(SAVANNAH, GA) Ryan Murphy, President and Co-Founder of Shamrock+, was recently invited to present to the Chicago Architecture Center for the second time, speaking to members of its docent and volunteer network about emerging technologies transforming the built environment. The presentation covered a wide range of advanced services offered by Shamrock+, including high-resolution 3D scanning, LiDAR technology, reality capture, digital twins, contour maps, and more. These tools support accurate documentation of existing conditions, construction progress, and historic preservation efforts, while enabling data-rich decision-making across every stage of a project. The session was recorded and is now accessible to over 450 volunteers who serve as docents, educators, and program leaders for the Chicago Architecture Center.

https://shamrockplus.com/

(SAVANNAH CEO) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host its 16th annual Camp Buddy for Chatham County from Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. Andrew’s School, located at 601 Penn Waller Rd. on Wilmington Island. https://savannahceo.com/news/2025/06/lowcountry-down-syndrome-society-announces-16th-annual-camp-buddy-chatham-county-july-7-11-2025/

Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) Steps Up Efforts to Reverse the Trend

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Georgia has fallen to 39th in the nation for overall child well-being, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book released in June by Georgia KIDS COUNT, an initiative of the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. The report highlights troubling trends for Georgia’s children, including increased poverty rates, lower proficiency in reading and math, and persistent disparities in health and economic stability.

“This drop in the rankings confirms what many local families are already experiencing,” said Kim Clifton, executive director of Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC). “The data is clear. We have serious challenges to address, but we also have the local tools and partnerships to create real change.”

The full KIDS COUNT Data Book report is available at www.aecf.org. Find more about the Georgia Family Connection Partnership at gafcp.org. You can learn more about CGIC, support their work, and review the data at coastalgaindicators.org

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Holt Dwyer as the new president of the Board of Directors, along with its new board members. https://carriagetradepr.com/savannah-council-on-world-affairs-announces-new-leadership-and-board-members/

(WTOC) Peter Hoffman officially named Rotary Club of Savannah President at weekly luncheon.https://www.wtoc.com/2025/06/30/peter-hoffman-officially-named-rotary-club-savannah-president-weekly-luncheon/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLP6L5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFRUko3cGRSRDZqRmFCOTZpAR5F_ehOUhSdo9H2V8QGm-OPcEr_hQ1x8iwMf9w07k7YIuHKIh87DsNorI6cFg_aem_rIGwlmm_Q2gJzkUsn-pv2g

(SAVANNAH, GA) As part of the Healthy Savannah/YMCA REACH grant, a breastfeeding landscape assessment is underway to evaluate how businesses across Chatham County are supporting nursing parents. In light of the 2022 Pump Act—which expanded workplace rights for breastfeeding employees—the assessment aims to determine employer awareness, implemented policies, and areas needing support. The law requires most employers to provide adequate break time and a private space, other than a bathroom, for expressing breast milk. Feedback from businesses will help identify current practices and guide community efforts to create a more breastfeeding-friendly environment. Employers are encouraged to complete the brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Employer_2025_HS.

(SAVANNAH, GA) The curated Master Class Series returns August 13. Led by a physician-coach duo, this powerful online program helps you: Eat better with plant-forward nutrition, Reduce stress, Boost energy & mood, Build sustainable habits . Sign up: purposeandplants.com/the-academy

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join the Healthy Savannah team every Tuesday for a #healthy walk or head out to explore a local trail on your own. The team has also launched a new Saturday walk series.

– Tue., July 1 @ 7:30 am, Retha Mae McCoy Park 240 Riverview Dr, Savannah

– Tue., July 8 @ 7:30 am, Tatemville Community Center 333 Coleman St, Savannah

– Tue., July 15 @ 7:30 am, River St MLK Monument 500 W River St, Savannah

– Sat., July 19 @ 8:00 am, Bonaventure Cemetery 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt

– Tue., July 22 @ 7:30 am, Forsyth Park 13 E Park Ave, Savannah

– Tue., July 29 @ 7:30 am, McQueens Island Trail Fort Pulaski Entrance at US 80 and Fort Pulaski Rd., Wilmington Island

https://healthysavannah.org/our-programs/physical-activity/healthy-walks-story-map/

https://healthysavannah.org/events/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Tree Foundation has named Jackson Alexander as its new executive director. Alexander brings a diverse background in nonprofit and higher education leadership, with experience at organizations including the University of Arkansas System, Communities Unlimited, the National League of Cities, the University of South Carolina System, and Georgia Southern University.

visit www.savannahtree.org.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Hope Haven has named Cathy Baxter as the inaugural director of its respite ministry, launched by St. John’s Church (Episcopal) to provide joyful engagement and personal connection for individuals living with neurological challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. https://carriagetradepr.com/13777-2/

(BLUFFTON, SC) Libraries for Kids, International (www.libraries4kids.org) is pleased to announce an author talk featuring Brenda Sutton Rose from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Roasting Room, 1297 May River Road, Bluffton, SC. The event is free and open to the public; however, a $5 donation is suggested.

