Tagged: Center Parc Credit Union

April 16, 2024

Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition Hosts April 21 Faith Walk at Lake Mayer

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition will host a free community event to celebrate health, wellness and springtime fun on Sunday, April 21 at Lake Mayer Community Park. Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at https://www.punchbowl.com/parties/39cba6fa531bc8c713f8

Called “Faith Walk” and co-sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Mayer pavilions, located at 1850 E. Montgomery Cross Rd., The activities will include a variety of healthy resources and giveaways for adults and games for kids such as corn hole, jump ropes and Hula-Hoops.

“We’ll be giving away 100 grocery bags from Forsyth Farmer’s Market, courtesy of Anthem, and CORE will be on hand with free COVID vaccinations for underinsured and uninsured adults,” said Ruby Castro, Nutrition Program manager. “Representatives from GirlTrek, Black Girls Do Bike, and Black Girls Run are also expected to be on hand with exciting information about those programs and to help show off the benefits of walking and bike riding.”

Attendees will also be able to participate in a healthy walk around the Lake Mayer trail which provides a connection point to the Truman Linear Park Trail. Those who wish to receive a free COVID vaccine are encouraged to register in advance at https://curogram.com/registrations/6164217118fe6d009fed44c1

“Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal that inspires us to reconnect with each other,” said Pastor Yolanda Roberson, executive pastor at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship and chair of the Faith and Health Coalition. “It is both refreshing and exciting for the entire community to join with those from our faith-based organizations to enjoy fellowship and healthy activities together.”

Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition is a sub-committee of Healthy Savannah, formed in 2014 to support faith-based organizations in implementing policies and programs that promote health. The Coalition strives to help elevate the health and wellness of the community through funding from an initial $3.4 million, five-year CDC Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant awarded in 2018 and a second five-year, $5.1 million REACH grant awarded in 2023, both administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

“We’ll additionally share the latest news about the scheduled completion of the Truman Linear Park Trail as well as updates on the entire Tide to Town urban trail system project,” said Armand Turner, Healthy Savannah’s deputy director, who also serves as the Friends of Tide to Town board president. “We are making great strides now that the City has brought a project manager on board, and we are also working with City staff on an official agreement between Friends of Tide to Town and the City of Savannah that outlines how the two entities can work together to ensure the trail system is constructed and maintained with equity and health in mind.”

Friends of Tide to Town is a nonprofit organization formed in 2017 to advocate for the development and promotion of Savannah’s Urban Trail System through community engagement activities.

Construction of the final three-mile stretch of the Truman Trail from DeRenne Avenue to 52nd Street is expected to get underway later this year. Once completed, it will fully connect the Lake Mayer Park Trail Loop to the Daffin Park Trail Loop, creating nine miles of continuous off- and on-road bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure through the heart of Savannah. The entire Tide to Town project is expected to connect 75% of Savannah’s neighborhoods to safe walking and biking infrastructure. It will include a network of 30+ miles of bikeable and walkable trails connecting more than 60 neighborhoods and 30 schools in Savannah and Chatham County, from downtown to the marshes and waterways.

In November, Savannah City Manager Joseph A. Melder appointed Tina Bockhold to take over management of the Tide to Town project, which received an additional $10 million in funding from the City Council last fall due to an increase in the hotel/motel tax and $8 million that was approved in February for construction of Phase IIB of the Truman Linear Park Trail. Bockhold, with 10 years of experience as a traffic engineer for Chatham County and the Georgia Department of Transportation, will manage all phases of the project design and construction.

Healthy Savannah’s online Healthy Walks map, https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/physical-activity/healthy-walks-story-map/, shows trail routes all across Savannah and Chatham County. Trail users are encouraged to share walk experiences by tagging photos and videos with #activepeoplehealthysavannah, #activepeople and #HealthyWalk.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA/HEALTHY SAVANNAH GRANT FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH: In September 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded a second grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) to Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. $5.1 million in funding is being deployed over a five-year period to be utilized in an “upstream” approach to foster sustainable health equity among racial and ethnic minority populations in low-wealth neighborhoods in areas of nutrition, physical activity and the reduction of chronic diseases. The renewed funding enables work to continue which began under the initial, five-year, $3.4 million REACH grant awarded in 2018, and a supplemental grant awarded in 2021 to increase awareness and acceptance of COVID-19 and flu adult immunizations. Working with more than 200 community partners and organizations, the Savannah/Chatham County project team’s specific goals in implementing the new five-year grant include fostering physical activity by creating greater access to safe places to walk, run, bike and play; elevating the health and wellness of the community through policy, systems, and environmental change; and providing education and awareness regarding adult immunizations, especially as they relate to health disparities in chronic conditions of hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The administrators will also continue to foster stronger connections between people and the healthcare providers who serve them by supporting awareness and use of the HERO Help Me database. In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s 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.
healthysavannah.org ymcaofcoastalga.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

March 21, 2024

Community Invited to Celebrate Healthy Savannah’s Four Years of Healthy Walks on March 26

Community Invited to Celebrate Healthy Savannah’s Four Years of Healthy Walks on March 26

(SAVANNAH, GA) A grass-roots initiative that started as a pandemic solution for people to escape isolation has become a popular early morning routine for many Savannahians. Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., Healthy Savannah’s Paula Kreissler and Armand Turner don their walking shoes and lead participants on Healthy Walks around Savannah and Chatham County.

Now, after having since offered more than 150 Healthy Walks over the past four years, the organization is celebrating the initiative by encouraging the community to join them at a special anniversary walk.

On Tuesday, March 26, the public is invited to meet up with members of Healthy Savannah, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Friends of Tide to Town to celebrate the 4th anniversary of Healthy Walks. Walkers will gather at 7:30 a.m. in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway at Bona Bella Ave. This will be a low-impact two-mile walk along a portion of the Tide To Town Urban Trail system known as the Truman Linear Park Trail, which is level and accessible, with wide, paved walkways and highly visible pedestrian crosswalks. The walk will last about an hour and end back at the starting point.

“At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many people were isolated and homebound, this activity grew from a need for folks to get out and participate in a safe social setting that also encouraged physical fitness,” said Turner, deputy director, Healthy Savannah and board president, Friends of Tide to Town. “It was also a way for people to experience our local trails and parks and see areas of our city and county from a different perspective.”

Founded in 2007 by Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson with the aim of making Savannah a healthier place to live, Healthy Savannah has since grown into a dedicated coalition of over 200 partner organizations with which the organization leads, collaborates and innovates equitable solutions for the sustained health of all Savannahians.

Together with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Healthy Savannah currently administers a five-year $5.1 million Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant to foster sustainable health equity among racial and ethnic minority populations in low-wealth neighborhoods in areas of nutrition, physical activity and the reduction of chronic diseases. A portion of the grant funding supports the development and use of the Tide to Town urban trail system.

The Friends of Tide to Town was founded in 2018 to lead the community-based engagement, implementation and stewardship of Tide to Town, through the lens of health and equity.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a single session of moderate to vigorous physical activity such as a brisk walk can provide immediate health benefits including improved sleep, less anxiety, and lowered blood pressure. Long-term benefits can include improved heart and brain health, a healthier weight, bone strength and even a lower risk for certain cancers. [https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults.html]

But CDC data also indicates only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 high school students fully meet physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

“While these walks do encourage physical activity, we also want weekly walkers to have fun while exploring activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations all around our community,” said Kreissler, Healthy Savannah’s executive director. “We might invite someone who knows about the history of the area to walk along and tell the story behind the trail or point out significant landmarks of the area we’re visiting. It gives you an entirely new perspective of places you might have always known but never really knew.”

Kreissler says the March 26 anniversary walk will take walkers along a section of the Truman Trail which has newly planted camellias.

