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Why not Have a Dedicated, Active Brand Ambassador? One of the most common issues with digital marketing campaigns is how stiff, impersonal, and forgettable they can feel. Re While they’re designed to meet customer needs, many fail to create the kind of connection that resonates. Instead of leaving a lasting impression, these efforts often come…

Georgia students showed strong improvement on this year’s Georgia Milestones math tests, the state Department of Education reported Monday.

Scores increased on six of the seven assessments, including eight-point increases in eighth-grade math and high-school Algebra.

The Milestones math results were released two months after the results for English/Language Arts, science, and social studies to align with the new mathematics standards first implemented during the 2023-24 school year.

“I am extremely proud of Georgia students and our mathematics teachers and leaders throughout the state, along with all those who contributed to the review and redesign of Georgia’s K-12 mathematics standards,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said.

“Thousands of Georgians participated in the process of creating the new standards. They are truly Georgia-owned and Georgia-grown, and these scores are an early indicator of success for that work.”

The new math standards are designed to be clear, understandable, and age- and developmentally appropriate. They aim to present a reasonable amount of content each year so students can truly master concepts rather than simply being quickly exposed to them.

Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. For more information visit capitol-beat.org.

As states across the South continue to battle with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army is mobilizing its national Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) network to provide mass feeding, sheltering, clean-up support, personal hygiene kits, and emotional and spiritual care to survivors and first responders. Since Hurricane Helene struck multiple states, including Florida and Georgia, last week, an extensive network of highly trained EDS disaster professionals and volunteers has been on the ground serving communities across southern states.

“The Salvation Army’s presence in every zip code of the United States makes us uniquely capable of mobilizing from anywhere in the country for a disaster event like this,” noted Robert Myers III, Emergency Disaster Services coordinator for The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory. “We were preparing response efforts before the storm made landfall, and we will be helping these communities recover long after the flood waters recede.”

On Monday, September 30, The Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division will deploy several experienced disaster relief experts to assist with relief efforts in Florida and Georgia. The staff members include:

• Captain Enmanuel Villegas –The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (Greater Boston/Lynn Team) – Georgia
• Luz Caban, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (New Bedford Team) – Florida
• Pam Houghton, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (Newburyport Team) – Florida
• Cindy Kennedy, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (Athol Team) – Florida

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on the evening of Thursday, September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm before rapidly advancing northwest into Georgia.

“In the coming days and weeks, The Salvation Army will deploy additional mobile feeding units to provide meals and drinks, along with Emotional and Spiritual Care officers, a listening ear, and community resources to people affected by the storm. These dedicated teams will bring not only physical nourishment but also love, comfort, and compassionate care, surrounding individuals and families with support as they journey through this difficult time,” said Emily Mew, Director of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services in Massachusetts. “With the continued generosity of the public, we will remain on the frontlines of this disaster, serving those affected by the storm for however long we are needed.”

With over 7,200 centers of operation across the country, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to mobilize and serve communities before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts.

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane Helene relief:
• Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org
• Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate by mail:
The Salvation Army
P.O. BOX 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301
(Please designate Disaster Relief – Hurricane Helene on all checks.)

Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations due to the significant shipping costs. Cash giving allows us to make tailored purchases to meet specific needs as much as possible. For more information on The Salvation Army’s response, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

On Tuesday, October 1st, Christian City’s Active Senior Living community hosted a heartwarming 90+ Birthday Party to celebrate the remarkable lives of its residents aged 90 and older. With more than 60 seniors in this distinguished age group, the gathering will take place at the outdoor pavilion at the Children’s Village, located at 7501 Red Oak Road in Union City, starting at 2 p.m. We are expecting nearly 200 guests to join in this special celebration.

I’ve made the drive across I-16 too many times to count. I’ve been making it even more frequently over the past five or so years, while trying to decide if I live in the metro Atlanta area or on the Georgia coast. The drive Saturday was different.

I left Savannah about noon, most of the city including my home without electricity.  I was at least able to drive, after a couple of neighbors helped me remove large tree limbs from the top of my car.  The main trunk of the fallen tree remained suspended slightly above the vehicle, caught by the power line it ripped from the side of my home during its descent. 

