"Making ALL of Telfair County a better place to live, work, play and to call home"
NEWS
Town Hall Meeting to be held January 11, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. to Discuss the possibility of locating a Federal Qualified Health Care Center in Telfair County. Meeting will be held at the Telfair County Recreational Complex in McRae, GA “Federally Qualified Health Centers in Georgia” Since the 1970s, Georgia’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) have been providing primary care to those needing it the most.FQHCs serve inner city neighborhoods, small towns and rural communities.FQHCs are community owned non-profit health care providers serving low income and medically underserved communities. The access to care that FQHCs provide reaches those in areas of elevated poverty, higher than average infant mortality, and where few physicians practice.Care is tailored to fit the special needs of a given community. Georgia’s network of FQHCs consists of twenty-seven (27) community-based health centers, with over one-hundred-thirty (130) delivery sites in over 60 counties, makes a difference in the lives of over 260,000 patients each year. Patients receiving these services include uninsured, underinsured, migrant farmworkers, homeless and additional underserved populations.Care is provided regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay.These services are provided on a sliding-fee scale.FQHCs in Georgia save the state over $166 million in uninsured, Medicaid and Medicare costs each year. Care provided to patients of Georgia’s FQHCs include: Primary Care; Vision and Hearing Screenings; Diabetes Testing, Treatment and Education; Blood Pressure Monitoring and Cholesterol Screening; Health Education; HIV Testing and Counseling; Weight Reduction Program; Mental Health Care; Substance Abuse Treatment and Counseling; Dental Care; Prenatal Care and Women’s Health; Pharmacy Services;Case Management and Eligibility Assistance; Interpretation/Translation Services; Transportation. In addition to providing access to quality health care, Georgia’s FQHCs make quite an impact on Georgia’s work force.By keeping communities healthier, less sick-leave is taken, and FQHCs employ over 1,300 Georgians! The Georgia Association for Primary Health Care, Inc. (GAPHC) proudly serves as the member services organization of Georgia’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (also known as Community Health Centers).GAPHC is a not-for-profit corporation founded by health care advocates in Georgia over thirty (30) years ago.
Representatives from East Georgia Healthcare Center, Inc. (EGHC) and GAPHC will be in McRae January 11th at 5 PM for a Town Hall meeting to present the overview of future possibilities. EGHCs scope of service covers Emanuel, Tattnall, Candler, Treutlen, Toombs, Montgomery, and Bulloch Counties. EGHC has nine (9) provider locations and according to the calendar year 2008 report, EGHC provided care to 12,809 individuals. The majority of patients are low income (27% below 100% federal poverty level; poverty level is unknown for 54% of patients).
The service area includes a significant number of migrant and seasonal farmworkers—a large number of people living in extreme poverty. Our patients are largely uninsured (58%), although, a number are covered by public programs (21% Medicaid, 10% Medicare) and 11% are commercially insured. Poverty, in the service area, is considerable with approximately 46% of the service area living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).In addition, approximately 20% of the total service area population has no health insurance coverage. We appreciate your support of FQHCs and look forward to working with you in the future.
For more information about the town hall meeting contact the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce at (229) 868-6365 or rogers@telfairco.org
2010 TelfairCounty Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet
The Telfair County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Banquet will be held at the Telfair County Recreational Complex, Hwy 341, McRae, GA on Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m.
This special evening and celebration will also feature the announcement of the 2010 Telfair County Citizens (Man and Woman) of the Year as well as the Business of the Year, honoring one Business in TelfairCounty that has made significant contributions to our community. Nominations for Citizens of the Year and Business of the Year can be picked up at the Chamber Office at 9 East Oak Street or downloaded from the document library at bottom of page. Deadline for nominations February 4, 2010.
Tickets for the 2010 Annual Banquet are available by contacting the Chamber Office. Tables of six may also be reserved. Please remember that space is limited, so get your tickets today!
Contact the Chamber for more information at (229) 868-6365, (229) 860-0203 or email at rogers@telfairco.org.
Friends of Little Ocmulgee State Park Golf Tournament was a SUCCESS!
The Friends of LOSP held their First Golf Tourament on Saturday, November 14, 2009. There were 106 players (27 teams) lined up and ready to Tee-Off at 9 a.m. Senator Ross Tolleson and Senator Tommie Williams attended the Opening Ceremony. All proceeds of this event will go toward projects and programs of Little Ocmulgee State Park.
