CCG Insight Newsletter

Heritage Park

Come and experience Heritage Park: with beautiful granite pools recreating the falls of the Chattahoochee River, exciting water elements, and handsome outdoor sculptures with historic interpretations visitors will surely enjoy.

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Through Heritage Park, visitors can travel from the past to the future going from Historic Columbus’ Walker-Peters-Langdon House to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. From 1850 until 1910, Columbus, Georgia, changed from a trading town to a booming manufacturing city. Heritage Park is designed to recognize the entrepreneurs and workers who harnessed the river and created these industries that laid the foundations for this modern city.

Market Days On Broadway

Each Saturday, 9am - noon, Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and visitors. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun.

Please click the link below to view the City of Columbus Resource List.

CCG Announces Phase 1 of Department Relocations Complete

Phase I of department relocations to the new Columbus City Hall is complete. Several departments relocated to the new Columbus City Hall located at 1111 1st Avenue. Columbus City Hall - 1111 1st Avenue C.E. "Red" McDaniel City Services Center - 3111 Citizens Way Annex Build

For More Information, Contact: Ryan Pruett, Inspections and Codes Director 706-225-3878 RPruett@columbusga.org

Click the link below to view the complete list of buildings and office locations

Human Resources is excited to announce the new and improved MemberDirect!

What is MemberDirect? 

MemberDirect is an online self-service portal that allows members to securely access their retirement account information 24-hours a day. MemberDirect now features two-step verification, which you will be prompted to set up when you log into your MemberDirect account. Don’t have an account? Click the link below to get started. See attachment for enrollment assistance.

• Anyone who already enrolled in MemberDirect will not have to re-enroll
• Request PIN functionality for new enrollment
• Two-Step Verification

Benefits of MemberDirect 

• View pension contribution account balance. 
• View pension plan enrollment date and years of service. 
• Run estimates of retirement benefit. 

Risk Management’s

Workplace Safety Tip

Encourage stretch breaks - Stretch breaks are an easy way to improve workplace ergonomics and employee health. Taking even five minutes to stretch can ease muscle tension and loosen joints, reducing the potential for repetitive motion injuries. Active movements have been shown to be more effective than passive stretching alone.

Employee Safety Spotlight

As part of Risk Management’s commitment to safety in the workplace, we would like to acknowledge employees who demonstrate safe behaviors on the job. If you have an employee that has shown superior safety practices, please let us know and we will highlight them in the Insight Newsletter!

Please email the employee’s name, a photo, and how they showed safety practices to Lauren Vance, Risk Management.

On Wednesday June 28, 2023,

Mr. Kalvin Kirksey was presented with the Hank Pirowski Award at the All Rise/ Justice for Vets Conference in Houston, Texas. This award recognizes individuals and/or veterans working in veterans' treatment courts that exemplify leadership, innovation, and professionalism. The award is named in honor of the coordinator of the nation's first

Veteran's Treatment Court.

Get Help & Support !



If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, find help in your area.

If it’s an emergency, call 911. You can also go to your nearest emergency room. A medical professional can give information about your particular circumstances.

If you believe that someone else is in danger of suicide and you have their contact information, contact your local law enforcement for immediate help. You can also encourage the person to contact suicide prevention hotline at 988 (call or text).

When you’re in crisis, research suggests that it may be helpful to reach out to others. When you connect with others, it can help you feel supported and give you a sense of belonging.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text) Call or text 988 to get help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Well-Via telemedicine service is FREE to all CCG employees enrolled in our medical plan. Please take advantage of this opportunity available to you at No Cost.  

Please take the time to complete the Tobacco Affidavit/Wellness Incentive forms on E-Forms before October 31, 2023.

 (ONLY employees enrolled in CCG’s medical plan or will enroll in the medical plan in 2024 should complete the tobacco affidavit/wellness incentive forms).

 If you choose option 2 on the tobacco affidavit, you are required to attach the tobacco certificate of completion to submit the form. (the certificate must be attached before October 31, 2023, to avoid the tobacco surcharge for 2024). If you choose option 3 on the tobacco affidavit, stating you completed your tobacco cessation classes with CareATC, Human Resources will receive a list of those participants in November 2023 stating you completed all 4 sessions.

