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State Tourism Office awards grant to Dorchester Academy
CVB Tourism official visit
Cindy Eidson, Department of Tourism, left; Henry Baker, Dorchester Academy board member; Mayor Bill Austin, Dorchester Academy board chair; Lisa Love, Department of Tourism; Leah Poole, Liberty CVB; and Cheryl Hargrove, Department of Tourism stand in front of the Dorchester Academy sign when being presented with a $4,000 check to enhance visitor experience at the academy. - photo by Photo provided.

 

The Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau was awarded a $4,000 grant while hosting the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division officials July 10-11 to get an inside look at Dorchester Academy, which is included in the statewide trail highlighting the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Liberty County Chamber/CVB CEO Leah Poole said the grant will fund an as-yet-determined project to enhance visitor experience.

“Since Dorchester Academy is a part of the Georgia’s Footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. Trail, we just wanted to offer technical assistance by bringing a very selective list of team members that potentially could help with future planning for Dorchester,” said Cindy Eidson, tourism product development director for the state.

“Everyone was thrilled about this opportunity to visit Dorchester and to work along with the Dorchester board and the Liberty County CVB to help offer ideas regarding opportunities to enhance the visitor’s experience.”

In addition to Eidson, present for the tourism product development resource team visit was Jeanne Cyriaque, African American heritage consultant; Melissa Jest, Historic Preservation Division African American Programs coordinator; Tina Lilly, Georgia Council for the Arts grants program coordinator; Lisa Love, Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism director; and Cheryl Hargrove, Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism program manager for the coast.

The group will return in the fall with a comprehensive report on next steps for Dorchester Academy. This report will be presented in a public meeting at the site.

“It was truly an honor to have these ladies, each an expert in her own field, here in Liberty County to facilitate potential growth at one of our historic sites,” said Leah Poole, Chamber/CVB CEO. “Dorchester Academy played a vital role in the U.S. civil rights movement, and they are very interested in helping our community tell that story well.” 

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Georgia Power provides tips for cold temperatures, winter weather this week
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As Georgia experiences frigid temperatures and the potential for severe winter weather later this week, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare and stay safe and warm. Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company’s social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm.

Tips to help minimize the impact of cold, winter weather on your power bill include:

· Optimize heating – Remember, heating can account for 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage. Enhance the efficiency of your heating unit by changing filters monthly, or every three months for pleated filters. Make sure heating vents and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.

· Check your insulation – Keep heat where it belongs by ensuring proper insulation in attics and walls. Replace any cracked or peeling caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy usage and reduce cold air infiltration into your home.

· Adjust your thermostat – Set your manual thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Each degree lower can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy consumption. Or take advantage of programmable thermostat features if available to save energy throughout the day.

· Use natural heat – Open blinds and shades on sunny days to naturally warm your home at no cost. Close them at night to minimize the chill from cold windows.

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