COMMUNITY HEADLINES – APRIL 4, 2022

SAVANNAH CORNER STORE INITIATIVE BRINGS PRODUCE TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

(WTGS) Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia received a city grant to continue providing healthy food to underserved communities through the three-year-old Corner Store Initiative. In 2019, the pair received a joint $3.4 million Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant to pursue the program. Now, six local corner stores are participating.

PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR DEVELOPMENT NEXT TO ENMARKET ARENA

(WTOC) Planning is underway for a 23-acre residential and commercial development across the street from the new Enmarket Arena. According to a March 22 agenda item with the Metropolitan Planning Commission, Spandrel Development Partners already has an approved 2008 master plan on file for the property to build urban style apartments with commercial uses that mimics the historic development patterns of downtown.

SAVANNAH TREE FOUNDATION TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF IMPACT WITH GREEN GALA APRIL 23

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Tree Foundation (STF) is thrilled to announce its upcoming celebration The Green Gala: 40 Years of Growth. To mark the urban forestry organization’s milestone anniversary, Savannah Tree Foundation invites the community to gather on April 23rd at Tiedeman Park and the Atlantic Mall. The evening event will celebrate the three trailblazing women who founded the foundation and the many supporters who have contributed to its 40 years of impact. The event is in support of STF’s mission to protect and grow Chatham County’s urban forest through tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets for The Green Gala, visit https://savannahtree.org/support/greengala/.

HEALTH DEPARTMENTS OFFER FREE STD SCREENINGS IN APRIL

(COASTAL GEORGIA) Health departments around the Coastal Health District will offer free, confidential screenings for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in April in observance of STD Awareness Month. About 1 in 5 people have an STD and half of all new STD cases are in young people between the ages of 15 and 24. All STDs can be treated and many cured. Left untreated, STDs can cause an increased risk of getting or giving HIV, long-term abdominal pain, infertility, and other serious health issues. The Chatham County Health Department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive is offering screenings Monday – Thursday, April 11-14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 912-356-2441 to schedule an appointment. Screenings are also available by appointment in Bryan County (912-653-4331 or 912-756-2611) and at the Camden County Health Department.

5 WAYS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH TIKTOK

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Want to grow your revenue usingTikTok? Wondering how to use the platform to actually make money? In this video, TikTok expert Giselle Ugarte shows you how to generate more customers, more downloads, and more sales for your business using TikTok. You’ll discover 5 tips to drum up quality business leads on TikTok simply by adding value and informing users.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

(SAVANNAH, GA) April 3-9, 2022. Connect with your Library during National Library Week! Live Oak Public Libraries invites you to venture beyond books and discover your world. Enjoy park and museum passes, learn a new language, or explore your family history. Visit your local library or go online to liveoakpl.org.

SAVANNAH SCORE PRESENTS BUSINESS SECURITY & PROTECTION WORKSHOP SERIES

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah SCORE, in partnership with Regions Bank, Bernard Williams & Co Insurance and Seimitsu presents the Business Security and Protection Workshop Series. Small Business owners are invited to participate in this virtual 4-part workshop designed to assist entrepreneurs in protecting their business from fraud, cyber-threats, on-the-job accidents, and proprietary information. Registration is required for each workshop. Each workshop is presented virtually via zoom from 12:00pm-1:00pm. For more information and to register, visit: https://savannah.score.org/content/take-workshop-272.

FREE BUSINESS CLASS: KNOWING & FINDING YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER

(SAVANNAHGA.GOV) The economy is more volatile, the marketplace increasingly borderless, and shoppers have higher standards than ever, so how can a small business thrive in this climate (much less, survive)? Hyper-focus is the answer – focus on being very specific things to specific, ideal customers. On Tuesday, April 5, 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. Registration required: https://savannahga.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMoc-igqTgrE9YTHjH4c8j4IwAnjhYM-I1x

BLADE NEEDS A HOME

(COASTAL PET RESCUE) Blade is a striking young cat who came to Camp Pawsawhile with his two sisters, having spent his whole life on the streets. He is absolutely beautiful with a stunning coat and very piercing, expressive eyes. He initially was terrified but has come out of his shell to receive affection from his volunteers. Once he accepts someone into his fold, he gives them the tiniest, sweetest love nibble before laying down to be rubbed. He still likes his space at times. A lot of activity overwhelms him and he’ll hide as he’s still getting used to his new life indoors. Once activity calms down, he comes out and is ready to be loved on again. He hopes to find a quiet home where he will be pampered like he deserves and requests a few good hiding places so he can feel safe when he gets overwhelmed. Though he may require some time to trust and get to know you, it will be worth it when he does as he had lots and lots of love to give!

FASTPITCH

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Creative Coast’s FastPitch event is back. The event allows contestants to each make a 5-MINUTE PITCH of their ventures in front of a live audience, including investors. FastPitch 2022 will take place live and in person on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Service Brewing, which is located at 574 Indian Street. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://thecreativecoast.org/programs/fastpitch/.