A special thanks to all the sponsors of this tournament.
Gold Level Sponsors: Emory Heart and Vascular Center of Middle Geogia (Dublin ) Martha Smith, MD FACC Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority Security State Bank Harveys Supermarket Wheeler County Board of Education sponsored by Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority
Bronze Level Sponsors: Telfair County Chamber of Commerce Representative Jay Roberts Smith's Pharmacy Senator Ross Tolleson Coca Cola McRae Rotary Club El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant (Eastman) Senator Tommie Williams McRae Manor Nursing Home
Contributing Sponsors: Stan Rutherford WUFF 97.5 Star 102.7 Fat Boys Camo La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant Husqvarna
Lunch Provided By: CB&T Bank Wheeler County State Bank Willow Creek Drive-In
Vets Honored by Husqvarna and Cub Scouts
Husqvarna and Cub Scouts Pack 22 honored Vets that are employed at Husqvarna on, Wednesday, November 11, 2009. In honor of each of these Vets, the Cub Scouts placed flags around the flagpole and Husqvarna presented each with a certificate to show appreciation of their service to our country.
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The Milan Detention Center located in the heart of Milan, Georgia is pleased to announce a JOB FAIR to be held at the City Gymnasium across from the City of Milan Fire Department on
Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Applicants sough for the following positions: Officers, Supervisors, Firefighters, Nurses, Facility Maintenance, Office Personel, Goergia POst Certified Law Enforcement Officers
All applicants must successfully pass: Criminal Background Check, Driving Records Check, Polygraph Examination, Drug Screen
All applicants must possess the following: High School Diploma or State Accepted GED, Valid Drivers License, Social Security Card
We offer the following: Good Pay, Good Benefits, Good Shifts, Great Working Environment
"We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer"
HUSQVARNAHELPINGMAKETELFAIRCOUNTYWORK READY CERTIFIED Thanks to the Heart of Georgia Work Ready Region Grant that includes Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler and Wilkinson Counties, Husqvarna employees participated in a Teamwork Course taught by the Heart of Georgia Technical College Community Education Division. The course consisted of seven class meetings on the Dublin HGTC campus followed by the group earning their Work Ready Certification at HGTC’s Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. To show their support, the Husqvarna administrative team treated the class participants to lunch at the State Park Lodge on August 27, 2009. During the months of September and October, nearly 80 Husqvarna employees participated in the class at HGTC’s Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center. This opportunity was made available to Husqvarna through the Heart of Georgia Work Ready Region Grant for Manufacturing & Distribution Industries. After completion of the course, the employees will have the opportunity to earn their Work Ready Certification.
McRae Crossroads City is “Takin’ It To the Streets”
A meeting of Crossroads City of McRae was held September 29 in an effort to find ways to improve downtown McRae.Several events are being planned to bring some life to downtown with the first being a monthly meeting of the merchants "Merchants Night Out". The first monthly "Merchants Night Out" will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Norwoods Courtyard on Oak Street. This will be a meet, greet and eat event. All merchants & businesses are encouraged to attend.
For more information on how you can be a part of this organization, contact Marie Jeffries at (229) 868-9677 or jamesrjeffries@yahoo.com
ABAC Students Working on Telfair County Project TIFTON--Students and faculty involved in the new bachelor’s degree program in Rural Studies at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College met with leadership from Telfair County on Sept. 22 to work on a class project which is bound to pay dividends for the residents of the area. According to Dr. Bobbie Robinson, Dean of the ABAC School of Liberal Arts and one of the faculty teaching the Introduction to Rural Studies class, “Students were asked to divide up into three groups to research areas that representative leadership from Telfair County felt might need work. We appreciate very much these community leaders assisting our students with the project, and we hope our students will be able to give back to Telfair County.” Dr. Niles Reddick, Vice President of Academic Affairs, co-teaches the Rural Studies introductory class with Robinson. He was very enthusiastic about the new Rural Studies program and the students’ project in Telfair County. “Service learning is a very important component for all ABAC students, but we certainly wanted our students in the new Rural Studies program to get real-world experience in dealing with areas they are studying in the degree program: Social and Community Affairs, Arts and Culture, and Business and Economic Development,” Reddick said. Reddick said Rural Studies is a first-of-its-kind degree program that has received local, state and national attention. “It often seems like rural communities are the ones who need the most attention and don’t get it,” Reddick said. Reddick said students are working on a project that focuses on issues related to tourism possibilities for Telfair County, and the downtown communities of Helena, McRae, and Lumber City. Another portion of the project will concentrate on the arts of Telfair County. “We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm of our students toward the project and know they will do well,” Reddick said. Robinson echoed those thoughts. “They are already making plans for their projects and developing plans to return for further research,” Robinson said. “ They felt genuinely welcomed by community members who were very forthcoming with information and a strong desire to offer whatever assistance they need.” For more information about the ABAC Bachelor’s degree in Rural Studies, prospective students can contact Paul Willis at (229) 391-4906 or visit www.abac.edu/ruralstudies. Back row (L to R): Jonathan Cassiday, Dr. Joseph Njoroge-Interim Department Head and Professor of Political Science, Carl Langford, Dr. Jeff Gibbs- Dean School of Business, Tanner Newhouse, Dr. Niles Reddick-Vice President for Academic Affairs, Tom Lanier, Matthew Keen.
