February 2022

THE SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES THE BEN TUCKER INSTRUMENT LIBRARY AND INSTRUMENT DONATION DRIVE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Philharmonic is now accepting donations of any band or orchestra instruments to add to the library’s collection. Instruments may be donated at upcoming SavPhil events, such as from 5 to 9 p.m. March 4 at Location Gallery at Austin Hill Realty, or in Chippewa Square in downtown Savannah beginning at 3 p.m. for “Phil the Squares with Song” on March 13. To learn of other ways to donate to the Ben Tucker Instrument Library please contact Brad Behr, the orchestra’s Education & Community Initiatives Manager at Brad@SavannahPhilharmonic.com

BUNNY WARE JOINS THE WSAV BRIDGE TEAM

(WSAV) WSAV is pleased to announce a new partnership with renowned social event photographer Bunny Ware. “Where’s Bunny Ware?” joins the roster of local content featured weekly on WSAV’s regional-lifestyle program, The Bridge, weekday mornings at 11:30. If you have a story suggestion for Bunny Ware you can email it to bunnyinthecity@gmail.com. “Where’s Bunny Ware” segments can be seen every Friday at 11:30 a.m. on The Bridge on WSAV.

SAV PHILHARMONIC’S KEITARO HARADA AWARDED ONE OF JAPAN’S HIGHEST MUSICAL HONORS

(SAVANNAH, GA / JAPAN) Keitaro Harada, conductor for the Savannah Philharmonic, received the Hideo Saito Memorial Fund Award. This award is presented to young, promising cellists and conductors. The Sony Music Foundation established the Hideo Saito Memorial Award in 2002. The committee selected Keitaro because of his vast musical knowledge and training gained from living abroad and training under wonderful mentors. They mention the courage he shows as Music & Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic and how he has improved the importance of music in the Savannah region.

COASTAL GEORGIA INDICATORS COALITION RECEIVES 4-YEAR GRANT TO ADDRESS CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH

(SAVANNAH, GA / COASTAL GA) Childhood trauma and mental health issues in children, youth and young adults have risen sharply in the Savannah area, driven in great part by the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the existing support structure has received a four-year, $600,000 grant to address the issue. Partners include Gateway Community Service Board, Chatham County Safety Net, and Loop it up Savannah.

LIL TYBEE NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Lil Tybee and siblings came into rescue with their momma, Addie. They have all grown into rambunctious playful kittens who are now ready to find their own forever homes. Lil Tybee is a tiny little thing compared to her siblings, but she holds her own with the rest in play. Lil Tybee will be neutered/spayed prior to adoption and is up to date on her vaccinations.

FORSYTH FARMERS’ MARKET LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO PURCHASE NEW FARM TRUCK

(WTOC) The Forsyth Farmers’ Market was busy for the first Saturday market of 2022. The market’s board also came together to announce the start of a campaign to improve their Farm Truck 912 program.

SOUTHERN COAST HEART BALL – APRIL 2

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 2022 Southern Coast Heart Ball is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront, 100 General McIntosh Boulevard in Savannah. Through the Southern Coast Heart Ball campaign, the American Heart Association celebrates a collective success in driving change, funding science and improving health – no matter where, or how, we gather. That means taking efforts beyond the ballroom, working every day to help every heart. For more information visit SouthernCoastHeartBall.heart.org.

FREE WORKSHOP: NON-PROFIT TABLE TALK

(SCORE SAVANNAH) Are you aspiring to start a non-profit? Do you own a non-profit, but are lacking critical resources to further your mission? Join us on Thursday, March 10 at 12 p.m. for this virtual, Table Talk created specifically for Non-Profit Owners and Executive Directors. Discuss your most pressing issues and make connections within fellow non-profit executives. Proudly presented in cooperation with the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Register here: https://savannah.score.org/event/non-profit-table-talk

20 INSTAGRAM CONTENT IDEAS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) In this video, Instagram expert Nicky Saunders gives you over 20 easy, yet engaging post ideas to grow your business. You’ll discover several unique ideas you can use to create content for any of the primary Instagram channels, including Lives, Reels, Feed, and Stories. Plus, you’ll get some handy tips to encourage engagement on each of your posts.

