MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Wilhelmenia Manning was born in Savannah, Georgia. One of the first things she shared was that she is a 'Grits'. When I asked, “What is Grits?” She smiled and said, “It means Girls Raised in the South.”
Wilhelmenia is a world traveler. It all stemmed from being a middle school principal and only having two weeks off in December. She vowed that when she retired, she would travel with purpose.
in full uniforms, waiters in tuxedos, sevencourse meals, and evening wear required for dinner in the grand dining room, which could hold up to 3,000 people. She visited all the New England states for the fall foliage. When visiting the Redwood Trees in California, she had the unique experience of standing at the bottom of a hollow tree near the roots and recording a video showing how tiny she was compared to the mighty tree.
Her first excursion was a seventeen-day trip out west with her two best friends, Phyllis Creech and Pam West. The destination was iconic national parks that included Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, and South Dakota’s Badlands, plus many more. This amazing trip sparked her to travel to all 50 states.
She travels by car, tour buses, and planes. One of her tour bus trips included Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and additional states. In her opinion, The Grand Hotel in Mackinaw Island, Michigan, is breathtaking. She said, “It is like going back in time”. No vehicles are allowed on the island. The iconic 1887 Victorian-style hotel had bellboys
When it comes to the natural wonders, her favorite pick is the Red Rock Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. She elaborated that it put her in awe of what God can create and how the acoustics were the best she had ever heard.
Wilhelmenia will complete her 50th state this December on her 70th birthday in Hawaii. Then she is off to conquer the continents. Her first trip booked is to Europe, which will include England, Paris, Italy, Greece, and Switzerland. Her final destination is Antarctica, where she will hold up a sign that literally says “the last continent’’ and have her picture taken.
Lastly, her words to live by are, “You are only given one life, and you need to live it to the fullest because there are no guarantees of tomorrow or even the next minute.”
55 or Better? Join Today!
Membership Request Form
If interested in becoming a SmartSenior Member, please fill out this form and return with payment to the SmartSenior office. You can also join online at sjchs.org/smartsenior, or via phone at (912) 352-4405! Name:
Mailing Address:
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Referred By:
Referrer Name: _________________________
Annual Membership Dues: $20 Payment Method ( select one ):
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(payable to SmartSenior) Credit Card (please call (912) 352-4405 or visit sjchs.org/smartsenior to pay via credit card) SmartSenior 836 E. 65 th St., Ste. 8 sjchs.org/smartsenior (912) 352-4405
• SmartSenior hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• New reservation guidelines for Lunch & Learns
• Merchant discounts have been updated – Stop by to see what’s new!
• Friendly reminder that all paying events are non-refundable
• Calling all Bridge Players! Starting Tuesdays, July 7th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bridge players are welcome to come play.
SMARTSENIOR WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
There’s always something going on here at SmartSenior! Learn more about our weekly activities. You do not need reservations for these activities.
Chair Exercise Class
Mondays 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | SmartSenior Office
Enjoy our low-impact chair exercise class every Monday! Please bring your own hand weights.
Tai Chi
Mondays 11 – 11:45 a.m. | SmartSenior Office
Tai Chi is a gentle exercise program that can help you build strength, balance, coordination, and a more tranquil spirit. Practice only requires loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. Chairs will be provided to those who need them.
Advanced Mahjong
Mondays 1 – 3 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Join us for this classic game every Monday. Advanced players only.
Line Dancing
Advanced: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 a.m.
Beginner: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11 a.m.
The Episcopal Center (formally called St. Michael’s & All Angels) 3101 Waters Ave.
Grab your dancing shoes and join us for Advanced Line Dancing, Beginner Line Dancing, or both!
Game Days
Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 – 4 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
All are welcome! Typical games include cards, chess, and Scrabble.
JULY & AUGUST
MOVIE SCHEDULE
Rummikub
Tuesdays 2 – 3 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Join us to play the classic, fun game of Rummikub. Beginners and experts are invited!
Bridge
Tuesdays 2 – 3 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Calling all Bridge players, join us to play a fun game of Bridge.
Sew Girls Group
Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Do you enjoy fabric and fibers? Our group works individually on different types of projects in different mediums. Bring your own machine and materials. This is not a sewing instruction class.
Chess Club
Wednesdays 1 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Join us for the ancient game of chess. Beginners and experts are invited!
Chair Yoga
Wednesdays 2 – 3 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Enjoy this body and mind-engaging activity. Please remember to bring your own mat.
Intro Mahjong
Thursdays 1 – 3 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Have you always wanted to learn how to play this classic tile game? Stop by our introductory class to get started.
Reservations are required for all of the following movies.
Please note the new time of 1:00 p.m.
Dave (PG-13)
July 17 at 1 p.m.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver and Charles Grodin
Shifty White House chief of staff cooks up a scheme to use a double for the president at a public photo opportunity that turns into much more deceit after the president suffers a debilitating stroke.
A Good Year (PG-13)
July 31 at 1 p.m.
Starring: Russell Crow, Marion Cotillard and Albert Finney
A British investment broker inherits his uncle’s chateau and vineyard in Providence where he grew up.