Savannah City Council recently approved an over 8 million dollar contract for the second phase of the Truman Trail construction. The first three miles, completed during the pandemic, run from Lake Mayer to DeRenne Ave. The next segment will run for about three miles picking up at DeRenne Ave. near Jenkins High School to 52nd St. and Bee Rd. Construction is expected to get underway later this year. Once completed, it will fully connect the Lake Mayer Park Trail Loop to the Daffin Park Trail Loop, creating nine miles of continuous off- and on-road bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure through the heart of Savannah.

“In our most recent Healthy Savannah survey, which we have conducted each year since 2014, respondents said they would walk or bike to work, school and shopping if there were bike paths and sidewalks,” said Turner. “That’s precisely what we’re striving to accomplish through the Tide to Town urban trail project.”

Almost all (87%) of Healthy Savannah’s 2023 survey respondents said that sidewalks/paths in areas for walking to work, school, and businesses are fairly or extremely important. A majority (70%) further indicated that they use the city and county parks at least once a month or more and (75%) participate in physical activities a few times a month or more.

“Our observational data also shows that Black and white residents use the trail in nearly equal numbers,” said Turner. “The trail system is creating a safe, stress-free place to walk, jog, skate or bicycle for all.”

Turner says the Tide to Town project is also gaining greater momentum now that the City has brought a project manager on board. The group is additionally working with City staff on an official agreement between Friends of Tide to Town and the City of Savannah that outlines how the two entities can work together to ensure the trail system is constructed and maintained with equity and health in mind.

When completed, Tide to Town will include a network of 30+ miles of bikeable and walkable trails connecting more than 60 neighborhoods and 30 schools in Savannah and Chatham County, from downtown to the marshes and waterways.

“We encourage everyone to get out and get healthy, whether you join our Healthy Walks or explore these routes on your own, using the Healthy Walks map,” said Kreissler. “You can also watch live streams and recordings of our walks on Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page.”

The next healthy walk is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on April 2 at Whitemarsh Preserve, 68 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410. To learn about upcoming Healthy Walks, click on Healthy Savananh’s Healthy Activities calendar, https://healthysavannah.org/healthy-activities/, and to watch live streams of their walks every Tuesday morning, visit Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/healthysav and Healthy Savannah’s Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/officialhltysav/

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

June 30, 2023

Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition Hosts Faith Walk at Lake Mayer July 16

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Healthy Savannah Faith and Health Coalition will host a free community event to celebrate health, wellness and summer fun on Sunday, July 16 at Lake Mayer Community Park.

Called “Faith Walk” and co-sponsored by Forsyth Farmers’ Market’s Farm Truck 912, the event will be held from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Mayer pavilions, located at 1850 E. Montgomery Cross Rd., and will include a variety of healthy activities.

“As a faith leader, I think it is refreshing and exciting to have the entire community join us for this walk for faith-based organizations and their congregations where we get to enjoy healthy food and fun,” said Pastor Yolanda Roberson, executive pastor at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship and Faith and Health Coalition co-chair.

Farm Truck 912 is scheduled to be there, hosting a healthy cooking demonstration featuring fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables right off the truck. Plus, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Georgia will sponsor 100 fresh produce bags to be provided to families that attend the event.

Attendees will also be able to participate in fun activities such as a healthy walk around the beautiful Lake Mayer trail which provides a connection point to the Truman Linear Park Trail. There will be games for kids, such as corn hole, jump ropes and Hula-Hoops. Participants will have the chance to win three $50 gift card vouchers for the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

Representatives from GirlTrek and Black Girls Do Bike will also be on hand with exciting information about those programs and event organizers will provide an update on the Tide to Town Urban Trail system.

“We’ve worked hard to make this event positive and fun for the whole community,” said Rhonda Barlow, Faith and Health co-chair and School Nutrition coordinator for Savannah Public Schools. “We want everyone who can, to come eat good food and walk with us.”

Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition is a sub-committee of Healthy Savannah and was formed in 2014 to support faith-based organizations to implement policies and programs that promote health. The Coalition strives to help elevate the health and wellness of the community through funding from the five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA/HEALTHY SAVANNAH GRANT FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH: In September 2018, Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia were awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. Awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the funding is being deployed in an “upstream” approach by the Savannah/Chatham County project team to foster sustainable health equity among Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. The aim of the local project, called Healthy Opportunities Powering Equity, or HOPE, is to increase the availability of high-quality nutrition; promote physical activity through creating greater access to safe places to walk, run, bike and play; and foster stronger connections between people and the healthcare providers who serve them. Working with more than 200 community partners and organizations, the team is committed to elevating the health and wellness of the community through policy, systems, and environmental change. In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s 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.
healthysavannah.org ymcaofcoastalga.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

May 4, 2023

Healthy Savannah Celebrates 16 Years and Bestows 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop it Up Savannah at Biennial Meeting

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah observed its 16th anniversary on May 2 at the Charles H. Morris Center in Savannah. The non-profit organization is known locally and nationally for championing a culture of health in Savannah and Chatham County by fostering programs and promoting environments that make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Christina Cook presents the 2023 Health Innovation Award to Molly Lieberman, executive director of Loop it up Savannah, at Healthy Savannah’s Biennial Meeting on May 2.

During the breakfast event, held every other year with a collaborative network of local partners, Healthy Savannah announced the winner of the 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop it Up Savannah and celebrated the milestones that have made and are making Savannah a healthier place to live and work.

“From advocating for Savannah’s Smoke-Free Ordinance to administering a five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH), our mission is to lead the way for significant, measurable, impactful programs that change the health landscape of our community,” said Paula Kreissler, executive director.

Eight years after Savannah’s ordinance was passed, the Georgia Department of Public Health documented a dramatic decrease in Savannah and Chatham County hospital admissions from 2010 to 2018 for obstructive heart disease, including heart attacks. It further noted that hospital admissions in nearby counties increased, while the state’s numbers stayed the same. The study also showed an uptick in visits to Savannah bars and restaurants, indicating the ordinance did not hurt business revenues.

Healthy Savannah, along with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, has administered REACH grant funds since 2018 to foster sustainable health equity among Black residents in Savannah’s and Chatham County’s low-wealth neighborhoods. Some of the partnerships receiving grant funding and closing the equity gap in areas of nutrition, physical activity, clinical/community connections and COVID/flu awareness and acceptance include the Corner Store program, Farm Truck 912, Fresh Express, The Tide to Town Urban Trail network/Truman Linear Park Trail, HERO Help Me database and Healthy Savannah’s Community Health Advocate program. In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s 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.

In celebration of the achievements made by Healthy Savannah’s network of more than 200 partnerships, Christina S. Cook, MPH, CHES; presented the 2023 Health Innovation Award to Loop It Up Savannah for its Mindfulness Zone program. The program offers children a toolkit of strategies for addressing emotionally challenging circumstances that arise in school among peers, at home with family members, and among community members.

Nominees for the Health Innovation Award which were also recognized for their contributions to Healthy Savannah included Blessings in a Bookbag / Bike Walk Savannah Bike Drive; Chatham Area Transit’s Wellness Center; Mountain Film Festival Youth Program; and Stars School Initiatives Summer Camp for Boys.

Healthy Savannah’s Armand Turner presented the inaugural Dennis Hutton Spirit award in support of a community or school garden to Feiler Park Community Garden along with a $1,000 check. Hutton, who passed away in 2022, was well known for contributing his time and talent over the past decade to Healthy Savannah, Savannah Urban Garden Alliance, Mixed Greens and the Forsyth Farmers Market.

Montrece McNeill Ransom, JD, MPH, director of the National Coordinating Center for Public Health Training was the keynote speaker for the event.