ENMARKET OFFERS MULTIPLE MOBILE PAYMENT OPTIONS

(SAVANNAH, GA) At the fuel dispensers, Enmarket customers can use the Enmarket mobile app to authorize pumps and process payments. Payment options include card-on-file or Enmarket’s proprietary enPay program, which debits the money directly from the customer’s checking account. Inside the store, customers can open the Enmarket app, scan their items as they pick them up, and pay for the transaction using Skip Checkout technology. If a shopping trip requires a visit to the register, customers can still use mobile pay on the Enmarket app with a quick scan of a QR code, or by using Apple or Google Pay. For customers who are more comfortable using PayPal or Venmo, Enmarket now accepts those forms of payment inside stores as well.

211 IMPROVES LIVES

(UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE) This month United Way is celebrating its 211 Call Center that works to improve lives every day by connecting neighbors with the support and services they need to move forward. 211 is a free, confidential service provided by United Way of the Coastal Empire to ensure every person in our community has access to critical resources. United Way organizations across the country recognize 211 on February 11th every year to bring awareness to this valuable service and honor the dedicated 211 Call Specialists. Anyone needing assistance can call 211 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday or visit the United Way website anytime at www.uwce.org to access resources for disaster relief assistance, food, healthcare, housing, utility payment help, childcare information, family support services, and more.

FREE WORKSHOP: LEARN THE BASICS OF GOOGLE ADS

(SCORE SAVANNAH) During the ‘lunch & learn’ workshop at noon on March 8, you will learn how to reach more customers/ clients and grow your business with Google Ads. The course will cover how to create an account and how to set up an ad campaign, how to improve ad performance and how to measure your Google advertising success. Register here: https://savannahga.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUocuGhrzguHdEzlf0CDQBRe0nD6xu7V0gL

GREEN GALA

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Tree Foundation is celebrating 40 years of Growth. Sponsorships and tickets are available for the Green Gala on April 23, 2022, at Tiedeman Park. savannahtree.org/greengala

CHATHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE MAMMOGRAMS ON MARCH 22

(CHATHAM COUNTY) The Chatham County Health Department will offer free mammograms from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, for women who meet eligibility guidelines. The event will take place at the health department located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women after skin cancer. It is estimated that about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 356-2946. For more information on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, go to coastalhealthdistrict.org/bccp.

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT ON LINKEDIN

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) In this video, LinkedIn thought leadership expert, Mandy McEwen, shows you the one thing you can do right now to stand out on the professional platform. Discover the simple, but high-impact action you can take to get more out of your company page. Plus, you’ll discover the 7 key steps to executing this efficiently and effectively for your business.

UNION MISSION ANNOUNCES 2022 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & NEW BOARD MEMBERS

(SAVANNAH, GA) Union Mission, a leading local nonprofit in human services, has announced its 2022 Executive Committee and new Board members who will help lead the organization in the upcoming year. Union Mission has chosen its 2022 Executive Committee with NSDPR President, Neilie Dunn, serving as Board Chair.

JA OF GEORGIA HOSTS COLONIAL GROUP DISCOVERY CENTER GRAND OPENING

(WSAV-TV) Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia recently celebrated the grand opening of the new JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah. According to the organization, the JA Discovery Center will offer financial educational experiences for middle school students. The JA says the center will give students an understanding of financial concepts, build 21st-century skills, and foster their entrepreneurial spirit. The center is located on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus.

INAUGURAL SOUTHEAST GEORGIA LEADERSHIP FORUM BRINGS TOP LEADERS TO SAVANNAH

(CONNECT SAVANNAH) The inaugural Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum, organized by Morris Multimedia, will open its doors on Monday, February 28, 2022, at the Kehoe Iron Works at Trustee’s Garden for a two-day forum filled with thought-provoking content from accomplished national and regional leaders, speakers, and statewide CEOs. More than 50 Scholarships have been given out to community members to help foster opportunities for those who might not have the means to attend right now. Ashley Rainge, 28, is one of those lucky scholarship recipients. Ashley works for Healthy Savannah, a non-profit assisting the community with information about a healthy lifestyle. Armand Turner, 29, is another scholarship recipient. He is quite excited about the possibilities. Like Rainge, Turner also works at Healthy Savannah.

CDC SAYS CORONAVIRUS PROVED RACISM IS A THREAT TO HEALTH

(PEOPLE’S WORLD) The yawning gaps in health care among different U.S. racial groups, exposed and accelerated by the coronavirus plague, have led the federal Centers for Disease Control to officially declare racism “a serious public health threat.” As of July 2021, Black Americans were 2.8 times more likely to be hospitalized and two times more likely to die from COVID-19 than White Americans…Hispanic or Latinx persons were 1.9 times more likely than White Americans to contract COVID-19, 2.8 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 2.3 times more likely to die. Congress agreed to invest more money in research on racism as a public health threat: $74 million for the year that ends Sept. 30 for the main investigation and outreach program, called REACH, on racism as a public health threat. That’s $10 million more than the year before.