GENE EDITING PROGRAM

(SAVANNAH, GA) On Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 1:30 – 2:30 pm at Alfred Ely Beach High School, twenty-five Medical Explorer Post students will participate in CRISPR Classroom’s Meet a Scientist program. In so doing, the Explorers will gain (1) an improved awareness of biotechnology careers, (2) a better understanding of the current possibilities and the problems in the industry, (3) a deeper appreciation for the real power of the scientific method. CRISPR is a genetic biotechnology that allows scientists to rewrite DNA; CRISPR offers hope for a new wave of strategies to cure diseases, solve food-shortage crises, and even help mitigate climate change.

GROWING AN INSTAGRAM FOLLOWING THAT CONVERTS

(SOCIAL MEDIA EXAMINER) Is your Instagram account attracting the right followers? Want to know how to grow an audience that turns into customers? Discover the best types of content to create to attract an engaged and loyal following and some common mistakes to avoid.

TOBACCO-FREE LIVING

#ThisIsQuitting has your back. Text VAPEFREEGA to 88709 to begin your quitting journey.

BRETT GIESICK NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF SAVANNAH-BASED COLONIAL GROUP INC.

(SAVANNAH, GA) Colonial Group Inc. has announced that Brett Giesick has been named chief operating officer for the Savannah-based group of companies. Giesick has served as president of Colonial Group’s retail division, Enmarket, since 2017. He is the first person to serve in the role of COO for Colonial.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

(SAVANNAH, GA) – United Way of the Coastal Empire is proud to announce the annual Women Who Rule event will be held Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. This year’s event is sponsored by Step One Automotive Group and will honor Ellen Bolch, President and CEO of THA Group, as the 2022 “Woman of the Year.” Table sponsorships and tickets are currently available for purchase. For more information, visit www.uwce.org/womenwhorule.

LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES FOR NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, APRIL 14

(SAVANNAH, GA) After one year of virtual staging and a COVID pause year the Lowcountry Down Syndrome’s Night of Champions returns April 14, 2022, as an in-person event at The Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. The multifaceted event includes recognition of some of the area’s outstanding differently abled employees and their employers.

ARDSLEY PARK TOUR OF HOME & GARDENS

(SAVANNAH PHILHARMONIC) SavPhil is teaming up with Ardsley Park Tour of Homes and Gardens on Saturday, April 9th for a performance in Kavanaugh Park from 12:30-1:30 p.m. No tickets are required to attend. This event is free and open to the public.

DIGICON THE SERIES, FIRST SESSION BEGINS APRIL 7, 2022

(SAVANNAH, GA) The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia, and Blue Edge Business Solutions invite small business owners and marketing managers to a brand-new four-part digital marketing series. Take the mystery out of the ever-changing platforms, strategies, tactics and tools and gain confidence in your ability to identify digital marketing opportunities to grow your business and the tactical ability to put them into place. Take individual workshops or take all four and save. https://bit.ly/digicon2022

FDA IS A STEP CLOSER TO SHUTTING DOWN LOOPHOLE THAT’S FUELING TEEN VAPING

(HEALTHY SAVANNAH) A provision in the congressional spending bill would give the Food and Drug Administration greater authority to regulate synthetic nicotine — an ingredient e-cigarette manufacturers have used to get around regulations. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the new regulation would be part of the effort to stop the dangerous resurgence in teen vaping. Healthy Savannah and the Coastal Health District are encouraging young people who want to quit smoking or vaping to know that help is just a phone call or text away. Call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at (877) 270-STOP and get confidential, 24/7 support through #ThisIsQuitting by texting VAPEFREEGA to 88709.

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH SCORE

(SAVANNAH BUSINESS JOURNAL) Savannah State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), has partnered with SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, to help students gain valuable skills in planning, launching and operating their own businesses. Six local business people from the SCORE network will mentor students throughout March culminating in a business pitch competition later this spring.

TWILIGHT EGG HUNT – APRIL 15

(CHATHAM COUNTY) Chatham County Parks and Recreation will present the Twilight Egg Hunt on Friday, April 15th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex, 7221 Sallie Mood Drive for ages: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. The Easter Bunny will be present for photos at this FREE event.

SCCPSS GRADUATION

(SAVANNAH CEO) The Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) 2022 graduation schedule was released at the February Regular Board Meeting as the Board approved a contract to hold the ceremonies at Savannah’s new Enmarket Arena. In-person graduation ceremonies were held for years at the Savannah Civic Center, before being held virtually in 2020 and returning to an in-person experience in 2021 held outdoors at T.A. Wright Stadium on the campus of Savannah State University.

COASTAL HEALTH DISTRICT TO HOST WALK TO BRING AWARENESS TO HIV

(CHATHAM COUNTY, GA) The Coastal Health District will host “Walk to Stop the Spread” at Forsyth Park on Saturday, April 16. The health fair and park walk are being held to raise awareness around HIV. The event is free and open to the public and participants who register will receive a free swag bag and t-shirt. There is no cost to register. To register, go to coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv or to eventbrite.com. You can also register in person at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1602 Drayton Street during regular operational hours.

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