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Five things to do during spring in Atlanta

It’s finally spring, which means it’s the return of (mostly) sunny days, warmth, and all the ventures that come with it. Tired of being cooped up? Here are five ways to end the winter woes and enjoy spring in Atlanta:

Dine on a patio

Springtime is prime patio weather. Atlanta offers some of the best patios to choose from, and nearly every neighborhood has a restaurant with a patio—some with skyline views. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a relaxed environment, there’s something for every palate. Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is one of our favorites. The camp-themed eatery, self-nicknamed “home of the three-day weekend,” is located on the Beltline, so it’s the perfect way to start—or end—your trek. The patio has fire pits, lounge chairs, and tents for private parties. Empire State South in Midtown is another fan-favorite, boasting a massive covered patio equipped with a bocce ball court—perfect for spring days. JCT Kitchen rounds out our top picks. It has sensational views, live music and is an excellent spot to kick back and relax. All three Atlanta localities have incredible food, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Picnic in the park

Nothing is more serene and nostalgic than relaxing in a park with a picnic basket in hand. With dozens of places to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a classic picnic during spring in Atlanta. Some of our favorite parks include Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, and Historic Fourth Ward Park—so there’s plenty of room to find the perfect, shady spot. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even head up to North Georgia, where there are plenty of hiking and picnic spots.

Unleash your adrenaline

Six Flags Over Georgia offers thrills to unleash your adrenaline with heart-stopping, stomach-dropping roller coasters and other thrill rides to test your limits. Not into roller coasters? There are several family-friendly rides! You must reserve your visit, and tickets are as low as $34 for a single day. The park is open on weekends through May and opens fully after Memorial Day.

Visit the Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is quintessential when it comes to celebrating the start of spring in Atlanta. It’s the perfect way to view exquisite, blooming flowers and embrace the warmer weather. There are numerous events held each month that cater to everyone’s interests. Whether it’s an orchid care course, an art class, or a garden party, the Botanical Garden offers something for people of all ages. If you want to stroll through the gardens, you can do that too! Admission is only $21.95 for adults, so it won’t break the bank.

Ride a bike

Riding a bike is a fantastic, environmentally friendly way to get out and explore. If you want to experience the city, the Beltline is your best bet. Biking along the Beltline is a fantastic way to view street art, enjoy local eateries, or switch up your exercise routine. Don’t have a bike? No problem! There are various bike rental shops near the Beltline, with some charging as little as $5 per hour. If you’re looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle, the Silver Comet Trail is a terrific option. The trail is 61 miles long, beginning in Smyrna and ending at the Georgia/Alabama state line, so it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Georgia’s natural beauty.

We’re eager for spring’s return and everything that it brings. Grab a group of friends, your brunch buddy, or whoever, and get out and enjoy Atlanta’s most incredible season.

Georgia’s Own Healthcare Heroes

As part of our Georgia’s Own Hero series, we’re honoring Georgia healthcare professionals who have been working bravely and tirelessly throughout the pandemic. Below are five extraordinary women who play an integral part in Emory Healthcare’s role in fighting COVID-19.

Colleen Kraft

Colleen Kraft is an infectious diseases specialist at Emory and has spent her career studying and treating communicable diseases. She was on the frontlines caring for Ebola patients at Emory and is now a vital part of a team responsible for protecting hundreds of healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic at Emory’s hospital network.

Deena Gilland

Deena Gilland is vice president and chief nursing officer for Emory Healthcare’s ambulatory patient services. Her knowledge of ambulatory clinical nursing deployment has played a significant role in her ability to lead and influence the mobilization of the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible groups in the hospital network.

Marybeth Sexton

Marybeth Sexton is an infectious diseases specialist and epidemiologist at Emory Clinic. Sexton is a key member of a team that leads COVID-19 preparedness efforts for the entire Emory Healthcare system.

Sharon Vanairsdale

Sharon Vanairsdale is the program director of the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit at Emory. Vanairsdale applied some of the critical lessons learned from the successful treatment of Ebola patients at Emory to help set rigorous standards for provider safety when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Christy Norman

Christy Norman is the vice president for Emory Healthcare Pharmacy Services. She led the complicated vaccine storage and distribution protocols for the COVID-19 vaccine for the state’s most comprehensive healthcare network. She also administered the first vaccine at Emory to a frontline worker in December.

To these brave women and every healthcare worker courageously fighting the pandemic—thank you. We appreciate everything you do to keep our communities safe and healthy, and we are grateful for your guidance and leadership during this time.

