Savannah’s
COMMUNiTY HEADLiNES
The Local Newswire
MISMATCHED SOCKS FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY AND ST PATRICK’S DAY
(SAVANNAH, GA) Joe Marchese and Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) are encouraging Savannah to help celebrate the differentlyabled on St. Patrick’s Day by wearing mismatched socks to show that being different is a good thing and to make people aware of the upcoming World Down Syndrome Day. For more information, please visit
LEADERSHIP SOUTHEAST GEORGIA SESSION TWO
(BRYAN/LIBERTY COUNTY) Leadership Southeast Georgia, a regional leadership development program, held its second of five sessions in Bryan and Liberty counties. The session’s focus was on natural resources along Georgia’s coastline and overall awareness of personal leadership styles to be able to explore strategies for development. During the session, the group visited Ossabaw Island, the Ford Plantation and Fort Stewart. For more info visit: http://www.lsega.com/
LSEGA ANNOUNCES 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) is pleased to announce the election of its 2018 Board of Directors. Lee Beckmann will serve as chair, Brynn Grant as vice chair, Sherrie Struble as treasurer, David Boland as assistant treasurer and Margaret VanHouten as secretary. Ruel Joyner serves as immediate past chair. Other board members include: Freddy Howell, Jon Seagraves, Frank Fortune, Jeff Davis, Jeff Grant, Alyce Thornhill, Bill Gross, Joe Marchese, John Henry, John Scott, Jared Downs, and Jason Coley. For more information, please visit http://www.lsega.com
JUNKLUGGERS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY OPENS IN BLUFFTON
(BLUFFTON, S.C.) The Junkluggers of the Lowcountry will hold a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, 217 Goethe Road, Bluffton, S.C. The Junkluggers of the Lowcountry, an environmentally friendly and caring alternative to traditional junk removal, will serve Jasper and Beaufort counties in South Carolina. Specializing in both residential and commercial clean-outs, Junkluggers accepts everything from furniture to construction debris, including office equipment, heavy machinery and appliances. For more information, please call 912-712-0227 or visit
I.T. SERVICES MOVE FROM NECESSITY TO LUXURY
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Morning News Eva Fedderly highlights how almost every business today relies on information technology, whether it be as simple as a website and business phone to investing in cloud storage and audio visual services and how outsourcing IT help or hiring in-house tech support can save a business money in the end. To read more visit,
HOOPS FOR HORIZONS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
(SAVANNAHNOW) Shooting for Horizons: Basketball tourney benefits summer school program, honors beloved teacher. Read more at: http://savannahnow.com/
(SAVANNAH, GA) 2018 Autism Conference hosted by The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism: Keynote Address by Lydia X.Z. Brown – Affirmation, Empowerment and Justice: What the Neurodiversity Movement Teaches Us. ” In the last three decades, we know of 550 cases of where people with Autism were killed by a caregiver or family member.” Listen to the full speech here:
AMBUCS AMTRYKE DONATION
(SAVANNAH, GA) National Ambucs President Kevin Sheehan presented a new amtryke to Kendrick and his family. Sponsored by Bob and Cecilia Turner, Kendrick was able to get his amtryke before he moved. The smile on his face says it all! For more information, visit http://www.
PARK PLACE OUTREACH: NEW BOARD MEMBERS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Park Place Outreach Youth Emergency Shelter has announced the appointment of a new board director, board member, and secretary. Salita Hill, vice president of community banking at Wells Fargo, will serve as the new board director. Hill will be joined Ann Linton, of Abercorn Family Dentistry, and Chris Sotus of Merrill Lynch, who will serve as the new secretary. For more information on Park Place Outreach, visit http://parkplaceyes.org
TAX SEASON SCAMS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Speros offers timely security tips for tax season at
METRO PLANNING COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE
(SAVANNAH, GA) In a unanimous decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) Search Committee along with the other Commissioners, Melanie Wilson, has been named the sole finalist for the position of MPC Executive Director. Wilson currently serves as the Director of Planning and Development for Augusta, Georgia. She has over 30 years of experience in environmental, land use and strategic planning. Her work has involved mediating conflicting relationships among these entities and building capacity where none existed. Her proven talent for leadership has been demonstrated as the head of Departments responsible for urban and community vision plans, county and regional growth management, sustainable planning and development, transportation, and construction management. Wilson is a strategic thinker who is consistently recognized for innovation and creativity in developing solutions to complex issues. This announcement will become official when the commissioners take a formal vote at their next meeting. For more information on the MPC, visit http://www.thempc.org/
CALL FOR ENTRIES
(SAVANNAH, GA) Local artists are invited to submit work in any medium for the Hospice Savannah Art Gallery’s summer show and silent auction, Miniature Masterpieces. Artists are limited to submitting two pieces no larger than 12″ x 12″ each (including frame). Prizes will be awarded for 1st – 3rd place and artists have the option of receiving 50% of the final sale price. Proceeds support not-for-profit Hospice Savannah’s life enriching programs and services. Entries must be received no later than July 16 and must be accompanied by the submission form downloadable at www.HospiceSavannah.org/
THE LANDINGS RECEIVED UNIQUE DISTINCTION
