COMMUNITY HEADLINES – JUNE 27, 2022

COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATE TRAINING ON JULY 7

Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia are inviting neighborhood leaders, church leaders, community service providers and others interested in health equity to consider joining its Community Health Advocate training program. An upcoming online training session is scheduled for Thursday, July 7. To RSVP or to learn more, please email Dr. Elsie Smalls at elsie@healthysavannah.org or call 843-323-9997.

ENMARKET ANNOUNCES NEW VP OF MARKETING

(Savannah, Ga.) Enmarket has announced that Jeannie W. Amerson, a veteran marketing executive in the convenience store industry, has been named vice president of marketing for the growing Savannah-based chain.

CAMP BUDDY EFFINGHAM

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) recently hosted its 13th annual Camp Buddy summer camp at the Ebenezer Elementary School.

Cayden Smith (Left) and Peyton Schuman (Right) prepare food bags for the Backpack Buddies program.

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.

YOUTUBE VIDEO SUCCESS RECIPE REVEALED

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Want to get more leads or sales from your YouTube videos? Wondering if there’s a secret to creating the perfect video for businesses? Discover a four-part recipe for successful YouTube videos and some common mistakes to avoid.

SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC WELCOMES NEW CHORUS MASTER PAUL THORNOCK

(SAVANNAH, Ga) 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.

HOLT NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Holt and his brother, Sassy, came to rescue together. They look very much alike with just some shading differences to tell them apart. Holt is a friendly, affectionate kitten who is always ready to greet our volunteers. Holt will be current on vaccinations and neutered prior to adoption.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLINICS

(CHATHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT) The Chatham County Health Department will offer free hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition screenings on July 7 and 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 REP’S THE SPITFIRE GRILL OPENS JULY 1

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Repertory Theatre has announced that its summer musical presentation of The Spitfire Grill opens July 1 at Jenkins Hall on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus. The company will be led by Dani Vazquez in the role of Percy Talbott, who arrives in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin with one suitcase and a number of secrets. Savannah Rep founding member Sandra Karas plays Hannah Ferguson, the Spitfire’s long-suffering owner, and Savannah Rep co-founder Jenn Bishop plays Shelby Thorpe, a patron and then employee of the Grill. The musical is full of love, redemption, and family, and is recommended for ages 13 and above. The Spitfire Grill opens July 1 and runs through July 10 at Jenkins Hall. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. General Admission is $35 and Senior/Military tickets are $25. Tickets are now on sale at http://savannahrep.org.

FACEBOOK ADS UPDATES

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Explore changes to Facebook ads with Michael Stelzner and Tara Zirker.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.