Congratulations to our 2020 Southwest Georgia scholarship winners

Congratulations to our Southwest Georgia scholarship winners! We awarded $1,000 to 23 students selected by a panel of judges who considered: academic record, financial need, school/community service, and an essay. Including the $23,000 committed to this year’s recipients, Georgia’s Own has awarded nearly $140,000 in scholarships to Albany students over the last 16 years. Meet this year’s winners:

Alexis Crimes | University of West Georgia

Alexis Danforth | Georgia Gwinnett College

Amiel Johnson | Wesleyan College

Amiraica Johnson | Albany State University

Annlyn Royal | Berry College

Ariana Drake | North Carolina A&T State University

Ashlynn Wright | Fort Valley State University

Ayanla Dudley | Florida A&M University

Ayanna Newberry | Valdosta State University

Bethany Phillips | Valdosta State University

Elijah Humphries | University of Georgia

Emily McClure | Georgia Southwestern State University

Gavin Baker | Kennesaw State University

Hayley Newberry | Georgia Southwestern State University

Jamia Lofton | Georgia Southern University

Katherine Smith | Truett McConnell University

Kirby Perry | Valdosta State University

Makayla Gay | Shorter College

Michael Harris | Middle Tennessee State University

Lindsey Creech | Georgia Southwestern State University

Rhiannon Belcher | Kennesaw State University

Sarah Mullins | University of Georgia

Tyler Coker | Valdosta State University

Five industries hiring during the coronavirus pandemic

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions throughout the country are out of work as businesses have been forced to make cuts or shut their doors altogether—the unemployment rate has skyrocketed, with almost 26 million people filing for unemployment. Even though many companies have laid off workers, some industries desperately need employees. If you’re searching for a job, check out these five industries hiring right now.  

Grocery stores

Grocery stores are hiring thousands right now—major chains, like Kroger and Publix, are in dire need of store clerks, stockers, and cashiers. Kroger has posted at least 20,000 job openings across the country. Also, with more people staying home, grocery delivery services like Instacart need shoppers.

Shipping and delivery companies

With more people resorting to online shopping, shipping and delivery companies, like Amazon, are hiring thousands of workers—Amazon has posted jobs at their fulfillment centers, as well as remote opportunities. UPS hubs are hiring as well, looking for drivers and warehouse workers.

Technology

Popularity in remote meeting platforms has rapidly increased as more of the country’s workforce is telecommuting. Companies like Zoom and Slack have posted various jobs for backend support and customer service, as well as sales. And, tech support companies, such as Support.com, are hiring remote support specialists. 

Online learning

As schools across the country closed for the remainder of the school year, over 50 million kids have been forced to resort to online learning. Online learning companies, like Outschool, are hiring instructors. From math and science to English and art, there are dozens of subjects available to teach and more than 10,000 classes offered.

Pharmacies

Almost half of Americans take at least one prescription medicine—despite the ongoing pandemic, people need those medications filled, as well as other conveniences pharmacies provide. So, many pharmacies are hiring more customer service associates and pharmacists. CVS and Walgreens are two major pharmacies that are searching for workers to fill these positions.

We understand that the job market is tough right now—but rest assured, Georgia’s Own is here for you and is determined to help you in any way we can. Please visit our website to view the resources we’re offering to members and the community.

How to help small businesses during COVID-19

Many locally owned businesses are struggling because of COVID-19. With social distancing measures in place, small businesses are either drastically changing how they operate or shutting their doors altogether. However, there are various ways you can help local businesses stay afloat. Here are five things you can do to help small businesses in your community survive:

Purchase gift cards

Gift cards are a great way to support small businesses while maintaining social distancing. By purchasing a gift card, you’re still contributing to local businesses, and you can shop or go out to eat at a later date. This especially helps places that have had to completely shut their doors, like nail and hair salons or boutiques. Most places allow you to purchase gift cards on their website.

Continue to shop online

Shopping online is another fantastic way to practice social distancing and continue supporting local businesses. Despite closing their doors to foot traffic, many small businesses are still open and operating, offering curbside pick-up or delivery. Even if some businesses don’t have the option to purchase online, you can often shop by simply messaging them through social media sites like Instagram or calling the store and placing an order directly.

Get takeout

Many local restaurants offer takeout or curbside pick-up. Most restaurants are also waiving delivery fees or offering no-contact delivery—meaning the delivery driver leaves your order outside of your door. If you plan having your food delivered, try to order directly from the restaurant, so you know they’re receiving 100% of the profits. A majority of food delivery services take a portion of the profits for themselves or charge restaurants high fees.

Contribute to a fundraising campaign

If you don’t feel comfortable ordering from restaurants, you could contribute to a fundraising campaign. Many restaurants and other small businesses are starting fundraisers for their employees who aren’t working their full hours or aren’t working altogether. Most post the fundraisers on their social media pages—all you have to do is donate online. However, do your research to be sure that what you’re donating to is legitimate. And, if your favorite restaurant doesn’t have a fundraising campaign, you could even start one for them.

Share on social media

If you’re not in the place to contribute financially, that’s okay. You can still help small businesses by solely sharing their posts on social media. Share a local restaurant’s menu or a local boutique’s post about their virtual styling appointments—either way, a simple share goes a long way, and it’s greatly appreciated by many small businesses.

Georgia’s Own Credit Union recognized for community outreach

Georgia’s Own Credit Union was recognized by BadCredit.org for our initiatives during 2019’s 85 Acts of Kindness.

Our very own Adam Marlowe, Principal Market Development Officer, discussed our constant dedication to improving the community—an important philosophy of Georgia’s Own. From partnering with organizations, such as L.E.A.D and Action Ministries, to promoting financial wellness, Georgia’s Own consciously prioritizes giving back to our members and their communities.

Because of our efforts, we received the BadCredit.org Editor’s Choice Award for Community Commitment.

Click here to learn more about our endeavors during 85 Acts of Kindness.