Secretariat (PG-13)
August 7 at 1 p.m.
Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich and Scott Glenn
The spectacular journey of an incredible horse named Secretariat and the moving story of his unlikely owner, a housewife who risked everything to make him champion.
9 to 5 (PG-13)
August 21 at 1 p.m.
Starring: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton
Stuck in a dead -end job under a boss that she has trained, Violet is at her wit’s end. But when the boss’ good natured secretary and a new hire decide that they have enough, too, their revenge fantasy becomes a hilarious reality in a scheme that spins out of control.
JULY 2026 EVENTS
Please make reservations for all of the following events . Call the SmartSenior office at (912) 352-4405 to register.
�� Lunch Club | Wiley’s Championship BBQ
Friday, July 10 | 11:00 a.m. | 4700 US-80, Whitemarsh Island
Join us for a Dutch treat lunch for our Lunch Club. Enjoy a variety of BBQ, salads, soup and sandwiches. Reservations are limited to the first 15 people.
�� Book Club | A Long Time Gone
Friday, July 17 | 11:00 a.m. | SmartSenior Office
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for our next Book Club discussion featuring A Long Time Gone by Karen White. It is a Southern gothic family saga about Vivien Walker, who returns to her Mississippi Delta home after a failed marriage, only to become the caretaker for her mother and uncover long-buried family secrets, including the discovery of a dead body near the home.
�� Lunch & Learn | Barrett’s Esophagus
Mathew Mishoe, D.O. | Wednesday, July 22 11:30 a.m. lunch, 12:00 p.m. presentation | Marsh Auditorium Dr. Mishoe, a local gastroenterologist, will explain Barrett's esophagus to include reflux heartburn, and the risk of Barrett's cancer turning into esophageal cancer.
�� Discover Local | Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist & Clary’s Cafe
Friday, July 24 | 10:30 a.m. | 222 East Harris Street
Embark on a historical journey through the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. This venerable landmark stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural and religious heritage. Discover the compelling narrative behind this iconic cathedral, where centuries of faith, architecture, and community converge in a tapestry of enduring significance. A donation of $3 per person is kindly requested at the tour. After the tour, we will take a short walk over to Clary’s Café for a Dutch Treat. Reservations are open to the first 15 people.
AUGUST 2026 EVENTS
Please make reservations for all of the following events; for National Senior Citizens Day, no reservations are required . Call the SmartSenior office at (912) 352-4405 to register.
�� Lunch Club | The Vault Kitchen & Market
Friday, August 14 | 11:00 a.m. | 2112 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
Join us for a Dutch treat lunch at The Vault. It is a renovated local banking industrial building turned into a chic eatery and reservations are open to the first 15 people.
�� Lunch & Learn | Fall Prevention
Hannah Harrison, MD | Tuesday, August 18
11:30 a.m. lunch, 12:00 p.m. presentation Marsh Auditorium
Dr. Hannah Harrison, a neurologist with St. Joseph's/ Candler, will be speaking about what we can do to prevent falls. By making some changes, we can lower our chances of falling. Reservations are open to the first 80 members.
✿ Discover Local | John Davis Flower Arranging Class
Thursday, August 20 | 10:30 a.m. | SmartSenior Office
Get your bloom on! Join us for a private flower arranging class with gorgeous flowers by John Davis Florist. There will also be small items to purchase separately. Learn tips and tricks to create your own stunning floral masterpiece. Tickets are $25 per person. Reservations limited to the first 15 people.
�� Book Club | The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Friday, August 21 | 11:00 a.m. | SmartSenior Office
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for our next Book Club discussion featuring The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict. It is a historical fiction that sheds light on the famous 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926.
⯌ National Senior Citizens Day
Friday, August 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | SmartSenior Office
Stop by and get a sweet treat. We cherish our SmartSeniors!
�� Discover Local | Glazed & Confused and Huc-A-Poos
Friday, August 28 | 10:30 a.m. | 1213 US-80, Tybee Island
Join us for paint your own pottery! A $5 studio fee plus the cost of the piece. You get to choose from a wide selection and the range starts from $10 on up. Then we are walking over to Huc-A-Poos for a Dutch treat lunch. Reservations are open to the first 14 people.
Spotlight on Dr. Matthew Mishoe
Savannah Gastroenterologist shares insights on digestive health and preventative care
What made you decide to become a doctor?
From a young age, I have always been captivated by science and the intricacies of the human body. This deep interest led me to consider a career in medicine quite early on. After earning my undergraduate degree in exercise physiology, I was eager to further my education in the scientific field, making medical school the next natural progression. By grasping the complexities of the human body, I can assist my patients in understanding their own health and guide them toward achieving optimal wellness.
What is gastroenterology and what conditions do you treat?
Gastroenterology focuses on the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating various conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hepatitis, liver diseases, pancreatitis, gallstones, and gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal, esophageal, and stomach, to name a few. These specialists perform procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies to identify specific digestive health issues. Patients typically consult a gastroenterologist when experiencing persistent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, difficulty swallowing, or for colon cancer screenings.
RESERVATIONS
DR. MATTHEW MISHOE, DO Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Gastro Savannah
What made you choose gastroenterology specifically?