second row (L to R): Annis Dominey- Pioneer Arts and Historical Society, Dr. Jewrell Rivers-Associate Professor of Sociology, Dr. Bobbie Robinson -Dean - School of Liberal Arts, Sarah Bowen-City of McRae, Ashton Harper, Susan Westberry, Carl MaNeely-Pioneer Arts and Historical Society
front row (L to R): Rebecaa Walker- City of Lumber City, Jessica Gandy, Brenda Doss, Esthela Lopez, Chelsea Bennett ; Sara Ervin, Sarah Tapp, Shiree Dominey.Not Pictured: Paula Rogers, President-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce, Sue Sammons-Lumber City Downtown Development Authority.
The Telfair County Chamber of Commerce Hosts the monthly meeting of the Magnolia Midlands Travel Association. The monthly meeting of the MMTA was held at the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce Office on September 17. Afterwards a delicious lunch was enjoyed at the Southern Star Grill.
The State of Georgia is divided into nine travel regions with Telfair County being in the Magnolia Midlands Travel Association.MMTA offers the communities within the travel region the opportunity to collaborate on a strategic regional marketing plan and product development projects. Participation is voluntary and does not effect the services provided by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. However, the travel association is an effective way to stretch your tourism dollars. (MMTA) In attendance were:
Front Row (L-R): Therisa Patton (Hawkinsville-Pulaski County), Paula Rogers (Telfair County Chamber of Commerce), Rebecca Burnett (Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County)
Back Row (L-R): Kimberly Brown (Hawkinsville-Pulaski County), Fay Tripp (GDEcD Director of Regional Rep. Program), Lori Hennesy (GDEcD Regional Rep.-Magnolia Midlands), Jennifer Boutwell (Eastman-Dodge County), Karen Tharpe (Baxley-Appling County), and Mandy McCullough (GDEcD Regional Rep.-Historic Heartland)
Members of Woodmen of the World Life INsurance Society dedicated the Flag at The Chamber Office on September 11, 2009 in honor and memory of the heroes and victims of September 11, 2001 and to to celebrate the enduring spirit of all Americans.
2 year old Russ Johns assisted Quinton Mullis in raising the Flag.
DRAWING WINNERS: Rifle - Pat Cravey Hog Hunt - Angie Leggett Telfair County Sports Season Passes - Brad Puckett
The Chamber appreciates everyone's support in this fund raiser.
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Telfair County Chamber of Commerce Sponsors a Raffle
Tickets are $5.00 each and is good for a chance of one of the following:
*One Weatherby Vanguard 270 Bolt Action Rifle *One day guided Hog Hunt for One at Yellow Bluff Adventure Society in China Hill, GA (offer expires in one year_) *Two season passes to all Telfair County High/Middle School sporting events (regular season and home games only)
Drawing will be held at the Lumber City Farm Day Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 9:00 p.m.
To purchase your ticket contact the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce located at 9 East Oak Street * McRae, GA or (229) 868-6365.
All proceeds go to the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce. Do not have to be present to win.
Printing of tickets was donated by the Merchants & Citizens Bank, McRae, GA.