“I’m super excited to be here in Savannah to talk with Healthy Savannah and all the folks that care about making Savannah healthier and more equitable and to talk with them about the phenomena of belonging,” said Ransom. “Belonging is the number one motivator that unleashes human potential.”

Ransom was appointed as a Presidential Management Fellow and worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for almost 20 years. For the last 10 years of her service, she led CDC’s public health law-related training and workforce development efforts. (More at https://nnphi.org/about-nnphi/nnphi-team/montrece-ransom/)

The biennial event also afforded the opportunity for the outgoing chair, Lillian Grant-Baptiste, to hand over the gavel to the incoming chairperson, Blake Caldwell, MD.

“Healthy Savannah’s leadership has been instrumental in forging an extraordinary culture in our community,” said Caldwell. “The unique cooperation and creative collaboration with more than 200 organizations has resulted in numerous accomplishments from the Smoke-Free Air Ordinance to the Truman Linear Park Trail. I am excited to expand and enhance these collaborations to continually make Savannah a healthier place to live, work, and play.”

Caldwell is a physician and scientist who had most recently served as vice-chair of Healthy Savannah. She retired in 2010 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is a pediatrician, but her early career included 8 years in the Navy doing bacterial research with a two-year tour teaching tropical public health and deployment medicine to Navy physicians in Panama. She joined the CDC in 1989 and her long career there included epidemiological research in HIV, health services research in health care quality and medical errors, and finally health policy for infectious diseases. She has also served on several non-profit boards and helped found the Healthy Savannah Grant Planning Working Group. In 2011-2012 she chaired a task force for the Metropolitan Planning Commission to revise the city and county animal control ordinances to encourage urban agriculture.

The non-profit also announced its new slate of executive board members: Blake Caldwell, MD, chair; Tom Bullock, PhD, vice chair; Nick Defley, MS, vice chair; Cheri Dean, secretary; and Pastor Yolanda Roberson, member at large.

Roberson, who is the executive pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, has also been appointed as co-chair of Healthy Savannah’s Faith and Health Coalition to serve alongside Rhonda Barlow, MPH, RDN, LD, CLC.

The organization additionally welcomed new board members Krystal Sharp and Tiffany Young; and recognized Grant-Baptiste for her leadership as the outgoing chair of the organization, along with retiring board members Melanie Willoughby, RN, BSN, CCR; Cristina Gibson, MPH.

Gibson was recently appointed as the new chair of the Healthy Savannah Steering Committee, previously chaired by Young. She has served in public health for 20 years and is currently the Chronic Disease Prevention director for the Coastal Health District. As a member of the Healthy Savannah coalition, she has been at the forefront of efforts leading to the adoption of local smoke-free ordinances and a 100% smoke-free campus policy at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus.

A healthy breakfast was provided by the Southern Palate and Ashford Tea Company supplied refreshments, including “Health Equi-Tea™,” first introduced in 2022 to celebrate Healthy Savannah’s 15th anniversary.

The public-private coalition launched by former Savannah Mayor Dr. Otis Johnson in 2007 has cultivated partnerships with more than 200 businesses, nonprofits, faith- and community-based organizations, schools, and healthcare and government agencies to develop policies and improve environments to assist people in making healthier choices the easy choice and to create and support a healthier, safer, and more accessible environment for all people to live, learn, work, pray, and play.

“I am thoroughly impressed with the breadth of the work that’s going on,” said Johnson. “I feel like a granddaddy seeing the work of his grandchildren. Thank you for giving me the time to congratulate you.”

COVER ARTIST – INKYBRITTANY:
Brittany Curry has served for many years as a cover artist for Healthy Savannah’s biennial meeting programs and for numerous other projects of the organization. Curry provides illustrations that clearly reflect Healthy Savannah’s vision and culture of health in our community. An early image she created for the non-profit was submitted as part of a successful grant package that led to a huge impact in Savannah/Chatham County and enabled her to launch her business and signature name, InkyBrittany. As a graphic recorder and facilitator, she documents meetings and events through live note-taking using a combination of text and large-scale visual imagery. In 2017, Curry joined the International Forum of Visual Practitioners and was also named to Georgia Trend’s annual 40 Under 40 list of rising entrepreneurs and innovators statewide. She currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy and is a trained moderator in public deliberation who has worked with the Kettering Foundation and The National Issues Forums. She is currently working with Healthy Savannah on another high-intensity event, with exciting details to be forthcoming.

PAST INNOVATION AWARDS RECIPIENTS:
2021: Nandi Marshall, PhD: Savannah H.O.P.E Project (Breastfeeding)
2019: Everybody Eats Fresh Free Fridays
2017: Savannah Bicycle Campaign – New Standard Cycles Program
2015: Forsyth Farmers’ Market

ABOUT HEALTHY SAVANNAH
Healthy Savannah, a 501©3 public charity is a public/private coalition of over 200 businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, schools, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare and government agencies, It began as an initiative of City of Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, formed in 2007. Healthy Savannah leads and supports a culture of health in the Savannah area by creating an environment that makes a healthy choice the easy choice; building a collaborative network that identifies and shares resources; collecting and disseminating information, promoting best practices and implementing innovative programs, and advocating for effective policies. Since its inception, this innovative, cross-sector collaboration has vastly benefited the community as evidenced by numerous multi-agency projects, grants and policy initiatives that have emerged from the initiative to create and sustain a Healthy Savannah. For more information, visit www.healthysavannah.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

April 3, 2023

CENTER PARC TO HOST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR HORIZONS SAVANNAH

Youth-focused charity’s Giving Day 2023 will be held May 10

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union will be hosting a free Business Lunch and Learn Event in support of Horizons Giving Day on May 10th at noon at the Flagship Branch located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road. Box lunches will be provided. Community members can learn more about Horizons and the upcoming Horizons Giving Day.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHnCIe5A7jWEEM-Wd0wolvc_W_3Pzce3OwG8v5CBb3JXaGWQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Horizons Savannah collaborates with families and the community in its efforts to support Savannah-area youth. The yearly fundraiser is designed to help “close the gap” for under-resourced students over summer break. Funds raised during Giving Day 2023 will support a summer program, featuring engaging academics, social-emotional learning and swim lessons for every child, as well as continued engagement with Horizons Savannah students throughout the year.

A division of Atlanta Postal Credit Union, Center Parc Credit Union’s mission includes “helping our members achieve financial success by providing exceptional products.”

Center Parc Marketing Growth Specialist Regina Pointer said, “I believe Horizons is all about teaching young students how to make good decisions, which can lead to success. So we are both making a positive difference in the Savannah community that will have a far reaching effect in the short and long term. Center Parc’s collaboration with Horizon also will extend to offering the youth in their summer program financial workshops. At the end of the day we are both ‘people helping people.’”

The 2022 summer program saw the group’s first Experiential Learning Week where students took part in a week of experience-based learning at off-campus locations. Topics of interest included culinary arts, the environment and history. This Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to get to know Horizons and how the organization supports the growing need for youth engagement and addresses educational equity in the Savannah area.

The local event is an offshoot of Horizons National’s Giving Day 2023.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new free-standing flagship branch is located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road at the Berwick Marketplace. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org

ABOUT HORIZONS SAVANNAH
Horizons Savannah’s mission is to partner with youth, families and the community to enrich the lives of students with the joy of learning, the skills for success and the inspiration to realize their dreams. The 6-week summer program features high quality academics, social and emotional learning, and swim lessons. Horizons serves 300 income-qualified students from public schools through summer and year-round programs at the host campuses of Savannah Country Day School, St. Andrew’s School, Bethesda Academy and Savannah Christian Preparatory School. For more information visit www.horizonssavannah.org, call 912-961-8854 or see Horizons on social media @horizonssav

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
(912) 844-9990

March 14, 2023

Center Parc Credit Union works with Junior Achievement to connect Savannah High students’ education to careers

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union has partnered with 3DE Junior Achievement to teach Savannah High School sophomores about problem-solving in the context of a financial institution – and to help them present during the Chase Challenge Presentation held on Oct. 19.