FARM TRUCK 912 SERVES RECORD NUMBERS OF SAVANNAH FAMILIES AS SNAP BENEFITS INCREASE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Farm Truck 912 continues to serve increasing numbers of Savannahians as demand surges. The mobile version of the popular Forsyth Farmers’ Market also participates in an initiative that allows SNAP participants to double their spending when purchasing fresh produce. Yet, 160,000 Coastal Georgians may qualify but only 37,000 are using SNAP benefits. https://carriagetradepr.com/farm-truck-912-serves-record-numbers-of-savannah-families-as-snap-benefits-increase/

SAVANNAH REP TO ANNOUNCE 2022 SEASON LIVE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Two-time Tony Award Winner Michael Cerveris will be presented with Savannah Rep’s inaugural Trailblazer award and a retrospective of his genre-bending career at An Evening with Savannah Rep: The 2022 Season Announcement. City of Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo of the 4th District will be presented with the Community Vanguard award for his contributions to Savannah and its residents. Rep’s 2022 Princess Grace Award nominee, composer and lyricist Sushi Soucy, will perform selections from their original work. The event will take place on Saturday, March 5th at 8p at Victory North in Savannah with tickets now on sale at http://savannahrep.eventbrite.com. Prices range from $35-$400 with higher tiers receiving access to special curated events before and after curtain time.

ENROLLMENT IS UNDERWAY FOR FOOD FARMACY 912’S FREE NUTRITION CLASSES AND PRODUCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Open enrollment for Food Farmacy 912 is now underway through April. This program of Forsyth Farmers’ Market takes place March through October. Participants attend classes on healthy living, nutrition and cooking and receive vouchers for fresh, local produce redeemable at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and Farm Truck 912’s 13 regular stops.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND YMCA of COASTAL GEORGIA TO DISTRIBUTE $10,000 IN VACCINE EDUCATION GRANT FUNDING TO CHURCHES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia are seeking proposals and applications for funding from African American and Hispanic faith-based organizations, churches and other places of worship located in the priority population communities served by Healthy Savannah for events and activities that focus on COVID-19 and Flu education, awareness, acceptance, and vaccine access. Individual organizational grant amounts may range from $500 to $1500. The funds were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to broaden the initiatives of the current Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant. For more information, email Dr. Elsie W. Smalls at elsie@healthysavannah.org, referencing “Faith and Health Funds Grant Application” in the subject line. Proposals are due on or before Friday, February 25 and approved plans must be implemented, and activities completed between March 1 and June 30, 2022.

FAITH AND HEALTH COALITION

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Are you a faith-based organization in Savannah/Chatham County interested in encouraging a culture of health among your members and the broader community?

Please join the Faith and Health Coalition at our next virtual meeting to discuss the importance of health within our community. Please email FaithAndHealth@healthysavannah.org for the meeting link. For more information visit the Faith and Health Coalition page on the Healthy Savannah website.

Meeting Dates:

March 30th @ 12pm

May 25th @ 12pm

July 27th @ 12pm

September 28th @ 12pm

November 30th @ 12pm

FEED A TRUCKER

(CONNECT SAVANNAH) Veteran Carriers and Enmarket kicked off the 2022 Feed A Trucker Campaign https://www.connectsavannah.com/savannah/veteran-carriers-and-enmarket-kick-off-2022-feed-a-trucker-campaign/Slideshow/17844133

VALENTINE’S KICKOFF VACCINATION EVENT

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah, YMCA of the Coastal Empire, Georgia Department of Health Coastal Health District, and JC Lewis Primary Health Care held Valentine’s Kickoff Vaccination Event on Saturday, February 12 at JC Lewis Primary Health Care Center, 5 Mall Way in Savannah. Flu and COVID-19 testing and vaccines were offered to eligible adults and children.

10th ANNUAL FIT KIDS FEST FEBRUARY 19

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Healthy Savannah will be attending the 10th Annual Fit Kids Fest on February 19, hosted by the Junior League of Savannah at the Savannah Children’s Museum. This engaging event promotes overall wellness for K-12 students and introduces participants to academic resources in the community in addition to teaching how to make healthy choices and live an active lifestyle. The event includes free museum admission, swag items and raffle prizes. The Savannah Children’s Museum is located at 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401

COMMUNITY HEALTH WALK & FAIR FEBRUARY 26

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia team members will be attending 163rd Anniversary Family and Community Health Walk & Fair from 10 am – 2 pm, on February 26. This free event is hosted by Rev. Paul E. Smith at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 1008 May Dr, Savannah, GA 31415-0914. In addition to a 2K walk, the event will include music and food and vendors will be handing out health information.