(SAVANNAH, GA) After nearly five years of planning and execution, The Landings has received designation as the first Certified Sustainable Community in Georgia by Audubon International. Receiving this distinction, was made possible with support from The Landings Association and The Landings Club. The Landings Community was started 46 years ago by the Branigar Corporation. Learn more about this community and distinction at
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY TO READ TO STUDENTS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Several Rotary clubs and community volunteers in the greater Savannah area will host the inaugural Rotary Read-In on Thursday, March 22, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Rotarians and community volunteers will participate with students from kindergarten to third grade in 31 schools and almost 600 classrooms in the Savannah-Chatham County area. To register to read on March 22, sign up here by Thursday, March 15:
PEACOCK MASERATI & ALFA ROMEO GRAND OPENING
(JASPER COUNTY, SC) A “Viva Italia” grand opening celebration for the new Peacock Maserati & Alfa Romeo outlet will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, at Peacock Auto Mall. At the event, the public will be invited to tour the new 18,000-square-foot Maserati and Alfa Romeo dealerships and enjoy Italian food provided by SERG Restaurant Group. The Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Island, a charitable service organization dedicated to promoting Italian heritage and culture, is an event partner, and members will be on hand to collect donations for the Sandalwood Community Food Pantry, located on Hilton Head Island. For additional information about or to RSVP for the grand opening celebration, please visit www.maseratialfa.
SENATE BILL THREATENS GA FILM BUSINESS
(ATLANTA, GA) Lawmakers and representatives of the Georgia’s booming film industry met to celebrate Georgia Film Day. While the day was primarily a celebration, a controversial Georgia senate bill is causing an upset to some in Hollywood. To learn more visit,
GROW YOUR BUSINESS SCORE WORKSHOP
(SAVANNAH, GA) SCORE Savannah announces plans for the Thursday, March 22 workshop, The Business Model Canvas, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the SCORE Conference Room, 111 E. Liberty Street. Attendees will understand the 9 key elements of any business and how these parts fit together to define the customer and the business. Cost is $10 for Savannah Area Chamber members and $15 for non-members. To register for the one day workshop, call 912.652.4335 or for more information, visit
SAVANNAH’S GROWING FILM INDUSTRY
(SAVANNAH, GA) Ever wonder what it’s like to be an entertainment industry attorney? Charles Bowen of Southern Gateway Production Services and The Bowen Law Group speaks with Terrass Mishner of WRUU 107.5, Savannah Soundings Community Radio about the film industry in Savannah and the interesting cases he’s encountered along the way. https://www.youtube.
For more information on the Southern Gateway Production Services, visit
DEWITT TILTON GROUP BREAKS GROUND ON LIVINGOOD’S STORE
(SAVANNAH, GA) Livingood’s Appliances and Bedding held a groundbreaking ceremony on a new location, 1225 West U.S. Hwy 80 in Pooler, Ga. The Dewitt Tilton Group, a commercial construction firm based in Savannah, Ga., has been hired to build the 12,000-square ft. structure. The Dewitt Tilton Group expects the project to take approximately seven months with work to begin immediately. For more information, visit http://savannahnow.com/
$260K RAISED FOR AHA BY ANNUAL HEART BALL
(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) The American Heart Association-Southern Coast has raised $260,000 to benefit the organization’s mission to fight and prevent heart disease and stroke in the Savannah and Hilton Head Island areas. The funds were raised at the organization’s 21st Annual Heart Ball of the Southern Coast attended by more than 500 people on Feb. 3 at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. Peacock’s Audi Hilton Head dealership was the legacy sponsor for this year’s gala, as it has been for several of the Southern Coast Heart Ball events. Check out a video from this year’s event: https://youtu.be/
SAVANNAH JAYCEES LEADERSHIP TEAM
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Jaycees have announced their 2018 Board of Directors.
Antwan Lang, Legalshield, will serve as President; James Hall, Chatham County Juvenile Court, will serve as Vice President; LeAndrea Mikell, World Trade Center Savannah, will serve as VP of Communications; Jared Orton, Savannah Bananas, will serve as VP of Membership; Gordon Hunter, Calvary Day School, will serve as VP of Community Development; Tim Burnsed, Ameris Bank, will serve as Treasurer, Chris Player, Regions Bank, will serve as Assistant Treasurer; Marianne Ganem-Poppell, Savannah Master Calendar, will serve as Director, Sarah Martin, SunTrust Bank, will serve as Director, Rachel Bishop Savannah Morning News, will serve as, Secretary; and Cynthia Wright, Carriage Trade Public Relations and Cecilia Russo Marketing will serve as Immediate Past President. For more information, visit www.savannahjaycees.com
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: EMAIL SIGNATURE
(SAVANNAH, GA) In the February Open for Business, we reviewed 10 tips for perfecting your business email signature. Missed the presentation? View it here:
LUMINEER CERTIFICATION
(SAVANNAH, GA) Two dentists with Premier Dental Designs of Rincon and Sandfly Dental in Savannah, Angela Canfield and Katelyn Sundin, are now certified in the application of Lumineers, the number one patient-requested brand of dental veneers. Canfield said Lumineers are often the best alternative to adult braces and for patients with spaces between teeth or those seeking a permanent bleaching solution. While all situations are different, she said, the durability of Lumineers typically allows them to resist wear and remain resilient for more than 20 years. For more information, call 912.826.4037 or visit http://www.