After just a few interstate miles it quickly became clear that this was not an isolated problem – though I already knew that from news reports. The large and high signs usually displaying gas and diesel prices at truck stops were dark.  Before long I noticed billboards and GDOT road signs, and even a few of those truck stop signs damaged or gone entirely.  

By the time I approached Metter and traveled on to Soperton there were trees still on the highway, with crews only having removed the parts that extended into the travel lanes in order to get the freeway open.  At Dublin – well known to those of us traveling from Atlanta to Savannah or St Simons as a good “half way stop”- cars were backed up onto the interstate.  The traffic lights at the top of the exit were out.  I had already received word from a friend who knew I was on the road that they, too, had gas stations without power.

Conditions became much more normal once I passed Dublin and the track the eye of Helene had traveled.  There were still some signs that nature had visited in an ugly way, but not nearly what I saw for the previous hundred or so miles.

Landfall was along the Big Bend coast of Florida, near Perry.  Like so many of the towns impacted from Florida to Ohio and Indiana, Perry isn’t big enough to register with the press, and is one of those places you have to go to on purpose.  It’s off the beaten path.  Helene beat a path with wind and rain with devastation that we’re just now coming to grips with.  It is historic.

Valdosta has had more than its fair share of severe weather, from Hurricanes like Michael, to Tornadoes, and even a violent incident with just straight line winds.  I often talk to one of the coordinators of disaster response, a Program Director for Second Harvest of South Georgia.  I’ve told her recently after a storm “we have to quit meeting like this”.  

I haven’t talked to her yet this time, as she’s had her hands full.  Per Facebook posts, her own house had multiple trees fall on it, injuring her husband.  An ER trip was involved once the winds died down, and she notes he’ll be Ok.  This storm spared very few in its path, and I note with cases like hers that every first responder is also dealing with their own losses of power, perhaps property, or even family injury.  

Atlantans know of places like Dublin and Valdosta because they’re an oasis along the freeway to provide a good rest stop.  You’ll often hear phrases like “I stop there because there’s nothing on I-16”.  D.C. and New York media long ago coined the term “flyover country” for the part of the nation that separates the east and west coastal elites from each other.  

Atlantans don’t have a term for it, but there is much of the state which they’re only familiar with based on interstate rest stops.  This part of Georgia is hurting, and will need more of us to get off those interstates to tell the stories.

Many of the print publications that run these columns are along the I-16 corridor.  I’ve not yet done a role call to see how many have power and are able to publish.  I have through friends and social media seen not just the pictures from well-known places like Augusta National or some of Savannah’s towering moss draped oaks toppled from the roots, but places like Hazlehurst, where the downtown took a direct hit.

The damage isn’t just structural. It’s economic.  

This is farm country.  Crops yet to be harvested are likely beyond salvaging.  Farmers can’t just replace them.  That’s a good part of this year’s income, literally gone with the wind.

Two restaurants I like to frequent for breakfast – Lou Ann’s in Dublin and Clary’s Café in Savannah – had similar messages on Facebook.  Both hoped to open soon after the storm passed to serve their customers (as well as provide their staff with work).  Eventually, the realization of a prolonged power outage meant that food – a significant cost of their business – had spoiled and would have to be thrown out.  They would need time to re-stock before they could re-open.

Up the road in North Carolina and Tennessee the news is even more dire, and they’ll likely get the deserved media attention for the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding there in real time. That doesn’t mean that we need to forget our communities here in the Peach State, many of which are a bit off the beaten path.  

We have work to do.  It’s all of our jobs to ensure that no community is left behind until our state and our communities are healed. 

In celebration of National Neighbor Day (September 28), Neighbor.com—the leading peer-to-peer storage and parking marketplace—unveils the results of its fifth annual “Most Neighborly Cities in America” ranking. To establish the grading criteria, Neighbor surveyed 1,000 individuals on how they define neighborliness. The most common factors included charitable contributions, volunteer participation, and community engagement.

• Seattle, WA (Large City). Seattle’s high charitable giving, voter turnout, and innovative community programs propelled it to the top of the large cities category. Despite recent narratives, Seattle’s violent crime rate is middle of the pack for large cities which led to only a small impact on its overall ranking.