LEFT TO RIGHT:
Savannah High students: Christiana Roberts, ShaNiya McNair, Destiny Frazier, Keshauna Gusby and Regina Pointer, Savannah marketing growth specialist at Center Parc Credit Union

3DE Junior Achievement partners with national and local businesses to introduce the case method approaches to public high schools, enabling students to connect their education with real life scenarios. Over a five-week span, students work in teams to craft a solution to an actual problem faced by a partner company such as Center Parc.

“We presented the students with a case challenge on cultural agility,” said Regina Pointer, Savannah marketing growth specialist for Center Parc. “We asked them a question that we work on every day: how can we attract younger members to the credit union? It’s a chance for them to learn from us – and for us to learn from them!”

During the first part of the learning process, Center Parc financial experts acted as coaches for the participating students, bringing their relevant problem-solving techniques to the student teams. On Oct. 19, those same experts served as judges during the competition.

Teams researched their cases and developed their unique solution to the question into a formal presentation. Judges from Center Parc evaluated and provided feedback on each presentation and ultimately selected the winning team.

The winning team members were Keshauna Gusby, Christiana Roberts, Destiny Frazier and ShaNiya McNair.

“We are excited to see what our students figured out with the help of Center Parc Credit Union,” said Shybria Moore, 3DE Junior Achievement director. “Partnerships like this allow our students insights into real-life problem-solving skills and give them the confidence they need to enter the workforce We couldn’t be fore thankful for the credit union’s time and energy!”

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new financial flagship office is now open in Berkwick Market Place. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org

CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

March 14, 2023

Paula Kreissler to speak at Monthly Lowcountry Down Syndrome Meeting March 16

(SAVANNAH, GA) Paula Kreissler, executive director of Healthy Savannah and the program manager for the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; will speak at the monthly meeting of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) on ways to get out, get active and get healthy.

LDSS’ Family Support meeting will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 in the banquet room at Joe Marchese Construction located at 1525 Dean Forest Rd., Savannah, GA 31408. Please enter through the side entrance labeled “100A”.

Kreissler volunteered with Healthy Savannah from its launch in 2007, before accepting her current position. She graduated from Concordia University, is a licensed CPA, earned an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University in 2012 and is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia. The first 25 years of her career were spent primarily in Operations Management at FedEx.

In 2008, Kreissler received the Top Ten Working Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award from A Working Women In Need (AWWIN). The business she founded in 2005, Wound Care Clinic -ESU, won the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award from the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Kreissler was recognized by the United Way Women’s Legacy Council with a “Women Who Rule” award.

Accompanying Kreissler at the meeting will be Armand Turner, Physical Activity Program Manager with the (REACH) grant. Turner is a Gary, Indiana, native and a graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Recreation. Turner interned at the Denver Parks and Recreation Department in 2014. A year later he worked at Texas Parks Recreation Department in Southlake and Grapevine, Texas. Most recently, Turner was the Recreation Coordinator at Albany State University in 2016.“Healthy Savannah and its 200+ public and private partners are making an impact by collaborating around policy, systems, and environmental change through the lens of health equity,” said Kreissler. “The organization has collectively been at the table to educate policy influencers and policymakers on how they can help make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

Since the creation of Healthy Savannah in 2007, numerous studies have shown a positive upturn in health outcomes and healthy lifestyles as a result of new policies being implemented like Smoke-Free Air, School Wellness Policy, School Design Guidelines, Complete Streets Ordinance, Community Garden Policy and the Farm Truck Ordinance.

In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the organizational REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity [https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/reach-lark-award/index.html]. The award recognizes the organization’s efforts to reduce health disparities among African American and Hispanic/Latino American residents with low incomes in Chatham County. Those initiatives include Active People, Healthy Savannah; Farm Truck 912; Healthy Checkout Initiative and #HEALTHY WALKS.

LDSS will be partnering with Healthy Savannah on Tuesday, March 21 to celebrate the three-year anniversary of #HEALTHY WALKS and to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day with a 2-mile walk on the Truman Linear Trail. Participants will meet up at 7:30 a.m. in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway at Bona Bella Ave.

ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education and advocacy. Meetings are held every 3rd Thursday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/

healthysavannah.org ymcaofcoastalga.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

March 9, 2023

Healthy Savannah AND YMCA Celebrate Three Years of Healthy Walks on March 21

The public is invited to walk in commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day.

(SAVANNAH, GA) For the past three years, Healthy Savannah’s Paula Kreissler and Armand Turner have donned their walking shoes every Tuesday morning and led participants on Healthy Walks around Savannah and Chatham County. Now, the duo is preparing to celebrate the three-year anniversary of the grass-roots initiative that started out as a pandemic solution for people to get out and explore Savannah area trails and walkways.

On Tuesday, March 21, the public is invited to meet up with members of Healthy Savannah, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) at 7:30 a.m. in the parking area at Scarborough Sports Complex, Skidaway at Bona Bella Ave. for a two-mile trek of the Truman Linear Park Trail. The trail is level and accessible, with wide, paved walkways and highly visible pedestrian crosswalks. The walk will last about an hour and end back at the starting point.

“This started as a simple way for folks to get out of the house at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Turner, Physical Activity Program manager. “We thought it would be a good way for people to escape isolation and experience local trails with new friends. Since those early days, we have discovered the many benefits of taking these walks.”

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 high school students fully meet physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.

CDC data also suggests a single bout of moderate to vigorous physical activity such as a brisk walk can provide immediate health benefits including improved sleep, less anxiety, and lowered blood pressure. Long-term benefits can include improved heart and brain health, a healthier weight, bone strength and even a lower risk for certain cancers. [https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-adults.html]

“Throughout the pandemic, these weekly hikes have allowed us to explore activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations all around our community,” said Kreissler, executive director. “We’ll often also take a moment to talk about the story behind the trail or the significance of the area we’re visiting.”

Those planning to join the Healthy Walk on March 21 are also invited to wear two different, colorful socks to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day and raise awareness for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

“You can’t love what you don’t know,” said Joe Marchese, president, LDSS. “Once you get to know someone with Down syndrome, you realize that we’re more alike than we are different. And it’s the differences that make us all the same. Wearing the two different socks reminds me to pray for the people that I love with Down syndrome and to celebrate those differences every day.”

There are already a number of options for ADA-accessible trails throughout Savannah and Chatham County, including the Truman Linear Park Trail, of which about three miles is completed from DeRenne Avenue to Lake Mayer Community Park.

“Savannahians are telling us that access to sidewalks, bike lanes and other recreation facilities is important to them,” said Turner, referencing the 2022 results from a Healthy Savannah survey. “Nearly half of the respondents said they would walk or bike to work, school or shopping if there were safe paths or sidewalks.”

When fully constructed, the Truman Trail will be approximately 6 miles long and will link 827 acres of existing parkland in Chatham County by connecting Lake Mayer to the 77-acre Daffin Park. Including the Daffin Park trail loop and the Lake Mayer trail loop, the total connected pathway will be approximately 9 miles.

As administrators of the five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH), Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are committed to fostering sustainable health equity among Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. They do this by working to increase the availability of high-quality nutrition; promoting physical activity through creating greater access to safe places to walk, run, bike and play; encouraging stronger connections between people and the healthcare providers who serve them; and developing opportunities for greater awareness and acceptance of COVID and flu vaccines. Healthy Savannah and the “Y” are also participating in the national initiative, Active People, Healthy Nation, to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

“We encourage you to get out and get healthy, whether you join our Healthy Walks or explore these routes on your own, using the Healthy Walks map,” said Turner. “You can also watch live streams and recordings of our walks on Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page.”