BETHESDA ACADEMY STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LANDINGS
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Landings Club is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bethesda Academy. The student maintained organic farm will begin providing fresh produce for the various dining establishments in The Landings. This new venture is part of a continuing relationship between the two organizations. Thanks to a donation from the Landings Landlovers community, the Bethesda Academy farm was able to acquire new technology which plants more seeds in the same amount of space. To learn more about Bethesda Academy Farm, visit https://bethesdaacademy.
BASKETBALL SIBLINGS SHOOT FOR SUCCESS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Joyce McCoy of Savannah is the mother of seven children – and her youngest daughter, Ja’Brekia Bass, and youngest son, D’Ante Bass, are high school basketball stars. Ja’Brekia is a senior team captain with the defending GHSA Class 3A state champion Beach Bulldogs, while D’Ante is a 6-foot-5 eighth-grader who emerged as one of the area’s top young talents playing for the Bethesda Academy Blazers varsity this season. Read the full story at http://savannahnow.com/
GIRL SCOUTS VISIT CAPITOL
(GIRL SCOUTS OF HISTORIC GEORGIA) More than 400 Girl Scouts from across Georgia visited the state capitol in Atlanta on February 6 to learn more about the legislative process and have conversations with legislators about naming the iconic bridge over the Savannah River for Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low. Girls and volunteers attended sessions at the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives and met individually with legislators to request support for naming the bridge. Through Girl Scouts, girls learn how to identify issues they care about, stand up for what they believe in, and take the lead with true G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, and Leader)™ grit. http://blog.girlscouts.
GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY DEAL HONOR STUDENT
(SAVANNAH, GA) Communities In Schools of Savannah, the state’s premiere model for dropout prevention and student wrap-around supports, is proud to announce Haven Elementary School 5th grade student LeBron Weaver as Regional Winner of the 2018 Communities In Schools of Georgia Champions Award. LeBron was honored by Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal and Governor Nathan Deal at a reception held in Atlanta at the Georgia Aquarium. www.CISSAVANNAH.org
SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
(SAVANNAH, GA) The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center is hosting two free workshops, Understanding Business Financials, on Thursday, March 1 or 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 513 E. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite M. Space is limited. To apply, visit https://www.georgiasbdc.
PREPARING FOR AND HIKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
(HILTON HEAD, SC) “Discussion on ‘Preparing for and Hiking the Camino de Santiago’ will be presented on Thursday, March 8th at 5:45pm at Outside Hilton Head. Marjorie Young will share her experience on preparing, packing, training and hiking the ancient 500-mile trek through northern Spain. RSVP to Olivia Baddley at olivia@outsidebrands.com. Event is free.
KIDS WHO CARE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
(SAVANNAH, GA) Junior League of Savannah is now accepting Kids Who Care Scholarship applications which recognize high school seniors who have made a positive difference in the lives of others by volunteering. $5,250 worth of college scholarships are available. Nominations may be made by anyone-principals, counselors, students, community groups and individuals, as well as self-nomination by the student. Visit the Junior League of Savannah website at www.jrleaguesav.org for more information and to complete the application by March 15.
LDSS SEEKS NOMINATIONS
(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is requesting nominations for its 9th Annual Night of Champions. The event seeks to recognize Savannah area employees who are differently-abled and excel in their workplace, with an additional acknowledgment of the employers who have given them the opportunity to work. The Night of Champions will be held at the Savannah International Trade Center on Thursday, May 10. Employee nominations can be submitted online at https://nightofchampions.
AMERICAN RED CROSS AWARDS
(SAVANNAH, GA) Save the Date for American Red Cross Youth Hero Volunteer Awards Breakfast honoring Youth Heroes for their volunteer work on Friday, April 20. The event will also honor Cecilia Russo Turner, youth mentor, community advocate and Youth Hero event originator. For more information or to sponsor a table contact esther.sheppard@
JOHN JACOB DESERVES A HOME
(SAVANNAH, GA) John Jacob is a lab/mastiff mix currently living at Coastal Pet Rescue who needs a forever home. This handsome puppy is already 25 pounds at 3 months old and is considered “low key”. He loves to play, sit in laps, and eat. To view John Jacob and other pets available for adoption, visit http://coastalpetrescue.