TACOS FOR A CAUSE CELEBRATES TIDE TO TOWN

(SAVANNAH, GA) Tide to Town, Savannah’s Urban Trail System, has been selected by Bull Street Taco as this month’s nonprofit for “Tacos for a Cause.” Every Tuesday in February members of the Tide to Town board of directors will be at Taco Tuesday handing out information and merchandise.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP FEB 24

{SAVANNAH, GA) Shawntay Gadson, an international board-certified lactation consultant, will be hosting a “Mommy Moments Breastfeeding Support Group” on Feb 24 from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register for the event at www.glowlactation.com or by contacting Shawntay directly at (912) 758-3438.

HOW TO GROW YOUR LINKEDIN NETWORK

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) In this video, LinkedIn expert Mandy McEwen walks you through a step-by-step strategy to cut through the noise and ensure that your requests are accepted. You’ll discover how to build a goal-driven connection strategy, including the general rules for engagement, when to send a request, what to say, and how to follow up with your prospective connection on LinkedIn. This process isn’t just for potential prospects. It will help you form more win-win business relationships, including with vendors and influencers, without being salesy.

CHATHAM CO. HEALTH DEPT RESUMES NORMAL OPERATIONS BY APPOINTMENT

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) The Chatham County Health Department has resumed normal operations, offering all routine public health services by appointment. In January, the Health Department limited some services while coping with staffing shortages due to COVID-19 cases and exposures. For more information about public health services offered by the Chatham County Health Department, visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/chatham. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 912-356-2441.

PEANUT NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Peanut is quite the friendly, but bossy, little girl, barking at her foster brothers to keep them in line. All the foster dogs in her home are small like her, and given her age and limited sight, bigger dogs and smaller kids probably wouldn’t be the best fit for her. Peanut loves sitting in a chair with a nice warm blanket, snoozing in her fluffy doggie bed, and going for rides in the golf cart. This sweet senior is looking for a home with a laid back lifestyle. She will need someone who understands her special needs, and will embrace them and spoil her rotten. She really is quite the charmer.

FARM TRUCK 912 SERVES RECORD NUMBERS OF SAVANNAH FAMILIES AS SNAP BENEFITS INCREASE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Farm Truck 912 continues to serve increasing numbers of Savannahians as demand surges. The mobile version of the popular Forsyth Farmers’ Market also participates in an initiative that allows SNAP participants to double their spending when purchasing fresh produce. Yet, 160,000 Coastal Georgians may qualify but only 37,000 are using SNAP benefits. https://carriagetradepr.com/farm-truck-912-serves-record-numbers-of-savannah-families-as-snap-benefits-increase/

SEMINAR FEBRUARY 15: REMEMBRANCE OR AMNESIA? THE POLITICS OF COMMEMORATING HISTORICAL TRAUMA

(SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL) Savannah Country Day School’s 2nd Annual Faculty Explorations Speaker Series continues on February 15 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. with Julia López Fuentes’ seminar “Remembrance or Amnesia? The Politics of Commemorating Historical Trauma.” The weekly evening sessions provide attendees the opportunity to revisit a classroom setting and explore a topic based on the faculty host’s area of expertise. All seminars are free and open to the public. For additional information, or to register, visit savcds.org/facultyexplorations.

FREE CLASS: RESUME BUILDING

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) Receive live instruction and personal assistance with writing and designing your professional resume. Please bring a list of your previous employment (name, job description and dates) as well as a list of your knowledge and top skills. The course takes place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16 at the Moses Jackson Advancement Center.

Learn more here: https://www.savannahga.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5030&month=2&year=2022&day=16&calType=0

SAVANNAH REP TO ANNOUNCE 2022 SEASON LIVE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Two-time Tony Award Winner Michael Cerveris will be presented with Savannah Rep’s inaugural Trailblazer award and a retrospective of his genre-bending career at An Evening with Savannah Rep: The 2022 Season Announcement. City of Savannah Alderman Nick Palumbo of the 4th District will be presented with the Community Vanguard award for his contributions to Savannah and its residents. Rep’s 2022 Princess Grace Award nominee, composer and lyricist Sushi Soucy, will perform selections from their original work. The event will take place on Saturday, March 5th at 8p at Victory North in Savannah with tickets now on sale at http://savannahrep.eventbrite.com. Prices range from $35-$400 with higher tiers receiving access to special curated events before and after curtain time.