 *Note: Please DO NOT inter-office, email or fax the Tobacco Affidavit or Wellness Incentive forms to Human Resources. Both forms should be submitted on E-Forms at https://eforms.neogov.com/self-service/portal .

Remember, if you are on FMLA, vacation or administrative leave etc., the tobacco affidavit should be completed by October 31, 2023, to avoid the tobacco surcharges in 2024.

Any tobacco surcharges incurred in 2023 will be REFUNDED with the completion of a tobacco cessation program in the month of NOVEMBER 2023.

For those of you wishing to complete the Tobacco Cessation Program for 2024, please review the below information to complete the classes with the Health & Wellness Center.

For those of you still wanting to complete the cessation classes through Alabama/Georgia Quit or Fresh Start with CCG , those options will still be available.

1. Participants will have from 7/1-10/31 to complete the self-guided 4 sessions/quizzes with CareATC.
2. Below are demo credentials, if you would like to view the program:

• https://portal.hp.careatc.com/login.aspx
• UserName; CCGtest
• Password: Wellness123

Options will still be available for those of you still wanting to complete the cessation classes through Alabama/Georgia Quit or Fresh Start with CCG . Review CCG’s Tobacco Cessation Guide or CareATC’s Wellness Guide for additional information.

Demo on how to complete the tobacco affidavit and wellness incentive forms.

Click the link below:

Click the link below to view CareATC Monthly Health Webinars!

Summer is an exciting time that comes with extra distractions and changes in routine. It’s important to make time to check in with yourself so you can enjoy the warmer months without sacrificing your physical or mental health. Help your employees prioritize self-care and kickstart their journey toward a healthier lifestyle with CareATC.

The Mayor's Commission for Person's with Disabilities



Mental Health Matters Event

 June 9, 2023

Grand Opening

CCG Fitness Center

August 3, 2023

Click the link below to view the ESRI ArcGIS Training Schedule!

Click the link below to view the Financial Wellness Lunch & Learn Schedule!

The Learning Center

Training & Development

EEO 101 Training in August 2023

All training enrollment and registrations can be found on NeoGov Training Course Catalog. You can search by title, category, or use calendar for enrollment.

NeoGov Log-In Page: https://login.neogov.com/

Visit our T&D Site Here: https://www.columbusga.gov/hr/Divisions/Training-Development

Upcoming free virtual training opportunity for our CCG employees who are in a leadership position.

Team Leads, Supervisors, Managers, & Department Directors

This 3-hour training session will include exercises, scenarios, cases, and more information on EEO laws.

The EEOC enforces these laws and provide training to assist employers with compliance.

Please sign up for this training through NeoGov. 

Search “101” in NeoGov Course Catalog.

Click the link below to view Columbus Parks & Recreation programs and events!

We welcome your little princesses to come down to the Columbus GA Convention & Trade Center to be a "Princess" for a Day!

On this day, your princess will experience a magical time! From meeting one of their favorite princesses, crafting royal artwork, having their make-up professionally done, and much more! Mark your calendar for August 12, 2023, and purchase your ticket(s) to RSVP for this event. Please encourage your little one(s) to dress like royalty on this day! We will see you there!

Tickets:

Adult- $15

Children- $25

Purchase tickets here: Tickets

*Tickets will not be sold at the door.

We are accepting volunteers – email Skipworth.hannah@columbusga.org if interested!



Community businesses, this is an incredible opportunity to sponsor and make a difference for a local organization, Easterseals West Georgia. Please email Skipworth.hannah@columbusga.org to apply. Our sponsorship tiers are seen below:

Click the link below to view the Free & Discounted City Services!

Tickets at Work – For free access to 20-60% off on movies, hotels, theme parks & attractions, shows, concerts, sporting events, retail and more, create an account at https://www.ticketsatwork.com/tickets/

How to get started: Visit the link, become a member, enter company code, or work email address to create an account



Use Our Company Code: COLGA

and start saving on:

• Work From Home Essentials

• Streaming Services: Disney+, Showtime and more

• Entertainment: Attractions, Shows, Sporting Events, and Concerts.