Healthy Savannah’s online Healthy Walks map (https://healthysavannah.org/healthy-walks-2021/) shows trail routes all across Savannah and Chatham County. Trail users are encouraged to share walk experiences by tagging photos and videos with #HealthyWalk and #ActivePeople.

For more information on upcoming Healthy Walks, and to watch live streams of their walks every Tuesday morning, visit the Healthy Savannah Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/healthysav and Healthy Savannah’s Instagram page at officialhltysav.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

March 3, 2023

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CENTER PARC YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIPS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Time is running out to apply for the Center Parc Youth Member Development Scholarships. The deadline is March 6.

The 2023 Center Parc Scholarship Program awards two $1,000 scholarships to members who demonstrate academic excellence, citizenship and credit union participation. The Center Parc Youth Member Development Scholarship reflects a belief that education is the foundation that helps young members flourish.

Anyone who is a member of Center Parc is eligible to apply as long as their account (checking, ATM or Check Card, savings, etc.) is in good standing with no delinquent or charged off loans or credit card accounts. Also, the member must be a graduating high school senior who will enroll in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

Proof of enrollment must be provided in the form of an Attendance Verification Form from the school prior to distribution.

Scholarship winners will be chosen no later than April 3, 2023. Awards will be deposited to the winner’s Primary Savings Account no later than April 28, 2023.

For more information on qualifications and how to apply, go to https://www.centerparc.org/product-pages/youth-accounts/scholarship/

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION

Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new free-standing flagship branch is located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road at the Berwick Marketplace. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT

Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912-844-9990

January 28, 2023

Center Parc Credit Union co-sponsors Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity Conference helps to help new homeowners secure financial futures

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union hosted the inaugural Habitat for Humanity Forever Family Conference at its Flagship Branch at Berwick Market in Savannah this past Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event, which Center Parc co-sponsored with CareSource, helped homeowners secure long-term financial success.

“Our mission here at Habitat is to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope,” said Zerik Samples, CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity. “That is what we accomplished at this conference. We connected our homeowners with the necessary resources and training from community professionals to help prepare them for their futures as homeowners and potential investors.”

Samples also thanked Center Parc Credit Union for hosting the event and having some of its employees serve as instructors.

This year’s event comprised workshops on relevant topics, such as

– “Why Budgeting is Important, 21 Simple Tips that Make Budgeting Easy,” presented by Regina Pointer Marketing Growth Specialist, Center Parc Credit Union

– “Basic Home Maintenance,” presented by Samuel Pointer, Pastor, Bethel Apostolic Church Savannah

– “Life Planning,” presented by Moya Campbell, vice president, Lighthouse Financial Group

– “Understanding Generational Wealth,” presented by LaWanda Johnson Allen, real estate broker, The Allen Real Estate Group

“We are proud to have hosted a program whose themes fit so well with our mission,” said Center Parc’s Regina Pointer. “This program was designed to be a benefit to the attendees and the larger community as well.

“For most people, owning a home is how they fulfill their American dream. Being financially savvy helps people plan for the future. It gives them a measure of security. Stability in homeownership creates stability in communities.”

Center Parc donated the conference room for the event and co-sponsored with CareSource.

ABOUT COASTAL EMPIRE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
As an affordable homeownership ministry, Habitat for Humanity is committed to partnering with low-income, working families. Habitat helps deserving families realize their dream of owning quality, affordable, energy-efficient homes in safe, revitalizing neighborhoods in Chatham County. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As one of 1,600 affiliates in the US and part of Habitat for Humanity International, which is active in 70 countries worldwide, Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity addresses the need for safe and affordable shelter both locally and around the world. https://www.habitatsavannah.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
912.844.9990

January 26, 2023

Healthy Savannah Survey Results Show Increased Use of Community-Based Solutions

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannahians are becoming more aware of and utilizing community-based solutions that promote healthy food and physical activity where they live, work and play. The findings of a 2022 survey conducted by Healthy Savannah were revealed at its CDC Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Stakeholders’ Meeting on January 25, 2023.

About 35 participants were in attendance, representing Savannah and Chatham County organizations committed to elevating the health and wellness of the community. The event was held at the Vaden Automotive corporate office building at 12020 Abercorn in Savannah.

“I think it’s so important that we all come together around a common cause, the work that we do,” said Lillian Grant-Baptiste, chair of Healthy Savannah. “It’s important that we hear from one another so that we have a greater understanding of everything that we’re doing individually; it makes possible all that we do collectively.”

The 2022 survey measured the impact of ongoing efforts funded by the REACH grant in areas of nutrition, physical activity and community/clinical linkages as experienced by Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. Feedback was collected from 642 respondents across the county but concentrated in target census tracts.

The 2022 survey results indicated:
• Physical Activity – More people are aware of the Tide to Town trail system and Active People Healthy Savannah initiative. Access to sidewalks, bike lanes and other recreation facilities has become more important. Nearly half of the respondents would walk or bike to work, school or shopping if there were safe paths or sidewalks.
• NUTRITION AND HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS: Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) continues to be a leading resource in Savannah /Chatham County. A majority of respondents (66%) had heard about or used the market and (53%) currently purchase healthy foods at FFM, up 20% from 2019. A quarter (26%) had purchased food from FFM’s Farm Truck 912 and three quarters (75%) desired to do so. Generally, there was an increase in healthy food purchases and the use of SNAP benefits.
• RESOURCE DIRECTORIES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Resource directories are beginning to see an increase in utilization. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of respondents had used the 211 resource line in 2022, up from 32% in 2021. Herohelpme.com, an online directory of community health resources, with 57% of respondents reporting its use. This was an increase in use, up from 20% of respondents in 2021.

“We still have some work to do to help people connect with life-changing resources,” said Armand Turner, physical activity program manager. “More than 85 percent of respondents said they are unfamiliar with our Tuesday healthy walks, the walking school bus initiative, the convenience store fresh food initiative or breastfeeding advocacy. We have ongoing efforts in all of these areas through REACH grant funding.”

Turner says it was concerns related to reduced physical activity at the start of the COVID pandemic that led him, along with Healthy Savannah Executive Director Paula Kreissler, to engage the organization’s social media followers to join them for weekly healthy walks on trails throughout Savannah and Chatham County. The two have continued to lead the Tuesday walks each week, often sharing the backstories of historic trails and showcasing updates on the Tide to Town protected network of walking and bicycling trails. Once completed, Tide to Town will connect 75% of Savannah’s neighborhoods to safe, affordable and cost-effective walking and biking infrastructure.

Kreissler challenged participants to use the survey results and resources such as the REACH-funded Community Health Advocate program to develop specific actions for their agencies. The stakeholders unanimously agreed that they would lend their support through promotion and participation to help increase the REACH grant-funded Community Health Advocate network across the county.

“I think especially in the work that we do it is very imperative that we collaborate,” said Dr. Deidre Grim, PhD, MPA, MPP, MUR.

Grim is the executive director of Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) and Farm Truck 912, its mobile farmers’ market that brings local seasonal fruits and vegetables to Savannah’s low-wealth neighborhoods. Farm Truck 912 is also supported by REACH grant funds.

“Providing resources that address nutrition insecurity, lack of access to healthy options and lack of access to transportation takes a joint effort. We must make sure we are very intertwined with each other’s work because we’re able to then convey that to the community. The community looks at all of us for resources.”