HOW TO SELL MORE WITH INSTAGRAM LIVE

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) In this video, expert Nicky Saunders will walk you through a complete end-to-end framework for using Instagram Live for business. You’ll discover six fundamental steps for setting up, promoting, and managing your Live, even if this is your first time. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips and tricks to getting the most out of each stage in the process.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT DISCOVERY CENTER OPENS IN SAVANNAH

(WTOC-TV) February 7 was a big day on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University. The first students were welcomed inside the Junior Achievement Colonial Group Discovery Center. This is a brand new facility focusing on immersive business education. Because the Discovery Center is designed for middle school students to help them better understand how business and their own community works.

ENROLLMENT IS UNDERWAY FOR FOOD FARMACY 912’S FREE NUTRITION CLASSES AND PRODUCE

(SAVANNAH, GA) Open enrollment for Food Farmacy 912 is now underway through April. This program of Forsyth Farmers’ Market takes place March through October. Participants attend classes on healthy living, nutrition and cooking and receive vouchers for fresh, local produce redeemable at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and Farm Truck 912’s 13 regular stops.

FREE MONEY TALK: SAVANNAH, GA

(UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER) We’ll be heading to Savannah on February 22 at 12 p.m. to host a lunch and learn about the pathways you can take to create a technology-based company or engage in research and development to improve or create a new product, as well as the financial resources available to help your business through grants! Lunch will be provided to those that RSVP. If you’re interested and would like a separate one-on-one meeting with the UGA Startup team, we welcome you to schedule an individual meeting to discuss your individual situation: https://www.calendly.com/ugastartups/fast-savannah. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Kevin Wu (kwu@uga.edu).

SALES WON’T HELP YOU MEASURE PR SUCCESS, BUT THIS WILL

(ENTREPRENEUR.COM) An insight into the best tech tools for measuring the effectiveness of PR, and how to keep laser focused on its opportunities and payoffs.

CHOOSING TO LEAD CONFERENCE

(THE CURRENT) At an online panel sponsored by One Hundred Miles and moderated by The Current’s Mary Landers, three coastal activists on Tuesday shared how they’re working to remedy the ongoing harm from three coastal tragedies. Jannie Everett with Thiokol Memorial Project discussed her efforts to bring recognition to the victims of a deadly explosion and fire at a trip flare factory in Woodbine 51 years ago. Ron Johnson, President of Sapelo Island Cultural And Revitalization Society, Inc. (SICARS) talked about legal challenges affecting land ownership of the Gullah residents of Sapelo Island. Finally, Fletcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper explained that while the capsized Golden Ray cargo ship is gone, its effects linger. One Hundred Miles’ “Choosing to Lead” conference continues online each Tuesday throughout February. Registration is free and available here: https://onehundredmiles.org/ctl22registration/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=All+-+The+Current&utm_campaign=7542b55238-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_02_08_12_54&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a869d97c8b-7542b55238-165021960&mc_cid=7542b55238&mc_eid=6618160724

SRPI SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 24-25

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah State University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication is host to the Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI). The two-day conference features keynote speakers, multiple concurrent workshops, contests, and a job fair. Through its workshops and speakers, SRPI provides training for elementary, middle, high school, and college students with an interest in mass media. This year’s theme is THE NEW ORDER: The World of News and Communication Post Covid and George Floyd. For more information, please contact srpi@savannahstate.edu or call (912) 358-3378.

SAVANNAH BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 33rd Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival is being held virtually through February 22. The Savannah Black Heritage Festival is free to attend. The festival is a showcase of Black American art and culture, with workshops, lectures, exhibits, and activities devoted to a variety of topics. The theme of this year’s festival is Celebrating Culture, Celebrating Heritage, Celebrating You. To view the full schedule and register for individual events, visit the Savannah Black Heritage Festival website and view the presentations each day on the Savannah Black Heritage Festival YouTube page.

GEORGIA ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING AT WORMSLOE STATE HISTORIC SITE

(SAVANNAH, GA) The public is invited to help plant 30 new Live Oak trees on Wormsloe State Historic Site’s “Avenue of Oaks,” located at 7601 Skidaway Road. The event will start at noon on Saturday, February 19, 2022. A brief ceremony will precede the plantings near the brown fence by the Visitor’s Center. Holes will be dug in advance of the ceremony by SavATree, making it easier for volunteers to help plant the 12-foot-tall saplings. This event will happen rain or shine. Free Entrance that day.

