COMMUNITY HEADLINES – APRIL 17, 2023

MAY 3, STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN CHATHAM COUNTY

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah SCORE and Wells Fargo will present The 10th Annual State of Small Business in Chatham County on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. The free event will be held from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in the Torian Auditorium at Savannah State University, located in the Howard Jordan building of the College of Business Administration. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Call 912-844-9990 for more info. RSVP here: https://www.score.org/savannah/event/10th-annual-state-small-business-chatham-county

(SAVANNAH, GA) Music and Artistic Director Keitaro Harada renews contract with Savannah Philharmonic through 2026-27 Season. This is a milestone moment for the organization, as Maestro Harada maintains a growing international presence and his creative leadership and vision have been instrumental in the SavPhil’s current success. Together with Executive Director Amy Williams, Harada has broadened the reach of the Philharmonic beyond the concert hall by bringing music to the community and sharing diverse musical genres, with a goal of providing something for everyone to enjoy.

https://carriagetradepr.com/music-and-artistic-director-keitaro-harada-renews-contract-with-savannah-philharmonic/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Join the Healthy Savannah team every Tuesday for a #healthy walk or head out to explore a local trail on your own. Join us on April 18 for a two-mile walk: Heartwood at Richmond Hill, 7:30 a.m., 35 Outfitters Park Drive, Richmond Hill, GA 31324. Just show up. For more information contact Armand.Turner@healthysavannah.org

https://healthysavannah.org/healthy-savannahs-healthy-walks-success-story/

https://healthysavannah.org/event/healthy-walk-3/2023-04-18/

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) The Chatham County Health Department is hosting a series of meningitis vaccine clinics for rising high school juniors, with the first event happening Thursday, April 20th. All students in Georgia who are at least 16 years of age are required to have a meningococcal booster shot when entering 11th grade. Students can be denied school entry if vaccinations aren’t up to date.

https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/chatham-co-health-department-hosts-meningococcal-vaccine-clinics-for-rising-high-school-juniors/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah has announced the second of three listening sessions to receive community input from residents of Garden City, Thunderbolt and Georgetown in helping redesign the Savannah-Chatham Food Policy Council. The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held on April 19 from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Georgetown Community Services Building, 1234 King George Blvd, Savannah, GA 31419. Details for the Thunderbolt meeting will be announced on Healthy Savannah’s Facebook page and website. The first meeting was held on April 12 at the Garden City Cooper Center.

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(FAYETTE NEWS) Like other smoke-free areas across the country, Georgia cities and counties that have adopted comprehensive smoke-free policies are experiencing a positive impact on the health of their communities — and even economic benefits as well. Eight years after it was implemented, the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Use Prevention program and GDPH’s Epidemiology section received CDC funding to study the [City of Savannah’s] ordinance’s impact. In part, the state Department of Public Health documented a dramatic decrease in Savannah and Chatham County hospital admissions from 2010 to 2018 for obstructive heart disease, including heart attacks. Their findings mirror CDC studies showing cities that enact comprehensive smoke-free laws see up to a 17 percent reduction in hospital heart attack admissions.

https://www.fayette-news.net/lifestyles/let-s-learn-from-savannah-on-smokefree/article_34a557fc-d8b4-11ed-98c1-770e71aed8b6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

(NFID.ORG) Annual #flu #vaccination can help #LowerYourFluRisk. Learn more at www.nfid.org/loweryourflurisk #FightFlu

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) Do you want to improve your credit score? Sign up for this transformational course! On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, the credit experts from Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) will provide unbiased tips on improving your score, disputing errors on your report, and monitoring your credit. In-person class at 801 E. Gwinnett Street. Online attendees must register here: https://www.savannahga.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=5639&month=4&year=2023&day=13&calType=0

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) His name may be chilly but Iceman has a warm spirit. His pleasant countenance seems to come from the heart and he is eager to be loved. He can be leery of new people but quickly recognizes good ones and is open to love. This handsome fellow can be playful and it is hysterical to see him get the “zoomies.” He is not a fan of children and wants to be your only child. Iceman hopes for a home where he can be your center of attention and where he can be doted on and played with every day.

https://coastalpetrescue.org/adopt/view/2022-c-117-iceman/

(SAVANNAH, GA) Loop It Up Savannah is currently looking for new staff members to join its summer camp team during the month of June. These positions pay $15/hour and are open to ages 16 and older. Experience working with children in a summer camp or school setting is preferred but not required. All applicants must be willing to complete a background check and drug test. Apply today.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoPrWHSWwxs_kvAe_9BCIP_O_h1t4agNGTXG-TY-ei5Ua-9Q/viewform

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Creative Coast has opened registration for Girls Code Summer Camp, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, July 10 to 14 at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong campus in Savannah. In its second year, camp is 100% free for 5th to 8th-grade girls enrolled within the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. The theme of this summer’s camp is centered around aerospace and will include a field trip to Fly Corps Aviation. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day via the campus dining hall with a celebratory showcase to end camp on July 14. Spots are limited and camp fills up quickly so those interested are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. In order to sign your child up for camp, please complete all required forms found at https://thecreativecoast.org/programs/girlscode/summer-camp/.