Healthy Savannah has been engaged in collecting community feedback on healthy food and active living knowledge and behaviors since 2014. The work is funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Racial and Ethnical Approach to Community Health (REACH) grant, administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. The survey focuses on general knowledge of Healthy Savannah activities, community knowledge and behaviors related to healthy food and active living. The majority of respondents in the 2022 survey were Black/African American (66%). Most were 30-59 years old (74%) and had lived in Chatham County for more than 10 years (67%). For more information about the 2022 survey results, contact Paula Kreissler at paula@healthysavannah.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

December 11, 2022

Statesboro Student Receives Center Parc Scholarship

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Statesboro student Kadin Story has won one of three 2022 Youth Development Scholarships awarded nationally by Center Parc Credit Union and its larger parent organization, Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

“This competition is an opportunity to recognize some of our most outstanding young members,” said Belinda Blair, VP of Marketing. “Kadin Story has had an inspiring high school career and we are delighted to play a part in his upcoming career at Georgia Tech, where we are sure he will continue to excel.”

Story graduated this spring from Southeast Bulloch High School in Statesboro with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to study biological engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. While at Southeast Bulloch, he was captain of the varsity football team and student team leader in his youth group. Activities in which he participated include Beta Club, Future Farmers of America, Future Business Leaders of America and a Bible study group that he led.

His high school career was filled with honors and recognition, including the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Award, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence and the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence.

Both CPCU and the larger APCU, which has national reach, are community-oriented member-owned, not-for-profit financial institutions. This scholarship competition, which provides funds for high school seniors who are members continuing on to college, university or technical school, is indicative of the community service activities the organization embraces.

Story joins fellow 2022 Youth Development Scholarship recipients Montanna Freymiller of Livingston, Wisconsin, and Riley Palmer of Randolph, New York.

The scholarship program is an ongoing project. Applications for the 2023 APCU/CPCU Youth Development Scholarship will open to APCU and CPCU members in January 2023. Watch the Youth Accounts portion of CPCU’s website, www.centerparc.org, for updates.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company is also planning to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in 2022. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

November 10, 2022

Center Parc Credit Union Cuts Ribbon on New Flagship Center

(SAVANNAH, GA) A collection of community leaders gathered to help Center Parc Credit Union officials and members celebrate the ribbon-cutting of its flagship financial center at 5698-A Ogeechee Road on Friday, Nov. 4.

While the new branch stands in unincorporated Savannah, both Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson and Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton attended the ribbon cutting to show support of the members who are served by Center Parc in both cities.

LEFT TO RIGHT:
Savannah Flagship Branch Manager Emily Hopper, Marketing Growth Specialist Regina Pointer,
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, II, Interim Vice President of Savannah State University Shalonda
Mullgrav, Savannah Superintendent M. Ann Levett, Pooler Mayor Rebecca Benton, Center Parc CEO Charles M. Head, Center Parc President Blake Graham, Center Parc Board of Directors Chairman Charles “David” Disharoon, Board of Directors Secretary Timothy Payne, Board of Directors Member David G. (Jabo) Patterson, Board of Directors Member Vanessa Meek, Board of Directors Member Philip “Phil” Upchurch, Tameka Moultrie Director/Member Partnerships Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Inc. and Courtney Rawlins, Executive Director of the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

The new financial center, located in an outparcel of the Berwick Marketplace, becomes Center Parc’s first stand-alone facility in the Savannah area. Two existing branches in Chatham County are located inside the Pooler Walmart at 160 Pooler Parkway and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.

“With this modern, purpose-built facility, we are more prepared than ever to serve our members and our community,” said Chuck Head, CEO of APCU and Center Parc Credit Union. “We invite members and potential members to come see what this member-owned financial institution can do to help them reach their financial goals.”

For his vision in helping achieve this flagship branch, Center Parc named a conference room in Head’s honor. They also honored retired COO Theresa Stonecypher by dedicating the branch’s welcome center in her name.

Since Center Parc Credit Union makes supporting the communities a priority, the new 6,200-square-foot building includes several community-oriented features. For instance, groups can use its community room for meetings without charge.

The flagship location is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Drive-up ATM and ITM services are available on a 24-hour basis. Anyone who lives or works in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan or several other counties in Georgia qualifies to become a member of Center Parc.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest chartered credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020, two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The new financial flagship office is now open in Berkwick Market Place. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800.849.8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org

CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

October 21, 2022

Center Parc Credit Union to Cut Ribbon on New Savannah-Area Flagship Center

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting at its new Savannah-area flagship financial center, 5698-A Ogeechee Road on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022 at 11 a.m.

The new comprehensive financial services center becomes Center Parc Credit Union’s first stand-alone facility in the Savannah area, as its two existing branches in the area are located inside the Pooler Walmart at 160 Pooler Parkway and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.

Center Parc invites the community to join credit union officials, members, and invited guests as they gather at 5698-A Ogeechee Road, an outparcel of the Berwick Marketplace, to cut the ribbon on the flagship location.

Since Center Parc Credit Union makes supporting the communities it serves a priority, the new 6,200 square-foot flagship building includes several community-oriented features. For instance, groups can utilize a community room for meetings without charge. The building also
features amenities including a coffee bar and a technology station for credit union members.

The new flagship location is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with 24-hour drive-up ATM and ITM services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan or several other counties in Georgia can become a member of Center Parc Credit Union.

Center Parc Credit Union welcomes its members and the community to come by for a tour of the facility, information about their products and services and to get to know the friendly and professional staff.

“We are delighted with our new facility and can’t wait to share it with our members, our employees and the community at large,” said Regina Pointer, marketing growth specialist for Center Parc Credit Union.

The Redmond Group served as the primary contractor for this project and worked with many local subcontractors as part of the financial institution’s commitment to working with firms local to its service area.

Center Parc also has locations in Atlanta and is part of the CO-OP Shared Branch network, which gives members access to 5,000 credit union branches and offers surcharge-free transactions at more than 70,000 ATM locations across the U.S. For more information, call 800-849-8434, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at www.centerparc.org.

CONTACT
Regina Pointer, Savannah Marketing Growth Specialist
Center Parc Credit Union
5698-A Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31405
rpointer@centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young, President
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

April 17, 2021

Center Parc Credit Union wins MemberXP 2021 Best of the Best award

(SAVANNAH, GA) MemberXP, a member experience solution from CU Solutions Group, has named Center Parc Credit Union one of their 2021 Best of the Best award winners.

The coveted Best of the Best award is given each year to credit unions that have consistently provided exceptional member service, as reported by their own members. Only the highest-performing credit unions utilizing the MemberXP platform are given this honor. The Best of the Best award is independently granted by MemberXP based on specific and rigorous criteria. Taking into consideration the extreme challenges of delivering extraordinary member service during a nation-wide pandemic and economic crisis, this year’s award winners reflect some of the most agile and responsive credit unions.

MemberXP is a platform that allows credit union members to provide immediate feedback on the service they receive. Serving credit unions in the United States and Canada, MemberXP uses mystery shoppers and member surveys to gauge the overall member experience across multiple delivery channels, then deliver that data on an intuitive dashboard. The platform tracks specific experiences, such as applying for a loan, conducting a transaction — mobile, online or in branch — or opening a new account, and turns qualitative data into quantifiable and actionable information for the credit union.

“Center Parc Credit Union is committed to our mission of helping members achieve financial success, as demonstrated by this award,” said Donna Williams, Community Development Liaison. “We provide members with the highest level of service through our financial operation while also supporting the community’s well-being beyond financial services,” she continued, citing the credit union’s nonprofit sponsorships and strong local presence through programs like their Community Gardens Initiative.

“Throughout the last year, credit unions have once again shown they are willing to go above and beyond to connect and serve their members, no matter the challenges,” said Dave Adams, president and CEO of CU Solutions Group. “Every year the Best of the Best awards turns our attention to the trailblazers in our industry, that are truly dedicated to delivering brand-defining experiences and unparalleled member service dedication.”