SHE HUSTLES RETURNS ON FEBRUARY 24 AT THE FRONT PORCH IMPROV SAVANNAH

(SAVANNAH, GA) – SHE HUSTLES returns in 2022 for a live, in-person event from The Creative Coast! The SHE HUSTLES community offers Savannah’s women entrepreneurs and leaders a chance to network, learn, and inspire. Several times per year, the Creative Coast hosts gatherings that bring the community together for a motivational evening highlighting women in the Coastal Georgia region. This winter’s event will take place on February 24, 2022, at the Front Porch Improv (210 W. Victory Drive in Savannah). The doors will open at 6 p.m. for networking over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased online only for $20 per person.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND YMCA of COASTAL GEORGIA TO DISTRIBUTE $10,000 IN VACCINE EDUCATION GRANT FUNDING TO CHURCHES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia are seeking proposals and applications for funding from African American and Hispanic faith-based organizations, churches and other places of worship located in the priority population communities served by Healthy Savannah for events and activities that focus on COVID-19 and Flu education, awareness, acceptance, and vaccine access. Individual organizational grant amounts may range from $500 to $1500. The funds were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to broaden the initiatives of the current Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant. For more information, email Dr. Elsie W. Smalls at elsie@healthysavannah.org, referencing “Faith and Health Funds Grant Application” in the subject line. Proposals are due on or before Friday, February 25 and approved plans must be implemented, and activities completed between March 1 and June 30, 2022.

FAITH AND HEALTH COALITION

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Are you a faith-based organization in Savannah/Chatham County interested in encouraging a culture of health among your members and the broader community?

Please join the Faith and Health Coalition at our next virtual meeting to discuss the importance of health within our community. Please email FaithAndHealth@healthysavannah.org for the meeting link. For more information visit the Faith and Health Coalition page on the Healthy Savannah website.

Meeting Dates:

March 30th @ 12pm

May 25th @ 12pm

July 27th @ 12pm

September 28th @ 12pm

November 30th @ 12pm

LOVE YOUR TRAIL DAY

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) On January 29, Alderman Nick Palumbo and members of the Healthy Savannah, Bike Walk Savannah, and Metropolitan Savannah Rotary teams met on Police Memorial Trail for Love Your Trail Day, an afternoon of trail cleaning, maintenance, and care. The completion of Police Memorial Trail joins Truman Linear Park Trail as the early phases of Tide to Town. Tide to Town, Savannah’s Urban Trail System, is a planned 30-mile protected network of walking and biking trails connecting all of Savannah’s neighborhoods. To learn more about Tide to Town and attend a future Love Your Trail Day, visit the Tide to Town Facebook page and the Healthy Savannah website.

SAVANNAH’S COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM ANNOUNCES THE FIRST 10 GRADUATES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Members of the first graduating class of Savannah’s Community Advocate program share candid conversations about vaccine concerns and acceptance in Black and Hispanic communities. The program is administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, through a supplemental CDC grant. The program is intended to broaden the initiatives of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant by increasing vaccine awareness and acceptance in communities at high risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 or flu.

SAVANNAH PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERS AWARDS $30,000 GRANT TO LOOP IT UP SAVANNAH

(SAVANNAH GA) Savannah Philanthropic Partners, a giving circle founded in 2021 by four Savannah women, has awarded its inaugural grant of $30,000 to Loop It Up Savannah, a 501©(3) nonprofit that brings creative art experiences to children and families of Savannah.

FINANCIAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

(RICHMOND HILL AND HINESVILLE, GA) The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia, offers a NEW IN-PERSON class for small business owners on February 16 in Richmond Hill and March 2 in Hinesville from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program content is designed to educate business owners on the importance of good financial data and how to use that financial data for both tactical and strategic decision making. Visit https://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/southern or call (912) 651-3200 for more information.

SAVANNAH BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL

(SAVANNAH, GA) The 33rd Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival will be held virtually from February 1 to February 22. The Savannah Black Heritage Festival is free to attend. The festival is a showcase of Black American art and culture, with workshops, lectures, exhibits, and activities devoted to a variety of topics. The theme of this year’s festival is Celebrating Culture, Celebrating Heritage, Celebrating You. Healthy Savannah Board Chair Lillian Grant-Baptiste will speak at the opening ceremony on February 1, and a low impact workout session and virtual health fair will be held on February 12. To view the full schedule and register for individual events, visit the Savannah Black Heritage Festival website and view the presentations each day on the Savannah Black Heritage Festival YouTube page.