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(SAVANNAH, GA) Historic Savannah Foundation will kick off its celebration of Preservation Month in May with the annual Historic Preservation Awards at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at the Charles H. Morris Center, located at 10 E. Broad St. HSF will present awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in preservation in Savannah and Chatham County. The event – designed for attendees to enjoy a fun, celebratory evening amongst friends – will include beer & wine, a food truck, birthday cake and plenty of networking opportunities. For tickets, visit https://www.myhsf.org/events/preservation-month/.

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) Black Maternal Health Week is held annually from April 11-19 and this year’s theme is: “Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!” The week-long campaign aims to increase community development, advocacy, and awareness of the issues that Black mothers and those who give birth face; enrich the dialogue surrounding Black maternal health; promote solutions, policies, and research; and increase community involvement. In comparison to Asian newborns (90.8%), non-Hispanic White infants (85.3%), and Hispanic infants (83.0%), non-Hispanic Black infants (74.1%) are less likely to have ever been breastfed. A crucial public health strategy to reduce mother and newborn mortality and morbidity is to increase breastfeeding rates in Black communities.

https://blackmamasmatter.org/2023-black-maternal-health-week/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society has announced the 14th annual Night of Champions will be Friday, May 12th, 2023, from 6-11pm at the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.The Night of Champions event recognizes area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrates the contributions made by these employees. Order your tickets, reserve your table, sponsor a past Champion and guest, or set up your Sponsorship package ASAP. Use link https://NOC2023.givesmart.com.

https://carriagetradepr.com/lowcountry-down-syndrome-society-set-for-14th-annual-night-of-champions/

(COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT) Several health departments in the Coastal Health District will offer free, confidential STD screening events in April as part of STD Awareness Month. About 1 in 5 people have a sexually transmitted disease. Left untreated, these STDs can cause serious health issues, affect fertility, and be passed along to partners. Details about the free screening opportunities are available at https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/free-std-screening-events-in-april/.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Seeking auction items for the May 12, 2023, Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s Night of Champions. Please contact Lindsey Barron at lbarron@ldssga.org before May 5, 2023.

https://NOC2023.givesmart.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) Members of Historic Savannah Foundation’s 13th Colony will be given an exclusive tour of the city’s abandoned Powder Magazine. An oral history will be given as their members walk through the once guarded grounds.  More information about HSF and its 13th Colony membership can be found at https://www.myhsf.org/support/membership-2/membership/.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Young Life will be hosting Joy Prom on April 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Compassion Christian’s Link building at 55 Al Henderson Blvd. Joy Prom is a prom night designed specifically to be a night of FUN and JOY for individuals with different abilities in Savannah and surrounding areas. Participants ages 15+ are welcome! Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joy-prom-tickets-551920377707

(CREATIVE COAST) – The Creative Coast has announced the return of its annual FastPitch event, which will take place on May 24, 2023, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Service Brewing. The business pitch competition provides a platform for promising entrepreneurs starting new businesses or growing existing ones to each make a 5-minute pitch of their ventures in front of a live audience, including investors, for the chance to win from a $10K prize pool. Startup applications are now open through April 30. This year’s $10K prize pool is provided by the Savannah Economic Development Authority. The application and ticket purchase links can be found at https://thecreativecoast.org/programs/fastpitch/.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Forsyth Farmers’ Market will be hosting their 2023 Farm Picnic fundraiser on Sunday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m. at The Old Dairy Farm located at 2500 Tennessee Avenue. The event will include live music, a silent auction, local farm-to-table restaurants, and local craft beer and wine. All ticket proceeds will go to Forsyth Farmers’ Market to help support their mission to support local farms and improve food access in Savannah. Tickets can be purchased here: https://cbo.io/tickets/purchase_tickets.php?slug=farmpicnic2023&form_name=gettickets