https://carriagetradepr.com/libraries-for-kids-international-www-libraries4kids-org-is-pleased-to-announce-an-author-talk-featuring-brenda-sutton-rose-on-monday-july-21-2025-from-1030-to-1130-am-at-the-roasting-room-1297/

(BLUFFTON, SC) “The Back of the House” Art Exhibit will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Restaurant Equipment Company of Bluffton, located at 1 Sherington Drive. The free, public event features nearly 100 pieces of art inspired by the behind-the-scenes workers of local restaurants, including Fish Camp, Scratch, The Corner Perk, Local Pie, and many others. Guests can enjoy original paintings, sketches, photos, and collages, as well as live music by local bluegrass band FLATT SILLY and complimentary refreshments. For more information, contact Danie Connolly at danie.connolly@yahoo.com.

(SAVANNAH, GA) In an exciting step toward ensuring long-term sustainability, The Current GA has welcomed Christopher Sweat as the newsroom’s Development Manager. In the four years since its launch as Georgia’s only nonprofit accountability news organization, The Current GA has seen substantial growth in individual donations and foundation grant support. Sweat will leverage his experience in strategic marketing, communications, brand development and event planning to expand this growth.https://carriagetradepr.com/christopher-sweat-joins-the-current-ga-as-development-manager/

(WJCL) For over 25 years, BAPS Charities has been hosting walkathons in more than 100 U.S cities to support local communities. And for the Savannah branch, BAPS Charities has partnered with the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society for 18 years. To support the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, BAPS Charities donated $5,000 during the annual walkathon event held recently in Forsyth Park. https://www.wjcl.com/article/baps-charities-hosts-walk-lowcountry-down-syndrome-society/64938638

SAVANNAH COUNCIL ON WORLD AFFAIRS HELPS OUT

(SAVANNAHNOW.COM) Savannah State students’ study abroad trip to Ghana ‘humbled us real quick’

https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/education/2025/07/01/savannah-state-university-students-went-to-ghana-to-serve-and-learn/84353418007/?utm_source=savannahnow-newsalert-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert&utm_term=hero&utm_content=nsmn-savannah-nletter01

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) Several counties in the Coastal Health District are offering special summer immunization and screening clinics to help families avoid the back-to-school rush. If you have a child entering Pre-K, Kindergarten,7th grade, or 11th grade, they may need vaccinations or screenings for school attendance. If students do not have the required screenings and immunizations, they may be unenrolled from school, so parents are encouraged to take advantage of these summer opportunities.

https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/category/news/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council is hosting a series of community garden visits. In addition to its food policy council meetings, the Council is visiting local gardens to learn, connect, and explore ways to support a more equitable local food system. Join them on one of these dates:

• July 28th – 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Hudson Hill 201 Hudson St, Savannah
• August 13th – 6-7 p.m. at SCAD Back 40 – 3650 Speedway Blvd, Hardeeville, SC
• https://healthysavannah.org/scfpc/

WITH MARJORIE

Have you ever known someone with so much vitality and creativity – and then, all of a sudden, they’re gone? It doesn’t seem possible.

Elaine was that person for me. My friend. My mentor. She died unexpectedly last week, and I’m still in disbelief.

Over the decades, we worked on so many projects together, most recently, the 100th Anniversary Book for Colonial Group. Elaine had a rare gift for design. She brought stories to life visually in a way few could.

She also designed the cover of my book, Reputation Matrix™, and even took my author photo. I will miss her vibrant energy, her direct honesty, and her quick wit.

Elaine, you made everything more beautiful. You made me better. You are deeply missed..https://www.amazon.com/Reputation-Matrix-Strategies-Visibility-Credibility/dp/0578232510

The first installment of my mother’s illustrations /artwork has been delivered to The People’s Archive at the DC Public Library. The Carol Stuart Watson Collection will soon be available to researchers, historians and the public.

*****So – if you happen to be in DC, next year, Saturday, June 6th, 2026 – (tentative) there will be a public reception in her honor – at noon. Her art will be displayed. We also plan on showing a short documentary about her life, that I am working on now.

Here is her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Stuart_Watson – she founded a publishing company the year I was born – called CARRIAGE TRADE! .. which means high end clientele… and that is why I named my company – Carriage Trade!

Here is her FB page: Please “follow”!! – My favorite illustrations are her Christmas cards which were sold nationally through Neiman Marcus. https://www.facebook.com/CarolWatson1933 I also love her National Zoo illustrations. She was commissioned to draw Ling-Ling and and Hsing-Hsing – the two giant pandas given to the United States as gifts by the government of China.

There were two archivists helping to in-process her work. I mentioned that Mom used to hide tiny mouse drawings on the pages of many of the children’s books she illustrated. One of them started searching—and sure enough, she found a few!

We still have about 5000 slides and a lot more art to deliver this year.

bittersweet day… but this is a huge step in protecting her art for generations to come.

Carriage Trade Publishing II, Inc.

Founder and CEO / President Marjorie Young

www.carriagetradepr.com

marjorie@carriagetradepr.com 

912-844-9990

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