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ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company is also planning to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in 2021. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at http://www.centerparc.org

ABOUT CU SOLUTIONS GROUP
Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., CU Solutions Group is an award-winning credit union service organization that offers products and services in the areas of technology, marketing, HR performance and strategic advisory. The organization is home to national credit union-focused brands including Love My Credit Union Rewards, Save to Win, MemberXP, CUBE TV Studios, Compease and Performance Pro. The company has more than 100 investors comprised of credit unions, credit union leagues and credit union system organizations and maintains strategic partnerships with Intuit TurboTax®, GSTV and CU Risk Intelligence. For more information, visit CUSolutionsGroup.com.

ABOUT MEMBERXP
MemberXP provides actionable member research to credit unions via MemberView, its omnichannel voice of member platform and MemberShoppers, its mystery shopping platform. MemberXP serves credit unions across North America and in Canada ranging in asset sizes of $100 million to over $9 billion. Learn more about MemberXP’s Best of the Best Awards at MemberXP.com/best-of-the-best-award/

CONTACT
Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison
Center Parc Credit Union
dwilliams@centerparc.org
http://www.centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
http://www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

April 5, 2021

Center Parc to Host Communal Art Pop-Up Party to Celebrate Earth Day

(SAVANNAH, GA) The public is invited to take part in a communal art project that will take place across Savannah all month in preparation of Earth Day (April 22), and Center Parc Credit Union is hosting a pair of pop-up parties with Savannah artist Joanne Morton, the driving force behind that project, the “Manifesting Mobile.”

The first of Center Parc’s pop-up parties was held at its Pooler branch, inside the Pooler Walmart, on April 1. Still to come is a similar event Tuesday, April 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Savannah branch, located inside the Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.

Participants will be provided with the materials to be incorporated into the “Manifesting Mobile,” an ongoing project that plays a heavy role in Savannah’s Earth Day calendar. Participants will add their message and artwork to 4-inch circles which will make up the larger mobile piece. Joanne Morton, who describes herself as a “positive energy artist/activist,” will be on hand at the party to facilitate the creation of the artwork. She will bring recycled cardboard circles, markers and other materials to produce the artwork.

“Center Parc has always recognized the importance of supporting and being involved in the communities where our members live,” said Donna William, Community Development Liaison. “Here in the Savannah area, we’ve done that with a strong focus on environment and health. We have sponsored community gardens and have partnered with organizations devoted to access to healthy food. Participating in Earth Day through this fun and inspiring art project just seemed a natural for us.”

Anyone who would like to participate is welcome at the Center Parc Credit Union party. You can also read more about the project, including other party dates at various Savannah neighborhood parks, at earthdaysavannah.org. Learn more about the principal artist, Joanne Morton, at her website, joannemorton.com.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company is also planning to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in 2021. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at http://www.centerparc.org

CONTACT
Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison
Center Parc Credit Union
dwilliams@centerparc.org
www.centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

February 25, 2021

Column: Arbor Day, Savings Grow like trees

What do Arbor Day and surviving a disaster like the pandemic-driven turmoil of the past year have to do with one another? Read on, and I’ll explain.

Did you celebrate Georgia’s Arbor Day this year? It falls annually the third Friday of February, which may be a little confusing if you also know that National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April (April 30 this year). Turns out, state versions of this tree-centric holiday vary as much as their climates: Georgia’s falls as our usually mild winter is winding down, while Alaska postpones its version until late May.

The actual date, of course, doesn’t really matter – what matters are the trees! We plant them for multiple reasons. The masses of trees that are lost to development each year need to be replaced. Tree plantings also have always had deep symbolic meanings as events – witness the cherry blossom trees in Washington D.C. or the 300 planned flowering trees that Freedom Park is adding to honor the late civil rights icon and veteran congressman John Lewis. Also, as we become ever more mindful of where our food comes from and how food insecurity threatens so many Americans, planted fruit trees literally pay us back with food.

Trees are powerful symbols for those of us in the financial industry because they are the opposite of instant gratification. You cannot instantly produce a tree – just like you cannot instantly produce financial security. Each is the product of years, decades even, of work and patience and persistence. The secret is not to let the time required to reach that goal, be it a towering oak or shelter from that proverbial rainy day, discourage us.

Georgia’s state tree, the live oak, can take 70 years to reach its full size, and then live to be several centuries old. Farmed pine trees can be ready for harvest in 15 to 20 years. And a pear tree, planted from a seed you dug out of your lunchtime pear, can bear fruit in somewhere between 3 and 10 years.

I think of these specific Georgia trees as symbols for the different types of savings. The slow-to-mature, massive live oak represents retirement savings, a process that ideally takes our entire working lives. The pine tree symbolizes our medium-range savings goals, for things like college for our children or homeownership. And that pear tree can be the emergency savings we all should have – the safety net that protects the other money we have saved and lets us sleep at night.

Those emergency savings are what the ongoing COVID crisis has brought into laser focus, and we’re fortunate they’re the pear tree of our savings examples – you know, the one that bears fruit fastest.

The emergency savings rule of thumb has been around so long, it’s hard to say where it comes from. It tells us we should have three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses socked away. That’s all your bills – rent or house payment, car note, credit card bills, utilities, insurance, and oh, yeah, groceries – times at least 3 and hopefully 6. And the challenge of the past year has a lot of us wondering if that rule of thumb doesn’t need a longer thumb – say 9 months or a year.

If you have never reached that 3-to-6-or-more threshold, you have no idea of the peace and power that little bit of security can mean. For many of us during the financial sinkhole that was 2020, our emergency savings made the difference between mere uneasiness and near despair. So, consider making building (or rebuilding) such a fund a priority as we begin to climb out of the current crisis. Set up a regular savings program based on withholding, with deposits going straight out of your paycheck and into your account without passing through your pocket.

Do I hope you set that account up at Center Parc Credit Union? Of course I do, but the real point is to establish it somewhere and stick to it. And stay out of that money, even when laptops go on sale or your daughter is planning a wedding. That way, the next time our world changes practically overnight, you will have access to a financial lifeboat and a precious sense of relief.

So get busy and set up your emergency savings account, or if you already have one, goose the amount you contribute until you reach that minimum threshold. And while you are at it, plant a tree and grow your future!

Submitted by Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison for Center Parc Credit Union

January 28, 2021

Homestead Harvest Giveaway Jan 30: Fighting hunger one harvest at a time. Center Parc Credit Union Sponsors Harvest Giveaway

(GARDEN CITY, GA) The Garden City Homestead Association’s community garden will share its third harvest with the community at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in a program that will include food demonstrations and education sessions. This is one of eight community gardens Center Parc Credit Union has awarded funding within the past six months.

The Garden City public is invited to share in a winter vegetable harvest that includes collards, cabbage, broccoli, and kale at the event, to be held at the garden, 4115 Second St. in Garden City. Representatives from the Garden City City Council are among those expected to attend.

Dorothy Dupree, MS, RD, LD, who is the school food nutrition coordinator and registered dietician with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, will use produce from the garden to showcase how to roast broccoli and make a kale salad.Leslie Weaver will provide healthy recipes, food safety tips and a demonstration of how to wash produce properly. Weaver is the family and consumer science agent for the University of Georgia’s Chatham County Extension program.

Belinda Baptiste, owner of Unforgettable Bakery, will be on hand to demonstrate “How Not to Kill Your Greens,” a presentation about how to keep nutrients in without sacrificing flavor.

Local families have been concerned about getting food on their tables in the past year, and have been reaching out to local organizations for help. During the first 11 months of 2020, food assistance was the top service people sought using the online health and social services network HeroHelpMe.com, with 627 searches. Another 97 searches were for Farm Truck 912’s Full Plate Program, demonstrating food security concerns undoubtedly exacerbated by COVID-19.