• Hotels and rental cars

• Sam’s Club Memberships – over 40% off

• Education & Enrichment: Language Learning, Audiobooks and more

• Health & Wellness

• Financial Services

• Insurance, Home Security and Protection Services

• Food & Wine

• Online Shopping: Walmart, Walgreens, Macy’s



• Financial Services

• Pet Supplies

• Home Office: Electronics, Laptops and more

• And so much more!

Summer is ending and kids are headed back to the classroom! Whether children walk, ride their bike, or take the bus it is so important that they take proper precautions. Please share these helpful tips with the whole family to ensure a fun, safe, and healthy school year!

Walkers:

•  Walk on the sidewalk; if a sidewalk is not available and, on a street, walk facing the traffic
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right, and left again to see if any cars are coming
•  Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections
•  Stay alert and avoid distracted walking

Bike Riders:

•  Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file
•  Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, walk bikes across the street
•  Stay alert and avoid distracted riding
•  Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing

Bus Riders:

• Parents! Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus
•  Be sure to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb
•  If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other

Teen Drivers:

• Teens crash because they are inexperienced – practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license
•  Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive
•  Find an agreement, such as the New Driver Deal, that helps define expectations for parents and teens

Test your nutritional IQ with a quick quiz

1. True or false? Half a can of baked beans has more fiber than an apple?

• True
• False

2. Which of the following is considered a starchy vegetable?

• Broccoli
• Capsicum
• Corn
• Spinach

3. In which foods would you find the energy-boosting mineral, iron?

• Steak
• Spinach
• Wholegrain bread
• Kidney beans

4. Rank these foods from the highest to lowest number of kilojoules.

• 2 squares (20g) Lindt dark chocolate
• small fillet (100g) NZ King salmon
• 2 slices (40g) full-fat cheddar
• 20 almonds (25g)

5. What’s the best way to get enough vitamin D for healthy bones?

6. Packaged foods are the main source of unhealthy sodium in our diets. Which is the best guide as an upper limit to look for?

• 1000mg per serve
• 600mg per serve
• 100mg per serve

7. True or false? A teaspoon of sugar has more kilojoules than a teaspoon of honey?

• True
• False

8. Which bread has a lower glycaemic index (GI)?

• Sourdough
• Wholemeal

9. A good guide to a serve of red meat is…?

• Your hand
• 1/2 your plate
• Your palm

10. Which nutrient is the most filling?

• Fat
• Carbohydrate
• Protein

11. Which milk has the most protein per glass?

• Almond milk
• Trim milk
• Soy milk
• Standard (blue) milk

12. What is a healthy portion of nuts?

• 10g
• 30g
• 50g

13. Which of the following foods are gluten free?

• Potato chips
• Quinoa
• Milk chocolate
• Brown rice
• Glucose syrup

14. True or false? Coconut oil is better for you than olive oil

• True
• False

15. Sort these drinks in order of their caffeine content



• 250ml can of Red Bull
• 250ml cup of plunger coffee
• 250ml cup of instant coffee
• 250ml cup of black tea

Answers !

1.True, 2. Corn, 3. All the above, 4. small fillet salmon, 20 almonds, cheddar, Lindt dark chocolate, 5. Adequate intakes of vitamin D are hard to achieve through diet alone, 6.600mg per serve, 7. False, 8. Sourdough, 9. Your palm, 10. Protein, 11. Trim milk, 12. 30g, 13. All the above, 14. False, 15. 250ml cup of plunger coffee, 250ml cup of black tea, 250ml can of Red Bull, 250ml cup of instant coffee, 250ml cup of plunger coffee.

August Seasonal Produce Guide

Squash

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Corn

Melons

Plums

Stone Fruit

Blackberries

Basil

Okra

Eggplant

Green beans

Jalapenos

Click on the names below to view the Recipes

Bruschetta With Tomato and Basil

Summer Squash Zucchini Muffins

Blackberry Pie

Easy Greek Salad