(SAVANNAH, GA) St. Andrew’s is pleased to announce McDevitt Air and St. Joseph’s/Candler as title sponsors of their 37th Annual Auction Party for the Pre-K through grade 12 private school. The event, set for Saturday, April 29 at The Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park, is the school’s largest fundraiser each year. Tickets may be purchased at https://saslions.com/auction and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Sponsors for the event include Thomas & Hutton, Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, Synovus Bank, Delta Metals, If You Can Dream It Travel, Optim Orthopedics, Coca Cola Bottling, Chapel Hair, Dental Claim Support, The Kennickell Group, KOE Creative Media, Marchese Construction, Marsh & Co., McGriff Insurance, The Positivity Project, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center, Drs. Karen & Arthur Baker, Gary & Louann Bronstein, and Joe & Kris Powers. Visit saslions.com for more info.

(BLUFFTON, SC) April 22, 2023 Libraries For Kids, Int’l will have their annual celebrity fundraising dinner & dance. Music will be provided by the CHIGGERS, the 2020 recipient of the Readers’ Choice best local band award The Chiggers | Facebook. There will be a celebrity or local hero with his or her guest at each of the tables. $150 A ticket includes meal and more: https://www.libraries4kids.org/events

(SAVANNAH, GA) Coastal Pet Rescue, an organization dedicated to changing the lives of homeless, abused and neglected pets. To celebrate, they will be hosting a Blue Jeans Soiree on Sunday, April 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at La Scala. In addition to the party, local artist AJ Hetzel is painting murals of CPR’s adopted pets to decorate its adoption room at their shelter, Camp Pawsawhile Retreat. Families can sponsor a mural of their adoptee at coastalpetrescue.org/events/cpr-20. The portraits will be unveiled at an event on May 10. Tickets are available online at coastalpetrescue.org/events/cpr-20-party.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Center Parc Credit Union will be hosting a free Business Lunch and Learn Event in support of Horizons Giving day on May 10th at noon at the Flagship Branch located at 5698-A Ogeechee Road. Box lunches will be provided. Community members can learn more about Horizons and the upcoming Horizons Giving Day.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHnCIe5A7jWEEM-Wd0wolvc_W_3Pzce3OwG8v5CBb3JXaGWQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Friday, Nov 17, 2023, the Savannah Film Alliance Honors Gala Presented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 491 will be held at Victory North. In a night filled with Hollywood glamour and live entertainment, the Savannah Film Alliance (SFA) will honor eight outstanding local professionals from Savannah’s thriving film and television community.

https://savannahfilmalliance.org/

(SAVANNAH, GA) The official Earth Day Savannah celebration returns for the first time since 2019 on April 21 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Daffin Park, 1301 E. Victory Drive. The 2023 Earth Day Savannah theme is “Our Future is Bright” to educate and engage the public on the clean energy goals of the 100% Savannah Plan: https://www.savannahga.gov/2931/100-Savannah. Earth Day Savannah is hosted by the City of Savannah Office of Sustainability, with support from Pratt Industries – Recycling Division, and other local business sponsors.

https://earthdaysavannah.org/

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC) The Lowcountry Gullah Foundation announces its Annual Fundraiser on Friday, May 12 at the USCB Hilton Head Campus. Join the Foundation for an intimate evening of Gullah culture and grace through storytelling, dinner, and a silent auction. Nationally known Master Gullah Storyteller, Sista Patt will speak and share incredible stories about the culture, its foodways and music. Sponsorships for Sankofa Nights are still available, please contact gullahland@gmail.com or 843.715.3506 for more information. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sankofa-nights-tickets-520421343247?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Fresh Express no-cost fresh food distribution program is seeking volunteers for its three sites.

• 1st Friday: The intersection of Waters and 40th St.
• 3rd Friday: Curtis V. Cooper Family Health at 106 E. Broad St.
• 3rd Friday: Moses Jackson Center at 1410 Richards St.

All begin at 9:30 a.m. on the day of distribution. To sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/i7eDcdi5em. For more information: Laura Schmarkey at Laura.Schmarkey@ymcaofcoastalga.org.

(STEPUPSAVANNAH.ORG) Step Up Savannah is accepting applications for the 2023 Chatham Apprentice Program (CAP) training sessions. This is a cornerstone workforce development program targeting those who are unemployed and underemployed in Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Bryan counties with services and training aimed at helping them become stabilized in employment. The program includes hard and soft skills training coupled with wrap-around services. The next training session is May 22- June 14. Sign up online:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3lxUE38bCPfnIYyszFowmke0iP-SZ9MjrLsKv7WAPLmM58Q/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

(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.

https://healthysavannah.org/the-faith-and-health-coalition/