“Between January and November, herohelpme.com had 8,618 visits with 6,384 searches. The top five searches were for food assistance, rent and utility assistance, coronavirus help, housing and childcare,” said Ella Williamson, Director, St. Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Center and lead developer of the Hero database.

Further illustrating community need, since its launch in 2016, the YMCA’s Fresh Express program has distributed just over 39,000 pounds of fresh food to an average of 200 people a month in Savannah. Fresh Express, a YMCA of Coastal Georgia program operating in partnership with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, holds monthly free produce and bread distributions at two locations. The program dates to 2016, in the wake of a study that found 17.6 percent of Chatham County’s population and 21.8 percent of the county’s children are considered food-insecure. For more information, visit https://ymcaofcoastalga.org/freshexpress.

The Garden City Homestead Association garden is one of eight community gardens throughout Chatham County to which Center Parc Credit Union donated approximately $17,500 in sponsorship dollars throughout 2020. Representatives of the non-profit financial institution will be on hand for Saturday’s program. Center Parc also plans to launch its own community garden this year.

“Community gardens are becoming increasingly popular and can help communities increase their supply of fresh, healthy produce,” said Donna Williams, community development liaison for Center Parc Credit Union. “We embraced the concept even before the COVID-19 outbreak, and the pandemic has only made this project more important.”

In addition to increasing access to fresh food, community gardens beautify neighborhoods, encourage physical activity and educate the public about nutrition, Williams said.

For more information about supporting the garden as a volunteer or through donations, visit the Garden City Homestead Association Facebook page.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company is also planning to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in 2021. An ongoing community gardens program was launched in August 2020. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at http://www.centerparc.org

CONTACT
Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison
Center Parc Credit Union
dwilliams@centerparc.org
http://www.centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
http://www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

December 22, 2020

Center Parc Credit Union Sponsors Enmarket Encourage Health Series Live Broadcast January 7

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union is pleased to announce its support as speaker sponsor of the 2020-2021 Enmarket Encourage Health Education Series Live, scheduled for January 7. The program will stream live at 1 p.m. on Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/healthysav/) and will be streamed on Enmarket’s Facebook page. The program will be rebroadcast at a later date on the City of Savannah’s Government Channel and on SavannahNow.com/podcasts.

Armand Turner, physical activity program manager for Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, will outline strategies for creating walk- and bike-friendly routes to everyday destinations in the Savannah area on the second installment of the 2020-2021 Enmarket Encourage Health Series, set for January 7 at 1 p.m.

The series pivoted from a lunchtime lecture to a live online stream in 2020 to continue to provide wellness information and promote better health and quality of life for those in the Savannah area. It is now in its seventh year.

On this second installment of the 2020-21 series, Armand Turner, physical activity program manager for Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, will outline strategies for creating walk- and bike-friendly routes to everyday destinations in the Savannah area.

“Our mission is to go beyond helping our members achieve financial success,” said Donna Williams, community development liaison for Center Parc Credit Union. ”Center Parc Credit Union is committed to supporting community efforts that promote well-being, encourage physical activity and increase knowledge about healthy resources.”

For additional information and to RSVP to receive watch reminders for the Enmarket Encourage Health Education program live, visit http://www.healthysavannah.org/encouragehealthlive.

ABOUT CENTER PARC CREDIT UNION
Center Parc Credit Union is a division of APCU, the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. In September 2020 two new Center Parc Credit Union locations opened in the Savannah area: at the Pooler Walmart, 160 Pooler Parkway, and the Savannah Walmart, 6000 Ogeechee Road. The company also plans to open a free-standing flagship branch in Savannah in 2021. The member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative is dedicated to helping hardworking people save money and prosper. Each member’s funds are insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, call 800-849-8431, email info@centerparc.org or visit online at http://www.centerparc.org

CONTACT
Donna Williams
Community Development Liaison
Center Parc Credit Union
dwilliams@centerparc.org
http://www.centerparc.org

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912.844.9990
http://www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

December 10, 2020

THE ENMARKET ENCOURAGE HEALTH LIVE Educational SERIES EXPLORES HEALTHY WALKING ROUTES ON JANUARY 7

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Enmarket Encourage Health Educational Series, in partnership with Healthy Savannah, will stream its next LIVE broadcast on January 7 exploring “Activity-Friendly Routes to Everyday Destinations.”

Also sponsored by Center Parc Credit Union, the program will live-stream at 1:00 p.m. on Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/healthysav/) and will be streamed on Enmarket’s Facebook page. The program will be rebroadcast at a later date on the City of Savannah’s Government Channel and on SavannahNow.com/podcasts.

On this second installment of the 2020-21 series, Armand Turner will outline strategies for creating walking- and bike-friendly routes to everyday destinations in the Savannah area. Turner is Healthy Savannah / YMCA of Coastal Georgia Physical Activity Program Manager.

“Less than half of all adults get the recommended amount of physical activity,” said Turner. “Walking can be the easiest way to reach the recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Just 20 to 30 minutes a day is a healthy amount for adults.”

Creating access to safe forms of active transportation isn’t just about exercise. According to Turner, walking and biking are more than recreational hobbies. They could be the main forms of transportation for those who may have no other choice.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that 35 percent of people will walk to work if they live within one mile of their job,” said Turner. “When taking trips to the store and the shop is within one mile of a person’s home, 40% of people will walk. This shows the importance of walkable communities.”

Now in its seventh year, the Enmarket Encourage Health series pivoted from its traditional lunch-time lecture format to an online broadcast in 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus. However, the new format now offers the opportunity for a wider audience to tap into and interact with experts as they provide important information on nutrition, physical fitness and wellbeing.

Each program of the 2020-21 series is hosted by Frandasia Williams, a wellness guide, writer and certified yoga teacher. Williams received her MFA in performing arts from Savannah College of Art and Design and is the owner of Guided Surender Wellness Studio.

While all of the broadcasts are free and available to the public, organizers are requesting that audience members virtually RSVP at www.healthysavannah.org/encouragehealthlive. Those who register will receive a friendly reminder when each show date draws near, along with special offers that encourage health.

The 7th Annual Enmarket Encourage Health Education Series is presented in partnership with Healthy Savannah; media sponsor, the Savannah Morning News; and community partners, City of Savannah, Gulfstream and Clover Health. The January 7 program sponsor is Center Parc Credit Union. By going digital this year, the series is striving to safely engage with people wherever they are.

ABOUT ENMARKET
Enmarket, Savannah’s largest convenience store chain, employs more than 1,300 people and operates 128 convenience stores, 14 quick-serve restaurants and a fast casual restaurant as the 49th largest convenience store operator in the country. Founded as Interstate Stations by Robert Demere in 1963, the retailer operates convenience stores in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina and was noted as the industry’s “Biggest Mover” in store count ranking by Convenience Store News in 2018. The company is committed to giving back to the community through many charitable contributions and volunteer efforts, offering fresh food, healthy snacks, and competitively priced quality fuel as part of its mission to enrich life. www.enmarket.com

ABOUT HEALTHY SAVANNAH
Healthy Savannah, a 501C (3) public charity is a public/private coalition of over 200 businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, schools, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare and government agencies, It began as an initiative of City of Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, formed in 2007. Healthy Savannah leads and supports a culture of health in the Savannah area by creating an environment that makes a healthy choice the easy choice; building a collaborative network that identifies and shares resources; collecting and disseminating information, promoting best practices and implementing innovative programs, and advocating for effective policies. Since its inception, this innovative, cross-sector collaboration has vastly benefited the community as evidenced by numerous multi-agency projects, grants and policy initiatives that have emerged from the initiative to create and sustain a Healthy Savannah. www.healthysavannah.org

CONTACT
Matt Clements
Vice President of Marketing
Enmarket
MClements@enmarket.com

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations®
912.844.9990
www.carriagetradepr.com
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

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