• Colorado Springs, CO (Medium City). Taking the top overall winner and medium-sized metro for 2024. Colorado Springs stands out for its packed community event calendar as well as its high rankings in both volunteerism and voter turnout.

• Provo, UT (Small City). The winner for small cities. Provo’s strong commitment to the community is clear from its emphatic support of local businesses and volunteer programs.

“In a time where social media often amplifies our differences, real-world neighborliness is making a surprising comeback,” said Joseph Woodbury, CEO of Neighbor. “Our data shows that despite the divisive narratives we often hear, Americans are actually craving and creating stronger local communities. This is especially crucial during this polarizing election season when loneliness and division seem to be on the rise. At Neighbor, we’re all about building a network of community thinkers who are willing to help their neighbors in small and meaningful ways.”

Top 5 Most Neighborly Large Cities:

1. Seattle, WA

2. Phoenix, AZ

3. Tampa, FL

4. El Paso, TX

5. Portland, OR

Top 5 Most Neighborly Medium Cities:

1. Colorado Springs, CO

2. Madison, WI

3. Virginia Beach, VA

4. Des Moines, IA

5. Richmond, VA

Top 5 Most Neighborly Small Cities:

1. Provo, UT

2. Ogden, UT

3. Rochester, NY

4. Harrisburg, PA

5. Augusta, GA

2024’s Overall Most Neighborly Cities in America

1. Colorado Springs, CO

2. Madison, WI

3. Virginia Beach, VA

4. Des Moines, IA

5. Provo, UT

6. Ogden, UT

7. Rochester, NY

8. Seattle, WA

9. Richmond, VA

10. Minneapolis, MN

Mayor Yemi of Colorado Springs said, “I’m incredibly proud and honored that Colorado Springs has been ranked the most neighborly city in the United States. Strong communities are built on the foundation of connectedness, where neighbors get to know, uplift, and support each other. One way we’ve promoted the spirit of neighborliness is our 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, where we challenged residents to connect in meaningful ways—whether through lively block parties or casual hangouts. This initiative is about connecting and activating our community, all in the spirit of addressing loneliness. We are on a mission to build a city of great neighbors.”

Neighbor also surveyed 1,000 Americans on what they consider “neighborly”—turns out people have stronger connections with their neighbors than you might think:

• Importance of Community: 60% of Americans rated living in a neighborly community as either “very high” or “high” priority when choosing where to live, emphasizing that people still highly value close-knit connections.
• Supportive Networks: Nearly 65% of people feel they can rely on their neighbors for help when needed.

The Georgia gas price average rose this week but remains under $ 3.00 compared to a week ago. Georgians pay an average of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average is 3 cents more than a week ago, 19 cents less than a month ago, and 29 cents less than last year. It costs drivers an average price of $44.55 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are paying almost $3.00 less to fill up at the pump than a month ago.

“Fuel costs were on a downhill slide, yet the anticipation of Hurricane Helene seemed to stir the waters,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Prices at the pump ticked up a bit since everyone was eyeing Helene; however, the good news is that it missed the refineries in the Gulf. So hopefully, any impact on Georgia’s gas price average will be fleeting.”

AAA encourages drivers to take advantage of the money-saving gas tips listed below.

Nationally:

Pump Prices Pause as Hurricane Comes Ashore

Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline increased by 1 cent to $3.21 (subject to change overnight). According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.77 million barrels a day last week to 9.20. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell slightly from 221.6 million barrels to 220.1, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.

Regional Prices:

Atlanta- $2.97

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.05), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.02), and Brunswick ($3.01).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Rome ($2.89), Dalton ($2.85), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.78).

Current and Past Price Averages (Regular Unleaded Gasoline) 

Money-Saving Tips for Drivers

• Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the Fuel Price Finder.
• Consider paying in cash vs. a credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers with a credit card.
• Enroll in fuel savings programs.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers

• Maintain your vehicle to ensure the best fuel economy. Find a trusted automotive facility at AAA.com/Auto Repair.
• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph. Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.

Traffic Safety Tip: AAA-The Auto Club Group “Move Over For Me” Campaign

“Drivers, if you see a disabled vehicle on the roadside while traveling, be courteous and Move Over,” said Waiters. “Remember the person who broke down could be you, a friend, a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor. Move Over for the safety of others and because it is the right thing to do!”