CHATHAM CO. HEALTH DEPT RESUMES NORMAL OPERATIONS BY APPOINTMENT

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) Effective Monday, February 7, the Chatham County Health Department will resume normal operations, offering all routine public health services by appointment. Last month, the Health Department limited some services while coping with staffing shortages due to COVID-19 cases and exposures. The Midtown Clinic at 1602 Drayton Street was closed for routine public health services, and the main clinic on Eisenhower Drive offered a reduced number of services. For more information about public health services offered by the Chatham County Health Department, visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/chatham. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 912-356-2441.

FRIDA NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Frida is a sweet little sassy girl who’s eagerly awaiting her forever home. She takes the best care ever of her soft black fur and is especially fond of that fabulous white stache. She loves to run, play, and tumble with the foster siblings in her foster home and is always eager for a snuggle. She does well with other kitties and is not shy. She’ll be a wonderful addition to a lucky forever home.

INSTAGRAM NFTs, FACEBOOK RETAIL STORES, AND MORE

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Explore Facebook changes with Michael Stelzner and Mari Smith.

VELVET GALA

(SAVANNAH, GA) Seimitsu Supports Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Annual Velvet Gala to Celebrate the Mediation Center’s 35th Anniversary. The event will be held at Soho South Events, on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Visit www.mediationsavannah.com for more information.

SEMINAR FEBRUARY 8: THE POWER OF POETRY IN A PANDEMIC

(SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL) Savannah Country Day School’s 2nd Annual Faculty Explorations Speaker Series continues on February 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. with Jackie Smith’s seminar “The Power of Poetry in a Pandemic.” The weekly evening sessions provide attendees the opportunity to revisit a classroom setting and explore a topic based on the faculty host’s area of expertise. All seminars are free and open to the public. For additional information, or to register, visit savcds.org/facultyexplorations.

VALENTINE’S KICKOFF VACCINATION EVENT

(SAVANNAH, GA) What’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? The community health advocates at Healthy Savannah, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Georgia Department of Health Coastal Health District, and JC Lewis Primary Health Care are hoping you’ll share the gift of health with those you love. A Valentine’s Kickoff Vaccination Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 12 at JC Lewis Primary Health Care Center, 5 Mall Way in Savannah. Flu and COVID-19 testing and vaccines will be offered to eligible adults and children.

ENMARKET ARENA

(WTOC) A big day for the Hostess City! The Enmarket Arena officially opened its doors to the public for the first time. This is the largest public works project in Savannah’s history, making it “More Than an Arena.” Enjoy this special report from WTOC on the completion of the Enmarket Arena.

FREE CLASS: KNOWING & FINDING YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, Phillip Scroggin, owner of Sol Insights, covers the fundamentals of how to identify your ideal customer so you can lead your market and grow your business the smarter, less painful way. Space is limited and registration is required. Register here: https://savannahga.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMoc-igqTgrE9YTHjH4c8j4IwAnjhYM-I1x

EMAIL LIST GROWTH: A COSTLY TALE

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Are you trying to grow your email list? Wondering what not to do to get new subscribers? In this video, the CEO and founder of Social Media Examiner, Michael Stelzner, walks you through the mistakes we made in our quest to acquire more email newsletter subscribers. You’ll discover why we were looking to expand our list, what we experimented with, and the one big mistake that cost us thousands.

SAVANNAH’S COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM ANNOUNCES THE FIRST 10 GRADUATES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Members of the first graduating class of Savannah’s Community Advocate program share candid conversations about vaccine concerns and acceptance in Black and Hispanic communities. The program is administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, through a supplemental CDC grant. The program is intended to broaden the initiatives of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant by increasing vaccine awareness and acceptance in communities at high risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 or flu.

GEORGIA ARBOR DAY TREE PLANTING AT WORMSLOE STATE HISTORIC SITE

(Savannah, GA) The public is invited to help plant 30 new Live Oak trees on Wormsloe State Historic Site’s “Avenue of Oaks,” located at 7601 Skidaway Road. The event will start at noon on Saturday, February 19, 2022. A brief ceremony will precede the plantings near the brown fence by the Visitor’s Center. Holes will be dug in advance of the ceremony by SavATree, making it easier for volunteers to help plant the 12-foot-tall saplings. This event will happen rain or shine.