Telfair County High School Baseball and Softball Fundraising Effort
1. As a joint fundraising effort, TCHS Baseball and TCHS Softball are selling Trojan Yard Signs. Show your support for your favorite sport or athlete. Yard signs are made of a sturdy, all-weather material and are available for the following sports: Football (2 designs), Softball, Baseball, Basketball, and Tennis. Signs are $15 each and can be personalized with your athlete's name and jersey number at no extra charge! Or, you can purchase a generic one that reads GO TROJANS for any sport! To order your sign, contact Coach Chris Ellis at 229-868-7465 or visit the TCMS or TCHS School offices. 2. TCHS Trojan Athletics GUN RAFFLE (flyer attached) 3. 2009-10 Trojan Baseball Discount Cards on sale now for $5 each. The cards are good for a year of discounts at the following businesses:
Vendor
2009-2010 Discount/Location/Restrictions
American Nails/Tantini
10% off
Cedar Lane Supper Club
10% off
Huddle House
10% off
Joy’s Florist & Gift Shop
10% off
Michael’s Deli & Seafood
10% off (Eastman)
Smith’s Pharmacy
10% off all OTC meds & gifts
Sonic
Get a Route 44 size drink for .99 cents (Eastman)
Swine & Dine BBQ
10% off
This Old House
10% off
Toni’s House of Style
$2.00 off haircut, 15% off all accessories
Video City/Tanning
25% off tanning and tanning lotions when you sign up for a month
Village Pizza
$2.00 off a LARGE pizza
Well’s Car Care
$2.00 off car wash/detailing service
"TEA Time in Telfair County"
The Telfair County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting of TEA Time (Telfair Enhancement Association) on August 26, 2009. JoAnne Lewis, President with the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority was the guest speaker. She talked about the importance of “Setting Annual Strategic Goals & Economic Development in Our Community & Team Work”.
Pictured:
(L to R back row)
Arnold Horton-Little Ocmulgee EMC & Chairman of Telfair-Wheeler Airport Authority; Thomas W. Anderson-Telfair County Board of Commissioners & JDA of Hazlehurst, Lumber City & Telfair County; JoAnne Lewis- President of Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Authority; M.L. Harrelson-Mayor of City of Helena; Howard Hart-Chairman of Telfair County Board of Commissioners; Herman Moore-Chairman of the Development Authority of Telfair County; Paula Rogers-President of Telfair County Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Waldrep- Regional Project Manager Global Commerce Georgia Department of Economic Development.
(Not pictured but in attendance)
DeannaJones-TelfairCounty Chamber of Commerce, Ruthie Jackson-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce
The Telfair County Chamber of Commerce held its second meeting of TEA Time (Telfair Enhancement Association) on June 24, 2009. The Mayors from each city and the County Commissioners were invited to attend this meeting in an effort to look for ways to improve the County and Cities through funding from various resources. Shiela Elliott with Congressman Jack Kingston’s office worked with Paula Rogers, Chamber President, to coordinate the guest speakers from Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Small Business Association, Small Business Development Center, Georgia Rural Water Association, USDA Rural Development, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and Heart of Georgia Rural Development Center. Each agency provided information on funding through grants and low interest loans. Pictured: (L to R back row) Jorge Valentin Stone-Small Business Association, Lenton Warren-Mayor City of Jacksonville, Alan Mazza- Heart of Georgia RDC, Josh Beck-Heart of Georgia RDC, Brett Manning-Heart of Georgia RDC, Jimmy Kirkland-Mayor City of Milan, Howard Hart-Chairman Telfair County Board of Commissioners, Thomas W. Anderson-Telfair County Board of Commissioners, Bud Crawford-Georgia Rural Water Association, (L to R front row) James Hightower-Small Business Association, Sue Sammons-City of Lumber City, Malisa Thompson-Georgia Department of Community Affairs, June Bradfield-Mayor City of McRae, Gretta Davidson-Clerk City of McRae, M.L. Harrelson-Mayor City of Helena, Sheila Elliott-Office of Congressman Jack Kingston, Paula Rogers-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce, Cleve Edenfield-Georgia Rural Water Association. (Not pictured but in attendance) Ricky Widener-City of Scotland, Jennifer Fordham-Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Deanna Jones-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce, Debbie Bullard-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce, Jana Williams-Telfair County Chamber of Commerce.
Telfair County Chamber of Commerce 9 East Oak Street * McRae, GA 31055 Office (229) 868-6365 * Cell (229) 860-0203 Fax (229) 868-7970 * rogers@telfairco.org www.telfairco.org