Initially, I aspired to become a cardiologist, but during medical school, I was introduced to gastroenterology and developed a passion for the liver and its vital functions in our bodies. I realized that I wanted to engage in procedures, making gastroenterology an ideal match for my interests in the fascinating science of bodily processes. This specialty allows me to perform procedures which includes colonoscopies which are vital for the prevention of colon cancer and esophagogastroduodenoscopies to assess for esophageal, gastric or small bowel disease.
What are two pieces of advice you commonly share with patients?
Practicing medicine isn’t a one-size-fits-all philosophy; therefore, offering the same one or two pieces of advice doesn’t apply to every patient. The recommendations I provide are tailored specifically to each individual’s condition and personalized treatment plan. However, universally across most practices, emphasizing the significance of diet and exercise for a healthier lifestyle is a piece of advice that everyone should embrace.
We are pleased to have so many of our members participating in our events. In order to ensure that all members have a chance to come to a “Lunch and Learn” or planned events, please see our updated reservation policy below:
• We have been coordinating with our printing company, email services, and online newsletter to make sure we can get a better estimate of when they will be mailing the newsletter. Typically, the newsletter will be sent in the last week of the month.
• When you receive your newsletter, please call the office and leave a detailed message that includes your name, telephone number, and what reservation you want to take. The voicemail is time-stamped, and all phone messages will be returned in the order they were received. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
• When you are calling to make a reservation, you may include yourself and one other member.
• In order for everyone to be able to enjoy a “Lunch and Learn,” please choose one from your newsletter. A PowerPoint presentation of each Lunch and Learn will be available to be emailed to anyone unable to attend.
• If you are consistently a no-show or do not cancel your reservations, we will place you on a waitlist for the next event.
We appreciate your understanding and feel that these changes will allow more members to be able to participate and enjoy our Discover Locals, planned events, and Lunch and Learns.
836 E. 65 th Street, Suite 8 Savannah, Georgia 31405
MERCHANT DISCOUNT PROGRAM
SHOW YOUR CARD AND SAVE
Auto Shine Car Wash
4408 August Road • (912) 966-2280
4651 US 80 • (912) 927-6808
712 W Oglethorpe Hwy • (912) 408-2280
6151 GA-21 • (912) 826-6360
10% OFF all locations on Wednesday Bottom Line Taxes
820 E. DeRenne Ave. • (912) 313-1711
Free notary service & $25.00 OFF simple wills Candler Prescription Center
5354 Reynolds St. (912) 819-7272
(Professional Office Building at Candler Hospital) 15% OFF all over the counter products
The Consos Group Insurance
7505 Waters Ave. #D2 • (912) 303-0101
Complimentary consultations for health insurance & Medicare parts C & D
Davis Produce
7755 US-80, Wilmington Island • (843) 304-4989
Free sweet treat and samples!
Five Star Cleaners
12325 White Bluff Rd. • (912) 925-7755
25% OFF Dry Cleaning Services of $10.00 or more*
*excludes formal wear, house wears and leather
Latin Chicks Restaurant
5205 Waters Ave C, Savannah GA 31404 (912) 495.5133
10% off
Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC
140 Johnny Mercer Blvd Ste 2 (912) 354-4200
Free Financial Analysis
10% off Estate planning package
MaidPro
930 E. Morgan’s Corner Rd., Ste. E, Pooler, GA (912) 450-6776 10% OFF all cleaning services
MembersFirst Credit Union
606 E. 67th St. • (912) 352-2902
Account holders receive “free” Stop Payment on checks
Papa’s Pizza To Go
2495 US Hwy. 17, Richmond Hill, GA (912) 756-5150 • 15% OFF
Paw Parazzi
2485 US Hwy. 17, Richmond Hill, GA (912) 756-8807
10% OFF grooming* & retail** Mon.–Wed.
*Grooming with proof of ownership
**Excludes food & flea treatments
Savannah Bee Company
211 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, GA 31410 (912) 629-0908, open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
10% off, excludes any other promotions
Savannah Power Yoga
401 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Suite C-05, Savannah, GA 31410 • (912) 323-7356
10% off classes
The Savannah Cheese Straw Company
906 E 72nd St • (912) 495-5444
10% off storefront purchases
Sea Love Candle Bar & Boutique
310 W. Broughton St • (912) 233-7764
710 Lighthouse Rd., Ste. 612, Hilton Head, SC • (843) 548-3823
10% off candle and diffuser making Sun-Wed
The Savannah Theatre
222 Bull St. (912) 233-7764
$10.00 OFF adult regular-priced ticket to in-house show
Use Code: SMARTSR
St. Joseph’s and Candler Hospital Cafeterias
11705 Mercy Boulevard • (912) 819-2412
5353 Reynolds St • (912) 819-6005
25% discount every day
Wellness Center at Candler Hospital
5353 Reynolds St. (912) 819-8800
$5.00 discount on initiation fee
YMCA of Coastal Georgia
10% off senior adult and 2 senior adult memberships
Individuals starting at age 55 can receive senior membership rate under individual membership. No joiners fee. No contracts.