SAVANNAH PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERS AWARDS $30,000 GRANT TO LOOP IT UP SAVANNAH

(SAVANNAH GA) Savannah Philanthropic Partners, a giving circle founded in 2021 by four Savannah women, has awarded its inaugural grant of $30,000 to Loop It Up Savannah, a 501©(3) nonprofit that brings creative art experiences to children and families of Savannah.

SHE HUSTLES RETURNS ON FEBRUARY 24 AT THE FRONT PORCH IMPROV SAVANNAH

(January 31, 2021) – SHE HUSTLES returns in 2022 for a live, in-person event from The Creative Coast! The SHE HUSTLES community offers Savannah’s women entrepreneurs and leaders a chance to network, learn, and inspire. Several times per year, the Creative Coast hosts gatherings that bring the community together for a motivational evening highlighting women in the Coastal Georgia region. This winter’s event will take place on February 24, 2022, at the Front Porch Improv (210 W. Victory Drive in Savannah). The doors will open at 6 p.m. for networking over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased online only for $20 per person.

HEALTHY SAVANNAH AND YMCA of COASTAL GEORGIA TO DISTRIBUTE $10,000 IN VACCINE EDUCATION GRANT FUNDING TO CHURCHES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia are seeking proposals and applications for funding from African American and Hispanic faith-based organizations, churches and other places of worship located in the priority population communities served by Healthy Savannah for events and activities that focus on COVID-19 and Flu education, awareness, acceptance, and vaccine access. Individual organizational grant amounts may range from $500 to $1500. The funds were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to broaden the initiatives of the current Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant. For more information, email Dr. Elsie W. Smalls at elsie@healthysavannah.org, referencing “Faith and Health Funds Grant Application” in the subject line. Proposals are due on or before Friday, February 25 and approved plans must be implemented, and activities completed between March 1 and June 30, 2022.

LOVE YOUR TRAIL DAY

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) On January 29, Alderman Nick Palumbo and members of the Healthy Savannah, Bike Walk Savannah, and Metropolitan Savannah Rotary teams met on Police Memorial Trail for Love Your Trail Day, an afternoon of trail cleaning, maintenance, and care. The completion of Police Memorial Trail joins Truman Linear Park Trail as the early phases of Tide to Town. Tide to Town, Savannah’s Urban Trail System, is a planned 30-mile protected network of walking and biking trails connecting all of Savannah’s neighborhoods. To learn more about Tide to Town and attend a future Love Your Trail Day, visit the Tide to Town Facebook page and the Healthy Savannah website.

FAITH AND HEALTH COALITION

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Are you a faith-based organization in Savannah/Chatham County interested in encouraging a culture of health among your members and the broader community?

Please join the Faith and Health Coalition at our next virtual meeting to discuss the importance of health within our community. Please email FaithAndHealth@healthysavannah.org for the meeting link. For more information visit the Faith and Health Coalition page on the Healthy Savannah website.

Meeting Dates:

March 30th @ 12pm

May 25th @ 12pm

July 27th @ 12pm

September 28th @ 12pm

November 30th @ 12pm

JIMMY BUFFET COMING TO ENMARKET ARENA

(ENMARKET ARENA) Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers are bringing Life on the Flipside Redux Tour 2022 to Enmarket Arena in Savannah on Thursday, April 21. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28 at 10 a.m. here: https://bit.ly/BuffettSAV22

COVID-19 TESTING RESUMES AT SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) Free COVID-19 testing by the Coastal Health District has resumed at the Savannah Civic Center. Testing operations at the location were temporarily suspended because of previously scheduled events in the arena. The Civic Center testing site is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

SRPI SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 24-25

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah State University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication is host to the Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI). The two-day conference features keynote speakers, multiple concurrent workshops, contests, and a job fair. Through its workshops and speakers, SRPI provides training for elementary, middle, high school, and college students with an interest in mass media. This year’s theme is THE NEW ORDER: The World of News and Communication Post Covid and George Floyd. For more information, please contact srpi@savannahstate.edu or call (912) 358-3378.

FINANCIAL FUNDAMENTALS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

(RICHMOND HILL AND HINESVILLE, GA) The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia, offers a NEW IN-PERSON class for small business owners on February 16 in Richmond Hill and March 2 in Hinesville from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program content is designed to educate business owners on the importance of good financial data and how to use that financial data for both tactical and strategic decision making. Visit https://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/southern or call (912) 651-3200 for more information.