Columbia Journalism School for reporting on inequalities and misconduct in the American criminal justice system. The $30,000 grant, distributed through the Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights, will provide financial assistance and professional collaboration to pursue major reporting projects in Coastal Georgia on law enforcement, criminal prosecutions, judicial conduct, incarceration and racial and human rights abuses.

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.

HOW TO TURN INSTAGRAM FANS INTO CUSTOMERS

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Want to turn your Instagram followers into paying customers? Not sure where to begin? Discover the biggest mistakes to avoid and how to turn engaged fans into customers.

ROTARY CLUB OF SAVANNAH INSTALLS HUGH “TRIP” TOLLISON AS 2022-23 PRESIDENT, NAMES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Hugh “Trip” Tollison, President and CEO of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, has been installed as the 2022-23 president of The Rotary Club of Savannah. On June 13, the gavel was passed to Tollison by outgoing president Marjorie Young, founder and CEO of Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc. The ceremony took place at the DeSoto on Liberty Street at 12:30 p.m.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND ASHFORD TEA COMPANY INTRODUCE HEALTH EQUI-TEA

(SAVANNAH BUSNIESS JOURNAL) Healthy Savannah and Ashford Tea Company are brewing up something special. The two organizations are introducing a new product to Savannahians called “Health Equi-TeaTM.” The new tea was introduced to celebrate Healthy Savannah’s 15th anniversary on Monday, May 16 at the Ashford Tea Company. Health Equi-Tea is available for sale and a portion of the proceeds will directly support the work of Healthy Savannah. For more information and to purchase Health Equi-Tea, visit www.ashfordtea.co. To learn more about Healthy Savannah, visit www.healthysavannah.org.

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

LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19 TRAINING SESSION BEGINS JULY 7

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia are seeking members of the community to join the next training session for the Community Health Advocate program beginning on July 7. Attendees meet virtually in small groups of about 10 each and will be trained to develop approaches and reach out within their local communities to improve COVID-19 and flu vaccination awareness, education, and acceptance. In addition to a $500 stipend they’ll receive for completing the training, participants can sharpen their leadership skills, learn about health advocacy, and add to their resumes. To RSVP or to learn more, please email Briana at healthysavannahBW@gmail.com or text to (912) 421-9833.

SAVPHIL CONDUCTOR RECOGNIZED WITH CAREER ASSISTANCE AWARD

(SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC) Solti Foundation U.S. Board Chair Penny Van Horn and Elizabeth Buccheri, Artistic and Awards Committee Chair, announced the young American conductors who have been selected as 2021 recipients of The Sir Georg Solti Career Assistance Award, including Keitaro Harada, Music & Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic and Associate Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.

CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES WINNER OF $23K AUTO LOAN PAYOFF

(SAVANNAH, GA) Members of Center Parc Credit Union recently had the opportunity to enter a national sweepstakes in which the prize was paying off their auto loan. A winner was chosen from the larger organization of which Center Parc is a part. Member Nelsy Bacon was awarded more than $23,000 to pay off the Jeep she uses on her rural mail route.

ELECTION DAY INFORMATION

(SAVANNAH TRIBUNE) Runoff election day is Tuesday, June 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can confirm your registration status and poll location by calling (912) 790-1520 or by visiting mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

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.

COMMUNITY WELL BEING PROJECT

(SAVANNAH, GA) Community Engagement Artist/Activist Joann Morton is looking for community partners to be a part of a creative project to uplift the well-being of our community. For more information email hello@joannemorton.com or call 917-676-4280.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH AND LACTATION CONSULTANTS GIVE ADVICE ON FEEDING BABY DURING FORMULA SHORTAGE

(SAVANNAH, GA) It’s a situation that has hit parents from Savannah to every corner of the U.S. The nation is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of baby formula due to supply chain issues coupled with recalls and production shut-downs. Local public health and lactation consultants say there are alternatives for parents to consider during the shortage from breastmilk banks to re-lactation and support groups.

DEEP SUMMER BLOCK PARTY: ART IN THE TIME OF COVID

(SAVANNAH, GA) Deep Center is hosting the Deep Summer Block Party: Art in the Time of COVID, on Sunday, June 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Art in the Time of COVID will celebrate the release of Block by Block’s 2021-2022 anthology, as well as an opportunity for the community to celebrate and learn more about Deep Center youth and adult programming and will feature poetry, performance, food, and music. The event is completely free, but registration is required for attendance. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4y5x4xrp.

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC 2022-2023 SEASON AT A GLANCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) With better subscription packages, accessible prices, and a new season like never before, the SavPhil’s 2022-2023 season was created for YOU and for Savannah. There is something for everyone. Subscriptions are selling at a record pace, so make sure to secure your seats soon. Call (912) 232-6002 or visit https://savannahphilharmonic.org/subscriptions/ to purchase your season subscription.

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.